15/06/05 - I know that this time I've kept you waiting for far too long, but there are two good news for you (or at least, I think they are good ones!): first of all, as you can see this is a very long chapter, probably the longest of Destined Souls. And then, I know I had told you this would be the last chapter... well, nothing like that! In fact, there will be two more chapters (you have to thank/curse Saun for this ; b)

sHinn: Thanks to you for your review and what you said... you're absolutely right on everything: )

RaynaDarkstorm: Haruka vs Utena. It would be a wonderful match, ne? ; )

bradam: Grazie mille per la tua review e i complimenti! Mi fa molto piacere sapere che anche in Italia c'è qualcuno che mi legge : D
Per quanto riguarda 'masaka', è un'espressione di incredulità del tipo 'possibile?', 'non ci credo!'.


Chapter 18: A School Trip in Kyoto

"It will be a lot of fun... ne, Haruka-kun?"
"Sure." replied the tall blonde, unable to show the same excitement as Nami, who noticed immediately, of course: "Ehi, you don't sound very happy! It's not often that we would get to go on a three day school trip to Kyoto, after all..."
The young car racer had to chuckle at that, then: "Gomen ne, Nami-chan.
It's just that... I'm not going."
"Nani?" the red-haired girl looked surprised and obviously displeased: "Why not?"
"I'm not in the mood to travel." she lied and then flashed one of her famous charming smiles to end the discussion... no such luck, however. Nami seemed to have developed some sort of immunity to that (well, her heart still pounded fast, but her mind at least, still worked properly): "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Just what I said... I'll spend the free time relaxing."
"Better to say you will spend it studying, Haruka."
Hearing that familiar, soft voice, the tall blonde looked up to meet a pair of deep blue eyes. "Michiru..." she said unsurely, wondering what her partner was trying to say.
The aqua-haired beauty could obviously read her mind as she answered the unspoken question: "Takashi-sensei said that those who won't take part in the school trip will have to do a research paper about Kyoto's history. Four pages at least."
"What?" Haruka was left speechless. Takashi was the only teacher who could do such a thing...
Michiru, however, made no remark about the strictness of the man as she went on: "That's why you should come along..."
Come along? Did that mean... "You want to go..?" half a question, half a statement, Haruka's words sounded rather incredulous. Something that the young violinist ignored: "Of course."
The tall blonde gave her partner a significant look, but Michiru just met it with an enigmatic smile...
"So, what are you going to do?" Nami interrupted, looking up at Haruka with pleading eyes. "You won't leave two young ladies like us all alone... will you?"
Now how could she say no to such a request from two such wonderful girls?
She sighed, then with a half smile: "All right, I'll come."

"Why?" With that simple question the tall figure of the blonde racer appeared in the doorway of her partner's bedroom, where the girl was sitting in front of a mirror brushing out her hair.
"Nani?" Michiru asked without turning around. She could clearly see Haruka reflected in the mirror... noted how the girl crossed her arms before speaking again. "We shouldn't go."
The young violinist spun around to face her friend. She didn't even need to ask where it was that they shouldn't go. "And why is that?"
Haruka blinked in front of such a ridiculous question. Wasn't it obvious? Well.. probably not, since Michiru really wanted to go... "There are a lot of good reasons for us not to go, don't you think?" she said resolutely.
"For example?" Michiru was definitely enjoying this game.
"First of all, a youma could attack while we are away... what if it finds a Talisman? Then, our families.. they know nothing about this trip... and then... well, you know... they all think I'm a boy, so I will likely end up in a room with other male students... it would be torture. You know how their minds work at sixteen years... they only think about -that-..."
Michiru would dearly love asking something more about that '-that-', but she didn't want to ill-treat Haruka and simply addressed her concerns: "We'll only be away for three days and no youma will attack in that time. I can feel it," the young violinist spoke with certainty and also with a slight note of sadness that caused Haruka to curse herself for bringing up the subject. She continued: "As for our families.. they are not here to sign our permissions, that's why the principal took the responsibility to sign them on their behalf." She paused a moment, then: "And in regard to the room problem, you can simply stay with me."
Taken aback by those words, Haruka was quick to hide her emotions and look unaffected... nevertheless, Michiru's eye was trained enough to note the blonde's almost imperceptible reaction.. was it surprise? Anxiety? Longing?
She couldn't say and also didn't want to know... it wasn't the right moment. So, before her taller partner could say anything, the young violinist promptly added: "After all, we are living in the same apartment... what's wrong with it?"
Nothing, of course... and the discussion was - as always - over.

With the Shinkansen it had only taken a couple of hours to get to Kyoto.
The trip had been a quiet one. Many girls had tried to work up the courage to ask Haruka to take a picture with them, but the presence of Michiru - sitting right next to the blonde - and the strict look of Takashi-sensei discouraged them.
Once at the station, the class took the bus waiting for them to reach the place where they would spend their nights... a modest establishment, just like Takashi wanted: 'You are still young and immature, that's why you cannot see how very lucky you are to have everything you ever need and want. You're too used to this westernized consumer life style! Don't you ever forget we are Japanese and proud of it!'
The result? Well, since a hoteru was apparently strictly forbidden, they ended up in a ryokan that was so small they had taken almost every room.
Strange as it was, Takashi-sensei and Megumi-sensei (the young math teacher, if not to say a beautiful woman) didn't say anything about the rooms divisions. It looked like whatever the students decided among themselves would be all right - as long as they behaved and made no noise.
And since most of the students wanted to stay together in larger groups, Haruka and Michiru managed to take the only double room without arguement... there was no way, however, they could do it without stirring up gossip...
"Did you hear?"
"Hear what?"
"Haruka-kun..."
"..and Michiru-san..."
"They are going to sleep in the same room!"
"Nani?"
"Oh, so mature..."
"It can't be true! What about Takashi-sensei? He will never let them sleep.. you know, together!"
"Tsk, Takashi-sensei is too busy courting Megumi-sensei to care!"
"They are.. together?"
"Not yet... but it's just a matter of time. Haven't you seen how gentlemanly he acts with her?"
"Ehi, you're right!"
"Oh, come on! Megumi-sensei is too young for him!"
The whispered conversation among the group went on, but Haruka was fed up with it and closed the door to her room with relief.
"Man, they really love to talk an awful lot..." the blonde complained as she put down her and Michiru's bags, then paused to look around.
The place wasn't as big as their apartment at Mugen High, but it still looked comfortable and very clean. No bed was in sight, but Haruka knew there were futon in the closet, that they would prepare for the night...
"Does it really bother you? You should be used to being the centre of attention."
The tall blonde turned to look at her partner (who was looking around as well): "I'm used to be followed by girls, being seen as the prince of their dreams..."
In front of such a humble comment, Michiru's eyebrow rose in surprise and the aqua-haired beauty stared at her friend, who just continued. "But I don't like it when they're trying to guess what we may or may not do in this room."
"And what is it that we might do?" It was a silly question, of course, but the slight blush Michiru saw on Haruka's face before the tall blonde turned around was worth it.
"Stop teasing me about this matter. You know what I'm talking about."
"And since when has the great Tenoh Haruka become so shy?"
Again that confident smile played on the blonde's lips when she turned, moved closer to her friend and spoke in a lower (and damned sexy) tone: "Actually, it's you who have been acting like a naughty girl lately."
"Oh.. have I?" came the controlled reply, as the young violinist gave one of her most innocent smiles... a mischievous glint flashing in her eyes...
Since what had happened the day of their promise they hadn't been this close, looking into each other eyes... their mental bond was strong as it had always been, just like the physical attraction between them.
It was so hard to believe how very near they had been to... and were now...
Then with a half smile, Haruka turned towards their bags. "Better get ready. Takashi-sensei probably wants to leave as soon as possible. 'We cannot waste this precious time!'" she quoted their teacher, busying herself with settling her clothes.
Michiru simply watched her for a while. That was that, after all. After the important promise she had wanted so much, going against her own desires, they had slowly settled in the daily routine of a strong, flirtatious friendship. And everytime the tension between Haruka and herself became overwhelming, they acted like they had just done: pretending nothing had happened.
The aqua-haired beauty could still hear a voice from the depths of her being, screaming desperately that this wasn't what she wanted... but Michiru knew.. if she listened to that voice even for a moment, then she would never be able to go back ... never be able to deny her love again.
She had to hold on to their promise, until the day (if they succeded) that they could finally be together... and deep in her heart, Michiru knew Haruka was doing the same.

When the class met in the hall, they were divided into groups...
"Here in Kyoto there are several places you must see: Nijo Castle, Taizoin Temple's garden, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Ginkakuji Temple, Katsura Imperial Villa..."
"...Pontocho Kaburenjo Theater..." came the whispered advice of a grinning boy, soon joined by some other male students.
The history teacher didn't notice, however: "Of course we won't be able to visit every place in three days, not to mention the fact that it would be even worse if we move all together. That's why every group will go on its own and we will join together this evening at six o'clock. The places are marked on the maps I gave you, along with Megumi-san's mobile number. If you need us, call her. We will be together..." there was a slight note of pride in his voice in that last sentence, something that caused the students to giggle in amusement, while the embarrassed math teacher tried to change subject. "As Takashi-san said, there's a lot to see in a very short time. So if you want to also have some fun, you'd better hurry.. and never leave your group, Kyoto is still a big city."
Finally, after the last warning, the class was dismissed and the many groups soon disappeared in different directions. Only five students were left standing in front of the ryokan: Michiru (the leader of the group), Haruka, Nami, Ritsuko (a girl with violet-dyed hair and a strong personality) and Ginta (a shy boy with short, black hair). Risuko and Ginta were childhood friends.
"Okay, guys, let's get going! What about shopping?" Ready to face the world, the violet-haired girl looked from Michiru to Nami, waiting for an answer. After all, it was girl's business, wasn't it?
But before either of them could speak, someone else shyly stepped in: "Ehm, I don't think it's a good idea, Ritsuko-chan... Takashi-sensei didn't want us to wander around pointlessly..."
"Oh, come on, Gi-chan, stop spoiling the fun!"
"He is right, Ritsuko-san. On the map he gave me, Takashi-sensei has assigned all the places that we have to visit in the next few days." As Michiru unfolded the paper in front of the others, they were shocked.
"What?" Nami blinked, hoping she had seen wrong... "He's circled every temple, museum and castle on the map!"
Half shocked, half angry, Haruka crossed her arms with a stern look in her emerald eyes: "That man is crazy. How can we move throughout Kyoto in a mere three days holiday?"
"Of course, we won't be able to see everything..." the aqua-haired beauty, being the rational voice (along with Ginta, who was too shy to speak), calmed the group. Michiru knew exactly what to do: "But if we follow a studied route we can manage to get to most of these places."
"That means we won't have any fun..." the displeasure in Ritsuko's voice was apparent.
"That means.." Michiru spoke patiently as if she were speaking with children: "We can also relax a little if we don't waste time."
"Well, then.. Michiru-san, show us the way!"

Knowing Michiru only as a brilliant, perfect student, how could they have also imagined the girl would be a great leader?
Choosing the shortest routes, the clever girl had already led them through a fair number of wonderful temples and had also answered to every question her friends could think of, with the result being their esteem for the aqua-haired beauty reaching the very top. There was nothing Michiru couldn't do or know.
Having understood that a long time ago, Haruka confined herself to watching the goings on. At almost 2 p.m. they passed right next to what looked like... "A game center!"
Much to everyone's surprise, it was the usually shy Ginta who spoke.
With a knowing smile, the violet-haired girl stepped right next to her friend to tease him a little. "Please, forgive him. Gi-chan is a real otaku when it comes to videogames and computers... ne, Gi-chan?" the poor boy was now crimson red. Then, with perfect timing, Ritsuko's stomach chose right that moment to growl. Now it was her turn to blush as Nami laughed at her.. "Looks like your stomach wants to stop as well..." then, looking at Michiru: "Why don't we have a break here? We could eat something, relax and then go on with the visit of Kyoto."
"That sounds good to me too." Michiru admitted and when Haruka also nodded in agreement, they went in.

For once, Ginta appeared completely at ease as he looked around and then chose the game he wanted to play: a F1 race simulator.
He took a seat, inserted a coin and for the first time that morning, the shy boy dared to speak to the tall blonde: "Do you want to play?"
"No, thanks. I prefer the real races." Haruka said, without even try to hide her boredom in front of such a childish thing.
Not noticing it, the boy focused again on the screen, while his childhood friend began to cheer for him: "Go, Gi-chan! Show us what you can do!"
The red lights turned green and the race started. Ginta was usually an awkward boy, but now that he was behind this steering wheel, something had changed in his behaviour... he looked smart, self-confident, at ease... and he was driving skillfully.
The race ended and Ginta won. Ritsuko was now jumping for joy, while the boy went back into shy mode. Michiru smiled - happy for them, but when she turned towards Haruka she saw something sparking in those teal eyes... and her smile got wider.
"Ginta-kun, let's play together." the blonde said suddenly - it was more of a demand.
"H-hai!" the boy jolted, surprised by the seriousness in Haruka's voice, but he hurriedly took his place (the blonde was already waiting for him) and the race began with Nami cheering for Haruka and Ritsuko for both. Michiru was simply watching.
Soon enough, both of their cars were far away from all the others. Ginta was in first position, but Haruka was right behind him... a great result considering the blonde had never played before, but for her mere second place wasn't enough.
They had just started into the last lap when Haruka's car took advantage of a space Ginta had left open and overtook him, then driving at horrid speed, she outdistanced him, safely crossing the finish line first: she had won.
With a huge grin, the young car racer looked at her opponent: "Let's do it again."
Hardly able to suppress a giggle, Michiru couldn't quite believe how easy it was to make Haruka happy. And now that the 'boys' had found something to do, the girls sat at a table and ordered something to eat.
Soon enough the energized voice of the handsome racer had spread and a group of excited girls was gathered around her.. and Ginta, as well (he was a good player after all.
It didn't take too much longer before Ritsuko decided to get in the way, dismissing the fawning pack of girls.
Nami took this opportunity to carefully look at Haruka. The tall blonde was so caught up in the game, so determined... and with a self-confidence you usually didn't see in girls... was that the reason so many mistook her for a boy? Because it was the only explanation she could come up with... of course, she had been deceived too in the beginning.. first by her height, after that by her strength and manners... but then, as soon as she had understood that what she wanted to see wasn't the blonde's true form, it had become so clear.
That was the problem... people always saw what they wanted to see, not even realizing that the real Haruka was so much better than the one they had created in their mind.
"How can they not see it?" she sighed.
"I really don't know."
Hearing the answer to a question she didn't mean to say out loud, Nami almost jumped in surprise. The red-haired girl looked at the smiling Michiru not knowing what to say... just then Haruka, a still fuming Ritsuko and a confused Ginta came to sit with them: "I can't believe I've lost every single race..." he lamented.
"You shouldn't blame yourself. Truth to be told, you did pretty well. I've never found such a strong opponent.. not even in real races."
The blonde's words seemed to cheer up the disappointed boy, who finally smiled. "Arigatou."
Haruka sat down next to Michiru while Ginta and Ritsuko were on the other side of the table with Nami. It didn't take them long before they started to argue, or at least, before Ritsuko began to... it looked like the violet-haired girl had ordered for Ginta his favourite dish, tempura, not knowing that the boy didn't like it any more.
"You loved it!"
"That's right.. I -loved- it..."
"And since when have things changed?"
"Since when my mother had started to cook it almost every evening. I'm sick of it..." the shy boy murmured.
"Well, I'm sorry, but I've ordered it and you know I don't like it! Who will eat it, then?"
"Okay, guys!" an exasperated Nami interrupted them.. "I'll eat the tempura and Ginta-kun can have my udon."
"A-are you sure, Nami-san?"
"Of course!"
"Nami-chan is a good girl.. you're very lucky, Gi-chan." There was something strange in Ritsuko's tone, probably jealousy, but the shy boy was too naive to get it. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing, just what I said... if you can't understand it, it's not my fault!"
"Oh, please, stop arguing you two!" Nami begged.
While the discussion was taking place, the aqua-haired beauty took the chance to cast a playful look on her taller partner, who was still smiling with satisfaction about the races she had just won. Of course they weren't real, but still better than nothing, ne?
"You needed to prove yourself, didn't you?"
"I just wanted to have some fun..." the young blonde replied casually, but the proud smile on her lips betrayed her.
Michiru had to stifle a laugh as she looked at those wonderful emerald eyes with a mischievous smile. "Sometimes you're just like a child."
Confused, Haruka blinked. "What do you mean?"
Sometimes, the tall blonde too could be quite naive...

The afternoon went on well, just like the morning. After lunch their pace was slower and they even managed to stop at a couple of shops. Ritsuko continued to tease the poor Ginta, with only a few attempts of the others to help him: they all knew it was the way the two friends chose to comunicate with each other and accepted it. Just like the two old friends now understood that the famous, wonderful couple was nothing more than.. well, a wonderful couple. They teased and flirted, but were very approachable once you got to know them. The other girls still found it hard to suppress flashes of envy for the young violinist's place at Haruka's side when the blonde offered her arm to escort Michiru to the next museum. What would it be like to have such an attentive partner?

Back in their room that night, it had been an awkward moment for the both of them as they had opened the closet to get their futon. The room had looked big enough the first time they had stepped in, but now it seemed so small... and their futon were so close... then why did Haruka feel so far away from her partner? Why was Michiru so quiet? What was she thinking of? They lived in the same apartment, they spent most of their time together, they fought and argued and laughed together, then why was it so strange to sleep in the same room?
"Which side?" Haruka's voice sounded strange even to her own ears, but she had to say something... Damn, why was she so nervous? And why was Michiru so calm?
"Nani?"
"Where do you want to sleep... right or left?" she asked again, pointing to the mat on the ground.
"Oh.. right is fine."
They put down their futon in silence, then the violinist spoke: "I'm going to change." and Michiru left the room.
All alone, Haruka couldn't help but wonder what her partner was going to wear for the night. Probably a pyjama since they were on a school trip. She could remember quite well a night she had woken up due to a nightmare and walked into the kitchen in t-shirt and pants for a glass of water and found Michiru sitting at the table. The girl was so deep in thought that she hadn't even noticed the interested look Haruka gave her lingerie or the deep blush that colored her face as some not-so-pure thoughts crossed her mind...
In moments Michiru was back, wearing a pyjama, of course... and a liberal coating of moisturizer.
Haruka couldn't suppress a gentle smile. Her friend never left home without her cosmetics.
Michiru caught sight of the blonde's amused grin. "What?"
The racer simply shook her head. "Nothing. Let's go to sleep."
It was still 10 p.m., but they were so tired after that first day at Kyoto, that they both wanted to go to sleep straight away.
"Goodnight, Michiru."
"Goodnight.. Haruka."
There again, it was silence.
Unmoving, Haruka was intently staring at the wall. She knew that if she turned on the other side and stretched her arm, she could easily reach her partner... aah, what a nonsense! They had a mission, they had to save the world!
Her feelings towards the young violinist didn't matter, she shouldn't care about it. There was no time for love: she was the one to tell Nami those words and now...
Angry with herself, Haruka closed her eyes and shifted position to find a more comfortable one, determined to fall asleep, unaware of the pair of blue eyes staring right at her back...

By their second day in Kyoto, Haruka had to admit that Michiru was right: the school trip was the perfect occasion to forget all of their problems and relax for a while, just like they had during their training at Ojiwa.
Of course, they had to visit several places to please their teacher Takashi-sensei, but they still enjoyed being together... and Haruka was now also enjoying the presence of some giggling Catholic school girls (that were on a school trip just like them), who couldn't find the way to the station and asked the handsome boy to keep them company until they found it.
Of course, the always-kind-to-pretty-girls blonde was more than willing to help them, but Michiru had a different idea.
Walking gracefully through the small crowd of enraptured ladies, the young violinist lightly touched Haruka's arm to get her attention. "Don't you think you're forgetting something?" and she nodded towards Nami, Ritsuko and Ginta, who had been bored but were now curiously watching what was going on.. "We have no time for.. this." Michiru gestured to the group around her.
"'This' is called providing help. We can't just leave five young ladies all alone... it may be dangerous." Haruka winked at the nearest girl who promptly blushed prettily.
Michiru had to fight hard not to roll her eyes when she heard the others sigh around her. She then decided to speak directly with the one who was rubbing herself all over Haruka, trying to get back her attention. "You don't have to worry... it shouldn't be that difficult for you to cross the street and turn at that corner," she said, pointing where the road turned and disappeared behind a tall building: "The building is right over there, just follow that sign to Kyoto Station. See? You were so close to it and yet, you didn't find it. Strange, isn't it?"
The brilliant smile of the young violinist was met with the embarrassed expressions of the girls, who thanked her and then preferred to go on to the station.. alone.
When Michiru turned again towards Haruka, the tall blonde had that big smile the aqua-haired knew all too well.. "It's funny how sometimes you can't see what is right under your nose."
The young violinist was more than sure that her partner had already known where the station was, but she simply smiled at Haruka's comment.
They were wandering back toward the rest of the group, who were no longer paying attention to them, when the wind tore across their path and a shower of cherry blossoms flew across the road.
"Hanami?" the blonde asked.
"So early," Michiru said, surprised.
Haruka caught one of the delicate blossoms in her hand. Her eyes darkening as she regarded it. The sakura burst into brief glory then fell and their beauty trodden underfoot. Long ago the samurai had revered them as symbolic of the transience of life and found in them the inspiration to conquer the fear of death. "The life of a flower." she whispered softly to herself, but Michiru heard her and her expression was pained as she regarded her blonde partner.
"Haruka..." she started, an aching pain obvious in her voice.
The taller girl looked up with an uncommon vulnerabilty in her expression, then she smiled softly. "Hey. It's beautiful, ne?" The blonde closed her eyes then and turned her face into the warm breeze, letting the petals carress her cheeks.
Again, Michiru was struck by the childlike cast to Haruka's features. She was reminded of the innocent faith Haruka had put in her to teach and guide the guardian of the wind on her path as a senshi - a path that could lead to her death. The blonde had even offered her love, a gift that Michiru had desperately wanted to take, but... she trembled slightly at the swell of emotion in her chest.
Something shifted inside Michiru then and she knew then that their promise was hollow to her. She would hold Uranus to it, of course, but there was no way she could let Haruka die. She had seen the admiration in Nami's eyes yesterday, had realized that the other girl too was struck by the sheer beauty and uniqueness of Tenoh Haruka. What an amazing world that such an unconventional creature should exist and what a dark and lonely place it would be for Michiru if she did not...

Later that evening they had a rare opportunity to return to their room for a few moments alone. The angelic figure was surrounded by the orange light of the setting sun and was looking - Haruka knew - in the direction of the sea, even though she couldn't see it from Kyoto. She had stood watching the slight figure for a long while before she decided to join her on the balcony of their room. "What a wonderful sunset..."
Back from her reverie, Michiru had turned to her friend with a warm smile. "Hai."
In silence, they stood there, watching the sun sink out of sight.. thinking...
Almost unconsciously, the aqua-haired beauty's hand reached out to lightly touch Haruka's. Michiru expected the blonde to pull away, but she didn't and simply held onto the volinist's hand.
When their hands finally parted it was nothing more than a simple movement, but for a brief moment Michiru had felt as if she were lost...
"It's time to go. Dinner will be ready by now." The tall blonde's voice was as husky as ever, but this time there was something else in its low sound... did Haruka feel what she had felt? She sighed.
"Hai, let's go."
That evening at their dining-table, Nami and Ritsuko were cheerful and noisy as ever and it looked like they managed to involve Ginta as well.
Only Haruka and Michiru were quieter than usual.. their minds far away from Kyoto, focused again on their mission, on what they had to do in order to save the world.. and their happiness...

After dinner, the whole class left the ryokan to spend the evening at the nearby karaoke bar.
Nami it turned out was a karaoke addict and sang at least five songs: all cheerful songs that the red-haired girl performanced with a certain self-confidence. Nevertheless, her best one was definetly the only sad one, that spoke of a secret love... the whole class was deeply captivated by it.
When it was Ritsuko's turn, she sang twice and then she also managed to convince Ginta to sing the third one with her. When they asked Haruka (of course the girls wanted to know how her deep, husky voice sounded when she sang), the tall blonde refused to perform, saying she wasn't interested... and then Michiru stepped in, saying she would sing in Haruka's place. The girls were surprised, but then they promptly nodded in agreement.. after all, they wanted to hear Michiru's voice as well.
The aqua-haired beauty took the microphone and closed her eyes to concentrate on the song. It looked like she didn't need the music, then she began.
What song was it? It looked like nobody knew, but they didn't care.
Michiru had such a soft, sweet voice... They could listen to it for hours and never get bored.
Also Haruka was carefully listening. She already knew her partner was a great singer... back at their apartment, she had sometimes heard the beautiful violinist singing in the shower.
But this time there was something different... the song... the tune was familiar, but the words weren't the same ones she remembered... it seemed the violinist had yet another gift.

"I want to thank destiny
Because I was able to meet you
Break through the silence of the lies and
Together we will secure true peace."

When blue eyes slowly opened, they instantly met the teal ones of her partner. The tall blonde then smiled and broke the eye contact by closing her eyes... they didn't need words to communicate.
"Sugoi, Michiru-san! It was so beautiful and sad and.. oh, so beautiful!" Ritsuko was almost on the verge of tears, soon followed by Nami: "Sniff, I've never heard such a heart-breaking song before.
who wrote it?"
"Actually... I did." the violinist confessed.
"Nani! You're great, Michiru-san!" the violet-haired girl was now looking at the elegant violinist with adoring eyes.
"H-hai, you are a marvelous artist, M-Michiru-san."
"Arigatou... Gi-chan." the girl replied with a playful smile as the shy boy went crimson red.
When Michiru went back to sit next to Haruka, the others were still talking about the song... she glanced at her handsome partner out of the corner of her eye. "What did you think?"
"Your singing is... pleasant..."
"I wasn't talking about my singing..."
They sat there for a while, watching Ritsuko's performance, then the blonde's answer came in a whisper: "I'll never regret my choices. It's thanks to them that I've been able to meet you."
A sweet smile formed on Michiru's lips as she soflty replied: "I know."

The real shock of the evening was yet to come in the form of Takashi-sensei.
The strict teacher - probably drunk - had completely identified himself in the role of the suitor and was now singing a love song at the top of his voice, while the poor Megumi-sensei was desperatly trying to get him to sit down. Embarrassment was written all over her pinkened face... it was something the students would hardly forget.
Nevertheless (or just because of that), the next morning their history teacher was even more harsh than usual and since he wasn't satisfied with what they have done alone, he decided to show them himself what they had to see and know about Kyoto. They walked all day long at a horrid pace and when they finally took the Shinkansen to go back home, they were exhausted.

After having said goodnight to Nami, Rtsuko and Ginta, Haruka and Michiru arrived home at their apartment, at last.
"I can't believe it! After all we have done and suffered, he still asked us to write a report about the trip and Kyoto's history!" the young car racer was so worn out that she threw her bag in a corner of the living room and collapsed on the couch.
Michiru was as tired as her partner, but she was still smiling when she sat down primly next to Haruka: "That's what you did in Kyoto? ...suffered?"
"Uhm, sort of.." the girl grunted.
"Does that mean you didn't enjoy yourself?"
The blonde thought about it for a moment, then a grin formed on her lips: "No.. I did."
"I was right then... that we should go."
"You're always right." Haruka allowed easily with an amused smile.
The aqua-haired beauty pretended to be surprised: "Is that so?"
"Uhm, sort of..."


Author's Note: First of all, very special thanks to Suiren since the idea about the samurai and cherry blossoms was hers (arigatou: D)
Then... yeah, it's time for some explanation... as you can imagine, I had to do some research for this chapter.
All the places I have talked about really exist and can obviously be found in Kyoto.

Shinkansen: The high speed bullet train.
Hoteru: Nothing more than a hotel (western style).
Ryokan: A traditional Japanese inn.
Pontocho Kaburenjo Theater: This is where the geisha perform and live.

Uhm, do I forget anything? If there's something not clear, just ask me.
See ya!