CHAPTER 4: Past And Present

I was sitting on my bed, playing with my new shoelaces which my older sister Greta had given me. They were white and covered with strawberries. It was my birthday, I was so proud finally being ten years old. I couldn't wait to laugh at Lea, who was still only nine. Hahaue was walking nervously around in the room. He seemed anxious on every birthday of mine, but today more so.

"Hahaue?" I heard my tiny voice say. He stopped walking around, his emerald green eyes meeting mine.

"Yes, Ronja?" he asked.

"Do you think Father will come home today? Since it's my tenth birthday and all?" Hahaue sighed, biting his lip. He sat down beside me, putting me on his lap. He wasn't looking me in the eye like he usually did; he was looking down on his hands which were resting on mine. I felt disappointment rise inside me when he shook his head.

"No. Your father isn't coming home today." I didn't reply, just looked down to our hands, his hands which were so much bigger than mine, holding onto my small ones. He pulled me closer into his chest, and I understood that he wanted to tell me something important.

"I should have told you this a long time ago," he whispered. "But you have always been so little and.. Well, now that you're ten, you are bound to understand." I felt sick, I guessed I wasn't going to like what I was about to hear.

"Your father isn't coming home today, in fact.. He's never coming home." My mouth dropped wide open. My black eyes met Hahaue's emerald green, I could see sadness in them, he was holding back tears I could tell. Even though I was shocked, devastated, angry even, I kept my mouth shut. It was quite obvious that he hadn't finished speaking.

"The day I had you," he whispered, placing a hand on my cheek. He rubbed it softly with his thumb, kissing it.

"The day I had you was both the worst and the best day of my life," he continued. "Your father didn't go on a journey he.. Well, I guess he sort of did." He added a nervous laugh. "What I mean to say is that your father.. Is captivated, soul and body in Shinou's temple. He's not dead but-"

I wriggled out of Hahaue's grasp, not wanting to hear more. He tried to catch me, but I quickly ran away. I was just about to leave the room, when hearing Hahaue's voice. It went through my head like a shooting star, his voice was cracked, filled with concern, almost hurt. And I knew why.

"Where are you going?" he sniffled. I didn't turn around, I couldn't look at him, not now. Not when he'd just told me that.. It didn't matter.

"To Greta's," I lied. "She told me to drop by after opening the present. She wanted to know whether I liked it or not." Hahaue sighed, and I left the room, closing the door behind me. I couldn't help but feel my heart being slowly torn apart. Dad wasn't coming home. Dad was dead, or at least, in a way. Why had Hahaue lied? Why hadn't he told me before that Dad wasn't coming home? Why- It didn't matter. I had no answers anyway, and I probably wouldn't get them from a certain someone who had been lying for a very, very long time. Who'd been lying to me my whole life, actually. There was only one place to find the answers I was searching for.

Shinou's temple.

"There you go," Jennifer said. Her casual smile was spread across her face as usual, she'd just dressed me up in some sort of fancy clothes that we definitely didn't have in New Makoku. It was a red suit, and I sort of recognized it's smell. Hahaue.

"Wolfram wore that when first coming to earth," she continued. She gave me a tight hug, whispering 'hurry up' in my ear, seeming all excited as to what I would think of this unfamiliar world. I on the other hand, had no idea where uncle Yosuke was taking me and apparently that couple from yesterday was involved too.

I nodded towards my grandmother, forcing myself to grant her a final smile before leaving the house with Yosuke. The houses surrounding theirs, looked exactly the same. They were made of boring, white bricks.

"Take care of Ronja-chan," Jennifer told Yosuke before we finally got the chance to leave. He turned around nodding in reply, before taking me by the arm dragging me to another box, which was bigger than the boxes they called 'television' and 'telephone.' It wasn't really a square box, but still a box. Was this world made out of boxes (and how many times have I mentioned the word 'box' during this sentence?)?

He let go of my arm, opened a small door and entered the box. I raised an eyebrow, what was he planning? He waved at me, and I realised that he wanted me to sit next to him. I had to admit that I was kinda sceptical, but for once decided not to make a scene out of it.

I sat down next to him, noticing that instead of the woman this.. Ken had brought yesterday, a young girl was sitting next to him in, what looked like, the front of the box. She had long blonde hair, just like her, who I guessed to be, mother. Next to Yosuke sat a little boy with dark brown hair, who blushed whenever I looked at him. I really disliked little kids.

"You're supposed to close the door," Yosuke whispered. I closed the door, deciding there was no need for him to whisper.

"So what are we supposed to be doing in this box?" I asked outloud, trying to sound smart. I glanced at Yosuke, who didn't say anything. I frowned, I really didn't like the way he looked at me; like he was about to burst out in laughter. But nothing happened.

"Drive," Ken replied. I then noticed that the box was moving, but I didn't want myself look more stupid than I already had by freaking out.

"So where are we going? To a banquet with your king or something? I mean since I'm of royal blood I should definitely be greeted to this world with-" I was interrupted by Yosuke's laughter. Even the girl in the front giggled, but was obviously too shy to laugh outloud like my uncle. I had never seen or heard anyone laugh like him, not to mention as much.

"Dad is this guy of royal blood?" the girl asked. My throat nearly hit the ground, I hated shy people who was too scared to confront me themselves. Everyone in the castle back home, except my family, was like that, and everyone in this world was too. Again, except my family. When would I get a real debate?

Ken shook his head, saying something in reply that I didn't hear. I only heard my uncle's laughter, seeing him brush tears off his face.

"My oh my I haven't laughed that much in ages," he said, giggling before continuing. "I wish people from other worlds would pay a visit more often." The last sentence he almost whispered, probably because the girl obviously didn't know who I was, or where I came from. The boy probably didn't either, he was playing with his shoelaces. It reminded me of my tenth birthday. I didn't like the thought of it, and shook it off my mind.

"Where to?" Ken asked, changing the subject.

"The mall," Yosuke replied.

The mall. So they didn't actually find a better name to call the king's castle? It was probably nothing like Blood Pledge Castle, safe and elegant. And what did 'mall' mean anyway? The box suddenly stopped, and Yosuke told me to get out, which I gladly would. Even though it was somewhat, dare I say, 'soft,' the seat hadn't been comfortable as I'd completely made a laughing stock out of myself.

When getting out of the box, I noticed that I was standing in front of a tall building, and I was right, it was nothing like Blood Pledge Castle. There were plenty of people going in and out all the time, and it had too many windows in my opinion. I couldn't call it pretty either, where wall could actually be seen I noticed the color of it was a weird nuance of orange/yellow. At least the sky was the same as home, blue and beautiful with normal, white clouds on it.

"So this is it?" I asked Yosuke, who was standing next to me. "This is your king's castle?"

"We don't have a king," he smiled. I was just about to reply when someone pulled my sleeve. I looked down to the right, noticing the little boy from the car. His dark brown eyes were looking into my black, and even though I knew he noticed that I had a look on my face that said 'shush, go away' he didn't.

"Are you a king?" he asked. When hearing his tiny little voice, I realised how innocent he seemed. He had a Dad and a Mum, both living together. He knew nothing of the hard way of life, and probably never would. There were no swords in this world, no fighting, no 'defending the gates,' they didn't even have a king to lead the way. Even though I despised little kids, or may be refused to admit that I liked them, I was happy for him.

"Takashi," Ken yelled from the car. "Only the big kids are going to the mall, get back in the car." Before I had the chance to reply, the kid called Takashi ran off. It didn't matter though, he already knew the answer. Everyone who saw me, could tell I was of royal blood due to my beauty. I smirked at the thought.

"Are you coming with us?" Yosuke's voice was sharp, and cut my thoughts in half. I noticed that by his side, stood the blonde haired girl from the front. Her eyes, like the little boy's, were also dark brown. Hers were off a deeper shade, though.

"No," she said, shaking her head. "I'm meeting up with Cameron." I sighed in relief, most girls were annoying, and as I had more than enough with dragging my uncle around (well actually, it was the other way around) she would only be an extra burden if she had decided to join us.

"My oh my," Yosuke sighed. "You should stop hanging out with American exchange students." I knew he was making a sarcastic comment, but I wasn't too sure about her.

"Shut up," she said jokingly, poking his side. What were 'Americans' anyway? I didn't follow the rest of their conversation, but I did notice her leave. She waved at Yosuke, but sadly, on her part, not to me. Who did she think she was? Everyone waved at royals, didn't they? And I, who was going to become the Maou, being the first Mazoku in history with two magic elements. She was going to regret it when I was sat on the throne.

"So if you don't have a king," I said, trying not to show any sign of annoyance. "This is not a castle. And if this is not a castle, where are we and why are we here?"

"Shopping," he replied. He showed me something that looked like a small card, grinning widely. If I had been studying properly, it said my grandfather's name. It also had a small picture of him on it. I didn't understand why it would do any good, but then again I didn't understand a lot of things in this world.

"Shopping, you say?" I asked. He nodded.

"I guess you want to get something for Wolfram, am I right?" I hadn't thought of that, but instead of saying what was on my mind I nodded in reply. I didn't mind getting something for Hahaue, especially not when imagining his smile, that special smile he only smiled when I had something for him, whether it was a hug, a flower, or a not so well made dress.

Yosuke suddenly grabbed my arm, dragging me inside what they called 'the mall.' When entering the castle, which I preferred to call it, I noticed a lot of small and big shops in every corner with all sorts of things in them. Both things I recognized, and things I didn't.

When reaching Shinou's temple, I was denied access to where I knew Father's soul would be captivated. I had given up trying to get past the guards, and was now sitting at the edge of the fountain in the beautiful garden surrounding the temple. I then noticed someone's presence.

"I'm sorry that I cannot let you speak with Yuuri Heika." I knew at an instant who it was, it was the old priestess Ulrike. I nodded in reply, not really knowing what to say or to do. I found myself in a situation that I didn't like, I thought birthdays were supposed to be fun. Weren't they?

"I guess that means you know about your father," she continued. I nodded again, playing with my shoelaces that my older sister had given me during breakfast, before I knew of father's real disappearance. Ulrike sat down next to me, her eyes trying to meet mine. I in the end gave up, and mine met hers. She put a hand on my shoulder.

"I just don't understand," I said, hearing how sad I sounded.

"Wolfram Geika didn't mean any harm by not telling you the truth," she replied. "Rather the opposite. All these years, ever since your father was sealed he.. Geika has carried such deep sadness. And he didn't want a little boy like you to carry that burden as well. He loves you very much." I looked down on my hands, almost ashamed of how I had acted before. I clearly understood Hahaue's reasons for not telling me about my father's disappearance after what Ulrike had just said.

"Don't blame him, Ronja Heika," she continued, a small smile spreading across her face. "And, happy birthday."

When Yosuke was done shopping and talking with people he knew, and when I'd finally found something for Hahaue, we sat down in a place that looked like a modern café. And it was. According to my uncle we in New Makoku lived in the 'stone age.' I didn't know what he meant by that, so I decided to stay quiet. He ordered us both something to eat, and nearly stuffed himself before I'd even touched the food. He obviously didn't know how to behave in front of important people. I was glad I'd grown up with good manners. He stopped eating.

"I'm sorry Your Majesty," he smiled. "I forgot I was eating with someone royalty." With that, he straightened his back, starting to eat like a normal, civilized person. I had to admit that I was quite surprised.

"I didn't even say anything," I stated. He swallowed what he had in his mouth, opening it to speak.

"Being my brother's.. Brother, I do have some sort of Maryoku as well," he whispered. I leaned closer.

"What sort of Maryoku? Which element?"

"I don't have an element," he replied, adding a slight laugh. "I can read people's mind, enter them. Communicate with their souls. I guess telepathy comes close."

"So that's how you know what I'm thinking," I said. He nodded. I had to admit that I was freaked out by the thought of anyone hearing my thoughts.

"Apparently I inherited it from Yuuri." I frowned. How could he have inherited something from my father? He wasn't his kid, he wasn't my brother. I stopped thinking, this guy would be reading my thoughts by now.

"My older brother Shori has also got Maryoku," Yosuke smiled. "He wouldn't have if it hadn't been for that Yuuri had been chosen to become the Maou, so I guess you could say that we both inherited it from him, right?"

"How do you know all this stuff?" I asked. "I mean you're not from New Makoku, and you haven't even been there as far as I'm concerned."

"My parents just decided to be honest with me I guess," he replied. His smile slowly disappeared from his face. "Yuuri discovered himself, and Shori once told me that Bob, the previous Maou on earth, told him about your world."

"There's a Maou on earth?" I asked.

"There is. Bob retired long time ago though, Shori's the current Maou."

"So Maou's runs in the family," I said, and it made Yosuke laugh for some strange reason. I ignored it as I had to admit that I was rather curious about this laughing stock, also known as my uncle or Yosuke Shibuya.

"Tell me something about yourself," he said. I gave him a weird look, why would I want to tell him anything?

"There's not really much interesting to say," I replied shortly. "If you have the need to talk, why don't you tell me something about yourself?" Not that I was going to listen, but it was worth giving it a try, especially since he never stopped talking.

"Well my name is Yosuke Shibuya, you already know this, and I'm a year younger than you and-"

"Wait, wait, wait," I said. "A year younger? You mean you're only14? But I mean father he-"

"Mum found out she was pregnant when going home from Yuuri's sealing," he replied. "She once told me that it was like he'd granted her a gift, maybe because if she had something to be occupied with she wouldn't suffer as much. I mean not that it helped the fact that Yuuri died, but you know."

"No I don't," I said, almost angrily. "How's anyone supposed to replace my father? And you of all peop-"

"That's not what I meant," he said. "I just mean that my mother thought Yuuri gave her and father this blessing, me, so that it wouldn't be so hard for them to bear and they would be occupied doing other things than sitting around thinking about him all day. Of course they miss him, no one could ever take my brother's place."

I remained silent, I didn't really know what to say but at least one thing was certain; my uncle was well.. Alright, even though he was too happy and too careless to have a good mark in my records. But I still hated to admit it.

"It should work now," Ken said. We'd been home in a couple of hours and.. Wait, did I just call this home? I had to admit that while being here, my own world, my home seemed like a dream. It both worried and scared me, I missed Hahaue and wanted to go home. Back to my own world, my country.

Apparently this Ken Murata had some sort of Maryoku as well, so he helped me concentrate my powers on the water in the tub. If that didn't work, we probably had to call father's older brother, Shori, at least according to Ken.

"Ronja-chan," I heard a familiar voice say. I turned around, meeting the sight of my smiling grandmother Jennifer, or Miko. In her hands she was holding something that I recognized, something that I had been looking through when first coming here. A photo album. She handed it to me.

"Look through it on bad days, Ronja," she smiled. I nodded.

"I will."

"I think it's ready for you to go, Heika," Ken smiled. I pressed my lips together in order to not do something that I hated: smile. I couldn't wait to go home.

"In fact, I think I will accompany you," he suddenly said. I hadn't been expecting this.

"I don't know what Hahaue would say if-" Jennifer pinched my left side. "-uhh, sure," I finished. Ken smiled.

"It's settled then." He got into the tub, dragging me along with him. I put Hahaue's gift inside the photo album, holding it tightly into my chest. I couldn't hear Jennifer say 'bye' but I could read by her lips that she did. I was about to reply, but before I knew it Ken and I were travelling through time and space.

Authors comment: I know this was a very long chapter and stuff, but not too long I hope. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all!