Chapter 6
Two and a half hours had passed, and Kimiko had finally gotten her half of the room the way she wanted it. She would sleep well tonight, but for now, she had to make an impression, and that meant a bath and make-up.
She freshened up, and put on one of the new uniforms she had found in her closet. She had decided to take the green out of her hair, and let it look natural for the first night. As she combed it into a chiffon bun, she began to think of how much Raimundo wanted and needed this second chance, a new day. But how do I fit into this new day of his?
Their new romance was not as strong as before. Especially since he'd discovered that the Four Dragons' Soul still had a hold on him. He seemed to slowly draw more and more within himself, all the while…pushing her away.
Putting down the brush, she decided then, that she would go right now to talk with him, before this went any farther!
Walking out the room, she quickly sauntered to 32. Knocking, she called, "It's Kimiko."
The door hissed and opened from the inside. Walking in, she found the place—empty. Rai's stuff still lay where it had been stacked. The clothes he had worn, lay on the bed in a heap.
"Konbanwa Asukura-sama Ogenki desu-ka" (-Good evening, Lady Asukura, Are you alright?)
Swirling around, she saw Kyōto come out of his walk-in closet, holding a fresh uniform. He was covered in sweat and grim, but still had not removed his mask and scarf. She remembered the punishment Kama had given his other students, for talking while practicing their skills. Realizing that Kyōto must have been training hard the last couple of hours, she gathered that she had interrupted him, just as he was about to change his clothes!
Her cheeks flared up in embarrassment. Thank goodness the room was cast in evening shadows!
Kyōto didn't seem bothered at all. Putting down his clothes on his bed, he stood at ease, his hands behind his back.
"Konbanwa Kusinagi-san Genki-desu Anata wa" (-Good evening Kusinagi, I'm fine, and you?)
"Kyōto desu" (My name is Kyōto.)
"Kimiko desu" (My name is Kimiko.)
"Genki Kimiko-sama" (Fine…Lady Kimiko.)
She sighed exasperatingly. Well, at least he's calling me my given name. Feeling like they had finally gotten an understanding, she found she kind of enjoyed this double talk with Kyōto, English with strangers, Japanese when alone. It gave her a feeling of comradeship she hadn't had before. So she continued on, "Raimundo-san ru-mume-to desu-ka" (-Are you Raimundo's roommate?)
He nodded, "Hai Naze desu ka" (-Yes, why?)
"As kotonashi" (-Oh, nothing…) she said, trying to look away from his magnetic gaze.
"soo desu ka" (-I see…) he uttered knowingly, traces of discerning interest in his voice.
"Raimundo-san doko desu ka" (-Where is Raimundo?)
(A/N: From here on, the conversations get more complex. I only know so much Japanese. All the conversations, unless called for, will be written in English. But know, all conversations between Kimiko and Kyōto, when they're by themselves, are actually in Japanese.)
"He's downstairs. He was in a hurry to meet the others. I was about to meet him down there, when you came. I pushed the entrance button from inside the closet."
She could here the underlining meaning in his words. "You know, you can change if you want."
He shook his head, "That's okay, I'll be fine…I'd like to keep talking with you…"
She walked over and sat on Rai's bed, her back to him. "We can still talk, but you go on, or you'll be late."
His eyes showed slight surprise, "And you're okay with this?"
She waved him away, "Just go."
He took his clothes and slowly went into the nearby washroom, his eyes never leaving her. Soon, the sound of running water could be heard from the shower.
Struggling with her words, she decided on a neutral topic. "So, you never told me about my roommate."
His voice came over the water, "Vicki? She's a real southern belle, but a spitfire at the same time. She doesn't like anyone treating her differently because she's a girl. She came here mainly to study karate and judo, but she dabbles in ninjitsu sometimes. She wants to prove to her father that she's worthy to become a Texas Ranger; very determined that one."
"What about you?"
The water was suddenly cut off, "I came here to learn all I can about jitsus: ninjitsu, genjitsu, sanjitsu…etcetera. Train as hard as I can, so that one day I can join my older brother in guarding our family shrine."
Kimiko sighed; the guarding of a shrine was an honorable position. But the path was hard. It meant years of training and discipline, along with having the huge responsibility of protecting the family, placed on your shoulders."
"How old is he?"
"Twenty-five. My parents died years ago in a car accident, and my brother, Kenshin, has raised me ever since. Now he's holding down the fort, while I'm here training. Even though I'm nineteen now, he still feels the need to take care of me. When I finish here, I'll finally be able to help him out."
She felt the presence of heat in the air, but she guessed it was part of the steam. "What a large responsibility. I'd like to meet your brother, Kenshin."
"Maybe one day, you will." his voice said behind her. She felt the slight touch, of his hand on her shoulder.
Turning around, she looked into his jade tinged eyes, and realized—he no longer wore his mask!
His face was young…and yet mature. His features weren't sharp, but instead, was almost the paragon of the Japanese culture. To say that he was attractive, would be the biggest understatement of the year! He's downright gorgeous! He held a stark aura about him, one that just made him more debonair and striking.
He had also taken his head scarf off, revealing long, gleaming, jet-black hair, which shined dark blue in the remaining sunlight. He had long, but trimmed bangs, which accented his emerald-flecked eyes. The rest of his hair was braided into a single, thick plait, which fell down his back; flawless and austere like the rest of him.
He offered her his hand, which she noticed, was as fine as porcelain. "May I be your escort, Lady Kimiko? In Vega's stead?"
She didn't have enough strength to do anything, but take his hand.
He gently helped her up, "I see you're a Fire Dragon."
"How could you tell?"
"Your hands—they seem to react to the very air, ready to ignite it."
She looked away, "Don't worry; I'm not going to burn you."
He gently turned herchin back towards him, "I know, and I'm glad that you are a Fire Dragon."
"Why?" Not able to tear her eyes away from his own.
He charmingly led her out the door, "Well, it gives us another thing in common…"