I'm sorry for the long wait guys and not responding on Valentine's Day. first off, happy late v-day even though we r already in September. secondly, I hope everyone is doing ok during the crisis that is known as Covid-19. during this pandemic, I'm one of the few who is still working. yay and nay. yay for getting paid and nay is for wanting to repeatedly kill me. it was quiet for one WEEK then suddenly people kept coming and coming AND COMING AND COMING AND I'M LIKE WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE! My mental health kept getting worse. not to mention in August where each week a few employees go on a vacation. yippee... on top of that, we got new people and then we lose those same people cause they either have a hard time coming in or can't find a ride or my personal favorite they're too tired. I'm trying to understand but I'm sick and tired of the motherfuckin BULLSHIT AT MY MOTHERFUCKIN JOB! and some people just like to FUCKIN BE ON THEIR CELLPHONES ON THEIR SHIFT! so many times I want to quit, then a little voice tells me don't do it.

oh boy, this week is going to be something. the early morning person is going on vacation for a week so some of us, including myself, get extra hours.

so I just wanna vent a lil. please enjoy it and I hope u like this chapter.

Chapter 4: The New Rules

Hitoshi stares hard. Disbelief is written on his face. "Your informant… is a fortune teller?" he asks, uncertain of how to approach the new information given to him.

"She prefers to be known as a card reader", Kosuke replies, "trust me she'll go into an argument of the difference between fortune tellers and card readers. So, don't bring it up."

Right… he'll put a pin on that. Let's not go into an unrivaled proclamation of who's right. His eyes linger to the small shop. Small and simple with a neon sign on the display window portraying the unknown shop.

How did they end up coming here?

(Two hours before arrival)

"I hate this", Kosuke pouted. His cheeks puffed childishly. Hitoshi had to stop his friend from transforming into his persona in public and convinced him to listen to the strange boy. The stranger invited them to a café. Inside displayed many portraits of different pro heroes. Much to Kosuke's dismay, their table had All Might's self-portrait hanging over them. His smile seemed to make the shaggy blond uncomfortable as they wait for what's-his-face; he's getting bubble tea; he's paying. How can he say no to that?

Hitoshi heavily sighed. "The least you can do is listen to what he has to say. He did bring us here and he's paying so, for the love of God, behave."

Instead of following his word, Kosuke sneered. "How can I behave when that lil' bastard is within mere inches away? He kidnapped Toko and you expect me to behave?"

The dreary-eyed teenager widened his eyes. "What? You mean… that middle schooler?"

"Yup, he's Obsidian. I can tell by the aura surrounding him. Now remind me again why I shouldn't kick his ass from here to the other side of Gaia."

"Because you'll be exposed as a bully to everyone", responded the junior high student who carried a tray of three bubble teas to their table, "and to be honest, I'd rather not draw attention after the display we committed." Obsidian lowered his tray onto the wooden surface.

The blond slammed his fist onto the table almost toppling them over. "No one asked you, you lil' shit!" Hitoshi looks around his surroundings, making sure no one looks to their direction; the customers didn't and were preoccupied with themselves. It's strange nobody was curious of the noise rising.

Obsidian calmly shrugged as he took his seat across the weary high schoolers. "I was simply giving my thought. Forgive me if I struck your pathetic ego." His response caused Kosuke to stand up and rolled up his sleeves; his eyes blazing its signature blue fire.

"Tosh, back me up! I'm gonna punch his living existence!"

"I would love to see you try", Obsidian challenged as he sipped his drink after puncturing it.

Kosuke gritted his teeth. His fire matched his rage.

"Okay! Enough!" Hitoshi stepped in, "Obsidian, you seek your opponent because you wanted to talk. Here we are so I'd start talking, otherwise… Arcadia will obliterate your favorite café." He laid his hand on the seething blonde's shoulder and gently lowered him onto his seat. "Arcadia, you're older; just because you're angry doesn't mean you get to punch anything that pisses you off; and Obsidian, you're younger, you seem smart enough not to provoke a raging beast."

Obsidian nodded in understanding. "You're wise. Are you're not Arcadia and not using the buffoon as a mindless scapegoat?"

"You're lucky we're letting you talk after what you did today."

The glasses-wearing preteen sighed and took a long sip off his drink. "Very well. Let's begin." Hitoshi poked his straw through the plastic cover and drunk it. Yum. Guava. He should drink it more often. "Arcadia, do you know why you're my constant rival?"

"Because you enjoy being a constant thorn on my ass cheek."

"Trust me, the feeling is mutual; unfortunately, it wasn't the answer I was searching. You see, our fight is continuous for we are two spellcasters in the same district. No, not district… the entire country."

"Nope, I'm calling bullshit! I've faced other candidates beside you!"

"Try expanding your aura awareness and get back to me if you were able to find any. The opponents you faced were my paper dolls. When I'm stacked with homework or stuck in my studies, I sent them in my stead." The high schoolers gave the younger boy a dubious stare. "What? I have better things to do than chasing tails. After all, if I'm defeated, I need to have a fallout plan. I do plan on going to a university to get my bachelor's degree."

Hitoshi glanced at his seatmate and his friend wasn't too happy with the small info of the information he's given. "You're telling me… I've been fighting paper dolls… the entire time?"

"Occasionally."

Kosuke stood up. His face brightened a raspberry shade and it is not of embarrassment. Hitoshi, if he were in his friend's shoes, would be just as angry. "That's it. I'm leaving." Hitoshi grew anxious. He knew fully well Kosuke's patience limit and with Obsidian continued pushing his buttons, he will not hesitate to smash the junior high student's face onto the table.

As his friend attempted to go over his seatmate, Obsidian stopped him. "Leaving so soon?" the question drew the blond warlock to a pause. "Don't you want my explanation for kidnapping your precious pet?" The two UA students looked at the preteen sitting calmly as though what he was speaking of the weather. "I see I have your attention. Then I suggest you sit down, drink your bubble tea, and listen."

The blond spellcaster crossed his arms. "I'm not drinking anything you're giving. You probably poisoned it without me looking." Hitoshi rolled his eyes. He could have explained to his grumbling friend the nonsense he spat, but the plum-haired teenager was keen on what Obsidian had to say.

The middle school magician sipped his drink. "Are you aware of Lady Cerise?" No, Hitoshi Shinso never heard of her. Kosuke on the other hand, have.

"The first Sorcerer Supreme who lived over three centuries; who also had knowledge of magick and created a large number of basic spells for beginners? No, I don't say I have." the sheer annoyance and impatience could be heard in his statement.

"Need I remind you she is the first witch to become Sorcerer Supreme. Oh, by the way, she's female use proper grammar terms, please. I'm certain you know the difference between the two sexes."

Kosuke exaggeratedly throws his arms in the air. "Okay! Yes! Sorry I made an error, Mr. Grammar Checker." He exhaled a calming breath. "Legend has it, after her death, her soul never passed onto the afterlife. Rumor has it since her soul never passed it goes to the next worthy vessel, forever wandering Gaia's body for years. Whenever the vessels do reveal themselves, an all-out war occurs. The only reason it's such a legend is due to the few magicians accomplishing during the years. During those gruesome years, three magicians managed to become Sorcerer Supreme. After the third, Lady Cerise's spirit disappeared; no aura, no spiritual signature, nothing. Just poof. Never heard from again. Why bring up a fairy tale?" Why, indeed? Kosuke made a valid point. If what Kosuke said is true, the ancient spirit should be in Heaven years ago… or Hell rather. Why would Obsidian go after Tokoyami if his objective were obtaining the soul?

Suddenly, the answer struck his brain like a lightning bolt. In realization, Hitoshi's eyes widened. "Arcadia, shut up and use whatever brain cells you have left." His eyes blinked in confusion causing the poor sleepy-eyed boy to sigh heavily at Kosuke's stupidity. "Why kidnap Tokoyami? If he's not a part of this or anything relating to the tournament, then why go after him?" Calm the fuck down and think jackass; he wanted to yell but withheld it due to the fear of drawing attention to the small café. The blond looked at his untouched bubble tea.

A few minutes later, the high school magician's eyes widened. "You don't mean…"

"Yes", the two high schoolers looked at Obsidian, "Fumikage Tokoyami harbors Lady Cerise's soul." At the proclamation, Kosuke slammed his palm on top of the table and extracted a sword mixed between wood and metal; he aimed the blade's tip mere centimeters away from the preteen's forehead, who sat in his spot, unaffected of his opponent's threat.

"Come anywhere near him and I swear I'll kill you before you lay a finger on his fluffy, feathered head", the shaggy-haired teenager hissed.

"Ko – Arcadia", Hitoshi excused his mistake quickly before speaking his friend's name, "sit and calm down. You're making a scene." Hitoshi glanced over his shoulder to see… no one didn't care; nobody reaching their phones to record their conversation or call the manager which is strange considering it's a quiet and peaceful café (no one seemed to glance their way).

"Relax", Shinso refocused his attention on to Obsidian as the said boy sipped his drink, ignoring the manifested weapon aimed at his crown. "I summoned an illusion bubble to cloud our table before sitting. No one knows what we say or do beyond this spell. To them, three friends are happily chatting and getting along."

"I thought I sensed something off, but I thought it's All Might's picture", the sword-wielding spellcaster quipped, "you cast it over his picture, didn't you?"

"Actually, it's on the frame. You're spot on, nonetheless. This is my favorite spot which in turn I activate it whenever I want to perform my magic in peace."

"Overall, nobody will see me slicing you piece by piece."

"I can understand why you don't trust me. We're rivals chasing the same dream; to become the next Sorcerer Supreme."

"You're telling me in order to fulfill my goal… is to kill and harvest Tokoyami's soul?" his friend's words sprayed like acid rain. Kosuke's magical; hopefully, he doesn't literally melt anything while being pissed off.

"Theoretically, yes. Did the Fates not speak of the rules in your slumber?" Kosuke didn't respond, possibly meant he hasn't. "I can tell you still don't believe me. Speak with Madam Tarot, then. If anyone knows what goes beyond, it is her."

~MHA~

Kosuke opens the door and enters the small shop. Knick knacks display throughout his very eyes. He hears his friend's footsteps creeping behind. He imagines Tosh's wandering eyes brimming with curiosity and caution; he should be. Most of these trinkets can end a man's lifeforce. "Don't touch anything here. These items can kill you", he warns his baggy-eyed adversary. Every time he enters Madam Tarot's shop, her on-sale trinkets always creep him out. Oooo…... that is new. The curious blond inches closer to a small Buddha statue spitting water from his mouth and into the pond he is sitting on. As soon as he touches the stone head (his fingertip taps the head), the miniature head pops up. A geyser sprays up.

The magical boy panics. "OH SHIT! I BROKE IT! TOSHI, HELP ME! I NEED A HAND!"

"Way ahead of you." He manages to squint at Hitoshi through the gushing water who is busy recording every moment for future laughs. It took three attempts to stop the water. The Buddha statue remains headless; the spout inside the statuette leaks liquid, and surrounding Kosuke a small puddle. His clothes soak to the brim. He angrily stares at his friend as he hides his phone.

"Thanks for the help", he sarcastically spits.

"Your welcome", Hitoshi says, ignoring the sarcasm.

"Well, well, well", a voice comes from the far end towards the backroom, "if I was greeted with a show, I would've brought popcorn." The boys are greeted by a small, old woman wearing a navy-blue cloak and hood covering her entire body. What is visible is her gray hair, her wrinkly face, and soft age hands. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your morning entertainment, Arcadia."

Kosuke notices his friend tensing up at the mention of his persona's name; so, with a warm smile, he flicks his wrist to magically dry his clothes and greets the woman. "Madam Tarot!" he says, spreading his arms as though mentally asking for a hug, "you look fantastic! Have you done something to your hair? Tosh, don't stand there. Compliment the nice lady!"

Hitoshi hesitates after being put on the spot. "Uh… um… you remind me of my grandmother before cancer."

"Dude . . . seriously? That's the best compliment you can give?"

"Gee I don't know. It's not every day I've been put on the spot and have an automatic response."

"You respond quickly with me . . ."

"Which took years of practice. Thank you very much."

A small chuckle silences their bickering. "My goodness. You two are quite a pair", Madame Tarot replies with a sweet smile. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Madam Tarot: card reader and magical guidance. Welcome to my humble abode, Hitoshi Shinso." Her smile never wavers ensuring the quirky human's untruthful gaze.

"How did you… my name?" The indigo-haired boy utterly asks, "unless…"

Kosuke lifts his hands in surrender. "I never mentioned you one bit until recently I said your nickname. She's Madam Tarot. She knows everything."

"That's not reassuring."

"As amusing as your quips," the old woman intrudes, "I have a doctor appointment at 11:15. I was not one to haste a visit, but I do like to stay on track."

In other words, make your visit quick; I hate to be late.

The blond nods. "Of course. I'll make it brief." His facial expression changes from light-hearted to serious. "Is it true? Does Lady Cerise's soul reside inside Fumikage Tokoyami?" the question becomes stiff silence surrounding the trio.

The cloaked woman heavily sighs. "Let us continue our discussion in the back. I have to close the shop anyway." The two teenagers concede to her request and went to the backroom. The backroom is basically a guest room with a smooth mahogany coffee table and two large plush couches (one for each side). The two boys sit on the right side waiting patiently for the hostess. The said woman returns. "Now then", she says removing her cloak to reveal a young, beautiful, voluptuous woman. Her brown hair shines under her floating lights giving it a halo highlight. Her blue eyes bright and wide yet dances with the knowledge or eager for it. She smirks at her guests (one of them gaping like a fish at the quick transformation). She casually drapes the garment onto the couch and sits on her lush cushions. "Does anyone want tea?" with a finger twirl, three teacups, plates, utensils, a platter of sweet biscuits, and a tea kettle (which already is boiling water with a prepped teabag) floating above them. They watch the fine china dance with grace. The kettle screams through the spout. The teacups line themselves at the call. The steamy kettle pours each cup with hot tea and floats down with a saucer in tow. They land gently unto their awaiting palms. Kosuke helps himself to a snack.

Hitoshi blinks a few times. "Right. Magic." The blond spellcaster chuckles at his friend's stunned expression. Tosh was used to seeing him perform magic, he never saw someone other than Kosuke do such things. Kosuke wonders what the outcome would be if the utensils start singing "Be Our Guest", it would be a sight to marvel.

"The question…"

"Was Obsidian right about Lady Cerise's soul resonance with Tokoyami?" Kosuke asks after taking a bite of his second treat.

Madam Tarot overlaps her left leg with her right. She drinks her tea elegantly and finesse and lays her cup onto the saucer. "Yes… whatever Obsidian informed you is the truth… which means the Ancient Law rises once again."

The quirky teenage boy raises as though he is in a foreign classroom. "I think it would be best if you explain what the Ancient Law portrays."

"How astute of you, Hitoshi Shinso." She smiles like the Mona Lisa painting. "The Fates are three ancient creatures representing past, present, and future. They have the foresight of every living creature. They were appointed by the all-knowing deity Himself, God. With His approval, the Fates grant worthy adversaries to perform magic and competing in the tournament of becoming the next Sorcerer Supreme. The contestants fight until they are seven remaining. Those seven have an all-out battle royale to see who reigns victorious. What once 567 fighters reduced to seven. Arcadia is one of seven remaining candidates."

"Strange how Kosuke it made this far", Hitoshi quips.

"Hey, I managed!" nevertheless, Kosuke is stupefied. Shit. 567. So many candidates lost their battles; possibly their lives. And for what? To be the next Sorcerer Supreme? Well, it's what they, and he included, signed up. The loser either loses their life or loses their magic along with memories pertaining to magic or the tournament. He shakes his head in disbelief. Then again, besides facing off constant paper dolls (to his embarrassment), Obsidian was his only opponent he faced off daily. Damn. It makes the young magician wonder who are the remaining five.

"However," she continues, "once the soul of Lady Cerise resurrects and embodies an infant with their soul's wavelength matching hers. Then, the Fates announced the final challenge to the remaining seven upbringings the Ancient Law. Let me ask you, Young Shinso, when you met Arcadia, did he tell you of the Mystique Rules?"

"Well… he said something about telling one specific person of the tournament, which forms an ally, but he cannot tell anyone else; no civilian is to be involved during the brawls, except another candidate or those who practice the magic arts; and, no one is to know of a said tournament or knows about magic." Yoru nods his head, agreeing what Hitoshi describes in short, simple terms.

"Yes, it brings balance between normal and magic, especially with quirks developing upon Mother Gaia. Unfortunately, the Ancient Law negates the Mystique Rules like a trump card."

"In other words, the rules mean jack shit until someone captures the soul; an instant win", Kosuke adds, already not liking where the conversation is going.

"Do you know who the five finalists are?" Toshi asks for the sake of both their curiosity.

"I do", the card reader states with no pause, hesitation, or lip quivering, "sadly, I can't reveal their identities. She gingerly bites onto a biscuit. "Your senses will go off normally as their presence grows near unless they master the Art of Avoidance and discreetly hides away without your knowledge." Kosuke quietly stares at his reflection on the tea. His reflection portraying his uneasiness.

"How powerful was Lady Cerise?" he hears Hitoshi ask Madam Tarot.

"Ah, yes. Lady Cerise… me, oh my… where do I begin…" she hums, thoughtfully. "Perhaps the beginning? Yes. I should. No one knows of Cerise's origin story… not even I. What I do know is she managed to escape her demise during the 1600s. She was the first witch to speak with the Fates in astral projection. She created many spells with spirits' guide. She outlived any mortal's normal lifespan: rumor said she found the Fountain of Youth or something close to it.

"Powerful, yes. The power you cannot believe. Lady Cerise can stop time with a snap of your fingers, alter reality into a twisted dream, create materials into dangerous weapons, and summon creatures beyond your imaginations. Her most powerful asset is her vast knowledge of Ancient Magic. To her, magic is power. Having too much knowledge can lead to defeat and dismay."

"Let I get this straight. Cerise – I mean Lady Cerise – was the most powerful witch who ever walked on Earth but after her death, she never crossed over instead goes to another host. That same host is unaware of another being until they are aware of the danger coming their way. Not to mention, they must live with it until the candidates obtain the soul they seek. And to top it off, the host is unaware of how freakishly powerful they have embedded in their being. After obtaining the soul, they will be able to break the Laws of Physics at a whim", Hitoshi theorizes without missing a beat.

"Precisely. How astute of you, young man. I believe you called it the easy way. To obtain Lady Cerise's embodied soul, the host must be eliminated."

"WHAT?!" Kosuke's heart pumps against the ribcage; with every beat feels like a punch to his chest making his breath hitches. During his exclaimed yell, he quickly stands dropping his teacup causing it to spill the remaining tea onto the plush carpet. He must kill Tokoyami to be Sorcerer Supreme. No… no, it can't be. Please be a joke. A dream! Yes! Let it be a dream. A sick, twisted, bad joke of dream where any moment he wakes up on his bed with his cat snoozing beside him.

….. he stares into the madam's eyes. Her stare locks onto his. A staring contest to see who wavers first; waiting for one of them to crack a smile and burst out a laugh.

No laughter comes.

He needs to leave. He can't breathe. Why is the room getting so hot? Is the room the room getting smaller? He needs to leave. He needs to go. Right NOW.

Kosuke quickly excuses himself and asks to go to the bathroom.

He is not going to the bathroom.

~MHA~

Hitoshi knows something is amiss, especially witnessing his friend's expression. He had to kill Tokoyami to reach his goal. Even though he's not a magical teen, Hitoshi understands the sacrifice Kosuke must endure. But they are two boys in two worlds.

Does he comfort him? Maybe he shouldn't. Kosuke looks like he needed space… to have a clearer conscious… poor Kosuke. The indigo-haired boy tried to understand magic – really did – but magic gets more complicated than quirks. It's infuriating. One thing is clear: Kosuke and Hitoshi always have each other's back, whether it be magic or quirks. They should never suffer alone.

"I won't stop you from pursuing Arcadia." He looks to Madam Tarot. Her silverware dances as she conducts with her fingers. She calmly watches her china stack preparing to be put away. He wants to go find his distressed friend, even without her permission. The problem is… he's not always the comforting type. What if he says something that ends their long friendship? Or say something that literally tears Yoru to pieces? What to do? What to do? "It's quite basic, actually. If my dear friend was in turmoil, I will be at their side all throughout their sadness; let the silence be our comfort. But that is my opinion. What will you? What does your heart tell you, Hitoshi Shinso?"

Without any more negative thoughts, he lays his teacup on the coffee table and heads out the door. "An insight to your search", the woman says, making Hitoshi pauses his next step, "Arcadia never uses a public restroom, especially my shop's which by the way, I thoroughly clean it to the brink of brightness." Duh, he knows that already. Kosuke hates public bathrooms or outhouses because of the lingering bacteria people leave behind (if he really had to pee, he'll hold it in until he's back at his place).

Nodding, he leaves the shopkeeper to her dishes and searches for his friend. It shouldn't be hard… look for a door opening with a messy blond beyond it. Oh, there he is. He spots a door slightly open at the end of the hallway. The baggy-eyed boy peaks through and spots Kosuke's leaning over an altar. His hands tightening on a crochet tablecloth; his hair loose and free without the hair tie.

"Fates… why didn't you tell me? Am I worth the candidate you've had chosen? Am I worth a threat?

"…am I worth anything?"

Hitoshi chooses to enter the room fill with scented candles and gently shuts the door. He quietly walks to Kosuke's side yet gives a few paces of space between them. "Tosh… why do you think I wasn't informed? Do They think I'm not strong enough? Do They think I'm some kind of joke? Am I meant to be a failure?"

Hitoshi thinks long and hard. He doesn't have magic like Kosuke or Obsidian or, Hell, not as knowledgeable as Madam Tarot. These things are out of his element. If it's about quirks sure he knows his fair share, however, magic is out of his reach. Therefore, he knows just about as little as a preschooler.

"Kosuke… you're impulsive. You're reckless, overbearing, dim-witted, stubborn…"

"You know your pep talks have more bittersweet, right?"

"I know bear with me, okay? You're a lot of things, and I do mean A LOT of things, but you're never a failure. You're strong, brave, determined, loyal, funny…"

"All you have to do is buy me dinner and we're practically a couple", Kosuke softly jokes.

"Above all, your heart is always in the right place. Maybe that's why the Fates didn't tell you. You have morals. You wouldn't kill anyone for power; you work hard to reach you dream. Kosuke Gushiken doesn't need sacrifices to get strong. You're WAY above that.

He let the quiet plague them. He knows Kosuke is digesting every word to heart. Then, the blond says, "what am I going to do if I don't follow the Ancient Law?"

Shinso shrugs. "I think it's pretty obvious. Tokoyami has a big target painted on his back, what does any hero do when a citizen or damsel is in distress? They rescue them."

"News Flash, Tosh. I'm no hero. Kosuke's a simple student in General Studies whereas Arcadia is the #1 Nuisance in Musatufu. I and my persona aren't hero material."

"You're giving yourself little credit. They are people who see the goodness you've done. Me, All Might, even Tokoyami. Yet, if you don't like portraying yourself as a hero then be his guardian angel; watch over your boyfriend as both personas."

Kosuke faces Shinso. He breathes out a small chuckle. "Where would I be without you?"

"Knowing you, chasing your tail until you fall over. So, what now, Arcadia?"

His magical friend huffs as he ties his sandy blonde hair to its signature ponytail. "What does a guardian angel do? They watch over people and protects them. And if any of those asshats come close to Toko, I'm going to give them one Hell of a whoop-ass!"

"Welcome back, Ko."

With newfound determination burning, Kosuke Gushiken A.K.A Arcadia accepts his role with his friend, Hitoshi, at his side. They're ready to enter the upcoming battle.

Chapter 4 Fin

I'm currently writing chapter 5 at a very slow pace. again so sorry for the wait. leave a reply to let me know what u think.

Until then, ja ne.

-B.C. Angel