Marika's Transformation: Section 4

MARIKA'S TRANSFORMATION: SECTION 4

Extracted from Chapters 31-42 of the story *Our Transformations*

(Section 4 is the conclusion of the story *Marika's Transformation*)

Midway through the winter semester at school, Ryou has to take tests to see which high school he will be allowed to attend. He has missed so much of school this year. Will he be able to catch up and pass the tests ? One winter day, Marika follows Ryou who is walking home, and approaches him. She gives to him a 'well wishes' card. It is for next week, when he takes his entrance exams. Marika hopes that the card makes Ryou feel better about the tests. Akane-chan and herself picked out the card earlier. She wishes him the best possible outcome with regard to the tests. "Thanks.", intones Ryou.

On the day of the tests, that morning, Ryou walks to Kitakami High School, and finds the classroom wherein the test will be administered. He receives his papers, and shortly thereafter begins the tests. At their own school, Marika and Akane-chan are in a classroom between classes and talking with one another. Akane-chan tells Marika the latest news; Ryou is applying to go to the same high school that Tamura attends. Kitakami High School ? Yes, that is the one. Marika ponders to herself if Ryou knows that Tamura already attends that school ? Akane-chan breaks the line of thought by asking Marika if she would want to attend that high school where her two friends will seemingly be at ? Marika again ponders, as Akane-chan tells her that it is an all-boys school, therefore she would have to wear a boy's school uniform. Akane-chan tops off that remark by telling Marika that if she wanted to go, she would have to work hard at studying, as that school has difficult entrance tests. Later that afternoon, Marika sends a text message to Tamura (Parou), telling them that Ryou (Yui) has applied to enter the school that they already attend.

After school classes have ended, outside on the school campus, Marika comes upon Ryou. Ryou is talking on his iphone. After Ryou is done talking, Marika addresses him, but for some unexplained reason, uses his female name of Yui. Marika corrects herself when she sees the distressed look on Ryou's face. What's wrong ? Ryou mournfully states that his mother has collapsed and was taken to the hospital. After she was released from the hospital, she then left to travel to her hometown some distance away. Marika asks what is he going to do about that ? Marika further states that he has to go visit her, right away ! Ryou retorts---

"***NO !!!*** SHE DIDN'T KNOW WHO I WAS THE ENTIRE TIME I WAS WITH HER ! EVEN THOUGH I DRESSED AND ACTED AS MY DECEASED SISTER THE WHOLE TIME, SHE DID NOT KNOW OR ACKNOWLEDGE WHO I WAS ! ***I DON'T WANT TO SEE HER !!!*** I wonder why I did all that for her ?"

Marika counters with the remark, "DON'T SAY THAT ! YOU HAVE TO GO SEE HER NO MATTER WHAT ! If you are that insistent about not going, I will go with you !" Marika holds hands with Ryou.

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Marika and Ryou are on the bullet train that goes to the hometown of Ryou's grandmother, where his mother is staying now in the town's hospital. Marika looks out the window and asks if that is Mt. Fuji ? Ryou says that it is too dark to see. Marika asks the attendant for a bottled water, and gives it to Ryou. Ryou comments that it seems as if Marika has ridden the bullet train before. Many times, as she would go to see her father in Osaka. Marika questions as to why Ryou paid for her train ticket ? Because he really wanted her to come with him, that's all. Marika suggests that since Ryou had their exams today, why doesn't he sleep in the seat, and Marika will wake him when we get there ? Ryou says that he is too nervous right now to sleep. Yet within 10 minutes, Ryou was fast asleep. Marika gently and tactfully warps a travel blanket around him. Ryou sleeps all the way to the Okayama Station.

Walking down the steps in the train station, Ryou is so embarrassed that he fell asleep when he said that he wouldn't. He then hears his name loudly called out. It is his grandmother. The two exchange greetings, and grandma remarks how big that Ryou has grown. Looks just like his mom when she was his age. Grandma goes on to ask if he came with his girlfriend ? Ryou firmly states that the two of them do not have that kind of relationship. In the car driving, Grandma asks Ryou why he brought a friend, such a cute and pretty friend at that ? Ryou only states that he has never been on the bullet train before, and he was apprehensive. That's all. Grandma asks the girl what her name is ? Akoi.....Marika Akoi. "What a cute name for such a cute girl !", intones Grandma. She then thanks the both of them for coming. Mom will be so happy !

It is still the early evening, so Grandma drives directly to the hospital. The three of them go to the room with the name 'Taeko Kijima' on the sign above the door. Grandma goes in first, leaving Ryou and Marika outside. Marika holds Ryou's hand within hers. They both step inside the room holding hands, like a couple of lovers. Ryou tentatively takes a look at the person behind the room curtain, in bed. The woman in bed looks rough and haggard, with a sad and sorrowful look on her face. "Ryousuke", is all that she can squeak out. She then invites Ryou to sit at the foot of the bed. This he does. Mom becomes a bit optimistic, saying that she will be out of here by tomorrow. She goes on to say that she was suffering from mild anemia and malnutrition, that's all. Mom reluctantly admits to starving herself lately, as well as causing a lot of problems to you, Ryousuke. She apologizes, as well as stating that she knew all along that Ryou was only cross-dressing as his dead sister, and was not actually her to begin with. She knew Ryou was only pretending. Mom then looks downcast with her face, and begins quivering. Ryou valiantly tells her not to worry about it. All is good ! Just get some rest now. All this time, Marika has been silent, only looking onward.

Later that evening, just outside Grandma's house, Ryou and Marika are standing on a low bridge in the cold air. Marika is the first to speak, saying that it is great that your Mom is recovering. Ryou gives Marika a silent look of concern and disapproval. He then remarks that he should have come to see Mom right from the start. However, Ryou admits that he felt really good when he dressed as a girl, and especially when he was out in public presenting as a girl. Hence, it was all about me, not Mom, admits Ryou. Marika disagrees, stating that your Mom was able to stabilize somewhat because of your efforts. And the same goes for me, being with you when you were a girl. Eventually, Grandma comes outside to announce that dinner is ready.

Dinner was wonderful, due to Grandma's excellent cooking. Both Ryou and Marika ate until they were stuffed ! After the huge meal, Ryou asks when is the last train today ? Marika answers that she is going to stay here for tonight, since Grandma has offered her hospitality. Turns out that Ryou and Marika are going to sleep next to one another on futons. Ryou has already changed into his bed clothes, and is under the covers. Marika is sleeping in her sailor fuku (sailor suit), without covers. Ryou does not immediately go to sleep, but turns onto his side, and silently watches Marika sleeping soundly. Marika seems to be asleep, but is she really ? After quite a while, Ryou tells himself that he is going to get up and take a bath. This he does. Once outside the bedroom, Ryou questions himself, "Is this all supposedly for real ?"

Ryou has a long bath, giving him more time to think. Yet he is still as puzzled after the bath as he was before. He redresses in his night clothes, and heads back to the bedroom. However, along the way, he hears a hearty, "He's adorable!", coming from the lighted kitchen. Peaking in, it is Marika and grandmother looking at a family picture album. Marika is fawning over a picture of Ryou when he is about 5 years old and in a sandbox, playing in the sand and wearing only girl's panties. Ryou steps into the kitchen to get a drink of water, with the two sharing picture after picture together, much to the annoyance of Ryou. Ryou thinks to himself that girls really love stuff like this. A picture comes up of Ryou's deceased sister when she was about 8 or 9 years old, and wearing a formal kimono. Grandma mentions that Ryou and Yui-chan were so much alike, and looked suchlike, that they could have been twins. Ryou becomes offended at the talk about deceased Yui-chan. This probably because he, until recently, had dressed and presented as Yui-chan after her death.
Another picture comes up of a child in a tree, again wearing only girl's panties. Markia remarks that it is the spitting image of young Ryou, however, it is of Yui-chan. Yui-chan, being the older sibling, would always get the better of Ryou, causing him to repeatedly cry and seek comfort from Dad. And then again, Yui-chan, given her constant tomboyish ways, would often be mistaken for Ryou.

When Marika finally makes it back to the bedroom, Ryou is already in his futon, but still awake. Marika is wearing a cute pajama outfit, styled for little girls in a flower print pattern. Grandma had given them for her to wear. Ryou rather dryly remarks that those pajamas belonged to Yui-chan, who wore them often. Marika offers to remove them immediately, but Ryou says just to keep them on already. They look good on you. Both lay quiet for a long time in their futons, until finally Marika softly asks Ryou if he is still awake ? He is. He also says that Markia can begin calling him by his first name (a sign of mutual intimacy). Marika asks Ryou if he was close to his older sister ? Yeah, when he was little. But when sis began to model teen fashions, she got real busy, and the two of us drifted apart. Mom would always favor Yui-chan, the teen celebrity, over me. Marika wants to know what the two of them talked about when they were close ? Ryou says that he can't remember anything, nothing at all ! But in a while, Ryou says that he does remember something. He dreamed, as a child, that someday Yui-chan would die, and that he would be transformed to live his life as a girl, in place of Yui-chan. Crazy dream, right ? Ryou lays in his futon, silently recalling all of that dream in his mind and memory, and pondering over it as to it's remarkable fulfillment. He breaks into a cold sweat, and eventually gets up out of the futon. Ryou goes over to where Marika is sound asleep in her futon, and stands next to her, gazing silently at her and her incredible cuteness. After a long while, Ryou, still standing, remarks to himself that he is freezing to death.

Next morning, Grandma takes Marika and Ryou to the Okayama train station for the ride back home. Ryou explains that the two of them have school tomorrow, and Marika's mom is probably worried about her. Grandma invites them to come again; Ryou says that he would like to come during the summer break. Good, Grandma says that she will take Ryou and all of his friends to the beach. A voice then calls out to them. It is Ryou's Mom and Dad, come to see him off at the train station. Ryou quietly asks if it is okay for Mom to be outside ? She is fine. Dad apologizes for what happened yesterday at the hospital. Ryou says that he will call Mom to check on her from time to time. Dad gratefully thanks Marika for accompanying Ryou on the trip. Dad also implores Marika to continue to take care of and continue friendship with Ryou. Ryou is greatly embarrassed. Mom states that she will eventually come back home, when she feels better. Of course !

Now seated on the train together, Ryou apologizes to Marika for Mom and Dad showing up, and just making the whole goodby scene labored and weird. Soon, Ryou feels a gentle nudge on his shoulder. Marika had quietly fallen asleep, and unknowingly leaned over onto Ryou. He is startled, but says nothing and holds still so as not to awaken her.

After the two disembark from the train, Ryou stretches and says that they are so stiff. Marika notes that it really was a long train ride, but it was a lot of fun. In fact, Marika wants to back in the summer with Ryou in order to enjoy the beach ! Marika then turns to go, departing from Ryou, when she hears his raised voice calling her name. She turns back to see him standing, intently looking at her. Ryou makes eye contact with Marika when she is only a few feet away from him. Ryou softly this time, utters her name...."Marika".....Marika looks upon him with a puzzled look on her cute face. Ryou returns the look with a look on his face of embarrassment and shyness. Both are quiet for a while, looking at one another. Ryou finally begins, " I ......". "What's the matter?", inquires Marika. Ryou is again quiet for a few moments, now showing a reserved but confident look on his face. Finally, he speaks with profound conviction and overwhelming passion---

**"I LOVE YOU !!"**

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A couple of weeks later, at school, Marika comes upon Ryou outside on the campus. She is at a loss of words, especially as Ryou had done a Love Confession to her some time ago. However, she never properly responded to him. Awkward silence occures, until Marika finally remarks that she has always loved Parou-san. Ryou should know that. He does. Ryou says that he did the confession anyway, to try and settle the romantic turmoil in his heart. Marika asks if he is still dating Hacchi ? Ryou says that they broke up, as he did something that badly hurt her feelings. It was a one-sided shipping anyway, all geared to his situations. Marika gives him a look of concern; he only tells her not to worry about him at all. Ryou goes to leave, as Marika offers that she was really happy that she had met you and Parou-san. Ryou replies that it was not 'Fate' at all, as we all decided to meet up entirely on our own. Marika confesses that when the meet up happened, for the first time in her life, she felt that she was okay for being a trans girl. If she had not met you two back then, she would have suffered much more than she has already. Ryou says that the same goes for him. Marika notes that it is weird for you to say that.

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Also later, when Marika and Akane are walking to school one morning, Akane remarks how cute Marika looks wearing her hair in a single, sexy ponytail. It looks so adorable on you. You think so ? Definately ! Marika worried that it would make her look weird. Akane asks if the change was because of the coming summer's heat ? Marika silently thinks to herself that the real reason was that she thought that wearing a sexy ponytail would add to her femininity. However, Marika tells herself that she could never reveal that to Akane.

At the end of classes this day, Marika is at the lockers. She mentions to Akane that she forgot her Japanese homework sheets, still in her desk. She is going to go back to the classroom and retrieve them. Marika goes to open the door to the classroom, when she hears several boy's voices coming from within. They are talking about her ! One says wasn't Aoki (Marika's last name) kinda 'out of this world' today ? How so ? Well, 'his' arms and legs. 'He' shows more skin with the summer uniform. Short sleeves and a mini-skirt. But 'his' body still has the look of that of a 'guy'! Marika waits silently at the closed door, listening intently. Another boy says that what you are saying doens't seem that way to me. It's obvious. Actually, Aoki is pretty cute overall. Don't you think that Aoki's face and gestures are way more girly than most girls here ? That's just because 'he' is so desperate, and is acting up a storm. You're very harsh on Aoki, aren't you, even though you give 'him' romantic glances every once in a while. I get it ! You actually like Aoki, don't you ? LIKE HELL I DO !!! Marika then opens the door to the classroom. The one boy who just spoke, is turning red with embarrassment.

Everyone immediately goes silent. Marika enters the room, goes to her desk, gets the homework sheets, and leaves, slamming the door closed. The boys go back to gossip. "Shirakawa, do you really like Aoki ?" GET REAL !!! A little ways down the hallway, Marika is standing next to the wall. She begins crying. In a while, Marika is back at the lockers. Akane greets her with an exclaimation. You took a while. What happened ? I undid my ponytail. Sorry about that.

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A few weeks later, Ryou calls Marika, wanting to know if she wants to go out and hang around with him ? Marika does not immediately answer. Ryou says not to worry about the Love Confession from way back when. Come on ! Let's have some fun ! Marika reluctantly agrees. Turns out that a group of friends were planning on going out to have some fun, not just Ryou and Marika. At the meetup time and place, Marika is already there, plus Akane, Natsume, and Parou (in male mode). Ryou (also in male mode) is running late because of a train delay, but he eventually gets there. Now everyone is waiting on Marika and Parou to get back from using the public restrooms. Ryou compliments Marika on her innate cuteness, but upon seeing Parou, remarks that they are not wearing female attire, like they usually do out in public. Parou replies that it is not like they go out 100% of the time as a female.

First off, the little group heads for a large department store nearby. In the women's fashion department, Natsume remarks how cute the mini-skirt is on a display mannequin. She tells Akane that she, Akane, would look so good in that style of mini-skirt. Akane is somewhat taken aback, as she has worn mini-skirts before, and was not impressed with her looks wearing them. Natsume replies that girls and women can wear a mini-skirt to impress others, not necessarily for one's own tastes. Parou and Ryou, as males, are just standing back and watching the girls peruse the clothing selections. Natsume inquires if they are going to look around any ? Parou answers that they don't mind watching. Watching ? Therefore, Natsume selects two pretty dresses, and holding them up by the hangers, asks the two guys which one would look the best on Marika ? Ryou likes the pink dress, whereas Parou prefers the other dress. Both begin debating which one is best. Natsume 'moves on' and asks Marika herself which one she likes ? Marika only states that she would have to think about that for a while.

Natsume comes upon a rack of two kinds of skirts, short skirts, and maxi-skirts. Natsume selects the short skirt to show to Marika (Marika wears only short skirts or mini-skirts). Parou 'puts in her two cents' by remarking that maxi-skirts show only one's ankles, therefore, that is the elegant style that Parou likes. Natsume gives Parou a look of 'you got to be kidding', but says nothing. Natsume eventually buys only one item, a short-hemline, belted dress for herself.

Later, the group rents a karaoke booth. Everyone takes a turn at singing a song. Everyone, that is, except Parou. After two rounds, when it is his turn, Ryou really belts out a hardcore song with gusto. After he is done, he is out of breath, but remarks that effort really felt good ! Ryou then asks Parou if he going to sing, as the group has all gone twice, but he has not done even one song ? Parou says that he is okay. But you are in a karaoke booth and you have not sung even once ? Parou 'comes clean' and confesses that this is his very first time in a karaoke booth. He doesn't sing, and he doesn't like popular music. *"Are you serious ?"*, inquires Akane. Parou says that they just don't feel the need to sing. Natsume interjects that there you go again, Parou, saying something that is gloomy. Marika offers that is all the more reason that you have to sing, Parou ! You might just like it a lot ! So, Parou reluctantly agrees to sing.

However, Parou can't figure out how to use the ipad computer module to select and set up a song. Ryou moves over to sit right next to him, and tries to explain how to use it. After a little while, Marika asks the two, since when have both of you been so close to one another ? Didn't the two of you disagree and fight most of the time in the past ? Is it because both of you go to the same school now ? Parou turns it around to ask Marika if she wasn't like that with Ryou in the past, always fighting ? Akane 'cuts in' to ask while you three are reminiscing, can she sing the next song ? Yet Natsume overrides Akane by grabbing the mike, and begins singing a somber, angst riddled, filled with raw emotion song. Akane sings next, with the same emotional style. Parou and Ryou comment to themselves that those two are on a whole 'nother level' ! Natsume next wants to sing duet with Parou. Parou declines. Marika suggests that all of us sing a song together, with a song that Parou already knows. Parou taps Natsume on the shoulder, saying if he can ask a favor, and can we take a short break ?

Parou comes back from the restroom, surprising everyone wearing a cute, pretty, very short hemline, party dress that Natsume had bought for herself earlier. Ryou boldly remarks that the dress fits you, Parou, to a "T" ! Natsume exclaims that she has not even worn that dress yet. Parou slyfully tells Natsume to get another dress from the department store, as she is keeping this dress as a momento of singing a song. Since when have you worn short-hemline dresses, Parou ? Since right now ! Akane says that your face, Parou, looks different, so much better. That is because Parou carries around makeup with her all the time. Marika swoons over Parou, saying that you look wonderful and amazing !

Now as a pretty and attractive young woman, Parou takes the mike and begins singing her heart out. Soon, Marika joins in. Then, one by one, the others join in singing the song that Parou had selected. While singing, the three, Parou, Ryou, and Marika look like the happy threesome that were close and intimate friends so long ago.

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THE SCHOOL FIELD TRIP TO NARA

Today, right now, Marika is in a world all her own. She is daydreaming about many things, not the least of which is that she is so much happier as a girl, dressed as a girl in the girl's school uniform, and 'out' to all her classmates. She silently asks herself, "I wonder, why do I hardly ever feel sad, and its not like how I would feel such frequent sadness when I had to masquerade as a boy ?" A tug on the short, pleated skirt of her school uniform brings Marika at least somewhat back to her present reality. She looks behind herself. A young deer, a fawn, is tugging on her skirt. Marika, and the whole class from school is on a school field trip to Nara and Kyoto. Tomochi (who is in male mode all the time now) calls to Marika, offering that maybe the fawn is just hungry. Akane feeds the fawn a deer cracker, but she is then mobbed by the whole pack of deer in the petting zoo.

Next, the group is taken to the local Buddist Shrine. There, they see a huge bronze statue of the Budda. After the class tours the Shrine, Marika sits down on an outdoor bench. Tomochi asks her if she is tired ? Not too much. Tomochi sits next to her, admiting that he is already very tired. Akane waves at them from the top level of the Shrine. Marika casually asks Tomochi is something is bothering him ? No, he offers, he is just always watching over you, Marika.

Early that evening, at the perscribed lodging for the school class, Marika has been placed in the same overnight room as her Sensei (teacher). The Sensei apologizes to Marika for the fact that he was not able to have Marika share a room with one of her girl companions that she is close to. Certain callous and uncaring persons in the school administration objected because you are a trans girl, saying that they still believe that you are supposedly a "boy". Such display of ignorance and intolarance ! Marika acknowledges the kindness and concern of the Sensei. The Sensei reminds her that she can come to him with any problem or trouble regarding her transition to a female student at this school.

During the evening meal, Marika is asked if she is going to join the other girls in class at the inn's public bathhouse afterward ? Marika casually states that her room has a private bathtub. She will take her bath right there in her room. After the dinner, the clasmates are sitting around the table talking and gossiping. Soon, Akane quietly turns to Marika and tells her to come with her, as Akane knows of something that is shortly going to take place. Something private and intimate !

Outside, Akane is leading Marika to a garden area on the grounds of the inn. The two are peeking around the corned of a small tool shed. Marika wants to go back to her room, but Akane tells her to keep very quite, as Yoshida-chan is out in the garden right now. Yoshida-chan and Tomochi are alone together in the garden (supposedly), and just out of range of any sounds. But the two spies can tell what is happening even without words. Yoshida-chan is making a Love Confession to Tomochi. However, Tomochi declines, and Yoshida runs away, sorely dissappointed. Akane whispers to Marika that this is the second girl to confess to Tomochi since the start of the field trip. Both were turned dowm by Tomochi !

Marika remarks that Tomochi sure is popular with the girls. Akane, for some unknown reason, begins speaking very loud. She declairs that he has gotten way more popular, especially with the younger girls. Akane then belts out that she knows all about love, just like any adult. In fact, the girls in my room are going to stay up tonight, then tell and exchange all manner of love stories. That is what a field trip is really all about ! "How is that acting like a mature adult ?", a stern voice is heard behind Akane. It is Tomochi ! "WHEN DID YOU GET HERE ?", belts out Akane. Tomochi says that her voice was so loud, he could hear her all over the garden. And speaking of love stories, are you, Akane going to tell all about your love interest in Tamurn (Parou) ? Akane boldly declares that she gave up on Parou a long time ago. She is more comfortable being among her friends, rather than with a single person. Marika is quite taken aback when she hears this, as she has had a love interest in Parou, too. However, Marika keeps quiet about her present feelings.

When Marika is settled in her futon, Itou-sensei says that he is going to turn the lights off. He then retires to the futon next to Marika's. After a while, Marika is still awake, and surprisingly asks Itou-sensei if he has ever fallen in love with someone ? Of course he has, he is 28 years old now ! Marika asks what would he do if someone he loves is actually in love with someone else ? Immediately in her mind, Marika thinks that she is doing what the girls in the other bedroom are all doing right about now---sharing love stories ! Sensei answers that he would be sad and depressed, but he realizes that he would not be able to do much about it. He goes on to relate that over the past 28 years of his life, he has learned (the hard way) to be able to give up on hopeless relationships, and to move on. That is a very mature, adult trait to have. You, Marika, have yet to aquire that kind of understanding.

Itou-sensei then turns the tables on Marika, asking her a question. What do you want to do for that person you have an interest in ? It is better to think how to help and encourage that person, rather than focusing in on your own wants and needs. Marika becomes silent, as she turns inward to meditate on her own situations and circumstances. Laying still in her futon, Marika finds that sleep will not come easily. She mulls over in her mind about her infatuation with Parou, something that was never reciprocated by Parou. Marika comes to the understanding that as long as Parou is happy, then she does not have to be the one who offers such to her. Marika distresses over the fact that she is now not yet a complete, socially fully functional girl. Finally, Marika falls into a fitful sleep.

Next morning, Marika is up early and outside by the front of the inn. Tomochi approaches her, saying that he saw her go outside. 'Good Mornings' are exchanged. Tomochi remarks that Marika looks better today. Yeah, she feel a little better. Tomochi complains that he missed his chance to offer advice to Marika, instead he somehow knows that she ended up confiding in Itou-sensei, and not himself. He says that he wants to be the only one who 'watches over Marika'. Tomochi pulls out his iphone, and announces that it is time for breakfast.

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THE TRIP TO KYOTO

After debarking from the train, the group of friends loudly proclaim, "IT'S KYOTO!" Tomochi and Akane are going through a travel brochure to see what is interesting in Kyoto. The three, Akane, Marika, and Tomochi decide to first go visit a Shrine that is supposed to be a source of romantic love and spiritual motivation/devotion. The Shrine has a challenge that is supposed to reveal if one is going to experience romantic love soon. Tomochi takes the test, and succeeds. When asksed if he romantically likes someone, as that was the object of taking the challenge, Tomochi is rather evasive about who that might be. Akane begins a guessing game to try and figure out who they are. After many wrong guesses, Akane insists that the person must be Marika. Wrong again ! Marika is quite taken aback by not knowing who it is ? In the end, Tomochi did not let on just who they are secretly in love with.

For a light lunch, the three retire to a donut shoppe. Partway through the meal, Akane excuses herself to go to the restroom, leaving Marika and Tomochi alone for the time being. Tomochi pops a question onto Marika; Is something bothering you ? At first Marika is in denile, but then 'comes clean' and says that she is puzzled why you, Tomochi, told me earlier that you romantically liked me ? Were you only joking then, since you today let on that you like someone else ? Tomochi remarks that it makes him glad that you, Marika, are still thinking about him. He then reaches across the table and gently pinches Marika on her nose. What was that for ? Tomochi says that Marika is a little annoying right now, but he forgives her anyway ! Tomochi then says that you, Marika, said one time when I was presenting as a girl, that you would only like guys. So, I became a guy on that basis. What does that say about myself ? He goes on to state that he does like you in a way, Marika, because you have been and are now so adament about being a true, authentic girl.

Unfortunately, Marika silently tells herself that she will never be a full, complete, authentic girl. Never ! No matter how much she struggles. Never will happen ! And that means that she will never be 'pure'. She will always be a nebuious mixture of purity and darkness. Even so, she tells herself that does not prevent her from wanting to fall in love with the right someone. Marika falls into a private trance, asking the gods to give her another chance to fall in love, seeing as she knows that her love for Parou will never be acknowledged by Parou, and will forever be an unrequited love. So dissappointing ! Please, another encounter for love....... I can get over Parou if I have another chance.......

Later, on the bullet train taking them home, Marika and Tomochi are sitting next to one another. Marika is musing to herself about the second chance at love. She mumbles to Tomochi that she has actually been thinking about this for a long time now. Tomochi only tells her not to be rediculous, not to be so hard on herself.....

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Not long after the field trip at school came the end of the semester and the beginning of the summer break. Marika was happy to be part of the group of friends, and began the summer doing many interesting things. The little group went to karaoke, studied together at the library to get the summer homework out of the way, the girls had numerious sleepovers together, and one weekend, all went to the beach for two days. However, Marika could not bring herself to wear a girl's swimsuit, and ended wearing a short sleeve white hoodie and booty shorts in the water. That evening, as has been his custom of 'watching over Marika', Tomochi watched Marika for a while as she slept at the beach resort, before he went to the room where the boys were staying.

And so it became time for the school's summer Cultural Festival. Again, the group of three friends, Akane, Marika, and Tomochi, went together to the festival. Tomochi, walking with Marika (of course!), remarks that his first impression of the festival is that it was well orginized and excuted. Everything looks professional and impressive. Walking the midway, the group comes upon a booth serving rice cakes, with a pleasant young man at the counter. Why, its Ryou, working the booth along with the booth manager ! Marika thanks Ryou for getting the friends free tickets to the festival. Ryou offers free samples to the group; he recommends the Russian Rice Balls. The manager wants to know who the two cute girls are (Akane and Marika) ? Ryou states that they used to go to the same school that he attended. The manager then pops one on Ryou, wanting to know which one is his adorable girlfriend ? Ryou goes red with embarrassment, as he firmly declares that neither one is so. The manager speculates that by the bold remark, it is so obvious that one of the girl is actually his girlfriend. Nevertheless, the manager tells Ryou that he can take a long break in his work, as they are not really busy, so as to spend some time with his 'girlfriend'. Although that is not exactly true, Ryou readly agress to go with the friends and explore the festival.

Inside one of the school buildings, in the hallway, Tomochi spots a large poster advertising a cosplay and cross-cosplay costume contest at the festival, to be held this afternoon. Akane points out that even the festival attendees can join in and compete. Tomochi tells Ryou that if he enters, dressed like he used to do as his deceased sister, he will win, hands down ! Ryou points out that he when cross-dressed, it was not for fun and games. It was rather serious and difficult, after all.

In a while, the four friens visit a Maid Cafe. Another surprise, the Head Maid is Parou, dressed as a elegant French Maid ! Parou formally greets them and tells them to make themselves at home. The four seat themselves, and are given menus. Ryou comments that it was Parou's idea to do a Maid Cafe, with all of the maids being cross-dressed male students, plus suggesting that a costume contest be held. While they are waiting for their snacks to come, Tomochi nonchantly announces that he is going to enter the costume contest. Might as well give Parou a 'run for the money', as undoubtedly Parou has already committed to entering ! But what about the costumes themselves ? Nobody brought costumes with them today. Parou overhears the challenge by Tomochi, and mentions that it sounds like someone is cooking up some good old-fashioned fun ! Parou states that there is a collection of costumes and maid uniforms already at the Maid Cafe for the other maids, and any attendees, to select from. There are enough costumes for all of the friends to pick from, if they want to enter the cosplay contest. Parou even volunteers to do the makeup for any who want it.

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After the snacks at the Maid Cafe, the friends are lead to an empty classroom that is being used as a dressing room. There, the friends can decide if they, too, want to enter the contest, and to select their own individual costume. All of the friends decide to enter. Ryou select a girl's sailor top, a pleated mini-skirt, and striped over-the-knee socks, an outfit strongly resembling the way that he used to dress when he was presenting as his deceased older sister. Parou does Ryou's makeup, was well as putting Ryou's hair up into twintails, just like they used to wear. Tomochi dresses as a Playboy style bunny girl, with a black strapless leotard, black fishnet tights, and the usual bunny ears and tail. Marika is dressed in a typical private high school female uniform. It consists of a white, short puff sleeved shirt with a huge plaid bow at the neck, a black vest, a plaid, pleated mini-skirt, and black above-the-knee socks. When Marika presents herself to the others, everyone silently thinks how drop-dead cute and adorable, with just a hint of sexy erotic desire, that Marika looks dressed this way. Akane chooses a China outfit befiting royality, with an overcoat and pants. Tomochi intimately tells Marika that she is so unblievely cute and atractive right now ! Marika reciprocates by offering that Tomochi is an adorable bunny girl.

Marika and the others hang out in the dressing room, until it is time to go to the theater where they will be on stage and be scored by the judges, as well as being enjoyed by the audience. Other people who are going to be in the contest come to the dressing room and change into their various costumes. Many of those also comment on how beautiful and attractive Marika is. Marika, becoming embarrassed, drops a bombshell by remarking that she was born perceived as a male ! Most in the room can't believe that is the case. Finally, one of the orginizers of the costume contest says that whether Marika is cosplaying, or cross-cosplaying, is beside the point. All cosplayers and cross-cosplayers have equal chance to go before the judges and be scored as part of the fun of doing so. Everyone agrees.

At the end of the judging, and after the judges have deliberated, the top seven finalist contestants are brought back up on stage. There, it is announced the placement of the finalists by the contest MC. Contestants who placed 7th, 6th, and 5th are awarded ribbons. Contestants who placed 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st are awarded the Pewter, Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals. One by one, Marika's name is not called, as she begins to think that she has lost, and was sent on stage by accident. But after the Silver Medal was awarded to Parou, as the French Maid, the MC announcer calls out in a strong voice---

"The Winner of the Fifth Kitakami High School's Culture Festival Cosplay Contest is the guest contestant.........YUUTA AOKI-KUN !!!" (Marika's given male name, as she was entered and listed as a cross-cosplayer).

Marika is mobbed by the other contestants up on stage, especially by Akane. Akane gives Marika an almighty bear hug, and screams, **"WAY TO GO, YUUTA !!!"** Parou shows a slight regret that she placed second, after all her preprations. Ryou, who did not make the medal group, but did get the 5th place ribbon, expresses the thought (wrongly so) that their cross-cosplay was not very good. Tomochi, the bunny girl who placed third, says that she thought that she was a shoe-in for first.

Later, with everyone off stage, but still in their costumes, Ryou tells Marika that he felt that either way, there was really no chance that he could win against such a cute and remarkable girl as you, Marika ! He sorta knew that all along. Marika, shaken by all the publicity and attention, remarks if it is really okay for her to dress and present as a girl out in public, or at this contest ? Ryou points out, what is wrong with doing that ? Like it was said in the dressing room, does it really matter if you were born perceived as a male, or how you are presenting today ? You're birth sex really doesn't matter, it is what is in your mind, heart, and spirit. That is what makes you an authentic girl, Marika. Nothing more is needed ! Marika is puzzled for a few moments, then breaks out into a huge, delightful smile. "YOU'RE RIGHT !!!", she honestly proclaims. Tomochi exclaims that there is nothing more to it than being your own cute self, Marika ! Akane brings up that if you apply that thought of being your true self, wouldn't that also apply to Yui (Ryou) and Parou, too ? Yui (Ryou) says that they did not want to enter in the first place. Parou observes that Yui does not sound very convincing, dressed as they are as an attractive, but mildly delinquent, high school girl right now. Parou goes on to say that it is fine how we all are being authentic now, one way or another. All of us today, we are all deviants, aren't we ? "Yeah, you got that right, Parou!", exclaims Tomochi. And with that, everyone, including Marika, breaks out into a loud round of laughter. Parou gently pats Marika on her back, for a cross-cosplay presentation, and a real life transition to a pretty girl, both well done !

(THE END)

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Click on The Epilogue of Marika's Transformation to be taken to the Epilogue of *Marika's Transformation*

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