PSN: So, I updated. Isn't that exciting? I always try to update quickly, but something almost always comes up. Still, I do hope you enjoy reading this chapter as much as I have enjoyed writing it! :D
A special thanks to my reviewers: YukiXSnow, Frost190, Eiida-chan , cross-over-lover232 and Suishou o Kami.
This will be divided between two intervals: The princes and Chrome. You'll understand later on in the story. ;)
A princess is unheard of and could be seen as a taboo~The path to a prince. Giotto, the sky prince
On the other side of the campus:
A certain brunette with gravity defying hair scratched at his head, gazing at the book in front of him with something akin to horror. It was the school year book and his supposed right-hand man and the storm prince Gokudera had given it to him earlier that day so that he could assist him in choosing his princess for the upcoming ball—to be precise, it was 6 months away, yet the excitement of the topic made it seem like it was just a day away.
The brunette had shaken his head quickly and was about to tell him that it was fine and that he shouldn't bother. But before he could even disagree or open his mouth, Gokudera, with eyes shining brightly, had proceeded to give him three very thick year books from each class. The poor boy was now knee deep in an array of odd assortments of pictures from previous years—he was sure that there weren't that many girls in the academy.
"I will help you choose the perfect princess for the ball! As your right-hand man it is my sole duty to aid you in all calamities." Gokudera had exclaimed, clenching his fists in determination.
"But Gokudera-kun, this isn't a calamity or anything serious at all. It's just choosing a princess for the ball. And it isn't due until ages."
"But you have to choose the right princess, 10th!"
That was another habit of Gokudera. He insisted on calling him 'tenth' or sometimes even king—even though he had tried to tell him that the academy didn't have kings and that technically, they were all tenth generation princes. But Gokudera, being smart as he was, countered that he was the sky prince, a direct descended of Giotto the original sky prince and that that title alone bestowed him a higher rank than the ordinary princes. He really wished that he wasn't sometimes. He got unnecessary attention from many people and had even gained enemies because of it. Life back in Japan, living with his mother had been simple. Wake up. Go to school. Get bullied. Eat and sleep. Every single day. Oh and fantasise about Kyoko, his childhood crush.
At least it was supposed to be like that until a certain woman had invited herself over to his house for tea. His naive mother had accepted her immediately. The rhythm had automatically broken when she had entered his house—he could feel it, he didn't know how, but it was there in the very air she walked on. Something had changed. She was sweet, nice and very friendly to both him and his mother, but there was something different about her. She seemed okay-ish until she dropped that bombshell.
She had fit herself in to his life and Tsuna was very grateful for that. If she hadn't come to his home at that time, he would be leading a very boring life with no prospect. He wouldn't have been chosen as an heir for the Academy and he most certainly would not have met the other princes. In fact, he'd bet that he would still be bullied. Tsuna would never go back to his old life, it was almost impossible to. The prospect was too daunting to imagine.
"Kyoko," Tsuna whispered, staring at the picture on the year book. He carefully pulled out her stats and stared at it with admiration.
She had come so far, Tsuna thought approvingly.
Name: Kyoko Sasagawa
Age: 15
D.O.B: 04/03/ XX96
Weight: 45.5 kg
Height: 156 cm
Class: B
Dorm: Sun.
Colour: Yellow
Prince of dorm: Ryohei Sasagawa.
Comments: Kyoko is a very hard working and diligent student. She exerts great effort in all of her work and has been ranked by Fuuta as the student 'Most Likely to Succeed after Graduation'. She's also kind and intelligent. All in all, Kyoko is a well-rounded student.
Tsuna re-read her stats over and over again. All this information was not new to him; he knew that Kyoko harboured these traits. He had known her since they were little children—though at that time she wasn't aware of his existence. Right now, he wanted her to be his princess for the ball, though he still hadn't found a way to ask her yet—due to various reasons. One of the reasons was because of the issue of her brother. Ryohei and he were great friends and he didn't want to spoil that. If he had the backbone to even suggest it, Ryohei would either reject his offer or put strict conditions that would be almost be impossible to fulfil.
Tsuna sighed, feeling dejected. He leaved through more of the book and circled potential princesses, though they were half-hearted attempts. He knew that he'd have to approach Ryohei sooner or later or he'd regret it heavily.
"Hey Tenth! I bought you some more books, though they are more updated than the ones you have. I had to negotiate with the Trinesette Agents of course. Though they did say that this was the last time and I had to sign a flame contract with them as a promise, isn't that extreme?"
Tsuna quickly hid Kyoko's stats and watched as his self-appointed right-hand man Gokudera approached his side with vigorous energy. He stopped and bowed down, before promptly dropping the book on his desk, a bright smile on his face. The silverette ran a hand through his hair, his green eyes glinting mischievously.
Gokudera only smiled like this when he was around Tsuna. Other times his face was marred with frown-lines and creases.
"Also," Gokudera continued, "I just bumped into Mukuro earlier. The bastard was self-satisfied with himself. You weren't harsh enough Tenth. He made one fatal mistake last year and he's repeating history again. Another girl. Another damn problem."
"Gokudera," Tsuna pleaded desperately, "we've been over this yesterday. Mukuro explained and it makes sense. Chrome had a miserable life and this is her chance for a new one. I empathise with her because I was like her once."
Gokudera folded his arms and snorted. "I admire you tenth, but sometimes you're too gullible. Still, we'll have to wait and see now right? The Knights are probably having their own meeting as we speak."
Tsuna nodded, "They are. Though we won't know the verdict. I have nothing against Chrome coming here. She hasn't done anything and she deserves a shot for a good life."
Gokudera stared admirably at Tsuna. "This is why you are so great, Tenth. Always thinking about others. I wish the other princes were the same. Now," he paused and stared at the books on Tsuna's desk, "need a hand?"
"Yes, please."
XxX—XxX
Meanwhile...
"So," Moko trailed, grabbing a bagel from her plate and spreading jam on it. She chewed carefully and contemplated before continuing. "You've come here for one reason only? Due to Mukuro's recommendation because you disliked your old school. So, how did you get to know him? As far as my knowledge extends, Chro, Mukuro has hardly left the school."
They were sitting down in the Rainbow cafe and have been since lunch had finished a few hours ago. Chrome had told Moko a watered down version of her life and her reason for coming to this academy. Moko had made sympathetic noises at the right time and held her hand as Chrome spoke of the more 'traumatising' part of her childhood—all watered down versions that she rehearsed with Mukuro before her arrival. Moko seemed angered on her behalf and Chrome smiled, feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Though she was, strictly, still sore and wary, she felt genuineness oozing from Moko's character and couldn't help but feel great around her.
That is, until she asked that forbidden question.
Chrome didn't know how to answer this. She hadn't rehearsed this part with Mukuro and she hadn't realized anybody would ask. But Moko was perceptive; she didn't let a question like that stop her.
How to answer? Chrome thought with dismay. She fiddled with her necklace and felt almost the soothing effect that followed.
"I don't know," Chrome answered, opting for the truth, "he was there when I was in hosp—I mean at home." She quickly caught herself. She had nearly let slip that she was hospitalised—a secret that she had to keep. "So after that, we became friends. He knew I was lonely, so he offered me to go to this school and be happier."
Moko grabbed her hands and squeezed it, "That you will. Now, I'm still feeling hungry and want to order some more food. Do you need anything Chro?"
"No," Chrome whispered, holding her tender stomach. It looked bloated and full. Chrome had enough food to last her for a few days, but Moko however kept complaining about the quantity of the food, kept re-ordering and ordering. How she managed to keep it in was beyond Chrome. She herself was feeling sick to the stomach due to the amount of food she had just eaten.
"Oh, okay," Moko's face fell. "You make me look greedy in front of you," she laughed and stood up. "Mama Luse, could I have more of that delicious bagel of yours and an extra cream filled one?"
Chrome watched as a flamboyantly dressed man with a green and orange Mohawk and shades approached. He was wearing knee-high boots and leather trousers and a white shirt. This was donned with a fluffy pink apron designed with cute rabbits. He walked towards them with a purposeful swagger, his hands laden with spoons.
"My darlings," he trilled as he stood next to them, "Mama Luse is here. You're still hungry, Moko? And you," he looked at Chrome and frowned, "ah! Chrome! You're not hungry, honey? Well, fear not. My kitchen is stocked with beautiful food and you will not have to go hungry again!"
He paused and looked expectantly at them.
Moko clapped and smiled, "That was great Mama Luse, but now I'm hungry." She patted her stomach to prove her point.
Mama Luse tutted and wagged his fingers at her with mock disapproval. "Ah, ah! You wait until I'm finished young lady." He turned to Chrome, "You look a little green dear, and I think you'll benefit from a smoothie."
Chrome bowed her head down and clasped her hands tightly. She was feeling a little ill, but she presumed it was the side-effects. She hadn't finished her treatments at the hospital and she was still, technically, critically ill. Her organs were severely damaged during the crash. However, Mukuro had taken the liberty to provide her with 'illusion' organs in the meantime, since most of her vital organs were not working. They provided her with the support of a real organ. Chrome was immensely grateful for him, considering that she would not be alive if she didn't have them.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"Me too! I want a smoothie too, Mama Luse," Moko whined, waving her hands.
Mama Luse grinned and nodded. "Say, what if I provide these without charge for you? I'm quite sure you'll both enjoy that."
XxX—XxX
It took another hour, but by that time Moko and Chrome had finished. It was late afternoon and Moko had suggested that she showed her around before she started her lessons tomorrow. Chrome didn't mind, Moko was her guide anyway. They walked towards the hall and Moko kept bouncing up and down and pointing and commenting on things.
"This," she said delightedly, "is the picture of the first ever prince. Look," she pointed at the various pictures hung on the wall. "That one is Giotto and his predecessor apparently is the soon-to-be-official prince Tsunayoshi."
Chrome stared at the painted portrait of a blond man with undeniably gravity defying hair. He held an air of aristocracy and oozed confidence. Chrome felt admiration as she stared at the pictures, her eyes following the trail of paintings.
Moko, who seemed to notice Chrome's enjoyment, gently pushed her forward and pointed at more pictures. This time she pointed at a red-headed man with a bow and arrow, as though ready to shoot. "This one, Chro, is the storm prince G. They say that his fury when angered was unrivalled by any other. Once even, if the history books are correct, he very nearly killed an enemy when they attacked. But of course, Giotto the sky prince had to stop him from 'tainting his hands',"she rolled her eyes as she made inverted commas. "I bet though, if he did kill, things would have been different.
"Anyway, this here is Lampo and his predecessor apparently is Lambo the future lightening prince. He is the most adorable child ever!" Moko squealed. "Though it is a pity we're not from the lightening dorm, huh?"
Moko paused and pointed at two more pictures, "This one here is Asari Ugetsu. The rain prince and apparently the most patient man on earth. Honestly, I have never seen anybody as patient as him. They call him the 'cleansing rain'. His predecessor Yamamoto actually inherited this trait." They stared at the picture of a man in a Kimono. His fingers were clasped on to a flute, his eyes closed in concentration. The picture was rather soothing and Chrome felt relaxed. She stared at Asari, a smile on her face.
The princes were really something, she thought.
They moved forward and Moko pointed at another picture. "Oh, this one is really nice. This is Knuckle," they stared at the picture of a black-haired man in a fighting stance. He had bandages wrapped around his fist as he looked steadily ahead. "He's the sun guardian and really a nice and religious man. He stopped fighting soon afterward after an unfortunate accident, though his predecessor Ryohei is more than obsessed with it. Coincidence? I think not."
Moko moved even more forward and frowned as she stepped in front of the picture. She rolled her eyes.
"Aw, this one is Daemon. Our prince, but I don't really like him since I find him creepy. He's the mist prince just like Mukuro. That's his girlfriend Elena next to him," Moko didn't provide any more information on the blue-haired man with the similar hair-style of Mukuro. He was holding a monocle in his hand and the blonde woman whom Chrome recognized from her dream was staring adoringly ahead.
It took a while for it to sink in. That woman was the woman from her dreams? Elena actually existed and was part of this academy? How was it then that she was able to dream about a woman whom she had never met? Chrome was spooked out and continued to stare at the picture. It was the exact woman of her dreams, no doubt. She wondered where the other woman was—the one with Elena. There were no pictures of her.
Chrome swallowed and moved forward. There was no point in worrying now; she'd ask Mukuro later on. Right now she'd focus on Moko's tour. As much as she was scared right now—her heart was palpitating ferociously—she'd have to wait later for answers.
That's right. No need to worry now. Her conscience advised.
"This one here is my favourite." Moko stopped and stared at the last painting. It was a picture of a blond man, though it wasn't gravity defying as Giotto's. This man was wearing a black trench coat and was holding two hand-cuffs bursting with what seemed like purple flames. He had a purposeful look on his face and his gaze seemed almost probing. "This is Alaude, the first ever cloud prince. He was a loner and didn't interfere with the other princes until he was desperately needed. He was a huge fan of justice and had created the group CEDEF, now held by Aria and Iemitsu—who also happens to be Tsunayoshi father, to manage the affairs of the outside world. Indeed Alaude was the one who first alerted the school from any outside interference. In fact, it was his idea to elect the Trinesette agents whom now protect the secrets of the academy and have withheld strong flame barriers to cover the school and alert them from outside interference," she looked at Chrome, "you've experienced firsthand the security of our school, huh, Chro?"
Chrome nodded. "But I don't know why they need so much security."
Moko opened her mouth as if to say something but quickly shook her head. "Actually its fine. I can't let you in on the politics of our school on your first day. Too heavy to handle and a little too complicated." She waved her arms dismissively and pushed her forward. "We'll take it one day at a time; I do not want to put you off, now do I?"
Chrome smiled. She was getting to like Moko. She was funny, informative and a great person to be around with. It was only brief while ago that they had met, but Chrome felt that she could create a positive judgment based on these facts alone. There was nothing sinister about her and she seemed to genuinely like her. Her personality though, clashed with Chrome's. Moko was really bouncy and bursting with confidence. She had the type of personality that Chrome envied—not like M.M who had used her power and influence to control people. Moko had the qualities that were needed to be popular and Chrome admired that. She just wished that she could harbour those confidences herself.
She was grateful for Bianchi and Old Man Talbot's choice. They had allocated somebody who would fit her greatly.
"Okay," Moko said suddenly, intercepting her train of thought. "Why don't we go and finish our tour? I want to take you to the library. You need to know how to use your card properly."
Chrome was pulled before she could say anything. Moko jogged and held tightly to Chrome's hand.
"We'll have to take this lift," Moko stopped in front of a colourful lift and pressed the button. She waited until the door opened and gently pushed Chrome inside before entering herself. "Easiest way," she told Chrome.
"Okay," Chrome didn't know what else to say.
There was a slight pause between them as the lift went up.
"You know," Moko said after an elongated silence. She bounced up and down, a grin on her face. "I think you will have great fun here. This isn't your conventional school. Your lessons tomorrow will be a little different, albeit strange. So don't worry, okay?"
Chrome nodded. She felt happy by her advice. Nobody had ever advised her before.
"Also," Moko continued, suddenly serious, "because there is a huge controversy surrounding your arrival, I wanted to say that it might get tough. You might get looks and whispers and I wanted to say that I'll be there for you. I want to be more than your guide Chro. I want to be your friend, is that too much to ask? I've never had a real friend, you see. So, I'll be happy to help you through your tough times and support you through every step."
Moko had no real friends? Chrome thought with surprise. She seemed the type of girl who had many friends by her side.
Chrome felt a warm fuzzy feeling in her chest as she digested what Moko was saying. She smiled, wanting to jump up and hug Moko. But she was scared that she'd get a backlash and decided against it. She was, after all, unfamiliar in this territory.
"Well?" Moko asked nervously, biting her lip.
"Yes," Chrome said. "I would like that very much."
The smile that grazed Moko's face was the most beautiful sight that Chrome had ever witnessed. And to think that she was the reason behind it made her want to cry and sob in delight.
Finally, she had made a friend.
Do you see that mother? Do you see that M.M? I'm not as abhorrent as you made me think, she thought with a sad smile.
You never were, her conscience said with kindness.
And that was it. Chrome felt a tear spring on her eyes and wiped it away. She was seconds away from sobbing.
PSN: This chapter made me really happy whilst I was writing it. This is all about Chrome and I'm proud that she has made her first friend. Moko is an ideal friend and exactly what she needs at this time.
I covered a small background on the Academy's past. There will be more on it in the future. Everything will be covered, I promise!
Review and I hope you enjoyed it!
