Baka and Test - Summon the Beasts/バカとテストと召喚獣

By Inoue Kenji

I don't own Baka Test!


Me, Minami and Hazuki, and Our Activities

A Fanfic by Takagi

Beta-edited by Festus Flare


A/N: Thanks for reviewing chapter 8! I really appreciate it!
Some of the conversation is from the light novel.

This fic is written in Akihisa's point of view.


Chapter 9: "Our Afternoon Activities"


The train has stopped completely. We stood up from our seats then patiently wait for other passengers who also intended to come off. One by one, family by family they got off, and finally it is our time to move.

"Let's get moving, Hazuki-chan! Minami!"

"Alriiiiight!"

We walked to the car's exit door. There are stewardesses and stewards standing at the platform, apologizing to us for any misconduct during the trip. I answered them with a "Haha, that's ok", although I don't feel like it is okay to let them deceive their passengers like that. But since they are very humble and polite, I think it is not a bad thing to forgive them. Well, I hope they won't repeat the same attraction though.

As we landed on Kyoto's station platform, I sensed a warm gale of wind stroking my cheek gently. It is as if my cheek was rubbed against a soft silk cloth. The atmosphere is also fresh and humid although we are standing at a train station. I can't wait. I can't wait to spend our weekend here, in Kyoto!

By the way, this Kyoto station is very crowded. There are so many foreigners, probably because it is in the middle of autumn season. Well, Japan's autumn season is warm, but not as hot as its summer and also, it is no less beautiful than spring season. The green momiji leaves turns auburn when it enters the fall season, making the whole city colorful. I also heard that Kyoto is the best place to visit when it is in the middle of autumn season. So, we are kind of lucky when Minami misunderstood my writing.

Speak of the devil, she suddenly grabbed my sleeves and called me.

"Hey, Aki"

"What, Minami?"

"What are we going to do now?"
"Neither you or I know anything about Kyoto…"

"Uh. You are right."

Minami is correct. Both of us don't know even a slight of this city. But I am sure, the first thing to do is, we must get ourselves an inn to put our belongings. We have free voucher to live at any inn at this city, so I think we should choose the best inn out there. Ahaha, is this how people with millions of yen felt?

"I think we should choose a place to live first, Minami."

"You are right. This bag is also quite heavy…"

"Well, okay, let's find one now!"

"Ah, wait, Aki. We should order a ticket for tomorrow too! It will be troublesome if we ran out of it."

"I agree with Onee-chan. We still have to meet mom tomorrow, right?" Hazuki-chan, who has been all silent because she has just awakened, also spoke up.

"Okay, then. I will order it now. What time will your mother come tomorrow?"

"Hmm… Around 1 PM I guess."

"So we have to go early in the morning, like, 8 or 9?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Then we should treasure every seconds we have together!" Hazuki-chan said brightly, much to my approval.

"Haha! You are right, Hazuki-chan! Now, let me order it"

I walked to the ticket counter and ordered three tickets for us tomorrow morning at 8. After that, we went to the escalator, heading towards the exit of the train station then hail a yellow colored taxi. And of all inns here in Kyoto, the cab driver told us to choose 'Shiranui Ryokan'. He said their services are the best. Hmm, let's see. Taxi drivers are usually right when it came into a recommendation like this.

In our journey to Shiranui Inn, our eyes are feasted by the beautiful scenery of Kyoto city. This pavement walkway is full of red momiji foliage.

"Beautiful! It's so beautiful!" said the twin-ponytail haired little girl.

"Right? Kyoto is the most beautiful city in Japan!" the driver added.

We finally arrived in front of Shiranui inn. It looked good outside. Very neat and so well-maintained. There is a canal running below the entrance bridge. And Just like Traditional Japanese Ryokan in common, it mostly made of wood.

We come off of the taxi and tell the driver to wait for us outside as the three of us wanted to ride it again. Then, we walked inside the inn.

"Welcome to Shiranui Inn!" There are employees who welcome us warmly at the entrance. We then continue our walk to the receptionist.

"Good Afternoon, Sir. Yui speaking. Can I help you?"

"Ah. I have this coupon from the new train station promotional."

"Hmm… Well…" The receptionist scanned the coupon thoroughly then glanced at… Minami and I, I think. It kinda creeped me out, seeing the way she looked at us. But then she smiled wholeheartedly, which made me lose my bad-impression of her, "OK! I think it is fine to give you the room!"

"Thank you!" said I, delightfully.

A bell-boy suddenly appeared from behind and asked us warmly if he can help us bring our bags. I happily give him my bag, as well as Minami and Hazuki-chan. He then invited us to follow him, "This way, Sir, Ma'am"

He, and a hostess, led us upstairs and we went into a corridor. The corridor is very neat and luxurious. We can see a large pond at this inn's garden. No way! It is not just a pond, they have a park!

"Here we are. Room 29" said the hostess.

WOW IT IS VERY LIVELY! The room is bright and deluxe. Well, the structures and facilities are almost like our class-F, but the facilities' qualities are far better. If only our class is just like this…

The bell-boy dropped our things then left us with the hostess.

"Now, now, Baka onii-chan! Onee-chan! Let's go! Our time is short, right?"

Hazuki-chan grabbed my and Minami's hands then drag us all along. Minami and I can't do anything but to look at each other and giggle in unison. We then left the inn and got into the same taxi we had from Kyoto station. The three of us sat in the backseat, and then ask the driver what we should do in our very little time. He said that we are heading to the temple where a festival was being held.

"Jidai Matsuri?"

"Yeah. The Festival of Ages. You know that, right?"

"No idea"

"Jidai Matsuri traces its roots with the relocation of the Japanese capital to Tokyo in 1868. I believe it was on your Japanese Ancient History subject during elementary school." The driver said in a very eloquent Kansai dialect.

Well, I think my history teacher did teach about the relocation. Wait, did they? Hmm, is it any different with the Taika Reforms Yuuji told me before? That uneventful forms? So, I answered, "Y… yeah I guess… hehe."

"Yeah, I know that! Japan's capital city was once located at Kyoto, right?"

Hazuki-chan knows! And it is different from Taika Reforms!

I wanna cry…
I want to die and be reborn as a small clam and carried away by the tidal wave deep in the sea…

I snapped out from my desperate imagination as I heard Minami's voice.

"Uum… Driver-san? What are they having over there?"

"Oh! It is the festival's parade! I think it's better for me to drop you there."

"I thought we are going to the shrine?"

"The parade is also headed to the same shrine! You can join them and witness the parade that has been held since more than a hundred years ago."

"That's better! We should enjoy Kyoto's beauty too, right?" I suggested, looking to the Shimada siblings.

"Yes! You are right, Aki."

"Okay then. I will drop you there."

Our taxi's speed slowly decreased and headed to where a taxi can drop their passengers. I paid the taxi's fare and thanked the driver for suggesting us such beautiful inn to stay for a night. The driver also gave us a Kyoto City map and even taught us how to get back to Shiranui Inn just in case if we couldn't find any taxi. He really is a good man.

"Thank you, Sir!"

"No problem! It will leave a bad impression to Kyoto if I don't behave like a good citizen!"

As the taxi left, Hazuki-chan once again holds Minami's and my hand then dragged us, "Now, now, we have to hurry!" she said, smiling as usual. Kids are always full-spirited like this, that's why I don't really mind being around them. We walked towards the street where they used for the parade's course since the passageway we are standing at is not the parade's lane. Hazuki-chan dragged us quite strongly, forcing Minami and I to walk faster.

We can find red foliage flying everywhere here. This is because they plant the momiji trees to beautify the street. This scenery is great. The falling leaves, the colorful trees, and clear blue sky. It's a rare thing in any of my city's streets.

We finally caught up with the Festival of Ages' parade and stood behind the red-stripped guardrail. The passageway is full of people and there are many foreigners too. They are taking photos of the parade with a very modern camera. Yeah, I should have brought them. If only Muttsurini is here. He usually brings his SLR camera with him when our circle goes out together to some places. My cellphone also didn't have camera… How should I perpetuate this rare moment that only held once a year? And nonetheless, I'm not sure if I will come to Kyoto again next year.

"Smile, Baka-onii-chan!"

Suddenly a sound of shutter can be heard. Oh! So Minami brought a digital camera! Great!

"You brought a camera! You are a genius, Minami!" said I as I patted Hazuki-chan's head.

"This is my Dad's, actually. But, he texted me that he is letting us to borrow it"

"Do you want me to take your picture with your sister, Hazuki-chan?"

"Ah please do! Please do!"

She handed me the camera. Then, Minami walked closer to Hazuki-chan and hugged her from behind. They looked so cute together. In their background, the parade is also captured in the picture. This should be good, so… "Say cheese!"

"Cheese!"

*CLICK*

"One more time, cheese!"

"Cheeeseeeeeee!"

Ok. These photos are quite good!

"Will you let me to take the photos of this parade, Minami?"

"Yes! Please do. But you can do it, right?"

"What? Are you doubting me?" answered I as I show them their photos I have just taken.

"Well, they are not as good as Tsuchiya's, but it's still okay!"

"Don't compare me to him. He is the master of photo taking! He always finds the best angle regardless where he is or what the object is!" well, mostly girls' and their body parts, that is.

"Look, Onii-chan! A samurai!"

"Oh! Cool!"

I took pictures of the parade eagerly. In this Jidai Matsuri parade, there are performers wearing samurai costumes, military figures, and common people, from the earlier eras. Then, they are followed by Japanese women who are dressed in elaborate jūnihitoe. And, finally, a mikoshi, a carried shrine, also followed them. They are followed by women bearing flowers on their heads and also are accompanied by a costumed military band that is playing old Japanese court music. It takes one hour until the whole parade passed a very huge Toori Gate, a red temple gate, and finally arrived at the shrine where we are standing right now… umm… What is it again…
Oh, it is Heian Shrine.

It is 2.32 PM now. Minami asked Hazuki-chan and me to take a break and find a place to rest our feet. So we walked down the shrine's stairs and decided to eat lunch at an outdoor café under the dense auburn-leaved maple tree's shadow. We sit on chairs with a circle-shaped table. The view is great here.

Suddenly, Minami, who is sitting across me, called my name softly, "Hey, Aki..."

"What is it, Minami?"

"Umm… I want to ask you something…"

"Hmm?"

What kind of question does Minami want to ask me at this very time, actually?

"W… Wuu…"

"Wu?"

"W…. Which season do you favor more? Spring? Or autumn?" asked the blushing Minami.

"Spring or autumn, huh…" I looked up as I think and try to remember each season's splendor. Spring has the pink cherry blossom and autumn has these auburn momiji leaves, huh? It's a tough question.

"Y… yeah"

"Can't I choose summer?" said I as I looked at Minami.

"No. Choose one of those!" she folded her hands.

I like spring, but I also don't hate autumn. I mean, both of the seasons have their own beauties, but the scenery I've seen just now has illuminated and hypnotized me, so…

"Hmm, I'd go with autumn, I guess. Why do you ask?"

"…" Minami became redder. She looked like a tomato with a long stem, "Ah… Umm… Nothing. I was… ummm…"

"What?"

"You know… I was… doing a survey! Ahahaha!"

"Haa?" I'm dumbfounded

This absolutely sounds fishy… But, whatever. Maybe she actually needs something from the survey. I am glad I was able to help her. Hmm, then, there's nothing wrong for me to ask her back, right?

"What about you, Minami? Autumn or Spring?"

She being silent for a while then answered eagerly, "Me? I... I like Autumn (Aki) too!"

"Oh. I see. I guess this beautiful scenery really is hypnotizing, huh?"

"... You idiot!"

"What the heck, Minami?" I surprised. I thought we have just had a normal nice conversation, but she called me 'idiot' just now. Awful! What did I do wrong?

"Nothing! I just feel like I haven't called you 'baka' today!"

"You don't have to call me 'baka' everyday!"

"Baka-onii-chan!"

AAARGH! She called me 'baka' again!
Wait. That's not her...

"What is it, Hazuki-chan?" I turned to the little girl.

"Lend me the camera. I want to take your picture with onee-chan!"

"Eeeh!?" the blushing Minami looked shocked.

"Now that you mention it, Hazuki-chan. I've been a photographer since we watched the parade so I only got one photo taken… Well, a candid photo that is."

"That's why. Let me take it! Hehehe!" I lend Hazuki-chan the camera.
"I'm sure onee-chan will be delighted!"

"Hazukiiiiii!"

*CLICK*

"Kyaaa! Erase that, Hazuki! Erase that!"

Hazuki-chan keeps her distance from Minami's hands, "No! You looked cute here, onee-chan! Hehe!"
"Now, let's take your photo with Baka-onii-chan!"

So… Hazuki-chan have a new hobby, huh? Taking candid photos?

"Come on Minami…" I said as I get closer to the older Shimada.

She also gets closer to me then says, "C… can't be helped then! This is for Hazuki!" as she closed her eyes.

*CLICK*

"Wait, we aren't ready yet, Hazuki-chan…"

"But it is still cute! Don't worry!" She gave us thumbs up.

"Now, now. Are you ready Minami?"

"Yeah…"

"Say cheese!"

"Cheese!"

*CLICK*

"Hmmm… I think you two should get closer than now…"

"How about now, Hazuki-chan?" asked I, moving my plastic chair closer to Minami then sitting back again.

"…..!" the crimson cheeked Minami looked as if she wants to let out a word, but could not.

"Now, put your hands on onee-chan's shoulder!"

"Like thi… UUUU!" Minami violently pushed my head away from her.

"DON'T YOU DAREEEEE!"

"OUCH OUCH!"

*CLICK*

"Haha! I'm just playing with you!" Hazuki-chan said cheerfully.

"By the way, Aki, aren't you going to order something?"

"Yeah, I'm quite starviiiiing. Hehehe. Let's see the menu right away!"

Hee… They have a curry! And it is the cheapest here. So, let's have one.

"I'm going to order curry and a fresh orange juice. What about you?"

"Me too."

"Hazuki-chan too!"

"Okay then. I will call the waiter"

I raised my hand and waving it to give a code to the waiter who is waiting two tables from us that we wanted to order something. He later came to us and then I order the curries and juices. Not too long after that, the waiter comes back again to us with the curries. So fast! But the curries are edible right?

We finished our lunch quite fast. It is still 3.11 PM on my watch and I am not sure what to do next… Until suddenly a guy come over our table and gave us a pamphlet about Torokko Romantic Train. It is written at the paper that we can enjoy the scenery of Hozugawa River. Well, I don't know how does that river looked like but I guess it deserve a try. They are giving a discount today if we depart from Saga station AND more discount for students and children. I don't see why not!

"Let's try this, Minami, Hazuki-chan!" I shouted.

"Looks good… Maybe it is a good idea."

"Anywhere is fine!"

Just like that, we went to Saga Station, where the train board, by bus. It approximately takes 40 minutes from our place to reach the station. It is quite a long time, but it is worth as we could sight-seeing Kyoto city in particular. As we arrived at the station, we instantly walked to the romantic train's platform.

"Ooh! What a cute train!" Minami said delightfully.

Well, I also think that the red-yellow colored train looked cute. Through the window, I can see that the seat is made of wood, and it is quite crowded inside. We went into the car and sat on the wooden-chair. It turned out that although it is made of wood, it is still comfortable.

"Onee-chan, onii-chan, smileee!" Hazuki-chan said as she took another photo of her sister and I who is sitting side by side on the corridor side. I actually wanted to sit by the window but Hazuki-chan sat there first.

*CLICK*

"""The romantic train is going to start soon. Enjoy your trip!"""

"Yaaaay!~"

"Let's enjoy this, Minami!"

"You too, Aki..." said her, smiling radiantly.

The train slowly moved, and finally the saga station is out of our sight.

In the pamphlet we got before, it is drawn that the train will stop at several stations. We also can drop off at Arashiyama station to enjoy the sight-seeing by a boat. But it will cost more, so Minami and I decided not to.

In our ride, there is a host called "Old Man", he is telling us a tale and giving us other entertainments.

We can finally see the river. It is very beautiful. There are maple trees near our railway too, making it more lovely. Our train is now on a bridge.

"Uaaaah… It's so beautifuuuul" Hazuki-chan said, sitting by her knee on our seat.

"It is a good call that we decided to go here, isn't it, Hazuki-chan?" I asked the amazed Hazuki-chan.

She then turned around and answered, "Certainly! Hehe!"
"Onee-chan, take Hazuki and onii-chan's photo pleaseeeee!"

"Okay!"

Minami and I switched position so that she can capture a photo of Hazuki-chan and I. Right now, at our background is extended the Hozugawa River and we also could see the other bridge.

*CLICK*

"Ok, done."

"Whaaaat? More! More!"

"But I also want to be in the photo!"

"Let me help you miss…"

GE!? W… what the…

"…!" Hazuki-chan startled as her grip on my shoulder tightened for a bit second.

"Oh, thank you very much!" Without looking at the speaker, Minami handed the camera to the opened blue-fuzzy hand. "Eh?"

She then turned around and finally realized she has just given her camera to a vicious looking blue demon. Well, I'm sure this is just another attraction, but…

"KYAAAAA!" Minami suddenly jumped out towards me and hugged me tightly, closing her eyes due-to the horror she felt.

Seemingly unsatisfied just by scaring Minami once, the demon screamed harrowingly, "GROAAAA!"

"KYAAA! KYAA!" Minami tightened her hug! Ukh! And…

"… Uuum, Minami?"

"A… Aki… It's a demon, demon!"

*CLICK*

"What are you talking about, Minami? LOOK! There is no way a demon would willingly take humans photos!"

"Aw~ Come on, onee-chan, it is just a guy wearing costume!"

"Yeah, just as Hazuki-chan said, it is just a human"

"Eh? You are right!"

"Haha. Now… could you… please… let go of me? It's embarrassing and… I felt like my left arm is breaking."

"Ah right… I'm sorry, Aki."

I can't say that my upper-arm accidentally touch Minami there. She will beat the shit out of me for sure.

"""Now, let's take a photo of our cute young married-couple and their daughter! Say cheese!""" the demon said such a sweet words with a frightening voice which made me laughed a little. I guess he has his voice mixed up with something.

"Chee… Wait, what? We aren't married yet!" I flustered a bit.

"…'Yet'?" Minami responded to my line.

"Yeah, right?"

"You... You said it as if we are going to marry!" Minami turned her head away.

"We…well… You are right, I'm sorry…"

"You don't need to say sorry, you know…"

"What?" I could not hear her line very well.

"Nothing!"

"""NOW, SAY CHEESE!"""

"CHEESE!"

*CLICK*

"""Here you go!"""

"Thank you, Demon-san!"

"""YOU ARE WELCOME"""

Wo… Wow. Hahaha. He is very into it…

..

..

And after an hour of quality time, we finally arrived at the last resort, Kameoka station. That was very refreshing! I'm sure Minami and Hazuki-chan enjoyed the trip too!

It is still 5.10 PM now. Should we end the day?

"Hey Minami, should we call it a day?"

"Eh? What time is it, Aki?"

"5.10… 5.11 PM now."
"Hmm, to get back to our inn, it will take 50 minutes or so…"
"Let's call it 6 PM. 6 PM we have just arrived at the inn and getting all-tired. Taking a bath will take approximately an hour and then we eat dinner. After that, we go to sleep. Is it okay for you Minami?"

"Well, umm…"

She then turns her head to look at her sister. Hazuki-chan looked a little worn out. I bet she is very tired after all those walk. However, when I see her eyes, I can tell that she still has an unlimited desire and eagerness to continue our activities. But it may be bad for her health if we force it.

"Let's get back to the inn. We can eat dinner outside later!" said Minami. I guess Minami also thinks the same as I do. Good sister.

"Understood, Onee-chan!"

Just like that, we get a bus to take us back to Shiranui Inn.

..

.