Tokyo Afterschool Summoners X Tiger & Bunny: Heroes of the Lantern Market
(Prologue) - Part 2
WARNING: Spoilers ahead and some of it may not be accurate.
A few days ago in class, Mr. Mononobe had an announcement before classes ended for the day.
Is everyone listening? Good. I have an announcement to make... We have just learned that the city council has decided to host its first annual city-wide night market which will be hosted by various schools... And Shinjuku Academy is one of the schools participating.
Many of the students were chattering about all this and already wondering that kind of booths they would set up and and what plans to make.
Mr. Mononobe: I hope all of you will find what kind of booths or stalls you will be setting up. Participating in our school's night market is not mandatory, but it may earn you so extra credit.
(bell rings)
Mr. Mononobe: Well, that's all I have to say. Shiro?
Yes, sir. Class dismissed!
With that, class was over the day.
Mr. Mononobe: Wait, Shiro, Lupin. I would like you two to stay. Me and Mr. Triton want to talk to you about the school's night market.
So, you and Shiro stay in the class. A little later, Mr. Triton joins you.
Thank you both for agreeing to stay to hear us out.
Shiro: What is it, Mr. Mononobe, Mr. Triton?
Mr. Mononobe: Me, Mr. Triton, and the rest of the staff have been talking and we have all decided that for our school's night market, we will be putting on a stage show.
(purvey look) A strip show?
Mr. Triton: (shocked) Nothing of the sort! What kind of a school do you think this is?
Mr. Mononobe: (laughing) I'm sure he's just joking. You know students at that age can be.
Shiro: What kind of show are we doing?
Mr. Mononobe: Mr. Triton was the one in charge of putting it together, so you'll have to ask him.
Mr. Triton: Well, I've been thinking and the other students think it's a good idea, as well. I want something that will really raise everyone moral, students, stuff, and marketgoers. Something to bring hope and justice in times of need. So, I've decided our show will be...
A hero show!
Lupin: (surprised) Really? That's sounds wonderful. I wonder what kind of heroes? Hopefully... (purvey again) wearing revealing tights.
Shiro: I see, but what does this have to do with us?
Mr. Triton: I also thought about it. I have already selected a few good students to fill in the cast, even got Mr. Jinn into this. I just need two more to complete the cast. So... I would like you two to complete the cast.
Shiro: (surprised) Really? (worried) I don't know. I'm not much of an actor. Why us?
Mr. Triton: You, Lupin, and the rest of the Summoners have done so much already, you would make the perfect candidates. Since Lupin is your Guild Master and you are the advisor, I thought you would be up for the job. But, I understand if you say no.
Lupin: I don't mind. I would like to help if it'll make others happy.
Mr. Triton: (happy) Good to hear. You, Shiro?
Shiro: Well... I guess it's alright if Lupin's going to be in it. (happy) Besides, it might help me get a better understanding of how heroes work.
Mr. Mononobe: That's the spirit. I knew we can count on you.
Mr. Triton: Good. Rehearsals begin tomorrow right after class. And we have to get you fitted for your costumes at the Home Ec. Club. See you then. You may leave.
Out in the hall...
Shiro: A hero show? I haven't been to one since I was a kid. I remember Kengo brought me to them whenever they were doing them in the park and I would get dragged along. (happy) But those were the most exciting times I've had.
Lupin: I'm glad to hear that. Maybe we should ask Kengo for-
You stop your speaking when you remember.
Lupin: (looking sad) Oh, that's right. He's not here, anymore.
Shiro: (also sad) Yes. It was only a week ago when he transferred, but it still feels like he, Ryota, and Toji are going to pop up any moment with either Kengo complaining that he doesn't want to study and that he just wants to train, Ryota suggesting we go out to eat, or even Toji saying we should take our Guild duties more seriously. (hopeful) But, they're still members of our Guild and we will still see them at the meetings, like the one we're having tonight.
Lupin: I suppose. We should go, they're probably waiting for us.
Shiro feels your sadness and can't help but feel for you as he places his hand on you shoulder.
Shiro: I know how you feel, Lupin. Kengo is my boyfriend and is like a parental figure to my D-Evils. We're still coping with him being at Bukuro Academy. Heck, believe it or not, I've even tried a couple of times to change his mind... But this is what he really wants. What Ryota and Toji want. They're pursuing their ideals. All we can do for them is support them.
Lupin: I know. And I'm happy for them. Their dreams are coming true. And besides... You're still here, aren't' you. You're my best friend, Shiro.
Shiro: (happy) I know. I'll still be there when you need me.
Mr. Mononobe: (coming out of the classroom) Oh, Shiro, before you go, I would like to have another word with you.
Lupin: What is it, Mr. Mononobe?
Shiro: (worried) ... (putting on a smile) I'm sure it's just more market stuff. You go on ahead, I'll be there soon.
Lupin: Okay.
With that, you head off to the safe house.
Mr. Mononobe: Well, let's get started.
Shiro: (looking down) O- Okay.
Mr. Mononobe: You know, we don't have to do this. You can still-
Shiro: No, let's do this.
Later at the Safe house, you find that most of the other members were present.
Welcome, Lupin. Is Shiro with you?
Lupin: He stayed to talk with Mr. Mononobe.
No surprise there. He is the class rep and has a lot to do.
And knowin' our Shiro, he's gonna do them to the bitter end.
Lupin: ! (looking down)
Is something wrong, Lupin?
If I had to guess... It's your school uniforms.
I guess that makes sense. Kengo and Toji were so in a hurry to catch their train and I was so in a hurry to catch my bus, we didn't get a chance to get changed.
Lupin: It's... It's alright. I understand.
I hope you're right. You were edgy when Toji first- Actually, never mind. This meeting isn't about that.
By the way, what is this meeting about? You and Shiro contacted us to call this meeting. What is the reason?
Lupin: Let's wait until Shiro gets here. He'll explain it with me.
Then it's a good thing I brought the snacks. Mochi, anyone?
Ryota: I brought snacks, too! Direct from the Santa School kitchen.
Sweet! Early Christmas Cookies!
???: Then I guess I'm bringing the milk.
In a flash, the one person you look forward to see most of all in these meetings arrives.
FLASH
Everyone: (surprised) Yikes!
Sorry, I keep forgetting.
FLASH
Is this better?
Kengo: (catching his breath) Just warn us next time before you World Rep teleport here. You almost gave us a heart attack.
Wakan Tanka: I'll remember that, My Kengo. But I did mean it when I said I brought the milk.
Wakan Tanka produces a pack of milk... each with a picture of him on it in a sexy cow outfit.
Zabaniyya: (confused) Wakan, where did you get... Actually, never mind, I get the picture... (smiling) Pour me a cup, please.
You enjoy some time with your friends in the Guild... And you are especially happy to have Wakan near you.
A little later, Shiro finally arrives.
Kengo: (happy) About time you showed up, Bookworm! What took you?
Shiro: (looking down) ...
Kengo: (worried) Shiro, is something wrong?
Shiro: (noticing) Oh. It's nothing. Just some extra work at school. But it's taken care of.
Moritaka: And what about the others?
Shiro: Shennong is back at the school taking care of some last-minute paper work and Tadatomo and the others have their hands tied, so they can't make it. So, we'll start the meeting, we'll fill them in later.
Toji: So, what are we discussing?
Shiro: Well, it was announced that the city will have our school, along with many others, host a night market.
Hanuman: Yeah, they said the same at our school.
Kengo: And mine.
Ryota: The Santa School also talked about it.
Toji: Same with mine.
Yasuyori: Yoyogi is no different.
Shiro: Good, we're all in the know. So, since Shinjuku Academy is one of participating schools, our Guild will do be doing something for it. Now, I've narrowed it down to three possible choices: 1) A fortune-telling booth. 2) Selling some of our old things we don't use anymore. Or 3) A rest area.
Lupin: I don't think we ca do the fortune-telling booth. If I know Tsukuyomi, he's already got that covered. And selling our old stuff sounds a little cliché.
Moritaka: And I think we already did a rest area at the school festival.
Agyo: We should go for something that most night markets are famous for. I know use to go to them a lot back in the Land of Wa.
Shiro: And what do you suggest.
Agyo: (smiling) I'm thinking... baked goods. From what I've read, in most modern night markets, baked goods are often the hit of them because the marketgoers would have something to snack on when they can't buy full meals at the other stalls and we might get orders for more which could benefit us with plenty of Coin.
Shiro: (liking it) That doesn't sound bad at all.
Agyo: Just something I picked up at school.
Lupin: And by school, you mean Suidocho.
Agyo: Pretty much. But I guess that's not something we should be talking about now.
Kijimuna: But not all of us know how to bake and bake quickly with the market just a few short days away.
Ryota: I'm sure Choji might be able to help. If anyone might be able to teach others how to bake in such a short time, he can.
Moritaka: (also liking the idea) We might even throw in free beverages, if we can.
Wakan Tanka: I can supply the milk beverages. Though I'm not sure about the rest.
Shiro: We can talk to the teachers about it. And speaking of teachers, you'll never guess what me and Lupin were told. Mr. Triton says that he was put in charge of putting on a show for our night market and chose a hero show. And me and Lupin are in it as heroes.
Kengo: (excited) That's cool! I haven't been to a hero show in a long time. I could give you some pointers.
Ryota: (also excited) I could even ask Krampus if he can give you some advice.
Toji: (intrigued) A hero show? A spectacle showcasing figures of justice fighting bad guys. I wonder if...
Shiro: I think we might actually pull this off. It's all coming together so well.
Lupin: The Summoners, all of us, will have so much fun together!
Lupin: (worried) I mean, you guys will be there, right?
The room was silent, as if you could here a cricket chirping from miles away.
Ryota: (breaking the silence) Lupin... Not all of us are going to be there. The Santa School is also participating in the event.
Toji: Kiou Police Academy is also one of the participating schools.
Kengo: Same goes with Bukuro Academy.
Agyo: And Suidocho Academy.
Yasuyori: I have dual studentship, but not with Shinjuku Academy, only Yoyogi and Penitentia. They are also participating.
Haunman: Umamichi Academy is also in, and Licho and Sanat Kumara have decided that student participation is mandatory.
Oniwaka: I may not be an official student of Bukuro Academy, but Claude and Snow asked me (insistently) to help out, and I said yes.
Zabaniyya: Daikanyama Academy is also counting on me to assist in their night market.
You turn to Wakan Tanka who also has something to say.
Lupin: Wakan, don't tell me you're also not going to be with us. I mean, I know that with your post...
Wakan Tanka: (sadly) I know, My Lupin. I may not be a student of Yoyogi anymore... But as one of their staff, I have to be there.
This was true. After everything that happened to him and despite being an Invader, Wakan Tanka had successfully graduated from Yoyogi Academy with the highest honors.
Also, he was offered many chances to play professional football for the city league... Though, most of the teams simply wanted him for his powers as both the Pillar and World Representative of the Great Spirit... However, he decided to stay on at Yoyogi...
as the new football coach. He would pass his love and knowledge of American football with the current Yoyogi Buffalos, and also to show everyone that he is still the "happy little buffalo" who gives his love equally to all others and expects little to nothing in return.
Though, he still gives the most love to you.
Wakan Tanka: (assuring) But I'm I'll find some time to be with you. I can't be on duty all the time.
Lupin: I know.
Wakan Tanka: (looking down again) Though, I don't think I'll be going to Shinjuku's night market because...
Lupin: I know. You are, after all, also a member of the Shinagawa Invaders, which, by most everyone's definition, makes you the enemy.
Zabaniyya: Even my other self knows that. But have faith. (assuring) Everyone knows what you two have is true and everyone trusts you, Lupin. If you say that Wakan isn't a villain, then he is not a villain.
Oniwaka: Exactly. Wakan may be a lovable oaf, but then again, so can I.
Wakan Tanka: (surprised) Thanks, My Oniwaka, I guess.
Yasuyori: (worried) And it's not just Wa- I mean, Coach Tanka.
Wakan Tanka: (assuring) It's alright if you still address me by my first name, My Yasuyori. We are still friends.
Yasuyori: Thanks, Wakan. Anyway, it's not just you. After Daisuke, Gunzo, and Kyuma graduated, they haven't been around that much either.
Indeed. Around the same time as Wakan's graduation, Daisuke, Gunzo, and Kyuma also graduated from Yoyogi... But you no longer see them as much. Last you heard, Daisuke was put in the care of the Wanderers for his own safety. Though, you were a bit happy...
when you saw Taurus Mask return to the ring. But despite that, he rarely comes to the meetings these days.
Gunzo and Kyuma also vanished the same way Wakan did that time and no one has seen either of them since... But you and Wakan know what happened to them. While one their graduation trip together, they, like Wakan, were abducted. But unlike Wakan who was taken by the Invaders, they were taken by the Satellite School and placed into a deep suspended animation sleep, their minds being rewritten just Wakan's once was. In the future, be it far or near, they will reawaken, but not as before, due to this new programming. When they do, they will be...
students of the Satellite School. Because of what was done to them, they will have no memories of their former lives. All their friends and loved one, even you, will be nothing more than strangers to them. Their only purpose is to be perfect (and obedient) students of the school. Though, they still have a bond with you. The only time can see the is either from outside their pods as you helplessly watch the they had prior being erased, if they send you a message from the future that you cannot respond to, or if they come to you from the future. Either way, they were now our of your reach.
You can tell that the fate of all three is upsetting to Wakan and Yasuyori as much as it is to you.
Toji: Anyway, the point is, until we can find the time to be together, it's all hands on deck for us at our schools. I am so sorry, Lupin.
Ryota: (sad) We all are.
Your head is spinning. This fact hit you hard in a place where it seems to hurt you the most. Knowing that most of your friends may not be with you at your stall...
Lupin: ... (holding back tears and putting on a smile) I understand. You have obligations and responsibility. I don't want to get in the way of that. And I'm sure you will find time.
Shiro: Are you sure? If you want to talk...
Lupin: (shaking head) Please. Don't.
Shiro: (worried) ... Alright, if you say so. Now, before we conclude this meeting, we have some items in the lost and found.
After the meeting was over, most of the other Summoners had already gone home. Only you, Shiro, Kengo, Ryota, and Toji are the last to leave.
Shiro: Mortaka left early for practice tomorrow. Now we have to turn in to be ready for rehearsals.
Ryota: (happy) Goo- I mean, break a leg, you two.
Lupin: Thank you, Ryota. Shiro, shall we?
Shiro: (looking down) ... You go on ahead. I'll be there soon. I just want to talk to Ryota and the others.
Lupin: Okay. Goodnight.
With that, you leave Shiro with the remaining Summoners.
Kengo: What is it you want to talk to us about, Shiro?
Shiro: (worried) Well... It's something I didn't want to talk about in front of Lupin.
Ryota: What do you mean?
Back with you, you were on your way back to the dorm, your mind still on the event of the meeting.
FLASH
Please don't be sad, Master, or I'm going to be sad.
Lupin: I'm sorry, Lil' Solomon... You're not going to disappear on me, too, will you?
Lil' Solomon: (gasping) Parish the thought. What kind of butler would I be if I just up and leave you? You have been through enough.
Lupin: ... (cheering up and patting Lil' Solomon) Thanks. Lil' Solomon.
Lil' Solomon then looked up at the sky.
Lil' Solomon: Would you look at that? You don't see stars that often in the city.
He was right, there were many stars out.
Lil' Solomon: You know, Master... They say if you wish upon a star, your fondest wish will come true. If one believes hard enough, even the words of doubts may not have sway over you... At least that's I've heard. Anyway, I'll see you again soon. Goodnight, Master.
Lupin: Goodnight, Lil' Solomon.
He returns to you your phone. You look up to the stars. You think of your friends, your close friends, Wakan, and how much they mean to you.
Lupin: ... Isn't truth suppose to set you free. So what do I feel so weighed down by it? If I could them everything I've seen. Open their eyes to all the lies, then would change their minds like I did?
#project hail mary
