Author's Note: Hi there! I'm back! Sorry for the long wait! ^^ If you haven't noticed all the mistakes in my previous chapters, don't try to look back and check, I edited them all. To clarify, I'm following the anime's storyline for now. Yes Natsumei is supposed to be Natsume; I edited for consistency. And for this story, everyone had become a year older as it going to take a rather mature turn later on. Lastly, I'm sorry I dragged! But I made this one longer~

-Pluepg

Preparing For…?

Flashback

As she opened it, her face paled as her heart started to palpitate wildly in fear and worry.

"Natsume." She could only gasp out.

START

"Natsume." She could only gasp out.

Across the narrow corridor, sat an injured Natsume. His eyebrows furrowed in pain as he clutched his waist.

A while before, Natsume had managed to trudge his way into the dorms without alarming Takashi, careful not to let any blood drip on the floor. Earlier, he had gone on a mission under Persona's order and was injured by the enemy. The dark teacher, as usual, gave no concern to his rather fatal wound and had dismissed him. Quickly, he pressed his palm along the walls for support and rang his room for Umira's help. The minute he had done so, he stepped back and slumped to the ground placing his hand over his gunshot wound as if to stop the bleeding.

Umira knelt by him, clutching his shoulders to inform him of her presence.

"Natsume! Are you awake? Say something! Don't worry; I'm going to call the teachers for help."

She almost stood but was stopped by Natsume's firm yet weak grasp on her wrist.

"No."

"Wha-?"

"Just bring me in and patch up my wounds. Now." The raven-haired boy ordered sternly.

"But-"

"Just do it!"

Silently and swiftly, Umira glanced at the sides to check for any unwanted spectators before hooking her elbows under his arms, carefully dragging him in. She allowed him to lean against the bed in a sitting position. The girl ran towards the bathroom and reappears, grasping a towel.

"There is a first-aid kit under my bed." He manages to mutter out.

Immediately, she rushes out and places it on the floor. She kneels beside him, reaching her hand underneath his bed. Fumbling around, she grasps a plastic handle and pulls the kit out. Undoing the clasps on the box, she reaches for the scissors.

'Just how many times had this happened before?' The amber-eyed student couldn't help but wonder. To have a first aid kit in his room hidden away from wandering eyes would suggest that this situation had happened before without anyone's knowledge.

Umira mutters an apology before lifting his sweater, cutting away the lower half of his shirt to expose the wound. The sight of the bullet slightly embedded in his wound made the eleven year old flinch a little. Soon, her body started to move by itself. She stands to grab her backpack hanging by her bed post before returning to her original position. From inside, she digs out a small pouch. She unzips it and takes out tweezers. She fishes out a container of colourless liquid and drops it inside before taking it out; she holds the tweezers in front of him.

"This will hurt a little but I'm sure a brave boy like you can handle it. You can hold this towel." Umira informs.

The boy's eyes widen a little before proceeding to grab the towel. Umira proceeds to take out the bullet.

After an hour, Umira had managed to remove the bullet and sew up his wounds. She wraps some gauze around his waist for extra measure before continuing to throw the blood-stained tissues and gauze into the bin. While doing so, Natsume takes the opportunity to help himself up the bed. The minute Umira steps into the room once more, Natsume's eyes widen again. The cerulean-haired girl opened his wardrobe to help change him into pajamas, blushing a little at the contact with his naked skin. She leaves his boxers alone.

When all was done, Umira sat on her bed, feeling a little light-headed. That feeling had come over her again; the feeling of someone controlling her body and her every movement. It frightened her little – the fact that she felt much more grown up and – burdened every time it happens. It had started for as long as she could remember. There was a thought of an alternate personality, but no matter how close it seemed, it didn't feel so.

"Your eyes turn green."

"What?" She was cut off from her reverie.

"When you did that barrier at the school entrance; the race during class; when you talked to Youichi and just now, when you treated me. Your eyes had turned green at those moments."

"R-really…?" Umira couldn't believe what she was hearing; she hadn't even noticed it herself. What was she and what was happening to her?

Natsume could tell that she needed some time alone - and he needed some rest as well.

"I need to lie down." He stated nonchalantly.

"What?"

"I need to lie down." He repeated once more, slightly impatient for his much deserved rest.

"Oh. Okay…" Umira was rather absent-minded but managed to gently help him.

"Goodnight…"

"Un." He replied before closing his eyes.

All Umira could do was head to her desk and finish her last few questions. Many questions were whirling through her head, questions that greatly bothered her. She decided that it was time to rest, and that she would save these questions for another day. Most importantly for now, she would keep Natsume's injuries a secret and would ask him about them tomorrow. There must be a reason for his secrecy. Bidding herself goodnight, she exhaled a sigh before letting her mind empty.

~Next Morning~

Sunlight filtered in through the window as Umira's chicken alarm clock rang. Immediately, she turned it off and headed to the toilet to freshen up. When she stepped out, Natsume was seated on his bed, still dressed in his pajamas.

"Give the teacher some excuse, I'm not going today," he paused for a while, "Don't let Ruka find me."

"Alright." Umira answered, somewhat understanding his current predicament as she placed her textbooks into her book bag. Although she was slightly taken aback by Natsume's last request. Natsume must really care about Ruka, not wanting him to worry.

"Don't tell anyone about last night or I'll burn you."

She stopped for a second before silently closing the door behind her.

Natsume couldn't help but let out a silent sigh. Ruka would surely worry about him later. His wound was close to becoming a fatal one had he not been careful. Still, he was disappointed with himself; he couldn't let anyone get involved in his affairs with the school. Yet, he was slowly dragging Umira into it all. However, there was a feeling that the other side of Umira gave him; it made him feel like she knew everything that was happening and would prove to be helpful to him in the future. The boy with crimson eyes would have to think very hard before making her his partner; and pulling her into the school's dark secrets.

'Even so, the school would have pulled her in if I didn't…' he closed his eyes, thinking of a way out.

Class would start in thirty minutes time. The students made it a point to enter class early to interact with their friends. Umira stood outside the classroom entrance. What excuse would she make up? It had to be something that would not arouse the class' suspicions.

'A fever would send Ruka running straight to our dorm and the explanation of Natsume skipping class would give him a bad reputation. Perhaps I should follow yesterday's events. Hikari had said that Natsume was to meet a teacher. I'll just state that I didn't know the teacher's name but Natsume had stayed out all night helping him. Yeah, that would be best; it would put him in a good light as well.'

Umira grinned to herself at her somewhat brilliant excuse and made her way into the classroom. The class was as boisterous as ever. Only a few stopped to glance at Umira before resuming their conversations. Mikan and Yuu called Umira over.

"How was joint class yesterday?" Yuu politely inquired.

"A little boring – the teacher wasn't around yesterday and half the members weren't around. Joint class was cancelled as a result."

"Aw that's too bad. Joint class was fun yesterday! Misaki managed to throw a strawberry cake in Tsubasa's face!" Mikan laughed at the thought of it.

Yuu couldn't help but grin as well. Umira just smiled, hoping that her class would be just as friendly the next round.

After a few minutes of mindless conversation, the teacher had stepped in. The students scrambled to their seats and sat down. Attendance was taken; there was only one missing student.

"Umira, where is Natsume?" Mr Gino asked sternly, a promise of punishment if she were to lie hid in his tone.

"Um, well, he was asked to see a teacher and has not come back since." Umira stated, fidgeting a little below her desk. She could see Ruka's troubled expression from the corner of her eye. Her heart sank a little; she had made Ruka worry anyway.

On the other hand, Mr Gino just accepted her explanation with no comment and commenced teaching. A gesture that seemed a little odd for a teacher that regularly comments on students' bad behavior. Umira had a hunch that Mr Gino knew something related to Natsume's disappearance last night, and why he came back wounded. However, this was not the way to form assumptions. If she wanted a clearer picture of this academy, she would have to take it up with the students. Umira pushed the thought aside and concentrated on the lesson.

Soon, as usual, class ended quickly. The last period was Mr Narumi's lesson.

"Please bring your essays tomorrow for peer checking!" The blonde teacher reminded as the students bowed and cleared out of the classroom, preparing for their daily chores.

Just as Umira was zipping her pencil case, Mr Narumi called for her. She made her way to the front of the classroom. He hands her a brown envelope.

"Umira, this is your money, or as we call it, rabbits. Since, you are an honour student; you receive 300 rabbits every month. Do save up and buy something nice for yourself in Central Town alright?" He smiled. Umira nodded and thanked the teacher before returning to her desk to place her money in her pencil case for safe keeping.

"Umira! Do you want to follow us to have lunch?" Yuu called from the entrance.

At first, Umira wanted to agree; but decided against it so that she could take this chance to see how Natsume was faring.

"No thanks, I have to put my books in my dorm. I'll see you guys tomorrow, alright?"

"Okay. See you then." Yuu greeted before walking off with Hotaru. Meanwhile, Mikan was being pulled away by Sumirei to clean the school's clock.

Just as Umira was about to walk out the door, Ruka called her.

"U-umira."

She froze. Would Ruka ask about Natsume?

"What you told the teacher," he paused, "was it really true?"

Yes, he would.

"O-of course. Why would I lie to Mr Gino?"

It wasn't a total lie; Natsume was called on by a teacher. It was just that the duration of his disappearance was different. Umira tried to remain indifferent, but her voice gave her away. Ruka paused for a while longer; it was obvious that he had detected the lie in her words.

"Oh. Alright…sorry to bother you…" the French boy trailed off before turning towards his desk.

Quickly, Umira took that chance to scurry away and back to her dorm. Feeling self-conscious, she knocked on her dorm door to be polite and walked in. There Natsume was, seated on his bed, staring out the window that separated their single-sized beds. He seemed so deep in thought, like he had not noticed Umira enter at all. Silently, the blue-haired girl placed her books on the table and asked softly, so as to not alarm her roommate.

"A-are you feeling better?"

He remained silent. Umira continues to stand at her place, waiting for his reaction.

"…yeah."

"Do…do you need anything?" Umira felt stupid. Her questions probably annoyed Natsume; but what else was there to say?

"No."

"Well, I copied some notes for today's lessons for you…I'll leave them on your desk…"

He remains silent and turns to face the window again.

"You are not going for joint class today right?" Yet, another stupid question. If he wasn't going to attend class, why would he attend joint class?

This time he looked as if he was pondering over his answer.

"…no."

"Alright…" Umira replied before turning towards the door.

"None of them can be trusted." He managed to call out as she opened the door.

Umira didn't say a single word and just closed the door behind her. As she made her way to the abandoned classroom, she started to ponder over Natsume's words. Who could not be trusted? The teachers? The students? Was he referring to the joint class? They seemed pretty inhospitable at first glance. Umira was starting to have suspicions about this school. Even as it seems friendly, there seems to be a rather shady side of it. Secrets that are kept from the students, things that are happening without their knowledge. The thought of it all frightened Umira. Just what had she gotten herself into? She was nearing the abandoned classroom, it was best that she remain calm and act normal until she can fully figure out the joint class' true motives. She had been thrust into a minefield where there was a chance that her comrades might be double-agents.

She chuckled at her own analogy and calmed herself down as she stood in front of the classroom door. Taking a deep breath, she slowly opens the door and walks in. The classroom seems to be much cleaner now, albeit there being some chairs that were still stacked on the tables at the back.

"Oh, Umira, you came!" Hikari exclaimed. The middle-schooler's sleeves were rolled up and had a white bandana wrapped around her head.

'So she was the one that tidied up the classroom.' Thought Umira as she noticed the broom in Hikari's hands.

Umira scanned the classroom; there was only Hikari and Youichi. Youichi was seated at the front.

"Don't bother looking for anyone, everyone's out running errands." Hikari called out as she placed the broom at the side and pat the dust off her skirt.

Umira silently made her way towards Youichi and sat next to him. Hikari followed suit, but sat on the table.

"So… it's just the three of us now eh?"

"Yeah…um, Hikari?"

"Yeah?"

"About yesterday…what do you mean by Nobara is the only girl in the joint class?"

Almost instantly, Hikari's expression shifted to a mix between anger and sorrow. It scared Umira a little. Youichi still remains silent – as an onlooker. The silence between the three lasted for only a moment longer before Hikari suddenly beamed.

"Well, the jig is up, I'm actually a guy!" Hikari exclaims, laughing loudly.

"W-what?" Umira was flabbergasted.

"The truth is; I dress up as a girl for fun. The teachers don't really say anything so I think its fine!"

"Al-alright…" Umira couldn't even determine the mixed expression she was showing. It straddled between surprised and confusion.

"Y-you think it's weird…don't you?" Hikari's smile dropped.

"N-no! I'm fine with any way you express yourself! That's what friends do right?"

"Umira…" Hikari was reduced to a small smile filled with gratitude and…guilt.

Umira was taken aback. It seems that there are more secrets that Hikari is hiding underneath the enthusiastic façade. At least now Umira has a certain idea to what Natsume meant back at the dorms. However, the abyss was much deeper than Umira could ever imagine.

The next hour was spent playing guessing games with Youichi and talking about mindless things. Before long, joint class ended early. Umira took the responsibility of sending Youichi back to his dorm. Walking along the hallways, she grasped Youichi's hand, making sure to walk at a pace which was comfortable for him. Suddenly, Umira feels an overwhelming feeling of sorrow and regret wash over her. This puzzled her, for she had no reason to feel so. Quickly, she shakes it off before Youichi notices. At the end of the short journey, she waves a goodbye. The child waves back before hiding in his dorm.

She makes her way back to her own dorm, wanting to check on Natsume's wound. He removes his shirt, earning a slight blush from Umira; but she focuses on her job at hand. Gently unwrapping the bandage, his wound shows signs of healing. Umira smiles a little before wrapping a new round for him.

"Are you coming down for dinner tonight?" She wraps a length around him.

"No."

"Do you want me to bring something up for you?" She snips the bandage and secures it together.

"Do whatever you want."

The girl was rather turned off by his cold demeanor but remained quiet. As soon as she finishes, she hides the first aid kit and makes her way out.

"I'll be back soon."

Not a sound was heard from Natsume.

Dinner passed by quickly and Umira found it hard to keep track of the conversations between Hotaru and Yuu. She was too busy thinking about Natsume's well-being and the origins of his wound. After drinking the last of her chocolate milk, she makes her way to Takashi, asking for some food for Natsume. The robot processes for a while before agreeing.

"Is that for Natsume?" Ruka asks softly.

Shocked, Umira swiftly turns to face Ruka.

"Oh! You scared me there Ruka."

"Sorry…"

"Yeah, Natsume didn't feel like coming down today."

"Oh I see…thanks." Ruka mutters before walking away.

Umira sighs a little in relief.

'Poor Ruka, I can't imagine how worried he is about Natsume. They seem to be really close.'

Umira stared at the blonde's silhouette before leaving for the dorms. Hiding the truth from Ruka made interacting with him seem more awkward.

After making her way back, she hands him the packed box before heading to the bathroom to shower. Natsume had already showered and changed into his pajamas then. Feeling the hot water hit her skin calms her as she recalls the day's events. The joint class students still remain a mystery, as well as the school she lives in. There was also the question of her other personality showing this afternoon. When she had walked Youichi back to his room. Her thoughts were soon cut off as she grew tired. Swiftly, she dried herself off and came out in her own set of pajamas.

There were no assignments today. Therefore, Umira could just head straight to bed. As she shifted under the covers, Natsume had cleared out his food and threw the box away. Slowly, he lies down on his bed.

"Um, Natsume."

Silence was heard, but the blue-haired girl assumed that he was listening.

"Ruka still worries about you…you should talk to him or see him to make him feel at ease." She pauses, waiting for an answer.

As soon as she realised she wasn't going to have one, she bids him, "Goodnight." Umira trails off as she snuggles into the mattress and flies off to dreamland.

Whereas Natsume remained awake, thinking of his next action. For some reason, since Umira moved in, he had a newfound determination to fight on against the academy. The fact that she was placed in the face of danger made him want to protect her; to prevent her from suffering the same fate as him.

"Goodnight…" The boy whispers before closing his eyes in thought, hoping for the night to last longer.

End

Preview

Umira: The academy is getting rather suspicious. When will I see the whole joint class? I hear the scavenger hunt is getting close, what happens now?

Next Chapter: Central Town; Bringing forward the Hunt

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