Disclaimer: I don't own SM
Pairing: Minako Makoto.
A/N: Updates are late, so sorry PrincessSerenity101.. I'll try to update faster.. Thanks for reading. I'm actually quite tied with my MaiHime fics.. so.. well.. GAHH! Sorry!
Note: This is a correction upload..I just noticed some major flaws.. but it's pretty much the same.. Thanks!
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REPLACEMENT
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Chapter 2
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The Aino came to our house and the meeting was held. My brother hid again, to avoid any confrontations or anything that will lead him to become the heir. I chose to stay outside the mansion and walk along the makeshift forest my father put up in our garden.
But as I walked deep into it, my body started to give. It felt as if all my misery, all of my sacrifices will have it's much awaited and well- deserved end: still a replacement. I smirk at the thought.
The heir of the Aino is said to have keen consideration in class and rank, surely that person will see the difference between my brother and me; his replacement.
I felt bitter about everything. Once the meeting is concluded, the heir and I will meet. The heir will of course be informed that I am only a substitute and will regard me lowly. This pained me greater than before.
Now I think my brother is just plain twisted.
I decided to sit down, unmindful of how the dirt might ruin my yukata. I held my katana close to me. This will be forever by my side now. At first I thought my brother will learn to harness his skill and assume responsibility and that he's only bored to take on challenges not suited him but---
There was a twig breaking in the silence. I stopped my thoughts and remained still. This should be interesting. Who in their right mind would dare trespass in our mansion?
I listened carefully and was really startled to hear a voice amidst the silent trees.
"Konbawa..."
My eyes widen in disbelief.
Right in front of me was a young girl, about my age. Her blonde hair complimented the darkness of the night, her eyes are of the deepest of blue and her lips sported a smirk that bested my brother's.
I stood up quickly and relaxed my stance.
"Konbawa." I replied then bowed. This could be a guest or even part of the Aino family. She is of my age and she wears a kimono eerily suited to match mine.
"It's dangerous for -- girls to be here alone." I muttered then looked away. She was so wonderful to look at! I've never seen another young girl in my life other than my reflection in the mirror and I know I don't look that magnificent.
She gave out a low chuckle.
"What about you? What's a young girl like you doing here alone?" she asked. I felt my arms go numb. Nobody ever mistook me for a girl when I'm wearing my yukata. I always had my hair in a neat queue and my binding always hides my blossoming chest.
She let out a soft menacing laugh at my embarrassment. Here I am, pretending to be someone who I am not, merely acting the role that my brother should have played.
"I like you." was the next thing I heard.
I shot up a glance at her and saw her smile, not a cute one, but a sly knowing smile.
"I'm sorry. But I-- I am the replacement." I just said. I never really knew why I said that but amazingly she understood.
"Ah! So, you are the heir of the Kino?"
"A replacement to the heir of the Kino." I corrected her politely.
"But, you ARE the heir of the Kino NOW, right?" she stressed. I felt her smile again, but this time it was warm.
"I-- I guess I am." I resigned wearily. Something about her made me cower, made me agree to what she says. Not that it's not true, but she made me realize that yes, right now, I am the heir.
"I like you." she said again. And I picked up the tune.
"I am the heir of the Kino. My devotion is to my master." I said, a bit lonely that I have accepted my fate so easily and that I cannot answer her differently.
"That's good." She said as she left me her sly grin. I sighed again and shortly followed her out of the gloomy forest.
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A/N: Please send in your reviews... thank you!