Genius Delinquent Shy Cat Girl (REMAKE)

by Setsunachan11

Akita Neru and Yowane Haku two different people at two different ends of the spectrum. One can't socialize to save their life while the other can't attend class even if you paid them. The two meet and they become good friends that slowly develops into and awkward romance between them. As their relationship grows so does the problems they can over come their problems right?

8. Chapter 8

Me: Great...this turned out to be just as long as the last chapter *Laughing*

Neru: What happened to the burn out ya was complainin bout not too long ago?!

Me: We won't talk bout that! *Proud*

Haku: Pretty sure the burn out DID hit you like a truck...

Me: Ouch Haku that hurts*Grins*

Neru: It better now don't make me lock ya in that room of yours. *Glare*

Me: But it locks from the inside...?

Neru: Exactly*Smug*

Me: *Gasp* You wouldn't dare!

Haku: Ne-Ne I don't think that's a good idea not in this heat—

Neru: Oh, I would! And I'll finish all of the ice-cream in the fridge too!

Me: NO! The audacity!

Haku: ...Um I could always make more...

Me: ...Ok...ok fine! I'll...write more than I do rather than goof off...

Neru: Good. *Claps hands together* Now readers hopefully this idiot author doesn't goof off as much so you could continue to read this

Me: Um can I help you?

Haku: Let alone finish it.

Me: Wow. That one actually hurts...

Haku: Sorry! I didn't—

Me: It's fine I got it in the bag*Looks away*

Neru: Right...anyways hope you enjoy Setsuna owns nothin

MeHakuNeru: Enjoy!

---

The Genius Delinquent and Shy Cat Girl Chapter: 8 Haku's POV: Entering Her World Will Cost Me My Secret One Day

---

Thinking of a plan. Thinking of a plan is harder than it looks, during some classes the teachers would try and explain how to make a cohesive plan. But not all of us would be able to understand, the teachers would be quite ok with that actually. Therefore I... DEFINITELY didn't understand in the slightest. Since the teachers would constantly say not to force ourselves in understanding it, I practically didn't bother to rap my head around it. It was one less thing to worry about was my train of thought, so it should be quite obvious how I, regret, EVERYTHING! Especially...ESPECIALLY right now of all times...!

Ugh...! To think I'd regret listening to the teachers one day...!!

But now is DEFINITELY not the time to panic, Akita-chan is counting on me to land the final blow. So then...HOW COULD I NOT PANIC!? Akita-chan is fighting the scary man not too far from us, while we're here trying to think of a plan on the spot! Of course, I would panic! I had been panicking from the very start of this match! The moment I figured out Utane-san is a Serpent, to when this arena was covered in dust, then trying to find Akita-chan, after which Akita-chan told me to stop following her, when Hatsune-san and I was caught in Kamui-san's trap, only to run and find Akita-chan, I end up KICKING the pink haired man out of fear, only to come back to Hatsune-san, until now! I'm full of nothing BUT PANIC!

The amount of nervous energy in me is actually insane...!!

"Sempai...you're not the only one having a panic attack cause of this predicament we're in..."

"Eh...?! Who said I was havin a panic attack?! Not me—no I'm fine!"

"It's—nevermind. I never liked fighting so I avoided it...and fighting ghosts is different. So, I understand how you're feeling at the minute"

"Oh...um...sorry..."

"For what? You did nothing wrong Yowane-sempai, it's normal to be afraid"

It's not that

"Sorry I'm useless that I can't help you think of a plan right now..."

And I don't think I'm in the right mind space to even try...

"...'The Mute'...I was curious about the person who carried that name, so I went and searched for you"

"Why...? I have nothing to show off—"

"Let me finish. I was curious so I looked for you when I found out what you where I realized...you're slow."

Ouch...

"Clueless."

Double ouch...

"Dense."

Why are people so mean...!

"An air head."

Isn't that the same as being dense?

"But most importantly you're—"

Here it comes...the worst insult is yet to come...

"A hard worker."

"Eh—?"

I stared at Hatsune-chan and she seemed to smile at me, despite everything she just said. Her actions—or better yet her bluntness reminded me of Akita-chan, but I do think Hatsune-san is blunter than my tutor. Hatsune-san tried to get up from the floor, but I stopped her. Akita-chan said to let her get some rest normally so that's what I'm going to do. Although Hatsune-san insisted adding how she wanted to look at where Akita-chan is. In her words it would be because she's plotting a plan and needs to see if it's possible to do. Reluctantly I helped her get up, but my statement still stands I didn't want her to get up.

We both made sure to not be spotted while we tried to sneak around the corner of the tree we're behind. And the scene before us was astonishing, firstly you could tell she's not giving any effort whatsoever. The laziness of her movements made it rather obvious, it just made it look as if she zoned out. Like her mind was somewhere else but she was still able to defend herself. It was creepy as it was amazing to witness, to think she was just that good of a fighter! I have one amazing teacher when you genuinely think of it like that. Akita-chan has the smarts and physical ability to do anything. But when you put it like that why was she a delinquent in the first place?

She has a lot of things going for her so why?

"...I won't lose to that delinquent...!"

"Is something wrong...?"

"Just look at her Sempai! She didn't even need us to begin with!"

"Well, that's a given don't you think?"

"Sempai, no disrespect but I have a name to uphold. We aren't known for much other than ghost extermination and possession magic, but still. I will beat that delinquent at her own game!"

'Her own game' huh...wait—

"Um...sorry to destroy the mood but...are you from a well-known family?"

Hatsune-san without a doubt looked confused, shocked and I think mad too. I didn't know too well but from what I can see those were the emotions running through her. The teal girl turned her head trying to catch my gaze personally I didn't want to, but I did so anyways. Now by looking at her facial features she was just fuming. Nervously I asked what was wrong and that for sure was my downfall, now Hatsune-san was on the verge of screaming at me. However, she took a couple of breathers and calmed down, then proceed to annoyingly tell me about the people around me. Surprisingly everyone on our team had something special to them...but me...of course.

This wasn't out of the ordinary...so it's better like this

Hatsune-san started off with herself which was the easiest to explain. Understandable. Like she said before the Hatsune family was known for possession magic and ghost hunting. The teal girl explained how ghost hunting wasn't your typical drama show involving ghost. No. In fact, they were sophisticated creatures, if they can be called that? More often than not ghost appear because they just want to finish what they started. They would stay sometimes a little bit longer after that, but they would all eventually disappear no harm done. Where her family comes in is when there's a bad egg in the mix. Those are the ones to worry about.

They're ghost that are able to physically harm you according to Hatsune-san. This is where possession magic comes in handy. Hatsune-san explained possession magic is dangerous as it is helpful. Yet I couldn't understand the explanation she gave for the bases of said magic, so I made a mental note to have Akita-chan explain it to me later. Anyways the girl explained away how dangerous her workload is, although I couldn't quite understand it. What I did notice was how much she would constantly say ghosts aren't all that bad. She could vouch for them, and I wasn't saying otherwise but she continued to defend them.

Then came Lucchi. Lucchi, I knew since long ago her family was well known for a lot. Not only for their numerous estates that they own, but for their family bloodline of Vampires. They were practically an unstoppable family all other Vampires could only envy them. Is what I heard at least from Lucchi; Hatsune-san continued to add on to that. The Megurine Family were one of the first well known Vampire family close second to the Hiyama family. Those were known as the first Vampires. The Megurine's were the type of vampires that were known to be neutral. More often or not they were the ones who stopped out right meaningless battles between different Vampire houses. Or even between werewolves.

They had requested, made, and successfully upheld a peace treaty with the two opposite opinionated breeds. It was impressive in my book. But this neutrality explains a lot since Lucchi was more or less a very neutral person. Reason why she's able to get along with everyone, she practically never takes sides. Unless it's something she's highly opposed of then it's an all-out war, like how she hates my tutor Akita-chan. Soo...not so neutral I guess, not anymore at least. None the less Lucchi's family name had a lot of things they were known for. This was probably the only thing that stuck with me everything else was too complicated.

But I'm glad despite all the money she still stayed humbled

Next the Kagamine twins. They were already special for being the first ever twins to be born into the family. But the family they were born into was notorious for electricity magic. Their parents were known for being able to shut down the power of the whole country. While simultaneously being able to turn it all back on. Which is a fairly scary thing to be known for, but it just shows how powerful those twins are—

"Yet they can't ever meet up to their parents' achievements"

Excuse me?

"Why...?"

"Well...you know how I told you their family's specialty is electricity...?"

"Yeah, they can do that can't they? Maybe not to that scale yet but close right?"

"...They...can't. Since they were little that was the only magic that they can't do"

"What...?"

"Yeah, the closest thing they could get was lightning which is a part of electricity magic. So, I guess they... *Sigh* who am I kidding...they're the joke of the family"

...'The joke'...

"Once people figure out their family names it's over. They get bullied for being failures, when we were little, they were called 'Failure Twins' not 'Terror Twins' or 'Gemini'"

I guess being infamous comes with its own set of problems...

Hatsune-san shook her head and continued to explain everyone I'm around with. So lastly came my tutor/fighting coach. She was—IS practically a mystery, her family name isn't famous like everyone else. Akita-chan wasn't rich like Lucchi, she could use a lot of magic unlike the twins no offense to them. She's a better fighter in all ways than everyone but...she was still practically unknown. Well unless you go to this school, you'll know all about her and the chaos Akita-chan causes. Other than that, my tutor wasn't known outside these school walls. Although I think the blonde HAD to be known for something shouldn't she? Even if it was bad rumors just something, yet nothing?

Odd...

"But enough of this we should pay attention to wha—oh fuck you...!"

"Why?! Eh—ew...what's that weird blue thing covering the trees...?"

"UGH! They're goo potions and they're the worst! They get stuck on the wings making it harder to fly. Knowing the context of this match I'm assuming it's a weakness potion. Just great, fucking beautiful! What we gonna do now?!"

"But an important lesson in battles like these is learnin how to think on the fly!"

"Think on the spot...?"

"You can't be serious Sempai we're not that delinquent we can't plan something like that moron! Let alone the ability to bend the plan in a split second! We weren't prepared for this!"

"But we have to try...! ...We don't have much of an option anyways..."

"UGH...! ...I hate that you're right Sempai..."

Sympathetically I laughed because I too wished for a different option, just a small one. ANYTHING that didn't mean I had to land the final blow. Alas that wasn't going to happen Akita-chan was counting on me, or better yet someone was finally counting on me...! It was a new experience, and I didn't want it to be the last that's for sure. But the amount of pressure that was riding on me made me weak to the knees. Even so I gathered all my courage and I stuttered-ly told Hatsune-san I would do both. The last option Akita-chan gave us I wanted to do it; I mean Hatsune-san needed it she can't go through all that in the state she was. Well, that is if she's right but even so she really shouldn't be pushing herself to the extreme again.

Now I have a bad feeling about this...

"How can you be a proud Nekomia when you can't defend yourself?!"

"Ugh! You're a disgrace to our race!"

"You're dumb AND useless no wonder everyone hates you."

"This is reality. Not a fictional story where all THIS can go away... Take my advice as your teacher...grow up."

That's right...that's all I have to do...

"...o... up..."

"Sorry?"

"N-No it's nothing just more...nervous is all..."

"...Why does cooking calm you down?"

"Oh um...I like it a lot I guess...?"

"Right...well if you're serious about that last option I'm gonna have to fly high, really high you ok with that?"

"No...bu-but I'll close my eyes! ...give me a minute..."

Immediately I shook my nerves away as much as humanly possible, taking a couple of deep breaths then reciting a recipe or two. After doing all those things in that same order I relaxed a lot—um well enough to pull through this. Hatsune-san nodded then proceeded to tell me the plan. All I could really think about is how will Akita-chan know we're waiting for that opening? I mean sure she has her ways but—no! She w-will find out she'll notice us—the plan, my tutor will figure it out!

Honestly and hopefully Neru does figure it out...

The younger girl lightly touched my shoulder and smiled worryingly, the heart in my chest started to beat faster and sadly this time I don't think it will slow down soon. So instead, I used it to hype myself up a bit, it was a rather weird sensation a first at that. But because I knew I was still panicking the weird tingling feeling that ran up my spine felt uncomfortable. Trying to shake that feeling away wasn't working either, inevitably I had to take it as a good sign. One last time I looked at the worried twin-tailed girl and nodded firmly, still nervous but I had to get over it was practically now or never.

"Alright hit me with the spell as best as you can...!"

"Hai...!"

Come on Haku just like how your tutor taught you!

"...Mittitur ventus, ignis aqua terra qui sanat contritos ossa fatigatio bachatur improuiso refrigeret eam ope lucis ad pugnam redire per viam qua fuerunt..."

(Cast wind, fire, water, earth, heal ones broken bones, fatigue that runs wild without warning cool it down, help light up the will to fight and return to the way you once were...)

Di-Did it work...?

"...Hm? I uh...not to kill the mood or anything like that but I don't—argh!"

"Hatsune-san!"

"The hell...so this is that power our coaches were talking about...this is amazing! Not a single ounce of fatigue in me!"

"Is that a good thing?"

"Most definitely is! Let's go take to the sky!"

"Aah—! What happened to warning me beforehand!?"

The Harpy spread her wings then took hold of me and like she said we took to the sky. With my eyes shut I couldn't see obviously, but I could definitely feel how high we were. I think we flew in circles avoiding something but then we halted suddenly. And I could feel our distance to the ground floor increasing. All I could do was grip Hatsune-san as tight as possible, just hoping I don't fall. It felt like hours when we were up in the sky, but surely it was just a few minutes. The view must be stunning but there was no way I was going to open my eyes. Everyone must look like ants from this height—

"Sempai...start casting that spell on yourself because we're about to dive back down"

Holy mother of lord SOMEBODY HELP ME!!

"OK...! Send help!"

"Calm down! And... NOW!"

"Mittitur ventus, ignis aqua terra qui sanat..."

*Doki...Doki*

"Ha! Look at the daughter of one of the best Mystic users in our town and she can't cast magic!"

"What a disgrace."

*Doki Doki*

"...contritos ossa fatigatio bachatur..."

"Look! It's the idiot cat!"

"There's no way her parents are proud of her!"

I can't, I can't! No, I can't it's too much pressure on me...!

*WHISTLE—! *

"I'm impressed she's made it this far with how pathetic she is."

"Yowane-san just please cast a spell! This isn't a game you know. So, stop acting like you can't cast a spell!"

*Doki Doki Doki*

"Mi-Mittitur ventus...i-ig...ignis...!"

"But Sensei I truly am trying!"

Akita-chan...! ...I'm sorry...!

*—WHISTLE—*

"SEMPAI!? NOT THE TIME TO GET SCARED! PLEASE NOT NOW!"

*Doki Doki Doki Doki*

I'm so sorry I'm useless! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry I couldn't return the trust you gave me...!

"Look just follow my feet"

"Easy for you to say Akita-chan! I'm not as agile as you..."

"And so, I call bullshit. If ya want we can start small and slowly, then once ya get the hang of that we'll increase the speed and distance"

"...Ok..."

It was hours that passed until I got the hang of the sidestep Akita-chan was teaching me. But by the time I got the hang of it both Akita-chan and I were jumping for joy! Well, we were side stepping for joy, if I was told to go left I'd do so. To the right? As asked! Out of excitement of doing so I 'side stepped' twice in a row. Akita-chan was shocked and impressed by what I had done, all the while I was upset that I might have done something I wasn't supposed to. My tutor reassured me like always and said that was how to do a double 'sidestep'.

"Congrats ya didn't even need me to help ya!"

"Ha-ha! I'm on a role!"

I never thought I would be able to do something as simple as side stepping, let alone a double! It was such a joyous experience that in amongst all the joy the horrid memories came flooding in. Memories that make me believe I'm as useless as they say, memories that belittled me of my nature. Unconditionally I started to cry at just being reminded at how cruel people were.

"Yowane!? Are ya ok!?"

"Yeah...*sniff*...just...thank you..."

My tutor was very confused but never questioned it, that was the type of person she was. So, she instead told me to try and keep practicing on my own time and to never push myself. So that's what I was going to do. I was going to make sure to impress my tutor! As an extra thank you for helping me change who I was and showing me what I can be.

"Mittitur ventus, ignis aqua terra qui sanat contritos ossa fatigatio bachatur..."

Stay calm...

"Yowane...!"

"Hm? Oh—*Giggles* Akita-chan...!"

"I uhh...I think I went too far on whipping the cream...on the brightside I made the frostin ya asked for..."

I looked at the girl who was now covered in frosting, it was the most amusing thing I've seen today. And my laughter only grew as Akita-chan handed a bowl of frosting. While laughing I handed the girl a towel who took it shyly thanking me in the process. My laughter died when all of a sudden, my nose was covered in frosting, looking over at Akita-chan she now had on a sly grin on her face.

But proud!

"...Improuiso refrigeret eam ope lucis ad pugnam redire per viam qua fuerunt..."

(Cast wind, fire, water, earth, heal ones broken bones, fatigue that runs wild without warning cool it down, help light up the will to fight and return to the way you once were...)

I opened my eyes to witness how fast we're approaching the ground floor, as much as I was afraid for my life my resolve never changed. As I could feel a sudden burst of energy from my spell and the power that came with it. Hatsune-san's dive to the ground was slowing down it was hard to see but I could feel it. With my power up now complete I was lightly thrown towards the ground.

"Go for it Sempai...!"

"Le-Leave it to me...!"

Is what I said landing with a small thud and on all fours behind the person I had to be aiming for. I spun around my body having landed a back kick on my target of this match. He groaned in pain as he received my kick which landed clearly at the side of his ribs. Akita-chan soon followed my attack with one of her own, unlike me she punched her opponent instead. It was a weird sensation that made me move on my own for a second, I never left the ground instead I spun around again this time my objective was to make him lose his balance. Which happened but it wasn't too much of a success because Kamui-san rightfully regained it.

"FUCK, HEY WATCH IT*Stumble*—GAH—!"

"Yowane—!"

"I-I've arrived...!"

Reluctantly!!

"HA! The mute was your final plan?! You're laughable delinquent!"

"Grrr...well unlike ya she has potential!"

"Yeah, potential to miss every hit directed towards me!"

The crowd roared in laughter as Kamui-san seemed to bask in it, like if he never basked in enough praise or attention before. It was the first time I felt irritated by something he had said to me, like when did he gain the right to belittle me? But it wasn't like I would stop him either, I never made any effort regardless of my irritatation. I looked down in shame when I could hear a very auditable growl, a growl that you could feel the fury just from listening. Looking up to my side was Akita-chan and the growl clearly came out from her. She immediately got ready and punched Kamui-san landing on his face; the punch wasn't blocked in the slightest. In fact, the punch was so fast that I could have barely seen what had happen just the outcome of it. The man groaned in pain as Akita-chan said in a confident and slightly annoyed tone.

"Yowane I hope ya can keep goin!"

The annoyance of her tone it was scary but for some reason I felt it wasn't aimed towards me, but at the man who belittled me. She has enough confidence in me to be that bothered by something said to me. It's always her. No one else would acknowledge me the way she did...maybe that's why I always believe Akita-chan. The most feared person in this school believes in me, then I'll make sure to never disappoint you. Inhaling deeply to calm myself I got in a ready stance waiting for anything.

"Yes ma'am...!"

"Atta girl! Let's sneak in a little fightin lesson, shall we?!"

"...No problem!"

Yes problem! Very big problem! I don't think I can remember ANYTHING I've learned!

"A loser and an out-of-date delinquent. You two will be fun to defeat!"

"Not on my watch! Yowane!"

I took it as a sign to get ready for what's about to come at me. In this case it can be anything, his fist, maybe a kick, potions, a powerful spell!? ANYTHING! So, for the first time I took initiative and asked Akita-chan to cover me a bit, she did so immediately no hesitation whatsoever. Truly a great person. With that in mind I started chanting the spell Akita-chan taught me on our first practice session with the rest of the group. There wasn't a moment during this where I wasn't scared of doing what I'm doing. It was the second time I'm doing this spell, but I needed it to work out.

By the power of the gods please help...!

"Invocato nomine Diana ephesiorum...venti in auxitium mihi ni...sensu mystico nebula involent artus mei...!"

The spell worked! My arms and legs started to be lightly covered in a purple mist. I was proud of myself, but I couldn't really bask in that moment, I called out to Akita-chan and she smirked. Seemingly she noticed what I had done by just a light glance my way. After blocking one more hit from Kamui-san she stated the 'PE exam' had begun and launched Kamui-san my way. She started to give me commands kinda like suggestions as to what I should do. But I followed her commands to the letter although there were a few times I didn't. Unbeknownst to me, my natural instinct helped to make a quick decision and with ease.

"Up—!"

"Ugh—"

"Right—!"

No down!

"Grr"

"Left—!"

*Crowd roar*

"Argghh!"

"Parry—!"

"Shit—!"

"Jump—!"

"Sit still!"

AND GET PUNCHED?! NO SIR...!

"Block—!"

*Louder cheer! *

Yes ma'am!

"God Fuck—!"

"Counter—!"

"ARGHH! Fuck—!"

Sidestep—!

*Cheering for more punches*

"...Hope you two can keep up!"

"Where are you goin!? Coward, don't run!"

...I... I-I did it...

"Haku?! Are you ok?!"

I slumped onto the ground as my legs progressively felt like jello and I couldn't hold myself up anymore. Hearing my name being called I faced the direction of the sound, a worried blonde with a side ponytail and honey amber eyes. Staring at her I laughed in a post panic way and started to shake in place. Trying to process what had just happen and what I have done. With the help of the amber eyed girl...I've finally stood my ground...! The smile that grew on my face was undeniable, sighing contently I reassured Akita-chan I was fine with a smile never leaving my face. Of course, my legs still felt like jello so I stayed on the ground but for the first time I felt happy while on school grounds.

The girl was left stunned but returned my smile with one of her own. She asked if I needed a minute but told her no, I wanted to contribute as much as possible since it felt good to do so. A firm nod was my tutor's response then proceeded to complement me for my amazing battle just now. I laughed nervously for a few reasons one being how I didn't need the praise because it wasn't me fighting on my own. This was a joint effort so Akita-chan needed the praise as much as I did. Naturally I thanked her, but I told her I couldn't really have done this without her help and that was a truth like no other.

The girl got bashful but burst out laughing when I told her I also ran off of adrenaline so I'm nothing but tired right now. Akita-chan laughed while telling me that's what adrenaline does to a person. Although she quickly steeled up when she asked how far I will be willing to go with this. A little thrown off by the question I was left wide eyed as I looked at her. Once again, she nodded and told me it was a good shot at Kamui-san, but I was no longer needed. I felt really sad, but I was still shocked by her first question leaving me speechless and unable to answer.

My tutor proceeded to tell me to find Hatsune-san and make sure she was ok. With all my might I wanted to tell her no, that I wanted to fight I needed to show her what I could do—

"Hey no prob! I know ya did your best while that adrenaline was runnin through ya! That's all that counts..."

But...

"Later today if we have time, I'll show ya how to counter, block, and attack properly!"

Deny it. Deny it! Deny it! Why can't I do it!? Just deny it! Say that you want to help! Stop being scared Haku just go and tell Akita-san that you want to help! My lips quivered in fear and would refuse to let my voice escape. Even trying to part them open felt like an impossible task to do, it was merely milliseconds that have passed but they felt like an eternity. It was a suffocating feeling that I couldn't seem to overcome. And just trying to get by it felt even more suffocating than it already was, but even so I kept trying.

Just say it! Why can't I say I wanna help!?

"Yeah...sounds good..."

No—F—!

"Hm? Yowane?"

"Ye-Yeah I'm fine...I'll go f-find Hatsune-san..."

No no no! That's not what I want to say!

"Thanks for understandin Yowane and don't beat yourself up over it...please?"

"Ye-Yeah...no worries here!"

Yowane Haku if you don't say it, I'll—!

"...Before I go...sorry I dragged you into this..."

"Eh...? I didn't think I was dragged into this?"

I didn't really deny that I didn't want to be here either...

"Well— Sorry for pushin ya constantly...and sorry that you didn't get the last hit..."

It's my fault...

"I know I said it was a 100% success plan but that's on paper...n-not sayin it ain't doable—! It's just tryna actually keep it that way is harder...a-and y'all don't have proper trainin either—sorry for givin ya hope only to destroy it in an instant..."

"It's not your fault...it's mine for being useless..."

That's why I'm no longer needed...

"Don't say that! It's my fault! I didn't teach ya basic fightin skills! I've only taught ya to evade...sorry..."

"Akita-chan..."

"Sorry, I'm a failure as a teacher—"

"No, you're not!"

You're a great, compassionate teacher! I wouldn't dare change you for the world!

"I-I think you're a great teacher just...I'm a slow learner...very slow..."

"Heh, ...but ya got spirit...that's better than most people already...!"

I giggled lightly at Akita-chan's somewhat failed joke to lighten up the mood. And she bashfully responded with a 'later' I waved and went off in the opposite direction. While going to where Hatsune-san should have landed I was...perplexed over a lot of things. One I really did get myself into alot of trouble and I won't be able to get out of it. Two how has my world actually turned into something out of an anime!? Three suddenly trying to help someone became the hardest thing to do. Four one person can be blamed for ALL of this, but I want to get along with said person. My daily life changed completely and way too fast for me to keep up.

Exhaling I went and jogged off to find Hatsune-san faster, it took a bit of searching but when I found her, she was flat out on the floor not moving. Feeling panicked I rushed over to her trying to find any sign of injury. Thankfully there wasn't anything too severe, but that didn't mean the cuts and bruses she had weren't the cause either. Hatsune-san had told me she felt rejuvenated was she lying to spare my feelings? Did I really truly failed at the one thing I was supposed to do in the most CRUCIAL time possible!? I just...had to be such a pathetic caster!? The feeling of guilt ate at me severely as I shook Hatsune-san to respond to me.

"Hatsune-san! Are you ok?! Please Hatsune-san! Don't be—"

"Huh...? ...oh...yeah...tired...did we win...?"

Oh, thank the miracles!

"...we're about to...Akita-chan is goin to finish this off..."

"I'm guessing...nothing is going to plan...?"

"No... if only I could help Akita-chan more...a-and you too of course! I didn't think I would fail a spell at such a crucial point in time..."

"Ah...that's such a shame ain't it?"

"Yeah...a-anyways how are you feeling? You went through all that goo I'm worried about you..."

"I'll be fine how about you worry about yourself more, ...eye candy."

Oh, come on!! Why can't I catch a break!?

I gasped in annoyance at the sudden change of language by Hatsune-san—well not her but the person in front of me. It happened again I was fooled into believing this was Hatsune-san again. Backing away as a copy of Hatsune-san's body got up, once we locked eyes it was clear this was someone else. I wasn't staring back at teal eyes but rather purple ones. A pit of despair formed inside of me as the figure gave me a creepy somewhat deformed smile. As they came towards me slowly, I too backed away even slower. And laying out my options wasn't leaving me with anything to my advantage.

The first and upmost was to simply runaway but I was clearly more tired than the imposter in front of me. The second was to shout for Akita-chan but I don't know how far away or how close she is. Thirdly was just to fend for myself but how? I'm clearly overpowered no matter what I do. The last option was somewhat of a long shot, but it was to find Hatsune-san. You know the REAL Hatsune-san. She should be around here somewhere, where exactly? No clue, but I had to try something just anything to get me out of this situation.

What am I going to do...! Just—!?

"What?!"

"I said! You'll make a great pet!"

"Second option is for Yowane to use the spell on 'erself but that'll mean more flyin for you Twin-tails."

"I'll be tired as hell, but I'll be willing to go with it"

Oh, that's right...but I don't think I'm still effected by the spell am I...?

I looked at my hands and feet searching for signs of my spell being active. It didn't look like it was, due to how my limbs weren't colored in a purple hue anymore. Heck, I don't even think I remember how long my spells last! Since using magic was a no go, I just never bothered to remember the most crucial thing. For all I know I could be in serious danger of exposing myself to the whole school! And if I do there's going to be problems and problems after that! Why is it that I had to be the best combination of both a Mystic and a Nekomia!?

But if I am why can't I even say a spell without being bothered!?

The man monologed consistently although I wasn't listening in the slightest. I was waay too busy panicking I needed to activate that spell once more, it needed to be activated for a bit longer than before. There wasn't a spell I could do that didn't need me to take some time, time that I don't have! Arg! What now what now what now!? Subconsciously I lifted my hand and started—better yet I wanted to bite my nails a bit...when I noticed they had started to grow out. My claws were showing, big big BIG problem! If they grow any longer than they are now people will question it! And this means I'm close to revealing what I am!

Thankfully they're still dull and tamed but they'll be sharp sometime soon! AAAHHH!!

"Hey Yowane how ya hangin with summonin your companions?"

"Um...will showing you explain this faster?"

"Yes, it will but only if ya wanna show me, no need to—"

I cut my tutor off by calling out for my companion who showed up with no hesitation by my side. A small cat with purple eyes who immediately took to Akita-chan, going up to her and purring contently. I added how I have decided to see how long I could keep it going, my record is thirty minutes. The blonde applauded my efforts and praised me for how well my companion turned out. I had a wide grin the whole time.

That's it! I'll defend with my companions...!

"So how bout it? Help me defeat the delinquent and I won't do anything bad to you. You'll be my personal pet, always by my side doing my every need when I want it"

"No thanks. I'm better off with the person you're calling a delinquent...!"

"Your death bed."

The facade came right off revealing the purple haired man, his aura completely changed. Not a single ounce of remorse, pity, or regret about what he was about to do. I panicked alot. I didn't have time to get in my comfort zone, let alone think about being in it. Why? Kamui-san was already running toward me, I waited until he got closer as I hyped myself up. Closer. Closer. A bit more...now! I super jumped over him flipping forward while at it. The whole crowd was silent then blew up in cheer. For a weird moment I knew he came back at me and in a split second I super jumped again but backwards. Even managing a backflip while it.

*CROWD: OLÉ! *

We were back where we started his face more angered than before. I had no idea what I was doing but I did it like it was second nature. Scary. Every time the man came at me I would either jump out the way, or I would lose my footing leading to me accidentally countering what the man had done. While he was frustrated at every movement, he did was a failure, I on the other hand was just absolutely...SCARED! I don't know what I'm doing but for some reason it was working! The crowd however was just completely shocked as I was. Who by the way was just cheering as if what I was doing was the most amazing thing in the universe!

They're not wrong actually which is a very sad reality on my part. But thankfully by all things mighty I was given a break when Kamui-san all of a sudden stopped. I didn't understand why the sudden change, but I was very grateful. What I wasn't grateful for was he went to a martial art stance; I knew nothing about this although thanks to the announcer I knew the name of it. For some weird reason it was called 'Counter stance' but he wasn't moving. Time to summon companions! With a quick spell Akita-chan taught me I was able to summon two wolves. I let them attack Kamui-san at their own expense...then ran away.

Looking back, I noticed he wasn't coming after me, but my companions weren't much of help. My two wolves were always caught off guard and consistently they were pushed back. Although they kept trying it was futile, mentally I thanked them for their hard work. Now it was my turn...it's my turn...oh dear. My adrenaline high was also about over, so I was left with all of my panic that built up. Unconditionally I started hyperventilating and I couldn't get myself to calm down let alone breathe properly. My first mistake was looking back at where my companions were at. They were disappearing slowly, and I locked eyes with the enemy.

Second mistake, I took my eyes off them. When I looked back, he was gone, and my hyperventilating was only getting worse. Then he was right there in front of me, evil grin and all. I was expecting for him to be tired but not one ounce of that tiredness showed. The man laughed asking how tired I was to be breathing so quickly and heavily. Obviously, I wasn't able to respond it was a bad idea, Kamui-san grabbed me by the hair and asked me one more question. 'Did I regret the choice I made?' I didn't respond to that either but the tears that built up was my response and he loved it. He balled up his fist and held it up out of reflex I hid my face and brought my knees up to my chest.

Laughter. He was laughing at me. It was painful not only physically but mentally. I reverted back like how I normally am, all that trust Akita-chan has in me and the confidence she would give me. Yet I couldn't even bravely face the hit that was waiting for me. I'm just a huge coward. I tensed up when I felt a hand caress my leg. As I looked up the purple haired man, he looked me in the eye then scanned me after which he licked his lips. Scared I kicked at him frantically while trying to make him let go of me. He managed to pin me even more in an even more worrying pose.

The crowd whistled as I was now pinned to the tree behind me, with one leg over his shoulder and the other was stuck between the tree and his leg. My hands were no use as Kamui-san was now holding down both my hands by the wrist. Every time he got close, I would squirm to just get him to stop but he continued. The one day I didn't wear extra layers was the one day this was happening. My sweater was the first to come off, he pushed up on me then ripped my blouse off. I just whimpered and cried some more equal amounts of squirming was involved. He just laughed.

"You've escaped me once it won't happen a sec—"

I fell to the ground as a yellow blur punched the man in front of me in the face. Just as I wanted to hide from the crowd a pair of wings were blocking my entire view of said crowd. I couldn't see the students only a pair of wings and it gave me the biggest sigh of relief. I thanked the person in front of me, but I still didn't dare look at who it was. But the teal hair gave it away. So did the yellow blur it all gave it away but simultaneously I hoped it wasn't the people I thought it was. I was already ashamed about what just happened let alone how I couldn't defend myself. The tears that were on the verge of spilling a few seconds ago were just pouring down my face.

"Yowane-sempai...I-I'm sorry...for not making it soon enough...it was my fault...plea—"

"WOAH WOAH WOAH SOMEBODY STOP THE DELINQUENT FROM SENDING HIM IN A BODYBAG OUTTA'VE HERE!"

"That idiot...! I told her...to not take it too...far arghh! It's what I get in... trusting a delinquent...!"

Did Hatsune-san really trust her...?

"No seriously doesn't anyone know how to stop her!? Wait—! WHO THE FUCK IS THAT!? ANOTHER BLONDE GIRL HAS STOPPED—what in the fuck?"

"AAAAAHHHH!"

"SHE BROKE AKITA NERU'S ARM!? WHAT A TURN OF EVENTS!"

"Akita-chan!?"

"The hell...?! Come on we have to see what's going on...not anyone can just break that girl's arm."

I nodded and zipped up my sweater again after I put on whatever was left of my blouse, to all things mighty the zipper didn't break unlike my dignity as a girl. Another scream came followed by another one much deeper than the first voice. But it was just as painful to hear it and the danger of that scenario was just rising way too quickly. Tapping Hatsune-san's shoulder we moved with haste to where the screams were. Her wings not daring to uncover me it was very welcomed, but I still couldn't help but be ashamed. It was just around the corner when we witnessed something that we thought wasn't possible.

Akita-chan was on the floor in pain, with a broken arm, a black eye and a couple other bruises around her body. We both just stood there as the scene in front of us sank in. Kamui-san was just the same as Akita-chan but worse, a lot worse. Both his arm and leg were broken, with the number of bruises he had on his face he was sure to blow up like a balloon. The man even had a bloody nose. Good. Wait—n-ye—anyways he had equal amounts of bruising on the opposite leg that wasn't broken. He wasn't going to walk soon that was for sure, unlike Akita-chan he was actually crying out loud due to the pain he was feeling. My main concern however wasn't him it was...

"Akita-chan...!"

Going over to were Akita-chan has made it awfully obvious that she was on the verge of screaming in pain. Although she was holding back, surely that was taking every bit of her will power to not breakout in screams. Eyes tightly shut and eyebrows furrowed in excruciating amounts of pain. Her one working hand was balled up into a fist so tightly that her knuckles were bright white. It made me sad really sad that I just silently kneeled down and sat by her side. Gently grabbing Akita-chan's balled fist and cupping it into mine. Soon after my tutor relaxed not as much as I'd hoped for, but for the blonde to have found comfort in me made me smile a bit.

But it wasn't time for that, this girl was in pain and it's my fault, had I been able to defend myself properly she wouldn't have looked like this. I'm sorry. Someone called out to me, and I looked behind me it was...Ann-san!? Ann-san was in front of me with a worried look as it was equally furious. Not aimed at me she said but the second blonde on the floor, that was when I started connecting the dots. It was Ann-san's doing. She was the one who broke Neru down like this...someone was capable of that...? The announcer called foul, but it was still technically our win, yet not a single noise was made from the crowd.

They were just as shocked to see a feared person on the floor so beat up. Subtlety everyone in the crowd was fearing Ann-san, and who wouldn't? I mean she did just beat up someone who the school deemed unstoppable. But I also think collectively everyone sighed in relief when no one recognized her. Meaning everyone knows she doesn't go to this school, no one will cross paths with her and that gave everyone relief. Practically not a single person wanted to get on Ann-san's bad side. As they should because I too didn't want to get her mad especially if it meant ending up the way Akita-chan has.

"Ann-san...did you also..."

"Oh, him? That wasn't me. That was Neru"

Eh.

"She was too furious to think straight reason why she did THAT if anything I'm ¿impressed? She hasn't been that furious in a while"

"...Oh..."

Is that really something to be impressed by!?

"Yea I broke her arm and dosed her with a poison that enhances pain, reason why she looks like that"

"I-Isn't that...a bit...harsh...?"

"Well yes but she doesn't understand to reason when she's like that. I do have a question for you however"

"Hai...?"

"Do you know why she's that salty? You know like do you know what triggered her to gain such a reaction?"

"No... not that I know of..."

I actually CAN think of a reason...

"I see. Well, how about you? Hatsune-san do you know anything?"

"No, miss"

"Well shit. Having to ask Neru will just be a waste of time...in the meantime let's get all of you to my house immediately."

"Why? I feel fine physically at least..."

"It's what you say but..., you're running off of an adrenaline high and a post hyperventilating state. You're going to collapse any minute now. Next we have the Harpy here which by the looks of it was saved by Neru a bit."

"Wait—why? When!?"

"But you still went through all those potions of weakness, pushed herself to the breaking point, was beefed up by Yowane-chan which probably wasn't a good idea in the long run. So, in conclusion you won't feel your body in a second"

"Then let's leave—"

"Yeah, gimme a sec. *Inhale* HEY LUKA, RIN, LEN, LILY GET YOUR ASSES OVER HERE I'LL NEED SOME HELP!

The sudden yelling startled me making me look at Ann-san in displeasure, after noticing she gave me an apology for her rowdiness. No later after that did the people, she called for came down from the audience into the arena. Once everyone gathered was when it all started to crumble. Hatsune-san was the first to go, meaning she started to get all shaky and just down right losing her will to stand. Even her wings that protected me were drooping. Lucchi had caught her right before she hit the floor, now it was my turn.

Ann-san was most definitely not kidding when she said I would collapse. Although it wasn't sudden either, instead it crept up on me slowly. It started off with a headache that worsened when a loud applause radiated around the arena. It wasn't the least bit appreciated when just a few moments ago this same crowd was whistling at a failed rape attempt. So, I couldn't help but be annoyed, then came the sudden dizziness from time to time. Once we arrived at the school gates my feet gave out almost immediately. Lily-nee was the one to break my fall, but just thanking her like I normally do was tiresome. Then came the last part, I just abruptly blacked out...

*—*

When I came to my vision wasn't at its best, and it was only a minute or two after that I didn't know where I was. Because of my sudden surroundings changing all of a sudden. It startled me enough and I had jolted up in response to my fear, regretted it immediately. My head was just throbbing in pain, and I was feeling nauseous. It was so bad that it felt like my stomach was twisting in ways that wasn't possible. Keeping my breathing under control was the only thing keeping me from spilling out the contents of today's breakfast. Looking around me some more I slowly came to notice the things around me.

They were jars of what looks like leaves all around the room I was in, with shelves cluttered with books too. But not all were filled with books some held bottles with a weird colored liquid inside. Others held small brown pouches, although scattered across the room it still looked organized. Everything seemed to have a feeling of it belongs in its place, it also smelled kind of like...the woods? Well not that specifically but it did smell as if you went inside a tea store. There was also a large curtain that covered half the room for some reason. After sitting on the bed, I was laying on I've decided to make use of my cat side. Just to check if anything around me was dangerous in anyway.

Once I rechecked my surroundings one last time, I breathed deeply then exhaled concentrating on doing so I regained my Nekomia abilities. I'm not ashamed of what I'm born as it's just...once people know I'm a Mystic, things like today happen. Then when people figure out, I'm useless that's when people just discard me. And to avoid having my feelings hurt I very much prefer to be on the sidelines, never really acknowledging I'm a one of a kind Nekomia Mystic Albino. So that peice of information is just for me. When I finally got fully in touch with my Nekomia self-everything reeked of medical herbs.

I had to actually cover my nose out of reflex because the sent was so strong, after a bit of an overwhelming scent hitting my nose, I started to smell other things. First and foremost, if it wasn't obvious before this clearly wasn't my house, this place smelled more of tea and burning alcohol than anything else. Second, I wasn't alone. The area around the curtain had the scent of a bird, I could guess who it was and if my memory didn't fail me, I DEFINITELY knew who it was. Next, I could clearly smell a few canines around me, on a closer inspection it was a fox who surely was Lily-nee. The other was kind of funky smelling, not to say it smelled bad just weird.

But I could clearly smell canine although it was mixed with something else that I couldn't quite put my finger on it. After which I clearly smelled humans and by how strong their scent was, they were clearly the majority in this building. Oh, there's a Vampire in the house too Lucchi must be here. What else...what else...eh? Wait what is that?! There was one smell in this building that just immediately didn't sit right with me. It's as if all of a sudden, my body SCREAMED danger, the smell was weak so there wasn't a large group, but their power was overwhelming. Clearly, they weren't the friendly type.

"Aah...it's awful...!"

Shaking the dangerous feeling I had was my first step in trying to seal up my powers again. But that was easier said than done, it was just overwhelming, and I knew if I came face to face with that person, I'd cry just from seeing them. Blinking rapidly followed by lightly slapping myself the scents were reduced to nothing. I heaved a sigh at what I just experienced, and it just made me more nauseous. Running my hand through my hair making sure my ears and tail weren't exposed, which they weren't thankfully. I went and got up slowly making my way to where the closed curtains were.

Lightly pushing them away made my initial thoughts right, there was a person on the other side of these curtains. The exposed bird wings made me correct of the scent being that of a bird. Sadly, that meant I knew this bird—or well Harpy, it was Hatsune-san. She was beat up pretty badly with bandages covering most of her upper body and torso. Even said bird wings were lightly covered in bandages. I felt bad just looking at her the way she was. Especially after all Hatsune-san had done for me, going to her side I cupped her hand silently thanking her. I stayed for a few minutes then promptly left sighing and thanking her once more.

Going towards the door I had to take a break because the nausea was still as bad as when I woke up. Composing myself once more I exited out the room slower than before. Making my way into another room down the hallway while taking breaks to control my breathing. I've started to hear voices of two people through a door that was only a few steps away from the room I was in. Continuously taking breaks I eventually made it to the other door where the voices were heard. It sounded like arguing through the door, so it was a bit hard to decide when to enter. Ugh...but the nausea was too hard to handle so I opened the door, hoping I could sit down or at least find a bucket to just get it over with.

"Listen Neru you're—"

"Excuse...me"

"Yowane-chan! You're awake how are you feeling? You've been out for a few hours now"

A few hours?!

"I feel...nauseous..."

"Right, that...sorry. That's a normal side effect from the medicine I gave you that replenishes Mana quickly but makes you nauseous in return"

"Oh...ok...how long will...ugh...it last...?"

"A few minutes tops. Any other things you're feeling?"

"No...um...about—"

Akita-chan...

"Don't mind this idiot here. She's going to be in that casket for the next month if she doesn't spill why she sent someone to the hospital."

He actually went to the hospital...?!

"I... see...can I?"

"Sure, but she isn't spilling her guts to anyone apparently"

That's not really what I meant...

"But have at it while I check up on Hatsune-chan—oh, and take this to help with the nausea a bit"

"...Thank you"

Ann-san left after patting my shoulder out of sympathy. I stepped inside the room more then closed the door behind me, now it was just me and a beat-up Akita-chan sitting on the mattress. It was just as Ann-san had said Akita-chan's right arm was in a cast, while the other was covered in bandages. Her right eye had a bandage too even the left side of her cheek had a bandage. I felt even worse than before thinking this was my fault. Looking down at the cup of liquid Ann-san gave me I gulped it down as if to give me courage to face Akita-chan. The medicine worked practically instantly; my queasiness just died down quickly. Although it was still there it wasn't as strong as when I woke up.

But my first reaction was to go and hug Akita-chan, it startled me as much as it did for Akita-chan. Although her sudden tensed up body soon relaxed...and eventually the girl actually hugged me back. I had too much to say to this small girl, too much to say to be able to put it all into words. So, I guess that was the reason why I unconsciously hugged her, what I didn't expect was for my tutor to return my hug. We stayed in our quiet embrace for a while until an apology came from the small girl. Pulling away in confusion I immediately asked for what she needed to be sorry for. And her gaze said it all. She was feeling guilty for having me experience what I did.

"You really shouldn't feel guilty..."

"But I should. I practically dragged ya into it! If it wasn't for me that BITCH wouldn't have—"

"But you were there..."

"...I couldn't stop 'im..."

"But you did..."

"From starting...I couldn't stop 'im from startin..."

"You stopped him before he got too far..."

"...ok..."

Akita-chan hugged me tighter than before and I could feel my face heat up, I think it was because I had an image of Akita-chan that was always bold and confident. So, to see her vulnerable and guilty all of a sudden was...welcoming? She has shown me how nice and understandable she was, more often than not how stern she was. Equal amounts of a smug and a comedic aura surrounded my tutor too. The blonde girl was a lot of things, but not once have I ever seen her this guilty in anyway. But this just proved everything the school knows is wrong, VERY wrong at that. Yet surely if I say that I would seem like an insane person. Then this side of her was my secret to keep.

Ah..., she let go...

"...Sorry, ho-how ya feelin?"

"Like I told Ann-san I was just feeling queasy"

"Got it...and Twin-tails? She was in the same room as ya right?"

"I think she's just sleeping but her torso and upper body was covered in bandages even her wings were covered in it"

"That's a given. She pushed 'erself harder than I expected...same for ya"

"No, no I... wasn't able to do anything..."

"Not at all ya put up a dam good fight for a beginner"

Akita-chan looked up at me again but instead of guilt she had a sincere smile and soft eyes. Tears welled up and I was ready to just lose myself in tears, so I hugged the petite girl and rightfully did so. Softly weeping I sunk into Akita-chan's shoulder, there's too much to process but the one thing it all had in common was this girl. Sure, her presence has flipped my life in a lot of ways, there is a lot more danger in my life. More dangerous than I initially expected, although she's brought me equal amounts of joy. If I didn't know what to feel about her before I don't know now either. Yet again one thing stayed the same I didn't want to leave her, does that make me weird?

"SoRry—AHEM...sorry, sorry I just all of a sudden wanted to cry..."

"It's cool...It's reasonable as to why..."

"...Sorry..."

"Don't be...ju-just rest assured that I'll keep an eye out for ya more and when I ain't round ya I'll send Kagutsuchi and Benzaiten to keep watch, cool?"

"Very...too bad you can't summon them now with Kagu-kun and Benten-chan having sealed your magic..."

"Ha! Ya really thinks they'll be happy to hear that I got into a fight? Basically, everyone round me gets salty whenever I do. Shit, just havin my name get mention was enough to get a scoldin from Ann"

"Which by the way...how did Ann-san beat you up so badly...?"

"She has Alchemy by 'er side and she's quite good at it too, also the fact that she gave me a poison that enhances any type of pain. So, yea miracle if I didn't end up like the way I am"

"That's...a tad bit of an over kill..."

"Yea...I don't really listen to reason when I'm that pissed off"

Maybe now is a good time to ask

"But...you didn't need to beat up him up so much to have landed in the hospital"

"...Son of a bitch tried to get all touchy with ya when I warned 'im not to! Of fuckin course I was gonna beat his ass up for not takin my warnin seriously!"

"Bu-But...ugh...sorry I'm still a bit queasy..."

"It's cool, take your time"

"...I'm grateful for the concern...however you are still in the wrong...because you went too far...!"

Akita-chan didn't say much instead she looked away never daring to look at me. I sat beside her on the mattress she was on, the girl followed suit but still didn't meet my gaze. Staying quiet for a bit only to thank her once again for what she's done. However, I still added how she didn't have to go as far as she did, sure I didn't know the rules for having a reputation like hers. But I knew she was in the wrong and I needed for her to understand that even if my tutor had good intentions. Granted if there ARE any rules to being someone with her reputation. Still, that doesn't mean I want to have Akita-chan doing bad things on my behalf, she needed to know that.

You could still tell she didn't let go all the disappointment or guilt she was hanging over herself. Akita-chan was a stubborn one and often countered what I would say with an argument of her own. It was a back and forth like this until someone came knocking on the door. We both looked up and saw Ann-san walk in with a cup and jar in hand. Immediately the taller blonde gave me both the jar and cup asking for me to drink it. Then added how the contents of the jar was supposed to be taken twice a day for the rest of the week. I didn't think this was a problem, so I drank the drink in said cup and asking if I was supposed to take what's in the jar now.

"No not today starting tomorrow, now remember twice a day not twice the amount in a single day that'll just screw you over more. Preferably take it immediately after waking up and before you sleep but you can take it anytime during the day. Like after a meal that's completely acceptable"

"Yes ma'am! Um...actually...Ann-san how is Hatsune-san doing...?"

"That's what I'm going to get into right now but first—Neru."

"Hm? What's this?"

"Take it. In three days, you would have recovered from your arm. HOWEVER, come to me after-school hours and bring Yowane-chan with you too"

"Why the change in heart—?"

"Drink it before I change my mind."

"Yes ma'am."

"Now, about Hatsune-chan...Yowane-chan"

"Hai...?"

"May I ask what you did?"

"Excuse me?"

"Let me explain. Hatsune-san was in a stable but tense position if she didn't relax in the next twenty-four hours she would be in a critical position"

"And that relates to Yowane how?"

"Well, she was the only person who was with her I keep track of this very meticulously. Neru you know this fact very well. Yowane-chan woke up before Hatsune-chan so she's the only one who had access to that room."

"Bu-But...I didn't do anything..."

"Are you sure?"

"Ann, I think you need to explain a bit more how bad was Twin-tails's condition?"

"Very well. Had she not relaxed the medicine would not have been able to take effect. Hatsune-chan would have lost her wings, meaning as a Harpy she would never fly again."

Bu-But I really didn't do anything...!

Akita-chan looked at me in a way as if to say was I sure nothing happened, I nodded continuously saying I didn't do anything. They both believed me, but Ann still didn't understand why or HOW Hatsune-san was now in a good stable condition. And last, I check she looked fine as if she was sleeping normally, so how was she unstable? Better yet all I did was grab her hand and thanked her, what DID I do? What in the subconscious thing did I do? Last time I checked I didn't know any healing spells! So, what happened when I grabbed her hand?! Oh wait...could it be...

"Haku so I know papa has already prohibited you from using magic, but can you do something else for me?"

"Hm? Sure!"

"Try not to be near the injured or sick"

"Why?"

"Well...we're Nekomia right?"

"Mmhm!"

"Well, we have a unique skill that is limited to some of our breed. You are able to calm people down from any state they are in. Not outright heal them but being calm in certain situations can work wonders"

...Oh no...

...*Grabs Hatsune-san's hand*...Thank you for saving me...Now I've really gone and done it now...!

I internally panic because of what I had done, sure I saved Hatsune-san's ability to fly but it was the consequences that came with it. This skill of mine was only around Nekomia so if they figure it out, I'm done for! Has all this time keeping a secret like mine for nothing!? Looking at the two blondes they seem to have no clue, which was RELIEVING in so many ways. But knowing how smart Akita-chan is, it would be only a matter of time where my secret is exposed. Maybe not today or tomorrow but sooner or later, I even hugged Akita-chan just a few moments ago surely, she should have picked up on it! Maybe that's why she told me how she felt!? Probably also the reason why she broke down!

"Well, that's fine...I'll run some test on her I need to see if herself healing ability is stronger than most Harpies"

"Good idea, in the meantime aren'cha gonna check Yowane's condition?"

"Yes, every day for the next week and a half to check her mana levels. That's why I asked you to bring her after school hours"

"Got it is that alright with ya Yowane?"

"Hai—!"

The sudden burst of the door being flung open scared me and startled the rest, Lucchi was the first to barge in looking mighty furious. But was stopped by Ann-san who had splashed her with something. And Lucchi collapsed right then and there, then Lily-nee came in and was also ready to start a riot when the same scene repeated. Ann-san threw some liquid and down went the fox, this repeated for everyone else who dared to enter this room. Ann-san was apparently as scary as Akita-chan even when she didn't have the magical capability. After waiting a bit, she confirmed no one was gonna come in she sighed annoyingly.

Slowly but surely, she moved them about, the twins were on the left half of the room and Lucchi along with Lily-nee were on the right. With a couple of seconds gone all four of them one by one they started to wake up. Or maybe better yet it was as if they snapped out of their daze, it was weird as if they were knocked out. My curiosity showed in my face so much that Ann-san had started to tell me what she had done to the group on the floor. Apparently, she had done just that, but then again it was a bit more complicated than that. As to not confuse me she practically told me that's the essence of it. Oh—but there was a difference they wouldn't be able to move for the next hour.

Scary...very scary...mental note: Don't ever make Ann-san angry with me

"Ugh...what the—BLONDIE NOW—! Why won't—?!"

"Keep shouting and I myself will leave you paralyzed."

"Ugh—! ...Fine...how long will I be like this...?"

"For an hour."

"What—?!"

"With that being said! You, Neru, may leave before Megurine-san comes for your neck. Yowane-chan too, I have to ask for you to leave because I have to CHAT with these four."

"Um ok do you still..."

"Oh yes absolutely Neru too so I'll see you tomorrow"

"Yes ma'am. They destroyed your potions?"

"The ones in the mini fridge by the front door."

"May the gods be with y'all four. Let's get out Yowane before we're caught in the crossfire"

Hm? Ok?

"*Nods* Bye Lucchi thank you Ann-san"

"Don't mention it!"

We both proceeded to leave the room Lucchi returned my farewell but growled at Akita-chan. But as we left Akita-chan said a round of good lucks to the group, and as the door shut, I felt Ann-san's demeanor change. A light shiver ran through my spine and spontaneously at that moment I fully understood why Akita-chan said what she said. Those four truly needed all the luck in the world to escape that aura. Akita-chan acknowledged it so much that she put her hands together while facing the door then pray upon them for luck to be on their side. I actually followed her lead and prayed upon them too. Afterwards we both walked away from the evil aura filled door.

As we walked off, we both walked in silence not daring to speak a word to each other. We didn't really look at each other and I'm saying 'didn't really' because I consistently looked at her arm. She wouldn't have gone too far if it wasn't for what HE did and was trying to do. My tutor seemed rather bored with toying with the guy after a while. Her mind didn't seem to be all there while she fought, Akita-chan seemed distracted in some way. When we reached the front door, I opened it letting Akita-chan through first. She naturally thanked me, and it was the first words we said since leaving the room. It made me giddy because it didn't seem she had a grudge against me.

"ight...I guess I'm out then see ya Yowane"

"Uh—! Wait, are we not studying today?"

"Nah... I need to go find my old notes today ya can just relax"

"Ok...*Fidgeting*...Can I at least treat you to dinner...?"

"Hm? Ya really don't have to y'know? But I'll take up that offer...I'll pull up later at your house. For now, I'm gone"

"Oh...uhh ok...bye bye...!"

"...Yea..."

We both went our separate ways, but I couldn't help but feel Akita-chan wasn't all...here? Kinda like if her mind was somewhere else, maybe that's why my conversation with her felt awkward. Or maybe that was just me? I shook my head as I tried to get out all the bad thoughts, but when I did other thoughts started to take over. Better yet it was Flashbacks. Flashbacks of today came back and it made me insecure. As I tried brushing those thoughts away, they would always come back. Every time I made eye contact with someone, I felt scared like maybe they would do something. Better yet maybe they were him so I would hurriedly scurried away. This was a repeated trend until I reached my home.

Entering my home, I immediately dashed into the kitchen and looked in my freezer for anything sweet. Today had gone so wrong that it just turned so bitter, I needed something sweet to even out the day. No luck. Going to find my secret stash of candy that I keep in the cubbert brought me relief as it was still full. Grabbing a hand full of hard candy and immediately unwrapping them while closing the cubbert. Eating the sweat candy gave me a sense of happiness for as long as it lasts. But I soon sank to the floor with my knees close to my chest, suddenly the candy tasted salty. But it wasn't salted caramel. ...So why was I suddenly crying?

"Ahh come on...! *sniff* pull yourself together...!"

I think it was the first time it really dawned on me how serious, dangerous and maybe downright insane the things I got myself into. Maybe what happened today will happen again but with a different person. Will I have to fight again—? How much of an idiot am I? Of course, I would fight again I have no other option. Was I just really that naive to just think this was all fun and games? Did I think...this was easy? No way I never do...although...

"Atta girl Yowane!"

Why is it I have courage with you around...? But lose it completely when I'm alone...?

Softly weeping in the kitchen was the only thing I did, and I don't know for how long either. Then at one point I felt something click and I ran to the back of the house into a room that's always locked. Opening it had a little trick to it because so far to my knowledge it has only unlocked for me and my family. Mom was the one who made the lock and dad added the spell while my uncle reinforced the room. Why was all this needed in a house whose owner is horrible at magic? Well Mystic magic is tricky—or better yet BEING a Mystic was tricky.

When a Mystic loses a large quantity of their magic, they lose their mind. Not in a literal way of course, but to counter the magic that was lost it starts to create magic. Mystics are acquired to have a room like this for worst-case moments, and it's a little bit different for every Mystic but it's all for the same reason. Although everyone learns how bad it gets with time or through adults. I however learned the process of this the hard way..., kinda. It's not like my parents never warned me they did and severely, but I was too curious for my own good.

At one point I curious of what mom and dad would do with their magic that I just did it. Just like that it turned into a memory that will forever be burned into me, and not a nice one. It was the one time I ignored my parent's warnings and did the spell. I didn't understand the grand scale of the spell I wanted to try out until it was too late. Passing out by the time I finished casting and the next day my instinct took over and I went on a rampage. I clawed at everything that was near me, and I truly mean anything. According to mom I gave my uncle the scar he has on his back, and dad received one on his forearm.

Mystics uses magic to regain it, but it oozes out from you when you do, even when you're not on empty it still oozes out. Everything you do is amplified as is everything a Mystic's personal mana touches when it oozes by ten times sometimes even more. Everything around a Mystic during the time they are "empty" is in danger because of how aggressive they can be. I felt bad about the harm I had caused to my family, but it was normal for things like that to happen. What wasn't normal was how aggressive and zoned out I would be. Because according to my family I wasn't there not an inch of me was. Worst part is...it hurts. So, so, so, so, so, so, so...BAD.

"...Arrrrg...UgH! ...aaaaAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"

MAKE IT STOP MAKE IT STOP MAKE IT STOP MAKE IT STOP!

When I was in the reinforced room I slowly walked into the middle of the room. Falling onto the floor on all fours I screamed in pain. My claws grew out instantly and I could feel how potent my senses have become. Surely my ears and tail were exposed but that didn't stop the pain, it may have made it worse. My vocal cords felt like they were on the verge of breaking due to how intense and loud every scream of mine would be. Clawing at the floor desperately trying to hold on to something, ANYTHING to make it STOP. But it never did. So, like a little girl I cried out for my parents.

"...M-Mom...*Heavy breathing*...Da-Dad! MaKe it stOp—ARGH! aaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!"

*—*

I came to—and I was expecting to be in that room again, but I woke up on my bed covered in my bed sheets. It took me a minute to start processing what happened. Slowly sitting up straight I zoned out a bit until I winced in pain at how suddenly LOUD everything has gotten to be. Irking in pain I got up from my bed and went out my room, kind of like something urged me to go into the living room. Stepping out I was immediately bombarded with noise, noises everywhere it was irritating to just have to walk down the hallway. Cars, screams, footsteps, water, cardboard, motorcycles, bags, plastic, birds, dogs, cats. Even my own voice felt loud, but it wasn't overbearing.

Somebody make it stop!

"HAKU!"

"Aah! *Hissing*"

"*whisper* sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to cause any harm..."

"Lily-nee...?"

"*whisper* me and Luka-san knew this was going to happen, so we dashed over here as fast as possible..."

"...Oh..."

"*whisper* sweetheart...!"

Eh?!

"Mom...!"

"*whisper* oh sweetheart...long time no see...even if these aren't the things, I didn't want to have to come back too..."

"Yeah...sorry about that mom..."

Hugging my mom was the most relieving thing today, and I never realized how much I've missed my mother's presence until now. When a realization came to me, how did she know to come here? Now of all times too. As if mom could feel my curiosity she let go of her embrace as I was told about the emergency call spell she placed on the house. Wait—on the house!? I was going to ask if that was really necessary, but today's events proved it actually kind of was. As mom smiled it reminded me of what most people said of how I was close if not a mirror image of my mom. Little do they know I'm a shy, useless, no-good daughter, compared to my mom she is a confident, amazing chef and Mystic.

I'm nothing compared to mom...

"*whisper* oh come on Haku I always tell you what greatness you'll bring to this world"

"But I can't even do good in school I alone bring down your na—"

"*whisper* ignore that. Your father and I will fight everyone and anyone who thinks you're a disgrace."

Mom...!

"*whisper* with that being said Lily-chan give me the names of everyone who has bullied my daughter, I would love to have a little chat with them."

Mom was smiling but her eyes most definitely wasn't, and I shivered in fear. Lily-nee was not far behind my actions, and she never once mentioned any names to my mom's disappointment. Honestly, it's probably a good thing she didn't receive any names. Knowing how mom would wreak havoc in the school is something that shouldn't happen, she would probably turn into a legend like Akita-chan. The three of us walked to the living room and mom still tried to get Lily-nee to say names, to her credit she avoided it like the plague. But it was when I couldn't help looking at the mirror by the front door made me a bit sad.

What stared back at me was an image of myself with pupils thinned out vertically. My beast kin ears lively moving with my reactions, opening my mouth I saw small fangs. Looking down at my hands my claws were long and extremely sharp, then I saw my tail swaying lightly by my side. I looked back up at the mirror and stared for a while then used my hand to cover one of my cat ears on the mirror. The image of how I see myself and how others see me hit me like a ton of bricks. Then I sighed as I knew I would need to miss school for a few days just to keep myself in check.

"*whisper* not necessarily Haku Luka-san is working on getting special contacts to block out the sensitivity to light you have"

"*whisper* as in for ears and tails thankfully Lily-chan is a fox and can just hand you a leaf to hide it"

"You're right...*stomach growl*...um..."

"*whisper* my guess is you didn't eat all day"

"...Sorry...I know how much you hate it when I do so"

"*whisper* it's ok I just finished the cream stew I was making before you woke up"

My stomach roared in hunger but louder than the first time and I let it. For my mom's cooking was one to eat at least once in your lifetime. She was most definitely not the best cook in the family, that honor was given to my dad. However, my mom's cooking was special in its own way. It was seriously like the phrase 'Mom's home cooking is the best'. It came out more when she baked anything rather than cooked. But it was still there no matter what she made really. Thinking about how I would be able to eat Mom's cooking again after a while was bliss. My stomach growled once again when I stepped into the kitchen. As much as I wanted to help serve the food the smell was so intense that I just couldn't wait. Sneaking a small taste, and truly bliss! The flavor was exactly as I remembered it since last time.

I'm sure Akita-chan would love this too—

*Ding-Dong*

"*lightly hissing* ...Akita-chan!"

WAIT.

Fear set in faster than it normally came to me, I looked around searching for a way to leave. Maybe through a window or something!? Someone tapped my shoulder and I nearly screamed in fear, but my fear was so strong that I didn't scream not even a single sound came out. I just jolted and jumped in fear turning around—Lily-nee. I sighed. She made a gesture as to say 'stay calm and quiet' after nodding she continued. Asking who it was I was getting ready to answer when my mom stepped in. Mom lit up at the thought of having a guest over, she was genuinely ready to greet Akita-chan. The moment I shook my head, and I told Mom the problem. The once excited face turned into a slightly more serious one, don't get me wrong surely, she was still excited. But her role as a mother always came first always.

That's when they asked why was there a guest invited and I had to let them know I invited her. They asked why I did such a thing when Akita-chan didn't know what I am, something in me couldn't out right tell my mom what happened today. It was just so chaotic as it was equally embarrassing that I couldn't tell her the reason. Thus Lily-nee picked up where I trailed off in silence. It was a generic reason that I knew wasn't why she's here. My mom nodded and asked me to head into my room just in case, nodding again I rushed into my room. But oh, how I wanted to argue! The amount of objection I wanted to do yet it wouldn't come out into words. I closed the door to my room behind me and listened intensely to the conversation Mom and Lily-nee will have with Akita-chan.

*ker-chick*

And so, it begins...

"Hey, Yowane—! Or...not...?"

"No, I'm her mother."

"As expected."

"Excuse me?"

"AH—no—it's just...you and your daughter look very much alike is all...!"

Eh? *Snicker*

"I see, what business do you have with her?"

"Uhh well she invited me over for dinner. It was originally for lunch, but I declined for personal reasons. So, I said I'd come over for dinner"

"Hmm...what do you think of my daughter?"

Mom!

"EH—!? Ahem—um in wh-what way ma'am...?"

"Her cooking. It's been a while since I've tasted her cooking"

"Oh—um I don't think I'm the right person to ask I've only just started to try 'er cookin. However, I gotta say she cooks extremely well, anythin I try is always amazin!"

Ehehe...! *Blushing*

There was a slight pause in that sentence not a single word was exchanged between the two. I was basically guessing at how their expressions were like, it was nerve racking how I had to guess even when they were right down the hall of my house. Despite how giddy I was just a few seconds ago, to have suddenly gone into panic mode in seconds was unsettling. But no later did I hear mom welcoming in Akita-chan did my panicked self's fear shot through the roof. Not knowing why, she did so made my jaw drop immediately. And by the sound of it mom must have hidden her beast kin side. Still, that didn't sit well with me because I'm technically stuck inside my room now, with nowhere to go to make matters worse. What if all of a sudden Akita-chan comes barging in my room!? Did we even have an excuse as to why I'm not there—!?

"...Can I ask where's Yowane... ma'am?"

"She's not feeling well Haku got a slight fever—"

"Is she ok!? I know a great medic who can help—!"

"No need Haku has a habit of sleeping off a fever"

"A-Are you sure? Cause I can go get—!"

"It's truly fine...um I never caught your name"

"Akita Neru. Ya can call me whatever ya please Yowane-san"

Oh, she used a horrific! That's new!

"Well then Akita-chan it would be weird to deny the offer Haku has given you. Would you mind joining me for dinner? Or would you like to at least take some home?"

"Uhh...I think I'll just take some home I... uh—I don't wanna be intrusive."

I mean you really aren't...mom IS here to keep an eye on me now

"A-Actually would you mind if I ask to give this to Yowane? It's my notes for class this should help 'er study when I'm not 'round"

That really will! That's so sweet of her to bring her notes—!

"So that's what you were holding you can go into Haku's room and leave it on the study desk"

Mom wait—!

"I don't think I should—"

"It's fine. You're not intruding she's in there too, Haku is just sleeping is all."

Mom! Mom! Your daughter is a Nekomia right now! Nobody knows that!

"Um—"

"But if I find out you snooped in her room, I personally will hold you hostage until you give back what you stole."

Mom...! That's not even the point of this!

"Or I'll make sure you never go in her room again"

MOM!

"YES MA'AM!"

AKITA-CHAN!?

The sound of light footsteps making its way towards me made me go a bit on overdrive. It got louder as she got closer although I should mention Akita-chan was walking rather slowly, that never made me relax, however. My back faced the wall, and I hugged it for dear life, my eyes darted all over the room. Thoughts flying at light speed, and I suddenly focused on my bed, then Mom's words rang in my ear. I'm sick and I need to be sleeping...without thinking my body launched itself onto my bed. Nailing getting under the blankets in one fell swoop then I brought my tail close and covered my ears completely with the blanket as the door just creaked open. My heart was just jumping out of my chest as the adrenaline rush was coursing through my veins. Even so I had faked my breathing pattern despite the displeasure of slowing it down when my heart begged for oxygen.

"...*whisper*...So-Sorry for the intrusion..."

Big breath...let it out...! Slow down—that's too sharp! Come on! Come on! Calm down please!

*Footsteps*

Akita-chan I don't want to be rude but PLEASE get out as quickly as possible...!

*Paper noises*

What is she doing...?

*Click—scribble scribble...scribble scribble*

Writing—?

"...Yowane...I'm sorry..."

Why is she...?

"Your fever was probably cause ya used too much magic...and as a Mystic that's a bad thing..."

Wait no—! I don't have a fever! I'm fine—erm sort of...!

"...god I'ma fuckin awful person. Why didn't I notice it sooner...!?"

No—! You couldn't I didn't know how little magic I had left in me!

"Grr...! ...Dammit!"

N—

"No...!"

—!? No no no no no no no no no no no! Why did I let it slip!?

"Yowane...?"

Throw her off throw her off throw her off throw her off!

"Mmn...mo-mom..."

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!

"...Huh...?"

"...I... don't...wanna wait...for the cookies...to cool down..."

This is so embarrassing!

"Pfft—I didn't think she was a sleep talker..."

And I'm not—! At least I don't think I am...!

Akita-chan's footsteps were starting to move away from me, then the door opened and the sound of it closing made it clear she left the room. Waiting a couple seconds or at least until I heard her strike up conversation with mom, did I shot up from bed and winced in pain. Akita-chan spoke in a low voice however it was still too loud for me. But once I got over that her actions were super...cute...? I guess is the word for it. Although I was 'sleeping' it felt as if she was still able to completely relax. Sure, she must have been tense but Akita-chan was respectful even when I wasn't watching. Wait—Did I just...suspect her...? Ugh—! Everyone's words of her being a delinquent are getting to me.

Silently I got up from bed and quietly walked towards the door, while doing so I checked my study desk really quickly. The book was there along with one of my pens being out of place. Akita-chan clearly wrote something but there wasn't any paper to show for it. Grabbing the book and opening it flipping it to the first few pages, I was hit immediately with math equations that looked like Greek to me. Stunned by what I just witnessed slowly I averted my gaze. It seems this was her math notes..., after getting over the shock I flipped more through the book. Indeed, it was her math notes but then I started to notice a few extra notes. They were recently written how do I know? Easy, they were addressed to me.

The notes were breakdowns of the main point of the specific page, there was even extra sticky notes with slightly more easier math problems that I could understand. What was making me break slowly into a soft smile was every now and then there were words of encouragement around the whole book. It was wholesome and very caring in my opinion very...Akita-chan like. But then...what did she write just now? I flipped back to the first page; it was there at the back of the cover page that I spotted her note.

[Hey Yowane, so this is my math book and don't freak out I tried to make it as easy to understand as possible. I've bookmarked the page corners to show the difficulty of the topic. They're color coded so it's:

Red=Hard Blue=Medium

Green=Easy Yellow=Beginner

I suggest ya start with 'Yellow' topics then make your way up the ranks. Ya shouldn't need to ask for my help but if ya need to feel free to call or text me. –Akita Neru]

Ehehe~! Such an Akita-chan thing to do—!

"Well thank you for letting me inside and giving me food Yowane-san. I'll be sure to return you—uhh Yowane's tupperware soon"

"No problem. Excuse me for my rude behavior earlier."

"Ah—no it's ok! My reputation doesn't say people would think nicely bout me"

"Hmm...but you have quiet the gentle gaze Akita-chan... or at least when it comes to my daughter"

*Sigh* Not again...

"I-I really should get goin'...th-thanks for the food, Yowane-san really!"

"ufufufu...my~ what a nice reaction!"

...Mom...

"I'll take my leave..."

Putting the book down I got closer to the wall opposite from where I was standing and started to listen more intensively. Two pairs of footsteps distanced themselves from me then a door opened, a few parting words were said and finally the door closed. Now a single pair of footsteps could be heard heading in my direction. Surely that was mom, but I was trying to focus on something else, a bit more effort was made, and I could finally hear it! Or—she in this case it didn't seem she left completely, Akita-chan was only a bit further from the house. Yet I could clearly hear the shaky breath she let out followed by the words of 'I was so God dam nervous!'. Giggling was what I did as her voice distanced itself.

But the amount of nervousness she consistently spoke out loud was by far very funny. A very gentle knock brought me back to what was happening in my surroundings. I looked back and mom was standing at the entrance smiling, it was the one smile I was hoping I wouldn't see while she came to visit. Especially when having to see my schoolmates. Yes, that smile that said only how much my mom wanted me to find someone. Even after a while of not seeing her she still hasn't changed one bit. That thought alone made me really embarrassed, however I was glad she was still the loveable person I remember.

But now comes the difficult part...

"*Whisper* She seemed ni~ce"

"Mom, please. She's just my tutor"

"*whisper* Ooh! Teacher-student dynamic!"

"Mom no!"

"*whisper* Aww come on! I'm not getting any younger Haku"

"But I'm not ready for that!"

"At least give me grandchildren before I hit my mid 40's in human years"

"Mom! Why!?" *Hissing! *

"*whisper*Don't ask why! I would love to see my only daughter's kittens~!"

"MOM—! *Hissing! * "

The amount of embarrassment that climbed up on my face was dangerously high. It made me forget how sensitive to noise I was at the moment. While mom laughed, I died in my embarrassment, it reminded me of how mom did this when she met Lily-nee and Lucchi for the first time. And now she was doing this with my tutor, yup. She has never changed not one bit. I sighed and asked mom if we could just eat dinner all ready, she of coursed laughed but agreed we should. As we stepped out of my room and into the kitchen we went, but a question popped up into my head. I tried to make sure of this and looked around some more, it was crystal clear Lily-nee was nowhere to be found.

"I sent Lily-chan to the market she seemed tense"

"Aah...yeah..."

"Is she jealous that you're giving Akita-chan more attention than her!? Do I smell a love triangle!?"

*Flinch* "First off ouch...second that's not the reason why she's acting that way..."

"And? care to tell me while we set up for dinner?"

She said while she handed me two plates of food while mom held two of her own, I nodded as I took the plates. We walked to the dining table, and I started to explain the situation. Mom nodded every few sentences I spoke, my cat ears flattened in a calm yet equally worried way. When we finished setting up Mom patted my head and my worriedness withered away. I stared at the floor the whole time, but I could tell mom had a soft smile plastered on her face. Not the joking smile she had on before it was genuinely soft soothing smile, aah..., it was truly nice to have mom back even if it's for a few minutes. Mom sighed in a relaxed manner and then spoke:

"*whisper* I really should have held her hostage—."

"MOM—! *Hiss*"

"*Whisper* There, there, my love. Jokes aside she seemed like a nice person. Akita-san must have her reasons for acting the way she does, however it doesn't condone the actions she's taken. For the most part she hasn't done anything to you right?"

"No..."

"*Whisper* Are you perhaps scared?"

"...a... little..."

"*whisper* I see..., well that's normal, no?"

"But like you said she hasn't done anything on the contrary she's doing the opposite! Yet I'm..."

Scared...but that doesn't stop my built-up curiosity for her

"*whisper* That's natural Haku. There would be a time when you will feel at ease with her. Things like this just take some time"

"...ok...but it doesn't make me feel better that I have my doubts every so often"

"*whisper* Is she that good of a person to you?"

Pulling away I nodded and for the first time since this conversation started, I even looked at her in the eye. Mom's smile never left her face, if anything it looked like it grew. But now I went and explained what Akita-chan has done for me, from protecting me, to showing me magic! The nice gestures and reactions she has given me so far. It all made me really happy to remember and have experienced, Mom cringed however when I had said I started to use magic again. Mom had asked why I was doing so, obviously I couldn't just tell her I wanted to learn because everyone had been making fun of me. After which I was dragged into a worldwide fighting tournament to catch a murderer.

I could totally tell her that and she would be ok with it, absolutely, yup totally.

Stuttering as I told her a reason which wasn't so far from reality, that someone finally told me it was ok to use magic and to help me throughout every step. I'm sure that even if Akita-chan knew what happened before she wouldn't discourage me. Or at least I hoped she wouldn't, not like I was going to tell her anyways. But I'm older now I've matured, and nothing has happened so far which is a good sign. Right...? Even so Mom wasn't buying it she was still worried over it. Mom had gone as far as to ask what spells I had been learning, yet the reality to that was I didn't really know anything. Not anything serious according to Akita-chan, and mom's facial features told me the same thing.

Good now mom shouldn't be worried!

Is what I thought but I guess her mother instincts where on high gear today because she was still a bit wary of it. However just like how I came to trust in Akita-chan, mom too came to trust in her with me. Not like she really had an option since I wasn't going to stop even if she told me to. Mom did tell me she was going to tell dad about my decision, and she made sure to tell me she wouldn't stop me. Her smile along with how her cat ears relaxed were enough to tell me she was willing to support my decision. Despite how worried and afraid she is for me. Confusion was really the only thing that ran through my mind, why wasn't she going to stop me?

"*whisper*To answer that question I actually do wish to stop you. However, you wouldn't stop even if I told you so"

"Nooo~ I would totally stop..."

"*whisper* sure you would sweetheart sure you would..."

"Is my curiosity towards things that obvious...?"

"*whisper* Hmmm at times yes but at other's not so much but with that being said I hear Lily-chan. Luka-chan is with her too so you can stop doing that thing you do with your nails when you're hungry. I'll go open the door"

Suddenly I felt my hands stop at a moment's notice. Looking down my hands it looked as if I started to sharpen my nails, they in fact looked very sharp how I did so was beyond me. I could hear mom laugh from all the way from the entrance door, it's as if she knew I didn't realize I was doing so. Well, she wasn't wrong I just thought I was fidgeting, not sharpening my nails. I need to remember to file them later or do so immediately after I eat, to lower the probability of scratching someone. And now the routine of having to file my nails every morning has been added to my day. As I sighed my stomach growled full of hunger, the fact that the amazing smell of mom's cooking filled my house didn't make it better.

Dear god...it's intoxicating as always!

"*whisper* You didn't have to wait for us Haku-chan if you were hungry, you could have just started eating!"

"Lucchi! Well, that's bad manners is it not?"

"*whisper* Well-mannered as always!"

Looks like she remembers

"*Whisper* If anything we arrived so let's go eat before Haku sharpens her claws again"

"Is it really that obvious...?"

"*Whisper* Yes. You also tend to wag your tail in an infinity symbol when you wanna cook"

"*Whisper* And you stare into space with your pupils dilated when you're in thought"

"*Whisper* If your ears are pulled back and your tail ropes around your leg, you're extremely anxious—"

"Ok—! Ok...I get it...*stomach growl* let's just go and eat"

Everyone laughed at my embarrassment, and I just raced to the dining table. Everyone followed suit we gave thanks for the meal and finally there was now food in my system! And it is delicious. I'm sure the amount of happiness that filled me showed one my face. I could tell mom was very happy at how my face lit up as I'm sure everyone else's did. It took a few minutes for Lucchi to break the silence of happy eating. It was a one-two thing for her as she summoned a box out of nowhere, we all collectively stared at the box as we asked what it was. Lucchi just continued eating as she pointed towards her eyes then at me. Mom took the hint, ran with it, then asked how much it was so she could compensate it for Lucchi.

The pink haired girl spent no time in denying the offer, for it was the least thing she could do. Mom insisted but Lucchi continuously refused the offer, when Lily-nee spoke up because she had an idea on how to settle the argument. And it started with a question, a simple one aimed towards Lucchi. What was the one thing her money couldn't buy? Of course, Lucchi never hesitated in answering, but I couldn't help and sigh while face palming. She technically could buy what she said but she also technically couldn't either. My mother however was very glad to hear Lucchi's response and Lily-nee just grinned in accomplishment. And oh, how she had every right to feel accomplished with what she's done.

"*whisper* Looks like tomorrow everyone is getting a bento box from me!"

"WOO!"

"YEAH!"

"*Hissing* Lucchi...Lily-nee...no shouting...please...?!"

"*whisper* sorry..."

"Ufufu, *whisper* well with that being said I have some questions about a blonde girl who came to visit my daughter"

"*whisper* That no good delinquent! Honestly Haku-chan I don't understand why you don't take up my offer to tutor you instead of that girl!"

"*Whisper* 'That girl'? You speak as if she's ill-mannered but that wasn't the case earlier Luka-chan"

"*Whisper* Don't let her facade fool you Yowane-san! She's just a no-good delinquent, tell her Lily-san!"

"Mhm—!?"

I felt bad for Lily-nee who had just been quietly sitting at the table eating her now third bowl of mom's cream stew. She composed herself before asking what the conversation was about. I mentally apologized because you could tell she just wanted to enjoy her food. Yet that wasn't possible because the topic of 'The Genius Delinquent Akita Neru-san' has been brought up. Lucchi annoyingly sighed and repeated what she said..., but in the process she blamed what happened to me on my tutor. For the first time I shot up from my seat and yelled at Lucchi in front of everyone. It hurt. It was also never in my character to do so, but today was an exception. I never expected it to happen let alone with the topic of this conversation, but just something got me really riled up...!

"You have...no... right...to just blame Akita-chan for what I fully agreed to...!"

"No, you didn't! You were coerced into joining she did that to Hatsune-san too! And look what happened to her!"

"*Hiss* She made that choice it wasn't Akita-chan!"

"Even if it was, she was made to join it! All that delinquent did was sugar coat every word she spat and gaslighted you two!"

"*Hiss! * Then why didn't you interfere!? If you were so against it, why didn't you stop it!?"

"Even if I didn't, I watched over you! I never left your side I was there!"

"*Hiss! * Were you!? All you do is watch and never act! You're the same as long ago you never act Lucchi all you ever do is talk! You say you're the greatest, but not once have you shown you are!"

"THAT GIRL IS DIFFERENT! SHE'S NOT WHO YOU THINK SHE IS, WHY CAN'T YOU SEE I'M TRYING TO PROTECT YOU!"

"*HISS! * ENOUGH!"

My rage really escalated, and it reflected on my magic, because without meaning to I casted a spell. I don't know what spell it was I didn't even need to chant it all I know is it launched Lucchi back. Everyone was shocked as they were worried, I only had one thought going through my mind. Or maybe it was more of a memory, but it was sudden feeling that came over me like this had happened before. So that's what went wrong. My emotions effect my Nekomia powers...and they grew stronger as I got older...

What...did I...do!?

"Haku, please. Calm down."

Your voice...! It's at a normal volume...?

"...M-Mom...!"

"Haku..., relax its ok"

"Ugh...dam...that was stronger than I remembered..."

"Lucchi I'm so so so SO SORRY! I didn't mean to—!"

"It's ok...I deserved it. You're right Haku-chan I do nothing to intervene and that's just our nature...I'll...try and do better next time..."

"No no that's not what I meant! It's just...she really isn't like that..."

"I agree. For the most part and like I told Haku she hasn't done anything, when she does only THEN should you worry"

"Yowane-san...Luka-san isn't completely wrong to worry here. It's admirable how you two don't judge people immediately, however in this case you really should worry a bit."

"What is it you two fears? Answer me that"

"...Well for starters she's a genius—"

"So, smarts?"

"No, not just that..."

"Yowane-san remember how you've told us about some loopholes during casting? How you don't really have to say the entire spell just certain parts of it?"

"Yes, I'm living proof of that but not everyone can do this they have to study alot of ancient, present, and the creation of magic to be able to do this"

"Well...the blonde girl has been able to do it since before she entered high school..."

"What? ...That shouldn't be possible I didn't master it until a few years ago!"

"Not just that Yowane-san. She's proficient in magic as well as physical combat that delinquent hasn't lost a single battle since entering high school."

"My...isn't she a walking legend in her hometown! Surely her parents are proud of her!"

I don't think that was the point Mom

"That's the thing Yowane-san there isn't a single record of her family since last year I tried searching for any information on her, but I can't find anything"

Eh...? But that makes no sense

"Is she perhaps parentless?"

"That's nice~ I look like my dad, but I got my mom's eyes is what my fam says"

N-No...! She talked about her father and mother one time!

"Who knows maybe she's from out of town or something?"

"Whatever the case is she's a dangerous person. Yowane-san please understand I can't have Haku-chan near her!"

Mom thought about what Lucchi said along with what Lily-nee added. Yet by all miracles her statement still stands, there was nothing to be worried about unless she did something. My sigh of relief couldn't have been louder, I knew mom was stubborn when it comes to my well-being. So, it was a given that I never expected this outcome, however there was a catch to what she said. Mom wanted to test my tutor a bit, so with that being said I would now have to skip school—I mean call in sick. Which was the LAST thing on my mind when mom said she'd test her. I would love to say something about how this isn't what I WANT but mom insisted.

I sighed and excused myself from the table and headed straight to my room, entering my room and closing the door I turned around and slumped onto the floor. I hugged my knees once again and I thought about how I couldn't deny anything about Akita-chan. She has parents. I know she does Akita-chan even told me about how she became smarter. Her and another person she mentioned are on equal grounds, so there's technically two Akita-chan's in this world. Or could she have made up everything? But if it's all made up then...do I still know nothing about her?

"...ugh...this truly stinks..."

Getting up from the floor I looked at Akita-chan's book full of math notes, I sighed again and decided to cram some math knowledge into my brain. It was the only thing I thought of doing besides cooking of course. But with a pencil at hand, I sat down at my study desk, opening my tutor's notebook and on my own I started to solve some math problems. Following said instructions on the back cover of the notebook started with the 'yellow' questions. They were indeed easy I couldn't even deny how little time it took me to complete the questions. Ah but there were a few questions that took me longer than it should have, the accomplishment was I was able to complete them without calling Akita-chan.

Ok...two more questions and that's it—

*Phone chime*

Hm? Who could be—Akita-chan!?

[Hey uuhh so I didn't know if I should write this in the notebook, so I'll say it 'ere. Don't try and kill hours on end studyin if it helps set a timer for two hours and take a thirty min to an hour break eat some sugar.

Start up a meal that doesn't take too long to make and eat then go back into studyin for an hour then call it a day.

Ya don't gotta kill your brain cells to improve just do it at your pace and lil by lil ya would've improved.

Don't study to kill time, study cause ya wanna, if ya don't feel like studyin then don't. No one's forcin ya to, I sure as hell ain't so don't force yourself to improve take your time.

And by the time ya'd have read this surely ya'd be feelin better so I hope ya've recovered well.]

Very much Akita-chan like!

"Hmm...but you have quiet the gentle gaze Akita-chan... or at least when it comes to my daughter"

...does...no I'm just over thinking it. Mom's words of me having kids must have gotten to me, to think Akita-chan would like me in THAT way...

Seeing the time on my phone I wasn't sure what I should do, should I call it a day or just take a break? Ultimately, I choose to call it a day, it probably wasn't a good idea to follow the mini schedule Akita-chan just gave me immediately. For starters I don't know what time I started, and secondly, I'm sure I didn't start because I wanted to it was just to kill time. Plus, it was pretty late and if mom is really keen on having me stay home, then I really should leave these questions for tomorrow. Stretching my limbs, a bit I realized I felt less stiff then normal. As much as I was confused about it, I took it as a sign from my body telling me to sleep while I feel comfy.

Walking to my bed I quickly got under the blankets and snuggled my stuffed cat. Quickly a smile grew on my face as it felt like I sank into my bed, my shoulders completely relaxed as did the rest of my body. It really didn't take long for my eyelids to feel heavy, and slowly but surely, I succumbed to sleep.

*—*

The next morning came, and I felt so recharged for some odd reason, although still drowsy I stretched out my limbs and wow was that a mistake. Without realizing it I got into an even more comfy position then I was originally. So yeah, I started to drift off to sleep—

*BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP*

And of course, the blissful moment didn't last...

I reached out to turn off my alarm clock and stayed in bed for a bit more time, once I felt it was enough time I most reluctantly got up from bed. I sat on the edge of the bed when I heard a knock at my door. Then it opened slowly it was mom she popped out from behind it, relived she was still here I welcomed her into my room. She walked closer to me, and I walked up to her and hugged her, Mom returned it while asking if I slept well. My answer for her was quite simple really because it was just divine. Something told me she knew how well I slept despite not saying a word, I didn't mind that she knew.

"Well, you have two options either go back to bed or help me make breakfast and lunch"

"I'll take the cooking option!"

"Of course, you would, come on let's go to the kitchen!"

"Yes ma'am!"

We both happily went into the kitchen and started to plan out what we were going to make. We debated over a few things until we settled on a meal plan, as for breakfast however was mainly my job. I thought of something, but I wasn't too sure about it, so I asked for advice. She wasn't opposed to the idea Mom actually quite liked it, but just like me something felt like it was missing. She mentioned how it was weird to see me not in the mood to cook, even if I was very excited to. I guess today was one of those days were I just felt like a coffee, and although mom wasn't happy with that, she let it slide. I made my coffee and an extra one for mom while she started lunch.

To watch her cook brought back memories from my childhood, how I used to just watch her because I wasn't old enough to help. But now I was older, and I could help but I decided against it, something about how flawlessly mom moved around my kitchen was amazing. It was impressive how mom could just walk into a kitchen and make it her own. Like how dad could just take a group of cooks who never met before, to only in a few hours would work and act like they knew each other their whole lifetime! Both of my parents were deeply respected in their fields of work. Only for them to turn out with a daughter who can't use magic or pass a test to save her life.

"*sigh* Ok, spill it. What's eating at you?"

"Hmm...I wouldn't say eating at me more like...ok well it IS eating at me"

"And? What is it?"

"How did you end up with a daughter like me?"

"Haku, first off you're my only daughter and single child at that. So, no matter what 'defects' as you want to call it your father and I will love you always"

"I know that you and dad always show that...but you're both so strong willed, caring, and levelheaded. You two are well respected in everything! I even heard dad mastered how to manipulate his Mystic magic so he can make even more food faster!"

"He was quite the chef back in our day too"

"See! And I heard you gained your tenth star recently despite being late into the chef scene..."

"And?"

"...and I heard you were always at the top of your class..."

"Oh Haku, that's what we became not what we were. Your father was a very meek person whose interest stayed in cooking. I was too strong headed to admit my faults and thought the world revolved around myself"

"Now that I don't believe. There is no way you acted like a spoiled kid! You're always so kind to everyone mom!"

"Now I am but when I was your age I most definitely wasn't, I practically walked around the school as if I owned it. If we were the same age and met, I would be your bully believe it or not. Honestly not one of my best years..."

"Wait...so you were a delinquent?"

"Hmm I wouldn't say that more like the 'school queen bee' everyone wanted to befriend me because it would boost their status in the school"

"Wow...schools are scary"

"Ufufu I can't deny that however...when I met your father, I felt bad once we started dating"

"Why? Shouldn't he be super happy about it? Especially since he was dating the 'Queen bee'?"

"Oh, and he very much was actually! But...since your father was a very meek person, he was picked on...and I was one of those people who did so..."

"Oh..."

"Exactly, and the situation wasn't made any better when he first confessed to me—"

"Wait! Dad always told me it was you who confessed!"

"Oh, and it was but not at first!"

"Dad has lied to me...!"

"Well, knowing him he wouldn't want you to know how embarrassed he sounded. To his only daughter he would prefer to sound cool, calm and collected"

"Well~~ he's not here is he~?"

"Nope. Not telling!"

"Mom, why!?"

"It's my secret~!"

"*Gasp! * The betrayal...!"

I pouted playfully when mom denied my asking for dad's embarrassing moments, because mom was completely right. Dad—or at least to my knowledge wouldn't be the type to show how sensitive he is. Not that he doesn't show emotion, he very much shows it actually. What he doesn't show is his embarrassment not to me at least. So, I put it into my bucket list to see dad's embarrassed face. Although I wanted to know so badly, I respected mom's decision. Still doesn't stop me in trying to figure out what makes him embarrassed. I shall see that face if it's the last thing I do! But mom continued on how different dad and she herself was back in their day.

It was eye opening how far mom and dad have come from. Mom was a spoiled kid who thought the world was hers, now she's a kind, loving, well respected in everything, mother of one. Dad was a meek and a bullied kid, but even so he was a skilled chef at a young age. Only for now to be a well appreciated, respected as a chef, has twelve stars in total, cool, calm, collected Father. Although they both had different starts to their careers, my parents became well known and loved. Even after all they were they decided to change together and that's what got them were they are today. They changed for the better...I hope one day I get to change for the better too.

*Ding-Dong*

"Now I wonder who that may be"

"Hm? Didn't you invite Lucchi and Lily-nee over for breakfast?"

"No, when I said let's make breakfast it was just for us two"

"Then who's at the door—?"

*Ding-Dong*

"I have zero clue..."

Maybe the landlord? No, they come at the end of next week...then who—?

"Idiot she's probably not up—what am I sayin of course she isn't it's too fuckin early! And she has a cold for that matter!"

Akita-chan!

"Ara~ she's really a sweetheart~! Haku in your room."

That's right my ears and tail...

"Yes ma'am"

Sneakily I went towards my room and mom walked past me to open the front door. As I entered and closed the door to my room, mom opened the door to let in Akita-chan. Funnily enough both of us felines heard Akita-chan have an existential moment about arriving at my doorstep. So, it wasn't any surprise that when Mom opened the door a sudden silence came over my tutor, it made me giggle softly. I had a slight feeling Mom had a wide grin like smile, as if to tease my tutor. Personally, I think it worked because afterwards I heard Akita-chan clear her throat. However, the nervousness never left her, my tutor fumbled over her words and some words failed to leave her all together.

*Giggles* Mom isn't that scary it's DAD who is the scary one!

"I see, well sadly for you my daughter won't be going to school"

"Oh...well I'll be headin out then sorry for the sudden visit—"

"Stay for breakfast it's not like you had any plans of going to school anyways"

MOM!!

"Ah..., I'm guessing someone told you who I am...? I-If ya don't want me 'round your daughter anymore I completely understand—"

"Oh, I don't mind."

"What?"

What?

"That child is grown she has every right to be around whomever she wants. It's not my choice it's hers"

"Oh..."

"Well, *Clap* with that being said mind if I ask you to do some errands?"

No need to sound jealous mom I'll always love you!

"Um..., are ya sure ya should be condonin skippin school...?"

"I'm not. But I did it too when I was younger, so I have no say in the matter, right?"

"Heh, I like how ya roll Yowane-san!"

I didn't think you would have liked that Akita-chan...

"But it's only to run my errands if I catch you doing something else, I, personally will make sure you regret doing so."

"Yes ma'am!"

Ah, her smile must not be reaching her eyes...a scary sight indeed

"Good. Now I don't have much for breakfast so if anything, I can make you some pancakes if you're alright with that"

"Oh sure! Actually 'ere the topple wear you gave me yesterday"

"Why thank you very much I didn't expect them back so soon"

Better yet she was going to leave with the topple wear? Wouldn't it make sense to have left it here THEN leave?

"Well, I was droppin by so might as well! Uh...Yowane-san you're the one who made the stew right?"

"Why yes, was it not to your taste?"

I hope not...! Mom's cooking is amazing!

"Oh no, it absolutely was! It's just...it's the first time I felt nostalgic eatin a stew"

Ehehe~ Mom's cooking is like its own type of magic!

"Ah, well you wouldn't be the first to say so"

"Am I not?"

"Oh no by no means! Everyone says the same thing about my food"

"I see well I certainly wanted to eat my ma's food right after or at least see 'er again"

Do they not see each other?

"Before I ask do come in can't be chatting here at the doorway"

"Oh—uhhh...pardon the intrusion..."

"Don't be shy now I don't bite"

With all your threats so far, I think you do mom...

Hearing the door close and footsteps come closer was an auditory sign that Akita-chan was in my house. That also meant I was officially banished in my room; well, I could still listen in their conversations. But now what? Akita-chan wasn't coming into my room so there's no point in tiding up a bit more. The only real option was to just lay in bed and go surf on the internet. The voices from the kitchen seemed to have gotten serious at one point too, not wanting to eavesdrop I ignored it at much as possible until their voices turned more upbeat. By the time they did I had gotten comfy on my bed, all snuggled up in my blankets.

The moment didn't last however, it was when I got comfy when I overheard Akita-chan ask to come and see me. All of my senses went on full alert and sharpened when mom said it was ok. A pair of footsteps started to calmly walk towards my room. Before the door unlocked, I threw my blankets over my head. And in entered Akita-chan. I don't know how or why really, but she suddenly sighed and sat at the edge of my bed. I wanted to hyperventilate but the situation I was in didn't really give me that option. If anything, I was now pinned on the bed because Akita-chan sat down on my blanket. I couldn't move unless I wanted to expose myself on the spot—

"Y'know...if ya wanted to lie to me sayin ya was sick the least ya could've done was not leave me on 'seen'..."

Oh...

"...Sorry..."

"And she's back~ please never leave me on 'seen' again I hate being ghosted"

"...Sorry..."

"It's cool, if anythin ya kinda got a freebie for that"

"Why...? I'm avoiding you...and I feel bad for doing so..."

"Solid point. The freebie is that ya went through hell and back yesterday, ya was thrown into a world way different than what you're used to. It's quiet the shock ya didn't immediately pull out from school...!"

"Yeah...sorry for avoiding you..."

"Again, it's all good I kinda thought ya was gonna ditch me for good cause of yesterday...!"

"...It's really a different world then what I'm used to..."

"I know...I'm sorry for chuckin ya in that environment so suddenly..."

"No, I didn't realize how...severe things like that get...it's really my fault for being so naive..."

"I wouldn't call it that it's more like...well yea naive—but that that's not the point! I never really explained how things worked in my world. So, my guess is ya took how I acted and thought everyone was the same or just 'bout the same"

I stayed quiet because my tutor hit the nail on its head, the feeling of her smug aura growing felt a bit suffocating under the blanket. Wanting to shift position I tugged the blanket lightly and immediately I felt Akita-chan's weight decrease followed by an apology. Accepting her apology I shifted in a way to where I was able to discreetly keep the blanket over my head to cover my ears. I kept my tail close to me as I sat up, from other people's perspective I looked like a sheep who hasn't shaved its wool in a while. It was probably why Akita-chan looked as if she wasn't trying to laugh but was failing. I pouted adding how I knew it looked funny even when I didn't mean for it to be funny.

"Nah nah it's cOol—Ahem! It's cool..."

"Then can you please stop grinning because it's not helping your statement..."

"Sorry...um...well, not to be a drill Sargent or anythin of that sort but Ann does need to see ya if ya don't wanna go to school that's fine but missin out on that checkup is bad for ya"

"Um...can Ann-san come...here...? I still don't feel like—"

"I'll make it happen, trust me it's cool. I'll get outta your room now tho since your mom is havin me run errands and I might need to leave soon"

Saying nothing as I saw the other girl start to do some basic stretching in my room, as I starred at her I asked why she was doing so. Her response was a little shocking, I mean to help mom in running errands means going back and forth from place to place. That doesn't mean it's close by either she practically sends you God knows where, I just know it's nowhere near here. Yet Akita-chan was planning on RUNNING from place to place. The girl kept saying she was fine that she's done worse, but I couldn't help but worry for her a bit. Running errands for Mom was no joke she would send you from place to place, far and near. I couldn't even THINK of doing errands for Mom normally let alone doing it by RUNNING.

"Mom's errands are no joke they're really really REALLY bad..."

"Nah I'll be fine honestly! If anythin been a while since I got a good run in my day-to-day life"

"...I'll...hold you up to that..."

"What? Ya don't trust your friendly neighborhood delinquent werewolf?"

"Normally I would say 'yes' but not in this case I don't, no."

"Aww c'mon what's the worst that could happen?"

"Everything."

"That's just overreactin, well with that bein said I'm gone see ya in the afternoon at latest when I get Ann. U~nless ya tell me you're willin to take the walk to Ann's place"

"I'll...think about it..."

"Atta girl, see ya!"

Akita-chan left and I immediately put my hands together and said a prayer for her, at best to be ok minimum not scared off by mom. Not soon after did I hear the front door unlock then close again, followed by footsteps that came to a stop in front of my door. It opened revealing Mom who gave me the thumbs up of my tutor being gone. I sighed and stretched out my limbs onto my bed not caring that my tail was swaying lightly making movement under the blankets. Whilst my left cat ear popped up from underneath the blankets, asking Mom why she sent my tutor to God knows where gave me a hint of how much she likes the blonde girl.

"Why do you always like to mess with the people I'm around?"

"It's fun, and it shows me how far they're willing to go for you"

"Well, it isn't funny, remember how Lucchi ended up? Pretty sure she wanted to murder someone that day..."

"Ah yes~ now look she's still with you!"

"Lily-nee too. But instead of wanting to murder someone she practically gave up on life that day..."

"But she's still with you"

"*Sigh* Your views on loyalty are honestly a crime in it of itself Mom"

"Why yes...wanna make a bet to see if Akita-chan makes it out without looking like she wants to scream her lungs out?"

"...if she comes out ok, you're buying dinner from dad's restaurant, specifically the bistro that's a thirty-minute walk from school"

"Ufufu~ you always ask for that and yet you never get it so sad~"

"I will! ...Eventually..."

Mom laughed at my will on betting on the people around me, but I wouldn't call it betting since I never win. Today will be no different I will ultimately lose, I rolled around my bed and ended up laying on my side. I asked mom if she knew how I could avoid seeing the medic named Ann-san. But even mom said I couldn't avoid it what's worse is that she would NEED to know my state of being. I didn't want to expose myself when I never have but this might be one of those instances where it couldn't be helped. I wanted to procrastinate and argue about it, but Mom rightfully put a stop to that.

"At the very least just the medic should know. As a Nekomia we're sensitive to certain medications that act as a type of steroids we're also really bad with adrenaline too"

"Because we're naturally quick on our feet anymore speed then it normally handles would break it, I know. Akita-chan taught me that on our first tutoring night"

"Oh..."

"Hm? What's with the 'I never thought Haku could remember something off the top of her head' face?"

"No—! It's just...wow...how many hours are you studying now?"

"Only a few. Akita-chan said I could study for two hours take a break for thirty minutes to an hour then study an extra hour then call it a day"

"She's better than I thought"

"Ha-ha very funny mom..."

"No seriously she basically gave you time to process what you learned the sugary foods or just food in general helps you recover, and the extra hour is to just get back in the groove of things for a bit before you finally relax"

"Uhhh...sure Mom sure...Ann-san is coming over for my checkup sorry for suddenly springing that up out of nowhere"

"It's fine my love as long as you're in good hands it's fine with me"

Mom walked towards me and patted my head while smiling, instinctively I leaned into her touch. It was embarrassing that my body refused to listen to me for a second. Although I liked the soothing-ness Mom's touch brought and oddly enough it felt as if it was stronger than normal. Mom wanted to stay the way we were, but she needed to know how bad my injuries were, or in short why is Ann-san coming over. It was a good time as ever to tell mom about whatever the jar of medicine Ann-san gave me. Asking if there was ever a bottle of something on me when mom found me, her response was a simple nod.

"So, I'll ask Ann-san to explain in detail when she comes over"

"And let me guess you have to take this now"

"Yes, twice a day one in the morning one at night that is what she said at least"

"Very well I'll get you that cup of water then I'll be back"

As mom left the room, I thought about what I should tell Ann-san or better yet what will be her reaction when I tell her. 'I'm a Nekomia in hiding sorry to have fooled you but it was for my safety' is that really what I have to say? Couldn't I just sugar coat it with anything I HAD to tell her exactly what I am, that included the dangers that came with me doing what I'm doing. Sighing as the reality set in that I couldn't just hide what I am forever, people are bound to know one way or another. It also meant my tutor will know too...but with her it wasn't mandatory right? ...Right...? I sighed one more time as mom came in the room with a glass of water in one hand and in the other was the jar Ann-san gave me.

Sitting up straight and taking the jar from Mom first so I could open it. When I did, I was... a tad bit confused at the contents of the jar, I poured some out onto my hand and my confusion just grew. The 'medicine' looked like pieces of candy even the way it was rapped made it look more like candy. Did Ann-san perhaps give me the wrong jar? Or was this the actual contents of the jar? I looked up at Mom with my face of confusion while simultaneously asking if this was the right jar, she nodded, and my confusion just grew.

"Maybe she did give you the wrong jar?"

"I love how you say that Mom as if I knew what she gave me in the first place..."

"Hey, it was worth the wild guess"

"Well, you have a point there..."

Wait a minute!

"I'm kinda like Ann's personal bodyguard in a sense and in return she heals me up as if nothin ever happened to me"

I looked at my phone and immediately dialed Akita-chan's phone number, if anyone knew if this was the right jar it was going to be her for sure. And in worst case scenario I'll just ask her to give me Ann-san's cell number, to be able to ask her personally. It took a while before Akita-chan finally answered her phone and when she did, she immediately apologized for not having answered earlier. I obviously said it was nothing to be worried about but the girl on the other end of the phone still felt bad for her actions. It took a minute of explaining to Akita-chan my situation while I can hear the girl huffing and puffing from all the running, she has been doing. But none the less Akita-chan was more than happy to explain in detail for mom while confirming the contents of the jar.

"Ok gimme a... *Huff*...second to find a spot...*Huff*...to relax so I can explain...*Huff*...properly..."

"No problem, Akita-chan take your time...um...how are you feeling...?"

"Fuuu~~ ...*Inhale*...*Exhale*...Alrighty to answer your second question I feel great! Been forever since I went out for a run like this kinda wanna thank your mother for sending me on this trip!"

How are you ok?!

"We-Well that's good to hear well I'll put you on speaker now...*Boop*...go ahead Akita-chan"

"Cool, Yowane-san?"

"Yes?"

"The reason why your daughter has to take those supplements is my fault. I dragged her into a fight without a second thought completely forgettin she's a Mystic, so I made her use more magic than normal thus causing her to blackout after the fight was over—"

"Did you happen to win the fight? Was my daughter of any help to you?"

Mom...I know most people find me as a burden but Akita-chan is different!

"Most definitely! Since—surely you know this but as a Mystic she basically has the ability to power up anyone of any breed—"

"In which normally for any battle you would have to come pre-prepared with power spells for whatever breed is on your team if not that you need an IMENSE amount of power potions because those are specifically brewed to power-up all breeds"

"Wow I'm impressed you know all of that! Guess that goes to show that even as an ex-delinquent ya still remember the effort most people do to win in fights!"

"Why yes I have won my fair share. But with that being said anything else happened?"

Please don't mention Kamui-san...!

"She won her first match"

Oh, thank God!

"...Just so you know I'm not quite keen on having Haku study magic let alone cast it—"

"Mom—!"

"But! ...I'll let it slide...thank you for showing Haku the proper way to use magic something I never could have done"

"No problem, ma'am but surely you could have shown Yowane how to have cast one simple spell. Ma always said 'Start small before you aim for larger, learnin how to walk before you run is always the best option' is what she always said"

"A very smart mother you have, Akita-chan"

"And very loving as she was strict but I gotta hang up now since I'm in front of the store you wanted me to go to"

"Ok see you when you get back Akita-chan"

"Yup I'll be bringin Ann over unless you want to take the walk?"

"...uhh...I think I'll stay home today sorry"

"No need well see ya later then Yowane"

"Bye"

"Oh! And Yowane-san!"

"Yes?"

"Your daughter kicked the lights outta someone while on the battlefield—gotta go, bye!"

*Click*

The silence that ran over mom after Akita-chan hung up the phone was menacing. She gave me one of those looks that just SCREAMED you messed up and you messed up big time. I got ready to explain what she meant when mom lifted her fist in triumph while saying I was truly her daughter. I stared blankly at mom who was gleaming with pride while I sat there not understanding why. Mom then looked at me with a smile and bluntly said how her and dad made a bet on what type of fighting style I would learn. My face morphed into more confusion as mom continued to explain the whole bet between her and dad.

"So let me get this straight...you mom has got a taekwondo style of fighting while dad is more of a boxer...?"

"Yes"

"...and you two decided to hold a bet on what style of fighting I would have..."

"Exactly that!"

"...I think Akita-chan was wrong about you being an ex-delinquent..."

"Oh, come on after we decided early on in your life to not teach or expose you to magic and fights like our parents did for us, we knew our bet would bear no fruit, but now~ You have something that takes after me! Let me at least have this against your father"

"...fine...but now I get a one day guaranteed of anything I wanted"

"Not today for it seems our little bet might actually come true"

"Why do you say that—?"

*Ding-Dong*

My animal ears perked up at the sound of the doorbell ringing and then the sentence mom said just seconds before—this might be Akita-chan, no. That IS Akita-chan on the other side of the door—my house...she's at the entrance way...I looked back at mom and her face was filled with amusement. But then was this true—better yet was Akita-chan really fine?! I just ended a call with her and not a few minutes passed and she's back?! Is this girl really human at this point? Simultaneously mom got up and walked out my room and I jumped out of bed and immediately darted to my closet grabbing a spare blanket, putting that over me I then looked out from my bedroom door and just slowly peeked through.

Before mom opened the doorway, before mom even covered her beast kin side, her tail swayed in a way that just screamed amusement then one of her ears only partially pulled back, then gave me that look she always does when I'm about to lose—then! The door opened, my eyes widen, and Akita-chan...! LOOKED—fine...? SHE WAS FINE!? Actually, it was just as she said she looked as if she was fully refreshed to add to the scene is she wasn't looking like she ran through a waterfall before getting here. My shock—scratch that I don't think I would be able to describe the type of miracle this moment is.

"Hey, Yowane-san I'm back from the store that sells that limited ice-cream you wanted"

"O-Oh...th-thank you...are-are you ok?"

"Yup! That was a great run for me Yowane-san"

What is my tutor made out of?!

"I-I see...well come on in—"

"Oh, and I brought my doctor friend over today"

"Nice to meet you Yowane-san!"

---

Me: Alright! Way to start out the summer season, no?

Neru: Well, it was long overdo also...IT'S MID-SUMMER FOR CRYIN OUT LOUD!

Me: Hey it's better late than never! Plus, I just needed to work on THIS and the other chapter because that one's practically taking place right after this one ended!

Haku: Well, that's reasonable right!

Neru: ...Haku...*sigh* fine but stop slackin

Me: Wha~t I can't help it~*smirk*

Haku: See she can't help it!

Me: Haku gets it!

Neru: Haku stop condonin it.

Haku: Yes ma'am...

Neru: *Glaring at Setsuna* And YOU.

Me: Yea? *Sweating profusely*

Neru: Stop makin Haku say things she doesn't mean.

Me: *Exhales* Yes ma'am...

Haku: Well at least the story is done that's all that matters

Neru: That's true, well hope y'all enjoyed

Haku: And hope you continue to read this story~

MeNeruHaku: And with that Sarabara! *Waves goodbye*