Disclaimer: Slam dunk is not mine. Yup. That's all.

I kneeled down beside the sleeping form of Kaede, studying the strong features of his face accentuated by the warm glow of the sunset. A steady stream of gratitude flowed through me as my gaze shifted towards the simple stature of the doll beside him. "Thank you, Kaede." I murmured, not wanting to disturb the peaceful rest of my friend.

"Riko, you are back." The drowsy voice of utmost familiarity drifted over to me. Despite my discretion, he had awakened. His hand fumbled for the doll and soon reached it. "I don't know if this would work, but, well, this is for you." He handed Moomoo-chan to me.

"It is fine. More than fine. Thank you." I whispered, fighting back tears of emotions threatening to overflow. I hugged the doll to my chest, its softness melding into the warmth in my heart.

Kaede got up to his feet, brushing the dirt off his pants. I stood up too, refusing to bear the indignity of kneeling to him, even after his touching gesture. "I have to go. Bye." Then, he left me. I went back into the house, a silly grin spread across my face. Moomoo-chan is back! And it was all thanks to Kaede! I promised myself to start saving up for a wonderful gift for my friend's birthday. Not that I knew what to get him yet, but money would be needed whatever the case was right?

Humming happily, I practically skipped into my room, still clutching Moomoo- chan. I lay her on my bed, reminding myself never to put her into such dangers again. Despite his kindness, Kaede sure was a dangerous friend to hang out with. Obviously he would not do anything to me, seeing that he never does ANYTHING anyway, but his fans sure are scary. Their cruelty disgusts me to the maximum. Yet, I should thank them in a sense. If it were not for them, I would never have the opportunity to witness the ugliness of Man right? I rolled my eyes at my cynical thoughts.

After such a mind-wrecking time, I decided I owe myself a good night's rest. I washed up quickly and went to bed, hugging my precious doll. As if to share my bliss, Moomoo-chan the kitten jumped onto my bed as well and snuggled up with her namesake.

The morning never seemed brighter the next day. I made my bed, placing my doll carefully on the bedspread. It would be safe there. My teeth gritted as I thought back on its destruction. Carrying my other Moomoo-chan down for its breakfast, I smiled in remembrance of the sweet friend who gave her to me. Okay. I take my words back. The drool he often accessorizes himself with hardly accounts for "sweet". But seriously, Kaede is a great pal. A disgusting and dumb (perhaps literally) one, but nevertheless, great.

Hisashi seemed to notice my cheerfulness. Smiling, he asked, "Great date yesterday?"

"Yup, but that's not it." I replied, wondering how he knew about my date. I then proceeded to telling him about the nasty works of the trio and Kaede's attempt to better things.

Despite me trying to keep my voice level when I narrated the scene with the three vicious girls, my big brother's initial smile transformed into a frown and ended as a tight, grim line. I was fascinated with his quick changes in expression, but soon realised that it was not the correct time to comment on them.

"Those girls... I AM GOING TO KILL THEM! No one gets away with bullying my little sister. I repeat. No one." My brother's eyes glowered dangerously. Oops. My bad. As much as I hate those idiots, I don't want them to die under my brother's hands. It is not like have such a magnanimous heart or anything, but no way am I going to risk my brother getting into trouble just because of those freaks. And looking at my brother's dangerous expression, I would not put anything pass him. I recalled the days when my brother turned joined a gang and shuddered. As nicely as he still continued to treat me, his merciless fights with those who angered him were scary. Very scary.

"Forget it. Kaede had put things right hadn't he? Don't kill those things... don't even bother doing anything to them. That would be wasting too much of your precious time. Time you could use to erm... kill ants or something. I'm alright. Really." I said hurriedly, trying to appease him.

"Okay. I would not kill them. But, I'm not going to let them off so easily either. You may be kind, little sister, but your big brother sure isn't! This is what we will do..." Hisashi relented, a cheeky smile growing wider on his face. He soon explained his little plan.

After going through the plan a few times and straightening out the details, it was soon time for school. I left hurriedly but Hisashi continued strolling slowly. It was just like him to not give a care for the rules. But as much as I seem to be invisible, there was still a slight possibility of my teacher realising my absence. And though I still think what they teach in school is ridiculously lame, I do not wish to be expelled. Okay, that's taking things too far but just in case. My brother has his basketball to count on and I have nothing. So oh well, I cannot afford to take chances.

The first order of the plan was to get Kaede to agree. And that was also the most difficult part of it. So after the boring naggings and lectures about the stupidest things, I rushed off to find Kaede. That was not difficult. He was at the roof-top of our school building waiting for training to start. And not surprisingly, he was asleep. Now, THAT was the difficult thing. To wake him up. I debated with myself silently about whether I should just suffer his one punch or think of a better plan to get him out from his dreamland. I decided on a compromise. I will try a method and if it doesn't work, I will endure the pain.

I dug a book out of my bag. Mathematics. Perfect. It was heavy and thick, perfect for the job. Besides, I cannot stand maths. If he destroys it, all for the better! Standing about three metres away, I took aim. One, two, three! I swung the book in his direction. Bull's-eye! The book hit squarely on his chest with a resounding thud. A silent voice whimpered "ouch" on his behalf. Kaede woke up, groggy-eyed, looking around for the source of his attack. Then he saw me.

My lips curled into a smile. "I'm sorry if that hurt, but I needed to talk to you. A conscious you. Anyway, I was wondering, why do you like sleeping so much? Are you that tired? Or are your dreams that interesting? Can your dreams even continue from where you last stop? Hmm... Are they consecutive or do you have original dreams every time?" I paused, wondering for myself which was better. Episode by episode was alright, but it would drag too long to see the main picture clearly. Single episodes? What if you get awaken halfway? Then you would never know the ending. Just as I was standing there wondering, a loud thud on the floor shook me out from my relentless thoughts. It was my maths book. Sheepishly, I picked it up and stuffed it back into my bag, then walked towards where that lazy pig was sitting and sat down beside him.

"I don't suppose that you woke me up just to discuss my sleeping habits." The prince has spoken. Fine, he was not exactly a prince, but I would have been mistaken judging from the way how so many treat him.

"Duh. Of course not. Why would I actually risk my life for something as minor as that? I wanted to ask if you are willing to dome a favour. A teensy weensy tiny favour..."

I knew he would not reply so I proceeded on. "You see, the other day the three stupid girls pulled the mean prank on me? I told my brother about it and he flew into a rage. After convincing him not to kill them or do anything dumb, he came up with a plan to get back at them. And that plan involves you! First, we will..." I explained the plan carefully, studying his expression. I don't know why I even bothered doing so because his expression was kept constant. For a moment, I wondered if he had fell into another slumber. "Hey you awake? So you would agree to do it?"

Kaede paused for a moment.

Refusing to take any chances, I grabbed the opportunity. "Silence means consent! So you would do it! Thank you thank you thank you!" I grinned widely and gave him a quick hug. Okay, that was low. Real low. Chances were that Kaede would, as usual, refuse to open his silly mouth so he would not bother to protest! In my mind's eye, I could see a sweat drop forming at his head. But he did not protest, so too bad. Haha. I am evil.

The rest of the plan would be, well, in simple terms, simple!

Okay, this is quite short. And I haven't been writing for many many months. Just decided that it would be all too sad to just give up on the story and I DO have an ending in mind. So, sorry to my readers if you still read this. Trying to get back my momentum on the story so sorry if it is rather short and not too good. Forgive me.