ラブシック スクール ガール 章九

Chapter 9 - Miscalcuation

            As obnoxious as Nitori was, she had made a valid point. What exactly was I waiting for? Perhaps a latent fear of being offensive had suddenly emerged. Or maybe I was just thinking too much again. Whatever the reason for my hesitation, one thing was clear: I couldn’t keep grazing danmaku all day. I admit it wasn’t a difficult task to accomplish, seeing as blobs of water can only go so fast. Their speed, compared to other danmaku, was laughable. Even so, it would be unwise to let my guard down, just in case she had another trick up her sleeve.

            It was time for a counter attack. “Formation 10C!”

            I don’t mean to gloat, but I consider myself the master tactician. One inherent benefit to having an external medium – in other words, my dolls – fire my danmaku is that the barrage is not transfixed in one spot; this makes it harder for my opponents to react, since their peripheral vision cannot encompass the entire environment. To organize my tactics, I use notation to tell my dolls where to position themselves and what attack to prepare for.

            In the case of 10C, it is a simple carousel formation. Eight dolls form a uniform circle around me. The circle’s circumference surrounds the entire arena, and they can move inward at my discretion. Two more dolls finish the formation, for a total of ten dolls. The first of the two replace my position in the center of the circle, while the second is directly above it. The second doll is an appreciable distance above, thus giving me a way to literally hang around while I watch the show.

            Now that everything was in position, I pulled the string connected to the central doll. This caused the doll to explode, releasing the Seeker Wire, a blazing red laser. The dolls forming the circle act as nodes, which reflect the wire towards another doll. The dolls move inward and outward, as well as clockwise and counterclockwise, while they keep reflecting the seeker wire, until finally it hits something organic; in this case it would be Nitori.

            “Pathetic, Alice.” The Kappa’s voice echoed. “You think a single laser will hit me? Do you know the probability of that?”

            “Not likely,” I responded. “But set theory proposes that more trials will result in a higher probability.”

            Since I was literally hanging on by a thread, it was hard to get in the right position, as I still had to graze her danmaku. Eventually, I managed to take out two more dolls; these were smaller than my regular ones. I threw them down so that they would hit the seeker wire, and as they did, the laser split into three parts.

            “Think you can handle three?” I was confident that three lasers would be practically impossible to dodge over a prolonged period of time. However, the lasers continued to bounce off the dolls, indicating that they had not hit their target.

            “Alice, I’ll admit that this laser show of yours is quite impressive.” A compliment from Nitori; how rare.

            “Well, danmaku is all about beauty.” I replied with a bold voice.

            “Unfortunately, that’s where you have it wrong.”

            “Oh?”

            “You can’t win with beauty. Danmaku is about intellect. You have to be able to outsmart your opponent in order to seize victory. That’s a simple case when dealing with you.”

            Nitori’s camouflage had disappeared and I could finally see her in the water. No wonder the lasers never hit her; she was below ground level. I had completely forgotten about the environment change right at the beginning, and that would cost me the round.

            “Alice, are you aware of the properties of water?” Nitori asked out of the blue.

“Of course I am. I need to be to pass my test tomorrow.”

“Well consider this an afterschool tutoring session. Water has a specific heat capacity of 4180 joules per Kelvin. This allow water to absorb a plethora of heat before changing state. Now watch what happens when my danmaku collide with your lasers.”

Nitori positioned her danmaku in front of my dolls, and as my lasers made contact with them, steam began to enshroud the arena, making it impossible to see. However, Nitori’s voice was still clear as crystal.

“Do you know how rainbows are formed?” Nitori asked me in the mist.

            “Well-” Nitori continued without giving me a chance to answer.

            “The sun’s light reflects on the droplets of moisture in the atmosphere. You could therefore consider water to be a simple prism, capable of diverging light.”

            “So what?” I impatiently asked.

            “So you lose this round!”

            While distracted by Nitori’s lecturing, a laser had struck my back; it was my own. The force snapped my support thread and I fell to the ground. Even though danmaku was magical and did not hurt – to some extent at least – any physical damages were very real.

            “Is that the best you’ve got Alice?” Nitori emerged as the steam had finally cleared. “If so, this wasn’t worth my time.”

            “Maybe it is my best.” I struggled to get back on my feet after that collision, which was anything but pleasant. “However, even against a superior opponent, I will stand up and continue to fight.”

            “Heh” It was an anomaly for Nitori to laugh, seeing as how serious she was all the time.

            “What?”

            “You’re stubborn Alice. I like that”

            “What are you getting at?”

            “You can learn a lot about someone through a danmaku battle, that’s all. I see now why Patchouli has an interest in you.”

            “Does that mean you know where she is?”

            “Perhaps. Shall we continue?”

            I dusted off my dress and finished regaining my posture. “I believe the winner of the previous round picks their spell card first,” I finally said.

ラブシック スクール ガール 章八

Chapter 8: Water You Waiting For?

            “…and as a result, water molecules can form a weak link called a hydrogen bond.”

            My last class for the day was Biology, and Ms. Yagokoro was teaching us about the many properties of water. The lessoned seemed very interesting, as I was always a scientific kind of girl, but I was more transfixed on my spell card battle with Nitori after school. I knew that Nitori was technologically savvy, but that meant that I had to be prepared for anything she might use against me.

            “No! It doesn’t work at all!” My extremely bad habit of thinking out loud attracted the attention of all the students, as well as the teacher. Inevitably, this led to Ms. Yagokoro scholding me.

            “If you can’t keep up with my lessons, Alice, maybe you should consider after school tutoring!”

            After that unpleasant display of classroom delinquency, the lesson resumed. However, I paid no attention to it, and merely gazed out the window, still deep in thought. The remaining minutes of school passed by almost instantly, and the familiar sound of the school bell broke my train of thought.

            As the students left the classroom, Ms. Yagokoro gave us a friendly reminder. “Students, remember to study for your test next class. It will cover everything that you have learned this unit.” A test was the least of my worries, for now was the moment of truth. Every step I took was a step closer to settling my prolonged dispute with Nitori.

            “Margatroid!” I could hear Aya call for me from a distance, but I ignored her cry for attention and proceeded to the Danmaku Battlefield. My mind was thinking of only one thing, and that was “What the hell happened to Patchouli?”

            The time was now 3:30 PM. I stood alone in the center of the magnificent arena that was the Danmaku Battlefield. Moriya High had one of the most prestigious battlefields in all of Gensokyo, which was one of the reasons I decided to attend this school. The battlefield itself is truly a sight to behold.  At first glance, the battlefield is just an empty, spacious room. However, one can only experience its splendor first hand; through a Danmaku battle!

            “I’m here.” My voice echoed around the room, but there was no reply. Even so, it didn’t seem like I was the only one here.

            Finally, I heard the Kappa’s voice. “I think I’ve kept you waiting long enough.”

            I surveyed the room, but I failed to see anyone else. “Where are you, Nitori? Don’t play games with me.”

            “I’m right here, Alice.” As I turned my back, I could see the staunch, green figure behind me. “You can’t always trust your eyes, Alice. You should know that by now.”

            “Let’s get this over with,” I demanded. “I have a Biology test to study for and I really don’t have time for games.”

            “As you wish.” Nitori slowly walked towards the control panel. The control panel was located at the center of the right wall of the room. It was what controlled the Danmaku Battlefield; a combination of technology and magic. “Since I am the initiator of this battle, we’ll play using my rules. We’ll use three spell cards each; first to win two rounds is the victor.”

            When she finally arrived, she took out a card, and placed it in the appropriate slot. Then she pressed the button that was adjacent to it. A computerized voice announced, “Kappa World, set on,” as the room began to transform. Preparations were now complete.

            What had just been a blank room was now a shimmering valley, Kappa Valley to be more specific. Kappa Valley is located at the base of Youkai Mountain, and obviously it is where the Kappa resides. The main attractions of the valley are the river that flowed through the middle, and the waterfall, which is where the river begins.

            This was an example of a Field Spell Card. Before a Danmaku battle, one of the participants can change the battlefield using their personal Field Spell Card. It adds atmosphere to the room. After all, Danmaku is an expression of beauty. I also have a Field Spell Card, Doll World, but I rarely use it. The reason for that is because as Nitori had already mentioned, the initiator of the battle has jurisdiction over the rules. This meant that they decide how many spell cards, as well as what environment the battle will take place in.

            When Nitori was finally on the opposite side of the room, I shouted to her, “Make your move!” As I spoke those words, Nitori began to disappear until there was no trace of her left. I rubbed my eyes vigorously to remove any residue, and looked again. My original assumption was ascertained; Nitori had vanished.

            “Alice…” The room echoed my name. However, it was a much stronger echo than before, mainly because of the battlefield’s new appearance. Everything that the battlefield generated was real.

           “Your tricks won’t work on me, Nitori.” I knew she was just playing mind games. “You can’t intimidate me like this!”

            “Alice, if you wish to beat me, you cannot rely on your senses alone. You must have a mind as clear as water. But I doubt you are capable of even that.”

            The time for talk was over as Nitori declared her first Spell Card.         

“Water Sign – Hydro Camouflage!”

The water in the river began to shimmer; not much of a surprise as most of the valley composed of the liquid that was necessary for life. The water had now begun to materialize, forming ribbon-like threads of water, which danced in a sinusoidal fashion. It was like one of those fancy water fountains that I saw in Kourindo’s shop a little while back.

I now know the reason for Nitori using Kappa World. Her Danmaku is water, so in an environment lacking it, Kappa World can compensate. I never experience this problem, as I carry all my dolls, which is the source for my own Danmaku.

When in a Danmaku battle, you never really have the time to appreciate the beauty of the patterns that someone can create. Nitori’s Danmaku was no exception. If I was not the one battling her, I would most definitely applaud her creativity.

The ribbons vibrated with increased speed, until finally, they shattered into the familiar shapes of spherical Danmaku, which suspended in the air. It was a beautiful, yet scary, sight. As the water balls headed towards me, there wasn’t much I could do but prepare to graze them. In a Danmaku Battle, whoever hits their opponent first wins that round.

It was clear that I had a huge handicap. Nitori is at home in Kappa World, while my dolls don’t react too well with water. The fact that I couldn’t see Nitori only added to my dilemma.

“Alice, there’s only one question left for you to answer,” Nitori said, breaking the silence.

“Yeah?”

“Water you waiting for?”

ラブシック スクール ガール 章七

Chapter 7: The Disappearance of Patchouli Knowledge

For the past week, I had stayed at my abode modifying Remote Sacrifice. I might have been missing out on my course work, but this was important to me. Besides, we all need a vacation every now and then. After many sleepless nights of complex experimentation and calculation, my project had reached completion.

“There, the perfect combination of power, speed, and beauty!” I experienced a satisfaction similar to that of when finishing a major school assignment; the only difference was that Remote Sacrifice would actually be of some use to me.

“Shanghai, this isn’t too dangerous, is it?” Like always, there was no reply. “Oh how I dream of the day that my skills become proficient enough to fabricate an independent doll!” However, that day was not today, and it was early Monday morning. I had missed enough classes already and it was time to rejoin my fellow students in Moriya High.

My homeroom seemed somewhat different. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I was certain there was something missing. Perhaps my week-long insomnia has warped my perception of reality.

The warning bell rung, which indicated that there was only five minutes until class officially started. I saw Marisa walk cheerfully into the classroom; at least that remained the same. But I was positive there was something amiss, something out of the ordinary to say the least. “It could be those new flowers, or maybe a few students had their seating arrangement changed.”

While still brainstorming ideas on what was wrong, Ms. Kamishirasawa approached my desk. “Oh no,” I thought, “I’m going to get it now…”

            “Alice,” she began, but I wouldn’t let her finish.

            “Ms. Kamishirasawa, I can explain everything.” I was ready to bombard her with hundreds of brilliantly concocted excuses.

            “Really?” She asked. “Then could you tell me where Patchouli is?”

            This was one question I was not prepared for. Although I couldn’t answer her query, it did shed some light on my predicament. The thing that disordered the equilibrium I was accustomed to was not something new, but the absence of something old. Every morning, I savored the look on Patchouli’s face when I was getting close with Marisa. The lack of fresh air these past days has really hindered my cognitive skills greatly.

            “Patchouli?” I said in a dumbfounded manner. “What do you mean?”

            “It’s just that she hasn’t been to class recently, and I was wondering if you knew anything about it seeing as you two seem to be close friends.”

            “Well-”

            “While we’re on that topic, why were you absent last week?”

            “I’m sorry sensei; I had a personal issue to deal with at home. Everything’s alright now though.” This wasn’t a lie; I was merely stretching the truth. One thing you should know about me is that I am a master of improvisation. That skill alone has gotten me through the majority of my life as a student.

            “Don’t worry, Alice, I understand.” Sometimes I think Ms. Kamishirasawa is too gullible, but that can only result in benefitting me, so I won’t complain! “Be sure to inform me if you hear anything new.”

            Patchouli was never one to play hooky, so I knew something was out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, all the neurons in my brain could not fathom a reason for her sudden disappearance. Maybe someone else is holding the answer, but whom? As much as I despised to do so, I had no choice but to dance with the devil after class ended.

            The lunch bell finally rang, and I leaned nonchalantly near the door. As she finally attempted to leave, I unleashed some puppeteer string to partially block the exit in the same fashion a spider spins a web. A beautiful show indeed, but the devil was not at all impressed.

            “Nitori” I addressed her while finishing my intricate string pattern.

            “Out of my way! You’re using up the one thing that even my brilliance can’t invent; time!” It seems like her attitude was another thing that remained unchanged during my absence.

            “This is about Patchouli.” I said while increasing my tone with her.

            “What about Patchouli?” Nitori’s reply implied that she didn’t really care.

            “Why isn’t she going to school?” I asked.

            “How would I know?” Again, she didn’t sound like she cared.

            “You two are close, so I thought you might have an idea.”

            “Well maybe I do and maybe I don’t.” She said with her signature smirk. After not seeing that for what seemed like forever, the moment my eyes locked into contact with it, I went berserk.

            “This is important!” The sudden burst of my voice resulted in Ms. Kamishirasawa giving us a queer look. Until now, she was unaware of our little quarrel, and was busy grading our assignments.

            “Alice, Nitori, settle your personal disputes outside of the classroom.” Ms. Kamishirasawa told us.

            “Very well, Margatroid.” Nitori said. “Let’s have a spell card battle.”

            “I don’t have time for-”

            “If you win,” she interrupted, “then I’ll answer one question a hundred per cent truthfully.”

            She had acquired my interest, but I was reluctant to ask what the consequences were if I were to lose.

            “If you lose…” After a momentary silence, she finally continued. “Then you must do anything I tell you to do without question.”

            “How is that fair?” I objected

            “How is it not fair?” Nitori retorted. “If you win, I’ll do anything you tell me without question. I just know that you’ll use that prize to ask me what has happened to Patchouli, so I merely reconstructed the conditions of the competition to better adhere to your needs.”

            I never had a spell card battle with Nitori before, so I’m completely clueless on what she has up her sleeves. I wanted to accept this wager, but I could only imagine what Nitori could ask me to do if she beat me. Nevertheless, this was the only way to acquire the information that I desired.

            “Well?” Nitori pressured me.

            “Very well. After school, at the school’s Danmaku Battlefield.”

            I retracted my puppeteer strings, and with one last smirk, Nitori left the classroom to attend to her own matters. The rest of lunchtime sped right by me; I was too consumed by what I had just done in agreeing to this.

            “Danmaku is about speed, if you hit your opponent quicker than they can react, then you’ve basically won half the battle.  Remember that fact.” Those words kept echoing inside my head. “Well Aya, I guess it’s time to test your advice!”

ラブシック スクール ガール 章六

Chapter 6: Remote Sacrifice

            “Danmaku is about speed, huh?” My philosophy on spell card battles always was that the most strategic one would win. But what use is strategy if I don’t even have time to execute my plans? I did have something that I had been working on in this respect for some time now. However, it was far from completion, and I was still tweaking the mechanics of it.

            “It’s not even a spell card! If I were to use that in battle I would certainly win, even if it is a bit dangerous.” A bad habit of mine was that I would always think out loud. If anyone had been in my house at this time, surely they would label me insane and send me to see a psychiatrist. Luckily for me, the only one to hear my crazy ranting was Shanghai.

            I decided I would need a second opinion on the matter, so I called my good friend Aya over. Within a few minutes, she came barging in with that annoying way she addresses everyone; by their last name. “Ello Margatroid! What’s up?”

            “Would it kill you to knock first?” I told her angrily.

            “Well why did you call me over? Got a scoop for the Bunbunmaru?” Aya said with anticipation.

            “Not everything in life is a story Aya.”

            “Not unless you make it one!”

            I realized the uselessness in arguing with her and just got to the point. “Aya, I just need a second opinion.”

            “Alright.” She said with dying enthusiasm.

            I grabbed my doll and we headed into the Forest of Magic. The Forest of Magic was filled a vast number of trees, which blocked most of the sunlight. This made it a haven for youkai to lurk, but they were the least of my worries.

            After approximately ten minutes of wandering around, Aya entered the shoes of a kid sitting at the back of a car. “Are we there yet?”

            I sighed and told her that we were looking for a relatively empty area.

            “But we’re in the middle of nowhere!” Aya complained constantly until I finally snapped.

            “That’s the point!” I retorted. “This spot is good enough.”

            “What is it that you want to show me which requires calling me over during the weekend and walking to an entirely desolate location for almost half an hour?!” Her temper was at its limit.

            “It isn’t completely desolate, with the trees and all, but I suppose that won’t be the case in a moment’s time.” I had Goosebumps while saying that, realizing that it might actually be true.

            “What are you talking about Alice? Spill it already!” Aya always addressed me by first name when she was the one being annoyed as opposed to her being the annoying one.

            “This.” I showed her the doll that I had lugged around all this time. On the surface, it was just another generic doll that I made. The mechanics inside however, are a tale for another day.

            “A doll?” Aya inquired. “I’ve known you for quite some time; it’s not like that’s an uncommon sight.” As I’ve mentioned before, Aya was one of my oldest friends. I knew her ever since elementary school, when I first moved here from Makai.

            “Aya, you told me danmaku was about speed. Well, I decided to consider that maxim. I want you to be my test subject. After all, you’re the fastest-”

            “Fastest in Moriya High,” she intervened. “Margatroid, hit me with anything you got! I’ll graze it to Youkai Mountain and back! Whenever you’re ready!”

            I was glad that her enthusiasm had returned. Even though I knew Aya was fast, I was still hesitant she might not be able to handle what was in store. Putting that doubt aside, I pulled the string on the doll. Instantly, an orange-yellow laser fired forward. Aya barely grazed it, her clothes slightly ruined.

            “Wow,” was all she could say while still dazzled at what had just happened. “Are you trying to kill me?”

            “Of course not,” I defended. “I know you’re fast enough.”

            I observed the surroundings and assured that my hypothesis was correct. Everything in the path of the attack had been vaporized; there wasn’t a trace of the trees, vegetation, or anything else. I went to examine the damages to my doll and noticed that only ashes had remained.

            “Margatroid, what in Gensokyo was that?!” She asked in awe.

            Realizing that Aya was not the brightest pea in the pod, so I explained the mechanics in terms she could comprehend.

“I stored powerful magic in the doll. I then enchanted it with a seal to prevent it from activating prematurely. The string that I pulled broke that seal, and the magic that was trapped inside gets released with an incredible force. The end result is what you just witnesses with your own two eyes. It is the Remote Sacrifice. My inspiration comes from Marisa’s Master Spark.”

“I rather endure the full blast of a Master Spark than try and dodge that again; it was seriously too close. If you want a second opinion on this matter, for that was the reason you called me here, I highly recommend never, ever, using it again! You could seriously hurt someone!”

I had been thinking of the dangers of my Remote Sacrifice way before this lecture from Aya, and I would have to agree with what she said.

“I’ll pick my opponents carefully,” was all I said.