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

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

by

C V Ford


Chapter 19: Hide and Tag, Seek! You're It!


As ordered by Yuri, Operation Drop Out individually commenced the moment any of the Front members opened his/her eyes that morning.

xxxxx

Target aquired.

With folded arms, Shiina nonchalontly leaned at the cafeteria entrances' side watching ... HIM.

Sitting alone at the Battlefronts' usual tables in the cafeterias' main room, no doubt feeling safe in the knowledge that it would take most of first period before Angel would deduce something was up and go searching for one and all. Probably thinking he had the rest of the day to himself and nothing to worry for the time being.

As far as the ninja was concerned, HE had the rest of the day to HERself. Being that Operation Drop Out was to be an all day affair so it would also be for hers ... and his.

She continued watching as he scanned about the vast room, seemingly trying to take in as many details as possible. Looking everywhere but in front of him. Nervousness evident, as he had every right to be ...

But it wasn't Angel who would be catching him today.

What amazed and amused Shiina about ordinary humans was their inability to focus their minds even though their eyes were. They could be such easy prey. Many was the time when standing out in the open made for the best concealment as now. Just a part of the "Game" she was trained and forced to "play" when alive. Though the kind of violence she had in mind at this moment was to be even more ... satisfying.

On finally seeing her, his startled reaction had her smiling in that feral, open lipped, teeth revealing fashion reserved only for him. The combined pall of primal fear and "little boy lost" aura, luxuriant in its' aroma, she inhaled slowly, .

Yes! ... he always ... "tasted" ... good.

The trajectory of her vision rifled straight into the young mans' eyes. Feline intensity from her registering on his brain that it was all over but the feasting.

Not that he never put up a "fight". The first time he tried evasion early in their "relationship", on tracking and finding him, she made it known, (In "actions" if not words.) in no uncertain terms what the penalties would be if done again. The second time, she concluded that, at times, he liked it ... rough.

She thoroughly enjoyed this game ... and relished in his being "game" even more.

Pulling on his collar to loosen it, his vision was inadvertantly taken off her. The huntress made her move, halving the distance between before his looking up.

A laugh she stifled on seeing his reactions. First relief at not seeing her at the foyer then turning to in-place panic upon espying the threat sitting at a table so near.

He blinked.

Another thing about the density of the general human population that amazed her, was their tendancy to look everywhere but ... up.

... the humanoid panther she was, gracefully sailing over ...

Had he done so, he would have seen the humanoid panther she was, gracefully sailing over.

Soundlessly rolling to the ground and somersaulting to her feet, she spun 'round, again suppressing a laugh on seeing him frantically looking under the table.

In less than a short breath, the predator was upon him, tracing her right middle finger from the tip of his, across the arm and shoulders. His fear she could sense, mixing with the cool sensual heat rising within. Fingertips' journey ending in a light caress up the neck and a whisp of a trace about the ear.

"Well ... Hellooo ..."

The afore-mentioned ear recieving her greeting in a whispy breath of softly heated purr.

Letting escape a half stifled gasp, the would be spotter bolted upright in his seat. Slowly, his head swiveled on its' neck to the left ... Into the very eyes of the "menace" seated immediately next.

The ninja savored fully, the wonderful taste of his apprehension on sizing him up at such an
un(?)comfortably close proximity. His helplessness, a delicacy she never tired of partaking, spiced the moment moreso as her depthless burgundy eyes ... slowly ... lovingly ... RELENTLESSLY ... unfurled his captive soul ... letting it stream in the ethereal breeze of their one sided struggle.

"So ... uh ... Shiina," squeaking in a medium rasp. "You ... eh ... run across anything ... cute ... and ... interesting ... lately?"

The clumsy, forced rejoinder, coming from the belief ANY response, even a weak one, being better than none, only made him more her victim of choice. A ... CHOICE ... victim indeed.

"Yes ... ," purring huskily, left forefinger oh so delicately drawing a voltaically charged spiral down the back of his right hand. Maneaters' visage but an inch away. " ... exactly ..."

Shiinas' hand came up, fingers lightly brushing across her victims' lips, forestalling further utterance. Her own wafting a soft pronunciamento hotly in his ear.

"I know ... where she can NEVER ... find us."

Feral eyes making a declaration of their own:

"Even IF you had a choice ... the outcome ... would be the same."

Heated clutch of the succubus' hand on that of her captive, zephyr light in leading him away.

xxxxx

"Un-believable!"

Going about his duties, Duffy couldn't help but notice ... At LEAST one out of every ten students, about two hundred, PLUS the whole of the Battlefront (40+), NOT attending class.

One tenth the student body! Some, he noticed, were NPCs ... or at least thought were. He might have to make revisions on a few.

Well into first period, it dawned on him as to why. A quick talk in passing with Hinata confirmed it.

A couple days before, Yuri informed him there would be no "meal ticket run" thanks to his purchases from the previous two months. In an off handed, joking remark, he suggested she take it easy and skip school that day. If it had occured to him she would take it as an idea and run with it, he would have kept his mouth shut.

His apprehension settled somewhat by second period as no gunplay being evident. The goal seemed to be in wearing the "angel" down.

Kanades' presence was felt by end of first period, trying as best she could to persuade, then escort, as many students back to class ... Only to find the very same ones back out a short time after. She soon started concentrating on Battlefronters, deducing them to be the instigators. It was a losing battle as she was only a force of one. The other members of the "morals commitee" (Mostly NPCs.) also making a valiant effort to no avail.

The start of third period found Duffy, toolbox in hand, trudging the courtyard between tiers 3 and 2 of Class C when the sound of running feet drew his attention.

Turning his head toward the southwest corner, seeing Matsushida and TK stomping through.

"Hmmm ... Looks like she's after 'Darwin 'n Dudley' this time," he observed.

Laughing and rushing by, Matsushida called out," hey Duffy-san! Lend us a hand, will ya'?"

"Help a homey out bro!" TK

An incredulous Jack Duffy watched as they rounded the southeast corner and out of sight.

"Looks like they're trying to double back on her," in speculation.

A sound of lighter running feet turned Jacks' attention back to the southwest corner where he saw the "force of one" tearing around incredibly fast in hot pursuit.

"She must have been down by the retaining wall when she spotted them, otherwise she'd have caught up by now ... 'Least she doesn't have her blades out."

Lending a hand, Jack held it out, pointing to the NORTHeast corner.

Kanade zipped by, giving him a frowny, eyebrow raised "Who you tryin'
to kid look and flashed around the southeast corner. Credit: Willwaldart

Kanade zipped by, giving him a frowny, eyebrow raised "Who you tryin' to kid?" look, and flashed around the southeast corner.

"Sorry guys," he apologized to empty space as his hand slapped to his side. "I tried."

From three stories up, the pair of the greenest eyes Duffy had ever seen before or since, glared balefully down on the scene just transpired.

"Un-believable!"

xxxxx

Duffy decided to take an early lunch but heading to his apartment instead of the food court. It wasn't hunger prompting him as much as it was curiosity in how this "Operation Drop Out" was going. He wished he could take his scanner with him to work but wanted that still kept secret from Yuri. As it was, the radio was in his quarters thus being the only place he could use it.

Turning the device on, he fixed himself a sandwich and listened in.

"I'm at the top of tier 1 of Class A, Yuri. Can pretty much see the same as you."

"Looks like you'll have to change position if the action shifts."

"Doesn't seem so."

"Seems like Angels' gotten smart," observed the Leader.

"Yeah, gathering everyone in groups then accompanying them all in at once."

"Well let's see what happens. I expected something like this and-"

"Yup!" Yusa exclaimed. "There they go, like you planned, in ALL directions!"

"Hah! Look at her! Can't decide which one to chase ... Okay! She's picked one."

"She's after Sakaki. Nope! Just broke off. Going after one of the slower- ... Yeah. Going after Takamatsu."

While Angel could eventually catch up to Sakaki ... a big maybe ... the rest would be scattered over a wide area. She obviously decided on an easier "target".

"By the way Yusa ... Have you seen Shiina since this started?"

"No, not since last night in fact. She must think this is hide and seek instead of tag or something."

"Or something." Yuri answered and went on. "It seems like someone else is missing but I can't figure. It's one of the guys, I know THAT."

"Well, there's twice as many guys as us girls in the Front. Harder to keep track of."

Duffy gave himself a knowing grin.

"Yeah," he thought. "Shiina gone to ground and one of the guys not accounted for ... (sing-song) I know who it iii-is!"

xxxxx

Entering the classroom, Duffy couldn't help but notice Kanade in front of Rachels' desk. The conversation seemed concluded as the petite one turned and started walking away.

"Uh ... Ms. Tachibane?"

Looking up she spoke.

"O'Hara-san informed me. It is not your fault."

Duffy was about to say something when Kanade concluded.

"I must go now. Student business to be done."

With that, the tiny one unceremoniously left.

The man turned toward the desk.

"Considering what transpired earlier, I was wondering if things were still on for tonight."

Rachel sat back in her chair, left corner of mouth up in an eyebrow raised, dubiously affirmative look.

"Oh don't worry, it' still on," she assured semi-sternly. "Almost wasn't ... Put a lot of work into that lasagna after all."

"Oh?"

"I almost cancelled everything ... Until I called Yuri. Turns out it all came from something you said in passing. It's not like you sat up with her cooking up this scheme."

"I can imagine what you were thinking as it went down."

"You wouldn't know the half of It!" She now smiling fully. "For a moment there ... well ..."

"And?"

"First thing I notice, Half the students not showing up for homeroom ... At the beginning. They start filtering in some minutes later, I guess a lot were relenting and decided to attend class. The period's half over, most are in but still a few missing. If it weren't for some of the kids informing me what was going on, I would have thought a mass transcendence happened with the missing."

"Consider the alternative. It was about due."

"Yes, you've mentioned that."

"I was debating with myself about wether to take you to see it or not when Ms. Nakamura told me they weren't going to do it this time. Seems they had enough meal tickets to tide them over.

"You wouldn't have liked it. Quite violent ... messy."

"So you've said. Maybe today was a good thing after all."

"I guarantee. Anything we would have done tonight would have been absolutely impossible."

"Would nothing ... ARE! I put a LOT into that meal.

"So," she continued, "It's the start of third period, I'm looking down into the courtyard and I happen to see you going by. Suddenly those two show up, running like a couple of soccer bums."

"Oh ... You must be talking about Darwin and Dudley."

"Uh ... Matsushita and TK," smiling. "They go past you and then I see poor Kanade ... uh Tachibane ... ramming after."

She paused.

"Poor thing," sidetracking herself. "She was quite upset when I talked with her."

"How can you tell?" Duffy skeptacle. "Kid has all the emotional range of a doorstop."

"YOU! ... ," Rachel continued, "start pointing away from where they took off to, trying to get the girl confused. I was looking for something to throw at you, I was so mad."

"Well ... Hey! ... I mean ... They asked for help ... And I'm not a rat."

"Oh ... But you ARE a rat dearie," teeth showing through her smile. "A nice one but a total rodent nonetheless.

"At any rate, she didn't fall for it and caught up with them."

"How do you know that?"

"They were scheduled for my class that period, that's how."

"I take it she escorted them here."

"You got it. Have you any idea how weird it looks seeing two big-"

"Jerks?"

"-STUDENTS! being escorted to class by a tiny, little girl?"

Duffy had seen it before, but Rachel was right. The sight never failed to amuse.

"So they sit down, big crap eating grins on their faces and she leaves. I ask what the heck is going on and they tell me about this ... what is it? Yes! ... OPERATION or whatever it is they call it ... and implicating ... you. Needless to say, I was furious.

"And stop that smiling!" Said she smiling. "You look just like they did."

Duffys' face settled into an insincere frown, twitching to keep from grinning.

"Then they did something that totally blew me away!"

"Which is?"

They get up, go to the windows and ... and ... JUMP OUT!"

"So?"

"So ... NOTHING! ...  It's ... It's three stories up! Three ... stories!"

"Again ... What's the big deal?"

"I thought they were committing suicide! ... eh ... Stop laughing!"

By this time, Duffy was sitting on a desk in a vain attempt at suppressing the giggles.

"I run to the windows, screaming my head off, the other students laughing and I see those two-"

"Morons."

"Yes ... MORONS! ... Scrambling into Second Tier, laughing their fool heads off, never to be seen again."

"Oh don't worry, you'll see them again."

"Never would be too soon! And how ... could they ... jump and ... "

"This school ... This place is ... how can I put it ... Well ... This IS the afterlife ... or something. The laws of physics or whatever only partly apply. You could trip over your own feet and 'die' from a broken neck. By the same token, you can deliberately jump from a building and hit the ground running with no ill effects."

"Have you ever ... ?"

"Me? No. I'm just happy to take 'em ten at a time going upstairs if the mood hits me."

"You know," she cautiously advised, "being as to what this place is and all ... You've got to be CAREFUL of what you say to these kids."

"Then I guess it's a good thing I DIDN'T mention anything to Hisako about ditching Mahjong and taking up strip poker."

"You really ... ARE ... Impossible!"

xxxxx

Kanade slowly left third tier of Class A and proceeded down the walkway. Much thinking to be done.

They had found a weakness. One they could exploit in the future with impunity. They as well as she knew she wouldn't even attempt another try at restoring order if they did it again. Failure had value in that at least it could tell one what doesn't work.

Several non-aligned students, a couple having been participants in todays' fiasco, passed her. Whispered conversation, punctuated by giggles, could be detected.

Though she knew jeers and insults were immaterial, especially in light of the fact she was physically, practically invincible, they did hurt to some degree.

A weakness revealed, a solution to be found.

Having turned into tier one, she passed the light music room a couple doors after. GiDeMo missing, they must be out with the rest of the "movement" celebrating. Reaching the piano room next, she entered and sat at the Yamaha by the windows, her favorite, and proceeded to play.

Claire de Lune helped calm her and Gymnopedie One helped her to think and these she played in that order.

A solution, something, had to be found and made. Something in helping restore system, order and-

Harmony.

Her fingers halted in their ballet with the keys.
Credit: Williamtio

Her fingers halted in their ballet with the keys.

Full note, half note, quarter note.

Like in radio and electronics. Harmonic frequencies.

Full wave, half wave, quarter wave, etc. Full wave, double wave, quadruple wave, etc.

Resonance. Infinite up or down.

She thought further.

Size might be a problem, most would be too large or small.

Sideband. Like Ham radio. Could beat frequency oscillation of a sort be a solution to that?

Pulling a notepad out of a skirt pocket she started swiftly jotting down notes, as many as came to mind, no matter how strange or impossible an idea might seem.

Yes.

Resonance, system, order ... Harmony.

A new guard skill could be formulated, tested and utilized.

Harmonics.

Done scribbling, she immediately got up and left the building for her dorm room where her computer and Angelplayer awaited.

Little knowing that several months later, the BETA program for the new guard skill would be inadvertantly "tested" by someone else ... With near disastrous results in its' working all TOO well.

xxxxx

Her opening the door in response to the knock revealed a very cleaned up, smartly dressed gentleman holding a large paper sack.

"Right on time!" Rachel exclaimed, taking the bag. "Lasagna's just about done baking."

"Excellent!" Duffy entered the apartment.

"So ... Just what do we have here."

Setting the bag on the coffee table, the teacher started fishing through the bag.

"The salads from the cafeteria and some other stuff."

"Haven't seen this for a few weeks," she stated, pulling out a bottle of Coca-Cola and examining it.

"The last four."

"Really ..."

"You'll also find some REAL popcorn and the cooking oil to make it. None a' that microwave junk from the cafeteria."

"Wait a minute! ... What the ?"

Duffy saw her looking sharply at one of the two disk cases she just removed from the sack.

"Just what ... on earth ... is this?'

Concerned, puzzled look on her face, she held up one of the two disk cases. The man smiled at her seeming perplexity.

"You said something by Frank Capra, right?"

"Know Your Enemy Japan," reading the title slowly, semi-shocked look on her formerly radiant face.
"He did ... THIS?"

"Sure!" Smiling further as he saw his joke going as planned. "Part of his World War Two 'Why We Fight' series. You being a history teacher and all-"

"You're kidding ... right?"

"Well hey, nothing like a little war time propaganda to-"

He cut himself off, noting her increasingly serious look. Time to let her in on the spoof.

"Of course I'm kidding hon. I'm absolutely sure it's the other one you'd rather see."

Wry, knowing set to her mouth, she placed the offending case in the bag and read the other.

"It Happened One Night."

"Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable. An early romantic comedy Capra did."

"Looks old," she speculating. "Black and white ... hmmm."

"1934, in glorious monochrome."

"So ... any racism?"

"'Course not!"

"Are you sure?"

Failing at keeping a straight face, he held up his right and took an oath:

"Honest injun!"

Smile/frowning, an eyebrow raised, she looked straight at him in faux exasperation.

"Sigh!"

To be continued ...

Credit: Matthugh1000

xxxxx

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


In Gods' Good Time chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

Go C V Fords' profile page and anime fan fiction stories list on fanfiction dot net here.

Go to fanfiction dot net here.


Go to Jays' Tee Vee blog main page here. If dere be a buncha' artikulars under this 'un then you done already be dere ... here ... whatever ... maybe ...


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.

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

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

by

C V Ford


Chapter 18: It's a Date!


Jack definitely had an interest in Rachel. She being the only other non-NPC staffer (And a looker at that!) it was only natural he having his eye on her. He wasn't going to push, or be obvious about it. Rushing in would do no good. He'd play it kool and bide his time.

While he was friendly and helpful in getting her oriented, settling in to her new job and circumstances, he kept a respectful 'distance'. The past two weeks involved his showing her around, pointing the ins and outs of the schools' operation.

On her third day she made a discovery as they walked along the edge of the athletic field.

"You know," Rachel started, "your Japanese is very good."

"Is it now?" Jack tried to keep from snickering and failed.

"Just what do you mean?" The teacher asked, noting the intonation. "It's kind of strange sounding and a bit disordered but it also seems like it fits at the same time.

Turning to her the man said, "look at me carefully and listen closely. This'll really grab ya'."

"Oh?" She cocked her head as he stood there reciting.

"Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary. Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore ...

"Now ... Tell me what you just heard."

"Hmm ... ," elbow in hand, other hand to chin. "It's a bleak midnight ... you're thinking ... tired and weak ... reading rare books. And-?"

"I'm gonna' repeat myself, only this time ... THINK ... in English."

"In ... English?"

"Yes ... ENGLISH." With that, he repeated.

It took a second or two for it to register.

"Oh my God! ... Poes' Raven! ... ," she gasped, head forward, mouth open, "then ... what is? ... you're ... ?"

"That's right kid ... ," laughing at her amazement, "I'm dubbed!"

"THIS ... IS ... SO ... UN ... REAL!"

"Oh, I don't know," Duffy started in friendly sarcasm. "I mean ... Subtitles'd be kind of awkward in a situation like this, don't ya' think?"

"Sub-," she gasping in faux exasperation and laughing. "It's like something out of that terrible Left Behind series of books (1)."

"Actually, I have a vocabulary of several hundred words and phrases ... learning new ones every day. Gotten in the habit of useing them as much as I can ... switching between that and English. That's probably why you didn't catch on to it."

"Now that you mention it, sometimes your lips match and sometimes they don't. No wonder. I thought you might have had a speech impediment!"

"Tho how come ith it YOU know Japanethe stho well?"

Well," laughing, Rachel began cautiously, "you might laugh if I told you."

"Try me."

"Okay ... It started with ... Anime."

"Cartoons." Grinning in the hopes he might get the right reaction.

"No ... ," she also grinning, "anime ... A-n-i-m-e."

"While it's true, that's the way to spell it, the correct pronunciation is cartoons ... K-a-r-t-u-n-e-s."

"That's NOT how cartoons is spelled!" She smilingly scolded.

"That's the way Walter Lantz spelled it."

"Walter who?"

"Lantz ... You know ... Woody Woodpecker, Andy Panda, Wally Walrus-"

"Scooby Doo?"

"Uh ... " he blinked. "That's a Hanna/Barbera property."

"And you, Mr. Duffy ... are being silly."

"On the contrary, I take my CARTOONS very seriously," he retorted, putting on an air of mock indignation. "And I find it hard to believe you learned Japanese as well as you have from watchin' them there violent Chinese porn toons."

"Uh ... They're Japanese ... and hentai, which I stay away from by the way, is but a small part of the genre."

"Now who's being silly? First it's anime, now it's about formal wear for chickens."

"Chickens? What are you ... OH!" Realisation hit her. "Hen-tie. Very funny sir ... and most original."

"I got a million of 'em!" He replying to her sarcasm. "But seriously, you say it STARTED with anime?"

"Yes. Of course it was English dub at first but as I got into it more, I decided to try it subs and noticed there were subtleties of some kind. I couldn't put a finger on it so I thought I'd try studying the language. In a few months I got to the point where I could watch a show or a movie WITHOUT the subtitles and get a general idea what was going on in the story."

"It helps that half the words you pick up at first are Japanized English to begin with."

"The 'borrowed' words."

"Yes."

"I then started in on manga, trying to read it-"

"Comic books," snorted Duffy.

"Are we getting back in silly mode?"

"To me, manga is a fruit and I just can't bring myself to call them 'graphic novels'," he explained. It makes it sound like one is attaching an importance to something that doesn't really merit it. Though, I guess they would be a great place to start if you wanted to learn how to read the language."

"During high school, I studied Japanese on my own. We didn't have formal classes. After, I took courses at a language school in Toronto before going into college. It was  there I honed my skills."

"With English too ... eh?"

"Uh ... yeah." Smiling. "I taught English for a time at 4M Company in Kyoto."

"Hmmm ... ," he turned, hands in pockets, staring off past the general direction of the gym building.

"The 'royal city' should be somewhere off in that direction."

"Kyoto?"

"Yes."

"You really think we're in Japan?"

"Albeit a Japan without any people other than this school. This could be Japan before the coming of humans for all I know, if not a parallel uh ... 'in between' ... Which this seems to be panning out to."

"Are you sure there are no others ... People I mean."

"Before you came here, I did a lot of exploring the immediate area. I've hiked at LEAST ten, fifteen miles in every direction. Nowhere have I found any signs of human habitation. Knowing how 'built up' modern Japan is, I should have not only run into lots of signs, literally as well as figuratively, but people as well."

"I know what you mean," she stated. "When I worked there ... here(?) ... It seemed as if the whole country was paved over."

"When I first came here," he continued, "I would take some time at least every other night and tune around with my radios. Shortwave, AM, FM, ham frequencies, what have you and ... nothing."

Rachel, nodding in the other direction said, "I noticed the pavement in the front of the campus is an actual stretch of public highway."

"Too bad it leads to nothing but woods on either end. Would be nice if there were any highway signs as indicators. Every thing abruptly changes to forestland. It's as if an actual school and grounds were ... scooped up and placed here."

"You say you're into cartoons." Changing the subject. "The Front kids say you like your movies. I'm willing to bet you've some anime in your collection."

"I BEG YOUR PARDON!" He putting on yet another show of mock indignation. "I wouldn't even dream of viewing  such lowbrow drivel!"

"Wouldn't you now?"

"Of course not! I mean ... Shows like ... uh ... Cowboy Boogie Woogie, Azumanga Day-glo, Neon Genetics Evangelist ... um ... The Melancholy of Haruhi Hirohito ... I know absolutely nothing about that stuff or care to ... I mean ... Just because I MIGHT have about sixty plus shows, franchises and movies on that genre doesn't make me a fan of it or ... something ...

 "Just what do you take me for!? Some kind of oh-TACO or something?"

"That's otaku-"

"Haven't you ever heard of Meximation?"

"Sigh!"

"Go to any conventions and such?"

"And such ... a few."

"Cosplay any?"

"Oh ... some," she replied noting with a smirk, Duffys' appraising, furtive glance. "Just WHY would you ask that?"

"Mmmmm ... just wondering is all."

"I'll bet."

"I'm also willing to bet you made for a GREAT Yoko Littner ... Still do."

"You'd win that bet," thought Jack to himself noting she had seen right through him. "And I wouldn't mind losing that wager either. I'm also willing to bet you made for a GREAT Yoko Littner (2) ... Still do."

xxxxx

"It's been a couple weeks so far," the Leader declared from the desk. "Other than what I've seen in my period social studies class, just how is our newbie history teacher doing?"

"Seems to be settling In," answered Hinata. "She got into her job, no hesitation right from the start."

"She looks like someone who enjoys her job," Takamatsu stated. "The way she teaches is interesting enough."

"Yes it does," Yuri noted. "Her approach to the War in the Pacific the past couple days, is unique to say the least."

Murmurs of  agreement all around. That subject was only lightly touched on in Japans' schools, as if the government wanted everyone to forget about it. Rachels' approach involved stating everything clearly in detail, the war, atrocities and all, on both sides and placing the blame (Politicians!), again on both sides. Hardly what one would call approved school curriculum.

"Of course," Yuri scanned the assembled Front members. "Don't get TOO interested. Don't want anyone 'leaving' if you know what I mean."

More murmurs of agreement.

"Of course Duffy-san clued her in about our lack of enthusiasm for learning and why. From what I've seen, she understands and cuts us some slack ... LOTS of it. Be sure to return the favor."

"Unless Fujimaki has a string of bad luck (Often!), we try to keep the noise with the Mah-Jong down."

An audible growl could be heard from the aforementioned sword bearer above the chuckles  in response to Hisakos' statement.

"What I find interesting is Duffy-san in all this."

Everyone turned to Yusa, sitting in a chair beside the desk.

"You see them in the cafeteria or food court talking of course, but it looks like more than that. He checks up on her. A LOT! Usually just walks by whatever class room she's in, pretending he's on his duties."

Another chorus of laughs as others recollected.

"Yeah!" Fujimaki interjected. "He looks like he thinks she doesn't notice but she does."

"Every so often," Hisako picked up, "he'll stick his head in through the door for a quick look and takes off."

"Think we might have a stalker on our hands, Yuri?" Sakaki asked, jokingly recollecting something from her own past.

"Perfect Bluu-uue!" TK.

"I think it's sweet."

Everyone looked toward where the GiDeMo girls sat near the back, they themselves checking one another as to who uttered the last.

Credit: Dreamsinger99 at Deviantart.

One who did know, looked past them to Shiinas' now occupied corner, she returning a knowing glance detectable only by him.

"Yes," the ninja thought, undressing the observer with her eyes. "Even here ... Some things ... can certainly be ... sweet."

"To the business at hand, " interrupted Yuri.

The out loud romance speculation stopped.

"About tomorrows' operation."

"Tornado hit!" Rang the chorus.

"Uh ... no."

"But Yurippe," Matsushita began. " We're about due. The Guild has to be fed 'n all."

Yuri lifted a rather full trash bag from behind the desk, placing it on top.

"Is that?" Oyama queried.

"Sure is!" The Front leader exulted.

"Where'd you get all those meal tickets?" Hinata inquired.

"Thanks to Duffy-sans' ammo, tools and goodies purchases the past couple months, we don't need to pull a hit tomorrow."

The chorus of positive exclamation was cut short.

"There is STILL going to be an operation howsomever."

"So we don't get time off so to speak," stated Hinata.

"Um ... Yes ... and no."

The collective "huh" hung in the air.

"I was talking with Duffy-san between classes the other day when something he said gave me an idea."

"Annnnd ... " urged Takamatsu.

"Operation ... Drop Out!"

"Uh ... We can't just quit school Yurippe. Where would we go? That would- ouch!" Hinata grabbed his ankle.

"I chose that name as it sounds better than Operation Skipping Class."

"Wait!" Matsushita brightened up. "You mean ..."

"That's right! Tomorrow, bright and early ... Everyone ... and I mean EVERYONE ...  in the Afterlife
Battlefront ... Cuts class ... All day ... No exceptions!"

Laughs, giggles and cheers flew back and forth.

"But Yuri ... Won't Angel try to do something about it?"

"Fujimaki! ... STAY!" The Leader commanded.

The sword bearer stopped in mid 'lunge' on Oyama.

"That's the whole idea. Let her try!"

The whole of those present looked on their Leader questioningly.

"She can't be everywhere at once and we'll be all over the place. Poor little angel 'll be beside herself trying to cope with an impossible situation."

"All she has to do is call on her uh ... 'powers of persuasion'," Matsushita pointed out, "and it'd be all over. We'd be fighting her piecemeal. We'd be much stronger if we were all together!"

"United we stand!" TK.

"Yeah! We can't just-"

"It'd be a total route-"

"And it-"

"HOLD IT!"

The collective turned their eyes back on Yuri.

"That's the beauty of it ... We don't have to fight! If she runs true to form, she won't resort to violence unless we do."

A collective "What?" then took flight.

"If she approaches you and reminds you class is in session, make like you're going to class. When you're out of her sight, you go back to what you were doing."

Replaced by a collective "Oh!".

"What if she escorts one back?"

"Fu-ji-ma-ki!?"

The overbearing one sat back down in a huff, arms crossed, hands in armpits "hugging" in an attempt at self restraint.

"Just go back with her, take your seat. When she leaves, wait awhile, then YOU leave."

"Some of us are in the same classes as she," explained Iwasawa.

"Same as before. But if she stays (But maybe not. She might go looking for more of us.) then you stay. When 'Big Ben' sounds off, make it look like you're going to next period class but keep on walking instead."

"Passive/aggressive resistance!" TK.

"I figure it will take at least first period for her to figure out something is wrong, then she'll go ... uh ... hunting. After awhile she's gonna' notice many of the same people she put back in class to be on the loose again. I think she'll give up sometime after lunch."

"Like you said, she can't go everywhere at once," stated Matsushita. "There's only one of her. In spite of her powers, we'll wear her down fer sure!"

"Be sure to spread the word," Yuri further instructed. "Hell, tell as many of the non-aligned as you can too. Call it 'National Skip Out Day' or something. Who knows? Maybe some NPCs 'll want to get in on the fun!"

"All right then. Tomorrow ... Bright and early ... When you get up ... It's operation ... START!"

xxxxx

Grading papers, Rachel looked up from her desk, smiling, as her "stalker" entered the room, lugging tool box and step ladder.

"Here to look at that blinking ballast," he explained espying the offending light fixture.

"I put the work order in earlier today."

"Was going to check it out, but there were classes. Didn't want to disturb, so I waited 'til school was out."

With his peripheral vision, the man noticed Rachel eyeing him as he moved a desk aside and positioned the ladder under. Climbing up, he set the toolbox on the swingout shelf.

"Just as I thought," he said working the long "bulb" in its' sockets. "It was only loose. Quick fix."

The now fully secured bulb gave off a steady stream of light and no distraction.

Still on his lofty height, he turned to Rachel.

"How was today for you?"

"How is any day here?" Answering with a question of her own. "I mean, this is totally out of my experience."

"Oh?"

"I know I have to let a LOT of things slide. I have to keep in mind that if I do too good a job, someone may disappear. I wouldn't feel good about that."

"I can only imagine. Of course, good grades aren't necessarily a prerequisite for passing on," he explained while he riffled through the toolbox. "As I understand it, some of the kids, Tachibane for example, get great grades and are still here."

"It must vary from one to the next," she speculated. "Grades may not have been a problem for some before they came here so it's not going to affect them. Still ... some of this is ... well ... NUTS!"

"How so?"

"I see some of them not paying attention. They're reading something else, or they're writing ... and even drawing, things not at all related to history. Others are actually playing games. GAMES!"

"Oh yeah!"

"Chess, Shogi, checkers, go, ten sen hockey ... Anything, I guess, to keep their minds off cooperation and possible unwilling transcendence.

"... You know, that Hisako girl and her friends have hot
little Mahjong sessions in the back? Can you believe it?"

"I can't bring myself to scold them ... Knowing what achievement might bring ... I ... You know, that Hisako girl and her friends have hot little Mahjong sessions in the back? Can you believe it!?"

"Just be glad it's not strip poker," Jack chuckled.

"You'd LIKE that wouldn't you?"

"How do you mean?"

"You'd be coming around a lot more often than usual if that was the case."

"Have I been that obvious?" He thought then said aloud, "they're doing strip poker'd be a waste of time for me."

"Really?"

"Fujimaki doesn't do a thing for me."

"Whaaat?" Rachel laughing.

"If Hisako is even half as good at cards as she is Mahjong, she wouldn't drop a stitch. Fujimaki and the other guys would be the ones catching a cold. In any event, I like my women 'legal', if you know what I mean."

"Speaking of which," she started, elbows on desk, chin resting on knuckles of flat folded hands, "what are you doing this weekend?"

Fumbling, Jack dropped a couple screws he had just dug up from out of the bottom of the box.

"I've been trying for three days to get the guts to ask HER that," he thought. "And she's asking me! That's a red head for ya'!"

The two screws clattered noisily to the floor as he tried to regain his composure.

"Oh ... uh ... ," trying to find words to eloquently conceal his nervousness. "Nothing really. Might hike down the creek ... some terrain features I'd like to map out ... get more details on the chart I'm working on ..."

"I'm talking Friday, tomorrow night." Still in open faced 'Gendo' pose.

"Well, I still have my gym workout and walk after work and ..."

"What say you cut out the walk and head for the showers? What say a dinner and a movie?"

"Dinner sounds fine. As for movie uh ... ," he a little more composed, "you may have noticed ... well ... there aren't any theaters and the closest to a restaurant would be the cafeteria-"

"Don't take this the way most normally would but ... Your place or mine?"

Duffy regained his balance as a screwdriver hit the floor.

"Yup!" She observed amusedly. "He did."

Stepping to the floor, Jack scooped the offending driver and screws.

"It's not that I'm trying to seduce you or anything-."

In spite of the last remark, the man got himself together and stood, arm resting on the ladder and facing the teacher.

"-I have every intention of honoring God in all this. It's that I'd like to thank you for the help you've given me in this impossible situation we're in."

"There's really no need to-"

"Lasagna."

Duffy was brought up short.

"Got the ingredients a couple days before ... I arrived here. Put it together last night and it's in my freezer. Enough for two ... and some xtra."

Lasagna. He hadn't had that in over a year. The very thought had him almost drooling.

"So uh ... ," swallowing saliva. "What's a good Irish girl doing with lasagna?"

"My mother's Italian."

Leaning back in her chair she continued.

"To keep it 'safe', we eat at my place and take in the movies in a neutral setting."

"Hmmm ... There's that little used student lounge in Class C. Has a big 'flat screen' we can hook a laptop to. No event scheduled there to my knowledge but I'll check to be sure."

"Perfect!" The teacher exclaimed. "And any students who happen along and watch'll complete the theater experience."

"You said movies ... as in plural."

"I was thinking of a double feature. I get one out my stash I think you'll like and you get one I MIGHT like."

"And just what kind of girlie whirly chick flicks are you into?"

"Figured you weren't into those."

"I was forced to see Beaches once."

"I looove that one!"

"Barftastic!"

"Awww! And I suppose you have nothing but Eastwood and Schwartzenegger."

"I'm more into The Duke." Declared he, putting on his best imitation of the actor.

"John Wayne. Should have known. Typical American."

"Wellll ... I do have Princess Tutu."

"You're kidding ... right?" Giggling.

"It's the music!" He adding quickly. "When I heard DeBussey, Korsakov, and Wagner in the trailer, I You-Tubed it. After a few episodes, I went to Amazon and bought it. As for something you might like ... well ..."

"Surprise me ... ummm ... Something like ... Something by Frank Capra maybe?"

"And just what do you know about Capra?" A reading of her file told him she was born in 1985.

"Oh ... uh ... A Christmas Story!" She enthused knowing she made a mistake. "Yeah! That's it!"

"I think you mean, It's a Wonderful Life."

"What ev-er!" Laughing.

"I remember Turner playing that one to death on his stations every Christmas. It was one I never tired of tireing of."

"I was just a kid but yeah, he did use it a lot."

"Tell you what." Duffy declared. "I actually do have some of Capras' films in my collection, one of them I'm certain you might enjoy."

"Great! Other than  A Chris- uh It's A Wonderful Life, I don't remember seeing any of his ... It should be interesting."

"So then," gathering the ladder an toolbox. "It's a date."

"You got it!"

"I'll make the popcorn."

xxxxx

Leaving the building, Jack felt like he was walking on air. A date! ... Sort of. No restaurants or theaters but they would make do. Dinner, a movie(s), and-

"OH!" Jack Paused.

"Let's see ... Hmmm ... I'm going to be with an incredibly beautiful woman ... Who seems quite willing to spend some time with me ... Wants to watch movies with me. And on top of that, she'll  be serving Lasagna!

"Yet says ... boldly(?), I might add ... She's not trying to seduce me!?"

The man went into a slight sweat.

"I ... Don't know," thinking.

"Man! The things I go through for Jesus!"

To be continued ...

xxxxx

1. Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins is a multi volume adventure series about the "end times" based on the last book in the Christian bible, The Book of Revelation/The Apocalypse of St. John the Divine. In it, "believers", no matter where they're from, are able to communicate with one another in their own languages. Example: If someone was speaking Chinese to one who knew only English, the listener would hear it in English and vice versa.

2. Yoko Littner is a protagonist in the anime Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagaan. I have absolutely NO idea as to what the show is about. What little I have seen (Part of one episode.) I didn't like. All I know is that Yoko is one FABULOUS character design.


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

xxxxx

In Gods' Good Time chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.

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

Go to Fan Fiction dot net here.


Go to Jays' Tee Vee blog main page, 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.

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.

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

"It stands to reason," she thought, "if he's ... uh ... 'supposed ' to
be here, that he'd have a place in the staff/faculty apartments."

In Gods' Good Time

by

C V Ford


Chapter 4: Friend or Faux?

The man left the cafeteria building, recrossed the second entrance bridge for Class B. He mentally noted to stay out of the line of sight of Class B, particularly the old principals' office. As it was, he had new business there and entered through the back.

"And hi there again," he greeted the receptionist who made no sign of previous recognition.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes you can. Would you mind if I use a photocopier?" He felt better, more optimistic, as he started to get a definite course of action in motion. "I'll be more than happy to pay for the copies."

"Oh, no charge." A cheerful answer. "Just follow me back here."

Taking the school mapchart from the envelope, several copies rattled off. Sitting at a vacant desk he unpocketed a red pen and started writing.

"Let's see ... (Circled Bs "west" wing.) Old principals' office. Possible observation point. Friend or foe?"

Looking up while doing his charts, he noticed one of the girl students' "off" uniforms beyond the reception area counter.

"So it begins," he thought.

Passing the young lady and leaving out the back, he ducked into the stand of trees across the "road" next to the pool building. He wasn't going to go back to the apartment the way he came. No sense letting a possible adversary easily trace you.

Out of the trees and in his apartment he rechecked his gun safes' inventory. His pride and joy, a Rock Island Armory match grade M1 Garand rifle lay racked next to the Remington 870 12 guage and the old Remington 912 .22 LR bolt action. His handguns included the Colt auto and mini-revolver he was now carrying . The other two were a smaller Colt 1991 Officers' Model .45 and a Ruger Standard Auto skinny barrel .22 LR.

Jack tried the phone again, first dialing 9 and alternating tries on 1 bringing only the same result. The dial tone ceased when trying to get out.

Before turning on his portable radio, a thought occured to him. Wasn't Japan on 220 volt system as opposed to North American 120? Convenient the lights and appliances worked without damage.

Looking it up in an electricians manual, he found Japan depended on a 100 volt system, thus his equipment marginally safe. Even so, Jack dug out a variable transformer and set it to "step up" 120, first plugging his radios' cord in then the trans to the wall.

Turning on the radio on, he tuned up and down the dial both AM/FM finding almost ... nothing. Only a simulcast on both of what he assumed to be the schools' low power station on 89.7 and 1300 greeted his ears. Nothing else ... not even static could be heard but a steady hydrogen hiss.

In the "toy room"  He pulled out an old Sangean ATS-803A shortwave reciever. Unreeling,  stringing up a portable wire antenna he plugged in the jack. After transferring the variable transformer, he fired the radio up for a quick up and down tune.

Being daytime, he tried tuning above 10 mhz, 31 to 10 meters, only to get the same result. WWV/WWVH (10, 15, and 20 mg.) and CHU (Canada, 14.670 and 7.850 mg.) time hack stations missing. Looking up Japans' time hack, JJY, as well as BPM (China) and BSF (Taiwan) he noted they used the same 10 mg frequency, they also absent. Ham, international broadcast, utility, and military bands dead silent. He knew, when the sun went down, everything below 10 mhz would be the same.

A quick scan with a frequency counter revealed almost nothing but for a six frequency trunked system in the 403-495 mhz range possibly for the schools' building and grounds staff and PA system.

TV of course, nothing at all.

Not taking a risk with his computer, he repeated the procedure with the transformer. Machine on, he clicked the browser and it automatically went to the schools' webpage. The address having a .co.jp suffix. Checking the browsers' internet options he found it to be set as his home page.

"Certainly DON'T remember doing that!" Exclaiming to himself.

Being the obstinate type, he entered Google, Yahoo and other search engine addys in the hopes of gaining some control. None appeared. Not even 404 error messages. Any other addys the same: No Drudge Report, Amazon, NY Times, Columbus Dispatch, Kino Video, Criterion Collection, Fan Fiction dot net, Classic Horror Film Board ... nothing.

For the heck of it, he entered the addy to his own blog ... again ... nothing.

Returning back to the academys' web page, he studied it, using the browsers' translator to decifer the three alphabet lingo. A non-wealth of sterile, generic info indicating nothing substantial about the schools' location. Graphics, charts, lists of student organizations, clubs, events but nothing useful in determining what, and where he was.

A list of school supported blogs came up as he checked the time, about noon. He bookmarked, making a mental note to come back to that list.

Checking over his residential building first (Three floors, identical to five others.), he hastily drew up floor plans with as much detail as possible: Access, laundry room, utility closets, etc.

He then did a leisurely counter clockwise circuit of the whole school grounds in the hopes of finding an entrance leading to a road ... to somewhere. Before doing so, he further equipped himself with a pair of 25 mm binoculars.

The campus resided on a long, "southward" slope. Once past the gym, it wouldn't be long before he would be within eyeshot of Class B. He kept inside the edge of the woods bordering the grounds to avoid observation.

xxxxx

"Oh ... come on!" Yuri yelled into the radio. "He couldn't have just disappeared!"

"Sorry," Yusa answered. "Hisako just saw him leave Class B and duck into the woods a few minutes ago. We've no idea where-"

Yuri was then hit with a thought. "Yusa ... hold it. Got an idea, call you back."

"An idea?" Takamatsu asked.

"Yes! They saw him with a staff lanyard ID around his neck, right? Check residential housing!"

"Resi - yeah right!"

"It stands to reason if he's ... uh ... 'supposed' to be here, that he'd have a place in the staff/faculty apartments."

"Of course," Takamatsu picked up. "Any newly arrived students automatically have a dorm room. If he's a staffer why should it be any different? If he is one that is."

"The ID around his neck means SOMETHING," Yuri said. "It's worth a try. Though ... He'd be the first non-NPC staffer we'd know of ... And a foreigner at that."

A new thought hit her. Turning to a young man lounging on a mid floor couch, "hey ... Hinata!"

"Yo!"

"Get in touch with Takeyama. We can use him right now." She handed him the phone.

Hinata reared up from the cushions. "Him!? What for? Little geek's got a God complex a mile wide-"

"And inches deep. Big ego means big effort. Have him access school personnel files. If this guy's an employee, there'll have to be info on him.

"Should have thought of this before ...

xxxxx

It was as he thought it might and hoped it wouldn't. Except for a couple gravel access trails leading nowhere, there were no roads leading out. Asphalt was a closed circuit. Only traffic was the very occasional grounds maintenance vehicle. After going the length of the campus' south boundary he headed "north". Along the forests' edge and past the ball field, he briefly exposed himself by dashing across the south creek bridge. Past Class C and the dorms, he came upon a gravel access trail leading to the highest point on the grounds. At the end of which stood the cel/radio tower.

He noted the extra antennae. Probably the AM/FM station, PA and utilities. ALL the cel horns, reflectors and repeater antennae "pointing" INTO the campus.

Hating heights, he climbed any way. Didn't need to get to the very top. Once clear of the trees he scanned in all directions with the 25 mm.

Other than the campus, it was nothing but forest on all points of the compass. If this was Japan, it was pretty well deserted. More like southeast Ohio or western Pennsylvania. No built up areas to be seen. A government preserve of some kind? A ...

xxxxx

Shiina picked up on him the moment he started crossing the south creek bridge and had been shadowing since. He seemed easy enough to track.

After word got out on his disappearance she picked what she thought a likely spot atop Class C, waited, perservearance paying off. Running back to Yuri was out, so she stalked in the shadows watching the strange target who had appeared in their midst.

xxxxx

Hitting the ground, Jack then sat at the towers' base in speculation.

"Place has to be supplied somehow. No roads in or out, no airfield or helipad ... playing fields, parks could double for that but ..."

It was getting on in the afternoon, the shadows would be long soon.

Still keeping inside the forests' edge, he made his way past the dorms only to be stopped by the creek gorge. Heading "south" he got out into the open going for the second entrance bridge. Exposed again, he brazened it out, walking in an authoritive manner, clipboard in hand. Except for a pair of staring students, the rest in view acted like the "zombies" Jack hoped for. At least none of the "off" uniforms in evidence. Once across, he shot back into the woods proceeding around the pool building and indoor track field.

xxxxx

As soon as he hit the trees, one of the aforementioned "offs" sprang from the foliage, dashing over the bridge. Shiina had no intention of losing this one.

xxxxx

Employee housing in sight, he decided against heading directly to his building (2). Thinking fast, he spotted a "co-worker" walking to 4. The "droid" ran his key card through the reader. As he opened the door, Jack brushed past with a hurried "sorry" and entered.

xxxxx

"Gotcha!" Shiina exclaimed to herself on seeing the "target" enter Res 4. Leaving concealment, she ran down the side. Yuri would no doubt congratulate her.

xxxxx

Jack wasted no time dashing down the hall and out the other end to Res 2. He quickly swiped his card and entered, Shiina just missing him as she scooted between buildings right after. Up to his third floor living space, he entered and started peering out the windows of the corner apartment. Only half surprised to see a girl in a SSS uniform walking up to a pair of khaki jacketed individuals. One of them the rather large capable looking fellow from the cafeteria encounter. He noted the other ... holding a sheathed sword.

xxxxx

"Looks like you found something Shiina!" Matsushita 5th Dan exclaimed.

"Res 4," a breathless Shiina, bent over, holding her knees. "He's in Residential 4."

"You sure?" Asked Fujimaki.

"Positive. Saw him go in! You just missed him."

"Yuri'll be happy with that."

xxxxx

Jack watched the three head down the pathway back to the campus proper. Confirmed: Someone was curious about him ... possibly hostile.

To be continued ...

xxxxx

Note: Radio savvy readers may notice the JJY time hack station has been off shortwave since the 1970s'. Just thought I'd add it to the story

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


In Gods' Good Time chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6.

C V Fords' profile page and anime fan fiction list on fanfiction dot net here.


Go to Jays' Tee Vee blog main page here. If there's a buncha'  articles under this 'un, 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, & 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.

Whither Thou Goest My Love: An Angel Beats Fan Fiction Story

"If you're going to do this ... see it through ..."

Whither Thou Goest My Love: An Angel Beats Fan Fiction Story

by

C V Ford


... Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go ...

From Ruth 1:16

xxxxx

"If You're going to do this ... see it through ... Leave here too, don't stay behind. Otherwise it only looks like you talked us into it.

"If the ever fighting Battlefront disappears from this level of existence ... if this strange world fulfills its' pupose for everyone, even you Otonashi ... I'll be able to think that what all we've been through was for the best.

"For a short while, we got to enjoy the youth we never had.  I think our time here will have been worth it all if we were just supposed to have fun.

"And isn't that what life's supposed to be about?"

"What're you talking about?" Otonashi grinned. "I don't get it."

Hisako gave a knowing smile. "I bet not. But I think you will."

- From a conversation several days previous, just before the departure of the greater part of the Battlefront.

xxxxx

Steps to athletic field and sports facilities. Just after "graduation":

"Say ... Kanade," Yuzuru turned toward the petite vision that was she. "Let me ask you ... Could ... would you ... like to stay here?"

She answered in response with a puzzled stare.

The young man turned back, surveying the athletic field distant.

"It just occured to me for some reason ... I mean, there'll be more ... like Yuri, Hinata, Yui ... coming here because of tragic or inadequate lives. Many others just like them. Some even worse."

"Yes ..."

"They might try ... might try staying here like Yuri and the others did.  Might suffer ... hating God ... thinking they're fighting Him when it's their lives they can't accept. For all eternity, forever alone ... with no one to help them ... tell them ... forever."

"Right ..."

"But then ... if we stayed ... We could show them how great life really was, all over again ... That life really was worth living, hard  breaks and all. We could help others 'graduate' and go on.

"It's possible ... you ... me ... might have come here to ... fulfill that purpose ... Help them.

"Would you ... stay here ... With me? As long as you're with me ... I'd NEVER get lonely. Even here. Even here in this world."

Brushing a lock of snowy mane aside, Kanade looked down and started walking past him, contemplating this unexpected proposal. His love for him she more than knew.

But this sudden offer to ... stay?

"I might've said this before ... but I want to be with you ... I want to to stay with you always ... forever."

With a quick but gentle move, he reached forth in her effort to pass and drew her close to him.

"It's because I ... I love you so much ... Kanade ... love you ... I do."

They stood for several moments with her In his sideways hold, apprehension building within Yuzuru as he felt her tense.

"Why ... Why won't you say something?"

"I don't want to  ... can't ..."

Yuzuru pulled back, looking straight at her. "Why not?"

"Because ... If ... If I tell you how I honestly feel, I ... I think that I will vanish-"

"But why!?"

"-without you ... us."

"Us? ... Without?"

"I came here ... long ago ... to this place ... to tell you ... Thank you for all that you've done for me."

"Wh-what d'you mean Kanade!?"

"My life," she turned facing him, putting her left hand above her breast, "my life was extended because ... Because of the beautiful, kind, heart you gave me."

Gasping, Yuzuru could only stare in his incomprehension.

"Even now, your heart is beating, living here ... I feel its' rythym here in my chest."

She turned partly away, hand still to her bosom.

"My only regret is ... I was unable ... to thank the one who gave me my youth. I wanted ... but couldn't express my gratitude.

"That was my feeling," turning back, her eyes looked deeply, longingly into his. "The lingering feeling that made me ... wander ... here ... so long ago ... into this world."

"It ... can't be ... It's not-"

Turning away, she walked to the reflecting pool and gazed upon the rippling surface.

"-I mean ... How could you possibly know it was me?"

"That first night when you came here ... when I stabbed you ... I noticed ... that you ... You didn't have a heart."

The young man grabbed his own chest, "but ... But that alone doesn't mean-"

"You regained all of your memories when you  ... fell asleep on top of my chest ... You were listening to the rythym of your own heart beating within me."

"No! It ... It couldn't ... It-"

A sad, yearning smile on her face, she turned to face him again.

"Yuzuru? ... Please ... tell me ... Tell me again what you just said ... about loving me."

Short breaths, looking away, Yuzuru could only choke out, "Uh ... No! ... NO! ... I can't ... won't ... Kanade!? ... You'll disappear."

"Yuzuru ... Please!"

"No! ... I can't." Try as he might, he couldn't look away.

"And come with me Yuzuru."

"Come with!?"

"Your ... OUR time here ... is past ... over."

!?

"You're the reason I'm here ... and I you ... Yuri and the others ... were here for their own reasons. I was only in their way."

"In their way?" Incredulous, Otonashis' mind reeled in confusion. "How could your being here-"

"I was to wait for you ... to thank you ... It was my only real desire. My only purpose.

"In my waiting, I tried helping others pass on ... With a small few ... I did. It was with Yuri and the others, I realized I was only delaying their passing. Because of my efforts, she ... fixated on me ... thinking I was one of Gods' servants. In opposing me ... she and the others ... in thinking they were fighting God by fighting me ... were doing something they hadn't done when they were alive ... accomplishing something ... a goal of some ... any ... kind."

"But you only wanted to-"

"Good intentions ... coming from a good heart," she touched her chest again, "can at times ... make things worse for others.

"Don't make the same mistake as I, Yuzuru. Your task if any, was with them ... only them ... and it is done."

"But it could be that I-"

"You accomplished with them in only a few weeks what I ... couldn't in months ... years."

Yuzuru let out an involuntary gasp. Years!? She was ... Yuri and the Battlefront? ... THAT long?

"And don't break this wonderful, loving heart you gave me," she said, gazing up longingly, grasping his hands. "Come with me Yuzuru! I can't bear being alone any longer ... Where you and I will go ... We never will be again."

Stepping forward, her arms enfolded him about the waist, her head to his chest.

"Yuzuru, PLEASE!"

"I ... I ..."

"Yuzuru!?"

She was more than right. His only real reason for being in this fantastic place was to be thanked ... and loved ... by her. The Battlefronts' passing only incidental.

He remembered Hisako telling him but a few days before, to follow soon. Otherwise it would be as if they had only been persuaded into leaving and nothing more.

And his suggestion being so spur of the moment ...

Yes.

Time to leave.

"Please let me believe in everything you believe in."

Yuzuru broke down. The emotion too much.

A small hopeful smile on her angelic face, Kanade looked up into his.

"Let me believe ... that life is more than worth living."

Through his tears, he looked down, stroking her snowy hair.

"Yes! ... Let's go ... together ... now ..."

"Kanade," he answered her tight embracing with that of his own. "I do so love you ... Yes! ... Let's go ... together ... now ... "

"Yes ... Thank you ... Yuzuru."

"Let's stay together forever and always ... OK?"

"YES! ... Thank you!"

Their mutual hold became even tighter.

"I love you Kanade!"

"Yes ... Thank you so much ..."

"Kanade ..."

"Thank you for loving me."

"And I ... you."

"Truely ... deeply ... Thank you for giving me ... my ... our ... life to me ... "

As the soft wind meandered its' course, only the trees and flowing water gave mute testimony that a loving couple had, but for a moment before, embraced there.

END


Storyline (partly) and some dialogue copyright © 1-24-14 C V Ford


My other Angel Beats fanfiction story, Stalking Heart, here.

My Angel beats crossover fanfiction stories  1, 2, 3, 4.

My anime fanfiction stories and profile page on fanfiction.net here.

Fanfiction.net here.

Angel Beats: Not a Haruhi Clone here.

Wikipedia article on Angel Beats here.


Go to Jays' Tee Vee blog main page here.


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, & 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 & enjoyment of the original works.