Me: Yes I am alive! I'm really sorry I couldn't update in a while because I had a ton of homework that just keeps on coming. But next week is the last week of school for the term so I have two weeks to write!

Julie: Or are you just gonna be lazy and not do anything?

Me: I do that now. Why do you think I'm rushing with my assignments?

Alice: At least if you get it out of the way you'll be free

Me: Yep, now replying to all you guys who thought I died. Tear Droplet thanks for being a new reviewer, at least I think so because I'm kind of out of it now XD And 'him' is something you'll never expect, I also don't do tarot readings I just researched online. RockyBlue DanxRuno, see I updated so stop hounding me! Yeah that chase bit was totally random XD InnocentDiamond I actually have a Romeo and Juliet story coming soon to a computer near you… or phone whatever. There is a reason why Shun is so curious. It'll be explained later on :) Hello hungryhippo1000, yeah I researched a bit on their powers, also anime helps XD Hey jazzmonkey that's a coincidence, I love when things like that happen X) It tied together? I'm still trying to finish the story but thanks! Cream pie Awwww that's sweet, but I don't know if I'd actually be a published author. I still have no idea what I want to do. Welcome animeparody to this reply section for being a new reviewer! Actually To Aru is one of the things that inspired me to write this. I've watched both anime's and the OVA to the Railgun side story. And its Cream pie again, see I'm updating, even if I'm late I always will :) Hi azure blue espeon, another brand new review, thank you. It's a little confused by the wind thing but I matched most of them with their attributes in the show. I'll put more of Shun's powers soon I promise ;) And yes again Cream-Pie13 I am still here. Glad you finally got an account :)

Runo: If she owned anything she wouldn't be here

Dan: Harsh

Runo: Coming from you, ha!

Me: Also sorry if this is a boring chapter but... yeah... that's basically it

Chapter Four: A Bets a Bet

Shun's POV

"Why are you here again?" I asked Dan as I held open the front door while having a confused, albeit, still sleepy expression on my face.

My friend stood up tall like a soldier and stared up into the sky as he said too loudly for the morning "I've decided to suck it up and bear through the torture quicker!" I yawed as I moved to the side in an uninterested way "Ah, how heroic of you" I said in a tone dripping with sarcasm while letting him in my house.

He came marching in as if he was being sentenced to war. I would've enjoyed making him suffer more, but I was still quite tired.

As I was about to shut the door, a flash of orange suddenly appeared in front of me.

Dan and I jumped back in surprise to see Alice land on the marble floor from teleporting into my home "Shitsurei shimasu" She said as she looked around the foyer like the first time the illusionist came. I guess she was still getting used to the interior.

The brunette was now on the floor clutching onto his heart as his breathing went up "Jeez Alice! You nearly scared me to death!" The red head sweat dropped while scratching her cheek "Sorry. I guess you're not the only one with sensitive heart problems when I just drop in out of nowhere" She apologised quietly. The Level 5 held out a hand to Dan to help him up, which he accepted hesitantly as he was still in shock.

When Alice was lifting up his arm I noticed that she was wearing the same pair of clothes she wore on the roof last night, the time where she transported herself away from home in the middle of the night.

I didn't want to interrogate her in front of Dan, so instead I made a mental note to remind me later, and then I finally decided to shut the entrance door.

The Russian was still giggling embarrassingly as she put him up onto his feet, but stopped when she realised something "Speaking of which what are you doing here Dan?" His depressed aura from a couple of days ago then returned again, just when he was in an admirable mood too. Now that was all gone "I made a bet and I lost. Now I have to clean his house…" He answered sadly.

Alice smiled a little amusingly at the mix of Dan's quick change behaviour "Um, you need any help?" She offered politely, but the Level 3 shook his head "Nah I have to take the torture, you don't need to. And I have to ask you the same thing, what are you doing here?" The illusionist then turned to me, who was still standing in the same spot since they came in "I promised Kazami-san that I'd cook for his grandson for the time he's away. He went away with my Grandfather earlier this morning"

To which he scoffed and looked straight at me too "I get that I came here because of a bet, but to have Alice to become your cook, that's low" I couldn't tell if he was joking of not, but either way I sighed "We're you listening? My Grandfather asked her to do it not me" But he just rolled his eyes and waved his hand lazily "Yeah, yeah whatever you say" Before making his way to the closet where all the cleaning stuff was, which was near the kitchen.

Once he disappeared behind a corner, the Level 5 spun around to face me "Well if Dan's going to cleaning the house, I should head out to buy some things for dinner. Want to come along?" I thought about her offer for a moment before agreeing with a nod. I didn't want to be around to slip on all the detergent and soap Dan was going to leave lying around just to clean the floor.

I opened the door and gestured her to go out first, which she just did a little curtsey as a joke and walked out. I think a let out a chuckle as I made my way to the front gate with her.

a};~-~-~-

"Ok that's potatoes, carrots… um, what else am I missing?"

Alice was mumbling to herself as she wandered around the grocery store looking at different ingredients. I was following her around with a basket of food in one hand, and the other stuffed into my pocket.

I glanced down at the things she was going to use to see if I could guess what she was going to make. I didn't have one cooking bone in my body so nothing came to mind.

"What a cute couple" An elderly woman in another isle commented to her friend beside her. If they were planning to keep their conversation private they weren't doing a very good job at it. The other nodded in agreement before going back to examining the stack of neatly piled apples "People are so in your face these days" I said to myself as I kept a slight eye on them, hoping that they wouldn't say anything else about us.

"What did you say Kazami-kun?"

I blinked a couple of times until I realised that Alice was talking to me "Oh nothing" I said leaving out the comment the two from before made us "So have you got everything?" I asked to change the subject. She shrugged "I'm not sure. I think so. I can manage if we don't have it all anyway" The red head was walking off towards the cashier and I was about to follow when she stopped, nearly causing me to collide behind her.

She twirled around on her heels and with a smile she said "By the way, we do look like a cute couple" I was taken back as I didn't think she actually heard those ladies talking about us "Even if it was a misunderstanding I think it's a sweet though for them to say that" Her smile seemed to look even bigger when she finished.

The Level 5 then began lining up to pay for the ingredients. I raised an eyebrow even though her back was facing me. That was straightforward. And a little embarrassing if you asked me, but… I don't think I mind…

After Alice paid for the items she took one plastic bag in her hand while I took the other. I offered to carry both but she declined. I managed to get one of them though.

We walked out of the store and back onto the sidewalk. It was only noon, so it was crowded with businessmen in suits, groups of friends and the usual families, but me and Alice managed to make our way through just fine.

"So what exactly are you making?" I questioned a little curiously. She looked at me and answered plainly "Curry" She then said a bit more cheerfully "Hope you can handle spicy food" Before going off ahead of me.

It took me a few moments to register things, but once I did I caught up with her "I can handle spicy food just fine" I said in a defensive tone for some reason. The red head giggled as she turned her head away "I'm surprised you're insulted by that" I looked away and thought about what she said. I can't believe that too.

"You might be able to but Dan can't" She said right after. I knew that the fire user would go all crazy if he ate anything hot, kind of ironic considering his element "Then why are you making curry if he can't handle it?" I asked. Alice was looking around some of the shops around us as she answered "I'll make mild first, then I'll add the spice. I love hot foods" I found that a little surprising. It didn't look like she could take the heat "Are you sure you can handle it?" I said counteracting her comment from before.

The illusionist spun her head to me with a pout "What makes you say that?" She questioned a little angrily. I closed my eyes regretting brining the question up "Never mind" But she didn't deter "What makes you think I can't take spicy foods?" I think I just got on her bad side. At least it's a cute one "Don't worry about it" I said grinning a little before walking off ahead.

I could hear her behind me trying to catch up "Hold on wait a minute!"

{~X~}

Runo's POV

One more point. That's all I needed to win this game.

I was still pretty pumped to play, but the rest of my team have become worn out and breathless. I couldn't push them further than I already have so I guess I'll have to take this last goal for myself.

"Go Runo!" I heard Julie cheer from the stands with the rest of her cheer squad. I rolled my eyes with a smile as I twirled the ball in both of my hands while standing a bit away from the sidelines.

The ref looked over to me and I took that as a signal to start.

I ran up to the white line and did a straight flip with the ball before throwing it into the game. I went in right after.

The second I did I zoomed off to the opposition's side waiting for my team to pass it up. I examined the defensive players on the other team and could tell they were ganging up on me. If only element powers weren't banned in the game I would totally whoop them with one shock.

I left my thoughts out of my mind and concentrated back on the game. One of the offence players from my team kicked the ball up to me and I jumped and puffed out my chest to stop it. It rolled onto my knee before I set it back on the grassy ground and began searching for an opening to score.

The two guarding the goal looked as if they were going to beat me up, with those looks they giving me. But I didn't bother to care about them. I just smirked and ran circles around them.

About the time I cut through their defences I felt my foot slip and I lost balance.

In a blast they stole the ball away from me and sent it to our side. The pair of players looked back at me with conniving faces before running off to the centre of the field.

I pushed myself up and noticed there was a small hole in the ground that wasn't there before.

I stood up and dusted myself off as I glared at the backs of the duo. Baka janai no? Element powers are off limits in this game. I knew I was angry, but I just grinned. Your half rate tricks won't help you. Even without my powers I can beat you guys.

I glanced over at Julie who caught on to what I was thinking as winked. I saw her stare intently on the field, and I knew I could leave the rest to her.

In no time my team got the ball back and heading up to me once again. The two from before were chuckling to themselves when I managed stop the ball in front of me and started straight for the goals.

I looked to the one on my left who used her elemental abilities on the ground and saw her expression change from overly confident to utterly shocked. She can't count on her powers this time. Thanks Julie. All that was in the way now was the goalie. She had a protective stance as I approached her. But as I was about to shoot the two defences was about to ram into me at the same, but I was faster.

Just in time I pulled back to see them collide into each other. I laughed a little before hopping over them and doing a spin kick.

The ball flew right past her and into the net, spinning a few times before it hit the ground.

The whistle sounded ending the game, and our school wining the semi-finals. Our team caught up to the centre and did a huge group hug. We shook hands with the other team then made our way to the stands where our friends and family were.

My silver headed friend ran up to me and pelted me to the ground in a bear hug choking my neck. With what little breath I managed to get I managed to say "Thanks… Julie… now let's go…" She did after a moment later and helped me off the floor "Oh it was nothing, I was just evening out the playing field, literally" We both shared a laugh before I hooked my sports bag on my shoulder. We dispersed away from the stands and towards the main road.

"Sorry about that. If they kept the game fair you wouldn't have to" We walked across the road and started making our way towards the school. Even if was the weekend, we had some things to get done.

I said out of blue to her "So have you permanently made your choice?" She smiled like she always did. But this time it was more sincere I think. The Earth user looked ahead of us with half closed eyes "You know I have chosen since the first day we became Rozes"

I blinked at her expression. It was truly peaceful, I guess that was a dumb question to ask when I already know the answer "Then you better confirm it with Kareshi-sensei when get to the library" She nodded her head rapidly as she liked my right arm "Now the question is, have you chosen?" The Australian questioned slyly, which made me face go warm for a second as I looked away in the other direction "I-I guess. But we have to wait until the spell is gone. Which might take a while" Julie rolled here eyes at me as we made it to the front gates of the Academy and went inside "Not if you hurry up and do something about it! You know the only way for you to get one is to…" I then covered her mouth so she could say any more than she needed to "I know! I know! I don't need another reminder!"

The tanned girl giggled as we entered the library and to the Magic section.

I have already chosen too… But I need to wait a little longer…

{~X~}

No one's POV

Shun and Alice was still strolling around the main part of the city.

Apparently the illusionist was well known throughout Wardington as most of the people they passed by either wave or greet her.

"Alice-chan konnichiwa" A lady in an apron said as she stood outside a small flower shop. The red head smiled and walked over to her to return the welcoming "Konnichiwa obasan" She replied while looking over at the new assortment of flowers in the stands.

The old woman smiled as she looked over at the raven haired boy standing behind her "Are on a date?" She asked slyly.

Why does everyone think we're together? They both thought at the same time as Shun looked blankly out of thin air and Alice smelt a white lily.

The beauty stood up straight and shook her head "No we're not, I'm just helping him out" The florist didn't look convinced, but smiled anyway "Well I don't mind if this young gentlemen chooses a flower for you. Free of charge" Before any of them objected the woman went over to a pair of customers looking over some bouquets on another stand.

Alice looked at her one last time before turning to Shun and gesturing her arms over to the fauna "The pleasures all yours" She moved over to the side to let him pick. He was hesitant for a moment as it seemed irrelevant, but shrugged and moved closer to the different types of flora.

There were many varieties including bluebells, tulips, daisies, irises, carnations, hibiscuses and of course, roses.

Something about the various coloured roses caught the ninja's eye. There was one in natural colours such as red, pink and white, and there were the abnormal ones like blue, purple and black.

The red one looks nice. He thought. Just as he was about to choose that flower, something drew him to the black one. But before he realised what he was doing, Alice looked at it surprisingly "Why a black rose?" Shun himself didn't know why. But she smiled and took it out of his grip "How did you know this was my favourite?" She embraced its sweet aroma as a light blush covered her cheek.

The amber orbed wind user was surprised "Why do you like black roses?" She looked up at him with an innocent face. She turned around and walked forwards with closed eyes. He followed the beauty and waited for her answer.

After a while she spoke "Because… it's different… red is so common that it's lost its meaning…" She paused and stopped walking. Their eyes both met each other, and then she finished "… But black is eternal"

a};~-~-~-

"Wow…" Alice said baffled as she stared at Shun's house from the entrance. The ninja stood right beside her with the same expression "My house…"

Dan was at the centre wearing yellow rubber gloves and a white apron while leaning on the broom as he rested his chin on the top. With a cheesy grin he lifted his right arm high up into the air "Ta da!"

The pair by the door slowly walked in more and examined the area.

Shun stared in awe at basically everything "… Its clean" He let out surprisingly. The raven haired boy didn't actually think that the fire user was capable of doing something like this. In all honesty he was just glad that the brunette didn't burn the house down into rubble. Otherwise his Grandfather would automatically blame him accounted for the last time he nearly did.

The burgundy orbed boy smiled victoriously, but it soon went away as he slumped down a bit "Now onto the rest of the house…" Apparently in the two hours Shun and Alice had been out, Dan had only managed to clean the foyer. But at least it was progress.

The red head sweat dropped as she watched him trudge away to another part of the mansion "Well I guess I should start making dinner. Where's the kitchen?" She asked the ninja, to which he pointed down to the dining room door "Through there and to the right" She nodded him thanks before heading off using his directions.

Alice's POV

When I made it to the kitchen I set out the ingredients that I needed and started rummaging through the cabinets for some ware I could use to prepare with.

I set a pot by the stove, a chopping board and knife on the dark green marble counter before tying my hair in a low ponytail.

I was halfway finishing cutting up the vegetables into chunks when my cell phone rang from my pocket. I wiped my hands on a checker patterned cloth before answering "Moshimoshi?" I hanged my mobile to the side of my ear as I took the board loaded with the raw food and knife. As I turned around and set it beside the stove the other line responded "Hey Alice. Just called to say Kareshi-sensei want us to meet up again tonight" Runo reported. I guess we still had a lot of things to do.

As I scrapped the vegetables into the pot filled with boiling water I said "Sure, I promise I won't be late again. See you tonight" With that short talk the call ended. I placed my phone back where I had it and went back to cooking.

I put the lid over the pot and was about to turn around when I saw Kazami-kun behind me. I jumped back in surprised and held myself up from the bench "You scared me. Why is everyone doing that nowadays?" I said to make light of the situation.

He backed up and leaned on the counter I was cutting on an asked "Who are you seeing tonight?" That was quite sudden. I simply answered "Julie and Runo" I then went beside him to get some things from the plastic bag that held all the things we bought, including the black rose.

I took out a box of curry powder and went back to the stove and added to the pot. Kazami-kun then said "Like last night?" I turned around abruptly, which I probably shouldn't of have "How did you know that?" I questioned now getting a little suspicious of him.

He just looked up at the high ceiling that was painted with what looked like clouds "I saw you teleport on your roof. It was a little late to be going out isn't it?"

Shun's POV

Why am I interrogating her like this? I knew I was going to but now…

That's what I thought, but I hadn't compressed it long enough to stop "Your also wearing the same set of clothes" I added. But I wished my senses weren't so slow to catch up.

Alice stood silently by the stove for several minutes before twirling around. She set her arms on the bench and stared at me hard in the eyes "Don't you think you're over examining things?" The Russian said rhetorically, she had a point though. But I wasn't going to admit that to her "Wouldn't any other person find it strange?"

The red head tilted her head to the side and looked into the direction of the glass windows that were placed to right where the garden could be viewed from "You're really using that one?" She said in an almost surprised tone. She seemed different for some reason. Something felt… off.

After a while she turned back and stepped forward in front of me, a little too close "Do you really want to know?" Alice asked in almost a whisper as she tied her hands behind her back. I stayed quiet and didn't say a word. All I did most nod.

She leaned in closer and placed both her hands on my shoulders. The illusionist had to stand on her toes to reach my ear. I felt her warm breath as she prepared to tell me what she was going to say.

I felt tense as the silence droned on.

In between it all she took a deep breath and said in a hushed tone "Gomen dakedo…" I knew where she was going with this. That realisation made me dart my eyes the side of her face, but it was partly concealed with her orange hair "Sore ha, hi-mi-tsu-da-yo" At the end she giggled. I couldn't tell if I was frustrated that she didn't actually tell me anything or not.

We stayed like this before Dan barged in giving us a reason to break apart. Now I was certain I was annoyed but this time at him, not that it wasn't normal, he usually does that "Finished cleaning already?" I said in an agitated tone as my back was still facing the fire user, but I was able to glace at him from the side.

He looked at me incredulously as if I was asking a real question when it was rhetorical "You think I have?" He shot at me angrily. The brunette sighed giving up "I got like a quarter of it, which is pretty good, but I'm tired" He trudged in with a feather duster and cloth in his hands before dropping them on the floor. Dan basically fell onto one of the dining table seats, hitting his head on the table as he did.

On the side Alice cleared her throat "Well dinner's is ready. You must be hungry working all day" When she went over to serve the food my friend immediately shot up, banging the back of his head of the chair "Ouch!" He rubbed the bump a few times before concentrating back on the Russian "Great I'm starving!" I've always wondered what made him so hungry.

I glanced at Alice, who was scooping rice onto some of the plates that she found in the cupboard. That strange feeling from before was gone and her presence felt normal again.

I didn't want to say anything in front of Dan, so I made my way to the dining table and sat across from him.

She came over and set two plates, one for each of us. And the brunette as usual started stuffing his face in an instant.

As the red head was about to turn back, Dan was jumped up from his seat and was biting his tongue. He started hopping around the room like a rabbit. It was a few moments later until Alice gasped and realised something "Oh no that was the spicy plate!"

At the thought she ran over to the fridge and grabbed the bottle of milk. She started pouring it in a glass cup, looking up now and again to make sure Dan wouldn't hurt himself or break anything.

Once she filled it up Alice started chasing him around the room, slowly so that none of the contents wouldn't spill "Dan stay still! I don't want to go through what happened last time again!"

I watched the two circle the room several times over and over. And after a while it got me thinking. How long have they known each other? They seem close, but I've never heard anything about Alice from him until the semester started.

In about half an hour she finally managed to get Dan to drink the milk. It apparently helps with hot food.

The red head sighed and dropped the ground on her knees beside the fire user who was still chugging down the drink "Jeez Dan. Didn't I say I didn't want this to happen again?" She let out tiringly. Her cheeks looked a little flushed from chasing him, but it wasn't even that long.

He apologised soon after while scratching his head. This time we managed to eat without the brunette going spaz.

As we were eating I noticed Alice's face remained the same tint of red, and she seemed to be breathing harder like before. Was she still tired?

After dinner Alice started washing up. I said Dan can do it since he was cleaning my house so what's a few dishes, but she insisted. By then she looked even more strained.

"Maybe you should head home" I suggested as she placed the last plate back in the cupboard "Are you sure? I don't want you going hungry and burning the house down now when you want a snack" I chuckled and took the drying towel out of her hands "I won't burn my own house…again. If anything you should be warning Dan" I then set the cloth down and took the rose from before out of the plastic bag and handed it to her "I promise…"

That little joke made her laugh lightly, unlike her usual one. She smiled a little as she took the flower, not once leaving my eyes "Then I'll see you at school, bye" With that, she teleported away instead of using the door. She's getting too used to entering and leaving my house like that, even if it was her second visit.

Alice's POV

Once I was in the safety of my own home I immediately collapsed on the inside of my bedroom door, leaning against it to prevent myself from falling on the floor. I held my forehead, feeling how warm it was. It matched my heavy breathing as well. I had to drop the rose to do that. It fell on the floor and some of its petals soon moulted off from not being exposed to any water.

I can't believe it happened again.

After several moments I was able to compose myself and stand up straight. I walked over to my bed and plopped on my side, feeling at peace lying on the soft sheets I slept on. I tried resting my eyes, hoping that I'd eventually fall asleep, but it didn't happen.

When I finally gave up trying I opened my lids. It immediately caught the attention of my charm bracelet. The sliver chain and crystal black rose glinted in the moonlight that shone through my windows.

I could almost see a foggy smoke swirl around inside as if it was being encased, screaming to escape from its glass prison.

I sighed and closed my orbs once again, rolling on my back as I did so. I reopened them and stared aimlessly at the ceiling. That part of me is showing more and more each time. But… is it even me? I thought back to what happened to me and Kazami-kun in the kitchen. I knew what I was saying. I knew that I meant it. However I felt like it wasn't me talking.

It probably was one of them again.

I knew that being who I was that they'd come out from time to time. But recently there was only one that kept reappearing.

The previous one…

I cringed at the thought, but also at the fact that I think my headache wasn't going anytime soon. I always get them after I go through a personality change. My burning skin was making me wish I could fall asleep faster, but it also gave me time to think.

I hadn't realised that my arm slowly made it to the centre of my chest, with the bracelets cool metal resting in between my collar bone. With my free hand I clutched the piece of jewellery tightly. My mind seemed to become clearer and calmer now that I've come to accept the pain.

Its better this way… I don't have to open up my dark side anymore if I have this. Not anymore…

Me: I had been procrastinating on a lot of things like yesterday I watched The Hunger Games with my friends and it was pretty good. I should really read the books one of these days… Well I'll be updating my other stories too, just give me some time but I will!

Julie: You promise?

Me: Yes

Julie: Really?

Me: Yes

Julie: Are you sure?

Me: For the love of god yes!

Julie: I know you will I was pulling your stings

Billy: (Taps her shoulder) Um are you sure you should? (Points at me)

Me: (Dark aura surrounding room)

Julie: (Sweating) Well that's it folks! (Runs away)

XOXO AsianBunny