MY LITTLE PRINCESS
Chapter 12. Meetings
(Kenshin-22; Kaoru and others-12; Yahiko-3)
A/N: Hi all! Here is the next chapter. I hope you all liked the last one and thank you for the very nice reviews! The voting at my site is almost over, and ::drum roll:: well, really, I don't know who'll win cuz the "fight" is really close. LOL! Hmm, what else? A few more weeks and then, I'll be back to school, so that means (I hope not) slower updates. Gomen ne? Well, to make it up to you, this is extra long. BUT, some spoilers are ahead, so read at your own risk and please don't try to punish sessha. ::sweatdrops::
Quick note: Ei guys, sorry bout the "plump" thing. I was supposed to type in "plush". I don't know what got into me! ::sweatdrops:: Hehehe... I corrected it anywyays. Sowiii again!
Rekka's Angel - Again, thank you very much! ::hugs::
TO THE REVIEWERS: How could I forget you guys? At the bottom as always.
Yahiko had his thumb in between his teeth. His brow eyes vigilantly following Hiko's every move at the front lounge. Kaoru was at his side nodding as Hiko gave her instructions. Kamatari started to pull the biggest bag which had small wheels. What was going on? It was already late in the evening and absolutely way past his bed time. All the sound outside woke him up. He got out of bed, but now nobody seemed to notice him. He yawned and then rubbed his left eye.
He neared Hiko but he just placed his big hand over his head with spiky hair. Now I know what a cat fiws (feels) like... Yahiko told himself. Still confused, he pulled at Hiko's sleeve lightly. Hiko stopped talking and turned towards the little boy.
"Ne, Uncle Hiko, wew (where) aw (are) you going?" his big brown eyes were questioning.
Hiko smirked at the sight of the young boy. The neckline of his sleeping shirt almost slipped over his shoulder. His hair was in a frenzy. But other than that, he was adorable with his rosy and chubby cheeks, even Kaoru smiled at the sight of him.
Hiko bent down to meet the small boy face to face and ruffled his hair. Yahiko slightly flinched. Hiko's hand was still heavy even though he tried to be gentle.
"Yahiko, Uncle Hiko will see Kenshin for a while, so you be good until I come back, okay?" Hiko spoke out meeting Yahiko at the eye.
"Ohhh! You mean Kenshin-nii!? The one with the wed (wed) haiw? (hair)" Yahiko's eyes grew wide.
Hiko nodded. "So, what do you want me to buy you when I come return home?"
Yahiko let his eyes travel up. "Ow! I know! I saw dwis (this) channel and a huge purple colored dinosauw (dinosaur) was siwnging (singing). What was his name agewn (again) Kaowu-nee?" Yahiko craned his neck to get a glimpse of Kaoru.
"Barney, my dearest. Barney the dinosaur." Kaoru smiled.
"Ow yeah! Bawney! (Barney) I was twinking (thinking) if you can bwing (bring) him home?" Yahiko said out cheerfully.
"No problem young sir. Your wish is my command." Hiko humored the boy.
"Yaaaaayyyyyy!!!" At that, Yahiko hugged him tightly.
Hiko smiled half and raised his hands to pat Yahiko softly at the back.
Kaoru walked close to Yahiko and pulled him off slowly. "Now, now Yahiko-chan, let go off Uncle Hiko now or else the people will think his clothes aren't ironed!"
Another smile curved in Hiko's lips as Yahiko's arms were removed from his shoulders.
"Anou, Hiko-sama, I think you have to get going now or you'll be battling with the traffic and end up missing your flight!" Kamatari called out.
Hiko looked back and nodded.
"Well, Uncle has to go now. You two be good and don't be a headache to Kamatari-san, okay?" His superior voice talked.
"You worry too much Uncle, we'll take care of everything, ne Yahiko-chan?" Kaoru looked down at Yahiko who was wrapped around her arms.
"Nnnnnnn.." Yahiko simply said grinning widely.
Hiko sighed heavily. "Okay, then. Kaoru, remember what I told you, you have to make sure every freshman will master the basics and that they be ready with the second level. Five days is sufficient time for them to do so and I know you'll be able to do that. And I left Kamatari some money for you to use and aside from that, I added some extra at your account just in case you'll need it."
"Un. Wakatta!" Kaoru smiled sweetly.
"Saa, must go. You kids take care for a while." Hiko said his final good byes and the kids waived off as the car went off.
Kaoru shrugged her shoulders. Her grip on Yahiko's shoulder loosened a little.
"I guess we have to be a little responsible for a while, ne Yahiko-chan? What do you say?" Kaoru said staring outside.
"I gwes (guess) so. Kaowu-nee, can I join the kendo class too?" He looked up at her.
Kaoru giggled. "Hum...let me see... Sure, but you must grow up a little bit more, okay? You might trip over once you swing the shinai!"
"Mou! Kaowu-nee!" Yahiko pouted.
"Maa, maa, tell you what, you can watch as we have the training so you will know what to do once you start. But promise Kaoru-nee you'll be very good and don't cause much noise, okay?" Kaoru was in her big sister voice.
Yahiko got out of Kaoru's hold and faced her. He raised his right hand with his thumb out and placed his left hand on his waist. "Owkhayyyy! (okay) Yahiko pwamizessss!!! (promises)"
Kaoru chuckled. "That's nice. Okay, so let's go in. It's way up too late for you."
----
"Kaoru-san." Kaoru felt a soft tap on her shoulders gently rocking her.
Kamatari-san...but it's so early... Her mind registered.
"Kaoru-san, you need to wake up now, the new students will be arriving around 7."
Kaoru quickly got up. "Oh my God! I almost forgot! I only have a few hours to meditate and warm up myself!"
"I have been trying to wake you up my dear. Get yourself dressed while I make breakfast, okay?" Kamatari's soft voice commanded.
"Wait, I'll help you!" Kaoru quickly fixed her bed and then ran off to the dressing room to change.
Kamatari was taken aback. This was interesting. Kaoru was always scared of the kitchen because she can never ever perfect her cooking.
"Goodness, are you sick my child?" Kamatari said placing her hand over the chest.
"Mou, it's not like I'm the one who's going to cook! I'll just help you out and then maybe, you can teach me little by little. You know?" Kaoru said as she closed the door behind her.
Kaoru eyed the clock on her wall. 5:30 am. "Ne, what do you think Uncle Hiko will be at the U.S.?"
"Well, it could take him 15-20 hours. We'll be expecting a call from him until this afternoon, I presume."
Kaoru made an "o" shape in her mouth and nodded.
Kamatari gestured them to get out of the room.
"Ne, Kamatari-san, why didn't you practice kendo like Uncle Hiko? He's your brother after all." Kaoru asked as they were walking down the hallway.
"Are you kidding me? And get myself smelling like vinegar with sweat all over my body?! I'd rather be doing housework and cook than swinging those awful swords all day long. I value my skin, you know? And besides, that's why I had my name changed, so it'll be more suited to my feminine form." Kamatari returned in a high pitched voice.
Kaoru sweat dropped. "Eeto...aren't your parents mad when you wear kimonos and stuff? You're still a..."
Kamatari covered Kaoru's mouth. "Shhhhh!!! Whatever you do, don't say that word! It makes my hairs rise!"
After Kamatari removes his hands over Kaoru, which were, by the way very soft, Kaoru took a deep breath.
"Okay, okay." She tucked a portion of her hair behind her ear. "What's your perfume? It smells rather new."
"Ow this?" Kamatari asked as she raised her wrist to her nose. "Hugo red. I got tired of the other one, so I thought of having a new one.
"Whatever!" Kaoru whispered to herself.
"What was that you were saying?" Kamtari raised an eyebrow.
"Ah? Oh! N-nothing! I said we should hurry up and make breakfast!" Kaoru feigned innocent.
----
Kaoru stood leaning at the counter watching as Kamatari cook up some fried eggs. She remembered how Kenshin used to make breakfast for her.
"Can you hand me over some plate Kaoru-san?" Kamatari asked. The eggs were cooked.
Kaoru took a white platter and handed it neatly to Kamatari.
"Thanks." He replied without looking at her.
"Ne, Kamatari-san, how do you think Ken-nii looks like now?" Kaoru asked her brows knitted.
"Well," Kamatari placed two fried eggs on the plate. "How old is he again?" he eyed Kaoru as he gestured her to sit.
"Twenty two." Kaoru plainly answered as she sat down.
"Pretty much the same but still different." Kamatari retorted as she took some bread from the cupboard and jar of jelly on the fridge.
Kaoru didn't answer. Different. The word rang in her senses. He has a girlfriend now...But he said...
"Like you my dear. You still are the Kaoru I knew years ago, but, look at you now! You evidently grew up!" Kamatari exclaimed as she sat herself in one of the chairs too waking Kaoru out of her stupor.
"Itadakimasu." Kaoru broke in as she started to bite a piece of her bread eyes sad.
Kamatari nodded not noticing how Kaoru responded and started to get some garden salad.
----
Kaoru took in a deep breath. Her eyes was closed as she was sitting cross legged inside the dojo meditating. She was now in her training gi and hakama. Her hair was pulled up in a very high ponytail.
She opened her eyes for the first time in thirty minutes.
"They're here." She told herself. She half smiled and then started to go to the dojo's door.
She opened the doors and in came sunlight. Outside, about 40 new students aging from 12-17 greeted her.
"Ohayou Gozaimasu!" they chimed in one accord.
"Ohayou, minna-san! Please, come inside now." Kaoru returned acknowledging their presence.
After the students settled themselves, Kaoru went up to the front and vigilantly looked at each of their faces showing no emotion. According to Hiko, this was one of the best ways to get the students' respect and keep them from making fun of her considering she was only twelve.
"Hear me now. The dojo's master, Hikosei Juuro will not be around until next week. For that matter, I, Kamiya Kaoru will be training you for the entire week and after that, Hiko-sensei will be the one to teach you. You will have physical tests as well as written tests." Kaoru's stern voice echoed through the dojo.
"What? That little girl will teach us?" A boy whispered to his seat mate.
"This must be a joke! We're obviously older than her!" The other boy whispered back.
Kaoru heard it. At first, she was intimidated. She took in a deep breath. No. I can do this. I promised Uncle Hiko...I promised to Tou-chan and Ken-nii I will be strong.
"Just to remind everyone, I am the only Shihondai in this dojo. In that case, you must submit whenever I give you orders, or else, I will not think twice of kicking you out in this class. Is that understood?"
Everybody was taken a back as well as amazed. If she was the Shihondai, then, they thought, she must be really be good. They couldn't do anything but to nod in silence.
"Is that understood?!" she bellowed.
"Hai!" they all returned back.
"That's fine then. Before we start with the basics, I'm going to teach you some warm ups you will need to perform every time we have lessons."
"Anou, Kamiya-sensei, can we interrupt you for a moment?" A voice called out from the entrance.
Kaoru caught a glimpse of the door. She bowed in front of the students. "Sumimasen. Chotto matte."
"Sou-chan, Okita-kun!" Kaoru greeted them. They were also in training outfits.
"Ohayou Kaoru-san!" Okita beckoned.
"What are you doing here?" Kaoru asked.
"Well, we thought of helping you out with the new students. Misao wanted to come but she has flu." Soujiro told her.
"She's sick? Oh, that's too bad. But, sure, why not? I sure might need your help." Kaoru smiled.
"Saa, shall we start with the 'torture'?" Okita joked.
Kaoru chuckled. "I think so, we can't let the students down, ne?" They all chuckled not letting the students hear it. "Hey, did you bring your bokkens? The students will use the shinais."
"Right here!" Soujiro assured bringing out a shiny bokken from behind.
"Good." Kaoru coolly said and then led the two up front. After presenting them to class, they started to have lessons.
----
Hiko walked down the aisle of the plane taking his coat and a small bag with him. Finally, after almost one day of sitting in the plane, he arrived at Connecticut. He took a look at his wrist watch. Almost past lunch time. He sighed. He decided to call back home once fully settled.
He stopped at the arrival area to verify his passport and visa and then continued at the baggage counter. He waited some three rounds before all of his suitcases appeared.
When Hiko arrived at the waiting area, he caught a glimpse of a very familiar shade of red. He smirked. He already knew who it was. Baka deshi...
Hiko walked through the swarming crowd. As if on cue, Keshin also saw Hiko's greenish hair towering above the crowd. Excited, he went closer himself.
"Uncle!" Kenshin said with arms wide open ready to hug him.
Hiko raised a brow. It was Kenshin all right. He was taken aback but he kept his emotions to himself. The boy grew. No... he told himself. He's already a man...
Hiko placed his coat in one of Kenshin's arm. "Sorry. Hugging men is not one of my business." He blankly said.
"Oro! " It was his Uncle all right. "I hope you had a nice flight Shishou."
"Yeah, whatever. Now, can we go?" Hiko simply said.
"Sure. Saitou is waiting for us outside." Kenshin said as he followed the older man.
The airport had a central air conditioning system. But once outside, it was really humid and Hiko wanted nothing but to soak in ice water.
"How have you been friend?" Saitou's cold voice acknowledged Hiko's arrival as he leaned on the newest model of Toyota, Vios. After that he took a sip out of his cigar.
"Very well indeed." Another smirk went out of Hiko's lips. He was also happy to see Saitou after all the years that has passed them by.
After loading all of his luggage, Kenshin went inside the car first, taking the driver's seat. Saitou sat in the front while Hiko comfortably seated himself at the back seat.
"So, how has been my nephew doing here?" That question was directed to Saitou.
"I'd give him 5 out of 10. Well, at least he made it to Suma Cumlaude and on top of that, he didn't add anymore lines to my precious face." Saitou gave Hiko a look.
Kenshin sweat dropped. Precious face???
"I see. And how is Tokio?" Hiko returned looking rather amused.
"She's doing fine too. We recently adopted an orphan whose name is Eiji. I found him messing with my trash can one day looking for food, and Tokio insisted that they boy stay. So he did. I guess it's not a bad idea." Saitou's eyes reflected under the street lights.
"I did too. But that was almost three years ago. The boy was left in front of the dojo gates and Kaoru and her friends found him." Hiko retorted passion roamed his senses.
"But wait, speaking of the dojo, who looked after the dojo?" Saitou suddenly asked.
"Kamiya's daughter. Kaoru." Hiko confidently answered back.
Kaoru-hime... Kenshin whispered to his psyche.
"You let a little girl handle a new class?" Saitou couldn't believe his ears. Was there something wrong with Hiko? How could he let a child do that?
"You doubt it? Do you think I would do such a thing if the girl's not capable? Oh, did I tell you? Kamiya Kaoru earned her Shihondai status at the age of ten. How dope is that?" Hiko replied with an air of satisfaction in his voice.
Kaoru? Shihondai already? How come no one told me? Kenshin was equally flabbergasted.
"Well, if you say so." Saitou said accepting defeat.
These two really get along well with each other! Kenshin whispered to himself. Shishou and Saitou are known to be "talk" killers, but, heh, look at them!" Kenshin was really amused at how things were going on.
"Oi, baka-deshi, can you hand me over your phone? Got to call back at home."
Kenshin took his 7250 in the cellphone counter of the car and handed it to without losing his sight on the road.
Hiko started to punch in some numbers. The phone rang twice. And then, someone answered it.
"Moshi moshi?"
"Kamatari? It's Hiko. I just arrived here at Connecticut. How are things there?"
"Oh just fine, don't worry." Kamatari's soft voice almost cracked Hiko's ear drum.
"How about Kaoru and Yahiko?"
"Oh they're doing good. They're at the courtyard playing. Kaoru had her first session with the class this morning. The Seta cousins helped her out."
"Okay. Just call if you need anything okay?"
"Hai, hai. You worry too much! Kamatari the beautiful is here!" she almost sang those words.
"Well, that's what I'm half afraid about." Hiko murmured.
"What was that?!" Kamatari furrowed.
"I said see you in a week."
"Oh, I see. Okay, bye bye!"
At that, a small beep was heard ending the call.
"What day's your graduation again?" Hiko asked nudging the cellphone in Kenshin's shoulder.
"The day after tomorrow. 18:00 o'clock." Kenshin answered taking the cellphone back.
"Okay." Hiko sighed.
"Anou, Uncle, tomorrow, there's someone I want you to meet." Kenshin said taking a small glance at his back.
Hiko felt like he knew what Kenshin meant. Just like how he did with Kaoru. He raised a brow. "What time?"
"Around 20:00 o'clock. I already reserved a table in a hotel uptown." Kenshin swiftly spoke.
----
"Ahhhh! My throat is so sore!" Kaoru grumpily said rubbing her neck. "All those screaming and talking aloud seemed to rip off my vocal chords." She laid her back flat on the dining chair.
"Tew (tell) me about it Kaowu-nee. You were so nowsy! (noisy)" Yahiko complained. This morning, he woke up earlier than he usually does because all the "commotion" in the dojo reached his room.
"Gomen ne, Yahiko-chan? Would you like to stay at Genzai jii-san for a while so you won't be disturbed?" Kaoru asked tapping her fingers on the table.
Yahiko rubbed his chin with his small fingers. "I don't know..."
"Ne, Kaoru, why don't you try chewing some ginger? It might help relieve the pain in your throat." Kamatari suggested as she took the plates away from the table.
"But it tastes nasty!" Kaoru disagreed.
"Well, it's your choice. It's better to suffer for just a matter of minutes than to suffer for days." Kamatari derisioned.
"Oh, okay. I'll have some before I sleep then." Kaoru gruffly said giving up.
"Your Uncle called this afternoon. He said he has safely arrived in Connecticut. I didn't call you because I know you were busy playing with Yahiko up the tree house." Kamatari informed.
"Yokata! Safe, yes. Happy, I don't think so. You know how much he hates airplane food!" Kaoru giggled.
"Saa, you children get ready for bed. I'll bring your "medicine" later on to your room Kaoru, okay?" Kamatari stared smiling.
"Doumo. C'mon Yahiko-chan, let's go." Kaoru bowed back.
Yahiko looked at Kaoru with puppy dog eyes. It only meant one thing: PIGGY BACK RIDE
"Hai, hai, wakatta your highness!"
----
Hiko, upon arriving at the restaurant, discovered it was of Italian cuisine. Oh boy... He whispered to himself. He and Kenshin were the first ones to arrive. Of course, that would be necessary. It'd be rude to let the "visitor" wait, right?
"Good evening sir!" a receptionist with a long pointed nose greeted them at the main door.
"Good evening." Kenshin replied in his fluent English. "I am Mr. Himura. Himura Kenshin. I reserved a table for three in here. Can someone please lead us to it?"
"Just a minute sir." The receptionist checked the computer for reservations. "Ah yes, third floor, V.I.P.'s area. I'll have an usher bring you there. I understand you have one more companion Mr. Himura?"
"Ah, yes." Kenshin returned.
"Please spare a moment and fill in this form sir." The receptionist took out a piece of paper with some questions in it.
Kenshin handed out the paper when he finished filling it up.
"Thank you sir. We'll have your colleague accompanied once arrived." The receptionist tapped a button on the counter and an usher automatically arrived in an instant.
"Please bring these two gentlemen to their seats." The receptionist gave the usher a piece of card and gestured them to follow the usher.
Kenshin and Hiko bowed. "This way gentlemen." The usher spoke and the three walked on.
----
Hiko looked at his watch. Fifteen more minutes before their guest will arrive. Looking down to the floor, not understanding why, Hiko caught glimpse of a loose thread hanging in the hem of his slacks. He decided to go to the comfort room to fix it.
"Chotto." He waived to Kenshin and then left his chair.
When he finished removing the loose thread, Hiko decided to go back to the table. His tall figure towered over the other people in the lounge the same way in the airport.
His long black hair majestically tied back. He was striding back and then he took a glimpse at his watch. But then, suddenly, he bumped into someone.
He heard the person gasp from the fall. From the tone, he knew it was a woman. Heck! Anyone who could've bumped into him would surely trip over. And this was no exception.
"I am very sorry madam." he politely apologized in English as he helped the woman up.
"Oh, thank you. Don't worry, I'm fine." The woman answered back fixing her scarf. "No harm done!" The woman smiled. Looking up, she planned to tuck a piece of her hair behind her ear but her hand was suspended in the air.
Hiko was as surprised as well. He couldn't let go his arms off the woman's shoulders.
"Oh my God! Hikosei! Is it really you?" The woman was wide eyed.
Hiko couldn't believe who he was seing! "Okon." he simply said.
Okon threw herself and embraced Hiko. Releasing her hold, she spoke. "It's nice to see you again!"
"You too." Hiko couldn't find the right words.
Okon smiled. "You haven't changed a bit Hikosei." she batted her eyes twice. "What are you doing here anyway?"
"My nephew is going to graduate tomorrow."
"Nephew? Oh! You mean Kenshin? I heard of him. He's at the Connecticut University, right? I always thought that name was familiar somehow! That's great!" Okon's hands were knitted with each other.
"How about you?" It was now Hiko's turn to ask.
Before Okon could answer, a voice called her name. "Okon?" it went.
Okon looked back. "Oh James. Come here, I want you to meet someone."
The man was wearing a brown Americana. He had short, blonde hair and dark brown eyes. He wasn't as tall as Hiko and wasn't as bulky as well.
Hiko's forehead crumpled for a second.
When James came closer he slipped his hands around Okon's waist.
"James, meet Seijuuro Hikosei. You remember him, don't you?" Okon's palm was raised up.
James nodded and smiled. He took out his free hand and offered a hand shake. "Hello. Nice to meet you. Okon has told me a lot about you."
Hiko took his hand and shook it. He simply smiled.
"And Hikosei, I want you to meet James Anthony Fitzgerald. He's half Italian and he manages the place. And, my fiancée." Okon proudly said.
Fiancée??? The word echoed in Hiko's mind. It has been really a long time...A very long one.
"I see. Congratulations to the both of you then." He tried to give his warmest smile. From a distance, he caught sight of Kenshin standing. Their guest must have arrived.
"Well, as much as I want to talk to you, but I guess, I have to go now. I think our companion has arrived. Again, congratulations." Hiko returned to his civil dialogue.
"Thank you and nice meeting you." James returned.
"Sayounara Hikosei. Matane." Okon said in their native language. She loosened James' hold and gave Hiko another hug. "Doumo..." she whispered to him.
"Aa. Omedetou." Hiko simply said. At that, they said their goodbyes and he walked back to their table. Memories good and bad seeping out with every step. Okon... The name went again.
"Uncle, you're here." Kenshin greeted as Hiko arrived at the table. Beside Kenshin is a plush girl. Pretty much the same age as his. She had brown curly locks falling off past her shoulders. She was wearing a red off shoulder dress that reached past her knees. Her eyes were green. Damn this boy. He caught himself a big fish.
"Uncle, I want you to meet Marge Zutherland. My girlfriend."
----
Tsuzuko (TBC)
Saa, must go now! That's a lot of replies, but, I don't care. I know I must and I SHOULD reply to each and everyone cuz you guys are the greatest! ::peace:: m/ . m/
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