Note: There will be a little bit of erotic in this chapter. It won't be very much though. I don't think that it will be too bad, but I'm posting this as a warning.
Chapter 9: Pre-Watanagashi
The weekend has come. It seems that Mion has already made the plans for the club activities. Today, we are having a baseball game against the Okinomiya Titans. Unfortunately, I have to work for the first half of the game.
We have been given some time off from school because the festival is right around the corner. Since I had some free time, I offered to work early today. It was only after the fact that Mion let me know of her plans for the weekend.
"…But Mike" She whines. "We really need you!"
"I'm sorry Mion. I really would like to help out, but I already told my boss that I would come to work early." I apologize. "I'll probably be able to come in later though. Maybe, I can get in before the game is completely one-sided."
She sighs, but she gives in.
"Alright. You better get there quick though! If we lose this game, I'm going to have you do the punishment game!"
I sigh.
"How fair is that?!? I wanted to work early so I could have the rest of the day free."
She retorts. "Yeah, well you should have thought of that beforehand. Maybe I knew that you were going to work later so I set up the game earlier. Geez, you're so useless sometimes."
I rebut to her last statement. "Ah well, I guess you don't need me at all then, if I'm so useless. I might as well just sit on the bench if I get there. I might as well take my time since I'll probably just make the game worse."
She puts on an evil expression.
"Alright Mike. You can do that if you want. I'll just have to double the punishment for you." She adds in a sinister laugh.
Scary!
Slightly panicked, I try to get her back on my good side.
"N-n-n-nooo! Ah…wait! I'll make it! I'll definitely make it!!! I'll even win the game for you guys!" personality flips. She puts on a big smile and replies, "Great!" and as she walks off.
"Mental note: never skip something Mion wants to do." I say to myself.
Since my conversation with Mion has finished, I head off to work.
Work was pretty simple today. I didn't need to carry any big items in like normal. I am often baffled as to how my boss seems to get new large items, for me to carry, everyday.
It's like he's doing it on purpose.
After I finish doing the inventory, I begin tending the store. Some people come in, here and there, but for the most part it is quite in the store. One man came into the store, carrying a sheathed sword.
He looked to be about seventy to eighty years of age. He came up to the counter.
"Can I help you, sir?" I ask politely.
He gives of a little laugh. I don't know what's so funny, and this man seems kind of mysterious to me.
After he finishes laughing he hands me the sword.
"How much would you like for this, sir?" I ask.
"Nothing. It is a gift to you. Keep it safe young one." He replies as he gives me a mysterious smile.
Bewildered, I reply, "Uhh…thanks."
The man watches as I unsheathe the sword. It is a single-handed sword. The blade is small in width, near the hilt, but then, curves out as it goes up in length. It then comes back from the curve and meets at the point. There is an Opal jewel in the pommel of the sword. Remembering back to my sword, that I lost, I remember seeing an identical jewel in the pommel of that sword. The blade is the same shade of white as my missing sword as well.
It hits me that the two blades are connected. I turn to the man who was watching me, only to find him about to leave the store.
"Wait!" I call out to him.
When the man turns, I explain about what happened to the other sword, and ask if the two swords are connected. He only laughs and tells me, "It will show up again, when you need it the most."
"What about if the two are connected?"
His only reply is, "What do you think?"
I think for a second and say, "I think that they are."
The old man only smiles, and turns to leave.
I want to pursue him and ask him more questions, but I feel that he won't answer any of them.
I return to the counter. I pull my newly, obtained weapon from its sheath again. Overall, the sword is very beautiful. As I slash it through the air, I feel that it is and extension of my arm. I feel that it would be better for me to use this sword, rather than my katana.
I return to work when I realize that I'm slacking off, rather than working. The rest of my time goes by pretty quickly. Honestly, I am excited about the baseball game. I really want to show off my skills in front of everyone. More than that though, I don't want to do whatever punishment game Mion has for me. Just thinking about it sends a shiver down my spine.
When my time was about up, the owner comes in. He asks me about the sword, and I tell him that the old man gave it to me as a gift. He seems skeptical, but after I offer it to him, to put up in his shop, he lets it go. Before I leave, he asks me if I can come in for a bit tomorrow. I am a little hesitant, after what happened today, with Mion, but I accept. Mion has work too so if we go to work at the same time, there shouldn't be a problem. We can also walk home together, which we don't get to do on the weekends, since I usually don't have work.
After I am released, I hop on the bike and petal as fast as I can to the park. I am exhausted when I arrive, but I made it in a decent amount of time. After I have parked the bike, I walk into the field. I am only able to take one step though. As soon as I have witnessed what is in front of me, I am unable to move, because of my confusion.
In front of me is the Okinomiya Titans. They are all standing in their field positions, staring at one boy. If I was given an hour, I don't think I could come up with a good explanation as to why Keiichi is standing in the middle for the Titans, holding a golf club, as if he is going to hit someone.
After a couple of seconds, Satoko comes up and whispers something to him. He then yells out, "IF IT WAS A BASEBALL GAME, TELL ME THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!"
It seems there was a misunderstanding. Maybe he was told that we were playing golf or something.
I walk over to the bench where Mion, and my friends, are sitting. Mion greets me happily when she sees me. She then proceeds to scold me.
"I came here as fast as I could Mion. I swear!"
"Whatever, it's good that you're here now. We need some men to hit this guy's balls."
The way she phrases it amuses me, but I don't let myself chuckle, because she would just glare at me. Guess that's just how a man's mind works.
Keiichi is up. The first ball goes right past him, without him even swinging. It was moving too fast for him to hit it; much less, see it.
What? Is this guy a pro or what?
Keiichi isn't paying attention to his next pitches as he is arguing with Mion. He is struck out without even doing anything. With him out, it's my turn.
I step up to the plate. The pitcher gets ready to pitch. He winds up and lets the ball fly. It flies right into the catcher's mitt. I didn't even swing. Mion begins to yell at me. She keeps telling me to swing and that I'm as worthless as Keiichi, which then leads to Keiichi arguing with her, again. The next ball comes. It strikes the mitt of the catcher. Right when I hear the sound of it hit the mitt, I swing. The umpire was about to call ball, but changes it to strike, since I swung. I can see the pitcher snickering to himself.
He's probably thinking to himself. This is too easy.
The pitcher winds up again. I can already tell.
Fastball.
*CHINK*
The ball goes flying. It flies far, and almost goes over the wall, (can you guess what im going to say here? NO COMMA! ^_^) on the left side, but it falls just short. The ball flies past me a second after I pass over third base. I quickly turn back and take my place on third.
Damn.
The next two batters are easily struck out. I head back to the bench, discouraged.
Shion congratulates me on my hit and I thank her.
"Didn't do much good though."
"At least you were able to trick him. He thought that you were some push-over."
"That's true, but I doubt the same trick will work twice."
Shion frowns, seeing my point. Even Mion looks like she thinks it hopeless. Satoko then jumps up.
"I've got it!"
She then grabs Keiichi and pulls him off somewhere. After a while, Satoko comes back. I ask her what she was doing with Keiichi, but she only tells me to wait and see.
A little later, Keiichi returns, and the pitcher comes out after him. Keiichi gives Satoko, a thumbs up.
We are able to hold off the Titans when it is our turn. As our next turn on Offence comes, I find that things are a bit easier. In fact, it's too easy. I am easily able to hit a homerun, when my turn comes along. Three people end up scoring, including me. The pitcher seems to have given up. When I ask Keiichi about it he explains how he blackmailed the pitcher, with his own love of desserts. Apparently, the pitcher loves desserts more than anything, but is embarrassed to say so out loud, since it would make him appear less manly.
The game is over quickly, with a complete comeback victory for the Hinamizawa Fighters. Mion congratulates us on our victory; specifically, (no comma) Satoko and Keiichi. I say how I was glad to be able to help out as well. Mion then frowns. Confused as to why she would be upset, I ask what's bothering her.
"Oh, I was just looking forward to your punishment game, if we lost."
I sigh. "I really don't think that, that is something you should be upset about. Just be happy that we won."
"Ah well. I'll just have to save it for some other time."
She gives her evil grin again.
After the game, we all head out to eat, together. We have a good time, and before we know it, it's evening. We all head back home. After dinner, and my bath, I head over to Mion's room. We discuss the day like usual. She tells me that she was really glad that I could make it. I tease her by saying that she really didn't want me to come, so I would have to do the punishment game. She laughs, and denies my accusations.
I remember that my boss had asked me to come in tomorrow. I explain this to Mion. As I am explaining it to her, she begins to frown. She starts to smile again, though, when I explain that I will be able to do it when at the same time that she has work, and that we will be able to walk home together. We decide that I need to walk there earlier, since she is meeting up with Keiichi and Rena, and they are heading over there, on bike.
After we finish our talk, we embrace, and kiss. I then head off to bed.
The day was very productive, and I had a lot of fun. I remember the sword that the old man gave me. I decided to tie it to my katana, which Sensei had given me. Hopefully, it will still be there in the morning.
I am able to fall asleep quickly and my dreams are full of happiness and randomness, as most dreams are.
After training, I have some breakfast, and head out to Okinomiya. When I arrive at the game store, I see that many kids are already crowding around the entrance. After searching a little, I see Rika and Satoko. I also see Hanyuu behind Rika.
I walk over to them and greet them. They return my greeting. I ask them if they know what's going on today. They tell me that they don't know. Rika seems to know something though. I can tell because she hangs her head when I mentioned it. I ask her about it, but she only replies that it's nothing.
After a couple of minutes, Mion, Keiichi, and Rena arrive on their bikes. We go over to greet them. I ask Mion what we're doing today, but she is being too stubborn. She just keeps smiling and telling me, "You'll see." I end up letting it go without a fight.
When the owner opens up the store, we all head in. We talk about nothing till it's time to start. While we are talking, Keiichi notices Rika. She seems to be displeased about something. Keiichi asks her if she is bored. Her reply was somewhat confusing.
"It's not that I'm bored. It's just that I can't seem to get excited when I can see the outcome of the future."
See the outcome of the future?
Keiichi continues for clarification. He asks if she already knows what game we're going to be playing.
She tells him that she's just mumbling to herself, but he continues pressing. Next, he asks her if she heard what game we are playing from Mion.
She explains that she just knows.
How can she just know? Is she a psychic or something?
I then remember my dream about her repeated murders. I contemplate whether or not it actually happened. If they really did, then it would be possible that Rika has experience this type of scenario before; perhaps many times. I'll have to ask her again.
The owner comes to announce the game then. As he takes his place at the front of the table, I begin to feel a strange sense of déjà vu. A single word pops into my mind.
Karuta.
Just as the word comes to my mind, the owner repeats the word. We will be playing Karuta. I am unable to understand how I knew. Rika doesn't look surprised so I assume she knew it as well.
I definitely need to talk to her about this. I won't take no for an answer this time.
Our seating is decided by draw. I was lucky enough to get a seat by Mion. Also, Rika is to my left, sandwiched between me and Keiichi.
I overhear something Keiichi says to Rika. "I heard from the village elders that you are the reincarnation of Oyashiro-sama, and you can predict the future, or something like that."
Reincarnation of Oyashiro-sama?
It begins to look more, and more likely that my dream truly did happen. If Rika really is being killed, and brought back to life, then she would definitely be able to predict future events, because she has already lived to see them come to pass.
She replies to him. "It's not a prediction. It's a fate that has already been decided." She continues to explain, "It's something no one can oppose. Neither I nor you, Keiichi."
Fate. If she truly is stuck in this endless recursion of time, she must feel that it is her fate to die. She must be in a lot of pain and fear. Having to relive her death, over and over again.
My heart goes out to her. I am almost positive at this point that I am right about my dream.
It must have been Rika's mention of fate being unbreakable, but Keiichi suddenly gets excited. He explains that, to a man, there is no such thing as fate or destiny. He declares that he will destroy this "fate" of hers. He then proceeds to announce that we can't play Karuta, because he is a total master at it and it would be unfair to everyone else if they were to play it. I add in my opinion.
"I agree with Keiichi. I'm a foreigner so I know nothing of Japanese culture. I'd rather play something that I have an equal chance of winning."
Mion sees my point and asks the owner to bring out a new game. He brings out a game, of total chance. Having skill doesn't really come into play on a game like this.
I look over to Rika. Her expression has totally changed. She looks like she is having fun again. I am happy for her. It seems Keiichi was able to give her some hope.
Mion calls an end to the game, right as the clock strikes three. It's time for me and Mion to go to work. Keiichi complains about us running away, but Mion explains that we have work. Out of sheer whim, I decide to grab Mion's hand as we are standing next to each other. We don't usually show our affection around our friends, but I just suddenly had the urge to. It felt like I had to protect her or something. She doesn't resist, and instead wraps her fingers around my hand.
The owner has followed us out, and says that he will keep the grand prize till next time. As a booby prize, he gives Keiichi a present. He opens it up to find a doll.
"What the heck is this?!?" He complains.
Rena goes off about how cute it is how she wants to take it home with her. Mion says that Keiichi got something that doesn't really suit him. I go off of what Mion says.
"You never know. Maybe Keiichi really loves dolls and has a huge collection of them at his house."
Everyone laughs, except Keiichi, who is glaring at me.
"Ohohoho! I think Mike-kun's right. I bet Keiichi-san has hundreds of dolls at his place." Satoko adds.
His glare turns to Satoko.
Not wanting to get any more ridicule, he turns to Rena.
Just is he is about the hand it to her, I see Rika, who appears to be trying to stop him. She stops herself though, when she sees Mion and I holding hands.
Keiichi hands the doll to Rena, who gently thanks him. He looks like he is just glad to get it off his hands. I look at Mion. She seems to be staring at the doll. I smile. I know exactly what I am going to do.
We part ways with our friends and head off to our jobs.
I am let off after I finish the task, my boss needed me for. I am grateful since I have some time to pick up my gift for Mion. I head back to the toy store, where we had our tournament, and pick out the same doll Keiichi was given earlier. As I pay, the owner suggests that I am really the one with the doll obsession. I laugh it off and explain that it's for Mion. He points out that Mion doesn't really seem like the type to like this sort of thing, but I reassure him that she will like it.
After I buy it, I have just enough time to make it to Mion's workplace. I get there right as she gets off. Luckily, I brought my backpack with me today, so I was able to hide my gift without stirring up any suspicion. When we arrive home, I ask Mion if I can take the first bath. I explain that I have something to take care of before I meet up with her. She agrees to it. After I get out of my shower, I head to my room to prepare Mion's surprise.
I pull the doll out and unwrap it. I then take out a piece of paper and write a note for her.
It reads: You may act like a tomboy all the time, and totally deny the fact that you have a girly side, but I know better. I know better than anyone that you have a wonderful girly side to you, so I decided to get this doll for you. When I saw how you were looking at the one Keiichi gave to Rena, I knew that this would be perfect for you. Take care of it. I hope you enjoy it. –Mike
I head to her room. I set the doll, and note on the table. I then wait around the corner for her to return. After I see her enter her room, I wait a little bit, and then stand at the doorway. Her back is turned to me, but I can hear her sobbing. She turns to see me at the doorway. I take a step into her room and she runs to embrace me. She nearly knocks me over backwards.
"Do you like your present?" I ask.
She is barely able to respond through her crying.
"I love it. Thank you, Mike."
I hold her as she sobs. After a while, she sets the doll down, and closes the door. We embrace again, and kiss. I am enjoying the moment so much. I am so happy that I was able to make her cry tears of joy like that. Every guy dreams of being able to do that for the girl that they love. At least, that's what I think.
We continue kissing; unable to stop, because we are so happy. I don't realize it as my body starts to heat up. Our kissing quickly begins to turn into making out. Our breathing starts to become hastened, and uneven. Our hearts begins pumping blood, twice as fast as it was a second ago. I can feel myself becoming erect. My lust begins to take over. I begin to wish for her body. I want to run my hands all over her. I pull my arm from around her, and start to move it towards her chest. Just as I am about to touch her though, my conscience gives me a sharp kick. It tells me to stop. I decide to ignore it. I want this more than anything right now.
Mion realizes what I am doing. She places her hand on mine and presses my hand down upon her chest. I can feel her soft breasts underneath my hand. I begin rubbing the top of her breast. She lets out a sigh of pleasure. Hearing her makes me want it even more. I quickly get tired of just touching her through her clothes. I move my hand to her bare skin and begin to slip my hand under her robe.
I am again hit by my conscience. Again, it tells me that what I'm doing is wrong, and that I need to stop. I ignore it again and decide to continue. I move myself around, so I am behind her. I have a better position here. I also reach my other hand down and grab her hand. We intertwine our fingers together. She squeezes hard as I run my hand across the bare skin of her breast. I continue till I reach her nipple. She shudders as I touch it. As I play with it, she begins losing strength in her body. With our hands still entangled with each other, I reach around her stomach to support her. I then proceed to squeeze her breast, softly. She lets off a soft moan. I am enjoying this experience. I am giving pleasure to the girl that I love. Filling her up with pleasure is my only desire. I want to do anything for her, right now. My desires begin to boil up again though and I wish to see her naked body.
I am about to put her robe off her shoulders, but I am hit by my conscience once more. This time was quite a bit stronger than the last two times. I stop completely. In my mind are memories of my past. I remember how I used to do the same exact things with the other girl that I loved. I remember how it all ended in ruin, and how I felt like I lost my life that night. I knew it was true. I died that night. The person walking around every day after that moment was only a shell. It was only when that shell was hit by that truck, and brought into this world, that he gained life again. If he hadn't been hit, he would still have been a walking shell.
My memories drain the lust and desire from my body. I immediately feel guilty, and remove my hands from Mion. I step back, in shame.
She is about to pursue me, but her conscience hits her at that time, and she halts. She begins to feel the guilt and shame as well. Tears begin to fall from her eyes. Seeing her, I almost begin to cry as well. Everything in me wants to go and comfort her, but I know from experience that it won't turn out well. We both gave into temptation, and we are both suffering from the consequences now.
After a couple moments, she turns to me.
"Mike...I'm so sorry. This is my fault."
I immediately become upset.
"Mion you can't blame yourself for this! We are both to blame."
She only stares at the floor.
"Look, we did what we did. We can't change that. The best we can do is to learn from this experience."
She seems to gain a little courage.
"Yeah."
I decide to walk over to her. Instead of embracing her, I just place my hands on her shoulders.
"We just have to be careful from now on. We have to be strict about our boundaries. We can't beat ourselves up about this either. We just slipped a little. It's normal."
She smiles a little and her tears stop.
"Yeah, you're right. We just made a little mistake. I just let my guard down a little, since you did such a nice thing for me."
"Oh now it's my fault." I tease.
She laughs.
"No, no! I loved what you did. I really do."
I smile.
"I'm really glad you liked it. It feels really good to make you happy." I add what I'm thinking. "…in more ways than one."
She coughs.
"Yes well, let's just keep it at emotional things for now."
I chuckle a little.
"Yeah, sounds good."
With our mess sorted out, we begin our daily review. Instead of sitting side-by-side like we usually do, we sit across from each other. When we finish, I get up to leave. Mion stands up as well. She looks a little sad. I was thinking of skipping our hug and kiss, given the circumstances, but it's clear to me that she wants to. I decide that it will be ok. I embrace her and give her a small kiss, being careful to not let it drag on. We release each other, and I head back to my room.
Though I am disappointed in myself for going beyond my boundaries, I am happy that I was able to make Mion happy. We just have to be careful. I know that we will make this work. If we do start messing around again, I need to remember my past, faster. A moment's pleasure is in no way better than months and years of pain and emptiness. With that thought in mind, I close my eyes and go to bed.