"What's this that I am feeling within me? It's a sinking feeling that I have once in awhile, and its never happened to me before Keitaro came along. This feeling…it is unfamiliar to me. And its been disturbing me in my studies and meditation ever since."
Motoko gazed out at Keitaro and Naru out on the lake.
"In fact, I believe it is whenever I see him around I get this feeling. What is it that I see that makes my insides twirl? I think…if these feelings continue, I might have to-"
"Hello Motoko. Nice fuku you are wearing. Did the girls give you that?"
"…Oh, hi, Haruka. I was just gazing at the cherry blossoms."
Haruka sat down next to Motoko in the grass. "Yes, they are. But for being in Kyoto in the spring, you sure seem a little down. What's up?"
"Haruka?"
"Yes?"
"Have you ever gotten a feeling you can't describe? One that, you know is there…when it shouldn't be?"
"…I'm sorry, Motoko, I'm afraid I've never felt that way before."
"Ever since Keitaro came, I've had a stirring feeling in my stomach. I cannot figure out what it is. But I do know that Keitaro is the one causing it."
"Hmm…Motoko, you are a special girl. Not special for your personality, or you skills in kendo. But special for the fact that in all this time of your life, you have been studying, you have missed out on some of life's greatest feelings. But now that you have been expelled from God's Cry and disowned by your sister, those feelings have just started to find their place in yourself. You haven't let them come to you before, and now they have their chance.
"Motoko, these feelings aren't abnormal. They are supposed to be there. And if you let them, they will bring you joy."
"Motoko!" Su called as she ran down into the grass with her spring kimono on. She jumped onto Motoko's back.
"Not so much, Su!"
"Let's go get something to eat," Haruka suggested. Both girls nodded in agreement.
Author's Note: I'm just starting out for this fic. I've got some stuff planned for it that will make it more interesting if you think I should continue. So, should I? I've got my characters from the 9th manga, if you were wondering…