My name is Koda or Prince Koda as many people refer to me as. I am 16 years old. I always thought that maybe I would be just like my father or my uncle when they were younger, the perfect princes that everyone adored. They were faultless and could do no wrong. Yeah, I'm not. I'll admit it. I'm not perfect. I've caused much trouble for the kingdom and just my parents alone. My mother, Queen Ayuna, was always angry at me but I think that was just her way of showing me the consequences of my actions. I respected her for that, after I had a fight with her. My father, King Yukan, always tried to defend me from my mother's rage, not that she would do anything harmful to me anyway. Father still agreed that I should learn some respect and manners. I agreed too because the servants didn't seem to appreciate it much when I would go shield riding down the steps and usually always break something like a vase or something priceless, not including myself. My mother wanted me to attend a local high school but my father thought it was too risky. The magazines referred to me as a "reckless prince." Even the members of the court agreed that this couldn't be my reputation. It would be an embarrassment to the entire royal family.

The next few days were annoying. My father had finally thought it over and found the perfect private school for me, in his terms anyway. I guess it was basically a high school for the rich, the famous, the beautiful, and now royal brats. I wouldn't refer to myself as a brat but I've heard what the press had to say about me. Then again, they never have had anything good to say about me. The maids wanted to make everything perfect for my first day at Koboyashi Academy. I wanted to thank them but there wasn't enough time to, with everyone scrambling around everywhere. They all looked panicked as if the end of the world was coming. I laughed at that. Every time I saw one of them with those same panicked looks, I would laugh. Many of them would stare at me for a moment and then get back to work immediately which wasn't a big surprise. I thought it would be funny to trip one of them, the way that they were all running. It was hard not to but I wouldn't want to cause them any more trouble.

The next morning, I had a rude awakening from my father instead of the kind maid, Porcia, who would always be so very gentle. My father, though he was kind, was not so very gentle. He decided to pull the sheet as hard as he could, causing me to hit the floor. I asked him why he did it but he said he tried many times to wake me up. Truthfully, I think he just did it for his own amusement. The maids brought me my school uniform which was a turquoise suit jacket, white shirt, black pants, and tie to match. I had changed fully but before I could put the jacket on, a butler walked in. I didn't recognize him and that wasn't normal. I knew every servant by name in this palace, I think. 

"Good Morning, Prince Koda. I am the new butler, here to serve your every command, your majesty. If I may ask permission, I believe your tie needs fixing up a bit. May I help you?" the butler bowed.

"Yes, thank you." I replied.

He continued forward and began to help me fasten the tie correctly.

"Butler? What is your name?" I asked.

"My name is Arion, Arion Kakashi." he replied.

"Is that so. Well, If you are one of our true butlers, what is the code?" I asked. I decided you can never be to cautious. He seemed suspicious as his dark brown hair covered his eyes.

"Presario." he replied.

He had finished fastening the tie and helped me with the jacket too. He had said the code correctly but who is to say that one of the other butlers gave him the code. He seemed like the kind of man who would try to help assassinate the royal family or something like that. After all, it wouldn't be the first time. I always had my suspicions. I never trusted anyone. Especially because most of the people I did trust always turned out to be traitors.

"Your majesty? Your majesty? Are you alright?" Arion asked.

"What do you mean?" I was confused.

"You were just staring off into space a minute ago." He replied.

"Oh gosh, look at the time, I gotta get going or I'm gonna be late. Thanks for the help!" I yelled to him as I ran down the hall.

The limo took me straight to Koboyashi Academy and I still had an hour to spare before class. I felt like an idiot. I ran down the hall to find where all my classes were and to become familiar with the school. I looked the other way for one moment and ran straight into some girl. Her books were all over and she looked hurt.

"I'm terribly sorry. I'm such a klutz." I said.

I helped her pick up her books. She looked up at me as if confused about why I was helping her. She had black hair and dark blue eyes.

"Who are you? I've never seen you around here before?" she asked.

"Your kidding right?" asked a voice from behind me, "You mean you don't recognize him at all?"

I looked behind me and there was another girl standing there.

"Allow me introduce myself, your majesty. My name is Miu Oranuki. I am the student council president here at Koboyashi Academy." she said.

"Majesty?" asked the girl on the floor.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Miu." I replied.

"Azami, get up off the floor!" Miu yelled.

"Seriously?! Who is this guy?" Azami asked.

Miu held up a magazine with my picture on it, "He is Prince Koda! Duh!"

"Where did that come from?" I asked, but they didn't seem to pay any attention.

"You mean your The Prince Koda?" Azami asked.

"Um... last time I checked." I replied.

I wanted to walk away. The stare I was getting from the Azami girl was a little creepy. I thought it might be rude to step out of a conversation that barely even started. Especially after I rammed into her.

"Wow. You don't seem anything like the magazines say." Azami said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked.

"I mean that you don't seem like a selfish brat and a reckless little prince. Well, I guess it depends on how you look at it. You were pretty reckless just now."

"Wow, Thanks." I replied in a sarcastic tone.

"I didn't mean to offend you! I'm so sorry!" Azami said as if I were about to order that she be banished from our country or something.

I laughed, "It's fine. Don't worry about it."

I looked around and then into the sky, using the lonely prince look that Sir Drake taught me a while ago. Come to think of it, It was more like years ago. Drake was the guard who used to stand outside my room at night. My parents made sure the security around me was very well taken care of after the first intruder incident. He would teach me so many things that teachers would not have taught me. It worked on all the girls in the kingdom that I actually met properly. I looked back at her with a lonely sad smile, "Miu? You know this school like the back of your hand, since you are the student council president after all. Do you think you could help me find the classrooms I need to get to for each class? I have a list right here."

"Of course I could." She yanked my arm in her direction.

As we walked down the hallway to find the rooms I was looking for, I noticed that Azami was following close behind. I don't think she wanted Miu to know she was there, so I didn't say anything. Miu had showed me all the classrooms and left me at the first class room. I looked around the classroom and saw a bookshelf. I walked over to it to see if there were any good books around. Reading was usually the only fun thing to do in the palace. I looked through the books when, suddenly, the door slammed behind me.

"Are you an idiot or something?" I turned around and it was Azami.

"What are you talking about and why were you following me?" I asked.

"To make sure Miu didn't try anything funny. Haven't you noticed how she acts around you?" asked Azami.

"Yeah, but that's how all girls act around me."

"That may be, but she's a complete phsyco when it comes to you. She's started her own Koda fan club. She talks about you all the time. That's especially all she did last year. Wait, are you a first year?" It seemed as if Azami had no train of thought.

"No, I took private classes back at the palace for a first year high school student. I'm a second year." I replied.

"So is she. Oh, your in deep trouble now." she said.

"I've dealt with girls like this before. She can't be that bad." I just laughed my head off.

"Oh, you have no idea." Azami said as she walked out of the room with a devilish grin on her face.

I didn't think much of her words but I also didn't think that Miu would be in every single one of my classes and any time anyone would try to pick on me, she would threaten them. I kind of liked it but I also thought it would just make it worse. Who knows what might have happened if any news of that went to the press. The headline would probably be something like "The Prince Is A Wimp?" or "How Weak Can A Royal Be?" I hated the thought of the press so much.

When the day was finally over, I was tired but didn't exactly know the way out of the school, which was pathetic. I know. I walked down many halls and it just seemed like a maze. The maze would just get bigger every time I entered a new hallway. As I walked, I stumbled upon a music room. I knew no one was there because there were supposedly no classes until later that evening from what I heard when I was eavesdropping again. I walked in. There were instruments set up around the room and were organized neatly. I looked to my left and there was a stage there. Above the stage was a chandelier and below that was a grand piano. I looked to see if anyone was around. When the area was clear, I sat down on the bench and put my fingers on the keys. The keys were so smooth and well polished. I played the piano at the palace so much that the keys were a little worn down. It had been a long time since I saw a piano such as this in this amazing condition. I pressed one key and it felt great. I finally felt like I was comfortable somewhere in this school. I began to play a song from memory that my mother had taught me when I was six. It was called "Heart of Courage." She apparently remembered it from her mother. She was as much into piano as I am. I had almost finished. I was only at least a dozen notes away from the end when someone walked in. I stopped playing because I was embarrassed and no one knew that I played piano. Not even my own father.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt. You play piano amazingly. I've never heard or seen so much passion while playing the piano. I'm sure you hear that alot." said a young girls voice. I recognized it.

"No, I don't, believe it or not. No one has ever seen me play, except for my mother, but I'm sure that you wouldn't care much for that anyway. Why are you here, Azami?" I asked.

"How did you know it was me? You didn't even look my way?" asked Azami.

"I knew it was you because I remembered your voice. You still haven't answered my question." I replied.

"Oh, right. I didn't see you leave class and I thought something was up. You may think of most of us as rich brats but not all of us are you know?"

I gasped, "I never thought that. I mean why would I think that. Come on." I must have sounded like such an idiot.

"Settle down. I didn't actually say you thought of us like that." she said quietly.

I noticed she was looking out the window of the door. She started to scare a little and I really did not want to be alone with her. Azami was still a stranger to me.

I saw that one of the doors on the stage was open. I walked quietly over and Azami just kept on talking as if I were still there. I wanted to laugh but that would give me away. The door led backstage. At the very back of the large room was another door leading out of the school. I tried not to make a sound but the door squeaked. It's hinges must have not been oiled in well over a year. I heard Azami yell my name, but instead of walking over to her and making up an excuse now, I thought I should save it for later and just run. I ran and ran until I ran into Miu. All her books fell. Seemed like a familiar situation. I helped her up and picked them all up. Then, I remembered. My backpack was still resting on the piano.

"Why are you in such a rush, Prince Koda?" she asked.

"You don't have to be so formal to me all the time. Just call me Koda. It's like me calling you President Miu every time I see you." I said.

She looked down at the ground, "Got it. Now, why are you in such a hurry?"

"I left my backpack in the music room and I need to go and find it before the music classes start." I didn't dare to tell her that I was running from Azami. Who knows how Miu could use it against her later.

"Here why don't I help you. I know a much quicker way to get there. Follow me." said Miu.

I followed her and she led me into a classroom half way down the hall. I wasn't so sure that this was a good idea but I needed to get my backpack or my father would kill me. If anyone were to find my emergency button that sent for the royal guard, that could end up causing something that I might not be able to redeem myself for.

Miu moved a large painting. Her eyes darted toward me. She put her pointer finger to her lips, indicating me to be quiet about it. Behind the painting was a door. The door led into many hallways which were all lit by torches. It almost seemed like something you would find in one of those medieval time movies. I guess the passages were hidden behind the walls of classrooms, the teachers lounge, and many other places as well. After passing many doors, Miu finally stopped at one of them. It had a heart with a music note in the middle carved into it. She pushed the music note and the door opened. It was hidden well bhind the decor of the room and the painting and boards lining the walls.

"We're here." she said.

"Thank you, Miu." I replied.

I ran to the piano and got my backpack. When I turned around, the principle was standing there only inches away from my face. I heard Miu gasp. The principle startled me and I jumped back. I didn't dare to scream. I don't think that would be considered as a good impression.

"Mrs. Nakyama, what a pleasure it is to meet you." I thought I should adress her formally as I do with other royal family members from other countries.

"Please. The pleasure is all mine, your majesty. I hope you have enjoyed your first day here." she replied.

"Oh yes. It was very fun."

"I'm glad. I hope to see you again tomorrow." she said turning to walk out of the room.

I let out a sigh of relief after she finally walked out of the room. Miu walked over to me and laughed. I wondered why she did, but I didn't think I should ask.

"You were scared!" she laughed.

"So were you. I saw your face." I said smiling.

"I know."

We heard the footsteps of the students coming to use the music room. Miu quickly dragged me over to the hidden door and took me to the lobby. I still found it odd that the school had secret passages. I understand why the palace had them but a school? I didn't think it mattered that much to keep thinking about it so I didn't question it. The passages came in pretty handy when I was almost late for class.

When I got out of the front doors, three guards were awaiting my arrival. The limo driver opened the door to let me in and put my backpack in the trunk. I started to roll up my window as the limo began to pull away from the school until I was startled by some girl's screaming.

"Your majesty! Your majesty!" she yelled.

"Driver! Stop the car!" I yelled.

I got out and looked at the girls standing before me. She was holding my geometry book. She held it out to me.

"President Miu gave me directions to return this to you before you leave." she said.

I took the book. "May I ask your name?"

"My name is Emiko Hanada." she replied.

"Well, Miss. Hanada, thank you. I hope to see you again soon." I said, slowing moving back towards the limo.

I sat back and rested. One of the guards shut the door behind me. One sat in the front and the other two in the back with me. I waited only about a twenty minutes before we got back to the palace. If there was one thing I knew our limo driver for, it was schedule.

The palace seemed quiter. I only saw about two or three maids walking through some of the halls but the rest seemed to be quietly at work. I made my way to my father's study and knocked on the door.

"Come in." he said.

I opened the door and saw he was reading the book I had recomended for him about four months ago.

"It took you a while to finally decide to read it." I said sarcastically.

"Yes, well... there isn't much to do around here when not having to deal with your shananigans."

I laughed at that. It may have been an insult but I found it funny. I talked to my father and found myself asking how his day went. I had never asked that before when I would rarely leave the palace. I guess I didn't have the time to know what he was up to every second of the day anymore. I don't think he liked the change very much but at the same time I could tell that he did. I thought change was kind of fun. My father always knew I'd come back anyways.

After dinner, I decided to go out by the horse stables and check on Shoka. Shoka was a horse my uncle had given me. I saw him and he seemed to be doing fine. I started to day dream about my uncles words to me when he gave me Shoka.

"I went to war with a horse when I was eighteen. The horse was strong and very smart. Well, smarter than most horses anyway. Maybe someday you will decide to join the army and become a general like I did. If you do you will need a war horse and a companion. This is Shoka. It is a gift from me to you. Remember, whenever your alone or need help, your horse will guide you. It doesn't need training like those fake horses of other kingdoms and their armies. It learns according to how you treat it and what you need in some situations. I hope Shoka will be as helpful to you as my horse was. Take good care of him. The next time I see you, I'll be sure to see how much progress you have made."

My uncle had died from a gun shot wound during battle only two months later. His horse had saved his life for a while by getting him off the battle field, but even that only helped a little bit.

"Your majesty? Hello? Hey Koda? You ok?" said a voice from behind me.

It was the stable boy.

"Huh? Yeah. I'm fine. Just getting caught up in my day dreams again. Sorry to bother you, Kinji." I replied.

He smiled and walked away to tend to the other horses. I sattled up Shoka and climbed on. With a snap, he was off. I just wanted time to get away from everything. Even though things seemed to be going well, there is always a time when someone wants a break. I went into the woods and stopped Shoka in front of the stream that ran through it, layed against a tree, and started to close my eyes. Suddenly, Shoka let out a grunt and stood on his hind legs. A bullet had hit the tree right beside me. My heart beat had increased its pace. The sound made me shaky and I began to stumble. I jumped onto Shoka and rode off as fast as I could. Four more bullets hit the branch that was coming up in front of me. It started to fall. Shoka noticed and took a different route because the easy way was now blocked. I reached into my pocket for the emergency button until I realized that I had left in my backpack. I almost let go of the reins. I stopped the horse for a moment because the gun shots had stopped. I looked around and had seen no one. I got down and led Shoka back to the path. I guess it had gotten a little darker and that made it hard to see but there was still some light from the sunset. If I kept going on foot, I would never make it back home in time. I leaped back onto Shoka and he seemed to be uneasy again. I was still a ways from the palace.

After a few more minutes, it was dark. I turned my head to the side and saw a shadow behind a tree and bush. I took my flashlight out of the saddle bag. I heard whatever it was scurry away when I turned on the light. It must have been a bunny or something. I decided to shake it off. I saw a shadow again at the corner of my eye. When I turned my head, I saw what looked like a human shadow.

Then, it happened again. That same blasted sound that would let all the screams I had deep down out. It was another bullet but this time it hadn't missed it's target. Shoka was startled and backed up. I felt a terrible pain in my left arm. When I looked down, the blood came trickling down from the wound. I fell off my horse and onto my back. I grunted in pain. I felt dizzy from seeing that much blood. The shadow figure came closer and I heard the pistol come next to my head with a quiet metalic click. I heard the figure take the gun away from my head and slowly walk away. I saw part of his face as the moon came out from behind the small clouds. He shuffled away into the forest. I looked the other way, but I didn't find Shoka. He wasn't anywhere. Perhaps my uncle was wrong. I guess Shoka had abandoned me.I scooted myself across the path to lay against a tree, looked up at the moon, and prayed that I wouldn't die tonight. Everything grew dim. The last thing I saw was Kinji, Shoka, and a few guards running towards me. Finally, the blackness had consumed me and the voices echoed in my head.

"I think I see him. He's over there!" someone yelled.

"Your majesty!? Your majesty!?" Kinji's cries echoed.