Disclaimer: I do not own Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei. This fiction is written because of my personal enjoyment. Constructive comments/feedbacks/critiques will be much appreciated.
A/N: I also wanted to write more on Tatsuya and Mayumi, I really do. But the canon timeline doesn't give me much opportunity to write anything in that matter. I promise that there will be more of advances in Tatsuya's relationship, so please be patient.
CHAPTER 10: Happiness
"This is bad… this is really bad…" Shu silently gritted his teeth as Miyuki is radiating a very familiar Pushion. He can sense other people's Pushion but not at the professional levels, unlike his step-father, who already mastered the Pushion sensing.
Black aura is slowly engulfing Miyuki's body, means that she is succumbing to her dark side.
"I need to get her out!" Shu closes his eyes as he is about to connect with her mind.
Grip!
Shu's eyes widened as someone grabbed his arm. "Tou-san?"
Kokonoe just shook his head. "Let her be."
"Are you daft? You know what will happen if she truly succumbs to her-"
"Of course I do… but I can sense it… she hasn't truly given up yet, she still has the chance to conquer it." Kokonoe replied with all seriousness.
"That's far too risky! Right now she's-"
"Shu-kun… you were also fine when you failed the final test, numerous of times no less. Not even I have to pull you out of your Astral Plane, despite your failure." Kokonoe closes his eyes.
Shu unconsciously flinched back a little. His step-father will not call him by his name except if he's really upset or angry. "That's because he kicked me out… But for her, this is an entirely different scenario!"
"That is also true, but you've said it yourself didn't you? No pain, no gain."
Shu's eyes widened before he slowly regains his normal composure. "…That is right… but... this is…"
"You are acting a lot different than usual aren't you, son? You've never show this much concern and anxiety to anyone for a long time now." Other people may not know it, but Kokonoe is asking a question right now. The question that he already knows the answer, the purpose is to force some realization onto his son.
"…"
"If you don't want to talk about it, then don't. But I just want you to realize your feelings." Kokonoe sighed.
"I know that… I'm your son…" Shu looked a little bit disappoint in himself.
Kokonoe just taps his son's shoulder lightly.
"She's my close friend's sister… how can I not be worry…"
"And?" Kokonoe asked.
"…and I personally care about her."
"Why?"
Shu fought down the irritate expression before answering. "I… Let's just say that, I have a hard time explaining in words." He snorted.
"You know, if you don't act fast, she'll be married away to someone else. Especially at the time where she has to step up as a Yotsuba Clan Leader." Kokonoe sighed.
"If she is happy, then I have no qualms with it."
"And if she doesn't?"
"Then they better pray that they'll be able to handle some of the planets thrown at them." Shu replied with all seriousness. "And I'm pretty sure that Tatsuya will go berserk and immediately vaporize every single one of them." Shu shook his head as he continues to monitor Miyuki's condition.
"…Just tell her about it. You are not naïve, you also know that she also hold some feelings for you." Kokonoe sighed.
"…I will think about it." Shu replied as he concentrates on Miyuki's Pushions.
Kokonoe sighed. Sometimes, his son is just too stubborn. Shu also knows that he can be a very stubborn and arrogant person if he is carried away.
Kokonoe just hopes that everything will okay, he will also step in as well, if Miyuki's dark side took over.
Miyuki is crying… she had failed… her Psion is completely gone, while her evil counterpart's power is swirling violently.
"Now... Succumb to your weakness." Yami Miyuki smirked as the Astral Plane is shaking violently. The Crimson Psion erupted towards the sky, causing the entire Astral Plane to glow in a blood red color.
"This is it… huh..?" Miyuki sobbed.
But almost instantly, she started to remember… the things that are very important to her.
"I'm Erika Chiba, just call me Erika alright?"
"Erika-san…" Miyuki remembered the day that Erika gives her the lively smile. Since that day, Erika has always support her and her brother.
"I'm Mizuki Shibata, nice to meet you too."
"Mizuki…" After the first day, she enjoys teasing the shy girl, and the said shy girl will also support her and her brother… just like Erika.
"Yo! You are Tatsuya's sister right? I'm Leo! Nice to meet cha!"
The man who always argued with Erika, usually brighten up her day with their usual bickering.
"A-A-Ah! It's an honor t-to meet you, Shiba-san!"
"Nice to meet you, Shiba-san."
The two cute girls, Honoka and Shizuku… they always make her smile with their friendliness and cuteness.
"Miyuki-san! Welcome!"
"You are quite talented, aren't you?"
"Shiba-san is amazing! Your skills are perfect!"
"Oho? Pretty smart aren't you?"
Of course, she can never forget the Student Council. Mayumi, Suzune, A-chan, and Mari… Despite her being together with them for just a short time, she starts to get familiar with them.
"I am proud of you, Miyuki."
"Onii-sama…" Miyuki's tears immediately leaked out as she remembers her brother's words. "I'm sorry…" She lets her brother down… Her brother, that loves her the most. Her brother, that will kill and die for her. Her brother, who will gladly sacrifice his own happiness for her.
"I'm sorry Onii-sama… I'm sorry that I failed to make you proud… If I have another chance, I will make you the happiest brother in the whole world…" Miyuki cried silently.
"I believe in you."
Miyuki immediately jerked up. "Shu…?"
And so… it comes to the enigmatic guy. The man, who prevents her and redirect her from indirectly hurting her brother. Who look passed her beauty and power, and treat her as 'Miyuki'… a normal girl. Despite the short time-frame and differences, he cares about her… genuinely cares about her.
"I'm sorry… I have betrayed your faith…" Miyuki broken into tears.
"If I fail, I'll just try again!"
Miyuki's eyes widened.
"I will not fail!"
It's her own voice!
"I didn't come all this way to fail!"
That is true… but there is nothing she can do, is there? Her doppelganger is stronger… better…
"You surrendered didn't you?! At least fight and die for it!"
Miyuki gritted her teeth at her own voice. She wanted to deny it… but it's the truth… she surrendered… why did she even surrendered?!
Ignoring all the pain and Miyuki slowly pushes herself up. She opens her eyes as rage and determination is burning brightly.
"Hm? Well well now! Even you decided to fight, it is too late… I've gain control over 80% of your brain. Although… I would want to see your face of despair again." Yami Miyuki licked her lips before stopping her Psion eruption.
"Gugh…" Miyuki stands up shakily as she can't even get into a defensive stance.
SLAP!
Miyuki crashed onto the ground as her dark side suddenly appeared in front of her and slapped her hard.
Her cheek is burning in agony, but she slowly tries to stand up.
"Just stay down."
Blood leaked out from Miyuki's mouth as her doppelganger kicked her stomach with Psion-reinforced strength.
"I… I will not…" Miyuki gritted her teeth in pain but trying to stand up.
"You want to stand up? Fine." Yami Miyuki had enough. She grips the original Miyuki's collar and slams her down on the ground.
Slam!
Over…
Slam!
And over…
Smack!
And over…
Miyuki has to close her left eye as blood runs down from her head towards her chin. The pain is indescribable… she feels like she is about to pass out… but her will keeps her going.
Yami Miyuki gritted her teeth. She wanted to see desperation and hopelessness expression on the original's face, but instead of those negative expressions, determinant, ambitions, and hope are on her face.
"You are annoying!" Yami Miyuki sent Miyuki flying and embedded inside the wall with a powerful kick. She then conjures sharp icicles around her good counterpart, and with a flick of her finger…
Miyuki's sky-piercing screams are heard as both of her shoulders are pierced by the sharp-solid ice spears. Blood dripped down her clothes and the floor as Miyuki's body immediately gone limp.
"I… I can't take this anymore…" Miyuki wanted to cry but she just can't. She is losing a lot of blood… fatigue is slowly setting in.
Yami Miyuki's expression slowly turns into a smirk as the determined expression of her good counterpart slowly and steadily disappearing.
But-
Yami Miyuki's eyes widened before she gritted her teeth. "Why?! Why aren't you giving up?!"
With all of her strength, Miyuki gritted her teeth and screamed before pulling out two of the ice spears off her shoulders. She immediately slumped down on the floor before coughing up blood.
During her borderline between conscious and unconsciousness, Miyuki suddenly remembers a certain statement from Shu.
"…I wouldn't call them an opposition… You have to figure that out yourself."
At first… it means nothing… but few seconds later, Miyuki's eyes widened. "I… I think I understand now…"
With a steel resolve, Miyuki shakily stands up, but every seconds that she is standing, her legs threatened to collapse.
"I will win… no matter what it takes…" Miyuki muttered despite all her pain.
Yami Miyuki gritted her teeth as her anger exploded violently. "You… You should just die!" A crimson ice spear appeared in her hand.
Miyuki panted as she musters all her strength to conjure her own weapon… a small blue solid-ice dagger appeared.
"Die… Die!" Yami Miyuki shouted as she is going in for the kill.
Miyuki prepared herself… she is now ready.
Krink!
Yami Miyuki's eyes widened larger than a saucer plate before-
Spltch! Drip… Drip…
Yami Miyuki doesn't even know what to say…
Drip… Drip…
Droplets of blood drip on the floor as the crimson liquid flows out of the wound.
"W…Why…?"
…
….
Miyuki didn't answer… she just can't…
Because the crimson spear cleanly pierces through her stomach and exits out of her back.
Despite that, she is hugging her evil counterpart tightly.
"W-Why… Why did you let go of your dagger…?" Yami Miyuki asked. True to her words, Miyuki's dagger is currently on the ground.
Seconds before the crimson ice spear reaches Miyuki's abdomen, the said girl drops her knife then proceed to open her arms widely.
"B…Because… I… I understand now… I accept you… I am you."
Yami Miyuki's eyes widened before she leaned on her counterpart's shoulders. Tears are flowing down gently as she returns the hug.
Both of them stood still for a full minute, before…
"Well done... you realized it…" Yami Miyuki said gently.
"You know… it doesn't hurt anymore…" Miyuki muttered softly.
Yami Miyuki cried silently. "Of course it doesn't… You accepted me… You've finally fully accepted me… I am your own self… When you accept me, how could being attacked and pierced by me hurt you?" Yami Miyuki's voice cracked a little.
"…Why are you crying?" Miyuki hugged her counterpart even tighter.
"I am feeling contented… and sorrowful at the same time…" Yami Miyuki sobbed. "Contented that you finally realized it… and sorrowful that this will be our last meeting."
"W-What are you talking about?" Miyuki's wounds slowly vanish away like they are never there in the first place.
"Don't you think it is strange that you cannot control what is in your mindscape…? If you choose to accept me, then you will attain all the control… and I will be reabsorbed back into you." Yami Miyuki sniffed a little.
Miyuki just keep hugging her counterpart tightly. "Thank you… for teaching me such a valuable lesson…"
"It's nothing… I am you after all… your desires, are also my desires. " Dark Miyuki intertwined her fingers with original Miyuki. "I have one final request…" Dark Miyuki gradually disappears.
"What is it?" Miyuki asked tearfully.
"Please… remember me." Yami Miyuki smiled before gently kiss her counterpart on the forehead.
"I will… I will…" Miyuki smiled with tears. Yami Miyuki smiled back before she dissipates into thousands of dark particles… all of them gradually rush inside Miyuki.
Miyuki slowly levitates upwards as bright light consumes her entire body. She can feel it now… she has the full control of her mindscape.
The cloud in the sky parted as beautiful stars can be seen. The blood-red moon gradually changes into a gentle bluish tone. The freezing and harsh winter slowly comes to a halt where only the gentle breezes remain.
Miyuki opens her eyes. The Castle lightens up as all the torches and lights illuminate up brightly. The Blizzard Princess… is now, in total control…
Back in the real world…
Kokonoe and his son backed away unconsciously in shock as Miyuki's Psion suddenly explode violently. The blue aura swirl around her body as the excessive amount of Psion threaten to erupt again, this time… it will surely goes through the temple's upper floors and through the roof.
Kokonoe smiled proudly as he immediately runs through strange hand signs. "Deploy!" Kokonoe shouted as the barrier appeared around Miyuki.
Shu sweated as he pumps out as much Psion as he can and construct multi-layer barriers around Kokonoe's barrier.
Both of them gritted their teeth as Miyuki's Psion explodes, this time it grinds on the barrier heavily. Almost immediately, Kokonoe's barrier shatters into million pieces, the self-proclaim Shinobi panted as he collapses on the floor. The multi-layered barrier shatters away one by one, like bringing down a hammer on a stain glass.
"I have no choice!" Shu immediately undo some of his limiter causing his Psion to dance around himself like wild flames. Before all the barriers are destroyed, the Cosmic Horror opens numerous huge wormholes around Miyuki, the violent pillars of Psion light rushes through the wormholes instead of destroying the temple itself… no one knows where it goes.
Miyuki slowly opens her eyes before her Psion instantly rushes back to her. The Blizzard Princess looked around as she is finally back…
"Uhm… Yakumo-sensei? Shu?"" Miyuki sweatdropped as the father and son is on the floor panting.
"We're fine, we're fine! Ahahahaha." Kokonoe laughed as changes into his sitting position. "I told you! I told you that she is able to do it!" Kokonoe shouted happily.
Shu just rolled onto his back and panted lightly. "A-Alright… you won, old man…" Give him a break… it's not easy opening several wormholes to the space in this condition, okay?!
"Are you two okay?" Miyuki gets the panting man up to his sitting position.
"Yeah… I'm fine. Congratulations, Miyuki." Shu smiled tiredly.
Miyuki smiled tearfully with happiness as she tackled her 'sensei' causing her to lean on her sensei's chest while he lies flat on the ground... again. "I did it… but not by myself alone… it's because everyone's words, especially yours." Her eyes brimmed with happy tears.
"I'm sure that everyone will be honored that we could help, although it is mainly because of your efforts, congratulations." Shu chuckled.
Kokonoe smirked at the scene before signaling someone to enter.
"Oi oi, don't you dare get intimate with her … she's my sister."
Miyuki's eyes widened. "Onii-sama?!"
Tatsuya is leaning on the wood columns an extremely prideful expression.
Miyuki can't even believe the amount of emotion her brother is displaying right now, he has one of the biggest and happiest smiles she has ever seen.
"Onii-sama! When did you arrive?!" Miyuki ran over to her brother.
"Since the beginning, Master calls me to stay and wait… and it is completely worth to wait." Tatsuya stroke his sister's hair.
Miyuki just leaned on her brother and cried on his chest. Her heart fills with happiness as she is able to make him proud… just like what she promises to do.
"And Shu…"
The man raised his eyebrows towards Tatsuya.
"Even though I don't like the idea of having a demented brother-in-law, but I approved."
Smack!
Shu facepalmed himself… hard as Miyuki is shaking her brother back and forth while blushing wildly.
"Nice timing, Mr. Lackluster… you just made the situation even more awkward than before." Shu just want nothing but to crawl back to his room and hide his embarrassment.
"Onii-sama! What are you saying?!" Miyuki shouted in embarrassment.
"It's nothing." Tatsuya smirked. "How about we invited Shu to our house for dinner today? I also have something that I have to talk to him." The emotionless man suggested.
Miyuki just flails around a little before calming down. "Haaa…. If you say so, Onii-sama." Miyuki just sighed.
"You hear that Shu?" Tatsuya enjoys torturing his friend so much.
"Shiba Tatsuya, I will remember this, and I will have my revenge." Shu deadpanned. "Soon… very soon…" Shu thought while planning something… devious.
"Whatever you say, Mr. Exasperating, now c'mon, don't be a baby." Tatsuya waved dismissively while smirking as he is leaving the main temple.
Shu sighed and shook his head tiredly. "Yes yes… I got it, Señor Tedious." Tatsuya nodded happily as he exited first.
Miyuki is confused… with her feelings and the current situation. It is quite… awkward to say at least.
"Miyuki."
The Blizzard Princess turns around to face the half-psychotic man.
"I will talk to you later today. Okay?" Shu sighed smilingly.
Miyuki closes her eyes and nodded smilingly. She excuses herself and follows Tatsuya out of the main temple.
Shu just ruffles his own hair tiredly. This is… a new experience to him. In all honesty, he never ever thought that he'll ever have this feeling to Miyuki, let alone anyone. At first, he doesn't even feel anything for the girl, he even feels infuriated at her… but the longer he gets closer to her, to know who she really is… it… attracts him. Not because of her beauty or her talents, but because of who she really is… kind, spirited, understanding. But the most important, is that she made him feel normal, like he is just 'Shu Shirakawa', not the 'Cosmic Horror' or other names that people use to call him.
Kokonoe senses the upset emotion from his son, he slowly approaches the exhausted man and patted his shoulder gently. "Son… anything you wanted to get off your chest?" The caring step-father asked.
"…"
Shu sits down before Kokonoe follows his son's suit.
"Tou-sama… I cannot deny that I am… delighted by her presence… I just don't know what to do. I am not oblivious to these feelings, but I am not experienced either." Shu sighed tiredly.
Kokonoe smiled. "Love is complicated." The Shinobi sighed.
"It's not at that level… not yet anyway. It's more like… I care about her, about how she feels, something like that." The Cosmic Horror is confused by his own emotions.
"It seems like the genius can also be a little clueless sometimes huh?" Kokonoe teased tiredly.
Shu sighed for the umpteenth time.
"Look… just follow your instincts! Everything will be fine!" Kokonoe smiled sheepishly.
"The last time I did that, I need to buy a new lab coat since the one I wore was totally soaked in blood." Shu chuckled.
"Not that kind of instincts you idiot!" Kokonoe smacked his son right on the head.
"Alright alright, I get it… thank you, father." Shu smiled genuinely.
Kokonoe ruffled his son's hair before waving dismissively. "No problem… now go!"
Shu nodded as he stands up before slowly walking towards the exit.
"By the way! If Tatsuya allows it, I would want a grandson soon!" Kokonoe shouted.
"Keep on meditating, you old goat!" Shu shouted back as he waved back.
Kokonoe faceplanted on the floor. "How rude… oh well…" The Shinobi smiled pridefully.
It is quite late as the sun is setting over the horizon. After some quick shopping and grocery checkups, the two friends are sitting at the living room while Miyuki is preparing the supper in the kitchen.
"So… I bet you called me here so that you could threaten me? Something like vaporizing me if I hurt you sister?" Shu sighed.
"Close, but not quite." Tatsuya smirked before his expression turns into a serious one. "But seriously, if you intentionally hurt her, I will-"
"There it is, as expected." Shu deadpanned. "We haven't even talk about 'that', let alone talk about how she feels yet, sis-con."
Tatsuya snorted. "Judging from what I saw, she will. Also, I'm fine with letting you take care of her, superiority complex."
"I will admit… that stings a little." Shu's eyebrows twitched before he sighed. "Anyway, I know that is not all you wanted to talk about."
Tatsuya nodded. "Our project, I already finished it."
Shu's curiosity piqued. "Well now, congratulations." He is kinda surprised, that his friend managed to finish the Flying-Type Magic in such a short time.
"Don't congratulate me just yet. I want you to analyze it before I confirm that it is a success."
"Sure… why don't you let Miyuki try it after I analyze the system?" Shu suggested.
Tatsuya nodded. "Sounds like a plan."
"Haiii! Dinner is ready!" Miyuki shouted from the kitchen. Miyuki, in her apron and casual clothing, brings out a large tray with different cuisines on it. Tatsuya and Shu stand up and help set up the table while bringing the remaining dishes that Miyuki cannot carry to the table.
The main attraction of this meal definitely has to be the Salt-Crusted Fish which is baked to perfection. Japanese rice and Miso soup are there to compliment the main dish along with some side-dishes such as deep fried vegetables and stir-fried mushrooms.
"You really go all out on today's dinner huh? Miyuki?" Tatsuya smiled.
Miyuki just smiled pridefully at her cooking. She really likes it when the food she makes met her and her brother's expectations.
"Alright, that's the last of them. I think we're ready." Shu brings out the juice that Miyuki had prepared beforehand.
The three muttered 'Itadakimasu' before digging in. The meal progresses with a little chatting here and there. Surprisingly, they spend so little time to literally dismantle all the dishes, in about 10 minutes, everyone is full while not even a single plate has any leftovers.
"Thank you for the meal." Shu bowed happily.
Miyuki just waved saying that it is nothing. "I'm glad that you like it." She smiled.
"Well done, your cooking skills are improving, Miyuki." Tatsuya chuckled.
"Hai! Thank you, Onii-sama." Miyuki smiled as she volunteers to take care of the used dishes.
When Miyuki disappeared from the table, Tatsuya cleared his throat a little before starting the… 'awkward' conversation.
"So… when will you talk to my sister about 'it'?"
Shu facepalmed. "Aren't you supposed to chase me away or clean your gun on the table to try and scare me off? You know… like every brother does?" Why is Tatsuya so forceful about this subject, he do not know.
"I don't see the point on it. Miyuki likes you, and vice-versa. I just want her to be happy." Tatsuya commented.
"You know… I can't describe how awkward it is that you, her brother, allow me to… court your sister." Shu deadpanned.
Tatsuya chuckled. "You and I have been close friends for years. Despite your conditions, I know that I can trust you."
"…You should also find someone that you feel… at ease with, you know?" Shu suggested.
Tatsuya shook his head. "I cannot have any strong emotions, remember?"
"I would call that temporary. Also, there will be someone that can and will accept you. In fact, there already are." Shu sighed tiredly. "It is quite clear who has certain feelings for you anyway…"
Tatsuya narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean temporary?" The emotionless man completely ignored the last part.
"Your Mental Design Interference will not last forever. Despite the altering of your limbic system which is your emotions consciousness, you will begin to feel more and more. Although, I don't expect your normal emotions to return, but at the very least, you will be able to have strong emotions." Shu explained.
"From your speculation, what will happen to my Magic Calculation Area?" Tatsuya asked curiously, since the operation years ago is to trade his emotions for the installation of the Magic Calculation Area so that he could use 'normal' magic.
"Human body is an endless mystery. My speculation is that, your Magic Calculation Area will somehow remain the same, that's my guess since I am also an artificial-mage." Shu snorted tiredly.
"I see… what did you mean, there already are?" Tatsuya raised his eyebrows.
"…Really? I genuinely thought that I am the most clueless person on this matter, guess I was wrong." Shu smirked.
"What do you even mean by that?" Tatsuya narrowed his eyes as Miyuki is done with the dishes.
"Never mind…" Shu noticed that the Blizzard Princess is done with her dishes. "Will you allow me to take Miyuki out for a little stroll?" The man is asking for the permission to advance.
Tatsuya smiled. "No need, I will be the one who'll be going out for a stroll."
"You sure?" Shu knows that he is asking too much. He feels quite troubled even now…
Tatsuya patted his friend on the back before approaching Miyuki. "Miyuki, I'll be out for a little walk okay?"
"Eh? Alright Onii-sama, when will you be back?" Miyuki asked curiously.
"Not long, I just want some fresh air, can you please take care of our guest here?" Tatsuya smiled.
Miyuki nodded happily. "Hai!"
Tatsuya nodded in acceptance. He patted his friend's shoulder one last time while muttering 'good luck' before heading out.
Shu sighed as his heart rate increases. "I defeated my fear and able to control my insanity, but I'm feeling nervous to ask her 'that' question? Darn it…" Shu slowly approaches Miyuki.
"Miyuki."
"Hai?"
The girl smiled curiously.
"Can I have some certain… conversation with you?"
Miyuki blushed a little obviously knowing what he is asking. The girl nodded before following him to the couch. The two sat down awkwardly in silence.
Clearing his throat a little, Shu decided to go for it. "I'm… not very good at this… but…" He sighed.
Miyuki half-smiled. "You don't need to strain yourself… I already know..." She reaches for his hand.
Shu's heart unconsciously skips a beat. "You… did?"
Miyuki giggled. "Of course… I'm not that clueless you know? In fact… I feel the same way as you do." She blushed but smile brightly.
Shu chuckled. "I thought you hated my guts." He strokes her hair gently.
The Blizzard Princess chuckled. "I did… but after that… I really feel… comfortable and… you know…" Miyuki blushes up a storm.
"It is you who made me feel like I am who I am. Even though you've seen many of my horrific sides… you still regard me as the same 'Shu'. I just…" Shu stuttered a little in nervousness.
Miyuki presses her hand on his chest. "For me, you also treated me like a normal girl. At first, I hated you… so much that I don't even care if you just disappear…" She leaned in gently. "But… after having you accompanying me around… you've shown me kindness… and care. Not because of any hidden intentions or anything like that… I can't help but be attracted to you." Miyuki smiled gently.
Shu closes his eyes as he decided to go for it. "Miyuki, will you consider going out with this psycho-maniac?"
Miyuki smiled as tiny droplets of happy tears escaped out. "Do you really need to ask…? Idiot…"
Tatsuya is smiling happily. No words can describe his happiness for Miyuki. The fact that his close friend is the one who his sister likes is a bonus.
"I wonder… has he finished his confession yet…?" Tatsuya muttered to himself as he steadily walks through the park.
There is literally no one here in the park except for Tatsuya. He guessed that the darkness fears most of the people, but not to him. He continues his stroll until he sense something very familiar.
"This presence…" Tatsuya muttered.
"Tatsuya-kun?"
The unexpressive man turns towards the voice. "Mayumi-sempai?"
Saegusa Mayumi slowly comes to the view as the lamp provides Tatsuya a much needed illumination. The Student Council's President is wearing a casual long-sleeve black T-shirt with a long jeans. Surprisingly, her hair is tied into a ponytail rather than untied long silky style.
"A surprise seeing you here, Tatsuya-kun." Mayumi smiled.
Tatsuya sighed. "That's my line, Mayumi-sempai. A refined lady such as yourself shouldn't be at a place like this during this time."
"Ara~ thank you for your concern Tatsuya-kun. But I'm not a normal refined lady, so it is fine." Mayumi giggled.
"So, may I ask what you are doing out here? Mayumi-sempai."
Mayumi pouted. "We're here alone, can't you just call me Mayumi?"
"I don't think that is appropriate, Mayumi-sempai." Tatsuya sweatdropped.
"Mou! I won't tell you unless you call me Mayumi." Mayumi pouted.
Tatsuya sighed. "Alright… Mayumi-san, what are you doing here during this time?"
"Cheee… oh well, better than nothing." Mayumi silently pouted. "I'm here to have some fresh air, I have a lot of things to think about apparently." She giggled.
"Is it about the Nine Schools Competition?"
"Ahhh, I see that you keep up with the news." Mayumi smiled.
"I don't think it is possible to not know about it. It is a very well-known event after all." Tatsuya shrugged.
"Yes, that is also true." Mayumi stroke her chin. "Although, it is also a very demanding event, we have a lot of stuff to do such as recruiting the competitors, straining schedule, staff teams. All of these are giving me a headache." Mayumi knocks her own head jokingly.
Tatsuya chuckled. "If you have something that I can help with, then I'll be happy to."
"Ehehe~ thank you, Tatsuya-kun. You are quite a gentleman."
"I would feel bad if the President becomes a workaholic." Tatsuya smirked.
Mayumi's eyebrows twitched but decided to say nothing. "Oh! By the way, will Miyuki-san be competing in Mirage Bat? I've heard her talk about this for a bit."
Tatsuya raised his eyebrows. "I thought she would also compete in the Ice Pillar Break too? She talked to me about wanting to participate." Tatsuya stroke his chin.
"Really?! That's good! She will undoubtedly be a star competitor for us." Mayumi lightly smack her right fist on her left palm.
"What about you? It would be hard to believe if you decided to not compete in anything." Tatsuya asked curiously.
Mayumi giggled. "You don't know about my little nickname?"
"I heard some talking but, I don't want to just assume that it is true." Tatsuya teased emotionlessly.
"Meanie." Mayumi pouted. "Students called me as, Elven Sniper for my little talent in long-ranged precision shooting. That's why I'll be competing in Speed Shooting and Crowd Ball." Mayumi explained coyly.
"Hm, I see. As expected by one of the Triumvirate." Tatsuya smiled.
"E-Eh? T-Thank you." Mayumi blushed faintly.
Beep! Beep!
Mayumi is a little startled from the sudden alert from her phone. She answered the incoming call, apparently it is her father… he is worried that she took a lot of time to stroll around.
With a sighed, Mayumi nodded before hanging up. "Sorry Tatsuya-kun… My dad is kinda worried that I decided to take a walk during this time…" Mayumi sticks her tongue out sheepishly.
"Do you require any escort? It is quite dark after all." Tatsuya expresses his concern.
"Ara~ Ara~, did you fall for my charms?" Mayumi asked coyly.
"No. I just don't think that a beautiful lady such as yourself should be walking alone at night." Tatsuya sighed.
"B-Beautiful… are you trying to flatter me?" Mayumi batted her eyelashes shyly.
"No."
Mayumi pouted for the umpteenth time. "Anyway, don't worry. I will never left my house at this time without my protection."She smiled.
"I see… your bodyguard is around here…" Tatsuya muttered. "Behind me, to be exact."
"You really are a great sensor ne? Tatsuya-kun. Anyway, I have to go, I'll see you tomorrow at the school okay?" Mayumi waved a little.
Tatsuya nodded as he watches Mayumi disappears into the night. The presence of Mayumi's bodyguard has slowly gradually disappeared as well.
"Hm, Shu should be finished with his little business… I should head back." Tatsuya muttered as he headed back to his abode.
After five minutes of walking, Tatsuya reaches his house.
"I'm back." Tatsuya said.
"Ah, Onii-sama! Welcome back!" Miyuki greeted her brother.
Tatsuya patted Miyuki's head softly. "Where's that troublesome guy?" He asked curiously.
"He's in the basement, he said that you requested his analysis on your new innovation." Miyuki tilted her head curiously.
"Right, let's go down there. What I created is also a little surprise for you." Tatsuya smiled.
"Really?" Miyuki looks excited.
"Yeah, think of it as a… congratulation gift regarding your relationship." Tatsuya teased his sister.
Miyuki stopped abruptly before blushing furiously. "O-O-Onii-sama!"
Tatsuya just chuckled as both of them reach the lab in the basement. Tatsuya proceeds to open the door.
"I must say, congratulations." Shu throws a certain device to Tatsuya, who swiftly caught it with no problem.
"I tested it, it works perfectly. I must say that the 'Publicize' version is a little bit weaker, but it will do." Shu chuckled.
"Eh? What are you two talking about?" Miyuki asked curiously.
Tatsuya snorted smilingly. "Here, try to use it, Miyuki." He tosses the device to Miyuki.
Miyuki nodded as she walks to the center of the room before pressing the activate button on the remote-like CAD. A Magic Sequence goes through her body vertically before she started to levitate.
"T-This is…" Miyuki's eyes widened in shock.
"Sustained Gravity Control Type Flying Spell, by utilizing a very small Activation Sequence that removes gravity from the user, along with Loop Cast. And some analysis from a certain someone confirms that it is successful." Tatsuya explained while Shu just sighed tiredly.
"Congratulations! Onii-sama! Shu-kun!" Miyuki shouted happily as she moves freely and fluidly in the air.
Tatsuya and Shu nodded. "I don't think there will be any problems regarding the excessive drain of Psion, since I have no problem with it. You shouldn't even have that problem either because from today's event, your Psion have already increased exponentially." Shu commented.
Miyuki nodded as she spins around elegantly. "No sign of headache and fatigue, I think I can do this all day!" She exclaimed excitedly.
"This will be the trump card for your Mirage Bat Competition." Tatsuya smiled.
"Hai!" Miyuki nodded.
Shu adopted a thinking pose. "Miyuki, be sure to use the publicize one in the competition okay? The publicize one has a certain… fail-safe formula that will prevent anyone from experimenting with its power." Shu explained.
"Alright, understood." Miyuki smiled.
"Okay then, I think it's time for me to excuse myself." Shu yawned. "I need some rest."
"Shu-kun, it's too early for your beauty sleep I think?" Miyuki teased playfully.
"Well, Ms. Ice-lollipop, there is no such thing as 'too-early-for-sleeping.'" Shu smirked foxily.
Miyuki shook her heads smilingly. "Idiot…" She approaches her now-a-boyfriend and kisses him gently on the cheek. "Have a good night sleep."
Shu just decided to tease her some more. "I don't think that I can sleep now since you just did that." He said playfully.
"I-Idiot!" Miyuki slapped him playfully.
"Just joking!" He gently kisses his girlfriend on her forehead. "I'll see you tomorrow, kay?"
Miyuki nodded with a blush.
"I'll also catch you tomorrow Tatsuya."
The emotionless man nodded with a smile before Shu instantly disappeared inside the wormhole behind him.
Tatsuya just raised his eyebrows. "Getting lovey-dovey so soon… I think I'm getting a little jealous, Miyuki." He teased gleefully.
"Onii-sama!" Miyuki pouted. Tatsuya chuckled as he decided to give his sister a break.
They will definitely have to train a lot of the upcoming events. The Nine School Competition is about to begin!
End of Chapter 10.
Sorry if this chapter is too cheesy. Currently, I'm not particularly good with writing romance, but I'll improve along the way! Cheers!