Mayumi POV

"Mayumi wake up!" My eyes wearily open, as Mari calls my name. I take a chance to glance at the clock and the 7:00 does nothing to raise my mood. My event doesn't start for another three hours, but I have several things to do. In three hours I have to eat breakfast, prepare for my match and make sure I look like the perfect daughter of the Saegusa family. I tear off my covers and head to the restroom. I flick the knob of the shower on and soon steam rises from inside the curtain.

I step in and give small mew of comfort as the warm water washes over me. As I my fingers comb through my hair, I wonder how people would react if I didn't do this daily ritual. Would I still have the same amount of crazed fans or would they leave me for another pretty girl? A smile comes to face as I think about what Hattori would react. The poor boy would panic at the first sign of me not being myself. I leave the warmth of the shower and begin to dry my skin. Tatsuya probably wouldn't care. They boy is like a robot when it comes to girls. Except his sister, he would do anything for her. I wrap my towel tightly around myself and I leave the bathroom. How would Minato react?

"You sure took your time," Mari comments. "What in the world were you thinking about?" Unfortunately I answer in a half daze still deep in thought.

"Minato…" My mind comes to a grinding halt. What did I just say? To WHAT question? I quickly look to Mari who is staring at me with an open jaw. If this situation was in my favor I would have taken a picture. No, stop getting distracted. Focus! I immediately try and clear up the misunderstanding.

"You don't understand! I was thinking about how Minato would see me if I didn't dress up for him." My face immediately flushes a cherry red. I am only digging myself a deeper hole. Mari's expression has changed from one of shock to a sly grin.

"Listen to me! I wasn't-!" I try to speak but Mari shakes her head, a conspiratorial smile on her lips.

"Don't worry Mayumi I heard plenty. Poor Hattori will be heartbroken. On the plus side, I should give my Disciplinary Committee member congratulations. I am sure he will be delighted to hear that you are interested." All I can do is bury my burning face deep into my pillow and attempt to drown out Mari's teasing.

-Ω-

I walk to the First High strategy test silently fuming. Mari had repeatedly teased this morning's incident to the whole team all throughout breakfast to my horror. I was constantly on edge when Mari spouted phrases like 'you'll never guess what happened this morning' and 'I heard the craziest thing recently.' The worst part was the dropped hints to Hattori. The boy knew SOMETHING had happened but he didn't know what. It went as far as him declared he would stand guard outside my room for the remainder of the competition.

In the end I made a quick escape to the strategy tent hoping Mari wouldn't let the secret out. Stupid Mari's teasing, stupid thoughts, stupid fans, stupid Hattori, stupid Tatsuya, stupid-.

"Minato, there is no way that it's true. Mari has to be lying." Tatsuya's voice echoes from tent. I come to a halt at the entrance. Minato and Tatsuya are both staring at the computer as Tatsuya continues to fine tune the CAD.

"Tatsuya, as unlikely as it is, you can't say it is a lie. We should hear from her directly first." No, Mari didn't… She couldn't have told them.

"Minato I seriously doubt- oh she's here." To my horror, both boys face me. I stare back at them with wide eyes. "Mayumi, are you feeling alright? You look a bit pale."

"I'm fine," the high pitched squeak of words from my mouth does nothing to calm my nerves. Minato immediately elbows Tatsuya.

"See, she is nervous, told you Mari was telling the truth." He faces me again and gives me a small smile. "Mari sent us a message a little while ago, we were wondering if it was true."

"No, It's not true-!" Immediately Minato's eyes widen, and his smile drops. I immediately bite my lip, mentally scolding myself. It is not his fault, that Mari sent them the message. In fact, Minato has been there for me several times. He offered to help me with the debate and even protected me during the incident with the bus. I look into his misty gray irises and something in me decides to say the truth, regardless of how embarrassing it is. I quickly look to the ground trying to hide my progressively red face.

"I-What I mean is… that it's not true at the moment…but I…that is to say…I would like to… get to know you more…before I say that I...I like-!"

"Mayumi, what are you talking about?" Minato tilts my chin up to meet the concerned and confused looks on his and Tatsuya's faces. My blush intensifies as he places his hand to my forehead. "You have a fever or something?" I immediately jump back from his contact. Minato continues to give me another concerned look, but gestures for Tatsuya to give him the phone on the table. He offers it to me and I snatch the offending object. On the screen is a simple message.

To: Tatsuya Shiba

From: Mari Watanabe

Mayumi said she was pretty nervous about her upcoming match. She asked if Minato or you could sit with her for the matches to help keep her calm. Thanks.

Hindsight is 20/20 or so the saying goes. If I had asked what Mari told them, I could have avoided the mess all together. But in my nervous state I immediately jumped to conclusions. I grip the device tightly in my hand, the only thing stopping me from breaking it is the knowledge that it is Tatsuya's phone. I am going to kill her… I don't care what she says she will feel the wrath of a furious Saegusa.

"Mayumi, you feeling alright?" Tatsuya asks from behind Minato. In response, I give them both a huge smile.

"I feel great, I would love both of you to join me for my match!" I say with sickeningly sweet honey dripped words. Clearly the both of them are cautious of my tone as I hand Tatsuya back his device. "Minato could you help me stretch? Tatsuya thank for your hand work at fine tuning." Tatsuya gives me short nod and Minato shuffles after me. If I have both of them for myself, might as well make the most of it.

-Ω-

Minato POV

"She's mad" I observe as Mayumi completely overwhelms her opponent. Tatsuya only grunts in confirmation. I woke up early to train with Tatsuya, but he said he couldn't because he was needed for fine tuning of CAD. I decided to train by myself, but there was only so much I could so without a sparring partner. After my training session I joined Tatsuya to talk CAD tuning. Then Mari messaged Tatsuya, and Mayumi appeared at the tent in a fluster, which led us to showing her Mari's message. She had been in a bad mood ever since. I give small sigh and stand from the bench.

"Where are you going?" Tatsuya asks with a hint of concern in his voice. Mayumi had specifically told us to stay and watch, and he didn't want to incur her wrath.

"I am getting something to save our sorry hides," is the only response he receives. I return a few minutes later carrying several cans of juice. Mayumi has only completed her first round, but the announcement for her opponent's withdrawal means she is done with her match. She is facing away from me, but I can still hear her talking in a, thankfully, much calmer voice.

"Where is Minato? I thought I told you guys not to run off." Mayumi questions Tatsuya. He is saved from answering as I walk up behind her.

"I was getting you something to drink because you weren't pacing yourself." I reply pressing the freezing can to her cheek. She gives a small shriek and whirls around snatching the can from my grasp. I give a small laugh and even Tatsuya breaks into a grin. I give Tatsuya a drink before he excuses himself to work on Mayumi's CAD. I gesture for Mayumi to take a seat on one of the benches and soon we find ourselves drinking in silence.

"Why such an aggressive playstyle?" I decide to ask, hoping to break the tension. Mayumi gives a small sigh.

"I guess I was just blowing off some steam," She says taking another drink. I nod thoughtfully.

"If this is about not knowing the message from Mari was a joke, I'm sorry-" Mayumi only shakes her head.

"It's nothing like that. It's just something happened this morning and Mari has been teasing me about it ever since."

"You want to talk about it?" I offer. Mayumi gives me a look before turning away with a slight dusting of red on her cheeks.

"I would rather not." The conversation lulls and I mentally curse my luck. Back to square one. Surprisingly though, Mayumi is the next to speak. "Have you ever wanted to be part of the Ten Master Clans?" I feel a twinge of panic surge within me. Does she know? I calm down as she looks at me. Her eyes hold genuine curiosity, not suspicion or accusation.

"I can't say it is a dream of mine," I answer plainly. "I could live without the recognition." Mayumi nods her agreement.

"So many people think that being part of the master clans means a free ticket through life. However it is just a double edged sword. If I or any of the master clan succeeds at a task, we gain no recognition. It was expected of us to perform perfectly. If we fail though, we receive twice the backlash from the media and the public." I can understand the position. Even in my old life Mitsuru was always struggling to stay ahead. For every dark hour she would spend three to four hours rereading material and studying ahead. It certainly didn't help she was the student council president as well.

"Would you ever give it up?" I ask as I take another drink. "Losing the fame and fortune that comes with the Saegusa name, for something else?"

"What would I get in return?" Mayumi questions swirling the last of her drink in the can.

"Whatever you wanted, freedom, magical power, knowledge, love." At my last suggestion Mayumi's eyes meet mine and I see something shift behind them. Their meaning is lost to me however when Tatsuya returns.

"I don't know what you two are talking about, but your next match is soon. Mayumi, I finished tuning your CAD. I didn't change too much though; your tuning is well done." Tatsuya walks away and I stand up to follow, but Mayumi stops me.

"Minato, um…. Thanks for the… drink." She finishes quietly. The world freezes.

To you who has endured the weight of the universe,

We of the Star arcana give to you our blessing.

I only laugh and I hold out my hand. She grasps it and I pull her to her feet. "Come on, you have your next match. Let's not be late alright?" All I get in response is a small laugh and grin, but considering the circumstances it was more than enough to tell me she was back to her cheerful self.

-Ω-

It wasn't until a few hours later that I was able to confront Mari on her "prank."

"That was not very nice Mari." Mari looks at me with a confused face, but I can see the mirth in her eyes.

"What was not very nice of me, Minato?"

"That prank you sent to Tatsuya and I. If we hadn't taken countermeasures to cheer up the Student Council President, it may have cost her a match. She was furious, and with a lack of concentration, failure most likely would follow," I comment with a sigh, "Did you think before you began to press Mayumi's buttons?" Mari only waves of my concerns with a few shakes of her hand.

"She is more mature than she looks, Minato. Plus, I knew that you and Tatsuya would be able to cheer her up in no time. See? Problem solved," I only roll my eyes.

"Why did you do it anyway? I know you two are close, but there was no reason to place the team in jeopardy." Mari's expression turns to solemn frown at my accusation.

"You're right, I guess I pushed her a bit far," She stays silent for a second before continuing, "It's just, she has so much on her mind. She has to not only look perfect, but she needs to act perfect, walk perfect, talk perfect. In her mind she needs to BE perfect…and she knows she's not. Can you imagine what that feels like?" I don't need to imagine, as the heir to the Kudou clan or at least the spare, I have had my fair share of lessons on acting.

"If she keeps this up something is going to break. I guess I tease her from time to time to make sure she can unwind if only a little. To make sure she knows that I am her friend regardless of the mask she puts on." I nod my head in understanding.

"Still," I respond, "there are better ways of showing your care that don't involve reckless teasing," Mari barks out a short laugh.

"Tell you what. Because I am not good with that emotional crap and you seem to be a pro at it, I will tease Mayumi and you can cheer her up. Sound like a deal?"

"No, that sounds like a terrible-" I begin only to be cut off.

"Glad you agree, I will be counting on you." Mari winks giving me a slap on the arm for good measure.

To you who has endured the weight of the universe,

We of the Justice arcana give to you our blessing.

Unbeknownst to Mari the skill card, Sukukaja (evasion) floats into my hands and finds its way into my pocket.

-Ω-

Tatsuya POV

I wait patiently in my room for my guest to show up. The day had started so well, with both Mayumi's victory in female Crowd Ball and Kanon's victory in female Ice Pillars Break. It seemed First High was on the fast track to victory. Unfortunately the bad news came in that both of the males had taken a loss in the males Crowd Ball. This had placed our lead in somewhat uncertainty. This in turn raised the stakes for the freshman competition. I could not let my guard down now. A sharp knocking at my door draws me from my thoughts. I open the door to find Minato standing casually behind it, hands in pocket.

"You got the goods?" Minato jokes and I roll my eyes at his meager pun. I usher him inside where the reason for the late night visit lays. The complete personal CAD that Minato ordered months ago had finally been completed. Ushiyama and I were finally able to create a CAD that was up to the specification that Minato has ordered. The CAD was a shaped like a revolver of sorts. Instead of a chamber for six bullets however there were three slots equidistant on the cylinder. The function of the CAD was simple yet complicated to design. Each slot would be used to read any skill card inserted within. The activation sequence would be temporally stored on the CAD's memory. The CAD was specifically designed to utilize the loop cast system. In short any skill card used with the CAD would cost significantly less psions to activate with each progressive use of the spell.

"Want to test it?" I ask and Minato nods eagerly in response. We leave the room and eventually arrive at the training ground behind the hotel. Minato flips open the cylinder where the gleaming skill card "single shot" is already waiting. Two more shimmering cards are placed into the open slots and the CAD is closed.

"I am ready when you are," Minato states pointing the revolver down range. I immediately activate the training program and several straw dummies pop up from the ground. Minato takes a deep breath and pulls the trigger. The activation sequence swirls around the CAD before a single burst is fired from the revolver at the target. The straw dummy in question is struck hard leaving a sizable hole. Minato does not hesitate as he continues to fire each dummy meeting the same fate as the first. Soon all the target have holes and Minato straightens out of his firing stance.

"You did well," I comment. "Does it feel ok?"

"No problems whatsoever. I wish you could have been the engineer for my team. This CAD is great," Minato smiles twirling the revolver around his finger.

"You're not done yet. Next is moving targets. Pull the hammer back to change your skill card." Minato responds by pulling the hammer and the cylinder moves to the next appropriate skill card. "Begin!" I send forward the next waves of dummies. They weave around the training grounds charging our position. As expected Minato does not panic and begins to fire. To my surprise the targets begin to burst into flame one by one. The training field is soon littered with smoldering dummies.

"I may have overdone it," Minato chuckles. He pulls the hammer once more and the cylinder turns to the last skill card. This time as Minato pulls the trigger small fields of ice appear and quench the small fires still in the fields.

"How many of those cards do you have?" I ask, amazed at his variety of magic.

"Enough," Minato replies vaguely. "Anyway, nice job with this CAD. I can feel the loop system lowering the needed output of psions. I won't get as tired from using these cards."

"That's the thing," I interrupt. "What in the world are those spells? We tried to copy the spell onto other CAD, but it never worked. If we wanted to test anything we had to use the original."

"We had the same problem on our end as well." Minato points out. "Aside from myself, magicians are only able to use these spells with the skill card."

"Then why don't you tell others how to make these cards? It could be used for the benefit of everyone." I counter annoyance creeping into my voice. Minato stares at me for a long moment before he simply opens the CAD and replaces one of the skill cards with another.

"Set up the dummies again," it was less of a request and more of a demand, "I will show you why I don't spread these cards uselessly." I press the release button and another wave of straw soldiers appears on the field. He points the gun forward and to my confusion it looks like he is not even bothering to aim. He pulls the trigger and a shining ball of light appears over the targets heads. The ball hangs for a second then explodes tearing apart the straw dummies. I stare in horror as the shockwave reaches me and I feel the kick of the blast.

"The spell's name is Megido. It is the weakest in the line of nearly apocalyptic spells. To a human that spell will bring unconsciousness or, if close enough, death." Minato lowers the revolver and turns back to the hotel. "If I gave out these spells to humanity, what would be the consequence?" I remain silent, not needing to answer the question in the air. Minato gives a small smile.

"At least you share the same dream of Kyouko. Come on, let's get back inside. We have to get some rest for tomorrow." With that we return to the hotel, leaving the remains of the training behind us.

-Ω-

Miyuki POV

I watch as paramedics rush in and out of Mari's room. The day had started normally enough with an air of excitement for Mari's match. Unfortunately a mere minute after the race began it ended with a terrible crash. The race started as normal and Mari and the girl from Seventh High sped off from the starting line like bullets. On the first turn however the girl from seventh high began to accelerate instead of slowing down for the turn. Mari turned on her board attempting to catch the panicking girl. Unfortunately Mari lost balance and both girls were thrown into the side of the course resulting in massive injuries. Onii-sama had told me to stay put as he went to check Mari. Our small group had followed Tatsuya to the hospital, where we are now waiting. The door to Mari's room slides open and Tatsuya emerges. I run to him asking what we are all thinking.

"Is she ok, Onii-sama?"

"She broke a few ribs but other than that she is fine. I suggest you all leave, we don't need extra people clogging the hallway." Onii-sama's suggestion is not made out of harshness, but logic. Erika takes the lead with Leo and Mikihiko soon following. Mizuki, Honoka and Shizuku leave as well, but I stay.

"May I stay Onii-sama?" I beg. I would rather stay close to him if possible. Onii-sama looks torn between giving into my demand and telling me otherwise.

"I can stay with her." Minato calls out calmly. "Just make sure Mari is ok." Onii-sama nods his thanks to Minato and enters the room again. Minato gestures to a nearby waiting bench and we both take a seat. The minutes pass and the paramedic eventually leave. I wait for my brother, but he remains in the room probably to keep Mari company, if she wakes up. My mind locks onto a memory of Minato healing Onii-sama's wounds after their battle. Perhaps…

"Minato, you know some healing techniques right?"

"I do." My heart becomes lighter.

"Then you could heal Mari, right?"

"I could." A smile comes to my face.

"Then-" Minato immediately cuts me off.

"I won't heal her." I stop dead, my heart growing heavy.

"What?" I stare at Minato, who only stares at the wall before us. I misheard him right? "Why? Do you hate Mari?"

"Of course not. I am only doing what's best for her." My face turns into a scowl.

"What's best for her?!" The temperature starts to drop and ice begins to form around me. "She is wounded and you're refusing to heal her!" This cruel man, I can't believe I became friends with-

"Miyuki, calm down." A hand finds its way onto my shoulder and immediately the temperature returns to normal. Onii-sama is grasping my shoulder tightly. "You may not think so, but Minato chose the right choice." A look of confusion passes over my face. Minato decides to explain.

"There have been three incidents that have either targeted our school directly or indirectly. The first was the flaming car, the second were the midnight gunman and finally the accident on the waterway, if you can call it an accident." My shock is clear, the incident on the waterway was not an accident? I look to my brother for confirmation and he grimly nods.

"There was a disruption in waves that I saw from the stands.' Onii-sama confirms. "I will be asking the staff for the video to review it to confirm the theory, that third party interference is to blame." Onii-sama turns to address Minato. "Did you see something?"

"I can confirm magic was used. There was a small amount that disrupted the water below Mari's board." Onii-sama and I acknowledge this and Minato continues.

"Taking all of this into account, we know someone may be attacking First High or even targeting a specific student. Mari was friends with both members of the ten master clans. Maybe this could be a psychological attack. What I am trying to say is, if I heal Mari and she participates again…what's to say she won't be targeted again?"

"But…" I weakly object, we could pull her from her remaining contests thus she wouldn't be in danger." Onii-sama is the one to gently correct me.

"You know Mari as well as we do. The moment she was healed she would demand to be in her competitions again, regardless of the danger." I nod in understanding. Minato and Onii-sama are right, healing her would not be for anyone's benefit, especially Mari's.

"That being said, I can help her heal a bit faster." Minato states walking to Mari's room. "What did the doctor say Tatsuya?"

"A few broken ribs and several fractures. She will be bedridden for at least five days and with the help of magic at least a month to heal." Minato clicks his tongue in annoyance.

"Knowing her she will be attempting to walk by tomorrow. All right, how about… one day bedridden and ten days to completely heal?" My eyes shine as Minato's kindness.

"Thank you Minato! I am sorry I got angry at you."

"Don't be," Minato shakes his head. "I would be angry too if someone hurt my friend. Remember though this healing is between us all right?"

"Right, our little secret." Minato gives me a small smile and opens the door with one hand, and slips a shimmering card into his pocket with the other.

-Ω-

Shizuku POV

First day of Freshman events

I step onto the platform for the preliminaries of the Speed Shooting event. It would be a complete lie to say I wasn't nervous. On the inside my mind is running a mile a minute thinking of all the possible things that could go wrong. My stomach churns in excitement however. I can't wait to start. The yells and cheers of the crowd grow dim as the countdown begins. 3…2…1… Begin! The buzzer goes off and my activation sequence is already started. The invisible cube has been created and as the first two clay targets enter the correct range I pull the trigger.

One and Seven

The appropriate nodes of the cube activate shattering the targets. Another wave of targets is shot into the air.

Nine and Six

The targets collapse into fragments. Although my face remains stoic, I am celebrating on the inside. A major worry of my skill was my lack of fine control. I was adept at large scale magic however, thus Tatsuya took my strengths and modified my strategy.

Four, Five and Two

Another round of targets shatter. I am almost jealous of Miyuki, having such an amazing brother. I can almost understand justify her actions when others take Tatsuya away from her. Almost... Wave after wave of clay targets meet their end as my score rises. Finally the buzzer sounds, and the score board reads a proud, perfect score. I turn around as the crowd erupts with cheers. I spot Honoka with the rest of the group cheering and applauding my performance. I spot Mayumi, Mari and Suzune, applauding my efforts as well. Tatsuya is giving his signature small smile from off the field. I do not wave to the audience nor do I strike a pose. However I do give a small smile. It feels good to be in the spotlight, every once in a while.

-Ω-

Merry Christmas for those who celebrate, and happy holidays to everyone else. I decide to release on Christmas for an early present but expect the next chapter to be on Saturday. It wasn't a kiss under the mistletoe, but that's the closest thing to romance I can give the pair at this stage.

The Orthodox guy asked who would win in a fight, Minato or Tatsuya? Honestly, whoever pulled the trigger first. Tatsuya has massive amounts of power that can obliterate a fleet. Minato on the other hand had both Megidoloan and Armageddon, which can add up to the same effect.

As always thank you to everyone who favorited followed and reviewed. If you have a question leave a review or send me a PM. The poll for Aigis will be closing in a few weeks so be sure to get your vote in. The poll can be found on my profile.

And as always thank you to my beta Mingyu. Your work is always appreciated.

Thanks for reading and I hope to see you all chapter,

Death276