Part 212: 1/19/10

1/19/10

Okay today was pretty awesome, though it didn’t really start out that way.



Gossiping Student: * sigh * It’s getting cold… I hate to even get out from under the covers these days.
Apathy Syndrome doesn’t sound so bad, if you really think about it…
Loud Student: I know, right? I could sleep all day, and people would get all concerned for me!
Gossiping Student: I know! Maybe I’ll try becoming one… Just for a while.
> The first bell has rung.

So after school Mitsuru and I headed to see a movie.



> You had a fun time with Mitsuru.
I’ve been wanting to see that movie for a long time. It was very entertaining…
Even though it was a typical road trip movie, the way the characters expressed their emotions was great.
The main character sacrificed everything just to go on a journey with his friends.
……
And then, in the final scene, he decided to return to his normal life…
…I wonder if he was happy with that decision…
Hey, Tolstoy…

She asked me if I’ve ever wanted to just run away to a new life, and I can’t say I didn’t when things were at their lowest last year.



Somewhere far away, where no one knows who you are?
I have.
Really?
I’m surprised to hear that… I didn’t know you felt that way.
> Mitsuru is forcing a smile.
Don’t misunderstand me; I don’t yearn to leave everything behind…
It’s just that, sometimes, it’s easy to become bound by the things that are important to you.
The future of the company… All my responsibilities…
I wish I didn’t have so much to worry about.
Sometimes I feel shackled by my family name…
……
However…
I know that kind of thinking is not permitted…
…Tch, I’ve become so undisciplined, constantly complaining…
* laugh * I must bore you with all my griping.
Some “senpai” I am. I’ve been doing nothing but leaning on you…
> Mitsuru seems to trust you…

And then she asked me something…



I made my decision… And yet all I do is complain… Complain and run from my choice.
I talk about responsibility, but in the end… I haven’t the courage of my convictions…
Was I really this weak…? Just a woman waiting for someone to support her…?
Haha… I really do find new facets of myself when I’m with you…
I am… a fool.
That’s not true.
* chuckle * I was probably only fishing to hear that. I’m as shameless as I am foolish…
> Mitsuru is forcing a smile…
…Aelita.
Would you…
…run away with me?

I never got to answer her, though, because HE showed up. I will refer to him from this point on as ‘that jackass’.



That Jackass: Mitsuru!
I’ve been looking for you.
I didn’t expect to find you here.
We’re leaving. Let’s go.
……?
Wait a minute. I didn’t make any plans with you for today…
That Jackass: Well, my business meeting for this evening was cancelled.
I’m a very busy man. You’re just going to have to adjust your schedule to mine.
I can’t… I’ve already made plans.
That Jackass: Well, you can break them.
I don’t think you have anything more important to do than spend time with me.
……
That Jackass: …Don’t look so sullen. You know this benefits you as well, don’t you?
I thought you understood our arrangement.

I think the title is entirely appropriate. Because someone like that shouldn’t even be tangentially mentioning Mitsuru’s father let alone saying what that jackass did.



That Jackass: * sigh * Why must you and your family always be so difficult?
Well, at least your father is no longer alive. I am relieved at that.
I imagine you feel the same.
How…
How could you say that!?
> Mitsuru is trembling with anger.
How dare you!?
Aelita…
> Mitsuru seems happy.
That Jackass: Who are you!? I think you’d best be quiet…
Listen, Mitsuru…
Corporate management is not child’s play.
No matter how smart you are, you’re going to need my knowledge and experience.
And, the Kirijo Group still needs the cooperation of my company, does it not?
……
Yes…

So anyway that jackass was clearly making Mitsuru unhappy, so I suggested that we should ditch him.



That Jackass: …Now, let’s go. I’ve made reservations for us at a luxurious restaurant!
……
Very well…
I wish you hadn’t seen that.
Well, thank you. I had a lot of fun today.
And… I’m sorry…
……
Please excuse me.
Wait!
Stop, Tolstoy…
I know how you feel… I…
> Mitsuru has a sad look on her face.
That Jackass: Let’s go, Mitsuru.

That got him all riled up at me.



That Jackass: Maybe you do attend the same school, but don’t you see the ocean of difference between you and Mitsuru?
That goes for you too, Mitsuru. Choose your acquaintances carefully. After all, they will become mine as well.
If your friends aren’t suited to high society, I’m the one who’ll suffer.
Bad company ruins good morals, as they say. Don’t worry, I’ve picked out other friends for you. Refined ones.
I advise you never come near Mitsuru again, little missy.
It’s none of your business.
That Jackass: ……
Do you not grasp the trouble you’re causing for Mitsuru? Are you simple?
Hmmm… You do have a pretty face. It might allow you to sneak your way into high society.
Hold on… So that’s your scheme? How exciting it must be to use your sex as a weapon.
Men, however, require talent. I have the Group to look after. A little girl’s burdens are nothing next to mine…

And that’s where Mitsuru completely lost it.



That Jackass: Mitsuru…?
I said that’s enough!
That Jackass: Why are you getting so angry!?
If you insult her, you insult me!
That Jackass: M-Mitsuru!?
Have you forgotten…? If you cross me, then…
You spoke of “burdens,” did you?
You were right to do so. Indeed, there’s no comparison!
She stands on her own feet and fights fate with her own strength.
Her outlook on life has redeemed and comforted me innumerable times.
She is dear to me…
Take back your insults!
That Jackass: What?
…Fine, fine. I suppose you can associate with her from time to time.
What a feeble apology!
People are not things, they are not pawns, and they are definitely not your servants!
A man who fails to understand that cannot possibly develop the Group!
After all, a company is made of its people!
The Kirijo Group will not prosper under you! From today forth, you and I are strangers!

I’m not going to lie, she was pretty cool.



And if you try to do anything malicious, I will use the power of the Group to destroy you.
…Get out of here, you snob! I don’t want to see your face ever again!
That Jackass: Ahhh…
Mommy! Mommy!
> The well-dressed man ran away…
A company is made of its people…
My father told me that many times.
Family, companies, society… People are the basis of everything…
I think I now fully grasp the meaning behind his words…
* chuckle * Let’s go home.
> You decided to return to the dorm.

And I don’t know, it just felt really good when she defended me like that. Um, anyway… So, Yukari cooked something special for Koro-chan tonight.



C’mere, Koro-chan…
Good boy, Koro-chan!
Eat a lot and get strong!

A good idea really.



Good thinking, Yukari.

He has been missing out quite a bit food wise.



So, the special dinner tonight is only for Koro-chan.
I hope you understand, Aelita-chan.

We should all get a chance to enjoy ourselves before the final battle.



What do you have to say about that?
He deserves it.
That’s true. He has been with us for a while now.
Plus, he needs to be prepared for the big battle.

Not that I’m planning on not having a chance after.



Koromaru usually eats regular dog food…
…but it’s time to give him the good stuff!

But still, it seems best to not sit and wait on things with what we have ahead of us.



Food is a basic form of energy for dogs, too.
Koromaru-san will be ready for the battle.

Never know what will happen in a battle.



So, even though Koromaru’s a dog…
…this battle is very important to him.