The bell rang, signaling the students to head to class.
Everything was loud and yet quite, polished floors and gleaming windows allowing the morning’s sun to shine through and bathe the walls brilliantly. The trees outside wavered slightly in the breeze and the sky, vivid and clear, had not a cloud to be seen. Everyone inside shuffled along exchanging last minute words with their friends, then heading to their class. No one even took notice of the radiant nature beyond the confines of the building. Yes, it was another normal day.
Leaning against the cool wall, Ronin would calmly observe the outer world bustle by and see then, the relaxed environment take it and move on without a care. Watching this soothed him and prepared him for the day and whatever may bother him within it.
Ronin sighed; people never seemed to understand that life wasn’t meant to move quickly, but to be slowly enjoyed. He just wished he could meet a girl who thought the same way…however every girl he met just wanted to speak of the future and what would come.
“Ronin?”
Ronin turned his head to see his somewhat good friend standing there.
“What?”
“Class has started, you’d better hurry.”
He really wished he didn’t have to hurry. Class was so dull and predictable, though that’s not entirely unexpected since he was a genius. This isn’t one of those self proclaimed geniuses either, he really was one.
Ronin had already transferred to his second year of high school despite the fact that he should be in his first, age-wise. He could excel, he had even been offered to go to one of the most prestigious colleges, but declined. Life was too short to hurry along, so he wanted to move where he was…slow and steady. Like a river. He liked rivers, they were still and peaceful. After school he often went to the river down in the park. No one ever went there; it seemed to him that no one ever cared.
Ronin lifted himself from the comfort of the wall he had been leaning against and began heading to class. Looking down at his feet as he walked, he kept thinking of things, of people, of two days ago. He remembered the girl, the beautiful woman he had saved and left. Supposedly she went here and was a first year, meaning he probably wouldn’t see her often. However he kept thinking of what she said ‘Tatsujan’ …he had never heard that name before, it sounded old and foreign. Bounding through his mind and bothering things that were better left untouched. Wait, does that mean she thought he was someone else….was that why she kissed him??
“Grr…” Ronin scowled slightly, bringing his hand to his head.
Why was this bothering him so much?? She was probably just another girl who wanted the future, who talked of boys and clothes. She was nothing, no one….he didn’t even know her! But why did she keep disturbing his thoughts and bombarding his dreams?
He arrived at his class and slid back the door, only to be greeted by his angry teacher and surprisingly un-stunned classmates. Ronin was often late to class, especially the last two days, this has earned him cleaning duty every day after school...keeping him from going to the river.
So, knowing this would happen, he trudged to his seat and slumped into his usual position of staring out the window, which was relatively easy considering that his seat was in the very back next to it.
“Ronin? Hey…Ronin?”
“Huh…?”
“Come on, wake up! You said we could go eat together. I’ve been waiting so patiently!”
“Uhn...yeah, alright...”
Apparently Ronin had dozed off during class, yet another thing that was common for him, though, like being late, had recently increased within the last two days. He gathered his few things and shoved them into his bag, the girl taking his arm and looping hers though it.
She leaned on him as they walked out; he had actually been with her for a week, an abnormally long time for him and a girl. It wasn’t that she was unlike any of the other girls he had been pushed into dating, he had just been so busy lately that he hadn’t really had the time to bother breaking up with her. Her name was Mikomi; she was a little short, with long brown hair and bright violet eyes. She was a first year, and he had to admit she was rather cute and cheerful; actually she was one of the few girls that had ever caught his attention. Ronin had begun thinking of late that if he never could find that girl who shared his feelings, she would be good.
Once outside the building, Ronin had to squint due to the sun’s intense blaze today, although he wanted to appreciate its beauty; Mikomi proceeded to tug him forward.
“So, where do you want to go Ronin? ...Ronin?” She was staring up at him with her usual confused look, it was very cute on her and he looked back.
“Sorry, I’ve been very out of it recently.”
“I’ve noticed. Everyone has! Is something wrong? You can tell me if there is, maybe I can help.”
“No, I’m fine. It’s nothing, really. I’m just tired that’s all.”
“Ok then!”
She was really way too gullible. But its better that she didn’t know, he didn’t really want anyone to know what he was thinking.
“So, where do you want to go then Ronin?”
“Uhh...let’s just go to MacDonald’s.”
“Ok! But I want dessert too!”
“Sure.”
She giggled and clung tighter to his arm. He smiled down at her and they kept walking on. That girl before was nothing, he shouldn’t worry about her…he’d probably never see her again anyway. So there was nothing to worry about. Absolutely nothing.
- - - - - - - - - -------------------------------- - - - - - - - - - -
“Mommy take a picture!”
“Ok, honey, hold still now.-click- There all done.” The woman smiled down at her daughter who enthusiastically grabbed the camera to see.
“Oh yes this is a very good one, mommy!”
“Why don’t you go show your father, he’s over there on the towel.”
“Ok! Daddy!! Look, mommy took my picture in the ocean!” The young girl ran over to where her father was seated reading a particularly large book. She flopped down onto the sand right next to her father, shoving the camera in his face.
“See! It’s me!”
“Yes it is. Don’t you look cute.” He smiled warmly at her, and the young girl beamed back at him.
“Why don’t you go back and play with your mother and let me finish this chapter?”
“Ok! Hurry daddy or you’ll miss all the fun!”
“Alright.” He chuckled as the girl shot up and started for her mother, who was still in the shallows of the ocean waves.
“Mommy! Daddy said he’ll come soon, and then we can all play together!”
“Alright honey. Ohh…”
“What’s wrong mommy?”
“Nothing. Your sister was kicking again, that’s all.” The young girl’s eyes fell on her mother’s swollen belly.
“Can I feel?”
“Yes, put your hand here.” She did as her mother asked, and then smiled, looking up at her mom.
“She moved mommy! When will my sister be here?”
“Very soon honey, very soon.”
“Yeah!” she shouted throwing her small arms up and pushing her silky black hair back over her shoulders. Her mother smiled sweetly, watching her daughter dance around in the water as her husband arrived, placing his hand on her shoulder.
- - - ------- - - -
Kiyoko’s large aqua eyes broken open yet again. She had been experiencing the strangest dreams, no they more were like memories. It was weird and she was confused, this phenomenon had been going on for two days now. They told her that she had been found in the middle of the street after being lost for two days and ever since then she has been having these ‘memory dreams’.
*knock*
“Come in.”
“Good, you’re awake. Mom asked me to bring you some food.”
“Thank you Akina.”
“Kiyoko…did you have another weird dream?”
“Yeah, is it that easy to tell?”
“Kinda. But you look better than yesterday!”
“Thanks…I think?”
“Do you think you’re ready to go back to school yet?
“I don’t know…I guess. I just hope I remember everything.” Kiyoko laughed a little and poked at her rice sadly.
“Sis, are you sure you’re ok?”
“Huh? Yeah, I’m fine.” Her face smiled but her eyes looked tired and unsure.
“Ok, I’ll come by later to check on you.”
“Yeah, alright.”
Akina closed the door gently. Kiyoko’s smiling face fell and for some reason a tear escaped her. She had been secretly crying for hours lately and the worst part was she had no idea why.
Kiyoko finished her rice, and set the bowl and tray aside on a nearby chair and leaned back on her bed. She closed her eyes and replayed her recent dreams, and thought of school and her friends there. While thinking she drifted back into sleep.
- - - ------- - - -
“Sis...Kiyoko? Hey get up already! …Uhhh!!” Akina pushed the ignorant lump on the bed clear to the edge before it hobbled slightly and feel with a slam on the wood floor.
“HEY! What the heck did you do that for?!” She shouted after being awoken from a well needed peaceful sleep, with a crash to the very chilly floor.
“You said you were going to school today, right? Well then you better get up! It’s almost seven.”
“WHAT! Why didn’t you get me earlier, I didn’t make any lunch!” She shouted while scrambling to her clothes before thrusting them on and doing what she could with all her hair.
“Don’t worry I made some for you, THIS TIME. However you have to do it yourself tomorrow.”
“Really?! Oh thanks, you’re a life saver! What would I do without you Nina!?”
“I really don’t know…” Akina muttered under her breath as Kiyoko grabbed her things and headed for the door, a piece of cold toast hanging from her mouth.
“Wha wa at?” She asked quickly, sounding muffled, before bolting with a shouted farewell.
“Oh nothing…” Akina replied to herself before getting ready to leave as well.
- - - ------- - - -
“Kokoro, Mikomi, wait up!” Kiyoko yelled as she saw her friends beginning to head inside the school building.
“Kiyoko! You came today!” Mikomi replied, while waving enthusiastically.
By the time Kiyoko reached the steps she had to stop and take a deep breath. She hadn’t really done much since she had been in bed for days, and too much physical exertion really wore her down.
“Yeah, I’m alright now. So what have I missed?”
The two girls glanced at their winded friend then to each other and chuckled.
“Typical Kiyoko, always worrying about school.” Mikomi laughed again.
“I do not! I just want to make sure I do well.”
“You always do well! You’re like a genius, you could move up a grade you know?” Kokoro suddenly popped into the conversation.
“Well…so what? I can’t just go and leave my friends just to move on in life. I’ll always be with you guys.” Kiyoko smiled at them, looping her arms though her girlfriends and leaded them into the building just before the bell rang.
“Hey Kiyoko, did you know I have a boyfriend now?” Mikomi asked her friend with a near bursting expression.
“What, really? Good for you Mikomi! So who is the lucky guy? I’ll have to ascertain him for myself you know. Can’t have any jerks taking you away from us, right Kokoro.”
“Yes! Though I have seen him and he’s gorgeous.” Kokoro added in reply.
“Ok, ok. Just don’t hurt him, he’s a nice guy.”
“I would never. I just think we should meet him too, we are your best friends after all.”
“Well, I for one can’t promise anything.” Kokoro added.
“Kokoro!” The two said in unison, stopping in front of Kokoro and Mikomi’s class.
“Ahh…don’t worry I won’t do anything to the guy. He seems nice, pretty smart too, maybe even smarter than you Kiyoko.”
“Yeah right. Who would be smarter than her! She was even offered to go to college!”
“Well I hear he was too...but decided to stay for some weird reason.”
“Hmm, strange. Maybe I’ll ask him later. He said he would take me to eat again! Did you know we’ve been together longer than any of the other girls he’s dated?!”
“No way, really?”
“Yeah!” the two chuckled during their spirited conversation until realizing Kiyoko had said nothing at all and looked rather bizarre, almost distant.
“Kiyoko? Are you all right?” Mikomi asked.
She didn’t know. For some reason this guy seemed familiar, but there’s no way she could know having never met or even seen him before. However…she then registered that someone was calling her.
“Huh, what?”
“You were spacing…are you sure you’re ok to be here?” Kokoro inquired with that stupid eyebrow shot up into her bangs.
“Yes I’m fine. I’ll just head over to class now. See you later.”
“Ok, bye then.”
“Yeah, bye.”
The two girls watched their dazed friend head down the hall before turning to slide back the door to their own classroom.
While walking, Kiyoko continued to ponder about the past and present. Everything had been so odd lately, and it was very frustrating. The outlandish dreams were increasing in frequency and her head seemed to be filled with strange things that she knew and understood, but didn’t.
Knowing people, she figured if she told anyone of how she felt they would ask her if she was having boy problems or that this was a typical teenager thing. But she wasn’t stupid, this was most defiantly not a boy problem seeing as there was no boy to have a problem with and yes, she was a teenager but this strange occurrence had nothing to do with her current age.
Everything she saw in her mind but never knew or understood was becoming blurry and out of place, yet at the same time, things were falling into those empty spaces…things she felt were real, but not.
Kiyoko raised her fingers to massage her temples hoping it would push and sooth back any annoyances waiting to pester her already busy mind.
Being so smart could be so exasperating! If she hadn’t been she could just ignore this as some stupid ‘growing up’ problem…but no, she knew better.
Kiyoko stopped in the middle of the hall, she knew her class had already started and she would be late, but she just needed to think. This guy Mikomi talked of just burst open all the tightly closed doors of her mind for some unknown explanation and closing them was becoming a far more difficult task then expected.
Glancing up, Kiyoko saw a bird flutter past the window and land on a gently stirring tree. She loved to watch things go by, to see the sky inch slowly as the world rotated, moving the weather along; to watch the sun hang in that sky and show her what was to be seen. Everything was so peaceful and it helped her feel serene and regain her control.
Although classes were going on, she didn’t care…she didn’t seem to care a lot lately and she wondered why. The days weren’t any different, life wasn’t any farther or further behind…it was just normal while begin abnormal, calm and yet busy. Kiyoko felt so…hallow and bland…like she was living life but watching it, like a play. She was acting the part but never felt the character. No, stop.
Kiyoko stopped staring at the beauty and shook her head trying to clear her sense away. Now was not the time to think, there was no reason to. She lived and did and keeps things moving.
Satisfied with her decision, Kiyoko nodded approvingly to herself and turned heading down the corridor leading to her class with a smile planted nicely on her pretty face.
Everything was good and so was she. Nothing was wrong it was just life playing tricks, and she never fell to tricks…she was smarter than that! Sliding back the door of her class, Kiyoko continued smiling and repeating the same phrase to herself.
“Everything is fine and so am I. Everything is fine and so am I. Everything, everything, everything…”
Class was finally over but Kiyoko stayed until every person left the room. She was a very quite girl, never speaking to anyone unless necessary. She had her friends and they were all she needed…friends and family.
After being certain everyone was gone, Kiyoko stood from her desk and stretched. Even though she had been late, class seemed to be longer than usual today.
Following the well needed stretch, Kiyoko headed out of the room; she really liked it when the school was quiet and empty, then she could think. She did enjoy thinking, in fact most of her time was spent thinking…there were just certain things she didn’t want to think about, certain things that were locked up and hidden.
When she came upon the window she had stared out of earlier she stopped and watched. Watched things pass by…and smiled.
She raised her hand to the glass and felt the nice warmth of the sun blazing through and the cool surface of the glass, combined it was a nice sensation to feel. Kiyoko closed her eyes and took in the feeling, spreading it throughout her body and thinking…no, clearing. Clearing all the frustration and sadness, all the unneeded worry…everything that threatened to break her locks and to find the problems that were so carefully hidden.
Just to be empty.
- - - ------- - - -
Ronin had unfortunately needed to cancel his date with Mikomi since he had to yet again stay late to clean. The building appeared to be empty, which he liked…it was quiet and wide.
Now that he had finished cleaning, Ronin had begun heading out. Right as he was turning the corner he stopped and turned back quickly. There was a girl there…he didn’t know anyone stayed this late of their own accord? He peered back around to watch her. She seemed to be…being…well he couldn’t quite tell what she was doing. Her hand was on the glass of the window and her eyes closed, almost as if she were talking to the window…no, to the world beyond it. Then she smiled, it looked very pretty on her…and very familiar. Why was that smile familiar?
She continued to stand their and Ronin continued to watch.
“I’m glad to be empty now. Thank you.”
The girl suddenly spoke to the window or whatever it was she was ‘connecting to’.
She opened her eyes…those eyes, Ronin knew those eyes. They were large and deep; those mesmerizing aqua eyes that had starred at him in the rain. She was the girl he saved…Kiyoko, was it? Though she seemed different now…almost glowing and peaceful. Then the strangest thing, Kiyoko turned to the window and placed a small kiss upon it, relaying her previous thank you a second time. Oh...and Ronin really remembered those lips…he had dreams about those lips.
She lightly caressed the window, her soft eyes watching as she did and left down the hall, her hair swinging behind her with the white ribbons waving along with it.
Ronin was shocked and puzzled…she seemed so very familiar, and light. As though if he touched her he may fall through; something about this girl was warm, he felt it coming off her in waves. Though there was also something else, but he couldn’t place it.
He walked out from behind the wall after the door had closed behind Kiyoko and walked to stand where she had been.
The spot had a perfect view, a large cherry blossom tree was to the right and the sun was coming in warmly on the left, plus there was a wonderful view of the flower filled field that settled its roots next to the school.
She was…was she thanking the plants? He thought that sounded strange, but then again she did seem rather strange as it was. He looked away to the door she had exited from, was she the one for him? She seemed to have the same feelings as him and she was very familiar…was it because of the emotions they supposedly shared? This complicated train of thought was beginning to bother him so he decided to stop and worry about it later.
Ronin glanced back outside then left the same way he came, for fear she may see him had he gone the way she did.
- - - - - - - - - -------------------------------- - - - - - - - - - -
The trial was finally over and had been just as ‘abhorrent’ as Roiyaru expected. It had all been so very tiring, but today he was going to see Ookawa and she always smiled for him, erasing all his woes. He would get her out soon enough and was really so close to doing so.
While walking the dirt covered path that weaved through the garden, Roiyaru thought of her and all they had been through, but soon they could be married and everything would be just as it should. He confidently smiled and even blushed a tad as some rather inappropriate thoughts crossed his mind, but he quickly smashed them.
The building that now housed Ookawa was in view and he unconsciously began to pick up the pace.
The large metal and wood door that sealed the structure was just as Roiyaru remembered, large and impregnable. Luckily he remembered the incantation he learned from a few of the elder Kouken-Tamira. He placed his hands onto the small indents in the doors build, one made of metal the other wood. Technically only a Kouken-Tamira accomplished in both metal and wood capabilities could open the door, but seeing as he was a royal he was quite sure he could enter. Research has yet to fail him, so why would it now?
Roiyaru closed his eyes and began speaking the dead language, it sounded so weird and the flow was almost pushing itself. He was glad he never had to do this often or he may have had trouble later on in life.
The two indents began to glow, the wood more than metal, this meaning Roiyaru was better suited to wooden materials then metal ones. It was hot and he felt his hands burn a little as the doors attempted to reject him. He spoke loud and drove the words into the small slit between each indent, the doors grew hotter and the smell of burnt flesh was reaching his nose. But he could not give up, this would work…it would just be a little painful. However he knew the spell to heal, even if it was definitely his least favorite to use.
His hands fell further into the solid doors and Roiyaru pushed and spoke, the two combined heaved the doors slightly forward, and he knew what was next.
When the doors begin to pull you in, push and speak then shout the word.
He remembered the passage. So he pushed and spoke and…
“KAIHOU!”
The doors vibrated drastically and slowly with large creaks and bangs the two doors were thrown open. Roiyaru almost fell forward from the thrust, but the thought of falling on his burnt hands did not really please him.
Roiyaru looked at his roasted limbs and healed them, he really hated healing spells they were slippery and rough, and they even had a strong smell making him gag.
Once happy with his healed hands, Roiyaru headed for the third floor, the stairs in this place were far too large and far apart. Not unlike everything in this place. As soon as he reached the correct floor, Roiyaru speedily went to the gate that led to her home in this terrible prison. Just before he knocked, the door opened and out stepped Myto, Ookawa’s bodyguard and close friend.
“Oh, hello Myto. Awful trial today wasn’t it?”
“Yes, it was indeed.”
“Ummm…can I please come in? I came to see Ookawa.”
“As you wish.”
Myto held the door open further to reveal the small quarters. Ookawa was generally held in a room in the back of the apartment. Myto lead Roiyaru to the door and opened it slowly.
“Be prepared.” Myto warned.
“What for?”
“You will see.”
Myto opened the door completely to reveal that there was nothing, no things, no her. Roiyaru was stunned and perplexed. Where was she?
“Myto…where is Ookawa?”
“She is here…but she is not.”
“What are you talking about?! I don’t see anything, where is she!? What’s going on?!”
“I think it’s best for you to read this before asking anymore questions.”
Myto handed Roiyaru an envelope with “Rio” neatly written on its front, it was most defiantly her hand writing. Roiyaru took the envelope and turned it over to open the seal.
As he began to open it, Myto headed out of the room.
“Where are you going?”
“She wished me to leave after giving you the letter.”
‘Wished’. Roiyaru was getting very upset suddenly. Things weren’t right and she wasn’t here and she had ‘wished’ and wasn’t here… What’s going on?
Hands shaking a little, Roiyaru continued to open the seal and removed its contents. Tenderly he unfolded the letter and yet again found her delicate hand writing; it soothed him just looking at the winding loops and intricate styles of the letters. Then reluctantly Roiyaru began to read.
~Rio…
Fiction: 02/09/09 | Posted By: itsumademo | 0 comments
