Himiko watched them go back and forth for some time till Kichiro finally found a name for her. It was nice of him to compliment her like that, but it embarrassed her as well. His friend seemed fine with her now, but she wasn't sure his problem with her to begin with.

"Hitomi...I like that." Himiko blushed with a smile. IN all honestly she couldn't believe how sweet he was for an emperor.

"Thank you again Emperor." She told him with another bow to both him and his friend.
"I wish that I could repay you in some way for all you've done."

Kichiro grinned when Hitomi said that she liked her name. "There is one thing you can do to repay me." He also stated when he heard her request. Shiichi just glanced at him, wondering if he was going to say something ridiculous. "Promise me that you'll start calling me by my name. At least, when it's just the two of us." Kichiro stated. 'Yup... he's a fool.' Shiichi decided.

Himiko looked over at Shiichi knowing that he didn't agree with what Kichiro wanted. Still she had to listen to the Emperor.

"Ok, but with so many servants and men at your side when would you ever find time for yourself let alone me?" She smiled when she realized how that must have sounded. Bowing quickly she apologized for her rudeness. It wasn't how she meant to put it.

"What I mean was you're so important to your kingdom it must not leave much time to yourself."

"Oh nonsense. I can be alone when I want." Kichiro announced. 'Lies...' Shiichi corrected mentally. But he couldn't say it aloud when Kichiro took Hitomi's hand. "Now, let's go deal with the rest of the business of your stay back at the house." He announced as he started to drag her out of the castle. "Wait!" Shiichi yelled, but the irresponsible emperor was on a roll. He sighed before noticing a guard coming this way.

"You!" He shouted as he pointed at the guard. The guard automatically froze and saluted at Shiichi. "Uh... yessir?" He asked. "Go to the private house and watch over the Emperor for me." Shiichi ordered. He had to complete Kichiro's tasks before he could yell at the Emperor himself. "I'm on it." The guard replied and walked off. Shiichi nodded to himself for a job well done, then left.

Himiko looked back before turning her attention back to Kichiro.

"Your friend doesn't seem to happy with this...where you working on something?" She asked as though they had been friends and she had the right to know. Really she was just curious since she knew nothing at the moment. Following him she started to feel tired. She's been crying and running around all morning it shouldn't have been a surprise to her she felt this way. following him quickly she felt her cheeks turn red and her breath sharpening.

Himiko stopped for a moment to regain herself, and then yawned.
"Excuse me I'm really not trying to be rude..." She yawned once again and finally felt a little more like herself.

"I'm sorry I guess I'm still weak from it all." She smiled as she followed him again.

"Don't apologize, it's okay if your tired." Kichiro said as he patted Hitomi's head again. She was just too cute! "And don't worry about Shiichi, he always does my work. Now, let's get going. You need to get more rest." He understood how new things could be so emotionally draining. He remembered briefly the first day he became Emperor and became sick from not getting rest only a week after. Kichiro bent down and scooped up Hitomi in his arms. She was quite light.

The guard walked turned the corner just as he saw his Emperor take the girl he had brought to the castle in his arms. "Your Majesty! Should ya be doin' that?!" He shouted, panicking at his Emperor's lack of manners.

"Don't worry about it!" Kichiro replied as he walked towards the guard, "Now lead me to the secret entrance. I don't want to start causing a fuss for doing this." The guard jumped at his request. "But I can't do that! We only use that entrance for emergencies!" He pointed out. "This is an emergency! Can't you see Hitomi's tired?!" The guard just looked at the girl in his arms and mentally sighed. I'm gonna get yelled at for this....' The guard thought, but he started to lead the Emperor anyways.

Himiko blushed deeply to the point she believed she'd over heat and pass out. It was embarrassing to be held in such a way. Her hands were curled under her chin, and her body was leaning against his to keep from causing him any unnecessary problems.

"Really I'm okay..." She told him timidly as he continued to carry her. Watching the faces of the guards she could tell this wasn't normal. It seemed like all she was doing was bothering others. Not that she meant to. Himiko thought about staying in her room till her memory returned, but that could take forever.

"I'm sorry." She mumbled as she looked down her hands shaking under her chin as she closed her eyes. It made it worse to see all their faces.

Kichiro frowned a bit. Why did she keep saying sorry? He sighed mentally and decided to tell her to stop once they got to his home. He followed the guard down the hall, ignoring the stares. The guard in front of them stopped in front of a wall found in the corner of the palace. The guard knocked on it lightly and it swung back like a door. Kichiro followed the guard out the dark tunnely, clutching Hitomi more closely so that to ease his fear and hers. He hated the looks he got, but he didn't want to give up being himself.

Before, whatever he did wasn't as looked down upon as much until he became Emperor. He cursed the title that was forced on him, but quickly washed those ugly feelings away. 'I have a duty.' He reminded himself. Kichiro decided that after he took Hitomi back, he'll help Shiichi with whatever he needed to do. They were his responsiblities.

When they finally reached the end of the tunnel, Kichiro saw that they arrived at the back garden of his private home. "Here we are your Highness." The guard announced. "Thank you... hey, what's your name?" Kichiro asked. The guard looked shock. "You's don't need to know ma name, your Highness." He mumbled, looking away from his Emperor. "Yes, but I still want to know." The guard was silent for a moment. "Dai."

"Thank you Dai for leading us here, but I have one more favor to ask you." Kichiro said as he started for Hitomi's room. "Um, what is it?" Dai asked as he followed. The Emperor did not speak until he stopped in front of Hitomi's room. He turned to Dai and smiled. "I want you to be Hitomi's personal bodyguard from now on." He ignored Dai's shocked face and turned to the still shaken girl in his arms. "Is that okay with you Hitomi?" He asked softly.

Himiko looked up at him slightly confused.

"Yes...but why do I need protection here?" She asked him. It seemed rather odd to be protected in his personal home. As long as she remained here and on Kichiro's good side there should be no reason for Dai to watch over her.

Still now that they were at her room Himiko wriggled her way out of his arms. She had been fine to walk on her own for some time now, but he hadn't stopped long enough to allow her to get down. Smoothing out her kimono she looked over at Dai.
"I'm sorry for the trouble I may have caused you." She bowed before turning to Kichiro.

"To you as well, you really didn't have to carry me for so long....Forgive me if I have kept you from more important matters." She told him.

Dai just blushed and looked away. "It's fine..." He muttered as he walked off to check the perimeter. Kichiro just turned to her with sad eyes and took her hand in his. "You must be more relaxed. Please stop apologizing; it makes me feel like a bad person." He said with a somewhat sad smile. He was starting to feel guilty forcing all of this on this mysterious girl.

"I do have important matters, but I always deal with them days after they are given to me. Shiichi will be happy to know that you've reminded me to do them." Kichiro added as he gave Hitomi's hand a small kiss. Then he leaned towards her ear and whispered quietly. "And I gave you a bodyguard not to protect you from intruders, but those who are forced to be closest to me." He stepped back and gave her a reassuring smile. "Do not worry though, I can tell who my friends are from my enemies. I will assure you safety in my home Hitomi. Sweet dreams now and I hope you regain your memories soon." He bowed to her before leaving her room.

Himiko was about to apologize once more, but stopped herself from it. If it made him feel bad then she had to avoid say it. He was being so kind to her she didn't want him feeling guilty, still there were some times when she just couldn't help but apologize for intruding on him and his home.

"Thank you...Kichiro." Finally smiling sweetly Himiko watched him leave and stood outside her room for a few. It was strange to be here without knowing why or how. Still at least she was here and not among enemies. Walking into her room she found it just as she left it this morning, well almost. The bed was made and the windows opened. She didn't want to mess anything up so she just rested atop her blankets and closed her eyes. The sweet smell of the garden fulled her room and helped to calm her spirits.

Tatsuya sighed as he collapsed on the grassy ground. Three days ago, the young boy recieved word that his best friend (and major crush), Himiko, was lost at sea. Her father and some of her servants were found, dead, but not her. He had hoped that she might turn up alive somewhere, but so far there had been no signs of the beautiful girl.

'Where can you be Himiko?' He thought as he sighed again and started rubbing his temples to relieve him of his pain and worry.

Ayame hated seeing so many people hung up on Himiko. It felt like forever since she left and yet nothing had changed. She was still second best, and it was just getting more frustrating.

Making her way through town and off to where Himiko vanished she spotted Tatsuya. Looking gloomy as ever lately. It was making her sick.

"Tatsuya! Hey what are you doing!?" She called out to him as she ran up to him in hopes it would snap him out of his depression.

"Hey what are you doing up here?" She asked him trying to be a good friend to him. Even though she couldn't careless about Himiko.

Tatsuya glanced up at Ayame before looking back down. "I came here to think." He replied. He smiled a bit, thanking the gods that he had a good friend like Ayame. She always looked out for him.

He decided that he shouldn't worry Ayame like this and looked up at her again, this time with a smile. "Want to sit next to me?" He asked as he patted the grassy ground beside him.

"Of course!" Ayame smiled as she practically sat on him. Curling into his side and leaning her head on his she smiled. Maybe things were going to get better with Himiko gone. Normally the spot beside him was taken whenever she was around.

A smile spread across her face as she felt his warm body against hers. It was enough to make her scream for joy, but something about him wasn't right. Looking up at him she saw this awful look on his face. It was like he wasn't even there with her.
"Are you alright? You seem slightly...distant." Ayame pouted at him.


Himiko had been in her room for some time when she noticed it was getting on in the afternoon. Peering outside her door she looked around.
"Dai?...Dai?" She called out softly as she walked down the hall. It was a little passed noon and she was starting to get hungry. Feeling awkward about it she decided to look for her guard in hopes he could help her understand things. Like when they eat lunch and when she'll see Kichiro.

((I'm going away for the weekend so I'm not sure when I'll be able to post again. I know I'll be on Sunday night for sure. And more as long as my friends beach house has internet ^_^ ))

(don't worry. I'm on a road trip and I don't know when I'll get internet again. I'll be back to my daily posts on wed-thurs)

"Huh what?" Tatsuya asked as he got off his train of thought. He didn't even notice how close she was to him. He didn't mind actually; it was getting chilly near the bay. He then realized Ayame had asked why he was distant and smiled apologetically.

"I'm sorry Ayame, I 'm just really worried about Himiko." He replied as he turned his attention back to the vast sea, "I've also realized how dangerous this world is."

Dai woke up from his nap with a hiccup and looked up to see Hitomi woalk out of her room. He scrambled to his feet and walked towards her. "Uh, yes Lady Hitomi?" He asked, still half-asleep from his nap.

Himiko saw the groggy look on his face and knew she'd woken him.
"Sorry for that, I was just wondering...." She tried to explain herself, but she was having trouble collecting everything she was thinking on. Then suddenly her stomach made a strange grumble and her face flushed red.

Looking down she couldn't help but feel embarrassed.
"I was wonder when lunch would be, and if the emperor would be joining me...." She didn't like saying Kichiro's name when he wasn't around. She wasn't sure if others would approve of it so she just kept it formal without him.


Ayame sighed as she tried to remain calm.
"It was unfortunate, but we can't change it. She's gone and all we can do if be happy for her..." Ayame smiled as she clung to his arm. Maybe if he believed she was honestly gone he would just move on. Still they had no body to prove her death. That little fact was hope enough she could still be alive, and it bothered her.

((not a problem I'll be gone Friday -Sunday again this week. I really won't have time for posting while I'm out, but I might get one in or so lol. ))

Dai rubbed his stubbled chin and thought about it. "I'm not so sure." He replied, now fully awake and focusing on his 'mission', "His Majesty should be goin' over some stuffs with his assitant. Do you wanna check on them? If not, I can go get a servant and ask thems to bring yous something Lady Hitomi." He didn't show it, but Dai really enjoyed being a bodyguard, especially for a kind girl. A few hours before, his guard captain came over and explained in a rather strained tone that Dai had been promoted. He was now a higher rank than his grumpy captain since he was guarding His Majesty's special guest. He snickered mentally for his success.

Kichiro yawned and slumped himself over his desk, not caring if he was on any important papers. "Are we finish yet?" He whined to Shiichi. Shiichi just ignored him and continued looking over the scroll in his hand. Kichiro pouted and wondered how Hitomi was doing....

"You're right in a way." Tatsuya replied as he looked up to the sky. A small sad smile graced his lips. "But I just can't help but hope. Himiko might still be alive. I'll try to stop wallowing in depression though." He turned to Ayame and gave her a happier smile. "Now what do you say about letting me treat you to some ramen?" He asked her, trying to sound a bit chippier. He was still worried, but if Himiko was gone, he needed to live his life in happiness. This was the least he could do for her...

Ayame nearly sprang to her feet as she smiled and got up.
"Of course, I would love that." She smiled. After all that moping around she was glad to see him smile. And not only that he was taking her on a date. Things really were looking up now that Himiko was gone. Grabbing a hold of his hand Ayame tried to get him up faster.
"Come on we can't sit around all day." Ayame giggled.


"Oh no I don't want to disturb him while he's working." Himiko quickly replied. It would be rude of her to pull him away from his business. Still she really was hungry.

"...Would you mind eating with me...I really don't like to do so alone." She saked him timidly. It was childish of her, but she felt awkward alone in this place. So any chance she got to be around people helped her nerves amazingly. Himiko felt bad asking for anything, or even bothering a person. Still she had to eat she was only human after all.

"If not that's fine...really I can wait on someone." Himiko continued. Her face was flushed and her eyes moving between the floor and Dai's face. Unsure on if it was okay to look him in the eye or not.

Dai slightly panicked when he saw the girl uneasy. "I's don't mind eatin' with you Lady Hitomi!" He stated. To add more to this statement, his stomach growled loudly right on cue. Dai blushed and moved his burly arms over his stomach. He really didn't eat anything since breakfast this morning...

Tatsuya smiled and let the black-haired girl pull her up. "Alright, alright, calm down Ayame. The ramen stand won't be leaving us anytime soon." He said as he started walking with her towards the road. Her hand felt warm in his and he wondered for a moment if he would ever get a chance to hold Himiko's hand ever again.

Himiko looked at him and then started to chuckle. Hearing his stomach agreeing with her's made things less awkward for her.

"Okay then." She said through her laughter.

"I'd lead the way, but I have no idea where we are." She smiled. Being around him helped to calm her down. Once she knew how things worked and where everything was she would be more comfortable. Dai was also extremely willing to help and nice to her.


Ayame didn't listen to him and continued to pull him along.
"I know, but still." It really wasn't a reason, but she didn't need one. Ayame had him and that was all she needed. On their way there all she could think about was her wedding kimono, and how happy they'll be together. At least till she hear people whispering about how Himiko disappearance was a tragedy.

Dai blushed even redder when Lady Hitomi giggled. "I'll lead you's to the main room." He stated. He walked passed her and down the hallway, knowing that she would be following. At the end of the hall, he took a left and headed straight for two sliding doors. He slid then open to reveal a large room with a table in the middle. The shiny table was surrounded by different colored sitting pillows. On the walls were elaborate, expensive-looking paintings of landscapes.

"You can sit down and I'll call for a servant to bring us food." He said as he left to search the halls for a servant.

Tatsuya was enjoying how happy Ayame was when a few whispering people averted his attention to something more painful. "Did you hear about that Himiko girl? She's still missing." One gossiping lady said. "I know. She must be dead if they can't find her body." The gossiping lady's friend replied. Tatsuya's smile vanished as he looked down at his feet. 'No, I can't believe she's dead. Not yet.' He finally decided.

Ayame looked over at him and nearly screamed at him. Still she held her tongue about that.
"Come on. Things will be okay." She told him as she pulled him into the ramen shop. Everything was busy, but not enough they couldn't find a table. The smell of sweet and spicy noodles dancing around the room. It made her want so many things, but there was no way she could finish it all.

"Don't worry. You have me." She smiled.



Himiko smiled and sat down at a corner of the table. Everything was just so elegant it was hard to get use to. Her stomach grumbled again as she sat there and her face flushed.

"Thank you." She told him again before he left the room.

(Sorry, my internet was down for a while!!!)

Dai came back in a few minutes and walked towards the table. "I informed some servant and she's bringin' some food in a bit." He informed her. The guard stayed standing, not allowing himself to get comfortable unless told to do so. He didn't want to seem that rude to Lady Hitomi.

Tatsuya blinked in realization and smiled. Ayame was right, he had her. He didn't know her as long as Himiko, but she was still just as great as a friend. "You're right. I shouldn't dwell with what I've lost, but what I still have. Thank you for reminding me." He thanked whole-heartedly. He then turned to the nearest waiter. "Table for two please."

A women bowed and showed them a small table in the back. Ayame took no time in sitting down and looking over the menu. She decided on a bowl of vegetable ramen.
"This is good for us. Being out and having fun." Ayame smiled as she waited for him to order. It was the perfect day with Himiko gone he was on the market. A little bit of information she already ran by her father. Within a month Ayame was sure to having him completely.


Himiko smiled when she saw the food out before her. Looking over she expected Dai to be sitting beside her, but he wasn't.
"Aren't you going to join me?" She asked with a smile. Looking back at the food she noticed a small bowl of noodles.
"..R-ramen." Suddenly her eyes started to tear up as she the sight of a small noodle shop came into her mind. Someone with a smile and a warm hand was talking to her. But she couldn't make out the words or his face.