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Disclaimer: I don't own Love Hina. It is property of Ken Akamatsu, and this fanfic is a work of fiction. Please do not involve it with the original manga and anime.

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Lol, chapter 8 was a bit messed. The top is kinda weird, but I guess you guys can read which goes where. Stupid text documents get rid of any formatting, etc. And someone asked me, isn't it wrong to have something so sagetory in the story? The truth is, in the anime Motoko is 15, and Keitaro is 20. But in this, three years have passed. One before Love Hina Again, and then one after Naru leaves Keitaro, and then one more after Keitaro gets better. So Motoko is at the legal age of 18, while Keitaro is 23.

Anyways, here's the chapter I promised, and HinaGuy, thanks. I guess you can tell, from what I've been writing, that that's what I've been doing this entire time. So it's good to know I was right the entire time I was writing this. Someday... I'll get more reviews than Hawker's 'Loss and Redemption' fanfic... And I have three more months to get 170 reviews. Ugh, talk about updating a crap load. His is a pure 20 chapters two, and quite long... And... LOL! Lemon scenes? Notice the rating man. But I'll write some if you want me to. You'll just have to ask them from me over email. That's about the best I can do. I don't think limes/lemons are any good without a developed plot, etc. But if I get enough people saying that, I could just bump the rating and add in the scenes, but that's everyone's choice.

Another little note as well: Within the story, any confessions of love I felt would better be placed with certain words rather than others due to the ways I've heard it. Also, I don't pretend to know Kyoto. I'm just thinking there're probably modernized, but small, homes nearby or in the mountains that are basically residential area away from the city. That's about it. If I'm wrong, don't tell me I didn't warn you. And I probably am wrong. Don't flame me. I can't take it. And if you've noticed the style in which Keitaro and Motoko talk are different. I've made Keitaro have more of a contracted, slangish form of speech, while Motoko's is formal. That's why it kinda seems weird when you read it out loud.

Note: This chapter is to be the conclusion of the first story arc as well as the first half of Kokoro no Tsubasa. Who will Keitaro's heart hold? The
promised Naru, or the learning Motoko?

This Chapter is Dedicated to those who've brought Inspiration to I, the
Writer, and is a Token of Appreciation for those Reviewers.
Special Thanks To:

Jennyjennai - Your comments have been inspiring, knowing that someone out there's wishing EVERY writer well. Hope to see any writing you might come
out with, in the future. Since the beginning, I've appreciated your
presence. And I still do.

HinaGuy749 - Nice reviews, even if some of them were mean. But they have
been apologized for. It's good to know you're experienced with many different fics, considering the reviews you've placed on some. Thanks for being there this entire way, and supporting the very first fanfic I've ever
written, which was this one, right here.

Kei-kun - Thanks for those little comments. Nice to know you're still here.

Tulkas - My very first reviewer. Thanks, so much, for reading this. It's great to know there're those out there who're supporting me, even if they do threaten sometimes.

Migele - A new person to this growing list of people I have to thank. Your comments have been enlightening, and you might bring up good things in the
future. And everyone else who has brought me into the light of writing regularly. Look for the second half of Kokoro no Tsubasa: when Keitaro and the one he
has chosen begin to live together, what will happen?

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Kokoro no Tsubasa
Wings of the Heart

Chapter 9

"Where am I? And what is this place?"

'You are... Where you came...'

"I shouldn't have ran so far! Where is he?"

Strangely enough, there was something pulling at the corner of my vision, as if constantly trying to signify it wanted me to turn and look in its direction. But wherever I turned, there was nothing but the landscape. Old, and yet beautifully twisted trees lined in rows were on each side, giving way to a large, cobbled road that could easily allow ten men to pass abreast.

The grass about the trees were a brilliant emerald, gently swaying with those branches of the trees. Sakura blossoms dotted the skies, attached to the dark branches that they grew upon. They had yet to fall against the onslaught of the wind.

It was strange to find myself between these trees, standing still upon the smooth stones. I felt it as I moved, the sensation of each step. The wind was a gentle caress on my hands, softly passing by with only the slightest trace.

The sky was darkened, though, the sky blue that only belonged within the high places on the earth were covered by darkening clouds, leaving only parts of the struggling sky showing. But as time wore on, it became obvious that the clouds were winning. It was inevitable that the last patch of sapphire would be gone, leaving only the dominion of the angry clouds.

But it did not rain.

'I followed him here, but...'

There was soft laughter in my ears, ringing against the landscape. The echoes had come from a hill nearby, the winding lengths of the paved road coming to a stop at the base. I felt as if I knew the laughter though, the familiar tone at which it ran through the air.

But the laughter faded, and yet I was sure I was running in the right direction, finally reaching the base of the small hill. Beginning to ascend the grassy lump, I felt a sudden gust of wind, stopping only to let more come in its place. Soft pink petals flew by, their bodies curved, as if they were sailing upon the wind.

Strangely enough, the Sakura petals only added to the background of gray and green, sad and yet amazing in the splendor of nature's work. And so I stood, lost yet serene in this unbelievable, eternal place.

"Junjoukaren..." Softly breathing the thoughts that were in my mind.

But the smile which I held faltered, eventually fading as my eyes came upon a single, black figure among the swaying grass and sailing blossoms.

"Keitaro..." I felt my lips move slightly, whispering the words ever so softly. What had I come to do, but stop this meeting. This meeting between the man I loved and the woman he was promised to.

I began running, as fast as I could, wanting to reach him before she could be sighted. But to my surprise, as I neared the single standing figure, I realized that there were, in fact two bodies, placed against one another to form a single essence.

Black hair was visible against the lighter blue jacket he wore, his frame supporting the smaller one who leaned against him. Skirt ruffling, and brown hair gently swaying against the passing of wind as well, the two were holding this precious moment to themselves.

I stopped, feet coming to a halt by each other as I stood but a few steps from the couple. He held her, her face hidden by his arms. Her hands were folded against his chest, head slightly tilted upwards, as his eyes were gently guided down.

To call out any word at all was impossible, the words always catching within my throat, unable to express themselves. There was a faint emptiness from within, the initial pain at having to chase after him fading away to only the numb feeling which remained.

But this feeling was not foreign. I remember it, from all that time ago, even before the time when Keitaro had become hard to deal with. When he had come to aid me, help me to train against the challenge Tsuruko had placed in front of me. But after I had succeeded in meeting the requirements, I found myself thinking, thoughts caused by those feelings from within.

Now it was the same. It wasn't the feeling that there was something missing, like one would feel when they gave someone unrequited love, but as if there was to be a person by their side. Now I realize what it truly means to have such feelings. I was seeking something that could never be reached, as if it was a quest to enter one of the sacred Buddhist mountains, protected by wards from all around.

But my eyes continued to keep themselves on the two before me, vain efforts made to close them and turn away. I felt the watering of my eyes, and I blinked several times, but the wetness only became worse. I realized that more tears came from within me, this time as if it was a flood that was beginning to burst.

But it was silent, except for the faint whistling of wind against nature, gentle in its caress. It seemed like an eternity before they moved, but their embrace was kept. His arms circled around her, and she took a step closer to him.

His arms tightened in their embrace, but refused to acknowledge me beside them. But I was within earshot of their words.

"Naru... Please... You don't have to cry... I'm here..." His voice was soft against the wind, barely able to heard by my straining ears.

"I-I... Was s-so afraid-d that... That y-you wouldn't c-come... And... And... L-leave me... To s-stay with the others..." Her voice was even softer, but still able to be heard if I tried my hardest.

"I would never have done something like that, I thought you knew me... I told you those things, but I could understand why you ran... You were afraid..."

There was a slight evaporating of the evanescent feelings within me as I heard that statement, my hopes rising.

'Did he say something to frighten her away? He never told us why she left... Then?'

"... But I still love you, my heart still belongs to you from that day so long ago, when we had first saw each other at Hinata-sou... I wonder if you ever knew, or if you did, if you ever remembered..."

"Keitaro..." She breathed against him, laying her head against his chest for support. "There's someone watching..."

His face broke out in a small smile. "I don't care... If someone else sees and hears that we're together like this, then they know. Right now, all I want you to do is forget what you did and come back with me. Nevermind what happened in the past, just please come back..."

And suddenly it broke, the restraints keeping those tears in check. Waterfalls poured their burdens, coming down to drop onto the emerald grass that covered the dirt fields. And still my body refused the commands of my mind, my thoughts trying to scream their way out, to tell them that I was here.

To tell Keitaro that I loved him.

"I can't... This is-sn't real... N-no one would l-like me... It's like w-when they s-said I'm v-violent and disgusting... Y-you're just s-saying these th- things..."

There was a moment of silence, but I knew Keitaro had said something after Naru. Something that I could not hear. His lips moved once, then twice. I saw her head suddenly jerk upwards, the tears she had been crying flying from their places at the corner of her eyes to sparkle against the faint light that shone now, driving the dark clouds away.

And they say love hurts. This isn't just pain.

"Koishiteru... Keitaro..."Naru's confession could actually be heard, a orbs continued to look into those eyes that I wanted to look into. The eyes belonging to the man I wanted to cry against. But for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to ruin this, for I realized why she had finally said those words.

He had confessed also. He had told her, just now, that he loved her as well.

I finally was able to remove my eyes, closing them as soon as I saw their lips seeking each other's, bringing them closer to the kiss that belonged to any who liked one another in that way.

And although it was an eternity of darkness before I opened my eyes, I found them still together, as if they were one, lips touching softly as they shared something that ran deep within them. The light had come through, shining upon the blossoms which flew in the sky. But I realized something as my eyes focused on the landscape, this time containing the couple.

The Sakura blossoms were no longer beautiful.

I sat bolt upright, eyes wide as a scream ripped itself from my throat. It was an anguished cry, long and shrill as it manifested itself as the words that had refused to come from within me. Finally, I realized what had truly transpired. A dream had shaken me, the background chosen because of childhood memories. Now that I was able to think about the nightmare that had just passed before my eyes, it seemed that my imagination had played its part in warning me.

I found myself dressed, and in a room different that mine. The walls and floor where the same color, the furniture of the same design. But I slept on a thicker futon, the blankets thinker than my own. Then I realized I was in Keitaro's room, and remembered the little morning confrontation we had held.

But the sudden, horrible dream was a signal that I was already late. The cold sweat on my palms only caused me to push myself harder, springing up and then running down the steps to the living room of the large, girl's dormitory where I stayed.

Rushing open the door, I burst forth to find myself running. Heart pounding against heaving chest, I finally reached the bullet train which would take me to Kyoto. This was my one and only chance to find him, even stop him, from anything that might occur between the two. I was tired of being weak. Even if I would never understand the power that these feelings held, I would be sure to find them with the one I loved.

Spending the last amount of yen I had currently, I did not bother to carry anything with me as I took the ticket. The train would leave in five minutes. As it was afternoon, the inside of the train was quite congested, filled with people. The train had began speeding already, forcing me roughly into the seat.

But it didn't matter at all, for I hardly noticed. The seat next to mine was empty, so I was allowed time to look out the windows of the swift machine, carrying its burden to lands that were too far to travel otherwise, unless by plane.

It was not long before I found myself within Kyoto, where I had been raised as a swordswoman as according to family tradition. The station was unfamiliar, but the streets well known even for someone like me, who had not returned for four years.

But I did not know where that place within my nightmare was. I knew that it was close to the mountains where my mother and father had trained Tsuruko and I. I remember a paved road that large and winding, but the trees that had outlined it had once borne no fruits of nature, blossoms having yet to grow upon their sacred branches.

Deciding to take a blind stab at fate, I allowed myself to wander about the city, until I reached and area where hills dotted the landscape beyond the city. Realizing that there was a very large amount of grassland slowly merging with the city, I began to seek a place where a paved or cobbled road winded into the country side.

It was far into the afternoon before I finally found a wide path originating between two apartments and a street, leading over a fairly high hill and then into the horizon. I was surprised that such a thing existed, the rows of Sakura trees had yet to be seen, as the path was covered by bushes on the sides, rather than any twisting forms of trees.

It was hard to finally step upon this hard ground, but as I did, I felt determination wash over me, both guiding and yet pushing me to find him before it was too late. I ran for as far as I could, cresting the hill and coming back down to realize something that made me almost groan with annoyance.

There were another two paths, branching off from the city and entering the country side. There were still houses down all the paths, and they proceeded to branch out even further among the smaller country homes, a nice and peace residential area away from the bustle of the city.

I found myself among the small one or two story houses that were gently living their own, separate lives. I decided to seek for Sakura trees, but only found myself lost among this unknown neighborhood. Realizing I had brought my weapon as a habit, I knew I did not have to be afraid of any assailants.

But eventually I had to ask directions. The woman was nice, with a gentle smile on her face as she pointed out that this was not the only place that came out from the outskirts of Kyoto. It was, in fact, one of the many clusters of houses who have been allowed to be placed away from the city itself for a more peaceful style of living.

"Would you know if there are... Trees planted on the side of the paths, Sakura trees to be exact." "Ahhh, well, if you go that way-" The woman pointed in a south-eastern direction from the point where I was standing and talking to her. "-and you'll pass by two groups before you'll find some homes quite different from these. It's there that the original designers planted those beautiful trees.

"And we only have bushes too," She answered with a smile.

"Arigatou gozaimasu..." I blurted quickly, before running. And I could've sworn I heard her say something similar to: 'Ahhh, the youth of the young.' I only chuckled to myself, for I wondered if I would ever be able to become such a homely woman rather than the person I am now.

'That's probably why Keitaro would only recognize me as someone who has feelings for him I'm so far from the image of a perfect woman, so much worse than...

'No, this isn't the time to reminisce about who I am and why. I have to find him before... Before who knows what...'

The grass flattened beneath the more comfortable shoes I wore, having quickly chosen my one and only pair of shoes that could be used to run in this fashion. It was not long before I reached my destination, breathing hard from the physical trial I had just gone through. Still, I did not tire, and neither did I feel any pain from running so much.

I had to reach the goal I set for myself, or how was I to find anything within a sea of lost things that could have been?

I finally realized I had found my destination, standing on the path, some people already beginning to search for their dinner ingredients. And so I raced down the cobbled way, hoping that all was not too late. But I held doubt within me, for I never knew even if this was the place. It seemed likely, for her family lived in a region close to this. But to find them would be a challenge among the grassy hills that were the background of a small part of the Kyoto region.

I realized that this was almost as if it was the same from the dream I had, the only difference was the sky, brilliant in the blue of its color. Beautifully bringing about the contrast between the earth and sky, and the horizon where it meets.

The trees themselves were already blossoming, the pink petals flying their unknown paths in the world. The wind was blowing the same direction, as if pushing me to go forth and do all that I could. Realizing that the blossoms had already started to fall, I hurried.

'I can't tell... If they've already blossomed... Does that mean... No... That would mean I am too late.'

Finally I found myself over the top of the hill, having run from the gray stones to reach the grassy field. In the distance there were quite a few buildings, those had been excluded from the vision.

I saw only one figure again, Keitaro, standing by himself among the swaying stalks. But as I drew closer, I noticed, as what was with the nightmare that I had seen, that she was already within his embrace, their arms drawn about each other. Her hair could not be seen, the wind blocked by Keitaro himself. But Naru was obviously holding onto him, and... And he was comforting her as well.

I realized the futility of coming here, of trying to win over someone who could never share the feelings I held. I felt the tears come, just as had been predicted, the drops falling onto the ground, to be taken in by the unknowing fruit of nature's desire.

My feet refused to move, keeping me still, a lone figure in gray against the eternal surroundings of this place. Still, I never found something that had been so beautiful so disgusting... Forever would my heart hold the memory of this enchanting environment, only to be shattered by the realization of love not returned.

I could've taken a few steps, then reached out and touch him, to stop him from going any further. But it would've done nothing to change what these two had.

I could take no more. I found more silent tears, but the voice I held broke. A strangled whisper came from my lips, uttering a single word.

"K-Keitaro..."

I saw something in his form change, a sudden stiffness in his body. Even if he heard, I did not want to stay to hear him say that Naru would always be the one he would love. That he would only think of me as someone he could talk to more than others, someone who was only a friend.

I turned, hurrying as I flew over the ground to get away from all this pain and hurt. But then I heard his voice, loud and calling. At first I did not know what he said, but then I realized he was calling my name. But I did not stop to listen.

"Motoko! Damn it, stop running!"

I had to. I had to run, to be far away from one of the worst dreams that could possibly come true. But fate would place itself between me and where I wanted to be. My foot caught against a stone on the ground, the uneven surface causing me to fall as I ran, landing on the crest of the hill.

But just as I tried to stand, my foot could not find a holding against the slanted surface, the grass providing something to simply slip upon. My left foot came out from beneath, suddenly forcing my body downwards, only to land and begin rolling somewhat.

Someone grasped my arm, stopping me from ending up in a heap at the bottom of the hill. Suddenly, I felt two arms bringing me up, helping me as I tried to stand. But I was tired, and I simply settled to be left on my knees, sitting on the dry grass and dirt of the hill.

I knew who had just helped me again, the black hair and glasses, the newly found strength in his arms. Keitaro had finally caught up to me. A sudden sharp pain resulted, striking me repeatedly where my heart was. I felt cold, numb as I stood, feeling so vulnerable to the emotions from within.

"Don't look... Don't look at me... K-Keitaro..." The flowing of tears came unchecked once again, flowing freely.

"Dakishime tai no ni..." He said, simply. Keitaro set himself down, but on higher ground.

Before I could respond, I felt his presence against me, holding me against him. I wanted to break free, to fly forth and never return to this nightmare, but I held no strength. I was hopeless, on my knees and wondering how would this numbness would end. Nothing was with me anymore, so all I could do was simply stay in his arms, yet cursing that he would do such a thing as comfort me when he himself was the source of all this pain.

"Onegai... Please, no..." I whispered against him.

"Listen to me, Motoko... That wasn't what you thought it was..."

But I felt anger from within me at this. Was he trying to make excuses?

'What would it be then? Some excuse to tell me that she would just be coming back, and wanted to apologize beforehand?'

He lifted one hand, and placed it on my head, gently stroking the black hair that fell down to my back. His reply was not what I thought it was.

"I have no excuses at all. What you saw was me comforting her. She... She told me that she loved me. I don't understand why, but I guess she came to understand herself after being away for so long. And so, she started to cry. All she thought about was how she had been so selfish, causing everyone, especially me, trouble, even pain, after leaving.

"I told her everything was alright, that I was there to be with her. Someone who she could rely on to help her during something like this.

"But she asked me. She said I had to answer only one question she had. It was: 'Will you still care for me in the way you had? For so long, I've failed to understand myself, failed to return what you gave. But can I still receive what I have been, but this time return it?'"

I felt betrayed, that these few days he would lead me to realize what these feelings where, only to crush them himself. Still, I listened, making no sound.

"And... I told her... I couldn't." His voice was soft, gentle as the caress of the wind.

I had to shake my head. There was no chance that he had actually done that. To forsake the feelings of that which he had loved so long, seemed to strange in my mind. But I stopped as I felt his other hand, which had been holding me, now placed under my chin. Gently, he tilted my head upwards, so I could see his eyes.

"But it was all because, I realized who I held close to me now. The person who I wanted to be with, to protect, to hold, and to comfort, the person who was always on my mind from the days when she had begun to help me.

"I couldn't love her back the way I had, because..." I felt his hesitation, and I felt it was as if he was searching himself for something.

"Koishiteru, Motoko... I'm in love with you."

I felt my eyes close while a soft, delicate feeling from within me, rising to overthrow the tyranny of pained feelings. Then I felt his lips touch mine, and felt myself enjoying to softness of his lips, pressed against my own. I leaned forward slightly, pressing me against him even more.

Finally I realized what it was to be loved. And it gave me far greater strength than anything ever would. It was simply... Magic. Like the Sakura blossoms. Like us being together.