Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Itsuko: Fox Hunt:
Fox Hunt
Itsuko: It wouldn't hurt if you came a little closer, you know.
I'd bought Koizumi-san the umbrella she'd wanted, but had refused to hold it for her... just walking to a nearby convenience store had been enough. I don't want to be any closer to this woman than I have to.
Kyon: And give you even more opportunity to tease me? Yeah, that's not going to happen.
The whole time we'd been under an umbrella together she had been pressing herself against me and whispering things in a low, sultry voice... had I been a lesser man, I would not have been able to contain myself.
Itsuko: Oho. Too bad. By the way, this is rather delicious.
I'd also bought her a cheap and rather dry-looking sandwich, which she was now happily munching on. If she's enjoying it that much, I wonder how long she's gone without food...
Itsuko: Now that this matter is settled, would it be possible for me to use your cell phone? There is an, ah, associate who may be able to hide your scar for the time being, but I have no other way of establishing contact.
When I pass her my phone, however, it starts to ring. Koizumi-san looks at the call display, and raises her eyebrows.
Itsuko: Interesting. It's for you, by the way.
So it should be! It's my phone!
The call display reads “Itsuki Koizumi”... why is he calling me right now? As usual, his babble will probably be intolerable, but I should just get this over with.
Kyon: What?
Itsuki: Come now, is that really how you answer a phone? I have that list of transfer students you requested. I was going to come by to drop it off, but... is now a bad time?
Well, it's never really a good time if I have to listen to you, but I'm not even at home right now. Koizumi-san and I have just been wandering purposelessly around since I bought her lunch, so...
Itsuki: Would that mean, then, that you're out for a walk or an errand? That's good then. To tell the truth, I'm at Kouyouen Station... if you're in the area, it would be easier for both of us if you were to come meet me rather than the other way around.
Itsuki: ...If you're that far away, it might be a better idea for me to just wait at your home.
Kyon: No, no, I'll meet you, I insist.
I hang up.
Kyon: I'll be meeting your, uh... cousin at the station in twenty minutes. Can your, um, associate meet us somewhere nearby before then? I'd prefer he not know about... this.
Itsuko: Ah, most likely. In fact, that person may already be in the vicinity.
She takes the phone from me and dials... five numbers. 98854.
...That's no number I've ever seen.
Itsuko: Hello? Ah, sorry to bother you. ...Yes, I know I wasn't supposed to... yes, but it is rather an emergency. ...You're unusually talkative today. Would that be the stress getting to you? In any case, I need you to... well, I'll explain when we meet... you're already there? Oh good, that makes it much easier. Ten minutes, then.
She, too, hangs up.
Itsuko: That should do it. We're meeting in that little park near the station in question. You're familiar with the place?
---
Koizumi-san's 'associate' is a tall, thin young man in a punk-like getup. ...Despite his clothes, he's only a little less reticent than Nagato. The faint circles under his eyes, however, give off a depressive air.
Yup. Weirdos.
Yuuki: ...
Itsuko: Ah, Akira-kun. Good to see you again. My... friend, I suppose could call him has, er, injured himself and does not wish anyone to know. Can you fix it.
The 'associate' raises his eyebrows a millimeter when he sees my face, but says nothing, instead producing a large band-aid from somewhere in his leather jacket. It's rather like the one I was given yesterday, but... it's the exact same tone as my skin.
Itsuko: Put it on, and let's see.
She certainly sounds excited... she even gasps a little when I attach it to the side of my face.
Itsuko: It's... seamless. I can't even tell it's there. Thank you very much, Akira-kun.
Kyon: Thank you.
The dull, throbbing pain, however, still hasn't stopped.
Nodding imperceptibly, the 'associate' turns on his heel and walks off without so much as a word.
Itsuko: Don't forget about that walk I taught you, Akira-kun.
Immediately, he begins to walk bow-legged in the manner of a typical delinquent... it looks very awkward to do in those pants.
Itsuko: Hohoho. Life is beautiful.
Kyon: ...Could you stay here while I go talk to Koizumi? I kind of don't want him to know that I'm hanging out with you.
Itsuko: Is that what you call it...? Very well. But what, exactly, are you meeting him for?
Kyon: That's my business.
It's actually about you, but you've already given me the information I was looking for... I'm not even sure why I'm going through with this, other than to not look suspicious.
---
The station is unusually busy today, but the same could be said of everywhere in the city. ...There's an energy building up beneath the surface, as though something is struggling to break free.
Koizumi is standing in the middle of the crowd, overdressed as usual. He's watching the weeping sky with a very odd expression on his face, almost as though he's waiting for something other than me.
I tap him on the shoulder.
Itsuki: Hmm? Oh, it's you. I was wondering when you were going to get here.
Kyon: Yeah, yeah. Just hand over that list.
Itsuki: You're still suspicious of me, I see. I'll promise you we haven't doctored this list in any way. Be warned: they don't have their photographs yet, but I believe they're due to take those on, ah Tuesday.
He hands me a manila envelope. Let's take a look.
Hmm. There were only five students that transferred in this term. A “Kitsuko Yamada”, another girl named “Izanami Komada” (what is with these weird names?) two other guys, an “Akira Tanaka”... wait, Akira?
I'll definitely have to comb this thing later for more clues as to who these people might be. My ass this isn't doctored.
Kyon: ...Everything seems to be in order.
Itsuki: Good! I'm glad that's all settled. Now, I really must be going but... you may wish to hurry back to your date for the day.
Kyon: ...What?
Itsuki: Now, I'm not saying that anything might be wrong, but there's a chance she could be in danger. Just a small chance.
Kyon: ...
Itsuki: The clock's ticking. I had better get a move on.
Kyon: I swear, if there's something you're not telling me...
Itsuki: Swear all you like... it won't change a thing.
And chuckling to himself, he exits, stage right.
...Crap. Even if I didn't want to hear the two of them discuss philosophy together, I should definitely have brought Koizumi-san with me...!
---
Fortunately, I found Koizumi-san in the park where I left her, completely unharmed. The only other person around is a woman in a black suit, chatting animatedly on a tiny cell phone.
Itsuko: You're out of breath. Is something the matter?
Kyon: No... just... wanted to...
Itsuko: See me again? How sweet of you. You can't bear to be more than a few minutes away from me.
Kyon: Stop... that...
Taking advantage of my inability to form a sentence isn't fair.
Itsuko: Well, it's too bad, but our time today must come to an end. The people following us have been preparing their plan of action while you were gone.
Kyon: Huh?
I look around the park... and realize, all of a sudden, that there are people in black suits lurking in the shadows of the trees. ...I count about seven or eight in all.
Kyon: What the--?!
Itsuko: Hush.
She takes my face in her hands.
Itsuko: It's alright. Don't draw attention to yourself.
Behind her, that black-suited woman from earlier is slowly approaching. She looks oddly familiar, but I can't quite place where...
Itsuko: Running away this morning was probably a terrible idea, now that I think of it... ah well. I have a request for you, by the way.
Kyon: What is it?
Itsuko: If possible, I'd like you to forget that you ever met me.
Kyon: ......And how, exactly, am I supposed to do that?
Itsuko: Oh, it's easy.
Koizumi-san lets go of my face with a serious expression and strikes a very, very strange pose.
Itsuko: Everything we've done together... all of it, was all just a dream.
Kyon: ...
I don't know why this girl is saying these things. I do know, but I don't want to.
Looks like it's the end of the line for her... but how do you expect me to just forget? Especially since you gave me this bullet scar!? That's not exactly fair, Koizumi-san.
She strokes my injured cheek.
Itsuko: Time, you see, heals all wounds.
And after offering me such a cliched line... she shoves me aside... pulls out something small and metal from the inside of her hoodie... and dashes into the bushes, becoming lost from view.
As one, the Agents pull out large, intimidating guns and charge in after her. The woman stops for a second to give me a single nod before following her subordinates.
...Someone help me. I've become lost in a spy thriller.
Before the shock wears off, I hear a noise coming from the direction Koizumi-san vanished in. It's the exact same noise as I heard yesterday.
BANG.
---
My room. Not long after.
What just happened? Why was Koizumi's Agency after Koizumi-san? Is she even still alive? Who is this “Akira-kun” of hers?
And could this be connected to the series of increasingly odd events that have plagued me over the past week?
These are questions I'm going to have to answer. And answer quickly.
Should be pretty obvious who the woman is.
This is finally done... next up is Kyonko's evening scene and then something I've been looking forward to for a while, that being Haruki's version of Endless Eight.
As you are all aware, I'd just like it if you'd enjoy~.
Itsuko's route is certainly wrapping up into one of the best routes for the VN.
Quote:
Originally Posted by s07195
Is anyone still writing the script of Someday in the Rain? It's kinda a waste. Or, does anyone know where to find the original script?
Anyways, Heatth seems to be busy so I'm gonna put up a mini-archive of the ones he hasn't put yet...
Itsuko's route is better simply because she has more potential than Yuki/Mikuru, who I find frankly boring and worthless. Thankfully, I won't be writing their routes.
And now, to (unfortunately) invalidate that mini-archive, I have this.
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Evening:
Nothing's Gone Wrong
I have to, first, accept that I am not going insane. Only when I believe that everything around me is actually happening can I start to make decisions.
But what I'm seeing is just so out of the ordinary that it's impossible to accept!
A mysterious event indeed. As usual, I have to wonder if it's all Haruhi's doing. Then again, I can't blame absolutely everything on her.
At least, not this.
After choking Haruhi to death, He vanished, and soon after she got up like nothing had gone wrong at all... but I still could see the finger marks gouged deep into her neck.
Haruhi: You sure we don't need to take you to the hospital or something?
Is what she said at the time. Right now, I'm sitting on a nearby curb, trying not to look up, since...
Everywhere I look, there's Haruhi.
Haruhi in a business suit, chatting away on her cellphone while dodging rain. A road worker Haruhi, hard hat and all, desperately earning a living even in this weather. Two Haruhis in a police car, probably responding to some minor incident. An entire bus full of Haruhis.
It had started slowly, with little dots of light and color here and there. I had thought the world was returning to sanity, but instead... as the rest of humanity slowly popped into existence, I found myself trapped in Haruhiland.
It really did feel like an amusement park. The city I grew up in had become too bright, too colorful, too alive. Even the rain is shining brightly, giving off cheer instead of melancholy. It's like she views the world through a kaleidoscope.
But I don't think even Haruhi imagines that thing being in the sky.
Looming over Haruhi City is a massive black shape. Its otherwise featureless face is dotted with two massive white eyes and a smile as wide and wicked as the crescent moon.
It's Him.
...I'd like to ask. What would you do in this situation? What could you do?
I feel a hand on my shoulder, as Haruhi, the real Haruhi, sits down next to me. ...If she were to wander away, I might never find her again.
Haruhi: You sure you're feeling okay? Come to think of it, you've been acting kind of weird since the new term started. Were our summer activities that hard on you?
Kyon: More than you could ever imagine.
It's not me, right?
Haruhi: Then you need to shape up! Toughen up!
She slaps me hard on the back. The pain is a welcome relief.
Haruhi: If one member of my brigade can't deal with a little bit of stress and excitement, we all look bad! And that's unforgivable, you know that? If having fun for two weeks does this to you, how are you going to help me hold off the invasion!?
Invasion by whom? Ah, never mind. Still, she has a point. I have to try and breathe deeply. Think about this logically.
If this is some horribly corrupted version of Closed Space, then that means several things. First of all, those giants should be showing up. ...I suppose that huge thing overhead counts. Second of all, Koizumi and his merry friends should have detected this, but since they haven't appeared already, that probably means something bad. I'll think about that later.
The most important thing is that, if this is Closed Space, it has a fixed radius. ...Which means if we can find the inner wall, I might somehow be able to use Haruhi to get us out again. It's a long shot, but... this is all I can do.
I breathe deep. Everything is fine.
Haruhi: Hey, are you even listening? Don't make me have to tell you the order in which you'll be taking off again, because I've already forgotten.
Kyon: Hey, I forgot to mention, but there was this strange animal in my backyard this morning. It, uh, looked like a cross between a cat and a, er, rabbit, if that means anything.
Haruhi is already on her feet before I can blink.
Haruhi: Idiot! Why didn't you say so earlier when we've been wasting the whole day downtown!? Come on, come on, let's go!
She locks arms with me and, like always, pulls.
Perfect. If she's sufficiently determined to head that way, it shouldn't be long before both her and I are far outside the radius!
That wasn't how things ended up, of course.
Just as we were entering the residential district, my face hit an invisible wall, knocking me backwards. Haruhi kept moving past the barrier as though it was nothing.
It felt like cold unwashed vegetables. Well, at least now I know for certain that I'm in Closed Space.
And Haruhi, of course, like I should have realized, is not.
Haruhi: What is it now? ...You're feeling dizzy again? You know, before yesterday, I'd never have though you're the type to have fainting spells.
Okay. Let's just stop and think here. If I'm in Closed Space and she isn't, what does that mean? I don't know what it means. All I know is that my plan didn't work. Not that it was a very good plan to begin with.
Haruhi: Come on, hurry up. There's only 24 hours in a day, so we can't be wasting time! Besides, I really want to know whether you actually saw a UMA or if you were just hallucinating again.
Kyon: I... can't.
Haruhi: What do you mean?
Kyon: I... I have things to... I can't...
I'm breathing much too heavily again. Is this really all it takes to rile me up? Am I actually that kind of person? I should be used to stuff like this by now. I've been through much worse, and besides, wasn't there some kind of failsafe I could use in a situation just like this?
Oh, right. That one. ...Well, I suppose it's better than any alternatives. As long as I do this, everything will be just fine.
I stretch out my hand, palm up, reaching across the gap between realities.
Kyon: Hey, come over here, would you?
Haruhi: ...? What are you playing at now? I'm starting to think your brain is still on vacation.
Nevertheless, she takes the hand I extended to her... and in a single motion that must look like a poor attempt to look Koizumi suave, I pull her close to me. Too close for comfort, normally, but..
Haruhi: H-hey! Exactly what-- where are you touching!? The small of my back is off limits!
Kyon: Haruhi, I'm really sorry about this, but this is something I've got to do.
Haruhi: Stop screwing with me! Y-you'd never have the guts!
Kyon: I--
A shadow falls over us. No, wait, only over me. Haruhi is still bathed in the afternoon light, but I...
The thing looming in the sky, the caretaker of this world, seems to have noticed what I was about to do... and is reaching out His enormous black hand to grab me!
I don't even have time to react. No, wait, He's not trying to grab me, he's trying to
Squish.
DEAD END
...
...
...
...
...
...
Kyon: you had a bunch of sleep in your eyes, but since I thought it'd be rude to just mention it out of the blue, I was going to, uh, wipe your... eyelashes... for you. ...Now that the truth has come to light, everything makes perfect sense, doesn't it?
Haruhi: I'm not sure what explanation is worse, actually. Anyway, you're a terrible liar, you know that?
Kyon: It's true, I swear. What did you think I was trying to do, anyway?
Haruhi: M-making a fool of yourself, obviously! You're such a moron. Anyway, you're not allowed to touch me like that without permission in future, all right? You nearly gave me a heart attack...
Kyon: Well, at least the sleep is out of your eyes.
Haruhi: You're still sticking to that!?
Kyon: Like I keep saying, it's the honest truth.
Haruhi: I didn't even have any goddamn sleep in my eyes! You're just trying to cover for--
And so on. Haruhi and I are having a conversation in front of my house, before we say goodbye for the day, and... wait, hold on a minute.
...Wasn't I just transported into a strange variety of Closed Space and killed by a black amorphous apparition? So am I just standing at my front door, having a conversation with Haruhi?
Why don't I remember anything in between those times? What the hell is going on?
Okay, breathe deeply. As they say in the West, don't look the gift horse in the mouth. Everything is fine. Just fine.
Haruhi: Pay attention! Like I was saying, there'll definitely be a penalty for having the a-audacity to do something like that to the brigade chief! I just haven't thought of what yet.
Kyon: But I didn't even--
Haruhi: No excuses.
She turns around and makes as if to go, as though that's the end of the conversation, but...
Haruhi: In spite of your dizzy spells and general idiocy, I had fun today. ...Get some rest, huh? I'll see you tomorrow. Look forward to your horrible penalty! Maybe I'll have it involve sewing needles somehow.
What a disjointed train of thought this girl has.
Kyon: See you.
I collapse into a mentally exhausted heap right after I close the door behind me. My little sister pokes me with her foot as she passes by, but I ignore it.
Yes, everything seems fine. It's fine, but... I still haven't had a single question answered.
What happened just now? What does it mean?
And what is the meaning of the series of increasingly odd events that have plagued me over the past week?
These are questions I'm going to have to answer.
Confrontation
The boy and I just stood there, letting the raindrops fall, saying nothing. After about five minutes of this, he finally broke eye contact and started rubbing the back of his head.
Mitsuuru: Man, I'm really not good at this... okay, so why were you following me?
Kyon: ...What makes you think I was following you?
Mitsuuru: Do I really have to answer that? You two have been stalking me for hours now. ...I can't say I'm not used to this kind of behaviour, but I'd still like to know “why” before I start running.
He leans from side to side in an effort to look behind me.
Mitsuuru: Wait, where'd she go? ...Don't tell me...
Tch. I've gotta come up with some excuse for this. If this guy knows Asahina-san, he might start spreading horrible rumors about her, and that'd be bad.
Kyon: ...The girl I was with, she's had feelings for you for a long time, but since she's been way too scared to tell you, she asked me for help... but since I really didn't know what to do either, we ended up following you.
Wait, what!? Why is that the first thing that comes out of my mouth? Curse me a thousand times! I'm sorry, Asahina-san...
But... his childish face suddenly bears a wicked smile, which looks... vaguely familiar.
Mitsuuru: ...Yeah, right. You aren't a very good liar, you know that?
Kyon: ...
He's on to me!
Mitsuuru: ...Y-You haven't changed a bit... Kyon.
...Wait. I've never seen this kid before in my life. How does he know who I am? I wonder... could this be connected with all these incidents? I can't see any other reason Asahina-san would make me come along with her just to follow this weirdly-dressed boy.
Chuckling nervously to himself, he walks right past me, back the way he came.
Kyon: Wait just a minute.
I grab his shoulder. Hard.
Kyon: You're not just going to say something like that and get to walk away. I'll be up front here. I don't actually know why I was following you, but maybe you can answer that question.
Mitsuuru: ...Crap.
His eyes dart back and forth... is he trying to calculate an escape route? It's almost... pitiful. I'm starting to feel sorry for this person.
Mitsuuru: What am I supposed to do in this situation... ah, right, right. Hyaaaaah!
I easily catch the punch he's aimed at my face. I don't really feel sorry for him any more.
Kyon: Look, I really don't want to fight you. I just want some answers to my questions.
Mitsuuru: ...
Kyon: Well?
Mitsuuru: I'm thinking. ...I'll answer one question, and then you'll let me go. ...Kay?
You're not really in a position to bargain here, but I can tell that's all I'll be getting out of you, so... What would be a good question to ask?
Kyon: You know my name. How?
Mitsuuru: ...I guess 'childhood friend' wouldn't be a good explanation?
Kyon: Looks like you're not a very good liar either.
Mitsuuru: Eh heh heh heh... fine. I know your name because we're friends, but you and I have never met. Does that clear up everything and can you let me go?
Kyon: ...No.
Mitsuuru: Didn't think so. Damn, I really didn't want to have to do this, but...
He closes his eyes for a second, and--
Kyon: Agggggggggggggghhhhh!!!!!
Quick as lighting (quite literally) an electric shock courses its way through my body. It feels like my veins have turned into superconductors. Of course, my legs give way and I collapse to the ground.
Mitsuuru: Wasting that on someone like you... is even more of a waste. Hey, did that sound cool? That better have sounded cool.
Kyon: Y-you...
That wasn't cool at all!
Blackness.
---
I can't feel the rain anymore, which means that...
Mikuru: Kyon-kun... please wake up!
Asahina-san has returned ...I still hurt like a million bucks, but at least I'm not dead.
Kyon: Ow... Ow! I'm alive...
Unfortunately, my head isn't in her lap like last time... instead, a patch of cold, wet sidewalk has been reserved for it.
Mikuru: T-that was horrible I'm so glad you're okay.
Kyon: I guess... but more importantly, where did you go, Asahina-san?
She had vanished before all of this even started. I already have my suspicions as to why, but I want to hear it from her.
Mikuru: ...
Kyon: Asahina-san?
Mikuru: It's mostly classified, but I'm not supposed to be seen by that boy at all.
Kyon: Well, that's fine, but... then why were we following him in the first place?
This is what I thought, but I seriously don't get it.
Mikuru: Um, please don't be angry, but... you were supposed to have a confrontation with him, so my superiors... I mean... i-it's classified...
Ah. So this is why she asked me to come out with her today. ...But why, then, call it a 'date'?
I'm probably reading too much into this.
Kyon: ...Can you tell me who he is? He seemed to know--
Mikuru: Classified information.
I was cut off abruptly by a rehearsed, robotic response. ...Is it really classified? Or does Asahina-san just not want to tell me?
And why am I suspecting this sweet girl like this? She doesn't deserve this kind of treatment from me.
Kyon: ...You know what's been going on the past week, don't you? You didn't find out yourself, but I'm sure your bosses told you something, right?
Mikuru: ...
Kyon: I'd really like to know. I spent yesterday passing out, I think I have that right, at least.
Mikuru: I'm... sorry, Kyon-kun. I can't.
Can't? Or just don't want to? Which is it?
Will you tell me, Asahina-san? Will you tell me who that boy could have been your brother is?
---
I caught a cold walking home. Just my luck.
I sneeze my way upstairs, ignoring the quizzical looks from my family. Thanks for worrying, but I don't want to experience a Q&A session right now.
Instead, I'm going to have to host my own. In the privacy of my own room, of couse.
Who is this person that Asahina-san wants to keep from me? Who are the people that Nagato and I chased down on Thursday? What does it all mean?
And what is the meaning of the series of increasingly odd events that have plagued me over the past week?
These are questions I'm going to have to answer myself.
Ceremony's Aftermath
Where were we? Ah, right, fighting a horrible ectoplasmic monster that came from my insides.
That is now flying straight at my face with the force of a rampaging bull!
This week has not been a very good week. Fortunately, Nagato intervenes, delivering a bodycheck that launches me out of the way... at the cost of the ability to feel my shoulder ever again.
Kyon: Ow......
Looking up, I can see Nagato has blocked the beast with some kind of invisible shield, the same kind she used on the cave cricket. This, it seems, hasn't escaped the monster's notice.
Wealth and Taste: wElL, wElL, aReN't We ThE oNe-TrIcK pOnY, nAgAtO-sAaAaAaAaAaAn?!
The monster's fingers, if you can call them fingers, seem to dig deep into the surface of the barrier... and rip it in half. Nagato is blown backwards with the force of a freight train.
Wealth and Taste: AnD nOw, LuNcH.
He turns to me with a noise that sounds like the licking of thousands and thousands of lips.
Wealth and Taste: aAaAaAaRrRrRrRrGgGgGhHhH!
Nagato's arm, glowing white, extends to an impossible distance and impales him through the head. The monster dissolves into the sand.
Yuki: Are you injured at all?
Kyon: No, I-- Behind you!
The steaming mass emerges from the sand directly behind Nagato, forming once again into a recognizable shape.
Wealth and Taste: nOt ThAt EaSiLy. NeVeR tHaT eAsIlY.
Nagato throws up her barrier again, but instead of using it to defend herself... slams it into the regenerating beast, flinging it far enough to give us some breathing room.
If there's one thing these two have in common, it's blasting things into the distance...
Kyon: So, uh, how are we supposed to stop this thing?
Yuki: I require time to delete it. But it does not seem to be granting us that courtesy.
Indeed, it's already preparing to pounce again.
Wealth and Taste: dO yOu KnOw WhAt HaPpEnS tO pUnY iNsEcTs WhEn ThEy TaKe An AcId BaTh?!
Nagato has her hands full trying to protect me... so there's no way she can concentrate long enough to fire off one of her incantations.
...Is there anything I can do in this situation? Think. No, there's no time to think. Quick, what would someone crazy like Haruhi do?
Ah, of course.
I'm about to do something both life-threatening and stupid.
Wealth and Taste: ThE sAmE tHiNg ThAt HaPpEnS tO eVeRyThInG eLsE!
He pounces directly at Nagato... and is blocked by my sudden and random charge!
Oh wait, never mind, this was a terrible idea. Touching this thing burns like... well, like sticking my hands into a bowl of concentrated hydrochloric acid. It's the worst pain I've ever felt in my entire life.
Still, if I can hold this thing long enough...
Kyon: Nagato! Now!
Wealth and Taste: iT's MuCh MuCh ToO lAtE. yOu'Re GoInG tO aCcEpT mE iF iT's ThE lAsT tHiNg YoU dO, yOu StUpId BrAt!
Its head dissolves, spattering onto my face... it's trying to force its way back inside me.
My senses are overloaded by the pain. All I can smell is my burning flesh, and all I can taste is the ectoplasm pouring down my throat... it's a taste horribly like citrus.
Wealth and Taste: DeLiCiOuS.
There's no way anyone could stay conscious during something like this. And so, once again:
Blackness.
---
When I wake up, I'm looking at a familiar ceiling. It's familiar because I once spent three entire years sleeping under it.
This is Nagato's room.
Sitting up, I can feel my muscles protesting, but I don't seem to be injured in any way... data manipulation, huh?
Looking at my watch, I've been out for several hours again... I should probably head home after thanking Nagato. I wonder how I can repay her? Is there any way I can repay her after all she's done?
The nearby door slides open, revealing a Nagato carrying a tea tray.
Yuki: You are awake.
Didn't we go through this yesterday...?
Kyon: Ah, yeah. I guess you managed to destroy it, huh?
Yuki: Of course.
She sits down, placing the tray beside me.
Yuki: That was your request, after all.
Kyon: ...Thanks, Nagato.
What words I can offer her aren't nearly enough. I guess I can drink this tea before I head out...
Yuki: I would like you to stay here for tonight.
I spit out my tea.
Kyon: What, no, I have to go, I don't want to explain to my mother why I'm late two days in a row.
Besides, Haruhi will find out. There's always that danger that she'll find out I've been somewhere with another girl and cause blue giants to break things again.
Yuki: You have been through a great ordeal. I insist.
Kyon: But--
Yuki: I have already contacted your family.
...I really don't want to know what you told them. Please, don't tell me. I'm sure I'll find out on my own anyway.
Come to think of it, isn't tomorrow a school day...? Argh. As usual, I really don't want to deal with any of this, so I'll just take the path of least resistance and stay the night here. Still, I kind of have a few questions.
Kyon: What was that monster, Nagato?
Yuki: I do not know.
She isn't lying. Not really. I can tell that, even if she does know what it is... there's no way she understands.
Anyway, the headphones have been destroyed for good, so there's one thing dealt with, but...
Really, what's the mystery behind the headphones to begin with? Why me? And what's with all the odd flashbacks? What does it all mean?
What is the meaning of the series of increasingly odd events that have plagued me over the past week?
These are questions I'm going to have to answer myself. But first, since Nagato is looking at me so expectantly, I'm going to have to drink the rest of this tea.
Fox Hunt
Itsuko: It wouldn't hurt if you came a little closer, you know.
I'd bought Koizumi-san the umbrella she'd wanted, but had refused to hold it for her... just walking to a nearby convenience store had been enough. I don't want to be any closer to this woman than I have to.
Kyon: And give you even more opportunity to tease me? Yeah, that's not going to happen.
The whole time we'd been under an umbrella together she had been pressing herself against me and whispering things in a low, sultry voice... had I been a lesser man, I would not have been able to contain myself.
Itsuko: Oho. Too bad. By the way, this is rather delicious.
I'd also bought her a cheap and rather dry-looking sandwich, which she was now happily munching on. If she's enjoying it that much, I wonder how long she's gone without food...
Itsuko: Now that this matter is settled, would it be possible for me to use your cell phone? There is an, ah, associate who may be able to hide your scar for the time being, but I have no other way of establishing contact.
When I pass her my phone, however, it starts to ring. Koizumi-san looks at the call display, and raises her eyebrows.
Itsuko: Interesting. It's for you, by the way.
So it should be! It's my phone!
The call display reads “Itsuki Koizumi”... why is he calling me right now? As usual, his babble will probably be intolerable, but I should just get this over with.
Kyon: What?
Itsuki: Come now, is that really how you answer a phone? I have that list of transfer students you requested. I was going to come by to drop it off, but... is now a bad time?
Well, it's never really a good time if I have to listen to you, but I'm not even at home right now. Koizumi-san and I have just been wandering purposelessly around since I bought her lunch, so...
Itsuki: Would that mean, then, that you're out for a walk or an errand? That's good then. To tell the truth, I'm at Kouyouen Station... if you're in the area, it would be easier for both of us if you were to come meet me rather than the other way around.
Itsuki: ...If you're that far away, it might be a better idea for me to just wait at your home.
Kyon: No, no, I'll meet you, I insist.
I hang up.
Kyon: I'll be meeting your, uh... cousin at the station in twenty minutes. Can your, um, associate meet us somewhere nearby before then? I'd prefer he not know about... this.
Itsuko: Ah, most likely. In fact, that person may already be in the vicinity.
She takes the phone from me and dials... five numbers. 98854.
...That's no number I've ever seen.
Itsuko: Hello? Ah, sorry to bother you. ...Yes, I know I wasn't supposed to... yes, but it is rather an emergency. ...You're unusually talkative today. Would that be the stress getting to you? In any case, I need you to... well, I'll explain when we meet... you're already there? Oh good, that makes it much easier. Ten minutes, then.
She, too, hangs up.
Itsuko: That should do it. We're meeting in that little park near the station in question. You're familiar with the place?
---
Koizumi-san's 'associate' is a tall, thin young man in a punk-like getup. ...Despite his clothes, he's only a little less reticent than Nagato. The faint circles under his eyes, however, give off a depressive air.
Yup. Weirdos.
Yuuki: ...
Itsuko: Ah, Akira-kun. Good to see you again. My... friend, I suppose could call him has, er, injured himself and does not wish anyone to know. Can you fix it.
The 'associate' raises his eyebrows a millimeter when he sees my face, but says nothing, instead producing a large band-aid from somewhere in his leather jacket. It's rather like the one I was given yesterday, but... it's the exact same tone as my skin.
Itsuko: Put it on, and let's see.
She certainly sounds excited... she even gasps a little when I attach it to the side of my face.
Itsuko: It's... seamless. I can't even tell it's there. Thank you very much, Akira-kun.
Kyon: Thank you.
The dull, throbbing pain, however, still hasn't stopped.
Nodding imperceptibly, the 'associate' turns on his hell and walks off without so much as a word.
Itsuko: Don't forget about that walk I taught you, Akira-kun.
Immediately, he begins to walk bow-legged in the manner of a typical delinquent... it looks very awkward to do in those pants.
Itsuko: Hohoho. Life is beautiful.
Kyon: ...Could you stay here while I go talk to Koizumi? I kind of don't want him to know that I'm hanging out with you.
Itsuko: Is that what you call it...? Very well. But what, exactly, are you meeting him for?
Kyon: That's my business.
It's actually about you, but you've already given me the information I was looking for... I'm not even sure why I'm going through with this, other than to not look suspicious.
---
The station is unusually busy today, but the same could be said of everywhere in the city. ...There's an energy building up beneath the surface, as though something is struggling to break free.
Koizumi is standing in the middle of the crowd, overdressed as usual. He's watching the weeping sky with a very odd expression on his face, almost as though he's waiting for something other than me.
I tap him on the shoulder.
Itsuki: Hmm? Oh, it's you. I was wondering when you were going to get here.
Kyon: Yeah, yeah. Just hand over that list.
Itsuki: You're still suspicious of me, I see. I'll promise you we haven't doctored this list in any way. Be warned: they don't have their photographs yet, but I believe they're due to take those on, ah Tuesday.
He hands me a manila envelope. Let's take a look.
Hmm. There were only five students that transferred in this term. A “Kitsuko Yamada”, another girl named “Izanami Kentaro” (what is with these weird names?) two other guys, an “Akira Tanaka”... wait, Akira?
I'll definitely have to comb this thing later for more clues as to who these people might be. My ass this isn't doctored.
Kyon: ...Everything seems to be in order.
Itsuki: Good! I'm glad that's all settled. Now, I really must be going but... you may wish to hurry back to your date for the day.
Kyon: ...What?
Itsuki: Now, I'm not saying that anything might be wrong, but there's a chance she could be in danger. Just a small chance.
Kyon: ...
Itsuki: The clock's ticking. I had better get a move on.
Kyon: I swear, if there's something you're not telling me...
Itsuki: Swear all you like... it won't change a thing.
And chuckling to himself, he exists, stage right.
...Crap. Even if I didn't want to hear the two of them discuss philosophy together, I should definitely have brought Koizumi-san with me...!
---
Fortunately, I found Koizumi-san in the park where I left her, completely unharmed. The only other person around is a woman in a black suit, chatting animatedly on a tiny cell phone.
Itsuko: You're out of breath. Is something the matter?
Kyon: No... just... wanted to...
Itsuko: See me again? How sweet of you. You can't bear to be more than a few minutes away from me.
Kyon: Stop... that...
Taking advantage of my inability to form a sentence isn't fair.
Itsuko: Well, it's too bad, but our time today must come to an end. The people following us have been preparing their plan of action while you were gone.
Kyon: Huh?
I look around the park... and realize, all of a sudden, that there are people in black suits lurking in the shadows of the trees. ...I count about seven or eight in all.
Kyon: What the--?!
Itsuko: Hush.
She takes my face in her hands.
Itsuko: It's alright. Don't draw attention to yourself.
Behind her, that black-suited woman from earlier is slowly approaching. She looks oddly familiar, but I can't quite place where...
Itsuko: Running away this morning was probably a terrible idea, now that I think of it... ah well. I have a request for you, by the way.
Kyon: What is it?
Itsuko: If possible, I'd like you to forget that you ever met me.
Kyon: ......And how, exactly, am I supposed to do that?
Itsuko: Oh, it's easy.
Koizumi-san lets go of my face, and strikes a very, very strange pose.
Itsuko: Everything we've done together... all of it, was all just a dream.
Kyon: ...
I don't know why this girl is saying these things. I do know, but I don't want to.
Looks like it's the end of the line for her... but how do you expect me to just forget? Especially since you gave me this bullet scar!? That's not exactly fair, Koizumi-san.
She strokes my injured cheek.
Itsuko: Time, you see, heals all wounds.
And after offering me such a cliche line... she shoves me aside... pulls out something small and metal from the inside of her hoodie... and dashes into the bushes, becoming lost from view.
As one, the Agents pull out large, intimidating guns and charge in after her. The woman stops for a second to give me a single nod before following her subordinates.
...Someone help me. I've become lost in a spy thriller.
Before the shock wears off, I hear a noise coming from the direction Koizumi-san vanished in. It's the exact same noise as I heard yesterday.
BANG.
---
My room. Not long after.
What just happened? Why was Koizumi's Agency after Koizumi-san? Is she even still alive? Who is this “Akira-kun” of hers?
And could this be connected to the series of increasingly odd events that have plagued me over the past week?
These are questions I'm going to have to answer. And answer quickly.
He is the Terminator
It's finally stopped raining.
Nayuki hadn't said a word since we left the restaurant. We went for a long walk all across the city, but she refused to do anything other than look at the ground. Even the lame jokes I tried to crack didn't even bring a hint of a smile to her face. Well, they didn't bring a smile to mine either, but...
Eventually, it grew dark, and we found ourselves in front of a junior high school. One that was familiar to me, but held no meaning to Nayuki.
I don't even know why I brought her here.
Kyon: Maybe we should just go home, huh?
To my surprise, she responded, speaking for the first time in hours.
Nayuki: ...You ever broken into a school before?
Kyon: Wha--? Well, it's kind of a long story, but--
Nayuki: You have, yeah.
...? How'd...?
Nayuki: You feel like breaking into this one?
She gestures towards East Junior's front gate.
Nayuki: I want to do something really stupid right now.
...
Why not?
---
As we're standing alone in the darkened sports field, I'm overcome with nostalgia. This is... kind of where everything began, isn't it?
...In this light, Nayuki could easily pass as a shortened Haruhi. Come to think of it, they're not that much different, are they?
I wonder...
Nayuki: Heh. It hasn't changed at all, even on this side.
Kyon: What?
Nayuki: ...You know what I'm talking about. Unfortunately. If you didn't, it'd be at least a small comfort.
Kyon: Okay, now I'm really confused. What are you talking about?
Nayuki: This is where she wrote it, right? Here, on this field. She had you spell it out in that weird alien language of hers. What did it say again...?
This is either making no sense or too much. Nayuki shouldn't know a thing about that, unless...
Kyon: ...Who are you?
Nayuki: Ah! That's right! It was 'I AM HERE'.
Her voice echoes. (I AM HERE)
It echoes across the sports field, to the bleachers on each side. (I AM HERE)
It echoes through the halls of the empty East Junior. (I AM HERE)
It echoes out into the alleyways and streets of the city around us. (I AM HERE)
And with each echo, her voice grows louder and deeper until it resembles the heartbeat of the Earth itself. (I AM HERE)
And then, silence.
Nayuki: What the hell was that!?
Kyon: Don't look at me.
I'm just as confused as you are.
In one corner of the field, a tiny blue light appears. Slowly, it begins to move, leaving a trail of light behind it. At some point, it divides into two, and the lines begin to intersect and crisscross, tracing patterns in the lawn... long-forgotten patterns, etched into the racial memory of these blades of grass...
It only takes about five minutes for the lights to finish their work... far more efficient than I was.
Nayuki: Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
From where we're standing, the pattern is unrecognizable, but we both know exactly what it's supposed to be.
After all, there was an overhead shot in the newspaper.
'I AM HERE.'
---
There's a brilliant, blinding flash of light, and the blue patterns vanish... replaced by something our burning eyes can't quite comprehend at first.
With fake-looking lightning effects, a blue sphere appears, slowly increasing in size... and suddenly, it vanishes, being replaced by a large naked man, kneeling in a small crater, kneeling with his back to us.
...
Nayuki: ...
...What!?
The naked man straightens up, stretches, and appears to be observing his surroundings.
Naked Man: Ah, that was a fun trip. Now, where am I...? Hmm, seems I've wound up at this hellhole. Kind of ironic, really... or is that irony? Maybe I'll look that up later. For now, I should find Kyon!
Excuse me? Who the hell are you and why are you looking for me, exactly?
Nayuki, on her part, appears to be frozen in shock. ...Maybe I should cover her eyes or something?
Too late, he turned around.
Naked Man: ...
Nayuki: ...
Kyon: ...
Naked Man: Well, that was easy. KYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!
Suddenly in tears, he charges straight at me! Wait, no, he's charged at Nayuki instead. In fact, due to his blinding speed, he's already on his knees in front of her... gripping her with all his might... and rubbing his face in her chest, all while blubbering. With a huge smile.
...I feel the need to hit this naked person now, but I restrain myself.
Naked Man: Baaaaawwwww! I missed you so much! Where the hell did you go! There'll be a penalty for this, you know! Dammit, I'm so happy! These manly tears of mine go to show my happiness! Accept my happiness, damn you!
Nayuki: A-A-Alright! I'm happy to see you too, you stupid oaf! Now get off me and put something on! Please! I didn't need to see... s-something like this! And get your head away from there!
Nayuki, understandably, is flushed a deep crimson, as anyone in her position would be, being assaulted by a naked man.
...If he doesn't get off her in three seconds, he's going to find himself on the other side of that fence.
Naked Man: Hah, you like it. Just admit it so I can-- ow!
She kicked him. Good for you, Nayuki! Now hold him still so I can deliver a kick of my own!
...By the way, who the hell is this!?
---
When everyone had finally calmed down (and the naked man had covered himself with a nearby abandoned towel) I was going to start demanding some explanations, but the two of them started on their comedy routine again.
Nayuki: That was close... my purity was at stake. My poor, virgin eyes...
Towel Man: Purity! Hah, don't give me that crap. You're as pure as a mudhole.
Nayuki: And what, exactly, do you mean by that?
Towel Man: Well, you say 'virgin eyes', and yet you have a bunch of dirty books hidden under your bed.
Nayuki: Wh--? Before I get into how the hell you know about those, they're not dirty books! T-they're like, um, instruction manuals, or--
She was interrupted by the toweled man doubling over in laughter.
Nayuki: I-it's true! There's nothing dirty about them! J-just, um, sort of, diagrams, and stuff... ARGH! What are you making me say in front of people!? I'm pure as the driven snow, curse you!
Towel Man: Sure, you keep telling yourself that... anyway, who's this chump?
He approaches me, and before I can react, has pulled me into a very uncomfortable embrace. In fact, it's more like a chokehold.
Kyon: Nnnk! Too... close!
Towel Man: He seems... chump-like.
Nayuki: Well, I know it's dark, but take a closer look at him. I was able to tell from when I saw his picture, so... although, I doubt you're as observant as me.
The toweled man seemed to consider “taking a closer look” as “shoving his face so far in mine so that our noses are pressed against one another”, since that's exactly what he did.
Kyon: Okay, this is seriously... too much...
I try to push him away, but... he's completely unyielding. It's like he's rooted himself to the ground.
After studying me for a few moments, he finally lets me go. Oh, good. I can breathe again.
Nayuki: So? It's obvious, right?
Towel Man: Nah, don't see anything. It's like, I'm supposed to be seeing facial features, but all I can see is characters reading “chump”.
Nayuki smacks her forehead.
Nayuki: Ah, good grief. He's supposed to be me. I thought you'd be able to tell from at least his hair, but I guess it is too dark... or you're just too dumb.
Towel Man: So, wait, you mean we've wound up in the Universe Where Everyone is the Opposite Gender? That's awesome! I've always wanted to grope my own tits.
Nayuki: ...You know, you really need to think about more than just--
Kyon: Wait, wait. Hold on a second here.
I'm sorry to interrupt your back-and-forth, but now that I've regained the ability to inhale, I really need to ask...
Kyon: Nayuki, who... who is this? More importantly, who are you?
Where did your attitude from earlier go? Did this guy just... wash it all away?
Nayuki?: Right. I'm sorry about not telling you the whole truth, but, well... this big ape here is Haruki Suzumiya.
Haruki... Suzumiya?
Haruki: That's right! The one and only!
He strikes a ridiculous pose... and his towel falls off.
Somehow, I can see the resemblance.
Evening
I just kept sitting in my room.
I was just waiting for something to happen. Anything.
Anything at all.
Could something please happen?
In two hours, something would.
All the evening scenes in one go, although only the Kyonko scene and the Flagless scene are new, of course.
Nayuki hadn't said a word since we left the restaurant. We went for a long walk all across the city, but she refused to do anything other than look at the ground. Even the lame jokes I tried to crack didn't even bring a hint of a smile to her face. Well, they didn't bring a smile to mine either, but...
Eventually, it grew dark, and we found ourselves in front of a junior high school. One that was familiar to me, but held no meaning to Nayuki.
I don't even know why I brought her here.
Kyon: Maybe we should just go home, huh?
To my surprise, she responded, speaking for the first time in hours.
Nayuki: ...You ever broken into a school before?
Kyon: Wha--? Well, it's kind of a long story, but--
Nayuki: You have, yeah.
...? How'd...?
Nayuki: You feel like breaking into this one?
She gestures towards East Junior's front gate.
Nayuki: I want to do something really stupid right now.
...
Why not?
---
As we're standing alone in the darkened sports field, I'm overcome with nostalgia. This is... kind of where everything began, isn't it?
...In this light, Nayuki could easily pass as a shortened Haruhi. Come to think of it, they're not that much different, are they?
I wonder...
Nayuki: Heh. It hasn't changed at all, even on this side.
Kyon: What?
Nayuki: ...You know what I'm talking about. Unfortunately. If you didn't, it'd be at least a small comfort.
Kyon: Okay, now I'm really confused. What are you talking about?
Nayuki: This is where she wrote it, right? Here, on this field. She had you spell it out in that weird alien language of hers. What did it say again...?
This is either making no sense or too much. Nayuki shouldn't know a thing about that, unless...
Kyon: ...Who are you?
Nayuki: Ah! That's right! It was 'I AM HERE'.
Her voice echoes. (I AM HERE)
It echoes across the sports field, to the bleachers on each side. (I AM HERE)
It echoes through the halls of the empty East Junior. (I AM HERE)
It echoes out into the alleyways and streets of the city around us. (I AM HERE)
And with each echo, her voice grows louder and deeper until it resembles the heartbeat of the Earth itself. (I AM HERE)
And then, silence.
Nayuki: What the hell was that!?
Kyon: Don't look at me.
I'm just as confused as you are.
In one corner of the field, a tiny blue light appears. Slowly, it begins to move, leaving a trail of light behind it. At some point, it divides into two, and the lines begin to intersect and crisscross, tracing patterns in the lawn... long-forgotten patterns, etched into the racial memory of these blades of grass...
It only takes about five minutes for the lights to finish their work... far more efficient than I was.
Nayuki: Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
From where we're standing, the pattern is unrecognizable, but we both know exactly what it's supposed to be.
After all, there was an overhead shot in the newspaper.
'I AM HERE.'
---
There's a brilliant, blinding flash of light, and the blue patterns vanish... replaced by something our burning eyes can't quite comprehend at first.
With fake-looking lightning effects, a blue sphere appears, slowly increasing in size... and suddenly, it vanishes, being replaced by a large naked man, kneeling in a small crater, kneeling with his back to us.
...
Nayuki: ...
...What!?
The naked man straightens up, stretches, and appears to be observing his surroundings.
Naked Man: Ah, that was a fun trip. Now, where am I...? Hmm, seems I've wound up at this hellhole. Kind of ironic, really... or is that irony? Maybe I'll look that up later. For now, I should find Kyon!
Excuse me? Who the hell are you and why are you looking for me, exactly?
Nayuki, on her part, appears to be frozen in shock. ...Maybe I should cover her eyes or something?
Too late, he turned around.
Naked Man: ...
Nayuki: ...
Kyon: ...
Naked Man: Well, that was easy. KYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!
Suddenly in tears, he charges straight at me! Wait, no, he's charged at Nayuki instead. In fact, due to his blinding speed, he's already on his knees in front of her... gripping her with all his might... and rubbing his face in her chest, all while blubbering. With a huge smile.
...I feel the need to hit this naked person now, but I restrain myself.
Naked Man: Baaaaawwwww! I missed you so much! Where the hell did you go! There'll be a penalty for this, you know! Dammit, I'm so happy! These manly tears of mine go to show my happiness! Accept my happiness, damn you!
Nayuki: A-A-Alright! I'm happy to see you too, you stupid oaf! Now get off me and put something on! Please! I didn't need to see... s-something like this! And get your head away from there!
Nayuki, understandably, is flushed a deep crimson, as anyone in her position would be, being assaulted by a naked man.
...If he doesn't get off her in three seconds, he's going to find himself on the other side of that fence.
Naked Man: Hah, you like it. Just admit it so I can-- ow!
She kicked him. Good for you, Nayuki! Now hold him still so I can deliver a kick of my own!
...By the way, who the hell is this!?
---
When everyone had finally calmed down (and the naked man had covered himself with a nearby abandoned towel) I was going to start demanding some explanations, but the two of them started on their comedy routine again.
Nayuki: That was close... my purity was at stake. My poor, virgin eyes...
Towel Man: Purity! Hah, don't give me that crap. You're as pure as a mudhole.
Nayuki: And what, exactly, do you mean by that?
Towel Man: Well, you say 'virgin eyes', and yet you have a bunch of dirty books hidden under your bed.
Nayuki: Wh--? Before I get into how the hell you know about those, they're not dirty books! T-they're like, um, instruction manuals, or--
She was interrupted by the toweled man doubling over in laughter.
Nayuki: I-it's true! There's nothing dirty about them! J-just, um, sort of, diagrams, and stuff... ARGH! What are you making me say in front of people!? I'm pure as the driven snow, curse you!
Towel Man: Sure, you keep telling yourself that... anyway, who's this chump?
He approaches me, and before I can react, has pulled me into a very uncomfortable embrace. In fact, it's more like a chokehold.
Kyon: Nnnk! Too... close!
Towel Man: He seems... chump-like.
Nayuki: Well, I know it's dark, but take a closer look at him. I was able to tell from when I saw his picture, so... although, I doubt you're as observant as me.
The toweled man seemed to consider “taking a closer look” as “shoving his face so far in mine so that our noses are pressed against one another”, since that's exactly what he did.
Kyon: Okay, this is seriously... too much...
I try to push him away, but... he's completely unyielding. It's like he's rooted himself to the ground.
After studying me for a few moments, he finally lets me go. Oh, good. I can breathe again.
Nayuki: So? It's obvious, right?
Towel Man: Nah, don't see anything. It's like, I'm supposed to be seeing facial features, but all I can see is characters reading “chump”.
Nayuki smacks her forehead.
Nayuki: Ah, good grief. He's supposed to be me. I thought you'd be able to tell from at least his hair, but I guess it is too dark... or you're just too dumb.
Towel Man: So, wait, you mean we've wound up in the Universe Where Everyone is the Opposite Gender? That's awesome! I've always wanted to grope my own tits.
Nayuki: ...You know, you really need to think about more than just--
Kyon: Wait, wait. Hold on a second here.
I'm sorry to interrupt your back-and-forth, but now that I've regained the ability to inhale, I really need to ask...
Kyon: Nayuki, who... who is this? More importantly, who are you?
Where did your attitude from earlier go? Did this guy just... wash it all away?
Nayuki?: Right. I'm sorry about not telling you the whole truth, but, well... this big ape here is Haruki Suzumiya.
Haruki... Suzumiya?
Haruki: That's right! The one and only!
He strikes a ridiculous pose... and his towel falls off.
Somehow, I can see the resemblance.
Spoiler for Flagless-Evening:
Evening
I just kept sitting in my room.
I was just waiting for something to happen. Anything.
Anything at all.
Could something please happen?
In two hours, something would.
All the evening scenes in one go, although only the Kyonko scene and the Flagless scene are new, of course.
The Towel Man wishes for you to enjoy~.
Ands now to invalidate your post, I shortened the spoilers
The archive WILL go on (for now)!
Now to quote my own post twice...
EDIT: I also added Joe4evr's post for the picture of Itsuko Binjovi drew and made the archive clearer.
Firstly, Kaisos, thank you for the manly interactions between Kyon and Haruki. Though they were strictly manly, my yaoi fanboy senses were tingling throughout that scene.
Secondly, thank you for naked Haruki. I acknowledge he's an asshole, yet I felt the need to drool.
Thirdly, thank you for another awesome scene! I can barely decide which route I like best.
Firstly, Kaisos, thank you for the manly interactions between Kyon and Haruki. Though they were strictly manly, my yaoi fanboy senses were tingling throughout that scene.
Well, this is the sort of humor I find the funniest, so...
Haruki and Kyon(x2) interaction. Always awesome.
I've really been waiting for this scene, and it exceeded all my expectations. Not that I expected it to be bad or anything, but... Well, you know what I mean. Great scene, no complaints as usual.
Also, I've heard rumors of a Ganbatte Kudasai Division. Can I join please? I'm already doing my best with the Obligatory Compliments, see? See?
Itsuko's route is better simply because she has more potential than Yuki/Mikuru, who I find frankly boring and worthless. Thankfully, I won't be writing their routes.
And now, to (unfortunately) invalidate that mini-archive, I have this.
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Evening:
Nothing's Gone Wrong
I have to, first, accept that I am not going insane. Only when I believe that everything around me is actually happening can I start to make decisions.
But what I'm seeing is just so out of the ordinary that it's impossible to accept!
A mysterious event indeed. As usual, I have to wonder if it's all Haruhi's doing. Then again, I can't blame absolutely everything on her.
At least, not this.
After choking Haruhi to death, He vanished, and soon after she got up like nothing had gone wrong at all... but I still could see the finger marks gouged deep into her neck.
Haruhi: You sure we don't need to take you to the hospital or something?
Is what she said at the time. Right now, I'm sitting on a nearby curb, trying not to look up, since...
Everywhere I look, there's Haruhi.
Haruhi in a business suit, chatting away on her cellphone while dodging rain. A road worker Haruhi, hard hat and all, desperately earning a living even in this weather. Two Haruhis in a police car, probably responding to some minor incident. An entire bus full of Haruhis.
It had started slowly, with little dots of light and color here and there. I had thought the world was returning to sanity, but instead... as the rest of humanity slowly popped into existence, I found myself trapped in Haruhiland.
It really did feel like an amusement park. The city I grew up in had become too bright, too colorful, too alive. Even the rain is shining brightly, giving off cheer instead of melancholy. It's like she views the world through a kaleidoscope.
But I don't think even Haruhi imagines that thing being in the sky.
Looming over Haruhi City is a massive black shape. Its otherwise featureless face is dotted with two massive white eyes and a smile as wide and wicked as the crescent moon.
It's Him.
...I'd like to ask. What would you do in this situation? What could you do?
I feel a hand on my shoulder, as Haruhi, the real Haruhi, sits down next to me. ...If she were to wander away, I might never find her again.
Haruhi: You sure you're feeling okay? Come to think of it, you've been acting kind of weird since the new term started. Were our summer activities that hard on you?
Kyon: More than you could ever imagine.
It's not me, right?
Haruhi: Then you need to shape up! Toughen up!
She slaps me hard on the back. The pain is a welcome relief.
Haruhi: If one member of my brigade can't deal with a little bit of stress and excitement, we all look bad! And that's unforgivable, you know that? If having fun for two weeks does this to you, how are you going to help me hold off the invasion!?
Invasion by whom? Ah, never mind. Still, she has a point. I have to try and breathe deeply. Think about this logically.
If this is some horribly corrupted version of Closed Space, then that means several things. First of all, those giants should be showing up. ...I suppose that huge thing overhead counts. Second of all, Koizumi and his merry friends should have detected this, but since they haven't appeared already, that probably means something bad. I'll think about that later.
The most important thing is that, if this is Closed Space, it has a fixed radius. ...Which means if we can find the inner wall, I might somehow be able to use Haruhi to get us out again. It's a long shot, but... this is all I can do.
I breathe deep. Everything is fine.
Haruhi: Hey, are you even listening? Don't make me have to tell you the order in which you'll be taking off again, because I've already forgotten.
Kyon: Hey, I forgot to mention, but there was this strange animal in my backyard this morning. It, uh, looked like a cross between a cat and a, er, rabbit, if that means anything.
Haruhi is already on her feet before I can blink.
Haruhi: Idiot! Why didn't you say so earlier when we've been wasting the whole day downtown!? Come on, come on, let's go!
She locks arms with me and, like always, pulls.
Perfect. If she's sufficiently determined to head that way, it shouldn't be long before both her and I are far outside the radius!
That wasn't how things ended up, of course.
Just as we were entering the residential district, my face hit an invisible wall, knocking me backwards. Haruhi kept moving past the barrier as though it was nothing.
It felt like cold unwashed vegetables. Well, at least now I know for certain that I'm in Closed Space.
And Haruhi, of course, like I should have realized, is not.
Haruhi: What is it now? ...You're feeling dizzy again? You know, before yesterday, I'd never have though you're the type to have fainting spells.
Okay. Let's just stop and think here. If I'm in Closed Space and she isn't, what does that mean? I don't know what it means. All I know is that my plan didn't work. Not that it was a very good plan to begin with.
Haruhi: Come on, hurry up. There's only 24 hours in a day, so we can't be wasting time! Besides, I really want to know whether you actually saw a UMA or if you were just hallucinating again.
Kyon: I... can't.
Haruhi: What do you mean?
Kyon: I... I have things to... I can't...
I'm breathing much too heavily again. Is this really all it takes to rile me up? Am I actually that kind of person? I should be used to stuff like this by now. I've been through much worse, and besides, wasn't there some kind of failsafe I could use in a situation just like this?
Oh, right. That one. ...Well, I suppose it's better than any alternatives. As long as I do this, everything will be just fine.
I stretch out my hand, palm up, reaching across the gap between realities.
Kyon: Hey, come over here, would you?
Haruhi: ...? What are you playing at now? I'm starting to think your brain is still on vacation.
Nevertheless, she takes the hand I extended to her... and in a single motion that must look like a poor attempt to look Koizumi suave, I pull her close to me. Too close for comfort, normally, but..
Haruhi: H-hey! Exactly what-- where are you touching!? The small of my back is off limits!
Kyon: Haruhi, I'm really sorry about this, but this is something I've got to do.
Haruhi: Stop screwing with me! Y-you'd never have the guts!
Kyon: I--
A shadow falls over us. No, wait, only over me. Haruhi is still bathed in the afternoon light, but I...
The thing looming in the sky, the caretaker of this world, seems to have noticed what I was about to do... and is reaching out His enormous black hand to grab me!
I don't even have time to react. No, wait, He's not trying to grab me, he's trying to
Squish.
DEAD END
...
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...
...
...
...
Kyon: you had a bunch of sleep in your eyes, but since I thought it'd be rude to just mention it out of the blue, I was going to, uh, wipe your... eyelashes... for you. ...Now that the truth has come to light, everything makes perfect sense, doesn't it?
Haruhi: I'm not sure what explanation is worse, actually. Anyway, you're a terrible liar, you know that?
Kyon: It's true, I swear. What did you think I was trying to do, anyway?
Haruhi: M-making a fool of yourself, obviously! You're such a moron. Anyway, you're not allowed to touch me like that without permission in future, all right? You nearly gave me a heart attack...
Kyon: Well, at least the sleep is out of your eyes.
Haruhi: You're still sticking to that!?
Kyon: Like I keep saying, it's the honest truth.
Haruhi: I didn't even have any goddamn sleep in my eyes! You're just trying to cover for--
And so on. Haruhi and I are having a conversation in front of my house, before we say goodbye for the day, and... wait, hold on a minute.
...Wasn't I just transported into a strange variety of Closed Space and killed by a black amorphous apparition? So am I just standing at my front door, having a conversation with Haruhi?
Why don't I remember anything in between those times? What the hell is going on?
Okay, breathe deeply. As they say in the West, don't look the gift horse in the mouth. Everything is fine. Just fine.
Haruhi: Pay attention! Like I was saying, there'll definitely be a penalty for having the a-audacity to do something like that to the brigade chief! I just haven't thought of what yet.
Kyon: But I didn't even--
Haruhi: No excuses.
She turns around and makes as if to go, as though that's the end of the conversation, but...
Haruhi: In spite of your dizzy spells and general idiocy, I had fun today. ...Get some rest, huh? I'll see you tomorrow. Look forward to your horrible penalty! Maybe I'll have it involve sewing needles somehow.
What a disjointed train of thought this girl has.
Kyon: See you.
I collapse into a mentally exhausted heap right after I close the door behind me. My little sister pokes me with her foot as she passes by, but I ignore it.
Yes, everything seems fine. It's fine, but... I still haven't had a single question answered.
What happened just now? What does it mean?
And what is the meaning of the series of increasingly odd events that have plagued me over the past week?
These are questions I'm going to have to answer.
Confrontation
The boy and I just stood there, letting the raindrops fall, saying nothing. After about five minutes of this, he finally broke eye contact and started rubbing the back of his head.
Mitsuuru: Man, I'm really not good at this... okay, so why were you following me?
Kyon: ...What makes you think I was following you?
Mitsuuru: Do I really have to answer that? You two have been stalking me for hours now. ...I can't say I'm not used to this kind of behaviour, but I'd still like to know “why” before I start running.
He leans from side to side in an effort to look behind me.
Mitsuuru: Wait, where'd she go? ...Don't tell me...
Tch. I've gotta come up with some excuse for this. If this guy knows Asahina-san, he might start spreading horrible rumors about her, and that'd be bad.
Kyon: ...The girl I was with, she's had feelings for you for a long time, but since she's been way too scared to tell you, she asked me for help... but since I really didn't know what to do either, we ended up following you.
Wait, what!? Why is that the first thing that comes out of my mouth? Curse me a thousand times! I'm sorry, Asahina-san...
But... his childish face suddenly bears a wicked smile, which looks... vaguely familiar.
Mitsuuru: ...Yeah, right. You aren't a very good liar, you know that?
Kyon: ...
He's on to me!
Mitsuuru: ...Y-You haven't changed a bit... Kyon.
...Wait. I've never seen this kid before in my life. How does he know who I am? I wonder... could this be connected with all these incidents? I can't see any other reason Asahina-san would make me come along with her just to follow this weirdly-dressed boy.
Chuckling nervously to himself, he walks right past me, back the way he came.
Kyon: Wait just a minute.
I grab his shoulder. Hard.
Kyon: You're not just going to say something like that and get to walk away. I'll be up front here. I don't actually know why I was following you, but maybe you can answer that question.
Mitsuuru: ...Crap.
His eyes dart back and forth... is he trying to calculate an escape route? It's almost... pitiful. I'm starting to feel sorry for this person.
Mitsuuru: What am I supposed to do in this situation... ah, right, right. Hyaaaaah!
I easily catch the punch he's aimed at my face. I don't really feel sorry for him any more.
Kyon: Look, I really don't want to fight you. I just want some answers to my questions.
Mitsuuru: ...
Kyon: Well?
Mitsuuru: I'm thinking. ...I'll answer one question, and then you'll let me go. ...Kay?
You're not really in a position to bargain here, but I can tell that's all I'll be getting out of you, so... What would be a good question to ask?
Kyon: You know my name. How?
Mitsuuru: ...I guess 'childhood friend' wouldn't be a good explanation?
Kyon: Looks like you're not a very good liar either.
Mitsuuru: Eh heh heh heh... fine. I know your name because we're friends, but you and I have never met. Does that clear up everything and can you let me go?
Kyon: ...No.
Mitsuuru: Didn't think so. Damn, I really didn't want to have to do this, but...
He closes his eyes for a second, and--
Kyon: Agggggggggggggghhhhh!!!!!
Quick as lighting (quite literally) an electric shock courses its way through my body. It feels like my veins have turned into superconductors. Of course, my legs give way and I collapse to the ground.
Mitsuuru: Wasting that on someone like you... is even more of a waste. Hey, did that sound cool? That better have sounded cool.
Kyon: Y-you...
That wasn't cool at all!
Blackness.
---
I can't feel the rain anymore, which means that...
Mikuru: Kyon-kun... please wake up!
Asahina-san has returned ...I still hurt like a million bucks, but at least I'm not dead.
Kyon: Ow... Ow! I'm alive...
Unfortunately, my head isn't in her lap like last time... instead, a patch of cold, wet sidewalk has been reserved for it.
Mikuru: T-that was horrible I'm so glad you're okay.
Kyon: I guess... but more importantly, where did you go, Asahina-san?
She had vanished before all of this even started. I already have my suspicions as to why, but I want to hear it from her.
Mikuru: ...
Kyon: Asahina-san?
Mikuru: It's mostly classified, but I'm not supposed to be seen by that boy at all.
Kyon: Well, that's fine, but... then why were we following him in the first place?
This is what I thought, but I seriously don't get it.
Mikuru: Um, please don't be angry, but... you were supposed to have a confrontation with him, so my superiors... I mean... i-it's classified...
Ah. So this is why she asked me to come out with her today. ...But why, then, call it a 'date'?
I'm probably reading too much into this.
Kyon: ...Can you tell me who he is? He seemed to know--
Mikuru: Classified information.
I was cut off abruptly by a rehearsed, robotic response. ...Is it really classified? Or does Asahina-san just not want to tell me?
And why am I suspecting this sweet girl like this? She doesn't deserve this kind of treatment from me.
Kyon: ...You know what's been going on the past week, don't you? You didn't find out yourself, but I'm sure your bosses told you something, right?
Mikuru: ...
Kyon: I'd really like to know. I spent yesterday passing out, I think I have that right, at least.
Mikuru: I'm... sorry, Kyon-kun. I can't.
Can't? Or just don't want to? Which is it?
Will you tell me, Asahina-san? Will you tell me who that boy could have been your brother is?
---
I caught a cold walking home. Just my luck.
I sneeze my way upstairs, ignoring the quizzical looks from my family. Thanks for worrying, but I don't want to experience a Q&A session right now.
Instead, I'm going to have to host my own. In the privacy of my own room, of couse.
Who is this person that Asahina-san wants to keep from me? Who are the people that Nagato and I chased down on Thursday? What does it all mean?
And what is the meaning of the series of increasingly odd events that have plagued me over the past week?
These are questions I'm going to have to answer myself.
Ceremony's Aftermath
Where were we? Ah, right, fighting a horrible ectoplasmic monster that came from my insides.
That is now flying straight at my face with the force of a rampaging bull!
This week has not been a very good week. Fortunately, Nagato intervenes, delivering a bodycheck that launches me out of the way... at the cost of the ability to feel my shoulder ever again.
Kyon: Ow......
Looking up, I can see Nagato has blocked the beast with some kind of invisible shield, the same kind she used on the cave cricket. This, it seems, hasn't escaped the monster's notice.
Wealth and Taste: wElL, wElL, aReN't We ThE oNe-TrIcK pOnY, nAgAtO-sAaAaAaAaAaAn?!
The monster's fingers, if you can call them fingers, seem to dig deep into the surface of the barrier... and rip it in half. Nagato is blown backwards with the force of a freight train.
Wealth and Taste: AnD nOw, LuNcH.
He turns to me with a noise that sounds like the licking of thousands and thousands of lips.
Wealth and Taste: aAaAaAaRrRrRrRrGgGgGhHhH!
Nagato's arm, glowing white, extends to an impossible distance and impales him through the head. The monster dissolves into the sand.
Yuki: Are you injured at all?
Kyon: No, I-- Behind you!
The steaming mass emerges from the sand directly behind Nagato, forming once again into a recognizable shape.
Wealth and Taste: nOt ThAt EaSiLy. NeVeR tHaT eAsIlY.
Nagato throws up her barrier again, but instead of using it to defend herself... slams it into the regenerating beast, flinging it far enough to give us some breathing room.
If there's one thing these two have in common, it's blasting things into the distance...
Kyon: So, uh, how are we supposed to stop this thing?
Yuki: I require time to delete it. But it does not seem to be granting us that courtesy.
Indeed, it's already preparing to pounce again.
Wealth and Taste: dO yOu KnOw WhAt HaPpEnS tO pUnY iNsEcTs WhEn ThEy TaKe An AcId BaTh?!
Nagato has her hands full trying to protect me... so there's no way she can concentrate long enough to fire off one of her incantations.
...Is there anything I can do in this situation? Think. No, there's no time to think. Quick, what would someone crazy like Haruhi do?
Ah, of course.
I'm about to do something both life-threatening and stupid.
Wealth and Taste: ThE sAmE tHiNg ThAt HaPpEnS tO eVeRyThInG eLsE!
He pounces directly at Nagato... and is blocked by my sudden and random charge!
Oh wait, never mind, this was a terrible idea. Touching this thing burns like... well, like sticking my hands into a bowl of concentrated hydrochloric acid. It's the worst pain I've ever felt in my entire life.
Still, if I can hold this thing long enough...
Kyon: Nagato! Now!
Wealth and Taste: iT's MuCh MuCh ToO lAtE. yOu'Re GoInG tO aCcEpT mE iF iT's ThE lAsT tHiNg YoU dO, yOu StUpId BrAt!
Its head dissolves, spattering onto my face... it's trying to force its way back inside me.
My senses are overloaded by the pain. All I can smell is my burning flesh, and all I can taste is the ectoplasm pouring down my throat... it's a taste horribly like citrus.
Wealth and Taste: DeLiCiOuS.
There's no way anyone could stay conscious during something like this. And so, once again:
Blackness.
---
When I wake up, I'm looking at a familiar ceiling. It's familiar because I once spent three entire years sleeping under it.
This is Nagato's room.
Sitting up, I can feel my muscles protesting, but I don't seem to be injured in any way... data manipulation, huh?
Looking at my watch, I've been out for several hours again... I should probably head home after thanking Nagato. I wonder how I can repay her? Is there any way I can repay her after all she's done?
The nearby door slides open, revealing a Nagato carrying a tea tray.
Yuki: You are awake.
Didn't we go through this yesterday...?
Kyon: Ah, yeah. I guess you managed to destroy it, huh?
Yuki: Of course.
She sits down, placing the tray beside me.
Yuki: That was your request, after all.
Kyon: ...Thanks, Nagato.
What words I can offer her aren't nearly enough. I guess I can drink this tea before I head out...
Yuki: I would like you to stay here for tonight.
I spit out my tea.
Kyon: What, no, I have to go, I don't want to explain to my mother why I'm late two days in a row.
Besides, Haruhi will find out. There's always that danger that she'll find out I've been somewhere with another girl and cause blue giants to break things again.
Yuki: You have been through a great ordeal. I insist.
Kyon: But--
Yuki: I have already contacted your family.
...I really don't want to know what you told them. Please, don't tell me. I'm sure I'll find out on my own anyway.
Come to think of it, isn't tomorrow a school day...? Argh. As usual, I really don't want to deal with any of this, so I'll just take the path of least resistance and stay the night here. Still, I kind of have a few questions.
Kyon: What was that monster, Nagato?
Yuki: I do not know.
She isn't lying. Not really. I can tell that, even if she does know what it is... there's no way she understands.
Anyway, the headphones have been destroyed for good, so there's one thing dealt with, but...
Really, what's the mystery behind the headphones to begin with? Why me? And what's with all the odd flashbacks? What does it all mean?
What is the meaning of the series of increasingly odd events that have plagued me over the past week?
These are questions I'm going to have to answer myself. But first, since Nagato is looking at me so expectantly, I'm going to have to drink the rest of this tea.
Fox Hunt
Itsuko: It wouldn't hurt if you came a little closer, you know.
I'd bought Koizumi-san the umbrella she'd wanted, but had refused to hold it for her... just walking to a nearby convenience store had been enough. I don't want to be any closer to this woman than I have to.
Kyon: And give you even more opportunity to tease me? Yeah, that's not going to happen.
The whole time we'd been under an umbrella together she had been pressing herself against me and whispering things in a low, sultry voice... had I been a lesser man, I would not have been able to contain myself.
Itsuko: Oho. Too bad. By the way, this is rather delicious.
I'd also bought her a cheap and rather dry-looking sandwich, which she was now happily munching on. If she's enjoying it that much, I wonder how long she's gone without food...
Itsuko: Now that this matter is settled, would it be possible for me to use your cell phone? There is an, ah, associate who may be able to hide your scar for the time being, but I have no other way of establishing contact.
When I pass her my phone, however, it starts to ring. Koizumi-san looks at the call display, and raises her eyebrows.
Itsuko: Interesting. It's for you, by the way.
So it should be! It's my phone!
The call display reads “Itsuki Koizumi”... why is he calling me right now? As usual, his babble will probably be intolerable, but I should just get this over with.
Kyon: What?
Itsuki: Come now, is that really how you answer a phone? I have that list of transfer students you requested. I was going to come by to drop it off, but... is now a bad time?
Well, it's never really a good time if I have to listen to you, but I'm not even at home right now. Koizumi-san and I have just been wandering purposelessly around since I bought her lunch, so...
Itsuki: Would that mean, then, that you're out for a walk or an errand? That's good then. To tell the truth, I'm at Kouyouen Station... if you're in the area, it would be easier for both of us if you were to come meet me rather than the other way around.
Itsuki: ...If you're that far away, it might be a better idea for me to just wait at your home.
Kyon: No, no, I'll meet you, I insist.
I hang up.
Kyon: I'll be meeting your, uh... cousin at the station in twenty minutes. Can your, um, associate meet us somewhere nearby before then? I'd prefer he not know about... this.
Itsuko: Ah, most likely. In fact, that person may already be in the vicinity.
She takes the phone from me and dials... five numbers. 98854.
...That's no number I've ever seen.
Itsuko: Hello? Ah, sorry to bother you. ...Yes, I know I wasn't supposed to... yes, but it is rather an emergency. ...You're unusually talkative today. Would that be the stress getting to you? In any case, I need you to... well, I'll explain when we meet... you're already there? Oh good, that makes it much easier. Ten minutes, then.
She, too, hangs up.
Itsuko: That should do it. We're meeting in that little park near the station in question. You're familiar with the place?
---
Koizumi-san's 'associate' is a tall, thin young man in a punk-like getup. ...Despite his clothes, he's only a little less reticent than Nagato. The faint circles under his eyes, however, give off a depressive air.
Yup. Weirdos.
Yuuki: ...
Itsuko: Ah, Akira-kun. Good to see you again. My... friend, I suppose could call him has, er, injured himself and does not wish anyone to know. Can you fix it.
The 'associate' raises his eyebrows a millimeter when he sees my face, but says nothing, instead producing a large band-aid from somewhere in his leather jacket. It's rather like the one I was given yesterday, but... it's the exact same tone as my skin.
Itsuko: Put it on, and let's see.
She certainly sounds excited... she even gasps a little when I attach it to the side of my face.
Itsuko: It's... seamless. I can't even tell it's there. Thank you very much, Akira-kun.
Kyon: Thank you.
The dull, throbbing pain, however, still hasn't stopped.
Nodding imperceptibly, the 'associate' turns on his hell and walks off without so much as a word.
Itsuko: Don't forget about that walk I taught you, Akira-kun.
Immediately, he begins to walk bow-legged in the manner of a typical delinquent... it looks very awkward to do in those pants.
Itsuko: Hohoho. Life is beautiful.
Kyon: ...Could you stay here while I go talk to Koizumi? I kind of don't want him to know that I'm hanging out with you.
Itsuko: Is that what you call it...? Very well. But what, exactly, are you meeting him for?
Kyon: That's my business.
It's actually about you, but you've already given me the information I was looking for... I'm not even sure why I'm going through with this, other than to not look suspicious.
---
The station is unusually busy today, but the same could be said of everywhere in the city. ...There's an energy building up beneath the surface, as though something is struggling to break free.
Koizumi is standing in the middle of the crowd, overdressed as usual. He's watching the weeping sky with a very odd expression on his face, almost as though he's waiting for something other than me.
I tap him on the shoulder.
Itsuki: Hmm? Oh, it's you. I was wondering when you were going to get here.
Kyon: Yeah, yeah. Just hand over that list.
Itsuki: You're still suspicious of me, I see. I'll promise you we haven't doctored this list in any way. Be warned: they don't have their photographs yet, but I believe they're due to take those on, ah Tuesday.
He hands me a manila envelope. Let's take a look.
Hmm. There were only five students that transferred in this term. A “Kitsuko Yamada”, another girl named “Izanami Kentaro” (what is with these weird names?) two other guys, an “Akira Tanaka”... wait, Akira?
I'll definitely have to comb this thing later for more clues as to who these people might be. My ass this isn't doctored.
Kyon: ...Everything seems to be in order.
Itsuki: Good! I'm glad that's all settled. Now, I really must be going but... you may wish to hurry back to your date for the day.
Kyon: ...What?
Itsuki: Now, I'm not saying that anything might be wrong, but there's a chance she could be in danger. Just a small chance.
Kyon: ...
Itsuki: The clock's ticking. I had better get a move on.
Kyon: I swear, if there's something you're not telling me...
Itsuki: Swear all you like... it won't change a thing.
And chuckling to himself, he exists, stage right.
...Crap. Even if I didn't want to hear the two of them discuss philosophy together, I should definitely have brought Koizumi-san with me...!
---
Fortunately, I found Koizumi-san in the park where I left her, completely unharmed. The only other person around is a woman in a black suit, chatting animatedly on a tiny cell phone.
Itsuko: You're out of breath. Is something the matter?
Kyon: No... just... wanted to...
Itsuko: See me again? How sweet of you. You can't bear to be more than a few minutes away from me.
Kyon: Stop... that...
Taking advantage of my inability to form a sentence isn't fair.
Itsuko: Well, it's too bad, but our time today must come to an end. The people following us have been preparing their plan of action while you were gone.
Kyon: Huh?
I look around the park... and realize, all of a sudden, that there are people in black suits lurking in the shadows of the trees. ...I count about seven or eight in all.
Kyon: What the--?!
Itsuko: Hush.
She takes my face in her hands.
Itsuko: It's alright. Don't draw attention to yourself.
Behind her, that black-suited woman from earlier is slowly approaching. She looks oddly familiar, but I can't quite place where...
Itsuko: Running away this morning was probably a terrible idea, now that I think of it... ah well. I have a request for you, by the way.
Kyon: What is it?
Itsuko: If possible, I'd like you to forget that you ever met me.
Kyon: ......And how, exactly, am I supposed to do that?
Itsuko: Oh, it's easy.
Koizumi-san lets go of my face, and strikes a very, very strange pose.
Itsuko: Everything we've done together... all of it, was all just a dream.
Kyon: ...
I don't know why this girl is saying these things. I do know, but I don't want to.
Looks like it's the end of the line for her... but how do you expect me to just forget? Especially since you gave me this bullet scar!? That's not exactly fair, Koizumi-san.
She strokes my injured cheek.
Itsuko: Time, you see, heals all wounds.
And after offering me such a cliche line... she shoves me aside... pulls out something small and metal from the inside of her hoodie... and dashes into the bushes, becoming lost from view.
As one, the Agents pull out large, intimidating guns and charge in after her. The woman stops for a second to give me a single nod before following her subordinates.
...Someone help me. I've become lost in a spy thriller.
Before the shock wears off, I hear a noise coming from the direction Koizumi-san vanished in. It's the exact same noise as I heard yesterday.
BANG.
---
My room. Not long after.
What just happened? Why was Koizumi's Agency after Koizumi-san? Is she even still alive? Who is this “Akira-kun” of hers?
And could this be connected to the series of increasingly odd events that have plagued me over the past week?
These are questions I'm going to have to answer. And answer quickly.
He is the Terminator
Nayuki hadn't said a word since we left the restaurant. We went for a long walk all across the city, but she refused to do anything other than look at the ground. Even the lame jokes I tried to crack didn't even bring a hint of a smile to her face. Well, they didn't bring a smile to mine either, but...
Eventually, it grew dark, and we found ourselves in front of a junior high school. One that was familiar to me, but held no meaning to Nayuki.
I don't even know why I brought her here.
Kyon: Maybe we should just go home, huh?
To my surprise, she responded, speaking for the first time in hours.
Nayuki: ...You ever broken into a school before?
Kyon: Wha--? Well, it's kind of a long story, but--
Nayuki: You have, yeah.
...? How'd...?
Nayuki: You feel like breaking into this one?
She gestures towards East Junior's front gate.
Nayuki: I want to do something really stupid right now.
...
Why not?
---
As we're standing alone in the darkened sports field, I'm overcome with nostalgia. This is... kind of where everything began, isn't it?
...In this light, Nayuki could easily pass as a shortened Haruhi. Come to think of it, they're not that much different, are they?
I wonder...
Nayuki: Heh. It hasn't changed at all, even on this side.
Kyon: What?
Nayuki: ...You know what I'm talking about. Unfortunately. If you didn't, it'd be at least a small comfort.
Kyon: Okay, now I'm really confused. What are you talking about?
Nayuki: This is where she wrote it, right? Here, on this field. She had you spell it out in that weird alien language of hers. What did it say again...?
This is either making no sense or too much. Nayuki shouldn't know a thing about that, unless...
Kyon: ...Who are you?
Nayuki: Ah! That's right! It was 'I AM HERE'.
Her voice echoes. (I AM HERE)
It echoes across the sports field, to the bleachers on each side. (I AM HERE)
It echoes through the halls of the empty East Junior. (I AM HERE)
It echoes out into the alleyways and streets of the city around us. (I AM HERE)
And with each echo, her voice grows louder and deeper until it resembles the heartbeat of the Earth itself. (I AM HERE)
And then, silence.
Nayuki: What the hell was that!?
Kyon: Don't look at me.
I'm just as confused as you are.
In one corner of the field, a tiny blue light appears. Slowly, it begins to move, leaving a trail of light behind it. At some point, it divides into two, and the lines begin to intersect and crisscross, tracing patterns in the lawn... long-forgotten patterns, etched into the racial memory of these blades of grass...
It only takes about five minutes for the lights to finish their work... far more efficient than I was.
Nayuki: Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
From where we're standing, the pattern is unrecognizable, but we both know exactly what it's supposed to be.
After all, there was an overhead shot in the newspaper.
'I AM HERE.'
---
There's a brilliant, blinding flash of light, and the blue patterns vanish... replaced by something our burning eyes can't quite comprehend at first.
With fake-looking lightning effects, a blue sphere appears, slowly increasing in size... and suddenly, it vanishes, being replaced by a large naked man, kneeling in a small crater, kneeling with his back to us.
...
Nayuki: ...
...What!?
The naked man straightens up, stretches, and appears to be observing his surroundings.
Naked Man: Ah, that was a fun trip. Now, where am I...? Hmm, seems I've wound up at this hellhole. Kind of ironic, really... or is that irony? Maybe I'll look that up later. For now, I should find Kyon!
Excuse me? Who the hell are you and why are you looking for me, exactly?
Nayuki, on her part, appears to be frozen in shock. ...Maybe I should cover her eyes or something?
Too late, he turned around.
Naked Man: ...
Nayuki: ...
Kyon: ...
Naked Man: Well, that was easy. KYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!
Suddenly in tears, he charges straight at me! Wait, no, he's charged at Nayuki instead. In fact, due to his blinding speed, he's already on his knees in front of her... gripping her with all his might... and rubbing his face in her chest, all while blubbering. With a huge smile.
...I feel the need to hit this naked person now, but I restrain myself.
Naked Man: Baaaaawwwww! I missed you so much! Where the hell did you go! There'll be a penalty for this, you know! Dammit, I'm so happy! These manly tears of mine go to show my happiness! Accept my happiness, damn you!
Nayuki: A-A-Alright! I'm happy to see you too, you stupid oaf! Now get off me and put something on! Please! I didn't need to see... s-something like this! And get your head away from there!
Nayuki, understandably, is flushed a deep crimson, as anyone in her position would be, being assaulted by a naked man.
...If he doesn't get off her in three seconds, he's going to find himself on the other side of that fence.
Naked Man: Hah, you like it. Just admit it so I can-- ow!
She kicked him. Good for you, Nayuki! Now hold him still so I can deliver a kick of my own!
...By the way, who the hell is this!?
---
When everyone had finally calmed down (and the naked man had covered himself with a nearby abandoned towel) I was going to start demanding some explanations, but the two of them started on their comedy routine again.
Nayuki: That was close... my purity was at stake. My poor, virgin eyes...
Towel Man: Purity! Hah, don't give me that crap. You're as pure as a mudhole.
Nayuki: And what, exactly, do you mean by that?
Towel Man: Well, you say 'virgin eyes', and yet you have a bunch of dirty books hidden under your bed.
Nayuki: Wh--? Before I get into how the hell you know about those, they're not dirty books! T-they're like, um, instruction manuals, or--
She was interrupted by the toweled man doubling over in laughter.
Nayuki: I-it's true! There's nothing dirty about them! J-just, um, sort of, diagrams, and stuff... ARGH! What are you making me say in front of people!? I'm pure as the driven snow, curse you!
Towel Man: Sure, you keep telling yourself that... anyway, who's this chump?
He approaches me, and before I can react, has pulled me into a very uncomfortable embrace. In fact, it's more like a chokehold.
Kyon: Nnnk! Too... close!
Towel Man: He seems... chump-like.
Nayuki: Well, I know it's dark, but take a closer look at him. I was able to tell from when I saw his picture, so... although, I doubt you're as observant as me.
The toweled man seemed to consider “taking a closer look” as “shoving his face so far in mine so that our noses are pressed against one another”, since that's exactly what he did.
Kyon: Okay, this is seriously... too much...
I try to push him away, but... he's completely unyielding. It's like he's rooted himself to the ground.
After studying me for a few moments, he finally lets me go. Oh, good. I can breathe again.
Nayuki: So? It's obvious, right?
Towel Man: Nah, don't see anything. It's like, I'm supposed to be seeing facial features, but all I can see is characters reading “chump”.
Nayuki smacks her forehead.
Nayuki: Ah, good grief. He's supposed to be me. I thought you'd be able to tell from at least his hair, but I guess it is too dark... or you're just too dumb.
Towel Man: So, wait, you mean we've wound up in the Universe Where Everyone is the Opposite Gender? That's awesome! I've always wanted to grope my own tits.
Nayuki: ...You know, you really need to think about more than just--
Kyon: Wait, wait. Hold on a second here.
I'm sorry to interrupt your back-and-forth, but now that I've regained the ability to inhale, I really need to ask...
Kyon: Nayuki, who... who is this? More importantly, who are you?
Where did your attitude from earlier go? Did this guy just... wash it all away?
Nayuki?: Right. I'm sorry about not telling you the whole truth, but, well... this big ape here is Haruki Suzumiya.
Haruki... Suzumiya?
Haruki: That's right! The one and only!
He strikes a ridiculous pose... and his towel falls off.
Somehow, I can see the resemblance.
Evening
I just kept sitting in my room.
I was just waiting for something to happen. Anything.
Anything at all.
Could something please happen?
In two hours, something would.
All the evening scenes in one go, although only the Kyonko scene and the Flagless scene are new, of course.
The Towel Man wishes for you to enjoy~.
Great way to tie in Haruki's introduction to the story with the Haruhi mythos. You're real good at this.
It's great fun to see Haruki. He got over his emo real quick. His interaction with both Kyons is great. Kyon and Haruki's interaction here should be followed up with a scenario that has both of them being stuck together for days. Like an odd couple comedy.
You know, if Haruki was bisexual, he should be more enthusiatic at meeting a male Kyon.
Haruki: "Alright! Another one for the Seraglio!"
Also, what would be Haruhi's interest in her opposite sex clone be? After all, what is true for one...
Great way to tie in Haruki's introduction to the story with the Haruhi mythos. You're real good at this.
And yet I make up half this crap on the spot.
Quote:
Originally Posted by otai
It's great fun to see Haruki. He got over his emo real quick. His interaction with both Kyons is great. Kyon and Haruki's interaction here should be followed up with a scenario that has both of them being stuck together for days. Like an odd couple comedy.
Well, Haruki's emo is due to Kyonko not being around... and "odd couple comedy" describes the comedic aspects of the Alien route in a nutshell, I think.
Quote:
Originally Posted by otai
You know, if Haruki was bisexual, he should be more enthusiatic at meeting a male Kyon.
Haruki: "Alright! Another one for the Seraglio!"
Maybe if Kyon was little and cute, he'd be more interested.
Haruki's the type to not consider himself gay as long as he's going after something that looks like a girl... Kyon is too manly for him.
Quote:
Originally Posted by otai
Also, what would be Haruhi's interest in her opposite sex clone be? After all, what is true for one...
See, exactly. Haruhi and Haruki both like little, cute things.
Maybe if Kyon was little and cute, he'd be more interested.
Haruki's the type to not consider himself gay as long as he's going after something that looks like a girl... Kyon is too manly for him.
Did I miss something here? Since when has Kyon been manly? If he ever was manly, I'll eat a brick.
...Of course, I might as well eat it on the spot...
Quote:
See, exactly. Haruhi and Haruki both like little, cute things.
...Poor Kyonko.
Don't forget Mikuru, but does she count?
Man oh man, if she finds Kyon with Kyonko, not only is Kyon in fatal danger, Haruhi's also gonna have a new toy. *shudders*
If Haruhi finds Haruki then...
Quote:
And yet I make up half this crap on the spot.
That's what we pay you for. It's good quality crap
Good work! -This has been the "Ganbatte Kudasai Division's Obligatory Compliments". Thank you, and have a lovely day!
@vivify I would also like a membership for the Ganbatte Kudasai Division
EDIT: And I've just noticed that the Kyonko scene is the ONLY ONE to not end with "These are questions I'm gonna hafta figure out"
Itsuko's route is better simply because she has more potential than Yuki/Mikuru, who I find frankly boring and worthless. Thankfully, I won't be writing their routes.
And now, to (unfortunately) invalidate that mini-archive, I have this.
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Evening:
Nothing's Gone Wrong
I have to, first, accept that I am not going insane. Only when I believe that everything around me is actually happening can I start to make decisions.
But what I'm seeing is just so out of the ordinary that it's impossible to accept!
A mysterious event indeed. As usual, I have to wonder if it's all Haruhi's doing. Then again, I can't blame absolutely everything on her.
At least, not this.
After choking Haruhi to death, He vanished, and soon after she got up like nothing had gone wrong at all... but I still could see the finger marks gouged deep into her neck.
Haruhi: You sure we don't need to take you to the hospital or something?
Is what she said at the time. Right now, I'm sitting on a nearby curb, trying not to look up, since...
Everywhere I look, there's Haruhi.
Haruhi in a business suit, chatting away on her cellphone while dodging rain. A road worker Haruhi, hard hat and all, desperately earning a living even in this weather. Two Haruhis in a police car, probably responding to some minor incident. An entire bus full of Haruhis.
It had started slowly, with little dots of light and color here and there. I had thought the world was returning to sanity, but instead... as the rest of humanity slowly popped into existence, I found myself trapped in Haruhiland.
It really did feel like an amusement park. The city I grew up in had become too bright, too colorful, too alive. Even the rain is shining brightly, giving off cheer instead of melancholy. It's like she views the world through a kaleidoscope.
But I don't think even Haruhi imagines that thing being in the sky.
Looming over Haruhi City is a massive black shape. Its otherwise featureless face is dotted with two massive white eyes and a smile as wide and wicked as the crescent moon.
It's Him.
...I'd like to ask. What would you do in this situation? What could you do?
I feel a hand on my shoulder, as Haruhi, the real Haruhi, sits down next to me. ...If she were to wander away, I might never find her again.
Haruhi: You sure you're feeling okay? Come to think of it, you've been acting kind of weird since the new term started. Were our summer activities that hard on you?
Kyon: More than you could ever imagine.
It's not me, right?
Haruhi: Then you need to shape up! Toughen up!
She slaps me hard on the back. The pain is a welcome relief.
Haruhi: If one member of my brigade can't deal with a little bit of stress and excitement, we all look bad! And that's unforgivable, you know that? If having fun for two weeks does this to you, how are you going to help me hold off the invasion!?
Invasion by whom? Ah, never mind. Still, she has a point. I have to try and breathe deeply. Think about this logically.
If this is some horribly corrupted version of Closed Space, then that means several things. First of all, those giants should be showing up. ...I suppose that huge thing overhead counts. Second of all, Koizumi and his merry friends should have detected this, but since they haven't appeared already, that probably means something bad. I'll think about that later.
The most important thing is that, if this is Closed Space, it has a fixed radius. ...Which means if we can find the inner wall, I might somehow be able to use Haruhi to get us out again. It's a long shot, but... this is all I can do.
I breathe deep. Everything is fine.
Haruhi: Hey, are you even listening? Don't make me have to tell you the order in which you'll be taking off again, because I've already forgotten.
Kyon: Hey, I forgot to mention, but there was this strange animal in my backyard this morning. It, uh, looked like a cross between a cat and a, er, rabbit, if that means anything.
Haruhi is already on her feet before I can blink.
Haruhi: Idiot! Why didn't you say so earlier when we've been wasting the whole day downtown!? Come on, come on, let's go!
She locks arms with me and, like always, pulls.
Perfect. If she's sufficiently determined to head that way, it shouldn't be long before both her and I are far outside the radius!
That wasn't how things ended up, of course.
Just as we were entering the residential district, my face hit an invisible wall, knocking me backwards. Haruhi kept moving past the barrier as though it was nothing.
It felt like cold unwashed vegetables. Well, at least now I know for certain that I'm in Closed Space.
And Haruhi, of course, like I should have realized, is not.
Haruhi: What is it now? ...You're feeling dizzy again? You know, before yesterday, I'd never have though you're the type to have fainting spells.
Okay. Let's just stop and think here. If I'm in Closed Space and she isn't, what does that mean? I don't know what it means. All I know is that my plan didn't work. Not that it was a very good plan to begin with.
Haruhi: Come on, hurry up. There's only 24 hours in a day, so we can't be wasting time! Besides, I really want to know whether you actually saw a UMA or if you were just hallucinating again.
Kyon: I... can't.
Haruhi: What do you mean?
Kyon: I... I have things to... I can't...
I'm breathing much too heavily again. Is this really all it takes to rile me up? Am I actually that kind of person? I should be used to stuff like this by now. I've been through much worse, and besides, wasn't there some kind of failsafe I could use in a situation just like this?
Oh, right. That one. ...Well, I suppose it's better than any alternatives. As long as I do this, everything will be just fine.
I stretch out my hand, palm up, reaching across the gap between realities.
Kyon: Hey, come over here, would you?
Haruhi: ...? What are you playing at now? I'm starting to think your brain is still on vacation.
Nevertheless, she takes the hand I extended to her... and in a single motion that must look like a poor attempt to look Koizumi suave, I pull her close to me. Too close for comfort, normally, but..
Haruhi: H-hey! Exactly what-- where are you touching!? The small of my back is off limits!
Kyon: Haruhi, I'm really sorry about this, but this is something I've got to do.
Haruhi: Stop screwing with me! Y-you'd never have the guts!
Kyon: I--
A shadow falls over us. No, wait, only over me. Haruhi is still bathed in the afternoon light, but I...
The thing looming in the sky, the caretaker of this world, seems to have noticed what I was about to do... and is reaching out His enormous black hand to grab me!
I don't even have time to react. No, wait, He's not trying to grab me, he's trying to
Squish.
DEAD END
...
...
...
...
...
...
Kyon: you had a bunch of sleep in your eyes, but since I thought it'd be rude to just mention it out of the blue, I was going to, uh, wipe your... eyelashes... for you. ...Now that the truth has come to light, everything makes perfect sense, doesn't it?
Haruhi: I'm not sure what explanation is worse, actually. Anyway, you're a terrible liar, you know that?
Kyon: It's true, I swear. What did you think I was trying to do, anyway?
Haruhi: M-making a fool of yourself, obviously! You're such a moron. Anyway, you're not allowed to touch me like that without permission in future, all right? You nearly gave me a heart attack...
Kyon: Well, at least the sleep is out of your eyes.
Haruhi: You're still sticking to that!?
Kyon: Like I keep saying, it's the honest truth.
Haruhi: I didn't even have any goddamn sleep in my eyes! You're just trying to cover for--
And so on. Haruhi and I are having a conversation in front of my house, before we say goodbye for the day, and... wait, hold on a minute.
...Wasn't I just transported into a strange variety of Closed Space and killed by a black amorphous apparition? So am I just standing at my front door, having a conversation with Haruhi?
Why don't I remember anything in between those times? What the hell is going on?
Okay, breathe deeply. As they say in the West, don't look the gift horse in the mouth. Everything is fine. Just fine.
Haruhi: Pay attention! Like I was saying, there'll definitely be a penalty for having the a-audacity to do something like that to the brigade chief! I just haven't thought of what yet.
Kyon: But I didn't even--
Haruhi: No excuses.
She turns around and makes as if to go, as though that's the end of the conversation, but...
Haruhi: In spite of your dizzy spells and general idiocy, I had fun today. ...Get some rest, huh? I'll see you tomorrow. Look forward to your horrible penalty! Maybe I'll have it involve sewing needles somehow.
What a disjointed train of thought this girl has.
Kyon: See you.
I collapse into a mentally exhausted heap right after I close the door behind me. My little sister pokes me with her foot as she passes by, but I ignore it.
Yes, everything seems fine. It's fine, but... I still haven't had a single question answered.
What happened just now? What does it mean?
And what is the meaning of the series of increasingly odd events that have plagued me over the past week?
These are questions I'm going to have to answer.
Confrontation
The boy and I just stood there, letting the raindrops fall, saying nothing. After about five minutes of this, he finally broke eye contact and started rubbing the back of his head.
Mitsuuru: Man, I'm really not good at this... okay, so why were you following me?
Kyon: ...What makes you think I was following you?
Mitsuuru: Do I really have to answer that? You two have been stalking me for hours now. ...I can't say I'm not used to this kind of behaviour, but I'd still like to know “why” before I start running.
He leans from side to side in an effort to look behind me.
Mitsuuru: Wait, where'd she go? ...Don't tell me...
Tch. I've gotta come up with some excuse for this. If this guy knows Asahina-san, he might start spreading horrible rumors about her, and that'd be bad.
Kyon: ...The girl I was with, she's had feelings for you for a long time, but since she's been way too scared to tell you, she asked me for help... but since I really didn't know what to do either, we ended up following you.
Wait, what!? Why is that the first thing that comes out of my mouth? Curse me a thousand times! I'm sorry, Asahina-san...
But... his childish face suddenly bears a wicked smile, which looks... vaguely familiar.
Mitsuuru: ...Yeah, right. You aren't a very good liar, you know that?
Kyon: ...
He's on to me!
Mitsuuru: ...Y-You haven't changed a bit... Kyon.
...Wait. I've never seen this kid before in my life. How does he know who I am? I wonder... could this be connected with all these incidents? I can't see any other reason Asahina-san would make me come along with her just to follow this weirdly-dressed boy.
Chuckling nervously to himself, he walks right past me, back the way he came.
Kyon: Wait just a minute.
I grab his shoulder. Hard.
Kyon: You're not just going to say something like that and get to walk away. I'll be up front here. I don't actually know why I was following you, but maybe you can answer that question.
Mitsuuru: ...Crap.
His eyes dart back and forth... is he trying to calculate an escape route? It's almost... pitiful. I'm starting to feel sorry for this person.
Mitsuuru: What am I supposed to do in this situation... ah, right, right. Hyaaaaah!
I easily catch the punch he's aimed at my face. I don't really feel sorry for him any more.
Kyon: Look, I really don't want to fight you. I just want some answers to my questions.
Mitsuuru: ...
Kyon: Well?
Mitsuuru: I'm thinking. ...I'll answer one question, and then you'll let me go. ...Kay?
You're not really in a position to bargain here, but I can tell that's all I'll be getting out of you, so... What would be a good question to ask?
Kyon: You know my name. How?
Mitsuuru: ...I guess 'childhood friend' wouldn't be a good explanation?
Kyon: Looks like you're not a very good liar either.
Mitsuuru: Eh heh heh heh... fine. I know your name because we're friends, but you and I have never met. Does that clear up everything and can you let me go?
Kyon: ...No.
Mitsuuru: Didn't think so. Damn, I really didn't want to have to do this, but...
He closes his eyes for a second, and--
Kyon: Agggggggggggggghhhhh!!!!!
Quick as lighting (quite literally) an electric shock courses its way through my body. It feels like my veins have turned into superconductors. Of course, my legs give way and I collapse to the ground.
Mitsuuru: Wasting that on someone like you... is even more of a waste. Hey, did that sound cool? That better have sounded cool.
Kyon: Y-you...
That wasn't cool at all!
Blackness.
---
I can't feel the rain anymore, which means that...
Mikuru: Kyon-kun... please wake up!
Asahina-san has returned ...I still hurt like a million bucks, but at least I'm not dead.
Kyon: Ow... Ow! I'm alive...
Unfortunately, my head isn't in her lap like last time... instead, a patch of cold, wet sidewalk has been reserved for it.
Mikuru: T-that was horrible I'm so glad you're okay.
Kyon: I guess... but more importantly, where did you go, Asahina-san?
She had vanished before all of this even started. I already have my suspicions as to why, but I want to hear it from her.
Mikuru: ...
Kyon: Asahina-san?
Mikuru: It's mostly classified, but I'm not supposed to be seen by that boy at all.
Kyon: Well, that's fine, but... then why were we following him in the first place?
This is what I thought, but I seriously don't get it.
Mikuru: Um, please don't be angry, but... you were supposed to have a confrontation with him, so my superiors... I mean... i-it's classified...
Ah. So this is why she asked me to come out with her today. ...But why, then, call it a 'date'?
I'm probably reading too much into this.
Kyon: ...Can you tell me who he is? He seemed to know--
Mikuru: Classified information.
I was cut off abruptly by a rehearsed, robotic response. ...Is it really classified? Or does Asahina-san just not want to tell me?
And why am I suspecting this sweet girl like this? She doesn't deserve this kind of treatment from me.
Kyon: ...You know what's been going on the past week, don't you? You didn't find out yourself, but I'm sure your bosses told you something, right?
Mikuru: ...
Kyon: I'd really like to know. I spent yesterday passing out, I think I have that right, at least.
Mikuru: I'm... sorry, Kyon-kun. I can't.
Can't? Or just don't want to? Which is it?
Will you tell me, Asahina-san? Will you tell me who that boy could have been your brother is?
---
I caught a cold walking home. Just my luck.
I sneeze my way upstairs, ignoring the quizzical looks from my family. Thanks for worrying, but I don't want to experience a Q&A session right now.
Instead, I'm going to have to host my own. In the privacy of my own room, of couse.
Who is this person that Asahina-san wants to keep from me? Who are the people that Nagato and I chased down on Thursday? What does it all mean?
And what is the meaning of the series of increasingly odd events that have plagued me over the past week?
These are questions I'm going to have to answer myself.
Ceremony's Aftermath
Where were we? Ah, right, fighting a horrible ectoplasmic monster that came from my insides.
That is now flying straight at my face with the force of a rampaging bull!
This week has not been a very good week. Fortunately, Nagato intervenes, delivering a bodycheck that launches me out of the way... at the cost of the ability to feel my shoulder ever again.
Kyon: Ow......
Looking up, I can see Nagato has blocked the beast with some kind of invisible shield, the same kind she used on the cave cricket. This, it seems, hasn't escaped the monster's notice.
Wealth and Taste: wElL, wElL, aReN't We ThE oNe-TrIcK pOnY, nAgAtO-sAaAaAaAaAaAn?!
The monster's fingers, if you can call them fingers, seem to dig deep into the surface of the barrier... and rip it in half. Nagato is blown backwards with the force of a freight train.
Wealth and Taste: AnD nOw, LuNcH.
He turns to me with a noise that sounds like the licking of thousands and thousands of lips.
Wealth and Taste: aAaAaAaRrRrRrRrGgGgGhHhH!
Nagato's arm, glowing white, extends to an impossible distance and impales him through the head. The monster dissolves into the sand.
Yuki: Are you injured at all?
Kyon: No, I-- Behind you!
The steaming mass emerges from the sand directly behind Nagato, forming once again into a recognizable shape.
Wealth and Taste: nOt ThAt EaSiLy. NeVeR tHaT eAsIlY.
Nagato throws up her barrier again, but instead of using it to defend herself... slams it into the regenerating beast, flinging it far enough to give us some breathing room.
If there's one thing these two have in common, it's blasting things into the distance...
Kyon: So, uh, how are we supposed to stop this thing?
Yuki: I require time to delete it. But it does not seem to be granting us that courtesy.
Indeed, it's already preparing to pounce again.
Wealth and Taste: dO yOu KnOw WhAt HaPpEnS tO pUnY iNsEcTs WhEn ThEy TaKe An AcId BaTh?!
Nagato has her hands full trying to protect me... so there's no way she can concentrate long enough to fire off one of her incantations.
...Is there anything I can do in this situation? Think. No, there's no time to think. Quick, what would someone crazy like Haruhi do?
Ah, of course.
I'm about to do something both life-threatening and stupid.
Wealth and Taste: ThE sAmE tHiNg ThAt HaPpEnS tO eVeRyThInG eLsE!
He pounces directly at Nagato... and is blocked by my sudden and random charge!
Oh wait, never mind, this was a terrible idea. Touching this thing burns like... well, like sticking my hands into a bowl of concentrated hydrochloric acid. It's the worst pain I've ever felt in my entire life.
Still, if I can hold this thing long enough...
Kyon: Nagato! Now!
Wealth and Taste: iT's MuCh MuCh ToO lAtE. yOu'Re GoInG tO aCcEpT mE iF iT's ThE lAsT tHiNg YoU dO, yOu StUpId BrAt!
Its head dissolves, spattering onto my face... it's trying to force its way back inside me.
My senses are overloaded by the pain. All I can smell is my burning flesh, and all I can taste is the ectoplasm pouring down my throat... it's a taste horribly like citrus.
Wealth and Taste: DeLiCiOuS.
There's no way anyone could stay conscious during something like this. And so, once again:
Blackness.
---
When I wake up, I'm looking at a familiar ceiling. It's familiar because I once spent three entire years sleeping under it.
This is Nagato's room.
Sitting up, I can feel my muscles protesting, but I don't seem to be injured in any way... data manipulation, huh?
Looking at my watch, I've been out for several hours again... I should probably head home after thanking Nagato. I wonder how I can repay her? Is there any way I can repay her after all she's done?
The nearby door slides open, revealing a Nagato carrying a tea tray.
Yuki: You are awake.
Didn't we go through this yesterday...?
Kyon: Ah, yeah. I guess you managed to destroy it, huh?
Yuki: Of course.
She sits down, placing the tray beside me.
Yuki: That was your request, after all.
Kyon: ...Thanks, Nagato.
What words I can offer her aren't nearly enough. I guess I can drink this tea before I head out...
Yuki: I would like you to stay here for tonight.
I spit out my tea.
Kyon: What, no, I have to go, I don't want to explain to my mother why I'm late two days in a row.
Besides, Haruhi will find out. There's always that danger that she'll find out I've been somewhere with another girl and cause blue giants to break things again.
Yuki: You have been through a great ordeal. I insist.
Kyon: But--
Yuki: I have already contacted your family.
...I really don't want to know what you told them. Please, don't tell me. I'm sure I'll find out on my own anyway.
Come to think of it, isn't tomorrow a school day...? Argh. As usual, I really don't want to deal with any of this, so I'll just take the path of least resistance and stay the night here. Still, I kind of have a few questions.
Kyon: What was that monster, Nagato?
Yuki: I do not know.
She isn't lying. Not really. I can tell that, even if she does know what it is... there's no way she understands.
Anyway, the headphones have been destroyed for good, so there's one thing dealt with, but...
Really, what's the mystery behind the headphones to begin with? Why me? And what's with all the odd flashbacks? What does it all mean?
What is the meaning of the series of increasingly odd events that have plagued me over the past week?
These are questions I'm going to have to answer myself. But first, since Nagato is looking at me so expectantly, I'm going to have to drink the rest of this tea.
Fox Hunt
Itsuko: It wouldn't hurt if you came a little closer, you know.
I'd bought Koizumi-san the umbrella she'd wanted, but had refused to hold it for her... just walking to a nearby convenience store had been enough. I don't want to be any closer to this woman than I have to.
Kyon: And give you even more opportunity to tease me? Yeah, that's not going to happen.
The whole time we'd been under an umbrella together she had been pressing herself against me and whispering things in a low, sultry voice... had I been a lesser man, I would not have been able to contain myself.
Itsuko: Oho. Too bad. By the way, this is rather delicious.
I'd also bought her a cheap and rather dry-looking sandwich, which she was now happily munching on. If she's enjoying it that much, I wonder how long she's gone without food...
Itsuko: Now that this matter is settled, would it be possible for me to use your cell phone? There is an, ah, associate who may be able to hide your scar for the time being, but I have no other way of establishing contact.
When I pass her my phone, however, it starts to ring. Koizumi-san looks at the call display, and raises her eyebrows.
Itsuko: Interesting. It's for you, by the way.
So it should be! It's my phone!
The call display reads “Itsuki Koizumi”... why is he calling me right now? As usual, his babble will probably be intolerable, but I should just get this over with.
Kyon: What?
Itsuki: Come now, is that really how you answer a phone? I have that list of transfer students you requested. I was going to come by to drop it off, but... is now a bad time?
Well, it's never really a good time if I have to listen to you, but I'm not even at home right now. Koizumi-san and I have just been wandering purposelessly around since I bought her lunch, so...
Itsuki: Would that mean, then, that you're out for a walk or an errand? That's good then. To tell the truth, I'm at Kouyouen Station... if you're in the area, it would be easier for both of us if you were to come meet me rather than the other way around.
Itsuki: ...If you're that far away, it might be a better idea for me to just wait at your home.
Kyon: No, no, I'll meet you, I insist.
I hang up.
Kyon: I'll be meeting your, uh... cousin at the station in twenty minutes. Can your, um, associate meet us somewhere nearby before then? I'd prefer he not know about... this.
Itsuko: Ah, most likely. In fact, that person may already be in the vicinity.
She takes the phone from me and dials... five numbers. 98854.
...That's no number I've ever seen.
Itsuko: Hello? Ah, sorry to bother you. ...Yes, I know I wasn't supposed to... yes, but it is rather an emergency. ...You're unusually talkative today. Would that be the stress getting to you? In any case, I need you to... well, I'll explain when we meet... you're already there? Oh good, that makes it much easier. Ten minutes, then.
She, too, hangs up.
Itsuko: That should do it. We're meeting in that little park near the station in question. You're familiar with the place?
---
Koizumi-san's 'associate' is a tall, thin young man in a punk-like getup. ...Despite his clothes, he's only a little less reticent than Nagato. The faint circles under his eyes, however, give off a depressive air.
Yup. Weirdos.
Yuuki: ...
Itsuko: Ah, Akira-kun. Good to see you again. My... friend, I suppose could call him has, er, injured himself and does not wish anyone to know. Can you fix it.
The 'associate' raises his eyebrows a millimeter when he sees my face, but says nothing, instead producing a large band-aid from somewhere in his leather jacket. It's rather like the one I was given yesterday, but... it's the exact same tone as my skin.
Itsuko: Put it on, and let's see.
She certainly sounds excited... she even gasps a little when I attach it to the side of my face.
Itsuko: It's... seamless. I can't even tell it's there. Thank you very much, Akira-kun.
Kyon: Thank you.
The dull, throbbing pain, however, still hasn't stopped.
Nodding imperceptibly, the 'associate' turns on his hell and walks off without so much as a word.
Itsuko: Don't forget about that walk I taught you, Akira-kun.
Immediately, he begins to walk bow-legged in the manner of a typical delinquent... it looks very awkward to do in those pants.
Itsuko: Hohoho. Life is beautiful.
Kyon: ...Could you stay here while I go talk to Koizumi? I kind of don't want him to know that I'm hanging out with you.
Itsuko: Is that what you call it...? Very well. But what, exactly, are you meeting him for?
Kyon: That's my business.
It's actually about you, but you've already given me the information I was looking for... I'm not even sure why I'm going through with this, other than to not look suspicious.
---
The station is unusually busy today, but the same could be said of everywhere in the city. ...There's an energy building up beneath the surface, as though something is struggling to break free.
Koizumi is standing in the middle of the crowd, overdressed as usual. He's watching the weeping sky with a very odd expression on his face, almost as though he's waiting for something other than me.
I tap him on the shoulder.
Itsuki: Hmm? Oh, it's you. I was wondering when you were going to get here.
Kyon: Yeah, yeah. Just hand over that list.
Itsuki: You're still suspicious of me, I see. I'll promise you we haven't doctored this list in any way. Be warned: they don't have their photographs yet, but I believe they're due to take those on, ah Tuesday.
He hands me a manila envelope. Let's take a look.
Hmm. There were only five students that transferred in this term. A “Kitsuko Yamada”, another girl named “Izanami Kentaro” (what is with these weird names?) two other guys, an “Akira Tanaka”... wait, Akira?
I'll definitely have to comb this thing later for more clues as to who these people might be. My ass this isn't doctored.
Kyon: ...Everything seems to be in order.
Itsuki: Good! I'm glad that's all settled. Now, I really must be going but... you may wish to hurry back to your date for the day.
Kyon: ...What?
Itsuki: Now, I'm not saying that anything might be wrong, but there's a chance she could be in danger. Just a small chance.
Kyon: ...
Itsuki: The clock's ticking. I had better get a move on.
Kyon: I swear, if there's something you're not telling me...
Itsuki: Swear all you like... it won't change a thing.
And chuckling to himself, he exists, stage right.
...Crap. Even if I didn't want to hear the two of them discuss philosophy together, I should definitely have brought Koizumi-san with me...!
---
Fortunately, I found Koizumi-san in the park where I left her, completely unharmed. The only other person around is a woman in a black suit, chatting animatedly on a tiny cell phone.
Itsuko: You're out of breath. Is something the matter?
Kyon: No... just... wanted to...
Itsuko: See me again? How sweet of you. You can't bear to be more than a few minutes away from me.
Kyon: Stop... that...
Taking advantage of my inability to form a sentence isn't fair.
Itsuko: Well, it's too bad, but our time today must come to an end. The people following us have been preparing their plan of action while you were gone.
Kyon: Huh?
I look around the park... and realize, all of a sudden, that there are people in black suits lurking in the shadows of the trees. ...I count about seven or eight in all.
Kyon: What the--?!
Itsuko: Hush.
She takes my face in her hands.
Itsuko: It's alright. Don't draw attention to yourself.
Behind her, that black-suited woman from earlier is slowly approaching. She looks oddly familiar, but I can't quite place where...
Itsuko: Running away this morning was probably a terrible idea, now that I think of it... ah well. I have a request for you, by the way.
Kyon: What is it?
Itsuko: If possible, I'd like you to forget that you ever met me.
Kyon: ......And how, exactly, am I supposed to do that?
Itsuko: Oh, it's easy.
Koizumi-san lets go of my face, and strikes a very, very strange pose.
Itsuko: Everything we've done together... all of it, was all just a dream.
Kyon: ...
I don't know why this girl is saying these things. I do know, but I don't want to.
Looks like it's the end of the line for her... but how do you expect me to just forget? Especially since you gave me this bullet scar!? That's not exactly fair, Koizumi-san.
She strokes my injured cheek.
Itsuko: Time, you see, heals all wounds.
And after offering me such a cliche line... she shoves me aside... pulls out something small and metal from the inside of her hoodie... and dashes into the bushes, becoming lost from view.
As one, the Agents pull out large, intimidating guns and charge in after her. The woman stops for a second to give me a single nod before following her subordinates.
...Someone help me. I've become lost in a spy thriller.
Before the shock wears off, I hear a noise coming from the direction Koizumi-san vanished in. It's the exact same noise as I heard yesterday.
BANG.
---
My room. Not long after.
What just happened? Why was Koizumi's Agency after Koizumi-san? Is she even still alive? Who is this “Akira-kun” of hers?
And could this be connected to the series of increasingly odd events that have plagued me over the past week?
These are questions I'm going to have to answer. And answer quickly.
He is the Terminator
Nayuki hadn't said a word since we left the restaurant. We went for a long walk all across the city, but she refused to do anything other than look at the ground. Even the lame jokes I tried to crack didn't even bring a hint of a smile to her face. Well, they didn't bring a smile to mine either, but...
Eventually, it grew dark, and we found ourselves in front of a junior high school. One that was familiar to me, but held no meaning to Nayuki.
I don't even know why I brought her here.
Kyon: Maybe we should just go home, huh?
To my surprise, she responded, speaking for the first time in hours.
Nayuki: ...You ever broken into a school before?
Kyon: Wha--? Well, it's kind of a long story, but--
Nayuki: You have, yeah.
...? How'd...?
Nayuki: You feel like breaking into this one?
She gestures towards East Junior's front gate.
Nayuki: I want to do something really stupid right now.
...
Why not?
---
As we're standing alone in the darkened sports field, I'm overcome with nostalgia. This is... kind of where everything began, isn't it?
...In this light, Nayuki could easily pass as a shortened Haruhi. Come to think of it, they're not that much different, are they?
I wonder...
Nayuki: Heh. It hasn't changed at all, even on this side.
Kyon: What?
Nayuki: ...You know what I'm talking about. Unfortunately. If you didn't, it'd be at least a small comfort.
Kyon: Okay, now I'm really confused. What are you talking about?
Nayuki: This is where she wrote it, right? Here, on this field. She had you spell it out in that weird alien language of hers. What did it say again...?
This is either making no sense or too much. Nayuki shouldn't know a thing about that, unless...
Kyon: ...Who are you?
Nayuki: Ah! That's right! It was 'I AM HERE'.
Her voice echoes. (I AM HERE)
It echoes across the sports field, to the bleachers on each side. (I AM HERE)
It echoes through the halls of the empty East Junior. (I AM HERE)
It echoes out into the alleyways and streets of the city around us. (I AM HERE)
And with each echo, her voice grows louder and deeper until it resembles the heartbeat of the Earth itself. (I AM HERE)
And then, silence.
Nayuki: What the hell was that!?
Kyon: Don't look at me.
I'm just as confused as you are.
In one corner of the field, a tiny blue light appears. Slowly, it begins to move, leaving a trail of light behind it. At some point, it divides into two, and the lines begin to intersect and crisscross, tracing patterns in the lawn... long-forgotten patterns, etched into the racial memory of these blades of grass...
It only takes about five minutes for the lights to finish their work... far more efficient than I was.
Nayuki: Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
From where we're standing, the pattern is unrecognizable, but we both know exactly what it's supposed to be.
After all, there was an overhead shot in the newspaper.
'I AM HERE.'
---
There's a brilliant, blinding flash of light, and the blue patterns vanish... replaced by something our burning eyes can't quite comprehend at first.
With fake-looking lightning effects, a blue sphere appears, slowly increasing in size... and suddenly, it vanishes, being replaced by a large naked man, kneeling in a small crater, kneeling with his back to us.
...
Nayuki: ...
...What!?
The naked man straightens up, stretches, and appears to be observing his surroundings.
Naked Man: Ah, that was a fun trip. Now, where am I...? Hmm, seems I've wound up at this hellhole. Kind of ironic, really... or is that irony? Maybe I'll look that up later. For now, I should find Kyon!
Excuse me? Who the hell are you and why are you looking for me, exactly?
Nayuki, on her part, appears to be frozen in shock. ...Maybe I should cover her eyes or something?
Too late, he turned around.
Naked Man: ...
Nayuki: ...
Kyon: ...
Naked Man: Well, that was easy. KYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!
Suddenly in tears, he charges straight at me! Wait, no, he's charged at Nayuki instead. In fact, due to his blinding speed, he's already on his knees in front of her... gripping her with all his might... and rubbing his face in her chest, all while blubbering. With a huge smile.
...I feel the need to hit this naked person now, but I restrain myself.
Naked Man: Baaaaawwwww! I missed you so much! Where the hell did you go! There'll be a penalty for this, you know! Dammit, I'm so happy! These manly tears of mine go to show my happiness! Accept my happiness, damn you!
Nayuki: A-A-Alright! I'm happy to see you too, you stupid oaf! Now get off me and put something on! Please! I didn't need to see... s-something like this! And get your head away from there!
Nayuki, understandably, is flushed a deep crimson, as anyone in her position would be, being assaulted by a naked man.
...If he doesn't get off her in three seconds, he's going to find himself on the other side of that fence.
Naked Man: Hah, you like it. Just admit it so I can-- ow!
She kicked him. Good for you, Nayuki! Now hold him still so I can deliver a kick of my own!
...By the way, who the hell is this!?
---
When everyone had finally calmed down (and the naked man had covered himself with a nearby abandoned towel) I was going to start demanding some explanations, but the two of them started on their comedy routine again.
Nayuki: That was close... my purity was at stake. My poor, virgin eyes...
Towel Man: Purity! Hah, don't give me that crap. You're as pure as a mudhole.
Nayuki: And what, exactly, do you mean by that?
Towel Man: Well, you say 'virgin eyes', and yet you have a bunch of dirty books hidden under your bed.
Nayuki: Wh--? Before I get into how the hell you know about those, they're not dirty books! T-they're like, um, instruction manuals, or--
She was interrupted by the toweled man doubling over in laughter.
Nayuki: I-it's true! There's nothing dirty about them! J-just, um, sort of, diagrams, and stuff... ARGH! What are you making me say in front of people!? I'm pure as the driven snow, curse you!
Towel Man: Sure, you keep telling yourself that... anyway, who's this chump?
He approaches me, and before I can react, has pulled me into a very uncomfortable embrace. In fact, it's more like a chokehold.
Kyon: Nnnk! Too... close!
Towel Man: He seems... chump-like.
Nayuki: Well, I know it's dark, but take a closer look at him. I was able to tell from when I saw his picture, so... although, I doubt you're as observant as me.
The toweled man seemed to consider “taking a closer look” as “shoving his face so far in mine so that our noses are pressed against one another”, since that's exactly what he did.
Kyon: Okay, this is seriously... too much...
I try to push him away, but... he's completely unyielding. It's like he's rooted himself to the ground.
After studying me for a few moments, he finally lets me go. Oh, good. I can breathe again.
Nayuki: So? It's obvious, right?
Towel Man: Nah, don't see anything. It's like, I'm supposed to be seeing facial features, but all I can see is characters reading “chump”.
Nayuki smacks her forehead.
Nayuki: Ah, good grief. He's supposed to be me. I thought you'd be able to tell from at least his hair, but I guess it is too dark... or you're just too dumb.
Towel Man: So, wait, you mean we've wound up in the Universe Where Everyone is the Opposite Gender? That's awesome! I've always wanted to grope my own tits.
Nayuki: ...You know, you really need to think about more than just--
Kyon: Wait, wait. Hold on a second here.
I'm sorry to interrupt your back-and-forth, but now that I've regained the ability to inhale, I really need to ask...
Kyon: Nayuki, who... who is this? More importantly, who are you?
Where did your attitude from earlier go? Did this guy just... wash it all away?
Nayuki?: Right. I'm sorry about not telling you the whole truth, but, well... this big ape here is Haruki Suzumiya.
Haruki... Suzumiya?
Haruki: That's right! The one and only!
He strikes a ridiculous pose... and his towel falls off.
Somehow, I can see the resemblance.
Evening
I just kept sitting in my room.
I was just waiting for something to happen. Anything.
Anything at all.
Could something please happen?
In two hours, something would.
All the evening scenes in one go, although only the Kyonko scene and the Flagless scene are new, of course.
The Towel Man wishes for you to enjoy~.
'He Is The Terminator'= AWESOME! I'll even say it in red for the Umineko fans! 'He Is The Terminator = AWESOME'! I loved it! And I must have mooooore~! ^^
That, and he is quite tall - at least when compared to the other characters. That, and he can be pretty stoic in his responses, and he tries to take positive action when things go south. Pretty solid qualities, overall.
Not to mention that as far as his looks go in general, Kyon isn't exactly feminine either. Especially on anime standards. Don't really know what standards Haruki would be following, though.
Speaking of Kyon, the Kyonko route has now by far become my favourite route too. I could kinda see it coming, but it's definitely confirmed now. So if that's the point, then, err... point taken?
__________________
-This has been the "Ganbatte Kudasai Division's Obligatory Compliments". Thank you, and have a lovely day!
Hi folks I am back. Sorry for slacking with the archives and tHi folks I am back. Sorry for slacking with the archives and thanks a lot s07195 for keeping a mini-archive in my absence.
Now lets come back a bit in the time so I can comment everything I miss (sorry for that, it is really, really big):
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Memories: Flashes in Space (Closed Circle):
-snip-
Longest. Flashback. Ever.
And now you know why I took so long.
Awesome scene, or should I say "rewrite"? It was close to that. Anyway, Haruki's characterization was particularly good here. He is still a jerk but it is clear he is a nice jerk. Pretty fitting, since the original chapter was the first time Kyon ensured to Itsuki that Haruhi is actualy a good person.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Third-in-command would probably be Jovi or Heatth. They're tied.
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Haruhi: Nothing's Gone Wrong:
-snip-
She is on the road crew. She is working on the road.
Please enjoy~, as always.
Heh, funny scene. Start with a crazyness and endded with tsundere comedy.
I now wonder what is causing Kyon 'sickness'. Since he is kinda fine in all other scenes, it must be related to Haruhi. Maybe it is spending time with her plus the headphones (as opposed to just the headphones)? Is Haruhi's power overloading him somehow.
I am also curious how much of what he saw was real. I mean, it was really a closed space? Or he just 'tought' he would face the 'force field' and so it happend?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Mikuru scene. Perhaps not the best I've written.
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Mikuru: Confrontation:
-snip-
Why is it that I cannot write anything happy?
Expecting a lot of complaints about this one. Still, please try to enjoy~.
Good scene indeed. Mitsuuru is pretty cool here. As said, a good play with the Asahinas ambiguity. Mikuru exitation in speaking "Classified information" seens to mean the information is not really classified (not to Kyon at last), as it should act as a filter to all Mikuru say. She should't be able to almost tell about her superiors, which mean she is purposedly hidding something on her own.
Also, I have to seccond GDB criticism:
Quote:
Originally Posted by GDB
Only part I don't like is that it implies that this whole reality cross event is recorded in their history. That would attempt to plug it into canon for not only the series, but the "future" as well, wouldn't it? If I recall, wasn't the true ending supposed to be a reset button to avoid this very thing?
Indeed, this don't seen to make much sense. Why the original Universe future can remember these events but the Genderbend one don't?
Unless, of course Mikuru lied, as I think it is happening anyway. Kyon was not supposed to have a confrontation with Mitsuuru, nor is Mikuru supposed to be following him. Heck, the main problem is Mitsuuru i not supposed to be there in the first place.
The future probably noticed something is really wrong and are acting the best way the can. They sended their field agent(s) to follow the unknow variables and had her/them taking someone from this time plane to not risk things even more. They probably hope time fix itself somehow (I wouldn't put past then to actually plan to change Mikuru's memories so Mikuru(Big) don't remember these events without being a paradox.
That or the future was somehow altered. Which is even weirder, considering what we know about Haruhi time travel rules. Maybe it is Haruki's fault? Or Midori's?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Nagato: Nagato's Apartment: Ceremony's Aftermath:
-snip-
Bah, can't write fight scenes at all. Not like it's my problem for much longer, though.
Next up is Itsuko, and Jovi should have commemorative art up by then in preparation. Look forward to it.
Cool. I suppose the headphones are gone for good on this route? Not much to talk about it here. Also, comparing with your erlier scenes, I believe your are getting better with Yuki's dialogues.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Itsuko: Fox Hunt:
-snip-
Should be pretty obvious who the woman is.
This is finally done... next up is Kyonko's evening scene and then something I've been looking forward to for a while, that being Haruki's version of Endless Eight.
As you are all aware, I'd just like it if you'd enjoy~.
Ah, my favorite route. I love Itsuko now. This is, by far, the most interesting route for me now. I have no idea the direct in which most routes are taking, but it is clear this one is going to a completelly different direction. After all, the only antagoinst in the other routes is the evil headphones, but here the Agency itself seens to be taking that role at last for now.
By the way, I found interesting that each character counterpart was found in their respective route with exeption of Yuuki. A pitty, I am looking foward their meeting.
Quote:
Originally Posted by otai
Was it the Agency after Itsuko? If the Agency provided help to Itsuko, why are they after her now? For approaching/shooting Kyon?
A perfect good reason to me. When Itsuko menanced and shoted Kyon she was scared and (probably) tought she was surronded by enemies (blame Kyon for showing the headphones to her). However, even if she realized her mistake and apologised, the Agency don't know that. For all they know Itsuko is a spy using their kindness to get close to Kyon (a important key to Haruhi) and eliminating him. Now I am more curious why they didn't acted sooner. Maybe they didn't want to make a fuss in a public place? And latter they waited Yuuki to not be around (assuming they can notice Yuuki's power)?
In any way, I doubt they will be as coperative to Itsuko and the rest of the genderbend brigade on this route. Heck, they might as well be hunting the other at same time, after all, if Itsuko lied, the others are her alies and, therefore, enemies from the Agency.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Itsuko's route is better simply because she has more potential than Yuki/Mikuru, who I find frankly boring and worthless. Thankfully, I won't be writing their routes.
You shouldn't speak that about them. Also, you are doing an exelent job with Mikuru and Mitsuuru, in my opinion. Mitsuuru is turning out to be awesome in a lame way and I believe you have done a interesting job with Mikuru's ambiguity in the last scene.
I agree Yuki's scenes are kinda meh in comparition, tough. Not bad, but not near as good as the others.
Btw, where is Kogetsu to go crazy with that statement?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, He is the Terminator:
-snip-
I kinda miss Itsuko's reacon to seeing Kyon-chan and Kyon together. Not important, but it was interesting to see.
Anyway, a nice scene,good to see Kyonko melancholy and then having the havy mood change abruptly near to the end. I feel Kyon recovered fast for knowing that 'everyone I know is dead', but I guess she believes that since Haruki is there everything is going to be Ok soon or latter, like in the end of Melancholy.
And, yeah, Haruki and Kyon² interaction is priceless. I am looking foryard to see his reaction about Alien ESPers and Future People. Kyonko already seemed to have discarted any hope for manteing the Mascarade after all. They are already in another dimension (and Haruki already knows he is 'God', altough she don't know that yet), what worse can happen?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Spoiler for Flagless:
-snip-
It must really suck getting this route in the first play. Hope you have something 'interesting' for the ons unfortunatelly enought to be stuck in a Bad End.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Haruki's the type to not consider himself gay as long as he's going after something that looks like a girl... Kyon is too manly for him.
Sounds so hypocrite, altough I can see the logic.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
See, exactly. Haruhi and Haruki both like little, cute things.
...Poor Kyonko.
And yet Haruhi still likes Kyon. I guess it explain why Haruki is more... exagerated, in his demostration of affection. Kyon-chan has everything that made Haruhi fall for Kyon plus she is cute. Poor Kyonko, indeed.
However, since Haruhi do not really know Kyonko, I doubt she would like her that much. I have the impression Haruhi only like Kyon because she knows he, his superficial personality don't seen to be appealing to her.
Quote:
Originally Posted by s07195
Did I miss something here? Since when has Kyon been manly? If he ever was manly, I'll eat a brick.
...Of course, I might as well eat it on the spot...
Bit your tongue, Kyon is awesome! In spades, at last. Besides, 'manly' as opose to 'feminine' or 'cute'. Unlike, say, Mitsuuru, Kyon looks to much like, you know, a man.
Quote:
Originally Posted by s07195
Don't forget Mikuru, but does she count?
I doubt he had, remember that flashbacks some time ago? Bad things will happen with Haruki meeting Mikuru. Too much comedy potential to be wasted.
Oh, yeah, good seeng the rewrite project being back from the deads. I haven't read it yet tough, it is Boredom already finished? Are you, otai, planning to go to Bamboo Leaf now?
PS: Sorry for the overly long post. PPS: What a pain was to post it! Since when there is a character limit to post? To make it worse the forum keep saying the message was too short It only told me it was actually too long after I delete part of it.
Hi folks I am back. Sorry for slacking with the archives and tHi folks I am back. Sorry for slacking with the archives and thanks a lot s07195 for keeping a mini-archive in my absence.
Now lets come back a bit in the time so I can comment everything I miss (sorry for that, it is really, really big):
Awesome scene, or should I say "rewrite"? It was close to that. Anyway, Haruki's characterization was particularly good here. He is still a jerk but it is clear he is a nice jerk. Pretty fitting, since the original chapter was the first time Kyon ensured to Itsuki that Haruhi is actualy a good person.
Heh, funny scene. Start with a crazyness and endded with tsundere comedy.
I now wonder what is causing Kyon 'sickness'. Since he is kinda fine in all other scenes, it must be related to Haruhi. Maybe it is spending time with her plus the headphones (as opposed to just the headphones)? Is Haruhi's power overloading him somehow.
I am also curious how much of what he saw was real. I mean, it was really a closed space? Or he just 'tought' he would face the 'force field' and so it happend?
Good scene indeed. Mitsuuru is pretty cool here. As said, a good play with the Asahinas ambiguity. Mikuru exitation in speaking "Classified information" seens to mean the information is not really classified (not to Kyon at last), as it should act as a filter to all Mikuru say. She should't be able to almost tell about her superiors, which mean she is purposedly hidding something on her own.
Also, I have to seccond GDB criticism:
Indeed, this don't seen to make much sense. Why the original Universe future can remember these events but the Genderbend one don't?
Unless, of course Mikuru lied, as I think it is happening anyway. Kyon was not supposed to have a confrontation with Mitsuuru, nor is Mikuru supposed to be following him. Heck, the main problem is Mitsuuru i not supposed to be there in the first place.
The future probably noticed something is really wrong and are acting the best way the can. They sended their field agent(s) to follow the unknow variables and had her/them taking someone from this time plane to not risk things even more. They probably hope time fix itself somehow (I wouldn't put past then to actually plan to change Mikuru's memories so Mikuru(Big) don't remember these events without being a paradox.
That or the future was somehow altered. Which is even weirder, considering what we know about Haruhi time travel rules. Maybe it is Haruki's fault? Or Midori's?
Cool. I suppose the headphones are gone for good on this route? Not much to talk about it here. Also, comparing with your erlier scenes, I believe your are getting better with Yuki's dialogues.
Ah, my favorite route. I love Itsuko now. This is, by far, the most interesting route for me now. I have no idea the direct in which most routes are taking, but it is clear this one is going to a completelly different direction. After all, the only antagoinst in the other routes is the evil headphones, but here the Agency itself seens to be taking that role at last for now.
By the way, I found interesting that each character counterpart was found in their respective route with exeption of Yuuki. A pitty, I am looking foward their meeting.
A perfect good reason to me. When Itsuko menanced and shoted Kyon she was scared and (probably) tought she was surronded by enemies (blame Kyon for showing the headphones to her). However, even if she realized her mistake and apologised, the Agency don't know that. For all they know Itsuko is a spy using their kindness to get close to Kyon (a important key to Haruhi) and eliminating him. Now I am more curious why they didn't acted sooner. Maybe they didn't want to make a fuss in a public place? And latter they waited Yuuki to not be around (assuming they can notice Yuuki's power)?
In any way, I doubt they will be as coperative to Itsuko and the rest of the genderbend brigade on this route. Heck, they might as well be hunting the other at same time, after all, if Itsuko lied, the others are her alies and, therefore, enemies from the Agency.
You shouldn't speak that about them. Also, you are doing an exelent job with Mikuru and Mitsuuru, in my opinion. Mitsuuru is turning out to be awesome in a lame way and I believe you have done a interesting job with Mikuru's ambiguity in the last scene.
I agree Yuki's scenes are kinda meh in comparition, tough. Not bad, but not near as good as the others.
Btw, where is Kogetsu to go crazy with that statement?
I kinda miss Itsuko's reacon to seeing Kyon-chan and Kyon together. Not important, but it was interesting to see.
Anyway, a nice scene,good to see Kyonko melancholy and then having the havy mood change abruptly near to the end. I feel Kyon recovered fast for knowing that 'everyone I know is dead', but I guess she believes that since Haruki is there everything is going to be Ok soon or latter, like in the end of Melancholy.
And, yeah, Haruki and Kyon² interaction is priceless. I am looking foryard to see his reaction about Alien ESPers and Future People. Kyonko already seemed to have discarted any hope for manteing the Mascarade after all. They are already in another dimension (and Haruki already knows he is 'God', altough she don't know that yet), what worse can happen?
It must really suck getting this route in the first play. Hope you have something 'interesting' for the ons unfortunatelly enought to be stuck in a Bad End.
Sounds so hypocrite, altough I can see the logic.
And yet Haruhi still likes Kyon. I guess it explain why Haruki is more... exagerated, in his demostration of affection. Kyon-chan has everything that made Haruhi fall for Kyon plus she is cute. Poor Kyonko, indeed.
However, since Haruhi do not really know Kyonko, I doubt she would like her that much. I have the impression Haruhi only like Kyon because she knows he, his superficial personality don't seen to be appealing to her.
Bit your tongue, Kyon is awesome! In spades, at last. Besides, 'manly' as opose to 'feminine' or 'cute'. Unlike, say, Mitsuuru, Kyon looks to much like, you know, a man.
I doubt he had, remember that flashbacks some time ago? Bad things will happen with Haruki meeting Mikuru. Too much comedy potential to be wasted.
Oh, yeah, good seeng the rewrite project being back from the deads. I haven't read it yet tough, it is Boredom already finished? Are you, otai, planning to go to Bamboo Leaf now?
PS: Sorry for the overly long post. PPS: What a pain was to post it! Since when there is a character limit to post? To make it worse the forum keep saying the message was too short It only told me it was actually too long after I delete part of it.
There's nothing wrong with writing an overly long post. Since it shows your dedication to this project, I would say people are glad to have you here.
Also, I loved the Kyonko scene. I guess Kyon really does look a bit chump like if you think about it. Sort of. Maybe. Somewhat. Something. Ah whatever.
2010-04-02, 09:43
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