Omake Week 2021, Day 2: Omake Week may be limited this year, but at least a series which features thirteen different CHILDs offers the potential for some kind of internal variety, and Gakuten O hasn't showed up here in a while.

~X X X~

Duran-kun and Kiyo-chan's Omake Theater

(featuring the Sugiura family pet)

"Unngh," Youko Sagisawa groaned as she staggered towards the kitchen. Her eyes were red and bloodshot, squinting away from the bright morning (technically, 11:43 was still morning) sunlight streaming through the living-room windows. Her posture was hunched, her knees bent even as she walked as if it would take too much energy to stand up straight, giving her a shuffling, even shambling stride reminiscent of the undead in a zombie-plague movie.

The shambling undead was a pretty good reflection of her mental state, as well.

"Mmnngh," she once again attempted to articulate.

Gakuten O peeked his spike-nosed face out from around the couch. It looked to him as if Youko might actually want to eat a nice, juicy brain. She certainly seemed to be in need of one just then.

"Uhhh. I drank way too much last night," she slurred, leaning against the doorjamb. "I'm getting too old for this. How does Midori keep managing it at her age?"

It was true that Midori had woken up bright and early that morning without any apparent ill effects (at least not the kind that left weird smells or messes of dubious origin behind her) and had even gone so far as to leave a note on Youko's nightstand letting her know that she'd tell the school administration that the nurse, ironically, would be out sick, and that that she'd left the coffeemaker prepared so that all Youko had to do was turn it on. But wasn't that kind of thing only to be expected from a seventeen-year-old? Gakuten O knew that was Midori's age because she'd said so every year for the three years since she'd first summoned her CHILD!

Youko pushed herself away from the doorway and took a couple of staggering steps towards the kitchen before she stopped, pressing her hand to the side of her head and swaying slightly.

"Nope, not going to happen," she groaned, and fell over, having just enough energy and balance to steer herself into falling at the couch instead of onto the floor or through the kotatsu. She lay there for a bit, groaning from the near-migraine headache and drooling into a throw pillow. Gakuten O decided that was probably a good sign, since if there was room for liquid there was room for air and Youko wasn't going to accidentally smother herself.

Still! It was obvious that she was incapacitated and would not be able to provide for herself for some time. She needed help! She needed…a hero! A hero such as the loyal and industrious sidekick of the champion of justice, the HiME of Wind! A hero such as…Gakuten O!

He zipped off to the kitchen. The countertop was much taller than the CHILD could reach, but this was no obstacle to Gakuten O! Turbines roaring to life, he leaped into the air on a blast of wind from its chariot wheels, grasping the cabinet edge with his lion claws and pulling himself up. It was a matter of but a moment to flick the coffeemaker on with his prehensile tail, and in only a few minutes steam was hissing from the machine as life-giving fluid dripped into the cup. Once it was full, Gakuten O carefully coiled his tail through the handle and transferred the mug to his chariot seat.

But the job wasn't done! No! A mission of mercy was not complete until the patient was safe! Every moment was precious in a medical emergency! Gakuten O's engine roared, and his wheels spun with passionate energy! The champion of justice blasted off the counter, hitting the kitchen table in mid-stride, not slowing a moment as he dodged the sugar bowl and went flying off the other side. He sped across the floor, paws racing, wheels a blur, as Gakuten O rocketed up next to the couch, plucked the coffee mug up once more, and extended it to Youko, without having spilled a single drop.

But what was this? The recipient of Gakuten O's heroism did not reach out to take her beverage, so desperately key to her recovery. Indeed, she lay there on the couch, moaning and shuddering and clutching her head with both hands.

"Owwww," she moaned out. "I appreciate the attempt, Gakuten O, but if you're going to keep up with those engine noises it would be kinder if you just went ahead and killed me now."

Gakuten O set the coffee down on the floor where Youko could easily reach it. He had to admit, Youko's reaction stung a little, but his spirit was not daunted. After all, at least two-thirds of the people Midori helped out didn't offer any gratitude for her heroism at all!

~X X X~

A/N: As always, I use "Gakuten O" from the English release's subs rather than "Gakutenoh" just because it looks funnier, and being cute is kind of the point of these things.