A/N: So I was kidnapped and forced to write this chapter for my readers' enjoyment. JK. Nah, I wasn't "kidnapped" but if that makes you all feel better because I haven't worked on this story since like November then it's all good [grins]. Anyway, this is a chapter that I decided to write so that you'd all be able to know what's going on with all the other characters, preferably the C5 [Celestial Five] but doesn't C5 have a nicer ring to it? Eh? You DON'T have to answer that question k! Anyway, I've got some other stuff that I should really be doing right now-- like packing my bags for my trip [grins broadly] which will probably be boring as HELL if my location is what I think it is. Alrighty then [claps hands together] I hope you all enjoy this chapter!

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Disclaimer: nope Shugo Chara isn't mine. But I do OWN all of the OC's in this story—well, most of them at least!

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Foreshadowing

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"You're kidding me right?"

MAIYA stared completely flabbergasted at the blond male standing in front of her. Lips parted and eyes wide, the lilac haired Joker blinked before her eyes settled on a pair of lavender ones staring into her face. "No joke…you missed out on an official Guardian meeting without a legitimate reason so the punishment stands as it is." Kenshin stated shooting his cousin a death glare before he started walking and frowning, Maiya followed along at a sluggish pace. "So what if I missed one measly meeting…I've never missed one before and making me sort through the bazillions of trays full of important mail and request forms isn't fair!" She shouted flailing her arms about and frowning as she kept up with the blond King. "I mean face it Kenshin," she started coming to a sudden halt and raising one curious brow, Kenshin also stopped and glanced over at the girl. "You've gone complete bonkers! Maybe you should at least talk to her." She said in a softer, calmer tone which only caused the blond to set his jaw and glare out past his cousin.

The silence that consumed them was deafening and in it Maiya was sure that she had messed up—that she had said something wrong. "Look Kenshin I didn't mean it." She apologized and Kenshin released a deep breath he had no idea he had been holding and looked down at the shorter girl, his lavender eyes were steeled and his jaw still set as he wrapped his fingers around her right arm, earning a raised brow from the girl. "We need to talk." He said sternly and nodding completely confused, Maiya allowed herself to be pulled into an empty classroom on their left. She watched as Kenshin closed the door and as he turned around to face her, she leaned up against one of the many neatly aligned desks in the room.

"What's on your mind?"

"I think we're in trouble."

His words were firm and sure and as Maiya stared at him a tight knot seemed to twist in her gut. Her brows furrowed and her shoulders sagged as she tried to make some sense out of her cousin's words. "W-What?" She croaked and sighing, Kenshin ran a hand through his blond hair and moved to press his back up against the canary yellow walls of the classroom. Crossing his arms over his chest, he stared down at the wooden floor, his face breaking into a defined frown. "I said that I think we're in trouble." He repeated and Maiya nodded stupidly looking up at him with wide, tear rimmed blue eyes. "B-But what have we ever done, Kenshin?" She was terribly confused and Kenshin caught it almost immediately. Releasing another sigh, Kenshin glanced up and caught his cousin's gaze before he started talking again. "By us I don't mean you and me. I'm talking about the Guardians. I have reason to believe that we're about to get into some deep shit that we won't be able to just wiggle out of." He explained and Maiya nodded following along with this acclamation. "H-Have you gotten some sort of threat? Has something bad already happened? Is this what I missed in that meeting you guys had?" She was panicking now and her breathing had grown heavy as she curled her fingers on the desktop.

Watching his cousin, Kenshin shook his head and adjusted his position against the wall. "Actually, you're the first person I'm telling this to so consider yourself honored. And no, I haven't received anything—yet but you never know." Maiya nodded and Kenshin stood up tall, reaching for the doorknob, he circled his fingers around it before looking back at the girl over his shoulder. "Oh and have you ever heard of a group called the Celestial Five?" He probed and Maiya stared blankly at his back for a moment before shaking her head solemnly. "No why?" She asked and Kenshin looked away, opening the door. "We need to watch out for them…keep your eyes peeled got it? Oh and don't tell the others about this yet…I'll tell them in due time." With that he stepped out of the classroom and headed off down the hall, leaving Maiya to stare out after him.

…

The room was dark with the wooden blinds pulled shut and the ceiling fan circulated loudly from its perch on the high ceilings. The only sound was that of teacups being placed back on matching plates. Raising her head, Izzie allowed her hazelnut eyes to land on the boy sitting before her. His pale hair was slicked back and his jade eyes trained on the girl before him. Propping his elbows up on the wooden desk he sat behind, he leaned forward, lips pulled down in a frown. Across the room, seated in a red armchair in front of a blazing fireplace Hikari watched the encounter from the corner of her eye, the brim of her teacup lingering on her pink lips. This was a conversation not concerning her and as her eyes darted from the form of Kaito and landed on Izumi, they narrowed. She hated the fact that she wasn't a part of this conversation but there was no reason to cry over spilt milk, she'd simply sit and listen to what was being said.

"Your reason for coming here, shouldn't you be at school?" Kaito's words were nonchalant as he stared at Izzie; the girl glanced back at him before nodding. "I could say the same for you, Kaito." She replied dropping the usual honorific as she spoke, her voice dry and an octave lower than usual. Hikari leaned forward in her seat, placing her cup down on its plate resting on the coffee table before her and picked up a scone. Biting into it, she leaned back in the chair and stared at the blazing fire before her as the conversation around her continued. "I'm merely taking a day's break so that I can deal with some important work, you know this, Izumi-san." He stated and nodding slowly, Izzie picked up her teacup and brought it to her lips. Staring at the warm, brown liquid, she glanced up at him quickly before returning her gaze to her cup.

"Indeed, I'm sorry for questioning you, Kaito-san." She apologized and Kaito nodded absentmindedly. "I'm sorry to be bothering you but, Jouichi and I were just wondering—" Izzie stopped and allowed her eyes to travel over to where she was sure Hikari was listening in on their conversation. Kaito quirked a brow at the girl sitting in front of him before following her gaze with his own. "You and Jouichi, what's the matter then?" He probed clearly curious and Izzie glanced back at him and sipped on her tea before leaning back in her seat. Her eyes bore sympathetically down at her perfectly manicured fingernails and she bit her lower lip, her fingers scratching against the length of her cup.

"We want to be included. We're just as much a member of this group as the rest of you."

Both Kaito and Hikari quirked curious brows at the brunette's response, and leaning forward, Kaito's jade eyes gleamed in the dimly lit room. "I'm aware of that Izumi-san, but at the moment there isn't anytime for us to mess up. We have to be precise, very precise and if I'm correct Hota-san will be on to us in no time." His lips curled into a twisted smirk as Izzie glanced up at him, a look of confusion crossing her flawless face. "Hota-san, is that the Guardian's King?" She probed and smirk broadening, Kaito leaned back in his seat and released a deep breath. "Precisely my Hime, Kenshin Hota is the King's Chair of the Guardians as I am of the Celestial Five. It is only a matter of time before he realizes that I have issued a challenge between us. We shall all think of it as a sort of game." He said and Izzie quirked a brow and lowered her teacup back on its plate.

"A game?"

"Yes, a game."

His voice was stern as he spoke and Izzie knew not to interrupt him when he began speaking once more. "Sort of like Chess, when one pawn falls one of us will claim the prize. Only one King can win, the other will be destroyed at the end of all of this and I am most certain that the Celestial Five will not lose." He explained and Izzie stared at him with large hazelnut eyes, her lips parted and her body leaning forward slightly. His words were ludicrous! There was no way that he was planning to dispose of the Guardians but the cynical expression he wore couldn't be mistaken and hands trembling from their post on her lap, Izzie shot a glance over at the red armchair that Hikari dutifully occupied. She was certain that the dark haired junior was grinning just as cynical as Kaito. "Is that all?" Kaito probed and looking back at him, Izzie nodded slowly. "That is all," she croaked her voice hoarse and with a nod, Kaito leaned back in his seat and frowned. "Then you are dismissed." He said offhandedly and nodding tightly, Izzie rose to her feet and headed for the double chestnut doors that led into the Inoue's study.

"Did you see the reluctance on her face? Pathetic."

Hikari's tune was icy as she rose to her feet and padded across the study towards Kaito. The blond male nodded absentmindedly, his eyes glued to the door Izzie had just exited through. Placing a hand on the desk, Hikari ran her long fingers along the smooth wood before she sat at the edge and glanced over her shoulder and back at her partner. "What do you think we should do with her?" She asked softly and blinking, Kaito looked away from the door and resumed the position he had taken up when his meeting with Izzie had started. "I'm not sure but I do think that Jouichi will know what to do. If it's anyone who can break something in, that kid can do it." He replied and a fond smile tainted his lips causing Hikari to frown as she reluctantly nodded in agreement. "But what if he declines? Jouichi has been going…soft as of late. Are you sure we can trust him?" She questioned and glancing up at her, Kaito frowned.

"What are you trying to say Hikari? Jouichi is the most loyal of you all. I always trust his judgments and if everyone else falls apart you can bet he won't."

His words caused Hikari to cringe and nodding slowly she bit her lip, inwardly hating herself for upsetting the blond. "I meant nothing by it Kaito-san. I just hope that you know what you're getting yourself into. You know for a fact that both Jouichi and Maeda can be brash. They'll do anything to outdo one another and Izumi seems to be a little reluctant to follow your orders lately." She stressed and with a tight nod, Kaito reached for Izzie's abandoned cup of tea and brought it to his lips sipping on it slowly, and managing to anger Hikari further. Removing his lips from the rim of the porcelain cup, he met her turquoise gaze. "Don't underestimate this team Hikari-san. Together, we can take over the world." He replied softly, his eyes glazing over with desire and power. Hikari stared at him for a moment before frowning and turned her head around to face the burning flames once more. She clutched handfuls of her skirt and nodded slowly.

"As you wish, Kaito-san."

…

Kimiko sighed as she pulled her messenger bag up higher on her shoulder, running a hand through her back length midnight black hair, she tried to focus on the task at hand. It had been an entire day and she hadn't seen Yame at all, well minus during History when both girls had given each other curt greetings; but other than that Kimiko's redheaded best friend had been a little "preoccupied" most of the day. She's probably with that celebrity girl.. Sighing, Kimiko moved quickly down the staircase, maneuvering her way though crowds of students, Kimiko glanced around the hall looking for her friend but came up empty.

"Oi Kimiko!"

A loud, male voice echoed through the hall and turning her head, Kimiko watched as two familiar figures weaved their way through the crowd. Standing up tall, Kimiko gasped as fingers circled around her wrist and looking up, she stared into bright, cerulean eyes and a broad grin plastered to Sora's face. "Sora," she called and the blond boy nodded; his grin growing. "'Sup." He said tugging on Kimiko's arm and the ninth grader smiled softly as she caught sight of Daisuke just making his way out of the crowd of students. His chocolate brown eyes landed on Sora then traveled to Kimiko before he asked; "where's Yame?" Sora was now looking at the younger girl who sighed in defeat, her shoulders slumping forward before she shrugged. "I have no idea, I think that she might be with Maeda but I'm not sure—by the way what's going on here?" She probed, using her free hand to point out at the crowded halls.

Sora and Daisuke shared a look before they shrugged casually and circled around the younger girl. "I think there is some sort of voting thing going on. No idea why it's in the main hall though, no one can get in or out of the school building because of it." Daisuke explained and Sora nodded, releasing a dramatic sigh at the same time. "Such a shame," he sighed and Dai nodded in agreement. Kimiko blinked at the pair before she pulled her hand out of Sora's hold and quirked a brow at the two juniors. "So what? You two weren't invited to tag along? Is that why you're hanging around me?" Her tone was light and both Daisuke and Sora shared a quick glance before they turned to look at her both wearing symmetrical frowns.

"That hurt Kimiko-chan." Sora piped.

"So very much, right Sora?" Daisuke replied.

Kimiko had half a mind to roll her eyes at her fellow Guardians' immaturity but ended up laughing instead. "Okay, I'm sorry…I didn't mean it. Are you two happy now?" She probed stifling her laughter and pouting, both Daisuke and Sora nodded, twin grins spreading across their faces. "Wanna see what's going on?" Daisuke asked and Sora nodded enthusiastically as Kimiko sighed. I don't have much of a choice do I? Hikari had ended up floating beside both Juugo and Sine who were snickering and sharing secrets amongst one another; resulting in Hikari rolling her eyes. Dai and Sora led Kimiko through the crowd, chattering noisily about something stupid while Kimiko's shoulders slumped and casting her eyes out into the crowd she spotted another familiar figure standing by the foot of the staircase, a confused look plastering a pale face. "Hey guys," Kimiko called, catching both boys' attention and as they glanced at her she pointed to the lone figure standing by the staircase.

Wasting no time, Dai and Sora dragged Kimiko towards the lone figure standing by the staircase, broad grins plastered to their faces. "Oi Taiki-san!" They sang and glancing away from the thick crowd, Kumiko glanced over at them. "Oh, hi there…um, what's going on?" She probed pointing an index finger at the crowd and both Dai and Sora shrugged as Kimiko sighed, pulling her arms free and face palming herself. "These two dick wads think there's some sort of voting going on." Kimiko explained and Kumiko nodded in understanding. "Er…are we supposed to get involved?" She asked warily, her eyes travelling out to the crowd once more and Daisuke grinned leaning into the younger girl while Sora fished out a candy bar from inside his bag, Sine floating a few inches away from his bag; eagerly awaiting the treat. "Nah, you don't have to." Dai replied and Sora agreed, ripping the paper from the bar. "It's just some stupid senior voting thing. No one ever wants to get involved." He explained breaking a little of the bar off and handing it to an overly excited Sine, who nibbled on the edge before landing on his human's head.

"I hardly doubt that…seeing as all of these people here clearly want to get involved." Kimiko snorted and Sora turned to her with large, watery eyes. "That's not very nice Kimi-chan," he reprimanded and the girl only giggled as she looked away from him. Kumiko who had been staring at the crowded scene looked away then and stared at the trio before biting her lower lip. "None of you happen to know where Maiya-chan might be huh?" She probed and Daisuke shrugged followed by Kimiko shaking her head sadly and muttering a small "sorry" at the same time. Sora, on the other hand, bit into his candy bar once more and wiping his hands on the back of his pants grinned. "She's in the Chem lab with Haru, at least I think she is."

Everyone stared at him with wide eyes and Dai quirked a brow as Kimiko leaned forward, her gaze trained on nothing but the older blond boy. "How do you know?" She probed and Sora shrugged eating more of his candy bar before it was stolen by Daisuke. Kumiko stood watching the scene with confusion splayed across her face and bringing her index to her lower lip, she pressed it there thoughtfully. "Haru?" She asked and all three Guardian members turned to look at her; the trio blinked in perfect unison before both Dai and Sora grinned toothily and Kimiko sighed. Running a hand through her dark hair, Kimiko met the other girl's gaze and offered a small smile.

"Haru's, Maiya-chan's friend."

"More like boyfriend!"

Daisuke and Sora snorted in laughter and Kimiko rounded on them, bonking both boys on the crowns of their heads with her fist. "What is it with you guys today?!" She shrieked and groaning, both Jacks rubbed their now aching heads and shot nasty glances at the culprit while Kumiko blinked and lowered her index. "Well, I'd better be heading over to the labs then. See you guys later ne?" She asked and all three nodded and watched as she ran off before Kimiko sighed. "Later," she said raising her hand in a still wave and with matching inquisitive stares, Daisuke asked. "Where are you off to?" Turning to glance back at them over her shoulder, Kimiko sighed. "I'm heading home, I've had enough stupid for one day." She muttered before she also took off into the thick throng leaving Daisuke and Sora to stare after her.

"Ne, Dai?"

"Yea Sor."

"If I didn't know any better I'd say that Kimi-chan was talking about us."

Silence.

"Touché Sor, Touché."

---Read this thing below it's VERY important!

A/N: well, there you have it! Another chapter all crisp and completed. I actually liked this chapter a lot. Loads of stuff is all happening at the same time [this entire chapter is all in the span of one regular school day: so as not to confuse anyone who might think differently]. Anyway, I think I need to clarify some stuff to those who might not be regular readers of my works of fictions [or who haven't followed this series COMPLETELY. That means starting from the first installment]. By a series of unexplainable events I ended up having some characters with the same name and/or similar names. This is because some of my really good friends helped sketch out some characters. So there are 2 Hikari's [One being Kimiko's chara, the other being the C5 member] there is also a Kimiko and a Kumiko. And NO that isn't me having like a BAZILLION typos all through this story. [Kimiko is actually the Queen's Chair for the Guardians, while Kumiko is the honor student] I hope that clarifies some stuff.[because I don't own either of those two characters]. I was also gonna end this with the guys [Kimi, Sora and Dai] along with Kumiko having an altercation with Tessa [former Queen's Chair and Kenshin's heartbreaker] but thought better of it. If anyone wants that TO HAPPEN just tell me and I'll make sure to include it as soon as possible. Also, I'm not sure if I'm gonna be able to update for awhile but I'll try to get another chapter up on this before the 23rd but NO promises k! SO that means that NO you can't chain me to my computer desk and FORCE me to write another chapter…hehehe [sweatdrops] I just gave out a really appealing idea didn't I?

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Written: December 15, 2009