For You And All Your Dreams

I put the book back on the shelf and wait for him to return.

Footsteps start to sound off across the walkway and then stop before getting to Shinichi’s apartment.

Uh oh, seems they are entering the empty apartment so I should investigate.

I go through the wall separating Shinichi’s apartment and the empty one and see a woman here looking the apartment over.

She notices the suit in the corner that I placed it and begins to pick it up when Shinichi notices the open door and steps in to talk to her.

“Hello, Mrs. Nagahama how are you today?”

“Oh, Kitaji-san. Just getting back from work?”

“Yes, just now. Are you preparing the apartment for a new tenant?”

“Yes, I don’t have anyone moving in yet but I should have it listed soon.”

“I see. Was something wrong? Have you been busy? You’re just now coming to check the apartment.”

“Oh, there’s no problem at all. I just went with my husband to America. He had to attend a convention there to promote his new project. I wanted to see the sites. Seattle is a really nice city.”

“Yes, it is, Michiru and I were planning to go there one day.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I hope you will still go eventually.”

“I may in the future. You never know what might happen.”

“By the way. I see this suit here. It seems Rin-san left this here. It looks new so I don’t know what the story is. Are you still in contact with her?”

“I can get in contact with her yes.”

“That’s great! Can you ask her about it?”

“Yeah, I should be in her part of town tomorrow.”

“Oh really? Any particular reason?”

“I have a meeting tomorrow.”

“Oh, for your pharmacy job?”

“No, I’m being consulted on an engineering project.”

“That sounds important.”

“I don’t know really. I’m just doing someone a favor. I’m not really good at engineering stuff but apparently his experiment has something to do with pharmaceuticals. I’m not sure myself entirely.”

“I don’t understand it all either but it sounds important. I hope it all goes well. Since you’ll be over there do you think you can hold on to this and return it to her when you see her?”

“Yeah, it’ll be fine. I’ll text her in a little bit.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Well, I will let you finish here.”

“It seems there’s nothing to do here. She took good care of the apartment here so other than the suit here I am ready to list it. Oh, if you know anyone interested give them my card.”

She takes out a business card and places it on the suit.

“I don’t know anyone but, I’ll ask my coworkers if they need a place. I’ll take the suit with me then. Have a good night.”

“You have a good night as well.”

With that they both leave the empty apartment.

Mrs. Nagahama goes back downstairs and Shinichi enters his own apartment.

Once he takes his shoes off, he goes to the living area and sets the suit down on the floor near his closet.

He takes the card and sets it on his table.

He starts his computer up and then pulls his phone out to I assume send a message to Rin-san.

Shinichi

Hi Rin-san. I hope you are doing ok.

Shinichi

I saw the manager in your old apartment and she noticed a rather new men’s suit in a corner. I will be in your area tomorrow so I can return it to you then if you are free.

“Right, message sent. Now to get ready for Altyrnis tonight.”

I guess I need to see how this plays out with Rin-san before I decide if I need to take it back from her.

Just as he logs in, he gets a message from Zoragon.

Zoragon>Tonight is going to be at The Mines. Are you ready?

Zoragon<Dark Mage is all geared up and ready to GOGOGO!

Zoragon>OK we will start in 30 minutes.

Zoragon<Right. I’ll warp there and wait for the start. I’m waiting for a reply from someone anyway so this works out.

Zoragon>Understood. I’ll start forming parties in about 15 minutes from now.

He has his character change into his Dark Mage robes like before and casts a spell where he disappears.

Once the screen changes his character is appears in an area filled with some caves and where he’s standing is a bricked area along with other members of his group.

I see most the same ones from before especially that person Aleena who was with Shinichi a few days ago but is now wearing the outfit I love so much.

I hear a notification sound go off on his phone.

I take a peek and see it’s not from Rin-San but from Takahiro.

Takahiro

I just wanted to make sure you were ok coming by tomorrow.

Shinichi

Yes, I will be there.

Takahiro

Great! I hope 10am isn’t too early for you.

Shinichi

No that is fine.

Takahiro

I will see you then.

Looks like a false alarm of sorts since this is a confirmation text from Takahiro.

Still, I’m glad they are communicating a little at least.

He gets his group invite that Zoragon mentioned and then waits for the event to start.

After he finishes his group preparations he gets up and goes to the refrigerator.

He grabs a bottle of milk tea and settles in.

The screen goes black and the music becomes ominous.

Once the screen loads it is the same area he was standing in before but it is dark.

So dark it’s hard to see down the tunnels.

I see Aleena move forward and she fires an arrow.

It hits something and the cave area lights up to reveal these giant turtles called Orbital Turtles about the height of the people playing from the bottom of the foot to the top of the shell.

The turtles come marching toward.

Everyone splits into smaller groups and the groups each fight a giant turtle.

Once the teams finish off the turtles they move forward to another dark area and Aleena again fires an arrow and lights up the cave to more turtles, this time revealing a small pond.

Shinichi’s group casts their high-power spells all on one target and it goes down.

His group splits off and helps out the other groups, taking breaks to recover MP until all the turtles are gone.

From here the cycle continues for some time until they reach the end of the caves.

After Aleena lights up the end of the cave, it opens up into a giant area with a large lake with some plant life scattered about.

By the lake is turtle about ten times the size of ones they were fighting before called Turtle of the World.

Atop the back shell is a small village with a group of houses.

Aleena readies an arrow shot and it flies into the giant turtle and immediately the turtle starts casting magic to go on the offence but Aleena runs out of range of the spell.

Coming down the back of the turtle is these green and white plant like bipeds with pink flowers for heads called Mandrakes.

They are about one third the size of a normal human character and come at the player groups in a large swarm.

As the swarm heads toward the players, the turtle really slowly begins to lumber its way to the group as well, the ground shaking with each step like a small earthquake.

The group of Dark Mages with Shinichi begin casting their highest strength spell at the mob of Mandrakes.

Their spells land and a good majority of the Mandrakes fall to the ground.

The other groups start mowing down the remaining Mandrakes and then prepare for the Turtle of the World.

One person, a catgirl, called Mae wearing some red robes and a rather stylish looking hat uses some abilities, then heads close to the giant turtle and starts casting a spell.

The Turtle of the World begins retaliating by casting one of its own but Mae’s lands first and suddenly the turtle is no longer casting.

The groups rush in and begin their attacks.

Everyone, Dark Paladins, Knights, Healers, Demon Knights, Dark Mages, Rouges, Vikings, Earth Mages and a few others I don’t really know what they are just all attack it while the turtle’s head and tail flail about in an attempt to counter attack.

They spend a good fifteen minutes chipping away at the turtle’s health until it finally succumbs to the relenting onslaught.

After the turtle is defeated, the group stands around and discuss some items that came from the boss.

Once they divvy up the spoils the screen goes black again and they are back in the mines area they started in.

The group says its good nights and most log out in place.

Yamashi>Hello friend

Yamashi<Heya what’s up?

Yamashi>I got one of the special drops. Can you make one of those new necklaces for me?

Yamashi<Sure, I’m about to go to bed so just send them to my home and I’ll make it when I log in tomorrow.

Yamashi>Thank you very much friend.

Shinichi warps back to his home, then logs out and turns his PC off.

He finishes preparing for bed, crawls in and goes to sleep.

I put my hands on his face and close my eyes and enter his dreams.

* * *

I open my eyes and I am in a very crowded area.

I remember this place it’s that big comic convention that people go to.

Looking around for Shinichi I see him with someone, it’s me.

What’s going on?

“I can’t believe you bought that costume but I have to admit it’ll look great on you.”

“Well, Hanako is my favorite character from the Witches Academy Series. It’s only natural I get her outfit.”

OH MY GOD, this is so embarrassing!

Is that really how I act?

“What are you going to do about the hair? Isn’t Hanako blonde?”

“Yeah, I’ll have to go buy a wig store and get one but for today, I want to wear this.”

I watch myself enter the cosplay changing area for women and Shinichi opens his backpack, looks through it and grabs an A4 sized, but rather thin, book.

He flips through it until, I final come out from the dressing room.

“Well, how do I look?”

“It’s nearly perfect. I think you’ll need to do a few alterations especially since the bust is a little tight.”

“Well, I don’t have a problem with it. You know I always like to show off my curves. Besides people can look at these all they want but they’re yours.”

He gets a little bit embarrassed before retorting.

“They always did feel good in my hands along with other parts of your body.”

“Oh, you!” I reply as I grab his arm, my breasts rubbing against his arm.

I’m such a perv it’s embarrassing.

I watch myself lean in and whisper in his ear.

“When we get back, I’ll let you touch me all over as much as you want.”

He pulls me close and gives me a kiss on the lips.

I watch myself go back in the changing area and Shinichi goes back to reading his book.

This was a great and really embarrassing moment but why am I here and not over there with him?

Why am I looking at myself from years ago?

As I keep thinking about what is going on, my other self comes out and they both go back to browse more tables of merchandise.

I decide to run up to Shinichi and reach out to him.

My hand goes right through him.

This seems to be like when I was reliving Takahiro’s dreams.

As I’m starting to put everything together the whole area starts to go dark and then nothing.

* * *

I open my eyes and I see Shinichi reaching over to turn the alarm off.

He picks up his phone and sees a message from Rin-san.

Shinichi

Hi Rin-san. I hope you are doing ok.

Shinichi

I saw the manager in your old apartment and she noticed a rather new men’s suit in a corner. I will be in your area tomorrow so I can return it to you then if you are free.

Rin

Huh? I didn’t have anything like that there. If it fits you and it was left there then you can have it, I don’t need it.

Rin

I can’t meet up too early since I work late but if it is after 2pm then I can meet you at the coffee shop near the train station.

Shinichi

Sure, I’ll meet around 2pm, if that’s ok. I should be done by then.

He finishes his message to Rin-san, puts his phone down and then goes to the bathroom.

Thanks Rin-san for covering for me without knowing it or even knowing me.

Once Shinichi finishes up in the bathroom he gets dressed and grabs a small backpack and puts the suit and his lab coat inside it.

He heads out the door and I follow him.

Once we get to the train station he buys his ticket, enters and then makes his way to the platform to wait for the train.

He wanders over to the vending machine and gets a warm can of café aulait.

I never could understand why he liked coffee so much.

It always tasted like dirt to me.

He finishes it just as the train gets to the platform so he wanders over and drops the can into the recycle bin.

Afterwards he enters the train, takes his backpack off, sits in a seat and sets the backpack on his lap.

As I wait for the train to reach its destination, I start to think about what happened last night and why the dream was different than usual.

Did using a coin to kill The Demon Lord lock me out from being able to talk to Shinichi in his dreams?

Was I only able to interact with him because his mental defenses were down because of The Demon Lord?

I mean that’s the only thing I can think of.

There’s really only one thing left to do is to and that’s to check later tonight.

As I finish my thoughts the train reaches the stop Shinichi was waiting for.

He gets up, puts his backpack on and heads out of the train.

I follow him as we exit the station and he walks down the street toward the university Takahiro goes to.

He takes a short trip to a convenience store along the way and grabs a melon bread and another café aulait

Once he’s done with his purchase he steps outside and eats his bread and downs the coffee.

Now that he’s had “breakfast” he makes his way to the campus and toward the engineering building.

As he enters the building, he is greeted by a bowing Takahiro who was waiting for him.

“I’m again glad you could come.”

“No worries. I guess I owe it to her to at least see this through to the end.”

“I appreciate it very much. I have an extra coat inside you can use.”

“That’s ok I have my old one here.”

He takes his backpack off and pulls out his old university lab coat.

“I hope it being from a rival university won’t be a problem.”

“It’ll be fine. Besides it does say ‘Life Sciences Department’ on it below your name. You clearly aren’t from their Engineering Department trying to steal any secrets.”

Good comeback Takahiro.

We go through some doors and there is a set of small rooms along the hallway.

At the end of the hallway is a set of double doors but that’s not where we end up going.

We go into one of the rooms in the hallway.

In there is a machine about waist high with a hose coming off of it and a wand at its end.

“Here it is. I know it’s still a bit big right now but it’s still a prototype.”

“It looks impressive but how does it really involve me?”

“Sorry I should have led with the name: Transdermal delivery system for temperature sensitive medication.”

“Hmmm, I see. You know transdermal delivery systems haven’t really been science fiction for a long time. They just tended to be inconsistent in actually delivering the medication or vaccination. It also caused festering infections at the transdermal site.”

“Yeah, I looked at those but designs and took those into account in my design.”

“What made you think of a delivery system for temperature sensitive medication?”

“Actually, I got the idea from you.”

“From me? How so?”

“I was looking online for a way to get a hold of you and I ran across a report you made in regards to using temperature sensitive compounds to fight off autoimmune and rare diseases.”

“Oh yeah, I remember that now. That was so long ago. I didn’t think anything would come of it. It was my junior thesis. I did a few lab tests and the results were promising but deciding on the compounds to match up with the diseases but my professor said the theory was sound.”

“Yeah, I didn’t understand everything in your report but one thing did hit me and that was there was no way to deliver the medicine to the patient. I mean it’s one thing to test the compounds in a lab environment where you can control the temperature but in the real world with various environmental factors are at play you will need someway of delivering the medicine.”

“I see, have you made any headway on decreasing the size?”

“Yes, I have but, it’s still in the planning stage. I need to get the prototype working fully first.”

“So, what is the issue then? Like I said engineering isn’t really my strong suit.”

“The issue comes when the medication gets to the skin. The temperature imbalance usually upsets the medicine.”

“Yeah, that was gonna happen. How about this, make a cooling phase for the skin and then once the medicine is injected slowly warm up the area back to normal body temp.”

“Hmm, I see but what about the patient? Won’t that hurt?”

“Well, if it’s a medicine that will be lifesaving, I’m sure a short amount of pain to get it is better than no medicine at all.”

“You have a good point.”

“So why transdermal and not just a pure syringe style injection?”

“I thought of making a fast-injecting needle but there was the chance of contamination from the lubricant and so this way it has to fewer moving parts.”

“Makes sense.”

They talk about the project more but, mostly things that are way above my head.

Eventually, they finish their discussion.

“Well, it’s great work but as it sits it takes up too much space to work.”

Another person walks through the door.

“I hope all is going well in here.”

“Dr. Akitaka I am glad you could make it. Yes, everything was going well. Kitaji-san here has given me a lot of information and advice.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Shinichi Kitaji.”

Shinichi reaches into his backpack and grabs a business card holder and then presents it to Dr. Akitaka.

“Oh, thank you. I’m Gotou-san’s professor, Dr. Kenichi Akitaka.”

Dr. Akitaka reaches into his lab coat pocket and hands his business card to Shinichi.

“I was just about to leave but, your student has good ideas and good potential.”

“Yes, he has been a very dedicated student. Oh, don’t let me keep you. Thank you very much for coming by.”

“Let me escort you to the door.” Takahiro says.

“I’ll join you”

The three exit the door of the room and make their way to the entrance.

Once they reach the lobby, Shinichi takes his coat off and puts it into his backpack.

Takahiro bows.

“Thank you very much for coming by. I will work those suggestions you made into project.”

“Not a problem. It’s been a long time since I been in a lab. It kind of felt good.”

“That is great to hear. I will let you know when I finish. Thank you very much again.”

“Thank you for showing me your project. You did a great job. Take care.”

At that Shinichi heads off the campus.

I see Takahiro and the Professor talk to each other I assume it’s about the project.

I follow Shinichi off then campus and he enters the train station to get on another train.

He gets off after two stops and then exits the station.

As he exits the station, he makes his way for a nearby coffee shop.

We enter the coffee shop and Shinichi goes to the counter to order.

“Medium mocha and a ham cheese croissant, please.”

“That will be 720-yen please.”

He waits for a little while and then picks up his order once it’s ready.

With his coffee and croissant in hand he finds a seat and begins drinking.

About five minutes goes by and Rin-san comes walking through the door.

Shinichi raises his hand and she sees it.

She points to the counter and he gives a thumbs up.

Once she gets her drink, she takes a seat across from Shinichi.

“So, what brings you to this part of town?”

“I had a meeting with the boy Michiru saved.”

“Oh, I see and how did that go?”

“He showed me his engineering project he was doing for his final at the university nearby.”

“That’s a big step for you. I hope you weren’t too hard on him.”

“We got most of our tension out last week. He’s doing his best to make sure Michiru’s death wasn’t wasted.”

“It’s good you two have seemed to make up somewhat. So, how was the project? Is it something cool?”

“It’s an interesting idea. I can’t really talk about it too much but, it is something to do with medicines which is why he asked for my input.”

“Oh, I see. How was it being in a lab after being away for so long?”

“Oddly, it felt good. I have been feeling better the last couple of days for some reason. I even dug my old lab coat out of my closet.”

“Really? Are you gonna make cat-people a thing finally?”

“Wasn’t there a rich American who talked about doing that? I am still just a pharmacy tech but, that trip to the lab did make me miss it.”

“That’s a good thing, I think. Maybe you can see if your job position is open?”

“Probably not but, I wouldn’t feel right working there without Michiru.”

“So, you’d be open to another place then?”

“Yeah, that’d be nice but I’ve been gone for four years so I don’t know if I would be able to compete against others for a position.”

“How are you supposed to know if you don’t put yourself out there?”

“Yeah, you’re right as usual. I’ll see what I can find for options.”

Well, that’s a good bit of info I needed.

“Oh, by the way here’s that suit you left.”

He reaches in to get the suit from the bag but she stops him.

“I didn’t have a man’s suit. Like I said if it fits you, you should keep it especially since you just said you’d look to see if there’s a place for you. You’re probably gonna need it.”

“O…Ok, if you don’t mind. Thank you.”

“I don’t know why you’re thanking me. I really didn’t own that.”

“Well, you did give me some good advice.”

“If you say so.”

“So, what’s your new work like? Are you working on anything cool?”

“I’m not working on any anime. I am working at an import company.”

“That’s sad to hear.”

“Not really. I need to take some time away after being there for so long. Anime will still be there for me if I decide to go back. I just need to get my life in order first.”

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right. I hope you’ll be ok.”

“Oh, I will. You should also decide what you want to do going forward as well.”

“I get what you mean.”

“Well, I am glad you patched things up with the kid. I need to get ready for work.”

“Oh, thanks for meeting with me.

“What are you talking about? I may be here on the other side of town but, we’ve known each other for a few years, even if we were just neighbors. We had great conversations together.”

“Well, have a good day at work.”

“Thanks. Have a safe trip home and don’t hesitate to contact me, especially whenever you’re on this side of town.”

Rin-san picks up her coffee and waves goodbye as she heads out the door.

Shinichi stares off in the distance in thought.

He eventually finishes his croissant and what’s left of his coffee.

Picking up the tray with the plate and cup on it he brings them over to the trash.

He puts the plate on a stack of other plates, the tray on the stack of trays and the cup in the trash.

Once he’s finishes that, he heads out of the café and to the train station.

I follow him on to the train and we end up at his home station.

Once we leave the station we end up at his apartment.

He goes in and starts gaming.

Well, that was an interesting trip across town.

Things went well with Takahiro and Rin-san got my back on the suit.

I’m gonna let him relax a bit before my next step.

Once he logs in, he changes into the Rouge’s outfit and goes out to fight monsters, I assume to get crafting items.

A while goes by and he gets a message from Yamashi.

Yamashi>Hello friend. You’re on a little late.

Yamashi<Yeah, I had a meeting across town.

Yamashi>Oh? Anything interesting?

Yamashi<Sorta. This engineering student needed a consult on a project he is doing.

Yamashi>Huh? I thought you were a pharmacy tech?

Yamashi<Yeah, his project had to do with a different type of medicine delivery. So, I gave him advice as a tech and when I was doing bio-tech research for my university.

Yamashi>I didn’t know you did research.

Yamashi<Yeah, I had a job lined up after I graduated but, then something happened so, I needed to take some time for myself and became a pharmacy tech.

Yamashi>I’m sorry to hear that. I hope you your advice helped that person.

Yamashi<Yeah, it did and I felt good being in a lab again.

Yamashi>Oh, ho. Are you thinking of going back to research again?

Yamashi<Probably, if I get the opportunity.

Well, there’s my cue.

I get a 10-Yen coin from my pocket, hold it in both hands and pray.

The coin drops to the floor behind Shinichi and he turns around in his chair to see what the noise was.

He looks down, sees the coin, picks it up and then puts it on his desk.

A notification goes off on his phone.

He reaches for his phone and sees the email notification.

He clicks on it to see it’s a message from Dr. Akitaka.

---Insert email style graphic with attachment---

Mr. Kitaji,

This is Dr. Akitaka. We met earlier today when Gotou-kun was showing you his finals project. Thank you very much for providing your input to him in person.

Gotou-kun has also told me about the connection the two of you have. I am sorry to hear about what happened to Kinzawa-san. Gotou-kun has been one of my best students and I think that has been because of what Kinzawa-san did for him.

When you were here, I noticed the university lab coat you were wearing. Gotou-kun told me you were doing research there and was set to work at a bio-tech research company when you graduated but decided not to go after what happened to Kinzawa-san. I don’t know if you are still interested in doing so but a good friend of mine just mentioned that her research lab posted an opening.

I have attached her virtual business card. She should be in her office on Monday. So, if you are still unsure, please take the rest of this weekend to decide. I think you would be a good fit there.

Kenichi Akitaka, PhD

Professor, Engineering Department

---End email style graphic---

Wow, that was quite an email.

I wonder if he will take this opportunity, we just handed him.

Ok, he seems to be in shock and is just sitting in his seat staring at the email.

Finally, he turns back to the game and starts typing.

Yamashi<I just got a research job offer.

Yamashi>Oh? Just now?

Yamashi<Yeah, just as I stopped messaging you. I can’t believe it.

Yamashi>Congrats friend. That’s crazy that we were just talking about this and it happened.

Yamashi<I’m still in shock.

Yamashi>Are you going to accept it?

Yamashi<I don’t know. I want to but, it’s been four years. I don’t know if I can do it.

Yamashi>I don’t know about that. I don’t think they would have wasted their time offering you a job if they didn’t think you couldn’t do it.

Good job backing me up Yamashi, whoever you are.

Shinichi thinks for a bit and then replies.

Yamashi<Yeah, you’re right. I think I will take it.

Yamashi>That’s great!

Yamashi<Man, I always enjoy talking with you. You live on the north side of town, don’t you? You wanna get some coffee sometime?

Yamashi>Yeah that’d be great. I’ll send you my info before I log off.

Yamashi<Great, I’ll look forward to it. Oh, crap! I forgot your necklace. Sorry man I was distracted by everything that went on today.

Yamashi>No worries. As long as I have it before the next Altyrnis that will be fine.

Yamashi<No, I’ll warp back and make it now. Just give me about ten minutes and I’ll have it done.

Yamashi>Ok, let me know when it’s done and I’ll meet you in front of your house.

Shinichi’s character pulls out a magic scroll and then disappears.

His character arrives at his house goes in and then takes some items out.

He changes his outfit to I assume one for him to craft in and begins crafting.

Once he’s done, he sends Yamashi a message.

Yamashi<Ok, I finished it.

Yamashi>I’ll be right there.

Shinichi’s character goes outside his house and waits for Yamashi.

After a couple of minutes, a character, a cat person, in black armor and a giant sword on his back comes running up to Shinichi.

Yamashi>Thanks for making it for me.

Yamashi<No worries. Here’s the necklace.

The two characters hold out their hands as if they were giving each other something.

Yamashi>What’s this?!

Yamashi<Surprise! It’s the +2 version.

Yamashi>I would have been fine with the normal one.

Yamashi<Yeah, but I worked pretty hard to make sure it was gonna be at least +1. You been a good friend on here so I don’t mind trying to make something better.

Yamashi>Thank very much!

Yamashi’s character bows to Shinichi.

Yamashi<Well I need to go to bed now. I gotta plan for my meeting on Monday.

Yamashi>Thank you again and good luck my friend.

Yamashi<Thank you as well.

Shinichi goes back into his house and logs off.

He goes to the bathroom and gets ready to go to bed.