I think I'm just about done with this one, maybe one or two more chapters. Don't forget to review!

Chapter 7

As summer drew closer, Chiyuki's condition grew worse. She stopped coming to school. The doctors had insisted that she not strain herself any further. Her condition had already deteriorated to nearly to the same state as when Touya and Chiyuki had first met. She spent most of her time in the hospital. She was constantly in and out. She was getting worse.

Touya sat in his living room, his chin resting in his hand. He didn't have much time to decide. At this rate, she wouldn't last until the end of summer. It would be a miracle if she lived to see the first snow of winter. Yamimaru spent most of his time keeping watch on Chiyuki and reporting back to his master. Suddenly the window blew open. A strong gust swirled throughout the room. Touya sat up straighter.

"You haven't been in class in several weeks," a cold female voice said.

"Go away," Touya grumbled.

"I'm only worried about your well-being." Jasmine stepped out of the shadows and approached the couch. "I am your teacher, after all."

Touya said nothing.

She draped her arms around his shoulders. Jasmine gently caressed his cheek. "So cold. Really, what does that girl see in you?"

He shoved her away. "Leave me alone!"

"So feisty!"

A strong gust blew through the room. "Jasmine," Akito's cool, dark voice said. "No need to provoke him. We're only here to oversee."

"Forgive me, my love," Jasmine said with a sly grin.

"You'd better make your move soon, Touya," Akito said. "That girl doesn't have much time left. Everyday her heart grows weaker."

"Get out!" Touya shouted, standing quickly. "Get the hell out!"

"Just a friendly reminder, boy," Akito said. "Come, Jasmine."

"Of course."

She winked back at him as they headed for the door. Silence lingered after they had left. Touya trudged upstairs to his bedroom. He yanked open the dresser drawer. He pulled out a fresh shirt. He sighed as he held it up. Today was the day. The day of the festival. He had promised Chiyuki that they would go together. But would she even be well enough to go? There was only one way to find out.

V* V* V* V* V* V* V* V* V* V* V* V* V* V*

Dressed in a pair of jeans, black t-shirt, and sneakers, Touya stood in front of Chiyuki's house. His heart pounded as he rang the doorbell. A long pause. Finally the front door opened. Chiyuki stood in the doorway, her hair braided. She wore an orange yukata with pink and red koi fish and sakura petals on it. She hurried toward him, her geta clopping on the concrete with each step. She looked beautiful. Touya felt his face heat up.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," she said.

"No, uh, it's okay."

"Are you okay? Your face is all red."

"I'm fine!" He snatched her hand. "Come on, let's just go already."

Chiyuki giggled. She let him lead as they headed down the darkened streets to the local temple. As they drew closer, they could see lights glowing. At the gate there was a large banner announcing the spring festival. Booths lined the long stone walkway that led to the temple compound. They sold everything from grilled chicken and takoyaki to candy apples and cotton candy. Some of the booths had games like goldfish scooping or shooting targets with bee bee guns. There were even small stands with lotteries to win small prizes like toys and posters. Entwining her fingers with his, Chiyuki strolled down the crowded walkway. Couples were everywhere, groups of high schoolers and middle schoolers mingled together with the crowd. Over half of the attendees were dressed in yukatas, both male and female. Chiyuki's eyes gleamed with wonder as she stared at everything.

"You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Even better," she said breathlessly. "More like a glimpse of heaven."

Touya rolled his eyes. "It's just a small festival."

"But I've never been to one before! This is all new to me."

He chuckled. "Yeah, me too."

"Come on!" She tugged on his arm. "Let's go try that over there!" She pointed to one of the booths, a group of children crowded around it. She dragged him toward it. She leaned over them to get a good look. There was a narrow and very shallow rectangular pool. Hundreds of tiny goldfish swam about energetically, avoiding the flimsy paper scoops the children were using to try and catch them.

"Would you like to try?" the man behind the booth asked.

"Oh yes, please!"

"Two hundred yen per scoop."

"That's kinda expensive," Touya muttered.

"Come on, Touya, please?" She begged.

He rolled his eyes. Digging into his pocket, his fished out some change. Thrusting the two coins into the man's fist, he snatched one of the scoops. Chiyuki crouched down beside the pool and patiently waited for one of the fish to swim within reach. She dipped the scoop into the water and brought it up beneath the goldfish. It floundered on the paper for a moment before flopping back into the water. Chiyuki bit her lip as she concentrated. Again and again she tried, but the fish kept evading her. Finally as she slowly pulled her scoop out of the water, fish carefully balanced on top, the paper ripped. And plop! The fish fell through the middle and swam away frantically.

"I almost had him!"

Touya laughed. "What would you have done with a fish if you caught it?"

She shrugged. "I dunno. I would've probably just stuck him in a bowl in my room somewhere."

He offered his hand to help her up. As Chiyuki pulled herself to her feet, she clutched at her chest suddenly.

"Are you okay?" Touya asked quickly, fearing the worst.

She hesitated a moment before nodding. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just stood up a little to quickly." She smiled.

"Are you sure?"

"Stop worrying!" She shoved him playfully. "I want to enjoy this! Don't dampen my mood, okay?"

They walked up and down the lines of booths, talking and laughing. But he kept a watchful eye on her. As the night continued, she seemed to walk slower and act more cautious. They had been there for hours, playing games and just watching the people pass by. They started toward one of the food vendors.

"Let's get a candy apple," Chiyuki said.

"Okay. Wait here. I'll be right back."

She nodded.

Touya headed for the booth, He dug out his wallet and waited in line for his turn. The crowd was very large and it took a while to actually get up to the front of the line. But just as he was about to order, a loud gasp came from behind him, followed by worried muttering. Touya turned. Chiyuki was doubled over, clutching her chest. Her face was flushed as sweat rolled down her forehead. Touya rushed toward her. People were gathered around, talking worriedly, trying to offer her assistance. Touya grabbed her. He could feel her trembling.

"Chiyuki, are you okay?! What's wrong?"

"My chest." She winced. "It hurts…."

He could hear her heartbeat. It was irregular, beating sporadically. Suddenly Chiyuki's legs gave out beneath her. Touya caught her in his arms. Chiyuki's eyebrows were drown together as she grimaced in pain.

"Sorry, Touya…." Her breathing was heavy.

"Someone call an ambulance!" someone nearby shouted.

"I'm sorry, I ruined it," she whispered. "This was supposed to be fun."

"Shut up, you idiot!" He stood up quickly, holding her tightly in his arms. "Just hold on. We're going to the hospital."

He shouldered past people as he hurried through the crowd. He had to be quick. Thanks to his inhuman vampire speed, he would be able to get to the hospital faster than an ambulance. He raced though the crowded street and past the temple gates. He could feel her every wince, the slightest move she made. She was having a heart attack. It felt longer than usual, but finally he made it to the hospital. He burst through the doorway. The nurses knew Chiyuki on sight. They had seen her constantly for years. She was a regular. They rushed toward them.

"Help! Please, Chiyuki's..."

They carted out a gurney. Touya gently laid her down. Chiyuki squeezed his hand as they wheeled her away in a rush. He stood there, frozen with fear as he watched her disappear through a pair of double doors that read "staff only."

"Don't worry." A nurse patted him reassuringly on the arm. "She'll be fine. She's strong."

Touya flopped down in one of the chairs in the waiting room. He buried his face in his hands, the fear welling up inside him. What if she didn't make it? What if this was the last time they'd get to spend together? Was he too late?

"Please, Chiyuki," he whispered. "Please be okay…."

Chapter 8 is coming soon!