Persona BLEACHED 2: Part 8

Chapter 8: Autumn in the Mountains
September 16, 2028
"How was it?" 
"I don't know how many different ways I can say 'amazing', so I'll just give a thumbs up."
The school theater, early morning. Barbara had just finished another singing session. Kibō was again listening in, only now from the front row, rather than hiding behind a seat. 
"I'll say one thing though, Barbara. Your singing's been...different lately. Like it's had a happier sound to it. The first time I heard you sing, it sounded kind of sad."
"Well, I try to sing how I feel. Everything's been going really well lately. And it's getting closer to wintertime. I've always been happier in colder weather. That and, well...I don't feel like I need to restrain my voice when you're around. I feel...comfortable singing when you're around."
"Oh...oh. Well, I'm...glad you're comfortable around me. I wouldn't want it to be awkward. Like it...kind of is...right now."
"Ahahahaha...yeah. Anyway...we should get going. Have to meet the others at the train station."
"Yeah, right, train station. Let's, uh...go."
The two (awkwardly) made their way to Naruki Grand Terminal, where the rest of the class was waiting. "Morning, everyone." Barbara greeted cheerfully. Seeing the two arriving together, Kenji raised an eyebrow. Max wordlessly stared daggers at Kibō.
"Soooo...what's on the docket for today?" Sahir asked, trying to break the tension.
"Same as always, Kicks. Wander around and see whatever comes our way. 50/50 chance it ends with Keebs getting punched in the face." Kitty deadpanned.
"One time, ONE TIME I get punched and you never let me hear the end of it." Kibō griped.
"Nothing wrong with a little aimless sightseeing. Life's better when you're being spontaneous." Barbara said. "Plus I hear Karakura is a lot quieter than Naruki. Should be a calmer day. With no one getting punched in the face."
Kibō tried saying something, but just shook his head and sighed.
A few minutes later, the train arrived, and the group boarded. It was crowded, so most of the students had to stand and grab onto a pole. "Mmmmph, it's so noisy. I can't even hear myself think." Natalia muttered.
"That's why you need headphones, Hoodsy." Kitty replied.
"Well, why don't you get her one of yours, Kitten?" Carrie asked.
"They're custom-made. But I can make an exception. For 50,000 yen." She took a sip of water.
"Wh-what?! B-but we're friends, right?! Shouldn't I get a discount?" Natalia protested.
"That is with a discount." Kitty retorted.
"Hmph. Speaking of noisy..." Kenji interjected. He pointed towards a delinquent with a mohawk, chatting with a pair of women. "I think we've got ourselves a regular casanova."
"Please don't look over here, please don't look over here..." Barbara muttered. Sure enough, the delinquent walked over. Barbara groaned.
"Wassup, hon? Got yourself an entourage, do ya? Room for one more?"
"I think I might barf..." Barbara said, annoyed.
Someone then placed a hand on the delinquent's shoulder. "Yo, what's the big--"
Max had taken his glasses off, and bore an eerie expression. "Greetings. My name is Yoshikage Kira, and I'm 33 years old." he said with a deeper tone. Kitty spat out her drink, hitting the person standing in front of her, Sahir.
The delinquent looked confused. "My house is in the northeast section of Morioh, where all the villas are, and I am not married. I work as an employee for the Kame Yu department stores, and I get home every day by 8 PM at the latest. I don't smoke, but I occasionally drink." 
"Uhhhh..."
"I'm in bed by 11 PM, and make sure I get eight hours of sleep, no matter what. After having a glass of warm milk and doing about twenty minutes of stretches before going to bed, I usually have no problems sleeping until morning." Max exuded a menacing aura as he spoke.
"....."
"Just like a baby, I wake up without any fatigue or stress in the morning. I was told there were no issues at my last check-up."
"Bruh, what's with the life story?! Ya off yer meds?"
"I'm trying to explain that I'm a person who wishes to live a very quiet life. I take care not to trouble myself with any enemies, like winning and losing, that would cause me to lose sleep at night. That is how I deal with society, and I know that is what brings me happiness. Although..." His gaze became increasingly foreboding. "If I were to fight, I wouldn't lose to anyone."
The delinquent wordlessly walked away.
Max put his glasses back on. The others gawked at him, amazed. "Too much?" he said in his normal voice.
Kitty wiped her mouth. "Did he seriously just recite the whole thing word-for-word...?"
"That's my Maxie for you. The best there is at impressions." Barbara said.
"A bit too good, if you ask me." Sahir replied, water dripping from his face.
A while later, the train arrived at Karakura Town. "Alright, so...let's see here..." Barbara uttered, looking at a town map. "Hunh. Weird. Not a very detailed map, is it? Doesn't even show a train station."
Carrie took a look. "Oh, dear. This might explain it." She pointed at some text printed in tiny lettering at the bottom of the map, that read "Circa 2005". "This map is older than we are, love."
"Oh...um, woops." Barbara muttered, blushing out of embarrassment. "Knew the guy that gave me this thing looked shifty."
Kenji took out his phone. "Perhaps a more 21st century approach is in order."
"Hm. Probably should've checked the date first. That's a boner if I've seen one." Kibō said. Everyone stopped dead and stared at him. "What? Did I say something funny?"
"Umm, Keeb? What'd you just say?" Sahir asked, blinking twice.
"I said using an old map was a boner."
Kitty began snickering. "You...you know what that word means, don't you?" she asked.
"Um, yes? I wouldn't use it if I didn't. It's a silly mistake. That's what my dad told me."
"Keeb, you do know that's not what it means now--" Max began.
"Let me ask you this, Kibō. Did your parents ever give you...the talk? You know, the birds and the bees and all that?" Kenji asked.
"What? My parents give me plenty of talks. None about birds and bees, though. What does that have to do with anything?"
Kitty had a harder time suppressing her laughter. The other girls began blushing. "Oh...oh my God. You really have no idea what we're talking about, do you? You poor, sheltered dummy." Kitty said.
"What's the big deal? All I said was Barbara made a--"
Max cut him off. "OKAY, that's enough of that. Ladies, I'm gonna need you to step away for a minute. Looks like I've gotta make a man out of our boy Keeb. Didn't think this was what I'd be doing today..." He scratched his head. The girls slowly walked away, Kitty still trying not to laugh.
The girls stayed a few yards away, and stood around awkwardly. Suddenly, a shout broke the silence. "WHAT?!" Kitty fell to the ground laughing. "Oh, my. I think someone just had their worldview shattered." Carrie said.
Barbara got a text from Max. "Come back. He knows."
The girls walked back, to see Kibō standing with his hands in his pockets, his eyes enveloped in shadow. "I, uh...I'm going to stay silent for the rest of today. Maybe forever." he uttered.
Kitty put her arm around his shoulder, and flicked his ahoge. "Welcome to the real world, Keebster." she joked.
Kenji was still sifting through his phone. "Well, moving on. From the look of it, this town certainly is less urban than Naruki. Apparently the train station was a run-down mess until roughly 17 years ago. Even with years of development it's a quieter selection than we're used to. Hmm...would anyone be interested in a trip to an art museum?"
"You sure about that, Kenny? I think Keebster here's had enough learning for one day." Kitty said.
"Well I think it sounds like a fun idea. A little culture never hurt anyone. I'm all for a more relaxing day. Speaking of, I noticed there was a park on that old map. Is it still around, by any chance?" Barbara asked.
"Hmm...looks like it is."
"Perfect. Once we're done at the museum we can go there and relax. If that's alright with everyone else."
"I'm more than willing to relax and take in some lovely artwork. Right, Natalia?" Carrie asked.
"Relaxing and quiet is music to my ears." Natalia replied.
"Hear that, Keebster? Calm, easy day. No chance for torment today." Kitty joked.
"God is dead." Kibō deadpanned.
The group made their way to the art museum. They scattered to look at the different exhibits. Kenji stood before a statue: a replica of The Thinker. "Ah. Le Penseur. I'm surprised to see it here of all places." Carrie said as she walked over to him.
"Caroline? Yes, of course you would know of it. It's a French work, after all. I was amazed to find it here as well. Only 28 official castings exist of it. You know, it was catching sight of one as a boy that inspired my interest in sculpting. It exudes an air of such power, yet also such wisdom. I could only dream of sculpting something so inspiring."
"You certainly don't lack for ambition, Kenneth. I could never work with something so massive. I'm far more comfortable with smaller stones."
"So I see. You've crafted everything you wear yourself, correct? Just from a glance, it's rather impressive craftsmanship. Where did you learn to make jewelry, if you don't mind my asking?"
"I learned which stones were best for crafting from my mother. Mostly though, I'm self-taught. My aunt and uncle have given me everything I've needed to make and sell my jewelry."
"You're quite lucky. To have the support system you do. If my parents were even a tenth as supportive as your family is, I wouldn't even need to worry about my own future."
"Why are your parents so against you pursuing your interests? Surely anyone would be proud to say their child is a skilled artist."
"You would think so. But the world I come from is nothing you would describe as normal. A lifestyle of nobility not unlike what you would see on television. One that values strength and manhood over all else. All at the expense of individual thought. Just the fact that I'm here at all was surprising at first. But I've come to realize my parents hoped that a private academy would reaffirm their stance. So detached from the world they are. Hmph. Just imagine their reaction when I came out as gay."
"I am so sorry. That only makes me more grateful that my parents were so supportive, short as our time together was. Even when Boris taught me how to fight, they came around to it when they heard his logic for doing so. I'm sorry it isn't the same for you. Just know that you have our support here. And even if your parents don't approve, I'm certain you have the power to sculpt something wonderous."
Carrie paused before continuing. "Kenneth...I'm afraid I must apologize to you."
"Apologize? You haven't done anything wrong."
"I'm afraid that I have. When we first met, I judged you to be an infuriating...snob, for lack of a better term. I was honestly longing for the moment the Professor took you down a few notches. Seeing you as you are now, though..."
"Hmhmhmhm. You have nothing to be guilty over. My earlier behavior was inexcusable. I was only acting according to my parents' whims. It didn't take long away from them to realize my folly. What surprises me, though, is how quickly you all allowed me in afterwards. I thought you all too easily trusting."
"Well, credit the Professor for that. She preaches forgiveness. If she can find a way to forgive those that tried to end her life, you can be forgiven for behavior that isn't entirely your fault. And we can see now who you really are as a person. You have nothing to feel guilty over."
"Hrm. You may be right. Thank you, Caroline. I must confess I was wrong about you, as well. I'd thought you were just another frail heiress. But I see now that you are very insightful. On top of being a capable fighter. My sword skills may be refined, but even with a blade in my hand, I would hesitate to go against you in a contest of strength."
"You flatter me. But I'm pleased I could prove your first impression wrong. Now what say we cease this talk of combat? This is a museum, after all."
"Right you are. Shall we see what else is on offer, milady?"
"It would be my pleasure, milord." Carrie said jokingly.
Elsewhere, Kibō was staring blankly at a painting. Nearby, Kitty whispered something in Max's ear. "Oh, come on. That's mean." he objected.
"Exactly. Do it." Kitty said.
Max sighed. "Fine."
As Kibō stared at the painting, Max, glasses off, popped up behind him. He spoke in the deeper tone again. "You know, when I was a boy, I saw the famed Mona Lisa." Kibō took on a horrified expression. "When I saw her, her arms folded on her legs, I...oh, this is going to sound so dirty. You see, I...I got a BONER."
The shadows enveloping Kibō's eyes draped over his entire face. "If you would excuse me, I'm going to go find a rock to crawl under..." He skulked away.
Kitty laughed. Max shook his head. "Don't you think that's twisting the knife a bit?" he asked.
"Hey, you went along with it. And I'm not one to turn down a golden opportunity like that."
"Y'know I'm sure your sister thinks the same thing when she steals something."
"OUCH. Okay, you got me there. Sorry."
"No, no, I'm sorry, that was out of line."
"Hey, I'm the one that made the mean joke, and YOU'RE the one apologising? You're a weird one, Sparky."
"So I've been told. What was Keeb looking at, anyway..."
The painting showed a muscular, bearded man wielding a sword, standing over the ocean. Beneath him was an enormous serpent, with eight heads jutting out of the water.
"Susano-o slaying the Yamata-no-Orochi. Do you know the legend behind this one, Kitty?"
"Vaguely."
"The legend says that the storm god Susano-o was banished from heaven for offending his sister, the sun goddess Amaterasu. He came across a couple who had been forced to offer seven of their daughters to the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi. The time was coming to offer their eighth and only living daughter, so they begged Susano-o to kill the monster. Using his wits, he tricked the serpent into drinking so much alcohol that it fell asleep. Once that was done, he began cutting off the heads one-by-one. He took the couple's daughter as his bride, and offered the sword taken from Orochi's corpse, the legendary Grass-Cutter, as a peace offering to Amaterasu."
"Woof. That's a lot to take in, Sparky."
"Sorry, I must've been boring you to tears rambling like that."
"Oh, not at all. You make it sound so interesting. How do you know all of this, anyway?"
"Well, I'm a big fan of superhero movies if you couldn't already tell. Thor especially. So I've done some research into myths involving Thor, one being him fighting the Midgard Serpent. Turns out 'storm god fights giant sea snake' is a pretty common trope in myths. And, since we're here I thought it'd be interesting to see if there was a Japanese equivalent. Oh jeez, I'm rambling again, aren't I?"
"Hey, it's a geek's natural instinct to gush about what they're into. I do the same thing with Metal Gear. You have NO idea how hard it is to explain that series to someone that's never played it."
"Don't even get me started. They look at you like you're speaking a different language. All for a series about sneaking around."
"Wait, Sparky, you've played it?"
"I don't play a lot of games, but that's definitely one of them."
"Prove it. Give me your best Snake impression."
"Hrrrrrm. Colonel, I'm going to get the groceries. Anything you need? Some soda or potato chips, maybe?" he said in a low, gravelly voice.
Kitty let out a laugh, but covered her mouth as some people close by shushed. "Sorry." she said quietly. "Sparky, we should probably stop now. Cuz I clearly can't control myself today."
"Right. Let's just get back to the art."
Meanwhile, Natalia was gazing at a large tapestry. It bore the image of a dark-haired woman in ornate robes, emerging from a cave, as dozens of people looked on. "There you are, Nats. I was wondering where you scurried off to." Barbara approached her.
"Oh, Barb. I didn't make you worry, did I?"
"Oh no, that's not what I meant. I'm just so used to seeing you and Carrie together. And usually you jump a bit when someone tries to get your attention. I guess you're used to our voices by now."
"I guess. There was some stuff Care wanted to look at, and I wanted to come down this way. I'm used to seeing stuff by myself, anyway. I'm still getting used to having a big group of people to hang out with."
"Didn't you have people to talk to back home?"
Natalia looked down. "Not really. I've never been good at talking to people. But Care was so friendly when we met. Like, she actually likes being around me. And I like being around her. You must think this sounds so pathetic."
"I don't think that at all. Honestly, I can relate to feeling lonely."
"You? But you're so cool, and pretty."
"You're just flattering me. Back home, I have a reputation for being something of a chatty gossip. Meaning a lot of people tend to stay away from me. I was happy to come here since I could leave that reputation back in Kentucky. Here I can just be Barbara the theater girl. Ah, but that's enough about me. What were you looking at?"
"Oh, this one's called Amaterasu Emerges from the Cave. I heard she's the goddess of the sun. I can imagine her being otherworldly pretty..."
"Ah. So refreshing to see today's youth taking an interest in the history of this land."
A man approached the two girls. He was middle-aged, with messy black hair, and wore a navy blue tropical shirt adorned with images of crescent moons, along with dark sunglasses. "Pardon my interrupting. I simply enjoy talking to the younger generation. My name is Professor Farquhar. I'm something of a traveling historian."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Barbara. And this is Natalia. Could you tell us about the myth behind this piece?"
"I most certainly can. Amaterasu, the Imperial Goddess of the Sun. Revered as the progenitor for all of Japan's emperors. Here, she is emerging from a self-imposed exile, taken after yet another spat with her brother Susano-o, the god of the sea. It was for this particular spat that Susano-o was banished from the heavens, which eventually led to him slaying the serpent Orochi. Such is the fate of those who transgress against the Imperial Goddess. Even when they are her kin."
"In the beginning, there were the two progenitor gods, Izanagi and Izanami. But Izanami perished, and when Izanagi travelled to the underworld to retrieve her, he gazed upon her rotted form, and fled in horror. While purifying himself of the sight, the great noble deities of the sky were birthed. From his left eye came Amaterasu, goddess of the sun. From his right eye came Tsukiyomi, god of the moon. And from his nose was born Susano-o, god of the storm. Though the three would help forge all that makes this land, their relationship would be dubious, at best. Amaterasu and Susano-o's feuds were well noted."
"What about the moon god? You've hardly mentioned him so far." Barbara asked.
"Tsukiyomi became Amaterasu's consort. It was a happy union, until one fateful day. Uke Mochi, goddess of food, invited Amaterasu to a grand feast. The sun goddess sent Tsukiyomi to represent her. Uke Mochi crafted the food by consuming parts of the Earth and sea, then spitting it out as food. Even though it looked exquisite, Tsukiyomi saw the method as disgusting and an affront to his wife, and killed Uke Mochi on the spot. Amaterasu was so enraged by this that she refused to ever look Tsukiyomi in the eye ever again. Thus, the sun and moon never appear in the sky together."
"Wow. So that's why we have day and night, a marital spat?" Barbara asked.
"Way I see it, I can't really blame Amaterasu for being so upset. I mean, who kills someone over food?" Natalia added.
"Perhaps you're right. Still, consider the position Tsukiyomi was in. That meal was meant for the most revered and beloved of the gods. To present to her representative something forged from a gullet...one might take it as a husband defending his wife's honor. Even if she saw it differently."
"You have some interesting opinions on this, Professor Farquhar. You almost make it sound like you knew them personally." Barbara said.
"Well, chalk that up to spending most of your life researching the old myths. You read the stories so often you start to see the characters as old friends. People like to see the gods as these examples of perfection, but they had their flaws. It helps to connect them with their human subjects. Makes them seem not so different."
Farquhar looked at his watch. "Oh, I must beg your pardon. I got so caught up with talking I lost track of time. Hopefully my daughter won't be too upset. She takes after her mother though, so that probably means a harsh glare and a stern talking to. I must bid you girls adieu. It was a pleasure to speak with you. And, Ms. Barbara?"
"Yes? What is it?"
"I can tell you have a curious spirit. While that is certainly healthy, careful what you look into. In the words of one Friedrich Nietzsche, don't stare too long into the darkness, lest it start staring back at you. You would do well to tread lightly, especially in this town and the next one over. Who knows what is slithering in the darkness beneath. Good day, now." He walked away.
Natalia shuddered. "Ooooh, what was that about? 'Watch out for evil things, have a nice day'? What a weird guy..."
"Yeah. Still, something about him felt so...familiar." Barbara pondered.
In another section, Kibō was again staring at a wall. "Keeb? Keeeeeb? Home base to Planet Keeb! Does anyone copy?" Sahir prodded.
"Oh. Sahir. Here for more discussions on birds and bees?" Kibō deadpanned.
"No, no, none of that. You really still on about that whole thing? Everyone's probably forgotten about it by now. Except maybe Kitty. She'll probably be reminding you of it 'til you're 30."
Kibō groaned.
"Gotta say, dude. It's weird to find a high school kid that doesn't know about the circle of life. Politicians must keep their kids sheltered, huh?"
"My parents aren't politicians."
"Huh? But I thought you said--"
"I said I come from a family of politicians. My father dropped out of politics after my brother was arrested. Then he moved us out of Naruki. Wanted to keep us anonymous."
"I see. So what are your folks doing nowadays?"
"They own an electronics shop in Akihabara. They're both pretty tech-savvy. And there's nowhere better to set up a tech shop in the country. Maybe even the world."
"Oh, you've gotta take us, man. Maxie and Kitty would probably freak out. And I hear that's where the best maid cafés are~."
"Tch. Of course that's what you focus on. But no, that wouldn't be a good idea. My parents prefer to keep a low profile."
"Can't be too low if they own a tech store in a place like that. C'mon, it'd be fun. Let 'em see that you're doing alright. I'm sure they'd like to meet your friends."
"Hmm. Maybe you're right. Ever since my brother got into trouble, they've been laser-focused on me being successful. I think they want to make a point to the rest of the family. That one bad seed doesn't equal two."
"Well, if that's all there is to it, they've got nothing to worry about. I don't see a hint of bad seed in ya." Sahir winked. "I'm sure Barb would agree."
"Huh? What's that supposed to--"
"ANYway, what's this you've been gawking at?" Sahir ignored Kibō's words.
"Wait, you didn't--and you're just gonna ignore me." He shook his head. 
The painting showed a scene in front of a temple, of a dark-haired woman seemingly shooing a dark-haired man away. The woman was bathed in light, and the man in shadow. The man looked to be in some pain.
"The sun Amaterasu banishing the moon Tsukiyomi. Now what's the story about this one?" Sahir asked.
"I can answer that." Barbara approached, with Natalia in tow.
"Well hello, ladies. Heard my pleas for aid and came to help? How thoughtful of you~." Sahir said, winking.
"I just felt my stomach boiling. No, we were coming this way already. As it happens, we were just told the story about this painting. It's the aftermath of a dire luncheon. One where the god of the moon murdered the goddess of food over the way she prepared her meals. His wife, the goddess of the sun, was so disgusted by this that she forever turned her back to him. That's why the sun and moon never appear together."
"Day and night coming from a marital spat, eh? Crazy it could last so long." Sahir said.
"Yes, so please keep that in mind the next time you try flirting. It could haunt you for the rest of time." Barbara stated.
Sahir bore a nervous expression. "Hey, come look at this." piped up Natalia. She was looking at the edge of the painting. "Is part of the painting missing?" Signs of tearing were apparent on the edges.
"Hm. Looks like you're right. Judging from the frame, it was probably donated to the museum like this. Wonder what could've been there." Kibō said.
"Maybe there was something someone didn't want anybody to see?" Sahir added.
"It's part of a pretty well-known legend, though. What would there be to hide about it?" Barbara pondered.
"Wish that weird guy wasn't in a hurry. He probably would've known." Natalia said. "This guy said he was a historian. Sounded like he knew a lot about Japanese legends. He told us about the meal myth. But then he said he had to meet with someone and left."
"He was certainly strange. But I guess there's no use worrying about it. Might be something worth looking into some other time." Barbara said. Shortly after that, they went to look for the rest of the group.
A while later, the entire group made their way to Tsubakidai Park, south of the train station. As with the museum, the group split off. Kitty walked along, and came across Carrie, hiding behind a bush. "Um, Care Bear? Isn't being a Peeping Tom Tom extremely un-heiress-like?" 
"Hush, Kitten. Get down, or they'll see you. Those two over there...they look a bit suspicious."
"Hm? Hey, wait. That guy with the eyepatch...he owns the mansion my sister tried to rob."
In the distance, Shūjo stood over something. Next to him was a man with messy black hair, a goatee, and a stylized suit, with the phrase "King of the Beasts" on the back alongside an image of horns. "Alright. That should do it." Shūjo said.
"To think, two men in our position, forced to run minor errands like this..." his companion said.
"It's not 'minor', Kaido. Red said she couldn't make it today, and we were already gonna be around, so I volunteered. God knows Hiyoko would've chewed my ass out if I didn't. And you know who this is for."
"Yeah, yeah, I get that. Just hilarious to think we're running errands for a high school teacher. Still...when you told me the story about this one...woof. Poor girl. I dunno how Red keeps it together."
"I've known her almost nine years and I still don't know. She's a tough one, no doubt about that. Before I forget...that lead we found. It go anywhere?"
"Went about as far as every other one we've gone after, Boss. Absolutely nowhere. Old Man Kagetora's a ghost, same as always. If anyone knows where he's at, they ain't talking."
"Dammit all...I was so sure about this one."
"Boss...you think it might be time to throw in the towel on this?"
"Shut your damn mouth. I'm not quitting until I have that twisted old fool's blood. I can't just stop now, I've given too much--"
"I get it. But nobody's seen him in almost 20 years. If he's even alive--"
"He is alive. He...he has to be. Hiyoko needs him to be."
"Boss, I've known you longer than anyone. I know how much she means to you. But I've seen you wear yourself out over this. Shit, you've lost your eye over it. I'm just worried you'll give up everything over this when the procedure's not even guaranteed to work. If you get yourself killed looking for the corrupt asshole, what's that leave her with? No cure and a dead husband. What do you think that'll do to her?"
"....."
"I'll keep searching if that's what you want. I'll support you 'til my dying day. But remember, there's plenty of stories out there of men doing anything for the women they love...and losing them in the effort. Time you're spending chasing ghosts might be better spent with your wife. Just saying."
"Tch. Y'know, I think I liked you better before you started listening to those philosophy podcasts. Let's just get a move on..." The two men walked off.
Carrie and Kitty walked to where they were standing. "Boy, they were chatting for a while. What are a couple of tough guys doing hanging around a park?" Kitty asked.
Carrie looked down. "What's this now?" On the ground was a plaque, surrounded by freshly placed flowers. "For those who dare to be unique. Know that you are loved." On the plaque was an image of a wasp.
"Guess those guys left them. Looks like they wiped the plaque clean too. Wonder what all that's about." Kitty wondered.
"Hmmm...well, if he is friends with the professor, maybe she'll know? We can ask on Monday. Those two looked rather intimidating, though. Wonder how the professor knows them..." Carrie said.
Elsewhere, Barbara, Natalia, Max and Sahir were looking over a small bridge. Underneath it swam a large number of koi fish. Sahir was dangling fish pellets over the water. "You sure you should be tempting them?" Barbara asked.
"Don't worry about it. We've got crocodiles and hippos in our rivers. Think I'm gonna be scared of a little--" Before he could finish his thought, a koi leapt out of the water and wrapped its mouth around Sahir's hand. He began to shake his arm, trying to get the fish off.
"Boy, those hippos back home must start quaking in their boots when they see you." Max joked.
Kibō watched from afar. Kenji approached him. "Not going to join in?" he asked.
"No, I just wanted to be alone for a minute."
"Something troubling you?"
Kibō sighed. "There's a maximum security prison in the north end of this town. That's where my brother's being kept."
"I see. I suppose being so close may stir up some hard feelings."
"Well, it's not really about me. I was still a kid when he went to jail. It's more about my parents. They took so much heat from the rest of the family. 'How could you let our good name be humiliated like this', et cetera. It got so bad my dad had to drop out of politics completely. He tells me he was planning to anyway but that kind of sealed it. Now here I am, at the same school Kyohei went to and made a royal mess out of."
"Do you think you have to make up for what he did?"
"Feels sometimes like I do. Like I need to be the proof that my parents aren't complete screw-ups. I just want them to have some peace of mind."
"That sounds like a noble endeavor. Just from being around you I can surmise you aren't the type to end up in a maximum security jail cell. I'm sure your parents would be satisfied with how you're doing."
"Yeah..."
The rest of the group walked over. Sahir was shaking his hand, still trying to clean off whatever the fish had left behind. "A secret hookup, boys?" Kitty joked.
"Hardly, you succubus." Kenji retorted.
"Is something wrong, Keeb? You look like you want to say something." Barbara asked.
"...would you guys want to take a trip to Akihabara tomorrow?" Kibō asked.
"Heh, taking my advice after all, huh Keebs? Maid paradise, here I come!" Sahir proclaimed.
"Slow down there, Casanova. What's this all of a sudden, Keeb?" Max asked.
"I know it's out of the blue, but there's somewhere I wanted to take you to. My parents own an electronics store out there. I want them to see that I'm alright. I know that place is night-and-day compared to here, so if you're not comfortable going then that's--"
"Are you NUTS? That place is weeb heaven! I've been wanting to swing by there since getting here! It's the perfect place for people like us, right Sparky?" Kitty said.
"Count me in. From what I hear, that place is one of the Seven Wonders of the Nerd World. Having the chance to go and not taking it would be nine kinds of stupid." Max replied.
"I've heard of the unique culture present there. Might not be my cup of tea, but experiencing new things is part of living abroad." Carrie said.
"It really sounds like a colorful place. I might get some inspiration for some new clothing." Natalia added.
"Yes, YES! I can see it now! Streets filled with beautiful maids, as far as the eye can see! This is what I've been waiting for my entire life!" Sahir proclaimed excitedly, as he began blushing.
"Ugggh, something tells me letting you near those cafés would be a horrible idea. Guess I have no choice but to supervise." Kenji groaned.
"Well, sounds like everyone's in agreement. And..." Barbara began. "I'd like to meet your parents. And tell them that they have nothing to worry about."
Kibō smiled. "Thanks everyone. That means a lot."
Barbara giggled in a surprised manner.
"What? I didn't say something weird again, did I?" Kibō asked.
"No, it's just...I don't think I've seen you smiling before. I was starting to think your face was frozen in a frown. It's nice to see that isn't true."
Sahir put his arm around Kibō's shoulder. "Alright, my dudes, let's get back and get prepared! My maid fantasy awaits!" Sahir practically bounded away.
Kenji groaned again. "Can we leave him behind?"
The others walked away. "I hope that look on your face isn't a one-time thing. I could get used to it..." Barbara said.
"I can't make any promises, but...maybe I'll make an exception." Kibō replied. They walked after the others.