0-segment[L-the-L]

Where is the belfry?

In that moment, gentle days end.

When I enter the classroom this time, things are a bit different.

A girl seems to be asking for help on some homework. "Wooowww! OK, then how do you solve this problem, Andy?"

"In this case, you substitute this for this, and divide everything by x. It's the same simple equation that you used earlier."

"Whoa, you're right! Thank you, Andy!"

Unlike someone else, he helps out his out his classmates without displaying an ounce of condescension. And that someone is directing a nasty scowl toward the new kid. "That bunch of brown-nosing idiots will suck up to anyone who's got bigger pea-brains than theirs... Hmph. Whatever. It's no skin off my back. People who are ugly inside are ugly outside, too." It seems that Shinji's gaggle of female admirers as migrated to Andy's desk. For once, Shinji's irritation is kind of understandable. "I'll give him this—the brat is a real charity worker, laying on the charm for those sows. He's desperate to appear smarter than me, but I'm the real smart one here. I see what he's doing. That dumb little kid doesn't know that I'm onto him—"

"..." Reacting to Shinji's voice, Andy glances this way. Andy's expression is inscrutable, but not hostile.

"Ah, er... What do you want? You wanna go?" After a few false starts, Shinji finally manages to squeeze that out in a low voice.

I don't know if Andy heard, but he gets out of his seat. The recoil turns into a noticeable flinch, which Andy smiles kindly at in response. Unlike Shinji's, Andy's gestures are filled with dignity. "If I have unknowingly given you cause to be malicious, I would like to deeply apologize. Shinji Hackee, was it? I'll be careful not to upset you in the future." His message firmly delivered, Andy returns to his seat. His soft voice bore no note of hostility or resentment... I know it's hard to believe, but maybe Andy wasn't upset.

"H-Hmph. He knows when to bow down to true authority it seems. I'm such a nice guy, I'll just accept his apology. Y-Yeah, it's not like he ever pissed me off." After visually confirming that Andy is otherwise occupied, Shinji feigns calmness and leans back.

Mrs. Merrill enters the classroom and exhales a relieved sigh, "I made it!" She takes a few steps forward, "Good morning, every—" And... Thud. That sound makes me cringe, no matter how many times I hear it. Everyone is desensitized to it for the most part. Even knowing that she'll jump to her feet in a few seconds, we should probably worry more.

At midday, Shinji still seems to be in a bad mood. It's obvious that he doesn't like Andy all that much. But with him it's impossible to tell if he's really mad or just being cynical. Either way, it's more of the same. Just like our homeroom teacher's daily dramatic entrance. And once again, the day begins.

"...All righty, then … let's pick up where we left off. According to Dr. Polis's biography..." During class, I thought I saw Andy smirk a little, but other than that nothing exciting occurred. Today is just another boring day in a long string of boring days— "Who here knows what amnesia is? It's a terrifying condition where an individual loses all of their memories! It's caused by brain damage severe trauma, or even infections of one's mucus membranes. The section of the politician's biography we just covered touches on this condition... The cure for such a scary condition was discovered by Dr. Polis. With that said, using amnesia as an excuse for forgetting your homework isn't going to fly! When I was young, a fair number of my classmates were unscrupulous enough to try this. And before you get any ideas, I'm still young! In fact, I'm putting that fact on the test!" And as per the norm, Ashe's lecture starts to peter out.

Just as a collective "This again?" starts to rise from the students—

"Mrs. Merrill." Without being acknowledged by the teacher, Andy suddenly rises to his feet. The tension in the classroom ratchets up immediately as all eyes focus on Andy. The young boy surveys the room with a mysterious smile, taking in everyone's startled glances. "...Oh, and of course, my fellow classmates. It is time for me to leave. We will probably never meet again, so I wish you all well."

…

What … the...? My head … the pain...

"...Ah, and before I forget... Mrs. Merrill, I think you are still young, even now. Just your presence is enough to remind me of the beauty of youth. You're a remarkable person." After what seemed to be a very slight bow, he immediately seems to disappear from the room.

"U-Uuhhhmm... A-All right, then... Let's continue. Please turn to page eighty-six..." And accompanied by the sound of flipping pages, the lesson goes on as if nothing had happened.

My friend on the desk beside me makes a sigh, "Showing off like that in the middle of class... What a jackass. If you have to use the john, be a little more discreet. And that 'I have to leave' crap! Seriously, isn't he supposed to be some kind of aristocrat or princeling or something?" Of course, what just happened is impossible. A highly suspicious disappearance in the middle of class and the teacher doesn't seem to care. No one in class says anything and the class continues as if nothing strange has happened. It was the same dull, dreary scene as yesterday, and the day before... This can't be natural...

After Andy's exit from class, the lesson continues unabated, as if following a set script.

It's evening now and everything is still fuzzy from before.

Strange. This is definitely strange... It's as if the world tilted slightly and everything within it is losing its sense of presence. My head … feels like it's going to explode. The pain is making it hard to remember who I am... Wait. Come to think of it—

…

I mean … really... Who.

—Am I? What is my name? How old am I? Where do I live? How many people are in my family? What was my life like before I started attending this school? I can't ... remember anything. My memory has been completely erased somehow. How, and why, did this happen?

That's right. The Editor in Chief of the Journalism Club. As the president of the Journalism Club, she should at least know my name. I know I had to have filled out something when I first joined the club. I'll ask her. Hopefully, she'll be in her normal spot. But, how will I recognize her? What does she look like?

Who are you? "Man, where is everyone? It's like a ghost town around here. Things are getting weird..."

You? "That Andy guy... Where in the heck did he go? I never thought he'd be the type to ditch class." What are you...?

I'm getting out of the classroom, catch some air. I bump into someone else on my way out. "What's with Andy all of a sudden? But, after seeing that, I've had enough of this." This? What are you talking about?

A girl beside me whines to herself, "Oww... My headache has gone from terrible to worse. I'm freaking out." You're not the president either.

There, she's usually there. Are you the Editor in Chief? "Oh! Our club's ace. Did you find out anything yesterday?" The Editor in Chief is her usual cheery self. All I can think about is the pile of dead bodies I witnessed. No, I have to ask about myself. I'll ask her what my name is. "Huh? Your name? Just … look it up in the registry in the Library." Yeah, the school registry. It has everyone's names. If I look at the school registry, it might jog my memories. I'll go to the Library.

I remember that it's on the same floor, on the right wing of the hallway. But where would the registry be? I see a girl standing outside of the Library. I'll ask her. "You want to see the registry of names? It's on a bookshelf in the Library, I think." Thank you. That helps me a lot.

I enter the Library only to find that I'm the only living being there. Whatever, I just have to find the book. Wait, which shelf is it? I'll just have to look around.

I found it.

-Monica Academy Student Registry-

Once I read through this, I should be able to remember everything about myself...

I open the book and begin turning pages. Immediately, I notice ... something's terribly wrong.

The pages are blank.

Blank. Blank. Blank. Every single page was blank.

I reach for last year's school registry, and when I start flipping through the pages...

Blank. Blank. Blank. Blank.

Wait, except for one page. There are only two letters. "Ck". C…C...Cal...vin … K...lein? No...

What is happening here? Who am I? And just what … is this place?

The third floor, maybe there's something there.

A student council member. I'm going to ask her for some help. "You don't look so hot. Are things getting fuzzy around the edges?" Yes... Wait, how did you know? She giggles a bit, "You're almost there." Almost where?

Another student council member is here. Maybe he can tell me what's going on. "Are you ready for the exam? It is almost here. But don't look at me if you need a study buddy..." What? No, that's not what I asked you.

I walk over to a window that was near us. A pleasant breeze blows in through the open window that overlooks the garden. As I look into the garden, I see a female student standing in the center alone. She has striking appearance, with long purple hair, almond skin, and a preternatural calm. It seems like she is meditating, her hands folded in a specific way and her eyes closed. I find that I can't stop looking at her. No one else seems to notice that she stands out dramatically. I start to feel uneasy about her. The girl's eyes snap open.

Suddenly, a massive jolt rocks the school, causing me to stumble about uncontrollably. The building shakes with a thunderous roar. The source seems to be the girl in the garden. What in the hell just happened? In the resulting confusion, my vision begins to distort. Dizziness. Headaches. A sense of weightlessness. I close my eyes to keep from being overwhelmed.

…

When I open my eyes again, everything is exactly as it should be, like nothing happened. However, the air is permeated with a seductively sweet scent. Also, the girl that was in the garden had already disappeared. Was everything that happened just an illusion, or maybe—As I turn to leave, I see the girl from the garden walking towards me.

"That blast was meant to destroy everything in its range, but … the school seems stout enough." As she walks, she looks out the window and talks to herself. As she goes by, she gives me a smile.

I see the little girl again in the hall. Where did she go? Ah, there she is again. I thought I had scared her away for good, but she's come back. I'd better not make any sudden moves or she'll just run away. Also, I'll let her speak first. However, she just continues to stare at me with an intensity that borders on terrifying. Maybe I should say something to her, but softly so as not to startle her? Maybe if I keep my back to her, it'll help a little. I'll just call to her over my shoulder. I obviously can't see the look on the young girl's face. And all I sense is … hesitation.

"...Um..." Her voice matches her appearance … small and faint. In a hesitant, halting voice, she begins to speak. Big Bro, y-you're not afraid of me? Could it be … that you came to see ... me? I-If that's so—I'm … Annie. I'm ... always here so..." She suddenly stops talking. Thinking she disappeared again, I turn around—Only to see Annie still standing there. As I turn, she flinches a little and begins to fade away … then stops. And starts staring at me— "Hey, Big Bro, let's play together next time."

I should go to the first floor and see what I can gather there...

"Cristina!" A very familiar and overbearing voice calls out.

"Oh... It's you, Brother."

"I heard that you skipped archery practice again! What in the hell is wrong with you?"

"I'm sorry, Brother. But I..."

"You've embarrassed me again! How many times must I repeat myself, Cristina? Are you stupid? I mean, if you keep listening to others instead of me? Wait... Wait, wait, wait, wait... Did I call you my little sister? I … don't have a sister. I mean, I've always wanted one, but... Man, recently, things have been kind of flaky... G-Gah! D-Damn it... Wh-What's this weird feeling?"

"Ah, Brother. You appear to be experiencing fatigue. Inserting apology text. Error detected. Please maintain, a calm demeanor. Brother, please relax. Inserting reassurance text. Error detected. What's up, Shinji? Whatever is the matter, Brother. Select desired sister personality. Things will get worse if you don't decide. But any choice you make will be the wrong one, B-B-B-" OK, she's definitely acting weird. "So, why not totally lose it, Brother? Calm down, down, down, B-B-Broth-th-th..."

"What in the? Wh-What's going on? Damn, everything is going haywire!" Shinji runs past me in a panic.

"Brother, wait! Cease forward progress, male relation construct Broth-er-er-er..." Cristina V's speech begins to skip and repeat, almost as if she is a malfunctioning robot... V...? It's like she was reading from a script rather than engaging in a normal conversation. It wasn't only the incredible fleeing Shinji or the robotic Cristina that was going insane. Vertigo overcomes me as the school starts to waver. Something strange is happening to the world!

There is something wrong with this place. But more worrying is the fact I can't remember who I am. As I wander the campus, I see Andy walking down a hallway on the first floor. As a transfer student, I can't see why Andy would want to visit any of the freshmen. Also, there's nothing but a dead-end up ahead. I wonder what Andy is really up to...

I suddenly have this weird feeling that someone or something is up ahead in the hallway.

"..."

Who, for some reason, is examining the wall at the end of the hallway with almost excessive interest. "The attention to detail is quite impressive. Even the surrounding air is surprisingly substantial. If that is the case, this world is in some ways more real than the real world it represents. But that's just my opinion... How about you guys? What are your thoughts on this?" In that moment, it feels like my heart skips a beat. Almost immediately, my blood pressure skyrockets along with my body temperature.

Heartbeat, heartbeat, heartbeat. My pulse is like an explosion in my ears as my blood races through my veins, and the reason is clear. Now he … I mean, Andy has turned to face me. I now know for sure he's talking to me as there is nobody else present besides the two of us. "Greetings. I believe this is the first time we've had an actual conversation." I don't feel any sense of hostility from Andy. In fact, his smile seems genuinely friendly. His smile has the same effect on me as the rising of the morning sun, warm and comforting. In addition to his smile, his presence is inviting and inclusive and I find myself drawn to him. Oddly, my worries have vanished. All I can think of is doing as he says, as that's the only way to...

My mind feels like it's in a haze. It's like Andy is controlling my thoughts in some way. "Attending school wasn't half-bad. I've never had the opportunity to go to one before now. In that respect, this has been quite an interesting experience... However, the time for fun has come to an end. I did not come here to play at being a student. No matter how enjoyable the detour, eventually one must return to their appointed path. And for me, the time to do so has arrived..." With those final words, Andy turns his back on me.

"Farewell. No, that's not quite right. I don't think farewell would be accurate in this situation. For reasons I cannot explain, I have the distinct feeling that we will see each other again. So I guess I should use the more congenial, 'See you later.' Well, it's time for me to move on. I wish you the best of luck." With those final words, Andy disappears. It's like he ceases to exist. One moment, his hand is on the wall, the next he is gone. The young man in front of me seems to disappear before my very eyes. I want to say reality rejected his existence in it, but it feels like it was the opposite, that he refused to be constrained by it. It wasn't any special ability that allowed him to do so; just his strength of will.

With his departure, I feel as if a great weight is lifted from my very being. And rather than be a cause for concern, it brings a fundamental question to mind: Who am I? As the question pops into my head, it begins to take on a life of its own, searing my brain... "Ck", those are the only clues that I have. Then, I'll just have to find it with that.

I investigate the wall that Andy disappeared through. It's just a concrete wall at the end of the hallway. About the only thing on the floor is dust. But I am positive there must be something here, because Andy walked through the wall. I would be so easy to turn around, go back down the hallway, and pretend nothing happened. But there are still things I need to know. I have no memories. That means I've never had anywhere else to go but here. No place to return to. What was it that Andy said? "No matter how enjoyable the detour, eventually one must return to their appointed path." That's what he said, didn't he? Then beyond this wall lies the "appointed path," and the truth. If I follow him, I'll learn the answers to my questions, even if those answers are painful. But ignorance is bliss. Do I have the fortitude to face the truth and accept it?

I want to know.

Something's different. Down to the floors and the walls, the school has changed the very substance of its being. For some reason, reality cracking this way is intensely disturbing. This world around me is more real than a painting, but not even as real as a sand castle. I feel like it's so brittle I could tap it and the echo would shake this whole world. Where the boring concrete wall once stood, now there's a doorway that I can freely walk through. It's an entrance. No, an emergency exit, like stairs to the outside. It's not something of this world. I have no doubt that the world the door leads to is utterly alien. Whatever awaits inside, whatever shape it takes, there's a certain sort of finality to seeing it. Ultimately, I've already committed to this path. I bid farewell to the false world, and take my first step along the appointed path.

Beyond the door seems to be a dismal looking scrapyard. Out in front of me is the smooth skinned effigy. While trying to figure out exactly what to do with it—

"Welcome, potential Summoner or should I say Master." A voice comes out of nowhere. "That effigy with you is your sword and shield for what lies ahead. It will move in response to your commands. Now then, please proceed. The truth that you seek lies ahead." The motivations of the owner of that voice worry me, but it's obvious I won't learn anything by standing here. Also, there is no longer a path by which I can return. I have no choice but to head into the darkness with only this strange doll as protection.

—I made it. Within the deepest depths of the world beyond the door. This place must be the goal I'm supposed to reach. At least, that's what I thought. It's stifling, the aura of purity that seems to act as a ward against corrupted souls who'd try to enter... The feeling is familiar. It has the feeling of a chapel where the spirits of the deceased still linger.

At first I didn't notice, being overwhelmed by the grandeur of the room, but to one side is a young man in a familiar uniform, lying still on the ground. I call out to him, but there is no reply. I shake him in an attempt to wake him up when I notice … he is stone cold.

I go as pale as the corpse before me and I can no longer think coherently. All I can do is stare in bewilderment. It is at this moment—The fallen effigy lying next to the male student comes to its feet with a clatter. Before I get a chance to make sense of what's going on, it suddenly twists around and comes right at me.

A battle commences between that and my effigy. I have no idea what's going on, but no... My effigy is unable to land any hits while the enemy attacks effectively and efficiently. This fight is completely one-sided; I lose the battle. One more strike by the effigy is landed, not upon my protector, but upon me instead. And I fall to the ground.

"...Hmph, you seem to be lacking as well." I didn't stand a chance against that thing... It seems I wasn't qualified to be here. Me? Qualifications? That's right—I should know everything by now. The truth has to be here ... but … now...

I sigh... Everything is going dark... I'm not even really scared. The only feeling that remains in me is regret. Even at the very end, I was unable to remember anything about myself.

...Someone... Anyone... If you make it beyond here, please don't forget … my name...

A/N: The pieces are moving.