Chapter 10: Another Childhood Reunion
Keima placed each CD from his opened cases into his gaming consoles. Thanks to the following setbacks, I haven't been able to complete a lot of games in time! He sat on his chair, holding out his controllers with him. Time for me to go god-mode! Kumuro entered the room, running towards Keima.
"Hey there, Keima buddy!"
Keima groaned. Why didn't I just leave this house when I had the chance to get out of here for 40 days? He turned around, glaring at Kumuro in disgust. His eyes moved, noticing Kumuro holding out a golden piece of paper in his hands. Kumuro smiled at Keima.
"I want you to come with me tomorrow."
Keima lowered his eyelids.
"Can't you see I have a lot more games to complete?"
Kumuro giggled.
"You still have time after this trip, dude!"
Keima turned his chair around, gazing upon the game screens containing girls.
"A trip? For how many days? 5?"
Kumuro broke sweat from his head. He snapped from that other trip… Didn't he? Keima pushed the start button on each controller.
"I already had several interruptions! I need not to be distraced anymore!"
Mari strolled through Keima's room, carrying a sledgehammer with her.
"Are you refusing your best friend now?"
Keima turned around. He whimpered at the sight of Mari's cranky face. Keima stuttered in fear.
"Wh-what are you d-doing m-m-mother?"
Mari slowly advanced towards his consoles.
"What do you prefer, spending the rest of the holidays with your friend, or having your games bashed up into pieces?"
Keima gulped. She caught rabies from Kumuro's mother, didn't she?
"I'll… I'll go with Kumuro…"
Kirino carried the luggage to the van. Kumuro, Ichigou, Heihachi and Amika emerged out of Kumuro's house each carrying the luggage on their hands. Each took turns placing the luggage at the back of the van. Keima and Mari strolled towards the van. Keima carried a few lugguages on his hands, squealing in pain. Kirino frowned at Mari, glaring at her.
"I don't want your damn son!"
Mari adjusted her glasses.
"He's just here like your son's other friends. Try not to slander me with those childish insults!"
Kirino gritted her teeth. Keima placed his bags inside the van. He fell on the ground, trying to breathe. Mari turned away from her.
"My son will play his games at all cost, just so that you would get a heads up."
Kirino rolled her eyes.
"Why do I care?"
She entered inside the van, sitting on the driver's seat.
"Get in!"
The children entered the van, sitting at different seats. The van drove away from Kumuro's house, finding a way out of the city of Majima. Keima lifted his PFP up, tapping many buttons in it. At least I got some time while I wait. Kumuro turned his head around, gazing at Keima. Amika held her hands out next to Kumuro, resting them on her face.
"Oh Kumuro-sama! It's so generous of you to invite me along!"
Kumuro chuckled lightly.
"Well I wouldn't want all of my friends to miss out."
Ichigou and Heihachi moved forward, staring at Kumuro.
"Where are we off to?"
"Who are we meeting?"
Kumuro turned his around, smiling at them.
"We're off to a mansion a few kilometres away from Narusawa belonging to a childhood friend of mine."
Ichigou's eyes shimmered brightly.
"Wow! This is the second time I'll be going inside a mansion!"
Heihachi turned his head, facing Ichigou.
"You've been to a mansion before?"
Ichigou nodded his head.
"There was a time when I went to a mansion in America. Since my uncle worked for Nanosubtle, he paid for our trip to and back."
Ichigou closed his eyes.
"I wanna see how big this mansion is."
Heihachi moved forward, resting his arms near Kumuro.
"Say. How did you end up being friends with a rich person?"
Kumuro sighed.
"Well… It seemed just like yesterday…"
Kumuro formed images of his past in his eyes, watching his young self running through the school grounds.
"It was the first day of school – a great opportunity for me to make friends with! I ran all around the playgrounds, trying to find someone to be friends with. There were so many of them, so I had trouble deciding."
His young self stopped moving, finding a child sitting on a bench away from the others.
"Suddenly, there was my childhood friend. The moment I looked into my friend's eyes, I knew that we are going to be best buds until the day we departed from school. So I approached my friend, asking "do you have others you can play with?" My friend answered "No I don't." "
His younger self pulled a tennis ball from his pocket.
"I asked my friend "You wanna play together?" My friend replied "Okay!" And so every day, we always play together, shared some bonds, cried, cheered for each other, until the day we farewelled each other."
Images of Kumuro and his friend distorted, bringing them to the school gates.
"I told my friend "I'm gonna miss you!" My friend said "You should make as many friends as you can! School will become tough if you are left with none." I nodded, saying "Don't worry! I will!""
The images disappeared in his mind. Kumuro sighed.
"After all of these years, I'm going to finally reunite with my dear friend together!"
Amika twiddled her thumbs and spoke to Kumuro.
"There's one thing I don't understand. Why didn't your friend come to a more expensive school, or perhaps gain private tutors instead of coming to your school?"
Kumuro smiled at Amika.
"My friend told me that they had a huge loss from the stock markets, and so they were in debt for a while before middle school starts."
Amika placed her hands on her face.
"Wow. I feel sorry for your friend."
Ichigou moved his body forward.
"Did you make friends at middle school?"
Kumuro broke sweat on his head.
"Uh… How about we leave that for another day, okay?"
Ichigou blinked at him. Kumuro lifted his bag up from the seat space, pulling out a keyboard from it.
"For now! Let's sing a song together!"
Keima widened his eyes. What? What are they doing now? He turned around, watching Kumuro make a few sounds on the keyboard. Kumuro started singing, emphasising his feminine voice. Amika closed her eyes, joining in the music. Kumuro emphasised the last few notes on the keyboard, finishing off the intro. Another source of music came out of nowhere, making Keima look around. Ichigou and Heihachi joined in, feeling the beat flowing inside their ears. Keima shouted at them, feeling confused and frustrated.
"What the hell's going on?"
Keima placed his hands on his chin, grumbling at the sound of group choirs. Great… Thanks to those annoying twits, I missed out on more hours of games… A flurry of guitar chords and violins played from Heihachi's iPod. As the song is about to finish, everyone sang in harmony. They cheered at each other, feeling fulfilled. Amika turned around, facing Heihachi.
"That's actually a good song from America!"
Ichigou turned his head, smiling at Hehachi.
"I've never heard of it before! Where did you get it from?"
Heihachi scratched his head.
"Well… I just got it from eBay…"
Kirino groaned, feeling her ears throbbing from people's singing.
"We're here now!"
Keima turned his head, staring at a huge mansion. Ichigou pushed his head against the window, awing with excitement. The white painted walls holding the house stood out from the ruby-red roof. The golden windows shined from the sunlight. The van parked near the huge white stairs leading to the huge ivory-white door. Everyone emerged out of the van, pulling out their luggage with them. Ichigou strolled towards the huge fountain, having his eyes watery. Huge streams of clean water poured out from the fish-statue's mouth. Butterflies flied around the visitors, travelling to the bushes filled with flowers.
Kumuro climbed through the steps like a brave mountaineer, carrying the luggages in his hands. Keima, Amika, Ichigou and Heihachi followed behind him, carrying their bags. Kirino followed behind the others, folding her arms. Everyone placed them on the ground and gasped for air. Kumuro strolled towards the door, standing near the door bell. This is it… After five years of separation… This will be so awesome! He pushed the bell, making it ring. Kumuro tapped his feet, waiting or someone to call. A butler called out from inside.
"Who is outside the Kumina estate, and what is your business with this family?"
Kumuro cleared his throat.
"My name is Muhara Kumuro. I am here for Hana-chan."
Kumuro stared at the door, waiting for something to happen. The door slowly opened, revealing Kumuro's childhood friend, Hana. Her blue eyes glimmered from the mansion lights. Her golden-brown hair drew attention to Heihachi and Ichogou, making them gaze upon her pale pace. Keima blinked at Kumuro, being taken by surprise. Okay… Is she practically the childhood friend of all childhood friends? Amika dropped her jaws at the sight of her Victorian sapphire dress. Wh-wh-what's this? Kumuro-sama didn't tell me that he's a she… The girl giggled at Kumuro, smiling at him.
"You haven't changed a bit I see…"
Kumuro scratched his head, blushing at the sight of Hana. Wow… She's more beautiful than ever!
"Well… I guess you wouldn't really know if time makes me a different person…"
Hana sighed, turning away from him.
"Come, come! I have a lot to show!"
Kumuro nodded, lifting his luggage up. Amika, Keima, Ichigou and Heihachi followed his actions, walking inside the mansion. Kirino turned away from them, walking back to the van.
"I'll pick the lot of ya up in a few days! Don't cause any damn trouble while I'm away!"
The butler carefully closed the doors, preventing invaders from disturbance. The butler strolled away from the door, following his mistress. Ichigou and Heihachi glazed upon her long groomed hair, having their hearts thumping. Hana stopped near the stairs and turned around. Everyone else stopped moving, placing their luggage down. Keima pulled out his PFP from his pocket, brightening the screen. Amika, Ichigou and heihachi gazed upon her smiling at them.
"Usually, I would invite my other friends during the summer holidays. But seeing that I haven't seen Kumuro-kun for a long time, it is a pleasure to see all of you here."
Amika folded her arms, glaring at her appearance. Judging by Kumuro-sama and that damn girl, she's now in my way between our potential relationships! Why does it have to happen to me? Ichigou sighed, feeling goose bumps on his skin.
"You know… I'm glad I'm Kumuro's friends…"
Heihachi giggled quietly.
"I can't believe my dreams of getting a rich girl will become true…"
Hana moved her eyes, gazing upon the boys. These boys look creepy… Like they wanted me to be their girlfriends… She moved her eyes, studying Amika's face. She has an obvious case of jealousy, particularly for Kumuro-kun. She turned her head, gazing upon Keima. Her eyes widened, finding him staring at his PFP. What's this? How unsightly of this… this… Kumuro turned his body, wondering what Hana was looking at. He scratched his head, finding Keima playing his PFP.
"Oh… That's my best buddy, Katsuragi Keima. He always does that."
Hana blinked at Keima, studying his calm face. He possesses the face of a disgusting gamer… How typical… She turned around, strolling through the stairs.
"My butler will lead you to your rooms where you will be staying for your trip. Then we'll continue the tour."
Kumuro nodded at her. He turned around, facing his gang.
"Come on everyone! We better get moving!"
Amika, Ighigou and Heihachi nodded their heads. The butler walked away from Hana, marching to his destination.
"Your rooms are this way."
They picked up their bags, following the butler. Hana folded her arms, tapping her feet. Kumuro strolled to Keima, standing near him.
"You better get going Keima. You can put your stuff inside the bedrooms."
Keima rapidly tapped the buttons on his PFP, ignoring Kumuro. Kumuro sighed. Time to take matters into my own hands! Kumuro swung his palm around, slapping him on his head. Keima groan in pain, frowning at Keima.
"Hey! Why did you do that for?"
Kumuro frown at him.
"You should move your things now! They're leaving you behind."
Keima grumbled as he placed the PFP away. He lifted his bags up, waiting for Kumuro to pick his up. The two walked through the stairs, catching up to the others. As they walked passed Hana, she followed behind them.
The Butler strolled through the corridors, leading the way for the guests. The painting of famous British kings on the wall gazed upon the travelling strangers. Ichigou turned his head, witnessing one of the King's eyes following him. The sun shined brightly through the huge windows, making Keima squint from the burning sunlight. Damn that sun! I can't see a thing on it. The butler moved towards a door, grasping onto the knob. He twisted it around, pushing the door forward.
"Your rooms to stay for a few nights are right inside."
He stood near the door, letting the guests enter in. Ichigou and Heihachi awed in excitement, gazing upon the golden beds covered in glowing white sheets. Amika stood near a huge telescope, patting it gently. Her eyes glimmered in joy. The desks stood near the beds, showing its polished wooden surfaces to the guests. Sunlight entered from the huge windows, making Keima squint his eyes. He gritted his teeth, feeling his eyes burned.
"Don't you have curtains to block the sunlight?"
The butler nodded as he strolled towards the window. He gently covered the windows with forming blinds. Keima widened his eyes, freed from the burning sunlight. He placed his luggage near one of the beds and pulled out his PFP. Kumuro strolled towards him, holding his ear tightly. Keima groaned as Kumuro pulled him out of the room.
"C'mon Keima. We have a lot of things to do…"
Keima glared at Kumuro.
"Why are you doing this to me?"
Kumuro sighed.
"I just want you and my friends to get together and get along well. If you have to keep doing this, they will get uneasy of you."
Kumuro stood near Hana, letting go of Keima's ears. Keima rubbed them gently, relieving the pain. I thought he doesn't care what any friend does! Why do I have to put up with more setbacks? Amika, Ichigou and Heihachi emerged out of the room, letting the butler close the door behind them.
"If you need any requests, just ask. I am happy to serve my mistress's guests."
Hana strolled past them, walking off another direction.
"I have more rooms to show you, so by all means do follow me."
Everyone else followed after her, continuing their tour.
"And finally, we have the huge backyard where I spend most of the times playing."
Amika, Heihachi, Ichigou, Keima and Kumuro emerged out of the mansion, standing near Hana. Ichigou and Heihachi gazed upon the open field of green grass. A few trees scattered across the field stood out, showing off its bright green leaves. Kumuro strolled towards Hana, smiling at her.
"You know! This is a great place to live in! This will be fun, yeah?"
Hana chuckled at Kumuro.
"I haven't forgotten how honest your feelings always were. It's very rare of me to have friends like you."
Hana turned around, smiling at her guests.
"We're going to play polo for the afternoon. My butler has prepared uniforms for all of you in the rooms you'll be staying."
Hana strolled past them, walking back inside the mansion.
"Please meet outside before 1:30 after you all get changed."
Hana, Kumuro, Keima, Amika, Ichigou and Heihachi strolled through the fields, following the butler. Keima stared at the PFP screen glowing form the bright sunlight. I need no more interruptions! Having to get changed in this ridiculous uniform was quite enough for me! Kumuro gazed upon a huge barn covered in ruby red paint. Wow. I've never seen a horse ban before! Not to mention one that is big! The butler stopped near the barn door, sliding it open. A few horses stood inside their homes, resting there. The butler opened one of the gates, moving one of the horses out of the barn.
"I will move it to the practice ring, so that you will all have a chance to have a go at it."
The butler moved the horse to a nearby pit. Hana and her guests followed the butler. Kumuro turned his head, staring at Hana.
"I heard that Japan doesn't have many open areas like this. How did you even manage to get a good space for horse riding?"
Hana placed her hands on her lips, letting out a light chuckle.
"Let's just say that rich people can do things no others can do."
Kumuro nodded his head.
"I remember the times when you told me about that incident your parents went into when you were at my school…"
Hana sighed.
"Quite unfortunate of me at that time, but my family had managed to recover from that, and made more money in the process."
Kumuro hummed. Keima, Amika, Ichigou, Heihachi and Kumuro stood near the wooden fence, watching the butler tie the horse onto the fence.
"I will go back to fetch the saddle."
The butler marched away from his guests, moving back inside the barn. Ichigou gazed upon the horse's chestnut body. Heihachi placed his arms on the fence, gazing upon Kumuro and Hana talking together. They turned their heads, facing each other.
"I reckon I can make the horse move around quite fast in one day!"
Heihachi pointed his finger at himself.
"I bet I can do it in 1 hour!"
Ichigou frowned at him.
"Well… I think I can do it in 15 minutes!"
Heihachi frown back.
"Well actually! I think I can do in less than a minute!"
Ichigou moved his head closer to Heihachi's.
"You can't do that! That's virtually impossible."
Heihachi gripped his fists tightly.
"Well I don't think you can even do it in 1 day, liar!"
Ichigou and Heihachi shouted at each other, trading insults and taunts. Keima gritted his teeth, feeling his ears throb more. God! Now they're acting just like damn Kumuro's mum and mine. When will I ever get peace and quiet in this vacation? Will I ever get my 1000 hours? Amika slowly strut towards Kumuro, holding her hands on her back. It's a bit embarrassing having to be quiet all this time. I better get talking right now. Amika's cheeks reddened, standing near Kumuro.
"Kumuro-sama. Do you think I would go well in riding horses?"
Kumuro turned away from Hana, facing Amika. Hana moved her eyes to Amika, examining her red cheeks. He closed his eyes, smiling at her.
"Well for all I know, you might be doing well."
Amika chuckled at him.
"Well… It's just that I've been doing more science experiments the past few months…"
Kumuro opened his eyes, placing his hands on her shoulders.
"No matter what you are, anything's possible!"
Hana sighed. This fool might think that… Amika placed her hands on her lips, chuckling at him.
"Oh Kumuro-sama! I feel so much better now!"
The butler returned from the barn, holding a saddle on his hands. He strolled towards the horse, carefully placing it on the horse's back. He placed his arm out wide, pointing it at the horse.
"It is now used for riding."
Hana turned around, nodding her head at him.
"Thank you for that."
Hana turned away from the butler, gazing upon her guests.
"Now… Who would like to go first?"
Ichigou and Heihachi raised their hands up. Ichigou jumped up and down, trying to grab her attention. Heihachi placed one of his hands on Ichigou's head, preventing him from jumping. Feeling angry, Ichigou turned around and continuously hit his friend. Hana moved her eyes, facing Keima. She pointed her fingers at him.
"You seemed to be keen on horse riding."
Keima lifted his head, blinking at her.
"I didn't even say that."
Keima pointed at Ichigou and Heihachi.
"I think those boys wanted to go first."
Hana sighed. He wants to play difficult I see… She grasped his arms tightly, dragging him towards the pit. Keima screamed, waving his PFP out.
"Hey! What dya think you're doing now!"
Hana chuckled.
"After this horse riding training, you will feel like wanting to play polo!"
Amika and Kumuro blinked at Hana. They turned their heads, facing each other.
"Is she always like this?"
Kumuro shrugged at her.
"Well… I don't exactly remember her personalities well…"
Keima stood near the horse as Hana released his arms. Keima frowned at her. This reminded me of that other girl with that doll! Hana pointed at the horse.
"Do you want me to help you get on the horse?"
She lowered her eye lids, finding him staring at his PFP. For someone who plays games a lot, he's starting to get on my nerves… Hana stood near him, drawing his attention. He turned his head around, blinking at her. She lifted him up, moving him on the horse's back. Keima shouted at her, feeling violated.
"Hey! Why are you touching me?"
Hana chuckled at him whilst pulling his body on the horse.
"How are you going to get on it when you just keep standing there?"
Keima glared at her.
"Maybe I don't want to ride the horse…"
He turned his away from Hana, giving more attention to his PFP. She gritted her teeth. Why did Kumuro-kun have to make friends with this ungrateful barbarian? Fine, if he wants to play it that way… Hana pulled out a whip from her pants. The butler held his hands out.
"Young lady, I advise you not to aggravate the horse! Let the young man ride it himself."
She swung the whip against the horse. The horse whined as it ran towards the fence. Keima fell off the saddle, landing on the ground. The horse stopped near the fence, lifting its body up. He slowly stood up, groaning from his pain. He lifted his PFP. He widened his eyes, finding it malfunctioning.
"MY PFP!"
The butler ran towards the horse, trying to calm it down. Kumuro strolled towards hana, scratching his head.
"Hana-chan. Maybe you should let other people have their turn. There are other people willing to give it a go."
Hana frowned at Keima walking away from her.
"I'm getting a spare PFP. You're lucky that the game for it didn't break!"
Hana folded her arms, gazing upon Keima sitting near a tree. His eyes glowed from the PFP screen. Ichigou and Heihaci commanded their horses to walk around the pit. Keima and Amika stared at Hana, giving her a concerned look. Amika held her hands near her cheeks, whispering to Kumuro.
"You friend's having a huge interest on that Otamegane. Do you know why?"
Kumuro shrugged.
"To be quite honest, I don't really know what she's seeing inside of Keima right now."
Keima tapped a few buttons on the PFP, making a cute girl kissing a guy appear. This girl is now getting on my nerves. Why the hell did Kumuro bring them along? Why can't he understand the situation I'm in! Keima sighed, staring at the credits. At this rate and due to summer games pouring out of the stores, I'll never be able to catch up! He stood up and walked away from the trees, returning to the mansion. Hana glared at Keima leaving again. He's just leaving his friends like this. What kind of person would do such a thing? It's very unsightly of this to happen… The butler walked towards Hana, giving her a concerned look.
"Young lady, may I have a word with you?"
Hana turned around, facing the Butler.
"You may as well speak now."
The butler nodded at her.
"I hate to be blunt to you, but I don't think it is possible to play Polo with these guests of yours today. Most of them have yet to learn the trot. They also need to learn to stop."
Hana turned her head around, staring at Heihachi and Ichigou waving at her. I guess it won't come true - having normal people to learn quickly and play Polo in an hour. She sighed, facing the butler.
"I guess we'll spend the rest of the afternoon with horse riding. It does seem appropriate that way."
The butler nodded his head.
"A wise decision, young lady."
Hana and her guests sat at their table, waiting for dinner to be served. Kumuro gazed upon the plates sitting on top of each other. The knives and spoons sat next to each other, sitting opposite to the forks. Amika lifted a napkin up, shaking it carefully. She folded it up, trying to fold it into something different. Ichigou and Heihachi sat straight, trying to impress Hana. Hana turned away from them, staring at Keima strolling with his PFP. Keima sat next to Kumuro, tapping the buttons on his PFP. Kumuro frowned at Keima.
"Can't you be at least considerate of others?"
Keima lowered his hands, turning his head to Kumuro.
"I'm not disrupting others."
Kumuro folded his arms.
"You're making a bad impression to both Hana and her parents. Do you play your PFP if you're near your grandfather?"
Keima lifted his hands up, levelling the PFP to his face.
"Of course not! Seeing as this is someone else's problem…"
Kumuro gritted his teeth. Hana's parent's entered the room, strolling towards their table. Her mother's velvet red dress sparkled from the chandeliers. His father's monocle glinted brightly. They sat down, placing their napkins on their laps. Hana's mother turned around, facing her daughter.
"Hana, darling. How was your day?"
Hana smiled at her mother.
"It was splendid I guess. I am grateful that these friends of mine have come."
Hana's father faced Amika, witnessing her making an exact replica of other folded napkins on the tables. He smiled, feeling impressed.
"Some people here are quite talented I see. Your dear friend Kumuro had made wise choices in picking his friends."
He turned his head, facing Keima. He widened his eyes, witnessing such atrocity keima is making.
"Good grief! Is this also Kumuro's friend?"
Kumuro broke sweat from his head. He pulled Keima out of the table, pushing him out of the room.
"I'll get Keima to the guest room, Mr Kumina. It won't take long."
Keima gritted his teeth.
"What are you doing?"
Kumuro whispered to him angrily.
"You're giving a bad impression! That's what you're doing!"
As Keima and Kumuro left the room, Hana's father stared at his daughter, giving her a concerned look.
"I hate to be blunt, but you could at least have told Kumuro who he should and should not bring."
Hana sighed.
"Don't worry about that. Kumuro-kun can handle his friends quite well when it comes to someone like me."
The butler entered the room, carrying the dishes to the table. Hana's father watched the butler carefully placing them on the table and lifting the dishes up.
"I don't want anything bad to happen in here!"
Hana entered the bathroom, wearing her pale white robes. She strolled towards the bath tub emitting warm misty smoke. She slowly removed the robes off her, revealing her pale white body. Her toes slight touched the watery surfaces, creating ripples. She hopped inside the bathtub, immersing her body inside the steamy hot water. She closed her eyes, feeling her body hating up. She gasped quietly, enjoying the warmth her bath tub had brought. A phone rings besides her =, beckoning her to pick it up. She pulled it from the wall, pressing against her ears.
"Hello?"
The butler's voice emitted from the phone.
"Young lady, one of your friends had called."
Hana smiled.
"I'll take the call."
A voice of a rich girl emitted from the phone.
"Hana-chan. How's that Kumuro guy going?"
Hana chuckled.
"He's the same from the last time we've met. How's that vacation over America?"
The voice chuckled back.
"The rich people in America aren't as sophisticated as those I've met in Britain. It's fairly unsightly of them not to act like proper rich people."
Hana sighed.
"If you were still in Japan, I would've invited you over those commoners…"
"What other reason you had to invite them besides being bored that you had to spend the rest of summer by yourself?"
Hana hummed, trying to find answers.
"I don't know really. I guess I thought I could let them learn quickly so that I can play polo with them."
The voice laughed loudly.
"Hana, you always wanted the impossible to come true! It's just like when you wrote that book at 12."
Hana widened her eyes, bringing in flashbacks of her writing a notebook.
She smiled, watching her pen imprint sacred words. Hana's friend crept towards her, staring at the book.
"What are you doing?"
Hana turned around.
"I'm writing the things that I wanted to happen."
Her friend held her hand out.
"Let me see."
Hana sighed as she moved her notebook to her friend. She snatched it form Hana and read the notes carefully. She then chuckled loudly, placing her hand son her lips.
"What's this nonsense? 'If this comes true, I wanted someone who is a lot different than the typical boys I have met. I want someone who is defiant against my wills and commands. I want someone who will beat me at the game of chess. And I also want him to hate me, only to eventually confess his love for me'."
Hana's friend lowered the notebook, smiling sinisterly.
"Do you honestly think this will come true at all?"
Hana sighed.
"Maybe in the end, it won't…"
Hana returned from her flashback, hearing the phone barking at her.
"Hello? Are you even there?"
Hana quickly placed the phone to her head, responding to her friend.
"Oh sorry about it. Can I ring you back tomorrow?"
The phone sighed.
"Fine. I suppose it's getting late for you. Good night."
Hana placed the phone back. She lifted herself off the bath tub, fetching the towel form the towel rack. She quickly removed the drips form her body before putting her robes back on. She exited out of the bathroom, walking inside her bedroom. She marched to her desk and pulled out the drawers. She pulled out a notebook and opened it, studying the notes carefully. Images of Keima appeared, making Hana's cheeks redden.
"Is… Is he…?"
Kumuro, Keima, Amika, Heihachi and Ichigou sat inside the living room. Kumuro watched the sun shining from the windows. Keima squinted, trying to focus on his PFP.
"Why did you all have to agree on opening the windows? It's already 12, and I only spent 5 minutes into this!"
Amika frowned at Keima.
"Get used to it, Otamegane!"
Hana entered the room, having her butler carry 3 stacks of boxes. Ichigou and Heihachi turned their heads, gazing upon the boxes.
"What's with the butler carrying the boxes?"
Hana smiled at the boys.
"I just thought that we should play something we all know of. And that game is chess."
Amika's eyes glimmered.
"I love that game!"
The butler placed the boxes on the table, opening the boxes up. He placed the chessboards across the table, setting the pieces on each board. Kumuro's eyes glimmered at the finely-crafted pieces.
"Hana-chan. Your pieces are amazing!"
Hana smiled at Kumuro.
"Well every rich person should have at least 5 sets of sophisticated chess pieces and chessboards in my opinion."
The butler held his hands out, showing the chess pieces being set up.
"It is now ready to play, young lady."
Hana placed her hands, pointing at the table.
"I will fight against Kitsuki-san first off. Kumuro-chan will fight against his best friend. And the rest…"
Hana sighed, staring at the boys.
"The two of you are against each other."
Ichigou and Heihachi turned around, glaring at each other.
"This will be easy! I'm gonna smash you in this game!"
Heihachi snorted at Ichigou.
"Good luck with that! I'm an expert at winning!"
Kumuro turned his head, facing Keima. He clenched his fists tightly.
"You're on Kumuro territory now, Keima buddy! Prepare to lose!"
Keima chucked sinisterly, adjusting his glasses.
"I am the god of games! I won't go easy on you!"
Kumuro blinked at Keima.
"I thought you said that you're the god of galge games…"
Hana blinked at Keima, witnessing his determined god-like face. Weird… All of a sudden, he gets fired up in a game like this… Amika glared at Hana, clenching her fists. I have played many games of Chess! I won't let her win, and I will win Kumuro's heart, right here! Right now! Hana sat on a chair, gazing upon her chess pieces.
"Take your places and battle against your opponents."
The competitors sat at their chairs, glaring at each other. Heihachi and Ichigou each moved chess pieces, eager to capture each other's kings. Keima placed his hands on his chin, observing Kumuro. Kumuro gazed upon his pieces, calculating his next moves. Hana gleamed confidently, moving her pieces carefully. Amika glared at Hana, frowning at her. That damn girl's up to something! I must be careful right now! I need this to win Kumuro's affection! Hana carefully lifted her eyes, studying Amika's determined face. This opponent will be easy. One who is jealous will be willing to give her position away.
Amika moved a piece, making Hana's eyes glint. She placed a piece near the king.
"I do believe this is a checkmate!"
Amika widened her eyes, gazing upon the defenceless king. Her jaw dropped. H-h-how could this be? I have worked hard in many games! How could she- Her head landed on the table, whimpering in defeat. I was being reckless then.,. I am such an idiot! Hana placed her hands on her lips, chuckling at her.
"Don't get too disappointed. No one has ever defeated me..."
She turned her head, witnessing Kumuro whimpering. She blinked at Keima, taken by surprise. He... He defeated Kumuro-kun? She lifted her body from the table, standing next to Kumuro. Keima's chess pieces surrounded the King. All of Kumuro's defenders stood out of the board, watching the King surrender. Keima chuckled sinisterly, having his glasses shine from the sunlight.
"Do not take a god so lightly. I aim to show no mercy there!"
Kumuro banged his fist on the desk, pouring tears on the table.
"Dammit! I almost had him! Why do I have to make a mistake?"
Hana turned her head, noticng Ichigou and Heihachi moving their kings around the board.
"I'm gonna get your king!"
"No... I'm gonna get your king!"
"Noooo... I'm gonna get YOUR king!"
Amika blinked at the boys, staring at the Kings dancing with each other across the board.
"How long have you been at this?"
Ichigou and Heihachi turned their heads, shouting at Amika.
"Since there were only these pieces left!"
Hana placed her hands on her lips, chuckling at them.
"Oh my...I've never seen many people get a stalemate."
Ichigou and Heihachi widened their eyes, feeling surprised. They dropped their jaws in humiliation.
"How could this be?"
"I thought I was winning then?"
Hana turned away from the boys, facing Keima.
"Oh well. I'll be up against Kumuro's friend now..."
Ichigou and Heihachi placed their heads on the table, crying out rivers of tears. Keima turned his head, witnessing Hana's sinister smile. Her eyes were set ablaze, showing her burning spirit. A ray of golden light shined on him, transforming his body into gold. He adjusted his glasses, chuckling sinisterly,
"You will regret challenging a god. Don't think I'll go easy on you..."
Amika, Kumuro, Ichigou and Heihachi stood around the table, watching Keima and Hana sitting opposite of each other. Heihachi and Ichigou sighed, feeling defeated from their match. Kumuro's teeth chattered, feeling anxious. Amika studied Hana's face carefully. Hana gazed upon the chess pieces, surveying the battlefield carefully. Keima sighed, watching the chess pieces praying to their gods. This girl... She is now a lot different from yesterday... Maybe better then... His queen distorted its body, forming Kanon.
He watched his queen turn around, waving at him. This picture will always pop up. I don't know if there will be a way to stop that from happening. Keima lifted his head up, gazing upon Hana. Her glowing blue eyes reminded him of a doll he saw. Her silky smooth golden hair shined from the sunlight. She does look somewhat interesting though... And her personality... Keima shook his head, snapping himself out of his daydream. Why am I saying this? What's happening to me now? I need to focus on the current situation. His eyes glimmered from the sun. For I am the capturing god in this turf of battle!
Hana moved her eyes, seeing Keima's sweat dripping. Ahh... I made him nervous I see... She licked her lips, tasting victory drawing near her. I shall prepare for my final push... She moved a chess piece, making Keima look down. She lowered her eyelids, making her smile grow. Your defeat will draw near, 'capturing god'! Suddenly, Keima chuckled widened her eyes, feeling nervous. What... What's this? Keima moved his eyes, gazing upon Hana's scared face. I have now sealed her fate! What foolish girl she is, challenging the capturing god in this duel.
A huge yellow glow formed around his head, making Hana gasp. He moved his piece, going for her King's throat. She slowly moved her eyes, watching the King cower in fear. How... How could this be? Amika, Kumuro, Ichigou and Heihachi gasped, witnessing Keima's divinity. Keima stood up from the table, forming a yellow glow around his body. He adjusted his glasses, smiling sinisterly.
"I hope you have learned a lesson, mere mortal!"
Kumuro turned his head, watching her friend feeling speechless. God dammit! I actually wanted Hana-chan to win! Amika grunted in disgust. That is so low of that Otamegane to defeat a rich person! Not that I care about the two of them fighting each other… Ichigou and Heihachi whimpered, sharing the same thoughts. Why can't this be me? Hana's cheeks reddened, feeling her heart thumping. Is... Is he... Is he... the one? Hana slowly stand up, making her blushes disappear.
"Excuse me for a moment..."
Hana walked out of the room, making everyone stare at her leaving. They then turned their heads to Keima, blinking at him. He blinked back, feeling confused.
"What are you all looking at?"
She entered her room, strolling towards her desk. She pulled out the drawer, pulling out her notebook. She flicked through the pages, finding the notes for Keima. She studied the words imprinted carefully. Her cheeks reddened. Her heart thumped quickly. Her head spun around, forcing her to walk towards her huge bedroom. She laided her body there, gazing upon the ceiling. I... I have never thought my dreams will come true... She closed her eyes, shaking her head. I shouldn't be thinking like this! It's all in my head. There's no way he's my... She opened her eyes and gasped. Maybe he is the one... I mean...
Images of Keima appeared in her mind, bring her back to the times where she first set eyes on him. He IS different from other boys... let alone all of Kumuro's friends... Another image of Keima riding the horse appeared in her mind. He doesn't really do as I had wanted him to do... She lifted her body up. She gazed upon the notebook. He's practically the only boy so far to defeat me. It's kinda surprising really... She hopped off her bed, returning the note back to her desk. She strolled towards the wardrobe and opened it. Dresses stood out of the wardrobe, revealing their exotic colours to her.
"Maybe... This is it..."
Keima, Kumuro, Amika, Ichigou and Heihachi sat on a couch, wearing fancy clothes. They all stared at the full moon through the huge windows. Kumuro smiled at it, enjoying its majestic bright body. This is actually a good night to finish off my reunion with Hana-chan. Amika sighed at the moon, placing her hands on her chin. I hope that I will kiss Kumuro-sama under the moonlight... It will be very romantic... Ichigou and heihachi clenched their fists, revealing their burning eyes. This is my last chance to get hold of that rich girl! She will be mine! Hana strolled through the ball room, carrying a CD player on her hand.
Her sparkling dark blue dress complemented her golden hair. Her blue eyes glimmered from the chandeliers. She smiled at Ichigou and Heihachi, making them drop their jaws. Their tongues stuck out of their mouths, huffing and puffing like drooling dogs. Their eyes widened with love. Kumuro and Amika smiled at her, admiring her clothes. Keima blinked at her, seeing a different more confident version of her. Why the fancy dressing... Keima shrugged. Maybe rich people like to show off. She placed the CD player on the floor. She waved her hands towards the ceiling, making her guests stand up.
"To finish the night, we will all dance the night away... ballroom style!"
Amika, Kumuro, Ichigou and Heihachi cheered at her, excited about dancing. Hana smiled, expecting their reaction.
"I guess dancing brings everyone together..."
She turned her eyes, staring at Keima's calm face. Almost everyone... She closed her eyes, placed her hands on the sides.
"Now... Who would like to go first?"
Ichigou and Heihachi raised their hands up, grabbing her attention. She pointed her hands at Keima. Keima sighed. Isn't that a surprise...? She opened her left eyes, waiting for Keima to march to her. This is expected. No matter... She strolled towards Keima, standing next to him.
"Hold my hands please."
Ichigou and Heihachi whimpered. Now fate's screwing me up... Keima stared at her hands.
"Uh... Why?"
Hana sighed.
"Just do it..."
Keima continued staring at them. She gritted her teeth, snatching hold of his hands. Keima's cheeks reddened. Why she's being aggressive? Hana's cheeks reddened, feeling her heart thumping. His hands... are so warm! She closed her eyes, moving his other hand around her body. She wrapped her other hand around his. She turned around, facing everybody.
"Now... I'll show you the steps taken to make sure you all won't injure others."
She waltzed around the room, dragging Keima around. He wailed, feeling his head spinning. Why... Why?
"You just go 'one two three', and you will act natural!"
She stopped moving, making his eyes spin around.
"Any questions?"
Her guests shook their heads. She smiled at them.
"Grab a partner and we'll start dancing!"
Ichigou and Heihachi turned around, watching Amika and Kumuro hug each other tightly. They turned their heads around, facing each other. They exchange disappointed pouts at each other, feeling screwed over.
"So... Who's gonna play the female role?"
The music filled the room, making everyone dance around the room. Amika and Hana closed their eyes, feeling their body creating goose bumps. Kumuro smiled at her, staring at her pale cheeks. Maybe I should spend more time with Amika-chan. She is my friend after all... Keima blinked at her, watching her happy face. This is weird... Isn't she supposed to be angry at me after the match? Ichigou and Heihachi stared at each other, sighing at each other.
"You know... We've been fighting over a rich girl..."
"Yeah..."
Heihachi moved his eyes away from Ichigou, reflecting on his behaviour.
"So... About our behaviour..."
Ichigou crossed his lips.
"Yeah... We kinda crossed borders trying to get something that turned out to be impossible..."
Heihachi nodded his head.
"So... Do you think..."
"...we should call it a truce?"
They blinked at each other. Shrugging off the confusion, they laughed at each other. They then sighed.
"I'm glad we're friends with each other."
"Yeah... This wouldn't be possible without Kumuro..."
Amika hugged Kumuro's chest more tightly with her head. This... Is this the part...? The part where I... She lifted her head up, making her cheeks blush.
"I'm glad that we're dancing together."
Kumuro smiled at her.
"Yeah..."
Kumuro hummed, having something in his mind.
"So... I was thinking..."
Amika's eyes glowed. Is... Is this it? Kumuro sighed, summoning all of his courage.
"Would you like to spend the last day of vacation at my house?"
Amika blinked at him. What was that supposed to mean? Amika shrugged off the confusing and smiled at him.
"It would be a pleasure, Kumuro-sama!"
Keima blinked at Hana, watching her head still like a statue. Okay. This girl's creeping me out. He widened his eyes, having something urgent in his mind. He pushed Hana away from him, making Hana opened her eyes widely. She witness Keima's wide eyes. Everyone turned around, gazing upon Keima and Hana. She placed her hands on her lips. What... What's going on? Keima ran away from her, exiting out of the room. Hana chased after him.
Keima ran through the corridors, having his body imbued by the bright moon. Hana watched him running, lifting her skirt up. This is it. He was too nervous with other people. I must see this through! I must make this dream come true! I must make the impossible possible! He moved into the guest room, closing the door behind him. She strolled towards the shut door. She sighed, feeling her heart thumping. Whatever happens now... will decide my fate. She took a deep breath, summoning all of her courage. She slowly turned the knob, until the knob becomes stiff. She carefully pushed it open, revealing her destiny.
She blinked at Keima, watching him holding his PFP. Keima smiled cheerfully, feeling enlightened by the screen.
"Oh Yokkyun! I almost missed you! Thank god I remembered about the timed event."
A voice came out of the PFP, sounding like a cute girl.
"You remembered my birthday? How sweet of you!"
Keima lifted his head up, staring at Hana. He blinked at her, finding her face covered in shadows.
"Why are you here..."
She stood still, silent like a statue. She opened her mouth, exposing her vulnerable self.
"I... I thought you were thinking about me..."
Keima blinked at her. Wait… What?
"What makes you think of that?"
Hana sighed. Tears flowed from her eyes.
"My notebook... Told me of my ideal man... The man I'd fall in love with..."
Keima widened his eyes. Dammit... This feeling... An image of Chihiro crying near Hana appeared in his mind. Why can't that go away now? Hana sniffed, closing her eyes in shame.
"But now I know... My dreams... My wishes..."
She turned away from him, hiding her river of tears.
"It will never come true!"
She ran away from Keima, leaving the room. Keima gritted his teeth. Dammit! This is bad! He put the PFP back in his bag, running out of the room.
She stood outside, staring at the moon. She wiped the tears off her face, trying to make the pain disappear. Damn you world! Why do you have to trick me like this? Why can't you make those wishes true? Why? Keima slowly walked towards her, staring at her glowing golden hair. She reminded me of some of the people at school. There's no doubt that reality needed me to set things right... He stopped moving, thinking about his strategies. Okay... I have to be careful in what I say now... She slowly turned around, revealing her calm face. He gazed upon he emotionless eyes. One mistake... And it could end up being bad...
"Are you alright?"
She stood still, gazing upon her calm face.
"Why did you come for me? I thought you had never liked me."
Keima sighed. It's like dealing with that damn bitch from school, but from a higher class... She turned her body away from him, lifting her head to the moon.
"You and I both know that it will never happen."
Keima's glasses glinted from the moonlight.
"Listen..."
She slightly moved her head, rotating to the left.
"I'm not trying to be rude, but why do you think that I would fall for you?"
Hana sighed. A tear dripped from her eyes.
"Ever since I was young, I always wanted the impossible to happen. I wanted unicorns to exist, so I can ride through the forest with them... I wanted to fly through the skies, watching over fields carrying people in their hands..."
She gripped her hand tightly.
"I wanted to shape shift, trying to see what it's like to live as other people... And I wanted the man of my dreams... the one I will fall in love with... to exist!"
Tears flowed from her eyes, making her cheeks wet.
"But you and I know it's damn impossible! Reality only wanted things to happen according to him!"
Keima placed his hands on her shoulders, making her gasp.
"It's not impossible."
Hey eyes widened, stopping the tears from escaping.
"I don't know what you had seen in me... But maybe..."
Her heart thumped rapidly.
"Maybe I'm your living proof that's it's not entirely impossible."
She turned around, witnessing his god-like face glowing.
"Think about the past. Most things we had right now would be seen by previous generations as absolutely impossible. Of course that's a complete lie."
Keima slowly moved his hands from her shoulders, making her body form goose bumps.
"Maybe right now is impossible. But there's still hope that your dreams will come true."
Keima smiled at her, adjusting his glasses.
"You just have to wait a bit longer."
Hana lowered her eyelids, making her cheeks red.
"Then..."
She gazed upon Keima's eyes, admiring his burning spirit inside of him.
"Will you kiss me?"
Keima widened his eyes. What the hell? She quickly turned her head away from him.
"It's just that..."
She turned her head again, smiling at him.
"I want this to be an indication of when I'll find the ideal man of my dreams..."
She wrapped her arms around Keima. Keima twitched his eyes, feeling speechless. She pushed her head forward, touching his lips with hers. She closed her eyes, feeling Kaima's warmth wrapping around her body. Keima's cheeks reddened, tasting her soft delicious lips. He held his arms out, making them tremble with fear. Goose bumps formed around Hana like a cocoon. Her heart thumped slowly. She imagined herself flying through heaven.
Keima sat inside the van, facing away from his friends. Kirino blinked at him. She turned her head, facing her son.
"Why is your wimpy friend inside the van already?"
Kumuro shrugged at her.
"Beats me. He hadn't said a word since last night..."
Amika stared at Kumuro and sighed. Some day... I will make my dreams come true... Hana emerged out of the room, smiling at everyone.
"I am so glad that you've all came. Please, by all means come again."
Ichigou and Heihachi waved at her. She smiled at him. Well... I did kinda act mean to them... She strolled towards the boys, standing near them. Ichigou and Heihachi blinked at her, wondering what she's doing. She leaned forward, kissing each boy on the cheeks. Heihachi and Ichigou's faces went red, feeling their hearts thumping. She placed her hands on her lips, chuckling at them.
"Some people seemed very excited..."
She turned to Amika, making her blink.
"I have one advice for you."
"Uh... What is it?"
Hana whispered into Amika's ears. Amika's face went red, jumping away from Hana.
"Are you insane?"
Hana chuckled lightly.
"Your call... You know it will work most of the times..."
Hana strolled towards Kumuro. Kumuro turned his head, smiling at his friend.
"I'm gonna miss you!"
Hana smiled at him.
"I have one advice to tell you: one of your friends is trying to get close to you..."
Amika blushed, feeling petrified. Kumuro laughed loudly.
"Oh Hana-chan! I knew that Keima's kinda doing that!"
Amika pouted her lips, feeling her eyes watery. Hana placed her hands on her lips, chucking at him. Oh Kumuro... You've never changed! She held her hands out to Kumuro, making Kumuro embrace a hug to her. Hana and Kumuro closed their eyes, feeling the warmth of friendship circling around them. Kirino sighed, tapping her feet,
"We're gonna be late!"
Amika, Kumuro, Kirino, Ichigou and Heihachi turned around, walking back to the van. Hana waved at them, saying farewell to her guests. Keima glared at the PFP, gritting his teeth. What's wrong with me? Every time I tried to set things right, I ended up making a mistake. He turned his head around, facing Hana. Hana caught attention of Keima's eyes, making her cheeks blushed. Shrugging off the blush, she waved at him, smiling with joy. Goodbye Keima. I'll never forget you! She turned away from him, returning to her mansion. He turned away from the mansion, staring at his PFP.
"At least it didn't end up being a love triangle I guess..."
Author's note: Well I'm not sure if this piece is quite original. This mansion may be at a different location, but the mansion itself is practically a cliched setting used from the TWGOK series. Also, Hana may not be original as I have tried to create as she has borrowed personalities form other existing characters. However, there aren't enough stories about how people's dreams are sometimes too impossible to fulfill, like dreams of flying, super strength, invisibility and such and such. However, things like invisibility and flying aren't completely impossible (chameleons and planes are examples of it) and I can see many more impossibles turning possible (like TVs and computer games) in the next few years. Maybe we will start getting holographic screens instead of monitors like the ones you see in Avatar, and they'll be more 3D than existing 3D technology. And in this case, my story might be original in a way.
The Sumire chapter will be coming soon, and I hope you enjoy this chapter and the whole fanfic series.