System OS
System Error: Cannot find Registry Rebooting in 3... 2.. 1 Checking Vitals.. Vitals Stabilized Scanning Environment... No Enemies Detected Searching Memories... Searching Memories... Command Override Now entering Factory Mode... There is a backup file(1) Would you like to read it? y/n
Why of course I want to read it, are you kidding me?
y
Understood. Now loading…
Just a Small Town Girl
Location: Yabaize, Japan
"Morning, mom! Hi dad."
"Ah ah, young lady. Don't you run off on your father and I."
"But mom! If I stay any longer I'm going to be late."
"So?"
"Honey, just let it be."
…
"We're expecting much from you. Don't disappoint us."
'Bye mom. Bye dad, Love you both!"
Hi! My name is Nishi Aoi and I'm just your average Japanese highschool girl. This is my first day at the Yabaize Highschool, a prestige all girls school where the young ladies of today will help innovate the future. Not just anybody can attend Yabaize Highschool. Only the most brilliant, tenacious and determined may enter. The fact I've selected has gotten me off my rockers!
I can't wait! I can't wait!
Whew. Maybe I'm getting way ahead of myself but I really blew it on that one. Heh. It's hard to believe they would accept me. Mom and dad always said I was a special little girl, but I digress. Anyhow, the bus will be arriving.
See you later diary!
Given the Japanese tone, Imma guess that Aoi's the first name and Nishi's the surname, though not all Japanese follow this naming reference.
Geez! Already on my first day here and I'm already being accosted by some female gang. Scary. Like, they have chains and nunchucks. I was just lucky they got momentarily distracted. I really ought to see a teacher about this. I think I'll let my homeroom teacher know. Now where is it.. Ah, here it is.
Log 0757
"Nishi Aoi."
"Pr-present!"
"Haruna Nagi."
"Present."
"And Len Kagami."
"Present."
"Good, everyone's present and accounted for. My name is Miss Damiko and I'll be your homeroom teacher. Now, no doubt most of you are aware we used to be an all-girls school. It's only recently that we've decided to switch to co-ed and I know what some of you boys are thinking. I advise against doing it, do I make myself clear? Good. Now, at each of your desk you will find a brochure containing a list of the school's regulations, department policies- the usual. If any of you have a problem, please be sure to retrieve the appropriate authorities. If you need to speak with me in private, my office hours are at 9 to 5 Monday, Tuesday and Fridays or you can call me at 001 - 81 - 54 - 233 - 1414. We'll spend the next 15 minutes introducing ourselves. I'll start. As I've already said, my name is Miss Damiko. I'm 34, single. I live with a Scottish Terrier and I teach advance Thermodynamics, Pottery along with Japanese Archaeology. In my spare time I enjoy taking long walks through Mt Ura's foothill forests."
Looks like this is some highschool girl's diary. I wonder what this Aoi person has to do with all of this.
As usual we've started with giving introductions. I don't know why we have to do this, but hey. Maybe I'll be able to make some new friends. I'll definitely need some. I almost got accosted by that Hina person. If I'm not surrounded by friends, she may try to-
"Young ma'am. Would you care to explain what you are doing to the class?"
"Oh this? This is a journal I keep. I like to keep tabs on my daily activities. You may think of it as a notebook of sorts, my personal diary."
"Well that's nice that you like to keep a journal of your day on your notepad, but next try asking for permission. You're in a class setting and as teachers we're not supposed to let students out with any electronics aside from specialized accommodations."
Drats! She's found out I use a notepad. I hope she doesn't take it from me. Wait. Maybe I can use that.
"Hey Miss Damiko? Is it alright if I speak with you after class? There's something I need to discuss with you."
"Sorry, but I got meeting to attend to."
"But it's very important!"
"How long do you think it will take?"
"No more than 5 minutes. Please. I just got here and I was accosted by-"
"Accosted?! I see. So that's what this is. You've had a run in with one of our school's many yakuza gangs, which reminds me, I still haven't handed out the school's student code of conduct and safety. Here. You'll all be needing these."
"Wait. So the school's running with yakuzas?"
"Yes Kagami. It's not something we're particularly proud of, but nevertheless it is a problem. We're working with the local police force to mediate as much of the situation as possible, so rest assured we have your safeties in mind. Now Miss. Would you care to share a bit about yourself?"
"Ah-hem! My name is Nishi Aoi and this is my first year here at Yabaize. I don't have many plans for the future, just trying to see where the stars take me. Heh, I- I like to play chess in my spare time, I'm afraid of spiders but really. Which girl isn't, am I right? Yeah. I'm totally normal, just a small town girl."
Yeah, that matches up with what Miawa told me about the place. It was overrunning with all sorts of yakuza and street gang members. A surprisingly crime infested highschool, at least until the Advanced Sciences Society's started fighting against them.
"I know but-"
"How about I let a family friend or coworker know where I am."
"Are you sure? I know you've been wanting to have more personal freedom, less restrictions."
"I know, but I just don't like seeing mom like that and like they say; there's safety in numbers."
"Pretty sure that only applies to hanging around in a group, ya know, a physical group."
"Dad!"
"It's alright. You don't have to go that far, Nishi. I trust you'll keep yourself from trouble."
"Yeah, and if trouble comes to my sweet girl, well, she can handle it."
"Right, but I'm not a fan of this pattern."
"Pattern?"
"It's only been twice honey."
"And that's saying something."
"I believe the saying is 'once is happenstance, twice is a coincidence.'"
"And I don't want to risk it become a pattern, Nishi. Just what are you going to do? How long can you keep this up?"
"I don't know. I have no ideal, but we'll get there."
"Yes, there's a time and place for everything. When the time comes, our daughter will know what to do. I trust her in that."
"Still, it wouldn't hurt to have her be prepared."
"So how are you suggesting we prepare her?"
Mom and dad are looking at me, I wonder what they have in mind.
"Nishi, how do you feel about learning a martial art?"
"Well I've considered it-"
"We were thinking it would suit you."
"Yes, like your father said. I think it would be a good ideal for you to learn."
"Hey! Am I not going to get a say in this?"
"Sorry, we just got carried away."
"You mean mom."
"Well honeypie?"
"I don't know. I don't want to be seen as some uncultured brute."
"Oh sweetie, plenty of girls know martial arts. There's nothing wrong with arming yourself with a bit of physical knowledge. Besides, were you ashamed when you decked that creep out?"
"No, just exasperated."
"See? It won't be bad."
"But who's going to teach me though? None of you are martial artists and we hardly know anyone who is."
"We'll figure something out. So how about it then?"
Dad drives a hard bargain at times. Sometimes I wonder how he ended up with this ditch job. For someone who works in the food service industry, he's got a surprising number of business savviness to him. I'll have to ask him about his job choices afterwards when I get the chance.
"I- is it alright if I train in Daito-Ryu?"
"What is that?"
"It's a martial art that focuses on neutralizing a threat by way of unarmed combat, with the use of throws, strikes to vital areas, joint locks etc. Aiko is derived from this martial art."
"How do you know this?"
"I watched a couple of video clips with a few students."
"You want to try it?"
"If you can find me a teacher, I'll be down for it. Just remember, my studies come first."
"So studious. Why don't you want to ease up? You know, once you're older-"
"Honey, let her make her own decisions."
"Just trying to make sure you don't do anything you'll regret."
So it looks like an arrangement has been made. Mom can be a worrywort and dad has this tendency to switch up on his stance, but I know they both mean well. Well, now that our family meeting is over I think I'll go and pester dad for a bit.
Log 1941
Huh? I thought Aoi was the first name. Maybe it's Nishi since her dad seems to be referring to her like that and you typically only refer to the first name if you're on a personal basis.
Hanging out with Friends
"Hey Aoi. My parents are going to be out for over the weekend and I was planning on throwing a sleep over. I've already gotten their permission. Wanna join?"
"Hm. I'll have to ask my parents for permission first. I'll call you back as soon as I can."
"Okay, but hurry. This offer will only extend to the first 25 people who accept my invitation."
"Why 25?"
"Because that's the total capacity including myself which my parent's house can contain. I'm still saving up to move to a different location but as of yet, I'm still living with them."
"But isn't that normal?"
"It's not unusual for some highschoolers to live on their own, provided they can pay the rent. Mathematically however I believe I would be at a disadvantage should I choose to move out now. Yes, I can do it but for how long though? Is it feasible?"
"Ah. I gotcha."
"Yeah. So, are you interested?"
"I am but I don't want my parents to worry."
"That's understandable. My parents aren't all that keen on me hosting this sleepover either."
"Oh? So then, why did they let you this time?"
"Well I managed to convince them to give me a chance to prove myself."
"Go on."
"If I could host a party of my choosing without allowing the house to go into disarray, they'll consider looking for an affordable place for me to stay. If I succeed, I'll have less restrictions."
"You'll still be restricted by the landlord."
"Those living arrangements can always be negotiated. Besides, there are just some things that are just too embarrassing for your parents to get privy into."
"You're not talking about-"
"I have a whole entire stash. As soon as I move out, I'm packing them away. Just don't let them know I told you that."
"Got it. It shall be our dirty little secret."
Nana can be quite ambitious at times. She's a good friend, though I feel as though she may prove to be a troubling competition should we ever go against each other. She's so outgoing and though I hardly ever see her study, she gets pretty good grades. I'm not sure how she's able to, but I've heard rumors that she's a hard partier. Also, if I recall correctly she drinks. Actually, come to think of it, that's sort of weird. How is she, a minor such as myself still able to drink? Is there some sort of arrangement she has set up? Whatever, it's not important. I think I'll be seeing a new place of scenary for the next couple of days. I'll have to let mom and dad know where I'm going however.
Log 0719
"Hey mom, dad. My friend Nana is throwing a sleepover party and I was wondering if it would be alright if I stayed over at her house for the next couple of days?"
"Oh, okay. Will there be anyone else?"
"She says there will be at most 25 other people."
"So there will be 26."
"No, Mom. It's-"
"Wait a sec Sweetie. Your math is off. It should be 27."
"Dad that's-"
"No, 26. Our daughter one and her friend is inviting over-"
"Gah! That's not important! Anyways, will you have a problem if I go over there?"
"Do you know who else will be attending?"
"I have no ideal but it's safe to say that whoever Nana invites would have to be someone Nana trusts."
"And on what basis do you say this?"
"Nana's parents are strict when it comes to the integrity of their household. Simply put, her house has to be spotless."
"You know, thieves could also make her house spotless."
"She means Nana's parents require their house to be tidy."
"Yes. Exactly. So is it okay?"
"How long do you plan on staying?"
"It should be 3 days."
"Do you need a ride or anything?"
"Oh no. I should be fine."
"What time are you planning on coming back?"
"8 PM. I'll see you all in a bit.'
"Well you have fun then."
"Thanks mom. Thanks dad. You're the best."
So mom and dad have approved of my sleepover with Nana. It should take me approximately 24 minutes to arrive at her place, allowing me enough time freshen up. Though, if I'm just going to jog- nah. I think I'll just take a shower right before leaving.
[Subject: Sleep Over]
Aoi: Hi ya, just wanted to let you know my parents have approved of me going to your sleep over. Is there still room?
…
[1 new message]
Nana: Yes. I'm still looking for 23 more participants.
Aoi: Should I bring anything in particular?
…
Nana: Na. it be alriwt-
…
Nana: alright. It gonna be a-
…
Nana: Just bring yourself. I have everything prepared.
Aoi: Okay then, but are you sure you want me to bring just myself?
..
Nana: What are you suggesting with that?
Aoi: I know what you like to look at.
…
Nana: No. Don't even bother.
Aoi: Aww. Why not?
Nana: What would my parents think if I let a streaker into my house?
Aoi: Yeah, but? I'm within your peer group.
Nana: It doesn't matter. Do you have any form of decency?
Aoi: I was just kidding
Nana: Haha. Very funny. Now get your ass over here.
Aoi: As you command, princess.
So it appears this sleepover party isn't themed around anything. She says not to bring anything, but I'd feel like a rude guest if I didn't at least contribute in some way to the fun. Hm. What to do, what to do? Ah! I know.
"Sis? What are you doing in my bedroom?"
My little brother, or is it younger brother? Nataka. He can be a runt at times.
"Hey! Don't touch my stuff."
"I just need to borrow this for a moment."
"Whatever would you need my baseball cards for?"
"I need to bring something to share with my friend's sleepover party."
"What? No! These are mine. Get your own and besides. Why would a bunch of sissies be interested in my baseball cards?"
"Why they would is none of your business. As your onee-sama I demand you let me bring your baseball cards."
"Mom! Dad! Aoi's bullying me again."
"Listen here you runt. If you bother me one more time, I'm going to tell then about that one time you wet the bed."
"Go ahead. I dare you. But if you do that I'll tell everyone about one habit of yours."
"You!...How about I cut you deal?"
"Such as?"
"While I'm gone, you may use my pc. I know how much you like to use it."
"Mm. How do I know you won't renegade on me?"
"I'll let mom and dad know. Just don't change anything. Well? Do we have a deal?"
"I don't know."
"This is a one time offer. Going once, going twi-"
"Okay, okay. I accept."
"Good. Now let me login for you and we're all set."
With my brother's baseball cards in my hand all that's needed is to finish the rest of my packing, oh and I can't forget to let mom and dad know about my deal with Nataka.
Log 0912
Her parent's seem nice and understanding. They seem to be quite decent folks. I wonder where this is going.
"Sis?"
"Take this with you."
"P-pepper spray? Whoa-whoah. Hold on. Why are you giving me this? Don't you need to be 21 to purchase these?"
"Hoho, no. Just carry it with you and if anyone asks, just say you're concerned for your safety."
"Heh, now this is truly surprising. Didn't think you had it in you."
"You'll be surprised. Your onee chan has many secrets that even you don't know about."
That should give my younger bro some protection. As for myself, I think I'll make a little phone call.
"Hey girl! How's it going?"
"Not much Yuri. Why don't we take the shuttle together today?"
"That sounds like a great ideal, Aoi."
Being inside the city and lacking a parking lot, which isn't atypical of schools here in Japan, there's more than one way to get to school. Typically I'd catch the bus which is situated 3 blocks down from where I live, a nice brisk jog, about 15 minutes but given the increasing number of missing student reports within my area, well I haven't actually seen any of the local kids and teens gone missing from the area where I live, but just to be sure, it's best to go with company.
Now, if I recall correctly, the shuttle to Yabaize arrives at 5:30 AM. I don't like waking up this early but I'd rather be safe. Heh, I bet my younger brother was surprised to see me up this early. Anyhoo, time to go meet up with Yuri.
Log 0500
Yuri's not here. That's strange. She's usually on time. Did something happen to her?
"Oh!"
A text message from Yuri.
[1 new message]
Sorry that I won't be able to make it. I need to run a couple of errands.
So her friend Yuri wasn't able to make it to the train station that day. Yabaize must've been very dangerous during those times. It sure must've been a good thing the Advanced Sciences Societies came in to clean up their mess.
Log 0557
"Did you remember to bring the chemistry lab vials, Nishi?"
"You bet"
"Good. Now we can begin experimenting."
On the advice of my friends I've decided to join a club and looking back on it now, I have no regrets with the decision I've made.
"Hey Pres. Is it just me or are they suddenly a lot less people here?"
"I don't know. You tell me."
"Just asking. Coulda sworn we usually have 5 or more folks around here."
"You're overthinking it, Yuji. They probably decided to skip out."
"I don't know. From what I've heard, there's been a series of missing students."
"Oh come on. It's not like anyone would have any reason to want to silence the students of our high school. I mean, what sort of advantage would that give their supposed kidnappers?"
"I'm not sure. I can only hope the police do something about this soon."
"Don't we all."
Heh. There's no use in hiding it. Practically everyone's been talking about the missing students. If there's any consolation, at least none of the missing students were reported to have-
Hold on.. Is that-
…
Yuri? What's she doing here? Didn't she have some task to attend to today? Did she get out much early?
It's been roughly over 2 weeks since I've first started working at my new job and I've just received my paycheck in the mail. Or at least that's what I think this letter addressed to me is. Can't tell who the sender is. It kind of looks like there's money in here if I just tilt it to the light. Let's see what's inside.
31,392 yen.
Wait a minute. If I earn 1090 yen an hour and I work 8 hours a day, 2 days a week, shouldn't my pay be-
Oh, there's a receipt here. Ah, I see. So that's why. Heh, completely forgot about this. Well it's not that bad I guess.
Hmm. Seeing that today's the day summer break starts, maybe i should treat myself. Heh, perhaps I'll call over my friends. There's gotta be something special I can do for today, this week I guess.
"Yeah, I've heard there's this exhibition and I want to see it. Want to come along?"
"Sure, why not."
Hmm. Mom and dad are still sleeping, and so is Nataka. I think I'll just leave them a note telling them where I'll be.
Let's see..
Yeah, this will do.
Log 0440
"Ahahaha! Did you see that?"
"Yeah, the way that little otter played with that volleyball was amusing,"
"Adorable."
"I know, right? Say, want to head over to that park over there?"
"I'm game."
The aquarium was AMAZING! Where do I even begin, how does she even manage to find such places like these? Hmm. I appear to be hungry.
"Is that your breakfast?"
"Yeah, want some?"
"Nah, I think I'll just grab a bite from that food stand instead."
Man, looking at the birds in the skies makes me feel so alive, So free, and eating this tori bento really hits the spot. Personally I like fried food but I have to be careful with all that grease. Hm, maybe after this I'll lie down and enjoy the flowers, feel the breeze on my shoulders, ah, here she comes.
"Thanks."
"Yeah, I knew you would want one."
Smells real nice, though is that fish I smell?
"Well this is a surprise."
"Like it? The vendor dude said it was fried fish teriyaki."
"Yeah, I do. Well, I like any sort of fried food."
"If you like this, I know a place where we can get more."
"Ahaha, I think I'll pass."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, with all that grease, who knows how it will impact my complexion."
"I thought you generally didn't focus on things like that."
"Well, I just want to stay healthy."
"Oh come on, there's nothing wrong with indulging yourself every once in a while. You should learn to relax more often, have fun, be free."
She's right, there's nothing wrong with having fun once in a while. Personally I very much enjoy eating fried food, but that grease, ugh. I just wish I could indulge myself without having to worry about the potential health repercussions.
Log 0923
"Let's go to the carnival next, Pachiko!"
"Uh, I think I'll pass."
"Oh come on! It will be fun."
"But the clowns-"
Right, I forgot. Pachiko-san has a morbid fear of clowns.
"It's alright. We don't have to meet the clowns if you don't want to."
The carnival is just 3 blocks to the east of the recently opened aquarium, and let me tell you I just love the acrobatics. Like, aside from watching the birds fly in the sky, or engage in watching a baseball game, watching the performances in the carnival really gets my spirits going. Why, it
"Pachiko-san? Are you alright?"
She doesn't look okay.
"H-hey. Hold on there. Just take it easy there."
Her forehead feels warm. Is she under a fever?
… Let's skip this part here. It doesn't seem important.
Hmm. This could be problematic. I brought this gun so I could defend myself though it appears as though I've become a target. Maybe I shouldn't have brought this gun to school after all.
Log 1257
"Wait. The Advanced Sciences Society?"
"Yeah. The Advanced Sciences Society. That's what I said. They're the ones who I've been working for. I think someone like you would be suited for their services."
"Oh, I don't know about that Yuri-"
"Ah come on. It'll be fun. Trust me. They're one of the best Society's a girl could ever hope to work with."
"Oh if you say say so."
Hm? Is this the same Yuri from earlier? I guess so.
Log 1314
"Hi, is this the registration desk for the Advanced Sciences Society? I've heard you're still accepting new recruits, is this correct?"
"Yes. Are you a new applicant? Just follow me."
Log 1703
An underground lab complex. Wowszers! Who would've guessed?
"Here's your membership cards. To enter our facility, all you have to do is insert your membership card into the reader."
Wow! Yuri was right. This place is amazing.
"So what do you think?"
"I love it!"
"I'm glad to hear. You and I are going to get so along with each other. My name's Shima Yokoro by the way. I'm the recruiting officer of the Advanced Sciences Society. You look like you have promise. I've heard much about you from Yuri. We're expecting much from you."
"Ah, she's exaggerating. I'm not that amazing."
"Oh, was I mistaken then?
This is so surreal! I can hardly contain my joy.
So she joined the Advanced Sciences Society.. don't tell me-!
Reina's introduced to me something known at the Combat Humanoid Project. She wants me to take part as a test subject. I've already gone over the process with her and from what I can understand, it involves a whole lot of cybernetic augmentations.
Cybernetic augmentations? Wait. Like, a cyborg? Then this… would mean-
No, it couldn't possibly be that, could it?
"I'm glad to see you accepted, Aoi. As promised a nice check of 154,329,711 yen has already been deposited to your beneficiaries just like you asked and your brother and your father and your mother have been designated as V.I.P shrinkies and thus their comfort and safety will be among our first priority when it comes to the new world."
"Thank you, Reina."
"Ah, it's alright. There's no need to thank me. Now, this might just a bit but when you wake up, you'll be just as new."
Log 1421
…
…
There's no more entries after this point. Now I get it. So that explains why Proto was able to perceive me. This Combat Humanoid Project must've been about fusing robots and humans together. It's a cyborg project that leans more on the human side. Why didn't I think about this before! Of course it makes sense, but if that's the case…
Why are they attacking her now? Did something go wrong?
…
Wait. No, no. I couldn't have read that right. Back up. There has to be something else here. Proto's a human? Er, was once fully human so then- But that can't be it. I-
… if what this file's saying is true, then what have I really been doing?
Let me check the registration on this combat humanoid again. I can't accept this. There has to be a mistake somewhere. This just doesn't make any sense. I- I need to think. What am I going to do now?