A/N: Revised. Enjoy and review. :)
Part II: Duty Calls
The noble's tiny son entered the room with one hand hidden behind his back. He maintained his stoicism as he casually stopped in front of her. She looked adorable and innocent without all those expensive clothes she wore around. Hiromi appeared as a simple village girl to him. He could feel ears heat up.
Hiromi sneered, "What are you doing here?" He was looking at her. Hiromi peered at herself then realized what she was wearing and screamed.
"PERVERT!" she slapped him.
His face went to the side and fortunately, he was still on his feet.
"What the hell was that for?" he exclaimed, shocked and glaring at her.
"Stupid, any noble's son would announce his arrival before barging into a girl's bedroom!" Hiromi pointed out. Kai looked at her in her gossamer white dress with her bare shoulders showing and her brown tresses down.
Immediately, he looked away with a blush creeping across his face, "I'm not as thrilled as you are, me being here."
Hiromi face was flushed in a deep red as she huffed, "Explain then, noble-boy!"
"My name is Hiwatari Kai and…FINE!" he grabbed hold of her hand and shoved the lily back to her. Turning his heels, he walked out of the room, grumbling bitterly about the damning offer of her father to stay here. And the part when his father agreed made it worse!
After he had gone out, Hiromi noticed the thing Kai placed in her hand. It was one of the lilies that grew in the pond. He picked a flower from the pond, for me. Hiromi held it close to her cheek, feeling its softness. No one is even allowed to pick flowers in the manor grounds. But he did it anyway…
She paused for a moment. "Idiot."
"Did you give it to the hime like I asked?" the noble asked as Kai emerged from the long hall, his hands dug deep in his pockets.
"Aa," he grumbled to his father without meeting his eyes. Tagekashi Hiwatari noticed his son's cheek was beet red and on it was a visible hand print.
"What happened?" he inquired, his eyes following his son who seemed to ignore him.
Kai stopped and cocked a head back to his father, "Long story." His lips was pursed in a grim line and his eyes were full of disgust.
"That's an appropriate way of saying that's none of your business." Wryly, his father commented.
Scoffing, Kai turned back and continued on his way. There was a corner ahead, with that he hid behind and sulked, Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Giving Hiromi a flower was like putting gas into an open fire. Why the hell are these people trying so hard? he leaned against the wall, sighing.
Sadayo crept through the paper screen, with a neatly folded kimono in her arms. A small dagger in its sheath lay on the kimono and a hair clip next to it.
"Anything happened while I was gone?" the excited Sadayo asked. She had seen the flower in Hiromi's hands.
Hiromi pursed her lips, "No."
"Oh? Where did you get that lily?" Sadayo asked, quirking an eyebrow. Hiromi stammered but couldn't manage a lady-like response. "Tell me, he came in, didn't he?" Sadayo pressed.
"Please hand me the kimono, Sadayo-san." Hiromi strained to hide the red on her cheeks. The noble boy wasn't her business now. Daimyo Yuki could take care of him. Stoically, she clasped the buckle of the belt, which held her kaiken, around her thigh. Sadayo watched her every move in intent.
"He came into your room and brought you a flower, didn't he? He is such a sweet boy!" Sadayo cooed, hugging the surprised Hiromi.
"Hiwatari was just trying to court me," Hiromi said bluntly, "and so far it isn't working."
Sadayo let Hiromi go and frowned, "No more stating the obvious from you! Hiromi-hime, try to act delirious to this for once. You are lucky to have young men falling all over for you.
"Those are not men, those are boys."
"You are the eligible bachelorette of the country for Kami's sake! The boy who is after you right now is the son of one of the best samurai generals, and had been known to have a deep secret."
"What secret? The fact Hiwatari Kai has mixed bloodlines?" Hiromi scoffed, "Pretty obvious, don't you think." The foreign land greeting Hiromi had just experienced…would've scarred her for life and his appearance already screamed foreign when they had first met. Sadayo stretched Hiromi's red long kimono out, helping the little child get dressed. Hiromi extended her arm and slipped it through one sleeve.
Sadayo's voice became low and in a whisper.
"No…I've heard that the Hiwatari clan were one of the early, banished descendants of the sun goddess Amaterasu." Sadayo placed a hand under her chin at the thought as Hiromi had the robe on. Amaterasu was the one who created the country Japan and its people. According to the early beliefs, she was believed to have had descendants living today: the royal family bloodline and the shogun generation.
Carefully, Sadayo wrapped a gold, silk obi around the child's waist.
"If they were, shouldn't they be in the royal family then?" Hiromi remembered her old mentor speak of the Amaterasu's numerous descendants who were now the emperors and great shoguns. But she didn't know that some were banished. Kai, that noble boy… is a descendant of the goddess? It's impossible, Father would know of the Hiwatari clan earlier, Hiromi thought deeply, and if he were a descendant of the goddess then he wouldn't be coming after me and be off in the castle living a more lavish life or barking orders to samurai…wait-does he even know of his bloodline?
"No, if they were the banished clan, they would've been terminated years ago and survivors would be in hiding today," Sadayo tied the obi tight and took a quick look at Hiromi. "Beautiful." Slowly she took Hiromi's hair and bangs into one bundle and tied it with hard clip that came with the kimono she had brought.
T-terminated? Wincing in pain, Hiromi realized what Sadayo had meant, "You m-mean…"
"Killed. But that's just what I've heard from Tsunade-shishou," Sadayo snapped out of her thoughts. As for Hiromi, her train of thought stopped dead and did a quick reality check. Kai was a noble's son and not a creepy descendant of the sun goddess.
Tsunade-shishou knows about this? Would father know too?
"Eavesdropping on Tsunade-shishou, eh?" Hiromi was shocked then a feeling of mischief overcame her. She could blackmail Sadayo.
Sadayo swiftly clasped a hand on Hiromi's mouth, "Alright Hiromi, I won't mention of the incident if you keep your mouth shut about my eavesdropping and your knowledge of the clan."
Hiromi nodded happily and muffled, "Deal." Sadayo freed her with a serious look on her face.
"Why?" the little girl asked, curiously.
"We don't know if any of this is true, Hiromi-chan. We cannot risk jumping into conclusions and accusing the wrong people of the wrong things. Innocent people will be killed and don't mention any of it to Kai," Sadayo sounded serious, her brown eyes deepening into Hiromi's ruby ones.
"I really-"
"Nope."
"Ple-"
"Hiromi!" Sadayo admonished.
"Okay…Alright," she sighed in defeat, Hiromi picked up the lily and waved goodbye to Sadayo as she turned to leave the room, seeking the grumpy noble boy.
Minutes later she raced down the hallway and to the courtyard, hissing his name, "Kai!"
Where was he?
She ran down the Camphor forest, warily searching for the loner. Finally Hiromi found him. He was sitting on the top branch of a Camphor tree, with his eyes closed.
'Must be sleeping,' her lips curved into a mischievous smile and yelled, "HEY!"
Instantly he opened his maroon eyes and he backed away. "WaaahhhaAHH," he wailed his arms around as he almost fell off. Hiromi pointed and laughed at him. Soon, he was able to stay still and glared at the brunette.
"I thought tough little noble boys didn't need their naps!" Hiromi sugarcoated. She planted her hands on her hips (one hand holding the lily), cocking her head up high at him.
"I was not!" the tiny noble barked at her. "Feh…What do you want?" Kai snapped at her. For a moment, he took notice of Hiromi, Good, she has clothes on. Then he looked around his surroundings and realized that the feisty little princess wouldn't be able to clobber him in the tree and if she did, he would willingly fight back.
"Come down here," Hiromi answered in a demanding tone.
"No," was his simple reply.
"Please?" if she was stubborn…
"No," then Kai was moreso.
"That's an order!" Hiromi challenged, staring defiantly at him.
"I'm not taking orders from a girl-"
"-Yeah, well, you are going to now." Hiromi retorted back, intensifying her glare.
Ugh, there has better be something good at the end of this! Kai grunted and stood on the branch, preparing himself to leap. Hiromi gasped, "Hey jerk! Be careful!" She sounded worried for him.
He froze.
"Since when did you care?" he cocked an eyebrow at her as angrily called back.
Hiromi recoiled then lied, "Not that I do. I just don't want ghosts hunting my castle." Hiromi flashed her fake smile once again.
Why does she keep smiling? he shot her a disgusted look.
"But if you want to die, be my guest. I'm not going to stop you," she smirked, her ruby eyes narrowing at him. She was challenging him at what was he going to do next. "The guards won't stop you either," slowly she mumbled.
A whole new side of Princess Hiromi eclipsed before him. A while ago, Kai thought she was the sweetest thing; not admitting to it, of course, and now the girl standing in front of him was a vengeful noble girl full of herself.
"Hmph," he grunted and leapt off and landed square on his feet. Hiromi hadn't realized it but she had held her breath in the whole time.
Hiromi felt shivers down her spine, Why do I…feel like this? He can jump from a height, big deal, any samurai can do that. But he isn't a samurai…or a ninja. AGH! He is just a boy…
"Hey you," he called to the fantasizing Hiromi. "You hollered?"
Blinking out of her thoughts, she laughed in embarrassment. "I want you to take me out of the manor," Hiromi gushed at him, her hands clasped under her chin.
Kai had wanted to say no but then…It's my duty, he thought over. "I'll take you there," he complied.
It's my duty to serve her if I don't want to… Kai walked over and held her hand tight and he sighed, my duty sucks… They walked at the foot of the wooden gates, meeting with the guard. He stood high and mighty and barricaded the gates in front of the two chibi. Kai pushed her gently behind him as he faced the podgy guard.
Protective…Okay, is it me or does he have a split personality? confused, she scratched her head.
"Please open the gates, the girl and I wish to get out," he spoke in a detached tone. He had to keep his courtesy to avoid angering his father. Get out of my way, fatso.
"She is prohibited to leave the grounds," he replied, looking at the girl behind Kai.
I said please!
Shyly, the princess glanced down at her feet, blushing. The guard had wanted to remind the boy that he does take order from children.
Kai sneered and crossed his arms over his chest. Do you know who I am? was what he had wanted to stay but something else came out, "I am the new titled Prince so I suggest that you let us through. I have the Lord's permission to take my fiancée out of the castle," he said through his clenched teeth. "I also have the right to fire you and you can perform the sacred ritual due to your incompetence." The last word had made his tongue twist.
Sacred ritual? How does one little boy know the suicidal ritual? Hiromi kicked herself, DUH! His father is a samurai. I wonder if he knows the part when he disrespects a guard of a higher rank, he can get some spanking.
Kai smirked.
Of course…he doesn't. Hiromi had rather not thought about it.
"Etow…Hi-hiwatari," she poked his back, calling his attention. Maybe, this has gone a bit too far. I know he can't fire a guard without his father's command and a fair reason too.
Kai ignored her and continued to stare down the stupid guard.
"You must assign a force to come along with you," the guard deadpanned. "Hime's safety cannot be compromised."
"But there are Yuki-sama's ninja outside of these gates," Kai sighed. "The land beyond this barrier belongs to Chihihue, correct?"
…titled Prince? Fiancée, I never knew…I was, Hiromi felt her blush creep up her cheeks. Maybe, I was a bit rough on him. He might have been trying to break the news earlier.' Slowly, she glanced at the lily down in her hand. '…that was it.
The guard reluctantly barked orders at the gatekeepers and the gates were soon pushed open. Kai grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the gates. Apparently, the tall castle was built on a hill, overlooking the whole village that made Hiromi feel like she was on the top of the world. Hiromi gasped. Never had her father's enormous land looked so peaceful.
Hiromi took her clip and unclasped it, letting her hair down as the wind picked up. Admiringly, he watched her enjoy the little freedom she had.
"Hey noble's son," she called. His left twitched and pursed his lips in annoyance, I have a name you know! he mentally yelled. Gruffly, he let out a grunt, "Hn?"
"…Are you really the new titled…prince?" she gulped at her question, her cheeks red. She dared not to look at Kai. Kai
"No," he replied flatly. Not yet at least, he thought, his eyes wandering up the blue sky. He deftly sensed where the ninja were positioned.
"That's good. I think you make a pretty good liar," she complimented.
Kai frowned bitterly, Why you-
Suddenly his ears picked up the sound of company. The clicking of the horses' hooves, the clacking of the swords, the voices of men; possibly a battalion belonging to the Daimyo who were returned from battle…Kai's eyes widened in disbelief as he heard laughter of children. The surrounding ninja did not move; perhaps were unguarded compared to the time he and his father visited.
Kai was right. It was a battalion: fifty men on horses and in the heart of the troop were five little boys saddled up on horses, closely watched by two samurai. They were laughing and talking loudly…he felt envious. The battalion made a slow stop around the two children, just before the gates.
"Hey Hiromi-chan!" a navy-blue haired boy waved with one hand (the free one holding the reins), stopping his horse in front of the brunette. He was wearing the same kimono Kai wore, as a sign of nobility.
"Takao," Hiromi smiled and bowed down to him. Her hair fell onto her shoulders as her head lowered to her stomach.
Flirt, Kai glared at his side. She's not that polite around here. He huffed in annoyance.
"You look cute today," Takao complimented. Kai stuck his tongue out and placed his finger on it, gagging.
"No need," he said softly, patting her shoulder. Hiromi stood before him. "I'm in your land now. I should be bowing."
With that comment, she giggled, "True."
Takao eyed the little boy beside her. In an instant, something sparked inside him. Fury clouded his mind when he saw the slate-haired boy. Kai just felt the same.
Takao kept his cool and a cheerful smile. "I am the son of Daimyo Tatsuya, Kinomiya Takao. Uh…Who are you?" he cocked his head in question.
"Aren't you a bit too young to ride your own horse?" Kai sneered.
You conceited… Hiromi fumed in her mind. "You have enough pride to choke a horse," Hiromi retorted, eyes on Kai. She smiled and glanced back at the Aoki's son.
A similar brunette was assisted by a samurai off his horse. The Chinese, which Kai guessed from his attire, perfected his landing from his tame gelding, in spite of the gap in size between man and beast. A gaijin like himself, with corn locks and green kimono, carefully dismounted the charger with a samurai's gloved hand supporting his back. The batallion doubled as their babysitters and Kai reveled in that fact. The tanned redhead merely watched while his horse stamped its feet and whinnyed. Kai deduced that the boys may had held more than social status to receive that careful watch. The sizeable batallion did not appear to have returned from war. There were no kakemono or flags of the Emperor's face, the sunset or Emperor's name although all visibly possessed one katana.
Personal bodyguards. Interesting. What business did the gaijin have with the Kinomiya kid?
"He is Hiwatari Kai from the southern lands, Susumu-sama's only son."
The Chinese boy, midly surprised, glanced at the heir.
"Thanks, but I am not handicapped or mute so I don't need a petty, spoiled princess to introduce myself," he remarked icily, "Princess Forehead."
"Petty, f-forehead," she mumbled. Am I? She hid her eyes under her bangs.
Takao got out of his saddle and hopped down, "Hey! Do you have a problem with the princess?"
"Too many," Kai replied. The other five boys exchanged looks.
Hiromi was infuriated and dropped the lily. The nerve! She stood to him face to face, yelling, "Look, if you have a problem with me, say it to my face!" You embarrassed me in front of other Lords' sons. What if Father finds out that some noble boys never liked me? It would discourage the other Lords! If that happens I'll be…
Everyone stopped dead and kept silent. Kai scanned her scarlet eyes, which were welled up with tears as she grabbed him by the collar her own two little hands. His head was tilted down at her, his crimson eyes burying deep into hers. She waited for his reply.
Your forehead looks big with your hair slicked back. You're annoying. You act real tough but inside you're a baby. You're just a petty princess who wants everyone to like her even if they don't. I don't like you and I won't serve you if my family depended on it! I hate you! There were a lot of things to say, but neither words nor sound came out from his lips.
"Hmph," she brushed past him and straightened her sleeve. Kai frowned. She was heading back inside.
"Unlock the gates!" she blurted out at the guards. "Or I'll have all your heads by sunset!"
The gates opened with a loud moan and she trudged inside. The gatekeeper was relieved to see the Princess return while the surrounding ninja remained motionless.
"Perhaps we came at a wrong time?" Kyo said, breaking the silence between all of them.
"Hiromi must be really upset. AND IT'S YOUR ENTIRE FAULT!" Daichi pointed at Kai. Takao defiantly glared at the phoenix. He took a huge step forward to attack Kai but the Chinese noble boy stepped in held him back.
"We can't ruin the Lord's mood again, especially when his daughter is upset," Rei tried to stop Takao. "Don't you want to be the prince?"
"Yeah, I do. I just can't stand seeing her cry," Takao explained.
"We all can't," Max's blue eyes were downcast. The others nodded in agreement. By then, Kai had already disappeared.
It wasn't long until Kai had found her. She was sitting near the pond again, alone and staring at the lilies. There were no tears in here even if her whole body trembled in fear and anger. Tears never came in the right moment. She ran her hand up to her moist forehead, sighing.
"Princess," Kai slowly called from behind. Nervously, he placed a hand on his neck.
"Go away," said she.
"Make me."
Hiromi peeked over her shoulder and Kai's heart skipped a beat. His eyes widened as he saw her face…pained and older. His stomach, he felt, slowly twisted into a huge tangled knot. He tried to register ways to be of comfort. And the fact that he can get executed didn't help. She looked away, teary-eyed.
Then it hit him like the crack of his father's whip…
She was crying. The girl, whom the guards were afraid, was crying. Who knew she had a soft spot.
She brought her tiny hands to her face as tears fell. Each tear was added in Kai's pool of guilt, drowning him. It was only the first day of their "relationship" and he had somehow gone from the "courting" phase to the "breaking-up-and-my-father-will-hang-me" outcome. Kai singlehandedly screwed up; the few years Kai had of convincing Hiromi into marriage were reduced into two minutes.
Her tears teased him. He had to get out of this mess, and quick. Stop crying. He wanted to turn and run as fast he could. Suddenly, he found himself taking her hands away and wiping her tears with his fingers. He was eight years old for Kami's sake! He shouldn't be doing this! Quickly, he recoiled.
"Princess," he said slowly. This time, it meant something for her…it wasn't the detached monotone he used to call her title.
"I'm…s-sorry," he mumbled, closing his eyes tight. His fists clenched. What a lame excuse! He could have come up with more words to tell her but right now, he was short. He turned the other cheek, staring at the side, and reddened. "I don't dislike you...You better not tell anyone that."
He is not so bad after all, Hiromi considered. Okay, that took a huge amount of effort to apologize. Maybe he wouldn't be such a deadweight after all. Her cheeks flushed. He acts like a real prince…
"But if it makes you happy, you can hit me," Kai said softly.
What did he say? she backed away with a notably shocked expression. "But, Chichiue doesn't approve of physical harm as discipline..." Is he for real?
"You've slapped me before. Do it again." Kai pointed at his cheek. "Hit me."
"…" Hiromi was speechless.
"C'mon, swing, that's an order," he said darkly, icily staring at her.
"…"
SLAP
Hiromi's giggle rang in the courtyard.