2

A Sound Off

Moving away from Hinamizawa was sad, but not as bad as it might have been. The place was unrecognizable, and her friends acted like they hardly knew her - as was the truth here. Though she'd been frightened to go to a new area, Satoshi was with her. As so were her parents, who she was becoming slowly attached to as well. They really did have quite the nice family, a stark contrast from many previous fragments. The city they moved to wasn't nearly as fun or open as Hinamizawa, but Satoko found some solace in arcades instead of wandering around the wilderness exploring and setting traps.

As Satoshi grew old enough, he decided to go to a university. That brought about lonely feelings, and Satoko thought about making an exit then, though it remained a passing thought. Somehow, she'd grown used to this world. Meal time with her family, cleaning, studying the drab concepts at her high school in an environment far less intense than the boarding school, having distant yet amiable relationships with her classmates, having fun at the arcades - she'd gotten into it, a routine she was unmotivated to break. Perhaps this world without Rika was tolerable, acceptable even.

Visiting the arcade one day, Satoko frowned as she realized she'd run out of coins. Instead of playing the games herself, she walked around and observed others. "Hm?" Satoko's eyes focused on the girl in front of her, about her current age, leaning over a fighting game. It couldn't be-

As she got closer, she realized that of course it wasn't. This girl's hairstyle somewhat resembled the 'princess' cut that Rika had sported, but was overall more casual, pulled up partially. Though Hinamizawa's princess hadn't been seen in many years of loops, Satoko could easily recognize that this unknown person's face didn't match Rika's at all. Would Rika have enjoyed these arcades? Satoko considered it briefly before her thoughts faded into watching the game.

"Oh, my," Satoko said as the girl lost against the computer player. "It seems this game isn't your forte." Satoko even laughed the same as the old days, when one of her friends was struggling in a game. Doing so put her in a good mood, though she soon considered that this person could take things the wrong way. "Excuse me," Satoko said as the girl stared at her with a raised eyebrow. "I only meant to offer my own assistance."

"Maybe if you can beat me," the girl said.

"Oh dear," Satoko went into her pocket in an exaggerated gesture. "It appears I've run out of money. I apologize."

The girl put a coin on the machine, motioning toward it before getting out another coin.

"W-Wait," Satoko said. As her challenger looked her way, Satoko's voice shook more as she spoke. "I meant I know the basics... Not that I'm an expert," she said. "You don't have to pay for me."

The girl smirked. "Show me the basics if you win. If not, I'll have that satisfaction."

Well, she'd been warned. Satoko took the coin and joined as player two. She picked the character she was most familiar with, and soon enough, trounced the girl that had made the challenge. Afterward, Satoko couldn't help but laugh out loud again, reminded of her sweet victories in the club. "I told you," she said, sure not to brag too much. "Despite my own inexperience, it seems there's much I can teach... If I feel like it."

"Can you come tomorrow?" the girl asked. "I have to go now, but I really want to get better."

"Oh?" Satoko stopped her show of bravado. So she was serious. "Well... That's fine," Satoko agreed. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Satoko. What can I call you?"

"I'm Riko."

Satoko remained silent a moment before nodding. "It's very nice to meet you, Riko-san."

The next day, Satoko waited at the same arcade. It wasn't just for the person from yesterday. It wasn't as if she hadn't frequented this place to start. Even so, she didn't usually just stand around worrying about who was there and who wasn't while watching the door. How annoying to do so now. Well, she didn't have to waste her time waiting for a person who may never return. She could play and have fun. Satoko chose her favorite game, getting in line for a turn.

"Satoko!" the girl greeted. Hearing her name and feeling her shoulder jostled, Satoko jumped in surprise. "Sorry," Riko said, grinning widely. "I wasn't sure you'd be here, um... Is it alright if I just call you Satoko?"

"It's fine," Satoko said. They'd only introduced themselves by their given names, and it wasn't too out of the question that they'd be more casual, especially in a setting like this. Besides, Satoko liked it in a way. She blurted out the next sentence before considering too much why. "I wasn't sure you were really serious either, Riko-san," she said, shaking her head.

"Why not?" Riko frowned. "I really like the game. It looks like fun, it's fun to watch, I just can't figure it out."

"You pounded your fist on the buttons yesterday. I'm not sure that's the best approach," Satoko tittered as she recalled the cute gesture that had signaled the other player's inexperience.

"You use the joystick to go back and forth, then you just hit the buttons harder for a more powerful hit, right?" Riko said, pumping her fist down as she had the previous day.

Satoko couldn't help but laugh again, tapping Riko's shoulders. "I'm sorry, Riko-san, I don't think the force matters much at all, as long as it registers. It's just the buttons do different things." Satoko took the time to explain the basic controls. The other girl's eyes widened with understanding as she listened closer. When the machine was free, they took their own turn. This time, Riko was able to beat Satoko easily. "Oh no... The student surpassed the master already?" Satoko said.

"Can you play again?" Riko asked.

She shook her head and shrugged. "I'll have to decline. This isn't my favorite game, anyway. Congratulations, though there's not much accomplishment in beating me."

"I'd rather beat this annoying guy," Riko said with a sigh. "But he's not here, anyway. So can we play something else? Maybe you can show me your favorite games."

Given the invitation for company, Satoko couldn't help but go and do so. How could she not enjoy herself with Riko's enthusiastic interest in Satoko's favorite parts of the arcade? Besides, when they played the two-player games of Satoko's list of favorites, she won each time, making up for the previous loss.

Riko's enthusiasm didn't waver until later, when she stared at a boy their age who had entered. "That's the one, right?" Satoko asked, hands on her hips. Giving him this much mind, this must be the player she sought to win against.

"...Right," Riko said hesitantly, suddenly short on words.

"Well, don't just sit there staring. Go ahead and beat him!" Satoko goaded.

Riko looked downcast. "I'm not ready, just beating you once," she muttered, turning to the machine they'd met. "Maybe I can pick something up from watching more."

The boy went straight for the machine. Satoko noted with some amusement he also had the habit of pounding his fist on the large buttons, though only some of the time. However, that was the only interesting observation. Just watching him wasn't fun at all, though Riko did so intently, all attention off her new friend.

Satoko sighed, deciding not to care too much. She's already played more than enough that day. "Farewell, Riko-san. I'll be heading home," she said. Riko just silently nodded. How boring. At least they'd had fun a while, even if it was over now.

Except on the next visit, Riko was there. She greeted Satoko with enthusiasm. "Satoko! I hoped I'd see you." Riko had a big smile as she approached. "I've gotten even better at that game. Do you want to see?"

"Riko-san. It's pleasant to see you today. You want to play against me again?" Satoko asked.

"I've leveled up. Watch me play against this boy," Riko waved her hand toward what looked like an elementary schooler.

Satoko followed, watching the matchup. Riko won with apparent ease, cheering out as she did. "Congratulations, a splendid victory," Satoko said.

"You don't have to brag, just because you're old," the boy that had lost spoke.

"Ah-" Riko began, her eyes widening. "I didn't mean to-"

"What's this?" Satoko folded her arms, frowning as she looked down on the sore loser. "Making excuses? A loss is a loss, it doesn't matter what the age of your challenger is. If you were going to boo hoo at losing, why did you bother with the challenge in the first place?" The boy frowned and said nothing as he walked away to sulk. Satoko just smirked, brushing her hair from her eyes.

"I didn't mean to bully a kid or anything," Riko said sheepishly.

"Don't ever apologize for winning," Satoko said firmly. "If you let others' insecurities drag you down, you'll never get better. That boy was just another stepping stone anyway, isn't that right? Don't let him try and have you feel bad for surpassing him, especially since you want to move far beyond his level."

"Satoko." Riko was at a loss for words, but Satoko wasn't about to apologize either, and turned away before the other girl's hands rested on her shoulders. "You're so ruthless! I love it!"

She loved it? Of course, Satoko enjoyed the sentiment, though something about it vaguely seemed like it couldn't be trusted. She decided to laugh loudly to drown out that feeling. "Well, Riko-san, you may have surpassed me in this game, but it appears I still have much to teach you! The art of winning it itself, perhaps!"

Riko giggled as well. "Thanks so much, Satoko. I'd like to learn," she said as her hand fished into her pocket. "Let's play your favorite racing game. My treat!"

Who could refuse that kind of offer? Satoko happily accepted being dragged over to the racing game. Upon winning, Satoko was sure to laugh loudly and tease Riko. The other girl didn't find her obnoxious at all, in fact, laughed right along with her. They enjoyed playing a few more times with others, bantering with those they won and lost against. Satoko left in a good mood that day, but was pleased to repeat the events the next. Soon enough, it became a regular routine.

How fun it was to have a cheerful friend to play and joke around with. Even her other friends in this fragment had been so drab, concerned with boring things. Satoko didn't hate them, but Riko was the kind of exciting person she'd rather spend her time around. Even better, Riko seemed just as happy to be around Satoko.

It only got boring when the boy Riko had declared her rival enter. Then Riko would get solum, apparently caught up in whatever thoughts she had about him. Satoko couldn't goad her new friend out of it either. So if he showed up, the fun time was basically over. "Well, Riko-san," Satoko began one day as Riko stared intently at the machine she'd been practicing and beating so many other boys at. "I'm afraid I have to-"

"Satoko," Riko began seriously. "I'm going to challenge him at last."

Oh? Finally, something new. Satoko nodded. "Well, well, I'll have to see then. Go for it!" she encouraged.

Riko nodded back, walking over to her target. "Tanaka-san, I'm-" Riko began, the one she was speaking to turning from her. She waited while he spoke to another boy. "Tanaka-san, I really want to-" Riko was again interrupted, saying nothing as another boy moved into the challenger's spot, and they started the game. "Ta-" Riko began as it finished, just to be ignored again. She looked to the floor, walking away.

"Wait just a minute!" Satoko had meant to speak to Riko in particular, but everyone present looked at her. She might as well take advantage of the attention. Satoko pointed daringly ahead. "Tanaka-san, is it? You ought to pay attention when a lady is speaking to you!"

"A lady?" Tanaka began, wrinkling his nose as he looked at Riko, then back to Satoko. "You two are the most obnoxious people that come here. Who wants to listen to that?"

"Obnoxious? You have no proof of those rude words, do you?" Satoko asked.

"You're always being loud about winning. It's obnoxious," Tanaka continued. "Everyone thinks so."

"Oh, so that's it," Satoko grinned. What he'd meant as an insult was a way for her to wedge in a point. "I understand. You're afraid of what we'll say when you lose to Riko-san, right? Perhaps your ego would never recover."

"As if." Tanaka said. As he attempted to ignore Satoko and speak to someone else, he found them giving attention to her instead. "I don't have to worry about that," Tanaka muttered.

"Of course. If you refuse to play, Riko-san will be denied her righteous victory." Satoko threw her hands in the air. "How sad a boy has to be so much of a coward."

"If you want to go, let's go," Tanaka muttered, turning to the arcade machine.

Satoko went to her friend before she began. "Listen, Riko-san, I'm very invested. I won't accept a loss in this case."

"Thank you, Satoko. I'm just not sure I'm that good yet," Riko said sheepishly.

"Perhaps you're not," Satoko said with a smirk. "But there's other ways to win than just pure talent. A club member- a competitor should do everything they can to win. Have you ever heard the expression, 'all's fair in love and war'?"

"Hurry up," Tanaka shouted.

As Riko went into place and a crowd gathered, Satoko was sure to find a place behind both of them. They put their coins in, and she started speaking. "Oh, look at the character Tanaka-san picked. Does he think he's such a muscley hunk?" She got a few titters and coughs in response to the comment, maybe some of them related too much to the choice. Tanaka won the first round, so something else needed to be tried. Perhaps mentioning something less usual would have a greater effectiveness. "Look at him using his sledge hammer fists on the buttons. It couldn't be... He thinks if he hits it harder the character will hit harder?" Satoko mused. "How silly would that be?"

This time there were more laughs, followed by comments that they'd noticed that little quirk as well. Was it weird? Was Satoko's guess what the talented player really thought? Distracting conversation that Satoko didn't have to work to maintain erupted around them. Not only that, it got Riko's challenger to change his well-established habits. Thinking more hampered his performance. Riko eventually got the upper hand, winning round two, and then three.

Satoko and Riko both cheered loudly, grabbing each other's hands as they jumped in celebration. Satoko noted the loser slink off, and didn't care, but perhaps Riko would. "Oh dear, it seems your win didn't get Tanaka-san to notice you better. Too bad for him."

"Come on," Riko said, looking at their audience before pulling Satoko away. The victor happily accepted the congratulations along the way, then sighed and turned to Satoko once they were outside the arcade, mostly alone. "Satoko, I'm satisfied with this. I don't need to change Tanaka-san."

"Oh? Weren't you trying so hard just to win his favor?" Satoko mused.

"No," Riko shook her head. "I came to arcades just to blow off steam. I like games, and I really wanted to play that fighting game. It looked fun, but I wasn't good right away. When I played against Tanaka-san, he told me I shouldn't even play at all. I didn't want his attention, I just wanted to beat him to get him to stop looking down on me! I wanted to get him to shut up!"

"Is that right?" Satoko raised an eyebrow, then grabbed Riko's hand. "Now he certainly will! I'm sure he'll run the other way when he sees you!" She laughed.

Riko nodded. "Yeah... And besides, I've found better things here. I've got to spend so much time with you, Satoko."

Just hearing her say those words, Satoko felt a spark she'd long forgotten. Certainly, she'd liked being around Riko, and they'd had some fun. But that was all their time together ever seemed to be. Instead, was it a chance for true closeness? Could something long lost be regained, without regaining the impossible person? Could she finally let down her guard and let someone else in?

Satoko embraced the girl in front of her. "Satoko?" Riko exclaimed. She tensed at first in response, then relaxed, hugging Satoko back. Perhaps the public display of affection might be considered too much to some, but not everyone. Why not push it to the next level? Satoko leaned forward, kissing Riko's cheek. Riko giggled in response, and Satoko decided to release her, if only for the moment.

They held each other's hands before Riko finally spoke out. "Well then, why don't we go take advantage of our new status?" she suggested.

"I think I'll enjoy that kind of experience," Satoko said. For the time they had left, they went back into the arcade to play games and bask in Riko's victory.

From then on, Satoko and Riko's interactions weren't just limited to the arcade. Though they went to different schools, they found plenty of other occasions to spend together. Perhaps the latest movie, a visit to the park on a free day. Even just walking around shopping together with no particular goal was something to be looked forward to.

Eventually, Satoko was even invited back to Riko's high rise apartment. It was a much fancier place than Satoko's own, with an expansive view of the city. There, Satoko met her girlfriend's parents. When said parents weren't around, they enjoyed doing things together they wouldn't necessarily in public.

And also studied. That drab activity was best avoided as much as possible. Weren't there far better ways to learn than these unfulfilling, outright inane methods? This thought in mind, Satoko closed her book on an unfinished assignment. Riko looked up from her own work, hearing the slam of the book. "What's wrong, Satoko?" she asked.

"I'm fine, Riko," Satoko assured. "I've just had enough," she added, muttering. She was well over halfway through with being done with the thing, but the more she tried to complete it, the more it dragged and worse she felt.

"Hmph." Riko closed her own books. "If you've had enough, then it's enough. Let's take a break!" Riko took out an interesting card game they hadn't played before. Satoko was somewhat familiar with it from Hinamizawa School's club, and got the upper hand fairly quickly. "You know this game, don't you? Were you teasing me when you said you didn't?" Riko demanded.

"We shouldn't make excuses for losses, isn't that correct?" Satoko asked.

"I won't lose next time," Riko promised. "This time I'll win for sure!"

Satoko laughed at her girlfriend's awkward attempts at cheating, peeking while saying she saw something silly behind Satoko. They really were having a good time. When Riko's mother came home, they stopped, going right back to studying. After the break, Satoko whipped right through the assignment before saying good-bye. Walking home, she realized both herself and Riko were on the same level when it came to studying. It was something necessary they did out of obligation, but there was no need to give more of themselves than necessary. How lucky was she to come across someone who she connected with, on this level and others? She didn't have to worry about anything that had come before.

"Satoko, are you sure you don't want any help?" Riko asked as the visiting Satoko prepared a birthday cake in the kitchen of the apartment. "Did you find what you needed?"

"Do you think I can't handle a simple recipe?" Satoko asked. "Don't fret, I'm perfectly fine. Almost done. There." Satoko set the timer then went to sit beside Riko.

"Do you want to see the pictures from my class trip?" Riko asked.

"Sounds good." Satoko stared out the window at the view as Riko went to get them. "I'm not sure there's anyone else I'd rather spend today with," she thought aloud.

"Me too," Riko said when she came back in. "You're very important to me, Satoko. I told everyone else I'd be busy today, because I wanted this time just with us."

"Well, there was no need for that if you wanted a big party," Satoko said with a shrug. "Happy Birthday again, by the way." Satoko looked at the pictures before the timer went off, then appropriately decorated the cake before serving up two slices fresh for both of them, leaving the rest in the fridge. They ate together, joking about icing on the other's face before they finished.

"Satoko," Riko began after they both finished cleaning up.

"What is it?" Satoko asked. She could tell there was a shift in energy. Riko had tensed up, and had trouble completely meeting her eye. Satoko ran her hand across the girl's face, causing Riko to relax and look at her.

"I wanted to talk alone, about, um, something important," Riko said. She frowned again, clenching her fists in front of her.

"Do go ahead," Satoko invited. Anything that brought Riko that much strain should be gotten out into the open.

Riko nodded. "You see, I got accepted, to the school Mom and Dad wanted me to go to."

Satoko paused. That school was quite a ways away, in a different city. "Will you go?" she asked.

Riko nodded again, staring down at the table. Neither of them said anything for a while, until Riko finally looked up. "I know this means good-bye, probably. I wouldn't expect you to come with me or anything."

"Good-bye?" Satoko repeated.

Riko appeared to hold back tears as she forced out the next words. "I thought about staying... But I can't give up on the dream they have for me. And it's my dream, too. I was happy when I found out... but sad too. I wish I didn't have to leave you behind. I'll really miss you." Riko grabbed Satoko's hand as she finished.

Satoko sat numbly for a moment. She felt her girlfriend's pressure on her hands, but her own hands felt separate from herself. Was she even sitting there, with a girl she'd decided she'd cared for, could make connections with? Was she even Satoko at all?

Staring in Riko's eyes revealed an unfamiliar face. This wasn't Rika, growing up and realizing her sins. This was a stranger, someone that wasn't a part of her life at all. The whole situation was foreign. Why had she thought that she could find, or even just replace, what she'd lost? Riko's name sounded a little familiar, and her hairstyle had been similar to Rika's at first, though the unfamiliar girl had since cut it shorter.

Perhaps Rika and Riko were both cheerful followed by periods of solemness. Riko's cheeriness seemed more effortless and genuine. Meanwhile, Rika was more genuinely depressed at times, while Riko was hesitant and withdrawn only for brief periods. She was more naïve than Rika, but at the same time, seemed smarter in other ways. Rika liked to play at being the intelligent, refined student who could last in an elite school, but never could have done what was necessary to be accepted to the school Riko just had been. Riko was able to get accepted so easily without too much work, being able to learn and recall things with ease.

Rika would also want Satoko with her no matter what. Riko was willing to give her up, though sadly so. Who could blame her? No matter how good things were between them, no human being could surpass the connection that had developed between the true Satoko and Rika over many lifetimes.

This story with the girlfriend who had to say good-bye upon being accepted to a far away school had nothing to do with Satoko. It was just something she'd gotten too caught up in a lull. A looper didn't belong in a boring story like this. Satoko stood up, Riko dropping her hands as she did. "Congratulations," Satoko said. "A person like Riko is guaranteed success. I'm sure many will cheer for you. Let me be one of them. It's wonderful, wonderful." Satoko clapped her hands.

"Satoko." Riko smiled. "Thank you."

"And I'll thank you as well," Satoko said. "You've just reminded me of who I really am." She'd almost forgotten her true goals, but Riko replaying her reasons for them with some changes reminded her. "I'm going to go on, and find the happiest world that I can."

"I hope you do!" Riko exclaimed.

"Riko." Satoko grinned back at her. "Even if you aren't my true love, I do have some affection for you. Don't forget that." Satoko opened the door to the balcony, stepping out.

"Satoko?" Riko said.

The cityscape outside was nearly completely alien. The tall, mirrored shiny buildings with only hints of green around certainly weren't part of a place where Houjou Satoko, country bumpkin, belonged. It did, however, provide an easy exit. "Farewell, Riko-san," Satoko said before jumping.

On the way down, she heard the scream as the sun's reflection unpleasantly flashed at her from several windows. Satoko simply closed her eyes. She'd be back where she belonged before long.