Warning: This has not been beta-read so don't expect my grammar to be so perfect or up to date.
Disclaimer: I love Ken too much to ever claim that I own Love Hina.
Chapter One: Introduction
We all tend to create illusions to deceive others. It's not our fault.
After all, we're only human.
Illusions such as goals, dreams, hope, and faith. Meanings behind those words formed by naive individuals who cannot comprehend the true perspective of the cold world itself. We laugh, cry, and even try to achieve and obtain one of the silliest things that are not really necessary to survive in life. This century is corrupted by the media—along with the Government who hides the darkest secrets from his people. So what does he do to hide this forbidden knowledge of truth? He simply lies, better yet, and creates an illusion to not only deceive gullible believers but to also consume their trust. With their trust, he can take that advantage and become the most powerful man in the world.Similar to me. Trust can take the longst time to build... but in just a second... you can loose it forever.
But let's not discuss about the Government anymore. After all, this is my story I'm willing to share with all of you.
It all started when I visited the Hinata Apartments… Right after I left in order to "find" myself. Unusual you might think? You'll understand once you need to do it yourself. You see, though I still have that slight timid girl in me, I'm not the same person you might've known ten months ago in February.
Judging from the time of the day, I guess you can say that we're going to see something normal today.
Normal. Define normal. I guess something that typically happens everyday, or something that you're use to seeing and feeling.
"YOU PERVERT!"
Just like that.
A familiar female war-cry echoed in the Hinata Inn. As loud and as terrifying as it sounds—enough for others to scramble to their feet and take cover, I found it completely normal. I nearly chuckled when I saw a flying figure blasted through the old building and descended to the Heavens above. Brushing the bangs that fell to my half-lidded eyes resembling tranquility, I let out a relieved sigh. I was relieved because I was home again. Scent of sakura trees gave a relaxed aroma around the old building and the ancient stone steps I've walked up—probably sixty steps in total. It brought back memories that should've been locked away.
Why was I back here again? To give out my final goodbyes?
Or… no. I questioned myself enough. Shaking my head with dismay brought me back to reality.
The effects of December were going to begin next week I suppose. The sakura petals were still strangely true to its color yet the wind felt more chilly than usual. Due to my alone time, I've taken a liking to this kind of weather. Calm, quiet, and accompanied by winds that'll make you shiver like the last dying leaf on a withered tree. Screw the weather people on the news who fake a disgusting smile and say that it'll be a beautiful day. Hah. Don't make me laugh media. Again, you're all just pitiful fools who have no right to say what's beautiful that is not truely beautiful.
"Excuse me ma'am, may I help you?"
I was so busy thinking to myself that I never realize someone had walked up behind me. That voice was indifferent and calm. Oh I recognized that voice very much so.
I turned and flashed my famous timid smile. The look on her face was priceless as I saw her dead cigarette fell out of her mouth. My dear Haruka... you haven't aged a bit.
"Ohayoo Haruka…" I gave a slight formal bow, eyeing the cigarette that has just dropped. I've always called those cancer sticks. Pity she wants to live life short.
"Shi—Shinobu?" She stuttered with her eyes filled with surprise and confusion. "I—I didn't recognize you… where—where have you've been for the past ten months…?"
My eyes soften as I watched the matured woman's jaw dropping to the ground. Had I been missed that much? My lips did not form a smile or even a small gesture humor. They were normal and still. Almost like a frown. Inhaling shortly, I faked an expression with much concern. "I'll explain later. Long story."
"Is that Shinobu?" Shouted a young foreigner with tan skin, blond hair, and forest green eyes. Typically, she was clinging on one of the poles... you know, with a little more hair all over her body, she can be a pet monkey for sale. My eyes traveled to the very well-known and also dangerous inventor Kaolla Su. Obviously, her big mouth that consumes inhumanly amount of food brought everyone out with great curiosity. Our violent beautiful Naru Narusegawa, the drunkard and huge breasted female Mitsune Konno and the lovely genderless kendo girl Motoko Aoyama. Well, at least almost everyone was here.
GWAHHHHHHHH!
Crash.
Ah, there we go.
The hopeless klutz, Keitaro Urashima, under a concrete of rubble. The girls watched in astonishment because of the unknown force striking him back here. I could've sworn he mumbled something about a red pig tailed girl with the strength of five Naru's combined chasing him because of a total misunderstanding. Again, he is the hopeless Keitaro Urashima—utterly clumsy and gullible. Some things never change and they never will.
Isn't there suppose to be a girl that is supposed to cry for help and mutter 'senpai?' Where is the girl that will faint and look so innocent that it's not even funny?
Oh where is she?
Where is the real Shinobu Marahera?
He sat up, the remains of concrete rubble still left obvious on his clothing. His glasses tilted and cracked. His eyes, wide yet soft chocolate orbs staring back at my emotionless face. His skin nearly turned white. Am I but a ghost and a memory here Mr. Urashima? Have you not expected a fourteen-year old with an enigma expression resembling your beloved step sibling Kanako, right here on this very spot? I bet you do think so.
I know very well you do. That goes for the rest of the residents too.
For those who are reading my thoughts, you think I am out of character? You don't think I'm the real Shinobu Marahera? Obviously, you don't know the whole story yourself. What happened ten months ago in February and why I've left with only a letter not really explaining my disappearance. You don't know the whole story.
Most importantly of all, you don't know me. All of you don't know me. None of you… and none of them.
An awkward silence created an atmosphere that nearly made me choke. Why are all of you staring at me? I close my eyes and sighed. Naru, Mitsune, Keitaro, Haruka, Kaolla, and Motoko… please, stop gawking at me. It is very uncomfortable. Please stop. Of course, I needed to say something.
"I'm back..." my voice was soft yet clear enough for everyone to hear. "And I'm here…"
My confessions and truth that were kept within me for the past ten months were about to be spoken to the man I fell in love with and to the people I've ran away from…
And in that moment, a wind strong enough to drift several Sakura petals rushed past me—as if I were to be consumed by it's strength. My life was meant to be kept untold, therefore, forbidden.
Because what I did in during my ten months disappearance… was clearly unforgivable.
End of Introduction and Chapter One.
Memoirs of a Geisha rocks, I love it. Anyway, reviews are welcomed and immature flames are bitched slapped by the ghost of Rick James. I'll continue once I'm motivated… damn science project.
Chapter Two Hint and Sneak Peak: Next time on "Promise Petals!"
"Urashima..." I whispered darkly as I stared at him with my eyes that gave out the same temputure as the winter's harshest. "There is... something that I can never forgive myself for commiting. Please, I came here only to visit and I'll be leaving shortly back to my travels."
"Shinobu..." His eyes pleaded me to stay, those eyes behind the thick glass... don't torment me anymore.
I don't go by that name or that tone. He talks to me as if I were a child. Some things never change... like always. "Bastard." I nearly cringed with my fists clenched that were also shaking uncontrollably. "I HATE YOU, YOU SELFISH BASTARD!"