JPHiP Forum
The Hello! Project Fanfics => H!P Fanfics => Topic started by: inDeceit on October 17, 2007, 09:10:45 PM
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Chapter 01 : The cycle breaks.
“I swear, it was the strangest dream ever!”
A girl in her early adulthood tried hard to whisper rather than yell, leaning casually against the bookshelf. She had her arms folded tightly, keeping the cold air from invading her body through her sleeves. She wriggled her frozen nose, taking in the smell of old pages and wood, and then she cringed. As she spoke, her eyes ran through the books’ bindings on a shelf opposite of her, making a mental note on how they’re all really in alphabetical order. Her sights were on everything and anything other than the person whom she was talking to.
“Maybe you’ve been reading too much books lately, or all that Takara...-something got to you.”
Her younger companion replied, and neither was she sparing any moments to look at her friend out of courtesy. She continued on her tiptoes, trying to reach for the books on the top shelf. As her body stretched, her top rolled up as well, revealing her bare stomach. She felt a sudden chill and shuddered, but made no attempt to back down until she gets what she wants. The other huffed, feeling offended for the moment.
“Oh, vampire novels…”
Turning around to keep from idling too much, she spotted something of interest on the category and genre listings hung on the wall beside them. Along with the lack of an attention span, the older of them both straightened up and moved to the other side of the shelf without mentioning so. The struggling other rolled her eyes as she noticed her friend gone. It amazed and irritated her to know how easily someone this talented and professional could be distracted faster than a moth is to light.
“See, that’s why you’re still called <i>Gaki</i>-san up till now, Risa. You never listen! It’s Ta-ka-ra-zu-ka, please remember that.”
The strict voice continued, coming from the other side as a book was slid out of its original place. Through the gap, she faced her friend’s belly and shook her head, feeling embarrassed for the other. She flipped open the novel she found and skimmed through the pages, all this while still going on with the conversation.
“Besides, I don’t think they have anything to do with my dream…”
She mumbled loud enough for the other to hear. Risa, as the younger is now known by, rolled her eyes a second time. Seeing no point in being offended, she ignored her friend and resorted to hopping up and down to get her book. In a way, she managed to retrieve her book after all. There was a loud thud and…
“Ouch!”
The book had fallen through to the other side, and coincidentally, right on her friend. Risa gasped and quickly slapped her hands over her mouth. Soon enough, she broke out into soft giggles, thinking that the other probably deserved it for badmouthing her earlier. Mischief pushed aside, she rushed over to her friend’s aid.
“Ah, Ai-chan! I’m sorry! Are you … uh…?”
Risa trailed off as she sees her friend crouched on the floor with both hands over her head, rubbing furiously. Beside her were two fallen books, both left opened up to random pages. As her friend had been addressed by, Ai paid no attention to Risa’s apologies and silently tended to her aching head, tears of pain brimming by her eyes. Risa quickly bent over and stretched out her hand to help her friend up, but she was interrupted by the sound of heels clicking from behind.
“Ahem!”
Both girls looked up to see a middle age lady glaring sternly at them, her arms folded in annoyance. Her intimidating wrinkled face, generic glasses and a horrible sense of fashion made the girls gulped, Ai’s injured head soon forgotten. Scrambling to their feet, the two girls bowed their head apologetically, at least until the open book suddenly captured Ai’s attention. Curiosity aroused, she knelt back down to inspect the page, leaving Risa alone to deal with the lady.
“Niigaki-san, Takahashi-san! I know you’re idols, but that doesn’t mean you can start a riot in the library! As a librarian, it is my duty to…”
More or less cutting out the librarian’s ramblings, Ai held up the book that Risa had been trying to get her hands on, staring intently at the brown page. She ran her finger over the illustration on the page, a sense of familiarity and detest rushing through her. Just as she was about to read the description, she felt herself being hauled upwards and dragged towards the exit, causing her to drop the book in the process.
“Wha- wait! The book! I haven’t-”
“Forget the book, that woman’s driving me crazy!
Groaning, Risa led Ai out of the building and down the street, both upset that they were now empty handed and bothered. The former more disturbed by the run-in with the old lady than failing to get her book. Meanwhile, Ai was quiet throughout the journey back to TV Tokyo. All this time occupied with that sole page she came across.
“I can’t believe someone that old has so much energy, but then again Nakazawa-san has even more- Tch, and you say <i>I</i> don’t listen. Ai-chan, are you paying attention?”
Risa waved a hand in front of her long time friend. There was little to no response from the older girl, so she snapped her fingers loudly as well as clapped her hands until Ai was done escaping from reality. Jerking her head up, she finally snapped out of it and looked at her friend with a dazed expression.
“Listening? Yeah, you said something about Nakazawa-san being old…”
Risa gapped with a scandalous face and started shaking Ai by the shoulders violently. She then placed a palm on the elder’s forehead, felt her neck and grew confused when there was no indication of a fever.
“Have you gone crazy?! She’ll have what’s left of my innocence if she heard that! … Are you okay? Did that book knock a screw out of your brain? AI-CHAN, SPEAK TO ME!!”
Ai frowned and backed off from Risa’s grip, looking at her friend suspiciously. Having been disturbed out of her very important thoughts more times than one, she’s starting to get annoyed. Sighing, Risa calmed down and grabbed Ai’s wrist, pulling her to the side of the road so as to not obstruct the human traffic.
“I’m sorry, it’s just a natural reaction. You know how I am. Still thinking of your dream?”
“How’d you know?”
Ai jerked with a surprised blink, taken aback by how accurate her friend was, or how attentive she was, or whatever that word is. She looked straight into her friend’s eyes, wanting to know how she knew about her thoughts. How despite the overreactions and screaming and franticness, the younger girl still managed to find a way to spare some analysis on her behavior and is often right about it.
“How could I not know? We’ve been friends for years. You don’t exactly let down thought provoking issues easily.”
“I suppose you’re right. But they’re so real… and you just won’t listen to me about it. What can I do?”
“I just thought it’s another one of your crazy dreams about vampires, knight in shining armor or some other Takazura induced fantasies you have so much. ”
“But it’s not… I know it’s not. Risa…”
“Alright, alright. But let’s get back first, okay? I’ll listen as much as you want later tonight.”
“Thanks, you’re the best.”
“Of course, who else is there to put up with your little ethics?”
“What little ethics?”
“Hm? Nothing. Come on, we’re going to be late!”
Laughing to herself, Risa took a confused Ai’s hand again and rushed back to the studio for filming, pushing through the crowd and racing against time and eventually with each other along the way.
Hours later and still in TV Tokyo, Risa was tired and by herself in the cafeteria with a glass of cola. The sun had long set and she wasn’t quite sure of whom she was waiting for. Her manager? A colleague? A friend? Well, whichever came first, she thought. She took a sip and looked out the window. She was glad that this building had many windows as observing Tokyo’s nightlife was quite an interesting pastime.
“Niigaki-sempai!”
Not sure whether to flinch or smile, Risa turned around with an obligatory ‘Yes?’ coming from her lips. From less than a mile away, she saw her junior literally prancing towards her, seemingly dismissed from her own set of work.
“Sempai! Did you get it?”
“Come again?”
”For my school project, you promised to help…”
Her junior instantly had on an infamous pout. Feeling like a horrible senior right now, Risa bowed her head, palms together above in apology. Knowing exactly what this means, her junior pouted even more, flaring her nose a little.
“I’m sorry Mittsi, but I tried, I really did! But that <i>old hag</i> just wouldn’t let me, said I was cruel to books or something.”
“Is that really true? But… I really need that book on legends and myths!”
Mittsi, or Mitsui Aika to be exact, plopped herself down on the chair opposite of Risa and buried her head in her folded arms on the table. She sighed heavily. Unable to bear seeing her junior depressed because of her fault, Risa perked up with an idea.
”You know, it’s not so bad. You can get it tomorrow, right? Tomorrow’s a free day, and I can go with you.”
“I can’t. I got banned from the library...”
“Are you serious? Do I even want to know what you did to get ban?”
“Fire, books and Koharu. You sure you want to know?”
“No, not anymore. Anyway, I’ll tell you everything I know about myths and legends to make up for it then?”
Risa offered instantly without thinking ahead. And about as quickly as her thoughts had processed, Aika pounced on her senior in delight, hugging the elder around her neck, smiling and bouncing.
“Really? You would? Can you do it tonight?”
“Tonight? I have something on though…”
“Pleeeeeease? It’s urgent! A life or death situation!”
“But-“
Saved by the bell, or more like a second ‘ahem’ of the day, both girls looked up in surprise. Right by the table was one Takahashi Ai looking rather displeased. Her eyes slowly opened after she had calmed down, both arms folded across her chest.
“What’re you two doing?”
“Relax Ai-chan, it’s just a friendly hug.”
Risa pulled away from a startled Aika, who automatically moved to hide behind her sub-leader out of fear.
“Right. I believe we had an arrangement?”
“Oh, right, I was about to get to that. Sorry Aika, seems like I’m taken for the night. Tomorrow, okay? You can come look for me anytime you’re free. I don’t mind.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course, what harm is there to doing your junior a favor? <i>Besides, tomorrow's safer. You don't want to ignite Ai-chan's wrath now, right?</i>”
Risa whispered before lifting a hand to pat a frightened Aika on the head, ruffling her already untamed hair slightly. After sending the girl on her way with some reassurance, she spent a moment of silence at the table to finish her drink before standing up to adjusting her clothes.
“Shall we go?”
“Finally!”
“Before that, why so stern?”
“Was I?”
“No, duh. You were about as sweet as the bitter gourds I had for dinner.”
“Was that sarcasm?”
Risa slapped her forehead in surrender and pushed Ai out the main entrance of the building before she could say anything else. If she claims to know this woman inside out under the position of a best friend, she would be lying. And trying to measure her density would send the scales into frenzy, if ever possible, because Risa knows, or feels that this friend of hers was more than what meets the eye. More than what was portrayed to the rest of the world, and perhaps even to her very self.
As the girls made their way to either one’s home, which was still in the process of being decided, someone elsewhere had been spending the night panicking. Flinging clothes and newspapers aside, she had been frantically searching through her house in hope of finding something of value. She turned the couches over, she went through the thrash and even wanted to go through thrash from 3 days ago, and she would attempt to do some plumbing if she could find her plunger. Every nook and cranny had been searched a minimum of ten times by now.
Finally giving up, she was sprawled on the floor and trying to catch her breath. She couldn’t get rid of the distress and really wanted to scream, or cry, or just die right there and then. Knowing that all three was not an option, she sat up against the cupboard and sighed. She rubbed her palm roughly against her face in frustration and groaned.
“Two thousand flipping years and it had to be ME?! I’m so sorry, whoever and wherever you are.”
A/N : Ho'shit, this was longer than I thought. Everything mentioned was NOT randomly thrown in for failed humor. 3 characters accounted for, a lot more to go. *Crawls to bed*
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“Maybe you’ve been reading too much books lately, or all that Takara...-something got to you.”
Aichan?
“Oh, vampires…”
Vampires??? :?
Risa, as the younger is now known by, rolled her eyes a second time. Seeing no point in being offended, she ignored her friend and resorted to hopping up and down to get her book. In a way, she managed to retrieve her book after all. There was a loud thud and…
“Ouch!”
The book had fallen through to the other side, and coincidentally, right on her friend.
:lol:
“Ahem!”
Both girls looked up to see a middle age lady glaring sternly at them, her arms folded in annoyance. Her intimidating wrinkled face, generic glasses and a horrible sense of fashion made the girls gulped, Ai’s injured head soon forgotten.
Oshit, busted by the creepy librarian! :O
More or less cutting out the librarian’s ramblings, Ai held up the book that Risa had been trying to get her hands on, staring intently at the brown page. She ran her finger over the illustration on the page, a sense of familiarity and detest rushing through her. Just as she was about to read the description, she felt herself being hauled upwards and dragged towards the exit, causing her to drop the book in the process.
Aichan recognized something in the book? Assuming that she hasn't read it before and merely forgotten, how is that possible?
“Niigaki-sempai!”
...
“I’m sorry Mittsi, but I tried, I really did! But that old hag just wouldn’t let me, said I was cruel to books or something.”
“Is that really true? But… I really need that book on legends and myths!”
Ahhhhhh...so Aika was the one who needed the book. She must not have had the free time during the hours the library was open.
”You know, it’s not so bad. You can get it tomorrow, right? Tomorrow’s a free day, and I can go with you.”
“I can’t. I got banned from the library...”
“Are you serious? Do I even want to know what you did to get ban?”
“Fire, books and Koharu. You sure you want to know?”
“No, not anymore.
Oh...:O
someone elsewhere had been spending the night panicking. Flinging clothes and newspapers aside, she had been frantically searching through her house in hope of finding something of value. She turned the couches over, she went through the thrash and even wanted to go through thrash from 3 days ago, and she would attempt to do some plumbing if she could find her plunger. Every nook and cranny had been searched a minimum of ten times by now.
Finally giving up, she was sprawled on the floor and trying to catch her breath. She couldn’t get rid of the distress and really wanted to scream, or cry, or just die right there and then. Knowing that all three was not an option, she sat up against the cupboard and sighed. She rubbed her palm roughly against her face in frustration and groaned.
“Two thousand flipping years and it had to be ME?! I’m so sorry, whoever and wherever you are.”
:o Eh? Well, then...presumably whatever this thing is that this girl is looking for, it's 2000 years old, important, and evidently passed down from generation to generation of caregivers...AND she seems to have misplaced it?
Boy is she gonna get in shit for this. :OMG:
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Catchy intro chapter, I want More! :lol: What's this about 2000 year old item missing? Is this fiction involving mythical, supernatural fiction? God, I hope so. I'm in need of something heart thumping :shocked:
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A really good long chapter of Ai and Risa. Even some cute lil Aika to boot. I'm liking this. The fantasy bit is a good theme. I wonder if the girl at the ending is from MM too. Does this mean she knows something about the dreams Ai is having?? Hmmmmmmmmm *ponders while waiting for next update*
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Yay! so the dream guardian is Ai chan afterall :nya: I love the AiGakiness! When they are in futarigoto mode they are simply adorable. Ai chan is always fun to read when she's slightly crazy, absent minded, angry, and jealous XD
So I guess the 2000 year old spirit had finally awaken and possessed someone? and could the item she is looking for be ai chan...though she doesn't know that ai chan would be in human form as well? Can't wait to see who the mystery girl is and what happens next!
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I still have no idea what the story is about exactly though -vampires? some 20000000 year old legend?- ... but I'm-a liking it so far. I like how you describe almost every single actions the girls make :)
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Chapter 02
<i>”You know His punishments are not to be trifled with.”
A woman clad in white sheets, looking no less elegant than a fairy listened to the voice speaking to her from an abandoned small Shinto shrine hidden deep within the forests known to house spirits and Gods. Casually, she laid out the offerings that she had brought and responded.
“I know, and I shouldn’t have tried to shirk my duties… but what’s done is done.”
She sighed and sat herself down in a seiza on the dry earth. As she prepared some tea, a small orb started to materialize behind her, and soon morphing into a figure of a human. The new arrival sat with her legs dangling on the fence that surrounded the shrine.
“It is too bad you’re a guardian of dreams, not time nor fate, otherwise you might just be able to escape the consequences that way.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Would you like some tea?”
The deity offered, not the least surprised at the unusual entrance. Grinning, the new spirit hopped off the fence and sat informally on the opposite of the woman. Dressed loosely in a yukata with her sleeves rolled up, she picked up the tea bowl and drank from it.
“The tea you make never ceases to amaze me.”
“Flattery will get you nowhere, my kindred spirit.”
“Mmhm. Fancy seeing you outside the manor though, even since… you know. I thought that piece of filth made sure that you couldn’t escape?”
“I’m sure you’re familiar with being omnipresent? But I’ll have to return eventually, I’m trapped to a bond with him. One that he so despicably created…”
“Pity. Are you sure you don’t want my help?”
“For the umpteen time, no.”
“Headstrong as always I see. But as a friend, it hurts me to watch you in confinement, and you can’t leave the world to be dreamless for long. He will find out.”
“Until then, right?”
Without another word, both knew that the topic was to end there. They remained seated until nightfall, in silence and observation…</i>
A dream just like any other, but there was no doubt that she did feel the wind caress her skin, the smell of damp earth, the giggles of spirits from deep within the forest, and how she knew her way around the maze of trees and illusions set up by the divine. She remembers the taste of the tea that she had personally brewed – green tea, and when she felt a wave of warmth pass through her upon hearing her confidant’s kind words. She was there, experiencing a memory once again, yet… everything was just a sensation. She had never been into a forest, she had no knowledge of tea brewing, and she did not recognize the ghostly being. Everything felt like a first time for her, but somehow it doesn’t seem to be completely so. It was like living another life whenever her dream involved this mysterious woman.
It has been about half an hour since she woke up, and she had made no attempt to move out of her bed since then. The sheets were now heated by the sun, and not even the discomfort of having the air conditioner turned off made her flinch. As her mother yelled for her to come out for breakfast, her mind was on the previous night’s conversation.
<i>”You’re wondering if your dreams are related to a story?”
Risa looked up in surprise, nearly choking on her second glass of cola for the evening. The two had earlier decided to stop by a restaurant for dinner rather than at either one’s home. Upon entrance, they were greeted by noise and nothing less. Both staff and customers, causing the tired girls to be slightly bothered, crowded the entire room. They were then led to a booth at the far end when Ai insisted on having some privacy.
“Yeah, I saw a picture that looked exactly like the woman from my dreams in that book you assaulted me with.”
“I said I was sorry! But that myth and legends book Aika wanted? Hmm…”
“So she could have been from a myth? Do you know of any that has to do with dreams?”
“Well, most people know of Baku, the dream eater…”
“But the woman I saw didn’t have body parts of various animals…”
“Wouldn’t be a woman if she did, huh?”
Ai shrugged and Risa made a face, disturbed by the imagery she is currently having.
“What about any other dream related tales? My dream had a guardian of some sort.”
“A dream guardian? None that I know of…”
“Oh… damn.”</i>
Her thoughts ended there, as abruptly as it had the previous night, without any other clue as to what her dreams had meant. She sighed and finally dragged herself out of bed, incredibly unexcited about starting a new day.
Somewhere pretty far away from our troubled idol, a girl in jerseys and shorts was running about the stadium in search of someone. Some of the others she had approached were wondering why she never thought of using the public address system. If she did, she would have found who she was looking for ages ago. As she ran from one end of the court to the other, she felt her collar being grabbed halfway. She felt the hold release immediately when she almost executed one of her many karate moves on whom she considers an assailant.
“Woah, chill Konno. Someone could get hurt here, and what’s the rush?”
“Ah, Satoda-san! I’m sorry, but have you seen Yoshizawa-san?”
“Yoshiko? Yeah, that depressed soul over there. Can’t miss her.”
Satoda Mai pointed back with her thumb, directing the younger girl at the person on a bench who was bent over, face in palms. If life were fictional, an area of a radius of 3 meters from Yoshizawa Hitomi would be visibly dark and extremely gloomy. Konno Asami simply gapped at her futsal captain.
“I swear I’ve already passed by that seat a million times…”
“You know how it is when everyone has their hair dyed the same color.”
“Ah, you’re right. Thanks anyway!”
Konno, polite as ever, bowed to her teammate and rushed off, more or less actually unaware of her captain’s current mood. Stopping in time before she would crash into the benches, Konno called out to her captain.
“Yoshizawa-san!”
No response.
“Yoshizawa…-san…?”
The futsal captain finally reacted by raising her head slowly, and looked at her teammate and ex-musume with big, desperate eyes. In a second, the tall and not-so-manly-anymore woman jumped to her feet and held a tight grip on the younger’s shoulder. In return, the girl froze upon contact, in shock.
“KONKON!! What am I to do?!”
“EH?!”
“Someone’s going to die before they are even supposed to die!”
Konno watched her captain freak out (and not make sense anymore) in front of her, and on the inside, she was also freaking out at this outburst, regretting on ever volunteering to find the elder in the first place. Calling the captain to attend a strategy meeting was one thing, spending an hour finding her was another, but dealing with this wasn’t something she had expected. She wished she were in New Zealand with Ogawa Makoto right now, thus leading to her wondering about what sort of food they had over there. But her ponderings were cut short by her captain shaking her by the shoulders violently.
“I-I don’t know, but oh! I think.. Uhm.. I think I hear Erina-chan calling!”
Turning to the unsuspecting Hello!Pro egg member and also a member of Ongaku Gatas, Konno waved in her direction. Mano Erina couldn’t do anything but look confused, wondering why her teammate was waving at her, let alone why the other girl from a distance looked like she was being forced to smile while being held at gun point.
“I’m coming, Erina-chan! Excuse me Yoshizawa-san, but seems like I’m uh… needed! Yes, and there’s a strategy meeting waiting for you upstairs, so, yeah. Please report soon, later!”
Barely managing to squirm her way out of her captain’s grip, Konno quickly ran towards the reserve Gatas player, who wanted to flee for thinking that the other was now crazy. Hitomi on the other hand, was left alone and upset again, completely forgetting what she had just did. She sat back down on the bench and invited the dark backdrop and depressing atmosphere back. This all lasted for as long as her break was, until training started again, 15 minutes later.
After 2 hours of non-stop drills and practice matches, a paramedic was called in. Everyone but Hitomi crowded to a corner, either curious about what paramedics actually do, or actually in need of one. Hitomi sat back down on her not so comforting corner again. Just as she thought that she could have the next few minutes of privacy to herself, she felt the side of the bench sink slightly.
“Yocchan, what’s with you today?”
A squeaky and girly -then again, maybe not so high pitched anymore, but to her it will always be that way- voice came bursting into Hitomi’s ear. She chose to not respond, however, leaving the owner of the voice to start dishing out her complaints.
“You missed almost every possible goal and injured more than half the players of EACH team! We play futsal, not dodge ball!”
Looking up with a frown, Hitomi looked at her companion. One can count the seconds with a hand when she looked back down on the floor, muttering a half sincere apology.
“You better be sorry, look at what you did to my pretty knee!”
Her friend raised her right leg and pointed at her bruised knee… hard, as if to make a point and in the process forgetting how injuries are supposed to feel. She quickly hugged her leg in agony as pain surged through her body. but that was the least of her problems. Right beside her, the woman that could probably come up with a hundred and fifty reasons as to why her injury isn’t completely a bad thing, is in fact NOT saying a word. Feeling suspicious, she got up and limped her way to stand in front of the other and pointed at the gloomy captain, her other hand resting on her hip. No one ignores Ishikawa Rika and gets away with it, let alone when she has a black and blue knee in need of tender loving care.
“Okay! Who are you and what did you do to my Yocchan?!”
“She got into deep shit and is now too busy trying to save her behind from being fried…”
Rika took a surprise step back. Where’s the ‘Sorry Rika-chan’ or ‘I’m just tired’, or both that she wanted to hear? It would’ve been easier to forgive her friend that way, but of course, it was always easy when things go <i>her</i> way. What disturbed her more was that Hitomi spoke as if it was serious.
“Yocchan? Talk to me, you’re never like this…”
Shedding her spoilt and childish mask, Rika squatted down and places a hand on the other’s knee. Feeling a sense of much needed comfort from that very touch, Hitomi finally lifted her head, appearing a lot more lethargic than the rest of the players and there were visible eye bags. Rika gasped at the horror of what having no make up can actually do.
“Yocchan! You look like a zombie!”
“Urgh…Rika…not now…”
“And sound like one too!”
Hitomi quietly glared at the girl, causing her to clam up. Rubbing out the fatigue from her face, she took a deep breath in hopes of relieving her troubles for now. She managed to regain her composure after some time. By then, Rika’s legs had already gone dead and she had to crawl her way back to sitting on the bench.
“Rika-chan, can I talk to you?”
“Duh, of course.”
“What if… you know, you indirectly place someone’s life in danger?”
“You killed someone?!”
Rika shrieked, shifted two seats away from Hitomi. Being in an enclosed area doesn’t help when her voiced echoed throughout the stadium, catching the attention of everyone. Naturally, players, coaches, and even the security guards outside turned their heads towards the duo, some in surprise and others in fear for unspeakable reason.
“In a game! A video game! I didn’t really kill someone, haha… that’ll be preposterous! Heh…ridiculous…”
The futsal captain flustered, yelling and screaming across the court. Hearing the denial from one of the best players in the team, the crowd swatted their hands in the air and turned back around to continue with whatever they were doing, disappointed with the false alarm. Sighing in relief, Hitomi turned back to Rika in annoyance. Smiling sheepishly, the usually bubbly girl shifted back to her original seat.
“Great, why not tell the world while you’re at it?”
“My bad… but you could’ve been more direct!”
“Or you could be less dense.”
Hitomi muttered the last part, but Rika caught on fast, of all things she could’ve been more sensitive to.
“Anyway, I mean, let’s say a vengeful murderer was let loose and you were the one who released him and now he’s off to kill that person who landed him in jail in the first place.”
“First off, I’m not born to work with criminals. Secondly, are you for real?”
“I’m serious here!”
“Hmm, I don’t know. Track him down before he gets to his victim? Or find the victim first to protect him or her?”
“…”
Logical points. Hitomi was taken aback by this sudden manner of intelligence coming out of her ‘charming’ friend. Fiddling with an imaginary beard, Hitomi was enlightened. She jumped to her feet with a smile for the first time today.
“You know, those are actually pretty good ideas!”
“Of course, I’ve been borrowing some of Fujimoto’s western movies.”
”Good, good. Keep doing that.”
“But she’ll start charging me! They don’t come cheap, you know! Oi, Yocchan!?”
As Rika whined, Hitomi had already made her way towards the exit, ignoring the rest of practice and silently plotting a way to amend for her grave mistakes. Offended by being ignored again, the older girl chased after her friend, leaving behind a group of eggs and two seniors with no idea what to do without their captain. Actually, only one of them was at loss.
“What’re we going to do now, Asami-san?”
Konno jumped at the question, herself not knowing what’s next. Before she got a chance to speak, Mai had already wedged herself between the two girls, putting her arms around their shoulders.
“Ramen for everyone!”
“But I don’t like ramen…”
One of the eggs spoke up, earning a look of utter disbelief from Mai.
“Blasphemy! You will have ramen and you will like it! Let’s go!”
Some cheered and some were uncertain, but by the end of the day when the managers and administrators returned to the stadium for a last minute briefing and observations, the entire place was left empty except for a lone soccer ball...
A/N: OOC? Cameos? Confusion? Next Chapter please? ;P
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In a second, the tall and not-so-manly-anymore woman jumped to her feet and held a tight grip on the younger’s shoulder.
Yeah, Yossie is not-so-manly-anymore-but-now-a-sexy woman... haha
I want to read more....
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”You know His punishments are not to be trifled with.”
A woman clad in white sheets, looking no less elegant than a fairy listened to the voice speaking to her from an abandoned small Shinto shrine hidden deep within the forests known to house spirits and Gods. Casually, she laid out the offerings that she had brought and responded.
“I know, and I shouldn’t have tried to shirk my duties… but what’s done is done.”
Aye...the important thing now is to figure out how to fix the problem.
As she prepared some tea, a small orb started to materialize behind her, and soon morphing into a figure of a human. The new arrival sat with her legs dangling on the fence that surrounded the shrine.
Oh...looks like we're dealing with spirit-folk.
“Mmhm. Fancy seeing you outside the manor though, even since… you know. I thought that piece of filth made sure that you couldn’t escape?”
“I’m sure you’re familiar with being omnipresent? But I’ll have to return eventually, I’m trapped to a bond with him. One that he so despicably created…”
Huh? That's curious to hear. Definitely going to want to get some more details on this. :yep:
Satoda Mai pointed back with her thumb, directing the younger girl at the person on a bench who was bent over, face in palms. If life were fictional, an area of a radius of 3 meters from Yoshizawa Hitomi would be visibly dark and extremely gloomy. Konno Asami simply gapped at her futsal captain.
Why's Yossi so down??? :cry:
“KONKON!! What am I to do?!”
“EH?!”
“Someone’s going to die before they are even supposed to die!”
EHHHHHHHHHHHH??? :OMG:
“Rika-chan, can I talk to you?”
“Duh, of course.”
“What if… you know, you indirectly place someone’s life in danger?”
Going with the theme of the story...I'm guessing maybe Yossi saw this in a dream?
“Anyway, I mean, let’s say a vengeful murderer was let loose and you were the one who released him and now he’s off to kill that person who landed him in jail in the first place.”
Uh-oh, that's not good. :O
“Ramen for everyone!”
“But I don’t like ramen…”
One of the eggs spoke up, earning a look of utter disbelief from Mai.
“Blasphemy! You will have ramen and you will like it! Let’s go!”
I'm with Mai on this one. Don't like ramen??? UNPOSSIBLE! :shocked:
Gonna be interesting to see exactly what Yossi did to get her all stressed out like this.
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A/N: OOC? Cameos? Confusion? Next Chapter please? ;P
Why this has to be the easiest question ever~ I pick the last one =D Next Chapter please~~~~ :wub:
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Is Yossi's problem related to Ai's dreams?
Kinda confusing but I like it. And Rika's so cute in here~
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@Stefy : In a way, yes.
I did want to have down most of the plot in a prologue at first, but i tried like a dozen times and everything came out dumb, so I tried writing differently, and I like seeing people try to guess XD Everything would be revealed in due time. I'm only done with like 2 (very short) paragraphs for Chapter 3 and my goal is 6 pages, again .__. plus school just started for me and I'm a nervous wreck for being the only female in the class lol.
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EH! Your a girl?! haha. I always thought you were a guy.... Ahh just relaxx and slack around with em, hanging out with guys is much more fun then hanging out with girls IMO. But then if you have projects and stuff in school... having girls would be more productive but sad to say less creative, again IMO.
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Haha, is that so? I come from an all girl's sec school and i know lots of creative and fun girls actually. So hanging with guys... is... kinda different.
Oh well, it's only my first day and second time enrolling in a school this year. I keep dropping out >___>
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Heh... don't get me wrong, I'm not saying ALL girls aren't creative. Just that for me I prefer to work with guys because their more easier to communicate with. But then it all comes down to how one had been brought up -surrounded by guys or girls or both- My case I've mostly been surrounded by guys ever since I was a kid sooo... thats probably the diff?
*And this is soooooooooo off topic*
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Naw, Yuki's writing style is very feminine, so I could tell right away that she was a chick xD
I'm still interested in what's going to happen next :] Yossie either has a physical connection with Ai or a conceptual one, but I'm guessing it's more abstract than links. This is still too early to be guessing things though xD So I won't be surprised if I'm way off the mark at this point in time. xD
I think I forgot to do this for your story:
-bestows you with a hardhat that protects from writer's block-
:B
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Chapter 03
“Well… doesn’t seem to belong to anyone.”
She held the artifact by an attached ribbon and allowed it to spin in midair. It looked just like normal a jade pendant except for some mysterious red lines branching out from the center. She had found it lying on a bench when she sat down to rest in the man-made park outside TV TOKYO and picked it up by the ribbon to take a look. It was a strange object, almost like a museum artifact with its unusual carvings on both sides.
“Though I should probably hand it over to security…”
She made her decision and promptly attempted to hold the pendent itself. Immediately, there was a sudden shock that made her retract her hand and dropping the pendant to the ground. The jade cracked upon impact, causing the red liquid within to leak out, forming a small puddle.
“Shit… they’re going to make me pay for that…”
Quickly inspecting her hand for any sign of injuries and finding none, she hurried to where the artifact landed and bent down to look at it, cursing all the way. She cringed at the foul odor coming from the red substance but still moved to pick it up. No point returning spoilt goods, but she could at least do a favor for the environment and throw it away. As she touched the artifact again, she felt that same shock from before. Though this time, she did not even flinch. Rather, she stood up and pocketed the ruined pendant with a dissatisfied expression, taking her time to examine her body, which was a strange thing to do.
“What is this?! Pathetic! ”
She groaned, disgust in her voice. She kicked and stretched, bewildered by her surroundings and taking curious as well as offensive glares at everyone and anything. It was as though she… wasn’t herself.
Elsewhere, Yoshizawa Hitomi walked the streets while hiding her face under a cap. Unnecessary attention from fans was all right with her, but having them stalk her was simply out of the question, especially for today. She had a task at hand for the afternoon, something personal and confidential, an arrangement that can’t risk being discovered by outsiders. Her tracks stopped in front of a restaurant, which was closed until 5pm. Looking behind her shoulders, she saw no sign of being trailed. Relieved and a little nervous, she slipped under the noren* and disappeared into the dark.
There was a strong liquor smell lingering like mist in the air, and dimmed lights placed under the glass pathway lighted the edges of the room. Music could be heard playing softly, giving a touch of class to the shop. Despite the atmosphere, the staff went about their usual job of cleaning and preparation for the evening. No one looked at Hitomi even though it was clearly stated on the outside that the shop was not accepting business at this time of the day. Clearing her throat to ease the nervousness, she slid open the door and entered the private compartment, greeting the only person inside with a quick nod.
“Yoshizawa! Nice to see you again!”
Hitomi smiled at the older woman and sat down on the opposite of her with her legs crossed. She looked around the room, in awe at the new decorations set up compared to the last time she was here. It may seem like a weak room to be in when discussing private matters, but Hitomi knew that whatever was said in this room, will always stay in. She looked up at her companion, who appeared a little flush. Somehow, she didn’t want to know how long the other had been here for.
“I don’t understand why we can’t discuss this somewhere more appropriate for the situation…”
”Appropriate places are too boring~!”
“Tch…”
The tomboy rolled her eyes and poured herself a cup of tea, not wanting to touch the only other drink in the room and get herself in unnecessary trouble. Cringing at the dull taste, she puts down the cup and sighed. It tasted… dissatisfying.
“So, why are we meeting again?”
“I need to… find somebody. The guardian’s incarnate…”
“I see... The guar-… THE GUARDIANS’ INCARNATE?!”
The older woman shot up, knocking over her wine cup as her hands slammed against the table in anger and shock. Hitomi cowered away from the table.
“You can’t see her.” The elder spoke calmed down quickly, seriousness in her voice.
“I don’t have a choice, I’ve lost the onmyoji’s soul…” Hitomi mumbled, fidgeting with the tatami mat.
“Did you just say you lost…” The woman blinked, taking awhile to absorb the information. “Oh Kami! You lost Sonobe!? Of all things?! ”
She fell back against the wall and pinched the bridge of her nose. She felt lightheaded, which was too much for her age. This wasn’t the same as losing just an accessory, or a missing person. She shook her head; a migraine was starting to develop. She calmed her nerves by emptying what’s left of the sake bottle. Hitomi spoke again.
“I’m going to resolve this, I swear! Just let me find her.”
“What will you do? Have her use her abilities?”
“Well… not real-”
“She has no memories of being a guardian, she has no powers left. She’s just an ordinary human being now, like you and me. You can’t do anything.”
Hitomi grew quiet. She knew this all along, and basically everyone involved knows the story too. What’s the use of finding a mere mortal when there’s an evil sorcerer’s spirit on the loose? But she had to, whether to protect the unknown woman, or destroy the spirit; she had to do them both. It was her responsibility.
“You know, right? Among all other memories I had lost in these last 2000 years, reincarnating over and over, I can’t forget her importance to me. I feel that being able to remember that is significant, some sort of fate that the Gods can’t control.”
“Yoshizawa, some things can’t be solved with just sentimentalism…”
“So? Sonobe IS going to harm her, and I can’t leave her open to danger just like that. She was and still is my friend, even if I don’t know who she is anymore. I’m still going to do this whether you like it or not.”
“What stubbornness…”
Hitomi gritted her teeth, growing impatient. Yet she can’t do anything but seek help from this woman. Resorting to her last solution, she threw away a part of her pride and knelt down directly in front of the other, bending over by her waist in plea.
“Please, I beg of you. You don’t have to worry; I’ll bear all consequences. Just… help me locate her.”
Unable to watch her once junior go on like this, the drunken woman grew sober at the sight. Not wanting to show signs of being soft, she gently swatted the younger over her lowered head, deliberately looking annoyed.
“Fine, fine. I’ll probably never have a day’s rest if I don’t…”
“T-thank you! You won’t regret this, I promise.”
“It’s not <i>my</i> problem if you fail… but you had better not, or you’re paying all my bills.
Anyway, I don’t know much, but it’s been said that the guardian and protector always reincarnate close to each other. If that’s true, she might be someone you know, or someone you’ve once met, who knows. And if I’m not wrong, she would be finishing her 100th reincarnation soon, so if she comes to harm before that… “
“…She’ll… be gone forever… physically and spiritually...”
“To say it badly, yes.”
”Well, that’s not going to happen under my watch!”
“We hope so. It’s almost 5 now, you better leave.”
“So soon? But I’ll see you some other day, I guess.”
“Oh, please don't. Things are never good when you visit. But let me at least send you out.”
The elder led Hitomi out by the shoulders, chatting with her about more casual topics along the way just to brighten the mood. After short-lived laughter and jokes, they reached the exit. The now sober woman pats Hitomi on the back before watching her leave, and then she sighs heavily. She takes a few steps further out the shop, wanting to catch some fresh air but someone decided to interrupt her with a grip on the shoulder. She was startled a little.
“Nakazawa-san! You haven’t paid the bill!”
“Damn, guess you caught me.” She took only a second to think up of something to say, “Don’t worry, I’m not done yet. It’s 5pm now, I would like some dishes served.!”
“Just remember to pay, we’re running out of space to record tabs for you.”
Shrugging nonchalantly, Nakazawa Yuko followed the restaurant manager back into the building, demanding for more of this and that along the way. Secretly, she prays that Hitomi would be successful, for the price to pay for failure is a lot more than just money.
Already 3 blocks down the road after leaving the restaurant, Hitomi repeated her senior’s words in her head, careful to pay attention of where she’s going as well.
<i>’…the guardian and protector always reincarnate close to each other…’</i>
“Could be anyone I know! Holy- no wait, it can’t be Rika… she’s too old. The Berries? Nope, too young. My cousin? Mummy? Argh, your guesses are running wild, Yoshizawa! But… who could it be?”
Probably not one for multitasking, her absentmindedness made her knock into somebody. The other fell back down on her behind, dropping everything in her arms. Hitomi simply stumbled backwards, having a strong footing to boot. Frowning slightly, she bent over to offer a helping hand. However, the fallen girl only whimpered and lifted her head up to see what or whom she had crashed into. Both women’s eyes widened in surprise, but the older broke out in a grin.
“Ai-chan?”
A/N : * = Curtains, lol.
Finally something on the antagonist.
aaaaand, possible Ai/Yossie vibes?! What happens to Risa then? or Rika? D: *shrugs* I haven't thought of that yet :>
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“Well… doesn’t seem to belong to anyone.”
...
“Though I should probably hand it over to security…”
She made her decision and promptly attempted to hold the pendent itself. Immediately, there was a sudden shock that made her retract her hand and dropping the pendant to the ground. The jade cracked upon impact, causing the red liquid within to leak out, forming a small puddle.
Somehow, I get the feeling that red liquid is going to be something pretty significant.
And the shock that was felt, if this pendant has some mystical properties, perhaps that could be the first sign(s) of it bonding to the girl? :?
As she touched the artifact again, she felt that same shock from before. Though this time, she did not even flinch. Rather, she stood up and pocketed the ruined pendant with a dissatisfied expression, taking her time to examine her body, which was a strange thing to do.
“What is this?! Pathetic! ”
She groaned, disgust in her voice. She kicked and stretched, bewildered by her surroundings and taking curious as well as offensive glares at everyone and anything. It was as though she… wasn’t herself.
Not herself? Oshit! The girl has been possessed by another person's spirit/essence (which was probably trapped or imprisoned within the pendant)! By the sound of it, wouldn't be surprising if it was a male spirit (who would definitely find it weird to suddenly find he has the body of a young girl).
Elsewhere, Yoshizawa Hitomi walked the streets while hiding her face under a cap. Unnecessary attention from fans was all right with her, but having them stalk her was simply out of the question, especially for today.
...
Clearing her throat to ease the nervousness, she slid open the door and entered the private compartment, greeting the only person inside with a quick nod.
“Yoshizawa! Nice to see you again!”
Hitomi smiled at the older woman and sat down on the opposite of her with her legs crossed. She looked around the room, in awe at the new decorations set up compared to the last time she was here. It may seem like a weak room to be in when discussing private matters, but Hitomi knew that whatever was said in this room, will always stay in.
...
“So, why are we meeting again?”
“I need to… find somebody. The guardian’s incarnate…”
Yossi's going to secret meetings? And who are the "Guardian's Incarnate?" They related to the possible visions/dreams that Yossi had mentioned before? If so, how does she know about them?
“You can’t see her.” The elder spoke calmed down quickly, seriousness in her voice.
“I don’t have a choice, I’ve lost the onmyoji’s soul…” Hitomi mumbled, fidgeting with the tatami mat.
“Did you just say you lost…” The woman blinked, taking awhile to absorb the information. “Oh Kami! You lost Sonobe!? Of all things?! ”
What the...so YOSSI was the "caregiver" girl at the beginning who was panicking because she "lost it?" :OMG:
In the second chapter she says:“Anyway, I mean, let’s say a vengeful murderer was let loose and you were the one who released him and now he’s off to kill that person who landed him in jail in the first place.”
This must be referring this "Sonobe" character that the other person mentioned. If he's indeed as dangerous as they're making him out to be (which right now seems very likely), then they are indeed in DEEP trouble. :shocked:
“I’m going to resolve this, I swear! Just let me find her.”
...
“She has no memories of being a guardian, she has no powers left. She’s just an ordinary human being now, like you and me. You can’t do anything.”
Hitomi grew quiet. She knew this all along, and basically everyone involved knows the story too. What’s the use of finding a mere mortal when there’s an evil sorcerer’s spirit on the loose?
...
“You know, right? Among all other memories I had lost in these last 2000 years, reincarnating over and over, I can’t forget her importance to me. I feel that being able to remember that is significant, some sort of fate that the Gods can’t control.”
Ah, so Sonobe is after someone? Probably seeking vengeance against the person who imprisoned him. With the revelation that Yossi's a 2000-year old immortal spirit, the whole "caregiver" thing sort of makes sense. She was more a "guard" than a "caregiver" in that it would have been her job to see that Sonobe's spirit didn't escape.
But as for the mystery woman that Yossi's wanting to protect, what's she doing on earth anyway? Yossi's presence is more understandable because they needed someone to watch/guard the pendant. But what about this other woman? They're making it sound like she's an immortal spirit similar to Yossi, but slightly different. Could it be that this mystery spirit now resides in Aichan? It would sort of explain the weird dreams that she's been having lately.
:dizzy:
it’s been said that the guardian and protector always reincarnate close to each other. If that’s true, she might be someone you know, or someone you’ve once met, who knows.
Whoa, so Yossi doesn't even know where/who the mystery woman is? I guess they don't have any spiritual/psychic link with each other, assuming that they even had one to begin with.
And if I’m not wrong, she would be finishing her 100th reincarnation soon, so if she comes to harm before that… “
“…She’ll… be gone forever… physically and spiritually...”
“To say it badly, yes.”
100 must be the magic number, and possibly the reason why Sonobe was imprisoned to begin with. It's possible that he wanted a position of power (possibly even one that was held by the mystery spirit herself), but he could only take/claim it before 100 reincarnations had been completed. Once the 100th one was done, he probably would no longer be able to claim it for himself (like a "coming of age" thing).
“Nakazawa-san! You haven’t paid the bill!”
OSNAP! The other woman was Yuko!!! :lol:
“Damn, guess you caught me.” She took only a second to think up of something to say, “Don’t worry, I’m not done yet. It’s 5pm now, I would like some dishes served.!”
“Just remember to pay, we’re running out of space to record tabs for you.”
CHICKEN BREASTS!!! :wahaha:
“Could be anyone I know! Holy- no wait, it can’t be Rika… she’s too old. The Berries? Nope, too young. My cousin? Mummy? Argh, your guesses are running wild, Yoshizawa! But… who could it be?”
Probably not one for multitasking, her absentmindedness made her knock into somebody. The other fell back down on her behind, dropping everything in her arms. Hitomi simply stumbled backwards, having a strong footing to boot. Frowning slightly, she bent over to offer a helping hand. However, the fallen girl only whimpered and lifted her head up to see what or whom she had crashed into. Both women’s eyes widened in surprise, but the older broke out in a grin.
“Ai-chan?”
Is it? :w00t:
Watch it's probably either Rika, Risa or Miki that has gotten possessed by Sonobe. :P
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This is soo cooll!!
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*gasp!* Did Ai chan just break the one thing Yossie was looking for?! and is she now possessed by the evil spirit?!...oh wait..is that even possible? So many questions, the story is just too intriguing!
btw I noticed that each chapter has a slightly different feel to it. Everything about this story has an interesting mix which makes it so addicting :wub:
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@Sukoshi: A different feel? Heh, i didn't intend to, but cool if that's how the chapters seems to you XD
I wonder who's possessed... because... even I don't know >_>
Like you guys, I'm also curious about how the story will progress :lol:
Until next time~
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A possible Yossi/Ai??... :w00t: :w00t: ALRIGHT!!
Wait so does that mean Ai-chan is the gardian? And that red... thingy is the item that Yossi lost right?
This fic sure is filled with mystery.. I likeee!
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Chapter 4
“Have you seen Takahashi?” Risa pulled the nearest crew worker she could find to a side, looking rather anxious.
“Nope, sorry.” He shook his head and started to walk off.
“Tanaka?” Risa asked again, pulling the poor man back.
“Not even a shadow.” He replied, surprised at the pull.
“What about the other Musumes?” She was starting to look desperate.
“Which ones? Morning, Coconut or Country?” The crewmember joked. But after seeing no reaction from the normally reactive girl, his smile dropped and he shook his head again, not daring to say another word.
“Where’re the girls when they’re needed?!” Risa groaned and pushed the poor man away. Huffing, she stormed off into the crowd, which moved aside for her. Being sub-leader wasn’t as laid back as her senior(s) made it out to be.
Not far away from the studio, it had started to rain cats and dogs. People ran in all directions seeking shelter, and the sidewalks were sardine packed within seconds. Among the chaos, two women were about to be forced up against the wall by the intensity of the crowd, but they persevered.
“Yoshizawa-san!?” Ai jumped up and down, trying to find the taller woman in the mess. Too bad every other person around was taller than her, making things difficult.
The two idols had gotten lost from each other before they could say anything else after meeting when the evening rush began to flood the streets. As the morning musume leader was about to turn away and try her luck else where, she felt a vice-like grip on her wrist and before Ai knew it, an unknown person was dragging her through the crowd.
All Ai could see was a thin arm sticking out from between bodies, exerting plenty of strength to keep her hold on. Both figures bulldozed their way through the human traffic, jaywalked across the jam on the road and towards the stairs of an overhead bridge.
As the crowd slowly lessens, Ai’s confused and offended expression quickly changes into relief. Tracing her gaze up the arm, across the broad shoulders and at the face that had happened to turn to one side, it dawned on Ai that Hitomi was the one who had led her to shelter and at the same time, avoid being crushed by the crowd. They both stopped under the stairs, only a little drenched from the rain.
“Man, do I hate being in crowds…” Hitomi remarked, letting go of Ai to swat away raindrops that have not soaked into her outfit yet.
Massaging her now sore wrist, Ai peeked up at the sky. It was a completely grey, which worried her. She had filming to be done for the evening, but it was impossible to be moving about in a potential storm.
“Do you think the sky would clear soon?” The younger of them both asked, squeezing the water out of her hair.
“Maybe if we’re lucky, but I don’t think so.” Hitomi replied, shrugging her shoulders. “By the way, you dropped this.” She pulled out a thick book from under her jacket and handed it to the other.
Ai panicked at the sight of the book and searched through her bag, hardly aware that she had dropped anything before. The librarian would give her hell if she did lose it. Now that the book was in front of her and luckily in one piece, she took it back and bowed her head, thanking the taller girl several times.
Hitomi laughed and grabbed hold of the younger’s head with one hand, like a soccer ball, to stop her from bowing her head until she falls over. Ai felt pressure on her head and stopped moving. She blinked at the T-shirt in front of her with English words she could not understand.
“Ai-chan! We’ve known each other long enough to skip on courtesies!” Hitomi playfully scolded and released the girl, who straightened up, embarrassed.
“I’m sorry… I was just afraid of losing it.”
”Oh? What’s so important about it?”
“It’s a <i>library</i> book.”
“That’s it?” Hitomi laughed hard, personally never one to return books… or actually borrow one in the first place. “What’s it about?”
Just as Hitomi asked, Ai perked up and flipped through the book, wanting to show her the tale of the Dream Guardian. Maybe she would know something about it.
“It’s of Myths and Legends. Here, I’ll show you.”
As she eagerly browses through each topic, a car was driving at full speed on the road beside them. Before anyone could comprehend what was going on, a loud splash could be heard even from a distance and there was a surprised yelp. Under the stairs, an androgynous figure was holding on to her shorter companion protectively, an open book wedged painfully between them. The taller woman was soaked to the skin.
“Are you… alright?” Hitomi pulled away by a mere inch or two to check on Ai, but she found herself trailing away as she observes the younger’s face for the first time in a long while.
“I-I’m fine.” Ai stuttered, too shock at the sudden turn of events. She fidgeted under the stronger woman’s hold, finding it weird but not the least uncomfortable.
“Have we met before?” Hitomi asked again, looking straight into the other’s eyes, a sense of familiarity rushing through her. She felt herself ignoring everything around her; who the other was, where they were, and what just happened. At the moment, it was as though she was holding someone completely different, as though she was somewhere else. Hitomi felt captivated.
“Huh? W-we work together, remember?” However possible it was, Ai tried to back up from the suddenly different senior of hers. But being surrounded by the elder’s arms wasn’t helping at all.
Hitomi was about to say more when she felt a hard jab at the side of her stomach, pulling her out of her unusual self. Quickly, she let go of Ai and stumbled backwards, bending down to clutch her waist in pain. Even more shocked by the assault, Ai instantly turned her head to where the attack came from to find woman in pink, pointing an umbrella at Hitomi.
“Ishikawa-san!?” Ai gasped, almost losing her balance and falling back.
“Flirting behind my back eh? And under the stairs, of all places!” Rika scolded as she neared Hitomi, who in turn looked up with a one eye open, tears brimming by the corner.
“I-Ishikawa-san…” Ai repeated, a little plea in her tone. <i>It’s not like that</i>, was what Ai wanted to say, but she was too afraid to speak up right now.
“And you, Ai-chan!” Rika continued as she helps Hitomi back to her feet. “Niigaki’s looking for you back at the studio.”
There were no scolding, no lectures, and no shrilled voice running through her ears. Ai was relieved, but a new set of anxiety settled into her. She was late for work! She thanked Rika for the reminder and was about to rush off into the storm when she felt her collar being tugged violently.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Hitomi questioned, her face still scrunched up in discomfort.
“Back to the studio, I’m late!”
“Not in the storm you’re not.” Rika added and handed her spare umbrella to the morning musume leader.
“But it’s only nearby…?” She looked at the umbrella, then at Rika.
”It’s a spare, don’t worry and take it.”
“That’s convenient.” Hitomi commented, wondering why someone would carry two umbrellas around.
“Isn’t it? I was told to look for you girls, it’s only natural to bring an extra one.” The Biyuuden leader smiled at her thoughtfulness.
“So you were looking for me too?” Hitomi wondered, rubbing at her waist as the pain subsides.
“That’s right. Fancy being captain and forgetting about practice.”
Ai wasn’t sure whether to leave or stay and watch the two women start with their couple routine.
“Ai-chan? What’re you still doing here?!” The oldest of the three broke out from her conversation for two and all but shouted.
“I wasn’t-“
“Just go already! Before Risa tears down the studio to find you.”
“We’ll be fine here.” Hitomi added.
She wanted to ask what Rika had meant, but she was quickly pushed back into the rain with her umbrella already opened for her. Deciding to better hurry back, she ignored Hitomi’s sneezing and Rika’ lengthened lecture and fought against the strong winds to make it back to the studio safely.
Just outside the studio, Risa was seated on a bench under a makeshift shelter and waiting patiently. She was tired of running about as if on a scavenger hunt. She hated being alone when everyone else was supposed to be with her. But they had her reasons, she was sure. At least her best friend would. She was leader after all. She lifted her feet off the ground and started to swing it, hoping for the storm to end.
“Why aren’t you ready yet?”
A low voice came from behind. Risa tilted her head upwards to find a man not much older than her leaning against the doorway. He was tall and refined looking, bespectacled and a little effeminate also. He looked down at her with an eyebrow raised.
“Who are you?” Risa asked, never before seeing this stranger.
“Sakurai Hiroki, your new makeup artist.” That explains <b>a lot</b> to Risa.
“Oh.” She lowered her head and looked forward. “I’m waiting for the rest of the girls.”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t get ready first.” Sakurai replied and sat down beside her.
“There’s still some time.” She took a glance at the man and looked away again.
“Then we would all have to do over-time!” Sakurai complained.
“I’m sorry…” The young idol murmured.
“If you’re really sorry, you would head to the dressing room now.”
Risa gapped at the demanding artist, but he was right. They were about to start soon and she didn’t want to be blamed by the entire crew. She stood up and walked past Sakurai, who promptly grabbed her wrist and got up as well. He walked ahead and pulled her along.
“At the rate you’re moving, we’re all aging a year with every step.”
She didn’t have time to say anything when she was running after the makeup artist who refused to let go. She found herself in the dressing room within seconds, a record worth noting. Sakurai sat her down and started getting to work. Risa stayed put obediently. She was being paid to look nice too after all.
Just as he started to powder her face, the door slammed opened and water was dripping on the floor. Ai came in with her shoes soaked and a battered umbrella by her side. She looked at the pair in the room and frowned. She didn’t like what she was seeing. A man touching her best friend, and worse! He looks like a woman? Ai frowned harder and moved to her own dresser.
“Ai-chan!” Risa exclaimed when she noticed her best friend’s presence and jumped up, only to be pushed down on the chair again.
“I’m not done, Risa-chan.” He addressed the idol intimately, earning a surprised look from the girl, and a glare from the other who had just arrived. Shrugging, Sakurai went back to applying make up on Risa.
“Wha- Risa, who’s he?” Ai all but ran to Risa’s side and whispered to her while giving the man suspicious glares.
“Sakurai Hiroki, your new makeup artist.” He repeated his introduction, after having heard Ai, who thought she was already soft enough. “Don’t worry, it’s your turn soon.”
“No, no thanks. I can do it myself.”
“We’ll have none of that. Now wait, I’m almost done.”
“Loosen up Ai-chan, he’s pretty good you know.” Risa giggled as the brush tickled her eyelids. The other however, had a fixed expression of contempt. As for Sakurai, his 'all knowing' smile had never once drop.
Ai sat down behind them and watched the feminine man. The moment she had set eyes on him, she had disliked him. And it’s going to be like that for a long, long time. She was quite sure of it. As the rest of the girls in Morning Musume gradually started to file in, each blaming the weather for being late, they could sense an ominous aura from the corner of the room where Ai was. For the rest of the day, they never figured out why she such an uncomfortable face whenever their new makeup artist was around.
A/N : Who on earth IS this Sakurai person? An ally? An enemy? A random person purposely thrown in to create tension between TakaGaki? :roll:
This sure took me long enough.
-
Last chapter? :o
“Have you seen Takahashi?” Risa pulled the nearest crew worker she could find to a side, looking rather anxious.
“Nope, sorry.” He shook his head and started to walk off.
“Tanaka?” Risa asked again, pulling the poor man back.
“Not even a shadow.” He replied, surprised at the pull.
“What about the other Musumes?” She was starting to look desperate.
“Which ones? Morning, Coconut or Country?” The crewmember joked. But after seeing no reaction from the normally reactive girl, his smile dropped and he shook his head again, not daring to say another word.
“Where’re the girls when they’re needed?!” Risa groaned and pushed the poor man away. Huffing, she stormed off into the crowd, which moved aside for her. Being sub-leader wasn’t as laid back as her senior(s) made it out to be.
Has she tried calling their cell phones? Surely some of them would pick up.
“Yoshizawa-san!?” Ai jumped up and down, trying to find the taller woman in the mess. Too bad every other person around was taller than her, making things difficult.
The two idols had gotten lost from each other before they could say anything else after meeting when the evening rush began to flood the streets. As the morning musume leader was about to turn away and try her luck else where, she felt a vice-like grip on her wrist and before Ai knew it, an unknown person was dragging her through the crowd.
All Ai could see was a thin arm sticking out from between bodies, exerting plenty of strength to keep her hold on. Both figures bulldozed their way through the human traffic, jaywalked across the jam on the road and towards the stairs of an overhead bridge.
Yossi's tomboyish-ness comes in handy sometimes. :D
“By the way, you dropped this.” She pulled out a thick book from under her jacket and handed it to the other.
Ai panicked at the sight of the book and searched through her bag, hardly aware that she had dropped anything before. The librarian would give her hell if she did lose it. Now that the book was in front of her and luckily in one piece, she took it back and bowed her head, thanking the taller girl several times.
The book from the first chapter that was meant for Aika?
OMGASS, DON'T TELL ME SONOBE POSSESSED AIKA!?!?!
What’s so important about it?”
“It’s a library book.”
“That’s it?” Hitomi laughed hard, personally never one to return books… or actually borrow one in the first place.
Yossi obviously doesn't realize how scary a pissed off librarian can be. :lol:
As she eagerly browses through each topic, a car was driving at full speed on the road beside them. Before anyone could comprehend what was going on, a loud splash could be heard even from a distance and there was a surprised yelp. Under the stairs, an androgynous figure was holding on to her shorter companion protectively, an open book wedged painfully between them. The taller woman was soaked to the skin.
“Are you… alright?” Hitomi pulled away by a mere inch or two to check on Ai, but she found herself trailing away as she observes the younger’s face for the first time in a long while.
“I-I’m fine.” Ai stuttered, too shock at the sudden turn of events. She fidgeted under the stronger woman’s hold, finding it weird but not the least uncomfortable
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooh dokidoki! :shy1:
“Have we met before?” Hitomi asked again, looking straight into the other’s eyes, a sense of familiarity rushing through her. She felt herself ignoring everything around her; who the other was, where they were, and what just happened. At the moment, it was as though she was holding someone completely different, as though she was somewhere else. Hitomi felt captivated.
Huh? That was odd. Could it be maybe that the spirit of the guardian momentarily took over Yossi? :dunno:
Hitomi was about to say more when she felt a hard jab at the side of her stomach, pulling her out of her unusual self. Quickly, she let go of Ai and stumbled backwards, bending down to clutch her waist in pain. Even more shocked by the assault, Ai instantly turned her head to where the attack came from to find woman in pink, pointing an umbrella at Hitomi.
“Ishikawa-san!?” Ai gasped, almost losing her balance and falling back.
Uh oh. :O
Ai was relieved, but a new set of anxiety settled into her. She was late for work! She thanked Rika for the reminder and was about to rush off into the storm when she felt her collar being tugged violently.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Hitomi questioned, her face still scrunched up in discomfort.
“Back to the studio, I’m late!”
“Not in the storm you’re not.” Rika added and handed her spare umbrella to the morning musume leader.
Rika carries a spare umbrella with her? :?
Oh well, never look a gift horse in the mouth, as they say.
“Ai-chan? What’re you still doing here?!” The oldest of the three broke out from her conversation for two and all but shouted.
“I wasn’t-“
“Just go already! Before Risa tears down the studio to find you.”
Good point. :mon lol:
“Why aren’t you ready yet?”
...
“Who are you?” Risa asked, never before seeing this stranger.
“Sakurai Hiroki, your new makeup artist.” That explains a lot to Risa.
“Oh.” She lowered her head and looked forward. “I’m waiting for the rest of the girls.”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t get ready first.” Sakurai replied and sat down beside her.
Sakurai does have point here. Might as well take care of herself while she's here.
Just as he started to powder her face, the door slammed opened and water was dripping on the floor. Ai came in with her shoes soaked and a battered umbrella by her side. She looked at the pair in the room and frowned. She didn’t like what she was seeing. A man touching her best friend, and worse! He looks like a woman? Ai frowned harder and moved to her own dresser.
“Ai-chan!” Risa exclaimed when she noticed her best friend’s presence and jumped up, only to be pushed down on the chair again.
“I’m not done, Risa-chan.” He addressed the idol intimately, earning a surprised look from the girl, and a glare from the other who had just arrived. Shrugging, Sakurai went back to applying make up on Risa.
“Wha- Risa, who’s he?” Ai all but ran to Risa’s side and whispered to her while giving the man suspicious glares.
“Sakurai Hiroki, your new makeup artist.” He repeated his introduction, after having heard Ai, who thought she was already soft enough. “Don’t worry, it’s your turn soon.”
Seems strange that neither of them knew that Sakurai was being brought in to do their makeup. If the other members didn't know that would be different, but as leader and subleader, one would think that management would have informed Aichan and Risa about it.
Ai sat down behind them and watched the feminine man. The moment she had set eyes on him, she had disliked him. And it’s going to be like that for a long, long time. She was quite sure of it. As the rest of the girls in Morning Musume gradually started to file in, each blaming the weather for being late, they could sense an ominous aura from the corner of the room where Ai was. For the rest of the day, they never figured out why she such an uncomfortable face whenever their new makeup artist was around.
A/N : Who on earth IS this Sakurai person? An ally? An enemy? A random person purposely thrown in to create tension between TakaGaki? :roll:
This sure took me long enough.
...
...
Huh? That's it? What about the mystery girl with the pendant? What about Sonobe? Where's Miki-sama? :dizzy:
-
I'm confused, and a little lost, but I'm loving it.
Gimme more! /rawr!
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lol great stuff, this story has me all paranoid XD
When Rika showed up I was like oh no! it's Rika! Is she the enemy? and then Sakurai showed up and I was like it's gotta be him! It'd be very funny if he was just the random character to throw people off track but in the meantime it's fun to keep guessing XD
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Chapter 5
Ai was beat, as proven by her quick decision to skip dinner, a shower and head straight to bed the moment she steps into her apartment. There’s always tomorrow morning to do the miscellaneous things. With that all planned and settled, she bid farewell to her group members and staff and left the studio.
As if carefully timed, an arm snaked its way under Ai’s and hooked itself around her’s at the exact moment she had stepped across the metal railing on the ground that separated the rest of Japan from the studio. Ai let out a breath that she had unknowingly gathered within milliseconds once she realized who had claimed possession over her right arm. Relaxing, she continued to walk at a comfortable pace, the other keeping up nicely.
“You’re horrible, Ai-chan! Not waiting for me before leaving.”
“You didn’t tell me to wait.”
“Excuses!” The younger puffed up her cheeks and folded her arms in a childish fit.
“Always the kid huh, Risa? Fine, it’s my bad, I’m sorry?” Through the interlinked arms, Ai pulled her best friend close to hoax her.
“You’re lucky, being my leader and all. If I blamed you, you’d probably give me hell at work.” Risa joked and unfolded her arms to cling onto the other’s.
“You think too highly of me. I’d just ignore you all the way.” Ai grinned slyly and received a soft punch to the side of her arm.
“You ARE horrible. I don’t know what the fans see in you.”
“Lots of things, but you’re no better off anyway..” she joked as well while enjoying the close contact they had.
Risa only pouted in response, because it was true, somehow. Such blatant bantering were quite common between the girls, having grown used to it on-screen, it was no different when in their personal lives. As the two girls arrive at the train station, Ai couldn’t resist yawning heavily, growing groggy by the minute.
“You look like you haven’t slept in nights, Ai-chan.” Risa remarked, feeling concerned.
“I don’t know, guess today’s been too much for me.”
“It’s no wonder, you’ve been putting up some resistance towards the new make up artist. I’d grow tired too if I had to put up a face whenever he’s around.”
“What’re you talking about? Face? Resistance? You make it sound as if I have something against him.” Ai rambled on, but the other only had a firm knowing expression.
“What do you take me for? Blind? You obviously do.” Risa scolded lightly. Lowering her eyes, Ai looked away with guilt.
“It’s not my fault he rubs me the wrong way.” The older girl admitted. In fact, she’s feeling that everyone’s been giving her strange vibes lately. Take Hitomi for example. She blushed at the thought of the earlier incident, and was glad that it was dark where she stood.
“What’s wrong with Sakurai-kun? I think he’s nice, and skillful too.”
“Kun? When did you two get close?” Ai snapped her head up and demanded, finding the relationship between <i>her</i> best friend and that… that… <i>girly man</i> to be progressing too fast for her liking.
“We’re not close, just friendly. He’s a really easygoing and cool guy you know.” Risa explained, sensing some discomfort in the other.
”I still don’t like him. Why do you keep defending him?”
“I’m not. Ai-chan, you’re being stubborn. Everyone else finds him alright, why don’t you?”
“I-I don’t know. There’s nothing wrong with disliking someone anyway!” Ai’s voice almost rose to a shout. The more she listens to Risa speak about the man, the more agitated and bothered she became.
Not satisfied with the answer, Risa wanted to prod further but Ai had already slipped her arm out from her grip. A strong gust of wind brushed past them as the train finally came.
“My train is here. I’ll call you or something…”
“Ai-chan!” Risa wanted to hold her back but Ai had already fled into the crowded cabin. The train sped away, rendering the abandoned girl speechless other than “How the hell did this happen?”
<i>’What did I do?!’</i>
Ai thought with a heavy heart as she fell forward on her bed. No matter how tired she had been just half an hour ago, her earlier behavior disturbed her greatly. She had flared up at her closest friend over a man they had both known for only a few hours. Inwardly, she kept asking what has gotten into her.
<i>’Why should I dislike someone I don’t even know?’</i>
She wondered and rolled over on the bed. Her thoughts refused to let her rest. In the dark, she stared at the void-like ceiling.
<i>’Just because he touched her? But that’s a makeup artist’s job, I shouldn’t be bothered…
Because he is probably all that she thinks of now? I don’t see her standing up for me when I’m teased…
Why am I so uptight about this? It’s not like she’s anyone to me anyway…’</i>
Suddenly, her cell phone vibrated. The screen illuminated a good part of the room. At first reluctant, Ai stretched her arm far enough to reach the phone with her finger tips. Struggling for a second or two, she grabbed the device and flipped it open.
<b>I’m sorry.
-Gaki</b>
That was all the message said, but the meaning was as clear as day between them. Her thumb lingered on the keypad, wanting to hit reply, but she did not know what to say. Lying flat on her back, she held the phone above her face and stared at the message.
<i>’She shouldn’t be sorry… Stupid Sakurai…’</i>
The phone fell out of her hand as she gradually gave in to sleep, her arm going limp the moment she had lost consciousness. The reply she had thought of was deserted.
~~
<i>There was a notable moment of darkness prior to when everything in her sight began to wash away to reveal a room. There were tatami mats under her, shoji doors in front of her, red candles and lanterns everywhere and she found herself sitting within a strange symbol. It was chilly in here and she hugged herself to try and keep warm.
‘what the?’
Unfamiliar curves, scars and texture was all she felt. She quickly looked at her hand, no, it wasn’t her hand at all, they were very different. She wanted to speak, but nothing came out successfully. She crawled towards the edge of the symbol only to be repelled back by an invisible barrier. There was a soundless cry of pain as the impact burned into her skin.
She could hear footsteps from a distance growing louder. Not just one pair, but perhaps a few more. A group seemed to be rushing towards her room. Her instincts were only partially right though, seeing how a group of men only ran past her and completely ignored her presence. There was a slower set coming from behind. She wasn’t sure, but she felt an unnatural wind caress her cheeks and a shadow swiftly disappearing towards the direction which the men went.
She then heard screams and wondered why she was unable to produce any sound. But, that was the least of her problems when shock coursed through her like a thousand volts. Blood had splattered on the wooden platform and stained the shoji doors before her very eyes. The stench of blood filled her nose, and she felt her eyes grow wet.
Everything went silent but the rustling of leaves.
“I can see why Sonobe-sama wants you…”
A light and easy voice came from behind the stained door, the shadow of a person could be seen.
“So elusive that we had actually doubted your existence. But now, to be in possession of <b>something</b> so rare must feel great.”
The figure walked out from his hiding place and advances towards her. Her eyes widened in realization. He had the demeanor of a gentleman, but behind him was a merciless katana soaked in blood, creating a thin red trail as it is dragged across the floor.
“What’s more, you’re not just a mere accessory to my lord.”
She turned her head away violently when fingers could be felt on her chin. Regardless of how gentle he was with his touch, she felt violated all the same. He smirked and pulled away his hand.
“I’m eager to see what you can do.”
He sheathed his weapon without caring about the blood that was still dripping off from it. She looked at the red liquid that had been smeared everywhere and felt herself grow weak. She had never seen this much blood before other than in movies, and this was considered as close to reality as it felt like.
“Ah… ah… those who defies him are always so troublesome…”
He spoke as though he was the only one in the room. Treating this one-sided conversation like it had never started, he left the room.
‘Him… What was he talking about?’
His face ran through her mind constantly until everything started to become fuzzy, music could be heard suddenly and then there was a flash.</i>
~~
Eyes shot open when she heard a loud ring tone being played right by her ear. There was a delay in her reaction, causing the music to stop halfway through it’s 4th play through. Ai groggily picked up the phone and checked for her missed call. Somewhere in her mind, she tried but failed to recall the dream, or the face of the man.
Elsewhere in Tokyo, Risa looked at her phone, dejected. Her thumb had no intention of moving away from the ‘cancel call’ key yet. She pondered over the possibility of being ignored for the rest of the week, month, or life. It was a crappy feeling to be burdened with.
“Guess she’s still peeved… at me…”
A/N : Sakurai wedges himself between Takagaki faster than I would've thought :O
Who's the man in Ai's latest dream? Where the hell is Sonobe? Who's the lucky possessed one? Those would be answered... soon enough.
Are you even more confused now? XD
-
*Aichan/Risa huggy interaction*
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww... :wub:
“It’s no wonder, you’ve been putting up some resistance towards the new make up artist. I’d grow tired too if I had to put up a face whenever he’s around.”
“What’re you talking about? Face? Resistance? You make it sound as if I have something against him.” Ai rambled on, but the other only had a firm knowing expression.
“What do you take me for? Blind? You obviously do.” Risa scolded lightly. Lowering her eyes, Ai looked away with guilt.
Well, the guy was a bit abrasive when they first met, acting as if his being there should have been perfectly natural even though no one had been informed about him. Also, his confidence in his abilities borders on arrogance, IMO.
“What’s wrong with Sakurai-kun? I think he’s nice, and skillful too.”
“Kun? When did you two get close?” Ai snapped her head up and demanded, finding the relationship between her best friend and that… that… girly man to be progressing too fast for her liking.
LULZ @ Aichan thinking of Sakurai as a "girly man". :lol:
Ai thought with a heavy heart as she fell forward on her bed. No matter how tired she had been just half an hour ago, her earlier behavior disturbed her greatly. She had flared up at her closest friend over a man they had both known for only a few hours. Inwardly, she kept asking what has gotten into her.
’Why should I dislike someone I don’t even know?’
She wondered and rolled over on the bed. Her thoughts refused to let her rest. In the dark, she stared at the void-like ceiling.
’Just because he touched her? But that’s a makeup artist’s job, I shouldn’t be bothered…
Because he is probably all that she thinks of now? I don’t see her standing up for me when I’m teased…
Why am I so uptight about this? It’s not like she’s anyone to me anyway…’
Oh yes she is, and somewhere deep inside her, Aichan knows it. She may not have yet admitted it to herself, but those feelings are there.
There was a notable moment of darkness prior to when everything in her sight began to wash away to reveal a room. There were tatami mats under her, shoji doors in front of her, red candles and lanterns everywhere and she found herself sitting within a strange symbol. It was chilly in here and she hugged herself to try and keep warm.
‘what the?’
Unfamiliar curves, scars and texture was all she felt. She quickly looked at her hand, no, it wasn’t her hand at all, they were very different.
Someone's dream? A memory? A vision of past events? Who's is it? Aichan's? Risa's? Yossi's? :O
“I can see why Sonobe-sama wants you…”
Sonobe wants someone? In what way, and for what purpose? Is he seeking a body to inhabit, or his next/final victim? :o
Eyes shot open when she heard a loud ring tone being played right by her ear. There was a delay in her reaction, causing the music to stop halfway through it’s 4th play through. Ai groggily picked up the phone and checked for her missed call. Somewhere in her mind, she tried but failed to recall the dream, or the face of the man.
Shit, is Aichan the one that Sonobe is going to target?!?! :OMG:
-
Am I more confused now? Yes!
But more than confused I just want to kick Sakurai's butt! XD
Aside from TakaGaki.. even the dreams are getting more interesting!
Keep up the good work!
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Aw, Sakurai's not that bad.
Sad there isn't more comments this time round... nevermind.
Still working on Chapter 6. TakaGaki fallout ain't fun to do, seriously. I think I'd write with a different style this time.
Next chapter might confuse you more, probably. This story's so full of twist since I keep straying from the original predictable plot while I write.
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I meant to comment after reading the last chapter but I was at a loss for words XD I think I still am..so I'll just put it this way
Ai and Gaki on the way home~~~ :nya:
but then stupid Sakurai *shakes fist* :angry1: *mutters* darn girly man..I bet he's pretty like a johnnies... =D~ erm back to the fist shaking :farofflook:
and that dream! omg that dream! It was intense and really cool! :scared:
You really outdid yourself on this chapter! I can't wait to see what happens next~ :mon lovelaff:
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I can explain!!! (Why I don't comment much about this fic) It's not that I don't like this cuz I do! It's just that everytime I see this story updated, I can't read it. What do you mean? You ask. Well, usually I'm stuck with group mates and stuff rushing projects and papers so I can't really keep my eyes glued to the monitor reading something totally unrelated right XD The most I can do is sneak a peek here and there which gives me zero opportunity to post a good reply. So there, my defense against my lack of posts :P
That said, I really enjoyed what I've read so far. This Sakurai-kun as Risa calls him, seems suspicious to me somewhat. I bet he's connected to the dream Ai had. He could be the person whose face Ai can't remember, or maybe just an underlink. No matter the relation, I'm positive he's no good guy. The girlyness could be a pretense even. I wanna read more, I hope you update often and fast :D
I'm disappointed with the measly MTV interview of MM. It was so short and not very fun. It was mostly Ai talking too. I like her but I wished the others had more screentime as well. And where's the TakaGaki moments?!?! :lol:
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Aw, Sakurai's not that bad.
Oh yes, he is.
If it weren't for him, the previous chapter would probably a little sweet walk along with some pleasant talk exchanged between Ai-chan and Gaki-san to the train station.
Oh yeah baby, this TakaGaki fan is burning up right here. :angry:
Haha.
Still working on Chapter 6. TakaGaki fallout ain't fun to do, seriously. I think I'd write with a different style this time.
Next chapter might confuse you more, probably. This story's so full of twist since I keep straying from the original predictable plot while I write.
Oooh! A different style.
Can't wait to see what you'll toss at us. ^_^
And twists are good. Very good.
Predictable is only good when I am predicting a lot of AiGaki and it happens. Heh.
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Chapter 6
As expected of the season, it was a chilly morning. He… or rather, she pulled her scarf tighter as if wanting to strangle. It was a magnificent feeling to be here, so high up and overlooking the city. She felt special and invincible, standing by the edge of the roof. Places were never this high in the past. If only death wasn’t an option, if she decides to experience the thrill of falling. Then again, maybe it didn’t have to be.
Heels clicked against the tiles on the floor, which aroused her attention. The morning breeze started to pick up.
“You did a great job passing off as an idol, and a modern female.” The arrival broke the silence with sarcasm and a smile.
“Are you <i>mocking</i> me? I don’t tolerate insubordination.”
“And always so grumpy…” There was no tact in the response.
“Why… have you forgotten who it was that let you live until today?”
“Of course not. But we are even. You wouldn’t survive in this new era for a second if it wasn’t for <i>me</i>.”
There was a sharp impact between one’s slender hand and another’s smooth cheek. The wind died as echoes filled the sky, and birds were sent flying.
“You must have forgotten who you belong to. I can take away your breath as easily as I had given it to you. I suggest you watch your tongue.”
She gave the expressionless other a stern glare. The eyes she looked into were so dark and still that she could clearly see her very reflection, the reflection of <i>himself</i>. She blinked slowly, as though about to close her eyes. When her eyelids opened again, her gaze was now elsewhere. No more verbal exchanges were made as she steps aside and heads back downstairs. Now surrounded by stale air, the assaulted one only looked back in thought.
The wind starts again.
- - -
So much to say and so many apologies to repeat but no words could be found. The floor shook as additional weight entered the lift. A different number was pressed compared to the already selected one. As the doors of the metal container slid close, eyes met and locked. One felt sorry, and the other remorse. They tore away eventually… unwillingly.
Between tensed breathing and the smooth ascension of the elevator, both girls chose to mind their own business at the extreme corners of the lift. The elder observed the dull control panel and the younger fiddled with her decorated nails. They were expecting something, but whatever it was never came.
They tried to sneak glances whenever the other wasn’t looking though. Mixed feelings churned inside them, building on depressing assumptions. The easiest way to mend things seemed so complicated at the moment. If only self-control was easier done than said. If only the simplest of words weren’t so difficult to say face to face. If only those were all closer to reality than just wishful thinking.
She had reached her floor and the door opened once more. Conveniently, the other held a finger to the open button patiently until she was left alone inside the box. Disheartened by the uneventful minutes they’ve shared, she dropped her finger down an inch and pushed another button.
Outside, the younger of them both spun around at the same time, only to find herself catching a glimpse of the other through a thin gap of closing doors. Her mouth was half open in an attempt to say something. She was a second too slow.
Of the misunderstandings they had developed overnight, it only began to grow deeper.
- - -
She was home with some friends. The movie they had rented ran silently in the background as she lounges on the couch while one slept by using her lap as a pillow and the other was dozing off on a separate couch. She held a few strips of charms and a pendant replica, one identical to what she had lost. She inspected it thoroughly. These came in the mail before the evening and reeked of alcohol and incense.
But how does it work? How would it lead her to what she wants? Nothing was said further about it in the accompanying letter. She didn’t want to do trial and error for this. She had delayed long enough by observing every single person she comes across only to realize that it was a useless method.
Shifting Rika’s head to rest on a cushion instead, Hitomi got up, making sure that Mai was really asleep on the other side. She then headed to the hallway to make a call. As the phone rang, she prayed that the person she dialled for would miraculously pick up. And she did.
<i>“Hello?”</i>
”Nakazawa?”
<i>”Who’s calling at this time of the night?!”</i> Hitomi held the receiver far away while Yuko screamed into the phone.
“I’m sorry, it's me. I only need a minute.”
<i>”Hurry up, my supper's getting cold.”</i>
“How do I use these things you sent?” She asked, quite sure that the other knew what she was referring to.
<i>”Things? Oh! They react to anything supernatural, even Gods. But that’s all I know.”</i>
“That’s not helpful…”
<i>”If I knew everything, I wouldn’t be a lonely idol spending her night at bars getting wasted. I’m hanging up now.”</i>
“Wait! At least, do you know where I can find help?”
<i>”Try a shrine.”</i>
The line went dead.
- - -
“Yoshizawa Hitomi…”
Reading the caption, the name rolled off his, or her tongue, and it felt completely foreign to speak it. But she knew her, even by a simple picture. Being suspended in the dark never implied that she wasn’t aware of her surroundings. She knew the aura of the woman; she would recognize her even if she had turned to ashes. After all, 2000 years was more than enough time to familiarize yourself with your permanent guard, especially if she kept you by her side all this time.
She flipped through the photo books and albums that had her and the other involved. She took it as an opportunity. The shame to have this shell was worth it. Who knew that the woman he unwillingly inhabited would actually be of use? It was purely coincidental that she would stumble on these photos, which means that fate and luck were on his side, he thought.
The game was finally starting.
A/N : More of a prep chapter than new style because I fell sick and lazy. With most characters now accounted, I can get deeper into the story now :D <s>On with the angst, death and betrayal!</s>
@Sevii : Trust me, he's not that bad. But if I told you why, I'd spoil the story. lol
@lil_Hamz : Haha, I'd be horrible if I don't accept your explanation :P and I'd like to update fast but life hates me enough to bombard my schedule with random things.
@Sukoshi : He's as pretty as a visual-Kei boy :o
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I was wondering if Yossi was the one pretending to be someone else but... *gasp*but....she's a man?!?!? Wha....t..what???? *blabbers* then *faints*
How can a man be left staying around Rika like that??!? The horror of it all XD
TakaGaki :cry: They can't say I'm sorry to each other in the flesh. That's so sweet and sad at the same time. Damn that Sakurai man :angry:
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a man posessed a woman, gender confusion? :P
Do note that each section after a ---- involves different people, except for the first and last :D
I'm too lazy to start on chapter 7 now, although I'm hella free XD
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START IT!
I am so confused by the man/woman person!
And my Gaki-san and Ai-chan!
>.<
That part was wonderfully written though, I could feel the awkward tension between them. Especially in a confined space like that. Well done! :D
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Hmm... I'll clear the man/woman thing in the later chapters.
Funny... I'm suddenly completely blank for the next chapter D:
Hopefully I can get it up before I disappear to Taiwan for vacation though, otherwise you guys will have to wait 3-4 weeks for it :stoned:
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!!
You're from Taiwan too?! No way! :X
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lol, yeah, only half Taiwanese though... too bad my relatives don't have internet at where they live ._.
farmers... *shrug* X]
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As expected of the season, it was a chilly morning. He… or rather, she pulled her scarf tighter as if wanting to strangle. It was a magnificent feeling to be here, so high up and overlooking the city.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah who is it??? :frustrated:
Heels clicked against the tiles on the floor, which aroused her attention. The morning breeze started to pick up.
“You did a great job passing off as an idol, and a modern female.” The arrival broke the silence with sarcasm and a smile.
Whoa...she....errrr...he has been found out!?!? :O
“You did a great job passing off as an idol, and a modern female.” The arrival broke the silence with sarcasm and a smile.
“Are you mocking me? I don’t tolerate insubordination.”
“And always so grumpy…” There was no tact in the response.
“Why… have you forgotten who it was that let you live until today?”
“Of course not. But we are even. You wouldn’t survive in this new era for a second if it wasn’t for me.”
By the sounds of this exchange, it would appear that Sonobe (if that IS Sonobe) has had some help blending in. But if so...who is it that's been providing this help?
There was a sharp impact between one’s slender hand and another’s smooth cheek. The wind died as echoes filled the sky, and birds were sent flying.
“You must have forgotten who you belong to. I can take away your breath as easily as I had given it to you. I suggest you watch your tongue.”
And evidently...the relationship isn't exactly the most amicable.
So much to say and so many apologies to repeat but no words could be found. The floor shook as additional weight entered the lift. A different number was pressed compared to the already selected one. As the doors of the metal container slid close, eyes met and locked. One felt sorry, and the other remorse. They tore away eventually… unwillingly.
Aichan and Risa? :cry:
She held a few strips of charms and a pendant replica, one identical to what she had lost. She inspected it thoroughly.
Identical pendant? Is this Yossi? If so, what's up with getting another pendant? Is there actually a possibility that they'll be able to re-confine Sonobe if/when they find him? :?
These came in the mail before the evening and reeked of alcohol and incense.
Did Yuko send them? :lol:
“Hello?”
”Nakazawa?”
”Who’s calling at this time of the night?!” Hitomi held the receiver far away while Yuko screamed into the phone.
“I’m sorry, it's me. I only need a minute.”
”Hurry up, my supper's getting cold.”
“How do I use these things you sent?” She asked, quite sure that the other knew what she was referring to.
Holy shit it WAS Yuko! XD
”Things? Oh! They react to anything supernatural, even Gods. But that’s all I know.”
Hmmm...that could actually come in handy. Only thing now...is where to look, and what to do if she finds what/who she's looking for.
do you know where I can find help?”
”Try a shrine.”
Well...Shinto priests do supposedly have/know incantations and spells to contain spirits. Couldn't hurt to ask, I guess.
“Yoshizawa Hitomi…”
Reading the caption, the name rolled off his, or her tongue, and it felt completely foreign to speak it. But she knew her, even by a simple picture. Being suspended in the dark never implied that she wasn’t aware of her surroundings. She knew the aura of the woman; she would recognize her even if she had turned to ashes. After all, 2000 years was more than enough time to familiarize yourself with your permanent guard, especially if she kept you by her side all this time.
Shit...so now is Sonobe going to come after Yossi? He probably knows that since she's supposed to be the one in charge of holding him, she'll probably be looking for him, possibly with a way to contain him again.
She flipped through the photo books and albums that had her and the other involved. She took it as an opportunity. The shame to have this shell was worth it. Who knew that the woman he unwillingly inhabited would actually be of use? It was purely coincidental that she would stumble on these photos, which means that fate and luck were on his side, he thought.
The game was finally starting.
Shit, he's possessed someone that's close to Yossi, hasn't he? Now considering that Rika and Mai were both at Yossi's place in the last part of this chapter...then Sonobe must have possessed....Miki? :OMG:
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<s>On with the angst, death and betrayal!</s>
Nani?! :OMG:
I wonder who the possessed one is! Now that it seems like one of the girls I guess it's not Sakurai :frustrated: but then again I wonder who the other mystery person is o.o; and the pendant, I wonder if that's a good or bad thing since the last one seemed a little evil. Ah...so many questions, so much intrigue!
*waits impatiently in the bushes for the next chapter* :stunned:
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Finally posting here xD
I'm pretty confused about all the myth stuff but TakaGaki is cute xD I'll try to focus when reading the fantasy-ish stuff though xD
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You're going to Taiwan? Tell us what the situation is like when you get back. I wanna know all about the obvious showing of MM fans throughout the country XD (I actually just want some sign that says the girls are popular there now and not just a flash in the pan after the trip) Oh, and please post one chapter for each day that you'll be gone so I don't go insane waiting for updates XD Are you feeling the pressure yet? :P
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I am feeling lots of pressure XD
Won't be in Taipei to know the situation though, but I think the buzz would be all over by then anyway to find signs. If I'm lucky, maybe there are still leftovers. But I think MM's fanbase in Taiwan is huge, almost comparable to Japan's own, but they just never got the chance to show it until now.
I'll be gone for 7 days, means I'll have to find a way to magically produce 7 chapters in advance? :O I'm stuck for chapter 7, let alone 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 lol. I don't even know how many chapters this fic would last :P
I have decided to make this the last thing I will write, because I want to concentrate on the band.
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Don't rush it dude. If it comes to you, then it does. If it doesn't, we can wait. It's preferable to wait for a quality chapter than to get a bunch of rushed ones. :yep:
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I am feeling lots of pressure XD
Won't be in Taipei to know the situation though, but I think the buzz would be all over by then anyway to find signs. If I'm lucky, maybe there are still leftovers. But I think MM's fanbase in Taiwan is huge, almost comparable to Japan's own, but they just never got the chance to show it until now.
I'll be gone for 7 days, means I'll have to find a way to magically produce 7 chapters in advance? :O I'm stuck for chapter 7, let alone 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 lol. I don't even know how many chapters this fic would last :P
I have decided to make this the last thing I will write, because I want to concentrate on the band.
Yeah, like JFC said, don't rush yourself.
There's absolutely no reason to. You're writing this for your own pleasure, and if it's not fun, then that's no good!
No, Taiwan's fanbase is no where close to Japan's. When I flew back for MM three(?) weeks ago, and joined the FC event, there were about 600 something people. I'm not sure how many FANS didn't join the madness of those three days, but it's probably not a lot. And among those 600 something people @ the FC event, there were even some fans that flew in from Hong Kong. Not to mention there were a few people like myself who flew in from other places as well. :)
But they did well, and the Best Singles Compilation is still on the charts in Taiwan. :)
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Hey, beats the miserable number in Singapore :P (no offense :x)
It's still big though. Probably not just in Taipei. I don't know, you might see more if there's a concert?
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From what I remember there were limits put on the events but I still think they have a crazy fan base cause I remember watching Taiwanese shows that had stars pretending to be momusu members (it was crazy but impressive since everyone seemed to know mm)
but yeah have a good trip! We'll all be happily waiting for you to come back :heart:
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Hey, beats the miserable number in Singapore :P (no offense :x)
Tell me about it. I don't even see any of the CD stores selling H!P related stuff unless it's HMV. Even then, it's really limited :-\
From what I remember there were limits put on the events but I still think they have a crazy fan base cause I remember watching Taiwanese shows that had stars pretending to be momusu members (it was crazy but impressive since everyone seemed to know mm)
but yeah have a good trip! We'll all be happily waiting for you to come back :heart:
I remember watching S.H.E or someone doing the Peace! once, but that was a long time ago. MM was probably more popular in Taiwan then than now.
Yep, have a good trip inDeceit :) Have loads of fun and do some shopping :P
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Though, if you're into Ayaya, you can find it outside of HMV even. I guess UFA doesn't promote products to SEAsia as much as they would to their neighbouring countries.
Anyway, I have more time to write now considering that I've just dropped out of school... again ;__; They really need to give me a course that specializes in dropping school... I'll probably be in my thirties one day and still stuck with a secondary school cert lol.
Gonna spit out a new chapter in a few hours, hopefully. Because seeing this topic go off topic is... :roll:
Honestly I have not considered Miki from the start of this story... but ehhh... :lol:
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Chapter 7, Part I
Ai was back in her room. A place she had recently come to be aware of more often than before. Has she really been that busy? Probably, so much so that it only strikes her now that she had such a wonderful view from her window. She sat down in front of the balcony railings and looked outside. She pulled her knees to her chest and tilted her head to rest on the metal bars. The night’s chill was kind and did nothing to disturb her.
She had to escape from this.
But she didn’t want to sleep.
She didn’t want to dream.
She turned on her phone and scrolled through the address book. Everyone on her list didn’t seem like people who would want to involve themselves with her problems, or weren’t really the right ones to talk to. All but one person anyway, and that wasn’t even the last on her metal list right now.
There was an urge to scream, at least until her phone rang. Without looking at who the caller was, she answered it and held the phone to her ear, tilting her head back for more than one reason.
“Hello?”
There was a delay on the other side.
“Who’s this?” She wanted to pull the phone away to check for caller ID when she heard some shuffling.
“I didn’t think you would pick up.” The other finally made some sound.
That voice, she could recognize it from anywhere. The way the other spoke, it was different. A little child-like in tone, but mature nonetheless. She missed that voice. She didn’t know how to respond.
“I tried calling before, but you never did pick up.” The other continued.
“Silent mode, I always do that, remember?” Ai found her words.
“Heh, that’s right… But did you receive my message after… you know?”
“I did.”
“Good. Anyway, I just wanted to check up on you, since you left early today…”
”That’s… well, I’m fine. Thanks.”
“Then I’m relieved. It’s like… I can’t help but call, even if you do hate me or anything.”
“I would never-!“
“Hey, I have to go. Hold on.”
Ai could hear some yelling from the background, and familiar voices. A particular one she dislikes greatly. She heard the other pull her phone away and shouting back, requesting for another minute. Ai had grown sensitive to certain words, and even in a crowd, she would be able to pick up anyone who happens to say ‘Sakurai’. She heard the other mention just that. She frowned.
“We’ll talk again, okay?“
“But I’ve so much to say now…”
“Ai-chan… I don’t have a choice. But I’m glad you picked up. I really missed your voice.”
“Me too…”
She heard the other say a hasty goodbye and apology and hung up. She wondered why she herself sounded so… hostile. Returning to the silence of the night, something clicked in her mind - Risa was with Sakurai. That idea alone made her uncomfortable, even if it was solely for work for she dared not to think any further.
Everything felt like a bad dream, like realizing someone she held close just made her a promise with their fingers crossed. But still, she wished it was really a dream and she would wake up now and that the call never happened. She would open her eyes and find that to speak to her best friend again was only but wishful thinking on her part.
Either way, she was upset.
The good dreams would always end up being the painful ones when she wakes up.
A/N: Nothing to say. Quality could've been a lot better... but I just wanna make it simple and easier to read through. :banghead:
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She had to escape from this.
But she didn’t want to sleep.
She didn’t want to dream.
Considering what she's been seeing in her dreams, you could hardly blame her.
her phone rang. Without looking at who the caller was, she answered it and held the phone to her ear, tilting her head back for more than one reason.
“Hello?”
...
“I didn’t think you would pick up.” The other finally made some sound.
That voice, she could recognize it from anywhere. The way the other spoke, it was different. A little child-like in tone, but mature nonetheless. She missed that voice. She didn’t know how to respond.
Risa? :cry:
But did you receive my message after… you know?”
“I did.”
...
“Then I’m relieved. It’s like… I can’t help but call, even if you do hate me or anything.”
DON'T THINK THAT RISA!!! :gyaaah:
“I would never-!“
“Hey, I have to go. Hold on.”
Ai could hear some yelling from the background, and familiar voices. A particular one she dislikes greatly. She heard the other pull her phone away and shouting back, requesting for another minute. Ai had grown sensitive to certain words, and even in a crowd, she would be able to pick up anyone who happens to say ‘Sakurai’. She heard the other mention just that. She frowned.
Risa's hanging out with Sakurai? :?
Not exactly smart then to call Aichan while she's with him.
“We’ll talk again, okay?“
“But I’ve so much to say now…”
“Ai-chan… I don’t have a choice. But I’m glad you picked up. I really missed your voice.”
Now that was strange. She doesn't have a choice? Why is that? Is she somewhere where cellular phones aren't permitted?
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I'm assuming there are other members with Gaki-san and Sakurai, and that they're not alone together.
Or else I'm really going to start making a voodoo doll for that girly man, Sakurai. *sharpens knife*
But... but why isn't Ai-chan there?
AIGAKIIIIIIIII WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOIIIIIIIIIIINGGGGGGGGGGGGG!
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^ I second that. Don't lemme find out that Gaki-san and Sakurai are alone cuz that would mean some serious casualties.
Conversation-wise I almost died from how sweet it was. Awwww, kiss and make up already girls XD Ai-chan should rush down to wherever Gaki is and keep an eye on Sakurai.
“Ai-chan… I don’t have a choice. But I’m glad you picked up. I really missed your voice.”
I wondered about this too, like JFC. What is she doing that she can't talk for a bit longer?
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Simple : Work ._.
Or you can have your imagination run wild if that's too lame of an excuse :-X
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I don't think it's safe to use our imaginations in this case. I mean half our us are already plotting Sakurai's demise!
It's work. It has to be. *repeats in mind*
*sigh* the conversation between Ai chan and Gaki san is so bittersweet...poor poor Ai chan..when she's asleep she gets nightmares, when she's awake it feels like a nightmare...*stupid sakurai* I think that will be my key phrase when commenting on new chapters :lol:
I like Hammy's suggestion! They should either kiss and make up or Ai chan should kill Sakurai (assuming she'll get magical powers or something XD)
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If it makes you feel better and hopeful, it'll happen. Both of it.
Just not in the most pleasant way, but yeah~ :lol:
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As long as the KISS and make
out up part is there, I'm good to go.
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Chapter 7, Part II
She had everything planned out. She would visit a shrine; seek out advice and instruction, then leave. It was that simple. Everything was easy, because life wasn’t all that complicated to begin with, and she wasn’t about to make it as such. But when and how did her perfectly scheduled day end up with an extra person wedged in between?
“Yocchan, where are we going?”
“I should be asking the questions here.”
“Fine. Don’t answer me.”
“I wasn’t intending to. Why are you following me again?”
“I don’t know. To spend quality time with you?”
“We don’t spend enough at work?!”
”But that’s different! We don’t have a camera crew following us today.”
Rika took the chance and launched forward, clinging to the other’s arm happily. Hitomi only rolled her eyes at the older woman.
“I don’t get girls and their need to cling like koalas…”
“You should know how much you fail at being feminine, character-wise.” Rika chided her friend. Shrugging, the taller didn’t really care.
The atmosphere was damp, and so very humid after the rainy days that have yet to end. They took a route uphill where a rather obscure shrine lies. It’s been awhile for them to be visiting shrines though. Rika went to one on New Year’s, and she still remembered that little wish she made. Hitomi though, it was the first time in a long while that she had stepped foot onto sacred grounds.
“Is that a shrine?” Rika asked as she squinted to take a look into the distance, noticing the familiar torii gates.
“Finally!”
“Why are we going to a shrine? I don’t want to get married yet!”
Hitomi knocked her knuckle against Rika’s pretty head and moved on.
“You’re thinking too much! No one’s getting married.”
When they had arrived at the main entrance, their surrounding area seemed to be on guard suddenly. Shrine keepers who had been peacefully sweeping the floors began looking at the visitors with some unpleasant intent. Some gave them wary glares. Within seconds, it was as though the girls’ had just triggered their alarm system just by passing the gate.
Hitomi’s first reaction was to push Rika behind her protectively once a group of priests started to move in to surround them. She gave the people who decided to see her as a threat an equally intimidating glare.
“What’s happening?”
“I don’t know, but I doubt they’ll take the ‘I come in peace’ line today.”
The two women whispered discreetly to each other. Rika gave everyone shifty glances, and Hitomi only stayed alert. She was impressed with the reactions instead, knowing that her choice was right. But that’s no reason to let her guard down.
“You have no business here, miss.” One of the higher authority spoke.
“Oh, but I do.” Hitomi rebutted. “I want to see the high priest.”
“He will not entertain the unorthodox.”
“Unortho-what!? Yocchan, we’re not evil!”
“Stay out of this, Rika. She’s right, we’re nothing of that sort. The priest should know.”
“I repeat, he will not entertain-“
“Hold it!” A voice boomed from behind the crowd. “We can’t be rude to our guests.”
“But, they’re… she’s-“
“Enough. I’ll take it from here. Back to your duties, please.” The newly arrived man instructed strictly and the younger priests obeyed without saying anymore and moved away, dispersing from the area.
“I’m sorry, we tend to be a little on the edge when… <i>suspicious people</i> make a visit.”
Hitomi nodded, showing that she took no offense to the misunderstanding and that she knew what the other was implying. The shorter woman behind her however, observed the wise looking man carefully. He was old, judging from the amount of white hair on his face and head. Any more and it might be harder to find his facial organs. He was short too, but probably not as short as Yaguchi Mari (Rika inwardly apologized to the woman). He wore a robe, with a nice color, one that stood out from every other priest at the shrine. This must be the head priest Hitomi was requesting to meet. At least, on first impression it seems that way. Rika stayed quiet, a little afraid, and a little curious.
“Please follow me to the guest room.”
They followed the old man into the main building of the site and down corridors, around many corners, and through a series of doors. Finally they arrived in a traditional room, furnished with a low wooden table, and a cushion at each side. Apart from decorative paintings and scrolls, the room was very simple. The two idols were left on their own while he went away to do something personal. ‘It’ll only take a minute’, he said.
“Can you tell me what’s going on here, Yocchan? It’s…freaking me out.”
“Don’t worry, uhm… they are just nervous about visitors, that’s all.” Hitomi shifted in her seat, uncomfortable with lying.
“That’s strange, but okay… What are we doing here anyway?” The other asked again, not about to be satisfied.
“We’re here to… Well, I’m here to get something.” It’s not a completely lie, but still a lie nonetheless.
“Something?” Rika ask, extremely curious about what Hitomi would want to retrieve from a shrine, of all places.
“You know… some family heirloom sorta thing.” One more, and that’s it. She didn’t like lying to her good friend, especially when the act is getting comfortable with her.
“What-“ Rika was interrupted by footsteps. The old priest came back just in time. Hitomi quickly shot up.
“I’m here for what I think you <i>have</i>, can we talk?”
“Of course, if you would excuse us.” The old man smiled a kind grandfatherly smile at Rika and led Hitomi into another room.
“Stupid Yocchan! She doesn’t tell me anything anymore.” Rika groaned when the two was out of earshot and all but threw a fit on the floor. She knew that Hitomi was lying. She poured a cup of tea that was prepared for them and finished it in one mouth full to calm her nerves.
Outside, Hitomi followed the priest for a full 10 minutes and arrived in a separate building. It was a modest little hut, one that was apparently used for meditation. They stepped in and the smell of incensed burned into the idol’s eyes. She coughed a little and sat down with her legs crossed at the table.
“How may I be of service, my kindred spirit?” The priest spoke, apparently well used to the incense.
“It’s been awhile since someone called me that.” Hitomi returned a reminiscent smile. “But first, the shrine’s security simply amazes me.”
“Yes well, we’ve had some problems lately. Souls are being messed with by someone much like you.”
“Oh? That’s a surprise, but I hope you solve that soon.” Hitomi answered, not surprised by the existence of someone similar to her. <i>’I hope that has nothing to do with ‘the bastard that is ruining my month’…’</i>
“So, what can I help you with today?” The priest asked once more.
“I have some… items here.” Hitomi pulled out some charms and whatnot she received few nights ago. “And I have no idea how to use it.”
At first surprised at how she managed to get hold of them, the old priest gradually started to smile a wise smile. He picked up the object, starting with the charms and took a good look at the inscription on it.
“Lucky charms, basically it’s like a repellant. It’ll keep spirits from coming near you, but I can’t guarantee for the stronger ones.”
“Hmm… Is there anyway to completely prevent being possessed?”
“I’m afraid not. It all comes down to your willpower after all.”
Hitomi frowned; she had hoped that it would be easier than this.
“What about the pendant?” She took the artifact and almost shoved it to the old man’s face.
“It’s a seal, that’s for sure. As for instructions…”
While the two spoke, Rika on the other hand drank a little too much tea and was desperate for the washroom. Taking things into her own hands, she wandered the shrine grounds anxiously and found herself by a hut. At first she figured that it was some portable washroom of some sort, but as she got closer, she heard familiar voices.
“It’ll be tricky to lure him into the a trap like that.”
“But that’s the only way. The most traditional, and useful method that onmyojis uses. You were also asking about how the seal reacts to the paranormal?”
“Yeah, I’ve been told that it works that way too.”
“It does, and is extremely useful. Most of our priests have a seal like that too.”
”You make it sound like a fashion accessory.”
“It could be used that way.” The old man joked, his eyes closing to a slit. “But it’s mainly so that we can be alerted of any spirits in the area at all times.”
“Haha, but I’m you know…. Not exactly a mortal as a whole. So why doesn’t this one react to me?”
Outside, Rika heard it all and was confused, surprised, maybe even a little upset. What was Hitomi talking about, ‘not being mortal’? She unintentionally rephrased it, but it meant the same to her anyway. Just what had the girl she cared so much for been hiding? She felt a little betrayed… but more than that, Rika really needed to use the washroom. She’s heard enough. Deliberately not wanting to know more than she should be aware of, Rika tore herself away from the area and wandered off again to find some directions. Back in the room…
“The ones we used detect lesser spirits of any kind, whether they are good or bad.”
“I don’t get it.”
“You have the shell of the mortal, but there’s this aura to you that says other wise. You bear the soul of a two thousand year old spirit, probably older, and that alone triggered the seal. An aura is like, a label to your soul. So basically because your aura says that your soul is ‘immortal’, you automatically fall into the paranormal group.”
“Sounds corny AND confusing.” Hitomi rubbed the back of her head. “But that doesn’t answer why THIS seal doesn’t work.”
“It only detects stronger spirits, or those at a God’s level.”
“Well, that’s <i>flattering</i>.” She replied sarcastically, at the same time wondering where the hell Yuko managed to get hold of this stuff. “Does that include vengeful spirit of accomplished sorcerers?”
“I don’t doubt that.”
“What about, a divine being’s incarnate?”
“Probably, why don’t you try it and see for yourself?” He suggested with a raised eyebrow and a wise smile.
“That might be a better choice.”
“One more thing, how would I know if it is reacting?”
“Keep it with you at all times, you’ll find out soon enough.” He answered with a smile, leaving Hitomi to her own thoughts.
“So I assume that you’ve gotten what you came for?” The old man spoke again and stood up with some difficulty. Hitomi did the same after him.
“Yes, thank you very much. It’s not much, but it helps.”
“My pleasure. I’m sure your lady friend is growing impatient, so let me see you out.”
“Nah, Rika-chan is a patient person.” Hitomi remarked, actually unsure herself. “You know, I’m surprised that you helped me without any questions.” She asked while they walked out of the room.
“Let’s say I’m not doing this completely for free. The less I ask, the less trouble I’ll have too.”
“I never knew priests could be so calculative and mercenary.”
“You don’t know a lot of things.”
“Perhaps I don’t. I’ll find my way out from here, thanks again.”
“No problem. Do say hello to Nakazawa-san for me if you don’t mind.”
“Nakazawa?” Hitomi’s eyes widened as she stared at the priest who simply nodded, took a bow and walked off. A whole new set of questions began to surface, but the futsal captain wasn’t sure if she wanted to know the answers this time.
Turning around, Hitomi found Rika lying on the table with her face buried in her arms. Hitomi knelt down beside her friend and shook her on the shoulder a few times.
“Rika-chan?”
There wasn’t a response.
“Rika~ Time to go.”
The older woman shrugged and turned her head around, then going back to her beauty sleep again. Hitomi smirked and went near the other’s ear.
“I never knew you slept like a pig!”
Did she hear it? Did someone just compare her to a pig? Now completely awake due to the insult, Rika shot up and swung a hand towards the athletic woman who managed to catch the fist in time.
“Who are you calling a pig?!”
“Who are YOU trying to hit?”
“The rude person who called me a pig.”
”…No rude person here. Come on, we’re leaving.”
Hitomi smiled. It worked, Rika was awake, and that’s all there is to it. She didn’t need to explain herself further. Helping the still drowsy girl up, Hitomi led them both out of the room and towards the exit.
“Yocchan!” Rika whined as they walked.
“Yeah?”
“You took so long! What were you doing with that old man?”
”Just talking. I didn’t know it was that long; enough to have you fall asleep. Sorry…”
“The chanting down the hall didn’t help…”
“That’s what you get for tagging along unannounced.”
“Hmph! No thanks for trying to be a good friend and giving you some company.”
Rika slowed down and watched Hitomi walk on from behind. The other only shook her head and kept going, amused at her friend’s pettiness. Rika hadn’t forgotten about what she had overheard, it wasn’t easy to dismiss something so unusual.
The back view of the younger woman made her wonder, what has she been hiding all these years? She didn’t like to know that she had been kept in the dark about something for so long. But still, it just struck her that this one Yoshizawa Hitomi wasn’t anyone to her, so by right, she wasn’t in the position to probe, and Hitomi had the right to keep secrets. She wasn’t like Mai or Ayaka; Rika wasn’t really Hitomi’s best friend… just friends, or less – just colleagues. That’s right, Hitomi wouldn’t tell her anything about <i>that</i> willingly.
Rubbing her arms, and feeling awful, Rika followed Hitomi’s shadow and they soon left the shrine. She had two things in her mind right now– To ask, or not to ask. Or maybe... she’ll just save this for another day instead.
A/N : Sorry ,I lost my momentum for awhile :/
If this chapter is confusing, I'm really really sorry. I spent a week on it and yeah.. kinda got lost halfway and stuff. >_>
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Rika took the chance and launched forward, clinging to the other’s arm happily. Hitomi only rolled her eyes at the older woman.
“I don’t get girls and their need to cling like koalas…”
Well...in certain doses, it's not necessarily a bad thing, is it? :P
It’s been awhile for them to be visiting shrines though. Rika went to one on New Year’s, and she still remembered that little wish she made.
Did it have something to do with Yossi? ;D
“Is that a shrine?” Rika asked as she squinted to take a look into the distance, noticing the familiar torii gates.
“Finally!”
“Why are we going to a shrine? I don’t want to get married yet!”
Hitomi knocked her knuckle against Rika’s pretty head and moved on.
“You’re thinking too much! No one’s getting married.”
Oh Rika, spouting your unconscious desires like that. :lol:
When they had arrived at the main entrance, their surrounding area seemed to be on guard suddenly. Shrine keepers who had been peacefully sweeping the floors began looking at the visitors with some unpleasant intent. Some gave them wary glares. Within seconds, it was as though the girls’ had just triggered their alarm system just by passing the gate.
I'm guessing it might have been Yossi's aura that did it? She IS supposed to be the "keeper" after all.
“You have no business here, miss.” One of the higher authority spoke.
“Oh, but I do.” Hitomi rebutted. “I want to see the high priest.”
“He will not entertain the unorthodox.”
Hmmm...definitely must have something to do with Yossi and her particular situation, I think.
The newly arrived man instructed strictly and the younger priests obeyed without saying anymore and moved away, dispersing from the area.
“I’m sorry, we tend to be a little on the edge when… suspicious people make a visit.”
Hitomi nodded, showing that she took no offense to the misunderstanding and that she knew what the other was implying. The shorter woman behind her however, observed the wise looking man carefully. He was old, judging from the amount of white hair on his face and head.
Huh? WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIT a sec...is this because Rika was being "clingy" to Yossi so much that they looked like a "couple"? :mon ehh:
“Stupid Yocchan! She doesn’t tell me anything anymore.” Rika groaned when the two was out of earshot and all but threw a fit on the floor. She knew that Hitomi was lying.
Well, Yossi has her reasons for keeping Rika in the dark on this. For the most part this is probably one of those "the less you know, the better" type of situations.
“How may I be of service, my kindred spirit?” The priest spoke, apparently well used to the incense.
Kindred? The priest is a reincarnated spirit like how Yossi is??? :shocked:
“I have some… items here.” Hitomi pulled out some charms and whatnot she received few nights ago. “And I have no idea how to use it.”
At first surprised at how she managed to get hold of them, the old priest gradually started to smile a wise smile.
Ah, so she's come to see if he knows what the items are used for. Smart move. :thumbsup
Rika on the other hand drank a little too much tea and was desperate for the washroom. Taking things into her own hands, she wandered the shrine grounds anxiously and found herself by a hut. At first she figured that it was some portable washroom of some sort, but as she got closer, she heard familiar voices.
Uh oh...this can't be good.
“But that doesn’t answer why THIS seal doesn’t work.”
“It only detects stronger spirits, or those at a God’s level.”
So what he's saying is that Yossi's too weak of a spirit to trigger the seal? That sucks.
Do say hello to Nakazawa-san for me if you don’t mind.”
“Nakazawa?” Hitomi’s eyes widened as she stared at the priest who simply nodded, took a bow and walked off.
What the...he knows Yuko? :stunned:
A whole new set of questions began to surface, but the futsal captain wasn’t sure if she wanted to know the answers this time.
That's probably for the best. :yep:
Hitomi found Rika lying on the table with her face buried in her arms. Hitomi knelt down beside her friend and shook her on the shoulder a few times.
“Rika-chan?”
There wasn’t a response.
“Rika~ Time to go.”
The older woman shrugged and turned her head around, then going back to her beauty sleep again. Hitomi smirked and went near the other’s ear.
“I never knew you slept like a pig!”
Did she hear it? Did someone just compare her to a pig? Now completely awake due to the insult, Rika shot up and swung a hand towards the athletic woman who managed to catch the fist in time.
“Who are you calling a pig?!”
Important thing here is that Rika's actually awake. Whatever it takes, after all. :D
The back view of the younger woman made her wonder, what has she been hiding all these years? She didn’t like to know that she had been kept in the dark about something for so long. But still, it just struck her that this one Yoshizawa Hitomi wasn’t anyone to her, so by right, she wasn’t in the position to probe, and Hitomi had the right to keep secrets. She wasn’t like Mai or Ayaka; Rika wasn’t really Hitomi’s best friend… just friends, or less – just colleagues. That’s right, Hitomi wouldn’t tell her anything about that willingly.
:cry: :cry: :cry:
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Chapter 7 Part III
”This is the last time I’m being considerate!!”
She shouted, but there wasn’t any sound other than the one resonating through her mind. Like that tagline that kept appearing on movie posters recently: ‘In space, no one can hear you scream’. Yet it wasn’t fear that coursed through her, it was irritation, annoyance, complete frustration and anger. She would have to tear down a house and more to vent all that rage in her, but that’s only if ever gets out of wherever she is.
She had been walking around in the dark for the past few days, or weeks, or… heck, she didn’t even know how long it has been since she found herself in the middle of nowhere. She didn’t feel hungry, or tired, just insanely bored. She had tried conversing with herself in her mind a few times, but she always ends up slapping herself for the sake of her sanity.
“This is really starting to suck.”
“Don’t be so down, my dear. The fun’s only beginning.” A voice came from inside her head, or somewhere close by. It was difficult to tell it’s exact position, but the voice belongs to a man, that’s for sure.
“You again?! Who or what the hell are you, and you did NOT just call me ‘dear’!”
She rushed towards the light that was starting to materialize, suspecting that the voice came from it, all this while conversing by using her thoughts. It almost came naturally to her, but that’s not the point. Her focus was entirely on the figure that’s forming in a distance. The closer she got, the stronger the urge she had to dish out something painful for the other.
“Your temper’s horrible for a lady.”
“It could get worse if you don’t tell me what’s going on and release me.”
Her punch missed and sent her sprawling on the floor as the light disappeared only to come back from behind.
“But I can’t release you. It really isn’t MY fault that you’re trapped here anyway.”
“What do you mean it isn’t your fault?! It’s everything but that! You’re the only one I’ve met since I found myself here, so it’s clearly your fault.”
She got up again and glared at the apparition. The light dimmed and in it’s place stood a middle-aged man in a robe. His face just screamed ‘despicable’ and it repulsed her. He looked like one of those salary men you find on the streets being drunk and disgusting.
“It’s your curiosity’s fault, or perhaps your consideration, I don’t care. But it’s not mine.” He spoke as though it was fact.
“What an asshole…” She muttered through gritted teeth.
“Oh, you think I LIKE using your body? It’s weak, it’s beneath my status.” He spat, obviously having heard the other.
“Use my body? What? Who are you?!” She demanded after hearing something so ridiculous yet offensive.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to leave now.”
“What the… Wait!”
The man started to disappear. Unwilling to let him just leave without answering her, she leaped forward and tried to claw at the figure but he had completely disappeared before she had the chance. She fell to the floor again.
“That bastard. I’m going to figure this out, or my name isn’t Fujimoto Miki!”
She rammed her fist towards the ground, staring intensely at the space which the man disappeared from. This was all too weird, but being trapped in a void did not bother her as much as what the man had just said. She swore to herself that this black space would not stop her from finding out what she wants to know.
A/N: I was in the mood to finally write a little something on our antagonist.
And I just saw Mikan being played on tv just now ;_;
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She had been walking around in the dark for the past few days, or weeks, or… heck, she didn’t even know how long it has been since she found herself in the middle of nowhere. She didn’t feel hungry, or tired, just insanely bored. She had tried conversing with herself in her mind a few times, but she always ends up slapping herself for the sake of her sanity.
“This is really starting to suck.”
“Don’t be so down, my dear. The fun’s only beginning.” A voice came from inside her head, or somewhere close by. It was difficult to tell it’s exact position, but the voice belongs to a man, that’s for sure.
The girl that Sonobe possessed? He's actually talking to her? :dunno:
“Your temper’s horrible for a lady.”
“It could get worse if you don’t tell me what’s going on and release me.”
Definitely sounds like Miki. :lol:
“I’m afraid I’ll have to leave now.”
“What the… Wait!”
The man started to disappear. Unwilling to let him just leave without answering her, she leaped forward and tried to claw at the figure but he had completely disappeared before she had the chance. She fell to the floor again.
“That bastard. I’m going to figure this out, or my name isn’t Fujimoto Miki!”
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I CALLED IT! IT'S MIKI-SAMA!!! :rockon:
So anyway, where is this place that Miki finds herself? Some type of dream world that Sonobe had put her in?
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I thought about having her in a dream world sort of place, but Sonobe doesn't have that ability. Fujimoto's gonna be real pissed at the difficulty level of escaping.. if that's even possible :-X
I guess I've just thrown her into the back of her subconscious 8D
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Chapter 8
”I don’t quite get why Ai-chan doesn’t seem to like you…”
Risa hugged herself as she walked out of the studio all bundled up in her jacket and coat. Winter was closing in, and she’d be crazy to be exposing her bare shoulders and whatnot at this time of the night. Ai had been giving their new make-up artist the cold shoulder and a really poor attitude lately, causing Risa to feel terrible for the new comer. She couldn’t help but want to apologize on the elder’s behalf when she has the chance.
“Don’t worry about it, she’ll open up soon.”
“I hope so… I do feel strange hanging out with someone my best friend dislikes though.”
“If you’re that worried, you could’ve turned me down earlier.”
“Yeah but… I’d feel bad if I turned down Sakurai-kun too, since you were so sincere at inviting me out.” Risa admitted, inwardly uncomfortable when she’s reminded of the last time she referred to the man with intimacy. It was just out of friendliness, so there’s nothing wrong. That’s right, there’s nothing wrong with referring to friends that way, and Ai was only overreacting the other day. Risa just kept telling herself that.
“Aw, Ai-chan’s so lucky to have you! Risa-chan’s so kind.”
”Have m-me? But we’re just… Sakurai-kun!” Risa squeaked, overreacting again by fidgeting with her fingers, then the hem of her top, and basically becoming restless. Sakurai could clearly see that she was embarrassed at the way he had phrased himself. Miscommunication does generate interesting results sometimes.
“Heads up!” He suddenly stopped and shouted, but Risa was too occupied with her train of thoughts that she couldn’t see the low solid neon signboard hung outside some night shop.
BANG! ... Click! … “Owww!!”
Everything happened within seconds. There was a loud crash and the entire signboard shook quite violently. Risa fell backwards from the impact and Sakurai rushed over to catch her by the shoulder. It was a close call considering how the ground wasn’t exactly flat and comfy.
“Oooh… that lump there is not going to be pretty.”
“Uso~! ...Sakurai-kun, I didn’t know you have a twin!”
“Twin? I don’t have a… Risa-chan?! … RISA?!”
Everyone started to crowd around the duo, wondering why there was a girl lying unconscious in the arms of a feminine man. It wasn’t as serious as it looks, but waiting for her to wake up might take awhile. Midnight was coming close in an hour or two, but it seems that the night had only just begun.
On the other side of town, Ai had been sitting on her bed and flipping the lid of her phone continuously. The last time she spoke to Risa was only last night, but it felt like nothing more than perhaps a late night’s imagination. As real as it was, she refused to admit that Risa was with Sakurai then. She flipped open her cellphone again.
“11.19… PM” She read out loud, wondering if her best friend was already home.
They haven’t seen each other for days, and Ai was quietly resenting how they get split up so often lately for different events. Despite that, she was quite aware of the younger girl’s schedule. She started dialing familiar numbers, deciding to take the initiative this time. Wishing hard for something good to come out of it this phone call.
“Obaachan?” Ai greeted, recognizing the voice after having grown friendly with the aging grandmother of Risa over the past few years. “I’m sorry to call you this late at night, but is Risa home?”
<i>“Ai-chan?”</i> The woman on the other line sounded surprised. <i>”It’s okay, I’m not about to sleep anyway. Risa? No, she’s not back yet. That girl... always out so late and making me worry.”</i>
“Heh…” Ai had a dry laugh, “I’m sure it’s because of work. Don’t worry about it.” To be honest, she was a lot more worried for her co-leader than the old lady was. Who knows what could happen to a young girl out on the empty streets.
<i>“She always tries so hard, huh?”</i> Ai could hear a soft sigh from the other line and responded with a soft ‘Yeah’, <i>“Oh, sorry, I got carried away. Do you want to leave a message for her anyway?”</i>
“Huh? No… No, it’s all right. I’ll just call back tomorrow. ”
<i>“I’ll remind her that you called then.”</i>
“Thanks. Do sleep early, your health is important.”
<i>“Such a nice girl you are. Risa’s really fortunate to have a friend like you.”</i> Ai contemplate the truth of it. <i>”Guess I’ll turn in soon, goodnight Ai-chan.”</i>
“Thank you. Good night to you too. Rest well, Obaachan.” Hanging up, she was a little despondent by the results of the call. Why was life being so hard on her lately?
Looking at her cellphone again, Ai scrolled down the address book and dialed a different number. It rang once, twice, maybe a few times more before someone finally picked up.
“Hello?” A foreign male voice came from the other line, immediately sending Ai into a fluster.
“Ah! S-sorry, I must have dialed the wrong number!” She stuttered quickly and hung up. She looked at the highlighted name on the phone’s address book and wondered.
<i>”Strange… this is her number so why did someone else answer? Gaki-san, where and what are you doing right now…”</i> Ai shut her eyes tight and leaned back against the wall, the arm that had her phone in hand fell limp against the table top as she sighed deeply. <i>’Should I call again?’</i>
A/N: And this is the start of a horribly broken relationship built on misunderstandings. I know, it has nothing to do with the storyline... but then again, it does in a evil scheming way. I'm leaving takagaki out of the main plot for now to concentrate on Yocchan/Rika/Miki/Evil Spirit. I'm going to make chapters shorter and easier to read..
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Sorry for not replying on the previous chapters. I've been stuck in the midst of exams and all. I'm kinda surprised you found time to update this. Didn't you mention going to Taiwan?
Back to the story. Is Miki sharing her body with someone/thing unwillingly? This reminds me of an anime about an ice-skater and Canadian boy ghost that I keep forgetting to watch on animax XD
Why is Risa acting so flustered when Sakurai implys that she and Ai are together? I'm hoping it's cuz she's shy about someone else noticing her feelings and not because she likes him. ARGHS, I would tear my hair out if that happened.
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Bring on the angst, I'm ready.
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”I don’t quite get why Ai-chan doesn’t seem to like you…”
...
“Don’t worry about it, she’ll open up soon.”
“I hope so… I do feel strange hanging out with someone my best friend dislikes though.”
Am I the only one who finds the fact that Risa's talking to Sakurai about how Aichan doesn't like him a little strange? :?
“Aw, Ai-chan’s so lucky to have you! Risa-chan’s so kind.”
”Have m-me? But we’re just… Sakurai-kun!” Risa squeaked, overreacting again by fidgeting with her fingers, then the hem of her top, and basically becoming restless. Sakurai could clearly see that she was embarrassed at the way he had phrased himself. Miscommunication does generate interesting results sometimes.
Question is though, did he phrase his statement that way on purpose, or was it just a verbal flub on his part? If it was the former, then why did he phrase it that way?
“Heads up!” He suddenly stopped and shouted, but Risa was too occupied with her train of thoughts that she couldn’t see the low solid neon signboard hung outside some night shop.
BANG! ... Click! … “Owww!!”
Eep :O
Risa fell backwards from the impact and Sakurai rushed over to catch her by the shoulder. It was a close call considering how the ground wasn’t exactly flat and comfy.
...
Everyone started to crowd around the duo, wondering why there was a girl lying unconscious in the arms of a feminine man. It wasn’t as serious as it looks, but waiting for her to wake up might take awhile.
Ooo...awkward.
Looking at her cellphone again, Ai scrolled down the address book and dialed a different number. It rang once, twice, maybe a few times more before someone finally picked up.
“Hello?” A foreign male voice came from the other line, immediately sending Ai into a fluster.“
Ah! S-sorry, I must have dialed the wrong number!” She stuttered quickly and hung up. She looked at the highlighted name on the phone’s address book and wondered.
”Strange… this is her number so why did someone else answer?
Well, either Risa changed her phone number, or someone else picked up her phone. Considering how she's currently unconscious after hitting that sign, it's most likely the latter. But then, who was it that picked up her phone?
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wow..luck is really not on Ai chan's side! To have Sakurai pick up of all the people...man she's going to be steaming if she does call again. Though knowing Ai chan, she might just give up for the night and have thoughts nagging at the back of her mind forever. :fainted:
oh and i freaked out at the BANG! ... Click! … “Owww!!” part....I thought the click was from a camera going off...say Risa falling into the arms of Sakurai and then friday strikes or something! Poor Risa, unconscious for 2 hrs...I wonder where Sakurai dragged her off to....*stupid Sakurai* :angry:
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Well, either Risa changed her phone number, or someone else picked up her phone. Considering how she's currently unconscious after hitting that sign, it's most likely the latter. But then, who was it that picked up her phone?
Oh.. I had assumed it was Sakurai who answered her phone for her since she was passed out cold. lol.
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You guys are smart =o But I'm not going to say which parts you're spot on at xD
Update will be in a week or 2.. or 3. I'm leaving tomorrow for Taiwan and if I have a chapter done and there's internet, I'll try to update ^^
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Taiwan? Have fun. :rockon:
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Taiwan? Haha, i just came back from there. Are you back yet? Can't wait for the next chapter! XD
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Back to the story. Is Miki sharing her body with someone/thing unwillingly? This reminds me of an anime about an ice-skater and Canadian boy ghost that I keep forgetting to watch on animax XD
It's Ginban Kaleidoscope.... :otomerika:
hehe....just finished reading from the beginning. Now things get all interesting, especially now dat we know Miki's the one possessed. But yeay for YossiRika :luvluv1:haven't had 1 of those stories for a while....
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GAAASSSPPPP!!!! ON HIATUS????!!! IIIIIIIEEEEEEEE!!!! :cry:
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*happily squeezes everything into one lousy chapter* :temper: :imdead:
So many cliffhangers here...
Chapter 9
Hitomi and Rika were quiet in the studio by the snack table. They didn’t seem to have anything else to discuss, already having said all that was needed about work when they were still with the rest of the Gatas team for the better half of the morning. It was a peculiar moment between friends, and Rika wondered if she was the only one realizing this.
Hitomi flipped another page of her sports magazine without much of an interest. Halfway through, she gave a big yawn. Rika stopped stirring her straw in her can of soda and stared in amazement.
“Why don’t you catch up on sleep while you can?” The older woman suggested.
“Then what would you do?” Hitomi lifted her head from the magazine at the question.
“I don’t know, sit around or something maybe. I’ve been doing that for…” She looked at her wrist watch and sighed, “the past 35minutes anyway.”
“Weren’t you bored? You could’ve talked to me if you were.”
“I’m not sure if you’d answer me.” Rika fiddled with her fingers, eyes shifting uneasily between the objects on the table.
“Of course I would, I’m not deaf.” The younger woman closes her magazine and sets it aside with a slight frown on her face.
“I don’t mean it like that.” Came a flustered response from the other side of the table.
“Oh, then what did you mean?”
“I meant… Never mind, I don’t know either…” With a shake of her head, Rika sighed and shrugged her thoughts off.
“Rika-chan…?” Hitomi started with a disapproving look on her face.
Burdened by guilt and doubt, Rika was unable to look up at her friend and at the same time being weighed down by the other’s stare.
- - - -
It was havoc in the studio after everyone began scrambling and shuffling about to prepare the set for the next promotional video filming and photo shooting. Work like these was never easy nor did they sound easy when you think about the large green screens and equipments and props. Most of the effort and time however were directed towards the search for the various girls needed for the session. At this point of time, the producer wishes that he had a tracking device on the idols.
“What a mess…” Ai murmured to herself, already on the set and ahead of schedule.
“Takahashi-san, have you seen Hiroki?” The lady who frequently picks the outfit for Ai’s photo shoot came up to her in a hurry out of nowhere.
“Hiroki?” The idol looked up in confusion.
“Sakurai Hi-“
“No.” Ai instantly responded before her colleague could finish. Even though the other wanted to make sure, the chill she suddenly felt from Takahashi changed her mind immediately and sends her elsewhere for her search.
“Ai-chan!” Another member of the crew came up to her. “Have you seen Niigaki?”
“Gaki-san? I haven’t, why?”
“She’s not here yet, or anywhere near the building. So is that makeup guy. Why’s everyone missing today?!” He cried out with the help of the pain from pulling his hair in frustration. Having not been given a satisfied answer, he moved on into another part of the studio.
“Maybe she overslept? I should give her a call.” She wondered to herself and then swiftly pulled her cell-phone out from her pocket and made use of speed dialing. It has been hours since the last time she tried to contact her best friend, having to change her decision last night due to the time. Perhaps she would have a better chance this time round.
- - - -
The walls were painted white – stale and unfamiliar to her memory.
The fabric under her felt like sticky, no longer the same dry cotton that she enjoyed clutching on to.
She turned over and shivered as cold leather made contact with her skin.
And her head hurts too.
<i>”Where am I?”</i>
Her questioning was interrupted by unfamiliar laughter from behind. Immediately, she shot up on instinct and looked around in surprise, the headache forgotten.
“You’re alive!”
“What are you… Hey!“ She cried out when her mind finally registered what was going on. “Sakurai-kun?”
“Risa-chan?” The man she had come to befriend repeated the words with subtle mocking.
Risa wasn’t amused. It was too early and confusing and she wanted to go back to sleep. “Where am I?”
“My home. Like it?” Sakurai smiled, leaning against the backrest of his couch where his guest had been resting on all night.
“Your home?!” The idol freaked out having to know that she was at a man’s house, alone. She prayed hard on the inside that no one else knows about this. “It’s nice, but why am I here?” She continued, complimenting the humble place though without so much as to take a look first.
“You were out like the lights after that incident last night, and I can’t leave you out on the streets.” He explained with a smile, ever so sincere looking.
“Is that so-” Remembering the impact that her forehead receive gave her a headache again. Risa started groaning and burying her head in her hands.
“Here, painkillers.” Sakurai handed a small tray to his guest with a glass of water and pills on it. “You want me to call the office for you to take a break today? You’re already late anyway so it makes no difference…”
“Office? Late… Oh shit!” Risa shot up again, this time to her feet and all but flew out of the apartment when she fell back on the couch, head spinning and thumping ruthlessly.
“Yup, I’d better call them.” Sakurai turned around to pick up his house phone, already dialing for UFA.
“But!” Risa sat up and supported her limp self with the couch’s backrest.
“Too late, the phone is already ringing. Hello?”
“What a wrong day to be taking the day off…” Groaning again, she falls back down on the couch with her forearm over her head with worry for work running in her pounding head.
- - - -
“She wasn’t home all night?” Ai exclaimed to the speaker incredulously.
<i>”Apparently, her bed was untouched. Ai-chan, do you know where Risa is?”</i> The older lady on the other line spoke with worry and some anxiety.
“No, obaa-chan, I don’t. But I’ll call her cellphone, don’t worry.” Ai tried her best to calm down the elderly through her voice, hopeful for it to work.
<i>”I’m sorry to bother you like this, but thank you.”</i> The other sighed in relief and an image of her with a thin smile formed in Ai’s head.
“It’s fine, I’m looking for her anyway.” Saying her goodbyes to the elder woman, Ai hung up the call and searched for her best friend’s number.
It just wasn’t like her sub leader to go missing without a word, and unusual behaviors worried Ai, especially from someone she cared deeply for. Just as she was about to place a call for Risa, the producer came into the studio.
“Everyone! Niigaki-san will be skipping out on today’s sessions, so we’ll just have to do individual shots for now.”
“Why’s that, did something happen to Risa?” Ai grew anxious and hopped off her seat to pester her superior for an answer.
“Heard she fell ill, or something. I don’t know, I need to find someone to replace Sakurai.” The man muttered some profanities and rushed off, leaving Ai to her sea of doubts.
“Sakurai, he’s not here either?” Something smells fishy, but the leader of Morning Musume hardly had time to figure things out. What a timely moment, she thought sarcastically as she hurried off towards the camera crew.
- - - -
“Yocchan, can I ask you something?” Rika asked and was unusually shy in her words.
“Yes? Is it going to be embarassing?” Hitomi who had picked up her magazine again when her friend ended their conversation abruptly earlier lifted her amusement filled eyes from the page.
“No, at least I don’t think so.” The older woman swallowed hard and gathered some guts before she continued. “We’re friends, right?”
“Of course we are! Nothing less than good friends.” The futsal captain sets down the magazine again and watches Rika with a big assuring smile.
“Good friends… yeah…” Realizing that she’d been thinking out loud, Rika quietly looked up with an innocent look, almost pleadingly even, she spoke, “You wouldn’t let me worry, right? You wouldn’t… say… hide secrets or anything?”
“What’re you getting at?” Hitomi’s smile died slowly as she sense that this conversation wasn’t going to turn out well.
“I know I don’t have the rights to, but I want to know, because… because…” Rika wasn’t sure whether to continue with her sentence, not wanting to give the other woman the wrong idea or reveal her little desires.
“Get to the point, Rika-chan.” The taller woman sat upright, almost sounding impatient and causing Rika to feel regretful for ever starting this.
“Yocchan, I overheard you and the priest that day.” Rika finally admitted, frowning hard in attempt to not squeeze her eyes shut out of guilt.
She waited, and waited, but Hitomi kept quiet as the clock ticks by, seemingly considering deep and hard on how she should react to the confession.
- - - -
“This is completely fucked up.” Miki’s voice echoed in the dark probable corner of her domain. She had long claimed the darkness as her own since she began to accept the fact of her unfortunate imprisonment.
“I’d say this is a bad dream, but I’m not that stupid to go pinching myself to test that idea.” She rocked back and forth on her precious behind, muttering thoughts to herself, planning and scheming, and coming up with a script of things she would next say when the body stealing asshole (as she had proudly termed) shows himself again.
“Hmm… Maybe I can do this shit too!” An imaginary light bulb sprouted from above Miki’s head, shining brightly with an idea. “Yeah, maybe I can use my great mind to communicate with someone on the outside. But first, I’ve got to freaking stop talking to myself!”
Frowning in annoyance towards herself, Miki gradually calms down and closes her eyes to concentrate hard in hopes of being able to seek help from beyond this mysterious (and frustrating) realm of hers. The wish to find someone useful and sane was greater than anything else as well.
However, it didn’t occur to her that the possibility of falling asleep was rather high…
- - - -
“It amuses me so much to know how trusting humans are…” Whispering could be heard among the silence of the room, not considering the quiet breathing of slumbering people. “And how much of a fool the arrogant can be.”
<i>“Ai-chan...”</i> The quietness broke with the interruption of innocent sleep talks. The girl had returned to sleep upon taking the painkillers.
“It’s almost too easy…” The whispers went on as a blanket was fetched to cover the sleeptalker. After all, if one had to play a role, they might as well play it well and complete.
After having the guest comfortable, the room became empty again save for the slumbering other.
<i>“Ai-chan… forgive me…”</i>
-
It was havoc in the studio after everyone began scrambling and shuffling about to prepare the set for the next promotional video filming and photo shooting. Work like these was never easy nor did they sound easy when you think about the large green screens and equipments and props. Most of the effort and time however were directed towards the search for the various girls needed for the session. At this point of time, the producer wishes that he had a tracking device on the idols.
That would probably help, wouldn't it? :lol:
“What a mess…” Ai murmured to herself, already on the set and ahead of schedule.
“Takahashi-san, have you seen Hiroki?” The lady who frequently picks the outfit for Ai’s photo shoot came up to her in a hurry out of nowhere.
“Hiroki?” The idol looked up in confusion.
“Sakurai Hi-“
“No.” Ai instantly responded before her colleague could finish. Even though the other wanted to make sure, the chill she suddenly felt from Takahashi changed her mind immediately and sends her elsewhere for her search.
In Aichan's opinion, the less he's in her life, the better.
“Ai-chan!” Another member of the crew came up to her. “Have you seen Niigaki?”
“Gaki-san? I haven’t, why?”
“She’s not here yet, or anywhere near the building. So is that makeup guy. Why’s everyone missing today?!”
Oh jeez, if Aichan finds out that the 2 of them were hanging out...:mon scare:
The walls were painted white – stale and unfamiliar to her memory.
The fabric under her felt like sticky, no longer the same dry cotton that she enjoyed clutching on to.
She turned over and shivered as cold leather made contact with her skin.
And her head hurts too.
”Where am I?”
From the description of the bed...perhaps a hospital? It's about time Risa woke up from that accident where she knocked herself out.
Risa wasn’t amused. It was too early and confusing and she wanted to go back to sleep. “Where am I?”
“My home. Like it?” Sakurai smiled, leaning against the backrest of his couch where his guest had been resting on all night.
Wait, Sakurai brought an unconscious Risa to HIS house? Oooooooooooooooooh crap. Why do I get the feeling that EVERYONE is going to know about this really soon? :k-crazy:
“Everyone! Niigaki-san will be skipping out on today’s sessions, so we’ll just have to do individual shots for now.”
“Why’s that, did something happen to Risa?” Ai grew anxious and hopped off her seat to pester her superior for an answer.
“Heard she fell ill, or something. I don’t know, I need to find someone to replace Sakurai.” The man muttered some profanities and rushed off, leaving Ai to her sea of doubts.
“Sakurai, he’s not here either?” Something smells fishy, but the leader of Morning Musume hardly had time to figure things out. What a timely moment, she thought sarcastically as she hurried off towards the camera crew.
Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...can't help but see this turning ugly. :(
“Yocchan, I overheard you and the priest that day.” Rika finally admitted, frowning hard in attempt to not squeeze her eyes shut out of guilt.
She waited, and waited, but Hitomi kept quiet as the clock ticks by, seemingly considering deep and hard on how she should react to the confession.
Moment of truth now. Does Yossi let Rika in on it, or does she continue to try to keep her in the dark?
“This is completely fucked up.” Miki’s voice echoed in the dark probable corner of her domain. She had long claimed the darkness as her own since she began to accept the fact of her unfortunate imprisonment.
Yeah, being a prisoner in her body must really suck monkey balls. :mon pissed:
“Hmm… Maybe I can do this shit too!” An imaginary light bulb sprouted from above Miki’s head, shining brightly with an idea. “Yeah, maybe I can use my great mind to communicate with someone on the outside. But first, I’ve got to freaking stop talking to myself!”
I think the solitude might be getting to her. :dizzy:
Frowning in annoyance towards herself, Miki gradually calms down and closes her eyes to concentrate hard in hopes of being able to seek help from beyond this mysterious (and frustrating) realm of hers. The wish to find someone useful and sane was greater than anything else as well.
However, it didn’t occur to her that the possibility of falling asleep was rather high…
Why am I not surprised at this? :P
“It amuses me so much to know how trusting humans are…” Whispering could be heard among the silence of the room, not considering the quiet breathing of slumbering people. “And how much of a fool the arrogant can be.”
“Ai-chan...” The quietness broke with the interruption of innocent sleep talks. The girl had returned to sleep upon taking the painkillers.
“It’s almost too easy…” The whispers went on as a blanket was fetched to cover the sleeptalker. After all, if one had to play a role, they might as well play it well and complete.
After having the guest comfortable, the room became empty again save for the slumbering other.
“Ai-chan… forgive me…”
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...I knew I didn't like Sakurai. :angry:
-
:mon scare I KNEW IT! There's something seriously wrong with girlyman! Come on, ai-chan, go save your gaki-san!
-
Thanks for the update!
KYAAAA! Back to shaking my fist at sakurai! Darn that creeper!
wow you weren't kidding about the multiple cliff hangers! Ai chan you should have called her before she fell asleep! *sigh* the two just have bad timing. Maybe Ai chan will go all crazy and hunt Sakurai down at his house...though that would probably be too easy? cmon Ai chan use your spidey Gokkie senses!
lol and I wonder about Yossie too...I could imagine Yossie doing any of the following 1. tell Rika the truth 2. Use some weird special power to erase her memory 3. conveniently hears Miki calling for her or 4. running for it XD
-
Sakurai's EVIL!!! And Yossui's been confronted by Rika! Oh noes!
-
Uhm, here's to hoping that Ai-chan doesn't connect the dots and realize that Gaki-san spent the night over at Sakurai's. But I'm loving the angst. Oh yes, I am. Mmmhmm.
-
It'll be difficult not to connect the dots though. :twisted: Sorry for the wait.
Seems like there're takagaki conflicts going on in various fics lately :lol:
Well, here's chapter 10. Probably the longest chapter yet. Sorry if it's bad. I'll never write all the way into 5am in the night again. :imdead:
Chapter 10
“How much did you hear?”
It felt like the clock had finally moved on again, as well as the tension that held her in place. Rika all but jerked at the sudden response from her captain.
“Something about you being… being…” Rika couldn’t find words to end her sentence. The whole idea of her reply was simply ridiculous. There were no such thing as immortals, or ghosts, or monsters, or any other category Hitomi’s claims fell into. She should laugh it off and treat it as a joke, but why couldn’t she do just that?
“Being…?” Hitomi prompted her friend again.
“Not a mortal, or something like that.” Rika gathered her courage and finally replied, but not without adding a bit of laughter in it –very forced laughter to be exact. “That’s funny right? Not being a mortal. I mean, what else can you be? A ghost?”
“To be honest…” Hitomi started, growing worried at the fake laughter produced by Rika along with the trembling voice despite trying to be amused.
“Yocchan…” Rika couldn’t take it anymore. It hurts to feel this way, and it hurts more to pretend. “Tell me it’s not true what I’ve heard. You were just being sarcastic to the priest, aren’t you? You’re not strange like that… ”
Seeing as how Rika had hit full denial mode by now, Hitomi got up for her seat to be by the elder’s side to comfort her. But to witness her best friend’s instant withdrawing reaction made her heart sting. Yet, the truth might be the best thing to solve the situation now.
“Rika-chan. I can’t just answer yes or no. This is more complicated than you think…”
“It’s just so weird…” Rika lowers her head and seems to be hugging herself and completely out of it. “I thought… maybe I could accept this. That you hiding secrets from me was normal because everyone has secrets… but...”
“This is too much for you Rika,” Hitomi was becoming even more concerned with the other’s condition right now. She didn’t think something like this could affect her so much. “Just pretend you never did hear us that day, please? I don’t want to see you like this.”
“After what you’ve just said… I can’t just <i>pretend</i>. I can’t imagine how I’ll see you after today knowing that you’re… I don’t know what you are!” Rika was close to screaming in frustration. She was afraid to know who or what the real Hitomi was. What if her friend was a monster of some sort? Or if she <i>was</i> a spirit that would disappear eventually? To loose Hitomi was worse than to be hurt by her.
Rika was terrified of the truth. Her active imagination wasn’t helping as other than the thought of someone being human, any other species had horrible consequences to bear.
Hitomi on the other hand was nervous to see her best friend act this way, almost like a possessed person if she didn’t know any better. She attempted to give Rika some physical comfort; Rika liked hugs, doesn’t she? A hug always works in calming people down.
“I’ll always be the Yoshizawa Hitomi you’re familiar with, no more no less. So don’t be like this… there’s nothing to be worried about-“
“D-don’t touch me.” Rika jumped to her feet, knocking her chair over in the process. “This is difficult to deal with. I shouldn’t have asked. I should’ve minded my own business… Excuse me.”
Choosing the option of escaping, Rika pushed past Hitomi and ran through the door of their waiting room.
“Rika?” Shocked by the outburst, it took a while before Hitomi realized what was happening. Immediately she ran towards the door and nearly pried it off. She yelled for Rika across the hallway, but she was already long gone.
This mess that they had tangled themselves into made Hitomi shake, in regret and fear. She slowly lowered herself to the floor, burying her face in her knees and sighing deeply.
“Yoshizawa, you idiot!” She growled into the fabric of her jeans, clenching her fist tightly. “I can’t lose Rika just like that! This is all my fault.“
- - - - -
“How do you like the tidbit?” Even though muffled, within a deserted alleyway in the late evening, his words were clear as day.
“They were great! We haven’t had something this juicy for a long time.” His associate, a stumpy little man with files in his hands smiled with greed as he looks up at the other.
“It’s my pleasure to help.” Ever so charismatic, he returned the expression but without meaning in it.
“I’m still surprised at how you managed it, and why go through the trouble?” Bothered by curiosity and suspicion, the hungry smile began to die.
“I don’t think there’s a need for you to know… ” The taller man sighed, feeling that his time is being wasted the moment he was questioned.
“A-ah…” Understanding the situation almost immediately, the potentially smart and now nervous older man backed up and nodded. “I see, then, thank you for these. I’d better get going before I’m late.”
Bidding farewell to the other, he opened the steel door behind him and disappeared into the building that they were outside of. Inside, the sound of machines working like clockwork filled the entire room with the smell of printed-paper lingering about.
“Edit the headlines, we’ve something better for the week.”
“But sir!”
“Don’t ‘but sir’ me. You guys are working overtimes tonight. We’ve to rush this for tomorrow.”
- - - - -
The smell of tempura aroused her from sleep, and in her consciousness, she felt herself leaning towards the source of the fragrance despite having both eyes still closed. But that’s not right. It was Thursday, and Thursdays weren’t tempura night. There was no such thing as tempura night in her house.
Waking up once again for the countless time since she had gone back to sleep, she took a shorter time to realize where she was.
“This is… Oh right. Sakurai-kun’s place…” She muttered to herself, the prefix for her older friend coming naturally to her by now.
Feeling much better already, she sat up to adjust her clothing that had crumpled horribly during her nap. Apart from the couch, every other part of the apartment was foreign to her. Relying only on her sense of smell, she followed the delicious scent of fried prawn in hopes of finding her host.
It really didn’t take long as Sakurai had an open kitchen separated by a thin wall from the living room. She leaned over the counter top when she realized that nobody was around in the kitchen. Looking down towards the floor, she found her host squatted over newspapers and trying to murder a crab.
“S--Sakurai-kun? What are you doing?”
“Risa-chan! Just in time. I’m making dinner.” The effeminate man lifted his head with glee at the sight of her awakened guest.
“Dinner?! What time is it?” Connecting the relation between dinner and time, Risa flustered when she realized how late it had gotten. She quickly dished out her cell phone and searched for the clock.
“It’s already 8!” She cried in disbelief, but her shock gradually lessens when she notices the mountain of mail left unread in her inbox and a number of missed calls she hadn’t noticed before as well. Almost automatically, she scrolled through the names without opening the messages while frowning as if a horrible crime had been committed.
“Yeah, I was going to make dinner for us both since you haven’t eaten all day.” Sakurai picked up his crab from the newspaper laid floor and settled it on the chopping board like a professional chef.
“I… that’s sweet of you, but I don’t think I can stay. Not tonight.” Risa slipped her phone back into her pocket as she looks up at Sakurai apologetically. The tempura prepared behind him was tempting to sample, but Risa still had her priorities.
“You can’t?” Disappointed, Sakurai frowned and his hold on the crab began to slack.
“I’m sorry. But I wasn’t home since yesterday and… Obaachan must be worried sick!” Risa made her excuse, feeling rather guilty for turning down the man’s offer.
“I see, I understand. Well, so much for fresh seafood, huh?” The chef for the night sighed and wiped his hands clean before smiling again. “Now then, let me see you to the door.”
“You’re not mad are you? I’ll make it up some other time you know. If you want me to, that is.” Risa hurried after her host who had already begun to head towards the main door.
“I’m not mad. I’m just thinking that you should treat me to something better than this meal if you want to make it up to me.” Sakurai looked back with a sly grin at his guest before opening the door to let Risa out. He managed a giggle when he saw his guest sigh in relief.
“I will. I’ll treat you to a feast even.” Risa laughed, definitely relieved and eased of tension.
“I’ll hold you to your word. Now get going, your grandmother must be attempting to call the police by now. It’s almost 24hours.” The man joked and hurried Risa out of the door after saying goodbye.
“Yeah, so much for dinner. But everything’s in place now.” Behind the closed door, his previously warm smile turned to a more sinister one as he proceeded back to the kitchen to prepare dinner for himself. Having a guest around didn’t matter to him as much as it was actually made out to be.
- - - - -
Darkness. Takahashi Ai was accustomed to it already.
Nothing in this empty suspension was real.
As it still was, everything around her was nothing more than black space. Suddenly, she heard the clicking of switches and the familiar sound of something bursting open. She felt herself grow warm, the feeling of tiredness taking over her body similar to how she would feel whenever she finishes an item in a Hello!Project or Morning Musume concert. Adrenaline would rush through her and that feeling of accomplishment at the end of it all.
More lights began to turn on to reveal her friends and second family. She was standing between Koharu, with the rest of the 8-generation girls lined after her. And on the other side was Reina, along with the rest of the Rokkies and finally, Risa was there too, right at the end of the line. But…
Why wasn’t her sub leader standing <i>beside</i> her?
Rather than question herself, she soon felt herself bend over to thank the audience, speaking the usual words that she would say in a real concert MC. It was over now, that much was obvious. With the lights dimming and the girls bidding farewell.
As the stage grows darker, the presence of her friends gradually disappeared with the light. All but one person stayed on stage, and it wasn’t too hard to miss with the individual spotlight hovering above the person’s very figure. It was Risa, smiling ever so cheerfully at the audience which was… also gone by now.
“Gaki-san!” Ai called out with a smile. Why was she even smiling? She felt horrible at seeing Risa again after what she had her go through the last few days. She should be looking remorseful, guilty even, anything but happy.
And she probably deserved what she got next. Risa had completely ignored her.
“Risa?” She wondered out loud. Risa wouldn’t ignore someone just like that, she would’ve at least taken a look at who had called for her… but none of that happened. It was almost as if she treated her as nonexistent.
Short but brisk steps caught her attention quickly. She looked forward to see Risa running across the stage and towards the invisible audience. She looked so happy too, which made Ai’s insides riot violently. She felt betrayed by that expression of joy.
Risa was partially responsible for the conflict too, she thought. So why should she be the only one feeling like crap? Following the bouncing girl’s steps, Ai wanted to know what could’ve caused that smile. There were many things she wanted to know, but right now, she demands an explanation as to why that man is here too.
To witness the girl she cared so deeply for running into her enemy’s arms was like having a piano fall on her, or something equally horrid. It hurts beyond comprehension, for reason she was still unaware for.
“Aren’t they just friends…? But I trusted you!” Ai muttered to herself, none of these words projected through her voice however. It was torture to watch this go on, but she couldn’t control her body. She was rooted to the cold, steel floor and made to burn the image of her best friend and most disliked man behaving intimately into her mind.
It was a nightmare. If there were another word worse than nightmare, Ai would use it. But all she really wanted was to turn away from this. Yet she was still smiling, as though happy for the unreal couple, watching without a hint of sadness.
As time goes on slowly and cruelly, the lights grew dim again. The last she saw was a smug grin before she truly felt her eyes snap open. Her body twitched, telling her that she was back in reality again, that it was all just a dream. Pulling away from the dark that shrouded her view, she realizes that she had fallen asleep on her arm, and surprisingly, the sleeves of her sweater was doused in… were those tears? Seeing the stained material covering her arms, Ai instantly raised her hand to touch her face.
“I was… crying?”
<i>Darkness</i>. Being used to it never meant that she welcomed it, nor the stories it brings.
- - - - -
“Wow, I dreamt that I did something really bad to Ai-chan.” Risa was standing under the taxi stand just behind Sakurai’s apartment. Being alone without company made her remember things that she wasn’t quite aware of during her sleep. She mused over her dreams for the moment.
“Of course, I’d rather be struck by lightning than hurt her…” She spoke to no one in particular and whipped out her phone again to check the messages earlier while she waited for a cab to pass by.
Using the amazing cell phone skills that many teenage girls in Japan possesses, with the push of a few buttons, Risa was browsing through her mails with much ease.
<i>From : Ai-chan
To : Niigaki Risa
…….</i>
“What the heck is this?” Risa wondered out loud as she stared at the messages that consisted of only dots. Giving her best friend the benefit of doubt, Risa scrolled to the next mail assuming the previous was sent due to Ai’s carelessness and tendency to send mails without even realizing it.
<i>From : Ai-chan
To : Niigaki Risa
I’m sorry, I spaced out while trying to mail you.</i>
“Right…” The sub leader of Morning Musume laughed out loud. She was right after all. She was supposed to be upset with her best friend though, but to be able to laugh at small mistakes like this from the other felt really good. It almost made her forget that they were having a misunderstanding. She wondered what Ai was trying to mail to her.
<i>From : Ai-chan
To : Niigaki Risa
Where are you? The PV shoot is starting soon! You’re going to be late if you don’t show up now.</i>
Risa sighed to see that her friend had gone into authoritative mode again. Sometimes she just hated that about Ai. Why can’t things be like before when they weren’t the leaders of Morning Musume? Life was so much better.
<i>Your grandmother is worried sick about you.</i>
<i>Why didn’t you answer your phone? The studio was a mess today.</i>
The rest of the mails had Ai lecturing her from everything regarding work to her own personal life at home. It was starting to get annoying by now. Ignoring the rest of the ‘motherly’ messages, she decided to dial home instead to make sure that her grandmother didn’t seriously turn to the police to look for the grandchild.
- - - - -
Rika would rather walk tonight. She had been hiding out in the office and refusing to face anyone ever since the afternoon’s confrontation with Hitomi. She felt stupid for reacting the way she did. She lost herself then.
She wandered through the park, which served as a shortcut from the office to her home, in order to sort out her thoughts she moved to sit down on a bench with hopes of rationalizing with herself.
“She’s still the Yocchan I- <i>We</i> all love and admire, so why was I so worked up? Because she kept something so important from me?”
<i>“Because you’re just plain dumb.” </i>
A voice spoke to her out of the blue. It nearly caused Rika to scream out in surprise, but all she did was yelp. Maybe someone showed up and heard her.
“Who’s there?”
<i>”Who do you think I am?”</i>
Nervously, Rika got up and looked around the park. Nobody was around. Not a single person or soul or even an animal. But animals couldn’t talk! Rika’s legs were starting to tremble.
“I’m just… hearing things. I better get home soon.”
<i>”Hey, wait!”</i>
“Oh god, leave me alone!” Rika cried out only to realize that she was being ridiculous yelling in public in the middle of the night. Deciding to ignore the voice, she picked up her pace.
<i>“No, I’m serious. Ishikawa! Charmy-san…?”</i>
Hearing the unknown voice addressing her with that familiar nickname and in that annoyingly sarcastic tone, Rika stopped arupbtly and made a connection.
“Fujimoto?!”
-
“Yocchan…” Rika couldn’t take it anymore. It hurts to feel this way, and it hurts more to pretend. “Tell me it’s not true what I’ve heard. You were just being sarcastic to the priest, aren’t you? You’re not strange like that… ”
Moment of truth time. :O
“This is too much for you Rika,” Hitomi was becoming even more concerned with the other’s condition right now. She didn’t think something like this could affect her so much. “Just pretend you never did hear us that day, please? I don’t want to see you like this.”
“After what you’ve just said… I can’t just pretend. I can’t imagine how I’ll see you after today knowing that you’re… I don’t know what you are!” Rika was close to screaming in frustration. She was afraid to know who or what the real Hitomi was. What if her friend was a monster of some sort? Or if she was a spirit that would disappear eventually? To loose Hitomi was worse than to be hurt by her.
Geez, does Yossi even realize what Rika feels for her?
She attempted to give Rika some physical comfort; Rika liked hugs, doesn’t she? A hug always works in calming people down.
“I’ll always be the Yoshizawa Hitomi you’re familiar with, no more no less. So don’t be like this… there’s nothing to be worried about-“
“D-don’t touch me.” Rika jumped to her feet, knocking her chair over in the process. “This is difficult to deal with. I shouldn’t have asked. I should’ve minded my own business… Excuse me.”
Choosing the option of escaping, Rika pushed past Hitomi and ran through the door of their waiting room.
“Rika?” Shocked by the outburst, it took a while before Hitomi realized what was happening. Immediately she ran towards the door and nearly pried it off. She yelled for Rika across the hallway, but she was already long gone.
:o
“How do you like the tidbit?” Even though muffled, within a deserted alleyway in the late evening, his words were clear as day.
“They were great! We haven’t had something this juicy for a long time.” His associate, a stumpy little man with files in his hands smiled with greed as he looks up at the other.
“It’s my pleasure to help.” Ever so charismatic, he returned the expression but without meaning in it.
Hmmm...conversations that start off this way don't usually end well.
“Edit the headlines, we’ve something better for the week.”
“But sir!”
“Don’t ‘but sir’ me. You guys are working overtimes tonight. We’ve to rush this for tomorrow.”
Aw shit. Don't tell me, lemme guess...
Some stalkerazzi (who may possibly be in cahoots with Sakurai) was following Risa, saw her knock herself out and got pics of Sakurai talking her to his place. That idiot. :grr:
“This is… Oh right. Sakurai-kun’s place…” She muttered to herself, the prefix for her older friend coming naturally to her by now.
Feeling much better already, she sat up to adjust her clothing that had crumpled horribly during her nap.
Something tells me that crumpling wasn't just from her tossing and turning in her sleep. :tama-mad:
“You’re not mad are you? I’ll make it up some other time you know. If you want me to, that is.” Risa hurried after her host who had already begun to head towards the main door.
Oh geez Risa, don't say THAT. :banghead:
“Yeah, so much for dinner. But everything’s in place now.” Behind the closed door, his previously warm smile turned to a more sinister one as he proceeded back to the kitchen to prepare dinner for himself. Having a guest around didn’t matter to him as much as it was actually made out to be.
:angry: :angry: :angry:
*AICHAN'S DREAM ABOUT RISA*
:pen_cry:
“Wow, I dreamt that I did something really bad to Ai-chan.” Risa was standing under the taxi stand just behind Sakurai’s apartment. Being alone without company made her remember things that she wasn’t quite aware of during her sleep. She mused over her dreams for the moment.
Oh geez, they have the same dreams, WHY CAN'T THEY REALIZE WHAT IT MEANS!!! :gyaaah:
She wandered through the park, which served as a shortcut from the office to her home, in order to sort out her thoughts she moved to sit down on a bench with hopes of rationalizing with herself.
“She’s still the Yocchan I- We all love and admire, so why was I so worked up? Because she kept something so important from me?”
“Because you’re just plain dumb.”
A voice spoke to her out of the blue. It nearly caused Rika to scream out in surprise, but all she did was yelp. Maybe someone showed up and heard her.
:O
“I’m just… hearing things. I better get home soon.”
”Hey, wait!”
“Oh god, leave me alone!” Rika cried out only to realize that she was being ridiculous yelling in public in the middle of the night. Deciding to ignore the voice, she picked up her pace.
“No, I’m serious. Ishikawa! Charmy-san…?”
Hearing the unknown voice addressing her with that familiar nickname and in that annoyingly sarcastic tone, Rika stopped arupbtly and made a connection.
“Fujimoto?!”
Oh shit, it's Sonobe in Miki's body, and Rika doesn't know that it's not really Miki-sama! :OMG:
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Oh shit, it's Sonobe in Miki's body, and Rika doesn't know that it's not really Miki-sama! :OMG:
<i>Not really</i>, but I could go with that too :lol:
Crap, I forgot to update the title ._.
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Oooo update~ thank you~
wah TakaGaki build up! I can't wait for the fireworks to start when they finally see each other again!
Still hating on Sakurai from here but you know that already. What is with the creeper! and he better not have sold photos off or something!! :angry:
and wah...Rika! I wonder if she thinks she's just losing it all together. I mean first yossie and then hearing Miki's voice in her head..that can't be good for her state of mind.
can't wait to see what happens next, hopefully Miki will be able to communicate with other people when she learns how to control it...but then again she still wouldn't know of anyone that could help her...poor thing. oh yeah I'm still curious about the power of the crystal~
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I've finally got around to chapter 11. :sweatdrop:
Chapter 11
God help her if she was indeed hearing voices of random acquaintances of hers echoing in her own head and insulting her even. She wasn’t dumb! But what was she thinking, attempting to rebut the voice that doesn’t even have a body.
“I have to lay off the stress…” The usually perky woman groaned to herself as she quickens her steps in hopes of getting home soon for a cold shower to clear her head.
<i>”You’ve to lay off the Yoshizawa if she’s giving you this much issues.”</i>
“Oh, shut up. What do you know? You’re just a nonexistent voice- What the hell am I doing?!”
<i>”You’re talking to yourself, Ishikawa. You’re going crazy.”</i>
The voice in all its sarcastic nature replied the surprised woman. At first intending to snap back at the voice again, Rika clammed her mouth shut and kept walking. If she would just stop entertaining that voice, maybe it’ll go away.
<i>”Hello, are you there?”</i>
The voice pushed again, wondering why there weren’t any more responses.
<i>”Ishikawa? Hey, I know you’re there... Are you? How does this thing work?! Wha- Ow!</i>
Listening to the Fujimoto-like voice talking to herself was rather amusing to Rika, but as she had intended, the voice did stop eventually albeit arupbtly. She had wanted to worry for a moment there, but remembering how it was just her imagination after a day of nothing that made sense, the voice was probably just her tired mind playing tricks on her.
- - - - - -
<b>Thud!</b>
It was like falling off a three-storey building and landing on her precious butt. Even as a trapped soul, she still wore some sort of garment and she still felt the choking sensation from around her neck caused just moments ago, which pulled her back to the usual irksome abyss.
“My mistake to underestimate you…”
Her assailant looked down at her thoughtfully, rubbing his imaginary beard as if thinking of how to deal with her.
“Get to the point.” Miki grumbled while adjusted her clothes and attempting to get up after her untimely fall.
“I thought it was weird when you weren’t playing my conscious again… so I thought to check on you…”
“And how do you do that? Close your eyes and bam you’re here?”
The sudden long silence between them made Miki think twice about her guess. But the other quickly picked himself up and continued.
“I didn’t think you would be able to figure out how to contact the outside world… Who were you talking to?”
“No one you’d be interested in.” Miki folded her arms and turned her back on the man.
“But I’m very interested.”
“But I’m <i>not interested in telling you anything</i>.” A slight turn of the head and the man was sent an infamous death glare. But that did not faze him one bit.
“That’s fine.” He simply replied to the woman’s stubbornness.
A smile, and he was gone, leaving a bewildered Fujimoto in the dark again.
“What the fuck was that about?”
- - - - - -
“How long has she been like this?”
“Since this morning, before we even got here.”
”So she’s just staring at it?”
“Yeah… look, her breakfast is still untouched.”
“That reminds me, I’m hungry.”
“You better not try to take it. And it’s cold! That’s gross.”
“It’s still food! Who cares? I doubt she’ll notice at this point anyway.”
A mischievous pair of hands stretched out in attempt to snatch the plate of cold bacon and eggs, while the others nearby just stared in anticipated horror. Although the woman seated opposite of them appears to be turned off right now…
Smack!
“Ouch! What the hell…”
“I told you not to try it, Reina.”
”Yeah, Eri did that too and SMACK! Poor girl…”
“Sayu! Why didn’t you tell me earlier then?”
“Well… Uhm… Look on the bright side! You two have matching red hands now!”
Sayumi quickly adverted the question and took her friends’ hands to make a comparison. Reina’s was freshly raw from the sudden slap, and Eri’s was healing rather slowly. After some petty arguing about loyalty and friendship, the three girls decided not to further disturb the dazed Musume seated in front of them for the sake of their lives and all three slumped back again their seat in thought.
“What’s she staring at anyway?” Reina crouched down slightly to catch a glimpse of the cover page of a magazine the stoned women was staring blankly at.
“Friday?!” She yelled in surprise, her voice cracking slightly.
“Shhh! You’re too loud!” Eri pulled the yankii back down to her seat in a fluster.
“Why’s Takahashi reading Friday, I thought <i>she</i> thought that it was all just bullshit.”
“Who knows? Maybe she saw herself in it.” Sayumi kindly suggested with some doubts and a playful grin.
“Hah, yeah right. What can she possibly do to be featured in that piece of nonsense? She’s boring.”
“Reina!”
“But what could be so interesting? Hmm.” Sayumi hummed, trying to pose as a curious detective.
“Aa! She blinked!” Eri exclaimed and withdraw against the seat while the other two were still busy with wild speculations. But that stopped immediately.
Timidly, they all stiffened and carefully watched Ai set the magazine down beside her. All this while expressionless, she got up from her seat and wandered away.
“Ok! I officially declare that weird beyond all reasons even if spacing out is her thing.”
Once Ai was out of sight, Reina slammed her hands on the table as she got up. The timely smack to her delicate hands earlier was enough to trigger her yankiness for the rest of the day. She bent over to grab the magazine and fell back down on her seat. While her two better friends were busy mourning over the loss of Ai’s kinder personality, she began to flip through the pages hoping to find an answer.
“She’s right. What’s with Ai-chan today?” Sayumi pondered, tugging at her pigtails and it’s tangled locks.
“She wouldn’t hit us even if she was our mother…” Eri was about to go on when Reina started nudging her continuously. “What is it?”
“I think I know what’s wrong with our lovely leader. Hey, Kame… Remember the sissy boy?”
“Your brother?”
“What? My brother’s not- No! I meant our makeup artist!”
‘Oh, <i>that</i> one. Something wrong with him?”
“Definitely. Still remember your best friend?”
“Sure, they’re sitting with me right now.” Eri beamed happily and pulled Sayumi and Reina close to her in a one-sided group hug. The girls smiled but that wasn’t Reina’s point. She pulled away quickly.
“The other one!”
“The other one?”
”Get to the point, Reina” Sayumi was already leaning forward in attempt to reach for the magazine after being fed up with playing guessing games involving Eri as a player.
“You guys are no fun.” Reina held the magazine page up which had a short article yet a very large and high quality photo printed in the top corner. The turtle and hare duo gasped in surprised.
“That’s our sub leader!”
“In the arms of someone that’s not our leader in a suit!”
Reina scoffed at the latter remark and pulled the magazine away. “It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? Our sub-leader got hooked to some guy so quickly. If she liked androgynous people like these…”
“I’d know a much better and safer candidate.”
“Ohh, do you now, Sayumi?” Reina countered the narcissistic girl’s knowing look with an amused one of her own.
“Do you think we should help them out though?” Eri interrupted the girls’ mental battle of wits and took the magazine from Reina, analyzing the photo carefully.
“They’re adults, they can handle it. We shouldn’t be a bunch of busybodies.”
“We should be an audience then, right? But first, let’s lunch! ”
Reina and Sayumi didn’t seem to be too bothered by the seriousness of the scandal, and gleefully raced to the buffet table in the cafeteria. Eri however, stayed behind in thought.
Risa wouldn’t risk her career for some guy, Eri was quite sure of that. Something was also incredibly fishy about the photo… but what?
- - - - - -
“Have you found the Guardian?” The unique and feminine voice rang out in the hallway, stopping beside someone slightly taller than herself.
“I’m still working on the search.”
“I insist that you pick up your efficiency, <i>Sakurai</i>. This is no game that we’re playing.”
“My apologies. The Guardian is however, a rather evasive person.”
“I expect better news when we next meet then.”
Sakurai turns and walks away in the opposite direction from his acquaintance, looking solemn and quiet.
“A little while more and you’ll have your Guardian, my dear Sonobe. Just a little.”
-
Wooo!! You're back! and with an update! I was so afraid you had abandoned this story! :sweat:
but now that you are back I can go back into Sakurai hate mode...well not so much in this chapter though cause I was having too much fun laughing at the Rokkies XD
hopefully Miki doesn't put Rika's life in danger by communicating with her too much...and hopefully Eri will use her Erien powers to figure out that the picture is way to HQ for normal paparazzi quality XD
thanks again for the update! :luvuluvu:
-
Reina held the magazine page up which had a short article yet a very large and high quality photo printed in the top corner. The turtle and hare duo gasped in surprised.
“That’s our sub leader!”
“In the arms of someone that’s not our leader in a suit!”
OMG.... OMFG.... NOOOOOO!!!!! :mon ref: poor Risa for her to be taken advatage like that, and because when Ai conforts her she'll be coompletely clueless and way too shocked from seeing the cover to defend herself... plus this could ruin her career and reputation I hope this gets cleared up soon
-
Oh sunnovabitch, I didn't notice that you had posted up a new chapter! :sweatdrop:
God help her if she was indeed hearing voices of random acquaintances of hers echoing in her own head and insulting her even. She wasn’t dumb! But what was she thinking, attempting to rebut the voice that doesn’t even have a body.
“I have to lay off the stress…” The usually perky woman groaned to herself as she quickens her steps in hopes of getting home soon for a cold shower to clear her head.
”You’ve to lay off the Yoshizawa if she’s giving you this much issues.”
“Oh, shut up. What do you know? You’re just a nonexistent voice- What the hell am I doing?!”
”You’re talking to yourself, Ishikawa. You’re going crazy.”
Wait a sec, so...Miki's not really there? Rika's just hearing her voice?
Hmmmm...so then, does this mean that Rika is just having a convo with herself (with Miki's voice being selected to be "the other side/POV"), or is Sonobe actually communicating with her, and it just so happens that it's Miki's voice that she's hearing because he currently happens to be inhabiting her? AND...if it's the latter, then why is Sonobe contacting her in the first place? :shocked:
Wait, did that makes sense?
”Ishikawa? Hey, I know you’re there... Are you? How does this thing work?! Wha- Ow!
Listening to the Fujimoto-like voice talking to herself was rather amusing to Rika, but as she had intended, the voice did stop eventually albeit arupbtly.
What the? :?
Heh, it is kind of funny if you try and put yourself in Rika's shoes while it's happening. :P
“I didn’t think you would be able to figure out how to contact the outside world… Who were you talking to?”
HOLY CRAP! IT WASN'T SONOBE, BUT MIKI!??!!?
:stunned:
Dang, how'd she figure out how to do that? :dunno:
“My mistake to underestimate you…”
Her assailant looked down at her thoughtfully, rubbing his imaginary beard as if thinking of how to deal with her.
...
A smile, and he was gone, leaving a bewildered Fujimoto in the dark again.
“What the fuck was that about?”
So...Sonobe can actually manifest a body for himself now, and he can interact with the real world?
“How long has she been like this?”
“Since this morning, before we even got here.”
Uh-oh. :O
”So she’s just staring at it?”
“Yeah… look, her breakfast is still untouched.”
“That reminds me, I’m hungry.”
“You better not try to take it. And it’s cold! That’s gross.”
“It’s still food! Who cares? I doubt she’ll notice at this point anyway.”
A mischievous pair of hands stretched out in attempt to snatch the plate of cold bacon and eggs, while the others nearby just stared in anticipated horror. Although the woman seated opposite of them appears to be turned off right now…
Smack!
“Ouch! What the hell…”
“I told you not to try it, Reina.”
”Yeah, Eri did that too and SMACK! Poor girl…”
“Sayu! Why didn’t you tell me earlier then?”
“Well… Uhm… Look on the bright side! You two have matching red hands now!”
Proof enough that "she" (my bet is that it's Aichan) isn't totally zoned out. :lol:
“What’s she staring at anyway?” Reina crouched down slightly to catch a glimpse of the cover page of a magazine the stoned women was staring blankly at.
“Friday?!” She yelled in surprise, her voice cracking slightly.
Aw fuck I knew it. :banghead:
Risa probably hasn't seen it yet, has she? :cry:
“I think I know what’s wrong with our lovely leader. Hey, Kame… Remember the sissy boy?”
“Your brother?”
BURN! XD
I meant our makeup artist!”
...
Reina held the magazine page up which had a short article yet a very large and high quality photo printed in the top corner. The turtle and hare duo gasped in surprised.
“That’s our sub leader!”
“In the arms of someone that’s not our leader in a suit!”
Reina = :mon determined:
Eri/Sayu = :mon scare: :mon scare:
Aichan = :mon oshitwc:
“It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? Our sub-leader got hooked to some guy so quickly. If she liked androgynous people like these…”
“I’d know a much better and safer candidate.”
“Ohh, do you now, Sayumi?” Reina countered the narcissistic girl’s knowing look with an amused one of her own.
:mon spit:
Reina and Sayumi didn’t seem to be too bothered by the seriousness of the scandal, and gleefully raced to the buffet table in the cafeteria. Eri however, stayed behind in thought.
Risa wouldn’t risk her career for some guy, Eri was quite sure of that. Something was also incredibly fishy about the photo… but what?
Eri comes to save the day! :cow:
“Have you found the Guardian?” The unique and feminine voice rang out in the hallway, stopping beside someone slightly taller than herself.
“I’m still working on the search.”
“I insist that you pick up your efficiency, Sakurai. This is no game that we’re playing.”
“My apologies. The Guardian is however, a rather evasive person.”
“I expect better news when we next meet then.”
Sakurai turns and walks away in the opposite direction from his acquaintance, looking solemn and quiet.
“A little while more and you’ll have your Guardian, my dear Sonobe. Just a little.”
SAKURAI'S WORKING FOR SONOBE!!!!
:OMG: :OMG: :OMG:
-
You mean I haven't mentioned Sakurai and Sonobe's relation YET?! :O
I guess that slipped my mind while doing this chapter.. I've been forgetting alot...
-
HUH? wait what does that mean :?
-
I was just referring to JFC's last quote. Too lazy to actually quote it, but yeah.. he sounded as if it's the first time I'm mentioning Sonobe with Sakurai straightforwardly since the progress of the story.. but I can't actually remember if that's the case since I've put off this fic for some time. Long enough to forget where I'm heading with the plot at least :-X
-
^
You could very well have mentioned it in a previous chapter, and it was actually me that forgot. Memory ain't what she used to be, you know, and I was too lazy to re-read it all to be sure.
:P
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OMGASSS Gaki snapped by Friday?? And Ai-chan saw it??!?!? How come the Rokkies aren't the least bit worried? It;s FRIDAY!!! :lol: They were super entertaining. I couldn't stop laughing XD Glad to see Eri thinks something is fishy. Is she gonna do a little sleuthing on her own? Ai-chan should just grab Risa into a hug and tell her everything that's bothering her. Phone messages like those can't make Risa feel good about their relationship. Any chance of updates in the near future?