Another week passed and the fresh smell of summer was starting to develop in the air. Soon it would be time for another vacation and the younger Sohmas thought about a trip to the old beach house. The next Saturday arrived and all through the week Reiji and Stephanie's group had been working tirelessly on their project just like all the other students in their class. Once more they planned on meeting at Naoki's house to do the more research part of their work. On Friday afternoon after promising Stephanie that he would pick her up the next day just like before since they had no class the next day, Reiji walked home alone. When he arrived home he sneezed twice as he entered the house. Rika came out of the kitchen as he sniffled and took his shoes off.
"Welcome home" she replied.
"Thanks" he grinned but sniffling still.
"Are you okay Reiji?" she asked concerned, "You sound like you're stuffed up."
"I'm fine," he said in a deeper tone then normal because his nose was clogged, "It's probably just my sinuses acting up."
"But you don't have sinus problems" she shook her head.
"I don't know," he said irritably because his head hurt a little, "But there's no way I'm getting a cold. After all it's almost summer and I don't have time for one" he coughed as he moved past and headed into the kitchen, "It will probably be gone by tomorrow anyway."
(Next Scene)
But unfortunately for him, he felt much worse the next morning. He was coughing a lot and his sneezing had increased too. Rin shook her head as she held the thermometer.
"Well there is no question about it" she replied, "You have a fever" she stood from the bed that she had been sitting on, "I must send for Hatori at once."
"But mom" he sat up in protest, "I have the project I have to work on today for school" he coughed as Rika looked in on him worried, "I promised Stephanie I would come and pick her up today."
"Well I am afraid you are going to have to break that promise. You can't go in your condition besides; I hear it's supposed to rain. I would just call her and let her know that you won't be able to make it," she added as she left.
"But mom" he whined, "I'm fine, Achoo!" he sneezed loudly making Rika jump as she entered, "Damn it!" he spat, "This is not good."
"I thought you were getting sick" Rika replied as she sat down on the bed.
"Yea well, whatever. Rika I need the phone. Would you go get it for me?"
"Sure" she nodded jumping up at once, running out of the room, and coming back with the phone a few minutes later, "Here it is" she said as she handed it to him.
"Good" he smiled a little wanly, "Now will you leave me alone for a minute."
"Hmm?" she looked at him quizzically.
"Please" he added.
"All right" she nodded again as she departed the room and he coughed once more as he dialed Stephanie's number.
(Next Scene)
At the Kamiya residence Stephanie heard the phone ring while she was in the kitchen and immediately went to answer it.
"Hello" she replied cheerfully, "Kamiya residence. How may I help you?"
"Stephanie" Reiji said in a hoarse voice, "It's Reiji."
"Why hello Reiji. Is something wrong? You sound terrible" she replied in concern.
"I uh, I hate to tell you this but I'm not going to be able to make it today. I caught a, a Achoo!" he sneezed into the phone loudly, "Cold" he finished, "My mom thinks it best that I stay home while Hatori looks me over."
"Oh what a shame. Look don't you worry about it. I can find my way to Mr. Naoki's place. It's no problem."
"Listen" he said worried, "I need you to remember while you're there with him stay close with your friends. Or even the other two guys. Just don't find yourself alone with him."
"Don't worry Reiji, I promise I'll keep my word. I hope you feel better and maybe later Kaye and I willlook in on you."
"I would like that" he coughed, "Bye. And please be careful" he added.
"I will" she smiled at his concern, "Goodbye" she hung up the phone and sighed, "Poor Reiji. Well it's still an hour till I have to go. Although" she looked out the window, "I thought Sam said that there was going to be a storm today. It looks awful sunny out there to me."
About an hour later Stephanie departed for the Naoki residence on her own. She arrived at the main gate right on time and stared at the skies above her that was now filled with grey clouds.
"So much for the sun" she replied to herself, "Oh well. The rain should give us a nice steady pace this afternoon" she walked into the gate and then began to climb the stairs as the clouds above became darker.
As Reiji sat in his bed he smiled slightly when he saw the dark sky.
"Maybe I have nothing to worry about after all," he thought contently as he leaned his head back on his pillow, "With this sort of weather coming up I doubt that she even went over there."
(Next Scene)
Stephanie arrived at the top of the two flights of stairs just as the rain started to fall slowly around her. She chided herself for not bringing an umbrella but shrugged it off as she rang the doorbell. Seitarou opened it quite astonished to see her.
"Why Miss Kamiya?" he replied.
"Good afternoon Mr. Naoki" she said politely with a bow of her head, " I hope I'm not too late. Is everyone here?"
"No" he shook his head, "You're right on time, it's just a, no one is here."
"What?" she said surprised.
"Everyone called a few moments ago to say that they weren't going to make it due to the inclement weather."
"Oh."
"I don't see Mr. Sohma with you?" he added a little with a smile.
"Oh no he caught a terrible cold and asked me to go on my own."
"Oh how awful. I do hope he feels better. Well like I said, there's no one here. I just assumed that you weren't going to make it either."
"I guess I just assumed it would be okay. I was so focused on the project that I didn't even think about it. I'm terribly sorry for interrupting you like this. I should probably go."
"Wait Miss Kamiya" he replied as the rain behind began to fall harder, "It's pouring out there."
"Oh" she looked back with worry, "So it is. It's raining really hard" she moved in closer to the door.
"I don't suppose you brought an umbrella?"
"As a matter of fact I didn't."
"Well then it simply can't be done."
"I'm sorry?" she looked up him confused.
"I couldn't call myself a gentlemen if I let you go out there in weather like that. No I'm afraid you're going to have to wait till it stops Miss Kamiya."
"Oh but" she said protesting a little.
"We could work on the project. I assume you brought all your materials?"
"Yes but."
"Then I don't see why not. We got the time. We'll be ahead of the others, but so what. At least we wouldn't have wasted the time away."
"But" she hesitated as he closed the door.
"Is there something wrong?" he asked with a note of concern in his voice but a devious thought in his head.
"No. It's just. I really shouldn't stay."
"You only have to stay until the rain stops then you can go home. Please I must insist on this," he added a little firmly.
"Well, all right. I guess so. But only until the rain stops."
"Of course" he nodded with a bow of his head and then indicated with his hand, "Ladies first" as she walked into the sitting room with him only a few steps behind her.
(Next Scene)
The rain continued to pour and Stephanie found herself staring at it, wishing it would stop. Seitarou looked over at her curiously.
"I really don't think you should worry" he replied.
"Hmm?" she looked over at him jerking her head from the window.
"It will stop soon."
"Oh I'm not worried. I'm just wondering if my family is worried. My brother doesn't like it when I am out in weather like this."
"Surely he knows that you are inside a comfortable house?" he said resting his elbow on the table as he held his pen.
"Yes but, he is still a big brother so he does tend to worry quite a bit."
"Is he your only brother?"
"No, I have two older brothers. And a younger sister."
"And do you get along with them?"
"Yes very much. Do you have any siblings Mr. Naoki?"
"You could say that" he frowned a little as he placed his pen down, "But I don't really get along with them at all. I haven't seen them in a long time."
"How come?"
"You really want to know?" he replied hesitating a little.
"Yes" she nodded.
"I have lived with another parent most of my life. My mother raised me. And to be quite honest my siblings don't like me very much."
"How come?"
"Because of my exceptional intelligence."
"What?"
"Miss Kamiya, I want to be honest with you" he leaned on the table slightly, "I don't really need to be in high school right now. The truth is I passed high school long ago."
"But how?"
"When I was in elementary school. I'm what you would call, what the world would call a child genius."
"You mean you're one of those super smart kids who go through school faster then most?"
"Exactly. I have already taken quite a number of college courses."
"Then why are you back in school if you already graduated?"
"Well" he sighed, "I never really had much of a childhood. I am in fact actually sixteen Miss Kamiya, and I wanted to know when I came back to Tokyo, what it would feel like for once to be around kids my own age. So I came down here to try schooling, much to my parents chagrin, which is why they're not here with me."
"Oh so that's why you live alone?"
"It's a lonely thing being a genius. Although I hate to think myself as one. I can't relate to people who are like me anyway."
"Hmm. Well hopefully this has been a good experience for you."
"I would say so" he smiled, "I like it here in Kyoto. I have met so many interesting people. Of course I never dreamed that I would meet another person who grew up in America."
She smiled a little as he took a sip from his teacup.
"Well you seem to be adjusting very well" she replied putting her pen down.
"Yes. But I suppose everybody has their own trials and tribulations. Their own baggage to get through" he smiled as she averted her eyes suddenly, "Yes sir, everybody has secrets they like to keep. Skeletons in your closet if you will."
"Yes" she nodded and then cleared her throat nervously, "I suppose so."
"Things they wish they could forget. Why I bet even a girl like you has had your share of troubles" he looked at her directly.
"Uh yes" she nodded again, "I suppose I have."
"Nobody's life is perfect. Although we wish it was. Oh well so much for regrets right. Oh that's right I remember what I wanted to ask you" he replied turning to her once more.
"Hmm?" she said eagerly hoping he was dropping the subject.
"I was running by the park that's near your neighborhood last Sunday and I heard this beautiful music coming from somewhere."
She blushed slightly as he continued.
"I know the song was in English but I was wondering since it was your neighborhood if you perhaps know" he said his eyebrow raised slightly, "The owner of that voice."
Stephanie was at a loss for words as she smiled bashfully.
"So I could perhaps meet her," he concluded.
"Well" she began, "You're in luck Mr. Naoki. I do happen to know the owner of the voice."
"Really? Who?"
"Well if you promise you won't laugh? Not many people know this?"
"Oh I would never laugh at you Miss Kamiya. I promise."
"I" she cleared her throat, "I'm the singer you heard."
"You?"
"Yes. I sing that way every Sunday night. I love to sing. It's one of my most favorite things to do" she lowered her eyes slightly.
"Of course" he grinned, "You know I should have pegged you as a singer. You have such a musical voice already as it is."
"Oh" she blushed, "I'm not that good."
"On the contrary. I don't think I've ever heard a more beautiful voice."
"Uh. Thank you" she nodded appreciatively.
"But do you only sing songs in English? Don't you know any Japanese songs?"
"Well I am slowly learning some, since I like music. There is one I know that was once in Japanese but I can sing it in it's translated English."
"Really? Could I hear it?"
"What?"
"The song?"
"Oh no" she shook her head, "No. No. I don't do that."
"Oh please Miss Kamiya. It would give me must great pleasure if you would. After all I am rather lonely in this house" he gazed around him, "And your song might make me feel better."
"Oh" she thought, "How can I say no to him now? Well" she spoke, "I suppose it would be no problem."
"Wonderful."
"But" she said as she stood up, "I would prefer it that you didn't watch me as I sing it."
"Would you like me to turn around?"
"No. No. I'll turn around" she turned her back and he nodded his head as he got comfortable.
She took a deep breath and then began to sing softly at first and her voice began to fill the manor so much so that the servants in the household also heard her voice and stopped what they were doing to listen.
I've walked so long I can't remember where was my home/Their distant faces fade away, I'm always on my own/
I can try to smile, it's not hard to do/
I can find the strength to go on/
But sometimes I want to let go of everything/
Ahhh, Ahhh/
When thoughtfulness is not their game I teach by giving love/
High mountains seem endlessly when their pebbles at your feet/
And if you should still, fall into despair/
There is one thing left to believe/
I lie in your heart always
Nothing is braver then honesty/
My life is your faith in me/
I'll be there, when you need/
You don't have to hide from me/
What you are feeling now, I feel in your soul/
We will seek together destiny/
Troubles have an end/
We will carry on handin hand/
You are not alone/
People searching desperately outside of themselves/
Caught up in what never helped/
And I'd forgotten too that love exists inside of me/
As in those, that I wanted from/
I feel you now/
I'll be there, when you need/
We will be together/
Nothing is in our way with trust in our souls
We will seek together destiny/
Troubles have an end/
We will carry on handin hand/
We won't forget we have each other/
Love is in/
Love is in the hearts of all men/
You are not alone/
(Next Scene)
She finished the song and Seitarou closed his eyes briefly as she turned around.
"Well that was it" she replied slowly.
"Simply enchanting" he said, "Oh look" he replied pointing to the window, "It stopped raining."
"Why so it has" she nodded, "And I have stayed to long already" she began to gather her things, "I should get home."
"Yes perhaps you should," he agreed as they walked to the door, "Safe walk home Miss Kamiya. Oh and one more thing."
"Hmm?" she looked back as she placed her bag on her shoulder.
"Just a little bit of advice. Be wary of spiders."
"Spiders?"
"People like spiders I mean."
"I'm afraid I don't understand?"
"Spiders are very crafty creatures. They spin their webs so delicately and intricately that their victims never know that they have fallen into their trap. People like spiders ought to be feared and avoided at all costs" he said darkly.
"I'll take that into consideration" she nodded a little bit wary of him now, "Good bye Mr. Naoki. I'll see you at school on Monday."
"Goodbye Miss Kamiya" he bowed his head, "Remember what I told you."
"Uh huh" she nodded as he closed the door behind him with a satisfied grin.
Then he walked into his study and was about to turn on the light when a figure in the dark startled him as he came close. He caught his breath as the older man loomed above him.
"Damn it Souichirou" he replied, "Don't do that" he spat.
"So sorry" the other man chuckled a little as he smiled and brushed a hair through his long dark hair.
"What are you doing here anyway?" Seitarou asked sitting down in his chair sulkily.
"I came down to see if you needed any assistance" the older of the two moved forward.
"As if I would need any assistance from an idiot like you."
"Oh you cut me to the quick" the man feigned a hurt look, "But the old man sent me down here. He thinks you might need my brawn as well as your brain. After all smarts aren't everything."
"Well they're more than what you got" Seitarou said angrily, "I can't believe that we even come from the same gene pool."
"Oh it hurts me when you say things like that little brother" Souichirou replied, "By the way who was the cutie you were entertaining in your sitting room."
"Off limits to you" Seitarou said keeping his face on the screen of his monitor.
"Aw come on. You can tell me."
"Let's just say, Miss Kamiya is going to play a big part in what I am doing down here."
"Oh?"
"That's right" Seitarou nodded as he stood up, "With her help I will finally get the information that I have been seeking for and you will not mess it up" he added firmly.
"All right" Souichirou said with a shrug, "But I am going to stay down here for awhile, if you don't mind."
"Fine. But keep out of my way. Now get out of here. I've got work to do," he ordered.
"Oh my little brother" Souichirou said his blue eyes shining, "Don't you know that all work and no play makes Seitarou a dull boy" he replied teasingly running his fingers over his brother's head.
"Get out!" Seitarou yelled and his brother departed as he sighed, "Ridiculous imbecile" he spat as he typed another letter and sent it directly to Tokyo, "I hope the old man appreciates the things I go through for him" he thought angrily as he crossed his arms furiously at the thought of living with his brother once more.
(Till Next Time)
Authors Note: That's it for this week. See you next week for a lot more chapters!
Note One: Song is from the Escaflowne Movie
Next time on Curse Renewed:
Chapter Seven: The Brawn not the Brain
Seitarou's older brother has come to town and is stirring up trouble everywhere that Naoki alone has to cover up the best he can so that his plot doesn't come out before the right time. See what happens next time!
And
Chapter Eight: Passing down a Tradition
With summer break looming ahead Kaye comes to a decision about his future with Stephanie. Find out what happens next time!