A/N: Sorry for the delay, various things kept me from posting. I was planning to publish a new story for Strike Witches like promised but that has to be put on hold for the moment. Less than two weeks to go before I'm entering the military service so I'm going to focus on this story as much as possible for I go. Thanks for reading and reviewing as always.
The new style is suppose to mirror the old RPG Dragon Quest style of gaming. I found it extremely fun to use in writing. I will using references to a lot of games and anime. From time to time I will also use some memes that are commonly found floating around the internet. Because it is fun.
Angel Beats!
What We Live For
Operation 13
Red Flag
The rail cars pulled into the last station, Big Site, where the most activity the recruits had ever seen. The entire platform was bursting with life, SSS2 guild members as well as members of other divisions were all walking about and the noise generated by both the people and the machines was quite loud. It was almost like being at the most busiest port market. Looking at this place made any other part of the SSS2 looked like a ghost town. The recruits got up from the rail car and stared in wonder at what they were seeing. Of course, they were somewhat lost in this place as Imagawa was no longer around with them, having been blown off somewhere along the way. The Guild members from the first rail car were already gone, having completed their job they headed off somewhere into the crowd. The recruits felt somewhat odd, being lost in this place, and so they decided to head in to find anyone who could help them. But somehow or rather, help came to them.
"T-there y-you g-guys a-are."
That familiar stammer made them turn and they saw Fort member Rio. The very same one who got lost the moment she stepped out of the briefing room. How did she get here before them?
"T-this way."
She said, leading them towards the elevator. This was a surprise for them since for once, she actually guided them correctly. As the group got into a large grated elevator, they wondered just what sort of place was this Big Site. Oddly enough, Rio had gotten hold of another guide to help them in Big Site. The guide closed the elevator door and pressed the last button on the panel. The elevator jerked to a start and slowly descended downwards. The elevator was plunged into darkness as it went through the ground though the sole dim light of the elevator helped.
"Big Site is the place where we produce the large majority of our weapons and ammunition. While Guild is responsible for creating weapons, they are unable to mass produce thus any weapon that needs to be mass produced and ammunitions as well come to us."
The guide explained.
"The Battle of Big Site five years ago had caused major damage to the organization and the five leaders were debating on whether to close Big Site for good but in the end it was decided that Big Site had to stay open in order for us to fight. Thus it has remained as such."
Just as the guide said that, the elevator finally escaped the darkness of the tunnel and entered a large cavern. Large would be an understatement as the recruits were shocked and amazed at the sight before them. It was a giant city living underground. The noise and bustling sounds of people below made it clear that this was where the majority of SSS2 members would be at.
"Big Site was initially a giant empty cavern with a large crater. We know that the previous SSS blew up their large factory in order to prevent their enemy from finding it. Boss commissioned her then right hand man, Fudou Akira, to rebuild Big Site and to ensure that it was operational. Unfortunately shortly after its completion, Fudou Akira lost his life together with many others in the battle of Big Site. However we quickly recovered and became fully operational after three months."
The elevator touched down at the bottom and the guide opened the elevator doors to reveal a giant market like scene. People were bustling about, shouts of store owners trying to sell different equipments were drowning each other out, food stalls were cooking up delicious food and lastly the sounds of giant machinery.
"Before I guide you to the equipment store, I think you four should rest up a little."
The guide noted their tattered state.
"There is an onsen here and you may use it if you like."
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
"ONSEN? !"
The four recruits exclaimed in surprise. That was slow. The guide smiled, as though being used to it.
"Yes, commissioned by the boss and took three years to build. Our onsen is fairly large and nice to soak in. Let me guide you there."
The guide gestured them to follow him, and to make sure that no one gets lost, the guide handed them each a map.
"Try not to rely on this map too much. It is a mere vague interpretation that is more of a security measure to prevent NPCs from knowing too much about this place should one of these maps fall into their hands."
The guide explained and true enough, the map was crudely done, almost like how a five year old would draw a map. The guide led them through the crowded streets towards the other end of the city, passing through the market square and then the central square. Katsuragi noticed a large statue in the central square of a young man. On the plaque below the words 'Founder and Saviour of Big Site, Fudou Akira'. So that was how he looked like. Katsuragi only thought of one thing. Scrawny. Maybe looks can be deceiving. They continued along the path through the central square and into the housing district where rows of housing structures were lined up in neat rows.
This area was by far the least crowded and the number of people slowly thinned as they reached the far end of the cavern where before the recruits stood an imposing structure. A giant archway stood guard before the entrance like a fearsome guard watching them as they entered the imposing structure. It looked more like a Chinese palace with four giant pagodas towering at four corners than anything else. The interior, however was a vast contrast to what they saw outside. The interior was floored with marble, the desks were polished wood, lounges with leather seats. The interior was like a five star hotel lobby. SSS2 members were walking about in yukata, talking cheerfully with each other, drinking bottled milk or relaxing in the massage chairs.
"There are different levels to the baths and since now isn't the peak hour, most of the baths would be empty. I highly recommend the 'deluxe' level on the top floors. They are the largest and probably the best ones to relax in. They are usually reserved for the higher ranking members, but during non-peak hours, it is open to everyone."
The guide explained as they approached the front desk.
"Welcome to Big Site onsen. Please present your ID card and receive your yukata. Recruits would get their first entry free, but after that each entry costs from 25 MT to 200 MT."
The receptionist said with a smile. Each member did as they were told and they received a yukata that seemed to fit them nicely.
"There are changing rooms on the right and left, please change into your yukata there. We recommend recruits to exercise caution as the upper level changing rooms tend to be used by the higher ranking members. Each pagoda tower has a different theme to them so you might want to try a different one each time."
The receptionist informed them, in which Katsuragi figured that this was probably a marketing ploy to get them to return each time to try out a new bath. With each pagoda having at least five floors, that would make it twenty different baths. Throw in the general large baths in the main building, you would get twenty two baths in total.
"Oi, Katsuragi, we're heading to the 'Genbu' tower first."
Daisuke said, shaking Katsuragi from his thoughts. He looked to Yamato and Hitomi who were quite excited about the entire thing as they were too busy discussing about the baths while looking at a guide map of the place.
"Genbu?"
Katsuragi wondered out loud.
"Yeah, that is the Northern tower. Kusanagi said that there is a special sulphur bath there. Good for the skin, apparently."
"..."
Good for the skin. Not exactly what Katsuragi needed, but he guessed there was nothing else he could do. Off to Genbu tower then.
[Big Site Guide left party]
[Rio left party]
The Northern tower was pretty much empty when the recruits got there. It was also quite a walk from the main building as the four pagodas were connected to the main building only by an enclosed hallway on the first floor. The average walk took them five minutes for the entire walkway to the pagoda, which prompted Yamato and Hitomi to head straight for the ground floor baths.
"Hey, do you want to peak on them?"
Daisuke nudged Daisuke with a perverted look on his face. While Katsuragi did not really want to do it, he was quite tired from all of that walking. So what should he do?
A) Peek
B) Inch over to peek
C) Creep over to peek
"..."
There was something wrong with those choices. Was it Daisuke's influence? He better hope not.
"Choose D) "
A voice behind him spoke up, making Katsuragi jump a little. He turned around and saw a familiar face smiling at him. With her long hair and right sleeve rolled up, the 'big-sister' figure of Division six, Takamachi Yukari stood there with a wide grin.
"T-Takamachi-san?"
"Ou! It is me indeed!"
She laughed heartily while patting Katsuragi on the shoulder with her monstrous strength.
[Katsuragi received 10 dmg]
[Katsuragi received 10 dmg]
[Katsuragi received 10 dmg]
[Katsuragi received 10 dmg]
[Katsuragi received 10 dmg]
"So? Having trouble deciding? Why not take the top floor? It's extremely grand and usually costs 500 MT to use it unless you're of a certain rank."
Yukari suggested. Katsuragi wanted to decline the offer, but he suddenly heard screams from the ground floor baths and multiple gunshots from within.
[Daisuke received critical damage]
[Daisuke is heavily beaten up]
[Daisuke is in critical condition]
[Daisuke is dead]
Katsuragi then decided that perhaps the top floor doesn't seem like such a bad idea as of now.
"But... what is Takamachi-san doing here?"
Katsuragi wondered.
"Me? I was just delivering a black band. Decided to take this chance to relax a little then I saw you guys. Well, I don't really like luxurious baths, so I'll go take the ground floor bath. Sounds like they're having fun in there. See ya, kiddo!"
Yukari smiled and headed off into the baths. Fun? What was fun about Daisuke caught trying to peek and getting shot? A small figure suddenly moved past Katsuragi at fast speeds and stopped by the door, peering inside. Another pervert? But this time, it was a young doll-like girl with pale blue hair. If Katsuragi remembered correctly, she was the second in command for the Intelligence division. Why was she here-
"ONEE-SAMA!"
She suddenly jumped up and dashed inside the baths without warning.
"Oh? If it isn't Iris-chan. What are you doing here? Care to join me for a bath?"
Yukari's voice came from within.
"OF COURSE! I WILL FOLLOW ONEE-SAMA ANYWHERE!"
Iris's loud voice responded without missing a beat.
"Ha ha ha! Good! Recruits! Let's enter together and have some good female bonding!"
Katsuragi decided that right about now, he should just head up. No point in staying around to listen in when the possibility of death was high.
Looking at the entrance to the grand baths, Katsuragi had to wonder who in their right mind would waste time and effort to build something like this. The entrance was shining with gold statues of oriental dragons, western angels and a whole lot of other rubbish. It was so... grand and unique that Katsuragi had no idea how to describe it. Confusing was probably the best word to use. Ignoring the decorations outside, Katsuragi stepped into the changing room and saw that no one was inside. But damn, the interior was just as grand as the entrance. Not to mention huge. Just how luxurious were places the leaders living in suppose to be? No wonder they didn't want to leave this World. They were living the good life. Katsuragi undressed himself and placed his things into a basket before heading into the baths with a towel over his shoulder. Over the moment he stepped in-
"..."
"..."
Katsuragi did not know what to expect nor how to react when he first stepped into the baths. Alright, looking around it was an extremely grand bath with Greek temple style pillars around the central bath. The baths themselves had lion fixtures on the walls pouring hot water into the deep pool that gave off a majestic and welcoming feeling. There were bars and sofas and benches for people to sit, drink, talk and enjoy life. Or what life they had left. Fruits in lavish bowls, a pyramid made from chocolate truffles, champagne bottles in coolers, all awaiting someone to indulge in them and relax like kings. Ah yes, the splendours of life. Also, the naked body of a certain sixth division leader could also be seen standing before Katsuragi in all of her lovely, beautiful splendour. Ah yes, life was great.
[Kurogane Kou flag raised]
[Kurogane Kou event started]
"..."
Katsuragi just stared.
"..."
Kurogane Kou stared back.
"..."
Katsuragi stared more.
"..."
Kurogane Kou stared back some more. Since this is quite boring, let us just say this exchange of silence lasted a full minute.
"... Sorry, it was my mistake."
Katsuragi said, bowing a little and going back into the dressing room. Closed the door behind him. Put on his robes. Stepped outside of the baths. Turned around. The sign on the outside said 'MEN'. It was the character 'MAN' read as 'MAN', spelt as 'MAN'. No matter which direction you looked at it, it was 'MAN'.
"... Right."
Katsuragi nodded to no one in particular and stepped back into the changing room. Unrobed himself, grabbed the bath towel and opened the door to the baths once more.
"..."
"..."
Once again, Katsuragi and Kou were staring at each other. Both in an attire that would not be strange in the bath but would be strange and extremely awkward on the streets.
"... Hi."
He raised a hand.
"..."
Kou made no move or any sign of her acknowledging his existence. Katsuragi felt his mind blank, so he decided to do the thing that he came to do. Bath. He walked over to the shower station and sat down on the stool. He reached over and poured soap onto his hand before proceeding to wash his hair with it.
"... That is for body. This is for hair."
Kou's emotionless voice said behind him. He turned around and saw her standing behind him with the correct soap in her hand.
"Ah, thank you."
He took the bottle and poured the right soap onto his hand. Scrub his hair-
"... DAAAHH!"
He screamed as he stood up, face turning extremely red.
"Hm?"
Kou raised an eyebrow at him.
"Y-you! W-why are you here? !"
"I'm here for a bath."
Kou replied in a matter-of-fact manner.
"That's not the point! Don't you have any shame?"
Kou look down at herself, then to him. Her eyes went lower down and her expression shifted slightly from emotionless to... nothing. That is a big blow to a man. Any man.
"... sigh."
Kou muttered and looked away in utter boredom.
[Katsuragi received 999999 damage to self-esteem]
As expected of a division leader. What a strong attack.
"That's not the point!"
Katsuragi shouted to no one in particular before running out of the baths with only a bath towel around his waist to protect any form of indecency. He ran out of the baths without putting on his robes and into the hallway. It was there where Katsuragi stumbled upon someone else.
"Ah."
"Ah."
[Encounter: 6th division second in command, Amatsu Len]
"You're that new recruit from that time. So you're finally a member of-... WAAAHH! PUT ON SOME CLOTHES!"
Len screamed at him.
"Yes, that is the right reaction."
Katsuragi pointed out before a pistol was pressed to his head.
[Katsuragi died]
[Katsuragi has gained title: pervert flasher]
[Katsuragi has revived]
"That was fast. As expected of a pervert."
Len muttered.
"That's not really the point."
"So? Care to explain why you ran out into the hallway with only a bath towel on?"
Len asked, crossing her arms while her finger was still on the trigger of her pistol. Depending on his answer, Katsuragi might get shot again, or so was the message he got from Len's eyes.
"Well, you might want to ask why your division leader is inside the male baths."
[Katsuragi is shot]
"Y-you shot me either way."
Katsuragi muttered.
"Right right-... wait, did you say... CAPTAIN!"
Len rushed into the men's bath to confront Kou who just stepped back into the changing room.
"Len... Did you get the necessary supplies?"
Kou asked her second in command while slipping on her shirt.
"Ah, yes I did-.. But that's not it! Why are you in the male bath? !"
"Because it was closer to the stairs."
Kou answered flatly.
"The female baths is only a few steps away! And you need to dry yourself properly before putting on your clothes!"
Len proceeded to grab a towel to dry her leader's hair. Kou, on the other hand, did not seem to even register that anything was happening and continued to put on her clothes. Katsuragi stepped back into the changing room just as Kou was done changing. The leader of sixth division stared at Katsuragi for the moment.
"... Your bath towel... it's red."
She pointed out. Katsuragi looked down saw that she was right. His bath towel was soaked with his own blood.
"Don't dirty... the water."
Kou warned before leaving the changing room with Len chasing after her with a towel.
"... Don't dirty the water... out of all things she had to warn me about, why that?"
Katsuragi wondered aloud. It was obvious not to do it, but why did she warn him? Katsuragi sighed, shaking his head to clear his thoughts. He was thinking too much again.