Chapter 3: Destiny, Chains, Duty

"Himeko!"

I felt myself being pulled along in the descent even as those seemingly frail hands tighten themselves around me. We were both falling backwards… but somehow, I didn't feel any onslaught of panic that should had made itself known. Maybe this was how I had always felt… this so very strong urge to hold her close… this urge that screams out loud to protect her.

Himeko… I won't let anything happen to you.

I spun around ever so gently, afraid of hurting the gentle soul that was you. I positioned myself such that I would take the brunt of the fall that would come… just so that you would have a softer landing than me. I would rather myself be the one who's hurt by the fall than you.

"Himeko! Himeko!"

Somewhere far ahead of us, I heard someone calling out to the girl in my arms as I stumbled a few more steps backwards. It's probably Makoto-san doing all the shouting… I closed my eyes as I sensed the ground approaching nearer and nearer to me; bracing myself mentally for the impact to hit.

Himeko… I will always protect you.

Thud.

It was only a gentle touch to the ground.

I opened my eyes gingerly, taking in once more the light from the sun. I was flat on my back, with the warm weight of Himeko sprawled over my body. Even so, the lack of pain led me to question my sense of reality. Why was there no pain? Weren't we falling down the steps just moments ago? Shouldn't the impact be great enough for me to crack some bones? But before I could reach a conclusion, the sound of Himeko's voice brought me out of my reverie.

"Souma-kun! Souma-kun! Are you alright?"

"Eh? Oh… Kurusugawa. I'm okay. Were you hurt at all?"

I could vaguely sense the curious looks we were getting from everyone around us, but there was a peculiar intensity directed towards us that was different from the rest.

"Umm… Ano… Arigato, Souma-kun… for protecting me again… I wasn't hurt at all."

Being in close contact with Himeko was nice… but…

"Eh! Not at all, not at all! Kurusugawa… uh… the others are staring…"

"Ah! Gomen, Souma-kun."

I gave a little inward sigh as her warmth left me hurriedly almost panicking and scrambled up from the awkward position we were in. It had always been like this… I had been looking out for her for a long time… ever since we'd met in fact. But somehow, I couldn't get myself the courage to tell how I really felt. Even though sometimes I feel like she understands my feelings towards her… but that was probably just my own one-sided thought.

I stood straight again after she climbed off me. Swiping my pants free of the road dust, I glanced around, wondering about what that had been.

"Well then Souma-kun, I'll see you later! Mako-chan's calling! Thank you again!"

"See you later too, Kurusugawa!"

There was a subdued presence that settled upon us right before we hit the ground… and it wasn't any kind of freakish wind that had cushioned our fall. It was different but yet… it was a little familiar too…

Even as I tried my best to recall the sensations that I had felt, the details seem to slip further and further away from me.

There it is again.

I turned around sharply as I felt that intense gaze again, but I could see no one that was paying that kind of attention to me.

Maybe I was overreacting.

--

"Souma. Do you realize that you are different from the others? You who hold the blood of the Tenkari are forever destined to do great things. Your brother is not very dependable, so I would expect you to perform."

"Yes, father."

"It's good to know that you understand, Souma. Now then, let us continue with our practice. Remember, Souma, that no matter how tired you are, you will always continue to strive for the better. I do not expect you to slacken in your training regardless of anything else. Besides this, I want you to keep your abilities concealed until the time is ripe. This will mean that you will not use your abilities under any circumstances. Do you understand?"

"I understand, Sir."

--

Those were the last few words that father had told me before he sent me to study under Oogami family.

You are the only one left who's capable enough.

Tossing one last glance at my surroundings, I continued my climb up the steep steps of the school.

It will do you good to remember that times aren't as peaceful as you think it is, Souma.

I observed the pair whom had nearly rolled down the numerous steps with a look of disinterest.

"Why did you do it, Ojou-sama?"

"Curiosity. Thank you again, Otoha-san, for preparing my stuff like always. Well, I'd best get going now."

"It's my pleasure to help you, Ojou-sama. Take care of yourself."

I watched from the elevated steps as the car became smaller and smaller from the distance, paying no particular heed to the stares of the crowd surrounding me.

Interesting… so that innocent-looking guy could sense something… even when I kept it low-key. I should ask Corona to help me do a background check on him. After all, that's what she does best – hacking into forbidden files of the various organizations.

I focused my attention once more at climbing the seemingly endless amount of steps to the campus, heading solitarily to the principal's office.

That girl… the girl he tried to save from falling…

Amethyst eyes… Pale blond hair that looked sun-kissed…

"It's just curiosity."

Yes, it was that… it can be nothing else

A/N: Okay… Just in case anyone's confused, but this will be a definite AU. I'll reveal the other characters soon… I hope. Yea… the title and summary of the fic would probably be changed in time. I'll be twisting facts and inventing biological last names for many of the characters like Souma, Tsubasa etc as well. If you know of their real last names, please do enlighten me. Thanks!

- Stares face to face with plot bunny in a Mexican standoff -

P.S – Do tell me if you're confused or lost.