Episode 1: Welcome to Yasogami
It had been a month since Minazuki brought that girl back... and Sho knew she would be trouble.
So... so much trouble.
"H-hey!" the red-haired teen shouted, his face painted scarlet as he tried to look away. "The hell're doing, walking around my place like that?!"
His attention was directed to the woman that was brought here. She had been living here for little under a month, and in that time, she had proven to be quite the difficult house guest. First of all, when she awoke, she had immediately slapped Minazuki in the face, though in her defense, she had awoken to find herself naked and in the home of someone she didn't know, and Sho's looks didn't help matters much either. Secondly, as it turned out, she was suffering from amnesia. That meant she had no idea who she was, where she was from, or why she was even here. Sho and Minazuki were skeptical at first, but as the days went by, they seen realized that she was telling the truth. She honestly had no clue who she was.
Finally, and most importantly... she disregarded anything Sho said, case in point being right now. She had stepped out of the shower with a towel wrapped around her waist, and another atop her head, which she was using to dry her hair.
The young woman looked at him blankly as she walked past him to the apartment's refrigerator.
"At least put some clothes on, dammit!" Sho yelled at her.
The woman didn't even so much as listen to him as she propped it open, and examined the contents.
"H-hey, are you even listening?!"
A sigh resounded in his head. 'Give it up, Sho.' Minazuki told him. 'It's obvious Miokami won't listen to you... or me, for that matter. She made that blatantly clear...' he mumbled the last part.
Miokami, or rather, Izana Miokami, was the name they had decided on. When they asked her for her name, she only spoke in mumbles, almost incoherent. Among them was "Iza" and "mio", and in the end, they had decided to fill in the rest. As a result, she was thereby given a name. Of course, Minazuki had done some research on her, but found absolutely nothing on her. She was an uknown, and a complete enigma. That was the reason she was even still here. He needed to ascertain whether or not she was a possible threat, and if she was, he would eliminate her.
Because she had absolutely nothing about her, or on her, the red-haired teen had taken it upon himself to provide her with what she needed, as much as he hated to do so. Minazuki forged her some documents with a false backstory, as well as an ID Card, a bank account, and so on. Basically, all of her bases were covered.
He thought the series of tasks to be tedious, but necessary. If she was going to find out about her past, she's going to require basic needs.
Both personalities just wished she would remember everything as soon as possible so they wouldn't have to put up with her.
It wasn't that she was a bad tenant, it was just she disregarded every one of their instructions.
Like now, for instance. She was walking around the apartment in only a towel for Kami's sake!
Izana disregarded whatever Sho commented as she pulled a can of TaP from the fridge, pulling the tab to push down the lid before it popped open with a hiss.
"Che, and there you go, drinking that crap..." Sho muttered a crude remark.
"...better than the crap you buy." Izana replied sharply, her voice smooth like brass with a melodious tone, and yet also cold and dismissive at the same time.
"Hey! At least I have some taste in drinks and food!" Sho argued.
"You mean to say cup ramen is a 'refined' dish?" the woman retorted before resuming to consume her drink.
"W-why you..."
Izana ignored him again and took another drink. She had to admit, TaP was rather addictive once you got a good taste for it.
She didn't know why...but she felt as if the drink helps restore mental fatigue. She actually welcomed such an effect after putting up with the two personalities sharing a body as her guardian.
But her mind was more preoccupied on the dream she's been having for the past month.
It was always the same thing. She would find herself in some strange beach, with giant earthen stags pointing out from the ground. The sky was pitch black, and the moon was distorted and warped, almost cracked. At first, she thought it was only herself, but there was one other person beside her, silently watching the waves pass by as he sat on the sandy grove, his knees up to his chest. His hair and eyes were so strange, a mop of silver hair atop the head and serene gray eyes staring out into the distance with the most peaceful look on his face.
She wasn't sure why, but she felt as if she knew this boy. She had tried talking to him, but it appeared that he was unable to hear her, despite the fact that he was aware of her presence. She was annoyed they could not communicate, but in the end, she settled just being near him. She always felt so at peace with him. Whenever he showed signs of sleepiness, she would always take him into her arms, and simply hold him there.
She relished in the warmth of his body. It was so comforting and...familiar. It was feeling that she did not want to let go of. She just wanted to stay by his side forever.
A content smile appeared on her face upon remembering that feeling, her cheeks lit with a faint blush.
"Oi, what's with that stupid look on your face?"
At once, the grin dropped to a frown as she glared at Sho. He had just interrupted one of her precious moments.
"Aaaaaand now you're back to a grumpy old lady." Sho grinned at her, much to her annoyance. "Get it?! Cause of your hair?!"
Izana gave him a flat look. "...even your split personality can make a better joke than that." she told him plainly.
A snarl broke out across his face. "For the last damned time, he isn't a split personality!" he said hotly. "Minazuki's been with me ever since I got that feather put it me!"
"Yeah, whatever floats your boat." Izana waved him off, causing him to growl. "I'm going out for a bit... try not to burn down the apartment while I'm gone this time?"
"That was one time!"
"And yet you were just boiling water for your cup ramen. I'm still amazed you were able to set water on fire." She spoke in mild sarcasm before walking away.
Sho let out a frustrated groan as he threw his hands up in the air. "Gaaaaaah! I hate that bitch!"
'I know how you feel, Sho, but until we know whether or not she's a threat, we have to keep an eye on her.' Minazuki reminded him. 'Her presence is anything BUT human, which implies a number of things. For all we know, she is related to Ikutsuki.'
"I doubt it." the boy commented as he laid down on the floor, hands behind his head. "She seems like she'd get fed up with Ikutsuki-chan in a heartbeat."
'...fair point. Also, regarding what Miokami said...' If Minazuki had a physical form, he would surely express his deadpanned stare. '...how in the hell did you set water on fire?'
"It wasn't my fault dammit! Blame whatever the hell was in that water!"
'The logical assumption was that you spilled oil on the water and ignited it...but I wouldn't put it past you to do the impossible.'
"Oh for the love of...!"
"Talking to yourself again, I see..."
"Shut it you!" Sho snapped back at Izana.
Said girl in question had just finished getting dressed. She was wearing a simple white blouse with an open gray cardigan, and black parkour boots with red highlights. In addition, she had a white cloth that formed around her neck, acting much like a choker.
"So, where you going out now?" her landowner asked. "Going to that crappy shop again?"
"Just because it's crappy doesn't mean it has good stuff." Izana snarked. "Besides, there's a sale going on today... that, and we have school tomorrow." She glared at him intensely. "Also, speaking of this school stuff, would you mind asking your 'other' why in the name of Yomi he signed me up for this?"
"Just because you're living here for free doesn't mean you get to lay around like a lazy bum." Sho replied. "His words, not mine."
Izana scowled. It was completely unfair to her. Sure, she didn't have any place to go to, and contrary to what he thought, she was grateful that Sho allowed her to stay here, but why was she forced to go to school? She heard talk from a few people, likely students, that some of the teachers were quite strict, some more than others... and that there was a total asshole (their words, not hers) by the name of King Moron there.
And she was going to have to deal with this? With HIM?!
She really didn't want to go. Being with him in the same apartment was bad enough as it is.
"So yeah. Be sure to sleep early. School starts early tomorrow."
"...you and Minazuki suck ass." she crudely remarked, earning an annoying victorious grin from Sho. She sighed in disgust, and quickly left the apartment.
"...she is right about one thing, though." Sho said when he was sure she was out of earshot. "School's gonna suck."
The train ride had been more or less quiet than what Yu had expected.
Hardly any one was in the same compartment as him. It was as if he was the only one on route to Inaba. That thought alone wasn't quite as reassuring as he'd hoped.
He had just transferred schools from the big city due to his parents work...again.
Now, don't get him wrong. He loved his parents like any children would, but... he was getting tired of all this. It was a daily routine for him: go to a new place, make friends, stay for a year, then move to another town, make friends, stay for a year, then move to another time... and the cycle kept repeating itself.
He hated his parents' jobs. Once, he wished... just once he wanted to stay someplace and maybe form actual bonds, not casual ones that last for only a year before losing touch with them. It was tedious, and more often than not, annoying.
Vastly, annoying.
Still... he didn't have much choice in the matter. Besides, this time he was actually going to someplace quiet rather than some bustling city. A small rural town called Inaba, if he remembered right.
He also recalled that his mom told him that her brother would be there. So he was being sent to stay with his uncle for a year. Not that he minded. It was just that he didn't really remember much about him.
From what he was told, he was a police officer, and a widower at that. He had a young daughter who was still in elementary school, so thankfully, it wouldn't but an empty house, like always.
Peace and quiet... that was what he needed.
"Attention, passengers." a pitched void said over the intercoms. "We will arrive in Yasoinaba Station in a few minutes. Please gather your belongings, and wait outside the doors before we make our scheduled stop."
Yu knew it was time to get ready. He gathered up his things, which weren't many to begin with, and made his way over to the car door. When the train slowly screeched to a halt, the doors slid open. He walked outside and felt the fresh, clean air of the country side hit his face.
He breathed in the fresh air as he stepped into the platform. "Finally..." He was finally here. After the moderately long train ride, he was finally here in Inaba. Well, he better find his uncle now.
He stepped out of the station, shivering slightly from the cool breeze. "It's cold..." he muttered, tugging on his jacket tightly.
When he stepped out, he saw that Inaba was... really empty. The street was lined with little buildings and stores, the trees lined up to lead him down the path before him. In the distance, he could see several mountains, some with white tips. "There really is nothing here," he noted idly before taking out the slip of paper in his pocket. "Let's see... Uncle Dojima is supposed to be-ah!"
Another gust blowed behind him, and his paper was snatched away, dancing in the air. "Ah, dammit..." Yu cursed, about to chase after it when he looked ahead of him. Standing from afar was a young girl, looking listless.
He stopped where he stood, a few meters away from her. Her eyes were trained on the floating parchment before it got caught on her leg.
The girl was attractive looking, possessing a cold, yet finely shaped face with heart-like lips, her black hair cut at the chin neatly while her eyes remained a strange, cold color. Her attire was odd, especially given the time of year it was, a sleeveless buttoned shirt with black and red arm warmers, a checkered skirt, and black and white socks.
"...uh..." Yu started to say, unsure of what he should say. Why was she out here? And that look... was she staring off into space? "...are you... alright?"
The girl didn't reply. Rather, she bent down to pick up the piece of paper that was stuck on her boots before standing back up, this time looking straight at him. "...here." she said simply, holding the paper out to him. "You dropped this."
"uh, thank you..." Yu nodded gratefully.
"...Whatever. All I did was pick it up." she shrugged.
After that, the girl whirled around on her feet, and walked away briskly. Yu just stared at her back as he watched her go, left dumbfounded. 'Well, there's a cold shoulder if there ever was one.' he thought idly before looking at the paper in his hands. "Yasoinaba Station, 4:45. Wait for me to pick you up..."
Yu pulled out his cell phone, flipping it open. "It's 4:50, so... where's-"
"Well, you look more handsome than in your photo."
The silver haired teen turned around and faced the speaker.
He was a middle aged man, roughly in his late thirties. He had a tanned complexion with short messy hair and a bit of stubble on his face. He was dressed in a gray button shirt, red tie, and black slacks. He had a black suit coat over one shoulder.
When Yu looked closely, he could also see another smaller figure behind the man.
It was a young girl, probably five or six years old, wearing a white turtleneck with a pink and brown design around the chest and hem, having small hair done into twin, small tails on either side of her head. She was standing behind the man's leg, one hand clasped around his, and the other clenching his pant's leg.
"And you've really grown, too." the man remarked with a smile. "The last time I saw you, were this small."
Yu tilted his head, unsure of whether or not he had met this man before. He did vaguely familiar, especially the girl... wait, didn't his mom say his uncle had a daughter?
"I guess you don't really remember me, huh?" the man asked, scratching the back of his neck upon seeing Yu's confusion. "Then again, you were still in diapers. My name is Ryotaro Dojima. I'll be looking after you. Let's see... I'm you mother's younger brother, and that really just about sums it up."
"O-oh..." Yu blushed a little, bowing his head in apology. "I-I'm sorry. I'm Yu Narukami. Please, take care of me."
"Hey now, no need to be so formal. We're all family, aren't we?" The man chuckled. Then he turned to look at the girl hiding behind her. "C'mon Nanako. Please say hi to your cousin." He urged politely.
The girl looked to her feet, then up to face Yu. "...'lo..." She murmured softly before shuffling back behind her dad.
"What are you so shy for?" Dojima asked, grinning. Nanako pouted as she whacked him on the leg. "Ow! Hahahahaha..."
Yu couldn't help but let out a small grin at the two's antics. They were just so lively. Maybe he was going to like it here.
"Well, anyway..." Dojima said, turning to him. "Let's get going. My car's over there."
They arrived at a gas station after a few minutes, as Dojima had needed to refill his tank, having been running half empty for almost a week now. Once he pulled up to the station, an attendant wearing a red and orange jacket and cap came running out of the store, a pleasant smile on his face. "Hello!" he greeted them. "Welcome to Moel!"
Dojima turned to his daughter. "Can you go to the bathroom by yourself?"
Nanako nodded, and opened the door as the other two males exited. She stopped for a moment as he looked for the bathroom, searching the area until the attendant spoke up. "Bathroom's to the right, case your wondering, little miss."
"I know!" Nanako snapped. "Jeez..."
The little girl walked off to the restroom in a huff. Yu stepped out as well, getting some fresh air.
"Well, as good as time as any for a smoke..." Dojima said as he took out a cigarette and a lighter before walking a good distance away from the station.
"Fill it up while your at it," the man said over his shoulder to the attendant as he walked away. "Regular is fine."
"You got it!"
With that, Dojima moved away for a smoke. Meanwhile, Yu just took in the sights, looking around what appeared to be a shopping district. Strips of shops lining the street, though most of them appeared to be closed, their doors barred with steel shutters. "You don't look like you're from here," the attendant said to him as he placed the hose into the car, earning Yu's attention. "You from the city?"
"Huh? O-oh, yeah." he nodded. "My parents are working overseas, so they're leaving me with Dojima-san and his daughter."
"Well, that's gotta suck." the attendant commented. "I mean, getting stuck all the way out here? Now, don't get me wrong, Inaba is great and all, but it doesn't really offer much."
"Actually, I think I'm going to enjoy some peace and quiet."
"I see...well, that's good to hear. You'll be getting plenty of that in this town." The attendant then looked around. "But sill, there really isn't much to do. You'd probably doing some part time jobs or hanging out with friends to pass the time.""Friends, huh..." Yu muttered absent minded.
"Yeah. You may have moved here, but I'm sure you'll be making friends."
He sincerely doubted that. He had acquaintances, but never friends. Never once did he make a true connection with people. The longest he would be with them would be little more than a year, hardly enough time to forge an actual connection. By the time he was in his first year of high school, he had all but given up on making any real connections. What would be the point? He would have to move away again... and he had enough of saying goodbyes. That was all his life was about.
"Well, anyway," the attendant smiled at him as he stood up. "Are you in high school?" Yu nodded back. "I have a friend who's still in school himself, a third year actually. What year will you be in?"
"Junior class."
A laugh escaped him. "In that case, better hope you don't get Kinshiro Mooroka. I hear he's a real asshole."
"Is that right...?" Yu was passive about this. In all his years of transferring to different schools, he had his run in with many incompetent teachers and assholes. Nothing would be new to him.
"Yeah."
The attendant stood back up. "Well, I better get back to work." he said. "Well, later!"
Yu nodded as the man went back to work. He looked around the shopping district again before he noticed Nanako looking at him from the entrance to the washroom.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
"Yeah. I'm fine."
"Are you sure?" she asked as she walked up to him. "You don't look to good."
Yu frowned a bit before he noticed his reflection in the window. His face was slightly pale, and dark rings were underneath his eyes.
This revelation startled Yu slightly. Was he really THAT tired from the train ride?
"You must be pretty ragged after that train ride." Dojima commented as he walked up to him, his cigarette butt dying out. "Why don't you walk around for a bit? Stretch your legs a little?"
"Yeah...I think that's probably a good idea." Yu nodded before stepping away from the car. Maybe he would take a look around the neighborhood.
"Just don't wander off too far."
Yu nodded, and began to explore the Shopping District.
"Well, this should keep me and the loudmouth from starving for a bit." Izana commented as she left the grocery store beside the metalworks shop beside her. A bag of various foods was in her hand. "Seriously," she sighed in annoyance. "How can he expect to live off of just instant ramen? It's bad for your health!"
She shook her head in exasperation. At least she knew how to cook somewhat. She could only make simple dishes, but it was more than enough to sustain them. Neither Sho nor Minazuki could cook at all! Which is why they resort to instant crap.
She had fully expected Minazuki, at the very least, to know how to cook. He was far more intelligent, leagues smarter than his significant other, but in the end, he knew absolutely nothing of how to cook. It left her dumbfounded and exasperated. How the hell could you not know how to cook?! Especially when your intelligent enough to hack into a freakin' database to forge documents and make a false identity for someone?!
Again, she sighed in aggravation before looking around Inaba. It was fairly small and quaint, and while anyone from outside would find it boorish, she found it... wonderful.
Whenever she walked through this quiet town...all she felt was peace and nostalgia. It was a pleasant feeling, one where she relished. Just by exploring Inaba she feels as if she were in her own sanctuary.
Of course, she felt some discontent as well.
She didn't know why...but this place also felt...off to her.
It was the people in general. They seemed so cheerful and carefree, yet somehow they were also bearing animosity. She recognized that it came from the Junes store that was not far from here. In all honesty, she failed to see the problem. If they actually cared, wouldn't it be better to apply for a job there, provided a spot was open? Also, it held a more broad, wider variety of products, so life would be better, wouldn't it?
So... why all of this anger? It was almost like they were simply lying to themselves.
She just didn't understand it. Why were they trying so hard to deny their true feelings? What was the point?
Once more, she sighed. "Humans are so complicated..." she muttered as she started moving once more-
-only to bump into someone, causing her to crash into the ground, and her bag falling from her grasp.
Thankfully, the contents were unharmed as they spilled. Izana rubbed her bruised rear, irritated about what happened.
"I-I'm sorry, are you okay...?"
The woman scowled, about to retort as she looked up.
Anything she had to say was gone in an instant. Her face went scarlet red.
"Are...you okay...?" The young man repeated as he extended a hand out to her to help her up.
Izana didn't take the hand. She was left perfecly frozen in place, staring at him with large eyes. Her blush was getting heavier by the second.
She was just so...captivated by him. She didn't know why, but her heart raced as she stared into his glowing silver orbs, whcih were laced in concern.
And... his face... it was... just like...!
"Are you okay...You're not hurt are you?" He spoke again, genuinely worried. But for some reason...the man couldn't help but feel as if she were familiar.
"E-eh...?!" Izana finally snapped back into reality. "U-um... yes!" She took his hand to hers, only to feel a strange feeling wash over her as she did.
It was warm...warm and comforting...as if he were the thing needed to fill a void in her being.
Likewise, the young man felt a strange feeling wash over him. It held two contradicting aspects that had nearly caused him to flinch in discomfort. He felt warmth and comfort, a feeling he felt from only the dream he had... and yet he felt a slithering coldness, creeping into his very being.
It was disturbing, yet comforting. He did not know what to make of this paradox. It was almost surreal to him.
He shook his head before turning his attention to the girl. "Are you sure you're alright?" he asked. "I'm really sorry, I should have looked where I was going."
Izana was red in the face when she answered him. "Oh, n-no no no! It was my fault!"
Izana didn't get it. Why was she acting so flustered around this man?
Was it his serene, gray eyes? Was it his kind, outward gentle nature? Or was it his beautiful face?
She couldn't get them out of her mind...he looks exactly like the man from her dream...It was too close to be coincidence.
"E-even still, I should apologize." the young man told her. "I should have been more careful... are you alright? Your face is all red."
"N-no! I'm alright! Really!"
"Are you sure? I can-"
"O-oh, look at the time! Gotta go! See ya!"
In a blur, Izana picked up her fallen groceries and sped off leaving a confused Yu in her wake.
He blinked rapidly, unsure of what had just happened. "...I know I've seen her before, but where?" he muttered before shaking his head. "Wait, what am I saying? I only just came here."
It was ridiculous. He had just arrived in this town. There was no way he would've seen that girl before. And yet...why couldn't he shake off this nagging feeling?
He sighed, scratching the back of his head, turning his head to see Dojima and Nanako waiting for him.
"W-w-w-w-w-w-why is my heart beating so fast?!"
Izana muttered to herself as she sped her way through the streets. Her mind was preoccupied with what transpired earlier...with that man...
'T-this feeling in my chest...' she thought, her face burning crimson. 'Aaah, my heart's beating too fast!' Her mind flashed back to when she saw his face, so genuinly concerned for her... so beautiful...
'N-no! stop! DON'T LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT!'
By the time she reached the apartment, steam was pouring out of her head.
'Could he really be...? If he is...!' She couldn't stop thinking about it.
"Oh, back already?" she heard the red-haired idiot's voice call out to her. Sho appeared in the main hallway which connected the room and the door, and raised an eyebrow. "Whoa, what's wrong with your face? It looks redder than my own freakin' hair!"
Immediately, Izana snapped out of her stupor, a scowl of irritation replacing her smile of bliss.
"Christ, I've heard of mood swings, but damn girl!" he grinned. "So, what got your panties in a bunch?"
"Nothing that concerns you!" she snapped angrily. "Why are you even here?!"
"Case you forgot, I LIVE here."
"...Oh..." Izana really HAD forgotten that fact for a moment.
"So, what was with the happy grin?" he asked, shoving his hands behind his head. "What? Did you find your prince charming or something?"
"N-none of your business!" she snapped hotly, her face burning red. Sho grinned upon seeing it.
"Hahaha! You did!"
"I-I did not!"
"Your face says otherwise!"
"Shut up!"
She scowled heavily as she threw him the bag, stomping past him and heading straight to her own room, closing the door shut. Sho, meanwhile, just grinned as he peeked inside. "Hehehe, she's so easy to read~"
'...you know, I read online the other day that, apparently, there is an old saying.' Minazuki spoke up. 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. If you are not careful, Sho, well... I do believe even I can't help you with her if you push her too far.'
"Oh, come on, it's just stupid teasing!" he waved off his friend's concern. "Still, gotta wonder... With her attitude, who the hell would fall in love with her of all people?"
"Ah... ah... Achoo!"
Dojima chuckled as set the cup down on the table in front of Yu. "Did you catch a cold?" he asked as he took a seat between his nephew and daughter. It is pretty cold out there."
"Ah, no, I don't think so..." Yu told him, rubbing his nose. "It's more like someone's talking about me."
Who exactly could be talking about him? He barely even knew anyone here. And he was sure that his old acquaintances wouldn't do so.
"Well, just in case, you better go to bed early." his uncle suggested. "After all, you have school tomorrow." Yu nodded. "Still, though... Talk about rotten luck, having to stay here while your parents are out overseas. Must be rough for a kid."
"Not as much as you think," the teen replied back. "I'm used to it."
"Is... that so..." Dojima frowned heavily. Though most people would often dismiss such a remark, he seemed to recognize that his nephew was... tired. Much more so that the regular teenager. 'Kid must have moved around for nearly all of his life.' he noted in his head. 'He must have had to leave a lot of friends because of his parent's jobs... Jeez, no wonder sis said I'd need to be careful when talking with him.'
"W-well, anyway..." he coughed awkwardly in his hand. "So long as you're here, you're like family. So make yourself at home."
"thank you for your kindness..." Yu bowed formally.
"hey now, no need to be so formal. Like I said, we're family."
He nodded back, and picked up his chopsticks. "Well, anyway..." Dojima began. "Let's eat." Sadly, before any could take the first bite, a loud beeping echoed in the room. Dojima groaned. "Who's calling me at THIS hour?" he grumbled as he stood up, taking out his cell phone and pressing it against his ear. "Dojima speaking."
Yu raised an eyebrow, wondering who was speaking with his uncle when he noticed the sudden downcast expression on Nanako's face, staring down at her food. "I see..." Dojima mumbled. "So, where is it?"
"Uh-huh..." A sigh escaped him. "Looks like I made the right choice to skip the booze."
He then turned to the seated duo. "I gotta head to the station. You two can go ahead and eat without me. I'll try to come home soon." He told them before gathering his things and walking out the door.
Nanako sighed in disappointment.
Once he reached the door, however, the familiar titter-patter sounds resounded. "Nanako, it's raining out!" Dojima called out. "Did you get the laundry?!"
"I already brought it in!"
"Alright!" he shouted back. "Well, I'm off!"
The house was then quiet.
Yu looked to his cousin, who was simply picking at her food, suddenly losing her appetite.
"...Are you alright?" The silver haired teen asked.
"Huh?" Nanako blinked, apparently having been lost in thought before she nodded back shyly. "Y-yeah... My dad always leaves whenever he gets a call." Yu frowned in confusion, leading the small girl to elaborate. "He's a detective."
"Really?" Yu question in mild surprise. Based on his attire, he had assumed that Dojima was part of law enforcement, he didn't guess he was a detective.
Nanako nodded. As she delved back into her dinner, the TV, which had been relatively quiet until now, began to tel a news story. "Our top story today..." the news anchor began. "Councilmen Secretary, Taro Namatame, is under hot fire, after having been discovered having an affair with Mayumi Yamano, a local announcer in the Inaba region. As a result of the scandal, Namatame's wife, Misuzu Hiragi, has been filing damages, and even the possibility of a divorce."
Nanako looked a bit off-put by he whole thing. "This is boring." she said as she took the remote, and changed the channel.
The screen was then taken over by the image of a Super Store with many bright colors.
"At Junes, everyday is customer appreciation day. So be sure to get in tune with our products~" The announcer lady said. Then the jingle rang out.
"Every day's great at your Junes~"
Nanako's face brightened, a smile on her face as she wagged her fingers in tune with her head. "Every day's great at your Junes~" she sang. Yu couldn't help but smile.
Strangely, he couldn't help but sing too. "Every day's great at your Junes."
"Wow! You are a really good singer!" Nanako beamed, her previous depression forgotten.
"Thank you. But I think you're a better one than I am."
Nanako grinned. "I'm the best one in my class!"
"Good for you." Yu smiled back. He was glad to get his cousin's mind off of depressing things. He just didn't believe children should be sad like that.
"...aren't you going to eat?"
It was then Yu realized that he had yet to actually eat his food, and blushed heavily. "T-thank you for the meal!"
"...I hate the rain." Izana muttered as she stared out the window.
The drops of water poured down heavily from the heavens above. They pelted loudly against the pane of glass. Even thunder boomed and lighting flashed in the skies. The silver haired woman found the sight to be dreary and depressing, as if the heavens were crying.
"I know the feeling," Minazuki replied. Sho had decided to sleep early, therefore the alternate personality was left in control, as per his duty to protect the teen. "I find it to be rather depressing myself... and perhaps a bit dreary."
"Well, this is a shocker." Izana replied dryly. "The SPD freak is actually conversing with me?"
"For the last time, Miokami," Minazuki sighed. "Sho and I are not 'split personalities,' as you put it."
"Then what is it?"
"...that is none of your business."
"You know, the more you avoid the question, the more it makes me curious..." SHe commented lightly.
"You wouldn't understand, even if I told you." the cold-eyed entity told her, his tone icy. "At any rate, school will begin tomorrow. Try not to cause trouble."
Izana snorted. "Tell that to your significant other, not me."
"I would, but he's asleep right now. Regardless, you should go to bed soon. School starts early in the morning."
Izana groaned. "What are you, my mother?"
"Technically speaking, I'm your landlord alongside Sho." Minazuki pointed out to her.
"It was a rhetorical question." Izana sighed.
"Just go to bed."
Izana shrugged her shoulders before she stood up, heading over to her room.
"Just what are we going to do with that girl?" Minazku shook his head in exasperation. He then turned to look out the window. "...Doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon."
It was the same dream again. The same beach, the same waves, the same disfigured moon... even him.
The young man stood on the shoreline, his gaze focused on the dimly lit horizon. At first, he didn't seem to notice her until she approached closer to him.
Unlike last time, both could see their features much more clearly. The woman had dark silver hair and beautiful red eyes, while he bore gray hair, which starkly contrasted his young age, and silver eyes.
To each of them, the other was simply...breath taking...Unbeknownst to them, they closed the distance between them until their faces were only mere inches apart.
The woman wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her forehead against his. Their noses were touching, lips merely centimeters apart.
"...beautiful," the young man muttered, his face red.
The woman blushed at the compliment, getting a mutual feeling from the man. He was just so...handsome...As if he were the most perfect man in the world.
It was then that she realized something... she could hear him.
She...she could actually hear him! After many weeks of having the same dream, he was unable to hear his voice. But now that she was able to...she felt herself melt at his words. His voice was a smooth and even baritone.
She smiled softly, closing the distance. Their lips finally met.
Both felt a myriad of emotions overwhelm their senses. Joy, excitement, longing, peace, arousal, contentment, but most of all...love.
Her hands held his face while his arms snaked around her waist, pulling her close to him. Their kiss deepened, emotions becoming a fiery passion.
She felt herself become lost in this burning affection. They held one another closer, as if they were afraid of losing each other.
The young man fell on his back, leaving her to straddle his waist. Eventually, their lips parted, allowing their tongues to dance around each other.
The affect they held for one another soon fell to lusting one another. However, neither made any movement to stop this progress. Rather, they welcomed it.
Their hands became intertwined, and began pushing further. Eventually, the woman let out soft moans in his mouth. "Mn...~" she gasped when the boy took dominance in their tongue war, exploring her mouth extensively.
They fanned the flames of passion to burn more intensely. They were lost in one another's grasp. They intend to leave it that way. All around them, the world had faded until it was just them, and them alone.
Eventually, however, they needed to break away for air. They gasped heavily, their chests rising and falling while sweat caked their skin, eyes glazed over in passion. Her hair gently framed his face, staring at one another.
"Iza...mi..." The word spilled out of his mouth, but She couldn't hear everything what the male said.
"...ey..."
"Eh?" she blinked. "What did... you say?"
"...ake up..."
"Wait, that isn't your..."
"...ammit you witch!"
"That's-"
"WAKE UP YOU STUPID IDIOT!"
"Guah!" Izana cried as she fell off her bed and crashed onto the cold, wooden floor.
"About damn time!" Sho shouted in an agitated manner.
Izana blinked rapidly, her eyes training on the ceiling above her. It took about several seconds for her to register what had just happened.
Then her face brightened absolutely red. 'T-t-that... that was...!'
There was no doubt about it now. The boy she saw in her dream... it was the kid she met back in the shopping district yesterday!
The one she wanted to meet most of all...was the person she ran into this morning!
...She needed to see him again!
"Oi, oi!" Sho called out, growing increasingly annoyed. "You gonna get your ass up or... what..."
He trailed off when Izana, having recalled exactly who it was that snapped her out of her wonderful dream, suddenly looked up at him from the floor. He wasn't sure why, but when her red eyes suddenly glared at him, his body froze. Her body was shaking, and her teeth gnashed together harshly.
"Mi-na-zu-ki...!"
'S-Sho, I think you better run!'
"W-wait, what?!"
"Y-you... you...!"
Finally, all of hell broke loose.
"YOU STUPID IDIOOOOOOOOOOOT!"
The red haired teen didn't even have a chance to react when Izana's fist came hurtling toward his face. Sho flew out of her room and crashed into the opposing wall. His eyes rolled to the back of his head as he slumped down in unconsciousness.
Minazuki couldn't help but shiver. 'Women... are a terrifying thing indeed.'
When Yu met his teacher, he instantly understood exactly what the gas-station attendant from Moel was talking about.
He was a middle aged man hunched over in a blue pin-stripe suit and yellow tie. His face was constantly in an irritated scowl, his buck teeth protruding out of his mouth in a horse-like overbite. His dark hair was fashioned in a bland bob cut.
"Che, so you're one of the new kids, huh?" the man asked. Yu flinched a bit. 'Two words,' he thought in revolt. 'Breath mints.' "I hear your supposed to be from the city, that right?"
"Y-yes, sensei." Yu answered, trying to be as polite. "Yu Narukami."
"Look, kid, I couldn't care less where you came from, or who your parents are!" the teacher snapped at him. "As long as your in my class, I better expect you to behave! Got it!"
"Y-yes, sir..."
'What is it with this guy?' Yu thought. 'I've barely met him, and yet he already hates me? And here I thought my stricter teachers had it out for me.'
"Anyway..." the man coughed in his hand. "I'm Kinshiro Mooroka, and I'll be the guy responsible for making sure you and every rotten brat in my class passes this year. Also, we've got two more newcomers, both of which were apparently home-schooled." At this, Mooroka scoffed. "They always send me the problem kids...!"
As he said this, Yu sweat-dropped. '...not even a minute, and I already want him to shut up.'
The gas station attendant was right, he really was going to hate this teacher.
But then he processed what he said. Two more students? So he wasn't the only one?
As soon as he thought this, the door opened.
"Dammit, what the hell woman? Did you have to hit me so damned hard?!"
"Shut up! I don't want to hear it, Sho-baka!"
Yu turned to the door to look at the newest entry. He was a lanky teen of the same age and height as him. However, he had the coat of his uniform tied around his waist, leaving a dark green shirt on his torso. He had messy crimson hair and piercing silver eyes. However, the most prominent feature was the X-shaped scar in between his eyes.
Next to him was...
Yu gasped, eyes widening in surprise. His cheeks became bright red. "Y-you...!"
The figure beside him shared the same sentiments, her own cheeks flushed bright red.
It was the girl from before, both in dreams and from yesterday morning when he first arrived. She wore the female Yasogami High uniform: a sailor uniform with a yellow tie and a gray and black patterned skirt. She also retained her white, x-shaped choker around her neck. In addition, she had thigh-length socks with a similar pattern, bearing an "X" at the very front and back.
"Huh?" the red-haired boy frowned. "Who the hell are you?"
The teacher scowled. "Great! A delinquent! As if Tatsumi wasn't enough!" he growled as he shoved Yu off to one side, stomping in front of the teen. "Listen up, you little-!"
"Who the fuck are you supposed to be, buck teeth?!"
Sho glared at the shorter teacher before him, irritation laced in his tone. The sudden retort caught the teacher off guard, but the older man reoriented himself and was even more angry than before.
"What the hell did you just call me you little punk?!"
"Ugh, dude!" he backed away, waving his hand in front of his face. "Your breath reeks! What the hell did you wash your mouth with?! Sewer water?!"
Yu gawked at the sight. 'Is-is he seriously picking a fight with a teacher?!'
The girl sighed, palming her face. "Sho, you idiot...!"
"That tears it! You're on my shit list! Effective immediately!" The teacher yelled.
"As if I give a damn."
"W-why you little...!"
"U-um, Mr. Mooroka!" Yu quickly decided to butt in before things got too out of hand. It wouldn't do well for a fight to break out, especially on the first day of school. "D-don't you think you should get us to class?! I-I mean, well, it wouldn't do you good to keep your students waiting, right? Who knows what they're doing without someone to keep them in line!"
Mooroka growled, gnashing his teeth. He looked just about ready to throttle the red-haired brat, but he knew the kid had a point. "...tch!" he scowled. "I'll deal with you later!"
Sho merely scoffed as the man shoved him out of the way, practically throwing the door open. "Hurry up, you three!" he snarled at them before moving into the hallway. Yu gave a huge sigh of relief. 'Hallelujah.'
The girl was not pleased in the least. "What the hell were you thinking, you moron?!" she snapped at him. "Are you trying to get expelled on the first day?!"
"Hey, I don't even wanna be here!" Sho shot back. "But Minazuki had to go and put me in this rat hole!"
"Then why drag me into this as well if you're just going to get us kicked out?!"
"Um..." Yu raised his hand, gaining the two's attention. "Should I... leave?"
The girl's face brightened again as she shook her head. "N-no! In-in fact, we should probably go!"
Sho groaned. "Dammit all..." he muttered before he looked at Yu. "So, you're stuck in this place too?"
"Yeah..." he nodded. "For a whole year..."
"They call this place a school, and I call it a prison." the red-haired boy scoffed. "Oh, yeah... I'm Sho. Sho Minazuki." He stabbed a thumb at the girl. "And this freeloader is Izana Miokami."
Strangely, she didn't appear to hear his insult as she bowed humbly, her face still red. "It's... it's very nice to meet you!"
Yu blushed as he scratched his cheek. "A-and I'm Yu. Yu Narukami... nice to meet you."
Yu couldn't find it in him to look her directly in the eye...as she looked exactly like the girl he had seen in his dreams last night.
Just remembering the dream was enough to cause him to blush like mad. His hand unconsciously went to his lips. The warmth was almost real... real enough to make him nearly pant from embarrassment. He could still recall how wonderful she was, how warm her body felt...
"...oooookay, why the hell are you two ogling each other?" SHo asked, causing the two to freeze. "Don't tell me you two are in love with each other or something?"
Neither teen responded to what the red haired man said. Or rather...neither of them even recognized what he said. They were too focused on one another.
"Hello?!"
Eventually, the boy sighed, scratching his head. "What the hell... they're in their own little world?!" he grumbled before turning back to the hallway. "I don't wanna deal with that idiot."
The classroom for the second-year, Class 2, was buzzing.
"Hey, did you hear?"
"Bout what?"
"We're getting three new students! Two guys and a girl!"
"Really? I hope she's cute."
"I hear one of them is from the city!"
"Seriously? Why's he all the way out here in the boonies?"
"Is it true one of them has a horrible scar on his face?"
"Wait, seriously? Aw man! And here I thought Kanji Tatsumi was bad enough...!"
"I heard that he even pissed of King Moron when he first walked in!"
"Seriously?! Wow, he's got balls, I'll give him that!"
"I wonder what the other guy is like?"
And the gossip continued.
Two girls became interested in the topic. One was a girl with short brown hair and soft eyes, wearing a green turtleneck sports jacket with green strips, while the other had long black hair, wearing a red cardigan over her sailor uniform. "A guy from the city, and a guy who pissed off King Moron the moment he met him..." Chie Satonaka remarked with intrigue as she looked over to the student behind her. "What do you think, Yosuke?"
Yosuke Hanamura didn't reply, his face set on the desk. His hair was a messy mane of light brown hair, and had orange and red headphones around his neck. Chie raised an eyebrow. "You look dead today."
The teen groaned. "Y-yeah, um... I don't wanna talk about it."
"Geez, what's got you so depressed?"
"N-nothing..." Yosuke shook his head.
He really couldn't tell them about what happened... especially not Chie. She'd just might kill him if she found out he broke her DVD! B-but, it wasn't his fault, right?! It wasn't his fault that he slammed into that light pole, and ended up whacked between the legs, right?!
Chie turned to Yukiko, raising an eyebrow. "What's his problem?"
The girl shrugged her shoulders. "Who knows?"
The chatter ceased when the doors opened, reveal Mooroka, along with the new three students.
"Alright, shut your traps!" The homeroom teacher hollered. The noise dwindled down to silence. "I'm Kinshiro Morooka, your homeroom teacher from today forward! First things first! Just 'cause it's spring doesn't mean you can swoon over each other like love-struck baboons! Long as I'm around, you students are going to be pure as the driven snow!
Everyone just sweatdropped.
"Now I hate wasting my time, but I better introduce these transfer students."
Mooroka gave them a side-ways glance, though he scowled heavily when his eyes fell on Sho. "Two of these brats have been homeschooled their whole lives, and one of them is nothing more than scum like a certain first year! The last one is a sad-sack was tossed out of the city like yesterday's garbage, and all three of them are nothing but losers! So you kids better not get any ideas about hitting on 'em!"
Everyone could literally feel how much the red-haired boy wanted to beat the shit out of the teacher. A few even begged for it.
"Tell your names, and make it quick!"
The silver-haired boy went first, bowing his head. "My name is Yu Narukami. It's nice to meet all of you." He paused. "And no, I am not garbage from the city. As a matter of fact, I took a shower the other night."
Mooroka felt his eyebrow twitch. Some of the students snickered, particularly Chie.
"...Izana Miokami." the red-eyed girl said simply. She said nothing more after that. Some of the boys whistled loudly, a few of them ogling her, though they quickly shut up when the teacher glared at them, practically screaming bloody murder.
Finally, the teen with the scar went first. And naturally, his introduction was the most colorful as he glared at the teacher, scowling. "Who the hell are you calling a loser?" he snapped. "You sure that ain't you, old man?"
This proclamation startled all the students seated. They couldn't believe what they were hearing! This transfer student had just insulted King Moron in front of the entire student body!
Most of them wanted to clap in approval for the guts Sho has demonstrated.
"You are really trying to get me pissed, aren't ya kid?!"
"Uh, yeah...kinda the point." Sho smirked.
"Just take your seat!"
The boy shrugged. "Whatever... Oh, the name's Sho! Sho Minazuki!"
Yu sweat dropped, turning to Izana. "Is he... always like this?"
The girl sighed. "More than you think."
"Just take your seats!" Morooka yelled again.
"Hey, Morooka-sensei!" Chie raised her hand. "Is it okay if the transfer student sit here? She gestured to the seats open by her, Yosuke, and Yukiko.
"Huh?" Mooroka looked at the empy stop. "Oh, yeah, sure." He glared at Yu. "Hear that? Your seat's over there, so hurry up and siddown already!"
Yu sighed, scratch the back of his head as he took his seat beside the girl. Meanwhile, Izana sat to the desk right next to him, which was offered by another member. Sho was placed up front by Mooroka, but it was clear the red-head obviously didn't give a damn about decorum as he propped his feet up on his desk.
Small whispers filled the classroom.
"Damn, did you see that?!"
"That guy's got some balls to try and pull that with King Moron..."
"Yeah. But getting stuck on King Moron's class on the first morning here?"
"Yeah, he won't think twice about suspending you if you get on his bad side."
"Then again, we're all in the same boat."
'I guess everyone here doesn't like him.' Yu thought, noting how tense everyone was... well, everyone except Izana and Sho.
"He's the worst, huh?" Chie whispered to him. "Rotten luck for you to get stuck with King Moron in this class." She offered him an encouraging smile. "Well, we'll just have to hang in there for a year!"
"Hey, shut yer traps!" Mooroka yelled, silencing the idle chatter. "I'm taking role, and I better damn well expect you to respond in an orderly manner!"
'So,' the young man thought. 'This is my new school life...'
-Episode 1: END-
Preview!
Chie: Stop right there! What did you do to my DVD?!
Sho: Who the hell needs friends?! All they're good for is stabbing you in the back!
Izana: U-um... W-would you... L-like to... WALK HOME WITH ME?!
Yu: She's the one... from my dreams...
Yosuke: BOO-YA!
Next Scent! Mayonaka TV