A/N: Wow… I'm speechless… Really I am! With all the reviews I've got, the alerts, and you guys putting me on your lists! Only one question comes to mind: Are all of you insane? Well, you guys must be, considering you're still even reading this! Hahahaha! But, seriously, I love you guys! I even laughed at some of your reviews! Made me all warm and fuzzy inside! XD

As always, I apologize for any typos, grammar errors and the like. I'm only human after all… DX

Disclaimer: As always, I don't own anything! Seriously! Nothing at all!

Note: In the first chapter, I've mentioned that Nanoha's age is fourteen. Well, it's not. I think I've lost my ability to do Math. I changed her age to fifteen. All of the first years in this AU are fifteen unless specified. Hehehe…

Now, curtains up!

As I made my way downstairs to the kitchen-dining room, I can already hear and smell Mom's cooking. As usual, my parents were already there. But what I saw on the table took me by surprise. "Whoa…"

There were assortments of foods on the table ranging from pancakes smothered with maple syrup and topped with sliced up strawberries, freshly toasted waffles with strawberry jam, a bowl full of sliced-up fresh fruits was placed at the center, bacon and sunny side-up eggs laid out to form happy-smiley faces on three plates, a dozen sausages, a stack of French toasts and some regular toasts with butter, to a basket of muffins.

My schoolbag slipped off my shoulder. "Are we… trying to feed the entire neighborhood, Mom?" I looked at my mother who had her back at me. I think she was still cooking something.

She giggled and turned off the stove, "No, silly. It's just for us. Today's a big day for you and for your father, so you two need all the energy you can get! Hurry now before they get cold." She then placed her latest creation on a plate. Are those eggs Benedict?

I looked at Dad who was reading his usual morning paper while drinking his coffee and noticed that I was looking at him. He shrugged and smiled helplessly at me. "Do your best in your classes later, alright, sweetie? Don't fail any tests."

I bit back a groan and nodded. "Yes Dad." I picked up my bag and pulled up a chair. "But Mom… I can't possibly eat all these."

She handed me my lunch and I slipped it in my bag. "Yes, you can," she declared, "and you will."

When mom's like that, there was no way to convince her otherwise. Surrendering to my mother's command, I reached out for a muffin just when the alarm on my phone went off. I flipped it open and quickly stood from my chair. "The bus is almost here!" I have exactly ten minutes to get to the bus stop! I grabbed my bag and the muffin with me and dashed out of the house. "I'm off to school!"

"Ah, wait! Nanoha! What about breakfast!" My mom shouted but I was already out the door and on my way to the bus stop in a mad dash.

"Dear? You're not leaving the house until you finish all of these."

"Ha?"

I'm sorry, Dad!

I rounded the next corner and finally saw the bus stop. Lucky for me, the bus hasn't arrived yet so I had time to catch my breath and munch down my muffin. My breakfast was almost half gone so I took my time in eating it. There were other students around me who were waiting for the bus as well. And they have the same uniform as I do. Some of them were idly chatting, reading their notes or just yawning and complaining about not getting enough sleep. I wonder if they know I was the one running around with Fate yesterday. Well, what they don't know won't hurt me.

I wonder how Yuuno's doing. While I waited for the bus to come, I took out my phone using my free hand and flipped it open to Yuuno's contact number. I paused for awhile and pondered what to type in. Then it hit me, this is Yuuno. I could tell him just about anything! I think…

My fingers right away pressed feverishly across the keypad.

To: Yuuno

From: Nanoha

Hey Yuuno-kun! How are you?

Me? Doing good… for now I guess. Nyahahaha~!

So sorry for not contacting you when I got here. You wouldn't believe what happened at my new school when I went to visit yesterday!

I'll tell you all about it in detail once I get home after school later. –Nanoha

P.S. Take a break once in awhile. Studying too much is bad too!

Press send and message sent. I exhaled, though I didn't know why that made me feel better. I flipped my phone close and put it back in the pocket of my blazer. The bus still wasn't here so I took another bite of my breakfast.

I heard some of the students greet someone energetically behind me but I didn't turn around to see who it was. I had more pressing matters to attend to like finding out which class I'm in. I should've asked Amy-senpai yesterday about my class when she gave me my schedule.

I felt two hands groping my chest from behind. "KYAAA!" I couldn't help but yelp. And that caught the attention of most of the students around me. My face turned red instantly.

"I knew it was you!" I heard the person feeling up my chest say behind me. I spun around and saw a grinning Hayate Yagami along with her sleepy cousin Vita Yagami.

"Ya-Yagami-san?"

Vita yawned while handing Hayate her schoolbag. "Hayate, don't do that so early in the morning," Vita said sleepily and rubbed her eyes.

"Really?" Hayate held her chin in thought. "Can I do it at lunch break then?"

Vita looked at her cousin with a bored look and blinked once. "Do whatever you want."

"Alrighty!"

"Vice president…and Vita-san. G-good morning."

"Mornin' Nanoha-chan!" The brunette greeted with a peppy accent.

"Morning…," while the redhead said it drowsily. "Bus' here."

True enough, the bus came into view and stopped right in front of us to let us in. I boarded the bus along with the other students of TSAB Academy.

"Nanoha-chan! Nanoha-chan! " Hayate waved from her seat at the back of the bus. "Over here! Come sit with us."

I noticed that some of the students were giggling at me while the others were whispering to each other. Guess they're wondering why their vice president knows a transfer student like me.

I hesitated for a moment but in order for Hayate to sit down and stop calling my name, I went to her. Vita was sleeping by the window while Hayate patted the seat next to her motioning for me to sit down. "Are you sure I can sit here, Yagami-san—"

"AGH!" She gasped dramatically and utterly shocked. The other students turned their attention to us. Vita was snoring softly.

"W-what's wrong?" I panicked. Did I offend her?

"I told you yesterday to call me Hayate!" She crossed her arms and looked away from me with a pout. "I sound like an old lady when people call me that."

I sighed and succumbed to her wish. "Uh, er, I'm sorry… Hayate-chan…"

She looked at me and grinned. "Good girl! Now come, sit!" She grabbed my arm and pulled me down next to her. "So, ready for your first day, Nanoha-chan?"

"Um, no… I guess—"

"Good!" She had me in a headlock, "'cause in this school, and even in real life, we're never ready! But that's what makes it fun, right Vita?" Vita murmured something in her sleep about crushing something with her big hammer. "I'll take that as a yes!"

"You sure are full of energy, Hayate-chan," I commented.

"Why wouldn't I be? Ah, by the way, which class are you in, Nanoha-chan? It'd be great if we're in the same class! Maybe I can rig the system a little…"

I laughed nervously at her hoping that she wasn't at all serious about her plan. Not that I had anything against Hayate but I didn't want my breasts to be groped on a daily basis. "Ah, um, I was hoping that you could tell me where I can ask about which class I'm in."

"Oh that? I think you have to go to the first-year faculty room and ask from one of the teachers. I think any of the teachers can look you up and they'll be able to tell which class you belong to. Then, they'll inform your homeroom teacher and hand you over. If you want, I can take you there. You might get lost since you're still new."

"Really?" I felt relief wash over me. "I'd really appreciate that! Thank you, Hayate-chan!" Unexpectedly, Hayate was a big help. I feel less anxious now that I know what to do once I get to school.

"Don't mention it," she waved her hand dismissively. She looked at me for a second and a dark, almost perverted grin formed in her lips. "Ah, in exchange, can I take a bite of your muffin then?"

"Uh… sure?" I didn't know why she was grinning like that but I nodded hesitantly and let her take a bite of my half-eaten muffin.

She took a bite of my breakfast and had a happy look afterwards. "Mmmm! Nanoha!" Hayate moaned, "Your muffin tastes so good!"

I tilted my head at the side wondering why Hayate exclaimed that in a somewhat… erotic way. The muffin Mom made was that delicious? At the corner of my eye, I saw some of the male students blushing with mouths wide open looking at us with brimming anticipation while the female population tried to hide their blushing faces but stole small peeks and quick glances from time to time.

All this because of a muffin?

As promised, Hayate took me to the first-year faculty room and introduced me to one of the teachers. Afterwards, she had to leave for class but not before wishing me a cheerful good luck and saying we'd be seeing each other later with a knowing smirk. Somehow, her smirk made me uneasy.

After asking for my name, the teacher looked at his laptop and skimmed through the screen, typed on the keyboard for a few moments, clicked and double-clicked, "Ah, there you are," he said after finding my name, "you're under Professor Carim's class."

I heard the sliding door open and saw a tall, slender blonde woman enter the room. From the way she walked with grace, I would say she was a very mature and sophisticated lady. She walked towards me the second she noticed I was there. "You must be Ms. Nanoha Takamachi, correct?" Her blue eyes were soft and patient.

"Y-yes!" Standing next to this woman was making me feel intimidated and small for some reason.

"Ah, great timing, Professor Carim. I was just about to hand Takamachi-san over to you." He closed his laptop and stood from his seat. "Well, I better get to class then. Please excuse me. I leave her to you, Professor."

"Thank you very much!" I bowed and thanked him. He smiled and gave a curt nod at me and the blonde teacher.

"Thank you also, Professor Verossa." She then turned to me. "Nice to meet you, Nanoha-san. I'm Carim Gracia, the homeroom teacher of Class 1-A and I also teach Philosophy and Political Science. I look forward to having you in my class."

Class 1-… A? "Ah, yes! I also look forward to be in your class, Professor Gracia."

She giggled and picked up a thin binder from one of the nearby desks. I'm guessing it was her desk. "You sure are quite the rarity, Takamachi-san. I see why the principal accepted you."

"… Eh?"

She opened the binder and flipped through a few pages. "Well, let's see. Nanoha Takamachi. Age fifteen years old. Only daughter of Dr. Shiro and Momoko Takamachi. Studied in Uminari High School and used to live in Uminari City. Current residence in Mid-Childa and had just recently transferred to TSAB Academy, High School Department. As for your specific details and academic performance from your previous school…" she snapped the binder closed and winked at me, "Well, it's irrelevant from this point on. I'll let you surprise me, Takamachi-san."

After hearing some information about myself, I could really say I'm average. "E-eh? But I'm nothing special, Professor Gracia! In all honesty, my standing in my previous school is quite average and I have no special abilities whatsoever."

"Abilities?" She smiled and looked at me with amused eyes. "Well, I wasn't only talking about academics, Takamachi-san. I believe there's more to school than getting a good grade. But that's just me anyway," she shrugged her shoulder. She looked off to the side and murmured, "I predict you're the wind of change she's waiting for." She said the last part softly and had maybe thought I didn't hear her. She snapped out of her reverie and looked back at me with a smile, "Let's head to class and meet your classmates, shall we?" She gestured for me to follow and I sauntered next to her. We exited the faculty room and headed to Class 1-A's classroom. "See me after class for your catch up assignments, alright?"

"Yes, Professor."

At that time, I didn't know what Professor Gracia meant. But even if I did, it still wouldn't matter anyway.

"Wait here for a moment please." The professor said and slid the door closed behind her. I obediently waited outside the classroom. Right now, I'm about to meet a new set of people. It's really nerve-wracking! I wonder if they're serious students who focus more on studies and keeping to themselves or in their own groups. This academy kind of gives off that kind of vibe.

Then Hayate and her earlier antics came to mind. Well, I think, Hayate-chan is an exemption. Which class was she again?

From that point, it led me to think of a certain blonde from yesterday. I... haven't seen her around yet. And her beautiful burgundy eyes flashed in my mind. I want… to see her agai—

"Takamachi-san?"

I actually jumped from where I stood and let out a startled squeak.

Professor Gracia's head peeked out of the door her long blonde hair cascading down at her side. "Oh my, did I startle you? I'm sorry," she smiled apologetically.

"U-um, no! I'm sorry, Professor!"

She giggled again, "It's quite alright. Come in and introduce yourself to your new classmates."

I walked through the door and kept my gaze down. Somehow, making eye contact with my new classmates was a feat too terrifying for me to handle just yet. I could feel their eyes were all on me, and I felt like a one-celled organism under the watchful eye of a microscope. Professor Gracia was standing behind her desk and had a very warm smile on her face. I, on the other hand, was sure my face is starting to blush each step I take. Plus, my palms are getting sweaty.

I stood in front of the class, "Nice to meet you all! My name's Nanoha Takamachi. I just moved here from Uminari City and just recently transferred to TSAB Academy. I hope I'd get along well with everybody." I ended with a bow and somehow the room became deafeningly still and silent.

I want to crawl under a rock!

"See? I told you she was cute!"

A very familiar voice with a very familiar accent pierced through the air. I looked up and my eyes immediately lay upon the owner of the said voice and accent.

A girl with chocolate brown hair and amused blue eyes grinned at me. "Way to go, Nanoha-chan!"

"Ha-Hayate-chan?"

The tension in the air seemed to disperse as the students giggled and agreed with Hayate while adding a few similar follow-up comments of their own.

"Alright, alright, settle down," Professor Gracia clapped her hands to get their attention. "Do you have any questions for Takamachi-san?"

A lot of hands shot up through the air.

"Which school did you last attend to?"

"… Uminari High school…"

"Why did you transfer here to TSAB?"

"Erm… because of my dad's work."

"What's your dad's work then?"

"A d-doctor…"

"Wow…"

"Takamachi-san, you have a great form, do you work out?"

"Eh? Um, no… not really."

"What do you do in your free time, Takamachi-san?"

"I kind of… bake. But I'm still learning from my mom though."

"Are you thinking of taking up culinary arts in the future?"

"I haven't… thought that far yet. Sorry."

"Do you have someone you like?"

A blonde with gentle burgundy eyes came to mind.

And I immediately blushed remembering her grinning face. But at the same time, I wanted to pinch myself for even picturing that out.

I looked at the person who asked the question and again, it was a smirking Hayate Yagami. "Well, do you, Nanoha-chan?"

The other students, who were also intrigued, asked excitedly and prodded me to answer.

"E-eh? Um… I—"

"Okay, that's enough, everyone!" Professor Gracia announced. "You're making Takamachi-san uncomfortable with your question just now, Yagami-san."

Hayate rubbed her neck and grinned at our teacher. "I was just curious, Professor Gracia," she reasoned out. "You always said that curiosity made the cat rich!"

The class burst into merry laughter.

"I think you mean, 'curiosity killed the cat'," Professor Gracia corrected, "and I would say no such thing, Yagami-san."

It was no surprise that the class laughed again.

She sighed and appeared exhausted from her short conversation with Hayate. "Well, that's all for introductions with Takamachi-san, if you wish to know more about her, do it in your free time, alright? Lastly, welcome to Class 1-A, Takamachi-san."

The class, as well as Professor Gracia, applauded and a wave of relief and joy flooded though my system. "Thank you very much!" I didn't think the introduction would wrap up this smoothly. Good thing it's all over now.

Feeling a little more confident than when I first entered the room, I took the chance in scanning the area for an empty seat. I wonder where I'm going to sit. There were only two available desks left: one beside a purple-haired girl who sat behind Hayate, while the other vacant seat was at the far right corner of the room beside the window. It was the only seat that didn't have any other row of chairs lined up beside it. Poor chair. I wonder if the owner's absent or something.

The blonde teacher then turned to me and snapped me out of my trance. And as if she read my mind, she said, "Takamachi-san, you'll be sitting next to Tsukimura-san."

"Yes, ma'am." Since the other seat didn't have anyone beside it, I can only assume that I'm going to the right one.

As I made my way towards my seat, Hayate was smiling from ear to ear. I gave her an uneasy smile. Did she have something to do with me being here? In this particular class? With her?

She didn't say a word to me as I made my way around, her form twisting on her chair never taking her eyes off me until I sat down on my chair. And she still had a wide smile plastered on her face.

"Nice to meet you, Nanoha-chan," my seatmate greeted the second I settled down. "I'm Suzuka Tsukimura, I'll be your neighbor for the rest of the semester. I hope we get along well."

"Y-yeah, same here. Nice to meet you too, Tsukimura-san."

Her slender purple brows furrowed together, "That simply won't do, Nanoha-chan," she scolded pointedly.

"E-eh? Why not?"

"Neighbors are supposed to get along, right?" I timidly nodded. "Then, the first thing to do is to call each other by our first names, right, Hayate-chan?"

Hayate vigorously nodded I thought her head would come off.

"Um, okay… Suzuka-chan?"

Suzuka smiled approvingly. "Much better!"

"Say? Professor," a male student from the back said, "you weren't going to let Takamachi-san sit next to the Ghost Kid?"

Ghost kid?

Professor Gracia, who was preoccupied in writing down the outline of her lesson on the board, stopped and, not sparing a second glance at the student, said to him, "Mr. Granscenic, please write a twenty-page essay on the History of Paranormal Science and its subsequent theories, and submit them to me first thing in the morning."

"The hell—?"

"Make those thirty pages, Mr. Granscenic."

"But—!"

"Would you like it if I make it fifty?"

The boy zipped his mouth and shrunk himself on his seat.

Professor Gracia smiled pleasantly and opened her laptop on her desk, "Let's proceed with today's lesson now, shall we?"

I made a note to myself never to get on Professor Gracia's dark side.

Professor Carim Gracia has a passion for Political Science. I could tell, 'cause she had enumerated every section of the Mid-Childan Constitution, explained them thoroughly, compared similar sections while pointing out their differences, provided concrete examples and situations that'll provide more understanding to that specific section, and made us memorize the said section. And because of that, she gave us a post-test to see if we really did understand her lesson and gave us only fifteen minutes to answer. In other words, I almost mentally died.

Don't get me wrong. The professor really discussed the lessons thoroughly and even though it was my first day, and my first time knowing such a subject was taught in this academy's high school department, I did fairly well with my test score. The rest of the subjects after Political Science were a little bit familiar to me. Chemistry, Language Arts, Old and Modern Literature and Mid-Childan History. And most of them had almost the same pattern as Political Science class.

In Chemistry, we had to solve fifteen sets of formulas and at least demonstrate five of them on how to mix the chemicals with the correct ratios and proportions, and then explain more on their root elements and effects. Language Arts was simple enough, so I wasn't at all that tired from it. Modern Literature was a bit tough. We had to read old passages and poems that were so deep, I think I can't swim in it and I'll end up drowning! Mid-Childan History, though I'm a little familiar with it, still gave me a hard time. I hate dates! Like memorizing them and remembering what happened on that specific date which already happened a long time ago, which no one wants to remember! Move on already!

By the time the lunch bell chimed, I was utterly, completely and undoubtedly exhausted.

Right now, I planted my face on top of the many open books and notebooks laid out all over my desk. My hands just dangled at my sides and I didn't care if I look pathetic or miserable.

I was so tired I didn't even bother looking up at Hayate when I sensed her standing in front of my desk. "So, Ace," she had sympathy-laughter in her voice, but I think more on the laughter part, "how did you find your first half of your first day?"

I sluggishly dragged my face to peer at Hayate. I narrowed my eyes at her, "Leave me alone to die, Hayate-chan…"

Hayate laughed nervously, "Urg, were the lessons that lethal to you?"

"…Yes," I mumbled, "How… did you guys manage to stay alive after doing all this stuff?"

Hayate blinked once. "Lemme see," she tapped her chin with her finger, "in our first day—you know, the first day, we also had a hard time taking in all of the high school stuff. It's like culture shock since we just got promoted from middle school. It was despicably exhausting, I tell ya! Like pure mental torture! But," she shrugged a shoulder, "we got used to it after awhile."

"…How long is 'awhile', Hayate-chan?"

"… Uh, about a few more weeks? A month or two months tops!"

I facedesked again and groaned helplessly. Not even wincing when I hit my head harder than I should have.

Suzuka, bless her soul, took pity on my miserable existence and patted my back. "There, there, Nanoha-chan," she cooed, "you did splendidly well for your first day though. Why don't we have our lunch to take your mind off our lessons for awhile?"

I sat up and rubbed my forehead. I started closing my books and notes and slipped them neatly under my desk. "Thanks, Suzuka-chan. Maybe lunch will make it bearable somehow." I tried to smile and pulled out my mom's homemade lunch.

"Well," Hayate lifted her desk and joined it with my and Suzuka's desks, "the good news is, Nanoha-chan, we only have study hall and Math 1 for our afternoon classes."

"Really?" That was definitely good news! I may still have a chance to survive and walk away from this. "That's a relief." I sighed and felt some heavy burden lift off my chest. I opened my lunch box and my two classmates were in awe when they saw the contents.

"Nanoha-chan," Suzuka exclaimed, "your lunch is so cute!"

"And I'll bet the food's even better!" Hayate readied her chopsticks.

"Really?" It looks ordinary to me though. Oh well. "My mom took up culinary arts. Hayate-chan, Suzuka-chan, would you like to try some?"

Hayate squealed. "Really? Then don't mind if I do!" She took a piece of the tamagoyaki and munched the whole thing in one go. Suzuka also took a similar piece.

"It really is good!"

"I bet your mom's also the one who baked your muffin earlier this morning, huh? Your mom's a god, Nanoha-chan!"

"That's kind of too much, Hayate-chan…" I was so amused at their reactions about my mom's cooking that I almost forgot about our conversation earlier. "Say, Hayate-chan?"

"Hmm?"

"You said that we only have two more classes for this afternoon, right? And that's the good news. So… what's the bad news?"

Hayate nodded as she continued to eat her own lunch. She hurriedly chewed and swallowed before answering. "Oh yeah!" Hayate sounded like she had an epiphany and looked me seriously in the eyes. "The bad news is…" I gulped sensing Hayate's grave tone, "we're going to have spaghetti's test after study hall."

For the first time in my life, that was one sentence in my own native language I was finding hard to comprehend. It took almost all of my brain cells to process what Hayate meant but not one plausible explanation could be formulated to explain the connection between our current conversations and… strings of cooked pasta.

I blinked. "Excuse me?" Confusion evident in my voice.

Suzuka forcefully shoved Hayate a piece of wiener making her choke and cough furiously. "I'm sorry," she said in between coughs and clearing her throat which in turn made her voice crackly, "I'll never say another stupid thing again…" she muttered, though I doubt she would be able to do the last part.

My seatmate explained in place of Hayate. "What Hayate means, Nanoha-chan, is that Professor Scaglietti," she corrected with emphasis, "would almost all the time give us a test which takes up about thirty percent of our final grade for the semester. And if your performance is not well enough, then you have to take remedial classes during the summer break."

"What's more," the vice president added, "he completely jumps from one chapter to another so you'd never know which lesson he's going to get his test questions from! It's like he doesn't want us to pass in his class at all! He's the embodiment of pure evil, I tell ya! He's pure evil and crazy, Nanoha-chan!"

"Hayate-chan, don't scare Nanoha-chan like that!" Suzuka reprimanded the brunette.

"But it's true!" she countered, "And you know it, Suzuka-chan!"

Dread dawned upon me. I managed to survive the morning classes without failing any of the tests given. Although only barely passing them, I have to admit that I did better than I hoped for my first day. But the day's not over yet. From what Hayate and Suzuka mentioned, our last class for the afternoon would be something I can't guarantee I would walk away from without being completely mentally drained. "Somehow," I laughed nervously and scratched my cheek, "I'm starting to panic with all of the things you guys told me."

"Don't be, Nanoha-chan," Suzuka said, "You did have Math 1 back in your previous school, right? I'm sure you'll do fine."

"Now that you mentioned it, we did!" I can hear the choirs of angels singing from the heavens! There's hope yet. "So, any ideas about what the test might be about?"

This time, Suzuka smiled apologetically at me. "I'm sorry, Nanoha-chan. I hate to confirm it, but what Hayate-chan said about Professor Scaglietti's… unpredictability is true."

I'm doomed.

"But!" Hayate exclaimed, "If you've managed to get the basics of Math 1 down, I'm sure you'll pass or even ace the test later! So no worries then right?"

I laughed nervously. "Thanks Suzuka-chan, Hayate-chan. I think Math 1 might not be that bad later. I mean, the worst thing that could happen for me is to score below the passing mark, right?" Right?

A man, with shoulder-length light purple hair and amber eyes, paced back and forth in front of the room, his hands clasped behind him and his head bent. "Mr. Granscenic!" he whipped his finger at the student.

"Sir!" and he immediately stood from his seat.

"What is the most important thing in this world?"

He blinked once, dumbfounded. "… Love? And… happiness—"

"Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!" the Professor screamed. And I really thought he was going to pull out his hair.

"It's numbers, Mr. Granscenic!"

"… Uh, okay… Professor."

"You may sit." And the student did. The class, though knowing the teacher already, was sitting at the edge of their seats. The atmosphere was clearly tense. And almost everyone thought of the same thing, no one in their right mind should say anything, unless asked to, while the professor was in one of his moods.

The professor placed both his hands on the teacher's table using them for support and leaned forward to look at us from left to right. "Ah, my cute beloved students!" he raised his arms heavenward, "You should know by now that numbers are the only entities essential in our lives. They are the very foundation of our world. Without them, our fragile existence would be more insignificant and empty. Since the dawn of time, the divine presence of numbers had helped shape humankind as it is now, if not more! If not for them, we would be nothing but carbon-based life forms doomed to roam this planet in ignorance and eternal darkness!"

I now know the crazy part Hayate spoke of during lunch.

When the professor's speech was over, everyone released their breath they didn't notice they were holding. Glad that's over.

"Therefore," He wasn't done yet?

He rested his hand on a stack of papers on his desk, "I, Professor Jail Scaglietti, will assist you in your journey of discovery. To fully realize that numbers are our friends. They will never betray you! And with that, I shall now distribute you these papers of knowledge!" he held the papers and divided them, "Get one and pass please."

Everyone got out their pens when their test papers landed on their desks.

I can do this!

Thirty minutes later, a big red zero laughingly stared right back at me.

Amazing… I actually got zero points…

I clutched the paper in both hands. The feeling overwhelmed me to the point of making me tremble.

'Don't fail any tests.'

When my father's words echoed inside my mind, my trembling stopped but I didn't feel any better.

When classes ended, I had to go to the faculty room to see Professor Gracia about my extra homework and possible extra credit projects. Suzuka still had to go to her cram school. Hayate said she needed to drop by the student council office. We parted ways and promised to see each other tomorrow.

I almost got lost twice on my way to the faculty room. Luckily, I was able to get there by my third try. When I entered the faculty room, some of my teachers were there, either busily discussing lessons with each other or they relaxed and took their time drinking coffee. Professor Gracia sat behind her desk and was busily typing in front of her laptop.

I approached her, "Good afternoon, Professor Gracia."

She tore her gaze away from the screen and greeted me in return with a smile on her face, "Ah, good afternoon, Takamachi-san. Just in time," she opened her desk drawer and pulled out papers and a folder. She handed them to me and said, "Here are your extra assignments to help your grade catch up for this semester. The teachers from each class all agreed that you have to submit these two weeks from now."

"Eh?" I couldn't help but gawk at her in shock. The assignments were a lot and I couldn't say that my classes were easy as pie. "I only have two weeks to hand these in?"

Professor Gracia sighed, "I tried to tell them that you needed more time since you're still new but some of them objected. Said something about preventing teenagers from fooling around." She rubbed the bridge of her nose and shook her head, "I swear they're all getting senile."

I could feel my shoulders slump from all the work I have to do for the next two weeks. "I-I see. But I do appreciate them giving me these to help me with my grades, Professor."

"You're too forgiving, Takamachi-san," she giggled, "but you're right. I'm sure you'll do fine. If you need any assistance, you may ask me or your classmates. I take it you've made friends already?"

I scratched my cheek. My nervous habit kicking in. "I'm not really sure if I could call them my friends, though."

"Oh my, were they bullying you? Was it Yagami-san? Maybe I should really report and send her to the Disciplinary Committee—"

"What? No! That's not it, Professor!"

"Oh? Then what is it?"

I shifted on my feet and looked down. "It's just… it's too early for me to call them friends."

My teacher listened to me intently and didn't say anything for a moment. She smiled and said, "Takamachi-san, did they allow you to call them by their first names?"

My eyes widened a fraction at the realization. Come to think of it, they didn't really want me to call them by their family names. Though that was supposed to be the formal way to do it when meeting people for the first time. I lifted my head to look at my teacher. "Well, they'd always tell me to call them by their first names. And they've always called me by my first name too."

The blonde nodded and smiled some more, "Then you're friends, Takamachi-san."

A smile slowly spread across my face and I bowed at my teacher, "Thank you very much, Professor."

"You're welcome. Be careful on your way home, alright?"

"Yes. Please excuse me then." I bowed for the last time and left the faculty room.

When I went back to get my schoolbag, it was already late in the afternoon nearing dusk. Thinking about my first day, I couldn't help but let out a dejected sigh. Great, I just got my first zero and now I have a lot of homework to do. Can things just get any worse?

I stuffed my assignment into my bag, carefully making sure I didn't crumple them. My eyes looked out the window and I could see the sky outside. The colorful mixture of the sky during this time of day always amazes me. Then an idea hit me. I briskly walked to the classroom door and went out.

After maybe walking around in circles for about five minutes, I managed to find the stairs that led up to the roof. When I opened the door leading outside, my vision was engulfed by the vivid colors of the twilight sky.

The orange color from the setting sun was slowly being painted over by the young evening sky of purplish-blue. And because of that, vibrant but soft pink hues laid out between them. Joining two opposite colors in the same big sky and bringing out the best of them.

I looked up some more at the sky as the wind caressed my cheeks and played with my side-ponytail. Though I was under the sky I love so much and being under it somehow made me relax, it still wasn't enough.

I brought down my face as I remembered the things that have happened throughout the day. The zero I got during Math class was the cherry on top of the cake. I didn't get why I got zero on my test when I fairly did well at my old school.

There are really times when you start to hate everything around you.

Out of the corner of my eye, some short distance away, I saw long golden hair dancing in the wind teasing me to give it attention. Somebody's up here besides me? And saw a part of the person sitting and leaning back against the wall while peacefully staring into nothing.

I took a step closer. My eyes slowly widened when I saw her profile. Fate-… chan?

Ba-dump.

Wait! I quickly looked down at my chest where the sound came from. What do you mean 'ba-dump'? I couldn't possibly…!

Since I haven't seen her since yesterday, her image in front of me took me by surprise. She seems to be thinking deeply enough not to notice that another person was up here with her. She looked at her hand and stared at it. As if she had let go of something she shouldn't have.

Even from this angle, her face was beautiful as ever. Most especially those soft burgundy eyes looking back at me with a small smile on her face.

"… Eh?" I blushed right away when I realized our eyes connected. And she was looking at me! When did she—

"What are you doing, transfer student?"

"Um, er, I-I was just looking at the sky!" I can't believe my voice cracked like that!

"Oh really? Just the sky?" she sounded skeptical. And downright amused! Of course I was looking at the sky! Then… I may have looked at her too. Well, she hasn't changed at all. She's still the annoying blonde rebel from yesterday. I walked towards her and towered over where she sat. "Fate-chan, what are you doing here?"

She looked up at me and said, "Me?" and flashed that cheeky grin of hers, "Just looking at the sky like you did."

I looked away and I tried my very best not to throttle her on the spot.

"Have a seat." She offered with a grin again and scooted to make room for me.

I took her offer, albeit my hesitation and earlier annoyance, and sat next to her. I watched her looking far off again. Now that I'm up close, Fate really was beautiful. Her complexion was fair and flawless. Her eyelashes were long and curved. Her lips were cute and pink.

She caught me looking at her again. "What is it?"

"N-nothing!" My heart was pounding really fast for some reason.

"So why did you look so down awhile ago?"

"… Eh?"

She waited for me to answer and I couldn't tear away my eyes from her. "Um, I just have problems, is all." I answered vaguely. I wasn't about to tell her I got zero from a test earlier. She'll definitely laugh!

She hummed, "What are they?" she prodded.

She really wanted to know? "Um, I got… a zero in Professor Scaglietti's math test earlier." I braced myself in hearing her mocking laughter but… it never came.

She hummed again. She smiled but it didn't have a tint of mockery in it. "Really? Well, Scaglietti is notorious for his tests. So it's not worth worrying about. Besides, getting a zero is pretty amazing too in its own way."

"You have Professor Scaglietti for Math too?"

"Yep!"

"So, did you also get a zero grade?"

"Me? I got a ninety-two on my last test."

"What's up with that?" I felt dumber even more. "Are you really trying to pick a fight with me, Fate-chan?"

She laughed, "Not at all. What I mean is, only someone really brave enough would allow themselves to get a zero grade. Totally amazing in another way if you ask me! Plus, there are some things we're really good at, so isn't it best to give it your all with them?"

I never thought of it that way. But then again, I guess only people as crazy as Fate would be able to come up with that kind of logic. "Fate-chan… is there anything you're not good at?"

"Me?" she pointed at herself.

"I bet you're good with everything you do."

"What? There is."

"You're lying."

"There is, I tell ya!" She interlaced her fingers and propped her elbows on her knees. "I'm way too popular with the boys and the girls." She beamed at me.

I forcefully chuckled. "Are you stupid or something?"

She answered with a laugh and watched the sky again.

I watched her watching the sky instead.

"What?" she looked back down at me.

"… Eh? Um, aside from that, do you have any other problems?"

"Yeah, there are." She got out her closed hand, her fingers unfolded as she started counting one after another. One had already been mentioned concerning her popularity, "Because of my looks, I stand out too much so I'm almost always being watched. I can't sleep at night. I run too fast. And I hate… irresponsible people." She gazed at her open hand after her last count. And her mind seemed to have drifted to a particular memory.

I want to know… What are you thinking… Fate-chan?

"Five of them! Yehey!" She showed her five fingers at me and grinned happily like how a child would be after tying her shoelaces for the first time on her own.

I scowled at her. "Those aren't even problems, Fate-chan," I said, "Plus, do you even have the right to call other people irresponsible after what you did yesterday?"

"What? Are you making fun of me? Despite my good looks, I'm a really single-minded person." She showed me that carefree smile of hers. "Don't I seem that way?"

I smirked. "Not at all. Sorry."

She chuckled. She leaned back on the wall and silently smiled with her eyes closed. We sat together in silence for awhile. The gentle evening breeze and my thumping heart were the only sounds I could audibly hear.

I wonder if Fate has ever fallen for someone. I wonder if she loved someone. Well, with her looks, I wouldn't be surprised. And she did say she was popular. No matter how vain and conceited that sounded, I would believe it in a heartbeat. If so then…

"Fate-chan…"

"Hmm?" she opened one crimson eye at me.

"What would you do… if the person you're going out with is… irresponsible?"

I didn't really know why I wanted to know her answer. I didn't even know why I asked that question.

She opened both her eyes but still had her back on the wall. She didn't answer right away and I found her slowly leaning forward with her interlaced hands propped on her knees while thinking deeply.

"Fate-chan?" I called to her.

"Hmm?" she looked at me. Her eyes still a little dazed. "Oh that?" she lifted her interlaced hands to her face and pinched the bridge of her nose with her index fingers. Her golden brows furrowed.

Then, a hand hovered over my neck. It didn't touch my neck but I could sense the warmth radiating from it. It was Fate's hand. Her fingers mere millimeters from wrapping around my neck. As if she was about to choke me. Fate's angelic face came close to mine. Her crimson orbs visibly deadly despite the dim light of dusk. Her faint scent of lavender wafted through the air. With no hint of emotion, Fate said to me, "I'd kill them…"

I sat there, still and silent. I sat there dumbfounded by Fate's action and words. I looked at her. My eyes of blue connecting with her red ones. I tried to find any hint of amusement in them. T-this is… a joke, right? Where's the punch line… Fate-chan?

"…with my own hands." Fate seemed to be in a trance. As if she was talking to a different person.

Up close, I could see traces of exhaustion in Fate's eyes. You might not notice it from afar, but it's… definitely there. I saw Fate's eyes widen a fraction and she may have begun to notice her action and our… intimate distance. She slowly backed away, her hand on her lap and sat down silently.

Then she threw back her head in merry laughter. When she stopped, she looked back at me with another grin plastered on her face. "Just kidding!" She stood up and walked around me heading to the only door on the roof.

She walked in front of me. I raised my hand to my neck and felt the skin Fate almost touched tingle. I also immediately stood and went after Fate. She was almost at the door. Her back facing at me with her long flaxen hair swaying with every step she took. I noticed that her hair was tied with a black ribbon at the end. And she was still wearing sneakers with her unkempt uniform. But now's not the time for that!

"Fate-chan!"

She stopped.

"I-If you have any problems, I'll definitely lend you an ear!"

She turned back to me, slightly surprised with what I said, "Ha?"

I swear my face was as red as a tomato. "Y-you can tell me anything!" I continued, "You listened to me go on and on awhile ago about my problems, so…"

She smiled at me again. "That's too bad! I don't have any problems."

It was that same careless smile again. My heart was beating too fast for my own liking.

She continued her way to the door.

I don't believe it…

This isn't happening…

This is definitely… going to be the worst mistake of my life…

Fate-chan… I like—

"Oh, by the way, about your problems?" Fate turned the doorknob and opened the door but paused, "Don't you think, that's a privilege reserved only for the living?" and looked at me with a ghost of a smile.

Again, I was caught off guard. The breeze playing gently with my hair and skirt. "Well… Yes…"

Fate still smiled. Her crimson gaze softening. But just for a second, it became sad. And… lonely.

I don't like that. I want her to be… happy.

I watched Fate walk out through the open door, closing it behind her with a soft clang. Leaving me alone on the rooftop under the cool spring twilight sky.

At that moment... I didn't know what Fate meant when she said those words to me.

Later that night, while I was sitting in my balcony hugging my knees, Yuuno called.

"Hello? Yuuno-kun?" I answered.

"Nanoha? How are you? You sound… upset? That's weird… Did something bad happen at school?"

I sniffed and rubbed my eyes. I cleared my throat before answering, "Yeah… something… bad did happen at school."

"Really? Is it really that bad that can make the Nano-happy-go-lucky this… upset?"

"Yeah…"

"… Then what is it?"

"… I… like someone."

"… What? That's it? Finally! I thought this day would never come! So, who's the lucky guy? Tell me about him!"

I bit my lip. And inhaled deeply, "The most popular, annoying, conceited, infuriating, irresponsible, sarcastic, obnoxious, downright reckless, good-for-nothing, idiotic rebel ever to walk on the face of the earth!" I panted after I fiercely cried out into the starry night sky above me. Not caring if my parents or the neighbors heard me or not.

Yuuno was quiet at the other end. I think I scared him.

"… uh… O-kay… he sounds like I great guy? So… are those why you're upset?"

I sighed exasperatedly. "No… there's one thing I left out from the list. And it's the most hated quality of all."

"… And that is?"

"We're not even friends and doesn't even call me by my name but… I like... her."

A/N: Wow. That was downright… long. And I'll just get ahead of you here, I intend to take Nanoha and Fate's progress slow. Not like a snail's or a turtle's pace! But I want to write about their ups and downs and downs and downs… ah, sorry about that. Point is, I want them to struggle(?) first before ending up romantically. Nyahahahaha! Sorry, but I'm kind of a sadist that way.

Reviews, comments and suggestions are always always ALWAYS appreciated. Toodles~!