The "Princess" and the Pee: An Angel Beats Anime Fan Fiction Story

Yui makes use of the "facilities" one time too many ... A riff off a scene from Episode 6: Family Affair.


The "Princess" and the Pee: An Angel Beats Anime Fan Fiction Story

by

C V Ford

xxxxx

"YO! ... SENSEI! ... I GOTTA' PEEEEE!"

"Sighhhh! ... Oh, man!"

Leaning back in his desk chair, the young blue haired man gazed exasperatingly up at the light ballasts and ceiling fixtures. Class not even fifteen minutes in and it was ... what ... the fifth? ... sixth? ... time she LOUDLY(!) announced to teacher, class ... the whole freakin' world ... her intentions to use the facilities ...

And in such a crass, vulgar manner!

"You again? ... Very well," the teacher also seemingly resigned to it, "... go ahead."

"Man! If only the teachers were this easy when we were alive," thought Hinata.
"Things sure would have been a lot less complicated."

A light whack on the shoulder had the young man shift his vision rightward to that of a diminutive, pink tressed "goth goblin" leering a toothy grin downward as she passed.

"Really hafta' go this time," conspiratorial look in her eyes. "Gonna' use the teachers' unisex single down the hall."

Hideki watched her saunter out.

On Yuris' orders, members of the Battlefront were to attend classes. Partly to avoid another mass contemplation room confinement but also to create disturbances in order to see how far Ayoto Naoi, the Acting Student Council President and his "zombies" could be pushed before retaliation. The infractions would also keep them from getting too "into" their classes and possible "obliteration" ... which was probably what the little dictator wanted.

The methods varied:

Hisako, TK, Fujimaki and Matsushita were busy "infracting" in a hot Mahjong session at the center of first row.

Two rows over, a VERY self conscious Oyama nervously contemplating a try at sneaking something to crunch on from a party size bag of chips.

Takamatsu in hard calisthenics an aisle over.

Noda, the formidable moron, lay across two desks in an attempt at snooze, impairing the ability of two other students in their work thus in violation of Yuris' instructions not to impede others.

An obvious though quiet distraction being "staged" by Shiina in the back corner of the window row, balancing scissors, ruler and a broom on the fingertips of one hand in vigorous focus training.

As for the hyperactive dingbat Yui, her non-method seemed to be continually requesting bathroom breaks, leaving for a short interval then return ... to repeat the "process" over and over ad nauseum.

Hinatas' own "nauseum" was really getting to him.

A sideways glance to his buddy seated in the desk behind, he asked, "Just what does that little ... dipwad ... think she's doing? You'd think she'd try something else ... And why the teachers restroom this time around?"

"Act of defiance maybe?" Otonashi in answer

"And she didn't have to tell me she actually HAD to go this time."

"She likes you."

"Say WHAT!?" The blue hair turned full around toward the carrot top.

"Oh, come on," Otonashi urged. "She's always had a thing for you. She-"

"She brings me nothing but grief! Ever since the ball game she's been a total pain in the a-"

"You just don't know a good thing when you see it," explained Yuzuru, "I mean ... She's pretty cute, y'know?"

"Otonashi ... You are one SICK dude!"

xxxxx

"Hmmm ... I've seen that Naoi guy use the teachers loo before," Yui in thought traveling down the hallway past the student restrooms. "Probly' thinks he's privileged 'r somthin' just 'cause he's the new Council head."

In fact she'd seen the creepy one and an NPC enter it two "trips" ago.

"They gotta' be outta' there by now. If he can ... I can! Class warfare it is!"

Cautiously, Yui softly knocked below the plainly marked "Faculty/Staff Only" sign. No response, she quietly opened the now unlocked door. Peering in revealed the space devoid of anyone.

"Huh? ... What's this?" On entry, puzzlement on espying the object recessed in the wall.

"Oh yeah!" Realization lighting a weak filament 40 watt inside her pink and twin tail strapped cranium.

"Guys ... Standing up ... right!"

Fascinated, the girl fixated on the wall urinal while backing up to the throne.

Reaching under the pleated blue uniform skirt she slid her unmentionables down and proceeded to sit.

"HOLYSONOFAWHATTHE- ... AAAAAAA-!!"

XXXXX

"... so you see Otonashi," explained the blue hair, "there's NO WAY I could ever feel any attraction to that little whack-job, why she's-"

"-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"

The more than audible scream could be clearly heard by one and all on the building floor.

"It's Yui!" A more than concerned looking Hinata exclaimed, launching out of the desk chair and toward the door to the hall. "That damn Naoi, if he's-"

"Yup!" Hinata thought watching his friend rush past to the demented ones' rescue. "No attraction at all ... RIGHT!"

Also launching up, Otonashi shouted a hasty "excuse us" to the "teacherbot" as he ran to assist.

Hideki was already halfway down the hall when the red head got out the door.

"Yeah it's obvious," he wryly sarcasted to himself. "No feelings for the little whack-job ... PERIOD!

"Speaking of which ..."

The aforementioned little whack-job fast-walked out a well ajar unisex door and past a now confused and adrenaline hyped Hinata.

"Wh- ... What's wrong? You OK? You're not hurt or anything, are you?" Almost pleading. "If that Naoi did anything to you, I'll- !"

"It's NOTHING!"

"Don't tell me that, what's-"

"NOOOOTHING!"

The royally aggravated one stalked on back to the classroom, fists clenched, shoulders hunched, face in hellish grimace and in no uncertain terms not wanting to discuss an-y-thing.

Passing a puzzled ginger who noted the back third of her skirt was sopping wet, she pivoted into the classroom.  Returning to her seat at the front window desk, arms crossed, she sat herself down ... hard. The act of which with an extremely audible squish.

"Hmmmph! Hnnnngh!"

Turning his gaze back down the hall, Yuzuru saw a fast approaching and laughing(?) Hinata returning from having had a look inside the small restroom.

Holding his sides and trying not to be too loud in his gasping and wheezing (And utterly failing!), Hinata staggered past and in. Otonashi following.

"A-heep! ... Durrrp! ... Gak! ... Oh God!"

"What ha-"

" ... eeeeeh! .... Seat!"

"Huh?"

" ... Seat! ... " Hinata coughing/gagging and weakly collapsing into his desk chair. "Someone left the freakin' seat UP! ... Aww ... BWA! HA! HA! HA! HAA! HAAAAAAAA!"

"SHUT UP YOU!" From the front window corner of the room.

"So Yui," a smiling Hisako looking up from her game tiles, "you fall in or something?"

Matsushita hung onto the game desk, heaving silently in laughter, rattling the tiles.

"Good thing you didn't grab the handle in getting yourself out," Fujimaki in accompaniment. "Then you'd be dizzy as well as wet!"

"Swir-leee!!" TK

Oyama looked on in amused bewilderment.

The reclining Noda, on his part, grinning with one eye open surveying the unfortunate one.

Takamatsu, in the middle of a "cruncher", froze in wonderment.

Shiina, having set her balancing objects aside, turned her back on the scene, concealing her own mirthful response. Being from another era, she recalled her own early encounters with Sir John Haringtons' invention (1) after arriving at this school in the In-Between.

"Aw c'mon, guys," Otonashi returning to his desk, "she's been through enough, she-"

"CAN IT! ... ALLA' YAS!" Again from the front window corner.

"Please keep it down a little." The 'robo-teach' commanded. "We are having class here."

Recalling Yuris' instructions, the extremely amused Battlefronters suppressed their din though subdued giggles and laughter from various parts of the room still evident.

The class session continued and for the next ten minutes, with front members engaging in their diverse infractions, a relative peace prevailed until from the front window corner-

"YO! ... SENSEI! ... I GOTTA' PEEEEE!"

From the back, a lamenting Shiina.

"This is soooo ... "

END

xxxxx

Storyline (only) copyright  © 9-29-16 C V Ford


1. Sir John Harington (1560 - 1612) Inventor of the flush toilet.


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Disclaimer: The preceding is a NON-PROFIT work of fan fiction for entertainment purposes only. I make no claim to ownership of any of the COPYRIGHTED names/characters, places, and events mentioned in this work. They are the sole properties of their respective owners. Please, by all means support the owners of such properties in the purchase and enjoyment of the original works.

In Gods' Good Time: Chapter Twenty Six of an Angel Beats Fan Fiction Story

In Gods' Good Time: Chapter Twenty Six of an Angel Beats Fan Fiction Story

by

C V Ford

xxxxx

Chapter 26: Aftermath

"I was afraid this might happen."

All eyes on Jack.

On an unspoken word, most of the "trial" attendees, Rachel and Jack with them, repaired to the cafeteria/food court building. In an unprecedented move, the now not-so-outsiders were accorded temporary seats at the Battlefronts' usual tables, being grilled over what had taken place before Yuris' impromptu hearing. All hanging on the words of the couple.

Duffy went over the events leading up to his summoning Rachel to review and affirm what all thought may have been written in the foremans' confession. Rachel summing up the documents' contents.

"Who knows?" The man concluding. "Maybe he was looking for absolution ... forgiveness of some kind ... doubtful he'd get it. From Yuri that is. Maybe planned to disappear but not sure of it unless he at least confessed to her. He did strike me as a really guilt driven man though. I can only imagine the load he'd been carrying all this time."

"The possibility of his disappearance had to have occurred to Yuri too," Rachel speculated. "I can't think of her delaying a chance at what might have been a diminishing opportunity at vengeance."

"Maybe she thought ... God might make an exception?"

Every head turned in the direction of Yui. She had been uncharacteristically quiet the past couple hours.

"I mean, when I first came here ... ," the pink haired one looked about her. "... Just being able to walk was something new and wonderful to me. I thought I might be in Heaven 'til Yurippe and you guys set me straight. 'Til that moment I thought God was giving me a second chance at living.

"Sometimes ... I still think that it ... might be ..."

Hinata put a comforting arm about her shoulders.

"Well ... that's what this place is supposed to be about in a way isn't it?" Duffy glanced about.

"At least according to that ... Angel," answered Hinata.

"For what her word is worth," Takamatsu put in.

"All we do know is," put in Hisako, "when you find whatever your uh ... problem is ... and get it 'out of the way' ... you're gone."

"Isn't that what you really want?" Rachel asking one and all. "Get what's holding you back taken care of?"

"It's that disappearing part after that gets me," Iwasawa adding.

"Yeah," Fujimaki putting in. "Creepy as all get out. Don't like it."

"It's like God's pulling another trick on us," said Yusa. "We've had enough of that."

"You think something even worse might be waiting for you when you disappear, is that it?" Asked Duffy.

"Maybe."

Rachel and Jack scanned the gathering. In their inquiries over the past few months they knew of the varied reasons as to why these young ones joined Yuris' resistance group.

Most, like Yuri, resented God for the extremely negative things that happened in their lives.

Others, like Fujimaki, it was something to do to pass the time spent here resisting transcendence.

With Noda, of course, it was his outright affection for Yuri and the sense of direction she provided.

Shiinas' was unique. From what Rachel as an historian gleaned from her it was out of loyalty to Yuri personally. From when she was a young girl her clan taught the only morals were that ANYTHING (Including love/sex.) was a weapon and the obligation to complete the tasks/missions assigned by the client/patron. God, dieties and eternity, if any, would take care of itself.

It was the emptiness and isolation of her enforced way of life, from the self segregation of her people from the rest of the world in their training and insularity. While younger, she longed to be like the children of the other classes who seemed to be living simpler, happier lives. When older she resented the paradoxical attitude of the "outside" in it's shunning and fear of those of her clan yet also of being so valued and sought after when needed.

"So Duffy-san ... Rachel-sensei," Miyuki started, "what do you think happens when we- ... Um ... leave?"

"Judgement perhaps. One comes before the Lord to be judged."

"I thought that happens right after you die according to your theology," said Takamatsu seated beside Sakaki.

"Oh?" Duffy curious.

"Yes," the tall one replying. "I've heard what you've said to others from time to time. Off  and on I've looked through copies of that  ... Bible as you call it ... we have some in the library and read something to that effect."

"You must mean," confirmed Rachel. " 'And as It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement.' That the one?" (Hebrews 9:27)

"One of them, yes."

"Who says we're really dead?" Jack throwing the question to one and all. "For all we know this could be some kind of near death experience. Though ... multiple people, some from different eras, having and being in the same one is certainly a stretch and a half. As this doesn't really biblically fit I'm inclined to think it something else."

"But then," Rachel putting in. "This place in itself could be part of judgement ... a trial ... a test of some kind."

"Didn't you once say one gets to be with God on acceptance ... acknowledgement of fact of the payment your ... uh ... Christ-san made? (2nd Corinthians 5:21, Colossians 2:14)" Asked Takayama momentarily relinquishing his self assumed title. "Why a judgement? I thought that would be out of the way for you."

"Salvation is itself assured," explained Rachel. "Then God determines ones' place and tasks in Heaven with him." (Romans 2:6-11, 1st Corinthians 3:8-15)

"Whatever this is," Jack taking Rachels' hand in his, "when the good Lord sees fit to take us home, we're ready."

"We've heard you both referring to ... wherever ... as 'home' before," Shiori asking, "why is that?"

"Obviously, life on earth isn't our final destination," Rachel answering.

"Otherwise death wouldn't take us. Ones' soul has to go somewhere."

"And it isn't as if this place is either," put in Jack. "There'd be no disappearances if that were so."

"So this final destination ... Your ... uh Heaven as you call it ... with God?" (John 14:1-4)

"Yes."

"Um ... question?"

The two looked at Oyama.

"If ... everything's settled with you ... fulfillment, peace and all ... well ..."

"Why are we still here?" Rachel now asking.

"Yeah."

A murmur went through the gathering. The up to the moment unasked question circulating among them for weeks now out in the open.

"We've been asking that ourselves," Jack started to explain. "Rache and I have talked about this and the only answer is that God, of course, has plans of his own and it's not really up to us to question. I will say, when I proposed, I thought I was taking quite a risk. When she accepted, I thought at that moment we might be gone.

"It wouldn't have been a bad way to go."

"As we're still here," adding the teacher now grasping the mans' hand, "we'll just keep on 'keeping on'. Going on with our duties, even telling others about Him when we can (Mark 16:15). It's what He'd want us to do."

"It's all in Gods' good time."

"And who knows," Rachel speculating. "Maybe we'll be leaving at the wedding. He might see fit to let us have time as husband and wife. Or-"

"We could even be here for a long time to come for some purpose of His own. Like I said before ... whatever happens ... ," the man returned Rachels' grip even tighter, " ... We're ready."

"So ... You're still going to go through with it? ... The wedding, I mean ... Even what happened to you so far ... and after what happened today?"

The couple turned their gaze to a glowing Yui.

"Yes dear," smiled Rachel, "we certainly are."

"It's what we want and we're going through with it. Nothing's stopping us and we're not letting what happens to others get in the way. You ... Yuri ... All of us here ... have our own personal ghosts and demons to fight and settle with in our own ways.

"You could say our coming marriage is one way of doing that, though ..."

Duffy slid up to the teacher, putting his arm about her shoulders looking directly deep into the depthless green of the red heads' eyes.

"... it's certainly much more than that."

xxxxx

Yuri awoke. On reflex she reached, feeling for a presence not there. Lifting her head she sought round for that presence finding it on the other end of the long couch. Slumped down, Nodas' head nodding in sleep.

Windows with the days' fading light, she Looked over at the wall clock, noting the considerable passage of time.

Had he been with her the entire time?

Yes. She remembered being too spent to stand in his arms, he holding her up. Vaguely, she recalled being carried to the couch. Not wanting him to leave her there, she pulled him down and kept him holding on to her while crying herself to sleep. She had awoken once in the interim to find him still there. Now ...

He must have gotten up for something and not wanting to disturb her on return, sat at the couchs' other end.

Getting up slowly, Yuri gently sat herself down next to the sleeping young man. Putting her head on a shoulder, she reached around.

Noda was instantly awake. On seeing the feminine hand on his chest, he put an arm around the shoulders of his leader, both snuggling in close.

He knew this was just a further move for subdued comfort, nothing more. She had long cried herself out and was only seeking closeness. A closeness he felt honored to provide.

xxxxx

"Nakamura-san then, has resolved what conflict may have been between her and the foreman?"

The two foreigners were not surprised at Tachibanas' question. It had been over a day since what occurred in the office and word had quickly spread over the school. They were sitting at their usual cafeteria table on being approached by Kanade.

"Yes," replied the teacher. "Not exactly sure with Yuri herself but the ... 'matter' ... itself has been ... concluded."

"His leaving, if you could call it that, was ... quick."

Both women turned to Jack sitting across from Rachel.

"So you could say it's over. At least for him."

"When he first came here," Tachibana started, "I could see he was carrying a heavy burden, he-"

"Wait a sec!" Duffy, eyebrow cocked, bringing the elfin one up short. "You mean to say you knew about this guy all the time he was here?"

"Only in that he was not one of the non-entities and that something had been greatly troubling him, nothing more."

"Would have been nice had you told us ... said something about it."

"You did not ask. And you seem quite good at determining the real from the not."

Taken somewhat aback, the man paused.

"Yes," his mind lit up. "Have to ask direct questions to get anything out of her. Didn't volunteer anything about that Naoi either til I mentioned it. 'Course she didn't tell me about what students were real or not ... Makes sense ... Not all that communicative ... that's how she operates."

He found it hard to possibly be mad with her. It was the way she was.

"Are there any other non-entity faculty staff here?"

"None that I know of. Other than you and O'Hara-sensei, he was the only one I knew of."

"Well," smiled Jack, "whatever you say then ... Yuki. Or should it be Yuki-chan?"

"Yuki? My name is-," pausing, Kanade frowned but a moment then a faint smile barely creased her face. "Oh ... That silly little program."

"I take it you're not a big fan of it ."

"It's ... ," her smile widened slightly, "... unique."

Off the side Rachel coughed slightly in suppressing a giggle.

"And I'm not a doll."

The expression on the 'angel' now more deadpan than usual.

It was Duffys' turn to chuckle.

"I think you have your shows mixed dear," Rachel said.

"I know ... ," faint smile re-appearing. "I must go now. Student affairs to attend to."

In passing, the petite one, looking neither right nor left, reached out, lightly touching the mans' shoulder with a dainty forefinger.

"Tang."

And walked on.

Rachel exploded in laughter as a grinning Jack, gasping in faux terror, frantically felt about his head, shoulders and torso in an effort of assurance of corporealness.

Kanade looked back at the two as she left the area, faint smile still on her.

"Considering the situation," Rachel thought aloud, she herself watching the girl leave, "something like that here would be almost appropriate."

"Be a mess to clean."

"True. The 'complementation' here is much ... neater."

"That and she'd have to appear as you to set me up for my doom."

Rachels' hands instantly shot out,  grabbing Jacks' and eliciting a genuine startled intake of breath this time.

"GOTCHA!"

xxxxx

"Yurippe," Fujimaki opened, "wanted us to let you know she has nothing against either of you. You were only the messengers and that's because you happened be there."

It was some minutes later the two were approached by the delegation of Fujimaki, Matsushita 5th, TK and Oyama.

"That's good to hear," Jack thoughtfully paused. "How IS Yuri right now?"

"Quiet ... Just stays in the office ... doesn't say much ... Hardly anything really. Any real communication gets to us through Noda."

"Noda?" Rachel asked.

"Yeah," Oyama piped in. "When they talk to each other, it's mostly in whispers. Can't make anything out."

"When we do hear anything between 'em it's single words or short phrases." Matsushita added.

"Those two have gotten pretty
close the past couple days ..."

"Those two have gotten pretty close the past couple days," the sword bearer related. "I mean, we always knew Noda had feelings toward her and that Yurippe had some kind of affection. Now it seems it's coming out in the open a bit. Don't know what she sees in him though ..."

"Then," interjected Rachel, "at least some good has come out of this."

"Not to mention," Jack put in, "some of the things in her past may have been put to rest."

"Things?" TK

The gathering turned to Duffy.

"Oh ... Things like ... Things that have been eating at her since the uh ... incident in her home.

"Who and why they did what they did. What happened to them ... From what Rachel here told me, that confession was quite well detailed ... Where they ultimately ended up. At least for one of them ... maybe. Interesting Kaji manned up and saved that elderly couple ... at the cost of his own life."

"Cold comfort that would be to Yurripe," Fujimaki stated with a frown.

"You saying he redeemed himself?" Matsushita inquired.

"Not for me to say ... That would be between him and God."

"The Man upstairs." TK

"Be that as it may, it's Yuri we're actually worried about," said Rachel.

"Whatever it was with the Buildings and Grounds foreman, it's done. Jack and I have been wondering how she's been taking this."

"Like we said," Oyama summed. "Quiet ... Closer to Noda-"

"In any event, it's some kind of conclusion ... closure for her."

"You don't think ... with some of these things out of the way for Yurripe, she might ... disappear?"

All eyes on a very concerned Matsushita.

"No way in wild Heaven or hell!" TK

"Oh man! Not possible." Declared the swordsman. "Our leader?"

"The first to fight!" TK

"I mean," Oyama started, "she's our leader. Without her ... we'd ...  "

"She's more than your leader guys."

The four looked to the teacher.

"She's lost three people very dear to her in the past. There's a very good possibility she may have alienated herself from her parents because of that ... Maybe from guilt feelings over not having been able to prevent her siblings deaths. Her whole family, in effect ... lost to her.

"She doesn't want to lose this one."

"Wait," an almost speechless Fujimaki. "You're saying-?"

"I'm saying ... It may very well be you're not just a resistance group to her ...

"You're HER family.

"And she doesn't want to lose ANY of you."

"Oh come on!" Matsushita exclaimed, he one not liking to be dependent on anyone.

"Really!" Fujimakis' macho rising. "If-"

"Big sister Yurippe!" TK in mirth.

"Big sister," speculated Oyama. "Maybe something more ..."

"It's more than just big sister, gentlemen," sensei giving an affirmative nod toward him.

The attention of the four young men focused on Rachel even more so.

"Look at the way she treats you ... talks to you. Yes ... From what little Jack and I have seen. Sure, she tries to come across in an organisational fashion. Delegates authority ... But it's something more than that.

"The way she looks at you sometimes. How she deals out punishment when you do or say something she doesn't approve. Her chiding sometimes comes across like that of a-"

"You don't mean ... !" Matsushita

"Aw no!" Fujimaki

"Hey! MOM!" TK laughing.

"It's only speculation but it may very well be that-"

"Now just a-," Fujimaki turned to Jack. "Duffy-san ... sir! You don't believe this is-"

"Like she said. It's only speculation but from what I've seen, and I've been here longer than Rache here ... I'm inclined to agree."

The swordsman looked between the couple and smiled.

"I knew it ... A bit on the carpetbagged side are we?."

"Say WHAT!?" Jack smiling back.

"Of course I mean that in a generic sense." Fujimakis' smile getting wider.

Rachel, leaning over, wrapped her arms around her man, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Thaaanks Rache," said Jack through a faux clench of teeth.

The laughter sounded across the cafeteria. Everyone seemed to need a good laugh on this day. Laughter suddenly almost broken by Oyama.

"Uh ... guys? ... GUYS!?"

Chuckles and grins subsiding somewhat, the group laid eyes on the nervous one.

"Y'know ... I can possibly accept the fact Yuri might be sort of a surrogate mother figure 'n all but-"

"But what?" Fujimaki demandingly asked.

"Well ..."

Atmosphere tensed slightly. All knew Oyama had a way with interjecting unwanted sobriety in a light situation.

"I'm really having a hard time trying to wrap my mind around the possibility of ... Noda," the diminutive one giving a nervous grin, " ... being ... Dad."

"OH MAN!" Matsushida laughing harder. "Leave it to you to-"

"The horror! The horror!" TK

Springing to Oyamas' side, Fujimaki put an arm strangle about the diminutive ones' neck.

"Buddy ... You just said the unsayable ..."

"Yes," thought Rachel above the resulting din. "We can all use a good laugh."

To be continued ...

Storyline and original characters (only) copyright © 5-1-14 C V Ford

xxxxx

In Gods' Good Time chapter index, go to C V Fords' Fanfiction Page here. Scroll down to the Angel Beats section to the appropriate story.

Go to C V Fords' profile page and anime fan fiction stories list at Fan Fiction dot Net here.

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Got to Jays' Tee Vee blog main page here. If there's a buncha articles under this 'un then yer already there.


Disclaimer: The preceding is a NON-PROFIT work of fan fiction for entertainment purposes only. I make no claim to ownership of the names/characters, places, and events mentioned in this work that are the intellectual properties of others. They are the sole properties of their respective owners. Please, by all means support the owners of such properties in the purchase and enjoyment of their works.

In Gods' Good Time: Chapter Twenty Three of an Angel Beats Fan Fiction Story

In Gods' Good Time

by

C V Ford


Chapter 23: Rachels' Story


"I don't know how you do it," Jack marveled, setting down his fork, "but you do."

Another fantastic meal with Rachel concluded, the man settled back at his place at the table watching the gorgeous apparition working in her kitchen. He wasn't a believer in luck. The term, fortunate was more to his liking.

And if fortune would hold ...

He reached in his pocket, holding the ring box, nervously running his thumb over the small lid.

Yes ... if fortune would hold ...

"Just a matter of working out whatever deal needed with the cafeteria staff," said the history teacher coming out of the kitchen. "The Principal okayed my uh ... 'shopping' there so that place is like a supermarket to me."

Yes ... the principal.

"Gotta' do SOMETHING with all those meal tickets." Sitting down.

"Yeah ... well ... There's something else I'm hoping the principal would okay."

"Oh?"

Getting up, the man circled the table. Sitting down next to her, he steeled himself as he withdrew the small box from his pocket. With both hands, he held it as he opened the lid.

Rachels' quick intake breath put Jack in an even quicker state of aprehension. The amazed and hesitant look on her face did not bode well.

"I ... made it myself. The ring and setting that is," nervous. "Cha and his bunch found the diamond ... did the cutting and mounting ... I-"

"Oh Jack! ... It's beautiful ... but ... I ... it ..."

"You ... don't have to make a descision right away. I'll understand."

"It's not that, it's that ..."

!?

"There aren't any clergy. No one to perform the ceremony ... And we can't just move in together. It wouldn't be right, it-"

"Quaker wedding."

"What?"

"A Quaker wedding."

A flash of recognition hit the teacher.

"I've been giving this lots of thought for more than a while," he started. "Doing some research. There is a way and is just as valid as a civil or church wedding and certainly better than common law."

"Yes," she recollected from her own knowledge. "What they did in the early days of both our countries when priests and ministers couldn't be had."

"We take it before the Lord, in the presence of witnesses and declare our intentions and vows. All witnesses present sign a statement. We file it in school records."

"That would be where the principal comes in," Rachel stated.

"And having Tachibana and Nakamura there, they being the two ... uh ... 'factions' ... would make it complete. The principal, wether human or not, is for all intents and purposes is just as authentic an authority figure as anyone could be here."

"I'm not sure if Kanade is old enough to and-"

"Yuri is ... And even if she isn't, there will be others present who made it past eighteen before coming here. Cha for instance. That and the fact most of the Battlefront have anyway. Besides, even if they had all come here before reaching legal, they've certainly passed that during their stay.

"So it comes down to this," he partly concluded. "Will you ... marry me?"

The mans' apprehension started to increase slightly as the object of his affections made a long pause of indecision. Something of her own apprehension beginning to show.

"Jack," she began, "before I say ... anything ... I ... I want you to know ... I do love you and ... care deeply ... but there's ... something that-"

"I've never asked."

"Asked?"

"Whatever's in your past is of no concern to me. The past is what it is and stays there."

"Maybe for now. But it will always be there for me. And even though nothing would be said now, things will come out in bits and pieces over time ... Things that-"

"Things that need not be said. It-"

"But they do, Jack! I need to say them."

"Now-"

"I need to say them to you."

!?

"It's only fair."

"Fair? How's that?"

"Remember some time ago? You told me about yourself. You were more than uncertain about us and felt-"

"That doesn't obligate YOU in any way."

"But you felt an obligation to yourself as well as me ... as I now. I need to clear the air for myself as well as both of us ... as have you."

xxxxx

"I completed my Bachelors' and that definitely opened some doors. If one is to take up working residence in Japan, a BA is one of the minimum requirements.

"4M Company is an international investment firm trading in commodities, securities and the like, particularly in Asia. They're always on the lookout for talent in languages as well as in the financial sector. They had their eye on me while I was in college and I was assured of employment on graduation. I worked for them while earning my bachelors assisting in their translations departments. I also helped teach English to their Japanese staffers who came to Canada for their two to three year stays.

"When I got my BA they offered to send me to Japan. I jumped at it."

"I wasn't under any illusions about the country. I didn't want to set myself up like some silly otaku who thinks the country is a land of happy little anime makers. My study of history outside of the required courses in college revealed a lot.

"In spite of outward appearances of being a modern democracy, I knew Japan to be a feudal state, ruled from the top down."

"Yeah," answered Duffy. "The emperor isn't some ceremonial stooge or figurehead they trot out for special occasions. The Diet being pretty much a rubber stamp outfit."

"Yes. The value of each individual is measured in how well one obeys ones' immediate superiors. I knew the country had a past of heavy sexist and racist oriented tradition. Not only would I be looked on as an outsider but as a woman as well. Business is run the same way as well.

"I knew one had to tread lightly there," she looked about her. "Or rather ... here."

"I still wanted to immerse myself in Japanese culture as much as possible and the chance to do so at company expense was too good an offer to pass up, so I went.

"My duties were still pretty much the same but my BA led to the position of a teacher of English and not just an assistant. The fact I'm able to read most of their Kanji as well as the two phonetic alphabets was a big factor in my being there."

"I was there two months, really getting into it, when I was given a temporary teaching assignment at a branch office in Kyoto, north of here and ...
Duffy cocked his head at Rachels' moment of hesitation.

"Well, cut to the chase ... I met him on that assignment ... had an affair."

"He was a charmer, I fell for it. He was married but that didn't stop me from being stupid. We started seeing each other on his biweekly trips to the main Tokyo office.

"Three months later, I missed my period. Doctor confirmed ... I was pregnant. I knew I was taking a risk, even with birth control. Obviously it didn't work."

"Pill's only 97% effective at best," Duffy speculated. "Cuts down the odds but the chance is still there."

"If I thought it through at all, it was wrong even with that. It's still an abortion drug ... works also by keeping a fertilized egg from implanting.

"When I told ... him ... He tried to talk me into an abortion. I wasn't going to do that ... murder."

Duffy nodded.

"He gave me a choice. Either abortion or it was over. Would give me a month to decide."

Rachels' face darkened.

"The way he put it had me decided alreadly. Very cold, distant about it. Like a damn business proposal."

"Like you said. A real charmer."

"Next thing I know, I'm out of my teaching position and clerking in our translations department a few floors below the board offices. One of his cronies let it be known to me in that roundabout way of theirs that this was to keep me from seeing and embarrassing him during the next biweekly  board sessions. I was also told it was also a prelude to my being let go in case I made the 'wrong' decision and keep the baby."

"Bastard ... " Duffy directed his disgust at lover boy.

"Yes ... he was at that.

"Then the real surprise hit."

Jack leaned forward.

"My next period came."

"The new tests showed the originals came up with a false positive. I immediately went to another doctor for a second opinion, he confirmed the same. I wasn't pregnant to begin with.

"When, a couple weeks before the next board meet, I was reminded of my descision deadline. That's when I made a little arrangement of my own."

"Arrangement?"

"Plan actually."

"Plan?"

"For making my exit from the company in as loud and flamboyant a manner as possible. None of that roundabout, reserved Japanese discreteness and politeness they're so famous for."

"Yeah ... They certainly have a thousand ways to politely screw you over while keeping things quiet."

"I let it leak about the faulty preg test and that I'd like to see him.

"I always traveled light, so it was no problem packing. Stuff was pretty much packed to begin with. A couple days before the meeting, my then room mate, who I KNEW was running into to him through one of his cronies, was off on a 'business trip' with that same associate, so she didn't see the luggage go out the door. Bags were waiting in storage at Narita, everything in place.

"A few hours before the board meeting, we met at a restaurant across from the building. I had on a dress and shoes he gave me as part of the act. The message wasn't lost on him and and his beady little eyes lit up on seeing me.

"Told me things ... WILL ... not could, be the same as they were before. I was to be his ... whore ... and I would be back to my teaching position. Maybe even an advancement of some kind."

"That was magnanimous of him."

"Yes, he could be a very kind and giving bastard.

"I agreed ... NOT!

"About a half hour before the meeting, I change into pants and sneakers and laid low 'till about fifteen minutes into the meeting."

"That's when you made your move?"

"Yes. Taking the dress and shoes along, I get to the board floor. A large room with all these clerking and secretarial cubicals in the center, ringed on the outside walls with offices and conference rooms.  I practiced the speech for about a week, making it short so I could be done before anyone could do anything. I get up on the reception desk at the head of the room, and announce to one and all his and my little affair and what a weasel he was."

"Holy crud! I'll bet that stirred things up."

"Oh yes! Things like that just aren't done in Japan."

"So what happened next?" Smiling.

Rachel was relieved Duffy was not only taking this well but getting into it.

"After about a minute, I notice someone running to the boardroom. A minute after, the top staff comes rushing out, including the CEO of all people! Had I known he would be coming all the way from Ottowa I'd have had an even better speech planned.

"Well, HE was in that bunch, bowing, scraping, and apologizing to everyone like the little bootlicker he was. The Japan CEO, speaking through his top flunky, was admonishing him about keeping his whores and dalliances under control.

"I almost about lost it when I denounced HIM, the company, and the bunch in front of me. I settled on cursing them out in Japanese, English and since a couple of their Quebec people were there, some French too.

"I notice the flunky telling HIM to get me down from the desk and remove me from the room. He comes up, making with the big talk and tries to grab my leg. That's all I needed-"

"Oh?"

"I throw the dress and shoes at him and a kick to the shoulder. Sent him back a couple feet. What happened next ... unbelievable! Little coward runs screaming back to the boardroom.

"I then turn to the rest, tell them something about how I can't be fired because I quit. That's when I got out of there."

"How'd you get out? I'd imagine security would have been called by then."

"I wasn't about to let them have the satisfaction of escorting me out. I jump off the desk, hopped an elevator partway down, switched floors where I already had my overnight case stashed and took the freight elevator the rest of the way. It was out the loading dock and into the street just as a couple uniform staff arrive. Got a cab and in a couple of hours was out of Narita, heading to L.A."

"Why Los Angeles?"

"Phoned a friend there the week before. Said she would put me up for awhile ... til I got my bearings."

"Why not back to Toronto?"

"My parents. Couldn't face them."

She noted Duffys' look of concern.

"Not that they would have given me trouble. They knew I was having problems and urged me to come home. They're always like that. They would question my decisions or chide me over consequences later but ... They were always praying for me."

"They always find out," she gave a little laugh. "I always tell them."

"So I stayed in L.A. for awhile. Shouldn't have ..."

"Why's that?"

"This is where it really gets bad, Jack."

The man, reaching over, clasped both hands over hers.

It was her turn to shrink away but couldn't. The mans' firm grasp held.

"You don't have to go on, you know."

"I do know, Jack. And I feel you SHOULD know."

"If anything, it's more for you than anyone else. A catharsis of sorts. Get it off your back like I did."

She continued.

"The friend who put me up. Knew her since high school. Like you, she was a real movie buff and collecter. I was more into anime but our interests more or less coincided.

"She had a dream of going to Hollywood. Making it some way in pictures. Things didn't work out like she planned but she still got into ... movies ... If you could call it that ... So ... did I ... unfortunately."

Rachel felt Jacks' grip get firmer. In sharp contrast his voice became softer.

"I take it ... What you mean by movies in this case ... has to do something with that ... 'other Hollywood' ... In the San Fernando Valley?"

"Yes."

She noted the look on Jacks' face. There seemed no condemnation. She still looked away, shame starting to show on her own.

"I needed money if I was to stay in L.A.. Thought maybe I could get a fresh start of some kind from it. Fresh start to a total dead end was what it turned out to be.

"At first the ... 'work' ... looked easy ... as well as the money. That's how they draw you in. The first month anyway. After that, the pace picks up and ...

"A grueling, dirty business. Run by grueling, dirty people. Up to three eighteen hour sessions a week. And the things they have you do! I managed to keep from a lot of what they wanted but it still took a toll."

"Yeah," Duffy intoned. "The internet's created a more than constant demand for new product. Not like the days of just film and print where one had to be satisfied with a few movies and magazines."

"Yes. The work is so heavy. I've seen people heavily into drugs and alcohol trying to cope. It never works. Didn't for me ... "

"And the disease factor. It's like growing cultures in a petri dish ... worse. I got colds and flues every month like clockwork. The health clinics they had us patronize were a joke. Regularly passing HIV infected people off with a clean bill of health.

"After about six months I got out of there. Got back with my parents in Toronto and went to a real doctor. One test after another and I had to be sure. I was lucky to have gotten off with only type one Herpes.

"Funny ... Ever since I came here a few months ago, I haven't had a flare up since."

Duffy, reaching, put out a hand, stroking Rachels' cheek. She shrank away.

"I didn't care, Jack!" Small sobs started their rack. "I'd already been a whore for a vile little man. At the time, I didn't think it would be any different showing myself as one to the whole world."

Strong arms enfolded about, they drew the woman to the man. He held her head to his shoulder, soothing sounds emanating.

"I care ... ," he declared, " ... about you. You're not a ... whore. You're Rachel O'Hara. A beautiful, loving woman who I hope soon is going to be my-"

"I can't! I'm not-." She shuddered from the small sobs emanating.

"What? Good enough ... Worthy?" The man 'chided'. "For quite some time I felt the same way about myself toward you, remember? That is ... until ... YOU ... pointed out how we're all here for a reason of SOME kind. I thought that reason to be many depending on the individual ... but ... It's actually only one reason ANY of us is here.

"That reason being ... well ... We all have one life to live. A time on Earth exclusively ones' own to go through and make of it what one can. That life ... and how it's lived is the only one you have. Whatever happens in that life, things you do ... don't do ... descisions, good or bad ... circumstances beyond our control ... Our dealings with others.

"We have to accept it ... come what may ... And at the end ... know that it was a life lived and lived as well as one could. Your life ... my life ... theirs ...

"It's all about acceptance."

"Acceptance?"

"After the end. How things turned out ... came to be. And no matter what ... To be able to say ... This life was mine."

"Jack .... It's a joke ... a sad little ..."

He held her tighter.

"We're here in this place ... this inbetween ... dead. Between, for all we know, Heaven and hell ... And you want to-"

"Who says we're dead?" He softly cut her off. "Yuri and her bunch? Just because they made it an off and on again battleground doesn't mean it's the same for you 'n me.

"Look at them? Sure! Why not? Let's learn from others mistakes and avoid doing them ourselves. I've found, especially after you arrived, that death, if you could call this that ... I don't ... not anymore ... Is NOT the end. I've found life can be lived ... even here.

"And I want to live it with you.

"And say ...

"This life ... even here ... was OURS."

She stiffened in his embrace for a few moments then relaxed. Looking up she noted the combination of sincerity and determination in his eyes. She could see he meant what he said. His commitment ironclad.

"Then the aswer is yes, Jack. I will marry you."

The ring fit perfectly.

Rachel stared at her left hand for a few seconds, admiring the adornment. Duffy noted her hand slightly trembling for but a moment then ceasing.

Looking about the apartment her eyes fell upon Jacks'.

"We're ... still here," she said smiling and surprised.

"Disappointed?" Jack smiling back.

"No ... ," planting a light kiss on the mans' lips, "... I'm not."

The kiss he returned much longer, arms pulling her tighter to him.

"Here ... Or where whatever THERE is. It's Heaven wherever you are."

xxxxx

The news traveled quickly. The crazy gaijin couple was getting married! And in such a unique way.

The emotions of both student body and faculty were mixed. Interestingly enough, NPCs among both groups also expressing interest.

The girls were mainly enthralled. The guys, a mix of curiosity and puzzlement.

Yui became less hyperactive and more doe eyed. Hinata more nervous than aggravated.

In their quiet way Sakaki and Takamatsu became closer.

The object of Shiinas' affections ... Terrified.

Some ... A bit envious.

One of whom sat at her desk in Safe and Sound trying to wrap her mind around the idea. Not so much about the marriage itself as how one could seek, let alone find, happiness in what she felt was nothing more than a land of sadness and regret.

Though all were invited to the wedding (Within a months' time.), invitations had been sent to a select few. Yuri held hers in her right hand, examining and contemplating. Wondering how one could put such a dare in the face of fate. She was certain the two would disappear any day and yet ... It didn't seem to concern the couple at all. They had even referred to the possibility of being "obliterated" as ... Going home (!?). It made no sense to her at all.

"Has to be that strange religion of theirs," she speculated aloud. "Wanting to be in the presence of-" (Psalm 16:11)

She let out a sharp gasp and pulled her left hand midway between herself and the hand she had unconsciously grasped while deep in thought. Noda had been leaning with his right on the desk reading his own invite, not saying anything when her fingers wrapped about his.

He had made no sound or action of recognition lest she drew her hand away sooner. As it was, as far as his affections for the unknowing goddess he worshiped was concerned, he was content to take what he could get. At this moment, it was far a LOT more than what he had gotten in the past.

Noda, always watching, following. Never leaving her side except when on some fools' errand in effort to please or impress. The devoted one, dedicated to his leader. A dedication meaning much more than what he let on.

She knew he had a worshipful affection for her and, when he was not being hasty and doing something foolish, felt good when he was around. In a controlled setting when led properly, he could be an invaluable asset.

The masculine hand moved over, covering hers. She, blushing, hand slightly trembling, about to backhand him but thought better of it.

Happiness ... Here? ... In this ... place?

Noda felt her tenseness ebb. Feminine fingers intertwining with his.

To be continued ...

Storyline and original characters (only) copyright © 5-1-14 C V Ford

xxxxx

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here. Just scroll to the story blurb in the Angel Beats section.

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There's Something About Yui: An Angel Beats/Hell Girl Crossover Fan Fiction Story

There's Something About Yui: An Angel Beats/Hell Girl Crossover Fan Fiction Story

by

C V Ford

xxxxx

Place: Comandeered Principals' office, aka Safe and Sound.

Time: The beginning of Episode 4, Day Game. Mid-morning and conclusion of Yuis' semi-final Gi-De-Mo audition and demise/ressurection.

"Hey!" Screamed Yui kicking aside the mic cord.  "Don't IG-NORE me, darn it! There's-"

Business concluded with Yui, Yuri had turned to the assembled Battlefront members and already launched into plans for "sabotaging" the schools' baseball tournement. The plans being really nothing more than winning it. Somehow, she thought, this would affect Angel in a way so negative as to "hurt" her somehow.

"O-Kay, now listen up," Yuri continued, pacing laterally, oblivious to Yuis' protestations. "First thing, you gather up Front members, form your own teams."

Battlefront members hung on her every word.

Facing them, she stated ominously, "lose to any of the 'normal' student teams, it's a penalty death-match."

The Front made a collective gasp of breath.

"Why don't people pay attention t' me!?" Yui still rattling on. "I have a-"

Alternately watching Yuris' spiel and Yuis' altercating, Otonashi asked Hinata, "Yuri's pissed off at our failing at everything, isn't she?"

"It's part of the job to train each and every day. She's checking the results ... making sure we're in top form."

Hinata, reaching out, put his hand on the pre-occupied Otonashis' shoulder.

"Otonashi," he softly implored. "I REALLY neeed you, man."

Turning and putting his right hand to his faces' left side, Otonashi inquired, referencing to an earlier misunderstanding, "you sure you're not gay?"

"No-o! I-I need you for the team!"

Hinata put his arm around the carrot tops' shoulders, turning him away from the rest.

"Let's say you and me team up Otonashi. We're toast if we lose. Yurippe's that serious."

"I take it you have others in mind for this team of ours."

"Heh, heh! Just leave it to me, pal. I've been around here a really long time now and survived off my popularity quite well. We'll make one kick-ass team!"

xxxxx

Time: Several failed attempts at recriutment later.

Place: Behind the Teachers Building/Class Building B, upper level. The two doofuses heading east.

"So uh, we ARE going to get this team formed, right?"

"Oh yeah!"

"So far we struck out with getting Hisako, Matsushita and TK (So much for your popularity!). It's still just the two of us so we still need seven more players ... Isn't that a bit on the impossible side at this point?"

"Why you sayin' that Otonashi? Sure, most of the others may have been taken but I'm sure ... I mean ... We'll get SOME people. Even if we have to draft NPCs ... Anyone'll do I guess, anyone- gyah!"

The blue hair was brought up short on espying ... HER.

"-but ... THAT!

In their path, arms folded, left foot on the curb, the little, pink haired 'goth goblin' gave off a more than slightly smug/sinister air.

"Looks like yer in a biiiiind. Ha! Ha! Ha! Haaa!"

"looks like yer in a biiiiind. Ha! Ha! Ha! Haaa!"

"My, if it isn't the death metal girl with the killer performance."

"Wha-!?" Not even taken momentarily aback, Yui dashed up to Hinata. "Do I LOOK like I'd do a gig like that!?"

"Mm hmn, yeah ... uh huh ... You betcha'!"

"Rrrrr!"

"So whaddaya' want anyway?"

"Y'need more members for your team, right?" Questioned she, sidling up and softly elbowing Hinata to the ribs. " ... I'd be a biiig asset."

"Asset!? You gotta be-" Hinata paused, hand to chin and got to thinking. "Wait a sec! If she got beaned ... get a ball dead in the face ... The pitcher'd be disqualified and she gets a walk to first ... Yeah! Could work!

"You're a big hitter! Perfect ... You're in!"

"You sure yer brain didn't melt and drip out through yer nose? Hiyaaah!"

"AAAAAGH!"

He didn't see the flying roundhouse kick coming.

"Why you sneaking, little ... ," lying on the ground. "I"m your upper classman!"

"Oh, ex-squeeze me? So sorry ... " Yui squatted down, giving an annoying rap to the back of her victims' head. "What I meant to say was, did your gray matter liquify and ooze out yer ears?"

"Hell no!" He said, catching Yui with a flying foot to the face.

"AIIIGH!"

Yui lay face down on the tiles.

"Sirrrr, that hurt."

"Quit complaining! I'm hurting too!"

"But it sure looks like she has great reflexes. Better than me."

"What's WITH you Otonashi? You want people to think we're friends or something with this screwball?"

Yui looked up. "That hur-hur-hurrrt!"

"I hate to bring this up man," Otonashi reminded, "but we haven't gotten anyone you had your heart set on, and game time's getting close."

"Hhnngh!"

"Yup! Yeah!" Yui was instantly back at Hinatas' side. "Saw the whoole thing. I especially liked the 'busom buddies' part with Matsushita ... Totally butch that one-"

"She's been following us?" Otonashi queried in thought.

 "-So that's why I've come to offer my help, meww!"

"Mew!?"

Slooowly ... Hinata turned. Step by step, inch by inch.

"I ... dare ... you ... to ... say ... that ... again ..."

"O-Kay! ... ," head cocked to the side, smirky smile, hands up and crooked into 'cat paws'. "My help! Mewww ... eh-NYAAAH!"

In less than a space it takes to grab a breath, he had her sideways over his knee in a "backbreaker" lockhold.

"DON'T DO THAT VOICE! You've no idea how irritating that is!"

"DON'T DO THAT VOICE! You've no idea how irritating that is!"

"Aaaagh! Aaaargh! OW! OW! OW! OW! Uncle! Mattei! Mattei! Uncle! Uncle!"

"Could we please just get going?" Otonashi getting impatient.

"In a minute! I'm gonna teach this whackjob a- ... huh?"

He couldn't be sure. It wasn't even a fleeting illusion ... and yet ... Was that a-? It couldn't have been.

It wasn't possible but he was sure but for a split moment he saw a-.

Careful to keep his right hand outside of her blouse, he tracked his fingers up Yuis' spine. If there was something "extra", he just might find it.

"OW! OW! O- ... huh? What the-!"

Hinata didn't have time even trying to figure how she broke that hold. One moment she was in his power, at the convenience of his non-existent mercy ... the next ... jumping in all directions and "dancing" around him, screaming at the tops and bottoms of her lungs.

"HOLY SON OF A WHAT THE HECK! ... WHA' ZIS!? You gotta' back fetish 'r sumthin'!? ... Perv! ... Sicko! ...  Man, I can't believe-"

"Hold on a minute! I-"

"But then again," again instantly at his side and again softly elbowing the ribs, "you just got a leeetle more interesting if you know what I mean. Play yer cards right kid, this could be yer lucky daaay!"

"With you? Like hell!"

"Aw c'mon, both of you," chided Otonashi. "We gotta' get going!"

Turning, Hinata whisperingly  implored, "c'mon man! Need help here with this maniac ... she's practically propostioned  me!"

"Well, she IS kinda' cute-"

"The day I'd ... with this ... "

"No! Really! She is."

"You're a sick man Otonashi."

Hand to the side of his face, Otonashi intoned, "are you REALLY sure you're NOT 'light in the loafers', I mean ... Even a little?"

"Now just a minute!"

xxxxx

Time: Last game of the school basball tournement. Team Hinata vs. Team Student Body.

Place: Ball diamond, athletic field.

"Man!" Hinata exclaimed inwardly. "We can pull this off! I know we can. Let's see ... Final inning, one point difference, our favor. They're up with two outs, runners on second and third ... If we can get an out on them ..."

On the pitchers' mound, a tired and sweating Otonashi called a time out. Turning toward second to confer with Hinata stationed there. The team leader, on his part walked to meet him.

"Look man, I really don't think I can hold 'em off," the carrot top explained. "You think maybe we could change pitch-"

The weird, far off look on Hinatas' sky searching face brought him up short.

"Hey! Hinata! ... Anything wrong?"

It had been one eventful tournament. In spite of being saddled with Yui (Oh geez!) and the last moment addition of her three next to worthless groupies, they had managed to survive two previous games and made it to the final against the actual school team led by Angel.

Of course it helped they were able to get on their team, Shiina and Noda who both did surprisingly well. Neither Yuzuru or Hideki thought the no experience Shiina, or the unstable Noda would be any good but they were. The surprising arrival of Matsushida at center field in time for the final (Having previously been on an earlier eliminated team then "bought" with Udon cafeteria tickets by Otonashi.) not only rounded the team up to the regulation nine but also helped mightily.

Hinata momentarily glanced to his left, the boisterous Yui yakking away on the sidelines.

What a pain in the posterior! Like her three accompanying "fans", she was a guaranteed strike-out almost every time. And more than once, he had to "restrain" her (Backbreaker locks!) for borderline unruly conduct and making stupid threats to the umpire and opposing teams.

Once, he had to put her in a hold to keep himself from laughing. "Wipe yer butts!"? The proper term was "KICK yer butts!", the former being a hygiene measure. It helped he was royally ticked off at her already as it made it easier in keeping any potential giggles down. It was almost cute in the way she said it. She-

"Cute? ... Her!?, " he having a chilling thought. "Hold on Hideki, you-"

"Hey! ... What's wrong? Hey, Hinata?"

"Uh ... ," the blue hair snapped to. "This ... is familiar."

"Familiar? How do you mean?"

Hinata scanned the field and continued.

"Back when I was ... alive ... I ... I went through a similar situation. Just like you see it now ... Opposing men on second, third, we one point up. Probably the most important game I EVER played."

"Are you ... ? Man ... You're actually shaking."

"I am aren't I? Man ... That's weird."

"So what happened to you, if you don't mind my asking."

"Can't remember exactly. We were headed for the Koshien Nationals. Man was it HOT! All I could taste was the dirt in my mouth. That I DO remember.

"It was the last game for the regionals. Same situation I said before. They hit an easy pop fly to second where I was. Coming straight for me ... An easy catch.

"Did I catch it ... drop it? No way I can remember. Something that important ... How can I forget ... ?

"Heh ... I don't know. One would think to remember if caught or not. Maybe I didn't catch it after all ..."

Hinatas' wistful, vacant look sounded alarm bells in Otonashis' head.

"Are you ... going to disappear?"

"Say what!?" A skeptical look on Hinatas' face.

"You think you just might disappear if we win this one?"

"You kidding me? 'Course not!" Hinata answered semi-disdainfully, waving it off. "Obliterated ... over this? That's just crazy! It's only a game."

Otonashi had his doubts. He knew baseball was more than a game to the blue haired one.

"C'mon Otonashi!" Encouraged Hideki. "Get on that mound and finish the game. Win or lose ... I'll still be here."

Arriving back on the mound, Yuzuru checked and saw Hinata positioned back at second. A few seconds more, he wound up and heaved the ball where he hoped Nodas' mitt would be.

The semi-dull ping of aluminum on the ball signalled a high pop fly ... The trajectory ballisting straight toward a Hinata, in wonderment, on second. The scenario playing out.

"Holy-! ... NO WAY! ... Coming right to me ... just like back then, I-"

The same wistful reverie could be seen by Otonashi on the mound. Calling out his friends' name, the carrot top launched himself off the mound in a desperate dash to second.

"Would it be all over if I catch it? I'll bet it'd feel great. Oh Yeah! It'd feel amazing ... totally sweet ... "

"Hinata!" Yuzuru yelled, not wanting the only friend he had in this 'in-between' to vanish. "Don't catch it! You'll disappear!"

"Here it comes ... easy catch ... Up with the mitt and it's ... eh-NYAAAH!"

"This's what ya get for all those backbuster holds, ya jerk!"

"YER WIDE OPEN!" Proclaimed a triumphant Yui on a now face down Hinata, she sitting hard on his back, pulling his head rearward in an effort to break the lads' spine. "This's what ya get for all those backbuster holds, ya jerk!"

"Runner in!" Sounded the Ump. "Score's tied!"

"Die! Die!" Screamed the pink tressed menace failing in her goal of Hinatas' paralyzation.

"Why! ... You! ... Little!"

Hinata rolled on his back, snapped up and enfolded the assailant with his legs and right arm while using the other for a stranglehold.

"Of all times!" Screaming back. "Why'd you have to flip out now!"

"OW! OW! OW! ... I'm sorry! I'll wait for a more opportune moment to kill ya next time! OW! Stop it! Stop it! Lemme go, I-"

"No way!"

"Yes way! OW!"

"Runner in!" Ump sounding again. "And ... GAME!"

"Agh! GOD!" A more than frustrated Noda at home plate yelled, slamming mask and mitt to ground. "THIS SUCKS!"

"Aaagh! Aaargh! Quit!" A pleading Yui. "I'm gonna' DIE!"

"That's the idea!" Stating an 'enthusiastic' Hinata. "I'll NEVER forgive you for this! I coulda' caught that ball!"

"No! Stop it!"

"Like hell! My happiness was on the line! Die! Die!"

Otonashi could only stand and watch.

From up the hill, from out the front office window of the appropriated principals office, a more than peeved Battlefront commander balefully gazed through the 57 millimeter lenses of the binoculars.

"Both of you ... Go ... die!"

xxxxx

Time: End of day.

Place: A small house in the "twilight".

Tail twitching in anticipation, Yui grinned happily as she walked up the cart trail to the small house atop the hill. Before going to report at the OTHER place, she would stop off and say hi to her little cousin ... And maybe exchange a few words with that cute guy who also lived there.

She had nothing but good things to report. In spite of a near discovery of who/what she actually was, she succeeded in not only causing some misery today but also in preventing a "mark" from getting out of reach.

"Gotta' be careful of letting my guard down," reminding herself. "Almost lost one too but that's taken care of for now."

She had her eye on that one for some time. Maybe if she showed more than enough bowing and scraping, obesience, groveling enough at the feet of ... HIM, she might get to keep this one for herself. He was almost adorable enough for her to want to go human again, in spite of what it was like the last time ... All that lying around in bed. It would have "floored" mom to find her up and moving around when Yui thought she wasn't near. It definitely would have killed her to find out who/what dad REALLY was.

"So it's been awhile," Wanyudo called out from the porch.

"On my way to report 'n thought I'd pay a visit."

Yui looked around noting only the "old man" and Honne-Onna.

"So where's everyone else?"

"Ren and the Miss are following up a contact," the bone woman explained, knowing who Yui was really asking about. "Ren may not be back for a while."

"Oh."

Her crestfallen look lasted only a moment. After all, she had someone back at the school even cuter and much more attainable in her sights.

"So where's Kikuri? I-"

"Yoooo-eeee!"

A small bolt of purple eyed lightening flashed around a corner of the house and into Yuis' arms. The goth-goblin struggled a bit lifting her.

"Yer gettin' big kid! How's-," her speech cut off espying the young man, seemingly some years older, following.

"A little young to be havin' a boyfriend aintcha'?"

"More like a door mat," the geisha from the porch remarked.

"Boy ... friend?" Kikuri wide eyed. "What's that? ... Waro?"

"I'll tell ya in a bit."

"Hi," the boy greeted. "I'm Yamawaro. The princess and I-"

Yui looked at Kikuri in mock puzzlement and smiled. "Princess, huh? Since when did YOU get promoted?"

"It's only something Yamawaro calls her." Explained Wanyudo.

"Why you here?"

"On my way to the lake and thought I'd stop by to see ya. Wanna come along with me?"

"Yay!" The little demon exulted as Yui set her down and they started on their short journey.

"Now what a boy friend is ..."

"Wait! Princess, I-"

"Yamawaro!" Wanyudos' calling brought the young man up short.

"But ... the princess-"

"You DON'T want to go there," the relic spirit cautioned.

"!?"

"It's O-kay Yamawaro," soothed the bone woman. "She was born there ... and they're both ... used to it."

Yamawaro watched as the two imps, hand in hand, continued on their way to the expansive lake in the distance (Matthew 25:41).

"And that's what a boy friend is. Y'know ... All kissy kissy 'n stuff."

"Ewwwww!"

END

Storyline (Last part only.) copyright © 12-12-14 C V Ford

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Disclaimer: The preceding is a NON-PROFIT work of fan fiction for entertainment purposes only. I make no claim to ownership of the copyrighted names/characters, places, and events mentioned in this work. They are the sole properties of  their respective owners. Please, by all means support the owners of such properties in the purchase and enjoyment of their works.

In Gods' Good Time: Chapter Sixteen of an Angel Beats Fan Fiction Story

Disclaimer: The writing and title of this chapter took place some months before. The posting was determined by the bi-weekly schedule I am trying to keep. It is only by coincidence it's posting has fallen on the same week as the incident in Ottowa a couple days before and should not be construed as an attempt on my part for publicity for my story or personal gain.

My heart goes out to Corporal Cirillo, the victim of this cowardly attack and his family.

Canada, may she ever be our friendly neighbor to the north. God bless her.

xxxxx

In Gods' Good Time

by

C V Ford


Chapter 16: Oh Canada


"Yo ... DUUUDE!"

Duffy looked up from the lawn tractor he was working on, noticing TK, arms folded, leaning on the garage doorways' edge.

"Hey, TK ... What's up man!"

The blindfolded "man of mystery", crooked smile on his face, jumped into a half crouch, both indexes pointing at the gaijin.

"Someone ta' sees ya' ... "

"Oh? What's Yuri want?"

"Not Yurippe bro ... Newbie!"

Jack puzzled for a moment as to why a new arrival would want to see him.

"Don't see why a-"

"American ... Like you. She wants to make speaks at ya'."

"American? ... SHE!?"

"Waitin' in the cafeteria."

!?

"Mission accomplished! Gotta go ... Sees ya!"

Ordinarily Jack, or anyone else for that matter, would have been amazed to get a "coherent" conversation of any kind out of TK. He didn't even use any rock related catch phrases!

But THIS! Another American? HERE?

Almost noon, Jack hastily clocked out a few minutes earlier and fast walked to the cafeteria building.

xxxxx

"Yup! There he goes," said Hinata.

Yuri, Takamatsu, Hinata and Noda watched from the back third floor window across the hall from Safe and Sound.

"And anxious," Takamatsu replied.

"I'm hoping Duffy didn't start a trend," Yuri stated. "One foreigner, albeit a friendly one, causes enough concern. But two ...?"

"Uh ... There goes the neighborhood?" Takamatsu grinned.

"Not quite but ... Hey!"

"What's wrong?"

"He just waved at us!"

"Oh come on Yurippe," Hinata laughed. "Everyone knows you're up here in 'the nest' all the time keeping an eye on everybody and every thing. Some of us give you a wave from time to time."

"If anything," speculated Takamatsu, "the new circumstances might be telling him he's going to be in for more observation."

"I think we'll just keep it casual for now ... maybe."

"Well," Hinata said. "There's always Shiina."

"I wonder how he's going to react when he sees her ..."

"I think," Takamatsu proclaimed, "he's going to be very surprised."

xxxxx

"Hey Duffy-san!" Fujimaki called across the Second Entrance Bridge. "Yuri's got all the guys lookin' for ya'. Someone to-"

"I know!" Jack answered hurrying along. "Thanks!"

"Yeah, good luck!" Oyama added.

"Good luck? Why would anyone wish me that about something like this?" Duffy thought. "New student, needs coordinating ... as she's American ... would probably feel more comfortable if a fellow countryman clued her in. That or maybe the Battlefront doesn't take in foreigners ...or ... I sure could do with news from home."

xxxxx

Entering the building, turning into the main dining area, he was brought up short. He could see this was not a student awaiting. All the way across the room, seated at his usual table with her back to him, she was engaged in animated conversation with what seemed the entire female contingent of the SSS with a few of the regulars crowding in as well.

Dark hugging skirt, red vest over white longsleeves, topped by a long shock of brilliant red hair.

Definitely not student uniform. Teacher ...?

"Should have spruced up before running here," he thought. "Well ... Too late for that now ..."

So focused on their conversation, not one of the "mob" noticed his approach. He was at least glad to see she wasn't being treated like the pariah he was on his arrival. He was within only a few paces when the usually observant Yusa, opposite the newcomer, finally noticed him. Several others tracked her gaze, the rest quickly following suit.

A hush fell over the gathering as it occured to the recent arrival something new was being added to the conversation. She slowly turned in her seat staring up into the face of the American.

Duffy was brought up short a second time as his gaze was met with the greenest pair of eyes he had ever beheld before or since.

"My ... God!" He inwardly exclaimed. "She's ..."

She was a beauty at that. Long Nordic face, high cheek bones and forehead, semi-full lips framed by the aforementioned brilliant mane of red. A few freckles under the eyes adding to the charm. The countenance topping a wonderfully statuesque frame.

He also noted the look of concern on the lovely face, in spite of the smile. Understandable considering what she must have gone through to have arrived here.

In a lame attempt to relieve the tension and break the ice, Jack put on his best faux Bogart.

"Pardon me," he intoned. "But could you help a fellow American down on his luck?"

The vision rose. Trying to effect a businesslike manner, she extended her hand.

"I ... I'm Rachel O'Hara," she stammered slightly. "You must be ... uh ... Mr. Duffy.

To her and the onlookers surprise, Jack took her hand firmly in both of his putting on his best smile.

"Just call me Jack."

A giggle rose through the girl pack as a slight blush appeared on Rachels' face. Though she was informed about him, she didn't expect such friendliness from the start.

"Uh ... ," she looked at the crowd then back. "Alright ... Jack! ... And actually ... I'm from Toronto."

"Oops!"

"Though I think I fell into one heck of a Looney Toon ..."

"Well," thought Duffy, "she got the joke anyway." (1)

"I think," speculated Iwasawa giving a knowing gaze to one and all, "these two have some things to go over. Let's go!"

"I still got some things I wanna' ask! There's-"

"I still got some things I wanna' ask!" Yui declared. "There's-"

"Later kid," said Hisako as she collared the hyperactive one. "Come on!"

"But I-"

With a protesting Yui, the group filed/drifted away from the table leaving the two alone.

"I've ... a lot of questions ... and ... well ..."

"As I've a lot to ask you!" Duffy exclaimed. "Please! ... Sit back down ... take a seat!"

He strode around the table sitting opposite.

"I really don't know where to begin ... neither do you I'll bet ... I-," a frown crossed the mans' face. "Hold on a sec."

Rachels' eyes widened as Jack launched off his chair and proceeded to gaze intently about the cafeteria. Her jaw dropped as well in his ducking down and peering under the table.

"Just ... WHAT ... are you ..."

"Not trying to be fresh or check you out further or anything," he partly lied. "But ... There's a certain someone I'm always on the lookout for-"

"What!?"

He got up, scanning the large room again.

"Little game we play ... Called 'Stalk the Gaijin'."

"Stalk the-?"

"Ah! ... here we go!"

The sound of laughter from many feminine voices had Rachel follow the mans' gaze to the cafeteria entrance.

Though not laughing, Shiina at least smiled as she waved, leaving with the rest.

"What was THAT ... about?" Rachel inquired turning back as Jack waved back and reseated himself.

"And who was THAT girl? I don't remember seeing her before."

"Weren't supposed to."

"Weren't supposed-"

"She's very good at what she does."

"Which is?"

"I'm sure they filled you in on the ins and outs of this place ... as far as it goes."

"Uh ... Yes. They ... Ms. Nakamura ... and that OTHER ... very strange girl."

"Tiny, white hair ... Talks in a sweet monotone and only answers direct questions?"

"Yes. Ms. Tachibana."

"Yeah. They call her Angel or ... THE ANGEL."

About to ask further, she hesitated ...  Yes ... the ANGEL.

"So ... Canadian ... eh?'

"Eh?" Smiling in response. "I don't do ... 'eh'."

"Oh?"

"That was corrected in college. Minored in English."

"Your major?"

"History ... It's what I do. I'm a teacher."

"I'm something of a history buff myself, uh ... ," Duffy paused, gazing at her.

"Is ... something wrong?." Look of concern.

"You're ... you're the first white face I've seen in months (A good looking one at that!). Just ... Can't get over it. Was beginning to think I'd never see that again."

Eyes narrowing, her face darkened somewhat.

"Racist are we?"

"But lov-a-ble ... ," Duffy replied, leaning forward, folding hands, putting on the CHEESIEST smile he could. "I mean ... I'm tapering off. Why ... I haven't burned a cross in ... Hmmm ... Come to think of it. I havent burned any since I came here."

He looked past Rachel and scanned the students about the cafeteria.

"Probably be wasted on them."

"I think they'd know who to go to if you did." Duffys' friendly sarcasm put her back at ease.

"This may be crude and I don't mean to be, but ... considering how one gets here, would it bother you telling me how you uh ... ?"

He could instantly see it did bother her.

Hands on table, she looked down with a deep sigh.

"I'm sorry, it's ... uh ... I ... I shouldn't have asked that."

"No ... It's all right ... I-"

"So much has been thrown at you in such a short time. Should have known better."

"This is definitely going to take some getting used to," she replied slowly.

"If there's any-"

"But," she looked up abruptly giving Duffy a slight start. "Like it as not ... I'm in it. Have to make the best of it. No sense giving up and ... 'dying' ... "

She looked past Duffy at no where in particular. "As if you could ... "

"And you'd only come back."

"Does that really ... I mean ... Have you ...?"

"No, not me. Dying once was enough. I'm not part of this little dispute of theirs and they seem to respect that."

"Well then ... How did you ... "

"I think it was heart attack or something. Was taking in a movie I'd just gotten. Chest started hurting and the next thing I know ... I'm here. Quite a shocker when I looked out the window."

"It was the same with me. I woke up and-"

"Hmmm," Duffy thought aloud. "You've been here ... how long so far?"

"Almost two days counting today."

"I think I would have seen you before now."

"I was in my apartment, trying to sort things out when there was a knock on the door."

"The Tachibana kid I take it?"

"Yes. With no one to reach on the phone, I was desperate for some ... ANY information."

"I know the feeling."

"So we're talking ... At least I was mostly."

"That Tachibana isn't much of a conversationalist to be sure."

"No," Rachel replied, "no ... she's certainly not."

"I took my time venturing out. It was almost one when I did. Stuck mostly to Admin ... Class Building B. That's where the Yusa girl found me. Brought me to that 'headquarters' of theirs.

"So there ... " a long hesitation as she asked, " ... really IS a war of some kind ... going on ... happening ... here ... ?"

To be continued ...

xxxxx

1. 8 Ball Bunny (Warner Brothers, 1950.) was a Bugs Bunny theatrical cartoon short directed by Chuck Jones. In it, Bugs, out of the goodness of his heart, helps out a voiceless show business penguin by taking him to the south pole in the belief the bird belongs there only to find he was born in captivity. Along the way, the two run into Humphrey Bogart several times who reprises his role from the film, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (Warner Brothers, 1948.), with a riff on his line about being a fellow American in need of help. The director/producer of the film, John Huston, played the "mark" to the begging Bogart.

Storyline and original characters (only) copyright © 5-1-14 C V Ford

xxxxx

Canadian National Anthem, O Canada (instrumental) here.

Canadian National Anthem, O Canada (English) here.

Canadian National Anthem, O Canada (Francais) here.

Wikipedia article on 8 Ball Bunny here.

In Gods' Good Time chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

Go to C V Fords' profile page and anime fanfiction stories list at fanfiction.net here.


Go to Jays' Tee Vee blog main page here. If there are other articles below this one, yer already there ... er ... uh ... here .... YEAH! ... That's it! ... HERE!


Disclaimer: The preceding is a NON-PROFIT work of fan fiction for entertainment purposes only. I make no claim to ownership of the names/characters, places, & events mentioned in this work that are the intellectual properties of others. They are the sole properties of their respective owners. Please, by all means support the owners of such properties in the purchase & enjoyment of their works.