Friday, July 30, 2004

Top o the morning to ya all.
Hey everyone. I said I’ll post during my vacation if I got the chance. So, here I am. I don’t know if I’ll get the chance to post to all your sites tho.

I went Forbidden Planet yesterday in London and bought tonnes of manga. I got Gundam Seed vol 1, Gundam Seed Astray vol.2, Gundam 8th Ms Team tech manual, Gundam Blue Destiny and I also fianally got Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz on DVD (yay!)
I also stopped off in some other comic shops and bought Azumanga Daioh Vol.3 manga. Its Really funny. My fav character is Sakaki. Shes kinda calm, but has these weird thoughts. I really like Osaka as well.
Also, I need to ask Chie something.
Chie: have you ever read a manga called : “Saikano: The Last Love Song on this Little Planet”? I picked it up yesterday. It’s the critics/editors choice of manga from Viz comics. The main female character reminds me a lot of you. Her name is Chise (Chie/Chise…you see where Im coming from) and she apologises….A LOT. I kinda saw a similarity there. Please tell me it’s a coincidence.
I will be reviewing this manga for you guys at a later date. If I remember…


I don’t know when I’ll get to post again. Next time I visit the public library I guess. Im in my hometown’s Library at the mo, cuz I need to buy some stuff from the shops here, and I thought Id stop by the library and see if I could use the Internet.


So, to keep you interested until I get back…

“SEE NO EVIL, SPEAK NO EVIL”

CHAPTER 5: COLLEAGUES

The rains ebbed away gradually over the following week, and we took that time to get to know each other better than we had before. I learnt about that Kida had just finished her second year of High school and was going back to complete her third year after summer. She went to a special school for those with disabilities. Her favourite colour was pink. Her favourite food was sushi. Her favourite type of animal was those of the feline variety. I learned all this and more, sharing the same information with her about myself.
As the week drew to a close, the sun started to edge its way out from behind the clouds and began to warm up the landscape. On the third day of sunshine a large parcel appeared on my doorstep. It was addressed to Kida.
“Parcel for you.” I announced, carrying the parcel into the living room and dumping it on the table.
“For me? But who knows Im here?”
“Beats me.” The parcel was a large box, like a trunk. Kida popped it open and inside were a number of clothes and a camera. On top of all this was a note. Kida picked up the note and began to read. I read it as well, thanks to our symbiosis. Reading was something I missed doing when I was blind, so I enjoyed getting the opportunity to do it whenever possible.
“Its from my mum.”
“I can see that. How did she get my address?”
“It doesn’t say.” She picked out the camera. Attached was a note.
“For those sweet summer memories.” It read.
“Aww, that’s sweet.”
“Im glad she’s looking out for me. I can wear my favourite clothes again.”
“And I can get the laundry done.
“Hey, Im not that dirty” Kida sounded indignant.
“Im joking.” I smiled. Kida picked a few items out of the trunk and then headed off to the bathroom. I waited until I heard the door shut, then followed after her. The second sight kicked in again, and I could see the interior of my bathroom. Kida was just reaching behind her back to untie the t-shirt she had been wearing as a makeshift bra, and then she paused. She turned to look directly in the mirror so to me it looked like she was staring directly at me.
“Back off sunshine. Not yet.”
“How did you know I was here?”
“Oh come on. You’re sweet and all Seraph, but when it comes to this sort of thing, you’re just like any other guy.”
I was about to complain when the phone rang.
“I’ll get it.” I walked to the phone. Just as I reached it the sight disappeared and I tripped over a cushion. The phone landed on my back.
“Ow.” I rolled over and picked up the phone.
“Hello?”
“Seraph? You up?”
“No Cain, I always answer the phone in my sleep.”
“You might want to see a doctor about that. Seriously though, are you busy?”
“Not really.”
“Cool. I need you over here.”
“What, now?”
“Yeah. The editor wants to speak to you. Put on a clean shirt and get over here.”
“But that’s gonna take hours.”
“Sorry, but we need you here.”
“What about Kida?”
“Bring her with you.”
“Fine. I’ll be over as soon as possible. What’s the time?”
“Half past ten. If you get the eleven o’clock train, you should be here by about Half past one at the latest. The express doesn’t run this time of day. I’ll see you both here. You know how to get here?”
“I’ve got Kida to help me find my way.”
“Okay, see ya later.” And with that he hung up.
As I replaced the receiver, the second sight started up. I turned around as I heard Kida’s feet padding up behind me. I noted that I was still lying on the floor, the phone wrapped around me.
“Comfortable?”
“Yes, Thanks. That was Cain. He wants us to go down to Shimizu. The editor needs to see me.”
“Cool. Lets go.”
“You seem eager.”
“I wanna see where it is that you work.” She helped me to my feet.
“Thanks. I don’t actually work there. I work from home. But I guess it is my workplace to some extent. I gotta go change. What are you wearing?”
“Do you like it?” Kida posed in the mirror. She was wearing a light blue summer dress that flowed down to her knees. She was also wearing sandals. Her pink hair was let down. After wearing my clothes for the past two weeks, it was a nice change, very feminine.
“Yeah. It suits you.”
“Really?”
“Sure. I gotta go and get a shirt on. Excuse me.”
As I entered my room I swear I could have heard a small sigh escape from Kida.
* * *
The train journey was long and boring. I was uncomfortable wearing a shirt, especially now since the weather had turned. I was hot and uncomfortable. I longed for my vest and shorts. But this was a business trip.
Shimizu wasn’t an extraordinarily big town but it was here where the newspaper had its offices and so it was here where I had to be. We arrived in the midday sunshine and with my guidelines and Kida’s eyes; we made it to the building. I stood outside briefly. I had only been here once before, to meet the editor. I had never seen it with my own eyes. Although I was technically seeing it with Kida’s eyes, it was strange, having never seen the place where I work. How many people can say that?
“Hey, I’ve just had a thought.”
“Careful.” I joked.
“Very funny. Im serious. How are we going to explain our…relationship?”
“Um…good question. We’ll just tell them the truth. We’re good friends that met a couple of weeks ago. If they ask about the whole mute verses blind thing, we’ll say that…we have a code. You can draw characters on my palm or something.”
Kida was silent for a second.
“Okay”. She sounded subdued. I was going to ask her what was wrong, when the doors suddenly opened and Cain walked out.
“There you guys are. Come on, the Editor is waiting.”
He bustled us inside and into a lift.
“Kida, I’ve arranged for an interpreter to be with us for today. He was the guy who I took with me when I interviewed the first people who had symbiosis. He’s a good guy.”
“Thank you.”
“Thank You.” I echoed so that Cain could hear.
The lift shuddered to a halt. The doors edged open and revealed the hustle and bustle of the newsroom. Reporters were bustling around trying to get leads and scoops, photographers were editing photos and on the phones to various contacts, everywhere was the sound of telephones, computers and snatched conversations. It made me glad that I worked at home.
“SERAPH!!”
I groaned inwardly, forced a smile and turned as Sayuri Koshido threw herself around me. Sayuri was a eighteen-year-old reporter who, for some reason, idolised me. She wore a blue suit with a very short skirt. Her black hair was tied back into a professional bun. A pair of glasses normally sitting on her nose almost flew off as she hugged me.
“Hello Sayuri.”
“I missed you Sera-Chan!”
“Sera-Chan?” Kida asked.
“Her nickname for me.”
“Did you say something?” Sayuri asked.
“No. Can you let go?”
“Sorry.” She let go, then looked me up and down.
“Aww. Sera-Chan, why do you not visit more often? I miss you.”
“So you said. I’ve been kind of busy recently.”
“We’re going to have to do lunch. There’s a nice restaurant down the street, they do excellent ramen…I know how you love your ramen…and they got the prettiest little table arrangements, we must go there.”
“Maybe, sometime.”
“I’ll let you know when Im free. So, how have you been?”
“Fine. Listen, Sayuri, I gotta go. The Chief wants a word.”
“Sure. Come back to me later.”
I left Sayuri and made my way through the bustling room to the editor’s office.
“Kida, stay out here.”
“Can’t I come in with you?”
“Sorry, but its employee’s only.”
“Fine.”
“Go and have a look round. I’ll be as quick as possible. Mr. Yajame here will help out if you need anything. He’s the interpreter.”
I gestured to a middle aged man who smiled and nodded.
I turned and entered the office. In my second sight I saw Kida move off with Mr. Yajame and then everything went black.
The editor was a middle-aged man called Mr. Sadamoto. His voice was a warm familiar voice that made me feel comfortable despite the heat and unfamiliar bustle of activity.
“Ah, Seraph my boy. How is it going?”
“You know chief. Same old, same old.”
“Glad to hear it. Now, I bet you’re wondering why you are here?”
“The thought had crossed my mind.”
“Well, it’s like this…” I started to settle down as Mr. Sadamoto began to brief me, but one part of my mind kept returning to Kida. I hoped she was okay.
“She’s a big girl.” I thought to myself. “She can take care of herself.”

* * *
KIDA:
Mr. Yajame, the interpreter, was friendly, but seemed bored. We waited around in the main newsroom, and he pointed out different people.
“That’s Mr. Kizu. He’s never had a scoop in his whole career, poor guy. And that’s Ms. Koshido’s desk. You met Ms. Koshido earlier, right.
“Right…” suddenly, something caught my eye. I walked over to the desk and picked up a small photo frame. In it was a photo of Seraph and the words scribbled down the side.
“To my darling Sayuri. Love Seraph.” I suddenly realised that the whole desk was littered with Photos of Seraph, some with dedications, some without.
“Hi there.”
I turned to find Sayuri standing behind me.
“You came with Sera-kun, didn’t you? May I ask how you know him?”
I gestured, using the sign language for “We’re good friends. We met recently.” Mr. Yajame translated my gestures to speech.
“Oh. Well, I’ve known Seraph a long time. He’s my lover.”
If I still had vocal chords, I would have yelled out in disbelief.
“Its true. Look, he wrote me this letter.” She held up a love note. It appeared to be written by Seraph, confessing love for Sayuri.
“This can’t be true. It’s impossible. I thought he loved me.”
But it made sense. What was it he had said? “We’ll tell the truth. We’re just good friends.” And he didn’t compliment my best dress the way I thought he would. If he truly loved me…
Suddenly the door to the editor’s office swung open and Seraph walked out followed by Cain and the Editor. They shook hands and then Cain led the way towards us.
“Hi Kida…” Seraph began.
“STAY AWAY! JERK!”
“Wha..?”
I ran from the room, tears beginning to fall.

* * *

SERAPH:
“What was that about?” Cain asked as I was plunged back into darkness.
“I don’t know. She yelled something about me being a jerk, then ran off.”
“I honestly don’t know what got into her.” Sayuri was saying. “I was just showing her these…”
“Oh no.” Cain moaned and I heard rustling paper.
“What?”
“Sayuri’s Seraph shrine strikes again.”
“Dammit Sayuri!”
“What?”
I was seriously considering murdering Sayuri on the spot, and no jury of my peers would convict me.
“I don’t have time for this. I have to find her.”
I extended my stick that I used to get around with and took off as fast as I could.
I don’t know how far I walked and where I exactly was, but I suddenly knew that I was at the right place.
I pushed open a door and was immediately assaulted with the smell of toilet cleaner masked by perfume. The sound of running water could be heard, and I assumed that I was in the Female washroom. As I carefully made my way into the room, the second sight kicked in, confirming Kida’s presence nearby. I could see the door of a toilet stall, closed, and knees being hugged in the immediate foreground. I made my way forward, one hand on the stalls.
“Kida?”
No answer.
“Come on Kida, I know you’re in here.” I stopped outside a stall.
“Come on Kida, come on out. I can see my legs under the door, so I know you’re in there.”
A pair of eyelids suddenly flipped down, plunging me back into darkness.
I let out a sigh, and sat down, my back against the stall.
“Kida, you saw the shrine didn’t you?”
Still no answer.
“Kida, I didn’t write that letter. I didn’t sign the photos.”
“Sure. Whatever.”
“Kida, Sayuri is obsessed with me. I don’t know why. But she means squat to me. In fact, she’s more of a nuisance than anything else.”
The door behind me suddenly opened and I fell backwards. The darkness receded and I found myself looking down on myself. I assumed this meant Kida was standing above me. She knelt down and sat beside me as I picked myself up.
“Really? But then, who..?”
“She writes them herself. She’s convinced that I actually love her, no matter how many times I tell her otherwise. I think she’s just lives in this little fantasy world where I love her unconditionally. And she writes letters to convince herself of this fact.”
“Its true Kida.” We looked up to see Cain standing at the door to the restroom. “She’s being doing this for a while now. I think she’s just a little bit lonely.”
“Not to mention desperate and needy.”
“And just a bit sad and pathetic.”
“Yeah, that too. Um, Listen Kida. About us recently…I’ve been…distracted. I’ve had a lot on my mind. Im sorry if I’ve offended you in any way.”
“Its okay. I’ve been a bit selfish, wanting you to notice everything about me. Friends again?”
“Yeah. And hopefully more than that, huh?”
“This is amazing!”
We all swung around to see Mr. Kizu standing in the doorway.
“You’re communicating. This is that symbiosis, isn’t it Mr. Shinkai? This can be my big break I’ve been waiting for. Finally my name will be up in lights..”
“Hey, hold on a minute…” This was what I feared, that the world would find out about Kida and I.
“Nothing’s going to stop me now!!!” Then Cain’s fist connected with his face and Mr. Kizu crumpled like a sack of bricks.
“Cain!”
“Don’t worry about him Seraph. I’ll deal with him. You guys go home. I’ll tie up everything here.”
“Thanks Cain. See you at home.”
We left the washroom and made our way to the exit.
“Sera-Chan!” I suppressed a groan.
“You’re going already?” Sayuri came running up.
“Yeah. Im done here. We’re going home.”
“We?”
“Me and Kida.”
Sayuri looked at Kida, then back at me. A strange look came into her eyes.
“But…I thought…”
“No Sayuri. You thought wrong.”
Sayuri gasped then took a step back. She looked like she was going to say something, but then changed her mind. Then she decided to spit it out.
“JERK!” Then she ran off.
I stood there a minute.
“You know, that’s the second time I’ve been called that today. It’s getting to be a habit.”
“Well, as long as we’re all clear where we stand.”
I smiled. “Yeah, you’re right.”
We left and headed for the train station. As we walked down the street in the late afternoon sun I stripped off my shirt and put it in my bag. I looked a bit weird walking down the street with just a vest, but I didn’t care. Working at an office in a city was not all it was cracked up to be.

* * *
Kida was dozing on the couch when Cain got back later that night. I was sitting next to her, listening to the Television. I knew it was him by his distinctive tread on the floor.
“Hi Cain.”
“Hey Little brother. So, what did you do?”
“What do you mean?”
“As I was leaving I saw Sayuri cutting up photos of you. She seemed to be upset.”
“I think she finally got the point. Maybe she’ll leave me alone now.”
“Don’t count on it. Love, even if its misguided, can be pretty powerful.”
“Please. Don’t even think about it.”
He laughed and I heard the distinctive sound of a beer being cracked open. Then a cold wet object fell next to me. I picked it up and cracked it open.
“Thanks.” I took a swig of beer.
“So,” Cain came up and I could feel him leaning on the back of the couch.
“Did you tell her?”
“About what The Chief said?”
“Yeah…”
“No, not yet.”
“Are you gonna do it?”
“Im not sure.”
“It’s a great opportunity.”
“But it would mean leaving all this behind. And her as well.”
“Unless you take her with you.”
“She’s gotta go back to school in September. I don’t want to take that away from her.”
“Well you’ve got the rest of summer to think about it. Take your time.”
I heard him down the rest of his beer then the padding of feet moving away.
“Good night Seraph.”
“Good night Cain.”
Next to me Kida stirred and shifted herself, then settled again.
“Seraph…”
I smiled, then switched off the TV and made my way to my bedroom.
And so Life Continued…

* * *

So? What do ya think? All the usual disclaimers and stuff apply here. All char.s are owned by me. Don’t steal. Ask if you want to borrow. Yadda yadda yadda.
I really tried to put myself in Kida’s shoes in this chapter. When you’re not a girl its kinda hard to understand what a girl might feel in that situation. Someone tell me if I did okay or not in this respect. Feedback is always appreciated.

I would just like to leave you with this. It’s a word I made up yesterday: FLORIDIAN . : something that originates from Florida: Floridian. I.e.: Floridian oranges. Can someone tell me if that’s an actual word or not. It’s a funny word. It was making me laugh all afternoon yesterday. Floridian. *goes into hysterics*
Okay, one last thing. It’s a scene from Azumanga Daioh. Vol.3 manga. Its my fav from the whole book.

TOMO: Oh yeah. Osaka, I forgot to bring back that CD I borrowed from you.
OSAKA: ^^ Don’t worry about it! I forgive you. I’ve got a heart as wide as the ocean!
It’s as wide as…as the Seto Naikai!
TOMO: Um… That’s an inland sea. And its pretty narrow.
OSAKA: Yeah, but its got octopuses and stuff living in it.
TOMO: That’s a pretty nasty heart you’ve got there…

Only a weird manga obsessed freak like moi probably finds that funny. If I showed that to my mates theyd be all like “…huh?” 0.o;
Anyway, that’s it from me. See ya later.

FUHGEDABOUTIT !!!

Or if you’re Japanese: NANDEYANEN!!!

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