It was that usual time of the year. Canilim's classes are opening and a batch of fresh blood will be moving in. Old students will meet again and maybe few friendships will be formed. Well, if there was one who isn't too enthusiastic on her first day, it was Inori. She had been on this side longer than she was supposed too due to her usual failing marks. Her original batch was now two year levels ahead of her and truth be told, didn't seem to want to interact with her too much.

Thankfully, the administration had given her a chance to catch up. She was to aid in some sort of time travel research in order to compensate for the failing marks. She doesn't care. In fact, she doesn't even mind that she has to repeat. It was annoying, yes but, if she isn't getting what she wants then, what's the point?

The principal had decided to give his speech in front of the crowd, newcomers and old-timers alike. Inori was tasked to handle the technical stuff like the speakers and mikes.
"Welcome once again students! As you may know, this school had been Arioch's center of excellence for several years. As such, we need to maintain a certain level of competency. To start off, let me--"
"--share with you my vision for this school. I, who is in-between our rather dark past and the possible bright future, want to trust that you live up to the task of bettering our school. Take charge and be responsible for yourselves. Your success can only be determined by one person--you!"
God, Inori had actually memorized the principal's entire speech after hearing it again and again. She lip-synched it as she worked on the speakers, matching every word that comes out of the principal's mouth. After a few more minutes of reminders and orientation, the whole class was finally allowed to head into their rooms. Inori did so after tidying up and locking the audio-visual room in the gymnasium. Entering her room, she sat down on her assigned spot in front of the class, by the window. Only a handful of people are in the room, none of which she recognized given that this isn't her batch.
"Oh well, introductions will soon be in order and I'll probably butcher your names so, no biggie."

---

60 years back into the past, Arioch was just a developing city. It was a time of unease as there still existed the divide between commoners and the nobility. The sun had almost set and lights in every pub or tavern was starting to light up, turning the place into an illuminated display of light and shadow. Inside one of them, the Rounders get ready for their task. Yuki Kazahana finished his last glass before slinging his rifle at his back and buckling his sword at his side. A fellow Rounder called out to him as he made his way outside to the stables.
"Yo! I heard you were seen talking with one of 'em ladies. Folks said they saw you give 'er some flowers."
"I only returned a bouquet she dropped. I don't think it's really a big deal."
"Tch, them spoiled brats...always into pointless banter, getting all giddy 'bout love and shit, know what I'm saying?"
"Yeah. Pointless..."
Yuki didn't actually care too much. He simply climbed on top of his horse, Valiant and made his way to the Eastern side to begin his rounds. He remembered passing the train station one time. He picked up a bunch of white roses that he saw lying on the ground. He picked it up and went ahead until he saw her by the station, waiting. What she was waiting for, he didn't know. All that he did was return it to her. Nothing more, nothing less.
"That's just the way things are, huh..."
Sighing as he led his horse closer to drink some water, his eyes caught sight of some animal prints in the soil. Inspecting it further, he could only assume that it was a bunch of wolves.
"Come on Valiant! Hiya!"
He rode on, following the tracks as he made his way up North, to where the train station was. If he could get there in time, he may be able to stop this creatures from doing any more harm.

In a world in the future, you'd imagine that life was so much more easier already. You didn't have to worry about small things- like getting hit by a car or something, but that was still here- and you could be pretty much carefree. Though a certain boy wasn't exactly having a good day.

"First day and I'm already panicking! Dammit, Kurai! Hold yourself together!"
Getting kicked out of bed by your own sister wasn't exactly the best feeling that you experience first thing in the morning. Running and finding out that you're pretty early wasn't a good feeling too. The only good thing Kurai had on his mind was that he got transferred into another section. Kurai sighed, running a hand through his golden hair as the principal drawled on. After the much more boring stuff such as reminders and such he finally found himself able to stand and walk.

Few minutes of walking got Kurai into his classroom, him falling into his assigned seat tiredly. He recognized a few faces, none that belonged to any of his friends- If he had any. He was a social guy, but friendships with him didn't last too long. Plus he was "too crazy" to be left with a bunch of people. The door opening alerted him though, as his attention shifted. Their teacher walked in, and Kurai gulped. It was someone he knew very well from his time in the lab.

Sporting orange hair and a lazily tied side ponytail, she looked over them all. Kurai and her eyes locked for a moment before she turned away from him.

"Right, right. Remember me, old students? Yeah, you've probably seen me. Anyway, for the new students, I'm Momoko Hatsuyuki, your adviser for this year."
After a few introductions, she spoke again.
"Hey, I need your attention for a second, we've got someone coming in from the other section-- Hey. Hey..."
Kurai looked on as the others chatted away before his teacher got irritated.
"Hey, you all! Shut up! We have a new classmate. Name's....Jose McDonald?"
A book hit his head, and he turned to her, annoyed.
"Momoko-sensei!"
"Dammit Kanato I told you to stop fooling around. Go introduce yourself properly."
"Sheesh....Oh, hey! The name's Kurai Kanato, age 16! Great to meet ya all!"
Kurai put on his signature grin, aimed at everyone in the room.

---

A trip 60 years back. The shadows of night had started to sink in, small, glittering stars appearing in the black sky one by one. Here, most people have started to gather back in their houses and creatures of the dark were starting to crawl out of their holes.

So it was strange to see a girl of noble blood out at this time. Tsumi Fujikawa found herself wandering quietly, not sure where to go. As always, that strange man she had met back then was nowhere to be found, but instead of going straight back home, to her garden to calm herself down with a cup of tea, she found herself just walking around.

Grr....

Before she could get lost in her thoughts again, Tsumi heard a growl. Immediately alerted she turned her head, seeing the striking, fearsome eyes of what could only have been a wolf. Her blue eyes widened as she started to back away slowly.

"I knew I shouldn't have wandered out so late...."

Konoha kept her head on the desk. Her head already started to hurt due to her attempt at walking to school in the outside air. It only worsened when white haired girl (she didn't bother to learn her name) came over to her and started talking her ear off to her. It had annoyed Konoha because she never asked the girl over. It wouldn't have been so bad if she talked about an interesting video game but it was over stupid time travel!
'This year is going to suck...'
When she did look up, she saw a slightly familiar sight.
"Aunt Momoko...?"
Shrugging it off, she saw white haired girl stand up next.
"I'm Koemi Shironoa. If you are a time traveller, please come talk to me."
Konoha rolled her eyes at the stupid introduction. Then she noticed that she was up next. She inwardly groaned, wishing that Aunt Momoko wouldn't notice her.
"Uh, Konoha Hatsuyuki. I guess it's nice to meet everyone..."
Konoha then silently sat down.

Hisao had a bad day today. It was bad enough being out on the streets but when he made his usual run, he noticed that the security around the house of the Nobles became even more airtight than usual. He tried to get out as quickly as possible but some guards still managed to follow him, one of which shot him in the arm.
"Give up! Surrender the treasures you've stolen right now!"
"How dare you disrespect Lady Tsumi in that way?!"
"God, shut the fuck up! I'm taking back what those assholes stole from the rest of us! And you can tell your lady to burn in hell with the rest of the goddamn Nobles!"
As he ran, he was soon approaching his usual alleyway. He smirked as he realized that he could lose them in here.

Outside, a newcomer stood as she surveyed the school from top to bottom. Wondering what kind of life she'll lead here, she heads on inside, ready to face the regular life within the Academy gates. She managed to make it just before homeroom. As soon as their adviser, Ms. Hatsuyuki entered the room, introductions went underway.
"Sheesh....Oh, hey! The name's Kurai Kanato, age 16! Great to meet you all!"
"An enthusiastic young man. Seems to be the typical extrovert. Still, gotta hand it to him to try to come off as friendly at the first day."
"I'm Koemi Shironoa. If you are a time traveller, please come talk to me."
"How frank. I wonder if she has any idea about what she is talking about?"
"Uh, Konoha Hatsuyuki. I guess it's nice to meet everyone..."
"So now we have our introvert. The "shy girl" of this class. I wonder if extrovert-kun will get the courage to talk to her."
Their teacher flipped through the next profile and a small frown manifested on her face.
"Hmmm...here again, Inori?"
At the mention of the name, a rather tall girl stood up from her desk and lazily walked to the front of the class.
"Well, well, so this is the new batch? I'm Inori Itsuna. No need to be so formal around me, we're all young anyway, right? Hehe, just kidding. I'm way older than you lot so, don't go around calling me Itsuna-chan or something. If you do that...well, let's just say that I already made reservations in the cemetery beforehand, kay?"
"Inori, please don't taunt the newcomers."
"I was only kidding around, Momoko-sensei."
"Yeah, and that kidding around might make you repeat again."
"......I better not get myself involved with this woman too much..."
A few more introductions later and it was 'her' time to introduce herself. She had to go last since she wasn't from an older batch. In fact, all her records were clean. Not much information was on her. She can easily appear and disappear anytime she pleases.
"All right, our last one is a transfer from the neighboring school, St. Gabriel's. Now, why don't you introduce yourself?"
"Yo! Misaya. Saika Misaya but, you can call me Saya. In fact, I prefer it that way. I hope we all get along."
She finished with a bow and took her seat. Seeing all these people, she knew that it was going to be an interesting year.

---

Yuki had followed the wolf's tracks, all the way up North, where a lot of the nobility's houses were concentrated. They had divided and seeing one was in preparation to strike a lady, he rode on, getting in between them with Valiant. He tilted Valiant back, rearing him up on his hind legs in order to intimidate the predator. Not willing to take on a larger beast, the wolf fled, disappearing into the woods.
"Madam, please go back to your house. Ti's way past curfew and who knows what manner of creatures roam at this time of the night."
Without getting off, he advised the woman only to find out that she was the same girl whom he returned the flowers to. The same girl at the train station.
"You were the same girl back then. I know that it isn't my business to ask but, the laws have clearly stated that all people must be in their houses at this time, 'cept for us who have to do these patrols."
Yuki heard the sound of approaching hooves in their direction. Turning around, he saw three more Rounders heading for him. He moved closer and asked why they seemed troubled.
"Barthes, what's going on?"
"Trouble Yuki, it seems that wanted thief had struck again. This time, it was the Fujikawa household."
"Got it. I'll check around the East then."
"Damn that kid, how does he find all this houses anyway?"
"It's a small town Barthes. Everyone knows where everyone lives."
Passing by the girl from earlier, he gave her last words of warning.
"I hope this isn't too much of a troubling night for you madam. I'd offer to take you but, I have to check by the harbor. Collins may be willing to give you a ride. Well then, I bid you have a safe night."
Yuki turned around and rode back to the harbor, to see if he can intercept the thief there. This one may be known for his notorious reputation but, with this many Rounders on patrol, today may just be the day he finally gets caught.

The day breezed by easily. Kurai didn't find himself too hyped about the first day, and though he was asked by a lot of people since he was from the other section it still was boring. But when that came...
"Konoha. Kurai. You two, come with me."
Momoko pointed at the two as she walked off, lab coat trailing behind her. Kurai stood up and followed his teacher, finding himself heading to the lab. Once they were there, Momoko whirled around to face them.
"You were lucky enough to be selected for the testing of the time traveling gadgets, Kanato. Though, you're aware that yours is just a test-type, yes?"
Kurai dug around in his white jacket and pulled out the compass.
"Yes, sensei. Powerful, yet unstable, right?"
"Yeah, like you. Anyway, for Konoha here, first thing I want to say is congratulations. You've officially been selected by the scientists of this lab as the third time traveler."
She turned around, pulling open a drawer and revealing a cell phone inside. She handed it to her niece.
"Here, it's your Time Driver. This is the completed version. Don't press anything just yet though."
Kurai looked a little confused.
"Momoko-sensei, can I ask something? Where's the prototype? Surely you still have it somewhere."
"I don't know. The display shows it as registered, but we don't know who's the owner. Maybe the management gave it to someone in advance."

---

As soon as Tsumi got back she was approached by a guard she knew very well.
"Ayato, what happened?"
"Lady Tsumi, a thief got into the house and escaped. Burton shot him in the arm, but..."
She nodded at the guard. Just then, as she stepped into the house, she was met by an unfamiliar sight.
"Ah, Tsumi! Thank God you're back. Did you hear about the theft?"
Her father asked worriedly. She nodded.
"Yes, Father, but...who is that man?"
She looked at the unfamiliar man on the couch. He looked pretty shady, so she was worried.
"Tsumi, this is Johannes Albion. He's a hired mercenary. We hired him to go look for the thief, so you can rest assured."
The man glanced at her before standing up, nodding to her as he approached.
"It's a pleasure to be working for you, m'lady. Stay calm, I'll find him in time. After all, many people have come to me asking for me to find him already."
"I understand, Mr. Albion. I wish you the best of luck."
Johann turned to leave.
"Ah, no need to be so formal, just call me Johann. Well, good night then."
The doors closed behind him and he started to focus.
"Now, where could that rascal be?"

Konoha felt a slight wave of panic go through her as her aunt called her over. She was then handed a... cell phone? She was then informed to have been chosen to wield the time stone.
"Y-You're shitting me, right, Aunt Momoko...?"
The silence started to freak her out.
"Right, Aunt Momoko?! I can't be a time traveller! Hell, why did they pick me?! Why not that girl, uh... Koemi! Why not Koemi?!"
Konoha was completely unprepared for this. She only came to this academy because she was sick of seeing her mom so depressed. And now she was asked to be a time traveller?! This year is getting worse and worse by the second.

Hisao finally managed to lose the guards. Panting slightly, he wrapped his bleeding arm in some bandages he looted from the hospital. He sighed when it was placed on.
'Fujikawa must be getting pretty lax if he's employing rookies. Smug bastard. Who the hell does he think he is anyway?! Is he insulting the common people further by employing retards to guard his stolen goods?! That will not be tolerated!!'
Seething, Hisao stood up again, angry at the whole situation. He could then hear footsteps of a horse. A loud and angry groan escaped from him.
"It's that fucking Rounder again. That means Mercenary isn't too far behind either. Fuck, this is why I needed Saiko to still be alive."
Hisao then jumped up to the roof and ran away from him, jumping from rooftop to rooftop.
'Try using that horse of yours to catch me now.'

Momoko looked on as the girl panicked. She motioned to Kurai. The boy instantly turned to her.
"Konoha-san, calm down!"
"My brother and I've worked on this for long, Konoha. Right from the start Ataro knew that you were capable of handling it. You should have seen the joy on his face when I confirmed it."
Momoko was strangely solemn as she turned back, unlocking a drawer. She seemed hesitant before she pulled out a gleaming pair of red scissors, examining it under the light. She turned around, placing it into her niece's hands.
"Keep it. It's your father's favorite pair of scissors......He always kept it when he was young. Keep it, and think of what he might think of you if you decline the offer to be a time traveler now."
Kurai watched the two silently. Never had he have a family member die on him, so all he could do now was stay quiet.

---

Johann was running to the harbor, in case he could find the thief there. Sure enough, he saw a dark figure jump onto a rooftop. He frowned to himself, pulling out the cigarette and extinguishing it on the ground with his boot. Looking around the area, he spotted a possible foothold so he could get up to the roofs.
"Alright, don't fail me now."
He started to climb. Thankfully it held, and as soon as he was up on the roof he started his chase again, following the thief as he pulled out a pistol. It was hard to aim while running like that, so when he fired some of his shots missed.
"You're not getting away!"

Saya stared down at the students going on about through the rooftop. Gusts of wind disturbed the regular arrangement of her hair and the hem of her skirt as she casually moved a hand to fix it. Glancing at her watch, she stroked its metallic casing. It used to be a bright bronze color, now, she had painted it gunmetal. It looks cool, in her opinion.
"Alright, let's see what else can I tweak around you."
Stroking the sides, she felt some adapters embedded in it. Makes sense at least, seeing as this is the prototype version after all. It can be equipped with all sorts of external features. The main body was also somewhat hollow, making Saya think that there is a hidden function within it.
"Now, what to do with you? Maybe I'll try it out in the meantime."
She chuckled to herself as she slowly made her way down to the grounds.

---

Still in pursuit, Yuki rode on, his eayes already set on the running thief. He watched him climb through the rooftops in order to avoid getting caught on the ground.
"Impressive. But--"
Yuki drew out the rifle saddled on his back. Filling it with gunpowder, he took aim at the thief. Just then, he was suddenly made aware of another man moving on the roof. He didn't seem familiar but, he was pursuing the thief as well and with a pistol to boot.
"That's not going to do any better."
He muttered under his breath as he and Valiant rode down on the alley, following the two in their escapade. He passed them by and managed to find his way to an open square. Taking his rifle again, he aimed at the beams holding the roofing together. Firing a couple of shots, the roof gave way, unable to compensate the weight of the two. As the deed was done, the other Rounders have finally caught up to him.
"Took a bit long? They're over there, at the collapsed mill."
He pointed to the collapsed mill where he had the two fall. There were some hay around it so their fall must have been cushioned somewhat.
"I'll leave the rest to you then."
Turning around, he left it to the other Rounders to come and pick up the men. He was well aware that Rounders are currently competing for captures but, seeing as he was fairly outnumbered, he allowed the three more Rounders there to claim the capture. One of them recognized the pursuer.
"Hey, this is the Fujikawa's hired guard right?"
"Aye. Let him off and cuff the kid."
The two roughly pinned Hisao to the ground and tied his arms. Turning to the other guy, they asked him what they have in store for this kid.
"Well, this is the rascal you were looking for. We'll let you handle him."
"Hey, this one stole from the Fujikawa's right? Why don't we take him to them?"
"Good idea. Hey pal! Guess it's best to take this kid to the manor for questioning eh?"
The Rounders presented to accompany this man to the mansion where, this thief will be judged.

Alexa stared at the pair of scissors now resting in her hands. Did Dad really believe that she was this capable? Did he believe in her that much? But... Why...? She was a pathetic HikiNEET who can't stay outside for 5 minutes or more. Still, tears were built up in the corners of her eyes when Aunt Momoko talked about her father.
"... Alright... I guess I could try out the time stone..."
She was hesitant at first but then pocketed the scissors. She looked over at her partner, Kurai something... He seemed like a bit of an idiot when she heard his introduction so she was somewhat reluctant to work with him. But, it's what her father would have wanted. ... This was going to be a long year. Wiping the tears out of her eyes since her mother wasn't around to catch her tears for her, Konoha looked at Momoko with slight determination mixed with sadness.
"What's our first mission then...?"

Hisao felt the shots graze past him. A heavy sigh escaped his throat.
"Fucking knew it..."
While some shots missed on their own, he dodged the remaining ones. He wasn't about to be shot again. Turning to face the Mercenary as he loaded his gun, he gave the man the middle finger.
"Shouldn't you be at home with your wife and kids, old man? Fuck you for making them worry!"
Though his heart turned to stone when Saiko died, it would always retain a soft spot for women and children. They were the ones who got screwed over the most in this society. As he ran, the roof beneath him suddenly collapsed.
"Fucking goddammit!!"
He let out more colorful language as he fell. The roof cushioned his fall enough. A low growl escaped as he landed.
"Fucking Rounder with his goddamn aiming..."
Still, this wasn't the time to complain. Rounder's buddies were sure to show up any minute now and even if they didn't, he was still fucked if Mercenary woke up. Quickly he leapt to his feet... which was a mistake. One of his ankles had been sprained.
"Oh come the fuck on!!"
He was about to fix it when the Rounders showed up and pinned him to the ground. A loud and annoyed groan escaped him as he was taken away, not even bothering to try and talk to them. They wouldn't understand his motives, they never did in this piece of shit society.

"I don't want to be too harsh right now, so try to get yourself acquainted with your Time Driver first. Kanato, you go with her."
Momoko spoke. Kurai's face dropped.
"Won't we get scolded for this?"
"Eh, I told the faculty. They'll excuse you guys."
She turned to her niece again.
"That blue button there is the button to Time Leap. First though you have to set the time you want to go back. Just set it to 60 years back, we can't risk any time paradoxes."
Kurai watched, leaning against the wall while inspecting his compass. There had always been the capability to purge the Stone, but that might break the Driver and he'd have to get a new one so he won't be Time Leaping for a while. He sighed.
"Sometimes I wonder why Dad signed me up for this..."

---

Johann shook the hay out of his hat before putting it back on. He stood up, keeping a firm grip on Hisao's neck as he walked on with the Rounders. A few minutes of walking later, the Fujikawa's mansion came into view. The master of the house was waiting in front of the door, then ran over.
"This is the thief, sir."
"Aha! So you're the one who stole those treasures, huh?"
Johann listened as the man continued to reprimand the thief. All he came here for was the money, but just then...
"This man should be killed by you, Mr. Albion!"
"That's a bit too harsh, Father."
Johann watched as the daughter of the Fujikawas came once more, brushing back her peach-colored hair. Her ice blue eyes opened, staring at the boy.
"M'lady, what do you need?"
"Tsumi! I thought you were supposed to be asleep!"
"Yes, but your ranting woke me up."
Tsumi turned to Johann.
"If it is possible, could you keep him in check? Watch over him?"
"M'lady, that is completely up to the Rounders if they will allow it."
The man wanted to light a cigarette already, but in the Noble's presence....

As Yuki decided to leave the arrest to the three other Rounders, he soon found himself traversing down the eastern side of the city, where the harbor was. He did manage to chase of a single wolf but, there are others out there for sure and he also wanted to remove the tracks. When the deed was done, he made his way to the common residential area to check. There were some stray dogs but, no wolf. He was caught aware of a creaking from a nearby shack. Slowly, he made his way there to check. Nothing.
"Probably just the wind..."
Turning around to leave, he managed to get a glimpse of a girl running towards one of the alleys. She was wearing weird clothes; for one, her skirt was too short.
"Hey! What are you--?!"
Turning his horse around, he chased the girl up to the alley. She was fast but, he reckoned that he can overtake her with the horse. As he finally reached the alley, he saw no one.
"What the...?"
Puzzled, he strode down and searched around, looking at the corners and the roof to see if the violator was still hiding somewhere. No one. Just, still silence.
"Must be the dark playing tricks on me again."

---

As the fabric slowly faded away, Saya leaned her back on the railings of the rooftop. Chuckling a bit to herself, she wondered what kind of excuse she would have had to pull out if she got caught.
"Things sure are different way back then..."
Glancing at her watch, the battery was depleted for the time being, indicating that she needed to charge it now.
"Well, that's enough leaping for me today, I guess."

---

As Momoko was discussing something with the two kids, Kurai and Konoha, Itsuna walked in, carrying some papers to the table.
"Sensei, we are supposed to take a trip to the "Shaft" tomorrow and yet, you haven't done the necessary paperwork yet!"
Inori reminded their adviser. Noticing the two kids, she gave them a slight wave of the hand.
"So, you're the new blood. Hah, I guess I should elaborate. The Shaft is the slang term that we use to refer to the museum a few blocks from here. It is a tradition that students of this school visit it on the second day of classes to get a "better appreciation" for the history around here. I guess, you guys aren't fond of these things, yes?"
Inori made small talk as she waited for their teacher to finish the paperwork. The time is almost midnight and she just wants to go home now.

"Nn..."
Konoha fiddled a bit with the scissors in her pocket. She knew the girl in front of her didn't give a damn what happens to her so why should she? She merely kept silent after that. Kurai could talk for both of them. The idiot seemed capable of that much at the very least.

Hisao said nothing as he glared at the man who scolded him. Soon, a girl entered the room. That had shocked Hisao a bit. There weren't many females who could be Nobles. Most Nobles were male since in this time, women were denied the rights they needed. This left Hisao rather torn on the situation. The Noble girl then mentioned that the Mercenary should watch him. He scoffed at the idea and was about to curse her out but then he stopped himself. He spoke, his voice sounded strained as he did.
"Miss... I appreciate your concern but I can look after myself. I've done so for a while now."
Christ did it pain him to say words to a Noble, polite words to be exact. But still, it was in his code of honor to treat women with respect, one way or another.

Momoko was about to say something else when an all-too familiar girl entered the room. A hand slapped onto her forehead as she let out an exaggerated sigh.
"Heavens above, Itsuna, could you have come in at a better time?"
Kurai raised his eyebrows at the girl. Sure, she was the infamous Repeater of Canilim Academy, but what was she doing in the lab of all places?
"Sensei, what's she doing here?"
"More questions? Ugh. She's supposed to help out in the lab, you dimwit. To make up for her failing marks."
Momoko shot a glare at the pink-haired girl.

---

"Really now? But without correct supervision, you may commit your crimes again."
Tsumi pointed out at the young thief. Johann on the other hand was discussing a few matters with the Rounders and the master of the house. Nodding to each other, the Rounders agreed to let Johann keep a close eye on Hisao. The Mercenary walked over to the Noble.
"M'lady, they said it was alright."
"Thank you, Sir Johann. But it's too dangerous to walk out at this time of the night, so you two can stay for the time being."
With those words, Tsumi turned around, disappearing into the house again. Johann waited until she was out of sight before turning to the thief.
"Well, ya gonna get moving or not?"

"No. There is no better time. Those honchos at the main office are already pressing for time since they need to submit this form right now as in, N-O-W."
Inori answered back. Turning to the two "kids", she eyed the boy as she heard his rather snide remark.
"Oh, so I can't be in this place? Why, you're pop own the school or something? Even if you do ask that, I do not have any obligation to answer you."
She said all that with a rather, calm yet irritated tone. It's quite easy to get on this woman's nerves and she's awfully blunt at this.
"I'll have you know that I was the one who came up with the whole aesthetics of your Drivers. If you think that doesn't matter, may I remind you guys that those additional features would not have been possible had I not came up with it."
Batting an eye at them, she leaned in closer to the timid girl beside the rather rude boy.
'"You're quite short to be a time traveler aren't you?"
She remarked as she scanned this girl from head to toe.

---

Unable to locate any intruder or wolves, Yuki carried on as normal, shaking all of those thoughts out of his mind. Going another round back at the Noble's section, he secretly glanced at their large manors and elaborate gardens.
"Don't worry Valiant. Someday, we'll get to live in one of those."
He petted his horse as his made one more round around his assigned area. While patrolling, he wondered about that thief. Why was he so upset about the nobility? Stealing from them to make the poor feel better? Sounds like Robin Hood to Yuki.
"I may not approve of it but, there is more honor in manually laboring to get whatever you want than stealing."
Staring at the moon, partially hidden by the clouds, he remembered a lesson he learned a long time ago.
"This is the world. Life seems unfair but, it is unfair to everyone. Therefore, life is pretty much fair."

Konoha stepped back to avoid breathing the same air as the pink haired girl. There was an air of arrogance to her that she didn't particularly care for. Plus she was invading her personal space.
"Please move..."
An accidental cut from the blades made her jerk the hand out of her pocket. She sucked a bit on the finger, licking the blood away. She then gently gripped the handles. Truthfully, her father's death made no sense to her. There was never a body and her mother never mentioned scattering any ashes. It all seemed suspicious to her... Shrugging it off, she turned to Kurai, seemingly hiding behind him but instead just keeping her distance so she doesn't cut up the girl in front of her.

Hisao glared at the Mercenary.
"Okay, okay! Christ, give me a minute!"
Hisao needed to get his pride back after the encounter with the Noble woman. When he did, he still didn't budge.
"Go inside if you wish but I'd rather freeze my ass off than go inside a Noble's-"
He was about to say more but then remembered that the woman offered him to stay in the house for the night. God, he hated his ethics sometimes.
"... Just don't breathe down my goddamn neck the whole night, got it?"

Kurai instantly knew not to mess with this girl. He backed away slightly before Konoha seemed to hide behind him. He perfectly understood- She was menacing, after all. Just then his teacher's voice snapped him out of the daze.
"For crying out loud, Itsuna, I just told you to stop taunting the newcomers earlier."
Momoko frowned as she got in front of the two and the pink-haired girl.
"I'll get the stupid papers done when I'm done briefing these two on the Drivers, alright? Damn."
She sighed, massaging her temples. Kurai watched in amusement, thankful for his teacher for the first time.

---

Johann raised an eyebrow at the boy as he led him in.
"Boy probably has a spot for women. Still, he's quite young, so I'll let that thought off."
Shown into a guest room by a rather friendly guard- Ayato, Johann heard the daughter of the Fujikawas call him- he sighed and took off his hat.
"Been years since I've been in something like this..."
He thought to himself while sitting on the soft bed.

In another room, Tsumi couldn't bring herself to sleep just yet. Wild animal attacks, and a Mercenary and a thief was in her house as she continued pondering to herself. What next, another time traveler?

"Momoko-sensei, what part of "THESE PAPERS ARE NEEDED RIGHT NOW!" don't you understand?! You're really inconsiderate and careless with your actions. These have been lying in your desk for WEEKS and you didn't do anything about it. When the time comes, those honchos will blame me, Kiminari and all other members of the development staff for this lack of progress and tardiness, not even considering the fact that maybe the head researcher herself is rather sloppy with work."
At that moment, Inori finally flared up, thinking about the repercussions she'll face thanks to this sloppy-ass adviser. The teachers aren't usually blamed for this kinds of things; usually, it's always the student staff. And it's not going good. Several of them have dropped the project altogether due to the lack of incentive and the sermons they always get, leaving only Inori, Kiminari and a handful of students to complete the Driver Project.
"We've already taken the fall thanks to the wrong assignment of the Prototype version. Even if it's obviously a screw-up among the officials, the school has decided to place the blame on a good 40% of the development team and kicked them out of the school. If THIS isn't turned in by midnight, might as well see me and the others for the last time."
Now angry, Inori slammed the paperwork on their teacher's desk, turning around to leave. She glanced at the two time travelers and sighed. Without facing their teacher again, she calmly retorted back.
"This isn't asking too much. Just this once, all we ask is that you stand up for your own responsibilities instead of having the team take the fall every time. You lost a relative, we understand that. You cannot afford to get ousted from this project. But, please consider that a lot of students also have their own lives and also suffered trying to cover up the messes of you officials. I'm not going to do any more explanations on your behalf. You sign it and submit it yourself."
With that, Inori turned to leave the room, slamming the door behind her. She quietly grabbed her stuff and walked outside the gates. Passing by a nearby convenience store, she caught sight of another girl, seemingly in a squabble over something at a vending machine.
"But sir, I just need the appropriate change to insert here. I'll replace it with these pennies."
"Stop bothering me! I don't want that kind of currency, get lost!"
The man left abruptly, leaving the other girl down, kneeling in front of the vending machine. Feeling rather sorry, Inori handed her the appropriate coin.
"Here."
The two each bought something and proceeded to drink while seating on a bench outside the store.
"You're that new transfer student, Misaya Saika was it? Liking the academy so far?"
"So-so. As of now, I kind of prefer the exclusivity of St. Gabriel's than Canilim's more open atmosphere. Canilim's cafeteria serves better food though."
She took a sip from her can. Inori eyed this shorter girl a little before taking a sip from her own.
"You actually like the cafe food? Personally, I don't like what they serve there. Their meat all seems like chicken. Tasteless, eeehh..."
"Different strokes from different folks. I like cafe food and convenience store food because I don't have anyone to cook for me at home."
"You don't have any parents?"
"They're still around just, not with me as of the moment. My house is rather far so I had to rent a dorm."
"What dorm is it?"
"It doesn't have a name. It's just a regular apartment that was renovated and turned into a dorm."
"Okay."
Tossing the empty cans into a bin, the two bade each other goodbye.
"Before I forget, my name is--"
"Inori Itsuna. Doesn't want to be called Itsuna-chan. I was paying attention you know."
"Heh, good for you then. Well, I'll see you around Saya. If I feel like it, maybe I'll make you lunch."
"Really? You'd do that?"
"If I feel like it."
As they both walked out of each others' view, Saya fumbled around the plastic bag she got. There were some parts there as well as some soldering wire. She knew what she wants to do with it.

Konoha flinched a bit as Inori brought up her father. Watching as Inori exited, Konoha sighed softly to herself.
'Another all nighter for Aunt Momoko... Maybe mom can bring her some tea...'
Thinking a bit to herself, Konoha shook her head. She looked up at her Aunt.
"S-So... How does this device even work...?"

It was a common tradition that the students visit the historical museum a few kilometers North of Canilim. There, the details regarding how Arioch ascended from a small, backwater community grew to be one of the most economic cities around. Inori had visited this place lots of times already so, suffice to say, the novelty has already worn off.
"Boriiinnnggg...There was actually a time when I would've been excited at coming here. Now, it just seems monotonous, seeing that this place rarely changes."
Inori sighed as she walked around with Saya. On the other hand, Saya seemed a little bit excited at seeing all these rare artifacts. There were cannons, old style rifles, dresses and such. On the side of each exhibit is a short passage describing the item and maybe the wielder of each.
"Hey, Inori-san? Let's check out that wall over there. The one with the sword and rifle."
"I don't mind but, haven't you seen enough rifles already? There's a whole rack of them there if you're interested in the old weapons."
Nevertheless, the two moved closer to read the details on the wall. Well, at least Saya did. Inori had already read it several times that she almost memorized the passage. Almost.
In what seems to be a dark chapter in Arioch's history, we now enter the event known as "The Rounder Uprising". Discontent with the divide between nobility and peasantry, the other citizens started massive revolts and arson on the noble residences. A majority of the peace-keeping task force, the Rounders, also joined in the protests, bringing their weapons with them. A few still chose to do their task and try to maintain order, leading to the "Battle at the East Harbor". Several people were killed in the incident. The items above belonged to a Rounder who fought for the nobility.
Saya and Inori looked up and inspected the items. A dusty red scarf, a dark blue jacket with a bullet hole in it and some weapons. The rapier is now rusted and seems to be on the verge of collapsing into dust already but some inscriptions can still be read on the handle.
"Now, I haven't noticed that before."
"Can you read it?"
"KZHN - 003. What's that? Did he mistake this for a rifle or anything?"
"No, this probably refers to his position among the barracks. The letters may be his initials or something."
"You know a lot. Are you some kind of history nerd or something?"
"Maybe. I kind of like studying history."
The two headed off to view the other exhibits, as freshmen start to crowd around a tour guide that gives them the details of each exhibit.
"Hey Inori?"
'What is it?"
"Do you have a dress, by any chance?"