Chapter 90 - A Request - Prefect Team
...
Walking through Gehenna, I made by way to the Prefect Team HQ, as per Ako's undetailed request. Honestly, something is up with that girl. Upon reaching the building, I saw a familiar face also going to enter.
"Oh, Kayoko."
Red eyes blink in surprise. "Sensei. What are you doing here?"
"Ako called me here for... something." I say, still confused on that front.
"Why does it sound like you're asking me?" The punk girl smiles slightly.
"Look." I say, showing her my phone.
After a quick read, Kayoko sighs deeply. "She never changes."
I smile as I pocket my phone. "I sense history in that sigh."
Kayoko's brows furrow a bit. "Yeah..."
"Don't worry, I won't pry." I say, raising my hands in surrender. "Anyway, what're you doing here?"
"Actually, I was coming to see Ako. I have a... promise of sorts to fulfill." She says, vaguely. "It's a bit silly, but I wanted to finish this."
I nod, practically feeling the importance in her voice. "Then c'mon, we'll see her together."
The monochrome girl smiles and nods, following me inside.
A bit later, we come to a big hallway in the Prefect Team's HQ. Upon coming through the door, Ako grabs my arm and drags me towards Iori and Chinatsu, who both look as confused as I feel.
"It's Sensei from Schale!" Ako says. "We'll be counting on your help, Sensei."
"Ako, what the fuck are you talking about?" I ask.
"Hello, Sensei." Chinatsu smiles, blushing a bit.
"Heya, Chinatsu." I smile back.
"W-Wait. Why is Sensei here?" Iori asks.
"Yeah, why IS Sensei here?" I ask the bluette.
"I already explained it to you, Sensei." Ako says, sure of herself.
"You just said to come here and that you had something important to tell me." I deadpan. "I didn't think you were this scatterbrained, Ako."
"I am not scatterbrained." Ako denies.
"You didn't even notice me."
"Of course I noticed you, Kayo- KAYOKO?!" Ako practically shrieks upon noticing the punk girl.
Kayoko shoots her... friend(?) a smug smirk.
"Oh, geez. As though this couldn't get any worse." Ako sighs.
"It'll be a lot worse if you don't explain why I'm here." I threaten.
"Very well..." The secretary sighs. "Simply put the Prefect Team's training camp. My original plans for it was some light tactical training, however the Pandemonium Society sent us a request to submit the details on the camp."
"Why's that a problem?" I ask.
"Last year, they tried to send us to the foot of the Hinnom Volcano." Chinatsu deadpans. That volcano, huh?
"So you want me to help you fuck with them?" I ask.
"Not... exactly... but I like your thinking, Sensei." Ako smirks, earning a tired sigh from the other three girls. "Instead, I wish to use this as an excuse to give the Head Prefect a vacation."
"That's not a bad idea. Lord knows Hina deserves one more than just about anyone in the city." I smile.
"What brought this on, Ako?" Kayoko pipes up. "This doesn't seem like your usual m.o."
"And you'd be correct, but this is for her sake, especially after this morning." Ako shivers.
"What happened this morning?" I ask, curious.
"The Head Prefect... complimented my coffee." Ako says, dramatically.
"...And?" I ask.
"And that's it." Ako says.
"Good lord..." Kayoko says, holding her face.
"I... don't even know where to begin with that, Ako..." I say, feeling like I could use some coffee all of a sudden. "But why exactly do you need me here?"
"It's simple. You have the ability to make recommendations on the Prefect Team's training plans due to the authority granted to Schale." The bluette explains, before smirking. "We'll be able to schedule our training to take place on the beach with Sensei's cooperation."
"I knew Schale had a lot of power, but it really can do just about anything, huh?" Iori comments.
"This is Sensei we're talking about. He was trusted with guiding the students, so Schale's actions carry considerable weight." Chinatsu adds.
"Oh well, let's go and do it." I say.
"Eh?" Ako blinks. "Just like that?"
"I've seen Hina running on spite and caffeine once." I retort. "Plus, I've been in that same position before. If this helps her out, do you even need to ask for my help?"
"I... wasn't expecting you to go along with it so willingly." Ako's blue eyes widen.
"This IS Sensei we're talking about." Kayoko adds, Iori nodding along.
"Even Ako has met her match." The medic smiles.
The bluette sighs, but smiles in relaxation. "As long as we have Sensei's cooperation, that all that's left to do is convince the Head Prefect."
And so, all of us- sans Kayoko, who stayed outside- proposed the idea to Hina. The small albino girl perked up as soon as I came in.
"Very well. Understood." Hina says, calmly.
"A-Are you sure, Head Prefect? It's okay?" Ako asks, surprised, prompting me to roll my eyes.
"What's the issue? The training camp is an annual event. There's no reason to be opposed." Hina points out, eyebrow raised.
"R-Right. I knew that." Ako says quickly.
Chinatsu sighs as Iori rubs her temples.
"That reminds me. I already scouted a location for this year's camp." The Head Prefect says. "The hell lodge at the foot of Gehenna's Hinnom Volcano. in District ninety four-thirteen." Ako's eyes blow open. "Even the Pandemonium Society shouldn't have any complaints about that location. If we're to do this training, we may as well be thorough."
"You want to go to the volcano again?!" Iori snaps. Hang on, again? "Even if the Pandemonium Society isn't forcing us to go?!"
Hina just blinks in confusion.
"H-H-Hold on just a moment, Head Prefect. You already made arrangements?" Ako asks, shakily. My ears pick up Kayoko snickering outside the room.
"Yes, because I assumed the Pandemonium Society would begin putting pressure on us right about now." Hina explains.
Ako freezes, looking terrified.
"What if y'all go to the beach?" I suggest.
"The... beach? What are you going on about, Sensei?" Hina asks, before turning back to Ako. "Is this what you wanted to talk to me about, Ako? A new site for training camp?"
Ako snaps out of her trance. "Y-Yes! That's right! I was just discussing it with Sensei as well. I wanted to take the initiative on planning our camp because I know how busy you always are. Won't you allow me to take responsibility for organizing this year's camp? Just this once, so that your workload isn't that heavy?"
Hina hums, eyeing me with a touch of uncertainty. I just smile in response. "But we've never done a training camp by the ocean before." Hina points out.
"Sensei is very familiar with the area! With him with us, I'm sure our training will be even more efficient!" Ako says. I am?
"I see." Hina says, eyeing me again. I just roll my eyes before shrugging. Getting the message, she turns back to Ako. "Very well. If this is what you insist, Ako."
"Y-You're approving it?" Ako asks, shocked.
"Yes, I'll leave organizing the training camp in your hands This why you're our senior administrator, after all." Hina nods. "As you suggest, it isn't efficient for me to take every single Prefect Team responsibility. We'll follow your lead this time." Hina then smiles a small, genuine smile. "Do your best."
Ako, Iori, and Chinatsu's eyes all widen from Hina's acceptance and her smile.
A moment later, the four of us met Kayoko back outside of Hina's office as said girl got back to work.
"I'm surprised it worked." The punk girl admits.
I nod in agreement. "So, what's the plan anyway? Are y'all and the Prefect Team actually gonna train or...?"
"Of course we are." Ako says, almost sounding upset by the insinuation.
"Then what will Hina be doing?" I ask.
"Nothing." Ako says, smugly.
"Nothing?" Kayoko asks.
"Nothing." The bluette confirms.
"Boredom is worse than work sometimes, Ako." I chide. "I get you want Hina to relax, but how is nothingness relaxing?"
"Well, that's..." Ako pauses, realizing her mistake.
"That's actually a good point." Iori adds, Chinatsu nodding in agreement.
"Then what can we do to keep her busy?" Ako asks.
"Hmm." I hum in thought, before an idea strikes me. "Kayoko, when's the last time you and your pals had a break?"
"With Aru's seriousness about the business? Never. Why..?" The monochrome girl asks, eyes narrow.
"Then why don't you four keep Hina entertained?" I suggest.
"Huh?" Kayoko blinks.
"What?" The sniper asks. The medic's eyes widen.
"That's a terrible joke, Sensei." The administrator deadpans.
"I ain't joking." I snap.
"I doubt they'd go for a vacation if it meant spending time with the Head Prefect." Kayoko points out.
"...How about if it was a PAID vacation?" I suggest, smirking a bit.
Kayoko sighs. "Maybe. I'll ask them."
"Then it's settled. I'll see y'all at the beach. If you don't have swimsuits, I'll jab ya." I joke, making the motion of poking someone with a stick.
"I should've known! Of course THAT'S why you went along with it." Iori accuses, face red.
"Sensei, why must you make so many jokes?" Ako grumbles.
"Who says I'm joking? Or were you seriously planning to go to the damned beach in your regular attire? Do you want heat stroke?" I ask, Ako seeming like an idiot right about now.
"That's a fair concern." Chinatsu- who I only sometimes forget is a medic- says. "The beach can be rather scorching this time of year."
With sighs from Ako, Iori, and Kayoko, they all agree to wear swimsuits to our trip to the beach in a few days. Before leaving, I let them all have some of the coq au vin.
...Even Ako.
A few days later, I arrive at the beach to see Iori, clad in a two-piece bikini, barking orders into a megaphone at the Prefect Team grunts.
She has on different, yet still black bows holding her hair in twintails, along with sunglasses on her head. Her bikini is black with white stripes in the corner. She also has on black gloves, a belt buckle on one of her thighs, and black sandals. The outfit REALLY gives a view of her gorgeous, tan skin. Her tail moves idly behind her, popping out from above her swimsuit bottom.
The Prefect Girls are wearing their usual hats, short-sleeved versions of their uniform top, sandals, and a one-piece black swimsuit underneath. Is it the school's swimsuit?
Chinatsu is there next to her, still wearing her usual black headband, and red ties holding her hair in twintails, resting on her shoulders. She's still wearing red gloves, but now has on a white, two-piece bikini that reveals just how big her breasts actually are. She also has on white sandals and a small white and red band on her thigh.
"They've got good discipline." I comment, walking up to the two leaders as I watch the other girls scramble around.
The girls jolt, but Iori shrugs it off quickly, saying, "Of course. They're part of the Prefect Team. How can they expect to protect the morality of Gehenna if they don't know how to follow orders?"
"We hold regular training drills like this, though not quite every month." Chinatsu adds. "This one feels much different than the others, however..." She adds, blushing a bit.
"I can see that. You both look gorgeous in those." I compliment.
Iori blushes, looking aghast as her red eyes widen. "You damn PERVERT!"
Chinatsu just averts her gaze, her face likely burning hotter than the sun. "Th-Thanks..."
I'm just glad they haven't talked about my looks. I'm just wearing a simple t-shirt, swimming trunks, flip flops and sunglasses.
"There you all are." Ako says, approaching us, also in a swimsuit. "The temporary control room is ready now. Let's all gather there."
Ako wears a two-piece that's different than the others. Her black top is tied in a bow under large breasts and combines with a black choker- that also has her golden bell on it, for some reason. She has on a black swimsuit bottom under a black and blue miniskirt that's similar to her usual one. She has her usual chained collar on her wrist, now worn on the opposite one, and black sandals. She has on her usual black headband, but her hair is tied into a small bun on the right side of her head via a black and blue bow, and her usual red one as well.
"You look pretty, too, Ako." I compliment.
"Huh?!" Ako squeaks- SQUEAKS- a bright blush on her face. "Be quiet, Sensei! Just follow me already!" She shouts, quickly turning around.
"Did... Did she just...?" I hear Iori mutter.
I just chuckle. "C'mon, you two."
We met Ako inside a fancy hotel room, where she'd set up a bunch of monitors and the like.
I let out a whistle. "Really went all out, huh?"
"But of course." Ako pridefully says, before turning to the girls. "How are the preparations going?"
"So far, so good. The members who finished their work are resting in their rooms." Iori reports.
"The Medical Committee is just wrapping up its preparations as well." Chinatsu adds.
"Then everything is going smoothly. Very good." Ako smiles. "Have Problem Solver arrived yet?"
"Not yet, Kayoko texted me a minute ago saying that they're on their way." I say.
"Excellent." The bluette says. "To summarize, we've brought one hundred Prefect Team members total to Araba Beach for training." Araba? Like Arabic?
"Why this place exactly?" I ask, curious.
"Of course. This is Araba Beach, one of the quietest places within Gehenna's district." Ako explains. "Less than one hundred crimes have been reported in the last year, and even those were minor: a dine-and-dash at the Beach Shack, noise disruption, construction without authorization, etcetera."
"Sounds pretty noisy to me." I say.
"Please. This is child's play compared to what happens within the rest of the district." Iori scoffs.
"It's THAT bad?" I ask, feeling a bit concerned for the Prefect Team suddenly.
"At any rate, I wanted somewhere quiet to hold our training camp. Let's not forget the real reason here." Ako changes the subject. "We're here to give our president a vacation! As for the other members, I should be able to handle their training just fine by myself."
"I suppose so." The medic says.
"If you insist, Ako." The sniper relents.
"All of this is for Hina's sake, and we're merely here to help make sure that she can rest and enjoy herself. You don't need to worry about anything beyond that." Ako assures us. "In the meantime, the rest of our members will go through tactical training followed by a light run. I was thinking of calling Hina down around that time. However, that will only be a formality. The real purpose is for her to have a light stroll on the beach."
"And she's going along with that?" Iori asks.
"I managed to convince her that walking is training too. We need to make sure the beach is ready before then." Ako explains. "I want it so clean you can eat off of it."
"Doesn't matter how clean it is, it's still sand." I deadpan. "Speaking of, from what you've said, this place is still a bit chaotic, yeah?"
"Yeah? It's Gehenna, after all." Iori says.
"Well, the beach is pretty quiet, huh?" I ask. "I haven't seen any problems anywhere. I also haven't seen any staff around this place."
"Isn't that just a coincidence?" The tan girl asks. "I can't think of any reason other than us just being lucky that there have been no incidents since we arrived."
"Maybe, but please don't jinx it, you two." Chinatsu says.
"I ain't dumb enough to tempt Murphy." I say, with all seriousness.
"Oh, please. Nothing bad is going to happen." Iori says. Right as she says that, the Administrator's phone rings. I shoot Iori a glare, causing the tan girl to wilt.
"Oh? That would be for me." Ako says, answering her phone. "Yes, this is Ako? How can I help you?"
A Prefect Team member answers. "Senior Administrator, we're at the marketplace near the hotel to buy supplies, but all the stores are closed. What would you like us to do?"
"Closed? Are you sure you're not mistaken?" Ako's brow furrows. But before they can answer, someone knocks on the room's door.
"Excuse me. This is the hotel manager. May I come in for a moment?" A robotic man asks.
"Yes, it's open. What's going on?" Chinatsu says.
A robot man comes inside, eyes looking happy. "Ah, I thought the front desk must have been mistaken, but you really are Gehenna Academy's Prefect Team!"
"Yes, and? What does it matter?" Iori asks, suspicious.
"I don't like where this is going..." The medic mutters.
"Are you all not here in response to our request for help...?" The man asks.
"Help? What's going on here?" I ask.
The man sighs a tired sigh. "Things are ultra hectic around here. That Helmet Gang from the slums and those beach thugs that appeared out of nowhere are at war with one another! At first it was just mild skirmishes, but the fight is getting more and more serious. Now they're waging all-out war to decide whose turf this is!"
"A-An all-out war...?" Iori asks, worried.
"Word has been spreading about it online, and now people are placing bets over who will win!" He continues. "The local merchants have closed down their shops and run away in fear! If this keeps up, they'll destroy more than just each other. They'll ruin everything in the neighborhood, including the hotel and local businesses! Right after we completed our renovations and added a hot springs too... But hope is not lost! Now that the Prefect Team is here, you'll stop the all-out war that's going to begin in four hours, right?!"
"""FOUR HOURS?!""" The three girls shout.
I eye Iori. "Don't imply it's MY fault!" She snaps.
"H-Hold on just a minute. You're saying that a large scale conflict is going to begin today?!" Ako shouts. The manager excuses himself as they start to bicker.
"What's the big deal, Ako?! I thought you said this was the quietest beach in all of Gehenna?!" Iori accuses.
"That's what all of the data said!" The bluette argues.
"She's correct. I just verified it for myself." Chinatsu says, looking at her phone. "I can also confirm the manager's claims. Social media expects a large-scale battle to break out here within the next four hours." She then shows us her phone.
GehErika0201: Didn't they say it was today?
#Nyanko&: that battle between the helmet gangsters and those thugs?
akusi-girl: I've been looking forward to it all month lol
EATorDIEOfficial: This might be a good opportunity for us as well.
A hundred yen says that's Haruna. I've seen the Gourmet Society's logo.
"There's these, as well as several other similar comments." Chinatsu says, looking tired suddenly. "Things have already gotten out of hand online."
"You can't be serious!" Ako shouts.
Ako's phone then rings with a different tune.
"Oh, no. That must be the president." Ako grimaces, answering it.
"Ako. Something is bothering me about the camp's schedule." Hina says. "Why am I booked to stay in my room for the next four hours?" I suppress a groan. "There's something I'd like to discuss, so come right away." Then she hangs up.
"She had to call me NOW of all times?!" Ako yells.
"We came here to train and then you made her stay in her room for the first four hours." Iori deadpans. "Of course she'd find it suspicious."
Ako's phone rings again. "Not again! Who is it THIS time?! The Pandemonium Society?!"
"Is this Senior Administrator Ako? We found a few mistakes in the documents you sent us." A girl says. "We'd like you to meet with us to clear a few things up."
"Now? Can it not wait?!" Ako shouts, pissed, but they hang up. "Oh, no..."
"Deep breaths, Ako. Inhale, count to four. Exhale, count to four." I suggest.
"Ah." Ako blinks. "That's a good idea, Sensei." She inhales deeply, then exhales deeply.
Then the door slams open, revealing a Prefect Team member. "Urgent matter to report, Senior Administrator Ako! An unknown group of thugs and a small group of helmet gangsters have started a fight on the beach. We need an immediate response!"
Sure enough, I can hear gunshots far away outside.
"Wh-What's going on...?" Ako asks.
"A-Ako, what do we do?" Iori asks, worried.
"Things have gone from bad to worse." Chinatsu grimaces.
Ako remains silent, inhaling deeply before exhaling deeply. Then, she looks downright PISSED, her eyes looking a bit manic. "Fine! Everything will be fine... Bring it on! Do you think I can't overcome a few challenges?! First!" She then points at me. "Sensei, I want you to go to Hina and tell her everything is all right. Tell her the training is going smoothly. If she asks questions, just tell her that she wasn't assigned any tasks just yet. And above all, under no circumstances can the president leave her room!" Then, she pokes my chest with each word. "Am I understood?!"
"Got it." I nod, seriously.
"Iori, Chinatsu." She whirls around. "Take our members to the beach and break up the fighting."
"R-Roger!" Iori says, wide eyed.
"Got it." Chinatsu says.
"I have no choice but to return to campus for now and meet with those pests from the Pandemonium Society. We're in a tough spot, but don't forget our highest objective." Ako reminds. "No matter the cost, we must ensure that Hina takes a vacation!"
Chinatsu and Iori nod.
I smile and nod, leaving the room. "Good luck, y'all."
Time to go and see Hina. I wonder what kinda swimsuit she's wearing...
A few minutes later, I knock on the tiny girl's door.
"Come in." I hear Hina say.
Entering the room, I'm surprised by a few things. One, Hina's wings are small now, like really small- they barely poke out from behind her small frame. She can shrink them? How?
As for two, why is she wearing an elementary school swimsuit? It's even got her name on it in katakana, along with her class (5-A) written above it. She also has a red whistle around her neck. Her hair doesn't have that small ponytail anymore, instead now she has a side ponytail and her bangs on that side are held back by two, red hairclips.
"Oh, it's you, Sensei." She blinks her purple eyes.
"Already in a swimsuit, huh?" I smile.
"Why wouldn't I be?" She asks. "We came to the beach to train, after all. Swimwear is appropriate for the occasion. Ako had prepared me a different swimsuit for this trip, but I returned that one."
"Why?" I ask.
"Because the one I own is already more than enough." Hina says, rational as ever. "What's the point of purchasing a new one if the one you have is just fine? I was simply being practical."
"Eh, some girls like to show off." I shrug. "But, uh... why an elementary swimsuit?"
"Is there some kind of problem?" She raises an eyebrow. "What does it matter as long as it fits? Do you... think that's weird?" She asks, a bit shyly.
"Nah, just surprised by your choice is all." I wave her off.
"A-Anyway, what's going on outside? I heard what sounded like a commotion." Hina asks.
Ah, to hell with it. I wasn't planning on keeping it from her anyway.
"Two gangs about to go to war with each other." I shrug. "Nothing major, the others can handle it."
Hina blinks. "A... war...? Between gangs...?"
I nod.
Hina hums in though. "Well, if they have it covered." She relaxes.
"Still, what've you been up to, Hina?" I ask as she sits on the bed.
Hina sighs. "Waiting, I suppose. My schedule has a note that says I'm to prepare for this afternoon's running training by waiting as patiently as I can. That leaves me with nothing to do for four hours."
I sigh. "Goddammit, Ako. Look, Ako was worried about ya, so she did this to give you a vacation."
Hina blinks. "A vacation...? Ako was worried?"
"Yeah. She ordered me not to tell ya, but I ain't a fan of lies." I say, shrugging. "Personally, I agree. You more than deserve a break, Hina. I actually got some pals to come along, hopefully to help me to help ya enjoy your time instead of... waiting like Ako got you to. Seriously, the girl couldn't have even gotten you a movie to watch for four hours or something?" I groan.
Hina's face turns near unreadable. "I suppose I HAVE been working harder than usual recently. I've gotten so used to being busy, I suppose I've... forgotten what to do when I have nothing to do."
"Don't think I haven't forgotten that time you went a couple days without sleep." I remind, causing the small girl to jolt. "Your friends are worryin' about you, as am I.
Hina lets out a soft gasp as her face reddens. "...Very well. I'll try to enjoy this... vacation."
"I'm glad." I smile.
"But who did you get to keep me company?" The small girl asks.
"Well, they said they were on their way, so-" My words are interrupted by a knock on the door. "It's open!"
The door opens, Aru strutting in pridefully. "Sensei, Problem Solver have arrived to- URK?!" Aru's competent mask crumbles upon seeing Hina.
"Heh? What's wrong, Aru?" Mutsuki innocently inquires.
"I-I-It's the-the-th-th-the...!" Aru stutters, pointing at Hina fearfully.
Kayoko sighs. "We all told you that we were going to keep the Head Prefect company, Aru."
Haruka hides behind her friends. "H-H-Hello, Sensei."
"Hey, Haruka." I greet the swimsuit-clad girls. Yup, they're all dressed up.
Aru is wearing a black bikini with a matching bottom that has long strings, tied around her stomach and just under her large chest. She wears black, high-heeled sandals, a blue shawl/towel thing with a fish bone pattern, and sunglasses in her hair.
Mutsuki has on a floral patterned bikini, brown sandals, a necklace and wristband of flowers, and a wide-brimmed tan hat. Her hair is tied in her usual long side ponytail with red flowers.
Kayoko- undoubtably the most attractive of the four- has on a white t-shirt tied in a knot under her bust, a black bikini bottom, and black sandals. Her hair is no longer in a ponytail, now flowing freely, letting me see how her white hair fades to black at the end.
Haruka has on a one-piece school swimsuit, a red gym hoodie, some sort of plastic shoes that look like crocs without the holes, and socks for some reason. She has swimming goggles on her head.
All in all, they look hot.
"Problem Solver?" Hina blinks.
"I ran into Kayoko after I helped Ako 'convince' ya." I explain.
"H-Hello, Head Prefect." Haruka greets shyly.
"You're... Haruka, correct?" Hina asks, earning a nod from the purplette. "You don't have to be so afraid of me, okay?"
"Ah!" Haruka blinks, before making a small smile. "O-Okay."
"Look at lil' Haruka, making friends." Mutsuki smiles. "And... is that a elementary school swimsuit?" She blinks, looking at Hina.
"Yes?" Hina asks, unsure.
"Why wear that?" The imp asks, dumbfounded.
"It still fit me, so why waste money getting another?" Hina asks.
Mutsuki grins impishly, but Haruka cuts her to the chase. "I-I think it looks good on you."
Hina makes a small smile.
Aru finally snaps out of her trance, coughing into her fist. "Regardless of that, Sensei has asked us to help you enjoy yourself, Hina!"
Kayoko sighs. "Sorry if she's a bother."
"Kayoko!" Aru snaps.
Hina just shakes her head. "No, it is fine."
"There was one other gal I wanted to invite, but she didn't have time to get a swimsuit." I say. "It's a-" I pause, the Shittim Chest in my back pocket vibrating. I pull it out as Arona pops up on it.
"Way ahead of you, Sensei!" She smiles, before her physical body appears in front of us, only she's got on a different outfit.
Arona still has on her headband and choker, but now wears a white one-piece, a sleeveless version of her uniform top over it, and white sandals with bows on them that match the one in her hair.
The tiny AI smiles up at me. "Ta-da! It's a costume change!"
I blink. "Didn't know you could do that."
"Neither did I!" The small AI smiles.
"Eh? You're... Arona?" Aru asks.
"That's me!" Arona chirps.
"B-B-But I thought you were an AI." Haruka remembers.
"An AI?" Hina asks, bewildered.
"I am, but Sensei got some girls from Millennium to make me a body. Now I can help Sensei out more than before!" Arona says, cutely determined. "That means I can spend time with you all!"
The five girls smile at Arona's enthusiasm.
That's interrupted by my phone ringing. "Gimme a sec." I say to the girls, before answering. "Hello?"
"Sensei, can you read me?" Iori asks between gunshots.
Chinatsu groans. "Requesting emergency support, Sensei."
"This situation on the beach is worse than we thought. We need your help, Sensei!" Iori shouts.
"Please give us your orders, but you must keep it from Hina!" Chinatsu reminds me.
"Dammit, fine." I say, hanging up. "Looks like they're in a spot of trouble. I'll be back in a bit."
"Okay." Hina says, blinking in surprise as I run out of the room.
"Sensei's quick..." Hina observes.
"Have you ever seen Sensei fight, Hina?" Arona asks.
"...Now that you mention it, I haven't." The Head Prefect realizes.
"I remember when we first fought Sensei." Mutsuki grins. "We got our butts handed to us."
"He-He was kinda scary that time." Haruka says.
"Indeed, we lost. But we learned from our mistakes, like we always do." Aru pridefully says.
"And we make a LOT of mistakes." Mutsuki impishly grins, causing Aru to grimace.
Kayoko sighs. "Well, what should we do while Sensei's busy? We're here to help the Head Prefect relax, so..."
"How about we watch a movie?" Arona suggests. "I can still pull things out of the Shittim Chest from here."
"That tablet?" Hina asks.
"Mhmm." Arona hums, nodding. "It can store stuff for later, like these!" As she holds her hands out, DVD cases appear in her hands via a flash of light.
"Whoa!" Haruka says in awe.
"The room has a DVD player. Why not?" Kayoko grins.
"Say, does that tablet of yours have any popcorn?" Mutsuki asks.
Arona merely grins as a packet of instant popcorn appear in her hand.
The imp's grin widens. "Nice! And it's the Extra Butter kind, too!"
"That's the only kind Sensei gets." Arona shrugs.
"Then it's a movie night!" Mutsuki cheers.
"It's still daytime." Kayoko says, raising a brow.
"Oh, you know what I mean." The imp pouts.
Hina watches as the other girls begin to rush around the room, setting up the movie to watch. She blinks in confusion, feeling a strange, enjoyable emotion. It's something she felt when she spent that afternoon with Sensei and Hoshino... The small girl racks her mind, but to no avail.
Shrugging, she moves to assist the girls.
A while later, I plopped down on a couch in the control room. We had to fight a few dozen of those assholes- at least fifty total. It took a while, even with the Prefect Team helping.
Iori sighs. "The good news is that we managed to stop the fighting. The bad news is that those were only their scouting teams."
"The two sides were essentially just feeling each other out before the real battle begins." Chinatsu adds.
I groan. "Fuck."
"I believe they were also tasked with laying traps to gain an advantage for later." The tan girl continues. "The two sides must have been thinking the same thing and crossed paths."
"So that would mean..." The medic grimaces.
"Dammit, Ako!" The sniper curses. "This isn't how this trip was supposed to go! You said this was a peaceful area!"
Chinatsu sighs. "Nevertheless, this beach is still within Gehenna's district. We can't let the two sides do whatever they want. Though this is starting to get out of hand. Perhaps we should inform the Head Prefect."
Iori sighs. "Yeah, we may not have a choice. We were barely able to handle that opening fight."
"If you'd called me at the start, it woulda been easy." I say. "It wouldn't be the first time I've faced overwhelming odds."
"We have no other options at this point. We should report this to Hi-"
"Stop right there, Chinatsu!" Ako yells, appearing via hologram, causing us all to jump.
"The fuck?!" I shout.
"Ako?!" Iori shouts.
"S-Senior Administrator?" Chinatsu asks.
"Those helpless Pandemonium Society idiots! They just HAD to bother me at the worst possible time..." Ako growls. "However, I am NOT giving up. We went through the trouble to give the president a vacation on the beach. Are we going to let some troublemakers ruin it? Absolutely not! The Intelligence Committee just finished gathering information on those thugs and gangsters. I'll send the data over your way."
"This is quick work, even by your standards..." Chinatsu blinks her honey gold eyes, clearly impressed.
"One group is called the Fubar Beach Thugs and are fairly new to this area." Ako says.
"Why're they called that? Is it 'cause they Fuck Up everything Beyond All Reason?" I deadpan.
Ako makes a small smile. "No, but I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case." She then schools her features. "From what we've gathered, they lost a power struggle at another beach and were pushed into the Gehenna district. The other is a split-off of the Kivotos Helmet Gang. They're calling themselves the 'Splashy' Helmet Gang, and they've been causing trouble in this neighborhood for a while. We also have data on their member counts, equipment, and their approximate chains of command."
"Impressive." I praise.
Ako's mouth twitches into another small smile. "I've come to a decision after everything we've gathered."
"And that is?" Chinatsu asks.
"Our current forces should be more than enough to handle these forces." The bluette declares. "We don't have to report anything to the Head Prefect."
"You still want us to take care of this ourselves?" The whitette asks, Chinatsu sighing next to her.
"Hina's schedule starts a little while from now with the running training." Ako explains. "That simply means we must defeat the thugs and gangsters before they go to war with each other at the same time. If we do that, the president will be none the wiser!"
"You want us to eliminate two opposing forces under such a short time limit?" The medic reiterates.
"Yes, I do!" Ako chirps.
"Maybe we can pull it off, if Sensei wasn't lying." Iori says.
"I wasn't. I've faced larger numbers than these. Alone." I stress the last word.
Iori sighs. "We'll do what we can."
"Iori, you're to take on the Fubar Thugs at the beach." Ako orders. "Chinatsu, I want you to ambush the Splashy Helmet Gang's hideout. You should be able to stop them with the help of the Prefect Team members we have stationed at the hotel. Sensei, I want you to stay with Hina again."
I nod. "Problem Solver also showed up before I came by to help."
Ako nods. "Remember that our goal hasn't changed. Our top priority is to make sure that the president has a relaxing summer vacation. To that end, she mustn't know anything about what's happening outside of the hotel, or else she'll be forced to take matters into her own hands."
Considering she hasn't stepped in yet, I doubt that, Ako.
"It's showtime, everyone!" The bluette declares. "For the sake of Hina's vacation!"
"Fine..." Iori dejectedly says as Chinatsu sighs.
"Stay safe, you two." I say. "Call me if ya need me."
Entering Hina's room, I find her, Problem Solver, and Arona all watching a movie- or rather, the credits.
"I'm baaaack." I say, playfully.
"Ah, Sensei." Hina blinks, looking over at me.
"How did things go, Sensei?" Arona asks.
"Iori and Chinatsu are gonna attack each side's base, so I think they've got it covered." I say.
"Each side?" Aru blinks.
"Oh, right! That crazy gang war that people've been talking about." Mutsuki remembers, chuckling a bit. "I remember it was gonna be on a beach, but it's here?"
"Apparently." I shrug, sitting down in a chair. "So, have you gals been havin' fun?"
"Th-The movie was pretty fun." Haruka says.
"Yeah, but it's boring being stuck inside while at the beach." Mutsuki whines.
"Well, Ako's schedule has Hina going for a walk in a bit, so we all can do somethin' then." I explain.
"She doesn't know you've already spoiled her plan?" Kayoko asks.
"Nope." I say. "I don't like lying, so I told Hina pretty much right away."
"But you're lying to Ako about not telling Hina." Arona points out.
"She was the one who wanted me to lie in the first place. This is just a bit of payback." I grin.
Kayoko smirks at that.
"That's a good reason, Sensei." Aru smiles. "An eye for an eye-"
"-and a tooth for a tooth. Yes, I remember the thing, Aru." I finish, causing the redhead to beam.
Hina looks outside the glass sliding doors. "I still can't get used to this scenery."
"I-It's because you're always so busy, huh?" Haruka asks.
Hina nods at her. "I don't often get opportunities to visit resorts like this. A part of me wants to thank Ako for this, and the other part to smack her for all of the deception."
"Smack her?" Mutsuki grins. "Hehe, sounds like Sensei's been influencing you."
"Or maybe that's just you, ya damn imp." I shoot back, smirking. Said imp titters at my insult.
Hina curiously blinks at our interaction. "Say, Sensei..."
"Yeah?" I look over at the small whitette.
"Do you like the beach?" Hina asks.
"I like the beach. The sand? Not so much." I say.
"Why's that?" Arona asks.
I smile. The opportunity has presented itself. "To quote a movie- it's coarse, rough, and gets everywhere. I'm fine with the beach, but fuck the sand."
Hina, of all people, giggles at my crassness, surprising the other four Gehenna students. "That makes me wonder..." Hina says, suddenly becoming a bit shy. "I know Ako has her plan and everything, but... would you like to go to the beach with me, Sensei?"
"Oh-ho! Smooth, Head Prefect." Mutsuki grins deviously.
"I'd love to." I say, causing the small girl to beam. "Just lemme give the others the heads up." I turn around and quickly call Iori.
"Sensei? What is it?" The tan girl asks upon answering. "I've got my hands full taking care of the thugs as it is."
"Hina wants to go to the beach, can you get us some wiggle room?" I ask.
"What?" I can hear Iori's surprise. "F-Fine! I'll figure something out!"
"Thanks, Iori." I say, ending the call. Theatrically, I turn back to the girls. "We're hittin' the beach!"
Hina, Haruka, Kayoko, Aru, and Arona smile, whereas Mutsuki begins to giggle.
"C'mon then." I say, leading them outside.
Problem Solver, Arona, and Hina all come with me down to the beach. Hina, in particular, seems mesmerized by it all as we walked along the tide.
"So this is what the beach is like..." The Head Prefect muses, eyes full of wonder and curiosity. "The sand beneath my feet feels a little strange. And I can see my footprints..." Then, the tide comes in a bit, hitting us all in the feet. "...as they're washed away be the waves. How... fascinating..." She says, smiling.
"It's pretty neat, huh?" I smile down at her.
"Whoooooa...!" I hear Arona happily say. Looking over, I see her floating on her back in the ocean. Haruka is happily sitting down, the waves crashing against her as they come back.
Aru has donned her sunglasses, looking out at the ocean. Though, that's ruined by Mutsuki splashing water on her. Aru, eye twitching, splashes her back. They splash each other for a bit, until one accidently splashes Kayoko, wetting her shirt and allowing us to see her black bikini top. The monochrome girl glares at her friends, before grinning and splashing them back. Soon, Arona joins in.
Hina giggles at the sight, making a pretty sound. "It's strange. I rarely come to the beach. I've only ever been here for scouting and such, never for leisure. But this time... I get to take a walk with you."
I smile down at her. "I'm happy to hear you're relaxing."
She nods, blushing a bit. "Hey, Sensei..."
Just as she says that, my phone rings. I look at it and grimace.
"Ako?" Hina asks.
"Ako." I sigh. "Gimme a sec."
"This is Ako! Everyone, please respond!" I hear the bluette shout.
"What's goin' on?" I ask, a bit worried.
"This better be good." I hear Iori growl. "Sorta have my hands full right now!"
"The situation has changed." Ako explains. "According to Chinatsu's report, the Splashy Helmet Gang are heading towards the beach sooner than expected!"
"My apologies." Chinatsu adds. "We tried to stop them, but they were faster than we expected and managed to slip through our defenses."
"A better question is where they managed to get heavy artillery from." Ako says, sounding surprised. "We have no choice but to change plans. Iori, continue engaging the thugs and do your best to prevent them from facing the gangsters. All remaining members are to intercept the Splashy Helmet Gang! As for you, Sensei."
"What?" I ask, deadpan.
"I need you to evacuate the beach." Ako says, causing me concern. "We can't afford to have the president get involved, so please return her to the hotel immediately! Her vacation mustn't be ruined, no matter the cost!" Then, she hangs up.
I groan, pocketing my phone. "I'm gonna smack her."
"Why?" Hina asks.
"She wants you to go back to the hotel." I say, upset.
"Aww, really?" Mutsuki whines.
"I know, I know." I say. "I'm annoyed by this too, but we'll have time for the beach later. It'll still be here." ...Hopefully.
"Well, that's fine." Hina says, resigned. "I suppose we can play a board game."
"That sounds like fun!" Arona chirps, coming back from her swim. I'm surprised she figured out how to do that so easily.
"As long as it ain't Monopoly." I say, serious. "I'd be fine with-"
My phone rings.
I inhale slowly, taking out my phone. "I swear to god..." Exhaling, I answer. "Hello?"
"Sensei, we're in real trouble over here!" Iori shouts. "We need your commands!"
I hang up.
Hina sighs. "We'll we waiting, Sensei. Go and help them."
"Right." I nod, before running off towards Iori.
After a quick skirmish, I came back to Hina's room to find them all playing a board game.
"Back already?" Aru asks, surprised.
"I turned the tide, so to speak." I grin.
"I'd say you did. I could hear the explosions." Mutsuki grins.
"That'd be the propane tanks." I say, shamelessly. "They made for a great way of takin' lots of them down." Mutsuki's grin widens at that. Girl loves her explosions.
"In all honesty, this room's getting stuffy." Kayoko groans.
"Wasn't there an i-ice cream machine downstairs?" Haruka asks.
"There was." I say, remembering it. "Y'all wanna-"
My phone rings.
"Son of a bitch..." I groan, answering it.
"Sensei, this is Chinatsu." The medic says, frantic. "We're locked in an intense battle with the Splashy Helmet Gang in the slums! Their tanks' firepower is greater than we calculated. It's going to be difficult to hold up on our own! Requesting your direct command, Sensei."
"I'll be there." I sigh, hanging up. "I'll be back." I say to the girls.
"Stay safe!" Arona chirps.
"I swear I'm gonna ram my foot up those gangsters asses..." I mutter as I leave the room, getting kinda angry.
"I'm ba-"
My phone rings as soon as I enter the room, seeing all of the girls eating ice cream.
"FUCK!" I shout. "WHAT?" I yell into the phone.
"S-Sensei, both Chinatsu and Iori's units are struggling! Could I ask you to take direct command?" Ako asks, taken aback by my yell.
"...Fine." I hang up.
"You'll be back?" Kayoko asks.
"I'll be back." I say, leaving.
This pattern repeated a few more times, much to my rising frustration.
I, Iori, and Chinatsu all plopped down on seats in the control room, the girls out of breath and covered in scrapes and bruises. I've lost count of how many girls I've knocked out.
"Is everyone alive?" Ako asks over the comms.
"Iori and Chinatsu seem to be hanging on." I say, looking at the two of them worriedly.
"Everything hurts, but I'm still breathing." Iori says.
"I never expected them to put up such a resistance." Chinatsu says.
"But thanks to all of our work..." Ako begins.
"Yes." Iori says, sounding exhausted.
"Right." Chinatsu smiles.
"We've confirmed that the Fubar Beach Thugs and the Splashy Helmet Gang have both retreated." Ako smiles on the hologram. "Word has spread online that their all-out war has been called off. That means our mission is complete."
"It's finally over!" The sniper exclaims.
"Indeed. We've worked hard enough for one day." The medic smiles.
Then, the hotel's manager comes inside. "I can't thank you enough, Prefect Team! Not only is my hotel saved, but the local business owners can open up shop again! Ah, I know! How about I provide you all with free tickets to our hot springs? They're open, so feel free to enjoy yourselves."
"We were only doing what was right, though we won't turn down your offer." Ako smiles via hologram. "Good work, everyone."
Chinatsu and Iori groan in response as the manager leaves.
"There's still about an hour until the running training." Ako continues. "Everyone rest up, and we'll discuss the further schedule then. Sensei, I know you must be tired, but please stay by the president's side and see to it she enjoys her vacation."
"Way ahead of ya." I smile, before I hear someone come in Ako's room.
"Senior Administrator Ako? I have a message from the Pandemonium Society." Some girl- likely from the Pandemonium Society- says. "Is everything going as planned? I hope you're not handling business somewhere completely different right now."
"Wh-What? No, I was just-"
Ako tries to defend, but the other girl buts in and looks into the hologram. "Hmm? Is that Iori from the Prefect Team...? That swimsuit is rather-"
"Ah, my finger slipped!" The bluette says as the feed cuts.
"Ugh, the Pandemonium Society is keeping her on a short leash." Chinatsu groans.
"You don't sound surprised." I observe.
"Because I'm not. They've always been a thorn in our side." The elf groans.
"Yeah, but I'm sure Ako can handle it." Iori says, confident.
I stand up. "I'mma go check on Hina."
"Okay." Chinatsu nods. "There isn't much time until training begins, so make sure the president doesn't suspect anything about what happened, Sensei."
"They've already retreated, so we should be in the clear... right?" Iori asks. "Honestly, this is probably your best chance to take the president to the beach with Ako not here. What's the worst that could-?"
I move forward, slapping my palm over the tan girl's mouth. She blushes up a storm at the sudden movement, but I look her in the eye and say, "Don't tempt Murphy."
As soon as I finish saying that...
BOOM
Chinatsu sighs. Iori's eyes widen. I groan.
"Me and my big mouth!" Iori shouts.
"There's no point in trying to take it back now." The medic says. "Since Ako isn't here, I'll go ahead and ask it... What is it this time?!"
A Prefect Team member slams the door open. "We're under enemy attack! But this time, it's...!"
Great, another mess to clean up. Same old, same old, huh?
AN
I decided to go ahead and put out this one today, since I'll be uploading the first four rewritten chapters of my Fate Kaleid story tomorrow.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and look forward to the next!