Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Memories: Flashes in Space (Sign):
Flashes in Space- (Logo)
Aha ha ha. Hahahahahaha.
It's done. Finally done. I have worked for the past 14 hours, and finally... it is done.
My majestic SOS Brigade Emblem! Our logo of magic and might! I have, at last, completed it.
Now, if only I can figure out how to upload this to our website, I can finally zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
My forehead hit the desk, and I started snoring. It appeared as though I had fallen asleep.
Damn!
FLASH
My glorious SOS Brigade charged forth onto the field of battle, slaying foul demons left and right. It was truly a day of triumph.
Koizumi-san was to my left, wielding a large battleaxe. She turned to me, smiled, and said:
“Suzumiya-san, it's time to wake up.”
I woke up.
“Buh!” was the noise that came out of my mouth as I jerked my head up reflexively. It's very bright... what time is it?
“Ah, it would nearly be time for class, Suzumiya-san. You have an exam in ten minutes.”
Koizumi-san was also in the clubroom, standing next to me. So she was the one to wake me up, eh?
As I stand up, a wool blanket falls from my shoulders. ...What time did she get here, exactly?
“About an hour ago, Suzumiya-san.” Koizumi-san's brilliant smile reflects the morning sunlight.
“You are diligent, aren't you?” She really doesn't need to be. “At this rate, you'll probably make Vice Commander.”
Koizumi-san chuckles. “Fufu, you flatter me, Suzumiya-san. But may I ask what you were doing here all night?”
Heh. I thumbed my nose. “The same thing I do every night. Make history.”
FLASH
The exam was easy, so I aced it in less than an hour, using the remaining time to both catch up on sleep and ogle the back of Kyon's head. Aaaah, now this is relaxing.
This kind of pattern was one that had continued throughout the entire exam week. Life is good.
Kyon, however, has been fretting about her marks the entire time... should I help her study...?
Naaaaaaaah. She's cute when she frets. Or showing any kind of expression really. In fact, her very existence is cute. ...I have a new theory! Kyon is not, in fact, a human being! She is the physical embodiment of the concept of “cute”.
...Where was I? I'm sorry, I get distracted easily.
Right. I think Kyon needs some excitement in her life. And, plus, I need to upload my Emblem to the website and I'm too lazy to learn how. So, during lunch hour...
I found Kyon in the classroom, sighing to herself and pulling a textbook out of her bag. I ignored this and threw her over my shoulder without a word.
“Not this agaaiiiiiiin!” Is what she cried the whole way to the clubroom. Once there, I set her down in the commander's chair and pointed at the Emblem on the screen.
“Fix it.” I said unhelpfully.
Kyon stared at it for a few minutes, then clutched her head in pain. “What is it?”
“Can't you tell? It's an Emblem, Emblem!” It's also my masterpiece.
“...Emblem?”
“Yes,” I hoped that I sounded convincing. “Emblem. So yeah, put it in on the SOS Brigade's top page.” We need to attract more visitors and since you prevented me from putting up my sexy~ pictures, this is our only option.
Kyon sighs again. Do you know how annoying it is when all someone does is sigh? “Exactly what about this makes you think that it will attract any attention?”
“What!? Can you not see? Can you not see how manly it is?”
“How can anyone consider this manly!? It's a riot of shape and color! It's an insult to art! I'm not putting this up on the website, it'll embarrass us more than you already have!”
“Pshaw!” I shook my head. “Women can never truly understand. Hey, if you do it I'll make Mitsuuru-kun wear the maid outfit again, to suit your depraved tastes.” Actually, my depraved tastes, but I get a kick out of blaming other people for my own shortcomings. In other words, I am offering Kyon a reward that's actually intended for myself.
I didn't expect her to accept, but she actually blushed a little, mumbled something and started to work. ...Does she actually have a fetish for that kind of thing? Or is it just because he look so gosh-darned adorable in it?
Hmm, I'll have to perform a scientific analysis on the subject. Perhaps... I could put Kyon in a maid uniform, and see how she reacts! Yes, that's an excellent idea. I will do it for science.
Hahaha, I'm such a genius. Three cheers for me.
“Are you alright in the head, Haruki? Your expression looks... distant...”
I'll make you serve me!
FLASH
Unacceptable! That's what this is, I mean.
When I entered the clubroom after our last exam a few days later, the only person there was Yuuki... well, that's to be expected. So, I thought, 'why not check the hits counter on the website to see if it's gone up at all?' It was then that, to my surprise, I had discovered that our beautiful front page had been... corrupted!
Is this cyber-terrorism!? Have we been hacked?!
“I doubt it,” said Kyon, who had been trying to fix the site (at my demand) to no avail. “Who would want to hack a site like this?”
I ignored her. “If I find out who did this, they'll be hanged! I'll hang them!” No, wait, hanging is too good for them. Maybe I should throw them off a cliff into a pit of crocodiles made of lye.
Someone knocked on the door, and entered. 'Twas Koizumi-san.
“Ah, an unusual occurrence today. Asahina-san not here yet?”
No, and I was going to make him wear his dress again today, too... it seems like it's going to be disappointing all-round.
FLASH
“Nooooooooooooo! Leave me alooooone!” That was Mitsuuru-kun, in the midst of trying to run away.
“Wahahahahaha!” This was me, broraping him. “Take your punishment! This is your punishment for not meeting your manly quota for the month! You have to wear this delightful thing again!” And this specially prepared wig, too.
Oh dear god, my poor heart. With that wig on, and those tears, he looks exactly like a very, very, very adorable girl. Hnnng... can't... hold... self... back... much... longer....... urge... to... do... unspeakable things... rising...
“Suzumiya-san, what's with that look in your eyes? Suzumiya-san...?”
Another knock at the door. One part of me feels annoyed at being interrupted. The other part of me feels thankful, because I would have committed a serious crime otherwise.
It was just the girls, anyway.
They stood there in awkward silence for a few moments.
“What are you waiting for?” I said. “Get inside!”
Kyon looked slightly uncomfortable. “Well, it's just that...”
If it's the wig, I don't see why you're complaining. It only make him look cuter! I mean better! Apparently, however, it's some other issue entirely.
Koizumi-san spoke up. “Suzumiya-san, it would appear as though we have a client.”
...Client?
FLASH
Ah, right, I forgot all about it.
Kyon, for once, had taken some initiative and put up posters detailing the purpose of our club; unfortunately for the SOS Brigade, what she had put up was not its actual mission.
Kyon's posters detailed a club that was devoted to “solving people's problems” or some crap like that. I hadn't cared too much since I knew we were infamous enough that no one would actually take the posters seriously, but it seems like one person was stupid or ignorant enough to.
This guy seems to be leaning on the 'stupid' side... if I had to describe him in a single word, he'd be “generic”. Generic looks, generic personality, generic expressions... the only thing that isn't generic about him is his name, “Emori Kimidori”.
...It's probably fake. His name is probably something generic like “Tarou Tanaka”. Please tell the truth to the Chief or the SOS Brigade won't be able to help you.
At the moment, Kimidori-kun here is engaged in generic despair.
“So, you say you want to help us look for your missing girlfriend?”
Well, even if the guy himself is boring, he's brought us what might turn out to be an adventure. I guess I should be grateful, heh heh.
As Kyon muttered to herself about something, I began to question poor lonely Kimidori-kun.
“So, what makes ya think she's missing?”
He continued to stare at his teacup. “She hasn't been at school for a few days now... even though she's never missed a day up till now, she didn't even come in for her tests... it's strange.”
Yes, yes, very strange. “Tried calling or texting her?”
“Yeah, of course.” He answers quickly. “She isn't answering, and I went to her apartment, but it was locked.”
Oh, this IS getting good. It sounds like we have a real mystery on our hands, gang.
“What about the family?”
“They're not around... I think they moved to another country...” Kimidori-kun just kept staring into his teacup. Look up, boy.
“Could they have moved to Canada by any chance?” I asked. When in doubt, always guess Canada.
“Eh... no, I heard it was the Honduras, I think.”
“Oh? That's near Canada, right?”
Behind Kimidori-kun, Kyon sighed.
“Look,” the generic boy said, “She might not even be in her room. Even late at night, the lights are never on. I'm worried.”
Yeah, yeah, that's great and all. I'm glad love can blossom and stuff. Moreover, just to clarify here, why did you come here of all places? Even I know we're not the sort of people you ask to find missing girlfriends.
“Well, she often mentioned your club's name... er, I suppose by 'mentioned', I mean 'ranted about'...”
“Eh? So she's heard of me, then. What was her name again?”
The name doesn't ring a bell at all, but Kyon seems to have some idea.
“She's the president of the Computer Society next door.”
I'm sorry, that doesn't ring a bell either, but Kyon definitely seems to have an idea, judging by the sudden look of horror on her face... wait, that was the pervert girl that tried to molest Mitsuuru-kun! I remember now! I saved him from being gang-raped by her minions and liberated one of their computers in the process. I'm such a hero. Good times.
“Okay, sure, we'll do it.” It'll be interesting to see her reaction when I show up at her house, heh heh. “You're certainly lucky though, Kimidori-kun. Since you're our first client, we won't charge you for our services.”
What, Kyon, don't give me that look. We don't do things for free around here. Besides, look at Kimidori-kun. He's finally lightened up a bit.
“Really?” he asks, drinking his teacup for the first time “You'll do it? Thank you so much! I feel a lot better now that I know you'll take care of it.”
...You really have that much faith in us? I mean, sure, I don't think there's really anything to worry about, but you do realize that I'm just doing this for my own amusement, right? It's obvious, right? Right?
Tch, I feel horrible now that I've put this person's trust in me. I think I'll ruin his day.
“Hey, Kimidori-kun?” I said. “You know that cute maid over there that you made eyes at when you came in?” I didn't actually see him do that, but everyone makes eyes at Mitsuuru-kun. It's customary. “That's actually a guy.”
Kimidori-kun spat lukewarm tea all over the table.
FLASH
So I figure she's just turned into a shut-in, right? Or maybe it's some kind of late-blooming May Sickness. In any case, I'm sure when we barge into her apartment, we'll just find her naked and surrounded with gay porn. It'll be very embarrassing, her boyfriend will be happy (or not, considering) and they'll be loads of publicity for us. People will be lining up at the door for us to solve their problems, and one day one of them will be an alien.
Anyway, we're now in front of the Computer Society President's apartment, and I'm rattling on the doorknob.
“Tch, it's not opening... maybe we should go around back and smash the glass?”
Kyon puts her hand up. “I have no desire for a criminal record at this stage in my life.”
Good point. I'll use the patented Ryou Asakura Investigation trick on the building manager, then.
As I turn around, however...
Ka-chick. Yuuki is gripping the doorknob... of the now-open door.
“...Nice trick, Yuuki.” I'm pretty amazed, but I guess I must not have been rattling hard enough. “Okay, let's investigate~.”
Maybe I should cover Mitsuuru-kun's eyes, since she'll be naked and probably doing other things... maybe I should cover my eyes too, on account of all that gay porn.
However... not only was there no gay porn, but there was no Computer Society President, either. She was nowhere to be found.
I don't remember much of the investigation, because I was bored, but I did find expired food in the fridge that I force-fed Mitsuuru-kun with while the other three conversed about something unimporant.
After raiding the rest of the place for spare change, I decided that we should call it a day. If she's not in her home, she has to be somewhere else, which means she isn't just a shut-in... maybe she just took a vacation and didn't tell poor hapless Emori Kimidori-kun. In any case, I'm sure it'll work itself out.
FLASH
It worked itself out, since she had apparently returned to school the next day. Even my Emblem had been restored, thanks to, as Kyon told me, Yuuki's efforts. I had no idea he was so good with compuers, but I should have guessed, I guess.
What's more, my emblem worked! The access counter had skyrocketed! It appears as though my theory of marketing was accurate: Create something completely meaningless and the public will eat it up.
I stood on my chair, ready to declare my latest decree.
“Everyone! Please listen!” All eyes were on me, except Kyon's, which were covered by the back of her twitching hand.
And I made all of them cheer for me.
Haruki really doesn't do much in this story... I'm grateful I don't have to do a version of Vol. 7 like this, heh.
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Memories: Flashes in Space (Sign):
I'm sorry, that doesn't ring a bell either, but Kyon definitely seems to have an idea, judging by the sudden look of horror on her face... wait, that was the pervert girl that tried to molest Mitsuuru-kun! I remember now! I saved him from being gang-raped by her minions and liberated one of their computers in the process. I'm such a hero. Good times.
... Typical.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Memories: Flashes in Space (Sign):
“Hey, Kimidori-kun?” I said. “You know that cute maid over there that you made eyes at when you came in?” I didn't actually see him do that, but everyone makes eyes at Mitsuuru-kun. It's customary. “That's actually a guy.”
Kimidori-kun spat lukewarm tea all over the table.
You know, he probably knew that from the moment he entered the door... oh well, gotta have someone play this part, I guess.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
I'm grateful I don't have to do a version of Vol. 7 like this, heh.
... You realize someone's going to ask you to do that now, right?
__________________
WARNING: Kogetsu Shirogane cannot be held accountable for any actions taken by someone else. Potential side effects of communicating with this user include headaches, mild confusion, insanity, delirium, and jumping into fires. Do not expose this user to sunlight or water or feed this user after midnight.
Question: Will the flashbacks be included within the main body of the visual novel story or perhaps they will be 'unlockables' similar to Umineko tea parties? I ask since right now the flashbacks read like separate chapters without much direct impact on the story itself.
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Memories: Flashes in Space (Sign):
Flashes in Space- (Logo)
FLASH
“Nooooooooooooo! Leave me alooooone!” That was Mitsuuru-kun, in the midst of trying to run away.
“Wahahahahaha!” This was me, broraping him. “Take your punishment! This is your punishment for not meeting your manly quota for the month! You have to wear this delightful thing again!” And this specially prepared wig, too.
Oh dear god, my poor heart. With that wig on, and those tears, he looks exactly like a very, very, very adorable girl. Hnnng... can't... hold... self... back... much... longer....... urge... to... do... unspeakable things... rising...
This is oddly disturbing... Not that it's his first time having such thoughts anyway. But still...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Haruki really doesn't do much in this story... I'm grateful I don't have to do a version of Vol. 7 like this, heh.
I would love to see what creature they would fight in the gender-bent world, and see how Itsuko demonstrates her 'Fumoffu!' powers
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Memories: Flashes in Space (Sign):
Flashes in Space- (Logo)
“Not this agaaiiiiiiin!” Is what she cried the whole way to the clubroom.
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Memories: Flashes in Space (Sign):
Flashes in Space- (Logo)
“Hey, Kimidori-kun?” I said. “You know that cute maid over there that you made eyes at when you came in?” I didn't actually see him do that, but everyone makes eyes at Mitsuuru-kun. It's customary. “That's actually a guy.”
Kimidori-kun spat lukewarm tea all over the table.
Dohoho. I hope the readers will realize that Kimidori was acting when he spit out his tea. It's obvious after all, considering he's an... wait, what were they called again?
Dohoho. I hope the readers will realize that Kimidori was acting when he spit out his tea. It's obvious after all, considering he's an... wait, what were they called again?
I think HikariNiwa was referring to Kimidori there, not Mitsuuru.
__________________
WARNING: Kogetsu Shirogane cannot be held accountable for any actions taken by someone else. Potential side effects of communicating with this user include headaches, mild confusion, insanity, delirium, and jumping into fires. Do not expose this user to sunlight or water or feed this user after midnight.
I am finaly back, so the archives are finally updated. You can see now all the scenes from the past 2 weeks as well as the last outlines.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6: Morning:
This Really Isn't a Date!
My alarm is going off.
Kyon: Nnnngh.
It's five-thirty, and so is far, far earlier than I usually wake up on weekends. Curse my normal sleep schedule.
Ugggghh... I didn't get to sleep last night until much later than I intended, so I feel like total crap... But this will all be worth it to get one over Haruhi.
Whenever I try to show her up, something always goes wrong, but today, I'm going to succeed. Not even Haruhi would arrive at the meeting place over three hours early. She loves her sleep too much.
But... when I look outside, I see that it's raining. Strange for this time of year. ...Would Haruhi still go out to search for mysterious events in this weather? Never mind, of course she would.
Sneaking downstairs after throwing together a semblance of an outfit and grabbing my umbrella, I prepare a quick breakfast of unbuttered toast while writing a note for my mother and sister.
Definitely no way Haruhi got there before me.
---
[Scene: Kitaguchi Station]
Even at six AM, this place is bustling... such is living in a city like this, I suppose.
It seems as though I'm the first one to arrive, too. My calculations were correct. Now I'll see if Haruhi actually is the first one to arrive when we do these things, or whether she's just managed to figure out when I usually show up and arrive only a few minutes beforehand.
Today, I'm going to make you pay for my lunch, Haruhi!
However, since I apparently cannot have nice things, I backed into someone while I was looking around, distracted.
Haruhi: Hey, watch it!
Kyon: Oh, don't tell me...
It's Haruhi, both looking quite literally like something the cat dragged in and carrying a hideous pink and yellow umbrella that was probably an unwanted present from some ignorant relative
Haruhi: ...
Kyon: ...So you got up this early too, huh?
Haruhi: What are you doing here!?
Kyon: You're the one who told me to come here! And before you ask, I only came this early because you're never here three hours beforehand!
Haruhi: What time did you get here?
Kyon: About five minutes ago.
Haruhi: Tch.
Haruhi looks more tired than I feel... she's dressed up a bit more than necessary, and she'd obviously spent quite a long time making herself look nice... I wonder what time she got up?
Haruhi: Whatever, I guess you don't get the triple penalty, since you were here before me. Anyway, more importantly, since we're both here, we can get a head start. Let's go!
Closing that ugly umbrella, she grabs my wrist and pulls.
Kyon: Hey, hold on, aren't we gonna wait for the others?
Haruhi: Others...? It's just us two today. What, Kyon, did you forget? They had plans this weekend, or something like that.
Kyon: ...
So, it's just like last spring, eh? You know, Haruhi, you did cleverly suggest on the phone last night that the others would be here, perhaps thinking that I might refuse to come if they weren't... in other words, this sounds suspiciously like you organized this just to get us to--
Haruhi: Kyon. I can tell by the look on your face that you're not taking this seriously at all. This is a search for mysterious events! You're not on a date here! HMPH HMPH HMPH You've gotta keep your eyes open and your head out of the clouds! It's because of your attitude that nothing cool ever shows up. Now come on! We're going to look around town until the stores open.
...Until stores open up? Exactly what are we going to be doing today? And under a single umbrella? This really does sound like a d-- waaaagh!
She yanks at my arm with the strength of ten horses, and I stumble after her into the thickening rain.
Nice scene. Not particularly great but not bad either. In any case, her next scenes seens to be interesting. My only issue with it is Kyon seens to be too much concious of Haruhi's feelings. In the novels, if is a very obervant guy for everything except that. To somewhat comical levels he is still refusing to acknowledge Haruhi's feelings, so he getting to quickly she wantd a date is a bit off.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6: Morning:
Radiant Smile
My alarm is ringing in my ears, as is the pitter-patter of rain.
...Uggh, why did I set it this early again? I hit it a few times to shut it off
Later, after what seems like ages, I hear the doorbell ring.
...
...
...Asahina-san! I forgot!
Five minutes later, after throwing on a semblance of an outfit, I found Asahina-san downstairs, chatting happily with my family. Well, with my sister, at least; my mother is observing her with extreme suspicion for some reason.
Kyon: I'm sorry, Asahina-san, I must have slept through my alarm...
Mikuru: It's fine, I don't mind waiting.
Sister: That's not true, Mikuru-chan! Kyon-kun turned the alarm off himself. I heard him do it.
Stop trying to sabotage me, you delightful little--
Kyon: W-well, we had better get going... Time flies, you know, hahaha...
Asahina-san bows to my mother.
Mikuru: It was nice talking to you.
My mother bows curtly in return and then pulls me aside. ...I was only able to leave after I had convinced her that no, Asahina-san was not an escort of any kind and yes, she was a school friend, yes you've met her before, don't you remember, why are you so surprised that I'm spending my Sunday with a girl like this, what do you mean she's far too good for me?
Kyon: Pant, pant...
Mikuru: I think your mother's a really nice person, Kyon-kun.
Kyon: What did you say to her...?
Mikuru: Eh? Nothing special...
Ah, never mind. If anyone were to hear Asahina-san speak, they'd know instantly she's a flawless and pure individual. No wonder my mother reacted like that... but does she have to have such a low opinion of me?
By the way, Asahina-san is wearing a very fetching orange and yellow one-piece. Although it's similar to things I've seen her wear before, this is the first time I've laid eyes on this particular dress. ...Did she buy this specifically for today?
Furthermore, since I intentionally couldn't find an umbrella, she offered to let me share hers... I don't deserve to be this lucky.
Kyon: So, uh, where will we be going today? Did you have anywhere special in mind, or...?
Mikuru: No, um... it would be nice if we could avoid the riverbank, though. It's not really that kind of weather today anyway...
Since that area seems to be Haruhi's stomping grounds, right... We don't want to have to deal with that again.
We should probably hang around the center of town, where there's lots of people, and since it's raining, we might as well go to the mall again. She probably won't be able to track us through a crowd. Probably.
Mikuru: Even still, I hope Suzumiya-san won't find out we've been on a date-- ah! Um... I didn't mean... that...
Did... she just say that? She said the word, didn't she? You heard her, right? She said “date”... She said it... I'm... so happy...
Mikuru: Ah! Kyon-kun, are you all right? Should I call the ambulance again? Kyon-kun!
I'm... flying...
Pretty fluffy. I find interesting Kyon tooks the care to wake up extra early for Haruhi but not for Mikuru. Even considering the money it is still pretty interesting. Anyway, I wonder if Mikuru really just want a date. Aside her obvious crush on Kyon, it don't make sense from her point of view getting to close to him. Besides, pretty much everytime she calls him it is for something else (even if she doens't know what).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6: Morning:
She's All Right
That girl's allllllll riiiiiiiight... with me...
My alarm is going off.
Kyon: Nnnngh.
It's morning, it seems... I suppose I should head to over to Nagato's. ...Since I'm not touching those damned headphones with my bare hands, I suppose I'll have to lug my box all the way over to her apartment.
But... when I look outside, I see that it's raining. Strange for this time of year. ...How am I going to carry a box, bicycle, and hold an umbrella all at the same time...?
I'll have to manage somehow.
Sneaking downstairs after throwing together a semblance of an outfit, I prepare a quick breakfast of unbuttered toast while writing a note for my mother and sister.
It's time to get rid of this curse.
[Scene: Outside Yuki's Apartment Complex]
I buzz Nagato's apartment. Someone picks up without saying a word.
Kyon: Nagato? It's me. Can you let me in?
Yuki: ...
The doors unlock.
Kyon: Thanks.
When I enter the room,
Kyon: Sorry for intruding...
I'm struck by the appearance of the person inside it.
Unlike yesterday, she's sitting calmly at her table, reading what is probably one of the books I helped her bring home, as though nothing happened last month at all, as though she was perfectly all right again.
That's good, then.
Kyon: Yo.
She looks up, gives an imperceptible nod, then goes back to her book.
Kyon: So, uh...
I hold up the steel box containing my past.
Kyon: They're in here. Where should I...?
Yuki: Table.
Kyon: Right.
Placing the box in the very centre of the table, I sit across from Nagato and wait for her to finish.
Kyon: Sorry about calling you up like that last night... I really appreciate this.
I don't know what she's really going to do, but... she isn't really going to perform an exorcism, right? I was mostly joking. Sort of.
Yuki: I have said before.
She looks up.
Yuki: Do not thank me.
“You may live to regret it.”
She closes the book, and I can finally see the title of what she'd been reading... It's a foreign book, and it appears to be in a language other than English. Latin, maybe?
...Rituale Romanum?
...
Well, at least she's done her research.
I wonder why Kogetsu haven't said nothing about that scene. I really felt Kyon was being a jerk here (I felt it since the previous scene, actually). It is completelly understandable, however, given his situation an how he don't really care that much for Yuki right now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6: Morning:
Professor Itsuko's Love-Love Attack
Tonk.
Kyon: Nnnngh.
Tonk.
My head... really hurts.
Tonk.
My back hurts a hell of a lot more, since I seem to have passed out on the floor again... was it the headphones again?
Tonk.
No, it couldn't be, I locked them in a box. No, wait, I was going to lock them in a box. They're still on my bed. But that isn't why I fainted.
Tonk.
My face... hurts most of all. Upon touching it, I remember why.
BANG.
I also remember why I passed out. I remember it all.
Tonk.
What is that noise...?
Tonk.
I open my eyes.
Tonk.
I see... someone is throwing rocks at my window. Also, it appears to be raining.
...Why does that seem familiar?
Tonk.
Fine, fine. I'll open it up.
...It's nearly noon according to my clock, so perhaps my mother and sister went out again... which might mean that it's Haruhi trying to get inside.
Maybe opening the window wouldn't be the best idea after all...
Tonk.
Sigh... right. I push myself to my feet, wincing from the pain every-which-where.
Opening the sliding window, I step out onto the balcony, and am immediately engulfed by a light rain.
Smack.
Another rock, a rather decent-sized one this time, hit me in the cheek. Right in the scar.
Kyon: Ow! God, ow!
Itsuko: Ah, you're finally awake. I'm sorry, I would have used larger rocks, but I didn't want to attract too much attention.
It's her.
She's wearing the same clothes as yesterday, but with theaddition of a rose madder hoodie and a frilly pink umbrella that can't be very good at keeping the rain off of her. In fact, she is indeed rather wet, so much that I can see through her thin blouse... what she's wearing underneath appears to be magenta.
Does this girl like pink, or what?
[Note: I have always wanted to use the words “rose madder” in a sentence. God I love Itsuko.]
No, wait, that's not what's important at all. Not at all.
Kyon: What the hell are you doing here?
Itsuko: Ah, well, to be honest, I didn't intend to contact you again until Monday, but since the circumstances have changed, I thought--
Kyon: That's not what I meant! Why are you at my house? Haven't you done enough damage already?
I gesture wildly at my face, and she seems to notice it for the first time.
Itsuko: .........Didn't I warn you to not take the bandage off...? We might not be able to fix that, you know.
Kyon: That's not the point!
I'm irrationally angry. I need to calm down and think.
Kyon: This is a gunshot wound. Nothing else I can think of would do this. You shot me in the face!
Itsuko: ...That may be true, and if it is I apologize. Now, if you would please let me inside your house so we can--
Kyon: Why don't you let yourself in? You got in just fine yesterday to leave me your friend's headphones.
Itsuko: ...What?
Kyon: The headphones. The ones you confiscated? They wound up on my pillow last night with a note from you.
Itsuko: That's impossible. They were right where I left them this morning. ...Are you sure the bullet didn't to into your head?
Ignoring all safety procedures I'd set up for myself, I step back inside, pick up the headphones and the fox woman's note, and throw them off the balcony.
Koizumi-san spends a few minutes reading that eerie letter and examining the yellow devil's instrument before responding.
Itsuko: This is extraordinary. Regardless, I can assure you I didn't write this. It isn't my handwriting.
Kyon: Why should I believe you?
Itsuko: That's an excellent question. You can't. Perhaps if you let me inside, I could attempt to offer proof...?
Kyon: Well, I'm sorry, Koizumi-san,
She flinches noticeably.
Kyon: But I can't even consider that possibility. After all, how do I know you won't shoot me again? ...Please, just get out of my yard.
And with that, I turn on my heel, close the the window, turn off the lights, and flop into bed.
Tonk.
Oh, well. Poor Itsuko. It is impossible to blame Kyon, however, anyway would react the same way, if not worse. If Itsuko be not carefull enough
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6: Morning:
Existentialism- Only One World
I wake up to someone poking me in the side.
Kyon: Ngh it's too early go away.
I didn't manage to get much sleep last night to due to the unfortunate (from my perspective) condition of having a girl about my age in the same room.
Nayuki: Hey, wake up.
Kyon: ...Nnn.
When I open my eyes, I see Nayuki standing over me, still in my oversized pyjamas. She looks worried about something.
Kyon: ...Did anyone ever tell you wearing clothes that are too big for you makes you look really cute...?
When I start talking like this, it's a sign that I need to go back to sleep. So I do.
Nayuki: H-hey! You can't say something that embarassing and then just roll over! Get up and talk to me!
She kicks me in the back.
Kyon: Ow-- fine, sure, whatever.
Yawning, I hoist myself to my feet. Sleeping on the floor is very uncomfortable and horrible for my poor back.
Well, now that the bed is unoccupied...
Nayuki yells at me when I try to fall onto it, however, so I'm forced to sit beside her on the edge of the bed and listen to whatever she has to say. ...This really is just like being around Haruhi, except a Haruhi who is more violent and possibly somewhat cute. I don't know, it must be the fatigue getting to me or something.
It's also about this time that I notice the rain. ...Strange, I don't remember anything like that in the forecast.
Nayuki: I've never liked the rain.
She shivers.
Nayuki: For some reason, it makes me feel... ill...
Kyon: So what did you want to talk about?
If you don't hurry up, I might just fall over onto my wonderfully comfortable bed and be lost in the land of slumber until such a time when my body feels ready to experience the day.
Nayuki: ...Have you ever thought that maybe you might not really exist?
...
...This is heavy stuff for this early in the morning.
Kyon: Well, no... I guess not... I don't think it's really possible to question one's existence. I mean, there was a philosopher who said once that we exist because we're capable of thinking about existence, or something like that.
Descartes, was it...? I wouldn't worry about it, anyway. There are more important things in life, like getting a good night's rest...
Nayuki breathes as sigh of what seems to be relief. Was it really that comforting?
Nayuki: Then... Hey, I don't really know how I should put this, but, have you ever thought about what it would be like to meet someone from another dimension?
This is a very random set of questions we have today. Why do I have have to listen to these again? Please, couldn't we just talk about this later? After I get more rest? It's only seven-thirty, this isn't a school day, leave me alone...
She's looking at me expectantly. ...Since when did I become her debate partner?
Sigh. She's far better at being cute when she's not intending to be. I think a lot of guys would do absolutely anything for her if she always made faces like this.
Kyon: To tell you the truth, I have, actually.
It was about a week ago that I was thinking about stuff like this. ...The idea might have come up in my stream of consciousness.
Kyon: In fact, I seem to remember thinking about what it would be like to meet another 'me' from another universe... I don't usually entertain fantasies like that anymore, but it was a compelling one.
Nayuki: .......Well, that makes it easy, then. I need to--
Sister: Kyon-kun~, who are you talking to in there? I know I heard a girl's voice this time.
Kyon: Crap!
The doorknob starts rattling, but she can't get past the blockade that consists of my single chair. So far, everything is going well. Maybe she'll just lose interest or assume I'm watching television.
Sister: Mom! Kyon-kun blocked his door again~!
Kyon: Crap!
I turn to Nayuki, who I've just realized must be a lot more tired than I had previously thought... but there isn't time for that now.
Kyon: We have to get you out of here quickly, and not through that door. I won't be able to hold them off for long.
We're talking in hushed voices, I believe I should mention.
Nayuki: ...What's the point? Wouldn't it be easier if they just found out about me? I'd at least get the room to myself.
Kyon: What do you mean, get the room to yourself?
Nayuki: Well, you'd be sleeping on the couch, right?
I want to come up with a witty retort, but we really don't have the time.
If my mother finds out that I've snuck a homeless girl into the house, not only will she disapprove, she'll also tell the neighbours about it. This information will then wind its way, slowly and surely, to the ever-listening ears of Haruhi Suzumiya. And if that happens, I'm dead. We're all dead.
Kyon: So, you're going to take these clothes I just grabbed for you, go out onto the balcony, and climb down the trellis.
She glares at me.
Nayuki: That'll never hold a person's weight.
Kyon: Not a normal person, but you look light enough.
Nayuki: What is that supposed to--
My mother is at the door.
Nayuki: Just hurry up, please.
She dashes out my window without another word, as I release my blockade and begin the process of pacifying a curious family.
These scenes are awesome. I love their dynamic and I love saucy Kyonko. Since we are having som many Haruhi-like Kyonko I am looking foryard seeing Kyon acting a bit more like Haruki.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6: Morning:
Morning
I woke up.
It was nearly noon.
I ate breakfast.
Morning ended.
Only twelve hours remained.
lol. I guess is there the player can see that, maybe, he should restart the game.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Memories: Flashes in Space (Sign):
Flashes in Space- (Logo)
Aha ha ha. Hahahahahaha.
It's done. Finally done. I have worked for the past 14 hours, and finally... it is done.
My majestic SOS Brigade Emblem! Our logo of magic and might! I have, at last, completed it.
Now, if only I can figure out how to upload this to our website, I can finally zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
My forehead hit the desk, and I started snoring. It appeared as though I had fallen asleep.
Damn!
FLASH
My glorious SOS Brigade charged forth onto the field of battle, slaying foul demons left and right. It was truly a day of triumph.
Koizumi-san was to my left, wielding a large battleaxe. She turned to me, smiled, and said:
“Suzumiya-san, it's time to wake up.”
I woke up.
“Buh!” was the noise that came out of my mouth as I jerked my head up reflexively. It's very bright... what time is it?
“Ah, it would nearly be time for class, Suzumiya-san. You have an exam in ten minutes.”
Koizumi-san was also in the clubroom, standing next to me. So she was the one to wake me up, eh?
As I stand up, a wool blanket falls from my shoulders. ...What time did she get here, exactly?
“About an hour ago, Suzumiya-san.” Koizumi-san's brilliant smile reflects the morning sunlight.
“You are diligent, aren't you?” She really doesn't need to be. “At this rate, you'll probably make Vice Commander.”
Koizumi-san chuckles. “Fufu, you flatter me, Suzumiya-san. But may I ask what you were doing here all night?”
Heh. I thumbed my nose. “The same thing I do every night. Make history.”
FLASH
The exam was easy, so I aced it in less than an hour, using the remaining time to both catch up on sleep and ogle the back of Kyon's head. Aaaah, now this is relaxing.
This kind of pattern was one that had continued throughout the entire exam week. Life is good.
Kyon, however, has been fretting about her marks the entire time... should I help her study...?
Naaaaaaaah. She's cute when she frets. Or showing any kind of expression really. In fact, her very existence is cute. ...I have a new theory! Kyon is not, in fact, a human being! She is the physical embodiment of the concept of “cute”.
...Where was I? I'm sorry, I get distracted easily.
Right. I think Kyon needs some excitement in her life. And, plus, I need to upload my Emblem to the website and I'm too lazy to learn how. So, during lunch hour...
I found Kyon in the classroom, sighing to herself and pulling a textbook out of her bag. I ignored this and threw her over my shoulder without a word.
“Not this agaaiiiiiiin!” Is what she cried the whole way to the clubroom. Once there, I set her down in the commander's chair and pointed at the Emblem on the screen.
“Fix it.” I said unhelpfully.
Kyon stared at it for a few minutes, then clutched her head in pain. “What is it?”
“Can't you tell? It's an Emblem, Emblem!” It's also my masterpiece.
“...Emblem?”
“Yes,” I hoped that I sounded convincing. “Emblem. So yeah, put it in on the SOS Brigade's top page.” We need to attract more visitors and since you prevented me from putting up my sexy~ pictures, this is our only option.
Kyon sighs again. Do you know how annoying it is when all someone does is sigh? “Exactly what about this makes you think that it will attract any attention?”
“What!? Can you not see? Can you not see how manly it is?”
“How can anyone consider this manly!? It's a riot of shape and color! It's an insult to art! I'm not putting this up on the website, it'll embarrass us more than you already have!”
“Pshaw!” I shook my head. “Women can never truly understand. Hey, if you do it I'll make Mitsuuru-kun wear the maid outfit again, to suit your depraved tastes.” Actually, my depraved tastes, but I get a kick out of blaming other people for my own shortcomings. In other words, I am offering Kyon a reward that's actually intended for myself.
I didn't expect her to accept, but she actually blushed a little, mumbled something and started to work. ...Does she actually have a fetish for that kind of thing? Or is it just because he look so gosh-darned adorable in it?
Hmm, I'll have to perform a scientific analysis on the subject. Perhaps... I could put Kyon in a maid uniform, and see how she reacts! Yes, that's an excellent idea. I will do it for science.
Hahaha, I'm such a genius. Three cheers for me.
“Are you alright in the head, Haruki? Your expression looks... distant...”
I'll make you serve me!
FLASH
Unacceptable! That's what this is, I mean.
When I entered the clubroom after our last exam a few days later, the only person there was Yuuki... well, that's to be expected. So, I thought, 'why not check the hits counter on the website to see if it's gone up at all?' It was then that, to my surprise, I had discovered that our beautiful front page had been... corrupted!
Is this cyber-terrorism!? Have we been hacked?!
“I doubt it,” said Kyon, who had been trying to fix the site (at my demand) to no avail. “Who would want to hack a site like this?”
I ignored her. “If I find out who did this, they'll be hanged! I'll hang them!” No, wait, hanging is too good for them. Maybe I should throw them off a cliff into a pit of crocodiles made of lye.
Someone knocked on the door, and entered. 'Twas Koizumi-san.
“Ah, an unusual occurrence today. Asahina-san not here yet?”
No, and I was going to make him wear his dress again today, too... it seems like it's going to be disappointing all-round.
FLASH
“Nooooooooooooo! Leave me alooooone!” That was Mitsuuru-kun, in the midst of trying to run away.
“Wahahahahaha!” This was me, broraping him. “Take your punishment! This is your punishment for not meeting your manly quota for the month! You have to wear this delightful thing again!” And this specially prepared wig, too.
Oh dear god, my poor heart. With that wig on, and those tears, he looks exactly like a very, very, very adorable girl. Hnnng... can't... hold... self... back... much... longer....... urge... to... do... unspeakable things... rising...
“Suzumiya-san, what's with that look in your eyes? Suzumiya-san...?”
Another knock at the door. One part of me feels annoyed at being interrupted. The other part of me feels thankful, because I would have committed a serious crime otherwise.
It was just the girls, anyway.
They stood there in awkward silence for a few moments.
“What are you waiting for?” I said. “Get inside!”
Kyon looked slightly uncomfortable. “Well, it's just that...”
If it's the wig, I don't see why you're complaining. It only make him look cuter! I mean better! Apparently, however, it's some other issue entirely.
Koizumi-san spoke up. “Suzumiya-san, it would appear as though we have a client.”
...Client?
FLASH
Ah, right, I forgot all about it.
Kyon, for once, had taken some initiative and put up posters detailing the purpose of our club; unfortunately for the SOS Brigade, what she had put up was not its actual mission.
Kyon's posters detailed a club that was devoted to “solving people's problems” or some crap like that. I hadn't cared too much since I knew we were infamous enough that no one would actually take the posters seriously, but it seems like one person was stupid or ignorant enough to.
This guy seems to be leaning on the 'stupid' side... if I had to describe him in a single word, he'd be “generic”. Generic looks, generic personality, generic expressions... the only thing that isn't generic about him is his name, “Emori Kimidori”.
...It's probably fake. His name is probably something generic like “Tarou Tanaka”. Please tell the truth to the Chief or the SOS Brigade won't be able to help you.
At the moment, Kimidori-kun here is engaged in generic despair.
“So, you say you want to help us look for your missing girlfriend?”
Well, even if the guy himself is boring, he's brought us what might turn out to be an adventure. I guess I should be grateful, heh heh.
As Kyon muttered to herself about something, I began to question poor lonely Kimidori-kun.
“So, what makes ya think she's missing?”
He continued to stare at his teacup. “She hasn't been at school for a few days now... even though she's never missed a day up till now, she didn't even come in for her tests... it's strange.”
Yes, yes, very strange. “Tried calling or texting her?”
“Yeah, of course.” He answers quickly. “She isn't answering, and I went to her apartment, but it was locked.”
Oh, this IS getting good. It sounds like we have a real mystery on our hands, gang.
“What about the family?”
“They're not around... I think they moved to another country...” Kimidori-kun just kept staring into his teacup. Look up, boy.
“Could they have moved to Canada by any chance?” I asked. When in doubt, always guess Canada.
“Eh... no, I heard it was the Honduras, I think.”
“Oh? That's near Canada, right?”
Behind Kimidori-kun, Kyon sighed.
“Look,” the generic boy said, “She might not even be in her room. Even late at night, the lights are never on. I'm worried.”
Yeah, yeah, that's great and all. I'm glad love can blossom and stuff. Moreover, just to clarify here, why did you come here of all places? Even I know we're not the sort of people you ask to find missing girlfriends.
“Well, she often mentioned your club's name... er, I suppose by 'mentioned', I mean 'ranted about'...”
“Eh? So she's heard of me, then. What was her name again?”
The name doesn't ring a bell at all, but Kyon seems to have some idea.
“She's the president of the Computer Society next door.”
I'm sorry, that doesn't ring a bell either, but Kyon definitely seems to have an idea, judging by the sudden look of horror on her face... wait, that was the pervert girl that tried to molest Mitsuuru-kun! I remember now! I saved him from being gang-raped by her minions and liberated one of their computers in the process. I'm such a hero. Good times.
“Okay, sure, we'll do it.” It'll be interesting to see her reaction when I show up at her house, heh heh. “You're certainly lucky though, Kimidori-kun. Since you're our first client, we won't charge you for our services.”
What, Kyon, don't give me that look. We don't do things for free around here. Besides, look at Kimidori-kun. He's finally lightened up a bit.
“Really?” he asks, drinking his teacup for the first time “You'll do it? Thank you so much! I feel a lot better now that I know you'll take care of it.”
...You really have that much faith in us? I mean, sure, I don't think there's really anything to worry about, but you do realize that I'm just doing this for my own amusement, right? It's obvious, right? Right?
Tch, I feel horrible now that I've put this person's trust in me. I think I'll ruin his day.
“Hey, Kimidori-kun?” I said. “You know that cute maid over there that you made eyes at when you came in?” I didn't actually see him do that, but everyone makes eyes at Mitsuuru-kun. It's customary. “That's actually a guy.”
Kimidori-kun spat lukewarm tea all over the table.
FLASH
So I figure she's just turned into a shut-in, right? Or maybe it's some kind of late-blooming May Sickness. In any case, I'm sure when we barge into her apartment, we'll just find her naked and surrounded with gay porn. It'll be very embarrassing, her boyfriend will be happy (or not, considering) and they'll be loads of publicity for us. People will be lining up at the door for us to solve their problems, and one day one of them will be an alien.
Anyway, we're now in front of the Computer Society President's apartment, and I'm rattling on the doorknob.
“Tch, it's not opening... maybe we should go around back and smash the glass?”
Kyon puts her hand up. “I have no desire for a criminal record at this stage in my life.”
Good point. I'll use the patented Ryou Asakura Investigation trick on the building manager, then.
As I turn around, however...
Ka-chick. Yuuki is gripping the doorknob... of the now-open door.
“...Nice trick, Yuuki.” I'm pretty amazed, but I guess I must not have been rattling hard enough. “Okay, let's investigate~.”
Maybe I should cover Mitsuuru-kun's eyes, since she'll be naked and probably doing other things... maybe I should cover my eyes too, on account of all that gay porn.
However... not only was there no gay porn, but there was no Computer Society President, either. She was nowhere to be found.
I don't remember much of the investigation, because I was bored, but I did find expired food in the fridge that I force-fed Mitsuuru-kun with while the other three conversed about something unimporant.
After raiding the rest of the place for spare change, I decided that we should call it a day. If she's not in her home, she has to be somewhere else, which means she isn't just a shut-in... maybe she just took a vacation and didn't tell poor hapless Emori Kimidori-kun. In any case, I'm sure it'll work itself out.
FLASH
It worked itself out, since she had apparently returned to school the next day. Even my Emblem had been restored, thanks to, as Kyon told me, Yuuki's efforts. I had no idea he was so good with compuers, but I should have guessed, I guess.
What's more, my emblem worked! The access counter had skyrocketed! It appears as though my theory of marketing was accurate: Create something completely meaningless and the public will eat it up.
I stood on my chair, ready to declare my latest decree.
“Everyone! Please listen!” All eyes were on me, except Kyon's, which were covered by the back of her twitching hand.
And I made all of them cheer for me.
Haruki really doesn't do much in this story... I'm grateful I don't have to do a version of Vol. 7 like this, heh.
Haruki narration is awesome. I just love how umbeliavable inconsistent he is. I found particularly amuzing he calling their logo 'manly'. It is the same as Haruhi's but with the colors swaped right? If so, it actually quite girly . IT is good, tough. Haruki's weird tastes is one of the things that differantiates him from a simple Kamina rip-off.
However, I noticed that Kimidori came by their own in that version, while in the original novel it was Mikuru who brought him. It was on purpose or it was a mistake? It is pretty funny that way, anyway, so it don't really matter.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnificate
Question: Will the flashbacks be included within the main body of the visual novel story or perhaps they will be 'unlockables' similar to Umineko tea parties? I ask since right now the flashbacks read like separate chapters without much direct impact on the story itself.
For What I can tell seeing the outlines, I would say it is in the main body. However It seens it will not appear past Day 6, there is no more stories left. Anyway, while it is, indeed, a break in thecontinuity of the chapters, I guess it helps a lot for who haven't seen the anime/ read the book/manga yet. This VN is obviously focused in fans who already knows the story, but it is always nice including random people who doesn't. I actually would like to see their opinions about the game. Also, all scenes are skipable after you have seen once, so you can skip all flashbacks in you second go for the game.
However, I believe having these flashbacks stored in an extra menu is a nice idea, indeed.
For What I can tell seeing the outlines, I would say it is in the main body. However It seens it will not appear past Day 6, there is no more stories left. Anyway, while it is, indeed, a break in thecontinuity of the chapters, I guess it helps a lot for who haven't seen the anime/ read the book/manga yet. This VN is obviously focused in fans who already knows the story, but it is always nice including random people who doesn't. I actually would like to see their opinions about the game. Also, all scenes are skipable after you have seen once, so you can skip all flashbacks in you second go for the game.
However, I believe having these flashbacks stored in an extra menu is a nice idea, indeed.
Seconded.
What I think is missing so far in what is written is a scene or two from Kyonko's perspective. It seems to have been a while since the last one.
I wonder why Kogetsu haven't said nothing about that scene. I really felt Kyon was being a jerk here (I felt it since the previous scene, actually). It is completelly understandable, however, given his situation an how he don't really care that much for Yuki right now.
Jerk? How so? I think he's acting quite normally here, not even remotely jerk-ish (which actually is kinda abnormal for him).
Honestly... I'm gonna have to agree with edk3 here. I really don't see anything particularly wrong with Kyon's actions in that scene.
__________________
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Well, to say the truth, it is more about the previous scene. He is pushing something that he knows it is dangerous for her without caring to much. He called her at night to solve the problem, that is normal, but after she asked some time he just gave a night. Sure, Yuki agreed, but it is Yuki, she would agree with anything anyway. Kyon is so worried about himself he do not even think this might be dangerous for Yuki (how many times he had seen her colapsing? He should worry more about it).
Only another preview today, but it's longer than last time.
Spoiler for "Noon" preview:
Through the Cracks
Haruhi: So, where do you think we should go next?
Kyon: How about home?
Haruhi: No! We're not leaving until we find something mysterious!
Kyon: And how are we supposed to do that!?
We haven't even looked for a damn thing! All you've done all day is drag me around to various stores and bought things that you don't even need! And I still paid for your breakfast!
What's more, Haruhi made me hold all her purchases, stating that “you're a guy, so it's your duty!” Because of this, she's the one in control of the umbrella.
Haruhi: Hmph, if you're going to be like that, you can just soak.
She stalks away, leaving me to be drizzled upon. ...This is about the fifth time now. Still, I caught a glimpse of her smile... she's having fun.
Great.
I manage to catch up to her, which is no easy task given the amount of bags I'm carrying.
Kyon: So where are we going to go?
There's not a lot we can do on a rainy day...
Haruhi: I know, right? The forecast was lying again... I was really looking forward to spending more time in the sun, too. Oh well, let's just go look around some more shops.
You mean you're not done yet?! If this is all we're doing to do, we'll never be going home...
I step forward, and then... it happens.
I passed through something. I didn't know at the time what it was, but it felt like a layer of cold.
Washed.
Vegetables.
And then everything went grey. All movement stopped, living things vanished, and the world turned grey.
Even the raindrops had frozen in place. I reached out and touched one, and it shattered into smaller droplets, which slowly drifted away...
Haruhi: Kyon, what are you doing?
She's still here. Moreover, she's not grey. Haruhi Suzumiya is still in living color.
What's going on?
Haruhi: Honestly...
She locks her free arm around mine and pulls. My face hits several more droplets, and I blink involuntarily.
Haruhi: If you're just gonna stand around in a daze, we're never going to get anywhere. Take life by the horns!
You can't tell me you don't see this, Haruhi. Or are you just in denial? Or is it just me?
The headphones are kilometres away, locked tight in a steel box... there's no way it's their fault this time.
This is something else.
But why can't Haruhi tell that we're in Closed Space?
Haruhi: Hey, hey, look at that dress! Isn't the color awesome?! Hey, don't you think it would look good on me?
There are no colors, Haruhi. Only grey.
Haruhi: Hey, check out that old woman over there. Doesn't she look suspicious? I'm going to go interrogate her.
There's no one there, Haruhi. You're interrogating thin air.
...Am I going nuts? No, of course not. That's not even a possibility. If I were ever going to go nuts, I would have when Ryoko Asakura attacked me nearly half a year ago. ...Of course, that's a possibility too.
Regardless, this is... extremely strange and unnerving. I want to scream, but I can't let Haruhi know that anything's wrong.
Somewhere along the line, I must have slipped through the cracks, somehow... is this your doing?
Haruhi: What? Is there something on my face? Speak up, if that's it! You've gone all quiet.
Kyon: No, it's nothing. Everything's fine.
...Why am I in Closed Space, but she isn't?
On the edge of my peripheral vision, something moves. Reflexively, I jerk my head in that direction.
Haruhi: Kyon...?
Someone is slowly walking towards us, shattering the frozen raindrops as he goes. He's wearing a school uniform, a yellow headband, and a ghoulish smile.
...There's only one person this can be.
I turn to Haruhi to tell her to run, but... I'm knocked aside by some force.
He was all of a sudden right in front of her.
Haruhi: Geez... you're being really, really weird lately, you know that? ...Are you feeling okay?
There's no one there, Haruhi. I'm on the ground, in pain. You're talking to thin air. The only person in front of you... is him.
...He's a lot bigger than I thought he was. He's not just six foot... more like seven... no, eight.
An optical illusion? Or reality?
He clenches his huge fingers around Haruhi's white neck, and lifts her about three feet off the ground.
Haruhi: Really... cough... we had better get you... gcchk... checked out... hcck... sometime...
Get... get off her!
I leap to my feet and try to push him down, but I pass through his form as though he was merely smoke and mirrors.
The choking Haruhi continues to look at me.
Haruhi: Tha... it... you...
She looks concerned, but still happy. What else would she look like? She still believes she's on the other side, searching for the mysterious in clothing stores.
I try to pull her out of his grip, but Haruhi, too, has become only a shadow to my touch.
There's nothing I can do. And so...
Snap. Her neck breaks. Only then does he let her go, still wearing that ghoulish smile. I manage to catch her before she his the ground, but it's far too late.
Anyone with eyes could tell you that she's dead.
But still, she looks at me with that curious expression. And even though her neck is broken and her windpipe crushed, she speaks.
Haruhi: You really do look like you're gonna faint. What's the matter?
“Did you see a corpse?”
This dead body is talking to me.
How mysterious. This is definitely a very mysterious event.
Hey, Haruhi, can I go home now?
Stereotypical Stalking
For the past few hours, Asahina-san and I have been following someone. ...I'm still not sure why, though I have my suspicions.
When we got to the station at about noon, Asahina-san had looked around, clearly spotted something, and then requested that I follow her, as she “had somewhere she wanted to go”.
It wasn't long before I myself noticed who we were following... a boy in what appeared to be a Victorian-era suit.
...I don't normally begrudge people on their choice of clothing, but isn't that just a little odd?
At the time, I had asked Asahina-san what we were even doing, but she only shushed me nervously. Very comforting, Asahina-san.
We followed him all the way around the shopping district, down to the riverbank (where, mercifully, Haruhi was not making her presence known) up through the residential area (we even passed by my house!) and now on the road that leads up to the nearby mountain.
...Does this guy have any sense of purpose?
And so, Asahina-san and I are peeking out from behind a telephone pole, staring at the Victorian boy, who has decided to stop in the middle of the road and stare up at the sky. We look so stereotypical that I'm surprised no one's called the police yet.
By the way, I'm not an idiot. At this point, it's obvious today's outing wasn't Asahina-san's idea at all, but that of her superiors... I'm feeling a little hurt that she had to lie to me, but this is probably more important than my feelings anyway.
The Victorian boy slumps his shoulders. He's clearly depressed about something... oh, look, he's turning around.
Kyon: What do we do, Asahina-san? If he comes any closer, he's going to see us.
Asahina-san has vanished.
Kyon: ...Huh? Where'd she...?
I step out of the shadows to look for her... and find myself right in front of the boy we've been following this whole time.
The Asahina one was nice, and even though I know Mitsuuru isn't wearing the bunny ears anymore, I still got a flash of B.Rabbit when his face darkened.
The Haruhi one... what a major mind-fuck. Need a follow-up to make proper sense out of it.
The Haruhi one... what a major mind-fuck. Need a follow-up to make proper sense out of it.
Here's to hoping that doesn't happen for quite some time! You're horrible...
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WARNING: Kogetsu Shirogane cannot be held accountable for any actions taken by someone else. Potential side effects of communicating with this user include headaches, mild confusion, insanity, delirium, and jumping into fires. Do not expose this user to sunlight or water or feed this user after midnight.