Chapter 14: The Past
Hey, thanks for the kind words in the reviews guys, you have no idea the sheer rapture I feel whenever I get a review, good or bad. That's why I was expecting a couple thousand on the 21st of May... Holyriot, I assure you I have a plan for Akira, don't you worry ;) Let me know what you all think of chapter 14!
POV: Miyuki
"Kagami!" Miyuki heard called from behind her. She briefly considered stopping to see what was going on, but ultimately decided against it so she could get a towel and dry off.
"So Miyuki-san, you support them then?" Masutā asked.
"Yes, while I don't usually support it, I don't condone it either. In this situation, they seem meant for each other." Miyuki commented, picking up on what he was talking about instantly.
"I know what you mean. Poor Otōto..." Masutā added the last part under his breath.
"I think he must have asked Kagami-san out. That's the only way I can think of how to explain his explanation about Kasukabe-san's 'wedding'." Miyuki said, starting to think. "And he looked to Kagami-san when he said 'They weren't meant for each other.' " Masutā raised an eyebrow.
"Please keep that to yourself, I don't think he wants anyone to know for some reason. Maybe he thinks it will upset Konata. I'm highly surprised that he could approach a girl at all, let alone with romantic feelings... Either way, that's very observant of you Miyuki. You would be a good psychiatrist... or a behavior expert. With your ability to pick out such small details, you would do well in either profession." Masutā said as they took two towels and started to dry themselves.
"Tony..." They heard Kagami say as she walked up the hall, Konata in tow.
"What's up Kagami?" Masutā waved, the other hand keeping the towel on his head. "You look irritated."
"Tony just started joking about things that he shouldn't have." Kagami sighed.
"What did he do?" Masutā asked.
"He said he loved Tsukasa." Kagami scratched her head in irritation. Masutā's eyes widened in surprise. "The thing is... I think Tsukasa might actually like him."
"You think so? Interesting thing for him of all people to joke about..." Masutā mumbled as Tsukasa walked up, looking more then a bit frazzled. "You okay Tsukasa? You seem a bit flushed."
"Ye-yeah, I'm fine!" Tsukasa shouted.
"You sure?"
"Yeah, let's change subjects..." Tsukasa suggested.
"Hmmm..." Kagami started to think for something that could lighten the mood. "By the way Tsukasa, we got you a present!" Kagami smiled as she realized the bear was still in the bag. She pulled out the tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluffies. Tsukasa visibly lit up as she took the willy nilly silly old bear and hugged the fluffies out of it.
"Can I really have this?" Tsukasa asked, though it was fairly obvious that she had no intention of giving it back.
"Sure! That's why we got it!" Kagami smiled at her sister's joy and at the fact that she could cheer her sister up. Tsukasa hugged it tightly, closing her eyes in joy of having a new friend. Her ribbon drooped as she opened her eyes.
"But how will we get him home if it's raining..." Tsukasa muttered. She then remembered Tony's spell and how he had made it rain. "Onee-chan, guess what!"
"What's up?" Kagami asked, curious as to what could rile Tsukasa up so quickly.
"Kan-chan is magic! He cast a spell, made it rain, and made my neck stop hurting! Can you believe it?" Tsukasa shouted, excited at her discovery of a real sorcerer. Maybe he can teach me! Tsukasa thought, the mere notion getting her even more excited.
"Come on Tsukasa, no one really has magic. That was just coincidence." Kagami explained.
"But... My neck stopped hurting too!" Tsukasa shouted, putting a hand to her neck where the cut was.
"I... can't explain that..." Kagami said, a little embarrassed at not having an explanation.
I can... Masutā thought, though not saying it out loud. Placebo effect I'm guessing...
They all suddenly heard a laugh emanating from down the hall. "I wonder what's so funny..." Kagami said, though thinking, He better not be laughing at Tsukasa! If that's the case, I swear I'll...
"Is my waifu thinking violent thoughts?" Konata catgrinned as she poked Kagami in the cheek.
"How can you... STOP CALLING ME THAT! I'M A LIVING, BREATHING PERSON!" Kagami shouted as the fact of what she had been called sunk in. Again.
"Uh-huh." Konata said, her tone flat and waving her hand dismissively. "Anyway, I wonder what the laughing was about."
"Yeah, you know what they say about people who sit by themselves and laugh..." Kagami teased.
"Huh? What do they say Onee-chan?" Tsukasa asked, a question mark appearing above her head.
"They're bananas. Crackers. Nuts." Masutā snickered.
Is Kan-chan insane? Tsukasa wondered, not realizing it was just a joke. She voiced her concern, much to the amusement of everyone. Miyuki kept her composure enough to ask,
"Would you like to go find out Tsukasa-san?" Miyuki asked, hoping to alleviate any tension Tony's terrible joke might have caused.
"I... don't think so. Maybe Onee-chan could?" Tsukasa asked hopefully. Kagami, however, had realized what Miyuki was attempting. Now she had to decide.
Do I really want Tsukasa dating him? Wait... Didn't I date him? But she's my sister... My SISTER! I want better for her. And he IS kinda my ex-boyfriend. Kinda. But... He already risked his life to defend her. I wonder if he likes her? Would he have done something like that for the rest of us? I wonder...-
"Kagami, you're spacin' out again. You okay?" Konata asked, waving her hand in front of Kagami's face.
"Sorry, just thinking. Maybe Miyuki can go see?" Kagami suggested, undecided on what she wanted for her sister.
"Well, may-"
"I'll go!" Konata shouted, a little fed up with all the hot potato. She walked down the hall to Tony's room.
"So... What's going on between you two Tsukasa?" Kagami asked, a little reluctant.
"Between who?" Tsukasa asked.
"You and Tony. Earlier you seemed all too eager to bring him his food. And you've been acting different around him." Kagami observed.
"Wh-what? I don't know what you're talking about!" Tsukasa shouted, embarrassed as she realized that her sister was right.
"You offered him your food even though you were obviously hungry yourself. Do you like him?" Kagami asked, pressing the issue further.
"Me... like Kan-chan... That's crazy, we're friends!" Tsukasa shouted, denying her sister's accusations.
*Sigh* "If you say so Tsukasa... But you know, I bet he feels bad about making that joke. Wanna go see him?" Kagami asked.
"... Sure." Tsukasa mumbled behind her stuffed friend. They walked down the hall.
POV: Tony
Stupid... I guess I haven't gotten my wits back. That was a horrible joke. What was with that reaction though? That was unexpected... Does she... maybe... hmmmm... either way. I need to decide what I think. Tony laid there, then he heard Kagami yelling about a name of some sort. Kagami for example. He began pondering his emotions. He was surprised. He found that the same emotions he had held for Kagami, he now held for Konata as well. And Miyuki. As he came to a realization, he began to laugh at his stupidity. No wonder Kagami wasn't truly interested. She likes Konata, I know, but still. That feeling I felt... that was friendship. She was very friendly to me. Now Konata and the others are as well. They're my best friends. They're my only friends. *Sigh* It's a little sad that I'm so friend-deprived that I mistook friendship for love. I guess after Sarnia, my head would be pretty screwed up. I don't know. I just... don't know. He thought, despairing about his inability to diagnose himself as he usually could. He heard footsteps.
"-go!" Konata shouted as she walked closer. Tony laughed humorlessly at the reminder. Konata walked in. "Hey Tony. What's up?"
"Not much, just found out I'm an idiot. And I only have four friends. What's up with you?" Tony asked, snickering cynically.
"Well that's... Not what I was expecting, but... err... okay." Konata said, completely caught off guard by the sudden barrage of self-insults.
"How's Tsukasa? I made a really stupid joke that I shouldn't have. I wanted to tell her I was sorry." Tony said with a sudden melancholy. It was easy to tell his sorrow was genuine.
"She's a little shaken up. And by the way. I was there, I heard you."
"Oh yeah... Well..." Tony tried to find some sort of words coherently, but none seemed to come as he laid in the bed. "This must be a hell of a checkup for you, huh? I can barely even form a coherent sentence. I'm assuming that's what you're doing here."
"Yeah, little bit. And we kinda wanted to find out what you were laughing at. I think Kagami might have thought you were laughing at Tsukasa." Konata said with a grin as Tony's expression changed.
"What? No! Of course I wasn't! Why would I laugh at her?" Tony demanded.
"Oh really? Then what were you laughing at?" Konata asked, catgrin prominent.
"My own stupidity!" Tony shouted, eager to vindicate himself. He realized that Konata was playing with him then and became embarrassed. He sighed. "So you've begun picking at me now, have you?"
"Well, you ARE part of the group now." Konata catgrinned. "Cheer up! It's a sign that I like you!" Konata cheered.
*Sigh* Tony facepalmed and turned towards the wall to hide his embarrassment.
"Hey, you just moved your arm! Doesn't that make you happy?" Konata smirked. Tony turned back to her.
"My brains, his steel, and your strength against sixty men, and you think a little head-smack is supposed to make me happy?" Tony asked.
Konata started laughing as he picked up on the reference. "Oh, what I wouldn't give for a holocaust cloak."
"There, I can not help you." Tony smirked.
"So, what's up with Tsukasa?" Konata asked.
"Wait... what? Wouldn't you know better than me considering you saw her last? Last I saw, she was a little shaken up." Tony recalled, confused at the random change of subject.
"That's not what I meant. I just want to know what's going on between you two. You know, before they come in." Konata said, suppressing her catgrin.
"No-nothing! She's my friend!" Tony shouted. He did, however, recall a previous thought. The same feelings I had held for Kagami, I now hold for Konata and Miyuki... That they were friends but... that list didn't include Tsukasa. Does that mean I don't think of her as a friend? Or that I think of her as more? That's weird, I don't usually make mistakes... It's probably nothing... He reasoned. Wait, are the others coming in?
"Then why are you stuttering? Come on~, you can tell me!" Konata catgrinned, knowing she would fail in her suppression at noticing such a small detail.
"Wh-what? I..." Tony fell silent. He knew he was caught. He couldn't explain his recent speech impediment, nor his thoughts on Tsukasa.
"You like her, don't you?" Konata grinned.
"I think I'm gonna go train a bit. Private training." Tony said as he swept the blanket off of him and started to stand up.
"Can you?" Konata asked, concerned though an eyebrow raised in disbelief.
"Of cour-" Tony started before his legs gave out. Next thing he knew, he was face-down on the floor. There came a muffled "Dont. Say. A word."
"Hey Kan-ch-" Tsukasa and the others walked in, Tsukasa gripping an odd yellow bear. Tsukasa stepped forward, her eyes closed as she kicked something. "Ow... What was..." She started to ask as she looked down. She saw Tony.
"Well that hurt..." Tony said, his mouth muffled from being full of floor.
"Kan-chan! I'm sorry!" Tsukasa shouted as she knelt down to help Tony up.
"It's okay Tsukasa, you didn't mean it." Tony excused.
"It's his fault for trying to leave. You need to stay in bed for at least a day." Masutā said, scolding his brother for his reckless actions.
"Thanks Tsukasa..." Tony said appreciatively as she helped him back to bed. "And... I'm sorry for that joke I made. It was stupid and I never should have made it. Can you forgive me?" He asked, looking as though he almost expected a no.
"It's okay Kan-chan. You just surprised me is all." Tsukasa said, covering Tony in his blanket.
"Thanks..." Tony thanked again. Tsukasa smiled.
"You thank as much as I worry." She commented with a sweet smile. Tony started to sweat a bit.
"Mehehe..." He chuckled, wondering what was making him sweat. Well, she just covered me in a blanket, of course I'm hot! I'm glad she forgave me though, that woulda sucked if she hadn't. Tony yawned.
"Tired again Kan-chan?" Tsukasa asked, a smile still decorating her mouth.
"Yeah." Tony confirmed.
"That spell take it out of you?" Tsukasa asked, a hint of concern and regret flashing on her face. "I'm sorry you used your energy on me again..."
"No, don't worry about it! I'm still tired from earlier! And taking a floor to the face doesn't exactly help." Tony chuckled. "Besides, I just ate. Which, however much I thank you, I must thank you again. It was truly a culinary delight. Now all the blood in my body is rushing to digest the food. That's why you get tired after you eat a lot." He explained.
"Hey Tony, I've got a question if you don't mind answering." Kagami interrupted. "If you're too tired, that's okay, I can ask another time."
"Nah, I'm not tired. And I have no more secrets. Ask me anything, I'll answer!" Tony smiled tiredly.
"And you won't say "Classified Information"? 'Cause that's not gonna cut it this time." Kagami warned.
"You have my word." Tony swore, placing his hand over his heart over dramatically.
"Tell me, have you ever had a girlfriend before?" Kagami asked, her tone easily telling him she wasn't referring to herself. Tony suddenly looked worried.
"Boy... When I say anything, you don't hold back..." Tony muttered nervously, shooting a look to his brother as if to shout. You told them?
I didn't know how much you had said, I only let them know that something's happened before. He looked back.
I'll get you back for this... Tony shot back before thinking intensely. "You could say that." He said quickly, averting his vision.
"Well... Do you mind if I ask what happened? What was her name? Stuff like that!" Kagami started barraging him with questions.
"I have answered one question without saying classified information. I'm tired, I think I'll go to sleep." Tony said, turning on his side.
Whoa! What a change... "Tony? Are you okay?" Kagami asked, concerned at the sudden drop.
"Yeah. I'm just tired." Tony muttered, still looking at the same place on the wall. Kagami looked to his brother, who looked unsurprised by this change. Masutā sighed and motioned outside. The girls followed him out.
"What's up with him? Wasn't he just saying he wasn't tired?" Kagami inquired.
"Well, that was probably one of the worst questions you could ever ask him. Right up there with what happened to his parents..." Masutā commented.
"Didn't you say to ask him?" Kagami asked, annoyed at being scolded for something she was told to do.
"That's not what I meant. I meant to ask him in a little while, maybe when the lot of you were closer to him. I haven't seen him entrust you with anything particularly secret, other than what he just said. And that's debatable." Masutā scratched his head. "If I'm wrong, tell me so I know that I'm wrong."
He did tell me something that he said even his brother didn't know... I wonder if Kan-chan trusts me enough? Tsukasa wondered. Masutā, however, noticed her pondering.
"So, am I wrong Tsukasa? What has he told you that he hasn't told the rest of us?" Masutā asked, a smirk coming across his face. Tsukasa blushed at being caught.
"No! Nothing!" Tsukasa shouted.
"Tsukasa, if you can figure this out, that would be awesome!" Konata shouted. Tsukasa seemed to think for a minute.
"I could ask him... But he didn't tell me anything!" Tsukasa shouted at the end, trying desperately to convince them.
"Hehe, Okay Tsukasa, we believe you. Go see what's up with Tony." Kagami smiled.
"Okay then..." Tsukasa said as she turned around and started walking back to Tony's room.
"Hey Tsukasa!" Konata shouted. Tsukasa looked back. "Knock 'um dead." Konata saluted over-dramatically. She catgrinned as Tsukasa sweatdropped. Tsukasa entered Tony's room.
"You know..." Masutā started.
"What's up?" Kagami asked.
"I'm surprised at you three." He said.
"Why's that Masutā-san?" Miyuki asked.
"Well. Kagami here thinks that Tsukasa likes Tony. And if she comes out here knowing what happened, it's a real possibility that Otōto likes her too. Correct?" Masutā asked.
"I guess... Where are you going with this?" Kagami asked, getting suspicious of his thoughts.
"And now~ they're in there alone~, aren't they?" Masutā smirked. Kagami blushed as she realized his meaning.
"We-we-well, I don't think Tsukasa would do anything!" She quickly dismissed. She quickly regained her posture. "Don't worry. Tsukasa isn't the type, she's a hopeless romantic. If Tony wanted to go out with her, he would probably have to wait for something like our birthday or Valentine's day. That would be best..." Kagami commented. That would also give Kagami time to think over what she thought about Tsukasa dating her kinda-ex-boyfriend. It seems fishy...
"If you insist. Besides, Otōto wouldn't do anything with Sarnia in his thoughts." Masutā chuckled. He then realized his mistake, eyes like plates.
"Who's that Masutā-san?" Miyuki asked, having been the first girl to hear the slip.
"No-no-no-no! He'll tell you when he's ready. You can find out if Tsukasa does." Masutā said.
"But we already heard her name. We can just say you told us and get the story from either Tsukasa or Tony himself." Kagami threatened.
"No. Find out when he tells you himself. Besides, he'll believe me over you. After all, if you had the story, why would you ask him?" Masutā said sternly.
Damn... Kagami thought. He's clever...
POV: Tsukasa
Tsukasa walked into the room. She heard some sound from the other side of the room. She walked over to Tony, but got an almost violent response.
"What?" Tony shouted, turning around to face her. Tsukasa saw his wet face, only getting wetter.
"Kan-chan... were you... crying?" Tsukasa asked, bewildered at her friend. I never imagined... He's always seemed like a rock... I hope we didn't cause this...
"What do you want?" Tony asked, disheartened at Tsukasa seeing him like this.
"I just wanted to see if you were okay. Are you?" Tsukasa asked, sitting down in the chair next to Tony.
"Yeah. I just want to be alone. Please? We can hang out later." Tony said as he turned away again, though Tsukasa could hear whimpers.
What's going on? I really hope he's really okay... Tsukasa thought in concern. "No. You're torn up inside. Please, tell me what's going on! I want to know about you, everything!" Tony sighed.
"Tsukasa..."
"Trust me." Tsukasa whispered. Tony sighed again.
"Tsukasa, please don't tell anyone. You're... the only one I trust with something like this..." Tony muttered hesitantly.
"I promise I won't."
*Sigh* "Very well. Listen... to my story..." Tony sighed as he began.
POV: Konata
"Come on Masutā, tell us!" Konata pleaded. It was, however, to no avail.
"No. Would you like it if I told everyone something you didn't want me to?" He replied.
"But I don't have any secrets!" Konata argued.
"Sure you do. You just don't know it yet." Masutā stated rather matter-of-factly.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Konata sweatdropped.
"You'll find out in future chapters unless the writer does something evil. Like, Disney evil. Like, so evil they would need a goatee..." Masutā scratched the back of his head.
"You're not making sense! Who is this "writer" you keep talking about?" Kagami asked in irritation.
"Acsuperman." Masutā said, again matter-of-factly.
*Sigh* "Whatever..." Kagami sighed.
"Typical Kagamin. Joining conversations like she was there to begin with." Konata catgrinned.
"You have a problem with that?" Kagami asked, her words and tone seeped in irritation at being picked at without provocation. And wasn't I there anyway?
"Uh-Oh! Tsuntsun!" Konata laughed as she threw her hands up in an overly dramatic defense.
"Hmmm... Maybe their secrets will come out sooner than expected..." Masutā commented as the two continued. He redirected his attention elsewhere. "I wonder how Tsukasa did..."
"Well, Tsukasa-san has been in Kanpeki-san's room for a long time. I'd imagine she was successful." Miyuki eyesmiled.
"Observant and logically correct. But with him, you'll never know. She could have been using this time to try and convince him to tell her." Masutā mumbled. "Though it has been about twenty minutes." Him and Miyuki looked over to Konata and Kagami.
"Surrender!" Konata yelled while laughing, on the ground tickling Kagami.
"Ne-ne-haha! Nev-" Kagami laughed profusely, laughing herself into a blush. She couldn't even form a coherent word. Masutā sweatdropped.
How did yells of irritation turn into this? He wondered. And how did I not notice this? "They're always like this?" He turned to Miyuki. She smiled and nodded.
"ALRIGHT! I GIVE!" Kagami yelled out as Konata grinned in victory. Konata stood up as Kagami stayed laying for a minute, panting. Then it struck her that Masutā and Miyuki were both watching them and her blush from laughter turned to a blush of embarrassment. "... I can explain that..." She muttered as she picked herself up.
"I doubt it." Masutā smiled. "Besides, you don't need to. I understand. Some friends play like that."
"Yeah... That's right..." Kagami reasoned with herself. There was still a voice in her head that yelled, But not in public! but she ignored it. They all heard the closing of a door from the direction of Tony's room. "Cool! She's out, let's see if she got it!" Kagami cheered as she rushed to find out.
POV: Tsukasa
"Kan-chan... that's so sad..." Tsukasa muttered, having cried for the past fifteen minutes. The only way she felt she could even talk was by hugging her stuffed friend with all her might.
"I know. But it's made me stronger... I'm sorry Tsukasa... I'm burdening you with all my problems. Again. I'm sorry." Tony apologized. Tsukasa smiled through her sorrow and shook her head.
"No, I'm glad you opened up to me Kan-chan. I... had no idea. Thank you for sharing your story with me." Tsukasa smiled. "She had good taste." Tsukasa blushed as the words left her mouth. Tony looked in her eyes.
"Thanks Tsukasa." He smiled. "I needed that."
"I understand now... Would you like to be alone?" Tsukasa asked.
"No, not really. I'm glad you're here." Tony smiled drowsily. "Besides, I'll probably fall asleep soon, so you wouldn't have to stay long."
"I'm happy to stay as long as you're awake Kan-chan." Tsukasa smiled.
"Hehe. Of all the guys you decided to be friends with, you got the problem child." Tony snickered.
"Nonsense. I'm happy we're friends! I wouldn't have it any other way. I only wish you hadn't had to deal with such heartbreak..." Tsukasa stated the last sentence with a tone of melancholy.
"Well, I guess it wasn't all bad. Had it not happened, I wouldn't be me. And I might not have met you." Tony smiled. Tsukasa blushed as she suddenly realized the reason she was continually blushing.
I... I think Onee-chan might have been right. I think I like Kan-chan. Tsukasa realized.
*Yawn* "Thanks for listening to my problems again Tsukasa. You're really too kind to me. I do wonder why you care so much though?" Tony asked.
"Um... I don't know, it's just how I am I guess!" Tsukasa laughed nervously. Great. I like someone who's been through all of that... It's a little like a Disney movie without a happily ever after. I hope he finds his. Whatever will make him happiest. Tsukasa thought. She got the distinct feeling that something was watching her, reading her mind... She looked around, but saw nothing as the feeling vanished. How weird...
"Everything alright Tsukasa?" Tony asked, having seen her fidget and look about.
"I'm okay Kan-chan. I just realized I never got a good look at your room is all." Tsukasa said, wondering if she had just lied. After all, she never HAD gotten a good look around, but that wasn't the reason she looked around. "I've never been in a boy's room before. Other than my dad's, of course."
"Well it's the same as a girl's room, the zipper is just on the other side. You're free to move about the house as you see fit. Anywhere you feel like going, you're welcome to. As for me, I think I'm gonna take a nap." Tony yawned loudly.
"I thought we were going to hang out?" Tsukasa smiled to show she was kidding. Tony laughed tiredly and motioned her to move closer. As she complied, she felt something on her forehead."Oof..." She looked up to see Tony had poked her with his index and middle finger, pushing her head back slightly.
"Sorry Tsukasa. Another time?" Tony smiled.
"Sure thing Kan-chan. Good night!" Tsukasa chimed as she walked to the door.
"Good night Tsukasa. If it doesn't stop raining, you and your little buddy there can stay the night. That goes for the entire group as well!" Tony smiled.
"Thanks!" Tsukasa called back as the door closed, smiling.
She truly is incredible. Shouldering my burdens along with her own. She's just... incredible... Tony thought to himself, failing to find strong enough words to describe his admiration for the girl. He dozed off.
POV: Tsukasa (outside the room)
Tsukasa walked outside the room, smiling, whether to herself or in spite of herself, she didn't know. All she did know was that the person she liked was probably beyond her. His story was too much for her to compete with. She stopped in the hall for a second. I think I'll explore a little bit. Tsukasa thought. First, she walked to Tony's training room. She walked over to the closet he had struggled with earlier. She opened it and saw nothing but clothes, training dummies, his sword, and a number of other training tools. She grabbed onto the clothes and felt they were extremely hard. As she pulled one set closer, she found it was taking most of her strength to move it. What's up with these clothes? Tsukasa wondered. Maybe I can ask Masutā, he'll probably know. She thought. She smacked a dummy lightly to make sure it was real wood and not something that was cheap and easy to break. She hurt her hand. So that was genuine... She picked up Tony's sword, which was a great deal lighter than the clothes. She drew the blade from it's sheath and lightly tapped the actual blade with her finger. Tsukasa looked at her finger to see a small cut. It's sharp...
"TSUKASA! That's dangerous!" Kagami shouted from the door, looking slightly out of breath.
"Onee-chan! Sorry, I was just curious. It cut through the wood so easily, you know? I just wanted to see..." Tsukasa said, looking at the small cut that was now on her finger. That from just a tap? "This is really sharp, I got cut from just a tap..."
"Well that's what Obsidian will do. Otōto chose it because it's sharper and cuts more precisely than steel. And, being glass, it doesn't dull nearly as easily. However, because it's glass, it's very fragile. It's sharp, but breaks easy. That's why he put a diamond core into the blade as well with the gems in the hilt. When he swings it, the diamond takes most of the effect along with the other gems, leaving virtually no damage on the obsidian itself. It's virtually flawless..." Masutā explained.
"Absolutely flawless!" They all heard George Micheal echo.
"What was that?" Kagami asked, a little freaked out by the random lyric.
"That just happens whenever I say flawless." Masutā shrugged.
"Absolutely flawless!" George Micheal echoed again.
"What the hell?" Kagami shouted.
"Now now, it's okay." Konata hugged Kagami from behind to either calm her down or turn her attention away from the random song lyrics that were infiltrating her mind. Kagami gained a deep blush as her bewilderment with the random voice in their heads turned to why she wasn't angry with Konata. While Konata kept Kagami busy, Tsukasa decided to pursue her questions.
"I have a couple other questions..." Tsukasa stated.
"As do I." Masutā stated, still looking at Tsukasa. He walked up and took Tony's blade from the girl and re-sheathed it. "For one, what were you doing in here? I'm sure Otōto wouldn't want you to just go strolling about his house."
"But he said I was welcome where I wanted to go! I saw him struggling with something in his closet and wanted to see what!" Tsukasa shouted.
"Hmmm... You're not lying. Did Otōto tell you about...?" Masutā asked.
"... Yeah. He told me everything..." Tsukasa's ribbon drooped as she recalled the sad story.
"Hmmmm... That's.. a tad surprising, but it works with my suspicion." Masutā said. Otōto likes her. Whether it's romantic or not remains to be seen, but he trusts her more than the rest of them. "You can ask what you wish now."
"What's up with Kan-chan's clothes? They were really heavy and felt hard." Tsukasa said. Kagami and Konata's head wiped around as they looked at her, both looking shocked. Tsukasa looked confused at this reaction until she realized exactly what she had said. She suddenly blushed as they wondered exactly how she knew how his clothes felt and how they were heavy. What were they doing off of Tony? "Th-th-that's not what I meant!" Tsukasa shouted, abashed.
"Well? Do you mean the clothes in his closet?" Masutā asked.
"Yeah. That." Tsukasa muttered, still trying to shake off the embarrassment.
"Let me see." Masutā said as he walked over to the closet. He reached in and started to feel some of the clothes. He pulled out a blazer and lifted it up and down. He then replaced it, looking incredibly amused. "I can't believe it..."
"What is it?" Konata asked, Kagami still trying to push her off.
"He's still wearing weighted clothing... That's hilarious. I told him it's gonna end up being the death of him. Luckily, he took it off for today during his training. Otherwise, he would be in much worse condition. This is actually really heavy. If I had to guess, I'd say about 30 Kilos." Masutā estimated.
"Wa...Wait... That's his school uniform. The one he was wearing... when he..." Konata paled. He outran my cycling WITH 30 kilos on? What the HELL? Next I'm gonna find out he did it on his hands! Konata yelled in her head, her grip on Kagami loosening just enough for her to slip out. Kagami took a few steps forward and started to pant slightly.
That girl seems to just get stronger and stronger... How is that? Kagami thought, not realizing that Konata wasn't getting stronger at all. Kagami's will to resist was getting weaker. She didn't want to admit it, but she was slightly enjoying these occasional embraces that seemed to be happening more and more frequently. She had stopped finding them annoying and now they made her... sort of happy... Not the same kind of happy when her mom or sisters hugged her, it was different.
"By the way, Kan-chan said we could also stay the night if it's raining too hard!" Tsukasa chimed, clearly happy.
"Well that's nice of him." Kagami commented, looking at the clock. 7:45? Let's see how it is...She walked to the front door and opened it. She couldn't see a yard in front of the door. Well... I guess we don't have much of a choice, we can't even see where we're going in this. I'm surprised our parents haven't called wondering where we were... At least Tsukasa seems excited to stay... "What's Tony doing right now Tsukasa?" She asked.
"He's sleeping." Tsukasa smiled. "Do you think we can stay?"
"I don't see that we have a choice, you can't see half way to Konata's house..." Kagami said.
"It's odd that it rained so hard. If I remember correctly, the news this morning called for a bright, sunshiney day. Or was that a song..." Masutā commented. "Nope, definitely said sunshine today." He decided.
Did Tony really make it rain? There's no way... Kagami thought in disbelief. "Well, I guess we better find a place we can sleep, eh?" Kagami smiled.
"Yeah, we need to find stuff to sleep on..." Konata said as she looked around for anything that could be considered a bed. Masutā looked to the ground in the hallway.
"Hmm..." He studied it. "Let's see what's this way..." He said as he walked to a seemingly random room. They all followed to see a room with a bed and several futons.
"Whoa, how did you know where this was?" Kagami asked.
"The wood of the floor wasn't nearly as marked as the wood going to all the other room, which shows he wouldn't come in here much. What use is there to go into a second bedroom when you live alone?" Masutā questioned.
Holy crap, he really figured that out like that? This guy really must have been a Green Beret... "Hey Masutā, you were a Green Beret, right?" Kagami asked.
"Yeah, what's up?"
"About how good were you, do you think?" Kagami asked. Masutā put his finger to his chin and hummed in thought.
"Hmmm... I'll put it this way. My given name fits, even amongst the Special Forces." Masutā smirked.
"And one more question." Kagami said.
"Yes?"
"The Green Berets are an American branch of the military, right? Did you use to live in America then?" Kagami asked.
"Actually, I was originally part of the Jieitai, the Japan Self-Defense Forces, but during one of the combat training exercises, my commander came up to me and asked me to follow him. I went through some tests that I now know were selection tests for the Army. I guess they wanted to see how I stacked up against the American Army. I ended up with a 99 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, over a 300 on the Army Physical Fitness Test. They asked me if I would like to enlist in the Special Forces, and I agreed. To be perfectly honest, I was stationed in almost every unit of the Special Forces, from the Green Berets to the Navy Seals at one point or another. I won't kid you, the Navy Seals were really hard. Even though I was still top in the unit, that isn't all that difficult when 80% of it drops out. Otōto needed Hachiman to get through what would be training for the Seals and even then he was pushing himself to the limits. The only reason I did it was because he insisted on harder training after..." Masutā sighed.
"Don't they only ever allow US citizens to be part of the Special Forces?" Kagami asked.
"Normally, but they allow for 48 foreign military students per year. Besides, with my scores, they probably would have extended it to 49 anyway..." Masutā snickered. "Any more questions?"
"Nah, I think that's enough for now." Kagami said.
"Alrighty, let's get this room set up!" Konata cheered at finally the end of the quiz.
"Okay, I'll help you. After that, I'll take my leave of the room and sleep in the chair." Masutā said.
"You could take a futon!" Konata suggested.
"There are only three other than the bed. Don't worry about it." Masutā dismissed.
"That's enough! Me and Kagamin can sleep together again! I slept with her just two nights ago~." Konata catgrinned.
"KO-KONATA! We just met this guy and you're already making dirty jokes around him?" Kagami shouted.
"That wasn't dirty, we did sleep together!" Konata grinned even wider as she protested the oppression.
"As much as I don't doubt you two would sleep together-" Masutā snickered.
"Wha-what's that supposed to mean?" Kagami shouted.
"-I won't force you to this time. Don't forget, I spent a LOT of time sleeping in MUCH worse than a chair. You might have to pour cold water on me just to wake me up!" Masutā laughed as he completely ignored Kagami.
"Alright then!" Konata said.
"He really had to twist your arm..." Kagami commented.
"Well, let's get this room ready!" Masutā restated.
"Yeah!" The four girls shouted as they got to work.
Luckier Channel
"Luckier~! Channel~!" Akira shouted out. "Hiya Luckies! I'm Akira Kogami, your navigator!"
"And I'm Minoru Shiraishi, the assistant! This chapter sure took a long time to come out! In their letter, it says it was partially because the writer found their favorite game recently."
"And what's that Shiraishi-san?" Akira chimed.
"Elder Scrolls: Oblivion!" Minoru stated.
"! I love that game! I wonder who's better, me or the writer?" Akira said teasingly.
"Well, in the letter it says that within an hour of starting the game, they can have all their stats to 100 and... become the Arch mage?" Minoru read, not knowing what my letter was talking about.
"I'm sure, I wonder why they even went into their gaming skills in the letter..." Akira sighed at being outmatched so much.
"Well, that's in here too. Ac said they knew you were going to ask which of you was better." Minoru said as Akira's head kicked up.
"WHAT? That's kinda creepy, how the hell did Ac know what I was going to say? This writer is good..." Akira's eyes narrowed.
*Music Tone*
"Oh I guess that's all the time we have for today! I'll see you guys later! Bye nii~!"
"..."
"By the way, did you ever move out of Japan?" Akira asked.
"As a matter of fact I did. My Japanese isn't the strongest because I lived out of the country for years."
"Ah... That explains that... That's weird they knew what I was going to say... Umm..."
"Antidisestablishmentarianism." Akira said.
"Antidisestablishmentarianism." Minoru read off the letter in unison with Akira.
"DAMN IT!"
*End*
Aftersection
Okay, this took more than 2 weeks to get out, I'm sorry. Oblivion is also only part of the reason, I had to decide what I was going to do with Tony's past. I had two choices and neither felt right. Then the part you see in here came to me along with a wide grin. I IMMEDIATELY wrote it down. I hate when people cut away during a big reveal like that, but I find myself feeling oddly powerful doing it myself LOL! Rereading the last few chapters, there hasn't exactly been an overwhelming amount of Konami. Just so you know, the amount intended in the story hasn't and isn't going to decrease, it might just be more spread out. Which means more chapters! That can be good or bad for different people.. But I already have their confession, their love, their marriage, their baby in the baby carriage... wait... am I planning my story or rehearsing an old childish rhyme... I actually don't know if I have any of that now that I think of it, but it's coming! And yes Duwee, I tried to build it subtly until after he had been introduced, but so far I have no such subtly planned for them anymore. I was really hoping you guys would like that, I had several ideas with that in it (especially when Tony started on his past here!) so I'm glad most don't mind it! So sorry for the long wait and I hope you guys liked this chapter!