Heart's Fate

by MangaMaid4545

Rebooted in January 2015. Fourteen-year-old Akira Wagerman is still coping with the aftermath of her father's death. When her family moves to Japan to escape the loss, Akira's plan is to stick to her best friend and avoid attention at all costs. But even the best laid plans can fail when fate intervenes. And, to Akira, Shuuichi Minamino is a terrifying intervention. KuramaOC HieiOC

2. Chapter 2

MangaMaid's Notes: Well, here's Chapter 2 of the reboot. I would like to thank all readers, reviewers, etc. for the support. Hopefully, you like this chapter!

Disclaimer: Oh, come on! I think we all know I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho!

...

It was still dark when Kumori returned to the Minamino home. A yawn escaped her once the house was in sight and she rubbed at her eyes. It didn't take her long to sneak inside the house and get to her room. Without so much as a sound, she stepped over the two occupants asleep on her floor and flopped on her bed, her mind traveling to the events that had taken place in Reikai.

When she had gotten to Reikai, she had to wait before she could even see Koenma. If Kurama's words hadn't been in her mind, tugging on her nerves, she would've used the delay as a reason to cause chaos seeing as the Prince of the Reikai knew she hated to wait, especially when he was the one who made her. However, anxiety won out over irritation and so she had waited, although when she had been admitted into his office, she had told him what she thought about his waiting games.

Once she had finished her rant and confessed to him the true reason for her visit, although she kept Akira's name out of it, Koenma's face had turned practically white. Immediately, he had begun to press her about her friend who owned the Demon's Heart, trying to get Kumori to give him a name. But no matter how much he questioned, Kumori had kept her mouth shut. She knew the dangers of the world that Reikai could pull her friend into once Koenma learned her name. Working under Koenma and helping to slaughter demons were things she didn't want Akira to have to worry about.

Turning to lie on her left side, Kumori looked at her alarm clock. The clock showed her 3:00 A.M., meaning that Koenma had kept her for several hours with his persistence and nagging. She frowned, before rolling on her back and closing her eyes. If Koenma kept her this late again, she'd skin him alive. Sleep was precious to her and the fact he had taken several hours of it from her was irritating. 'Well,' she thought to herself as her mind began to drift, 'It's better to have some sleep, then no sleep at all.'

The next thing Kumori heard was the ear-splitting alarm of her clock ringing. She bolted up, but due to the way she had been sleeping, she was unsteady. She let out a yelp and flailed her arms before she fell flat on her face. Picking herself up, she began to let out a stream of curses, unaware of Akira, beginning to wake.

"Damn fucking alarm! It's a frickin' Monday! I want some devil-damned sleep!" Kumori snapped as she turned the alarm off. "I'm gonna find the damn bastard who invented these things…then I'm gonna fricassee the fuckin' son of a bitch and then…" Her plotting was cut off as a hand covered her mouth. Surprised, she tensed and turned to see Akira, worn out from waking too early, watching her with a look of exasperation.

"Shh," Akira said, glancing behind her. "You'll wake Akane."

Kumori had the grace to look sheepish. "Right, sorry."

"What time is it?" asked Akira as she rubbed at her eyes.

Peering at her clock, Kumori answered, "5:30."

Eyes shot open and Akira looked at her friend with a questioning look. "I thought the school you went to started at 8:30."

"Sarayashiki Junior High? It does."

"Then why do you have your alarm set so early?"

"Because Shuui-chan is mean and changes my clock."

Confused, Akira asked, "Why would he change your clock?"

"I have this bad habit of turning it off and going back to sleep. He's trying to fix it."

A snicker escaped Akira. "Oh right. I forgot about that. It's been over a year since I had to drag you out of bed before we walked to school." Stretching, she looked around. "Do you think anyone will be up this early?"

"Shuuichi will. He wakes up at about 3 to mess with my alarm." Kumori's tone sounded sour on that last part.

"Oh. Do you think I'll bother him or wake anyone up if I go get ready for the day? I mean, I can wait if it'll bother anyone, I just… you know… Once I'm up, I'm up."

"You'll be fine. All he's doing is rereading his homework for the millionth time…"

"Okay…" Looking to her friend, Akira asked, "Are you going to go back to sleep?"

"Yup. And in ten minutes, he'll come in to set my alarm for six." The look on Kumori's face was not pleasant.

Nodding, Akira grabbed from her backpack a toiletry bag and left the room. She noticed the light peering from underneath Shuuichi's door and crept past the door, so as not to disturb him. Heading downstairs, she went to the bathroom and began her usual morning routine.

Once done with her routine, she raced back to Kumori's room, trying very carefully to not make a sound. When she was safely inside, she turned and locked the door before shedding her pajamas.

After putting on her bra, she began to pull on a set of jeans when there was a knock at the door. She stilled, frozen at the sound. Shaking herself, she remembered that Kumori had said Shuuichi would be back to reset the alarm. There was a pause and then nothing. 'He must've realized the door is locked and gone back to his room,' Akira thought as she finished pulling her pants on.

She bent down to retrieve a dark teal shirt from her backpack, only to hear the door creak open. Turning, she froze at her eyes met Shuuichi's dead-on. It only took a moment to realize she wasn't wearing a shirt. Immediately, she spun around, showing her back to the doorway while she covered her chest.

"Ah, sorry. I didn't realize...I'll just leave, shall I?" The door closed shut and Akira pulled the shirt on.

'I was sure I locked that door... Maybe the lock is bad?' Akira thought as she pulled at her hair out of her shirt. When she was finished, she began to shake Kumori. After a moment, a pair of agitated, tired eyes looked up at her.

"Nerghelblahgs."

"Kumori…" Akira bit her lip, looking down.

Sitting up, Kumori was now alert. "What happened? Who am I killing?"

"I think your lock is broken…"

"Oh, that. No, it's just really picky, you have to twist it just right. Why?"

"Uhm… Well… Uh…"

Understanding hit Kumori while she watched her friend struggle to explain. "You didn't answer when Shuui-chan knocked, I'm guessing."

"Well, no…" A blush burned on Akira's face.

Kumori gave Akira a knowing smile. "Uh-huh. Probably scared the poor boy. Go out there and talk to him."

Like a child, Akira pouted at her friend and asked, "Do I have to?"

"If you don't get it out of the way now, then it's going to haunt you for months. Now, shoo! And let me go back to sleep." Kumori rolled over and went back to sleep.

Akira sighed and turned to the door. "Okay…"

After taking a few minutes to gain confidence, she walked out of the door. She peered around, but she didn't see him. Closing her eyes, she exhaled, mentally preparing herself to knock on his door.

"Is there a reason why your shoulder is covered in bruises?"

Stiffening, Akira spun around to see Shuuichi leaning against the wall. It took her a moment before she came up with an excuse. "Oh… I bruise really easily… So I guess when I fell yesterday..." She looked down at the floor, letting her sentence trail off.

Shuuichi's eyes narrowed at the obvious lie as his jaw tightened in an effort to keep from calling her out on it. "I see." Releasing a sigh, he ran a hand through his hair and spoke. "I have some salve that should take care of it, if you would like?"

"Oh… Uhm… Sure… I guess…"

Pushing himself off the wall, Shuuichi walked towards his room. He opened the door and turned to Akira, gesturing for her to follow him. When she followed him to his room, he closed the door behind him and gestured for her to sit on the bed. "This is going to be...awkward, but I am going to have to ask you to remove your shirt."

The words were not without effect. Akira's cheeks turned crimson and she huddled herself together. It was a moment before she squeaked, "Uhm… I-Is that… really necessary?"

"Unfortunately, yes. If the salve is going to work properly, it needs to be applied the correct way."

"Oh…" After a moment, Akira inhaled and slipped her shirt off. She ducked her head, trying to hide her red cheeks as she turned her back towards Shuuichi. Closing her eyes, she began to recite the routine in her head. Three steps forward, second position into third, quarter turn to the right, arm sweeping down to the waist…

Shuuichi's voice broke her concentration. "This may be cold."

Before she had time to go back to her routine, a cool cream touched her shoulder, causing an intake of breath. The hand that was applying it paused a moment before going back to smear the salve on her shoulder.

Akira could feel her heart pounding as Shuuichi's hand moved over her shoulder applying the salve where it was needed. Closing her eyes, she tried to go back over her routine, only to have it stutter to a stop every time a movement of his hand caught her off guard. Once he had finished, Akira was grateful as the embarrassment and awkwardness was getting to her. Immediately, she pulled back on her shirt and stood, bowing to him. "Thank you."

Shuuichi inclined his head. "You're welcome. If you don't mind my asking, what are you doing up this early? I would've thought the jet lag would have you sleeping longer."

"I've run on less…" she mumbled.

"I see…" There was a pause before Shuuichi offered, "I'd like to apologize."

"Huh?"

"I didn't realize you were changing when I came in to set Kumori's alarm. She has tried to lock me out before on multiple occasions, and I assumed that was the case."

"Oh… Oh no!" Akira looked up at him. "If anything, I should apologize. I should've said something so that you knew I was up." Realizing something, she asked, her cheeks reddening while her gaze dropped back down. "Uhm… You… uh… didn't see… anything, did you?" When he didn't respond, she buried her face in her hands. "Oh no…"

"I am sorry."

Unable to respond, Akira nodded, trying to show she knew it wasn't his fault. However, she found her voice locked as she tried to speak. Taking her time, she forced herself to inhale and whispered, almost choking, "Like I said… Not your fault…"

There was a long pause. Feeling her nerves creep due to the silence, Akira tried to force herself to break it. She wasn't sure what to say, but she knew she had to try. Her words were strained and her voice cracked on the end. "So… um… My mom… She mentioned that you… you go to a really good school here?"

"Yes," Shuuichi acknowledged. "I attend Meiou Private High School."

"Oh… Uhm…"

He smiled at her. "I take it you don't know much about the schools here?"

Her cheeks darkened as her eyes shied away from his. "No…N-Not really…" She began to fiddle with her hair.

Shuuichi chuckled, a light easy sound as he leaned against his wardrobe and ran a hand through his hair. "Well, you're in the presence of someone who has been in the school system since I reached school age." Sending her a smile that would send most girls at his school into titters, he asked, "What would you like to know?"

"Uhm… I don't know. I mean… Er…" Akira paused, trying to find the right words. "I… erm… I-I guess, uhm, wh-what are classes like?"

"Ah, that's a simple enough one. They are similar to the classes in your American schools, but the teachers move instead of the students. There are very few classes that the students move to. I believe that Kumori is in one, an art class, if memory serves."

"Oh. I see…" Akira bit her lip, trying to find more to say.

"Do you have any other questions?"

"Not… Not really… Wait… Uhm… Physical education… It… It isn't mandatory… Is it?"

"Not for most students, no. Most simply need the credit for their college transcripts. A lot of the public colleges require a passing grade in either Gym, or participation in some sort of sport. Kumori is part of the kendo club at her school."

"I see…"

Shuuichi noticed the way Akira's face fell. "Is that a problem?"

"Just…" She shook her head. "Nothing… I'm fine."

"You are worried about your scars, I'm guessing?"

Akira's head shot up, fear rising in her eyes. "How did you-? "

"I noticed that, when you removed your shirt, your skin is rougher in spots." Noticing the fear in her face now changing into terror, he asked, "Why do you have them?"

"Uh… Well… I…"

"AKIRA!" Akane's voice wailed, breaking the silence of the house. Without missing a beat, Akira ran to the door and hurried back to Kumori's room. Shuuichi followed, watching as Akira knelt down in front of the crying five-year-old before scooping her up and rocking her back and forth.

"Akane, shh… shh… I'm here… I'm here." As she rocked, Akira began to rub Akane's back while the younger girl sobbed into her shoulder.

"Akane?" Minori's worried voice came from the doorway and both Akira and Akane turned to see their mother, along with Shiori in the doorway, both women looking nervous. "Is everything alright?"

"Akane had another nightmare," Akira murmured as Akane cried, still hiding her face.

"Another one?" Minori asked, her eyes flitting over to her younger child. Stepping into the room, she knelt down next to Akira and asked, "What happened, Akane?"

Akane turned wet eyes and a tear-streaked face to her mother. "Mommy… The monster got Akira…"

"Shh... " Minori began to pet her daughter's head while Akira continued to rub her back. "It was only a nightmare, love. Akira's right here, see? She's okay."

Akane nodded, but tears still dripped down her cheeks. She wept, "She got hurt 'cause of me… I wasn't fast enough… It's my fault…"

"No, Aka-chan," Akira murmured, hugging her sister. "It's not your fault at all. It was just a dream. I'm okay."

After several minutes of her mother and sister soothing her, Akane's crying quieted. Within a few more minutes, they both tucked her back in her sleeping bag and handed her Cuddles before watching her fall asleep. Once she had, both Akira and Minori stood and left Akane and Kumori to sleep.

"Is everything alright, Minori?" Shiori asked, gazing at her friend with worry.

Pushing her hair back from her face, Minori answered, "Yes. I'm just worried… Akane's been having the same nightmare for a while now… I thought maybe it had cleared up since she hasn't had it for a couple of weeks, but it's back again…" She exhaled before murmuring, "I'm sorry she woke you."

"Not at all," Shiori offered, giving her friend a reassuring smile. "Seeing how Shuuichi and Akira are already up, I can go get dressed and head downstairs to make some breakfast."

"I'll help you with that," Minori said. "Just let me go get dressed." Glancing at her daughter, she continued, "Oh, that reminds me. Akira? Come with me for a minute."

Following her mother into the guest room, Akira closed the door behind her and asked, being mindful of her sleeping siblings, "Yeah, Mom? Did you need something?"

"No. I just have your school uniform ready for you."

"School... uniform?" Akira asked, blinking at her mother.

"Mmhmm. You're going to the same school as Kumori. Didn't I tell you that?"

"I thought I needed to take an entrance exam…"

Entertained, Minori chuckled, "No, dear. That's for high schools here. I applied for your entrance to Sarayashiki a while back and they sent me the uniform and supplies you'd need. I thought I told you that, but I guess I forgot..."

Akira noted her mother's worried gaze and piped up. "It's okay, Mom. You've been busy with the move and everything. I was just surprised is all."

"Okay. Well, here." Minori handed her daughter a folded set of clothing wrapped in plastic. "You'll need to change into this."

"All right." Clutching her new uniform, Akira left the guest room and headed back to Kumori's room. She entered, glancing at the clock which now read 6:20. Slowly, she opened the plastic and unfolded the uniform to look at it. It was a sailor outfit uniform, consisting of a cerulean blue, long-sleeved blouse and pleated skirt combination, complete with white trim on the collar and sleeve cuffs and a bright yellow scarf for the blouse.

After changing into it, Akira turned to glance at Kumori who was still sleeping. She crept towards her friend before shaking her and muttering, "Kumori, you should get up." When Kumori didn't stir, Akira pouted before getting an idea.

Kumori was woken by something hitting her in the head, hard. She gave a surprised cry, after which the thing, whatever it was, was removed before it smacked her again. Flailing, she sat up and looked to see Akira, standing beside her bed, pillow in hand.

"What?" Kumori mumbled, rubbing at her eyes. She studied the clock before glaring at her friend. "Why are you waking me up so early?"

"Because you should get up."

Waving a hand in dismissal, Kumori murmured, "Blah…" With that, she laid back down to go back to sleep.

It wasn't even a minute before the pillow reconnected with Kumori's face. Annoyed, Kumori stood up, her own pillow in hand. "That's it." Before long, Akane had been woken up as well and all three girls were giggling as they pitched pillows at each other.

Pillows flew across the room, some hitting their intended target, others missing completely. It wasn't long until Akane and Akira had formed a team against Kumori.

"Not fair!" Kumori cried as Akane began handing pillow ammunition to Akira. She dodged a pillow that swatted her window before chucking one back at Akira. "You can't have helpers!"

"Didn't anyone tell you, Kumori?" Akira sniggered as she threw another pillow. "Life's not fair."

"I'll get you for this, mark my words!" Before she could continue her threats, a pillow hit her face dead-on. Kumori grimaced, spitting out feathers from the pillow that had gotten in her mouth. "I don't eat goose!"

Laughter escaped both sisters as they high-fived one another before Akira lobbed another pillow at Kumori, missing by a hair. Kumori gave a loud battle cry, lifting her pillow over her head and shaking it. "This is SPARTA!" she shouted as she released the pillow.

Akira ducked, evading the pillow that flew over her head just as the door opened. A grunt of surprise caused all three girls to pause in their game and turn to the door to see Shuuichi standing there. However, where his face should have been, there was the pillow that had been meant for Akira. Everything was still as the pillow slid down his face and dropped to the floor with a 'fwump' that seemed to echo around Kumori's room.

The silence was broken by Akira. "Sorry!" Within a moment, she was bowing to Shuuichi in apology with Akane soon following suit. On the other hand, Kumori had broken out into full out laughter at the situation.

Shuuichi chuckled slightly, bending over to pick up the pillow that had fallen. "No, it is my fault. I had forgotten to knock, despite the fact that I knew that Kumori was awake."

"YOUR FACE!" Kumori choked out, rolling around while she gripped her sides.

"It isn't that amusing."

"Yes it is! I've been trying to hit you with a pillow for months!"

"Regardless of how amusing you may think your recent accomplishment is, I assure you, it isn't as funny as you make it out to be."

A pout grew on Kumori's face. "Fine…" she complained. She exhaled before her brow furrowed at him. "Anyways, Shuui-chan, why are you up here?"

"My mother and Ms. Minori asked me to bring you down for breakfast."

"Merghelsnuff!" Kumori grunted, shoving her face onto her mattress and dragging her blanket over her head.

Shuuichi smirked, rolling his eyes to the ceiling as though to ask for patience. "I shall take that as 'I'll be there in a minute, get out of my room'." He chuckled as Kumori shot him a thumbs up, before he turned away and headed down the hall.

Akane looked to her sister. "Kira-nee! You have to go too! We have to get dressed!"

"Are you sure you don't want my help?"

"No! I'm 5! I'm big!" Akane said, puffing her chest out. "And I don't think Mori-nee needs help…"

Akira asked in a patronizingly sweet tone, "Do you need help getting dressed Kumori?"

"No…" Kumori grumbled from under her blankets.

"You sure? Because it looks like you might…"

Kumori sat up and glared at her friend. "I'm good, thanks. Now get out of here!"

Raising her hands in surrender, Akira said, "All right! I'm going, I'm going!" Closing the door behind her, she smiled before heading downstairs.

Downstairs, Akira found Kohaku already sitting at the table, a mug in her hand. Shuuichi had taken the seat on the left of his mother while Minori had taken the right. Both Shiori and Minori were dressed, Shiori in a long-sleeved blouse and skirt, Minori in a light sweater and jeans. Shiori had her hair in a ponytail, something Akira supposed she did often, while Minori's hair hung loose around her shoulders. They were discussing something with one another and for a moment, Akira could see the two high school girls from her mother's photos in their places. Turning her head, Akira glanced at the others at the table.

Kohaku appeared to be very interested in observing whatever beverage she had placed in her mug, pausing from her thoughts to inhale the liquid. Her glasses were slightly askew on her face while her black hair had been placed into a messy bun, strands hanging haphazardly around her face. Her clothing, a shirt and slacks, were also crooked in places, particularly with her sleeves.

On the other hand, Shuuichi was dressed crisply in what appeared to be a school uniform, seeming to pay attention to their mothers' conversation. Akira hadn't noticed it earlier, but now that she saw it, it struck her as odd. After all, what school dressed their male students in magenta uniforms of all things? Forcing herself to not linger on it, Akira's eyes settled on his crimson hair, surprised that he had left it untamed. Perhaps it was too much effort for him? She didn't know why, but it suited him. If nothing else, it made him seem… attractive.

Startled at the thought, Akira closed her eyes and began to berate herself. She couldn't think that way. He knew about her scars and that made him dangerous. If she entertained any thoughts about feelings of any kind, that would make her far too vulnerable and vulnerability was not an option right now. Maybe, in the far distant future, they could be friends, but right now, she had other things that she needed focus on.

Shuuichi must have noticed Akira lingering in the doorway because when she opened her eyes, she found him watching her. Akira felt herself stiffen before she brushed her hair back from her face and meandered into the room. Once she did so, her mother turned, a smile on her face.

"Ah, there's Akira. I was starting to wonder where you got to."

"Sorry, Mom. You know how Kumori is… I was trying to make sure she got out of bed…"

"Right…" Akira was about to sit at an open chair when her mother offered, "Why don't you sit next to Shuuichi?"

Akira froze. "Uhm… I… Is… What...Why?"

"Actually, Ms. Minori, Kumori always sits next to me. She says something about my energy helping her to wake up..."

"Right," Minori said, watching her daughter who was staring at her like a deer caught in headlights. "Sorry. I don't know what I was thinking. Must still be suffering from a little jet lag."

Akira's eyebrows raised at her mother while Shuuichi seemed to accept the apology. Unlike Shuuichi, she wasn't that gullible. Her mother tended to worry about her and her elder sisters being unattached. She'd seen that routine used a few times before on her older sisters. Rolling her eyes, she shook her head and sat next to her mother, lightly nudging her mother's arm with her elbow.

The sound of footsteps running downstairs caused everyone to look to see Akane, all dressed, enter the room gripping the hand of a slouched over Kumori who, while she was dressed in her uniform, was rubbing at her eyes. Akane released Kumori's hand and ran to the table, plopping on the chair next to Akira while Kumori shuffled over to the chair next to Shuuichi and plunked into it, placing her head on the table. "Mommy! Kira-nee! Look! I got dressed all by myself! See?!"

"I see!" Minori said, appraising her daughter before a chuckle escaped her. "Though I think you have your shirt inside out."

"What?" Akane examined herself while Shiori and Minori went into the kitchen to get breakfast, now that almost everyone was awake.

"Looks like Mom's right, Akane." Kohaku lightly touched the tag of the shirt before going back to her mug.

"Kumori didn't tell me it was…" Akane mumbled, appearing as if she was about to cry.

Akira picked up her sister and set her on her lap. "Well, that's cause Kumori doesn't like mornings. She's lazy."

"Blah…" Kumori half-heartedly waved at the insult, not even lifting her head.

Akane stared at the exhausted teenager in earnest."But mornings are good, Kumori! You should wake up!"

Ignoring Akane, Kumori gave Akira an exasperated stare. "Kit… Control the minion."

A smile crossed Akira's face and she placed Akane on the chair next to her. Moments later, Kumori gave a yelp of surprise and shot a glare at Akira who waggled her fingers at her. "Don't do that!"

"Don't do what?"

"You nudged my foot! My foot, Kit!"

Akira's smile was positively saccharine. "I don't remember doing anything like that."

"Lies! I call your lies, Kitling!"

"Kira-nee doesn't lie!" Akane objected, hugging her older sister. "She's nice!"

"Are you saying I'm not?" Kumori asked, affronted.

"No, Kumori," Akira said. "She's just saying she knows you fib sometimes."

Nodding, Akane yelled, "Yeah!"

At that moment, both mothers came back into the room bringing in some of the food. Shiori spoke, "Okay, everyone, calm down. Kumori, please don't yell at the table."

"Sorry Shiori…"

Minori observed her eldest daughter. "Kohaku, do you need more hot water for your tea?"

Kohaku gave a slow nod. "Yeah…" She then looked to Akira, Kumori, and Akane. "I don't understand how you all can function this early…"

Minori ruffled her eldest's hair as she took Kohaku's mug to refill it with hot water. "They're young, Kohaku." She paused for a moment, glancing up to the ceiling, before passing back the now filled mug to her daughter. "Didn't you wake Sakura up before you came down?"

"She was getting dressed when I left…" Kohaku murmured, taking a sip of her drink.

At that moment, Sakura walked in, her eyes heavy. She was wearing a tee and jeans and her hair was brushed, but she was stumbling as if her body was too heavy for her. "Hey Mom."

"There you are, Sakura. I was wondering if you were going to come down."

"Sorry…" A yawn escaped her as she sat next to Akane. "Didn't sleep too good…"

There was a pause before Shiori said, "Well, we shouldn't let this food go to waste. Why don't we get started?"

Everyone agreed and breakfast was passed around. The food looked good as far as Akira could tell. It was a meal of rice porridge, miso soup, and a rolled omelet. A traditional Japanese breakfast. While she knew not to complain, Akira did have to admit to herself, she wasn't fond of miso soup. She'd have to eat that first to get rid of it.

As she began her meal, Akira glanced over to Sakura who seemed to totally unaware of anything except her meal. She felt Akane grip her skirt and placed a hand over her sister's smaller one, giving it a slight squeeze. Feeling eyes on her, Akira peered up to see Shuuichi studying her, like he had seen the silent exchange and was analyzing it. She furrowed her brow at him and took a distinct bite of her rice as her eyes narrowed, a silent warning to leave it alone, before returning to her meal.

Her mother and Shiori's conversation was background noise to her as she mulled over her routine again. A nudge at her foot caused her to look up to see Kumori turning away from her, an innocent expression on her face. Rolling her eyes, Akira went back to her meal, purposefully ignoring the next time her foot was nudged.

The nudging continued until Akira moved her feet out of Kumori's range. She glanced up to see Kumori pouting, but ignored her and went back to her meal. When she finished, she glanced up to see that Shiori and Shuuichi had disappeared, apparently finishing up their meal earlier while she had zoned out.

Her mother was speaking about the plan for the day, mentioning something to Akane about kindergarten, handing her a package of clothes that Akane took and ran upstairs to change in. Minori then continued on, explaining to Sakura and Kohaku how they were supposed to address their grandfather when Sakura interrupted.

Sakura stared at her mother, confusion apparent. "Wait, Kohaku and I are going to meet Grandfather first?"

Minori nodded. "I figured it'd be better if Father didn't meet all of you at once. He and most of the family are going to come over to help unpack while Akira and Kumori are at school and Akane's at kindergarten. Shiori's offered to watch the twins and triplets for the day. Once Akira, Kumori, and Akane get back here, she'll take them to where our new home is."

"Mom," Kohaku asked, her voice now strained. "How are you going to pay for Akane's kindergarten? Stuff like that is expensive here. And are you sure Shiori will be able to handle it?"

Akira watched as her mother's lips tightened, recognizing the stress that was leaking through her mother's mask. She watched as her mother sighed, "I worried about that too, but Shiori insisted since it's only until Akira and Kumori gets out of school. If she needs help she told me she'd call. As for Akane's kindergarten, your grandfather insisted on paying for it. That's why I need you both to be on your best behavior. Now please go get your things ready upstairs."

Akira watched her two older sisters leave the table and the room. A thought struck her. "Mom," Akira spoke, worry growing on her face. "Maybe I should stay and help unpack? It might get done faster and that way we're not imposing on Shiori?"

Her mother stiffened. Not a good sign. After a pause, Minori began shaking her head. "No." Her tone was short and once she noticed, she softened it. "No dear, you need to go to school with Kumori. I know how much you want to help, but trust me, this is better."

Biting her lip, Akira nodded, her face downcast and resigned.

Kumori noticed and piped up. "It's not so bad. You're going to the same Junior High as me! Besides, I have a friend I want you to meet! She's nice and I'm sure you'll like her."

Akira gave a minuet tilt of her head, but her face still held a frown. While she trusted Kumori's judgement, she wasn't thrilled at the idea of socializing with another person. It left her too open, too vulnerable. Especially now that Shuuichi might have an idea of what she was hiding.

Realizing Akira's face hadn't changed, Kumori continued, "She's kinda like I was, you know, hyped up on sugar all the time? She's like that. And the resident school bully is afraid of her, which is awesome."

A smirk crept up onto Akira's face as she stood from the table and began to head to the stairs. "And you're still not hyped on sugar?"

Kumori rounded on her friend, annoyance coloring her face. She snapped, "I've learned to control my sugar-highs, thank you."

"Of course you have."

"I have! Why do you doubt me?!"

"Because I know you." A chuckle bubbled up from Akira as Kumori squawked her indignance. Laughter bubbled up from her lips and she began running up the stairs to evade any attacks from her friend, only to bump into something, or rather someone, much more sturdier than her.

"It seems we keep bumping into one another," Shuuichi answered, his tone light.

Akira felt her face burn. "Y-Yeah…" Peering behind her, she saw Kumori coming towards her and she edged past Shuuichi. "Excuse me." Once she was clear of Shuuichi, she ran up the stairs.

"MOVE SHUUI-KUN!" Akira heard Kumori shout, followed closely by a growl and cursing that began to grow fainter with distance. "PUT ME DOWN YOU FREAKING TALL PERSON!"

Akira snickered at Kumori's predicament before entering Kumori's room. She paused as she saw Akane struggling with a large long-sleeved navy smock. She walked over and helped pull it down before studying Akane. Akane had managed to get her new skirt, a blue plaid color, on, but Akane's hair now stuck up at all different angles due to her wrestling with the smock.

Akira giggled as she gestured for Akane to sit. When Akane did, Akira knelt down and began to brush her hair out, feeling the smooth strands of inky hair for snarls before running the brush through it. Pulling out a couple of hair ties, she tied Akane's hair into two pigtails. "There. Now your hair won't get all messy."

Feeling her hair and realizing what Akira had done, Akane beamed, "Thank you!" The door opened to reveal a haggard looking Kumori who stumbled into the room.

"Ah… Did you finally get free of Shuuichi?" Akira asked, her tone laden with mischief as she stood up.

"Shut… Shut up…" Kumori growled between breaths as she leaned against a wall.

"Mori-nee! Look what Kira-nee did to my hair!" Beaming, Akane pulled on her pigtails.

Kumori glanced at them. "Cute." She turned to Akira, a frown apparent. "You suck, you know that?"

"How exactly do I suck?"

"You used Shuuichi as a roadblock. That was mean."

Akira raised her hands up in mock surrender. "Hey, I didn't know he'd help me escape you."

"Still… mean." Glancing over at the clock, she said, "Your mom wants you both downstairs. We have to get going to school and she has some stuff to give you."

Nodding, Akira headed out of the room and walked down the stairs with Akane following close behind. They found their mother waiting at the foot of the stairs. In her hands, she gripped a yellow hat and two school bags, one a small yellow messenger bag, the other a brown briefcase.

"There you two are. Here." Minori gave a tense smile and passed the yellow bag to Akane and the briefcase to Akira. "These are your school bags. They already have your supplies in them, so you should be prepared." She also handed Akira two slips of paper. "Oh, and here's your schedule, Akira. You'll need to pick out a physical education class today or tomorrow. And this paper here's the address to Akane's kindergarten. They're open a couple hours before her class starts, so you should be able to meet the teacher before class starts." She then knelt before Akane, placing the yellow hat on her daughter's head and fixing the smock's collar. "Now, I think Kumori or Shuuichi will be able to help if you can't find it, but if not, come back here and I'll take her to class. Don't forget your manners and if anything goes wrong, you can call me from school. You know the number, right?"

Akira smiled at her mother. "Yes, Mom. I know it. Don't worry so much. Akane and I will get to school on time."

"Oh, I know. But I'm your mother and you're my kids. I'll always worry about you." She placed a kiss on both girls' foreheads before hugging them. "Just promise me you'll be safe, okay?"

"Of course we will, Mom," Akira reassured her mother. She smiled at Akane. "Right, Aka-chan?"

"Right!" Akane's answering smile brimmed with confidence.

"Okay." Minori glanced up at the top of the stairs as a door closed upstairs. "That must be Kumori. You'd better get going…" She stepped away from them, making her way towards the dining room.

Akira watched her mother while Kumori passed her and Akane on the way to the door. She noticed her mother's worry creeping onto her face and walked over to her. Taking her mother's hand, Akira gave it a slight squeeze. "We'll be okay, Mom. Really."

"I know…"

"Akira?" Kumori called, grabbing her friend's attention. "Come on! We gotta go!"

Akira looked over to see Shuuichi and Kumori were waiting by the door. She inclined her head before taking Akane's hand to the door. They put on their shoes and headed out, following Shuuichi and Kumori.

As they began walking, Kumori and Shuuichi began to chat, mostly about what they expected for the day at school. Akira, unsure of what to say, trailed a few feet after them, holding Akane's hand as they walked. A sigh left her. She wanted to join in, but small talk was not her forte.

Akane seemed to be just as nervous as her. The five-year-old was silent and she clung to Akira's hand as they walked towards school. Her small mouth was puckered in a worried frown as she stared straight ahead while small lines creased in her brow.

Akira nudged her sister and whispered, "Hey, everything okay?"

Akane gripped Akira's hand. "I'm scared…"

"About kindergarten?" When Akane nodded, Akira murmured, "It'll be okay, Akane. Kindergarten's not so bad."

"But… What if the other kids don't like me? What if I'm not good enough?"

This stopped Akira dead in her tracks. Turning to her sister, she knelt down and said, "Listen. Don't you think you aren't good enough. You're wonderful, Akane, and the other kids should be able to see that. I know it's scary, but you'll do fine. "

"What if I don't? What if it's too hard?"

"Akane, you can already read. And what's more, you can read both English and Japanese. That's more than most kids. You'll do great. Mom said if it gets too hard for you, you can call her. Does that help?"

"Well…"

"Akira? Akane?" Kumori's voice caused them to look at her and realize that Kumori and Shuuichi had gone ahead of them. Both were waiting several feet ahead for them to catch up.

"We're coming!" Akira responded, standing up. Both sisters caught up to their companions.

"Is something wrong?" Kumori asked, worry in her tone.

"Oh…" Akira paused. "Well… uhm… We were just talking about Akane's kindergarten…"

Kumori smiled in understanding. "Ah. You know where you're going, kiddo?"

Akane shook her head while Akira pulled out the paper that held the address. "Mom gave us this address, but she forgot the school name."

Shuuichi put out his hand. "May I see?"

Akira nodded and passed the note to Shuuichi, handing it to him. His fingers brushed hers as he took the paper and she felt her face flush from the contact.

Kumori noticed the exchange and leaned up to whisper to Akira. "Ooh. Is that a blush I see?" A grin crept up Kumori's face. "Does someone have a crush?"

Akira turned a glare on Kumori. "No. And whatever you're thinking, drop it. Now."

"Fine. Sheesh. You'd think I struck a nerve…" Kumori jumped out of the way before Akira's foot could stomp on hers.

Shuuichi looked up from the note. "I recognize the address. It's rather close to Meiou in fact. I wouldn't mind showing you the way."

"Thank you… It'd help a lot."

"Of course. It's just this way." Shuuichi handed the note back to her and began to walk off ahead of her.

Taking Akane's hand in hers, Akira began to follow him with Kumori close behind. She took in the surroundings, mentally mapping the route Shuuichi was taking. While she'd have to figure a route from the new house after school, she knew it'd be easier with landmarks to help her in case she and Akane got lost.

The walk took perhaps twenty minutes, maybe less- Akira never had been good with telling how much time had passed- before they reached the address. When they had reached the gate, she ducked her head in thanks. "Thank you for showing us the way, Shuuichi."

"You're welcome, Akira. If you would like, I could walk you and Kumori to your school after this. It'd be no trouble at all."

Akira peered down at Akane, unsure of how to answer. "Well, I don't know…" Anxiety began to settle in her gut as she felt a nagging pressure to explain herself to him, a trait she struggled with from the time she had been small. In response, she glanced down at the ground and began to ramble. "I mean, I… I have to talk to Akane's teacher and I'm already holding Kumori back. Plus, it's going out of your way to take us to school and if you took us that could make you late for your school and-"

A hand landed on her right shoulder and she glanced behind her to see Kumori, giving her an expression that was a mixture of half-amusement, half-exasperation. "Breathe or you'll turn purple."

Once Akira had taken a breath, Kumori gave her a small smile and then continued, "Go on and take Akane on in, I'll explain to Shuui-chan." When Akira gave her an unsure look, she waved it off. "It's fine, Kit. Go on."

Akira gave a slow nod before turning away and walking with Akane into the schoolyard. As soon as they were gone, Kumori rounded on Kurama. "Now that we have that settled...SHOO!"

Kurama raised a single scarlet eyebrow at her. "Shoo?"

"Yes, shoo. Vacate the premises. Leave. Remove thine self. Begone from me."

"Did you just quote an American comedian?"

"Yes, your point?"

"Never mind, small one."

"Hey! I am not small!"

"Of course not."

Rubbing her temples, Kumori spoke, trying to not lose her already strained composure. "Look, Nii-san, you know I like it when you walk me to school; I love when you walk me to school! But Akira is not like me. She worries, and when she worries; she stresses, and when she stresses; she stresses to where she makes herself sick. You can't stay!"

"And tell me, how exactly will she ever learn to relax around new people if you keep new people from being around her?"

"I'm not. I'm just trying to keep her from going into a panic attack over someone she will be forced to hang around with for at least a couple days on the first day of school."

"Forced?" Kurama's eyebrows raised.

"You've met Akira's mom, yes?" Kumori asked, once again rubbing her temples. "She has a bad habit of pushing her kids towards possible significant others as soon they hit puberty. You and Kit played as kids that one time and you're close in age, so… Tag, you're it."

Kurama raised an eyebrow, glancing over to the doors where Akra had vanished. "I see… Very well, I'll see you after school, little sister." He raised his hand in farewell and then left, heading for his school.

Kumori threw her hands into the air once he was gone from sight. "Finally! Now, to wait for Akira. I wonder if I can get a nap in?"

~Inside the schoolyard~

When Akira left Kumori and Shuuichi, she felt a nerve-wracking sensation settle into the pit of her stomach, making it feel as if she had eaten an elephant that was now tap dancing inside her gut. It was both painful and nauseating at the same time.

The kindergarten's courtyard was mostly blacktop; however, it still had a few places of green grassy field with some large trees providing shade for the young children. A large playground stood on the asphalt, complete with a jungle gym, swings, and even a small basketball court.

Akane took in everything, her eyes filled with awe. But the awe died away as a woman who was perhaps in her late twenties or early thirties approached them, causing Akane to hide behind Akira's skirt.

The woman was very pretty with glossy black hair pulled into a ponytail and warm brown eyes. She wore over her regular clothes a green apron, signifying that she was one of the kindergarten teachers. Bowing, she began to introduce herself. "Hello, I'm Ms. Sachiko Tsukino. I'm guessing you must be Mr. Kamiya's granddaughters?"

"Yes," Akira replied. "I'm Akira, and this-" She gestured to her younger sister. "-is Akane."

Ms. Tsukino bent down to Akane's height. "Your name is Akane? That's really pretty. And how old are you?"

"Five…" Akane murmured, her face and tone shy.

"Five? I have a daughter your age. Her name is Kimiko and she's in your class. Would you like to meet her? She's over there on the swings." Ms. Tsukino pointed to where a small girl with the same black hair as Ms. Tsukino was swinging by herself all alone.

Glancing over to Akira, Akane bit her lip. Akira nodded, her smile encouraging. "It's okay, Akane. Go ahead. I need to talk to Ms. Tsukino anyways."

"But you'll come back right?" Akane asked.

"Of course. I'll be back at 3:30. That's when the big hand points at the six and the little hand points at the three." She then knelt down as Akane threw her small body into a hug. Akira petted Akane's head, before letting her go so that she could go to the swings.

After Akira stood up, Ms. Tsukino spoke, "Is everything alright at your home?" At Akira's startled expression, she clarified. "I'm sorry if I seem a little forward, but I've been a teacher for few years now and usually mothers are the ones who come with their children. Not to mention, Akane seems rather attached to you. Forgive me if this sounds rather insensitive, but I have noticed that it was your grandfather who signed her up, not your mother, or your father. Are they…still around?"

Shifting her posture while staring at the ground, Akira answered, "Well… my father passed away almost two years ago… We have nine children in our family and we just moved here, so… Mom couldn't come today. I'm going to pick Akane up right after I get out of school today."

"Is she going to be able to participate in Akane's schooling? There are certain events where we must have someone, preferably a parent or other relative, present."

Akira shrugged. "I'm not exactly sure. I'm sorry, but I have to go to school." She bowed to Ms. Tsukino. "I'll let you know as soon as possible." She turned and headed out of the school's courtyard.

Once she had returned back to where she left Kumori, she found Kumori was nowhere to be found. A sigh escaped her and she looked up to the closest tree to see Kumori sprawled out in a napping position on a lower branch.

"Kumori!" Akira called up. "We have to go to school!"

Kumori yelped as the harsh cry woke her up, flailing her arms as her sudden movement threatened to send her careening into the pavement below. At the last moment, she caught the branch with one knee as she fell off, barely keeping her skirt from falling down to reveal her undergarments. Hanging upside down, she gave a sheepish grin to her best friend. "Uhm… Morning?"

Akira was not impressed. Quirking an eyebrow and folding her arms across her chest, she said, "Morning was a couple hours ago. I was only in for fifteen to twenty minutes, Kumori…"

"And your point is what? You know, I think you and Shuui-chan conspired to wake me up and wear me out. I swear you did!" While the last syllable left her lips, Kumori swung herself off the branch and landed in a crouch just in front of her friend with an easy smile. "Besides, you know that whenever I can catch a moment to, I nap."

Amused, Akira shook her head. "I guess I can't argue that. Anyways, do you know where we're supposed to go?"

Kumori beamed, an evil light coming into her face as she clapped her hands and snickered. "Indeed I do. Onwards to hell!" she cried as she took off running. Almost immediately, she came skidding to a stop just as she reached the outskirts of the kindergarten's concrete fence and turned back to Akira who had not moved an inch. "OI! WE'RE LATE!"

Akira's eyes widened in response and she began to run after her friend, who spun back around and began to lead the way towards their school. Keeping up with Kumori was a bit of challenge for Akira as they weaved through crowded streets and back alleys. Several times she almost lost sight of Kumori, but it didn't take her too long for her eyes to catch the silver glint of her friend's hair flashing several feet ahead.

Several twists and turns -and a few stops for breath (on Akira's part) and laughter (on Kumori's part)- later, both girls reached a tall, off white, three-story school building with many windows and a clock centered on the highest tower of the building, surrounded by a large concrete wall. The placard hanging on the left of the entrance announced it to be Sarayashiki.

"Well… Here we are!" Kumori announced. She put her hands out and pretended to be a game show hostess showcasing a fabulous prize as she said, "Welcome to Sarayashiki Junior High! The personal hell of all Kumoris!"

Entertained at her friend's antics, Akira gave a small smile. Glancing up at the school, she inhaled. The school seemed to loom over her, causing her anxiety to creep up. It was so much larger than the small rundown middle school back home. A sense of longing crept over her and her heart ached for the old familiarity of her home town.

Without so much as a pause, Kumori walked behind her friend and peered over her friend's shoulder to examine her schedule. "Now let's see. You have Class… 2-B? Awesome! That's my class. Huh… Looks like you still need to choose a class for physical education." Looking at the clock, Kumori swore. "That'll have to wait. I have a kendo meet right now, but I'll see you in class okay?" She turned and ran off, leaving Akira alone.

"Wait, Kumori!" Akira paused, surveying around the yard. While most of students in the courtyard didn't pay attention to her, a few were watching her, whispering and pointing. She sighed. Why did these things happen to her?

Wandering around, she began to search for any sign of where she was supposed to head to. She knew very little of how the school classrooms were organized. If only she had thought of it when Shuuichi had been answering her questions. Studying the paper, she frowned unsure of what to do when out of nowhere, a hand landed on her shoulder, startling her. Akira spun, her hand extended to slap whoever had grabbed her.

Her hand didn't reach it's target. Whoever grabbed her moved to clasped her outstretched wrist. Opening her eyes, Akira took in a stout man in his middle to late forties with dark brown eyes and graying dirty-blond hair. Taking in his beige suit and his necktie, she realized that she had been about to hit a teacher of some sort. However, instead of being furious, the man's face, while stern, was kind as he spoke to her.

"Let me guess. You're a new student?"

"Uhm… Yes…"

The man smiled at her. "I'm Mr. Takenaka, the principal of Sarayashiki Junior High. You must be Akira Wagerman."

"How… How do you know my name?"

"I make it a point to get to know all my students, especially the new ones and the delinquents. Do you know where your class is?"

"Well… I know I'm in 2-B…But… uhm… I'm not sure… where that is."

Takenaka chuckled, "Don't worry. It's just up on the second floor. Second classroom on the left when you get there."

"Thank you!" Akira went inside the building and upstairs to the second floor. Reaching a classroom door with the sign 2-B hanging over it, she opened the door and stepped in. Only a few students were in the classroom, a couple already sitting and working at desks while the others were standing around in small groups, talking to each other. When Akira stepped in, everyone except those working at desks turned to look at her. Ducking her head, she dipped her head in acknowledgement before rushing to the seat nearest the door and praying that they didn't have assigned seating here.

Whispers began to hover in the air. After listening a bit, Akira realized the whispers were about her. She kept her eyes on the desk, practically burning a hole into it with her gaze, until a hand brushed her on the shoulder. She spun and saw a girl with brown hair cut short in a bob and friendly brown eyes, smiling at her.

"Hello." The girl introduced herself. "I'm Keiko Yukimura. Are you a new student?"

Akira nodded and murmured, " I'm... Akira Wagerman. I… uhm… I just moved here."

"I see. Well, it's very nice to meet you, Akira. I'm on the student council as our class representative so if you have any questions, you can ask me. Okay?"

A faint smile lit on Akira's face as she nodded at Keiko. "Thank you."

Keikos returning smile was radiant. Instead of wandering away, however, she took the seat in front of Akira. Turning around, she asked, "So, Akira? Where did you move here from?"

Akira's head instinctively ducked. "Uhm… America…"

"Wow. I guess life here must be different for you."

"Not really… I mean… My mom was born here so I kind of know what to expect…"

"What made your family come over to Japan?"

"Mmm…." Akira bit her lip and when she finally spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper. "Well, my… a couple years ago… my dad died…"

Keiko's hands flung to her mouth. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to bring up any bad memories."

"It's okay…"

All was quiet for a moment until Keiko decided to change the subject to classes. Akira listened to Keiko's explanation and occasionally asked questions, happy to have something to focus on. When the bell rang, Akira felt a little hopeful that she might've made a new friend. Scanning the classroom, she noticed a couple seats near her empty and she realized she didn't see Kumori. Where was she?

Before Akira could ponder where it was that her best friend got to, the door opened and a man dressed in a green suit with a yellow tie walked in. He had short black hair, glasses, and hard face. His eyes glittered from behind his glasses, as if he was some sort of snake.

He began to speak and Akira was surprised she didn't hear a hiss. "Alright class, settle down. I'm going to take roll."

As the teacher began to take roll, Akira looked around again for Kumori. This man made her uncomfortable. Something about the way his presence had filled the room made her skin prickle. The door opened behind her and Akira spun to see Kumori entering the room.

"Sorry I'm late!" Kumori shouted as she ran into the class, quickly taking the empty seat on the left of Akira and flopping down onto it.

"Miss Aisubachi," the teacher said, his eyes turning venomous as they landing on Kumori. "How nice of you to join us."

Kumori grinned, unrepentant, and held up a pink slip of paper. "Sorry, Iwamoto. Kendo ran over. Sensei told me to give you this."

A frown appeared on Iwamoto's face and he held out a hand. "Bring it here." Practically bouncing, Kumori walked to him and placed the pink slip into his hand, all the while never losing her cat-like grin. He inspected the note and his frown grew most pronounced as he read it before crushing it in his fist. "Get back to your seat."

When Kumori had returned to her seat, Iwamoto continued the roll. Near the end of the list, he said, "Urameshi? Absent again?" There was no response and everyone glanced over to the last empty desk. Iwamoto turned a scrutinizing eye on Keiko. "Yukimura, where is Urameshi?"

Keiko's response was petulant. "How would I know sir? He's been gone for almost six months."

"I see. Well, I'm glad to know that you haven't been spending time with the cockroach." Iwamoto glanced down and an eyebrow raised. " Wah-gah-man? Akira Wah-gah-man...?"

Akira spoke, trying to keep her voice clear. "Here. And actually sir, uhm... it's pronounced Way-grr-man."

"Are you telling me how to run my class?"

"No sir, I just thought-"

Iwamoto cut her off, his tone irate. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised since you are obviously a mutt."

Akira's blood turned to ice at the term, but kept her mouth shut. A mutt? The term stung like a brand on her heart. Closing her eyes, she looked down and began to focus on tempering the annoyance and hurt that was making itself known. Three steps forward, second position into third…

A sneer appeared on Iwamoto's face. "Well, at least you seem to know a little more than most. Perhaps you may just surprise me..."

Akira stared at her desk, her expression blank while Iwamoto finished up roll. She could barely hear him over the routine replaying in her head as she focused on shutting off her emotions. She wouldn't let this get through this to her. Not one bit. She continued on. Arm sweeping down to the waist, a single plié, then follow with several balancés…

The day lagged on until lunch. Once the bell signaled the start of lunch, Akira found Kumori moving her desk closer to sit next to her while two girls dragged Keiko away before she could say anything.

Akira picked at her lunch, the events of first period bothering her. She felt Kumori's eyes on her and wondered whether she should ask why Iwamoto had called her a mutt. The word was still ringing around in her head. She figured it was just the exhaustion of the day getting to her, but she was starting to feel irritated. As she was about to ask Kumori what on earth had possessed Iwamoto to call her a mutt, a cheerful voice broke through.

"Kumori! There you are! I was so worried when you didn't show up outside this morning! I have those drawings you wanted to see!" The speaker was a girl with mid back length, light golden brown hair and green eyes who was probably only an inch or so taller than Akira.

"Hey Suzume," Kumori offered. "Sorry, had an early Kendo meet."

"Ah… Okay. Well, here!" A sketching book landed on Kumori's desk, At that moment, green met blue and before Akira could shy away, Suzume spoke to her, the tone cheerful and bright. "Hi. You're Akira, right?"

Kumori glimpsed up from Suzume's book and gestured to each of them. "Akira, this is Suzume Mori. Suzume, this is Akira Wagerman. She's my friend from Oregon I told you about."

"Oh! I remember now!" Suzume beamed at Akira before pulling an empty chair over so she could sit across from the two of them. "So how you liking your first day of class?"

"It-It's okay…"

Kumori looked up again, eyebrow raising as she turned to stare at Akira. "I know that tone, Kit. What's bothering you?"

"It's nothing."

Akira saw Suzume watching her with worry. "Hey, sorry if I'm freaking you out."

"It's not that…"

When Akira didn't continue, Kumori intervened. "Kit, I won't leave you alone until you tell me what's up. And don't worry about Suzume. She maybe sugar hyper but she is nice."

"I am not sugar hyper!" Suzume said, fixing Kumori with a petulant frown.

"Sure, sure." Kumori waved her hand at Suzume before staring at Akira. "What's wrong?"

"Well… It's just… I don't…" Taking a breath, Akira forced herself to not think about the anxiety curling in her stomach. "I don't get why Mr. Iwamoto called me a mutt… Or what he has against me."

"Have I mentioned I hate that teacher and would very much like to make him female or at least a eunuch?" Kumori asked Suzume in an overly sweet tone before turning to Akira, "He doesn't like you because you're half-Japanese. He thinks of people who are as a waste of genes."

Akira's face fell and there was a silent moment before Suzume reached over and patted her shoulder. "Don't worry about what Mr. Iwamoto says. He's just a jerk."

Kumori snorted, rolling her eyes. "Understatement of the century. Just be glad you didn't have to deal with both him and the Rat."

"Rat?" Akira questioned.

"Mr. Akashi," Suzume clarified. "He's was the science teacher up until recently, but he messed with a student in another class's test to fail him. He got fired after that."

Akira's jaw dropped in shock but before she could ask anymore questions, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch and the start of the free study period. Suzume picked up her sketchbook from Kumori and returned to her seat while Kumori moved her desk back to its original place. Both grabbed their schoolbags and began to head out, but Kumori paused, stopping Suzume.

"Akira," Kumori called, drawing her friend's attention. "You need to pick out a physical education class or club right?" At Akira's nod, she continued, "Suzume is the head of the archery club. You could go with her and see what they do." Kumori turned big eyes on Suzume. "Suzu-chan, will you please let her shadow you? I will give you a cookie if you do. "

Suzume looked uncertain. "I dunno, Kumori…"

"Pwease? With sweet snow and cherries on top?"

"Kumori, archery is dangerous. Me and the other students had to ask Takenaka for special permission to get the club up and running. Why don't you take her to your kendo club?"

"Because she doesn't do fighting people. Plus, my meets are only before or after school and she can't go to them because of family reasons."

"What about Gym?"

Akira piped up. "Actually, I'd rather not take Gym. There's uh… um… Well, I… I just can't take Gym."

"She doesn't like large crowds and archery is only, what, six people besides the instructor? And don't you need seven to qualify for that championship tournament?"

Suzume frowned for a moment before she gave her assent. "I can't let her come today, but I'll ask Sensei about tomorrow." She turned to Akira. "Have you ever done any archery before?"

Shrugging, Akira answered. "Some. My uncle's something of an outdoorsman… and… well… sometimes I'd try my hand at it when my family visited him."

Suzume nodded before noticing the clock. "We've got to get going to our classes, but I'll ask some more questions later."

Akira waved her hand in farewell as Kumori and Suzume left before turning back to her desk, unsure of what to do. After a moment, she placed her head on the desk out of boredom and began to mentally go over her routine.

The free period crawled by at an agonizing pace for her. However, whatever had caused time to slow down to such a dreadful speed didn't change once free period was over. Even with her friends back in the class, Akira started to lose herself to idle daydreaming and mental routine. Her last period of the day, English, was the worst.

As the teacher, an older man in his forties or fifty with severe balding, droned on, trying to teach the other students how to pronounce English words and going over grammar rules, Akira tuned out the noise, trying to let herself doze a little. Kumori and Keiko had both left early, while Suzume was on the other side of the classroom, leaving her secluded away from the other students in her own corner. Kumori apparently had opted out of this class, while Keiko took another language course with the upperclassmen on the third floor.

"Akira Wagerman?!" A loud voice shook Akira out of her semi-sleep, causing her to look and see the teacher glaring at her.

"Yes, sir?"

"Can you please explain to me why exactly your book is not open and why you are dozing in my class?"

Akira glanced down at her book, lying untouched on her desk. Looking up, she switched to English. "Sir, I lived in Oregon since I was born. I do not need lessons to speak, read, or write English."

A eyebrow quirked as skepticism and annoyance touched the old man's eyes. "You may have lived in Eemeriika, but that doesn't mean you get a free ride in this class. However, if you're so confident, why don't you come up and translate the sentences on the board for the rest of the class?"

Akira studied the board, seeing several English sentences that were poorly constructed. She bit her lip and stared for a moment, figuring out how to fix the sentences. Her pause must've taken too long because the teacher spoke up.

"What is the matter? Are you having trouble?"

Irritation flared, causing a long sigh to Akira before she pursed her lips. Standing up, she walked up to the board, picked up the chalk and eraser, and began her work. The class watched as she first translated the sentences before erasing the mistakes their teacher had written and fixing them. Setting the chalk down, she eyed him, turned, and made her way back to her seat.

The teacher gaped for a moment before shaking himself out of it. His voice resonated with anger and embarrassment. "Miss Wagerman, stay after class please. You, Mr. Takenaka, and I are going to have a talk."

Akira groaned, letting her forehead hit the desk as she heard a few snickers amongst the class. This was not how she had planned the day to go. Taking a breath and focusing inward, she began once more. Three steps forward...

Ending Comments: Okay, clarification time. First, I will be trying to keep everything in with the English text of the anime. However, some things are going to be altered for the story or because I got upset that the anime deviated from the manga in that way (Atsuko should've been at the Dark Tournament dangit!). Also, some things will have their Japanese name simply because that's how my mind works. Example for you all: While I know that Spirit World/Demon World/Human World are the English terms, I am using Reikai/Makai/Ningenkai or as you've already seen, some nicknames will be in romaji or have honorifics (note: nicknames are the only time I will use honorifics). However, Spirit Gun gets to keep its English name. Why? Simply put, my mind is funny that way. If you have any questions, I will try to answer them the best I can. Please let me know what you think! Also, special cookie if you can figure out which comedian Kumori referenced!