Author's Note

Emerald Dreams: Honestly, I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. In this chappie Keiko and Yusuke make up for lost time and spend some quality time together. Plus, Keiko gets a palm reading from a physic at the spring festival and meets Botan later on! Sounds interesting right? I hope so…I'm really scared people are starting to think my fic isn't interesting anymore, what with the lack of reviews and everything… (sighs)

Anyway, I just love Yusuke; he's just so rebellious you know? Lol, but don't worry! This is still a Kurama x Keiko fic so don't think I'm going to change the pairing just like that. Anyway, in the next chapter I guarantee some romance between our favorite kitsune and brunette; but for now there's gonna be more action! Yeah! (pause) No, not that kinda action you perve! Look at the rating (points vigorously)!

Youko: But I thought…didn't you just say…? Oh never mind! (sulks in the corner and pouts)

Kurama: Pervert…

Keiko: Did he really think that we were gonna…um…uh…do that?

Kurama: Pay no attention to him Keiko. Besides…if he tried anything I would make sure that he met a slow, painful finish.

ED: O.o

Yusuke: Emerald Dreams never has and never will own Yu Yu Hakusho…but I bet you already knew that.

Keiko: Enjoy the fic and please leave a review!

ED: Oh yeah! Before you go on to read my awesome ficcy check this out.

'Keiko's thought.'

(Yusuke's thoughts.)

'Kurama's thought.'

Youko's thoughts.

ED: I should've put this up sooner! Sorry if any of you guys were confused. Anyway, later minna-san!

Warning: There is cursing (hense the rating) and there's unpleasant insults thrown back and forth, if you are um…gay then please to do not be offended kay? So…uh…yeah hehe…

Longing

Chapter 6: The Spring Festival

The trees were heavily laden, bursting with pink cherry blossoms as the petals were carried away by the crisp morning breeze. They spun down and around the young brunette, tumbling and twirling gracefully through the air, some speckling her hair and others covering the grass. A thrush sang from somewhere above, its pleasant song filling the atmosphere. Yes, spring was always beautiful; bringing back the warmth and life of the world that was lost during the cold of winter.

In Keiko Yukimura's personal opinion spring was the most beautiful season of them all.

The brunette took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air which was perfumed heavily with the scent of freshly blossomed flowers and newly cut green grass. Her lips curled with mirth as her warm eyes of russet sparkled with delight. She watched the people around her scurry about excitedly, oohing and awing at the different game booths and snack stands that littered the school grounds. Bright spring colors were everywhere, along with eye catching decorations and beautiful cherry blossom trees. A banner read in fun spring colors 'Spring Festival'.

'Wow…Kurama did such a great job. Even though I'm missing school right now I'm so glad he invited me to come.'

Keiko was truly excited. She casted glances from side to side, wondering to herself which booth she should go to first. One particular sign caught her attention and she eagerly began walking towards it. It really was too bad that the kitsune wasn't there with her to enjoy it, but for now she would have fun. As student council president he was busy welcoming parents and showing them around, but she was sure she would run into him later.

"Hey, Keiko wait up!" Her eyes widened considerably and she instantly recognized the boyish voice calling out to her. Turning, she saw Yusuke running towards her, holding two bags of cotton candy, weaving through the crowd. When a boy bumped into him he paused to stop and yell at him, telling him to watch where he was going. Keiko rolled her eyes at this and resisted the urge to shake her head at his brashness.

'Some things never change...'

It had been a couple of weeks since she had encountered the odd little man (now identified as Hiei) and had met up with Yusuke. Her old childhood friend had been brought back from the dead and was currently a spirit detective. When Yusuke had stumbled upon her being attacked by the fire koorime he had been searching for Kurama and Hiei, who were wanted by the ruler of spirit world for stealing the Forlorn Hope. As punishment Kurama had to work as a spirit detective. Keiko herself still had yet to meet the ruler of spirit world. She still was having a hard time believing how her life as she'd known it had seemingly changed over night.

The days of worrying about getting good marks and impressing boys and other things a normal high school girl should fret over seemed distant and far away. Just a couple of weeks ago the brunette had been scared she'd fail her Algebra class! But now, Keiko was worried constantly about Yusuke's, Kurama's, and her own safety. She was frequently plagued by unpleasant dreams and scared that around every dark corner and alley she walked by she'd be attacked by a fire demon.

"Yo Keiko, what are you doing all the way over here?" Keiko looked up and sure enough there was Yusuke standing in front of her. An eyebrow was raised as he stared at her, his brown eyes searching hers. When Keiko simply stared at him as if he'd grown two heads the spirit detective sighed, and ran a hand through his hair.

"What's your problem? You've been spacing out all day. Did I miss something?" He eyed her critically and the brunette shook her head.

"No…it's just…I don't know…I've been thinking a lot about just everything."

"Yeah, I guess it's been a lot to take in. But that's not an excuse you know." Keiko blinked and raised here eyes, meeting his. He donned a serious expression, one that she wasn't so accustomed to in all of the years she'd known him.

"You know you're suppose to stay close to me remember? I'm your body guard," Yusuke stated in a matter of factly tone of voice, handing Keiko her bag of cotton candy. He clucked disapprovingly like a hen scolding her chicks. The serious look that had been there had disappeared as fast as it had appeared. He smiled slightly. She giggled.

"What's so funny?" he asked her gruffly.

"Just…the way you're acting I guess," Keiko said to him. He grinned, running a hand through his hair again.

"You think I'm funny eh? Well I'm serious and next time ya better not run off. Who knows…ya might just get snatched by a midget!" He laughed and Keiko pouted.

"You just won't let me live it down will you?" She sighed tiredly. After Keiko had awaken she'd found herself at Kurama's house and the first comprehendible words she had muttered were 'odd little man'. Even though the situation had been far from funny Yusuke had laughed at her words and had been teasing her since. Of course, he favored the word 'midget'.

Keiko shook her head at his childish antics and began to walk towards the tent again. Realizing she was once again leaving him all alone Yusuke immediately stopped laughing and caught up with her. He glanced at her curiously as he stuffed cotton candy into his mouth then stared straight ahead at the purple tent they were heading towards. His eyebrows arched slightly.

"Fortune telling? I didn't know you were into that kinda stuff. Gonna ask her to read your palm or sumthin?" Keiko shrugged her shoulders.

"Well…maybe…I don't know. From what Koenma told you I'm a physic right?" she said softly as she glanced at him, pausing in front of the tent. He nodded.

"Yeah, you have visions of the future I think he said. If you ask me that's kinda cool." He stopped in front of her smiling slightly. Yusuke parted the folds of the tent that served as its doors and bowed gentlemanly.

"Ladies first," he said, grinning from ear to ear. Keiko laughed, shaking her head at him. Yusuke smiled, realizing he liked it when he made her giggle. The sound of her laughter was heavenly, especially when he knew he was the cause of it.

"Why thank you Urameshi-san, I truly feel honored," Keiko said enthusiastically as she curtsied. Yusuke laughed at her silly antics. The brunette laughed right along with him as they entered the tent, Yusuke trailing after her.

……………………

Meanwhile…

"Keiko Yukimura…that's her name right blue ogre?" The prince of spirit world turned to regard the blue ogre standing a few feet in front of his desk with serious dark, brown eyes. The ogre nodded vigorously.

"Yes…I believe that's the human girl's name Master Koenma," he said softly. His eyes shone with curiosity as he stared at the young prince. Why was he asking about the kitsune's friend he wondered. Usually Koenma didn't bother himself with such unimportant matters unless it directly affected Ningenkai's population's safety. Other than that a mere human girl had never really caught his interest before.

At least…until now.

"What about her sir?"

Koenma shook his head. He grabbed his stamp and went back to stamping the many papers that were piled high on his desk. He deemed an annoyed expression once again as he returned to his work.

"Nothing…nothing…I just wanted to know if there was anyway we could fit her into my schedule." His voice possessed a nonchalant quality but anyone could tell by the way his eyes were constantly shifting back to the ogre out of the corner of his eye that he was waiting for the demon's response.

"Uh…well lets see…" The ogre looked through the prince's schedule, idly flipping through its pages. He paused. "There's one opening at around 5:00 p.m. Ningenkai time…?"

Koenma paused.

"That's perfect, notify Botan immediately. I want her to escort Keiko personally."

………………………

Keiko and Yusuke were seated at a small table, the self proclaimed psychic sitting in front of them. She was an American, anyone could tell by her heavy accent. A gypsy called Madam Teresa. She peered at them across the table silently, as if sizing them up. The chandelier like ruby earrings she wore shook as she jerked her head from side to side, her beady like blue eyes staring at them. Her thin bone like fingers moved erratically around her crystal ball as she continued to gaze at them. Keiko and Yusuke exchanged unsure glances, wondering what they'd gotten themselves into.

"I can tell by your close proximity that the boy is either courting you or you are very close friends," she stated, watching for their reactions. They both blushed and Keiko quietly spoke up as she moved away from the stunned spirit detective.

"Um…we're just friends…uh Madam Teresa," she said simply, her cheeks still hot.

"Oh?" The elder woman arched an eyebrow slightly. She turned to look at Yusuke.

"So I suppose you wouldn't mind me stealin him away from you right?" She laughed and winked at him. Keiko giggled, at least this supposed psychic had a sense of humor. Yusuke made a disgusted face.

"Ewww lady, you're old enough to be my grandma!" he exclaimed, shuddering with disgust. Madam Teresa simply winked at him and looked at Keiko once again.

"Hmmm…let me guess your name young one…" She gazed into her crystal ball and squinted her eyes as if trying to see something they couldn't. Keiko unconsciously leaned over the table and looked into the glowing sphere as well.

"It…begins with a 'K'…" Yusuke snorted, crossing his arms. Apparently he wasn't convinced. Keiko glared at him.

"Koharu…no Kagome? Maybe even Kitsue?" The blue eyed woman offered. Keiko shook her head and watched as she sighed.

"I'm sorry…the crystal ball has become clouded. Please, tell me what your name is?" she inquired softly. Keiko smiled.

"Yukimura Keiko and this is my rude friend Urameshi Yusuke." The brunette glared fiercely at him and resisted the urge to smack him as he stuck out his tongue at her. Madam Teresa chuckled as she watched them.

"Keiko may I read your palm?" The brunette nodded offering her hand to the older woman.

"Sure, go ahead." Madam Teresa held the brunette's outstretched hand in hers and began to run her fingers delicately along the lines of her hand. The two teenagers watched her silently, Yusuke occasionally popping a piece of cotton candy into his mouth. Teresa's eyes widened gradually suddenly and she gasped softly. She looked shocked; she jerked her wrinkled hands away from Keiko's as if she was parched by fire. Then the older woman simply gazed at her as if she was the seventh wonder of the world.

"You…you my dear have the gift of foresight," she said softly as if she didn't believe it herself. Keiko's eyes widened and Yusuke grabbed her other hand, thinking it was time they take their leave. When Madam Teresa saw this she shook her head fiercely knowing exactly what he was thinking.

"Do not worry young ones I will not tell a soul. I apologize for the way I reacted I was just…shocked that's all." Keiko calmed a bit at her words but Yusuke stared at her suspiciously, not sure if they should trust this strange old woman.

"How the heck do we know you won't go telling everybody?" he questioned her warily, his eyes searching hers. The elder woman cleared her throat.

"I'm a psychic as well so I do not regard you as a freak. I swear young one," she paused as she stared at Keiko, "your secret is safe with me."

Keiko sighed, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders and turned to regard her incredulous friend. She spoke softly.

"Yusuke…she does have a point…I really think we can trust her."

The spirit detective stared back at her, his eyebrows scrunched together. Realizing that she firmly believe this estranged woman was trustworthy he then sighed as he let go of her hand. If she trusted her then he supposed he might as well to. Keiko had a knack for knowing things like that.

"Fine," he stated stiffly, sitting back down. The brunette smiled at him happily and offered her hand to the physic once again.

"Do you think you could read more?" she inquired hopefully. Madam Teresa smiled back at her and nodded.

"Of course young one…" Pause.

"You are kind hearted but strong willed and determined. You will not allow anyone to push you around. You have a few close friends yet, you are uncertain about something…perhaps your powers?"

Keiko nodded silently in agreement. She took back her hands and began to twiddle her fingers absentmindedly. A bad habit, usually it meant she was nervous. Her eyes shined with uncertainty. The elder woman's smile vanished as fast as it had appeared. Yusuke noticed this and tensed.

"However, you must learn to overcome your fears and control your powers…and soon. Danger draws near, a dark presence is approaching and will strike you and your friends when you least expect it. If you do not gain control of your powers then you will be left vulnerable and defenseless, for your friends will not be there to protect you." Madam Teresa's voice had lost its playful mirth and had been replaced with solemnity. She rose silently and began to usher them out of the tent.

"Leave at once, I do not know when this darkness will strike but it will be soon! You must leave here NOW!" She pushed them gently and drew down the curtains, putting up a closed sign as soon as they were forced outside. A muffled "Good luck!" was heard and for a long moment they just stood there, stunned.

'Eh…?'

Keiko blinked.

Yusuke snorted.

"What a nut job." Yusuke shook his head as he turned to stare at the estranged brunette. "Let's go, I wanna get away as far away from that crazy old hag as soon as possible."

Keiko was still too shocked to protest as Yusuke dragged her away from Madam Teresa's tent. She blinked again, looked at Yusuke, and then looked down at their hands which were entwined together. Her cheeks flushed a rosy pink and she felt them grow hot. The only boy she'd ever even remotely held hands with was Kurama. Despite the occasional glances and scornful glares thrown her way, Keiko allowed Yusuke to lead her.

'Even though she acted kind of funny, I still can't help but think Madam Teresa isn't totally crazy. After all, I never told her about my visions or powers and that was one of the first things she pointed out to me when she read my palm...'

Danger draws near, a dark presence is approaching and will strike you and your friends when you least expect it…

'What does it mean? What's going to happen?'

However, you must learn to overcome your fears and control your powers…and soon...

'If I don't learn how to control my powers…does that mean the people around me will be put in danger? But how…how can I do that?'

As these thoughts whirled around in her mind Yusuke pushed through the crowd hurriedly, guiding her as they made their way through. The brunette failed to notice the way his face had hardened, worry creasing his brow, for she was lost in her own thoughts. Apparently the spirit detective didn't totally believe that the psychic was a nut either.

(Today was supposed to be fun and relaxing for us. We were supposed to play some games, hang out, munch on some snacks and sip some sweet tea. Now…this. Damn…now I'm gonna have to report this to Koenma because as much as I hate to admit this I know that the old hag wasn't totally wasting her breath.)

He glanced at her over his shoulder and grinned, hoping it would appease her worries somewhat. Broken out of her thoughts and realizing he was attempting to comfort her; Keiko feigned a smile as well.

Despite the seriousness of the situation Yusuke felt his heart flutter in the familiar way it had begun to whenever he was around her. Keiko was beautiful. But her smile was just so genuine and sweet that it made her even more gorgeous in his eyes. He didn't know if she fully comprehended the psychic's words or if she even understood the danger she was constantly put in just by being in his presence but he was glad that she was still here, standing by him. And no matter what that damn psychic said he would always be there to protect her. The innocence that she seemed to possess just made him yearn to protect her without a moment's hesitation.

"Yusuke, where are we going?" Keiko's soft melodic voice broke him out of his reverie.

He glanced at her then tugged her towards one of the game booths.

"I just thought I'd win ya sumthin that's all." Keiko watched him as he handed a dollar in change to the woman in charge of the game booth. He was handed three balls and the two watched as the woman arranged a set of pins on a small table. When she was done Yusuke turned to regard the brunette once again.

"Which stuffed animal do you want?" He jabbed a finger in the general direction of the stuffed animals set up on another table against the back wall. Keiko skimmed them all then paused at one in particular which seemed to have caught her attention almost immediately.

"That one over there," she said, pointing at a white fox sitting on its hind legs in the middle. It had bright amber eyes and pure, white fur which looked silken to the touch, and had a pair of canine like ears set upon its head. Even though it was a mere imitation of a snow fox Keiko thought it looked very cute. Vaguely, it reminded her of Kurama and Youko, and she supposed that's why she liked it. Yusuke smiled.

"Fine, I'll get that one for you." He raised his arm, aimed and threw a ball at the pins. As soon as it made contact they were all knocked over. The woman went over to the stuffed animals and grabbed the one of Keiko's choice and handed it to her. The brunette crushed it against her chest and smiled happily, her eyes shining with mirth. Yusuke grinned. Even if it was only for a short period of time he was glad he could momentarily rid her of her troubles and worries.

It was still early, and Keiko would have fun. Yusuke would see to it that no dark presence or monsters would ruin it for them.

As they carried on about the school grounds visiting the many different places the spring festival had to offer the two forgot about the psychic's warning and had fun. Unfortunately, the same was not to be said for our red-haired heroine.

Kurama was not able to meet up with them until a little later. As soon as he was relieved of his duties by another council member the kitsune encountered the most odd and peculiar sight, one that rendered him speechless…and perhaps disturbed.

………………………

Kurama blinked.

Wow…truly for the first time I am speechless Shuichi. I mean, I knew they adored us and worshipped the very ground we walked on, but this? This is too much even for me. I'm far from flattered; in fact I'm highly disturbed.

And Kurama couldn't agree more.

'Yes, this is quite the departure from their normal antics.'

There, before the stunned teenager's very eyes were hundreds of fan girls, his fan girls, as in members of the Shuichi Fan Club, gathered around a platform, screaming shrilly and jumping around wildly as if they were at a rock concert. Well, at least most of them were girls. Standing in the middle of it all was Mizu Takahashi, the president of his obsessive and fanatical fan club, beaming proudly down at the other fan girls, grinning smugly. Raising a megaphone to her mouth, she grinned and began to speak in a loud, booming voice, catching everyone within hearing distance's attention. Vaguely, the red-head thought, he didn't remember that platform being there before.

"Is everyone having a good time at Shuichi Minamino's wonderful Spring Festival?" The crowd of rabid fan girls answered affirmatively in squeals and cries of utmost giddiness and delight causing Mizu's blue eyes to twinkle.

"Well it gets even better. Behold the wonders of weaving!" She paused and reached into a box, rummaging through its contents before standing back up. Smoothing her pleated skirt Mizu smiled. Slowly, she held out her hand. Everyone's mouth seemed to gape wide open, including the kitsune's. A couple of awes and oohs sounded in the air and faint murmurings erupted among the teenage girls, whose eyes were beginning to gleam as their mouths began to water. One of the girls even had the nerve to ask "Is it real?"

Kurama visibly paled.

The blonde was holding out a plushy, but not just any plushy. Kurama realized immediately who it was supposed to be with complete shock and utmost horror. All color drained from his face, replaced with a leaden gray. After a moment of simply gaping at the distended doll, he swallowed hard and forced himself to look again.

Wary, yet hesitant emerald eyes roved over the doll's features, catching sight of the bight red mane atop its head and its bright, green button eyes. Its fuchsia clad body hung limply from the blonde's tight grip, and the kitsune immediately regretted not making a run for it sooner.

Move slowly Shuichi, movement will simply attract their attention. Careful now, yes, one step at a time…

Shuichi took a step back, then another one, slowly backing away from the large crowd of teenagers who looked about ready to swamp Mizu.

Hmph. And you call me an animal…

"Is it not magnificent? Am I not genius? This my friends, is one of the many genuine, hand crafted, one of a kind Shuichi Minamino plushies I have here with me today! This can be yours for just five dollars, $2.50 for fan club members. I'll tell you, if you purchase one right now I'll throw in a free photograph of our beloved bishie! Now if that's not a bargain then I don't know what is!" At the sophomore's words Mizu smiled as the teenagers rushed forward, most girls round her age, some even boys, screaming wildly as they rummaged through their pockets and purses for any money or change they could get their greedy hands on. The sound of clinking coins filled the air and they surged forward once again, desperately hoping to get the blonde's attention.

"I have money right here! Please, give me one!" screamed one girl, pushing others out of her way desperately.

"Wait, I'm a club member! Here's $2.50!"

"Hey, stop pushing me you hussy!" screeched an angry brunette, eyes stormy, as she pushed the other shorter yet pudgy red-head.

"You wanna take this outside?"

"We're already outside dumbass! Well, I can't expect much more from a dumb blonde…" quipped an ebony haired girl, sighing. The blonde's green eyes lit up with fury.

"Bitch, say that to my face!"

"You queer! Move out of my way!" wailed a whiny tall girl to a lanky boy sporting a tiara in front of her.

"Do you really think you can pull that off?" scoffed a senior with flowing golden hair, "As if, hit the road cross dresser!"

And that was all it took.

The crowd of adoring teens that merely shared one thing in common, their love for the red-headed bishie, became an angry, screaming and kicking mob, pulling each other's hair and proceeding to punch whomever they could get their hands on.

Kurama took one last and final step back before taking off, running as fast as he could.

…………………………

"Hey, Keiko do you hear that?"

The brunette paused and slowly turned to face the spirit detective, sporting a curious yet puzzled expression. Yusuke couldn't help but think it was cute. She arched a delicate eyebrow at him, and then looked in the direction he was gazing, eyes darting around. The sound of a distant voice steadily coming closer was heard, filling the air. If Keiko didn't know any better she could've sworn it was…

"Yusuke do you think it's-" The puzzled teen girl's words trailed off as a familiar person came into her sight. She blinked then realized indeed it was him and a genuine smile bloomed on her features. She was about to greet him but then realized something was wrong and refrained from waving.

The kitsune's long crimson hair flowed behind him as he ran. He was panting, visibly breathing deeply, his cheeks flushed slightly from exertion. He looked almost out of breath the young girl decided, not taking her eyes away from him. Keiko frowned slightly upon seeing the look of desperation and slight panic marring the fox's usually calm and collected features. Kurama's luminescent jade orbs shined with dread and a flickered with alarm as he gazed at her. For what reason did Kurama have to be alarmed and frightened Keiko thought.

"Hey…Kurama what's going on?" inquired a confused Yusuke, scratching his head. He wasn't used to seeing his team mate in such a state.

"Kurama-kun?"

When Keiko saw the mobs of screaming fan girls stampeding after him, pushing over booths and displays as they went, desperately reaching out for him she gasped and took a step back. Screams pierced the air as people moved and ran out of the way of the mob of fan girls.

"What the hell!" screeched an overwhelmed Yusuke as he gaped at the rabid girls chasing Kurama.

"Kurama…?"

"Keiko, Yusuke, run!"

Keiko was snapped out of her daze and allowed the kitsune to grab her hand and drag her along once again.

…………………………

It was the end of a long day.

Keiko wanted to go to bed. The brunette sighed as she lay on her side on her soft comfy bed, clutching a lumpy pillow to her chest. Her brown hair was still moist from the shower she had taken just earlier, the coffee colored locks clinging to the skin of her shoulders. The young girl could feel her eyes drifting shut as she rested there in silence. They were getting heavier and heavier every second.

Kurama and Yusuke were downstairs talking. About what Keiko could only guess. Quite frankly she didn't really care, for she was too tired to.

The brunette sighed quietly.

They had run what had seemed a thousand miles to Keiko's house to escape the evil girls that made up Kurama's fan club. They had been so determined to catch the red-head, but eventually they'd all retreated once they'd reached a block prior to the brunette's house. Poor Kurama. He had worked so hard to arrange the festival, and only for those obnoxious fan girls to ruin it. But of course she knew that was the least of his worries now.

Keiko's eyelids drooped and drowsiness seized her. She was about to fall asleep when a foreign, yet cheerful voice pierced the air.

"Going to sleep? It's too early, why it's only 7:00!"

Keiko blinked.

She rubbed her eyes and sat up. The brunette glanced around slowly as she realized the gravity of the situation. Someone, other than herself was in her room. Not Yusuke and certainly not Kurama. The voice had been too bubbly and feminine to belong to either of them. A wave of confusion washed over her. Keiko's mahogany eyes shined with utter perplexity as she looked around her seemingly empty room.

Was she going crazy?

Had she simply imagined it?

Keiko could've sworn she'd heard a voice…yet she saw no one.

A melodic giggle filled the room. Keiko wondered if she was simply imagining it.

"Hey, I'm up here!" a jubilant, girlish voice cried. Keiko gasped and looked upwards towards the ceiling. She nearly fainted. There, up above the bewildered brunette was a girl who looked no older than herself, smiling brightly down at her. Except, this girl was floating on an oar. Floating. As in hovering above the ground. On an oar. Her large, pink orbs shimmered with merriment and mirth as she beamed down at Keiko from her perch on her oar. Keiko also noticed that the girl's silken hair was an odd color as well, a light blue, which complimented her pink eyes. The azure tresses were swept up into a high ponytail on top of her head. Her lithe form donned a traditional pink kimono. All in all, the girl was very odd to say the least.

Keiko simply gawked at her.

"Am I really that fascinating to look at?" the girl inquired, floating closer to the brunette. She smiled and extended her hand. "I'm Botan! Nice to meet you Keiko!"

Keiko gasped. The girl knew her name! What was going on? Who was this Botan person and why was she floating on an oar in her room? Was she a ghost? Was she going crazy, or was she simply dreaming? Keiko pinched herself, closing her eyes.

'Okay…I'm gonna count to three…then I'll wake up and know this is all just a silly dream my mind concocted as a result of lack of sleep. That's right…it's just a dream…when I wake up it'll be morning and I'll go downstairs and make pancakes and eggs…maybe even bacon. Okay, starting…now. 1…2…3!'

Keiko's eyes fluttered open. Much to her dismay the blue-haired girl was still there, except she was much, much closer to Keiko now, their noses almost touching, as the girl now identified as Botan stared back at her curiously.

"Whatcha doin?" she inquired, intrigued by Keiko's actions.

Keiko couldn't help it. Caught off guard, the brunette screamed.