Участник:Makc
Prologue Пролог
| Судзумия Харухи в последнее время задумчива.
Она не впадает в меланхолию, не вздыхает, да и скучающей не выглядит, но в последние дни кажется подозрительно притихшей, и это непонятное спокойствие меня немного пугает. Разумеется, она притихла не в физическом плане, и уж конечно не в эмоциональном! Харухи слишком уверена в себе, чтобы из-за мелочей и пустяков взять и поменять свой уже устоявшийся характер, а если бы такое и произошло, то для меня обернулось бы исключительно дополнительными сложностями, да и не похоже, чтобы она исправлялась. Просто, как бы сказать, к ней приклеилась какая-то тихость, словно аура с киррилиан-картинки, которую она излучала весь год, поменяла цвет с пылающе-красного на оранжевый. Во всём классе один, максимум два человека способны заметить, что с Харухи что-то не так. Один из них — я. С самого первого дня в старшей школе она всегда сидела за мной, и каждый день мы встречались после уроков. Так что, когда я говорю, что могу лучше всех определять её настроение, то не преувеличиваю. Хоть я и сказал, что она сейчас притихла, это не означает, что она не способна внезапно взорваться и устроить окружающим весёлую жизнь. И ведь не успокоится, пока все не узнают, чего она стоит. Следует заметить, что на школьном мероприятии в конце прошлого месяца она заняла лишь второе место, тогда как на марафоне в начале этого стала первой. Кстати, победила в первом мероприятии не кто иная, как Юки Нагато, занявшая второе место в марафоне. Короче говоря, руководители «Бригады SOS» и литературного кружка столь великолепны, что им место рядом с легендарными военачальниками прошлого. И в то же время школа всё ещё не имела ни малейшего понятия, чем занимается «Бригада». Этим же вопросом задавался и я, как-никак, член команды. Одно я знаю точно: если у Харухи такое настроение, значит, она что-то задумала. И когда её план наконец созреет, на лице непременно засияет ослепительная улыбка. Странно, но я не помню, когда сделал это открытие. Я мысленно перелистал историю нашего знакомства, стараясь припомнить, что у Харухи следует за таким спокойным настроением. Затишье — самый надежный признак надвигающегося цунами. Всегда так было. Итак… Вот уже начало февраля, и зима приближается к концу.
Отредактировал Lexs Отредактировал Jehanne Отшлифовали Xsen и Mаrtin с учетом критики от Himself |
Suzumiya Haruhi has become very pensive lately.
Even though she is often melancholic and sometimes easily agitated, she is actually very sociable. Even so, she's been surprisingly tranquil these past couple days. This quietness from who-knows-where even scares people like me. Of course, it isn't like her to stay quiet, and it definitely isn't a change of heart. Haruhi never doubts herself. Even if her personality has a slight or subtle change, she will never question herself. Anyway, if such a change were to happen, I would be put in a troublesome situation. So at this moment in time, I wouldn't bother to try and correct her. How should I put this... there's a type of quietness that's like a continuously radiating kirlian photograph in which the light has gone from burning red to a duller orange which is subtly surrounding her. Of all the people in the class only one, at most two will be able to realize that she is not quite the same as usual. Of these two, one is me. Ever since I entered high school, she has always been sitting behind me and we meet after school every day. So, I can say without exaggerating that if anyone has noticed anything it would have to be me. But even though I say she's calm now, that bright flare can still give the all-knowing a run for their money. As soon as it bursts forth, the energy that will not stop until it succeeds will show its true colors. Note that while she only got second at the event the school organized at the end of last month, Haruhi got first in the marathon held at the school at the beginning of this month. By the way, the winner of the first event was none other than Nagato Yuki, who also got second in the marathon. In a nutshell, the leaders of the SOS Brigade and the literature Club are both amazing and fit to be grouped with the Warlords in the past. And yet again, the school was left to rack its brains and try and figure out what the Brigade was doing. One such student who wondered this was me, a member. If I know only one thing, it's that once Haruhi displays that kind of expression and spirit, I can be sure that she's planning something. And at the moment she has thought it through, her face will transform back to its enchanting, smiling form. Oddly, I don't actually remember when I discovered this. When was it? I tried flipping through the history book in my mind, searching through for the record that displayed her quiet side gradually disappearing. A calm moment is the accurate, unmistakable prediction of a giant tsunami. It has always been like that. So...... It is now the beginning of February, the cold winter is nearing its end. |
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| Новый год наступил и прошёл, мы распрощались с полным проблем старым годом почти месяц назад. Если кажется, что время пролетело слишком быстро, то, возможно, это из-за того, что весь прошлый месяц был заполнен новогодними делами.
Что ж, я надеюсь, течение времени вновь придет в норму. Понятия не имею, что замышляла Харухи, ведь тогда для меня на первом плане было решение собственной проблемы. Предаваться воспоминаниям о прошедшем годе в феврале ещё рано, но раз уж то, о чём я собрался поведать, вполне можно выразить словами, то я попробую рассказать всё с энтузиазмом и без упущений. В то время у меня был лишь один девиз: «Заканчивай начатое, одно за другим. Как можно быстрее». Я решился на это ещё во время нашей зимней поездки, но мне понадобилось некоторое время, чтобы начать действовать. Эта история началась второго января на обычном железнодорожном вокзале. ......... ...... ... Каникулы, на которых мы попали в метель и оказались запертыми в таинственном особняке в горах, закончились. На дворе стоял второй день нового года, и Бригада СОС наконец-то вернулась домой из своей зимней поездки. — Фу-ух, вот мы и дома! Харухи поприветствовала наш городок и, прищурив один глаз, повернулась лицом к заходящему солнцу. — Наконец-то можно расслабиться. Конечно, особняк в горах был не так уж плох, но родной воздух всегда лучше, даже если он слегка застоялся. Дворецкому Аракаве, горничной Мори и братьям Тамару оказалось с нами не по пути, и мы давно с ними распрощались. Таким образом, единственными, кто дожидался багажа на городском вокзале, были неутомимые и чрезвычайно бодрые Харухи и Цуруя-сан; Асахина-сан, к которой намертво прилипла моя сестра; вечно невозмутимая Нагато; обессиленный, но по-прежнему улыбающийся Коидзуми; и жутко вымотанный я с грузом в виде Сямисена. Ну, этого более чем достаточно. — На сегодня все свободны! По Харухи было видно, что она неплохо повеселилась. — Сегодня можете отдохнуть, а завтра пойдем в новогодний обход храмов и святынь. Встречаемся здесь в девять. Кстати, Цуруя-сан, у тебя есть какие-нибудь планы?
Отредактировал Martin Отшлифовали Xsen и Martin, с учётом критики от Himself
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New Years has come and gone, and we left the troublesome old year behind almost a month ago.
If time seems to have flown by, it's probably because you've kept yourself busy doing a lot of New Years related things during that first month. Here, I'm hoping that time will reverse. I have no clue what Haruhi is planning, since I was busy coming to terms with my own situation first. Starting to reminisce about the past year in February is a bit early, but since what I have to say is not unsayable, I might as well tell it enthusiastically and completely. At that time, I only had one motto: Finish the unfinished, one by one. As fast as possible. When I made up my mind, it was when we were still on the winter trip. It took quite a bit of time before I set it in motion. This is the story that starts January the second at the train station we always pass on normal days. ......... ...... ... The vacation that had us fighting through a snowstorm and imprisoned in a mysterious mansion on the mountain finally ended on the second day of the new year. The SOS Brigade group that set out for the winter trip to that mountain villa finally returned home. "Whew, I'm back." Haruhi said hello to our little town, then turned to face the sunset, closing one eye. "I can finally be comfortable. Even though the snow mountain wasn't too bad, the air you're used to is the best, although it is a bit stale." Arakawa the butler, Mori the maid and the Tamaru brothers were all long gone, since they don't go this way to get home. So, the only ones claiming the baggage at the train station in front of our hometown are the tireless and extremely healthy Haruhi and Tsuruya-san, Asahina-san, who my sister was clinging to, unwilling to separate, the forever impassive Nagato, the exhausted Koizumi, the extremely weary me and the cargo, Shamisen. Ha, that should be enough, I guess. "Dismissed for today." Haruhi gave the appearance that she'd had lots of fun. "Everyone can get some rest. Tomorrow will be the first time this year we visit the temples and shrines nearby, meet here at nine. Oh, Tsuruya-san, do you have any plans?" |
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| Я завидую тем людям, у которых остаются силы строить планы на следующий же день после возвращения из поездки. Проблема в том, что моё обычное человеческое тело не имеет вечного двигателя. Но Цуруя-сан, чья энергичность не уступает харухиной, ответила:
— Извини, я завтра улетаю в Швейцарию. С меня сувениры! А сейчас, пожалуйста, возьмите эти монетки и потратьте их на что-нибудь хорошее! Она выгребла из кошелька горстку мелочи и отдала Асахине-сан. — Дарю! — сказала она и вручила вторую горсть моей сестре. — Увидимся в следующем семестре! Уходя с привокзальной площади, Цуруя-сан улыбалась и махала нам рукой. Она выглядела радостной и хорошо отдохнувшей. Хотел бы я знать, как её такой воспитали, потом как-нибудь попрошу её родителей поделиться опытом. Харухи тоже улыбалась и махала Цуруе-сан, пока та не скрылась из виду, а затем сказала: — Ну что ж, нам тоже пора по домам. Будьте внимательнее при переходе через дорогу. Пока не придёте домой, считайте, что вы всё ещё в зимней поездке. Мы с Коидзуми настолько устали, что если бы по пути домой произошло что-то непредвиденное, мы просто физически не смогли бы с этим справиться. Хотя я не думаю, что что-то подобное может случиться по дороге домой с вокзала. Я посмотрел на Нагато. Все её странности остались в том загадочном горном особняке, и она вернулась в своё безэмоциональное, совершенно непроницаемое состояние. Как только я это подумал, наши глаза встретились. Возможно, мне и показалось, что Нагато слегка кивнула головой, но не думаю, что я ошибся. Затем я взглянул на Асахину-сан. Всю поездку она была спокойной и безмятежной, но на середине нашего путешествия её беззаботность сменилась лёгким беспокойством, и, если подумать, оно и к лучшему. Теперь наступает её очередь действовать. Я смотрел на неё взглядом, полным обожания, но, к сожалению, она не замечала этого и продолжала болтать с моей сестрой, как будто они были ровесницами. — Ладно, Увидимся завтра! Не опаздывать! И не забудьте взять денег, у храма будет миллион лотков со всякой всячиной. Я взял сестрёнку за руку, другой рукой схватил клетку с Сямисэном, попрощался с Харухи и Асахиной-сан и сел в автобус. — Микуру-тян, пока! Перевел Badesar Отредактировал Martin Отшлифовали Xsen и Martin, с учётом критики от Himself. |
The energetic vigor that's already making plans for the next day after the vacation ended is very
enviable. The problem is, my body, representing that of a normal human’s, doesn't have a perpetual motion machine built into it. But Tsuruya-san, the person whose vitality can somehow keep up with Haruhi's, said, "Sorry everyone, I have to go to Switzerland tomorrow. I'll bring some souvenirs back. Please, take this change and donate it!" After saying this, she dug into her pockets and showed her clinking and clanging change to Asahina-san. "This is New Year's money!" She said, giving all her change to my sister. "See you next semester~" She waved, leaving the train station with a bright, smiling face. Her posture was relaxed and cheerful. How was this girl raised? For future reference, I want to visit her parents and see what they say. Haruhi kept waving until we lost sight of her around the corner of those apartments. "Then, let's go home. Everyone be careful on the road. It's still the winter trip until you get home." If anything were to happen on the way home, Koizumi and I physically wouldn't be able to take it anymore. Nothing weird should show up on the way home from the station, anyway. I glanced at Nagato. Her abnormality inside the mysterious hotel on the mountain had vanished into thin air; she was now back to her emotionless, impossible-to-read state. As I thought this, her eyes moved and met mine. She nodded her head slightly; that wasn't just an illusion, I think. I looked over at Asahina-san. She had been relaxed and laid-back during the trip. The carefreeness had become nervousness while in the (Hall of Snow Mountain Syndrome), but upon reflection, this was for the best. Now is when she really made an entrance. I stared at her, full of affection, but sadly, she didn't notice my look at all and continued talking with my sister as if they were the same age. "Well, see you tomorrow! Don't be late. Oh, and don't lose your pochibukuro, there'll be stalls everywhere tomorrow." After Haruhi said that, I took hold of my sister's hand, held onto the box Shamisen was in, said farewell to Haruhi and Asahina-san and got on the public bus. "See you later, Mikuru-chan!" |
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| While I was pulling my struggling sister to her seat, I saw Asahina-san keep looking over and
waving to my sister. Sorry, but I don't really feel like waving now. Well, if it were Haruhi or Koizumi, I would definitely shout goodbye. So, as soon as I got home and liberated myself from Shamisen and my sister, after a few minutes, I called two particular brigade members I had just left at the stop. Why? Because I wanted to finish what I regret leaving incomplete as soon as possible. And since it was because I was lazy that this awkward situation occurred, I'm very sorry, so I want to teach the old, lazy me a lesson. We should go to the me from a while before the trip. That time at the mysterious mansion on the mountain, it was because Nagato and Koizumi were bright that they managed to keep the worst-case scenario from occurring. But no one can guarantee that something like that will never happen again. Actually, I think that this had to happen someday. The fun at the mountain villa was delayed because of this problem, and the surroundings even disappeared along with the members. There was enough time afterwards at Tsuruya-san's resort while we played Fukuwarai and Sugoroku for me to make a decision. I have to go. I have to return to that time-space with Nagato and Asahina-san. Yes, back to the dawn of December the eighteenth... There's no time to rest off the weariness. First, I phoned Asahina-san, and since we had just separated, she was quite surprised. "What's the matter, Kyon-kun?" "There's a place I want to go with you. Today, preferably." "Eh......? Where?" "December the eighteenth of last year." She was both shocked and puzzled. "Ehhh......? Wha- What's happening?" "Please take me and Nagato into the past, two weeks ago, to be precise. Then we can work together to try and reverse time." "Tha-, me send...... no, that device cannot be used when I feel like it. It requires lots of consideration and authorization by many other people." | |
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| I bet that authorization will be easy to get. The vision floating in my mind's eye is of Mikuru
(Big) winking at me, even blowing me a kiss. "Asahina-san, contact your boss or somebody like that right now. Explain it to them, and say that I want to take you and Nagato back to the dawn of December the eighteenth." I guess since I was brimming with confidence, Asahina-san's sighs that occasionally leaked through the phone became silent. "Wait, wait a minute." Of course I'll wait. I've always wondered how you communicate with the future, but all I'm hearing is Asahina-san's quiet breathing. This background music didn't last ten seconds, and was quickly replaced by a confused voice. "I don't believe it......" "It's been authorized. Bu-Why......? It was so easy......" That's because the future is now resting on my shoulders — but I didn't say that. How should I say this, I don't want to talk for much longer on the phone. "Let's meet in front of Nagato's apartment. Can you make it in 30 minutes?" "Uhh, wait. Give me an hour. I want to double-check. Oh, and, we should just meet in front of Nagato-san's apartment, there's no need to go in." I happily agreed and hung up the phone. After thinking of Asahina-san's cute and shocked face for a while, I set my face and reined in my feelings. In the time before departure, nothing that would make me laugh appeared. That guy should understand me best. And another person, who will know what I'm up to even if I don't tell her. But I should make sure. I picked up the phone again. An hour later...... I came too early. I was so happy, I rode my bike as fast as I could. I stood in front of the luxurious apartment, almost freezing to death. 15 minutes later, a cheerful person ran up to me. It looked like she didn't have time to change, and didn't think of changing either. She was still wearing the clothes she was wearing when we came back from our trip. Actually, I was too. "Kyon-kun." Asahina-san looked at me full of wonder. | |
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| "I still don't get it. Why did your request go through so quickly? Furthermore, my boss even
commanded me to take Nagato-san too, it has to be the three of us...... and when I asked him what the outcome would be, he only said that it was top-secret. And...... he even said I had to follow your orders. Why?" "I'll tell you in Nagato's room." As I said this, I entered Nagato's room number into the machine by the door and rang the doorbell. There was a response immediately. "......" "It's me." "Enter." The door opened, I walked in. Ah, I can't forget Asahina-san, she's still baffled. After I waved to her, she seemed to wake up and hurried to catch up with me. Every single time we come here, she's scared. It's almost like it's her habit now. In the elevator, Asahina-san was turning over and thinking about many questions. She looked quite nervous, but also puzzled. That expression didn't change, even after Nagato opened the door and ushered us in. Nagato looked like she not only had time, but was very composed about everything too. She was in her apartment, but had already changed into that familiar sailor uniform. Reflecting, I feel that this appearance was especially comforting. I think this, not because I secretly have a sailor fetish, but because this person could fully understand the feeling of serenity in my heart. That time, when I saw a short-haired person wearing a sailor uniform holding a knife, as I was losing consciousness. If Nagato were to wear something else, I would probably feel very uncomfortable. I know I would still recognize her, but this sailor uniform has nearly become her trademark. "......" Without speaking, Nagato pointed to the room, suggesting that we should sit down. Then she walked to the kitchen to make some tea. So, I used this time to outline the basic details for Asahina-san. "I don't believe it......" Asahina-san's eyes were wide as plates as she muttered. "What history was changed, how can it be, I didn't feel a thing......" | |
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| That's not a surprise. No matter how I look at it, the only one with a clear memory of those three
days is me. That me could not have done anything if it weren't for Nagato's hints and amazing ability to act. "A worldwide time-space change and direct interference with the future...... these things coincidentally happened at the same time." Asahina-san's voice trembled, her gaze drifting away. The table now had three cups of tea. It was tea Nagato had steeped for us, and she cut in on my explanations to Asahina-san once in a while. "Really." Asahina-san was very startled by these comments, and her tea was untouched, it's probably cold already. "......" Nagato expressionlessly stared at Asahina-san, then shifted her unreadable gaze onto me, and then turned back to Asahina-san. I think I know what Nagato wants to say. I had told Asahina-san that it was because Nagato had set things in motion, so the world changed on December the eighteenth. It was lucky that the Emergency Escape Program had worked, and I had returned to the Tanabata four years ago. But this resulted in Asakura Ryoko attempting to assassinate me, fortunately a failed attempt. Before fainting, I saw myself, Nagato and Asahina-san, seemingly from the future, restore the world to its original state. Only saying this, she might not understand what the hell is going on, so Nagato wants to add some footnotes. Considering this wasn't all the information. The Tanabata four years ago also had an Asahina-san (Big) waiting for us. I still hadn't told her this, since I don't know if telling her would be good or bad. The Asahina-san now doesn't know anything. In other words, Asahina-san (Big) is hiding something from her. This Asahina-san seems to be communicating with the future on a regular basis, so if it were important, someone, even if it wasn't Asahina-san (Big), maybe her boss or someone even higher up, someone would probably tell her. Hey, I don't know how time travelers communicate. But I can mostly tell what happened. "When I asked him what the outcome is, he only said that it was a secret." were her words exactly. Asahina-san probably doesn't know anything, because no one is telling her. I don't know the reasons for this, but if I think about it, it seems about right. As a time traveler, she's kind of unprepared — that’s what I've thought before. Almost falling into an endless August, the mysterious mansion...... and if Asahina-san had given advice from the future before this kind of event, it would have been avoidable, but she didn't. Why? | |
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| Nod. I see.
If Asahina-san (Big) doesn't know anything, it would be too weird, because she, in the past — Asahina-san now — has already done these things. So, if these events and adventures were avoided, her future history would change. So it is required that, no matter what, we have to go through these things. This is all my theory, and the result is that we will all end up helpless to change anything, like Nagato. But since it's like this, isn't Asahina-san quite pitiable? Every time something happens, she'll always be scared to death. The number of times she's been shocked may even surpass the number of times I, a person from this time, have been startled. Moreover, Asahina-san's reasons for coming to the present are very suspicious. If it was only Haruhi that needed to be under surveillance, an anti-theft video camera could do the job. There has to be a real reason. Asahina-san herself does not know. But, the her a little while into the future does seem to know...... Lost in thought, I heard a cold, crisp voice. "I want you to do something for me." Since it's Nagato, I would do almost anything that she asks. "Please don't say anything to the me in the time we are visiting." Any talk at all? Do "Um" and "Ah" count too? "If it's possible." Nagato's normally expressionless eyes showed her thoughts, for once. Her black pupils showed that this was really a passionate wish. For me to reject this request, it would be akin to trying to catch the moon in the lake. "Got it. Since you said it like this, I'll find a way." The head that always has short hair nodded, slightly. Nagato, whose instructions were used to iron out the details of time and space, and Asahina-san, who was the faithful executor, made up this team of Aliens and Time Travelers. No matter how big Koizumi's Agency is, they have no chance of winning. Except I'm not sure if they even plan on fighting. Nagato, Asahina-san and I went to the entrance to put on our shoes. In that cramped space, we crowded and squeezed together. Last month, when I went with Asahina-san (Big), I had forgotten my shoes. | |
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| That lesson reappeared clearly before me now. Her high heels were in the
exact same place they were four years ago, obviously the work of Nagato. It's not like I can return them to this Asahina-san, so I guess I'll just ignore them. "Um, December the eighteenth... what time?" Nagato's answer was exact to the second; Asahina-san nodded her head. "We're going now. Kyon-kun, close your eyes. " And — — Time moved. That very familiar dizzy feeling that makes me want to puke. Even though my eyes are closed, it feels like something is flashing. It's comparable to staring at the sky and ascending, along with that unpleasant feeling of rising fast and losing track of what's up and what's down. Just like riding on an out-of-control roller coaster and being thrown around ten times, losing focus and feeling very weird, I was almost at my limit... My soles finally landed on the ground again. The gravity pulling me down feels so comfortable. "We're here." Nagato said softly. I opened my eyes gingerly, and was startled. I found myself standing in front of the school gates. I quickly tried to remember what happened before. On Tanabata four years ago, I came through time on the direction of the Nagato still in "Standby Mode". Coming back to the eighteenth with Asahina-san, I had gazed at the black world Nagato had created and walked under a street light...... ......and we had landed in the middle of all that. That "Me", changing himself as the world changed, was saying something to a Nagato with glasses on. I can even see the shadow of Asahina-san wearing my jacket. This isn't too good, because no matter how you look at it, this is just way too close. "Don't worry." Our Nagato said in monotone. "They can't see us. A soundproof barrier has been set up." | |
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| That means, to "Me", Asahina-san and Nagato (with glasses), we're just soundless, transparent
people. This doesn't need clarification from Nagato, because she's here with us. Pity. Asahina-san was blinking non-stop. "Um...... who's that girl? It's an adult, why is she here?" From here, they're only silhouettes. As expected, Asahina-san doesn't get it. If she could imagine that her future self would appear here, it would be too unnerving. As I was contemplating whether or not to tell her, something happened that made that thought disappear like dust in the wind. Even though I knew it was coming, it still gave me goose bumps watching it as a spectator. Suddenly, someone appeared from the shadows. It passed softly by us and by the time I realized that it was Asakura Ryoko, she was already running, no, charging at "us". Her knife was at her waist as she charged us in a hostile fashion. Asahina-san (Big) yelled something, but it was too late, "I" had been stabbed, just like I remember. "Ohh." That looked painful. I didn't notice it before, but when Asakura is waving that knife around, she's very detestable. Full of bloodlust, she stuck the knife into "my" body without hesitation. Luckily, Asakura Ryoko can only be convicted of attempted murder. "I" fell. "Eh...... Oh! Kyon-kun!" Asahina-san started yelling too, and she started to run to "Me". "Ah......!" as she immediately ran into the invisible wall, and she stopped, looking on miserably. I think she's forgotten I'm right beside her in the heat of the moment. Her eyes only saw "Me", and I still don't know if I should be pleased or jealous. "Nagato-san!" Looking at Asahina-san, Nagato bobbed her head. "The barrier's dissolved...... It ends now." Asahina-san ran over, Nagato also started working. Faster than the night wind, she grabbed Asakura's knife right away. Asakura's yell rang out, a mixture of hate and fright. I also ran towards the old me. Oh, great, now "I" look horrible. Asahina-san was crying while she held "Me" in her arms. Since she's worried about me, I'm really happy. But hanging there, I wouldn't mind if I died. | |
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| She tearfully cried for "Me" as if her life depended on it, completely ignoring everyone else. I
really want to thank her. Painfully, Asahina-san (Big) moved her gaze from the ground up and stared at me. "You're here." But I'm a bit late, not as in time late, but mood-wise. "......Hey......" This sound was Nagato from my memory. The someone running around that was hurting my heart. The Nagato with glasses had fallen down, and was sitting there with a look of alarm on her face. Those dark eyes’ gaze moved from the fallen "Me" to Asakura, then to the person wearing the same sailor uniform as her, then onto me. "Wh...... y......" I have an agreement with my Nagato. So, I cannot talk to this other Nagato, the one that just finished changing the world. There is only one thing I have to say or do. Picking up the gun that Nagato had made three years ago, I looked at "Me". To say what I heard before, I opened my mouth and said what I remembered. This should work, because as long as it mostly fits, a little bit of difference is allowed. That "Me" completely closed his almost-closed eyes, falling to one side. This fainting scene was very exciting, it looked like "I" died. But if no one stops the blood, "I" would really die. Then, from now on, it's all up to us. Even I don't know what will happen after. The first thing I see is my Nagato stopping Asakura. "......" The knife Nagato was holding onto glowed as it turned to dust. Asakura wanted to run away but couldn't move, as if her feet were glued to the ground. Nagato was speaking very fast. "Wh, Why? You......" Asakura's body was also shining now. "Isn't this what you wanted...... Today too...... Why......" The unmoving Asakura asked one last question, and then disintegrated like a knife just cut her into pieces. At the same time, "Ah?......" | |
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| Asahina-san (Small) toppled over, looking like she was bending over my body. The softly closed
eyes and the slightly open mouth said she was asleep. Asahina-san's (Big) hand gently caresses the dead-tired senpai's neck. "I put her to sleep." The adult Asahina-san stroked her young self's hair sadly. "I can't let her know I'm here. I had to do this." Asahina-san sleeps very cutely, using "my" hand as a pillow. "Don't tell her about me." This sleeping face is the same as the one from Tanabata three years ago, as the one on the bench in the park, the reason is exactly the same too, Asahina-san (Big) doesn't want the her from the past see what she looks like. The back is fine, but if she walks closer, Asahina-san is not allowed to see Asahina-san (Big). I gazed at the unconscious Asahina-san and at "Me". "......" My Nagato knelt and leaned over, putting her hand to the abdomen of the "Me" that got stabbed. It's a good thing she did. Anyway, the blood stopped, and "my" pale face finally looked like a normal human's. So, the person who healed me was her. Nagato casually stood up and, without wiping the blood off her finger, reached her hand out and said, "Lend it to me." I didn't say anything, and just gave her the gun. I haven't held it in a long time, and was glad to give it up. If anything happens, this can be used as a threat I suppose. But no matter what, I won't shoot any Nagato with it. The gun-wielding Nagato points the gun at the Nagato with glasses sitting on the ground, who had been timid all along. She nonchalantly cocks and fires it. Nagato (with glasses) started shining as she slowly stood up. That stick-like posture was the posture of the Nagato I was familiar with. Completely different from when she gave me an application form, or when she awkwardly pulled on my sleeve while crying, different from that shy, slightly smiling person. | |
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| Like she was proving it to me, that Nagato took off her glasses and, after staring at me, locked
her cold gaze onto the other her and said, "Request synchronization." The two Nagatos stared at each other. Counting this time, I have already seen "Me" several times before. Both Asahina-sans have also been around each other many times. But, this is the first time there has been more than one Nagato at a time. It makes me feel odd. Quite a magnificent sight. "Request synchronization." The Nagato that was shot repeated, the Nagato that shot immediately replied. "Denied." Even I found this odd, let alone the Nagato holding glasses in her hand. Her eyebrows may have moved. "Why?" "Because I don't want to." I'm astonished. Completely flabbergasted. Has anything this clear ever come out of Nagato's mouth before? This isn't an excuse. This explicit denial proves she has emotions, no doubt about it. "......" The other Nagato, seemingly lost in thought, quieted. "......" She's as silent as before, as the night wind blows her hair around. I gently said to the Nagato from the past, "Go change the world back to its former state." "Understood." That Nagato nodded, and said, in a slightly hesitating voice that only I could understand, "Unable to sense the existence of the Integrated Data Sentient Entity." "It's not here." | |
14 страница | |
| My Nagato faintly said,
"I am still connected to the time and space I am from, let me do the second adjustment. " "Understood." Said the Nagato from the past. "After the transformation," My Nagato said, "You can move according to your own wishes." The Nagato that was just reverted looks at me, her head tilted. Unperceivable data appears in that expression and gaze, but I can read it, no one is more clear than I as to what Nagato wants to say. This Nagato is that Nagato. The Nagato that appeared at the hospital that night. The one that said her own punishment was being debated and annoying the shit out of me. I also understand why the Nagato from the future has rejected synchronization. Nagato doesn't want that her to tell this her what she has to do. Why? — Why ask why, that's something that's not obvious to see. Thank you. — That time I heard Nagato say this as the answer. "Kyon-kun?" Asahina-san spoke cautiously to the still standing me. "This child...... Can you take care of her?" She started to pick up the heavy-looking, peacefully-sleeping Asahina-san (Small). I immediately went to help, and, following her directions, piggy-backed the slender Asahina-san like before. She's even as soft and warm as in my memory. "A large-scale time-quake will be happening shortly," Asahina-san (Big) said, hugging her arms, her very serious face showing sharp anxiety. "Compared with the one Nagato-san did just now, this one is even more complicated and significant. Opening your eyes, even if you wanted to, would be extremely hard." Since it's you that's saying this, of course I believe you, but what difference does this make? "The first change was only meant to start the process. In this one, we need to make time turn back to its original flow. Think for a second about where you woke up." | |
15 страница | |
| The evening of December the eighteenth, I went into the hospital where I later woke up.
"Yes. So, we must make this turn into that." Barefoot, with my jacket over her shoulder, Asahina-san (Big) slowly and quietly walked over. One of Asahina-san's (Big) hands went to Asahina-san's (Small) shoulder as she turned her head around and looked at Nagato. The Nagato that came here with me walked over to join us. There was still someone remaining like they originally were; the fallen "Me" was still lying there. Asahina-san (Big) reached out and grabbed Nagato with her free hand. "It's up to you, Nagato-san." Nagato lightly nodded her head, then stared at herself, as if they were never going to meet again. The other Nagato didn't say a word. It might have been my imagination, but she looked very lonely. No worries. I still remember what I said then. That "Me" right there will talk to you soon enough. That punk will say this, for certain, so come visit with a clear conscience. Don't forget to call your boss a 'bastard' for me. "Close your eyes, Kyon-kun," Asahina-san (Big) said softly, "Don't get time-sick." I followed her advice, closing my eyes tightly. The next moment, I feel the world tremble. "Uwah — —" Falling heads over heels and revolving in a no-gravity zone is something I have experienced many times before. Even though I think I'm used to these sensations, this time is vastly different from all the other times. If all the other times were like riding a roller-coaster in an amusement park, this is a noisy, anarchic space shuttle I'm randomly flying about in without a seat belt. But, since my body has no mass, it is actually not being twirled around. This is just dizziness. Despite the fact that I want to see what the outside looks like, as soon as I open my eyes, it's really like being dead drunk, very scary. The only movie I get to see is the random bits of light that came through my eyelids, lighting up the dark. The warmth of Asahina-san (Small) on my back and the feeling of Asahina-san's (Big) hand on my shoulder are both very comforting. — — I feel a waning light stabbing at my closed eyes. Because I can't resist the desire to look, I open my eyes, and see where the red light is, in reality, coming from. Revolving red lights are something only emergency vehicles have. | |
16 страница | |
| What......?
An ambulance stood directly in front of North High's gates. Students who like action looked on from a distance while emergency personnel lifted someone onto a stretcher. There were two people following this stretcher at its high speed, two girls in fact, and I will never forget their names my entire life. Haruhi's pale face looked frightened, Asahina-san was crying and very sad, running after the stretcher. Shortly after, an unsmiling Koizumi chased after them. The stretcher was immediately put into the ambulance, and Haruhi, after exchanging a few words with the personnel, got in too. The red lights started flashing again, and the ambulance began to move. Koizumi, standing beside Asahina-san who was covering her eyes, looked very serious as he talked on his cell phone. Nagato wasn't there, but that was obvious. My dizziness still hadn't gone away. To tell the truth, I wasn't even sure where my body was at the moment. Some part of my body felt Asahina-san (Big) let out a huge sigh. "Kyon-kun, now we'll return to the original time." The movie I was watching gradually disappeared. Has the service been cut? I'll give you something to see. Like during my three-day long memory loss, it's a brigade leader's responsibility to worry about the members, that's the way it is, Haruhi. The dizziness started again, I really want to take some pills. Next time, I must prepare some beforehand. "Aim at the time you came from. Follow that me. It will take her a while to wake up...... Fufu, Maybe I'll let you kiss me." And with that joke, I felt Asahina-san (Big) gradually fade away. And — — When I open my eyes, I'm standing in Nagato's living room with Asahina-san on my back. Nagato is standing facing me. "Sixty-two seconds have passed since we departed." Lifting her head to look at me, she said, "We're back." Back to our own time and world. | |
17 страница | |
| I sighed and put Asahina-san down off my shoulders. She's really the best nominee for a 'Makepeople-
want-to-kiss-your-sleeping-face' contest. The “Me” that believes everything Asahina-san said is very impure. If this wasn't Nagato's room, or she wasn't staring at me like she's investigating me, it's possible I might throw away feelings of shame. No, I wouldn't do that. I wouldn't. Picking up the teacup on the table, I downed it in one gulp. Even though when we left the tea was already cool, this tasted great. It's kind of like drinking tea after taking a bath. It can also be compared to Asahina-san's tea. ‘’Sigh’’ "Oh man..." Finally, I've finished everything from last year that needed sorting out. There shouldn't be anything we haven't finished. With the chapter on the world changing closed at last, the winter trip that crossed into this year is definitely finished, the only thing left is going to the temples and shrines for the first time this year. Meh, Haruhi will come up with something new in a little bit. Before that happens, these days should be quite quiet. By the way, the angel-like time traveler is still not awake. I don't know what kind of magic was used on her, but she looks just like Shamisen in a warm room after being fed. Being put into this sleep that looks very happy, it's actually somewhat pitiable. I asked Nagato to put bedding on the ground, and placed Asahina-san down to sleep on it, putting a wool blanket and a quilt on top. "Nagato, before Asahina-san wakes up, please take care of her." Nagato regarded the sleeping visitor, then shot a look at me and nodded her head. Although I woke up ready for action, I am now actually really tired. The accumulated tiredness from the vacation and the time travel, if not taken care of with a bath and bed, will prevent me from getting up tomorrow at nine. My very limited reserves are slowly disappearing, like an ordinary miracle. I want that to stop. You could say what five people do in a month is small in comparison with what I've gone through. Not unlike the Tanabata when I started being Mr. Sleep-for-Three-Years, I could let her put a blanket on me with Asahina-san. But even though I have confidence that I will fall asleep once I lie down, I can't help but think that nobody would wish for that to happen. A time traveler occasionally sleeping at an alien's house, that's not too bad. "See you tomorrow." "Understood." Using her very calming gaze, Nagato expressionlessly stared at me. Her two serene pupils under her bangs stared fixedly at me. | |
18 страница | |
| "Thanks for your work today. Sorry I made you go through all that."
Same with Asahina-san. The person who did the most work would be this Nagato and the Nagato that was there at the Tanabata four years ago. "No problem." Her expression unchanged, "This all started because of me." I stared at the alien until the door closed tightly. Earlier, I had wondered whether a smile would show up on her face, regrettably not — or very comforting, since the delicate, fair face is impassive as usual. But I thought there was something different from the past, thank my skilled eyes for noticing that. Coming out of the apartment, I slowly rode my bike home, and fell asleep as soon as I lay on my bed after getting there. I feel that if you fall asleep when you're really tired, you will have a whole lot of weird, happy dreams. Thirty seconds after I woke up, I forgot everything about the dream, but the lingering mood told me everything I needed to know. A time traveler and an alien peacefully steeping tea together will leave this kind of a mood. So, just like putting Asahina-san down off my shoulders, I threw off all worries and lived calmly for a month. But there was still a problem. After seeing that extremely cute face, this problem had slipped my mind; but even though she fell asleep, Asahina-san wouldn't forget what Nagato and I, along with Asahina-san (Big) went through on December the eighteenth. From her point of view, she had just heard from me that time and space had been changed and had not known whether to believe it or not. After going back in time to see the horrid scene in which "I" got stabbed, she got put to sleep. After she woke up, did she want to go back? — That's the problem. From my point of view, she'd already completed her mission very well, since what she did only she could do. Except Asahina-san didn't see it like that. Now that I think about it, not long after the end of the vacation, Asahina-san became very absent-minded and lost in thought. This and that Sunday Asahina-san who called me out melancholically are connected in some way. She even saved a kid wearing glasses from an auto accident that day. Actually, Asahinasan's (Big) secrecy has an interesting implication. Whoever makes Asahina-san cry deserves to be beat to a pulp; this is indisputable. After reflecting for a while, I wondered how many times I've made Asahina-san cry? | |
19 страница | |
| Next time I go to a boxing practice ring with Haruhi, I'll practice
some boxing. I can even enjoy the sensation of hitting people and being hit. To cut a long story short, it's a good thing that Sunday when two people went to buy tea happened. It got me thinking about the future of the SOS Brigade, and it successfully lifted Asahina-san's depression. To tell you the truth, I don't know what she perceived, but we seem to have a mutual understanding. There's no point explaining it in detail, especially not to Asahinasan now. I never mention John Smith in front of Haruhi. This is somewhat like me not telling Asahina-san about the adult Asahina-san; it has a similar meaning. This is the emergency trump card. If the time comes — — Well, I don't want that time to come. ... ...... ......... And as February began, the topic started to show up again. As soon as the new year arrived, the atmosphere around the school changed. For example, you will almost never see a third-year anymore. Around this time, they are all getting prepared for tests and whatnot, maybe this is the reason, but even the mood in homeroom was much more tense. As I think back to last year, it obviously does affect me. If the third-years don't work attentively, and the marks do not surpass the competitive schools in the district, the principal will fretfully request everyone to enroll in extra courses or sacrifice the school cultural festival for mock tests and the like. And since I have to do this after two years, it's very depressing. Talking about tests, the tests that determine your class number are about to begin. Our school has two of them. Actually, class nine, which Koizumi's in, is Math/Physics. I'm not sure whether he just has connections or is naturally smart, I'm still amazed he managed to transfer in. I sure don't take Math and Physics seriously enough to make them my principle courses. Temporarily moving my thoughts from the future to the present hell, University admission tests. Why can't the quickly counting down senior days go by slower? I am purposely not looking at the calendar. Since I got back from December the eighteenth, I have been carefree and relaxed. All in all, I can't think of a more dangerous job than fixing time and space. Since I completed it smoothly, just let me rest for a little while. Nagato is now exactly the same as before. Asahinasan's smiling face has finally come back. Haruhi is a bit unusual, but she'll be back to her noisy self in no time at all. | |
20 страница | |
| At this point, there shouldn't be any problems at all. I might as well say I don't want to think
about it. But, in the club room, a selfish person just has to bring up trivial matters and deem it important all by himself. He is the only brigade member to be cast aside with Haruhi, the useless during a time-space change esper, Koizumi. "There are two December the eighteenths you frequently visit, interesting." After the incident at the mysterious mansion, Koizumi has enjoyed listening to the experiences I've had with time travel. Just like a smart little grandson wanting a story out of his grandparents, Koizumi has already asked and inquired many times before. He seems to really want to travel in time. I always feel like he envies me. I mean, on the way back from Tsuruya-san's, he was heartily asking "Can I go too?" and "I don't even care if I can’t see the past me." and stuff like that. Needless to say, I completely ignore him. I am embarrassed because of the Nagato thing, so even though everything is over, I still talk obscurely about it. Finally, I cannot deter Koizumi any longer and, not wishing to offend him too much, told him about the incident. So, just as I had expected, he started to explain cheerfully. "You see, this all started when Nagato-san changed the world on the dawn of December the eighteenth. In that world, I, Suzumiya-san and Asahina-san were all normal people. You spent three days there, then you went three years back in Nagato-san's Emergency Escape Program...... No, wait, four years now...... There you met the normal Nagato-san and went back once again to dawn on December the eighteenth." Yes I know that. I’ve been there again recently, you know. "Okay, think about this. Dawn of December the eighteenth. Let’s label the time that Nagato-san changed the world as 'X'. When you went from Tanabata four years ago to 'X', that 'X' already wasn't the original 'X'." What? That's impossible. There can't be more than one 'time' at a time. "No, that's just the way our minds work. It's simple, really. If the world had not changed at 'X', Suzumiya-san wouldn't have disappeared and I wouldn't have become a normal person. If that were the case, you would have no reason to go back." An ontological paradox. Yes, I know of those. "But this world requires you to go back in time to fix it. If you didn't go, the world would have continued on its wrong path. So you went back to the past, and righted the world. Otherwise this time would not exist." "Let's draw a diagram. That might help." | |
21 страница | |
| Ever since the snow mountain incident, Koizumi likes diagrams a lot. Picking up a whiteboard
marker, he starts to trace a line down the whiteboard. “Let’s say this line is the world going on its original course from the past to the future.” The line stops in the middle of the board. He draws a circle on it and labels it 'X'. "This is the original time. Here, Nagato-san changed the world she was in and your memories of that world begin. Koizumi begins drawing again. This time it isn't a straight line. It’s a very rounded line curving to the right, making a circle leading back to the 'X' point. The diagram now looks like a budding leaf with half ripped off. "This circle is the memory you have after the eighteenth. The Emergency Escape Program let you return to Tanabata four years ago, and from there you went to the eighteenth. If Nagato-san had been reverted right here, everything would have been fine, but it didn't work out like that I guess." Because Asakura Ryoko was there. But, at that time, it wasn't just Asakura who intervened. There was also a "Me" from the future, along with Nagato and Asahina-san (Small). We did everything in our power to revert the world to its former state. Now that I think about it, it took about a month. "That's it. Which means you saved yourself. That is —" Koizumi's pen started out from the 'X' point again, this time looping to the left, "— this part. The history of this world now. In the memory of Suzumiya-san and myself, you fell down the stairs on the eighteenth and lost consciousness, not waking up until the twenty-first. This was also two months ago, when you set out to save yourself." Even after drawing the left loop, Koizumi didn't stop the pen. He continued the line that ran through the 'X', only stopping when the line reached the bottom of the board. He put down the pen, took a half-step back, glanced at me and looked at the diagram intently. It was just a sideways eight, looking remarkably like an infinity sign ( � ), with a line down the middle. It’s very easy to understand like this. The point all the lines connect is the 'X' time. I, who had always earnestly told myself I hated Math and Physics, was slowly beginning to understand what Koizumi wanted to say. The right loop was the time from my memory. After a series of chaotic events, I managed to make it back to 'X' and was there when Nagato changed the world. I even got stabbed by Asakura. | |
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