Chapter 0: End of an Era, Start of a New Age

Current Score: S: 200 v. H: 230

In this world, the fourteen territories are in a constant state of war. The southern seven territories of Allusian, Tsukina, Tuto, Mononoka, Euphemian and Sakura are currently under the rule of Purity Warlord Hajime Tanaka for the glory of the Himedom Empire. The Hot/Cold Blooded Warlord Satou Kiyama controls the remaining seven northern territories of Narun, Aisakan, Rinu, Kirina, Kirisake, Misakin and Makisa for the glory of the Tsundom Empire. The war has been stretching on for some time with neither side giving up any ground. The casualties have been severe but the desire for victory has not faded. In a last ditch effort, Purity Warlord Hajime collected his forces on the northernmost territory of Sakura to launch a decisive strike. Hot/Cold Blooded Warlord Satou heard of this plan through his widespread network of spies. He quickly dispatched his remaining forces to the southern border of Narun to meet Hajime’s force head on.

The breeze raises the dirt in a desolate valley as the sun shines down on the torn battlefield. The two armies face each other on each side of the small divide that lies between them. Satou’s forces are primarily scantily clad female warriors while Hajime’s forces are primarily well dressed females with armored female knights. “Hot/Cold Blooded Warlord Satou, you are a fool to come here so ill-prepared for battle.” Hajime said, with a haughty tone. “What have you at your disposal? A mere 100 Tsundere fighters?” Hajime continued, mocking him. “Your arrogance will be your downfall Purity Warlord.” Satou curtly responded. “These fighters that are to be your shield barely have any armor to speak of. How do you expect to survive my onslaught?” Hajime responded. “For it is not the material or shape of their armor that defines their strength but the size of their chest that will allow them to prevail over you.” Satou responded, tauntingly. “For free titties will always prevail over the clothed nightmare you call your army. The hot blood that flows through their veins gives them power over the passionless horde you hold dear to you.” Satou continued, tauntingly. “Your arrogance has defiled you. For you see, the clothes and armor merely hide the giant mountains of love. They need not show at all times to wield their power!” Hajime responded, yelling passionately. “Let me show how wrong you are!” Satou yelled as his army began advancing. “Let’s finish this. For the glory of the Himedom Empire!” Hajime responds as his army clashes with Satou’s.

“The situation is turning dire…” Satou thought to himself. His forces were suffering heavy losses. The 100 he started with were already down to 50 while Hajime remained strong at 90. “No! Diamond-chan!” Satou yelled as he saw his elite fighter get skewered by a sneak attack. “Minato-chan, you and your team defend the front flank! Satin-chan, you’re on me for defense!” Satou yelled out. “Of course, Warlord!” Both responded passionately. “Not so fast!” Hajime yelled out. A flurry of arrows suddenly comes out from the rear of Hajime’s forces. “You had archers this whole time!?” Satou screamed out as he saw Minato-chan and her unit fall. Satou was increasingly becoming more and more desperate as his forces dwindled. “Satin-chan and Kuro-chan, you take the front flank. All remaining forces on me!” Satou yelled out to his troops. “Yes, Warlord!” His forces responded in tandem. Hajime lifted his hand as his army returned to his side. The battle has temporarily stalled as Hajime remains at 80 units while Satou is down to a mere 25. “It’s just a matter of time now Hot/Cold Blooded Warlord. You will lose this battle. Will you not surrender?” Hajime said in a calm voice. “Only honorless fools would dare surrender!” Satou yelled back. “Very well! Let me show you how weak you are!” Hajime yelled as he tipped his hand forward. His army began advancing again. “Satin-chan, Kuro-chan…” Satou thought to himself as he saw his front flank fall. “We’re with you to the end Warlord.” His remaining defense forces said to him. His forces faced a losing battle as their skill was no match for the overwhelming numbers that now rained down on them. “Stop!” Hajime yelled as his forces dispatched the last of Satou’s defenses. The once glorious Hot/Cold Blooded Warlord Satou Kiyama now lay knelt on the ground, head down. “It was a good battle but you were doomed from the beginning.” Hajime said as he began walking over to Satou. “Forces, retreat back. Archers, take aim at the Warlord.” Hajime commanded with a wave of his hand. “You move an inch and you die.” Hajime responded coldly. Hajime slowly walked up to Satou, musing to himself about the sweet taste of victory he was going to enjoy. He towered over Satou, looking down on his bowed head. Hajime raised his sword, intending to deliver the final blow. “It’s best I finish this myself. Goodb…” Hajime said before being abruptly cut off as blood spewed from his mouth. Shimmering visages now materialized into four assassins standing around Hajime. Their daggers were lodged deeply in him. “You let your guard down, fool.” Satou said, lifting his head up to meet Hajime’s eyes. “You bastard…” Hajime said, as he collapsed to the ground. The world faded to black. “Game Over.”

“Conquest Girls: Third War” was created by game and technology giant “Playnation.” It was exclusively available for the PGP (Playnation Gaming Portable), the most popular handheld gaming system available on the market. The game is a competitive army and territory based strategy game where the goal of the game is to either capture all of the enemy owned territories or eliminate their leader. There are a total of fourteen territories available for capture with the ability to customize each of their specific names. The unique twist to this game is that your army is created from the PGP’s internal save data records. The more dating sims you played, the larger your army would become. Satou started with 200 units while Hajime started with 230. Hajime had the superior numbers but got too confident which allowed Satou to get a sneak attack out. As soon as Hajime died, Satou was declared the victor.

Tezuko Middle School lies on a hill that overlooks the surrounding city. The stark contrast between the beautiful green from nature and the cold gray from the city buildings created a collision of colors that shouldn’t work but somehow did. The city skyline complimented the trees that rose and fell with it. A balance of nature and civilization. The rooftop of Tezuko middle school was of standard Japanese design. It had several benches around the perimeter as well as a slightly curved fence that kept the area encaged. However, the benches and fence were always covered with leaves and other debris which made them unappealing. The staircase to the area was never locked but it was such an unpopular area that no one ever spent time there. Everyone, except Hajime and Satou. The seclusion of this area made it perfect for them to play on their PGPs without fear of interference. They are seated on a bench that looks like it was recently, and haphazardly, cleaned. They both have their PGP’s in hand.

A fist connects with Satou’s cheek as he gets thrown to the floor. “So you can’t win with the PGP so you are really turning to this, huh? Bring it on.” Satou said while sitting on the ground. Hajime rushed Satou while he was still on the ground. Satou kicked at his legs causing Hajime to skip past him. Satou got up and got ready for his next rush. “Weak.” Satou said to Hajime. Hajime started another rush, this time going for Satou’s stomach. The blow connected but not before Satou slammed his head into Hajime. The blows caused them to back off from each other slightly. “You still ready to go, Satou-kun?” Hajime inquired, breathing heavily. “Always, you loser.” Satou said as he began to rush him. The distance between them quickly disappeared as Satou closed in. Satou slammed his foot on the ground getting ready to throw a punch. However, as luck would have it, his foot slipped on a pile of leaves, causing him to hit the ground hard. Hajime looked at him on the ground and started smiling. “You may have won the battle but you look like a complete loser right now.” Hajime said as he started laughing. “Sh-Shut up loser…” Satou responded weakly. Hajime extended his hand to Satou who grabbed it immediately. They head back over to the bench and take a seat again.

“You know, those assassin units were unfair, you cheating bastard. Honestly, since when were they available?” Hajime inquired as he turned his head towards Satou. “Tsk Tsk. Hajime-kun. You thought with your superior numbers you could defeat me?” Satou responded, wagging his finger at Hajime. “You started to fall behind on your conquer numbers earlier this year and turned to easy dating sims to get some quick numbers. You forget that ‘Playnation’ exclusive titles give units with special abilities. ‘Assassin’s Heritage: Live, Laugh and Lacerate’ gave me all four of those units. It took more time to get the good endings but it looks like it was totally worth the time.” Satou said, smirking the whole time. “You just got lucky. I could’ve just finished you off easily.” Hajime retorted. “Ah but I knew you would let your guard down as my army dissipated so I made this plan early on. My assassins have two abilities. One is the invisibility and the other is that the smaller my army gets, the more attack power they gain. Warlords are strong in this game but not strong enough to take four powered up assassin strikes.” Satou responded arrogantly. “I know, I know…” Hajime responded in a dejected tone. “Guess the score is two wins Satou and a measly one for Hajime-kun.” Satou responded, teasingly. “You know what must be done Hajime-kun.” Satou said, turning serious suddenly. “Ya I know…” Hajime said as he tilted his head down. Hajime got up and knelt to the ground, bowing till his head touched the ground. “For it is known that there is no one as great or renowned as Satou-sama of Tezuka middle school. All grace and praise be to the great conqueror.” Hajime said in an overly polite tone. “Alright, you got what you wanted asshole.” Hajime said as he picked up his head to face Satou. Satou had his cell phone out facing Hajime. “I got that on video for the future by the way. When I lie awake at night due to a bad day, I’m just gonna bring this up and watch it. Just stare at it while I feel myself up.” Satou said, turning his gaze to Hajime. “That’s...kinda gay bro.” Hajime said as he got up from his knees. “For one must truly love themselves, their country and their countrymen before one can truly fall in love with a woman.” Satou said as the breeze rushed through his hair. “Stop making up your own nationalistic quotes to justify your own homo tendencies.” Hajime responded in an annoyed tone. “For through the dark and day, I have seen it through with you Hajime-kun. Will you do…” Satou said before seeing Hajime walk off. “I’m kidding bro. Take a joke. I was just in the moment gloating about my amazingly awesome, super perfect, glorious victory.” Satou said, still teasing him. Hajime stops and looks over the fence, down at the school gates. “It really is the last day of middle school. Right, Satou-kun? Three whole years...” Hajime said as he continued to stare. Satou got up from the bench and walked over to him. Below, at the school gates, the students were flowing out. “Is that her leaving? She’s not waiting for you?” Satou inquired, looking at a red-haired girl leaving the gates. “We talked earlier and I told her just to go ahead. We’re going to hang out later.” Hajime responded with a slightly somber tone. “We must be blessed by the digital gods, you know? You, me and her all got into Hokusai high school. That’s pretty lucky considering how hard those exams were.” Satou said, in an energetic tone. “You’re right. It’s pretty crazy we were all able to get in. Even her…” Hajime responded, his somber tone continuing. “Hajime-kun. Things are going to be more serious for our next battle in high school and I need to know that you are ready for it.” Satou said with a serious tone. “Of course I am. I need to wipe the floor with your smug face.” Hajime responded. Hajime and Satou burst out laughing as they began to head back towards the staircase. “Goodbye, rooftop.” Satou thought to himself as he closed the door for the last time to their longtime place of rest.

Satou and Hajime walk out to the track field now devoid of students. “You remember all of the good times we had here?” Hajime said to Satou as they stood overlooking the area. “This was the best place to check out all the girls.” Satou responded. “Man, Yasuko-sensei was so hot.” Hajime said suddenly. “Yasuko-sensei? The PE teacher? She was so boring though.” Satou responded with an inquisitive tone. “Who was your favorite then?” Hajime inquired, slightly annoyed. “Tatari-chan was the best girl by far. Every interaction was so nice.” Satou responded with a cheerful tone. “All she did was insult you though. Didn’t it get tiring for you after awhile?” Hajime inquired. “Heathen. That’s exactly what makes the interaction so fun. They have this tough exterior most of the time but you can get maximum cuteness out of them when you break through their shell.” Satou responded. “You know that’s not my thing. I liked Yasuko-sensei whenever we talked, she was always so nice. She was perfect.” Hajime responded. “We may disagree about which character we really like but we can both agree that Fuyuta-san was the worst.” Satou responded. “No doubt. She tried to get you into the shed just so she could tease you and then tell the whole school that you tried to do dirty things to her. The worst kind of girl.” Hajime responded, looking over at the shed. “I have to say it’s rare when we play the same dating sim game. ‘School Sports: Rainbow Games’ was just one of those magical games.” Satou responded smiling. Satou and Hajime secretly played their PGPs as often as possible. Each fought for their own favorite love interests but bonded over their shared hatred of Fuyuta-san. The most pure expression of brotherly love.

The classroom was empty as the sun pierced through the windows. The desks sat pristine while the sun’s glow made the entire room emanate orange. “How many hours do you think we wasted here instead of playing on our PGPs?” Satou said to Hajime. “I couldn’t tell you. We were lucky the first two years. We were able to play all the time during class. This last year though, Hanagami-san made our lives hell.” Hajime said to Satou. “What was her problem with us anyways? She would always try to catch us not paying attention in class.” Satou said to Hajime, slightly irritated. “She should have just confessed her feelings for you and got it over with.” Hajime responded, shaking his head. “Excuse me? Slow your roll Kamen Rider. What about a confession?” Satou inquired, extremely puzzled. “You’re joking right, Satou-kun? She was always looking at you during our first and second year.” Hajime responded. “I know THAT girl led your heart astray Hajime-kun but 2D girls are my only love.” Satou responded. “I like my hand Satou-kun but I wouldn’t be complaining about having something else warm around it. If you know what I’m talking about.” Hajime responded with a wink. “Vagina, Hajime-kun. It’s called a vagina and you want to have sex, preferably with your girlfriend. I get it bro. Let’s not beat around the bush here.” Satou responded. “H-Hey…” Hajime responded, blushing slightly. “Wait, that made you blush? You’re too vanilla.” Satou responded, slightly proud he was able to embarrass him. “Right now, I want to focus on our battle. I’m not interested in any love detours.” Satou said as he looked at the classroom ceiling. “I mean I’ve thought about it over the past couple years. It’s just the stuff that happened at my first middle school really turned me off from that stuff.” Satou continued in a slightly somber tone. “I love you bro but don’t you dare make me the best man at your 2D wedding. Even otaku’s need to have some standards.” Hajime responded in a serious tone. “Ah but Aoi-chan has always been there for me in sickness and in health. To love and obey and all that stuff. She has everything.” Satou responded, teasing Hajime. “I’m going to break your PGP.” Hajime responded, reaching for it. “I’m kidding bro. One day, I’m going to find someone but that’s so far off. I’m not even thinking about that now. I got the love of my life right in front of me already.” Satou responded while pointing his hand toward Hajime. “You’re something else bro.” Hajime responded while shaking his head. Satou and Hajime got up to leave as they noticed movement from the classroom door entrance. “Someone there?” Satou said towards the door. Hanagami stops hiding and comes in through the classroom door. “I-I wasn’t hiding on purpose. I just heard my name and panicked.” Hanagami said, stuttering as she spoke. “So you heard…” Satou responded. “I’m sorry but I can’t go out with you.” Satou said with an incredibly nervous tone. “I’m sorry? What?” Hanagami responded meekly, visibly confused. “You’ve had feelings for me since the first year right?...” Satou responded, now confused as well. “Actually, it’s Tanaka-san I wanted to talk with.” Hanagami said. “Will-will-will you go out with me?” Hanagami asked Hajime suddenly. Satou turns to Hajime. “You know I’m not going to trust you in the future because of this Hajime-kun. How could you be so off the mark for so long? Making me look like an idiot.” Satou asked Hajime. Hajime turned his head to look at Satou. “I messed up pretty bad here didn’t I?” Hajime said with a slight chuckle. Hajime turns back to face Hanagami. “I’m sorry but I am already seeing someone else. I can’t go out with you.” Hajime responded with a serious tone, doing a slight bow. “I knew it…” Hanagami responded, holding back tears. “It’s fine. I hope she treats you well.” Hanagami continued, tears beginning to fall. She turned sharply and began to run. Satou and Hajime heard the roar of steps in the hallway slowly fade away. Satou turns back towards Hajime. “You coulda used that vagina. Your loss.” Satou teased Hajime, catching him off-guard. Hajime turned bright red. “Two for two. Just like my conquest victories, I’m unstoppable.” Satou continued teasing. “Just wait, I’ll get you back.” Hajime responded, his color turning back to normal.

“Remember the time you got a love letter in your shoe box?” Hajime inquired as they walked up the front entrance. “Oh, how could I forget that fateful day. It was the first love letter I had ever received.” Satou responded with a whimsical tone. Satou stood around for a few seconds looking around the area before looking back at Hajime. “Come to think of it, I don’t remember anything about it…” Satou said to Hajime as they locked eyes. Hajime put his hand on his face and shook his head. Just as suddenly as a story had started so too did it end.

“I’m sorry but we need to break up.” The text from the e-mail glowed brightly in the small dark room. A red-haired girl is sitting in the corner with her cell phone illuminating her face. Tears begin streaming down her face as she throws the phone at the wall. “Why would he do this now? After so long?” The girl thought to herself, agonized by the rush of happy memories. “We weren’t perfect but this? He wasn’t even man enough to tell me in person. What a piece of shit.” The girl continued, the overwhelming despair beginning to consume her. “ I hate you. I hate you. I hate you. I HATE YOU!” The girl began yelling as she started throwing whatever she could get her hands on. The sound of glass breaking, clothes getting ripped and the walls getting hit with a variety of objects went on for several minutes before she collapsed onto her bedroom floor. “I just don’t know what to do.” The girl thought to herself as she placed her head into her lap. Her cell phone beeped. “Another e-mail?” The girl thought to herself as she crawled over to grab her phone on the floor. “Want me to come over?” The email read. The red-haired girl quickly responded with a desperate plea. “Please help.” The girl replied. She spent the next few minutes descending deeper and deeper into her own despair, thinking about any way she could have avoided this outcome. “Was it then? Or was it that time? What did I do that was so bad he would break up with me?” The girl thought to herself as the doorbell suddenly rang. She had to brace herself against the wall to have enough strength to pull herself up. She shuffled toward the entrance and opened the door to see a short blue-haired girl standing there.

*Jingle Jingle*

“Hey Rei…” The blue haired girl started to speak before being pulled inside. The red-haired girl held her tightly to her chest in an almost suffocating manner. The tears began to flow again as she let her heart pour out. “Sasaki-chan! Sasaki-chan! Sasaki-chan!” The red-haired girl repeated her name as if it were a mantra to ward off her broken heart. “It’s all right. Everything is going to be okay.” Sasaki responded with a soothing tone. The two remained knelt on the entrance to the apartment as the red haired girl continued to quietly weep.

“Playnation’s newest handheld the ‘Bita’ has experienced severe shortages due to several factory shutdowns due to fires.” The voice booms out from the empty void that surrounds Hajime. “It’s okay Hajime-kun, I don’t blame you.” A voice said, directly on Hajime’s right side. Hajime turns to see a female humanoid version of the Bita. “I preordered you as soon as I heard you were going on sale! But still, we can’t be together. Why!?” Hajime yells as he holds back tears. Hajime turns around due to the pain he feels in his chest. He suddenly feels the warmth of arms wrap around his chest. “We can still be together Hajime-kun. Come find me.” Bita-chan whispered as she held him tightly from behind. “If you seek me out with all of your heart, mind and wallet, you will find me.” Bita-chan continued. “No matter what. I’ll find you. I promise you.” Hajime responded, placing his hands on top of her arms.

Hajime disappeared as Bita-chan’s arms were outstretched in an empty “U” shape. The hands were slowly lowered as it began to change shape. It’s body became a sea of dark ripples. It’s left hand began to glow brightly against the darkness. The light slowly tore it away, revealing an empty schoolyard. The entrance was in view from where it stood. Devoid of all students, it was just this being that stood alone. “Your mission work out as well?” The being’s words were not shackled by direction but echoed out in a uniform fashion.

The light escaping the closed curtains illuminated the bedroom. “I feel so warm.” Hajime thought to himself as he opened his eyes. He could still feel the arms wrapped around his chest as he laid in his bed. “What the hell is this?” Hajime thought to himself in a panic. “Nii-san, I’ve always loved you.” A voice said coming from behind him. “Satou-kun, could you please stop holding me? Also, quit the sister complex jokes bro.” Hajime responded, sounding irritated. “Never Nii-san, we’ll be together forever.” Satou said, still imitating the voice of his younger sister. “I said let go you pervy bastard!” Hajime yelled as he began to struggle against Satou’s tight hug. “Nii-san, are you up yet?” The voice of his actual sister rang out as the door opened. “What-what are you guys doing?” She said, concerned about the scene in front of her. “Just give me five minutes, Hikari-chan and I’ll be done with your brother.” Satou responded in a serious tone as he turned his head to face Hikari. Hikari grew a little red as she closed the door, the distinct thud of footsteps was audible. Satou relaxed his arms as he began laughing. “You had to bring my family in on your pervy jokes?” Hajime said, chastising Satou as he was obviously embarrassed. Satou fell off the bed as he couldn’t control the laughing that now took over him. “I hate you, you know that?” Hajime continued. Satou suddenly stood up looking at Hajime with a serious expression. “We have a mission, Hajime-kun. For the digital gods have sent me a prophecy through my dreams. Bita-chan spoke to me asking me to come find her. She said I would find her if I sought her out with all of my heart, mind and wallet. For it has been prophesied.” Satou said in a serious tone. “I too had the same dream. For it has been prophesied.” Hajime responded to Satou in the same serious tone. “But...could you leave for a second. I need to get ready real quick.” Hajime inquired as a follow up. “We don’t have time for this Hajime-kun! Get your ass up!” Satou yelled as he pulled the covers off Hajime. “You know, we’re not camping right?” Satou said to Hajime as he became aware of Hajime’s innate tent pitching skill. “It’s just normal blood flow in the morning.” Hajime responded, turning away in embarrassment. “My manly charm must have just been too much for you. It’s understandable, I get it.” Satou responded, doubling down on his teasing. “Nope. It must have been your feminine charm. Not surprising no one wanted to date you during middle school.” Hajime responded, trying to gain the upper hand. Satou threw a peace sign in front of his face while striking an idol pose. “You know it, Hajime-chan.” Satou said in a girly voice. “Now hurry the hell up. We got a Bita to find.” Satou continued, reverting back to his regular voice.

The train was empty as Satou and Hajime were sitting down on a bench next to the window. The buildings rushed by as they played on their PGPs. “Hey, you mind if I ask a weird question? Satou inquired suddenly. “Of course bro.” Hajime responded with a questioning tone. “Are we cheating on our PGP’s by getting the Bita?” Satou inquired with a joking tone. Hajime stopped playing and looked straight at him with a serious expression. “I like to think that the spirit of our PGP is transferred to the Bita during data transfer. It’s not cheating because it’s the same spirit through both.” Hajime responded. “You’ve thought about this before haven’t you?” Satou inquired, surprised he wasn’t fazed by the question. “You and I have some great memories with these things. These are important to you and me and I couldn’t imagine just letting it go without so much as a second thought. That’s why I want to believe the spirit stays. The middle school memories are not lost but just continue with us as we start playing the Bita.” Hajime responded, now looking out the window. “I...didn’t think about it like that.” Satou responded as he stopped playing on his PGP. “Now that you mention it, I would’ve been sad leaving this in a drawer after everything that we went through. I got something deep that I didn’t know I needed. Thanks Hajime-kun.” Satou responded in a genuine tone. “You’re welcome.” Hajime responded while giving him a smile.

The train slowed to a stop as the doors began opening. The voice on the intercom above announced the next location as well as safety instructions. Hajime and Satou and Hajime walked out of the train as they prepared themselves for the adventure they were about to undertake. “Let’s start with the game shops on the east side of the city and make our way west.” Hajime said. “You’re the man with the plan. I like it.” Satou responded in a cheerful tone. They walked toward the escalator as Satou saw some familiar blonde twin tails flutter in the wind. “Hajime-kun, you go ahead I need to go do something real quick.” Satou said to Hajime. “Sure bro.” Hajime said with some hesitation as he started walking off. She stood on a corner next to a vending machine, looking out into the sea of buildings. “Hey twin-tailed nightmare. It’s so very bad to see you again.” Satou yelled out as he approached the blond girl. “Oh if it isn’t Mr. Pervert. I haven’t seen you in what? Three years?” She responded but did not turn her gaze to meet his. “It’s been a good three years since I had to deal with you. You’d be disappointed to know that I’m actually doing really well now.” Satou said, visibly shaken. “I’m surprised you found trash as low as you to be friends with.” The blonde girl said, finally turning to face him. “The only trash here is you twin-tailed nightmare.” Satou responded, becoming increasingly angry. “That’s funny because everyone else at middle school just called me queen.” The blond girl responded, visibly unshaken. “Did your dad ever find another job?” The blond girl inquired with a sinister smile. Satou felt the anger rising up in him as he turned around to see Hajime staring from a corner. “What did I expect?” Satou thought to himself as he began walking toward Hajime. “I missed you by the way Mr. Pervert. No one was ever as fun to torment.” The blonde girl said laughing while Satou walked away. “It’s time to go.” Satou said as he placed his hand on Hajime’s shoulder. Satou and Hajime disappear down the escalator. A pink haired girl appears behind the blonde girl. “Who was that?” The pink haired girl inquired. “It was our former friend Mr. Pervert. You remember him?” The blonde haired girl inquired. “That was Satou-kun? Yes. I remember him.” The pink haired girl responded. “My daddy’s resources tell me it looks like Mr. Pervert is going to Hokusai High School.” The blond girl turned and locked eyes with the pink haired girl. “Looks like it’s your turn. Don’t screw it up.” The blonde girl said as she began laughing.

“It was her, wasn’t it Satou-kun?” Hajime inquired as they walked off from the train station. “Ya it was. I honestly hoped that after all this time she would have changed. That was my mistake.” Satou said as they continued walking. “That was in the past and I need to let it go. I know that but when I saw her I couldn’t help but go try and talk with her.” Satou said, tilting his head towards the ground. Satou felt an arm wrap around his neck. “It’s not that easy to let go of what’s in our past. We just have to try our best bro.” Hajime responded, giving Satou a big smile. “Expected response from you.” Satou responded as he chuckled a little bit. “We have a mission, a divine guidance. We can’t let this distract us from our prophesied goal.” Hajime said as he pointed across the street to “Games & More.” Satou nodded as they started walking to the store.

“We don’t have that.” “Have you seen the news lately?” “What are you crazy?” “We’re still backed up on pre-orders much less any extras.” “Are you joking?” “Try back in a couple months.” “I’m sorry but there aren’t any.” The resounding voices of rejection rang through Satou and Hajime’s head as they sat down on the curb. “I don’t want to lose faith but this is certainly testing it.” Satou said. “We’ve gone to so many stores and not even a shred of hope.” Hajime responded, echoing Satou. Hajime lifted his head to see a red haired girl beginning to cross the street in the distance staring directly at them. “We need to go, now!” Hajime said suddenly as he pulled Satou up. “Oh hey isn’t that…” Satou said before being pulled off into a nearby alley. “What’s going on?” Satou said as they began running off. “Well funny story. I broke up with her in an e-mail a couple days after middle school ended.” Hajime said, still running. “Are you crazy? What the hell happened between you two?” Satou said, as he began to pant heavily. “Well the heart and soul weren’t exactly agreeing with the body on dating.” Hajime said as he too began heavily breathing. Satou pulled away causing him to stop running. “Are you-are you trying to tell me you can’t get hard? I saw a full mast this morning.” Satou said through heavy breaths. “It’s-it’s due to the other thing. We tried stuff but it didn’t work.” Hajime said in a somber tone. “Oh, I’m sorry. I was insensitive there.” Satou said as he looked off to the side. “It’s fine Satou-kun. We all have our own demons right? Hajime responded, attempting to smile back. Satou looked up to see a sign for ‘Game Cutter.’ “Hey Hajime-kun. Have we been to that store yet?” Satou said as he pointed to the sign. “I don’t think so let’s give it a try.” Hajime responded. As they walk over to the store they see a chess set placed outside the door. Right above that, is two Bita boxes with a sign saying “The last two boxes.” “For the quest has been long and hard but the digital gods did not disappoint our dedication to the faith.” Satou said as a tear fell down his face. “Have you seen the price tag though?” Hajime inquired. Satou looked down to see the tragedy that was cost. “That’s at least three times what it’s worth!” Satou yelled at Hajime. “Fool! Do you not remember the prophecy? For we have already given our mind and heart to the cause to find it. We must also dedicate our wallets!” Hajime yelled at Satou. “How could I be so shortsighted bro.” Satou responded as his eyes welled up. Satou and Hajime began walking to the store entrance. “Hey assholes! You better not take another step towards the store. Those Bita’s you see there are ours. We got here first.” A man yelled out at them. There were three total guys there that looked to be about high school age. “I didn’t see you guys when I walked up a second ago.” Hajime responded. “You must be blind then.” The man responds with a smug face. “Hajime-kun, do you hear me?” Satou said telepathically. “Ya. I’m here.” Hajime responded. “We’re going to use that chess piece set to do ‘Operation: Full Glory Realization’ alright?” Satou responded, still speaking telepathically. Hajime nodded his head. “Hello losers? You go deaf or something?” The man said, getting more irritated. “How about we play a game of chess on that set over there for them?” Satou said as he pointed at the chess set. “Alright, we can do that.” The man responded with a wide smile.

Satou and the man sat down on opposite sides of the chess board. The world faded away as Satou, the man and the chess set remained as the only remaining objects. “Oh by the way I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Taniki Suburo, president of the chess club at Shiro High School.” Taniki said smugly as he stared Satou down. “You do the honors and go first because I’m nice.” Taniki said as he gestured toward Satou. “Thanks.” Satou responded plainly. Satou moved his hand in a dramatic fashion before grabbing hold of his rightmost pawn. “Take this move!” Satou said as he moved it two spaces forward. Taniki threw his hand back as he studied the board. Before Satou could realize what happened, Taniki had already moved his left knight forward two spaces and once to the right. “I forgot to mention Suburo-San. I completed ‘Chess Girls: Afternoon Special’ last year. The ‘final boss’ Kirigaya Kuzuki had its AI based on the ‘Komoda’ chess engine. A grandmaster level AI engine was no match for myself. What luck do you have, fool?!” Satou yelled at Taniki. Satou snapped his fingers on his left hand as he grabbed his rightmost pawn. “If you want to surrender now, it’ll save you the embarrassment from losing.” Satou said as he forward again one additional space. “You’re bluffing. The Komoda chess AI engine wouldn’t be defeated by someone as amateurish as you.” Taniki said as his face was turned to the side. Taniki reconnected his gaze to satou as he moved his middle-left pawn forward without even looking at the board. “You’re falling right into my trap and you don’t even know it.” Satou said calmly as he grabbed his right knight. The tension grew as Satou slowly moved his piece forward two spaces and once to the left without breaking eye contact. “Keep talking. It’s only delaying your inevitable loss to an insurmountable opponent.” Taniki said as he calmly grabbed his middle-left pawn again. With one swift movement, Taniki had flipped the pawn forward one space. “You speak as if you were on the level of a grandmaster but your moves so far have been those of a novice?” Taniki said as he looked up, locking eyes with Satou. “A novice who’s about to have two Bita’s.” Satou responded with a sly grin. Satou closed his eyes as he placed both of his hands above the chess board. “Those who have heart who contain passion can overcome any obstacle.” Satou said while shaking his hands back and forth before slowing and grabbing the right knight again. He calmly moved it two more spaces forward and once to the left. “You think your mystical energy chants will grant you victory here today? Only a fool would turn to such mysticism for hope!” Taniki responded passionately as he slammed his hand on the chess board. The chess pieces nearly fell before Satou realized that Taniki’s middle-right pawn had moved forward one space. “My plan is nearly complete and you still have no idea what’s going on!” Satou said passionately as he sent his knight forward two spaces and once to the right to capture one of Taniki’s pawns. “You fool! You would just sacrifice your knight so easily?” Taniki said while placing his hand on his face. “I won’t hold back!” Taniki exclaimed as he grabbed the queen to capture the knight. “Satou-kun! Let’s go!” Hajime yelled. The dark world that had surrounded Taniki and Satou was now illuminated. “Got it!” Satou yelled as he flipped over the chess board and began to run. “What?...” Taniki said as he stood frozen from shock. He looked over as a new sign was just posted at the storefront. “Sold Out.”

The bag tossed around as Satou and Hajime took turns down random alleyways to ensure they were not followed. “We-we did it Satou-kun.” Hajime said as he laid against the wall barely able to breathe. “Thanks for getting the hint so easily bro. No way in hell I would’ve won that match.” Satou responded with exasperated breaths. “Wait, you’ve never played chess before?” Hajime-kun inquired, still breathing hard. “I just cheated when I played ‘Chess Girls’.” Satou said, as a mixture of heavy breaths and laughter escaped him. “How’d you do it?” Hajime said as he continued to brace himself against the wall. “It was easy really. I went on the internet and played against an AI opponent based on the Komoda chess engine. Every time the opponent would make a move in ‘Chess Girls’, I would copy it in my internet match. Whatever move the computer did on my internet game, I would copy it on ‘Chess Girls.’ This ensured that I almost never lost.” Satou said as his breathing normalized. “You’re a madman bro.” Hajime said as he started laughing. Satou and Hajime do an exhausted fist bump. “You ready to check out the goods, Satou-kun? Hajime inquired. “I’ve never been more ready in my entire life.” Satou responded in a serious tone. Hajime grabbed out the boxes and laid them out side to side in front of Hajime and Satou. “Same color, same design, same everything…” Satou said as he examined the two boxes. “We need to choose the one we are destined for.” Satou said in a serious tone as he turned his head to Hajime. “But how do we choose which specific one we are destined for?” Hajime responded in a questioning tone. “When you are finishing yourself off with a dirty magazine, which hand do you use?” Satou said, taking on a serious expression. “Well, I have better grip with my right hand but it makes it hard to finish when I start getting closer to finishing. The magazine usually is jumping around too much so I switch to my left hand just to reach the expression of manly passion.” Hajime responded, not skipping a beat. “For then it has been decided that the hand of glory should correspond with the Bita we choose. You shall take the Bita of the left and I the one on the right.” Satou responded. “Works for me.” Hajime responded with no hesitation. They broke the seal on the box as they felt an intense light radiate outward. “We are not worthy!” Hajime and Satou said as they were pushed back by the box’s radiance. Light consumed them entirely.

The luminescence from the Bita lights up Satou’s face as he lays in his bed. Satou had his cell phone up to his ear. “You finish the data transfer from the PGP yet?” Hajime inquired, voice slightly distorted. “Of course, no problems on my side. It just took a few minutes, honestly. You?” Satou inquired. “I had a couple issues that took some time but I was eventually able to get everything.” Hajime responded. “Where’d you put your PGP?” Satou inquired. “I put it back in the original box and placed it in my closet carefully. It deserves a king’s burial but this is all I can do for now.” Hajime responded. “Me too, I was worried I lost the original packaging but it turned out to be exactly where I thought it was. Lucky break I guess.” Satou responded. “We’re going to be going to high school pretty soon. You excited?” Hajime inquired. “You better believe it Hajime-kun. Our next battle is going to be even more epic this year with our Bita’s. You better be ready because I expect a worthy opponent.” Satou responded. Satou and Hajime didn’t talk for several minutes but continued to play on their Bita’s as they were on the phone. “Hey, Satou-kun.” Hajime said suddenly, breaking the complete silence. “You’re the best friend I could ever ask for. Thanks for everything.” Hajime said with a genuine tone. Satou’s heart skipped a beat hearing those words. “Likewise.” Satou responded while he began to smile.

The bright lights from “Nijima Luxury Apartments” stood in stark contrast to the dark light that surrounded the area.. The light burst out into the darkness as the lobby doors opened. A man with gold blonde hair is walking out of the doors toward a waiting jet black limo. The blond haired man is wearing a pressed suit, his hair was molded to be in perfect order and his gait expressed determination. A man opens the door to the limo in anticipation of the blond haired man. “I’m sorry to have made you wait.” The blonde haired man said in an apologetic tone as he entered the car. The inside of the car was spacious and stocked with alcohol and other vices. “It is no problem sir. Where are we headed tonight?” The driver responded from the front seat in a plain tone. “I’ll be heading to the normal spot. Thank you.” The blond haired man responded.”Of course sir. Your change of clothes is located in a drawer underneath your seat as per usual.” The driver responded in a plain tone. The blonde haired man reached underneath his seat and grabbed out the pair of clothes that laid neatly folded. “What clothes do we have this week? Convenience Store Clerk?” The blond haired man inquired. “That is correct. Specifically, the ‘Hayashi Convenience Store” located in the nearby mountains. Your job description has been placed in the pant pockets as well as relevant photos of the location.” The driver responded. “Thank you, Ryan-san.” The blonde man began taking off his clothes and changing into the fresh set of clothes.

The dark streets were quiet against the low hum of the limo. “Here’s okay.” The blonde haired man said as the car slowed to a halt. “Thank you, Ryan-san.” The blond man said as he exited the car. “I’ll be ready for your call.” Ryan responded politely. The window to the limp rolled down as it began to drive off. The quiet hum of the limo’s engine slowly faded as it turned a nearby corner. The blonde haired man reached up and began running his hands through his hair. The perfection that was his hair became undone as he pushed and pulled the strands of his hair. “There we go.” The blond man whispered to himself as he put his hands back down. The professional look that once dominated his appearance was now replaced by nothing more than the visage of a part-time convenience store clerk. He walked down the street until he reached a modest sized house. The family name plate read “Tanaka.” Sounds radiated from the illuminated window as he pushed through the front gates toward the entrance. “I’m home!” The blonde man yelled as he pushed through the front doors.