MY LITTLE PRINCESS
A/N: Hello again minna-san! Before anything else, I'd like to say sorry for not updating quickly. You see, I have tons and tons of assignments and tests. Plus we are going to have two researches: a social and experimental one. And speaking of experimental research, I wanna ask help from you guys. It's like this, our project is to find out which countries a chain e-mail reaches in a matter of 3 months. So, maybe this second week of July, I'll be sending some of you guys an e-mail which you'll then forward to other people and so on. I hope you'll help me...
As you can see sessha is really busy. Anyways, I was kind of disappointed with the last chapter. I dunno. It kinda sucked. But, to make it up to you and to myself as well, this next chappie is quite "grotesque". (lol...nice adjective!) Not too much to say for now. And oh yeah, if you guys want to be updated about MLP, I have a mailing list at my site: Here's the timeline: Kenshin-27; Kaoru and the others-17; Yahiko-8
Quick note: This might be irrelevant, but to all the readers who are LP fans, I want you to know Chester Bennington is okay now. After spending 9 days or so in the hospital because of abdominal pains, he is now okay! . Good riddance! If you want to send him an e-mail, you can do so by using this e-mail add:
Quick note 2: Again, I do want to remind each and everyone that in this story, the year is about 2018, and at this point of time, I know, Japan's technology is "superb", so if you won't mind, I'll be putting up some "sci-fi" things in this story, k?
To the reviewers: At the bottom.
Standard disclaimer's apply. RK will never evah be mine!
Chapter 15. Doko wa? (Where are you?)
"Nnnn..." Kaoru heard the telephone ring twice. She wanted to open up her eyes but she couldn't.
But it's too early for a phone call... She unconsciously told herself.
The phone rang again. Opening weary eyes--because she couldn't sleep last night thinking about her prom, which is literally today. And of course, her Ken-nii would arrive any hour now.
"Lamps." Kaoru called out weakly and the small lamp shade above her head which was on the wall lighted up in an instant. The phone continued to ring and she quickly pressed the speaker phone button on the phone in her room.
"He--llo???" she sleepily answered.
"Hello? Kaoru-hime?" A very familiar voice met her ears.
"K-ken-nii?!" Kaoru instantly became energetic as if she were awake hours and hours ago.
"Hai, it is me. Did I disturb your sleep? You see--" he was cut off by a zealous Kaoru.
"No, no! It's okay! So, where are you now? Would you like us to fetch you up at the airport?"
There was a silence for a few seconds.
"Ken-nii? Well? Should I tell Uncle now?" Kaoru was kind of impatient.
"Um, well, Kaoru-hime. It's like this, an urgent meeting came up without notice. As one of the branch representatives, I have to be there. The bad thing is, the meeting's today..."
Kaoru's heart sank. Does that mean he won't be coming home?
"But...but it's my prom...you promised to come home for me."
"I know princess, that's why I'm very sorry because I can't make it to your prom. I planned to leave yesterday, but, like what I said, the meeting had been unannounced and now, everyone's in a rush, including me."
Kenshin felt really guilty. He could almost imagine Kaoru's disappointed face when he heard her sigh on the other line. He wanted to use the video, but he felt like not knowing what to do.
"But, can, can you not make any excuse?" Kaoru was at loss. She felt like all the weight of the world were at her shoulders.
"You're going to come home, ne? Ne? Ken-nii? You're going to come home for me, right?" Kaoru wished it was all a joke of some sort. And by talking nicely to her Ken-nii, maybe...maybe...he'll come home.
"Kaoru-hime, if only I could. If only I could. But you must understand..." Kenshi paused. "My job is important to me."
Those words was indeed the weight of the world crushing her shoulders.
My job is important to me. My job is important to me... Those words repeated in her psyche.
Tears unconsciously flowed down from her eyes. A realization came to her mind...
He, he has forgotten all about you. Do you think through those years, you were in his heart? Don't fool yourself Kaoru! Don't fool yourself! How many promises did he break? How many times did you find yourself expecting something from him but ends up getting none? How many times Kaoru? How many times did you shed tears? You must remember; Tears are precious. Each drop you waste can never be returned...
The nagging voice echoed inside of her. When was the last time she heard it? Something from inside her was nearly assuring her that what she was hearing was the truth.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
"Kaoru-hime?" Kenshin was afraid Kaoru would yell at him. But after a few moments, there was nothing.
"Un. Wakatta." (Yes. I understand) Kaoru simply said. There was no sign of pain. No sign of happiness.
Virtually no sign of denunciation.
No sign of emotions.
"Just take care Ken-nii? Okay? See you soon!" Kaoru cheerfully said while tears still flowed down from her eyes.
"Kaoru...hime? Are, are you okay?" Kenshin felt absurd asking that question.
"Me? Of course? Tell you what, I'll just send you some of our pictures, and when you come home, I'll tell you everything that has happened." Kaoru still smiled. And tears continued to fall.
"Aa. That's good to hear." Kenshin looked at his wrist watch. He had only a few minutes left before the meeting would start.
"Ja. Kiwotsukete. (take care)" Those were the last words Kaoru said and she ended the call. She didn't even let Kenshin say his goodbye.
Kaoru eyed the big picture frame that hung in her wall--which hung there for almost 15 long years. The lamp shade wasn't bright enough to light up the whole room.
Her eyes focused on their picture. How perfect it seemed.
And how imperfect at the same time.
"Time." she whispered.
"The time is now 4:55 after meridian." The computer answered back.
Kaoru sighed heavily. She decided to go to the dojo to meditate.
Standing up, she wiped the tears which streamed down her face.
"You promised not to cry Kaoru. You promised. You're not going to break that. Not like the way Kenshin does." Kaoru was determined.
Standing out of her bed, she made a vow.
A vow to be a strong.
And not to be the "weak" Kaoru she was once.
----
"Telephone call for miss Kamiya." The sound of the computer echoed through the house.
Kaoru, who just arrived from the dojo, heard the message inside the lobby. She went straight into the main hall and answered the phone.
Kaoru pressed the on-screen button and out came a hologram image of Misao.
"Moshi moshi." a partly exhausted voice answered.
"Kaoru-san!" Misao cheerfully greeted.
"E. What is it I can do for you Misao-chan?" Kaoru asked merriment starting to be eminent in her voice.
"Well, I just wanted to ask if you already have a token for the juniors."
Kaoru wiped some sweat on her forehead. Oh yeah... how could she ever forget! It was their prom tonight.
"Anou, I still have none, but I'll try to get one later on."
"You look pretty exhausted Kaoru-chan! What happened? Well, anyway, whatever it might be, I know it'll subside later on because of Himura-san. By the way is he---"
Kaoru cut her off. "No. I'm okay and Kenshin won't be arriving Misao-chan."
Misao furrowed.
Kenshin? Did I just hear that right? Kaoru-chan never calls Himura-san Kenshin... What on earth...
"He chose his job over me, and, simply put it, he won't be coming home, but it's okay. I can make it." Kaoru gave out a watery laugh
Kaoru was smiling. But Misao knew it was only a facade hiding her bruised feelings.
"Are you sure you're all right Kaoru-chan?" Misao's asked concerned.
Kaoru nodded twice. "Hai. Daijobou. Saa, see you this evening then. Bye!"
Misao nodded back and ended their call.
----
The school's gymnasium was slowly getting filled. Lights illuminated the huge place. The music was on in its loudest while the rest complemented the gowns their schoolmates wore.
The girls wore red...blue...white...pink...and a lot more of varieties.
The guys were in their tuxedos looking stiff but very manly.
The long food table was at the middle filled with different kind of delicacies and drinks. Some were already hovering over them already.
Kaoru sat on one corner. Hiko told that he could come to escort her, but Kaoru said she could manage. And besides, Hiko was already her first dance when she was in third year.
She looked around her. It seemed like everyone was having fun aside from her. How she wished Kenshin was there.
She scolded herself. No! What are you thinking about Kaoru? You should learn to never need his help again. No...never...
"Kaoru-chan!" she felt a pair of arms hug her. She recognized the scent.
"Misao-chan!" she stood up.
"Look at you! You look so beautiful!" Misao exclaimed.
Kaoru giggled. "And so do you!"
Both of them laughed.
After a few moments a voice was heard over the mic.
"Attention, everyone, the program is about to start please rise for the ceremonial rites".
"That's Okita right?" Kaoru asked.
"Yep. He's the emcee for this year. Isn't that great?" Misao winked.
"Yeah, very much." Kaoru nodded.
Each of the students were given candles for the candle light ceremony. The lights were shut and the candles were lit one by one. Soon, the whole gym had small sparkling flames looking like jewels when seen from afar.
The school's head had a small speech and formally declared the program's opening.
After a few intermission numbers, the juniors were given the first dance with their parents.
Kaoru smiled at her seat. She remembered the day she had her first dance with her Uncle Hiko.
(Flashback)
Kaoru tried hard to cope up with Hiko's tall form and the older man seemed to be a little bit amused.
"I'm sure Kamiya will be very happy if he were here now. He'll surely be very proud of you."
Kaoru blushed. "Mou, Uncle, you flatter me too much. Datte, I know right now, he is looking after me. Yet, I am very pleased that he left me under your care. You have been very good to me Uncle. And I don't how to thank you enough."
Hiko chuckled. "My dear Kaoru, just follow what you feel and I'll be right at your back. I'm confident you'll be very exultant in the near future... I am very sure of that."
(End of flashback)
The juniors' dance was already over.
"Aren't they cute?" Misao said from beside Kaoru.
Kaoru smiled.
Then, Okita spoke on the mic.
"Now, the next piece is for the seniors. Please get your partners."
A very sweet and soothing music played on the deck. Soon, some guys asked the girls for a dance.
Then, from nowhere, Soujiro appeared. Kaoru smiled. I think I know where this is heading.
"Sou-chan!" Misao greeted.
"Hello ladies." Soujiro greeted back with a smile. He stopped in front of Misao.
"Misao-san, may I ask you for a dance?" He held out his hand.
Misao looked at Kaoru who just nodded back with a smile.
"Aa. Sure." Misao gladly took his hand and let him lead the way.
Kaoru couldn't help but feel happy for the both of them. She remembered what Soujiro told her that he was finally going to tell Misao how he felt about her.
Thoughts floated in her mind. She took another look at the whole place. Again, it seemed that everyone was having fun except for her.
A frown crept upon her lips. Her limpid blue eyes were melancholic.
Kaoru bobbed her head up. She decided to go out to the school's garden for some fresh air. Besides, doing nothing inside the big hall made her feel sleepy. She speedily but gracefully left the hall without anyone seeing her.
----
The moon was full. The indigo night sky was marred by a few clouds. The air was breezy but was just right.
Her stiletto cracked the quiet night as they contacted with the tiled hallway. She stopped walking upon reaching the wide bridge that connected the third floors of the eastern and western wing of the building.
She placed her arms on the railings. The wind caressed her face. She pursed her painted lips. Her eyes batted twice. No matter how hard she tried, it seemed that she can't deny how hurt she was.
Hurt over what Kenshin did.
But then...
She tought...
She had no rights to be angry with him...
Who was she anyway?
Demo...Still...I want to be important to him.
A gust of wind ruffled the leaves of the trees. And then it ruffled the few strands left before her ear. Her raven black hair was up in a bun.
Baka Kaoru! What are you thinking about?! You shall listen to no one but me! Stop it!
Kaoru took a deep breath. She wasn't going to cry.
No. Not now.
Another sigh went out of her. She decided to walk downstairs when suddenly...
"You shouldn't be out here you know." A cold voice came out from nowhere.
The barren tone made Kaoru's hair rise. She didn't expect that someone was there too.
She slowly craned her head to look who was at her back.
A rather tall guy, much of her age was standing wearing a black tuxedo which greatly complemented his dark hair.
Through the darkness, Kaoru saw his face.
Those eyes...
Azure eyes locked with one another.
How?
When?
Where?
But why?
You...I have seen you somewhere...
Kaoru tried to sort out her memory.
There was something about...him...
She had seen him before.
And he has seen her before...
The it struck Kaoru...
It was him!
Yes!
It's him!
It was...
It was...
The boy...
Tsuzuko
----
Puts on a shield. Pwwwwweaaaaazzzzeeee forgive sessha for making a cliff hanger??????? It is really needed, so, please do bear with me for a while, ne?
Anyways, I promise you'll find out on the next chappie who the "boy" is. For now, lemme thank all ya nice reviewers out there.
Well, that's it! Until next chapter then! m/ 0.o m/
diary15