Gomenasai for the long wait! Hehe~ (:

I've been busy with my social life and school –sniff- :"c

Disclaimer: I do not own La Corda D'oro, Yuki Kure does. I only own the plot, the characters, the settings, and stories/legends I make up.

:Recap:

Len's POV

Strange… my heart hurted a bit there.

Will I miss Kaho? Why did I comfort her in the first place this night?

As Len was thinking endless questions that he knew that weren't going to be answered, he fell asleep.

Kahoko's POV

My eyes fluttered. I sat up and stretched.

"Uwaah~, that was the best rest I've had for a long time…" I smiled and looked around.

"Ah that's right… Len and I are still in this world… Wait. Speaking of Len-"

I looked at the other bed and saw that the bed was made and empty. I scratched my head. Where could he have gone?

Just when I was about to change, the door opened.

"Ah Meiyuki-chan, Natsumi-chan! Ohayou-gozaimasu!"

"Ohayou-gozaimasu Kaho-chan!" They both said simultaneously.

"Here are your clothes. If you need help putting it on, tell me after you have taken your shower." Natsumi said while she laid my clothes on the bed.

"After you change, lunch will be ready for the both of you and the queen will join you shortly." Meiyuki said.

"Ah thank you, thank you. Er… do you happen to know where Len is?"

"The blue haired boy who was sleeping here with you?" Natsumi asked.

"Hai."

"Oh, he got up awhile ago and took his violin with him to the music room." Meiyuki said while fixing my bed.

"Is that so? Hm, well I'll go by to greet him after I've done my morning routine then. Thank you~!"

"Not a problem," they said simultaneously and then they left.

….

After I took my shower, I changed to the clothes Natsumi gave me. They were quite adorable if I say so myself. I was wearing a light red undershirt- short sleeve with a white vest. A mini skirt that matched the same color tone of red on my shirt. I wore white leggings that went up to my knees. Then I wore light red boots with white laces. I looked at my bed and saw there were accessories.

'Ah Natsumi must have dropped them off while I was still at the shower.'

I picked one of them up and saw there was a black messenger bag and hair pins. I put the white and red hairpins on to my hair and put on the messenger bag.

'Why would I need a messenger bag?' I looked through the bag and inside was a small note.

Miss Hino Kahoko,

I hope the outfit was of your liking? I made my seamstresses make an outfit that was similar to what you would have worn in the other world. You can thank Lili for describing the attires humans wore in your other world. I had the feeling you might have been uncomfortable with wearing our attires~

Anyways, keep the messenger bag. I have a feeling you may need it in your adventures later on. See you at lunch!

Setsuna~

Hm…

I looked around the room and saw a father clock. A few more minutes and it'd be lunch. Maybe I can find Len then we can both meet up with Setsuna at lunch.

I exited the room and ran down the halls.

After a few minutes I just realized something. Where was the music room!

"Mou…" I sulked on the floor.

Then I heard a familiar melody. "Polonaise Brillante?"

I got up and followed the sound. As it got louder, I started to run. I ended up looking at huge twin doors.

Hesitantly, I turned the knob and peeked inside. There, Len was playing his violin. The sight took my breath away. His expression while playing looks so bliss. It's like he's in his own world filled with the melody he's producing. The window was open and the sun's rays shined upon him just enhancing the scene before me. As I was wearing new attire, so was he. It was also more contemporary. He was wearing a dark blue dress shirt that had five buttons opened. For his bottoms, he was wearing dark grey jeans and his footwear looked similar to those converses we wore in our world.

When he ended the song, he opened his eyes. Somehow he knew that he wasn't the only person in the room and turned to the door where I was standing.

"Kaho?"

I cannot explain the feeling I felt when he said my name. I suddenly felt a sudden jolt go through my body.

"Ah T-Tsukimori-kun!" Out of instinct I bowed. "Gome! I didn't mean to intrude."

I heard him sigh, which made me look up from my bow.

"Okay, first, you were not intruding. I was already finished with practicing for the day."

He put his violin away in a case.

"Second." He looked at me. "Didn't I already give you permission to call me Len?"

I stood upright and rubbed my head and smiled. "Ah right! Sorry, old habits die hard." I stopped rubbing my head and just remembered why I was looking for him in the first place.

"Oh right! Len, Setsuna was asking for us to come by for lunch. We better hurry!"

He walked in front of me and bent a little so we were eye to eye. I'm not sure, but I think I became flustered all of a sudden.

"Calm down Kaho." I didn't know whether he was saying that because of what I said to him or if he can hear my heart beats escalating.

….

Len's POV

My brows furrowed. Kaho was blushing mad at the moment. Was she that frustrated or worried that we'll be late? (A/N: Bwahaha, oblivious Len)

I sighed and grabbed her with my free hand since the other one was holding the violin case.

"Ah Len!" Kaho exclaimed as we were walking in haste through the halls.

I said nothing as we continued to walk. I heard Kaho sigh." Do you even know where you're going Len?"

Well that made me stop in my tracks. Luckily… or maybe not, we saw a maid emerge from a room. By the look of her face and the fact she was hauling plenty of cleaning equipment out the door, she was done with that room and was a bit exhausted.

"Excuse me, ma'am?"

The woman turned and instantly her face and aura changed to one I can recognize from a… I gulped. Fangirl.

"O-o-oh! Hello! Do you need help?" She batted her eyes. If I was in one of those mangas, the drawing of me at this moment would have plenty of sweat drops.

Nonetheless, I acted like a gentleman to her. "We need to go to the dining room to have lunch with Setsuna-san. Can you give me directions on where it is?" I made sure to emphasize the 'we' for obvious reasons.

The maid's eyes looked down to my hold on Kahoko's hand. She looked back up quickly though, but I saw it.

"Oh. Well all you need to do now is actually just…"

….

Kahoko's POV

I wasn't really paying attention to the maid. I was still trying to indulge the fact that Len is holding my hand.

"Alright then, thanks." Len said.

"Anytime, don't be afraid to come to me when you need anything at all, 'kay?"

Why did I feel so angry at that girl? All she was doing was trying to help us…

Len tugged at my hand and we started to continue walking.

….

I twisted the knob and peeked in.

"AH! KAHOKO AND LEN!"

The door was opened widely and Setsuna hugged us both. "Your attires look adorable~!" She giggled. "See Lili~! I told you they were smart enough to get through the palace halls!"

Lili sighed and floated over to give Setsuna a bag. It sounded like coins were in there.

Len and I looked at each other and smiled at Setsuna. "Right..." we simultaneously said.

She stepped back and extended one arm towards the table which was filled with oh so much food…

I'd be drooling, but that would have been embarrassing of me to do it in front of Len and Setsuna.

"Do enjoy! After we're done eating, we'll get right on to business!"

We took our seats as the day before when she explained the old legend to us.

"Ittadakimasu," we said, and then began to eat.

….

"Uwah…" I leaned back on my chair and patted my stomach. I was so full…

I saw Len put his utensils down and wipe his mouth with the napkin. I pouted. Does he have to be perfect in everything?

"Now that we're finished with lunch…" Setsuna put on a stoic face. "… It's time to get serious."

Everyone on the table- Setsuna, Lili, Len, and I- had a stoic face.

Setsuna cleared her throat. "Lili?"

Lili brought out a small scroll, but once it was placed on Setsuna's palm, it turned to a normal size. When Setsuna spreaded out the scroll, there not words in there, but…

"A map?" Len asked.

Setsuna nodded. "Yes, here before you now, is the map of our world. Similar to one of those maps you have in your other world. Like your map of all of the seven continents, this map shows all the kingdoms in this world." She points to one section of the map and the map somehow was able to zoom in to the location where she pointed. "This is our kingdom, the Afikumi." She took a deep breath. "As you already know, the seasons, the people, and our instruments have suddenly been acting strange as of lately. And however it happened, it was caused by the person who sent me that message. But before we can just blindly search for him and bring him to justice, we have to come up with good tactics and strategies on how we can find his purpose for doing this and how he's doing it. To gain this information…" Setsuna looked at Len and I. "The both of you must go here." She pointed to a section somewhat far from the Afikumi Kingdom. It looked like the area was somewhat similar to a forest.

"This forest's name is Ongaku no mori (Musical Forest). It is said that there is a sage that knows all. So he might know a possible reason on why the seasons, our people, and the musical instruments are acting so strange… Though here's the difficult part." Setsuna cleared her throat again. "No person has ever made it to the sage. It's been said that you must complete these trials he will give you with genuine intentions. Because the sage is able to give answers to any questions you may have for him. Though you're only able to ask him one question. So you must be cautious when asking the question you two will ask carefully."

Setsuna rolled up the map and handed it to me. "You might want to keep this in your messenger bag just in case you may get lost." She smiled at me.

I silently took the map and did what she told me to.

For the most part, the room was a bit silent now. I was the first one to break the uncomfortable silence. "When shall we leave?"

I saw Len's head turned to me with such a fast movement, that if it were faster, his head may have snapped off. It looked like he was about to say something, but Setsuna beat me to it.

"You're really calm about this Kahoko. You don't have to act so brave."

"It'll be fine Setsuna," Len said. "I'll be there, so there's no need to worry about Kaho's safety, I promise."

Mine and Setsuna's eyes brightened a bit when he said that. It made my sides melt…

Although… he may just be looking out for me because he's my sempai. I frowned at the possible thought.

Len saw must have seen my frown for he gave me a convincing smile that really made me feel safe.

"Well now!" Everyone turned to Lili as he exclaimed that and clapped his hands.

"I'll be getting you my favorite horse to drop you off by Ongaku no mori."

"W-wait. Err… how many horses will we bring with us?" I asked.

"Just one." Lili replied. "I'm sure you haven't had much experience with riding horses. But Len has for sure correct?" Len nodded. "So you two will have to share the horse." Lili smiled at me. Only I know what that smile says though…

Lili… I'm so going to get back at you.

….

"Here's your messenger bag Len, the maids said when they came to drop off the bag, you were already gone from the room." Setsuna handed Len the messenger bag and he put it on.

"In Kaho's bag, there is the map. And in Len's bag, are supplies which should make it easier for you guys to satisfy your necessities." Setsuna said to clarify things. "Oh, and you may need these." She gave us each of our violins which were in cases.

After she said that, Lili came by. He was holding the reins of the horse that seemed to be the one that will be coming along with us. I was a bit frightened now. I've never rode a horse before, and I'm scared on what the outcome may be if the horse gallops too fast.

"…ko…Kahoko."

"Ah." I turned to Len and he sighed. "Well that answers my question."

I tilted my head. "What question?"

Setsuna giggled. "Len was asking if you were going to be a scared of riding a horse since it's your first time."

"And by the look of it, I was right to assume that."

I laughed nervously. Setsuna came over and embraced me. "Neh, neh~ Don't worry, I'm very sure Len will be able to take care of you just fine." Unbeknownst to Len though, she winked at me and I blushed.

"Well now." Setsuna clapped her hands. "Pages, please help Kahoko-san on the horse." Immediately these two men in their thirties carried me on to the horse. I was able to sit properly on the horse since I was wearing leggings. Oh thank Kami-sama I am…

Next thing I knew I felt another warm presence behind me. I slowly turned my head and yup, Len was already sitting there behind me. I turned my head forward once more and squeaked softly.

Len's arms went around me and held the reins of the horse. This pose… It almost seems like he's embracing me. I smiled softly.

"It may take a night to get to the forest, we apologize for that." Lili said to us while sitting on top of the horse's head, but he was facing us.

"It's alright Lili." I extended my hand to him and he hopped on my palm and stood there. I brought him up closer to my face and he hugged my cheek.

"Take care Kaho-chan alright? I'd like to see you without a scratch haha! See you in a few days~"

Lili flew over to Len and extended both his arms to him, showing that he wanted to shake his hand. Len tilted his head, but gave him his pinky and Lili shook that. "Make sure you take care of yourself too Len-san!" Len nodded and Lili flew back to Setsuna's shoulder.

Len bent down to whisper to me, "Ready?"

"Un," I nodded.

Len pulled back and snapped the reins of the horse, but not that harsh that the horse may feel the pain.

And so we were off to Ongaku no mori.

….

"Kaho, can you take out the map? I'd like to make sure we're heading the right way."

"Sure thing."

After on what seemed to be a few hours, we mostly just sat in comfortable silence. "Here you go…" I picked the map from my bag and opened it in front of me.

Len leaned in closer, right by my shoulder to get a better look. "Hm. Alright then."

I put away the map and a few minutes later, I yawned.

"Kaho?"

"Hm?"

"Are you tired?"

"No, well yes. Mmm, just a little."

"Why not lean back on me and just close your eyes for a bit then?"

The suggestion of his made me stutter my whole sentence out.

"N-n-no, it's f-fine L-Len. I don't w-want to cause anymore p-p-problems, haha."

"You are not being a problem. You're not even complaining about how long this is taking, nor are you acting like an impatient child. So thank you for being such a good companion to me Kaho. I'm actually enjoying this horse ride."

I turned back to him and smiled. "Me too! Haha, I'm sure my first ride on a horse would be one of my most memorable moments thanks to you Len!" Was it me, or did I see a slight blush on his face?

I yawned again and was unaware of the fact I actually accepted his offer and leaned back to his chest.

I was serious when I said that this would be one of my most memorable moments. Just like the time I complimented him by the music room window, when we played Ave Maria together, when we went to that aquarium. I sighed dreamily with my eyes closed.

Before I fell asleep, my final thought was, 'Len. How can you be so oblivious to my feelings… Or are you just pretending to be oblivious?'

….

Len's POV

This girl has no idea what she's doing or saying. Saying things like having memorable moments and making me blush… This is- hm?

I looked down and saw Kaho lightly snoring. Hmph, I told you, you were tired. Stubborn girl. She should learn how to take care of her body more often.

Not for perverted reasons mind you! But, because how will she be able to continue to play the violin if she is not well rested or hurt?

I looked around. It was much darker now. The skies were a mix of a dark purple and light orange. You can tell we were far from the kingdom about now since we hardly saw any buildings, homes, farms, etc. or people. We were more out in the rural parts of the land. Everywhere you turn; there would be huge trees that could compete with the tallest buildings back in Japan. It may even be able to compete with skyscrapers! I looked onwards and saw a cave? Please tell me we have to go around that thing.

As we were close to the entrance, the horse stopped. "Oi, what's wrong?"

The horse just shook its head and moved backwards one step. From the reaction, I'm guessing this is as far as it's going to take Kaho and I. This is no good. I have no choice but to wake Kaho.

I put down the reins and shook Kahoko gently. "Kaho…Kaho. Wake up… Kaho."

Kaho blinked her eyes then she rubbed them. She looked around lazily, but then as if she had a light bulb for a brain, it turned on and she opened her eyes widely and sat up. Her sudden action almost made her fell of the horse. "Steady Kaho." I said while holding on to her arms, just below her shoulders.

"Are… are we here Len?"

"I can't actually be certain that we are." I pointed to the cave. "My guess is that we'll have to somehow walk through that and Ongaku no mori will be in the end."

Kaho looked at the cave for the first time and she cringed. "There? I thought it was a forest?"

"It should be."

Kaho looked at the map once more. Her brows furrowed and she pouted.

After a minute of looking back at the cave and back at the map she sighed. "Well I guess we have no choice then."

She was about to get off the horse, but I held on to her. I gave her a look that says, 'Allow me.'

I got off the horse with a movement I would consider to be fluid. Once I was on the ground, I picked up Kaho and settled her on the ground.

"Thanks," she said while stretching out her arms and legs.

I nodded.

Kaho looked back at the horse and guided it to a tree. She tied the reins with two knots. Afterwards, we headed to the entrance of the cave.

"Um, by chance Len, do you have a flashlight in that bag?" Kaho aked.

"Let me check." I rummaged through my bag. "Yeah, here we go." I said pulling out a medium-sized flashlight. I turned it on and instantly the cave was illuminated.

Before we headed inside Kaho pulled on my arm. "Wait! I feel like… like we should bring our violins just in case." She ran back to the horse and grabbed the two violin cases.

"Thank you," I said as she gave me my case. "Ready now?"

"Yeah," she said then gulped.

I was about to offer my hand to her, but I had to hold on to the flashlight and the case. "Stay close."

With that, Kaho and I ventured into what seemed to be a dark abyss. With only our violins and a flashlight to ensure our safety...

I tried my best to make this a long chapter :D

Believe me, I wanted to keep going and write what they will encounter in the cave on their way to Ongaku no Mori, but I need to stop procrastinating on homework c:

This was a good time to update since I'm really free because of Spring break~

Well I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, I promise there would be more romance on the next one ;D

Please Review~ It builds up my confidence and is said to be able to make me write faster! -wink wink-