Chapter 4
The Ghost of Yakumo Tsukamoto

"Yakumo… is that you?" Tenma said, as she was terrified by the presence on her dead little sister, dressed in white.

"Yes, it's me," Yakumo answered.

"Why did you leave me?" Tenma cried, "And why did you scare me like that tonight?"

"I didn't mean to," She replied, "It's just the way of the ghost: They scare people a lot… easily. But, I didn't want to because I wanted to see your face again."

Tenma tried to tackle her, but went through her. Yakumo giggled and said, "You never change, do you, sis?"

Then she told Tenma what really happened: "I was busy cooking, just before your favorite TV show was on, when I suddenly had a sharp pain in my chest. At first it was just a small sprain, but then as I tried to get up, all of my nervous system shut down. It was like, I wanted to die."

Tenma consoled her sister, as she started to cry, "Yakumo, don't blame yourself. You only tried to fight, but you lost the will to live. But, knowing the Yakumo Tsukamoto I know, she never gives up, especially since you are dead now."

"I'm glad you were one of the people who respected me in my absence," she answered, "But what you did to Eri recently was mean."

"You did it, too!" Tenma shouted.

"Yeah, but that was when Eri badmouthed you. I couldn't stand by it!" Yakumo shouted, "Just be nice from now on. You've been known for a happy smile. And please see Hanai; he's been weeping for me many times."

"What about Harima?" Tenma asked.

"Him, too; just give my respects for him," Yakumo replied, "And you can move on now. You know that we handled it alone in this house for a very long time since father died."

"How is he in Heaven?" She asked, knowing about their father.

"He's fine. I got to see him again." Yakumo said.

Then Yakumo told Tenma to never forget about her, as long as she stays strong.

"Wait!" She shouted, "What about this?"

Tenma showed the necklace to Yakumo. She answered to her, "That was a gift for me; but now, it's yours. I hope Karasuma will like it."

"But, Yakumo," she asked, "Who would give you this necklace?"

Just then, a deep gong is heard. Yakumo knew that her time on this Earth is finished… for now.

"WAIT! Don't go!"

"I'm sorry, but I must leave you. And to respond to your question, I cannot disclose that with a rejoinder. You'll find out soon enough."

"But, Yakumo…"

She started to float away, as Tenma's tears rolled down her cheeks. She watched on, as Yakumo said to her that she'll return real soon. But all Tenma could do was whimper and weep.

As Yakumo disappeared, Tenma then landed on her knees and prayed in a teary-eyed state, "God, please… I want my sister back. I want her back. Please… I want Yakumo back. My… sister…"

She screamed at the top of her lungs, "I WANT MY SISTER BACK!"

XXXXX

The next day, Tenma woke up with some redness in her eyes. She walked over to take a shower. As she washed herself, she still remembered Yakumo, and for what she said. She knew that she would be happy again, as long as Yakumo watches over her from Heaven. This led Tenma to cringe a bit.

As she approached the table, in her casual attire, she sees a full breakfast on her plate. The plate was full of eggs and rice. She started to grow befuddled.

"What is this?" She asked, not knowing who it was.

She took a bite of the eggs and started to smile big.

"This…" Tenma cried, "This is Yakumo's cooking!"

She knew about the same cooking she made back then, but was somewhat baffled. Why would Yakumo do this in such a moment? Tenma finished her food without crying and went out of the house. Iori started to meow as he started eating his food of his plate.

XXXXX

As Tenma walked to the store all by herself, she looked at the necklace she wore with her.

"I wonder who gave this thing to me." She thought, "Could it be Karasuma? But that's ridiculous! Karasuma and Yakumo were never meant to be. I love Karasuma, not Yakumo."

She smiled and walked on to the store. As she walked on, she saw a glimpse of Yakumo's ghost again. This time, she was at the grocer's buying some food for dinner. She ran to the store, trying to find her, but to no avail. Just then, then grocer clerk approached Tenma and asked, "Are you Miss Tsukamoto?"

"Yes, I am." She answered.

The clerk gave her a bag of groceries, for free of charge. He also mentioned that someone already paid for it out of respect. Tenma thank him for the groceries and was on her way home.

As she walked home, she saw a glimpse of Harima on his motorcycle. She then approached him, knowing what's going on. As she walked to him, Harima thought, "Tenma? What is she doing here? OH! Could she be?"

Knowing that it could be the right reason (Tenma loving Harima), he says Hi to her.

"Hello, Harima! It's been long."

"Yeah, I know. I fell sorry about your sister's death, but it's cool. Of course, Rich Girl is still under grief, but then she said that she has me all to herself now! I mean, what the hell?"

"I know, Harima, but don't let your heart be in one place. I know that Yakumo loved you very much, but you cannot become such a player. If I know Harima, I know that I can understand how you feel."

"Thank you, Tenma. Actually, there's something I need to tell you."

Harima took off his glasses and looked at Tenma. However, she held up her Red Ruby necklace in front of Harima's face.

"Now that you mention it, explain this!"

Harima looked on, seeing the necklace Tenma got, from an unidentified person.

"Uh, what is that?" Harima asked, as he put on his glasses again.

"This necklace was from Yakumo. And as you are well aware, she does love you very much."

"Are you kidding? You're the real reason I love-! I mean, you know I'm poor. Why would I buy that for your sister?"

Tenma sulked and then said, "You're right. I forgot you make much money as me."

She walked past Harima, all disappointed. But stopped and asked him what he was going to say earlier.

"OH! Uh, never mind." He answered.

Tenma leaves with the bag in her hand, but also with a confused look saying, "Something about Harima really starts to make me remember; but I don't know. NAH! I've got bigger problems!"

Harima looked on as Tenma walked away to the street.

XXXXX

Back at home, Tenma prepped up her dinner, all by herself. She even cleaned up after herself, knowing that's what Yakumo wanted. However…

"Whoever gave me this necklace, I hope he shows up soon," She thought.

Tenma suddenly had a mere idea. She'll have to try asking every boy in Yagami High, and know what they know about Yakumo. She even had to write down every one of their names, with Harima's name, crossed off:
Harima
Hanai
Imadori
Karasuma (?)
Asou (Ask Mikoto first)
Nishimoto
Nara

After she written down every boy from every class, she decided to watch her favorite TV show. Of course this time, she cannot miss it since she's all alone. On Monday Morning, she's ready to give out some dirt about Yakumo. But will she find out?

As she watched TV, a shadowy figure peeked into Tenma's window. And after five minutes, he left. Who was he?