Chapter 3 - Reunion

"OK, that's enough. Let's leave it as that."

Upon hearing that domineering clap, accompanied by an authoritative feminine voice, everyone immediately halted what they were doing.

"...?"

"P-President...?!"

"...I-Ichirou-senpai!?"

Looking behind them, they saw a female student and several others standing behind her. Wearing red armbands on their left arms, they were neatly lined up, creating a blockade to the entrance of the roof.

Focusing their sight on the female student that stepped forward from the group, they saw the Student Council President; Ichirou Himeko. She—as far as Kazuki could tell—was showing the same indomitable aura, when he first met her earlier.

"You girls... really, how many times has this been now? Haven't I warned you two before, even if the Academy has sanctioned the engagement in personal duels, unapproved matches between students are prohibited under the school regulations?"

"I-Ichirou-senpai... This isn't... um..."

"No excuses Itsuka-san. You're already a 3rd year, aren't you? You of all people should know better than that. Please stop fighting immediately and release your Regalia. You as well, Akiyama-san..."

Reprimanding everyone with her definitive will, Himeko gave the two girls a stern lecture. Her tone of voice did not have that much severity in it, but the inviolable air around her had prevented anyone from refuting—Kazuki, as well, did not argue about it.

Her words were firm, yet compassionate. Without an ounce of grievance but with a slight hint of fear, Mizuki promptly complied to Himeko's warning and released her Regalia—turning into metallic dust, then vanishing in the wind.

"Just this once, I will overlook this incident. Since nobody; aside from Masaki-kun, is injured, please return to your classrooms."

"And things were just about to get interesting. Fine, it was fun while it lasted.."

Kazuki shrugged his shoulders with indifference, before raising his hands to show compliance.

(Well, I guess I did over do it.) Kazuki mumbled. He would did not mind who would have won between the two, and only acted out of impulse.

(Now that I think about it, why the hell did I jump in for?)

"Wait a minute!" Aoba yelled persistently "We are not done here yet." Voicing out her displeasure, she pointed out to Kazuki with fiery eyes while the golden flames that enveloped around her had gradually grew stronger. But—

"Do I need to repeat myself again? Itsuka Aoba-san?"

"...!?"

Aoba was frozen in place. Seeing Himeko holding on to her shoulders from behind, she was shocked to the point that it prevented her from even moving her mouth. Feeling that oppressive presence at close proximity, her short stature felt even smaller when she look directly at Himeko's smiling face.

(When did... she get behind me?!)

That mischievous smile Himeko gave out, sent shivers down her spine. The gentleness awhile ago was still there. But she could feel a dreadful air, slowly coiling around her throat.

"So, Itsuka-san. Do you still want to continue?"

"Uh... I-I understand Senpai. I-I'll stop."

"OK, that's good. Now, is there anyone else?"

(How did she... I didn't even sense any movement from her...)

Not minding Aoba's stuttering voice, Mizuki watched in horror as she looked at the situation. For the 2 years she has attended Ryouken Academy, she knew the president was someone strong, but to scare Aoba out of her wits was beyond her expectations.

(So she's able to use "Ghost Step" at that level. Impressive. I guess not everyone is all bark.)

Meanwhile, Kazuki was silently ruminating on Himeko's ability. Ghost Step was a basic skill, although not complex, but it was still difficult to master. By infusing the entire body—but mostly the limbs—with Sigma, and creating a thin layer outside the body, it was possible to move like a ghost to hide ones presence while moving at a tremendous speed.

(...well, not like it's anything special.)

Ghost Step was a basic skill. In fact, it was the basic among the basics. Because Xenos were extremely sensitive to Spirit Particles and Sigma, it was required for a Tamer to blend their aura to the surrounding in order to get close and land a fatal hit on a Xenos. Being able to demonstrate it like how Himeko used it, just shows the user high level of proficiency in controlling the Sigma in their body.

"Since there is no one else... Hondo-kun. Sorry about this. Looks like there was not any need to bring the Disciplinary Committee along, but please take Masaki to the infirmary."

Saying so, Himeko called out to the person that was easily recognizable among the people that were lined up.

(Damn, he's huge) Kazuki muttered (So this is the head of the Disciplinary Committee: Goriki Hondo.)

Standing up straight, he was about a full head taller than Kazuki; around 185 cm. That alone didn't make him big. But rather, those broad shoulders, thick chest, and rippling muscles—that stood out from his unifrom—gave him, a heavy sense of presence that could not be ignored. It didn't help that the zealous pressure coming from Hondo only added fuel to the fire of his overbearing aura.

"There is need to apologise. We, of the Disciplinary Committee, are responsible for the safety and order in the academy. Alright you lot, get moving and bring him to the infirmary."

""""""Roger, Chief!"""""

His low yet crisp baritone command, was imbued with a sense of authority. Anyone who heard his voice had the compelling feeling to comply. Without wasting a second, they all immeditely went into action with clear haste.

"Guess I'll be leaving since there is nothing else to do."

"P-President, I'll be leaving as well."

"I see, very well... please try not to get in any more trouble."

While Kazuki unceremoniously waved his hand before going his way. Mizuki unintentionally gave a curt bow then hastly made her way to the door.

—————

After coming down from the rooftop, Kazuki made his way towards his classroom. There were still around 10 minutes left before break time is over. Knowing this, he decided to loiter in the hallway to kill some time.

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"Hey, wait up."

Suddenly, Kazuki was called out from behind. Looking back, he saw Mizuki twirling her finger around her long scarlet hair. Her height was average for a girl her age, around 164 cm, and her matching colored eyes had a glint of anxiety in them.

"Um... Can I talk to you for a minute?"

Kazuki agreed without hesitation. He was planning to talk to her eventually in order to confirm something in his mind. After bringing him to a secluded area, Mizuki looked around once more to make sure no one was around. Although she was the one who brought him to this secluded place, Mizuki remained silent for a good minute.

"........."

"So, what did you wanna talk about?"

"Eh! Ah, that's right..."

Mizuki was startled for second before regaining her composure. She was at a loss. She called out to him in order to talk to him, and even brought him somewhere private. Yet, she couldn't even say a single word before Kazuki broke the awkward silence.

"So, um... the thing is, I...?"

(This talk is going nowhere. Might as well ask her myself)

Seeing Mizuki fidgeting for quite sometime, Kazuki had an idea. Deciding to initiate the conversation, he spoke out.

"Let me guess. After not seeing me all this years, you want to ask me out on date?"

"Yeah, that's right... wait a minute! What are you making me say? Kazuki you idiot, you stupid idiot! Wh-What's with you all of a sudden?"

Kazuki gave out a light chuckle. Seeing Mizuki's reaction with her cheeks flushing red, Kazuki had confirmed one thing. (So she really is...) That overly familiar insult had cemented his guess. Mizuki was the same. She wasn't sure if he really was the person she have known since childhood. But that familiar way of teasing her was the one thing she remembered the most about him.

"Fuhahahaha!"

"Stop laughing, you idiot!"

"Sorry, my bad... I was just happy for some reason."

"Ahh! I can't believe this... How did we even became friends?"

"No one wanted to become your friend because you were bullied, remember?"

"You didn't have to remind me that!"

Kazuki said jokingly. However, it wasn't a lie. Mizuki remembered perfectly well the day they had met.

Back then, Mizuki had a hard time making friends her age. Because of her meek and shy personality, the kids in the neighbourhood always made fun of her. Sometimes, they would even tease her enough to the point of crying.

But on that day, it was when she met him.

"I remember that time when those guys took your favorite toy. You really were a crybaby back then. Then a knight in shining armor came to your rescue."

"And who might this chivalrous knight be? You ended up beating those guys so hard, I was also blammed because of it."

"I regret nothing!" Kazuki pridefully said "But, you know... compared to now, you really have changed. I don't see that meek and shy girl anymore. You really did keep our promise."

"Wh-What are you saying, idiot?"

Hearing Kazuki's words with a sincere smile, Mizuki's cheeks had turned red, to the point of blending with the color of her hair.

(He remembered our promise? I thought he'd forgotten it... Wha! What is this hot feeling in my chest. It's not like kept that promise because of him or anything. That's right. I only admired him because he was brave. Yeah, that's it. No special reason.)

While busy talking to herself, Kazuki was simply observing her with a wry smile.

"That promise huh?" He muttered soflty.

("Hey Kazuki. Lets promise, when we see each other again, I'll become as strong as you.")

Those were the last words they said to each other before meeting again.

"Hey Kazuki."

"What is it?"

Finally getting released from her trance-like state. Mizuki looked at Kazuki with bewildered eyes, then asked him in serious tone.

"Why did you stop my fight with Aoba?"

"Nothing much... just that, I was bored seeing the two of you play with fire like idiots. So I decided to spice things up."

"What the heck does that suppose to mean..."

"Well, if I said it was because I am worried about you. You'll just get mad."

"Sigh...You have changed as well huh? Usually, you'd pick a fight with anyone without caring about those around you."

Mizuki gave a deep sigh while trying to hide her blushing face from Kazuki. She already lost count on how many times her face lit up into bright red.

"Hmm... well, to be honest, I didn't really care who would have won between the two of you. I could have finished the two of you without trying. But seeing you fight, I realized how much effort you put into changing yourself. I think living with your head held high knowing that is fine."

"I take back what I said earlier. You haven't changed at all."

"Didn't I say something really nice just now?"

Mizuki puffed her cheeks and pouted.

"But you know Kazuki, you're really strong, you know that right?"

Mizuki inquired. Being someone weak and timid, she trully admired Kazuki's unyielding will and care-free personality.

"I always hated myself for being weak,. But ever since that time you helped me, I tried my best to get stronger just like you. Yet, no matter what I do, it doesn't seem like I am close to even getting on your level."

"That's because I'm special." Kazuki arrogantly yet sarcastically commented. "But you should do what you want. What you can do and what others can achieve is nothing to be worried about. Its is all up to you. People can easily change to be like someone else. But being yourself is the greatest change you can achieve."

"That's kinda lame. You know that?"

"I didn't know anything else to say."

Both of them laugh full heartedly before hearing the bell for the next class.

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Hello! This is BionicFrost

Firstly, I apologise for the short chapter. Drama isn't really my forte. And been busy with school works, so expect slow chapters at least once a week ... or more.

Once again, Thank You for reading.