As An Aside: I've known and played the KS game since a little after release (January 2012; been playing since maybe, I wanna say, February?). It connected with me on deep level, as at the time I was a freshman (FUCKING EW.) and having familial dissolution with a mix of severe depression, on top of having to relocate homes. My first (using this for comedic effect you see) "waifu" turned out to be Emi, and just for reference, then, I (around 5' 11') was an overweight, marching band musician. The Hell do I have in common with a 5' run-aholic? The Hell do I have in common with 2D sprites, for that matter? But, with writing that could make Ozymandias admit to his utter fibbing, the novel quickly became a favorite read.
On top of all that, the artwork is just beautiful to look at.
Scene Thirteen: Unlucky Seven
I can feel its lurking death ridden silhouette on my back. It's breathing on my neck. I only wanted to go to class, but I was ambushed by a figure I longed to not see.
"Hey, dude. Sup? I have a super, top-secret plan that requires a small donation from you!"
KENJI.
"I haven't seen you for a full day, and the first thing you say to me is that you need to borrow money from me."
"That's such a primal interpretation of my real endeavor. I'll have you know that this some top secret, anti-feminist shit! I may be able to put an end to their wicked indoctrination methods."
"How?"
"Pizza."
"Fine. How much?"
"Just 2000 yen."
I pull two hand-me down 1000 yen notes. Can't let him have the good ones. My father keeps me well paid when I don't have a gig season.
"Thanks man. When I finally put an end to the feminists regain of terror, I'll make sure to add your name to the list of special thanks!"
He took the notes and ran back, presumably, to his dorm room. Does he ever go to class? Whatever, he's gone and out of my hair.
I stepped into the classroom about fifteen minutes early. Some of the other students were already in their seats chatting with their friends. Miki was there, eyeing me up with cat like grin. Great. She has something planned.
"Hey, Zakuri. Have you given any thought about my idea?"
"I have, in fact, and, if I can get in contact with my band mates and the right people, we could do it. I asked the music director and he said he would sponsor us, if we needed it."
"Really? What's the name of band?"
"Axromorph. There's no real meaning to it, but the guys liked it and voted it. I wouldn't want anybody else behind me."
"No one else?"
"What?"
"I've noticed you getting quite cozy with some of Yamaku's hottest. But apparently I'm not in that category."
I'm hit with about as mush force as the moon would generate if it crashed into the side of the Earth.
"I wouldn't say cozy. B-but, I m-mean, you're pretty cute, Miki, but I just never got a chance to speak in depth with you before. If I got to know you better, maybe we could be friends? Would that be alright?"
"I'm only teasing you. Heh ha, maybe we could though. Suzu has will probably join us. You know her right? Join us for lunch and we'll see."
"Alright. Just don't walk out on me before talking to me."
"Yeah, okay. See you then."
With that out of the way, we parted ways towards our seats. That's when the world's biggest revelation smacked me in the face.
Was this a ruse to trick me into a lunch date? If so, Miki's cleverer than she lets on. She is definitely an interesting girl. The Student Council seem to be absent today. A lone figure walks into class before the school bell rings to indicate school begins. Hanako tiptoed into class in way that makes her seem afraid to even be acknowledged. But as I look at her, our eyes meet, causing her to go into full turtle mode. Well, I better apologize for startling her earlier. She wasn't in class yesterday, so now's a good a time as ever. As soon I was ready to go talk to Hanako, Mutou stepped in marking the beginnings of class.
Which commences to pass uneventfully.
Miki finds me and tells me they'll be waiting by the main door. She says she knows a spot where they like to sit during lunch. I tell her I'll meet her there and begin to pack my stuff. I spy Hanako with her eyes firmly glued to the door, possibly waiting for someone. I get up and go over to her desk. She notices this and begins to fidget.
"Be calm, Hanako. I just wanted to apologize for myself the day before yesterday. I didn't mean to scare you. So, can you forgive me?"
"I-I should be sorry, Zakuri. I didn't mean to run off. I just sort of panicked. Sorry."
"Hanako. Can you forgive me?"
"Yeah, s-sorry."
"Don't be. Maybe we start off on the right foot this time."
Did just say that? Right foot! I'm subconsciously belligerent to myself. I grimace as I peer downwards.
"What I'm trying to say is that I want fix the mess I made. Would that be alright?"
Her eyes keep darting between me, the door, and her desk. I guess she's trying to mentally block me out of her sight.
"Y-yeah, Zakuri."
"Thanks. I'll leave if you want me to, Hanako. I don't mean to make you nervous."
"I'm sorry, it's just… that I've never really t-talked to anybody at length. I'm- I'm sorry."
"That's okay. Hey, you must be waiting for someone, right?"
She nods her head in a single striking motion.
"Lilly."
"Ah, Lilly? Satou? Really? You know her?"
I feign ignorance at that fact that I know they're neighbors.
"You know Lilly? She's my f-friend."
"Ask her about me the next time you meet up with her, okay?"
That's when our attention was turned to the door at a soft rapping noise.
"Huh, there she is."
Hanako leaped at her cue. I just smiled and wave. I hope she asks Lilly about me. Hmm. I left the room to spend the rest of the lunch break with Miki and Suzu.
Scene Fourteen: A Lunch Time Friend
"Miki!"
We wave at each other as any friend would. The girl next to looks on uninterested.
"So, Zakuri, you ready to go?"
"Yeah."
She leads us out the door, down the path, and to a small patch of the park where I take my usual walk. We sat down under a tree next to a small pond. She pats the ground next to her to emphasize "Sit". I happily oblige as I take my place beside her. Suzu props her self next to Miki, fidgeting slightly because of her brace. She pecks at her food, reads at bit, and knocks out convulsively.
"Is she okay, Miki? Did she faint?"
"Hmm? Oh! No. Suzu's just trying to sleep."
"Narcolepsy?" I ask as I cautiously observe the lightly heaving figure by the tree.
"Damn, dude. Good guess. Close, but it is actually a form known as cataplexy. If agitated, Suzu'll go limp and her body will become unresponsive. It would take awhile before she could stir herself out of it. Right now, though, she is just trying to sleep."
"But she'll always be trying to sleep, so how does she manage to get around?"
"Uh, duh?" She pulls her sleeve back, flexing her arm to accentuate her muscles. "I move her from place to place as she needs. Jeez, it's too bad looks aren't equivalent to brains."
"Are we talking about me or you, Miura?" I jest, but I feel a heavy hit against my arm. It seems that's a bit off limits with her. Ouch.
"Whatever, dude. I just take it as it comes, and I'm happy with that, thank you very much!"
I doubt that, but decide against pressing.
"Well, letting our friend rest seems important. I tend to get bad insomnia with my medication. Hey, you know, this is a cool spot. You find it on your own?"
She smiled brightly.
"Yeah. Can I tell you a secret?"
"Sure."
"I found it when I was running away from some ass who was messing with me about two years ago. Kept asking me if I needed a hand…"
This is a different side of the Miki I have seen.
"…so, I punched him in the face and found this place. It was very relaxing and calming. I'm not mad anymore, knowing now that he was abused early in life. Bleugh. Messy business."
That's more like her.
"Well, they got what they needed, a little wake-up call. This is a really great spot to eat lunch. Thanks for bringing me out here."
"Heh, no problem, Zakuri!"
Well, I don't have many clandestine occurrences, but I wonder if it'll be alright if I...
"And since we're spilling secrets, I've got one for you, maybe. If you wanna hear...?"
I summon the sweetest, sincerest smile I can muster to awkwardly fit my fucked face.
"I've tried to kill myself twice."
Her face was struck pale, even if she was of a darker tone.
"You…?"
I still had the smile stapled to my face.
"I've had... extremely low points in my life, some harder than I could take. I, uh, nearly snapped because of the pain. But, you want to know something?"
She was still in a state of conscious shock. Her face still held a look of sympathetic surprise.
"W-what?"
"I'm still here! Hey, you don't have to look so down, Miki. We are friends, aren't we?"
And with the smile still glued on my face, I leaned back into the tree and wrapped an arm around Miki. Her face lifted a little, and, before I knew it, she returned an even brighter smile.
"Yeah, we are! We won't tell anyone our secrets, promise? You get that Suzu?"
The body next to us stirred softly, and mumbled something close to "Yeah."
She returned my hug two fold.
"I swear."
I felt a few tears roll down her face, even as she kept her bright smile.
"Never fade, Zakuri. So, best friends?"
"Best friends."
Some time passes, and she deftly picks up Suzu without so much as a groan. She really is strong. While I was busy being impressed by Miki's lifting capabilities, we made our way back to class, idly chatting about things that didn't matter. We get back to the classroom where about fifteen students are gossiping about Miki, Suzu, and me. But that doesn't matter when you've got great friends like I do.
Maybe my life isn't as horrible as I once thought.
Scene Fifteen: From the Other Side
I woke up early the next morning. Might as well remember to take the health expert's advice on this one. I got my workout clothes on and headed down to the track.
What I found there surprised me.
"Hey, you're Zakuri, right?"
"Ibarazaki? You're the Nurse's spy?"
"Yeah! Oh, and you can call me Emi. Especially if we're going to be running together."
"Well, okay, Emi. So, we should begin by stretching right?"
"Yes! Warm up is always important! But…"
She leaned in so close to me that I could smell her strawberry shampoo. She held a mischievous smile on her mouth.
"I don't really like warm up! Heh ha!"
I've never seen a girl so perky.
"Wait, how're you gonna run in your prosthetic?"
"Oh, this? I have a special model. It was really expensive, but it is one I can run on it. It has a flexible joint where the back of the calf connects to the heel and pedal extremity separates into sections that mimic the human foot. I have to strap it on, though. That's the tough part. It doesn't live up to the real muscles of the leg, but it helps me balance more while moving compared to my old one. After this, I suppose we'll both have to go to the Nurse so he can do a check for friction irritation, right?"
"A. That's awesome! B. Yeah. So, let's warm up, Zakuri."
We started our stretch and warmed up our muscles with breathing exercises. (That was my idea. She never thought to do the things I showed her. Now she says she'll do them every time she warms up. If she can remember.) We then hit the track.
We pull into the first ring of the lap around the track. My breathing is steady and my mind is clear. I feel my heart begin to pulse with me and find a steady rhythm to my legs. Emi was beside me for the first two laps, but she soon sped up to her sprinting mode. I decided that I was not going to be out done by a girl half my size. I pushed myself up to her. My leg feels strained and my breath has lost its rhythm, but no real problems. And she sped up more. Is this a game to her? I continued my resistance to being left behind by this five-foot-fire-brand. I match my pace to hers, but I start to feel something wrong. My heart's not in ryh-!
Lub-Dub-Lub! Dub-Lub-Dub!
Shit!
My heart was kicked out of my constant rhythm. I feel a sharp, twisting pain shoot through my left leg and arm. I hit the deck of the track face first. I could feel my heart trying to bust out of chest. I saw Emi running back to me with a frightened look.
"Zakuri! Are you all right?!"
I shut my eyes tightly to block out the rest of the world. I just concentrated on steadying my breathing and heartbeat. After a few minutes, my heart realigned itself with my body and my blood pumped normally. Darn it! That was too close. I suddenly realize Emi's face about three inches from my pain ridden, sweat covered face.
"Zakuri, please. We need to get you to the Nurse."
"I was just about to suggest it, babe."
My prosthetic was starting to irritate my leg. I had to relieve as much pressure from it as possible.
"Hey, Emi. Can you help me to the Nurse's? I think my leg got knocked out of place when I fell."
She helped me up, and we walked to the medical building. The door to the Nurse's office looked like a point of no return. I couldn't afford to care, though.
"Ah, Emi. And Zakuri? What happened?"
Emi sat me down on the bed the Nurse set for me. I got my leg off and washed the stump clean. The scar tissue always makes this hard. Not to mention the sweat irritation. After finishing that, I retold the story of Emi speeding up and me trying to keep up with her.
"Well, Zakuri, when I meant exercise, I meant running a mile at your own pace, not an Iron Man suicide. You both have to be careful, particularly if you don't want to be in serious trouble, Zakuri. Emi, I'm sure you are aware of Tamaki's situation, correct?"
She nods sorrowfully and apologetically. She turns to me with puppy dog eyes and a heart breaking frown. I go from having a heart spasm to having my heart broken.
"I'm really sorry, Zakuri. I shouldn't have pushed you. Hey!"
She nods her head decisively in a striking motion.
"I'll treat you to lunch today! Please say yes! My friend and I eat lunch up on the roof regularly. So, I invite you to have lunch with us."
"Heh, okay."
I must have such a stupid grin on my face because I feel the Nurse mocking me with his smile.
"Okay. Well, Zakuri, take off your shirt!"
I stare at him with a menacing look. Emi is flushed red but then burst out with:
"You're such an asshole."
I start pulling my shirt off, and I can feel Emi stare as she looks at me. Her face is crimson red with embarrassment as she sees my blemished torso for herself. She looks like she's trying to find the right words to say. I glance at her teasingly.
"Emi. You seem at a loss for words. You wouldn't have thought I simply had nothing but fat under here, did you?"
"I-I… heh, heh!"
"You seem to be taking this well, Emi. Seeing Mister Tamaki without a shirt on must send you in a spiral."
The Nurse kept up his cheeky grin. That's enough of teasing Emi for one day.
"Hey, Nurse. Shouldn't you be running tests or something?"
He grabbed his stethoscope and began examinations while Emi excused herself to class.
"See you, Zakuri!"
Her shirt lifted up a little when she raised her arm to wave goodbye. I felt my heart slightly jump, causing the Nurse to have a suspicious look appear on his face.
"I still hear a small murmur. Stay here until you feel like you can walk without gasping like a fish out of water. Are you alright?"
"Yeah, thanks, Nurse. That was pretty careless of me. I'm really sorry."
"You should be apologizing to Emi. She didn't need to see you like that.'
"I don't like anybody seeing me that weak."
I guess my frown was bothering the Nurse, because he started cracking bad jokes.
"You know, you should have career in drama films."
"Why?"
"Because you're frowning all the time. Chin up, Tamaki. The day's only beginning. No need to be so glum. You're still here, aren't you?"
He has a point. I'm not dead yet. I'll still be kicking in a few hours from now; might as well make do with the time I have. I laid back on the bed and closed my eyes as the Nurse opened up the window in his office to let in fresh air. I drifted off into a deep nap. One I hadn't had in a long while.
Scene Sixteen, Fragment A: This Calling Will Lead Me
"Zakuri!"
"Coming Mom! Karin, mom's home!"
"Mommy!"
"My little kitten and her lion. I'm glad to see you again. Work has kept me occupied, but I finally got a vacation. Is dad home? I haven't heard from him in a while, so he doesn't know I'm here. Little Lion, would you please get my bag out of the car?"
"Yeah, mom."
"Oh, Karin, what've you done now?"
I walk out into the drive way and open up the passenger side of the car. Mom's bag is seated in the butt of the car seat. I pick it up, close the door, and head back inside. Mom has already picked up Karin and is spinning her around. That's Karin's favorite type of hug, The Spinning Cherry Blossom, named after Karin's pink attire.
"Mom?"
"Zakuri. Thank you, my dear Lion."
That nickname gets kind of old sometimes, but I don't complain.
I hear dad's vehicle roll into the drive way. He clears the distance from the car door to the front steps in record time.
"Tetsuya? Are you-?"
"Hello, Renji. Look Karin! Daddy's home!"
"Ha-ha! Daddy, daddy!"
"Hi, little bird. It's good to see you again Karin. Heh."
Dad took Karin, and walked over to me. He places his hand in my orange hair and rubs relentlessly.
"How yah doin', sport?"
"Great, dad."
"You know what, we should celebrate Mommy's homecoming with a family dinner tonight! Whadduya say? I'll buy."
"Yeah!"
"Oh, Renji. That's a little abrupt, don't you think?"
Dad closes in on Mom and kisses her. Blech!
"Come on kids, get ready if you want to go!"
That memory is nine years old. That was the last year Mom and Karin were alive.
Scene Seventeen: Wake Up Call
The sun pierced my eyes as I forced them open. I just had to look out the open window as I awoke, otherwise what cruel irony would be present within the narrative? Gah! It's too early to be breaking the fourth wall.
I groan, which sounds like a cross between a monkey and a bear, and the Nurse, slightly startled by my weird outburst, turns around to face me from his computer.
"Morning, Sunshine. Or should I say Man-Beast? Considering the noise you just made, I'd say your body was thrown off by the nap. You alright, Zakuri?"
"Ugh! Mm, yeah. Sorry, I'm still a bit out of it. What time is it?"
"About a quarter after ten. You should be able to head back, if you're up to it that is. There's no rush to hurry to class, especially if you're not completely rested."
Well, I rarely am. My better judgment isn't clouded enough to let this quip escape, though.
"I'm rested enough now. Thanks for your time. And I promise fewer close calls in the future. Fewer."
"Heh, well, I don't need you putting me outta business, but don't get so caught up that you lose sight of yourself, alright?"
I nod my head, take the pre-written pass in the Nurse's hand, and make my way to class, Oy, what a morning! Wait, was Emi that concerned? And now I'm to have lunch with her? The former should be rectified on my way to the latter. But for now, it's off to class with me.
I open the door to the classroom. I feel like the defendant in a murder case, because there are around fifteen pairs of eyes staring at me. Mutou doesn't count in this number, but he gives me a serious look none the less.
"Good morning, Tamaki."
I let out a nervous laugh as I hand him the excuse from the Nurse. Man, is it just me or does everyone around here like the whole staring thing?
I take my empty seat beside Pink Drills and the Silent Shogun. They immediately jump on the opportunity as soon as Mutou assigns group work.
"Hey! Zacchan~, where were you this morning? Shicchan was worried about you."
"And you weren't, Misha? I'm heart broken."
That didn't even phase her. I could've meant it and really have been, but I already am, aren't I?
"Shicchan just wouldn't stop asking about you!"
While my dialogue with Misha was reaching a stale point, Misha was translating everything at a blazing pace. She really is excellent at sign language. And her hair is kind of cute. No! Stop Zakuri. This play is already too complex as it is, no need to over complicate the plot. But, still…
[I was just wondering where you were.]
[I really do appreciate your concern. Thanks Shizune.]
[Of course! We are friends after all, right? So, as the President of the Student Council and your friend, it was my duty to make sure you are well. Also I think you'd like for your attendance to be more satisfactory.]
The question she poses next, though, was not what I wanted to hear right now.
[Were you at the Nurse's?]
Her lagoon-like eyes swirled with analysis and deduction. It's as if she were reading my reactions before I made them. My head hangs low and I let out a sigh of consternation. Well…
[I was exercising when I had a bad fall, Shizune. So I asked the person I was running with to help me to the Nurse's office. We got there, he performed some test to made sure all was well, and I ended up taking a nap. My prosthetic was knocked out of place while running.]
I left out the bit about my heart surge to stop Shizune and Misha from worrying so much. It is nice to know that I have people who care for me.
Shizune peers closer at me with a look of worry, but it is replaced by a face of excitement.
[I bet you were watching some track girl, and ended up tripping on something. Am I right?]
Here we go. She's in one of her 'un-depressing' moods.
[I know some of them are completely irresistible, after all.]
[Look I don't…]
Wait…
WHAT!
I started blushing heavily while Misha burst into a fit of crazed laughter.
"Zakuri is probably a closet~ perv~! Wahahaha~!"
"No, I… Look, I had a heart spasm and ended up falling flat on my face, alright? There, the truth is out."
Great. Now all three of us are frowning apologetically.
"Zacchan, we had…"
Shizune and Misha look as if they want to excuse themselves. That's it. This is the last time I want to see them like this.
"Misha. Shizune."
I gripped them both by their shoulders, and summoned that false smile I've kept on for years. This ought to set things right.
"Thank you. For everything. I can't express my gratitude for what you've done for me. So, please, as another favor to me, stop worrying about me. I'm much stronger than I was all those years ago."
Though I only admit that now. Misha was signing carefully, an obvious change given to the situation.
"You both are such kind and great friends, more than I deserve. But, if you keep worrying about me, I'll have to fuss over you guys fussing over me, if that makes sense. I hope it did."
Not only did it make sense, but now they're as chipper as ever.
"It did Zacchan~! We're sorry we made you worry!"
[We are. But, we won't stop worrying about you, because…]
"Because?"
[It's a secret.]
Her stern frown melted into a soft, affectionate smile.
[Should've guessed. You always were the surprise type.]
Our mood has certainly improved, for which I'm grateful. My words got to them, and I think Shizune just tried to flirt with me.
Noot Noot del Man Who Writeth This: You know, I was sure I would still hate this project, but, in all honesty, I can't say that. I can't help but enjoy putting this to whatever you call imaginary computering paper. Also, that Ozymandias reference is to the Pharaoh, not Watchmen.
'Preciate that review/fav/follow/rate/like/retweet/G+/Shout Out Pardner!
