Chapter 1: 再会と到着Reunion and Arrivals

A reward…for the victor, and a punishment…for the loser…

The cloudy skies hovered around as a faint noise of an airplane soars its way through the vaporized water.

He…who has been bullied…has to make a decision…between life…and death.

And somewhere deep beneath the oceans, in the depths of the unfamiliar…the earth shakes and trembles…calling for a desperate need!

Iwatobi, Japan

The light shined through the window as Haruka Nanase woke up and yawned, sitting up on his bed after a long day of traveling back home from college.

It's been a year now, he thought, since I graduated…finally I'm home.

He sighed to himself and went to the bathroom to wash his face, thinking back what has gone before. He and his friends were once bonded to the Legendary Suiei Gods, each bestowed with godly abilities to manipulate water as well as having special abilities of their own.

But little did he realize that the whole time they spent…was all just a circle. Nagisa Hazuki was the one who realized that they were facing off a dangerous enemy who wanted the gods for his own purposes. However, each time they failed to defeat him, time would wound back up to the birth of their world and many more millions of years it would take before the Suiei Gods could exist and start up their journey again.

Nagisa, he thought, I'll see you soon. I can only hope…

He splashed one more time on his face and cooked breakfast for himself while he was in his bathing suit and apron. It wasn't the same without his Suiei God, Nanase; he was very used to the chit-chat around. He ate his usual meal and changed his clothes, leaving the house around 9:30 AM.

After about 10 minutes of a walk, he arrived at the Metro Park and sat on the swing, waiting for Nagisa to arrive. Minutes later, the blonde arrived while listening to his music on his iPod and headphones, dancing a little along the way. He saw Haruka at the swings and smiled.

"Haruka-kun!" he called out.

Haruka lifted his head up and saw Nagisa, giving a small smile, "N-Nagisa."

He gets up from the swings to meet up with him.

"It's been a while…but I'm glad we could meet up again…as human finally," said Haruka while resting his hand over his heart in memory of Suiei Nanase.

Nagisa smiled and nodded as he could feel the memories as well.

"So how is your senior year going?" asked Haruka.

Unlike the time loop, Nagisa was truly happy as he smiled brightly, "It's been great! I love it…but I missed Makoto very much. However, I'll be alright and I'll wait for his return."

Haruka nodded and answered, "With our memories intact…it's a bit of a pain…but I had spoken to Nanase a little in the past…he'll give me updates on what is going on…"

He took out his necklace, knowing that they still have the connection to their gods somewhat, "I still have mines…but it's empty though."

"You're not the only one of course," laughed Nagisa as he showed his out too, "It's very precious. I do sometimes get messages from Hazuki while I sleep and dream."

Haruka looked at him and wondered if he could still be with Nagisa just like the last time.

"Um…is it alright if I hug you?" asked Haruka.

"Oh…sure," said Nagisa, smiling a bit nervously.

Haruka hugged him and spilled some tears from all what has happened back in their previous life. He wanted to give Nagisa an apology for all what has happened.

"Nagisa," he said, "I am sorry…for not realizing your pain…I haven't even apologized to you after all of this time when we all learned the truth…for living our lives in a circle as gods."

"It's alright Haruka, it's all over now…please don't cry," answered Nagisa as he hugged him a bit tighter and resting his head on Haruka's neck, "We're all fine now."

"Yeah, I know," replied Haruka, "I…only wanted to ask you for your forgiveness…and…I want to do it again…"

"W-what?" asked Nagisa as he blushed a little.

Haruka looked at him and said, "I…I loved you still just like the last time…but…if it only bothers you…"

"You do know I'm with Makoto…right?" asked Nagisa.

Haruka nodded and said, "My Suiei has told me a while back…and I guess you do know I ended up with Rei and Rin."

Nagisa nodded and replied, "Yeah…our Suiei Gods really do provide so much information about ourselves."

Haruka chuckled to himself and answered, "Then if that's what you've decided…I understand. It doesn't bother me…but…I do miss you and Rei…and the others ever since we went away to college."

"Oh we're just a call away silly," laughed Nagisa, "Rei keeps saying how much he misses touching your stuff."

Haruka took out his phone and selected Rei to call, wondering if he was awake or not.

Rei heard the vibration on his phone so he got up slowly and answered it, "hello?"

"Oi, Rei, are you awake? It's Haruka," said the boy.

"HARUKA! Oh my god I- I miss you!" cried Rei with joy as he got out from his bed and nearly tripped over his butterfly carpet and began to change off of his butterfly pajamas.

"I'm out at the Metro Park with Nagisa. You want to meet up with us? I know it's a tad bit early but…" began Haruka.

"I'm so out of the door," replied Rei as he quickly scrambled to his clothes, "I'll see you in a bit!"

He closed his PC laptop and puts on a casual shirt, pants and shoes, brushed his air and rushed off, running quickly as he can.

Meanwhile, Makoto was walking down to the park, singing a bit loud as he was talking about how nice the weather was today.

Nagisa turned his head to the park entrance and said, eye widening a little, "I...is that?"

Makoto smiled so brightly as he walked to the park but stops singing abruptly as he saw Nagisa and Haruka.

"NEEEEH!? Oh my…Haruka! Nagisa!" shouted Makoto while blushing.

Nagisa chuckled and said, "I didn't know you can sing Makoto."

"Was I singing that loudly?" asked Makoto, walking towards them while looking away in embarrassment, "It sounded so bad…"

"No it didn't," said Haruka, "You were quite lively."

"Oh hell no; you were amazing!" smiled Nagisa.

"Um…yeah, thanks," replied Makoto, rubbing his head with a nervous smile.

He turns to see Rei rushing to the park and chuckled and watched Rei panting and trying to breathe after running so quickly.

"You finally made it," said Haruka.

"Oh hey Rei!" smiled Makoto.

"Hi you guys, I couldn't resist coming here to meet you all," replied Rei, still trying to breathe and relax.

"Well…we are missing someone," said Nagisa, giving a wink on his left eye.

"And that would be me!" shouted a voice.

The four turned to see Rin, dressed in his casual clothes with his cap and his black and red shirt, making a snap on his cap as he stretched the back end. His carried his phone on his left hand.

"You're quite lively indeed," answered Haruka.

"Rin-chan!" smiled Nagisa.

"I got your message last night, Haru," nodded Rin.

"Good to see you're alright," blushed Rei.

"Yeah, yeah, it's all good," smirked Rin, "Thankfully my term ended too so I made sure to get here when Haruka sent me that text of his return home."

"Yeah, we're finally all here…again," said Makoto, "A reunion after a year."

They each took out their Suiei Necklaces that were a part of their bond to the Suiei Gods, five, ancient, legendary beings that created the ocean and all of the water supply for the planet, making them responsible for life to exist in the first place.

"Our memories…both joy and painful…still live with us…" said Haruka, "Now we are humans without any powers from the gods…as per price that we paid."

Haruka looked at Rin and asked, "How is your sister?"

"Yeah, did she get better?" asked Rei.

"Gou is doing much better…she did faint like how it was and I rushed back to the house," said Rin, showing them the empty vial that the Tree gave to them back in the time loop, "This vial was hidden in the drawers in my old room so I took out and had her drink it. She recovered just a few hours later and my Suiei told me that she'll be alright now."

"Well that's good," smiled Nagisa, "Gou-chan is always funny and cheerful!"

"Hey Nagisa, didn't you said that there were some new students coming here as visitors?" asked Makoto.

"Visitors?" asked Rin.

"I didn't even hear about that," said Haruka, looking a bit skeptical.

"I talked to ama-chan about it," smiled Nagisa, "They're more like…transfers. Like total foreigners!"

"Oh my," said Rei.

"Really?" asked Haruka, "That's interesting…but the year is almost done though…I don't understand why they would come here at such a time like this?"

"Yeah, that's a bit odd, I'd agree with that," said Rin.

"But even so," smiled Nagisa, "I can't wait to meet them! I wonder what kind of people they are! And how knows, maybe they moved out here?"

"Beats me," shrugged Makoto.

"Well considering that there was nothing like this in the previous timeline…it's a bit shady," said Rei, doing the megane look.

"But we changed that…and we made our own future. I just know that they'll be nice people," replied Nagisa.

"The Suiei Gods…have been traveling," said Makoto, "At least that's what I got from Tachibana; he told me that he and the others were heading to Egypt. I don't know why or what's behind this…but that's where they're going."

"That's interesting, Egypt is scarce for the water…unless if it's the Nile," answered Rin.

"Oh the Suiei Gods must be trying to make more water appear there?" asked Nagisa.

"Hilarious," said Rei, shaking his head.

"Well, Nanase did tell me that it was more of a temporally stop…at least that's what I was told while I slept," replied Haruka.

"Come on guys! We have to prepare for our guests!" smiled Nagisa as he rushed out of the park, "Nikon will be expecting us to help out!"

The others followed, wondering what this future will be in stored.

Earlier in the Morning…

The airplane soared through the early, sunrise skies as a young man woke up after his night, taking out his iPod. He was a student from California in a town called Santa Monica; just barely over 5 feet and 4 inches; he's stuck being short thanks to his genetics of height. His neck had a strange humanoid-like symbol tattoo. His eyes were yellow with hints of brown that reflected the light.

Across from him and the aisle was a young lady watching a movie with a smile on her face. She was just over 5 feet and 3 inches with a bit of a tan and brown wavy hair with brown eyes.

So Japan huh, thought Serah, who would've thought I end up in such a place?

The man named Alex turned to his iPod and flipped on a video clip of a reality TV show, watching a fight scene or two as he cracked a small smile.

A ton of bitches going at each other, he thought, at least this has something interesting drama behind it.

Alex turned to the window and opened the panel to see the city of Tokyo before his eyes. He was astonished to see the megacity before him.

I wonder if my two princes are okay, it'd be a shame if he had to decapitate more people…oh geeze…OH MY GOD ROBERT DOWNEY, YOU'RE PRECIOUS, thought Serah as she quietly fan-girl the scenes.

Finally the announcement spoke out, "We thank you guys for riding on Tokyo Skyline Metro, please turn off your devices as we start to make our landing."

Alex turned off his iPod, well then, so much for relaxing.

Serah turned off the movie and thought, Aww…I'll see your sexy butt later Iron Man.

Alex turned his head briefly to see a girl putting away her movie but he turns back to close the window. He thanked to himself that he wasn't at least the only foreigner alone on the plan.

"Oh yesssss, here I come Tokyo!" cheered Serah quietly, while trying to explode her excitement.

Alex sighed to himself but smiled inside. He was here for something quite important as he thought back…in a conversation with someone.

…you want her dead, right?

I need a sword, a new one…strong.

Alex…

I'm going to kill Stefani for my own reasons…they have nothing to do with you.

But what about your brother? Isn't he ill? Isn't that why you wanted to go to Japan? You made a promise since you were 12! You can't let yourself fall into that if you're going to protect him!

I'm going to Japan…in hopes to save him…but if I ever come across her path…

All of a sudden, he coughed on his own spit and nearly choked himself. After clearing his throat, he slumped down on his seat.

Embarrassing, he thought, touching his tattoo on his neck.

What the fuck? Did he almost die on his own spit? That's just fucking hilarious, thought Serah, almost laughing.

"There's a reward…for the victor, and a punishment…for the loser," he muttered, "Unity…Duty…Destiny."

Serah stopped laughing as she somehow recalled those three words…from a long time ago. Meanwhile, the airplane landed safely and it was time to get on the move.

At the luggage claim, Alex finds his suitcase safely and he grabbed it, heading out to the customs and getting his passport stamped and his things checked. He didn't bother to notice that the girl from before was following him.

As for Serah, she barely grabs her stuff and goes waiting in line for a half an hour and was relieved to not have her swords in the luggage but realized that she was lost in the crowd.

She turns to see the boy from before and follows him, keeping her distance as she senses something strange already about him. She sensed some nerco energy radiating out of him.

After taking a taxi to the train station, he got out and walked through the crowds, looking at his slip of paper of a specific address.

Not far behind, Serah was also heading to the train station based on her address on the paper as well.

Ugh, dammit it all…how the hell am I gonna get to a place like this, she thought, I don't even know where my nose is currently.

She saw Alex standing in line as the train arrived in the station. The doors opened and the crowds waited for the arrivals to leave.

I better follow him, it looks like he knows where he is going, she thought.

"Oi! Excuse me, young boy!" shouted Serah, "I'm lost as fuck!"

But Alex didn't hear her as he stepped into the train while Serah barely got in but she couldn't find him.

Crap, she thought as she took her seat, I swear, I'm gonna make sure he helps me.

Alex sat alone in a corner of the cabin as the train began to move. He closed his eyes and kept his bag beneath the seat remembering that day that started it all…

Flashback: One Month Ago

Alex washed his face in the bathroom as he reflected on how he managed to get to this place. He was asked by a student back in college to meet up at this mansion around 9:30 P.M on Saturday Evening.

He heard a knock on a door as a tall lady opened it and said, "If you're finish, shall we go?"

Alex turned and followed the lady to a grand hallway as there were several doors and a set of stairs. He was slightly fascinated by the fanciness of this place as he looked up at the ceiling and thought he saw a camera for a minute.

"What's wrong?" called out the lady, "Follow me please."

The lady named Cassi led the boy to the office as she knocked on the door.

"Come in," replied the voice inside.

Cassi opened the door and allowed Alex in as there were a group of students that were talking to the man at the desk. They moved out of the way as the boy walked in with a serious expression.

The man before him sat at his desk, staring at the boy with fascination as he realized something valuable about this person standing before him.

"Welcome…Mr. Alex Marotta, I am Leon Goldsmith," said the older man.

"Are you? How do you know my name?" growled the boy as he narrowed his eyes.

At first it was a moment of silence until the man answered, "Sports n More…and Teen Adventure Camp…"

Alex grunted as the man explained, "Those places you went to long ago…an experiment were preformed there by your classmates because they were in jealously of your sole talent of swimming. And later in your high school years, people bullied you about your identity and name."

Leon turned on his tablet and pushed it across the desk, revealing a series of photos from long ago.

"Judging from the pictures, you have been a target for them," said Leon.

Alex widened his eyes in shock before narrowing them again. They were various pictures of him from the camp, both happy and bad times; especially the one when he almost drowned into the whitewater rafting. There were other pictures of him being bullied by others and some pictures of him with his talent of swimming.

"However…" continued Leon, "After all of that ordeal…you have been fortunate to survive…but you have forever changed."

"Clearly and how exactly did you find this out?" growled the boy.

"One of the camp counselors…Mike, sent them to me," said Leon.

Alex gasped on the name as he remembered that man along with Dave and a handful of female counselors that were all being phony to him. Just how…one of them was a spy?

"You knew him by the name of Mike Matz, correct? He hacked into the cameras around the school and other cameras that the other camp counselors used," he explained, "He gave us these clips even though it was only bits and pieces of them. However, you seem to have dreams of the past…about bloodshed and war."

"Was he a member?" asked Lucy, one of the regular members.

"He never worked here in the core of this team directly, no, but he was technically a member of Terran Nost," said Cassi, the secretary.

"What happened to him?" asked Sean, another regular member.

"He…he died," answered Leon, "Not long after you left your original hometown, Alex."

"The past about bloodshed and war doesn't matter to me," replied Alex, "I only concern about what happened to me when I was a child and my destiny to help my brother…as well as my own being"

"Your…brother?" asked Leon.

"His brother has Autism…non-verbal and severe," reported Cassi.

Leon widened his eyes a little and said, "You are welcome to stay here Alex, but I assume that you live not far from here, yes?"

Ignoring him, Alex took out a slip of paper and handed it to him, saying, "I've came across this while reading one of my textbooks. I managed to solve this on my own…or so I thought. If you guys are great hackers, then please figure this out for me."

Leon took a look at it and read five different names, "How interesting…Cassi, please give this to our task members and make sure they find the exact information."

Cassi nodded as she took the paper and left the room while Alex vowed himself to keep his promise for his brother…

"People have made fun of your name too, yes?" asked Leon, "That's why you renamed yourself as Alex. And…you want her dead, right? The one who made that…"

"I'm going to kill Stefani for my own reasons…" said Alex, narrowing his eyes, "They have nothing to do with you."

"But what about your brother?" asked Leon, "How will keep your promise to him if you are conflicted with this revenge?"

Alex turned and walked away in disgust, his heart was on a crossroad between two decisions…between life…and death.

"She is my concern as well," he growled, as he was walking towards the exit, "I will never forgive her."

"I'll help you get to Japan…to meet with them," said Leon, "The ones that may be able to help you. You're seeking the Suiei Gods…how bold of you."

"There's a reward…for the victor," muttered Alex," And a punishment…for the loser."

One of the assistance led the boy to a temporally room. However, he had no interest in a conversation more than what was needed so he sat alone in the Japanese-styled bedroom and sat on the floor and rested against the wall. He was going to be here for a little bit…

As soon as they discovered the information about the Suiei Gods, he was given a list of locations to attend to as well as he was pre-enrolled to attend one of the schools there as a student in disguise while he was on a mission to find and obtain the materials needed to hopefully give his brother a voice for his Autism.

Present Time: Japan

"Reward for the victor…punishment…for the loser," said Alex quietly as he opened his eyes to see the sight before him. It was around mid-morning as the sun was shining. He was one of the few people left on the train and he immediately saw that girl from the airplane before but she was also asleep.

Suiei Gods…he thought, remembering that he was given the information about them, there are five of them…and they're just like us. Like what are the odds that I'll find them anyway?

Alex looked out the window and saw the two towns of Iwatobi and Sametsuka in the distance. The train finally stopped at a station that was in the outskirts of both cities as he got off, never noticing that the girl was pretending to be asleep.

Serah was about to put her dagger on his neck when he suddenly turned violent and jumped away, dropping his bag and sets on a defensive move.

"Why did you follow me?" he asked, keeping his eyes sharp on the girl.

"I've been trying to get a hold of you and you kept ignoring me as if I was the air, I should just kill you and use your blood as ornament for my skin," answered Serah.

"I have no desire to die," said Alex, "Not as long as my promise is intact."

"Does it really cost you to tell me if I am on the right train!?" she snapped.

"Well then where did you intend to go?" he asked, keeping his guard up, "You got a card or something?"

Serah took out her paper and handed it to him, annoyed but trying to stay calm; she was secretly amazed by his looks but she didn't like the dark attitude in him.

After a moment, Alex's face changed, "The hell? You're heading to Iwatobi also!?"

"mhm," she answered, "I'm going there for a bit of time. I don't know how I even ended up in this place but I guess it's where I need to go for my business."

"I got an address…from a foreign exchanged student whom I have met back in college; his name is Nikon, he lives here in the town and he's inviting me to stay over," said Alex.

"Huh, nice... that means we're classmates much? That Nikon guy sounds familiar to me too..." said Serah, "Did you by chance fall down a rabbit hole?"

"Um…no?" answered Alex, taking out his phone, "As I said…I got important business to deal with…and WHAT THE HELL? Whaaat? This phone…why is there no news?"

"…I have an old nokia…so I haven't the slightest on what you are talking about," replied Serah.

"Normally I get news wherever I go...but it was like this when I got to Tokyo...there was like very little news posted and now there's nothing," he answered as he tried to get a signal on his apps.

"Oi! Alex?" shouted a voice from behind.

Alex turned to see Nikon, a tall guy with a blend of casual clothes and some Greek-like clothes.

"Da fuck?" asked Serah

"Nikon! Oh my goodness I thought I'd never see you again!" smiled Alex as he and Nikon hugged, "Damn, did you get taller? Why do I end up being a shortie?"

"Oh just wait…I have some friends that you need to meet…and these guys are giants themselves," said Nikon as he turned to see the girl, asking, "And who do you might be?"

"Name's Serah Rose," said Serah.

"Well you are both safe here, I got rooms for you to stay. My name is Nikon," said the tall man.

"I'm Alex by the way," smiled the foreign boy.

"Alrighty, pleased to me y'all," she answered.

"I know that you'll be visiting the Iwatobi High School," said Nikon, "But…what about you Serah?"

Serah shrugged and answered, "I'm here for something…not sure what."

"Well then, let me bring you two to my place then. Just a word of warning though, we are almost done with the school year so it may be a bit chaotic in town," answered Nikon.

Thank god I'm on vacation from college, but why must I impose myself as a high schooler, thought Alex.

The trio walked down the streets, heading to the apartment where Nikon had them stay for the night.

The Next Day…

Makoto woke up and yawned as his phone vibrated. It was a message from Nikon:

I got some friends here from out of the country that is willing to meet you. Bring Rin and Haruka to join. I know the others are still in school so they're a bit busy.

Makoto smiled as he sent the message to Rin and Haruka. They both got the message and began to get more curious. They eventually meet up at Nikon's house located not far from the Metro Park.

Nikon stood at the door and opened it as he saw the trio arriving to the place.

"I am glad that you three have made it. We got these two people that are waiting for you. Please follow me in," said Nikon.

They all walked in and they saw two people, a boy and a girl eating breakfast. Alex sipped on his tea without trying to burn himself while Serah munched on some toast.

"Sup'?" asked Serah.

Alex was stunned to see how tall the guys were, he felt like a midget, SHHIIIITTT…they're so tall. Why do I always end up the shortest?

"Well good morning you guys," said Makoto, "I see you're enjoying breakfast. My name is Makoto."

Dang, thought Serah, that one is adorable.

Finally Alex spoke, bowing his head, "Hello there…my name is Alex."

"I'm Haruka," said the dark-haired boy.

"Rin here!" smiled the red-haired guy with the sharp teeth.

"Serah Rose at your service here," nodded Serah.

Alex got up to wash his hands and the trio was a bit stunned on his short height.

"Dang, you're tiny…almost like Nagisa," said Makoto.

"I know...I'm barely over 5'4"," said Alex, "You guys are like 6' feet or something?"

"Size doesn't matter fools," sighed Serah, slightly annoyed.

The trio smirked a little as Alex sat back down to finish his breakfast.

"The others are on their way here," said Haruka, "They will take you to Iwatobi. Rin, Makoto and myself are graduates."

"Okay," answered Alex.

"Well then, I'm glad I was able to help you guys," said Nikon.

"I am sincerely grateful to you precious haired man," replied Serah.

Alex bowed his head and said, "It's not a problem, I thank you for helping us."

The doorbell rang and Nikon went to the door. Nagisa and Rei walked in as they saw the others and their guests at the table.

"What's up Nikon?" asked Nagisa.

"We got our guests here," answered Nikon.

He led them to the room where they saw the others.

"Heeey you guys!" smiled Nagisa with a giggle.

"Morning to you all," nodded Rei.

Dang, thought Alex, I'm really short as a bitch.

Damn, thought Serah, I want that blonde to be my son.

Nagisa looked at the two visitors and said, "Why hello there you two!"

"Good morning," smiled Alex as he bows his head again.

"Hello," said Rei.

"I'm Nagisa…and this is Rei," introduced the blonde.

"My name is Alex. I got here last night and I'll be taking a visit at your school for a bit of time," said the American boy.

"Name's Serah and I somehow ending up going to your school also…so please bear with me," said the girl.

"I don't know how long I'll be here exactly but I am set to return back sometime this summer," explained Alex.

I have to hurry though….the groundbreaking rumors…he thought.

"I am engaged and I have a kid…and that's all you guys need to know," said Serah, trying to hold her cool as she didn't like the vibe from the place.

Alex noticed that Rei and Nagisa had uniforms on, asking, "So then…you both have uniforms for the school? I'm kinda short so I don't know if I can fit well…"

"Ugh, do I HAVE TO?" asked Serah.

"You can borrow my sister's…she's also at Iwatobi. She's a senior like Nagisa and Rei," answered Rin.

Serah sighed and said, "Alright…gosh, I really hate uniforms."

The two finished their breakfast where they were led by the boys as the sun continued to shine up the morning. From there, they decided to split off; Serah going with Rin while Alex follows Nagisa and Rei as they both go to get their uniforms.

Rin led Serah to his house where he and his sister, Gou were staying.

"Hey sister! We're back!" called Rin, "You home? Hello?"

He turned to Serah and said, "She might be changing or something…here, take a seat."

They both sat down as their waited for Gou to appear in the scene. After a minute or two, they hear footsteps.

"I'm sorry brother!" called out Gou as she walked in but suddenly stopped to see the foreign girl.

"Well hello there," said the sister.

"Serah, this is my sister, Gou," said Rin, "and sister, this is Serah."

"It's Kou!" replied Gou, slightly annoyed, "Well Gou is my real name…but…I have people call me Kou."

Rin rolled his eyes a little but he nodded to himself.

"Well it is nice to meet you Miss Serah," smiled Gou, "Are we in the same class by chance?"

"Pleased to meet you too milady, and I think we might be, I don't know," said Serah with a shrug about the classrooms.

"Um Rin…are you two…?" began Gou.

"Oh no!" he answered, "She only got here last night…and there's a boy here who is also visiting."

"I don't really date red heads anywho," said Serah.

"Well that's cool!" smiled Gou, "New people to hang out with!"

Rin smiled a little in response, knowing that his sister was happy to be so spirited.

"But um…isn't it a bit too late in the year to be transferring?" asked Gou.

"Um…shit happens I guess…and you gotta move from one continent to next," replied Serah.

Gou's eyes widened a little as she was a bit stunned on the attitude of things, not to mention the swearing.

"I just had to move milady, don't worry," laughed Serah.

"Well then, it's almost time for you two. I'll be heading out to the store to get something for us to eat later," said Rin as he grabbed the keys to head out.

"Okay brother," said Gou as she waved goodbye. She turned back to Serah and said, "So um…I suppose you have no uniform, right? I'll let you borrow one of mine. We're about the same size so that's good."

Brother, you've really changed a lot, thought Gou, But…at least…you're back to your happy self….unlike what has happened before…

"Is something the matter?" asked Serah.

Gou shook her head and said, "Oh it's nothing. Let's get you ready."

"Do I seriously have to wear one?" asked Serah, annoyed.

"Yup. But c'mon, it'll look adorable on you," said Gou as she goes to the closet in her room and gets out a uniform set for Serah. The other girl went to the side to change.

Serah, after a few minutes eventually came back out and said, "W-well…here I am…ready for a school day."

Gou smiled and said, "You look adorable! C'mon let's get to school okay? You got your satchel right?"

Serah blushed but nodded as Gou grabbed her by the wrist and they rush off to the school, much to Serah's surprise on how outgoing she is.

Meanwhile, Alex was walking with Nagisa and Rei as they were heading to Iwatobi High. Alex felt a bit loose on his clothes but it did fit for the most part; the sleeves were slightly on the longer side but it didn't matter.

"Well, at least the weather here is nice…it's not too muggy or cold," said the foreigner.

"It's okay," said Rei.

"It's fabulous right now!" smiled Nagisa, "Rei...don't be such a baka!"

Rei slightly rolled his eyes but he smiled to himself, it was hard to get annoyed since he really enjoys talking to Nagisa and the others.

"So then Alex, you ready for your first day?" asked the blonde.

Alex took a peak on his calendar planner that he was given earlier that detailed on the class schedule and the times, "Well…it's half a day today…but I guess it'll be fun regardless."

"Oh you'll just love it here!" laughed Nagisa.

"…Or not. It's only a small time," said Rei.

Nagisa jumped up and laughed as he ran around the two, causing his necklace to be exposed. Alex's eyes widened as he recalled about the Legend of the Suiei Gods; that the heralds had necklaces in the shape of a heart pendant with a symbol on each of the five.

The necklace, thought Alex, just as the rumors have said.

"Is something the matter?" asked Rei.

Alex shook his head and said, "No. I'm fine, I just wasn't paying attention."

He changed the subject and asked, "Well then, where do you both plan to attend college?"

Nagisa stopped running around and smiled, "Where Makoto goes of course!"

"I guess it depends whichever my letter gets accepted to," said Rei while Nagisa put his necklace back beneath his shirt.

"Well that's good, at least you Nagisa will be with your friend," smiled Alex.

Haruka…thought Rei, I want to go with him…at his university.

"I thought Haruka was in the United States….in fact he told me he was in California too during his year there," said Alex, "Right?"

Rei blushed at the question but answered, "Well…I did know he was out in the states…but…"

"I don't know…it's kinda funny how we all live in this world…and yet we are so distant," said Alex.

"You can say that again…" nodded Nagisa.

"Like three times," agreed Rei.

Alex shrugged as he saw the building ahead, "Oh…it looks like we are here."

"Yep!" said Nagisa, "And look! There are the girls!"

Rei narrowed his eyes a little as he thought to himself, the foreigner looks a bit odd.

"Oh fuck….I see dudes," said Serah.

"Language…Ms. Serah," replied Gou, "They're not going to eat you."

"They better not try, I will chop their head off!" snapped Serah as she felt her skirt feeling a bit too short.

The trio arrived to them as it was a bit quiet at first but Alex broke the silence, "Well good morning. I guess we all start here."

"Hi," said Serah calmly.

"Morning!" smiled Nagisa, "I'm glad we're all here now! This will be a fun time!"

"We'll see," said Rei, pushing his glasses up with the megane look.

"Well, we better hurry…homeroom will start soon," said Gou.