Yeah, I decided to stop screwing around and just go with the plot in this story. For now, I will focus more on the Heroine of the day rather than my OC and others. The reason I am doing this is so that I can put some relevancy on my future chapters which I have posted already. It didn't make sense as I moved on with the plot.
The voice of the Library
(A parody of the Guardian of the Forest)
A grand hall of intelligence, I can feel my veins slow down just standing here. I don't know why but I decided to go ahead with this. Here and now, I know that the things I do will have consequences for the future. But I'll be damned if I cannot do this right. Keima didn't want to help her so I stepped up from the sidelines to do what I do best. However, she proved to be a rather difficult opponent. Communication between the two of us is minimal and if I do talk I feel like I just want to confess to her everything I know...
"My words may not be enough but I can assure you that I will come to your side whenever you are troubled." My confidence, Nay! My soul is determined to help this girl. How did this all happen? Well, that's something that happened a little while back...
A few days ago...
The siblings are arguing today as usual. I don't know why but it seems to have become a habit of mine watching these two siblings argue. If anything, it was entertaining to watch and certainly worth my time going to school. I wonder if that will happen to me to? If sister and I will argue about certain things and disagree with certain things... somehow the feeling makes me depressed.
"By the way, Sean-kun. It was a good thing you weren't here yesterday. I swear you disappear in the most important of times," I gave a sly smile to Keima. I am never really one to make a schedule unless asked or forced to make one. There was something up yesterday and I had to go and check it up.
"Yeah, I heard that a Dragon came and went after destroying a few areas and attacked Kodama-sensei which I believed would have been hilarious!" I said with a laugh. I really wanted that failure of an impression of an English teacher scream in terror. Heck I'd pay good money just to see it again!
"But then again, the damage that was done costed a large amount of the school's budget to nearly hit the red zone. If I didn't arrive on time to fix things up and recommend a few people I know then the tuition for next year would have doubled!" I informed the two as it wasn't a joke either. The damage that happened yesterday was off the charts. I also had to witness the sorry state that came to both the student council and accounting club.
"All I get out of it is nothing but a word of thanks. Even though I did all the accounting and signed a formal request to all the people I know to repair the damage yesterday all I ended up receiving is a word of thanks. That's probably the closes I will ever get as a reward..." I wasn't really complaining about the reward but more about the appreciation. It wasn't easy to get the people I know to do that things we wanted them to do. If I wasn't influential enough, we would probably have to suspend classes for about a week.
"So, Keima-kun wants to help Imouto-san learn more about our proud nation? That's very kind of you considering that you usually don't do anyone favors," I pointed out with a smirk on my face as Keima returned to his gaming.
"Trust me, it is more for my sake than her's." I then dropped my smile and turned to Imouto-san.
"Why don't the three of us go to the Library then?" I offered as I waited for their response.
"Sure, let's go there around lunch time," I don't know why but I felt that Keima-san specifically chose that time to try to avoid Imouto-san's lunches. Either way, we decided to head to the library around lunch.
Lunch Time at the Library
"I have returned," Borrowing a line from MacArthur we went inside the library while I was using a toy pipe to bring out the authenticity of my words.
"Ano... Sean-kun. You do realize that we are here to help Elsie require common sense right?" Keima asked as I turned and nodded. I then immediately removed my pipe and put it away on my bag. Keima already went and sent Imouto-san away to read some books as I ordered Keima to follow me to a shallow section of the library.
"I am taking you to a secluded place where it is most quiet. Back when I still wasn't used to showing up to class I often go here to read." I said as Keima nodded nonchalantly while his eyes are still glued to his PFP.
"By the way, it's been a while since I had last been in here. Why don't I go and take the time to reminiscent about the past? Keima-kun, you can go and play your games over here." I said as I patted the table we are going to use. Keima looked around to see if there was anyone going to disturb him before accepting my offer and taking a seat. I took this time to look around and borrow a few books while I am at it...
Back with Elsie...
"Wow~ So cool! It's bright red! Emergency dispatch! Fire Truck!" I was stuck reading about fire trucks on the way. It isn't my fault that I love fire trucks, I'm just potentially weak when I see them!
"It's good to know that at times like these you can go to the information desk to ask for help," I told myself as I headed for the information desk to help me find books. As I head there I notice a girl roughly the same age as Kami-sama and Sean on the counter, reading what seems to be a complicated novel.
"Wow, she is so quiet and refined, just like what a lady should act like," I found myself admiring her features for an unknown reason. This confused me since I know that I don't play for the other team. I can already hear Sean comment "You can't play baseball since it's for men but there used to be female players back then," and he would go on and on until my brain malfunctions and collapses due to the many colorful words he was using.
"Ano... e-excuse me! Where can I find a book like this?" I asked as the girl lifter her book to her face. Did she not hear me the first time?
"EXCUSE ME!" I yelled this time as she visibly flinched and looked at me with surprise.
"Whoa! Imouto-san! What are you doing?! Put your voice down, there is no need to yell here!" Sean said and lectured me as he came by with a lot of books on his hands. When I went to have a look at them I noticed that they were mostly written in English form.
"Best you don't read these, Imouto-san. Last time your head exploded when you read a nursery rhyme, I don't want you to do so again while reading these books," He told me as I puffed my cheeks. I am not that dumb Sean but he did make a point. But still...
"I am not that stupid!" I yelled as Sean looked at me with a playful smirk.
"Then say 'Apple',"
"A-aupul~," I-I cannot do it!
"Ha Ha Ha! Don't worry, Imouto-san. You will definitely learn to speak English sooner or later," Kuh! If I was given the opportunity... I would have wiped that smug smirk off your face!
"Ano... please..." I heard a small voice say as both Sean and I turned to the counter.
"Oh, if it isn't Shiori-san. How are you?" Sean asked as the girl sitting next to the information desk looks back a bit on her book before answering.
"I-I'm... fine..."
"That's good..." And all of a sudden I felt that Sean uncharacteristically became silent all of a sudden. Don't get me wrong, he is mostly just silent and observant but when it comes to me and Kami-nii-sama he is like a whole different person.
When he was with us, he would always make jokes and lighten the mood like it was his duty. He would always smile in front of us and be as carefree as he can be like a normal healthy high school boy would. Then occasionally, he would open himself up to us about his troubles of the past and of the present. However, he wants to distance himself when the subject is brought up. This Sean feels like what I described earlier, the one who looks solemnly at space and responds only when talked to.
Wait, now that I remember, there was a certain rumor spread around about this library. How it was a victim of a fire and how a girl was trapped inside. Only one person was brave enough to jump into the fire and escape unscathed. The fire because known to the public but the cause was uncertain, but I heard from Chihiro that certain people came that day and left without a trace. The school became silent about the incident but managed to reclaim lost books from within the library and salvage what remains. However, some say that the library still holds some secrets that only the members of the Library Committee and the Student Council know of. Is it possible that Sean was also involve in this fire? If so, why is he hiding this fact from everyone?
"Hmm? Imouto-san, are you holding a book a book about fire trucks again?" He asked as he returned to smiling like nothing happened. I don't really understand this individual. I gave a sigh and nodded.
"Yes, I wanted to learn about Fire Trucks you see~" I said gladly as I showed the book to him.
"Is that so? Ten don't worry, Shiori-san over here will find you more books about these things." Sean then turned to the girl who shyly nodded.
"P-please come back later," She said as if it was a requirement for us. Before we went to go and do something else my runaway spirit detector sounded. T-That means that this girl...! I immediately left to find Nii-sama as I leave both Sean and the girl confused.
After School...
"Keima-kun is being dragged around by Imouto-san again; I feel sort of jealous for him." I found myself alone on the school's roof garden once again. I was supposedly assigned along with Imouto-san to clean the place but she asked me a favor and left me to do it on my own. Since that was the first time she ever asked for a favor I complied albeit I was a bit unwilling to let her go and play hooky until I saw her drag Keima away.
Well, this is my duty and since I am retired from both the Library committee and Disciplinary Committee(The Enforcers) I have nothing else to do but clean the place. I turned my 1pod on to play a bit of the anime music I downloaded a while ago and some orchestra symphonies.
I looked around and thought about the things that had happened for the past five years. That day... I ran away that day because I didn't want to take on the debt my parents left behind. I was too weak and afraid to deal with it so I ran away. I hid till they finally noticed I disappeared; I heard news of my disappearance but still I fled and the only way how was through the use of military training.
"You're invading my space," I didn't notice it then probably because I was preoccupied by my thoughts. But, I girl about half my size stood up from her bench and removed my headphones to tell me this after I had stepped into her carpet. I leap a few steps back after she did it and I felt my cheeks reddened from the blood rushing to my head.
"You certainly are a strange one. You ignored most of what I said but turns out you were listening to this music... and very good music to be exact," The lightly blonde haired girl said with a smile as she listened to my 1pod.
"So, what are you doing here this time? If it's about your friend then no I haven't seen him," Is that what I am mostly here for? And, why do I get this feeling that she is looking down on me?
"I am here to clean this place, Ojou. I take pride in doing my duties as part of the student body," I told her with pride in my voice as I came to her and pried my 1pod off of her hands.
"You're unpleasantly crude," She said in an insulting tone as I returned one of my own.
"Well excuse me, Princess!" And why do I get the feeling that I heard this from a lame western cartoon?
"You..." I can feel her glaring at me but I didn't care and shook it off. I continued doing my duties even though I disturbed her from her usual observations.
"It's people like you that make Japan have birth decline,"
"Well, it's people like you that make Japan end up having large divorce sessions,"
"You are unreasonably annoying and insulting when you want to be,"
"And you are unreasonably high and mighty even though you are about half my size!"
"Size doesn't matter in this world!"
"Yes it is! Nobody wants a runt for a girlfriend!"
"You take that back! I am no runt!" At this point she was throwing her tea cup at me.
"No way! If anything it is you who should apologize!" I countered as I caught the tea cup.
"I don't like you! People like you are horrible, disgusting, ugly humans!" She yelled as her face was bit red from anger.
"Well sorry if I am a horrible, disgusting, ugly human then! I'd rather be that than be an unsociable piece of crap that takes up space on the school's roof garden!"
"I... that's hurtful..." I then stopped yelling and noticed her cry. An awkward silence enveloped us and I didn't know what I was going to do. This was the first time, in a long time, that I made someone cry. I bit my lower lip, I didn't know what to do. Should I apologize?
"Ano... Ojou... I'm sorry about all of that. I didn't mean to go that far..." Great, now I feel like a huge douche. Why do I always end up causing trouble to people I barely know!?
"I-I'm not crying..." She said acting bravely in front of me.
"I didn't say you were," I pointed out as she wiped her tears using her sleeves. I went closer to her and offered her my handkerchief. She hesitated at first but she accepted it.
"T-Thank you..." She said as I shook my head.
"Listen, I'm really sorry about what I did. It's just that I don't like people taking my things from me. I never liked it when people took them away from me," There was a deeper meaning behind my words but I tried my best to hide it.
"Ah, yes. I apologize as well. I never should have took your 1pod away,"
"No, it was my fault. I stepped on your carpet. I'll clean it for you,"
"No, there is no need to."
"Please, just let me do this much."
"No... there really is no need to."
"Can you just swallow your pride and let me do this?"
"Can you please stop caring so much and stop?"
"The hell! Just accept my kindness already!"
"Stop helping out!" And in the end, we ended up yelling at each other again. Although, I don't know why but I felt more alive than I used to be. When we stopped fighting we were breathing for air. I started smiling and then it turned into a grin. The girl in front of me look at me with a confused face. I began to laugh a bit, I don't really know why but I got this feeling I haven't felt in a long time.
"What's gotten into you? Have you finally lost it?"
"No, it's just that I haven't done this in a long time. Though I don't know why I feel like this it felt right." I explained. But still, what is this feeling? It felt like I used to do this kind of thing before with someone else. A girl... but why is my memory blank?
"Whatever weirdo, I don't want to see your face again!" She yelled and left with her doll but leaving her equipment behind. But really, what was that feeling? It felt like it was something that happened long ago but disappeared on thin air.
"She said that I shouldn't show my face again... isn't that kind of hard to do since we are from the same school? Oh well, I'll try my best and not show my face to her then," I thought as I took care of my business on the roof and left. But before I did I returned the girl's equipment into the Astronomy room.
The next day...
In the end, I didn't show my face to the little Ojou. Whoever she was, she didn't want to see me. I guess I was a little weird because of that. Anyways, our horrible English speaking teacher who is teaching us English ended up returning much earlier than I had expected. Though he had to wear a wig to hide his nearly bald head I find it quite funny that it was that obvious.
Though we spent most of the time trying not to laugh our heads off it was a normal study session. Every now and then Kodama-sensei would check his wig and some of us tried to hide our snickering. When the school bell rang we finally sighed in relief knowing we don't have to suffer from laughter any longer.
Since it was lunch time I decided to head to the library to read some books again. Before I went outside though I noticed Keima and Imouto-san where headed somewhere without me again. I decided not to disturb them and stop by the Omu-soba bread store for a quick bite. When I went there I noticed Mio near the stand having trouble getting the food that she wanted.
"Need some help?" Though it wasn't like me to help someone out I decided against it.
"Ah, yes. Can you help me get an Omu-soba bread?" The little blonde girl asked as I nodded as she gave me her change. I got myself inside the prey and managed to grab two Omu-soba breads easily and pay the kind lunch vendors in the process.
"Thanks," She said and ran off. Though it was a bit sudden I felt that she changed significantly after the first time I knew her. But when was that? I don't really remember but it wasn't important. I decided to eat the Omu-soba bread while heading to the school library.
Maijima School Library...
Getting to the School Library is no small walk in the park. Because of the large vegetation and single road walkways from here is actually quite difficult. I pleaded a similar case like this to the student council and the Beautification Committee. In the end, the budget to cut some of the overgrown plants was denied. I had no choice but to do so myself and for about a month I finally managed to clear an easy to walk to path for the student mass.
The principal gave me the minimal wage for taking care of the school grounds and I accepted it nonetheless. The little I received from the principal is what most gardeners would mostly presume as nothing but the school's measly change from the school budget. I, however, knew better and this was enough from the budget they can spare to give to me as thanks.
That day I earned the respect of the student body and my skills as a gardener improved.
Anyways, once I got inside I noticed Shiori-san collecting books and putting them away on a cardboard box. I noticed that some of the books were either worn out or torn. I guess that's no surprise, some of the books are relics from what is left from the fire that happened a year ago. Putting away old books and making way for new books is a good thing. If only she felt the same way as the others and more importantly... I felt the same way about it. Just then, she went to get a really heavy book. Words of advice from Keima about these kinds of things made me go into action and help her.
"You nearly dropped this," I said in a half-scolding manner. I don't know why but I decided to talk to her. Maybe the two of us can relate on what will end up for these books. She immediately moved away from me either from embarrassment or moving away from me due to fear. Either way she was the right to be both.
"This book... it's the one you recommended to me a year ago," I pointed out as the spine of the book looked like the same as it always had been. "Principles of Economics" was a good book and it helped me understand more about our economy. I even wrote a thesis once and sent it to a magazine. In the end, I received an award for my view on today's economy.
"Tha... Thank fyou..." Eh? I don't know what to make of that but I think she was trying to thank me. I nodded albeit I had mix feelings about it.
"These books... they symbolize what is left of the past... but it seems that the students here... don't remember it anymore," I caught myself putting a hand on my mouth. I wasn't supposed to talk about what happened back then, especially to the girl who almost nearly became a dead victim!
"..." An awkward silence envelops us and I can definitely hear Keima-san nagging on my head on how insensitive I am towards a heroine.
"I told you not to do that!" In fact, I could have sworn I saw him when I turned around on the corner of my eye. What's going on?
"Even with the advancement of technology and the internet providing a limitless amount of storage... I still think it is a bit despicable of them." Continuing on as I ignored the Katsuragi siblings isn't exactly what I expected myself to do.
"People have forgotten the true value of these books. How much it was really cared for and the information it holds, not to mention the vast amounts of stories they share. For these to be thrown away... it would have been better if I hadn't bought them in the first place," I was cruel to myself, I always loved books. They kept me away from what happened to me and the pain I am going through. My daydreaming was interrupted by Shiori who's presence I hadn't taken into account right next to me.
"B-Baka!" I froze in place, as if those words had put a petrification spell on my frame. I shifted my hair a bit to stare at her, to try and read her mind. In the end, I found myself in a stream of thoughts that I found myself drowning into.
"..." Speechless as she now realized what she had said, she turned and ran while holding the book I returned to her.
"You sure have brass balls to come in here and make a move like that," And once again the familiar voice of Keima manages to send fear in the bowels of my soul.
"Have mercy!" I begged head on the floor as I saw Keima giving a stern look.
"I have much more important things to do than to punish you, Sean-kun. However, now that you have joined the prey you have no choice but to go through with the conquest," This confused me as I looked up and meet his gaze.
"Follow me Sean-kun, I want you to do something for me." Keima then began dragging me. As he dragged me I noticed a table where Imouto-san was reading a book about fire trucks Shiori must've prepared for her. However, I am more surprise at how gullible she is right now while intently reading a book about a child and dog. (A dog of Flanders)
"Now that you've made a move to Shiori-san I can no longer get involve in the conquest. This is the first time since then that you barely talked to someone of the opposite gender or do you ever once made a move to get close to," I can feel Keima's intense stare piercing through me while I was staring at the table after I took a seat. Of course I wasn't surprised that he knows... it was a painful event that I don't want to talk about.
"My you are such a fool, if you really love her so much why didn't you stop me instead of letting me conquer her?" Okay... that definitely caught me by surprise. I don't remember Keima making moves to anyone before- how come it feels like I am contradicting myself?
"Keima-san... were you trying to-" Before I could continue I was cut off.
"This is about you, Sean-kun!" Keima said as he slammed his hand at my table while giving me an intense gaze. I blush at that, he was really cool when he wanted to prove his point.
"W-Well... I... I-I... if... you really want her then I wouldn't mind," I turned away feeling completely embarrassed.
"Sean, I am glad to have been your best friend but there are certain limits to how much you can give me," As he said that I turned to him dumbfounded and my jaw drop to the floor.
"Y-You... you mean... but I... its too soon for that!" W-Why am I turning red?! Why is my brain scrambling around for excuses?! AAAHHHH! My head really hurts!
"Eh?" He took a good few minutes to think about what he said, "Whoa! Wait! I didn't mean it like that!"
He explained which made me calm immediately and left an aftertaste of disappointment. What did he meant by that?! Am I not good enough for him?
"So... what do you want me to do?" I asked weakly as I continued to stare at the table.
"I want you to be a man, Sean-kun. If love has finally sprouted from within your heart then you must go and tell her how you feel!" I don't know why but when I turned to face him, his face shone like a bright light burning away my doubts. It wasn't God of Conquest mode... it felt like he was doing what I always did for him... support a friend. Knowing that, I swallowed my pride and gave a brief nod which made him smile.
"All right! First, you need to secure many encounters so that she will fall for you!" And then he began giving me lessons on how to conquer girls. Really, Keima-san; I'm not in a hurry to find love. Also, my respect for you dropped just a bit but that isn't important.
"Tomorrow is the Libarary Committee's meeting. The Student Council asked me to go and join them in the meeting because I was the most resourceful human pawn they ever found," I wasn't sure if it was right for me to boast such things. I get the feeling the student council will lose to me if I became student president next year which is unlikely to happen. Anyways, the day came and went and now I am in school waiting for the lectures to end so I can go and visit the Library Committee.
Library Committee meeting...
The Committee President and I are good friends and have known each other ever since my short stay at the Committee and left to join the Enforcers. Reminiscing the days that past was evident on our faces as we talked about the books we have read as we waited for the other members. Once all the members were at the meeting they started talking about setting up a visual and audio booth which is good for the slowly advancing students(Elsie).
I asked them what kinds of educational videos will they be buying and their answer came in the form of a paper which I read in one flip. It had good detail and the number of the items corresponds appropriately to each individual class. I praised them on how well-made they handled their report which made them smile... except for Shiori.
I then asked them how were the School's computers which I made from scratch. They told me that some of them needed maintenance so I offered my services in a small fee excluding food to handle the computers. I also told them that I will be checking up on any viruses and logs from previous users just in case if they opened up any pornography sites. I asked them about the underground school website and found out that some of them are being bullied in cyberspace.
That's when I asked them about the books which they were disposing later on. All of them made a face before giving me an answer. I gave them a stern look before they handed me a piece of paper. On said piece of paper is their plans on sending some of the books away to a Public Library while others are going to be donated to nearby School. However, I found an unsavory amount of some books are going to be disposed of because of how poorly conditioned they are. I winced at that a bit before putting the paper away in my bag.
"Alright everyone, this meeting is settled. Next week all members will help out in our project. Sean-sempai is going to help us out in a small fee," The president said as there were no arguments from anyone... except that I was actually expecting someone to. Everyone gave a breath of relief as if I was there biggest hurdle in their projects which made me frown a bit.
Once we were outside I noticed Keima writing on a book. I gave a frown but before I could confront him about it Shiori has already charged in and took the book off of his hands.
"Idiot!" I heard her say to Keima-san in the cutest voice ever and she then left pondering her thoughts.
"I'm starting to get used to seeing Kami-nii-sama making girls angry," Imouto-san said right next to me as I jumped a bit from surprise and composed after I noticed it was her.
"It's just my way of talking to her. After all, the secret to knowing a silent person is to make them hate you to know them," Keima nodded a bit and clapped his hands. I guess that is true... but hopefully it doesn't come to that in the future.
"Anyways, Sean-kun, you are to go and make events for her to know you better so do as I say!" How did I ever get involve in this? I didn't want Shiori to love me; I just wanted for her to talk to me. Hopefully, at least, what Keima-san is doing for me will help me talk to her.
The next day...
Earlier today, I checked up on the new books that the Library Committee had bought and noticed that some of them are giving wrong information or are using wrong examples. I decided to use one book and write down the write information and examples and later have to call the company that made these books for a refund.
As I continued to write down the correct information on the book, Shiori came to me and took away the book I was correcting. Shock and confused, I turned to look at Shiori who was giving me the evil eye.
"Ano... Shiori-san, these books are all wrong and need to be refunded because of the misplaced information on them. I was writing one down because I needed proof that it belongs to them and sue them if necessary," I explained to her which caught her by surprise.
"I would really appreciate it if you give it back to me please," I said with a smile as I waited for her to give it back to me.
"You're not allowed to scribble! No, you're not allowed to do anything! When you're here things get disturbed. You are not allowed in here from now on! If the visual and audio booth is formed then people like you will..." I blinked. Really, what is going on? Is she releasing her pent-up rage on me? I didn't know what to do, previous experiences tell me I should just shut up and listen.
"Zuhwaa! I…..! What I'm saying and thinking are opposite!" She suddenly confessed but it was too late for that, Shiori-san. She dropped the book which I almost dropped on the floor as she runaway.
And the next day...
After I finally won a lawsuit against the company that gave the school useless books, I racked in about ten million yen for the school, I went back to the library for a little celebratory alone time. I managed to ditch the news crew that flooded me with questions and finding myself in the school library is plenty relaxing.
"…I told him that he wasn't allowed here anymore but he came after all and this time with some cards. Is he trying to be mean?" This sudden rude comment came from Shiori whom I found taking care of some books again.
"Oh your opening up a bit on your thoughts today. That's good Shiori-san!" I told her but she hid herself after that.
"Sorry if I always come to disturb you and about yesterday; I managed to sue the company that made those books. I am not much of a role model but I love books and I love education. This place is really peaceful and quiet and I don't need to go far away just to hide from some media," I joked as I looked at my PFP. The principal and the student council wants to talk to me later about the money which I replied to go and meet them later.
"You're right..." And to my surprise, Shiori came to me after I turned to look if there were any media folks looking for me. I was generally surprised to see her so close to me that i nearly leap from my seat.
"The library is a... wonderful place. It protects you from reality... with the fortress of paper..." She said those words so easily that it made me blink a few seconds. Is this her true feelings? If so I am a bit disappointed... if not irate.
"My name is... Sean, we've already met before but it seems that introducing myself to you is the right course of action," Yes, we've met before and it was my fault that she became like this. That fire nearly took her away, if I was even a bit late she wouldn't have made it out alive.
"Shiomiya, Shiori... thank you for... saving me," She held out her hand as I instinctively shook it. However, my mind was somewhere else. She was... thanking me? Is it from that time... or is it because of today? I never really got the answer from that question after I took my hand away.
"Have a nice stay..." She said with a smile on her face which left me dumbstruck. So much so that after she left I was still frozen in place and couldn't move. I only manage to be free from my trance after Keima smacks me with a paper fan.
"Why are you standing there ogling over her, Sean-kun?" Keima asked sternly as he held the paper fan ominously which made me gulped.
"Nice job Sean! You became friends with a person who barely talks!" And I found Imouto-san right behind him. I shook my head as I managed to compose myself and took a seat. I told them what I thought about her which confused Imouto-san but Keima manages to catch on quickly.
"If what you say is true... then this whole conquest is just a waste of time! You have to fix this," He told me as I nodded. I planned to fix this problem for a long time now. I just didn't had the experience or the knowledge how to, at the time. But now, it is different.
"I plan to strike when the opportunity arises, however, considering the likelihood of things going to plan is about one in five chances... it's like placing my bets in the off chance I can get a Full House in poker," I pointed out as I put my hands on my head. Things aren't going to be easy now that there is no reruns, extra lives, or save points.
I gave a sighed and decided to head home today but as we went to the information desk, I saw Shiori holding onto a piece of paper with the eyes that seem like she has seen certain doom or looking miles ahead of her which made me thought she might've been suffering from PTSD(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
She rips the paper to pieces and went away, passing by us and had the look I knew best. However, my mind was on the paper she ripped apart so I went to the information desk and asked Keima and Imouto-san to help me restore it.
"What made Shiori-san so mad to have that look on her face?" I asked myself as I turned to look for Shiori but came empty handed. When I turned back to fix the paper it was already restored.
"Sean-kun... I think you're window of opportunity just called. Have a look at this," Keima said after he finished inspecting the piece of paper. I took it from him albeit the nervousness on my hands. I took a look at it and what I saw made me kneel on the floor.
"S-Sean/-kun!" My friend and her sister were helping me up but I lost the will to stand up. My thoughts were scrambled and my heart in pain... my eyes teary and my hands trembling uncontrollably.
"T-They... they lied to me..." I said as I slowly put the paper down to my side and let it go. Three thousand books... three thousand books are going to be disposed off for two thousand CDs and one thousand DVDs space. That night I spent my time thinking of how to sabotage this plan. I am definitely going to make the Principal and the Student Council regret not telling me this!
The last day...
I made a run for the principal's office that day and yelled at the old man for not telling me about the Library Committee's plan of disposing a lot of books. The Student Council came and tried to calm me down but I barked and yelled at them for lying to me even though I've saved their butts for a lot of things they went through. It took about half a day's worth of lecture to make my point with them until I heard news from Keima that Shiori locked herself inside the library.
Once I received that message and sent a reply on what I am going to do I left. I will deal with the principal and the student council later about what they did and they'll be expecting a beating from me later. I made a mad dash towards the Library but deduced along the way that Shiori might've locked herself inside so I made my way to the back door of the school Library.
"Stop here or don't stop her Sean-kun, it depends on the route's development." I think this is quite enough of such things from him today. I will make my own route and make it with my own bare hands if I have to!
Inside the Library... Shiori's POV...
They're scary! Even with earplugs on I can hear them... angry voices... why are they so scary? I'm afraid... so afraid, I want to run away but I came so far... why is life so unfair?!
"D-Don't come in..." I warned while putting away a few books to my side. As I did so I noticed footsteps which made me turn and out of the shadows I found eyes staring at me while the rest of this person is covered in shadows. I noticed his eyes, they were red but they were looking at me intently as if checking every part of my body. In all honesty, I felt a tremor of ecstasy overwhelm me before I remembered I made sure I locked the doors.
"Hiya, Shiomiya-san," His voice sounded familiar for some reason but fright took over curiosity as the voice continued, "if you really want to strike make sure you have followers and a back-up plan if your first plan fails. So, if you don't mind my presence I would love to support you."
This sense of familiarity I've experienced since a few days ago, this feeling of irritation as I listen to his every word, and those eyes that have been silently observing things I am not aware of. These feelings can only be realized by one person! "Sean-kun?!"
As I called out his name he gave me a laid back smile and revealed himself by stepping into the light. At once, I felt the hostility from outside disappear as I felt myself lost in that unwavering smile. I look away thinking of how to fix the mess I am in.
"I'm going to read some books while I am still here," He told to me and picked up a book and started reading. After a few minutes, he gave me a juice box which came out of his pocket.
"A-Arigatou," I thanked him as he pops one with a straw a began drinking. We didn't talk after a while... not until the main power was cut.
"Damn... I should have known that the password to the door gets restarted when the power us out... but isn't that extreme in their case?" He said as the the light going out didn't disturb him. It disturbed me, however, and I ended up clinging on him a bit frightened.
"S-Shiomiya-san?" As soon as he noticed what I was doing I panicked and accidentally knock the books behind me to topple over us in a compromising position.
"Why must fate be so cruel...?" I heard him say in a whisper but I couldn't make out the last part due to shock. He was turning his head and seems to be looking at my direction but I couldn't tell.
"How much must I work... till everyone is satisfied and so that I can relax in peace?" My heart skip a beat and for a moment I felt a connection with him. A connection which I haven't felt so strongly to someone before. Not even my parents were this strongly attached to me but it may be hidden in my subconscious.
"I've always wanted to stay inside the quiet library," I started as I carefully piece together the words I wanted to say.
"Is that what your heart truly desires?" He asked which made me stop talking. After a few seconds a million thoughts run through my head as I stared at the boy laying down with me on a pile of books.
"My image has been burned away from the walls of this library. You might not have remembered it or you just didn't want to remember it but I used to work as a library committee member. You may have also forgotten that I am the one who specifically inquired you to join us," He said as I still lay there a bit paralyzed as he struggled but failed to get up.
"But before you even think about these things... weren't you the one who wanted to talk to everyone the most?" He asked me as I couldn't come up with an answer to that.
"But that... anyone... even you, Sean-kun," I tried to say and collect the words I wanted to tell him but a quick turn of his head into my direction made me flinch and remember the times I wanted to talk to someone.
"The world is cruel and trust me it is every bit as how everyone sees it as..." He then stood up and managed to push the books away from him. His voice sounded almost like a whisper and almost like he was talking to himself rather than me.
"But no matter what the odds I am up against, which always finds a way to kick my butt, I will find a way to make the best out of it," He then grabbed my hand and forced me out of the quicksand of books piling over me. "A world in which I believe in!"
He said those words with a lot of confidence... no, he speaks as if it was the truth... no, I am wrong. He knows it is the truth and is sharing it to me... isn't this conversation we are having... like those in my books?
"Shiori-san," Speaking my name for the first time I look up at him and listened, his eyes unwavering like a burning fire set ablaze, "right now, you want to protect these books... are you just protecting your comport zone?" I didn't know what to say to that but his words managed to reach my very heart.
"We are human... it is no surprise that we still haven't outgrown our weaknesses but that's how it is. We make mistakes and we feel down but after a few days it means nothing if you realized it is a part of who you are. A part of you of which no one can deny, a spark of something extraordinary which scares the mediocre life of others, and a voice waiting to be heard in the sea of conversation." His grip then firmly held my arm as I winced a bit but continued to stare at him. His words are making a lot of sense and it makes my heart light like it is floating to the skies.
"If it is only courage... the thing you only need, then, you already had it in you. You just didn't realize you had it all along," He then puts something on my hand and lets go of his grip. I blinked in surprise as I hardly felt him put something on my hand as I look at it.
"T-This is...?!"
"The Medal of Courage..." I look at it in both surprise and bewilderment. I loved that story, about Dorothy and her companions, about the Land of Oz, and about their journey together to get their wish granted.
"My words may not be enough but I can assure you that I will come to your side whenever you are troubled..." He turned to leave but I didn't want him to. I want to give him something in return... for all he has done. I took this chance and use my new found courage and reach out his hand. However, as I did, he turned around quickly which made me stumble forward and accidentally give him a kiss.
He looked at me in surprise, his eyes wide from the sudden action and so was I but the both of us liked the kiss. We were so focused on kissing that I felt all of my doubts and worries have disappeared. That's when a sudden flash happened and the lights returned; I found myself alone in my desk. But somehow... I felt myself grow stronger as a person. I didn't have time to look for him as footsteps reached my isle and I took up the courage to speak to them.
Outside... Keima's POV...
"He's caught!" Elsie cheered as the runaway spirit was finally caught thanks to Sean's efforts on helping Shiori. The girl didn't notice it but he used the window next to them to escape. Sean must be blushing madly after what happened but he will slowly forget it soon.
"You have my respect, Sean-kun. You had manage to have outmatched me in a field where I am God... the God of Conquest... but still you are idealistic. To give her the the Medal of Courage... you still haven't changed but I am proud of that, my friend," This was a first to me, to allow myself to say things that I would rather not say at all. But Sean did a good job on taking care of Shiori, a little praise, which he will never receive from me directly nor remember it, is the best I can do.
"Let's go, Elsie!" And with that Shiori's conquest is now complete!
The next day...
"I had to run all the way to the Principal's office and give him a piece of my mind. Really, throwing away three thousand books is uncalled for and not informing me was their biggest mistake," Sean grumbled as we walked to school together along with Elsie. I was playing my usual games but this time I took the time to glance at my friend in worry because he still felt grumpy about what they did.
"Ne, Sean, didn't you hear? The books that were supposed to be disposed of are being given away for free," Upon hearing that from Elsei, Sean's eyes widened in shock which then turned to sparkles as tears fell down his eyes. I gave a sigh as I once again returned to my neglected lover(PFP).
"I am so happy..." I heard him say in a relaxed tone as we headed for school. This news, in my opinion, has finally managed to outweigh what happened to him in the library a year ago. Hopefully, this time, things are looking bright for the three of us... but I wouldn't get my hopes up.
"The one who requested this was Shiomiya, Shiori-san. Isn't she great, Sean?" Elsie asked as he gave a nod and a smile as he wiped his face using a handkerchief.
"It's not surprising, really, I expected as much out of her than anyone else in the Library Committee. I have never met someone who loves books more than I had and still had time to worry about her social life," He said giving us a goofy smile as I put a hand around him.
"What's this? Is my best friend getting jealous?" I teased which made him blush uncontrollably as I made a run for it.
"Dammit, Keima! That wasn't cool!" He yelled as I continued to run to school with Elsie slowly following. Yes, having a friend such as him truly makes me happy. He is the only one, other than myself, who I care for and that means a lot.
Who knows? Maybe in the near future he would finally open up to me and tell me his secrets of that day? But we both know that it is just wishful thinking in my part but still... I am hoping.
To be continued…
Yeah, I finally got it right and I am still working on it. This chapter is in commemoration in how much I had learned from reading books in the past seven years of my life. I am still working on the other chapters and hopefully someone picks this story up and reads it. Though I wouldn't mind if they didn't I just wanted to finish what I had started.
