Chapter 9: The Meaning of the Scar
May 20th, 2011
Vincennes Private Girls Academy, Tsurugigoaka, Japan
1700hrs
I was sitting on my chair in my dorm room when my phone rang. "Hello?"
"Masaya, it's Colonel Yanase. I need you at the Hiryu ASAP."
"Easy Colonel, is everything okay?"
"It's the Chinese, they attacked a Imperial Army FOB in India."
"They finally started their plan to invade all of Asia." India was the first target Takashi was warning me that the Chinese will attack. After India it would be Iran, then Afghanistan, then finally China. The Chinese had already invaded Afghanistan but were held back by the Afghan Army with the help of a covert CIA team. "I'll be right there, Colonel." I hang up my phone and grabbed my coat and suitcase with my armour. I snuck out of Vincennes and got on my motorcycle and rode to Yokosuka.
1930hrs
IJN Hiryu, Imperial Japanese Navel Base Yokosuka, Yokosuka, Japan
I got aboard the Hiryu where I parked my motorcycle in the hanger bay then took an elevator to the bridge where Colonel Yanase was. "Colonel, Lieutenant Okonogi has arrived."
"Masaya, good to see you again, kid." Yanase shook my hand with his right hand and patted my shoulder with his left.
"Good to see you too Colonel. So, what's the game plan to deal with the situation?"
"I'll explain in the briefing room. Your team is already in there." We walked from the bridge to the lower decks to the briefing room. "Lieutenant, call the room to attention."
"Right. Colonel on deck!" I yelled into the room and the commandos all got up from their chairs and stood at attention.
"Thank you, Lieutenant Okonogi. If you can please, hook up you're arm computer to the screen and go to the file I sent you."
"Yes, Sir." I hooked up my computer and selected a file named 'FOB 23 Counteroffensive' and the plans showed up on the table.
"Look at this piece of work. General Shang Zhou, Supreme Commander of the People's Liberation Army. And one of the Secretary Generals of the Chinese Communist Party. This guy is the main war hawk in the whole of China. A veteran of the Third Sino-Japanese War in 1965 and a blood relative to Mao Zedong, the founder of Communist China. General Zhou is squeezing Russia's balls real tight, men.
"If Russia is conquered and NATO caves in and forms an alliance with China, they'll be the longest standing army in the world. Which is precisely what Sakamoto wants, setting up two of the world's super powers to team up on the other, us. Right now, India, Iran, and Afghanistan are under threat, and the Chinese have started their offensive in India. Now it's time for the Imperial Commandos to step in. FOB 23 is vital to secure India's northern border, the place is defending by the 12th Infantry Regiment of the 4th Army Group of the Indian Army . But the artillery fire that the Chinese launched earlier in the morning left half the regiment combat ineffective. The FOB serves as a relay station for the Indian Army, If the Chinese infiltrate the main computer room, they can send an all clear to the Indian Army to stand down, once that happens, the Chinese will take India within a week and move on to Iran."
"So here's the mission. You all are being sent in to bolster the defenses. Your commander will be Lieutenant Okonogi here. Now, get you gear and start get ready. I hope to see you all back here, and not in a body bag." The briefing ended and I went to the my team's helicopter and put our packs in.
"So how Ritsuko? She was pretty shaken up after she shot that guy."
"She's fine, I really haven't seen her since the incident, but I know she's over it."
"That's good to know. Ready for this, Mas? You lost an eye and a arm already in combat.
"Then I'll lose my other eye and arm before I let these bastards invade anything." We got one the helicopter and headed to India. I radioed in the other commandos with us. "All units, this is Lieutenant Okonogi, this is what's going to happen. We have two areas we have to defend. The main relay satellite dish and the water cooling station that keeps the computer's cool. If the Chinese take those, all they'll have to do is waltz right into the computer room and give the all clear. So here's how It gonna go. Team 1 will be in the computer room with me while Teams 2 and 3 will defend the dish and the cooling station. Team 2 will be led by Lieutenant Kaido and Team 3 will be led by Sergeants Haruzuko and Yamato. Now enjoy the ride mates, it's gonna be a long one."
May 21st, 2011
0800hrs
Emergency Response Forward Operating Base 23, India
We arrived at the FOB in the early morning the next day and I spoke to the regiment commander.
"It's good to have some reinforcements, you're going to help us defend the base?"
"That's the plan, Colonel Gupta. I've already sent my men to defend the critical areas, I hope they have them locked down. I radioed my men to get their weapons ready. Then my radar showed blips coming. "Everyone, be advise. Chinese helicopters are near, I repeat, Chinese helicopters are near, defend the objectives. Let's go Colonel!" I saw the helicopters land and troops started to fire at them with dug in machine guns and with rocket launchers. Only a few helicopters managed to drop their teams and get out before being shot down. "Lieutenant Okonogi, this is Sergeant Haruzuko, the Chinese dropped in a tank, we're holding the satellite dish but I don't know for how much longer. I've already lost half of the platoon of India soldiers and one of our commandos is wounded pretty bad. Yamato took a small team to flank and destroy the tank."
"Just hold out for a long as possible, the Chinese have already lost most of their men."
"Mas, this is Yusuke. The Chinese have started pulling out of my area, they're most likely trying to break Haruzuko and Yamato's position."
"Okay, send a platoon of your guys and go help Haruzuko and Yamato. I'll be there with a platoon from my team." I ordered a platoon of Indian soldiers to follow me and we ran to Haruzuko and Yamato's position.
"Lieutenant, the Chinese want this dish badly, We can't hold out much longer, they sent a whole division just to take this place."
"Shit. I got a plan, I need some C4." A Indian soldier handed me a pack of C4 and I ran to the satellite dish. I called Colonel Gupta on the radio. "Colonel, you can repair the satellite dish right?"
"What are planning on doing, Lieutenant Okonogi."
"Well, I'm gonna blow up the dish. If you can't use it, the Chinese won't either, which means that the other FOB's here will be on high alert. This should prevent the Chinese from invading your country." I put the last C4 on the satellite dish and I ran back to others. "Everyone! Take cover!" I set off the C4 and the satellite dish exploded, along with the platform it was on. "I might of went a little overkill. Okay men, take out the stragglers!" My troops opened fire and Yamato and his anti-tank team snuck up on the tanks and knocked them out. The remaining Chinese soldiers surrendered and were taken into custody. The battle for the FOB was over, India was safe.
"Well, although you destroyed my satellite dish, you did save my men, and all of India if I'm being honest. I'm grateful for you, Lieutenant Okonogi."
"I can't take all the credit, Colonel Gupta, the true heroes were Haruzuko, Yamato, and those who aren't here anymore." We counted the casualties. The Imperial Commandos I came with only had a handful wounded with no deaths, while the Indian Army defenders suffered moderate casualties during the battle, and the Chinese had most of their soldiers killed or captured. "I'm sorry, you're gonna have to write a lot of letters to mothers and wives."
"It's a harsh reality of being a front line commander, I've been serving this country for almost 40 years and I've already written over a thousand death letters to grieving families. You're lucky not one of your men were killed."
"Yeah, well, I guess this is farewell. If you need anymore assistance, we'll be there for you." I shook Colonel Gupta's hand and I boarded a helicopter.
"I will make sure the government and the people know who saved them from Chinese aggression."
"Tell them that is was through the valiant effort from the 12th Infantry Regiment."
"And the men of the 1st Imperial Japanese Commando Regiment." My helicopter lifted off and I closed the door, Yusuke tapping my shoulder.
"So, next up Iran?"
"That'll probably be where the Chinese attack next. Remember Yusuke, Takashi warned us about what would happen if these countries are invaded."
"Yeah… You guys did pretty good out there." Yusuke patted Yamato on the back.
"Thanks, But we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for our commander here." Yamato patted me on the back
"Yeah, well we can all take an easy breath knowing the Chinese couldn't invade India."
"Hey guys, when we get back we should have a little party. Drinks on me, 2000 yen to see who can make our sourpuss commander get wasted first." We laughed and joked the entire ride back and when we got back to the Hiryu, me and team went to the local bar and drank the night away. Once I got over my hangover the next day, I said goodbye to my team and rode back to Tsurugigoaka.
May 23rd, 2011
Vincennes Private Girls Academy, Tsurugigoaka, Japan
1615hrs
The updated approval rating for me came out today, Ayaka, our newest affiliate and Ritsuko's older sister was waiting for Rise to show us the results. "What's the number Rise? It should be a pretty big leap as Masaya here heroically saved me from the jaws of evil."
"Ayaka, you remember that we specifically agreed to not mention that to anyone outside the society."
"Damn, I forgot. I guess I was hoping on having a big boost for Masaya's support. Hey, maybe I should tell everyone what happened."
"No, I think it's better we keep it to ourselves. Wouldn't the other girls thinking there's gangsters out to kidnap any Vincennes students." The Yakuza, especially The Boss' was notorious for their human trafficking, especially if the girl was from a rich family or a place like Vincennes. Of course, that was in Yokosuka, Tsurugigoaka's biggest crime syndicate was technically Noboru Saikawa, the Goon Boss and his bozo underling, Kyoshi Akagi. The same to guys that would give me and my father hell.
"I agree with Masaya that we should not tell anyone. I already was reprimanded by the Headmistress."
"What? You were?"
"Yeah sorry about that. I accidentally told the headmistress about your encounter with the Goons. I was caught up in the moment. Didn't help that she was pissing me off."
"It's fine, the headmistress just told me to not speak about it again. So as not to scare any students."
"Wow… were rescued by Masaya, like I was?"
"No, we hadn't met at the time. I managed to escape by myself."
"Wow… I never knew that the Rise Rousenin was capable of escaping from hardened criminals." Ayaka seemed genuinely impressed, If I'm being honest, I was too. "And not just that you escaped from them. You still had it in you to continue your search until you found Masaya."
"Yes."
"Heh… I guess that's why they call you Soleil D'Ecole. You so determined, that you're willing to sacrifice your dignity for the school. But seriously though. Is it really okay for me to join just because I think that Masaya is cute."
"Well… I don't see why it wouldn't be okay."
"Ah… I wish I can tell everyone how heroic he was. Like a ghost, he snuck in to the building, pistol in his hand and then picked me up with his strong arms and carry me off into the sunrise and sharing a sweet and romantic baiser(French for kiss).
"Ayaka, unless you want me to tear up this room too, I suggest you stop lying."
"Hey… but you were heroic back there."
"I wouldn't even consider it heroic. I just snuck into my own bloody house to rescue you."
"Yeah, but the way you snuck in through the vents was pretty cool."
"It was just some run down apartment." From what Ayaka was saying, It appeared that the Goons were using my old apartment as a headquarters
"And you know, even Ritsuko was impressed by you're heroic actions."
"Really?"
"Yeah, though she told me this. 'Just because I was impressed with his actions, it doesn't mean I support him.'"
"I guess so, she is the leader of the Red Rose Society so I wasn't expecting her to turn. By the way, how are my approval ratings, Rise?"
"It's the same as last week when you saved Konomi, this week was only a single person who started to approve of you."
"Oof, I guess we still got a ways to go, huh, Masaya."
"Yeah… looks like it."
"Though personally, I think you're adorable. I don't know what those girls don't see in you."
"Tsk.., a heart and a brain, that's what." I sarcastically answered Ayaka's question.
"Maybe it's his wildness." Ruriko piped in into the conversation.
"His wildness? What are implying Ruriko?"
"She's got a point. He looks very sexy naked."
"H-How do you know how he looks n-naked?"
"Remember, I lured him into the Red Rose Society room to strip to his underwear."
"Oh… right, I forgot about that."
"Hey, we should push that point more aggressively."
"Hey, I got a better idea. How about we don't do that and actually focus on normal ways for me to get support."
"Fine, I keep as our secret ace in the hole."
"Masaya has a point, we need to think of a normal, not lewd way to boost his support. It's not like he's a bad person or anything." If only you knew who I really was, Chiho.
"Why do you say that? Are you implying he did something bad in the past."
"I'm not implying anything, just wanted to you guys to keep that in mind."
"Well, this is the Filles de Vincennes we're dealing with here. They can be as stubborn as Masaya on a bad day."
"Everyday is a bad day for me, Rise." She wasn't lying though. The students of Vincennes were some of the most stubborn people I've ever met. For better or worse(usually better) the students of Vincennes were a strange bunch for a bloke like me. Made me a little normal by default, of course to them I was an uncultured oaf.
"Konomi, for example. Although a little extreme, she perfectly sums up how the other girls here feel about you."
"*scoff* Extreme is putting it lightly, I'd say she's deranged."
"Oh don't be too hard on her, Masaya. She's just not very educated when it comes to sexual topics."
"Speaking of which, whose the lady that handles the health classes here. Konomi is not the only girl here whose about to be in high school and still believes that babies a made by touching hands."
"Man, I guess the White Lily Society is truly the breeding grounds for progressives." Ayaka was referring to the fact that in talking to a man (i.e me) they where considered different.
"Well, we got ourselves a contingency plan. Let's brace ourselves in case we need it. That good with everyone." The girls all came to an agreement.
"Hold on a bloody second. You didn't even get my consent on this!"
"It's just a precaution. We'll most likely not use it."
"Something tells me that you want to use it."
"Only If all else fails." The meeting ended and we went our separate ways for the day.
May 24th, 2011
"*Yawn* Crap!" I covered my mouth as I realised I had yawned, which was apparently a rude gesture at Vincennes. "Hmm…?" I had the sense that I was being watched, my hand slowly reaching for my gun in my holster. There were other students walking to class but none paid any attention to me. I'm probably just paranoid. I shrugged it off and headed to the school building and when I was putting my boots in the shoe box, I had a tingling feeling again. "What the hell, I'm feeling it again." I pulled out my M1911A1 and held it downward. Maybe I shouldn't have drunk with Yusuke and the others. I'm gettingg these weird feelings. I went to class and everything was normal, and when I got to lunch I was scanning the dining hall for anything that would arouse my senses again. Nothing out of the ordinary right now. Lunch went by as the rest of the school day too and I was heading to Maria Hall when I felt the tingling feeling again. This is really starting to get on my bloody nerves. I walked to Maria Hall and went into the White Lily Society room. "Ayaka, were you spying on me today?"
"No, why do you ask, Masaya?"
"No reason… just that all day, I've felt like I'm being watched on."
"Oh? I thought you were asking if I was, that I should continue."
"I'd rather put a bullet in my brain then to have you stalking me."
"I was just joking. I don't need to watch you from far away, we see each other everyday now."
"Are you sure you weren't just imagining it, Masaya?"
"Probably."
"It would be expected after you first arrived, but for someone to do this after you've been here for nearly two months? That person must be deeply infatuated with you, Masaya."
Rise and Chiho together "Who can it be?" "Whose the skank that likes him?!"
"I doubt that, Ruriko. Most of the girls here still see me as an evil devil."
"Don't be quick to assume, some girls here could harbor secret feelings for you."
"Yeah right… These girls are too posh for someone like me."
"I do wonder though, can it be a girl that has feelings for you." Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Come in!" The door opened and Konomi nervously walked in.
"S-Salutations."
"Hello, Konomi."
"I've come here to make a request to the White Lily Society."
"Oh, what is your request."
"I-I've been monitoring this one all day today, and…"
"That one? Who are you referring to?"
"You know! The Tentateur Serpent right there!" Konomi pointed at me. We all just looked at each other. "What is it?" Konomi wasn't expecting to get the reaction she got.
"You were the one… watching him?"
"Ah… and what if I was?"
"Do you have any feelings for Masaya by any chance, Konomi? Like romantic feelings?"
"W-W-W-What are you talking about, Ms. Chiho?! O-O-Of course not!"
"I assumed as much… whew, you scared me for a second."
"But if not for love, what was If then?"
"You know why! To expose his true colors! As a demon that should be sent back to the fires of hell!"
"You keep referring to Masaya, but you're not calling him by his name."
"Because I don't believe a demon like him should be referred to by name."
"Now that's a flawed philosophy. Do you refer to Lucifer as 'it' too?" I finally spoke up after lightning a cigarette.
"You're a special case. You're more than just a myth, you're flesh and bones like us, which makes you even more dangerous."
"Konomi, did you even see Masaya do something bad today?"
"No, I'm afraid I didn't see anything vile today. He hides his true self too well."
"Probably because I have nothing to fucking hide!" I was starting to get annoyed by Konomi's assertion that I was some demon planning to rape or kill them all.
"Do you still intend to play dumb?"
"No. And when are you gonna get those bloody screws in that empty head of yours screwed on?"
"You were naked, I saw you. You had your hands around Ayaka as you sucked her neck like a vampire feeding on his prey. The imaged tormented me for day. I imagined I was in Ayaka's place. And then I'd wake up feeling hot and sweaty and weird…"
"Heh… I bet you have fun at night masturbating to that."
"Masaya!"
"What? It sounds like a wet dream to me." The girls just looked at me, I'd admit the sarcastic quip was uncalled for.
"Anyway, after that I knew that this man is an absolute danger to us all."
"Wait, Konomi, you were there when Ayaka explained to us that she was pranking Masaya."
"Pardon me, Ms. Rise, but I have to disagree. It's hardly normal for someone to strip naked just because a letter told them to."
"Well… she isn't lying." Ayaka bugged my shoulder. I just sarcastically laughed at her. "But joking aside, Konomi, you got the wrong idea. He did that because he thought he was going to a secret rendezvous. When you guys barged in, I was a shocked as everyone else."
"I see… I didn't know you were that determined to get pregnant, Ms. Ayaka."
"G-Get pregnant?!"
"Why would you be waiting in a room naked unless you were intended to get someone pregnant."
"Ha… did you even listen to a word I said."
"This is what I've come here to say. You need to get away from that man before you all end up pregnant."
"Konomi, you alwayss talk about being impregnated, but do you even know how impregnation works.
"I-I do!"
"Do you really?"
"Yes, impregnation begins with eye contact." We all looked at each other until I spoke up.
"Amazing, everything you said right there, was wrong."
"I'm just worried about you all. Becoming unwed mothers, it would be horrible."
"Excuse us Konomi, we need to talk in private." We all circled around each other in a huddle and whispered.
"Hey, I think Konomi's being serious here. What is going on here?"
"She clearly is missing a few screws in that bloody head of her's"
"Masaya, this is not the time to be an asshole."
"Well, make her stop saying stupid shite."
"Peace. Look we need to think of something."
"It's very obvious that Konomi thinks Masaya is a philanderer since they first met."
"There has to be more to than that. I think she's picked up a lot of bullshit ideas about how babies are created."
"Hey, what are all doing?! Get away from him!"
"Look, Konomi." Rise broke up the huddle and turned to Konomi. "Looking into someone's eyes doesn't cause pregnancy. It never has happened, and it never will."
"What are talking about, of course it does." Konomi looked at Rise with suspicion, see didn't notice Ayaka creeping behind her.
"Well then, I guess we'll have to test that theory out." Ayaka grabbed Konomi's shoulders and moved a few steps forward. "Try and make eye contact with Masaya." I most of all wanted this misunderstanding cleared so I firmly look into her eyes. It felt like a staring contest, until Konomi turned red as a tomato and started trembling, like if she was holding back laughing.
"Mm…Ahhhhhh!"
"Jesus!" Konomi bolted out of the class like an animal in the wild. "Well, that was a massive failure."
"Geez.., It's more serious than I thought."
"H-He planted his seed inside me! That man planted his seed inside me!" He can still hear Konomi from the hall as she spouted of nonsense.
"Planted his seed?" Chiho repeated what Konomi said in a mocking tone.
"Even her way of speaking is old-fashioned."
"It's very odd though. Vincennes does have health classes, I guess Konomi never paid attention to them, or maybe she has and doesn't acknowledge what she learned as facts."
"I don't think she's ever had the talk. (In English). Damnit, Ryuto. Tell you daughter what the bloody hell sex is." Just the we heard a clatter of footsteps outside. "Oh shite…" A teacher walked in and pointed at me.
"Mr. Okonogi, what's all this about planting you seed?! Come to my office, at once."
"I-*grunt* yes, ma'am."
A couple hours later.
I received a tongue lashings from the teacher before I explained what happened. She apologised for the misunderstanding and let me go. Then Ayaka and Ritsuko went to my dorm to apologise on Konomi's behalf. "I'm very sorry about all this, Masaya."
"Eh, don't sweat it, Ritsuko. I'm just glad they didn't hang from a tree."
"Konomi only joined the Red Rose Society because I was in it, so I feel that I'm part to blame for her actions."
"You worry to much Ritsuko. Masaya doesn't hold grudges, he's a soldier and a brave and heroic man. I'm sure he isn't bothered by Konomi."
"Don't speak of Masaya's true identity out loud sister, we all made a promise never to bring it up again."
"I do wonder though, why doesn't Konomi know anything about how babies are made? It's strange no matter how you slice it."
"Konomi told me it was because she never paid attention in her health classes."
"Yep, that about explains it. But why though? I thought she was a model student like the rest of you lot."
"She told it embarrasses her to the point of passing out."
"Damn… it's worse than I thought. Is the sex education here that detailed? Or is she just strange?"
"No way, though I don't know how they teach at other schools. What did they tell you, Masaya?"
"Just the basics. An uneroticised chart of the human body and how sex works, like sticking the penis in the vagina during intercourse."
"So it's no different. Then I guess Konomi can't even make it past the basics."
"But here's the million dollar question. Where the bloody hell did she get those bollocks ideas from?"
"She said she saw it in a shoujo manga."
"Tsk… Of course that's the reason. I honestly hope whoever the hell writes those things has actually had sex in their lives. Look girls, this a problem. What the hell is Konomi going to do when she graduates? Her father's my commander and he worries about that all the time. Speaking of which, where is Konomi?"
"She writhing on her bed in her room."
"Does she have a fever?"
"No, she says she's preparing for labor pains."
"Okay, I'm done dealing with this shit. We need to think of something fast to get Konomi to understand how the hell she and everyone in this bloody planet are born.
"You're right, Masaya. I'll go speak to Konomi, farewell." Ritsuko turned around and started walking away from me and Ayaka.
"You know, Masaya. I genuinely feel bad for Konomi. I mean, what is going to do on her wedding night?" I nodded in agreement. "And of she ends up pregnant by the time she's 20, you'll be part of the blame."
"What do I have to do with her obliviousness?"
"Because of you, her crazy ideas have exploded."
"I think the same would've happened with any random bloke."
"I don't think so. You're sheer handsomeness alone caused her to be confused."
"Yeah, right..,"
"No, I'm being serious. If you weren't such a looker, Konomi wouldn't be constantly denying that she like you. Look the reason she gets so testy is that she can't get dirty thoughts of you out of her head. Do you know what her title is, Masaya?"
"Yeah, Mignon Poupee, French for darling doll."
"Anyway, you'll help me out, right, Masaya."
"Help you with what?"
"Training Konomi."
"Training…?"
"Call if educating if you want."
"Sure… so when do we start?"
"Tomorrow. I'll see you later, Masaya."
May 25th, 2011
1615hrs
The final bell rung and classes had ended for the day when Ayaka came into mine and Rise's classroom. "Hey guys."
"Oh, Ayaka. What are you doing here?"
"Rise, me and Masaya need to skip today's meeting. Is that okay with you? I need to borrow him for a little bit." As she spoke, Ayaka locked our arms together. The softness of her breasts brushing of my elbow caused me to freeze up a little. Rise gave a displeasing look while the usual gaggle of girls whispered away. "C'mon Masaya, let's head out." Ayaka half dragged me out of the classroom.
"O-Oi, Ayaka. You wanna let go of my arm, people are looking at us."
"I don't care, let them look if they want."
"I'm just saying, the last thing we need is my approval ratings going back to 1 person. I already heard the whispers back in the classroom. These girls have a look that can kill."
"I don't mind, I let them talk. What are they gonna do?"
"Vote to kick me out this school…"
"Just don't worry about. You know you can be just like Ritsuko sometimes, loosen up a little." She poked my cheek and let go of my arm. "Though I guess you're right. I wouldn't want the other girls calling you a Tentateur Serpent again."
"Whatever, let's just go." We exited the main building and went to the rose garden to discuss how we were gonna teach Konomi sex-ed.
"Alright, I've been thinking."
"Yeah, does it pay well."
"You know, you don't have to be sarcastic all the time, Masaya."
"Sorry, it's just who I am."
"Whatever, look here's the book we're gonna use." Ayaka placed a health textbook on the table. "I snuck out yesterday to get this. It has stuff in there our textbooks don't have."
"We're gonna use this book to teach her?"
"Yep." I was relieved. Knowing Ayaka, she would've given a erotic manga and tell me it was educational. "Although if we use a textbook, it wouldn't be that much different from a normal class.. Since Konomi doesn't pay attention in her normal class, I have something else in mind as a backup. Anyway, you're gonna be the one playing teacher."
"I knew you were trying to weasel out of doing any hard work."
"I can't teach a class. I'm just using what I got and you use your immense knowledge to teach her."
"I don't know… you don't think Konomi would pay less attention because I'm the one teaching."
"I mean, you can point at a male body diagram and say 'You're teacher has a pair of these'."
"There is no way in hell I'm saying that."
"Damn, it was worth a shot. Anyway, look, Konomi hates losing and loves competition. So if you use that to you're advantage and treat this like a competition, she'll more likely want to pay attention."
"You got a point. I'm genuinely surprised, Ayaka. You actually thought this plan through."
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean."
"Nothing."
"Well let's just hope our teacher here can is up to the challenge. If she learns something from Lt. Okonogi's lesson then we're in the clear. But if she still doesn't understand, I have a secret weapon. Okay, I'll call Konomi. Meet us in my classroom, 3-D."
"Roger that."
Class 3-D
"Ms. Ayaka! What is the meaning of this!"
"Come on, you can't seriously get this worked up just by seeing him."
"I-I'm not angry. But what is going on, why is he here?"
"We're here to teach you a few important things you need to know."
"Teach me?"
"Come on Mr. Okonogi, the class is in session. Take the podium."
"Right…" I walked over to the podium and opened up the textbook. Ayaka guiding Konomi to a desk near the front.
"What exactly are you two going to do?"
"Like I said, we're here to teach a few important things. Masaya and I, plus all of our friends are very worried about you. More specifically, your future."
"Worried? About my future?"
"Yep, Konomi, do you plan on getting married one day?"
"I-Uh… I never thought about that yet."
"Right, say a couple years down the line, you meet a guy that is strong, heroic albeit sarcastic, Say you marry this guy, then what? Are you just gonna hug and watch TV all throughout your wedding night and then magically end up pregnant? That's why we're here to give you education. Sexual education."
"Sexual education?!" Oh boy, here we go again. When Ayaka told her what we were here for, Konomi started to blush and turn red again. Quite honestly, it was rare to meet a girl one her final year of middle school that didn't know a little about sex, but it apparently was the norm at Vincennes.
"Ritsuko told us that you got your information from shoujo manga. If I may be blunt, that stuff is baloney. Konomi, why don't you pay attention to you're actual health classes? Is It becausee you embarrassed?" Konomi gave Ayaka a firm nod. "Thought so… alright Masaya, time to start teaching."
"I won't be taught by this serpent!" Konomi stood up from her chair. "Ayaka, why do I have to be taught by him?"
"Aw… what's this Konomi? Are you gonna cry and run away?" In an instant, Konomi's face went from tomato red to stark white." Damn… that tactic was more effective than I thought.
"Wh-What do mean by running away, Ayaka?"
"Well, Masaya spent all night last night gettingg this lesson for you ready and for what? For you to quit before it even starts? Is that how warriors act, give up before the monster even appears?" I was impressed on how Ayaka was really pressing Konomi's buttons. Konomi was starting to shake like a chihuahua again, which meant we were on the right track.
"A… warrior never… back down from a… fight."
"And right you are, now please take you seat. Don't worry, I'll be hear for support. Now c'mon, let's listen to Mr. Okonogi's lesson." Konomi lightly nodded and returned to her desk and opened up the textbook we put on the table. Ayaka sitting right next to her.
"Alright. *cough* Where should we start?"
"Wherever you'd like, teacher."
"Okay. Are you ready, Konomi?"
"Do your worst… I won't be defeated by the likes of you."
"Right…" I opened up my textbook and looked for the basics. This was the first time I had to be a teacher, which is different from ordering men around on a battlefield. "Umm… okay. 'When the body enters puberty, the pituitary glands starts to secrete gonadotropic hormones which cause the gonads to grow and develop. As this happens, the reproductive organs mature. Males begin to exhibit ejaculation, while females, exhibit menstruation.'" As I was talking I can hear Konomi whimpering quietly. "'First ejaculation and first menstruation occur at different times for different people. If you get yours comparatively earlier or later, it is no case for concern.'"
"When did you have your first ejaculation, teacher."
"Hmm… oh, I had mine in due to a wet dream in the sixth grade, so I was around 11 going on 12 and- Hey! Don't make say that stuff!"
"This is more interesting. What was your wet dream about, teacher?"
"The answer to that question will be a private one for as long as I'm breathing on this earth. Besides, can you honestly look me in the eye and tell me that you'd tell me your first wet dream?"
"I honestly can. I can tell you how old I was when I cooked my first red rice."
"I'd rather you not."
"I was thi-"
"Hey Konomi, I wasn't being serious. Geez, look how red she's getting. I think she might be overheating." Ayaka put a hand on Konomi's forehead. "Damn… she's burning up. Hey Konomi, are you okay?"
"Ummmmmm…"
"I think we should call it quits from today."
"Yeah, I think that's a good idea."
"W-What are you two talking about… The real fight hasn't even begun, now continue."
"Right…" I was worried for her but she kept pressing on, reminding me that Konomi tries to be like her father. "Okay… 'When sexually stimulated, the penis becomes hard and large and rises up. This is called an erection. In a women's body, the vagina begins to produce a fluid that makes sexual intercouse possible ' …Can you find this passage on your textbook?" I pointed to a diagram next to the paragraph I read. Although it was unerotic, Konomi was still getting as red as before.
"What is this? It looks like a frog on its back." What the hell? Does my cock and bollocks resemble that?"
"*cough* Anyway, 'Sperm cells mix with fluids produced by the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland to create seman. Semen passes through the urethra before ejecting from the penis. After the 200 to 300 million carried in the seman are ejaculated into the vagina, they head for the egg in the Fallopian tube'" I moved on to the part where the fertilised egg implants it's self to the vaginal walls and grow, but by this point, I had completely lost Konomi. She let out one last whimper before passing out from embarrassment. "I think that's where we should stop. At least we made it to pregnancy."
"Yeah, I had a second document on hand, but I'll save it for later."
"A second document?" Just the Konomi got a second wind and rose from her desk.
"It's not over yet, Snake." Konomi picked herself, she looked like a boxer on the verge of being KO'ed. "I said that you will not defeat me."
"Yeah, we already got to where we wanted to get to. At the very least you know what to do on your wedding night." I got a cigarette from out of my coat pocket and lit it up.
"But what does 'Sexually stimulated' mean? What does it mean when the vagina is wet? Or how can the penis fit in the vagina?" I was caught off guard by Konomi's questions that I accidentally inhaled to much smoke and started to cough uncontrollably.
"Man, Rise is right. Those things are gonna kill you one day."
"Yeah, *cough* and I'm waiting with *cough* open arms."
"You're not teaching me enough yet you claim I'm the one running away from the enemy."
"Here Konomi, why don't you take this." Ayaka handed Konomi a book. The cover was wrapped in paper so I couldn't scan the book with my SmartVision but looked like a novel.
"Is this the document you talked about? I'll take it. Should I read it out loud.
"I guess. Though you can also read it quietly if you like."
"No." Konomi took the book and opened it up. "'Kyaa-ah! Oh, Master! Put your big hot cock in Memiko right now!'"
"*coughing* What the bloody hell did you give her?!"
"'Unable to control my rock hard cock anymore. I bent down to have a look at Memiko's pussy. Memiko was a two dimensional character that came out of my computer screen, so I wasn't sure if she had a pussy. I was worried. Maybe she was drawn without one, and we couldn't have sex.' 'Ah, Oni-san, what are you doing!' 'I ignored her moans and pressed my face closer. Then I let out a shout.' 'Woah, It actually has mosaics.' I had enough and I turned to Ayaka.
"This is a porno manga isn't it!"
"Yeah."
"What the- you're not even shamed to admit it?"
"Well it's educational for her. At least it's addressing some of things she was telling us."
"If this bastard is fucking some anime girl that came out of his bloody computer screen, don't you think that'll put even more dumbarse ideas into her head."
"I guess that's possible." While me and Ayaka were going back and forth with each other, Konomi kept reading the hentai manga.
"'I knew that at times like this, you're supposed to squint. I did, and there! Her cunt came into view. Memiko's pussy, it was so beautiful. I'm the type of guy who vomits watching disaster videos on the net. But this time, it was a direct hit to the pleasure center of my brain.'"
"I think I've heard enough of this fuck up sack of shite!" I grabbed the book and was met with a very graphic sex scene. "'Ow! It hurts! I plugged my penis into her pussy, her face stained with tears, but I ignored her cri'- Okay, that's it. This is done." I shut the book closed and threw it to Ayaka.
"So that was baby… making… sex…" *thud* Konomi face planted on the desk, knocked out cold.
"I guess we stimulated her too much."
"No shit Ayaka. Why the bloody hell do you have this?"
"I-Uh… I got it for this purpose. That Amazon fast delivery, man, whew."
"Right… Whatever gets you off at night."
"Anyway, I'm gotta go. My favorite show is coming on. Good luck with Konomi." Ayaka took off and left me with Konomi.
1830hrs
"Hmm… what?" The sun was already setting when Konomi finally woke up, I was on a desk, cleaning the insides of my M1911A1. "Ah… you're awake."
"Masaya…" It was reliving to hear Konomi call me by my name. I got up from the desk and walked over to her to feel her forehead.
"…Feels fine. You should be all clear."
"Where's Ayaka?"
"She left a while a go to masturb… master her algebra skills. Well, I should take off too." I quickly reassembled my M1911A1 and headed for the door.
"Wait a minute!"
"Yeah?"
"T-Thank you for staying with me until I woke up."
"Don't mention it, love." Konomi, though a colossal pain in the arse sometimes, was still a polite girl, not to mention my promise to her father that I would protect her. "Please Masaya, I'm not asking you as your commanding officer. But as a father doing his best to protect his daughter."
"But don't think that I completely trust you or men just yet. That document confirmed it. Men are dangerous beasts. That man, 'Protagonist-tan', he knew he was hurting Memiko, but he keep going."
"That's because it's just some dumb hentai. It's not real life."
"But the men who write it. Is it what they desire?"
"I-Uh… I guess you got a point." Konomi was right. Some erotic writers aren't always quite up there mentally.
"I'm growing more concerned. I'll be safe with my naginata, but Ritsuko, Onee-sama. She can't protect herself."
"Look Konomi, I'm not at all like that bastard protagonist in that story." Konomi for the first time looked me in my eye without freaking out.
"If the guilty deserve punishment, then I should strike down every man on this earth. But Onee-sama said something to me. 'That all people are innocent until proven guilty, and that I tend to have strong biases.'"
"*scoff* Shit, she isn't wrong." I was glad Ritsuko wasn't having any of Konomi's bullshit either, but Konomi still wasn't convinced.
"I wish I can trust you completely. I can't even imagine if all men were like 'Protagonist-tan',"
"I'll be the first to admit that not all man are saints. In fact most are not completely sinless. But you can't go around saying that all men are mindless brutes that rape and murder young girls. Look, when the day comes and you graduate from Vincennes, then what? You're going to find a man, fall in love, and have a family. One of the main reasons I'm even here is to let's you girls interact with a guy you're age."
"Interact? With a man around my age?"
"Yep."
"And you believe that by interacting with you, that I'll come to be more trusting of men?"
"That's the plan. I know you won't just all men, but at the very least, you come to trust me."
"Very well, then I have one request."
"Sure, anything you ask."
"If I'm to find out if Ritsuko can be around you safely. I'll have to get my hands dirty and put my life on the line."
"Put you life on the line?"
"I-I'll come by your room later tonight. I'll explain the details then."
"Right."
"If I may. Can I borrow this?" Konomi picked up the hentai manga off the floor and showed me it. "It might be good to study it more."
"I-*sigh* sure, like I told Ayaka. Whatever gets you off, I'm in no position to judge. Just don't go telling Ritsuko about it." Before I finished Konomi had disappeared and I was alone in the classroom. I pulled out another cigarette and started smoking it. "*exhale* Jesus, today was a complete mind fuck." I walked out of the classroom and headed back to the dorms.
2100hrs
It was already 9:00 at night when I finally heard a knock at my door. "Come in!"
"S-Salutations, M-Mr. Masaya."
"Just Masaya is fine. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. What are you implying?"
"It's just that you're blushing, you're eyes are bloodshot, and according to my analysis, you're heartbeat is above normal right now."
"I can't say anything about my face and heartbeat, but my eyes are like this because I've been reading."
"And doing some other things, no doubt."
"Not only did I read the document completely, but I also read the entire textbook from cover to cover. I now posses a reasonable amount of knowledge."
"Well… good for you, Konomi."
"S-So I now understand many things about sexual stimulation and arousal. Incidentally, the textbook stressed the concept of love especially."
"Hmm…"
"It said that sexual intercourse comes from love. I-Is that true?"
"…I want to say so."
"You are my pet, Masaya. You are my toy, and you're my slave."
"That awful man, 'Protagonist-tan' said this many times '"I'm doing this because I love you Memiko.' Then one can conclude that it is improper to preform intercourse without love. Right?"
"Yeah… I guess."
"Then answer me this, Masaya. Would you ever have intercourse with a woman you didn't love?"
"…No, I wouldn't."
"You hesitated. Are you just saying what I want to hear."
"No, I'm not."
"Then if you become sexually aroused by stimulation from a woman you do not love. You are without a shadow of a doubt a Tentateur Serpent. You acknowledge that, don't you?"
"Yeah…"
"I see, then I have a challenge, a test for you."
"If I pass this test, you'll accept me, rather you'll accept all me. At least to show you that not all men are 'seductive snakes'."
"Yes."
"Well then, I accept the challenge." Konomi closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her face was completely red, it was clear that whatever she had planned, she was not comfortable with. "Are you even sure you want to go through with this."
"Yes, I am. I just need to prepare myself. Masaya Okonogi, I challenge you to a naked dual!"
"A dual?!"
"Ah, I mean a date."
30 minutes later
Vincennes Communal Bathing Area
I knew that Vincennes had a communal bath. It was one of the locations Rise pointed out to me when I first came here. But I had never thought that I would ever use it since I was the only guy here, I wouldn't expect to be bathing with anyone at this school anytime soon. Thankfully there was no one at the bathing room at the moment. Konomi telling me that the area is closed off by this time of day. Though the entrance was still open and the water heater was still on, but it wasn't like anyone except me and Ayaka that broke the rules. I hope I know what I'm getting myself into. I wasn't about to say no to Konomi, if I did, she would just keep demonising me until I'm thrown out of Vincennes.
"Of course, we won't actually be naked." There wasn't much of a reason to object. Compared to some of the shit I had to deal with. Konomi told me to go on ahead, so I waited for her to show up. I sat down with my eyes on the dressing room, when a petite figure entered. It drew to a corner and started to undress. I know she's got a swimsuit underneath, I can't help but feel a little enticed. But I knew why she told me to go first was that she wouldn't have to change with me. So I turned my eyes away and waited for her to come out. The door opened and I turned to face her. There was nothing wrong about us being in swimwear, but it still felt awkward. It didn't help that we alone in the middle of the night.
"Alright, this was your genius plan so what do we do now?"
"D-Do you feel sexually aroused by this? Fully naked would have been better for results but I couldn't bring myself to go that far." At least she had a little bit of conman sense when she planned this out. "You have no particular attraction to me, Masaya. If you are nevertheless feeling sexually stimulated. Then that will prove that you are an unabashed Tentateur Serpent." It was true that I wasn't exactly in love with Konomi, but she was incredibly cute, a stark contrast to my hardness and gruffness. To say I wasn't at all arouse is a lie. "W-Well? Are you?" Konomi wiggled around a little. I knew it was because she was embarrassed, but I couldn't help but find it a little alluring. "Hah… I'm going to get pregnant for sure…" You don't have to moan like that. I was on the verge of having a dangerous reaction, but I managed to hold it in. That cute face, that fair skin, that small but firm bust, those youthful hips… Agh keep it together Masaya, this is Colonel Yanase, your commander's precious daughter. Konomi was glaring at my lower regions to see if my cock was erect. "You don't appear to be aroused."
"Yep, that you know the test is over, right?"
"No, it's not over yet."
"What the bloody hell are gonna do now? Touch my dick?"
"O-Of course not!"
"O-Okay. Then what exactly do you have in mind?" Konomi turned to the bathtub.
"We did come to the bath, after all. Let's take a bath."
"Lead the way." Konomi quickly moved to the bathtub and jumped right into the water and curled up in a corner. I entered after her and sat down a few meters away from her. The water felt hotter than I thought, mostly because I was embarrassed.
"C-Come closet to me." Konomi turned away from me. "Let's sit back to back." I was a weird feeling, sitting back to back with a girl, my commander's daughter no less. We did have swimsuits on but that didn't really mean a whole lot. The fabric of Konomi's swimsuit was so thin, I can practically feel her skin underneath. I didn't help that I had trouble breathing because my heart was going at a billion kilometres per hour. "How about now? Are you aroused? Masaya?"
"Konomi, how are determining this, my arousal, how are you going to determinate it?"
"W-Well, in the textbook… i-it said that…"
"…Penile erection." Konomi didn't say anything. I collected some water into my hands are starting to scrub my face, or what was left of it. "Well, thank god that I'm fine. But I am aroused in a sense. Arousal doesn't exactly mean my cock is erect, it's just that I feel funny in a sense. All men get aroused, but we're nothing at all like the protagonist in that hentai." Although from what I read, it was consensual in a way, Memiko was just as horny as the guy. "The difference is straightforward to me, but I guess not to you, huh?"
"…It is not."
"If we were to put people on a scale from normal and abnormal, what the vast majority would be normal, right?"
"Yes."
"Then the same logic applies to arousal. A vast majority of men would see you as attractive and be aroused by you, whether they have a erection or not. Because you're very cute, Konomi. Most guys would be aroused by you and give an arm and a leg to be with a cute girl like you."
"Even if they don't love them?"
"Yep…"
"And that's just a natural biological function for men?"
"I'm pretty sure."
"I understand." I didn't have time to feel relieved as Konomi started another conversation. "But am I really cute?"
"If I'm being honest with you. I think you pretty cute."
"I see…"
"You sound disappointed."
"I'm a warrior. A warrior shouldn't be cute. They even gave me the title of 'Mignon Poupee' as well. I don't like the title at all."
"…Darling Doll, I think it suits you though." Putting aside her 'warrior's pride', the title reflected her physical appearance.
"What are you saying?! That's completely wrong. My proper title is 'Lame Sans Merci'.
"Uh huh…"
"Don't act surprised! Are you saying that I'm wrong?"
"I guess I am. I've never heard anyone refer to you with that title. I don't think it's common for a student to have two titles unless they're the student council president.
"I… I guess you're right. The only person who calls me that is my naginata sensei."
"…'Lame Sans Merci'… the Merciless Blade…" "Is this really all the 'Ripper' has to offer." I heard Mujihi's voice in my head. He was the one who sliced out my eye and everything thing else I lost in that sword fight we had in Pakistan.
"I've been working hard to get everyone to call me by that title instead but…"
"They still call you by your other title because they think it suits you more."
"I already told you! That title does not suit the daughter of a national hero."
"Your father's status as the commander of the Imperial Commandos has no influence on what these girls consider you."
"How did you know my father was an Imperial Commando."
"I uh… had to do a report on heroes during the Soviet-Japanese War in my old school, your father, Ryuto Yanase was the guy I was assigned to do." I felt a little better since we had shifted the conversation from a man's biological instincts to Konomi's titles. "Look, you're very cute despite your skills with a naginata."
"You kept calling me cute. You really are a Tentateur Serpent."
"Heh… I guess I did sound like I was flirting with you."
"I am rather disappointed. So this is how men are..,"
"Just remember what Ayaka said. 'If the world was made up of just saints, we would never reproduce.' You shouldn't be so fastidious either. After you graduate, you might still want a boyfriend."
"I-I have Ritsuko, my Onee-sama. I don't need a boyfriend." I was going to give a sarcastic response, but I let the conversation focus on Ritsuko.
"You seem to admire Ritsuko a lot, Konomi."
"Yes, I do."
"Was there something in particular that lead you to follow her like a lost puppy."
"Yes, I'll never forget it. It was the day of my first entrance ceremony. Unlike most girls, I started coming here starting Intermediate Course. My father and I were still grieving about my mother's sudden death. I was rather shy when I got here. And then Ritsuko came along. I was walking to the cathedral for the opening ceremony when she came up to me. All I can remember from that was that she was really beautiful,I thought to myself that someone as beautiful as her would never want to talk to me. Then with gentle hands, she straightened the bow on my head and said. 'Your bow was not straight.' I was so mesmerised that I couldn't talk, she smiled and took her leave. She was so amazing, just thinking about it makes my heart race." I sat there listening to Konomi open up about how she met Ritsuko. It became very obvious that Konomi had a lot of admiration for Ritsuko. "Anyway, from that day on, I started to follow Ritsuko everyday for the rest of my life, to protect her, like my father does to me. It's Ritsuko that gives me the strength to do things like this."
"Things like this?"
"Yes, testing you to see if Ritsuko is safe around you. You're a very reclusive and mysterious man, Masaya. I had to make sure Ritsuko wasn't falling into a trap."
"Look, you have nothing to be afraid of. I'm not some monster that's going to rape this entire school."
"I see that now. I guess that I have treated you a little too unfairly. You're not a great man, but you're not a evil one either."
"If that's it then I passed the test, right?"
"I don't even know anymore. I thought you'd fail by the penile erection stage. But you say there's more to sexual arousal than that."
"Well it's the truth."
"I understand. Then we're going into overtime!"
"What the hell do you got up your sleeves this time?"
"Well, we are already in a bathtub so… I'll wash your back."
"Mine? You sure about that."
"Don't act so pleased. It's supposed to be a test."
"I got that. It's just that this is the first time a woman other than my mother when I was a little kid has washed my back." Konomi got up with a splash and I followed suit. "Are you really sure about this?"
"Y-Yes. Now take a seat."
"*sigh* If you insist." I sat down on the stool. A moment later she was behind me, holding her breath.
"…Masaya, are these scars?"
"Hmm… Yeah, pay no attention to them, especially the big one. Got that one for being an idiot, I guess. I forgot, you lot haven't seen me shirtless. I assumed you saw it when you barged into the Red Rose Society room."
"I didn't see them then."
"It must be quite a shock to see so many."
"No, not at all." I reached around to feel the big scar across my back. It was a weird feeling."
"But how did you get these? Especially this big one."
"Most of them I got from the explosion that almost killed me, the big one, I don't know. Like I said I probably got it doing stupid shit with my old friends. One day I woke up in a mansion with a doctor claiming that he found me in a bad way. His name was also coincidentally Masaya. He patched me up and took me back to my parents. It was right before my 10th birthday, when my mother disappeared."
"That can't be. A scar this big, you would remember how you got it."
"You may be right, but I honestly don't remember how I got it." I remembered when the doctor named Masaya showed me a mirror and I saw it for the first time. It was discoloured, meaning it had come from a deep wound. I started from my right shoulder blade to my left hip. I had to crane my neck to get a good look at it. I was horrified. Not just because it was so big, but because I couldn't recall how I got it. I got that same feeling after I woke up from my coma after the incident to see my left arm gone.
"Masaya? Can I see it again."
"I'm not just some zoo animal to look at." I sighed and turned my back to Konomi. She placed her finger tip on it and started to trace the scare. It was a tingling sensation. "Is this another part of your test?" It wasn't as I heard Konomi start talking.
"I knew it… My Grandmother is my fencing sensei, she told me something when I was a little girl."
"What was that she told you."
"'A blade scar means two things. Either the person got it running from the enemy or… that they were protecting someone.'" As she finished her grandmother's saying, the ground started to shake, as a earthquake started.
"Shite, this a big one." I scanned the group to check the quake's magnitude. "It's a 6.0 magnitude." I stood up and activated my mag hands to hold onto the wall, Konomi held onto me tightly. The ground kept shaking, I happened to catch something in the corner of my eye." Is the faucet turning one?" Then the shower head sprayed out boiling hot water, it felt like someone stabbing me with a hundred daggers. "Agh! Fucking shit! Konomi! Get back!" I rushed Konomi, picked her up and ran away from the shower area. "Agh… Jesus, that fuck hurt… you alright, Konomi?" I saw steam coming off my body.
"I'm fine, but you're not! We need to cool you down before you get 2nd degree burns." She took me to another shower and turned it on to gentle cool water. It felt relieving as just a couple a second ago, my back was feeling like it was melting. "Please, turn you back towards me." I did as she asked and had my back to her. "It's turning red…"
"Is there any blistering?"
"No… I don't think so."
"Then it's fine. Are you okay, Konomi?"
"Y-Yes I'm fine, because you… protected me."
"Just doing my job."
"Does it hurt?" Konomi gently touched my back.
"Just a little. It's cooled down now so it doesn't burn as much."
"Do you think this will leave a scar?"
"No, burns never really lead to scarring. Unless it's a 3rd degree." Konomi told me it was just a little red. She was gently rubbing my back when the lights turned off, the power had gone out.
"Ah… What happened?!"
"*sigh* The power's out. Must have been from the earthquake." I put down my tactical visor and activated my night vision. Every thing was dark green except Konomi whose silhouette was yellow, she was backing up into a wall. "You okay, Konomi."
"I-I'm scared of the dark."
"Then let's get out of here. I got my night vision on so just take my hand and follow me. Besides the burns practically gone." Konomi took my hand and we walked to the door but… "Damnit, it won't open."
"What?!"
"The door, it's jammed, it was probably by the earthquake."
"T-That can't be…" Konomi pushes me aside and tried opening the door but it wouldn't budge.
"Konomi, it's no use. The door was probably warped by the quake, it was a pretty big one, after all. Hey! Is anyone around!" I yelled and started banging the door to see if anyone would here but no one answered. "Shite…"
"The bath is on the edge of the building and it's already past light's out time." I checked my clock, it was 2345 so everyone was most likely asleep.
"Shit, you're right." I looked back at Konomi who was trembling and hugging herself. "Here, let's sit down right here." I led her to the wall and sat her down. "Don't worry lass, I'm here with you." I patted her head then sat right next to her. Konomi quickly clung to my arm.
"I'm sorry, I need to do this."
"It's fine, whatever make you feel at ease, love." We sat there in the dark. It felt weird having her up against my arm but I wasn't about object, she clearly needed something to cling to in fear.
"I'm sorry, Masaya."
"You don't have to apologise. And I'm pretty sure someone will be around in the morning, so it's not like we're trapped in here forever."
"I hope you're right." We sat in silence for what felt like hours when I finally started a conversation.
"You say you're scared of the dark, right? What do you do when you go to sleep? Have a little plug-in nightlight next to your bed."
"I leave my desk light on. It keeps me calm during the night."
"I see… personally, I can't sleep with out my room being pitch black. Makes me feel like no one can see me."
"My grandmother once told me to have a light on at all times in room at night, incase of a night raid."
"*scoff* Who would be stupid enough to raid Vincennes. Your grandmother, did she grow up during the Second World War?"
"Yes, she was a little girl during the war, she and her family would constantly drill for when American bombers flew over during bombing raids."
"That's interesting. Good thing my great grandfather put a stop to that at Okinawa."
"I heard about that. My father told me that your great grandfather was the first 'Hero of the Empire' and so was your grandfather, who help my grandparents start their dojo that still operates to this day."
"You're an interesting bird, Konomi. You have such a cute face yet you pride yourself as a warrior. Mignon Poupee, it really does suit you." I heard Konomi give a small whimper but I sounded more playful than embarrassed
"Don't say that, that title doesn't suit me. And you too are a very interesting person, Masaya. You have a cold exterior, but maybe deep down, there's a good person in you. Like your family before you."
"I don't know about that. About your grandmother. Was she the one who taught you how to use a naginata?"
"Yes, she told my father that I had to protect myself when he's not around." She kept on talking about her childhood and I noticed that she was started to get calmer the more we talked. Eventually we both started to feel sleepy.
"Getting sleepy?"
"Yes… I'm usually fast asleep by now."
"You can go to sleep. I don't want you staying up all night."
"I want to but… I can't sleep without something to keep me calm."
"Then I'll stay up until you fall asleep. Here I know a way to get you to fall asleep. My mother told me this story when I was a little kid. 'There once was a man who came from wealth but was the most noblest man in the country. One day he met a girl and was smitten with her, but at the same time, a war was brewing between his country and a neighbouring one. The man led his armies to victory and was rewarded for his bravery. He married the girl he loved and had a child with her. Sadly things weren't meant to be and he was assassinated by those who hated him. But he died without regrets knowing his child will one day carry on his legacy as a noble and just man'. So how was that, Konomi?"
"Zzzz…zzzz" She was fast asleep now. Her head resting on my arm."
"Hmph… goodnight, love." I patted her head and I found myself falling asleep. "Heh… I wonder if I passed her test." I closed my eyes as I fell asleep.
May 26th, 2011
0800hrs
Konomi's POV
"Hmm… the lights are on." I woke up to see the bathroom lights on, as well the lights outside the bathroom. I let out a yawn as my eyes readjusted to the light. "I managed to fall asleep in the dark."
"Hmm…" I heard a gruff moan, I realized that I had been sleeping on an arm, Masaya's arm. I found myself drawn to his cybernetic arms, they really stuck out from the rest of his body. I turned his body over, which was not easy, and looked at his back when I noticed a barcode and words on his shoulder. "'Custom Cyborg Body. Manufactured by Goldman Industries. Made in U.S.A.'" What is this? His body is fake?! I brushed aside the hair on the back of his head covering his neck and saw surgical marks separating his head from his abdomen. What kind a bomb was it to maim Masaya this bad to get a fake body? "I don't know. But this scar is definitely one he got defending someone." I gently placed a finger on his scar and traced it down from his shoulder to his hip.
"Hmm…?"
Masaya's POV
I slowly started to open my eyes with my tactical visor still down. The lights are on as my night vision was really bright. I retracted it and looked around. "*grunt* Good morning love. What time is it?" I looked at my watch and it said 0800.
"I need to wash my face!"
"Ah, I'll go to. Agh!" I started to get off the floor when my back shot up in a bolt of pain.
"Are you okay, Masaya?"
"Fine, just a little back pain." I waved her off and went to wash my face and mouth at the sinks. "*gargle noise*" I was gargling water in my mouth when I heard voices from the other side of the door.
"Huh? The door won't open?"
"Uh, hey, how are doing this morning, love. I don't know how to put this but, the door was warped during the earthquake last night so…"
"Wait a minute. Masaya Okonogi, is that you in there."
"Who else would it be love, 'Where's Waldo'."
"I heard two voices. Who's in there with you. What were you doing in here, do you even have clothes on."
"Hate to bust your bubble, love, but we have on swimsuits."
"Do you think that makes a difference."
"Actually, yeah, it does. But I don't want to argue about swimsuits, I want to get the hell out of this bathroom and back to my dorm to get ready for class." Shite, I'm gonna get expelled at this rate.
"W-Wait!"
"Wait, Ms, Katou."
"Is that Konomi? Are you alright in there?" Oh, now she cares.
I'm fine, there's no problem whatsoever here. Well except that we're stuck in here. And Masaya is not a Tentateur Serpent. He protected me all night."
"Ms. Yanase, do you understand what you are saying? You said that you two were in here all night long. What in God's name were you doing in there?"
"Well…"
"It's my fault, teacher." Konomi looked at me surprised. I just smirked at winked at her and mouthed 'Follow my lead'. "I just wanted to try out the public bath area after Rise told me about it. So I wanted to take a dip in the pool without any girls in here. Wouldn't want that would you. Anyway, Konomi showed up thinking she was alone so that she can practice her doggy paddle."
"Doggy paddle?" I looked at Konomi and she nodded.
"Yes, he's right. I thought that since summer isn't that far from now, I wanted to work on my doggy paddle in here since the pool doesn't open until next month.
"I see… Anyway we have to get this door open. I expect you to explain to the headmistress about coming here after lights out."
"Great…"
"What was that, Mr. Okonogi?"
"Nothing, just glad I didn't have to bust down another door." The teacher left to get help and I couldn't be happier.
"I lied to a teacher. I've never lied to a teacher before."
"Eh… it's not such a big deal. Little white lies won't kill anybody, usually."
"*giggle* I guess you're right." Konomi smiled at me, one of the first times she ever did. "Are you okay, you're smiling? That's quite rare for you to do."
"It's nothing, love." The teacher came back with a few other teachers, including Sister Mishima, to pry open the door. As they worked on the door I asked Konomi something. "So, did I pass your test?"
"Ah… yes, you passed."
"Hmm… that's good." Even though we managed to keep our real reason for being in the bathroom a secret. We still weren't saved from a long tongue lashing from the Headmistress for breaking school rules. After it was all over, we walked outside her office and shared a couple smiles and laughs like friends.
1230hrs
"*yawn*" Me and the White Lily and Red Rose girls were eating lunch in the Rose Garden.
"You're awfully tired today Masaya. You didn't even slick back your hair to the side today." Earlier in the week I went shopping with Yusuke and he got me a box set of hair pomade to use. "Here you go Mas, use this to style your hair to really impress those girls." It wasn't until Yusuke brought it up that I realised how long my hair was getting, it was at point where I had hair down to my upper shoulders and bangs reaching past my eyepatch, not like I could see from my left eye anyway. I was glad that no one found out about what happened, I had to charm the teachers into not telling anyone besides the headmistress.
"I didn't get much sleep, that earthquake woke me up in the middle of the night."
"I guess that makes sense, it was a big earthquake."
"Yeah, 6.0 on the Richter scale."
"It was quite a shock to Panterbell as well. He was so frightened, he started crying."
"The earthquake caused the power to go out, though most of us were asleep by then."
"But what about the goods in the refrigerator? I hope none of it got spoiled."
"I'm sure the school had back up generators that turned on when the main ones went out."
"Heh… I just wish my room had a back up generator. I fell off my bed and hit my shin on my coffee table and tipped over a box of .45 ammo. Had a hard time picking up back up even with my night vision activated." We ate lunch and then had some tea together.
"Hey, I just realized, where's Konomi?"
"I haven't seen her. Do you need her for anything, Ayaka?"
"No. Just wondering if Mr. Okonogi's lessons paid off."
"Mr Okonogi's lessons…? What did you two do?"
"Let's just say, Masaya taught Konomi some valuable lessons."
"What kind of lessons?"
"I also am concerned. What did you and Masaya teach Konomi?"
"Okay, we taught Konomi…" Ayaka held a dramatic pause. "Sex education." All the girls shot up in surprised. Ritsuko in particular had her eyes bulging in shock.
"You taught Konomi… sexual education?"
"Yep, remember when you had to apologize to Masaya for her. Well to prevent that from happening again, we told Konomi some very important things about sex. Masaya was such a good sport. He gave acted out a lot of examples."
"What?! Act out examples?!"
"Very funny, Ayaka. I got a joke to. Imagine if a boy from a shoujo manga appeared out of the blue. What would you do?" I explained to the girls what happened in the classroom. "Look, there was not acting out anything. I just read from a textbook."
"Oh thank goodness. For a second I thought you did something bad."
"No. But he honestly was a pretty good teacher. I think Konomi got the gist of his lesson. He even gave let us know about his first shot."
"First shot?"
"First shot of what? His firearm?"
"No, Ayaka was talking about his first ejaculation. So how old were you?"
"Are you really going to ask. This isn't exactly a very tea appropriate conversation."
"You got a point." The girls got quiet with only Ayaka still talking.
"Anyway, at the end of the day, I'm sure Masaya got through Konomi's perceived thoughts. How did it go after I left?"
"Well… I can only hope she understood."
"I see… well, as long she doesn't accuse you of getting her pregnant again."
"Ah… speaking about Konomi. She's coming this way." Ritsuko raised her hand an Konomi came to us a little quicker.
"Salutations, everyone."
"Salutations. What held you back?"
"I uh… I wanted to see Masaya right after the bell rang but he had already left."
"Hold on, you wanted to see me?" The girls all turned to me in suspicion.
"There's something I wanted to tell you clearly. From today forward, I'll stop referring to you as the Tentateur Serpent. I now understand that that's not what you are."
"Oh, well… thanks."
"That said. I know you're not a saint but you're still a good man. Which means that there is no reason to forcibly expel you from school. However I am an affiliate for the Red Rose Society and it's leader is my Onee-sama. You understand, right?"
"Yeah, I'm just glad that you're not trying to hang me from a tree because I looked at you.
"My… this is interesting. What caused you to pull a 180 that quick, Konomi?" After Ayaka asked that question, I just sat there and pulled out a cigarette when Konomi snitched on both of us.
"We had a naked date." The second Konomi said those words, all the girls had their mouths agape in shock. I just turned my head away and blew out some smoke. "That's when I realized that, while Masaya does feel sexual arousal towards me. He's just a normal male." As Konomi kept talking, I just sat there waiting for the Rise and Chiho to jump me. Eventually Konomi realised that the girls were shocked and stopped talking. "I'm sorry. It's just that we spent the night talking about male erections and sexual arousal that I…" I frantically got out of my chair and grabbed her by her shoulders.
"Shut… up!"
"B-But-"
"No buts! Just shut your mouth!" I looked Konomi dead in the eye when I heard something like cats growing.
"Oh boy. Rise and Chiho have that look in their eyes again."
"Oh look at the time. I have to get going. Salutations."
"Ah.., I need to go as well." Ritsuko got up almost in a panic.
"I think I'll go with Ritsuko and Konomi." Mitsuki got up and followed after Konomi and Ritsuko.
"Well, I think I should get on out of here. I need to rest up for a minute in my room." I got and started to walk away when Ayaka and Ruriko grabbed me by the arms and held me in place.
"You got some explaining to do, Masaya."
"Look girls, I really need to go, I got a text from my boss. I need to go to work." I was coming up with excuses when I heard something that made me frightened to the bone.
Rise and Chiho. "Masaya…"
I slowly turned around and gave a cheeky smile at the two girls. "How you two lasses doing today?" They slowly approached me. I could sense the anger in them. I just wanted to get out of there. The two girls grabbed by the collar like they did when Ayaka joined the group and started interrogating me.
"What the hell was she talking about?!"
"You better explain to us at once." I was trying to talk but they were chocking me to the point where I couldn't talk. I guess this is how I go out. They eventually let me go and I told them everything.
End of Chapter 9
That concludes Chapter 9, stay tuned for Chapter 2: Childhood Friends Reunite revised and Chapter 10: Example of a Good Samaritan.