Kono and the Young Prince

Raquel Cabauatan-Bartolome

Kono was just an ordinary boy living in an upper class village in the city. He lived a normal life just like other kids do. He loved to play more than studying. But even at a young age, he knew that it was very important for him not to neglect his studies. Thus, he tried his best to beat his home works right before going to bed.

Kids love to play make-believe games. Kono was certainly one of them. Castles, dragons and princes really amazed him. One day, his Dad and Mum asked him what he would think about going to a shopping mall during a weekend. Of course his reply was, “I would really love that!”

His parents were both glad he did. Kono asked them then if he can get something for himself in the department store.

His Mum decided to ask, “What do you have in mind Kono?”

“Uhmm, I would like to have my own prince costume Mum… Gavin has his own one... ”.  Gavin is one of his close friends residing in the same village.

His Dad interrupted, feeling his wife’s hesitation, “Ok, I’ll buy you one if you give me very good scores in all of your quizzes this Friday.  We’ll even drop by Dairy Queen if you’ll get us really impressed, right Mum?” specifically looking at his wife for approval.  

“Yup, I agree to that.” Kono’s Mum replied.

“Thank you very much Daddy and Mommy!” Kono was so happy he hugged both his parents. He knew of the struggle he’ll get through to review for the incoming quiz but he really want to have a prince costume.  

Saturday came and it was time for Kono’s family to spend the day in the shopping mall. But before leaving, Kono’s Dad asked for his quiz results. Kono then happily showed his scores. It was the proof of how eager he was to get that costume he had been eyeing on.

His Dad showed a wide grin on his face. That only means he is satisfied with the scores shown. How can anyone be not satisfied? Kono aced 6 subjects and he only had 1 mistake on each of the other 2 subjects.

“It looks like you’ll get what you requested last time.” It is his Mum’s voice at his back. “Give Mum a hug, you make me so proud.”

Then, they’re off to the mall. Kono just kept on thinking about the prince costume he had been praying for.

Whenever he’d come home from school, Kono would immediately ask his nanny for his prince costume. He had chosen a combination of dark blue and gold. The long silver sword made him look almost a royalty. He would then proceed to their garden- his make-believe kingdom. He would stay there tirelessly until his nanny would call him to get ready for dinner. Little did he know that there was someone else from the other world who had also been tirelessly watching Kono as he went about this prince’ stunts. This young boy was almost the same age as Kono’s. He also had a prince costume. The differences were, what the boy was wearing was elegantly designed and his sword was heavier than that of Kono’s.

Kono meets the young prince.

One day while Kono was playing in the garden, the other young boy decided it’s time for him to introduce himself. He thought it had been a long time already. His Queen Mother forewarned him not to show himself to other people for he might just bring harm to himself. Kono seemed to be nice though. He then gathered up all his courage. He stepped out of his hiding place-the oak tree in the garden.

Kono screamed at first sight of the other boy. He never thought there would be anyone else in the garden but him. How did he get inside their property without being noticed?

He was about to run and tell his Dad about it when the other boy spoke. “Please don’t tell anyone! Don’t be afraid, I just want to play with you.”

Kono thought he heard the boy pleading.  He never heard anyone plead just because they want to play with someone. 

He then asked, “Who are you?”

“I’m Nicholas.  I know your name-it’s Kono.”

Kono was even more puzzled as he threw another question, “How did you know my name?”    

“I’ve been watching you play here, with those rugged clothes” the other boy said innocently as he pointed at Kono’s costume.

“This isn’t rugged. I just like wearing it,” Kono said defensively.

“Can we be friends?” the other boy extended out his right hand. Kono didn’t want to accept the boy’s hand but he seemed different from all the other young boys he knew. He finally shook hands with the boy and let out a small smile.    

You’ll never learn anybody’s behaviour or personality unless you get to be with them always. As days went by, Kono and Nicholas became good friends. Each noticed differences in each other’s behaviour. Kono was more reserved but Nicholas didn’t seem to have any of that. Kono had been used to planning on what’s the next best thing to do but Nicholas decided on a matter instantly.  Kono was brought up to be thrifty but Nicholas was somewhat extravagant.

One day, Kono asked Nicholas, “Why are you like that?  There are times you act as if there’s no tomorrow.”    

“Will you come and visit my place this time?” was all Nicholas replied to Kono’s inquisitiveness.

Kono didn’t have any idea that Nicholas was a real prince. He only knew he’d groom and acts like a real prince. He was even bewildered to find out that Nicholas wasn’t just an ordinary boy.

He followed him as he led the way towards a shadowy area behind his Mum’s bushes. Kono couldn’t believe it but once he stepped into that shade, what he saw next was a long and dark path. For him it felt as if they were inside a forest, the temperature was definitely much different than what they had back at home. The path led to a very big castle.

“Is that your house?” asked Kono. 

Nicholas replied, “Yes, this is where I live”. 

Kono couldn’t believe he was actually seeing a castle- a real one! As they approached nearer, Kono could finally see all the pretty details of how a castle was made. There were parts made of stone and there are those made in bricks. The castle was surrounded by various trees, plants and flowers only in his dreams exist.

“Could this be the older times where everything seemed to be green and perfect?” he unknowingly blurted out.

Nicholas was laughing at him because he was without doubt bewildered.  They were greeted by an old man, who Kono believed was the castle’s butler. Kono noticed that even when Nicholas was only a boy his age, everyone around them seemed to be very courteous at him.

“Master, this way please” was what Kono actually heard. They were led to a banquet hall where food was served for both of them.

A new bond is made.

Nicholas accompanied Kono as they returned to Kono’s world.

“Now you know what my secret is, will you keep it?” Nicholas asked Kono.

“Of course, I will.”

They again shook hands. Kono then ran towards his Mum, who had been calling his name for a couple of minutes now. Meanwhile, Nicholas stepped back into his own world, the shaded area behind the bushes of Kono’s Mum.