Chapter 10 – Last exodus from snow.
"Sensei!"
All of this... Ended in a tundra in the middle of nowhere. The vast expanse of white powder that covers the surrounding trees.
"The explosives are set!" A music to my ears, couldn't be more early to leave this place.
Still, I can't believe all of this for jumping out of a moving train. Still a mystery how all of these happened because I forced the door open of a moving train, the cold biting at my fingers as I surveyed my handiwork.
"Alright, everyone back on board — Get that engine fed with coal and get ready to move!" I commanded, letting loose a couple of shots from the revolutionaries.
All of this, the frostbitten nose, the skyrocketing fever all because I can't stand a song that sounded like it was damn sped up. The memory of that tune still grated on my nerves, even in this situation.
Now I found myself surrounded on all sides with my students had our tails tucked between our legs, running away in desperation. Pitting many sides into this civil war, I and my students had no part of.
The political landscape of this academy had become a minefield, and we were caught in the crossfire.
What a fucking [Luck] I got lately. Here I am, standing by cover from a large tree that took many bullets that its bark was starting to reveal its insides. The wood splintered and cracked with each impact.
I watched as many of these Red Winter students loyal to me rally one another as they scamper off back onto the train that saved us more than I could believe. So many close calls and engine failures, yet this hunk of ancient history still saved us. Their determination was admirable, if not a little foolhardy.
A steam engine of all things is how we have yet still ended up behind metal bars or chained into some labor camp mining stones or building railways. Wait, is that a thing here? Probably not the labor camp part... Maybe they are forced to wash the walls of graffiti or something.
Well, whatever, the irony wasn't lost on me as I watched the plume of smoke rise from the locomotive.
Over by the distance, a large shadow came approaching, growing larger. Trucks and several vehicles. There were too many pursuers from each group of different interests after my merry band of misfits. I don't even know how or why we became a target at all.
We had no hat to throw into the political ring of this shitshow of an academy that I found myself knee-deep in. Lord only felt bad for the sorry bastard that had to govern this icy wasteland once all this blow over.
If the students say this is just a regular occurrence to them were to be believed.
Maybe it's the fact we had a moving train that these revolutionaries can't account for. Maybe those groups think we're spies or something. The possibilities were endless, and none of them boded well for us.
I returned onto the train, its black smoke billowing towards the overcast sky in thick plumes.
What a good way to tell everyone where we are, I thought bitterly. The irony of our escape vehicle being so conspicuous wasn't lost on me as I watched the dark tendrils dissipate against the stark white backdrop of the tundra.
"Sensei. Nice of you to join us." Said Shigure, followed by a swift swig of her flask.
"I-" Before I could even answer Shigure, a flask was shoved onto my chest from her.
Eh, what the hell. I need it for my nerves.
"Better?" After a quick drink of this strange fruit concoction. I heard Shigure ask.
I returned her flask with a nod. "More." I smiled.
"Could the two of you stop drinking while were' being chased?" Nodoka mused.
That was the signal for us to quit drinking and be back on track once more. See what I did there? That's a pun right there. Back on track — because we're on a train.
Alright then.
Gradually, we moved forward, the old wheels making a creaking sound in protest while the engine slowly purred to life.
The vibrations under my feet intensified, reverberating through the metal flooring and up my legs, signaling our imminent departure. The musical mess that was of its mechanical groans and hisses filled the air.
It was still a hopeful melody for me and for the rest of my students.
Time for the finale.
"Let her rip." I commanded, my voice steady. My eyes remained fixed on the bridge ahead. We waited for the explosion that would cover our tracks and give time for our escape.
But as I can and the rest see, something went wrong. The seconds ticked by, each one an eternity as we expected the bridge to blow. The silence stretched on, broken only by the labored breathing of my students and the relentless chug of the engine.
"What!?" The exclamation burst from my lips, a mixture of disbelief and frustration coloring my tone. My mind raced, calculating the implications of this unexpected turn of events.
One of the students, Shigure, noted with realization, voiced what we all feared. "Something's wrong, the fuse must be a dud."
The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of our potential doom.
Wonderful. Just wonderful! The sarcasm dripped from my thoughts as I assessed our new predicament.
My jaw clenched as I surveyed the faces of my students, their eyes wide with fear and uncertainty.
Something like this made me pull out a flask and took a swig. The burn of the alcohol did little to calm my nerves, but it was a familiar comfort.
Time for improvisation.
"Sensei! What are you doing!? Get back, we can still escape!" screamed the students inside, as they called out for me. Their voices were a cacophony of fear and concern.
Whipping their words around me.
Why were they worried? "Don't dare to step a foot off that train!" I yelled as I moved further away from the safety inside the train.
The sound of their voices competed with the rumble of the engine and the distant roar of our pursuers. Some voices cracking with emotion, others rising to near-hysterical pitches. The fear of my safety in their desperate plea for me to return.
"What about you!?"
"What about me? Don't worry, as long you kids are safe!"
In my infinite knowledge, I jumped off the train and ran back towards the bridge as I used the snow for me to slide down the frozen river underneath. The cold bit into my skin as I maneuvered down the slope, my eyes fixed on the task ahead.
Following the fuse wire back to the barrel of dynamites, I steeled myself for what needed to be done. The fate of our escape rested on my shoulders, and I'd be damned if I let a faulty fuse ruin everything.
Back at the train, everyone was scrambling to prepare to mount a rescue until Shigure stopped a certain someone.
She handed Nodoka a rifle.
"What? I don't use-" The stalker slowly push away it away.
"Oh, just pretend its your telescope, now get to protecting Sensei!" But just before Shigure could pull out a wooden case of clinking glass with a strip of cloth poking out from its hole. She reminded Nodoka. "Please, don't aim it at Sensei."
A mention of Sensei was all it took for Nodoka. The student, known for her proficiency with submachine guns, quickly grasped the situation.
With practiced ease, he took the rifle from my hands, its weight familiar yet different from her usual weapon. She moved swiftly to the nearest open window, the cold air rushing in as he positioned herself.
Peering through the scope, she began to provide suppressing fire against the incoming pursuers from nearing the bridge.
Just like using a telescope... Only I can now pull the trigger... Okay. I can do this.
The sharp crack of each shot echoed through the train car, momentarily drowning out the rhythmic chugging of the engine.
Her fingers moved deftly, each pull of the trigger followed by racking the bolt for the case to fly off..
But just before the other students could step foot off the train to assist or investigate, something unexpected happened. The air seemed to still for a fraction of a second.
"..."
Silence fell over the group as they all stood, frozen in place. Their eyes widened, jaws slackening in disbelief at the sight before them.
A large explosion suddenly filled their vision, the force of it rattling the train windows and sending vibrations through the metal floor beneath their feet. The blast was deafening, drowning out all other sounds in its thunderous roar.
A massive black cloud began to billow upwards, growing rapidly as it climbed towards the sky. The dark plume expanded, its edges tinged with orange and red from the intense heat of the detonation. Debris and snow were flung into the air, creating a surreal, apocalyptic scene against the stark white landscape.
The students stood transfixed, aghast at the unexpected turn of events. The sheer power and suddenness of the explosion left them momentarily stunned, their minds struggling to process what they had just witnessed.
Oh wait, wrong part of the story... My mind must be a bit of a mess...
Well, Arona said she looked around my head while she was inside. Must have bumped into something while doing so.
Chapter 10 – You Missed; You Missed; You Missed
What a week; and I mean that in the most horrible monotone voice in my head can make. Left my a good headache as a sendoff before the weekend finally moves on, which was nice about it to leave.
"Hahh..." Yuuka let out a loud, satisfied yet tired sigh as she stretched her right hand high above her head. "Hng..." The sound of her moan did a small pop followed, a testament to the work we put on the entire morning.
I glanced over at her, taking in her weary posture. The day had been productive, but it was clear that we had hit a roadblock in our progress. "Alright, seems we've reached a stopping point. How about we wrap up for the day?" I suggested.
Yuuka turned to face me, her eyes meeting mine with a look of understanding. She nodded slowly, carefully placing the paper she had been working on atop the stack of completed tasks for the day. The rustling of papers was the only sound that broke the momentary silence.
With a soft scrape of her chair against the floor, Yuuka stood up and began making her way towards me. Her footsteps grew louder with each step.
"You look like more worse for wear. Did today's job too got to you?" That I noticed about Yuuka. She looks like sleep was a long dead word in her dictionary.
"Part of the reason; Today has been a bit more hectic than usual... You wouldn't believe the what I had to go through balancing the academy's budget." Yuuka said, her voice carrying a hint of weariness as she slowly shook her head.
Part of me felt at fault for even letting her join me for today.
"Really? I... Guess you and me both." I replied, leaning back in my chair with a sigh. "First job I had got me driving off the side of a building in my truck while dropping grenades. What about you?" Hopefully not as dangerous and idiotic as mine. "Hope I won't be doing that again."
As I turned my attention back to the remaining documents scattered across my desk, Yuuka remained standing nearby. I could feel the intensity of her gaze boring into me, as if she was trying to read the thoughts behind my casual demeanor.
"Are—are you okay?" she asked, her voice laced with genuine concern. The question hung in the air between us, demanding an honest answer.
I swiveled my chair to face her, meeting her worried eyes with a nonchalant shrug. "Eh, could be worse." I replied, my tone purposefully vague. It was an attempt to brush off the gravity of the situation, to downplay the stupid maneuver I did behind the wheels.
But Yuuka wasn't one to be easily deterred. In the next minute, she launched into what felt like a full-fledged interrogation. Her questions came rapidly, each one probing deeper into my well-being and the job I got into at Abydos.
If there was one thing I can respect her for, this is that she was stubborn to uncover the truth behind my evasive responses.
"You make it sound like it's a big deal." I noted.
"It is, you could have been squished if your truck landed the wrong way!" Huh, she cares. I felt her gloved hands hold on gently to my forearms. When I finally look at her, she was leaning onto to me. A look in her eyes, observing my body.
"Probably not here and a splint on my legs."
Frustrated by the smile on my face, Yuuka let out a sigh. Practically tired mentally from the work and with me, I sympathize with her — I'd feel the same way if I had to deal with myself at times.
The self-doubt going against confidence; a nasty mix they make.
"Please take care of yourself."
I met her gaze, my lips curving into a tired smile. "I actually am. That's why I'm still living and working. That's my life." I replied, my voice sounding strained even to my own ears. It was the truth, though. I was doing my best to keep going, to push through the mental anguish of being behind the desk, pushing pencils and pens over documents that needed to be done by the end of the day.
Yuuka's brow furrowed, and I could see the frustration simmering just beneath the surface. She looked like she wanted to reach out and shake some sense into me, her fingers twitching at her sides. Instead, she took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment before opening them again. The urge to pinch the bridge of her nose was almost overwhelming, but she resisted.
"Can't it hurt to try harder?" she asked, her tone a mixture of exasperation and concern.
I hesitated, my gaze dropping to the floor as I considered her question. Could I try harder? If there was a power in the world for me to go back in time to try again how many times I want, maybe I'd try harder.
"You know, we've been working together for almost half a week now. I never expected you to care, or at all." I said, my voice tinged with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. The words seemed to catch Yuuka off guard, her eyes widening slightly as she processed what I had said.
I could see a flicker of hurt in her expression, as if my admission had somehow betrayed an unspoken trust between us. She stood there, silent for a moment, her lips pressed together in a thin line.
"That being said, I'll take it as you mean it. I'll try harder for you." I agreed.
I saw her taken aback. "And I hope you promise me the same to yourself." Also adding.
"Huh?" Without realizing it, her lips murmured a low tone.
"Oh, don't worry, I can hear you talking to that smaller tablet for a while when you leave for minutes... Something about funding and more work on your part. I may not know about what you do fully, but I hope you won't be overwhelmed. I don't know if I could be useful, but I could always lend a hand."
"I'll put you up for it." Sighed from Yuuka. "Please, remember that."
After exchanging a few more words with Yuuka, we both agreed to take a short walk around the area. It would not be far, just enough to unwind after spending almost an entire day cooped up inside a single room, working together.
The fresh air and change of scenery would provide a much-needed change from the confines of the indoors, a chance to clear our minds and stretch our legs.
Then there's the sun. It looked nice this time.
"Never took you for an animal person." Yuuka noted, her voice carrying a hint of surprise as we strolled along the path, the soft crunch of gravel beneath our feet.
"Hrm?" I hummed in response, extending my hand down, where a small flock of strange birds with their long yellow lips had gathered.
The strange birds squirmed eagerly, their feathers ruffling as they vied for my attention, beaks pecking at my open palm in anticipation of the crumbles of stale bread I kept from the dining hall leftover I was now falling on the ground.
"Do I really scare animals here?" I trailed off, a slight whine in my tone. "I am good with animals..."
Yuuka's lips curved into a wry smile. "Just anyone in general." she replied, her words hanging in the air between us.
I blinked, processing her remark. "Hold on. You're serious?" That was fast... not even my Cult of Personality could do to fix that.
Yuuka held up a placating hand, sensing my mounting bewilderment. "I mean, don't take it in the wrong way-" she began, her tone shifting to one of reassurance.
But I cut her off. "Which way am I going to take that at all?" I made my intention clear by tone. What exactly did she mean?
Yuuka paused, considering her response carefully.
She exhaled a soft sigh, her shoulders rising and falling with the gesture before continuing. "... You're not exactly the easiest person to approach at first." she admitted frankly, her words carrying a weight of truth. "But it's mostly because of what Kronos broadcasted about you. You remind people here of another student, just with even more reckless abandonment and they even less of an idea or opinion what to think of you."
"... What about you?" I asked at last, breaking the silence that had fallen.
"Sensei?" Yuuka responded, her body tensing ever so slightly as she registered the weight of my question, the sudden shift in the conversation's tone.
I met her gaze steadily, holding her eyes with my own.
"Do you fear me, Hayase Yuuka?" I pressed, my voice low but insistent.
For a moment, we simply stared at each other, the strange birds and their insistent quacking fading into the background as I toss another handful of break crumbs as we waited for the other to speak, the tension palpable. Yuuka's face was a study in contemplation. Her brow furrowed ever so slightly.
Finally, she broke the silence, her voice quiet but firm. "... Honestly... I'm more afraid for you." she admitted, her words carrying a weight that belied their simplicity.
I blinked, caught off guard by her response. A flicker of surprise passed across my features before I regained my composure. "Oh, how did you get to that conclusion?" I asked, genuine curiosity coloring my tone.
"Between these few weeks together we've had – spent inside a single room or at the dining hall." Yuuka answered, her voice steady and measured, "you are considerate and patient with the duties you're tasked with."
She paused for a moment; her gaze focused inward as she recalled the countless hours they had worked side by side. "No matter how much you complain or your dependancy with that flask you always drink from." Despite being riddled with his strange choices, like frequent drinking at the job.
In the end, he still does his duties. That matters too.
"And-and." Yuuka continued, a note of conviction creeping into her tone, "I read the report about the dispute with the reconstruction effort. You stood up for the students behind you there – even if you were on the wrong, you still felt the need to assure those students behind you were taken care of."
"You handled the situation there to your favor is commendable." She added.
"Then there's your visit to Red Winter." She went on, her brow furrowing ever so slightly as she brought the subject of his surprised visit to the troublesome academy. "I will never understand what exactly happened for you to end up there, but the interview with the students you escaped with said they look up to you after what happened to a bridge the train you were all in had to cross."
The details were hazy, shrouded in mystery and hearsay, but the reverence with which those students spoke of Sensei's actions was undeniable. It was a testament to the depth of his character, the strength of his convictions, and the lengths to which he would go to protect those under his care.
Yuuka's gaze met Sensei's, her eyes shining with a newfound understanding. "And besides, Kronos likes to embellish or exaggerate what they report about. Even if there may be times where you act like the caricature Kronos likes to prop up, you still remain composed through and through. I don't think at all you're just that person the news shows you are."
She paused for a moment. "If I were to voice my opinion to you; you're doing quite well more than you think yourself. People just need to understand you; they have nowhere else but Kronos to learn out about you."
Yuuka's voice was laced with a mixture of respect and affection as she spoke, her admiration for Sensei clear for him to drill into his head.
A warmth bloomed in my chest as I recognized the depth of her understanding, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of appreciation.
"Huh... thanks." I said, offering her a genuine smile, the corners of my eyes crinkling with sincerity. "These reporters... Whatever happened to 'word of mouth' nowadays."
"Pretty sure they'd still say similar things about you. Maybe even more exaggerated." Yuuka nodded.
We shared a quiet chuckle. There was something blossoming between us. But, as with all the good things, our respite had to end.
The strange birds, having grown bored with our lack of attention, waddled away, their quacking fading into the distance as they sought more crumbs of bread elsewhere.
The sun had begun its descent, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson; and the park we're at had grown quiet. Only the occasional rustling of leaves from the gentle evening breeze and the distant call of a bird broke are left.
"It's late, we should head home." Yuuka said, her voice soft and tinged with the weariness I share. She turned to face me, her eyes reflecting the warm glow of the setting sun. "Take care of yourself, Sensei. Tomorrow, again?"
As she spoke, she held out her hand. It was a simple gesture.
One, I had to stare at her outstretched hand for a moment, taking in. In that brief pause, I saw flashes of the day we had just spent together, the laughter amidst her teaching me how to work most of the time while I remained clueless.
Yeah, time to head on back. A small smile grew on my face, starting at the corners of my mouth and spreading until it reached my eyes, softening the lines of fatigue etched there.
Reaching out, I grasped her hand firmly.
We shook hands.
"Yeah, right..." I replied, my voice carrying a note of renewed determination. The weariness was still there, but it was tempered now by the promise of tomorrow, of another day spent in good company, working towards our shared goals. "I promise. You take care of yourself too, you hear?"
Huh... Time to sleep in my truck again.
After a day of consisted of pondering to myself, I came to the conclusion: Yuuka is right; I need to get out more.
People will be less inclined with me and I need to connect with them so to remove that image of my fighting on the news as their only reference to me.
As much as I love to relax in my office minus the documents and forms I need signed, those requests filed for me I'll check sometime sooner.
I'm out on my element this time around. No frontier justice and wasteland law to employ.
I don't think my [Cult of Personality] perk training could so much as sugarcoat if I do anything Kivotos might deem wrong in their norm that in my old world would be ignored; well, at the very least I think so, I won't even bother to test it out.
"What do you think, Arona?"
From the Pip-Boy's screen opened to show Arona, holding a broom as she leaned closer. "I think you're doing good! But I agree with Miss Hayase that you tend to do it as the very last duty you want dealt with."
That is true. This sedentary life is becoming more of a habit after my old life, almost like a full one-eighty I embraced. Now I think it's more a detriment in the long run.
I murmured."I am... Leaning more towards relaxing in my office nowadays. This change of pace has been better than what I was more used to." Sitting around and watching the sky. I've done grown easily with this. On account of failing one of my obligations of connecting with students to help them, if something were to happen.
"Sensei!" Arona's image popped back up from the Pip-boy as I watched her with cross-arms explain. "Miss Hayase is correct. You need to go out more! Meet with your students and new people." Then she murmured. "I mean it is your job you're expected to..." Before her raising her voice again with her straight gaze towards me.
"Connect with your students, make memories with them and I'm sure you won't regret a single thing!" A smile and a thumbs up. "I'm sure you're good with people. I mean, you have me as your friend if you need help."
Yeah. I should go more often... Rin, Ayumu, In some case Momoka, Yuuka, Suzumi, Special class 227, Red Winter students and Abydos crew are just the start.
Jesus, this feels like déjà vu.
"Hm, thanks for the pep talk, coach." I quipped.
In return, a small thumbs up from Arona.
Somewhere on some road where shops opened up to sell bottles that advertise to make people smell good by spraying onto themselves — not sure how it works, but it's expensive, so it must work; or it's a lucrative scam.
A pretty expensive district I waited.
"Sensei!"
For Kirino to arrive finally.
"Hey, kid. Nice to see you here."
"Same to you, what are you doing here?" Hm... I didn't think about it. This place looked too rich for my blood as I stood out. I just wanted to see kirino.
That's right. I totally didn't abuse my authority to smooth talk my way around a couple of GSC kids to hand me a copy of Valkyrie's active patrol for the week. No way I did all of this just to catch Kirino while on her work.
"What, can't I leave my office once in a while?" I feign knowledge as I spoke.
I might as well continue my tour now in the inner part of GSC and Schale's district rather than the parts bordering towards Trinity. Now, with Kirino as my guide as I ask to tag along on her patrol. "Besides, since you're here, I was wondering if I could tag along as I'm still trying to get my lay of the land here more."
"Ah, nice of you to join me, Sensei! Of course, I can't turn down help. Lucky for you, I'm just going over my rounds around here." Lucky me indeed. Kirino smiled at the gesture. Another pair of eyes wouldn't hurt, especially when her partner was out on another patrol separate from her.
Besides, she'd be helping Sensei, so that is a huge win for her.
We took a walk around the district, engaging in various duties. Just some ranged from aiding the elderly in crossing the street to rescue cats from trees.
We even went as far as retrieving flying toys, known as "balloons." that children in this park that were hosting some sort of event for an idol of a fat white bird with long tongue and bulging eyes.
These balloons are made of rubber and filled with helium gas, taking the shape of an oval ball with a string tied around a hole through which it is inflated.
To provide a point of reference, I likened them to the airships used by the Brotherhood, albeit with no need for a fire, and made for children.
"So, Sensei." Kirino began, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us. Her voice was filled with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. "I've been wondering for a while what's with the getup?"
Her gaze trailed down my form, taking in the unfamiliar sight. Gone was the long coat hiding my combat armor that had become my second skin, the one that had billowed around me like a protective cloak and another like an alloy-metallic made shell. Absently, too, was the hat that had shadowed my face, obscuring my expressions and keeping my thoughts as guarded as my expression all the time.
Totally, I wasn't asking Arona for suggestions on what to wear to not make myself out as intimidating as someone with a long coat and hat obscuring their face.
Those combinations ain't exactly the easiest person to approach apparently here in Kivotos. So, she pointed out this problem that blinded me: the unintentional barrier I'd erected between myself and those around me.
In exchange for my usual outfit, the leather jacket, and heavy-jeans combo won. While around my neck, a simple red scarf I picked out.
"Well, you know how it is..." I started, my voice trailing off. It felt strange to admit that I was consciously trying to change my appearance at most people just glance at me back in the old country. Maybe spit at me or provoke a fight.
Kirino glanced at me, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Ah, trying to freshen up your style, eh?" she asked, her tone light and teasing, yet with an understanding.
"Yeah..." I nodded, my response rather half-assed.
Kirino's gaze softened as she took in my new appearance once more –- the well-worn leather jacket, the simple red scarf. "Well, you're looking pretty good, Sensei." she said, her voice with genuine approval.
"Hehe. Thanks."
"By the way. Sensei, why did you call Valkyrie last week?"
"Oh, that... Eh, that was nothing." I paused for a moment.
"Thought I saw some illegal activities you Valkyrie students might be interested in. Turns out it was nothing."
"I see. Nice to know you keep us in mind. Days recently has certainly been slow." Kirino noted.
"I hear ya'." I murmured back.
As we reached the streets bordering Trinity.
It was during our exploration that we unexpectedly stumbled upon Suzumi. She must have been taking a break from her patrols, as we found her sitting on a bench, wearing yellow headphones.
"Ah, Sensei." She walked over to us.
"Suzumi." I nodded, with a small smile.
"Good day, Suzumi." Like some fresh recruit, Kirino greeted as well. Seems like they already know each-other. Oh, right, they were during the complete chaos with that tank.
Well, the more the merrier, I say.
"So, Sensei. What brings you to join us?" said Suzumi as she wondered. Though not for long, with the Valkyrie student chiming in.
"He said he's getting cramped inside his office." Kirino teased. Suzumi just looked at me with expectation.
"That is partly true." I gave a resolute nod.
"What getting too big for an office because now you're a Sensei?" Suzumi chuckled, now even she joined in.
"Once you get a job behind a desk an entire weekdays, then you'll understand. Enjoy while you can now."I just flatly said.
Their time will come soon. Once it arrives, they'll know — know the mental anguish of a quota for an entire week. It drains energy and motivation and it surprised me that it happens.
"Oh, by the way, nice look you got going, Sensei." Suzumi acknowledged. "Looking less of a cowboy from Highlander and more like a troublemaker from Millenium. You just need your hair-gel and you might just get into trouble just by walking around. Maybe get rid of that beard too."
"You too?" I sighed. This is all I had that Arona said could fit around here. I didn't expect it to be how a small-time gangster looks around here.
Kirino glanced at Sensei. "I told you, Sensei." A sigh escaped from her lips. "But since you look like a trusted adult, well, barely if it wasn't for your public position." She continued, her voice trailing off. "We'll let it slide."
"That's not to point out you look like a old man who's desperately trying to relive their highest point of their life that is their youth after many years passed that only lead them is a downward spiral." Suzumi noted.
"Gee thanks. That means a lot."
"No problem." "Of course!" Suzumi and Kirino respectively nodded.
Nothing much happened and for some time, I suppose. So the three of us relaxed by this footbridge that went over some major high-way. We talked about various things, most of it was me asking about their respective academies — until.
"Everyone, stop." Kirino suddenly announced, her voice cutting through the tranquil atmosphere like a knife. Her eyes were fixed on something in the distance, her brow furrowed with an intensity that was as subtle as someone shouting and pointing.
I checked to see what she was looking at; I caught sight of a figure walking along the sidewalk below –- a dog-person in a formal suit. They moved with a relaxed gait, seemingly oblivious to the scrutiny they were now under.
"That person looks suspicious." Kirino declared, her arm extending in a gesture that lacked even a hint of subtlety. She might as well have been shouting and pointing directly at the unsuspecting individual, her actions as subtle as a sledgehammer through the glass.
It was a miracle that the dog-person didn't notice the accusatory gesture. Still have their back turned to us as they continued on their way.
"Are you certain?" Suzumi inquired, her voice laced with a mixture of skepticism and concern. She, too, had turned her attention to the figure below. Her eyes narrowed as she sought to take serious thought for the source of Kirino's suspicion.
"Eh, looks like someone carrying a jar. What's suspicious there?" I offered, my two cents adding little in the way of clarification. Nothing particularly off as far as I can see a jar the dog-person was holding.
What in the godda-... I thought to myself as I just watch a person try to sniff the air like a search-dog looking for contrabands. What is this? Vault City?
"I can feel it. Something suspicious... Suspicious... There is something suspicious inside that jar. My sense of justice is straight, and there is really something going on inside that jar over there." Kirino declared with a firm nod, her conviction unwavering. Smiling all ominous like. What do they have to smile like that? Probably something bad. Thought the Valkyrie student.
To consider our situation, or the lack thereof, the three of us found ourselves trailing the so-called suspicious person. Out of curiosity for Suzumi, being a member of the Vigilance Crew, she felt compelled to investigate.
"It's a bomb!" Way to jump to conclusion with Kirino. It has to be! She concluded in her head.
"Shh." Suzumi shushed her. I'm even more surprised Suzumi didn't see any strange logic in storing a bomb in a glass jar of all the other things you could hide it in, like a lunchbox or a can. Then again, that's a first for me too.
As for me, I had this desire to see where this would lead. Amuse, even.
I never had any investment this would lead anywhere, but my curiosity did at least pull me to it. See what would happen.
Peeking around the corner into an alley, the duo peered cautiously into a small parking lot as the person in question approached a car. With a furtive glance over my shoulder, I slipped into the shadows of a nearby dumpster, my head peeking out from within as I watched them struggle to find their keys.
Now, this piqued my interest; why all the rush?
Soon enough, the dog person pulled out a key-ring, but their frantic movements caused it to slip from their grasp. "Oh no..." they muttered, kneeling down to retrieve the dropped item — only for a boot to lightly press down on both their hands and the keys.
"Good afternoon... Sir." I drawled, my voice low and laced with a subtle threat as I emerged from the dumpster's confines. "Mighty fine day we're having."
The person froze, their eyes widening as they registered my sudden appearance. "A mighty find day we're havin'." I repeated, my tone carrying a hint of mockery.
The person before me was a definition of panic, their words stuttering and fragmented as they tried to process the situation unfolding around them. "H-huh. I-I-I...?" they stammered just barely through their own words, their gaze trailing upwards to meet mine with confusion, and a flicker of fear etched across their features.
I could see the questions racing through their mind, the desperate attempts to make sense of how a seemingly ordinary day had taken such a dramatic turn. They wanted answers to the stranger, had them pinned beneath their boot, their freedom suddenly stripped away with a single, deliberate motion.
But I had no intention of providing those answers, at least not yet. Instead, I reveled in the tension that hung thick in the air, the heady silence broken only by their shallow, panicked breaths.
They had no choice but to follow.
Drawing nearer, I assumed a casual yet menacing stance as I fixed my gaze on my prey. "I said, 'what a mighty fine day we're having,' is it not?" Once again, I asked, my words dripping with false pleasantry, a thin veil masking the underlying threat.
Being that my boot remained firmly planted on their hands, a subtle reminder of the control I held in this situation.
I caught a glimpse of Suzumi and Kirino from the corner of my eye, emerging from their hiding spot, their expressions a mixture of concern and curiosity. But in that moment, my focus was solely on the man and his jar.
"Y-yes..." A pathetic whimper of an answer escaped the man, but an answer nonetheless I was satisfied with.
"Now, I don't want to take too much of your time, we both have places to be considerin' you running with your tail tucked between your legs. But I'd need to ask, my associates are keenly interested with the contents of that jar your holding. I'd like to see what's inside."
The person slowly drags his hands out of the sole of my boot as he trembled to reach for the cap of the jar.
"Careful now, hold it real tight, it'd be a real darn shame for it to fell from your hands your hands now." I smiled as I waited for his response not long now.
The person didn't even last a second before they crumple. "Please, don't take my soybean paste!" they pleaded, their voice loud with distress. "It's the only thing that gives food flavor for me!"
In that moment, they became less of a potential threat and more of a pitiful figure, their breakdown almost comical if it weren't for the genuine emotion behind their words. Tears glistened in the corners of their eyes, threatening to spill over at any moment.
I blinked, taken aback by their unexpected reaction. "Uh... Pickled beans?" I echoed, my tone laced with confusion as I turned to Kirino, giving her a pointed glare before returning my attention to the distraught individual before us.
He finally brings up a jar filled with mush... Far from a bomb.
"My mistake, feller." I said, my voice softening ever so slightly as I realized the grave misunderstanding that had unfolded. I offer my hand as I helped the man back to his feet. "It seems there has been a huge mistake. We had reason to believe that you were carrying something dangerous. I and my associates apologize."
The person seemed to visibly deflate, their shoulders sagging with relief as the tension dissipated. "Oh, it's fine." they replied, waving a hand dismissively. "I admit I look a bit anxious wanting to eat it. It's from a family from the countryside that sends me jars of this regularly. I say me going to the toilet after a spoonful of this over a barbeque and I could turn it into a crime scene. Hahaha!"
A strained chuckle escaped their lips, their attempt at humor falling flat in the wake of their earlier distress. Nonetheless, I found myself nodding slowly, if only to maintain a semblance of cordiality.
"Hmhm. Didn't need to add that, but alright." I murmured, struggling to maintain my composure in the face of their over-sharing.
The person seemed emboldened by my response, launching into an unsolicited explanation. "I mean, it's the only thing I can taste these days... Probably because of my medication for my sinus infectio-"
I held up a hand, cutting them off mid-sentence. "Alright, sir. That's enough, we get your point. This all just a big misunderstanding. How about I call my partner and we can sort this out?"
My words were laced with a sense of finality, my clear signal that I had no plans to know anymore of this infection. As the person nodded eagerly, relief etched across their features.
Sometimes, the greatest threats were nothing more than misunderstandings amplified by our own assumptions. And as I caught Suzumi's eye, her expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation.
I would to do the same, if I wasn't in the position of threatening someone for their bean paste right about now.
What a stupid assumption it was to even believe.
Finally, the Suzumi and Kirino arrived. I turn to them.
"Sniff out crime..." grumbling, I glare at her. "If there's one thing I could take away from this is that your nose actually did sniffed something. Too bad it's them bean paste and not a bomb. So that balances things out."
Kirino sheepishly looked down.
Just then, somehow, somewhere, another dog-person in strolled by.
I didn't pay much attention except just another person passing by. Apparently, I should have paid more mind as the kid just passed by had grabbed the jar with a voice that said. "Yoink."
Then what proceeded was the most abysmal show of Kirino shooting the thief — yet even as she closes the distance, her shot still somehow landed everywhere but the thief itself. If this was her way of a warning shot, then Kirino gave too many chances.
I'll give... She did a better job painting the walls around the parking lot with holes.
Thank god, there was no other car parked here besides the bean-paste guy's.
Now, where were we during the whole debacle? I kept guard for the only exit of this parking lot. Suzumi had a gawked expression on this display as she made sure the bean-paste guy was down on cover.
"Straight, she says..." Sensing an opportunity for levity, I couldn't resist the urge to interject with a muttered quip.
"Unlike something else that isn't straight out of her." It's like her [Perception] was more than below double negative digits, like she's blind or something.
Or lady [Luck] has it out for her.
Her shots just keep missing, apparently, even at point blank.
When I was watching Kirino's display of marksmanship — or lack thereof... I felt nostalgic.
Now, I don't know where it came from. But I did feel it the entire time.
...
Finally, it took her what? An entire Thirty-six shots to end the situation and that's not meant she hit the thief, not at all — the poor bastard got scared to his wits that his time will come anytime soon and surrendered after one of Kirino's warning shot hit a flower pot a few meters up on a nearby window and hit the guy on the head and called it quits.
It's a miracle that despite all of this show of nonsense... The jar somehow stayed intact.
"Nice job, kid. You didn't break the jar." I said. I meant that as a compliment.
A heavy silence hung in the air, punctuated only by the dog-person's enthusiastic words. "Thank you. Oh, thank you. Since you three helped me enjoy my foods till my next fix arrives. Here, let me get some plastic spoons!"
As he spoke, a broad grin stretched across his features, his earlier distress seemingly forgotten in the wake of our unexpected understanding. He moved, rummaging through his bag in search of the plastic spoons he had promised.
But amidst his cheerful gratitude, one figure remained conspicuously somber. Kirino's expression was a study in contrasts. Her brow furrowed and her lips pressed into a thin line. "..." She remained silent, betraying the lightened mood.
So, this is the taste of a job well done. Real salty — would go well slathered on some meat skewer.
As I walked away from this mess, I couldn't shake the feeling that someone wasn't quite satisfied with how everything had turned out.
Wanting to change the subject, I suggested, "Hey, maybe we could visit a gun range? Is there one nearby?"
The duo glanced at me, clearly puzzled by my unexpected proposal.
But we all ended to a nearby gun range either way.
There, I stopped the enormous collection of weapons from being stolen; That took some self-control outta me.
Really. I had to stop my impulses — almost left me drooling gawking towards the large display of weapons mounted on the wall. Believe me, I really wanted to swipe a couple. Sweet, sweet revolvers I had never seen before almost tempted me like a siren to order me to grab it by sending person behind the counter with a little convincing to check on some clogged toilet or something and be left to steal everything while they're gone.
Maybe quietly stuff my jacket and sneak out on the restroom window.
That was a tough battle to walk away from. Many don't have the humility to admit defeat or the fact that victory is either a pyrrhic one or is just impossible.
But I am proud I left the better man.
Now inside the indoor range had a closed-off area with ventilation systems. It was just the three of us here and I had been more set on observing Kirino from the side as she struggled.
The same old show of her shots hitting into the walls surrounding the paper targets, missing them entirely.
Indeed, I noticed the target set up further down her own lane, seemingly untouched by Kirino's efforts.
Its smug smile was intact, probably just to salt the wound towards Kirino, who looked defeated by this result.
"Okay, hold it like this." I instructed, stepping up behind her and gently positioning her arms straight, guiding her hands to aim center mass at the paper silhouette. The target printed a cartoonish figure brandishing a weapon, appearing to stare back at us defiantly. "Alright, see that criminal over there?"
I pointed ahead. "She's going to shoot us unless you shoot first. Now relax your breathing." Kirino followed my instruction with an acknowledged nod, her chest rising and falling in a controlled rhythm.
"Lax your shoulders a little, too much tension and you'll just exaggerate the recoil more than it has." Kirino heard Sensei's advised in a murmur, his lips near against her ear. Or was it just her? His hand then settled on her shoulders as she gave a small yelp, but stayed in place as she felt his gentle press for her to lower down to ease the rigidness of her stance.
A subtle flush crept up Kirino's neck, blooming across her cheeks as she became acutely aware of her proximity with Sensei.
Against her back, Sensei molded himself against her, guiding her stance with careful precision. Her hands trembled slightly, betraying the flustered state brought about by the intimate coaching. The heat of his breath fanning across her skin.
Soon, his hands snaked around her own, fingers gliding along her wrists as Sensei worked to adjust her grip, and she lightly flinched at the light contact.
"Calm down, your hands are shaking." Sensei soothed in a low rumble, making the final adjustments to her hold on the weapon. Once satisfied that her form was properly corrected, Sensei's presence left.
You know, I think she could handle this round properly.
"Alright, then let it rip." I stepped back and witnessed her new performance.
An entire cylinder emptied, and every target beside hers had new fresh holes. What the hell? I remarked.
Now me and Suzumi were just closer to Kirino than last time, studying her posture as she stood frozen, probably not sure how to process what was happening. "Suzumi, see anything strange?"
"Nothing, Sensei. Her posture and position is from standard training." Suzumi answered.
"Hnmm..." Really, we are here for a couple of hours now and you're telling me Kirino really has the worst luck with firearms or she could keep this charade — or prank — to waste our time?
Even if she is earnest in her attempts — No way someone is that bad of a shot. "What the hell is wrong..?" Mumbled as I watch her stance once more.
To test something, as Suzumi went to the range to replace the targets with new ones, I took the 32. revolver from Kirino. See if the thing is the problem.
Maybe the rifling is off in the barrel — I'll find out soon enough.
I loaded the cylinder, the clicks of the mechanisms as it latch closed. Drawing a steadying breath, I shoot just near my waist, the muzzle climb negligible as I seamlessly transitioned between targets.
One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Six bullseye. Just a single second.
Six targets peppered with a fresh hole in their head.
I turn to the last target. A figure stood by the far corner, held in place by wooden poles they were tied in. Their body left bare defenseless as their power-armor they wore was stripped of its metallic hide, leaving only the metal frames — a glorified paper-weight than anything — it couldn't even be called a power-armor at this point.
It's only more a liability now than protecting them from anything.
The figure's face was battered and bruised when it looked up at me. It moved its mouth like it was saying something.
Something I didn't care about.
I squeezed the trigger for the last time.
Only a click reached my ears.
Oh right, six shots.
Six hits.
I didn't notice earlier until now; the revolver. It was empty.
I carefully lowered the revolver, its weight solid in my hand, and examined it for a fleeting moment. With a focused gaze, I shifted my sights back to the shooting range. But to my surprise, the mysterious figure had vanished without a trace.
Hmm... My eyes narrowed. Time to return to reality.
...
From what I can tell, the weapon was fine for being a snub-nosed .32 revolver; so that rules the issue lay not with the tool but with the user behind the grip that was missing the shots.
Huh, somehow I also felt offended for a second, though I can't quite place why. Wonder what was that about?
All while both Suzumi and Kirino gawked at the seconds, it took for Sensei to unload the revolver at the targets with considerable differences in distance to their position — being progressively going farther away from the shooter that didn't slow his shooting.
Now it was my turn to go to the range.
"Adults truly are terrifying..." Whispered someone behind me. Sure...
After replacing the old, tattered paper targets I used to shoot at with fresh ones along the range, my walk back to Kirino's lane was quiet, thoughts perplexed as I tried to pinpoint what was going awry with her technique.
Probably she has an eye problem? [Perception] is not great?
Wait... Something about this dawned on me, and I studied the old targets from her previous attempts clutched in my hand, shuffling them from front to back. It wasn't just coincidence that Kirino even managed to hit a random part of the paper targets — No; she had successfully hit all the other targets with her shots with good precision.
All of them clean hits, save for the one I had instructed her on.
Hm... Interesting.
A small idea on the back of my head began to take shape as I studied the evidence before me. Once I returned to where Kirino stood, her revolver in hand, I tested a theory.
With a casual gesture of my hand, I showed the vacant lane to her left.
"Kirino, could you shoot that target on your left, on the other lane." I suggested, keeping my tone light and casual.
She furrowed her brow momentarily, but complied without question. "Uhm... U-understood." Drawing a breath, she sighted down the barrel and squeezed the trigger. The bang of the gunshot as another attempt was made; out of nothing more than a simple idea I'd tossed around.
Surprise, surprise, her shot finally found its mark, punching a neat hole through the center of her own target in her designated lane after aiming towards the left lane's target.
A wry smile tugged at my lips. Holy shit, that actually worked! She just needed redirecting her focus seemed to be the key.
"Sensei, did you see that!?" Kirino turned to face me, her expression alight with an eager, childlike excitement. Her eyes shone with anticipation, wide and brimming with a youthful exuberance that reminded me of a young child seeking congratulations from their parents.
"If this is some prank, then sure, that works." I mumbled. "Congrats, kids. I think I might have a clue on what we can do with your bad luck." This is an excellent result... Not something I expected to work, but sure.
The best approach to Kirino's problem is to redirect her focus towards something else nearby. Perhaps suggesting that she think about anything else but the target could help her connect with her original aim.
"That was amazing! I-I did that! I did that!... I... did that?"
I'm not sure how it all came to this, but it worked. Kirino just aimed and shoot at other targets on the other lanes and hers became peppered with hits.
I just watched as she hit all her targets presented. You know, I let her have this moment. She looks really happy with all of this.
I placed more boxes of .32 on the table near her and said, "Here. How about you enjoy this." I stepped back, allowing her to bask in her victory. As she looked down at the boxes, she glanced up at me and a smile slowly spread across her face, reaching from cheek to cheek.
Huh, so this must be what it's like to be a teacher... Not far off as a drill Sargeant back at the Arizona capital.
It feels nice.
Nice.
"Sensei, my aim is also wavering lately." Suzumi tugged at the end of my jacket, her voice carrying a hint of frustration. Her brow furrowed as she met my gaze, silently imploring for guidance while casting a sidelong glance towards Kirino, who was still basking in the afterglow of her newfound marksmanship.
"Okay, then we're at a gun range." I shrugged, not exactly sure where she was going with this.
"Go crazy." I answered.
While Sensei looked away for a moment, Suzumi pursed her lips, dissatisfied with his flippant response and the subtle dismissal. A fleeting spark of envy flickered across her features as she no doubt recalled the intimate manner in which he had graced to instruct Kirino. The silence she endured while watching his arms encircling her slender frame as she guided Kirino with her stance and aim.
That's unfair. She's here too. She helped Sensei before. So why not her? "...May I request you to teach me too." Suzumi insisted, her tone edged with a subtle demand that belied the lingering image of Sensei's body pressed against hers, hands snaking around to adjust her grip.
For a moment, Sensei caught the faint flush that crept across her cheeks; her gaze flickering away as she struggled to maintain her composure.
By this point, Sensei was already feeling the temptation to let out a few rounds out on some paper bad-guys as shown by his pulling out of his Colt Ak-112 from his rucksack until he sighed.
"Alright then..." Supposed, it won't be fair for Suzumi... I guess.
We left quietly once closing time, hit with no big fuss or drama.
What I did wish for was my pocket be filled with more weapons richer than before. But, not today it seems.
I need to be not a bad influence on these two.
As much as just sat back watching one of them cause a couple of thousands in property damage.
...
While walking back home. "Wait a minute..." Suzumi murmured. Why do I feel like I was just shoe-horned in?
Hm... A letter. Left on my desk was a simple white paper envelope. After carefully opening it, I found a single note inside, its message brief.
An invitation from class 227 to hang out.
Well, I got nothing much going on. I mused. Much better than I had going right now.
I concluded as I sneak one last peek towards a small shop across the street. The cat-eared student from the Countermeasure committee was just exiting, her hand raised in a cheerful wave to someone inside.
Time to check the back of my truck for provisions first.
Let's see here... I muttered to myself, turning my attention to the back of my truck.
I scavenged around, my hands brushing past a metal case labelled 'Cold Fusion Reactors'. No, definitely not it. Though I could help them power a part of their abandoned school later.
Another metallic case... '115 to be disposed'... Huh... Probably next time.
A box filled with packs of instant noodles caught my eye next, but I dismissed it with a shake of my head. Nope, not close.
Bags of Cheezy Poofs tempted me briefly. No, not quite right for the occasion.
Aha! My eyes lit upon a wooden case sitting with ropes coiled around it. Numerous clinking sounds emanated from within as I hefted it, the weight substantial but manageable. A case of moonshine from the finest brewer west of Texas has. I'm sure Shigure would like these. The thought brought a wry smile to my face.
I think. A moment of doubt crept in as I considered the implications.
Ah, handing alcohol to minors. The irony of the situation wasn't lost on me. I'm sure my corporal is looking down, smiling at me until if he ever finds out about this. Probably loading his repeater right now.
I could already see it... the face of my old corporal giving me his signature disapproving scowl — gave me some amusement.
Old bastard might near his twilight years, yet his throat is still as young to yell at us from sunrise to sunset. Old and tough bastard. The type of voice I'll never forget. Hell, my brain won't even let it pass on.
Eh, I'll regret it tomorrow.
A/N: Hello, Hello! Back from my midterm and a huge thesis. Glad to say I passed both, but need to rework my document since apparently they didn't like my formatting. Man, I gotta spend money to print it all over again. :/
So, here's the latest chapter I was working on bit by bit over the months. It's been an On and off situation with this whenever I have free time to spare while resting and streaming Twin peaks and audiobooks.
Since I have reached the double digit chapter... I might stop for a while and reworked the earlier parts. Since It still had some mistakes I missed or never polished. Man, I need a proofreader...
Edit: Someone pointed out in the review that I left a detail about Serika having a tail when she shouldn't. Thanks for pointing it out, originally there was suppose to be a small joke about her tail when 13 was suppose to approach her while going home from work that I removed halfway because I checked her character art and realized she never had a tail. I missed to remove that part. Yeah, I still don't have Serika.
Mnass: Lol mad max was an inspiration a lot. The leather jacket 13 was wearing, I put into a lot of detail, was also reference to the leather armor. A lot of things are also from Wasteland - the predecessor for Fallout. Loved that game despite its unfair ending.
Shadylizzard: Yep, some events would never happen or would be different on how and why it happened - maybe the context might be different this time around. Prisoner 13's own journey would change or outright remove parts of Courier Six's own journey. Like how Alice Mclafferty and her caravan are dead and ruined by 13 for being an opportunist in the NCR vs Brotherhood war by selling weapons on both sides.
Originally, Fallout 4 would continue 3 with the idea of expanding the NCR vs Legion war and the Prisoner dealing with its large consequences, but since 13 is gone; It would now be Courier's problem.
Is the courier even alive here? Could Prisoner 13's journey had him killed the future hero? 13 wasn't always a good man many years back in his early travels after all, so it's not out of the idea that it might have happened. But to be honest, I don't know. Either way, from a writer's perspective, it's no longer important for me to continue the wasteland's story since 13 is beginning again in Kivotos.
Unless my plans change that is. Lol.
To the Guest: Woah, pal, slow down. We're doing a good karma run now.