I jolt awake, on the morning of the Kyoto trip, panting. I sit up straight slowly, and sigh in relief when I realise I'm in my own room. I let my head fall into my hands.
"Wow... hell of a nightmare..." I say aloud.
I look at my alarm clock, and see it reads 7.00am. I untangle myself from my sheets and stand. I dress in some comfortable travelling clothes ( navy converse shoes, jeans and a navy and white striped jumper) and gather my travel bag from my desk. I take a minute to look at the picture of Shinji and I that Jun had given me for my birthday. I run my finger down the glass and smile
"I won't be gone for long... love you." I set the photo down, just as I hear a thumping noise, probably a suitcase being dragged down the stairs. My suitcase was already downstairs as I'd made Junpei drag it down as well as his own last night. I assumed almost everybody else would be awake by now, actually, I was surprised no one was banging on my-
*KNOCK KNOCK*
My face falls into an 'are-you-kidding- me?' look. I opened my mouth to answer the disturber, but they beat me to the punch.
"Yo! Mina! Get your lazy ass outta bed! You're holding the show up!" I scowl when I hear Jun's voice. I march over to my door and yank it open. He stood in mild surprise, his hand raised to knock on the door again.
His look changes to one of amusement. "Oh... that was fast."
I nod in mockingly. "Yeah, I am... you wanna experiment? Let's see how fast... and far I can shove my foot up your as-"
"Arisato?" I face drops when I see Mitsuru coming up to stand next to Junpei.
"O-oh g-good morning Mitsuru-senpai..." I stutter stupidly. She raises an eyebrow, as Junpei look about ready to kill himself with silent laughter behind her.
"Are you ready to leave yet?" Mitsuru asks, a teeny tiny smile playing on her lips. The first smile I've seen her give in a long while
I nod jerkily. "Y-yep, all set."She nods.
"Excellent. That's all of us. Let's head downstairs." I turn to lock my door and walk down the hall after Mitsuru, while giving Junpei a glare of death. He just gave me a thumbs up and a wink. Asshat.
Everybody else was down in the lounge, even Ken as he was staying in another dorm until we came back; at this moment, he was chatting to Fuuka by the front desk. I came up to them both and cut the middle of their conversation.
"- and you promise to take lots of photographs, right?" He asked, looking firm.
Fuuka giggled. "Of course Ken-kun, we won't forget. Oh, and don't forget yourself, we have to bring you back a gift; what would you like?"
She smiles kindly at him, waiting for a response. Ken looks away, a little shyly, "...You don't have to do that Fuuka-san..." I jump into the conversation then.
"Of course we do! We feel bad enough as it is leaving you on your own. Now don't be stubborn, what can we get you?"
His face turns a light shade of red and plays uncomfortably with his fingers. "...Well...if you put it like that..."
"Tell us Ken-kun." Fuuka urges, looking expectant." Ken mumbles something and looks away. I lean a little closer.
"Sorry Ken, what was that?" He starts to shuffle from foot to foot.
"I said... candy..." He mutters a little louder. Fuuka clasps her hands together.
"Oh candy, I do love sweet stuff. Are you sure that's all you want?" He nods furiously, his face aimed towards the floor. I chuckle and ruffle his hair.
"Ok Ken, sweets it is." He tries to flatten his hair down again, looking slightly indignant.
"Ok everybody!"
I turn back to Mitsuru, who was standing by the door, travel bag in hand, "Let's head to the train station, better to be early than a little late."
We piled out into a car that Mitsuru had waiting for us since we couldn't exactly drag 7 suitcases/bags for a over a mile.
Once we dropped Ken of at the dorm he would be staying at while we were gone, we headed straight for the station.
Soon we had all of our bags removed from the car, thanked the driver, and dragged them up the stairs to the train station lobby area, it was almost 9.00am when we were all up there.
Junpei and I made our way over to a seating area, near a newspaper stand in the station.
Jun kindly went and bought us sodas while we both waited; we sat in silence for a while, just watching the world go by. I felt a little light-headed from my lack of sleep, and once or twice, I felt my head dropping off to the side, before I jolted back into consciousness. I'm pulled out of my daze when Junpei speaks;
" Um Mina?" I peer over at him questioningly.
"Yeah?"
"Are you... Ok? You look a little pale."
I lent my elbows on the metal table in front of us. "Oh... uh... I just didn't get a lot of sleep last night Jun, no need to worry."
He looks a little more upbeat." That's good... It kinda looked like you were gonna pass out a few times there, and just to let you know, I'm not going to be the one that catches you; don't want to do my back in just yet." He chuckles when I punch him lightly on the shoulder.
"And they chivalry is dead." I say sarcastically.
"No its not... it is just cautious when taking unnecessary risks, like, trying to keep you upright when it seems you have a wish to live life rolling around on the ground."
I shake my head in confusion. "That made no sense you goof, please don't tell me that 12 years of education was in vain..."
" Nah, school's kept me entertained."
"More like out of prison." I snort.
"Ah, it's always good to see my friends put so much faith in me, and dude, if I went to prison, I'd be a top dog."
I laugh once in surprised glee. "Oh please, we both know you'd be my bitch in prison."
Junpei looks indignant. "Hey! I do not want to be referred to as..."
But my train of thought had derailed when I smelled the most delicious thing I'd smelt in a long time, waft though the air. I look over at a pizzeria that had just pulled their shutter up, the source of the scent. I sniff the air; appreciating the smell fully, and sigh.
"You look like a dog when you sniff the air like that." I hear a distant voice retort, and my gaze turns reluctantly back to Junpei.
"I'm gonna pretend you didn't say that." I say dreamily. Junpei furrows his brow.
"Why do you look all high all of a sudden?" I look back at the pizza pallor.
"I'm high on life... and pizza." I replied, though my attention was still mostly preoccupied by the food. I heard him choke on his pepsi beside me.
"Are you in the mood for pizza? 'Cause I am... man, I'd kill for some garlic bread as well..." I continued on, ignoring Junpei's coughs in the background.
"N-no.. d-dude it's like, 9.00am..." Junpei gasped, trying to catch his breath. I sniffed the air again in appreciation.
"Mina?" Jun waves a hand in front of my face, having caught his breath, "You realise what's happening right?" He says with a slight hint of amusement in his tone.
"No I don't, you wanna let me in on the secret there?"
Junpei rolls his eyes, and leans in a little closer. "You're have a pregnancy craving, you moron."
My eyes widen slightly. "What? No... There's no way... not yet at least, hell Jun, I'm not even two months along yet."
"Hey don't shoot the messenger! Just tellin' it like it is."
I lean back in my chair in dumb silence. Well hell.
"You look a little traumatised." Junpei remarks, and I end up glaring at him.
"Well nooo, I'm just dandy."
Junpei started to laugh at my pouting face. "Come on man, it ain't that bad..."
"What's not so bad?"
Both our heads snap up, and see Yukari beside our table with a dangerously curious look on her face.
"Um uh..." I faltered.
"I was... just saying... that... public bathrooms aren't so bad." Junpei says, a hint of urgency in his voice.
I turn my head to give him a 'what-the-hell?' look, while Yukari raises an eyebrow.
"Uh... public bathrooms are disgusting... I never use them... but of course I get why you'd not mind them Stupei."
Junpei looked about ready to jump Yukari, but I put a warning hand on his shoulder. Yukari looks highly amused.
"Well, I hate to break up the 'fun' but all the teachers are here, and we have to get our tickets now."
We quickly hop up out of our chairs, and follow Yukari back to the ticket booths.
Ms Toriumi and Mr Ekoda were in the middle of a big group of second and third year kids.
"Ok listen up everybody, Mr Ekoda is going to give us the safety talk!" Ms Toriumi calls, and everyone groans.
"Be quiet, you ungrateful hoodlums!" Mr Ekoda suddenly roars, and everyone immediately shuts up.
"Now that we all have been taught some manners," Mr Ekoda continues in a condescending tone, looking around the group of teenagers, " I would like to discuss some ground rules; Number 1, Always stick together; I don't want anybody getting lost, we'd have a hard time explaining to your parents what happened to you, and I don't need that grief..."
He continued to rattle on and on. I felt Junpei nudge me, and I look over at him.
"Yo, do you think he'll dish out the buddy system?" He whispers and I snort.
"I really hope not, being stuck by your side like glue would be torture."
I'm cut off when Mr Ekoda takes a deep breath. "...Finally, I don't want ANY funny business, got it?! Girls stay on their floors and boys stay on their floor after curfew."
I look over at Junpei and wiggle my eyebrows suggestively, "...Bow chicka bwow wow..."
He bursts out laughing, consequently getting a bunch of stares and a reprimand from Mr Ekoda.
By the time we had gotten our tickets, and were on the train, it was almost 10.00am. Junpei and I tried to find an empty place to sit, and finally sat in a two seater area. Very soon after that, the train took off.
Junpei and I chatted for a while, but eventually I ended up staring out the window at the scenery, with my headphones in, and Junpei leant over the aisle to chat to Kenji in the seats beside us.
I huff in boredom after about an hour and a half, and kick my shoes off. I eye Junpei, who was still happily chatting away to Kenji and some other guy in our class; I catch the occasional word, like, 'jumper' and 'matching'. I almost laugh at the fact that three adolescent boys were discussing their wardrobes. After another couple of minutes, and fidgeting, I still wasn't able to stretch out comfortably, I look back at the boys, still deep in their conversation.
I smirk, a sudden idea coming to mind. I yawn and stretch my arms above my head, as nonchalantly as possible; when Junpei still doesn't pay me any attention, I lift both my legs up and set them on Jun's legs, using them as a foot rest. I try not to look at him, but I see his outraged expression directed towards me, in the windows reflection.
"Um? Excuse me woman, but I am not your personal foot rest." He complains, and I hold in a giggle. I look over at him, instead, with a bored expression.
"Well, what else are you good for at the moment? You're too busy catching up with the 'girls' to entertain me."
"Hey!" Kenji objects from across the aisle, "I ain't no girl."
I raise an eyebrow, "Yeah sure, you sound very masculine discussing whether wearing a green jumper suits your shoes, you're all man."
The guy sitting next to Kenji laughs, so Kenji turns to him and thumps him on the arm. I sigh and turn back to the window to avoid their petty squabbles. I lean my elbow on my arm rest and use my hand to keep my head from drooping down.
"Uh, hello?" Junpei exclaims, gesturing to his knees, "I think there is still a problem here!"
I eye him with half lidded eyes. "I see no problem, so stop your whining." He continues to grumble under his breath, but stops complaining aloud. After about 15 more minutes, I start to feel my eyelids drooping. I peek over at Junpei, only to see him giggling like a little girl, while he watched as Kenji drew a moustache on the sleeping guy next to him. I make an amused noise, and lean my head against the glass. My eyes droop some more, and I drift off.
.
.
.
.
I open my eyes, and immediately start to choke. Instead of a sense of déjà vu, I feel a sense of fear and dread.
I find myself standing on a rocky platform above a lava pit. Smoke rose from the pit, making it hard to breath. Columns of rock were dotted along the lava lake, but not too far for me to be able to jump across. I do just that and hop from platform to platform, hoping to find something, or someone in this huge cavern.
"... So... you're finally here?" My head jerks to the left after I land on a platform; to the source of the voice.
About six platforms to my left, was a figure, clad in long black cloak. The cloak fell to the person's feet and their head was covered by a hood. Underneath the cloak I could see a pink pattern that looked almost like the pattern of a kimono.
"... You say nothing?" The figure speaks, the hooding almost covering their mouth. The voice was undoubtedly a woman's.
"W-what do you want me to say?" I stammer, unsure of what to do. I see the cloaked woman smile.
"...Yes... you would be cautious in this situation... wouldn't you?" I furrow my brow in confusion.
"I-I'm sorry, d-do I know you?" The woman's smile falters slightly, but quickly returns again.
"An interesting question... yes.. I wonder if I truly do... or if you truly know me? Or ever will." At this point I'm extremely perturbed, and starting to get a little freaked out.
"What do you mean? Either I know you or not! Stop talking in riddles!" The woman chuckles.
"Please, do not get worked up... I mean you no harm... In fact, you may need me more than you know."
I take a step back and I hear the sound of crumbling, and I look back to see my heel was on the edge of the round platform.
I turn back to the woman, only to see she had moved. She was only one platform away from me, her face still hidden from my view. I froze in panic.
She holds her hand out, "Do not be afraid. I swear to you, you shall not be harmed."
"How can I trust you?" I asked, my voice going shrill in fear. There was a long pause before she replied.
"You can't.. but you just have to."
I wasn't expecting that. I examined the woman further, not physically, but by her voice. There had been a hint of desperation in her tone when she asked me to trust her, like her life depended on it.
I slowly come forward a step, my guard still up. She seems to deflate in relief.
"Thank you. Your trust is but one step in this journey." I came forward some more until we were quite close. This regal aura seemed to radiate off of her; something not quite of this earth.
"You are not human." I state, no question in my voice. The woman makes an amused sound.
"You are most perceptive... yes, you are correct. I am not mortal."
"Who are you?" I whisper. The woman's only seemed to lower her head further.
"My name matters not. I have many a name, none of which you would recognise, child."
I giggle a little. "Child? I'm seventeen and besides, you look about twenty years old yourself." The woman chuckles good naturedly.
"I will take that as a compliment. I appear before you now only how you perceive me to be."
I raise an eyebrow, "Uh, what now?"
The woman chuckles again, "Believe it or not, another child perceived me into looking like a white furred fox."
I gaped at the woman, "Why on earth...?"
"Because, that is what made the child comfortable." She cut in before I finished speaking.
I close my mouth and continue to examine this strange... being.. in front of me.
"Minako... It is good to finally meet you. I have spent such a long time learning about you...I-I've been waiting such a long time for this.."
"How do you know my name?" I question her, momentarily stunned by the crack in her voice. She looks away, staring into the distance. Her voice becoming wistful.
"...It has been uttered many a times where I have been. Both in praise, and in curse. You are so lucky child..."
I blink several times, "Uh... thank you?" She looks back towards me again.
"I cannot stay long... though my cousin holds domain in this place, I cannot stay here forever, and my mother is now at this moment trying to bring you back to consciousness. She does not enjoy my... meddling. She feels it is unnecessary since we already know what will happen."
"Your... cousin.. and mum?" I repeat in confusion, " Wait what the hell are...How..?"
"There is no time." She cuts in, "Minako... listen to me... very soon, you will have to make a choice, a deadly choice, but do not be fooled. A great danger will soon be upon you, and not only your life will put up for ransom..."
She points to me, " Know this, Minako Arisato! Death will be upon you all. The child that grows in your belly holds a terrible destiny, one way, or the other."
I instinctively wrap my arms around my abdomen, "W-what are you talking about? What's going to happen to my baby?!"
Rocks start to rumble and crack all around us and my head jerks from side to side.
"...I'm sorry, Minako... and... I'm sorry, little one." The woman says, a mournful tone to her voice.
The rock under her cracks and splits, and she disappears from sight.
"Wait! !" I scream, my hand held out towards her. Suddenly, I hear a cracking underneath my feet and I look down in cold fear.
The rock splits and I fall. Before I hit the lava, I hear a familiar voice whisper in my head.
"... I'm sorry Mum."
I jolt awake as soon as I hit the lava. I shivered and wrapped my arms around myself.
"Mina? You alright?" I look over and see Junpei staring at me worriedly, "You were moaning in your sleep; you sounded scared, so I woke you up."
I sighed in relief, "Thanks Jun... just another nightmare." He gives me a small smile.
"Wanna talk about it? The shrink is on duty."
I snort. "No wonder so many people are crazy if you're their doctor..." I furrow my brow in concentration.
"Don't hurt yourself there." I stick my tongue out at him.
"Haha, very funny..." I groan in frustration, "I can't for the life of me remember that damn dream! That's been happening all month. I have a nightmare, then I can't remember it."
"Shouldn't you be happy then?" He asks, and I shake my head.
"No..no, I feel like.. like I have to remember... call me crazy."
"You're crazy." I narrow my eyes at him, but Junpei only winks at me.
"Listen up kids!" Jun and I look over the top of the seats in front of us, to see Ms Toriumi standing in the aisle.
"We are only about 10 minutes away from Kyoto Station, so pack up all your stuff, and don't forget anything! I'm assigning rooms as soon as we get to the hotel... and before anybody asks, no boys and girls in the same room, all boys, or all girls only."
I actually heard some guys mumble curses under their breathes. I roll my eyes in disgust, and look at Jun.
"Thank god you're not being a perv... for once." He looks at me.
"Why attack me? Besides, you've slept in my room before, and vice versa. It wouldn't be weird."
"Try telling Mr Ekoda that." I mutter and Jun looks momentarily frightened.
"No way in hell! I wouldn't put it past him to give me my last rites as a man, and cut off my junk."
"Wow... at least their wouldn't be too much to hack off, he could be done before he broke a sweat." I laugh at his deadpan expression.
"And you think you have a lot goin' for ya?" I stop laughing.
"What on earth are you on about?" I ask, a little nervously.
He looks sly, "Two words; Shirakawa Boulevard. Some things will never be burned from my memory."
My eyes widened at his words, "Wait a minute! You told me you didn't remember anything!"
He rolls his eyes, "I was lying dumbass, the same as when you said you didn't remember anything." I turn bright red, and look away.
"Besides, what the hell did you expect me to say? Nice set of boo-"
I slapped my hand across his mouth and hissed, "Make one comment about my breasts and I'll be the one to hack your junk off, with or without Mr Ekoda's permission.
His eyes resemble saucers when I eventually pull my hand away.
The train eventually comes to a stop, and all the Gekkoukan students get off.
We all step onto the platform, carrying our suitcases and I spot Yukari and Ryoji make their way over to us.
"Man, talk about a clichéd Japanese city." Yukari announces when they stop in front of us.
Ryoji looks at her in surprise, "Don't you like it? I think it's quite pretty, a good place to make memories while we're still young."
Junpei raises an eyebrow, "Is that so? That's a nice story grandpa."
I nudge him in the ribs, to which he yelps in pain, and glares at me. Ryoji doesn't look one bit offended though, and smiles at our antics.
At that moment, Mitsuru-senpai walked past us, holding a clipboard. Though that regal aura still surrounded her, her eyes trailed the ground and she looked quite sad.
Yukari stares after, "I'm surprised she came... she's been so depressed lately, it's horrible to watch."
I look after her as well, " I can't even imagine how much pain she must be in, especially when looking around at all these happy kids."
Yukari nods, "We'll have to keep a close eye on her, just to see if she's okay."
Suddenly, a sharp whistle rang throughout the station, several kids clutched their hands to their ears in pain. We looked over to see Mr Ekoda holding a whistle, with an embarrassed looking Ms Toriumi close beside him.
"Right students, remember, you are representing Gekkoukan High School. I want everyone on their best behaviour. Outside there are two tour buses waiting. Third years get on the yellow one, Second years on the blue one. Now move it!"
The crowd of high school students moves slowly out into the car park outside the station. The other second years and I hop onto the blue bus parked a few spaces away from the door. I end up sitting beside Fuuka, who was engrossed in a book before I sat down. I saw Yukari sit next to Aigis, and Junpei sit next to Ryoji.
The bus pulled off and we were soon on the road to the hotel. At one point we passed by the ocean. The sun was already beginning to set, and the golden beams made the water twinkle and shimmer.
Fuuka and I chatted amiably for the short journey. Eventually, our buses pulled up outside a large inn. People on the other side of the aisle had a better view than we did, and had their faces pressed against the windows to admire it.
The buses stop outside the front door and we all pile off and gather our luggage. As we pass I spot a sign out on the large open lawn.
'Higashiyama-Sanjo District- Welcome to Godaigo Inn'
I frown. Great, on old fashioned Japanese Inn, I'm surprised that Mr Ekoda isn't having spasms on the floor.
We enter through the automatic doors, into the lobby.
It was a large room with grey marble walls and pinkish- red carpet. Nine Pink pillars, in groups of three, ran from the floor to the roof, holding the roof overhead.
There were tables and chairs situated about the lounge. Straight ahead of us was a wooden sliding door, with the sign, 'Hot Springs' next to it and a list of times it was open next to that. On our left was the reception desk and huge flights of stairs leading to the different floors. On the right was the gift shop, many different gifts lay out on display, from toys to sweets.
"Wow, nice place.." I murmur, admiring the marble statues next to the check in desk.
"It IS an expensive area after all." Yukari added from beside me.
"Thank God we're finally here," I look over at Junpei, who had his arms stretched above his head, "I'm sick of travelling, I swear my legs have been asleep since you used me as a foot stool."
"You're lucky I'm not using you as a punching bag, now shush."
We started to glare at each other hoping to intimidate the other, however, Ryoji's childish curiosity interrupts us.
"Hey, not to butt in or anything, but what are those umbrellas supposed to do?" We look over in the direction he was pointing, and indeed, several large pink umbrellas sat in the lounge, next to the stone benches.
I honestly have no idea why the hell umbrellas are in the middle of a hotel lobby, so I throw all rationality to the wind.
"Maybe the roof leaks?" I say stupidly and everyone slowly turns their heads to stare at me.
"Please tell me you really aren't that stupid." Junpeis pleads. I just stick my tongue out at him.
"...Um, actually Minako-chan, I believe it's just for decoration." Fuuka says, coming up behind me.
"Oh." I reply, "..I-I knew that.."
Ryoji looks back over at the umbrella, "I see... I-It really doesn't add much to the room to be honest... it looks tacky.."
He looks back over at me, "But, enough with my interior design expertise, since we're here; why don't we go and do something?"
I raise my eyebrow, "Where did that come from?"
He shrugs, "From the fact that we won't be sharing a room."
My eyes widen in shock, but Yukari beats me to the punch.
"W-what kinda reasoning is that?!" She protests, hands on hips and staring at him accusingly. She turns back to me, "Looks like we better sleep with one eye open. He'll go after any girl with a pulse."
Ryoji looks a little bashful, "...You make me out to be some kind of stalker, or player or something..."
"Well, yeah." Yukari and I say in unison. We take one look at each other and burst out laughing. Ryoji pouts.
"Ok ladies, when you are finished destroying my manhood... we should probably go unpack... and by the way, I only want to get to know Minako-chan better as she's, well, cool."
I feel my cheeks blush at his words and I look away.
"Uh oh, we lost her.." Yukari mutters under her breath.
I hear Ryoji chuckle, "Depends on what you mean by 'lost'? I say we are getting on pretty good, don't you think, Minako-chan?" I peek back up at my friends, and see Ryoji smiling at me, Junpei and Fuuka looking uncomfortable and Yukari staring at Ryoji open-mouthed.
"Wait, 'getting on pretty well'?... Don't tell me you guys are..."
"You are a problem!" We turn our heads at the voice. Aigis was standing behind Yukari with an angry expression directed at Ryoji.
"Oh geez..." Yukari groans and slaps her hand against her head.
"SO! Where would you have gone on a trip in your last school Ryoji!? Somewhere interesting I'll bet." Junpei asks loudly, successfully diverting attention.
Ryoji looks slightly startled and opens his mouth to answer, but he stops himself. He closes his mouth and looks confused for a few moments, then he scratches his head.
"You okay there?" I ask and he looks up at me.
"Y-yeah, of course." He says unsurely.
"Dude, are you sure you're okay?" Junpei asks him. He nods.
"Yes, I'm fine... I just... can't remember about any trips... that's all."
I look at him in disbelief, "What do you mean you can't remember?"
"I just can't."
"Are you serious?" Yukari asks, ludicrously, "It's like, the highlight of the year!"
Ryoji gazes at her in awe, "Really?"
"...Oh." I look over at Aigis, who was examining the pond out in the courtyard, "Is this the open air hot springs I have heard about?"
"Yup." I answer, popping the 'P'. Fuuka goes over to stand beside Aigis.
"That's the courtyard, We can go for a walk later, if you want..."
Fuuka is cut off by a sudden clapping noise. Ms Toriumi was standing over to our right, with an impatient look on her face.
"Ok, ok. You can all talk later, you're blocking the door. I'll be handing out the room keys to the girls floor, and Mr Ekoda will be handing out the keys for the boys floor... hurry now!"
Ms Toriumi hands me a card key, obviously meant to fit into the reader by the room door.
"Minako, you'll be sharing a room with Yukari, Fuuka and Aigis, alright? Your room number is on the card. Hurry now, and unpack." She quickly moves off to hand more cards around.
The girls and I say goodbye to Junpei and Ryoji and head up the stairs to our rooms. But not before Ryoji 'kindly' offered to come and help us unpack, to which Yukari declined, most violently might I add.
We came to room 122, the number on our card. I unlocked the door, and we went in. It was spacious room with four bed rolls folded up neatly on the ground. A table and four sitting cushions sat in the middle of the room. There was a T.V on a small glass table next to the window; which was currently open, letting the cool November air circulate around the room.
The sun was setting outside so the first thing I did was close the window and pull the navy curtains closed. I look over to see Fuuka and Yukari already divvying up space in the huge sliding door wardrobe that took up most of the right wall.
On the left side of the room was a dresser, with a notepad, phone and compliment cards on it, and beside that on the right was a door that led to the ensuite bathroom, complete with a shower and bath.
"This is quite a big space." I comment to no one in particular.
"You're telling me. This wardrobe is HUGE. I could have brought a whole other suitcase!" Yukari gushes, while hanging up a khaki coloured coat.
"Oh yeah, nevermind the fact that there's four people in this room, we just want you to be able to bring that extra couple of hoodies that you found so hard to leave behind." I deadpan. Yukari doesn't acknowledge that I had even spoken.
"Oh look guys!" Fuuka gasped. We look over and see her holding up a navyish-blue Yukatas.
"Oh, what are those?" Aigis asks.
"These must be Inn Yukatas." I reply, "You wear them at the Inn, usually if you are going to go to the hot springs later."
"I'd put those away Fuuka," Yukari says walking over to her, "It's still too early to go to the hot springs, besides, we'd probably not be allowed to go today, since we just arrived and all that."
Fuuka nods, and carefully folds the Yukatas up. I start to unpack my suitcase and place my clothes into the drawers of the wardrobe.
In about half an hour, we are all fully unpacked. The girls and I wander out into the hallway out of boredom.
The hallway was long and split off to the left at the end of it, and straight ahead was the stairs that led downstairs. The was an armchair, a table and a long sofa in the indent of the wall at the end of the hallway. Doors were on both sides of the hallway, running along it; some doors were wide open, with the sounds of laughing and chattering girls inside, while others were closed, but we could hear voices and from inside.
The girls were staying on the third floor, and the guys on the second. The only other girls I saw on our floor was Yuko and a few of her friends.
She waves over to me when we walk past, "Hey Minako , this place is pretty sweet, right? It reminds me of the Inn we stayed at him Yasoinaba, you know, the Amagi Inn? Don't you see the resemblance?"
"I totally do." I reply, "Carbon copies if you ask me."
"Don't let the staff hear you say that!" Yuko warns teasingly and turns back to her friends.
"Hey, Minako?" I turn to Yukari.
"Yeah?"
"Do you know what room Mitsuru is staying in?" She asks. I tap my finger against my chin.
"Come to think of it, no I don't, why?"
She shrugs, "I dunno, I just wanted to see if she was ok..."
I grin and pat her on the back, "There you go! I knew you could be nice!" She gives me a flat look.
"Oh, I learn from the best..." She says sarcastically. I chuckle.
"I am great, aren't I?"
She rolls her eyes, "Whatever... hey, I'm gonna go see where some of my other friends are, ok?"
"Sure, sure, don't let me stop you." I say, and gesture to the hall. She says goodbye to us all and heads back down the hall.
Fuuka and Aigis turn their attention to the vending machine, which served drinks they had never seen before. I decide to spread my wings a little.
I say goodbye to the others as well and go back down to the lobby. The place was deserted besides a couple of third year boys hanging out by a table and Kazushi, Rio and Kenji hanging out by the hot spring entrance. I can hear the sounds of Rio telling Kenji off as I approach. Kenji looks over and spots me. He waves me over.
"Yo, Minako-chan! Save me, I beg of you!" I raise an eyebrow approach them. Rio doesn't look impressed.
"Don't pay him any attention, Minako. I caught a perv red handed." This time my eyebrows go so high I'm surprised they don't leave my head.
"What Kenji?" I look over at him, he gave me his best wounded puppy look. I turn back to Rio.
"I believe you, what did he do?" Kazushi laughs while Kenji makes a strange choking noise.
"He asked me when it was the girls bathing time." She said with disgust.
"I was curious!" He retorts. Rio laughs once.
"Why's that? To know when to spy on us?"
"No... just so I know... you know..." He mumbles. Kazushi snorts.
"Ok bro; so you don't want to peep on naked chicks, but fantasise about naked chicks , right?"
"Exac- Wait! No!" Kenji splutters
"That's scary man." I say in a serious tone, and he looks at the floor.
"Why me..? Of all the guys, why me?" He says in a pitiful voice.
Kazushi pats him on the back a few times before looking at Rio, "Just so you know... I'd never do that."
"Of course not." Rio deadpans, and I hold in a giggle.
Suddenly Kenji points to the screen. "Oh my god, Yukari's going in!"
Kazushi's head jerks in the direction of his finger, "Where?!"
"Ha! Got ya!" Kenji gloats, and bursts out laughing.
"Dude, you better sleep with both eyes open, cause I'm going to murder you." Kazushi seethes.
I take this as my opportunity to go. I place my hand on Rio's shoulder, "Well, I honestly do hate leaving you with the unregistered sex offenders, but I have a bit of snooping to do."
Rio nods, "Got ya, If I'm not heard from by tomorrow, check the hot springs. I might be curled up in there; hiding."
I leave Rio and the guys and wander over to the gift shop, my curiosity getting the better of me.
I decide to just pick up Ken's gift right that second before I forget. But, unfortunately, I'm the kind of girl to buy anything I think looks either cool or cute. So I end up walking away with; A good luck charm, a kinkakuji keychain and a wooden sword before finally remembering to pick up a pack of Namayatsuhashi candy for Ken.
I dump my spoils in my bag before the worst possible thing happens. I feel that oh so familiar wave of nausea overcome me, and I know I'm going to throw up. I rush to the bathroom and fall to my knees in front of the toilet bowl before I puke my guts up. After I stop and flush the toilet, I fall sideways off my knees onto my butt and shiver on the cold floor, feeling miserable.
After a minute, I eventually pull myself off the floor, and collect my tooth brush from a cup by the sink and brush my teeth. I spit into the sink and just stare at myself in the mirror for what seems like forever. I was pale and I felt horrible and sweaty. I swallow, still trying to forget about the terrible taste in my mouth. I reach out and touch my tummy lightly for a few seconds, before leaving the bathroom
When I walk out into my shared room, I freeze. Fuuka was standing by the table, fidgeting and looking unsure.
"O-oh, Fuuka... something wrong?" I say, trying to sound casual.
She looks up at me hesitantly, "I heard you... being sick... are..are you alright?" I look at her, trying to examine her expression for any double meanings, when I can't find any, I answer her.
"Yeah.. I'm fine. It must just be something I ate." However, instead of her usual cheerful smile and light hearted 'ok', she looks even more uncomfortable.
"Minako-chan... Y-you haven't been well for... quite a while now."
I swallow nervously, trying to keep my cool. "It's probably the flu... or something like that."
She watches me for a second, her blue eyes unreadable. My heart sinks when she starts to shake her head.
"No.. no, I don't think so." I start to quiver in panic. Fuuka clasps both hands together and brings them up to her mouth, and closes her eyes. She looks as if she was praying. After a second her eyes open again, a look of silent determination deep within them.
"Minako-chan... are you seriously ill?"
I shake my head in relief, "No, of course not, I would have told you all if I were. Please stop worrying about me, just forget about it.. come on, let's go find Yukari and-"
Fuuka cuts me off, and I feel a little frightened by her emotionless face.
" I knew you couldn't be seriously ill... I knew you wouldn't keep something like that from us... so I believe I may understand what's wrong now... somehow. I didn't want to think about it... but everything points to it..." She takes a deep breath and looks me right in the eye.
"Minako-chan... are you pregnant?"
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A/N Hi everyone! It's been soooo long since I last updated and I'm really sorry about that, but life and homework gets in the way :/
Anyway, it's so good to be able to write again, and next chapter will have the hot springs :) and of course, how will Minako get out of this one... if she can that is ;p Review, have a wonderful day and tune in next time ;p