Episode 00
Only one wish…
But, what should I do…
Filled with insecurity, Nezumi thinks at his one wish as he began to walk through the silent night streets of Tokyo city. Using his 100 paths technique, He began to go through each of the 12 warrior's wishes that he'd acquired during their temporary alliance.
Monkey: I don't make peace with people, I carry it with me…I choose to stop wars using the power of my words. I've been through many terrible things myself, as well, but even so, I still want to get along with everyone. I want to find happiness with everyone. Don't sell platitudes short, little boy ^^
Nezumi: To be honest, what you said still feels pretty lame to me. But nonetheless, I admired your dedication to your platitudes and your strong sense of righteousness.
Nezumi: But even so, Is it righteous for only the most righteous to be revived? Will she be happy when she knew that I only revived her? Maybe I should consider reviving all of them?
FLASHBACK
Chicken: Erm, confidence maybe, I don't really have a sense of who I am…all this time, I just followed orders and do what they want me to do. So I guess, I would want some pride for myself? A personal sense to know what's right and wrong? Something like that…
Horse: To be honest, I'm actually more afraid to lose than die. It's been a curse to me, But I've always envied those that have the talent to do things so effortlessly, and so calmly in everything they do.
Boar: A harem of course! As the heir to a historic household, I've always desired a life with over 3.5 billion gorgeous men. It's much more pleasurable than money!
Dog: I was a pre-school teacher. But long ago, because of a mistake I made at work. A kid ended up being sold to a pervert. But I got her back from the client, she had nowhere to go, so I took her in. My job now is to earn some money for her care.
Snake and Dragon: Money! Money! There's nothing you can't do if you've got money and there's nothing you can't buy if you've got money.
Snake: That's what my big bro said, but he doesn't really believe in the value of money that much. I don't think he believes in anything more but himself.
Dragon: That's what my little bro said, but money to him, is just another thing to be stolen. Nothing more than a mere game to him.
Rabbit: My wish is to be friends with everybody in this world! So, do you wanna be my friend?
Tiger: So I kept thinking after that… how the hell does he always know what's the right thing to do? what tactics did he used? And I was just sittin here, thinkin stuff like "bu" and michi" they didn't mean anything in the battlefield…but he was different, so my wish is…for me and him to…ya'know…Hey, are you even listening to me!
Ox: I would say Peace is what I truly wished for. And might I ask you one thing young man? What's your wish? What are you fighting for? And Living for?
Nezumi flashed through the wishes of the 12 warriors in a mental slideshow. He wanted to grant one of the warrior's wishes, but negative thoughts spurred right after he'd made a suggestion. He was scared that the decision he had made would curse him for his whole life. Thus, He was getting engulfed into the hell fires of his inner thoughts and beliefs. He started to lose his composure as countless bits of wishes from other voices slowly creeped into his mind.
He started to break. He was becoming nauseous and dizzy, as thoughts churned through his brain just like a grinder. He was sweating uncontrollably and began to hallucinate, his whole being was in pain mentally and physically.
Duodecuple: Have you chosen your wish, Warrior of the mouse?
Duodecuple appeared from behind…
Duodecuple: "I want to turn my one wish into a hundred" It can be like that, if you like. Although I don't believe…Even a hundred wishes are enough to satisfy a person's ambition.
Nezumi slowly lifts up his head, temporarily putting aside all of the mental chatter.
Nezumi: I've decided…
Nezumi: My one wish is to…
Nezumi: PLEASE LET ME FORGET! I DON'T HAVE ANY WISH I WANT TO HAVE GRANTED! PLEASE…LET ME FORGET ALL OF THIS!
Nezumi finally made his wish as he bursted out into tears.
Duodecuple: (smile) Okay, A wonderful wish, made from the bottom of your heart…So mote it be…
And finally, Nezumi has spoken his wish. He felt relieved and happy, as he no longer has to bear the curse of fulfilling the wishes of others, as well as the 12 warriors. He really wanted to help them, making them happy by granting them their wish. But some things, are just meant to be that way.
To forget, not hurting others or himself, not granting his own ideals or someone's ideals. An abstract wish, but it is for the best. Nezumi really can't handle the burden of granting even one of the warrior's wishes. Not even the monkey.
And so, Nezumi continued to go on about his daily life at school and slept with a happy smile. Like he doesn't want anything from the world, or others. He was completely free from all.
All he wanted to do right now was just to sleep…but, eventually everyone has to wake up…to REALITY.
Episode 01
Ding-dong-ding-dong
The school bells rang and echoed through the hallway. And the students were getting ready to leave. Nezumi-kun, who was still sleeping peacefully at his table, was unaware of the time and what's gone by. Aiko. One of his classmates and class president, decided to walk up to his table to wake him up.
Aiko: *knocks* Nezumi-kun, Nezumi-kun!
Nezumi: Heh? What time is it?
Aiko: *Sign* How long have you've been sleeping? School's over, everyone is going home.
Nezumi: Ah sorry, I overslept.
Aiko: Geez, you're always like that. Anyways, hurry up and pack up, the school bus is waiting for us.
Nezumi: Yes, Aiko-san!
Nezumi rushed through the locker room and packed up his things. Along the way, he started to think that the Juuni Taisen was all but just a dream. And it just ended, like it was just yesterday. Nothing remained, but only fragmented thoughts of the gruesome death battle. Not wanting to remember it again, Nezumi quickly shook his head and ran outside.
Aiko: You're behind 15 minutes late, Nezumi-kun!
Nezumi: Sorry Aiko-san, something came up.
Aiko: *Sign* you really need to be more responsible for yourself once in a while you know that…Now hurry up and get inside!
The students all gathered up in rows and went inside the school bus. They all got to their preferred seats, and when they've all settled down, the bus began to take off. Nezumi. as he stared through the afternoon sky, started to think to himself…
Nezumi: It's been like a dream…the juuni taisen…A battle where 12 warriors fight till the death, they were all noble warriors that I respect so deeply. But, competition is cruel. We can never expect the outcome of something for it is always unpredictable.
Nezumi: Those that are strong like the Ox, might one day end up as raw meat for the rabbits. Those that are righteous like the monkey might end up being killed by the unrighteous. Those that act on desires like the boar, snake and dragon might end up getting slaughtered first on the list. Those that are warm-hearted like the horse, might end up being killed by the cold-blooded ox. Those that cunning like the chicken, might end up being killed by her own gentleness. Those that are nurturing and caring towards their offspring like the dog and the sheep, might end up being swallowed by the ambitious chicken and the tiger. Nonetheless, I'd say there were a few warriors that I found special…
Nezumi shifts his head against the wall as he started to close his eyes…
Nezumi: Usagi, warrior of the rabbit. His past records are yet to be known. There has to be a reason why he wanted that wish. But then again, I'm glad I don't have to come in contact with him again. For he is the one that could've easily won the juuni taisen if it weren't for Miss Tiger. And Miss Tiger, she was the only one who had gotten her wish. For she did not participate to kill for honor, but to be acknowledged by whom she deemed righteous. I really wanted to talk more with her as well as the other warriors. But I don't think they'll be coming back to this world anytime soon…so I guess life is cruel after all…
Slowly, before finishing his sentence. Nezumi drifts off to a peaceful sleep once again.
Akari: *Sign* Class Prez, Nezumi-kun is sleeping again…
Aiko: It can't helped right? But that's how Nezumi-kun is…so calm and peaceful.
Akari: Eh? Do you hav a crush on Nezumi-kun?
Aiko: (blush) of course not!
Akari: Liar, liar, your face red all over!
Aiko: Stop it, Akari-kun!
Akari: *Blerk* Make me! Class Prez!
The continued to quarrel up the conversation along the journey. The sun was setting and it's almost reached night time. The students got off in groups, and headed back to their apartments and houses. They waved goodbye to each other as they headed off to their separate ways.
Aiko: See you tomorrow, Nezumi-kun. And don't be late!
Nezumi: Yes, yes, Class Prez.
Akari: See you later, Nezumi-kun.
Nezumi: Okay.
Along the way, Nezumi bought himself some street snacks as he went on his way home.
Nezumi: *nom* Mmn, yummy~ It's been a while since I had this!
As he walked through the lonely sidewalk. He watched as the nearby shops around him started to close one by one, the birds were returning home safely and the orange sky began to turn dark blue. "What a peaceful sight" he thought to himself.
But upon his journey, Nezumi began to felt something. Something strange was following him ever since he left the school bus. He immediately turned his head to look around, but nothing new can be found. But it's just there, watching him, just like fresh meat. And it was smiling. The presence grew stronger and stronger and he eventually felt it…
Nezumi: *drops food* What? What is this strange aura that I'm feeling? Whatever it is, its sending me huge shivers…it felt like, Usagi? No, it can't be, all the warriors are dead remember. But…why, who are you!
Nezumi: WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME!
He shouted as he turned his head, but still, nothing could be seen except the neighbours cleaning up the sidewalk and the cats walking back home. Nezumi was shocked, he cautiously looked around and checked, but still, nothing of that strange entity can be found.
Nezumi: T-this must be my imagination hehehe, yup that's right…my imagination. I shouldn't be thinking about silly things anymore…I need to focus on my current life and my future studies hehe… It's okay, Nezumi-kun. It's all over.
Slowly as he began to walk again, the aura started to appear. This time even darker, and closer. The feeling of wanting him dead. The feeling of feasting upon his flesh while he was still raw. Nezumi's senses were tingling chaotically, and he immediately started running…
Nezumi: Shit! What the hell is this! I finally got out of all trouble, but now this!
As he ran, Nezumi saw a tight hiding spot near a dark alley. "That's the perfect escape route" he thought to himself. He immediately jumped right in and concealed himself there, to avoid the mysterious presence.
Nezumi: *pant pant* I think I should be fine here…
He thought to himself. Slowly, the presence began to fade farther and farther. And Nezumi was able to come out from his hiding spot safely. But little does he know, it was much nearer than he'd expected.
Nezumi: *whew* that was too close. But seriously, what the hell was that? It felt like the presence of the rabbit, ox or the tiger warrior. Nevermind, I should go home quickly before—
A hand gently pressed on his shoulder. The mysterious aura that's been hunting him down, was just right behind him. The aura exploded, and it paralyzed him. His legs were shaking nonstop and his body trembled with uncontrollable shivers. Nezumi-kun was too scared to look behind him at this point. But suddenly…A soft voice began to speak, and he could easily confirm that she's a female. But who?
?: Pardon me Mister, but may I ask you something?
Nezumi: A female voice? but who…I don't have time to care for all of this right? I'm literally going to die!
Nezumi: I'm sorry mom and dad, I should've studied harder for university and not spend time watching anime and manga all day!
?: Erm…Mister, you're shivering…are you okay? Do you need help?
Nezumi: Huh? What's this? What's with the current shift in drama? I'm not buying this, I'm really not!
Nezumi forcefully turned his head to face the aura that's been haunting him all this time, and little does he know, it was someone he knew and have gotten fond of…
Nezumi:*closed his eyes* HEY, LISTEN HERE! IF YOU'RE GOING TO KILL ME, JUST DO IT ALREADY. I DON'T NEED YOUR PITY OR YOUR ASSISTANCE!
Sharyu: Oh, Nezumi-kun. Long time no see!
Nezumi: *opens eyes* WHAT! Y-YOU'RE…MISS SHARYU?
Sharyu: Yup ^^, you look like you've never seen me before…do you have a fever or something? I could help you out if you want?
Nezumi: B-b-b-b-but…why are you still here? Are you really the real monkey warrior? Are you really miss sharyu!
Sharyu: Of course I am, we formed an alliance before. Remember?
Nezumi: B-but how are you still alive? You were killed by Usagi? Turned into a zombie and—
Sharyu: Ah I see, so that's what happened…=w=
Nezumi: Don't act dumb!
Sharyu: Hmm, I can't particularly answer your question Nezumi-kun. But all I know is that…when I woke up, I was at my sacred mountain with my teachers. Mizaru, Iwazaru and Kikazaru. I'm not sure how, but they were super happy to see me~
Nezumi: Huh? U mean you don't know why you're alive?
Sharyu: Yeap~…But really, Usagi turned me into a zombie? Unforgivable! I thought he was on our side! I even trusted him to form our alliance!
Nezumi: Nope, absolutely impossible!
Nezumi: *Signs in relief* well, it's nice to see you again…
They started walking together on their way back…
Sharyu: So, how are you Nezumi-kun? It's been so long, I think you've grown taller~
Nezumi: Nope, still the same…and why did you sneak up on me like a stalker. I literally thought you were going to kill me.
Sharyu: Ah…I'm deeply sorry for that Nezumi-kun, the new GPS that I just bought malfunctioned all of a sudden, and I was lost at this area. I tried to call for help but no one was around. And then saw you, I tried to call you, but you kept on running and running and running. So I chased you. And I must say, it was good exercise~
Nezumi: Exercise? More like monkey rape to me ==
Nezumi: So Miss Sharyu, currently you don't have a place to stay right? You can stay at my place if you want.
Sharyu: Ah thank you Nezumi-kun, but wouldn't it trouble your family and siblings?
Nezumi: It's okay, their normally out having fun with their friends ==
Sharyu: I see, well its fine as long as it's okay with you.
After walking for a while, they finally arrived home, and the sun had completely set. The weather turned dark blue, the streetlights were flickering along with the insects that buzzed around it, and a dim door light can be seen at Nezumi's house. It an auto-light that opens up each time when the sky is almost dark. Nezumi's house was small, with a simple design. For years, he had lived here peacefully with his family. The neighbors were friendly, the surroundings were cool and warm, covered with fresh green foliages. It has not much noise and it's quiet. The perfect place for quiet people like Nezumi-kun. Nothing could seem to go wrong.
They both went in and found out that the house was empty because Nezumi-kun normally cooks his own dinner. Sort of…
Nezumi: *Sign* I guess they're out again~
Nezumi: Make yourself at home Miss-Sharyu… I'll cook us something to eat.
Sharyu: Allow me Nezumi-kun ^^
Nezumi: Huh?
Sharyu: Well, I've always liked cooking for others. It just makes me so happy that people love what I prepare. I have a boyfriend, so I know how that feels. I guess I'll return to him soon since I'm back from the war. It's been so long, I can't wait to see him ^^
Nezumi: *smiles* Yea, I'm sure he would…
Sharyu opens up the fridge. Only to find out, that it is bombarded with cheese crackers, leftover cup ramen, potato chips, soda pop, and gummy bears. The only real foods Nezumi had, were takeovers from other restaurants. It immediately flipped on Sharyu's mother-caring mode.
Sharyu: Nezumi-kun… *blank stare*
Nezumi: Huh?
Sharyu: You're a student! You should eat more nutritious meals!
Nezumi: Heh? But I do this all the time, it's no big deal.
Sharyu: No, It's a big deal. A really really big deal. A super really big deal. Junk foods causes all sorts of sicknesses and bad symptoms to your body, and it has additives too. I'm not saying you can't eat them, but do eat them occasionally. And you even have lots of nice ingredients here!
Sharyu: Geez, I can't imagine what would happen to you if I didn't visit you today…anyways Nezumi-kun, can you teach me how to use your kitchen?
Nezumi: Yes, Miss Sharyu…
Sharyu picked out some carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, leak and a piece of meat cutting to prepare a feast for them. She used to prepare delicious meals for his boyfriend so she was highly skilled not only on fights, but on the cooking aspect as well.
Within minutes, Nezumi could smell the aromatic scents of foods coming out from the pan. She was making a stew filled with potatoes, carrots and finely chopped leak. On the other hand, she was making a big juicy steak filled with French fries and mushroom sauce. She thoroughly used every part of the ingredients, so that nothing could go to waste. Her technique was flawless and perfect. Nezumi just stood there with silence, watching her…with complete awe. And a hungry stomach.
Nezumi: Your boyfriend sure is one lucky guy to have you around, Miss Sharyu!
Sharyu: *blush* thank you Nezumi-kun…but you're still young, so you've got to eat more foods that contained more nutrients. It's good for your body and for your school life as well, don't you wanna score huge grades on your tests *eyes shines brightly*
Nezumi: Yes, yes =w=
Afterwards, dinner is served. They both took their seats and sat down across the table.. Nezumi saw the color and the texture of the steak, it was golden brown and was cooked to perfection. And the aromatic scent of the stew really gets the appetite craving for more. His mouth began salivating, and his pupils widened with desire. They gave thanks, and began to dive into their delicious meals…
Sharyu: You can have seconds if you want, I made a lot and –
Nezumi: *bites* This is so delicious Miss Sharyu! It's the best thing I've ever tasted in my whole life!
Sharyu: Okay, okay, but eat slowly. You'll choke yourself!
Nezumi: Nevermind that, this food is so delicious I could die happy without- *face became purple*
Sharyu: NEZUMI-KUN!
Sharyu immediately took out a bottle of mineral water from her backpack. She always had a backup plan in mind, and gave it to the choking Nezumi-kun. He took big gulps of the cool sparkling liquid, and felt the food began to wash down into his stomach. Hopefully, he didn't choke himself, because he was really suffocating. And he began to went back to normal.
Sharyu: *Signs in relief* Geez, you almost scared me right there…
Nezumi: I'm sorry, but the food was just too good!
Sharyu: *Sign* Anyways, please don't kill yourself eating. You're suppose to enjoy your meals, not kill yourself with it
Nezumi: Yes, Miss Sharyu.
Nezumi: Speaking of which, since you're here. Then that means…the other warriors must'hv been revived as well.
Sharyu: Heh? I'm not quite sure myself but if that were to happen…
Thinks of the boar and the rabbit. She started to make a serious expression.
Sharyu: We'll be back to square one again...
Nezumi: Hmm you're right, they may end up taking the same pattern all over again despite having memories of it…they may have to kill-
Sharyu: *slams table* THEN WE MUST STOP THEM BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!
Nezumi: *stares in shocked*
Sharyu: I really don't want to experience it again…the war…I don't want to see them kill each other again…it pains me a lot…*started crying*
Nezumi: *thinks back of their deaths*…
Nezumi: I understand…
Sharyu: Nezumi-kun?
Nezumi: It's true, that my worse nightmare had just appeared again…and that is…the wishes of the other warriors…True, the juuni taisen has ended…but it was just like a dream that I had yesterday. And now, when I've woke up…I found out that it's not like a dream that I can simply ignore and forget. It became an experience. And it's an ongoing curse.
Nezumi: So…I'll definitely help you Miss Sharyu. I help you search for them and make sure they won't commit the same curse all over again!
Sharyu: *nods with a smile* yes, Nezumi-kun!
They continued to chat as they ate their dinner. And somewhere inside, Nezumi was a little glad that they came back to life again. The only thing now is…whether they would repeat the same mistakes, to end up as they were once before, or to change based on what they've experienced.
After dinner, they washed up the plates and tidied up the kitchen. Sharyu decided to mop the floor a little, because it looks like it hasn't been cleaned up for days. Having done that, they went upstairs to continue their discussion…
They opened up the door to Nezumi's room. The room space was small, because all this time he slept alone. Manga comics from various anime and outdated hobby-con magazines were scattered everywhere on the floor with a little black play console. On his desk, there was a laptop and a study lamp, and the surroundings were filled with potato chips and coke cans.
Sharyu: OMG! What is this place!
Nezumi: Erm…my room?
Sharyu: How do you even study around this dump Nezumi-kun! Look at all this, no wonder you're sleeping all day! The distractions are everywhere !
Nezumi: Hmph, It's my room! ==
Sharyu: I should clean them up for you tomorrow…But, I think I should have some sleep first…I'm exhausted for the day *yawns*
She pulled out some clothes and some house items from her backpack. She wanted to change, so she asked Nezumi to go out for awhile. Girls need their privacy~
Nezumi: Geez, what is she thinking. It's my room…I could just look the other way.
Sharyu: Okay, I'm finished~
Sharyu changed into some casual home wear and laid out a huge sleeping bag on the floor. She also took out some mineral water bottles and placed them nicely on his study desk. Before that, she had threw away all the coke cans and the snack wrappers to a recycling bag. And the desk felt clean all of a sudden.
Nezumi: Wow, amazing!
Sharyu: I'll clean the rest tomorrow~
Nezumi: Yes...and you can take my bed if you want. Ya'know, I could just sleep on the floor. It's no big deal…I don't want to be called not a gentlemen or what not.
Sharyu: Ah thank you Nezumi-kun, but it's okay, I'm not quite comfortable sleeping in another person's bed.
Nezumi: Okay…
Sharyu: *adjusts her sleeping bag* Anyways, let's call it a day shall we?
Nezumi: you're right, I was getting tired too…A lot of things really happened today. *yawns*
Nezumi flicked off the lights, and jumped off to his comfty bed. He didn't even bother changing his clothes. Just took off his tie. They slept under the illumination of the cool moonlight, it was peaceful and quite entrancing. Some noises can be heard from the outside, but it was not that loud.
Sharyu: Nezumi-kun, can I ask you something?
Nezumi: Sure.
Sharyu: This may seem uncomfortable, but do you have a wish in mind when you joined the juuni taisen?
Nezumi: *Signs* you're asking the same question like the Ox warrior…
Sharyu: Heh? Ushii no senshi? The genius slaughteror of the battlefield? But how did you even meet him without getting killed?
Nezumi: I used my 100 paths technique, and I was in alliance with the Ox warrior in one of them.
Sharyu: That's so cool, I wish I had an ability just like yours. Maybe if I know what's coming I could-
Nezumi: Don't even bother…
Sharyu:*stares at Nezumi*
Nezumi: While others may think that it's a gift…I think that it was something more…like a curse.
Nezumi: The wishes of others, the wishes of the other warriors, they were all screaming inside my head. I did not know which and what to grant. And yet, I was given that painful task.
Nezumi: To be honest, my first thought was to bring you back to life. But then again, would it even be fair if I only brought you back? Just because I liked your way of thinking? I could bring back the other warriors as well…But I'm just scared…scared of all of you…
Nezumi: *closed his eyes* So I chose to forget…to be free from everything. I thought that was it…but after today, I guess we have a lot of work to do now *smiles*
Sharyu: Oh I see…but Nezumi-kun…I think you made the right choice.
Nezumi: What do you mean?
Sharyu: It was hard for me too…but if I had won, I wouldn't even know what to do with the wish. I could revive the other warriors…but then, I would throw away my wish for world peace. And if I wished for world peace, I would throw away the lives of the noble warriors that died fighting what they've truly wished for. But to forget, to be free from the opinions of others and to relieve yourself from the pain that you kept on carrying. A wise choice indeed, I wouldn't have thought of it myself.
Nezumi: *silent*
Sharyu: *yawns* But then again, nothings really changed at all, hasn't it~
Nezumi: …Yeap…
Nezumi: Oh by the way Miss Sharyu, I'm curious about what's your real name?
Sharyu: It's Misaki. Misaki Yuki~
Sharyu: What's yours Nezumi-kun? Nezumi-kun…
Right after Nezumi heard her real name, he fell asleep.
Sharyu: Ah, I guess you really are a huge sleep lover aren't you.
Sharyu: Good night to you, Nezumi-kun~
Sharyu zipped up her sleeping bag and adjusted to a comfortable sleeping position. As she looked up the ceiling, she thought to himself…
Sharyu: I surely hope I could convince the other warriors…but would I even be enough to make a difference. Boar, Chicken, Dog, Rabbit, Horse, Sheep, Snake, Dragon, Tiger, and the Ox warrior.
Thoughts of insecurity began to bombard her mind. She remembered it so clearly that only a few accepted her alliance, but the only ones who followed her until the end was Nezumi-kun. Thus, her plan for a peaceful alliance was another failure.
Sharyu: *cleched her fists* There's no time to be even thinking about that! It's a choice that I made and I swear…I will do it…
Sharyu: Even if it kills me again…
On the next episode: A chicken does not die in a meat cleaver, for it will become a proud phoenix. A dog is not only a mongrel, but a raging canine! I assume everyone knows what would happen?