Chapter 1.8
01. Visitor from Another World
1-8. Friends
I have no idea what just happened.
"Nuoooooooohhhhhhhhhh!!!???"
Right after that thunderous noise reverberated through the room, I let out a scream filled with the agony and collapsed on the spot. At a glance, it might look like I fell victim to a fatal shot. However, there's one aspect that doesn't quite match up with that interpretation.
"Nu, guoooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh...!"
With my eyes wide open and my mouth tightly shut, I'm straining to force out my voice. As I'm on the verge of fainting in agony. I was holding down as if to shrink my body, it's the area between my legs that until just moments ago, was proudly wide open — in other words, my own private parts.
What on earth happened? I don't have the luxury to figure that out. Not a chance. After all, it's already in there. In a place that should never be touched, an impact of a level that should never be endured, a painful blow. Yes, it's fatally critical.
It's something only the bearer can understand, something that can never be shared with those who don't possess it. It's a pinnacle of suffering. Even the slightest careless movement could be a fatal mistake. In the midst of writhing in such excruciating pain, A voice reaches Naota's ears.
"Phew, that was close. It could have been dangerous."
The voice sounds satisfied, as if saying, 'That was a close call.'
"W-What...!?"
Instantly, Naota is struck by a sense of unease and stiffens. Compared to the voice he was just hearing from her, it seems strangely carefree. The earnestness, obedience, and even reverence seem to have vanished.
But on the other hand, the intonation was familiar. He feels an infinitely unpleasant premonition. However, aside from this unexpected turn of events, he can't think of how things could have ended up this way. He swallows hard.
Then, summoning his courage, Naota turns around. He keeps his posture the same but turns his head slowly. He's careful to avoid any unnecessary stimulation in that sensitive area. And, the answer is clear.
"In any case, for now, is this successful neutralization?"
With what seems like a thick book spread open in their hand, is Kururu, smiling brightly.
His expression is smiling. But this is the second time, and Naota knows it well. Behind that cheerful, girlish smile, there's not a trace of intimacy.
Furthermore, now she sees Naota as a clearer enemy than anyone else. Even without confirming it, I could feel it on my skin. The pressure Kukuru directs at Naota has become markedly different from just a moment ago. In other words, there's only one conclusion to be drawn from this.
"What... What's going on!? When have you snapped out of the brainwashing...!?"
"Ah, I see. So I really was like that. No wonder, I have a complete blank in my memory up until coming here."
That was the question that came out of Naota anxious mind. But in contrast to him, Kururu was noddind in agreement, and muttered to himself with a sigh. After a moment of contemplation, he rubbed his temples in a troubled manner and then gave an answer.
"Yes, you're right. The suggestion you put on me has already been lifted. Well, up until just a moment ago, I was under it. Fortunately, my friends woke me up."
"Wha... Friends!?"
Although Kukuru casually uttered those words, Naota couldn't let it slide and had to stop him. Because that was a completely unexpected story. Contact with a third party was something Naota was more cautious about than anything else, and in fact, it had never happened until now. It shouldn't have happened.
After all, it was Naota who instructed Kururu to be vigilant, above all else. Just before coming here, Naota issued two commands to Kururu.
One, if there was any indication that they were being monitored while on the move, to promptly inform him of it. And two, if anyone else attempted to make contact, even if it was someone very close, to immediately disengage from the situation and return to Naota side as the top priority.
He believed that if these two were strictly adhered to, almost any irregularity could be effectively neutralized. That's why just now, when Kururu left the room, Naota was able to watch him leave with confidence.
Even if it's not an impregnable one, He should have established at least a basic defense line. So why...? At what point did Kururu brainwashing wear off? Naota desperately searches for the answer.
Could it have been from the beginning? No, that's not possible. It's inconceivable. Because if that were the case, there were countless opportunities for Kururu to turn the tables on him like this. Then It would have happened much earlier.
So if there is a moment when the brainwashing wore off, it must have been after they arrived here. In other words, at the time when he issued the orders, Kururu consciousness was undoubtedly under Naota control.
But now things are getting really strange. For the obedient Kururu, Naota commands should have been absolute. Even if he took his eyes off her for these few minutes, she should have followed them.
In any case there's no longer any room for such so-called friends to intervene.
He can't explain it. There are no oversights anywhere. Naota's head is filled with 'whys', tangled and confused. Just as he was reaching a deadlock in his thoughts...
"Neee Hime-tama."
From somewhere, that voice reached his eardrums. Startled, Naota reflexively looks up. He's sure he heard it just now. It was probably a voice belonging to a very young child, soft and slightly lisping.
But even after scanning the room thoroughly, there was no sign of a figure resembling them. The only ones present in this room are Naota and Kururu. Maybe it was just his imagination.
"Neeee Hime-tamateba! Can you hear me?"
The following, the second voice, solidified his conviction. There's definitely someone here. This time, Naota looks around insistently, shifting his gaze back and forth.
Where is it? Where on earth is this voice coming from...!? His narrowed gaze naturally focuses around Kururu, where the voice came from. But no matter how much he looks, he can't find it. There's no trace of a third party anywhere. What on earth is happening? He's starting to wonder if he's the one going mad.
"Yes yes...., I can hear you properly."
With a sigh, Kururu responds to the voice.
"My bad~"
There's another lackluster reply, and then... Finally, Naota's gaze settles in one place. It's on Kukuru's left shoulder, covered by her cherry blossom-colored hair. Despite there being no wind, that spot is gently swaying.
Seeing it, Naota's thoughts come to a halt. Is there something there? In that spot? No, in a place like that? What on earth...? He has no clue what that something is.
"One of them got taken~"
In front of Naota, who is staring in amazement, it pushes Kururu hair aside and reveals itself. To put it plainly, it's a person. However, not just an ordinary person. It's a little person.
In terms of size, it's about the size of a hamster, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Moreover, it's two-headed. This peculiar creature perches on Kururu shoulder.
"Geez, you're such a tease~"
It moves its limbs like a ventriloquist's puppet, and it even talks.
Using Kururu hair as a plaything, it swings around, having fun.
With his mouth hanging open, Naota is left speechless. This was the first time he had ever laid eyes on a mythical race that should only exist in fairy tales. Perhaps even more fantastical than the giant turtle that had left him flabbergasted earlier.
A mix of impatience and amazement wells up, creating emotions even he can't quite understand. While Naota is lost in his thoughts, Kururu and the little person continue their interaction.
"Um, what is this exactly? I'm sort of in the middle of figuring it right now."
"I see~ my bad, my bad. You know, I was just worried. Worried that the Princess might get tempted again~"
"Ah, in that case, it's fine. Look, as you can see, I'm currently cornering him,"
Kukuru replies while gesturing towards my direction.
The little person also obediently turns their gaze in the pointed direction. There, lying on the floor, still clutching his crotch, is Naota. The little person stares at Naota intently for a while, then nods as if He had come to a realization.
"So, this is the rumored one who captured the Princess?"
"I'll let you know, there's no romantic element involved. It's brainwashing."
"Geez, you're such a spoilsport. Saying stuff like that, but you still managed to capture him so thoroughly," the little person remarks.
"Huh?"
"Groin shot."
"Ah, yes. Well..."
In every sense, the conversation seems nothing short of absurd. It feels like they're watching a badly paced sketch. Yet, the exchange continues.
"Um, so what's the main point here?" Naota asks.
"Huh, main point?"
"You approached me because you had something to discuss, right?"
"Oh right, right! So, um... I got curious,"
the little person stammers.
"Curious about what?"
"I mean, about that..."
At that point, it's the little person who falls into silence. He seemed to be struggling to say something, and Kururu furrows her brow in puzzlement.
"What is it?"
However, that silence doesn't last long. After gathering their courage, the little person answers hesitantly.
"The 'Friends' you mentioned earlier, is it possible that... or even if it's not, do you happen to know who they are?"
Blushing and fidgeting, they manage to ask. Without a doubt, Kururu lets out a sigh. It seemed like they were making a big deal out of it, so she had thought it was something much more important.
"Yes, yes, that's correct."
Yare yare, Kukuru responds, thinking it's quite a troublesome matter.
"The friends I just mentioned are indeed all of you."
"Noooo wayyyy!"
But before she could finish speaking, the place was immediately filled with a rainbow of cheers. Naota is surprised and shudders, but it only lasts for a moment. What happens next is much more significant and shocking, flooding the field of vision.
To put it in analogy, it's like a cracker. Just as if pulling a string on a cracker causes tape and scraps of paper to burst out, from the open pages of the book Kukuru had been holding, something colorful suddenly scatters and bursts forth.
With a popping sound, much like the cheerful burst of air.
The problem is, what exactly is that "something"?
"Yay! Friend, Friend!"
"We're all Hime-tama' friends!"
"Well, I kind of knew, though."
"It's like a dream,"
"This is an extreme honor,"
"It's really overwhelming."
"So she finally acknowledged it after all those years of hard work."
"But, you know, it's embarrassing to hear it face-to-face."
"Does this mean we get a lifetime friendship passport?"
"Should we form a circle and dance for now?"
"Tonight, it's red rice, isn't it?"
Such restless banter comes from the left, right, underfoot, by the ear, from behind, from the front, and from above. It's as if they're surrounding Naota. In short, that was the answer.
What flew out of Kukuru book, the true form of the scattered and burst colorful lights. All of it is now nothing but countless little people hiding and appearing all over Naota field of vision. They were everywhere in the room. Not just on top of furniture like desks and beds, but also in the open air.
Parachutes, hang gliders, kites, and hot air balloons. They're flying. Or crossing the sky. Carrying them, gracefully. And as free as can be. Some of them had balloons tied all over their bodies and were slowly rising into the sky.
And, especially, the density of their distribution is highest in one particular area. Kukuru stands there in the midst of the joyful commotion, with an indescribable expression. Remaining in the same posture, she has now become the perfect playground for them.
"Yay!"
They hang from buttons, hair, and cuffs all over her body.
"Settle down! Everyone!"
The pockets, acting as small houses, are filled to the brim. Bent forearms serve as slides, and on the open pages of the book, a picnic begins. From the waist to overhead, groups of them are enjoying rock climbing.
With them attached all over her body in this manner, Kukuru has become their dwelling. Because of this, Naota field of vision is now filled with little people from top to bottom. How many of them are beyond estimation.
At the very least, it's certain that it's not a number that can be properly counted. Finally, a pop sounds as imaginary gunfire, and jet planes reminiscent of the Blue Impulse draw colorful arches in the sky as they spiral away.
"Whoooooaaaaahhh!"
At this peak of excitement, their liveliness resembles a national celebration or festival. However, they are all in miniature size, albeit grand in their own right.
To say it was impressive, would be an understatement. Naota, captivated by the spectacle, momentarily loses himself.
On the other hand, it's Kukuru who lets out a sigh. She simply pats her shoulders, and several of the little people tumble down, but she doesn't seem to mind. She claps her hands lightly and addresses them.
"Alright, everyone. I understand now, so please go back."
However, they don't seem to notice. They hug each other nearby, dance a little, and wave at the jets soaring away with cheers.
"Everyone, can you hear me? I understand you're happy, but it's time to go back."
She raises her voice even more, but the result is the same. Ignoring Kururu call, they continue to revel in this moment.
It's like a rookie nursery teacher struggling with preschoolers. However, their bustling only lasts until the next moment.
"Stop!!!!"
Kururu shouts in a commanding voice. Instantly, everything comes to a halt. No, it stops completely. Not only the little people who were playing around, but also the jet that should have been gliding swiftly through the sky and the fireworks about to burst in the air, everything.
Therefore, it's silent. What Kururu shout brought about was a standstill that ignored all physical phenomena. It's as if time itself has stopped.
Not a single person moves even a fraction. In this stillness that's as quiet as a pond, all their eyes are focused on Kururu alone.
Everyone has a tense expression like they're thinking, "Uh oh, this is bad," or "This is really not good." And then, after capturing their attention with the silence, Kururu speaks. She smiles as if to say, "I'm about to lose it, you know."
"If you don't go back soon, there will be no snacks tomorrow, okay?"
She delivers this decree. An even deeper silence falls around, and indeed—
"Eep!"
Who was The first to let out a startled sound?, What happened next was over in an instant. They exchange glances with those nearby, and all the little people start moving at once.
"Nooooooo!!??"
"No, I don't want that—!"
"Help, mommy!"
"Have mercy, at least that much!"
"We'll die, I tell ya!"
"That's too much!"
"Do you expect us to live on millet and barley!?"
"It's a state of emergency!"
"Retreat, retreat!"
"Drop your weapons and surrender!"
"Survive, even if it's just one!"
While giving such brilliant screams, they all head towards the open pages of the book that Kururu is holding out. Just as when they came out, Naota is astonished at what kind of mechanism this could be. They dive one after another, leaving splashes and ripples, disappearing into the pages.
"Yes, that's the way. Who will be the last one?"
Perhaps Kururu is used to it, as she slowly starts to close the book with such teasing words. The pace of the little people quickens, and their numbers rapidly decrease.
Finally, the last one. A little person struggling to remove a large number of balloons tied to themselves narrowly slips into the gap in the pages, along with the Blue Impulse that rushed to their aid. And that's the end.
The book is closed with a soft thud almost simultaneously, and before you know it, the chaos that unfolded just moments ago has disappeared without a trace, as if it were a lie. With all those little people, there is now not a trace left. It's almost inevitable—
"So, these are my friends. Sorry for the disturbance."
Left in the room are only Kururu and Naota. And so, the board returns to square one, and finally Naota checks his answer. What were those Kururu referred to as friends? The closest word that comes to mind for their value is probably...
"Damn, a familiars...!"
"They're not as sophisticated as that, you know."
With a contemptuous spew, Kururu looks down at Naota and coolly states,
"These kids are spirits. I'm a spirit mage, you see. Sorry about that."
Comments
Post a Comment