A/N: Hey guys! Sorry but this piece of work probably needs some more editing, which I can't find the time for right now! Anyway, updates might not be very frequent from now because I'm extremely busy I hope you will understand! I have decided that maybe it is prudent to move a bit faster! Let me know in my poll on my bio whether I should continue! Thanks for your support guys! By the way, I might start writing fics for Oregairu and Cross Game too so please support haha thanks!
As he moved toward the block of classrooms that belonged to year 1s with Miyuki, he could hear and feel the abnormal ruckus. Looking at Miyuki, she frowned, her pretty features marred. Shrugging, Miyuki ascended the stairs to the 3rd floor while Tatsuya went to the 2nd floor. The noise emanating from the corridor on this level was indescribably loud and jarring. Cringing, he faced the corridor which housed this colossal mess that used to be a regular walkway. Students of all ages crowded this immensely narrow path that usually only housed first years. Shouts resembling 'Freedom' and words like 'Oppression' were being thrown around callously as though the implication of these words and phrases were nothing.
'Just as I said so, it must be the work of the devil. Coincidence? I think not. Must be because he figured out I was on to him.' Tatsuya huffed as his shoulders tensed.
There were a few things he could do at this point, firstly, he could simply let the situation be. After all, class would be starting soon. Or, he could intervene as a member of the Public Morals Committee member as technically, this would be considered somewhat of a disturbance to the student population. Although some would not mind such intervention, not all would be particularly happy with the situation. Deciding that it would be best not to gain too much attention unless absolutely necessary, he began to walk through the crowd toward his class, which happened to be very conveniently located at the end of the very walkway which was currently more congested than an artery of a patient that was afflicted with coronary heart disease.
'So much for that good mood this morning.' Tatsuya thought as he finally managed to earn himself some hard-earned breathing space. Looking around, he happened to catch Mizuki at the corner of his eye. She was frantically rejecting a senpai… wait that senpai who happened to be wearing an Egalite wristband. Frowning, he stalked toward the two, but before he could intervene, a redheaded girl and tall, well-built figured boy pulled her away after just one sentence. Seeing their familiar figures, he smiled.
'Finally at the right place at the right time.'
Looking again at the senpai, he caught a good look of his glasses before he retreated. Seeing some resemblance in the material used to make that pair, he decided to join in the conversation to find out more.
"Mizuki! You should just have walked away!" Erika chided her like a mom would her daughter.
"B-but its rude!' She protested.
"Mizuki, you're too polite. People who don't listen to your opinion don't deserve your respect, so don't give them any!" Leo supported Erika.
Tatsuya's chest swelled with pride, having such friends weren't very common nowadays.
"Sorry to interrupt, but Mizuki, why did that senpai accost you?"
"Tatsuya!" A hearty slap on the back followed as usual.
"E-erm, he said that he had the same problem as me, with oversensitivity to Psions, so he offered to help me is all." Tatsuya's eyes narrowed and Mizuki shrunk back a bit.
'Using all sorts of methods to gain support eh? I never thought they would resort to something this low. This is definitely fishy.'
"Mizuki, what was the senpai's name?"
"E-erm, Tsukasa Kinoe, he's the president of the Kendo club."
"Hmm. Ok then. Anyways, let's head into class shall we?" Tatsuya as usual led the way into class.
Another bout of lessons began their assault on their minds.
An uneasy feeling gnawed at Tatsuya. It wasn't often that he felt uneasy about anything, and his gut feels were usually spot on. He exhaled deeply as he looked out of the window. With his assignments finished, he was absolutely bored. Looking back at the class, his eyes locked onto a tall boy who sat at the front of the class. Tatsuya noticed that he also finished assignments and tests in an impressive amount of time, albeit the results could not compare to his. Nonetheless, he scored well for any normal student. He arbitrarily decided that he would try to make contact with him as soon as their classes permitted.
Tatsuya stepped out of the class, relieved that this daily ordeal was over. His muscles had just about cramped everywhere.
'I wonder how everyone stands this everyday. Especially working adults...' his musings were cut short by a clear and loud shout of "Shiba-san!"
Whipping his head around to meet the eyes of the senpai, his eyes narrowed quickly before returning to their usual emotionless state. Turning to face her, he waved away Leo and Erika who were waiting, signalling that they should meet him in the canteen.
"Shiba-san, are you free for a conversation?" Mibu Sayaka stood before him, a determined expression screwed onto her pretty face.
"I am sorry to disappoint you but as of now I am not free. My sister and my friends are presently waiting for me to commence the meal called lunch." His tone was perfectly neutral, albeit his words gave off the impression that he might have been a tad annoyed.
Encountering the stone wall that would be Tatsuya, Sayaka did not know how to interpret his diplomatic voice.
"T-then, would it be convenient for you to meet me after school ends?" She stuttered, slightly flustered.
Tatsuya mentally ran through his schedule. Cursing his empty schedule today, he reluctantly decided to accept. After all, it might be good to keep tabs on Kinoe-senpai's plans.
"Alright then. How about 3 pm in the cafe?" He suggested.
"Alright then. I'll see you there." She then stalked off in a obviously faked manner in attempt to look calm, but her excessive force gave her away.
Looking to the stairs, it was unfortunate that Miyuki, Honoka and Shizuku had seen the entire conversation. From the suspicious piercing look he got from Miyuki, he knew had some explaining to do. Sighing, he smiled and joined the 3 girls.
"Confession? It seems like you're used to this, Tatsuya." Shizuku smirked slyly.
"No such thing. She just wanted to meet me to speak after school. I assure you its NOT regarding such trivial matters." He emphasized a particular word and glanced to Miyuki, to try to get the message across loud and clear.
The fire in her eyes dies as she smiled, she acknowledged his message by nodding, much to his relief. He still had to explain later, but at least he got the monkey off his back for now. It was never pleasant when Miyuki was mad at him, the icy glares and subtle threats made his hairs stand on end.
Honoka and Shizuku looked to each other, communicating. Both agreed that it was needless to bring this up later, for it might aggravate one or both parties, especially since Erika and Leo tended to add oil to the fire, one intentionally, the other, it was questionable.
Lunch passed as normally as could be. Right now, Tatsuya was sitting back in his seat. Just barely 20 minutes into the 1 hour lesson, he had already finished his assignment. Holding back a yawn, he lazily cradled his head in his palm. With the typical 'I'm bored' look still plastered onto his face, it looked strange, out of place and even comical from a certain point of view.
'So this is the price of having a certain amount of intelligence.' He mused. Thanking his lucky stars that there weren't enough magic instructors, he pulled out his mobile terminal and began to work on his pet project, again. Flying magic was going to be possible very soon, all by the courtesy of 'Taurus Silver'.
'I guess this is what they call a Silver Lining.' He smiled to himself as he continued to peruse the various research materials in order to perfect this piece of magic, courtesy of this unplanned happy accident.
"Tatsuya! Meet us after club activities end alright?" Leo called to the man that was once again the first person out the door.
"What's the occasion?" He stopped and looked back at the hulk of a high school boy jogging toward him, with the fiery redhead right beside him as per normal.
"Oh nothing. Just wanted to eat together." He avoided Tatsuya's gaze and shrugged.
Guessing that they would want to know about that senpai's request, he acquiesced. They were, after all trustworthy people who knew what was meant to be kept a secret. (Not to mention he and Miyuki ever did get Kokonoe-sensei to run a background check)
"Alright then. Then what will this lovely lady do til then? I recall she presently isn't participating in any club am I right?" He turned toward Erika.
Leo promptly began to choke on air, earning a hard slap to the back by the redhead.
"Ow! What was that for!"
" I don't know, I just felt like it!" She smirked
"Hmm… I guess I'll drop by the Kendo and Kenjutsu club to take a look then. Hehe…" An evil grin floated onto her face.
"I'll be going first then." He waved as he walked away from the still bickering couple.
Tatsuya walked to Miyuki's class to pick her up. As they walked to the Student Council room together, he could feel her gaze on him throughout
Miyuki looked toward her brother expectantly. Waves of pressure rolled of her to the taller expressionless boy. Then, he sighed.
"The meeting should be some form of propaganda or recruiting attempt. Don't worry, it's not an issue. I'll tell you more later when we meet the rest for dinner ok?"
She studied his face for a moment before looking straight down the corridor. She smiled and replied with a simple "Ok!"
Though Tatsuya was often told by people that he was somewhat like a robot, it was definitely not true. Just because one seems indifferent to mood changes does not mean anything relating to one's ability to read the mood. This was made very clear right then in the cafe. He set back, leaning against the chair, slowly swirling his iced coffee, waiting for the other person to start the conversation. Saying the atmosphere was awkward was tantamount to saying uranium was slightly dense.
Just moments ago, he had located Mibu Sayaka Senpai, who was waiting nervously around the entrance of the cafe. Right now, it could be said that there wasn't much difference from then to now. She sat leaning toward Tatsuya, rapidly swirling her iced tea to the extent that occasional drops of tea spilled from the half empty, or half full cup. Her nervous tics were obvious as she looked from left to right of the cafe.
At this point, Tatsuya sighed and sat upright.
"I guess this isn't gonna be much easier for me or you is this continues so I shall start. Senpai, how may I be of service to you?"
"I wanted to talk to you about the treatment of course 2 students actually." She gulped nervously as she started.
"Yes and what about that?" He tilted his head slightly.
"Don't you feel that it's very unfair to us, the course 2 students?" Her voice burst out, doubling in volume, although that was not very much of an achievement or surprise given her previous mouse like volume. It was clear that she was agitated.
Since Sayaka was a Kendo champion, it wouldn't be very surprising that she felt the discrimination extremely well. After all, there would be a stark contrast between treated like a hero that a Kendo champion would normally would experience to the kind of stigma attached to being a course 2 student.
"In terms of what?" Tatsuya challenged her.
"Everything!" Her face imperceptibly changed. Now she beheld a look conveyed her belief that it was an idiotic question. "Like in terms of instructors, club funding, and the stigma we get! How is it you are unshaken by this stark difference in treatment?!"
Holding up his hand, Tatsuya spoke. " To be very honest, club funds are distributed PURELY based on the results each club has obtained in its season. So this is very much fair. The only reason you perceive it this way is because you feel cornered - cornered by the many magic based clubs that are doing well, but this is, again expected as First High is the most prestigious Magical High School after all am I right?" He stopped to allow her to take in his words.
She gaped as him as if he just descended from a UFO.
"Next, I would want you to think, if you were part of the government, would you employ the instructors for course 1 or 2 students?" He paused again to allow that to sink in. As she did not reply, he took that as the cue to continue.
"Well, lastly, life is unfair. Social stigma is present everywhere and we can't hide from it. Why not deal with it now and accept it because you can never run away from it? And it's not like the student council aren't trying to do anything about it right? After all they did ban offensive terms like 'Weed', just that sometimes things need time to change."
"But it seems as if the Student Council aren't doing enough! Why don't we stand up for our own right instead? Only in numbers can we have a chance right? Especially with you, the first course 2 student in Student Management we might be able to do it!" Sayaka stubbornly clung to her beliefs, unwilling to accept what Tatsuya had said.
"What's more, shouldn't the president, being a Saegusa have enough influence to do something? Does she not care?" She slowly grew more and more agitated.
"Please leave the president out of this! She had NOTHING to do with this!" Tatsuya's voice turned sharp all of a sudden. As he slammed him now empty cup on the table, her breath hitched.
"Alright then. I cannot agree with you but please do not do anything rash. I have to go now so if I may." He got up before Sayaka offered him a name card.
"Please, if you change your mind do give me a call."
Looking at Mibu senpai's shadow fading away, he sighed in annoyance. 'This isn't gonna end well...'
WIth that, he began to walk slowly toward the library where his research readings awaited him.
"Ohhh… No wonder there was such a fuss this morning…" Honoka nodded slowly, digesting the information (Not to mention the ramen they just had)
Tatsuya had just told them what had transpired after school.
"But its kinda true, what Tatsuya said but I could also see what she was talking about. Strength in numbers." Leo offered.
"Well no matter how you look at it stirring up trouble through non official means wouldn't do us any good, besides it might get us in trouble, right Miyuki?" Erika voiced out cheerily.
"Hmm yes. There is a slim chance that we might get expelled. Anyway, the student council will be trying to settle this issue as Mayumi said before, this situation isn't to her liking."
"That goes for the Public Morals Committee too. Mari-Senpai agrees as well, as part of the reason why I was selected to join them was to possibly combat this issue."
…
Conversation flowed freely that meal.
A week passed since then, Miyuki and Tatsuya stayed alert, wary of any suspicious activity. That day, while walking into school, they spotted a group of course 2 students gathering around the course 2 year 2 classrooms while they were walking in.
Looking at one another Tatsuya nodded, asking her to relay to Honoka and Shizuku to check their inbox later for a chat invite.
*Later in class*
[Tatsuya] Hi all, watch out today for any suspicious personnel, especially course 2 students.
[Leo] Huh wad iz dis
[Erika] Baka! Obviously a warning!
[Tatsuya] Do bring your mobile terminals to break alright.]
[Miyuki] Let's also do a quick check after we exit from class!]
[Shizuku] Will do.
[Honoka] Alright!
As Tatsuya exited class, he quickly ran up to the 2nd year course 2 classrooms. As fate would have it he saw Mibu Sayaka gathering a group of course 2 students and running toward the admin block.
"Anything Tatsuya?" Erika's voice came from below.
"Yes. One of you go find Miyuki, the other one give Mayumi a call and tell her to gather personnel at the Admin block. Then you'll head there yourself!" With that he ran off after the group of students, taking care to keep himself concealed and to keep his steps soft.
His terminal vibrated several times, letting him know that they were being updated on the ongoings. Watching the group slip down the next corridor, he narrowed his eyes. The only room that way was the media resource room where all announcements were made by staff or by the student council president. The only copies of the key were given to the media resource club president and staff. Taking care to remain unseen, he sent a text asking Leo to check on their 3rd year senpai's class.
Tatsuya then waited for the right moment to strike. Hearing the lock being fiddled with, he sprinted to the door, just managing to stop the door with his foot. Feeling pressure against his foot, he grabbed the door and pulled sharply with a fraction if his strength. The door was flung open together with 3 course 2 senpais. Side stepping the heavy projectiles, he stood in the doorway.
"This is Shiba Tatsuya from the Public Morals Committee. I demand this fiasco to stop."
A stunned Mibu Sayaka turned as white as a sheet as her accomplices and senpais rushed Tatsuya, determined to complete their objectives.
After a mere 15 seconds, all the infiltrators except for Sayaka and Tsukasa senpai lay scattered around the small room, without Tatsuya laying a single finger on them.
"Tatsuya-kun!" Mayumi's voice came from behind along with a collection of gasps.
"I'll let you handle it from here, President, and Chairman Watanabe. Oh and I have a feeling they might want to raise some concerns. If they do, Mibu senpai will do well." He walked to the back and stood with Miyuki.
She flashed him a look which he replied with a stern gaze.
"You know my reasons for speaking up for Mibu senpai. Don't make this difficult Miyuki." She nodded and sighed.
"- no authorized access except if granted by staff or the Student Council President who is here. You have also assaulted a 3rd year student that did not want to cooperate with you. Thereby you are charged with-"
"Mari could you allow me to speak!" Mayumi smiled at her friend. Looking at her friend, she grudgingly agreed.
"Hello everyone! I know its unpleasant to be meeting in these circumstances but do tolerate me ok? Well I think we all have reasons for wanting to do what we do so I think we should not pursue this issue like regular cases."
"Mayumi-!"
"It ok Mari! Trust me! Anyway, the student council will hear your wishes individually before we pursue any action. I strongly believe that if students have to resort to this, there may be some concerns with the running of the school. Is that alright?" Mayumi smiled brightly.
Mari folded her arms and glared at the perpetrators, still unsure if that was the right thing to do
"Tatsuya, I need to know why you did as you did." Mari asked with a severe look on her face.
"I simply saw some suspicious behaviour and followed them." Mari raised her eyebrows questioningly.
"Did you by any chance know something like that would happen? And how did you know the President of the Media Resource club would be assaulted?"
"I do not see any relevance to the first question. All I'm willing to say is that I did not commit any offence. Secondly, it is common enough knowledge that the key to that room is held by the chairman, staff and Mayumi. Ruling out staff cooperation and Mayumi's willingness to participate in such an activity, it was obvious who the last option was."
Mayumi looked slightly disappointed with him for a moment before putting on her usual cover smile.
"Its ok Mari! I trust Tatsuya-kun fully!"
Saying their goodbyes. Tatsuya and Miyuki left the scene to find their friends and lunch. As Tatsuya walked, he sent a text to Mayumi to ask her to meet him outside the canteen.
"Miyuki you go first. I should at least let Mayumi know what's going on."
Nodding, Miyuki skipped to their usual table to share the happenings.
As Tatsuya watched her, he someone poke his back. Turning around, the president stood behind him with hands on her hips smiling very widely.
'Mayumi is upset... crap'
"Lets go somewhere more private shall we, Tatsuya-kun?"
He meekly followed as he was dragged by the hand toward the classroom block.
She stood there, arms folded, an unhappy expression etched on her face. It didn't suit her.
She looked expectantly at Tatsuya like a judge looking at a criminal.
"Last week I had a talk with Mibu senpai regarding unfair treatment of course 2 students, which was why I was on the lookout for possible activities." Mayumi nodded and tapped her fingers, nudging him to go on.
"After all, they did try recruit me." Her eyes widened before returning to their normal size.
"Is that all Tatsuya-kun?"
"There's one more thing. Tsukasa Kinoe is the member of Egalite." Her jaw dropped.
Egalite and their affiliations were not by any means near what people would call common knowledge. What's more, such activities in school would definitely stir up trouble.
2 questions once again resurfaced in her head: Who exactly is Tatsuya and what was his affiliation?
"No more questions president. Please do not try to investigate me. I'm only saying this because I do not by any means wish to lie to you. Do not force me. I will tell you in due time." His eyes softened.
She looked at him reproachfully then nodded reluctantly. His heart dropped, seeing her so down saddened him to no end. Vowing to tell her when the time was right, he walked pass Mayumi who was looking down before turning back and hugging her.
The sudden warmth shocked her. Realizing that the man that she fell in love with her embraced her, she returned it before he quickly ended it and left. Her arms dropped limply to the sides as she tried to feel the warmth that filled the void in her heart.
She looked at the clear blue skies. 'One day, he said, one day.'
*Sigh* "Its good to be home!" Tatsuya sank into his swivel chair and stretched.
It was already 7 when they reached home. Collecting a change of clothing, he shuffled to the bathroom for a quick wash off.
Tatsuya could never understand why ladies took so long in the shower. After all, wasn't a shower or bath meant to simply clean oneself? Why is it that people sung in the shower? Wouldn't soap and water get in your mouth? Such redundant thoughts floated through his mind. Less than 10 minutes later, he dried himself and headed down for dinner.
"Honami, today the Egalite member and some students tried to force their way into the broadcasting room." Honami stopped eating and blinked owlishly.
"Well I'm not surprised. I'd guess that they would make demands or something like that over the PA system."
"Luckily Onii-sama stopped them!" Miyuki beamed with pride.
"Well I'd encourage both of you not to let your guard down. Whatever they want next would probably not be so straightforward. Think guerilla warfare." Honami speculated.
Who knew she would be spot on...
Fate seemed on their side that morning. As they walked to school in comfortable silence, Miyuki spotted Mayumi. Somehow, even in a crowd as large as this, Mayumi stood out despite her petite figure.
"Mayumi! Over here!" Miyuki hopped on the spot and waved vigorously.
Mayumi turned her head. Spotting the exuberant younger Shiba, she smiled genuinely and skipped to their side.
"Morning! Not asking me for directions right Miyuki?" She beamed and chuckled.
"Nope! Not today! Onii-sama knows his way!" She smiled as he gave her a dark look
"How's things going on with regards to yesterday's incident, President?" Miyuki teased Mayumi who pouted.
"Hmm, we have decided that we want to keep this on the down low so no punishments will be carried out. But, we will be having a conference between the Student Council and their party in front of the school in order to air the differences or whatnot." Mayumi smiled.
"You mean an audience right?" Tatsuya questioned, his brows furrowing.
"Ah yes yes! I will be speaking on the council's behalf in order to quickly resolve this issue."
"I see. Mayumi, do note the numbers of the opposition." Tatsuya hinted to Mayumi.
She looked surprised for a moment before she nodded.
"So all of us will be on duty?" Miyuki asked.
Mayumi nodded with a smile.
Miyuki waited for everyone to collect their food before she began speaking.
"Excuse me, for the audience, could all of you help us with something?"
All nodded and waited for her to continue.
"Well we need help because we need to ensure that the school is safe. We're suspecting that the audience is just a cover for another possible plot so we need help, both in patrolling and counting and identifying members of their coalition!"
"Erika and I will help with patrolling! Long talks are boring for us besides I myself am a man of action!"
"Eeh who says I wanna be near you! Cheh! But ok I'd like more action." She smirked at the growling Leo before sticking her tongue out at him.
"Shizuku and I can help identify members then!" Honoka contributed while Shizuku silently nodded, preferring to focus on her don instead.
Tatsuya and Miyuki stood in the middle of their living room with Honami sitting on the couch, cross legged. The windows were drawn and the only source of artificial light came from the screen before them where Tatsuya's superior, Major Kazama could be seen on the screen, his face was tense as usual.
"Major, I'd like you to know a few things so today I will be speaking to you as a friend." Tatsuya said seriously.
"Ok go on Tatsuya. I assume it is something of importance for you to call me like this."
"The Egalite led group tried to take the broadcasting room by force yesterday and managed to force and audience with the Student Council. I'm suspecting that the group is trying to use this as a diversion for whatever plan they have, especially since they requested for all the staff and student body to be present."
"Quite the speculation. But I can see where you are coming from. I'd suggest you let them strike first to catch them with their pants down if I may say so. So perhaps keeping a few reliable friends active may help somewhat." Kazama suggested.
"That is Miyuki suggested and that is what we are going with. We will be keeping 2 friends active while our other friends help us to identify how many of the group are not in the hall."
"Wise move, knowing your enemy without them knowing you know. Thank you for the update Tatsuya. I will be speeding up my search for the Blanche headquarters just in case. I'll be taking ,y leave now. Goodnight."
The screen turned black, leaving them in complete darkness. Turning on the lights, Tatsuya sighed and plopped down into the couch beside Miyuki.
"This is gonna be a busy week.":
"This is why no news is better than having bad news I think." Miyuki mused.
