Hey guys, back with another installment of this little series. Lied about the action and gore mentioned in the previous chapter :P. Mild-action in this chapter, more daily life. Can't get enough of that daily life :3

Exleader75: I feel the same way about their team, but I'd feel at least a little bad if I had left out Akane and Mikoto. Nevertheless, they will always be minor characters in my view...lol

InfiniteReader: Thank you sir, I hope that you will continue reading!

amado15: I appreciate your comment! I honestly was not sure how to develop Natsume as her own character so I just went with the flow. I'm glad that it turned out alright.

Enjoy the read and please R&R!

Chapter 12 - Emergency!

"Kaede!"

"Hey you two, sorry to interrupt here but I'd like to talk," said Kaede in her usual tone.

"What do you want Kaede?" asked Natsume.

"Oh my, so hostile towards me. But I'm sure that will come to change in time," she said menacingly. "Now let's get to the point. Natsuru-san, I will give you one more chance to hand her over to us."

"And if I refuse?"

"Hmm, if you refuse? Let's just say that things won't get pretty and people will definitely get hurt. You wouldn't want that on your hands now would you?"

Natsuru scowled at her, "I think if I were to give in to your request, more people will get hurt and the Kampfer battles will still continue."

"You don't understand you fool!" snapped Kaede. "The reds and the blues battle each other in order to keep the peace in the universe. That's how it has been and that's how it shall remain."

"That isn't right, this is not our war to fight! Moreover, why are you so focused on Natsume in particular?"

"I don't have to answer to the likes of you, I just can't stand to see her waste her time with a pathetic piece of shit like you," said Kaede with a look of disgust.

"Go to hell!" yelled Natsume as she dashed at Kaede. Kicks and punches flew as the two danced in combat, each moving with impressive speed. Natsume was not holding back, she let out all of her anger onto her target, throwing everything she had at Kaede. She refrained from using her Zauber powers here, now that she was conscious of her power, she took care as to not cause unnecessary damage to the area. Kaede was keeping up with her, blocking all of her attacks but not attacking herself. It almost seemed as if Kaede was toying around with her blocking all of her attacks as if it child's play. Noticing the impasse, Natsume backed off from her engagement, leaving Kaede standing with a playful smile on her face.

"That was really fun Natsume-chan, you're even more beautiful when you fight," said Kaede "I'll give you one more chance, hand her over to us and things won't get ugly."

"No matter what you say, I'm never handing her over to you!" snapped Natsuru.

"Very well then," said Kaede in a serious tone. "I'll let you go for now, but the next time we meet may not be so pleasant." Having said that, she immediately drew her handgun and shot at them, causing the two to flinch and jump away to avoid the incoming fire. Before they noticed, Kaede had already left as mysteriously as she came. Natsuru felt a strange premonition from Kaede's warning, even though he felt it was said as bluff, he also felt some truth in those words.

"We're back!" said the two as they took their shoes off.

"Oh, welcome back, where did you guys go?" asked Natsuru's mother.

"Just around the city," replied Natsuru.

"In the city? That's a little dangerous, isn't it Natsuru?" asked Kotoko.

"It's okay okaa-san*, I was there to protect him this time!" said Natsume with confidence.

"Ahh! Natsume-chan you look so cute in your uniform!" said Kotoko as she hugged her. "Ehh~ I never noticed how tall you were either!"

"Thank you okaa-san, but I don't look that great," she said humbly.

"Come on mom, you're bothering her," said Natsuru.

"Ah that's right, I just finished making dinner, you must be hungry!"

"I'm being ignored…"

Everyone gathered around the table with Natsuru and Natsume sitting on one side of the table while his parents sat on the other. In front of them was a beautiful presentation of assorted foods varying from poultry, beef, pork, fish, sushi, and vegetables. Kotoko was serving everyone their bowls of rice as she scooped a spoonful and dropped it in one at a time.

"Thank you for the food!" everyone said.

"How was school you two?" asked Natsuru's father.

"The usual…"said Natsuru as he continued to eat without looking at his father. "Are you going to staying for long?"

"What's with that?" replied Serizawa. "I can't stay in my own house?"

"No…never mind, sorry."

Natsume looked to Natsuru, who was still eating his food but did not look up at all. She could feel the cold atmosphere and attitude he displayed towards his father. She decided to try to lighten up the mood a bit. "Otoo-san, were you away on business trip?" she asked.

"Yes I was, my line of work has me running around everywhere all the time," he said with a sigh.

"I see, that must be very difficult for you."

Natsume continued to converse with the two about anything she could think of. All the while Natsuru kept quiet, barely contributing the conversations.

"Thank you for the food!" said Natsume. "It was all very delicious."

"Of course honey! I don't mind at all, since I love cooking," said Kotoko. "Oh that's right! Come with me Natsume, I bought you some clothes while I was out! Let's try them on!"

"Ah, thank you," said Natsume as she was dragged away by the excited mother.

The two remaining men sat at the dinner table, neither of them made eye contact or said anything. "Something on your mind?" asked Serizawa.

"Would you like to know?" asked Natsuru. Serizawa nodded his head.

"Why are you back? You've never bothered visiting me throughout my middle school years, so why are you here now?"

"Natsuru, I know that my decision wasn't fair, but it had to be done in order to protect you."

"It was a syndicate related problem…wasn't it?"

"Yes, in order to keep you from being targeted, your mother and I had to be constantly on the move. Everything we've done was for you."

Natsuru did not reply. He sat in silence as he waited for his father to say something. "So…what will you do now?" he asked.

"Now? It may seem sudden, but I'll be moving headquarters back to this area. That way, your mother and I won't have to move and we can keep the opposition in check. I don't think they'd come storming into the heart of enemy territory."

Serizawa stood up and walked over to Natsume. He patted his shoulder and smiled. "I want us to be a family again," said Serizawa.

"Yeah…me too."

"Ta-da! Doesn't she look amazing?!" said Kotoko with pride. Next to her stood Natsume who was a little embarrassed to be flaunting her new casual wear.

"Oh! Such is expected of my wife, her taste in fashion is impeccable!" said Serizawa. Natsuru eyed her new outfit; a pair of denim shorts along with a white tank top and a grey cardigan. The Bracelet of Oath complimented her new attire quite nicely as well.

"By the way Natsume-chan, I already packed all your clothes for your trip tomorrow!" said Kotoko with a wink.

"Thank you so much okaa-san, you didn't have to do that," said Natsume as she laughed.

"Nonsense! It was my pleasure!"

"How come you didn't pack for me?" said Natsuru in jest.

"My my, looks like someone's a little jealous," said Kotoko.

"Ugh, guess I'll go pack…"

The day of the long awaited class trip was finally here. Students from both the girls' and boys' side gathered out in front of the school as they were loaded onto the busses. Although almost everything at the school is segregated by gender, today's trip was an exception, as students from both sides had the option to sit with either gender. Although there is not much interaction between genders during school, the two sides were not unfamiliar with one another, as the guys carried casual conversations with the girls. Already, groups were slowly being formed amongst the group of students. Natsuru and Natsume stood idly side-by-side, looking through the crowd. They could tell that everyone was itching to ask Natsume to be in their group, which was unfortunate for Natsuru.

"Ah, Natsume, there you are," said Shizuku as she walked up to them. "You're in my group, let's go." The two walked away with Shizuku leading Natsume by the hand through the crowd, Natsume turned to smile and wave to Natsuru.

"It's okay my friend, you can be in our group," said Higahisda.

"Shut up," groaned Natsuru.

The students were now loaded onto the busses and the trip was underway. Conversation filled the busses as everyone's' excitement shown. Natsuru went with Higashida's group, which consisted of two other guys and two girls. They were all conversing with one another about the trip and their expectations, save for Natsuru who was keeping to himself.

"Hey Senou, don't be so sad just 'cause you didn't get to be with your girl," teased Higashida.

"That's not it, I'm just thinking," he replied.

"Ehh? So you're the one going with Natsuru-san?" asked one of the girls.

"Uhh, yeah," he said timidly. "You can call her Natsume, to avoid confusion."

"How long have you guys been going out?" asked the other girl.

"Hmm…around six months now I guess."

"Hey hey, Senou, how far have you gotten with her?" asked one of the guys.

"Ew! Creep, why would you ask that?!"

"It's guy talk! And besides, I know you guys want to know too." The girls didn't disagree to that, but they were definitely curious. They then looked to Natsuru so see what he would say.

Natsuru's face lit up and narrowed his eyes at them. He hesitated for a moment before presenting them with two fingers. "Second…"

"That's it?! What a waste!"

"Geez Senou-kun, you're pretty slow," laughed the girls.

"Leave me alone," said Natsuru while folding his arms.

"Achoo!" Natsume covered her nose with a handkerchief and sniffled.

"Someone must be talking about you," said Shizuku. She was sitting beside her on the bus. In their group were Natsume, Shizuku, Akane, and Mikoto. The two latter were sitting a row in front of them.

"By the way…" said Natsume as she put her handkerchief away. "Is this okay?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean…is it okay for me to hang out with you guys?"

"I don't mind at all." Shizuku smiled and pet her head, "You're a good girl."

"Geez, why does everyone like to pet my head?" groaned Natsume.

"Because it's fun!" said Akane as she joined in. "Come on Mikoto!"

Mikoto pop up from the seat in front of them, "I won't lose to you!" she shouted. "Take this cow-tits!"

"Ah! Where the hell are you touching! Stop it!" Natsume couldn't help but laugh as Akane started to tickle her sides. She felt relieved that she was getting along so well with the others even after what had happened. Now she was starting to develop a sense of belonging, thinking to herself that maybe she would be able to live her own life here. Being surrounded by friends gave her a warm comforting feeling.

"Alright everyone, listen up!" shouted a teacher. They had finally arrived at their destination and everyone had just finished unloading themselves and their luggage off the busses. "We'll be splitting up the lodging for the girls and boys, so all the girls move to one side and all the boys move to the other!"

Natsume slung her bag over her shoulder and followed the teacher's directions. She looked around the mountains that surrounded them which creating a deep green valley that snaked through the mountains. Everything was of a lush green color; this area has been preserved for many years from construction and development projects. The road that led they took hugged the mountains, winding up all the way to the lodge. The entrance to the lodge was grand as if it were a five star hotel. Its perimeter stretched out through the mountain and even to the side of the mountain. It was supported by large steel pillars that were now hidden by the foliage. It was an impressive sight, the beautiful nature of the area along with an outstanding display of design and architecture of the lodge gave off a warm aura. She turned around to the view that almost escaped her. It was an overlook of the entire valley, with the sun's setting rays glazing the expanse of trees with a honey gold film. She continued to stare, the view too detailed to be taken in by eyes alone.

"What's wrong, Natsume?" asked Shizuku.

"Nothing. Sorry, let's go!"

After having been assigned their rooms, the students were to meet in the dining room of the inn. It goes without saying that this dining room was fit to serve a large number of guests. Buffet tables were lined up with a plethora of different foods. The girls were sitting with the guys and vice-versa, enjoying their reprieve from the usual. The gang was sitting at a long table with the four girls on one side. A rather interesting group had joined them as well. There was Natsuru along with Higashida, but unexpectedly, Yamato was also joining them with the two guys from the bus that sat with Natsuru. He ended up sitting next to Natsuru who was across from Natsume. Shizuku sat across Higashida leaving Akane and Mikoto with the two other guys. There was some tension in the air that went by unnoticed save for Shizuku, Yamato, and Natsuru. Shizuku could tell that there was something going on, for now she would observe the situation.

"Isn't this place amazing? Everything is so nice!" asked Yamato.

"It is quite the inn, I never would have guessed it would have been this nice," said Natsume.

"Yeah, it's a shame though that the rooms aren't coed."

"That might have been too much," she chuckled.

"I was just joking," he said laughing.

'What a creep,' relayed Natsuru. The two were now able to communicate via thought processes, but only within a short distance of each other.

Natsume shot a stern look at him, 'Be nice.' He rolled his eyes.

"That's right, after this, we get to have a little recreational time. Would you guys like to join us?" asked Yamato.

"That's fine with me," said Shizuku. Akane and Mikoto, who were busy stuffing their faces with food, looked over and shrugged.

'Say no,' he relayed not looking up from his plate.

"Sure," she replied with a smile.

He died a little inside.

Their recreational time had ended for the day and the students had returned to their respective sides. Natsuru sat sipping a soda with Higashida in the lounging room. It was more like an atrium than a room where most of the guys were hanging around.

"Alright guys, it's almost that time."

"Are you sure this is going to work?"

"Don't worry, I've got everything covered."

Natsuru and Higashida looked towards the voices to find a large group of guys convening for some meeting. Curious, they too moved and sat at the outer ring of the circle.

"Okay, in about a half an hour, the girls should be going to take their baths. And I found the perfect spot for us to investigate."

'This doesn't sound good,' thought Natsuru. He would have objected to this saying it was a bad idea, but he was in no position to be saying such things. He shrugged it off, the chances of them seeing her are highly unlikely anyways, and he'd definitely do something if it came down to that.

"Are you in with this?" asked Natsuru to Higashida.

"Of course I am! I am the president of the Hottie Research Club after all," he replied.

The baths were not what Natsuru had imagined. It was like an ordinary open air bath, except this one was colossal compared to traditional Japanese onsens. It was already filling up with people and even then, it seemed that there was more than enough room to spare.

"Hey Senou-kun!" said a voice.

"Huh? Oh hey Ken, what's up?" Ken was another one of Natsuru's friends, childhood friend actually. They usually hang out afterschool but ever since the Akane incident, he hasn't had much time to spare.

"Isn't your girl on the other side?" he asked.

"Geez, everyone knows about that huh?"

"Of course!" chuckled Ken. "But anyways, how have you been? Haven't talked in a while."

"I've been pretty good, things are a bit hectic but I'll manage. Sorry about not keeping in touch, some crazy things have been happening," said Natsuru.

"Is it your organization?" whispered Ken.

"Well…you could say that. What about you? What have you been up to?"

"Not much really, I got a new girlfriend though!"

"Oh really? Who is it?"

"Hiroshi, Hitomi! She's in the same class as me," said Ken.

"Good for you man! I'm glad you found someone."

"Likewise!"

There was now a noticeable group of guys huddled around the wall at the far end of bath next to the wall that separated the baths. It seems as if everyone was waiting in line to take a look.

"Hmm…You wanna go check it out?" asked Ken.

"What? No no no we shouldn-"

"Come on!" interrupted Ken. "Think of it as closure that no one is looking at her."

"…Guess that's a good way to put it. Alright fine." They made their way over to the group of boys that crowded around the wall. The hole was of a good size, big enough for a couple people to look through but at the same time not so noticeable. "Hey guys, who are we looking at?" asked Ken.

"Umm…I'm not sure right now, but her chest is pretty nice!" said one of the guys looking.

"Oh! That's Saki, I forgot her last name though."

"Not bad, not bad,"

Natsuru swallowed his anxiety and sighed in relief.

"Uooh! Here comes the President and her friends!"

President and her friends? Natsuru charged through the huddle and forced himself to the front. He looked through the hole to see a silhouette of Shizuku's naked body along with the others. He was then pulled back by the guys he had pushed and thrown to the back.

"Hey, what happened?!" asked Ken.

"She is right there!" panicked Natsuru.

"Oh crap," said Ken. He looked over to the group again, "Shall we take them out by force?" he asked as he cracked his knuckles.

"No we can't, that'd be too much of a ruckus."

"What do you want to do partner?"

Natsuru thought for a minute. They were too far apart for her to have heard the screams in his head. "Alright, I think I have an idea."

"Wow! I've never been to a bath this big!" said Natsume.

"Me neither, it's so spacious!" added Akane. The four of them waddled in their towels around the large bath for a little while before settling down next to a large rock near the wall. The rock was a couple meters high, sitting a few meters away from the wall. It was like a little mini island Natsume sat next to the large rock while fixing her towel. A small splash was heard from the other side of the rock. Curious, she went around to take a look where she was abruptly pulled by the arm. Before she could even yelp in surprise, she found that her mouth had already been covered.

'Quiet, it's me.'

'What the hell are you doing here?!'

'I'm sorry! It was an emergency!'

'Emergency?! Couldn't you have just waited?!'

'Not that kind of emergency!' Natsuru looked around to see if there was anyone nearby, save for the other three that were oblivious to his presence. 'Alright, you see that wall over there?' He guided her around the rock and pointed towards said wall. 'There's a hole over there where the guys are peeking through, they almost saw you!'

'What?!'

'Yeah, so just move away from here!'

'Alright but…what about you?'

'I'll be fine, I just need you to make some more steam for me.'

She nodded and dipped her hands in the water while conjuring her flames. The intense heat was already making the water evaporate, resulting in a thick plume of steam. Natsuru was now able to move freely through the steam and not be seen by the girls or the guys. He moved over the side of the wall where he picked up a loose boulder about half his size and brought it over to the hole. At this point, the steam was so thick that Natsuru could barely tell where he was. He carefully placed the boulder in front of the hole, blocking it so that no one would be able to peep anymore. He stepped back to look at his handiwork and swam back to the boulder where Natsume was.

'All good'

'Phew, alright then.'

"Natsume? Where did you go? What's up with all this steam?" asked Shizuku whose voice was getting closer.

They panicked, if Natsuru tried to go back now, he'd surely be seen even with all of the steam. Without thinking, Natsume submerged Natsuru up to his nose and pushed him into a crevice of the rock. She then threw herself over him, making sure that his head could not be seen.

'Natsume, what are you-'

'Shh! Don't make a sound.'

"There you were, you just disappeared on your own," said Shizuku.

"Ah sorry about that," Natsume chuckled nervously.

Natsuru was stuck between a rock and a soft place. His head was being uncomfortably pushed into the rock by a rather comfortable posterior. The girls continued on with their conversations. What felt like hours for Natsuru was actually minutes passing by. The bath was starting to get to him; having had his entire body submerged for an extended amount of time was making his head rush. The girl who was using him as a chair was of no help either, it just made his blood rush more.

'I'm going to die…'

"Hey man, you okay?" asked Higashida. They were back in their rooms; Natsuru was laying down on his futon recovering from the torture he had been put through. Ken couldn't help but laugh his ass off at his friend.

"Ugh…leave me alone," groaned Natsuru. "Godammit!"

Ken left the room for a moment before coming back with a roll of toilet paper, tossing it onto Natsuru's lap. "Get it off your mind," he said bursting into laughter.

"Screw you!" shouted Natsuru as he threw the toilet paper back at Ken.

A/N:* Okaa-san is used here to express formality and respect. Natsume is not necessarily referring to Kotoko as her actual mother.