3. Chapter 3: Illusion

Chapter 3: Illusion

I stumbled down the road to school. I stayed up the whole night watching out for that demon. I was expecting it to return and try to torment me again. It never did. I lost the whole night's rest because of that. It seems that Hinamizawa never wanted me to get any sleep when something out of the ordinary happens. It was the most annoying thing in the world, trust me.

I was walking down the road with Rena. She came to pick me up, since I didn't show up at our usual meeting spot. I greeted her in my pajamas because I was so out of it. She questioned my baggy eyes and the bruises on my arms, but I dismissed them as soon as she brought them up. I quickly threw on my clothes and left my home with her by my side. She even had to support me a little since I was so beat.

"Keiichi-kun?" She asked me, as we were getting closer to Mion's meeting spot. "Shouldn't you stay home today? You really look awful!"

"I can go." I yawned loudly. "I'll be fine. I was planning on sleeping in class today so don't worry about me. Haha."

Rena frowned at me. "You sure? I really don't think this is a good idea."

"I'll be fine."

It was quiet for a little while. Rena looked around her, uncomfortable with the silence. I heard her mumble. She was trying to ask me something. The words just wouldn't come out. After a bit, she finally spat it out.

"Um, Keiichi-kun? How was your supper last night? Rika-chan helped Satoko make it for you, correct?"

Rika. No matter where I went or what I was doing, her name kept popping up. I was thinking about her behavior last night. I thought about the possibility of anybody else knowing about these violent mood swings. Maybe Rena did. I didn't want to ask, since Rena might ask Rika what the deal was, but I didn't have any other choice. I had to know. I thought I could trust Rena. She never betrayed me before. I had to believe in her to ease my worries.

"Hey, Rena." I ignored her inquiry and stopped walking. "Has Rika been acting weird around you guys lately?"

"Hmm?" Rena turned to face me. She looked confused. "What do you mean?"

"Has she seemed a little off to you? You know, like angry?"

"Angry?" Rena looked at me with her head tilted. "Has Rika been angry lately? I don't know."

She didn't know? That couldn't have been true. She had to know something.

"I haven't seen Rika get mad at all lately!" She continued.

"Are you sure?" I looked her square in the eye.

"I'm positive! Is there something wrong between you and her?"

I kept my mouth closed as I thought for a moment. "You're lying."

Rena was taken aback by my accusation.

"I-I'm not lying, Keiichi-kun!"

"You're lying right now, aren't you? You have to know something about her." I was getting frustrated with each answer she gave me.

"I honestly don't know anything!" Rena shook her head furiously.

I stared at her for a solid minute. I knew she was lying. She was hiding something alright.

"Rena," I approached her. I looked into her eyes with a menacing leer. I wasn't going to beat around the bush anymore. "Tell me right now."

Rena averted her eyes. She held her knuckles up to her lips and appeared to be in thought. "Well "

"Well what?" I raised my voice a tad by accident.

Rena jumped. "I-I-I might have an idea Rika-chan has been looking at you a lot recently. She's been watching you. I've noticed."

She's been watching me? Spying on me?

"I didn't want to say anything, because I think Rika should be the one to tell you if this was the case but I think she likes Keiichi-kun."

I stood there with my mouth open. That's it? That was the big secret she was hiding from me?

Rena suddenly smiled at me. "I think it's cute! Rika-chan likes Keiichi-kun! That's why she's been looking at you so much, I think! It's adowable! Hauuuu!" Rena blushed and fidgeted about.

"She likes me?" It didn't register at all.

Rena nodded. "It makes sense when you think about it! She watches you constantly and gets a little sad when she sees you with Shii-chan! Rena understands it perfectly!"

"Huh? She's gets sad when I'm with Shion?"

"Uh-huh! I saw her get a little sad when she joined your team for the water gun deathmatch! When she was talking to you yesterday at the water fountain, Rika was watching you again. I noticed her when we were eating. She looked very sad when you were with her." Rena smiled much wider. "Rika-chan is jealous! Hauuuuuuu! So adowable!"

I shook my head lightly. I knew that definitely wasn't the case. Rika didn't like me like that. That wouldn't cause her to nearly strangle me, dislocate my shoulders, and beat me! There was something lying beneath the surface. Rika said she had been seeing me die many times, and that Shion is dangerous and that she'll kill me if I got too close. Her words were so cryptic. I didn't understand anything. If there was anybody I shouldn't have gotten close then, it was Rika. She was the one being unstable! Not Shion!

"I see " I muttered."

"We really should get going, Keiichi-kun!" She kept smiling. "We don't want to be late!"

"Rena?" I blurted out. "Promise me something: don't tell Rika I asked you about her, okay?"

Rena tilted her head again. A moment later she nodded. "Oh, I understand! You don't want Rika-chan to worry about you or give her the wrong idea! Rena understands! I don't want anybody's feelings to get hurt either!"

"Yeah something like that " She was totally off, but at least she promised. That was good enough for me.

"Yo, Kei-chan, Rena!" Mion waved at us when we reached her waiting spot. When she joined our troupe, she looked at me queerly. "Jeez! What happened to you?"

"Couldn't get any sleep nightmares."

"Uh-huh...man, look at those bags under your eyes! Looks like Kei-chan needs a little wakeup call!"

Mion dashed behind me and smacked my behind hard.

I jumped and yelped.

"Ahaha! Kei-chan, you sure do have a nice ass!"

"Damn you, Mion!"

"Whatsa matter, wittle boy? You getting embawassed when a girl touches you!" She stuck her chest out at me. "Or is that you're just in awe by the way this old man grows?"

Rena blushed at that comment. She twiddled her thumbs and gazed at the ground.

"That's it!" I stuck my hands out forward and twitched my fingers. "C'mere, Mion!"

"Ahaha! Catch me if you can!"

Mion sprinted ahead toward the school with me tailing her. Rena brought up the rear, blushing uncontrollably at us.

We made it to the classroom soon enough. I was hit by Satoko's eraser and trap-wire combo again. I should have been expecting it, but my weariness lessened my senses. Satoko won this round, but the next time she wouldn't be so lucky!

Chie-sensei didn't catch me sleeping for the lecture, thankfully. I slept blissfully and silently. I felt much better than I did that morning. I had dreams of creampuffs, cakes, and the girls in Angel Mort swimming through my head. The ultimate combination of sweets the world has to offer was right before my eyes! Yet, it was only in my dreams. When I woke up for lunch, I got depressed. Dreams always end when they get to the best part!

We pulled our desks together and began to eat our lunches. As we ate, I noticed something that I didn't see when I entered the classroom: Rika was absent. I felt happier seeing that she wasn't here today; I felt bad for thinking that way though, but at least I wouldn't have to worry about her until tomorrow. Satoko said she was home because she wasn't feeling very well. Rika blamed it on the piece of steak that she cooked herself last night.

I realized that I ate that steak too. I didn't get sick at all. Was she making that up so she can spy on me some more? I really hoped that that wasn't the case.

"So the guy drops my mail off today," Mion said as she gobbled her food down, "and my new game didn't come yet! I've been waiting two weeks for it!"

"What game is it?" Rena asked.

"It's some import from America. I read about it in a magazine at my uncle's store! It looks really neat!"

"I bet I could beat Keiichi-san at it!" Satoko barked.

"Kei-chan's on his losing streak again, so I wouldn't doubt it!"

"Do you get pleasure out of this, Mion?" I frowned at her.

Mion walked over to me and put her arm around my shoulder. "I'm just kidding with you, Kei-chan! Yeesh! I didn't think boys could be so sensitive!" She looked at me with her devilish grin. "Or are you a special kind of boy?"

"W-What do you mean?"

"Hehehe! He does seem like a special kind, don't you think, Rena?"

Rena's eyes shut tightly and her face became red like a cherry again. "Hauuuuu Keiichi-kun is a special kind "

"I think so, Mion-san!" Satoko revealed her vampire fang to me. "He wears girl's swimsuits and maid's outfits a lot! So that explains it!"

"You force me to where those if I lose a game!" I threw Mion's arm off of me.

"Oh, Kei-chan," Mion crossed her arms. "In denial, I see!"

"I'm not in denial of anything, dammit!"

Satoko laughed. "Don't feel bad, Keiichi-san! I'm sure Nee-nee has your back! Oh! In speaking of her, she wanted me to tell you something when Mion-san was in the room with you!"

"What is it?" I asked. Mion raised her brow suspiciously.

"She told me to tell you that when you take her out tonight, she wants you to 'go easy' on her! Whatever that means!"

Mion's face morphed into a scowl. "W-W-What was that?"

Rena fell onto the floor, with blood shooting out of her nose. She squirmed around on the floor. "HAAAUUUUU!"

I blushed as much as Rena did! Why the hell would Shion say something like that?

Mion leered at me. "What's this about you going out with Shion? You two are going on a date?" Her voice was full of rage.

"She's making me do it " I tried to be brave, but the vein in Mion's head pulsed harder! She looked like she was going to lynch me!

"S-She's trying to steal you away from the c-club! S-She can't do that!" She pounded her fists on her desk. "She's trying to dirty you!"

I don't know about that! Just the thought sent tingles up my back. I sat back down in my seat with my hands on lap. I was so embarrassed!

"Hey!" Satoko interrupted. "What does she mean by 'going easy' on her? I don't get it!"

Rena was still squirming on the floor, "hauuu" more and more.

Mion covered Satoko's mouth. "That's no kind of language to be using! Don't you listen to her!"

"But I don't get it!"

"Don't say another word!" Mion shot a look back at me. "Call it off, Kei-chan! I won't stand for this! You need to tell her to beat it or I'll kill her myself!"

I didn't look up. My eyes were focused on my hands.

"Look at me! Look-at-me!" Mion grabbed my collar and shoved her face into mine. "You better call this off! I will not have the newest member of my club soiled, do you get me!"

"Hey, Mion-san?" Satoko now had her own look of suspicion. "Why do you care so much about Keiichi-san? What does it matter to you if he goes on a date?"

Mion released me and stammered. "I-um-well-you see-um ah .er .I-I am the club's president and I-I won't let my members take part in such cruel and unusual punishments!"

"You're one to talk!" I yelled at her.

"Shut up, Kei-chan! I'm trying to make a point here! Shion's evil deeds will not harm the well being of my club members! I won't allow it!"

Satoko looked dismayed at Mion. "Nee-nee's not evil! She's weird sometimes around Keiichi-san, yeah, but she's not evil!"

"What else has she told you?" Mion turned her anger to Satoko. "Did she tell you to say anything else?"

Satoko thought for a moment. "There was something else. She did say that she knows how to make Keiichi-san 'happy '"

Mion's fists were vibrating because she clenched them so tightly.

Rena continued rolling around on the floor.

I was trying to resist the urge jump out of the window and run away. All of the kids in class were looking at us.

"I'LL KILL HER!" Mion screamed at the top of her lungs.

"What is going on in here?" Chie-sensei yelled as she opened the door to the classroom.

"Oh! Sensei!" Satoko ran up to her. "What does it mean to 'go easy on-'"

"Don't say it!" Mion covered her mouth again and dragged her back to her seat.

After school, I decided to go home and change. We didn't have a club activity today since Rika was absent. Rena walked with me part of the way home, but then she went off to the junkyard to go treasure hunting. Satoko went home to see how Rika was feeling. She had the night off from cooking for me, as Shion gave her my "permission." Mion didn't talk to me nor did she say anything to Rena and Satoko. She waved goodbye to us and stomped off. I felt a little guilty for being partially responsible for the mood she was in, but I didn't really have a choice but to go on this so called date.

I was actually looking forward to being with Shion though. I'd be hanging out with a friend and I could make sure that she was alright. Everything was going to work out just fine. I would make sure of it.

When I got home, I ate a quick snack and changed into my regular clothes. I got on my bike and rode along the road to Okinomiya. The sun was shining brightly and there was a nice cool breeze blowing. It reassured me that everything was going to be fine.

I saw a car coming down the road I was riding on. I moved over to the side to give it enough room to go by me. It stopped before I even got closed to it. I got a better look at the car. It was a police car from Okinomiya. What was a police car doing here?

"Hey, Maebara-san!" The driver called out to me.

I stopped my bike next to the driver's side. Akasaka-san was smiling at me. "Akasaka-san! I haven't seen you in a while! How are you? How's the new job in Okinomiya?"

"It's been great so far, thanks!" Akasaka rubbed the back of his neck as he got out of the car to see me. "How's everybody going today?"

"Everybody's fine, but Rika-chan was out sick today."

"Really? Then it's a good thing I decided to visit the village today!" He laughed a little. "I was going to pay her a visit today anyway! How're your parents?"

"They're well! They're out of town all week so I got the house to myself!"

"Lucky guy! Haha!"

I cracked a small smile at him. I noticed there was another man in the car. I didn't get a good look at him, but I assumed he must be with Akasaka. "Um, who's your friend in the car? A criminal you're going to take in?"

"Haha! No, actually! This is another cop from the precinct. He hasn't been to Hinamizawa at all since he transferred here. I'm sorry I didn't introduce him yet!" Akasaka turned his head to the man in the car. Before he could say anything, the man stepped out of the passenger seat.

The man appeared to be in his early thirties. He wore a black suit, black shoes, a black shirt, and a red tie. He was similar to Akasaka's build and height. The man had a hand in his pocket while his other hand held a handkerchief; he was wiping his forehead with it. He wore a gold ring on his left ring finger. His hair was dark brown and it went to his shoulders. His eyes were dark brown as well. He was good looking and had this certain aura around him. He looked different from the other cops I've seen in Okinomiya.

"Hey there," he said, very friendly. "I'm Hanzaemon Takuma!" He bowed to me. "Please to meet you!"

"You too." I couldn't help but stare at his attire. "Doesn't it get hot in that thing?"

"Haha! Yeah, it does!" Hanzaemon wiped his forehead again with his handkerchief. "Sempai, you didn't tell me it was going to be _this_ hot here!"

"Well, it is the summer, Takuma." Akasaka smiled at him lightly.

"Well, this is the last time I wear my suit here! It's too hot even with that nice breeze!" Hanzaemon laughed. He looked back at me. "Maebara-san, right? Are you by any chance the son of the artist Maebara?"

I nodded. "I am."

"I absolutely love your father's paintings!" Hanzaemon walked up to me. He was smiling brightly. "Do you think you get his autograph for me? If you did, I would appreciate it very much!"

"Uh," I scratched my head and chuckled a little. "I guess I could ask him for you."

"Thanks a lot! You're a great kid!" Hanzaemon looked back to Akasaka. "So, Sempai, where were we headed to again?"

"I want to stop by the house of a very good friend of mine for a quick visit. After that, we should see the village leader."

"I get you. Don't want to keep him waiting!"

"Did something happen?" I suddenly asked.

"Oh, no," Akasaka said. "Police officers usually check in with the leader every now and then to see how everything's going. It's nothing serious, don't worry!" He opened the driver side door of his car. "We really should get going. You must have plans you need to take care of too!"

"Okay! It was great seeing you again, Akasaka-san!" I turned to Hanzaemon. "It was great meeting you too, Hanzaemon-san!"

"Likewise! Have a good one, Maebara-san! I hope we run into each other again soon!" Hanzaemon shook my hand and returned the passenger side of the vehicle.

They drove off toward the village leader's house as I headed to Okinomiya. I never saw Hanzaemon before, even in Okinomiya. Akasaka said he never visited Hinamizawa. This reminded me of when I first came to the village. This man didn't know where anything was and the only friend he had was Akasaka, much like it was with me and Rena until I met Mion, Satoko and Rika.

He was definitely not from around the area, I could tell by his clothes and his accent. He must have come from a city like Tokyo, same as me. He underestimated the weather here by wearing that suit. I felt bad for the man for making such a silly mistake. Akasaka was a great cop, so he would certainly show the new guy the ropes. He appeared to be Hanzaemon's mentor. He was lucky: he was married and he had a good teacher. Akasaka was a smart man and he knew how everything worked. I hoped to see Hanzaemon sometime soon.

I looked at my watch. It was already passed the time I wanted to arrive at Shion's apartment. "Gotta move it!"

Part B

I made it to Shion's apartment just before three o'clock. I chained my bike up at a bike rack and proceeded to the twirling staircase. I climbed all the way to the top floor. I found her door number. I was nervous at first, but this was just a friendly get-together. What did I have to be worried about? I supposed to be having fun now!

I knocked on the door.

I heard the door unlock. Shion stepped through the threshold, greeting me with a warm smile. Her smile was much more beautiful than usual. She looked very happy to see me.

"Kei-chan!" She gave me a quick hug. "Glad you didn't chicken out!"

"Why would I?"

"Satoko gave you the message, correct? Was Sis with you when she told you?"

I narrowed my eyes and grimaced. Mion was about ready to murder her sister.

"Yeah Mion was with me when Satoko said all that stuff "

Shion laughed and had her hand at her mouth. "Sis got mad, huh? I figured as much!"

"Why do you tease her so much?"

"We're sisters! We do that! It's how I show love for my sibling! Ahaha!"

Somehow I didn't believe that. She definitely got her kicks from making fun of people.

"Oh, come on! You have to admit it must have been pretty funny!"

I didn't answer at all. It wasn't funny one bit. It was frightening to see Mion so livid. She never got that mad over anything either. I'd hate to see what she would do if she got her hands on Shion.

"Oh, you're no fun!" Shion closed the door to her apartment and brushed me off. She walked right past me and headed for the staircase.

"H-Hey, Shion!" I chased after her.

She looked over her shoulder and stuck her tongue out at me. She was playing me again.

"Damn, why do you always do that?"

She giggled at me being so flustered. "Playing hard-to-get is more entertaining, right? It's no fun when it's that easy!"

"What're you talking about?"

She sighed and folded her hands behind her back. "Silly Kei-chan he's so clueless!"

We were walking down the sidewalk. I had my arms behind my head while she strolled along next to me. She was humming and smiling.

"So how was the ride over here?" Shion asked.

"Oh. It was fine. I ran into Akasaka, speaking of which."

"Yeah? How is he?"

"He's fine. He was visiting Hinamizawa with his partner today."

Shion looked at me. "Partner? Since when has he had a partner?"

"I dunno. I just met him today. His name is Hanzaemon Takuma. I've never seen him around before."

"Oh, I know him!" She said proudly.

"You do? Did you meet him before?"

"Nope! I never have! However, Sis told me all about him. The Sonozaki family looks into the background of each outsider that comes to the city and to the village! Sis was telling me the info on the latest newcomers!

"He used to be on the police force in Tokyo. He was there for a few years and then he was transferred over to the Okinomiya police station. He's been learning the area and getting tips from the citizens here and fellow officers ever since he got here! He knows most of the major figures here and he's just getting to know the regular villagers. From what the Sonozaki family gathered on him, he seems like a pretty nice guy!"

"So your family knows every outsider the moment they set foot in the village? That's really creepy!"

Shion winked at me. "Hey, you want another whackjob like that Takano lady? Since last month, my family has been checking the backgrounds of every single outsider that visits here! We all have to protect Hinamizawa!"

"You know, I completely forgot that you come from a yakuza family. It has its perks, huh, having friends in high places and all?" I laughed.

Shion laughed too. "Yep! So when we do know who's a bad guy we can torture and kill them whenever we feel like it!"

I stopped walking and just looked at her. She couldn't be serious.

Shion looked back at me and frowned again. "You seriously don't have a sense of humor, do you?"

I returned to her side and gave her another funny look. "You're a really weird girl, you know that?"

"Ahaha! That's what makes me so interesting!"

Without warning, Shion held me by the arm. She nestled it against her chest. My face got so hot from being nervous that steam was practically coming out of my ears! She ran her fingers up and down my skin and rested her head on my shoulder. I could smell her perfume. It reminded me of white plums. She smelled so delectable. Did she purposely do that to make me go crazy? Was she trying to tease me again?

"I know what Kei-chan likes," she purred as she pushed herself into my arm some more. My arm went limp and I let her do whatever she wanted to it. I was back in Heaven! "I told you that you weren't going to be disappointed "

I slowly nodded and stammered. Everything that came from my mouth was gibberish.

"I do just about anything to make Kei-chan happy " We stopped walking. She looked into my eyes and slowly brought her lips closer to mine. " Anything "

I closed my eyes and awaited her kiss. I could taste her breath. I couldn't wait anymore! This was it!

Shion pulled her face away from mine at the last second. She laughed. "Got you, Kei-chan! You're so easy to manipulate!"

I glowered at her. "You !"

She squeezed my arm against her body again. She continued to laugh.

Even though I was getting easily annoyed with her playful antics, I made the right choice coming here. She really was happy. I could see it in her smile, the way she held my arm, the way she presented herself around me. I didn't doubt her at all when I was with her. I enjoyed her company, I always did. I didn't think too much about her since the first day I met her, but Shion grew to be a whole different woman when I got to know her.

She was kind, caring, loving, and she protected her closest friends. She loved all of us and especially Satoko. She teased a lot, but I knew that she always held love behind every word she said. I misunderstood her when we first started to talk with each other. Shion grew closer to me, and I to her, thanks to Satoko. I'm glad we had the chance to do that. I'm glad we got to be with each other for the rest of the day. I enjoyed every second.

We visited various stores throughout Okinomiya. We entered toy stores, jewelry stores, and game stores. I didn't make any suggestions at all; she was the one leading me around. Even if we didn't really do anything, I was having fun just by being with her.

We came to a playground around early evening. There were no children around. We had the place all to ourselves. The sun was about to set and its beautiful light shone down on the merry-go-round and the swing set that was near us. Shion watched the swing set sway in the wind. I heard her sigh.

"Are you okay, Shion?"

"I'm fine." She smiled warmly at the swing set. "I remember seeing Satoshi-kun here one time."

I didn't respond. I knew how she was with him. I decided it was best if I stayed quiet. I led her over to a bench. We sat next to each other and looked at the setting sun.

"It's really pretty," she said lowly.

"Yeah, it's nice." I said with a small smile. "I don't think I ever got to see the sunset in Okinomiya."

"It's much more beautiful in Hinamizawa, but I still like seeing it set here too."

We were silent for a bit.

"How are you, Kei-chan? Are you feeling better than you did last night?"

"When you called me you mean? I guess so."

"Can you tell me what was bothering you? It had something to do with Rika, didn't it?" Her voice was low. She sounded sad for me.

" Kinda "

"Can you tell me though? I want to help you, Kei-chan." Her gorgeous jade eyes looked into me. She was hypnotizing me with their beauty.

I could trust Shion like I could with Rena. All she wanted to do was help me.

"Well it started the first night when you and Satoko cooked dinner for me."

I ended up telling her the story about Rika. I told her how she threatened me to stay away from her, because Shion was vulnerable and unstable, because she was dangerous. I also told she saw Shion flirt with me yesterday and how she beat me the second time she came by my house, when she was with Satoko. She didn't notice the bruises on my arms until now. I told her how Rika was out sick today too. I told her everything about Rika's odd behavior.

Shion gently rubbed my bruises with her hands when she turned to face me. "I'm sorry she's been doing this to you. I don't know what's gotten into her!"

"I told Rena too. She thinks she just jealous because she saw you with me before. Rena thinks she likes me."

"Maybe she does. I wouldn't know. Satoko never told me anything about her behavior at all. I guess she didn't notice it. That's really strange "

"I personally don't think Rika likes me. Something's up with her and I can't figure it out. She's like a whole different person! I just don't get it! Why does she think that way of you?"

Shion took my hand and held it. She looked at me with a reassuring smile. "I'll have Satoko figure this out. Everything will be fine! I promise you!"

"I don't want to get her involved. I think I'll figure this out myself."

"You've done enough. Let me see what I can do! I owe you one anyway!"

"Shion..." I shook my head and smiled back at her. "You're too much. Please know I never once thought ill about you. I know you're not dangerous. I trust you completely I hope you know that."

"I do," she winked at me, "but I appreciate you saying that!"

I blushed and turned my face away from her. She was making me so bashful. She was being so cute right now. I lifted my free hand and placed it on her head. I rubbed it gently. When I saw what I was doing, I quickly jerked my hand back and put it to my side.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to do that! I-It's just a reflex, you know! I didn't mean anything by it!" Now I did it! She was going to yell at me for doing that! I knew it!

"Kei-chan?" she asked lowly. She lowered her head and moved closer to me. "You you can pet my head .that is if you want to "

I was dumbfounded. I could have sworn that she was going to go off on me. She only let Satoshi do that. Mion told me never to do that or else Shion would get angry. She was actually calm when I did that. I didn't understand. I reluctantly acquiesced and placed my hand back on her head. I rubbed it nice and gently.

I saw her face blush too. She placed her hands on top of mine as I rubbed her head. "I I really like this "

"I'm-I'm glad you do "

I continued to rub her head a little more.

When she was satisfied, she took my hands into hers. She wrapped them around her waist and she put her arms around my neck. I felt her stroke the hairs on the back of my neck; it was wonderful. I held her hips and couldn't help but run my fingers up and down them. She rested her chin on my shoulder. I could smell her perfume much better. The scent of white plums intoxicated me. This was too good to be true. I felt too good; I knew this had to be some kind of dream.

Shion traced all around my neck with her finger. I pulled her a little closer towards me. Our chests connected and she laid her head down on my shoulder. She fit so snuggly into me. I thought she had fallen asleep, but she was still wide awake. She was letting me do what I wanted. She trusted me.

I was breathing through my mouth. I was more nervous than I was when she held my arm before. I think she felt my breath touch the skin of her neck. She quivered a little in my arms. I think I heard a slight moan escape her lips.

She lifted her head and brought her face to my ear. Her lips brushed against my ear lobe. She kissed it. I even felt her nibble on it with her mouth. I was shivering now.

Did she know what she was doing? I think she was getting a little too wrapped up in this moment. She even kissed my neck. I felt her tongue slide across my skin a few times.

She was mumbling something. I couldn't hear it at first, but she kept repeating it. After a while, I understood her.

"My toshi I have shi I have my Satoshi finally he's come back to me "

"Shion?"

Shion kissed my cheek and pulled back to look at my eyes.

Her jade eyes still flashed in the beauty of the setting sun, but I couldn't find her pupils. Each eye was one large emerald. What happened to her? Why was she saying things like that?

"Shion? Are you okay?"

"I'm I'm fine " She purred to me. "As long as you're with me I'm fine "

I chuckled a little. "Are you screwing around with me again? I'm not falling for it this time!"

She kissed the corner of my mouth. She pressed her face into my neck. I felt her kiss it multiple times, each time more passionately than the last. "I would never do that to you "

"What're you saying? Knock it off! I know you're just teasing me again!"

"But don't you like this? I thought you would "

"I do-I mean ! I uh "

"You like this I know." She kissed my neck again. "You're enjoying it "

I gulped hard.

"I knew you would Satoshi-kun "

I cocked my head. "What did you say?"

"I've been waiting so long for this I've been waiting for you to return to me I've always been faithful to you. I'll never let you leave me again! I won't let anybody take you away from me!" She pressed into me harder.

"Shion! What's wrong with you?"

She looked up to me. Those blank emerald eyes looked into my soul. Her smile was so warm, yet it scared me. I honestly was scared of her. "I love you…so much…Satoshi…"