Closure

by S.M wane

His soul, heart and body belonged to someone else's ; their families were at war with each other; the closed-knitted society feared the consequences of their union—a list of reasons she should put an end to her obsession with him, an obsession she did not know had its beginnings in the backdrop of the Okinawa Incident of 2092. Two-shot. (Rated higher for possible violence.)

2. Chapter 2: Let the Dreams Decend

Chapter 2: Let the Dream decend

"Past the point of no return, no backward glances
Our games of make-believe are at an end
Past all thought of if or when, no use resisting
Abandon thought and let the dream descend."

---

Her wavy hair was swept into a chignon, her painted face, a mask for a prestigious event. Her arms, encased in silky Eton-blue gloves that reached her elbows, were set before her. Her dress of a darker shade of blue, pegged to her hips, before flaring out in a spill of shimmering ice-blue cloth. Under the sparkling chandelier, her dress looked like a fascinating swirl of blues of different shade. Elegantly, she glided across the ballroom towards a towering man.

She ignored the glances that lingered on her too long. She knew why they were so interested in her.

His simple white tie suit appeared to be stretching to accommodating his intimidating physique. She frowned when she noticed that his clothes seemed to be bursting at their seams to contain all that bulging muscles in intimidating display of supremacy. A set of gentle eyes peered at her, a mismatching for his powerful build, and heavy and harsh features. "I know you look like your magic," grumbled Mayumi playfully, stopping before him. "Katsuto."

"I-I didn't think it looked—"

Mayumi laughed brightly, knowing that he didn't realize that she was teasing him. "You look okay. You're an outlier among the Ten Master clans." Absently, she gestured around the room, where the members of the Ten Master Families scattered around the place, making small polite conversation.

"Uh… where are your sisters?"

She lifted a brow. "At home. They are too young to participate in this." She refrained from making a face. The reason she had chosen to attend was to fulfill her promise to her father in exchange of his help in clearing the aftermath of the Blanche. She was supposed to be here with Katsuto.

He drew a hand through his hair awkwardly. "Well, I should apologize. It's not your cup of tea."

For a moment, she felt her mask cracking at his sincerity. "I should thank you. You helped me to shun off most of Father's questions."

A small smile stretched across his face. "You're welcome, Saegusa-san." He sank into an awkward bow that was supposed to be chivalrous.

It was an aspect that she really liked about him. He didn't like to ask too many questions.

Her father probably appreciated his courage at storming into her family mansion with an urgent appointment to explain the Blanche incident at First High.

She sighed inwardly. She had noticed how her father looked at her while she kept her silence. It was as if he was plotting something. Mayumi took notice that father seemed interested in the notion that the leader was capable of consciousness interference external system magic.

"Both of you are certain that none of the Ten Master clans were involved with this incident?"

Katsuto answered the question with unwavering assurance that none of the Ten Master clans would attempt to steal unpublished theories on magic, a fact that was true. All of the ten families had secrets that they did not wish to reveal to the rest of the world.

His question was so specific that she couldn't help wondering if he meant the Yotsuba family. She knew that the family was engulfed with mystery. They were the dichotomy of her family, enshrouded behind such dark veil that everyone knew so little of them. The one thing that everyone could agree on was that they were a very powerful family. Singlehandedly, they concluded the previous world war that tore Pacific to pieces, losing many powerful individuals to it. Additionally, the head of the surreptitious clan was known as the Queen of the East, one of the most potent magicians in the world, Yotsuba Maya.

Her father's former fiancée.

She was graduating soon, which meant that her father would intensify his efforts at finding her a suitable match. So would Katsuto's family since they were of the same age. She almost pitied him, knowing the pressures of meeting prospective suitors.

"How are things at the Co-curricular Club?" She took a flute of non-alcoholic drink from the server and waited for him to copy her actions.

He shrugged stiffly. "It's fine. I hoping that after the Blanche incident, the tensions between the magical clubs and the non-magical clubs will reduce. Why did you go to the factory that day?"

The huge man was careful to ensure that they were mostly alone when he posed that question. The crowd was thinner since the band had struck up a tune and most of them were pairing up to twirl in the center of the ballroom.

"Hmm?" So, Katsuto could be inquisitive. She glanced at the crystal flute in her hand. It caught the light, reflecting a rainbow hue. She tilted the glass slightly, entranced with the sight.

"It is unlike you, Saegusa-san. Everyone who knows of it is talking about it. The incident of the Eco-Terrorist was famous among our circle."

She knew that it will caused some talk, but not to this extent.

Mayumi held the flute by the stem carefully. "I explained the reasons to you that day."

He frowned, his jaws clenched. He looked almost exasperated.

"You ignored your executive duties, President. Besides, everyone knows that you abstain from missions that require confrontation, since you do mostly intelligence gathering."

Her stomach knotted. "I didn't know you were so familiar with my duties in the Ten Master clan," quipped Mayumi, plastering a brilliant smile on her face.

Despite the differences in their height, she was able to glower at him.

He clenched and unclenched his hands, before sighing deeply. As if he had the right to be so exasperated with her.

"President. Who is Shiba Tatsuya to you?"

"What?"

She stared at him, wide-eyed. Her heart thumped loudly at his name. Hastily, she drained her drink. "He's my junior."

Both of his brows skyrocketed past his hairline.

"Like Hattori?"

Mayumi laughed brightly. It sounded like tinkling silver chimes. He knew her habit of causing Hanzou-san to blush. "This is unlike you, Katsuto." She gestured to both of them elegantly, with a careless sweep of her wrist. "You don't usually talk about how I treat my juniors."

She tilted her head to the side, observing his reaction carefully. The leader of the Co-curricular Club was careful to remain impassive. He took a deep breath, staring at his feet.

"No, President. I know we have a responsibility to our families to produce powerful successors when we are ready. Often, we don't have the luxury to fall in love with someone who shares that same feelings. " He gestured around the room. "You may be one of the few individuals who might get your chance at happiness."

Her cheeks dusted pink at his suggestion.

"What, in Kami-sama's name are you saying?" She plastered both hands on her cheeks. "I-I… I don't feel that way about him." She didn't see him as a marriage prospect. He was a mystery she couldn't unravel. Her mind drifted to the way he stood confidently among his fallen opponents. Both Miyuki and Tatsuya were very powerful, too powerful that she did not believe that they were not part of the Ten Master Clans. There was also the matter that her memory appeared to be modified and it was something to do with the Shiba siblings.

His gaze darkened.

"You should ponder on it soon. Saegusa-sama may consider him to be a better match."

His eyes were gentle and understanding again.

Then, her mind drifted back to the flow of the conversation. He couldn't mean… It couldn't be. She didn't think that… Oh no!

She froze on the spot, staring at him blankly. When she recovered some of her mental faculties, she excused herself to grab some fresh air. Carefully, she marched out to the balcony. The fresh evening wind was a welcome. For a moment, the place didn't feel as stuffy as before.

She needed to speak to her father soon. No, why did she need to speak to her father? Their fathers must have agreed. Oh great Kami-sama! She was glad that Katsuto shuffled away in search for more drinks.

Mayumi could feel another headache coming on. She closed her eyes, placing her hands on the white railings that lined the balcony. The warm lights and the cheery noises from the ballroom seemed to be a distance away, filtered by the large glass doors that she had exited. Oh, she had to pretend that she didn't understand, otherwise things between them would become so awkward. Both Katsuto and she were heavily involved in the Nine School Competition due to their magical prowess and their executive roles in the school.

Why did Father have to make things so complicated?

She groaned inwardly.

The tranquil night was ruined by the interference of her father. However, she had a role to play, a role that she was trained to play well. She took a deep breath, trying to compartmentalize that concern. She would handle the matter when it became formal. She centered herself, fixing a brilliant and radiant smile on her face.

She caught a sight of that confident and radiant beauty staring back at her with impassive scarlet eyes. That was enough for tonight. It was enough to be Saegusa ojou-sama. With a smile, like a thick armor around her heart, she glided back into the ballroom, ready to maintain connection with the rest of the members of the Ten Master clans. Katsuto played the role of her gentleman caller, staying at her side for the rest of the evening. They did not exchange a word after that conversation.

---

School, after the Blanche was a whirlwind of activities and mounting headaches. Miyuki treated her affably, seeing her like an older sister, just like her younger sisters. Occasionally, she would behave childishly, an act that only Tatsuya was privy to, before her. With a gleam in her beautiful Eton-blue eyes, she chirped about the events that she had participated in the prestigious Nine-school competition. Miyuki almost glowed with child-like excitement as she provided the full account of those events.

Mayumi was amazed by her photographic memory. She loved this child-like side of Miyuki, like how a girl so thoroughly pampered by her only older brother would blossom into. It was in those long hours of working together that she learnt that the Shiba siblings lived alone and they were not close to their family. Miyuki apparently hated her father for treating her brother badly and marrying his second wife within a month after her mother had passed away.

Mayumi had always desired to ask about their relationship. It was so unconventional and intense that it was unnatural. She could still recall the way a younger Tatsuya kept his distance faithfully way from his sister on the beach of Okinawa. Something must have happened to them.

She couldn't resist thinking about him. It didn't help that he was the talk in the school. The amazing Course 2 student. If Mayumi didn't know Shiba Tatsuya, she would think that he was deliberately attempting to cause a revolution in First High singlehandedly. His test results were so astounding that he was called in to testify about his grades, a matter that she didn't really garner more details from since she was worried about the Nine school competition. Despite the way they had been planning the duty roster, they could not find sufficient Technicians for the event.

"Why don't you consider Onii-sama?" suggested Miyuki coyly from her station. "He maintains my CAD. I've full faith in his abilities."

"Does he?" demanded Mayumi excitedly, her head shooting from the table. She smiled when she saw the gentle smile on Miyuki's face. She had dumped her brother into hot soup to alleviate her headache.

"He maintains those CAD in our Public Moral headquarters too. It's a good suggestion!" Excitedly, she added him into the roster. She watched almost with a morbid fascination as Tatsuya sank deeper into the trap of dealing with an overly excited A-chan, like an unwary fruit fly into the mouth of the Venus Fly trap. She knew that she could warn him off but she liked to see him caught in a deep fix.

Barely hiding her smile behind her hand, she watched the whole event unfold. 'Device Otaku' made her appearance by grabbing Tatsuya's hands and hopping up and down in the room. That persona faded away when the temperature of the room dropped by a few degrees.

Instinctively, Mayumi squeezed Miyuki's hand tenderly. It had the effect of calming her down.

Then, it was A-chan's turn of combusting from mortification.

Tatsuya shot her a dirty look, as if accusing her of letting things hurl out of control. She shrugged a little, folding her arms before her chest. She was contented to let Tatsuya remain in that state of discomfort for a little longer.

Rin-chan intelligently stayed out of the matter.

Eventually, she had to step in to intervene to prevent A-chan from exploding from embarrassment. The change of subject revealed him to be very competent with his magical theory knowledge. She could almost see the gleam of approval in Rin-chan's eyes when he shared his opinions in that emotionless way.

What a lady-killer, sighed Mayumi inwardly, drumming her fingers on the desk. She noticed that Miyuki seemed to be making plently of mistakes on her terminal, switching on the alarm by mistake at least three times by her count.

---

Things that involved Tatsuya wouldn't have been so smooth-sailing. He was like the physical manifestaion of Murphy's law. In the first meeting to choose the members to represent First High at the Nine-school Competition, Katsuto grimly requested for a confirmation of Tatsuya's ability at the start of the meeting.

She met the leader's gaze immediately across the room. Her hands balled into a fist before she forced herself to relax. Did Katsuto believe for a moment that she had included Tatsuya into the team for nepotism? It almost infuriated her to see him taking up precious time needed for the selection of other positions.

"I do not think it is necessary to test his skills, given his magical theory grades. I'm, however, willing to be a subject to put your concerns to the rest," smiled she brilliantly, mesmerizing almost everyone in the room with her radiant smile.

Take that, Katsuto!

For some odd reason, she felt that Tatsuya wasn't too happy with her. Mayumi tried to alleviate his concerns with a look. She had full faith in him.

Then, in a true Tatsuya's fashion, he had completely blown her mind away with his talent.

In a show of brilliance that even she couldn't follow, he had completed his task splendidly. His words were more aloof than usual, functional but excessive courteous. He even addressed her by her role, grating on her nerves when he gave her instructions so that he could complete his test. Mayumi was tempted to smack him on his head with her CAD, knowing that he could heal himself.

All he had to do was to copy the activation sequence within her own CAD and transfer it to the competition-approved CAD model. She knew that it was a ridiculous request since it was better to construct an activation sequence from stretch that suited both the CAD model and the user. However, he completed it with so much skill that his talent baffled her.

What could he not do?

Mayumi used activated the sequence and it felt as if it was part of her, without the unnecessary baggage attached to the sequence. Warmth suffused her, not quite like the warmth of his touch, but it was enough to make her smile.

"Saegusa-san?"

"It's more efficient. It harmonizes better with my magic." She looked at him proudly. "He should be in the team. Would you mind looking at my personal CAD if you have the time?" She leaned on the CAD machine, smiling brightly at him.

Her answer was met with speechless silence.

"How do we know if…"

"His skill is unprecedented. He should be part of the team," gushed A-chan, her hands clasped in a prayer. "Unparalleled! I didn't know you have such a skill!"

Mayumi ignoring the whispers that broke out in the crowd, closed the distance between them nonchalantly. "I would like an answer from you. I have never doubted your skill, since you maintain Miyuki-chan's CAD." She allowed the hurt to lace her tone.

His eyes reflected surprise at her answer. "I—I… if that is what you would like, Mayumi." He tried for a soothing smile.

A part of her relaxed when she realized that he was apologizing to her. She should have expected him to leap to such conclusion due to his low self-esteem.

Mayumi leaned closer to him, so that her voice was a whisper, a breath on his ear. "Don't ever address me by my rank again, Tatsuya. We have a friendship that is beyond that." She plastered a radiant smile, keeping the pretense that she was asking him something about maintaining CAD.

Like his impassive self, he did not react to her visibly.

"I have no more questions for Shiba-kun," returned Katsuto from the corner. He looked almost solemn, watching their exchanges keenly. The conversation at the ball surged in her mind again. Quietly, she created some distance between the stoic first-year and her.

Soon, the day to depart for Nine-school competition arrived. The Ten Master clans had summoned all the members who were participating in the Nine-school competition to remind them of their duties. Dressed in a smart-casual dress, she met the rest of the team after the meeting.

Despite her outfit, she barely got another look from him, infuriating her mildly. She decided to take out her frustration on Hanzou-san, her unsuspecting victim. He was more appreciative of her dress than Tatsuya! It didn't help that Tatsuya was assigned to ride with the equipment, which put her in a more manipulative mood, something that Mari read correctly.

He surprised her when he had protected the team silently from the sidelines. That subtle feeling of magic that swept through her, before Miyuki released hers, was something that she had experienced twice. She knew that warmth.

Miyuki's gaze at the vehicle trailing behind them, while the rest of the team heartily thanked her, confirmed her suspicion. As the bus commenced its journey to the site of the Nine-school Competition, she put the pieces together and unraveled a small piece of the puzzle that was Tatsuya: he had a magic to deconstruct.

It accounted for his low practical grades since a magician ought to modify, not to destroy reality. She closed her eyes to rest for her event. For a moment, she was taken back to that time when she caught a bright light bursting from the shore as the alarms blasted, warning of danger. The messenger of victory. The herald of hope. The proclaimer of annihilation. Despite the power, she felt very safe and very secured. Soon, she drifted into the land of nods, filled with incomprehensible images of people she ought to know but do not know.

---

With a large smile plastered on her face, she nodded at all who met her gaze. Those who cheered at the sight of her and wished her luck for the last event she would be participating in the Nine-school Competition. The smile was almost cement-hard on her face.

The astounding results of the last speed-shooting competition (she had even broke her own high score) generated so much pressure that she couldn't breathe. Mayumi took a deep breath when she was finally in the preparation room alone. They expected a wonderful victory for her crowd-ball event. It will add to First High's chances as the defending champion.

She never felt so weighted down by the reputation that she had. The crowds were here to see her performance, to witness the magnificence of the Saegusa ojou-sama.

Then, she caught sight of a reflection of him, watching her on the full-length mirror. The lines on her face relaxed as she met his eyes through the mirror. He was standing next to her protectively, his body limber, as if ready to protect her with his life.

She spun around, letting her hair twirl with that movement.

"I guess that's what a younger brother will do," offered Mayumi sweetly, glancing at her junior.

He was still watching her impassively.

Mayumi wouldn't mind if Tatsuya looked at her the same way he gazed at his sister: undisguised affections and warmth. It was the only occasion his countenance reflected genuine emotions. She had been observing him closely, pushing his buttons openly so that she could wring a candid emotion from his stoic countenance and failed spectacularly. She was almost certain that the intelligent older Shiba was aware of it yet chose to indulge her by playing the helpless victim. It was, the only reason, why she continued to be so captivated with him.

Tatsuya-kun lingered on the peripherals of her vision as she warmed up muscles. The tension had caused her muscles to stiffen up and she needed to be agile for this event.

He looked so distracting, dressed in a jacket that identified him as an Engineer.

By a chance of luck, she had the privilege of being looked after by Tatsuya-kun. She was so proud of his contributions to the team. He had done a good job helping First High secure her victory in the Nine-school competition.

She liked that he had put those people who doubt his abilities down and earn the respect of most individuals on the team. Mayumi knew that he worked almost as hard as her to ensure First High's victory.

She didn't expect that she would be rewarded with Tatsuya as a personal technician. It was an honor she was too noble to request since she was expected to put the needs of the team before her selfish desires. Miyuki and the rest of the first-year girls needed his assistance. In addition, Mayumi did not want to use him as if he was merely a powerful tool, rather, she desired to know him as a person.

Her heart swelled with warmth.

"I need your help."

Wordlessly, he walked to her and helped her to stretch her muscles, as if he knew what she needed. His large hands felt impossibly warm on her shoulders while they maintained a conversation on the magical activation sequences she had installed in her CAD and his work.

The petite President was happy that he was fulfilled. He thrived as a magical engineer.

The CAD he had adjusted was harmonized impeccably with her magic. She was impressed by his brilliance in engineering.

Chirpily, she completed her routine with Tatsuya's help. He seemed to know what she needed to do to warm her muscles up. He stepped aside and stood like a faithful help, looking at her expectantly for her next instruction since he had accomplished his duty as her assistant.

It felt like overindulgence to be the sole focus of his attentions. However, she wasn't too coy to ignore such a perfect opportunity.

Mayumi intentionally remained on the ground after she had completed her exercises, levelling an expectant gaze at him. It felt like the only blip in their perfect synchronization.

He lifted a brow.

Pouting, she extended a hand towards him.

His ice-blue eyes became fixated with her outstretched hand.

"Magic, I know." The diminutive President couldn't help that smile from blossoming on her face. "You haven't told me what magic you had used to save everyone."

"When will you stop forcing me to divulge my secret? You know that it is not allowed."

He met her gaze and she noticed that the corners of his eyes had softened with tenderness.

"When my curiosity is finally satisfied."

"Kitten."

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

Then, his gaze became analytical as if he was finding a way to complete his new task. Swiftly, he stepped closer to her and reached for her.

Their hands touched. She was shocked at his electrifying touch. His long fingers carefully curled around her slender digits pragmatically but that platonic gesture sent her pulse racing. With infinite gentleness, he pulled her to her feet.

Jolted out of her thoughts, Mayumi stumbled and fell into his warm and comforting embrace. He had wrapped his arms around her to steady her. Unconsciously, she relaxed in his arms, allowing his presence to soothe the anxiety she did not know she felt. Mayumi was so used to the pressures of performing that she grew simply numb to that unease.

"You'll be fine, Mayumi," whispered Tatsuya, looking at her kindly.

She blinked owlishly.

She was astounded of his intimate knowledge of her.

His assurance in her ability to secure a victory for the team was reflected in his eyes. She felt strangely assured by his vote of confidence. She knew that he was confident of her abilities because he had relied on those abilities to help him.

Mayumi righted herself before a dazzling and predatory smile crept on her face. Her desire to confront her challenges boldly was set aflamed by his unwavering confidence.

"Wish me luck, Tatsuya." With her back straight, she strode out to the playing field, ready to maintain her public persona.

She paused at the exit when she heard his voice.

"You don't need luck, kitten. I'll see you at the award ceremony. See you later."

Mayumi grinned to herself. What was she going to do about him?

A new anxiety blossomed in her as she became too conscious of the way he was watching her from the stands. A part of her was glad that he wasn't assisting her in her Speed-shooting event since he would be too distracting.

Mayumi shouldn't be too happy that he had a chance to prove his mettle. They decided to use him and his friends as substitute when the entire team was wiped out by accident. He shed off the that jacket of the technician, donned a cloak and joined the fray.

Then, he took an injury from participating in the event as a substitute. He was so motivated to join in after the sabotage took Mari, the first-year boys from the game, and took the victory for the event, by sacrificing himself.

She was in his room, looking at him fiddle with his CAD while Miyuki caught a nap on his bed. Tenderly, she brushed her bangs carefully away from her eyes. She smiled when she turned into her hand.

"She reminds me of my sisters. You don't have to pretend that you're injured. While I may not know the type of magic you're using, I'm quite sure you're healed now." Gracefully, she sat on the corner of his bed. He shared his room with equipment, instead of having a roommate. It may seemed as if he was discriminated due to his special status as the only Course 2 student in the team, but she knew that he preferred such an arrangement.

He lifted his head from his task, a ghost of a smile on his lips. "Don't you need to be in the command tent?" She tucked her fringe behind her ear. She knew that she ought to be since First High was the subject of constant sabotage. It was her duty, along with Katsuto to ensure that everyone was safe. Despite her connections, she couldn't gather enough intelligence to the culprits of such despicable acts.

She knew that she had a frown on her face. The petite president sighed inwardly. She found it strange that she never attempted to keep up a façade before him.

"I'm concerned for Miyuki-chan. Using so much magic should be very taxing on her since she is such a powerful magician," returned Mayumi, gazing at sleeping girl. "I didn't want to put her in, but we don't have a choice." She remembered the only known strategic magician in Japan. They were acquaintances. Due to her immense magic, she was reduced to the use of a wheelchair to get around by early twenties.

"Her mother had the same condition. You worry too much. I can take care of her. It is, however, you who ought to look after yourself more, kitten." He was stoic in his concern.

Mayumi froze.

His hands stopped drifting over the keyboard. "Miyuki is powerful. Mayumi, your powers aren't any lesser than her. You might want to consider moderating the use of your magic. I know you are involved in many missions for your family."

She didn't need to look at him to know that he was slightly concerned about her. A light flush dusted her cheeks as a strange and soothing warmth filled her. It was the sort of warmth that set her heart fluttering. His eyes ought to be of the hue of periwinkle now.

"I think you should return to the command tent. They need you there to keep an eye on things."

She smiled inwardly at that apathetic compliment.

Her eyes narrowed. "I need an extra eye on the CAD. I can't see how they might have harmed Mari. I don't want anyone hurt." The prospect was so real especially since an unknown external force was intervening. As a member of the Ten Master clan, she was almost ashamed that she couldn't do anything about it.

"You've my promise, Kitten," returned Tatsuya. His eyes were Eton-blue, just like the ocean she loved so much.

She grew flustered as she shakily climbed to her feet. "Tell Miyuki-chan that I dropped by. I'll pop by before her event to encourage her."

"She would like that, Mayumi. I'll see you then."

His ghost of a smile haunted her as headed back to the command area of First High.

Lost among the crowds, she let her mind wander to the brief conversation they shared. How did he know that she had to complete missions as part of her duty to her family? It was a duty of a member of a Ten Master clan, something Katsuto or Masaki-san would know. She grew uneasy at that conclusion.

---

Tatsuya fulfilled his promise, while getting himself into hot soup. Without hesitation, she ran out of the command tent when she heard that someone from First High was making trouble at the organizer's tent. Mayumi came in time before Tatsuya beat a confession out of the official responsible for ensuring that the participants' CAD were appropriate for the competition.

His eyes were periwinkle and he had a foot on the throat of the petrified man. Though the man was at least twice the age of Tatsuya, and was a magician, he was terrified of the physical power of the first-year. His killing aura was so dominating, that she felt shivers went down her spine.

"Tatsuya!"

"He could have severely injured one of the senpais. Her CAD was modified to malfunction," returned the junior quietly, as if he was speaking to her over lunch. His apathy ought to have sent her survival instincts ballistic but her mind had focused on the content of his words.

Her heart stopped at his words. Someone could have died from it. Her hand shivered at the thought of it. Who could have bribed the officials in the organizing committee? Were they even safe?

Automatically, she stepped to his side.

The killing aura abated slightly, as if her presence returned some of his humanity to him. A flash of annoyance appeared in his narrowed eyes. Slowly, he removed his foot from the throat of the man.

He rubbed his throat, his face as red as a tomato. He was coughing and heaving from the blows he had taken from Tatsuya.

Automatically, she moved to Tatsuya, covering his flank. Her CAD was already activated, as per practice.

The eyes of the official widened at the sight.

"May we know who sent you?" whispered Mayumi, dropping to her knee. A wide smile was plastered on her face, as if she was trying to tease the answer out of him.

At that moment, Elder Kudou appeared to resolve the issue. The older man oozed authority as he marched into the scene without hesitation. She caught a gleam of surprise in his eyes when he saw her and Tatsuya together. His eyes darted between the two of them speculatively, before focusing on the man on the ground.

Elder Kudou knew Tatsuya. Shiba wasn't a prominent family, was it? There was a nagging doubt about the lack of information on both Shiba siblings since their backgrounds were too clean. It usually meant that they could hire competent security personnel to protect their data, which indicated that there was a need for them to be secretive.

The president barely paid attention to the events that followed soon after, allowing Tatsuya to explain their presence and deal with her father's private teacher. There was no need for her to interfere.

Two men came into the tent to take that member of the organizing committee away.

Elder Kudou watched her with inquisitive eyes.

Immediately, she sank into a deep bow, greeting one of the most respected man in the magical society.

"I have a humble request. May I request, on behalf of my team, more time to check through all our equipment? We need time to repair the device that was modified."

"We'll bring up the matter of sabotage to the rest of the teams so that they can use the time to check their own equipment too," replied he mildly, rubbing his chin. "Good work, Shiba, that you have detected the bug. It is difficult to detect this virus unless you have encountered it."

He sank into a bow at his compliment.

"I'll speak to the committee. It's good to see you again. Mayumi-chan. I hope your father is well."

She returned a suitable response politely.

Together, both Tatsuya and Mayumi excused themselves graciously. She glanced at him from the peripherals of her sight: the stoical man had cooled down.

Before she had exited the tent, she was quite certain that the Elder had spoken. It sounded as if he was speaking to himself.

"I didn't think I would have a chance to witness a scene like that again. Fate has a very strange fascination with both of your families. It's an ill-fate though."

His words struck a deep chord in her. She turned to look at Tatsuya, whose eyes were a deep shade of periwinkle, which looked almost black.

---

The Nine-school competition concluded with a resounding victory for First High. Besides Mari and the first year boys, there were no other injuries. They had performed better than expected despite all the problems.

Tatsuya had fulfilled his promise to her, helping her to present her last gift to her school. She glanced around the room for Mari, Kasuto and Rin-chan. They looked contented. She knew that they shared the same sentiments as her. They had to thank Tatsuya for coming through for them.

A part of her suspected that he did more than just watch over the equipment of First High during the competition and participating in the event as a substitute. Her mind drifted to those black eyes peering into the distant as he marched out of the tent.

There were furious whispers that the army had eliminated the organization that was interfering with the Nine-school competition. They had attempted to rig the results because of the unfavorable odds. Mayumi was almost upset to hear that news since things could have gone really wrong. The sight of Mari mingling with others calmed her down. The army, not the Ten Master clans, had intervened on the matters of the magical society. Their involvement sounded ominous.

As a rule of the thumb, the magical association dealt with all matters pertaining to the magical society. Occasionally, they would invite the military, since they are the single biggest employer of magicians. However, there was usually an air of mistrust since the magical society knew that they were objectified as weapons by the military.

An apprehensive feeling saturated her, causing her to feel edgy.

Were they at the eye of a 'perfect storm'?

She took in those faceless peers mingling in the large hall, celebrating the end of the competition. Was she as myopic as her peers were; so blind that she could not see the large storm that had passed them due to some unforeseen circumstances?

The smile on her face never faltered, despite her discomfort. She accepted the congratulations from her peers, thanking her comrades for their hard work.

Mayumi felt so hollow.

Then, her eyes fell on a figure standing alone on the edge of the crowd, observing the events in the room. She followed his unwavering gaze to the beautiful couple twirling in the middle of the room. The crowd moved to the side so that they could give them more space. Miyuki, in her full glory, the sheen of silky hair flowing down her back, was in the arms of a First-year from Third High. Masaki-san, the Crimson prince was completed enraptured with the gracefulness of Miyuki. From the way he was staring at her with hooded eyes, Mayumi could expect a marriage proposal from the Crimson Prince's family soon.

They were a fetching and powerful pair. However, she could tell that Miyuki had no interest in him. The smile on her face barely reached her eyes. It reminded of their first meeting when she caught her standing in the midst of the crowd, unimpressed.

It must be the rivalry between Tatsuya and Masaki-san. She smiled inwardly. Miyuki was loyal that way.

Her eyes returned to the older Shiba, performing his bodyguard duties. His jacket was slightly too big for him but it bore the mark of the eight-petal flower—a form of recognition. The first year had borrowed the jacket from another person with the same body type as him, but it didn't quite fit him right. It wasn't him.

For some odd reason, she preferred seeing him without the eight-petal flower. She liked the fact that he didn't let that emblem marked him, molded him into believing that he couldn't achieve much, or coerced him into believing that his achievements would never be recognized.

The Nine-school competition had become one of his sandboxes to display his boundless talents.

Like a moth attracted to the flame, she glided across the hall to him.

She knew that Tatsuya felt her presence from the way he stiffened.

His eyes grew unfathomable.

"Why are you not on the dance floor?" teased Mayumi cheerfully, her arms clasped behind her back.

He shrugged, his messy bangs falling into his eyes. "Everyone seemed busy. You have had a few twirls around the floor, Mayumi."

It was an obligation as the eldest daughter of the Saegusa family and the president of First High.

She closed the distance between him, a radiant smile plastered on her face.

He seemed to know that he was in danger, backing off slightly. As if on prowl, she quickened her pace so that she stood inches apart from him.

There was a look of resignation. "May I have the next dance, Mayumi?"

He didn't bother extending his hand towards her until she glared at him.

"Never thought you would ask," smiled she, taking his larger hand. She would roll her eyes if she were he.

Again, he was fixated with her dainty hand in his hand.

She rose a brow. "I'm not going to ask you that question now."

His eyes gleamed with amusement in the semi-darkness.

She smiled inwardly, allowing him to guide her to the middle of the ballroom where other students were dancing to a slow tune. She could feel a maelstrom of gazes on them. With practiced moves, he placed a hand on her waist and started to guide her into moving with the rhythm of the music. She was tempted to wrap her arms around his neck to witness his reaction to her closeness, but she decided against it. She had an image to maintain.

"Not up to something, kitten?"

She shot a glare at him. "I wanted to embarrass you but I have a reputation to preserve before the public."

His eyes glinted with amusement. "So what would you do? Perhaps, attempt to make me blush like Hattori-senpai."

She frowned. "Be nice, Tatsuya."

Obediently, he kept his silence, watching her with those ice-blue eyes.

She relaxed in his hold, meeting his gaze. She admired the way the hue of his eyes changed subtly under the light. It was more of Eton-blue than ice-blue. He was slowly becoming one of the most important people in her life, her dependable kouhai, a mystery she couldn't really solve. Maybe, she didn't want to put more effort into deciphering the mystery of the Shiba Tatsuya.

"Thank you."

"For?"

"I know you did something to get rid of those saboteurs."

He missed a step, but covered it smoothly. So, she was correct.

This admission meant that he had connections to the army. After debating inwardly, she decided to let the matter go, knowing that she wouldn't gleam much. It was part of the rules of the subtle game they had been playing with each other. She knew well enough know that he had to be involved with it since Miyuki's safety was at risk.

"Are you not going to ask for details?"

She shook her head, letting her wavy curls bounce. "The lack of the need to explain will be considered your reward for keeping your promise to me."

"Ah."

She closed her eyes, enjoying the moment with him. Her heart was at rest with him.

"You look happier."

She opened her eyes, surprised.

"I'm? I'm glad that everyone is safe and we're still the defending champions. I'll missed the hours planning—"

"—worrying about your fellow teammates? Ordering everyone around?"

She smacked him on his chest. Wordlessly, she placed her head on his broad chest. He smelt like the sea. His heartbeat thumped solidly, an assurance that he was merely an impassive man. Mayumi would have been insulted if the man who did not show marked interest in her was anyone but Tatsuya. She had a reputation of a breathtaking beauty to uphold.

"But you are worried."

She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring his apathetic concern. "I'm. I'm troubled about the storms that I do not see."

"As expected as a Saegusa,"murmured the First-year, guiding her to a gentle sway. "You do see them, just that you aren't involved with them."

"Though I should."

"Because you are a Saegusa, a member of the Ten Master clans?"

She considered his provocative words carefully. Before she had met him, she would have given an affirmative answer immediately. After she had met him, the reason became less duty-bounded. Her involvement with the Okinawa incident and the Blanche incident were evidence of the change.

She created some distance between them.

"No, because I can."

"Oh?"

It sounded egoistic.

"What about you? For Miyuki-chan."

He nodded, his eye bright with protectiveness. "Only for Miyuki." The magnitude of his devotion struck her deeply.

"Sometimes, I think you have been re-programmed to not feel anything but love for Miyuki-chan. Miyuki-chan is the only one who could evoke some emotions in you," teased Mayumi.

He froze for a moment.

The laughter in her eyes faded away. To be programmed to be unemotional meant being subjected to a powerful mental interference magic.

She dropped her hands to the side.

Could this be related to the alteration of her memories?

"Wait?"

The song had just ended, which meant a flurry of movements on the dance floor.

Tatsuya released her immediately, sank into a deep and mechanical bow. Wordlessly, he disappeared into the crowds. Her shorter legs could not keep up with his brisk walk and she soon lost him.

Mayumi could have called him but it would draw more attention to them.

She drew her hand through her hair.

"Is everything alright, Mayumi-nee?" spoke Miyuki, her eyes concerned. "Where is Onii-sama? I thought you were with him." Her voice was tensed, as she glanced around the room.

"I-I lost him."

It couldn't be more true.

Miyuki grasped her arm tenderly, leading her outside. The cool evening breeze cleared her head slightly. The younger Shiba picked up two flutes of drinks along the way, rejecting requests for dances. The glass door that stood between them and the hall muted the music and noises of the party.

They stood at the balcony, staring distantly into the garden.

Mayumi's head pounded furiously. They were linked by their experience of being mentally-altered by the same person. Her racing thoughts were like loud eddies and twirls of colors and noises: Elder Kudou's last words about Fate's fascination with their families, her memories altered, her father's rapt interest in mental-interference magic, the Shiba sibling's powerful magic. Her mind seemed to gasping at loose straws. They seemed to be forming a picture. A picture she could not comprehend.

"If you don't mind my prying, what were both of you talking about?"

Mayumi peered into those Eton-blue eyes so reminiscent of his.

"Mental- interference magic and you."

Miyuki looked slightly taken aback. She backed away a short distance, looking shiftily.

Another image invaded her.

An older lady dressed in a dark dress, with eyes in the hue of periwinkle staring grimly at her.

That image disappeared in a flash.

"Why were you talking about it?"

"I think the same person casted the same magic on me, altering my memories."

Miyuki didn't expected her answer. "No, I don't think that person would. No, I doubt she would."

The beautiful first-year did not elaborate the reasons for her assumption. It sounded as if it might be wrong for that person to approach her.

"Miyuki-chan, you know that person?"

She nodded. She took a deep breath before exhaling. "It was my mother."

Mayumi resisted asking Miyuki why her mother had done that to her brother. From her accounts, she knew that her family did not see him as part of the family. It was a strange dynamic.

Their mother?

Elder Kudou's words echoed in her head. Fate and their families. Elder Kudou was a private teacher to two well-established families who were at war with each other, the Saegusa and…

"Who are you?" breathed Mayumi. "I… You're…"

Shiba was a Stripped numbered family.

The last Yotsuba head had two daughters, no son.

"I think there are some questions that are best left unasked and unanswered, Mayumi-neesama,"returned Miyuki easily. She looked miserable. She looked like she had regretted the conversation between them.

"Miyuki-chan."

She grasped her hands. It felt so warm. This warmth, their mutual respect, reciprocated admiration, cemented by a common desire to care for Tatsuya, was not sufficient. It was not enough to bridge that rivalry between their families. Her mind drifted to Tatsuya, and the deep connection she felt with him. It pained her that the blossoming feelings she had for him were not adequate.

She didn't even dare to name those feelings.

Ill-fated.

Miyuki seemed sympathetic. She squeezed her hands comfortingly.

She spent that night, alone in her room, crying on her bed. She even dreamt of him watching her impassively next to the open windows. When she woke up the next day, she was certained that she was dreaming since her windows were shut.

---

It was the last time that the Shiba siblings would treat her with so much familiarity. The Shiba siblings kept their distance from her. If they do meet each other at First High, both of them would address her by her rank President. When she finally stepped down, they had addressed her as senpai. She kept up that smile on her face and enjoyed her last lap of being a final year student.

The ache was a fully-blossomed agony.

Since it was Tatsuya, he was drafted into the Nine-school Thesis competition. It was about a theory that he was very interested in. She could not help but noticed, based on Rin-chan's explanations, that the practical execution of attempting to solve one of the biggest mystery in magic was more developed sequences of Taurus Silver's magical sequences like Anti-gravitation and Loop-casting.

A-chan didn't seemed to noticed the peculiarities.

She didn't want to air her assumption. The theory had some weight since Taurus Silver was a part of FLT. Mayumi laughed sardonically since they spoke of this at length in the past before the Nine-school competition. Taurus Silver may very well be a teenager.

Katsuto was part of the team to maintain security. Naturally, she was looped in to watch over the proceedings. She deliberately stayed away from the First-year, choosing to focus her attentions on Rin-chan and the unnatural tension in Yokohama area. Her experience in Okinawa made her sensitive to the tension in the area.

---

October 30th, 2095 Yokohama

Explosion erupted in the conference hall.

Six masked men entered the lush conference, armed with Anti-magic weapons, attempting to take all of them hostages. Tatsuya and Miyuki stood before them, unwilling to compromise, very much like the boy at Okinawa. He deconstructed the bullets and took his enemies out without much hassle. Together with his friends and his sister, he confronted the terrorists that had dared to attack them.

It must have been a foreign governmental body with deep pockets since it was difficult to produce such weapons. She had her bet on the Greater Asian Alliance. There were more pressing matters other than finding out their enemy. There was the safety of the people to consider. She instructed Azusa to use her mental interference magic to calm the crowd down so that they could get everyone to safety. The junior reluctantly relented, knowing that it was illegal.

Her magic swept through the conference hall, calming down the beast of the crowd. It was astonishing to see Azusa employ her most potent magic.

Mayumi took a deep breath, knowing that she had to assume her position as a member of the Ten Master clan. Those large shoes that were created for her from the moment of birth. Mayumi quickly stepped into the stage, all eyes upon her. "I'm Saegusa Mayumi. Right now, we're under attack. An unidentified vessel in the harbor is launching rocket attacks. Mobile forces concealed in the city supported this attack. Based on the position of attacks, the target is likely to be magicians and magic technology in this room." She paused, searching the faces of everyone in the crowd. They looked confused. She knew it was difficult for the crowds to digest the news that they were under attack. It had happened in the past.

"We need to evacuate. An underground tunnel will lead us to an emergency shelter. This underground shelter can protect us against natural disasters and air strikes but not land-based forces. We presumed that the enemy has magicians in the unit, which means the shelter may not be that effective. However, fleeing into the street, in which the fighting will be taking place, will be more dangerous. Remaining in this building is not an option. "

The crowd stilled at that proclamation.

"Representatives, gather your students. Account for them. We have no time to waste if we have to move. Students of First High on the left, the Ninth High on the right. Please move." The crowd soon settled down, moving into nine distinct groups as they accounted for everyone.

Mayumi waited patiently for the place to be in order before she issued the next orders.

"You have two choice. One, head to the shelter by taking the underground passage. Two, if you want to flee, the coast guards are sending ships to Mizuho Docks. Thank you. " Mayumi bowed deeply, ending her message.

She turned to Azusa and the teachers, requesting their assistance to support Azusa. Her successor had to develop leadership abilities in the toughest of times. She had faith that the petite girl could rise to the occasion, since she had groomed her to be her successor. Mayumi winked at her playfully to assure her before hurrying to begin the process of data deleting. "Beware of the enemies. They might head underground if they want to take hostages."

A-chan nodded, before she began issuing her orders in that chirpy voice.

She would do well.

For a moment, her mind wondered if it is an issue to send so many people down the tunnel without adequate protection. She was more concerned about making sure that the terrorist did not succeed in their endeavor in getting their research.

Moments later, Tatsuya and his friends arrived on the scene with Katsuto and a few leaders from the co-curricular clubs.

Her eyes widened.

"Saegusa, why are you still here?"

"For the same reason you're here," she kept her tone bland as she completed her tasks at destroying information. "We are nearly done with First High. Will you complete the rest? Take Shiba-san with you," ordered she briskly, trying to remain professional.

Silence filled the room since she had only assigned the task to the Shiba siblings. Mayumi met his gaze: destroy them in any means you can.

He nodded, parting with Miyuki by his side.

"Shouldn't we help?"

"Search the hall for students. We need this building empty before our enemy come," returned Mayumi, barely looking away from her screen.

"Where did Azusa take them?"

"To the underground shelter."

"They might need reinforcement," declared Katsuto, looking grim. He looked at his members who were on the security detail. They agreed immediately, bringing both girls from 1A.

Katsuto nodded, taking a few of them with him to search the rest of the building.

Mayumi kept her eye open for attacks from the enemy using her magic. Isori and his fiancée Kanon joined the girls from 1A after they completed the task.

Within minutes, they returned from their task. If Tatusya was surprised to see only Ericka and Leo there, he didn't say anything. They need to wait for Katsuto and his team to discuss their plans.

However, his next actions surprised them. He whipped out his silver pistol and shot right at the wall to his right. The wall crumbled into dust, revealing a large armored vehicle. It disappeared without a trace before their eyes, earning a gasp from some of them. Mayumi's magic picked up more people, before she activated her magic, she realized that she knew that person.

"Kyouko-nee?"

"Hello Mayumi." The beautiful woman stepped through the hole gracefully, dressed in a skin-tight armor. Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail. A major with square jaws and weather-beaten face accompanied her. Mayumi recognized the man immediately since he was the man that her father needed to contact three years ago in Okinawa.

"I'm JSDF Major Kazama Harunobu."

"JSDF 101 Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion," whispered Mayumi, searching the faces of her peers. She glanced at Tatsuya, finally seeing the connection. He was not surprised by his arrival. He was connected to this battalion because of Okinawa.

They were accompanied by Katsuto.

He inclined his head at Mayumi. "It is nice to meet you, Saegusa-san. I have heard of what you have done in Okinawa. Special Lieutenant, your information classification is temporary disabled."

The stoic first-year saluted immediately, the confusion disappearing from his features.

Immediately, Kyouko-nee explained the whole situation at the instruction of her superior. They were engaging the enemies from many fronts, trying to root out the ground forces.

Tatsuya was mobilized to fight as part of the unit.

Her gaze met Tatsuya's directly after many months of avoidance. It was almost bittersweet to see him openly looking at her. Another part of his secret was confirmed: he was part of the military.

"I'll watch over Miyuki-chan," assured she quietly, lowering her gaze slightly. Due to the revelation, she couldn't help dropping her façade.

He nodded and his eyes pensive.

Kyouko-nee added her assurances to take care of them, glancing at both of them furtively.

He saluted them, casting an open lingering gaze at Mayumi.

Warmth drifted through her at the sight, overwhelming that fear of seeing him off to battle.

Before he could follow the major out, Miyuki stopped him.

Her hands clasped and unclasped before her, nervously. There was a troubled but determined look on her face. With each step she took, that anxiety seemed to waver.

The Major walked out first, noticing that it was a private affair between the Shiba siblings.

Mayumi couldn't comprehend how she could sent her brother off to battle when there was a possibility that he may not return.

Wordlessly, she cupped Tatsuya's face with both of her hands. "I'll take responsibility for this."

What was Miyuki doing? She couldn't possibly…

He nodded grimly, dropping to a knee before her, as if he was paying homage to her. Miyuki looked like his queen, ready to authorize him with power. Gently, she pressed her lips to his forehead.

A violent array of psions exploded from Tatsuya's body, blinding everyone.

Mayumi was stunned by the power surge in the air. She shivered at the pure sensation of psions gathered around the room. It was this warmth! She had experienced this warmth three years ago. He was the Strategic class magician that saved Okinawa.

Mayumi felt more assured for him. He had support here. He was more trained.

Tatsuya wouldn't lose anyone in this war.

Miyuki smiled brilliant, dropping into a curtesy, the sweet princess.

"May you conquer all before you. Return victorious."

Tatsuya shared a brilliant and indulgent smile with Miyuki. His eyes darted to Mayumi. His gaze was tentative like the little child, but he was waiting for her to speak patiently.

Embolden by that gaze, she took a step towards him. She remembered the emotional distance he had intentionally placed between them, the barriers between them and Mayumi faltered. She settled for a smile that mirrored his, timid but gentle. Knowing that he was heading off for war, Mayumi nodded at him.

He seemed impassive. Wordlessly, he turned around and headed off, leaving them with Kyouko-nee. Miyuki shared a glance with her, wondering if she was okay. She inclined her head at her. At that moment, she had to make decisions for them. Her experiences at Okinawa helped her to decide the best place to head to, based on the information they had. They decided to head to a shelter that was further away from the coast. With their firepower, they anticipated little difficulties. Katsuto agreed to their plan, finding it sound.

Kyouko-nee shot a cheeky grin at Mayumi at Katsuto's overt concern of their well-being. It was a point that he did not want to consider. He left to deal with his duties as acting head of his family, while the rest headed for the shelter.

Gunshots and explosion filled the city. The place was dusty from the rubble. Cables hung loosely from different angles. Water exploded from the pipes. The streets were empty but it bore signs of close combat fighting: rounds mall holes, rubbles, tracked marks, bodies, blood. Hastily, Mayumi and her party arrived at the plaza near the station that led to the underground shelter.

The entire plaza had collapsed, filling the place with concrete rubble. Suddenly, they caught a loud mechanized sound. Tracing it, they found themselves staring at giant metal blocks moving around like monsters, destroying the urban district. These machines had firing platforms that were covered with armored plates. It looked like a headless robot, armed with plenty of weapons, suitable for dealing a lot of damage in a concrete jungle.

Sprouts of water exploded next to it, the rapture of more pipelines and buildings.

Bipedal tanks? In Yokohama?

"Kami-sama," growled Kyouko-nee, glaring at the sight.

Without hesitation, Mayumi activated her magic, after detecting Miyuki doing the same. She froze the two bipedal tanks, while she tore them into pieces with her bullets. Their display of power earned the teasing of Kyouko.

They had to evacuate to another place since the shelter was destroyed. Her eyes drifted to the civilians who were loitering near the wreckage of the plaza, their faces dusty and anxious.

She was torn between her promise to Tatsuya and her duty as members of the Ten Master clan.

"Kyouko-nee, please take the rest to the closest base. The most dangerous place will be one of the safest. I will join you after I have evacuated the civilians to safety. Everyone, please follow her." She glanced around the tired faces in her party.

Mari looked exasperated, throwing her hands into the air. "This isn't Okinawa. You can't do what you like."

"You can't stay here alone, Mayumi."

"I know. They are civilians. I'll arrange for helicopters to bring them to safety first." She gestured to the helpless people sitting around, waiting for something to happen. They had no way to go. They needed help. "Mari, please make sure you see Miyuki-chan to safety." That was important to her, to him, who was fighting for them.

Her father was in charge then. Now, she had to follow his footsteps. She assumed that he would be at Kantou branch of Magical Association, helping out.

"I'll join you, Mayumi-nee," rejoined Miyuki brightly, her eyes gleaming with determination. She shot her a challenging look, silencing Mayumi's protest. The rest of the first years agreed, forcing Mari and Suzune to agree to help her.

"None of you are planning to head to safety?"

Mayumi, after glancing at all her friends, sank into a deep bow. "I apologize for their behavior. We'll not take up the offer." Shaking her head in amusement, Kyouko left them to return to her unit.

Mayumi stared at the faces of her friends—comrades. They were grim but ready to help. She was speechless that so many of them would help her.

She sank into a bow, grateful.

They separated to clear up the wreckage, contact the helicopters and gain intelligence about the fighting. Rin-chan was in her element, setting up a terminal to collect information so that they could map out their routes and monitor the enemies' advances.

The rest was sent to do guard duties in two teams to defend the access routes that Suzune had predicted might have enemies. These were the areas that the enemies were more interested in, based on their goals to kidnap and gather information.

It did help that Mikihiko was on the team. His talismans reported the influx of the enemies and he transmitted the message to them. More Mechanical man-driven combat robots filled the streets, this time they were more advanced than the ones they had encountered. They seemed to move with great fluidity, like humans, waving their arms like giants. Mayumi and Miyuki alternated between them to activate wide-area magic to immobilize these machines before Erika took them out. Against four magicians, they were insufficient to deal with them.

Suzune soon called her back to organize the evacuation since their ride had arrived. She anticipated that the magicians might employ magic to prevent them from evacuating. Two helicopters drifted down in a distance, near the collapsed plaza.

Mayumi needed to return to complete her duty, but she had Miyuki to think of. She glanced at Miyuki who was holding out quite well.

"Hold out a bit longer. I'll be back if you need help."

Erika snorted, enjoying the battle immensely. Her sword was bloodied from the enemies she had taken out. It was clear that they were experienced in warfare. Her worries abated slightly. She could not leave them alone if they could not handle the situation.

"Watch out for magicians. They might prevent us from leaving," called Miki.

"We'll be fine, Mayumi-nee. Be safe," returned Miyuki, smiling warmly at her.

She took in the sight of the juniors fighting before leaving. Their chemistry was astonishing and they could coordinate attacks with one another well. It was clear that they had everything under control. She broke out into a run back to the plaza to coordinate the evacuation, adrenaline pumping. Nakura was here with two huge military helicopters.

That was great! They could evacuate all the civilians to safety.

Her hair whipped wildly by the wind caused by the blades. With great expertise, these two helicopters landed in the middle.

"Mayumi ojou-sama, are you okay?" Nakura appeared, his CAD activated for battle. His eyes searched her body worriedly. He calmed down when he realized that his charge was unhurt.

"Speed up the process of evacuation. We should have enough space for everyone to leave with both of the copters. Suzune?"

Rin-chan met her gaze. She looked tired from collecting intelligence and coordinating with the civilians. Suzune was a close-combat specialist, but her intelligence-gathering ability was amazing. She didn't look too happy about the new task but the Ice Queen accepted it.

"I'll boarded with the civilians. You're joining the rest of them?"

Mayumi nodded. "Nakura is calling for another copter to pick us. I'll be safe. I'll make sure we'll be safe."

Within moments, the helicopter began its accent to the sky. She immediately picked up an irregularity. A horde of locust, appearing like a dark cloud was moving towards the chopper. Thoughtlessly, she released her magic, decimating almost half of the cloud. It was still insufficient to destroy all of them and they continued to surround the two helicopters.

It was too close; it might be difficult to destroy the locust without harming the helicopters.

She clasped her hands, ready to activate the spell again.

Then, that dark cloud disappeared, like mists in the air.

She recognized that feeling of that magic.

The corners of her lips lifted into a smile.

He was here.

A black armored person was floating in the air, his pistol gleaming in the sun.

More men in the same suits accompanied him, surrounding him.

She smiled at the sight, before flashing two thumbs-up. He disappeared for a moment, no doubt going to search for the magician responsible for it. This meant that their position was not safe.

Immediately, the two military helicopters took off, bringing the civilians to safety.

She had completed her duty as Saegusa.

A debilitating wave of fatigue struck her, causing her to sway. Nakura caught her immediately by her shoulder. "Mayumi ojou-sama, are you alright?"

Mayumi nodded. She knew that she had expanded a lot of energy on her magic and moving on foot. Despite her constant exercises, she was starting to be drained from the battle. She was sustaining on adrenaline.

"Let's meet my friends first. I need to see to their safety." She sent a transmission to Mari to ask them to rendezvous at Miyuki's position. Together, they set off for the place as the battalion watched over the civilians. A few of them followed them closely.

"I think they have specific orders to make sure we leave this area safely," commented Mayumi, smiling. "You can take a break, Nakura-san."

Halfway during journey to meet Miyuki, Mari sent a distressed signal to her. They were starting to be overwhelmed by the number of troops.

Anxiously, Mayumi transmitted a new message to meet at Mari's location before bolting towards their location. Large combat robots lay broken around the area among the rubble; bodies filled the streets among puddles of blood as they search the street for Mari and Leo.

It was not difficult to find them.

Following the noise, Mayumi and her bodyguard found them surrounded. Mari and Leo were fighting back-to back, surrounded on all sides. Thoughtlessly, she activated her magic, taking most of their enemies. The soldiers, who were hovering in air, dived in to engage with the rest of the enemies. They took off those they spotted on the top of buildings.

Mari and Leo, dirtied and bleeding from the battle, managed a weak smile at the sight of her.

From the other street, Miyuki and her party appeared, slashing through the mass of enemies without hesitation, taking them from another side.

The three-prong attack nearly annihilated them.

Naruka supported Mayumi as she wavered on her feet. Cold sweat dotted her forehead. She knew that she was beyond fatigued.

"Mayumi ojou-sama, we need to get you to safety soon. You shouldn't use any more magic."

"Soon," affirmed Mayumi wearily.

The loud sound of chopper filled the air, drowning the sound of close combat. Mayumi swore inwardly when she realized that the helicopter could not land since there was not enough space. The area in which Miyuki and her team were fighting was larger, which meant more space for them to land but the streets were too narrow.

"Instruct them to toss ropes."

Nakura conveyed the order immediately.

Rope ladders descended from the sky, like an escape route.

The end was within sight.

The flying soldiers covered them while Mari and Leo continued to fight their way to the helicopter. The support team, in the form of Miyuki and her party followed them.

Things were finally going their way.

"Allow me, Mayumi ojou-sama." Nakura went ahead to help them, seeing that both of them look too weary to continue the battle effectively. She headed towards Miyuki and her party who was running flat out towards the helicopter, her magic ready to cover them.

Her heart raced.

They were nearly here.

Effectively, they removed the obstacles and got to the helicopters. Quickly, Ericka and Miki started climbing up the rope while Mayumi and Miyuki looked out for them.

The soldiers were still engaged in a deadly close combat. The swerved and dived, effectively taking them out.

"Nearly there," whispered Mayumi, looking at Miyuki. The younger Shiba was slightly pale as if she used a fair bit of magic in her fight. Mayumi wouldn't be surprise. The fighting must have been harsh.

Noticing that the ladder was clear, she allowed Miyuki to take it first. She smiled at her, sharing in that sense of freedom. They were nearly there.

Her senses went ballistic.

Instinctively, she leapt and shielded Miyuki with her small body.

Pain jolted through her body as it lurched forward, taking the impact from several bullets.

She collapsed over Miyuki, tiredly.

Mayumi could barely pay attention to the proceedings. Man flew above her. Gunshots, bombs exploding in the distance.

Someone picked her up, turned her over.

Then, everything was silent. Was this what her father meant?

Black long hair, matted and dirtied, obstracted her sight. A pungent metallic scent filled her senses.

Then, flickers of a small hotel room.

The room had a large window and she was sitting on a lush red armchair next to the window. Light had streamed into the room through the open window.

It smelled of sea.

She liked the sea.

Her hair was long and shiny, framing that petite face. Her eyes of ice-blue started at her coldly, observing her and analyzing her. She recognized the face.

It was the older version of Miyuki-san. Those eyes reflected more pain and anguish.

Someone was weeping loudly, holding her close.

"I have information on him, why are you looking for him?"

"I need to know."

Those images floated away. She knew he was here.

The wind revealed the hue of his eyes, a fierce and jaded periwinkle beneath his black helmet. His body encased in solid jet-black armor which equipped him with the ability to fly, his silver guns gleaming in the hot sun, despite the carnage of decimated tanks and fallen bodies. They fell on their knees to pay homage to him.

Her vision blurred and focused on the blinding light that decorated the background. They fractaled, shifted and moved. The sounds of gunshot, explosion of bombs in the distance confused her.

"So, it was really you…"

She felt as if she unraveled the greatest mystery in the world. She couldn't explain that relief at that closure.

For some odd reason, she knew that blinding light to be herald of the end of chaos. The start to the end.

A wispy image of that lady appeared. She knew her name, Yotsuba Miya.

"I'm aware of it, otherwise your father would have put a stop to your foolish desire. Though, I don't see why I shouldn't help you, Saegusa Mayumi. Some things need a closure."

She was curious. Why would Yotsuba Miya knew anything about Shiba Tatsuya? "Closure?"

She seemed agitated for a moment. "This senseless rivalry between the Saegusa and Yotsuba family. We used to be good friends, learning under the same teacher. Then, war happened. Your feelings for Shiba Tatsuya may very well resolve this bitter feud. The magical society needs to be united against their enemies."

"Wait. I don't understand." She lurched forward.

She felt someone adjusting his or her grip over her. Idly, she noticed that the arm was almost as fair as hers, but it was covered with bright red blood.

There was sympathy in her older ice-blue eyes. The lines around her face relaxed.

"Saegusa Mayumi, the boy you are asking information about is my son, Shiba Tatsuya."

A Yotsuba.

Her gaze was distant. "He needs someone to care for him too. I hope you bring a closure to this feud and to his misery."

That man drew close, sinking on a knee, as if he was paying homage. He removed the helmet from his head, allowing the wind to ruffle his wet messy bangs. No, was he proposing? With such a grim smile on his face?

She tried for a smile, but it was too much.

He reached for her hands with his gloved hands, squeezing them tight.

She liked the weight of those hands. It anchored her.

The image of Yotsuba Miya appeared again. She was standing before her, weak and frail.

"You'll not remember our conversation. It's for the best. You'll only remember that he is safe. You'll meet him again."

His voice gentle and smooth interrupted that memory. Mayumi was tired.

"It'll be over soon, I promise you," whispered he gruffly. His tone was gentle despite the grimness on his face.

"H-how?" Her voice was soft and unfamiliar. It sounded so far away and distant. She tried to muster some more energy to keep her eyes open.

His eyes were now Eton-blue, like the ocean. She tried to reach for his cheek with her hand. Bright red blood was on her skin. It stained his face.

"Magic."

Darkness enshrouded her.

The loud noises from the twirling blades awakened her. For some odd reason, she felt complete refreshed. She cracked her eyes open, surprised to see Mari and Miyuki hovering over her.

"Welcome back Saegsua-senpai." Ericka was bright and chirpy as usual.

The looked dirtied and bloodied, as if they had fought a war.

Her eyes widened. "I-I...What happened?" Her mind tried to process the images. She pressed both cheeks to her face. "Are you hurt, Miyuki-chan?"

Miyuki's eyes widened. She lowered her head after shaking it vigorously.

"She was amazing. She killed all our enemies with her magic. They just fell on the ground when she activated her magic."

Oh?

"That's not true, Ericka," whispered Miyuki slowly, looking away.

"Thank you, Miyuki-chan," smiled Mayumi, titling her heads lightly. She knew that she was enraged.

The younger girl blushed brightly, murmuring her gratitude at the compliment.

Didn't she nearly die?

Mayumi stared at herself, before coming to her conclusion. "Did Tatsuya use his magic?"

Only the sounds of the twirling blades filled the place.

Mari nodded hesitantly.

Mayumi closed her eyes for a moment, upset. She knew the amount of pain he had to endure to restore her body. Miyuki squeezed her hand tenderly, as if she could empathize fully with her. She shelved that matter, fixing a large smile on her face. "I'm OK." Nimbly, she leapt to her feet easily.

Her body didn't feel like lead.

"Mayumi oujou-sama, there is a call on the line reserved for Ten Master Clans. It's from the Magical Association." Hastily, she picked up the earpiece. A surprise assault from the rear and the Magical Association needed support.

"Head to the Magical Association," announced Mayumi loudly, her eyes narrowed. "We're going to join in the fray at the Magical Association."

"But-t-t, you nearly died, Mayumi," protested Mari, surprised.

"We'll be there in a minute," returned Nakura-san, returning to his duties.

She remembered their experiences at the battlefield. "If you are unable to fight because of the battle just now, stay in the copter. I'm taking anyone who feels up to it. It isn't coercion."

They nodded in affirmation, knowing that Mayumi meant what she said.

"We're young. I'm sure we still have some fight in us," laughed Ericka brightly. Leo and Miki merely shook their heads, used to her antics.

Alighting from the helicopter, they spotted a soldier in white armor, with such lethal killing aura that Mari and Ericka were amazed.

"Is that Lu Gonghu?" demanded Mari, stunned.

Mayumi recognized his aura. "We'll have a tough fight on our hand with his armor."

Quickly, she assigned the roles, knowing that she had more fight in her compared to the rest of them. Miyuki was reluctant to be the protector since she could end the whole fight in a spell. She protested to being assigned to protect the headquarters but there was no evidence that this fight by the hillside wasn't a diversion.

With Miki, Miyuki headed for the headquarters, leaving the rest of them to deal with Lu Gonghu.

The managed to cage him and stall for time.

The fight ended with Mayumi's famous close combat move, "Dry Meteor", which caused him to pass out. Mari and the rest of them were mildly injured despite dealing such a tough opponent. Miyuki headed outside after she had captured the enemy, ending the fray easily using her wide-area spell.

Within seconds, the enemies dropped to the ground like flies.

Their duty to the Magical association was done. Everything was left to Tatsuya and his comrades to clean up.

Her smile was radiant as she stared back at Mayumi, after checking her watch.

"I like to wrap things up by dinner. Will you, Mayumi-nee join me for dinner?" She extended the request cheerfully, cocking her head to the side.

Mayumi covered her mouth with her hand, giggling. The Blanche incident felt almost a lifetime ago. Technically, she had died, which made it correct. She recalled the memories that her mother had blocked before accepting.

"I'll be honored to," returned Mayumi, sinking into a deep bow.

"So we don't get dinner?" returned Ericka, cradling her weapon close to her. "You know as reward for saving Yokohama?"

"We didn't really do much," returned Miki shyly. "It's too much to ask for a reward." Leo swung his arm over him, dragging him off for the nearest café.

Reluctantly, Ericka invited Mari along, subtly expressing her acceptance of her. There was always a tension between Ericka and Mari since the latter was dating her second brother. It seemed as if through this fight, she had begun to accept her.

"Ericka just needs more time to see that Mari-senpai is right for her brother," commented Miyuki, her hands clasped before her skirt. "Mari-senpai hasn't done anything that she considers sufficient to prove she is worthy."

Mayumi smiled. "I would think that Chiba-san is lucky to have her. Mari was bone-tired from the initial battle when we were evacuating but she lasted the longest in a close combat fight with Lu just now. Besides, not everyone is as loyal and just as her."

Miyuki laughed. "Just? She has nothing on you, Mayumi-nee. It is the one trait that…"She clamped up immediately, as if she nearly said something she shouldn't.

Mayumi lifted a brow.

Smiling, Miyuki cordially entangled their arms together, leading to the vehicle that Nakura-san had prepared for them.

Both of them missed the bright light that signaled the end of the day.

---

It was quite late when she left Shiba residence. She had caught up with Miyuki, learning about the motivation behind their change of behavior and catching up with her life. She missed the adorable kouhai who saw her like an elder sister.

It was strange that she directed her bodyguard to bring her to the closest beach after dinner. After the turmoil, Nakura-san expected that she would want to return to her sanctuary. She knew that her father would be waiting to hear her report.

She treaded along the soft white sand, inking the beach with a trail of small footprints. It was almost therapeutic to feel the fine sand sinking beneath her feet as she strolled aimlessly along the shore. Waves crashed rhythmically along the shores, then receded with a whisper. The cool salty breeze billowed her wavy hair and the wide-brimmed beach hat in her hand.

Nakura-san did not say anything when she had brought along that hat.

It had been missing for nearly three years. She did not know that Tatsuya had kept it, wanting to return it to her the next time he had met her. A large smile appeared on her face: Shiba Tatsuya had thought of her briefly after Okinawa.

Quietly, she sat down on the beach, enjoying the warm sea breeze on her face.

There was so much destruction and pain today. It was good for her to enjoy Nature for a moment.

Mayumi recalled Miyuki's words about she changing Tatsuya slowly with her presence, with her genuine care. There was panic in his eyes when he saw her dying.

She took in the vast expanse of blue that lay before her and the inky dark canvas that kissed it. She closed her eyes, her mind focusing on the calmness in his ice-blue eyes, the smile in his Eton-blue eyes, the protective anger in his periwinkle-hue orbs. The tiny warmth that she tried to squash out expanded exponentially like the stars in the sky.

She shot up immediately when she felt a presence near her.

Tatsuya, dressed in his school uniform, slowly trudged towards her. His messy bangs were swept by the wind and he looked tired.

"Miyuki returned you the hat," greeted Tatsuya. He stood before her, uncertain. With his nerves, he appeared more like the teenager he ought to be.

"She made dinner for you. You ought to return home for it," chided she, returning her attention back to the sea.

"I know. She told me you might be here."

Without her invitation, he sat next to her.

Mayumi turned to face him. "Are you here on Yotsuba's orders?" Defiantly, she met his gaze. "We're alone here."

"That could be taken as an invitation for something else, Kitten."

"I don't mind. I died once today."

"And I died along with you," returned Tatsuya evenly, pointing out that he took all her damage on him with his magic.

She could imagine the pain. "A regret perhaps? It would have been easier for you if I wasn't here," retorted Mayumi, wrapping her arms around her knees.

"Mayumi, you know that I cannot return your feelings to me. I'm not made that way," began he evenly. "I am only devoted to Miyuki. I'm built to feel that way."

His mother had made him this way?

Mayumi leapt to her feet. "What feelings? Those ill-fated feelings that Elder Kudou mentioned? I know your mother, Tatsuya. She wanted us to be closer so that our families may have a closure! Revenge for what my father has done to your Aunt. Your aunt may consider the debt repaid if I'm...if I'm…" She climbed on her feet, ready to stomp off. She didn't want to admit to it.

"I don't understand, Mayumi. You're usually rational in your anger."

"I met your mother two years ago. She met me and altered my memory so that our families would have a closure. The feud between our families began with their experiences with the Great Asian Alliance. She wanted to end it."

"How?"

"By encouraging us to be together."

Tatsuya laughed brightly. "What a joke. She made me this way, yet she wanted you to be close to me?"

Mayumi thought of Yotsuba Miya's anguish. "She wanted you to be happy."

Tatsuya seemed almost shell-shocked. "My mother wants me to be happy?"

The waters seemed to be still.

Mayumi looked almost exasperated until she remembered the account of his family. He was never accepted into the family because he was a misfit. He was a born-specialist, unlike Miyuki-san. She sensed that he couldn't comprehend that his mother cared about him.

She released a deep sigh. "Yes, I didn't remember it. I think dying releases the mechanisms that alter the mind. I remembered the entire conversation. Miyuki-chan looks like your mother."

Tatsuya's gaze was distant.

She debated leaving him on the beach. She needed more time to herself to establish a cordial relationship.

"I came to you after the evening ball, while you were in your room crying. I wanted to remove you, as per my orders from the Yotsuba to keep our identities a secret. I couldn't. All I could see was you lying in that hot sand, reaching for your mobile CAD. For once, I couldn't pull the trigger."

"Y-you tried to kill me?"

"I negotiated with my aunt to let you live. I agreed on the condition that we will only retain professional contact. I didn't think I needed to be concerned about this again. Then, you offered to protect Miyuki and you did."

"It's natural. You were fighting for us—"

"—no, Mayumi. You don't understand. I had panicked as I did today only once: when Miyuki was killed in Okinawa. I nearly failed you. I couldn't stand that idea."

Mayumi turned to face him. "What do you mean, Tatsuya?"

"I can't return your feelings, but you're important to me," murmured Tatsuya easily. "I'll do anything to protect you." His eyes were gentle, gleaming brightly in the dark.

The warmth that she was suppressing suffused her. Her heart fluttered at his earnest declaration. He couldn't promise that he could return her feelings because he didn't had feelings, but she mattered to him.

The corners of her lips lifted into a smile. "It is enough for me, Tatsuya."

He mirrored her smile, gently taking her left hand into his hands.

"My magic is known as 'restore'. I read your data and I reload everything of the previous state prior to the injury," explained Tatsuya factually, rubbing the pad of his thumb in soothing circles on her hand.

Mayumi laughed brightly. "I really prefer the answer of magic instead. If you answer all my questions, there's no mystery to be solved."

The corners of his lips lifted to form a smile.

The waves continued to crashed onto the shores, before retreating in a whisper.

---

A/N: Thank you for reading. Techincally, this is the end of the story. I had intended to end with this scene, after editing a huge chuck of the 'Scorched Halloween'. After completing this chapter, I'm sure that I could add another chapter if neccessary. Thanks to all who had kindly reviewed my first chapter. It was very heartwarming to read them. Have a good day.