Chapter FourNova and Hikaru sat outside the Kendo school with their chins on their knees.

Chapter Four

Nova and Hikaru sat outside the Kendo school with their chins on their knees. The warm summer breeze played with Nova's still slightly damp pink hair. She giggled softly as a piece of hair tickled her nose.

"It's so peaceful here. And for the first time in my entire existence, I actually care that it's peaceful and beautiful..." Nova said with a dreamy look.

Hikaru smiled. "I'm glad Nova, and I'm really happy that you're here!"

'The only thing I still need is a family...' Nova thought to herself. She wanted so badly to have a family, people who cared for her, and a place to belonged.

"Wanna go into town?" Hikaru asked.

Nova looked up from her knees. "Hm?"

"We can go shopping, eat pizza, ice cream, yeah lots of ice cream!" Hikaru said as she leapt to her feet. "Let's go!"

Nova let out a sigh and ran her hands down her legs until she hit her ankles. Then she stood up and nodded.

"I'll be right back Nova-chan, I've got to get us some money!" Hikaru exclaimed before running off to find her parents.

Nova leaned against a wooden pillar and folded her arms over her chest. She squinted as she looked out over the yard. She wasn't used to how bright the sun was or how green the grass actually was.

No matter how beautiful her surroundings were, she still felt just as empty inside. She still longed for the family she would never have.

"I'll just have to settle for the friend I can have." Nova told herself.

Settling was not what Nova really wanted to do, but she knew it was better than nothing.

Hikaru came clomping back carrying a small purse full of money.

"Since I have company my mom actually gave me some of her money!" Hikaru said as a wide grin spread across her face.

"Then.... Let's go!" Nova said as she took off down the road.

"Hey! Wait up!" Hikaru called after her.

The two girls thundered down the dirt road laughing the whole way. They were wiped by the time they got into town.

"Whew," Hikaru said as she sank down on to a bench.

Nova slumped down beside her. Beads of sweat once again rolled down her face, but this time it was all in fun.

"Ouch, my feet," Hikaru moaned.

"If you cut your foot off it won't hurt." Nova said with a wide grin.

Hikaru blinked. "Hey! that's not a very good idea."

Nova laughed causing a strand of her pink hair to fall into her face. "Ahhh Hikaru, you crack me up!"

Hikaru laughed. "Glad to be of service!!"

Nova stretched her arms. "Well, now what?"

Hikaru looked around. "Hmm.... Ice cream!"

Nova blinked and scratched her head. "What's, ice cream?"

Hikaru looked shocked. "You poor girl! You haven't had ice cream!"

Nova looked puzzled but smiled. "I guess then... I should go eat some ne?"

Hikaru nodded and grabbed Nova's wrist. Hikaru and Nova stopped at the first ice cream place they could find. They went through the swinging door and a little yellow bell rang.

"This place is small, but has the best stuff," Hikaru assured her.

Nova looked around at all the flavors, but had no idea what they were.

"Um... What one do you like best Hikaru?" Nova asked as she twirled a piece of hair around her finger.

"All of them!" Hikaru replied hastily. "But I don't think we can eat them all today." She added. "So let's just get some chocolate."

Nova nodded. "Ok."

Nova looked around while Hikaru went up and told the guy at the counter what they wanted, and the she paid for it. Nova watched with interest, hoping to understand just what she was doing.

Hikaru turned around and haded the ice cream cone to Nova. Nova stared at it like it was alive.

"You can eat it." Hikaru said.

Nova nodded and licked it quickly. "Mmmmm," Nova said before taking another lick.

Hikaru smiled. "You like it huh?"

Nova nodded as she took a big bite. Hikaru sweat dropped.

"I'd say you like it."

They left the little ice cream shop and headed for a store.

"What do you want to buy?" Hikaru asked.

"Buy?" Nova echoed.

"Yeah, buy." Hikaru said as she put a hand above her eyes.

She looked around trying to spot a good store.

"What does it mean to buy?" Nova wondered out loud.

"Hmm, you're more clueless than me huh." Hikaru said with a laugh.

Nova stuck out her tongue. "It's not funny."

Hikaru stopped laughing. "You're right, it's not.... I'm sorry." A smile tugged at the corner of her face.

Nova burst out laughing.

Hikaru blinked. "Okies.... Let's get going and find some good stuff to buy!"

Suddenly Nova's heart started pounding and she couldn't move an inch. No matter how hard she tried, her body refused to move. Sweat trickled down her forehead.

"Nova," Hikaru said in a faint voice.

That was the last thing Nova heard before she hit the ground....

__________________________________________

It was coming, closer and closer. With ever step it made her heart leap before crashing back down. Suddenly her legs unlocked and she started running.

She stopped suddenly though, realizing that she wasn't actually going any where.

"Please, leave me alone!" Nova cried.

She could feel a cold breath on the back of her neck. Tickling her and sending a paralyzing chill down her spin.

"Please..." Nova repeated as her eyes began to droop. "What..."


____________________________________________

She didn't get to finish her sentence before a bowl of water was dumped on her face.

"Are you ok?" Hikaru asked.