/jp/ - Otaku Culture

>>46567313
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A lot of information was gotten from the letter. Important information Sekai didn't tell us: like how all points that, after her death, she holds no power over fate, a problem Remi has never met for the simple motive she's a vampire. Such knowledge makes my heart clench, but I don't let the seeds take root and cast this fear aside. I have all the necessary tools—a book that might as well be a magical nuke; knowledge on how to create a godly homunculus; and, most importantly… someone just as foolish as me to fight tooth and nail against the tidal waves of fate for one single soul. A soul as big as the ocean and just as cheeky.

Meiling turned the fabric and showed me the photography, certainly taken during stopped time. Sekai even put us in position and…

Ah, my face threatens to burn with tears once more, to which I resist not for pride or to pass on a semblance of control but because one of us already cries for two.

Brat, are you happy? Meiling might not want to wait for the Solstice to go save your miserable bloomers if you keep acting in this manner.

Still, better not dwell much on this; crying won't strengthen our bodies and souls. “Could you pass me the letter and photo, Meiling? I'll be storing them in a safe place; with Marisa now welcome on the premises, I trust no stone to remain unturned.” I call Meiling's attention, who, taking a moment to recompose herself, nods with a bit of strain, giving me both mementos that were swiftly stored for posteriority—not before I took a good look at the photo, of course—a weird finality washing over me as I closed the sigil and breathed out. “Now, seeing you've already begun your training, Meiling, it'd be wise of me to start my studies of this spell too. A homunculus by itself is work for a lifetime; one tailor-made for a goddess…? Hm.” I get off the table with one just too quick step and, as if a sack of hazelnuts, my body goes nigh limp and I find myself to collide with the cold ground. A shame, really: I'm not used to this weak physical body anymore.

Some lessons you learn the hard way—

—strong arms catch me. Of course. “Are you okay, Lady Patchouli?!”

“This frail body is not made for dexterous activity, and it embarrasses me greatly that that little show of,” I simulate my hand hitting the pages of the book and my sudden movement. An already weak body, coupled with many wounds and mental exhaustion, the recipe for almost disaster. “Has had this much effect on me.”

Meiling, unexpectedly, laughed. This crash course on adaptation to a sudden year of new memories has been truly arduous. “I understand, Lady Patchouli~” She seemed about to, hopefully, offer to release me or guide me back to the Voilé, but then something else shone in those green eyes. “This is a perfect opportunity for you to learn Ki, Lady Patchouli!”

That… I did not expect. “Our time is essential, Meiling—learning is a passion, but it must be postponed.”

“A minimal control of your Ki could help you study more, Lady Patchouli. Unlike back in the HSE, where we didn't need rest, here you'll eventually get weakened and not work at 100%! Sekai deserves our 100% always~!” She speaks like a true teacher of the martial arts; with so much crescendo it makes my ears ring a little.

… Still…

If a minimal control of Ki could—and, in her words back at the HSE, will—help with the fragility of this ill body, then it'd be better if treated as an investment. Time spent now as to spend less time then.

So, with a small sigh, I say, “Very well, then. Guide me on the basics.”

Rather endearing but highly unprofessional from my, hm, 'sensei', who pumps her fist, her red hair and bandages following the motions comically. Making sure to store the tome first—for others' safety, mostly—I am gently guided to the massive oak that shadowed the moments with Remi and Mei…

… Mei.

“Mei,” I utter to Meiling's confusion as she cleans the snow with a Ki burst—a nice gesture, even with magic veiling my clothes from the elements. “Remi for Remilia; Flan for Flandre… Patchy for Patchouli; Koa for Koakuma.” I look into her eyes, understanding flashing there. “Mei for Meiling.”

“… That's nice~though; does Sakuya get any?” She asks, sitting to my side.

I hum, back against the strong oak as the cool breeze sways my hair; the lake nearby quiet yet full of perceivable life—ugh… My bones ache, and my flesh grieves acutely. “… Maid.”

Meiling chuckles, though it wasn't funny.

… Hm~

Then class starts, and I can safely guess I'm lucky; despite her aloof personality and not great way with words, the way she teaches Ki is pristine. “Ki is life.” It was the first absolute rule I received, one that followed every subsequent word of hers and the very thing that finished the little class, my avid comprehension having soaked all as if a sponge.

Back against the strong oak as the cool breeze sways my hair, the lake nearby quiet yet full of perceivable life—life that flows…

Inside, a subtle—if feeble—measure of strength.