Beyond the horizon a few fragile sunbeams made their way towards the sky announcing a new Sunday at Northwind Residential School. It was the last holiday before the 814th school year of the prestigious school for supernatural powers was about to start. Many students have already arrived over the past week while some stragglers were expected to come in today. And before noon an introduction ceremony was set for all freshmen.
A car stopped in front of the school complex and three people got out. One of them was 16 year old Sayuri, for whom a new chapter started this day. With hands on her hips she stood in front of the big, open gate waiting for it to devour her forever.
Sayuri: "I don't want to go inside … I don't want any of this …" She turned towards her parents, but they just looked at her. "If I go there now, there's no turning back, right?" Her expression turned plaintive.
Sayuri's Mom: "Well, darling, I wouldn't say that …" She tried to smile. "But, you know, this is the only place right now, where you can get some help."
Sayuri: "Yeah, right. Help. I need help. Because I'm a freak! And you knew it all along, but didn't feel the need to tell me, before I figured it out myself!" Her arms were crossing.
Sayuri's Mom: "Sayuri …"
Sayuri's Dad: "Now listen, young lady. We did not choose this, either! Neither what you are, nor what we are not! Nothing pointed to you being gifted!"
Sayuri: "Gifted you say? I'm seeing ghosts! Maybe I've got a psychic disorder and you put me in a mental hospital now! I-"
Sayuri's Dad: "Sayuri! It's enough now!" His pointing finger was raised intimidatingly.
Sayuri's Mom: "Sayu darling, don't you trust us anymore? I know, that's some hard pill to swallow. We thought, you'd never have to do with any of this. We wanted you to live a normal life …"
Two month ago Sayuri's life was turned upside down. She was just looking for some old photos in the attic and now she had strange visions from ghosts or whatever beings they were. If she just didn't open that stupid box! In fact she knew that her parents only wanted the best for her. But why have they never told her before? Right now her head was clouded with loads of information about supernatural powers, clans, councils and other weird stuff. We may as well expect the worst.
Sayuri: "I-Im sorry. It's just … I'm so troubled and confused ..."
Sayuri's Mom: "And that's totally fine! No one's mad at you. So please don't be mad at us. Come let me hug you!"
You didn't have to tell her twice.
It was unusual for them to get into a fight. But the last weeks were an acid test to their bond.
Sayuri's Dad: "You know, you can always call us! Just try it. In case of doubt, we will take you home. But you should really go now. We can't take you to the office and you do not know how long you will need to find it."
Sayuri: "Yeah, I know …" Her orientation was worse than from a rotten potato. She waved her parents goodbye as they drove away, after promising her mom, she'd message them soon. Now there really was no going back. Unless she walked 300km home.
She fished out the position plan that was sent to her in advance from her bag. All of her luggage should already be in her room. She read the gold shimmering sign right next to the entrance: "Northwind - Private Residential School for Extraordinary Humans". Maybe it was a mental hospital after all? Sayuri took her courage in both hands and passed the entrance. A harsh breeze let her hair float, she held the plan tight and turned around panicky. The gate wasn't closed. At least no prison yet.
Not surprising that the inner yard was emptied completely at 7am. Sayuri tried to find the way on her own. How hard could it be?
Seemingly very hard. After forever she still couldn't find the secretary's office. Did she run in circles? Why were there so few signs for orientation? On her map was a corridor, but it didn't exist where it should have been! How should this ever work out, if she wasn't even able to check herself in? Frustrated she crumpled up her stupid plan and threw it backwards.
???: "Well, … the school year didn't even start and somebody's already going on a rampage." Someone laughed.
Startled Sayuri turned around. A brunette boy with bright blue headphones around his neck unfolded the piece of paper, next to him a short blonde girl.
Girl: "How dare you throw a piece of trash against Toki's head?"
Sayuri: //Great! That's how I make friends ...// She wanted to apologize. But then she realized both were smiling friendly towards her.
Toki: "Can we be of help? Guess, you're looking for a specific room?" he pointed to the map.
Sayuri: "Uhm … yeah … well … yes, I'm looking for the office …"
Girl: "What a coincidence! We're both heading the same way! Just follow us! You also could go next to us, if you prefer. By the way, I'm Hana and this guy next to me is - as I already said - Toki. And who are you?" She smiled like a Cheshire cat.
Sayuri: "My name is Sayuri. Thank you, I'll come along, my orientation sucks." She was relieved. Now she'd definitely arrive at her destination.
They went down a long narrow corridor and Sayuri was sure she'd been here before. But there has been a dead end and so it was again.
Sayuri: "Uhm, are you sure you know the place? I mean, we're heading towards a dead end …" She stopped.
Toki: "Dead end? You need glasses? Over there the office can already be seen?"
Hana also stopped and turned towards Toki.
Hana: "Oh oh, Tok-chan, we're dealing with a Momaina here!"
Toki: "What? You think so?" He lured to Sayuri over his shoulder.
Hana: "Sure thing! What other reason would there be, she could not see through this illusion?"
Sayuri: "I don't want to be rude, but I can hear you guys! What are you talking about? Moma- what?"
Hana: "Sorry, Sayu-chan! But you know, there is no dead end. The administration section is protected by a complex illusion and only those aware of their tang can see through. And, well … I don't know why you can't. It's very rare for someone your age. But you having this building plan means, you're here for a reason, if you didn't steal it, what I don't assume." She smiled.
Sayuri: "Uhm … okay?"
Toki: "Hana, you're overcharging her." He laughed. "Sayuri, just move on, you won't hit your nose. Look …" And while saying this, he just went through the dead end and vanished.
Sayuri: "W-w-w-what? How did he do this? Where is he?" She went closer to the wall, where Toki was last existent.
Toki: "She's still not gettin' it?" He peeked through the illusion barrier.
Sayuri was flabbergasted. Your parents telling you random stuff about a world you only know from movies and books is something different than seeing this right in front of your eyes. Her mind would just not believe this.
Hana: "Wow, what a toughie! I'll help …" She laughed while pushing Sayuri forward.
Sayuri: "H-hey!" But it was already too late and she fell over. //Did I hit my head?// It all happened so fast, she wasn't sure if she fell against the wall or the floor, but Sayuri had a pleasant scent in her nose.
Toki: "Could be worse, I guess." He smiled at her. Sayuri had been thrown against Toki's chest and he had put her gently back on her feet.
Her cheeks had turned red, cause getting so close to a not familiar person was kinda embarrassing for her. She looked up to him. He did not vanish and he did not just have a floating head. And behind him, the corridor really was continuing. She turned around and the dead end was also gone. Who knows how many walls in here weren't actually walls?!
Sayuri: "I … need to cope with this."
Hana: "Understandable for a Momaina! But now let's go checking you both in!"
There it was again. This word. Momaina?!
At the office no other students were there. The secretary sat chilling in her swivel chair, legs on the desk and filing her nails. How … professional.
Secretary: "Wow, you finally did it! Congratulations! Ladies first, so Miss Kobayashi, I know you had a hard time and you don't get anything, but it will get better … sometime. I'm Midori Ikebana, my tang is looking into the future, but just 4 weeks ahead and no, I won't tell you the lottery numbers. What I was actually going to say: Here is your Freshman-Cit. It contains an ID-Card you mustn't lose. It holds access to the dorms, your room, the library and so on. Additionally you can charge it with money and pay at the canteen or campus-store. It also confirms your identity and is immune to any tangs. Then you have a manual that will answer most of the common questions regarding this school, like rules. Last but not least your timetable is inside it as well as your room number. If you have any more questions, you can go to the next room. From tomorrow on you'll find the student reps there. Nooow I just need you to sign here, here and here!"
The secretary pushed a paper over to the totally swamped Sayuri. She scanned it fast. Just to be sure, she wouldn't sell her soul or buy a washing machine. But the document seemed like a typical application form. So she just signed it, packed her stuff into her bag and since she didn't know what to do or say, Sayuri just put herself on hold.
Miss Ikebana: "Well, Mister Asayake, I don't need to tell everything twice, so if you would be so kind and sign as well?"
Just as he signed his formula, they were bowed out of the room with a note to not miss the entrance ceremony. And so they made their way to the dorms. Not that Sayuri knew where they went, but she just followed along. Otherwise she would end up lost again.
Hana: "She is always so creepy!"
Toki: "Haha, yeah, I don't get her either. At least I have my stuff."
Sayuri: "Why didn't you check in, Hana?"
Hana: "I've already been here for two days. My brothers couldn't wait to see their classmates again!"
Sayuri: //Everything seems quite normal yet, but … What do I even know? I should be cautious, yet I could at least try to socialize with them, since they helped me earlier.// "Say … so what are your superpowers?"
Toki: "Superpowers!" He laughed very hard. "You truly are a Momaina, Sayuri!"
All that Momaina-thing made Sayuri even feel more uneasy. What did that even mean? Not being aware of her tang? Of course not! Her cheeks started glowing and ashamed she looked to the ground.
Hana: "Sayu-chan, just ignore this douchebag! He can't control his powers anyway." She smiled playfully to Toki.
Toki: "Hey! I might not be in total control of my tangs yet, but what would you do, if you had four skills at once! And on top, I'm also a Haigo …"
Sayuri: //What does Haigo even mean?//
Hana: "All these excuses!" She snorted sarcastically. "In contrast to me, who aspires to an ultimate healing career! I just need to create better shields!"
Sayuri: "Okay, so … wait. You can heal wounds and illnesses? And a shield, too? Like in an online game?"
Hana: "I don't know much about gaming, but I can at least heal small wounds yet! I might not cure the flu, but if you cut your finger, I'll be there, haha."
Sayuri: "Woah, really awesome! And Toki, you have even more different powers at once? What are they?"
Toki: "Hypothetically I can create illusions. Similar to the one you saw with the pretended dead end. But I suck at it. And I'm also a dream wanderer, thus I can also dematerialize myself, as well I can control the element of electricity.
Sayuri: "I … still can't believe all this! Is this really … true?" Her mouth stood open. Just hearing them talk so casually about these powers made her synapses go wild. Would they demonstrate these skills to her sometime?
Toki: "You really should close your mouth, or insects will come in."
Hana: "How dare you be rude to our new friend Sayu-chan?!" She boxed him.
Toki: "What? I just gave helpful advice. The bugs here are horrible!"
Sayuri: "You two … seem like an old couple to me." She curiously she smiled at them.
Hana: "Huh? Toki and I? Hahahahahahaaaa, I'm laughing my ass off. Does it look to you like this? No, no, we just know each other for a very long time, you know?" She held her tummy, while Toki rolled his eyes, then smiled.
Toki: "Too long, if you're asking me!"
Hana: "But, mostly important, since we unfortunately don't know you very well yet: What is even your tang?" She stared at Sayuri.
Sayuri: "Um, well …" She didn't know where to look, so her eyes wandered between Hana, Toki and the floor. "My parents said I could invoke ghosts. But really? I just see strange shadows and stuff right now and I don't like it at all …"
Toki: "But that's totally awesome! How could you not have known until now, you're a necromancer? What are your parents' skills?"
Sayuri: //Actually I didn't want to talk about my private life so early … What should I do?"// She felt a bit uncomfortable and meddled with her fingers.
Hana: "That would be an awesome topic to discuss later! I mean necromancing clans are so rare and Ryo definitely wouldn't want to miss this! Also my brothers can tell you something about another one from your kind! He is in the same class as them, but, as I heard, he is kind of an arrogant jerk. Not to forget about our roommates we will soon meet and they surely want to know everything, too! I'd be a bother if Sayu-chan had to tell everything over and over again!" She grinned at Sayuri from the side.
Sayuri was glad that Hana saved her, but she couldn't say for sure if it was on purpose or just a coincidence, cause of her vibrant personality. Anyway she needed to think about what to say later. And the blonde girl already mentioned another person and roommates and … Well, this day would be a ride for the introverted girl for sure!
Sayuri: "Well … that sounds like a plan." She tried to smile.
Toki: "Well, alright then!" He smiled at the girls.
Hana stopped and so did Sayuri and Toki.
Hana: "Oh, we're already at my room. Toki, then you and Ryo will fetch us later for the entrance ceremony?"
Toki: "Alrighty! See ya!" He raised his hand and disappeared in the corridors.
Hana: "What is your room number, Sayu-chan? Let's look at your ID-card!"
Sayuri: "Um, one moment …" She fished the card out of her bag and looked for her room number. "Room A-23. Could … could you by any chance help me find it?" //Otherwise I'll get lost again …//
Hana's eyes grew big.
Hana: "How cool is that?! We're sharing a room! That's gonna be soo awesome, I swear! We're going to have SO. MUCH. FUN." Euphorically she jumped on Sayuri, almost suffocating her. Sayuri gasped for air and Hana let go of her. "I'm sorry, but that's just so awesome!"
Sayuri: "I-it's alright." She tried to smile. It did not happen everyday that Sayuri was kinda popular without even doing anything. But that cheerful girl seemed to be fond of her already. Somehow Sayuri felt relieved that she had found someone to actually like her. But for her being enthusiastic about something social, would take much longer.
After entering the room, Hana explained to Sayuri how they were set up. Either three or four persons were in a shared flat, while boys and girls were placed on different floors. Each flat had a small kitchen combined with a sitting area, a shower room and a toilet. Every roommate had their own fully equipped room to live in. Nothing too big or luxurious, but good enough for Sayuri, since her most important issue of having some privacy was covered.
While Hana was babbling about the possibility of renting a whole room for oneself and how expensive and boring and philistine that is, Sayuri tried to identify her room. The one on the right was closed, the second one was a chaotic mess, so she assumed that would be Hana's and so the one on the left had to be hers, since her suitcases had seemed to find their way in, too.
Instead of unpacking her luggage, she put down her bag and opened the window. The view was covered with many trees. Perfect for Sayuri! No one had a chance to look into her room and the chattering sound of birds made her feel at ease immediately. Maybe because it reminded her of her home? Sayuri opened her wardrobe. It was already filled with 3 sets from her school uniform, sports clothing and swimwear. She didn't want to know how much her parents must have spent to sign her into this. They surely could have applied her to a smaller school for freaks.
Hana: "Are you looking forward to the entrance ceremony?" Her sudden appearance behind Sayuri made her startle. What was the privacy thing again? But Hana didn't stop talking. "We're gonna be wearing our uniforms for the first time, we'll meet all the other new pupils, we're gonna get divided in our classes and … I am sooo excited!"
Sayuri: "I am curious, yeah. But I really don't have a clue about nothing."
Hana: "It's alright, Sayu-chan! You have me, don't worry! I'll help you with everything!"
Sayuri: "Thank you. I really appreciate it." She turned around to Hana. "But we should change now. It's almost time!"
Hana: "Oh, you're right! I'm still wondering who our other roommate is, though …" Hana mumbled while hopping into her room.
Sayuri put on her uniform and looked at herself in the mirror from all angles. She thought it looked quite nice on her. Also it seemed to be made with high-quality material. Sayuri adjusted her ribbon and smoothed down the skirt. She really liked the vivid blue plaid pattern on these. Shortly after, someone knocked at the flat door.
When Sayuri came out of her room, Hana had already opened the door and Toki and two other guys were inside - all in their uniforms. Sayuri had never seen short pants for male school uniforms before. But, well, it was still warm outside, and girls were wearing skirts anyway, so why not.
Hana: "May I introduce you? Guys, this absolutely gorgeous girl and roommate is Sayu-chan!" She pointed towards her. "And this poser fair head is Ryo, you already know Toki, but I don't know this ginger myself. And I'd totally offer you some drinks, but I think we need to go now?!"
Ryo: "Naka-chan, where are your good manners? You should tell her my full name! I'm Ryota Yamamoto, nice to meet you! And may I know yours as well, sweetheart?" With his smile he could definitely do ads for toothpaste. Toki rolled with his eyes.
Sayuri: "Uhm, yeah Sayuri Kobayashi. But speaking of good manners… we shouldn't ignore that there's another person here." Her open hand pointed to the tall guy.
You could see that Ryota was slightly ashamed and Toki chuckled gleefully to himself. But with his hands in his pockets and a relaxed expression, the guy in question didn't seem to be angry about it.
Guy: "Haha, it's alright. I'm Hiroshi, just ignore me, I'm only their roommate. If they annoy me, I'll fire them up." He laughed.
Hana: "Niiiice! Does that mean you're a fire-elemental?"
Hiroshi: "Yep."
Toki: "Ok, great we embarrassed Ryo, but can we finally go?"
Ryota: "Oh, come on, you …!" He boxed Toki's arm and he giggled.
Somehow Sayuri thought this was kinda cute.
Finally the group made their way to the assembly hall. But Sayuri didn't pay much attention to what they were talking about. She looked around and tried to learn as much as she could. There were many other students walking around now. Some in uniform, some in casual clothes and some even showed their skills. This was what caught her attention the most. Someone let flowers grow on the ground, another one turned their hands in some kind of fluid and another two were throwing energy balls at each other. Sayuri felt like thrown into a Hollywood movie. Was this even real? Wasn't there still a chance, it was a dream? A prank? A hidden camera? A very belated April Fools? She shook her head. She needed to focus. Everything would be explained. She would pass this all.
The group took their seats and Sayuri looked around. Glancing at the faces of all those freshmen, she felt kinda relieved. Some of them definitely were more nervous than her. And they all looked like normal humans. This could not become so bad, could it? What would it even matter which school she would attend? She hadn't made a decision what to do after graduation anyway.
A woman with a strict hair bun appeared at the podium and the mumbling and chatting stopped. Now it was time to follow the main events again, as the woman introduced herself as school's headmistress, Itoe Osakabe.
Miss Osakabe: "Dear students, I welcome you to the 814th school year at our prestigious Northwind Residential School! You can be proud, to get the chance to become a part of it. It's the first year of an exciting journey at one of the renowned schools for supernatural tangs for you! An outstanding education, top teachers, a modern high-end equipped campus and hopefully a successful graduation awaits you!" She made a pause, and the students started applauding and cheering. Sayuri just went with them. "Tomorrow, you'll have an easy start at 10 am. You'll find your regular time table on your ID-Cards, as described in your manuals. Also, until tomorrow you can choose which extra classes you'd like to attend. Open classes can be found at the information boards in the entrance hall and canteen. Now, please all Shinteki, rise!"
Around one third of the students got up, including Hana. And before Sayuri had a chance to ask what this even meant, Hana already pulled her up.
Miss Osakabe: "Dear Shinteki, my humble self and Shuuji Takano will be your teachers on this journey. I'm looking forward to getting to know your tangs. Please take your seats again."
After that, she called all "Gaiteki". Ryota and Hiroshi seemed to belong to this group. Their teachers would be Ayano Toyami and Ryuuhei Tennouji. Last but not least, "Haigo" were called and this time, Toki stood up. He would be taught by Megumi Ootsuka and Kentaro Minawa. Sayuri really needed to know what all those terms ment, but she was afraid of asking during the speech. Was it a good thing or bad thing to be under the director? Who were the other teachers? Did they also have supernatural skills? For sure, or?
When Sayuri's mind went back to the oration, it was about organizational things like wearing the uniforms, the canteen's opening hours, night curfew, what to do in case of illness and lots of other stuff. She hoped she would remember all this …
After this speech, a voluntary round tour would take place. Sayuri was just about to sign up for it, but Hana stopped her. She said she was well-versed with the area and would guide Sayuri in any case. She should rather join the group to grab some food.
Sayuri: "But I don't have any money transferred to my ID-Card and I don't have my wallet with me, either." Fitting to her sentence, her tummy started to rumble, which made her feel slightly uncomfortable.
Hana: "No problem, I'll borrow you something." She smiled. "We're all hungry!"
Sayuri: "Sure? I don't wanna live off your money on the first day already …"
Hana: "Everything's alright, Sayu-chan! The world won't fall into a financial crisis in the next 24 hours!" She laughed.
Ryota: "If you don't wanna accept Hana's offer, I'll just invite you completely!"
Sayuri: "Uhm … thanks, but that is really not necessary. I think it's okay, if Hana lends me something for now."
Ryota: "All right, then …" He was kinda miffed.
Sayuri: "Uhm … I …" She didn't know what to say. Has she been rude?
Toki: "Are you ready now? I'm starving and gonna fetch something now!"
The others didn't hesitate long to follow him. The canteen was really big and comfortably furnitured. Sayuri thought it would have been more crowded. The group members grabbed some food each and sat down at a huge table.
Hana: "Hiro-kun, Sayu-chan, give me your numbers! I'm gonna make a WhatsApp-group for all of us!"
Sayuri cringed. She wasn't ready for all this social stuff. But Hiroshi handed his mobile phone to Hana immediately.
Hiroshi: "Cool idea. Copy it from the display, I can't memorize it."
Sayuri just repeated what Hiroshi did. She knew her number, but didn't want to say it out loud for her own safety.
Toki: "And how're you gonna name the group? 「Those who have superpowers」?" He blinked at Sayuri, but she just looked away, slightly embarrassed. He surely meant this to be funny, but just because she phrased something weird earlier …
Hana: "Not a bad idea, Tokkun! But … you know … SQUIRRELS!"
Everyone else just had question marks above their heads.
Hana: "Well, that's the first thing that came to my mind." She shrugged.
Ryota: "I'm sorry to say this, Naka-chan, but I'd rather stay with Toki's suggestion …"
Hana: "But … but squirrels are cute and clever! Just like us! Who the hell doesn't like squirrels?!"
Hiroshi: "I don't mind either way …"
Hana: "Sa-yu-chaaaan, say something!"
Sayuri: //Oh no, not me again. What should I do?// "Uhm … what about a compromise? Like … power...squirrels?"
Hana: "Aw my god, you're such a blessing! That's gonna be it!"
Ryota pressed his palm against his forehead and shook his head. Suddenly all cell phones started vibrating. The first message was sent and on everyone's lockscreen it appeared: »Hana♥@ Power Squirrels: YOSH! >o< We're gonna rock the Northwind! ^_^«
And immediately the next one: »Hana♥@ Power Squirrels: So guys, I'm heading back to my room now, checkin' some infos and then let's head to town, alrighty? ^_^«
Ryota: "You know, you could just … talk to us. We're right in front of you …"
»Toki @ Power Squirrels: Alrighty! :D«
»Hiro @ Power Squirrels: Ok.«
Ryota: "You …" He just stared at all those incoming messages. They were so childish to him.
»Sayu @ Power Squirrels: :)« She hoped a smilie would be acceptable.
Ryota: "Why no one is with me?" He resigned.
Hana: "You just need to join our group convo!" She put out her tongue.
After their meal, they all went back to their dorms. Hana was texting her brothers, asking where they could go and so the new group of Power Squirrels made their way into town. Sayuri still was a bit overwhelmed, but she also thought that it really could have been worse, while looking into the September sun.