Chapter 63: The Gap Between

Makato's POV

I was a very frail child. I wanted to explore the world and play. Even at my young age I wanted a true friend. Not be known as the Princess of potions. To be known as Makato. I barely remember what my siblings looked like when we all used to play together. . . It's been that long.

As I was walking around Niho, I met my first true friend, who saved me from two men. I didn't want this chance to pass by! I felt like he was the one to stick by my side. So I made him my guinea pig. I didn't want him to walk away. So I let him and his family stayed with me. I was so happy to have him.

After a successful battle we had with the Dark Knights. . .

He showed up.

(oOoOoOo)

Niho Academy

Niho Academy had three divisions: The Elementary Division, the Middle School Division, and the High School Division. All different time periods. Morning classes and Evening classes. My mother signed us up for the evening classes in the Elementary Division of Niho Academy which was 11:30 A.M. to 6:30 P.M.

Morning classes start between 4:30 A.M. and 11:30 A.M. which was highly insane. No one in their right minds would wake up at 4:30, especially children. Which was why most students take the evening classes. The principal however refused to change the time schedules, which could lead to some conflict.

During our time in school, the three of us would hang out together. Play together, laugh together, and eat together. Miru and Mikoru were like brothers. It was so cute and ironic, the fact that Miru already had a big brother. Even so, they didn't usually hang out together.

Miru was very popular amongst the second graders, especially with the girls. Mikoru however, would get bullied. Usually, the Faithful Knight Children that knew about the news about a young Fumiharu living in Niho. So, he was teased and made fun of, being an outsider, of course. Miru defended him, so the bullying lowered down. Let me changed that, the bullying completely stopped. Miru promised to blow anyone's brains out with his guns if they teased him once more. However, Mrs. Lorey, our homeroom teacher, gave him a time out for "bad language".

11:30 A.M.

"Good morning my lovely students! Today we are going to work on the following things. . ." Mrs, Lorey explained the lesson we're about to do soon. We sat in group tables with our name tags on each part of the table. Miru was with his friends in a table. Mikoru was in my table group, across. Sometimes I would catch him looking at me. He looked a bit flustered every time he would turn away.

"Is there something on my face?" I couldn't help but to blurt out to him. He madly blushed and shook his head. "N-no. . . You're just so pre-"

"Ok. Good." I smiled and faced my attention toward the teacher. I heard Mikoru quietly sighing for some reason and it sounded sad.

Mrs. Lorey passed each of us a sheet of paper with outlined pictures of fruits. She then placed a medium sized box with many crayons, colored pencils, markers, oil pastels, sharpies, erasers, pencils with numbers and the letter "H". I heard she was a former artist before she began a teacher.

"Today, we will be coloring fruits to get to know more about our colors in the world!"

"Yaaay!" Students cheered.

"This is stupud! Fruits are gross! I radder eat hamburgers!" David shouted from our table group. Everyone began to laugh, except for me. What was so stupid about fruits? They're good for you! I stood up, angry from his comment.

"Well, David, if you want diabetes from eating hamburgers every day, be my guess!"

Everyone stood silent and stared at me with confusion in their eyes. It seemed my vocabulary was more high leveled than the rest of the second graders. David only recognized the word, "hamburger" and snorted. "Ha! I don't care!"

"Diabetes means you're going to die!" Miru shouted across the room. The laughter came in once more and David stood silent. Mrs. Lorey was secretly laughing, but cleared her throat from her unthoughtful behavior.

"A-anyways, get coloring! Remember red for apples. Orange for oranges! I better not see purple bananas, Lucy!"

"Yes!" Lucy answered, happily. She sat right next to me in our table group. I really didn't know if she was color blind or not.

"Makato. Which fruit are you going to color?" Mikoru asked me, shyly. I smiled at him and pointed to the fruit.

"The peach! I heard that peaches and cream can be sweet when you colored them."

". . .I-if you're coloring the peach, than I too will do as well!" Mikoru smiled and grabbed an orange marker. David rolled his eyes. "You're gonna get cooties if you color the same fruit as Makato!"

"Not true!" I exclaimed, stopping my coloring. David stuck his tongue at me and laughed.

"What is a cootie?" Mikoru asked.

"Something that a gurl has. You better watch out." David warned Mikoru. Mikoru frowned and turned to me. "Is that true? If that's the case, I'll catch your cooties anytime."

David and Lucy and I as well gasped. Some of the second graders heard as well and began to talk about it.

"Mikoru wants Makato's cooties?!"

"Whoa!"

"EWW!"

"Nastie!"

"Mrs. Lorey, can I use the potty? I don't feel good!"

"Ahahahahaha!"

"Mikoru wants Makato's cooties! Mikoru wants Makato's-" The second graders began to chant. Mrs. Lorey told the students to stop that but they continued. I was so embarrassed as I dropped my crayon in my hand and ran out of the room. I heard Mikoru shouting my name but I ignored him. How could he say that?! In front of everyone! Dummy!

I ran till my feet became sore, so I jogged.

(oOoOoOo)

Someone strong stopped my hand and it pulled my feet into a complete stop. I looked at the stranger and the area I was in. Where was I?

"Little girl, why are you here?" The boy older then me asked. He was very tall that was for sure. He had brown eyes and dark brown hair, wearing a Niho Academy uniform that wasn't blue (for elementary) or red (for high school). "Aren't you supposed to be in the elementary area? Are you lost?" I realized I ran too far and entered into the middle school division. That was why he was wearing a purple unifrom. The schools were connected and I guess I wasn't even paying attention. Tears formed in my eyes and the boy began to panicked.

"Ey! Don't cry! Let's take you back to the elementary school-"

"No! I don't want to!" I interrupted him.

"How come?"

"I was embarrassed in front of my classmates. . .He said he wanted my cooties. . ." I mumbled. I could tell he wanted to burst out in laughter but he kept his mature look. He sighed and kneeled down on one knee.

"I'm sorry to say. Look, I don't want to be late to class. I bet your friends are worried about you. Be a big girl and do the right thing." He stared at me in the eyes which kinda frightened me.

"Okay. . ." I said.

"Wait, you look familiar. . ." His jaw dropped very low. "Oh my God. . . Are you. . . .? No way. . . Princess Makato. . .?!"

I slowly nodded, still intimidated from his words. He immediately got on his knees and bowed simultaneously. "OMG OMG! I am so sorry! Forgive my rudeness! Please don't execute me!"

"I don't even have the power to do such. Also, I'm a princess of potions. That's all." I assured him that I wasn't going to kill him. He slowly lifted his head up and quickly got up on his feet.

He made a fake cough. "Ah, I knew that. Anyways, I think you should go back to your class. I'll walk you there." He offered.

"Thank you." I said. He let me grab hold of his hand and we walked back together. Slowly getting to know each other. He said his name was Gohan. A 7th grader in the Middle School Division. At the time, he didn't cared if he was late to class or not, which I felt really bad.

"I'm sorry," I couldn't help but to apologize, "you're going to be late because of me. . ."

"Ah! No! It's totally fine! I hate science anyways. . ." He chuckled. "Come by to the Middle School Division if you have any other probs. I'll be there. . ."

"Thank you!" I smiled brightly.

Gohan did the same. "Although, that could get me into trouble. . ." He stopped to think on what he had just said. A little girl going into the middle school area. Sounded very unsafe.

"On second thought, I'll visit you sometime." Gohan then said.

"Ok!"

We soon arrived back to the elementary division, back to my homeroom class. Gohan opened the door for me and the students were still in the room, coloring. Everyone stopped to see Gohan and I. Mrs. Lorey jumped out from her chair and ran up to me.

"Where have you been?! I was- -we were worried sick!"

"I'm sorry."

She shook her head and patted my head. "Ah, don't apologize, sweety. . . I understand why you would leave so suddenly anyways."

My classmates ran up to me and their apologies came in like a waterfall. Miru dragged Mikoru to me and he also did the same.

Mikoru looked like he wanted to cry. "I'm sorry, Makato. Please don't hate me. I won't say stupid stuff like that again."

"You're forgiven." I had to smile. Mikoru's face brightened up and nodded. "Thank you!"

"Looks likes everything's fine." Gohan smiled and ruffled my hair. "I'll see you later-"

"Wait!" Mrs. Lorey walked up to Gohan. "Are you the one who got Makato? Thank you, young man."

"It's no prob. Really."

"I'll give you some cookies, wait here." Mrs. Lorey said as she walked up to her desk to pull out a jar of cookies.

"Cookies?! Awesome!" Gohan's face was in total delight and the whole class whined to death. After Gohan grabbed one, Mrs. Lorey also offered me one, which the whole class whined even louder. At the end, we all had cookies and played together.

(oOoOoOo)

7:30 P.M.

Castle

"I hope you all had a wonderful time in school." My mother said to us at the dinner table. I nodded and continued to eat my food.

"Um, are you still angry?" Mikoru whispered over to me. I glanced at him and shook my head.

"No. . . I'm not mad." I answered bluntly. Half was a lie and half was the truth. I was still kind of frustrated from today in school.

". . . I'm sorry. . ."

"I said I'm not mad! Don't worry about it." I realized I was causing some attention and continued eating. Mikoru didn't speak to me afterward. I felt someone nudging my elbow. I almost wanted to explode, but it turned out to be Miru snickering at me.

"Hey, wanna play some rock toss near the river tomorrow? It's going to be Saturday."

"I wanna join. . ." Mikoru interrupted. He slowly smiled at me as if I was coming along. I quickly looked away faced my attention back to Miru.

"I want to play with some potions tomorrow. Sorry." I wasn't in the mood to see Mikoru.

"Oh! Then, um. . . I'll help you then-"

"Me too!" Mikoru added. I glared at Mikoru and got up from my seat. "Who said you can come along?! I don't want you to come!"

Mikoru's expression dropped like a temperature and frowned. I cupped my mouth and left the table. What I said was just so. . . unforgivable. . .

"Makato, Dear. Are you done eating?" My mother called out to me.

"Yes! I am!" I ran to my room and locked it for tonight.

One hour into sleeping, I heard loud knocks on my door. I tried to ignore it. That didn't helped. So I had to force myself to wake up. To confront this knocker.

"Ah, just let me sleep!" I whined while turning the doorknob slowly. I rubbed my eyes, still didn't care who confronted me. I just wanted some sleep. "Who is it-"

Mikoru was there. Right in front of me.

"Mikoru?!"

"Shh!" He placed his finger over his lips. I forgot about the others that were sleeping.

"About today, at school. . ." Mikoru started. I began to feel butterflies running around my stomach.

"I'm sorry. . . very very sorry! Sorry plus one hundred!" At the end, I couldn't help but to laugh a little bit.

"I made you angry," Mikoru's voice was croaking like a frog. I saw tears coming from his eyes fasting than my brain could function, "and sad. . . Please, don't hate me. I want us to be friends again." He was such a big cry baby sometimes. I felt sorry for him. My actions were too far with him. He had no family as well. I shouldn't drive him away so early, just thinking about it made me so sad that I started to-

"Why are you crying?" Mikoru asked me as he sniffled. I sniffled my nose in response.

"Because I'm sorry!"

"Really?" Mikoru had such the glossiest eyes.

"Yes."

"I'm sorry. . ." He repeated.

"I'm sorry even more. . ." I repeated back.

"I'm sorry even more, even more!"

I grinned, "I'm sorry even more even more even more!"

Mikoru burst out a laugh. "I'm sorry even more even more even more even more even more!"

"I'm sorry even more even more even more even more even more even more-!"

At the end, we kept on apologizing as we smiled and we laughed. Miru came out of nowhere and did the same for no apparent reason.

(oOoOoOo)

Three years later, I was in Fifth Grade. 10 years old now. Mikoru and I were more closer than before. We liked to talk about magic and stuff like that. It could be a little awkward sometimes but I didn't care.

It was our last lesson of the day and the rest of the time would be fun time.

"Alright! Pop Quiz on multiplication and division!" Mr. Pompei said to the class. "And THEN we can have a Valentine's Day Party!" It was Valentine's Day on a Friday. Mr. Pompei hated Valentine's Day because he was dumped by his girlfriend during that day. But for us, we were all so excited. In the class, everyone sat in groups of four. I sat with Lucy, Hana, and Nikko. I knew Lucy the most that was because she and I were friends since first grade.

"Did you study?" Lucy asked me, "I didn't. I'm so screwed!"

I couldn't help but to laugh. "Just do your best."

"You're like really fast at the 100 problems! I want to be smart just like you!" Hana said.

"Are you guys going to confess to your loved ones?" Lucy whispered while grinning. She was the kind of girl that loved reading romance novels.

"Oh! Makato! Didn't you say you liked Mikoru?" Hana asked. I cupped her mouth quickly. "Hey! He doesn't know yet. . ."

Hana twiddled her pencil. "I remember during third grade, you would always stare at him."

"Yea! During lunch, Makato also. . ."

"Ok! No more!" I exclaimed. Lucy and Hana laughed and nodded their heads.

"You were pretty mad when he said he'll take your cooties in second grade. . ." Nikko said, staring at me. I sighed. "Yes. . . I was pretty mad. But, at the same time, I was kinda happy. . ."

Lucy and Hana giggled. "Aww!"

I scratched my head. "Hahaha. . ." This was so embarrassing.

"I see. . . you're playing hard to get. He wouldn't like that." Nikko murmured. I turned my head toward Nikko and she looked away from me. I didn't know what was up with her. She seemed pretty upset at me,

"Alright! Enough talking! I'm going to pass out the quizzes so no talking! You all have one minute to complete this! I do expect nothing less from Makato. . ." Mr. Pompei smiled at me. So far, I was the only one who could complete all one hundred problems under a minute. The class loudly groaned.

"I bet she used a potion to cheat. . ."

"Yea, probably. . ."

"She's lying. . ."

"Y'all player haters. . ." Lucy rolled her eyes. This what made me quite unpopular. Because of my genes, my classmates would think I cheated because of it.

"Ok! You may start your test." Mr. Pompei started the timer and everyone kept quiet.

4:00 P.M.

The Valentine's Day party was an open recess for the whole Elementary Division. Mr. Pompei brought cookies and candies and drinks for our sakes. Most of the students brought a bag of candy for the class. Some even brought boxed chocolate for each person. Those things are expensive.

People were shocked when I brought "homemade chocolate from the castle." I told them it was just like any other chocolate.

I made it. . . using potions. . . My mother didn't catch me for doing so. . .

As the party went on. I couldn't help but to notice Miru and Mikoru receiving lots of gifts that were more unique than the others. Some had letters connected with their gifts. Some with roses and teddy bears. They were popular after all. And Mikoru had gotten quite handsomer so the girls were all over him. I had two more gifts I wanted to give out in person.

"Makato," Lucy poked me and grinned when I turned to her. "When are you going to give him that?" She noticed the bag I was still carrying that had two little gifts in them.

"I don't know what you mean. . ." I almost stuttered.

"You better hurry, before someone confesses their love to him!" Lucy said. "You should look for him! Good luck!"

". . .Thank you!" She was right, I had to hurry. I didn't want some girl to take him before me. I got up from my seat and left the classroom.

(oOoOoOo)

"Oh! Makato!" I heard a familiar voice calling my name. I recognized the person up ahead and ran to him.

"Hello, Gohan!" I greeted him

"How's your Valentine's Day?" He asked.

"It's super fun! We're having a party!"

"That sounds awesome! I wish I had a party. High school sucks." Gohan sighed. I've been hanging a lot with Gohan during the lunch hours when he would visit me during his lunch period. Gohan was a sophomore in the High School Division so his uniform was red and my was still blue.

"I have a gift for you. . ." I said, pulling out the little card with the potion bottle of chocolate candies. Gohan's eye lit up like fire. "Oh my gosh! Thank you so much! You're the first to ever give me a cool gift!" He took it away from my hands and bowed.

"You're welcome!" I was glad he liked it. Now, I had one more left to give.

Gohan got a hold of his phone and glanced back at me. "Hey, my friends are having a little party in our dorms. Wanna come?" He offered. In Niho Academy, you could live in the dorms once you reached the High School Division. I wasn't sure if I should go. Even though I knew Gohan since I was in second grade.

"Um. . ."

"Don't worry! It's just my close friends! They'll love to have you! Pretty please! It's the least I can do."

I shrugged. "Okay!" I could always look for Mikoru later. Gohan grabbed my hand and lead me to the High School Division area. And just then, I heard someone quietly called out my name. I thought it was just my hearing and ignored it.

(oOoOoOo)

Normal POV

"Makato. . ." Mikoru wasn't able to get contact of her after she was out of sight. Miru nudged Mikoru's arm. "I got some cookies!" Miru handed Mikoru one and they both sat on a bench on the playground area.

"Gimme some more." Mikoru demanded.

"Yea right." Miru rolled his eyes and continued to eat.

"Miru, I saw Makato with this guy." Mikoru said.

"Huh?" Miru stopped eating and started listening. "Oh, you mean Gohan? You don't remember him?"

"I guess not. . . I don't care about him. But why was he with Makato?"

"You tell me. . . If he does anything bad to Makato, I'll kill him. Friend or foe."

Mikoru showed a little smirk and continued eating his cookie.

"Excuse me. . ." A girl walked up to the two. Mikoru and Miru stopped eating and began to see who this girl was. A classmate.

"Oh, hey Nikks!" Miru waved.

"It's Nikko!" Nikko growled at him. "Anyways, may I talk to Mikoru privately?"

Mikoru and Miru looked at each other. "You heard her." Mikoru said bluntly.

"Yea, yea." Miru got up from the bench. "I'll be waiting~! Don't go kissy kissy."

"Shut up!" Mikoru became flustered and shoved Miru, wanted him to GTFO. Miru laughed and walked away. Nikko took over and sat right next to him.

"You guys are almost like brothers!" Nikko giggled cutely. Mikoru rubbed his arm and shrugged. "Yea. . ."

"Well, Mikoru. Happy Valentine's Day!." Nikko handed him a chocolate rose with a card attached onto it.

"Please, take it. Along with my. . . love. . ." Her face became even more red as she spoke such embarrassing words. Mikoru stared at the chocolate rose and nodded. "Thank you-"

"But, before you do. I think you listen what I have to say." Nikko's face became so depressed all of a sudden.

"Okay."

"It's about Makato."

"What?"

"She told me she doesn't like you."

"R-really?" Mikoru wanted to cry at that point, but he held in his tears. "Why?"

"Well, while we were talking, she told me she doesn't like you because you are a Fumiharu. A Dark Knight. I told her not to judge by his last name. She said, she'll only pretend to be your friend until Valentine's Day when we become Fifth Graders."

Mikoru was shocked from all of her explanation. "That can't be. . ."

Nikko nodded, as her blood boiled in laughter. "It's true, sadly. Mikoru, you should stay away from Makato. For her sake as well. You're a Fumiharu and she's a princess. You're going to put her in danger if you guys stay close."

"What can I do?!" Mikoru cried out to Nikko.

Nikko made a soft smile and took his hand. "Stay by my side. And. . . don't talk to her. Once you do, Makato will no longer feel in danger."

". . ."

Nikko frowned. "You don't trust me?"

"That's not it. I believe you. . ." Mikoru sighed, he didn't want to do this. Anything for Makato's sake.

"Promise we'll eat lunch together as well?"

"Y-yes. I promise."

"Good!" Nikko hugged him. "That means, we're together!" Nikko gave him the gift and got up from the bench. "Hopefully, Makato wouldn't understand. I'll try to talk to her. . . Hopefully, she would listen."

"Yes, please do so." Mikoru said. "Thank you."

"No, thank you." She grinned and waved goodbye.

'Regardless of Makato's feelings towards me, Nikko's right. I was born with this cursed name, Fumiharu. I'll only cause trouble if I'm near her. I should stay away from her, from now on. . .' Mikoru sighed sadly, opening the gift Nikko got for him.

(oOoOoOo)

Makato's POV

I had fun hanging out with Gohan's friends. They were so nice and welcoming. We played games and ate some snacks. After that, Gohan walked me back to the Elementary School Division. We both said goodbye and went back to our own ways. I decided to come back into the classroom. Maybe Mikoru might be there so I could give him his gift.

I entered the classroom and Lucy was the first to greet me near the classroom door. I see adults with their children as they get ready to leave the school.

"Hello, Lucy-"

"This is not good!" Lucy cried out, "For you, I mean. . ." Lucy whispered as quiet as she could possibly could. I wasn't really understanding what she was trying to say. "So. . ." I trailed.

"Mikoru and Nikko are boyfriend and girlfriend! Nikko even told Hana and me."

My heart sank like a rock that was dropped instantly. Mikoru and Nikko? Together? Since when?

"Where's Mikoru?" I asked, surveying the classroom. I spotted Mikoru talking with Nikko. He had this neutral look and I couldn't tell whether he was happy or bored. I slowly walked up to them, to Mikoru specifically. Mikoru saw me at an instant, but he didn't smile. Nikko clenched Mikoru's arm tighter, which angered me. Just a tiny bit. So this was her plan all along?

"Mikoru-"

"Please, don't talk to me. Ever." Mikoru stopped my words before I could even give him his gift. I glanced at Nikko and she was smirking brighter than ever. I tried again.

"I have a gift for you, see-?" I showed him the letter with a mini potion bottle of chocolate. It wasn't just a letter. A love letter, that I poured my heart into it.

Mikoru grabbed it and threw it on the ground, forcefully. He then stomped on it till it wasn't recognizable.

"I don't want your stupid gift!" He shouted at me. I stood there, feeling tears forming beneath my eyes. He called my gift stupid. What happened to him. . .?

"Stay away from me. Even at the castle, don't talk to me. . ." Mikoru then said and left the classroom.

Miru ran by my side. "Makato!" He turned toward the door and cursed. "That motherfucker. . . He's gonna pay. . .!"

"No." I tugged onto Miru's sleeve. "It's fine." I was confused, it was just now he was normal around me. But what did I do to make him so mad at me?

"You heard him. Mikoru's my boyfriend, so stay away from him." Nikko said with a confident grin and walked away. I couldn't block the tears. The dam broke and I cried. Nikko knew how I felt. She knew I liked Mikoru. And she took him away.

(oOoOoOo)

One year later. . .

Mikoru stopped talking to me ever since Valentine's Day. I was completely invisible to his eyes. Nothing I said or did wouldn't catch his attention toward me. I gave up. I became desperate. That desperation turned into depression and my mother was dearly worried for me. Especially Miru.

I decided to talk to Gohan.

Since he was my friend.

2:00 P.M.

It was a sunny day on a Saturday. Gohan and I were at a little cafe that sold pastries and snacks. Gohan was so nice to pay. Someday I would repay his kindness.

"Hey, Makato, what's your favorite sweet?" Gohan knew how to cheer me up. Sweets. I pointed to the small cutted portion of the strawberry cake. Then at the chocolate tart. And the lemon meringue pie and-.

"Whoa! It has to be only one!" Gohan laughed. I shrugged and smiled, I guess I didn't have one in particular.

"I don't know. I love sweets. They're all my favorite." My eyes were glued to the next dessert I had in mind. The chocolate lava cake on my plate.

"You're very cute, Makato. Especially with your buns! Soo adorable~!" He pinched my cheek which annoyed me for a second.

"Don't say such embarrassing things." I made a little whine, staring at the cake.

I flickered my eyes back to him. Gohan kept the staring and made a lovely smile. "You've grown up so fast. We should go out somewhere." Gohan got up from his seat and grabbed my hand. I was startled at first when he suddenly grabbed me. .

"Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you." He released the tension of the grip, only assuming I was coming along. I shook my head. "It's fine. Where should we go?"

"I heard there's going to be a huge festival in the shopping district. Like there's going to be tons of things to check out!"

That sounded very interesting to my ears as I eagerly nodded.

(oOoOoOo)

"It's been a fucking year!" Miru lashed out at Mikoru. "And you guys have been so close to each other so why-?!"

"I can't go near her!" Mikoru interrupted him. They were both sitting on a bench in a public park. "She's a princess. . . and I'm a Dark Knight."

"Not anymore! You've been near her since five and now you're avoiding her?!"

"Shut up! You don't get it! I killed my own father! Heck, my own blood related family in that hideout back then! I'm afraid I might hurt her in the near future!" Mikoru cried out. He leaned over to his knees to cover his face. Miru despised Mikoru ignoring Makato when she was trying to talk to him.

But he could only sigh for his weird friend. "Just please, talk to her. Tell her why you're doing this. We used to be so close. I don't want our friendship to break apart. And break up with Nikko. She's so not your type."

Mikoru smirked, "I already did after Valentine's Day."

Miru smacked his back and laughed. "Savage!"

"I know." Mikoru's smirk suddenly faded away. "Hopefully she would understand."

Miru got up to stretch his aching muscles. "Before Makato left the castle, she told me she was going to hang out with Gohan. Let's meet them. I'm guessing they'll be at the shopping district. There's like a festival going in today. "

Mikoru cursed his name. "I hate him for being near Makato. I don't trust him."

"Stop talking and start walking!" Miru had a head start to the shopping district. Mikoru quickly caught up with him right after that.

(oOoOoOo)

I was able to try out so many foods. I won a cute kitty plushie and some other toys. I was having a blast. Gohan seemed to be having fun as well. I looked around the place, thinking what kind of booths should I go through next?

"I heard there were going to be boats here. Let's go to one." He said.

I squeezed my plushie tight. "Gohan, I can't. Water- -I can't swim. What if I fall?"

Gohan didn't say anything and grabbed my hand, making me release the prizes. "Don't worry. There's going to be other people in there to help you."

"My toys-"

"We'll get new ones."

I couldn't see his face, but I was able to glimpse a little bit. I seriously thought I saw him smirk.

We later arrived at the boat area. More like ships than boats to describe it. Gohan was right. I saw other people. Maybe there were dressed like pirates for the festival I only assumed. Gohan turned to me and grabbed my hand. I hesitated from his grasp, not moving my feet for a second. I was almost scared, just for a little bit.

"We're here, Makato. Let's get on." The only people that were here were the people on the boat dressed like pirates. I shook my head, suddenly nervous.

"I don't want to ride a boat anymore." My heart was racing, and I suddenly had this bad feeling. Gohan didn't show any emotion to my answer, still holding my hand. He yanked it, making me fall into his embrace.

"Don't worry, it will only be one fun ride." He cooed at me. I felt very uncomfortable at this point and tried to squirm myself out from his bear hug.

"N-no, I don't want this!"

Gohan made an angry expression and began to drag me. "You don't have a choice! Let's go!"

I twisted my body and pushed myself away from him till I was released. Gohan never acted like that before. I looked up at Gohan's glare.

"Hey, hurry up with the Tachibana!" The pirate yelled. My eyes widened. How did he know my last name?! Gohan groaned and looked back at me.

"I want my money, Makato. Don't be such a slowpoke." Gohan growled and grabbed my arm again. "If you scream, I'll kill you."

I realized this friendship we had was a trap and attempt kidnapping. Instead of screaming, I wanted to cry. Gohan finally showed a smile.

"Don't worry, Makato, I'll tell the pirates to go easy on you."

"I thought you were my friend!" I was betrayed. Gohan sighed at patted my head.

"Believe me, we are still friends. I just want you to help me get a little cash, that's all. The pirates will give you and nice vacation okay?"

"I don't want a vacation with smelly pirates!" I began to cry while Gohan watched me. This can't be happening. Friends don't sell each other for profit. I was fooled all along. I needed someone to come to my rescue.

"MAKATO!" I heard a voice. His voice. I turned my body around to see Mikoru running like the wind.

"Mi. . .Mikoru!" It was the first he ever spoke to me which blasted a huge relief in my heart. I wanted to run and embrace him, but Gohan pulled the collar of my dress and took captive of me with his buff arm. Mikoru stopped running at the moment he knew I was being held captive.

"Makato! I can't believe you would run off like that! You know I need you!" Gohan said with a mere smirk. I watched Mikoru's reaction. Furious. I saw something so vivid around him. Like some kind of dark aura growing as his anger grew.

"Release her! Now!" He screamed. I heard Gohan laughing right behind me.

"And what if I say no? Go home, kid! You have no business here! I'm simply trying to make some money-"

"I'll kill you!"

"Whoa, whoa!" Gohan felt a little threatened by his harsh voice. "What a load of bullshit! A little kid like you can't kill me! Because-" Gohan pulled out a small pistol that he was holding in his pants as a pocket. "-I have this." He showed me the gun first, and then pointing it at my right ear. My fears were turning into tears so quickly.

"Kill me, and I'll blow her brains out!"

"Kill her and deal's off!" A pirate was watching from his ship, waiting to blow the canon if his precious valuable was killed.

I prayed. That was all I could do. Just watch and pray. Where was Miru?! Mikoru was in serious danger, all because of me. All because I was feeling needy and selfish. I kept on watching Mikoru. He wasn't moving whatsoever, probably not even breathing. Gohan stood still as well, waiting to see if Mikoru would make a move.

"Don't kill her. . . Please. . ." Mikoru voice was quiet as a wind's hollish whisper.

Gohan lowered his pistol from my face. "That wasn't even my attention when you threatened me! Geez. . ." Gohan started to walk backwards and I began to panic, trying to break his grasp around my body. "N-no! Mikoru!"

Mikoru frowned at me. I stared as his magic quieted down. Even if Gohan had no gun, I could tell by just looking at Mikoru's sorrowful eyes, he was afraid to use his magic. His magic of a Dark Knight's. That I may get killed along with Gohan.

I felt my feet being dragged on the sand. Slowly touching the waters. . . Was this the end?

"Hey! Not so fast!" A loud bang interrupted my unhopeful thoughts. Someone near my age ran past Mikoru holding a bigger gun than Gohan's. I recognized his light blue hair as my smile grew. Miru.

He held up a badge. His Faithful Knight badge. "Let go of Makato right now! I'm taking your ass to jail right after!"

"You?! A Faithful Knight?!" He cried as his laughter came in after that.

"Don't underestimate me, Gohan! Mikoru! Hold my gun!"

"Ah, okay!" Mikoru wiped his tears and caught the gun Miru ditched out of his hand and somehow pulled out miniature gun from his pocket.

What in the world?!

Gohan continued laughing, trying to catch his breath.

"You've got to be kidding me, what is that little tiny gun gonna do?! Shoot out fruit snacks?!"

Once Miru reached our distance, the gun grew bigger and bigger into something that wasn't even a rifle, but a bazooka. Straight at Gohan's head, it was a perfect fit for the canon to launch his head out. He immediately stopped laughing. He finally released me and slowly raised his hands up. Surrendering.

"Hahaha, that's what I thought, scum." Miru smirked and then smacked his torso with the lsrge gun. Gohan fell over, crying in pain. I turned my head to the pirates and their ship was long gone.

I watched Miru placing handcuffs on his hands.

"Miru!" I squeezed him as if he was my favorite stuffed animal. Miru hugged back in return. "I'm so glad you're safe. . ."

Speaking of safe, my eyes met Mikoru's and I broke our hug and sprinted up to Mikoru. His face brightened up with a shy smile. He spread his arms out for me to hug him and I literally tackled him. Mikoru laughed, catching his balance before he were to fall. I heard Miru yelling about being the hero and deserved more. However, in my eyes, Mikoru was the hero. If he didn't find me, I would had been long gone by now.

"I'm sorry for ignoring you. I'm sorry for being so stupid! You're the one I've always loved. . ." I heard his whispered from our welcoming embrace as his voice trembled. "Please, be with me. I promise, I'll get stronger. But," Mikoru stared deep into my eyes, making my heart rumble.

"If I were to hurt you because of my name, promise me, that you'll relent me."

I answered with a small laugh. "Mikoru, I don't think I'll ever hate you, so don't say stuff like that!"

Mikoru smiled in response. "Oh, I found this sweet shop that sells cinnamon rolls. Come with me."

"What's a cinnamon roll?" I asked him.

"You'll see." I felt him squeezing me as if I were to fly away. My eyes saw Miru walking past us. "See you two in the castle. . ." He murmured depressively, dragging his bazooka. I was sure that he used a shrink potion for a limited time for that bazooka.

"Ok!" I shouted to him.

"Just give us some time. . ." Mikoru had that cocky voice which forced Miru to look back. He stuck his tongue directly to Mikoru.

"Yea, yea! Whateves!"

(oOoOoOo)

We were at the cinnamon roll cafe and it'll be my first time trying such a dessert. I could only smell the scents of cinnamon and frosting and breads when I entered in. The area was mildly crowded. People around me had their anonymous eyes widened when they saw me.

"Welcome Princess Makato!" A young woman cashier bowed to me, ignoring Mikoru who now looked grumpy. I was behind Mikoru, still not familiar to this area.

"Makato is new here, please give her the best cinnamon roll you have." Mikoru handed the cashier some money and she took it for consideration.

"No problem! One super deluxe roll with heavy loads of frosting!" She called from behind.

"Got it!" They shouted from the back of the kitchen. Mikoru led me to a table and we both sat down across from each other. We had the window table which I seriously loved. It had a perfect view of the people of Niho walking around with their family and friends.

I looked back at Mikoru, watching him twiddling the silver fork with his fingers. I then witnessed him lifting the fork with his gray and cloudy magic.

"Ooh, that's cool!" I said to him. The fork dropped immediately when I said that. Mikoru looked now flustered. "It's not that good. . . I'm still not as strong as Miru even when he doesn't have magic. . ." He frowned..

"You will, one day." I placed my hand on top of his. Mikoru smiled and nodded. "Yea. . ."

The waitress came in with the large frosted dessert on our table with a fork right next to it. My tongue drooled from the inside, carefully picking up my fork for a taste.

"This cinnamon roll will commemorate our first love together." Mikoru said. "So savor this dessert, with all of your heart and soul."

"Mikoru. . . Don't make me blush. . ." I pointed the fork at him and right to the bun. "You can have some too. I can't finish this by myself."

Mikoru shook his head as he placed his hands on his chin to support his head. "Oh, no, you will. I guarantee it."

"If you say so." I took a bite. Cinnamon bread and frosting together danced along with my tastebuds. My tongue was screaming with joy and passion. I forked another big piece for another pleasurable moment. This was the best dessert I had ever tried in my life!

"Take me here tomorrow and the next day and the next day and the next-"

"And waste all of my money?"

"I'm just kidding. But take me here tomorrow." I continued to eat my cinnamon roll. Halfway there.

"Alright. . ." Mikoru smiled, watching me stuff my face. "Do you want another one?"

I swallowed, "Do I want another one? Give me three more!"

He chuckled and got up from his seat, "Ok. Wait here."

"I want to try the bite sized ones!" I told him before he left. I looked down at my plate with a small piece left. I scoop the frosting on top and licked my fork clean.

(oOoOoOo)

I would never forget that moment.

When he started to hurt me years later, I hated him so much for it. I wanted nothing to remind me of him. Yet. . .

Why do I still eat cinnamon rolls?