Dear Readers,

Little Light Left… wow…. I didn't know I could use alliteration!

Love,

Wolf Princess Aya

Lasting Memories

Yusuke walked back inside happily- though empty handed- a few minutes later. Everyone stared at him as he closed the door behind him, humming happily.

"Didn't you find it?" Maya asked curiously.

"Hmm?" Yusuke beamed as he sat back down, soaking wet and grinning like a maniac.

"The trunk . . .?" Hari said slowly, as if talking to an idiot.

"The-? Oh, that," Kurama replied for Yusuke, "It doesn't matter."

"Nope, it doesn't!" beamed Yusuke. There was a moment's silence.

"I think I'll go take a bath," Yusuke announced, hoping that he would find a bruise on his stomach where Keiko had punched him, so he would have something to remember her by.

"You do that," Kurama replied distantly. But when he did, he found himself all alone with Sayo, Maya, and Hari. And for some reason, he just wasn't comfortable with that.

"Um, I think I'll take a look around the house," the prince said slowly, getting up and heading for the stairs.

"Oh! Let me show you around," Hari said smoothly, a smile plastered on her face as she swept over and reached for Kurama's arm.

"No, its okay," Kurama replied, subconsciously finding himself stepping out of her reach. "I prefer to find things myself." Hari cocked her head in confusion, but then nodded, turned, and sat back down with her mother and sister.

"I'll just wait for you?"

"I won't be long, discuss more about the flowers," Kurama chuckled, kissing Hari on the cheek before walking slowly upstairs.

Upon entering the room, the prince first thought he would drown in pink- ness. The lace didn't add much to the decor either, on his opinion. He was just about to turn around and search the other rooms when he noticed a girl lying on the bed. Sleeping, it seemed.

Walking over to the side of the bed, he took in her features. He couldn't help but notice how she looked like a ragged Sleeping Beauty, with her face and body framed with so many fragrant flowers.

She was dressed in an apron and a plain brown dress and which was ragged at the ends and seemed a bit large for her, but greatly complemented her slender figure. Her long, cerulean hair was fanned over the pillow, but it looked as if it could use a wash and a combing, since large snarls were evident.

And her face. It was soft and full, her lips pink and her cheeks rosy, but she was covered in smudges and looked underfed.

All in all, she was a captivating creature, and the prince found himself just wanting to watch her as she slept.

Suddenly, her long black eyelashes fluttered.

"Nnn…" she moaned, sitting up slowly and rubbing her eyes. As she noticed the prince, her eyes widened and she backed up so quickly, she toppled off the opposite edge of the bed.

"Your- your highness!" she gasped as she looked up at him from the floor, "I'm- I- I'm so sorry!" Her eyed filled with tears that greatly alarmed Kurama.

"No! Please don't cry," he said quickly, walking over to her and helping her to her feet.

"I- I didn't know you would be in here-" the girl began again, but stopped when Kurama interrupted.

"It's quiet all right. You look tired, you should get more sleep." He smiled at her, and she managed a weak smile back.

"I don't have time to sleep," the girl said, letting go slowly of his hands- which caused him to realize that he had been holding hers the whole time.

"Busy?"

"You could say that," she smiled, wiping her eyes and staring up at Kurama gently.

"You work here?"

"You could say that, too." Kurama stared curiously at her, but she just smiled back. Then her smile was replaced by a nervous look.

"Oh, I should be going. If I'm caught here by Hari-" She gulped, and then began to walk to the door when Kurama grabbed her arm.

"What's your name?" Both suddenly got a feeling of eerie de ja vu, but said nothing. The girl bit her lip.

"I don't know if I should tell you."

"Please-"he began, but was interrupted by Hari barging through the door. She glared daggers at Botan.

"YOU!" she hissed as Botan cowered slightly, "How DARE you- you MESS AROUND WITH MY HUSBAND!"

"We were just talking-" Kurama said, quiet alarmed. Hari's look softened considerably as her eyes fell on her husband-to-be.

"Oh. . ." she said gracefully, "I- I suppose I spoke to soon." She glared once more at Botan, who ran out of the room quickly, tears flowing down her cheeks.

As Hari smiled up at Kurama, he couldn't help but think how beautiful, how very much like the girl at the ball, she looked. However what she said next snapped him out of his daydreams.

"Don't mind Botan, dear," Hari smiled at Kurama, taking a step closer, "she's just our maid."

"Botan." the prince repeated slowly. 'Where have I heard that name before?'

Botan ran down the halls and into the kitchen, where she quickly hid in her little corner, her eyes clenched against tears.

'I'll be okay, I will not cry. I'll be okay, I will not-'

"Botan!" cried Sayo as she entered the kitchen. "You idiot! Go tend to vizier Yusuke, you stupid brat! Go!"

Botan nodded, wishing she could stay in her corner forever, and ran out towards the bathroom.

Gah... Hari had to ruin everything again! Darn her... Oh well!

Aya-chan