Aoi Tsuki

"How sweet of you to join us. You know how much I enjoy your company." Jackie extended her hand to as an invitation for Jonathan join her but Tsuyosa took it instead. He firmly took her hand and wrapped it around his waist as he sat down beside her. 

As Jackie began caressing his chest, Suji raised an eyebrow and Akira cracked a smile. Aoi, however, took no interest, gracefully lowering herself onto a massive root. She opened one of her notebooks and began writing faster than Jared could throw a punch, only stopping every so often to read her work.

In response to Jackie's actions, Tsuyosa reclined on the tree trunk, pulling her closer. Jackie was caught off guard since she had never received a reaction of that nature before. A sudden flood of uncertainty and confusion frightened Jackie causing her now tense figure to retract from him. 

Unfortunately for her, he had other plans. Her attempt to pull away only resulted in Tsuyosa tightening his grip and pulling her against his chest tighter. 

"Please, let me go!" Phony tears trained to perfection rolled down Jackie's cheeks. Max and Jun took her tears as their cue to join the party, but Suji's menacing expression warned them not to come any closer.

Tsuyosa pinned her to his torso with his right hand, using his left to grab a good amount of her hair at the stems, not allowing more than five centimeters between them. "Why do you squeal? According to both your outfit and behavior, I figured this was what you wanted." Tsuyosa's voice was rimmed with a deep disgust. 

"That's enough." Aoi's voice rang with authority, when she put down her notebook, her expression claimed to be detached, but Jonathan got a strong feeling suggesting she was amused by Tsuyosa's method of keeping the slut away from him. 

Tsuyosa released Jackie without a moments hesitation, almost as if she suddenly burned his hand. His eyes flashed at Aoi's. "Why rain on my parade, I wasn't finished yet." 

Aoi watched Jackie, Myra and Synthia run down the hill towards Max and Jun. "I thought it would be better for you if I cut you short instead of waiting for Aika to explode." Only then did Jonathan take his eyes off of Aoi long enough to see Aika's glare, he was very grateful that it was directed at Tsuyosa rather than himself. 

"Wh-" Tsuyosa started to ask until he saw Aika, as soon as they made eye contact, concern began radiating from his entire figure. "Aika," his voice softened as he spoke to her, "You know I was just putting her in her place."

Aika didn't speak, she just crossed her arms and sat down as far from him as she could. The rest of the group sat beside them forming a circle. Perplexed, Tsuyosa silently considered what he did to make her so angry.

Aoi sat down last, in-between Tsuyosa and Suji. She turned to Tsuyosa, whispering at a volume too low for Jonathan to eavesdrop. Comprehension shone on his face as he ran towards Aika embracing her as soon as she was in range. "Don't worry, you're my number one. My only. Don't be jealous." Aika quietly leaned into him pressing her face against his shoulder while he caressed her back. 

"Hey Daniel, what's for lunch?" Jonathan decided to change the subject. 

"Chicken Yakisoba." Daniel produced a grin as he unpacked his favorite dish. The magnificent smell made Jonathan's mouth water. 

Once they had finished eating the boys decided to welcome their new friends by teaching them their lunch tradition. They all started climbing the tree one by one. The boys went up first led by Jonathan and Aoi reached the top last. The barren oak tree was just large enough to fit them all on its branches with no extra space to spare. Conveniently no one had sat on the branch holding Jonathan, so Aoi was forced to sit beside him. 

It was very cold and windy, but because of the clear blue sky, the sun shone brightly, warming everyone in its presence. 

"It is a beautiful day today." Jonathan had finally worked up the courage to speak to Aoi. 

"I suppose." She spoke cheerfully, but something was off. Her smile seemed as though it was a lie. Almost as if she was contradicting her own feelings. 

"You're homesick." It wasn't a question, so she didn't answer it. But it was true. And it was not true. 

Home. Home isn't a place for Aoi, she is constantly moving. Home is a person, a person she lost long ago. She knows who killed her "father" and how they did it, yet she couldn't tell. She was easily capable of avenging him, but she can't. He wouldn't've wanted her to, he commanded her not to. She would not disobey him, now or ever. She hated him for it, she felt helpless, and hated everyone because of it. 

Jonathan gazed at the school's orchard, watching the sun shine through the bare branches of the hibernating apple tree. Jonathan knew Aoi was suffering in one way or another. He searched his brain for a way to help her but found none. 

After sitting in silence for a while, Austin invited everyone to his house after school. The boys were even welcome to stay for a sleepover. 

Third and fourth period flew by, before he knew it, Jonathan was climbing into Austin's car and driving towards his house.

By the time Aoi, Suji and Tsuyosa arrived, the boys were already inside on the couch playing video games. "Where's the rest of the girls?" Austin was much too excited to see Akira again. 

"They wanted to drive separately." Suji informed them. 

Akira and Aika arrived just in time for dinner. "Mmm, that smells amazing! Are you the one to blame for this tormenting scent?" 

"I wish, but I like to leave the cooking to Daniel, I can be quite dangerous in the kitchen." Austin answered lightly, but jealousy was crystal clear on his sharp features. 

Deciding to feast under the moonlight, they hungrily sat outside surrounded by the light of lanterns. Once everyone had found a seat Austin rose to speak. 

"Thank you all for joining me tonight, to welcome five new people, not only to our school but too our lives. We can't wait to journey through the next season of life with you along side us." Pausing for only a moment to allow his previous words to sink in. "A word from our chef?" 

As Austin lowered himself into his chair, Daniel stood up awkwardly completely unprepared to give a speech on such a short notice. "Umm, thanks for eating my food...? I hope you like it, uh, let me know if I should change anything... Oh yeah, its fried rice, in case you are an ingredient freak, this is what is in it: rice, eggs, carrots, peas, coconut oil, spam, and some secret ingredients." Daniel plopped down, embarrassment tickling his cheeks. 

"Let's eat!" Michael's suggestion caused quiet laughter to erupt among everyone... almost everyone.

After everyone had eaten their fill, Austin's parents greeted them, introducing themselves. "Hello, I am Mrs. Leron and this is my husband Mr. Leron."

"I am Akira, nice to meet you." Akira was the first to answer, trying to avoid as much interaction as possible due to her shy nature. 

"I'm Tsuyosa and this is my girlfriend Aika. We are pleased to make your acquaintance." He spoke with a level confidence only Aika was capable of matching.

"Suji, nice to meet you." 

Aoi was not paying attention, focused on the perfect reflection of the stars and moon in a pool of water in the dirt. She happened to glance up, meeting Mrs. Leron's eyes. Immediately picking up on the situation she offered, "Aoi Tsuki, at your service." They all bowed. Mr. and Mrs. Leron returned to the inside of their house. 

Michael wandered into the backyard, discovering the perfect site for a campfire. After selecting supplies Austin joined him, followed by the chattering group of high schoolers with him. 

Once Michael successfully set the fire ablaze they began roasting marshmallows, filling every last crevice of their stomachs with creamy s'mores complete with chocolate and graham crackers. Halfway through his fourth, Jonathan noticed Aoi had disappeared. 

"I'll be right back." Jonathan slipped into the dim backyard seeking Aoi. His eyes got accustomed to the darkness and he searched everywhere but she was nowhere to be found. Jonathan turned heading towards the house. A large tree towered over him, glancing up, Jonathan thought the great cedar tree seemed much taller than the last time Jonathan saw it. As he admired it's thick branches he noticed a sharp pair of aquamarine eyes reflecting the moonlight in the darkness. 

There she is  Jonathan crept quietly up the tree with Aoi taking no notice of him.

"Aoi Tsuki." When he mentioned her name, her gaze tore off the moon, tilting her head allowing her eyes to lock onto him. "Your name means 'blue moon' right? Like the one in the sky tonight." He waited for Aoi to contribute to the conversation but continued in a gentle tone when he realized she had nothing to say. "Why are you here?" 

It was a simple question, yet she didn't want to answer it. After a long hesitation Aoi answered him. "I have come here to interact with my friends outside of school." 

"Don't lie to me." He wasn't sure but Jonathan got the strongest sensation that she was lying. Usually listening to his instincts served him well, so he decided to trust them, speaking before the words registered in his head.

"I didn't." The words appeared much to innocent to be honest.

Jonathan decided to keep pestering Aoi. "Why are you here?" 

"To be with my friends." Annoyance layered her tone.

"Then why are you alone." 

She stopped. Jonathan didn't realize the multi-meaning in his words until it was too late. She looked like he just slapped her in the face. "What do you want?"

"The truth."

"The truth is cruel," Aoi replied.

A grin was drawn on his face, "Aren't we all." 

"The moon isn't." She shifted her gaze away from him returning to the full night sky. 

"The moon isn't one of us." Jonathan argued.

"Are you sure?" Aoi joked, permitting a smile to play on the edge of her lips.

"Are you the moon?" His eyebrow crept up as he asked the nonsensical question.

Amusement glittered in her eyes. "What do you think?" 

"If you aren't the moon and I'm not the moon than it isn't one of us." Jonathan was determined to win the argument.

She wouldn't give up. "Is Tsuyosa one of us?" 

"How does that relate?" A laugh of frustration burst through his lips before he could stop it. 

"If Tsuyosa is one of us, then what defines one of us?" 

"One of us meaning humans." He replied without missing a beat.

"Is the truth human?" Aoi continued unfazed by his quick response.

"No." 

"If I recall correctly you said 'aren't we all' and you were referring to being cruel as the truth is. So if the truth can be one of us, according to you, why can't the moon be one of us?" Aoi spoke faster than Jonathan imagined possible, he barely caught what she said and was not willing to try to absorb it all.

"Are we seriously arguing over the moon," He assumed it would be better to make peace with the girl than gain bragging rights. 

"Hmm, I was under the impression we were arguing under the moon, but I guess that just depends on your point of view." They shared a smile at her horrible joke. Jonathan was relieved knowing he had finally broke through the ice and met the real Aoi. 

After a few moments of peaceful silence, Jonathan decided to take a step. "So are you going to tell me who you are now?" 

"Aoi Tsuki, a student at Silicone Middle." It was certainly a rehearsed response.

"You know, for the strangest reason I don't believe you... how do I know when you are lying to m—actually that isn't very accurate. I meant how do I know when you are withholding the truth from me? And how can I sense the emotions you try to hide from me?" Jonathan searched her eyes for an answer but she turned away before he could find any useful information.

"Do you know what I'm thinking?" She sounded tired.

"No... I don't think so, just what you feel. Like how I knew you were feeling lonely at school and how now you feel a mixture of curiosity and confusion." Aoi could feel the honestly in his tone like it was a gentle breeze gliding along her skin.

"I-" Jonathan could taste the smell of victory in the air, in one final push he could win the battle. 

"Just tell me the truth. I know you don't want to be here, so why are you?" His gentle tone confused Aoi, as he gently caressed her hand. It was very soft, Jonathan had never felt anything so soft in his entire life. When he made contact with her skin it heated up drastically, burning them both. 

"Ouch," Jonathan pulled away immediately a hint of red colored his cheeks. Something inside of Aoi changed, she could feel it. Aoi not only wanted to tell him the truth, but now she somehow could. 

"I am a bodyguard," Aoi finally confessed, smiling at the confusion her answer drew upon his face.

"A bodyguard... yeah that definitely requires an explanation." His response was playful once again. 

"Where I come from, Tsuyosa is a 'prince'. His father officially sent me to protect him, but the truth is he just wants me to babysit him and his girlfriend." Jonathan searched for a sign that she was joking but found none in her serious tone and expression. 

"Wouldn't an adult be better?" He was desperate for more information in an attempt to comprehend her words.

"Not necessarily. We can't have big adult males roaming the school grounds without explanation, and we don't want to draw attention." Answering him truthfully was easier than breathing.

"No offense, but why a girl? Aren't boys stronger?" Jonathan struggled to understand.

"Naturally, but I am a special case and while I know that you love to intrude into my secrets and invade in my personal business, this information is classified to the point that some pleasant little cures gifted from my superiors will physically prevent me from telling you in any way, especially speaking. Also all the boys his age are either on missions or recovering from their missions in the infirmary. I am the only person in his age group out-ranking him since I have an unfathomable mana capacity." She spoke with speed only a girl could achieve. 

"Why do you have more mana... and what is mana?" He was over his head in confusion.

"My bloodline is far superior to his, and that's not important." Aoi talked it as if her words were common sense.

Silence greeted them as Jonathan attempted to take in all the information.

"Do I have mana?" Jonathan was excited to learn more about Aoi, and if they had something in common.

Aoi smiled as she answered him, "I don't know."

"How do you find out?" Jonathan didn't have any memories of impatience before meeting Aoi.

"Usually I can see the aura of your mana-"  Aoi began to explain.

"You mean the golden... aura outlining your figure?" He cut in. 

"Yes, let me finish. I see everyone's aura, but not yours. You are human so you can't have mana...but you can see my aura which requires a great amount of mana. More importantly you can sense my emotions. None of the most skilled mana users in the entire kingdom can break through my barriers, not even the king himself. Since you can, that would conclude you have an unheard-of mana capacity." Aoi concluded her explanation.

"...so do I have mana?" Jonathan was so confused. 

She smiled once again, "Maybe."

"How do we find out?" We...  Jonathan couldn't help but notice how nice that word sounded. 

"I can have you tested at my 'school' but if you go you can't come back. If you fail..."  Aoi wasn't planning on finishing her sentence. 

Jonathan's whole body wilted his expression mirroring how he felt at home, lifeless. "I understand. There's no way my parents will let me go." 

"Do you mind if I speak with them? I may be able to persuade them," she offered.

"You can try, but I doubt its possible." Jonathan gave up, it wasn't worth his hope, he was never given anything for his own benefit.

"I'll go to your house tomorrow after school. Do not mention me to your parents," Aoi warned.

"Okay." His dull words were free from all excitement and enthusiasm. 

The sound of Austin's yells echoed through the trees, "AOI! JONATHAN! WHERE ARE YOU GUYS?"  

"I guess we better go." Jonathan sighed, he had completely forgotten about the party, and his friends.

"One more thing. We are leaving next week to return to Tyseria. Tsuyosa's father can't focus on his duties knowing that Tsuyosa is out in the open." Aoi rolled her eyes. 

"No, please stay. Don't leave me." 

"You're a good actor." Aoi's playfulness lifted Jonathan's spirits. "I wasn't planning on leaving you behind."

"What do you mean?" The mood suddenly changed, Jonathan began to worry. 

"I'll tell you tomorrow after I talk to your parents," Aoi chirped without a second thought to how torturous the suspense would be for him. 

"Fine." Together they rushed down the tree. Jonathan started walking back until he realized Aoi had stopped walking beside him. "You're not coming?"

"Jonathan, us both coming back at the same time? What would the others think." Aoi laughingly teased. 

Jonathan blushed hard enough that you could see it quite clearly even in dim light. "Why don't you go first then." Aoi cracked a smile, almost as if she knew he wanted her to go first so he had time for his cheeks to recover.