MY LITTLE PRINCESS
A/N: Hi everyone! ::sniff:: sorry for not being around and taking me too long to post this one up. ::sniff:: Well actually, sessha has been sick for two days now (with cough, colds and a slight fever) God! I hope it isn't SARS and I was a little busy renovating my Chester Bennington site. Oh yeah, I just watched the episode on RK wherein Kenshin said goodbye to Kaoru.... so sad but yet so beautiful! Neweis, enough of that. I'm sure you are all ready to kick me in the a for being so "punctual"... lol! on with the story!
To the reviewers: At the bottom, of course. Ei, thanks to all of you! I didn't expect to have soo many reviews from the last chap.
Rekka's Angel - Thanks sooo much for all your help!
Chapter 11. Decisions
(Kenshin-22; Kaoru and the others-12; Yahiko-3)
Kaoru pressed the left mouse button and clicked preview greeting card. Her palms were on her chin as she waited for the next page to load. After taking a good glance at the screen, she clicked the "yes" button.
"I hope Ken-nii liked the e-card I sent him!" Kaoru said to no one as she stretched her hands up in the air. "Ken-nii will graduate in about a week! and that means he can now come home! Mou! I know he didn't make it the last time, but I'm sure he'll be back now!" she smiled to herself.
Kaoru decided to log off the computer after a few minutes. Rising from her chair, she went out of her room and strode off to the library.
Entering the main hallway from her room, she turned left and walked in a long corridor. At the end was her Father's library which was now Hiko's office that he used when he's at home---and where he eventually spent all of his time if not in the dojo.
Standing at the half opened double doors French doors, Kaoru tapped on them.
"Anou, Uncle Hiko, may I come in?"
Hiko removed his sight from the book he was reading and then eyed the door knowing exactly who the voice was from.
"Come in." His gruff voice acknowledged.
The doors creaked open revealing a sitting Hiko in his big wooden chair. He removed his glasses once Kaoru was in.
"Sit down." he told her gesturing her to sit n the couch that was adjacent his table.
"Doumo." Kaoru bowed as she sat noiselessly on the couch.
"Anything you might want young miss?" Hiko asked casually.
"Mou, Uncle! I'm not used to you calling me that!" Kaoru said her head crumpled.
The older man seemed to be amused and he smirked a little. He sighed. "Anyway, I suppose you have something to tell me, yes?"
"Anou, Uncle..." Kaoru caught a glimpse of her knotted fingers. "Are you going to attend Ken-nii's graduation? If yes, c-can I come?" Kaoru couldn't help but just stare at the older man, her eyes expectant.
What's in those blue eyes of this girl anyway? Hiko asked himself. He felt so...so subordinate against them. Heck! He's a master of two sword techniques and a full grown man. He was in fact, "not born yesterday". But, why did he feel like so when those eyes stare at him expecting of something. Kamiya, help me... He whispered to his deceased friend in his mind.
Snapping out of his stupor, Hiko began to talk. "Well, yes, I suppose so. But, I'm quite not sure when to leave. I mean" Hiko slid his hands over his paperwork and files piled on his desk "I have to finish some things first, and of course, the summer course for the new students at the dojo."
"Ohh, I see..." Kaoru's voice trailed off as she nodded.
Hiko saw Kaoru's eyebrows bat for a couple of times. "But, don't worry, I'll be telling you when my schedule is quite spacious, so we can assess your needed documents to go abroad."
A ray of light shone through Kaoru's dim world. She smiled and then looked at Hiko. "Hai, thank you very much Uncle!" At that, she quickly got out of the couch and gave Hiko a warm hug like the ones she would usually give him years and years ago in times like this one.
"That's fine. Now, be a nice girl and let Uncle Hiko finish some things, okay?" Hiko said trying to sound gentle as he patted Kaoru's back. Indeed, the little girl was a "young miss". How time flies so fast...It feels like yesterday when she was so small...Hiko said to himself.
After thanking him again, Kaoru released her hold, bowed and left the room. After closing the door, Hiko's phone rang from inside. She was about to take a step when she heard Hiko answer it. At that moment, Kaoru's feet seemed to be glued to the ground. Why she couldn't, she didn't know. It felt like her psyche told her not to go yet.
"Yes?" she heard Hiko's voice through the closed door.
"Yeah, I know. Kaoru was just here a while ago and asked me if she could come." At that moment, Kaoru knew who Hiko was talking to---Kenshin. She felt guilty. This was rude, wasn't it? She decided to leave, but her feet wouldn't move.
"Everything's fine a week ago, but then I remembered that there are enrollees for the new batch at the dojo which will have their classes this coming week contradicting your graduation's schedule. Well, you know how it works, the dojo offers classes per batch, and if we postpone the first batch, the others will have problems with their schedules too. Their students too, and you know you some of them may have summer classes or such. I probably think you know what I mean."
There was a moment of silence for a while.
"I know that too." Hiko sighed. "Okay, give me a day or two to patch things up, and then wait for my call. If in any case I won't be able to come, I'll just tell Saitou to proxy me."
Silence.
"Okay. Okay." At that, Kaoru heard Hiko return the handset onto its counter ending their call.
----
The whole day, Kaoru's mind delved into nothing but the phone conversation between Hiko and Kenshin. She badly wanted to see her Ken-nii, but there were a lot of obstacles. If Hiko was indeed going to take her to America, who would administer the dojo? But, if Hiko won't go, it would be like ruining Kenshin's graduation!
Kaoru sighed as she let her body fall, back first on her bed. From her position, the framed picture was above her head. Ken-nii...Please tell me what to do...The dojo can't be disregarded, but, you don't have to be either...Mou!
Kaoru closed her eyes and a few minutes later, she fell asleep.
----
Kaoru felt small fingers pinch her nose. She wanted to open her eyes but she couldn't.
"Kao-wu nee! Kao-wu nee!" she heard a small voice calling her. From her subconsious mind, she knew who it was---Yahiko.
Slowly opening her eyes, she found Yahiko sprawled on top of her.
"Waaaa!!!" Kaoru screamed.
Yahiko fell to the side of the bed laughing. He made a funny face that made Kaoru yell. His hands were on his cheek stretching the skin from his eyelids down to his cheekbone.
"Yahiko-chan! Don't do that again!" Kaoru said her elbows supporting her body.
"You'w (you're) so funny Kao-wu nee!" Yahiko said and continued to laugh.
Kaoru shot him a look but she laughed with him nevertheless remembering that she used to do such things to Kenshin to wake him up. Ken-nii...
"Uncle Hiko swaid (said) iwt's (it's) time for supper. And he told me to tew (tell) you." Yahiko said as she snuggled closer to Kaoru.
"Supper?!" Kaoru exclaimed. "You mean to say I slept for that long?" Kaoru looked at the clock. It was already 19:00 o'clock.
"Ikou Kao-wu nee! Harareta!" Yahiko said pulling the sleeve of Kaoru's shirt.
"Okay, okay, let's go." Kaoru stated as she began to get up but then she felt Yahiko's hand clutch her wrist.
She looked at him with eyes questioning.
"Piwgy (piggy) back ride!" he said raising both of his hands out.
Kaoru raised a brow.
"Pweeeeezzzzzeeee??????????"Yahiko squealed.
Kaoru glared at the boy with a smile. She turned around and let Yahiko climb at her back.
"Hold on now!" Kaoru said as she checked Yahiko at her back.
Yahiko nodded and murmured a word of assurance.
"And off we go!" At that, Kaoru went out of the room with a laughing Yahiko in her back.
----
After a sumptuous dinner with Yahiko and Hiko, Kaoru took a hot bath and then decided to talk over something with her Uncle Hiko.
Taking a last quick look at her braided hair in the mirror, she took a deep breath and started to walk over to Hiko's room which was on the other wing of the house.
Walking through the polished corridors with slow strides, Kaoru collected her thoughts and "rehearsed" the words she would tell to Hiko.
Her feet stopped. As she removed her sight from the corridor and up to the shouji door, another sigh came ut of her.
With a firm voice, Kaoru spoke. "Anou, oujama shimasu (I'm going to disturb you) Uncle Hiko, but may I come in?"
After a few seconds, Kaoru heard footsteps coming from inside. At that, the shouji smoothly opened.
"It's you Kaoru. Do you need anything from me?" Hiko asked looking down at her. He was still in his long sleeves and slacks.
"Uhm...Uncle, may I talk to you about something?" Kaoru asked hesitantly.
Hiko thought he already knew what she'll say. He shrugged his shoulders lightly and nodded. "Come in then."
"Sit down, please." Hiko offered as she led Kaoru into the receiving area of his room where a few couches lay with a circular glass table on the center.
"Doumo." Kaoru answered back.
Hiko sat himself on one of the single couches that was on the sides of the longer couch where Kaoru sat.
"What do you want to tell me then?" Hiko started reclining and placing both of his harms on the arm chair.
Kaoru fluttered her eyelids for a couple of times and then decided to speak.
"Uncle, about next week...On Ken-nii's graduation." Kaoru paused and breathed. "I, I decided not to come anymore." She gulped. "This morning when I went out of your office, I really didn't mean to, but I couldn't help overhearing your phone conversation with Ken-nii...And I thought it over. He needs you more than me to be in his graduation. Besides, if we both do leave, then how about the kendo class this summer? With your permission Uncle, I'll stay here and teach them the basics for the first week until you arrive." Kaoru congratulated herself after her so thought "successful" dialogue.
"I had a feeling you'd say that..." Hiko's gruff voice broke through the lamp lit room.
"E?" Kaoru plainly muttered.
"Kaoru, if you want, you still can come with me. Tell you what, I'm going to arrange the schedule of the dojo classes so we'll be able to go together. I'm sure, Kenshin misses you over me. And look at it this way, it has been a long time since you both saw each other, right?" Hiko offered.
"Nnn..." Kaoru let her head swing sidewards and then smiled. "I decided it would be better that way Uncle. Ummm, if it's okay with you, I'll just let you bring some of our pictures during my graduation so he can see Yahiko too!" Kaoru ended her statement with a small giggle.
Hiko smirked. Your daughter's just like you Kamiya...stubborn... "Are you sure?"
Kaoru nooded candidly. "Zutto." (is this correct? Do change it to a more fitting word, Meg.)
"Saa, as you wish. I have full confidence that the new class will be well prepared when I arrive." Hiko half teased.
Kaoru grinned. "Count on it Uncle!"
Hiko stood. "If that's all, then I guess you must sleep now."
"Hai. Thank you very much again Uncle!" Kaoru stood up quickly and was about to turn her heel when she faced Hiko again and placed a kiss on his cheek.
Hiko was taken aback. Sure, he was used to Kaoru's gestures since she was like this since he could ever remember; but at the same time, every single act she does felt like the first time to him. He felt like laughing at himself.
"Go on now, little child." Hiko said patting her back.
----
(Meanwhile... in America)
Kenshin sat on his opened window with his cellphone in hand. He took out the pendant inside his shirt and opened it. Kaoru-hime... He closed the locket and then started to punch in some numbers. He knew it wasn't that late to call back home. Kenshin was so excited.
After three rings, someone answered the phone.
"Hello? Is that you little princess?" Kenshin smiled when he heard his "baby girl's voice".
"Hai! I was about to go to my room but I heard the phone ring so I went to the living room."
"Oh, I see. Anyway, when are you and Uncle coming here?" Kenshin asked quickly.
"Anou, I won't be coming Ken-nii...I decided not too because if I come, the kendo class will be affected. And besides, Uncle Hiko's presence counts more than mine anyway. But, don't worry, I'll just let him bring some of my pictures and Yahiko's too. Is that all right?"
Kenshin frowned. "Oh...I see...That's awful princess. I wanted to see you too, but, since you said you decided it, I respect it. And, I'll be looking forward to those pictures too."
"Ken-nii, before I forget, I want to say congratulations! You really deserve it! Mou! I wish I'm as good as you when I grow up!"
Kenshin could almost imagine Kaoru's enthusiastic face. He smiled. "Maa, I know you'll be. Just believe in yourself and you can do anything you want!"
"Thanks for the encouragement Ken-nii! From now on, I promise to study extra hard!"
Kenshin chuckled. "Good luck then, but don't strain yourself too much, okay? Or else you'll end up looking older than you are!"
Kaoru giggled. "Sou ne!"
"Oh yeah, hime, I want to tell you something since you won't be here next week. I want you to be the first to know!"
"Sure, sure! What is it Ken-nii?"
"Well, it's like this, when I knew that you and Uncle are coming here, I decided that it was the right time for you guys to meet my girlfriend. You know, she's so nice! I wish you could meet her. But don't worry, if I ever have a chance to go home early, I'll make sure she comes with me." Kenshin was on cloud nine.
Girlfriend??? Kaoru thought inwardly. But why? Ken-nii, you promised me...I'm the only girl for you, ne? Ne?
"Princess? You still there?" Kenshin asked for the second time.
"Ha-hai...I'm sorry Ken-nii, but the line went choppy." Kaoru faked. In reality she didn't know what to say or to think. Different thoughts and feelings raced through her mind and heart.
Why? Why? Why? Those words echoed inside her head.
"As I was saying, don't tell Uncle about it just yet, okay? I want to surprise him. Can I count on you princess?"
"E...sure thing Ken-nii...Don't worry, he won't know." Kaoru's tried hard to keep her voice still.
"Okay then, thanks Hime. Well, I guess you need to sleep now, ne? Good night then. Sweet dreams! Mwaaaahhh!" Kenshin felt happy as a sparrow.
"Oyasumi nasai...Ja..."
"Bye!" At that, Kenshin ended the call and smiled. Taking out the locket and opening it again, he placed a kiss over Kaoru's picture on the left panel and then decided to make breakfast.
----
(Back at the dojo)
Kaoru stepped inside her room without a sound. She felt like a nail was planted on her heart. Kaoru sat on the edge of her bed.
"Why Ken-nii...You promised me, remember? Please remember...You promised..." Kaoru's voice was croaky.
"What are you thinking about Kaoru? Kenshin can never love you like what you think! Look at you! You're ten years younger than he is! He only loves you as his sister! Wake up! You're dreaming! You have no rights to be jealous!"
"No!" Kaoru answered to her own thoughts. "No...It can't be! It can't be..." Tears slowly found their place in her eyes. Her hands shook over her mouth as tears went down her cheeks.
The voice inside her laughed. "Don't you see? It was something like this years ago! He promised not to leave you, but what did he do? He left, right? Promises are made to be broken. How many times did he say he'll come home, but did he? No! And now, you believe that we told you when you were just a child is true?!"
"Datte...Even so...I know Ken-nii will always be there for me...Always..."
The voice didn't answer. Instead, Kaoru heard patters of rain in the roof and scants of moments later, progressed into a heavy rain... Thunder...Lightning...Rain...Thunder...Lightning...
It was just like this...
And it rained...
----
Tsuzuko (To be Continued)
How was that? Short again? ::sighs:: Sowiii! pwamiz to make it up!
Well, that's about it again! Till next time... And please be very nice to give me some medicine by
leaving a review...doumo!