Chapter 63 - A Request - Spec Ops
...
The northernmost area of Kivotos is a frozen hellscape. It may be part of the Red Winter district, but there are virtually no buildings for miles. Only animals, plants...
And two, rather unlucky girls.
The blonde, Nodoka, growls, as she attempts to wrestle a rotten pillar from an old building. "Ugh. Why won't it come out?! I'm so... darn close!"
As she's focused on that, she doesn't hear her mint haired friend, Shigure, walk up with two cups, filled with liquid. "Nodoka, I brought you some hot cocoa."
"Oh, Shigure." Nodoka greets. "I was just thinking about a hot drink to warm up my frozen hands and feet!" She says, happily, taking a cup from her friend's hands. "Thanks!" She holds the mug tightly as she takes a sip of the warm liquid, steam rising from the cup. "I thought my hands were gonna freeze off. The sweet, sweet warmth of cocoa spreading through my body..." She moans.
"It's quite nice, isn't it?" Shigure asks, taking a sip of her drink.
"It reminds me of our blissful lives at the main institute." The blonde says, nostalgic. "Remember when we could have hot cocoa whenever we wanted? When will we be able to return to the main building?"
"You worry too much." The mint haired girl points out. "President Cherino lifted our suspension at the last festival, remember? Just be patient, she'll come get us eventually."
"No! I won't be!" Nodoka shouts. "It's been weeks! Weeks, I say!" She then growls, just thinking about the white haired loli. "I bet that arrogant shorty doesn't even remember we exist! I-I be she's eating pudding in the lap of luxury right now! With unlimited cocoa! I was obviously too nice to her the last time she was here. Next time, I'm really gonna get her..."
"I'm going to resist the urge to point out you're the one who lost last time..." Shigure says, smirking. "And Sensei's probably already making sure she does something about it."
"Ah, Sensei~" Nodoka moans. "He's always so helpful!"
The mint haired girl chuckles at her best friend's antics. "Anyway, what are you doing out here, besides freezing to death?"
"I'm glad you asked." Nodoka says. "I was just pulling out these rotten pillars. We're running out of wood for campfires and the snow's piling up. So, I figured I could kill two birds with one stone: clean up a little and get us some firewood!" She explains, a bit proud of her idea.
"You want me to help?" Shigure offers.
"Yes! We can combine our strengths to pull out the pillar!" The blonde says, excited to achieve her goal.
Sure enough, the two girls grab a hold of the pillar, having set down their cocoa. "Okay, pull with me on three! One, two... THREE!"
Unfortunately for them, the pillar doesn't move.
Even more unfortunate for them, the ground shifts a bit.
But the most unfortunate thing that happens to them, is that an explosion knocks them off of their feet.
BOOOOM
""Ah!"" The girls shout, falling onto their butts.
"What in the heck was that?!" Nodoka shrieks. "A bomb? On my god, no, it's a giant mole! Shigure, hold me! We're done for!"
"I'll hold you if you want, but there are no giant moles in these areas." Shigure points out.
"So there are areas with them?!" The blonde gasps. "That means it WAS a bomb! We're under attack!"
"If you'd calm down and use your eyes, you'd see what it is." Shigure says, deadpan, pointing upward.
Nodoka follows her friend's finger and gasps as she witnesses a massive amount of water, shooting out from the ground. "Wh-What is this?! Mother nature is attacking us!"
"I think we just hit a water vein." Shigure says, as the two stand back up.
"It's so big." The blonde says, in awe. "What if all the water freezes and this area turns into a giant ice skating rink? Shigure, we can't let that happen. We live here! We have to stop the current, immediately!"
The two look around the area. "What could we even block it with?" Shigure asks.
"All I wanted was to enjoy the smallest inkling of happiness around a warm campfire." Nodoka says, somberly. "And for that small desire, I'll be punished. We'll freeze to death inside this ice skating rink, forgotten and abandoned."
"Chin up, Nodoka. Things are never as bad as they seem." Shigure says, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder.
"Do you not see the gigantic upside-down waterfall bursting out of the ground?! Tell me how this isn't bad!" Nodoka shouts.
"Look a little closer. It's not just normal groundwater." The mint haired girl points out.
"What do you mean?" The blonde asks, moving to the water closing in on them. She reels back in surprise. "Wait! The water's kinda warm, and it smells like sulfur... A hot spring?!"
"I told you it wasn't all bad." Shigure says, smiling. "Imagine the possibilities. I can be lazy and not have to heat up water to bather anymore."
"You're right, but..." Nodoka adds. "A stupid hot spring isn't going to help our sorry situation!"
"A hot spring? Stupid?!" A new voice shouts.
"Wh-Who's there?" Nodoka shouts, eyes wide as she looks around quickly. "Shigure, a bear's attacking!"
But no, a girl with horns and red hair, wearing clothes that show a fair bit of skin appears. She, along with girls in white hardhats, all wearing less than optimal clothes for wintery areas, stand before the two unlucky girls.
"Oh? Are there bears in the Red Winter Academy? Fascinating!" The red haired girl says. "I wanna see, show me!"
"Who're you...?" Nodoka asks, dumbfounded.
"Ah! Silly me, wanting to see bears before even introducing myself." The new girl says, rapping her fist against her head. "Where a hot spring can be found, so can we! And here we are, on a bright, shiny day perfect for development! We are Gehenna Academy's Hot Springs Development Department! I'm one of the members, Shimokura Megu!"
The two unlucky girls stare wide eyed at now named Megu.
"Gehenna Academy?" Shigure asks, blinking.
"What are Gehenna students doing here?" Nodoka asks, cautiously. "We might be suspended, but that won't stop us from protecting the Red Winter Academy from intruders!"
"Hahaha! How adorable!" Megu says in a sing-song voice, causing Nodoka to growl. "If you worry too much, that cute little forehead of yours might get wrinkles. We're only here to investigate info of a new hot spring here."
"I mean, she isn't wrong..." The mint haired girl points out.
"But how in the heck did you find out about it so fast?" The blonde asks in awe.
"Hahaha! How seriously awesome!" The redhead cheers. "As expected, President Kasumi is always right!" She grins, before smiling happily as she sniffs the air. "Ahh, that sweet, comforting smell of sulfur. I feel right at home. You don't mind if I check out the spring, do you?"
"I-I guess not. Just a little peek, though." Nodoka says, hesitant.
"All right, let's see." She says, moving closer to the geyser. "Hmm... This hot spring... Honestly, it looks pretty cool to me!" Megu says with a big grin.
"Why did you pretend you were such an expert?!" The blonde accuses.
"I don't worry my little brain about the boring stuff like quality or contents." Megu says, shrugging. "My gauge of a good hot spring is if it makes you want to take off your clothes and jump in!"
One of the members approaches Megu and whispers something to her.
"What? The president approved the construction permit?" The redhead asks. "Great! The let the hot springs development begin!'
Suddenly, massive machines appear from the forest.
"Those are rather large machines..." Shigure observes, wide eyed. "Excuse me, is that a giant drill?"
"W-Wait a second! I only said you could take a peek! What's happening here?!" Nodoka shouts.
"Do you need to clean out your ears? I already told you, hot springs development is what's happening!" Megu explains.
"But this is the former institute managed by the Spec Ops Number two-two-seven!" The blonde argues. "Like I said, I won't allow other schools to just trample on Red Winter property!"
"It's not like there's really anything happening here, though." Megu points out. "Oh, do you cuties already have development plans in progress?"
"W-Well, I wouldn't say that exactly." Nodoka says, a bit off-put by the stranger's energy.
"Hmm, then I don't really see the problem here." The redhead says, nonchalant. "Well, anyway, we're gonna get started."
"She's worse than a bear!" Nodoka realizes.
"Okay, friends!" Megu shouts, addressing her 'men'. "Let's burn the forest and demolish all the old buildings! I wonder what happens when you burn down snowy branches...? How exciting!"
The two rather unluckly girls are left standing there, wide eyed, as the Hot Springs Development Department quickly tear down the old institute and the white forest becomes a sea of red fire.
"...What are they doing to our home, Shigure?" Nodoka asks, dumbfounded.
"Thinking about it logically, the ruins were scheduled to be demolished anyway. Might as well get something out of it." Shigure shrugs. "Come, let's sit an watch. We still need to finish our hot cocoa."
"O-Okay... But I'm still a little worried." The blonde says.
Within mere hours, the area, once filled with trees and an old building, are replaced by as massive resort. Above the fancy sliding doors is a logo that reads 'Hot Springs Resort No.227'.
"Wh-Wh-Wh-WHAT IS HAPPENING?!" Nodoka shouts in pure confusion.
"As you can see, it's a new hot springs resort that we built!" Megu explains happily. "We even put you girls' name on it! Isn't it just grand?" She asks, giggling.
"Th-This is a whole operation! A huge hot spring facility, with a ryokan too?!" Nodoka exclaims. "I didn't think you were going to make such a gigantic resort!"
"Oh, you know how it goes." The redhead says with a shrug. "A new hot spring bursts here, another bursts there, you increase budget, the scale goes up, and voila! Isn't it awe-inspiring? As I always say, the bigger the better!"
"B-But, something this-" Nodoka attempts to speak.
"Oh, of course since this is on Red Winter Academy grounds, it's yours to do with as you wish." Megu continues. "Hog it and treat yourself, invite some rich guests, or throw a party for the other students! The on limit is your imagination."
"Will you listen to me?!" The blonde shouts, fed up.
But suddenly, Megu's comms go off. "What? According to the president, there are other hot spring areas nearby?! The there's no time to rest! More h it springs! More development!" She shouts, causing her fellow club members to rush off along with their equipment. Megu, however, turns back to the stunned girls. "We'll be developing a new hot spring nearby, so if there's a problem with the facility, call me anytime!" Then, she too runs off.
Nodoka and Shigure are left there, staring at where the crazy redhead disappeared alongside her fellows.
"They're like a storm that comes and goes." The mint haired girl comments.
"A storm that turned our home into a hot springs resort!" The blonde exclaims. "I get that it's a nice, few facility, but how in the heck are we supposed to manage something this big? Though... it'd be a shame to let it go to waste, right?"
A full week after having just been here, in the main office of Red Winter Academy, I find Cherino, asleep on her desk.
Within the week since I'd been gone, virtually nothing happened, save for more work and having a few students come by. Then, yesterday Arona found out about this hot springs resort that had just opened in Red Winter and asked (read: demanded) me to take some time off an go relax for a while. Before that, I decided to swing by the Red Winter office and see if Cherino let those two back in the building.
Thus, here I am.
"Castella... Strawberry cake... Banana..." The white haired loli mumbles, her mustache having fallen off. "Hehe... They're all mine..."
Rolling my eyes, I poke the sleeping girl's cheek. Geez, this is giving me deja vu to when I met Arona.
"H-Huh...?" Cherino asks, waking up, before an angry expression appears on her face. "What commoner dates disturb my work-sanctioned nap?"
"Me!" I say, smiling.
"Ah, Comrade." Cherino blinks, surprised I'm here. "Of course you would be the only one audacious enough to interrupt my precious nap time! On the authority of my mustache, I will-" She pauses, realizing the lack of mustache on her face. "Huh? My mustache?! Tomoe! Bring the spare mustache! Quickly!" She shouts.
Sure enough, in rushes Tomoe, who quickly places a small, white mustache on Cherino's face. "You saw nothing." She warns me.
"Saw what?" I ask, playing along.
"Saw nothing!" The short girl answers. "Anyway! Daring to encroach upon the Secretariat during nap time... Comrade, have you no sense of dignity or respect?" She growls at me, making her resemble a small dog barking menacingly.
"President, nap time ended approximately one hour ago." Tomoe dutifully reports.
"Wh-What a shock." Cherino says.
"Didja not set an alarm?" I ask, eyebrow raised.
Cherino ignores me, clearing her throat. "Of course I was not deliberately sleeping extra! And even if I was, it's the fault of those dastardly earthquakes!"
"Earthquakes?" I ask, suddenly curious and concerned.
"Lately, Red Winter Academy has been plagued by inexplicable earthquakes!" The short girl exclaims. "Just last night, I was rudely shaken awake just as I was drifting off to sleep. And I couldn't sleep a single wink after that, afraid of the very building I slept in collapsing around me."
"Shit, that's awful..." I say, sympathizing. I remember spending some time in locations that were often hit by earthquakes, I know how annoying and frightening they can be.
"It truly is! I'm glad we can see eye to eye on this, Comrade." The white haired loli says. "Anyway, what brings you to Red Winter Academy?"
"I just came by to see if ya let Nodoka and Shigure back in the main building, before swinging by those new hot springs." I explain. "A friend of mine insisted I take a few days off."
"...Hot springs? At Red Winter Academy?" Cherino asks, slowly, before bursting out into laughter. "Comrade, you are skilled at making me laugh! We are academy of snow and ice, not steam and hot water! Did you confuse us with Gehenna Academy?"
"What? Never seen a hot spring in a winter climate? They're quite nice, truthfully." I explain.
"Actually, a hot spring resort recently opened up at Red Winter Academy, Great Leader." The purple haired secretary explains.
"Here? In my school?! I demand you tell me its location immediately!" Cherino shouts at Tomoe.
"It's at the former institute where you banished the Spec Ops students to." The taller girl explains. "Apparently, a hot spring stream suddenly sprung up, and they established a resort there."
What? There was a hot springs under that place?
"Are you trying to tell me that I, the president of the Red Winter Academy, was not informed of this?" Cherino asks, shakily.
"With all due respect, Great Leader, you fell asleep during my report at last week's meeting." Tomoe says, apologetic.
"Ugh!" The short girl groans. "Tomoe, it was obviously your responsibility to re-report it once I woke up! I will never accept this insubordination. Development? Without my approval?" She then mutters to herself, "And at the former institute, of all places? What about my orders to reflect on their actions? I never told them to enjoy at hot springs..."
"You also told them they were un-suspended and they could come back to the main building." I add, with a no-nonsense tone of voice.
Cherino trembles at that reminder. "Ah... R-Right." She says, pouting, before turning to Tomoe. "Still, I will not accept such a thing. Tomoe, what is the status of my personal tank, the Purginator Number One?"
"Painting was completed to your exact instruction, and it was delivered to the Secretariat last week." The taller girl reports.
"Finally, someone properly following my orders." The short girl sighs in relief. "Come, Tomoe. We will go to the former institute with the Purginator and teach those rule breakers true fear!"
"The... Purginator Number One?" I ask, slowly.
"Curious, are you?" Cherino asks, slyly. "It's my special, custom-made tank." She explains, before picking up a paper from her desk and holding it out to me. On it, a rather crude drawing of a stark-white tank. "Behold! The giant mustache which can be seen from any distance. The dozer blades in front shine with unquestionable authority that will crush any who oppose the Secretariat! My beloved creation! With it, I'll demolish Labor Party barricades and squash illegal hot springs resorts! I'll purge the Spec Ops students' dreams and insubordination in one fell swoop!"
I only recoil back a bit as she gets louder and louder, before turning around and shouting to the heavens, "LET THE DEBUT OF THE PURGINATIOR NUMBER ONE COMMENCE!"
I look at Tomoe, who merely shrugs.
Sighing, I ask a very important question:
"Can you give me a ride there?"
A few hours and a tank ride later, the three of us, along with Marina, who's been given a reprieve from her punishments, arrive at the former institute. Hopping out, I'm taken aback by the sight of a gigantic, japanese-themed hot springs resort. The sign above the door even reads 'Hot Springs Resort No.227'.
Cherino and I stare at the building as we stand in front of the Purginator, both of us wide-eyed.
"THIS was built in a week?" I ask, shocked.
"Wh-Wh-Wh-WHAT IS THIS MONSTROSITY?!" Cherino shouts.
"I suppose it IS pretty impressive." I comment, causing the short girl to whirl around to face me, angrily.
"How dare you admire illegal activity, Comrade!" She accuses.
"And how dare you not admire such architecture!" I retort.
"The Spec Ops students should be living as I desired, miserable with not even a twig for a campfire. Not lavishing in luxurious resorts..." Cherino bemoans.
"You mean, living comfortably in the main building once more, as you promised?" I ask, warningly.
"Y-Yes! I meant, living in the main building as I, the Great Cherino promised." Cherino says, shakily. This girl really needs to learn to not be so damn spoiled. If no-one's gonna make her face consequences, you damn well better believe I will.
As we speak, some girls leave the building. One appears to be a Trinity student, who sighs happily. "That was an amazing bath..."
"Did you try the bottled milk tea from the store? It was so yummy!" Another Trinity girl asks.
"Let's visit again next year." The first says.
"Honestly, my expectations weren't high, but I gotta agree with you Trinity girls, this place is great." A Gehenna student says, walking out along with another, drawing the surprised looks of the Trinity girls.
"With all the snowy scenery, this place might even beat out Gehenna's hot springs!" The other Gehenna girl agrees.
"I guess this place is so good, even Gehenna students agree with us." The first Trinity girl says, blinking in surprise.
"The same could be said about Trinity." The first Gehenna girl says, chuckling, as the four girls walk away, content. Guess that Eden Treaty's got some merit, huh?
And hang on, Gehenna has hot springs? I mean, I know they have a volcano, but hot springs?
"Are those students from other schools?!" Cherino shouts.
"Seems to be, yeah." I confirm.
"You mean to tell me an illegal building the Secretariat has not sanctioned, one that I learned the existence of only today has become a tourist attraction more popular than my White Mustache Theme Park?" Cherino asks, lowly.
"Theme park?" I ask, eyebrow raised.
"Even my mustache feels fury!" The short girl shouts. "I will purge every last student involved with this atrocity!"
But another person walks outside: Nodoka, who looks pissed. Though her hair is tied into a bun behind her head, and she's wearing a grey yukata. I she running this place?
"Who is causing a ruckus in front of our establishment?" Nodoka asks, dangerously. "Even if you're a guest, if you're disrupting our business, we have no choice but to..." She trails off, seeing us out front. "President Cherino? And Sensei as well?!"
"Yo." I say, holding my hand up in a simple wave. "You look nice in that."
"Wh-Wh-What are you doing here?!" The blonde shouts, her face crimson.
"I'm the one asking the questions here!" Cherino interrupts. "If you don't wish to be purged in the next seven-point-thirty four seconds, explain yourself and your illegal activities immediately!"
"Uh, so... Umm..." Nodoka stutters, before exhaling a calming breath. She walks up to Cherino with a pleasant smile on her face and says, "Hello and welcome to the Hot Springs Resort Number Two-Two-Seven, O Great Leader! We are here to serve your every whim and fancy, so you go home refreshed, relaxed, and ready to tackle a new day!"
"You can't charm your way out of this!" Cherino exclaims, causing the yukata-clad girl to take a step back. "And how dare you change the name of the club without my permission! Hot Springs Resort Number Two-Two-Seven? How ridiculous!"
"The Spec Ops Number Two-Two-Seven wasn't an actual club anyway, just your impulse! So we'll call ourselves what we want!" The blonde retorts, angrily. "We, the members of the Spec Ops, aren't who we used to be! The hot springs took us from disillusioned suspended students with no hopes for a future, to this! Poverty became a thing of the past once we gained popularity across Kivotos."
I would ask how that happened so quickly, but then I remember social media.
"Do you remember?" Nodoka asks, dangerously. "You left us with two sticks to rub together and stale bread to stomach. But guess what?" She asks, teasingly. "Now I eat two whole puddings! With every meal!"
"D-Did you say two puddings?" Cherino asks, recoiling as though struck.
"That's not a whole lot, y'know." I interject.
"Well, before, there was only one person in all of Red Winter Academy who could afford two puddings at every meal." The blonde explains. "But now, I get two puddings, and new telescope lenses that let me zoom in from super far away! Hm... Let's see... what else has changed?" She muses, sneaking a teasing smile at Cherino. "Honestly, we're so filthy rich I can't spend the money fast enough."
"I won't stand for this." Cherino growls. "I sent you here for punishment. You were meant to reflect on your rebellious actions and instead you're living like royalty, eating pudding whenever you want."
"Again, they've reflected on their actions and you promised to let them back to the main building. Honestly, this is only happening because you've 'postponed' your promise, Cherino." I point out, scoldingly, causing the short girl to shrink and Nodoka to smile.
"I... It doesn't matter! Ready the Purginator! I'll make you watch as I purge your precious hot springs resort, then I'll purge you!" Cherino delcares.
"Cherino." I say, dangerously. Everyone stops what they're doing. "Enough."
"Seriously...?" Nodoka asks, calm and shaking with rage. "I've suffered, cried, and struggled out here for so long. And now, you want to take away the smallest happiness I've found in this little corner of life? Plus, we're not causing any trouble here for President Cherino or the Secretariat, right?"
"I-I suppose not, but..." Cherino says, eyes wide. She's also shaking like a leaf, clearly distraught from being ganged up on. "No! I won't allow it! Your luxuries threaten my authority as Master Scribe. If other students see this, they will rise in rebellion with you as the head."
"Okay, now you're just being paranoid." I deadpan.
Nodoka merely sighs. "Fine. You leave me no choice." She says, walking back to the building and opening the door, before calling out, "Shigure! Bring it out!"
"What are you saying?" Cherino asks, terrifyed. "Tomoe! She's threatening me!"
"Tomoe can't hear us in the tank, dummy." I point out.
Then, out walks Shigure. She's wearing a grey and teal yukata decoared with an arrowhead pattern, along with a dark blue jacket. "Hello, President Cherino." She greets. "Please don't be alarmed, this is just the Mustache Hot Springs Manju I've been preparing just for you." She says, holding out a wooden basket, filled with manju.
"A bribe, you say?" The white haired loli asks, intrigued but suspicious. "You may think you can sway me with its mustache design, but you've sorely underestimated me if you think I'll be moved by some second-rate manju made by you outcasts." She scoffs.
"Why don't you give it a try, then?" The mint haired girl asks.
"You're awfully confident of some boring old snack from a gross, old hot spring." The short girl scoffs.
Shrugging, I take one from the basket. Taking a bite-
"Damn! This is good!" I exclaim, surprised. "Did you make these, Shigure?"
"That I did, Sensei." The mint haired girl says proudly, her tail wagging.
"Cherino, you gotta try these!" I say, honestly. "These are definitely some of the best manju I've had."
"They cannot be that good!" Cherino shouts, taking a bite of a manju. The Spec Ops girls and I smile as Cherino falls for the bait. "It's sweet?!" The short girl exclaims, her face blushing in happiness. "What a perfect, soothing combination. The soft and chewy bread mixes with the smooth paste in an irresistible match."
"Don't you think so?" Shigure asks, playing up to persuade the short girl. "The profits provided by this resort allow us to invest in only the highest quality ingredients, just for the president. I made sure to get the approval of gourmands all over Kivotos before I dared serve it to our Great Leader."
"What do you say, President Cherino?" Nodoka asks, smiling. "If you accept our hot springs resort, our exclusive hot springs manju will be at your disposal, as well as free tickets whenever you please."
Cherino lets out a 'Hmph' sound. "Well naturally, I cannot simply ignore such earnest, sincere requests. And this has nothing to do with the delicious Mustache Hot Springs Manju!"
Hook, line, and fuckin' sinker.
"While I respect President Cherino's opinion, I simply cannot allow this to pass." Tomoe says, she and Marina having finally left the tank. "It remains that this is an illegal resort built without the Secretariat's permission."
"I am in agreement." Marina adds. "Such a building is a threat to the Secretariat's authority and the Red Winter Academy itself."
...It's times like these I remember just how much I hate tyrants.
But Nodoka and Shigure are quick to act. Did they plan all this?
"Tomoe, beautiful, darling Tomoe." The blonde coos. "Did you know that this resort has a bath so large it allows for communal bathing? Just imagine: You, President Cherino, a communal bath." Tomoe stills. "A closeness you never could have imagined with the Great Leader."
"A... bath...? With President Cherino...?" The secretary asks, blushing.
"I suddenly remembered, just yesterday I was in the open-air bath and came across a giant bear enjoying the facilities." Shigure says. "The snowy landscape, a warm bath, the bear's fluffy fur... It was really an incredible experience."
A... bear? Are bears in Kivotos amicable?
"A bath... with a fluffy bear?" Marina asks, intrigued.
"Don't forget, a place as popular as this only serves to make the Red Winter Academy seem more impressive and amazing." I point out. "Think of the many people spreading the good word of this amazing place."
"Upon further consideration, I do believe the Red Winter Academy could benefit from the existence of a hot springs resort." Tomoe says, having fallen for it.
"Such bathing facilities could be considered a necessity for the health and cleanliness of the Security Council members." Marina says. "As well as fluffy bears... although that is none of my concern."
Double hook, line, and sinker.
Plus, Marina likes bears? Who woulda known.
"I agree wholeheartedly with your observations, wise Secretariat members!" Nodoka says, pleased. "Please, allow us to guide you inside." She says as Shigure pushes the two officers and Cherino inside.
"The changing rooms are this way." Shigure adds as the four go inside.
Nodoka breathes a sigh of relief. "That nonsense's finally over... Ah! I-I-I didn't mean you were an inconvenience or anything, Sensei."
"Nah, I get it. Those girls can be a headache." I say, agreeing with her.
"I'm actually really happy you came." The blonde admits.
"Well, you certainly seem a lot happier now." I agree, smiling. "I'm glad you got outta the cold and all. Though, from what I've seen thus far, y'all are clearly doing a lot better than just out of the cold. I'm admittedly a bit impressed by the work your doin'."
"Yes, thanks to the resort, I am busier than before, but... I've been able to do so many things I've always wanted to do!" Nodoka says, happily. "Can you believe I finally got new lenses for my telescope? And did you see Cherino's face when I said I eat two puddings with every meal? And using bath maintenance as an excuse to watch students from the other schools bathe...!"
"Nodoka..." I say, warningly.
"P-Pretend you didn't hear that part! Poof! Erase it!" The blonde says hastily, her face red.
"No." I say. "I have a sudden overwhelming feeling of apprehension about all of this."
"W-Well you shouldn't!" She argues. "At Hot Springs Resort Number Two-Two-Seven, we always put the comfort of our guests first." She declares, before leading me inside the building.
"Holy shit..." I breathe, looking at the interior of the fancy resort.
"Please, take this robe." Nodoka says, as I take the aforementioned robe from her hands. "Let me give you a private tour, from the manager herself. I'll even take you to a private bath, just for Sensei."
I can only sigh at Nodoka's wide eyed, flushed expression as she literally pants like a dog, letting her mind wander.
"Oh for fuck's sake...! Fine, lead the way." I say, reluctantly.
After showing me the bath, Nodoka quickly ran off. Sighing, I pull out my phone while sitting at a small stool next to the rather luxurious, snow covered bathing area.
I've got three people to text, first up: Hoshino.
Yo, Hoshino.
Oh. Hey, Sensei. What's up?
Have you heard about that new hot spring place that opened up in Red Winter?
I'd heard a rumor about that, yeah. Why?
Well, I figured I'd invite my girlfriends to enjoy it with me.
Ueeh? You're inviting me all the way out there?
Of course, I'll pay for it and everything.
Truth be told, Arona kicked me out when she found out about this place, all but forcing me to take a few days off.
You work just as hard as I do, Hoshino. You and the rest of the girls over there.
...
Geez, I can't really argue with you can I?
Alright. I'll come by there tomorrow.
Great!
And thanks, Josh.
Anytime.
Next up to text is another person who's been working a little too hard. Though, I caused a bit of it...
Yuuka.
Oh, Sensei. Hello!
So I found myself at a hot spring resort in Red Winter and I thought I should invite my girlfriends over.
Hoshino's coming here tomorrow, so I don't wanna hear any argument from you.
Sensei, you know how busy I am.
I do. I also know how busy Hoshino is. If Arona's willing to kick me out to take a break then I'm gonna do the same.
I...
Look, think of it as making it up to ya for the Mirror incident.
And the boat incident.
I only met her once, but I'm sure that Noa girl is worried about you overworking yourself. I know you've been doing a lot lately.
I'm upset that you're right. Especially the part about Noa. Lord knows she'd tease me to death it only for me to relax.
Fine. Tomorrow I'll come by... Red Winter, was it?
Yup.
I'll be there tomorrow, then.
And thank you, Josh.
Anytime.
Good. Those two deserve a break. Now, for the last person to text. Or maybe, next to last.
Chinatsu.
Oh, Sensei? Hello.
Have you heard about that new hot springs place at Red Winter?
I have. I actually asked for a day off and will be there tomorrow.
...Huh.
I was gonna invite you over after remembering how busy you were.
...
Truly...?
Yup. Though since you're coming, I can go ahead and invite Hina.
Unfortunately, the Head Prefect has been extraordinarily busy lately.
Lemme guess: Eden Treaty.
Got it in one.
I was incredibly lucky to even get a short of a time off as I have.
Well, that sucks. I'll have to treat her after all this treaty stuff is over. There's a killer ramen place in Abydos I'm sure she'd love.
If you enjoy it, I wouldn't be surprised.
Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow, then.
That you will. -Chinatsu.
'She always ends her texts like that.' I muse, smirking a bit. Shrugging that aside, I ready myself for a bath.
After knowing Nodoka'a proclivities and hearing what she said earlier, I really don't want her to see my chest.
I don't want anyone to see that mess, truth be told. I wouldn't be surprised if someone threw up seeing that mess.
Quickly, I hide and pull a shirt from the Shittim Chest's storage to put on, as well as a towel to cover my nether regions. The towel is customary for hot springs, after all. Sitting my stuff aside, I walk towards the bath.
The air is cold here, but as I step into the hot bath, the dichotomic appeal of the hot spring comes forth. The air is cold, but the bath is warm, making you want to soak in it longer and longer.
I sit down on a section of the bottom of the bath, my back resting against the snow-covered floor with my arms held out to either side almost like I'm t-posing.
I don't even attempt to stop my blissful exhale as I rest, eyes closed.
After a while, my calm is unfortunately, broken by a feminine giggle.
"Nodoka, if you're watching me right now, I will skin you alive." I say, calmly.
"Oh darn, looks like you caught me." A different voice than I was expecting says. "I suppose I have not choice but to show myself..." She sarcastically bemoans.
As I peek my eye open, I look out and see out from around the corner, a girl I don't know has appeared.
She has muted green colored hair tied into a wild bun on the back of her head, decorated with a few hairclips of various colors on her bangs, parting them so that her ice-blue eyes and her cat-like smile are visible. She wears a pink and purple yukata decorated with a floral pattern, doing nothing to hide her sizeable chest. She also wears a small, blue yukata jacket over her arms. I notice she's also carrying pink, spiral-bound notebook and a mechanical pencil. She doesn't appear to be carrying a gun, but her halo is rather interesting. Said halo fades from pink at the top to blue and is comprised of two gear shapes, the larger and higher of the two having a heart within.
"And who might you be?" I ask, warningly.
"I've heard a lot about you, but it's my first time meeting you in person, Sensei." She greets. "I am Himeki Meru of the Knowledge Liberation Front! You can call me by my pen name, Meruri."
"Well, nice to meet another new member of your group." I say, remembering Momiji.
Meru gives me a few strange looks, moving slightly to get better views of me. She's eyeing me up like a damn predator, and not the Charles Hansen kind. She stops suddenly, giggling. "You look just like how I imagined you."
"Imagine? You do know my face is all over social media, right?" I ask, deadpan.
But she ignores me, gaining a bright blush and a sick smile as she looks as though she'll begin to drool. "If I don't leave a record of your body and shape then..." She then stops herself and opens her notebook and begins scribbling at an impressive speed. "Oh, don't mind me and continue bathing."
"Oh? And what are you doing?" I ask.
"I'm just drawing Sensei's figure." Meru says, nonchalant. "Though it certainly would be easier without that shirt."
I merely raise an eyebrow at her actions. "And why are you doing that?"
"I'm just drawing you. I'm not even taking a photo. Is it that bothersome?" She asks, still doodling away. "Drawing is a creative art that simply expresses the artist's perspective! There's no need to be shy."
I merely sigh. "Is that why you're here?"
"Nope. I'm here to get inspiration for my fan book." Meru explains, pausing her drawing. "I'm sure I don't need to tell you this, but Comic Center is coming up. Or as us fan book writers call it, Komisen." Huh, so there's a Comiket in this world. "This event, where fan books from all over Kivotos are distributed at once, is a very important even for the Knowledge Liberation Front. We read new words, evaluate them, and put them on display at the library without President Cherino noticing."
I let out a chuckle at that.
"Momiji says that reading works from other academies is enough, but it shouldn't be enough!" She declares. "Instead of just passively consuming like the bourgeois class, we as students have to be innovation itself at the Red Winter Academy and produce new works ourselves! And then I just happened to hear about a new, fabulous hot springs resort in the vicinity. A hot spring is a classic winter setting always present in anime. I came here right away thinking that it would be full of good material for Komisen! Sensei, have you witnessed anything here that could be in my fan book?"
"Dunno. What kinda book are you writing?" I ask.
"For example..." She begins, gaining a lewd expression on her face again, nearly drooling. "A scene where the Gehenna senior administrator and Trinity's Justice Task Force vice president are making out in the bath, clinging to each other like slugs."
"Really, thinking about Ako and Hasumi like that...?" I deadpan.
"The world of creativity is profound, Sensei." Meru says, sagely. "Even something small can be used as inspiration for any kind of situation. 'Two enemies meet in an unexpected place. They look at each other with contempt. Ah, but they are actually secret lovers'!" She begins to pant as she says that.
"I suddenly feel worried." I think out loud.
As I say that, the doors to the bath slam open and in walks the yukata-clad Nodoka, looking rather disgruntled. "What in the world are you doing?!" She shouts at the green haired girl.
"Oops, it's Nodoka." Meru says, not worried at all. "How dare the manager burst in on guests in the bath! Does this hot springs resort not have any hospitality training?" She asks, teasingly.
"You're the one who needs training!" Nodoka accuses. "Why do you keep sneaking into other people's baths and watching other students? There have already been complaints from people at both our large public bath and our open-air bath about how they keep feeling a suspicious gaze!"
"What? But I haven't gone to an open-air bath until right now." Meru points out, clearly confused. "Aren't you the one who was panting and watching other students bathe, Nodoka?!" She accuses, pointing a finger at the blonde girl.
"W-Was it me...?" The blonde asks herself.
"The fact you need to ask concerns me." I deadpan.
"B-But not only were you watching other people bathe, you even sketched them, Meru!" Nodoka continues, trying to ignore me. "I was simply fulfilling my duties as the manager!"
"If you say it like that, I was fulfilling my duties as an artist!" The green haired girl argues, moving closer to Nodoka, an angry expression on her face. "Actually, abusing your power to peep is much worse, Nodoka!"
"A-Anyway!" Nodoka exclaims, changing the subject. "If the guests who come to enjoy the baths leave because of Meru's art, we're the ones who'll suffer huge losses! I'm sorry, but you have to leave our hot springs resort!"
Meru lets out a scoff. "My life is at stake her as well! It's an opportunity to get great material for my fan book, so I won't back down!"
"Agh!" Nodoka shouts, fed up. "If you continue being so uncooperative, I'll have to force you out!"
"Okay, enough!" I shout, drawing the two's attention. "The way I see it, you're both at fault here. Furthermore, why are you having this conversation in front of me instead of somewhere more private?"
"Um..." Meru says, her eyes avoiding mine.
"W-Well..." Nodoka says, looking anywhere but at me.
"Meru, if you want inspiration for your book, go watch some anime or something." I advise.
"But I've already watched so many!" The green haired girl defends.
"Then watch some more!" I retort, causing her to wilt.
"Hehe." Nodoka lets out a smug laugh.
"And you, Nodoka."
"Eep!" She squeaks as I address her.
"Quit spyin' on people. Did you forget that was what got you suspended in the first place?" I sarcastically ask, already knowing the answer.
"N-No..." The blonde weakly says.
"Now both of you apologize, and go somewhere else." I say, flicking my hand to shoo them away.
"Er, sorry about that Nodoka." Meru apologizes, awkwardly.
"I-I'm sorry, too." Nodoka apologizes. "I'll let you stay longer for half-price as an apology, so long as you stop peeking on people."
"Alrighty then!" The green haired girl says, happily. "I'll let you take a peek at my drawings in return." She says, holding her sketchbook out.
"Okay, then." The blonde says, slowly taking the book and opening it. " 'Chief Secretary T's Secret Mustache Collection'?"
"That's probably real." I point out.
"I wouldn't be surprised, either." Meru agrees, grinning.
Nodoka continues. " 'The Secret Love of Vice President H and Senior Administrator A'. 'The Secret Hobby of Millennium Treasurer Y'."
"You're not even trying to hide who they're supposed to be." I deadpan.
"Wh-What's all this, Meru?!" Nodoka shrieks, her face having grown redder and redder with every word. "This is how you've been drawing the students? There are even drawings of students from other schools! If a book depicting your delusions is leaked, it'll cause a devastating war between schools! A book as dangerous as this shouldn't exist in the world!" She declares.
"Ha-Hang on a sec!" Meru protests, reaching for the book, but Nodoka swiftly moves to avoid her. "I went through so much trouble researching that! If you pretend you didn't see it, I'll trade you this!" She says, taking another group of papers from her jacket, forcing them into the blonde's hands.
"This is... a drawing of Joshua Sensei?" The blonde asks, her face somehow becoming even redder.
"Huh...?" I ask, worried.
"The stunning image of Sensei I could see through the lens of a telescope is in my very hands...!" Nodoka swoons, beginning to pant and drool, before she catches herself. "Ack! What am I imagining right now?!"
I don't think I wanna know...
Meru giggles. "Looks like you like that drawing." She says, smugly. "I can draw more, if you'd like. In whatever pose you want, in however much detail, Nodoka. Just think about it."
"A bunch of drawings with different sides of the stunning Sensei...!" Nodoka says, swooning again, stars in her eyes. "Since we fought together as comrades for freedom with the Knowledge Liberation Front some time ago, and due to your obvious sincerity... I'll let it go. Just this once. But make sure no one ever finds out this art was produced at the Red Winter Academy! Otherwise, it'll be a battlefield!"
"Don't worry. When publishing, I will use my pen name and participate with my identity thoroughly hidden." Meru says, nonchalant. "With this, I won't have any problems with this winter's Komisen!"
"It's a happy ending for everyone!" Nodoka says, happy.
"Like hell it is!" I shout, causing the two to jump. I then point at the girls, dangerously. "If you so much as THINK about publishing a book with my face in it without asking me, you've got another thing comin'."
"Ah, well... Then, Sensei, may I-"
"No." I cut Meru off. "Find someone else to illustrate." I say, causing the green haired girl to deflate.
"Oh well." Meru says, recovering quickly. "No skin off my back."
"Eh?" Nodoka asks. "You seemed kinda serious about this before."
"I was, but it wouldn't have been perfect anyway." The green haired girl shrugs. "Any drawings of Sensei I could do would only be mostly accurate. His shirt is still covering his chest, y'know."
Nodoka's eyes widen after turning to look at me, clad in only a shirt. "Sensei?"
"Yeah?" I answer.
"Why are you wearing a shirt in the hot spring, anyway?" The blonde asks.
"Yeah, it's kinda weird." Meru adds.
" 'Cause I know of your proclivities, Nodoka. I figured you'd end up spying on me. I ended up being half right, though." I say, glancing at Meru, who just laughs sheepishly. "And I really don't like showing my chest to other people. Simple as that."
"Why not?" Nodoka asks, confused. "You aren't a girl, Sensei."
"We all have our secrets and things we aren't too proud of, Nodoka." I retort, serious as can be. The girls are both taken aback by my tone of voice. "Besides, it ain't a pretty sight. Have either of you noticed just how many scars are on my arms?" I ask, causing them both too look at me before their eyes widen. They both look at the drawing of my just to make sure. Did Meru not notice while drawing. "My chest is in worse shape. I'd rather show someone my lower body bare before showing them my chest."
The girls remain silent for a long while, awkwardly.
"Just don't pry too much into things you'd be better off not knowing... or seeing." I add.
"Alright, then... We won't pry." Meru eventually says, Nodoka nodding in agreement.
"Good." I smile. "Now leave, y'all have been in here long enough. Shoo!"
The two girls scurry away. I let out an exhausted sigh once I'm sure that I'm completely alone once again. I place a hand on my chest, feeling the many bumps and unnatural textures through the shirt.
My chest is an ungodly thing to witness. My arms and legs may be littered with scars, but there's almost no pristine flesh left on my chest and back. It's bad enough someone might throw up seeing it. It's all cicatrices and horrid reminders of the pain and hell I went through for the past five years. Even someone like Hoshino, who's clearly seen some shit, hasn't seen a portion of what I've seen and been through.
Honestly, I'm still a tad proud of Serina and Hanae for seeing it when they patched me up after fighting Binah.
Or... maybe they didn't see it. I dunno exactly, they had me hopped up on pain relievers, not that I needed 'em, but I was really loopy then.
Forcing my racing thoughts away, I lean back into the open-air bath and relax in the hot waters.
The pain and tension of the day washing away.
Slowly...
Calmly...
I feel peace.
AN
Here, have a longer chapter. I kinda went a bit overboard with this one. My previous longest chapter was just shy of 7,200 words, but this one's almost 8,400! Not bad, Sam. Not bad.
Next time, something... special.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and look forward to the next!