Infinite Stratos: Hidden Trump

by Blackshadow999

My life was going the way I wanted, then the Bunny called me, to get her kicks by messing with my life again! Now, I'm going to the IS Academy, all my classmates are my age and females... This'll be some of the hardest challenge I've faced! That Rabbit will pay for making my life HELL and that's a promise I'll KEEP! No Ichika in this story. OC main.

10. Spring Break?

A/n

Okay here is chapter 10. Remember, this chapter is one of the reasons that this story is rated M. This is to cover my rear as there is a bit of a riské scene in this chapter and I don't want to have anyone get on my case for putting in a scene that some nudity is involved. If you have problems with such things, then you can skip the scene as I have marked the start with a warning. Anyway, enough from me, on with the story.

Chapter 10: Spring Break?

-Laura's pov-

When I awoke, I found myself in a bed in the infirmary, likely brought here after I lost consciousness. Memories of what happened in the arena were vague and hard to make much sense of. I had been fighting Taichi and he had been beating me, but thing became fuzzy after that and I couldn't make sense of the images in my mind. When I looked to my left and found Mentor Orimura sitting in a chair, "Mentor, what has happened to me," I asked.

"What I'm about to talk to you about is of utmost importance, and also highly classified," she stated. "What do you know of the VT system?"

The VT system, as in the Valkyrie Trace system? I've heard mention of the idea, but that's all that I can think of. "You're referring to the Valkyrie Trace system," I questioned.

"Yes, its research, development, and usage have been banned by the International IS Treaty and the consequences of violating the treaty are harsh if convicted. And yet, your IS was equipped with the system, and it was set to activate only when extensive damage was incurred, and the pilot was focused on winning and that alone. In other words, you willed it all to happen," Mentor stated.

So, I made what occurred happen? "The incident happened because I willed it to," I questioned.

I admit I had wanted to prove to all watching that Sai Taichi was a sham and perhaps I had become blinded by that desire. Taichi had proven to be a challenging opponent, much more than the expectations that I had of him. There was silence for a moment, "Laura Bodewig," Mentor said loudly.

"Yes ma'am," I replied by reflex.

"Who are you," Mentor posed. I didn't know how to answer her for the question was not to get my name, it was deeper than that. Mentor continued, "If you are no one, then that perfect. You can now just be Laura Bodewig, nothing more or less than that. You can be no one else than yourself, not me, no one else, don't forget that."

The point Mentor was making took a moment to sink in and for me to understand it. And I realized that I was now free from the hatred that had been consuming me and it was liberating. I couldn't help the quiet laughter that began escaping me as I understood that I was being given a chance to figuratively start over. Days passed by, and I was contacted by Clarissa, my former squadmate while I had been in Germany and the current XO of the Black Hare Corp. I asked her for advice on what I could do going forward as I didn't know where to start. Clarissa suggested to confront Taichi and even said that I make a claim on him. So, the next time I was able to get to class, I decided to confront Sai Taichi as Clarissa suggested to me which happened just before lunch was due to start. I quickly spotted the boy who was getting up from his desk, "Sai Taichi," I called.

He turned to face me, gaining a flat expression as he did so, "Yes indeed, Miss Bodewig, see you're out of the infirmary. I take it you either want or need something," he replied.

There were a few of the girls moving closer to Taichi as I closed the distance between myself and the boy until we were standing face to face. Taichi had his guard up, to which I could respect the action, being wary of another is perfectly reasonable. There was silence for a full minute before I reached forward pulled him forward and kissed him. When I pulled back, I had a stern look on my face, "I will make you my bride, that's final and I will take no arguments from you," I stated firmly.

-Sai's pov-

It had been weeks since the Individual Tournament; after the incident that occurred during the first match, things had calmed down somewhat. For judging the rest of the students' skills and performance, there were one on one skirmishes held for all but Charlotte, Houki, Laura Bodewig and myself, to grade them. Those tests spanned the next two weeks and that brought time to the first long break of this semester, spring break. Chifuyu's confronting me after I had talked to members of the academy staff and had given them an account of what had happened in the arena, had been unpleasant. I mean, she got close to crushing my shoulder blade and probably several other bones around the same area she had been squeezing damn it! When she asked if I had known about the VT system that Bodewig had equipped to her IS… I don't know why Chifuyu had even considered for a moment that I could have known.

With some of the things that had occurred between core zero and me… I would have thought she could understand how much I despise ideas or systems that control or supersede the pilot's will and mind. Core zero could do that and did once with me in the machine… I still have nightmares about that experience even today. Then Chifuyu had accused me of knowing because I knew about the VT system activating before it had come on to full power. The only reason that I had any warning was Corinthos could detect the type of signal that a VT System puts out and just picks it up quicker than other systems that the arena had.

With the days that had come after the debacle, I had been visited and approached by some girls. That included Houki, Charlotte, Rin, and Cecilia, those four just came directly to my room when the other girls didn't. Houki came the evening of the same day while I had been Icing my shoulder from Chifuyu's steel vise grip. Now, I've made it a habit to lock the door to my room with all the locks that I installed when the dorm room became my room. So, when Houki came banging on my door, the door held fast, proving that the quality that I had purchased was paying for itself! My former roommate sounded worried as she 'knocked' on the door. After letting her in, she gave me the whole nine yards in how reckless I had been going off and fighting on my own. That I could have been hurt or killed with going against the VT IS. When Houki had finished her 'lecture', she noticed that I was icing my right shoulder and she had asked me how I had hurt my shoulder. Long story short, Houki had been very worried about me and was showing it in her own way, she just does so bluntly and without holding back… At all really.

The next morning, Charlotte had come by to check on me, she had been a little nicer than Houki. She even walked with me to get breakfast. But Charlotte had been out on the field helping me during the second half of the fight I had been in. I think that the French woman was trying to be a support for me, which was kind of nice. Both Rin and Cecilia had also confronted me about what happened during the match. They had done something of a mix between Houki's reaction and Charlotte's. I thought after those four girls had said their piece to my face, that I could relax and not worry about the effect of the event… I was wrong.

What had really surprised me was the change with Laura Bodewig. During the week after the incident, I did face the German girl and I fully expected her to hate me more or at least blame me for what happened. Yet, the girl that had been after my head was now… Well, not being violent to me. In fact, she had become cordial towards me, which was fairly weird. It was somewhat similar to the change that Cecilia had undergone after I showed her up, it was just more noticeable with Laura Bodewig. I had been well-aware that the German teenager was bold, but that word doesn't describe what Laura Bodewig had 'attempted' to pull with me.

It had been about a week after the tournament, I had just gotten back to the classroom from the practical application course. I was putting my stuff away and had my mind thinking about what I could acquire for lunch so that I could have the energy for my college classes in the afternoon.

"Sai Taichi," called the voice of none other than Laura Bodewig.

I turned and saw the German, and I was not looking forward to this confrontation, so I gained a flat expression. "Yes indeed, Miss Bodewig, see you're out of the infirmary. I take it you either want or need something," I replied.

Some of my classmates moved closer to me as Bodewig closed the distance between the two of us until we stood face to face. Among those girls were the four that are around me the most, clearly defending me from the German. I had my guard up not knowing what to expect from this girl, she had been after my head recently after all. There was silence for a full minute before Bodewig reached forward pulled me to her and kissed me on the lips. This action was totally out of the blue and I was so shocked that I didn't fight the gesture. When she pulled back, the expression on her face was stern, "I will make you my bride, that's final and I will take no arguments from you," Laura Bodewig stated firmly.

You would clearly hear a pin drop to the floor as well as the bounces before it settled after Laura's action and statement. I blinked as I took in what the German had done and said, two thoughts ran through my mind when the information sunk in. The first, 'What, in, the, HELL!' and the second, 'ANOTHER ONE who is going to cause me stress to no end WHY!? The four girls behind me voiced their protest to Laura Bodewig's claim and the action that had proceeded it. While that was happening, seeing the opportunity to get away from this crap, I slipped away and left the classroom without being noticed. I wanted no part in the battlefield that had been laid down, along with the minefield that was throughout.

Thankfully, "Spring Break" was around the corner as it was coming up next week, I was looking forward to time away from the academy. Plus, a good and bad event was approaching for me soon enough. I'm glad my friends from college are here, but even I know they will have to return to the university soon enough, likely after spring break. I would be left alone again, which I wasn't looking forward to, yet I didn't feel that I could plead for them to stay longer. They have school as well and as good friends as they are, I don't want them to give up things just for me. So, while they're here for spring break, we're going to live it up and see sights that not everyone gets to see! In fact, the gang and I had been discussing where we could go, we were going between Kyoto or maybe Okinawa and tour one of those places.

The Saturday before Spring Break, I planned to go and spend time with my friends before being deprived of them until the Summer. That being said, I wanted to spend as much time as I could with them. However, on my way out, I was stopped by Chifuyu before I headed out, "Taichi," called out Chifuyu.

I came to a halt and turned, "Yes, Miss Orimura," I posed.

Chifuyu closed the distance between us, "Starting the day after tomorrow, first-years will be going to the Honko Beach and be there for the week," she stated.

Chifuyu better not be implying that I'm going to be involved and take part in said trip in any way. I have plans for Spring Break and I'm not about to give that time up just because someone else tells me to. Chifuyu should know I don't let others tell me what to do, I will voice my views and opinions. "How nice for them ma'am, it will keep them busy and have a chance to keep them out of trouble. So, what's your point in telling me about the said trip? I was about to go and make plans with friends for next week myself, it being Spring Break and everything," I replied evenly.

Chifuyu folded her arms, "Well, when I say first-years, you are included Taichi," she said simply.

My face went blank at that reply, but I didn't back down, "If I didn't know that you don't show off your sense of humor often Chifuyu, then I would think you're making a joke saying that the first-year trip includes me. Since I know I you aren't joking, my answer is no, and I would add 'bite me' Chifuyu," I shot back.

My older sister glared at me in a fashion I haven't gotten for a while, and it filled me with a bit of pride as it happens. "You care to say that again and louder Sai," she challenged.

My expression didn't change, "Absolutely Chifuyu," I said flatly enunciating each syllable of my reply. "I said my answer to the trip for the first-years is no, as in not going to happen and feel free to go ahead and kiss my a-" I stopped and instantly corrected myself from the near curse, "rear sis. I've been looking forward to having an actual break from those I'm forced to be around daily this coming week. You would have to be blind and I know you are not to have missed what I deal with from the girls here. I'm not giving up my break from them without fighting hard for it, even if it means you and I have to duke it out with."

"You assume that you'll have the choice Sai," returned Chifuyu coldly. Then she gave me an icy glare, "but I'll say that you have nerve daring me as you are."

I matched Chifuyu's gaze as I would stand my ground in this as I would against the bunny or doll. "I have my free will Chifuyu, that is something you cannot take from me. Plus, I'm not giving up my break from the girls that hound and flirt with me every day just because you say there is a 'mandatory trip' you just mentioned to me moments ago. But hey, don't let that stop you from trying to tell me what to do while I refuse, because the only way I'm going to that beach is if you make me sis, likely kicking and screaming bloody murder as we go."

-Chifuyu's pov-

My mood was not great, the increase of workload for me after what had gone down at the Individual Tournament was not nice. Then having to help with the cleanup and then proctoring the rest of the students was tedious to me. And now on top of that, I'm assigned to be a chaperon for the first years for their Spring Break trip. Being away from the academy wasn't irking me, it's having to be a babysitter for all the first-year girls. Thus, were my thoughts when I happened to spot Sai and I was reminded that the announcement of the Spring Break trip had been quieter, he may not know of it. As the trip was mandatory for all first-years, Sai would be required to go though I know he wouldn't want to. "Taichi," I called out.

Sai came to a halt and turned, "Yes, Miss Orimura," he posed.

I closed the distance between us, "Starting the day after tomorrow, first-years will be going to the Honko Beach and be there for the week," I stated, waiting for Sai's reaction.

He paused for a moment, "How nice for them ma'am, it will keep them busy and have a chance to keep them out of trouble," Sai replied. "So, what's your point in telling me about the said trip? I was about to go and make plans with friends for next week myself, it being Spring Break and everything"

Well, whatever he had been planning, it will have to change as much as I would prefer not to give opportunities to the first-year girls. No, I hadn't missed that girls were flirting with Sai more aggressively as of late an increasing number of them with each passing week. And I know Sai detests that because of how he was treated by Tabane and Alice, which is why he doesn't interact the best with girls. Nor am I happy that the girls here were flirting with Sai and I have been making sure none of them crossed the line and there had been an attempt or two already that I put a stop to. Still, to Sai's refusal, I just folded my arms, "Well, when I say first-years, you are included Taichi," I said simply.

Sai's face went blank at my statement, "If I didn't know that you don't show off your sense of humor often Chifuyu, then I would think you're making a joke saying that the first-year trip includes me. Since I know I you aren't joking, my answer is no, and I would add 'bite me' Chifuyu," he shot back.

There was dead silence between Sai and I after he had replied to me. Did Sai just dare me to reeducate him of the dangers of crossing me? He should know better than to do that, so I glared at him, "You care to say that again and louder Sai," I posed, allowing Sai to think about what he had just said.

My little brother stared right back at me, "Absolutely Chifuyu," he said flatly enunciating each syllable of his reply which irritated me. "I said my answer to the trip for the first-years is no, as in not going to happen and feel free to go ahead and kiss my a-" he stuttered over the near curse, "rear sis. I've been looking forward to having an actual break from those I'm forced to be around daily this coming week. You would have to be blind and I know you are not to have missed what I deal with from the girls here. I'm not giving up my break from them without fighting hard for it, even if it means you and I have to duke it out."

So, he's gained quite an attitude while we've been apart, I'll have to help rid him of that and make sure he practices proper manners. He has never won a fight against me without the Black Knight and those he had are very few. "You assume that you'll have the choice Sai," I returned coldly cracking my knuckles, "but I'll say that you have nerve daring me as you are."

Sai got close to matching my gaze, "I have my free will Chifuyu, that is something that not even you cannot take from me. Plus, I'm not giving up my break from the girls that hound and flirt with me every day just because you say there is a 'mandatory trip' which you just mentioned to me moments ago. But hey, don't let that stop you from trying to tell me what to do while I refuse, because the only way I'm going to that beach is if you make me sis, likely kicking and screaming bloody murder as we go."

I rushed forward and threw a punch at Sai, which interestingly he managed to stop, "You should know better than to try your luck with me Sai," I growled pushing my fist against Sai's hands.

Sai shoved forward and then sidestepped my attack, "There's a difference," Sai snapped as he threw a right jab that I caught, "between trying my luck and standing firm Chifuyu." We became locked in a stalemate as neither of our attacks was overcoming the other's, "And I'm standing my ground and will not be move," Sai stated.

We fought one another none came across us as we had our disagreement on what would happen. I'll admit, Sai has improved and clearly acquired fighting skills while in the US, martial arts of some kind were I to guess. However, in the end, we came to a stalemate in our physical confrontation and we compromised.

-Sai's pov-

After Chifuyu and I had our 'heated argument', in which I was adamant I wouldn't go on this beach trip, nor was Chifuyu interested in accepting no as an answer from me. I stood firm in my position as I would fight to keep my week of freedom from the girls that pursue me. No serious injury was incurred by either of us during our fight to settle our different views. In the end, the two of us settled on a compromise to get past our stalemate, I got some of what I wanted and Chifuyu got some of what she was after. During the day, I would be free and not have to be around the first years of the IS academy. In exchange, I would have to stay around the hotel that was reserved for the students and academy staff during the evening. So, as I said, I didn't get exactly what I was going for, but it was better than simply being forced to throw out any plans I had and continue being a prisoner to the first years without break.

After the debate with Chifuyu, I headed over to the house where my friends were staying as I intended to go. I felt the wonderful change in atmosphere and mood the second I stepped through the door. Although, I had expected there to be a change in mood, for it to have this much of a difference! The feeling of excitement and happiness was clear in the house. I hadn't gotten more than two steps in the door when Jia grabbed my right arm and pulled me to the large room just after the foyer or entryway. I was sitting down on the floor staring at my friends surrounding me and they were all smiling at me. Baffled as I had no clue as to what they were so happy about right now I voiced the question, "Um, hey everyone, what's going on?"

Jia who was behind me, wrapped her arms around me and tugged me back and began squeezing me to her. "Isn't it so great Sai, isn't it, isn't it," Jia was saying happily.

Confused with what the Chinese woman had just said as it didn't make sense since I had no idea what she was talking about. However, before I could inquire, the breath got forced out of me as Jia hugged me tighter. I gasped, "Jia *wheeze* ease up *wheeze* can't breathe."

"Whoa, Jia girl, know ya like to share the love n'all, but ya gotta remember that there be limits to how much love one person can take. So, slow down and take it easy on Sai would'cha," said Matt.

The pressure, instead of lessening, increased after Matt spoke, "Aww, but it's so hard not to hug Sai! He's such fun to hug and I just can't help myself," returned Jia.

I was pleading that someone would get Jia to let up as I was just starting to see the edges of grey tunnels in my vision. That meant I would lose consciousness sometime within the next few minutes. It was the sound of Cassidy's voice that gained my attention, "Jia, stop hugging Sai as you'll cause him to blackout soon! You're making it so that he can't breathe."

The pressure let up and I coughed and gasped for sweet oxygen! Cassidy had come to my rescue and I thank God that she did! The grey tunnels, which had been slowly closing in on me, faded from my vision as I gulped down air. Olivia started berating Jia while Matt and Cassidy came to my sides and I felt their hands on my shoulders, "Hey there Sai, ya all right friend? Ya lookin mighty pale like ya been told ya don't get no dessert when it's your favorite," asked Matt.

"Indeed, Jia has always had trouble knowing where to draw the line," remarked Cassidy.

"Yeah… I'll be alright; so, what was Jia talking about? She was saying about how great something is," I replied.

"Oh that, well Sai as it happens, we were able to arrange things such that we can stay here until the last two weeks of the semester like you are," answered Cassidy.

My head shot up and I looked from Cassidy to Matt looking for ANY signs of them joking with me. When I saw none, I couldn't help but ask the single question that was occupying my mind, "Are you serious? Please don't joke around me on this subject, you're not kidding are you?"

"Sai, this ain't somethin that we would joke about with ya friend, any more than ah would fib to my ma about what happened round the ranch," assured Matt.

I glanced over at Cassidy who was smiling at me to tell me that what they were telling me was correct. I felt the excitement and the joy spread in me like wildfire using some of the driest grass and fuel for the fire that you can imagine. The event I had been dreading wasn't going to happen! Happy day! For one of the few times in my life, I felt tears start coming from my eyes and I didn't hide them or brush them away. When I began to sniffle a bit, everyone looked at me, "I don't deserve friends like you all," I paused and sniffled, "B-but I'm glad that I have all of you at times like this," I choked out.

I don't have a clue how I was able to have friends like those here with me if I had anything to do with them being around me at all. But damn, am I ever glad they're willing to stick with me through hard times! It took me a bit to regain my composer, yet when I had, I started to tell the gang about how I would have to stick around the hotel by the Honko Beach for the evenings of Spring Break. Thankfully, none had a problem with that point, as there were activities around the said area that weren't the beach and so I wouldn't need to risk my peers ruining my break from them. With that settled, Luther and Cassidy got to calling the hotel that the IS academy students would be staying at and found out that it was a large hotel and could accommodate all of us as well, just in a different section, which worked out for the better in my view. Olivia and I were arranging for us to rent a vehicle for transportation to the area and looking into what kind of options we had for things to do. While Matt and Jia were going over what supplies we would need for the trip overall.

It took close to two hours to get everything in order, and that was when the point was brought up of more than half of us needing swimwear. The needed arrangements had been made, our whole group set out to acquire the needed items on a list for things we required for the trip. I, needed some swimming trunks and then as Cassidy, Olivia and Jia are girls, they wanted to look at swimwear while we were out and about. That in mind, we went downtown and quickly found an apparel store that fit the needs we had. It didn't take long for me to find swimming trunks that I was good with wearing, around ten minutes in fact and have them purchased.

That left Luther, Matt and I waiting outside the line of three fitting rooms where the girls were still 'trying on' swimwear. It was another fifteen minutes before us guys heard anything from the three girls and Jia was first. "Iya, tell me what you think guys," came Jia's voice.

The three of us that were standing a short distance from the fitting rooms waiting for the ladies, when Jia spoke. We turned around; I froze and gawked while Matt just smiled, and Luther just looked on. The reason we were reacting the way we were was that Jai was showing her choice of swimwear and I don't think she understood what kind of display she was doing. My Chinese friend was modeling a two-piece bikini, the bottom was baby pink with the sides tied by black and white striped strings. While the top was also the same shade of pink, the two pieces of fabric were attached together with a white and black striped bow. The shoulder strings were the same black and white straps as the other strings of this bikini and the shoulder strings were tied behind her neck. Finally, the strings that came from the sides of the top piece that went around Jia's back; said top barely kept her rack contained within the fabric. I think that my Chinese friend picked out a size too small… make that more than one size too small for the swimsuit.

None of the three of us spoke as we took in Jia's choice in swimwear. Of course, before any of we males could regain use of our voices, another spoke, "Jia, I'm not so sure about this one," there was a pause, "it is not really… something I think I can wear on a beach and not be embarrassed about."

Following hearing Olivia's voice, she stepped out of one of the fitting rooms. Like Jia, Olivia was also wearing a Swimsuit, but hers was a one-piece, I think? So, the French woman had on a suit that had the basic form of a one-piece, but Olivia's mid-section was visible. That transparent section over the middle was shaped like a half oval. The swimwear had fabric down both sides and the back, leaving the front midsection of the skin of the wearer fairly easy to see. As for the color scheme, it started with sky blue at the right shoulder strap that went down diagonally leftward and circled back to the right at Olivia's waist and ended at her right hip. Above that sky-blue stripe, was a darker light blue that ran just left of the sky blue and that was next to a neutral blue. The neutral blue was also the color of the back of the suit and the left shoulder strap.

Olivia appeared to be about to say something more but stopped at seeing Luther, Matt and me. There was a moment of silence between us before Olivia's face started gaining a visible red tint and she gave out a quiet 'eep' and quickly reentered the fitting room she had come out of. I never thought Olivia was that self-conscious about her appearance, she looks fine the way she is. I suppose that since I'm not one that judges on appearance, that I've never thought about whether any of the friends that I have which are girls were worried about their looks.

"Olivia, you need not be embarrassed about the suit you picked out. I wouldn't doubt the boys would say that it's fine if you gave them the chance," said Cassidy as she stepped out of the last fitting room of the three.

We 'boys' as we were just referred to as turned and looked to our third female friend. Cassidy, I must admit was hard not to stare at with open amazement. I've always known that Cassidy can easily be considered a knockout and a beautiful young woman but seeing her like this made it even more apparent as her in a swimsuit made it harder to not notice. For Cassidy's choice in swimwear, she went with a two-piece bikini that was a navy blue in color. The bottom piece had no strings like Jia's bikini did, it was just one complete piece. The top section had an inch band at the bottom that the two triangular strips of fabric that went up and wrapped around the back of her neck. Then Cassidy, unlike Jia, actually tried on the size that fits her and not a size or smaller than she should be trying on.

Olivia's face, which was still a little red poked out of the curtain and she was looking to Cassidy for a bit of reassurance. Cassidy glanced over at us guys and gave us a look to speak up and make a compliment. Matt spoke up first, "Y'all look awesome and look mighty fine!"

Luther nodded in agreement, "Indeed, the swimwear that you three chose looks good."

After Luther had made his comment, I regained the use of my voice. "Um, I agree with Matt and Luther. You three look really good, amazing in fact," I got out of going into more detail of the comment by looking away. "Although Jia, maybe you might want to get something a size or two bigger, then you don't have the risk of the suit or bikini slipping," I said.

Once the clothes shopping was done, I thought it would be best for me not to sleep in my room for the night. However, there were still some things I would like to have while on the trip that were in my room. So, Cassidy drove me back to the IS Academy and waited while I snuck to my room and got the stuff I wanted and then made my way back to the car without being noticed or stopped. Cassidy and I went back to the house and I once again slept in the same room as Matt looking forward to the start of Spring Break.

I woke up, well-rested which is rare for me due to the flirting I normally endured most days. Today might be Sunday, but starting the trip today was just fine and was agreed upon by all in the group. In my view, it would be a day that I wouldn't have to deal with my peers, a true break from my circumstances. Feeling amazing for one of the few times that I had for a while, I jumped out of bed and headed into the bathroom and did the business of the morning.

I didn't have to worry about any of my peers that made up the four classes of the first year of the IS academy. At least, I wouldn't have to deal with them until tomorrow evening and I'll take that over the alternative! No confining me in a bus where the girls will skirt around the responsible adults to get their way for me, virtue saved for now!

Once again, a simple solution for a complex problem, a methodology I like to go with often as it has served me well. However, that brings up a couple of different issues in this particular conundrum that I doubt I'll be able to ignore for very long on this trip, namely five of them. Those issues are the girls who spend the most time around me and have shown more than just a flirting interest in me. It's not that I dislike them, it's just they're getting REALLY persistent on vying for my attention. I wouldn't mind the same thing happened from time to time back at Cornell, and I could ignore it completely. Yet their so-called 'covert' contest/battle/fight the five girls were having that was to decide the 'ownership' of me was annoying as hell. It had been going on since the first few weeks of this semester even if I didn't acknowledge that it was.

Out of the five, Houki and Charlotte were the easiest to handle as they aren't blatantly fighting or at least they don't openly claim me as theirs or cling to me as some do. Perhaps they listened to me when I tell them to not fight while I'm around, I can hope they have. I can't say the same for Cecilia and Rin since those two tend to bicker with each other even if they don't physically duke it out so far. Then, there's the newest addition to the group demanding my attention Laura Bodewig, and she came out of the freaking left field! I mean, she had fully intended to put my head on a silver platter and now she had begun acting like she owns me calling me her 'bride'. The German is upfront and seemingly honest, or rather, I would say she doesn't know what she's doing when it comes to the social edict.

It's unlikely that the girls would be happy when they find out that I'll not be riding on the buses that the other first years will be but gone a day earlier than them. Plus, I bet they were having some sort of contest on who would get to sit next to me on the bus. Well, it's too bad for them, that's how it will be for this week. After breakfast, it took us a little while to load up the van that was rented for the six of us and then pile into the vehicle. Luther was in the driver seat and Cassidy was the navigator since they're the most responsible ones of the groups, so had to be them. Olivia and Jia were in the middle seats while Matt and I were seatbelted into the back seats. The reason that I was in the back with Matt was if Jia was behind me or in the same seat as me, she would either want to play with me or use me as a pillow. I was planning to use the travel time for doing some catch up with college work and Jia playing or sleep on me would make that a tad more difficult.

We set off by the time when it was seven in the morning, the trip itself was a total of four hours and five minutes. I was able to catch up on my schoolwork as I had been lagging a bit behind due to recent events and little free time to work with. Once I had caught up, I was able to get an hour of sleep before our group arrived at our destination, which was much needed for me. Checking in didn't take very long as we were here earlier in the day than most hotel guests would probably be. I noticed that the hotel staff was a little stressed, likely because they were expecting a very large group coming tomorrow from the IS academy. We got the key to the two rooms that we reserved and then headed to the rooms which were in a different section of the hotel complex than where the girls from the academy would be. The rooms that we paid for were side by side and connected in the middle, it had already agreed that one room would be for females and the other would house us males when we had made reservations. All of us got our stuff in the rooms and settled in, after that, it was agreed upon to go into town.

The day flew by as fast as days back around Cornell University, it felt much like it had spending time around those there. It was certainly one of the most fun days I've experienced in a while, pretty much since the metal-eared bunny interfered in my life again. I'm not saying that I haven't had good times while at the IS Academy, it's just more stress has come than a good time. So, a stress-free day was welcomed and enjoyed as it was a wonderful change! When night came, we returned to the hotel, all of us tired, so we went to bed quite quickly. The next day, my friends and I decided that we would scope out the Honko Beach. The girls should arrive sometime after lunch, so as long as we're not around there by mid-afternoon, I at least, should be okay.

Plus, the beach that was just across the road and down below the hotel itself, so the short distance away anyways. That said, we changed into our swimwear and for the boys, we put on shirts and went out to wait for the girls to join us. A few minutes later, the girls joined us. Jia was wearing what looked like a white and pink flower pattern kimono that was short, and I mean that it only went to her mid-thighs with the length and the sleeves to just above the elbow. Under that, I would assume was the string bikini she got at the store, and I hope that Cassidy and Olivia made sure to make Jia got the right size. Olivia was wearing a light blue buttoned-up sun shirt and green skirt. Cassidy also had a sun shirt though it was white, along with brown shorts. Now that we were dressed for the beach, that's exactly where we went.

Honko beach wasn't full of people, but it wasn't empty either. This was Monday the first day of Spring Break, it will get crowded given time no doubt. Then, it's still technically morning, the six of us wasted no more time and got down to continuing to have fun on our school break. And when I say having fun, I mean everything you can do on a beach legally from swimming in the water to volleyball. There was even an area of rocky cliffs and a section of those cliffs could be used for cliff jumping. It is awesome to leap off a twenty to thirty feet high rock face and dive into the water, at least I think so! An hour and a half raced by and the gang got back together, and we went to one of the seaside restaurants to do lunch. It was the first time I'd actually eaten Cold Somen noodles and Vegetable Curry, but I've heard about the two dishes before though. Both dishes were quite tasty, I'll admit, I'm going to have to look for the recipes later.

After tucking into the meal, I felt a shiver go down the back of my neck and glanced down at my watch. I saw that it was only a little afternoon, so I looked around hoping to find a cause for the bodily reaction. My sight fell upon three buses that were from the IS academy, which told me that my estimates had been off. The time I'd thought I would have was gone, and now there was much less chance of slipping away without being noticed and not be around my peers. If things don't change, I'll soon be tracked down and hounded about not traveling with my peers and specifically, by the five who I wouldn't doubt planned to spend a little more than four hours keeping me company, maybe more than that if they could've got them. With the cause identified, I returned back to my bowl of cold noodles and a plate of curry and resumed eating… at a slightly brisker pace than before.

Fifteen minutes went by and lunch was finished, yet as our group was on the way out my luck ran out. I'd just walked through the doorway of the beach house that the gang and I had eaten at when I heard my name being called, """""SAI!"""""

I flinched and turned towards the direction that the buses were in and saw the five girls that insist on being around me more often than anyone else stalking towards me. Houki and Cecilia were in the front of the girls as they made their way over to me. The thought of running crossed my mind, but I doubt that I would escape this even if I tried, so better to just get this over with. I waved at them slowly and smiled halfheartedly, "Hey ladies, I see you made it, how nice," I said calmly in greeting.

Houki was the first to reach me and she grabbed the collar of the shirt I was wearing and then confronted me with the expected issue while shaking me I might add. "How did you get here?! You didn't travel on any of the three buses," demanded Houki.

"Yes, you were nowhere to be found this morning Sai," remarked Charlotte though her comment was more like she asked out of curiosity.

It took me a minute to have Houki stop shaking and let me go and I refuse to answer any questions while being roughed up by anyone. Still, I exhaled heavily before answering, "Listen girls, let me give it to you straight, it's Spring Break this week and I believe I should get a bit of a break from what I normally deal with daily at the academy and I do not think that is too much to ask for. Honestly, I had been planning to spend time with friends and had discussed some sights around Japan to go see this week and was looking forward to the experience."

I paused recalling what had changed the plans I'd had, "But while I was out and about, Chifuyu informed me of the trip the first-years of the academy was going to be taking. She expected me to go on the trip as well even though that was the first I'd heard of it, so I said no and wouldn't budge on that point. Nonetheless, after a 'private argument' between Chifuyu and I, we came to a compromise where I would be around here for part of the week while I'm not bound to a schedule as you all will be." I took a deep breath, "As for how I got here, I came with friends yesterday and been enjoying the activities around here thus far. So please, do tone down the barking and hounding, it's getting kind of embarrassing to be associated with," I returned in a tired tone.

Unfortunately, the girls that keep fighting over me kept my attention for long enough for other first-years to figure out I was around. With that being the case, the rest of my afternoon was not mine to determine what I did, my peers took full control of the reins and didn't listen to me no matter what I said. The arguments of what I should do for individuals and 'promises' that I had made which I never would make quickly got annoying. For instance, Cecilia said that I had at some point told her that I would rub in suntanning oil for her, I firmly declined that activity not caring that she pouted. There was Rin that decided to make me her 'lookout tower' for whatever reason, so I played along for a short period, then moved on.

I hoped to spend time with some of the girls and if I did that, then they would leave me alone for an amount of time, we'll see if that's what I get for my efforts. To continue the job, I was found by Charlotte and Laura with Laura wrapped up in clothes for some reason. Seeing Laura wrapped up once again reiterated that girls are weird in their habits and I don't think I'll ever understand fully why they do what they do. Laura had acted 'weird' or at least weird for her acting nervous and shy is just plain odd for the German. I had strolled along the beach with Charlotte, which she seemed to enjoy doing and we had made some small talk as we did so.

Finally, with Houki, I'd found her in a secluded area looking to be having an argument of some sort with herself. Although in her defense, out of the quintet her bikini was the most noticeable to me. I mean, if I had to describe and rate the five and their choice of swimwear, then it would be as follows. Done from best to less so and with simplified explanation:

Houki – Simple yet somehow fitting as well as complimentary towards overall attractiveness.

Charlotte – Color choice works well with her, shows off her feminine curves and brings out her natural cuteness.

Cecilia – not bad but gives a feel of showiness and just somehow doesn't add much to overall looks.

Rin – she pulls off a cute look, but her attitude doesn't help, given a few more years that could change

Laura – I can't say which is more prominent, how the bikini is such an unfamiliar outfit for her or the change in attitude that seemed to come with.

Houki and Charlotte had been close to having the top position and had been hard to rank as they were. Honestly, they both clearly took the time to choose their bikinis and did a fair job at the job. Like I've said, it's not that I have no libido, it's just severely unused and abused thanks to the Bunny and Doll. Back to the topic, Houki's choice of swimwear, the white bikini looked good on her… okay, more than just good. If she worked on having self-confidence with her appearance and could hold back the tomboy aspect a tad more specifically the angry outbursts, she would be awesome, but we all have our flaws. Charlotte, the girl is nice and is something else, especially with the past she's had. She's cute and a bikini top and shorts/skirt bottom enhanced that well for her, and the proportions she has are fine. If it wasn't for her holding herself back for whatever reason she is, then she would have the top-rated position.

Cecilia… what can I say, she's blonde and fits the stereotype of that to a degree, not as much as she did previously though. The blue bikini she wore doesn't change that impression, it felt like she was flaunting and showing off even if she wasn't. Whether that's what she was trying for I couldn't say, I'm inclined to doubt that from what I've seen. Rin, like I said if you go just by her looks, she would do fine, but her attitude is detrimental to her. She can be mature one second, and immature the next and it's the immaturity that is such an annoyance in my view, I tolerate it to be nice, but it can be nerve grating.

Laura… to tell the truth, I don't know where to start with her with there being so much to state. She's clearly new to interacting with people that don't have a military mentality, normal people in other words. I would ask if she even picked out that bikini, she had on for I'm thinking she didn't. The change in Laura's attitude was weird, for she has built the image of a straightforward completely ignorant girl, for her to be shy… it was so unlike her.

Well, after some time I was dragged over to play volleyball by others in the first year, which I wasn't exactly against. It was better than girls trying to get me to cross lines that I refuse to be pushed over. Heck, even Miss Yamada and Chifuyu joined in after a little while. It kind of came down to Chifuyu versing me and we quickly got competitive with each other. Other girls tried to get in of the game, but things still came down to Chifuyu and me, with my friends coming in off and on.

When the day had come to a close, evening came and that means dinner is in order! So, I began heading towards the dining hall the hotel has, where all the other girls most likely are, trying to think about how to avoid being caught by my peers. Such left me wondering how dinner would end out for me, probably like it usually does, being stared at and not getting the most peaceful meal. To say I was starting to dread what I thought I would walk into was being polite. Yet, this view changed when I was joined by Olivia and Jia along my way as both women said that they still needed dinner and since I was heading to dinner and the hotel did provide breakfast and dinner for their guests as part of the price paid. I wasn't going to complain about the company, not when they will be on my side if or more likely when things go awry.

My gratitude for two out of the five of my college friends sticking by my side skyrocketed when I entered the dining hall of this hotel complex. Why you might ask? Oh well, the room was filled with my peers who rarely leave me alone, usually when adults are around mostly and none else. My best option in this kind of thing is to keep quiet and not be noticed, but then came the announcement, "Yay, Houdini is here!"

The voice had been that of my classmate Honne as she's the only one that calls me Houdini. According to the girl herself, she called me Houdini because of how good I was at escaping and I suppose the nickname fits me well enough, I've heard and had worse nicknames than Houdini. Nevertheless, the nickname wasn't my issue, it was the result of Honne's exclamation, which drew the attention of most if not all the rest in the room making any chance of me avoiding attention fly away. This put me on the unwanted stage of being offered a seat and the girls fighting to get me to sit next to them. However, I simply raised my voice so that the ladies could hear me, "Ladies! There is no need to fight as I'll be sitting where I choose, so go back to eating dinner in peace."

With that said, Olivia, Jia, and I went to the food counter to get our dinner, both my friends were noticed by the first years. The noise shifted to close to muttering as the three of us headed for one of the few empty tables. The stuff I did catch was much of what I would expect as I was with two older women that none of the first years had seen before. None of what I heard was exactly insulting, more questioning who my two friends were and where they had come from. Of course, I ignored the mutterings as did Olivia, Jia seemed non-plus about this, she was more focused on getting food.

Once dinner was in hand, the three of us found a table and took out seats. And after I sat down, Houki showed up and took a seat followed by Charlotte and Laura doing the same all across from myself and two friends, and it was a period after that when Cecilia and Rin joined us. As I'm one that attempts to be polite as best as I can, as much to establish the difference between me, the Bunny and the Doll, I greeted the girls kindly. "Evening girls, you had fun on the beach this afternoon I would hope," I asked without looking up at the girls focusing on my dinner.

There were mutterings of accent to my question from all the quintet as I'd spent some time with each of them. Although, I still spent a portion of the time with my friends when I was able to escape the girls of the IS Academy's first years. Now that I knew that the gang would be here to help me for the rest of the semester that gave me a MUCH-needed morale boost. Yet, I really only got weekends with them lately and some mornings and with the mornings it was for around an hour. But things would hopefully get better by the end of this semester though provided that I find the hasenpfeffer's lair, it will be less time!

The thought of making contact with the doll and asking her for help on finding the bunny and getting her back had come to mind a few times before now. Yes, were I ask Alice, she would be likely to agree to help me even if it's to hunt down the rabbit. And woe be unto the said rabbit should I do so, cause there will be nothing she can do to stop what would come her way from the two of us. However, I would then owe the Doll and I don't want to have to owe her all that many favors for her to collect later.

After a bit of silence, I glanced up and was forced to pause at what I saw for the expressions on the girl's faces was unexpected. The five girls were looking between Olivia and Jia with somewhat worrisome expressions. Houki, Cecilia and Rin were glaring a little at Jia and had more a look of curiosity with Olivia. But then, those three had already met Jia once before and it hadn't been under the best of circumstances. I smiled slightly, "Um, I guess introductions are in order then," I started looking to Olivia to start.

"Bonjour to you all, my name is Olivia Beaumont. It is nice to meet you," said Olivia with a smile.

With Olivia's introduction done, I was about to gesture towards Jia to go ahead, but she beat me to the point. "Iya, it's so nice to meet some more of Sai's classmates! I'm Jia Xuan, but you can just call me Jia," exclaimed my Chinese friend with her normal cheer before she seemingly disappeared.

All the girls did their introductions and while they were, I saw Jia reappear behind the girls which caused me to pause apprehensively. Admittedly, it was comical to watch Jia press all five girls together as she gave them a group hug. The glopping together that Jia did to the quintet effectively disabled them, to which I kept the laughter from coming out and instead I did what I could help. "Jia, it would probably be a good idea to let them go so they can recover from your greeting, I believe it overwhelmed them," I suggested.

Jia did as I said by letting go of the girls and they fell to the table before they showed different reactions to Jia's greeting. Houki was the first to recover enough to look at me, "What was that?!"

I shrugged at the question ignoring the tone, "That's one of the customary ways that Jia greets people, it takes some getting used to I know, I get that often enough from her. She's really open with people, that's for sure," I returned.

The girls didn't take my explanation well exactly, but they didn't blow up at me as I kind of prepared for thankfully. Although I can't blame them for 'telling' or rather demanding that I elaborate, it had taken me time to get accustomed to how Jia expresses herself. The point is more proven with what I feel with hugging, it's fine now, but it hadn't been so at the start. Back when Jia and I first met, the poor lady had thought she had done something wrong when she had said hello to me with an embrace. That was mostly because I had collapsed the second she let go of me as was the normal response thanks to the Bunny and Doll. It had taken a little more than a week to get her to listen to me and to tell her that she had done nothing wrong and that my reaction wasn't her fault.

It took some time to get the quintet to be quiet long enough that I could get a word in an attempt to answer their questions. I was about to tell them my side of the story, but never got to as I was stopped when one of the doors to the dining hall slid open and Chifuyu came into view. She was in a light blue yukata with a darker blue kimono over it, which I haven't seen her wear that kind of outfit in years. What instantly became clear was Chifuyu wasn't in a good mood right now and we here had somehow contributed to said bad mood. "For the love of God! You lot are being too noisy! Can none of you eat your food somewhat quietly?! All of you keep it below a dull roar, you got that, or so help me damn it, I'll personally throw each of you into your rooms and locked inside until morning," snapped Chifuyu in as one would an ultimatum.

Wow, I know I can have a foul mouth sometimes, but it's because of Chifuyu that I have curtailed that out of habit while in public around those it matters with. For her to cuss and swear is rare and I don't know whether I like this Chifuyu more or less than the normal one, definitely is a change. I was whipped back to attention when I felt the icy glare that only Chifuyu can give successfully to me, "Taichi, stop adding more damn fuel to the fire!"

The accusation got me to stare incredulously at my older sister figure because I didn't do anything to help the chaos in this room along. Plus, I am not one to shoulder blame I didn't earn, so I won't take this laying down even from Chifuyu. "Hold it, are you seriously accusing me that this is my fault in some way," I questioned incredulously. "All I did was come here to get and eat dinner, I didn't rile these girls up nor would I. They did that all by themselves as they have a tendency to the majority of the time."

What answer did I get to my solid defense of having no real involvement in this situation you might ask? This is Chifuyu we're talking about, so she wasn't going to take me talking back without a fitting response from her. "What did I say," posed Chifuyu in a tone that could freeze most people.

However, I'm by no means most people and I won't take this when I had been the one forced to be here by my sister no less! So, I glared right back at Chifuyu without any fear or hesitation, "You heard me Chifuyu," I stated firmly. "We both know how this came to be, and I say again to you, feel free to pucker up or bite me," I said evenly and then jabbed a finger at her and extended my challenge. "And I dare you to do either of those, the former over the latter if you're feeling lucky. Then just name the time and place and we'll resume where we left off earlier, I'll show and then we can throw down and settle this."

The tension in the room suddenly increased in weight as Chifuyu and I glared at one another! The stare down that Chifuyu and I were in held for half a minute before Chifuyu broke it, "Another time, just keep it down, or I'll personally make you regret it Taichi," she finished.

I grunted before Chifuyu left the room and I returned to my dinner as if nothing had happened, "Sai, was it really wise to argue with Miss Orimura," asked Charlotte worry evident in her voice.

I swallowed and waved a hand in dismissal, "I've done it before and I'm just fine. I'm aware where the line needs to be drawn," I replied.

The girls looked between one another nervously but were silent while I didn't waste any more time and finished my dinner. I may have said that I'm ready to fight Chifuyu whenever she wants, but if I don't have to, then why put myself in the situation to receive pain and a headache? After I finish eating, which Olivia and Jia did so at the same time as well, the three of us slipped away from the café and headed back to the eastern side of the hotel complex.

-Houki's pov-

Sai had managed to vanish during the transition to evening while everyone had been heading to the hotel. I don't blame him with how the first years had been not just insisting to have his attention but dragging him off to do whatever they had in mind and give him little choice in participation. He had made it clear that he wasn't fond of lots of attention, especially the type he gets from the other first-years multiple times. After getting back to the room I was assigned to, I'd changed out of the bikini I had been in for the time at the beach and into one of the hotel yukatas. I then headed for the café for dinner wondering where Sai had gotten off to after he had slipped away.

The dining hall was already filling with other first-year girls by the time I got there chattering away with one another. Sai still wasn't around, a fact that was noticed by many of the other girls according to some of the chatter I heard. Some of the things I overheard as I passed some of them made me feel sorry for Sai and irritated at things girls were saying. I admit I've been noticing some of the other first-year girls were becoming bolder in what they wanted to involve Sai in also, giving him less of an option to refuse them. Sai has up to this point had managed to avoid being caught by our peers the vast majority of the time, which is quite impressive. Granted, Cecilia, Rin, Charlotte and myself have been blocking a number of the girls, and even Laura was helping in that task, but still, it was becoming harder as time went on.

In fact, the five of us had actually come to an agreement to work together in preventing other girls from throwing themselves at Sai on the trip this morning. However, we found out after we started off that Sai wasn't on any of the buses at all. So, when we found him at the beach already… well, I know that I overreacted a bit when we confronted him. Sai said that he had come a day earlier with 'friends', which had brought thoughts of who that might entail. Yes, there were the two young adults from before that Sai had left with to work on his IS unit, but who knows if that was all the friends Sai referred to when he talked about friends. It just hammers the point home that those of us that are around Sai the most, really don't know a great deal about him.

Sai clearly had a room somewhere else in the hotel that is a distance away from the IS Academy's first years. That meant that he had made preparations for being around those of us in the first year before coming here. Then he had said something to the effect of him and Professor Orimura having an 'argument' about him being here during Spring Break. What that involved I can't guess, Sai has only mentioned to me that he had lived with Chifuyu for a time, not much else.

Anyways, after I grabbed a tray of food, I bumped into Laura and Charlotte, and we started looking for a place to sit. That process was interrupted when out classmate Honne Nohotoke who we were passing suddenly gained a smile, "Yay, Houdini is here!"

Houdini was the nickname that Honne had given to Sai, according to her because he was so good at escaping his pursuers. The three of us glanced in the direction Honne was looking, and Sai had indeed entered the dining hall. Yet, he wasn't alone as he was accompanied by two women that had been around him earlier. The one on Sai's left was about the same height as Sai himself, but her facial features were kind of like Charlotte's making me think she was a foreigner. Her figure was of average size, including her bust and was smaller than mine. She had red hair which was long and straight and flowed down her back. She also had two-star shaped hair ordainments above her ears on either side of her head. Her red hair did compliment her light blue eyes.

The woman on Sai's right was the one from before that had hugged Sai after he had been absent for an evening. But now that I had the chance to get a closer look at her she appeared a tad younger than the other, but still older than Sai and stood shorter by a few inches than him as well. She looked to have a 'compact' body frame, though her figure was the same as mine and Cecilia figures, which are among the fuller of our age. Her body was the shape of an hourglass with an E volume chest, cinched waist, and shapely hips, it makes me wonder if that was Sai's preference. The woman had black hair that was in two braids that stuck out on either side of her head. Her chocolate brown eyes seemed to complete her appearance and made her look very cute.

Honne's exclamation drew the attention of most if not all the rest in the room onto Sai. Most of the girls in the room began clamoring for Sai to sit with them, though shortly Sai simply raised his voice, "Ladies! There is no need to fight as I'll be sitting where I choose, so go back to eating dinner in peace."

Then Sai and the two with him went to the food counter and obtained their dinner, before looking around for a place to sit. They ended out choosing an empty table, which Laura, Charlotte and I began making our way towards. I sat down at the table first, then Laura and Charlotte took seats next to me, and then shortly after that we were joined by Cecilia and Rin. "Evening girls, you had fun on the beach this afternoon I hope," Sai greeted us nicely without looking up at us, focusing on his dinner.

We all muttered that we had to the question as we all got some time with Sai during the day. For me, I'd been kind of embarrassed of how I looked in swimwear as I didn't think the look fit me at all and so, I didn't want Sai to see me like that. And yet, there was also a part of me that wished that Sai could see me in a swimsuit and see me in a more feminine light instead of the tomboy that I come off as. I had been going back and forth with going to find Sai and avoiding him for a time and was unable to make a decision. It was as I had been having the internal argument that the decision was made for me, which came when I had felt a tap on my shoulder. Upon turning, I had seen who it was, and I was mortified to see Sai, yet I had been also happy at the same time.

I had gone into a panic at first trying to cover myself, then trying to hit Sai, neither of which worked at all. Yet somehow, Sai managed to calm me down in the end like he seems to do, I still don't understand how he can do such a thing seemingly with little effort. We ended out sitting next to one another and just simply started talking to one another. Whatever it is about Sai, I can for some reason talk to him about subjects that I couldn't do with even my aunt and uncle. Perhaps it is that I feel at ease around him, or maybe it's something else, I just don't know. During our conversation, he actually complimented me and my choice in the bikini I had. I didn't think my face could get so red, I had ended out trying to hide my face for I was too embarrassed to have Sai see me as I was. Nonetheless, he had gotten me to look at him and gave me a smile that made me feel faint back at the time.

Sai had ended out spent some time with all of us that are around him the most often, and he was polite about our wishes but did refuse something, like Cecilia's request to rub in oil as an example. There had been times that Sai disappeared, and when he was found, he had been with a group of young adults that he seemed to know. The two with him now had been among them looking back.

After a bit of the others and myself staring between the two older women, Sai glanced up and paused. Cecilia, Rin and even I were glaring a little at the black-haired woman not having forgotten what had happened the last time we'd seen her. Laura and Charlotte were just looking curiously at both women. Sai in response, smiled slightly, "Um, I guess introductions are in order then," he started, before looking over at the red-haired woman.

"Bonjour to you all, my name is Olivia Beaumont. It is nice to meet you," the red-headed woman with a clear French accent and a smile.

Sai was turning towards the other woman, but she spoke before Sai did anything, "Iya, it's so nice to meet some more of Sai's classmates! I'm Jia Xuan, but you can just call me Jia," exclaimed the other young adult.

The five of us gave our names as it was polite yet, upon looking back to the Sai was on with the other two women, I noticed that the black-haired one Jia was missing. I didn't get the time to wonder where Jia went as suddenly, I was pressed together with the others by a pair of arms that came out of nowhere. The strength the arms had was unlike anything I'd ever experienced before now, it was unreal! "Jia, it would probably be a good idea to let them go so they can recover from your greeting, I believe it overwhelmed them," Sai said.

The arms pressing us together disappeared and we broke apart, I fell to the table breathing a little harder than before. I was the first of us to recover and gazed at Sai, "What was that" I demanded.

I reined in the irritation that had come out in the form of me snapping at others while Sai shrugged, "That's one of the customary ways that Jia greets people, it takes some getting used to I know, I get that often enough from her. She's really open with people, that's for sure," he returned.

So then, this Jia hugs to greet people, I guess that makes sense, but it still feels a little bit odd. It was clear that Jia didn't seem to mean anything bad by her hugging even if not everyone thought the same as I do. All but Laura and Charlotte began to ask things and demanding answers from Sai even myself embarrassingly. However, before Sai could answer one of the doors to the dining hall slid open and there stood Professor Orimura and she didn't look very happy. She was in a light blue yukata with a darker blue kimono over it like most of us were in. "For the love of God! You lot are being too noisy! Can none of you eat your food somewhat quietly?! All of you keep it below a dull roar, you got that, or so help me damn it, I'll personally throw each of you into your rooms and locked inside until morning," she snapped in the form a threat.

None of us in the dining hall said anything as it wasn't wise to cross Professor Orimura, the majority of us have learned that. Yet, the professor turned her gaze onto Sai, "Taichi, stop adding more damn fuel to the fire!"

The room had gone completely silent as Sai stared incredulously at Professor Orimura, "Hold it, are you seriously accusing me that this is my fault in some way," he questioned incredulously. "All I did was come here to get and eat dinner, I didn't rile these girls up nor would I. They did that all by themselves as they have a tendency to the majority of the time," he answered.

"What did I say," posed Chifuyu in a tone that froze all of us.

Sai, on the other hand, looked unperturbed by Miss Orimura's tone, "You heard me Chifuyu," he stated firmly. "We both know how this came to be, and I say again to you, feel free to pucker up or bite me." Sai then jabbed a finger at her, "And I dare you to do either of those, the former over the latter if you're feeling lucky. Then just name the time and place and we'll resume where we left off earlier, I'll show and then we can throw down and settle this," he challenged.

Many of us, including myself, were staring at Sai with consternation and fear for him as he had just gone and dared the most dangerous professor at the IS academy to clash with him! The tension in the room had risen high and quick, a staredown was going on between Sai and Professor Orimura as they were glaring with more than just daggers at each other. However, after half a minute, Professor Orimura looked away. "Another time just keep it down, or I'll personally make you l regret it Taichi," she finished.

Chifuyu left and close the door behind herself, while Sai returned to his dinner as if nothing had happened. That didn't dismiss my fears much if at all for Sai, for what he had done was dangerous and I know I wasn't the only one that felt that way. "Sai was it really wise to argue with Miss Orimura," Charlotte asked carefully.

Sai waved a hand in dismissal, "I've done it before and I'm just fine. I'm aware where the line needs to be drawn," he replied nonchalantly.

I couldn't be the only one at the table or this room that was showing nervousness or was worried by Sai's answer to Professor Orimura. And that he said that this wasn't the first time that he had argued with Professor Orimura just increases the worry. Meanwhile, Sai finished his food before he slipped away with the two women that he had come in with disappearing somewhere else into the hotel complex. The group of us that wanted to spend time with Sai did go looking for him, but we had no success at finding him. After the time spent looking for Sai, it was decided that we would try out one or more of the open-air baths here. If need be, we could find Sai tomorrow and talk to him about what could be bothering him to have him avoiding others more than usual.

We wandered around and found a bath that seemed to be open and available, there were signs on the left of each bath, but none of us really took much of a look other than seeing if they were open. Still, once we came to one that said it was open that we agreed was good enough to try, we entered the changing room and prepared to enter the open-air bath. The IS academy first-years were the main guests here, so most of the baths would be set for women I would think at this time. So, the five of us shed the yukatas we were wearing and took the towel wraps that the hotel provided for their patrons. Rin and Charlotte wrapped the towels around their bodies, while Cecilia and I simply held the wraps instead of putting them around ourselves. Then Laura didn't pick up a towel wrap at all, she just headed for the door naked, but then she was odd in several ways and this just added to the list. We all headed towards the door that led to the bath itself when each of us was ready, "Unfortunately, we were not able to find him," said Cecilia.

-Sai's pov-

Once Jia, Olivia and I got back to the two rooms that we had, then began a discussion on what to do for the rest of the evening since I was stuck being here per the compromise that Chifuyu and I had come to. The subject turned to there being several different types and various baths and spas here for the guests to enjoy. It didn't take long for the decision to be made for us to go and try some of them, I know that I would like a relaxing soak personally. So, without further ado, we donned yukatas and set out to see just what kind of baths and spas they had here. We started in a group of six, but that didn't last all that long into our exploration. The gang ended out separating into pairs to explore the different baths the hotel has, and I paired with Cassidy. It was nice as it had been a while since Cassidy, and I had done something together where it was just the two of us.

As Cassidy and I wandered around looking at the various bath facility that this complex had for their guest to experience, it was neat to see the variety there was. After looking around a bit, we came to a stop in front of one of the unoccupied baths, the label on the left side of the entryway stated that this was a 'mixed bath'. Where there might be an issue for some individuals, I'm not one of those as unexpected as that can be. You see for whatever reason, I'm okay with such a thing with my friends and the majority of adults older than me. Maybe because I'm desensitized to nakedness, due to the actions of the damn rabbit and sisterly doll, yet that is a subject unto itself.

On that subject, those two women I can say without ANY reservations had absolutely no modesty when it came to being around me. Hell, it wasn't unheard of or all that uncommon of an occurrence for those two women to walk around without clothes… Or underwear for that matter on a random day. I had 'punished' them at first trying to teach a lesson to them, but it just became pointless after a time to do so for their lack of modesty as it never improved. I punished the two when they did wrong since I was the 'responsible adult' figure out of the three of us sadly though it didn't always work. Anyways, I'm kind of desensitized to things like this, yet when around those of my own age I have difficulty. I have no idea why there should be any difference between the two, logically there shouldn't be but there is for some reason.

Back to the present, Cassidy and I separated to the changing rooms of the bath that we chose to try out after I went through disrobing, I wrapped a towel around my hips. Even if the two women I grew up around didn't have modesty, I do and will not stoop to their level, so I'm covering up my equipment from being in clear view. Once the towel was as I wanted, I went through to the bath and glanced around taking in the scenery. The bath itself was open to the night air and was a fair size could fit I would guess around fifty people or so comfortably if I estimate right. There were two large pools of steaming water lined with stones to make them appear more like traditional Japanese hot springs. In the corner of this outdoor place was a medium-size shed-like structure that was I to guess is some kind of sauna. From the view, it looks like Cassidy and I scored with our choice with baths!

"My, this is quite a nice," came the voice of Cassidy.

I twisted around to my right and saw my female companion was gazing around the open-air bath we had chosen to try out. Cassidy currently had one of the hot springs wraps the hotel had for people, specifically, women to use in the baths and hot springs. The wrap started just below a woman's collarbone and went down to Cassidy's mid-thigh. The cloth wrap, hugged my friend's figure, showing off her notably defined curves that she had, it's kind of hard to miss it with the size of Cassidy's rack and the width of her hips. Cassidy also had her hair tied up in a large bun instead of her hair flowing down her back. I smiled back, "I totally agree with you Cassidy and I'll add that it's nice to not have to fear for my virtue be stolen even for a short time."

Cassidy laughed at my comment and then as is good manners and edict, we washed ourselves off first so that we didn't bring dirt or other filth into the baths. It didn't take long for Cassidy and myself to get clean and slip into one of the springs. The water temperature was wonderful, not too hot, but not lukewarm either, in the perfect range really. I had to admit this is an awesome way to soak the stress and troubles away as I've gathered a great deal. A little while later Cassidy decided to check out the Sauna, whereas I just kept soaking in the hot springs.

I was enjoying the peace and quiet that was around me as these were rare for me since coming to the IS Academy. There were no girls the same age-range as myself chasing and pursuing me for their own interests and desires. I didn't have to pretend to pay attention in classes that were so boring as I knew the subject matter better than the teachers. Just an environment I could relax in and I sorely needed this experience as much for my sanity as anything else.

But then, the sound of activity from the women's changing room came to my ears and female voices started floating into the spring area and bringing me out of my musings. Well, as this is mixed bathing so others can come in here without fear of reprisal, it's preferred that I'm left alone, so ignore the others entering I say. That said, I simply kept soaking and didn't move from where I sat in the spring, not worrying about those who would be coming in, returning to my thoughts. However, I was snapped out of those thoughts when one of the voices came to me, "It is unfortunate that we were not able to find him," said a female voice with a British accent.

Hearing that got me to sit up straight as I knew that voice specifically that accent, how could I not? It belonged to one of the five that bother me more often than many of my other peers. And I highly doubt that she is alone meaning that all of the quintet is likely about to enter this bath. Even if they were to wish to check out some of the baths here at this hotel, do they have to by chance choose the one that I'm in?! I'm going to make that bunny pay when I get to her for all the times that I've had to deal with crap like this.

I twisted around slower than I would normally want to confirm what my senses were telling me. The door to the woman's side changing room slid open and walking out of the women's changing room were; Cecilia, Rin, Houki, Charlotte and Laura. I couldn't help but blink a few times to make sure I wasn't seeing things and had to accept that I wasn't hallucinating. Rin and Charlotte had the towel wraps on, which didn't leave all that much to the imagination though. Rin was petit, yet I could still tell that she was a female as she was developing, perhaps she's a late bloomer. Charlotte well, she's not at the same size as Houki or Cecilia, but she wasn't small either being moderately sized in her proportions.

Then there was Houki and Cecilia and they held the hotel wraps so that their nethers regions weren't visible yet, the girls' chest areas certainly were. Again, I have to wonder how it is that some girls have as large of a rack as they do. Is it genetics or perhaps something else, who knows? I mean, Houki was easily a D in size, approaching an E, but then her sister is huge in the chest area I've been forced to know that. While Cecilia Alcott was slightly bigger than Houki at a solid E and didn't exactly hide that fact. Finally, Laura Bodewig, perhaps the most ridiculous of the five for she wasn't wearing anything, so was as bare as the day she was born, and she doesn't appear to be embarrassed at all!

These girls… why won't they give me a moment's peace and not be harrying me? Okay honestly, seeing these girls like this puts me in a problematic spot as I'm torn between being disgusted and my hormones fighting for attention. I'm not embarrassed about my appearance, but well, I would rather not give these five females more motivation to straddle me and get busy pumping up and down if you know what I mean. And I wouldn't doubt that some if not all of these girls have had thoughts about doing that with me in some way. Nor do I want to put my control to the test with this kind of situation, it might go bad for me. So, to help myself by eliminating the difficulty in this, I turned myself back around and faced the way I had originally been before they had entered with a frown forming on my face.

Admittedly, I had to say I'm impressed at the sheer boldness and nerve that the girls were showing coming into this bath. I didn't think they had this in them, or perhaps they're just coming in not knowing the type of bath this is. Well, I might as well find out which explanation is the truth then, "I've got to say girls, you're bolder than I've given you credit for, definitely willing to go farther than your peers thus far," I said so that they could hear me.

There was near dead silence after my comment/greeting, only the girls' breathing was audible. Half a minute later, Rin and Cecilia screamed very loudly, I think Charlotte gave out an 'eep' and Houki was, I don't know, growling maybe? From Laura, there was no audible reaction that I could detect, so I can't say what her reaction is. All I can say with certainty is my ears hurt from the loud screams from two out of the five girls and I wasn't happy with that. I had my hands over my ear to dull the pain from exposure to the painful screams at close range. "Girls are you trying to make my ears bleed, if so then stop please as I like having working hearing," I snapped.

I didn't get an answer unless you consider my martial arts senses blaring a warning at me an answer. Knowing that ignoring those instincts is never a wise idea for my well-being, I shot to my feet and side-stepped to the left from where I had been sitting. I managed to catch the sight of a fist thrust into the place I had been showing that once again the senses I gained from martial arts are a very good thing.

The next moment, I reacted and dodged again with a flip pushing off the stone and landing a short distance away. As I flipped, I got a quick but full view of whoever it was trying to hit me and deduced that it either had to be Houki or Cecilia if the bust even though it was covered and contained in a towel wrap, which I got a glimpse of is anything to go by, it couldn't be anyone else. The purple-tinned hair was all I needed to know it was Houki that was trying to hit me and I doubt gently. When I landed on the ground, I settled into a defensive stance waiting for the next strike. The interesting and surprising thing the towel around my hips was still there somehow, even with the quick movements I made to evade the strikes.

I found myself facing Houki, and I had to prompt why she was trying to hit me for there wasn't really a viable reason to before she tried to hit me again. "Houki, why are you attempting to hit me? What possible reason could you have to wish to do such things right now," I asked in a calm tone an adult would use with a child who did something that they shouldn't but the child doesn't know any better yet.

Houki glared at me, "You even need to ask?! You're in a women's bath, and to think that I believed you when you said you were not a pervert," she accused me.

Ah ha… so it is the latter of the two explanations that I suspected however, I was given no time to speak up in my defense in any way for two reasons. The first was Houki rushed forward to hit me again, but I moved out of the way and though it's considered rude and perverted, I shot a hand out targeting the ties of the towel wrap. Yet, somehow, my hand went out too early and my hand accidentally grasped Houki's left breast and I had to say, it was something to grasp. There had been a few instances before now, which Houki had come into direct contact with me, but this was different than any of those. Houki's breast was soft yet supple, the best way I can describe what I was feeling. And yes, I admit that each female's rack had a different feel to it and no, I never intended to learn that fact.

Houki's reaction was immediate, she screamed in embarrassment and crouched down on the ground covering herself. As I hadn't meant to do what I had to Houki and certainly not embarrass her. I immediately made my apology, "Sorry Houki, I wasn't aiming for that spot, I was just trying to get you to stop attempting to hit me," I said quickly.

The second reason I didn't get a chance to speak in my defense was that Cecilia spoke before I could come up with a statement following my apology to Houki. "This is outrageous, for a male to come into a female's bath, I was expecting better of you!"

This was followed by Cecilia and Rin going on about how horrible I was though I still wasn't facing them being a gentleman. Charlotte sounded like she was defending me, which was nice of her and I appreciated the gesture. Houki was as far as I could tell, had not moved from where she had hunkered down after I had accidentally cupped a feel. Laura still hasn't said anything that I've heard yet in all of this, wonder why. What's more, I'm surprised that Cassidy hasn't come out to see what all the noise was about. My attention was brought back to the situation at hand when I looked down and saw the German girl squatting in front of me staring at the towel covering my privates. Most of the quintet was still ranting to me their disappointment in me while Charlotte was defending me. But after a few moments I couldn't keep silent, "Laura, is their information in particular that you're trying to acquire," I asked in a monotone voice.

The next thing I knew Laura Bodewig lifted up my towel and gazed at my equipment I have as well as give a partial view to the other girls. I don't know if I show be insulted by what the silver-haired girl was doing, appalled at her action or just plain irritated that she had gone and done such a thing without having the curtsey of asking first. If this stunt was pulled by either the Rabbit or Doll, rest assured that I would have them assume the position faster than you could say the phrase and spanking them good and hard! What I actually did with Laura's action was stand there and wait, after a minute Laura did let the towel drop back down shielding my privates. I gazed down at the German as I would if the doll or bunny had just done what she had, "Laura, why did you just do that?"

Laura stood straight and met my stare, "I was wondering the quality as a male in the ability to reproduce," she said.

The sound of the girls chewing me out had gone silent with what Laura had said. I felt my right eyebrow rise, "That so? And your final assessment," I asked almost lazily.

Laura had a completely serious expression set on her face, "Your equipment is very satisfactory and above average that I have read about," was her reply.

I swear, this German female is odd, I can't predict what she's thinking accurately at all. Charlotte moved forward and pulled Laura back chastising her. Now back to the previous problem, I understand the reason these girls were going under and it was a mistake for they were under the impression that this bath is a female-only bath rather than a mixed bath. I guess it would help them and myself if I tell them that, "Girls, did you or did you not read the sign at the entrance of this bath," I asked in a normal voice for me.

My question got the girls just stare at me, confused, Charlotte was the one to respond to my question, "What do you mean Sai? There was a sign on the left, but what did it say, I only got a glimpse of it."

I focused on them, finding that all but Laura had at least gotten the towel wrap around themselves and so covered up their nakedness. The German girl was still sporting her birthday suit without shame. I shook my head, "I'll take that as a no, none of you took in what the sign on the left post of the entryway said. It labels the type of bath in this complex and for your information, this particular bath said 'Mixed Bath'. So, with that in mind, would you stop chastising me please as you have no reason to do so. I've done nothing wrong at all, I'm just trying to have a relaxing soak thank you."

I got blank looks from Charlotte, Cecilia, and Laura, while Houki and Rin began blushing. "What do you mean 'Mixed Bath'," asked Cecilia.

She really hasn't looked at Japanese culture or tradition at all, has she? And by the expressions from Charlotte and Laura, they were wondering the same thing Cecilia was. I sighed, "Okay, a mixed bath or mixed bathing is when it's genderless. In other words, males and females can use this bath at the same time without beating one another for what some would call shameless conduct that doesn't happen. So, now that you all know, I'm totally fine being in this bath and how it's declared as. That in mind, please stop making this a bad experience by trying to harm me," I said.

The lack of sound from them was kind of unnerving, but I'd said my piece, so I made my way back to the spring and sunk back into the water. The silence didn't last long though, around thirty seconds passed and then the girls started sputtering and panicking. I ignored the girls' reactions and just shook my head a bit at their reactions as they were more detrimental to them. I simply continued to take in the feeling of the soothing water while choosing to pay no mind to the girls and their panicking.

This situation is reminding me of how much I miss being at college and around that age group. I didn't have to deal with this kind of crap daily and I'm treated decently where I'm treated less so by my peers. True, it was also a motivation to find the rabbit, but I wanted her to stay out of my life, to be honest, she more hassle then she is worth. The sound of someone entering the water snapped me out of my semi-peaceful respite, and I looked over to see who it was. I discovered that Charlotte had stepped into the spring and sat down about an arm's length away from me.

Her cheeks had a pink hue to them, which made me kind of worried about her, but I kept calm. Charlotte smiled slightly, but it was evident that she was nervous about sharing a bath with me as things were. Trying to help her I spoke up, "There's no need to be nervous Charlotte. I'm not a pervert, nor do I contemplate doing lecherous things to females whether around me or not, so you're safe. I have a well-developed control over the little libido I happen to still have. And before the question comes up, I have very little due to a series of past events I have desperately tried to erase and fervently wish I could forget," I said trying to reassure my female seat neighbor and explain why I don't have much of a libido. "Although, even with that being the case, I'm by no means saying that you're not pretty Charlotte. I can assure you that your appearance is cute and attractive, you should have more confidence in yourself."

It can be said that I have a small libido, and it's fairly accurate for me. It's not my fault that's the way it is, it's thanks to of course the damn perverted bunny and the sisterly doll that's how it is for me and it's the truth. The things they did around me and to me, had made sure that with things that involved the subject of sexuality… I don't like and am sickened by most of the time. That doesn't mean I still don't find girls attractive since I like most guys have preferences and think some girls are cute. But that's where things come to a near halt, and going beyond that, is much harder for me from the trauma that the two previously mentioned eccentric women. In response to my attempt to calm and relax the French girl and the compliment I gave her, Charlotte blushed and held her cheeks. "Oh my, thank you, that's so nice of you to say," she said starting in French and switching over to Japanese halfway through.

I would have told her that she shouldn't worry about her appearance for I wouldn't doubt that she'll be pretty when she becomes a full adult. Yet, before I could, Charlotte scooted herself over to be right beside me and then she slowly leaned up against me. The feeling of Charlotte's head gently pressing into my shoulder and crook of my neck was different than I would have expected. I didn't necessarily dislike Charlotte leaning against me, it was an unfamiliar feeling with any but Chifuyu and my female college friends. Charlotte leaning up against me felt kind of nice and that kind of confused me a bit. Charlotte also pressed her side against me in a kind of hug I believe and my normal reaction didn't come like it usually did. The sick feeling I get from hugging was still there but had much less strength than it would regularly.

I was about to ask what brought this on before maybe putting an arm around her shoulders, yet an annoying voice that belonged to a blonde that I know made herself heard. "Charlotte! What are you doing," cried Cecilia.

-Charlotte's pov-

We entered the open-air bath and it incredible to see! The bath itself was open to the night air and was large, it could fit many people comfortably. There were two large pools of steaming water, lined with stones, which gave it a good look to them. In the corner of this outdoor place was a medium-size shed-like structure, what that was for I couldn't guess. If this is part of Japanese tradition, then I would like to learn more about them. "I've got to say girls, you're bolder than I've given you credit for, definitely willing to go farther than your peers thus far," came the voice that belonged to the one that we had been looking for earlier.

All of us faced the direction the voice came from, and there in one of the pools was Sai just sitting in the water. By the look of it, he was either wearing a towel wrap or nothing, but I couldn't tell for sure which it was as he was sitting in one of the pool. Thoughts and images of what Sai could look like with the second possibility went through my mind, and a faint blush came to my cheeks. I shook my head to clear such thoughts before the question of what Sai would be doing in this bath came to the forefront of my brain. The sign at the entrance once again came to mind again, since Sai wasn't one to peak on others that I had seen.

There was near dead silence, only our breathing was heard for half a minute, then Rin and Cecilia began screaming very loudly. The thought that Sai might be looking at me as I was right now, was embarrassing and kind of exciting at the same time, but my embarrassment won out. I couldn't stop the 'eep' that came from my mouth and I covered my chest and hips out of reflex that came out of nowhere. Laura had an expression that said she saw nothing wrong and had nothing against Sai seeing her as she was right now. Houki looked irritated and had balled her hands into fists glaring at the lone male. Sai, on the other hand, had his hands over his ears and his face was contorted in pain, "Girls, are you trying to make my ears bleed, if so then stop please, I like having working hearing," he snapped.

None of us said anything, but Houki rushed forward at Sai, her right arm drawn back in a clear sign that she was going to strike Sai. However, Sai shot to his feet before Houki was able to hit him and side-stepped out of the way of Houki's right fist. Houki didn't stop there, but as she swung her left arm, Sai flipped backward using a hand to spring away and landed on his feet a short distance from Houki and set himself in a fighting stance. It was surprising to see that Sai clearly had experience in fighting for there had been no evidence of that before now.

Sai faced Houki looking calm even if a tad irked, "Houki, why are you attempting to hit me? What possible reason could you have to do such things right now," he asked, completely calm and gave the impression of an adult talking to a child who did something wrong but the child doesn't know any better yet.

Houki glared at him, "You even need to ask?! You're in a women's bath, and to think that I believed you when you said you were not a pervert," she snapped.

Technically, Sai was here before we were, so we were intruding, not him. Then, Sai had shown that he isn't the kind of trying to do improper things to females, he was one of the politest individuals I've met. Sai will do the opposite around the other first years, or avoid them, why I don't know. So, I have a hard time seeing Sai being here if this is a women's bath, that in mind, what kind of bath is this?

Sai wasn't allowed to explain why he was here since Houki rushed forward again at him. Yet, Sai shot a hand forward at Houki and… his hand grasped Houki's left beast. Houki immediately gave an embarrassed scream and crouched down covering herself around both the chest and hips. Sai took a step back, "Sorry Houki, I wasn't aiming for that spot, I was just trying to get you to stop attempting to hit me," he said in a rush.

Cecilia spoke before Sai could continue, "This is outrageous, for a male to come into a female's bath, I was expecting better of you!"

Rin began chattering away along the same lines as Houki and Cecilia, but I was still of the mind that something was being missed. Plus, Sai wasn't facing us anymore, he had turned away from us, not gawking or staring at any of us scantily clad. I moved forward, "Wait everyone, maybe there is more to this than we know. At least let Sai have a chance to give an explanation for how this situation came up," I reasoned.

After saying that, an argument began in which I ended out trying to defend Sai while the others were set to chastising him. However, we hadn't gotten far into the sharp discussion, when Sai's voice caught our attention, "Laura, is their information in particular that you're trying to acquire," Sai asked in a monotone voice.

All of us turned to see that Laura was squatting in front of Sai, gazing intently at the towel covering his nethers. Then Laura, with whatever possessed her lifted up Sai's towel giving us all a bit of a view of Sai's… privates. Admittedly, I didn't know what to say, this is my first time seeing a boy's 'thing', so I don't have anything to compare to. Sai didn't move as Laura did what she did, after a minute Laura let the towel return to where it had been. Sai was still gazing at Laura, "Laura, why did you just do that?"

Laura stood back up and looked at Sai, "I was wondering the quality as a male in the ability to reproduce," she said.

What is Laura thinking?! What she just did is beyond rude and improper! I have seen that Laura is lacking in knowledge of how to act properly around other people, but this is not right! There are just things that you don't do with another unless you're given permission and Laura's actions are a prime example of that. Yet, none of us moved as Sai just kept looking at Laura, "That so? And your final assessment," he asked somewhat lazily.

Laura gained a completely serious expression on her face, "Your equipment is very satisfactory and above average that I have read about," was her reply.

Laura isn't helping herself at all! I moved forward and pulled Laura back, "Laura, you shouldn't have done that, what were you thinking," I hissed.

The German girl faced me, "But why, I was merely inspecting the quality of Sai's reproductive capabilities. It is something a wife should know about their husband, is it not," Laura asked with a straight face no less.

Sacreblue! Laura can be so clueless! Sai cleared his throat to gain our attention, "Ladies, did you or did you not read the sign at the entrance of this bath," he asked in a normal voice.

So then, whatever that sign said did say something about the bath? I was the one that responds to Sai's question, "What do you mean Sai? There was a sign on the left, but what did it say, I only got a glimpse of it."

Sai glanced around at all of us, which all of us other than Laura were covering what we could. Laura was still naked and showed no shame with being so in front of Sai, but by what she just did, she unlikely sees anything wrong with it. Sai shook his head after a moment, "I'll take that as a no, none of you took in what the sign on the left post of the entryway said. It labels the type of bath in this complex and for your information, this particular bath said 'Mixed Bath'. So, with that in mind, would you stop chastising me please as you have no reason to do so. I've done nothing wrong at all, I'm just trying to have a relaxing soak thank you."

Mixed bath? What does Sai mean with that? My gaze flicked around, and I saw that Cecilia and Laura were as confused as I was. However, Houki and Rin had gained a red hue to their cheeks, which could me they understood whatever Sai was implying. "What do you mean 'Mixed Bath'," asked Cecilia.

Sai sighed, "Okay, a mixed bath or mixed bathing is when it's genderless. In other words, males and females can use this bath at the same time without beating one another for what some would call shameless conduct. So, now that you all know, I'm totally fine being in this bath and how it's declared as. So, please stop making this a bad experience by trying to harm me," he said.

Both males and females bathing together?! I-I mean, I've heard and read some references made about such an idea, but I never thought about trying the idea myself! If it was with Sai… it wouldn't be all that bad I would think… Oh my, what am I thinking! I was brought out of… the thoughts that I was having, some of which I shouldn't be, by that time Houki, Cecilia and Rin sputtering about bathing with Sai and boys. Sai just headed back into the pool that he had been in when we came in and appeared to be ignoring our reactions. Yet, this was an opportunity to perhaps getting to know Sai better and reacting badly wasn't helping anyone. The way Laura was ignorant and not embarrassed isn't a lot better, but courage is what is needed now.

I made sure the towel wrap was still around my body before I took a deep breath and took a step forward. It took a lot of courage to step into the pool and then sit down within arm's length of Sai, all the while trying to ignore the fact that my cheeks were heating up and no doubt becoming red. When I glanced over to Sai, I saw that he was looking at me with a mixture of calm yet slight worry. I gave the best smile that I could manage, but I felt like my heart was going to come out of my mouth with the speed it was beating. This was the closest I've been to a boy and be this exposed, it's so embarrassing, more so as I'm growing fonder of him the longer I'm around Sai!

"There's no need to be nervous Charlotte," Sai began, "I'm not a pervert, nor do I contemplate doing lecherous things to females, whether around me or not like so many think teenaged boys do. I'm not like how most expect teenagers to act as, so rest assured, you're safe even as you are. I have a well-developed control over the little libido I happen to still have," Sai continued. And the mention of little sex drive or as he had referred to it as libido, I wondered why that would be the case. Sai kept going, "And before the question is asked, I have very little due to a series of past events I have desperately tried to erase and fervently wish I could forget."

What could have happened to Sai to say that line?! Who could have possibly wished to do such harm to him, he is a wonderful gentleman? "Although, even with that being the case I'm by no means saying that you're not pretty Charlotte. I can assure you that you are cute and attractive, you should have more confidence in yourself," Sai finished.

What?! S-Sai thinks that I'm attractive and even cute?! Oh my, what do I say to that? What do I do knowing that Sai actually sees me like that? Yes, he said it was nice to have someone to talk to at the Academy, but this goes beyond that. I was starting to think that Sai didn't see me as a girl and just as a friend he could talk to but this says otherwise. The hue in my cheeks deepened at Sai saying I was cute, and a tingling warmth burned within my heart and spread out from there. In response to what Sai said, my hands came up and held my cheeks, "Oh my, thank you," I twittered in French, then I forced myself to switch back to Japanese, "that's so nice of you to say."

The sputtering from the other was still going on in the background while I exercised another amount of courage and scooted over to be right next to Sai. Then, I swallowed and slowly, seemingly at an agonizing crawl, leaned myself up against Sai… and he didn't pull or push me away! A feeling of warmth and happiness quickly filled me at realizing I was so close to the boy I was coming to more than just like as a friend. This was a chance I was not going to let me pass by and not try to get to know Sai better even if this is an embarrassing setting. A smile had come to my face as Sai looked at me and appeared to be about to say something, yet another voice interrupted the moment. "Charlotte! What are you doing," cried Cecilia.

The happiness I had been feeling a moment ago changed into anger at having the opportunity to be like this with Sai ruined. I know that all five of us are in one way or another trying to gain Sai's notice and earn his acknowledgment. However, why should that mean that stabbing another in the back is fine I don't know and it's terrible for Cecilia to do!

-Sai's pov-

It would seem the other girls have finished their stuttering and noticed that Charlotte put forth the courage to do what they probably all wish to do. Honestly, all I wanted was a relaxing, peaceful soak in an outdoor bath, is that too much to ask for?! My Spring Break was supposed to be a time I wouldn't have to deal with those who flirt and fight over me for attention and my time! This is why I was so against being around here when Chifuyu told me about this trip, I knew I would have less chance for a break from the causes of my standing issues. I have nothing against any of the girls personally other than them flirting with and fighting over me.

I tried to shut out the bickering of the females who have an interest in me, but their incessant arguing made ignoring them harder. "Hmm, I was wondering what the source of all the noise." I twisted to my right and saw that Cassidy had come out of the Sauna and was now approaching the pool I was in.

And a lifeline is thrown out to me and sanity prevails! I waved at Cassidy, very grateful for the good company that doesn't grate on my nerves, "Hey Cassidy, done trying out the sauna? How was it," I asked.

Cassidy sunk into the hot spring and settled down on my right against the side of the pool before answering. "Yes, I had enough with the higher temperature, then heard the commotion out here and came to see what was going on. After observing the scene," Cassidy twisted to look at the girls who, I saw when I glanced over to them were still arguing with one another, Charlotte having joined them. "I take it that these are the girls that have been showing more than a friendly interest in you Sai which you mentioned?"

I sighed and was about to tell her that she was correct, but I didn't get a chance to answer as it was at this point the girls took note of my college friend. Of course, as they had with meeting a friend of mine before now, there was an uproar came from the quintet of ladies. The reason was my friend had been in the sauna when the girls came in and so they didn't see her when they entered the bath. Plus, Cassidy was one of the two of the gang that none of the girls have met. Only Houki, Cecilia and Rin had met Luther and Jia when they came to the academy to pick me up. Then these girls had been introduced to Olivia and to Jia the first three of them for the second time.

It's embarrassing how these girls are acting right now, it's a major reason I don't often spend time around my peers, they're so immature! And now that I think about it, the girls might get the wrong idea about my views on 'the ideal female' with looking at Cassidy. I'm not saying that Cassidy and I don't get along wonderfully in fact, that's kind of where the misunderstanding tends to occur with others. She is my closest friend other than Matt and that's because I had him as a roommate to start out with when I began college. I have gotten to know Cassidy about the same time as Matt, we just sort of clicked and became quick and good friends. I remember the day we met like it was yesterday…

It had been on the second day of classes of my first semester at Cornell University and I had become a bit apprehensive. Day one hadn't gone as well as I'd hoped it would, and it hadn't been the class themselves that had been hard back at the time. No, it had been the gossip that I was whispered wherever I went, the only exception was during lectures and classes themselves. I mean, I'd been accustomed to being talked about by those around me, it was how high school had been every single freaking day and made it a form of torture. At Cornell, some of the rumors were getting a tad ridiculous by the second day. When you hear some particular lines repeated, you tend to wonder who has something against you, I swear.

Anyways, the first class of my second day had been communication, it was a lecture format and so the number of students attending was higher than an average classroom size course would have. It was my first experience in the academic setting with many people going to the same class I was. In my defense, it hadn't been easy to be a thirteen-year-old on a college campus, so I believe that I was justified to be nervous.

So, when I'd entered the lecture hall I had glanced over the hall, taking the room in and my mood back then hadn't improved. The seating was staged like stadium type seating or what you might expect in a place such as the national capital, which congress uses for what they do. There was writing surface in front of the seats for taking notes and down at the front of the hall was the teacher's lectern and a display for the professor to use during the class. The other thing that'd quickly started was I instantly became the subject of attention and whispers of those in the room much like the rest of the campus.

Even as I had begun making my way down the aisle, gazing around for a seat that I would be able to see the professor well enough and take notes effectively. I was treated to overhear some of the whispered gossips about me that had been going around at the time, courtesy of my 'colleagues', lines like:

"That has to be him, the kid that was allowed to come here."

"He's supposed to be like eleven or twelve I think."

"But how could a kid like that be permitted to attend here."

"The word is he's super smart or something like that."

Hence the talk about me around the university and that was the nicer end of the rumors that were about me. I ignored it since I had gotten used to such things years ago though I think I prefer the physical confrontation it was simpler to deal with. I'm not saying that everyone had been gossiping about me and it had gotten less prevalent. Yet, being the genius that I am, it has its challenges that's for sure and they aren't the same as I had around the Bunny and the Doll. But, back to the search, I'd been doing for a chair in that lecture hall as I'm getting sidetracked.

Once I'd spotted a place that fit the requirements I had been looking for, I moved towards it. There was a group of three girls in their early twenties, two brunettes and a dirty blonde in the row I had chosen, which had been Cassidy and two friends. I'd asked them if I could take the seat at the end and that had been how Cassidy and I had met. With the class being a communication class, we'd been required to partner up to put into practice what we learned during the first hour of the lecture. As it happened, Cassidy had been my partner in that class and our friendship had made such a difference. It hadn't seemed a big thing when it had happened, and it had only taken two communication classes for the two of us to become acquainted and shortly thereafter, friends.

Actually, it was that lecture my first semester that had really helped me in ways that I hadn't imagined it would. To learn how to interact with others and for a lot of the rumors about me that had started, to be dismissed. Interesting, how getting to meet and know around a hundred and twenty people can change so much, no? Back to the present, the girls were accosting my friend and I wasn't going to let that slide, not with the things Cassidy had done for me! "All of you girls, shush and calm down," I said sharply, getting their attention, "Each of you can have one question answered, but one at a time, please. And stop giving her the third degree would you, it's very rude and immature."

Rin was the first to speak up, "Who is this girl," she demanded.

Instead of me introducing her, Cassidy stood up and did that herself, "My name is Cassidy Mets, it's nice to meet you girls."

Cassidy had always had much better manners than I ever could hope to have in my opinion and that's taking into account the language base that I have when I'm not in public and Chifuyu isn't around. The quintet minus Laura, gaped at Cassidy as she bowed, whether it was her good manners or the view they got of my friend's respectively large bust, I can't say which for sure. "So then, what is the nature of the relationship between you two," inquired Houki.

Ah, now that's the question I was expecting to hear, I'm more surprised that it wasn't the first one said really. After all, these girls have displayed jealousy when they find me with or is close to me in a relationship with another girl. Cassidy spoke before I could, "We are good friends," was her simple answer.

I decided to clarify as I would bet that would be questioned before it was argued, "Cassidy is one of my best friends to be exact. She was the one to help me learn to be around people much better than I did when I was younger," I added.

Charlotte was next to ask a question, "If you are a friend of Sai's, where did you meet," she questioned.

Uh oh, that's a question that had an answer which haunted me while I have been at the IS Academy because it would bring a whole new set of problems that I don't have right now. This could get very messy, especially with these girls, let alone should they spread the answer to our other peers. Only Houki knew that I was a college student and not a high school student like they are and Houki found out by accident, she'd taken it pretty well though. Suppose there is nothing I can do about that now other than hope this goes okay and doesn't blow up in my face too much. Cassidy smiled at the question, "Yes, I'm a friend of Sai's, and we met two years ago at Cornell University," was the reply.

The stares of the girls swung over to me at the last two words, to which I sighed knowing that it would be better just to come clean. "What Cassidy says is true and yes, technically speaking, I would be considered a college student. I would rather that you girls not say anything to anyone else, that would complicate things for me, and I have more than I wish for currently. Drop the subject for now please," I pled flatly.

"You are in college," uttered Cecilia in disbelief.

I nodded at Cecilia, "But how can that be? You're the same age as us," Charlotte stated.

"I'm very smart and I was able to skip several grades as it happens. Please don't ask why I'm going to the IS academy, I really don't want to talk about the reason, but it isn't by my own choice overall," I said to end the discussion on the subject.

With four out of the five girls have asked their one question that just left Laura. I never know what to expect from her for she isn't very predictable, simply because she doesn't understand much about social interactions with others. Or rather, she doesn't have any experience outside of a military setting, would be my guess. In fact, Bodewig was staring intently at Cassidy, like she was trying to discern something kind of like she had with me earlier. "What is your bust size," Laura asked.

Huh?! Out of all the things, the German girl could've asked, that's the questions she poses?! I don't know whether I should be embarrassed or ashamed at the question posed for my friend. Cassidy blinked and then giggled a bit, "Is that all you want to know? Well, last time I had a physical exam done, I was at thirty-six and almost a quarter inches in circumference around my bust I believe."

Oh boy, did that earn looks of shock from the girls at hearing Cassidy's chest circumference. Not to say that I don't understand the feeling, because Cassidy beat out all the other girls here. My friend has more volume in that area than the average girl you come across, one couldn't deny that. Cecilia was muttering something along the lines of her disbelief that I knew someone with a larger size than her. Actually, all but Laura and Charlotte were depressed for one reason or another after hearing what Cassidy's bust size. Why girls tend to be so self-conscious about the small things, I don't know. I say it shouldn't matter myself, but that's my opinion.

Charlotte went back to looking at Laura with a bit of a chastising expression, while Laura was nodding at receiving her answer. I took the opportunity to get away from this by rising out of the water and making my way to the changing room. I was silently thanking Cassidy for helping me out of the jam with the girls back in the bath. Once I had put the yukata I had back on, I headed back to the room and saw that Luther and Matt were already back.

Once I got back to the room, I was taking it easy and glancing over design schematics for my unit, mentally toying around with ideas for improvements. It always helped my wind down and relax and it was doing the point once again. My attention shifted when Matt spoke to the room at large, "Whoo whee, times like this remind me of days back home on the ranch."

I looked up and stared curiously at my best friend, "Oh does it now, how does this remind you of home Matt? This isn't the western US, nor the countryside." I said.

Matt shook his head at my question, "Nah, that's not what ah mean. Ah was talkin about the quiet night outside friend. It was this kind of settin that all my brothers, sisters, cousins and myself, would go out when dark fell and then… we'd play us some night games! Haah, those sure were fun… good times, good times; ah'll tell ya," Matt mused.

Night games huh? I wouldn't doubt they were fun with how much family Matt has… wait a second, that gives me a neat idea! A night game here would be awesome and potentially beneficial, but what game would do? Hmm, tag wouldn't be all that interesting and I doubt sardines in a can would be much fun since I play that daily and would like a change. I got it, capture the flag, yes that would do nicely! As for teams, it won't be the guys versus the girls no, more like the gang versus some of the girls.

The difficulty would be getting permission to do something like this, especially with the hour it is. There's no way that I could get the go-ahead from the 'responsible adults' watching over us at the moment. Sure, I could easily get the first years to go along without much effort, but I would pay a price if I do that, and the price would come from none other than my big sister Chifuyu. Now, I'm no stranger to getting in trouble with Chifuyu, even if I'm out of practice, but there's getting into trouble and doing something clearly dumb. Going behind Chifuyu's back and riling up the girls would definitely fall under 'clearly dumb' and that category is named that for a very good reason!

Not feeling inclined to be stupid and pay the price for it, permission would be needed and that would be a task to acquire. The best-case scenario would have Chifuyu specifically agreeing to said game and I would need a miracle and a pray for that with the terms I currently on with her. That can happen, but it would be a thing if I could pull it off… and that makes me want to do this more. Convincing her wouldn't be easy… unless, perhaps if I were to put this idea from the standpoint of her getting the opportunity of being able to take down some egos, she just might go for this. It's worth a shot even if it's still unlikely, but I'll play the odds at the moment!

I put my terminal aside and got to my feet, "Matt you're amazing," I exclaimed.

Matt looked at me with surprise, "Well, thank ya Sai, that's mighty nice of ya ta say. But why do ya say that ah am amazing," he asked.

I gained a wide smiled, "Because you gave me an extremely fun idea." I raced over to the sliding door that separated the girls' room and the guys' room and knocked, "Girls, come over here, I have got an awesome idea to tell you it's going to make tonight into an incredible one!"

Minutes later we had gathered around the table in the guys' room and were looking at me. "Okay, listen up…"

Diving into the explanation of what I had in mind, I told my five friends about perhaps we could 'play' capture the flag with the first-year girls here. I Didn't get into a lot of specific details as they would be questionable until I got permission or not. If I got my older sister to agree on things will be good, if I managed to get her to side with my friends and me, then things would be golden! There would be some things that we could do if Chifuyu was on our side. If Chifuyu didn't either agree to this or didn't side with us, that would change things. I would have to weigh the risk versus the rewards and that can be fickle. So, until that point can be determined, I couldn't be sure what the do's and don'ts would be. Still, everyone was excited about the idea and were all on board with me, but this wasn't the first time I've come up with an idea that turned out to be awesome.

So, I snuck off to the room that Chifuyu was in and yes, I knew which room she was in for a couple of reasons. I would do the best I could to persuade her to not just allow this 'game', but also to participate in the activity. Within five minutes, I was standing in front of the door I was after and without hesitation, knocked. I was told to come in and when I entered, I took the first leap of faith.

Chifuyu stared at me when I came in, "What do you want Sai, it's late," was the first thing that Chifuyu asked me when I stepped into the room.

Without thinking, I got into my act and had my left hand come up to scratch the back of my neck, "Well, you see Chifuyu, I had something to ask you about and wanted your opinion on if that's good with you?"

Chifuyu gave me a long look at my request, "Okay, it's odd of you to actually ask before doing what you do unless this request of yours is somehow questionable."

I put a hand over my heart as if Chifuyu had accused me of a horrible crime, "That hurts Chifuyu. The rabbit and porcelain doll were and are the ones who do whatever they want without having the courtesy of asking or really thinking about their actions. I at least ask first," I said before muttering the rest of the sentence with less volume, "before going ahead most times," I replied with a smile.

I watched my sister took a swig from a metal can, which I noticed was beer before staring at me. I glanced to the right and saw a small collection of beer cans… Chifuyu has been drinking again eh? HOLD IT! This could be my miracle and the start of the needed prayer, if I can play my cards right, this could work in my favor! Hello Lady Luck! It wonderful for having your company tonight! "What is it that you're asking for," asked Chifuyu.

I did some quick thinking on how to present my case and I came up with a way before smiling, "Well Chifuyu, no doubt you noticed that the first-year girls were full of energy at dinner and before that as well," I posed.

Chifuyu grunted and nodded in reply, so I continued, "And something tells me that would likely mean that you and the other adults will have to keep a sharp eye on them while they wind down, and who knows how long that will take?"

My sister grumbled at the point I stated and so came the time to sell my idea, "So, I got to thinking," Chifuyu gazed at me, "Perhaps I can be of assistance and help you be able to get to sleep at a decent hour," I mused.

"And how would you be able to do that Sai," asked Chifuyu.

My smile shifted into a smirk, "Why, by tiring out the girls of course."

"And you would do that how," insinuated my sister.

"Oh, a little game, namely capture the flag. It would take place behind the hotel in the forest area, nothing dangerous. But I thought it would be better to get permission from you, rather than to cause chaos outright, since all I'd have to do is suggest the idea and the girls would be more than willing to play with me," I answered.

Chifuyu took another swig of beer and told me to elaborate, which means I have a definite maybe in the winds right now! And so, I began laying out how the game would be set up. The game itself would have rules the same as 'capture the flag', but since there may be some girls that don't know the game, as it was an American game originally as far as I understand. The basic rules were to two teams and each would have a flag, I already had two bandanas to be the flags used. Both flags would be hidden by the respective teams and the bandanas had to have at least half of the fabric visible. The 'jails' would be a patio deck next to the gazebo and a grove in front of the temple. No 'jailbreaking' would be permitted, as dismissal would be the consequence to dissuade the idea. A team member could retrieve one of the captured teammates for each time they reached their opponent's prison.

The field would consist of the forest behind the hotel on the west end of the complex, which was the section that the girls were staying in anyways; the patio that had a covered gazebo of the hotel and the temple on the other side of the forest. The field measured around three hundred yards from end to end, the forest taking half of the field. Through the forest was a pathway to the temple and in the middle of the forest area, there was a perpendicular intersecting path that would serve as the dividing line for the sides of the field. One team would use the temple as the base and the other would have the covered gazebo and the surrounding area up to the forest.

As the teams would go, the gang along with myself would make up one team. The other team would consist of Miss Yamada, class reps from each class and the class rep's choice of five girls from their respective class they're over. For Class One, Charlotte would fill in for me as I'll be on the opposite team. The winner of this contest would be determined with three games, by the best two out of three. I even offered Chifuyu the option to participate, with her being on my team!

After I finished telling how the game would run, Chifuyu took the time to consider my proposal. To further my chances of getting this to happen, I added the nigh irresistible bait for my sister, "Plus, now that I think about it, this would be a wonderful opportunity to knock down some of the egos that a number of the first-year girls have. Not that the idea is the point of this or anything, but if such a chance should be presented, I know that I would have a hard time saying no, wouldn't you sis," I mused.

You can call me a manipulator if you like, but I learned from the bunny and the doll and they were freaking masters at it. So, I use the skill when I see the need to, I'll apologize to Chifuyu when she's sober if need be. Chifuyu perked up at the mention of knocking down egos and taking down pride as she loves doing that. "Sai, your idea for a game tonight is approved and I'll even give you a bit of an advantage and join your team," said Chifuyu.

YES! Oh, this will be epic! I kept myself contained and didn't show my excitement, "Glad you are letting me help you wind down the girls, sis. I don't doubt you can come up with a way to get the first years to agree to participate and so I'll leave that to you. While you're doing that, my friends and I will be setting up for the first round of the game as we will get the temple as a base first," I returned.

I grabbed one of the bandanas, the red one and not the blue one, red will blend better I believe, then I left Chifuyu's room. I raced back to the two rooms that the gang was in as if I was floating on air and waiting for me to return. They all looked to me when I came in the door, I gave them the thumbs up and they cheered. "Okay everyone game on, so listen up! We get the temple as our base for the first round, meaning there's work to do. Remember, we can't hurt the girls, so no getting too rough. Oh, and Chifuyu will be playing on our team, let's get dressed for the occasion," I said.

Jia cheered and was jumping up and down, Matt was grinning from ear to ear. Olivia was smiling as was Cassidy and Luther was nodding. We all went back to our separate rooms and changed into darker clothes which would help in the game. Once we had all got into clothes that were much more incognito, my friends all looked to me for instructions probably as I was the strategist of the group. I turned and pointed in the direction of the temple, "Alright, let's go all, there's prep work to do, MOVE OUT!" I barked like a general would command their troops.

The six of us ran out of the hotel, I set Luther and Olivia to ahead to the temple to look at the layout of our base for round one of capture the flag. Jia and Matt went into the forest to scope out what we had to work within that area. That left Cassidy and me to get a view of the other base that the girls would have in the first round. While Cassidy and I were getting a mental map of the area and seeing possible places that the flag might be hidden by the girls when I happened to hear the voice of Chifuyu. "Listen up!" I listened as I was taking in the area and heard Chifuyu explaining the game I had talked to her about. By the reactions I heard from the girls, even at this distance; it sounded like they were very interested in the mentioned game. I had my suspicion as to what Chifuyu might offer as a motivation to the girls, and as if my thought was a signal, "If you girls win, then you will get to spend tomorrow with Taichi," said Chifuyu.

Yeah, I figured that would end out being the reward and prize, it just serves as motivation for me not to lose! Well, as Cassidy and I had gotten the layout of this area pretty well down, we headed into the forest. I wasn't interested in staying around a dangerous place with girls that were revved up. Within ten minutes all the gang and myself were gathered at the temple and it was decided to hide our flag by tying it to the single cheery blossom tree that stood in front of the temple on the right. For the next ten minutes that we were waiting for Chifuyu to join us, we went to the temple porch and began tactical discussion the game plan. When Chifuyu did arrive, I gave her a quick rundown of the setup we had come up with.

It was kind of comforting to see that somehow my sister had sobered up to an extent, would need her to have her head in the game. Our team would be outnumbered a little more than three to one as it's twenty-five verses our seven. Not to say that fact will make much of a difference as this match would come down to skills and tactics. Our team has a lot more than the first-year team! We have Chifuyu Mondo Grosso Champion, Cassidy IS tournament gold medal team member, Matt's experience with being outnumbered by his family in games like this. The rest of my friends have their own set of skills that contribute to this and finally, there's me the strategist and tactician. My only small concern was that it was likely… no, more like a guarantee that the five girls with serious interests in me will be going for me from the start. If they can work together, then they could become a force to be reckoned with! One thing for sure, this will certainly be a game to remember! This will be fun!

Chapter end

A/n

And I'll end this chapter here, I'm sorry… okay no I'm not that sorry. The game comes in the next chapter, plus another event that I will keep to myself for now. Please take the time to write a review and tell me what you think of the chapter and the story thus far. Comments for readers does help improve my writing. Peace out until the next chapter is done!