A/N: Thanks for reading and reviewing. Though now i have another grammar Nazi on my back, i won't drop this story like some other story of mine. I would agree that if the grammar is fixed, the story would be much more enjoyable to read. It would also make things prettier, but there are problems. One problem is i don't have the time to fix every single grammar mistake. Two, there are some parts which require me to 'throw' the entire grammar rule book out the window in order to achieve a certain effect. Three, i am not getting any prizes or rewards for fixing grammar mistakes since this isn't an official published work and merely a fanfiction, therefore there is no incentive to correct the mistakes.
This is not to say that i tolerate a lot of grammar mistakes. I try to fix those that are obviously wrong, but due to the above reasons, i will not get them all. Try to be patient and just make any correction in your mind. Thanks.
One more thing to note, in the previous chapter, the larger factory is called "Big Site", which is suppose to be taken from the actual place in Japan. But in Japan, they call it "Big Sight". I'm not sure if it is simply Engrish or just the way they want it to be. But i'm sticking to the name "Big Site" since it suits Guild better.
Angel Beats!
What We Die For
Chapter 29
The lost Day-dreamer
The entire time at the table was simply nerve wrecking for me. I mean, i'm sitting opposite the guy who makes my heart want to jump out of my chest. To make matters worse, Yuuko was having too much fun at my expense. She would try to reveal this little secret to Akira, which i seriously do no want him to know. I mean, i barely know him and now this? JUST HOW FAST OF A PLOT IS THIS? We had finished our meal and Yuuko wanted to inspect the progress of the Big Site, so Akira was bringing her to the main factory. Obviously, Len and i came along. Still, watching Akira and Yuuko walking side by side and being all friendly with each other really grated my nerves. Jealously... it was a strange and very painful feeling. 'Unpleasant' would be an understatement. The bitterness at the back of my throat wasn't settling down at all. Why did i have to feel this?
"Kuro-chii, you're putting up a very scary aura."
Yuuko smirked while she inspected some of the newer parts of the factory.
"And i wonder whose fault is that?"
"Te-he~"
"'Te-he~' my ass."
I can't believe she still has the guts to act dumb and childish.
"Maa, maa, i apologize for that. As repayment, why don't we go do something fun?"
Yuuko suggested, though i highly doubt her definition of fun is the same as mine. Her definition of fun probably involves high explosives and explosions from said explosives. It also would include demolishing the entire school of this Afterlife.
"Hey, Akii, how are the progress for 'that' special project?"
Yuuko turned to Akira, who scratched his head in thought.
"Well... we're still missing a few things."
"EH? How could you? I tasked you to complete this job! I thought i could trust you!"
Yuuko cried out in a rather dramatic manner while grabbing onto Akira's collar and nearly lifting the guy up into the air.
"Yuuko! Put him down!"
"Kuro-chii, you don't get it. That project! That project was the only reason i was going to come down for!"
Yuuko wailed out like some cheap opera singer. But i don't care! Put Akira down! He's choking!
"B-but! There's just too much to do!"
Akira protested, which caused Yuuko to strangle him even more.
"Yuuko! Put him down! Len! Help me!"
I turn to Len, who seemed to be enjoying the scene a little. Len nodded to my request and immediately ran at Yuuko, doing a clothesline move on the boss of Guild without hesitation. Using her arm, biceps muscles in particular, Len hit Yuuko directly in the throat, knocking the wind out of her and forcing her to let go Akira. Akira collapsed to the ground while Len was busy making sure Yuuko was pinned. I helped Akira to sit up, supporting him while he catches his breath. By being so close to him, and supporting him up, i could feel that under his overalls, Akira had quite a well-built body.
"Akira, are you alright?"
I turn to Akira who was coughing slightly.
"Y-yeah... Thanks, Kurogane-san."
"Still, what is this project that Yuuko's talking about? Something more important than the factory?"
I ask as strange ideas start to come in mind. A giant robot is one of those weird idea.
"Ah... not really. The boss asked us to build an onsen."
My mind blanked out at that moment.
"... Excuse me?"
"Yeah. She was whining about wanting one for ages. Since the position of the larger factory is directly under the school's main water supply."
Akira explained, getting to his feet.
"Since the school's water and food supply are endless, we can tap into it without affecting the supply for the school, thus not alerting any of the school's authorities to our actions down here."
"... So that is Yuuko's pet project."
I can't believe i had my hopes up for something like a giant robot.
"Well, it isn't that bad, actually. If you think about, building an onsen would get the members a place to relax and relieve stress. It would probably be a good thing to have to better unify the SSS2."
Well, what he said did have a point. However it wasn't really necessary for the SSS2, right? But the SSS2 was now weakened with Tetsuya of the diversion division gone, and after we lost a lot of capable fighters during that night. Guild was the main sign of the decay of structure. Rebels and dissenters were growing ever more common. Yuki was right that if Yuuko could not control her men properly, everything would come falling apart. So how is a hot spring suppose to help? Well, since Akira agreed to do it quite willingly, i guess i should just trust his judgement.
"So Yuuko demanded it, but she's being quite unreasonable to demand it done so quickly."
"Actually... the boss commissioned me to do it for two years already."
Akira laughed weakly as he said something extremely incredible.
"... Two... years?"
Just how long has Yuuko been wanting this hot-springs? I think i can now understand why she's so angry at it still being incomplete.
"Well, the digging part isn't the problem. We can tap into the water lines any time. However when we do tap into it, the authorities would know about it immediately. We tried to get the diversion division team on it, and Tetsuya was the one who would pull it off. But as you know, Tetsuya's missing and we can't make a move until all eyes above ground are away from the waterlines the moment we hit them."
"Diversion..."
Again with the diversion division. A lot of breaking down because they cannot function as a unit any more. Yuki did say that she wanted me to help out with the diversion division. So sooner or later this hot spring would be finished. The only question is when. If the diversion division isn't able to draw the attention properly, the student council and the discipline committee would discover the underground network of tunnels and the two factories. The SSS2 would crumble without Guild. This was a delicate situation. We need weapons to defend against the Shadows, and we cannot harm the NPCs. Although NPCs would eventually transform into Shadows, everyone knows that, it is easier to fight an enemy that did not look like a human being, than it is to actually fight an NPC who looks, talks and behaves like a human. You can rationalize harming them, but you can only go so far before your mentality breaks down and you lose yourself to insanity.
"Humans can only kill another human once. Any more than that and he is a monster, a beast wearing the skin of a human."
This was what Shiki told me. Humans kill other humans for many reasons. For wealth, greed, or revenge. Humans are the only creatures who would kill their own species for things that isn't directly related to survival. Acting upon pure emotions or human-made wealth. Humans are certainly ugly creatures. Back to the problem at hand, however, was that the hot springs cannot be made if the Diversion team doesn't move.
"... Akira, do you want this onsen done?"
I ask him.
"Well, it certainly would help. The members down here are stressed out working day and night. A good relaxation would certainly help them, and me."
"... I see. Okay, i'll see what i can do. Come on, Len, let's go."
I turned to Len, who was getting off the unconscious Yuuko. Who knows what Len did to her.
"Kurogane-san? 'See what you can do'... you don't mean-"
"It's not like i'm doing this for you. Yuki asked me to do something about the diversion division. Since i'm going there, i might as well help you out with this project."
I replied, walking off with Len following behind. Really, i hate myself for not being honest.
Being back on the surface was somewhat nice. The feel of the cool breeze, the blast of fresh air, and nothing was hot and sweaty or dark. However as expected, Yuki had put me to work almost immediately. She had managed to assemble a small group from the Diversion division who were willingly to band together to try to get their division back in order. For now, i'm to meet their current temporary leader.
"So who are we suppose to meet?"
Len asked, following me as we head from the staff building of Fort towards the gymnasium to meet the assembled group. Note that we're walking since using a bike would attract a lot of unwanted attention. Can't say the same for the way Len almost wanted to bring along all of her guns. This is a diversion division mission, so minimal weapons only. Although Len was part of Ein's assault division, Yuki temporarily 'borrowed' her. I don't need to go into detail for others to understand just what happened. I look at the scrap piece of paper Yuki gave me. On it was simply a name. However it was some kanji that i wasn't used to reading.
"... Kinoji... Awase."
Len read the paper as she leaned over to take a look.
"... Is that how you read this kanji?"
The last name is in katakana, so that was easy. But the surname was something more difficult to read.
"Ah... there are a lot of ways to read this kanji. But being a former yankee, i can more or less guess."
That isn't something to be proud of, Len. And guessing what someone's name is suppose to be is a little rude. The two of us reached the gym and stepped inside, finding a whole group of people had gathered. About twenty boys and girls were all standing idly around with no real idea of what was going on. For now, let's look for Kinoji Awase.
"Is Kinoji-san here?"
I raised my voice slightly to let everyone hear it. Everyone turned to look me for a moment, then to each other. For two whole minutes, no reply. Not a sound was made.
"... That's odd. I thought Kinoji-san was suppose to be here."
I sigh, looking at the piece of paper. Maybe Len got the name wrong.
"You're looking for Awase?"
A student suddenly spoke up.
"Ah, that's right. Is she here?"
The student nodded, and pointed over to the stage where a rather sleepy girl was sitting, swaying left and right as though she would just collapse on the stage right then and there.
"You might need this."
The student passed me what appears to be a canister with a horn attached to it. One of those loud signallers that are sometimes used to signal the start of an event or a race.
"She's often day-dreaming and sleepy that we're just amazed she's still standing."
The guy sighed. I thanked him and walked towards the stage. Kinoji Awase. A young girl with slightly untidy chestnut brown hair that went slightly past her shoulders. Her thin frame was rather unsuited for battle, and her pale smooth skin clearly showed that she either did not go into battle at all, or had very good skin care products.
"... Kinoji-san?"
I ask, not really wanting to use the horn. Awase swayed slightly to the right, her mouth smiling a little. Ah, a drool. What sort of dream is she having?
"Kinoji-san? Are you awake?"
I tried to shake her, but all i did was make her head bobble all around like a bobble head doll. Do i really have to use this horn? I look to the other members, who were all covering their ears already. They probably knew that i would have to use the horn eventually. Looking at the small canister, i felt slightly unsure about this entire set-up. I mean, i looked at the lable on the can and it said exactly this, 'SUPER STRENGTH BLASTER HORN, MADE BY YUUKO, BOSS OF THE UNDERWORLD'. Anything made by Yuuko is most likely unstable. I stood a good distance away, stretching out my arm with the horn and cringed as i pressed the can. The horn gave a loud sound that nearly made me die! Forget going deaf, i was lucky my head didn't explode right there and then. What is this horn? Super strength? More like monster strength. That can nearly flew out of my hand!
"Hmm~? Is it morning already?"
I look up and saw that Awase was rubbing her eyes and yawning. Like she just woke up. Just woke up... great. We've got a sleepy head for a temporary head. Is this really going to be alright?
"Awase, it's already evening."
One of the guys said.
"Ah, really? Hmm... where's dinner?"
Most of the students laughed at that, though i wasn't.
"Those two came here looking for you."
The student pointed to Len and i. Awase looked at me with a sleepy smile, her eyes showing her fatigue. She just slept and she's still tired?
"Ah... you must be Kurogane... Yuki sent you, right?"
"That's right. So you're the temporary leader of the Diversion division, Kinoji Awase?"
Awase nodded with her out-of-it smile. Then she froze. Her head tilted slightly, her smile still sleepy. She wasn't moving for a full two minutes. Suddenly i noticed that she had actually fallen asleep again. A bubble from her nose and drool from her mouth were clear indications of that very sleep.
"... This is getting nowhere. Are you sure she's suppose to be the leader?"
Len asked, clearly not impressed. I'm not too sure if Yuki got the right person for the job. Still, i need to get this task done. Akira was waiting for the operations to begin so that he can start on the hot springs. I turn to the guy who handed me the horn.
"Do you guys have another leader?"
"Not really. Everyone pretty much goes about their own ways and Awase is the only person to actually form a sizeable group from the scattered Diversion members. She may not look like it, but she knows what she's doing."
He replied. You got one thing right, she sure doesn't look like she can do anything. Does she even know anything that she's doing at the moment? I heaved a sigh, thinking that this is useless. There wasn't anything we can do for today. I climbed up onto the stage and faced the gathered students.
"It's getting late, and since Kinoji-san is currently... occupied, we'll have to start our operations tomorrow. Report back here tomorrow at 9. That's all."
The students started to mumble and disperse, leaving me, Len, and the sleeping Awase.
"What now?"
Len asked, her stomach grumbling slightly.
"For now, let's try to wake Kinoji-san up. It's almost dinner time and if the student council sees us here-"
"DINNER?"
Awase's sudden burst of energy made me jump, right off the stage. That caused me to land ungracefully on my butt.
"Ara~? Kurogane-chan, what are you doing on the floor?"
Awase asked innocently.
"... What do you think?"
"Hmm... You need more calcium. Ah! I know, let's all go eat dinner together!"
Awase seemed to be extremely happy about that idea, and before either Len or i could protest, we were dragged off by Awase, whose sudden burst of energy only seemed to be fuelled by her hunger. If anyone is driven by hunger, you know that isn't a good thing.
"Hmm~ this place has such nice niku-udon."
Awase smiled as she ate her bowl of noodles. Slurping up a few noodles, she seemed to have the face of pure ecstasy.
"Ahhhh~ taste of happiness."
Awase sighed with pure bliss in her eyes. While i sat there with my ramen, thinking about how to deal with this person, Len was busy trying to find a way to eat her meal. The super spicy dynamite mabo tofu. Apparently, Len was accidentally knocked against by two assault members who were playfully shoving each other. The result was Len's finger accidentally pressing the order for mabo tofu, and that the two assault members were sent to the infirmary with heavy bruising and broken bones. One of them died on the spot as Len performed a pile-driver move and the other died later, since Len did a german suplex on him before kicking him in the place where men do not want to be kicked.
"... You don't have to eat it, you know."
I look to Len who was poking her food with her spoon, sweat dripping down her brows and her eyes glaring at the offensive plate of food. It was like she was trying to defuse a bomb. Well, in most cases it probably was a bomb.
"But... i'm hungry."
Len's mouth was drooling, her stomach growling in defiance of her instincts. Just seeing that red coloured dish was more than enough to deter my hunger, though. After what Ein did to my ramen the other day, i'm steering way clear from any and all spicy food.
"... Here i go."
Len grabbed a spoon full of that red lava and shoved it in her mouth. It did not take even a second before Len screamed out in pain.
"GAAAAAHHH!"
With fire literally spewing from her swollen lips, Len began running around for water. Instead of water, however, someone took a fire extinguisher and shot it straight at Len. Well, she would be out of it for awhile. I turn back Awase, seeing her still showing her blissful face. I noticed a familiar figure behind Awase, and realized that it was Takako. However Takako was motionless, face in her bowl. Was she alive? Or just a corpse. A full minute in, Takako finally got back up, her face dripping with soup and bits of food. That's disgusting. But somehow or rather, she finished her bowl of food, placed it on top of a pile of empty dishes that were sitting next to her, and ran off to get another plate of food. That girl can sure eat. I guess different people have different tastes in what they find pleasure and joy in.
"Are you not eating?"
Awase asked, looking at my bowl while her mouth was drooling. I look down at my bowl, seeing as i had eaten about a quarter of it already and was full from eating those snacks down in Guild. I guess after that bowl of niku-udon, Awase was still hungry. I passed my bowl to her, though i was rather regretting that decision. Though i may be full, i still loved ramen.
"Really? I can have it?"
"... Sure."
Eat it before i regret it to the point i would grab it back. I took a drink while watching Awase literally demolish my bowl of food. She really was hungry.
"... So what are the plans for tomorrow?"
I ask, placing the cup down on the table.
"Tomorrow? Oh, the diversion. Well... Yuki-san asked me to deal with the club activities. During the weapons and ammunition shortage, a lot of members went about stealing things from the various clubs."
Awase started. I know about this theft of club equipments, i was one of them. Although i did take a bow from the archery club, i accidentally took a male bow, which weighs more than a female bow. About twenty kilograms.
"In order to get the student council and discipline committee off our backs, we're going in to say that we're planning of expanding our own club activities. So Yuki sent in a letter of challenge to every club we stole from. If we win, we keep the equipments and they let us use their things in the future."
Yuki did what? Heh, should have known that she wouldn't sit still. But to write a letter of challenge to every club? Is she nuts? Who knows how many clubs there are in this school? More than i care to count, that's for sure.
"And if we lose?"
"Well, if we lose, we would return all equipment and would have to do the club chores for a month."
"... You have got to be kidding me."
A month? That's too long! What sort of cruel punishment does Yuki think she can dish out to us? The stakes are too high! And not to mention the odds are against us! We're going up against regulars! NPCs who are probably programmed to do nothing but that single activity! And we're going into challenge them on their own home turf? There are limits to what we can do, even if we can't die in this damn World.
"Hmm... Well, just do your best."
"... Can i ask about something?"
I remembered about the hot springs.
"Sure. Ask me anything."
Awase smiled, her words still sounding sleepy and out-of-it. But at least she was wide awake. Or at least i hoped so.
"Guild wants to tap into the main water supply. We need to create a distraction. Do you know how?"
Awase cocked her head sideways, squinting her eyes as she contemplated on it. Was thinking really that hard?
"We could go all-out guns blazing. But that would lead to more trouble."
Awase said. Well, of course guns-blazing would be bad.
"The other way, is to get the student council to look at us only. We can achieve it if we make a huge ruckus tomorrow with the clubs. Just in case, i'll get some members to attend classes and make some noise there. I think that should distract the student council long enough for Guild to do their thing."
I sat there, a little surprised and dumbfounded when i heard Awase say all of that. Was this the same Awase who was sleeping constantly and didn't seem to be all too reliable? Just who is this person?
"Hm? Is there something on my face?"
"... No."
I'm just a little shocked, that's all. Awase was actually saying proper things. Maybe Yuki and that other student was right. Awase might be the right person for the job to take over head of Diversion division. But still, her constant habit of day-dreaming and sleeping might be a problem. Perhaps what the Diversion division needs is not one, but two leaders. Since the division's range of activities are so wide and varied, it might be better to split up the division into two groups. Like most divisions, there are different squads in the Diversion division, but unlike the other divisions, the type of people and the things each squad does contrast each other so much that i'm surprised that Tetsuya even managed to keep the entire division together as he did.
"Hmm~ that was really filling. Oh well, we'll continue this tomorrow."
Awase smiled, pushing the bowl to the side where her other empty bowl was.
"Good night, Kurogane-...zzzz."
"DON'T SLEEP HERE!"
