A/n: has anyone got an idea how hard it is to make the plot? i really don't know anymore what should happen next, uh really. anyway, ocness ahead. don't worry this doesn't mean anything. it's still annaxyoh. please for those who wanted to suggest something then please do so ok?

Chapter 4: Accident

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The following day, I woke up to my not so fitfully slept bed and fixed myself a quick breakfast. I realized that was summer would be up soon. I should be preparing to go to school. The money given to me from Izumo is just enough so I can't afford any waste from it. Amidamaru hasn't returned yet. What is the matter with these people? They leave when you needed them most. At least, Amidamaru has the guts to say where he was going, unlike some people I know.

I got up from the chair and drank the last of my milk. I've got to find Manta today. The list of things that I need for school was with him. Maybe he could help me find it too. I looked at my casual attire; white shirt, pants and sneakers. No need to dress for anything. I supposed he was at home so I headed for that direction.

"Manta?" I knocked on their door. It seems quiet at this hour.

"Coming!" The door opened and Manta appeared in a blue polo and pants. "Yoh! What brought you here?" He ushered for me to come inside his empty house.

We sat on one of their couches. "Manta, you have the list for our school supplies right?" He nodded. "Can you come with me? I wanted to start shopping for those things."

Mantas eyes brightened over the prospect and stood. "Of course! Just wait for me here okay? I'll get the list." He ran upstairs to his room where he retrieved the list over messy books and sheets.

"You seem a little excited Yoh." Manta gazed up on me with the lists on his hands.

"Yeah, I guess so. I'm getting bored."

"Okay so... where is our first stop?"

"Books first."

"Okay let's go!"

We went to a bookstore and purchased five books. Mostly were the major subjects. I planned to buy the less important things some other time. Well, searching for books is damn hard, considering the large shelfs here and thousands of books with a million authors. You're lucky enough to find at least half of your list. The place is overcrowded too, making it hot inside-out.

"Yoh, how about this? I'm sure you will need this." Manta pointed to a nearby bookshelf.

"Can you look at the author of this book? See if it matches this on the list."

We finished shopping for the books and refreshed ourselves by drinking lemonades. We roamed and the search goes on for books and other supplies, competing with other people rushing forward to avail the best products. We have to get double for everything since Manta and I are in the same level. Once, we have to sidestep a bag of goods scattered on the ground or we would have slipped. I just wish they would be more careful. It was already late when we decided to go home, the sun already setting.

Manta followed me as we trotted along the busy streets, people going home from work. I noticed a familiar figure at the other side of the street waving at me. I squinted to see better as the figure drew nearer. It's Aya, the girl I met yesterday. I smiled and waved back in return as she continued to walk purposely to the pedestrian line, towards me.

Instincts tell me something bad was going to happen. Sure enough, a few kilometers away, a car was speeding fast towards Aya, as she continued to walk the street. She's not going to make it on time to avoid an accident since the car obviously has no breaks. Tire screeched, revealing the only warning that Aya took notice of and in shock, stopped smack right in the middle of the road.

"Aya!" I shouted and made a leapt for her, dropping all the plastic bags that I have in hand.

"Yoh, no!" Manta shouted behind me. The car was getting closer minute by minute. The wild noise of the tires was getting louder.

Aya's hands covered her face in a terrified scream. I grabbed her by the waist and leapt again away from the road. We landed on a prairie and rolled down on the slope. We would both be injured if we landed on hard ground. My arms were still wrapped around her and her head was still on my chest. I was breathing hard and my eyes were wide. The girl in my arms didn't cry or sobbed, just leaned on me. I wondered if she's okay, conscious or not. I recovered first and loosened my grip on her. I looked at her. Her eyes were closed and her hands rolled into fists on her chest.

"Aya? Daijoubu?" I asked beside her. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at me, near to tears.

"H-hai..." She sat up slowly, wincing a little. "Are you hurt?"

I looked at my scraped arms. "No, a few scratches, It would heal in time." I smiled at her reassuringly.

"G-gomen Yoh. It was my fault. I was careless. I'm sorry." She lowered her head to her drawn up knees and began to cry silently.

"Iie, accidents happen. You can't stop them. Just be thankful I was here." I offered my hand and helped her stand-up.

"Thanks."

We found the car head to head with a light post, horns blaring. Manta was still on the other side, looking worried and terrified at the same time. He retrieved the books I left lying there and arranged it to neat bundles.

"Yoh! Are you okay?" He looked at me up and down. "I'm glad you're ok--Anna!" He stopped abruptly as he noticed Aya beside me, staring at the ground a little bit dizzy. She tilted her head upward a little to give recognition but paid no mind to answer.

"No, Manta please. She's not Anna. I'll explain things later."

"Are you sure you're okay?" I asked for the hundredth time as I watched her swaying precariously beside me. I was still a little worried about the accident, that it may have brought her a serious injury on the head.

"Hai." She touched her head gently as she closed her eyes. "I am alright. You don't have to worry about me..." Suddenly she fell forward. I was quick to take her in my arms before she hit the hard ground. She was already unconscious and I am already beginning to feel anxious.

Manta rushed to my side and carried the books. "Please, just carry her. I can manage with this." I lifted Aya in my arms, her arms dangling lifelessly at her sides. I caught the faint scent of raspberry; must be her perfume.

"Where should we bring her?" Manta asked me.

"I'll bring her at home. I don't know where she lives and that can further bring problems."

"Okay."

I carried her to my house and laid her on the bed. I laid a damp clothe on her forehead and left her alone to rest.

"I am worried. She might have fractured her head." I told Manta a little later.

"Please, don't worry too much okay? It's gonna be fine. I left your books on the table."

"Hai. domo." I rubbed my eyes with my index finger and a thumb.

"Yoh, who is she?"

"Aya. I met her when I was strolling through town with Horo Horo. I accidently bumped against her. We became friends. But I haven't seen her until now."

"Whoa...She really looks like Anna."

"Yes. At first I thought she was Anna and that kinda freaked me out." I lay back on the chair. I feel very tired and sleepy.

"You look exhausted." Manta told me as if he could read my mind. "I better go home. You rest okay?"

Manta left me and headed for home. I was not aware that I have fallen asleep on the couch with Aya in Anna's room.

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A/n: revised as of 03/26/2007