Chapter 11, David and Goliath
8:00 pm, Monday Evening, Yesterday
Rena sat in her bedroom, the phone to her ear as she waited for an answer. Her room looked lighter than Keiichi's own, it's light blue walls and each corner of the room almost covered in an assortment of stuffed toys and dolls she had scavenged throughout the years. Compared to the boys own room as well it was kept tidy, her clothes folded neatly into piles, as well as pencils and papers assorted neatly on her small desk. Suddenly the phone on the other side was picked up, a small voice answering.
"Hello?" the voice being Rika's asked.
"Hey, it's Rena." She replied immediately.
"Ah, So I'm guessing you have something important?" The small girl questioned, already knowing perhaps what Rena was calling for. After her agreement with the ginger-haired girl at Angel Mort, she had promised to call her in case she found or heard any information about Keiichi. Of course she would tell Rika in person, but this was just to keep it safe so no one else could eavesdrop. She also had to keep in mind that Satoko may overhear her conversation, though luckily she was in the kitchen at the moment, both of them cooking until the phone was rang. She just had to make sure that Satoko didn't have any sneaking suspicions.
Rena simply replied with a small "Mhm." before continuing. "Rena doesn't think you'll believe it though." Rika's brow furrowed in confusion as to what her friend meant.
"Why's that?" the bluenette asked curiously.
"Because he said he'd tell me everything tomorrow!" She responded, sounding a bit excited. Now Rika's interest really did peak there. Keiichi had been keeping secret for the past few days, keeping away from her and the other girls for odd reasons unknown to them. But now he was just going to spill the beans? She knew Rena was good, but not this good.
"I...how did you do it?"
"I don't really know. First he wouldn't say a thing. Then not even a minute he did a complete one-eighty." It was all Rena could really say, after all it's not like she could read Keiichi's mind. And even if she could it would be an enigma to encode. To Rika however this was good news. Of course there was no idea what he was going to tell Rena. But either way he was going to tell her something important. Something that can help her understand perhaps what's changed him in this world, just to give her that slight bit more of hope she's lost. But then that pessimistic part of her came crawling back. Because right now her only issue would be if he's lost it again.
She didn't want to think that way, but it was still a possibility. After all there was still that world where he murdered Rena and Mion out of his anxiety, added with that disease which made him hallucinate, no thanks to him going to that funeral which perhaps triggered those symptoms. Not that he was to blame for that of course, but it still didn't change the fact that it might still be a possibility it could happen. Or has happened.
"Rena." The bluenette started, grabbing her attention. "There are two things I need you to do. Okay?" Rika waited for her to respond.
"Okay." Rena sat there, awaiting her info.
"One, I need you to tell me anything he says to you." She knew Rena was going to do that of course, but she still wanted to at least make sure. She waited a bit until she spoke again. "As for the second, I need you to let me know if he shows any signs of aggression." She heard a small sound of confusion from Rena's voice, which to her was understandable. But for Rena's sake she wanted to make sure her friend wasn't going to be murdered. Of course Rika could give her a syringe to help his symptoms, but she was afraid that Keiichi would take it as a threat and kill Rena. No, if anyone was going to do it, it would be herself. "Just...if he shows to be violent stay away from him. Understood?"
Rena paused for a moment, still a bit confused and yet also concerned on what Rika was implying. Nonetheless she'd do what she said. "Yeah, I will." She simply replied. Rika was relieved somewhat, thanking Rena silently to herself for her cooperation.
"Rika! How much longer are you gonna be!?" The sound of Satoko's voice called out from upstairs in the kitchen, annoyance in her tone. Rika supposed she'd have to cut this short, hoping her kyute-loving companion will have some luck on her side.
"I've got to go. Talk to me as soon as you can." Rika instructed, soon after stopping the call and putting the phone back on it's pedestal. She jogged her small legs up the stairs as best she could until she was back upstairs. Luckily Satoko was still in the kitchen, cooking by herself as Rika walked in to help.
"So who was on the phone?" The blonde girl asked.
Rika put on her innocent facade, simply replying, "Just Mr. Kimiyoshi about the plans on Watanagashi. ~Nipah.~"
Meanwhile though Rena sat there, the phone still in hand. She sighed deeply, falling down onto her futon as she stared at the ceiling in thought. Deep inside she couldn't help but feel guilty for spying on Keiich like this. Sure she was doing it to keep him safe, and she was the one who volunteered for Rika to do it. But it didn't help the fact that despite her hating lies, she was lying to him herself. Talk about being a hypocrite. But rather she liked it or not, it had to be done. Someone was out there to hunt him, to hurt him even. But she was going to make sure that wasn't going to happen. At least not this time. Because this time he wasn't alone, and this time she was prepared to be at his side when that happened.
7:41 pm, Tuesday Morning, Current Time
Keiichi struggled against the firm grip of the colossal beast in front of him. But it was no use, the man's size and stature was far too greater than his. He couldn't even use God's world to get him out of this. He was completely vulnerable to the clutches of this stranger. He really wished he had some backup with him right now.
"Let's get some fresh air." The burly man spoke, suddenly throwing the boy outside. Keiichi barely caught himself, skidding back to a halt with one foot as his right knee was scraped by the pavement. Luckily he was wearing pants, so his skin wasn't damaged. He looked up to see the masked man, who simply strolled forward to him. Keiichi quickly stood up as be backed away. He was afraid. He couldn't get a read on this man at all, his intimidating aura radiating the area around them. But there was certainly no doubt that he worked for the Yamainu. The same as the last guy from last week. He was really beginning to think he had somehow pissed off someone at their headquarters. He wouldn't be surprised if it was Miyo herself. Or maybe there was someone else in there, plotting their own schemes. He'd have to figure that out later, because right now he has much bigger problems. Literally.
The burly man posed his arms in a greeting way. "Apologies, I forgot to introduce myself." He said, gesturing a hand to his chest. "I don't have a real name to use. But you?" A light laugh followed before he continued. "You may call me Senshi." Keiichi steadied himself, keeping his guard up.
"Senshi? The hell kind of name is that?" He asked. He'd never heard of people walking around with a name like Senshi. Did this guy think of himself as a warrior? Was this why he came to his house? Just to start a fight?
"I'm not good with names." Senshi simply replied. He cracked both of his knuckles, almost seeming excited. For all Keiichi knew this guy was probably grinning ear to ear behind that mask. "But I am good at fighting."
Keiichi stood there, almost unable to force himself to move, as if he was frozen on the spot. Perhaps it was fear that was preventing him from thinking straight, or how small he felt compared to the mountain in front of him. He didn't need to see Hanyuu to know what she thought about the current situation, because he knew the same thing as well. Keiichi can't win this fight. At least he didn't have a chance. If only I had that metal bat. he thought to himself. But then for a split moment, he remembered something. He remembered that the bat was still here at his house. Once he had gotten home, he decided to hide it in the bushes, since he didn't want to just leave it lying in his bedroom or the small shed in-case his parents found it and questioned him. Unfortunately, it meant that it was right behind Senshi, who he doubt would just give him a freebie and let him get the weapon. It wasn't a great idea, but it gave him some type of advantage at least.
"Well as much as I'd love to continue this awkward staring contest, I'd like to get started." Senshi spoke in a mocking way, walking menacingly towards the teen with his fists ready to pound him into the ground. Keiichi took a deep breath, preparing himself in the moment. If he was going to do this, it would have to be quick. He took his own couple of steps towards the man towering him, clenching his fist as his brow furrowed. "Oh? You're approaching me?" Senshi asked, somewhat surprised.
"Yeah, can't beat the shit out of you without getting close." The brown haired boy simply replied, readying himself.
"Hahah...then come as close as you like." As soon as he spoke, the goliath stomped down a foot, throwing a punch straight at Keiichi. But before he could collide with him the boy snapped his fingers, giving Hanyuu the signal she was waiting for. Immediately time stopped as Keiichi didn't waste any more, sliding under the legs of the giant and getting back up, flicking his fingers again to continue. For a couple of days, Keiichi had been training somewhat with Hanyuu on a new way they could communicate to use this power of theirs. He'd figured speaking out the name every time would get somewhat tiresome, or even accidentally be overheard by some stranger, or perhaps the enemy. So he and the spirit had decided on the idea that perhaps when he snaps his fingers, that will be the signal to her to either stop time or continue it. It was their own little system that no one else would figure out. Though he'd have to figure out how to get her to not do it when he randomly flicks his fingers outside of these types of situations. And it had worked perfectly, giving Keiichi the time he needed to get to the metal bat.
For a moment Senshi was taken aback, confused as to how the person in front of him had disappeared. It didn't take long for him however to turn around, to see the said person he was looking for, reaching into the bush and pulling out the hidden weapon as he now prepared himself against the masked beast. However Senshi didn't seem too surprised, or amazed even at this feat of how this kid got behind him. Instead he turned around, giving out a small laugh, which somewhat worried Keiichi. The hell is he laughing for? Was all he thought to himself.
"So they were right." The man finally spoke, "You did figure it out." Keiichi was confused for a moment on what he was even talking about. Figured out what? Was he talking about?
"Figured what out?" He finally decided to ask him. "And who they hell is 'they'?" The only reply he got from Senshi however, was a small wag from his finger as he tutted.
"Now that would just be spoilers." He spoke, shaking his head disapprovingly. "Gotta keep some secrets for you to figure out, kid." Keiichi grit his teeth, his fear slowly turning into anger. This guy was just mocking him. He clearly knew something. He was clearly messing with him. But he wasn't going to spill those beans anytime soon.
"I bet Miyo put you up to this, didn't she?" He decided to ask. Perhaps that would push some buttons? However this only gave him the simple reply of another small laugh from the man, confusing Keiichi even more.
"So you know about her, eh?" He asked, intrigued in how much this boy knew. But this only confirmed to Keiichi himself that this man was most definitely working for the Yamainu. "This ain't about her." He continued, cracking his knuckles yet again. "This is about a couple of dudes beating each other up." He said the last part with unneeded excitement, bringing fear back to Keiichi, his spine chilled over both how much this man knew, and how much he wanted to hurt him. Or kill him even.
This time I'll make the first move. He tightened the grip he had on the bat, readying himself."Alright then. Let's fight." Was all he said, soon after rushing towards the burly man. He readied a fist, waiting for the brown-haired boy to make his move. However instead of continuing to charge at him, Keiichi suddenly skidded to the right as he flicked his fingers, stopping time. If I can't take him down with brute strength alone, I'll just whittle him down. It was a solid plan if any to Keiichi, as he ran towards the man's legs. He would strike Senshi's kneecaps, slowing him down. Then he might be able to get away with a couple of hits without stopping time. As soon as he got close enough he flicked his fingers to resume. He swung his bat, just about to make contact...until he looked to his left. And what he saw terrified him. Senshi had turned to his right, almost immediately after time had continued. As if...
"He predicted me?" He said to himself, dumbstruck.
"Found you." He spoke playfully, a full throttled punch on Keiichi's left ribs, sending the boy almost flying to the goliath's right as he collided with the ground. Keiichi tried to get up, only being met with a searing pain from where he was punched, gripping his right side as he held the urge to shout in agony. A dribble of blood dripped from his mouth, his free hand wiping it. He looked at the stain on his hand in disbelief. It had barely been five minutes, and yet this burly man had already broken his ribs. Just how strong is he? It was all Keiichi could think to himself, somewhat managing to get himself together as he pushed himself up with his elbows, trying to ignore the pain on his right side. His breathing came in greedy gulps, taking in as much oxygen as he needed. He turned to his right to see the man who had caused this pain, walking towards him.
Senshi however didn't go in for the kill. Instead he knelt down, waving his hands towards himself. "C'mon kid, is that it? Get up. I know you've still got some fight left in ya!" Keiichi's brow furrowed in frustration, as he tightened his fists. He was having enough of this. But even though it felt like Senshi was taunting him, it for some reason almost felt like he was...encouraging him? But why? Why would you want to motivate your enemy? What does he get out of it? But right now he didn't care for these questions in his head, as he forced himself back up on his feat, wobbling a bit. No, he wanted to take this bastard down, even if he knew he couldn't.
The titan of a man got up from his squat, looking down at the bruised teen, almost impressed at his feat. "He still got up from that?" He mumbled to himself, as Keiichi picked up the bat that had been flung with him. He looked up at Senshi, eyes filled with determination and anger. Senshi merely grinned under his mask. "Guess he's developed quicker than we thought." He decided perhaps it was his turn to make the front move, since the kid in front of him clearly wasn't going to be able to. As he walked to him, Keiichi stood prepared, not moving an inch as he stared down the beast in front of his gaze.
Hanyuu was worried. Very worried In fact, as she looked at the side of his mouth that still ran blood, the broken ribs he had already. She knew however that there was no convincing the boy otherwise to run away from this fight. He was too stubborn for that. He always had been. All she could do right now was be by his side until this fight was over. "Please be careful." She simply pleaded. Keiichi heard her, giving a simple nod.
"I will."
As soon as he got into distance, Senshi raised his fist, ready to strike Keiichi yet again. But he didn't move from his spot. Not a dodge, or even a flick of his fingers. What he did do instead surprised him. Instead the brown-haired boy grabbed the bat with both hands, shouting under his breath as he swung the bat right into the side of Senshi's face. The goliath stumbled back slightly, his arms lowered as he stood there. Keiichi stood there himself, panting as he looked over at Senshi's face, observing the damage he'd done. The side of the mask was cracked slightly, a bit at the end chipped off as blood running down from underneath. From what Keiichi could tell, he had barely done anything to him with that hit. From a metal bat as well.
The burly man finally began to move again, though rugged in his movements. Keiichi quickly prepared himself in a stance, holding the bat next to him. But Senshi didn't sound angry, nor did he seem surprised. It was hard to hear as the sound was low, but as it got louder he realised what he was doing. He was laughing. Senshi immediately looked at Keiichi, causing him to jump slightly on the spot.
"Now that's a hit!" He shouted in excitement, his movements sharing this feeling as well. He beckoned to Keiichi, his hands gesturing to his mask, "C'mon. Let's see you do it again!" Keiichi stood there, intimidated by this man's energy. No, frightened was more like it. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't understand this tall beast's motivations. He was both his worst enemy and yet possibly his biggest fan next to Rena. Little by little, he felt his steel resolve begin to rust away. He couldn't do it, he just couldn't win against this goliath. His own damage compared to Senshi's reinforced this statement in his head, showing the sheer difference in strength and skill. But this wasn't where he was going to die. Not without dealing with Miyo. Not without stopping the Yamainu. Not without saving his friends. Not without helping Rika.
"Keiichi!" A feminine voice called out his name, grabbing the attention of both the guys. Keiichi squinted his eyes, attempting to get a better look at who it was. It was to his surprise when he realised just who. "Natsumi!?" He spoke out loud, surprise in his voice. Of all the people who would come to his rescue, the girl he just met a few days ago wasn't one he'd imagine. However it wasn't just her, as there were two other people by her side. As they got closer, he realised it was both Rena and Jirou. Hold on...is Rena holding a hatchet!? Compared to what he had to deal with at the current moment, this was the last thing that perhaps he should be surprised about. But it was still jarring to him that his ginger-haired friend, a light-hearted girl who loved cute things, was armed with a weapon of any sorts.
The trio came to a halt, stunned by the large man in front of them who had turned to look at them. Though Natsumi was intimidated by this man's sheer size, Jirou and Rena somewhat hid this, as the photographer raised his fists whilst the kyute-loving teen raised her hatchet to face the goliath.
"You have some nerve to start a fight in the open like this." Jirou spoke first, brow furrowed as he readied himself in-case the stranger in front of him tried anything. Senshi however ignored him, turning to face Keiichi instead, a low growl coming from his mask as if he was thinking at the moment. Keiichi weakly readied himself, wondering what this man was going to do. Was he going to fight all three of us? Is he that insane?
Senshi put a hand to the back of his head, whilst shrugging with the other. "It seems I've caught you at a bad time." He simply spoke, beginning to walk towards Keiichi, and immediately right past him. Keiichi turned to look at the burly man, confusion on his face and his mouth agape. That's it? He's just leaving!? After all of that!? Senshi turned around to look at Keiichi yet again, pointing straight at him. "You've gotten better." He said in almost a sound of admiration. "Keep training yourself kid, so we can fight again." As the man turned around and continued his walk, Keiichi merely stood there, still just as confused as he was he was, fighting for his life against possibly unbeatable odds. And yet this stranger merely throws a couple of punches, some mysterious words here and there, and then just leaves. Who the hell is this guy?
But he wasn't just gonna let him leave like that. He had to know something. Anything. "Who the hell are you working for!?" He shouted at the man. "What was the point of all this!?" Senshi stopped for a moment, not turning around. Keiichi stiffened in place, wondering if he was perhaps going to change his mind and come back to kill him.
"Survive kid." He simply said, his tone more serious than before. "Then you'll get your answers." Soon after he gave out a low laugh, continuing his walk away from the teen and the others. A sound from what seemed to come from Jirou's camera was heard, being ignored by the man who still continued to walk away from the scene.
Keiichi had no choice but to let him leave, and take this as a pyrrhic victory. There's no point going after him. Not in my state. He sighed deeply to himself, feeling a sting from his broken ribs in return. He couldn't help but feel as if he could have gotten more out of him, something that could have helped him with this blonde witch and her monkeys in grey suits. But like that man said, he was here to fight, not talk. But on the bright side, there was still one important thing to him and Hanyuu. Keiichi is still alive, and still fighting.
His thoughts were shattered immediately by the impact of Rena colliding with his back, gripping him into a bear hug. "Thank god you're alright!" Rena spoke out, relief flooding her senses as her grip tightened around the trapped boy. The only sounds coming from his mouth struggling to form words as he had trouble to get air into his lungs, no thanks to the ginger-haired girl. It didn't take long for Rena to realise, quickly letting go of her victim as he gasped for air. "S-Sorry Keiichi!" She grinned anxiously, feeling a little guilty for almost getting him killed. Twice today that is.
Soon after the other two came over, as Keiichi managed to get back up. He turned around to face Natsumi and Jirou, still surprised to see them here. "Who the hell was that guy?" Natsumi asked, the question that both Jirou and Rena agreed on , wanting to know as well.
"I've definitely never seen him around Hinamizawa." Jirou spoke up, a hand held to his chin in thought as he stared straight where the burly man had left.
Keiichi simply shrugged. "No idea." He could of course tell them that his name was Senshi, and that he works for the Yamainu. But for now he decided to keep it to himself. He was already planning to talk to Rena, unintentionally dragging her into this. The last thing he wanted was to get Natsumi involved as well. "But for some reason he wanted me dead."
"Should we go after him?" Jirou asked, as Rena readied her hatched, almost looking somewhat terrifying. I'll have to take back what I said about her not being scary. Was what Keiichi could think after seeing her like that.
He shook his head. "No, he's dangerous. Besides, he might have backup." He didn't have proof for that of course. But again, considering who we works for, it wasn't out of the equation of schemes they might have. Jirou crossed his arms, nodding in agreement with the teen.
Keiichi turned to look at Natsumi, squinting his eyes. She noticed this, tilting her head at him. "What's wrong?" She asked, confusion in her voice.
"This is twice now you've shown up to save my ass." First it was that skinny, long haired man from Saturday who had almost beat him to death. Now it was from a goliath of a human with an oni mask. Still, he decided to play around with her. "Either you're my guardian angel, or you're the mastermind." She raised her hands guiltily, a small blush on her face, perhaps from his 'angel' comment.
"It's not my fault you keep getting yourself into these situations." She replied back in defence.
"She's got a point there." Hanyuu agreed, standing next to Keiichi with her arms crossed, looking quite sassy in her posture. He resisted the urge to look at her with a deadpan look, yet still unimpressed in his head. That and he didn't want another incident with people thinking he talks to imaginary people in his head.
"How did you find me anyway?" He asked Natsumi, wondering how on earth she had managed to come here in the first place.
"Oh, that's easy." Rena chirped in. "I was coming to meet you like I said yesterday. Until Natsumi here ran into me with Jirou. She was looking for you, so I let her walk with me."
"And that's when we saw you getting attacked." Jirou spoke up. That answers my question I suppose Keiichi thought to himself, though now with another question in his head he had to ask.
"Then why were you with Natsumi?" Keiichi asked.
Jirou rubbed the back of his head. "Ah, well you see I was simply just walking the same way as she was, until we both ran into Rena." Keiichi supposed that was fair enough. Though why Jirou decided to tag along he still didn't get. But what he didn't get was...
"Wait, why were you looking for me?" He turned to Natsumi. She put her hands to her hips, looking somewhat cross at him. The hell did I do now?
"Because someone seemed to forget about me." She spoke accusingly, pointing a finger at him. Forgot about her? What does she mean- Keiichi mentally facepalmed, realising what she meant. He had forgotten about her phone number she had given him. He'd forgotten to at least talk to her once since her rescue. Of course he had still written it down onto some paper and put it into his drawer safely. he wasn't that dumb.
He scratched the top of his head, embarrassed. "Heh...sorry 'bout that." Natsumi simply pouted, her arms crossed. She soon gave up the act as she jabbed the boy with her elbow, giggling.
"Only messing with you. Still would be nice if you didn't forget." He rubbed his arm where he'd been striked by the dull green-haired girl, nodding in agreement. She'd definitely fit into our group. She's already got the 'messing with Keiichi' part down to a T. Suddenly the sharp pain from his broken ribs came back, causing him to winch in pain, placing a hand over them. Rena quickly came over, concern on her and the others' faces.
"Are you ok Keiichi?" She asked, of course already knowing the answer.
"Yeah, ngh, just broke my ribs is all." The three of them looked at Keiichi with rising concern than before.
"'Just' broken ribs!?" Rena parroted back, her protective instincts kicking in. Oh boy... He thought to himself, realising the kerfuffle he had began with his own stupidity.
07:35 am, Tuesday Morning, Earlier Today.
Jirou walked along the gravel path, looking at the beautiful sights of Hinamizawa on his right. He had stopped many times at different locations to take pictures of birds that resided here. Of course it was his cover up for the real reason he was here, but it was a nice distraction at times from when things got too stressful, being able to simply admire the stunning sights of nature through his camera was simply something to enjoy during his free time. Lately however, it became a bit more difficult to enjoy that.
He had gotten a call from Irie earlier this week, something he wasn't expecting in the slightest, nonetheless even believe. He had told him about Keiichi, the boy he'd met a couple of times during his visit here. He had also told him about how someone in their men's uniform had assaulted the young teen, and had disappeared soon after being seen by a girl with dull green hair. Of course he didn't know Keiichi on a personal level, it still didn't stop him from being shocked to have heard this news. Especially with the info of some random stranger doing this. For their own reason why they did this, he didn't know. Which was exactly the reason why he was here now, strolling down this pathway.
He had been requested by Irie to keep an eye on Keiichi, in case something were to happen yet again. Of course if something were to happen, Jirou was strong enough to perhaps be able to combat this intruder in their ranks. If not, and he got away, he could always take a picture of them, at least having some evidence to back him up and get the stranger in the near future. He hadn't wondered why the doctor hadn't asked anyone else, but he had a couple reasons in his head perhaps why. The main one being that Irie might trust him more than Okonogi, considering the captain had a suspicious aura around him. As well it wasn't as if he could ask Miyo to do it, since she was merely a nurse, and had no combat experience. No, it had to be him. After all he was fine with the task being put to him, since he himself wanted to make sure Keiichi was safe. He didn't deserve to be killed by some random crook.
A small tap on his left arm caused the beefcake photographer to look at who the perpetrator was. He looked down, seeing a girl much shorter than him, with dull green hair tied in two buns. She looked up at him, smiling as she waved. "Hello Mr. Photo Man." She greeted cheerfully.
For a moment he had to do a double-take, mystery on his mind of how she managed to sneak up on him without a single footstep heard. Then again he was in thought, so perhaps that had drowned out the sounds around him. But that wasn't what he focused on the most. It was the fact that this girl looked similar to the description that Irie had given him of the girl that had brought Keiichi to the good doctor himself.
"Ah, um, hello there?" He struggled to greet her.
"Do you know anyone by the name Maebara?" She decided to ask immediately.
She was looking for Keiichi? Why? Perhaps it wasn't any of his business, but he couldn't help but be curious. Maybe they were going out on a date? Which to no offence of the brown-haired boy, but he had some doubts Keiichi could even get a date.
"Yeah I do. I'm assuming you're looking for him?" He decided to answer honestly, perhaps able to get some answers himself.
The girl nodded in response. "I gave him my phone number, but he hasn't called me at all." She simply shrugged, sighing. "I guess some guys don't know how to talk to a lady." She looked back at Jirou, a small grin on her face. "No offence. I'm sure your wife's pretty happy." A small blush came upon the man's face, causing him to look at the ground shyly.
A wife!? Me!? It was rather bold of her to assume he had any charm for that kind of thing. Though his thoughts for a moment did think about Miyo, who he had taken a couple of cheeky glances at the blonde nurse. Where he looked he'd rather not think about, let alone say out loud to anyone.
"Hey, you still there?" The dull green-haired girl's voice kicked him out of his embarrassing thoughts, yet again turning to look at her. "So do you know where he lives around here?"
Now that was a good question. Of course he sort of knew the boy, but he had no clue of his home. Not that he was trying to stalk him of course, but considering the task he had been given it was only right to know that at least, lest something happened there instead of out in the open like Saturday. He shook his head in response, causing the girls smile to turn into a frown. "Bummer..."
Before she could run off, he proposed an idea. "But I could help you find someone who does know." Jirou suggested. "He has plenty of friends." Which was true of course. He always hung out with the other girls at his school here in Hinamizawa. Why Keiichi didn't have guy friends however, he'll never know. Perhaps that made
him the honorary guy friend instead?
The girl next to him brightened up, her smile back on her face. "That would be great!" Jirou had to hold back a laugh seeing the enthusiasm of the small teen. "Thanks for your help Mr..."
He looked down to her and gave her a smile. "Just call me Jirou."
She nodded in understanding, returning the favour. "Well I'm Natsumi. Nice to meet you, sir." He nodded, as they continued to walk down the gravel path, talking for a bit. Lucky for them, Keiichi will probably be going to school, so they might catch him there anyway. After all, it's not like anything was going to happen to him this morning.
...Right?
End chapter 11
A/N; Surprise Surprise! A new chapter a month after the previous instead of in a year!
Jokes aside, I did feel a bit anxious that I may have rushed this, despite my friends saying the chapter was fine. We also get to see more of Senshi, this mysterious goliath of a man, along with lovable Jirou and Natsumi!
If you've noticed though, I've changed the way I write somewhat, or improved even, such as the thoughts of the characters as italic instead. Recently I've been reading some stories, especially some RWBY ones. Mostly by Jefardi, who I took inspiration from for with this chapter, and who is a pretty good writer that I recommend you should check out for their stories like Dilation and Acceptance.
Infact I don't know if I will, but I might write a couple one-shots or such about RWBY myself (don't hold me on that tho) since I might want a little break from getting tired out from Higurashi so quickly.
Anywho, hope you guys enjoyed this, and stay tuned for the next one!