2 chapters yo! [the forgotten princes] Chapters 9 & 10
SOOOOO have you been waiting for her past to be revealed?!?!?!?!?!?! heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh (too many?)
look forward to it~~~~~~~~~~ i hope you like what happens!
o(^^o)(o^^)o わくわく
Chapter Nine
My parents agreed to pull me out of Saotome Academy on account for my health. The timing seemed to work out since summer vacation was coming up anyways. But it no longered mattered to me, summer vaction, school, my dreams and my future. None of it mattered any more.
I spent my days healing my leg in my bedroom. Time seemed so slow, the rest of the world moving on without me. Every now and then I'd notice my parents come and visit me, help me to the bathroom, or Tara helping me bathe, but my eyes remained emotionless. I remained stuck between my past and my future.
And before I knew it, summer vaction was nearly over, and my leg was close to completely healed. Even so, I remained in my bed, with nothing but Mr. Penguin and my cellphone. Every day I had stared at the glowing screen, today was the same. His number was deleted from my phone thanks to my parents doing, and without his number, I no longer had any contact with him.
I curled up into a ball, my body engulfing Mr. Penguin. My hand clutched tightly around my cell, tears dampening my pillow beneath me.
Every day I replayed the same scene of being back at the hospital with my family and the doctor, more tears pouring out:
The doctor sighed loudly, "Whenever we put you under, we took you in and did some tests, an MRI being one of them. Memories are a tricky thing in science, it's not any one part of the brain, but the whole entirety of the brain."
I could feel my hand starting to make a fist, "So there is something wrong with my brain?"
"Memories are like webs, each intricate, detailed and attached to an area of the brain. So when we remember a memory, systems of creating, storing and recall happen. But modern science still hasn't gotten a good grip of what actually occurs."
My father took a step forward, "So what does this mean for Aya?"
The doctor sighed again, "From what we could gather, when Aya regains memories, you see your hippocampus is responsible for short term memories, as well as long term ones. So when a memory comes back we believe, due to the car accident, your hypotalamus got injured. The hypotalamus, among others, is responsible for responding to pain, and in turn is responsible for the autonomic nervous system-"
Now I was really frustrated, "Doctor!"
"When you stub your toe, your spinal cord tells your brain that in fact there is pain there. For you, you gain a memory, and your brain reacts like a stubbed toe and sends signals to your body to recieve pain." He rubbed his forehead, "From what we've come to understand, gaining memories for you will only get worse. I suggest cutting ties with anything having to do with your past, because the next time you regain a memory...."
My mom was crying, "She can't-"
"Death... could be a possiblity..."
I stared blankly at the doctor, my father looked down at me, but as he talked to me I couldn't hear a thing. My mind went blank, the only word I could hear, repeatedly was "Death..."
Like someone had unleashed something deep in me, I reached up with my hands covering my face, crying out loud in disbelief.
"Why me?!"
I was immidiately brought out of my stupor when I heard a knock on the door; I had stopped responding to it a while ago though. It creaked open and closed, and I could hear someone step across and sit on the floor next to my bed. I didn't ask who it was, assuming it was my Mother again to try and talk to me.
"Aya..."
I opened my eyes to the sound of his voice. I turned around slowly to see his long hair covering his face, Subaru. He looked down, his brow creased.
"Why are you here?" I complained as I turned back around to face my wall. "I thought I said I didn't want to see you."
"I know you did. And up until now, I was willing to do exactly that, but Aya... I can't just stand by and let you rot in this bed any more!"
My voice remained uninterested, "Get out."
"I'm not leaving."
He was testing my patience, an emotion I haven't felt in a while, "I said... get out."
"You'll have to physically push me out, otherwise I'm staying right here!"
I turned back around to actually try and push him out, but I was shocked as I saw him crying. This only stirred up emotions I locked away. I didn't want to feel this pain. I wanted it to go away!
I pushed him with all my might, knocking him over to the ground, "You have no reason to cry!" But he sat back up again in the same position; it was annoying. I pushed him back down again, "Stop it Subaru!"
"No, I won't stop. Hit me all you want, I don't care."
And I did, I slapped him as hard as I could across the face, "GET OUT!"
He remained in front of me.
I slapped him again. And again. His cheeks red and my hand stinging. He stayed by my side, both of us crying.
I collapsed on the ground in front of him, "IT'S NOT FAIR!"
He pulled me into his arms, "I know..."
I cried into his shoulder, "All this time! I worked so hard, all this time! And now, what do I have left? It's all gone! No past! And no future!"
"Don't give up Aya. Keeping fighting! You're still alive, still breathing the same air I'm breathing!"
I pulled myself into his lap as I continued bawling, "NO! If this is what it's like to live, then... I don't want to live any more!"
But as I spoke those words, he pushed me away and slapped me across my face. The shock from being slapped stopped my crying. I raised my hand to my stinging cheek, slowly turning my head to look at him. But instead of an angry look like I expected to see, he looked like someone had crushed his heart. And that's what I did.
He grabbed the hand that was on my cheek, and placed it on his chest, while leaning in to kiss me. I froze in front of him, never expecting to be kissed, but my body responded to his desperate plea. I could feel it, he was telling me that he wouldn't be able to stand it if I left him for good.
I grabed his t-shirt, pulling myself closer to him. I lifted my legs over his so that I could wrap them around his waist, simultaeniously deepening our kiss. He moaned from the sudden heat between our bodies; getting more and more turned on.
His lips found their way to the corner of my mouth, down my chin, and eventually found a spot between my neck and my collar bone to violate. I grabbed at his long hair, feeling my arousal getting to it's peek. I reached down and pulled his shirt over his head, pushing myself against him.
"Subaru, please... let me forget it all...." I moaned into his ear.
But his kisses slowly stopped, much to my disappointment. He pushed me back so he could look into my eyes, "Aya, I'm not going to be something you can just use to help you forget everything."
I bit my bottom lip, wanting to protest, but I knew what he said was right, "I'm-I'm sorry I did this." I suddenly felt like I should try and cover myself up, even though I wasn't the one without a shirt.
He curled my hair behind my ear, "Don't worry, I was the one who started it. I'm sorry."
I shook my head, "No, that's ok... it... I-I feel better."
He stretched his arms up, allowing me to see his six pack, making my cheeks turn red. He seemed to notice as he put his shirt back on, and poking me in the forehead.
"Want to get out of this room?"
I looked around at my tiny room, "I think I'm ready."
I unhooked my legs from his waist as he pulled away from me to stand up. He held his hand down to assist me, which I still needed since I still had a little bit of a limp with my injured ankle. I walked over to my closet and started striping off my clothes to put on a fresh set.
"What are you doing," he asked embarrassingly, turning away.
"I don't mind if you look Subaru. Besides, weren't you thinking about having sex with me not a few minutes ago?"
He cleared his throat slowly turning around, "Well that's..."
But I had already put on a new red stripped blouse, with a low cut in the front and some jean shorts, "Pervert. C'mon let's get out of here."
I walked out of my room, willingly, for the first time in a month, and it felt amazing. The air even smelled different, I could feel my spirits lifting. I walked down the hall, my parents watching tv. As they turned around they both had shocked faces, both standing up and rushing over to me.
My mom pur her hands on my face, then my shoulders, looking me over, "You're-"
"Yes Mom, I'm out of my room."
She looked past me to Subaru and immidiately walked over to him and hugged him, "Thank you so much Subaru-kun."
My father patted him on the shoulder, "We can't ever repay you back."
I turned, "Yes you can. You can let him take me out tonight." My parents exchanged worried looks, obviously because of my health, both mental and physical, but I reassured them. "Listen, he helped me to realize that I need to start living again. And I think the best way is first getting outside and getting some fresh air."
My dad looked from me and then to him, "Watch over her."
"I promise I will."
I kissed my dad on the cheek, "Thanks."
We left my house and started walking aimlessly around our town. The sun was already set, so places would start to close soon. Only family resturants, bars, and host/hostess clubs would be open. Either way, just smelling the fresh air, and feeling the warm air on my skin felt so good. Humans needed to be outside.
I stretched, "So what do you want to do?"
"Wanna go see Maru? He's been worried all this time about you too. He'd be happy to see you."
"Hm, stay out here, or visit Maru at his job full of crazy people." Subaru looked at me, expecting me to keep walking in the opposite direction of Maru's work, "Let's go visit Maru!"
He just laughed, "Ok, let's go!"
I looked down at the glowing sign, 'The Bar.' I giggled, never getting used to a bar having the name 'The Bar,' but it seemed to fit Maru strangely enough. Subaru grabbed my hand was we walked down some steps that were occupied by some drunkards, and led me inside the noisy club.
A bunch of colored lights spun around the dance floor, lighting up random people as they let loose in the crowd. I looked around, so many people were laughing, living it up, seemingly having the best time of their lives. While I on the other hand am still suffering from depression. But I let the energy of the club, and Subaru's warm hand, wash over me to numb everything else out.
We walked up to the bar, Subaru grabbed an empty seat and let me sit down in it as he stood behind me, putting his arms on either side of me. I looked to both sides, it was like was claiming territory, and I took joy in this.
After several moments, we finally caught Maru's attention. His eyes opened wide as he ran past a co-worker to come to our side of the bar.
"AYA!"
"Hi Maru," I yelled over the music.
"You did it Subaru!" Maru yelled happily as he pulled out a shot glass, filling it up and sliding it towards Subaru.
He downed it like a pro, "You don't mind if we hang out do you?"
"Stay as long as you want!" He was so happy he yelled out, "FREE DRINKS FOR EVERYONE AT THE BAR!"
The crowd hollared in celebration, while Subaru and I started laughing. Maru would probably get in trouble for that, but Maru was the type to never care about such things. Maybe if I was more like him, let things slide off my back, and go with the flow, I wouldn't be in this mess.
Subaru reached over the bar, grabbing the same bottle Maru poured from previously, and refilled his shot glass. I put my hand on his, stopping him. He looked at me curiously, but started shaking his head.
"No Aya, you can't!"
"Just this one Subaru! I need it!"
He frowned, "You're parents will kill me for bringing you here anyways I guess..."
He handed me the tiny glass as he grabbed another one from the other side of the bar. I looked down the clear alcohol in front of me, I've never had alcohol before. I didn't even know what to expect.
"Will it burn?"
"Oh yeah," he said filling another glass.
I closed my eyes and tilted my head back, placing the cold glass to my lips and swallowing the alcohol. He was right, it burned like nothing I've felt before, and it left the worst taste in my mouth. I stuck out my tongue; I could vomit. But Subaru quickly popped half a slice of salted lime in my mouth.
"Better?"
I looked at him sucking on his lime and nodded, "Better."
He pat me on the head, then slowly letting his hand slide down my back, and find a place on my lower back. It was almost like we were a couple. I looked at him laughing at Maru as he entertained some other customers. He looked happy. And I felt like maybe I could be happy too. Maybe I could find happiness with him. I lifted up a bit off of the stool and kissed him lightly on the cheek.
It caught him by surprise, but he smiled, "What was that for?"
I got closer to his ear so I wouldn't have to keep yelling, "I think I'm..."
"Yeah?"
"I think I'm ready to be your girlfriend..."
He stuck his tongue out slightly, turning away embarrassed. I laughed at him, I always thought he was cutest when he was embarrassed. I stood up and pointed towards the restroom so he knew where I'd be, but as he got distracted, I turned around and made my way towards the exit.
Chapter Ten
I stepped out of the last train for the night, and headed out to the main street to grab a taxi. As I got inside, the older gentleman looked at me curiously, but kept quiet, only asking me where I waned to go.
I stared out from the window, the city lights still on, but slowly disappearing as we got closer to the end of the stop. It was perfectly fine with me, more peace and quiet for me. I closed my eyes and waited for the taxi to come to a stop.
I paid the old man the fare and stepped out, smelling the salty air. The sounds of the waves were so soothing as they crashed into the beach. I ran, as much as I could run, around the wall and down the stairs that led to the sand. I slipped off my tennis shoes, carrying them in my hand as I wiggled my toes around, feeling the soft sand and the coolness of the water wash over them. Even though it was summer, the water was still pretty cold to me.
I stepped out of the water and sat down in the sand, my legs pulled into my chest. I closed my eyes and concentrated on the waves. It was so peaceful, that for the first time in a month, I felt truly calm.
I don't know how long I sat on the beach, but as I did, I let myself drift off into the memories I had gained. I thought about the little boy, calling me 'Princess,' and reaching out for me. And about the name 'Chiyo.' Could my name really be Chiyo? Even though I couldnt tell for sure, it still didn't feel right. I frowned, now thinking about the man and his wife. I know I feel like I've seen them before, so perhaps they could be my real parents...
I opened my eyes, staring out into the darkness of the ocean. It was time. Time to let it all go.
I stood up, and took a deep breath, taking a step towards the water, "Have the courage to let go Aya."
"DON'T!"
My eyes snapped open and I whirled aound, my heart racing, "Tadayoshi-kun?!"
I walked towards him as he came running to me, out of breath and paniced, "Subaru called me saying you ran away! I'm so happy I found you here."
"Why are you here? I never told anyone about my love for the beach. And besides... Subaru called you?"
"You always loved the beach. Always uncontrollably happy to see the ocean. I knew this would be the one place you'd run away too." He stood in front of me a small sweat drop falling down his neck, "Subaru sounded desperate..."
"Tadayoshi-kun... you... you shouldn't be here," I spat out, losing my confidence the longer he stayed. I didn't really want him to leave, but if he didn't leave now, I wouldn't have the courage to let go of my past. "The whole reason why I'm here is to move on with my life! I've made up my mind to forget my past! I... I decided to date Subaru..."
I looked up at him since he didn't say anything. He just stood there silent in front of me,"Tadayoshi-kun?"
"For this past month, all I could think about was you. If you were healing alright, maybe you were sad, or happy, or angry... had you already moved on, did you still think about me..." He licked his lips, franctically pouring out his heart, "That day we ran into each other, I knew who you were. I was so shocked because I was told you had passed away that day of the accident. But seeing your eyes, and your smile, I knew from that day I would do anything to keep you by my side... we were always supposed to be together."
He took a step towards me, and raised his hand slowly to my cheek, cradling it in his soft hand.
"Tadayoshi-kun, what are you saying," my voice meakly came out.
He struggled with his words, "I'm too scared... to see you get hurt any more from your past... but if you could remember anything, please... Please remember the promise we made."
"Promise?" I searched deep into his sadden eyes, but nothing came to me. "I'm s-sorry, I can't, there's... nothing."
He leaned forward and kissed me lightly on my forehead, and whispered, his lips moving on my skin, "Ririchiyo... you'll always be my Princess..."
I repeated the name, "Riri... chiyo?"
I gasped loudly, inhaling salty air as I fell to my knees struggling to breathe. One hand was clutching my shirt over my heart, while the other one dug itself into the sand. In the darkness of the night, right before my eyes, I could see everything. It all came back. Jumbled up words, faces, laughter, images, and possesions.
"Princess! You're it!" "Do you like the piano? I like the piano!." "Here Princess, I picked a daisy for you!" "The Princess is the prettiest girl I know!" "My Dad told me your family was the richest one, but I don't care about that." "Will you keep a secret? I don't want to turn out like my Dad, I want to be a chef!" "When we grow up, I promise to make you my wife. Will you promise to be with me forever?"
"I promise..." a young girl's voice spoke, but I knew it was mine.
"Ririchiyo! Okura-kun! It's time to come inside!" The same woman from before was at the back door smiling at us as the two little kids held hands as they ran back together. "Mommy! Mommy! Guess what?"
"What is it Ririchiyo?"
"Taa-kun said he'd make me his wife!"
"Oh really," she asked in disbelief looking down at the boy. "Well I give you my blessing!"
The little girl ran inside...no... I ran inside, "Where's Daddy? Daddy! I'm going to be a wife!"
The man and woman had faces this time. Both of them were very charming and beautiful. My mother had long wavy hair and the best smile. My father looked so intelegent and caring. Both of them were full of smiles, as they hugged me, their little girl. I looked exactly like her, my Mother. But I had his eyes and his laughter. I could feel the longing of wanting to see their faces again in front of mine...
They put me in the back seat, "Are you ready to go for a drive?"
"Where are we going?"
My Mother buckled herself in the passenger's seat, "We're going to meet up with the Okura's to see a concert together. Your little friend Taa-kun will be there!"
"Yay! Taa-kun! Can I bring in Mr. Penguin? He'll want to see the concert too!"
They exchanged smiles, he looked at me through the rearview mirror, "Of course! He's a family member too, right?"
But suddenly I covered my ears as a loud bang rang through them. I could see everything was upside down, in pieces. We crashed. I saw them, blood running down my mother's face. I cried out for her, squeezing the stuffed penguin in my arms. But suddenly a strange man was grabbing me.
"We love you Ririchiyo! Don't forget that," she yelled.
"DADDY! MOMMY!"
"Let that man take care of you, we'll see you soon Ririchiyo," his voice cracked.
I paniced, quickly looking side to side, lost. But I saw Tadayoshi right in front of my face, he steadied me looking into my eyes making sure I wasn't going to pass out or anything.
"We need to take you to the hospital! Come with me!" He helped me up, but as he tried pulling me, I just tossed his arm aside. "What are you doing Aya? You're not well!"
I cried, "They knew they were going to die! They knew it! And yet they, they tried to stay strong for me. They told me they loved me. Every day they told me they loved me!"
His eyes widened, "Do you...remember them?"
"Taa-kun! why did they have to die?!" I cried out loud.
He walked up to me, "You just called me... Taa-kun..." He wrapped his arms around me tightly, tears coming from his eyes, "Ririchiyo!"
I wrapped my arms around his back, "What am I supposed to do?!"
"Don't worry. Because no matter what, I'll take care of you. I promise."
But the pain was starting to get worse, I could feel it pulsing from the base of my skull up the back of my head, and like a liquid, spread to the rest of my brain.
This was it... if I was going to die, I was happy to at least have been able to remember my parents, and to be here in Taa-kun's arms. In the end, I considered myself lucky; I had so many people love me and take care of me.
My body went limp in his arms and my vision got darker.
"Ririchiyo! Stay with me!" He cried out, some of his tears dripping onto my face.
"I'm sorry..." It was all I could mutter out.
"Ririchiyo," my Father smiled as he kneeled down in front of me, "We're going to take you somewhere special today. Do you remember?"
I nodded my head, my curly pigtails bouncing, "Yes Daddy I remember. The special place you said I would take care of."
"That's right Princess."
My Mother stuck out her hand and smiled, "We don't want to be late, now do we?"
"No Mommy!"
I reached out my tiny hand to grab hers. Her soft skin caressed my little hand, a warmness radiating from her that only a Mother had. I smiled as she led me outside and buckled me into my seat. As she always did, she traced her index finger along my cheek, a sign she was thinking about something important.
The first thing I noticed as we got closer were the beautiful stone walls. I turned my head to the window and pressed my face up against the glass.
"Daddy, is this the special place?"
"That's right. The place you'll be able to call home."
I tilted my head, pulling away from the window, "But Daddy, my home is my home!"
Both of my parents chuckled at my sincerity, my Mother turning back to smile at me, "A second home then."
The gates opened and we were immidiately greeted with cherry blossoms and a beautiful fountain in the front. My eyes darted from one thing to the other, it was beautiful! Like our house!
"Daddy Daddy! This looks like our house!"
He smiled, pulling up front of the building, "We modeled our house after this place."
"Why did you do that?"
The car came to a stop, my Mother unbuckled herself and got up and walked around to help me, "Because honey, Mommy and Daddy truly love this place."
I hopped out of the back seat and looked at the marbled pillars in front, and lush red carpet leading into the building. Our house definitely didn't have these though.
"What is this place?" My high pitched voice squeaked out as I now turned my attention to my parents.
My Father leaned over and picked me up in his arms, his glasses wobbling a bit, "This is Saotome Academy Princess, the school you'll be inhereting."
"Saotome is our name!"
My Mother tucked her long, shiny strands of hair behind her ear and smiled, "That's right honey. This is the school Daddy's family owns, that we own."
"So are you the principal Daddy?"
He laughed, "No no no, not me. Someone much more wiser than Daddy is the principal of this school."
"Ohhhh~"
He put me down softly and held my hand as he lead me inside, "This way Princess."
We followed the red carpet inside, a magnificent chandelier up above, the same marble pillars inside, a statue on either side in the entrance, and a large portrait hung inside a beautiful golden frame hanging on the wall directly in front of us.
As we got closer I recognised my parents standing to the side, "I see you! Mommy and Daddy look younger!"
My mother grabbed my other hand in hers, all of us looking at the picture, "This is your family Ririchiyo. The family of Saotome."
"How come there aren't many people," I asked innocently.
"Your Grandmother, my Mother Ririchiyo, struggled with having children for the longest time. Until one day I was able to be born."
"I'm happy for Granma!"
He chuckled, "Yes, and so was your Grandfather."
"Then who are those people on that side?"
"On that side honey, is you Grandfather's sister. She would be your great aunt. And next to her is her husband, and next to them are their two children."
"I don't understand Mommy, how come I never see them?"
At first neither of them said anything but my Father leaned down, kneeling in front of me, "It's hard to explain Princess. You see, my Aunt's husband started questioning my Father's right to inheret this school. He believed it should have belonged to him and my Aunt. So he directly questioned my Father's Father, my Grandfather, to the right of ownership."
I pouted, "I still don't understand Daddy."
"When you grow up in a wealthy family, often times the men take charge and handle the family business. Even though my Father was the second born, because he was male, he inherited the school, and not his sister who was older than him." He nodded as I nodded, continuing his story, "And so that day when my Aunt's husband protested, my Grandfather saw this as a threat to his authority. Believing he was being threatened, he punished my Aunt and her husband to never again return to the family and swore them out of the family inheritence."
I couldn't help but start crying. My Mother was now kneeling in front of me, wiping my tears with her handkerchief. I sniffed over an over, feeling so sad from the story. But my tears came to a stop as my Father picked me up rubbed his nose on mine.
"So like how Daddy inherited this school, Daddy will give you this school when you get older."
"I can't wait Daddy!"
My Mother sighed a sigh of relief, happy I was already cheered up, "You'll be the Princess of Saotome Academy, right Daddy?"
"Right Mommy," he happily agreed.
I have to admit, being dead wasn't anything like I thought it would be. All I can think about are my parents; Mommy and Daddy. They made me feel warm, safe, and happy. So was being dead like this? It wasn't so bad.
In fact I could feel their hands grasping mine.
But this feels too real...
My eyes opened slowly, my gaze following my arm, to my right hand, and to the body leaning over asleep yet grasping my hand in his; Taa-kun. I looked to my other side and noticed my mother asleep in a cot while my dad was asleep in a chair. I'm guessing it had to be in the middle of the night if the room was so dark and everyone was sound asleep.
I pulled my hand away from Taa-kun's as he slept, and layed it gently on his head. His hair was so soft, I couldn't help but play with it, twirling it around in my fingers. A smile spread on my lips as I felt him move gently under my hand. He opened his eyes and was immidiately awake and alert as he noticed I had my eyes opened.
He grabbed my hand and smiled, "Welcome back Princess."
"It's good to be back."
-----------
WOO! that was long, nee~~~~~????
back to writing for meeee!
look forward to it~~~~~~~~~~ i hope you like what happens!
o(^^o)(o^^)o わくわく
Chapter Nine
My parents agreed to pull me out of Saotome Academy on account for my health. The timing seemed to work out since summer vacation was coming up anyways. But it no longered mattered to me, summer vaction, school, my dreams and my future. None of it mattered any more.
I spent my days healing my leg in my bedroom. Time seemed so slow, the rest of the world moving on without me. Every now and then I'd notice my parents come and visit me, help me to the bathroom, or Tara helping me bathe, but my eyes remained emotionless. I remained stuck between my past and my future.
And before I knew it, summer vaction was nearly over, and my leg was close to completely healed. Even so, I remained in my bed, with nothing but Mr. Penguin and my cellphone. Every day I had stared at the glowing screen, today was the same. His number was deleted from my phone thanks to my parents doing, and without his number, I no longer had any contact with him.
I curled up into a ball, my body engulfing Mr. Penguin. My hand clutched tightly around my cell, tears dampening my pillow beneath me.
Every day I replayed the same scene of being back at the hospital with my family and the doctor, more tears pouring out:
The doctor sighed loudly, "Whenever we put you under, we took you in and did some tests, an MRI being one of them. Memories are a tricky thing in science, it's not any one part of the brain, but the whole entirety of the brain."
I could feel my hand starting to make a fist, "So there is something wrong with my brain?"
"Memories are like webs, each intricate, detailed and attached to an area of the brain. So when we remember a memory, systems of creating, storing and recall happen. But modern science still hasn't gotten a good grip of what actually occurs."
My father took a step forward, "So what does this mean for Aya?"
The doctor sighed again, "From what we could gather, when Aya regains memories, you see your hippocampus is responsible for short term memories, as well as long term ones. So when a memory comes back we believe, due to the car accident, your hypotalamus got injured. The hypotalamus, among others, is responsible for responding to pain, and in turn is responsible for the autonomic nervous system-"
Now I was really frustrated, "Doctor!"
"When you stub your toe, your spinal cord tells your brain that in fact there is pain there. For you, you gain a memory, and your brain reacts like a stubbed toe and sends signals to your body to recieve pain." He rubbed his forehead, "From what we've come to understand, gaining memories for you will only get worse. I suggest cutting ties with anything having to do with your past, because the next time you regain a memory...."
My mom was crying, "She can't-"
"Death... could be a possiblity..."
I stared blankly at the doctor, my father looked down at me, but as he talked to me I couldn't hear a thing. My mind went blank, the only word I could hear, repeatedly was "Death..."
Like someone had unleashed something deep in me, I reached up with my hands covering my face, crying out loud in disbelief.
"Why me?!"
I was immidiately brought out of my stupor when I heard a knock on the door; I had stopped responding to it a while ago though. It creaked open and closed, and I could hear someone step across and sit on the floor next to my bed. I didn't ask who it was, assuming it was my Mother again to try and talk to me.
"Aya..."
I opened my eyes to the sound of his voice. I turned around slowly to see his long hair covering his face, Subaru. He looked down, his brow creased.
"Why are you here?" I complained as I turned back around to face my wall. "I thought I said I didn't want to see you."
"I know you did. And up until now, I was willing to do exactly that, but Aya... I can't just stand by and let you rot in this bed any more!"
My voice remained uninterested, "Get out."
"I'm not leaving."
He was testing my patience, an emotion I haven't felt in a while, "I said... get out."
"You'll have to physically push me out, otherwise I'm staying right here!"
I turned back around to actually try and push him out, but I was shocked as I saw him crying. This only stirred up emotions I locked away. I didn't want to feel this pain. I wanted it to go away!
I pushed him with all my might, knocking him over to the ground, "You have no reason to cry!" But he sat back up again in the same position; it was annoying. I pushed him back down again, "Stop it Subaru!"
"No, I won't stop. Hit me all you want, I don't care."
And I did, I slapped him as hard as I could across the face, "GET OUT!"
He remained in front of me.
I slapped him again. And again. His cheeks red and my hand stinging. He stayed by my side, both of us crying.
I collapsed on the ground in front of him, "IT'S NOT FAIR!"
He pulled me into his arms, "I know..."
I cried into his shoulder, "All this time! I worked so hard, all this time! And now, what do I have left? It's all gone! No past! And no future!"
"Don't give up Aya. Keeping fighting! You're still alive, still breathing the same air I'm breathing!"
I pulled myself into his lap as I continued bawling, "NO! If this is what it's like to live, then... I don't want to live any more!"
But as I spoke those words, he pushed me away and slapped me across my face. The shock from being slapped stopped my crying. I raised my hand to my stinging cheek, slowly turning my head to look at him. But instead of an angry look like I expected to see, he looked like someone had crushed his heart. And that's what I did.
He grabbed the hand that was on my cheek, and placed it on his chest, while leaning in to kiss me. I froze in front of him, never expecting to be kissed, but my body responded to his desperate plea. I could feel it, he was telling me that he wouldn't be able to stand it if I left him for good.
I grabed his t-shirt, pulling myself closer to him. I lifted my legs over his so that I could wrap them around his waist, simultaeniously deepening our kiss. He moaned from the sudden heat between our bodies; getting more and more turned on.
His lips found their way to the corner of my mouth, down my chin, and eventually found a spot between my neck and my collar bone to violate. I grabbed at his long hair, feeling my arousal getting to it's peek. I reached down and pulled his shirt over his head, pushing myself against him.
"Subaru, please... let me forget it all...." I moaned into his ear.
But his kisses slowly stopped, much to my disappointment. He pushed me back so he could look into my eyes, "Aya, I'm not going to be something you can just use to help you forget everything."
I bit my bottom lip, wanting to protest, but I knew what he said was right, "I'm-I'm sorry I did this." I suddenly felt like I should try and cover myself up, even though I wasn't the one without a shirt.
He curled my hair behind my ear, "Don't worry, I was the one who started it. I'm sorry."
I shook my head, "No, that's ok... it... I-I feel better."
He stretched his arms up, allowing me to see his six pack, making my cheeks turn red. He seemed to notice as he put his shirt back on, and poking me in the forehead.
"Want to get out of this room?"
I looked around at my tiny room, "I think I'm ready."
I unhooked my legs from his waist as he pulled away from me to stand up. He held his hand down to assist me, which I still needed since I still had a little bit of a limp with my injured ankle. I walked over to my closet and started striping off my clothes to put on a fresh set.
"What are you doing," he asked embarrassingly, turning away.
"I don't mind if you look Subaru. Besides, weren't you thinking about having sex with me not a few minutes ago?"
He cleared his throat slowly turning around, "Well that's..."
But I had already put on a new red stripped blouse, with a low cut in the front and some jean shorts, "Pervert. C'mon let's get out of here."
I walked out of my room, willingly, for the first time in a month, and it felt amazing. The air even smelled different, I could feel my spirits lifting. I walked down the hall, my parents watching tv. As they turned around they both had shocked faces, both standing up and rushing over to me.
My mom pur her hands on my face, then my shoulders, looking me over, "You're-"
"Yes Mom, I'm out of my room."
She looked past me to Subaru and immidiately walked over to him and hugged him, "Thank you so much Subaru-kun."
My father patted him on the shoulder, "We can't ever repay you back."
I turned, "Yes you can. You can let him take me out tonight." My parents exchanged worried looks, obviously because of my health, both mental and physical, but I reassured them. "Listen, he helped me to realize that I need to start living again. And I think the best way is first getting outside and getting some fresh air."
My dad looked from me and then to him, "Watch over her."
"I promise I will."
I kissed my dad on the cheek, "Thanks."
We left my house and started walking aimlessly around our town. The sun was already set, so places would start to close soon. Only family resturants, bars, and host/hostess clubs would be open. Either way, just smelling the fresh air, and feeling the warm air on my skin felt so good. Humans needed to be outside.
I stretched, "So what do you want to do?"
"Wanna go see Maru? He's been worried all this time about you too. He'd be happy to see you."
"Hm, stay out here, or visit Maru at his job full of crazy people." Subaru looked at me, expecting me to keep walking in the opposite direction of Maru's work, "Let's go visit Maru!"
He just laughed, "Ok, let's go!"
I looked down at the glowing sign, 'The Bar.' I giggled, never getting used to a bar having the name 'The Bar,' but it seemed to fit Maru strangely enough. Subaru grabbed my hand was we walked down some steps that were occupied by some drunkards, and led me inside the noisy club.
A bunch of colored lights spun around the dance floor, lighting up random people as they let loose in the crowd. I looked around, so many people were laughing, living it up, seemingly having the best time of their lives. While I on the other hand am still suffering from depression. But I let the energy of the club, and Subaru's warm hand, wash over me to numb everything else out.
We walked up to the bar, Subaru grabbed an empty seat and let me sit down in it as he stood behind me, putting his arms on either side of me. I looked to both sides, it was like was claiming territory, and I took joy in this.
After several moments, we finally caught Maru's attention. His eyes opened wide as he ran past a co-worker to come to our side of the bar.
"AYA!"
"Hi Maru," I yelled over the music.
"You did it Subaru!" Maru yelled happily as he pulled out a shot glass, filling it up and sliding it towards Subaru.
He downed it like a pro, "You don't mind if we hang out do you?"
"Stay as long as you want!" He was so happy he yelled out, "FREE DRINKS FOR EVERYONE AT THE BAR!"
The crowd hollared in celebration, while Subaru and I started laughing. Maru would probably get in trouble for that, but Maru was the type to never care about such things. Maybe if I was more like him, let things slide off my back, and go with the flow, I wouldn't be in this mess.
Subaru reached over the bar, grabbing the same bottle Maru poured from previously, and refilled his shot glass. I put my hand on his, stopping him. He looked at me curiously, but started shaking his head.
"No Aya, you can't!"
"Just this one Subaru! I need it!"
He frowned, "You're parents will kill me for bringing you here anyways I guess..."
He handed me the tiny glass as he grabbed another one from the other side of the bar. I looked down the clear alcohol in front of me, I've never had alcohol before. I didn't even know what to expect.
"Will it burn?"
"Oh yeah," he said filling another glass.
I closed my eyes and tilted my head back, placing the cold glass to my lips and swallowing the alcohol. He was right, it burned like nothing I've felt before, and it left the worst taste in my mouth. I stuck out my tongue; I could vomit. But Subaru quickly popped half a slice of salted lime in my mouth.
"Better?"
I looked at him sucking on his lime and nodded, "Better."
He pat me on the head, then slowly letting his hand slide down my back, and find a place on my lower back. It was almost like we were a couple. I looked at him laughing at Maru as he entertained some other customers. He looked happy. And I felt like maybe I could be happy too. Maybe I could find happiness with him. I lifted up a bit off of the stool and kissed him lightly on the cheek.
It caught him by surprise, but he smiled, "What was that for?"
I got closer to his ear so I wouldn't have to keep yelling, "I think I'm..."
"Yeah?"
"I think I'm ready to be your girlfriend..."
He stuck his tongue out slightly, turning away embarrassed. I laughed at him, I always thought he was cutest when he was embarrassed. I stood up and pointed towards the restroom so he knew where I'd be, but as he got distracted, I turned around and made my way towards the exit.
Chapter Ten
I stepped out of the last train for the night, and headed out to the main street to grab a taxi. As I got inside, the older gentleman looked at me curiously, but kept quiet, only asking me where I waned to go.
I stared out from the window, the city lights still on, but slowly disappearing as we got closer to the end of the stop. It was perfectly fine with me, more peace and quiet for me. I closed my eyes and waited for the taxi to come to a stop.
I paid the old man the fare and stepped out, smelling the salty air. The sounds of the waves were so soothing as they crashed into the beach. I ran, as much as I could run, around the wall and down the stairs that led to the sand. I slipped off my tennis shoes, carrying them in my hand as I wiggled my toes around, feeling the soft sand and the coolness of the water wash over them. Even though it was summer, the water was still pretty cold to me.
I stepped out of the water and sat down in the sand, my legs pulled into my chest. I closed my eyes and concentrated on the waves. It was so peaceful, that for the first time in a month, I felt truly calm.
I don't know how long I sat on the beach, but as I did, I let myself drift off into the memories I had gained. I thought about the little boy, calling me 'Princess,' and reaching out for me. And about the name 'Chiyo.' Could my name really be Chiyo? Even though I couldnt tell for sure, it still didn't feel right. I frowned, now thinking about the man and his wife. I know I feel like I've seen them before, so perhaps they could be my real parents...
I opened my eyes, staring out into the darkness of the ocean. It was time. Time to let it all go.
I stood up, and took a deep breath, taking a step towards the water, "Have the courage to let go Aya."
"DON'T!"
My eyes snapped open and I whirled aound, my heart racing, "Tadayoshi-kun?!"
I walked towards him as he came running to me, out of breath and paniced, "Subaru called me saying you ran away! I'm so happy I found you here."
"Why are you here? I never told anyone about my love for the beach. And besides... Subaru called you?"
"You always loved the beach. Always uncontrollably happy to see the ocean. I knew this would be the one place you'd run away too." He stood in front of me a small sweat drop falling down his neck, "Subaru sounded desperate..."
"Tadayoshi-kun... you... you shouldn't be here," I spat out, losing my confidence the longer he stayed. I didn't really want him to leave, but if he didn't leave now, I wouldn't have the courage to let go of my past. "The whole reason why I'm here is to move on with my life! I've made up my mind to forget my past! I... I decided to date Subaru..."
I looked up at him since he didn't say anything. He just stood there silent in front of me,"Tadayoshi-kun?"
"For this past month, all I could think about was you. If you were healing alright, maybe you were sad, or happy, or angry... had you already moved on, did you still think about me..." He licked his lips, franctically pouring out his heart, "That day we ran into each other, I knew who you were. I was so shocked because I was told you had passed away that day of the accident. But seeing your eyes, and your smile, I knew from that day I would do anything to keep you by my side... we were always supposed to be together."
He took a step towards me, and raised his hand slowly to my cheek, cradling it in his soft hand.
"Tadayoshi-kun, what are you saying," my voice meakly came out.
He struggled with his words, "I'm too scared... to see you get hurt any more from your past... but if you could remember anything, please... Please remember the promise we made."
"Promise?" I searched deep into his sadden eyes, but nothing came to me. "I'm s-sorry, I can't, there's... nothing."
He leaned forward and kissed me lightly on my forehead, and whispered, his lips moving on my skin, "Ririchiyo... you'll always be my Princess..."
I repeated the name, "Riri... chiyo?"
I gasped loudly, inhaling salty air as I fell to my knees struggling to breathe. One hand was clutching my shirt over my heart, while the other one dug itself into the sand. In the darkness of the night, right before my eyes, I could see everything. It all came back. Jumbled up words, faces, laughter, images, and possesions.
"Princess! You're it!" "Do you like the piano? I like the piano!." "Here Princess, I picked a daisy for you!" "The Princess is the prettiest girl I know!" "My Dad told me your family was the richest one, but I don't care about that." "Will you keep a secret? I don't want to turn out like my Dad, I want to be a chef!" "When we grow up, I promise to make you my wife. Will you promise to be with me forever?"
"I promise..." a young girl's voice spoke, but I knew it was mine.
"Ririchiyo! Okura-kun! It's time to come inside!" The same woman from before was at the back door smiling at us as the two little kids held hands as they ran back together. "Mommy! Mommy! Guess what?"
"What is it Ririchiyo?"
"Taa-kun said he'd make me his wife!"
"Oh really," she asked in disbelief looking down at the boy. "Well I give you my blessing!"
The little girl ran inside...no... I ran inside, "Where's Daddy? Daddy! I'm going to be a wife!"
The man and woman had faces this time. Both of them were very charming and beautiful. My mother had long wavy hair and the best smile. My father looked so intelegent and caring. Both of them were full of smiles, as they hugged me, their little girl. I looked exactly like her, my Mother. But I had his eyes and his laughter. I could feel the longing of wanting to see their faces again in front of mine...
They put me in the back seat, "Are you ready to go for a drive?"
"Where are we going?"
My Mother buckled herself in the passenger's seat, "We're going to meet up with the Okura's to see a concert together. Your little friend Taa-kun will be there!"
"Yay! Taa-kun! Can I bring in Mr. Penguin? He'll want to see the concert too!"
They exchanged smiles, he looked at me through the rearview mirror, "Of course! He's a family member too, right?"
But suddenly I covered my ears as a loud bang rang through them. I could see everything was upside down, in pieces. We crashed. I saw them, blood running down my mother's face. I cried out for her, squeezing the stuffed penguin in my arms. But suddenly a strange man was grabbing me.
"We love you Ririchiyo! Don't forget that," she yelled.
"DADDY! MOMMY!"
"Let that man take care of you, we'll see you soon Ririchiyo," his voice cracked.
I paniced, quickly looking side to side, lost. But I saw Tadayoshi right in front of my face, he steadied me looking into my eyes making sure I wasn't going to pass out or anything.
"We need to take you to the hospital! Come with me!" He helped me up, but as he tried pulling me, I just tossed his arm aside. "What are you doing Aya? You're not well!"
I cried, "They knew they were going to die! They knew it! And yet they, they tried to stay strong for me. They told me they loved me. Every day they told me they loved me!"
His eyes widened, "Do you...remember them?"
"Taa-kun! why did they have to die?!" I cried out loud.
He walked up to me, "You just called me... Taa-kun..." He wrapped his arms around me tightly, tears coming from his eyes, "Ririchiyo!"
I wrapped my arms around his back, "What am I supposed to do?!"
"Don't worry. Because no matter what, I'll take care of you. I promise."
But the pain was starting to get worse, I could feel it pulsing from the base of my skull up the back of my head, and like a liquid, spread to the rest of my brain.
This was it... if I was going to die, I was happy to at least have been able to remember my parents, and to be here in Taa-kun's arms. In the end, I considered myself lucky; I had so many people love me and take care of me.
My body went limp in his arms and my vision got darker.
"Ririchiyo! Stay with me!" He cried out, some of his tears dripping onto my face.
"I'm sorry..." It was all I could mutter out.
"Ririchiyo," my Father smiled as he kneeled down in front of me, "We're going to take you somewhere special today. Do you remember?"
I nodded my head, my curly pigtails bouncing, "Yes Daddy I remember. The special place you said I would take care of."
"That's right Princess."
My Mother stuck out her hand and smiled, "We don't want to be late, now do we?"
"No Mommy!"
I reached out my tiny hand to grab hers. Her soft skin caressed my little hand, a warmness radiating from her that only a Mother had. I smiled as she led me outside and buckled me into my seat. As she always did, she traced her index finger along my cheek, a sign she was thinking about something important.
The first thing I noticed as we got closer were the beautiful stone walls. I turned my head to the window and pressed my face up against the glass.
"Daddy, is this the special place?"
"That's right. The place you'll be able to call home."
I tilted my head, pulling away from the window, "But Daddy, my home is my home!"
Both of my parents chuckled at my sincerity, my Mother turning back to smile at me, "A second home then."
The gates opened and we were immidiately greeted with cherry blossoms and a beautiful fountain in the front. My eyes darted from one thing to the other, it was beautiful! Like our house!
"Daddy Daddy! This looks like our house!"
He smiled, pulling up front of the building, "We modeled our house after this place."
"Why did you do that?"
The car came to a stop, my Mother unbuckled herself and got up and walked around to help me, "Because honey, Mommy and Daddy truly love this place."
I hopped out of the back seat and looked at the marbled pillars in front, and lush red carpet leading into the building. Our house definitely didn't have these though.
"What is this place?" My high pitched voice squeaked out as I now turned my attention to my parents.
My Father leaned over and picked me up in his arms, his glasses wobbling a bit, "This is Saotome Academy Princess, the school you'll be inhereting."
"Saotome is our name!"
My Mother tucked her long, shiny strands of hair behind her ear and smiled, "That's right honey. This is the school Daddy's family owns, that we own."
"So are you the principal Daddy?"
He laughed, "No no no, not me. Someone much more wiser than Daddy is the principal of this school."
"Ohhhh~"
He put me down softly and held my hand as he lead me inside, "This way Princess."
We followed the red carpet inside, a magnificent chandelier up above, the same marble pillars inside, a statue on either side in the entrance, and a large portrait hung inside a beautiful golden frame hanging on the wall directly in front of us.
As we got closer I recognised my parents standing to the side, "I see you! Mommy and Daddy look younger!"
My mother grabbed my other hand in hers, all of us looking at the picture, "This is your family Ririchiyo. The family of Saotome."
"How come there aren't many people," I asked innocently.
"Your Grandmother, my Mother Ririchiyo, struggled with having children for the longest time. Until one day I was able to be born."
"I'm happy for Granma!"
He chuckled, "Yes, and so was your Grandfather."
"Then who are those people on that side?"
"On that side honey, is you Grandfather's sister. She would be your great aunt. And next to her is her husband, and next to them are their two children."
"I don't understand Mommy, how come I never see them?"
At first neither of them said anything but my Father leaned down, kneeling in front of me, "It's hard to explain Princess. You see, my Aunt's husband started questioning my Father's right to inheret this school. He believed it should have belonged to him and my Aunt. So he directly questioned my Father's Father, my Grandfather, to the right of ownership."
I pouted, "I still don't understand Daddy."
"When you grow up in a wealthy family, often times the men take charge and handle the family business. Even though my Father was the second born, because he was male, he inherited the school, and not his sister who was older than him." He nodded as I nodded, continuing his story, "And so that day when my Aunt's husband protested, my Grandfather saw this as a threat to his authority. Believing he was being threatened, he punished my Aunt and her husband to never again return to the family and swore them out of the family inheritence."
I couldn't help but start crying. My Mother was now kneeling in front of me, wiping my tears with her handkerchief. I sniffed over an over, feeling so sad from the story. But my tears came to a stop as my Father picked me up rubbed his nose on mine.
"So like how Daddy inherited this school, Daddy will give you this school when you get older."
"I can't wait Daddy!"
My Mother sighed a sigh of relief, happy I was already cheered up, "You'll be the Princess of Saotome Academy, right Daddy?"
"Right Mommy," he happily agreed.
I have to admit, being dead wasn't anything like I thought it would be. All I can think about are my parents; Mommy and Daddy. They made me feel warm, safe, and happy. So was being dead like this? It wasn't so bad.
In fact I could feel their hands grasping mine.
But this feels too real...
My eyes opened slowly, my gaze following my arm, to my right hand, and to the body leaning over asleep yet grasping my hand in his; Taa-kun. I looked to my other side and noticed my mother asleep in a cot while my dad was asleep in a chair. I'm guessing it had to be in the middle of the night if the room was so dark and everyone was sound asleep.
I pulled my hand away from Taa-kun's as he slept, and layed it gently on his head. His hair was so soft, I couldn't help but play with it, twirling it around in my fingers. A smile spread on my lips as I felt him move gently under my hand. He opened his eyes and was immidiately awake and alert as he noticed I had my eyes opened.
He grabbed my hand and smiled, "Welcome back Princess."
"It's good to be back."
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WOO! that was long, nee~~~~~????
back to writing for meeee!