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Twitter: https://twitter.com/bookerman32
Discord: https://discord.gg/yz7sDra
Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Dark%20Gate%20Academy
Character Pastebin: http://pastebin.com/s9JM8xxW
Quest Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIrYjzHAEp0

Far off, nestled in an otherwise small Japanese town lies the Dark Gate Academy. An institution of tremendous size, the Academy holds a long kept secret. Unknown to the outside world, this unseemly town is home to a tear in our reality. A gate between our world and a bizarre dimension known as the Darkworld. The inhabitants of this hellish world breach this gate and attempt to flood into our reality and spread throughout the world on a regular basis. However, the Dark Gate Academy is home to students of truly extraordinary abilities. The ability to sense the presence of these evil Darkworld creatures, and defeat them in combat, sending them back through the gate.

They cannot close the rift between our world and the Darkworld, but the students and staff of Dark Gate Academy have dedicated their lives to using their amazing powers to hold back the darkness that plagues our world, even if it costs them their lives. They have risen up to the challenge and in secret have become great heroic defenders of the world as we know it.

For many years, Dark Gate Academy has held back the forces of the Darkworld, kept this unspeakable evil contained within their walls in secret. But now, with their existence revealed, a great cloud of change looms over Dark Gate Academy.

>Previously on Dark Gate Academy...
Your Grandfather was injured by an assassin bullet, leading to changes within the school.
>>
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“This is ridiculous. And humiliating to boot.”

You scoff at Wei's grumblings, a spoon in your hand.

“Come on grandpa, you need to eat!” you smile as you dip the spoon into some stew. “Chihiro and Akemi made this especially for you, okay? I tried it, and it's delicious.”

“I don't doubt that,” Wei growls. “I simply don't need my granddaughter feeding me. I'm not an invalid, I was simply shot.”

To downplay a bullet to the heart... you expect nothing less from Wei.

“You need to conserve your strength!” you protest. “Now, say aahh!”

Wei keeps his mouth shut.

You sigh and place the bowl of stew by his bedside table. “Fine... but promise you'll eat, okay?”

Wei stares at you, before grabbing the bowl and eating away. Ha, you knew he was hungry! That classic Kobashi pride always getting in the way. You wonder how he could be so stubborn... but then you remember how stubborn you often are yourself.

“Regardless,” Wei explains. “It's a school day, and classes are beginning. You best not believe you can skip class on my behalf.”

“Skip classes?!” you gasp. The very notion offends you. “I would never! But... who'll watch over you?”

“I don't need anyone to babysit me,” Wei mutters. “Now, you have plenty duties today. The new Vice Principal has arrived, and you need to keep an eye on our... new students.”

The demon hunters, Miyoko and her crew... a mysterious bunch for sure. They're suspicious, but so far they've been helpful in their interactions thus far. You question their motives for wanting to join the school, but for the time being, you'll just have to play nice.

“Grandpa, it's not in me to abandon my duties,” you explain. “You know that. I've held a tight schedule planner since I was in pre-school.”

“What the hell did you have on that?” Ryoji asks, sitting in the corner with a deck of cards. He's been uncharacteristically silent. You understand why, his reluctance to speak with your grandfather is only outweighed by your grandfather's reluctance to speak to him. “Eat cookie dough at 4pm, sandpit at 5?”

“I would never eat cookie dough that late, I would be hyperactive all evening!” you protest. “Still... my point is that I don't want you to be left alone...”

“Then go to class,” Ryoji explains, pulling his chair closer to the bed.

“But who will-”

“I'll take care of the old geezer,” Ryoji explains. “I don't mind missing class.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Well, I don't doubt that. But are you sure you want to be alone all day with-”

“It's fine,” Ryoji continues. “We'll have a lot of fun. Won't we, gramps?”

Wei grunts, as Ryoji turns to you with a smirk. “See? We'll get along like a bridge on fire.”

“That's not the right saying...”

Ryoji simply kisses you on the forehead. “Don't worry about it, Sak. You don't want to be late for class.”

“Ryoji...” you mutter, your eyes darting between him and Wei. “Thank you.”
>>
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You grab your bag and make your way out of Tekina's office, and step out into the hallway. You're surprised to be met with a camera in your face.

“There she is!” Kuin yells, standing behind Kiriko, who is holding a videocamera. They're also joined by Akemi, Nanami and Chuichi.

“Oh!” you let out in surprise. “Hi, guys! What are you all doing here... and what's with the camera?”

“Yar har har!” Nanami exclaims. “My good pal Saki, you're looking at none other than... wait for it... the Dakugeto Film Club!”

Nanami performs a jazz hands gesture as you raise an eyebrow. “Okay?”

“It was all my idea!” Kuin explains. “I wanted to act as a glorious and benevolent director, so I set up this hobby club!”

“I had some video equipment already,” Kiriko explains. “So I thought doing camera work would be fun!”

“And I heard there would be fun!” Akemi explains. “So I joined too!”

“I don't care that much,” Chuichi adds. “They just forced me because they needed another member to make it official.”

“And as an actress, Thespian, entertainer...” Nanami concludes. “I thought it only right to star in their projects!”

“But we decided our first project should be simple,” Kuin explains. “A documentary!”

“Yep!” Akemi pumps her fist. “And we decided to make it on the most important person in school!”

You smile. “Oh, that's so sweet! But I don't think you should be filming Wei in his current state, he can get plenty grump-”

“Not Wei!” Nanami exclaims. “You!”

“... Me?” you pause. Huh?

“Of course!” Nanami exclaims. “Who else would we pick? You're the greatest leader this school has ever had, a responsible head of class, and friend to everyone! You work harder than everyone else!”

“I don't work that hard, do I?”

Nanami smirks. “When Ryoji invites you over to his dorm to 'study', you actually study. Ken and I waited outside for a half hour before we realised you weren't making any noise...”

You feel your face going red. What an inappropriate comment! “So... this documentary is... what, exactly?”

“A day in the life of a true leader!” Kuin explains. “Since it would be a vanity project to make it about the glorious and benevolent dictator, you're the next best option!”

You raise an eyebrow. “... Maro chased you away, didn't he?”

“Nope!” Akemi laughs. “We didn't ask him at all!”

“Because you were afraid?”

“Because they respect you,” Chuichi chimes in. “Geez senpai, aren't you supposed to be smart? You're having a lot of trouble understanding this.”

Kuin nods. “So... the glorious and benevolent director demands that we film a day in your life! Um... if that's okay with you, senpai...”

>Sure, of course that's okay! Sounds like fun.
>Okay... but I don't want any of you juniors missing class for this project!
>Ah... not interested! S-sorry, but it's too embarrassing. I'll be self-conscious...
>>
>>2364151
>Sure, of course that's okay! Sounds like fun.
>Okay... but I don't want any of you juniors missing class for this project!
What could go wrong?
>>
>>2364151
>>Okay... but I don't want any of you juniors missing class for this project!
God Wei is so fucking tsun-tsun
I can't believe he was actually best boy all along.
>>
>>2364151
>Okay... but I don't want any of you juniors missing class for this project!
Kuin plz Saki would never let you skip class
>>
Calling for
>Okay... but I don't want any of you juniors missing class for this project!

Writing now
>>
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>Okay... but I don't want any of you juniors missing class for this project!

"Ah nuts..." Chuichi mumbles. "Well, there goes the one benefit I had to joining this club."

"No problem senpai," Kiriko smiles. "We can catch you during breaks and after classes, right?"

"And before night," you add. "There's an incursion tonight. I don't want anyone messing around during them."

Kuin lets out a whine. "But incursions don't mean anything, they only last twenty minutes before Class 3 cleans them up! We can film after!"

"You never know when we could be hit by an anomaly," Saki explains. "I know incursions may look like a simple chore, but they were even more difficult just last year. As classes we may have developed to a level of power unheard of in the schools recent history, but a more challenging incursion can always be right around the corner. You always have to be cautious in case-"

"No disrespect senpai," Chuichi yawns. "But this lecture is going to make us miss class."

"Good point..." you mutter. "Get going, juniors. And you two, come with me! We're gonna be late!"

"Aye aye!" Nanami salutes, as your two classmates follow you side-by-side down the corridor.

As you walk, Nanami grins as she pokes her face close to yours, her hands behind her back as she skips along, carefree. "Something on your mind, Saki?"

"Huh?" you ask.

"You've got that scrunched up face that you get when you're thinking," she explains. "The one that makes you look like a sea lion pup."

"I-I do not!" you protest. "Well... I guess I was just musing on something... people coming up to me wanting to document my day, saying I'm friends with everyone, that they respect me... it's still odd. I remember less than a year ago when I was the most hated person in school. Plus I was never liked in middle school... or elementary school... or kindergarten... or at home..."

Nanami pouts and hugs into your arm. "Don't be thinking about sad stuff now, Saki! It's all about the now, and right now, you're one of the best friends anyone could ask for!"

"I guess so..." you mutter.

"Of course!" Akemi exclaims to your left. "Of all the buddies I've ever had you're one of the buddiest!"

"Thanks guys..." you smile.

"Now, can you say that to the camera?" Akemi asks.

"Sure thing, I-wait what?" you ponder as you turn your head to see the film club camera resting on Akemi's shoulder. "What the... I didn't see you... when did you get that?!"

"Well, you didn't want the juniors missing class, so I figured I should take the camera to class with us!" Akemi exclaims.
>>
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You sigh. "But Akemi... you should be doing something else in class."

"I don't have any circuitboards to work on today!"

"Not that!" you exclaim.

"Baking? But I spent all my yen on making that stew!"

"Not that either... wait, how do you bake during cla-Nevermind!" you exclaim. "Sure, go ahead..."

You approach the classroom to see Yamano-sensei accompanied by Akihito-sensei.

"Ah, girls!" Yamano exclaims. "Welcome! We've got good news for you!"

"You're getting married?!" Nanami exclaims. "I see... eloping, travelling off to the open seas... we may miss class due to a lack of teacher, but what a romantic image-"

"No, stop that," Akihito replies. "Nothing like that. In fact... you actually have an extra teacher. It seems Vice Principal Mashita thought it a waste for me not to be taking any class, so... I'm your homeroom teacher again... co-teacher, with Yamano here."

>Ryoji is going to love this...
>What? Really! That's great! Congratulations, sensei!
>Try, and fail, to not squeal in joy.
>>
>>2364172
>What? Really! That's great! Congratulations, sensei!
>>
>>2364172
>What? Really! That's great! Congratulations, sensei!
>>
>>2364172
>What? Really! That's great! Congratulations, sensei!
>Try, and fail, to not squeal in joy
He's back! Best non-Ryoji therapist!
>>
Calling for
>What? Really! That's great! Congratulations, sensei!

Writing now
>>
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>What? Really! That's great! Congratulations, sensei!

Akihito chuckles. "Your reaction makes it sound like I did get married. But... I am happy to be back. I missed my kids."

"Your kids?" you smile, bouncing on the balls of your feet with excitement. Sensei sees you all as his own children? That's amazing!

"Don't get too excited," Akihito states. "I don't want you losing focus of your studies. Besides... I hear you have two new classmates."


That's right, two members of the Demon Hunters will be joining your class. Nishi and Utako, you believe. You'll need to be a good head of class and roll out the welcoming carpet for them.

As you settle in and the rest of your classmates arrive, you make your way to the front of class before clearing your throat. "Okay, I have an announcement to make... well, pretty much all of you know it already, but... I like making announcements!"

"Don't tell me you made another powerpoint," Kosuke yawns from the back of the class.

"No, Ryoji convinced me to scrap the powerpoint," you explain. "No, we have two new members of the class joining us starting today. So please, give a warm welcome for Nishi and Utako!"

As the two former demons step into the classroom, most are silent. Some polite clapping from the more courteous students, and an excited whoop from Akemi, but not the big warm welcome you had hoped for. Rei is glaring at the demon hunters like they'll bite any moment. "Uh... why don't you two introduce yourselves to the class?" you ask. "Say something like... pleased to meet you!"

"Hey, whassup?" Utako says to the class.

"Not exactly what I said..." you mutter.

Nishi gives a respectful bow. "Um... it's a pleasure to meet all of you, we hope we make a lot of friend. I'm Nishi, and this is my partner, Utako..."

"Partner, eh?" Seishiro smirks, leaning back in his chair. "You mean, you two are-OW!"

Rini punches Seishiro in the back of the head. "Get your head out of the gutter, pervert! Obviously they're not-"

"Actually, he's right."

Huh? What was that noise? Oh right... it was a pin dropping.

"What?"

"You heard me," Utako explains, throwing her arm over a blushing Nishi. "We Demon Hunters have partners for a reason. We're a tight knit group, and with how long we spent in that place together... well, you'd find love with your companions too, wouldn't you?"

"Sensei?" Nariko raises her hand. "Seishiro fainted. And I think he's losing a lot of blood..."

"So yeah, we're a couple!" Utako clenches her fist. "And if any of you have got a problem with that, you better say now! I don't have time for fools who keep their opinions silent!"

"No problem here," you reply. "Although..."

"What?" Nishi asks.

>Does this extend to... all of your group?
>This does mean I should break out the powerpoint on public displays of affection
>It makes me wonder what the dorm situation is with your group, because... uh, no reason.
>>
>>2364187
>>It makes me wonder what the dorm situation is with your group, because... uh, no reason.
Saki please all these options are so rude
>>
>>2364187
>Does this extend to... all of your group?
This changes everything...or nothing.

Also this couple sounds amusing as hell!
>>
>>2364187
>This does mean I should break out the powerpoint on public displays of affection

UNLEASH THE POWERPOINT!
>>
Rolled 3 (1d3)

>>2364188
>It makes me wonder what the dorm situation is with your group, because... uh, no reason.

>>2364189
>Does this extend to... all of your group?

>>2364190
>This does mean I should break out the powerpoint on public displays of affection

Rolling to break the tie
>>
>>2364199
Oh shit Tie Breaker roll
>>
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>This does mean I should break out the powerpoint on public displays of affection

The class groans in response, but it's too late, you're already booting up the powerpoint presentation on the screen.

"I hate you!" Rei exclaims as she throws a rolled up ball of paper towards the front of the class.

"Don't do it, Miss Arisato!" Isamu exclaims. "You paper ball technique is no match for the might of Saki Kobashi's powerpoints!"

You keep the presentation short and sweet, not wanting to disrupt actual classtime for your teachers. "Okay, any questions?"

"Yes, why did you make us watch that again?" Kosuke asks.

"Okay, next question. Akio?"

"Do you hate us?"

"NEXT QUESTION!" you exclaim.

Utako raises her hand, leaning back in a chair at the back of the class. "Yeah, I got a question. How come during the little lecture y'all were sneaking looks at me?"

"Saki's lectures are very boring," Rini explains.

"But why me?" Utako asks. "Something interesting you see?"

You laugh nervously. "Well, you are a new student, and we have a reputation for getting awfully distracted. Look, Akemi forgot about her video camera and is already baking!"

"Plus, you're really intimidating," Nariko blurts out, before being punched in the arm by Rei. "Hey! It's true! Especially because of the eye thing-HEY!"

Utako barks. "Har! Intimidating! Even after I went through all the effort to dress like a normal student?"

"I'm not intimidating... am I?" Nishi squeaks meekly.

"Uniforms are optional anyway," you explain. "Most of the class don't even wear theirs."

"And every day I'm thankful for Rei and Chihiro's love for shorts-GAH!" Akio begins, before being attacked by a bubble from Hikaru.
>>
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Akihito slams a book loudly atop his desk, startling even Miss Yamano. "Okay, that's enough out of all of you! I know I haven't been your homeroom teacher for a while, but don't take that as reason to mess about and goof off when you should be working. Out in the halls I'm your friend, but in this moment I am your sensei and this classroom will have order!"

The class, yourself included, find the sudden authoritarian commands of Akihito jarring. Lately, you've been much more used to Yamano's softer and gentler approach.

You sit intently in homeroom, listening to Akihito and Yamano's lectures until the bell rings signalling for first break. Akemi delivers a plate of cookies to their desk before pointing the camera back towards you with Nanami in tow. "Utako-san's eyepatch is so cool!" Nanami exclaims. "I wonder if she'd agree to be my pirate rival... she could build a bigger, darker ship called the stormdragon! And the SS Saki could face its greatest challenge yet in the form of the Explosive Pirate Empress!"

"Oh, that's so cool!" Akemi exclaims in glee. Ha, these two are like peas in a pod. Among them and Isamu, you don't know who's the most fanciful in the class. Makes you even more curious why they'd be friends with the biggest stick in the mud there is. "So Saki, what are you doing for break?"

>I was hoping to study with Hoshi and Reiji. I noticed I scored half a percent lower in my last self-given math test, and that's a cause for concern.
>Well, as head of class I need to make the new students feel welcome. I was hoping to get to know Utako and Nishi better.
>I was hoping to meet with the new Vice Principal... and dragging class president Kosuke along.
>>
>>2364217
>>Well, as head of class I need to make the new students feel welcome. I was hoping to get to know Utako and Nishi better.
>>
>>2364217
>>I was hoping to meet with the new Vice Principal... and dragging class president Kosuke along.
>>
>>2364217
>>I was hoping to meet with the new Vice Principal... and dragging class president Kosuke along.
Got to meet best wheelchair mom
>>
>>2364217
>>I was hoping to meet with the new Vice Principal... and dragging class president Kosuke along.
>>
Calling for

>I was hoping to meet with the new Vice Principal... and dragging class president Kosuke along.

Writing now.
>>
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>I was hoping to meet with the new Vice Principal... and dragging class president Kosuke along.

"Oh, the mysterious Vice Principal!" Nanami ponders. "Who could she be? Who is this new mysterious shadowy figure, who-"

"She's not mysterious," you correct. "She's a former teacher. She's Kazuma-kun's mother. I hear she's very nice."

"Well... mystery solved!" Nanami laughs as you pick up your bags and make your way over to Kosuke and Rini's desk.

"Look, I'm taking another test later so then we'll know for-AGH! Saki! How long were you there?!" Rini exclaims.

"Only five seconds," you smile. "Another test? Oh, have you two finally buckled down and started studying?!"

"Uh, sure..." Rini mutters. "What do you want? And why is Akemi filming this?"

You nod as Akemi simply giggles in response. "Film club thing... anyway, I was hoping to borrow Kosuke's time so we could meet with Vice Principal Mashita."

Kosuke nods before kissing Rini on the forehead. "Oh boy, gotta do responsible things. See you in ten minutes, Rini."

As Rini bids her husband a quick goodbye, he follows behind you in the corridor. "So... Rini didn't tell you yet..." he mutters to himself.

"Tell me what?"

"Crap," Kosuke replies. He must have been unaware that he was speaking out loud. "Nothing, if Rini wants you to know, she'll tell you. Could be nothing anyway..."

The two of you arrive at the VP's office as you knock on the door.

"Just a moment!" the voice from inside calls out. "These carpets can be tricky!"

The door creaks open as a smiling lady in a wheelchair welcomes you. "Ah, you're Saki!" she exclaims. "I'd recognise a Kobashi anywhere! And hmm... this delinquent beside you... that must make this Ryoji, the one who teases my son!"

Kosuke shakes his head. "No way. Shoot me if I was ever Ryoji, he's got way too many responsibilities. I'm Kosuke, the class president. Nice to meet ya. We done?"

"Kosuke... Tatsumi?" Namika ponders. "Yes, your parents are quite wealthy, aren't they? Also according to my file you're married but... that can't be right, can it?"

"No mistake there, boss."

"Really?" Namika raises an eyebrow. "How pleasant! Though I'm shocked to see you married so young!"

"If you saw Rini's thighs, you'd understand."

You shake your head in embarrassment. "Anyway, we just wanted to introduce ourselves, since we'll be working closely while my Grandpa recovers."

"Yes, terrible business that..." Namika sighs. "Oh, you poor thing. You know, you still have free time ahead before classes, would you like to pull up a chair and talk about it? It's always good to have a healthy cry over what's bothering you, and I have plenty of tea and tissues!"

>Well... okay, that sounds lovely.
>Thank you, but... maybe another time. I agreed to be filmed all day, you see.
>>
>>2364243
>>Well... okay, that sounds lovely.
S A D is important and healthy
>>
>>2364243
>>Well... okay, that sounds lovely.

Rini Plz
Kosuke PLZ
>>
Calling for
>Well... okay, that sounds lovely.

Writing now.
>>
>>2364247
They are very subtle people.
>>
>>2364256
They are very subtle people.
As subtle as a window repair shop advertising by throwing bricks through your window
>>
>>2364258
That's still a lot more subtle than Jehova Witnesses
>>
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>Well... okay, that sounds lovely.

"Of course," Namika smiles. Wow, she's a lot more... accessible an authority than Wei ever was. She feels less like the Vice Principal and more like how you were told a loving parent is supposed to act. "Your friends are free to join for tea as well."

You nod. "You guys want to join? You should probably turn the camera off for a private conversation."

"Okey doke!" Akemi gives a thumbs up as she turns the camera off and sets it aside.

Nanami and Kosuke also join as you all sit down and the Vice Principal serves you some freshly made tea.

"This is weird..." Kosuke notes. "Wei would never do anything like this. Half the time I meet with him, he's waiting for me to get out. Which works in my favour, since I never want to stick around long."

"So Saki," Namika smiles. "How's your grandfather?"

"He's recovering steadily," you reply. "Though he's as stubborn as ever. Refuses any help."

Namika chuckles. "That does sound like Kobashi-sensei. I suppose you must have been very worried after what happened..."

You nod. "I... I was terrified. I froze up and just clung to him. He was always very strict, and I knew that it was a crisis situation... but he's my grandpa. I couldn't just leave his side like that..."

"Nobody could blame you for being worried about your family," Namika explains. "I hope he has a speedy recovery. I'd like to speak to my old teacher more soon."

"Same..." you note, sipping your tea. You don't like all of the attention being towards you, so you address one of your friends. "So Akemi, what's new with you? How's Raiden's condition?"

"He's not showing any signs of waking up yet..." Akemi explains. "But I'm not giving up hope! I've got him a bunch of balloons and stuffed toys to surprise him when he wakes up!"

"That's nice," you smile. "I'm sure he'll come to any day now."

"That's right, I read that there was a hospitalised student from your class," Namika nods. "Raiden Yoi... what is he to you, Akemi? Would he be your boyfriend?"

Akemi giggles. "Boyfriend?"

"Oh dear, did I overstep a boundary?" Namika asks. "I know you kids like your privacy, I just assumed by the way you spoke..."

There's no point in speaking to Akemi now, as the amusing thought has caused her to zone out. You'd know that glazed over look in her eyes, that's an Akemi who is having a thrilling action-packed daydream, one you'd feel guilty snapping her out of. You suppose you should address one of the others.

>So Nanami, what's new? How's your acting coming along?
>So Kosuke, how are you and Rini doing? You've been acting more low-key than usual lately... and that's saying something.
>>
>>2364271
>>So Nanami, what's new? How's your acting coming along?
Are you still terrified of water
>>
>>2364271
>So Kosuke, how are you and Rini doing? You've been acting more low-key than usual lately... and that's saying something.
Akemi is currently in her happy place with the Raiden inside her head, please call later.
>>
>>2364271
>So Nanami, what's new? How's your acting coming along?
Its been a while for Nanami time. Lets explore!
>>
>>2364271
>>So Nanami, what's new? How's your acting coming along?
>>
>>2364271
>>So Kosuke, how are you and Rini doing? You've been acting more low-key than usual lately... and that's saying something.
>>
Calling for
>So Nanami, what's new? How's your acting coming along?

Writing now
>>
>Booker trying to make Raiden relevant again and give Kemi false hope

You know what we must do
>>
>>2364271
So Nanami, what's new? How's your acting coming along?
>>
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>So Nanami, what's new? How's your acting coming along?

Nanami pauses briefly, sipping her tea. "Haha, you don't want to hear about me. It's not very interesting..."

"No, I do!" you smile positively. You know Nanami often has problems talking about herself.

Nanami blushes and then nods. "Well... my acting progress has been slow, but I've been practising! Though mostly lately I've been learning to swim."

"You don't know how to swim?" Kosuke asks. "Aren't you a pirate?"

"Yes, but... I'm scared of water..." Nanami explains.

Kosuke raises his eyebrow. "And people say I make bad life choices. So, do you just go out into the lake and paddle with water wings on while Ken holds your hand."

"Pretty much, yeah!"

Kosuke pauses. "I was kidding... you sound like a grade schooler. Ken must get a kick out of seeing that."

"Don't be rude!" you lecture Kosuke.

Kosuke shrugs. "I wasn't. It sounds plenty cute, and Ken probably thinks it's adorable. You know how much of a softie he is. Then again, I don't know what Ken what think about seeing his girlfriend as adorable..."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Nanami asks.

"Well judging by that time Ryoji and I raided his... you know... private stash..."

"Oh no, a lewd subject matter!" you gasp, but there's no stopping Kosuke.

"It looked like Ken was into more mature women."

Nanami pouts. "I'm plenty mature!"

Kosuke leans back. "Body-wise, yeah. Personality-wise... you're kind more like a little sister. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to insult you, we're friends... plus Rini would murder me if she thought I was insulting her favourite hug toy..."

"She recently discovers the way to squeeze me until I squeak," Nanami admits. "But... I can be mature! And... and Ken will like me when I'm mature!"

Kosuke sighs. "He likes you how you are, I was just saying... ah, forget it."

"Well, as much as I am learning about you kids," Namika laughs. "I think it's time you went off to class. I hope you enjoyed the tea!"

You snap your fingers in front of Akemi to break her from her dreaming as the four of you pack up and go. Nanami grabs your arm. "Saki, you're one of my best friends... I can be mature, right?"

>Of course you can. You know Kosuke, he was just teasing you.
>Nobody said you had to be mature! We like you how you are!
>I mean... I've never really seen you act mature, so I can't say...
>>
>>2364314
>>Nobody said you had to be mature! We like you how you are!
>>
>>2364314
>>Of course you can. You know Kosuke, he was just teasing you.
>>Nobody said you had to be mature! We like you how you are!
>>
>>2364314
>>Of course you can. You know Kosuke, he was just teasing you.
Even if its not true, which im not saying is true, we are nice
>>
>>2364314
>Of course you can. You know Kosuke, he was just teasing you.
>Besides, we're still in high school. Still time to grow.
>>
>>2364314
>I mean... I've never really seen you act mature, so I can't say...
Like that one time you got drunk and threw up in front of Ken, or that one other time you threw up in front of everyone because Ken was kissing Alice.
>>
>>2364314
>Of course you can. You know Kosuke, he was just teasing you.
>Nobody said you had to be mature! We like you how you are!
Wew Kosuke...that was a lil rough
>>
>>2364326
>Wew Kosuke...that was a lil rough
Just the way Rini Likes it
>>
Calling for
>Of course you can. You know Kosuke, he was just teasing you.

Writing now.
>>
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>Of course you can. You know Kosuke, he was just teasing you.

Nanami gives a small, unsure smile. "You're right... Kosuke just likes to tease his friends. I bet Ken doesn't even have a stash."

"Well I believed that part," you admit. "You know those boys."

Nanami chuckles. "Yeah... of course I can be mature! I'm going to be a serious actor! And I'm gonna learn to swim! And then I'll be the pirate queen! But... a very mature pirate queen!"

"That's the spirit, I think!" you smile, as you step out of Namika's office... only to come face to face with Rini.

"Hey Sak..." Rini mutters. "Can we talk?"

"Uhh, sure?" you reply, as the delinquent pulls you away.

"Look," Rini states. "I'll cut to the chase. You've got a bunch of those self-help books for just about every situation, right?"

"Yep!" you wag your finger proudly. "You always have to be prepared for any situation that-"

"Great," Rini replies. "Then I need to borrow one. You got any books on handling... uhh... teen pregnancy?"

You pause. "No... I don't..."

As long as The Stranger still inhabits Ryoji's body, he's not able to have children. "I don't need that... wait, why do you need a book on teen pregnancy?"

"Because..." Rini scratches the back of her head. "I won't know for sure until later today, but... I might, kinda, sorta, be pregnant."

"..." you're frozen in thought. "I... Rini, that's..."

"Shocking?" Rini replies. "Don't be so surprised. We all know you're no stranger at the horizontal bop, and Kosuke and I happen to be experts!"

"I don't want to hear that part!" you cover your ears. "What are your plans?"

Rini shrugs. "Well, I can't say we're all that excited. Marrying young is one thing, having a kid while still in high school... and with this high school? It's something else entirely. I'd probably have to leave school and stay with Kosuke's family if I wanted to raise this little parasite."

"Well... is there anything I can do to help?" you ask.

"Yeah..." Rini mutters. "If I am knocked up and have to leave... promise me you'll visit, okay? Not that I want you too or anything, just... it could get lonely in a big mansion while everyone I know is off saving the world."

>Of course! Why wouldn't I want to visit my best friend?
>No need to jump ahead. You don't even know if you're pregnant yet. You could be panicking over nothing.
>Hmm... only if you promise to make me the Godmother!
>>
>>2364348
>>Hmm... only if you promise to make me the Godmother!
>Of course! Why wouldn't I want to visit my best friend?
>>
>>2364348
>Of course! Why wouldn't I want to visit my best friend?
>Hmm... only if you promise to make me the Godmother!
>>
>>2364348
>Hmm... only if you promise to make me the Godmother!
>Of course! Why wouldn't I want to visit my best friend?
>Reassuringly hug Rini
>>
>>2364348
>>Of course! Why wouldn't I want to visit my best friend?
>>
>>2364348
>>Of course! Why wouldn't I want to visit my best friend?

I cant believe booker decided to deal with the cast bloat but just making people leave.
>>
>>2364348
>Hmm... only if you promise to make me the Godmother!
>Of course! Why wouldn't I want to visit my best friend?
>Reassuringly hug Rini

>>2364355
I won't believe it until I see it happen.
>>
Calling for
>Of course! Why wouldn't I want to visit my best friend?

Writing now.
>>
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>Of course! Why wouldn't I want to visit my best friend?

"Don't make me hit you!" Rini protests. "Going around, calling me your best friend! Who do you think you are?"

"Your best friend," you reply, earning a quick jab in the arm. You can tell Rini is holding back though, and is just putting up a front. "I was your maid of honour, after all."

Rini huffs. "Well, I'll rescind that title if you don't visit! And you won't get to be the kid's godmother!"

"Of course I'll visit!" you'll reply. "Besides, I've gotta be a good godmother to little Saki Jr.!"

"Saki Jr?!" Rini exclaims. "I see, Ryoji's been teaching you how to tease."

"Just a little!" you smile... before being enveloped in a hug from Rini.

"Sak... I hope I'm not having a kid, but if I am... I'm happy you're here with me..." she whispers. "Now... if you tell anyone I said something that nice, I'll break your face!"

"Sure thing, Rini..." you smile. "Tell me how the test goes after school."

You return to the classroom with Akemi and Nanami in tow, as Rini and Kosuke walk ahead, hand in hand.

As you reach the classroom, you encounter the leader of the Demon Hunters, Miyoko standing by the door. Looking inside you see that her companion Nari... wait are they also 'partners'? It would be rude to pry but... are they? And what about Soshu and Omitsu? Either way, Nari is close by, bothering Hiro and asking him odd questions about his healing factor, and much more inappropriately, his biological functions, in a direct, socially unaware manner. Nariko is staring daggers at the doctor, her crush on Hiro always being clear as day to anyone other than Hiro himself.

"Good day Saki," Miyoko welcomes you. "I hope Nishi and Utako didn't make too much of a fuss... or should I say, I hope Utako didn't make too much of a fuss. I always wondered what attracts opposites so much, the meek and kind Nishi and the cocky, vulgar, aggressive Utako. An odd pairing, though I suppose they cannot all be as logical as myself and Nari. I suppose love is just a mysterious concept that we'll never fully understand."

A-ha! So they are together!

"What brings you here?" you ask.

"Well, Nari took a liking to your friend Hiro on account of his healing abilities," Miyoko explains. "But mainly I came to... warn you."

"Warn me?" you ask.

Miyoko nods. "We demon hunters are like family, but that doesn't mean we see eye-to-eye on everything. When it comes to demons... some of us are more willing to make exceptions than others. Utako and Soshu particularly... their hatred for demons run deep. I trust them not to make any foolish decisions, and I have every faith that they will be the greatest of allies... but since you are close to Alice and Ryoji, you may wish to keep an eye on them... just in case."

>I understand. Thank you for the warning, Miyoko.
>If you're so concerned, why would you bring them here in the first place.
>I see... well, know that if any of you lay a finger on Ryoji or Alice, I will destroy you.
>>
>>2364399
>>I understand. Thank you for the warning, Miyoko.
>I see... well, know that if any of you lay a finger on Ryoji or Alice, I will destroy you.
>>
>>2364399
>>I understand. Thank you for the warning, Miyoko.
>>I see... well, know that if any of you lay a finger on Ryoji or Alice, I will destroy you.
This is the part where the music suddenly cuts and Saki is drawn in a very different highly shaded and awesome style
>>
>>2364399
>I understand. Thank you for the warning, Miyoko.
>I see... well, know that if any of you lay a finger on Ryoji or Alice, I will destroy you.

Saki Channels her inner Wei
>>
>>2364399
>>I understand. Thank you for the warning, Miyoko.
>>I see... well, know that if any of you lay a finger on Ryoji or Alice, I will destroy you.
Hands off our husbando and daughteru.
>>
>>2364399
>>I understand. Thank you for the warning, Miyoko.
>>I see... well, know that if any of you lay a finger on Ryoji or Alice, I will destroy you.
>>
Calling for

>I understand. Thank you for the warning, Miyoko.
>I see... well, know that if any of you lay a finger on Ryoji or Alice, I will destroy you.

Writing now.
>>
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>I understand. Thank you for the warning, Miyoko.
>I see... well, know that if any of you lay a finger on Ryoji or Alice, I will destroy you

You stand defiantly as you face Miyoko, making your intentions clear. Nobody can hurt Ryoji or Alice, not on your watch.

Your statement gets a giggle out of Miyoko. "I can see why you're head of class. That protective motherly instinct. Well, I was happy to warn you regardless, but I doubt we'll ever come to that point. Have a nice day, Saki."

"... My interest in you has reached it's natural peak," you hear Nari state to Hiro as you enter the room. "I must put it to record in order to test you. Your diet, your exercise schedule, your sexual history-"

"That's enough!" Nariko exclaims, hugging the Hiro tight as he sits in his chair, essentially just pushing his head into her chest. "Stop bothering my Hiro! He doesn't want to be part of your freaky pervert experiments!"

"Come along, Darling!" Miyoko whistles towards Nari, as the scientist makes her way towards the head of the demon hunters.

"Darling? So she's a darn cheater too!" Nariko clenches her fist. "Where does that weirdo get off!"

"I don't think she was flirting," Seishiro points out. "Not that it matters. My bro Hiro is dense as... a really dense thing."

"A neutron star?" Satomi suggests.

"Thanks cutie, you're the best!" Seishiro throws the lab assistant a thumbs up. "Besides, I don't think you can call other people weirdos."

"Okay, settle down everyone!" you command as you enter the classroom and take to your seat. "Class is beginning soon!"

As you sit down, Sayeka leans close to you in the chair by yours. "Saki, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with Miyoko."

You turn your head towards her. "Yeah? What do you think of that? I was intimidating, right? All it did was make her giggle."

"You were very intimidating," Sayeka smiles. "I just think that Miyoko is unshakeable... well, mostly."

"What do you mean?" you ask.

Sayeka pauses. "Ever since I lost my eyesight, I've found myself with a knack for picking up on tone in a conversation. After you made her giggle, she dropped her composure somewhat, and something in the tone she spoke with after tells me that... there was something else she intended to tell you. Something that she's still keeping close to heart."

>That's those Demon Hunters for your. Too secretive... I can't trust them.
>You're probably just hearing things, Sayeka.
>Really? Well, then I'll need to look into that at a later point. I don't want any secrets between our two groups.
>>
>>2364455
>You're probably just hearing things, Sayeka.
Sayeka you shouldn't be throwing stones in your glass house of secret keeping
>>
>>2364455
>>That's those Demon Hunters for your. Too secretive... I can't trust them.

Fucking immortal teenagers, just think about the hormones.
>>
>>2364455
>Really? Well, then I'll need to look into that at a later point. I don't want any secrets between our two groups.
>>
>>2364455
>Really? Well, then I'll need to look into that at a later point. I don't want any secrets between our two groups.
>>
>>2364455
>That's those Demon Hunters for your. Too secretive...
>>
>>2364455
>Really? Well, then I'll need to look into that at a later point. I don't want any secrets between our two groups
>>
Calling for

>Really? Well, then I'll need to look into that at a later point. I don't want any secrets between our two groups.

Writing now.
>>
>>2364458
>>That's those Demon Hunters for your. Too secretive... I can't trust them.
Changing my vote
>>
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>Really? Well, then I'll need to look into that at a later point. I don't want any secrets between our two groups.

"A good idea," Sayeka replies. "Of course, ultimately I may just be imagining things. Still... if they're so aggressive towards demons, I wonder how they would react to..."

Sayeka trails off, but you figure she must be referring to Taiyo. He certainly is an interesting case. He's a true Archdemon... yet he appears to be the morally good half of himself and Tsuki. While he often keeps to himself, he has proved no enemy of yours, and is honestly quite nice. The demon hunters are surely aware of his presence... but what do they think of him?

You don't allow these thoughts to take your mind off of classwork. You study diligently and answer every question in class until the bell rings for lunch and the rest of your class escapes.

"Ready for more filming?" Akemi asks, holding the camera up as she approaches your desk.

"I guess," you reply. "Though my day hasn't been all that interesting. I'm sure Kuin will be disappointed by the lack of footage."

"But this baby has plenty of footage!" Akemi laughs. "Especially since I forgot to turn off the camera during class! And the rest of the day!"

"Well, if you want to use any of that footage," you reply. "You should probably ask permission of the people in it. Not that you'd want to, it was all just mundane classwork and conversation."

"Kuin said we'll be doing the talking head interviews after school," Nanami adds. "She insisted we interview everyone in school. Everyone."

Well, with Akemi and Nanami in tow, you've got a lunch break to attend to... and several things you can do during.

>Study with Hoshi and Reiji
>Akio and Akihito-sensei are holding some kind of memorial service for Akio's uncle in the main hall. I should probably check it out.
>Rei will be training Sayeka in the courtyard. I should help out.
>>
>>2364506
>>Akio and Akihito-sensei are holding some kind of memorial service for Akio's uncle in the main hall. I should probably check it out.
>>
>>2364506
>Akio and Akihito-sensei are holding some kind of memorial service for Akio's uncle in the main hall. I should probably check it out.
>>
>>2364506
>Akio and Akihito-sensei are holding some kind of memorial service for Akio's uncle in the main hall. I should probably check it out.

Taiyo needs to go, maybe the demon hunters will actually do their job for once and get rid of it
>>
>>2364506
>>Akio and Akihito-sensei are holding some kind of memorial service for Akio's uncle in the main hall. I should probably check it out.
>>
>>2364506
>Study with Hoshi and Reiji
We're class leader we need the highest grades.
>>
>>2364506
>>Akio and Akihito-sensei are holding some kind of memorial service for Akio's uncle in the main hall. I should probably check it out.
YOU CANT TRICK US WITH YOUR FAKE CORPSE BOOKER BEAR MAN IS ALIVE

>Sayeka trails off, but you figure she must be referring to Taiyo. He certainly is an interesting case. He's a true Archdemon... yet he appears to be the morally good half of himself and Tsuki. While he often keeps to himself, he has proved no enemy of yours, and is honestly quite nice. The demon hunters are surely aware of his presence... but what do they think of him?

Huh...
I've talked a few times here and on the quests discord (which ya'll should join when booker shills it) that I think its totally possible that by the end of this quest humans and demons could co-exist, because as the tournament arc showed us morally good demons do exist, for example fisher man demon dude. But It's never really registered to me that Taiyo is an example of a morally good Archdemon, which helps my argument quite a bit.
>>
>>2364506
>Akio and Akihito-sensei are holding some kind of memorial service for Akio's uncle in the main hall. I should probably check it out.
>>
Calling for

>Akio and Akihito-sensei are holding some kind of memorial service for Akio's uncle in the main hall. I should probably check it out.

Writing now.
>>
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>Akio and Akihito-sensei are holding some kind of memorial service for Akio's uncle in the main hall. I should probably check it out.

You know the relationship between Naoaki Naito with your friend and senpai was... an odd one, to say the least. But you understand that they still consider him family and that you should be there for your friend when he memorialises a family member.

You arrive in the auditorium where there stands a podium next to a large print-out picture of Naoaki... posing with two dead bears. As you understand from Akio's stories, he would often wrestle bears in the mountain.

"I think Naoaki might be a more compelling documentary subject," you joke to Nanami and Akemi as you enter and are welcomed by Akio. He's not dressed in a suit as you would have expected... but instead decked out in a lot of denim.

"Akio, you look... interesting," you note.

Akio chuckles. "It's stupid, but denim was the only piece of fashion Naoaki liked. He was a weird guy, so uncle and I figured the only way to give him a memorial service would be to do it how he would have liked."

"We look ridiculous," Hikaru sighs, holding tight to Akio's hand in her own similar get-up.

"I don't know, it kinda suits you babe," Akio smiles, actually warranting a blush from Hikaru.

"Well, how are you?" you ask.

Akio shrugs. "I'm fine. What, you expect tears? I'm not an emotional guy, boss."

Hikaru looks at him with concern. "You shouldn't bottle stuff up like just to be manly or whatever..."

"I'm not bottling up anything," Akio insists. "Come on babe, let's get some punch. I'm thirsty. My mouth is all dry for some reason."

"Because you're holding back emotions!"

"Nope!"

"You're impossible!"
>>
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As Akio and Hikaru walk off to drink, you see Akihito set-in up the microphone on the podium as you stand by Miss Yamano. "Good afternoon Sensei."

"Oh! Saki!" the startled Yamano cries. "I was just... looking at... Akihito-sensei..."

"Usually when you take pauses to come up with a lie you don't end up just telling the truth," you point out.

Yamano blushes. "Sorry, it's just... can you three keep this a secret?"

Akemi turns the camera off for certain this time as Yamano speaks. "Well... I suppose you know that Aki-chan and I have been seeing each-other for a while now... and, well... it's only been a few months but he asked me something yesterday."

"What?" you ask.

"He asked me to marry him," Yamano explains. "He said that he was thinking about how his brother Naoaki lived his life and that he didn't want to follow in those footsteps, that he liked me too much and saw no reason in pointlessly waiting so... he proposed."

"Yay!" Akemi exclaims. "Marriage is fun! My mom and dad had a great marriage!"

"How did you reply?" Nanami asks.

Yamano blushes, placing her head in her hands. "Oh, I panicked and said I'd think about it! And now we're co-homeroom teachers so I'm constantly reminded of it! I've been considering it, because I do like Aki-chan... but isn't it too soon? What do I do?"

>Why are you asking us, we're just kids! None of us are married... well, except Rini.
>If you like him, follow your heart.
>Keep thinking about it. Take your time, there's no rush to answer.
>It's too soon. Akihito will understand if you decline for now.
>>
>>2364568

>Why are you asking us, we're just kids! None of us are married... well, except Rini.
>If you like him, follow your heart.
>Keep thinking about it. Take your time, there's no rush to answer.
Oh my goodness Akihitio you move quick!
>>
>>2364568
>Keep thinking about it. Take your time, there's no rush to answer.
>>
>>2364568
>Why are you asking us, we're just kids! None of us are married... well, except Rini.
>If you like him, follow your heart.
>>
>>2364568
>If you like him, follow your heart.
>Keep thinking about it. Take your time, there's no rush to answer.
>>
>>2364568
>>Why are you asking us, we're just kids! None of us are married... well, except Rini.
>>If you like him, follow your heart.

I mean jesus christ people at DGA fuck like rabbits, I mean it makes sense, ever present fear of a likely and painful death, but still.
>>
Calling for
>If you like him, follow your heart.

Writing now.
>>
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>If you like him, follow your heart.

"Follow my..." Yamano mumbles. "Oh, it really is quite embarrassing. We haven't even... you know..."

"YOU HAVEN'T?!" Nanami blurts out, forgetting where she is. "Oh... sorry."

"But... I do like Aki-chan," Yamano smiles. "He's so sweet, and caring, and... oh, I shouldn't be bothering my students with this!"

You hear a grunt from behind as you turn to see the new one-armed gym teacher, Act Nakatoni... Mayu's mother, you believe.

"Naoaki-senpai..." Act mutters. "Kicked the bucket, huh? I expected that crazy bastard to have been eaten by wolves years ago. Kudos to him for lasting so long. Can't believe he managed to keep his limbs to the end. Senpai always was lucky."

Well, that's... dark. You look to the podium as Akihito adjusts the microphone and addresses the crowd. "Welcome everyone. Not a lot of you here knew my older brother, he was a former student at this school, and... well, he never took to teaching like many graduates do. He was a wanderer, a real oddball... he would often brag about his relations to bears. Physical and allegedly romantic... don't worry, I'm not going to give a long winded speech about Naoaki's life. He'd hate me if he did... then again, he might have hated me anyway. I like to think with my brother that he truly loved his family deep down... but he adamantly refused to show it. Anyway, he always said he hated long memorials, and that if he ever died they funeral should just be... celebrating him by drinking beer and smashing things. His words, not mine. So..."

Akihito pulls out a can of beer and pulls back on the clasp. "This one's for you, big bro."
>>
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Akihito downs the drink in one, before crushing the can and bringing his fist down on the podium, smashing it in half.

"Now this is my kind of funeral!" Act laughs. "Hey Mountain Jr, pass me a can!"

There's much laughter and positive spirits in the room after Akihito finishes the very short, yet... sweet eulogy? You're not sure, so you'll just call it the fitting eulogy to Naoaki.

"Yeah..." Yamano mutters beside you, staring at your teacher. "I think I'll say yes."

Hikaru and Akio remain seated, holding hands as Hikaru looks over to her boyfriend. You can tell that Akio is squeezing quite tightly by the pulsing veins in the back of his hand. "Akio...?" Hikaru looks to him.

"I'm really going to miss that son of a bitch..." Akio gives a nervous chuckle as he tries to maintain a stoic face. Hikaru nestles into him, comforting Akio as he quietly mourns for his uncle.

You step out of the memorial service with Nanami and Akemi in tow. "Well, that was... something."

"Who was Naoaki again?" Akemi ponders. "I might have missed something."

"You daydreamed through the entire service, didn't you?" Nanami asks.

"Yep!"

The three of you stop by a bench to grab some lunch and eat together when you're approached by the class 1 members of the film club, Chuichi having been made to carry more equipment.

"Haha! Your benevolent director has arrived!" Kuin exclaims. "Now, I shall reclaim the camera, and we shall film interviews for the rest of the day!"

>Go ahead. All the footage of me is real boring, though...
>I have to say, I'm really flattered by the sudden interest, Kuin-chan.
>You should probably just scrap that. Make a documentary on someone more interesting.
>>
>>2364651
>>I have to say, I'm really flattered by the sudden interest, Kuin-chan.
>Give headpat.
>>
>>2364651
>I have to say, I'm really flattered by the sudden interest, Kuin-chan.
>Pat Kuin-Chan's Head
Kuin-Chan
Saki Plz
>>
>>2364659
Man have to agree with head pats. Our benevolent dictator deserves them.
>>
>>2364659
>>2364661
These are smart people who i agree with and am voting the same thing as
>>
>>2364651
>>I have to say, I'm really flattered by the sudden interest, Kuin-chan.
>>
>>2364659
>>2364661
Backing
>>
Calling for
>I have to say, I'm really flattered by the sudden interest, Kuin-chan.
>Pat Kuin-Chan's Head

Writing now.
>>
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>I have to say, I'm really flattered by the sudden interest, Kuin-chan.
>Pat Kuin-Chan's Head

"Kuin-chan?" Kuin gasps. "You can't address me like that! I am your glorious and benevolent dictat-Ah!"

As Kuin speaks, you can't help but place your hand atop her head, patting her gently. "S-stop that!" Kuin puts up a weak protest as you ruffle her hair. "I am your l-leader!"

"You're so adorable, Kuin-chan!" you smile warmly.

Kuin blushes. "S-senpai... you're embarrassing me..." she whines, red in the face, before grabbing the camera and taking off in embarrassment. Well, you hope she gets some good interviews for her little project.

You and your friends finish up lunch and make your way back to the classroom, where you see Chihiro and Nariko fawning over the new silver ring that happens to be wrapped around Yamano-sensei's finger. Wow, you didn't expect her to agree until later. Still, you're happy for her, and you're certainly happy for Akihito-sensei.

You study diligently until the end of the school day, where you back up your bags and make your way to the dorms. Outside the dorms you see Rini sitting against the wall.

"What are you doing out here?" you ask her. "It's cold."

"Waiting for Kosuke, he had to meet with the Vice Principal after class..." Rini explains. "So... I took the test."

"And?"

"... It was a false alarm," Rini replies, her head hanging low.

"Oh."

You sit down next to Rini and place a hand on her shoulder.

"I don't know why I feel so gloomy about it," Rini mutters. "I'm relieved. I really am... it's just... I guess as I started to build up the idea in my head, there was some part of me that was really looking forward to it, you know? Maybe that sounds stupid, but... oh well. I gotta fill Kosuke on the news when he gets back..."

>Well, you're still only seventeen. You and Kosuke have plenty of time to start a family when you're ready.
>I'm surprised... but I think I get it.
>Hug Rini.
>>
>>2364721
>>Hug Rini.
>Well, you're still only seventeen. You and Kosuke have plenty of time to start a family when you're ready.
>>
>>2364721
>Hug Rini.
>Well, you're still only seventeen. You and Kosuke have plenty of time to start a family when you're ready.

Kuin ran away
ONO COME BACK KUIN-CHAN! WE NEED TO GIVE YOU MORE HEADPATS
>>
>>2364721
>>Well, you're still only seventeen. You and Kosuke have plenty of time to start a family when you're ready.
>Hug Rini.
>>
>>2364721
>>Well, you're still only seventeen. You and Kosuke have plenty of time to start a family when you're ready.
>>Hug Rini.

Booo I wanted DGA GX
GENERATION X
>>
>>2364721
>Well, you're still only seventeen. You and Kosuke have plenty of time to start a family when you're ready.
>>
>>2364721
>>Hug Rini.
>Well, you're still only seventeen. You and Kosuke have plenty of time to start a family when you're ready.
>>
Calling for

>Hug Rini.
>Well, you're still only seventeen. You and Kosuke have plenty of time to start a family when you're ready.

Writing now.
>>
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>Hug Rini.
>Well, you're still only seventeen. You and Kosuke have plenty of time to start a family when you're ready.

You wrap your arms around Rini in a warm embrace as you speak. You expect her to struggle or protest, but you're surprised to see her hug back, tugging at your shirts and lightly sniffling into your chest.

You pat Rini on the back as he eyes dart to meet yours, still in the embrace. "You know what's funny, Sak? The most relieving thing to me... well, it's kinda stupid..."

"Go ahead," you reply. "I want to hear it."

"Well... I was mostly relieved to know that there's still a chance are kids could... grow up at the same time," Rini explains. "You know, so that when they're our age they can be in the same class and... be best friends. Be better friends than we ever were."

"That would be tough," you smile. "We're pretty great friends."

Rini chuckles as she hugs you tight, before you hear a man clearing his throat.

"Hey Saki," Kosuke smiles. "Mind if I cut in on this?"

"She's all yours," you reply with a nod.

You stand up, and Kosuke hunkers into your position, embracing his wife. "Hey honey..." he whispers, as the two hold each-other close in the snow.

You return to the dorms and immediately collapse on the bed. You end up taking a quick nap that you never intended for. You realise that you haven't slept at all since before the assassination attempt. You awake to a knock on your door. You open it to see Akemi standing at the ready. "We finished it!"

"What?" you asks. "How... how long was I asleep?"

"A couple hours, I think!" Akemi smiles. What? How... does she work so fast? "Kuin was thinking that we could put it on the dorm tv and show everyone after the incursion! What do you think!"

>That sounds lovely!
>Show... everyone? Maybe I should watch it myself first...
>>
>>2364774
>Show... everyone? Maybe I should watch it myself first...
>>
>>2364774
>>That sounds lovely!
TRUST OUR KOHAIS
>>
>>2364774
>That sounds lovely!
>>
>>2364774
>>Show... everyone? Maybe I should watch it myself first...

>Headpat Akemi.
>>
>>2364774
>That sounds lovely!
Another chance to give Kuin-Chan Headpats!
>>
Calling for
>That sounds lovely!

Writing now.
>>
>>2364774
>That sounds lovely!
>>
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>That sounds lovely!

What's the worst that could happen? It's not going to be a huge embarrassing disaster... right?

The incursion later that night ended even shorter than usual. You should be relieved that something that was once so dangerous is quickly becoming little more than a daily chore for class 3, but you do worry how that will leave the juniors with a more lax attitude in the future.

You and the others pile up inside the dorm room before being accompanied by the class 1 members of the film club. There's not a lot of space so Akemi sits across your lap while Kuin squeezes in beside you on the couch, though she request to switch seats with Chihiro when you can't help but keep headpatting the little green-haired kouhai some more.

Nanami boots up the video, as you and the class sit snugly.

"WHO IS SAKI KOBASHI?" Nanami's dramatic voice-over loudly asks, as clips from your day and your various tasks play out on the screen. "Put simply, she's one of the most diligent, hardworking and responsible people you'll ever meet. But... that's just the surface. What do her classmates think of her?"

The video turns to interviews with members of your class that they captured earlier in the day, going by each and every one.

Nanami. "Yar, Saki Kobashi? She be one of the finest crewmates you could ever have! Why do you think I named my great and mighty ship after her? She... she always encouraged me. Even when we were just starting out... she would lecture me about proper dressing, but... she was always nice, always encouraging. I think she was the first person I ever made laugh... she'll always be my friend."

Akemi. "Saki's the best! She's so cool! Every time I come to her with an idea, she's always happy to do it! She doesn't think I'm an airhead at all, she even called me a genius once!"

Rei. "Kobashi? She's my rival, through and through. I won't stop in my life until I eventually crush her under my boot. But... what a perfect rival she is. She's so strong, so noble... her very existence reminds me to constantly work harder, to strive for bigger things, to be the absolute best I can be. So in a way... I thank her."

Seishiro. "Saki? I mean... she's cool. We're not really that close, but she's in charge and does a pretty good job, I guess? Are you going to include this one?"

Hoshi. "Uhh... ahh... Saki... t-the camera... it's staring at me... umm... Saki is my... my... um, excuse me..."

"Hoshi ran and didn't return!" Akemi laughs.

Hoshi blushes nervously. "I'm not good with cameras..."
>>
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Akio. "Saki? She's the boss. Other than myself, she's probably the strongest person I know... and when it comes to leadership, I can check my ego at the door. She's better than me. I used to not take her seriously, thought she was some kind of dork, but... now I'd follow her to hell and back. I'm proud to be her second in command, because I am. You hear that, Ken? I am!"

Ken. "Respect is a game of give and take... but I have to say, there's nobody I respect more than Saki. She's one of my closest friends, she's the class leader... but she's also so much more than that. With her heart, her spirit... her moral compass... she's a role model. For me, at least. I don't know about anyone else. Saki, if you're watching this... keep doing what you're doing."

Rini. "Saki's my best friend. Enough said, okay? Get that camera out of my face!"

Ryoji. "Should you really be filming here? The old geezer's trying to nap. Oh well... I guessed I missed Sak's birthday while I was stuck in the Darkworld, so now's as good a time as any to say some mushy things into a camera. Sak... she's my everything. She's my world. I've always been a real cynic... hell, I'm still a real cynic. I'd never have believed in something stupid like true love or soul mates... until I met Saki. And not just because I'm a randy teenager and she's absolutely gorgeous... but because I love her. Everything about her, from her rambunctious spirit, her stubborn drive, her dedication to her silly rules, to the little stuff like the way she stands on her toes or the little crack in her voice when she gets flustered. I want to grow old with her, I want to send our kids of to college together, the whole works. Saki challenged me in a way I'd never seen before, and it's made me who I am now. I owe everything to that wonderful, beautiful, incredibly annoying girl. Now if you want to hear all my thoughts, too bad. You'll run out of tape, now scram."

You remain in your chair, staring blankly at the screen. You don't understand how this happened. How did you get to this point. A year ago, nobody could stand you. You weren't deserving of respect. You didn't even earn head of class on your own merits. You earned it by default after Daisuke died. But now...

Akemi hands you a tissue and you realise you were crying. You sniffle a little before hugging into Akemi and Chihiro at your sides, spreading all the love that you can. "Thank you all... so much. I'm so proud to be your leader.".
>>
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As you and your friends embrace on the couch, the video runs out and the channel is changed to regular tv. You're met with a news interview with that actor guy, King Thunder.

"King Thunder, your new movie premiered to massive box office success and rave reviews, the Red Mask franchise has found it's second wind!" the reporter states. "What's next for King Thunder?"

King Thunder cuts and dynamic pose before pointing into the camera. "The answer is simple! I, King Thunder, the greatest hero on this blue earth, shall travel to meet this new prospective heroes I've been hearing about! Perhaps these kids can learn a thing or two from the real master of Heroic Might! Watch out, Dakugeto!"

You stare at the tv before letting out a sigh. Oh boy, another headache is coming your way.

But hey, you're the leader. This is what you do. And you couldn't be happier to do it

END OF EPISODE 12
>>
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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNug9CpZ4EM

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Dark%20Gate%20Academy

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

>Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/BookerMan

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

Thanks for playing! The next episode will be coming sometime within the next week, as early as Sunday!

>Player Question
King Thunder is coming to DGA! What life lesson will the new Red Mask teach to the wannabe heroes there?
>>
>>2364928
Thanks for running Booker I wasn’t able to participate in the thread but it was pretty comfy.
>Player Question
Probably how to be a real hero with an extra lesson of how much the wannabe RedMask in pajamas is a faker.
>>
>>2364928
Thanks for Running Booker
That was a Cute as fuck Thread
Kuin gets all her Senpai's Headpats now
>Player Question
What it looks like when a grown man playing Super Hero gets kicked in the balls by an angry ninja girl who he just told she should ditch her BF and bang him instead
>>
>>2364928
>PQ
He'll teach them how to get girls and be a hero of course. Not that the lesson will stick, kids couldn't even begin to understand the magnificence of THE KING
>>
>>2364941
Booker
I need Kuin trying to shadow Saki to learn all she can about being a leader everyone can respect.
But also at the same time she can't risk being caught By Saki or Saki will give her tons of headpats and call her cute and generally undermine her authority over her subjects.
Metal Gear Kuin: The Trials of a Dictator
>>
>>2364958
Cleric you really gotta stop leaking my canon spin-offs.

A goofy Kuin metal gear spin-off sounds like a lot of fun for a joke thread though.
>>
>>2365077
I want it Booker
Or at least an ova or bonus scene for it at somepoint
>>
>>2365097
>"Kuin?"
>"Kuin!?"
>"KUUUUUIIIIIIIIIIN!!!"
>>
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“Thank you.”

As Saki exits the room, Ryoji returns to his chair in the nurses office, shuffling through cards at Wei's bedside. He looks to Wei, who is still eating away at his stew. Once the old man finishes, his eyes lock with Ryoji's and he lets out a grunt. Ryoji smirks as he leans back in his chair shuffling through the cards. Silent treatment? Ryoji can handle that just fine. The rest of the day, hours on end, the two sit in complete silence. The closest they came to speaking was when Wei pulled out a book to read, and he growled when Ryoji reached to hand him his glasses. Wei preferred to do it himself. He preferred to do everything himself. Wei and Ryoji are content to let the silence continue.

That is, until after his brief interview with the film club.

As Kuin and crew exit the nurses office, the slam of the door causes Wei to stir in his attempt to nap. His eyes open, and he sits up in bed. “Ryoji.”

“Hey gramps,” Ryoji replies. “Have a good nap?”

“I didn't nap at all, Ryoji...” Wei explains. “These pathetic beds are too hard.”

Ryoji pauses. He expected Wei to be the type of person who would sleep comfortably on a bed of rocks, just out of sheer stubborn pride.

“Well, you had no complaints when the film club barged in,” Ryoji comments.

Wei grunts. “I was doing my best to ignore their presence... but I heard all of it. Every word.”

“Right.”

Ryoji returns to his cards, but Wei continues to stare at the delinquent. “Did you mean it, Ryoji?”

“Mean what?” Ryoji asks, shuffling the deck.

“What you said to the camera,” Wei replies. “Were you genuine?”

Ryoji nods. “Every word of it.”

“You truly love my granddaughter, don't you?”

Ryoji sighs. “Look, we had a good silence going on, if you're gonna turn this into another interrogation-”

“I'm not,” Wei replies in a forlorn tone. “This time... I believe you, Ryoji. The fact that you would choose to spend your day by my side when we both know you would rather be doing anything else tells me that. You love my Saki. You intend to marry her.”
>>
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“One day, yeah...” Ryoji replies.

Wei pauses. “Do you have a ring?”

Ryoji checks in his pocket. “Yeah. My dad gave it to me.”

Wei nods. “Good. I would have felt obligated out of tradition to give you my family ring. I would much rather not bestow that honour onto a delinquent like yourself.”

“But you would have anyway, huh?” Ryoji asks.

“Yes. I would.”

The silence begins anew, but Wei is quick to cut through it. “Good lord, Ryoji. What are you doing with those cards. You've been playing with them like a child all day.”

“I've been practising sleight of hand,” Ryoji explains.

“Sleight of hand?” Wei mutters. “Of course, you're a classic liar and cheat. I wouldn't expect it in you to play honestly with cards.”

“It's what makes me the class strategist, geezer.”

Wei pauses, staring at the deck of cards. “Do you know the Dream of Aces trick?”

“The what?”

Wei scoffs. “You call yourself a master and yet you don't know the greatest card trick?”

“I like to come up with my own, gramps. I don't copy others.”

Wei shakes his head. “Well, hand me that deck. I'll show you how a proper card trick is performed, son.”

Wei takes the deck of cards as Ryoji is left staring. “Hey geezer, did you just call me son?”

“Shut up, Ryoji. Of course not. Now... pay close attention. It's difficult to learn, but I would always impress Saki when she was very young with this trick. Observe...”

END OF SCENE
>>
>>2366148
The old fart glacier has been melted! We in the clear now boys, full steam ahead!
>>
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“Chihiro, you've been fixing my hair for ten minutes!”

Makoto squirms a little as Chihiro fusses over him, picking out a nice shirt for him to wear, washing his hair and now fixing it like her fingers are a fine-toothed comb.

“I'm sorry,” Chihiro laughs. “But I absolutely must have my darling beau looking as dashing as possible! I want you to make a good impression!”

“But... I've met Alice,” Makoto points out. “She's in my class. We talk often. We're friends! I think it's too late for me to make a first impression...”

Chihiro wags her finger. “Ah, but you're yet to make your first impression as my darling boyfriend! It's completely different!”

“Oh geez, if you say so...” Makoto comments. “But why are you so nervous? It's only Alice.”

“True...” Chihiro notes. “But...we've been through so much lately over the last couple of weeks... I haven't had much time to spend with her. We had our own concerns to deal with, but I would hate to think my darling aunt an I are drifting apart...”

Makoto places his hands on Chihiro shoulders. “Don't be silly, dear. You and Alice are family, and I know you're closer to family than anyone.”

Makoto smiles as Chihiro blushes and winks. “Oh, you always know the right thing to say-Oh, that must be her now!”

Chihiro answers the knocking at the door to see Alice standing before her, decked out in her school uniform and a pair of glasses, with a young boy by her side. It doesn't take long for the two to immediately embrace.

“Oh, Alice my dear!” an emotional Chihiro squeezes her aunt tight.

“Chihiro!” Alice smiles and giggles, holding her niece tight. “You smell like doves!”

It's only been a week or so since the two last properly spoke, but when it comes to a pair who have grown used to spending a large majority of their time together, that time can feel like an eternity.

Alice sniffs some more, before her eyes jolt wide open and she points at her niece. “Angel! Angel!”

Chihiro chuckles and does a confident twirl. “Ohoho! You can tell? I'm certain I radiate an aura of glamour, don't I?”

“You always did!” Alice giggles. “But now, I can smell an angel in you!”

Chihiro blushes. “Oh, Alice! We have been far too busy for far too long. I must catch up on a week's worth of snuggling with my favourite auntie and... oh, who's this young lad?”
>>
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Chihiro's eyes dart to see Manabu standing in the doorway, looking awkward and out of place.

“This is Manabu!” Alice exclaims. “He promised to protect me!”

“Protect you?” Chihiro smirks. “Ohoho! I see how it is. And here I was thinking my dear Makoto would have to make the impression!”

The small Manabu clears his throat and bows before Chihiro. “Good day, Toriyama-sama. My name is Manabu Misawa, and I-”

“Misawa?” Chihiro gasps.

“Something wrong?” Makoto asks.

Chihiro shakes her head. “So that means... you're related to...”

“Yes,” Manabu continues to bow. “But... but... I want to make up for my brother's past deeds! I want to repay the debt caused by his actions towards the students of this academy and to your family! I have promised to protect Alice-san where my brother once tried to harm her!”

“Well... that is simply precious!” Chihiro smiles. “No need to bow... or refer to me as Sama. I'm not an old maid. You should refer to me a Chihiro-cherie!”

“Cherie?” Manabu ponders. “I don't know what that means, but... okay! I mean, I will do that... Chihiro-cherie!”

“Lovely!” Chihiro claps her hands. “Now, there's only one thing to do. I have plenty of leftover stew, so I think the four of us should have a lovely dinner!”

Manabu wipes a bead of sweat from his forehead. “T-that shouldn't be necessary, I'm here to serve so it wouldn't be right to be treated to a-”

“YAY FOOD!” Alice exclaims, dragging Manabu inside. Well, that settles that.

Makoto takes Chihiro's hand with a smile. “You seem happy.”

Chihiro giggles. “That's because I am happy, darling. I really, truly am.”

END OF SCENE
>>
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“How did I get stuck with this?”

Ninsei lets out a sigh as he and Gado make their way down the street towards the centre of the village. Gado hold a rather lengthy shopping list in his hands, the two expected to perform the week's grocery shopping on behalf of the entire class.

Gado shrugs. “You should be thankful you were recognised as someone capable of the task,” he point out. “When Blondie was handing out the list she passed over Ukon and Chuichi entirely. Besides, you're a farmer. You know how to acquire groceries.”

“I'd rather I wasn't recognised for anything,” Ninsei points out. “I like being left alone.”

Gado chuckles. “You're such a damn hermit. And you try to say you have nothing in common with your brother.”

“Don't go there.”

“Look,” Gado smirks. “You're the only guy I know who'd complain about a solid ten out of ten redhead with a tight butt in short shorts hanging out with you every day.”

Ninsei shakes his head. “I don't... complain about that. At most, I grumble.”

“What's the story with you two, anyway?” Gado ask. “You ever... make out?”

Ninsei pauses. “That's none of your business.”

“So you have,” Gado smirks. “Okay, one time thing? Or semi-regular?”

“None of your business.”

“So on the regular,” Gado chuckles. “Ninsei, you old dog!”

Ninsei blushes. “D-don't you have other people to tease? I don't deserve-you hear that?”

The two boys turns their heads towards the rustling bushes to their side. Could it be a badger? Or a particularly frisky couple?

Out from the hedges instead pops none other than Katsuyori, the bodyguard sent to the school by Risa's father. “Ahoy, gents!” he salutes while shaking a branch off his leg awkwardly. “I see you discovered my shortcut from the school to town. I discovered taking the downhill forest path shaves off an entire four minutes, and all I have to do is avoid nettles and branches!”

Ninsei and Gado glare silently as the smiling Katsuyori in his flamboyant pose, before turning their heads forward and walking in unison.

“H-hey!” Katsuyori calls out. “Don't just walk off, guys!”
>>
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“What are you even doing here?” Gado notes. “Shouldn't you be bothering Risa?”

Katsuyori wags his finger. “Hey now, there's some places where even I can't in good conscience keep an eye on her... and the spoiled princess likes to take long baths. Pretty good news for me, gives me some free time away from work and being yelled at by the general's brat.”

“Instead of bothering us,” Ninsei points out. “Why don't you spend your free time doing something worthwhile? Like throwing yourself into the lake.”

Ninsei and Gado move on as Katsuyori scratches the back of his head.

“Ah shit,” he mutters. “I'm not really making friends here, am I? Look, I'm just trying to do my job.”

“And your job sickens me to my core,” Ninsei points out. “The man you work for is a monster. To do his dirty work. And you expect us to just act like your buddies when you ask? Don't you know where we're from? What we've been through? General Aoki burned my family to the ground, he killed my family.”

“He took everything from me...” Gado mutters.

Katsuyori stamps his foot into the ground. “What, you think you two are the only kids who grew up in Rubi? Where do you think I'm from?”

Gado and Ninsei stop in their tracks, turning back to glare at Katsuyori. “You're from Rubi?”

“Yeah...” Katsuyori admits. “My village was burned to the ground when I was young. I lived close to the border... it was one of the first villages taken by Safaia.”
>>
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The two continue to stare at Katsuyori until Ninsei blurts out. “And yet... you have the gall, the nerve to work for the man who took everything from us? You're happy to serve the grim reaper of our country? You're worse than scum, you're a traitor to your blood, a snake who-”

“-You really think I'm happy?” Katsuyori fires back. “Look at me! Do I look like the hardened, well-trained infinitely loyal soldier to you? I'm just a mercenary. Because unlike you two, I was never lucky enough to escape the country! I've been a prisoner ever since that day, just like everyone still stuck in Rubi! I don't want to work under the general... I have to, okay? It's the only option available for someone like me! So... don't you bullshit me, pal! I've got not love for that man, and the fact that I've gotta babysit his brat makes me sick to my stomach! The only comfort I've got left is that I've never taken a life in the name of Aoki... and trust me, with what I've been forced to do, that's hard to avoid.”

A long, drawn out silence breaks out between the three men. Ninsei and Gado stare at Katsuyori in total silence, until finally Gado turns his head towards Ninsei. “Let's get going.”

The two turn their heads and walk off as Katsuyori lets out a defeated sigh.

“You coming along?” Ninsei asks, as he turns his head back to Katsuyori.

“Huh?” the merc raises his eyebrow.

“Yeah,” Gado adds. “I don't fully trust you... but I can throw you a bone. Besides, you're good at math, you probably have some secret cost-effective way of grocery shopping.”

Katsuyori's smirk returns as he cuts another flamboyant pose. “Sounds excellent, my man! Hey, you wanna gamble on some dice in town?”

“No,” Gado replies. “You look like you'd cheat.”

“Well spotted, my good man!”

END OF SCENE
>>
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“It was a good service... weird, but good.”

Akio and Hikaru sit on bench on the courtyard, Akio leaning forward, resting his chin in his hands.

“Naoaki was an odd guy, wasn't he?” Akio asks, looking straight ahead.

Hikaru shrugs. “I mean, I only met him once. He grabbed my butt then stole you away for a summer... can't say I was a fan. Do you want to come inside? It's freezing out here.”

Akio shakes his head. “You don't have to be cold for my sake, babe.”

“I'm fine. I'm wearing layers,” Hikaru states. “It's you I'm worried about, dummy. I don't want you doing something stupid and catching a cold.”

Akio pauses in thought, still staring ahead. Of course, his mind isn't on whether he should wear a jacket or not. “I carry so many scars on my body. Most of them he gave me. I was just a kid... but then, I think about how strong I've become. I owe that to him. He helped me become the man I wanted.”

“Don't pin too much on your uncle,” Hikaru smirks. “I like to think you had most to do with that.”

“You too,” Akio points out. “You stopped me from becoming just another Naoaki. Still...”

Akio lets out a sigh. “I owe a lot to him. And I like to think... in his own stupid, strange way... he actually cared about me. That he saw me as family. But... because of how he was, I'll never know. He died without letting me in on who he truly was...”

“You okay?” Hikaru asks, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Akio pauses. “I don't know... it sounds stupid. But thinking about it has left me all... I don't know...”

“Sad? Melancholic?”

“Nah babe,” Akio tries to smirk. “Why would I-”

“Can it Akio,” Hikaru interrupts. “You have feelings.”
>>
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Akio lets out a small laugh as he places his hand upon Hikaru's. “You're right... thanks babe.”

Hikaru smirks. “Well, I've gotten used to talking sense into you.”

“For everything Hikaru...” Akio states. “For waiting for me, for being patient with me, for putting up with me all this time...”

Hikaru snorts and flicks Akio in the nose.

“Huh, what'd you do that for?” Akio ponders.

“You really are a dummy!” Hikaru laughs. “Akio, I never... put up with you. I love you... I'm always by your side, I've always been by your side. You know me. Am I the kind of person who would tolerate someone I didn't like?”

“You are very vindictive,” Akio admits, getting a poke in the ribs for his trouble. “Not helping your case!”

Hikaru tilts her head. “Then why would you think I would stay with you if you were someone I had to put up with? When I'm with you... I'm happy beyond words.”

Akio pauses. “I... feel the exact same way, Hikaru.”

“I know... and your uncle loved you,” Hikaru clarifies. “I only met him once and I can tell.”

Akio smiles before leaning in and kissing Hikaru upon the forehead. She blushes as he throws his arm around her shoulder and they cuddle on the bench. Akio looks up at the night sky and points. “Hey, see that constellation there?”

“Ursa Major?” Hikaru notes.

Akio chuckles. “Should have figured you'd know it. Well, Naoaki used to point to it and say he saw himself there.”

“Wow, someone with an even bigger ego than you,” Hikaru jokes. “Not even you've claimed to see yourself in the stars!”

“I don't know...” Akio smirks. “Looking at it now... I think I can see him.”

END OF SCENE




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