Chapter 4: Strange Idea. Strange Answers and Strange People. (R&E)
Despite managing to focus in class, that woman's fake smile still lingered in her mind. Whatever she was thinking, it couldn't be anything good in any sense of the word. Issei seemed too naïve to see through such a false smile. Just by observing him for a while and how shamelessly expressive he was about oppai, it was clear he had "too much luck" for a girl to suddenly take interest in him out of nowhere.
If Chris remembered Zelretch's words correctly: "No matter how great this place seems, it's far more dangerous than you think," maybe they carried more weight now. He had left Ichaival with her to balance things out. Simple coincidences weren't normal, and Issei's "date" had to be dangerous—on the level of a Symphogear user or an Alca-Noise… or maybe she was just imagining things. She had become way too paranoid lately, even before arriving in this world.
"Either way, even if I'm overreacting and she's just a sadistic woman or a compulsive liar, better safe than sorry. Even if I look like a stalker, I'll follow him on his date this Sunday. For Miki-oba-chan"
—IS-CHAN! CHRIS-CHAN! —A loud voice suddenly pulled her out of her thoughts. Everyone in the room was staring as Yui shook her. —Chris-chan, you've been sitting there without responding for a while! It's lunchtime already!
Chris looked around; most students had already left or had paused their lunch to watch her. Embarrassed, she stood up, grabbed Yui and her bento, and headed to the cafeteria, where Kaori was already saving them a spot.
After finishing her meal, Chris realized she needed to vent. She had too much on her mind. Another world, a normal family, a co-ed school, and a childhood friend about to get involved in something shady. She needed help.
—Sorry, girls. I got distracted thinking.
Yui and Kaori exchanged glances before replying.
—You're always distracted, Chris-chan. But this time, it seems serious. —Kaori said. —If you need help, we're always here for you.
—Thanks… it's just that…
Chris hesitated. She had so many questions about the academy that she needed to clear up in her mind, but blurting everything out all at once would be too strange with people who supposedly knew her. Then, an unusual idea popped into her head…. though not entirely unheard of. Hibiki had tried something similar once with Miku.
—Could I ask you both for a favor?
—Of course! What do you need?
—I need us to do a roleplay.
—A… roleplay? —Yui asked, tilting her head in confusion.
Chris nodded. —I need you to pretend… pretend that I've lost my memory and that I'm trying to catch up with my life. Could you tell me about the people I know here, the things I should be aware of, events, and what you knew about what I used to do? Just school-related stuff, nothing personal. —She said it defensively. In her head, it sounded fine, but now that the words were out… —If not, then…
—No, actually, that sounds pretty fun. So you want us to treat you like we just met you at school? Well, if it helps lighten the load you're carrying, I don't mind. Though we won't go into too many details, otherwise, we'll be here all day. What do you think? —Yui gave her a smile.
—Sounds good to me. "I guess my friends are up for anything. That's what friends are for, right, Hibiki?" —Chris thought, remembering how her friend always got into trouble, and everyone was there to help her. Kaori clasped her hands together, ready to begin.
—Alright, let's start with the most recent stuff. You were in the music club until it closed, along with six other girls. It wasn't a problem when there were four members attending every day, but over time, only three or two were left. Even so, no one there could match the daughter of the singer Sonnet.
Chris blushed at the mention of her mother's name as a star. Knowing her fame had reached all the way to Japan made her realize that some people saw her as the daughter of a celebrity.
—I don't think it was a competition.
—No, but wow, every time you sang, it was like the melody echoed throughout the entire academy. It felt like everyone was mesmerized, and whenever you joined a contest, your voice stole hearts. A lot of guys even started calling you the Siren of Kuoh after that. —Yui teased.
Chris blinked, surprised.
—Huh? What a weird name.
—Well, it's actually just one of many. At this academy, if you stand out, you always end up with a nickname. Like the Ojou-samas of Kuoh, the Prince of Kuoh, the Mascot of Kuoh, and so on. —Kaori said, counting on her fingers.
—That's odd. Who are all these people?
—Most of the ones I mentioned are from the Occult Research Club: Koneko Toujo, Akeno Himejima, Kiba Yuuto, and their president, Rias Gremory.
—Gremory? A last name like a demon's? "I'm not religious, but thanks to Fine, I don't forget random facts. Gremory… one of the demons of King Solomon. Interesting that she's the president of the occult club. Or maybe even above all of them. I avoided them—maybe there was a reason."
—Yeah, but she's not bad. She's one of the Ojou-samas, the Madonna according to some other nicknames, along with her companion, Himejima-san. They're so elegant that no guy has dared to approach them or ask them out.
—Though there's no doubt they drool over them, and I can totally imagine them kissing the ground they walk on if they ever went barefoot.
The three of them burst into laughter.
—Alright, so from what you've said, the Prince must be Kiba Yuuto. The blonde guy.
—Well deduced, Chris-chan. I think you saw him at the entrance. Some girls are absolutely obsessed with him—including us, we find him really handsome. He even has a fan club. And while the guys wish they could get rid of him, they're too afraid the girls would hate them for it. That's why no one dares to touch him. Though he's never confessed to anyone, he gets love letters nonstop in his locker.
—Okay, so he's a Don Juan who enjoys the attention. Noted. And this Mascot… Toujo-san, what's the deal? Does she dress up like an animal? Or is she just so adorable that people see her as a symbol of Kuoh? —Chris was enjoying the conversation.
—You hit the nail on the head with the second one, Chris-chan.
Chris could only laugh.
—Hahaha! I was joking. Are you serious?
—Yeah. Some people even give her candy. When you see her, you'll feel like you're looking at a cat.
—God… no wonder I was avoiding them. They're such weirdos. They sound more like a bunch of models than an occult club if that's the kind of people in it. Smells like a deal with the devil to me.
The three girls kept chatting for a while about the student council and the captain of the tennis club, who also happened to share the peculiar trait of being terrified of both clubs. "Maybe I could approach her. If she knows something." Every topic was stranger and more absurd than the last, to the point that Chris seriously questioned what kind of world she had ended up in, with a school like this. Eventually, the last group came up in the conversation.
—And what about the Perverted Trio? —Chris asked, amused. Both girls frowned.
—Ugh… yeah, the Perverted Trio. You're not supposed to remember things like that. Why did you have to bring them up? —Kaori groaned.
—It's a shame, but yeah. Even with amnesia, you'd still remember the Perverted Trio. We're in the same classes as them, and my god, they never shut up. —Yui sighed in resignation, and Chris nodded.
They're truly perverts. The way they shamelessly talk about enjoying their porn DVDs, how the strong wind lifted skirts, sneaking into gym class to watch breasts bounce, or spying on the Kendo club—even having the audacity to discuss it right in front of the very members.
According to Kaori and Yui's messages, they always find a way to spy, always a new place to look. Even when they were called out by name, they once threatened to violate them in their fantasies. "Let's see what kind of info we can get on these guys."
Kaori, noticing the challenge in Chris's tone, adopted a more amused expression.
—Alright, first there's Matsuda Takumi, or as he's called, the Bald Pervert and the Sexual Harassment Paparazzi.
—The Bald Pervert sounds more fitting. Unless you tell me he carries a camera everywhere. —Chris tried not to laugh.
—Basically. He's in the photography club and has the classic perverted habit of being the loudest about pornography, especially the photos he takes himself. —Kaori sighed, clearly exhausted.
—Then there's Motohama Nakakuni, a.k.a. the Glasses Pervert or the Three-Size Scanner, —Yui added, looking a bit embarrassed.
—Three sizes?
—Get close to him, and he'll tell you your measurements instantly. Trust me, he's never been wrong, not even with us.
—I think I'll pass. —Chris grimaced. But now came the real point of interest. —So, with that… there's also I— I mean, Hyoudou-san, right?
—Yeah… He's not the worst, but he's the leader. He doesn't have an official nickname yet, though it would definitely include Oppai somehow, because he never stops saying it. He spends his days shouting to the heavens about wanting to become the Harem King, dreaming of a harem of beautiful girls, and has an obsession with breasts that borders on the religious. He's the one who decides what the trio does, and even when we catch him every now and then, he never learns his lesson. —Kaori explained with obvious irritation.
The more Chris heard about Issei, the more she wondered if letting that "date" take him out would be doing all the women of Kuoh a favor. "Maybe that woman wants something from him." She had never heard of such an extreme pervert from where she came from. Even so… she couldn't justify letting someone die just for being obsessed with breasts. Besides, he had never actually forced himself on anyone, which kept her from considering him the worst of the worst… "What the hell am I even thinking?"
—Well, I think I've got the picture. Extreme perverts. Avoid if possible. Anyone else?
—Yes. I bet you don't remember Aika Kiryuu.
—Aika... —Chris tried to think but came up empty. Before she could respond, someone sat beside her, a girl with chestnut hair and golden eyes.
—That's my name. Interesting game you've decided to play, Yukine-san. Lots of people hear rumors, but I came over for another reason until I heard you all playing along. Mind if I join in for the last few minutes? —Aika looked at her with a mischievous grin. Chris glanced over at Kaori and Yui. They seemed ready to respond, but there was a sense that they'd regret it if they did. If Kiryuu-san wanted to help, it wouldn't hurt anyone. Chris nodded.
—Alright, in that case, a question—what do you think makes me special at first glance?
She glanced at Kaori and Yui, who dodged the question. Then she analyzed Aika. Glasses, probably for vision issues, though she adjusted them like they were sunglasses. Her relaxed posture showed no interest in covering up. She was more open than most girls, carefree, like Kirika. But that mischievous smile... It was just like her friends back at Lydian Academy when they were plotting something.
—You're smart, with knowledge others prefer to ignore.
Aika nodded.
—Correct. Even if you don't remember me, it's clear I do a good job with my appearance, only a few recognize me. Yes, I'm an expert, and I might have information you're interested in.
—Alright. Go ahead.
—Okay, the clubs have many sections throughout the school. All but two are targets of the perverted trio, especially the Kendo club. By the way, their next hideout is in a hole behind the locker rooms. —Kaori and Yui nodded, looking a bit relieved to have that tip for this afternoon. —We can move on to the main course since the daughter of Sonnet has caught the attention of the student council according to rumors. But before that, I want to know... why are you so interested in Hyoudou-san that you'd ask about the Perverted Trio?
—What kind of question is that?! "Here we go again…"
—It's because asking it elsewhere wouldn't be as fun. Ever since you saw the photo of his "date," you haven't stopped watching him. —Chris tensed at the comment. She hadn't even realized she was doing it. —Tell me... is there something about him? Interest, maybe jealousy?
—N-No... w-we were just childhood friends—or so I remember. Nothing more. I'm just... concerned. —Chris responded impulsively, covering her mouth, but was met with three intrigued and surprised looks.
—I didn't know that, Chris-chan.
—Me neither.
—Ohhh… This is gold. The Siren of Kuoh is the childhood friend of the leader of the Perverted Trio. This will stay as a rumor between us. —Aika pulled out a notebook and started writing while Chris grew frustrated.
—T-That's personal… A-Anyway, can we get back to the main topic?
—Ohhh. So, you don't want to know his measurements?
Aika's question made her two companions blush, while Chris frowned in confusion.
—Measurements of what? —Chris asked. Aika looked at her with a triumphant, mischievous grin.
—You're so innocent, Yukine-san.
—What are you—?! —And then Chris got it. A click in her mind, and the realization made her blush from cheek to cheek. —That's it! You are officially a pervert in my book.
Kiryuu, however, just laughed at the accusation.
—Yep. I wasn't sure if you'd play along or not, but in the end, you would've figured it out one way or another. I just enjoy corrupting innocent virgins.
—V-Virgin… —Chris took a deep breath to calm herself. "You brought this on yourself, Yukine, so you better make it worth it." —Let's get back on topic… —Chris growled.
—Hehehe. Alright. Just so you know, you're not the only one who noticed something strange about her. I saw it too. The woman looked like she was planning something. I can only think that she's going to break your poor friend's heart. He may be a pervert, but he's not someone who deserves to be broken like that. But that's not the interesting part. —Aika leaned in close to Chris's ear. —That uniform she was wearing? It's not from any school here in Kuoh, just so you know.
—….. "Her uniform is fake." That doesn't sound good.
—Oh, and by the way… —She whispered something into Chris's ear. When she understood, her head filled with imaginary smoke, and she slammed her face onto the table.
—Grrrr… Aika!
—Hahahaha! Sorry, you had your guard way too low.
The bell rang, and everyone began to disperse. Aika left with an amused expression, while the others gave Chris-chan sympathetic looks, their faces just as red as hers.
After all those questions, Chris came to the conclusion that if the sadistic smile of the girl Issei was on a date with was possibly the least abnormal thing in this place, Aika's observation, however, was a warning. But still, this school was full of weirdos.
