I'm actually kind of excited about going to the Friday gathering. I mean you have to understand after all, though my actions may or may not have shown it, I'm a HUGE fan of Majikoi. Going to the Friday gathering means I'll finally be able to see the base that always looked like a blast to me.
"You sure got a big smile on your face… are you that excited?" Momoyo walked next to me on one side and Kazuko on the other.
"Of course I am," I began, quickly coming up with an excuse for being so chipper. "After all, I moved to another country and I'm already finding myself surrounded by friends. Who wouldn't be excited?"
"Aw, Mari-kun!" Wanko patted me in a way where, had it been when I first came to this world, It probably would have hurt my back severely.
Momoyo gave me a smirk. "Who said we were friends? The best title I'd give you is roommate and future rival."
"WHAT?!" I almost felt like crying.
"Don't take what Nee-san says too seriously. She likes you." Wanko said with her mouth cuffed, whispering into my ear.
"Well I suppose I like him just as much as the rest of the men in the Kazama family, besides little bro Yamato."
I rolled my eyes and smiled a bit. It's not like I would want her to like me more than anyone else she's grown up with. Despite living together, we've only known each other for less than two weeks.
"I like you, Omari!" Kazuko smiled at me, almost melting my heart.
"Thank you… Both of you, I mean it, your companionship means a lot to me," Even I can get sentimental when I have to.
"Don't get all sappy on us now," Though she turned her head, I could tell Momoyo was smiling.
…
"Yo, we're here!" I waved as I stepped in the main chill spot of the base. Man, I always thought this place was badass. Manga everywhere, couches and a coffee table? What else would anyone need? "Man this place is fire," I said as I sat down on one of the open spots of the couches.
That's when the little purple robot named Cookie approached me. "Hello, my name is Cookie, would you like some popcorn?"
It was so strange seeing something like this actually work in action. Honestly he doesn't look that different than something that would be roaming around at Disney World. A part of me would like to see him transform into Cookie V2 but another part of me was terrified of that outcome, so I let it be.
"Hello there, my name's Omari, and I would love some popcorn, Cookie, thank you," I replied back, taking the back of popcorn from the little droid, who's kinda cute but I'm also kind of afraid of.
"Oh my, you're very well mannered."
Not well mannered, slightly terrified. "You flatter me," it is kind of strange talking to a robot though.
That's when Moro chimed in. "Also, feel free to read from our Manga collection. Borrow some if you'd want, we only ask that you put in your own manga as a trade."
What laid before me was a wall full of shelves completely filled up with manga. Surely a collection that's been growing for a few years. Honestly I haven't read or collected that much manga, despite being a nerd myself. It's an expensive hobby.
"You should read Joe, Mari, it's a boxing manga so I think you'd like it!" Wanko said as she handed me a volume of manga.
Joe? As in Ashita no Joe? "Thanks Wanko, but I've already seen the anime."
"YOU HAVE TO READ THE MANGA TOOO! It's sooo much better!" She yelled.
I put my hands up in surrender. "Okay, okay."
"Mari, catch!" Moro tossed me a D.S. The original blocky one. "You like games? We have a few of these laying around if you wanna play."
"DO I?" I LOVED THE D.S.
"Let me show you the game I've been playing real quick, it's my personal favorite," with that Moro and I played together for a few minutes. It was some good, honest, and wholesome fun.
After a while…
"You should die," words were said without twisting, no intent hidden in them, simply just what the words meant.
What in the hell did I miss?
I looked up to see Miyako staring down Chris with a murderous gaze. "How dare you… How dare you say that!".
Her voice cracked in anger as she shot the words at the blond. It made everyone in the room flinch slightly. It seems that even her friends who've known her for years were surprised by her sudden outburst.
"Miyako stop!" Yamato yelled.
Oh shit.
Miyako's body twitched, shooting herself in a forward motion towards Chris. I felt my body begin to react as well, hoping to intercept the purple haired girl before she could do any damage; however, Momoyo quickly grabbed Miyako, keeping her from lunging at Chris.
I remember now.
This is when Chris called the meaning of this abandoned building into question… and said it should be destroyed. Shit, I was actually having fun a minute ago, now I have to deal with this dramatic ass scene.
Though I should take this seriously. I have no idea if me being here would affect the scene in any way… That being said, the very fact that I AM here could affect the scene without me doing anything, so trying to let it play out without me could also be a dangerous move.
If I don't watch my step, Chris, Mayucchi and I might have to part ways with the Kazama family for good.
"You don't understand! This place! This atmosphere! You don't know how important it is!" Miyako screamed.
Damn, this shit is even more intense when being in the room. The visual novel's still frames where only a few characters will be on the screen at a time had nothing on the real thing. Everyone else's body language and vibe has changed so severely it's insane.
"Eh?... Eh?" Chris couldn't keep eye contact with anyone in the room. She was obviously confused yet she still knows she did something wrong.
"That's why I didn't want to let her join!" Miyako looked at the rest of the original group.
That one hurt. While it was only specifically directed at Chris, it also felt like it could be directed at me and Mayucchi too.
"They should destroy this place? How dare you say that here?! Who do you think you are?!" Momoyo was doing a good job at keeping Miyako from getting any closer to Chris.
Chirs tried to explain herself. "Miyako, listen, let me-"
"Go home! You're not our friend or…" The purple haired girl started.
Please Miyako, stop, before this gets any worse than it already has. I grimaced as I had yet to work up the courage to say anything.
Yamato stepped in, embracing her in a hug. "Miyako, calm down."
"Yamato…" This seemed to have worked quite well as her volume lowered significantly.
I still hadn't fully worked up the guts to say anything but the room began to grow quiet, so if I'm going to say anything… though... it's not really my place to step in… but…
"Look you guys," I started. "I know what Chris just said was pretty rude, but she's not the type of person to just say something as hurtful as that with any sort of ill intent."
And I truly believed that. Chris as a character always seemed honorable and caring of those around her. I couldn't imagine that she'd purposely say anything to hurt her new friends.
"Mari…" Chris spoke.
"Mari you should leave too! It wasn't even the group's decision to let you come! It was mostly Momoyo and Wanko!" She yelled at me.
I looked towards my new roommates for confirmation of that statement. Wanko looked away, not being able to look me in the eye, Momoyo just stared back with a serious expression as if to say, "It's true."
Damn that hurt… but even so, I won't turn my back on the Kazama family, cause I know that they're all wonderful people. "That's fine then, if you'd like I'll never show my face here again… but don't you think that as peers in the same class we should at least talk about this?"
Miyako got quiet.
"He's right Miyako, let's all try to calm down and just talk for now, okay?" I'm glad I got Yamato on my side at least.
Now, how to explain this without overstepping my boundaries?
"I think we should remember that Chris isn't from the same world as us… Even for me there's a cultural difference but more than that, there's a class difference," I explained to the group.
"Mari, why are you defending Chris so much? It wasn't even you who said anything…" Miyako noted.
"Because, I want us all to be friends. I'm sure if she knew that her words would hurt you guys then she wouldn't have said anything at all."
"I'm still not sure why what I said was wrong," Chris admitted, I could sense everyone else in the room tighten up.
I immediately wanted to slap my forehead with the force of a thousand Momoyos, but I kept my composure. C'mon Chris you're really not giving me much to work with.
"You insulted a place that multiple people love, why wouldn't they be pissed? Even if you personally don't find any value in it, that doesn't mean they don't," I explained.
My only goal is to end this argument in a less rough way than last time. Sure, when they last had the argument they got some good dialogue between each other but that's something they can do as friends. For now, I'll try to steer this in the best direction possible.
"Chris," Yamato spoke up. "Tell me something that you have value in, something you love, it can be anything as long as it's physical."
"Hmm, well," she thought for a minute. "I suppose my stuffed animals are very precious to me."
"Those are stupid, they only take up space, you should throw them away," he spat at her.
"You!" She got ready to lunge, but I put my hand out to tell her to stop. I put up a finger, telling her to give Yamato a second to explain before reacting.
That's when he snapped. "I'm just doing what you did, idiot!"
Damn, Yamato's pissed.
I wanted to tell him that calling people names in times like this makes them less receptive to a person's point of view, but he's angry and it's not my place to call his emotions into question. Plus, that could end up with him firing back at me, which I really don't want.
"What your stuffed animals mean to you is what this place means to us! Different people value different things! There's no way you could call someone else's previous things into question!" The rest of the room listened and agreed silently to Yamato's words, nodding.
"..." It seemed like Chris was finally understanding the point. "I see… So that's how important this place is… If the anger I felt at your comment was similar to the anger you all felt, it's no wonder you all lashed out like this…"
She seemed remorseful… I think we did it… Mission accomplished.
And with that she walked directly towards Miyako and bowed. "Shiina Miyako, everyone, I'm sorry… I apologize." She turned and looked at everyone. "If possible, I'd like to continue to be friends with everyone."
But the room remained quiet. They didn't exactly seem mad anymore, but to say that they were over it would be far-fetched. Understandable.
That's when the door suddenly opened. "Yo! Man, listen up everyone! My luck is so good that you can call it godly. I turned the lottery drum so many times and won a good prize!" And with that, Capt, the only one who had been absent up until that point, rushed into the room. "Here, munch on the leftover sushi and celebrate my greatness! Well, it's mostly all egg though…"
YES CAPT! BRING BACK THE GOOD VIBES!
I smiled at him, though the rest of the group seemed to have not moved on quite yet.
"... Wait, what's with this atmosphere?" Capt questioned. "That's not fair! Why did you all get into this adolescent awkward situation while I wasn't here!"
"I'll break it down for you Capt, just relax brotha." I walked over to him more than willing to bring the vibes back up.
…
Yamato and I explained the situation.
"Well, I guess you can't help having something like this happening once," Capt shrugged.
"Facts," I replied.
"Miyako, take a chill pill, alright?" Capt said lightly.
"...Hmph," she turned and walked away.
Damn and just like that, Capt had already gotten Miyako to back down, for a minute at least. That's impressive, I gotta say.
"We'll leave her to you Yamato," I nudge him a little.
"Sure," and with that he moved over towards where Miyako had retreated to on the opposite side of the room from Chris.
Capt laughs. "Anyways, how about it, everyone? Do you all want to go on a trip during the long weekend so we can restore our relationship?"
"Oh hell yeah I do!" I remember this trip and it always seemed pretty fun!
"Wait, what do you mean by trip?" Moro asked.
Capt puffed out his chest placing his hands on his hips. "Fufu, I was at the shopping district today and won a free group trip to Hakone for three days and two nights!"
"Damn, that's some luck if I've ever seen it." I said considering if I should put some more stats points into luck or not.
"Indeed," Momoyo said as she bumped into me playfully. "A weekend long trip for free… I like the sound of that."
That's when I tapped her on the shoulder. "Momoyo-sama-sensei," I asked, using two honorifics ignoring standard Japanese language practices. "Do you think it's okay if I take a break from training and go on this trip as well?"
She smiled at me. "Well of course you can."
"Yay!" I said in child-like glee.
"But don't even think for a SECOND that your training is going to stop."
BLAST.
"When is it?" Yamato asked Capt.
"The third, fourth, and fifth. So we'll prepare tomorrow and head out the day after!"
"Sounds like a plan to me." I nodded. Not like I had stuff to pack anyways.
"Mari, we can run around the mountains! It's going to be good training!" Wanko reclaimed.
"Oh boy," I said sarcastically, which she didn't seem to have caught.
"Well for tonight, let's snack on this leftover sushi that I brought," Capt said, gathering around the table.
…
The next day I started to pack the little clothing that I have. I have my school uniform, my gym school uniform and a shirt and shorts that Kawakami Temple gave for training… This is currently my life.
"MARI!" Suddenly as if it was on que the door slammed open, causing my spirit to leave my body in fright.
"HEEEEEEEEE!" I let out a girlish scream.
I turn to the door to see Momyo standing in the doorway, her usual blue t-shirt and jeans casual fit. Though she did have her hair up in a ponytail which was a nice change up.
"S-Senpai, PLEASE!" I yell. "Knock before entering…"
"Knock? Why? Are you afraid that I'd bust in and see you doing something naughty?" She teased me.
"Not entirely what I was talking about but that would be an unfortunate situation," I rub my eyes in frustration. "Anyways, was there anything you needed? Wait, don't tell me we're training today." Today was supposed to be my day off.
"You and I? We're going shopping," she said as she crossed her arms over her huge chest.
"Shopping?" I was genuinely confused.
"Yes, a little date if you will."
"I'M UP!" I said as I jumped up to my feet at the mere mention of a date with Momoyo.
"Oh? I was just kidding about the date part."
I immediately fell to the ground, smacking my face into the tatami matts. "Whatever," I say on the border of crying. "Play with my feelings all you want Senpai… I don't care. Who am I anyways? Just a waste of flesh."
"Oh could it be... that joke made you depressed?"
"No comment," I said as I stood up once again. "Now, why are we going shopping exactly?"
"Well I told the old man about our trip and he decided we should go buy you some stuff, like clothes and such."
"Okay? But with what money? I'm broke, unless you forgot."
That's when her smile grew almost twice the size. "A present from Kawakami Temple," she held out her hands holding a decent amount of money.
"From the temple?" I said as I took the money from her hands. "This is a lot… I can't accept this." I hand the money back to her. "It's not like I've done anything worthwhile yet. Besides, you guys have already done so much for me, giving me a place to live and all… I couldn't take your money."
She frowned. "Look I said it's from the Temple, but this is directly out of the old man's pocket. He wants you to have it."
"Master Tesshin's money?" Did he really care that much?
"As far as the old man's concerned, while you're living here you're family," She shrugged. "I really don't have room for two little brothers but-"
"Hold it right there," I stop her. "Don't get our grades turned around Senpai, I'm older than you."
"Wait… Really?" She actually seemed puzzled.
"Yeah I uh- started school late… So I guess that means I'm your Oni-ch-ACK!" I suddenly found myself flying back into the wall behind me.
"Let's just go already," with that Momyo left the room.
…
"What do you think would suit me though?" I said as I browsed through the men's section. "Japanese fashion is kinda different from american. I have no idea what would fit me." I mean that both in a stylistic and a size sense.
"Hmm what about this?" She pulled out a turtleneck sweater.
"I mean, it's kinda fly… I guess, but shit, it's WAY too hot for a damn turtle neck."
"What's more important to you, being comfortable, or looking good?"
I felt my cheeks heat up. "Y-You think I'd look good in this?"
She smiled. "Sure you would."
I guess I could try it on.
I dip into the changing room and change into the sweater and might I say… this thing is FORM FITTING. Like somehow you can see the definition in my biceps… I don't even know how that's possible.
"This thing is tight," I said as I opened the curtain showing it off. "Like look at this thing."
Senpai looked me up and down. "It looks good on you, though. You might even be able to pick up girls with me."
"Nah, Japanese women aren't ready for all of this," I motioned towards the rest of my body. "But I somehow feel naked with just this." I look towards the shelf again. "What about this?" I said as I put on a denim jacket over the turtleneck.
"I thought you were worried about being hot?"
"Oh I am hot, in more ways than one," I said, checking myself out in the mirror.
Senpai rolled her eyes. "If you say so."
After that we picked up some more clothes, about two weeks worth and then left the shop.
"So I got some money left over… Food on Gramps?" I asked Momoyo.
"I thought you'd never ask."
…
Further down the street an shady purple haired figure watched from the distance. Upon seeing both Omari and Momoyo leave the clothing shop, she clicked her tongue. She flipped open her phone and called one of her contacts.
"I've been following him all day but he's been with Kawakami the entire time," The entire time she was out she observed the two, making sure to hide her presence as much as she could and kept a far enough distance behind them so she wouldn't get noticed.
The voice on the other end of the phone call was raspy and annoyed. "Well if Momoyo's there with him then there's nothing you can do then, fall back."
Before she got a chance to respond the call dropped, her eyebrows furrowed in anger before she snapped her phone shut. "Dammit," and with another tongue click she faded into the crowd behind her.
As she made her way back to base she received a text. It read "don't worry about it too much, I got some juicy information from our friends in Kawakami temple about a little trip that may occur this weekend."
That made her feel better at least.
…
"I… Can't… Breathe," I managed to gasp out in between breaths.
After Senpai and I got food she managed to rope me into training with Wanko. We weren't sprinting this time at least, no, we were doing cross country running! At this rate I should definitely invest more points into my endurance.
"C'mon Mari! We got to get to the ocean before we rest!" Wanko called back at me as she continued to make some distance.
"Are we almost there yet?" I couldn't even enjoy the view of the two cute girls running in front of me because my vision was starting to get dark.
"We're on the last spurt!" Senpai called out to me from even further ahead.
By the time we actually made it to the beach I fell directly into the sand, face first.
"Oi, you're going to get your new training clothes all sandy," Senpai warned me but I conunited to become one with the granular material below me.
"Mari don't die okay?" Wanko patted me on my heaving back. "Since we're here, let's sink our feet into the water. Onee-sama bring Mari in."
I then felt myself being dragged by my collar, but my body remained limp. I sincerely hope she doesn't plan on leaving me face down in the water cause that would be bad.
"That's exactly what I plan on doing."
Somehow she read my thoughts.
I felt my face splash into the water but I remained limp. I wasn't caving in…
"It's a beautiful sunset," Wanko noted.
You're a damn fool if you think I'M going to be the one who drags myself out of this water. Hell no, I was dragged in, I will be dragged out… Now we just play chicken.
"You're more beautiful," Senpai complimented Wanko.
"W-Why are you hitting on me?" I could sense the blush on her face, even from under this water.
Can't tell… if my vision is getting dark, or if that's just… the ocean.
"If the Kawakami sunset is this beautiful…" Wanko started. "I'm sure all the sunset's around the world are this beautiful too!"
Okay guys this isn't a joke anymore, c'mon… Senpai? You read my thoughts earlier, c'mon, help a brother out.
"I'd assume so," Senpai commented, ignoring my innermonoblogue.
"I'll join you after I graduate," says Wanko. "Traveling around the world fighting strong people sounds fun!"
OKAY FUCK IT!
I slam my head out of the water gasping for air. "I COULD HAVE DIED!"
"Had you waited a few more seconds I would have dragged you out," Senpai said, poking me with her foot.
"GOD DAMNIT!"
…
On the way home Wanko was talking to me about my day with senpai.
"Yeah I got new clothes. Master Tesshin hooked me up for real."
"Oh wow, Grandpa must really like you then," Wanko said in astonishment.
I rub my nose with a grin on my face. "Yeah, he basically said I was the Grandson he never had."
"Oh? When did he say that?" Momoyo asked sarcastically.
"Quiet Imouto," I commanded.
"Call me that again… I dare you."
"I apologize with all my might."
My statement seemed to cause Wanko to go into deep thought. I could have sworn her face turned a slight shade of pink; however, under the evening red sun it was hard to tell if that was the truth.
Maybe it was just my imagination.
"Well whatever I guess," Momoyo sighed.
"I kinda like it," Wanko smiled. "It makes you feel… like a part of the family."
"Wow, a part of the Kazama family and the Kawakami family? I'm going to get spoiled at this rate."
A/N:
So that's the chapter, the longest one yet I believe. How did ya'll like it? If it seems like a better quality read then you have to thank Eleventh Crow for that as he has been editing my writing for this chapter and will be editing for the story from this point on. Let me know what ya'll think with a review. It's honestly all the nice reviews that keep me going. You all give me strength. Thanks again.