Sep 22: An Early(ish) Dinner

[John Hino]

After the two got their food, John led Ayami to a table where they sat. His stomach growled lightly as he unwrapped his chicken sandwich.

[Ayami Morita]

Ayami sat down, too, with her fish entree.

"Oh, John, I completley forgot to tell you--about that e-mail..."

[John Hino]

"What is it?" he asked with concern.

[Ayami Morita]

"It's not from the vampires--at least, Chronopolis-sensei doesn't think so. It seems to have come from Proudstar."

[John Hino]

"What kind of sick person..." he frowned angrily.

[Ayami Morita]

"I don't know. They got my password somehow, too."

She chewed her food, thoughtfully. "You have any exs I should be worried about?"

[John Hino]

"I don't think so. Only person I can think of who would do that to us is Teri, but even I don't think she's that crazy."

[Ayami Morita]

"Teri...." Ayami stopped. "Why, maybe..."

[John Hino]

"She does seem to hate you."

[Ayami Morita]

"I don't think that's it..."

She paused, thinking.

"I talked to her, the other day. Not the bugs, not whatever is controlling her, but the REAL Teri. The girl."

[John Hino]

"Are you sure she's not just pretending?"

[Ayami Morita]

"I don't think so. I saw...it was almost like they were fighting for control. I think..."


Another pause.

"I think Teri--the real Teri--likes you. I mean, really likes you. And the bugs are afraid that would make them lose control, so they try to push you away..."

[John Hino]

He chuckled.

"That... actually makes sense... in a weird way."

[Ayami Morita]

"It makes perfect sense--Teri's afraid and confused and alone; if she got some self-confidence, she might be able to throw off the control. We can use that--I think we can save her."

[John Hino]

"How would we do that?"

[Ayami Morita]

"I don't know...but we have to try to help her, somehow. Give her something to lean on, maybe..."

[John Hino]

"Like what?" he asked, denying where the conversation was most likely headed.

[Ayami Morita]

"I dunno...it'd have to be something big, and we'll have to fight the bugs every step of the way..."

[John Hino]

"It's a good thing I'm stubborn then."

[Ayami Morita]

"Right. Between you, me, and Bear, we'll get her out of it. We just need some kind of scheme..."

[John Hino]

He swallowed a bit of sandwich before answering.

"So we're plotting to plan a scheme?"

[Ayami Morita]

"I believe we are scheming to plot to plan a scheme."

[John Hino]

"No, we're..."

He laughed.

"That could go on indefinitely, so let's not get too silly here."

[Ayami Morita]

"Of course not, we wouldn't want that," Ayami smiled.

"At least we know the vampires don't seem to be after me. That's what's important, regardless of whether it's Teri who sent it or not. I only wish Chronopolis-sensei could have narrowed it down more..."

[John Hino]

"It's a great relief that they aren't involved... even if I'm angry that a student here would do such a thing."

[Ayami Morita]

"Right. I don't even know, really, who's in Proudstar to do such a thing."

[John Hino]

"I really don't know either."