The Beginning of Destiny~

Subject: The Beginning of Destiny~ Sun May 08, 2011 10:50 am

'Himeko....'

A young woman about the age of 18 with flowing midnight blue hair and navy blue eyes walked down sidewalk towards the street. It was rather ironic, she didn't know where she was going, much less have any set destination in mind, and yet, she continued to walk at a pace as if she was going somewhere important. This woman's name was Chikane Himemiya, this woman was me.

This was Tokyo? It's so much more different than from what I can remember, if I can remember anything at all. I've tried for so long and I cannot filter a structure of what it used to be. Much less can I remember the street names and the geography of this city. I started to read signs all around me, to see "where" exactly I was. I began to see signs of "Tokyo Shopping District." "Tokyo Station." It was all so busy and sleepless, but, I was beginning to recall where I was..

But then, I saw something on the other side of the street. A big sign that said, "Himemiya Corporations." with some sort of cute anime character on it and kanji writing. Himemiya....? But, that's my last name. Of course, my father... my father, god bless his soul, he's still alive! He kept the company running even through ... even through that... this was incredulous. I must go find the location of the corporation. If I could get closer to the sign. It was at this time, that even with the blankness in my eyes, I began to walk forward into the intersection as everyone else did. Now, I had something I had to get to. But, I needed to watch where I was going. I lowered my view to what was in front of me... and when I did see what was, I softly smiled as the light hit her in just the right way. Of course I was shocked, but, I hid that as I stood there and waited for her reaction. Yet again my mind thought...

'Himeko..'

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Sun May 08, 2011 6:03 pm

At an arm's length away from other girl, tears began trickling down Himeko's cheek.

The goddess-like figure standing in front of her was beautiful in a way that dried men's throats and invoked thoughts of adoration from members of both sexes. As a gentle breeze lifted her shoulder length midnight blue hair, Himeko was immediately enveloped in a overpowering yet familiar glow of warmth. The girl had blue hair adorned with an white snowy hairband, matching her slim and athletic body graced with a one-piece ivory dress, and above her inner shirt, hung a shimmering pink sea shell, which surprisingly looked similar to her own.

The little angel couldn't bear it any longer. An natural force pressed her to hurry forward, spread her arms, and close them around the other girl's neck. She wept and wept.

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Sun May 08, 2011 8:11 pm

There she was, so beautiful and bright. Innocent and luminescent as the radiant sun itself. I studied her form over. She was slim and slender, curvaceous with blonde hair and violet/amethyst eyes. She was definitely pretty and oh so cute as well. But, through her teal dress and white ribbon and all of her enticing appearance, what truly caught my gaze, the shell around her neck.

It was a pink shell, much like mine. One that matched it, even. Suddenly, my heart began to race. A small, soft smile appeared slowly upon my lips. My eyes, their gleamed changed from that of blank confusion to a determined and "wanting" gaze. I started towards her. My being now wanting to touch her, to feel her, smell and see her up close to see if it was truly what I've waited so long to be reunited with. If the force I felt compelling me to draw closer to her inside was the same as hers.

Indeed it was, as I found myself now wrapping my arms around her waist as she pressed herself to me and her arms seem to naturally find their way around my neck. Our long hair blew in the breeze as I softly smiled, feeling some small tears she was shedding hit my back... but, I knew they were of happiness, not sadness. I was happy too. In this moment, it seemed that time stopped. Traffic halted, some were honking their horns impatiently, some looking confused, some smiling. Other onlookers, men and women from the walking crowd on the sidewalk seemed to stare in awe as well, as us, two girls embraced. Some guessed we were friends who hadn't seen each other in years. Some guessed we were lovers just returning from an adventurous journey. If only they knew the truth....

My thoughts finally found their way to my mouth and became words, a language. And so, as we stood there embracing, I said with a sense of "relief" softly...

"Himeko..."

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Sun May 08, 2011 8:56 pm

In the warm embrace of the other girl, Himeko didn't mind the others watching them. She trembled with happiness, but suddenly there was sharp pain in her chest. The little angel recalled memories from the past. Memories of her and the other girl fighting the Orochi for the peace of mankind. Memories of school life at Otachibana Academy. The Rose Garden. Why? Why don't I remember any of this? During the first eighteen years of her life, she never felt such pain and yet endearing love for someone. At some point in her life, there was Souma. Although he confessed to her, Himeko always knew, there was someone else more dear, more important, and that she must wait.

The little angel slowly released her grasp. Her body felt weak and her vision blurred as she closed her eyes. The meeting at the intersection between Himemiya Chikane and the little angel put too much strain on the fragile girl's body.

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Sun May 08, 2011 9:07 pm

I noticed the strain was intensifying upon the petite form clinging to me. It seems the memories, the emotions flooding back to her, this moment in its all was a bit much for her. She was beginning to grow faint. How could I tell? By the breaths upon the back of my neck becoming more slowed and light. I made a quick decision to act, I picked her up in my arms, bridal style, and escorted her, walking, out of the intersection.

After I had carried her out of the way, life over there resumed as usual. People we were walking and talking on their cellphones, and cars were passing by, driving impatiently or coming to a stop suddenly. I reached a spot of shadow, under a tree, in a small park nearby. I sat on the grass and awaited the consciousness of the other girl to be present. This was it.

"I should practice what I should say to her. Himeko... I know it's been a very long time and ... no, that isn't good enough. Something deeper... like, Himeko, you have been in my heart for as long as the sun has shined.... no, that's not right either. Let's see. Himeko Kurusugawa, not only the beauty I met again today, but, the lover of my soul's eternal..."

I began to recite out loud. Practicing for what I would begin to say to Himeko once she woke. Hopefully, she would not hear any of this.

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Sun May 08, 2011 9:37 pm

Images flashed violently in her mind.

Chikane? Under the ominous orb of light sent from the heavens, lightning struck in eight different parts of countryside. Himemiya Chikane immediately ran down the corridors of the mansion to the horsebarn where her friend Sungest was. Glancing at the sky, she knew her little angel was in danger. While calamity spread throughout Ototachibana Academy, Mako-chan was tugging on Himeko's sleeve and begging her to leave. Being the clumsy girl she was, she ran back to grab a pink ribbon wrapped present. Relieved the present was still there, the violent God Machine Take no Yamikazuchi grasped her. Blackness prevailed. As she opened her eyes, she felt warmness press against her dry lips and bruised cheek.

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Sun May 08, 2011 9:43 pm

I, however, seemed to be still rehearsing my thoughts upon what to say to 'sleeping beauty' when she awoke. Of course her eyes slowly began to open, she was recovering, she had to, but, again I was oblivious to this awakening as it was so. I continued to speak to myself in a soft spoken tone. This soft tone was being careful not to 'wake her'.

"Himeko.. I..."

Goodness, what was there to say? I couldn't remember a thing now. My mind went blank and was fuzzy. It was like all of my memory suddenly became a blur. But I had to say something, but, what?

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Sun May 08, 2011 9:57 pm

Slowly gaining consciousness, Kurusugawa Himeko's eyes fluttered open. She suddenly realized her head was leaning resting on the other girl's lap. In a heartbeat, she immediately sat up straight.

"Gomenasai gomenasai-!"

But immediately paused, upon catching other girl's warm yet desiring gaze. She was the same girl Himeko met at the intersection Heaven knows how long ago. She was the most beautiful creature crafted by the Gods, capturing Himeko's heart with only a stare.

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Sun May 08, 2011 10:14 pm

SHE was now awake. The young girl, cute as a button, as one of the elderly might say, rose to sit in an upright position, obviously a bit startled by where her head was laying. She sat up in such a quick fashion and apologized immediately. I found this cute. She was beautiful too, pretty and innocent. Like the flowers surrounding us, like the sun's rays themselves shining down upon us.

Her luscious golden hair only added to her fairness. And her amethyst eyes were so pure and deep that I could stare into them and find myself lost. Like, I almost did, just now. She rose and caught my gaze as I caught hers, she, too, had managed to set something aflutter within my stomach the moment we locked gazes. My eyes began to lovingly stare at her, even though the tint in them was blankness hinted with a bit of affection. And my heart began to beat faster. Could it be possible that I liked her?

I smiled softly, not revealing any emotion, no nervousness, no anxiety, nothing. It was pure sereneness, calmness, almost like the moon's peaceful glow itself was radiating from the gentle touch of my hand to hers. A light chuckle before I spoke gently, placing my hand atop hers.

"There is no need to apologize, are you alright..?"

Of course this had to be... wasn't it? Suddenly, I began to doubt myself that this was, in fact, Himeko. Well, to make sure, we'll re-acquaint ourselves with each other. That's all. Although everything was becoming a blur, I could still function, but, where I learned such composure and control I questioned as well? I shall just go along with it. Perhaps this person could help me to remember? Perhaps not. I'll see where this takes me.

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Mon May 09, 2011 2:21 pm

Himeko blushed upon her goddess's touch, but at the same time noticed the unevenness of the other girl's crystal clear nightingale voice.

"Um...I'm okay." Himeko stuttered nervously as the other girl continued to gaze at her. The air of elegance surrounding the blue-haired girl revealed a sign a careful upbringing from a wealthy family. The light sweet scented smell of perfume reminded Himeko of a flower garden filled with colorful new bud roses. The elegance and beauty this other girl possessed was further augmented by the closeness between them, the touch further melted her heart, and dried Himeko's throat with heartfelt admiration.

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Mon May 09, 2011 3:20 pm

"Good then, I'm glad."

I smiled once more, the sunlight seeming to shine down on the very ends of our feet, and the shade masking our faces in the right amount of dimness and dusk. I softly gazed into her eyes deeper and I felt a force compelling me to draw closer. I noticed the pink pigment in her cheeks and thought this to be cute. She was like a stuffed animal, cute and cuddly, like she wouldn't harm a fly.

The innocent and vulnerable look she had expressed upon her face told me she came from not much of a "set life" background. That she was not wealthy and "set for life" as I was. She wasn't quite as lucky to have the same fortune. But, she did have friends who cared for her. But, the other moments and experiences she's been through must have been hard. I predicted it had something to do with her hair by the way she shyly tucked her hair behind her ears gently. She was like the sun herself, sitting in front of me, embracing me in her light. There were a few moments of dead silence before I decided to break it and speak softly, careful not to startle the beauty sitting across from me.

"Chikane. My name is Chikane... Himemiya. What is yours?"

Once more I was facing her way and our gazes were locked. My heart would beat faster every time I saw those pure amethyst eyes. Little gems set in the beautiful stone that is her. I wanted to know her name. I wanted to know everything.

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Mon May 09, 2011 5:45 pm

"Himeko." the little angel replied happily, mentally stringing together each syllable in other girl's name and marveling at the perfection of the name. "Kurusugawa Himeko." The little angel lightly touched the the princess's hand, took it and shook it gently. She immediately noticed a lack of a ring on the other girl's hand, suggesting that she wasn't romantically involved with anyone yet. This was a relief to the little angel, otherwise her tiny heart would have broken.

She had to exert a tremendous amount of willpower to let go. What would she give to just remain this way for a bit longer? And have this soft, warm hand against her cheek?

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Mon May 09, 2011 5:56 pm

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Kurusugawa."

I smiled softly, still noticing a longing in her eyes. It was something of wanting and need. It was something of, "I need you." She shook my hand and took it in hers gently, I couldn't help but smile at this. But, as soon as she was finished shaking my hand and slowly let go, I grabbed it lightly once more and held it within mine, the one she'd just let go of.

"You have such a beautiful name... do you live around here?"

Almost instinctively my thumb began to brush itself lightly over her hand as I held her. It was a natural reaction for me I suppose. I was oblivious to my own actions, all I could concentrate was on her beautiful amethyst eyes. I talked in a soft tone. I felt if I raised the volume any, it would shatter her into a million pieces. So fragile as a piece of glass and then my lovely dream would be over...

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Mon May 09, 2011 6:36 pm

Himeko blushed upon hearing an undisguised fondness in the other girl's gentle voice. Her heart leapt upon the touch of the goddess's hand once again.

"Um...thank you.." she began twirling her hair with her other hand. No one had ever said a compliment in a more sincere and affectionate voice as the other girl had, especially not during their first acquaintance. She had no doubt that the other girl truly meant what she had said.

"Inaba City," the little angel answered.

"Umm...Chi- I mean!" she fumbled through words in brain for a proper response. It felt natural and yet very familiar on her tongue to call the blue-haired girl Chikane. "Himemiya-san?"

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Mon May 09, 2011 6:42 pm

She blushed again at the sweet and sincere gestures that I was displaying with her right now. She seemed to enjoy it and so I would continue to do it. She looked happy, I smiled too, I was happy as well. This moment was truly perfect, serene and amazing. I couldn't help but this sense of something greater being held over our heads. I suppose we would find out soon enough.

She said my name sweetly. I let go of her hand gently, and it accidentally touched her leg as it slid back to my figure, placing itself upon my lap, folded with my other hand. I continued to look at her. Suddenly the blank and loving gaze turned to instant curiosity.

"Yes, Kurusugawa-san?"

So her name was Himeko, and somehow it almost felt familiar, almost natural and right to call her Himeko, but I refrained myself from doing so, curious as to what she wanted.

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Mon May 09, 2011 6:54 pm

As much as the little angel wanted to say Chikane-chan, she was afraid that the other girl might deem her heartfelt saying it inappropriate.

"How long have I been unconscious?"

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Mon May 09, 2011 7:01 pm

"Not very long. I'd say about twenty minutes or so."

The gentle breeze blew through my hair as we spoke. It seemed almost like Spring. I hadn't a clue what the season actually was but, I knew it was a nice day outside with the best weather I've seen in forever. I was thinking deeply like I always was, but yet again, not thinking at all, and that is to say, I was thinking deeply about nothing. I was just glad to be in the same moment as Himeko right now.

I suppose I should break the ice, she always did seem shy.

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Mon May 09, 2011 10:54 pm

"Oh no!" the little angel exclaimed, glancing at her pink kitty wristwatch on her lefthand. "I'm supposed to meet up with Naoki-sensei!" The little angel realized that she exclaimed back with too much intensity than she wanted to convey, clamped her mouth shut with her right hand, leaving Chikane's gentle touch. Once again, pulling back with too much intensity, she wanted to pinch herself for continuously doing so. If this were to continue on, the little angel was afraid she might prevent the blossoming friendship from becoming a mutual love.

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Tue May 10, 2011 4:23 pm

I witnessed her pull back in excitement, it was only because she had promised someone else she'd meet up with them I suppose. And that, in itself, meant that I was corrupting their plans. I smiled softly and took my hand back as well, nodding gently.

"I see, and this Naoki-sensei, is she close to this area or around here, or is she located very far away? Because I did not mean to corrupt your plans like this, and if it is the least I can do to make sure you get there safely."

So this is.... what? Love? Admiration? Obsession? ..... Friendship? I didn't know what to make of this. But, some "feeling" deep inside me was sprouting and growing within me faster than a flower that is tended to everyday with love and care. It was coursing through me, my blood, as if it were an infectious chemical I couldn't seem to control. I didn't know what to make of this, however, I must ensure that she is safe.

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Tue May 10, 2011 8:34 pm

The little angel took a glimpse at the other girl and instantly became hypnotized. "Oh, Naoki-sensei is a few blocks away from here."

Himeko smiled and continued on, "I take pictures-" she wanted to kick herself for she was in a lap of luxury surrounded by her goddess and yet she was talking about something as boring as pictures.

"I mean I study photography. Eto~ Naoki-sensei informed me that I'm supposed to take a picture of a famous pianist. It could be a midterm assignment, so I'm pretty nervous about it, but at the same time, I feel anxious about it." the little angel's cheeks flushed pink upon realizing she ranted off.

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Tue May 10, 2011 9:15 pm

This cute little flushing in her cheeks, what was it called again? Blushing perhaps? But, why..? Have I embarrassed her? I should hope not. But, she was telling me of her interests in photography, I thought this was a very "fitting" hobby for her to take up. Through her innocent eyes, I did see some gleams of pain, otherwise hinting to me that the world has not been kind to her sometimes. That she has been dealt the "wrong cards" once or twice. That she knows what it's like to be hurt. I understood that feeling all too well. As it sunk deep within me so far as well I had long since lost consciousness of what the feeling was actually like. All the "physical" pains of yesterday and tomorrow to come have all been numbed by my fading memory.

But, I couldn't let Himeko know that.

"I see, and would you allow me to perhaps walk you there? I want to ensure your safety in these bustling streets, Miss Kurusugawa."

There was a moment more of silence before the small warm breeze blew through and it seemed calming and relaxing. The birds tweeted lightly their happy little songs. And I smiled looking up to the sunlight and the trees filled with all kinds of light. I thought, this must be the kind of thing she photographs, the natural setting of something, the true nature of someone's persona. And, I guessed that, Himeko, was probably very good at capturing on film what a person wants, thinks, feels and... desires.

Then I softly spoke breaking the calming silence between us.

"Photography is a great hobby you know? It's also a good career, if you're looking into doing some freelance work, I have very many jobs that my father can offer you, and I can be there to help you along the way as well. I know I've been giving you a lot of information and asking for some back, and based on the small amount of time we have met and become acquaintances, it is relying a bit on much. I just ... don't want to pressure you, that's all. But, I bet you're very good at this photo taking thing. I bet you catch all kinds of things in their natural settings."

A small smile bore on my face as I held out my hand, my finger in the air, a bird landing upon it as I remained still. The sunlight hit down upon the area just right so it looked naturally beautiful and breath-taking. I watched the bird with kind eyes and then my gaze returned to the cute little angel standing right next to me. My eyes retained the question: So how about it?

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Wed May 11, 2011 12:03 am

As the bird perched on the taintless skin of Chikane, each of her graceful movements took Himeko's breath away. "But I wouldn't want to trouble you.." the little angel replied anxiously, knowing full well in her heart she wanted the blue-haired girl to be her escort.

"And thank you for the compliment. I'm not that good though. I can't seem to concentrate on the knowledge side of photography. The practical side of it is different. I'd pass if that was all it was."

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Wed May 11, 2011 5:25 am

"It is of no trouble that I be your escort, Miss Kurusugawa. So, do not think you are ever troubling me, you're not. Although, the photographs, you're right, I shouldn't judge before I actually get to look at them, should I? Well, then, I should hope you'd show it to me sometime."

A smile showed from my lips to hers as I gently thrust my finger up higher, releasing the bird once more into the air. It flew a long way, in almost a straight path. I admired such things, flying with no fear. The wind beating upon their wings turbulently, but, they still seem to manage to fly and achieve greatness... through determination. I suppose I've always aspired to be greater, always strived to shine brighter than most... sort ... of ... like the moon?

I won't think of that now. It is too profound a concept to delve into at the moment. I continued to smile, then looked away once more, breaking that small silence that formed between us again.

"Besides, I would think my assumptions are correct. So, what do you say? Shall we get going?"

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Wed May 11, 2011 10:53 am

"Hai Chi-" Himeko stumbled upon her words upon realizing they weren't close friends yet. Thus she changed her manner of speaking, but continued on in a cheerful tone, "Himemiya-san~".

The sun shone vibrantly as the two began walking down the bustling street. Some people rushed to their meetings and appointments and back into their office again. But to the little angel, there was no rush. It was simply a marvelous day full of life, the smell of fresh baked cinnamon bread and pastry, children tugging on their mother's sleeves, sounds of pounding jackhammers against wood. Humming softly to herself, she tilted her head at the young beauty, still dazzled by the elegance of the young beauty. She couldn't believe this. Was this real or a dream? She pinched herself and realized that time as limited between the two and she should savor this moment. First off, start up a conversation.

"Eto~ Himemiya-san? What is your profession? Or are you a still college student like me?"

Subject: Re: The Beginning of Destiny~ Wed May 11, 2011 1:24 pm

I did enjoy the tenderness and the serenity of the day. It was bright and wonderful outside. And I could picture that she saw the world in a different light than I did, or perhaps the same light, but, different upon a closer glance. I was somewhat staring off into space. Until the sweet sound of her voice brought me back to reality.

"My profession hm? Well, I have been well known for playing concerts at the hall just a few cities over. I am a "famous" pianist, as others call me. Although I'm not all that famous. I also happen to be the daughter to the Himemiya corporations present. So... I have had all the private tutoring you can imagine. Although all of that is useless, I know... that some of humankind is destined for greater things. I get that vibe from you as well as I know that there's just more out there for me as well."

I walked further with her, escorting her to the building, hearing the birds chirped. There was another moment of silence, another beat. Then I spoke calmly.

"And you may call me Chikane, Miss Kurusugawa."

A small smile and a nod.

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