A/N: Hey people! I'm back! Better timing than last time no? :D Anyways, sorry if the content isn't completely down pat, especially the grammar an expression so before you read, I'd like to say a Gomenasai! Anyways, do favourite/follow and review please! I'd really appreciate everyone's opinions! Until next time then, Ciao!
~Altertude~
When the two of them entered the house, it was evident that Tatsuya was way more tired than Miyuki. Miyuki skipped along looking as chirpy as ever while Tatsuya sighed every few seconds. Miyuki looked as good as new while he looked like he had just survived a hurricane.
"Tatsuya, you don't look good. What did Miyuki do this time?" Honami looked up from her reading as they walked past, Miyuki bouncing with energy while Tatsuya trudged on like a weary soldier.
"Hmm? I did it for Onii-sama's own good!" Miyuki blinked her eyes innocently.
"She's got me into something unnecessary. You just ask her." Tatsuya continued to walk on like a zombie while Miyuki chuckled at his antics.
This was what Tatsuya was like when he let loose, doing what he wanted when he wanted, not having to care about the all important yet frivolous superficial image that a guardian of the Yotsuba had to carry. One of strength, power, reliability and ability. Something he carried off perfectly without anyone's questioning.
Tatsuya made a beeline for his room,as fast as his weary legs would take him. Reaching his destination on the 2nd floor, he opened the door and fell flat on his bed.
His room was simple yet elegant. Painted a light cream because Honami refused to allow him the characteristic white that he would choose, it seemed welcoming. His desk and terminal were on the opposite side of his bed, with his built in closet on another side of the room. Opening the closet would make one gasp as Tatsuya, as enigmatic as he seemed, arranged his clothes by colour and season, with the bottom half of the closet being modified to fit a small library of research papers and books. Calling Tatsuya a typical teenager would be an obvious misnomer for reasons that were obvious.
As he lay there, he thought about the day. One thing that struck him was Mayumi. She obviously hadn't forgotten, and she obviously put on a mask every time she saw him. He was sure she was still upset about the incident 3 years ago, who would forget? The Feelings of guilt, for not telling her his true identity, for not being able to be with her and for making her the cynical person that had trust issues began to all come up to the surface. Being ashamed was an understatement. He felt disgusted with himself, for being that person.
As he lay face first on his bed, he heard the soft click of his door as it opened. Sensing Miyuki's presence, he pretended not to notice as her lighter than usual foot steps indicated her intention to conceal her presence. Waiting for her to make her move, he wasn't disappointed. A sudden weight on his back appeared forcefully. Miyuki had jumped him. Feeling her small hands clutch his sides, he tensed quickly as he anticipated the oncoming attack. Tickling him, Tatsuya struggled while laughing, turning onto his back where awkwardness ensued.
They faced each other at point blank range, faces merely inches apart, Miyuki's hands still at positions that could be considered inappropriate. Miyuki wore a simple yet more revealing outfit that consisted of a simple black top and a short skirt. Coupled with their heavy breathing, Miyuki's face turned red. Just then, Murphy's law struck yet again. The door opened to reveal Honami who gasped.
"I'll be back later!" Honami turned away.
Miyuki quickly scrambled off Tatsuya, absolutely embarrassed. Quickly getting off the bed, she scampered after Honami.
"Honami-san! Its not what you think! I just decided to prank Onii-sama and then, and then..." she looked at the floor while showing her impression of a tomato to Honami.
"Hoh! I never knew Miyuki was this sly..." Honami used this overused moved that still caught Miyuki offguard every single time.
Stuttering, she gave up on explaining herself while giving Honami a beseeching look. Tatsuya decided to break the ice to prevent the current situation from escalating again. Honami occasionally went overboard with her teasing, causing Miyuki to revert to her 'hermit' mode for a few days. During those times, she only responded to Tatsuya through the door, not even coming out to eat. Tatsuya had to leave her meals outside her door. Generally those periods were triggered either by Honami or any strong reminder of their mother's passing.
"Honami, did you want to speak to me?" Tatsuya broke the awkward silence.
"Oh about that, a package for you arrived today, it was delivered by FLT." Honami elaborated simply.
"What is it Onii-sama?" Miyuki frowned.
More often than not, these surprise packages turned out to be work that their father had sent, or sometimes even a request by their stepmother. Obviously, no one would be too pleased about their older brother being on beck and call to 2 people whom they did not respect or even remotely like. The reasons for that were probably evident as it is. Tatsuya, put his hand on his chin and stroked his non existant beard (Till this point anyway), trying to recall if he ordered anything or received any requests. Snapping his fingers, he looked up brightly. Miyuki egged him on while Honami patiently waited.
"Oh its just something i ordered 2 days ago. Its a weaponized CAD actually, specifically built in mind for Honami." Tatsuya smiled at Honami's stunned reaction.
"Eh me? Oh alright…" She seemed at a loss for words.
"Don't take it as an insult, I just felt that maybe it was time that I should provide better more suitable equipment to to prevent possible incidents like Okinawa. After all, tailored tools work the best for each person!" Tatsuya justified fluently.
"Oh alright! What's its shape though?" Honami cocked her head to the side.
"Its a shield with sharp edges such that it could be used in offense and defense. I shan't spill more secrets to the design until later." Tatsuya looked away from a pouting Honami, who at present resembled Mayumi.
"Alright then, later it is! Dinner is ready though, come down after you two complete whatever you were doing." Honami said in a sing song manner, not before giving them a wink.
A red faced Miyuki stood gaping, while Tatsuya returned the favour by ambushing his stunned sister by tickling her sides.
5 minutes, and a lot of heavy breathing later, the siblings walked down both panting heavily but with small smiles painted on their cheeks.
"Ooh, looks like someone did some vigorous exercise." Honami quipped, to which both siblings looked away from one another.
"Let's eat. Itadakimasu!" Tatsuya wisely decided to stave away from the issue.
The sound of hearty greetings echoed in the luxurious dining room as cutlery clanked against each other. Yet another hearty meal was enjoyed in the Shiba household, courtesy of their unacknowledged foster mother Honami.
Later that evening, while Honami was setting the dishes for the HAR to wash, Miyuki ambushed her, wrapping a cloth around her eyes.
"O-o-oi! I can't see!" Honami protested, her arms flailing.
"Hehe exactly, Honami-san! Let's go!" Miyuki chuckled and dragged a flailing Honami down the stairs, thankfully without and mishaps.
Upon reaching their destination, Miyuki removed the blindfold from the then still flailing Honami.
"Surprise! Here's your new CAD!" Miyuki hopped a little while holding her hands in front of her.
Tatsuya smiled at Miyuki's child-like actions before putting the CAD handle into her hands.
"Go ahead Honami, I've already tuned the CAD to your previous CAD specs." Tatsuya smiled and moved aside to reveal the arena that had already been set up.
It was the typical combat practice style where holographic targets stood around the basement. Tactile feedback that was scarily realistic was also implemented, of course by the influential and genius-like Tatsuya.
"Ermm…" Honami gently pressed the activation on the simple rod-like CAD.
A holographic shield materialised in front of her knuckles, scaring the daylights out of her. With a squeak, she fell backward with a thump. Tatsuya and Miyuki started to laugh, until both were bent over in exertion. Taking in large gulps of glares, their faces focused on the glaring Honami who still lay on the floor, crossed with her charges' behaviour. Seeing her expression, the laughter returned with full force. 5 minutes later, Miyuki and Tatsuya picked themselves off from the ground to face the grumpy Honami.
Looking at each other Tatsuya flashed his quirky smile, to which Miyuki sighed.
"Seems like I won the bet my little imouto."
"Alright, you'll get your returns tomorrow."
"H-hey! You two were making a bet about me? How unkind!" Honami crossed her arms and pouted.
"Well I guess we're even for today, since you teased us earlier." Tatsuya shot back.
"Fine! Anyway, are there any special functions to this CAD? How do I cast with it?" Honami questioned.
"Oh I forgot to pass you the other part of the CAD." Tatsuya shuffled over to the open package and rummaged about.
Retrieving a glove like contraption, he put it on for Honami.
"The CAD works like any other, your shield works as a regular magical barrier that you would conjure, only at a much psion consumption. The other part is for casting. Up to 10 sequences may be stored in the CAD." Tatsuya explained.
"Ohh… So its specially tailored to me?" Honami asked.
"Yes, actually it was Miyuki's brainchild, I simply worked the technical magic." Tatsuya patted Miyuki's head, Miyuki blushing on contact.
"Thank you Miyuki-chan!" Honami beamed.
"Honami-san, Onii-sama forgot to mention that the shield also has physical combat abilities! And by altering the power output, the shield can alter in its size!" Miyuki chirped.
"Tatsuya-kun, its unlike you to forget! Is something on your mind hmm?" Honami teased.
"Honami, the bots are coming after you, do your best!"
"Tatsuya! I won't drop the subject I tell you!" Honami spun around just in time to deflect a hit from a bot.
Miyuki hit Tatsuya playfully while they watched Honami rid her rust ridden gears.
Later that night, Tatsuya slung his completely beat caretaker over his shoulders and made his way up the stairs with his still exuberant sister.
"Honami-san was amazing! I don't think there is anyone out there better than her with defense magic once she masters this CAD!" Miyuki bubbled.
Tatsuya smiled.
"Well, from that statement, I assume this is gonna be a regular practice is it?"
Miyuki nodded her head at her beloved Onii-sama.
Tatsuya lay on his back, staring at the blank ceiling. Yet again, thoughts of Mayumi plagued him. He wondered, how he could help her, how he could get her to be herself again, and more importantly, to move on. As much as he realised his lack of power in this situation, he could not give up, he would not give up.
'When there's a will there's a way.' This was the quote that Tatsuya lived by, no matter what obstacles may come his way, he would face them head on, never giving up until his body gave up on him.
That very same night, Mayumi sat on her bed moodily, brooding over the day's events. Her mind kept flashing back to the moment she had with Tatsuya in the Public Morals Committee HQ, that moment, her moment of weakness. Tatsuya was there, the concern in his eyes… It struck her hard that he genuinely cared. Then that begged the question, why did he do what he did back then? What happened? Just when everything was going right, her world just had to come crashing back down to earth, the painful reality that life was cruel, and being a Saegusa did not make it much better.
'He saw through me that easily… Was it be because I let my guard down? Was it because my facade wasn't good enough? Or was it simply because he cared?' Mayumi subconsciously hoped it was the last of the three possibilities, but she knew not to get her hopes up, yet it was happening.
Feeling emotional and nostalgic, she rummaged through her cupboard until she reached the deepest most section, where it was guarded by a fingerprint scanner. Opening the hatch, she carefully extricated an age old relic, which was the first portable terminal which was bestowed upon her for school use upon entrance to Middle school. This terminal had seen many memories, from being ostracized in her first 2 years with only her terminal as an escape from cruel reality, to the fun and joy she enjoyed with her friends in her final year. One of the most precious memories she recalled was the time when she swiped Tatsuya's portable terminal, and he returned the favour, resulting in a juvenile tug of war over the terminals in the middle of the canteen. The incident ended as a discipline matter with both Mayumi and Tatsuya feeling sore on their bottoms. As that year passed, she wrote more happy memories in her diary on this now outdated model, up till the point where Tatsuya and Miyuki cut contact… Even those memories were recorded there but were almost never viewed. She smiled bitterly as she brooded over the changing times and circumstances. Who wouldn't want to go back to simpler, more carefree times after all?
Lying on her side, she powered the device on. As it started up, she mentally recited the booting sequence with a small smile. She recalled the anxiousness every morning, turning on this device to see the sarcastic replies that Tatsuya always gave her. She always read those messages in his deadpan unamused voice, those times flooded back into her head. Now she rarely received or sent him any mail, if it was, it was related to school.
Inside, she ached to be open to Tatsuya, to returned to those days, but her fear help her back. Her fear of rejection, her fear of opening up herself to being hurt again, all because of that one single dark painful blemish in her life. She laughed softly at herself. The Saegusa were supposed to be depended upon by the magic community, strong and reliable, yet here she was, feeling afraid to even embrace the darker memories or even herself. Sometimes, she wished that she could wipe those memories from her head, but at the same time, another part of her would oppose it. Well, if it could be done, she would consider it. She was sure Tatsuya would mock her in her current state, yet she didn't want to do anything. Sometimes the status quo is better right? She deceived herself yet again, although she was fully aware.
Turning off the light, she crawled up into her bed and hugged her bolster tightly as she flipped through her old diary. As she thought about the past and what could have been, she drifted off into another one of her increasingly common uneasy periods of sleep albeit this time with her old terminal smack against her cheek.
Tatsuya sat at the dining table, dripping with sweat, his breathing even. Beside him was Honami, her beck lolling back in a very ungraceful, unladylike manner. Today, she had decided to join him in his daily morning practice session at the temple. As unfit an unused to combat as she could be, Honami struggled much more than a Yotsuba guardian should have. It was last at Okinawa that she fought, having been quite a few years back, she definitely wasn't in tip-top condition anymore. Although she made an effort to keep fit by jogging, combat fitness was an entirely different issue. She glanced at her charge beside her in an incredulous manner. Despite perspiring like an animal, he could still go about making her coffee and his own jasmine green tea without as much of a hint of uneven breathing. She herself could still her heart pounding from the strenuous exercise and combat that she had faced less than half an hour ago. No longer able to ignore the continuous stare of his elder and mother figure, Tatsuya quirked his eyebrow as he tilted his head to the side.
"Quite the sight for sore eyes eh?" Honami gagged, she struggled to cough the liquid caffeine lodged in her throat as she desperately tried to stop laughing.
Tatsuya had certainly gained quite the sense of humour, especially since the start of Junior High. Meeting Mayumi was quite a blessing for him. A sleepy-faced Miyuki then appeared from the stairwell, evidently awoken by the huge ruckus downstairs. The at present still laughing Honami simply waved at her while a cheekily smiling Tatsuya greeted her.
"Good morning Miyuki. Honami, I'm absolutely sure Miyuki would agree with me."
"Let's see. Miyuki, Tatsuya said he's a sight for sore eyes, would you agree?" Honami smiled innocently at her.
As expected, she blushed and lowered her head.
"By the way Honami, what's for breakfast?" Tatsuya asked, batting his eyelashes
"Oh crap! I forgot to warm the food!" Her fatigue forgotten, Honami rushed to the back.
Tatsuya smiled slyly at Miyuki who blinked owlishly at him. Shaking his head, he pointed his head toward the kitchen. Miyuki scrunched up her perfectly smooth snow white skin as her eyebrows converged in a frown. Meeting her brother's eyes, she finally got the drift. Giggling softly to herself, she waited for the reaction that was to come.
"Tatsuya, did you see the food? it was just there!" Honami's head popped out from the kitchen, anxiousness and confusion etched on her facial features.
"Oh?" Tatsuya got up and proceeded to walk to the bak, not before flashing Miyuki a cheeky smile.
Once they were in the kitchen, Tatsuya walked right past Honami who was looking at the fridge and its contents much to her bewilderment. He then opened the oven and retrieved the food as if nothing had happened. Miyuki (Who surreptitiously crept in) and Tatsuya began to laugh. The look on Honami's face told them there wasn't gonna be dinner for them at home for the next 2 nights. She huffed and stomped to the front, leaving Tatsuya and Miyuki to look at each other. Tatsuya shrugged and nodded to Miyuki, who began to execute their apology.
This wasn't the first time they had played this prank on Honami. It seemed as if Honami had forgotten about this particular prank. It had been like a year since they had last pulled off this prank on her, coupled with her short term memory for things she classified as unimportant, this had obviously slipped through the cracks.
as Tatsuya brought out the food, Miyuki laid the table, making sure to place the cutlery nicely. Honami sat at the table pouting. This was pretty much the standard procedure for whenever they pranked Honami. Breakfast was pretty much a sullen matter. Honami picked at her food dispiritedly with a fork, while Tatsuya and Miyuki tried to finish their food as quickly as possible so as to avoid being late for lessons.
As Tatsuya came down from his room, he saw Honami still sitting there staring at her empty plate. Moving quietly, he hugged her from behind.
"Sorry Honami, I just wanted to reminisce old times. I hope you aren't really that upset."
"It's hard to remember that you're still kids sometimes honestly." Honami mumbled.
Mah mah, I shall forgive you yet again." She looked up into his eyes.
"But don't keep doing this ok? It's not good for my heart!" Smiling cheekily, she hugged him back.
"Wait for me!" Miyuki rushed down the stairs and jumped into them with an 'Oof'
Miyuki and Tatsuya stood outside the station, conversing idly while waiting for Honoka and Shizuku.
"Hello Miyuki-chan, Tatsuya-kun!" Honoka greeted.
"Our apologies to have kept you waiting. Why don't you come on time next time round?" Shizuku bluntly expressed her opinions.
After all they had arranged to meet at 8am, and at present it was 7.58am. Miyuki and Honoka sighed as Tatsuya and Shizuku started on their pointless conversation yet again. Out of the blue, Shizuku suddenly changed the topic of conversation.
"You know, sometimes I hate being wealthy." Her facial expression clearly displayed her lack of happiness there.
"Kitayama Ojou-sama, why do you say so?" Tatsuya egged her on.
"People either love or hate me for being wealthy. Just take a look at the class. 'Kitayama-san' 'Shizuku-chan' everyday non-stop, people are trying to get into my good books. Its very obvious since they ignore Honoka and also try to get into Miyuki's good books." Shizuku spat with a little more force than an Ojou-sama of her class should have.
Honoka looked at her friend with tears in her eyes.
"Shizuku, I didn't know you realised!"
"Duh its very obvious, besides I'd obviously want my best friend to be treated well. Then there's also the opposite end of the spectrum who see me as competition for fame and glory or simply hate the rich. It's as if society can't see us for who we are simply because we're branded with that tag. It's disgusting really." Shizuku continued.
Miyuki and Tatsuya respected Shizuku for her thinking. After all, it wasn't like they didn't know how the world worked. It probable was at least as harsh on them as it was on Shizuku. The Yotsuba name had to be upheld, hence both siblings had to keep a straight back. It was just one of the few times that Shizuku had these outbursts, every time someone sidelined Honoka, she would have one of these spats.
Tatsuya admired Mayumi for being able to keep up that fantastic image of hers everyday. On the few occasions where it was a Yotsuba event, Tatsuya felt like a boa constrictor was caressing his torso ever so gently, like he was a puppet on a string, or a dog on a leash, restricted. Once again he was glad that as of now they weren't obliged to put on that mask every day for they weren't officially Yotsubas as of now.
Shizuku continued her rant for as long as she could, up til the school gate. She turned heads when she spoke, the forcefulness of her words could sting, but again she did not really care for her best friend was hurt.
As they split up, Tatsuya contemplated how to appease his guardian while keeping Shizuku's words at the back of his mind. How they had met such people must have been fate for the chance would be one in a million or so.
"Tatsuya! Wait up!" Leo's voice came from behind.
Stopping, he turned around to see his friend running toward him. Not far behind was Erika.
"What's with the sudden nitro burst? This isn't an early 21st century racing game you know?" Erika panted as she stood beside Leo who was breathing fine.
"Wow that was quick. Hurrah for the first class couple, less than a week in." Tatsuya sang in an annoying fashion.
Leo turned beet red while Erika proceeded to chase Tatsuya to class with a shout of 'Baka!' that gathered the attention of others heading to class.
"Woi wait up!" Leo followed suit soon enough after smiling apologetically at the crowd.
Laughter echoed from the class just as Leo turned in.
"But you walked him into school." Tatsuya's expressionless face fueled the laughter.
"No! It's not like that! We just happened to meet in school is all!" Erika shrieked back.
"That's what they all say." His face showed a little of his mirth.
"Oh here's their prince. Princess, please." Tatsuya gestured to Leo.
"I'll kill you Tatsuya!"
"I doubt so, class is starting in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1"
As if on cue, the bell rung signaling the start of lessons.
Class in 1F would probably never cease to amuse.
"Tatsuya, did you know you're famous?" Erika randomly remarked during lunch.
"Oh, I'm guessing its not for my looks." He quipped.
Shizuku, clutched her throat lightly as she coughed into her handkerchief. Miyuki smiled as she looked downwards as Leo laughed. Erika simply rolled her eyes and continued.
"Well, it's because you're the first course 2 student to be admitted into the Public Morals Committee." She stated in a matter-of-fact manner.
"Yes, as usual I break the ruled. Nothing's new really." He simply continued to pick at his food while sending Erika a cheesy smile.
"Anyway, it's mostly thanks to my kawaii imouto here that I got in." He patted Miyuki's head as she blushed.
Erika nodded dumbly and continued eating, however, it wasn't long before she spoke again.
"Say, isn't this week supposed to be the club recruitment week? I heard from the senpais that this week would be the most action packed of all! Fights breaking out, tussles for students, sounds exciting don't you think?" She exclaimed in her usual exuberant fashion.
"Mmhmm! Then we could also enjoy the demonstrations put up by the senpais too! Neh, Shizuku?" Honoka joined in.
"Hmm, I guess so. Nothing seems particularly interesting as of now though." She looked away in her usual disinterested expression, Honoka laughing awkwardly to excuse her rudeness.
"*Sigh* I forgot that I'll have to be on duty this week. Hell week they call it." Tatsuya looked dejected, but perked himself up.
"Mmhmm! The student council would also be busy then! My first task would be sorting students I hear!" Miyuki chirped with verth.
"I'll be going with a club that's action packed! No-action, no fun! No pain, no gain!" Leo seemed pretty hyped.
"Ah, we have class in 5 minutes. Shall we go?" Honoka looked around.
As everyone nodded, they dispersed again.
*Knock* *Knock*
"Shiba Tatsuya here." Tatsuya announced his presence to the room.
"Just come in." Mari's voice came from the other side of the Public Morals Committee door."
He entered smoothly, like a seasoned professional making his grand entrance.
"Next time, just come in,, I'm not big on formalities." Mari added.
Nodding, Tatsuya scanned the room. There were third and second years, as well as Morisaki. His eyes narrowed as he took his seat across from Morisaki, who in turn returned the favour.
"Today, we're not here to fight, and everyone has to work together, so please avoid any conflicts alright?" Mari smiled as she looked at Tatsuya and Morisaki.
"So, today's agenda would be on patrol schedules for, hell week." Mari paused in between for effect.
*Half an hour later*
"So that will be all. Today, duty starts in half an hour. Tatsuya and Morisaki, do stay back, I have to issue you tags and CAD passes."
As everyone trickled out of the room, the senpais looked at both of their new kouhais, especially Tatsuya, after all, they heard from their chairwoman about Hattori. Some flashed grins at him while others nodded. Beside him, Morisaki tensed, his jaws clenched as not receiving any recognition.
"Here, remember the rules and regulations alright." Mari handed them their tags.
Tatsuya began to look around the room. walking over to a shelf, he observed one of the CADs while Mari and Morisaki looked on.
"Senpai, may I borrow 2 of these? My own CADs would draw too much attention."
"Hmm, go ahead, but those haven't been used in years. You might wanna check out their conditions first." She pointed out.
"They are fine. Although these may be old, but they are in fact top of their class. Functionality may be slightly limited, but I believe these would perform well." He explained as he clipped the 1 bracelet CADs on.
As he walked out, Morisaki sneered.
"Idiot, 2 CADs won't work."
"Don't insult other just because you can't do it." Tatsuya hit back before strutting off, leaving Morisaki nursing his damaged ego.
"Course 2 brat!"
Mari shook her head. Exactly what possessed the teachers to nominate him… Something she would probably never understand.
