Love Hina Fan Fiction ❯ MOVING FORWARD ❯ CHAPTER III ( Chapter 3 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

DISCLAIMER: As the first chapter states, still owning only my plot. Love Hina, Stargate SG1, Onegai Teacher, Mahou Sensei Negima, Oh My Goddess are not my property, being owned by their respective creators. This is a Fanfic Work only.

Moving Forward
By VoidHawk of The Dark Icon Writers

Chapter III

Kyoto's Forest:

The forests around Kyoto Mountains are old. They held ancient secrets and mysteries. For those who know about those secrets and mysteries, it would not be wise to be walking those ancient places unprotected on a night like this.

And sometimes, creatures of Old roam those forests. Some are harmless, even benefic.

But some others…

Despair, Pain, Fear and Hatred. Such emotions and feelings are like beacons, calling forth some of those old creatures to their soon to be victims.

They feed on them.

And on this rainy and dark night an old entity called by some a demon is awaken from its slumber by such pain and despair like it has not felt in a long, long time. It stirs its talons, hungry for it's pray. A feast it would not be denied to have!
…

7 Days in the Past

City of Kyoto - Morning:

Urashima Keitaro, after a shower on his room's bathroom, (Lucky man, he got a room with a balcony, a small kitchen and table, and a bathroom. Courtesy from the Hotel which he choose to stay as he was the hundredth or something guest to sign on it) sat on the small kitchen's table and started roaming through the prospects he got from the front desk, trying to organize his day on the city.

Well, well…I do have enough saved for a good trip thanks to my own foresight here. Good to have organized enough of Hinata-sou's finances to earn something to myself. Kitsune may be clever, but I learned something on the past year. It would be wise to organize myself, in order to get the most of what I do have saved. I may be away for a time, and Kyoto is just my first stop on this journey of mine! Thinks Keitaro, while peering over the prospects

He also decided to bring with him his drawing pad and pencils. He felt like drawing, something he has not done for quite a time now. Jeez, I'm starting to notice that I have neglected a lot of my own hobbies and passions lately. All but Toudai…and Narusegawa. What a dreary life I have led these times… He sighs, I have not had time even to watch my anime collection, something I do like a lot. I barely had time to perform my duties at Hinata-sou and study. No time for myself! I think it is more than time to start looking at my own self! Never again I will deny my own happiness in order to please others! This is a promise I will uphold, Haruka. And a promise you will not be sad to see me looking after!

Keitaro then remembers the last time he saw Haruka, at Hinata-sou front steps yesterday:

…

"Hey Kei, don't let this get at you! Cheer up! I know it must be difficult to you right now, but you probably made a huge step to a brighter future. And about girls and all…See, if you look for yourself, and do not try to be anyone different from the Kei I deeply know, you will not be alone for too long. Especially now that you are not blind to your surroundings!" Haruka winks at him smiling. She seldom smiles, but it is a beautiful one she sports now. "And pay attention boy! If Seta does not make his mind in due time, who knows, I may go after you. I don't think it is good to spoil good hunting…hehehe!" She looks at him laughing, a heartfelt laugh and smile. "And you are not really that young anyway…" She says, hand scratching her chin, in a pensative stance.

Keitaro sweat drops.

"Ok…I promise you this: I will not fall down now. Will use this as a learning time, and will look for myself and for my happiness! And please, Seta would kill me! And I'm your nephew!" Keitaro pleads, scratching the back of his head, a shy smile on his face. Haruka gives him a hug and gave her farewells. "Don't worry about things here. Go in peace now…and do take care! I don't think you wanna see me angry with you, do you? And anyway, watch out, I may start after you soon…" She says, now serious looking and dismissing what he just said.

Keitaro departs Hinata-sou, slow moving as doubts where stillon his mind, but just a bit less sad.

Keitaro after deciding some places to visit during the day, he goes to the Hotel restaurant to a brief breakfast, and heads out to sightseeing Kyoto…And to start the search for him.

…

Kyoto is a beautiful city! Maybe a quiet one, but it is a place with rich history and lots of places for meditating and contemplating nature and beauties of Old Japan.

Keitaro himself is a man interested in things from the past, so he found himself quite enjoying his walk around. Good for his mind, body and soul. He is alsohappy with the location of his hotel. It was actually a small resort, made to house foreigners as well, and therefore with roomy accommodations, one of which ended being his present room. As the walk to and from the hotel was pleasant as well, he chooses to start walking his way to the city, not far anyway.

Along the way, beautiful gardens and lakes were to be found, and he saw a lot of people strolling around, smiling and enjoying their time. Most (if not all) were couples of various ages. Well, that was nice to see, but did bring him some not so bright thoughts.

Well…As I can see, this is a city to be with someone. All I see are school trip groups and couples. Heheh, good for my humor right now. As to enjoy the morning sun, and starting feeling up to draw, he sat on the grass along the pathway and started working on his drawing pad. The scenery was really helpful, and soon he was with a nice black&white rendition of the pathway he is threading in. Even depicting down some couples around. Hah, it seems I still have the handle for it! Good, it has been so long. He lay on the grass, looking at the blue sky. Why have I left so many of my own things aside? Of course I like to tend the Dorm, but jeez…to be tied up like I was …Now I see how empty that life really was. Not that I will blame the girls entirely for it, as I actually let them drive me like a robot.

His face shows concern, as some thoughts start to surface.

I am starting to think that I did most of the things I did due my wish to be accepted. I was a lonely boy most of my life. My best friend, from the female gender, was my own sister, but Kanako left long ago to join the more -aggressive- side of our family. I loved her so much, butlike manyolder sisters, she was over-protective sometimes and when she left, I had no girl friends. Only the promise in my mind…Fool! Even my male friends were scarce. I drove myself to the studies, and my only time out of them was when watching my animes and reading mangas. So much as leading me to learn drawing. Of course the incident with Kiho-chan also made me a bit concerned about being around girls…

Keitaro remembers the incident when he was 10 years old. A friend of him, Kiho-chan, was playing with him, but started to act a bit bully. Children go a bit aggressive sometimes. And at a certain moment Keitaro tried to defend himself, and in doing so unwillingly almost broke an arm and leg from his friend. She was mad at him, and afraid. He was strong and skillful, as almost all Urashimas, but his tender heart took it hard, and he vouched to always avoid violence against those he deemed as friends, even if that meant hurting himself. As he lost his friend as well, for Kiho never talked with him again, he got even deeper on his resolve.

Kanako tried to goad him out of it, as others were starting to abuse of his kindness, but Keitaro was as stubborn as kindhearted, and the result was that he got a bit more introspect. Much to KanakoÂ´s chagrin.

When Kanako departed, she said that she would always look after him, but she had to answer to her own calls now. She was 5 years older than Keitaro, and he admired her a lot. She liked that, as she loved her brother and his tender ways. She was not as tender herself, following the more warrior vein from the House Urashima, and tended to protect him as much as she could, without spoiling the boy. It was now more than 4 years that she departed. They do exchange e-mails sometimes, but in the last year their communication was scarce, as they both seemed to be engrossed into a lot of things. Last time he saw her was 2 years ago in a hospital, but as soon as she got better they parted ways again. They get in contact almost every week since he decided to leave home to fend for himself after the hospital incident, but after coming to Hinata-sou she was scarcer on her mails. She told him that she trusted he was in a good way tending to Hinata-sou, and she was happy for his accepting to tend the place.

If Kanako really knew what was happening.

Not even Haruka would cross Kanako if the girl was upset. They were equally skilled, but there was something with the girl that unnerved Haruka and turned klaxons on her head every time they met after her stay on a hospital, just before Keitaro decided to led his own life. They actually met 3 times after the incident, and it was weird to Haruka.

Oof. The sun is high, and I do have a lot of things to see. Let's get going! Keitaro stands up, dust of his pants and shirt, and carry, stuff his pad inside his backpack and starts to go on.

Along the pathway, he notices a little girl crying, and approaches her, kneeling by her side to call her attention.

"Konnichiwa, chibi-chan! Daijoubu dessuka?" (Hello little one! Are you fine?)

"Watashi wa kowaii…Haha to Chichi wa…Doko ni iku no?" (IÂ´m afraid…Mom and Daddy…Where are they?) Answers the little girl, between sobs.

KeitaroÂ´s heart sunk. He wanted to help the little girl, so first he tried to make her feel better.

"Kore kore! Mitte!Boku wa anata tassukeru yoh…demo konno namida wa…dame neh?" (Here here...See...I will help you...But those tears...can't have them, can we?) He says, putting a finger on the girl's cheek.

Keitaro made a quick drawing from the little girl smiling, and gave it to her. She sported a nice smile, and calmed down. This done, Keitaro was able to talk with the little one.

"Now little one...namae wa? (whatÂ´s your name?)

"I'm Tanikawa Sachiko, 9 years old!" Says the little one, with her right arm up, proudly.

"Ok. I'm Urashima Keitaro, 20 years old!" mimics Keitaro, right arm up.

"So tell me, Sachiko-chan, where I can find your parents?"

"I…I don't know…We were walking around…They were talking and I saw a tiny squirrel. Went to see it. But when I tried to get back to mom and dad, they were not there no more…" Says Sachiko, tearing her eyes.

"Now, now this will not worry a brave little one like you! And bear with me, I will help you. Do not be afraid, ok?" He smiles reassuringly to little Sachiko, and it seems to calm her a lot.

"Ojii san wa totemo shinsetsu desu….Arigato!" (Uncle is very kind…Thank you!)

Standing up, Keitaro holds the little Sachiko in his arms after pulling his backpack on. He asks her the direction she came from, and heads to that direction.

"Ok…Now, What's Daddy's name?"

"Tanikawa Soichiro"

"...and Mom's?"

"Tanikawa Natsu"

"Ok…we will go the way you came, and from here top you will try to find them, ok." He lifts her to his shoulders, and asks her to look around. That way her parents would also be able to notice her easier.

They went strolling and talking nonsense. Keitaro loved children, and was happy to keep the young one distracted for the time being.

As he was crossing by a police booth, he called the officer there, and indeed there was a missing girl being searched now. The officer thanked him, and was about to take the girl when she said: "No no no!Ojii san will come! Want to show him my parents!" Said Sachiko, holding KeitaroÂ´s hand firmly.

"Ok…I will meet your parents. Calm down. You will crush my hand…" Says Keitaro, smiling.

"Please sir, wait here. We are contacting the little one's parents. They will be here soon now." Says the officer.

Keitaro seats, and resume talking to the child.

After 20 min, a big sports car came, and out of it jumped a couple. They seemed very worried, and then relieved to see their child well, and smiling.

"Oh Sachiko! Sorry…so sorry. We lost you!" says the woman, embracing the girl.

"Â´Chiko-chan! So glad you safe!" Says the man, clearly relieved.

"Come, come! I want to present you my friend! Urashima Keitaro-kun!" Says Sachiko, pointing to Keitaro. "He found me and led me to search for you. He called the police, and soon you arrived. See see…He made a drawing of me!" Sachiko shows the drawing Keitaro gave her, jumping.

"I have no words to thank you, young one" Bows deeply the man and the woman.

"Oh, I could never turn my head to a young maiden in distress!" Tells Keitaro while scratching the back of his head, winking to the little Sachiko, earning a bright smile from her.

"You are very kind. Even Sachiko likes you. And she is very picky with unknown people." Says the woman.

"Young man, I would like to invite you to my clubhouse. I have recently opened a nightclub and restaurant here in Kyoto, The View, and would like to offer my hospitality to you there. Here is my own card. Just present this at the entry, and you will have full access. Expenses are on my account! And do not hold back!" Says the man, offering the card and bowing again. "And not to boast about it, but we are known to have the best cuisine and dance floor in the whole Japan!" winks the man to Keitaro. "It will be our honor to have you there, Urashima-san."

Keitaro smiles shyly, and accepts the card and the offering.

"Domo Arigato gozaimashita! It will be my honor." They said their farewells, Sachiko a bit sad while entering the car.

"BYE BYE KEI KUN! I PROMISE TO SEE YOU AGAIN!" Yells the little girl, with her head off the car's window, waving to him, a bit sad for leaving her newfound friend and savior.

Keitaro froze at this…

Oh, common Urashima Keitaro! Not the time for sad thoughts here. It was really worth being able to make that little one smile! And at the end I even got a High Style invitation. Hehe, I would not have money to go to such a fancy place, but jeez, an invitation with all expenses included. Thank you! Although he did it for the pure desire of helping someone, he was happy with the outcome.

But he got a little distressed after hearing little Sachiko farewell. Uhh…just hope that was not a bad omen. That cursed promise of old gave me nothing but pain, but I'm not a child anymore and that little one is nothing like MY old friend. Hope she will never turn out like her… This last thought bore a bit of resentment, but Keitaro dismissed it quickly, and carry on with his sightseeing.

He felt the wind on his face, and the sun high in the skies. It may be a cold season, but I'm feeling really warm inside. He fingers the card in his pocket. And this night promises to be a little interesting!

…

Keitaro does not know, but yes, that night promised new venues to our Ronin.

…

Great Master Dojo - Kyoto Mountains:

"Thank you for your visit. This day was interesting." Says Tsuruko to Col. Jack O'Neill, at the Gate Room.

"My pleasure, ma'am…and thanks for the lunch and everything!" Says O'Neill, trying to perform a bow to both Tsuruko and Yumiko.

"Tell Gen. Hammond we will really consider the proposal, and as we still have 3 of our own people out there with you, we are actually already working together." Says Yumiko.

"Your warriors are fearsome, and do possess interesting powers. It was our honor to have them with us." Says TealÂ´C, bowing perfectly to both sisters.

"And sorry for Col. O'Neill's manners. That hastily made hamburger saved his lunch!" Says Samantha Carter to both sisters.

"Hey common guys…and it was very good!" says O'Neill.

Samantha Carter and Dr. Daniel Jackson just look to the ground, nodding their heads. Teal'C twitches his left eyebrow, looking at his friends.

At this time, Antonio and a young beautiful girl with red hair (real deep red) and gold colored eyes enter the room, talking fast. Both are dressed in ShinMei Ryu colors.

"Ok, ok! Do not need to explain, but my dear, try to act a bit more restrained next time. You flustered our guest back there."

The girl nodded her head, but her eyes were not really showing much regret or concern…

At her sight, Dr. Daniel Jackson becomes a bit restless. Not really distressed, but a bit concerned.

"Hi guys! Wuai! Dr. Jackson! Nice to see you again!" Waves the girl, happily.

Antonio addresses O'Neill. "Kervona will go back with you now. She will meet Kanako at the Atlantis facilities with your teams responsible fortaking back that GoaulÂ´d battle cruiser they seized. As she was most valuable on this joint mission of ours, and is already working fine with Kanako, she will be assigned with our people already with you. The girl is a skilled warrior. Just needs to learn a bit of restraint…ARGH!" Yells Antonio, jumping and looking back to were Kervona was, behind him. "You do need to behave! Poke me once more with that screeching blade of yours and you will be scrubbing the training grounds for a month!" He says, while massaging his offended butt.

Kervona Neo, unfazed, looks at Salamandrea. "Bad girl…He is a friend…was not badmouthing me no, no…" She grins at Antonio and everyone present, scratching her head. "Wuai…sorry…my Salamandrea is a bit protective. You know that!

Tsuruko laughs at Antonio, hand in mouth. Yumiko looks to the ceiling and Antonio is red…Flustered.

And O'Neill and his friends agree with the young warrior. They saw first hand what she was capable of. She and her weird screeching flame-sword.

"Well, farewell for now, hope to see you all soon again." Bows Tsuruko, still amused.

The Gate is activated, and the SG1 team and Kervona start the ramp to enter it. Kervona nears Dr. Jackson, and pinch him in his `lower back parts'. "Good Doc! Will be together again…I kinda hoped so!" Says Kervona, to a beet red Dr. Daniel Jackson. “Bye guys!” Waves back Kervona, dipping in therippling bright fluid-looking Star Gate surface.

"Grrr…The nerve of the girl!" Comments Antonio whispering.

Yumiko whispers on his ear. "Better she has not damaged the material, or I WILL be upset." Moving to the doors.

Tsuruko addresses both: "Will finish my office's papers…and we leave at, say20:00hr?"

"Good to me…so we still have 3 hours. That reminds me, I have some final things with Antonio's briefing to revise with him and enough time to tend to his `injury'. Antonio…time to work." Winks Yumiko to Antonio, calling him.

"Paper works humm…Gonna lovÂ´that!" Comments Antonio. They leave the room together.

Well, this was a funny day. And new beginnings for us here. Hope Kervona, Kanako, Takeshi and Kato are doing fine with this. But they were excited from the beginning anyway. Tsuruko moves back to her own office, to finish things up and get ready for her night. I'm actually excited for this night! Long time now that I don't have that kind of fun.

…But those two would hardly need more fun…fufufu… Laughs Tsuruko, looking to were the two lovebirds have gone to. Hope they do not get late though!

…

The View - Around 21:00hr that night:

O my! This place is huge! Thinks an impressed Keitaro, at the club doors. I would not come to a fancy place like this easily. I'm not even that well dressed, but here it goes.

Keitaro moves to the front door were a big guy is standing. "Good evening, mister. I have this card from Tanikawa-san, and I was invited to visit the club."

The man looks at the card, and immediately opened the doors to Keitaro. "Please sir. Tanikawa-san already alerted us about your visit. Please enjoy your stay. All services are already advised, so just ask for anything you want. Just need to present yourself when doing so. Have a wonderful night sir." Bows the big man, very courteously.

Hey, it was not just words back then… Thinks Keitaro, remembering the previous encounter that morning.

The View was a big building. From the outside, you would see a big round building, with a dome-like roof on top of it. Around the upper part you see big windows, and jutting from the part over the big entry doors, there is a big, wide balcony, very well illuminated by the way. The whole dome actually was giving out swirling multicolored lights. By the location of the club, and the outside of the building, it really deserved the name `The View' as it has a privileged view of Kyoto and it's surrounding mountains.

Keitaro enters the big doors, and after a flight of wide stairs, enters the main area of the place.

The inside was at a higher level (kitchens, storage and employee's areas where on the first floor, everything else on the upper level). The main hall was a big round area, topped by a glass-looking dome. On the dome he could see videos and animes being presented, the glass-looking material doubling as a screen. At one end of the hall there was a big dais, where the DJ and his crew controlled the show, with a big The View written in it. At the hall's right side there was a big bar with anime character-dressed bartenders serving people, and at the left side, on its opposite location, there was a more conventional bar. Both were bright and wide, sporting big LCD screens and well stocked. And all around there were large windows. Opposing to the dais, near the entry Keitaro was now, there were 3 wide steps, leading to 3 wide glass doors. Those doors lead to the outside jutting balcony. It was a very wide balcony, going halfway around the dome-shaped building. It was partly covered, and partly open to the skies. There you could have dinner on the many tables, or enjoy talking and sipping drinks. At this area entrance, siding one wall there was another bar, and from there you would be able to order your dinner, which came from the kitchens down below.

The place was big. It was full of color and good music.

It was animated, and full of people of various ages.

And to Keitaro's dismay…a lot of couples.

Ouch…well, so much for thinking about a chance meeting tonight. Anyway bah, who am I deceiving here? I can't even talk straight with a girl. My previous experiences cannot count much… Frowns Keitaro. Hah, but I like the music here and will appreciate the food. …And the place, Wow!

Keitaro really felt like drawing this day, so he brought his pad with him. Not very usual, but he was not really interested on anyone's opinion right now.

That balcony will give me a really good viewing area to draw upon the city.

Keitaro moves to the balcony, and looking at the front door, sees a big white and red Hummer stopping.

Hey…that is a Hummer! Shiny new one at that. Kireii!"(beautiful!)

Looking to the car, he then sees a couple and a woman debarking from it. The man is wearing a white shirt and blue pants, and is holding hands with a tall, shorthaired woman wearing a red Chinese dress…knee long. The other woman is a longhaired beauty, as tall as the shorthaired one, wearing a green Chinese dress, both dresses the same cut.

Wow! Some hotshots probably. With that imported car, and as though as I am far from here, I gather that guy is a lucky one. Both seem to be very beautiful! Some men are really lucky! Sighs Keitaro.

Keitaro leave his drawing pad there, and head to the dance floor. Time to drink and have fun! No time to start going down.

Keitaro's mood has been wild today. One time well, one time really down.

…

At the entry, Tsuruko looks at the building. "Nice place…and well located too. Must have a pretty view up there." She points to the balcony over them.

"Despite being relatively new, it is well known already. Sports a big viewing/chat/restaurant area and a well-conducted dance floor. Hope to spend a little energy there tonight." Says Yumiko.

"I wonder how you manage to know so much about so many things, and still keep your training sharp as you do, my dear" Says Antonio.

"Well, we Japanese women do strive for perfection." Shot back Yumiko, planting a kiss on him. "You should know that well, Anata." winking.

Antonio gets red instantly "Ouch…I deserve this…but do not spend ALL your energy, ok. You will need some later!" Smiles deviously Antonio.

Tsuruko smiles at them. "You both, stop that, or I will be forced to discipline you both." She chides them. "Lets get in. I can hear music from here and we came to dance. Shall we?" Says Tsuruko, moving to the door.

"Yeah, let's go!" Said both Yumiko and Antonio.

By the time they enter the dance floor, they immediately drawn attention. Being both tall and very beautiful, all men around had their attention drawn…Some women included…But Antonio's demeanor would discourage lingering too much on Yumiko. But Tsuruko was drawing attention as well. Not that she disliked it, but as some of those stares were pure voluptuous ones, she gets a bit annoyed. “So much for sensing Ki so well.” Thinks Tsuruko, sighing.

"Well, I will drink a juice at the bar. Care to join?" Asks Tsuruko to the couple.

"Let's go. I like the music here…will dance…" Yumiko comments.

Among the ones staring at Tsuruko was our dear Ronin. Oh yeah, he was having thoughts, but understandable anyway. The longhaired woman drew him instantly.

She kind of reminds me of Motoko…beautiful, tall and elegant. But her face is more relaxed, friendly…and man! Kireena no kao desu neh! (What a eautiful face!)

He stared at the woman a bit, and then went back to his table at the balcony. This woman deserves to be rendered in more than my memory!. He picks his pad, and starts to draw, asking for a soft drink to the waiter.

…

"Good that you invited me here, dear. It is really a nice spot. Very western like, but with taste. And I am really feeling like dancing." Tsuruko smiles at her sister.

"Hehe…Antonio loves to dance, and we have not had that much time together recently…And Akari-chan is demanding when we are together. But tonight I wanted to celebrate our last victory…and get the three of us together.

Antonio comes back from the DJ booth, and tells the girls. "I had some words with the DJ. The house is well stocked indeed. There will be good tunes soon." he says, sipping his glass. "And Tsu-Chan, look up the ceiling. Those animes you like are on the spot there." Points up Antonio.

Tsuruko looks up, to see clips from Vandread First Stage last episode. It blended well with the music on the dance floor. "Nice…I need to catch up with my collection soon."

At this moment, the DJ starts the tunes of `Can't Get Over You' from Kasino, and that starts the three.

"Let's go girls! Let's show them your style!"

They move to the floor.

They start flowing with the music rhythm. All three in tandem, and very soon there is a space around them, to see them moving. Legs, arms, heads and hips…they knew how to move, and it was beautiful to watch.

Keitaro was there as well, and got impressed by their movements. His eyes glued to the tall, longhaired green dressed woman.

Hey, are they pros? That's nice to watch!

At this moment, engrossed in the music and seeing how Antonio and Yumiko were faring, she scans quickly the audience and felt drawn to a young man wearing glasses at her right side. She notices that he was looking at her. Well, we might as well have some fun, my friend, and I like the shy ones, like I can sense you are. Thinks her.

Keitaro noticed that she looked at him, and gets shy instantly. And avoiding her stare he did not noticed that while dancing, she crossed the space between them fast and held both his hands, looking at him: "Konnichiwa, tomodachi-san!" (Hello my friend!) She says, looking him in the eyes. "Care to join me here? I would like to have a partner on this. My sister and her husband are having the best over me as it is now!" She tells Keitaro, who is embarrassed, but follows her to the dance floor.

As if he could resist her…Her grip was strong!

"I'm not t-that g-good on this." Stammers Keitaro.

"Don't be afraid. Follow me." Tsuruko says, enfolding him on her Ki, what really helped Keitaro on the moving.

And so they start to move into the tunes...

Hey, I am really dancing with HER! I must be dreaming! But it feels so good!

Keitaro moves easily. He does not know, but his Ki blended perfectly with Tsuruko, even to her own amazement. Yumiko and Antonio saw that, and were impressed by their movements.

"Hey Miko-Chan…What am I seeing there? Tsu-Chan is having a very good time!"

"True, is it not? And who's the boy. Seems a nice guy by the way…"

“He may be short, but she never cared muchfor that!” Laughs Antonio.

They go tune after tune, moving like pros for the whole time. Tsuruko does not think anything while dancing. She was enjoying the sensation a lot. Of dancing, and of having a so well tuned partner with her. It was simply good! She felt entranced!

Keitaro did not understand much…but understanding was not required. He was having aBLAST! And with a very beautiful woman (Her dress was revealing a lot. And he thought that she was his type for sure. Long hair, beautiful face, long well lined legs…not thin despite her height…and she was taller than him! And a generous chest to boot).

But not that only. He was feeling well at her side. And her smell was intoxicating him!

Wow, wow, wow!Must be a dream! Am I really dancing here? Nah…and with a Hot One like this womanwith me? Keitaro self-esteem was not high as of late, and it was taking its toll on him now.

The music selection, after a long succession of very dancing ones, went to some slow ones now, and they stop. Applauses erupt from the people around them.

Tsuruko stops, smiling to Yumiko and Antonio. But before she turns to talk with her partner, he disappears fast! "Gee…Where's my partner? I wanna talk to him!" Says a still dance-dizzy Tsuruko. Ahhh, shy one…I will find you! This place is not that big! Frowns Tsuruko, a bit annoyed.

Antonio and Yumiko look at each other, grinning widely. "And who would think that Tsu-Chan would find a new friend so fast." Whispers Antonio to Yumiko, while she nods.

"Hey, I heard that! Don't underestimate me, my dear…" Looks back Tsuruko. Antonio looks up, faking innocence. So does Yumiko.

"Let's drink something. I'm thirsty. After that, lets see if we can find him. You both really made a good show there. I want to congratulate him!" Antonio then led Yumiko to the bar, beckoning Tsuruko.

I will find you, shy one. That was good back there! Looks back Tsuruko while heading to the anime-fan bar, peering at the people on the dance floor.

…

Keitaro after their stop took the chance and flew from the dance floor.

Wow that wasFANTASTIC!But I better vanish. Will not risk being clumsy or dumb near that babe. It was good though, very good! I felt high! Thinks Keitaro, heading back to his table at the balcony area.

She may remind me of Motoko, but she is the opposite after all! Fun, and always smiling…so beautiful and full of energy. Thinks Keitaro. Feeling well, but sad at the same time.

He starts drawing again, totally absorbed by the act. He is drawing the tall woman now. Rendering her in different stances: A Warrior, much like Motoko, katana in hands. A dancing woman in the dress he saw her wearing back there; an anime character, with a futuristic uniform (MeiaÂ´s uniform from Vandread…a bit revealing).

He put both hands in the table, admiring the last one. All others neatly put on the table.

I got hooked by her looks for sure here…UHH… Thinks Keitaro, and freezes instantly.

"Well, well…Mister Artist-san! It is not quite gallant to leave a damsel by herself after dancing with her without even a word, and on top of it drawing her without her knowledge!” He hears from right above him. “Although this one that you are finishing is quite interesting. I always thought MeiaÂ´s uniform was sexier than DitaÂ´s one!" She says, obviously speaking about the Vandread-style rendering of herself.

He can see two arms on each side of him, hands over his now, and two deep-black bangs falling on each side of his field of vision. He can sense her face over him, peering at the drawings over the table…and the smell…He could recognize that smell now anywhere!

The sound of her voice was husky, but very nice….

Oh Boy, I'm finished! She saw the drawings! Now she will think I'm some nutcase now. Will I be blown away, or bashed by words! Thinks Keitaro, really concerned, with Tsuruko hovering over him, his hands under hers…

Hinata-sou, 1900HR that same night:

Narusegawa arrives at Hinata-sou, after spending the whole afternoon out.

"Hello Mina-san! Tadai ma!"

She seems high, and Kitsune does not fail to notice it. "Yoh Naru, what's up? And do not forget, you owe me for doing extra for you after that phone call of yours. The others are in the Hot Spring. Hey, what took you the whole day to solve anyway?"

"I will give you your sake, don't worry. And you helped me a lot!" Says Naru

"Remember that professor from Toudai I told you. Yeah, I was able to talk to him, and it seems there was an error on my test. He said he can fix things up for me, and so I will be in Toudai after all! I knew there was something wrong there!" Says Narusegawa, winking to Kitsune.

Something wrong? But I thought they revised the test after it. So if that is true…KitsuneÂ´s eyes went wide. Her face displaying mixed emotions.

"Hey Naru, that means Keitaro also did it!" Yells Kitsune, as both tests came out very similar by what she knew.

"No, no, no! Do not mix things up Kitsune." Says Naru, nodding her head. "I am me, and he is he okay. Only my test was proven wrong. They revised all other ones and only mine came out faulty. That undeserving Baka is a Ronin, and that is that!"

“MINNA SAN! I HAVE GREAT NEWS!” Yells Narusegawa, going to the Hot Spring.

Kitsune stands still, a perplexed expression stamped on her face. Naru…what have you done! This is way too farfetched, and even you should know that. Keitaro revised with you all questions after seeing the results…now, how come you barge here yelling there was an error, but only on your own test!

Kitsune frowns, a cold sensation running her spine…

Kitsune moves to her room, not so good thoughts running through her mind… I need to talk to Haruka about this…I'm too confused right now…Oh Keitaro…Could it be? I know where he was…So much told us Haruka…But Naru…She told me she went to meet her boyfriend after leaving Keitaro. And yes, she said something about he being a professor or something…Up to that moment she had not even told me sheHADa boyfriend at all. Kitsune thinks rapidly.

She used Keitaro as a disguise, or play toy…deceiving him and everyone else. But why? This is senseless. That much I can see now, and that makes me angry a bit. I gave up going after Keitaro because of her! But what is happening now? Oh Naru…what are you really up to now?

Kitsune goes to her room, not really wishing to see the girls now. She was debating with herself if she should talk to Haruka, or try her luck with Narusegawa first, as they were friends.

It was hard, because Kitsune was starting to change her views of some things around her…and starting to get worried about some conclusions she was getting at after the recent events at Hinata-sou.

She was growing, and in need to speak with a really grown up woman about the situation.

End Chapter 3