13 Chapter XIII - The Range

"You seem more cheerful than usual today sister," North noted.

I open one eye to look up at him from where I laid on the grass, taking shade under an over-looking branch from the sacred tree.

I yawn nonchalantly, closing my eyes again "...Hm? It's a nice day, what more reason is there? There's a good breeze, light sunshine, unlike the freezing weather back home, this is almost like a treat..."

Something cold touches the side of my face, making me flinch.

I sit up immediately, hand instantly flying to where I had felt the chill, my mouth twitches agitatedly, "Hey! What was that? And what for?!"

I whirl on North, who just smiles coolly and holds up a can of coffee in his hand.

"I thought you would like some, there's plenty in the cafeteria. So I thought might as well grab one for both of us."

Narrowing my eyes, I reluctantly accept his offering, cautiously opening the can.

Relieved that no explosion occurred, I sip my drink, relaxing again.

North smirks, popping his own can before downing almost half of it.

"Hah! Refreshing." He takes a seat next to me, slumping onto the grass, "So, have you received any news from HQ regarding...anything?"

I pause, glancing towards the school, "No...not really...I suppose we must do what we were originally told to, observe."

North nods slowly, eyes following mine, "I suppose so...hopefully, 'K-Fang', will follow up with some leads soon."

I hold back a snicker, "..' K-Fang?' Really?"

He huffs exaggeratedly, "Hey, at least it's confidential!"

"Right, because I have no idea what you are talking about," I said, nonchalant.

North shakes his head, giving me a light swat on the arm, "Come on! It's not that bad, not as much as the last one anyways...that I will admit."

"Pfft, at least you accept that this time," I said, taking a sip of my coffee.

He shoves me with an arm, almost making me spill my drink.

"Watch the coffee..! I was just joking with you," I hold back another snicker, "Anyways...how was your trip to the house with Kyle? Did you get everything?"

"Yep, everything. It really wasn't much, one trip made only," North said, the playful anger melting back into his usual expression, "Kyle was even surprised by the lack of luggage. Imagine."

I sip my coffee, "Unsurprising to me...at least we can easily travel carrying only the bare necessities."

"Always a plus." He responded, nodding.

ZING!

Suddenly an arrow sprouted from the ground just inches from my foot, the tail quivering in place.

"Ah! Sorry!"

I glance over my shoulder, two figures come running up.

"Oh-you again! What a coincidence!"

Reo slows to a stop, a warm smile on her face, "Looks like you almost fell victim to an arrow again, though quite unintentional this time."

Naomi runs up closely after Reo, slightly out of breath, "Ah-the transfers," She glances at her pointedly, "This must be a new record, Reo..."

Reo just laughs whole-heartedly, her short blonde was hair tied up in a small ponytail, out of her face, "Not once, but twice! Either you are a magnet for danger or it's a sign of fate. Needless to say, sorry for that. Can't help that the range is so close to here, a rogue arrow is ought to fly out of bounds, so be careful if you decide to sit here! Wouldn't want to file another accident in with the president again..."

Naomi nods solemnly, the long strands of her brown hair freely blowing in the breeze as it bobs to the movement, she crosses her arms.

"You were lucky you only ended up with a month of cleaning duty, also filing those papers are troublesome," She said," I wouldn't want to go through that ordeal again either."

"So thanks for that Naomi!" Reo side hugs her, grinning "Those documents always make my head spin...so I owe it to you for helping me out!"

Slightly flustered, Naomi shifts, visibly caught off guard by her hug.

"Get a room you two."

A girl in similar archery attire walks up to them, the voice cold.

Naomi immediately steps away from Reo, her expression almost embarrassed.

"...Ari!"

Reo takes a step away at the same time, her face equally flustered for just a moment.

The face of the voice, named Ari presumably, the edge of her mouth twitches into a small smile, seemingly fondly teasing, "Reo, Naomi. I see you two have been the same since the last time I saw you." She notices me and North, and smiles coolly, the action seemed almost forced, "...And the new students. Welcome to the academy."

"I didn't know you would back in town so soon Ari! Why didn't I hear of this sooner?" Reo turns to her, stilling blinking in surprise, before grinning brightly, "I thought it wouldn't be at least until after mid-quarter exams!"

As she walked into full view, I recognized her instantly, those steely dark eyes, that bright auburn hair- that one encounter on the rooftop.

She seemed to recognize me as well, her eyes widening slightly before returning to their calmly controlled gaze.

Ari looks back to Reo, "The situation was controlled, thought I might as well come back here to make sure things are going smoothly."

"Makes sense." Reo perks up suddenly, "Hey Ari, how about a challenge, in archery, between you and me right now. We still have a score to settle you know!"

"I know I can't upstage the holding champion of archery, that's what I know" She replied calmly.

"Ahaha, I'm flattered. But that doesn't explain how you managed to beat me that one time!"

"Timing and calculation," said Ari. "Or pure luck, as you should know by now."

Reo scratches the back of her head sheepishly, "Well, let's just do it for the fun! For old time's sake. You were a worthy rival, back when we used to compete."

Ari thinks for a moment, before sighing in resignation,"...Fine. Since I have some time to spare, I wouldn't mind a little 'challenge'."

Reo grins, the smile wide, "We will see if your skills had rusted over the months, Ari! Prepare to lose."

She jogs off towards the range, talking excitedly with the other archers as they discuss the events ahead.

Naomi collects the arrow that had landed near my feet, shaking her head, "And she still forgets to receive the arrow." She nods to me and North politely, "I will take this." Then she turns to Ari, pausing for a moment,"...Welcome back. Happy to see you've made it out."

"As do I. Luckily came back in one piece, probably wouldn't be the most cheerful reunion if I were missing a limb."

They both share a small smile.

Naomi nods, "Good to see you, take care then." She walks off towards the range after Reo, leaving us with Ari.

Ari's cool demeanor quickly drops, the air turning several degrees colder as she turns on me and North.

"You two, the Headmaster might have been quick to disregard any ill intentions, but I'm keeping my eyes on you." Her voice icy and tone blunt. "Best not to try anything, they are watching."

She gives us another distrustful look with her sharp gaze, before turning on her heels, striding away, her threatening words left hanging in the resulting silence.