...
The days in Kivotos passed fairly normally... Well, as far as what passes as normal in Kivotos, anyway. I kept on doing my work, as well as working on my secret weapon when I have the time.
It's all comin' together, alright. Gonna hafta start making some bullets for it soon.
The trio of former Asamiya Gunfighter's Academy students are still helping out Schale, both in and out of the building. Commissions are much easier when I don't have to do them every single time. Wakamo's still been a big help as well, still lovingly calling me 'Anata-sama' and all that.
To be honest, I'm still riding off the joy that Azusa inflicted me with the other day. She REALLY loves Momo Friends stuff, maybe more than Hifumi... Maybe not, actually.
ding
I pause working on my weapon as I hear my phone ding, taking off my gloves and mask while sitting down the welding tool. Oh, it's from Tomoe. Haven't heard from her in a while.
...Oh, I got a few a little while ago too. I oughta text 'em back. Tomoe's first.
Hello, Sensei.
If it's not too much trouble, could you spare some time in the afternoon?
Probably. What do ya need?
I have to visit the shopping district near Schale to buy things for the Red Winter Office's work, but...
It's been a while since I left the Red Winter district, and so I'm embarrassed to admit I'm not used to the roads around there.
If it's okay, I was hoping you could accompany me.
Sure, I've got time.
Thank you, Sensei.
Then I'll see you in front of the shopping district after lunch.
I'll be there.
Well that's a nice surprise... And another with a text from Nodoka.
Did you hear the news, Sensei? There's gonna be a meteor shower! A meteor shower!
Oh yeah? I haven't seen one of those in a long time. I think I was a kid that time.
All the more reason to be excited!
I read the paper and they said the Leo meteor shower will happen on the next full moon.
...The full moon that's tonight?
Yes!
The best part is that we'll be able to see it from the Red Winter district!
We couldn't see the last one from here, so I was really disappointed. I bet it's beautiful when you see it in person.
The last one certainly left an impression on me.
Eee! I'm excited already!
Hmm. I wonder if I'll be able to see it from here. Schale is rather tall, after all. Surely Rin would let me go to the GSC's roof if need be. That aside, the next text is from Michiru.
Domo, Sensei. I am Michiru.
...What's with the formality?
This is just how ninja nerds like us traditionally greet each other.
You must accept this way of greeting to be my ninja nerd friend... and, ultimately, my ninja companion!
You never mentioned a greeting before though.
Anyways, what're you texting me for?
Well...
Oh! We're gonna miss the train!
I must take my leave! I look forward to seeing you again someday! Adios! Sayonara!
*pop pop pop pop* - smoke bomb sound
Um... Sure. Sayonara!
What a girl. Sitting my phone to the side, I decide to get back to work on my secret gun.
----------
Stretching with a groan, I look at the time. Nearly lunch, huh?
Getting up, I look around to see neither hide nor hair of anyone. Right, Arona went to visit the Game Dev girls, and Wakamo went to help the trio with a commission. Shrugging, I decide to make myself some sandwiches. I'm pretty sure I've still got some of that ham from the other night.
While putting the thing together, I pause. Someone's here, and they're sneaking around. I hear a soft sound a ways behind me. I continue working on my sandwich for a while, spreading the mayo with a knife. Then-
"AHHH!"
Michiru shouts as I suddenly whirl around, pointing a butter knife covered in a bit of mayonnaise at her face. She's leaped back at least three steps.
"H-H-How did you escape my perfect ambush?" The tanuki stammers fearfully.
Smiling, I turn back to my sandwich, continuing working on it like nothing happened. "I have REALLY good hearing. Next time you're on a stealth mission, don't giggle to yourself. You were pretty good, though. I almost didn't notice you... Almost."
"Geez. You must really be a master, Sensei-dono." She praises. "Based on what you've said... Yes. You definitely have potential!"
"For what?" I ask.
"What sort of potential do you think I'm talking about? Your potential as a ninja, of course!" The grayette says, acting like I'm stupid.
"Really?" I hum.
"Yes! I know what you're thinking!" I can almost hear her smile. "The oath to becoming a ninja seems too hard. I understand the anxiety you must feel. Don't be reckless, since you're a beginner. You have to start slow and build a good foundation. For example, you might start off as a ninja fanatic."
"Pfft." I hold back a chuckle. "So if a ninja fanatic levels up, they become a ninja?" Sounds like those shitty mobile game ads. Level 1 bandit vs Level 99 millionaire boss or some shit like that.
"I get it. You're the type that doesn't like starting off as a rookie, eh? Well, aren't you ambitious? But I like your passion!" Where is she even going with this? I don't think she can even hear me. "But it's okay, Sensei! I'm Chidori Michiru, president of the dignified Ninjutsu Research Club! Well... not officially yet, but... A-Anyway! The Ninjustu Research Club recommends the 'Becoming a Ninja Plan B' for people just like you!"
"Starting to get Scientology vibes from this shot, Michiru." I grumble, continuing to make food.
"If you don't want to go level by level, there's another way!" She continues. Oh, god, please don't let it actually be a fucking pyramid scheme. "It's like choosing your class in a tutorial! Instead of ninja fanatic, you could start off as turtle."
I sit down the knife and turn around. "...Turtle?"
"Turtle." She says with a proud nod.
"How the hell would a turtle become a ninja?" Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles notwithstanding.
"Come on! Turtles have great potential for becoming ninjas! And they love pizza!" Michiru argues. Does that show exist here too? "But starting off in a sewer means the road ahead will be tough. Still, it's very possible, especially if you're in an area with Millennium's latest sewage equipment..."
I turn back around. "So... Why are you here, Michiru?"
"Oh! I got totally sidetracked by our conversation!" She realizes. Can one person have a conversation? "Sensei! We have a big problem! A big one! We're in big trouble!"
"Is it Kaho again? I thought I offered to take care of that eight-figure repair bill for y'all." I guess.
"No- Wait, you did that?" She asks, shocked.
"Schale work pays well." I shrug. I'm basically a fucking millionaire because I don't spend anything. I guess I'm still stuck in my scrounging ways.
"Well it's not that!" She recomposes herself. "As you already know, we run the video streaming channel 'Michiruchi, A Girl's Ninja Scroll'."
"I remember. Been meaning to take a look at it." I nod.
"So, we upload videos twice a week. We need to upload a new one soon... But I have no idea what to post next..." The tanuki explains. "We're completely stumped! We've been driven into a wall! We might as well title the next video 'Michiru! A Youth's Crisis'! That's why I messaged you on Momo Talk. I just completely forgot to explain the rest!"
"And you do this twice a week?" I ask. "Does this happen every time?"
"More importantly!" She changes the subject. "I thought you would be able to help me! You might have ideas I haven't thought of! Adults are supposed to be super smart, right? That's why I ambushed you."
"And you had to ambush me, why?" I ask.
"Sensei, please!" She cries. "I have a few ideas... The problem is we don't know which direction we want to go. Can you pick for us? For example, what about this? 'A Review of the Top Ten Ninjutsu Tools Used by Real Parkour Ninjas?'! Or... 'A Detailed Analysis of the GC in the Live Action Ninja Destroyer Movie?'! Oh, or how about 'Why Do Ninjas Always Put Lots of Garlic in Ramen and Add Chashu?!'?" The hell? "Which one do you like the best, Sensei-dono? Which one inspires more curiosity about ninjas? Which one makes you think 'Wow! Ninjas are the best!'? And maybe 'Who's the president of the Ninjutsu Research Club that made this video? Is she some kind of genius?'? What do you think?"
I think you talk more than Kaede... "I think you're puttin' a lot of pressure on me." I grumble.
"Well, if you have any other suggestions, I'm all ears!" She adds. "The goal of the Ninjutsu Research Club is to spread the word about ninjas to as many people as possible and be recognized as an official club one day! We're willing to do anything to get there! And because I respect you, I know you have something innovative to offer us!"
I roll my eyes. "Sure... What about...?"
"Oh!" She interrupts. "I knew you would have an amazing idea!"
Honestly... "What about... 'Who's the Best Ninja at this or that in a Movie or TV Show?'?" I suggest. "I figure you could fill that in with the 'strongest' or 'fastest' or somethin' along those lines."
"What?!" Michiru shouts.
"Well, I mean, there's a bunch of movies and stuff about ninjas... I dunno, I'm just grasping for straws here." I shrug.
"No, no, no, no, no! Sensei! That's awful!" She immediately shuts the idea down. "How dare we compare ninjas between different works of art! What are the parameters for our analysis? There are countless works with ninjas in them! Novels, comics, movies, manga, animes... There are masterpieces from Shiba Dog Wang Wang all the way down to the story I wrote in my notebook!"
"You actually wrote something?" I ask, impressed.
She grumbles, "Each of those works is different and has its own lore! They're completely different worlds! When you consider lore, the different power levels between ninjas, and countless other things, it's impossible to rank them!"
Power levels? Oh fuck, it's 'Who's stronger than Goku?' all over again...
She continues, "But above all, this disregards the essence of ninjas completely! Ninjas change and evolve all the time! You can't make a video like this! Guh, you're such a noob!"
"Why're you acting like I broke a law or somethin'?" I ask, a touch offended. I like DBZ as much as the next guy, but those power level rankers fucking piss me off... Though, not as much as those who like DB Super.
"You just aren't understanding!" She snaps. "All right, Sensei. Please, sit. It's time for me to explain the greatness of ninjas and their deep origins!"
"No, it's lunch time." I say, turning around with two plates, two sandwiches on each. "Sit down and eat. We can brainstorm later."
Michiru blinks at the offered food, before hesitantly taking it. "A-Alright... I guess I AM kinda hungry."
And that's how I stopped Michiru from talking about ninjas for what likely would've been hours. Unfortunately, she went from speaking obsessively about ninjas to speaking obsessively about my food right after. She then bolted off, claiming inspiration had smacked her upside the head.
Five bucks says the video is food related.
----------
After Michiru left, I went and met with Tomoe. I helped her find everything she needed rather quickly, which was nice. It all took less than an hour.
"Thank you, Sensei. I got everything I needed without getting lost thanks to you." Tomoe says with a smile. Due to leaving the colder Red Winter district, she's been carrying her white coat and hat instead of wearing it, revealing a black, long sleeved shirt and a light pink skirt. "I know you're familiar with the area, but I was really impressed with how efficiently you located everything I needed and planned our shopping route. As expected from the Sensei from Schale all students depend on and follow."
"It wasn't anything special. I just guessed on what'd be quickest." I shrug.
"On the contrary, quick decision making and spatial perception skills are essential in a leader." She quickly argues. "Experiencing your wonderful skills in action, I even wanted to ask you to teach our officers at the Secretariat. I truly am amazed by your abilities, Sensei."
"And you're really good at buttering people up, Tomoe." I can see why Cherino keeps her around without getting mad at her- she's the peacekeeper around Red Winter.
The purplette smiles at my praise. "I am the Chief Secretary serving President Cherino. Although I'm still lacking in many areas, I've been told I am great with words. Anyway, as a reward for helping me, I will buy you a drink."
I open my mouth to protest, but Tomoe quickly shoots me a look. Signing, I relent, "If you insist."
She smiles once again. "I saw a cute cafe a ways back."
As I follow Tomoe back towards the cafe she mentioned, I overhear people gossiping. With my hearing, it ain't too uncommon.
"That him, right? The rumored Sensei from Schale?" Rumored? I've been here for months now... Though I haven't seen any holidays yet... And the seasons haven't really changed... Has it actually been months?
"I think it is. He seems normal, though..." As opposed to what? Have rumors of my strength been going around somehow?
"Rumor has it the Sensei from Schale has superhuman strength." Oh, so it was right. "He can crush a tank with his bare hands." Or maybe not. "But watch our for his nasty temper." Temper? I don't have a temper... At least, not as much as I used to. "A gang of thugs disappeared overnight just for looking at him. No wonder everyone I've talked to is scared of Sensei." The hell?
"You really can't judge a book by its cover." Yeah, I thought merchants were supposed to be smart and not buy into obviously fake rumors. Then again, this IS Kivotos...
"That's so scary." Tomoe comments.
"What is?" I ask. Did she hear those two?
"Those ridiculous rumors. Why do people listen to them?" She asks, having heard them.
"Boredom, I guess. People like interesting things." I shrug. "Either that or it's just something that got blown out of proportion."
"I see. That makes sense." Tomoe nods.
Thankfully, she didn't ask about my strength. I am super strong... just not enough to crush a fucking tank.
----------
I decided to ride over to Red Winter with Tomoe, wanting to visit the place since I hadn't been there in a while. She assured me that Cherino would be delighted, so I went straight for her office. I figure I'll check on the Spec Ops girls next.
Walking into the diminutive President's office, I find her sound asleep on her desk, chuckling in her sleep.
"Hehehehe... Mwuhahahaha..."
Smiling, I close the door behind me, which causes her to stir.
"Hm? Wha...?" Cherino rubs her eyes, before blinking them. Then she sees me, "Eh? Comrade?!"
"Yo." I smile. "I came to visit."
The whitette's face immediately brightens, smiling wide behind her fake mustache. "Well, this is a wonderful surprise! You haven't been to our wondrous academy in a while!"
I nod. That mess with tutoring over at Trinity took a lot longer than expected.
She hums. "I feel like I'm forgetting something... Ah! Right!"
I raise an eyebrow. "What's gotcha so excited?" She must've had something planned for after her nap.
"Umu! I'm glad you noticed, Comrade!" Cherino smiles, boastful as ever. "As you might have guessed, something quite special awaited me after my nap."
"Oh?" I inquire.
"It's... today's lunch, hamburger steak!" She proclaims.
Lunch? But it's the afternoon... Meh, semantics.
"What's with the face, Comrade? Do you not like hamburger steak?" Cherino blinks in confusion.
"I like it, I'm just confused by why you're so excited about it." I clarify.
"Umu, good! Because no one in the world dislikes hamburger steak!" Cherino says. She IS the hype, huh? "As for why I'm excited, the hamburger steak from Red Winter Academy's School Lunch Club is just as delicious as any steak from a fancy restaurant! O-Of course, I've never had steak from a real fancy restaurant, but... surely there is no other meat dish in Kivotos that tastes better than our school's hamburger steak."
Ah, there's the usual over the top Cherino praise.
"And if you put a slice of cheese on top..." She says quietly, like she sharing a secret. "Oh, and don't forget the over-easy egg!" She giggles. "I can't wait...!"
Egg and cheese on hamburger steak? Never had that before.
"Hamburger! Hamburger! Delicious hamburger~!" She sings happily; like a kid... How... old IS Cherino anyway?
"Geez, you're REALLY excited for this." I smile, shooing away that train of thought.
----------
I ended up following Cherino to the lunchroom after she offered for me to try some. I'm still a bit hungry, so why not?
Unfortunately for the small president...
"Wh-What is this...?" She trails off, aghast. "What do you do to my hamburger steak?!"
"I-Is there a problem, President Cherino?" A lunch girl asks, fearfully. I'm just as confused, mine looks just fine.
"Of course there is! Take a good look at this tray!" The small girl snaps. "You said that today's lunch is hamburger steak! So why... Why is there a bell pepper on top?!" That's the problem?
"W-Well, there were a lot of of bell peppers left over from last time... We had no choice but to use them all this week." The lunch girl explains.
"Then you should've just thrown them in the trash! Why would you do such a terrible thing to a delicious hamburger steak?!" Cherino shouts.
"B-But meat and bell peppers are a solid combination." The worried girl argues. "The kick of the bell pepper-" Since when do bell peppers have 'kick'? "-balances the meat's greasiness-"
"I don't want to hear it!" Cherino snaps, interrupting the poor girl. "The School Lunch Club members have committed the offense of ruining my much-anticipated hamburger steak. They deserve to be purged a hundred times over!"
"I don't get what the big deal is." I comment, swallowing my bite of food. While she's been ranting and raving, I've already eaten a quarter of mine. "This is actually kinda closer to how hamburger steak is made back where I'm from."
"...Really?" Cherino blinks.
"Yeah. Though it's usually just the steak with a gravy-type sauce that has onions and bell peppers in it. I always liked it." I explain. "Besides, bell peppers don't exactly have a ton of flavor to 'em. With the egg and cheese you've got on there, you'll barely taste them."
Hmph. Regardless of how much you like them, this is still an unacceptable offense!" Cherino huffs. Really? Might as well try...
"Y'know, being picky about your food usually stunts a person's growth."
"I already know that!" Well, that didn't work. "But... but..." She still tries to argue. "But I can't help that bell peppers don't taste good! They're bitter! No matter how much you try to convince me, I just can't eat bell peppers!"
I sigh. Only one more plan of action. "If you eat 'em, I'll get you an extra pudding when next we hang out."
Cherino jolts. I hold back my grin.
"R-Really? Is it okay if it's the limited edition pudding from L'Oiseau Bleu?" She all but shouts. Hang on, didn't I go there with Nodoka once?
"I don't see why not." I smile.
Cherino is then faced with a grave dilemma. "Hmm... Do I eat the bell pepper so I can have pudding with my comrade, or avoid it entirely...? Bah! I won't die from eating it!"
She then take a hesitant bite of the food. After chewing for a moment, she blinks in surprise. "H-Huh? It's not nearly as bitter as the bell pepper I had last time."
The lunch girl speaks up, "Y-Yes! We marinated the bell pepper in soy sauce in advance..."
"I guess my taste buds must have matured since then. I'm amazing!" Cherino boasts.
To the side, I see the lunch girl roll her eyes.
"Still, I won't forget how you put bell peppers on my hamburger steak!" The whitette snaps. "I'll be taking two puddings today for dessert!"
Cherino ate two puddings after finishing her steak, which she happily but reluctantly devoured... Then she ate another pudding, for good measure.
----------
Cherino and I parted ways soon after, but not before I asked about the Spec Ops girls. Cherino made good on her promise to allow them back, but they refused, which surprised me. Now I had another reason to go over there, aside from just visiting.
Deciding to take my time, I opted on walking to the shut down onsen, taking out my winter gear from the Shittim Chest. While I walked through the wintry forest, I pause upon hearing footsteps. Coming out from the brush is...
"Oh! Sensei! Long time, no see." Shigure says, smiling upon seeing me.
"Hello, Shigure." I smile back.
"What're you doing all the way out here, though?" She asks.
"What else? To come and see y'all." I say.
She pouts. "Didn't I tell you to give me a heads up if you come to Red Winter?"
"I remember somethin' like that." I tease.
"Sensei, the Red Winter Academy is way bigger than you can even comprehend." She chides.
"There are maps of Kivotos, y'know? I'm aware of that fact." I deadpan. Red Winter really is this world's Russia, seeing as how it's the size of a small country- nevermind the rest of this city.
"Good. Then you should know that if you get lost out here, it's pretty much over." Shigure adds, before smiling. "It's a good thing I ran into you. Who knows what could've happened." She doesn't know I got lost in the Arctic once.
"Oh, yeah? And what about you?" I challenge.
Her blue-purple eyes widen for a moment. "Heh. I know the roads around here like the back of my hand. Living at the former institute means we have to forage for our own food, so I'm out here pretty often. Although, we still have some food from when the onsen was open, so we don't HAVE to forage unless necessary. And, unlike someone, I know the way back to the academy."
I roll my eyes. Phones have GPS and compasses and shit nowadays. Plus, Kivotos pretty much has cell service everywhere, so...
"But, considering the situation, it would be best to hurry to the onsen." She adds.
"Why? I've lived in places colder than Red Winter before." I point out, guessing she's worried about me being cold.
"Nonsense. I wouldn't be surprised if you're shivering under there." Shigure presses.
I see where she's going with this. "No."
"Hm?"
"No giving me alcohol." I say. "It doesn't even raise your temp, it just makes you FEEL warmer."
The mint haired girl pouts cutely, before smiling deviously. "Then... how about a hug? Using our body heat to stave off the cold is the most tried and true method of survival." She says, blushing. "Considering the situation, it might be our best option. Of course, we'll have to take off all our wet clothes..."
This girl... I might as well get her back. Time to channel my inner Hanako.
"Hmm... That's fine." I smile, causing her to blink. "I'm sure most of our clothes are wet from the snow and all. I wouldn't mind us stripping down and getting to hug a cute girl like you."
"Wha?!" Shigure shrieks, her face looking hotter than a campfire. Despite that, her tail is wagging a bit- still have no idea what animal it belongs to. Her face then settles into another cute pout, "Geez. I was just kidding, Sensei. I only wanted to see your reaction."
"Well I certainly got a reaction out of you." I smile.
She pouts for a moment longer, before smiling, a faint blush still present. "I guess you did. Still, you can make it up to me by letting me lead you to the onsen."
"Fine by me." I agree. "Speaking of, Cherino told me she let y'all back in."
"Ah, right." Shigure says, sheepishly. "Well, the onsen is a lot better than the old institute. It's not falling apart, it has more space, thicker walls that are actually insulated. Even without electricity and the like, the onsen is still leagues better than the old building ever was... I can't say I'll miss the old place, but Nodoka and I were fine with staying out here."
"Startin' to feel like home, huh?" I guess.
"I suppose it's something like that." The greenette shrugs as we begin to walk.
----------
We reach the place pretty quick, although it's clear the onsen isn't like it was before. All the lights are off and there are barely any sounds coming from within. It feels abandoned, but certainly a grander sight than the building that was here before. Shigure and I then walk inside only to see Nodoka rather quickly.
"Oh, Sensei. You're here." The blonde says, sounding downtrodden.
"What's gotcha down?" I ask, concerned.
"I-It's nothing." Nodoka deflects.
"It don't sound like nothing." I argue.
Nodoka sighs. "Fine. The thing is... I don't think we'll be able to see the meteor shower tonight."
"Eh? Really?" Shigure asks, surprised.
"According to the weather forecast, most of the city is going to be cloudy this evening and tonight." Nodoka explains. I did notice it was clouding up outside. "You can only see the Leonids meteor shower once every thirty years too... It's so upsetting to lose a twice in a lifetime opportunity like this."
"Well, that's... Shit..." I say, feeling bad for the poor girl.
"I was going to make a wish..." Nodoka says. "A wish that you make on shooting stars is supposed to come true, you know. But... I guess a wish is a wish... because it doesn't always come true."
"Nodoka..." The greenette says, sadly.
"So you're just gonna give up like that?" I ask.
"Huh?" Nodoka blinks. "But even with the best telescope, if the clouds are thick, you won't be able to see the meteors."
"Then why not go above them?" I suggest.
"Above...?" Shigure mutters, confused.
"But a building like that in Kivotos..." Nodoka trails off. "Hang on... Do you mean the Schale building?"
"Well it's either that or the GSC's building." I smile.
"That's a great idea!" The blonde smiles. "The clouds shouldn't be too low so the Schale building's roof should go above them! We can definitely watch the meteor shower from up there!"
"That's great. You and Sensei can go and watch it together." Shigure smiles, causing her friend to blush.
"Who said you couldn't come?" I ask.
""Huh?"" They both blink.
"You can come too, Shigure. Knowing Nodoka, she already got you to agree to watch them with her. There's no reason for you to not come." I say.
"But..." The mint haired girl trails off.
"Don't try to weasel your way outta this one." I chide.
"Hey! Leave my ears out of this!" Shigure snaps, her ears flattening. Oh, her animal features are that of a weasel?
"Fine, fine." I raise my hands in surrender. "Regardless, both of you can swing by tonight."
Both girls smile brightly while accepting my offer.
----------
It didn't take too long to get near the academy once again, but as I did, I got a text. This time from Momiji. Geez, I haven't seen her since before I met the Game Development Department. Hell, I think it was before that mess with Binah! I oughta make it up to her.
Um, Sensei...
Is now a good time?
Of course. I'm free right now.
Thank goodness...
Actually, I have a favor to ask you.
I know it's a lot to ask you to come all this way, but...
Actually, I'm in Red Winter right now. I can swing by if you want.
Eh? Really?!
Th-Then I'll be waiting for you.
Well, this is a nice surprise.
----------
It took a short trek to get over to Red Winter's library, where Momiji was already waiting for me. Huh, I forgot how cute she was in that bear coat of hers.
"Sensei!" The greenette chirps upon seeing me.
"Yo." I greet. "So, whatcha need help with?"
Her face suddenly becomes determined. "I want to find a legendary doujinshi!"
"Well... Someone's motivated." I blink, taken aback by her seriousness. "I'mma need some more info first."
"Ah, right, s-sorry! I got ahead of myself..." Momiji pulls back a bit.
"It's fine. Take your time." I say.
She nods. "Let me explain. Some time ago, I heard that a legendary doujin made by the alumni of the Knowledge Liberation Front was hidden somewhere in Red Winter. A legendary doujinshi... Just hearing it gets you excited, doesn't it?"
"Not as much as it does you." I smile.
"I'm sure that book is full of the club's tradition and history..." Momiji smiles. "And with that, I'm sure we can solve the problems our club is facing!"
Problems? I'm a touch worried, but... "I can only hope it's that impressive." I say, hoping to placate her. She's really got her hopes up here.
"Come on, Sensei! Let's find the legendary doujinshi!" She proclaims. "Also, books are really delicate! All this time it could be exposed to moisture! Or damaged from being stuck under stuff!" Heh, she and Ui would get along.
"And how're we supposed to find it?" I ask.
She smiles cutely. "Just leave it to me! I have a way!"
Shrugging, I follow the small bookworm outside. I hope she's got something, confident as she is.
----------
The two of us end up walking around the snowy district for a while, though she seems to know where she's going. She's also poking the ground with a metal rod every so often. I thought we were looking for a book not water.
"So... Where are we going?" I ask.
"To look for the doujin." Momiji explains.
"All the way out here?" I ask, unsure.
"The roads are pointing this way." She says, sure of herself. "Dowsing is a method that's been practiced since ancient times, right. It's meant to discover water veins normally, but you can apply the same principle to finding lost things!"
"Are you sure that-"
"Shh!" She shushed me. "Look, the rod's reacting... We should keep going this way."
I sigh as Momiji continued forward, humming to herself. I'm wary of this.
"Whoa! Sensei! There's a strong reaction here!" The greenette calls out. "Now all I gotta do is blow it up with my RPG...!"
"You'll blow up the book too!" I snap, running to her.
She pauses, lowering her weapon. "Th-That's true... Then what should I...?"
I roll my eyes. There's nothing around here, no buildings or anything, so... "Maybe try digging?"
Momiji hums. "Red Winter's snowfields are hard, using a shovel is a bit..." She trails off. "Well, if you say so, Sensei."
----------
I then pulled out two shovels from the Shittim Chest and we began to dig- proving once again that stuffing a bunch of shit in there was a VERY good decision.
An exhausted Momiji- her hood pulled down and jacket unzipped at the top- complains, "Ugh... We've dug for over a meter, but there's still nothing...! Am I not good enough at digging?"
"I don't think that's the problem." I deadpan, also a but warmer now, having unzipped my jacket as well.
She sighs. "I'm going to try something else."
"Like what?" I ask, pulling myself out of the hole.
She reaches into her coat and pulls out... "This time, I'll use this pendulum!"
I hold back my doubts. How the fuck is a pendulum gonna find anything?
But she continues, "The pendulum swings very lightly at first, but the closer you get to what you're looking for, the harder it swings!"
"Fine." I sigh. "Let's give it a try."
----------
After putting the shovels back up, I continued to follow the small bookworm through the snowy forest. The pendulum was a flop, but Momiji was determined.
"Next, let's try using a magnetic sensor! You can download the app on your phone to use it's built-in sensor." She explains, confusing me yet again. Since when do phones have that?
Guess what? It didn't work.
"Earth vein detector!"
Didn't work.
"Tarot cards!"
The Happy Squirrel Arcana failed as well.
"Astrology!"
It's still cloudy, and still daytime, so it didn't work.
"UWAAAHHH!" Momiji eventually cries after many failures.
"Calm down." I say softly. "It's okay, Momiji."
"B-But, I can't find the legendary doujinshi..." She all but sobs. I still don't know HOW these do-dads were gonna find it, but whatever.
"Is it really that important of a thing?" I ask. She didn't even sound like she knew what the book was even about.
The greenette remains silent for a while. "...Truthfully... It might not be anything special. I'm really sorry for asking you to help me with this."
"It's fine." I say immediately. "I haven't seen ya in a while, so I'm just glad I got to hang out."
She shyly looks away, trying to hide her reddening face. "But still, I... I want to know the history of the Knowledge Liberation Front. There may be pictures, manga, and other works that have never been seen before... When I think about that, I don't want to give up. Still... I really am sorry for wasting your time with my selfishness. I'll be fine, so... you can go home for today."
"Hmmm... Nah."
"Huh?" She blinks.
"I mean, I came this far with you, so why stop here? Might as well keep going." I shrug.
Momiji remains frozen, blinking at me.
"So, where should we look next?" I ask.
"Wha... huh? Even after all of this... you're still gonna search with me...?" She asks, still shocked.
I simply shrug and offer her a smile.
Momiji's face immediately brightens. "Th-Thank you, Sensei! From the bottom of my heart! And... sorry again..."
"Like I said, it's fine." I repeat.
----------
The two of us kept walking as day turned to night. Not surprising, seeing as how I met up with my traveling companion late in the afternoon. I still have plenty of time before I need to be back at Schale. I think that meteor shower is at around midnight anyway.
As we continue, I hear the bookworm mutter, "After a heart-touching scene, achieving your goal should be guaranteed... At least, if this was a manga... But... reality isn't so sweet..."
I chuckle, hearing her clearly. "Perhaps the real legendary doujinshi was in our hearts all along..."
Momiji turns around to face me, deadpan. "Lines like that end up in the final chapter of a discontinued manga..."
I chuckle at that, bringing a small smile to her face.
She think blinks, something coming to mind. "Hang on... In our hearts... In our hearts... Maybe that's it!"
"What is?" I ask. She's clearly got an idea.
"Please follow me, Sensei!" She says running off.
----------
Momiji then led us back around to the library, only we went a good ways behind it to an old shack- one far out of sight from the library itself.
"A storeroom?" I ask, entering the small building.
"Yes. No one would ever look here, so maybe...?" She says, hopeful. She begins to root through lots of stuff, tossing all sorts of things around, before she gasps. "Sensei!" She says, excitedly, as she whirls around. "I found it, Sensei! The legendary Knowledge Liberation Front doujinshi!"
"That's it?" I blink, actually shocked she found the damn thing. "It was seriously here the whole time?"
Momiji giggles cutely and happily, holding the precious doujin in hand. "I'm so... so happy...! It's all thanks to you, Sensei."
"Nah, I'm pretty sure you'd loop back around here eventually." I say. "Still, I'm a bit shocked my little joke actually ended up being the key to our victory."
"Not at all." Momiji shakes her head. "I thought of this place because of what you said. Besides, you kept me company all evening, remember?"
"I suppose I did." I nod.
"Uh, umm... Ah, right! The doujin's content!" She remembers. "You're curious too, right, Sensei?"
I shrug and move to Momiji's side as she opens the book. The book is, well... How to put it?
"Haha... It's kind of overwhelming." She comments, prompting me to raise an eyebrow. "The lines are rough, and the book is half finished... but still, you can really feel their desire to draw... This really reminds me of when I first went to Comisen."
"Oh?" I hum. "I figured you'd be a bit disappointed, after getting your hopes up like that."
"Not at all." She denies, smiling. "This is a part of the important history of the Knowledge Liberation Front. Of course, this won't solve any of our problems, but... it gives me courage. I realize it now, that my upperclassmen from the past were creating doujinshi with the same feelings as we do nowadays."
"I see. I'm glad to hear it." I smile.
Momiji giggles happily. "Sensei. Thank you so much for all your time today!"
"Anytime, Momiji." I smile, patting the small greenette on her head.
----------
I parted ways with the small girl soon after, riding the subway back to the D.U. I was surprised to find she texted me once I made it back.
Did you get home safely?
Sorry I caused trouble until it was so late...
Like I said, it's fine. I had fun.
Just make sure you take care of that doujin, alright?
Ok!
I smile. I'm happy for her. I stretch in my seat, my muscles a bit tired form walking around Red Winter for most of the day. As I relax, I look back at my phone upon hearing another text. Ah, from Nodoka this time.
Sensei! The meteor shower will be at midnight tonight!
I'll be here, wide awake. You two can come on in.
You cannot be late! Okay?
I just said I'll be here, but okay.
What a pushy girl.
----------
"I take it you wanna watch too?" I ask Arona, who's on the of the screens.
"Yup!" She smiles. "But it's okay, I can watch it from the cameras."
"Like hell you can. You're coming with and seeing it in person, got it?" I immediately shoot that notion down.
Arona blinks, before smiling wide. She then glows before her physical body pops up next to me. "Okay then, Sensei."
I nod, it oughta be time soon...
Sure enough, the door to my office opens just before eleven-thirty, Nodoka and Shigure coming right inside. I notice they aren't wearing their coats or hats, instead carrying them.
"Sensei! We're here!" Nodoka chirps.
"Yo." I greet.
"Hello, Sensei." Shigure smiles, her tail wagging a bit.
"Eh? There's someone else here?" The blonde blinks.
"Mm-hmm!" Arona smiles. "I'm Arona! Think of me as Sensei's secretary."
"She's also the AI in that tablet I carry around." I add.
"Eh, really?!" Nodoka asks, looking at Arona with wide eyes.
"But if she's an AI, then how is she here?" The greenette asks, surprised and wide eyed as well.
"Got some girls over at Millennium to make her a body." I quickly explain.
"Yup!" Arona smiles, placing a hand on her bicep and flexing it. "Super Arona can help Sensei even more like this!"
All three of us smile at Arona's sheer adorableness. One cannot be mad at Arona- it is impossible.
"Does that mean you'll be watching the meteor shower with us?" Shigure asks. Arona nods.
"She wanted to watch via the security cameras, but I shut down that notion quick. It's best to see it with her own two eyes." I explain.
Nodoka nods. "I agree. Watching these kinds of things just isn't the same unless you're there... Eee! I'm so excited! Come on! Let's go to the roof!"
Nodding I get up from my seat and lead the girls to the elevator.
Once inside, Shigure speaks, "You know, I think this is the first time we've been here."
"It is. Though Nodoka's seen inside here before with that telescope." I say, pointing towards the big one she's carrying still.
"Ehehe..." The blonde has the decency to look away, much to our joy.
We reach the rooftop rather quickly. I haven't actually been up here too often, usually just going on the balcony on my private floor, just below here.
"Phew, looks like it hasn't started yet." Nodoka says, relieved. The clouds covering the city are just barely below us, right around the level of my office. I was wondering why the windows had zero visibility.
"It really is pretty up here." Arona smiles.
"Ehe..." Nodoka giggles. "For some reason I feel kind of shy being up here with Sensei in the middle of the night."
Shigure giggles at her friend.
"Are we gonna need that telescope?" I inquire.
"Nope." The blonde smiles. "It should be really easy to see."
"It should be soon, right, Nodoka?" The weasel girl asks.
"Yes, the news said it would be around midnight." Nodoka nods.
"What should we do to pass the time?" Arona asks.
"Well, we could-"
"Girls." I interrupt Nodoka. "Look up."
"...What?" Nodoka blinks, before craning her neck upwards.
"It's...!" Shigure gasps.
"Whoooaaaa!" Arona gasps as well, her eyes filled with wonder.
The three girls look up at the night sky in awe, the meteors passing by reflected in their wide eyes.
"Wow! It's a shooting star! Oh... Over there! And over there!" Nodoka points all around at the sky, a big smile on her face.
"There are so many..." Shigure breathes out, too shocked to smile- even unconsciously.
"It's so pretty!" Arona squeals.
"Yeah..." I breathe, also in awe at the sight.
"I can't believe I'm seeing this with my own two eyes... It's like a dream!" The blonde exclaims.
I look down at her. "Not gonna make that wish?"
Nodoka smiles and shakes her head. "No... I'm okay for today. I'm content with just enjoying this beautiful view with someone important..." She giggles, blushing. "If I wish for something more, the stars might grow angry with me... I'm totally satisfied for now."
Shigure smiles, looking over at her friend from the corner of her vision. Why does it feel like she's trying to set us up? Arona's still distracted, eyes fixated on the starry sky.
"But I wonder how the story of wishing on a shooting star came to be." The blonde muses. "It's a beautiful concept, but it's just a celestial event that has nothing to do with people's wishes."
"Dunno how they came to be here, but there's been some discussion about it back in my world." I say. "Some people think some astronomer guy from two thousand years ago came up with the idea. He figured that the gods got bored and curious, so they'd occasionally peer down at us. In doing so, some stars slipped through the gap and became visible to us. The whole idea was that the gods would be more receptive to prayers during that time. Some people back then think those things hold our destinies or something." I scoff. "Personally, I think the notion of gods caring about us is bullshit, and I doubt the destiny thing, but... The fact remains that it's been a constant for a long time, and likely for forever. Personally, I'm curious how the idea came to be in this world."
"But doesn't that just make it seem more mystical?" Arona asks.
I smile, letting out a huff. "Maybe."
Satisfied with my answers, we all went back to watching the meteor shower, not turning away again until it ends. Times like these really rid you of all worries.
----------
AN
Lots of Red Winter girls this time around. Next time, we'll begin our second summer outing, along with an extra guest
In other news, I recently bought Fallout New Vegas and have been addicted to that like people in Chicago are to heroin. This will definitely affect my chapter upload speed.
It was interesting as I ordered it from GameStop's website, having never done an online order before. The only problem was some marks on the disc which caused some install problems, making what were supposed to be small bug enemies into red diamonds with an exclamation mark. Apparently, it's only common with mods on PC. Who woulda thought it do something like that on PS3? I just hope no more fuckery occurs.
It's strange, the game installed to 89% and froze. I had to unplug the console, but it didn't give the usual 'the system was turned off incorrectly last time' message. Additionally, the game data was there. After starting up the game again, it installed to full. I've never seen this happen before, so if anyone else has, please let me know.
I remember wanting the play the game after watching some challenge runs done by a batshit insane fellow named 'ymfah' on YouTube, but GameStop stopped having PS3 games in-store. Then, after re-reading 'A Courier for Kivotos'- a Fallout and Blue Archive FanFiction-, I REALLY wanted the game. Having played Skyrim on PS4 and Oblivion on PS3, it was just as much fun as I'd expect.
Also, I bought Fallout 4 back in 2017. Played it for a few hours and haven't touched it since. Maybe I oughta give it another go... After beating New Vegas... Maybe after beating it a few times...
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and look forward to the next!