A/N : Thank you for the reviews!! ^_^ It made koishii very happy heheh Here's the next chapter for you guys!!

Disclaimer : I'm not rich, am I? Keke

Snow Dust Petals Beneath the Falling Rain
Chapter 2

No longer held back by the unwanted slumber, she tossed and turned before her eyes fluttered open to absorb the early morning sunlight after what seemed like a century. She could feel a terrible headache kicking in as she brought her hand to her forehead. The piece of white cloth that was wrapped around her head was noticeable under her touch. Her brows furrowed in confusion and her eyes began to study the unfamiliar place.

"This is not my room... where am I?"

She got into a sitting position and the blanket that covered her body slid down. Her eyes moved downwards and she gasped shockingly. The dress that was on her wasn't the same she wore the day she left her house. The only answer that came to her mind was enough to make her heart pound abnormally. "This can't be happening!" she cried nervously. In less than a second, she was on her feet and walking towards the closed door. Her fingers closed firmly around the knob and with a little turn and pull, the door opened... offering her a breathtaking view of Mother Nature's wild creations. In awe, she took little steps forward as her eyes witnessed the true beauty of nature.

The tall and young trees... the birds flying and chirping above her head... the green of the leaves and grass... the wild flowers growing... the butterflies dancing... As she took a deep breath of fresh air, she made sure that the scenery reflected itself in her eyes so that it will forever remained among her memories... Never once since she stepped outside, had her eyes really stopped in front of her to notice the white figure facing the lake...

I knew she had awakened and was standing just behind me. I lived here long enough to not only trust my eyes but all my senses. She must be busy admiring the landscape to even notice my presence. No rush... I had all my time in the world... I folded my arms and waited patiently, gripping tightly on my flute...

Botan smiled slightly and her eyes finally rested on the back of what seemed like a man before her... She tried to stay calm as she walked towards him but each of her steps showed nothing else than curiosity and nervousness... She came to a halt, keeping a good distance between them. Her lips parted slowly to finally ask the question that disturbed the peace of her mind since her eyes lay on him, "Who are you?"

She felt herself holding her breath as each second revealed the face of a stranger who's intentions were still unknown to her...

I turned to face her slowly and immediately saw her expression full of wonder. It amused me somehow but my face didn't show any of that... I moved toward her and I noticed that I will never get near her any time soon because she seemed to step back as soon as she felt her privacy being invaded... I stopped and stared at her without answering her question.

Botan took another glance at her surroundings and swallowed the lump in her throat "... Where am I?"

"What were you doing unconscious in my property?" I answered her question by another.

His voice was soft and gentle but yet, showed a sign of authority and order. If her attention wasn't centered on his tone and expressionless face, she would have believed that he was the perfect representation of the Prince Charming that was in every girl's dreams. He wasn't too tall nor too short, just perfect for a man's height. His white suit seemed to be made especially for him as it clashed with his red bright hair and his facial features... Botan was almost sure that she could be easily pulled into the depth of his emerald green eyes and effortlessly be drawn to his lips... but then, his straight posture and expression were enough to crush her thoughts.

I drew myself nearer and she didn't seem to notice as she stood at the same spot. Without flinching, I added "Do you know what happens to the careless people who dare to venture into my property?"

Botan shook her head slowly like a little girl, her eyes still glued to his face. Somehow... she couldn't find her voice to speak.

"They never return back to where they came from" I replied. That simple line worked its magic as I saw her reaction.

Her jaw dropped "No! I can't stay here! You can't keep me as your prisoner! I have to go back!"

I turned my back to her carelessly "You shouldn't have wander here in the first place. It's too late now"

"It wasn't my fault... please I beg you..." she got down on her knees and her face was now wet from fresh warm tears.

"I have my rules onna. Don't think I will easily break them only by the sound of your pathetic pleads and worthless tears"

Her face jerked up as his harsh words sunk deep into her mind. Botan slowly got back on her feet and clenched her fists as well as her teeth. No more tears were flowing down, but anger was rising up...

I didn't hear anymore of her sobs and cries. I thought my words probably made her speechless but as soon as I faced her, I was confused and surprised. Standing before me was no longer the fragile girl I rescued who seemed not capable of hurting a fly, but a hot-tempered onna who was ready to burst. No words came out of my throat... I wanted to see what would be her next move.

Without a warning, she raised her hand and slapped him hard across the face "This is for your harsh words" she spoke firmly.

I haven't had the time to recover when my other cheek started to burn equally.

"And that, it was for changing my clothes without my permission" those were her final words as she stormed back into the cabin and slammed the door shut.

I stood motionless and stunned. I brought my hand to my cheek and rubbed it slowly. I was wrong, terribly wrong about that onna. Never in this lifetime would I ever think that a harmless creature could turn into a ferocious tiger in a matter of seconds. How dare she do that to me? I tightened my grip on my flute and walked in the direction of the cabin. She sure wasn't going to get away with it that easily. Two could play this game.

Botan quickly wiped her tears away and buried her face in the pillow. She missed her mother so much but how will she be able to return when a heartless stranger is keeping her as his prisoner? "Okaasan..." she whispered against the soft material as fresh new tears found their way down her cheeks, soaking the pillow.

I slowly opened the door and saw her... heard her. Her soft cries filled the room like gentle whispers brought by the wind. I stepped closer and crossed my arms, staring at her.

Feeling a presence nearby, Botan jerked up and dried her tears as soon as she saw him "What do you want?"



"What are you crying for again? Don't you know you are soaking my pillow?" I asked, not very pleased.

She was now fuming mad. Was he that heartless? She stood up abruptly "Why are you so cruel?!"

"Cruel? What are you talking about onna?"

"Arg! Not only you are cruel but also ignorant! And stop calling me onna!"

I didn't understand what she was saying, but I could tell she was really mad. I turned my back to her "What gave you the idea that I changed your clothes?"

A crimson red crept upon her cheeks "I am not stupid mister, and besides, you are the only human being here! How could you take advantage of me like that?"

I couldn't help but let out a chuckle as I rotated my body to face her once again. I shrugged to her accusation and it only irritated her even more "Whatever you say onna"

"I told you to stop calling me onna!! You are unbelievable!!" she lashed out and sat on the bed furiously.

"Are you trying to break my bed? Go easy onna" with that loud thump she caused, I'm surprised it didn't break.

"You!!" she got up and pointed a finger at me.

I moved a step back and frowned "No pointing onna"

"What are you made of?? Stone?? Get out!! Out!!" Botan cried as she picked the nearest object she could reach and threw it at him.

I dodged it easily and a smile formed at the corner of my lips "Alright, I'm leaving but don't think it's because I am actually scared of you. I'm only afraid that my eardrums can't take much of your screeching onna" with that, I left. I could still hear her voice through the closed door and it somehow made me laugh. I stopped in my tracks and tried to remember the last time I laughed or smiled... When was it? I stared at the cabin in silence... How could that woman make me laugh so easily...? I immediately shook that thought away and brought my flute to my lips... It was the only way to empty my mind of all thoughts and worries... Worries? Since when have I started to worry?