A long period of silence passed within that small hotel room, the stillness of the air hovering over the room's two occupants who were now sitting down on the couch before a large flat screen TV. The quiet now breaking as the device was turned on and the daily weather report came on screen, this due to force of habit rather than interest as to what was being shown at the moment. Genma sat close beside Okara as she set the remote on a small end table on her side of the couch, leaning close she rested her head against his shoulder, the Seifukai gave a small smile as he lightly draped his arm around her in return. Happy to see she was starting to feel better as he felt her relax against him, an enquiry began to enter Genma's thoughts, not wanting to make her feel uncomfortable again he considered it carefully before asking.

"Okara why didn't you try to contact me? I would have gladly come to get you." He asked as long distance travel could be quiet expensive without a Buddy Skill, also wanting to know what happened during the last year when communication between them suddenly cut off but decided against it for now.

"I'm sorry Gen, something came up." Okara replied, closing her eyes as an over dressed woman came on screen to gossip about the latest fashion trends.

"Okara, your professor has informed me that you have been lacking focus in your studies as of late." An older female voice spoke though the cell phone receiver, a mixture of concern and annoyance that set the listener's teeth on edge.

"Not happy in my work I guess." The young teen answered as she pushed her glasses up her nose, already starting to wish she hadn't answered this call.

"Not happy? You're attending one of the finest private schools in the country that has set you on the path to achieving your dreams, what have you to be unhappy about?" The older woman asked.

"I miss my friend Genma, I want to see him again." Okara answered, a statement that she would all too soon come to regret.

"You have friends here Okara, do they no longer matter to you?" The woman asked sceptically.

"I never said that!" Okara stated quickly, pushing her glasses up again as her amber eyes darted back and forth in agitation.

"Okara Kushi Ayane, you are no longer a child." The woman began as Okara rolled her eyes, the use her full name heralding the coming of what she called ''The Decree.''

"You are a young woman now, who's focus, had you forgotten, is on her future not on her past. Pining over some boy like a lovelorn starlet is not progress my dear, you've been through much in this past year I know but this is just another silly distraction. Concentrate on your school work, anything other than that is obsolete."

Okara sighed in frustration before hanging up the phone.

A news report live in in front of Aibo Academy's Amphitheatre pulled Okara out of her thoughts abruptly as a quiet regal looking blonde girl came on screen holding a fan in front of her face.

"For the safety of the players and the spectators we must repair the stadium." She said as the camera panned back to show the facility canvased off, work teams and vehicles littering the area. "What a silly question, I mean the Amanosuzu reputation is at stake here. We have the best in the business working around the clock to make sure everything is ready for tomorrows big showdown. It will be good as new, guaranteed."

"That's right!" Paruko chimed in as she hovered over head. "The ABC Cup Championship match is...uh should we really even call it that? Anyway the match to determine the strongest fighter will be held tomorrow at noon so I know I'll see you all there!"

"Repair the stadium?" Okara asked looking puzzled. "Did something happen Gen?"

"Let's just say that Sieger likes to make an entrance." Genma replied as he got up off the couch and gave a small stretch. After all this was over he planned on giving her a proper introduction to his old friend.

"I'll bet." She smirked with a raised eyebrow as she turned off the TV and stood up with him.

"So Kari, are you feeling hungry?" Genma asked as he gently rubbed her arm.

As if to answer his question Okara's stomach growled irritably, a brilliant crimson flushed her cheeks as she quickly held her hands over her mid section in embarrassment.

"I'll take that as a yes." Genma chuckled warmly. "How about we go have lunch? I know a nice outdoor cafe not far from here, my treat?"

"I'd love to." Okara smiled as she fetched her scarf and wrapped it around her shoulders, plucking her purse up off the bed she then followed Genma out of the hotel.

The sky was beautiful and clear as it always had been for the past week, the cool breeze that pushed the white clouds over head seem to brighten one's spirits even more. Okara looking around and taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the mid-day street, Genma feeling something wrapping around his fingers, looking down out of the corner of his eye he saw Okara's slender hand holding his. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as his friend eagerly pointing out how cute the miniaturized versions of the Buddy Monsters were as they travelled to and fro with their partners. That affection he had known since the days of his youth came to the fore front at full strength and when she looked up at him with those beautiful amber eyes, filled with kindness and a spark of childlike innocence, Genma's heart beat ever faster. The second chance he thought he'd never see was within his grasp but the moment, time and place had to be right. Even though a part of him was screaming in protest that he had waited five years too long for this, he was in love with her and that's all there was to it.

"It isn't enough to simply make a potentially life changing statement, both sides must be ready to hear it." Genma's logic spoke firmly, ending any further debate on the matter.

The sweet and sour scents of cooked food perfumed the air as the pair approached the Sweet Tea cafe, it's outdoor dining area was nearly full due to the noon hour lunch rush. Genma spotted an empty table beneath the shade of a tree near the left hand side, it wasn't too far off but far enough away from the other diners to give them some privacy to talk. Okara followed him through the sea of voices that drifted over her on the warm summer air to the table in question, Genma pulling out her chair first as she smiled and thanked him before settling down across from him.

"Some things never change." She thought fondly as a waitress weaved swiftly through tables like a rabbit being pursued by a fox towards the pair, a pen clutched between her teeth as she held her note pad and menus over her head.

"Welcome to the Sweet Tea Cafe!" The waitress said with a cheerful air, her pink pony tails on either side of her head bouncing in response to their owner's energy. "I am Kai and I'll be your server for today. What can I get you two to drink?"

"Just some green tea, thank you." Genma smiled as Okara agreed to some as well.

"Sufie, bring some tea to table 5!" Kai called loudly over her shoulder as she held her pen at the ready. "Anything on our menu caught your eye?"

"I'll have the miso soup for today." Genma replied handing her back the menu as Okara finished looking hers over.

"I just have some stir fried vegatbles." Okara smiled politely as Kai quickly jotted their orders down and hurried off. Moments later a beautiful blue dragon hovering on six feathered wings carrying a teapot in it's mouth floated gracefully over to their table, a blue helix chain wove itself around the creature's serpentine form as it took the tea cups hanging off of it's lower left third wing with it's mouth after setting down it's steaming hot cargo. Okara stared at the dragon who looked back at her with four glowing golden eyes, completely awestruck as it's form glittered like delicate diamonds in the sunlight.

"Oh Gen, what a pretty dragon." She said unable to resist admiring the enchanting monster.

"I'm more breath taking than pretty." The dragon said proudly in a voice telling of it's female gender.

"This is Wind Fairy Dragon Sufa." Genma said introducing them as he poured their tea. "She comes from Ancient World like Sieger and she's Kai's friend."

"So you know him too Sufa?" Okara asked the dragoness.

"Every Dragon Lord worth their salt knows of the great Duel Sieger my dear." Sufa began fondly as she coiled her long body loosely around the back of Okara's chair. "Out of all of us, only he has attained such grandeur. Brave and powerful, to see his skills on the battlefield is to bare witness to true art. I'm not worthy to be mentioned in the same breath as him, the great Sieger is living poetry."

"Sufie you're doing it again!" A familiar voice called out snapping the blushing dragoness back to reality.

"Oh sorry Kai, I just lost my head!" Sufa stammered a little, bowing respectfully to Genma and Okara before quickly flying off. Kai came with their orders, chuckling and shaking her head as she set them down on the table.

"Sorry about the wait, enjoy!" She said with a cheerful grin and a bow before hurrying off at an almost breakneck pace.

As Genma began on his soup he noticed Okara slowly fidgeting with the napkin by her left hand as she ate her vegetables, a trademark sign that something was troubling her still.

"Something the matter Kari?" He asked as she set her fork down and looked up at him, an expression of sadness crossed her face.

"Gen, I'm sorry I didn't try to get in touch with you when I easily could have. I never meant to hurt or make you worry, but I never forgot about you." The young girl sighed as she chased an evasive carrot around her plate, Genma reached out and placing a hand on hers, it's sudden warmth getting her attention.

"It's okay Kari, I know. I'm just happy to see you again." Genma said kindly as he drew back and continued to eat his lunch. "I hope your folks are doing well."

"They are but busy as always and are almost never home, but they do what they must and I love them no less for it." Okara replied as she dabbed her mouth with her napkin as their meal soon concluded and Sufa brought them their bill.

Okara offered to pay her half but Genma insisted this was on him so she left a nice tip instead as the pair left the cafe and continued their quiet afternoon walk together. Silence was all that passed between them as Okara looked up at her friend who walked with calm purpose, arms folded behind his back. He was so close and yet still felt distant, sad almost like a tree in late November with a far off look in his eyes.

"What did you expect?" Her strong sense of reason asked sharply. "He hasn't seen you in person in years and then you come back into his life unannounced before a major event, he more than likely has a lot on him mind, your presence compounding the fact."

Point taken, she hadn't thought about that as feelings of unrest began to well up in her chest as her fingers twisted the strap of her purse. As she grew older Okara slowly became very aware of her own developing feelings towards the young man walking beside her, how swiftly and strongly they were changing as they neared young adulthood. Her parents and relatives (over-eager-to-inform relatives much to her folks chagrin) that it was very normal for girls her age to develop crushes be it on the latest pop sensation or classmates, always told what was hormonal or honest until one disbelieved and sought their own answers.

"Remember Okara dear, there is only one thing boys his age think of when it comes to young vulnerable girls like you."

Her Aunt Yuki would always say and in a way that made Okara just wince, usually after a video chat or phone call with him. They meant well yes, but she just wished that they had a little more faith in her like her parents did. What she felt was real enough, she was sure of it but what of her companion? As a friend Okara knew he clearly cared about her, she knew him well or thought so until she witnessed him on the field of battle. A side of him as relentless as a raging tidal wave both exciting and terrifying in the same breath but became reserved as an oak in summer the next. Maybe he was happy with them just staying as friends or simply wasn't ready for a serious relationship so soon after they just...Okara frowned and shook her head. She was probably just over thinking this and was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice that Genma was leading them to a familiar place.

"We're here." He said jolting her out of her deep contemplation. "You remember this place Kari?"

Though the sign was starting to show wear from the elements Okara could still easily make out the words "Shio Nature Park", other than the picnic area getting clearly renovated since the last time she was there nothing had changed a bit.

"You bet I do Gen!"

Feeling a sudden burst of playful energy Okara took her friend's hand and pulled him over to the swings. Grinning Genma held the swing so she could sit down and started to gently push her back and forth, her feet wiggling in the air as she giggled in delight. The ride soon ended and Okara thought up a new game in the form of playing keep-away with Genma's hat, kicking off his geta and feeling the cool grass beneath his feet as he chased after her.

"Okay you little scamp hand it over!" Genma smirked as he made a grab for her wrist but Okara yanked away at the last minute and skipped off.

"Sorry slowpoke, you're going to have to be faster than that to catch me!" Okara laughed as she ran off down the walking trail through a small grove, Genma got an idea for a sneak attack and took off down a side path. As Okara came to the end of the trail where it branched off to the left and right as she stepped off of it and looked out into a larger section of the park wreathed in trees and bushes with the tops of apartments peaking out over the foliage.

"Looks like I lost him." The teen said to herself as she twirled his cap around on her finger unaware of the silent figure watching her from the shrubbery behind her.

"GOTCHA!" A deep voice shouted as Okara felt strong arms wrap around her from behind, letting out a shriek Okara laughed as her whole body wriggled in Genma's grip as he lifted her up.

"You give up? Or am I going to have to tickle you to get my hat back?" Genma asked as he kept a firm but not to tight hold on the squirming girl. "Believe me I still remember your weak spots."

"ACK! NOT THAT!" Okara shouted, feeling his fingertips inching dangerously close to her stomach. "OKAY YOU WIN GEN!"

As Genma took a step forward to set her down, his foot caught in a tree root sticking out of the ground. Okara let out a sharp gasp as Genma stumbled forward but managed to twist his body at the last moment so he wouldn't land on her as they both tumbled onto the soft grass.

"Oh Gen are you okay?!" Okara asked with concern as she looked down at him as he pulled a leaf from his hair. "You aren't hurt are you?"

"No I'm okay, more importantly though are you alright?" He asked in return.

Okara realising she was laying on top of him, her arms wrapped around his neck and gripping his sides with her knees. Blushing at her awkward position she slid off as he sat up, her hands lingering for only a moment on his chest feeling the large firm muscles shifting beneath the fabric of his uniform. Flushing more than ever she quickly sat back and put her hands in her lap, secretly hoping he wasn't offended.

"Er...sorry no...I'm very okay Gen." Still not looking at him as she nervously adjusted her glasses.

Genma smiled again, he really couldn't remember when he had smiled this much it was shocking but not unpleasant. She was really just as cute as he remembered as he got her attention by lightly touching her strawberry blonde bangs, the sunlight that filtered through the tree leaves over head fell on her hair giving it an intense golden glaze. Her amber eyes blinked shyly as she very lightly bit her bottom lip, lips that were wearing a light pink gloss making them look fuller and all the more inviting.

Okara gave a small grin and she moved a little closer to him as she recalled what had been on her mind, this may not be the best time to ask about it but she just had to know.

"Um Gen, there is something I want to talk to you about."

"Yes, what is it Kari?"

Okara, as much as she tried, simply could not find her words and it was driving her crazy, the moment she looked into his eyes that smoldered with maroon flame in the afternoon light. Why did this have to be so difficult all of a sudden? Her heart was beating so hard she was sure he could hear it, as if sensing her internal struggle Genma reached out and touched her hand causing her to shiver. As a breeze blew through the trees causing her hair to ruffle releasing the soft scent of rose and lilac, taking in the aroma of her perfume Genma felt his own pulse increase as he saw how close they had gotten. Those soft pink lips quivering, being lightly licked making him swallow hard. He knew he should be saying something, anything at all, but his heart had snuck past while his logic's guard was down leaving it's owner speechless and eager to claim its greatest longing.

"Is...something...wrong?" Was all he managed to finally get out as he felt her breaths feather touch nearing his lips, their noses only an inch apart.

"I don't know..." Her voice was barely a whisper as she felt her eyes close, Genma slowly raising a hand to touch her face as his vision faded to black.

"WAIT UP YOU GUYS" A child's voice shouted shattering the tranquillity of the scene like a stone through glass, causing the two to be jolted back to the waking world. Quickly pulling away from each other just as a pair of boys kicking a soccer ball raced past them followed by a third into the field. As the youngsters enjoyed their game Genma and Okara sat on the grass in silence, trying to digest what had almost happened.

"Um I guess we should be getting back, it will be getting dark soon and you have a big match tomorrow." Okara spoke up breaking the quiet between them. Evening was still a few hours off even though the sun was starting stretch the shadows around them, but she couldn't think of anything else.

Genma nodded as he picked up his hat and put it back on, the two young teens headed back up the trail and after fetching his geta left the park without another word. The late afternoon found the pair walking up to the doors of the Ammy Inn, Okara looked up at her friend as he held the door for her, his eyes once again shaded from view by the bill of his cap.

"I'll come back and see you tomorrow morning Kari, maybe if you like we can go out to have breakfast somewhere." Genma hated how robotic he sounded, his mind a swirl with thoughts and emotion crashing into each other making it hard to think clearly.

"Okay see you tomorrow then." Okara said with a smile and nod before she headed in and back to her room.

Genma's eyes lingered for a moment on her retreating back before he turned and left to return to the Aibo campus, the sun was nearing it's setting upon his return as he unlocked the door to the dorm room he shared with his second in command Doai and headed inside. The place was empty, good, he wanted nothing more than a moment alone right now. Walking into the bedroom he took off his cap and dropped it on the bedside table before sitting down on the end of his bed with a heavy sigh. He rested his elbows on his knees as he rubbed his temples, now on the receiving end of a mental tongue lashing.

"What in the world was that? You are the leader of the Seifukai, Genma Todoroki, the model of discipline and self restraint!" That little voice yelled at him from the back of his mind, always so sure of itself.

"Yes, the Seifukai who pride ourselves on fairness and honestly." Genma countered.

"Honesty? You say that while hiding your eyes and your true feelings."

"I have nothing to hide, after this tournament is done I will tell her everything. It isn't easy to just come right out and say ''I am in love with you.'' Kari means everything to me, but the moment just needs to be right."

"That didn't stop you from almost taking her first kiss just now did it? You are still young and naive yourself Genma Todoroki as much as your stubborn pride often blinds you to that fact. The complexities of the heart come from experiencing them first hand, not from one sided battles with a battered old oak out in the middle of nowhere."

Genma sighed heavily again, he was proud but not so proud to allow himself to be offended by the truth. There were some matters in life no amount of training in the mountains could ever prepare you for.

Somewhere in the late night city under the purple starlight, a young woman was drawing her own conclusions as if sharing one mind with her distant friend and ready to face what ever truth that came to them both come the morning sun.