"I don't even know who he is!!" My words rang through the kitchen. My best friend, Kari, was over for the night, and my parents had gone out, off on another of their weekend trips through the countryside. Kari had just asked the hardest question to answer that I'd ever been asked. Who is this guy you like? It's obvious you like someone, so who? You would think that it would be so easy to answer, wouldn't you? Just a simple name or something like 'The guy in front of so-and-so in some class.'; just an answer, for heaven's sake! Now she just sits there, blinking like I hit her with something. Did she think she'd be able to understand how I felt, when even I don't?

"What do you know about him? There must be something." God I hate that look she has on her face right now. It's the one that tells me that she really believes that she can understand; if I just tell her everything. And it's the one that says she won't give up.

"Fine. I'll tell you. Just don't say anything, please? At least, not until I've finished. It's hard to explain as it is." I pause, looking at her. We've always said I was different from everyone else. Now though, I'm getting worse. I hope she can understand. It'll be hard for both of us. Please understand, Kari.

"I'm going to have to leave, Kari. I can feel it. I-I'm changing, my abilities are getting stronger. I'm not even trying to, but I've been dreaming. It's always the same. This guy with long, tied-back white hair in a sliver and white kimono, with a katana even, and he's holding out his hand. He looks like he's speaking, but I can't hear him. I need to find him, Kari. You know how I feel, how I've always felt about Destiny. The dreams won't stop, and I think.no, I'm sure that I have to find him. It has to be, Kari. I'm sorry. I've got to leave you. There are some things that are even more important than friendship. I-I think this is one of those things." I'm not sure why, but I can't look at her. I guess it's because she ought to start laughing any minute now. This is crazier than anything I've ever said. But it's all true; every word I've said is the truth.

It's been about a minute now, I guess. She's quiet. I wonder why? I guess I should look, see how she's reacting. What the heck?? I don't understand.she's crying?? Oh god, what have I done?

"Kari?? What's wrong??" She's looking at me now, smiling, but still not able to hold in those accursed tears. I've never made Kari cry. It didn't happen, not even when we were really little. I've always been there for her when she's cried, like she's always been there for me.but I've never been the cause for her tears.

"I-it's nothing. It's just.I always knew that someday this would happen. You've grown up, Aura. Your powers are blossoming, like the sakura trees we sit under each year. It's time for you to go. Have you gotten the acceptance letter yet? From The Academy of the Fountain of Light?" I'm just standing here, dumbfounded. How can she know about that?? "I'm special too, Aura. I can see forward, a bit, but mostly it's something else-I can manipulate minds with my singing-even humming a few bars will do it. You know, you've seen people calm down when it happens. I've kept Takeru's family in one piece that way; for over a year-but they've fixed that problem.at last. I'm going to the Academy too. But I won't be seeing you that much. You're stronger, and you have a past that's more important then you'll ever guess. And you'll find him there, too. And I'll be in different courses, and probably a different dorm, although I'm not sure about the dorm. But we'll be busy anyway. And this closeness we have.it'll fade."

How.how could I not have known this?? She's like me? Wait; maybe that's why she's always stood by me-because she's like me. She's been there since the beginning. Well, at least we'll be together. And I won't be leaving her behind forever when I leave in a week. Maybe she'll even help me start packing!! And.wait. We'll loose what we have!! "Never-I'll never let us loose what we have Kari. I'll need you more than ever." Wow. That was rather passionate. I-I guess that's how I feel. "I swear that we won't loose this. I'll keep it alive. Who else will I confide in?" She's just sitting there!! Why won't she say anything? Wait.she's crying again. Oh my God.

"Kari.what's going on with you and Takeru? How does he feel about all this?" She's got an odd look on her face. Did she even tell him? "Kari? Did you tell him about this yet?"

"No. I-I can't do it, Aura!!" She's raising her voice. I don't think I've ever seen Kari this upset before. "I-I'm afraid to tell him about this. H- he'll go crazy! You haven't seen how he reacts to stuff like this!! I love him so much.but I just can't tell him. I-I'm afraid that he'll do something we'll both regret." She's shaking. She's really that scared. Well, she has to tell him, and she needs moral support and someone to make her do it. Guess that's me. The phone is on the table, and his number's programmed. It's time for a phone call. I pick it up and hit the recall button. It rings a few times, the he answers.

"Hi! Takeru.yeah, this is Aura. Can you come over for a bit? Kari and I need to talk to you. You can? Great. See you in a few!" She's staring at me, the tears just streaming down her face. I think she wants to hit me. "I'm sorry, Kari. You have to tell him, and it might as well be now. At least this way you have back-up. Come on, we'd better get you decent before he shows up." She just nods, then stands up and comes over. She's hugging me? Well.guess I did alright.

He's here now. I've opened the door, and he's sitting there in one of the living room's overly plush chairs. Kari hasn't even looked at him, I don't think. Well.it's time to tell him. I walk over and sit next to her. She needs me now more than ever before. "Kari.you have to tell him. And it has to be before you go." He's looking at us oddly now.

"Kari, you've been holding my family together somehow, haven't you? You're not normal, are you?" She's looking at him now, astonished.

"How.how did you know?" He's wearing one of those smirks that guys get when they think they've been smart. God I hate those.

"I'm not as dense as you might think. I can tell when something's different. Or should that be someone?" She's smiling now. This definitely wasn't what she expected. Good.

"Well, now you can have the full story. Yes, I'm different. I have.well; I guess it could be called magic. I can see s little of the future if I really try, and I can manipulate minds through music. I've gotten good with minds.I couldn't let your family fall apart." She's not looking at him again. Oh well.

"I see. Have you ever done that to me? Is the way I feel about you just because of a silly song?" Oh god. I never thought about that. Now I know why she was afraid.

"No. I never, ever, EVER would do that to you. It would be.dirty. I love you to much to manipulate you. My powers are not for my own good. They're for the world. I DO have morals, you know. Or at least.I thought you knew." I've never heard her sound so.resentful; or passionate. Now I know the truth. She'd do anything for him.

He's smiling. "Good. It'd hurt to know that everything I'd ever said had been put into my mouth. Well. What was Aura saying about leaving?" Wow he's taking this well. I never would have thought it was possible. He really does love her.

"I need training. More than I can get here. I'm leaving for the Academy in a week. I was afraid to tell you.I thought you'd go nuts. And don't ask how long I'll be gone. I don't know. It depends on how fast I learn.and how strong my motivation is." She still won't look at him. He's taking some action, apparently. He's getting up, coming over. Time to leave.at least; it's time for my body to leave. I'll just wait in the hallway.where I can hear everything.

"Kari.look at me. Please? I love you Kari. Nothing can change that. I could have taken this up with you as soon as I figured it out.but I knew you'd tell me in your own time. I trusted that your love would make you tell me- if not certain events.or people." I can sense the smile in his voice. This is good; very good.

"So you're not mad? At all?" She's still apprehensive.oh well. Wish I could see them.they must be looking awfully cute right about now.

"No.I'm not mad.at all. I love you to much to be angry. And here's a reason to learn quick and come back fast." She's gasping.what the hell is he doing in there? I can't resist. I'm looking. Oh. My. God. That is in no way an ordinary ring. Did he just.propose? No. It can't be. He didn't say it.

"Kari, will you come back from the Academy and be my wife?" Oh god. We've only just finished high school!! And he's asking her to.marry him?? Time for another look. Great. Just great. She's got her arms around him, and she's crying.and whispering in his ear. It looks like she said yes. Well then. Guess she'll want her bag in a few minutes.doubt she'll be staying here. Oh well. At least she's happy. And he cares for her. I guess I can't disapprove now, can I?

"Can I be the first to offer my congratulations to the happy couple?" I couldn't resist. They're just sitting there, looking at me with a matching pair of grins. I might as well join in. I walk over and sit down next to Kari, giving her a hug. Her smile has changed.

"So. The priestess approves?" Priestess? I'm no priestess! What on earth is she talking about? Her voice is different, too.

"Kari, what are you saying? I'm not a priestess!"

"I don't know why, but I saw you in the robes of a Priestess. You looked beautiful. I think I saw it with my magic. Oh well. I've been wrong before. Trying to see the future doesn't always work for me."

Oh well. Whatever. "Yes Kari. I approve, and support you both. I only have one question. Where are you staying tonight?" We're all laughing. I'll probably forget most of tonight. Oh well. At least it was different.