Third Year at Hogwarts
Title: Third Year at Hogwarts
By: arashiforyou
Genre: Friendship/ Fantasy/ Drama
Rating: PG13
Summary: Matsujun is a third year at Hogwarts. Aiba, Nino, and Jun's plan to enter the Restricted Section was to brew a Polyjuice Potion to disguise themselves for safety measures. In the dead of the night, they sneak into the Section, and Jun found a mysterious book about Metal, one of the Vocal Wizards' element. But they weren't alone, and while they were hiding in sight, they discovered that Naruse Ryo is working as a spy! Who is Naruse Ryo really working for? What can Jun learn from his new book?
A/N: (cries) i want their new album!!! i want to hear their new songs!!! (CRIES) T_T
Chapter 7- In The MoonLight
"Are you sure you saw Naruse?" Sho asked for the hundredth time.
"Yes!" Nino repeated. "We heard his voice talking to some guy name Fujiwara Tatsuya. We heard him say it straight from his mouth that he is loyal to Tamaki Hiroshi, leader of SIN."
"Somehow, I don't find that surprising," Jun muttered under his breath.
"This is ridiculous!" Sho shouted, walking back and forth. "Naruse Ryo maybe a cruel teacher, but he has been working with my father and the Elites for years! Are you sure-"
"YES!" Nino yelled. "You have to trust us, Sho. Naruse is with SIN."
Sho looked like he wanted to fight back, but he rubbed his eyes instead as if it'll relieve him of his frustration. The boys were outside besides the lake, and there was a light cover of snow on the ground. A few students were playing magical snowball fights already, but the lake wasn't solid enough to skate on, so they had enough privacy.
Ohno remained calm by making a tiny whip of water and twirling it in midair. Aiba looked uneasy which surprised Jun to see Aiba with such a serious face; it almost scared Jun.
"We have to tell Professor Johnny about this," Nino said immediately. "He has to know about Naruse's identity."
"We don't have any proof," Aiba spoke. "Even if we did tell someone in the Elites, no one will believe us."
"So what are we suppose to do?" Jun said. "Catch Naruse red-handed?"
"Good luck with that," Ohno said, dropping his water whip. "If I know my uncle, he is a thousand steps ahead of you."
"But we can't just sit here and let Naruse get the talismans," Aiba said. "If he does say he is close to finding one, he'll give it to the SIN."
"But why?" Jun questioned. "Why does the SIN want the talismans?"
"We don't know that!" Sho said, still frustrated. "The Elites have been battling with SIN before we were even born! So how am I suppose to know?!" He yelled louder, and Jun saw sparks coming from his clutched fists.
"Calm down," Ohno said. "If what you guys said is true, then Sho and I will keep an eye on Naruse."
"Why only you and Sho?" Nino asked. "We're here to help, you know? If anything, we can-"
"This doesn't concern you!" Ohno said, his voice slightly raised.
Nino's eyes widen, and Jun felt his heart stop for a split second in shock. There it was again...that sudden commanding voice. Even Aiba looked surprised.
"Sho and I have a better chance in finding out about the talisman than you guys," Ohno said, back to his normal tone. "And besides, we don't want you to get involve. We don't know what will happen, but I won't risk bringing any harm to you."
"But Ohno," Jun spoke, shaking his head, "we're your friends. We're here for you guys."
"Jun," Sho sighed, his anger finally gone. "Please...just let this go. Let Ohno and I handle it. We're only doing this because...we don't want you to get killed."
Ohno patted Sho's shoulder, and together they walked away again in synchronized steps. Jun watched them go and felt his heart sink to his stomach. Aiba sat on a rock, defeated.
"I'm sorry, Aiba," Nino sighed, also sitting on a rock. "Maybe they're right. This isn't our fight."
Aiba's shoulder started to shake. Jun had to look away, waiting for the sounds of Aiba's cries. But they never came. Instead, Jun heard a soft chuckle. Jun wheeled around and watched Aiba laugh his head off like a mad man.
"Idiot," Aiba sighed, catching his breath. "You think I'll listen to that after going through the trouble of getting into the Restricted Section?!"
"Aiba," Jun smiled, seeing Aiba's determined grin come back. Aiba stood up, his fist pumped.
"I've only started!" Aiba said. "Let's go!"
Nino and Jun watched Aiba dash back to the castle. Nino glanced at Jun, and for once he knew what Nino was thinking. Smiling, they raced after Aiba.
* * *
"I knew they'll do nothing," Aiba said, piling more books onto the table. "All they do is stare and read each other's minds. We'll have to do the hard work."
"So what now?" Jun asked. "We've got more books on the Vocal Wizards, right?"
"Look what I picked up," Aiba said, handing Jun a thick book.
" 'The Tale of the Vocal Wizards,' "Jun read, opening the book. "But this is just the history about them. I thought we need to find something about their powers."
"Idiot!" Aiba snorted. "A great way to know someone is their history!"
"Wow, Aiba. You actually sounded intelligent there," Nino teased. Aiba whacked Nino's head.
"On a serious note," Aiba continued, "we might as well accept the fact that Ohno and Sho are changing."
Jun felt goosebumps rise on his forearms. Aiba's serious face was back, and even Nino paid attention.
"It's like what Jun said, the more they're using their powers, they more they're losing themselves," Aiba said. "But I also think the more they spend time with each other, the more they'll become their Vocal Wizard self."
"Sho does act strange around Ohno," Jun nodded. "Before Sho was a Vocal Wizard, Ohno was still himself somewhat."
"Exactly," Aiba nodded. "It's just a guess, but I think if more Vocal Wizards come together, they'll lose more and more of themselves."
"What kind of bond is that?" Nino whispered, clasping his hands together. "What can possibly make the Vocal Wizards so powerful and so close?"
Jun stared back at the book and searched through the pages until he found something interesting.
"Whoa," Jun gasped. "Take a look at this. 'The Vocal Wizards were not alone in their reign of terror. A separate cult as old as the Vocal Wizards stood besides them in their service. Their name is unknown, but it is believed they still exist today but hidden from society. The cult worshiped the Vocal Wizards and have been loyal to their masters. On the fateful day of the Vocal Wizards fall, the mysterious cult vanished from sight. There have been rumors that the cult seeks a way to revive the Vocal Wizards once again. However, the task to revive the Vocal Wizards is futile.' ...well, it isn't now."
"That," Aiba spoke, his voice low, "...that almost sounds like SIN!"
"You really think SIN has been around for thousands of years?" Nino questioned.
Aiba shrugged. "It's a guess, but even Sho said that SIN has been around before Elites. And remember what Naruse said? He talked so much how his loyalty is to SIN. It makes sense in a way, doesn't it?"
"So you're saying SIN wants to collect the talismans and find the perfect host so they can finally bring back the Vocal Wizards," Jun summed up. "But if that was the case, wouldn't they want to kidnap Sho and Ohno by now?"
Aiba's shoulders drooped.
"Oh, you have a point there," Aiba nodded.
"Wait a minute," Nino said, standing up and slowly pacing in their small VIP spot. "Let's assume that is SIN's plan. To find the talismans and find the perfect hosts. But Ohno and Sho are on the Elites side, so the SIN can't just barge in and snatch them. Maybe that's why Tsukumo Ryusuke is also here, which makes me wonder if any of the other teachers are Elites too. Hogwarts is a safe haven for them. SIN wouldn't think of stealing them especially under Professor Johnny's watch."
"But what about the day they battled at Knockturn Alley?" Jun brought up. "They were right there."
"And they are Vocal Wizards," Aiba answered. "It's gonna take a lot more than a bunch of skilled wizards to take down a Vocal Wizard."
"So maybe their main goal is finding the other talismans before the Elites do," Nino concluded. "If they do find the other three, and miraculously find the perfect hosts, that's three against two Vocal Wizards."
"I think the Vocal Wizards would reunite with each other even if they were on opposite sides," Jun said. "If the five Vocal Wizards appear, SIN has done it's job nonetheless."
"We can't let that happen!" Aiba said, slamming his fist on the table.
"So we just gotta make sure they don't find another Vocal Wizard," Nino nodded. "That means we need to find the talismans."
"But finding a talisman is impossible," Jun sighed. "Both SIN and the Elites have a hard time finding them. How will three Hogwarts students find them?"
"I think I know one," Aiba grinned. "Remember what Naruse and Fujiwara said that night?"
Nino gasped. "He talked about tracking down a beast!"
"He even mentioned about me," Aiba nodded. "The boy who heard 'the beast's cry.' That must be a clue."
"But there must hundreds of beasts that can make cries like that," Jun frowned. "What are the chances that the beast you heard was the same the the Elites heard too."
"The reports!" Aiba said, pointing out the window. "Tsukumo told me and Ohno there have been reports all over Japan of abnormal wind storms. And before each storm, a member heard a similar cry. And on the day I heard it, an owl reported to Tsukumo a new wind storm appeared in Tohoku, where we are!"
"Are you saying..." Nino uttered low and slow, "...that a magical creature...is a talisman?"
"That's my guess," Aiba shrugged. "Think about it. The Elites believe they're following the Wind Talisman. That's a no brainer because of the strange wind storms. Before each storm, someone heard the beast cries, and then there's Naruse talking about the beast being hard to track. My guess is that this beast is some kind of wind element creature, and from the way the reports, this one travels far for a short amount of time."
It was as if a lightbulb lit in his head, and Jun gasped dramatically.
"Naruse was looking for a book!" Jun exclaimed. Nino and Aiba stared at Jun, confused. "I saw Naruse in the library searching for a book on Wide-Range Magic."
Aiba's eyes grew round.
"Wide-Range Magic?" Aiba repeated. "Like...Wide-Terrain Magic?! Then, that means..."
"I can't believe it," Nino whispered, sitting back in his chair. "Could a talisman be living inside a creature?"
None of them spoke, but the excitement was there. Jun looked out the window and watched the snow pulled up on the glass. Was it possible for them to find the talisman inside a beast? One that is constantly on the move?!
* * *
Winter break came sooner than they thought. Jun, Aiba, and Nino all decided to stay during the holidays. They agreed there was nothing more important than finding a way to get Sho and Ohno back to normal, as well as finding the other talismans.
The books they stole from the Restricted Section proved to be worthwhile but at the same time pointless. Jun discovered that a Vocal Wizard has his limits if he's not near his certain element. But seeing that water, wind, and earth is almost always present, it still made them seem powerful.
Nino asked questions to the teachers if there was such an ancient cult that supported the Vocal Wizards. However, no one would tell him, not even Tsukumo Ryusuke.
Aiba even ventured out to the school grounds during his free time, hoping that he'll hear the beast's cry again. But Jun worried that he'll get into trouble like before. However, Aiba would come back completely fine but disappointed.
"Nothing again," Aiba sighed, his nose pink from the cold.
"The beast must've traveled far away by now," Nino sighed, holding an ice patch to cool his hot head from overthinking. "We're going no where like this. What we need is inside information. We need to know what the beast SIN is tracking and where it'll appear next."
"Even if we did find that out, what will we do?" Jun asked. "It's not like we're strong enough to fight a beast carrying a talisman."
"I don't know, but listen to this," Aiba said. "I've talked with Shimura if anything strange happened on the day he found me laying on the ground when I heard the beast. He said nothing happened, but his horses have been acting strange."
"His horses?" Nino asked.
"Taiyo and Tsuki," Jun answered. "A Pegasus and a Sleipnir."
"Yeah. He said they have been acting wild and more aggressive than normal," Aiba said. "He had to pin them inside an invisible dome so they wouldn't fly away."
"Maybe you should check on them," Nino suggested.
"You want Aiba to face a Sleipnir?!" Jun asked. "Last time he did, it almost stampeded over him."
"But it didn't!" Aiba smiled. "Good idea, Nino. I think I'll go check on them later. But I'll need to distract them somehow." Aiba stood up and slung his bag strap over his shoulder. "I'm gonna head back to my common room and work on my Irresistible Pickled Strawberries."
"Oh, okay. Good luck with those grandma nipples," Nino waved,
"Hmmm, maybe I could bring my Pie-Proof Fencing Masks too," Aiba added, and he dashed away.
Jun didn't want to assist in Aiba's crazy experiments, and he stayed in his seat. But Nino also remained where he was and continued to read through the books from the Restricted Section. It's been awhile since Jun have been alone with Nino like this, and yet Jun felt calm and at ease. Plus, Nino looked like he had no intention to do anything...to him.
'Maybe I should do some research until I have to meet up with Mao,' Jun thought.
Then he remembered the velvet book he stole before. Jun reached inside his bag but realized he left it in his trunk. Nino still didn't look up even as Jun stood up from his seat.
"Where are you going?" Nino asked, turning a page.
"To my common room. I need to get something," Jun said, looking at his watch. "I think I might as well leave from there for my UtaMahou project."
"That dumb project," Nino sighed, irritated. "Going to see Inoue again."
Jun felt offended but Nino's tone.
"She is my partner after all. I have to go," Jun said.
Nino looked up with unreadable eyes. "Are you two a thing now?"
"W-what?"
"Are you two together now?" Nino asked, simply. "You did tell me you're taken. So how come I haven't seen you two together yet?"
Jun gulped. "W-well, she's very busy these days. Did you know she's taking four extra classes?"
"Yeah, I figure she was a nerd," Nino rolled his eyes. Jun suddenly felt his stomach grow hot with anger.
"I think she's a lot smarter than you," Jun said, quirking his eyebrow.
Nino leaned back on his chair and smirked. "If she was so smart, then how come I landed a kiss before she did?" Nino chuckled at Jun's red face. "I surprised, Matsujun. Maybe you're bisexual just like me."
Jun had no words to say. As awkward as it was, Jun left and heard Nino laughing his head off. Jun felt defeated as he marched back to the Gryffindor common room.
"Password?" The Fat Lady asked.
"Maou!" Jun roared. The Fat Lady rolled her eyes and let him in. Jun didn't even watch where he was going and bumped into someone.
"Oof! Oh, Matsujun," Ohno said.
"Ohno!" Jun gasped, straightening his robes. "Going somewhere?"
"Just to meet up with Sho," Ohno shrugged. "Uhh, want to come?"
'How can he be a Vocal Wizard? He looks so natural and the same Oh-chan I've always known,' Jun thought. 'He is still my friend...I can't let them feel distant from each other.'
"I can't, but..." Jun's brain clicked with a new idea, "I think Nino is up in the library. At our regular VIP spot. You should go and meet up with him."
Ohno raised his eyebrows.
"Oh...well..." Ohno said, looking unsure.
"It must've been a long time since you two talked," Jun suggested. "I'm sure he misses you."
Ohno shuffled his feet as if he was uncomfortable. Jun watched Ohno's expression changed from unsure to a sweet smile. Jun could have swore he saw the old Ohno again.
"It has been awhile," Ohno nodded. "I think I will. Thanks, Matsujun."
"Sure...and it's Matsumoto or Jun to you," Jun laughed and watched Ohno leave.
'Maybe that's the key,' Jun thought as he climbed up to his bedroom. 'If we keep Ohno and Sho separate and interact with us more, they'll remain themselves a little longer.'
When he walked in, there was no one in the common room since students were either at dinner or outside playing the snow. Jun entered his dormitory room, opened his trunk, and searched through his stuff until he found the book. He carefully pulled it out and opened it.
It was a very detailed book. Compare to the others they've found in the Restricted Section, this one was solely for the Metal Vocal Wizard. It never really crossed him to share it with the others, so he kept it in his trunk. As Jun briefly read through the first few chapters, he stumbled across an interesting chart. It was a circle with a square in its center. Ancient scriptures were written on each corner of the square, but Jun guessed it was the Vocal Wizard's elements.
"But that's only four," Jun mumbled to himself, trying to make sense of the strange diagram. But then, he saw a small text written inside the center of the chart.
'Four makes anew. Positive and Negative Magic. To create an element, one must lose a part of itself.'
"What?" Jun whispered. "What could that mean?" He turned a page and found a new paragraph explaining the chart.
" 'The Metal element is merely a make-shift element if treated so. For Metal cannot be born without Earth. For Metal cannot take shape without Wind. For Metal cannot form without Fire. For Metal cannot be complete without Water. A combined power is created for the fifth Vocal Wizard. Thus, makes Metal stronger than Earth, louder than Wind, smarter than Fire, and younger than Water.' "
"Amazing," Jun gasped.
Just then, a soft bell chimed throughout the school, ending dinner. Jun stared at his watch and immediately slammed his book shut. He hid the book inside his trunk again and hurried down the stairs.
For the past month, Jun and Inoue Mao have started working on their UtaMahou project. However, due to Mao's complicated schedule, they hardly meet up to practice their voice power they were assigned to due. Thankfully, both Jun and Mao were intelligent enough to control their voice power and catch up on their work, but they could still use a little practice.
Since they barely meet up for practices, Jun was always anticipated to meet Mao-chan. He couldn't help himself but noticed he was feeling comfortable around her, as well as feeling a strange sensation in his stomach. Since it's been a while since their last meet-up, the weird flutterings were happening again.
They always meet up at night before dinner in an unused classroom. This time, they were using a spare classroom in the Third Floor near the Charms classroom. Most of the students already headed back to their common rooms. But it was Winter Break, and there were hardly any students staying in school.
He opened the door and Inoue Mao was already inside waiting. Her back faced him as she playfully waved her wand around and powdered fake snow in the classroom.
"Oh, hey Matsumoto-kun," she smiled, and the snow evaporated away. Jun noticed the room was darker than they used to practice in.
"How many times do I have to tell you? Call me Jun when we're alone," Jun said kindly, looking around the classroom. "It's kinda dark here. Are there any candles or something?"
"No there isn't," she shook her head. "I've looked, but there's nothing. Well, I can make some light."
She waved her wand in a complex motion and three orange lights popped out of her wand. They hovered over there heads and gave off an humid orange glow. Jun already felt hot under the light.
"It's a bit...over-powering," Jun chuckled, trying not to make her feel bad.
"I overdone it, perhaps," she nodded.
She waved her wand and the obnoxious lights dispersed. The room went back to a cooler blue lighting from the natural light outside the large window. Jun walked towards the curtains and pulled them aside to let the moon fill the room with its light.
"I think it's bright enough if we keep the window open like this," Jun suggested. Mao shyly nodded.
"Sure," she said and tucked her wand away.
"Okay...where did we left off?" Jun asked, gestering her to start.
"Oh no, I couldn't. I don't know what to say to start us off," she said, being modest again. "You go first."
"No, I insist," Jun nodded. Mao frowned.
"Okay, but don't be grouchy," she warned.
"I probably will if that's what you'll be singing," Jun smirked, but he stood at the ready for her full blown UtaMahou.
She took a deep breath and let out a soothing low sound. Jun listened for a while until he started to feel sleepy. He tried his best to keep his eyes opened, but he felt his eyelids getting heavy. Finally, he closed his eyes.
"Jun...Jun wake up!" He heard someone calling him.
"W-what?" Jun mumbled, opening his eyes.
"I must've overdone it again. I'm so sorry."
He found himself laying on the floor and staring up at Mao. Her hair shined bright against the white light from the moon. Jun realized that she had a pale complex that matched well with her dark hair.
"Pretty," he mumbled.
"What?"
"U-uhh. Nothing," he quickly recovered and sat up. "You're getting good."
She smiled, and Jun felt his face grow hot. He stood up and took a few steps away, patting his cheeks.
'What's wrong with me?' Jun thought.
"Okay, my turn," Jun said, watching Mao prepare for his UtaMahou.
'UtaMahou is within your voice,' Jun recited in his head. 'Let the magic deep within your soul fuel your voice. Your emotions is a key element to unleash your voice.'
'She looks pretty in the moonlight...'
Jun let out a soft tune. It was subtle and soothing, but it wasn't a lullaby like Mao produced. Since it was Jun's voice, he wasn't affected by his own UtaMahou, but he watched Mao's reactions. She stood as if she was in another world, just staring straight at him. Her eyes shined bright, and her lips made a sweet smile.
'I wonder if her hair is as soft as it looks,' Jun thought.
He took on step forward without much thought to what he was doing. Mao just stood where she was, but she looked like she glowed like a night angel. Before he knew it, he stood right in front of her. His voice continued to echo through out the empty classroom, his eyes bored into hers. Then, she closed her eyes.
'Huh?'
That's when Jun realized what he was doing. His hand gently held her head, and their lips were nearly inches away. She fluttered her eyes open from the spell and also realized how close they were. She gasped and drew back.
Out of reflex, he stopped her. Words weren't exchanged between them, but their eyes talked. Jun himself wasn't sure what he was doing but continued to gaze into her eyes. She looked confused, and her fair skin shaded to pink in the moon light.
It was then Jun felt his heart flip. The same feelings back when he was around Sho. The same emotions ran through his mind whenever he was with Sho. But this time, it was happening now. Here with Inoue Mao's surprisingly soft black hair in his fingers. Her bright eyes glistened in the dark.
'Could it be?' He thought, his eyes staring down at her pink lips. 'Have I always felt this way...since I've saw her?'
A soft melody played in his head. It was a lovely tune, and he was sure Mao could hear it too as he leaned in and kissed her. It was a familiar tune, and it was familiar feeling against his lips. His heart beated so strong, he hoped Mao-chan was also beating loudly. He felt her arms wrapped around his neck, and he took the invite to deepen their first warm kiss.
He knew it felt right.
They both drew away slowly to catch their breath, but Jun pressed his forehead gently against hers. His arms linked around her waist, and she tangled her fingers in his hair. Jun's eyes were only on her smile, and together, they giggled into the night and shared another kiss.
-----------------------------
WAAAAAAAAAAH!!! MAOTSUJUN FORWAAAARD!!!!!!!!!! XDDDD
i did it again, didn't i? i have brainwashed you all with my lovely maotsujun moment. >< so i will kindly remind you some important events in this chapter. XD
- even tho aiba, nino, and jun warned sho and ohno about naruse, sho and ohno dont want them to get involved. but behind their back, ANJ (aiba, nino, jun) will work to find a way to help them even if it's dangerous
- there is a ancient organization worshiping the vocal wizards and seeking a way to revive them. ANJ suspects it to be SIN
- ANJ also have strong suspicious that the wind talisman relates to a beast. the same beast that aiba heard and other elites have heard before each wind storm
- aiba has learned that taiyo and tsuki have been acting strange since aiba heard the mysterious beast
- a little nino jeaslously moment ><
- jun suggested ohno to spend more time with nino
- jun read a passage in his new book on metal (VERY IMPORTANT!!)
and the rest was juicy maotsujun moment XD
i hope this chapter was long enough. ><
To Chapter 8 - arashiforyou.livejournal.com/14819.html
By: arashiforyou
Genre: Friendship/ Fantasy/ Drama
Rating: PG13
Summary: Matsujun is a third year at Hogwarts. Aiba, Nino, and Jun's plan to enter the Restricted Section was to brew a Polyjuice Potion to disguise themselves for safety measures. In the dead of the night, they sneak into the Section, and Jun found a mysterious book about Metal, one of the Vocal Wizards' element. But they weren't alone, and while they were hiding in sight, they discovered that Naruse Ryo is working as a spy! Who is Naruse Ryo really working for? What can Jun learn from his new book?
A/N: (cries) i want their new album!!! i want to hear their new songs!!! (CRIES) T_T
Chapter 7- In The MoonLight
"Are you sure you saw Naruse?" Sho asked for the hundredth time.
"Yes!" Nino repeated. "We heard his voice talking to some guy name Fujiwara Tatsuya. We heard him say it straight from his mouth that he is loyal to Tamaki Hiroshi, leader of SIN."
"Somehow, I don't find that surprising," Jun muttered under his breath.
"This is ridiculous!" Sho shouted, walking back and forth. "Naruse Ryo maybe a cruel teacher, but he has been working with my father and the Elites for years! Are you sure-"
"YES!" Nino yelled. "You have to trust us, Sho. Naruse is with SIN."
Sho looked like he wanted to fight back, but he rubbed his eyes instead as if it'll relieve him of his frustration. The boys were outside besides the lake, and there was a light cover of snow on the ground. A few students were playing magical snowball fights already, but the lake wasn't solid enough to skate on, so they had enough privacy.
Ohno remained calm by making a tiny whip of water and twirling it in midair. Aiba looked uneasy which surprised Jun to see Aiba with such a serious face; it almost scared Jun.
"We have to tell Professor Johnny about this," Nino said immediately. "He has to know about Naruse's identity."
"We don't have any proof," Aiba spoke. "Even if we did tell someone in the Elites, no one will believe us."
"So what are we suppose to do?" Jun said. "Catch Naruse red-handed?"
"Good luck with that," Ohno said, dropping his water whip. "If I know my uncle, he is a thousand steps ahead of you."
"But we can't just sit here and let Naruse get the talismans," Aiba said. "If he does say he is close to finding one, he'll give it to the SIN."
"But why?" Jun questioned. "Why does the SIN want the talismans?"
"We don't know that!" Sho said, still frustrated. "The Elites have been battling with SIN before we were even born! So how am I suppose to know?!" He yelled louder, and Jun saw sparks coming from his clutched fists.
"Calm down," Ohno said. "If what you guys said is true, then Sho and I will keep an eye on Naruse."
"Why only you and Sho?" Nino asked. "We're here to help, you know? If anything, we can-"
"This doesn't concern you!" Ohno said, his voice slightly raised.
Nino's eyes widen, and Jun felt his heart stop for a split second in shock. There it was again...that sudden commanding voice. Even Aiba looked surprised.
"Sho and I have a better chance in finding out about the talisman than you guys," Ohno said, back to his normal tone. "And besides, we don't want you to get involve. We don't know what will happen, but I won't risk bringing any harm to you."
"But Ohno," Jun spoke, shaking his head, "we're your friends. We're here for you guys."
"Jun," Sho sighed, his anger finally gone. "Please...just let this go. Let Ohno and I handle it. We're only doing this because...we don't want you to get killed."
Ohno patted Sho's shoulder, and together they walked away again in synchronized steps. Jun watched them go and felt his heart sink to his stomach. Aiba sat on a rock, defeated.
"I'm sorry, Aiba," Nino sighed, also sitting on a rock. "Maybe they're right. This isn't our fight."
Aiba's shoulder started to shake. Jun had to look away, waiting for the sounds of Aiba's cries. But they never came. Instead, Jun heard a soft chuckle. Jun wheeled around and watched Aiba laugh his head off like a mad man.
"Idiot," Aiba sighed, catching his breath. "You think I'll listen to that after going through the trouble of getting into the Restricted Section?!"
"Aiba," Jun smiled, seeing Aiba's determined grin come back. Aiba stood up, his fist pumped.
"I've only started!" Aiba said. "Let's go!"
Nino and Jun watched Aiba dash back to the castle. Nino glanced at Jun, and for once he knew what Nino was thinking. Smiling, they raced after Aiba.
* * *
"I knew they'll do nothing," Aiba said, piling more books onto the table. "All they do is stare and read each other's minds. We'll have to do the hard work."
"So what now?" Jun asked. "We've got more books on the Vocal Wizards, right?"
"Look what I picked up," Aiba said, handing Jun a thick book.
" 'The Tale of the Vocal Wizards,' "Jun read, opening the book. "But this is just the history about them. I thought we need to find something about their powers."
"Idiot!" Aiba snorted. "A great way to know someone is their history!"
"Wow, Aiba. You actually sounded intelligent there," Nino teased. Aiba whacked Nino's head.
"On a serious note," Aiba continued, "we might as well accept the fact that Ohno and Sho are changing."
Jun felt goosebumps rise on his forearms. Aiba's serious face was back, and even Nino paid attention.
"It's like what Jun said, the more they're using their powers, they more they're losing themselves," Aiba said. "But I also think the more they spend time with each other, the more they'll become their Vocal Wizard self."
"Sho does act strange around Ohno," Jun nodded. "Before Sho was a Vocal Wizard, Ohno was still himself somewhat."
"Exactly," Aiba nodded. "It's just a guess, but I think if more Vocal Wizards come together, they'll lose more and more of themselves."
"What kind of bond is that?" Nino whispered, clasping his hands together. "What can possibly make the Vocal Wizards so powerful and so close?"
Jun stared back at the book and searched through the pages until he found something interesting.
"Whoa," Jun gasped. "Take a look at this. 'The Vocal Wizards were not alone in their reign of terror. A separate cult as old as the Vocal Wizards stood besides them in their service. Their name is unknown, but it is believed they still exist today but hidden from society. The cult worshiped the Vocal Wizards and have been loyal to their masters. On the fateful day of the Vocal Wizards fall, the mysterious cult vanished from sight. There have been rumors that the cult seeks a way to revive the Vocal Wizards once again. However, the task to revive the Vocal Wizards is futile.' ...well, it isn't now."
"That," Aiba spoke, his voice low, "...that almost sounds like SIN!"
"You really think SIN has been around for thousands of years?" Nino questioned.
Aiba shrugged. "It's a guess, but even Sho said that SIN has been around before Elites. And remember what Naruse said? He talked so much how his loyalty is to SIN. It makes sense in a way, doesn't it?"
"So you're saying SIN wants to collect the talismans and find the perfect host so they can finally bring back the Vocal Wizards," Jun summed up. "But if that was the case, wouldn't they want to kidnap Sho and Ohno by now?"
Aiba's shoulders drooped.
"Oh, you have a point there," Aiba nodded.
"Wait a minute," Nino said, standing up and slowly pacing in their small VIP spot. "Let's assume that is SIN's plan. To find the talismans and find the perfect hosts. But Ohno and Sho are on the Elites side, so the SIN can't just barge in and snatch them. Maybe that's why Tsukumo Ryusuke is also here, which makes me wonder if any of the other teachers are Elites too. Hogwarts is a safe haven for them. SIN wouldn't think of stealing them especially under Professor Johnny's watch."
"But what about the day they battled at Knockturn Alley?" Jun brought up. "They were right there."
"And they are Vocal Wizards," Aiba answered. "It's gonna take a lot more than a bunch of skilled wizards to take down a Vocal Wizard."
"So maybe their main goal is finding the other talismans before the Elites do," Nino concluded. "If they do find the other three, and miraculously find the perfect hosts, that's three against two Vocal Wizards."
"I think the Vocal Wizards would reunite with each other even if they were on opposite sides," Jun said. "If the five Vocal Wizards appear, SIN has done it's job nonetheless."
"We can't let that happen!" Aiba said, slamming his fist on the table.
"So we just gotta make sure they don't find another Vocal Wizard," Nino nodded. "That means we need to find the talismans."
"But finding a talisman is impossible," Jun sighed. "Both SIN and the Elites have a hard time finding them. How will three Hogwarts students find them?"
"I think I know one," Aiba grinned. "Remember what Naruse and Fujiwara said that night?"
Nino gasped. "He talked about tracking down a beast!"
"He even mentioned about me," Aiba nodded. "The boy who heard 'the beast's cry.' That must be a clue."
"But there must hundreds of beasts that can make cries like that," Jun frowned. "What are the chances that the beast you heard was the same the the Elites heard too."
"The reports!" Aiba said, pointing out the window. "Tsukumo told me and Ohno there have been reports all over Japan of abnormal wind storms. And before each storm, a member heard a similar cry. And on the day I heard it, an owl reported to Tsukumo a new wind storm appeared in Tohoku, where we are!"
"Are you saying..." Nino uttered low and slow, "...that a magical creature...is a talisman?"
"That's my guess," Aiba shrugged. "Think about it. The Elites believe they're following the Wind Talisman. That's a no brainer because of the strange wind storms. Before each storm, someone heard the beast cries, and then there's Naruse talking about the beast being hard to track. My guess is that this beast is some kind of wind element creature, and from the way the reports, this one travels far for a short amount of time."
It was as if a lightbulb lit in his head, and Jun gasped dramatically.
"Naruse was looking for a book!" Jun exclaimed. Nino and Aiba stared at Jun, confused. "I saw Naruse in the library searching for a book on Wide-Range Magic."
Aiba's eyes grew round.
"Wide-Range Magic?" Aiba repeated. "Like...Wide-Terrain Magic?! Then, that means..."
"I can't believe it," Nino whispered, sitting back in his chair. "Could a talisman be living inside a creature?"
None of them spoke, but the excitement was there. Jun looked out the window and watched the snow pulled up on the glass. Was it possible for them to find the talisman inside a beast? One that is constantly on the move?!
* * *
Winter break came sooner than they thought. Jun, Aiba, and Nino all decided to stay during the holidays. They agreed there was nothing more important than finding a way to get Sho and Ohno back to normal, as well as finding the other talismans.
The books they stole from the Restricted Section proved to be worthwhile but at the same time pointless. Jun discovered that a Vocal Wizard has his limits if he's not near his certain element. But seeing that water, wind, and earth is almost always present, it still made them seem powerful.
Nino asked questions to the teachers if there was such an ancient cult that supported the Vocal Wizards. However, no one would tell him, not even Tsukumo Ryusuke.
Aiba even ventured out to the school grounds during his free time, hoping that he'll hear the beast's cry again. But Jun worried that he'll get into trouble like before. However, Aiba would come back completely fine but disappointed.
"Nothing again," Aiba sighed, his nose pink from the cold.
"The beast must've traveled far away by now," Nino sighed, holding an ice patch to cool his hot head from overthinking. "We're going no where like this. What we need is inside information. We need to know what the beast SIN is tracking and where it'll appear next."
"Even if we did find that out, what will we do?" Jun asked. "It's not like we're strong enough to fight a beast carrying a talisman."
"I don't know, but listen to this," Aiba said. "I've talked with Shimura if anything strange happened on the day he found me laying on the ground when I heard the beast. He said nothing happened, but his horses have been acting strange."
"His horses?" Nino asked.
"Taiyo and Tsuki," Jun answered. "A Pegasus and a Sleipnir."
"Yeah. He said they have been acting wild and more aggressive than normal," Aiba said. "He had to pin them inside an invisible dome so they wouldn't fly away."
"Maybe you should check on them," Nino suggested.
"You want Aiba to face a Sleipnir?!" Jun asked. "Last time he did, it almost stampeded over him."
"But it didn't!" Aiba smiled. "Good idea, Nino. I think I'll go check on them later. But I'll need to distract them somehow." Aiba stood up and slung his bag strap over his shoulder. "I'm gonna head back to my common room and work on my Irresistible Pickled Strawberries."
"Oh, okay. Good luck with those grandma nipples," Nino waved,
"Hmmm, maybe I could bring my Pie-Proof Fencing Masks too," Aiba added, and he dashed away.
Jun didn't want to assist in Aiba's crazy experiments, and he stayed in his seat. But Nino also remained where he was and continued to read through the books from the Restricted Section. It's been awhile since Jun have been alone with Nino like this, and yet Jun felt calm and at ease. Plus, Nino looked like he had no intention to do anything...to him.
'Maybe I should do some research until I have to meet up with Mao,' Jun thought.
Then he remembered the velvet book he stole before. Jun reached inside his bag but realized he left it in his trunk. Nino still didn't look up even as Jun stood up from his seat.
"Where are you going?" Nino asked, turning a page.
"To my common room. I need to get something," Jun said, looking at his watch. "I think I might as well leave from there for my UtaMahou project."
"That dumb project," Nino sighed, irritated. "Going to see Inoue again."
Jun felt offended but Nino's tone.
"She is my partner after all. I have to go," Jun said.
Nino looked up with unreadable eyes. "Are you two a thing now?"
"W-what?"
"Are you two together now?" Nino asked, simply. "You did tell me you're taken. So how come I haven't seen you two together yet?"
Jun gulped. "W-well, she's very busy these days. Did you know she's taking four extra classes?"
"Yeah, I figure she was a nerd," Nino rolled his eyes. Jun suddenly felt his stomach grow hot with anger.
"I think she's a lot smarter than you," Jun said, quirking his eyebrow.
Nino leaned back on his chair and smirked. "If she was so smart, then how come I landed a kiss before she did?" Nino chuckled at Jun's red face. "I surprised, Matsujun. Maybe you're bisexual just like me."
Jun had no words to say. As awkward as it was, Jun left and heard Nino laughing his head off. Jun felt defeated as he marched back to the Gryffindor common room.
"Password?" The Fat Lady asked.
"Maou!" Jun roared. The Fat Lady rolled her eyes and let him in. Jun didn't even watch where he was going and bumped into someone.
"Oof! Oh, Matsujun," Ohno said.
"Ohno!" Jun gasped, straightening his robes. "Going somewhere?"
"Just to meet up with Sho," Ohno shrugged. "Uhh, want to come?"
'How can he be a Vocal Wizard? He looks so natural and the same Oh-chan I've always known,' Jun thought. 'He is still my friend...I can't let them feel distant from each other.'
"I can't, but..." Jun's brain clicked with a new idea, "I think Nino is up in the library. At our regular VIP spot. You should go and meet up with him."
Ohno raised his eyebrows.
"Oh...well..." Ohno said, looking unsure.
"It must've been a long time since you two talked," Jun suggested. "I'm sure he misses you."
Ohno shuffled his feet as if he was uncomfortable. Jun watched Ohno's expression changed from unsure to a sweet smile. Jun could have swore he saw the old Ohno again.
"It has been awhile," Ohno nodded. "I think I will. Thanks, Matsujun."
"Sure...and it's Matsumoto or Jun to you," Jun laughed and watched Ohno leave.
'Maybe that's the key,' Jun thought as he climbed up to his bedroom. 'If we keep Ohno and Sho separate and interact with us more, they'll remain themselves a little longer.'
When he walked in, there was no one in the common room since students were either at dinner or outside playing the snow. Jun entered his dormitory room, opened his trunk, and searched through his stuff until he found the book. He carefully pulled it out and opened it.
It was a very detailed book. Compare to the others they've found in the Restricted Section, this one was solely for the Metal Vocal Wizard. It never really crossed him to share it with the others, so he kept it in his trunk. As Jun briefly read through the first few chapters, he stumbled across an interesting chart. It was a circle with a square in its center. Ancient scriptures were written on each corner of the square, but Jun guessed it was the Vocal Wizard's elements.
"But that's only four," Jun mumbled to himself, trying to make sense of the strange diagram. But then, he saw a small text written inside the center of the chart.
'Four makes anew. Positive and Negative Magic. To create an element, one must lose a part of itself.'
"What?" Jun whispered. "What could that mean?" He turned a page and found a new paragraph explaining the chart.
" 'The Metal element is merely a make-shift element if treated so. For Metal cannot be born without Earth. For Metal cannot take shape without Wind. For Metal cannot form without Fire. For Metal cannot be complete without Water. A combined power is created for the fifth Vocal Wizard. Thus, makes Metal stronger than Earth, louder than Wind, smarter than Fire, and younger than Water.' "
"Amazing," Jun gasped.
Just then, a soft bell chimed throughout the school, ending dinner. Jun stared at his watch and immediately slammed his book shut. He hid the book inside his trunk again and hurried down the stairs.
For the past month, Jun and Inoue Mao have started working on their UtaMahou project. However, due to Mao's complicated schedule, they hardly meet up to practice their voice power they were assigned to due. Thankfully, both Jun and Mao were intelligent enough to control their voice power and catch up on their work, but they could still use a little practice.
Since they barely meet up for practices, Jun was always anticipated to meet Mao-chan. He couldn't help himself but noticed he was feeling comfortable around her, as well as feeling a strange sensation in his stomach. Since it's been a while since their last meet-up, the weird flutterings were happening again.
They always meet up at night before dinner in an unused classroom. This time, they were using a spare classroom in the Third Floor near the Charms classroom. Most of the students already headed back to their common rooms. But it was Winter Break, and there were hardly any students staying in school.
He opened the door and Inoue Mao was already inside waiting. Her back faced him as she playfully waved her wand around and powdered fake snow in the classroom.
"Oh, hey Matsumoto-kun," she smiled, and the snow evaporated away. Jun noticed the room was darker than they used to practice in.
"How many times do I have to tell you? Call me Jun when we're alone," Jun said kindly, looking around the classroom. "It's kinda dark here. Are there any candles or something?"
"No there isn't," she shook her head. "I've looked, but there's nothing. Well, I can make some light."
She waved her wand in a complex motion and three orange lights popped out of her wand. They hovered over there heads and gave off an humid orange glow. Jun already felt hot under the light.
"It's a bit...over-powering," Jun chuckled, trying not to make her feel bad.
"I overdone it, perhaps," she nodded.
She waved her wand and the obnoxious lights dispersed. The room went back to a cooler blue lighting from the natural light outside the large window. Jun walked towards the curtains and pulled them aside to let the moon fill the room with its light.
"I think it's bright enough if we keep the window open like this," Jun suggested. Mao shyly nodded.
"Sure," she said and tucked her wand away.
"Okay...where did we left off?" Jun asked, gestering her to start.
"Oh no, I couldn't. I don't know what to say to start us off," she said, being modest again. "You go first."
"No, I insist," Jun nodded. Mao frowned.
"Okay, but don't be grouchy," she warned.
"I probably will if that's what you'll be singing," Jun smirked, but he stood at the ready for her full blown UtaMahou.
She took a deep breath and let out a soothing low sound. Jun listened for a while until he started to feel sleepy. He tried his best to keep his eyes opened, but he felt his eyelids getting heavy. Finally, he closed his eyes.
"Jun...Jun wake up!" He heard someone calling him.
"W-what?" Jun mumbled, opening his eyes.
"I must've overdone it again. I'm so sorry."
He found himself laying on the floor and staring up at Mao. Her hair shined bright against the white light from the moon. Jun realized that she had a pale complex that matched well with her dark hair.
"Pretty," he mumbled.
"What?"
"U-uhh. Nothing," he quickly recovered and sat up. "You're getting good."
She smiled, and Jun felt his face grow hot. He stood up and took a few steps away, patting his cheeks.
'What's wrong with me?' Jun thought.
"Okay, my turn," Jun said, watching Mao prepare for his UtaMahou.
'UtaMahou is within your voice,' Jun recited in his head. 'Let the magic deep within your soul fuel your voice. Your emotions is a key element to unleash your voice.'
'She looks pretty in the moonlight...'
Jun let out a soft tune. It was subtle and soothing, but it wasn't a lullaby like Mao produced. Since it was Jun's voice, he wasn't affected by his own UtaMahou, but he watched Mao's reactions. She stood as if she was in another world, just staring straight at him. Her eyes shined bright, and her lips made a sweet smile.
'I wonder if her hair is as soft as it looks,' Jun thought.
He took on step forward without much thought to what he was doing. Mao just stood where she was, but she looked like she glowed like a night angel. Before he knew it, he stood right in front of her. His voice continued to echo through out the empty classroom, his eyes bored into hers. Then, she closed her eyes.
'Huh?'
That's when Jun realized what he was doing. His hand gently held her head, and their lips were nearly inches away. She fluttered her eyes open from the spell and also realized how close they were. She gasped and drew back.
Out of reflex, he stopped her. Words weren't exchanged between them, but their eyes talked. Jun himself wasn't sure what he was doing but continued to gaze into her eyes. She looked confused, and her fair skin shaded to pink in the moon light.
It was then Jun felt his heart flip. The same feelings back when he was around Sho. The same emotions ran through his mind whenever he was with Sho. But this time, it was happening now. Here with Inoue Mao's surprisingly soft black hair in his fingers. Her bright eyes glistened in the dark.
'Could it be?' He thought, his eyes staring down at her pink lips. 'Have I always felt this way...since I've saw her?'
A soft melody played in his head. It was a lovely tune, and he was sure Mao could hear it too as he leaned in and kissed her. It was a familiar tune, and it was familiar feeling against his lips. His heart beated so strong, he hoped Mao-chan was also beating loudly. He felt her arms wrapped around his neck, and he took the invite to deepen their first warm kiss.
He knew it felt right.
They both drew away slowly to catch their breath, but Jun pressed his forehead gently against hers. His arms linked around her waist, and she tangled her fingers in his hair. Jun's eyes were only on her smile, and together, they giggled into the night and shared another kiss.
-----------------------------
WAAAAAAAAAAH!!! MAOTSUJUN FORWAAAARD!!!!!!!!!! XDDDD
i did it again, didn't i? i have brainwashed you all with my lovely maotsujun moment. >< so i will kindly remind you some important events in this chapter. XD
- even tho aiba, nino, and jun warned sho and ohno about naruse, sho and ohno dont want them to get involved. but behind their back, ANJ (aiba, nino, jun) will work to find a way to help them even if it's dangerous
- there is a ancient organization worshiping the vocal wizards and seeking a way to revive them. ANJ suspects it to be SIN
- ANJ also have strong suspicious that the wind talisman relates to a beast. the same beast that aiba heard and other elites have heard before each wind storm
- aiba has learned that taiyo and tsuki have been acting strange since aiba heard the mysterious beast
- a little nino jeaslously moment ><
- jun suggested ohno to spend more time with nino
- jun read a passage in his new book on metal (VERY IMPORTANT!!)
and the rest was juicy maotsujun moment XD
i hope this chapter was long enough. ><
To Chapter 8 - arashiforyou.livejournal.com/14819.html