VII. My Way Home, written and told by Anemone.

Extra Phase: Town Central Raid

“Ugh. My ears still hurt. It was like hell.”

Shiryuu-senpai was still checking if there had been any defects developed by her ear by poking her pinkie finger in it.

“True, I could still hear even if the karaoke was almost a mile away from us. It seems an after-voice could be still heard inside the shop. It’s like a haunted apparition on a haunted house.”

“Hey! Where’s the sympathy earlier? You’re supposed to be at my side, aren’t you?”

“Not after you damage our hearing.”

“Humu. I never thought Suzuha’s singing power could still be amplified with the use of karaoke speakers. That dealt devastating damage to you guys. I guess I’ve learned something new from this experiment.”

“Uwaaah. I don’t want to hear that from someone who cheated on the very last minute.”

I immediately retorted. We have been cheated. But there were no rules saying you could not do something about being able to protect your ears from not hearing Suzuha-senpai’s singing. So it was still her win.

“Ky-ky-kyrie-chan did nothing wrong!!” –Moemi defended her even when unneeded.

“Fine fine. Still, I’m amazed you haven’t got much damage despite being the one sitting closest to the speakers. Sometimes I’m really amazed how your cow breasts could achieve great feats. Like for example, being able to vibrate back the sound. It makes you soundproof at very convenient times.”

“MEANIE! KYRIE-CHAN!! ANNECHI IS BULLYING ME AGAIN!!”

We were a loud noisy bunch walking at the sidewalk. Though we’re not really bothering anyone or a nearby establishment with our noise, I still gave them a few breaks in order for them to keep being aware of the surroundings. I thought that’s the very least I could do.

To be honest it was my very first time walking home with Kyrie-senpai and the rest of the club members altogether afterschool. I did not know whether it was a very rare occasion to the others but at least for me it was one.

I could proudly say I was happy at the moment. It was happiness real compared to my previous experience.

“Ssssh!! We’re getting too noisy again!”

“Jeez, Annechi you’re too stingy! Look, even Kyrie-chan won’t try to stop our fun.”

“Because it would be wasted energy and effort. Little Annette is already doing a fine job so why would I still bother to do the same? For the record, what we’re doing might really be bothering the other establishments.”

“AAAAAA!! That’s right! Guys let us tone down!”

And there was a brief moment of silence.

“Ah, that’s right, guys there’s a shop I suddenly wanted to visit and it’s supposed to be at this area too! If you want guys you can tag along.”

Suzuha-senpai suddenly spoke up. She seemed to have recovered already from that embarrassing 30 minutes of her life.

“A beauty shop, perhaps.” –Shiryu-senpai concluded.

“As if! I may look like an average gal but there are still other things I’m interested with!” –she answered like she was being mocked with.

“Like for example?”

Suzuha-senpai then went silent and turned away from us. It seemed to be an embarrassing hobby, as if she’d die if she’s told us or we knew accidentally. But there was no point in hiding it, especially now that she’s let it slip.

“You know, those manga stuff that I’ve been reading.”

“Oh, so that was it, huh? What a turnoff.”

“Well I’m sorry I’ve had a very dull life!”

To be honest I was a bit disappointed too at that time. I’ve expected I’d be learning something new from one of my senpais. Lately I had been very interested in each of my senpai’s backgrounds and developments. It might be because each of them had their own distinct characters like those protagonists from those manga series Suzuha-senpai’s talking about.

To put it simply, I was a protagonist of a good story. Then there’s suddenly a groups I’d encounter, being led by a great leader (which was Kyrie-senpai) and later on I’d be a part of that group. Then I would have major roles with the developments of the sub-characters (which would be my other senpais), in which I would later on know the ‘why’-s and their character backgrounds too.

Of course I would be glad to be one of those characters.

I’d like to know much about my senpais too with the very little time we’d be together. What could I do, I was once just a lonely girl hanging out with my ‘friends’ and have never experienced this.

But the development on my relationship with Kyrie-senpai had a different route which I’ve always handled with care like a fragile package.

“My my it’s okay Suzucchi-senpai. I’ve been reading mangas too, it’s actually nothing you should get ashamed of or something to hide.”

Well this should cheer her up, at the very least…

I tried to console Suzuha-senpai by rubbing her back. I then looked at Amane-senpai and immediately removed my hand. She was glaring at me and was omitting some dangerous aura. I did not intentionally consoled Suzuha-senpai with the ulterior motive of competing with winning over her heart. I just did it out of pure goodwill.

I smiled at her and did the ‘I don’t mean anything by it.’ message.

She realized my intention and removed hostility. She then spoke.

“Well if we we’re to go then we should all go together. I really think the time we hanged out at the karaoke is still not enough. Come on guys, we still have a lot more time before evening. You might see also see some good reads there.”

“Well, what do you say, Kyrie-chan.” –Shiryu-senpai asked for an approval.

It might be an extended activity but it’s fine by me. I really got not much to do at home than watching TV and grow my fats as I eat chips and drink soda. That might be the same for the others, but Shiryu-senpai’s decision, consulting to Kyrie-senpai first was really needed, considering the position Kyrie-senpai had as a daughter of a well-known family.

It’s the same as saying it might be dangerous for an ojou-sama* to be out at the busy town center in the middle of the evening without any escorts.

“Well It should be fine. Also remove that ‘Kyrie-senpai is a delicate princess’ look at your face little Annette. I could handle myself perfectly fine even without my butlers.”

Heh, you cheating esper.

I couldn’t do anything but give a smirk.

Suzuha-senpai gave a sudden burst of joy, now given a chance to boast her hobby to her friends.

“Really?! I love you guys! Let’s go!”

“No just love only me.”

“Ah, there you go again, Amanecchi-senpai…”

---

“Whoah! We got a new volume for this pirate series! I haven’t got the chance to read this for a long while. I guess I could buy the few volumes from the last chapter I’ve read!”

“I see you’re interested in action and adventure genre more, Suzucchi-senpai.”

I’ve been talking with Suzuha-senpai once we’ve entered the shop. The shop was about a block away from where Suzuha-senpai asked us to tag along so it was just a few minutes of walk. We didn’t had a hard time finding it because it was just alongside the street.

The shop was a bookstore, featuring a mix of old used and brand new books. There were sections for magazines too and our target: the entertainment section. The section had a mix of mangas, light novels, magazines and foreign comics. The whole shop had a smell of old books despite having both mix of delivered new books to sell. The old books looked like they were being maintained so they were still presentable to be displayed on the rack.

The shop was being run by a family as Suzuha-senpai mentioned but I looked at the cashier and there was only an old man watching it.

It was supposed to be a busy time but there hadn’t been any people besides us at the shop. We could make noise all we want but in consideration to the old man on the watch, we couldn’t. At least we could have normal conversation but we’ve refrained from becoming our usual noisy bunch.

“Hmmm, not really that into adventure and action. I just give some interesting series on a certain genre a quick read If I get interested to it, then I’ll be switching to another if I get bored or I filled my need.”

“Wow I see. That gives me an idea maybe I should try another genre for a change.”

“What have you been interested with anyways?”

“Mmmm. Romance.”

“Whoah so girly.”

“Ah yeah, now’s really the time to get confused on what’s the norm form girls and what’s not.”

“Ahaha! Sorry sorry. It was just I was expecting you to be a hardcore otaku too. Well at least we got a share of interest. What stories have you read already?”

“Please spare me the titles. Memorization had always been my weakest skill. But I could at least remember the plot.”

“Okay then, tell me.”

“Uhm… Let’s see. There was this maid, and a rich boy, and these characters…”

Blah, blah, blah.

“Oh those plots, I remember those. They’re quite old series…”

Blah, blah, blah.

We’ve gotten to immersed with the topic that we started to not pay attention within our surroundings. I like romance plots. In fact I’ve always wanted to at least once fall in love, with a boy at my age. Maybe a childhood friend or a sudden transfer student from a foreign country. But those stories were really seldom to experience in real life. But it’s fine, that’s why I’ve been reading novels and mangas at least to keep myself being fantasized by stories I might not be able to experience.

“Humu. This seems to be a good story.”

I was suddenly taken back to reality by a familiar voice at my left. It was Kyrie-senpai.

“Ah Kyrie-senpai, where are the others?”

I tried to speak my way out of not being able to notice her fast.

THUD!

I got hit with a rolled issue on my head.

“Hey! That hurts! Also Please don’t roll it that way if you’re not gonna buy it!”

“Already bought it.”

“Ah yes, rich man’s perks.”

“Humu. That’s what you get for not noticing me sooner.”

“Ah yes, esper perks.”

“You actually believe those rumors?”

“No. But I’m starting to believe it’s real. Can I take a look at that? What’s the story?”

I extended my hand towards her with an act of ‘Can I borrow? I’ll try to give a quick read.’ without saying anything.

She understood the intent and let me borrowed the manga issue. It was a story about a man at early twenties, suddenly waking up and realizing a whole new world was suddenly transported to the one he’s originally living, making the two worlds being able to coexist, and triggering brand new adventures which he’s going to experience.

“Oh, this story got serialized?”

“How would I know. I haven’t really had time to study about this field.”

“Oh at least you’re still at the borders of being a human.”

“Hahahaha! Nice one Annechi!”

“Of course I’m still a human. It’s not like I’m the very personification of all this world’s knowledge and wisdom. There should be fields that would still require studying if I want to excel on it.”

Kyrie-senpai was flustered. Maybe it was because I’ve hit a score against her, not to menton in front of Suzuha-senpai. And with Suzuha-senpai should be Amane-senpai watching nearby. Actually include everyone at the shop. To witness a newbie at the club like me score one against Kyrie-senpai was already a great feat.

“Humu. You guys are getting punishment tomorrow at the club.”

She just shyly turned away to avoid getting teased. Everybody else had their own reactions after seeing that side of her. I thought, how cute, but I did not let any hint of that show on my face as it would further hurt our prideful prodigy club president.

“Hehehe, fine fine, I guess I’ll gladly accept it this time. But I’d be still worried about whatever that ‘punishment’ is.”

We were giggling inside the shop, considering to still maintain the usual volume we’ve been keeping since we entered. I did not even look at the old man but for sure he was also like, “Ah, youth…” with a smile dedicated to us.

At that moment we still did not know of what Kyrie-senpai really plans with the issue she’s bought. Or rather, we never really knew. Why was she so not herself by that time?

“Ah maybe I’ll just buy these two. Wait for me here guys, I’ll just pay over at the counter”

“Okay then.”

I looked at the two (Suzuha and Amane-senpai package) approach the counter.

Eh… really?

To be honest, they look like a disabled person being accompanied by a guardian.

“Are you sure you aren’t going to buy Annechi?”

“Ah it’s fine. Perhaps you could suggest me some good romance genres or you could lend me some. Hehehe…”

“Mmmm… ‘kay!”

I meant it only as a joke but I did not expect that she would take it seriously.

“Hooh, really? Thanks!”

“Well instead of them being eaten by dust at home it’s better to share them. I’d let you guys borrow too!”

“I’m good.”

“If Kyrie-chan is good with it, then I’d read too!”

“I’ve always read them when we’re alone at your house.”

“Humu. I’ll give this a quick read first. Then I’ll just ask if I’m interested.”

Kyrie-senpai had regained composure.

“Okay then, let’s go. I guess we’re done here.”

Suzuha-senpai took the lead. She was the host of the event anyways. The unsuccessful activity we’ve had at the karaoke was redeemed with Suzuha-senpai’s shop visit. At the very least she’s redeemed herself from the humiliating sing a song event.

After a few more talks we’ve decided to leave the shop. We then decided to go separate-ways at the station. I’ve decided to accompany Kyrie-senpai for a short walk until she meets up with her escort. At first Moemi-senpai was insisting she would be the one to accompany her but it was too much of a risk, so the majority voted no. Everybody had already disapproved of Moemi-senpai for Kyrie-senpai.

As we walk on the street and the streetlight started to turn on due to the darkness, Kyrie-senpai initiated a talk, which she does not usually do.

“Are you having fun?”

I was shocked. I knew what she was talking about.

But I still do not know.

“I…” –I did now know what to answer.

“It’s fine, you know already. I trust you with that.”

“Eh? I haven’t said anything yet.”

I wondered if she’s just making things up or she could really tell what’s on my mind. I am happy, sure. But still…

“You have to be certain. Time’s running out, quickly… We will be gone before you even notice.”

She cut to the chase. Kyrie-senpai must have thought prolonging the conversation won’t do any good. It was really not her style too. But that was not the case for me. I wanted to stall the time so much to think about it again: What would I be doing after they graduate?

“Well if you’re really that uncertain, you could disband the club then go back to the way you used to be. Fufufu. As if there are still members besides you after we graduate.”

“You haven’t even considered the possibility of someone wandering there mysteriously and being mystified on me.”

“Don’t even bother waiting. Trust me it only applies to me.”

I pouted.

She was really getting ahead of herself. It made me want to think of how I could drag her off her high horse. But I couldn’t really think of any. She seemed to always show no weakness. She’s Kyrie-senpai anyways.

But however the topic prolongs, it still goes back to the pressing issue.

“Guess there’s no point in further extending this talk… Ugh. Should I really pick now?”

“I didn’t mean to pressure you, no worries. But the faster you get to choose, the more time you get to spend further improving yourself. Remember, the cogwheels won’t turn unless it is either automatic or there’s someone operating it manually.”

“Cut the last part. It really doesn’t make any sense.”

But she was right. I thought: Kyrie-senpai might lose interest on helping me on the situation I’m in if I still try to prolong our daily lives like this without making any progress for myself. But making rash decisions won’t do any good.

If it really has come to this, then… Only one thing comes to my mind.

“It came to me once to establish a club that will succeed yours, make it a legit club with legit activities. Also participate at school events and stuff. For once I’ve thought about being a club president worthy to your standards. If you would just allow me to inherit your position, yeah.”

That thought came across my mind several times while thinking what I would do after they graduated. It would be a lot of work since I would be the only one left after they graduate, but I thought I could manage if I just put on tons of effort.

“Now I’m even more worried about the future of the club. Fufufu. Would it really be alright to entrust the whole club and clubroom to you?”

“Jeez!”

“Humu. Kidding aside, that was quite a better response, compared to the first time we had a serious talk at my little hideout.”

A little praise she gave meant a lot for me. I was happy. Who would not be? However big or small, whoever it came from a parent or someone’s closest club president, a praise is a praise. I smiled and giggled like a kid being patted at the head.

After that, we have a few more topics discussed. I did not notice the time and was surprised we’re already at the perimeter of the school.

There was a big black car already parked near the entrance and seemed to be waiting for Kyrie. It was already a few minutes past seven.

“Thank you for accompanying Lady Kyrie back at the meeting place.” –The butler told me as we exchanged bows to each other.

“No worries. I’m quite worried about her being alone at this time of the night too.”

“Humu. I will triple your punishment tomorrow.”

“Fine, fine.”

We exchanged smiles, as a symbol of our deepening friendship. Those were the moments we’re really close friends to exchange words with just an exchange of glances. It had just been almost a year.

As she tried to enter the car, she quickly stopped stepping inside and looked at me.

“Ah by the way, Little Annette.”

“Hmm?”

“About the manga I’ve bought… Maybe I’ll try to... murmur… Humu, nevermind. See yah tomorrow.”

I was puzzled.

Well maybe she was just playing her usual mind games on me. Better not think too much about it.

She entered the car, and it left.

Our daily lives continued with just the usual: we hang out; we do ridiculous club activities at times. Then we do common club activities at times. It was just a continuous routine that we’ve kept doing day by day each and every week. Then we did not notice the days going on too fast.

Until graduation day went.

Anemone

Modern Earth, 20xx+3

“Now I’m quite curious as to what happened after your graduation.”

Maou Spence-sensei, or Fred, emptied his nth mug of beer after speaking. He had gone several times downstairs just to had a refill. That also covered time to cut my story and to think of events that happened instead of telling a whole long story.

It was getting quite late. I wondered if he would be safe until he gets home. It’s nearly time for the end of the after party and we’ll both go separate ways.

“Hey, That’s quite a story you got. But I assure you somebody out there’s gone through worse. At least that’s the only fact I could give you for now, given my circumstances.”

Is he talking about himself? Now I’m curious. How much could he tell me about his story?

I wondered.

I’ve heard the other members of the team calling for us. It was about time to leave already. But the city lights at that late time of the evening were quite a scenery that the two of us. He might not have been hearing the people calling for us due to the effect of the alcohol so I tried at least once to call out to him but he looked like he didn’t want to be bothered.

So I let him be for a few more moments and gave a ‘In a minute.’ signal to the people downstairs.

I’ve talked a lot. I’ve told a lot. Those were stories of my past that I thought would be alright to tell him because I somehow felt we were sharing a thing in common, that was being a friend to a certain somebody named Kyrie.

How much have Kyrie told him about her past. Was I included on those stories too? As much as I wanted I could not dictate Kyrie-senpai with what she’s supposed to do. After all, I was just being considered as a stupid subordinate, at the same time, a friend.

At least I’m confident about that.

“Hey they’re calling out for us. Are you alright? It seems like the beer is getting more and more into your system. We’re about to leave already… Heeeeey!!”

“Oh, yeah, alright. Sorry I spaced out.”

Now besides the unusual way of speaking he’s shown a while ago, now I’m quite curious and envious of him too. Maybe I’ll try to stick with him when I have a chance. Or maybe…

“Fufufu. More like dozing off already. I really hoped that little time sobered you up already. It’s good to see the ‘Great Maou’ showing these kinds of vulnerabilities.”

Thud.

“You kid dare talk to me like that. It would be decades… No, centuries before you could pull ahead one on me.”

He smiled, me too. It was really a good thing that he could talk on the same wavelength as me. I’ve only spent most of the time in the past with girls, so having an acquaintance of the opposite sex I could chat with at times was a good experience too.

“Well come now. I guess this would be the last time I would be speaking with you normally, since I will be. The. Very. Great. Qu-een of Darkness once we meet again. But it’s not like you would remember everything that’s happened and everything I’ve told anyways. You’re really spent.”

I looked at him and he was like an old jolly geezer, silly swaying being drunk while walking at an alley. He might find himself beside a trash bin the day after.

Her editor, Seria and the Old man suddenly went up to fetch us.

Seria gave good old Maou-spence sensei a smack. Ouch that will surely hurt once he’s sober. Old man supported his shoulder, indicating that he really couldn’t walk anymore. That was why he won’t budge even if being fetched already.

“Oh, he’s already passed out.”

“Siiigh… We ll you’re used to this already, so I guess you could be his cab and get him home safely. I do’t want to be branded as someone who’s really irresponsible that her author died on an accident being too drunk.”

“Fine fine.. I’ll take him by car. How about you, Anemone-sensei? Are you drunk? I could hitch you one towards your apartment.”

“Ah, it’s fine. I could manage myself.”

“No, you don’t. You look like a fired hostess! I’ll take you home.”

“Quit it or I’ll smack you. Your top priority right now is getting the goofball home. Who knew he was already that spent and can’t handle beer well.”

“MURMUR. I’VE ALWAYS BEEN THIS WAY!! MORGIANNA GET ME TO THE CARRIAGE!! AAAHG AT LEAST LET ME DRINK A GLASS OF YOUR MILK BEFORE I DIE! I ALREADY DIED!!”

“Whoah!”

We we’re shocked. He was still aware of his surroundings. He was so drunk that he’s already shouting nonsense sentences.

“Okay, he’s your responsibility now, but only until he’s sober. Get it Old man?!”

“Hey hey hey!”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of Little Anemone here. I’ll make sure to give those guys who’ll try to hit on us a thorough beating.”

That doesn’t sound so good… I feel even more in danger with her.

Seria did all the planning. It was called ‘Operation Drive the Maou Home Safely’, featuring Old man, hostess mode me, and a yankee.

But before we all went separate ways, I closed my distance with Fred a bit and whispered to him.

“Well I’ll pay you a visit, maybe in a week or two. Let me tell you a trivia: I originally live at the same hometown as you.” –Then I went with his editor while skipping and feeling happy. At least I was able to give him a payback once.

After that I was really escorted home safely by Seria and she parted ways with me at the front yard of my apartment complex. All that was left was to climb at the floor I’m staying. She saw no more threats with that so she decided it would be okay to leave me.

The night was eventful, and full of brought back memories. I wondered if I would be able to experience the same thing Kyrie-senpai have let me experience the very first year of my high school again. Even more now that we’ve got a chance to meet again by a sudden twist of fate.

That was one of the night I was able to sleep peacefully and soundly after I’ve relocated to the main city.