Presea Masters sighed

Presea Masters sighed. She looked at her surroundings…white snow…purely white snow that covered the earth like a blanket. Truly beautiful, she thought silently. How simply beautiful this scene is… Again she sighed. This lovely scene did not seem to fit her mood. She was depressed…the Valentines' dance was a quick week away and she didn't have a date. She simply wished that the handsome senior nicknamed Eagle would ask her to go…

Impossible, she said to herself, Why would that cute senior ask you? A sophomore? Besides that, Eagle was one of the most popular guys in her school. Half the girls there admired him…what chance did she have? She closed her eyes and continued her walk to school. Hmm…maybe I'll just not go to the dance; maybe I'll just— "Whoa!" She screamed, slipping from the ice formed from the cold. Before she could hit the ground, someone, with strong arms, lifted her to bring back her balance.

"Oh my gosh! Thank you!" Presea said, wiping the snow off her long, dark blonde ponytail and clothes. "I really appreciate how you—" she stopped, now looking into her saviors eyes. It was him. She looked at him with wide eyes…"You're…you're Eagle!"

***

"Yes I am," he said as he smiled charmingly. This girl looked at him with wide eyes as if from shock. "and you are?"

"Um…uh...I'm P-Presea!" the girl stuttered. She was extremely beautiful with dirty blonde hair and warm beautiful brown eyes. Eagle wondered why he'd never seen or noticed her before.

"What?" the senior asked the wide-eyed Presea, smiling, "Am I really that scary?"

"N-no! Of course not!" Presea blushed. "I'm just surprised that I ran into you, that's all!"

She turned away from him, brushing the snow out of her long beautiful hair. The sunlight made her hair shine, her face

still red from embarrassment. He usually didn't walk to school but he had his reasons. His ancient car wasn't working properly. Besides…a morning stroll to school sounded good. "So, are you new in this neighborhood?"

The young maiden known as Presea finally turned to face him, "Nope, I've been in this neighborhood for two years" She managed a warm smile.

He kicked himself mentally. "Sorry, I guess I just don't pay much attention to the neighborhood sometimes!" He laughed. "But let me ask you this, how come I've never seen you in school before?"

Presea's eyes looked straight at his…. "I'm a sophomore," she said, "I'm not a senior…"

Was there a hint of shyness in her voice? Usually people are afraid to talk to me but somehow she's…different…How? Eagle wondered. But before anything else could be said, they had arrived at school…McKinley High School…

***

Umi Ryuuzaki wasn't in the mood to do anything today. Everyone was talking about the Valentines' Dance…what about fencing? Did anyone realize the fencing match was tomorrow morning? The team need the school's support, she need everyone to cheer the school's fencing team on. But has anyone done that? Noooooo…! Why can't they understand that fencing is more important than some silly dance?! This is getting too annoying…!

"Hi," her best friend, Presea, greeted her. Umi didn't even see her coming. She must have been really upset cause Presea isn't the kind of person that sneaks around.

"Hi, Presea," She greeted back, irritation being heard from her tone. She simply carried her fencing bag and walked out the main entrance with her blonde best friend. "So, what's up? Anything happen today?"

"Yep," the pretty girl answered the pale blue-haired girl. She said no more, making an echoing silence.

"So? Are you going to tell me?" Umi asked, her left brow showing her impatience.

Presea simply shook her head no and kept walking, but Umi didn't give up that easy.

"Oh, Come on! I've had a really really rough day today because no one even bothered to wish us luck for tomorrow's fencing match…" Umi growled. "I wonder if the team members will even show up because they're too excited about the dance."

Presea looked at her best friend, as if remembering something. "Oh! I totally forgot about that! Good luck!"

Umi just looked at Presea and scowled. "You FORGOT? How can you forget? I mean, usuall—"

Before she could finish her sentence, Eagle Vision came strolling by. "Hello, Presea," he greeted as he walked down the empty hallway, heading to the direction of the main office.

Umi looked at awe as Presea colored and turned away…What's going on?

***

Emeraude looked worried. For once in her life, she had doubts on how her team was going to do in the fencing match the next day. She had been the Captain of the fencing team of Jonan High School since she was a sophomore, the earliest time you can be Captain. Valentines' was coming up and was quite a distraction for the school and even the fencing team. Even herself, Emeraude, the girl with long golden hair and eyes the color of the deepest of seas, was sidetracked…by Zagato, her new partner, her co-captain of the team. Still…she wasn't to blame for her worries. She had heard rumors that Umi Ryuuzaki, the captain of the rival school, was a great fencer. She didn't doubt that. That was certain, in fact, only extremely talented fencers were allowed to be captain. Don't forget you're a captain, too! She told herself. You wouldn't be in this position if you weren't good…only this time…you tied with Zagato…

Stop it, Emeraude, she reminded herself. You're supposed to be worrying about the team! Concentrate on your fencing team! Another voice within her spoke, But Zagato IS part of your fencing team.. Emeraude shook her head to clear these thoughts. This was insane…how could she think of Zagato at a time like this?! She stood up from her desk and exited the door of the Captain's office. She slowly walked out the entrance. I need some fresh air…

Just then, as she was walking, someone ran into her…REALLY ran into her. "Sorry," a male voice said, "I'm very sorry! I'm in a hurry and…" his voice trailed off as he saw who he bumped into.

Emeraude looked at him and smiled a smile that said "it's okay," but her heart was beating so fast and at the same time, frozen in time. "Hi, Zagato! Where are you off to?"

Zagato smiled back an apology and said, "I'm going off to Lantis' basketball practice, he wouldn't want me to be late, I'm a substitute coach today." He then added sheepishly, "Care to join me co-captain?"

"No thanks." She replied. "Basketball isn't really my sport." Actually, it was Emeraude's worst sport. She winced remembering how he can't even shoot a basket from a really short distance. "I'm gonna talk a walk, I'll see you later."

They quickly said good-bye and Emeraude was finally alone again. Now able to control the beating of her heart unlike when the gorgeous young man appeared. She smiled and walked to the snow filled, white colored schoolyard. She took a stroll to a near park and sat down on a bench… She soon saw a figure not far from her, the figure had long, dark blonde hair and brown eyes. "Sierra…"

***

Sierra took in the fresh air. More than anything, she loved parks, especially in spring, when the flowers bloom…so beautiful, it's only February, though. Yet, Valentines' day was coming up and everyone been distracted. Not her though. Not Sierra, the dark blonde with dangerous brown eyes. She had no intention of celebrating this holiday. Why would she? It wasn't anything special. Besides, she had one, and only one interest. That was fencing…and other sports.

Every week, after school, she would teach classes at the Arista School. She taught younger kids who just started. In fact, Sierra was extremely good at fencing…although she could never beat her close senior friend, Emeraude, the captain of it all. Except this year, Emeraude tied her skill test with Zagato, the new guy, also a senior. Sierra wasn't far behind. Actually, the three of them, Zagato, Emeraude, and Sierra, were a close match. On the total count, Sierra had gotten fifteen point five, Zagato and Emeraude both leading by half a point.

The beautiful dark blonde slowly stood up and started to walk away. Suddenly a voice behind her caused her to halt her walk. "Sierra! Wait! Sierra!"

She looked back and saw Emeraude, now breathless from running toward her. "Hi," she greeted Emeraude. "I thought you were going to "think" in the office."

Sierra heard Emeraude sigh. "I can't think in there! All my thought went Zagato Zagato Zagato."

As Emeraude realized the words that had escaped her mouth, she quickly clasped her hands to her lips to seal them from saying any more. She colored and turned away… " Um…just pretend I didn't say that…"

The sophomore laughed. She knew very well that Emeraude had a "thing" for Zagato. Even her cousin, Fuu Hououji, knew that. Fuu wasn't very quick with these things. Slowly, the two walked on, talking about Valentines'.

"So," Emeraude began, still red. "Are you planning to take someone to the dance on next Saturday?"

"Nope," Sierra said stubbornly. "Why would I wanna go to that silly dance just to see people from the rival school? It's pretty weird that McKinley and Jonan High School are sharing one dance. Besides…I don't date."

Emeraude just nodded, now in her own world…

***

Emeraude sat down in her desk, staring into nothing. She just got back from her walk to clear her mind. It was great running into Sierra and having company. That way, she wasn't left alone with her thoughts. Well, most of the time… She still couldn't believe she had blurted her thoughts just like that, though. It just…came out…Emeraude looked at the clock on the wall. Five o' clock… Five o' clock?? Oh no! she thought. I have a fencing lesson!

It was quite a surprise Emeraude forgot all about her lesson, she'd never done that before! "I guess I better get going!" she thought, panicked. But as she hurried, she couldn't help thinking about the night of the dance…

***

"So you're telling me you "slipped" into him this morning?" Umi, her best friend, said as she shook her head from disbelief. " I don't know how you do it, Presea."

Presea smiled. It wasn't the first time she'd heard Umi say that. Then again, she'd also said it to Umi more than once. After all, Umi looked like a model. Pale blue hair, sapphire blue eyes, and a perfect figure. Not to mention a champion fencer. Presea drank her coke from her straw and nodded. "Well, Umi, it was an accident. You've done the same method… Now how did you do this method?" she pretended to think, "Oh yah! You usually "slip" or "trip" on the guy on purpose!"

"How else was I gonna do it?" Umi said, amused. "I wasn't going to kneel down and beg them for introductions." Umi ate her salad. "By the way, I have to go to the bathroom, I'll be right back."

"Okay," Presea answered.

As Umi left, a really cute guy, a waiter, came up to her. "Hey there," he winked, "you switched tables, I see. Trying to get away from me?"

Confusion was written on Presea's face. "I'm sorry, you must have mistaken me for someone else…"

***

The pretty girl with pale blue hair walked slowly towards the bathroom. She looked back at the direction of her blonde best friend, who was now talking to a cute waiter. How lucky can she get? And to think she doesn't fake "slips" and "trips." Umi laughed. She reached the washroom door and walked in. She gasped as she saw Presea, not far from her.

"Presea," she said confused, " I thought you were at the table." She didn't see Presea go into the bathroom. So how did she get here? Presea simply looked at her as if she wasn't sure she was the one being spoken to. Her blonde best friend looked behind herself and saw no one there.

Finally, she said, pointed to herself, "Are you talking to me?"

"No, I'm talking to the wall," Umi said sarcastically, smiling. "Of course, I'm talking to you. Who else would I talk to?"

The girl looked more confused than ever. "I think…I think you've mistaken me for someone else. My name's Sierra, not Presea."

"Stop kidding around, Presea." Umi tilted her head and looked at the girl who claimed she was someone else called Sierra. "I think I'll go back to the table." Presea has never been good at poker faces and somehow…this girl's confusion seemed genuine. That's impossible, though. Seems like my best friend's getting good at faking…I wonder if she did fake that "slip"…Suddenly, Umi's eyes widened. On their restaurant table, Presea was calmly sitting down, reading her English homework. How did she get here so fast?

"What took you so long?" Presea greeted her.

Umi looked confused. "Weren't you just in the bathroom with me?"

"What? No, of course not, I've been here the whole time."

***

Sierra left the bathroom and took her spot at the corner table. She didn't see that beautiful blue-haired girl that was obviously mistaking her for someone else. This restaurant was big so that girl could still be here, but in a far off table. At least that waiter that kept winking at me is gone. She sighed in relief. Sure, the waiter was extremely cute but what did she care? Guys didn't matter to her. At least, tomorrow, she'll be fencing. Fencing…can I really do it tomorrow? Can I win? Suddenly, that waiter, blond waiter came up to her again.

"You really shouldn't switch seats so often," he said, smiling flirtiously. "I'm Innova. Mind telling me your name?"

Sierra raised her eyebrows and smiled. "I'll tell you my name…if I ever see you again." Which, I won't…I hope…

The beautiful blonde calmly walked away as she gave Innova her paid money.

"Well, to make sure that I do see you again, can you give me your phone number?" he called after her, but Sierra pretended she didn't hear a thing…

I don't date…not now…she thought to herself. Maybe never…

***

Innova quickly checked his watch. It was nine o' clock. That means its closing time for the restaurant. He hurried and closed up the food court. Another day of work I guess. He said silently, Dad would just love to see me doing this. Innova's father owned the restaurant and he's just managing it for the time being because his father went on a business trip in France. Besides this restaurant, his father owned many other stores and companies.

Innova quickly ran home and changed to his comfortable clothes. That girl…Sierra…he mused as he lay down on his bed. She's amazing…

For a while now, Innova has been watching Sierra from a distance in school. The girl was totally amazing. She was considerate to people around her, she was a devoted athlete, not just fencing but all other sports, she was very friendly, and of course, just to add to the rest, she was very beautiful. Innova never had a chance to talk to her since she was always going places…that is, until today, when she went to the restaurant. He replayed her conversation with her. He asked her for her name even though he already knew it…just so they could be properly introduce. Unfortunately, it didn't go as planned. It was strange how she switched tables though. It wasn't only the tables that switched; something about her had changed too. Maybe I'm just being a wacky right now, Innova smiled. Maybe I'm just too tired. With that last thought, he drifted off to a sweet sleep with peaceful dreams.

***

Hikaru Shidou was in the center of the martial arts room wearing the traditional fighting clothes. She had her eyes closed with her hands clasped together, trying to do her relaxation technique. So far, it hadn't worked. She opened her eyes and finally gave up. Valentines' Day, she told herself. Everyone's been talking about it…except me…

It just seemed weird that she stood out from all the students in McKinley High. Hikaru has never really been a Valentines' person, no matter what, even if she tried. Besides, she thought, Everyone thinks I'm just a tomboy. I'm the exact opposite of Presea.

As if on cue, Presea entered the room and sat down in front of the redhead. "Hi."

"Oh, hi, Presea," she said trying her hardest to be cheerful. No matter what, she didn't want to worry Presea. Hikaru looked at Presea once more. Her friend seemed happy. But Presea was more than just a friend, she was more like an older sister to Hikaru, even though the two were fairly the same age.

Hikaru and Presea had grown up in the same household. True, it was odd, but as an infant, Presea was raised in the Shidou family. Why? Because it was the last wish of Presea's mother before she died from giving labor. As a result of growing up together, Hikaru and Presea always had a strong bond. There's a mystery to Presea's mother, though. Mrs. Shidou never talked about her. No one really knows why…

In fact, one time, Hikaru had asked her mother about it, but all she did was change the subject. Must be painful to have a lost of a best friend. Still, Hikaru couldn't help wondering if there was something more to it. Mrs. Masters…not one picture had she seen of her.

"How's relaxation?" the blonde asked. She took the ribbon out of her hair and let her beautiful hair down with grace.

How elegant… "It's going well…pretty good," Hikaru lied. She had to be careful not to give the slightest hint. Presea's pretty sharp.

Hikaru turned towards the wooden sliding door. "I think I'll go change into my regular clothes." She left, now leaving the room to Presea and the deafening silence.

***

Two brothers walked in silence as the snow came down gently from the heavens. Neither one spoke, they just walked on as if their mission was to get home and just rest. It was dark out already. It was half past nine. Basketball practice has ended long ago.

Lantis glanced sideways at his older brother, Zagato, who seemed very distracted. Finally, after the long silence, Lantis spoke, "Zagato, is something the matter?"

But even if these words had been spoken, the young man did not respond. Zagato just walked on as if he hadn't hear it. Lantis repeated his question again. Like before, there was no respond. He's might appear to be next to me, Lantis smiled, but he's not even close to being here.

He tapped Zagato on the shoulder. This time, there was a response…a startled jump. Zagato simply looked around as if to see where he was. Soon he found Lantis staring back at him. "What…?"

"Is something wrong?"

His elder brother just shook his head and went back to his far off world. Oh, well…I tried… Lantis thought.

***

Sierra thought. Why couldn't she get that silly blond waiter out of her head? This was ridiculous! Guys didn't matter to her…

Was she just reminding herself? Or was she trying to convince herself? But anyway, it didn't matter, today was the day, the day of the fencing match. Usually, she didn't bother getting nervous for competitions but today…it was different. Just goes to show what guys can do, she said silently. Suddenly realizing her thoughts, she awoke. What am I thinking? I…I don't even know that guy! Whatever his name is…Innova.

She calmly did her warm-ups and practiced her techniques. "Innova…" she said out loud. She remembered how the guy had just asked for her phone number. "Maybe I should have…"

"Should have what?" a gentle voice asked behind her. Sierra blinked. Had she meant to say that out loud? Did she mean it at all? The blonde beauty turned around to see Fuu Hououji, Sierra Masters' cousin who she lives with since birth.

"N-Nothing!" Sierra said turning away, wishing Fuu hadn't noticed how red she's gotten. "I'm just…thinking.."

"Yes, I see. Apparently, you have spoken part of your thoughts," Fuu smiled. "But anyway, my mother sends her apologizes for not being able to make it. Also, I have come to see you compete."

Fuu…as polite as always…Unlike me…Sierra smiled, "Thanks for coming to see me fence." She looked around the empty warm-up room and saw that only Fuu and herself were present. She started to say something, then hesitated. Finally…"Fuu…Do you know anyone named Innova?"

"Innova Banks?"

"Um…yeah…" she said, trying to stop herself from coloring. Is it just me or is it getting hot in here?

"My, Sierra, your awfully red…is something the matter?"

***

Okay, this is it…Umi thought. She took a deep breath, held it in, and slowly let it all out. The fencing match today worried her more than others. Why? One, because Jonan has really good fencers, like the two captains, another girl who almost tied with them on the skills test, and others. Usually, Umi as confident, but today…something was different. She felt like something important is going to happen…

She closed her eyes and walked to the warm-up room. As she opened it, she saw someone with long dark blonde hair in a fencing suit. She wasn't sure who it was since the person in the suit had her back facing Umi. There was someone else with her, a girl with the same color hair and glasses. Past the girl's glasses were emerald green eyes. Suddenly, the girl with green eyes saw her and stopped her conversation with the other girl, the mystery maiden. The mystery maiden soon turned around to look at Umi…

Oh my gosh, is that… "Presea?" Umi asked cautiously. She couldn't believe her eyes. What was Presea doing in the warm-up room, wearing a fencing armor and sword? It just didn't make sense…

"Oh," Presea said. "It's you again. From the restaurant."

The restaurant…? In less than a second, Umi remembered the bathroom scene when she saw a girl who claimed to be…

"I'm Sierra, don't you remember?" the girl asked gently. "But you never told me your name. You are…?"

Umi didn't know what to do…this girl didn't seem to be kidding…

***