Saki Fantasy Mahjong

[night_sentinel]

Summary:
In a world where mahjong is more akin to a system of magic than a game. Where the unrelated effects in the anime world is reality... how will our beloved characters fair? A retelling of the Saki story with a fantasy twist.


Prologue - Fateful Meeting
Chapter I - The Mahjong club
Chapter II - Erroneous Beginnings (ETA: February 2013)

Side Stories
001 - A Battle's Aftermath (A Moment in the Miyanaga Siblings Past Vol. VIII)

[night_sentinel]

Just some legend of the Saki world snippet here.

In ancient times, a mysterious energy flowed through the world uncontrolled and unrestricted. This energy was the key that gave birth to several impossibilities. Concepts have sentience. Fantastical creatures like the phoenix and dragon spawned on earth. Humans gained abilities that defy the laws of reality. The land itself gave birth to wondrous materials – mythril, adamantium and many more.

It was a wondrous time to behold. The conceptual entities became what we now call Gods and gave birth to others concepts expanding reality. The fantastical creatures became the guide and guardian of the world. The wondrous materials are used to construct marvels that cannot be duplicated by the most advanced modern science. Humans used their abilities to defy their hostile surroundings and carve mighty civilizations.

It was a horrifying time to live. The Gods selfishly pursued their agenda heedless of anything else. The creatures that gained stewardship of the world followed an alien code of conduct that was incomprehensible to mortals. The land is actively hostile to the weak – noxious mist, carnivorous plants, fields of eternal fire, whirlpools that never stop. Human civilization followed the law of might wherein the strongest is right. The wondrous items constructed and its source materials became the sparks for endless war.

This continued for some time until some far seeing gods saw the apocalypse if everything continues as it is. Wise creatures of legend felt the damage being done to reality and chose to act. Mortal humans dreaming of a better world formed a plan.

In concert, they sealed the chaotic energy using their existence as a sacrifice. All the impossibilities that were made possible by the mysterious energy faded without their sustenance. Concepts lost its sentience and became unbendable laws of reality. Nature lost its innate magic and becoming a passive bystander. The phantasmal creatures lost its grip on the world and were absorbed into the seal in a moment of backlash. As for humans, they lost the power to shape reality but being mundane creature, they as a race persisted. Thus, the age of miracles ended with only legends and folktales to prove its existence.

This state of affair lasted on until a wise old teacher in China named Confucius accidentally discovered the key to manipulating the seal and letting some of the mysterious energy flow back into the world. He called this set of system that allowed mortals to transcend their natural limitations after a chattering sparrow that prompted the discovery – Mahjong.

It is now the 20th century; Mahjong has been thoroughly studied and hailed as a new branch of physics. The system of mahjong spread throughout the globe with millions of practitioners worldwide. Practitioners of mahjong are highly sought after and mahjong skills are a prerequisite to many exclusive jobs.

Historically, monarchs use their skills in mahjong to justify and police their absolute rule. Even now, the highest government position such as the prime minister or president needs a high degree of mahjong skills. A countries' power economically, militarily and politically can be measured by the caliber and quantity of their mahjong players.

Thus, schools are encouraged to promote Mahjong and nurture any talents that can be found. In many countries there are many school tournaments to see the the young budding talents and showcase the future generation. This is the story of those young budding talents that will shook the foundation of the world…

Notes:

Yes, I’m horribly bored. Waiting for the next episode is killing me and I cannot seem to get my head out of Saki. Go figure, out of all the things I can get addicted to its lesbian loli mahjong. Sigh…

Anyway, this is more of a short prologue and an explanation of the Saki world. I am planning to make every single special effect seen in the anime and the manga real. This meant Saki players’ ability will translate into the real world. And yes, they’ll actually have the rpg like costumes.

For example:
Koromo “no tenpai” ability will literally drown other players.
Toki’s one turn precognition will work in real life not just in mahjong. Think final destination.
Teru will probably feel like a fledging elder god. etc. etc. etc.

Please tell me if you think the idea is worth pursuing...

[Triple_R]

It's certainly a very creative idea!

So basically this is a magical girl version of Saki. That could certainly be a lot of fun, and it might be nice to read more.


Awhile back I toyed around with the idea of a Madoka Magica/Saki crossover fanfic where Saki became so great at mahjong because she made a wish with Kyubey and became a magical girl (most of the super-powered mahjong players would be the same way). I was going to have her be a lightning-using magical girl who shouts "Kon!", and "Tsumo!" every time she uses a Puella Magi attack.


Anyway, your approach sounds pretty original, and quite intriguing. Good luck with it.

[Qilin]

This idea strikes me eerily as a mahjong version of Yu-Gi-Oh.

Go for it, I say. I'm kinda curious as to how you might make use of this setting.

[Triple_R]

"Beware the might of my Millenium Riiichi!, little Nodocchi!" - Touka

Sorry, but Qilin's post inspired me to write that.

[night_sentinel]

Lol... its quite funny... anyway... I've said that 80% of chapter I is almost finished. Everything is almost done ...

The battle system is done. Your right Qilin that its going to resemble Yu-Gi-Oh a bit... actually I've got the bright idea due to Magic the Gathering multiplayer format...

Btw, do you guys know the 20% that I'm having trouble with, maybe you can help?

Its Saki, Yuuki, Mako's battle costume or rpg design... I'm brainstorming on what they need to look like especially Mako. On Nodoka there is no problem the anime provided the costume.

Saki is almost done though ... her weapon would be a staff and associated element would be earth. Her costume on the other hand, I'm drawing on a blank.


And well since you guys replied nicely, I'll put a teaser of Chapter I here.

Spoiler for snip:

snip

Author Note: This is the rendition of Nodoka and Saki's meeting. I hope you like it. Oh that quote above is from the hobbit. That's about 5% of chapter I where I'm sure there is no typographical error. Anyone willing to volunteer to beta or brainstorm with me?

P.S. Thx Qilin and Triple_R for the support. I'm glad you like the idea.

[Scarletknive]

Hmm... Now thats nice... I support the idea. Get this thing going.

Final destination ehh, haven't watched the movies but.... oh well... keep it going.

[night_sentinel]

Prologue – Fated Meeting

“Very pretty!” said Gandalf. “But I have no time to blow smoke-rings this morning. I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it's very difficult to find anyone.”

“I should think so--in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and I have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can't think what anybody sees in them,” said our Mr Baggins ---

Miyanaga Saki stopped reading - a sakura petal had fallen on the book. Looking up, she saw many more petals falling toward the ground. As her eyes tracked the petals dancing with the wind, she become aware of her surroundings.

The sun has reached the zenith of its climb and is now showering the grassy fields with its bright light. A nearby river is singing merrily as it passes by the bridge. She could feel the tell tale touch of the breeze beginning to pick up.

Saki wondered if this is what the Shire looked like at the morning of Gandalf and Bilbo’s meeting. The flow of the world peaceful with a tang of excitement in the air, as the land waits for the main actors to enter the stage. Now, the question is when will Gandalf and Bilbo arrive?

Or are they already here just waiting to meet? Perhaps even, she was unwittingly playing as one of them?

As the absurd thought crossed her mind, Saki almost laughed. The thought of her as a main character in an epic fantasy filled her with amusement. If there is one thing, she was sure that will not happen it’s that. The spring air was probably making her see patterns, which is not there – after all spring is the season of beginnings.

Brushing the petal and her wild musing away, Saki prepared to go back to reading when a movement by the other side of the bridge caught her attention.
A girl was crossing the bridge, which is ordinary enough, but this girl was anything but ordinary – she is simply too beautiful.

With lustrous locks of pink hair, a creamy white complexion and one of the most well endowed chest Saki has ever seen, the girl is a treat to the eyes. However, it was not the girl’s physical features that astounded Saki.

What astounded her was the girl’s aura. It gave the feeling that everything is all right in the world. The sun will always go up every morning and set every afternoon without fail. Every rock you throw will fall down. Such a strong and comforting presence … Saki almost stretched her own aura to touch …

Saki's own aura was only a hair breath away from the girl's, when stranger deigned to look at her direction which effectively snapped Saki back to reality. Realizing her staring toward the girl was a gross breach of conduct, Saki immediately grabbed the book sitting on her lap and used it to cover her face. Then, she pretended to read, flipping the pages here and there.

Luckily, the girl did notice anything amiss and calmly walked toward her destination.

"Pweww... " Saki exhaled, the moment the girl was safely out of sight she immediately dropped the pretense her mind immediately zeroing on the mysterious girl.

“Who is she?” Saki thought to herself. She was wearing the same uniform so she must also be a freshman. Though, she must not be on the same class as Saki or else she would have noticed her before.
Still,the mysterious girl is also a freshman it would be easy to meet her and then…

Saki’s thoughts grounded to a halt and her excitement dropped. After meeting the mysterious girl, what then?

She cannot imagine an approach wherein she does not sound like a crazy stalker. How will she introduce herself?

Hello, you are one of the most beautiful person I have ever seen and I just want to meet you.

Saki could only imagine the girl’s reaction if she ever said that. Saki and the girl will most likely die of embarrassment if that happens.

Besides, the girl probably has not noticed her at all. Someone sitting besides the riverbank reading does not leave a lasting impression. It is a perfectly normal thing to do. And that is what Saki is - normal and average which is exactly the way she likes it.

Calmed down, Saki once again looked at the book that she was supposed to be reading and remembered her earlier musings. It really seemed like fate has a wicked sense of humor. One moment she was musing about the current scenery seems to be fitting for a fantasy series then she sees a mysterious girl that would be at home in it. Chuckling to herself, she wondered if the mysterious girl would be the one playing the wise old wizard?

If that is the case, the only one that was missing will be Bilbo. Bilbo comfortable in his hole who was about to have his world turned upside-down. She suddenly felt a great kinship for the old hobbit, dragged out of his life just because he said good morning to the aged wizard. She wondered if it would be better for Bilbo if the fateful meeting have never taken place. It certainly would lessen the old hobbit’s future suffering for sure. In any case, she certainly won't be making that mistake, fate would have to find another Bilbo or try harder.

Glad to have made a resolution, Saki would have began reading when a masculine voice called out from behind her.

“Saki!”

Turning around Saki watched a boy with blond hair ran toward her. It was Suga Kyoutaro, her classmate from middle school.

“I finally found you.” The boy panted out coming to rest under the shade of the tree.

After regaining his breath, he asked, “Why are you here? If someone had not seen you walking toward the bridge, I would have never known where to look.”

Saki thought the answer was obvious.

“I was reading.”

“Why go here and not the library?” The boy undeterred by the excuse.

Saki considered the question. Logically the library should be the perfect place to read except for one glaring problem – the library of Kiyosumi High was filled with students. It seemed that the students of Kiyosumi High were the diligent sort which is to be expected considering the grade required to enter and the academic curriculum enforced. Though, it’s not rowdy or anything, in fact the library was quiet and peaceful… its just…

“… uncomfortable for me in the library.” Saki answered.

Hearing that answer, Kyoutaro just sighed.

“Kyou-chan, do you want something?”, The bookworm wanting to end this line of discussion asked her friend.

“Let’s go to the cafeteria,” the boy unexpectedly said.

Saki was confused was there something important happening in the cafeteria.

“Cafeteria? Why?”

“The ladies’ lunch menu at the cafeteria looked specially tasty today.” Kyou-chan said with a big grin and a thumbs-up to Saki.

And here she was thinking it was something serious. Its now Saki’s turn to sigh. That was why Kyou-chan looked for her? Saki was about to say no when she noticed how much her friend is sweating and how he was leaning on the tree. He must have scoured the whole school looking for her…

“Let’s go to the cafeteria”, Saki weakly grumbled.

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Carrying her friends ladies’ lunch special, our bookworm was beginning to get annoyed. There are so many students in the cafeteria and she was having a hard time looking for Kyou-chan. She cannot distinguish his transparent aura in this mess. Worse yet, packed in close quarters the auras of each student mingled with each other giving her a mild headache.

“Here !” Kyou-chan waved as she directed her to their table.

Relieved to have spotted her friend, Saki hurried to the table. Then, she proceeded to dump the tray with a heavy thud.

“Here’s your ladies’ lunch.”

“Thank you ~.”

“I can’t believe you only asked me to come to the cafeteria to order this for you.”

“But the ladies’ lunch looked tasty today.” Kyou-chan enthusiastically dug in

Looking at her unrepentant friend who was happily eating his food Saki felt her irritation melt away.

“Sigh, don’t use me like that,” Saki said without any real heat in her voice as she took her seat on the table.

Whether her friend heard her was to be debated as Kyou-chan practically inhaled the food. Saki watched in amazement as the boy swallowed one bite after another without needing to chew.

"You are really hungry huh?” Saki asked after Kyou-chan has swallowed the last bite.

“Yeah, I haven’t eaten breakfast yet and someone decided they need to read in a weird location”.

“I didn’t know you’re going to look for me,” Saki defended. “Besides, I haven’t seen you for weeks now. You said you found the girl of your dreams and you’re planning to confess.”

At the question, Kyou-chan got a blissful look on his face. Making a weird laugh, he said, “Yup I found a treasure trove of beauties ku ku ku …”

Hearing that laugh, Saki knew that her friend was on la la la land again. Sighing once again, Saki poked him a bit to bring him back to reality.

“Have you confessed yet?” Saki asked gently knowing Kyou-chan’s track record with the opposite sex.

“No, but I have found a perfect way to make her like me.”

Kyou-chan with his eyes, flashing declared. “I’m learning mahjong.”

“Oh?”

Kyou-chan deflated a bit from Saki’s weak response, “You know I’m expecting you to be more excited.”

“But, everyone learns about mahjong during high school. One of the subject that we were taking now is Mahjong 101 isn’t it?”

“No! No! No!” the boy emphatically declared. “What I’m talking about isn’t theoretical mahjong; I’m talking about the practical side. You know manipulations of energy and real life battles, the ones we saw in TV?”

“Here, I'll give you a demonstration,” her friend, said. To an outside observer, Kyoutaro just closed his eyes for an instant. However, Saki can feel him tapping to the flow of energy and gathering it to his fist.

“Alright, here it goes.” Kyoutaro raised his fist up in the air.

On the other hand, Saki was paralyzed.

A red haired girl raised her fist on the air causing a vortex of air and energy to swirl in the atmosphere. With one swift motion the red haired girl punched in Saki's direction causing the vortex to move into Saki's direction.


A loud smack rang into the air.

The table proved itself stronger than Kyou-chan's fist.

“Ouch! ,” the boy yelped cradling his throbbing hand.

Saki released the energy that she was instinctively gathering with a sigh of relief. What was she thinking Kyou-chan isn’t her sister there was no need to actively prepare a defensive array against him...

The boy oblivious to her thoughts was ranting, “ Owie.. my hand... What did I do wrong, I’m pretty sure I finally managed to remember all the yaku so the energy pattern should be right…”

Feeling guilty about her aborted course of action, Saki tried to reassure her friend, “You didn’t do anything wrong. You had the correct form - the mana here is just a bit scarce and wilder compared to a proper battleground so you weren’t able to gather enough and mold it properly. To be able to gather mana in an ordinary place one must put ten times more effort and time. ”

Finished explaining, Saki was surprised to see Kyoutaro watching her closely.
After a few unnerving moments the boy finally asked, “You know mahjong?”

Saki realized she have said too much. True, they were studying mahjong at school now; however, as first years it was just basic memorization of terms and history. Practical mahjong comes after they have covered that and what she just spouted was advanced theory on how to do mahjong without proper equipment.

There is no use crying over spilled milk though, her friend deserved an answer.

“I can do mahjong. But, my result on the potential test was pretty average.”

Saki hoped that what she said was discouraging enough that Kyou-chan would drop this line of discussion. She was confused when the boy eyes glinted at her answer.

“You tend to be average at everything, Saki. But, I guess you’re better than nobody at all… why don’t you come with me to the mahjong club?”

“Ehh? Why? I'm no good at mahjong."

“We don’t have enough members so please come just for today.” Kyoutaro put on a pleading impression.

Saki was about to say no when she recalled Kyoutaro’s expression when he mentioned the mahjong club. He looked happy. How curious, she never thought using mahjong can give anyone happiness quite the opposite in fact.

Besides, it would not hurt to check out the mahjong club if there was any sort of danger to it. After all, Kyou-chan was one of the few people that are close to her.

“Just for today.”

[Triple_R]

Pretty good re-imagining of the 1st Saki episode.

I especially liked the idea of Saki as a fan of Tolkien's works.

Nice start, night_sentinel!

[night_sentinel]

Chapter I - The Mahjong Club

"Miyanaga-san, according to the tests you can possibly become a mahjong practitioner in the future, do you want my recommendation to apply to Kazekoshi?" the kindly school councilor asked the shy student.

"Ummm... I've already chosen Kiyosumi, most of my classmates are going there, besides my score for mahjong is about average to the norm for my age, right?" the girl shifting nervously under her gaze replied.

"Even if you only scored average, there are only a 1 out of a hundred that can become mahjong practitioner you know... scoring anything at all on the test is a great accomplishment," the councilor explained patiently.

Seeing that the brunette doesn't seem to be enthused with the idea, she tried again, "You should develop your talent and going to a good school is the first step toward it. Who knows maybe I'll even see you in the national stage."

Unfortunately, that comment has the opposite effect causing the girl to visibly deflate even more.

"But, I don't want to fight..." the girl whispered softly.

Ahh, the aged woman thought so that's why she's having a lot of trouble with this one, most students were usually enthused to discover that they can become mahjong practitioner.

She tried again, "Miyanaga-san, though most practitioners know how to fight it isn't necessary. Only a select few can actually muster a good combat skill for it to be needed militarily. Most use their mahjong skills as an extra advantage in their professions. "

But her argument seem to have gone to one ear and out another for the girl remained stubborn, "Gomen... but, I want to go to Kiyosumi, my friend is going and its near my house so it will be easier for me."

"You're sure? I don't think Kiyosumi even have a mahjong club."

A short nod was her only answer.

"Very well then. Kiyosumi it is."

"Here take this," she said handing the girl a small black ball which on contact with the girl's skin emitted a soft glow. "As you know that amount of glow shows that you have about average potential for a mahjong player your age."

For some reason, this only disheartened the girl, so trying to lighten up the atmosphere, the woman added, "Its actually funny when we connected it to a reader your score is the exact mean for last year survey of high school student."

Her good humor was lost on the the shy student though, who stiffened more and seemed to become more resolute after that last comment. "I really don't deserve this sensei," Miyanaga-san softly said refusing the gift.

She inwardly sighed, trying to get this girl to relax is taxing, "Don't worry about it, we give this to anyone who showed the slightest mahjong potential so don't think you're getting special treatment. This way even those who don't go to a mahjong club can develop their skills. All you have to do is meditate on this ball everyday and try to make the ball glow more."

Staring at the ball for a while, Miyanaga-san finally said, "Arigato sensei."

"I suppose that ends our session, do you have any more questions regarding your future aspirations?"

After some hesitation, the girl finally asked, "You said that my potential is about average for mahjong players my age but its already something extraordinary? Umm... What exactly is normal to get when you test using this?"

Maybe she is finally getting what a wonderful gift she has, the councilor inwardly thought. Outwardly she said, "Why normally you get nothing at all... not even the slightest glow just pitch black. As I've said you're gifted Miyanaga-san, it would be a waste if you don't develop it. Do you have any more questions to ask?" The girl shook her head... " Well this ends the session. I hope that I have been able to help you."

"You have sensei...," then bowing deeply, Miyanaga-san softly said "Gomenasai" before taking her leave. Unnoticed in the girl's hand the soft glow that the ball is emitting slowly vanished without a trace.

- Final Advising Session between Miyanaga Saki and her Middle School Councilor.

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"Welcome to the Mahjong Club!" Kyoutaro proudly proclaimed as he opened the door to a building.

Looking at the building that her friend led her into, Saki felt a pit open up in her stomach. To put it frankly the building was eerie – its so old that its a wonder that it isn't already demolished. The broken window panes and the small dents at the side of the building wasn't exactly confidence inspiring either.

But, the building appearance wasn't the main reason for Saki's unease. The moment the door was opened, she could feel the energy inside the building... or perhaps its more accurate to say how much energy the place have. Just from her rough estimate the building has a hundred times more energy than normal. Why with this amount of energy it will be so easy to set something off...

Not for the first time, Saki felt that agreeing to go to the Mahjong club was a bad idea, not that she thought that it was a good idea in the first place. The only reason that she agreed is to see if her friend is safe and just by the environment of the club the idea is becoming unlikely by the minute.

Speaking of Kyoutaro does he know about this? Looking at her friend's eager face, Saki quickly dismissed the idea. Kyou-chan may be a bit impulsive but he will never willingly walk in a disaster area much less invite her to a place that could potentially be dangerous. It seems like her friend is being deceived after all. She should have expected this the moment the boy have said that mahjong is fun. There is only one thing to do.

"Kyou-chan, the building is dangerous, it ... " she began but before Saki finished her warning, the boy sighed interrupting her.

"I'm ashamed of you, Saki. I know the building looks a bit suspicious but you of all people should know that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover."

"This is different – ", our resident bookworm tried to object, but whatever she was about to say was halted when the boy simply stepped toward the threshold before she can even complete her sentence. To her horror, the energy began to swirl around Kyoutaro while he stood there without a single barrier of protection. Worried for her friend Saki was about to forcefully yank him out of the death trap of a building when she noticed the boy smiling slyly.

The smile that Kyou-chan usually make when he want to make grand presentation of himself or play a trick made her hesitate for a bit. He looks so sure standing there perhaps he isn't in danger after all. He is probably going to cast a protective spell inside using the ambient energy to make it easier. Calming down Saki thought wryly to herself, really he should have told her before plunging directly like that, he almost gave her a heart attack.

Unfortunately, Saki's optimistic thoughts about her friend was not to be.

Making a show of stomping his feet toward the ground and without a single attempt to mold the dangerous energy around him, her childhood friend grinned, "See, the floor is solid as a rock, its perfectly safe here."

Saki just stared.

"Oh come on, don't think I haven't noticed your worrying yourself to death the moment you saw the building. You probably thought it was going to come down on our head, huh?"

Stomping the floor a few times and then kicking the wall for a good measure, the boy continued, "This place can take more than a few beating so don't worry. Here, I'll even lead the way." The boy then stomped his way all across the room toward the staircase totally oblivious to Saki's true worries.

'He didn't notice?' Saki thought. Looking at the boy happily stomping and the energy happily swirling around him but not interacting with him in anyway, Saki concluded that Kyou-chan is totally unaware of the supernatural phenomena happening.

But how is that possible? Even if he didn't notice shouldn't there be some sort of clash between his aura and the flow of energy? At the very least, he should have felt some sort of pressure... Saki stared at the decrepit building doubtfully, could there be something special about this building?

To test this hypothesis, Saki tentatively moved closer to the door and poked the energy. At a split second, the energy flowed through her from the point of contact invigorating her body. Shocked at what happened, she quickly removed her finger away as if burned.

Still she wasn't quick enough for when she examined her ring finger - it was glowing from the absorbed energy. Well there goes one guess, sighing to herself she expelled the energy without a second thought toward the ground causing a small singe mark to appear. That won't do at all, Saki thought looking at the singe mark and with a gesture the singe mark disappeared.

This is odd… the energy here is too easily absorbed, its not inert like she expected like when Kyou-chan passed through. As it stands right now, if she goes inside the energy will go haywire. How did he managed to pass through this without even trying? Perhaps she confusedly mused, she was right the first time and her friend has truly become a really good practitioner without her noticing?

The faint stomping of her friend's feet which is already above the stairs snapped her out of her musings. That's right her friend is waiting for her... regardless of whether he has become really good of a practitioner or not, she made a promise to help him with this for just one day. And she refuse to break another promise ever again... her lips frowned reflexively at the mere thought of breaking a promise. Even if it is about mahjong, perhaps especially if it is about mahjong.

Anyway, its just one day after all and friends do things that they don't like for their other friends, right? This is just one of those things she told herself. So that left only one thing to do. Calling on the her largely suppressed personal energy, she used it to make a form fitting shell around herself. Hoping she did it right, she once again tried to poke the energy at the doorway with her finger. This time the energy didn't respond. Success, she thought to herself.

"Now for the real thing," Saki said as she hesitantly entered the building. To her relief, the shell held out and the energy in the building remained calm as if she wasn't there. There one problem down, now to find Kyou-chan. He was going up the stairs a few minutes ago, she better follow him.


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Saki was already at the top of the stairs when a soft polite voice called her attention.

" ... a guest?"

Turning to the voice direction, she saw the pink headed beauty that she observed this afternoon sitting on one of the comfy chairs in the corner of the room. Of course, the mysterious girl is going to be a mahjong practitioner too. The bookworm inwardly grumbled to herself. So much for her resolution on not meeting the girl.

Come to think of it, could this girl be Kyou-chan's dream girl? The pinkette is certainly pretty enough to qualify and knowing her friends type the pinkette's blessed assets would be a welcome bonus.

A soft cough, made her realize that she was staring at the said blessed assets. Mortified, Saki could feel her face burn as she attempted to explain her faux pas, "Umm … gomen... I was surprised to see you here."

The mystery girl only raised an eyebrow in response at her lame attempt for an explanation. "Umm... just this morning, I saw you passing through the bridge... I didn't expect to see you so soon," the bookworm tried again.

Miraculously the mystery girl seems to have understood her, "Ahh... you're the one reading by the bridge?"

Saki gave a brief nod of confirmation and elaborated why she was intruding on the building, "I was looking for Kyou-chan..."

"Suga-kun will be here shortly. Please, make yourself at home," the pinkette rose up from her chair as proper etiquette demands when she is greeting a guest and pointed at a chair opposite to the one she is sitting on, "Have a sit."

As Saki went to the chair pointed, she wondered about the chances that the mystery girl would actually remember her? It is a relief because it saves Saki from making anymore awkward conversation, but it is also worrying because the bookworm didn't think she did anything to stood out when she and the girl first met. To be able to remember a passing scenery just like that means the girl has very good observational skills.

The mystery girl then began to busy herself by preparing some tea.

Saki, on the other hand, took her seat and observed her host once more, this time being careful to keep her gaze on the girl's face which is actually not very hard to do all things considered.

If this is the one Kyou-chan is pursuing, she definitely approves – not only is the girl easy on the eyes, but just by looking at the girl's clear and steady aura she knows that the girl is also a good and honest person who is unlikely to lead her friend astray.

Speaking of aura, the mystery girl's aura was a bit subdued now compared to when she last saw her but like Kyou-chan's doesn't seem to be interacting with the surrounding energy of the place. Maybe it is some sort of technique taught to all club members? Mahjong practitioners who fight must be really high level then, Saki concluded.

"Please have some tea," the pinkette handed Saki a cup of steaming tea ending her brief contemplation. The bookworm promptly sipped the tea and found it to her liking. It tastes very light and has a small undertone of sweetness to it.

"This tea taste delicious. Thank you," The bookworm said to express gratitude to the mystery girl's hospitality.

The girl deflected the compliment merely stating, "It was made from special herbs that Mako-sempai brought. It gives the tea a sweet flavor."

After a couple more of light conversation Kyou-chan finally arrived. He was carrying four large metallic circles on one hand. "Oh good, Saki you're here. I thought for a second you chickened out."

"Waa... Kyou-chan you're mean, you know I always keep my promise," the bookworm pouted.

The pinkette visibly perked up as soon as she saw the rings and asked, "Oh... are you a mahjong practitioner as well?"

"I do know how to use mahjong but I'm not really familiar with the sport version," Saki honestly answered.

"Don't worry about that Saki, you're going to be in good hands, Nodoka here is the middle school individual champion."

"Is that good?," the bookworm innocently asked.

"Of course its good, how can you not know that?" Her friend exclaimed, dismayed by the lack of knowledge her answer revealed.

But, before he can go on a tirade about how awesome the mystery girl is, he was interrupted by an energetic girl that literally zipped through the corridor.

"I'm back!", the pint sized bundle of energy announced.

And out of the blue the energetic girl made a beeline toward Saki's personal space spouting praises for the pinkette, "Nodoka is really amazing. She won the middle school individual championship which meant that she is the best."

The best the word echoed through Saki's head blurring the rest of the energetic girl's tirade. There is only one person that the bookworm has ever associated with that word.

Could this person be similar to her Onee-chan? Saki's heart raced while her aura lashed violently clashing beside the shell that she formed to stop it from interacting with the volatile energy in the room almost breaking it. Almost.

Calm down, Saki thought to herself. It's too early to be excited. Nothing is confirmed yet. Still, Saki finds her eye wandering to the now revealed middle school champion.

Unmindful of her audience distraction, the energetic girl continues, "- And what's more her parents are a public prosecutor and a lawyer! And she's popular with the boys!."

The pinkette, on the other hand, has progressively grown exasperated from the glowing praises and had enough, "Yuuki! I'm sure our guest isn't interested to know that."

Then, with a quickness that was born from need to change the subject she turned to Kyou-chan, "Suga-kun, is the transformation rings already calibrated?"

"Of course, I've done the calibration myself," the boy said proudly waving the huge rings hanging on his arm.

Saki wanting to join the conversation asked, "Transformation rings?"

Her friend sighed, "Don't tell me, you don't know about the transformation rings too, Saki?" Seeing the bookworm shake her head, "What do you think allows the mahjong practitioners to do those complex spells that they do in the competitions?"

But, couldn't you already do those normally? She want to ask but stayed silent to avoid upsetting the boy again.

Seeing that the newcomer was not getting it the pinkette continued Kyou-chan's explanation, "The transformation rings allows the practitioner to connect to the purified mana that surrounds the mahjong arena and it also gives them certain protection. Here I'll demonstrate."

"First you have to concentrate on the ring."

Taking one of the rings from Kyou-chan the pinkette stared intently at it.

To Saki's eye she could see the pinkette's aura slowly enclose the ring and then the ring suddenly dematerialize and cover middle school champion's body making it glow. After the glow faded, the girl is now wearing a pure white flowing gown with a white headband to hold her hair.

The energetic girl continued the explanation , "After the transformation you give your name to confirm it like what Nodo-chan will do."

True to her cue, the transformed middle school champion softly stated, "Haramura Nodoka entering battle mode confirmed."

"Now, its my turn next! Watch how awesome I am!", the energetic girl swiftly took one of the rings before Kyou-chan could object and in a split second the ring also dematerialized and covered the energetic girl's body.

This time the result is different, a leather outfit with rugged pants and a thin shirt that only reached her belly button- the energetic girl truly looks like a thief class straight from a fantasy game.

She gave a cheeky salute and said, "Katoaka Yuuki, reporting for duty."

"My turn," the only boy of this party also used the transformation ring and in a second he is also in an outfit reminiscent of a swordsman from a generic MMORPG. "Suga Kyoutaro is also here."

Kyou-chan then handed one of the transformation rings to her, "Here Saki, you should try it too."

Looking at the transformation ring, Saki wondered if she should try it. It occurred to her that she could just walk away from this with no one the wiser at all. She could easily avoid letting her aura touch the ring after all.

But, she did gave her word and to be honest her new acquaintances is growing on her. Looking at their eager faces she doesn't want to betray their expectation.

Besides, there is Haramura-san... her heart clenched at the possibilities that she represented. And after so long without a single hope, Saki knew that she would not be able to stop herself from chasing this unexpected windfall. Chuckling to herself, she guessed that her decision is already decided then.

Saki gently pushed her aura in the ring and she was instantly covered with light. In a split instant she could feel the mana gathering around her and becoming solid.

When, the light died down she looked at her new outfit – she was wearing a thick white concealing cloak with silver trimmings that covered every part of her. Inside, she could feel the cold touch of metal which she intimately know to be chains running around her body.

Remembering what she is supposed to do, she gave a soft bow to her current companions - until she can have her answer she's committed to this path for now.

"My name is Miyanaga Saki. Please take care of me."

Notes:

I finally remembered I actually need to update here thanks to someone who unintentionally reminded me.

Since the main manga is slow these days I thought I'll write some more to satisfy my craving. I'll probably consistently update now too.

Anyway, what do you guys think of this fic?
If anyone is actually reading this... lol.

[night_sentinel]

~ Saki Fantasy Mahjong ~

~Side Story 01 ~

There was silence in the stadium, everyone cannot believe their eyes.

"The Winner of the match and our Current Reigning Champion - Miyanaga Teru."

The moment the referee announced the winner, the whole stadium descended into a state of pandemonium. The ones who lost their winnings were crying that the fight was rigged. Others were laughing in satisfaction at the huge killing they made. The competitors were no better. Various fighters were crowing about the downfall of their former bitterest adversary, while a select few were glaring daggers at the red head for defeating said former champion.

The referee himself seem to be having a mild revelation at the outcome. Who can blame him though, it was certainly a huge upset. Many have said that the match was disproportionate from the start. On one corner, you have a girl barely out of her elementary school years and on the other you have a towering man about four times her age and size.

Well they were proven right- just not in the way they expected.

Breaking from her survey of the crowd, the newly crowned champion looked at her touted adversary in disappointment. The muscle bound man lay on the arena floor, yet to wake up.

Saki would have woken up by now.

She supposed it just goes to show that age isn't everything... But, after all that fanfare and convincing she had to do to be allowed to participate here. Just to have everyone be felled in a single punch felt a bit anticlimactic. This may not be a legal tournament but she was hoping for some standards. Her imouto gave her more challenging fights without even trying. Heck, Saki will probably be able to wipe the mop off the so called 'veteran' fighters here and just to show the unfairness of the world her little one wasn't even allowed inside.

Burying her disappointment, the red headed girl resumed scanning the crowd looking for a familiar mop of brown hair. As expected there was none around, Teru did say that there was no need to watch. Besides, the elders adamantly forbade Saki from going here. And despite evidence to the contrary, her imouto does try to be respectful and dutiful as she could.

But, Teru knew that Saki was definitely here. Even if she can't confirm it right now due to their link being muffled on her little one's end.

A warning sign in itself her mind whispered. Her little one only does that when the younger girl wanted to hide or do something she would disprove of.

Besides–

A cheerful voice sing -songs in her ear. "Onee-chan, I have a surprise for you ..."

– even if Saki managed to hide perfectly today she would still suspect. Her imouto botched any attempt of surprise the previous week. Seriously, the past week was an eye-opening experience regarding her imouto's non-existent acting ability...

Squeaking every time she passed by while lugging a big basket that is taller than her around the house.

Clumsily panicking with adorable inept attempts to hide said basket behind one of the furniture.

Teru grinned in remembrance.

Its times like this that make her happy to have an eidetic memory.

Though, she suppose she really ought to give her imouto some lessons in deception... someday. Maybe.

Wait … Is that a pigtailed brown hair?

A closer examination yielded a negative result.

Sighing the red head broke from her examination of the crowd. This is going nowhere, the whole area is simply too large and there are too many blind spots for a physical survey to work. Its time for more drastic measures.

Teru pulsed her aura like a wave, skimming on every surface inside the arena. This action caused most of the people inside to experience a case of mild goosebumps but the red head was sure that they will brush it up as nothing. From her brief stint in this place, there were none that can identify what she was doing.

But, her little sister certainly could.

For a few minutes, Teru stood with her senses stretched waiting for a response.

…

…

...

But, there was no answering caress to be found. Not even a flare to signify someone noticed her probing.

All of her earlier good humor fled.

She got her confirmation.

Saki obeyed their instructions after all.

She should be happy, but its all Teru could do to keep her hand from bunching into fist and punch something.

This whole venture was pointless.

There is no point of staying here.

The red head eyed the arena's only exit with distaste. It was now filled with a bustling crowd, packed together like sardines- pushing each other in their hurry to get out. From the corner of her eyes, she spied a couple of stranglers who were covertly following her movements. No doubt from the moment she gets off the arena, they would accost her.

She really does not have the energy for this. Not today.

Decision made, Teru jumped out of the arena into the open ceiling above. With nary an effort, she crossed the six story tall wall within a single bound and safely landed on the other side.

On the arena, those who witnessed the superhuman feat of their newly crowned champion began murmuring.

"What the hell?!"

"We were planning to hustle THAT?!"

"That person can't be human!"

Teru, on the other hand, didn't pay attention to the increasing level of noise on her back. She walked faster, hoping to get home before nightfall. Looking at the sky, the sun was halfway down the horizon and the stars were already starting to appear. In a few minutes, the gates to their home was going to close and no one was allowed to go outside or inside. If she used that technique she can possibly make it if she hurry –

"Onee-chan!"

...that voice...

A brown sized blur tackled her.

Teru reflexively caught the familiar shape but not before the impact sent her sitting on the ground.

How?

But, the evidence can't be denied. The moment Teru opened her eyes - her vision was dominated by Saki's face – grinning cheerfully from ear to ear.

"Saki..." You came …

A pleasant warmth was spreading through her chest. It was all Teru could do to stop grinning like a lunatic.

"I bought your present, Onee-chan."

And true enough, beyond her imouto's adorable face - Teru could see the well-known basket. At this angle, it was easy to see that it was filled with freshly picked ripe strawberries.

"My present?"

Saki cutely bobbed her head in confirmation.

Taking her hands off her imouto whom she reflexively embraced in the collision, she slid the basket off and set it aside beside her.

Saki freed from her burden made herself comfortable in her elder sister's embrace. The red head gave a fond chuckle at the gesture.

"Did you watch my match, Saki?"

"... I'm sorry, Onee-chan. I know that I'm not suppose to be here..."

Giving her imouto a gentle rubbing on the head to show her appreciation. "I'm not mad, Saki." The implications inherent to that sentiment went unsaid.

But, not unheard judging from the conspiratorial look Saki sent her way.

"So how was it?"

"Uwaahh... You were up against a really tough guy."

"Tough?" She can't remember anyone that she fought today who can fit that description.

"He has lots of tattoos and looked really really mean."

" Ah... that guy." He flew out of the ring with one kick to the chest.

"Onee-chan is so amazing. You waited for the first swing and in the moment that tough guy left his guard down, POW!"

"I'm pretty sure you can do that too. You know?"

Saki shook her head. "But, Onee-chan doing it would look cooler."

Her imouto gave the final word with all the earnestness of a besotted child and just like that Teru lost any of her willpower to argue.

Teru rested her head on the latter's shoulder to hide her face from view. She was sure that it cannot get any redder when she heard a soft whisper, "Onee-chan... I'm glad I came to watch your match."

"Saki... "

Her heart lighter than ever with an emotion she cannot name, the newly crowned champion could only embrace her imouto a little bit tighter.

At that moment, she was sure that nothing will ever convince her to let go of this precious person.

Not today.

Not ever.


- The Battle's Aftermath

- A Moment in the Past of the Miyanaga Family Vol. VIII