On the windy field of Ar Ciel Academy, countless of paralyze traps are set invisibly on the grassy ground as Rikuo runs as fast as he could to reach the finishing goal while dodging all the traps. Not only the traps he has to worry about but also the person behind him; Mizuki. She also needs to reach the goal with Rikuo and so does Sorata, all three of them together. Not only that, they also need to worry about Kaizora’s next attack. If one of them fails to reach the goal, none of them will win this practice. When Mizuki saw Kaizora switch on a Baseball Shooter in medium speed, aiming at Rikuo, she swiftly cast small fire balls at her sword and releases it in high speed toward the balls, making the balls fail to hit the aimed person.

After that, Sorata who is following behind Rikuo noticed that Mizuki is having a hard time on dodging the traps unlike both of them. He quickly gave a signal to the person in front of him. As a sign of understanding, Rikuo lowered his body, helping Sorata to climb on him and jumped backwards toward Mizuki. While in mid-air, Sorata throws something invisible to a path straight to the finishing line. When he reached the ground next to Mizuki, he dashed behind her toward the goal without any worries about the traps. The path that Sorata made was actually a barrier. The barriers prevent their feet touch the ground where the traps are hidden. However, the barrier won’t last long. Both of them need to hurry before the path isn’t safe anymore.



In front of them, Rikuo already reached the finishing line safely but he isn’t going to win the practice if his teammates are still on the battle ground. So, he just observed them in case if they need his help. In a few seconds of observing, he noticed that Sorata is slowing down. Maybe it’s because his injuries aren’t completely healed yet. So, it’s the time for Rikuo to act. He summoned his black sword and when he able to feel his sword in his hand, he stabbed it on the ground. His action has made both the runners realized what he is going to do next. Then, Rikuo swing his sword upward harshly, making a ground wave he just learned from Kaizora. The ground wave isn’t strong and perfect but so does the paralyze traps. The wave has successfully destroyed both the barrier and the traps in the same time in progress of reaching straight to Mizuki and Sorata.

When the wave almost clashed with Mizuki, she switched her place with Sorata and quickly he created a warp hole, making the wave disappeared into the hole and appeared out from another hole behind them. Finally, they can finish the practice without any obstacles in front of them while Kaizora only sat down, smiling that the practice is going to be over soon when his juniors reach the finishing line.

However, unexpected things happened to them. Something was thrown directly to Mizuki, making her snapped from her concentrations and makes a sudden stop to dodge thing. Then, she figured the thing is just a small rock perhaps thrown by Kaizora or… Before Mizuki could finish her what she is thinking, she didn’t notice her sudden action just become a disaster. Sorata was startled by her sudden stop. He knocked himself behind her and unable to balance himself, he falls down. However, before that, his hands reflected by grabbing Mizuki’s clothes, making her falling too on him. Rikuo noticed what is happening, he quickly dashed to lend a hand to Mizuki before she falls on the smaller boy.

While that, Kaizora just blinked, looking at his juniors. Rikuo is pulling Mizuki and Mizuki is pulling Sorata. He couldn’t help but to laughed at them. They stayed for that position for a while now. So, Kaizora decided to walk towards them and stopped near to Rikuo, smiling at them.

“SENPAI!” Both Mizuki, especially Rikuo are yelling at their advisor. Rikuo couldn’t take it anymore. He pulled Mizuki to make her balance herself on the ground but something interrupted them.

Kaizora gave them a playful smile and then, poked Rikuo’s cheek making him unable to concentrate on pulling. With that, Rikuo also lost his balance but he couldn’t let all of them falls on top of Sorata. So, Rikuo pulled Mizuki hardly, making an opposite falling. Rikuo is the one that falls on the ground first. Then, Mizuki falls on top of him and Sorata falls on top of Mizuki.

“Ouch…” sounded everyone except for Rikuo.

“H…hea… heavy…” he whined, raising his hand up as a sign of he needed a helping hand before fainted.




“Ahaha~ Didn’t I say sorry? But it was a rare sight for me to see~!” Kaizora laughed which making the three of them felt annoyed when hearing what he said.

Nevertheless, they just forgive him for now because right now, they are inside a ramen shop eating some hot, spicy and delicious ramen. Not only are the four of them inside the shop but Kaizora’s little brother also here with them because there's nobody at home to take care of him. He was the one that throws the rock at Mizuki. Perhaps he did that to entertain himself. When Mizuki knows Aki is actually a male, she was totally shocked. Who would think that this small, cute and girlish figure child is a boy. While Rikuo only nodded, doesn’t really mind about the child.

Kaizora, Rikuo and Mizuki continued slurping the ramen noodles and watched Aki; sitting of Sorata’s lap, playing with him. They remembered when Mizuki wanted to carry Aki. He was crying when Mizuki stepped closer and lifted him off the ground but when Sorata holds him, he just quiet and clings on him. Maybe Aki is the types that shy with strangers. Perhaps, after a few days meeting Aki, Mizuki and Rikuo too could finally or even pat his head. Anyway, aside from Aki… Their new teammates is also has a rare personality. There are still questions about the person called Sorata.

“Sorata.” Kaizora called the boy’s name to gain his attention. Sorata only titled his head as a respond, meaning, he can keep on giving him a new info. “Here’s the money. Could you pay it for us? Oh, and you can buy ice-creams with the balances.” He continued and gave Sorata more than enough amount to pay the bill. Before Sorata could stand up from his sit, Aki continued to cling on his arm.

“Ra-ra… A-Aki wants to follow Ra-ra.” Aki said as he clenched Sorata’s shirt tightly, doesn’t want to let him go.

Kaizora just smiled and nodded, “You could bring him with you, if you want to, Sorata.”

As a reply, Sorata looked away before turning to Aki and nodded. Without saying anything, he just walks to the casher, paying up the bill and then, left the shop along with the small child in his arms.

When both of the mysterious children disappear from their sight, Mizuki is the person who broke the silent between them, “Why did Aki called Sorata Ra-ra again?” she asked bluntly.

“That’s because Aki has bad skills on memorizing people’s name.” Rikuo answered for Kaizora because he still could recall what he said about his little brother’s memorizing problems. Aki still haven’t made Rikuo and Mizuki a nickname yet. They hoped it won’t be something embarrassed. Then again, it’s kind of cute when Aki goes calling them the nicknames he made.

“Let’s put my little brother aside now. How is Sorata doing?” Kaizora suddenly asked as he placed his ankle on top of the table and his palm at his cheek, waiting for an answer. Actually, the day after Sorata was placed inside the team, Kaizora always appear practicing with them, looking after them especially Sorata. Mizuki and Rikuo still remembered what he said. ‘Take good care of him like he’s your child… or little brother. He is still recovering from something…’ The something he said is still unknown. Kaizora won’t answer when he was asked. They kind f tired asking about it. Kaizora probably thinks that it’s not the time yet, that’s why he didn’t give any respond.

“He’s like always, senpai.” Mizuki answered.

Nodding, Kaizora slowly stand up from his seat, looking at both of his juniors. “That’s good.” He uttered with a smile before the smile faded, “Do continue taking care of him and if you still questioning about his existence… Both of you will know in tomorrow’s Returner’s lessons. Things are going to be serious after this, keep your head straight and you’ll be fine. That is all for today… I have a class and load of works to attend. See both of you in two days.” After that, Kaizora leaves their table and left the shop alone, by himself.

Then, Mizuki and Rikuo also stand up and began to leave the shop. “See you tomorrow in the club, Nanajima.” Rikuo said his farewell to the female student before parting with her to spend his free time alone.




A few hours later, Mizuki is still around the small town to grab some fresh air, feeling the wind blowing through her. Yes, the town is small but everything that she needed can be found in this town. There’s restaurant, book shop, mini-market and many more. Plus, there’s no car or monocycles here. So, the air is fresh without any bad chemicals in it. Mizuki did some stops in front of mini-market to grab some magazine for her to read new information. This town is rather a quiet place because most of them are from different world and because it’s summer time, most of them already return to their original worlds to spend their time in the their own world. It’s kind of boring but it’s fine for Mizuki. She is here to become a Returner anyway. It’s something that she will never regret.

After a few more hours walking around the town, the sun is getting down as night time will fall soon. Mizuki decided that she should return to her dorm and get some rest for tomorrow. She wondered what she will learn tomorrow. Kaizora-senpai said they will learn something important… very important that no ordinary dreamer should know. This has made Mizuki feel very excited and can’t wait for tomorrow. Mizuki began to skipping while going straight to the dorm, feeling in such a good mood.

Suddenly, her happiness disappeared. Her heart began to throb and she felt a heavy atmosphere somewhere close to her. She knows what this feeling is. Usually she felt this when the ‘Nightmare’ inside her is bugging her but this time, it wasn’t her physical but her surroundings. She felt there’s a Nightmare around her. Mizuki began to scan her surrounding, searching for something that aren’t familiar with the town. Then, something caught her attentions. There’s Sorata and also, Aki in his arms are facing three guys in front of them. At first, Mizuki couldn’t recognize that sienna hair is Sorata because he is facing backward but since he is holding a small child firmly, she knows that person is Sorata.

“If you kept on refusing, we will use force on you, brat.” The unknown person threatens Sorata.

Simply shaking his head, Sorata stepped backward; refusing to follow what the person ordered him. In his arms, Aki already shivered and began to cry because he is afraid of the three guys who are still threating them. The small sobbing sounds can be heard clearly whenever all of them didn’t speak up any words. Without warning, one of the person grabbed Sorata’s hair, clenching his fist tightly. However, Sorata didn’t move a muscle. He just stared at the guy as his hands continue to hold Aki firmly because the person’s action is making him cry more.

Annoyed by Sorata’s action, the person yelled, “You asked for it, brat!” and began to clench his fist to hit Sorata’s face.

“STOP!!” Mizuki shouted and began to takes action. However, her shout didn’t stop the person from punching Sorata. Then, she felt it again; the heavy atmosphere of a signal of Nightmare is approaching close. Is one of the three guys is the dangerous Nightmare she felt? If that so, it means Sorata is in danger! “STOP!!” she yelled once again when saw another punch is coming toward Sorata’s face again. When the second time finished, the third punch is coming. This made Mizuki snapped.

“I said stop” Mizuki suddenly appear next to the guy with her sword is placed right near to the person’s neck. She also began cast magic, making her sword surrounded with heat that making the person stumbled aside, disliking the heat because the summer heat already making him sweat all over.

“Who the hell are you, bitch?!” the person cursed but when he saw Mizuki’s serious eyes, he and his companions began to back away from both Mizuki and Sorata. “Heh, only two three kids, th—” Suddenly, Mizuki swings her sword making the heat in her sword spread to the guy’s clothes. Small light began to burn at the person’s collar making him a little panicked. “Shit, this girl is serious. Let’s go for now.” the guy uttered after vanish the small flame at his clothes before walks away from the two teenagers, leaving them alone for now.

Mizuki sighed of relieved before smiling at Sorata. “Are you alright? Did the punch hurts?” she asked but before Sorata could answer anything she continued speaking endlessly because she knows by talking, the tension from before will soon fading. Then, Mizuki turned her blue eyes to the small child. “Are you alright, Aki?” she asked again, rubbing Aki’s back gently to calm him down from crying. “Listen, Aki! Boys shouldn’t be crying!” she advised.

Sobbing, Aki slowly turns to the talkative female student and replied, “B-But Aki is…”

“No buts! You shouldn’t show your weaknesses like that, Aki. No matter what, stay strong and I’m sure you will be fine afterward.” Mizuki advised again and began patting Aki’s orange-brown hair softly and gently.

Trying to stop his tears from falling down, Aki rubbed her tears with his palm and calmed himself. “T-then, Aki won’t cry again! Aki will stay strong like*sob* NeeChan said!” he said with determinations and bright smile. Mizuki kind of surprised to see the smile Aki gave… the smile that she never saw before. Not only Mizuki, but Sorata is also surprised. He just titled his head and smiled softly which also makes Mizuki surprised because she never saw him smile before.

“So-Sorata! You looked kind of… cute.” Mizuki praised him.

Blinking, Sorata looked away, feeling shy when heard Mizuki calling him cute. While that, Aki who is still hearing bright smile, uttered slowly, “T-thank you, NeeChan… for save Aki and Ra-ra… f-for… from be-before, mean... guys.” Although Aki’s pronouns are wrong Mizuki understand what he is saying. She just smiled which made Aki blushed and hides his face deep into Sorata’s clothes. He just couldn’t help it because Mizuki is still a new person he just meets.

If can, Mizuki wanted to goes ‘kyaaa~’ for Aki’s cuteness but she brushes it off because it’s late… Maybe they could head to dorm together rather than going separated ways. “Umm… Are both of you heading to the dorm? Want to go together?” Mizuki asked politely with her hands showing her back; the way toward the dorm.

Blinking once again, Sorata looked away before replying, “We… staying at home. NiiChan’s home… We actually heading there before those peoples appear.”

“Owh, I see. I thought you are staying at the dorm with Tamotsu.” She replied as she scratched her hear slightly.

Like always, Sorata blinked and looked around, thinking something. “Tamotsu?”

Mizuki giggled lightly when saw the confusion. “Tamotsu Rikuo. RikuoKun. Tamotsu is his family name.”

“I see… Shigehito Aki, Shigehito Kaizora, Tamotsu Rikuo… Nanajima Mizuki… Why are both of you using last names?” He said as he recalling everyone’s full name, asked a question before noticing something. “… Sorata…?” he mentions his name because he is the only one who doesn’t have a family name.

Mizuki looked down when Sorata suddenly asked for his last name. This could get him into a tension so, Mizuki smiled and replied, “Sorata is special!” she said as she patted Sorata’s shoulder to make him feel better. “It’s not wrong to not have a family name. It just meant you are special!” She continued before looking at her watch, realizing that it’s already late evening. “I need to go now, Sorata and of course Aki. See both of you tomorrow!” she uttered her farewell before leaving them.

“Ah, Na.. Nanajima… I forgot to say… Thank you for helping us.” He thanked Mizuki with a bow and a soft smile.

Mizuki titled her head, smiling at him. “You know, Sorata… You should smile often. I like it when I saw your smiles.” She speaks up before walking away from Sorata and Aki. Both of them just stayed in the same position before finally headed the opposite way of Mizuki. Just before Mizuki is far away from them, she remembered that Sorata was been punched two times by the guys they encountered, right? Hope it’s not swollen or anything.

Turning around, Mizuki peeked if his cheeks are damaged or not. However, to her surprises, his cheek is smooth and doesn’t have any marks at all like the event just now never happened. “Maybe he already healed himself…” She murmured and recalls that Sorata is also good in both defending and healing. So, that must be it, right? Mizuki sweat it off and headed to her dorm, thinking of what knowledge will she gain tomorrow.

Labels: The Dreamers Connection.