MY LITTLE PRINCESS
A/N: Hiya people! Sorry for the cliffhanger in the last chapter and sorry for the "plump" mistake again. I corrected it already. It was supposed to be "plush". Bleh... Neweis, here's chapter 13. Don't worry, there's no cliffhanger here. (Unlike the last one, gomen!). Whew! I just finished updating my site. The winners are now shown and listed at my site, so please check it out if you have time, ne? It's 1:30 am right now and I feel really tired. Plus I'm going to Manila tomorrow... ::sigh:: It doesn't matter. As long as you guys are there, it's definitely and absolutely FINE! Now, onto the stowi!
TO THE REVIEWERS: At the bottom, please.
REKKA'S ANGEL: Thanks sooooo much!
(Kenshin-22; Kaoru-12; Yahiko-3)
Chapter 13. Wishes
"Thank you for the very nice dinner sir, Kenshin." Marge smiled gently at Hiko and then to Kenshin.
Hiko nodded looking rather satisfied clutching both of his hands together.
"Indeed. But I think it's time to go." Kenshin was the first to stand.
Marge leered. Kenshin helped her to get out of the chair and she smiled at him. "Thank you."
Hiko stood too. "Do you have a ride which will bring you home Miss Zutherland?"
Marge raised her bag up and placed it in the folds of her hands. "Ow, yes sir. Thank you for the care."
"Shall we go downstairs now?" Kenshin asked as he placed two 100$ bills on the velvet covered table.
When they were at the main door, two usherettes that stood by thanked them and opened the big glass doors.
"Well, here's my ride." Marge spoke as a black Lexus car approached them.
"Thank you for the time Marge." Kenshin said as his right hand was placed on her bare shoulders.
"And thank you to you too." She sweetly returned. Kenshin lowered his head and kissed her cheek.
Marge smiled and then went near to Hiko. "Mr. Seijurou, nice meeting you sir, and thank you very much again."
Hiko casually took out a free hand from his pant's pocket. Marge willingly took it and shook hands with him.
"Ah, yes. The pleasure is mine. And do send my warmest regards to your parents."
"Thank you very much Mr. Seijurou." At that, the three had their farewells and Marge stepped inside the car and it sped off into the streets of Hartford, Connecticut.
From the dinner, Hiko learned that both met during their second year in college. They entered the same university but in different courses. Marge Zutherland is the daughter of one of the major stockholders in the state. Aside from being very pretty, the girl was known to be helpful to the less fortunate. Despite her richness rarely does she look down to others. It was a good quality that Hiko liked. Nonetheless, she "passed" Hiko's "taste".
The drive back to the apartment was quiet. Hiko succeeded in keeping his emotions to himself throughout the whole dinner. He didn't want to ruin it, did he? Of course not. But now, his emotions were racing inside of him. Of all the people in the world, he met up with Okon. His first and last love...
(Flashback)
Okon's hand were wet with sweat. She was afraid to break the news to Hiko. Sooner or later, she felt this moment was going to happen. She sat on one of the benches that lined the university's park.
How am I gonna say this? Think Okon! Think! He forehead was crumpled. Her long brown hair protruded out as she bowed her head low.
Staring at the ground, she saw someone standing in front of her. From its stance, she already knew who it was. Hikosei...
"Okon? Is there something wrong?" Hiko asked as he sat himself on the bench coaxing Okon to look at him.
When she raised her head up, her cheeks were wet with fresh tears.
"Okon? What's the problem? Why are you crying?" Hiko was worried.
Okon's shaking hand took Hiko's large hand which was at her back. She bit her lip. "Hikosei..." She sobbed. "I...I have something to tell you."
"What is it?" Hiko asked with concern.
"It's my father."
As soon as Hiko heard the word "father" he felt his pulse rise. He and Okon had been together since 3rd year high school, and until now that they were in the last year of college, they were still together. Their relationship had been kept secret from Okon's family since her father didn't permit her to have a boyfriend and such.
"He, he found out a-about us...He was...he was so mad." Another sob went out of her. "And now, he commanded me to leave the country and continue my schooling elsewhere."
Hiko tensed. No. This isn't right. Hiko didn't want to believe what he was hearing. He gripped Okon's shoulders with both hands. "W-where is he? I'll talk to him. I'll do anything! Please Okon! You can't leave me! Not now!"
Okon only continued to cry. Her head was swaying sideways. She felt Hiko's hard grip on her shoulders. "Hikosei, I, I am sorry. If only I can make a way. Believe me, I don't want to leave you too, but, my Father, I cannot disobey him. You know how it is, right?"
Hiko felt guilty. Okon's father had a disease. An incurable one. Blood cancer.
And this year was his last.
He felt like wanting to scream. He felt like wanting to punch someone right in the face right now. But he couldn't. He felt his throat lock up. His strength fading away. He felt something wet run down his cheeks.
Tears? I'm crying?...
Okon placed her hand over Hiko's face brushing away his tears gently. "Oh my God, Hikosei, please, no. Don't do this to me. I, I don't want to choose..." She was crying badly now.
Hiko put his hands over Okon's caressing it shakily. This isn't real...No...No...No!!!! Hiko cursed himself. He wanted comfort. But how can he find that "comfort" when the one who he needs it from is the one giving him pain?
Okon let herself crush into Hiko's huge form. "Gomen nasai..." her voice was muffled by her tears.
They just stayed like that. For how long, they didn't know...
(End of Flashback)
"---home Uncle." Kenshin broke through Hiko's senses. "Uncle? We're home." Kenshin repeated.
"Aa." Hiko plainly answered. Hiko got out of the car noiselessly.
"Unlce, are you okay?" Kenshin asked worriedly as he hovered over him.
"I am." Hiko coldly returned as he started to get inside the elevator that will bring them up to Kenshin's room.
I wish I could turn back time... But it's too late... I cannot have what is not mine... Not anymore... Hiko thought grimly as the elevator door closed.
----
Kenshin was sitting in the couch watching Fear Factor on T.V. when Hiko came out of the bathroom drying his hair with a towel. Hiko decided to get a bath after the dinner. He felt like wanting to clear his fogged mind. The incident with Okon was really unexpected. He remembered their promise when they broke up...That they'll be open to new relationships and they had to move on. Hiko kept loyal to her. Believing she'll come back. Unfortunately, things weren't the same with Okon...
Hiko hit his forehead with his palm to shrug off those thoughts. He looked at his nephew who was sitting in the corner of the room.
Kenshin placed a curled finger over his clenched jaw when one of the contestants ate a live and hissing Madagascar cockroach.
"I used to put cockroach wings in your dinner baka-deshi." Hiko smirked.
Kenshin shot him a look.
Hiko smirked further and then went near a cabinet where he temporarily kept his clothing. He brought out a medium sized paper bag and then went closer to Kenshin.
He handed it to Kenshin who's eyes were questioning. A graduation gift? Kenshin asked himself in disbelief.
"Baka-deshi! It's not what you think it is. I'm not a softie like you. Just get it." Hiko glared at him.
Kenshin curiously took the packet while Hiko went off to put on his sleeping wear.
Turning the t.v. off, he carefully opened the sealed paper bag. Inside was a small photo album. It was colored with a plain sky blue with three sakura flowers on the center. As he opened it, he found a small piece of paper neatly folded and tucked inside. He picked it up and started to read it.
It was a letter.
From Kaoru-hime...
Ken-nii,
I really wish I could see you right now. To see you graduate and to see see you conquer all your endeavors. I wish to be like you someday. To be as smart, as talented and as strong as well. But on top of that, I wish to see you home again. Things have changed here. A lot. Kamatari-san said I have grown really fast and so is Yahiko-chan. I don't know if it's true, but, I still feel the same. We haven't seen each other for quite some time Ken-nii, but I know, from the day you left, you were still with me. Deep inside my heart, you will always be there. Always.
With love and care,
Kamiya Kaoru
P.S. Here are some of our recent pictures. Please enjoy looking at them!
Kenshin smiled. It's true. The girl hasn't changed much. Her caring nature was oblivious and he doubt it if it will ever go away. Of course not. Sighing, he started to turn to the first page of pictures.
He was astonished. Sure, they have sent him pictures now and then. But those were pictures of Kaoru when she was 7 or 8 or 9 years old. And this was the most recent. How old was she again? Oh yeah, 12. Thirteen this coming summer.
The guiltless smile was still there. Those perfect blue eyes and the raven black hair. But there was something different.
Kenshin looked at another picture where Kaoru was hugging Yahiko. Protectiveness... Kenshin obeserved.
Another picture was of Kaoru in a training outfit executing perfect swings. Strength and agility... Those words came out of Kenshin's mind involuntarily.
Kenshin turned to another page. There was a stolen shot of Kaoru under the setting sun. The hue was so soft and really breath taking. She hadn't expected the shot. Her soft lips were half open. Innocence... Kenshin was immersed in taking a look at those stolen moments. How he wished to see her right now! He can't help but be proud of what his little princess had become.
"She grew up as if she was stretched from head to toe, huh?" Hiko cut in.
Kenshin couldn't say anything so he simply nodded.
Hiko sat himself on the couch. "You know, there is more than meets the eye. When Kaoru was young, she used to cry and wail a lot. But now, I rarely see her shed even a single tear. She has become stronger. Drawing courage and faith from those around her that she knows need her. Like Yahiko. She loves the boy so much like her own brother."
Like how much I love her as my own sister... Kenshin thought silently.
"There was a time when I was called at her school's office." Hiko started.
Kenshin looked at him discern apparent in his eyes.
"Kaoru punched one of the boys in the class for making fun of another girl." Hiko snorted. "She's as stubborn as her father. And as compassionate as well."
Kenshin's mouth was half open with awe and dismay. "I think you shouldn't let her continue with Kempo any longer."
Another smirk went out of Hiko. "You can try. But you'll never convince her. You'll eventually give up."
Kenshin stared at one of the pictures again. Kaoru looked so fragile with her small frame compared to the very cute and chubby little girl he used to carry around in his shoulders.
"Well, have to sleep now. I don't want any eye bugs appearing in my face tomorrow. You know, at least my pictures won't be that bad considering you're in them with me." Hiko stood and went to the guest room opposite Kenshin's room.
"Oro!" Kenshin sweat dropped. His violet eyes turned back on the pictures.
Kaoru-hime...
----
"Have your stance this way." Kaoru instructed as she straightened a student's back.
"Aa. Doumo sensei." A young boy maybe at the age of ten replied back.
"Again!" Soujiro bellowed as he trained 7 boys about their age.
Sighs of exasperation went out of them. "Hai! 90, 91, 92..." And they continued to swing their shinais.
"Don't you think it's time for a little break Kaoru-san?" Okita came up to Kaoru wiping his sweat with the back of his hand.
Kaoru nodded. "Minna-san! You can now have your 15 minute break."
All of the students stopped and stood up. "Doumo Arigatou Gozaimasu!" And at that, they all went to the corners of the dojo looking for their bags.
"How's your group going Sou-chan?" Kaoru asked as Soujiro approached them.
"Quite okay. But, still have some things to patch up."
"Same here." Okita spoke.
"Mou, I didn't expect it to be this hard. I wish Uncle Hiko would come home soon. Not that I'm giving up, but, you know what I mean. I bet you're both tired to and come to think of it, it's only the third day." Kaoru sighed.
"I believe Himura-san graduated yesterday, ne?" Soujiro said as he sipped off his water jug.
"Make that tomorrow in western time cous." Okita followed finally wiping off all of his sweat with a hand towel.
"So, will Himura-san be coming home with Hiko-sensei too?" Soujiro asked.
"Yeah, of course. And it's about time." A giggle went out of Kaoru.
The two boys smiled at her.
And I wish nothing will prevent him from coming home now... Ken-nii, I'm waiting for your return.
----
And Kenshin's graduation finally came. Handshakes, cheers, camera flashes, video cameras and ovation apparently took over the University's grounds. Finally, after years and years of hardships and sacrifices, this day of joy came.
Marge, though she had a different course; and was going to graduate the month after, was there to see Kenshin have his "grand day". And Hiko finally got the chance to meet her parents. From Hiko's point of view, they were nice and down to earth. They congratulated him of his nephew's success in his Engineering course.
After a small dinner together the families decided to go home and settle down.
"And how do you say it in your language my dear? Omedetou?" Marge smiled at Kenshin whose arms were on her shoulders.
"Uh-huh." Kenshin was amused. "Thanks for coming." He whispered to her and it elicited a smile on both of their lips.
"So, when are you going home?" Marge asked.
"By the end of the week, probably." Kenshin coolly answered back.
"Awww, I wish I can come. But, I have to go to Portland for some social work." Marge placed both of her hands over Kenshin's shoulders.
Kenshin's eyes softened. He traced her temples with one finger.
Marge blushed. "Oh, before you go Kenshin, here's a little gift." Marge took out a rectangular box wrapped in a gold colored special paper.
Kenshin stopped skimming through her smooth skin. "Marge, you shouldn't have." Kenshin hesitated but was touched at the same time.
"You deserve it. Please, open it. I'd be very disappointed if you don't accept it." Marge smiled sheepishly.
Kenshin took the box and carefully opened it. Inside was a 24 karat Russian gold necklace which shimmered under the night sky. The necklace had a chain-like design. The pendant was octagon in shape and had the kanji inscription, "Kenshin" on it.
"It's beautiful." Kenshin just said. "Thank you."
Marge sniggered. "I'm glad you liked it. Now you can always remember me wherever you are."
Kenshin stiffened. He heard those words before...Not exactly the same, but still... But where? And when? From who?
"Kenshin?" Marge asked worriedly. "Are you okay dear?"
"Y-yes, I am. I think you're parents are leaving. I'll just call you later, okay?" Kenshin assured her.
"Okay. You take care. Good night." Those words were merely a whisper but was just audible for Kenshin to hear.
"Good night." At that, Kenshin placed a brief kiss on Marge's lips and then went off with a question in his head.
I heard those words before...But who? Where? When?
----
Hiko was sitting in the porch of Kenshin's apartment reading some documents which were obviously letters.
The letterheads contained companies: Honda. Isuzu. Mercedes Benz. And a lot more.
"Uncle?" Kenshin came out from nowhere.
"So, are you going to answer any of these?" Hiko eyed him for a moment.
Kenshin shrugged. "I don't know. I can't decide yet."
"I see." Hiko simply said and then placed the letters back neatly to their respective envelopes.
"But, I'm going to meet up with them today, actually." Kenshin quickly added.
"Good luck then. And don't spoil your luck." Hiko blankly warded.
Kenshin sweat dropped. "Oro!"
----
Kenshin spent the whole day meeting with the companies that wanted him to work for them. They had very nice offers but Kenshin still felt to check them all out just to be sure which one to pick. Finally, after hours of deciding and deliberation, Kenshin settled to work under Honda. They needed him for engine improvements and developments for their products---including robotics. After the successful launch of Asimo, Honda planned to broaden their studies of robots and all of those stuff and Kenshin felt challenged and felt the "urge" to tackle such a job.
"Thank you very much for your decision Mr. Himura. We greatly appreciate it." The CEO shook hands with him.
"And thank you to you too, sir." Kenshin retorted.
"So, we'll be expecting you to start within the week?" the older man asked.
"Um, sir, if it's not too much, is it all right if I start the week after the next? I mean, it has been a long time since I went back to my homeland, and I plan to this week." Kenshin politely stated.
The man paled. "I understand you Mr. Himura. But, it is the company's rules that when we hire someone new, might it be invited, referred or not, they will go through probation that will last for about two months. And here in America, we live in a fast pace, so you must understand the situation. Is that okay with you Mr. Himura?"
Kenshin kept silent for a moment.
The man pitied Kenshin. "If only I can do something. But, look at it this way, if you pass the probation, then I can even give you a month off if you wish to."
Kenshin smiled a little. "Thank you very much sir. It's okay. Maybe I'll just go home some other time then."
The man smiled himself. "The same is with me Mr. Himura. Again, thank you."
----
Kenshin went back to his apartment late in the afternoon. Hiko already prepared some dinner and Kenshin was half surprised.
"So, how did it go?" Hiko asked meeting him at the door.
"Fine." Kenshin simply said with a mixed tone.
Hiko cocked an eyebrow.
At that moment, Kenshin told Hiko about the probation.
"And because of that, I'm afraid I won't be heading home with you."
Hiko nodded. "Okay. I'll just have one ticket booked in that case."
Kenshin didn't answer. Was his decision the right one?
Wait. He felt somewhat like this before.
But then again...
When?
Where?
Why?
What was happening to him? It was...weird...
"--eat then." Hiko said. "Oi, baka-deshi, I said let's eat. It took me some effort to prepare dinner you know. You might as well show some gratitude."
"Hai, hai." Kenshin shrugged his shoulders and then followed Hiko to the kitchen.
----
Kenshin eyed the wide glass roof towering above him.
The clouds were dark. And rain seemed to warn about its arrival. The airport was crowded as usual.
"Have you told them you'll come home today, Uncle?" Kenshin asked.
"Aa. I spoke to Kamatari. I didn't dare say to anyone that you won't be coming home. Especially that little girl of yours. She'd be really disappointed." Hiko snorted. "Anyhow, I'll just talk to her. I'm sure she'll understand. And I expect you to call her back too."
Kenshin just nodded. He didn't know what to say.
Did he just exchange something important for his job? Or so he thought...
"Attention to all passengers boarded for Tokyo International Airport. JAL flight no. 531 will be leaving in thirty minutes. Please proceed to gate number 15." The page was repeated and ended with a "thank you."
"Well, seems like that one's for me." Hiko quietly said.
"Guess so." Kenshin spoke out.
Time seemed to pass faster than usual. Just a week ago, he was fetching his Uncle. And now, he was about to say goodbye to him.
Again.
Hiko put on his coat and carried a small attaché case. He stood up and was followed by Kenshin.
"You take care for a while baka-deshi and be sure to come home if you're free. I'm sure the others would want to see you." Hiko's voice was as emotionless as always.
"Sure thing Uncle." Kenshin replied.
A few moments later, Hikosei Juuro disappeared into the crowd of people.
Kenshin shrugged his shoulders. He decided to go back now for the rain will surely fall. He fixed his collar when his finger touched something coarse. He looked at it carefully and saw the necklace he had been wearing since he came to America.
Taking a closer look, he pulled out the pendant from beneath his clothes.
He felt somewhat awkward. The necklace had been accustomed to him that he felt like it was a part of him. But then, he remembered Marge's gift. Which one he'll wear more often, he didn't know. And he didn't even want to think about it.
He opened the locket, and again, he saw Kaoru's picture. The child he came to love as his own sister. How he missed her.
He started to ask questions to himself.
Was her embrace still the same when he had last felt it?
Was her laughter still the same when he had last heard it?
Was she the same Kaoru he left years and years ago?
The pictures he had weren't that helpful.
God. How he wished he knew.
Then it hit him.
Kaoru-hime...
It was a day like this.
In a weather like this.
In a place like this.
He remembered now. That day when he left Japan to study in America. His family and friends were there to bade goodbye to him.
And Kaoru...
Kaoru...She was the one affected the most. She cried that day.
If it were possible, she would have never allowed Kenshin to leave.
But, what can she do? She was merely a child then.
On the other hand, could've she done something to let her beloved Ken-nii stay?
No? Maybe? Yes?
Remember what the old woman said? Even though two people are away, this locket will serve as their bridge.
A familiar voice seeped through Kenshin's thought.
Deep inside my heart you will always be there. Always.
And another.
Kenshin felt boggled. He knew it. It was so proverbial. But yet, something from inside him was stopping him from remembering "that".
He laughed at himself. This is crazy Himura Kenshin.
When Kenshin blinked, he was already in front of his car. But his hand was still holding the locket. He took a glance at the locket.
A chill went up his spine.
And then he knew it.
"Kaoru-hime." he whispered to himself. Kenshin quickly shoved his cellphone out of his pocket. He didn't care what time it was. But he felt the urge to talk to her.
The phone rang. Twice. Thrice.
For the fourth time, it rang. Kenshin was going to end the call, but then, someone answered it.
"He---llo?" came the gruff and sleepy voice. Kaoru.
"Kaoru-hime? Is that you? I'm so s-sor..."
"Ken-nii!" Kaoru cut him off.
"Yeah, it's me. Look, I'm sorry if I woke you up but-"
"It's okay! So, when are you and Uncle coming home? Where are you now?" Kaoru was so eager it made Kenshin's heart ache with guilt.
"Umm, anou, Kaoru-hime, Ken-nii won't be coming home for now."
Kaoru's heart sank. A silent gasp unconsciously went out of her. Her mouth was caught half open in dismay.
"Kaoru-hime? I, I'm so sorry." Kenshin's voice was distressed.
Datte...Datte... You, you promised! You promised!
"Kaoru-hime? I hope you understand. I was hired in a company and I need to go under probation. Are you still with me? I promise to come home when I have the chance. Is that okay with you?" Kenshin felt really guilt-ridden.
"Hai...daijobou desu Ken-nii. Nnnn... Just take care for now, and...and I'll see you then." Kaoru didn't know what to feel. Emotions mixed inside her. Pain, anguish, broken expectations, care, longing...
"Saa, I think you better go back to sleep now. Uncle will probably arrive there tomorrow morning. You take care too, okay?" Kenshin wished to hug his little girl right now.
"Un...ja ne..."
"Bye. I miss you." Kenshin broke in before ending the call.
Kaoru sighed heavily and tried to cheer herself up.
C'mon Kaoru! You won't be that soft hearted cry baby that you are again! Didn't you hear what Ken-nii just said? He needs to do good in his job and you won't be the one whose going to ruin it! NO! He promised to come back and I know he will. He will...
He will...
HE WILL...
Tsuzuko (TBC)
----
Well, that's it! I'm really, really, really tired. My back is hunched up, my eyes are falling down, my hands are near cramping, demo, I made sure I answered each and everyone of you. I'm returning the favor cuz you still aren't bored with this story. So, as long as you continue to read this ficcie, I will continue to write and thank all of you at the same time!
Ja! Have to sleep for a while. I'm going to Manila (RP's capital) tomorrow with my family. Gotta buy some school supplies, a few clothes and some pair of shoes. Till the next chapter!
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