The Sedition: Blueberry

By Jon E. Bennett

Some simple facts to know about Miharu. She is sixteen years old, she was born with naturally pure blue hair and eyes, she is possibly half human and half angel, and she is a Sagittarius. Just some simple facts.

Her entire life is flipped upside down when a group of teenage mercenaries from the nation called Sadona come to her door and claim that she is the so-called Legendary Half- Tennyo. They also claim that they want to protect her from dangers. But do they speak the truth? Mercenaries, government leaders, vicious criminals, and so much more want Miharu for themselves. But thanks to her trust issues, due to a troublesome past, how can she tell who is here to befriend her and who really plans to exploit her for her extraordinary potential abilities?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9781638815358

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The Sedition: Blueberry

Jon E. Bennett

Copyright © 2022 Jon E. Bennett

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2022

ISBN 978-1-63881-534-1 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63881-535-8 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Blueberry

Chapter 2

Stirring Up Emotions

Chapter 3

That Bothersome New Student

Chapter 4

Miharu Crashes the Party

Chapter 5

Miharu's Past

Chapter 6

The Protectors

Chapter 7

Rest and Recovery

Chapter 8

The Stealth of Sadona

Chapter 9

Miharu Attends Class with Mercenaries

Chapter 10

Inanis Takes Jashin by Surprise

Chapter 11

Street Ball

Duza vs. Midori

Chapter 12

Blowing Off Some Steam

Chapter 13

The Straw that Broke the Camel's Back

Chapter 14

Miharu Is Missing

Chapter 15

Welcome to Sadona

Chapter 16

Recapture the Tennyo

Chapter 17

Sadona's Secret

The Fountain of Yang

Chapter 18

The Stealth vs. the Nanatsu

Chapter 19

Homura Holds Her Own

Chapter 20

When Your Back Is Against the Wall

Chapter 21

Rihoo's Backup

Malasina

Chapter 22

Homura's Backup

White Fox and the Ice Queen

Chapter 23

The Powerless Prevail

Chapter 24

The Leader of the Nanatsu

Araneo

Chapter 25

The Deal Is Over

Chapter 26

The Protector Arrives

Chapter 27

The Final Rescue

Shizuku vs. the Stealth

Chapter 28

Meet the Stealth

Chapter 29

Xuno

The Fence Sitter

Chapter 30

Late-Night Talks

Chapter 31

Saying Our Farewells

Chapter 32

A Special Friend with a Dark Secret

Chapter 33

Final Chapter

Summary

Chapter 1

Blueberry

I sn't it kinda fascinating? Miharu said. Her pure blue eyes were fixed on the powder-blue sky and the white fluffy cumulus clouds that floated by slowly. When you pay attention to those clouds, you realize that they follow the same cycle every day. They'll circle the globe and return to the same spot twenty-four hours later. But don't you think that at least one of those clouds is tired of the same old thing? Maybe it wants to flow in the opposite direction. Maybe it wants to drop down to the ground and become a fog. I don't know, just something different. Anything to help escape its endless cycle of consistency.

Miharu, what are you talking about?

Miharu looked down and found herself staring into a pair of giant plain pink eyes. Her best friend, Lentia, had her head resting on her lap, her long russet-colored hair covered Miharu's legs like a blanket.

Sitting next to her was her best friend, Rey, a boy with chestnut-brown hair and eyes of the same shade. In his hands, he was holding a thin piece of white paper, rolling it carefully while trying to keep the flakes of marijuana from spilling out onto his loosened tie and untucked shirt. Rey was moments away from sealing the joint before Miharu's long-winded monologue grabbed his attention.

Geez, Miharu, he said, you're not even high yet and you're already philosophizing.

Rey, spell philosophizing, Lentia suddenly ordered him.

Um, F-H—

You know that you shouldn't be using words that you can't even spell.

Well, cut me some slack, Lentia. My mind is still trying to make sense of that little speech of Miharu's just now.

Oh, please, Miharu grumbled, it's not like you were listening to what I was saying anyway. She sat back and pressed her hair against the concrete wall, her hair so unnaturally blue that you would think it was dyed to be that color. Most people assumed that at first, but it was 100 percent real—an odd birth defect, she always figured. The same went for her eyes.

I was listening, Lentia proudly proclaimed. But I do have to say, your cloud knowledge is a little off, Miharu. You see, an individual cloud doesn't circle the globe. In fact, they only last for a few hours before they evaporate, causing the clouds to disappear and—

I'm not here for a science lesson, Lentia, Miharu interrupted. I'm just saying…like don't you ever feel like you're moving in the same pattern in the same direction every day?

But clouds don't move in the—

Just pretend that they do.

I'm tired of all this cloud talk, Rey spoke up. He had just finished rolling the joint and held it up for the girls to marvel at. Since you're so stressed out, Miharu, you can have the first hit.

Not today, Rey. You can go ahead, Miharu said.

Rey shrugged his shoulders before lighting the joint and inhaling from it. Meanwhile, Miharu picked her head up and continued staring at the sky.

For a while now, Miharu's life had been moving in a constant loop. Every day, it seemed like she would be occupied with school, followed by her after-school job. When the weekends came, she would wind down by sitting at home all day. And if she were to go out, she would often be found at a party, temporarily forgetting the tediousness of her life. But of course, weekends were only temporary, and the weekdays would return once more, which would ultimately bring Miharu back full circle, similar to how she perceived the clouds.

This cycle had been going on for the past year now. At first, she didn't mind the constancy, but as of recently, she was realizing how tiresome it was becoming. She yearned for change. The only issue was she did not know how to go about it.

Was skipping class and smoking marijuana on the side of the school building the best idea? No. But to her, it was better than letting her brain rot away in boredom in class.

After Rey had toked the joint twice, he tried to hand it to Miharu. But with her head still in the clouds, he passed it down to Lentia.

Gracias, Rey, she said while proudly accepting the joint. She held it right in front of her lips, preparing to inhale it, but that was before the group's smoke break would be interrupted by an unwelcomed guest.

What do you three think you're doing out here? cried out a high-pitched voice.

Miharu finally removed her attention from the sky as another student had appeared from around the corner of the building and stormed over to the three of them.

Oh great, Miharu grumbled. Look who decided to show up.

She had shoulder-length maroon-colored hair, matching her large round glasses that made her look like Harry Potter. She wore the same red-and-white school uniform as the rest of them, but that was if you ignored the yellow sash that hung across her body and read Class President.

Oh, hey, Kapia! Lentia cheered as she sat upright off Miharu's lap.

Don't ‘Oh, hey, Kapia' me, Lentia, Kapia snarled as she pressed her hands to her hips. What do the three of you think you're doing out here?

We're smoking on Lucifer's lettuce. Want some?

Absolutely not!

Why not? You got asthma?

Kapia held out her sash and pointed to the words on it. I am the class president. I would never allow myself to perform any mischievous acts like this, unlike you rule breakers.

When Kapia said rule breakers, she stared directly at Miharu.

Why are you looking at me, Kap? Miharu asked.

Because you're the leader of this group. This also means that you will be in the most trouble when Mr. Stats and the principal find out about this. You might even get expelled this time, Miharu.

Miharu did not show an ounce of worry as she rolled her eyes and even cracked a smirk.

Something amusing? Kapia wondered.

You, of course, Miharu answered. First of all, I'm not the leader here. Secondly, you're always so uptight and ready to write up somebody. Can't you just chill out for once? She then reached down, took the joint from Lentia, and held it out to the class president. Or better yet, why don't you have a hit? You need it more than anyone.

No way! I could never tarnish my position!

Miharu sighed as she dropped her head back against the wall. Sheesh, Kapia. What do you gain from being such an annoying kiss ass? Ratting me out to Mr. Stats won't get you the key to the city or anything. At the very most, you'll get a pat on the back and nothing else. So if you don't mind, we'd like to get back to our smoke break. And if you're not planning to join us, then go somewhere else. We've had a long day of school, and you're only making it worse.

Miharu placed the joint between her lips and inhaled. When she exhaled, she turned to face Kapia before purposely blowing a gust of smoke into her face.

That would become the last straw for Kapia as she reached over and snatched the joint from Miharu's hand.

How can you be having a long day of school? she questioned. It's only fourth period? Your day had just started—

Hey, is someone smoking back here? a voice in the distance had called out.

When they all had turned their heads, a man in a custodian uniform emerged from around the corner, attempting to sniff out the source of the marijuana scent.

I'm absolutely positive that it's marijuana that I'm smelling, he muttered to himself.

Excuse me, sir! Over here! Kapia called out to him.

She had no reason to be afraid. Even though she had been caught outside with Miharu and her friends, she knew that she was there for the right reason to stop the no-good rule breakers. Also, with her outstanding reputation, anyone would believe her story.

The custodian turned and saw her waving at him. Aha. And the perpetrator turns herself in.

"Perpetrators, Kapia corrected. She pointed behind her. And before you say anything, just know that I was not doing anything wrong here. These three were the ones smoking."

The custodian raised an eyebrow, looking behind her. Miss, who are you talking about?

I'm talking about Miharu—hey! Where did she go? When Kapia turned around, she was in disbelief to see that Miharu and her friends had snuck away while she wasn't looking. And now, the class president was alone and still holding the joint that she had snatched away. This isn't what it looks like, she pleaded.

Whatever your story is, tell it to the disciplinarian.

It was convenient for Kapia to show up when she did. While she was involuntarily taking the fall for the marijuana, Miharu had made it back inside right as the school bell went off and signaled the change of class periods. This meant that she and her friends could fit themselves back into their class schedules as if they never left.

As the trio split up, they went off to their fifth-period classes.

Miharu arrived at her classroom with just a minute to spare. When she walked through the door, she saw her teacher, Ms. Karamus, standing in front of the class. She was about to walk past her before she noticed that she was accompanied by someone else.

She stopped when she noticed this unfamiliar young man who wore the same red and white uniform as her and everyone else in the room. His short, naturally slicked-back hair was the color of wenge wood. His eyes were plain pink like Lentia's.

As soon as she entered the room, he turned to her, and they made direct eye contact. It had only lasted for a second, but it felt longer. She looked down to her shoes, hoping her face wasn't as flushed as it felt before continuing to her desk on the side of the room.

Before class begins, announced Ms. Karamus, I would like to introduce you all to our new student. This is Daijo.

Hi, Daijo, the class responded. The majority of the responders were female students, gawking at the new student and his good looks.

Daijo, is there anything that you would like to say?

Well, Daijo began. His voice was so low-toned and calming, which matched his face perfectly. My name is Daijo. I was born and raised in the state of Shinpo. My parents were just relocated to Bensana, which is why I'm here. And, well, I hope to enjoy my time here at Bensana High School.

The female students broke out into applause as if he had just concluded an inaugural speech.

Thank you, Daijo, said Ms. Karamus. Please feel free to have a seat anywhere you like.

As Daijo walked to the desks, almost all the eyes in the room followed him. However, the only blue eyes in the room weren't. Throughout the entire introduction, Miharu was resting her head in her arms, getting a head start on her daily fifth-period nap.

Excuse me, is this seat taken?

She looked up, a bit startled to see the new student standing beside her, pointing at the desk to her right.

I said, is this taken? he repeated.

Uh, sure. Go ahead.

Daijo flashed her a warm smile before taking his seat. So is this going to be a tough class?

I wouldn't know. I usually sleep through algebra.

Daijo's brows furrowed. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a piece of paper with his class schedule printed on it. Um, am I in the wrong class? I thought this was supposed to be government.

Is it? Miharu glanced at the chalkboard where the words 11th Grade Government were written. Oh, geez. I guess I'm still a little bit high, she muttered.

Daijo turned away and snickered at Miharu's mental error.

Of all the people, why would a guy like him talk to her?

I know, right? But he'll realize how weird she is sooner or later.

Miharu looked forward where two girls had been conversing. They were whispering but failed to keep their conversation private as Miharu had heard every word.

Got something that you want to say? she demanded.

The girls both rolled their eyes and faced forward, likely continuing their badmouthing of Miharu.

What was that all about? asked Daijo.

Just some of the stuck-up girls you'll meet here at Bensana High School. By the way, are you smart?

I would like to believe so. Why?

Just making sure. I always want to be sitting next to someone smart, especially when it comes test time.

Okay, class. Phones away and eyes forward, announced Ms. Karamus.

While the class surrendered their attention to her, Miharu and Daijo were still conversing in private.

Well, then I guess you're lucky that I chose to sit here, Daijo whispered. And I can say that I'm lucky too.

And what makes you so lucky?

Because I get to sit next to someone pretty and funny.

Oh, well, th—wait, what? Huh!? Miharu was so shocked that she had blurted it out for everyone to hear.

Miharu! Ms. Karamus exclaimed. I had almost forgotten what those blue eyes of yours look like since you're always asleep in my class. But if you're choosing to be awake today, I would ask you to not disrupt the lesson and distract our new student on his first day.

And after that quick scolding, she then turned back to the board and continued with the lesson.

Miharu then turned to Daijo who mouthed out the word sorry before he faced the front of the room and directed his focus to the lesson.

From that point on, Ms. Karamus would receive zero interruptions from Miharu since she would eventually burry her face back into her arms and nap her way through the rest of class.

About an hour later, she would wake up to the sound of the school bell ringing and signaling the end of fifth period. Next up was sixth period, which happened to be lunchtime.

So after leaving the classroom, Miharu headed over to her locker to grab her lunch, which was actually just a plastic bag of junk food that she had bought from the convenience store on the way to school that morning.

After grabbing all that she needed, she shut her locker door and prepared to walk off and meet up with her friends. But that was before she was startled from seeing that charming new student, Daijo, standing behind the door and ready to greet her.

Oh hey, I was looking to talk to you, Daijo said. It's Miharu, right?

Yeah, that's right, she replied.

Well, Miharu, I just wanted to say sorry for earlier. I didn't mean to get you in trouble in class.

You call that trouble? That's not even a slap on the wrist compared to what I get myself into. Don't worry about it.

Miharu then locked her locker door and began walking down the hallway. And almost instinctively, Daijo began walking alongside her, which had led Miharu to wonder, Is he following me? Then again, he is new, which means that he probably doesn't have any friends to walk with.

So are you heading to lunch too? she asked.

Yup, I just…don't know where I'm going to eat at or who to eat with, Daijo replied as his voice slowly drifted off.

Nobody to eat with, huh? Miharu thought to herself. She sighed. It might go against what I stand for, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to offer.

Well, if you want, you can sit with me and my friends in the courtyard. I mean, it would suck to have to be by yourself on your first day of school. Plus, it would give you a chance to meet some new people.

Wow, thanks. I would love that. You know, Miharu, you're a very kind person.

I know. I'm just such an angel, she sarcastically replied.

I'd say so. You have the beauty of an angel as well.

Now when Daijo had secretly complimented Miharu in class, she swore that she had misheard him. But this time, she heard him loud and clear, which would cause her face to blush.

While trying to hide her blushing face with a scowl, Miharu replied, Next time you say something like that, I'll toss you in the trash. Got it?

Daijo smiled as he playfully raised his hands up in a surrendering position. Sure. I understand, he said.

Good. Now come on. I'm going introduce you to my inner circle.

Despite having mixed emotions about the new student, Miharu acted as his guide as she led him through the hallways and down to the first floor of the building. Together, they exited through the front doors and entered the courtyard that Miharu had previously mentioned.

Enclosed within a ten-foot brick wall that had surrounded the entire school building was a vast area of grass, trees, and benches. The students were split up into their social groups and scattered all over. Some had been kicking back and relaxing beneath the trees. Others had been lounging about in the grass. But in the very center was a long semicircular bench that was occupied by Miharu's friends, Rey and Lentia. Although they were not the only students in company because sitting beside them were two more individuals who had yet to be introduced.

Hey, guys, Miharu greeted as she and Daijo had arrived.

Hey, Miharu, who's that you got with you? Lentia asked.

"Ooh, who is he?" the girl, sitting beside Lentia, had asked in a flirty manner.

She was a beautiful young lady who looked like she could've been a teenage model or actress. Her long wavy hair was so black that it almost looked purple if you looked at it long enough. The darkness of her hair only made her beige eyes stand out even more, making them look nearly white. As she sat with one leg folded over the other, she was feasting on a case of sushi before she noticed Daijo arrive.

You must be new here. What's your name? she asked Daijo.

I'm Daijo. It's nice to meet you, he said as he shook the girl's hand.

It's nice to meet you as well. I'm Calce. Scholar student, future lawyer, and I'm also single.

Daijo, let me introduce you to our friends…and Calce here, Miharu said.

After she and Daijo had taken their seats at the very end of the bench, she began the introductions, starting with the person closest to her, which was Lentia.

Right here, we've got Lentia, Miharu said as she wrapped her arm around the skinny brunette beside her. Lentia is my best friend, and it's been that way since we were ten years old.

But we're nothing alike, Lentia added. The two of us are polar opposites. We're like yin and yang, fire and ice, salt and sugar.

Don't forget normal and odd, Miharu kidded.

Oh, you're not that odd, Miharu.

I was referring to you.

Me? Really?

Of course. Miharu turned back to Daijo. But still, Lentia is one of the most dependable friends that you could ever have. Just as long as you don't let her in on any secrets of yours. She can't keep her mouth shut to save her life.

I'll keep that in mind, Daijo chuckled.

Now as for the guy sitting next to her, his name is Rey, Miharu said. Rey is probably the best athlete in our school. He plays like three different sports and thrives in all of them.

Miharu goes bragging about me again, Rey chuckled. I'm so lucky to have a girlfriend who can't help but show me off when she can.

Girlfriend? Daijo repeated. I, uh, never would've guessed—

Miharu reached over and kicked Rey in his shin. Don't you dare call me your girlfriend, she snapped. She turned back to Daijo and explained to him, Don't listen to a word he says. Rey is a man-whore who tries to flirt with any girl with boobs.

I guess that means that Lentia has nothing to worry about, Rey jokingly said.

Lentia, who was not too pleased with Rey speaking about her thin figure, huffed as she said, Being a pig like usual, huh, Rey?

I'm just messing around. We all know Miharu is my—

Before Rey could finish, he was pelted in the cheek by a half-empty water bottle.

Don't even finish that sentence, Miharu said as she picked the bottle off the ground.

Ow! What's your problem? Rey complained.

Stop pretending that I'm some easy bimbo like Calce.

Who are you calling a bimbo, you dumb delinquent? Calce snapped.

Hey, don't call me a delinquent, tar-head.

I'm sorry, but do you two have some type of conflict going on? Daijo questioned.

I wouldn't call it a conflict, Miharu answered. Calce just dislikes me because I know how to restrain myself from every cute boy that I meet. Oh, and by the way, Daijo, you should make sure to wash your hands as soon as possible. We don't know what type of STD you could've caught after shaking her hand.

You can't catch STDs from shaking hands, you idiot. Not that I have any in the first place, Calce informed. And besides, at least I won't be in a jail cell in two years unlike you.

You probably will be there for prostitution, Miharu muttered.

You know, I'm starting to think that you're just jealous that guys are attracted to me. I mean, Tione is more of a girl than you are, Calce said as she pointed to the individual to her left. Hell, he probably has a better chance of getting a boyfriend than you as well.

"Wait, did you say he?" Daijo questioned as he stared over at Tione.

"Yes, I'm a he," Tione answered.

Something wrong? Miharu whispered to Daijo.

Um…I thought that Tione was a girl, he replied.

Daijo was not the first to make the mistake. Tione had shoulder-length blond hair with streaks of purple highlights and dazzling stormy gray eyes. He was shorter than pretty much every boy at Bensana High School, including the freshmen. One would assume that Tione had missed several steps of puberty because he had a voice that was very high-pitched for a teenage boy. Also, he did not possess an inch of body hair. Not even peach fuzz above his lip. If you include that, along with his very feminine-like facial features, it's no wonder why Daijo had assumed wrong.

Oh, don't feel ashamed. Everyone thinks that Tione is a girl at first, Miharu replied to Daijo out loud.

Are you done with your teasing? Tione asked with an annoyed tone.

Oh, calm down, you know that I tease you out of love, Miharu said with a laugh. Daijo, this is Tione Armenti. If you prefer to have a friend who is the voice of reason, friendly, supportive, and prefers to stay out of drama, then Tione is your girl.

Boy! Tione interjected.

And so there you have it. What you see here are my friends and the dumb bimbo, Calce.

Hey, did you forget to mention us?

From behind the bench, two more students were now approaching after exiting the school.

One of them was a very bulky young man, who possessed the build of a football player. He had brown hair that had been buzzed short along with a few slight facial hairs beneath his chin. And his eyes that had been filled with bile were plain and pink like Daijo's. The name of this student was Quiru, a senior at Bensana High School, and a member of the school's basketball team.

Joined alongside Quiru was his best friend, a tall and handsome young man who stood at six feet three. His hair looked golden brown in the sunlight, and his plain pink eyes radiated confidence as he strutted over with his varsity letterman jacket. The boy's name is Duza, the captain of the school's basketball team and Lentia's older brother.

Once everyone turned and saw Duza approaching, they smiled and waved. Miharu, on the other hand, immediately looked away and faced forward, hoping that he wouldn't notice the redness in her face. She fanned herself, wondering how the temperature had risen so dramatically in the past few seconds.

Oh hey, look who had finally decided to show up, Rey commented. So Duza and Quiru, now that you're here, you can meet the new guy. This is Daijo.

Oh, a new guy, huh? Quiru questioned. Well, let's hope you enjoy your stay at this shitty school.

Quiru, cut it out, man, Duza said as he nudged his friend. I'm sorry about him. Quiru is a negative dude. He reached out and shook Daijo's hand. The name is Duza Roderici. Star of the basketball team as well as Lentia's older brother. I'm sure you've noticed by now, but this school is pretty big and confusing. So if you ever need a guide, someone for you to shadow, or even just a friend to hang out with, then don't hesitate to talk to me.

Duza peeked out the corner of his eye and noticed the head full of blue hair, the only person who was not looking his way.

What's up, Miharu? Are you not going to say hello? He had bent down, and now his face was only a foot away from hers. Hey, you're looking kind of red. You okay?

Me? Oh, I'm doing just fine. It's um…just very hot out here, you know? Miharu nervously replied.

Hmm… Calce said with a conniving smirk. You know, Duza, now that I think about it, I don't think Daijo will need your assistance when it comes to shadowing someone.

Oh really? Why? Duza asked.

He and Quiru both took their seats beside Calce as she began to explain.

Well, it looks like Miharu has that task all taken care of. After all, she and Daijo have been joined to the hip ever since he had arrived.

Well, that's very kind of her.

Isn't it? I mean it is kind of shocking since she is usually so rude to others. But then again, Daijo is very handsome. So maybe the reason for her sudden personality change is because she has a little cru—

Smack!

Before she could see it coming, a water bottle had struck Calce in the nose, shutting her up before she could even finish the word crush.

And once again, Miharu was the culprit.

Calce, shut up and worry about yourself for once, she snapped. Not everyone is willing to throw themselves at a boy the very first moment they meet. And for your information, he had just arrived in fifth period. We walked from class to lunch together, and that's all. So don't start making up stupid rumors.

Wow, Miharu, you sure don't hold back, Tione commented.

I just speak what's on my mind, she said as she took a bite out of her pastry snack in order to calm her nerves. I'm sorry that you had to see that, Daijo.

Oh, it's fine, Daijo timidly replied. Coming from where I'm from, I'm pretty use to violence.

Because you're from Shinpo, right? Duza asked.

Yeah, how did you guess?

You didn't even have to say it. I could tell by your eyes.

Shinpo was the name of a state that was adjacent to Bensana. Most Shinpoens tend to have similar physical features such as plain-pink eyes and dark-colored hair. Like Daijo, many citizens of Shinpo had immigrated to Bensana for various reasons. The most common reason was to escape the overwhelming crime and violence that went on within their state.

Wow! Good observation. Daijo said. I had just moved a couple of days ago. And once I was officially settled in, I was able to start my first day here.

How are they treating you so far? Quiru asked. You better get used to—

Quiru, man, come on, Duza complained as he nudged him again.

Actually, this place has been very welcoming to me, Daijo answered. This school as well. I'm enjoying everything and everyone so far.

As Daijo's eyes shifted over and glanced at Miharu, he then flashed that charming smile of his once more.

What's this guy's deal? Miharu wondered. He keeps smiling at me and trying to be around me. Not to mention he keeps insulting me with compliments.

This kind of goes back to what Calce said about Miharu not doing well with boys. She doesn't receive compliments very often, so she's never sure how to take them.

Maybe he wants to be my friend. But then again, maybe not…. I should just keep my distance from him for now. It's not a risk worth taking.

After coming to that conclusion, Miharu took one last bite of her snack before grabbing her book bag and rising to her feet.

Hey, where are you going? Rey said.

I'm going home, she replied.

But the day isn't over yet.

Has that ever stopped me before?

Calce let out a heavy sigh. So disappointing.

What now, Bimbo? Is there something that you want to say?

You know, Miharu, this is the seventh time in the last two weeks that you've left school early. Don't you think that you should put in more effort to learn before you end up flunking?

No, but don't you think that you need to put more effort into keeping your legs closed? Miharu replied.

I'm just saying. If you keep slacking off, like you always do, then you'll just end up dropping out, which will lead you to end up like your—

Before Calce could finish her comparison, she unintentionally locked eyes with Miharu, who had shot her with a threatening death glare, a glare that nonverbally challenged her to finish that sentence if she was willing to face the consequences.

But Calce's nose still hurt after being hit with a bottle, so she decided to bite her tongue before she would regret it.

Never mind. Just go and do what you want, delinquent.

Miharu gave her the side eye as she shouldered her bookbag.

Daijo, it was nice meeting you, she said. I hope you can survive the rest of the day without me.

I'll try, Daijo kidded. It was nice meeting you too.

I'll see you guys tomorrow, Miharu finally said before departing.

Daijo kept his eyes on her as she walked across the courtyard and toward the security gates. They were closed, but the space between the bars were just wide enough for her to slip through and make it out onto the other side. After that, she was free and out of sight.

Hey, Daijo, Calce said to get his attention. Take my advice when I tell you that Miharu is bad news.

Oh, cut her some slack, Duza interjected. She's not a bad person at all. Sure, she's got a little bit of a hot streak, but once you get to know her, she's a cool person.

Well, I have gotten to know her, longer than all of you, in fact. And for most of those years, she's shown me that she is nothing but lazy, short-tempered, and rude.

For most? Daijo repeated. Was there a time where she didn't behave like that?

There was… Calce answered as she developed a strong interest in the ground by her feet. But she went through something that changed her forever. There was a long silence between sentences, almost like she was nervous to explain the reason why.

Calce, don't say it, Lentia butted in.

You're right. It's not my business to tell. But just know, that you're better off not talking to her.

I don't know if I can make that promise, Daijo replied.

And why not?

There's just something about her, something that I find…intriguing.

Chapter 2

Stirring Up Emotions

The country of Phiae. It is a country composed of thirty-three states that all differ in location, culture, and size. One