Suzu: with desperate tone pleading to the gods Will you people PLEASE stop making your first impressions on the 1st chapter? Yes! We know it's not as easy to follow and so on. YES we do understand it, which is why it has changed if you keep reading. HOW can it be possible that you people are so Hypocrite and Superficial that you only judge a book by it's cover? Or in this case, the first chapter! Argh! ANNND most are #$&$ who never even TRIED to write a story! So what would they know about starting? Geez, it's not like the world's perfect and everyone is happy! So LIVE WITH IT and start dealing with things that are NOT perfect; cause NOTHING is!

Antwone: Hello all, we're FINALLY back with a new chapter, sorry it took so long. A lot of isht has been going on. Me and Suzu have revised the story a bit, changed the first chapter so it looks nicer, and a bunch of other cool stuff. But, you know, the funny thing is, we don't care what other people think. Despite all the hateful, mean comments, we don't really give an owl's hoot. We're going to disregard any spiteful comments, just 'cuz we can and we're cool like that. We love writing, me and Suzu do, and we seriously don't care. As long as there's at least one person out there who likes our story, we're good. I think that's about it, right Suzu?

Suzu: Word!

- Silence-

Suzu: So you gonna comment on my little demontration of anger back there?

Antwone: It's understandable and forgivable. I did the same thing, only secretly.

Suzu: grins

Chapter 8

A day full of events!

You continue to stare at Ryoga as he smiles handsomely and then places himself next to Akane, not noticing you. You try to close your mouth and hide your blush, but Yuki sees, but secretly tucks that in her mind for later. You all have a guest, who needs to be catered to in the gentlest way.

Finally overcoming your shock, you close your mouth and instantly turn your attention to your food, no realizing that once you bow your head, Ryoga looks up and spots you.

-Hey! That's Kimiko!- He thinks, not being able to hide a grin. -Boy she sure looks...-

"So Mr. Atshushi, what brings you to the Tendo Dojo?" asks Soun, picking at his lunch politely.

Mr. Atshushi smiles politely at Soun and says, very business-like, "I'd like to make a contribution." Everyone is silent, hanging on his every word. "I want to see this dojo flourish, it's a really beautiful place, so I'm going to give you a loan."

At this, your jaw falls open in delight and you glance at Yuki as she glances at you, a smile on her face. All the others share your pleasure, for they would like to see this happen as well.

"A...a donation you mean?" stutters Soun, looking as though he's about to have a breakdown.

"That's wonderful!" says Akane happily, setting down her chopsticks.

The next half an hour is spent by discussing relations with Mr. Atshushi and you trying to keep your eyes off Ryoga; which turns out to be very hard. Even though you've only spoken to him once it is so hard not to find his smile attractive, his voice alluring, his features handsome...

"Will you show Mr. Atshushi to the door, Kimiko?" asks Kasumi politely as she stands from the table. "I have to start cleaning up."

Drawn out of your haze, you smile up at Kasumi and then at Mr. Atshushi, who is gathering his things. "Of course."

You stand and kindly wait for the business man to follow you to the door, not noticing the way Ryoga watches you rise slowly. His eye linger on you as you leave the room and head for the front door, the man in tow.

"Your donation is very much appreciated, Mr. Atshushi." you say with a smile, glancing at the man as he walks beside you.

"Oh it's the most I could do; I've always loved this dojo."

You continue to smile and draw your gaze up to the middle-aged man, not watching where you are going as the door draws nearer. "Really? I haven't been here for very long but I love it so much." you ramble. "It's become sort of my second home for my friend Yuki and I..."

Suddenly, your stride is cut short when you feel the smooth, hard surface of wood against your face and frontal body. You close your eyes in pain and fall to the ground, throwing your hands back to stop your fall. That doesn't work and you smash into the ground harshly, your tail bone hurting immensly.

It's then you realize you made the biggest idiot of yourself and ran into the wall by the door.

"Are you all right?" asks Mr. Atshushi, setting down his things and kneeling down to help you up.

"I'm fine..." You mumble in embarrassment as you hear laughter come from the kitchen. Glancing up, you see Nabiki and Yuki laughing hysterically at you as you get to your feet, cradling your head in your hands.

"Thanks." you tell the older man as he looks on you in concern, taking up his things once more.

"Are you sure you're all right?" he asks.

"Yes." you snap. "Have a nice day."

Mr. Atshushi sighs and then leaves, thinking, -Poor kid.-

Embarrassed, you continue to rub your head, glaring at Yuki as she wipes tears from her eyes and Nabiki as she nearly rolls on the floor in laughter. -It wasn't that funny.- You think.

"I can't believe you ran right into the wall!" laughs Nabiki, causing you to feel even more stupid.

Yuki laughs more and you growl lowly, stalking past the two girls, not noticing Ranma, Akane, and Ryoga appearing in the doorway as well. Your face crimson, you walk to your room as you hear Nabiki tell the three what happened.

-I hate Nabiki! Geez she didn't even ask if I was all right! Or Yuki for that matter!- You think angrily, slamming the door to your room as you hear new voices shaking with laughter. -Great! Now Ryoga knows too!-

You sigh as you slump down on your bed, looking at the floor with a frown. -Why should I care what he thinks? He's not important...- You scowl harder at the woodgrain of the floor and then close your eyes, flopping back on your bed. -Maybe he is important...important to me...-

Are you falling for this boy? Asks a voice in the back of your mind.

-I don't know... I don't know him that well but I certainly am attracted to him...- You sigh when suddenly, a few knocks ring out from your bedroom door.

"Kimiko?" calls Yuki. "Can I come in?"

"Go away." you bite.

Yuki enters your room anyway and your roll over onto your stomach, facing the wall opposite the door. You avoid Yuki completely and she sighs seeing this, sitting next to you lightly on the bed.

"I'm sorry for laughing Kimiko but I couldn't help it! I mean you ran right into the wall!" says Yuki, a grin appearing on her beautiful features.

You scowl once more, staring at the wall still. "Yeah, it's pretty funny." you say sarcastically.

Yuki sighs and lays a hand gently on your back, as a true friend would. "I'm sorry Kimiko, really."

You close your eyes and roll over, causing Yuki to remove her hand. "Whatever." you say, smiling up at her. Yuki smiles too and it's then you note a glint in her gorgeous pink orbs, staring at you mischievously.

"What?"

"Oh nothing." says Yuki casually, turning her gaze to your bed where a loose string lays. She starts to pick at it absentmindedly.

"What?" you ask again, sitting up in bed. You had just taken Yuki's bait.

"I saw the way you were watching that strange boy when he came in." says Yuki, looking up at you with a smile still on her face. "So tell me, who is he?" she makes herself comfortable on your bed, ready for a story.

You stay silent. It fills your ears, the room, the atmosphere. You don't want to tell Yuki about Ryoga! You're not even sure about how you feel for him!

You stand from the bed suddenly, walking to your closet where your shoes rest. You slip them on nonchalantly, Yuki watching your every move, awaiting for the time when you would speak.

"I don't know who he is; one of Ranma's friends I guess." you lie.

Yuki raises an eyebrow, knowing you do not tell the truth, and watches as you walk to your bureau where your hairbrush lay. "Come on Kimiko, tell me!" she insists as you fleetingly brush your hair.

"I don't know him Yuki!" you say, setting the brush down. "Now if you'll excuse me!" You leave the room in a hurry, slamming the door shut on your way out.

-I know she's lying.- Yuki thinks, standing from your bed. -I just know it.-

It has to be late in the afternoon as you walk under the shade of the trees in the forest near the dojo, watching the sun twinkle overhead. A gentle breeze filters through the air and the leaves in the trees rustle softly, and you feel calm and relaxed, allowing your mind to wander over many subjects.

-Do I like Ryoga?- You muse. -I don't know how I can I barely know him...-

Your mind wanders farther and you lose track of your thoughts, not watching where your feet take you. You are aware, barely five minutes later, of the sound of trickling water. Curiously, you lift your gaze from the ground and look at the glorious sight in front of you.

Directly in front of you lay a small pond, a tiny waterfall with water cascading down the rocks flowing into it. A few bushes dot the area around the pond and the surrounding area is completely shielded by trees, making it the perfect secret oasis.

-No one's around...- You think, looking around and then stepping to the edge of the water, removing your shoes.

You pause suddenly, about to strip of your t-shirt. You see a shadow fly overhead...

Suddenly, a fast moving blur flies past you and dives into the freezing pond water. You watch in shock as the water ripples and eventually calms.

-What in the name of...-

With broad eyes, you watch as a boy a few years older than yourself emerges from the water, slicking back his long, brown hair.

There, you see your good friend NightsFlight standing, in all his male glory.

"Funny meeting you out here, Kimiko." says the bird turned boy, with a sly smile.

It's quite funny really. Truly, NightsFlight is a bird, a hawk. But, ironically the same day you and Yuki were changed into sparrow and man, NightsFlight upon hearing your singing, decided he wanted to take a dip with Yuki; thus making him a man whenever he is doused with cold water. Though he truly likes his bird form better, he remains in that form most of the time, but it easier for you to communicate with NightsFlight when he is a guy, rather than a bird; you aren't skilled in telepathy.

You and Yuki had known NightsFlight for a while before you had gone back to your village. You had always liked birds before then, and NightsFlight had been attached ever since. Now, he tagged along with Yuki most of the time, but you didn't mind; you got as much attention from him as she did.

NightsFlight, or rather Naito, the name Yuki and yourself had decided for NightsFlight in his human form, is quite a handsome man. He has long, rich brown hair which is usually tied behind him in a low ponytail. He is muscular, with a wonderfully toned chest and equally refined abdomen. His skin is nearly flawless and tanned to prefection. His chocolate eyes give him the 'tall, dark, and handsome' catagory, and only adds to his fine features. Although, you only see Naito as a brother figure, as does Yuki, you won't deny his handsomeness.

"You scared me! Diving into the water like that!" you say angrily.

Naito laughs. "Sorry, I know how you can't use telepathy and thought I would transform, just for you." He winks.

You roll your eyes and sit down on the ground, Naito situating himself in the water. "Well you didn't have to scare me." you mumble.

Naito laughs and swims around a bit.You know he is completely naked so you don't ask him to join you on the bank of the pond; his clothes lay with Yuki, because that is who he usually hangs around.

"Hey Kimiko?" asks Naito suddenly, resurfacing from under the icy water.

"Hmm?"

"Is there a specific guy that has maybe taken a liking to Yuki where you guys are staying?" asks Naito, trying to be casual as he avoids your gaze.

You eye your friend, his brown hair floating around him as he carelessly drifts in the water, looking around at everything but you. "Why?"

"Oh, just wondering."

You let out a laugh. "Naito, don't lie. Tell me."

Naito sighs and finally brings his eyes up to you. "I'm just worried. I don't want Yuki to get hurt like before..." Naito knows very well of Yuki's past.

"Don't worry about Yuki, Naito, she's strong. If she thinks that Ranma is trouble, then she won't get involved." you say reassuringly.

"Ranma..." Naito murmurs, causing you to laugh again.

"Jealous are we?"

Naito jerks his head up and looks at you. "Of course not! I told you, I'm just worried!" He glares. "Don't start getting ideas."

"Ha! You're jealous!" you squeal, laughing at Naito.

Naito glares at you harder and threatens to splash. "I'm not jealous, stop acting so childish! You know I think of Yuki as only my sister!" When you continue to laugh, Naito says, "I'll splash you!"

With a yelp, you spring to your feet and back away from the pond quickly, as Naito grins. "Don't you dare."

"Then shut up."

You glare at Naito playfully and let out a heavy sigh. "Well, I better be heading back before the others start getting worried." Naito nods and you ask, "What are you going to do about changing back?"

Naito shrugs, the water up to barely above his waist. "I dunno. I'll find a hot spring or something."

You let out a small laugh, preparing to leave. "You're going to run around this forest naked looking for a hot spring?"

Naito shrugs. "I like the feeling of air on my open---"

"Okay! Bye Naito!" you say, cutting off your friend and turning your back.

Naito smiles. "See ya soon, Kimiko; hopefully."

You return to the dojo, pondering your coversation with Naito -NightsFlight-. You decide not to tell Yuki about seeing him, for she will want to know what you two talked about and you have no intention of telling her you have a hunch that her and Ranma may have feelings for each other.

The rest of the evening drags on quickly. You find out that Ryoga is not at the dojo when you return, for which you are grateful because you do not want to be embarrassed everytime you look at him. Nabiki, on the other hand, is intent on reminding you of the horrifyingly embarrassing moment. Though, Yuki comes to your aid, and stops you from trouncing Nabiki and pounding her face in.

After dinner, you are helping Kasumi clean up while the others meander off to do their own things.

"You know tomorrow is the Festival, right Kimiko?" asks Kasumi, handing you a dripping dish.

You gasp. You completely forgot! "No! I forgot!"

Kasumi smiles as she scrubs a bowl. "Well, don't forget we have to get up early to start preparing. It's going to be so much fun."

You smile, putting the dish on the counter next to you. "I can't wait."

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

The next morning, you wake up bright and early, with a wide yawn. Your body didn't allow you much sleep, for today is the day!

Scrambling up from under the sheets of your bed, you stumble a bit as you run to the door, fling it open with a swift swing. You rush to Yuki's room and burst in loudly, exclaiming, "Yuki! Get up!"

When Yuki does not move, you roll your eyes and tread over to her bed, poking her. "Yuki! Come on! Get up!"

Yuki groans loudly and shifts slightly in her bed and you grin, now fully awake. "What do you want?" mumbles Yuki through her pillow.

"Don't you know what today is?" you ask excitedly.

"No."

"It's the Sakura Festival! Now come on sleepy head, get up!"