I slowly opened my eyes when I felt the suns light on my face. I sat up, as I slowly rubbed my eyes to wake up. Flashes of what I saw last night flashed through my mind, as I quickly shook my head and got up leaving my room. I saw that all of my brothers had already left as I headed to the kitchen, as I walked I was thinking of what to make to eat, but soon stopped and looked around.

"Is someone here?!" I yelled.

'I know someone's here I can feel it.' I thought, as I waited to see if someone would answer.

"So you finally woke up." I looked and saw it was my 20 year old niisan who is the king of this whole kingdom.

I let out a breath of relief, as I ran over to him. Unlike mine and my two other brothers black chihaya and dark blue hakuma robes, niisan's chihaya is white and then a black hakuma robe which only the king may wear.

"Morning niisan!" I happily yelled, as I hugged him.

I hadn't seen niisan in 3 months so I was just so happy I just did what a little sister would do. I felt niisan's gaze from his cold blood red eyes soften, as he returned my embrace.

"I missed you too Chikane, it looks like you got a little taller since the last time I saw you." Niisan's voice is very calm sounding, but also very cold.

As king he either has your respect or you're so afraid of him that you obey him, either way he will always be my niisan. I slowly pulled away as we both smiled at each other, like Kazu niisan's hair is mid-back, but his is a mint green which is much lighter than Kazu's.

"I thought you and the others already left? Did you forget something? Are you done, can you stay? How long are you going to be here?" I asked I was so happy to see him that I couldn't hide it even if I wanted too.

It was a good thing we were inside the west wing or I'd be in a lot of trouble.

"I can't stay…both Kazuki and I have work to do, but I did want you to meet someone. Since Kazuki and I will be leaving again soon and Souma is always busy with training and such…we all decided that you needed someone else here to watch you." Niisan smiled, as I looked a mixed of confused and sad.

I was really hoping that they would both be staying at lest a little bit, but since he is king and Kazu helps him I understand why they had to leave.

"Who?" I finally asked, wondering who he was talking about.

"Alright you can come in now." Niisan's tone sounded like he was ordering someone, as I looked to see who he was talking to.

A female came out and walked over to us, the first thing I did was hide behind niisan. I looked at her bright blonde hair that looked to be mid-back and was a little curly, as I couldn't see her eyes, since she had her head lowered. She was wearing a red chihaya and hakuma which meant she was one of the few females that are chosen to be servants. She stopped near by us, as I looked up at niisan.

"This girl will be here to watch over you, she is also the only other person who knows our little secret. She'll be staying here with us from now on alright." Niisan calmly explained, as I nodded yes to him and looked back at the girl.

'She looks around So kun's age, but I'm not sure. If she's a female she must have come from the cells, maybe she's seen my mother or the ones from last night.' I thought, as I slowly moved away from niisan.

"I'm sorry to have dumped this on you in such short notice, but if anything go's wrong just let one of us know alright Chikane." Niisan smiled, as I nodded yes and returned his smile.

"As for you make sure not to leave the west wing, this is your home! Am I clear?!" Niisan ordered, as I noticed he was glaring at the girl.

"Understood sire." She quietly answered, as she knelt down in front of us.

"Good, I'm sorry Chikane but I have to leave now. Souma should be back later on, will you be alright till then?" Niisan's tone changed when he was talking to me than when he was talking to the girl.

"Yup I'll be just fine; after all I'm not going to be alone." I happily said, as I smiled at him and hugged him bye.

I soon let him go as he left. For awhile I was just confused, I didn't know what to do next. It was the first time since my mother that I had been around a female, and now I was alone with one.

'She isn't moving? Did she fall asleep?' I thought, as I walked over and knelt down in front of her.

"Is there something I can do for you?" She asked, as I froze.

I was a bit surprised I didn't think she would talk, but her voice was very calm sounding, but it also sounded very sad.

"Umm…my name is Chikane…..what's yours?" I asked, trying to see what I should call her; after all she was going to be living with us.

"I don't have a name." She answered, as I was surprised.

"How can you not have a name? What do people call you then?" I asked.

"I rather not say… I don't think you would know what the names mean…" Her voice was becoming harder to hear, as I thought about what she could have meant.

I soon lowered my head remembering one time I over heard a guard yelling at one of the females that worked here. He called her all kinds of names…so I guess it would make sense that she wouldn't know which her name was.

"Do you remember what name your mother gave you…my mother named me Chikane? If I…if I ever forgot that I would be really sad." I made myself stop talking and lowered my head closing my eyes tight, since the thought of not knowing my real name.

The name my mother gave me, my last link to her, was enough to make me cry. I froze as I felt something whipping away my tears. I opened my eyes to see it was the girl; her hand was touching my check. Her dark golden eyes looked a lot like Kazu's as she smiled at me.

"My mother named me Otoha." She smiled, as I stood up and whipped the rest of the tears away.

"Then your name is Otoha! It's nice to meet you…let's be friend's ne!" I happily said as I put my hand out in front of her.

She took it, and I helped her to her feet.

"Yes let's be friends." She smiled, as I noticed her voice was still calm, but had a happy feeling to it.

I soon heard a noise coming from my stomach and looked down.

"I guess I forgot why I was heading for the kitchen." I smiled, as Otoha and I went to the kitchen.

I was going to make myself something to eat, but she told me that was her job now. I wanted to help, but she wouldn't let me, she said for me to sit back and relax. I sat down nearby watching and waiting, two things I have done a lot lately. I sighed, as a flash of the golden haired blonde came to my mind.

'That girl again? I guess niisan wouldn't have picked her for this job, since she was just captured last night, and not only do we know nothing about her, but she hasn't been trained for this job. But the fact I can't get her out of my mind is really starting to bug me. I want to know why I keep thinking about her.' I sighed, as I closed my eyes trying hard to forget about her.

"Miss Chikane the foods ready!" Otoha's voice snapped me out of it, as I looked over at her smiling face.

"Otoha what's Miss mean?" I asked, as I walked back over to the table.

"You do not know its meaning?" She asked, as I shook my head no, as I sat down at the table.

"I've never heard it before…is that bad? Is it bad that I don't know what it means?" I asked, as I looked to see Otoha was laughing a little.

"I'm sorry about that…" She managed to say, as she slowly stopped, but I just smiled at her.

I was glad that I was able to make her smile and laugh all with just a question.

"No it's not bad…I guess you really wouldn't know. The only reason I know the words meaning is because someone taught it to me. It's a respect term for a young lady normally of royalty or high standards." Otoha calmly explained, as I found myself feeling very soothed and relaxed.

Almost like I could let myself go and completely trust her, I liked this feeling and was looking forward to feeling this way all the time.

"I see…well I'm not suppose to be a young lady. Can you please just call me Chikane? I don't really get to hear it a lot and I like the way you say my name. Please." I smiled, as I could feel that Otoha was returning my smile with one of her own.

"Very well Chikane. Now then you should eat before it get's cold." Otoha's voice was making feel safer ever single time she spoke.

I soon noticed there was only food for me.

"Aren't you going to eat too?" I asked, as I looked up at her, since she was still standing at my side.

She looked confused, I guess no one has ever asked her that before, but I waited for an answer before eating.

"No it's alright, I'm not hungry."

Right then I heard a noise coming from her stomach, as I looked at her. Her face was dark shade of red, as she lowered her head.

"Here have some of mine; I can't eat all this by myself anyway." I smiled, as I had her sit next to me and help me eat the delicious food she made.

"Umm… Otoha can I ask you something?" I asked, as she looked at me.

"Go ahead Chikane." Otoha answered, as she took a drink of water.

"I want to know if I can ask you about the cells. I mean if it'll bring up bad memories then I won't ask." I noticed she looked surprised rather then hurt.

"It's alright, but I don't really remember much about the cells. I was taken out of there when I was 10 and I was trained how to be a servant. I've been a servant for 4 years now." She sounded a bit sad.

'That means she's 14, she's only a year younger than So kun.'

"Do you remember seeing someone who looked just like me?" I asked, remembering how my brothers always told me I looked just like my mother.

I couldn't ask her about the females from last night since she wouldn't know anything about them, but my mother had been in the cells while she was there.

I noticed she lowered her head.

"Yes… I lived in the same cell as her for a little while. She use to tell me she had such a kind child and that this world would make him cold." Otoha's voice was very quite, as I lowered my head as well.

"My mom's right…this place might make me cold, but I'm…. I'm not going to be like the rest of these men. I'm going to be different, just watch." I sounded really serous and surprised Otoha and even myself.

"So you really are the child she would tell me about…she asked me to give you a message if I ever met you." I looked at her and really wanted to know what message my mother could have for me.

"She said she loves you and still misses you, and hopes you'll become a strong and kind little prince." I couldn't help but smirk, since my mother would always tell me that.

'I will mom just watch me.' I thought, as Otoha and I finished eating.

..............................................................................................................

"Umm…Chikane lord Kazuki ordered me to make sure you take a bath today." Otoha said, as we where now sitting in the huge living room.

I quickly jumped up and looked at her.

"O great looks like Kazu still doesn't think I take baths. I mean it was just one time." I sighed, as I noticed Otoha looked confused.

"I tried to show So kun that I didn't have to take a bath everyday so I didn't take one for a week. Ever since then Kazu always makes sure I take one, but it's all So kun's fault he kept saying I wasn't acting like a boy. And now thanks to him I have Kazu bugging me all the time about it." I sighed, as I heard laughing.

I looked and saw Otoha was laughing, my face felt a little warm, as I lowered my head.

"In any case I was ordered to make sure you take a bath…so let's go." Otoha slowly stopped laughing, as she went and started leading me to two doors.

We went in and I noticed she looked so amazed at the huge bath.

"Is something wrong?" I asked, as I was now standing in front of her, and looking at her confused.

"It's nothing. … Now then I'll wait outside for you." Otoha smiled, as she was going to leave.

I do not know what I was thinking, but the next thing I knew I was holding tightly onto Otoha's chihaya sleeve.

"Is something wrong Chikane?" Otoha asked, as I quickly let her go.

"No…sorry I don't know why I did that…I'm really sorry." I sighed, as I was trying to regain control of my thoughts, and while I was at it my body as well.

"You know." I looked over at Otoha who was smiling at me.

"Lord Kazuki ordered me to make sure you took a bath…so maybe I should stay and make sure. I'm going to make sure you're clean." Otoha sounded happy, as she went over to me untied my sash that held my robes together.

"Otoha I can do it by myself…I promise I won't try anything." I tried to explain, but it was too late she already had me washing in the bath and was getting the soap and stuff ready.

I sighed, as I couldn't help but smirk just a little. It kind of felt like having my mom back with me, maybe that's way I grabbed her. Right when she was leaving a flash of my mom went through my mind… still no matter what no one can ever take her place.

'Come on Chikane stop moving." A soft warm voice laughed, as a 4 year old me swam away. "You'll have to catch me mommy!"

"Chikane are you alright?! I don't see you washing over there!" Otoha's voice snapped me out of it, as I looked up at her.

"Sorry about that!" I yelled back as I started washing off pushing back my memories.

..............................................................................................................

"Otoha what did you make me put on… I look too much like a girl." I pointed out, as I was wearing a white chihaya and red hakuma.

"I'm going to wash your cloths…so for now those will have to do. Besides I think you look cute in them." I noticed that Otoha's smiles were becoming warmer and her tone was much happier then when we first met.

"Alright… I guess I can't go anywhere. After all it'd be really bad if I left looking like this… I look like that lady in that book." I sighed, as I sat down next to Otoha who was now washing my cloths.

"What lady? What book?" Otoha asked, as I closed my eyes.

"It's an old history book Kazu gave me…my outfit is a little different, but I still look like her. I think it said something about solar priestess, but it's an old story and it isn't true I asked." I sighed, as I could feel Otoha smiling at me.

"Otoha do you like it here?" I asked, as I opened my eyes and saw she was looking at me confused.

"I'm not asking if you like being here with me, I mean the kingdom?" I asked, as she looked away from me and lowered her head.

"No I do not…the only good thing about this place is I got to meet you, but other then that I hate it here." Otoha calmly answered.

"I see. Sorry I was taught this kingdom is really safe and everyone get's along great and I've even seen it when I go for walks, but then I remember that's only the men. I forgot that women have a different life and must hate it here." I sighed, as I too lowered my head.

It was so quite after that, so I was going to speak to end the silence, but right when I was going too.

"Hey there you are Chikane! I'm back!" So kun smiled, as he opened the sliding door that lead to the wash room.

"Hey So kun welcome back!" I smiled, as I soon noticed he was glaring at Otoha, who had lowered her head and was bowing to him.

"So kun this is Otoha, niisan said she would be living with us from now on." I smiled, as I got up and was in front of him.

"Yeah I know… Chikane why are you dressed funny?" He asked, as he looked at my outfit.

"Otoha is washing my cloths so I put this on until mine are ready." I answered still trying to get him to stop glaring at Otoha.

"I see. You hurry up and give Chikane back her cloths!" So kun coldly ordered, as his tone sent chills through my body, something it had never done before.

"Right away prince Souma." Otoha's voice changed, as well as I felt really uncomfortable around them.

"Return those to Chikane's room when you're done…come on Chikane I have to talk to you." So kun ordered, as he walked away.

It even sounded like he was ordering me to follow him.

"I'll see ya later Otoha." I smiled, as I left and followed So kun.

..............................................................................................................

I sat down crossed legged on my bed, as So kun sat down in a nearby chair.

"So how are things with her?" So kun asked, as I noticed he was trying really hard not to sound cold, but he failed at it.

Kazu told me once you start training you become a completely different person. Once I turn 15 I too will have to go through training and since I'm a royal prince, it'll be much harder.

"Everything's great Otoha is so much fun!" I smiled, as I heard So kun sigh.

"Chikane don't get too attached to her…she might not be here for long." So kun calmly spoke, as my smile went away.

"Why? You're not going to take her away because of me? Are you?" I asked, wanting to know the reason he would take her away.

"It has nothing to do with you it's just…she is almost of age, and well if Tsubasa and Kazuki can't find away to keep her here…she'll have to leave." He calmly explained, as I lowered my head.

Once again those stupid laws were messing with my life. 'Once a female is 15 years old she is of age to be used in anyway the kingdom of moon men see fit. For a male there age is 18.' They think females are ready at 15, and since Otoha is 14 she has one more year before she is of age, and well if someone wants here we can not get in the way of the law.

"Chikane are you alright?" So kun asked, as I heard him stand up.

"I'm fine…can you leave me alone for awhile So kun…please." I managed to say, as I felt So kun's warm hand mess up my hair.

"I'm sorry Chikane… Tsubasa and Kazuki are working on it, so hopefully she'll be able to stay." So kun sighed, as he left my room.

'Stupid laws…I hate them. First I have to hide the fact I'm a girl, because other wise I'll end up in the cells. Second it took mother away from me, and now once I think I could finally have a friend that would understand me. The laws might take her away too.' I thought, as I lied down and buried my face into my pillows.

'I don't understand…how did the people who built this kingdom come up with these stupid laws.' I thought; as I just lied there try to calm down. I soon heard a soft knock on the door, as it slowly opened.

"Chikane I brought your cloths back." Otoha's calm soft voice, made me really want to run away.

I hated the thought of losing her so fast; after all I was really starting to like the idea of having another female around. I guess Otoha noticed I hadn't moved or answered, I soon felt something warm stroking my hair. She wasn't messing it up like my bothers do, she was stroking it with her fingers, it didn't help that my mother did the same thing.

"So I guess prince Souma told you right?" Otoha asked, as I slowly sat up, and couldn't hold back anymore.

I went and wrapped my arms around her and hugged her tightly.

"I don't want you to go… I want you to stay." I managed to say, as I was hugging her tighter.

I felt she was still stroking my hair, as she just held me like that. She didn't say anything, but she didn't have to I already knew what she would say. So she just held my close at lest for awhile, before I finally pulled away.

"Sorry Otoha…that was uncalled for." I calmly sounded, as I moved away from her.

"It's alright Chikane…would like me to get you anything?" Otoha happily asked, as I looked to see her smiling at me.

"No thank you… I think I'll just relax for a bit longer." I answered, as I tried to sound happy, but I didn't think it worked, as she stood up and was leaving.

"Chikane." I looked to see she had almost closed the door.

"If you need anything I'll be right outside alright." She smiled, as I nodded yes to her.

She closed the door, as I got up to change back into my normal boy cloths.

....................................................................................................................................

From then on the day went by fast before I knew it, it was night already.

I decided to use that priestess looking outfit for sleeping cloths, as I was trying to sleep, but flashes of the night my mother was taken away keeping going through my mind. I shout up and was breathing heavily, I could feel the cold sweat all over my body and I was shaking like crazy. I wanted to run to So kun and ask to sleep with him, since I use to do that all the time, but I remembered he was out on night training tonight.

I sighed, as I lowered my head and was now holding my legs close to me and really tightly. A knock on the door made me jump, as Otoha came in.

"Chikane are you alright? I heard you scream?" Otoha asked, as she was sitting on the edge of my bed at my side.

I couldn't help it I went and was clinging to her arm as tightly as I could. I knew that I wasn't suppose to get close to her, I kept telling myself that, but I was just so scared and she was the only one there.

"It's alright your safe now." Otoha whispered, as she was stroking her fingers through my hair again.

I closed my eyes tightly, as I was slowly feeling a soothing feeling. I soon made myself let her go and pulled away. I could still feel that I was shaking, but it wasn't as bad.

"Umm… Otoha can I ask you something?" I tried to make my voice sound, as calm as possible, as I lowered my head.

"Anything Chikane." Otoha answered, as she waited.

"Would it be alright if I slept with you? I mean…if you don't want me too I'd understand it's just…." I made myself stop, but mostly because my voice gave out on me, as I waited for an answer.

"Scoot over." Otoha happily said, as I looked up at her and did what she said.

She went and got in my bed and slid under the covers.

"Well lie down and let's get some sleep." She smiled, as I lied down close to her.

We both closed our eyes and fell asleep the last thing I remember was moving closer to her and curling up next to her, as I fell into a deep sleep.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I changed a few more things in this one I hope you like it ^-^

(Please review ^-^) sorry for any mistakes and THANKS FOR READING ^-^