Part 178: 11/30/09

11/30/09

I wish Mitsuru could execute Ekoda too.



She was written to be the ideal woman of the Heian period… The quintessential Heian beauty.
Speaking of Heian beauty… Here’s a question for you, Aelita.
The chief criteria for Heian beauty was the length of a woman’s hair, though cosmetics were important too.
They used white makeup, plucked their eyebrows in favor of drawn-on ones, and colored their teeth with limonite.
But do you think the men did these things?
They did both.
Hmph… I suppose it was an easy question.
It was a unified style. Whether man or woman, every adult sported this fashion.
Even though the white powder was lead-based and unhealthy, they wore it to uphold their standards of beauty.
Compared to them, you guys are…

I’m a bit worried about Aigis, more on that later though.



This is not good.
……

Hidetoshi asked me to help him with a presentation, so I swung by the Student Council meeting.



So that’s my review on the proper way to wear one’s uniform. Please keep these things in mind.
I’m not trying to force everyone to change the way they dress; I would like to hear your opinion.
> You overhear several comments.
Student Council Member: Hey, did you hear Hidetoshi just say he wanted to hear our opinions!?
Student Council Vice President: Before, he didn’t care WHAT we thought.
Student Council Liason: Well… At least he’s trying.
> The meeting is over; only you and Hidetoshi remain…

It’s funny, by not trying so damn hard he’s actually doing a better job.



Um… How’d I do?
It went well.
If you say so… Anyway, it’s a big weight off my shoulders.
> Hidetoshi seems to be blushing.
I may have given people the impression that I’m selfish, but I’ll win back their trust.
Look at this.
> Hidetoshi removed a lighter from his pocket.
You know that cigarette butt in the bathroom? One of the guys fessed up.
And you know what else? He promised me that he’ll never smoke again.
This lighter is proof of that.
I earned his trust by showing concern for others, just like you taught me.
Here, I want you to have this.
Thank you.
Thanks.
> Obtained Cheap Lighter.
I’ve been looking down on people.
But that caused friction with everyone, and dragged in someone dear to me…
It really hit me, when I was persuading the lighter’s owner, how important it was to make an effort to understand…
I learned that technique from you… As you employed it upon me.
> Hidetoshi seems embarrassed.
> You sense Hidetoshi has respect for you. Your relationship is stronger now!

It’s funny how that works sometimes.



Of course, I know from recent experience that this is the case.



…Do you remember the story I told you? About the TV anchorwoman…?
The man sent to prison was my father…
I see now that sincerity IS important, and I’m proud of myself for learning its true meaning.
I also realized what an amazing man my father is…
One day…
One day, will I be able to stand by your side…?
> Hidetoshi is looking at you…
…It’s time to go home.
You wanna go somewhere?
You know, we’ve never hung out outside of school.
> You decide to go with Hidetoshi. He seems really excited.

I’ve been trying so hard not to think about Ryoji, but I think I’m just making things worse.

Video- “Resolve”

Watch

> ……?
> Amidst your friends, you see Ryoji…
Oh, welcome back, Aelita-chan.
You’re late. Ryoji-kun was just leaving.
Aelita-chan!
Welcome back. Shame you weren’t here.
I was hoping I’d be able to see you.
I’m sorry, but I gotta get going… I’ll come see you again.
See ya later, Ryoji!
> Ryoji whispers into your ear as he walks past.
…Could I go to your room next time?
I’ll be looking forward to it…
See ya.
> Ryoji left the dorm…

I need to just let go, and understand why it is that I feel the way I do.



Are you all right? Your face looks a little flushed…
> Aigis came down the hall.
…Was that Ryoji-san?
Yeah, he said he was going home.
What was he doing here?
He’s been coming here a lot, ever since he started hanging around with Junpei.
But, visitors aren’t allowed here…
Yeah, but Mitsuru-senpai said that it’s okay during the day.
I don’t think we need to worry about Ryoji-kun.
He’s… dangerous…
Who? Ryoji-kun?
Come to think of it, he WAS hitting on Mitsuru-senpai the first time he met her.
…But, having him around has really cheered up Junpei-kun.
Well, it’s not like moping around’s gonna bring her back…
That’s true…
Hm…? What’s the matter, Ai-chan?
I envy you, Junpei…

Anyway like I said earlier I’m worried about Aigis. She seems kind of down.



…But, you don’t seem that different.
However, it is more accurate to say that I am “functioning” as opposed to living.
There are times when I malfunction, but I can always be repaired…
So if we were all like you… we wouldn’t have to worry about dying…
Uh, sorry… Hey, I don’t have time to talk. I seriously gotta go study…
Hey, shouldn’t you guys be studying too? I heard math’s gonna be a killer.
…You wait until NOW to tell us that!? Well, I guess we should call it a night then…
> Your friends have gone back to their rooms…

I think she’s worried about how much time I’m spending with Ryoji. I appreciate that she doesn’t want me to get hurt, and I wish I could just stop so she wouldn’t have to worry.



A “living” weapon is difficult to operate…
However, I believe I understand the concept of loss…
Aelita-san…
Should you ever be harmed, I…
Don’t worry about me.
…I’ll try not to.
You are very special to me…
I do not know why, but I always want to be by your side…
I want to protect you…
I apologize for interrupting you…
I will leave you to your studies.
…Good night.

I’m worried, though, that she might go off on her own and do something dangerous thinking it’s okay because she’s ‘not human’ or ‘not really alive’.



What is this uneasiness…?
I am a machine…
I cannot die, so they won’t have to grieve for me.
I must do something…
I don’t want them to suffer anymore…

Though I’m probably being silly, I mean there’s no way Strega could beat her and it’s not like we have any other enemies left.



I agree that he’s a bit strange, but I think he’s okay.

And even if a new enemy did appear, she’s the toughest of all of us. The indestructible shield that protects me…



Female Reporter: Today’s subject is a lady in her 30s with a beauty spot under her eye.
She can dance the flamenco, so I wonder what she’d look like with a rose in her mouth!
…Next is news. Apathy Syndrome, go away!

I mean what could stand up to that?



That? That’s a token of gratitude the missing salaryman left with us.
You rescued him, right? I won’t ask questions. Just take it.
> Obtained Phys Boost x 1.
There’s still more…
They found that missing woman the other day. I tried questioning her, but…
Her answers didn’t make any sense. She said some kids saved her from an attack by a black thing…
She left a reward with us, so I’ll hand it over to you.
> Obtained Tetrakarn x 1.
There’s still more…
This is a token of gratitude the lady in question brought us, but…
……
These coins look awfully pricey. Kids today sure are loaded…
Whatever. You guys saved her, so they’re yours.
> Obtained Luxury Coin x 2.

So I’m going to try to bury my worries and go on, because it’s my only option I think.



Things are fine for now, but one day that will change.
Please do not worry, though. I will be there to protect you.

Video- “Miracle”

Watch

> Mitsuru is staring at her cell phone with a troubled look on her face…
* sigh *
……
> Mitsuru suddenly stood up and dialed a number…
…Hello?
It’s me. I’m sorry for calling so late.
As for what to do with the new arrival…
I would like to ask… that you perform a full autopsy.
If we find any distinguishing features, we may be able to locate her family, and…
I can’t shake my suspicion that the Kirijo Group is tied to Strega in some way.
Because of this… I think it would be disrespectful to the deceased to cover up her death…
I will, of course, take full responsibility—



……
Transmogrified!? Y-You mean the corpse--!?
……
But judging from the postmortem, we were certain she was…
Understood.
I’m sorry, but this must be kept strictly confidential until we know more.
If there are any other changes… Yes, absolutely.
Well then…
What’s going on…?
……
We’ll have to wait and see what happens for now…