Haruka's breath caught in her throat. What was she supposed to say? What should she do?There wasn't exactly something to say when you accidentally walked in on such a scene. The young woman stopped and pulled on a shimmering sea green garment which resembled a dress but seemed very ancient at the same time. Before Haruka could finish examining the dress, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up in surprise and realized that the aforementioned beauty was standing right in front of her. She blushed a deeper red, if it were possible. She looked at her shoulder, where the delicate hand rested. She looked back up with a questioning gaze.

"Are you lost?" she asked in a soft, velvet voice. Haruka was partially calmed by it's sound alone. She opened her mouth to speak, but found her words were failing her. She eventually gave up and simply nodded. The beauty smiled softly, which made Haruka's heart flutter uncertainly. "I will show you the way back. I believe you're a camper, correct?". Haruka swallowed.

"Yes." she squeaked, which only made the beauty chuckle.

"Be calm, I don't bite, you know. My family owns the land at the end of the camping area. They wanted to declare it an animal reserve however I come here on the weekends to make sure no humans are interrupting the silence of our forests. It is an especially difficult job next to a camping ground company, you must understand." she said calmly. She gently turned Haruka to face the way she came and rested her arm around Haruka's shoulders. It was somewhat strange as Haruka was used to being taller than most girls and some guys, but she was inwardly comforted by this stranger.

"A-aren't you disturbing the forests by being here?" she asked. The aqua haired young woman's bemused expression was replaced with a serious one. Haruka swallowed nervously. Had she said something wrong? "I-I".

"It's alright. I have a cabin nearby at the edge of the land and that's where I stay most of the time. The strip of land that goes into camping territory is mine to walk and explore. It just comes with the job."

"Maybe I could see it sometime," Haruka offered, not stuttering but still blushing.

"Hm." the beauty said, smiling lightly, then gesturing out in front of them. Haruka nearly shrieked in surprise. This was her campsite.... She turned to say something more, but found the mysterious maiden was gone. She raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

"This is like some sci-fi show gone wrong," she commented, shaking her head in hopes of clearing it as she climbed into her tent. She slept late into the afternoon the next day, and her parents woke her up while laughing loudly about something. She grumbled, but when she opened her eyes, she seemed to see the young woman in front of her. Haruka moved back suddenly and when she blinked, it was gone. She shook her poor head. She was seeing things. She lazily got dressed while yawning. She then began her ritual of make up and removed everything she needed from her make up bag. She may have just seen Erick with some tramp, but she certainly wasn't going to run into them again today looking down. In fact, she would look her best just to show that jerk what he was missing. Haruka kept up her nonchalant face for about five minutes of the process before sighing and looking in the mirror. She continued her make up ritual although she realized she was sad, even if she wouldn't admit it.

'I kind of miss Erick.... that jerk!' she snapped out of it and put on a stubborn face.

Haruka glanced around the silent scenery curiously. The young woman had been here last night... hadn't she? Was it all just a dream? Haruka sadly brought a hand up to her shoulder, as if searching for the mysterious young woman's hand once more.

"Good morning," said a serene voice suddenly. Haruka jumped in fright and looked up. The mysterious young woman was there but.... well, dressed. She was wearing hiking shorts and black spandex pants beneath with beige hiking boots. She wore a navy blue hoody with a t-shirt barely visible above the neckline. While the whole look may have looked cool, Haruka reached the last item with somewhat disgust. A forest green baseball cap. Haruka swore she would rather have skin cancer than wear such a goofy looking thing. The mysterious stranger wore her hair out long and it hung loosely around her shoulders and seemed to be the only clue that the two were the one and the same. "Wow, still quiet as ever I see." Haruka snapped out of her thoughts.

"Good morning!" she suddenly said, realizing she had been staring the whole time. The girl giggled. It was only now Haruka realized that the mysterious beauty had been her age the entire time. 'Wow, she sure looks different with.... with.... with clothes on.' she thought blushing again.

"I was wondering if you would like to go on a hike," the girl spoke. "Call me... Meioh-san."

"Oh, I'm Haruka. It's nice to meet you, Meioh-san," she said, blushing an even deeper colour of pink. The girl blinked and looked at her curiously. Haruka was surprised when she walked up to Haruka and placed her hand on Haruka's forehead , then cheek.

"Are you warm? I brought some water," she offered, holding up a bottle. Haruka quickly shook her head.

"No!.. I mean, no I'm fine.... just haven't been outside in this air very much. I'm feeling great. Wonderful. Marvelous. Beautiful. Very beautiful." Haruka caught herself drawling on. She mentally slapped herself. "Shall we go?".

"Alright then, but we'd better stop by my cabin first," she said, chuckling. Haruka blinked in confusion and didn't stop blushing. She was already going to the cabin? They'd just met! Wait.... why was she making a big deal?! It wasn't like it was a guy after all.

"Why?" she finally spit out.

"Your clothes aren't made for hiking. You won't get anywhere in those shoes," she said, pointing at Haruka's shoes.

(A/N)

Heh heh. Sorry, had to get a new computer. But here it is! Chapter 2! Woot! I hope you all like it. Plus the last time I wrote it, it got lost somehow.... *eye twitches*

Diane Weather: Thanks! I'm really glad a got a review for this!

Niome-Chan - are you still reading this?

Nesshin: I didn't mean the comedy at first but I am very happy that you enjoyed the first chapter!

UranusBlade: Thanks! Sorry about the delay!

Isis Aurora Tomoe: sorry! I hope this cliffy doesn't hurt too much!

DeeLaVampe: here it is! Late but it's here all the same!

wind and water combined: thanks!

otakuprincess: tee hee

13th Knight: thanks for reminding me anyone cared!

Edited: November 13, 2008