Part 112: 9/3/09

9/3/09

Elizabeth called, I didn’t even need to wait for her to say her bad news.



I am calling to inform you that another human has strayed into Tartarus.
1 this time, I believe. Please don’t delay in carrying out your rescue.
Goodbye, now.
> The call ended.

That wasn’t the only bad news either.



The number of incidents has increased compared to those during the last full moon…
I see…
Something must be done…
I don’t know the reason for the increase. We’ll just have to remain alert at all times…

I headed down to help Saori in the library, but there was hardly anyone there. I guess people must be avoiding the place after that bitch came in and made a scene.



> You did your duties as a library committee member…
> …But almost no students have come to the library today.
Hardly anyone’s stopped by. It’s been like this since this morning.
Since this morning?
Huh?
Oh, um…
……
> A female student enters.
> …But she quickly turns around and leaves.
…She left.
I wonder… Is it my fault that nobody’s come in today?
What do you mean?
Umm…
I think I stand out a little… Then again, that’s an understatement.
> Saori smiles weakly…
No one talks to me, no one responds when I say hello…
They’re not actually doing anything to me, so it’s not like being bullied…
It’s just… everyone’s being really distant to me.

She’s worried about me, like I care what those harpies think.



Let them talk.
Aelita-chan…
Yeah… Thanks.
> Saori smiles happily…
Ah, good. You’re here.
There’s some extra space left in the newsletter I was talking about. Could you write up something really quickly?
Oh, yes.
But… What should we write about?
Is there anything you want to write about in particular?
…Not really.
Oh, really? Hm… What were those kids saying…?
What kids…?
I did some research into articles that I thought students would like to read about.
Apparently, love advice columns are very popular. Whip up some fake letters and answer the questions.
Love advice…?
I know it’s the lowest common denominator, but it’s what people want, so what the hey.
I’m counting on you two.
Oh, yes…
> Ms. Ounishi leaves…

I suppose she could have found two worse people somewhere to write something like that if she tried hard.



> Saori pulls out something that looks like the newsletter manuscript from the stack of papers on the table…
…There’s a lot of space left. Can we write that much…?
We’ll just have to try.
Yeah, you’re right…
Then, let’s get to it.
Umm… Love advice…
What sounds like a realistic problem someone would have?
I can’t get a boyfriend.
I-I see… So it’s stuff like that.
……
……
…It’s no use. I can’t think of anything to write.
Okay, I’ll write the title and work on the layout. Can you write the article, Aelita-chan?
Okay.
Thank goodness… I don’t know anything about that sort of thing after all.
……

Saori’s a lot different when she gets comfortable.



‘Shit’!?
Ahahaha!
Sorry, I just wanted to try cursing for once.
How did I do? Did I say that right?
It was great.
Heh heh heh…
Ah… Hoo, that was fun.
Haaaaa…
It’s so wonderful to be able to say what I want.
Speaking your thoughts out loud… It’s a wonderful feeling.
…That’s what I thought when I was watching you.
I must’ve been envious of you…
…Thanks.
> Saori smiles, and seems refreshed…
> You’re not sure you understand Saori better, but you feel closer to her…

She needs to be confident like this more.



Let’s get to work on that article. What should the next letter be about?
“I’m in a long-distance relationship, and I miss my boyfriend soooooooo much!” …Does that sound believable?
> The two of you somehow completed the article for the newsletter, then you went back to the dorm…

Shinjiro properly introduced himself as I got back in.



…I haven’t introduced myself, have I?
I’m Shinjiro Aragaki.
Don’t worry…
I got your back.
Um…
There will be a full moon the day after tomorrow.
I’m sure another Shadow will appear, so…
…please be ready.

Shinjiro seems like a nice guy, honestly.



I used to be a member of SEES, and I’m your senpai…
…so you can count on me.

Akihiko suggested I should see just how strong he is.



If you’re looking for a change, you should add Shinji to the lineup.
You’ll be surprised by his strength.
Tch, it’s not big deal.

There’s a whole backstory to SEES that I’m not sure I’ll ever really hear in full.



A lot of things have happened since then, but…
…there’s no need to doubt Shinjiro. I assure you that he’s reliable.

The news mentioned the missing person.



Fitness Expert: “Houshonah” means “tough”! It’s tough when someone you like tells you, “Houshonah”!
That’s all for this week! Back to the news!
Don’t let Apathy Syndrome or the hot weather get you down! See you next time!
Newscaster: It is time for tonight’s news. First, we begin with a report of another missing person.
Reiko Makita (33), an office worker in Minato-ku, has been reported missing.
Police are searching for leads and ask the public for assistance.

So we pushed into Tartarus. Is it weird that I can say we went into a giant evil tower during a hidden hour and nothing really interesting happened? Because pretty much nothing happened.



……? Is that one of the ones who went missing?
We need to treat them as soon as possible… Please come back to the entrance immediately!

The full moon is almost upon us. We’ll just have to see what new horrors await us then.