It had been about three blocks ago since Hito had last seen them. He stopped to examine himself. His spirits dropped as he saw that he had torn the sleeve of his grey school uniform almost completely off. “That’s the third uniform this week!” he cried to no one in particular. He gave a groan of disgust and opened his bag for a quick boost of food.

Hito hungrily inhaled a box of yakitori and gave a tired sigh. He caught a glimps of himself on a broken mirror in the alley he was in. He looked horrible. His golden hair was now rimmed with sweat and dust, and there were many bruises and stains of dirt on various places of Hito’s body. Even his usually gleaming icy blue eyes were faded with exhaustion. He gave a silent vow not to let the gang show him up next time.

It was then that he saw it. A tiny glimmer caught his eye as he was leaving the alley. He turned to retrieve it. As he neared, Hito saw it was a silver skeleton key with a small blue gem in the pommel. He shrugged and put his new treasure into his pocket and resumed his journey home.

* * * * *

“I would like to introduce four new students to our school. Sabaku and Enkai are in the 10th grade, and Tougen and Kusamua are in the 9th grade. Now I hope you treat these new students especially nice!” Ms. Liminoho stood on the school auditorium’s stage, exhibiting the new students.

Sabaku was by far the most outgoing of the group. She had a sweet smile and gleaming brown eyes with short, bouncy, sandy-blonde hair. Hito couldn’t help but stare at her lean figure in her school uniform. Tougen was the complete opposite. Very reserved, she stood on the far right with her eyes closed and hugging a small black bag. Her short black hair was fine and shiny, almost as good looking as her sister. Enkai appeared very menacing. Crossing his arms defiantly, he glared out at the crows of students. He had short, scraggly black hair and icy grey eyes to match his uniform. Kusamua was the strangest of the group. An eight year old with unbelievable intelligence, he had been transferred up to the 9th grade!! His innocent youthful eyes gazed timidly at the students. He had short, neatly kept blonde hair. “Let’s see now, Amamizo, why don’t you show Sabaku and Enkai around.” Ordered Ms. Liminoho. She then pointed to a 9th grader. “Masayo, you can show Tougen and Kusamua around.” The four went reluctantly to their new guides.

Hito grew more excited by the minute. His best friend, Ama-kun was showing Sabaku around!! What a great opportunity to flirt! Hito tugged at his shirt. “You’ll simply HAVE to hook me up with Sabaku!! You’ve already got your Kura-chan to keep you company!” Hito gave a charismatic wink and stood next to Amamizo to greet the newcomers.

They both walked with an air of confidence. Sabaku had an aura of cheerfullness around her, while Enkai presented a cold glare to all he met. Hito bowed at Sabaku’s arrival. “It’s a pleasure, allow me to introduce myself. Watashi wa Bakufu Hitodama, but you my friends call me Hito.” Hito shook Sabaku’s hand with a wink and presented his hand to Enkai, but received a blank stare.

“Well, it’s very nice to meet you, Hito-chan! I’m Kishou Sabaku!” Sabaku’s voice was dripping with honey.

“Well, watashi wa Hino Amamizo, but you may call me Ama.” Ama gave an overly formal bow and turned to Enkai. “It is very nice to meet you. I hope we can get to become good friends.” Enkai’s face lightened visibly, and he gave an eerily sly smirk. Hito shuddered involuntarily.

“There’s just something about him...” he thought. It was the four were interrupted by the growling of Hito’s stomach. “Uuuuugh! I haven’t eaten since BREAKFAST!” Ama sweatdropped.

“Hito... School just started!” Sabaku gave a melodic giggle.

“Hey Hito, you wanna show me where my locker is?” she purred. Hito gave a charmed nod.

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