I was kinda bored, so I decided to play around with otai's Part 6, changing some of the grammar and spelling in according to some of the comments here.
Honestly though, there aren't a lot, good job otai!
Spoiler for Boredom pt. 6 small edit?:
The fourth batter easily hit the ball for a double, and the fifth took advantage of an error by Kunikida to claim first base. With our bases loaded at the first and the third, the sixth batter scored their second run by driving the ball into the right field. The seventh batter hit a ground ball to third base that was snatched up instantly by Tsuruya-san and thrown to home, tagging out the runner. Thus the first inning ended.
The score was 2-0. To see our rag-tag team putting up such a tenacious defense was simply beyond my belief. This is annoying; let's just give up 10 runs quickly and put ourselves out of our misery.
The second inning began by having our fifth to seventh batters; my brother, Itsuko and Kunikida striking out in a row. It couldn't be helped that amateurs like us would get slaughtered by seasoned veterans. Individually, our skill levels were low, and our captain had only came up whimsical nonsense instead of tactics.
In addition, our opponents had by now homed in on our main weakness; as a result, our right outfield area had been constantly bombarded by their hits. Asahina-senpai panics whenever the ball was hit, and he would lose track of the ball; forcing Taniguchi and me to help cover his area. Unfortunately, our success rate was only around 10%, and left us two very tired girls. Still, Asahina-senpai's grateful smile seemed to have reinvigorating properties for Taniguchi and I.
Keep that effortless smile, Asahina-senpai, and the world will continue to take care of you...
At the end of this inning, the opponent had blown us away with another 5 runs. The score is 7-0; with three more, the game will be awarded to the Pirates on the mercy rule. This game should be wrapped up within the next inning.
The first to bat in the third inning was Tsuruya-san. This person gave the impression of being energetic and fairly athletic. However, he showed his inexperience at this game by hitting a series of fouls in his batting performance. In the end, he hit a pop fly that was easily caught by the catcher. Tapping the helmet on his head as he approached the bench, Tsuruya said.
"This sure is hard. It's difficult enough to just make contact with the ball."
Haruki frowned and put on a serious expression, appearing to be thinking hard. Please stop, whatever you're coming up with isn't likely to be anything good.
"Looks like it's time to use our secret weapon..."
Haruki mumbled, before signaling to the umpire and shouting "Time out!"
He picked up his large duffel bag, and pulled me to the back of the bleachers. I went with him, on account of my attachment to my ponytail. Wait a minute, was I the "secret weapon" he had in mind?
"Kyon..." Haruki paused, and instead began to rummage in the bag he brought along. Here behind the seats, while I awaited Haruki's explanation,; it was a strange time to notice how much the season is beginning to affect us all. Even Haruki had beads of sweat all across his forehead.
"What we're about to do, will rally the troops and destroy the enemy's morale in a shot! I... We'll hit the ball that pierces the heavens! With this, those unfeminine tomboys won't be able to see straight!"
He finally found what he was looking for, and showed it to me proudly.
"Unleash your potential with this! You will be reborn as our Goddess of Victory!"
It was a tight sleeveless top with a matching pleated miniskirt. A girls cheerleader uniform. There were also pompoms in the open bag behind Haruki.
No.
I turned around and just walked away without a single word or glance back, ignoring Haruki completely. It would be stupid to stay there and get caught in his flow.
Finally, he quit his pleading and followed me back to the field.
"Fine. You've had your chance," he said when he caught up with me.
When we got back to our bench, he grabbed Asahina-senpai by the scruff of the neck and headed back behind the bleachers. When they were out of sight, we heard, "Wait! Suzumiya-san! No!"
If anyone at the field were disturbed by a guy's high pitched cry of anguish, they made no sign of it.
Along with Asahina-senpai's protests, the wind also carried over Haruki's boisterous voice, "Hurry it up then! Put this on!"
I'm very sorry, Asahina-senpai; it was either you or me.
When they reappeared, Asahina-senpai was clad in an oversized Gakuran, with a bandanna around his forehead and holding small flags in both hands. However, instead of being a masculine cheerleader, Asahina-senpai gave out the image of a little boy playing in his big brother's uniform.
"Uwah! That's so cute!"
Kunikida stated her opinion.
"Mitsuuru, this is so going onto NicoNico."
Tsuruya-san fought back his snickering as he activated his camera phone.
By the way, Haruki was also dressed in the same cheerleader outfit, but his front is shamelessly left open to expose his body. He had a rictus grin and he winked at me, as if saying 'look at how cool I am, and how cool you could have been...'. I deliberately looked away.
"Well then we should get to work!"
"W,what are we suppose to be doing?"
"Huh? Are you kidding? We are cheerleaders! We are going to shout our encouragement! Like this! Shout! Show everyone your guts! The team can't reach Koshien unless you show your guts!"
Holding onto Asahina-senpai's wrists, Haruki moved him around like a puppet in a number of meaningless cheer hand movements.
"Listen to our song!”"
"Aaaah! Everyone! Do your best, score a run! Do your best!"
With Haruki shouting in his ear, Asahina-senpai could only manage a disoriented and unconvincing performance. Nevertheless, Taniguchi seemed to be fired up by this atmosphere. Grinning, she walked up to the batter's box and took the batting stance with a renewed vigor. Although her simple minded response to the situation was admirable, it is doubtful if she could go beyond her limits. Indeed, she returned to the bench in short order; now looking deflated by her failure.
With that, the batting order was rotated and I was thrust back into the fray. Unlike Taniguchi, Haruki's stunt had the opposite effect on me. Asahina-senpai had a distractingly expectant look; while Haruki shouted, "Kyon, drive the ball out! You must at least get on base! I won't allow anything else; you'll get punishment!"
So yeah, no pressure, see. Well, in the first place, the odds for my swing connecting with the ball was unrealistic. No one should have been surprised when I struck out in 3 straight pitches.
"What are you doing, Kyon? Why can't you listen to anything I say?"
I’ve only heard plenty of unreasonable things. Do you actually understand what you’ve asked of me? Sudden power ups can only happen in fiction.
It's time for our defense in the third inning. It'll be over in just 3 runs. Haruki's face has been as dark as thunder ever since my second strikeout ended our offense.
Suddenly...
Beep beep beep! Itsuko's cell phone sounded from her track suit pocket; she frowned when she examined the LCD screen.
Asahina-senpai appeared shocked, and he gazed into the distance with a hand covering his left ear.
Nagato took his eyes upwards, looking into the sky directly above.
While everyone was heading to their defensive positions, Itsuko called out to me.
"We have a situation."
I swear I haven't asked you, but I suppose I have no choice but to hear you out.
"We have detected the formation of Closed Space. Possibly the largest we've ever encountered, and it's quickly growing."
Closed Space.
A colorless world that I have become a little too acquainted with. I wish it could be purge from my memory. A dreadful place from which I barely escaped; and having my psyche scarred for life was all thanks to it.
Itsuko continued to smile,
"That's right. Closed Space is created by the pressure being subconsciously emitted by Suzumiya-san. At this moment, Suzumiya-san is feeling very frustrated, causing one to appear right now. Unless his mood improves, Closed Space is going to continue building up; and eventually our old friends, the Avatars will return to wreak havoc on everything."
"...You mean that Haruki's getting moody because we're losing? He can get so frustrated as to create such a retarded dimension?"
"That seems to be the situation."
"He's so full of it!"
Itsuko had no comment but kept smiling at me. I sighed,
"This is so annoying."
Itsuko gave me a look and said,
"Now, now, what's the point of complaining? You make it sound as though it doesn't concern you. This incident is very serious; and at the root of it, a lot of it has to do with you. Could you perhaps recall, that our positions were decided through lottery?"
"So it was decided by lottery; what of it?"
"You were chosen as the lead-off."
"Something that doesn't pleases me one bit."
"Suzumiya-san doesn't care if it makes you feel glad or pressurized. Now, please also note that Suzumiya-san was chosen as the clean-up."
"Could you please use a language I could actually understand for your explanation?"
"It's actually pretty simple. Suzumiya-san has wished for it, that's why you were chosen as the first batter and himself as the fourth batter. It was not coincidence or chance. He had expectations that you'd perform well as the lead-off, while he as the clean-up will bat you into home base; the pair with most important roles in leading the team to victory."
"I'm sorry about that being a poor lead-off. But don't try to pin it all on me. What about you, isn't the catcher considered to be a pair with the pitcher as well?"
"Hmmm, honestly, that's also troubling for me too… Still, at this rate Suzumiya-san's mood will only continue to deteriorate, so the Closed Space would not stop expanding."
"......What am I supposed to do?"
"Play well in the game. If you can, make a long hit; or even better, a home run, especially those that fly very far away. How about hitting a very long home run, smashing the score board at the far side of the field?"
"Don't be silly. I am only capable of scoring home runs in video games. How am I supposed to make such powerful swings? Besides, you'd think that this job is for the cleanup himself."
"I suppose so. But, we all sincerely hope that you can do it. Or perhaps, provide inspiration to Suzumiya-san to score a run."
However much you hope it otherwise, I'm neither a goddess nor a fairy, and I'm also not his childhood-friend team-manager; so how do you expect me to come up with a solution?
"Well then, please do your best to prevent our opponent from winning the game in this inning. If the game ends here, then it'll also be the end for the world. No matter what, their score in this half must be to within two runs." Itsuko proclaimed that ridiculous conclusion with unreserved seriousness.
The second half of the third inning began. Haruki got onto the pitcher's mound while still wearing his cheerleader costume. Asahina-senpai wore that cheerleader costume into the right field as well. Does Haruki really want to play the rest of the game wearing those ridiculous clothes? I don't imagine that it'll be good for his range of motion.
But apparently, it didn't hamper Haruki one bit. He stuck out his limbs without hesitation, paying no heed to the lack of runners on base, and continued to throw his pitches from the set.
The first batter struck the ball right towards Nagato's face. He made the out without even flinching, but the fly ball hit by the second batter wasn't even spared a glance. By the time the ball had rolled into the center field from the left field, the batter was already safe on third base. Haruki was still pitching at full power, but since all he only threw were fastballs; his pitches would eventually be hit. As you could expect from the defending champions, they then managed to score two runs from another two hits and by taking advantage of an error by Kunikida.
We are now at a critical situation. There are already runners on first and second base. Losing just one more run will cause the game to be ended in favor of our opponents; and according to Itsuko, will also send our world into an unimaginable fate.
Whack! This time, the white ball flew high and drifted towards the right field. Asahina-senpai stood at where the ball would land, but curled himself up in fear. It wasn't the time to be distracted by unnecessary thinking; and so for the umpteenth time today, I ran with all my might towards the right outfield. I must catch that ball!
I leapt over Asahina-senpai with my right hand outstretched. The ball entered the glove by a bare graze with the glove's tip. I've caught it! The batter's out!
"Argh!"
As quickly as possible, I hurled the ball as hard as I could to Taniguchi who was standing by at the second base. The two runners had already started off, thinking that the ball had been hit far outfield. Taniguchi quickly stepped on the bag. Double play!
Phew, somehow, we managed to survive.
"Nice play!"
I basked in the fawning attention of Asahina-senpai, with Taniguchi, Kunikida, my brother and Tsuruya-san mobbing me to ruffle my hair with their gloves. I made the V-sign to them as I searched for Haruki's reaction; and saw him with a troubled expression as he examined the movable white board that served as the score board for our match.
I finally took a seat at the bench and wrapped a sports towel around my face. Itsuko made her way to me, "Continuing from where we left off earlier,"
A conversation I was not eager to have.
"I've thought of a good solution. Remember, when you were trapped in that world alone with Suzumiya-san; what you did to return from there?"
Stop reminding me of my mental trauma!
"Well, if you would try that method again, then the situation..."
"I refuse." Do you understand what that request actually means for a girl? Just thinking about it makes me feel soiled.
Fu fu fu Itsuko giggled. The noise of her laugh grated on my nerves.
"I knew that's what your answer was going to be. So, how about this? Things will be fine as long as we win this game. I've already figured out a sure-win strategy; and it'll work since we have a common interest at the moment."
Itsuko gave a gentle grin and walked towards Nagato who was staring blankly into the distance at the white on-deck circle. Nagato's short hair seemed to wave slightly as Itsuko whispered something into his ear. Nagato suddenly turned here and regarded me with expressionless eyes. Did he agree to Itsuko's plan? His head nodded like a puppet with snapped strings, and strode coolly towards the batter's box.
Facing to my left, I saw Asahina-senpai staring at Nagato,
"Nagato-san...... He's......"
Asahina-senpai looked pale as he spoke, which slightly alarmed me,
"What's he doing?"
"Nagato-san seems to be chanting incantations."
"Incantations? What are you talking about?"
"Um...... That's classified information."
I'm sorry. Asahina-senpai gestured with a lowered head. Alright, since it's classified information, it can't be helped.
Sigh, looks like that my life is entering the realm of the surreal once again. After all, I could not possibly forget my firsthand experience with Nagato's incantations. On that hot evening in May; if Nagato hadn't barged his way into the classroom, I would be taking the dirt nap right now. Back then, Nagato was also making indecipherable incantations at high speed, defeating the person who attempted to murder me. Ah, yes; the Nagato back then still wore glasses. What will he do now?
I understood at once.
The bat swung; it was a home run.
Nagato appeared to have made a lazy swing, but the bat struck the ball dead center. The ball took off to a high altitude above the field, finally disappearing behind the field wall.
I turned to see my teamates' reactions. Itsuko nodded and gave me an elegant smile; Asahina-san looked slightly petrified, but unsurprised; while my brother and Tsuruya-san simply exclaimed, "Wow......"
Everyone else simply dropped their jaws and went into shock, including our opponents.
Haruki leaped joyously towards the home plate and drummed on Nagato's helmet, who had just circled the bases with a blank expression.
"Amazing! Where did so much power come from?"
Haruki prodded and examined the muscles of Nagato's slender arms excitedly; while Nagato remained still & expressionless, allowing Haruki to do as he pleased.
A short while later, Nagato came to the bench and handed the bat to Asahina-senpai.
"This..." Pointing to the old baseball bat, Nagato said, "Alteration in boost attribute data."
"What does that mean?" I asked.
Nagato looked at me for a few moments and replied, "Homing mode."
With just those few words said, he sat at the corner of the bench, picked up the very thick book that he laid aside when he took the bat and began to read again.
The score is now 9-1, and we're at the beginning of the 4th inning. Originally, it seemed that this was to be the last inning; but now, it no longer seems it will go on yet.
Asahina-senpai gingerly took his place at bat. He seemed nervous to be holding an object imbued with suspicious alien power. Asahina-senpai, while batting; please keep your eye on the ball and not on the bat.
Although the pitcher appeared to have yet to recover from the shock of giving up a home run suddenly; she still managed to throw a good fastball.
"Ah!" Asahina-senpai's entire body spun like a top to a complete circle and landed on his rump; as his unready stance was unable to complete a proper swinging motion. Despite that, the ball shot into the air beautifully and landed outside the playing field.
"Wonderful! That looked stupid, but you still made a home run! Now go touch the bases!"
That was the rather impolite cheer from the increasingly excited Haruki.
With a stunned expression, Asahina-senpai picked himself up and began jogging over the bases.
Taniguchi and Kunikida were once again looking shocked. Tsuruya-san and my brother were uncharacteristically still and silent; and our opponents simply exchanged glances with each other.
The opposing pitcher began to be unnerved as a result giving up two home runs in a row. Haruki taking his second turn at bat wearing his Gakuran cosplay didn't help at all.
He made a macho pose, pointing in challenge to the pitcher with the bat held as if it were a sword.
"Bring it on! As Chief, I won't lose to my underlings!"
The pitcher looked away, trying to avoid the embarrassment of having to stare at Haruki's exposed chest and abdomen. When she finally threw the pitch, it didn't seem slower than the previous fastballs. Perhaps, she has channeled her anger into it?
Unfortunately for her, our team was using a 100% undetectable cheat that the MLB hall of fame would envy. As he predicted, Haruki's hit produced another over the top home run.
I felt deeply sorry for them, but the shock for the opposing team is just beginning.
My brother was next. He walked to the batter's box unsteadily. Because the helmet was too big for him, it covered up nearly half of his face, so he can't be blamed for failing to maintain his balance. The trump card I prepared specifically for the purpose of losing, instead now swung the bat with perfect timing, sending the ball over the fence. To put it simply, he has also hit a home run. No matter how insane things could become, there is a limit to utter ridiculousness. To have an elementary schoolboy hit a fastball thrown by a college student at over 130 km/h (according to my rough estimation), was simply beyond the realm of what's normal.
"That's amazing!"
Haruki, however, did not even have the slightest doubt for this twisted reality.
With a smile, he grabbed my brother's hands and goaded him into an exchange of mock punches,
"That's an incredible show of talent, kid! You're a natural! A prodigy! I see a brilliant future ahead of you! A shoe-in for the big leagues!"
My brother was easily led into Haruki's rhythm, boxing wildly and bumping fists as they both laughed uproariously.
What else could I say to that? ......Hmm, the score is now 9-4.
Sitting on the bench and with my head around my hands, I continued to witness the onslaught of home runs. The score was now 9-7. I was beginning to grow tired of the whacking noises, as the balls kept flying towards the scoreboard and bouncing off of it. Eight continuous home runs in a single inning; we've likely set a new tournament record.
Taniguchi ran back to the bench after her turn in this massacre, saying.
"I'm thinking of joining Softball Team. I didn't know I had it in me. That home run was so effortless, as if it was the bat itself that hit the ball! Playing in the Nationals won't just be a dream like this." By her side, Kunikida voiced her naive agreement, "Yeah, that's true!"
While they were flushed with excitement, Tsuruya-san was laughing loudly as he clapped Asahina-senpai's shoulder, whose nervous reaction should have seemed slightly suspicious. It's a relief that these three are so simple minded.
The score now read 9-8 with the batting order reset again. My turn to take the bat has come again.
In their effort to stem our absurd streak of scoring runs, our opponents had changed pitchers thrice. I'm certain my sympathy was unappreciated, but I still could not help pitying them.
Facing off a pitcher who was at the edge of bursting into tears, I couldn't help having second thoughts. The pitch came at a blinding speed, but I don't believe I had the heart to swing even if it had been a slow ball.
So instead, I experienced for myself what Nagato had merely described cryptically.
"Whoa!" The bat moved by its own, dragging my arms and shoulders along with it. Whack!
Initially, I thought I had merely grazed the ball, but the ball smoothly sailed across the wall and lawn to land on the baseball field next door. A out of the park home run. My jaw fell loose from feeling first hand a feat that was normally unimaginable for me. Homing mode was truly amazing......
I dropped the bat that was modified with an automatic homing device and acceleration booster, and began to run. Even with the nagging feeling of undeserving, the feeling of triumph from hitting a home run was rather exhilarating!
As I passed the second base, I turned to look at our bench. Haruki's hands were raised up and when our eyes met, he made an even louder noise. Could you please celebrate my scoring with a sight less of enthusiasm? I feel bad enough...
Asahina-san, Nagato and Haruki made their second home runs for the match. The score has finally been reversed to 9-11 in our favor. By eleven consecutive home runs...... This has to end immediately; our opponents weren't looking at us, their gazes were instead concentrated on our baseball bat. (Spacing problems i.e forgot to press spacebar)
Are they imagining that we were using some kind of magical bat? They cannot be blamed for that suspicion.
While Haruki was lapping the bases, I fetched our bat back to Nagato who was silently reading his book in the corner of the bench.
"This is enough." I said. For Nagato to blink his eyes so rapidly is a rare sight, as he normally blinks once every ten seconds or so.
"I see." He replied; placing his fingers over the tip of the bat I was held towards him, and chanted something quickly. I couldn't make out the words that were spoken, and I doubt I would understand any bit of it even if I could listen to it properly.
Nagato withdrew his fingers after he finished chanting, and returned to his position on the bench to open his book again.
When my brother, Itsuko and Kunikida next stepped up to the plate, it was as though their previous home runs were merely hallucinations; all of them were summarily struck out, missing every single pitch they faced. After all, we've only managed to score with the help of advanced technology; our players have now returned to their lamentable natural performance.
I've haven't mentioned this; but in this tournament, every game has a strict time limit of ninety minutes because the organizers intend to finish all the matches in a single day. Thus, the second half of the fourth inning will be the final half-inning of this game. We'll win if we somehow manage to hold the score.
Do we really have to win this?
"We'll have to," Itsuko clarified, "I have been in contact with my colleagues; according to them, it is thanks to our efforts that the Closed Space seem to have ceased expanding. However, although it isn't growing any larger, there are still 'Avatars' inside that we'll have to figure out how to handle. Still, having stopped it from expanding is already a huge relief for us."
But if instead, our opponents manage to turn the game around; we would all meet our Waterloo. I could not prepare my heart to deal with Haruki's mood in that situation.
"Which is why I have a solution I'd like to propose," Itsuko's gleaming white teeth were uncovered by her parting lips; they were so bright I would heartily encourage her to star in a toothpaste commercial; and she whispered her suggestion into my ear.
"Are you serious?"
"I'm afraid so. If we intend to keep the number of runs we might possibly give up to the minimum, then this is the only course of action. "
At this point, I absolutely have to emphasize my frustration again - Argh!
Itsuko went to put a request to change our defensive lineup to the umpire.
Nagato is to become our new catcher, replacing Itsuko who will now play center field; and I will be on the pitcher's mound enduring stares from everyone, exchanging my left field position with Haruki.
Meanwhile, I got the more difficult task of informing Haruki of our plan.
“Hmm? What is it? Do you wanna wear that cheerleader uniform after all?” he said when I approached him. When instead, Haruki was asked to relinquish his pitching duties, he snorted and asked rudely.
"Kyon, can you actually pitch? Your reedy arms don't look like they could possibly get the ball into the strike zone." Speaking normally to this guy is useless; one has to resort to the boasting that Haruki calls "hot-bloodedness" if they want penetrate his thick head.
"Look, aren't you starting to feel tired? I can be your relief pitcher. Despite how I look, they called me 'Jackie Mitchell' during my elementary school days."
He gave me a complicated look, but his attitude turned suddenly; giving his agreement in a sly tone, “Of course you can pitch, Kyon!” The brute clapped my shoulders hard, and added insult to injury, “But you have to wear this cheerleader's uniform while doing so.”
You pervert! Why are you so fixated on putting me in cosplay? I really wanted to take the bat to that leer of his right then. However, in the corner of my eye, I saw Itsuko hurrying towards us with a worried look, and the umpire behind her with an impatient look; and I realized that we're running out of time. This farce has gone on too long, as it is, so I guess I had to take one for the team. At the very least, the cheerleader uniform is much more decent than the bunny suit.
He looked incredulous when I nodded my assent, as if he couldn't believe that worked. In an instant he grinned again.
"Alright, I going to be your catcher then! I want to see your ace throwing for myself."
"No! That is... ah..." that'll ruin everything!
Fortunately, Itsuko who overheard our exchange as she approached, came to the rescue of the plan before it was wrecked. "While I'm sure our Brigade Leader will perform splendidly as catcher; however, it will be an effective tactical play for you to assume a field position. Nagato-san will make a good catcher, since he has the reflexes to catch fastballs that fly straight at him; but unfortunately, he is averse to moving out of position; he makes a poor fielder. On the other hand, your all-round athleticism is perfect for this job!"
It looks like it is also necessary to pile it on thick to convince this guy to agree to anything. You have my sincere admiration for your capacity for blarney, Itsuko.
"......Well, all right then. But if you throw like a girl and get hit, you'll have to treat everyone for lunch!"
I would have pointed out to the pig that he hasn't fared very well against a female pitcher himself, but he had already retreated to shouting distance. Instead of wasting my breath, I went to somewhere more private to uphold my part of the bargain. The uncomfortable fabric was a perfect fit. Unforgivable! How does he keep his information on my size up to date? I'm sure I've outgrown the bunny outfit by now...
Meanwhile, Nagato had simply stood about looking dazed, so Haruki and Itsuko had to help him put on his chest protector and shin guards. Was it really fine for someone so torpid play as the catcher? When I returned, Nagato was fully equipped; and they led him to the home plate and set him down in the front of the umpire, who then signaled for the game to resume.
Because the game was already close to the time limit, there wasn't any time for me to get some practice throws. I guess I'll have to wing it for my debut as a pitcher.
“Hey, be sure to say 'Fight on~!' every once in a while!”
That loud heckling was courtesy of Haruki. Ok, maybe I could try just one...
Swoosh! The ball that I pitched at full strength made a limp impact on Haruki's glove. Foul ball. (Methinks this is what otai means)
"Don't mess around!" shouted Haruki.
Sorry, but I was dead serious. However, it confirmed that a fastball is simply beyond my physical abilities, so I'll should limit my attempts to curveballs.
This time, facing Nagato, I let fly.
I really wish I had the previously undiscovered latent talent to throw trick balls that tie batters up in knots, but such dreams always crush themselves on the immovable object called reality. The batter swung hard with perfect timing into the path of the ball.
It's over. In the end, I just couldn't do it ......
"Strike one!"
The umpire announced the call in a loud voice. Somehow, the batter's swing had completely missed the ball. Just a few seconds ago a clean hit was beyond doubt, but instead the batter was now staring with disbelief at the unexpected contents in Nagato's glove.
To tell the truth, I feel the same too. My weak pitch had suddenly veered downwards by about thirty centimeters right before the bat could make contact. It was a scene that was simply too unbelievable to be described.
(Past tense should remain past tense, added a ‘too’ there for maximum awsomeness)
"......"
Still squatting, Nagato only made a slight flick of his fingers to send the ball back to me. With it back in hand, I took a pitching stance again.
No matter how hard I tried, the balls I threw could only move in a semi-straight arc. This third pitch should have been a wild ball - it appeared to head off course for a few yards, before bending sharply, correcting its flight path with total disregard of the laws of inertia, gravity and aerodynamics. It even accelerated after that sharp turn to charge into the catcher's glove.
Smack! Nagato's lanky frame shuddered from the impact of catching it. The batter was stunned in wide-eyed shock, and the umpire was speechless as well. After a while, a shaky voice announced, "Strike two!"
Our defense was becoming just as surreal as our offense. We have to finish this already!
Due to my immense relief, I started taking it easy now. I began throwing as quickly as possible without exerting any strength or control. Even with my half-assed effort, every time a batter attempted to hit the pitch, her swing will miss the ball without even scratching its cover; but if the batter had avoided swinging in anticipation of a ball being called, the pitch will still improbably end up as a strike somehow.
The secret of behind my explosive pitching performance is actually Nagato making his incantations, guiding the ball into his glove while avoiding the bat. Even I can't really comprehend how it works, the mechanics behind it probably much more arcane than the AEGIS ABM system. This reminded me of the time when he saved my life, altering data to change the classroom back to normal. Is that what he's doing here?
Anyway, pitching was a breeze all thanks to that. For me, it felt like I was pitching down a wind tunnel. I sincerely nominate Nagato Yuuki as today's MVP.
It didn't take long for us to inflict two strikeouts on our opponent, and it is down to the final batter with two strikes called. Is it really alright for me to take the limelight and sew up the game with my fake ace skills? I'm very sorry, Kamigahara Pirates.
I made my final pitch at the blanched batter without much thought or effort. The ball corrected its course into the strike zone. Perhaps as their desperate last stand, the batter put all her might to sock a dinger. In response to the powerful swing, the ball changed directions and became a real rising fastball. The bat left residual images in the air in its follow through after failing to meet the ball. The third strike out. Phew, it's finally over...... Or maybe not.
"!"
Behind the catcher, the ball was bouncing along the ground towards the net. The top-speed fastball probably became uncontrollable from its erratic sudden movements.
Tapping off Nagato's glove, the magical ball (in my opinion, anyway) bounced to the back of the home plate, dropping to the ground like a foul ball and rolled at an awkward angle.
A wild pitch.
Snatching up this golden opportunity, the batter sprinted for the first base. However, Nagato was still squatting unresponsively at the plate with his glove held up in the pitch catching position.
"Nagato! Go pick up the ball!"
Nagato gave me a blank stare as I screamed out the instructions, then in an unhurried pace got up to collect the rolling ball. By then the batter-runner had already passed first base and was rapidly advancing to second.
"Hurry!"
Haruki was making frantic waving gestures.
Reaching the ball at last, Nagato picked up the soft sphere like he was inspecting a turtle egg, then he turned around and simply looked at me.
"Second base!"
I pointed at the second base where the baseman Haruki was raising an hysterical ruckus. Nagato gave me a millimeter scaled slight nod...
Swoosh! A white beam flashed past my head, taking off a few strands of my hair. My sight followed its path, and I saw the glove lifting off from Haruki's hand. With the ball nestled within, the glove came to rest in the center field. In retrospect, Nagato's arm had barely moved to make that throw; only a slight bending of his wrist.
Haruki widened his eyes at the sensation of his glove being involuntarily taken off by a ball that was practically fired from a cannon. As for our opponent, perhaps the spectacle horrified her; with a stunned expression, she laid prostate on the ground, just shy of the second base.
Itsuko the center fielder retrieved the ball from Haruki's glove that she calmly picked up from the ground in her defense zone, then walked over there sporting that universal smile of hers. She then touched the batter with the ball, at the same time gave some apologetic words in a consoling tone,
"I'm really sorry. We just happen to be quite a disorganized group,"
Don't include me in that illogical group as well. I felt with a deep sigh.
The game was over.
The entire team of Kamigahara Pirates had burst into tears. I didn't know how to interpret this pitiful display. Are they afraid of being scolded by their seniors for their humiliating the team's legacy? Or could it be frustration from losing to such a cliche bunch of a rag-tag team that even counted an elementary school child as member? Or perhaps even both?
Haruki, without any sense of delicacy as usual, appeared absolutely thrilled; crowing in celebration in front of our poor opponents.
Breaking into a brilliant smile similar to that on his face when he established the SOS brigade; Haruki proclaimed with a serious look "We'll go on all the way to the top, and then march into the Summer Koushien! Being the national champion is no longer a dream!"
His only companion in cheering along was Taniguchi. I don't know anymore, I refuse to burden myself further with this madness, and I'm certain the High School Baseball Federation must have felt the same.
"Great work," Itsuko popped up at my side without warning. "Speaking of which, what should we do next? Continue on with the second game?"
Shaking my head, I replied, "To sum it up, if we start losing again, Haruki's going to be upset, isn't he? This means we need to keep on winning, which also means that we would require help from Nagato's magic. It's going to become bothersome if we keep ignoring the laws of physics. Let's forfeit!"
"I thought so too. In fact, I think I'd better go help my colleagues. In order to eliminate this occurrence of Closed Space, they're still short of people required to beat up the Avatars.'"
"Send those blue guys my regards."
"I will. By the way, from what happened today, I've learnt that Suzumiya-san absolutely must not be allowed get bored again. All of us should keep this fact in mind... Well, I'm counting on you." Itsuko then went to the organizers to request a forfeit. She keeps dumping all these troublesome tasks on me without a hint of remorse on her smiling face; I really can't stand much more of her.
I tapped on Haruki's back while he was doing a wild celebration dance with Asahina-senpai, who was obviously participating under duress.
"What? You want to dance too?"
"I need to tell you something."
I pulled him to the sidelines of the field. Surprisingly, Haruki followed obediently.
"Look at them." I pointed at the players of Kamigahara Pirates at their bench, all of whom made a miserable sight. "Don't you pity them?"
"What for?"
"I believe they have shed much blood and sweat to train for this day. The team had won the tournament for four consecutive years, I'm sure they were under enormous pressure to repeat their achievements again."
"So?"
"Their bench warmers must be crying as well. Look at that girl with the marine crew-cut crying behind the side netting, that's the disappointment I'm talking about. Don't you find that sad? Can you imagine how determined that girl must be to cut her hair like that? But now she will probably never stand on the field again."
"And so?"
"So, let's forfeit!" I stated matter-of-factly. "You've probably played enough, right? Honestly, I don't feel like playing anymore. Right now, I'd rather have lunch and chat together with everyone. Frankly, my limbs are trembling from exhaustion now."
It was true. I was exhausted both physically and mentally, thanks to the constant running between the infield and outfield during our defense.
His earlier smug self-satisfied expression disappeared. Haruki began pouting like Donald Duck and gave me a long silent stare with an agonized look in his eyes. Just when I was about to lose my breath...
"And you're fine with this?"
Yup. Asahina-senpai, Itsuko, and maybe even Nagato were having the same feelings as I do about this. Even my brother, though he has been practicing his swing non-stop; but if you entice him with a piece of candy, he'll abandon the bat in an instant. “Isn't this enough? You've had your fun, right?”
"Hmph."
Haruki kept looking at me, then turned towards the baseball field. After a moment thinking it over, or perhaps he only pretended to be thinking; he smiled at me pleasantly,
"Alright, then! I am getting hungry anyway, let's have lunch! I didn't know that baseball was such a simple sport, our victory was so easy!"
Is that so? Arguing with him would be pointless, so I merely shrugged my shoulders.
The Kamigahara Pirates' captain wept as she thanked us gratefully when she heard that we were withdrawing from the tournament, and surrendering to them the right to advance to the next round. I felt very guilty to receive her gratitude, since we defeated them by using some horribly absurd cheating.
When I hastily began to leave, the captain held me back, and whispered into my ear, "Say... that bat of yours, how much would you be willing to sell it for?"
In the end, with the exception of Itsuko, our entire team was enjoying their food in a corner of a restaurant. Between Haruki and Asahina-senpai, my brother was making a mess of himself eating his hamburger by picking at it sloppily with his knife. Taniguchi and Kunikida were having a serious discussion about joining the North High Softball Team. Sigh, it's best to leave these people alone.
Meanwhile, Tsuruya-san was trying to start a conversation with Nagato, "So you're Nagato Yuuki-kun? Mitsuuru told me quite a lot about you."
Nagato played the rude under-classman and ignored Tsuruya-san, giving the task of finishing his club sandwich his full attention.
At some point, standing up pompously as if he was giving a State of Union address; Haruki announced to everyone that I will be paying for the lunch.
I have never quite comprehended why such outlandish ideas occur to Haruki. I couldn't really figure out the way his mind operates, so I've already adjusted my heart to avoid being startled by what happens every day. For today, I can't even be bothered to protest, since it was too troublesome. In fact, that's an understatement; I felt relaxed as though a storm had finally abated.
This was all thanks to the substantial amount of money that has mysteriously filled my pocket.
You have my sincere prayers for all the best, Kamigahara Pirates.
A few days later, the SOS-dan had gathered inside the clubroom at the clubs complex after school; returning to our usual lifestyle. It was as if the Softball Tournament on Sunday never happened at all. I was having a game of Othello with Itsuko, sipping the brown rice tea that Asahina-senpai, wearing his butler costume; had brewed for me. Beside us, Nagato sat reading a philosophy book that was as thick as a dictionary, borrowed from the library.
Asahina-senpai's costume choice definitely set the mood for a leisurely afternoon. Don't get me wrong, but wouldn't anyone get the feeling of indulgence by the presence of a loyal servant? Along with the tea tray clutched securely under his arm, Asahina-senpai made a warm audience to my battle on the board against Itsuko.
This tranquility wasn't any different from before.
Once again, as always, the very same person arrived to destroying this peacefulness, drowning it in the raging torrents of time, Suzumiya Haruki.
"Sorry, I'm late!"
Haruki apologized insincerely after creeping in like a winter chill. That glimmering grin of his is enough to raise my hackles. Every time he smiles like that, I would inexplicably get the sensation that behind the smile lurks another scheme that is bound to pain me both physically and mentally. The world is an amazing place, because exactly as expected; Haruki queried ominously, “I found something else for us to do, guys! Should it be soccer, or American football?”
I finished placing my black Othello piece down on the board and flipped over two of Itsuko's white pieces, before responding, "What do you mean?"
"These."
Reluctantly, I accepted the two pieces of paper that Haruki handed me. Sigh, not again with the fliers. A quick glance at both sheets told me; one was a notice for a grass-field soccer tournament, and the other was one for a grass-field American football tournament. From the bottom of my heart, I silently cursed the person who was responsible for printing and circulating them.
"I have to admit, I wasn't actually interested to participate in the baseball tournament. Instead, I had planned to join these two, but that baseball one was held earlier. So Kyon, which do you think is better?"
With the feeling of impending doom on my heart, I slowly scanned for the responses of the other occupants of the club room. Itsuko gave a small grimace while her fingers caressed an Othello piece listlessly. Asahina-senpai was continually shaking his head, his eyes close to tears. Nagato simply continued reading his book quietly, with an occasional turn of a page.
"Oh yeah, you know how many players there are in a soccer or American football team, right? The people from the baseball tournament won't be enough!"
I looked at Haruki's beaming smile and wondered, "Which game requires fewer players?"
Wait, just noticed... Mitsuuru isn't crossdressing in this version.
Honestly, I'm starting to feel like a grammar teacher...
Our editors really HAVE disappeared.
Y'know, I haven't seen Heatth around for some time. I wonder when he's gonna update the archive...
Now that I think about it... What if Heatth has disappeared like all the other archivers? Hopefully not, and for now this would be a mysterious circumstance that Haruhi would be interested in.
Welcome to: The Disappearance of VN archivers
Y'know, I'm starting to not understand what I post about. Probably a side-effect of excess posting.
edit: And somebody should update the story archive with Setsubun and otai's final part of Boredom, since dkellis incidentally the first VN archiver too seems to have disappeared.
Coming up next: The disappearance of Seitenkan editors
ERROR
REBOOT *ksshhhk*
I can't speak for Heathh, but I've been incredibly busy with school and real life. And I still haven't found a paying job yet... >.>
Oh stop it, you've just been too busy playing W*cough* Ignore her, ignore her... there has been no game playing over here except for some HeartGold and a wee bit of Mass Effect.Stop that!
Anyways, I'd like to say I'll get back to posting edits some time soon... maybe after midterms are done, I guess.
__________________
By the book, by hook, by rook,
Shadow takes all, my pet;
My what a strange duet.
Shadow takes all.
Just a heads-up: There haven't been many updates recently because I've been having a lot of personal problems. But this isn't my blog so I won't go into detail, heh.
You all can expect something before the week is out, though. I'll definitely have at least the Mikuru and Yuki scenes done by then.
Just a heads-up: There haven't been many updates recently because I've been having a lot of personal problems. But this isn't my blog so I won't go into detail, heh.
You all can expect something before the week is out, though. I'll definitely have at least the Mikuru and Yuki scenes done by then.
Looking forward to the Yuki scene.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iaevuous
I can archive and I have the free time. Does that mean I'm going to disap
That's odd, I didn't realize archiving had something to with Candlejack. Something's wro
Just a heads-up: There haven't been many updates recently because I've been having a lot of personal problems. But this isn't my blog so I won't go into detail, heh.
You all can expect something before the week is out, though. I'll definitely have at least the Mikuru and Yuki scenes done by then.
A week DOES go by pretty fast, y'know.
Over here in HK, it's already Thursday night.
Of course, this doesn't seem to be the case for the making of a certain one-week demo of a certain VN...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iaevuous
I can archive and I have the free time. Does that mean I'm going to disap
Quote:
Originally Posted by HikariNiwa
That's odd, I didn't realize archiving had something to with Candlejack. Something's wro
Oh dear, two more unfortunate victims
Hope I'm not the only one le
MUAHAHAHA
LONG LIVE THE GREEN QUEEN
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Mikuru: Confrontation:
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 who 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.
Why is it that I cannot write anything happy?
Expecting a lot of complaints about this one. Still, please try to enjoy~.
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?
Also, lol at Mitsuuru having learned much from Haruki. Seems like the optimal solution would've been to just say he was a time-traveler like Asahina, and that he couldn't divulge any more than that. Instead, he tried to go GAR and was forced to use his trump card (which I'm kind of assuming is some sort of TPDD-powered emergency attack).
The only point the seemed strange to me was when Mitsuuru wanted to leave and Kyon grabbed his hand. Otherwise it was quite good, especially Kyon’s attempt at lying. Perhaps more banter between then would be in order?
In addition:
Quote:
Kyon: You know my name. How?
Mitsuuru: Classified Information.
Would have explained everything and nothing along with humor value.
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?
I don't see how that's the case... If I remember correctly, both the light novel and our VN have come to the conclusion that the theory of time planes that the Asahina's tell Kyon (specifically, that each "time plane" is a separate entity and that interference in one cannot change others) isn't true. As such, it should be possible for any major reset change in the present to affect the future.
__________________
By the book, by hook, by rook,
Shadow takes all, my pet;
My what a strange duet.
Shadow takes all.
I don't see how that's the case... If I remember correctly, both the light novel and our VN have come to the conclusion that the theory of time planes that the Asahina's tell Kyon (specifically, that each "time plane" is a separate entity and that interference in one cannot change others) isn't true. As such, it should be possible for any major reset change in the present to affect the future.
That's my point. If it's supposed to have a reset button ending like I thought was planned at one point, then wouldn't that mean that it couldn't be written down in history as having happened?
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Mikuru: Confrontation:
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 who 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.
Why is it that I cannot write anything happy?
Expecting a lot of complaints about this one. Still, please try to enjoy~.
No complaints from me, I'm happy as a clam! I laughed out loud at the scene of Mitsuuru trying to punch Kyon in the face - which made his taking Kyon out with an electric shock amusing and interesting in its own right. Mitsuuru trying to talk tough, yet concerned that he wasn't coming across as cool enough, was just ... spiffy. ^^ Please keep up the good work!
That's my point. If it's supposed to have a reset button ending like I thought was planned at one point, then wouldn't that mean that it couldn't be written down in history as having happened?
Unless one of the participants was the only one to know what really happened...
Isn't it also possible that even though the true ending would result in a reset of time, the time plane due to the crossing realities results in no time plane reset? or some sort of malfunction such that the crossing cannot be "erased?"
Back to lurking.
__________________
Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so. Douglas Adams Where facts are few, experts are many.Donald R. Gannon
void foo() {foo();} // Can you guess what this line of code does?
Isn't it also possible that even though the true ending would result in a reset of time, the time plane due to the crossing realities results in no time plane reset? or some sort of malfunction such that the crossing cannot be "erased?"
Back to lurking.
First of all, this should be the Final Route we're talking about, right? I mean, the one that fits within canon?
This probably can explain why Big Mikuru has info about the confrontation even when Big Mitsuuru doesn't. When two worlds cross...you have a catastrophe.
Or maybe the time plane veered off rapidly when it happened?
The whole future was reset...but in an alternate universe?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon
Mikuru scene. Perhaps not the best I've written.
Spoiler for September the Seventh, Day 6, Mikuru: Confrontation:
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 who 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.
Why is it that I cannot write anything happy?
Expecting a lot of complaints about this one. Still, please try to enjoy~.
(A contradiction)
Objection!
According to something I read in the previous scripts I read, Big Mitsuuru has no memory of what "happened" (i.e the story so far).
According to the identity "What is true for one is true for another" Big Mikuru shouldn't remember what happened either.
That means... the identity does not hold (anymore)!
You have been lying all along!
Care to add THAT to your testimony?
Objection!
According to something I read in the previous scripts I read, Big Mitsuuru has no memory of what "happened" (i.e the story so far).
According to the identity "What is true for one is true for another" Big Mikuru shouldn't remember what happened either.
That means... the identity does not hold (anymore)!
You have been lying all along!
Care to add THAT to your testimony?
Who ever said Mikuru's telling Kyon the truth about the confrontation? Could be she's telling him he's supposed to so he doesn't freak out that he screwed up time. Or maybe it was a lie told to her by Big Mikuru in case something happens. My guess is, she's been told to spy on Mitsuuru because they don't know anything about the alternate SOS members or where they came from, and they want to know more.
2010-03-22, 06:55
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