********Three days ago*********

“Morning gorgeous!” Jinsei leans over Maika’s angular shoulder and gently kisses her cheek. She whips her head around to meet his magnetic gaze, then sticks out her pointed pink tongue and grins, noticing his ruffled hair “You sure it’s still morning? You’re the last one to the table as usual; Sensei is getting lax with you, allowing lie-ins!” Jinsei cringes as he moves to take a seat next to her on the bench. “So…What’s for breakfast eh?” A sharp bell sounds and everyone at the long wooden table leaps to their feet. Jinsei leans his head and whispers “Guess I’ll be skipping breakfast after all huh?” Maika catches herself before a full smile can escape, “Shh, we’ll get in trouble you idiot, well I will, Prince ‘I can do no wrong’ in Sensei’s eyes, like you’d get blamed!”

He prods her in the ribs “Where’s your sense of adventure? You’re supposed to be the bravest aren’t ya? C’mon why don’t we skip the briefing, its gonna be the same as yesterd-” She presses a slender finger to his lips as she spots a figure in the doorway. As her hand drops he catches it and entwines his fingers with hers, they steal a last gentle glace before standing to attention, melting into the mass of the group, the rows of others waiting for Sensei to address them.

Five minutes later people begin to file out of the hall into the sunshine, the tin soldiers come back to life. Jinsei trips through the door, black kimono sweeping in the breeze. “Ooh someone wants a fight!” He rolls up his sleeves and clasps Maika’s wrists as she bounds out after him, fists up. “You! Ah ha ha ha, I can’t stand it, I’m all set to be mad at you ‘cause you stop me concentrating in there, but looking at you all I can do is laugh! I should’ve put you through a window when I had the chance, are you laughing at me? Right, bring it on Mr. ‘I couldn’t be serious if I tried’ I’m ready” Maika furrows her brow and assumes a combat stance. “Erm honey, how do you expect to fight if I’ve got a hold on both your wrists-ugh” Maika’s leg snaps up between their arms and connects solidly with Jinsei’s jaw. “That’s how!” He immediately releases his grip, then slumps to his knees on the floor. “Oh God, I really hurt you didn’t I? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it, please, say you’re ok?” A shaking hand reaches up and cups her jaw, then the other speeds up and clamps onto her nose, wiggling it. He snaps his head up, grinning, “You’re strong, but not that strong! As if you could defeat The Great All-Powerful King Jinsei with a single feeble kick, bow before your master!” Maika contemplates slapping him, but envelopes him in her delicate arms and pulls him to the ground, the pair roll around on the grass laughing. A broad shadow is cast across the pair and they pause to look up. “Sakito!” Jinsei props himself up on his elbows and regards his best friend. “Jinsei, Maika, are you seriously planning on spending the day joking around on the lawn, wasting time after what Sensei just said? I’m deeply disappointed in your behaviour, it’s totally irresponsible, and I can’t accept it.” The pair on the floor look blank “You’re rubbing my nose in it ‘cuz Lily dumped me aren’t you! Got you, you thought I’d seriously care about his orders when it’s just the same lecture everyday, and he’s getting weaker all the while. Have fun you crazy kids, I’ll see you at the training ground later eh? Oh and Maika, don’t wear him out too much, if you know what I mean!” Thud, she nails him in the head with a football “Get out of here you perv! I don’t even know why Jinsei’s friends with someone like you, I’m seriously offended!” she grins as Sakito mocks running in fear, turning to bow in apology every few seconds. “What a clown! Hey Jin, d’you think he’s right about Sensei? About his powers fading and him getting weaker? If he’s right what does it mean? Will things change, for us?” She sits up and wipes her expression, waiting for his darning reply.