Guardians were raised to serve as protectors for a designated Primary, even at the cost of their own life. In the Yotsuba, they were assigned to high priority members to prevent anything from happening to them. The guardian system was sparked off by Maya Yotsuba's kidnapping about 30 years ago.

Right now, Tatsuya was a guardian and so was Honami. The interesting part about Honami, was that her original Primary, Miya Yotsuba had passed away, hence she now had the same Primary as Tatsuya, Miyuki. Yotsuba guardians were treated like servants as a general rule, not eating at the same tables, not being allowed to converse normally, not being allowed any sort of off day or celebration. But Tatsuya and Honami were major exceptions of this rule, them being part of the Shiba family.

Right now, Honami's birthday was approaching and as this would be the first time they would plan a party for their caretaker, both Tatsuya and Miyuki were completely bamboozled and unsure of what to do. Although she was a mother figure, she was an adult so any previous reference to parties attended would be deemed inapplicable.

It was a rare sight to see a mopey Tatsuya and a downcast Miyuki. As they walked to school slowly side by side, fellow students began to gossip.

"Ooh what happened? Must be something major for them to fall out."

"Maybe they had a fight?"

"Maybe the brother confessed to the Saegusa and got rejected!"

The redundant and illogical commentary provided by loud mouthed students only added fuel to the fire, causing Tatsuya to lose his cool. Miyuki clenched her petite fists, her rage growing uncontrollable. She uncontrollably began to freeze the concrete pathways to school causing an otherwise comical (If not dangerous) scene where students began slip sliding all over the place. Tatsuya glared at any passerby who got a tad too close, causing anyone and everyone to scamper away in fear.

*Smack* "Yo Tatsuya! Wassup? What's gotcha down buddy?" Leo appeared virtually out of nowhere.

Leo's sudden appearance jogged Tatsuya from his negative train of thoughts. Facing him, Tatsuya asked

"Why is it you appear at all the right times?"

"Because it's me" Leo said puffing out his chest

Sighing, Tatsuya smiled slightly.

"Morning Miyuki. I believe your creation of ice will be considered an inconvenience and safety hazard so it would be much appreciated if you could remove it."

A nonchalant Shizuku walked up with a smiling Honoka, both seemingly unfazed by Miyuki's display of power. Although it wasn't that common for Miyuki to lose control, it had been frequent enough that their friends were used to it.

"Tatsuya-kun~! Miyuki-chan!" Mayumi's happy voice reached their ears.

Standing wide- eyed in front of the scene, Mayumi blinked a few times owlishly. Oblivious to whatever was going on, she asked innocently

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

The entire group then turned to look at the siblings who were the main cause of the trouble. Miyuki laughed awkwardly while Tatsuya simply turned his head away.

"It's not a big deal actually. We just had an issue with planning a birthday party is all" Miyuki answered, scratching her cheek in an embarrassed manner.

"Who is the party for?" Shizuku asked, mentally cycling through all the parties she had attended as the Kitayama heir.

"It's actually for our caretaker and guardian. This will be the first birthday party she ever has so we wanted to make it special, but we're having a major problem with that." Tatsuya answered, stunning everyone.

Tatsuya would normally never speak strongly for or against anything, so this was a huge anomaly. Looking at her watch, Honoka quickly grabbed Shizuku's wrist and announced

"We're getting late for school! We'd better hurry!"

Nodding, the gang proceeded toward school at a brisk walking pace.

"So what is she like? Is she serious?" Leo inquired

"She's more like a bubbly motherly sort." Tatsuya answered simply.

The group then went silent, all each thinking of ways to help. Meanwhile, Miyuki and Tatsuya reverted back to their gloomy state. Birthday parties needed a few key things. The first would be an element of surprise. The second would be a cake and presents. Last but not least, there must be games or food that the person being celebrated would enjoy. In a household where Honami was mostly home apart from her weekly grocery shopping, it was hard or almost impossible to surprise her within the house. Also, neither of them knew Honami's preferences in terms of gifts or food as she always prioritised them, allowing them to choose whatever they wanted.

As they were thinking, Honoka asked

"Miyuki! If you asked, would she be willing to accompany you to a friend's house?"

Miyuki looked surprised. "Yes I don't see why not. What's the matter?"

Clapping her hands, Honoka replied "Then it's possible to surprise her! We might be able to hold it at Shizuku's house! Shizuku, your parents wouldn't mind right?"

"Nope they wouldn't. Its a good plan. I'll run it by them tonight. I'll let you know tomorrow."

Miyuki looked from Shizuku to Honoka rapidly. She wondered how such a decision was made at such a high speed, without either her or her brother's input. Looking at her brother, Tatsuya smiled and patted her head, telling her to relax.

"Alright its settled then. So sorry for troubling you Shizuku. Do relay our thanks to your parents."

Shizuku and Honoka nodded. At the side, Leo walked on thoughtfully with the group. Mayumi was at the other side silently pouting. Looking up from deep thought, Leo happened to spot Mayumi's demeanor.

"Mayumi-senpai, are you regretting not inviting Tatsuya to your house?" Leo said slyly.

Mayumi desperately tried to hide her crimson face. Looking away she folded her arms

"A-a-as if I would even think of that!"

Tatsuya's face coloured slightly at the adorable sight, causing Miyuki to glare at him. Tatsuya narrowed his eyes and looked toward Leo in an accusing manner. Leo looked away and toward the sky and started to whistle, pretending not to notice Tatsuya. Meanwhile, Honoka and Shizuku were essentially spectators to an ongoing show that resumed randomly at different intervals.

"For her food preferences, you could ask what she eats for lunch when you're not around Tatsuya" Leo decided to break the silence by providing a suggestion.

After all it was his fault that silence permeated the group for the past 5 minutes. Tatsuya nodded thoughtfully and thanked Leo. They had reached the school gates. As usual, Mayumi parted from the group to proceed to classes. With her joining their group everyday, one would wonder if she had no friends, which was somewhat true since she had many social friends, all vying for her friendship due to her position as eldest daughter of the Saegusa, leaving her few true friends, though in middle school, such a person was practically unheard of, hence Mayumi was frequently alone. Amongst her friends were this group of juniors who accepted her unconditionally...

*Flashback*

"Onii-sama, are you sure you're going the right way?" Miyuki tugged at her brother's sleeve.

"Hmm I'm certain. But if its calms your mind, I don't mind asking a Senpai for help." Tatsuya replied to the worried looking Miyuki.

"All right then. I'll be requesting for help!" Miyuki flashed a smile at Tatsuya and bounded forward a group of senpai.

Spotting a lone senpai behind the group, she approached her. She beheld a slightly depressed look hidden behind a small smile, the kind of smile that hid a bit of bitterness though it was still beautiful. Like a flower in the winter snow, she looked delicate you could tell she was strong. Her height was below average, though she had legs that were relatively long and slender. Her hair flowed down her neck to her back, with it curling near the end. Her bosom was relatively full for her age. Her face lit up as she saw Miyuki approaching, her red twinkling with joy. Her pretty face lit up with a smile that could warm a thousand hearts. Tatsuya walked leisurely toward the two, somehow growing nervous as he approached.

"Senpai! So sorry to bother you, but may I and Onii-sama follow you to school? I'm afraid we might get lost!" Miyuki bowed flawlessly, stunning the senpai for a moment.

She quickly regained her wits. Waving her hands desperately to denote the lack of need to bow, she frantically said

"Hey there's no need for such formalities is there? Yes it would be no problem at all. I'm Saegusa Mayumi, nice to meet you. By the way, may I know who your Onii-sama is?" Mayumi questioned

"Hai! I am Shiba Miyuki and my Onii-sama is over there!" Miyuki waved energetically at Tatsuya.

Tatsuya waved back and smiled. The senpai blushed upon seeing such a smile but quickly regained herself.

"Nice to meet you, I am Saegusa Mayumi, a third year."

"Likewise. I am Shiba Tatsuya. May I inquire if you're from the Saegusa clan of the 10 master clans?"

"Mmhmm. Yes I am though here at school I'm just a regular senpai." She smiled at him, trying to hide her disappointment at being identified.

"Why don't you like being known as one of the members of the master clans? Tatsuya inquired curiously.

Although both Miyuki and Tatsuya were actually from the 10 master clans, their identities were hidden beneath many layers of protection employed by the Yotsuba so as to prevent harm from coming to their heir. This was opposed to the Saegusa who openly publicise their members and held extravagant parties. Thus neither knew what it was like to be in the limelight of the media.

"N-no its not that I'm not proud of being a Saegusa, its just that..." she then looked longingly a group of girls that walked pass, giggling and conversing happily.

Miyuki nodded and smiled "I think I understand. Mayumi-senpai, may we be your friends?"

"E-eh?" Mayumi was stunned. Recovering, she nodded happily.

The three walked to school together albeit uncomfortably. Mayumi who was not use to having a friend, did not really know how to act around them. For Miyuki and Tatsuya, as this was the first formal school they were attending, likewise only knew in principle the behaviour and ways to address friends. This was amplified by the fact that Mayumi was their senpai, making it slightly more uncomfortable as one was taught to treat their senpai with respect and dignity.

"Are you two new students here for the opening ceremony?" Mayumi attempted to make small talk to ease the atmosphere.

"Yes senpai!" Miyuki replied and Tatsuya nodded.

Silence then enveloped them again, suffocating the trio. Mayumi anxiously checked her wristwatch while Miyuki looked at Tatsuya who had been looking at Mayumi's back for the entire journey. Looking back, he smiled to Miyuki and signaled to her he would ease the tension.

"Senpai, are there any worthy clubs that employ the use of magic in school?" Tatsuya asked

"Hmm actually there is. One would be the kenjutsu club. They were the overall 3rd in the region, with the 3rd singles player coming from the team. Does magic interest you?"

"Yes it does. I thought to ask you since you are after all an authority on magic however anyone sees it, so I'd thought of asking you." Tatsuya replied fluently, while avoiding leaking any unnecessary information.

Mayumi chuckled and slowed down to walk with them, now more comfortable with her new kouhai. As they reached the school gates, Miyuki and Tatsuya saw a regal looking school in front of them. It had 3 main blocks. One being the classroom block, it was three stories tall brown building and stretched across half of the school. The 2nd was the library and canteen. The bottom of building was squarish while the 2nd to 4th floor was circular. The last was the club activities block. It surrounded the field and stadium. The opening ceremony was held in one of the auditoriums in the classroom block.

"I'll be able to follow you in but I won't be able to sit with you as I have to sit with my class, sadly," Mayumi's face displayed a cute little pout.

"Alright thank you for your kindness Senpai!" Tatsuya answered.

Following Mayumi, they walked into what seemed like pandemonium. Students were everywhere, shouting, walking, running, throwing items and much more. Sticking out her tongue and winking, Mayumi told them that it was expected since they hadn't seen their friends for a long time. Before leaving, Mayumi quickly passed Tatsuya a card with her contact and class before squeezing through the crowd to get to her class. Miyuki and Tatsuya looked at one another and sighed. This was just the beginning. Picking 2 seats near the back of the auditorium, Miyuki and Tatsuya sat down together. Tatsuya surveying the auditorium using his various senses while Miyuki desperately attempted to accustom herself to the disorganised environment. While frantically looking around, a figure came into Miyuki's view. Seeing a skirt, she looked upward to reveal a girl with short brown hair tied into a ponytail. Her face was slightly round with large eyes and a beaming smile. Behind her stood another girl. She beheld a petite body with short cropped jet black hair. It was messy but pretty. Her features were pretty but her facial expression was that of a bored man.

"Excuse me, are the seats beside you taken?" The brown hair girl asked politely while she other girl bowed slightly in a refined manner.

"Oh no they are not." Miyuki gestured to them to sit, displaying a more regal smile that was normally shown to acquaintances or business partners.

Taking their seats politely, they began to talk softly. Suddenly, the bored looking girl stood up and walked toward Miyuki and Tatsuya.

"I am Kitayama Shizuku, nice to meet you." Bowing, she shared her name in a monotonous manner.

Tatsuya's brows jumped slightly at the mention of the name Kitayama. Anyone with decent knowledge of public figures would know the Kitayama name. They were one of the country's largest financial groups. With not only the Saegusa here but the Kitayama heir, was this pure coincidence or was there a reason for this? Tatsuya's mind began to scroll through the mountains of possibilities of such a reason to enrol in a seemingly normal school. Filing that in the thinking section of his mind, he returned to the world of the living.

"My name is Mitsui Honoka! I will be in your care," She introduced herself in a cheerful manner befitting her.

"I am Shiba Tatsuya and here is my sister Shiba Miyuki. We will be in your care." Tatsuya answered for both of them.

Miyuki smiled cutely and nodded her head while Tatsuya half bowed. Subsequently, they sat down to wait for the opening ceremony to start. A while later, the lights in the auditorium began to dim. Boys and girls alike started to scramble madly for seats, some climbing over rows, others jumping and pushing others out of the way. Shouting and yelling could be heard all over, making it seem more like a fish market than it was a school. Teachers walked down the aisles reprimanding students and catching those who had jumped or climbed over seats. They nearly dragged them by their collars to the stage of the auditorium for disciplinary action. Tatsuya shook his head. Looking at Miyuki, a look of blank shock told him all he needed to know. Gazing around, it seemed like they were not the only ones stunned. The only exception was a tall, well-built guy sitting in the first year section. He was laughing heartily as if this was a joke. Soon, the opening ceremony started.

Everything went as expected. It was boring, period. The only interesting thing was finding out that Mayumi-senpai was the top scorer for the graduating batch. Getting up, Tatsuya held his hand out to Miyuki. She gladly took his hand and hopped up gracefully. Standing by the aisle, Shizuku and Honoka soon joined them, Honoka skipping and Shizuku walking with grace. Next they had to receive their identification cards. In this age, children's safety was an utmost concern. Cince the world population had dropped to about a billion since the third World War, the population size of Japan was obviously small. To protect and increase the population size in order to sustain the economy and security, the young were heavily protected by laws and of course in school. Squeezing out of the jam-packed auditorium, only Tatsuya could see above the crowd. Pointing toward the classroom block, the group followed his lead as he cleared a way through the crowd. There were 5 make shift counters set up by placing portable desks and chairs for staff to distribute the cards. Staff were attempting to announce and call out students over the large ruckus created by passing students. shouts of "Excuse me!" and "Hey! Long time no see!" could be heard. This was simply put it, an impossible task. After about an hour or so of 'haggling', they four of them managed to get out of the mess.

"Onii-sama, we've been assigned to the same class!" Miyuki exclaimed jubilantly.

Tatsuya nodded smiling. Turning to face the other 2, he asked,

"So what are your classes? Miyuki and I are in class 1A"

"It seems as if we're all together in 1A" Shizuku replied, with some amusement in her voice.

This was the first time Miyuki and Tatsuya saw her display emotions hence causing them to raise their eyebrows slightly. Miyuki nodded happily and proceeded to drag Tatsuya and the other duo toward their new classroom to meet their homeroom teacher. Tatsuya chose a seat at the back, Miyuki selecting the one on his right. Shizuku and Honoka opted for the seats in front of the siblings. While they were conversing, a tall well-built brown-haired male sat on the other side of Tatsuya. Tatsuya turned his gaze upon him.

'He seems familiar. Hmm. Oh he was the first year laughing before the ceremony started'. Tatsuya recalled. Pondering why he would behave as such, he decided to introduce himself. Offering a handshake, he said

"Shiba Tatsuya, your fellow classmate. This is my sister Miyuki, Honoka and Shizuku. You are?"

"Saijou Leonhart. Great to meet you! You may call me Leo" He shook Tatsuya's hand heartily.

"Just wondering, were you the one laughing at the incident before the ceremony? Tatsuya inquired

"Yes, I mean it was so funny how the teachers attempted so horribly to take down the students. They really don't know anything about combat haha" Leo commented chuckling.

Nodding, Honoka asked the group

"Umm does anyone have any idea on what clubs are good to be in?"

"On the way to school me and Onii-sama made friends with a senpai. She recommended the Kenjutsu club for those into magic!"

"Hmm that's true. This school's club isn't bad. But I doubt its my cup of tea. It is fighting after all."

"Hmm what kind of fighting? Fist fighting?" Leo inquired, his eyes twinkling

"Isn't it using magic applied on kendo swords?" Honoka asked in response

"Yes its sort of like that, except the weapons are custom made." Shizuku replied in a stony fashion.

Nodding silently, they all unconsciously agreed to keep clear of the kenjutsu albeit for different reasons. Immediately after the conversation, the bell rang signaling the end of a period for other levels and the introduction to their homeroom teachers for ne newly enrolled students.

Tatsuya tapped Miyuki's shoulder gently. She had been staring at the same spot, the center of the class for the past half hour. It was as if she was sleeping whilst opening her eyes. She jolted slightly and looked around.

"Eeeeh?" Miyuki exclaimed

It appeared as if she completely missed the loud ringing of the bell once again. How someone could daydream through such an unpleasant sharp sound bewildered Tatsuya. Smiling, he offered his hand to his sister.

"Let's go Miyuki!"

Nodding vigorously, they gathered their newfound friends and headed toward the ground floor where the canteen was. The canteen was shaped like a large rectangle with food and beverage stalls situated on the longer sides of the canteen. It was about 2 storeys high with an open air concept. The paint was eye wateringly bright, somewhat like a preschool but there were plenty enough seats. for just about everyone The tables were squarish and transparent, with 2 seats on either side. None of these were fixed, so even just 5 minutes into lunch break, one could see the beautiful mess created by students as they dragged the tables and chairs around to their liking. Selecting a table closer to the edge of the canteen, (Away from the noise!) the group sat down.

"The rest of you can go order your food first. I'll reserve the table for you" Tatsuya offered.

Nodding, the rest went ahead, not before Miyuki offered to purchase some food for Tatsuya. Tatsuya's moment of peace didn't last long. Just moments later, he detected a presence approaching the table from his back. Turning behind, he spotted a short wide-eyed Saegusa looking at him in shock

"Tatsuya-kunnn~!" Mayumi said pouted and uttered these words in a mind-numbingly sweet voice, making Tatsuya's hair stand on end.

"Yes senpai? May I be of assistance?" Tatsuya replied courteously, trying desperately not to let a blush spread across his face.

"Oh if its alright, would you mind if I joined you for lunch?"

"It should be fine. We're eating with classmates." Tatsuya replied and gestured to one of the empty seats.

Shaking her head, Mayumi simply told him "I'm buying food first."

Tatsuya gaped at her as she walked gracefully to one of the stalls, her slender figure imprinted on his mind.

The sound of a tray being sat down on the table jogged Tatsuya from his reverie. Miyuki's face was about 5 centimeters from his face and the expression on her face spelled unhappiness. She then sighed and sat down next to Tatsuya. Patting her head gently, he said

"Miyuki, therre is no need to be jealous. I will always be there for you."

She smiled back and then proceeded to lift the 2 bowls of udon from the tray. Meanwhile, Honoka and Shizuku were walking back when they observed this intriguing situation.

"Somehow they remind me more of a couple than siblings" Shizuku commented, looking thoughtfully at the two in question.

"Hmm I guess it is true. They are an odd pair." Honoka agreed.

A while later, Leo, Shizuku and Honoka were back at the table. Noticing everyone was present, Honoka pointed at the bag opposite Tatsuya

"Isn't everyone here? Who's bag is that?"

"It belongs to the senpai we met this morning. She asked if it was alright to eat with us and I had no reason to decline." Tatsuya replied nonchalantly.

His eyes then focused on a tray carrying figure of average height. The figure swept toward the table elegantly. Placing the tray on the table she greeted everyone with a graceful bow. All but the siblings were stunned into shocked silence. Her manners were one of a nobles'

"Nice to meet all of you. I am Saegusa Mayumi!" She playfully put her finger on her lips.

The girls were entranced while the Leo stared wide-eyed with his cheeks colouring. Tatsuya coughed loudly, breaking Mayumi's 'moment'.

"I believe the traditional order for lunch breaks is to eat while conversing politely is it not? Shall we dig in?" Tatsuya put across politely while sending a regal smile to everyone.

Nodding, they all greeted "Itadakimasu!" and began to eat. the ladies all happened to be trained in proper manner, hence they ate daintily, with the perfect posture and small bite sizes, chewing their food properly, speaking only with their mouths' empty. Tatsuya and Leo were again complete opposites. Tatsuya like Miyuki, was trained to eat like a gentleman. Leo however, devoured food like a starved animal, plowing through the three different dishes he had purchased before leaning back. Letting out an audible 'Aah', it was pretty much obvious his lunch was over. Tatsuya noted with amusement his eating speed. It could be likened to a machine gun, guzzling shells rapidly. Straightening his back, Leo looked at Mayumi with a confident look

"So, Senpai, what do you like to do?"

"E-eh? Oh I enjoy reading, especially magic theory!"

"Oh I see. So you're into magic huh…"

"Yes! Especially because of my family background, I have been exposed to magic very often so it is second nature to me!" Mayumi nodded enthusiastically.

"My mother was a mage in the past so I also have been exposed to magic." Shizuku expressed

"Yeah! Magic is great! It aids in combat!" Leo eagerly contributed.

"Seems like we're all from magical backgrounds!" Chuckled Honoka brightly. Bright and lively conversation sparkled throughout the remainder of break

*End Flashback*

"Onii-sama, were you day dreaming again?" Miyuki cutely tilted her head in front of Tatsuya to grab his attention.

" My apologies, I afraid I was." Tatsuya scratched the back of his head in a sheepish manner.

Upon reaching class they took their seats. Tatsuya and Miyuki sat upright while Honoka was leaning over Shizuku's shoulders as she handled the school's built-in terminal. Leo meanwhile, was catching up on sleep before the teacher arrived. Soon, a notification on Leo, Miyuki and Tatsuya's terminals appeared. Shizuku had invited them to a private chat session. Tilting her head toward the still slumbering Leo, Miyuki and Tatsuya agreed to simply carry on the chat without him first.

-This is to discuss the party~

Shizuku

-Thank you for setting up this channel

Tatsuya

-You have my utmost gratitude!

Miyuki

-Huh? What is this?

Mayumi

Tatsuya nearly facepalmed at Mayumi's response.

-Anyways, lets speak about her taste in food.

Shizuku

-Is she very traditional?

Honoka

-I am embarrassed to say that I do not know

Miyuki

-I think we could settle this by asking what she eats everyday for lunch since we're not around

Tatsuya

-As usual, it's Tatsuya-kun to the rescueee :3

Mayumi

-Now that's settled, I assume its too awkward if we buy gifts?

Shizuku

-I'd think it'd be nice though…

Honoka

-How about we, as friends contribute one gift!

Mayumi

-Mayumi, I think that's the most sensible thing you've contributed thus far

Tatsuya

-Hey!

Mayumi

-Quit the couple fight guys

Leo

Shizuku and Honoka began laughing uncontrollably at their terminals while Tatsuya turned a shade of red. Miyuki was slightly annoyed. The first thing Leo did was to say something like that… as expected.

A/N: Thanks for reading this guys! I spent quite a bit of time thinking about how to develop the characters to give them a bit more substance and here I am. On a side note, I think I will be skipping to high school year 1 in about 2 or 3 chapters? Anyway thanks for reading again and do feedback! Thanks! Also, this was kinda done without a last recheck. Do tell if there's some logical flaw! Otherwise, see you soon I hope!