"I'm glad you all showed up today, even though it wasn't a requirement," Noriko-chan announces once all of the students sat down. "This Spring Festival will be great if I have all of your cooperation. It won't be easy, that's for sure, since we're working on a low budget, but we'll still have fun!"

I was sitting in the auditorium with Sae-chan and a couple of other students listening to Noriko-chan's little speech. It was the first day of rehearsal for the Spring Festival play and she was obviously excited to see her script acted out. I wasn't nearly as ecstatic as her, I can assure you. Everybody knows my feelings toward acting, so I shouldn't have to repeat myself. The only thing I'm looking forward to is the whole Pokemon Servants idea. Sae-chan was sitting next to me and almost bouncing up and down in her chair. She's always happy.

"Now," Noriko-chan continues, "I have most of the characters picked out, and I hope you all agree with my choices. There are plenty of townspeople in this play, so you'll surely all get a part. No worries about that."

"What if we don't want to be in it at all?" a boy asks.

"Then why did you bother to show up? Well, in that case, I'm sorry," Noriko-chan apologizes sarcastically. "There aren't any huge parts in this play, so it's not like you have to memorize a two-hundred page book."

"Noriko-chan is a sweetie," Sae-chan whispers to me. "But if you get her irritated, she can be like a dragon."

"I guess that means I can't bribe her into giving me a smaller part," I say.

"Nope, probably not," Sae-chan shakes her head.

I sigh.

"Anyways," Noriko-chan puts on a smile. "Kasumi-chan, I'd like you to play Mori no Otome."

A lot of people whispered between themselves and I just sat there, in some artificial shock. I knew that I was going to get the part, but actually hearing Noriko-chan assign it, it felt as if a rock was being dropped into my stomach. I could feel the lights shining on me now and a thousand pairs of eyes staring. The dreaded hoosegow that is also known as a stage.

"Uh, Hai," I stand up to let her know I heard her. "Arigatou gozaimasu…"

Noriko-chan giggles to herself. "You're perfect for the part. You have that mysterious aura about you that just screams Mori no Otome to me!"

Yup, she was a writer. They're all cracked up like that.

I sit back down and Sae-chan taps me on the shoulder.

"Are you still okay with this?" She asks.

"I'll be fine, as long as I stay concentrated on it," I reply. "It shouldn't be too bad, and I should try something new for once instead of staying in my little conservative shell."

"That's a nice way to look at it," Sae-chan says. "But I was sort of asking if you were okay about working with Satoshi-kun again. You know he's going to be assigned one of the other main roles in the play. Noriko-chan is determined."

I had forgotten about that. "Well, that should be fine. It'll be for school, so it's not like we have to meet outside of it to practice."

"I suppose you're right," Sae-chan nods. "Though, whenever I mention his name, you go pale. What happened that one day in the cemetery?"

It's been a little over a week since that happened. I feel a bit guilty not telling Sae-chan bout it, but you can't blame me! I couldn't tell her that I was to transform into a vampire in a matter of time. Nobody knows when it will be and I don't want to put her in danger. Then, maybe I should tell her. As a warning. End all friendships before I change, so none of them are at risk? At risk of what? Maybe I can be the first vampire who doesn't have to take blood. I'm a healthy person, I can eat more greens and take more vitamins. But still, something deep down inside me will yearn for blood, I know it. For that, I am afraid.

"Kasumi-chan?"

I shake my head. "Sorry, Sae-chan. I spaced out. Um, I'll tell you later. Just not now."

"Okay," Sae-chan says quietly.

The rest of the meeting went by remotely fast. Noriko-chan just had to assign the rest of the cast and crew. Sae-chan was to work in costumes since the ones we had access to were quite battered. To my disgust, Ryu was assigned as head of the lighting crew. I stuck out my tongue behind his back. He still made my blood boil. If he was jealous of me being friends with Satoshi, he could have just said something! However, if he wanted to be friends, he'd have to shape up a bit. Calling me some run-out-of-the-home slut. Mukatsuku!

Even though Noriko-chan was apparently indomitable to have Satoshi play one of her characters, he did not show up at the gathering. I wasn't totally surprised that he didn't. He wasn't a people person and was definitely not one to volunteer for school events. That part was obvious. I just wasn't sure if he'd accept the part when Noriko-chan asks him to play it. One part of me wants him to take the role. That way, we might be able to have more of a normal run-in relationship.

Yori shizen…hyoujun…

Plus, I get Pokemon Servants! Maybe this play won't be so bad after all.

*****

Winter has finally settled in. Nearly all the leaves have fallen off of the trees, the wind is as icy as a arctic water, and the sky is a dingy gray six days out of the week. Who knows if we'll get snow, but it wouldn't hurt. At least it would make the scenery more appealing than the dull, damp pavement. Every department store is starting to hang paper snowflakes and flashing lights, cheesy aluminum Christmas tress and adorable knit sweaters for your Pokemon.

One day in early December, Naoko-chan came up to me after school was out. She had this lonesome look on her face that reminded me of a lost kitten. I truly hadn't spoken with Naoko-chan for almost a month. Just having her be there made me feel this odd pull in my throat. I had missed her.

"Kasumi-chan," Naoko-chan smiles. "Are you busy tonight?"

"No, not at all," I reply.

"Would you mind going to the 'Jouki de Yume Noyou' with me?" She asks. "I already asked Sae-chan to go and she said she had to visit relatives."

"Sounds like fun," I say. "I haven't been there in a long time."

Naoko-chan hugs herself. "It will taste good with this colder weather."

"For sure!" I smile.

We start to walk together and don't say much. The only words that lingered where those of school, homework, and a little of family. I didn't have much to say on that part, seeing that both my parents vacation like Americans and my sisters have been out of the house for almost two years now. I naturally, for some reason, feel more comfortable around Sae-chan, but having Naoko-chan around again made me happy. It felt like we'd disowned each other over the past few weeks, letting one boy get in our way. We both knew that was the problem, but never discussed it. I have a strong intuition that that is why we're stopping by the café.

We enter Jouki de Yume Noyou and have a seat right by the window. This was the only café around that actually had wait-staff. A young girl came to our table and took our order, and was rather cheerful about it. I suppose the cafés are just getting into season now. I requested a caramel latte with some walnut biscotti while Naoko-chan got a soy latte with raspberry and almond syrup.

"I heard you're going to be in the play," Naoko-chan says.

"Yeah," I groan. "It's not like I absolutely wanted to. I sort of volunteered, but Nazumi-sensei backed it up too much."

Naoko-chan grins. "I would have volunteered myself, but I don't have a pretty face like all of the other girls."

"You're just fine, Naoko-chan," I say. "Plus, there are lots of parts in the play. Noriko-chan may need more people to fill them in. You know, townspeople and such."

"Doesn't sound too bad, but acting isn't really my thing," Naoko-chan replies. "Don't worry, though! I'll be there opening night to cheer you on."

I grimace slightly. "By all means, you can come see it, but the cheering isn't necessary."

"But you're one of the main roles, Kasumi-chan! Mori no Otome,"

"I never said I wanted to be some forest maiden," I sigh again.

The waitress comes to our table with two oversized cups. She sets one each in front of us and smiles with: Please enjoy. Naoko-chan and I both instinctively dip our fingers into the mountain of whipped cream on the top and lick it off. My biscotti starts to soften once I set it inside the piping hot latte. The smell coming from both of our cups was divine. The mixture of freshly ground coffee beans and naturally flavored syrup. I gently remove my biscotti and take a bite. It crumbles onto my tongue and the small amount of coffee it detained filled in the corners of my mouth. It all smelled and tasted so wonderful on this cold, dreary December afternoon.

"Kasumi-chan? There's something else I wanted to talk with you about," Naoko-chan says after a while.

I had expected this. "Go on,"

"Satoshi-kun," Naoko-chan begins. "I told him about a week and a half ago how I really felt about him. I'm sorry."

The only part I was taken aback by was the apology. "It's perfectly all right that you told him and everything, but why are you apologizing to me?"

"I knew that you felt the same way about him, and yet I tried to sneak in first," Naoko-chan says.

"Uh," I mumble, uncertain if I should be happy that she's giving me the green light or if I should try and persuade her that he was and still is hers for the taking. "Well, you had your eyes on him first, I just happen to pop into the scene later."

Such an odd way of admitting how I feel about Satoshi. I wasn't sure if this feeling was of shame or reticent glee. I should be hitting myself on the head. Naoko-chan was sitting there, staring into her raspberry-almond latte, looking lost for words. I didn't know what to say to her next and I had a feeling she wasn't going to reply to what I said earlier.

I clear my throat. "I should be apologizing, Naoko-chan, not you."

"Why?"

"We let a stupid man get in the way of our friendship. Granted, he is quite the looker,"

Naoko-chan giggles. "I'm sorry I got so mad at you when you came to school with that hickey."

"For the last time, it wasn't a hickey!" I groan.

Naoko-chan winks. "Whatever you say."

"I'll never get you nor Sae-chan to believe me," I take a sip of my latte, eyes drooping. Well, Sae-chan already knew what the mark on my neck was, but I don't think telling Naoko-chan the full truth right now was a good idea. She has a fragile mind at times.

"What ever happened between you and Ryu?" Naoko-chan asks softly, as if he was in the booth next to us.

I growl. "He's the biggest jerk! He was always trying to use that stupid mark on my neck as blackmail, making up stories of how I got it. Saying I was a slut…"

Naoko-chan shrugs. "Typical jealous man."

"You think he's jealous too? That's what Sae-chan said,"

Naoko-chan and I wither away the afternoon in 'Jouki de Yume Noyou', sipping our lattes until not a single drop remained on the bottom of our mugs, talking about things that were left untouched for a long time.

*****

"Kasumi-chan!!"

I was walking home after finishing my coffee at the café with Naoko-chan when I heard someone call my name. I turn around to see Noriko-chan running toward me, hand waving high above her head and long, brown hair bouncing against her back. I stop walking to let her catch up with me as well as catch her breath. She pulls out a thick packet of paper from her purse and hands it to me.

"Kasumi-chan, could you please drop this off at Satoshi-kun's house? I talked to Sae-chan and she said that you knew where he lived."

"I know where he lives, yeah," I reply as I look down at the packet. It was a copy of the script.

"I haven't been able to talk to him yet about his role, and I really hope he accepts! Would you help me bring him round?"

"Tokitsukeru?" I try and clarify.

Noriko-chan bobs her head vigorously. "Hai, Hai! Kikkari!"

"I'll give it a shot," I say, tucking the script under my arm.

"Thank you!" Noriko-chan flings her arms around my neck in a quick hug. "Well, I better be off. Ja'ne!"

"Ja'ne!" I call back to her as she runs off again.

Get Satoshi into the play, huh? This will either be very easy or very hard. The cemetery was on my home anyway, and with my luck, I'd be drawn in there anyway. I continue on my way and reach the old iron gate in no time. Unfortunately…

I enter the grim looking field of graves and realize that with all the trees missing their leaves, it looked half its size. You'd think it would be the other way around. I start heading toward the shrine, thinking Satoshi would be taking shelter in the colder weather. On my way, I noticed a dark spot on the stone path. It looked like a splash of dried blood. Was that…mine? My hand automatically went to touch the spot on my neck. The script falls to the ground, breaking my trance.

I lean down to pick it up as the door to the shrine slides open, revealing that shrouded black enigma known as Satoshi.

"What is it?" He asks, tone turning slightly cocky.

I straighten my body and hold out the script. "I was told to see you about the Spring Festival Play. The director, Noriko-chan, wants you to play a certain part."

"I rather not,"

"I didn't want to be in it either, but I had no choice," I say, hoping that if he saw he wasn't the only one roped into it, he might accept.

"What part would I be playing?" He asks.

"His name is Toushi, and he's just a villager," I say. "However, he's the second most important character. There aren't a whole lot of lines, but it's not like you'll never talk."

"I'll think about it," Satoshi sighs.

I start to ascend the steps of the shrine, still holding out the script. "Why don't you keep this copy so you can at least read through the part."

Satoshi reaches out to take it, but I fail to deliver. My head suddenly feels as if a hammer were pounding on it. I fall on one knee, drop the script to hold my head and papers fly everywhere. I couldn't hear. Satoshi kneeled down next to me and I could see his mouth moving, but no words were deciphered. It was so painful. My whole body started to shake and I was starting to feel some sort of release.

"What's wrong?" Satoshi's words could finally be heard.

"Zutsuu…," I manage. I heard myself moan grievingly.

Satoshi places one of his hands on my head, the other on my back and rubs slowly. He then stands and shouts, "Mother!"

Was he calling for her help or for her to stop as if she was the one creating this massive migraine?

"Mother! Stop this now!" Satoshi calls again.

I open my eyes slightly just in time to see the feet of Hanako standing in front of me, kimono just brushing the wooden landing. Everything was still blurry and I couldn't bring myself to lift my head, for fear of being sick all over the place.

"Nigenai abazure…," Hanako's voice shakes.

"Ofukuro…," Satoshi mutters. "Get away!"

Hanako vanishes and my headache slowly eases. I must have been holding my breath, for I exhaled loud and labored. Satoshi comes up from behind and helps me to my feet. He keeps one arm around my back and holds out his palm with the other. There was something in the center, small and round. It resembled a black licorice jelly bean.

"Here, taberu," Satoshi insists. "It may taste bitter, but it will help you recover quicker."

I take the pellet and put it in my mouth and chew slowly. It had a murky taste to it, thick and rich. With the texture of a rotten chickpea, it certainly was pungent to say the least, tingling my tongue and stinging my cheeks. The second I swallowed, a slight warm sensation spread from my stomach and through my body.

"Will you be okay?" Satoshi asks.

I nod. "I believe so."

Satoshi hands me a minute sack. "Here are some extras if you feel weak later on. Do you need me to walk you home?"

Was what happened that strange and threatening? "I'll be fine, thank you."

"Good," Satoshi pats me hard once on the back.

"The script," I say.

"I'll look over it, okay? You can tell your little writer friend it's being considered,"

I try to put on a smile. "Thanks, Satoshi-kun."

"You don't need to thank me,"

Satoshi goes back into his shrine and I turn to head home again. Slowly but surely, everything became clear again and my legs didn't stagger as much. Those little pills Satoshi gave me must have really helped. I look down at the little bag he gave me with extra. I couldn't help but wonder what they were. I felt a piece stuck between my gum and cheek, so I use my finger to wiggle it out. When I look at my finger out of bizarre interest, it was covered in a dark red liquid.

I open the bag and look down into a good dozen pellets, all screaming to me to eat them.

--------------------

Japanese Romanji Translations

----------------------

Hai - Yes

Arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you (formal version)

Mukatsuku - Pisses me off!/ Makes me so angry!

Yori shizen - More natural

Hyoujun - normal

Jouki de Yume Noyou - Steamy and Dreamy (cheesy name, I know)

Tokitsukeru - [to] persuade

Kikkari - exactly

Ja'ne - See you later

Zutsuu - headache

Nigenai abazure - unworthy bitch

Ofukuro - Mother (no surprise, eh? .. Anyways, it's another formal version)

Taberu - [to] eat