Chapter 29: Perchance to Dream
Oh man. I got so mad at this chapter. I got SO mad at this chapter. December 24th, I sat down, excited at my latest chapter. I started typing. I typed for a solid five hours and type on and off the rest of the day after that. I had four thousand words. Four. Freaking. Thousand. "Open Office has had an error and must close." I hadn't saved. I yelled. "Would you like to restore the following documents? Chapter 29" Hell yes! Five minutes later, it pulls up an empty document. I almost cried a little. Mostly because I was typing spur of the moment. When I do that, what I come up with is a few cuts beyond my usual. It also has the side effect of me not being able to remember what I wrote until I read it a few times. In my opinion, and if I remember correct, those four thousand words were some of the best I've written. I only vaguely remember the topics of what I wrote. Ulti, don't worry about Liu, he's going to have about as much spot light as Ayano has had up until this point. I know, I said that about Masutā, but I'm sure about this one. Holy Riot... *Smirk* And yes Sqweebs, you did tell me about Beauty and the Beast in 3D hehe, thanks for that. I even saw a commercial for it a few weeks ago. I was happy. And yes Flygon Master, you mind raid! Some of my best ideas are in your story, though I must admit, I think you wrote them out better then I could have. And a few of them work better in your story anyhow! So pay it no mind. By the way, I'm fully aware of how wrong I've had the breakfasts thus far in the story. The only one that was right was the one they served in the hospital. If it's okay with all of you guys, I might try better at that. And by the way, lifting your eyebrows is also a sign of disrespect in Japan. This isn't so in my story, I'm sorry but it's already happened a lot in here. I hope you guys don't mind!
POV Tony
"No... No no no no no..." Tony heard. He woke up and blinked time or two before he realized he had fallen asleep in Tsukasa's lap. He blushed profusely and sat up. He then looked for the source of the noise and thought about it. It sounded like Tsukasa, but she was asleep and didn't seem the sleep talking type. His train of thought was interrupted, however, as Tsukasa jolted up, screaming.
POV Kagami
"Mom, can I go hang out with Konata?" Kagami asked as she came out of her room.
"I guess, but you've been hanging out a lot lately, I haven't gotten to see you too much! Maybe you shouldn't spend the night this time?" Miki asked, though not as a question.
"Alright, I understand. How long can you give me?" Kagami asked.
"How about an hour?" Miki suggested.
"Oo, that's not a lot of time! If that's all, I better get going now! Thanks mom, I'll see you later!" Kagami shouted as she ran towards the door. "Tell Tsukasa I'm borrowing her bike!" Kagami shouted.
"Will do!" Miki shouted back to her daughter. She sighed. She recognized the tone and look that Kagami was starting to get whenever she was going to see her small, blue haired friend. She had started getting the same aura as Tsukasa did when she talked about Tony, the same kind she remembered described to her when people told of how she talked about her husband. I'm worried for her. How will Ta-kun react? Miki wondered. Miki knew that if her daughter did turn out to be a lesbian, Miki herself wouldn't love her any less, but the subject had never come up between her and her husband. If the time came when Kagami came out of the closet, Miki could only hope that Tadao's reaction wouldn't be what she feared it would be.
Kagami dashed over to the bike her sister owned and hopped on, riding as fast as she could towards her destination. She almost closed her eyes and really enjoyed the breeze, but the fact that one could seriously injure one's self from doing something like closing your eyes while driving any sort of vehicle made her refrain. She rode for about five minutes before she realized she was getting way too tired, way too fast. She slowed down and smiled while she panted at how close she had gotten herself to Gamers. She was there in another five minutes to see Konata standing outside, looking around hopefully. Kagami smiled to herself as she arrived.
"Hey Konata!" Kagami shouted. Konata whipped around to see Kagami and smiled warmly.
"Kagamin~!" Konata waved to the Tsundere. Kagami giggled. She had never noticed how cute Konata was when she waved so widely like that. She looked like a little girl. Kagami arrived and dismounted.
"Konata, how the hell did you get here before I did? I rode as fast as I could!" Kagami shouted.
"I apparated, of course! Silly Kagamin~." Konata giggled and latched onto Kagami's waist, causing the latter to blush.
"Ko-Konata! That isn't an appropriate time to hug someone!" Kagami scolded her Otaku. "Besides, you're drawing attention!" She shouted.
"So it's okay if I hug at an appropriate time then?" Konata looked at Kagami with a catgrin. Kagami blushed harder.
"Th-that's not what I said!" She shouted. "You're still attracting way too much attention!" Kagami shouted. She wasn't exactly angry with Konata, quite the opposite. It was very weird. The annoyance she had associated with Konata hugs was gone. She was happy. Embarrassed, yes, but happy.
"No I'm not. You're the one shouting." Konata smiled at Kagami, looking up into her eyes sideways and resting her cheek in between Kagami's stomach and ribs. The gaze had Kagami suddenly locked in place. She knew there was no point in resisting, nor did she want to. Her heart started beating quicker. Konata's face turned from one of amusement and teasing to one of hope. "Kagamin... Do you like it when I hug you like this?" Konata asked, having heard Kagami's heartbeat quicken. Luckily, Kagami had averted her gaze at the last moment.
"Yo-you never answered my question..." Kagami mumbled as she blushed even harder.
"My school is near here. Now..." Konata answered quickly. The abrupt end to Konata's sentence made Kagami look back to her. She saw the look of hope and found herself unable to look away. "Do you like me hugging you?" Konata asked again. Kagami blushed as her mind seemed to muddle.
"Yes." Kagami answered, the hopeful look forcing her to be unable to think very much on the question. She would have normally refused it, no matter the truth, but she found she couldn't lie. The look on Konata's face changed from hopeful to pure joy as she hugged harder. Kagami suddenly felt like she was being compressed at a junk yard. "Kona-" Kagami got cut off as the air from her lungs evacuated, forced out by the strength of Konata's hug. Now that she was thinking again, Kagami was impressed at the fact that Konata could knock the wind out of her with a hug around the waist. She must figure out how she did that.
"Kagami, I'm happy..." Konata mumbled. Kagami didn't hear it though, as she was currently suffocating.
"Kona- Can't... Breath..." Kagami mumbled. How the hell is she this strong?
"Oh! Sorries..." Konata loosened her hug considerably. However, Kagami looked back at Konata and smiled as she panted, trying to catch her breath. Konata smiled such a smile that betrayed the vast happiness behind her eyes. Kagami could find herself getting lost in how happy she found herself because she was seeing Konata so happy. She could hear the ringing of bells, which confused her until she realized someone had just opened the door to Gamers.
"Hey, if you two are going any further, could you wait for my camera to get ready?" A stereotypical otaku asked. Konata and Kagami looked at him and sweatdropped. Needless to say, they broke apart quickly.
"Let's go in, hm?" Kagami asked. Konata smiled inwardly and nodded. They entered and looked up to see the clock. They had hugged for twenty minutes! Which meant Kagami had only twenty more before she would have to go, and that was if she could ride as fast as she had before, which she seriously doubted. While she was sad to see she didn't have much more time to spend with Konata, she didn't exactly dislike how she had spent her time. "Hey Kona, I've only got about ten more minutes before I have to go home." Kagami sighed as she set an alarm in her phone.
"Aw~! Okay Kaga-..." Konata fell silent for an instant.
"Kona? Are you okay?" Kagami asked.
"Kagamin. Did you just call me Kona?" Konata asked, a stunned look on her face. Kagami blushed.
"Ye-yeah... I like the sound of it. Is that bad? If it is, I can stop!" Kagami said the last two sentence in apparent hurry. Konata smiled and shook her head slowly.
"No. I love it. Thanks Kagami." Konata smiled at Kagami. Kagami blushed a bit more.
"We-well cool. I'm glad, you've had a nickname for me for so long, ya know?" Kagami scratched her cheek. Konata merely made a cute squeak in response, one that Kagami would have sooner assumed had come from Tsukasa. It made Kagami giggle, though she kept it in until they had gone to separate aisles. Kagami saw a game that looked mildly interesting, the fifth in a series. There wasn't much to go on as far as cover art, however, as the only thing on it was a sort of dragon in the form of a diamond. The rest of the cover, save the name of the game, was black. Kagami shrugged and replaced the game. If they weren't going to bother making a half decent cover, how good could the game be? She picked up another game and turned it over. She started reading the back. It seemed like a nice romance game, oddly in the same section as the last game. She stood reading for about five minutes, rereading the basic plot. After that, she heard giggling again. She looked over, already knowing the giggle belonged to her Otaku, and sighed. "What is it now?" She asked. Konata said nothing, but pointed to the game again. Confused, Kagami looked at the game again. This time she looked at the pictures as well. She blushed at how graphic the yuri was right on the back of the cover.
"Kagamin, I didn't know you were into that stuff." Konata smiled. It was odd, she sounded like she was teasing, but also not teasing. Almost hopeful.
"Wha-? No! It's not like that, I was just reading the back!" Kagami shouted. Konata slid over and looked on the back. There were girls kissing. Girls necking. Girls doing... other assorted activities. It made Konata blush from all the pictures.
"What do you think of it anyway?" Konata asked truthfully.
"Think of what?" Kagami asked.
"Yuri. Girls dating. Ect." Konata clarified. Kagami seemed to ponder the question.
"I suppose if they're in love..." Kagami thought some more. She obviously couldn't have contempt for it, she was almost completely addicted to yaoi, though she would never admit it. And she didn't dislike yuri, not in the least. "Yeah. I think it's fine. If they love each other, they should be able to do whatever they want." Kagami smiled. Konata felt as if she had come a hundred steps closer to her love.
"Would you read it in a manga?" Konata asked.
"If the story was good, I don't see why not." Kagami responded.
"I mean graphic-wise. If it was a graphic yuri manga, would you still read?" Konata asked.
"Why?" Kagami gave Konata a questioning look.
"Just wondering, I have a few manga that you might like, but they have some pretty graphic yuri in them, that's all." Konata scratched her head. Kagami put a finger to her mouth and hummed.
"Well... I think the graphics don't really matter, if I got to a part I didn't want to see I could skip it..." Kagami said.
She's missing the point! Konata complained. "No, I mean if you had to read it." Konata said.
"You're pretty insistent on this Kona. Are you sure you don't just want something else to tease me about?" Kagami asked.
"Kagami, I promise I won't tease you." Konata said with such certainty and honesty, Kagami knew she was serious. Kagami would thus give a serious answer.
"I would read it. It's not the kind of thing that I would read just for that element, but I wouldn't dislike it." Kagami answered. Konata's cheers in her head were the equivalent of a choir of a thousand joyous people singing.
I thought she wouldn't like it because she was a Miko and her family worked in a shrine with her! This is awesome! I find out she likes me hugging her, she gives me a cute nickname, and she admits to liking Yuri all in twenty minutes! Konata cheered in her mind. "Kagami?" Konata asked.
"Yeah?" Kagami replaced the game. Konata sounded like she was going to ask another serious question and two said questions a row was a rare thing indeed from the Otaku.
"How are you gonna know when you fall in love?" Konata asked.
"What? Now that's an odd question Kona. What brought that on?" Kagami asked, an eyebrow raised.
"I-I dunno. Just curious, ya know?" Konata said. "What will they be?"
"They won't be irresponsible, I can tell you that." Kagami said.
"I can name better then you can the things they won't be. But what WILL they be?" Konata asked.
"Hm... Well... I think I'll know." Kagami said. Konata raised an eyebrow herself.
"You'll just... know?" Konata asked.
"Yeah. I've imagined every bit of them. From their strong moral fiber, to the knowledge in their head. And they'll never gripe." Kagami pictured.
"You've wished yourself a regular flawless one, the ever nice, all perfect type..." Konata rolled her eyes.
"Yes! And I'll meet them when the time is ripe." Kagami smiled.
"You've got this person all figured out, huh?" Konata sighed.
"Yep. All figured out." Kagami nodded. "I'll know when my love comes along. I won't take a chance. They'll be just what I need. Not some one night stand romance." Kagami said dreamily. "I'll know when I run to her arms that I'm home, safe and sound... Until then, I'll just wait... Yes, I'll know when my love comes along." Kagami smiled.
"No no no Kagamin! You can't just do that!" Konata shouted.
"What?" Kagami asked.
"You're trying to find a custom fit in an off the rack world. You can't just order people specific, you've gotta take 'em as is!" Konata argued.
"Well fine, let's hear what you've got to say." Kagami pouted.
"M-me?" Konata asked, caught off guard. She hadn't expected to be called out. And she very well couldn't tell Kagami that she was already in love. She had to think. Quick.
"Yeah, you!" Kagami pointed to Konata accusingly.
"Um... Mine will come as a surprise to me... Mine, I'll leave to chance and chemistry." Konata said nervously.
"Chemistry?" Kagami asked, seemingly interested. This made Konata a bit bolder.
"Yeah. Chemistry!" Konata smiled. "Suddenly I'll know when my love comes along! I'll know then and there. I'll know by the sound of her voice how I care... How I care... How I care..." Konata said softly, surprising Kagami. Konata was getting deep. "And I'll stop. And I'll stare... And I'll know in my heart. I'll know I'm in love. I won't even ask "Is this right? Is this wise? Is this smart?" And I'll stop and I'll stare. At that face." Konata stared into Kagami's eyes with a certain sternness and rubbed Kagami's cheek almost sensually. "In the throng~. Yes. I'll know. When my love comes along." Konata found herself getting lost in the moment and becoming hot. She started moving closer to Kagami, as Kagami was doing the same. Konata wasn't pulling Kagami closer. As they neared each other, there was a loud ringing. Kagami pulled away and took out her phone.
"Go home!" Was on the screen, flashing with the rings. Kagami sighed.
"I... I've got to go Kona..." Kagami turned away. Her and Konata's hearts were beating so fast. Konata personally felt her heart was about to explode. She had just almost kissed Kagami. Had she been going along with it? Was she just too stunned to shove Konata away? Would she have hated Konata had her alarm not gone off?
Damn it, I want answers! Konata cursed in her head. Why can't this be easier! Konata shouted as her love left the store, got on her bike, and rode off. Konata sighed as she decided to head home.
Kagami was riding home, a blush on her face and confusion in her head. What the hell was that? Did I almost just... No, there's no way. But what if I... No! But this feeling... Kagami could feel her chest tightened. It was as if iron bands had been placed around her body and were at this moment constricting her. The feeling, however, wasn't one of discomfort. She felt weird. She wanted to get home and rest. That was it. She needed rest. She got home just in time and staggered inside.
"Kagami? What's up?" Matsuri asked. Normally, Kagami would have been surprised that she wasn't called Imoto, but right now she just wanted to get to bed.
"What do you mean?" Kagami asked.
"Your face is flushed. You look tired." Matsuri commented. "And it almost looks like you're having trouble walking. Are you okay?" She asked again.
"Yeah. Thanks for the concern." Kagami mumbled before she went into her room.
"Something's up with her." Matsuri mumbled. Kagami walked into her room and laid on her bed.
What is this feeling? She thought before she drifted off.
POV Konata
Konata was running home and getting close. She saw someone at the front door of Tony's house. As she neared, she recognized it as Masutā.
"Hey Konata, what's up? You look a bit shaken up. Something go wrong with the exams?" Masutā asked.
"No, it's nothing." Konata said, slowing to a walk. Oddly, she was tired from a run that was otherwise luxurious for her. Maybe it was her heart's recent acceleration that had yet to subside.
"You're lying. Tell me what the problem is." Masutā stepped forward.
"I don't wanna talk about it. I think Miyuki did well on her exam." Konata said with excitement. She wasn't truly excited about it, but she had to feign it in hopes of getting Masutā off subject, or at least distract him for an instant. It did the latter.
"So I've heard. But seriously-" Masutā was interrupted as Konata pulled out her phone.
"Yeah! I'm here, I'll be in in a second, don't chew my ear off so much." Konata scolded the person she was pretending she was on the phone with, her father.
"Sorry for getting you scolded, but this isn't finished Konata. You'll have to tell me eventually." Masutā warned.
"Yeah yeah, no problem." Konata said dismissively as she entered her house. She closed her phone once inside and sighed.
"Welcome home Konata, what's up?" Sojiro shouted from the living room. "How was your exam?"
"Hey dad. Not much. Probably passed it." Konata said as she walked through the house. She was exhausted for some reason. She wanted her bed.
"Konata, you okay?" Sojiro asked.
"Fine dad. Just tired. Where's Yu-chan?" Konata looked around.
"She's spending the night at Minami's. You sure you're okay? You seem tired." Sojiro said.
"I just told you I was tired dad. I think I'm just gonna go to bed." Konata yawned.
"What about food?" Her father asked.
"I ate while I was out." Konata said, having eaten between her school and Gamers. "Good night."
"Good night." Sojiro sighed. His daughter would never tell him what was troubling her when she was sad. It frustrated him.
Konata entered her room and plopped on her bed. She rolled over and spotted her diary.
It's been a little while... She sighed. She picked up her diary.
Dear Diary,
I almost kissed Kagami today! I wish I had. I so wish I had. I asked her about how she would know who she loved. She responded by telling me that she'd just know. And she listed off a whole bunch of stuff! Hm... now that I think back, I think Kagami said she at one point... Maybe my wish that she liked me is messing with my head. I don't know if I can live up to her expectations, but I sure as hell gotta try! I think the best I can do is try to make her feel safe when I hug her. She said she liked it when I hugged her too! That made me so happy. I don't think I can even put it into words. Imagine something you enjoyed more then almost anything you can think of was healthy and profitable and good and stuff. I don't think that even does it. I love her. I wish she could see that. I'm tired now. I'm going to sleep diary. Thanks for listening.
Konata~
Konata turned onto her stomach after replacing the notebook on the stand beside her bed. She yawned and fell asleep.
POV Tsukasa
Tsukasa was walking down the street with Kagami and Itsuwari. Her friend had just gotten news that he would be going to the same high school as her and her sister! Tsukasa was so happy, she could burst. Itsuwari was the only boy she really associated with much. As they were walking, they heard the beep of a car. Itsuwari looked over and threw Tsukasa and Kagami further over. Tsukasa watched in horror as Itsuwari mouthed a goodbye before he was taken by a car.
"ITSUWARI-KUN!" Tsukasa screamed. She saw him sprawled across the road several dozen feet away. Tsukasa, Kagami, and.. Tony?... ran over to him.
"Kagami, call an ambulance!" He shouted. "Don't worry, I'll try and heal what I can." He said to Tsukasa. Kagami got out her phone and started dialing as Tony and Tsukasa made it to the boy. Suddenly, Tony stopped, forcing Tsukasa to stop as well.
"Kan-kun?" Tsukasa asked in a panic. Why was he stopping? Itsuwari needed them!
"GUUUUN!" Tsukasa heard.
"...Tsu-chan RUN!" Tony shouted loudly, throwing his arms to either side. Tsukasa watching in terror as a beam of light enveloped him. A scream of pure pain could be heard as the light subsided and Tony was gone. Tsukasa fell onto her rear.
"Tsukasa! Run!" Kagami shouted. Tsukasa saw her sister running towards Recoome. "Hey you big smelly ape! Come after me, not her!"
"No...No no no no no..." Tsukasa started mumbling to herself in hopes that by constantly repeating it, it may become reality. Recoome started laughing. There was another flash of light and Kagami was gone save for one dark purple ribbon, flying away in tatters. "NO!" Tsukasa opened her eyes as she started screaming. She gasped for breath before she saw Tony, squinting in the little light they had, but concern easily visible on his face. Tsukasa buried her face into Tony's chest and cried. Tony was caught off guard. However, he knew what seemed to work. He hugged her and brought her close.
"Tsu-chan, are you okay?" He asked.
"Itsuwari-kun... You... Onee-chan... Recoome..." Tsukasa cried into Tony's chest. It was then Tony understood exactly what had happened.
"There there Tsu-chan. It was all a bad dream. Don't worry about it. It's all over now, I'm here. Don't worry, nothing can hurt you anymore." Tony rubbed Tsukasa's back as he repeated his comforting words. How long he held her, he didn't know. The movie had long since ended, but he would hold her for as long as she required and would let him. They sat there for what seemed like forever until there was a pounding at the door.
"TSUKASA!" Tadao shouted. He opened the door and blinded the two. "Damn you kid, what did you do to her?" He yelled. Tsukasa teared up a bit. While she would normally come to Tony's defense, she felt in no shape to confront her father. As several tears slid down Tsukasa's face, Tony got angry at the man who was accusing him of hurting the girl he loved.
"I have done nothing to harm your daughter. I would never do anything to hurt Tsukasa." Tony said, his voice starting to betray his dislike for the man.
"Oh, and I guess she just woke up and started crying, is that it?" Tadao shouted. Miki tried to calm him, but she wasn't having very much luck. Tony's anger rose.
"Yes! She had a bad dream, what makes you think I would hurt her?" Tony shouted.
"How do I know what you did? You two are in this room alone in the dark and I hear my daughter screaming bloody murder! Didn't I tell you to leave this door open? How do I know you weren't just trying to-" Tadao was cut off. Tony's anger had reached a point where he wouldn't tolerate it any longer. And while he knew he couldn't, he wanted so badly to hurt this man. This man who would reject his daughter for who she loved. This man who would say that Tony was harming his other daughter. This man who would do these things and think himself in the right. Tony imbued his thoughts with energy. He didn't let them hurt Tadao, only cause the man to understand exactly WHO he was accusing and WHAT he was accusing him of. Tony gave words to this action and yelled into the shrine keeper's mind.
"Learn your place! THINK before you next speak, my patience has reached it's limit! I love your daughter with all of my heart and would die defending her if ever the need arose! Choose your next words carefully, before my discipline breaks." Tony's voice boomed as angrily as he had ever spoken, his voice growing even more menacing with the last sentence. He then added in as threatening a voice: "If not for Tsukasa being right here, I would slaughter you where you now stand. I won't tolerate threats against her or insults to my love for her. Remember that." Tony didn't want to admit it, but since he had met Tsukasa, the thought of killing something, much less a person, had begun to sicken him ever more. He realized that the girl now sitting in front of his chest was slowly rubbing off on him, erase the training he had gone through to make it so killing wasn't traumatizing for him. However, he saw no reason that those thoughts should carry over to Tadao. And while none of the words were actually spoken aloud, there was a look of pure fury in his eyes that easily gave away the gist of what he had just said to the man. For a moment, no one spoke as Tadao stood, paralyzed under Tony's mental assault.
Tadao stopped and widened his eyes for a moment. "Oh. That's how it is." Tadao mumbled. "I'm sorry." He turned and walked away. Miki gave a questioning glance to Tony, as did Tsukasa. Tony sighed.
"Later." He said. Miki looked at her husband, back at Tony, shrugged, and followed her husband.
"Kan-kun..." Tsukasa sighed as she leaned against him. Tony smiled.
"I'm here Tsukasa." He hugged her around her shoulders. "And I'm not going anywhere. Not for a long long time." He squeezed her a bit. She mumbled something under her breath, but Tony couldn't hear it, nor did he feel he needed to. "You're welcome." He smiled. Tsukasa sighed.
That isn't what I said... She thought to herself. What she had just said had taken all of her courage. She wanted to repeat herself, but she couldn't. She couldn't tell him again. I love you Kan-kun. She repeated in her head as she drifted off to sleep again. Tony wanted more then anything to stay there with her, to fall asleep with her in his arms, but he knew he couldn't. He gently set her head down onto a pillow and got up from the bed. He exited and closed the door to the room as quietly as he could. As he walked out through the living room he saw Tadao and the other Hiiragis.
"I apologize for assuming the worst Tony." Tadao spoke up. "I didn't know you-..." He apologized.
"It's okay Tadao. You're right, you didn't know. And I might have made the same assumption in your position." Tony said. "And I apologize for using such... forceful methods to make you see." Tony apologized in return.
"It's forgotten. Don't worry about it. Can you stay or do you need to go?" Tadao asked.
"I had probably better go. There's someone I need to meet soon. Thank you for having me in your home." Tony bowed.
"It was our pleasure." Tadao said in return. Tony walked out and started walking back to his house. He had no clue what he had done to Tadao, Konata, and Misao, but he wanted to know exactly what the hell he had been doing. He knew how to do it, just not what it was. His first thought had been that he might have read their minds, but that wouldn't generally grant them the same boon and allow them to read his own, which seemed to have happened in both circumstances. Tony placed his hands together.
"Hachi Style: God Seal Release." Tony muttered the phrase the god had specified. A familiar presence made itself known in his mind.
What's up kid? Hachiman asked. Either you're not fighting or you're fighting someone extremely powerful. You're not in sage form. Hachiman noticed.
Sage Mode. And I'm not fighting. Tony specified.
Ah, of course. Unslaad Krosis. So what did you need then? Hachiman asked.
I did something odd today. I have no clue how I did it, but for an instant, Konata and Misao's emotions were open to me, as if they were my own. What happened? Tony asked.
Oh~, I see. You simply cast your consciousness forward and... sort of melded with theirs. In this way, their thought become linked with you and vice-versa. When you do this, the person will offer up what defense they can. If you overpower it, you'll have complete access to their thoughts and emotions. If their willpower is stronger then yours, however, you'll lose and the opposite will become true. Since you haven't know and you seem to just be going on your instinct, you haven't yet used a defense. I suppose I should train you, hm? Hachiman sighed.
I would like that. Thank you boss. Tony smiled.
Boss, eh? I like that. Tony got the impression that Hachiman had smiled. I'm going to assault your mind until you learn how to defend. After that, it's only a matter of time before you strengthen your defense. Hachiman said. All of a sudden, there seemed to be a massive weight on Tony that made him buckle down. Just as suddenly, he was no longer in control of his actions.
"I think we can consider this a failure." Tony found his body saying. He was once again in control of his functions. Damn... Any pointers? Tony asked. Losing control of your body was a very disconcerting experience.
Try thinking of something. One thing and nothing else. Make that the focal point of your mind. Hachiman said.
Hm... Tony thought. What could he focus on? He saw a sign for a half off sale at a clothing department. Why not? Tony shrugged. He started focusing on it. Sensing he was ready, Hachiman started his assault again. Tony was overwhelmed just as fast as earlier. Damn it!
You're missing the point. You need to focus on something that you can think about it and nothing else. What's most important in your mind? What can you devote your being to for a time and allow nothing to distract you? Hachiman asked. Tony hummed in thought. Suddenly, the answer was apparent.
Tsukasa. He smiled. He started thinking of everything about her. She was the only thing on his mind. Sensing he was ready again, Hachiman renewed his assault. Tony thought only of Tsukasa and barely even thought of the god. It was a moment or two before the strain disappeared.
You've got the basic concept. That was about what I expect you could do with your mind right now. Hachiman said, referring to the amount of effort he had put into the assault. He didn't get a response. Kid? He asked. Nothing. He realized that Tony was still concentrating on Tsukasa and not paying Hachiman any mind. The fact that he was being ignored amused and annoyed the god. He would have to teach Tony when the appropriate time to stop focusing would be. He gathered twice as much energy as before and sent a mental spear towards Tony's mind. It glanced off. Whoa... Damn kid. Hachiman raised his eyebrow. He decided not to be repelled again. He looked at the area around Tony. He noticed a sign above the boy. He took control of the energy around the chains holding it up and forced it to implode. The chains crushed, the sign hit Tony on the head, distracting him enough that Hachiman easily overwhelmed him again. You've gotta learn when to quit kid. Hachiman scolded.
Sorry. How was that? Tony asked.
That's almost perfect, actually. You've got the basic concept. You just have to keep a small eye on the actual attack, or you won't know when it's over and thus when to attack. But I suppose I'm getting ahead of myself, chances are you'll never need to defend from an attack. Mostly you'll just have to defend your mind from them while you attack. Hachiman said.
Alright, I think I got it. Tony smiled. He tried to send an attack on Hachiman to see if he did indeed have it, but after an instant he was sent to his knees, exhausted.
Kid? What happened? Hachiman asked.
I just tried to send an attack to you to see if I could hide my mind, but it took all of my energy! Tony shouted in his mind.
Because you just tried to attack me from this distance kid. You don't have to energy to do that. I do. Hachiman said matter-of-factly. Try it on a random person. If you have learned it as well as you hope, they won't be able to tell who did it. And if you can subdue their mind, you can take control of their body. Though I trust you won't go that far unless necessary. Hachiman said as pure energy flowed into Tony and rejuvenated him. He had no more energy then normal, but that amount was not full. Tony looked at a random girl and projected his mind onto them. The girl froze, a panicked look on her face. Tony could feel an extreme amount of panic from the girl, but it was in no particular direction. Tony severed the connection and cheered in his head. That's also kind of a telepathy, as you discovered with Tadao. Congratulations, you've learned a new trick! Hachiman said.
Thanks for the help boss! Tony cheered. I have a quick question though. Tony said.
Ask away. Hachiman said.
Usually you make some massive, explosive entrance, but not this time. What's up? Tony asked.
Ah. I have a... well, sort of a student. His name is Hakai, he wanted to know if I could teach him. He's good, but not massive, explosive entrance good yet. Hachiman said.
Ah. I'll have to meet him. Both the students of a god? That would be cool, maybe have our own little match... Tony chuckled in his mind.
Sure, who knows who would win? Hachiman laughed as well.
You do, don't you? Tony asked.
Yeah, but why spoil it? The god asked.
Meh, I'll just have to see. Anyway, thanks for the training boss! Tony thanked.
No problem. Hachiman said before his presence vanished. Tony started running home, excited at his new ability, and skidded to a halt in front of his house. He looked at his closed house and cast his mind out. He felt the presence of someone inside. He returned to his head and opened the door. Lo and behold, Masutā was in the living room, laying on the couch and watching TV, drinking out of a bottle.
"Have you moved all day? And getting that beer doesn't count." Tony asked.
"Sure I have! I went to visit Miyuki and see if she needed any more work done on her house." Masutā protested.
"You like her." Tony accused.
"Yep." Masutā agreed.
"Come on, you know you d-... Oh. Well okay then." Tony chuckled.
"Hey, you be quiet, I don't wanna hear it. Miyuki is really smart, really pretty, and damn it if she isn't cute." Masutā sighed.
"Well why are you drinking?" Tony asked.
"Well..." Masutā sighed as he began to recall.
At the Takara house
There came a knock at the door. Miyuki hurried over and opened the door to reveal Masutā.
"Hey Miyuki, just figured I'd come over and see if there was anything else you needed. Maybe check and see if the sink is still holding up." Masutā said.
"Ah, thank you. Please come in." Miyuki bowed and let Masutā enter.
"Oh~, is your little friend over again Miyuki? Darn I wish we could pay you for the help, but our money is disappearing." Yukari complained.
"Eh? I don't need any pay, but what do you mean "disappearing"?" Masutā asked.
"Well, we just started losing thousands of yen, I figured it was a bank error since I lost my credit card, but it just kept going." Yukari said cluelessly.
"Mother! I think someone might have stolen your card!" Miyuki shouted in surprise.
"Oh no silly, I lost it! There shouldn't be anything to worry about, I'm sure the bank will figure things out before we're evicted next month." Yukari said, blissfully ignorant of her stolen card.
"Evicted?" Miyuki shouted, this time in fear.
"Yes, you see, our payments have stopped coming in and my work isn't enough to keep this house." Yukari sighed.
"She works?" Masutā turned to Miyuki.
"Online." She whispered back to him. "It was good money." She added.
"Oh." Masutā said. "So you haven't kept up payments?" He asked.
"Not really, I lost my card a couple months ago." Yukari said.
"Mother, why didn't you say anything?" Miyuki asked.
"Well there's no need to worry, this will all blow over soon." Yukari practically chimed.
Back at Tony's house
"I see. So they're getting kicked out, eh?" Tony asked.
"Yep." Masutā took another drink.
"How much is their house? Maybe I can buy it." Tony suggested. Masutā handed him a paper, having known his brother would ask. Tony read it. "Give me a swig of that." Tony sighed. "I can't afford to buy this, even with the tournament money. How the hell are they living there?" Tony complained.
"Apparently when Miyuki's mother and father were married, her father was extremely wealthy. When they divorced, Yukari started getting alimony to support how she was used to living... Unfortunately, it seems the time they've been getting alimony is up." Masutā explained.
"Miyuki has a father?" Tony asked.
"Her mother and father divorced when she was very young. They seem happy though. I need to think of something." Masutā said. "I've gotta pay off the payment they owe and this months payment..." He started wondering.
"Tell ya what bro, you can figure out how to keep their payments up and I'll cover their current debt." Tony said. Masutā looked at his brother.
"... That's a lot of money Otōto." He said.
"Hey, if I can't help my brother when he needs it, what good is having money? Besides, they print more of it every day, I just have to find another tournament to enter." Tony smiled, hoping to convince his brother. Masutā blinked a time and smiled.
"Thanks. I'm gonna see about getting a job." Masutā said.
"Yeah, maybe something with manual labor that most other people couldn't do. You're stronger then most." Tony said.
"That I am Otōto. That I am." Masutā smiled.
"Poor big brother, no more lazy slob for you." Tony laughed. Masutā laughed too.
"Yeah, I guess not." He laughed.
"I'm gonna go hit the sack." Tony stretched and went to the entrance of the hall way. "Good night former bum." Tony called.
"Night Otōto." Masutā called back. Tony walked down and entered his room. He found his book bag and gave it a light tap. Snickering at his joke, he laid down into his bed and fell asleep.
"Your friends are going to die." A voice rang out from the void.
"What? Who are you? What are you talking about?" Tony yelled.
"I... am you." The voice cackled as an apparition of himself appeared in front of him. "What makes you think you can save them?"
"What makes you think I can't?" Tony retorted.
"Your history. Both your parents are dead because you couldn't protect them. Your mother died TWICE because of you and your inability to protect her!" The ghost yelled at him.
"No... I will protect my friends!" Tony yelled out, using his new ability to throw his conscious out at the ghost. He felt nothing. The ghost cackled.
"Did you not hear me? You can't beat me, I'm the part of you that knows the truth! You're not strong enough to protect them, you're too weak to do anything! Tsukasa has already ended up in the hospital once. How many times do you think it will take before she's mortally wounded? She's going to die!" The shade yelled. Tony yelled.
"NO! I'll train harder then! I'll give her the amulet, I'll put more enchantments on it, I WILL NOT LET HER DIE!" Tony screamed. He didn't know how to refute what the apparition said. It scared him.
"You know it. I know it. They will meet their end before long." The apparition chuckled as it vanished.
"NO!" Tony screamed aloud as he woke up, rocking the foundation of the house. Masutā slammed through the door, guns drawn.
"Otōto, what's wrong, why were you screaming?" Masutā asked. Tony shuddered and sat up, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"Nightmare. Sorry to worry y-" Tony was cut off by his phone ringing. He picked it up. "Yeah?"
"You okay Kan-kan?" He heard Konata asked, seemingly panicked.
"Wow... did I wake you?" Tony asked, feeling guilty.
"Doesn't matter, are you okay?" Konata asked again.
"Yeah. Sorry, I had a... nightmare. It was really bad." Tony sighed.
"Wanna talk about it?" Konata asked.
"Thanks, but no. I don't want to keep you up any longer. I'm sorry." Tony apologized again.
"It's no problem. I'm just glad you're safe. Don't worry about keeping me up, I was having an odd dream myself." Konata said.
"Wanna talk about it?" Tony smiled.
"Petals." Konata said.
"Pedals? Like, bike pedals? Flower petals?" Tony asked.
"Flower petals." Konata said.
"What about them?" Tony asked.
"They were everywhere. Tony... I need to talk to you later. When it's not three in the morning." Konata said.
"No problem Kon-kon, we can talk once we both get up later." Tony smiled and hung up the phone.
"So you're okay?" Masutā sighed and smiled.
"Yeah, I'm alright. Thanks for checking on me." Tony smiled.
"No problem Otōto. Sleep well." Masutā smiled.
"You too bro." Tony smiled. The three, Masutā, Tony, and Konata, all went back to sleep.
POV Kagami
Water. There was water everywhere. Oddly, the water wasn't the normal color of water. It was cobalt blue, the same color as Konata's hair. Kagami tried to look around, tried to call out, but everything she could see, anything she could say, was swallowed by the ocean around her. She was drowning.
"Kagami..." Kagami heard call out. Odd, it didn't sound right for some reason. "Kagami..." She heard again. Who was that? "Kagami!" The voice sounded almost desperate. Kagami lurched awake and looked over wearily to see Tsukasa, tears suspended in her eyes.
"Tsukasa... You okay?" Kagami asked.
"I... I had a nightmare... Can I..." Tsukasa mumbled. Kagami understood and lifted her covers without hesitation.
"Come on. You wanna tell me about it?" Kagami asked.
"Thanks Onee-chan, but... I just wanna be close to someone right now." Tsukasa mumbled as she climbed into the bed. It wasn't so much someone as it was someone from her dream.
"Well, if you want to tell me, I'll listen." Kagami said.
"Okay Onee-chan. Thanks." Tsukasa smiled.
"It's no problem. By the way, were you calling me by my name?" Kagami asked.
"Yeah, when I called you Onee-chan, you wouldn't wake up." Tsukasa mumbled.
"Ah." Kagami replied. No wonder it didn't sound right, she never calls me by name... The two snuggled into the bed and tried to sleep. Neither had much luck however. It was about twenty minutes of silent tossing and turning before either spoke again.
"Onee-chan?" Tsukasa said in a questioning tone.
"Yes Tsukasa?" Kagami replied.
"Do you think me an Kan-kun go well together?" Tsukasa asked.
"Sure Tsukasa. You two have chemistry." Kagami said.
"Chemistry?" Tsukasa asked, hoping for clarification.
"Yeah, chemistry." Kagami smiled, not giving any further explanation. They were silent again. Kagami was kept up by her thoughts of Konata. "... Tsukasa..." She said uneasily.
"Yes Onee-chan?" Tsukasa replied. Kagami was silent for a while, almost to the point where Tsukasa didn't know if she would say anything else. The Tsundere was trying to think of how to phrase her question.
"Can I... pose a hypothetical question that has nothing to do with anything really?" Kagami asked. This peaked Tsukasa's interest in the subject at hand.
"Sure Onee-chan, what is it?" Tsukasa asked.
"If, say, Miyuki or Konata turned out to be a lesbian... What would you think?" Kagami asked. She was a bit confused about her emotions right now, but she wanted to be sure of Tsukasa's position just in case what she was feeling about Konata was in fact love. After all, the two had just almost kissed... Tsukasa smiled to herself.
"Are they in love Onee-chan?" Tsukasa asked.
"They're... debating on that. You're avoiding my question Tsukasa." Kagami said.
"Not avoiding, just getting more information." Tsukasa smiled. Kagami suddenly wondered if she had said too much. "I would support them all the same, and love them just as much as I always have." Tsukasa said.
"Ah. Okay, thanks Tsukasa. Just so you know, I'm intending on asked them the same thing." Kagami lied. She didn't want her sister to think this had anything to do with her. Tsukasa giggled in her head at how obvious her sister was being.
YES! She's totally feeling the love! I just know it! Tsukasa cheered in her head. "Okay Onee-chan. Good night." Tsukasa smiled.
"Good night." Kagami said back. The two snuggled in closer to the bed. Tsukasa tossed and turned for a while more, but sleep refused to come to her. She turned again and this time came face to face with Kagami, said Tsundere's eyes open and staring at her twin. Tsukasa jumped a bit.
"Sorry Onee-chan, I just can't get to sleep..." Tsukasa mumbled, a little scared for the punishment she would receive. Kagami looked scary in the dark.
"It's okay Tsukasa. Is it that nightmare?" Kagami asked. Tsukasa shrunk a bit and nodded. Kagami sighed. She hated seeing her sister like this.
"Onee-chan, could you...?" Tsukasa trailed off. Kagami smiled.
"Of course." She nodded. Tsukasa smiled and closed her eyes, snuggling her head into the pillow. Kagami sat up a little and started running her fingers through her twin's hair as she started to sing in a soothing voice.
"I love you. A bushel and peck.
A bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck.
Hug around the neck, and a barrel and a heap.
Barrel and a heap and I'm talkin' in my sleep.
About you~." Kagami sang softly.
"About you~.
'Cause I love you. A bushel and a peck.
You bet your pretty neck I do~." Kagami smiled.
"Doodle, oodle, oodle,
Doodle, oodle, oodle,
Doodle, oodle, oodle, doo." Kagami sang, still petting Tsukasa. The younger girl seemed to be comforted as she usually was when Kagami sang this particular song. And so Kagami continued to sing until Tsukasa fell asleep, which luckily didn't take long. Tsukasa seemed at peace now and Kagami snuggled in again. Soon the both of them were fast asleep.
POV Konata
Konata woke up and yawned, stretching. She instantly remembered what she wanted to tell Tony. She picked up her phone and clicked 5 on her speed dial. It rang a few times before Tony picked up.
"Hello?" Tony asked roughly.
"Hey Kan-kan, wanna come over to my house? I'll make you breakfast." Konata offered.
"Kon-kon? Wow, when I said when we woke up, you really meant when we woke up. What's up?" Tony asked.
"I kinda wanna talk about it in person." Konata said.
"Understood. That's alright, I've gotta get up anyway and whatever I eat over here would suck compared to what you would make. Thank you very much, I'll be over as soon as possible." Tony said.
"Thanks. I'll see you when you get here." Konata hung up. She got up, got dressed and was out of her room quickly. She sighed in relief that neither her father nor Yutaka were up yet. She got an apron on and started cooking, figuring maybe she could get done before Tony got there. She had the rice prepared and had started on the soup when a knock came at the door. Konata ran over and opened it to reveal Tony, who sniffed the air.
"Smells delicious from here." Tony said. Konata smiled and welcomed him in. "So what's the occasion?" Tony asked as he sat in the kitchen.
"I just needed to talk to you. Something... crazy happened yesterday." Konata said. Tony lifted an eyebrow.
"Oh?" Tony asked. Konata put rice in front of him. "Thank you for the food." Tony smiled.
"Well... Yesterday, Kagami gave me a nickname." Konata said.
"Insane, I could never, ever see her doing anything like that in a million years." Tony smirked.
"I didn't finish." Konata pouted as she took the rice away. Tony grasped in the air as his food was taken away, his stomach growling.
"I'll be good." Tony said. Konata replaced the rice, which Tony started to eat before it could be taken again.
"She also admitted that she liked it when I hug her." Konata smiled as she finished the soup. She put it on the table. "And she said she liked Yuri. Tell me what you think so far." Konata asked as she saw Tony had a large amount of rice in his mouth.
"I have a mouthful at the moment, but I'll try my best." Tony mumbled out.
"That's what she said." Konata responded. "On a scale of your brother to Tsukasa." Konata offered a scale to judge her food.
"You're way closer to Tsu-chan then to Masutā." Tony chuckled.
"Thanks." Konata giggled. "That isn't it though." Konata said as she sat down herself and started to eat.
"What else happened?" Tony asked. "So far it sounds like that was quite a successful venture."
"Well... I asked her how she would know when she fell in love." Konata said. Tony stopped eating.
"And?" He asked.
"Well, after naming a number of things, she asked me." Konata said. "I told her and started getting lost in the moment..." Konata mumbled. Tony had put down his chopsticks and was looking at Konata with an intense stare. "I almost kissed her." Konata admitted. Tony cheered.
"And how did she react?" Tony asked.
"Her alarm to leave went off before we made contact. The thing is... she didn't pull away until her alarm went off." Konata said.
"Sounds like she's realizing her feelings for you." Tony smiled.
"How do you know though? She could have just been too stunned to push me away. She could have hated me if I had actually kissed her!" Konata shouted. Tony chuckled.
"Man, you put up a cool front, but you're just one big bunch of nerves, ain'tcha?" Tony asked.
"Little bit." Konata pouted.
"Konata, I'm sure Kagami has feelings for you. She just needs to realize it. In my mind, it's not a matter of if she'll return your feelings, it's when. It seems like it's gonna happen soon. So don't worry so much." Tony said reassuringly.
"Thanks..." Konata smiled. "Wanna help?" She looked up.
"In any way possible Kon-kon." Tony smiled.
"Glad to hear you say that. Do you remember what you did to me and Misakichi?" Konata asked. Tony got a bit uncomfortable.
"Yes." Tony nodded.
"Do you think you could do that to Kagami without her knowing?" Konata asked. Tony's expression turned a bit more somber.
"Yes I could." Tony answered.
"Tell me how she feels!" Konata said. Tony seemed to contemplate the request.
"Konata... I'm sorry. That isn't fair." Tony said. "You can't just DO that. It isn't fair. It isn't right."
"Says who? They're your powers, and you can use them how you want!" Konata argued, having not expected Tony to reject her request.
"Would you want me to tell Kagami about your feelings?" Tony asked. Konata sighed.
"I guess not... But the information is still there! You can figure out how Tsukasa feels about you!" Konata said. Tony sighed.
"I'll admit, the thought has tempted me. The information may be there, but it isn't mine to take. You remember how violated you felt when I accidentally did the same to you?" Tony said.
"Arg! You're too honorable Kan-kan. It's revolting." Konata sighed. "And I cooked you breakfast." Konata pouted.
"And it was delicious. But I'm sorry Konata, there are some secrets that must only be told by the secret keeper." Tony said.
"Fine. I get it..." Konata sighed. "Well, let's go see them I guess!" Konata got up after they finished their breakfast.
"Let's." Tony smiled as he got up.
POV Hiiragis
Tsukasa got up and yawned. She rubbed her eyes and looked over towards the door to see Kagami, arms folded and leaning on the frame of the door. The word badass came to mind, but Tsukasa quickly scolded herself for allowing such profanity to enter her head. The fact that Kagami had also gotten out of the bed, over Tsukasa, and over to the door without waking her twin up was pretty surprising too.
"Morning Onee-chan." Tsukasa smiled.
"Good morning Tsukasa. I'm feeling rather triumphant." Kagami smiled.
"Why's that?" Tsukasa asked.
"I woke up first AND got over here before you." Kagami grinned.
"I didn't know that mattered to you Onee-chan." Tsukasa smiled. Kagami blushed in embarrassment.
"Well, it really doesn't, it's just nice to know I can still do it." She explained. "I'm not losing my touch, ya know?"
"Yeah, I guess I understand." Tsukasa got up.
"It's a good thing you woke up though, I was a bit bored waiting." Kagami said.
"Well, if I hadn't woken up, I'd still be sleeping." Tsukasa said. She blushed much like her sister had when Kagami started giggling. The two left the room and walked into the kitchen. "Onee-chan..." Tsukasa mumbled.
"Hm?" Kagami hummed quizically.
"I need to find a way to get Kan-kun to fall for me..." Tsukasa mumbled. Kagami grinned.
"Why don't we think on that over juice?" Kagami asked. Tsukasa nodded.
"Alrighty!" She chimed. She opened the refrigerator after getting a cup to see what they had. None of them seemed to appeal to her over the others, but suddenly she got an idea. Why don't I mix them! She smiled. She grabbed out three of the juices that she felt would make a tasty combination and started to mix them into a hopefully good mixture. As she finished pouring the third liquid, a thought struck her. ...That's it. She smiled. That's how I get him! She cheered in her head. "Onee-chan, I have the most perfect idea!" Tsukasa shouted.
"Oh really? What is it?" Kagami asked.
"Well..." Tsukasa smiled widely.
Luckier Channel
"Luckier~! Channel~!" Akira shouted. "Hiya Luckies! I'm your navigator, Akira Kogami~!"
"And I'm the assistant, Minoru Shiraishi. So what have we got today Akira?" Minoru asked.
"Nothing!" Akira shouted.
"Hey Akira. We've got a delivery for ya!" The man who always makes deliveries shouted, coming onto the camera screen only long enough to hand Akira a letter.
"Thank-you Thank-you! Let's see here, it looks thick..." Akira said as she turned the letter upside down and all around, as if she had never seen the likes of it before.
"Open it up Akira!" Minoru shouted, ignoring the perfect "That's what she said" moment.
"Alrighty!" Akira took a knife from under the counter.
What the hell was that doing under there? Minoru thought as a pang of fear ran through him. Akira slid the knife across the top of the letter, allowing it to open. She squeezed the sides of it together so she could better look at it's contents. Her hands began to shake. "Akira?" Minoru asked. Akira turned to Minoru and held the letter so he could see. His eyes widened. "How much is that?"
"I dunno..." Akira fished through the contents to find an actual letter in her letter. She opened it. "Dear Akira, my apologies for not getting this to you last chapter, but the time restraint kept it from being delivered on time. A fan wanted you to have this on the condition that you don't let your mother lay a finger on it... I hope it helps and that you'll continue to contribute your acting talents to my story in the future. I have high hopes that you'll stay with me after twenty nine chapters and until the "end" of this story... Signed: Acsuperman." Akira read aloud. She pulled the money out and a little note fell out. She picked it up as well and read it. "The fan, however, gave American currency, so I took the liberty of exchanging it for you. Find enclosed: 77,794,637 ¥." Akira read from the note. She sat there for a moment, in a daze from the events that had just transpired. She took some of the money out and started to count it with a gingerly touch, as if she feared she would somehow break it.
*Music Tone*
"Um, Akira?" Minoru asked. Akira wouldn't talk. "Well, I guess that's all for today then! We'll see you all next week! Bye nii!" Minoru shouted.
"..."
"Akira, you okay?" Minoru asked.
"Huh? Yeah. I'm okay. If I'm right though, in American currency, this would literally be a million dollars that someone just gave me. That's insane..." Akira mumbled.
"I suppose I can understand that..."
*End*
Aftersection
Bwahahaha! I just referenced something that was updated today! BOO YEAH! Anyway, now that that is out of my system... What did you all think? I was thinking of adding another section to the end of certain chapters. Ask Hachiman! You see, these explanations (like the one about consciousness and such in this chapter) are things that I know some of you probably don't care for. So, at the end of the chapter, I'll have Hachiman explain what it is and how it is so that it doesn't clutter the chapter for those of you who don't care about it. If the explanation is only a few lines, I'll go ahead leave it in, but if it's drawn out like this one, I might just make it a separate section completely. Do you guys realize that this chapter puts me almost within 30,000 words of my target? RezleVettems' full Lucky series is 242,769 words. Mine is 211,147 words. Holy crap, I'm no where close to finishing this story! The couples haven't freaking gotten together yet! When they do, that's probably half the story! HALF! This story isn't going to be longest by a little, it's might go as far as to double the current champ! Sweet baby Jesus, this is going to be longer then the series itself, it might already be... I hope you guys will stick with me through the journey. Anyway, a big thank you to one Flygon Master! Thanks for your help! And thanks to all of you who read this story and review, all 28 of you!
