Prologue

"So what you're saying grandfather, is that I must transfer yet again?"

My grandfather nods at me from the leather recliner stationed behind his polished oak-wood desk.

"And you're saying that the reason this time is to-and I quote-'not only make friends, but to also find a husband?'"

Again he nods. I sigh and stare him straight on, so unwilling to do this that I would break my parents first rule about never looking him in the eye. He stares back, unflinching.

"Grandfather, I understand your concern for my social life and the future of our family-really I do. But don't you think that friends and a-a husband are pretty low on my list of priorities?"

As I choke on the last part of my arguement, grandfather gets up to walk around his desk and stand in front of me. I know painfully well just how impossible his hope is. Sadness becomes etched into his face as he sees the tears that I am fighting to hold back.

"My dear Akemi, it is true that, for you, such worries have become nonexistent-by your own hand might I add-but the family worries for your future. Come now, don't make such a face. While yes, it's true that I worry the most, everyone is truly concerned."

As soon as he mentioned the rest of the family, my face twisted in disgust. My "family" is not something I care to discuss with anyone except for my one and only friend, Kasumi Wabati. Grandfather conitnues to talk.

"If you won't listen to them-utterly understandable, with the way they are-at least listen to me."

At that I step forward to bring myself closer, my eyes finally dry, but stop a foot away. Since birth I have been told to never touch, hug, or hold another person. Even though that rule never applies when around grandfather, it has been drilled into me since birth. Old habits die hard.

"Grandfather, you and I both know full well the family just wants to be rid of me. Just as well, no one in my generation, nor the next and previous will accept me for who I am. To them I am much too strange. Every time I transfer, I hide my powers and even my true personality-I become a shell-and when I feel I can finally trust someone; finally let go, they betray me."

As I speak grandfathers hand comes up to cup my cheek. He knows that it is the truth and that it pains me greatly to say it-but all my tears were shed long ago on the matter.

"I know Akemi, I know. *sigh* You're right, finding a husband is too much to ask of you-for now. But will you at least humor this old heart and go to First Magic High School? I am sure that you will find the friends that you need there."

His words sink in slowly as I realize what he's said.*sigh* So he won't give up on the husband thing huh? Oh well, so long as he's not trying to play matchmaker. But still I open my mouth to protest. Though I am unable to get a single word out before my he cuts me off.

"If I must, I shall get on my knees and beg."

The mental image of my strong grandfather begging someone for anything causes my mouth to shut with a snap. I mean, is he really that...desperate? I am so shocked that I blurt out my next words without pausing to think.

"No grandfather please. No begging. I will go to this First Magic High School, though I cannot guarantee my chances at friends-or my even trying very hard to find any for that matter. But try I will."

He smiles at me still staring unwaveringly into my eyes. Then, out of the blue, he kisses my forehead affectionately and pulls me into an embrace. This is a gesture that no one has ever given me except for him, but even that was many,many years ago. I soak it in while I can, knowing that it may never happen again.

"That's the best I can hope for, hm, Akemi?"

I can feeling him smiling with sad amusement into my hair.

"If it were anyone else, I wouldn't have budged even that much. Only for you grandfather."

New Girl

 One month later...

 

'So this is First Magic High School huh?'

I look up to see the main building looming in front of me. The first day of school wasn't until tomorrow, but I was here to explore the campus. There were other students scattered around waiting to go inside for the rehearsal ceremony that would officially make them students. Above my head, cherry trees tried to bloom early in greeting to me.

'Well this won't do,' I thought. 'The rest of the new students will need something to keep smiles on their faces tomorrow.'

With a heavy sigh I glance around, searching for anyone close enough to see or hear what I was about to do. When I was satisfied that the students had all seemed to have gone inside, I closed my eyes and focused on opening myself up to all of my magic. Slowly I held out my arms, and, with a deep breath, sang to the trees.

'The cherry blossoms bloom,

In the night of the moon.

The sky turns red like the fire,

As the dance of the wind begins.

The trees bow their branches,

Leaves singing in delight.

As the clock hands,

Turn back the time.

They know now they can rest,

Until their day has come.'

As the last note fades away, I close myself off from all but my most basic of magic energy, and open my eyes. Looking up to be sure that the cherry trees had listened, I smile gently at their obedience. Not wishing to be seen by anyone that might be coming out of the building, I hurry on my way down the path towards the schools exit. Pausing at the gate I look back to see a boy and girl looking in my direction. Grateful for the distance between us, I turn back and walk towards what would now be considered my new "home."

My grandfather had been worried at first because I would be living by myself in a new city, in a new house. It's a two story house with a big family room for any entertaining I may do, a decently-sized kitchen for all cooking purposes, big rooms for anything else that I may have in mind, and a hidden basement large enough for all my...other work. The first thing I would do for now would be to take in all the boxes of supplies, clothes, and other materials that grandfather had sent to the house. When I went to the pile sitting just outside my door, I found a note taped to the top. Carefully removing the tape I opened the note.

 

 Akemi,

  

    Sorry if the delivery took so long. We were only recently

informed of your move to the city in which HQ stands. This

is a joyous occasion as, now, you need not wait long for

packages. We look forward to seeing you at the earliest

convenience, and those of us who know you most personally

wish to welcome you to your new house upon your settling in.

                                     Sincerely,

                                        Kasumi Wabati

                                        Design Science Department Head

P.S. Girl you need to get in touch with me ASAP! What has

  happened?

 

   I groan mentally as I go to unlock my door, but am unable to keep a small smile off my face. A noise next-door draws my attention. I look over in time to see a young woman around the same age as me arriving with what appears to be her brother. They are both wearing uniforms of First Magic High, but the woman wore an emblem where as the man did not. According to my own uniform and the pamphlet I had been given, she was a Course 1 student, and he a Course 2 like me.

Shrugging slightly, I proceed to unlock the door to my house, but once the door is open, I pause. 'Something is not right,' I thought. Slowly backing to the boxes, I open the first one, already knowing what is inside. Slowly and carefully I take out a modernized weapon I had designed for my own purposes long ago. To most others, it would look like a pen, however, it was actually a long-sword that could be split into two pistols. My CAD was originally meant to only be a long-sword that would withstand my powers, however, upon the insistance of my grandfather I had it modified to long-range as well.

Assuming that my new neighbors had already entered their own house, I carefully and slowly entered my own. Sending out my mind using magic, I sensed the presence of two unwanted visitors. The confusing part was though, they were not here for me. It seemed they were occupied with the neighbors whereabouts and doings, but even so, I will not allow any uninvited guests into my new home without my permission, and I most certainly will not allow them to draw any unwanted attention towards me.

 

Unwanted

 Creeping up the stairs to where they were hiding, I used my magic to unsheathe my long-sword as well as make it so that the blade would not only kill them if necessary, but would make all cuts cauterize so as to avoid any messes. Hopefully, they were just there to watch my neighbors and could be talked into leaving the house quietly. When I was almost upon them, I gently cleared my throat, startling them away from the window where they were situated. Looking behind them I could see a sniper rifle set up and aimed towards the house next to mine. Once their shock dissipated, the sniper looked me over, and, noticing that there was no emblem on my uniform, turned back to the window.

To his companion he said, ' She'll be easy enough to handle, she is only a weed. Our targets are in the next house over. Take care of her quickly, and let's get on with our assignment.' As he turned back to the window, his companion started towards me, knife in hand. Suddenly, the sniper rifle at the window fell to pieces. 'Wha-' Neither one had time to question what had happened before I darted forward-my physical strength and taijutsu training having given me impressive speed-  and silenced them both.

After making sure that they were both dead, I walked to the window, keeping to the shadows in the room. As I peered at the house, I noticed nothing in particular out of the ordinary. But something told me, whoever it was that had just disassembled the sniper rifle, was one of the two siblings, and that I would be meeting them again very soon. Shrugging once again, I closed the blinds and-activating my own high-end security system- went back outside to grab my boxes.

Two hours later...

Finally done unpacking everything and putting it in its proper place, I pick up the phone and call Kasumi.

"Bout time you call me girl! I swear it was like you disappeared from the face of the planet!"

"Oh Kasumi, no need to be so dramatic about it. But I am sorry to have made you worry about me."

"You better be! So what's up? Tell me what happened!"

"Later, first I want you to come over and help me with some things. We can discuss what happened when you get here. If you want you can even stay over. After all, I know it will make Grandfather happy to know that my first night in my new house was spent with my adopted cousin."

I hang up after she agrees. I meant what I said about her being my adopted cousin. She was adopted 5 years ago by my Aunt and Uncle. Though taught to never touch, speak, or look at me, she diregarded those rules after she actually met me at work. Soon after she became my best and only friend. Other than Grandfather, she is the only one to ever look at me or hug me, though never for very long. While I waited I decided to start making dinner and tea. Once the preparations were done, I sat on the floor to meditate.

After what seemed only a few minutes, I sense someone outside my door. Opening my eyes I stood up and went to make sure that it was my cousin and not the neighbors deciding to be nosy. Of course I was almost certain it was Kasumi, and I was right. I opened the door to see her with arms laden with bags. I almost groaned when I saw that she had also brought her make-up kits with her.

When I say kits, I don't mean just one or two. No, she has an entire duffel bag thrown over one shoulder that is designated for her make-up. Seeing my face, she throws her head back and laughs wickedly.

"Come now cuz, you had to realize that it's a tradition between us that makeovers be done whenever I stay with you. And with your invitation, you had to know that as your partner, cousin, and friend, I would of course want to stay with you for more than just one night."

I stared at her for a moment before letting out a ghost of a smile.

"Luckily I thought this might happen, which is why half of the house has been designated as yours to live in as you please, for as long as you please. Besides, after you hear what Grandfathers intentions are, I doubt you will be willing to leave me alone!"

Now she gave me the intrigued look I had first seen her with years ago. It was a look I had come to understand meant 'OK, spill.' I was more than ready to oblige her. After all, she was the only other person in the family who didn't think of me as 'monster,' or 'unwanted.' Though I knew even to myself, that one day, that would be exactly how they would think of me. They knew this as what I thought, and had tried to make me believe otherwise.

But how else was one to think of themself, if even their own parents thought that way?

"First lets get inside so we dont disturb the neighbors."

As I say this I move to pick up some of her bags and lighten her load. But she stops me and asks me the one question I wish she wouldn't.

"Have you met them yet? Or at least said hello?"

I look at her, face completely blank and serious. She should know my answer by now and even expect it.

"Kasumi, of course I haven't. You know what'll happen if I do."

"Come on Akemi, at least give them a chance! Surely they can't be like the others?"

I look at her in disbelief. Did she really think that the past wouldn't repeat itself?

"Look Kasumi, you can go ahead and say hello since you will now be living here as well, but please don't expect them to be as willing to meet me as they would you. Before you say anything, I want you to think back and tell me honestly, when was the last time someone didn't think of me as a monster- and I mean someone who hadn't already gotten to know me."

She looked like she was seriously thinking about it, but every time she started to open her mouth, she shut it again.

"I rest my case. Besides, they go to the same school if their uniforms are any indication, so I might meet them anyhow."

She was placated when I said this. I was finally able to get her inside the house, but as I looked over to see if the neighbors had heard us, I saw the brother standing just outside the door. He may not have been looking at us, but I had the feeling he'd been listening in. As I stepped through my own door I made eye-contact and couldn't help but whisper,

"It's rude to listen in, but now that you have I suggest you leave me alone."

Before closing the door, I saw his eyes widen the slightest bit. Well, hopefully that means he'll take my advice, I thought. Then I turned back to dealing with my cousin.

"Listen Kasumi. You see Grandfather thinks..."

First Day

The next day I woke up early and got breakfast started before putting on my uniform. it was a simple white collared, sleeveless gown with a tie and long-sleeved jacket. After getting dressed, I got to work on my naturally straight, dark brown hair. I did what I always did and just put it in a simple plait down my back. For my face there wasn't much I could do. My skin is smooth and pale with prominent cheekbones, full lower lip with a decent upper, naturally arched brows, and eyes that glowed-literally-a swirling green and gold.  

Though thanks to the 'glowing,' and a few specks of red around the center, I had to wear colored contacts daily. I chose a color close to my original, but with a lot less gold, red, and glowing. I then slipped on the comfortable uniform shoes, and went to wake Kasumi for breakfast. Luckily for me, she has always been a light sleeper. We ate breakfast together before I headed off to the opening ceremony that was open to all students today.

After the ceremony...

The first day was pretty standard, I got pamphlets for my classes, and was told that the upcoming week would be full of clubs trying to get the new students to join. Because I couldn't get out of it, as it's an obligation for the students to attend, I decided to keep to the very edges. I wasnt interested in joining any of the clubs, though I supposed I could probably get away with stashing myself in the library for the week. But then I decided to tell Kasumi about my plan when I got home, and she has now told me to meet one person and have a real conversation with them. Otherwise, she will drag me to the neighbors house to ask them to join us for tea and dinner.

I had some serious doubts as to whether she would really do it, but I don't even really care. I see what she is planning, and it won't work. She hopes that I don't so that she can invite the neighbors, and prove to me that they won't be the same as many others. Oh well, better to get it done and over with if you ask me. The sooner she accepts that reality, the sooner I can stop trying when she is around. Wearing fake smiles for an hour while she tries to help me make friends really hurts.

So when she finishes trying to threaten and lecture me, I head down to my workshop. Here I can work on my CADs and developing materials that are compatible with continuous invisibility spells, but won't hinder the casting of others. Before I realize it, it's morning and the first day of the "fair" as Kasumii likes to call it. As I had planned, I went to the library, finding some of my favorite stories, and some textbooks I had been searching for. For hours, I stayed holed up in the library undisturbed. The only time I did anything else was when I got lunch, or something to drink. When the final bell rang, I checked out the books I hadn't yet finished and left the building.

Instead of taking the station home, I decided to put some headphones in and walk. But before that, I stopped by the restroom to take out my contacts. Because I didn't need perscription, they didn't usually bother me, but today they wouldn't stop moving and making my eyes water. In case of such things, I keep sunglasses handy. With my contacts safe and my sunglasses in place, I headed for home.

Just before reaching my street, I felt eyes on me and turned around. My neighbors were a few yards behind me with some of their friends. The girl was talking and laughing with them, but the brother was staring at me, his attention only appearing half on the conversation. Quickly I turned back around and started speed walking home. I couldn't tell if he followed or not, but I assumed that in a small way he had. After all, I reassured myself, he is my neighbor so of course he'd be going in the same direction.

I reached my house shortly before they were able to catch up, though I doubted they would even try to do so. As I reached the front door, Kasumi walked out, dressed in work attire.

"Going back to work already Kasumi? I thought it would take you longer to unpack and get settled."

She looked over at me with a smile, "Well not all of us can come and go as we please cuz. I have to do something rather than just live off the money they hand me."

I understood what she meant relatively well. Kasumi had had a decent time with her adoptive parents, but she learned quick that if they gave you something, they wanted something in return for almost twice the value. So instead of accepting anything other than the normal food, shelter and clothing that she naturally had to recieve from them, she usually tore up the checks they tried to send, or returned any of their gifts that came outside of any special occasions. But knowing them, I couldnt help but ask.

"What exactly did they send, and what kind of favor did they want in return this time?"

She sighed quite heavily. "This time they tried giving the both of us ruby pendants, saying that they could be worn to the next meeting and in return, you could send them a copy of that."

At this point I almost grew angry. That was a specialized item that could be used to hide the power of the wearer, whether they were casting a spell or not didnt matter. It would become rather instrumental for those on the battlefields to hide from detection by the enemy. Though it was still in the testing stages and unstable due to some kinks I yet had the time to fix.

"Never. They should know better than to even try getting it. I won't allow it. Knowing them, they will abuse the technology it runs on to try a major takeover-such as grandpa's demise.*sigh*"

Then I started wondering, what would happen if such a thing were to fall into the wrong hands? Could it be possible to add a sequence that would mean the wearer had to have only the intentions of the righteuos to use it? But how could I create a sequence that would judge the true character of someone? Was it even possible? I would have to work on it. Otherwise, this creation would end up just like the other ones. Used as tools in something pointless, or used to murder innocents.

"Cuz? You got the look on your face again."

I stared at her, not quite comprehending what she had said.

"The one that says your on to something that will imporve the design. I hope you do so that--"

I cut her off with a motion of my head, sensing the approach of the siblings. Though I couldnt sense anyone else, so I assumed they had split off for their own respective homes.

"Kasumi, you should go to work. I have some things to do myself. Please tell them I will see them at the end of the week once the melee has ended."

"That bad huh cuz? At least tell me you talked to someone today?"

I was greatful for the sunglasses. This way she couldn't see me avert my eyes.

"I spoke to the librarian as I was checking out books...doesn't that count?"

"No, it doesn't.*sigh* You need to start trying a little more cuz. Don't forget what I told you. Talk to one person in a real conversation, or else..." she trailed off as she spotted something over my shoulder. Turning around, I noticed the siblings standing at the gate. When they noticed that we had looked over, the sister waved, while the brother remained emotionless. Kasumi of course waved back enthusiastically. I however started to slowly back up towards the house.

"Kasumi, I really need to go in and start, and you really need to get going before you are late. We will discuss this more after you get back. Don't forget to tell everyone I will see them later, and have a good day."

With that I turned around and entered the house, closing the door quickly behind me. I hadn't been expecting the siblings to actually stop and wave. It had sent fear coursing through my body, as it reminded me of all that had happened before. What was even more disconcerting, was that the brother had actually looked at me as if he were intrigued and wanted to know more. As if he felt compelled to know me. I had never seen that kind of reaction from anyone, as most just wanted to try giving me a reasonable berth out of instinct.

His unusual interest terrified me more than my memories ever could...

Sorry I haven't updated lately, had quite a few changes happen in the

time I was gone. If you have any comments, or noticed

anything wrong please let me know. :)

Untitled

This chapter will be updated soon. Sorry to have been so distracted. Work and moving are some things that have held a lot of my attention recently. Sorry again, I will try to start updating this book at least twice a week now that I have more time.

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 14.11.2015

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I dedicate this story to all those out their who wish that they could insert themselves into the worlds of their wildest dreams, and wish to escape reality. Good or bad, you are not alone and dreams will help you connect to others, if you'll only open up.