Rain: Welcome to 2012, peeps! Unfortunately I can't make a new story yet due to someone's challenge… *glares at Amaya*

Amaya: Hm, I didn't tell you to obey. I just said you're chicken to accept my challenge.

Umeki: It's technically Rain's fault since she gets provoked easily.

Emi: And so Rain will be publishing a new story in the next few weeks or so :D

Disclaimer: Rain does not own Inazuma Eleven or any of its characters. She only owns Emi and the very cliché plot.

Arriving to my room, I quickly closed the door and sat on the floor. I curled up into a ball, thinking of the things I have told Gouenji. I felt a pit in my stomach… Was I feeling guilty over the things I've said? If yes, then why feel guilty telling someone who's still somewhat a stranger? No, I need to snap out of it!

Then the sound of someone knocking at the door startled me.

"Emi, open the door!" I heard Linda say from outside the room.

I opened the door and saw a worried look written on her face. I looked at her, perplexed of what she may say to me.

She asked, "Are you alright? I saw you running and…"

"Oh, I'm sorry." I smiled, "I was really tired from school that I was sort of in a hurry to go back and rest."

I wasn't sure if that lame excuse of mine would be bought at first but it seemed to work on Linda. She took a seat on the visitor's chair as I sat on my hospital bed.

She arched a brow, "Well? Tell me about your first day. You promised me you'd tell me about it once you arrive~!

I took a deep breath, "Hmm… well, to find out, the school I'm attending is the school you're studying in, Raimon Junior High. I met a few people like Natsumi-san, Endou-kun… Then I have this classmate by the name Gouenji-"

"Wait, wait, wait, YOU'RE CLASSMATES WITH GOUENJI? That means we're classmates! The doctor said once I'm discharged, I can go back to studying in Raimon."

Linda cheered as my jaw dropped slightly; knowing this, felt amazing and yet very strange… Linda then started ranting about Tyler, one of the doctors here who love to joke around a lot. I laughed hearing about one of his antics that nearly got Linda hurt. The price of laughing got me a light smack on the head with my own pillow…

The evening seemed to be a starless night; the clouds somehow blocked most of the view of the abundant sky's beauty. Despite that, I still looked out my window. It was already eleven but the Brightside was tomorrow's going to be a holiday; it's the emperor's birthday so…

"Emi-chan, you should be sleeping!" Angie, the nurse who keeps an eye on me scolded.

I don't blame her; she speaks the truth and acts like an older sibling to me. But sometimes she tends to nag a lot that it's real tempting to disobey…

I pouted, "But there's no school!"

"You have a curfew; besides you're ill." Angie said sternly.

"Eh…"

Well, it's either I obey her or face her wrath so I decided to quickly go to my bed. I lied down and began to question what can happen tomorrow.

As much as he dreaded to do this, he decided to drop by the hospital today since he still had some spare time in his hands before soccer training. Gouenji walked the halls of Inazuma General Hospital as he tried to recall where his father's office was.

He heard a girl shout, "Linda! There's a shortcut here you know!" The girl said as she walked towards his direction.

To find out, that girl wasn't any average patient but his new classmate. Seeing each other, both seemed as if they froze on the spot. An apprehensive atmosphere surrounded them.

"Um," The two hesitated.

Emi gave a small smile, "Gouenji-kun, what a surprise…"

The teen nodded for he didn't know how else to reply. The same feeling was happening to him yet again from the other day… He clenched his fists slightly feeling somewhat imprudent. Then another unexpected event took place...

His father approached them and looked at the lavender-haired girl, "Emi-chan, you're not supposed to be loitering around this early. I heard from Nurse Thompson that you were still awake around eleven last night."

Emi replied, "Uh, I'm sorry, doctor…"

So his father knew Emi after all… The girl sighed and began to walk away from them.

"So what brings you here?" He questioned.

Gouenji knew what was revolving in his dad's head right now. It was unusual for him to be around the hospital for he never really liked the place. He was expected to follow his father's footsteps but he didn't; medicine wasn't in his peak of interests.

"It's about the girl a while ago," The teen replied, "The other day, she started attending classes in Raimon. She's diagnosed with something, right?"

The doctor nodded, "According to a lot of doctors and her records, she's been confined here for quite a long time. She's taken examinations since she was three but it's hard to tell what the cause of her disease is… All we know is she's suffering a terminal genetic disorder. Emi's just lucky to have made it this far despite her state."

So there was no telling what can happen to her, is there? Gouenji thought. And all thanks to her, it may have enkindled his father's hope on him becoming a doctor…hopefully not.

"Arigatou, Otō-san." Gouenji bowed as he took his leave.

God, what a day! It felt strange enough I saw Gouenji in the hospital by coincidence but right now seemed much weirder. Another message from my parents to any doctor that's free is to walk me around town… I feel like a dog. Have I done anything wrong to deserve this? Dr. Kimishima, one of the doctors who research on my condition was the lucky one to monitor me. She's actually the best doctor around the hospital in my opinion. She's quite dedicated to her job and takes it way seriously but she's fun to talk to and spend time with; she isn't really like the other doctors.

She chuckled, "Thank god, we got out of there, didn't we?"

I nodded reluctantly. But I had to admit, I now prefer the air out of the sanatorium rather than the 'locked in' feeling I feel whenever I'm in my room or around the building. We passed by the town's riverbank to find a soccer field nearby. It was the first time I saw one with my very own eyes since I've only read about soccer in one book my tutor showed me.

"You wanna see them play?" Dr. Kimishima asked, "I don't mind since I've seen their plays once in a while. They're actually skilled players."

She grabbed my wrist and guided me towards an adequate range to observe.

"Kimishima-san," I saw Endou run towards us, "Nice to see you again!" He then caught sight of me as well, "Oh hey, Emi!" He grinned.

"Sorry to disrupt your practice." Dr. Kimishima smiled, "So I see you've met Emi. Has she met the others?"

"Eh… Unfortunately, the only ones here are Kidou, Someoka, Fubuki, Handa, Kurimatsu and Gouenji."

Hearing the name Gouenji, I froze. This day will not end up well for me, will it?

"Sheesh, and I thought I saw a complete team. Maybe I need glasses..." Dr. Kimishima sighed, "Oh well… Emi, are you feeling alright?"

I stuttered, "Y-yeah…"

I felt an intense stare focused on me; I looked at the direction where I felt it and saw Gouenji with a fixed gaze upon me. I looked at him as well as I felt my face start to burn slightly. Just what exactly am I feeling right now?

Rain: I'll post the continuation as soon as I can which is hopefully tomorrow or before January 4. So cross your fingers? Teehee~

Emi: Don't forget to leave a review?