Introductions and Disclaimers:
"Angelic Layer" belongs to the wonder women of CLAMP
This is a sweet, but lengthy, story of middle schoolers and first love set outside the normal AL setting. While the characters themselves are fictional, some of the locations and places mentioned are actual places in Japan. Please enjoy ^_^
Golden Week Memories
Part 1
The sun was shining brightly into classroom I-D at Erioru Gakuen. It was a
sunny Friday afternoon, very fitting since Golden Week was starting soon.
Students were gathering their desks together for lunch time. The air was filled
with chatter about plans for Golden Week. Some were going to the beach with
their families. Some were going to visit relatives that lived far away. And
some were going to...
"Karate camp? You do that every year. How boring." Kizaki Tamayo bit into a
rice ball from her boxed lunch. "I think since Misaki is with us we should do
something fun!"
Suzuhara Misaki turned to face her friend, Kobayashi Kotarou. "Karate camp?
That sounds fun! Is it true you go every year?"
Kotarou put down his juice box and nodded. "Every year since I was 5. This
year I get to take advanced classes, as well as teach the youngest class."
"Wow, that's amazing Kotarou-chan!"
"It's nothing really," Kotarou started to blush. "Little kids usually just
learn how to sit properly and stuff. Most of the time they'd rather run around
and pretend to punch and kick."
Tamayo came up behind Kotarou and put him in a headlock, knocking him out of his
chair. "How are you any different from them, huh? Kotarou-chan!" She yelled and
giggled.
However, Kotarou wiggled out and spun around locking up one of Tamayo's arms and
a leg. "We learn new moves every year. If you want, Suzuhara-san, I can show
you what I learned when I get back. There may be something useful for you and
Hikaru!"
Misaki smiled big. "Thanks! I'd really like that."
Tamayo giggled mischieviously and moved Kotarou on to the floor, helpless to
stand. "My my my, Kotarou-chan! If that's the way things are, why don't you just
invite her to karate camp?" She jumped up and sat back in her chair, grabbing a
rice ball and shoving it into her mouth. "Mi sa ki chi. Not Suzuhara-san.
You'll never get her that way." Tamayo mouthed to Kotarou.
He blushed and frowned at Tamayo. Then he stood up, rubbed his back, and sat
back in his chair. "Well, I don't see why not. Karate lessons could be very
useful for her in Angelic Layer. Do you have any plans for Golden Week
Suzuhara-san?"
"Ummm, none that I can think of. Shouko-san has to travel around Japan to do
reports on Golden Week events, so she won't be home."
"Well then it's settled!" Tamayo stood up and thrust a fist into the air.
"We'll all go to karate camp!"
----------
At the end of the school day, Tamayo, Kotarou, and Hatoko went over to Misaki's
place. Misaki prepared an afternoon snack and some tea. They all sat on the
floor in Misaki's bedroom. "So when do we leave for camp Kotarou-chan?" Misaki
asked while pouring tea.
"Well, normally I leave on Sunday night but I think we could leave tomorrow if
everyone wanted to." Kotarou bit into a cookie and passed the plate to his
younger sister.
"Tomorrow? Are you sure that'd be okay with the camp director?" Misaki looked
concerned.
Tamayo shook her head. "The camp director is Kotarou-chan's Uncle Kintarou.
They have a dojo in Toyama prefecture. " She turned to Hatoko. "Are you gonna
come too? Bet there'd be someting cool for Suzuka, even if you only watched."
Hatoko nodded. "That's true. I've learned a lot from watching Kotarou's
matches. However, my parents want me to avoid all Angelic Layer stuff this week
since there are no events. I'll be taking a few piano lessons at the cram
school instead."
Misaki laughed. "But you know that music lessons can help you with timing if
you visualize it."
Hatoko giggled and winked. "Just don't tell my parents."
Kotarou crossed his arms and frowned. "Well, I should tell them. You were told
to get away from Angelic Layer Hatoko."
Hatoko made a face and stuck out her tongue. Then she stood up and gave a small
bow. "Thanks for the snacks Misaki. I hope you enjoy camp! Later!"
Kotarou and Tamayo stood up as well. "We should be going too. There is plenty
to pack before tomorrow. We'll meet at the train station at 9 am tomorrow,
okay?"
Misaki nodded and waved. "Bye Tamayo-chan, Kotarou-chan, Hatoko-chan! See you
tomorrow!" Her friends left and Misaki took the snack tray back into the
kitchen. Then she got out her suitcase and began to pack. She looked at Hikaru
sitting on the bed with her tiny eyes closed.
"Tomorrow we'll start a big adventure Hikaru!"
---------
"Oh no! I'm late! I'm late!" Misaki ran towards the train station, Hikaru in
pocket, suitcase in hand, and a piece of toast dangling from her mouth. She
rounded a corner too fast and the toast dropped.
"I'm late! I'm la... oh, a piece of toast? Yay! Breakfast!" Misaki heard the
voice of her blonde friend behind her. She stopped for a second so Tamayo could
catch up. Once she did, they both ran side by side.
"Morning Misakichi! You're late as well huh? I didn't even grab breakfast but I
just found some toast! Lucky!"
Misaki's eyes bugged out a bit as Tamayo bit into the toast. "Tamayo-chan! I
just dropped that."
Tamayo smiled and winked. "Then I know it's fine! You want it back?" Misaki
shook her head so Tamayo took another big bite.
A few more minutes of running and they arrived at the train station just in time
to hear the 9 o'clock charms ring. They walked to the 3rd platform underneath
the sign marked for the 5th train car. There they saw Kotarou, who was holding
a large suitcase and a small wrapped package.
"Good morning Suzu, I mean, Misakichi! Tamayo-chan!" Kotarou greeted them and
held out the wrapped package to Misaki. "I.. I thought you might need it for
camp," he stammered out and started to blush a little.
Tamayo smiled like a Cheshire cat and nudged Kotarou in the side. "'Misakichi?'
and a present? First present to your first love huh?" Kotarou and Misaki both
blushed as Misaki took the proffered package. She carefully unwrapped it to
find a karate gi and belt.
"Ah! Thank you Kotarou-chan! I didn't have anything like this to bring." Misaki
held it up to her small frame, but it seemed to be the perfect size. She
carefully packed it in her suitcase. Then she brought Hikaru out of her pocket.
She was wearing a karate gi over her normal costume.
"Kya!! How cute!!" Tamayo looked closely at the outfit and how well it was made,
even the tiny belt.
Misaki blushed. "Well, I thought she should have appropriate clothes for her
training." She stuck Hikaru carefully back into her pocket.
"Arriving at platform 3: The 9:13 train to Toyama prefecture. Please stand away
from the platform edge and be ready to board." The train came rushing into the
station and made a fast stop. People rushed off and on, but the three
middle-schoolers were able to find seats and stow their bags.
The train quietly traveled through the beautiful Japanese countryside. Hills,
rice paddies, and small communities passed by at rapid speeds. The three passed
the time by talking about school ("Those last few exams were so hard!"), anime
("Did you see the last episode of Magic Knight Rayearth?"), Hatoko's last
magazine article ("She sounds so cool for a kindergartener!"), and other stuff,
like what awaited them at camp.
Kotarou explained what normally happened. The advanced students got up at 6 am
and started practice. Breakfast was at 8, and then from 8:40 until lunch
everyone separated into groups for lessons. After lunch, the older campers
would generally put on demonstrations of advanced moves or a kata. Then lessons
would last until dinner. After dinner, younger students would help clean the
dojo and then it was lights out. There wasn't much free time, but you learn a
lot in just a few days. Kotarou said his uncle's week long camp was very
popular. Many students are too busy with school and cram school to make time
for karate lessons during the year. But they can go to camp for a week and
learn as much as possible.
As dusk fell upon them, the train rolled into little Nyuzen in Toyama
prefecture. They got off and were met by a plump older women who squealed and
hugged Kotarou tightly. Kotarou blushed and then proceeded with introductions.
"Emiko-basan, these are my friends. You already know Tamayo-chan. And this is
Suzuhara Misaki. Misakichi, this is my Aunt Emiko. Everyone just calls her
E-ko."
Misaki bowed deeply. "It's very nice to meet you E-ko-san."
E-ko laughed and gave Misaki a hearty slap on the back. "Just E-ko will do
Misaki-chan. Now let's get you up to the house! Yumiko will have dinner
finished when we get there." She picked up Misaki and Tamayo's bags with ease
and started to walk to the exit. Misaki froze for a moment, stunned by E-ko's
strength. Then she quickly regained herself and followed behind, walking beside
Kotarou.
"Ne, Kotarou-chan, your aunt is very strong."
He nodded. "She trains everyday with my uncle. She also mentioned Yumiko.
That's my cousin. She attends a local high school."
A short drive past a decorative stream and some rice paddies, and they arrived
in front of an old style Japanese house. As they walked through the gated
entrance into the large courtyard, E-ko pointed out different areas of the
house.
"Over to the right is the small training room, and behind that is the large room
for the campers to sleep in. Over to the left is the largest training room, and
that's the main house in front of us. Come on inside and let's have dinner."
Dinner turned out to be a very traditional style meal. Misaki couldn't remember
the last time she'd eaten something so elegantly prepared and displayed. Yumiko
even wore a kimono to present the meal. There were pickled plums, grilled fish,
boiled tofu, miso soup, sumono, pickled vegetables, sushi, and many many more
dishes. Of course, the "main" course was the hot steamy rice that had been
cooked to perfection. Misaki savored every bite and wondered how all this food
would be eaten by just six people. However, there was nothing left at the end.
Tamayo gave a loud laugh and rubbed her belly.
"My my! That was delicious! I wish I could marry someone who can cook as well as
you Yumiko!"
"Yumiko's been taking cooking lessons from an old lady down the street. She
used to train young ladies on such things before the war. In fact, when I got
married, my mother insisted I take lessons in something like cooking or flower
arranging or something. I don't know if they did any good though. Yumiko's
done all the cooking around here since she was 10!" E-ko picked up some dishes
and moved them into the sink. Misaki started to help, but Yumiko put a hand on
her and wordlessly shook her head. E-ko turned around and nodded.
"She's right Misaki-chan. Camp may not start tomorrow, but we'll have a full
day seeing the local sites and getting this little dojo into tiptop shape. You
should just take it easy and relax tonight. You are our guests after all."
"Angelic Layer" belongs to the wonder women of CLAMP
This is a sweet, but lengthy, story of middle schoolers and first love set outside the normal AL setting. While the characters themselves are fictional, some of the locations and places mentioned are actual places in Japan. Please enjoy ^_^
Golden Week Memories
Part 1
The sun was shining brightly into classroom I-D at Erioru Gakuen. It was a
sunny Friday afternoon, very fitting since Golden Week was starting soon.
Students were gathering their desks together for lunch time. The air was filled
with chatter about plans for Golden Week. Some were going to the beach with
their families. Some were going to visit relatives that lived far away. And
some were going to...
"Karate camp? You do that every year. How boring." Kizaki Tamayo bit into a
rice ball from her boxed lunch. "I think since Misaki is with us we should do
something fun!"
Suzuhara Misaki turned to face her friend, Kobayashi Kotarou. "Karate camp?
That sounds fun! Is it true you go every year?"
Kotarou put down his juice box and nodded. "Every year since I was 5. This
year I get to take advanced classes, as well as teach the youngest class."
"Wow, that's amazing Kotarou-chan!"
"It's nothing really," Kotarou started to blush. "Little kids usually just
learn how to sit properly and stuff. Most of the time they'd rather run around
and pretend to punch and kick."
Tamayo came up behind Kotarou and put him in a headlock, knocking him out of his
chair. "How are you any different from them, huh? Kotarou-chan!" She yelled and
giggled.
However, Kotarou wiggled out and spun around locking up one of Tamayo's arms and
a leg. "We learn new moves every year. If you want, Suzuhara-san, I can show
you what I learned when I get back. There may be something useful for you and
Hikaru!"
Misaki smiled big. "Thanks! I'd really like that."
Tamayo giggled mischieviously and moved Kotarou on to the floor, helpless to
stand. "My my my, Kotarou-chan! If that's the way things are, why don't you just
invite her to karate camp?" She jumped up and sat back in her chair, grabbing a
rice ball and shoving it into her mouth. "Mi sa ki chi. Not Suzuhara-san.
You'll never get her that way." Tamayo mouthed to Kotarou.
He blushed and frowned at Tamayo. Then he stood up, rubbed his back, and sat
back in his chair. "Well, I don't see why not. Karate lessons could be very
useful for her in Angelic Layer. Do you have any plans for Golden Week
Suzuhara-san?"
"Ummm, none that I can think of. Shouko-san has to travel around Japan to do
reports on Golden Week events, so she won't be home."
"Well then it's settled!" Tamayo stood up and thrust a fist into the air.
"We'll all go to karate camp!"
----------
At the end of the school day, Tamayo, Kotarou, and Hatoko went over to Misaki's
place. Misaki prepared an afternoon snack and some tea. They all sat on the
floor in Misaki's bedroom. "So when do we leave for camp Kotarou-chan?" Misaki
asked while pouring tea.
"Well, normally I leave on Sunday night but I think we could leave tomorrow if
everyone wanted to." Kotarou bit into a cookie and passed the plate to his
younger sister.
"Tomorrow? Are you sure that'd be okay with the camp director?" Misaki looked
concerned.
Tamayo shook her head. "The camp director is Kotarou-chan's Uncle Kintarou.
They have a dojo in Toyama prefecture. " She turned to Hatoko. "Are you gonna
come too? Bet there'd be someting cool for Suzuka, even if you only watched."
Hatoko nodded. "That's true. I've learned a lot from watching Kotarou's
matches. However, my parents want me to avoid all Angelic Layer stuff this week
since there are no events. I'll be taking a few piano lessons at the cram
school instead."
Misaki laughed. "But you know that music lessons can help you with timing if
you visualize it."
Hatoko giggled and winked. "Just don't tell my parents."
Kotarou crossed his arms and frowned. "Well, I should tell them. You were told
to get away from Angelic Layer Hatoko."
Hatoko made a face and stuck out her tongue. Then she stood up and gave a small
bow. "Thanks for the snacks Misaki. I hope you enjoy camp! Later!"
Kotarou and Tamayo stood up as well. "We should be going too. There is plenty
to pack before tomorrow. We'll meet at the train station at 9 am tomorrow,
okay?"
Misaki nodded and waved. "Bye Tamayo-chan, Kotarou-chan, Hatoko-chan! See you
tomorrow!" Her friends left and Misaki took the snack tray back into the
kitchen. Then she got out her suitcase and began to pack. She looked at Hikaru
sitting on the bed with her tiny eyes closed.
"Tomorrow we'll start a big adventure Hikaru!"
---------
"Oh no! I'm late! I'm late!" Misaki ran towards the train station, Hikaru in
pocket, suitcase in hand, and a piece of toast dangling from her mouth. She
rounded a corner too fast and the toast dropped.
"I'm late! I'm la... oh, a piece of toast? Yay! Breakfast!" Misaki heard the
voice of her blonde friend behind her. She stopped for a second so Tamayo could
catch up. Once she did, they both ran side by side.
"Morning Misakichi! You're late as well huh? I didn't even grab breakfast but I
just found some toast! Lucky!"
Misaki's eyes bugged out a bit as Tamayo bit into the toast. "Tamayo-chan! I
just dropped that."
Tamayo smiled and winked. "Then I know it's fine! You want it back?" Misaki
shook her head so Tamayo took another big bite.
A few more minutes of running and they arrived at the train station just in time
to hear the 9 o'clock charms ring. They walked to the 3rd platform underneath
the sign marked for the 5th train car. There they saw Kotarou, who was holding
a large suitcase and a small wrapped package.
"Good morning Suzu, I mean, Misakichi! Tamayo-chan!" Kotarou greeted them and
held out the wrapped package to Misaki. "I.. I thought you might need it for
camp," he stammered out and started to blush a little.
Tamayo smiled like a Cheshire cat and nudged Kotarou in the side. "'Misakichi?'
and a present? First present to your first love huh?" Kotarou and Misaki both
blushed as Misaki took the proffered package. She carefully unwrapped it to
find a karate gi and belt.
"Ah! Thank you Kotarou-chan! I didn't have anything like this to bring." Misaki
held it up to her small frame, but it seemed to be the perfect size. She
carefully packed it in her suitcase. Then she brought Hikaru out of her pocket.
She was wearing a karate gi over her normal costume.
"Kya!! How cute!!" Tamayo looked closely at the outfit and how well it was made,
even the tiny belt.
Misaki blushed. "Well, I thought she should have appropriate clothes for her
training." She stuck Hikaru carefully back into her pocket.
"Arriving at platform 3: The 9:13 train to Toyama prefecture. Please stand away
from the platform edge and be ready to board." The train came rushing into the
station and made a fast stop. People rushed off and on, but the three
middle-schoolers were able to find seats and stow their bags.
The train quietly traveled through the beautiful Japanese countryside. Hills,
rice paddies, and small communities passed by at rapid speeds. The three passed
the time by talking about school ("Those last few exams were so hard!"), anime
("Did you see the last episode of Magic Knight Rayearth?"), Hatoko's last
magazine article ("She sounds so cool for a kindergartener!"), and other stuff,
like what awaited them at camp.
Kotarou explained what normally happened. The advanced students got up at 6 am
and started practice. Breakfast was at 8, and then from 8:40 until lunch
everyone separated into groups for lessons. After lunch, the older campers
would generally put on demonstrations of advanced moves or a kata. Then lessons
would last until dinner. After dinner, younger students would help clean the
dojo and then it was lights out. There wasn't much free time, but you learn a
lot in just a few days. Kotarou said his uncle's week long camp was very
popular. Many students are too busy with school and cram school to make time
for karate lessons during the year. But they can go to camp for a week and
learn as much as possible.
As dusk fell upon them, the train rolled into little Nyuzen in Toyama
prefecture. They got off and were met by a plump older women who squealed and
hugged Kotarou tightly. Kotarou blushed and then proceeded with introductions.
"Emiko-basan, these are my friends. You already know Tamayo-chan. And this is
Suzuhara Misaki. Misakichi, this is my Aunt Emiko. Everyone just calls her
E-ko."
Misaki bowed deeply. "It's very nice to meet you E-ko-san."
E-ko laughed and gave Misaki a hearty slap on the back. "Just E-ko will do
Misaki-chan. Now let's get you up to the house! Yumiko will have dinner
finished when we get there." She picked up Misaki and Tamayo's bags with ease
and started to walk to the exit. Misaki froze for a moment, stunned by E-ko's
strength. Then she quickly regained herself and followed behind, walking beside
Kotarou.
"Ne, Kotarou-chan, your aunt is very strong."
He nodded. "She trains everyday with my uncle. She also mentioned Yumiko.
That's my cousin. She attends a local high school."
A short drive past a decorative stream and some rice paddies, and they arrived
in front of an old style Japanese house. As they walked through the gated
entrance into the large courtyard, E-ko pointed out different areas of the
house.
"Over to the right is the small training room, and behind that is the large room
for the campers to sleep in. Over to the left is the largest training room, and
that's the main house in front of us. Come on inside and let's have dinner."
Dinner turned out to be a very traditional style meal. Misaki couldn't remember
the last time she'd eaten something so elegantly prepared and displayed. Yumiko
even wore a kimono to present the meal. There were pickled plums, grilled fish,
boiled tofu, miso soup, sumono, pickled vegetables, sushi, and many many more
dishes. Of course, the "main" course was the hot steamy rice that had been
cooked to perfection. Misaki savored every bite and wondered how all this food
would be eaten by just six people. However, there was nothing left at the end.
Tamayo gave a loud laugh and rubbed her belly.
"My my! That was delicious! I wish I could marry someone who can cook as well as
you Yumiko!"
"Yumiko's been taking cooking lessons from an old lady down the street. She
used to train young ladies on such things before the war. In fact, when I got
married, my mother insisted I take lessons in something like cooking or flower
arranging or something. I don't know if they did any good though. Yumiko's
done all the cooking around here since she was 10!" E-ko picked up some dishes
and moved them into the sink. Misaki started to help, but Yumiko put a hand on
her and wordlessly shook her head. E-ko turned around and nodded.
"She's right Misaki-chan. Camp may not start tomorrow, but we'll have a full
day seeing the local sites and getting this little dojo into tiptop shape. You
should just take it easy and relax tonight. You are our guests after all."