Thank you for your comments and for reading! And thanks for your patience! It's been a week! Well I figured I'd upload chapter 9 before I head into my exam since it was already written and I just had to edit
Though I didn't have time to write a reply to all your awesome comments like usual T_T But I did read each and every one and appreciate it! I'd def go back to responding in the next update so feel free to comment
Hope you enjoy this chapter, it's a bit long but hope it makes up for my longest absence yet!
Chapter 10 has not been written yet but I'll get working on it later today and hopefully update it by the weekend
ENJOY!
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Chapter 9 - The development (Alternate World) “Ugh” I grunted as I was again thrown on my back.
“You’re really terrible at this, it’s kind of hard to believe” Yui said as she offered me her hand to help me up.
“What is that, like you’re 10th consecutive loss or something” Sasshi observed as she lifted her head from her laptop.
“Thanks for keeping track Sasshi” I sarcastically commented.
“Just trying to be honest, I mean even I could take you and I’m not much of a fighter.”
“Don’t tempt me to take you up on that” I said as I glared.
Sasshi feigned innocence. “Just making an observation. Besides, I wouldn’t want to risk losing to the person who sucks the most currently.”
I sighed and turned to Yui. “That bad, huh?”
She gave a me a hopeful smile, “well yah, but I’m sure you’ll eventually improve”
Today was my second day of training and 5th day since I arrive here. Atsuko had talked to Mariko about letting me train and Mariko agreed. Therefore I was now permitted to use the training room as long as I had an escort. Yui and Sasshi always kept me company so far. And even if I hadn’t been here that long, a few members were learning to ignore my presence, which was an improvement from being glared at all the time.
Yesterday, Sasshi and I continued our conversation from last time, and she explained to me what she knew about the other Minami’s situation regarding what she’s accused of. I was shocked to learn what had happened, but as Sasshi had asked me to, I promised to believe in the other Minami since I didn’t yet know the details. Sasshi told me she’d keep researching about a way to fix things, and in the meantime, I would train so I could be useful to the group.
“Clearly I suck at hand to hand combat. Can we try the guns again or something?”
Yui nodded. “We’ll start you off with the basics, you need to know your gun inside out, so I’ll show you how to take it apart and put it back together.”
“...That’s basic” I sighed “I’d hate to know what’s advanced”
“Taking it apart and putting it back together with a blindfold” I turned and saw Atsuko walk in.
“Ha! Good one” I said. She raised an eyebrow and smirked. “You weren’t kidding were you...?” I said dejectedly.
“It’s vital to know your weapons inside and out. And after you learn how to do that, you’ll learn how to hold and wield a gun” Atsuko explained.
“By wielding the gun she means doing fancy tricks with it and being able to draw quickly. You were the best at that” Sasshi chimed in.
I gave them all a determined look. “Alright, whatever it takes!”
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That’s what I’d said... But here I am sitting at a tables by the gadgets area with a totally dismantled gun, trying to put it back together to no avail. Yui and Atsuko both demonstrated how it’s done, then told me it was my homework to put it together. The two left on business but Sasshi stayed to watch over me...Well more like sleep. She probably got bored watching me fail.
I’ve been at this for four dang hours....But I refuse to lose! I thought stubbornly as I tried again.
A few members walked in and out of the training room, and most always stopped to see what I was doing and gave an amused stare. I picked up two different pieces and tried to fit them together. “Th...Those don’t go together.” I looked up to the person who spoke with a timid voice. Iwata Karen stood in front of me, slightly fidgeting.
Sasshi had explained that the members angriest at ‘Minami’ were the ones either present at the battle, or the ones who lost friends at the battle. However, she also said it wasn’t easy to ‘hate’ Minami because of everything she’d done for them all, and apparently the younger members really loved and looked up to her, so Sasshi believed that those feelings were still alive in all the members.
I smiled, “Hey Karen. You can tell I’m lost can’t you?” I gave a sheepish grin.
At first I thought she may turn to leave, but then she stepped a bit forward. “It’s always hard in the beginning but, you have to keep at it!” she encouraged.
I laughed. “Yeah, you’re right; it won’t help to give up, huh”
“Umm...You’re the one who told me that. I also had trouble with this part, but you told me the trick was to treat it like a puzzle. Not to think to hard about it and just place the pieces where you think they fit. If you keep doing that, it becomes second nature in no time”
“Eh~ The other Minami is pretty cool huh” I said as I grinned at Karen.
“Huh” Karen blushed. “Um...Are you really not the Takamina san we know?”
“What do you think?” I curiously asked.
She took a moment to think about it. “Well, you seem like the Takamina san we know...But at the same time you seem like a completely different person...I’m not sure if that makes sense...” she said as she somewhat confused herself.
I laughed, “Trust me that makes perfect sense. I may not be the Takamina you know, but I promise I’ll do my best to live up to her name...though I guess I’m doing a pretty terrible job so far.” I gave a sheepish laugh.
Karen finally smiled, “I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it.”
“I’ll be the greatest idol of all!!!” Karen and I both jumped in surprise, and then turned to see that it was Sasshi talking in her sleep.
“Maybe I should stop telling her about the whole idol thing” I smirked.
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I ended up working on the gun till late that same night until I was finally able to take it apart and put it back together. Sasshi had left, stating she had something to take care of, so Karen volunteered to watch over me.
"I did it!" I shouted in excitement as I picked up the fully mantled weapon.
Karen walked over and inspected the pistol. "You definitely got it Takamina san, congratulations" She smiled.
"Well I couldn't have done it without your help, thank you Karen!" I walked over to her, grabbed her hand with both of mine and shook it to show gratitude.
She smiled with a slight blush, "I didn't really do anything"
I shook my head, "you cheered me on and gave me advice, that's doing a lot. Ha, ha, this seems like a handshake event doesn't it" I said that last part to myself, becoming a bit nostalgic.
"Handshake event?" Karen and someone else said at the same time. I turned to see Kawaei Rina, Watanabe Mayu and Kashiwagi Yuki approach.
I let go of Karen's hand and greeted the others, they nodded to acknowledge me.
"So this is where you were Karen. Paruru and I were worried when you weren't in our room." Riichan said.
"Sorry, I forget to tell you I'd be here"
"We ran into Rina and we told her you may be here so we accompanied her." Yukirin informed us.
"Yeah, sorry, that's my fault. Sashihara had to leave so Karen offered to take her place in watching me."
Karen shook her head, "It was my choice to stay and help Takamina san" she said confidently.
"Help her?" Mayu raised an eyebrow.
"Ah yes, I’m somewhat starting to train so Atsuko had me start at the basics and I had to put this gun back together" I pointed at the weapon.
"Wait, I came by here in the morning and saw you in this area working on something, don't tell me this is what you've been doing the entire time?" Yukirin asked baffled.
"It took you over ten hours to put that back together, seriously?" Rina said shocked.
I blushed, "Thirteen to be exact, but I'd say that's not so bad for someone who knows nothing about guns. I got it done didn't I" I said stubbornly.
Karen lightly elbowed Riichan, “besides, you’re not one to talk, it took you forever to put your first gun together, and when you did, it turned out you messed up the mechanism, which led to the gun practically exploding when you tried to fire”
Everyone smiled, and then turned their attention back to me.
"The more I see you in action , the more I honestly start to doubt you are the Takahashi Minami we know" Mayu observed.
"Because I'm not" I said firmly, which took them back by surprise at my tone.
Karen stepped in to break the tension, "Hey, so what was that handshake you mentioned before?"
"Huh, oh. It’s where fans have the opportunity to meet with the members, shake their hands and discuss anything they want for a limited amount of time. We hold many of these events"
"Isn't that pointless" Rina asked, not intending to sound mean, just curious.
I smiled. "No, it's a way for us to thank our fans for the support, and they also appreciate interacting with us. Our concept is idols you can meet. The Yukirin I know is actually known as a handshake queen" I said as I looked to Yuki.
"Eh, really?" Yukirin gave her usual shocked expression and I laughed.
Mayu lightly elbowed her, "don't go getting caught up in the story." She looked around at everyone, then me, "you really do believe you're some idol or something don't you" she said disbelieving.
"Because I am" I said firmly yet calmly. I had to admit I was getting frustrated at most people not believing me. It wasn't just a matter of me not wanting to be mistaken for someone who they think is a traitor, it was now a matter of me wanting to be recognized for being who I am and accepted for that. I didn't want to keep being compared to the other Minami, because I wasn't her, I probably couldn't be as good as her. I wanted to help and do what I can; I want to do my best as myself, not someone else. I stood there and kept thinking about something.
"Ah, Takamina, I need to talk to you!" Sasshi rushed in but stopped when she saw others were present. "Oh, hey everyone"
"I got it!" I shouted. All eyes turned to me at my outburst.
"I'll hold a concert for you guys!" I said with much enthusiasm.
"Eh!" They all said.
"Takamina, having your memories mixed up is one thing; acting on the false memories is another. You've never danced or sang in your life" Yukirin commented.
I raised a finger and moved it side to side, "The Minami you know never did, but I've been performing for over seven years, I have confidence. Besides, I want to show you guys what you’re missing out on." I grinned. They all looked sceptical.
Sasshi walked up and threw an arm around my neck, "ha, ha, well it should be interesting. Great idea Takamina, if everyone sees you sing and dance, I assure you most will indeed doubt you're the Takamina they know. You can do it tomorrow night when most members will be gathered in the lobby. Things have calmed down a bit since your arrival, so you should be allowed" She suggested.
I nodded, "sounds good, I'll come back here to resume my training, but come evening, I'll put on a concert for you all!"
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After everyone left, Sasshi grabbed my hand and started to drag somewhere.
"Um Sasshi, my room...well cell is the other way" I said.
"Not going there. I realized something important and am about to try it. I think I can make communication with the other Minami in your world....Like a phone call" she explained.
"Eh, serious!"
As we continued our walk, we ran into Atsuko and Yuko on our way.
"Uh oh" Sasshi said and we came to a halt as the two approached.
"Where are you two headed?" Yuko said as she crossed her arms.
"Oh, well, Takamina finally put the pistol back together so thought she could use a break and I'd show her around more"
Atsuko raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it, "It's late, you should return to your quarters Minami. You and Sasshi can hang out again tomorrow morning"
Sasshi sighed, knowing she can't argue. "Right...Well then I'll escort Takamina back"
"It's alright. Yuko and I will, you can go ahead"
Sasshi said she'd see me tomorrow and left.
"I'll also head back Atsuko" Yuko said as she turned to leave. Atsuko and I began to walk towards the cells.
"She really hates me, doesn't she" I said with a frown.
Atsuko turned to look at me then looked forward. "She doesn't hate you" I looked up surprised at how confidently Atsuko said that. I didn't want to press further on the subject because it seemed Atsuko closed it off at that comment.
As we kept walking, I glanced over at Atsuko again and then remembered what Sasshi told me. I blushed and looked away. Apparently Atsuko and the other Minami used to be in an intimate relationship together. I mean, I didn't really mind it, they're two different people and it was their business, but it was only weird to think about because they were still technically I and Atsuko. And just thinking about doing relationship sort of things with Atsuko made me go super red and nervous.
"Ouch!" Because I wasn't paying attention, I ended up walking into a pillar.
Atsuko turned back and raised her eyebrow.
Stupid imagination. I cursed and resumed walking beside Atsuko.
"By the way, for tomorrows training, I'll be taking you out on the field."
"EH!" I yelled out. "Hold on, I still suck at everything!"
"The best way to learn is to get experience. That's always been our training method. Of course we won't be taking you out to fight any soldiers. Just patrolling and hunting for food. We'll have a team with us and if anything goes wrong we'll handle it, so don't worry too much"
I nodded, understanding her point. I decided to do this, so I'll go through with whatever they decide. "Um, who'll be with us tomorrow?" I asked.
"I requested Yui to come since I know you're comfortable with her around. Karen requested coming, and so did Rena"
"Eh, Rena" I was surprised she asked to come since I didn't communicate with her much here yet.
Atsuko nodded. "Yuko also asked to accompany us"
Well, tomorrow should be interesting.
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Sashihara’s POV I rushed into my room and locked the door after parting with Takamina. I walked over to my desk and tried not to trip on all the wiring and the pieces of electronics I had lying around. Unlike most people, I don’t share a room with anyone because of my tendency to turn my room into my personal tech room.
I walked over to one of my desks that had a bunch of the watches we use. Most of them were taken apart. I sat down in the chair and picked up the latest one I was working on. Shortly after leaving Minami while she was in the training room, I realized that though I didn’t know how to create another time machine/world transporter, that there was a chance I could contact our Takamina if she still carried the watch. I’d spent the entire night working on this and figured out a way to call her through the hack I’d used on her when she went rogue rebel.
“Alright, moment of truth, let’s give this a try” I said as I connected the watch to an external power source and attempted to call Takamina.
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(Original World) We’d arrived back at Miami’s place after I’d told the other members of a way to possibly contact Sasshi. Tomochin also joined us after Miichan gave her a call and gave her a quick update. I’d spent the evening tuning and putting the watch back together while the others waited patiently behind me. Just as I made the final adjustment, the watch began to glow.
“Hey guys, come here!” I said as everyone crowded around me and stared at the watch.
Seems like it's been glowing for awhile. Suddenly, without my having to push any buttons, a holographic screen display suddenly appeared in front of us all. At first all we could see was static, but then a figure began to appear in the picture.
“Sashihara!” I smiled.
“Eh! Serious! It worked!! I mean...Of course it did” Sasshi said as her image became very clear. “Woah! This is seriously freaky but cool! I mean I knew the Takamina here isn’t you but still seeing you over there is totally mind blowing”
“Alright relax, you’re not making much sense but I think I get it” I laughed. Same old Sasshi.
“And wow! Is that Yuko san, Haruna san, Itano san, Atsuko and Miichan with you?”
“We’re the ones who are surprised” Miichan said with eyes wide open.
“So you’re Sasshi is also loud huh” Yuko commented with a smug smile.
I nodded. “Alright, let’s cut the small talk, we don’t know how long this can last; therefore I’ll save yelling at you later.”
Sasshi gave a nervous laugh.
“I’m alright, and I’m sure the girls behind me want to confirm how Minami is on your side”
“Huh? Oh right. Well she had a rough start but she’s slowly getting used to things. Mariko decided she wouldn’t be tried for any crimes since her memory is all screwy on the events, so she’s safe. And I honestly think that some of the members are starting to believe she’s a different person and warming up to her. She’s a lot like you in many ways but less grumpy”
“Oh trust me, our Takamina can be grumpy” Yuko said beside me while Tomochin nodded in agreement.
“Good to know” I glared at Sasshi’s image. “Anyway, it’s good she’s alright, just make sure she stays out of trouble”
“Um...About that. Actually Atsuko and a few others are taking her out on the field tomorrow”
“What, why!? She has no experience.” I said shocked.
“Hey don’t yell at me! It was Atsuko’s decision and Takamina’s choice. She wanted to help us out, so started training. And Atsuko figured she’d learn better out on the field. That was how you trained us, remember”
“Wait! Minami’s learning how to fight!?” All the girls behind me shouted at the same time.
“Yeah. But she’s pretty terrible at it so far” Sasshi commented.
“Is she doing alright though” Atsuko asked worriedly beside me.
“Ah Atsuko! Yeah don’t worry, she’s well. And she has some members looking out for her...Hey can I ask something. Are you and Takamina going out as well?”
Leave it to her to get straight to the point.
Both Atsuko and I blushed and at the same time said, “We’re not going out!” both of us shouted. I responded because Sasshi said, ‘too’ but Atsuko and I weren’t together anymore.
“Woah! Easy geez. No need to bite my head off. Back to business then. I am currently trying to build another watch that can open up the portal between our worlds, but it’s not easy. That’s why I need your help with something.”
“What can we do?”
“I need you to take out the chip I installed in your watch that created the portal. You should still be able to call me without it since it was an added feature. But I need to see how I built that chip in order to build a similar one here on my end. So I’ll just need you to do what I say as I guide you along, and to tell me about the chip on your end. It may take awhile and I can only call you to work on this when I have free time, so keep your watch on you at always and keep the chip safe.”
I nodded. “Alright, not like we have other options. You should get going now, contact me when you can.”
“Sure thing almighty leader...Oh! Actually can I make a request?”
I raised an eyebrow suspiciously, “what?”
“Can I meet myself!!!!” she yelled out excitedly.
I sighed. “Good night Sasshi!”
“Wait!” Atsuko suddenly yelled. She came close to the monitor and addressed Sasshi. “If Minami is going on...well whatever that is tomorrow, she’ll need a weapon like Jane here right?”
I stepped in and answered since Sasshi didn’t know ‘Jane’ meant me. “Yes, she’ll need to be armed.”
Atsuko and Yuko both exchanged a look and nodded. She then turned back to sasshi. “Can I make a request?”
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(Alternate World) I awoke the next and was greeted by Riichan and Karen who waited outside my cell. “Morning. You two are escorting me today?” I stretched then stood up.
They both nodded and unlocked the cell.
“You can go wash up and shower if you want, and then we’ll head to have breakfast before preparing for the mission” Karen informed.
Riichan walked over and handed me a bag, “Atsuko said you’d probably want some new clothes so she borrowed some from Sashihara san and Yokoyama san.”
I took the bag gratefully.
Well that’s just ironic considering Yui and Sasshi are the only members who borrow my clothes back home.
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After showering and eating, we headed over to the training center to prep for the mission; Riichan said her goodbyes at the door.
I walked in and saw Atsuko, Yuko, Yui and Rena already there prepping....which for them apparently meant discussing things since they never took much with them on their missions. “Good morning” I greeted.
Yui greeted me and the others nodded.
“Hold of your left hand” Atsuko said as she walked over. I did as I was told and held out my hand. Atsuko took out one of the watches they all wore and fastened it to my wrist. She then pressed a button and a small display appeared in front of me.
“Press your thumb into that square area in the middle.” Atsuko instructed. I complied and placed my right thumb there. After I lifted my thumb, I saw my thumbprint was being scanned on the display. “Woah” I said amazed.
Rena stepped in. “It’s a safety precaution. In case any of us lose our watch, no one else will be able to access anything we have stored in it. It responds only to its owner.”
Yui and Atsuko showed me how to make calls and to summon up different displays on the watch.
“Now since that’s out of the way, hurry up and pick your weapons Takahashi” Yuko said as she pointed to a table filled with weapons. Oh wow.
“Honestly I think it’d be safer for everyone if you didn’t carry any, but even on the simple missions it’s best to be armed.” Atsuko teased.
I walked over to the table and looked at all the weapons laid out. Just as I was about to pick out something, Sasshi came running into the room while she clutched something in her hand, covered by a cloth.
“Wait! Wait a second” she stopped to catch her breath then stood upright. “Here! Specially made for Takahashi Minami, general manager of the national idols AKB48!”
Everyone, including me stared at her like she lost her mind...I had to admit I appreciated the introduction. She gave me the wrapped item, and as I took the wrapping off, I saw it was a sheathed sword.
“You’re giving her a sword? But she hasn’t had any training yet with any.” Karen said confused. Atsuko and Yuko just observed.
“Well, what are you waitng for, unsheat it.”
Grabbing the familiar handle, I drew the sword out from the sheath and was surprised at what I saw. “My sword!” I yelled. It was an exact replica of my sword from Itoshisa no Accel.
“How is that your sword?’ Karen spoke up with curiosty.
“Well, not actually my sword, just an exact...and real...replica of one I used for my performances” I eyed the blade with amazement.
“What idol wields a sword while she sings and dances” Yuko commented, and this time we all turned to give her a look.
“What! It’s not like I said I believed it or anything!” She glared.
I shrugged. “Just part of the act, but I practiced a lot with it back home”
“Yup, and it is an exact replica down to every detail. Of course it’s a real blade though. Very real and sharp! So be careful. And I had it adjusted to be the exact weight of your fake one, though it may just slightly be a bit heavier but not by much”
I swung the sword around and indeed it felt the same. “This is amazing Sasshi! Thanks! How did you know?”
She looked panicked then gave me a light punch on my arm, “oh come on, don’t tell me you forgot. You told me about it so I thought you’d be comfortable using this weapon”
I was sure I didn’t tell sasshi anything about this but I saw her give me a look that said, ‘just go with it’
“Oh yeah, right. Thanks for remembering.”
“We should get going now. Grab a pistol too Minami, it’s always good to have a variety of weapons.” Atsuko said.
“It’ll be interesting to see you use that sword Takamina san, you were always more of a gun fan” Yui commented.
“Have fun kids!” Sasshi waved.
Sashihara’s POV As soon as they all left, I slumped over on the closest chair. Truth was, last night, the suggestion Atsuko made was that we provide Takamina with a specific sword. They described it to me but I told them I’d need more specific details. So Yuko san and Miichan left to go get Takamina’s sword from the theatre apparently and came back. I took notes on the exact design, length, size and weight and told them I’d make one like that for her. I worked all night and day on it and managed to get it done. “Hopefully it’ll come in handy for you Takamina. Show us what kind of fighter you are.” I muttered as I closed my eyes for a long overdue nap.
Topic: Travel To A Distant World: The Recruitment (Mayuki) [side story] (Dec 29 2013) (Read 143003 times)