The Melancholy Culture Fest Problem of Rei "Ayanami" Kagura
A/N: What they've been waiting for had finally arrived, folks. Sorry it took so long since I have to play with catch up with everything around me. It seems like a tradition here for my net to be cut off during the last three months of the year. Maybe I'll sue my service provider if it happens again. The final chapters are a two-part finale.
The culture fest was most exciting day in any school calendar and the boys and girls of the school were rushing in like bees to a jar of honey, calling in attendance and making last minute preparations before kicking off the whole event. Kagura wearily trudged through the throng of excited boys and girls. In contrast to their sunny smiles and springy, jaunty gaits, the tomboy felt very listless for her troubles were about to begin.
Stopping by the lobby full of shelves to change her shoes for slippers, she said to herself, "Oh, man. How did I get into this mess?" Sighing, she walked up to the classroom to help with everyone with the finishing touches of their cosplay cafe. She wondered what kind of characters her friends would cosplay. Then she gave up, seeing that it's not gonna make her predicament go away.
She showed up at the classroom, where everyone was doing something to add to the finishing touches to their cosplay cafe. She stood next to a table and sighed.
"Oh, Kagura," Chiyo said. "You're here. Would help us with the decorations?"
"Yeah, sure," she said tiredly. Chiyo led her to a corner of the room where boxes containing props and decorations were being unpacked. She took a box and started unpacking. All went well when she started setting up the props until Tomo arrived.
"Wow!" she shrilled. "Today's the culture fest! Woohoo! Party time!" The wildcat was uppity as usual, acting like a rabbit full of Red Bull. She noticed Kagura carrying a box. She glided towards her and sneak up from behind.
"Hey, Kagura~," she shouted. "Ready for your close-up?"
Kagura slowly spun around and squinted at the wildcat, the source of her torment. "No, not yet," she said gratingly.
"Oh, that's sad," Tomo mused. "I forgot to bring your costume. Would mind getting it for me at my house?"
Kagura suddenly felt like a huge weight had jumped off her shoulders. This was the first good news that she heard in the day. She mustered enough confidence to say no. "No, you get it, Tomo."
"But what you got no costume to for the culture fest," Tomo whined.
"Not my problem." Kagura smirked. "At least I'm not wearing a stupid skintight costume to show my ass to the world." With that Kagura turned her back to Tomo in triumph.
"That's right, Kagura," Yomi said, hearing all the ruckus was all about. "Don't entertain her."
"Hey, Yomi," Tomo complained, "that was mean. I thought you were on my side."
"I was never on your side, Tomo," Yomi answered cuttingly. "But you're starting to get on everybody's nerves."
"Oh man...," Tomo sighed in defeat, then her face turned devious. "Well, see about that."
Kagura was happily attending to her task when Osaka glided by with a box in her hand and a blank smile in her face.
"Hiya, Kagura," she greeted.
"Oh, hi Osaka," Kagura replied. "What's up?"
"Tomo asked me to give this to ya," was the reply.
"What?" The tomboy spun around in surprise to see in Osaka's hands that dreaded white box. She knew it because the creases on its surface from yesterday's race. Horrified, she asked, "Where did you get that?"
"Tomo gave it ta meh," Osaka answered in her airheaded tone.
"Give me that!" She grabbed and opened it, only to find a note. It read:
Hiya, Kagura, whatta wonderful day today
The culture fest is here and so is cosplay
Time to put on your suit, I say
Or the otakus will whine and bray
On the box where a few pictures of herself without her tan - with blue hair and red eyes!
Kagura suddenly quaked in terror as she realized that Tomo can photoshop. She did not notice the wildcat stealthily slid beside her. "Don't worry, Kagura. I've got your costume right here."
"Gyaah!" The startled Kagura jumped back. "You little..."
"Oh, come on, Kagura," Tomo happily said, "don't hide be such a kill joy. Just put on your costume and strut your stuff."
"Hell no!" Kagura snapped. She's not going to let Tomo ruin the day for her.
"If you won't then it's otakus all over your Facebook."
"How are you gonna do that-"
Tomo pulled out a Tab from her bag. "Welcome to the Wi-fi era, Kagura. With just a touch of a button, I can send your cute little photo gallery, appropriately photoshopped by yours truly," she said, gesturing proudly to herself, "and the whole network will light up like a Christmas tree."
Kagura shuddered at the thought of otakus swarming all over her Facebook page like ants to strawberry, giving her likes, comments and posting some of their weird stuff. Dear God, she thought at that little boy in her dream, doing his... thing... in the convenience store.
"What's it gonna be?" Tomo challenged. "The costume-" she held the folded suit on one hand - "or Internet fame?" She held the Tab on the other.
Kagura, realizing how totally screwed she was, sweated. Then she gulped. "Okay..." she said helplessly. "I'll wear it."
Tomo perked her ears up. "What did you say?" she asked, her voice was coy.
Kagura, hesitating, gulped again. "I'll... wear it."
The wildcat produced a cat-like smirk, indicating her mood. Tomo enjoyed annoying a lot of people, mostly Yomi, but a rare opportunity presented itself in Kagura. For her, the day is not complete without heckling somebody out of their wits and today Kagura will provide an amusing distraction. Seeing her in despair just oozed schadenfruede to the trickster that is Tomo Takino. And she's gonna milk it for all it's worth.
Tomo fluttered her eyes in a flighty manner. "What, Kagura? I can't hear you~."
Kagura gritted her teeth at Tomo's inane remark. She was trying to control herself. "I said...," she replied, this time in frustration, "I'll wear it..."
"Come again?" Tomo's voice was in an annoyingly high-pitch.
Kagura's blood started to boil, her body quaking as she clenched her hands, a cross vein appeared in her head. She gave a death glare at the tomboy, flashing a huge grin. "Did you just hear me, Tomo?"
"What," she quickly said, "did you want to be an Internet celebrity?"
Suddenly the threat of her "gallery" spilling all over the 'net made her drop her rage. "No! Don't! Please!"
"Oh yeah, baby." Tomo raised the tab flamboyantly. "There's nothing to stop me now."
"I'll wear the suit and all," Kagura begged and dropping at Tomo's feet. "Just please don't spread 'em."
"Ask nicely this time," she mewed. "Suit or pics?"
"Come on, Tomo-"
"Kagura, I'm waiting for my 'pretty please'."
The tomboy gulped again, this time to swallow her pride. "Tomo, I'll wear it."
"Ehemmm~," the wildcat hummed. "You forgot the pretty please~. Anything will do."
Kagura hesitated at that, seat all over her brow. She could bear to lower herself to this insanity any further, yet she wanted all of this to end. Her reluctance was almost crippling, yet if anyone was to be humiliated by the wildcat, who wouldn't?
Shaking with fear, she gave it a shot in the dark and said, "I'll wear the suit like a good little girl."
Tomo, wanting to savor the moment, demaned on, "It wasn't any exciting. I want a little more spirit!"
What the hell!? her mind screamed in rage. Still not wanting Tomo's art collection of her online, she tried again, this time with a meeker voice, "Please let me wear the plugsuit so you wouldn't post my pictures all over the internet. Pretty please, Tomo."
The wildcat wanted to dance with joy when hearing Kagura's reply but it's over yet. She wants to milk this for all it's worth! "No, no, no, Kagura!" She haughtily wagged with her finger like a teacher to a child. "This is the culture fest. This is a time for fun and games so I want you to say it with a smile. Say it like you mean it, sister!"
Kagura could not believe her ears. This slacker's enjoying the whole thing! She wanted to strangle her but with the tab in her hand and a finger pointed menacingly against the SEND button, she has no choice. So she sucked it up, forced a embarrassed smile across her face and put on the most-sickeningly-sweet voice that she could muster. "Please don't send my pics over the internet... I'll dress up as Rei Ayanami to go with the theme of our class..."- she gagged haltingly, seeing how this surrealistic scene was taxing her sanity - "I'll spread joy and stuff... and with my sexy ass I'll give hugs and kisses for all~." She finished the whole routine with some girlish giggling. After that, she was stiff as a statue, her face transfixed with the same forced, twitchy-eyed expression of happiness.
Tomo then jumped up on chair with glee. "Wohoo! Bravo, Kagura! Bravo!" Forcing the tomboy to be a fool of herself made her clap her hands wildly. "Hey, Kagura. Don't be so sad. You're a class act right there. You going all 'please don't post my stuff' and 'I'll wear the suit' was like an Academy Award there. Man, you should see yourself. I was like floored by it." Then she laughed loudly at her latest trick on the tomboy, no question at how much fun she had at the expense of the athlete.
The tomboy gritted her teeth. This lazy-ass slacker was pissing her off already. She had to do something about this or she'll be screwed big time. She noticed the tab in her hand as the wildcat was laughing her butt off from her misery. Now's her chance!
Kagura jumped up and shot her hand at it.
But Tomo swiped away the Tab in a flash, causing Kagura to miss, trip and slide on the floor.
"Haha!" Tomo taunted, waving the Tab. "Nice try, Kagura. There's no way you can stop destiny! Now dress up, the day's still young and we have costumers to serve." She let out a haughty laugh again as the tomboy comically cried a literal river of tears. The entire class sweat-dropped.
"Poor Kagura," Chiyo commented sadly. "I think Tomo's taking it too far."
Sakaki had watched this scene along with everyone else. As the whole scene died away, everyone went back to work, doubling their pace to make for time lost by the wildcat's attention-grabbing setpiece of comedy. Amid the murmurs of Tomo's latest headline-grabber, the tall girl felt sorry for Kagura. What Tomo did was just plain mean.
Kaorin watched as Sakaki helped set up the display for the class. She had longed admired the tall, majestic beauty ever since school began. She was the perfect lady, the woman who towers above all the other girls in the school. So cool, so silent, she has no equal among the rest of humanity. Even the boys pale in comparison to her, none of them worthy to be her companion.
It's just too much! she thought. Kaorin was torn whether to tell Sakaki about her feelings or not. So much excitement was building on her! But what if she doesn't like her? Kaorin, a mere mortal compared to the raven-haired goddess, having the hubris to ask the latter's hand in friendship...
Then she looked up to see Sakaki facing her. "Kaorin," she said softly, "hurry with the arranging the displays. We need to change into our costumes."
Caught by surprise, Kaorin straightened herself up. "Oh yes, Miss Sakaki!" she hurriedly said, "I'll get this stuff up and running in a spiffy right away!"
Taken aback by Kaorin's sudden enthusiasm, Sakaki let out a sweatdrop. "Ah... Okay..."
Kagura grumbled as she marched off to the bathroom to change. Girls crowded in it were they put on their uniforms or, in the case of her class, costumes. This place, so many beauties and their chirpy voices, would have been Kimura's paradise but he's barred from entering the girls' bathroom. Kagura didn't put on her... costume - lest she be commented by some of them, especially that nasty Yoshino* bitch.
As she waited, she simmered inside. She's been had by Tomo! And now she's forced to wear the costume that creep Literature teacher made... for her. She knew that this wouldn't have happened if it weren't for that dare she took yesterday, and letting that little slacker get away with it. She then looked down on the suit and then blamed herself for it, especially the dare and her little Facebook gallery.
"Damn..." she moaned. "I was so... stupid..." She said as everyone else left. She didn't notice someone else get inside.
"Are you okay, Kagura?" she said.
Kagura spun around to see Sakaki? "Huh? Sakaki. What are you doing here?"
"I was helping at the display so I didn't get to change," she explained. "You should too. The culture fest is about to begin."
"Yeah," Kagura replied. "Thanks for the heads up."
Kagura opened the box to see in addition to the suit were a dyeing kit which included a towel, a comb, and a poncho used in saloons; and a box that contained red eye contacts. Her face soured at seeing the complete package. With a grunt she went to a stall to change.
She looked at the suit for a while, not sure if she should put it on or not, knowing that she would make a fool of herself if she wears but also knew Tomo would give her a lifetime of humiliation if she doesn't. Neither alternative seem very appealing to her.
"Damn it," she cursed and decided to get on with it, since there's nothing for her to do about it. She stripped down to the essentials and put the suit on. She felt the very tautness of the fabric on her skin, causing her to blush. Mrs. Kimura sure knows how to sew a darned good outfit, she thought as she hesitantly stepped out of the stall. She wondered why she even married that creep.
She stood in front of the mirror to examine herself. Oh man, this is embarrassing, she thought. The plugsuit clung to her body like a second skin, leaving little to the imagination. Kagura felt a little dirty as she marveled at herself.
Sakaki appeared beside her at the mirror. She was dressed in a different school uniform and a witch outfit consisting of a large hat and a cape, topped off with the broom she's carrying. The tomboy envied her for having at least a relatively cool costume.
"Kagura, are you ready for the culture fest?"
"Not ready yet," she replied, sounding a little too angry than intended. Sakaki turned to her.
"I'm... sorry," Sakaki apologized.
"It's alright," Kagura said softly, regretting being hard on the tall girl. She looked at the mirror again. "As if nothing could get any worst, I'm supposed to dye my hair and put contacts on."
Sakaki put an arm beside her. "I think I could help you with your hair."
The tomboy gave her an odd look. "Really?"
"It's not that hard."
"You might stain your costume," Kagura observed.
"I can manage." Sakaki removed her cape and hat; rolled up her sleeves; and instructed Kagura on what to do as she prepared the dye according to instructions. It was a much laborious process than they realized and took over an hour for them to finish the entire process. Cleaning up, Sakaki helped apply the red contacts on the athlete's eyes.
Kagura took a deep breathe and slowly turned to the mirror, half wanting to not look at herself, half wanting to just get it over with. She looked up...
"Oh my God!" she shrieked. "I'm worse than Mikuru!" The moment she looked at the girl in the mirror, her eyes - red eyes - went wide as said girl was exactly like in her dream. "THIS IS HORRIBLE!"
"I don't think you're horrible, Kagura," Sakaki commented.
"What do you mean by that, Sakaki?" Kagura retorted. "Do you think this is funny?"
"No, that's not it-"
"Then what!?"
She fidgeted her hands. "Uh... You're cute..." She blushed and turned away.
A puzzle Kagura blinked her eyes at that. "I'm cute...?" Sakaki's response was not what she expected but somehow she found it pleasant for no reason she can pin it on.
"Yes, like a cat."
"A cat?" Kagura was puzzled. Cats are mean, nasty furballs. "Why?"
"Cats," the tall girl said, "are gentle creatures. They're playful and charming. Mother cats lick and play with their kittens and you couldn't help but like them when they do." Then spoke up more assertively, "And they're also proud and majestic animals. Lions and tigers are big cats, right? When they stand tall, all the other creatures of the woods rise up in respect. And when there's danger, they never back off. So, can you be a cat, Kagura?" She smiled.
Kagura smiled as well. For the first time, her talk with Sakaki was the first big bright spot she had since this day began and it was still morning. Sakaki put on her cape and hat. "Yes," she answered.
"Okay, let's go, Kagura." With confidence, both of them walked to the door together.
Opening it, they were greeted by a large crowd of people that had assembled outside. Some their classmates where among the crowd, as seen by their costumes. The sudden attention stunned both of them. Damn you, Tomo! Kagura raged in her mind but Sakaki placed her hand on her shoulder.
"Think nothing of it," Sakaki said quietly. "Just walk with me."
The crowd was in awe of the two girls. Kagura truly resembled the famous Rei of NGE but it was Sakaki who stole the show. Her witch attire(what anime is it?) gave her a very majestic and dangerous appearance. She moved gracefully, an air of confidence with every step. The crowd parted way for them and followed them back to the classroom.
"Oh my God! Sakaki's so cool!" one girl exclaimed, jumping up and down.
"She's hot!" a boy exclaimed.
"What a dream," another girl squealed. "She's so stylish."
Noticing from the cheers and and excited comments, Kagura realized Sakaki was drawing attention towards herself and away from her. Her idea worked like a charm.
"Is it true that your first name's Rei?"
Scratch that. Kagura knew that sugary sweet voice. It was Yoshino, the bitch with pink hair. This girl's practically a gossip mill and a real bitch who bullies anyone she liked to pick on. Did Tomo told that trash her name? Kagura suddenly thought. Maybe not. The wildcat would not go that low as even she loathes Yoshino.
And that bitch was being flirty and coy, following alongside. "Is it true?"
"Fuck off, bitch," Kagura replied, using that rare profanity.
"Why are you being nasty?" She did not lose the demure persona. "I'm just asking a question. By the way, costume suit's you very well. Makes you look like an anime-loving freak."
Kagura felt that bitch was trying to size her up. Not her, she decided, no way she's gonna let her have me. "Really, I heard you were doing tricks at downtown."
Yoshino wasn't pleased. No girl would dare challenge her and certainly not this dumb tomboy! She was about to add a nasty remark with a threat when she blanched.
Sakaki looked at Yoshino with a very subtle death glare and an aura of pure death. The pink-haired tart never wanted to incur the wrath of the school's most popular girl. She heard of stories where she took on gangs, even the freakin' Yakuza as a hobby after school. She saw the bandage hand, that pissed-off expression and the way she carried herself. She did not know how she did it and wasn't about start now! Now Sakaki-san haunts her nightmares.
She withdraw from the duo with a mixture of fear and shame. Kagura smirked, believing that her own death glare caused it. She turned to Sakaki. "See that, Sakaki," she proudly said, "that little ho should know whom she's messing with."
"Uh-uh."Sakaki smiled. No way she'll let Yoshino hurt her Kagura. That cowardly girl will found out what happens if she does. They both continued to walk to the classroom with the crowd getting bigger and bigger along the way.
At the classroom the cosplay cafe is just about to open but already a large crowd of people were at the doorstep. Curious on-lookers, anime fans, and the hardcore otakus. Some of them came from different schools, others were in civilian. The fans among them were getting restless.
"Where the hell is Sakaki and Kagura?" Yomi called out as she looked out the window with dread.
"We sent some of our guys to pick them up," Masaaki said as he struggled to prepare the fare. "But they haven't come back yet."
Chiyo was having trouble too, as she had to make sure everything is just right. Not that it was an easy task.
"Please put that chair there!" Chiyo shouted, pointing to a wall.
"Class rep!" one costumed student called out.
"Ah!" she cried again, waving her arms. "Those decors should be over there."
"Class rep!" another cried.
"No! It should be there!" The flurry of orders, replies, and confirmations had nearly overwhelmed the pint-sized prodigy, who was still a little kid at heart.
"Oh no!" Chiyo cried in anguish. "We'll never make it on time."
"Uh, Chiyo," Chihiro said. "We've just finish."
Chiyo sighed with relief. "Oh, thank goodness."
"Oh good!" Tomo piped eagerly, who was not wearing a costume at all. "Time to open business."
"Tomo, no!" the class screamed in horror as the wildcat raised her foot. She kick the door open with a boom and in rushed the screaming human tide who ran over her like a bug, wanting to purchase their merchandise and sample the foods, an idea brainstormed overnight by some of their friends.
Kagura and Sakaki stood as they watched their classroom get mobbed by a throng.
"They're here..." Kagura cringed at seeing the large turnout of otakus. Remembering her dream, she could only imagine what those guys would do to her in real life.
"Don't worry," Sakaki said. "Keep calm and-"
"Miss Sakaki," Yomi called. "You're needed at the stuffed toys booth."
At the mention of stuffed toys sent Sakaki running. "Coming," she replied, leaving Kagura behind without a second thought.
Realizing that nothing would keep her from them now, Kagura moaned, "Oh no... What am I gonna do now?"
"I know what to do!" Tomo shrilled nearby, causing Kagura's spine to chill.
A/N: So this concludes part one. I'm finally going to conclude this series and proceed to my other projects. Yes! I'm almost done. The finale will be come shortly. If you're wondering whose Yoshino, she's the pink-haired bitch bully from Misao, an RPG-Maker horror game. As for Sakaki, she's cosplaying Ayaka Kagari of Witchcraft Works, whose a really hottie if you ask me.