Here's the next chapter. I want to thank all my dear reviewers: mellode, Pri-chan 1410, Coco96 and CemetaryRain. Your reviews really inspired me to write this chapter!
Since my time shifts are really frequent (and confusing), I've made a little adjustment. From now on FLASHBACKS will be used to go back (a few or many) years while all other time shifts will be written otherwise (e.g.: Two Days ago, Last Week). However, I will use italics every time I go back in time. ^_^ Well…I hope you enjoy this chapter. Ok Ryoma, take it away….
(cricket chirps)
ai-chan: Ryoma…. (looks around)….
Fuji: He got away while you were talking. (chuckles)
ai-chan: (vein pops) I can't believe that kid! After all the Ponta I gave him….
Fuji: I can do it, if you want me to.
ai-chan: Really? You're such a gentleman Fuji! That little shrimp should learn a lesson or two from you.
Fuji: Thank you. Saa…..ai-chan doesn't own Prince of Tennis.
ai-chan: (sighs)
Ryoma: Che….Mada mada dane.
ai-chan: (turns around wildly) You little brat, get back here….
"Secrets are made to be found out with time."-Charles Sanford
Chapter 7: Secrets
Dedicated to:
mellode
Pri-chan 1410
Coco96
CemetaryRain
She knitted her eyebrows together, thinking. "Are you sure about this, Eiji-kun?"
"Don't worry Aya-chan. Just jump on to that rock and then to the shore."
Ayane still didn't look convinced. Eiji had made it look easy, crossing the Acid River, but she wasn't so sure. She looked again at the rock that stood out in the middle. Then, gathering up all her courage, she prepared to cross the treacherous stream.
She jumped with all her might and landed safely on the stone. Phase 1 of task, completed. She balled her fists and jumped again and managed to get across, barely. Looking at Eiji, she gave a triumphant grin but just as she stepped forward the sand beneath her feet slipped away. Ayane screamed as she started to fall backwards. Suddenly she felt a hand grab hers and pull her in.
They sat down puffing. "See, I told you, you could do it."
Ayane gave a small frown. "But you had to help me."
"That was only at the end. You did the whole task on your own. You were great, Aya-chan!" exclaimed Eiji, grinning.
Ayane's cheeks turned slightly pink. "Thanks, Eiji-kun."
"Well, let's get going. The Quest isn't over yet and there's not much time left till sunset," said Eiji, getting up.
They dusted their clothes and started walking towards the patch of daisies which lay straight ahead. The park was almost empty now except for a few teenagers and some families. Ayane followed Eiji to the sprout of daisies which looked really pretty. But the children were paying more attention to the large-sized stones that lay in between the flowers, in an almost zigzag manner. The two brave knights marched grimly towards the Field of Doom.
"Be careful. They'll explode even at the slightest touch,"warned Eiji looking at the stones as though he expected it to explode any moment.
They stepped through the daisies and the lawn grass, gingerly. Ayane almost fell down as she lost her balance trying to dodge another stone. Eiji however seemed to be doing fine, zigzagging his way across. Ayane finally made it out and let out a sigh. "Alright…just one more task to go,"she puffed out. Eiji nodded.
As they started walking again, Ayane looked over Eiji's head- she was taller than him; she congratulated herself on that- to see The Fall ahead, which was really just a little slope. Eiji looked down.
"Alright, I'll go first and then wait at the bottom," said Eiji. Ayane nodded.
He sat down; his legs stretched out in front, and slid down. As soon as he reached the bottom he stood up and turned to giveAyane a thumbs up. Her face looked determined as she sat down and pushed hard. She slid a bit too quickly and lurched forward as her feet touched the ground, bumping right into Eiji.
"Ow!/Ouch!"
"I'm so sorry Eiji-kun!" Ayane said, teary eyed and rubbing her throbbing forehead.
"It's okay…Please don't cry Aya-chan," Eiji said, flailing his hands, "See….I'm perfectly fine." He marched up and down. Ayane's sobs slowly died down. She looked at Eiji once more. "R-really?"
"Yeah….I'm fine."
She sniffed again. "C'monAya-chan. Let's go get the Holy Berries and finish our quest," Eiji said, beaming.
"Okay." Ayane gave him a weak smile but that immediately changed into a startled face when Eiji took hold of her hand and led her forward. Her face turned a light shade of red as she let out a big smile.
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Lady Ayaka, Lady Sayuri, we, your knights have returned with the Holy Berries," announced Eiji stepping grandly into the kitchen.
The two ladies turned to look at their brave five year old knights whose faces were now smudged with a little dirt. ShizunoAyaka laughed lightly. "I see. Well, you have done well indeed, brave knights. Now it's time for your well-deserved Royal Bath."
"That's right and after that we can have some of those cherry cookies,"added KikumaruSayuri, her smile glowing just like the setting sun.
Eiji cheered as he ran ahead into the bathroom. Ayaka followed him, holding fresh clothes in her hands and Ayane dragged behind looking a bit upset. When she stepped inside, Eiji was already in the bath tub and was blowing the soap bubbles that floated around him. "C'mon Aya-chan."
Ayane continued to stare ahead. Ayaka walked to her, kneeled down in front and looked into her emerald eyes. "Aya, what's wrong honey?"
She looked at the ground not meeting Ayaka's eyes. "Aya..," she called lifting her chin, "What's wrong?"
"I'm not good at anything. Eiji-kun did a great job at all the tasks while I messed up everything." Ayane's eyes looked glassy now.
Ayaka gave a small smile. "That's alright. You can do better next time. Besides, I know something Eiji-kun could never beat you at. Even daddy couldn't beat you." She smirked and looked in the direction of the bath tub. Ayane's face lit up. "Water-splash contest!"they chorused. Ayaka chuckled, getting up, "Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's go Aya."
"Nya..Aya-chan!"
Ayane's eyes shot open. She cringed as light shone into them. She shut them again and slowly peered through and found herself staring at a picture of a huge sakura tree. 'This picture looks awfully familiar…' She looked to her right and saw a table and chair. The table was piled with books, colours, brushes and a few hairpins. There was a small window to the side and now it was open letting in the cold night air. She frowned in thought for a few minutes before she finally realized where she was.'Thi-this is…..my room.' She slowly sat up and immediately placed her hand lightly on her stomach which ached a bit. 'Why is that?' She slowly got out of her bed and made her way to the door.
oooooooooooooooooooooooo
Shizuno Ayaka expertly cut up the tomatoes and proceeded to chop up the carrots now. She smiled as she remembered what happened not more than 3 hours ago…..
Ayaka jotted down the last of the things she'd need to buy tomorrow. She looked at the clock again, 5:45, she frowned. Aya sure was getting late today. She sighed, getting up. 'Might as well start making dinner.'She stopped in her tracks as the doorbell rang just then. She rushed to open the door and the sight that greeted her when she did, was that of a red-headed boy carrying Ayane on his back. Ayaka quickly shot forward, startled and worried. "Aya….what happened to her?"
"Nya! It's nothing to worry about. She just fainted from fatigue. Aya-chan got hit by a basketball."
Ayaka stared amazed at the boy. She looked at his cat-like eyes fixedly. Eijisweatdropped. "Nya, I'm sorry if-"
"Ano…I'm sorry but could you tell me who you are?"
"Sorry. Nya! I'm Eiji and I'm in Aya-chan's class,"said Eiji, smiling sheepishly. Ayaka smiled warmly. "Please, come in. Thank you so much for taking care of Aya, Eiji-kun."
"Nya, it's okay."
She continued to stare at Eiji who was setting Ayane down on the couch. 'It couldn't be. She didn't tell me….but it's got to be him. The hair, the eyes, the band aid, even the "nya".' After a few more minutes of debating with herself, she finally asked, "Ano…Are you Kikimaru Eiji?"
Eiji looked at her, surprised. "Yeah."
"A-Aya has told me about you," Ayaka replied, smiling, "So… you play tennis?"
"Yeah, I do."
'Phew. That wild guess was lucky. Aya's probably going to kill me for this…oh well, that's what she gets for not telling me.' Ayaka cackled in her head. She turned to look at Ayane who was still fast asleep. "I'm sorry but could I ask you for one more favour?"
"Sure. I don't mind, nya!"
"Could you help me take her upstairs? I'm too weak and exhausted right now to do it by myself."
Eiji nodded. "Nya, please don't overwork yourself. I can take her up myself."
"Thank you dear. Her room's the first one to the left."
Ayaka looked on as Eiji carefully lifted Ayane up from the couch and made his way to the stairs. After Eiji had climbed all the way up she slowly crept upstairs. She peeped into the room and saw Ayane being placed softly on the bed. Eiji looked down at Ayane's face with a smile. "Hope you feel better when you get up Aya-chan. Nya! I'll see you at school tomorrow."He stared at her face for a few more minutes before getting up and turning towards the door. Ayaka quickly jolted down stairs and grabbed her newspaper and empty coffee cup. When Eiji finally reached the bottom of the stairs, Ayaka looked up innocently from her paper.
"Thank you so much for your help Eiji-kun. You're such a gentleman!"
"Nya! It's no big deal," said Eiji, blushing and scratching the back of his head.
"Please come by again."
"O-ok."
Ayaka gave him an angelic smile and waved as he left. She stared at his back till he finally disappeared round the corner.
Present
Ayane'sPOV
I slowly descended the stairs and found my mom setting down a bowl on the table. The smell of miso soup hung in the air along with that of curry and rice. Mmm. Nothing like mom's cooking!
I was about to call her but then I stopped and grinned evilly. This was a perfect chance for me to get back at her for that time she scared me and made me fall from the bed. HAHAHA! Sweet revenge….1…2…
"Ah!You're awake."
I stared at her with dotted eyes.
She laughed lightly. "Oh..You're gonna have to do better than that honey, if you're gonna scare me."
I groaned….darn. I pouted as I went to get the plates. I sighed and set them down. Mom and I sat down to eat and I listened and laughed as she told me how her day was.
"So Aya….how was your day?"
"Nothing much, just the usual."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Why do you ask?"
"Oh..it's nothing."
Hmm…weird.
I shrugged and continued to wipe the dishes. My mom sighed as she picked up another spoon and, it seemed to me like, she was staring at it longingly. I sweatdropped. Yup, moms can be really weird sometimes. As I reached over and kept the plate in it's place my stomach suddenly stung a bit. My hands immediately shot down and I slowly rubbed the place where it had stung. Basketball….
"Hey, Kenji pass the ball."
"Are you okay?"
"Hi! My name is HiroshiKenji."
"Nya, Aya-chan!"
Suddenly everything that had happened in the evening came back to me. But…how did I- wait….Eiji? No way…mom didn't say- That's when I realized it.
So that's what she meant. I looked at her as she slowly walked into the living room. I followed her in and called out to her, "Hey,mom…" She turned around and looked at me.
"Hm?"
"I'm sorry…..I wanted to tell you but then I-"
"It's okay. I understand why you didn't tell me," she said, giving me a small, shaky smile, "I know it was hard for you, having to leave and I'm sorry I was so forceful."
I walked towards her, my heart full of guilt. I hugged her lightly. "Stop blaming yourself, mom. Really, how many times do we have to go over this? We had to leave." I pulled back a bit and looked up at her. "Besides, I'm totally over it now." I gave a fake laugh.
Mom continued to look at me with her glassy brown eyes. I remembered how dad used to say that mom's eyes could see through anything and that's how she'd stolen away his heart (yeah, dad was quite the drama king); so there was no point in lying to her.
I started, "Okay…fine. Maybe just a smidge more."
Mom sighed. "Aya, if you need to tell me anything, you know I'll be there for you, don't you?" I nodded.
She smiled, "It was nice seeing Eiji-kun again. So he still plays tennis, huh?"
I looked at her, surprised. "How did-"
"Well, I talked to him of course."
My heart was hammering now. "W-what did you talk about?"
Mom grinned slyly. "Oh…This and that. Anyway he's much more taller now. You'd probably look like a bean sprout if you stood next to him."
My vein popped. "I'm not a bean sprout. I'm sure I reach upto his shoulders…almost and don't think you can stray away from the topic!"
"What topic?" she asked, moving away.
"Hey, get back here. I'm not done yet!"
Mom walked up the stairs laughing and I followed pouting and glaring at her back.
oooooooooooooooooooo
The bright summer sun glowed happily and it made the dew in the grass sparkle like diamonds. The clouds seemed glad for the warmth of the day and as if to prove it, they looked even fluffier today. Robert strolled briskly through the carpeted corridor and made his way up the stairs, quite quickly for a man his age. He quietly opened the large mahagony doors that led to the Young Master's bedroom. It was large enough to fit four or five African elephants, a few pictures were hung on the walls; some showed nature scenes, others showed basketball players and one showed a middle aged man who had his arms around a beautiful lady. Their smiles looked kind and radiant. There were a few other pieces of furniture in the room including the huge king-sized bed in the centre where a brunette was sleeping peacefully.
Robert sighed and went towards the red curtains which were still drawn over the French windows that led to the balcony. In one swift motion he swept aside the curtains and bright sunlight poured into the room. There was groaning to be heard from beneath a pile of sheets. The old butler walked towards the vase which was kept on a small table beside the bed. He took out the withered flowers and replaced them with the white lilies he'd picked from the garden.
"It's 7:00 already. You must get up Master Kenji," his voice, old yet stern and refined, broke the stillness in the room.
"Please Robert….just five more minutes."
"I'm afraid I can't allow that. You were late yesterday because Matsuri allowed you to sleep for ten more minutes which stretched onto fifteen minutes," said the old man, shaking his head, "Miss Katsura was cross and she said she'd come here and deal with you personally if you didn't get up."
Quick as lightning, the sheets were thrown out of bed and Hiroshi Kenji was practically running into the bathroom. Five minutes later he emerged from inside, his hair ruffled up and looking as groggy as ever.
He dragged himself behind Robert as he descended the stairs.
Kenji yawned. "Really Robert, did you have to wake me up so early? Couldn't you have made some excuse to Yana for me?" He ended this sentence with yet another yawn. Robert sighed.
"Master Kenji, I told you it's past 7:00. The sun's been up for hours and you know what they say, 'Make hay while the sun shines.'"
Kenji mentally snorted. Sleep deprivation was a crime. He sulked as he went into the dining hall. The place was three times the size of his room and there was a long table in the centre and chairs were neatly arranged. There was bread, honey, jam, butter and a glass of steaming tea placed at Kenji's seat. He let out a little grin and eyed the food just like a little kid would've eyed a jar of cookies.'My favourite!'
Suddenly a lady burst into the room (I guess you could call it that). She was wearing a red night dress over which she wore a reddish pink shawl. Her brown hair was tied in a messy bun and she looked a bit tired, but she still had on a beautiful smile which was as bright as the sunlight pouring in through the windows.
"Good Morning Kenny! Oh, how I missed you," she exclaimed coming towards Kenji with open arms. He turned to look at her and gave a smile.
"Mother…you're back! So how was your trip?" he asked, getting up to hug her.
"Oh! Ireland is just marvellous this time of year. Oh, you must come with me next time, Kenny."
Kenji smiled. "So when's dad coming?"
"Oh…he'll…. be here….. soon enough," she said, rather stiffly.
He chuckled. "What is it now?"
"Don't you laugh. He just loves doing it, doesn't he? I keep telling him to stop taking away my baked cookies. Especially when I'm baking them for others and this time he really did it. Four whole batches!" she exlaimed, huffing.
"It's just his way of showing how much he misses you."
"Hmph."
Kenji laughed. "Well…I have to go, I'll see you."
Hiroshi Sayaka sighed. "I'll see you, honey. Have a nice day!
oooooooooooooooooooo
Ayane and Chiako climbed the stairs, discussing their History projects.
Ayane sighed. "I've still got the front page to finish and I have to get a few papers from Eiji," she gave Chiako a glare, "I don't get it. How come he gets you as his partner?"
Chiako giggled. "Tutut. Now, now..there's plenty of me to go around. Besides, I thought you'd be glad to have Eiji-kun as your partner…" she let out a sly grin.
Ayane blushed. "I-it's not like that! I just….y-you know what I meant."
Chiako laughed. "Alright, alright. I've had my fun."
"Anyway, this Kenji guy. Tell me more about him."
Ayane frowned slightly. "Well…I don't really know him but from what I saw I guess he's an ace player in the basketball team. Other than that, I also know that he's a pig head."
"Why do you say that?" Chiako asked, amused.
Ayane snorted. "He was so full himself. He acted like he was the king of the courts just 'cause he made a free-throw. Wel-"
She stopped midway and stared ahead. Chiako, puzzled by this, glanced in her direction as well. There standing before them in all his princely glory was (three guesses who..) Hiroshi Kenji. Behind him stood a horde of blood thirs- umm…..girls.
'Speak of the devil!' Ayane thought and groaned inwardly for the drama that was about to ensue. Kenji stepped forward and held out a bouquet of orange roses and white lillies. He kneeled before Ayane and took her hand and gently kissed it. Here the girls screamed, fainted and fell in a heap, one on top of the other. Kenji, however, seemed not to notice and continued.
"Ayane-chan, are you alright now? I hope you'll accept theses flowers as an apology for my team mate's utter carelessness!"
Ayane and Chiako sweatdropped. "Ummm I-"
She was cut short again as she found herself being squeezed tightly. Eiji stepped back, grinning. "Nya! It's great to see you Aya-chan. How are you?"
Ayane felt her cheeks turn red. "Um…yeah. I'm fine now," she said and then looked at him, worried. "Did you get into trouble for skipping tennis practice?"
"Nya! It's okay. Tezuka made me run 30 laps around the courts. It was a lot less than I'd expected." Eiji said, smiling.
"That's good…I guess.." Ayane continued t gaze at Eiji, her expression unreadable.
Chaiko coughed.
"A-ah…we should get to class," said Ayane, startled out of her trance. The three walked off, leaving behing a certain someone and a heap of girls.
Kenji blinked. It took him a few more minutes to realize what had happended. 'Darn! He's always getting in my way but he's not gonna get away with it. Oh no. I'm not going down without a fight!'
ooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Aiko sensei wrote down another sentence on the board and asked someone to come up and write the answer. Chiako stifled a yawn and turned another page. She supported her head on her elbow and stared out the window. She thought about what had happened that morning and chuckled. Then she remembered that weird look she'd seen in Ayane'e eyes as she stared into Eiji's. She frowned in thought but atlast gave it up. 'Anyway, this Kenji guy is interesting…but I get the feeling I've seen him before…'
"Atsuki-san."
Chiako flinched. 'Great! She looks at me right when I look out the window.'She slowly stood up and was about to ask which question she was to answer when she noticed that someone was already writing an answer on the board. Puzzled, she turned to look at a her sensei, who motioned her to the door.
"Your mother is here to see you," she said.
Chiako stiffened and gave a curt nod. Then she slowly walked out of the class and made her way downstairs. When she finally reached the sitting area, she found a slender woman, who was dressed in a plain white blouse and black skirt, seated gracefully on the couch. Although she was dressed so plainly, she held herself in such a way that it made it seem elegant. Her dark brown eyes were sharp and her lips were drawn in a thin line. Her long brown hair was held in a bun by a beautiful flower hairpin but a few stray strands hung loosely and framed her face. As she saw Chiako come closer she smiled lightly.
"Hello, Chiako."
Chiako walked past her wordlessly and headed straight to a sleek, black car that was parked in front of the gates. The woman on the couch got up with a sigh and walked to the car as well. After they'd entered the car, it started and drove off.
ooooooooooooooooooooo
Ayane opened the door to the rooftop smiling but was surprised to find herself greeted with silence. 'Maybe she's late…..'.
Ayane waited but no one showed up. She finally decided to eat when she saw that break was about to end. She got up sighing, she slowly packed her lunch and then made her way back to class. As she walked along the corridors pondering on why Chiako hadn't come, she collided with someone who was carrying books in his hands.
Seito quickly bent down and picked up Ayane's bento and gave it to her.
"Thanks. I'm sorry for bumping into you like that. Here, let me help you with your books."
Ayane picked up another book and handed it back to the boy. "Thank you."
A thought suddenly struck her. "Hey, Toshiru-san, have you seen Chaiko-chan?"
He looked up and then adjusted his books. "I'm not really sure but I thought I saw her get into a car; followed by a lady, during the fourth period. But I could've imagined it."
Ayane frowned. 'Got into a car? Why? Where did she go to? Who was with her?'All these questions whirled in her head. Ayane shook her head and then said, "Thanks. Well, I'll see you." Seito nodded back. Ayane proceeded to her classes. He stared out the window and remembered the black car and, somehow, the thought that Chiako had entered it, worried him. He stared out the window for a while and finally made his way to class as well.
ooooooooooooooooooooooo
A group of dark figures huddled together in the abandoned club room. A girl quietly slid the door open. One of the girls in the centre lifted her head to look at the newcomer and gave a dark grin, seeing her.
"Hey, Satsuki. Nice of you to join our little party."
The said girl smirked. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world. So what are we gonna do about that b*tch?"
"Oh, it's gonna be sweet. After we're done with her, she'll think twice before trying to get close to Kenji-sama." The room echoed with her evil cackle.
"Or to Eiji-san," said Satsuki, joining in the cackling.
"Alright girls, here's the plan…"
Woah! This chappie was a killer . . I thought I'd never finish it. Well, actually I was planning on putting in more but then I changed my mind. I'm so sorry I took so long to update! Please don't stop reading….T.T….School has been holding me prisoner. I'll definitely try and update faster. I'd love to hear your comments about this chapter.
Personally, I found this chapter not so satisfactory as the last one and I read it over so many times that I finally got sick of it. However I must say I was proud that I'd been able to put in more descriptions. I'm sorry but I had to use a bit of language to express how the *cough* girls were like.
Anywayz….please read and review!