You are a rational being

I woke up in a cold sweat, but I quickly, simply out of reflex, took out my MTAC from my nightstand. It read 7:55. MTAC, standing for mobile time analog clock, is a recent product made in Sryclat, a town that is quite close to ours.

Its main feature is telling the time and to be honest this isn't a new invention, it is a recreation of a so-called “pocket watch” that people used in the ancient times.

I can really tell that this is a really well-made piece, its silver body made of metal really stands out, so of course it wasn't particularly cheap…

As I was admiring this fine specimen, my eyes gradually widened to their awake state.

I realized I was really running late.

I burst out of the entrance doors of my house and begin to sprint.

I learned a good lesson yesterday, dressing-up is a hassle and takes too much time, so today, logically, I slept in clothes. One person may think that being naked is also a good way to avoid the trouble of having to dress-up, but I didn't have the guts to do that…

The way may seem long, but really, it only took me a couple of minutes to get here. That unfortunately backfired, as most of the time I couldn't really make an excuse for my ever so often lateness.

If only they'd make something to wake people up.

Or hey, I could make something like that and finally get some money. I bet some researchers would take me up for it. And then probably rob me…

Anyway I arrived at our designated spots to start another day of my scavenger job.

I didn't particularly like being a scavenger, but given no other choice (being still only children meant that we were a cheap working force), you could find some charms in it, of course the cons overwhelmed the pros.

Fortunately, I was exactly on time, so I quietly slipped into the crowd of the other scavengers, ranging from ages 8 - 14.

All the other scavengers were talking to each other in rather tired tones.

You could say I was the biggest loser out of all of them, can’t really say I care about that. Somehow, there was an exception though, I actually made a friendship with another human-being, something that I can say is my biggest achievement next to living, which is already hard.

Actually does existence even count as an-

Unable to finish my thoughts, someone gently grabbed my right shoulder, indicating to look behind me or maybe I was just being used as a leaning post.

“Hi, Tomiki,”

Yeah, that meant both in this case.

It was my friend Miyuki, who looked like she just ran a very long marathon.

She was usually here before me, but today was different, I guess. I wanted to ask her about it, but before I knew it, she continued with her usual dialect.

“Looks like you are finally on time for once. I have to congratulate you.” Her words were quite sharp and her wide grin didn't make it less blunt.

“Thanks, I really outdid myself today, so it is appreciated.” I tried to mix a bit of sarcasm into my words and avoid asking her why she is late - it is none of my business and as most of the time I am the one who is late, I decided that it wouldn't be appropriate; if she wants to share her reasons, she will say something.

Our leader Masumi, a bald middle-aged man, was already telling us today's plan (where we will scavenge, what items are in shortage right now, … stuff like that), but of course almost no one paid attention to his words, including Miyuki, who was in a squatted position looking through her bag.

“And I thought you were the type of person who followed every rule - but you are actually ignoring our leader, where did the exemplary student go?” I questioned, with the intention to provoke her. Although I knew it wasn't a big deal, it was definitely out of place for her and because she always tried to do the same to me, I tried to be a little blunt.

“...” she ignored me and continued to search through her bag, after a few seconds she found what she was looking for.

“Look!” She quickly got up on her feet and shoved a piece of something that looked like a camera lens almost into my face.

“I found this yesterday, do you think we could make it work with enough pieces?” Questioned Miyuki with glowing eyes and a wide pleasant smile.

“That is a great find! Maybe we could actually make it work.” I admitted, however, at least for now, it was only a simple lens.

“Right? But we would have to find someone actually competent.”

“Your words are double-edged as ever.”

Miyuki hit me into my side with her elbow. “Jeez, you are so sensitive,” Her words lacked any sign of seriousness, as always. “Maybe if you weren't always so late, we could search together in the same place… T-to find the rest of the pieces, of course!”

I actually haven't seen Miyuki ever like this, her cheeks beautifully reflected the warmth and light of the Sun; such a pretty color on such a pretty face.

But she was right, if I were to be late, I'd have to join a group full of delinquents again.

“R-right, well… Now we are here, so we can go together.”

“Sure.” She agreed and avoided my eyes. I couldn't but do the same.

Just the thought of being stuck with this job until the rest of my days honestly made me sick and nauseous from the bottom of my heart, not even the so sweetly advertised Oscillation Powers made it any better.

And so the only thing bounding me here is Miyuki.

We proceeded to tell Mr. Masumi that we will be in a scavenging group together, but of course, to be efficient, we were assigned to 3 more people.

“Yo.” spoke a guy. If I had to describe him, I'd say he looked quite “thuggish”, but only to the degree where he actually looked kinda cool.

The other two seemed to know each other and only nodded as a greeting.

“So, newbie, what place do you wanna check out?” The first guy questioned, and for some reason, it looked like he directed it at me.

Newbie?

“I don't know. Have you guys checked Ayastad?” I brought up a place that might peak interest, however my selfish pleas influenced this suggestion too - I knew that there was the biggest collection of ancient technology and I wanted to help out Miyuki with the camera.

“Hmm, I see,” he seriously was giving it a thought, and while he did that, one of the other guys looked like he wanted to say something, but it appeared that “cat got his tongue” or maybe he just didn't want to bother.

“Ok, that doesn't sound too bad, how about we-”

“I am sorry, but I think Ayastad was already taken.” The third guy finally spoke those words that the other guy probably wanted to point out.

“Huh?” The thuggish guy turned 90 degrees and glared at him. “What do you mean? How could you know that, when we still haven't checked out the available places?”

“Tt-that’s… Well… Our friends took it already.” Defended the second guy.

“Your ‘friends’? Then why aren’t you with them? What are you trying to gain?”

He looked quite shocked at his quick shooting back, he was fixing his glasses with his index finger - probably to gain some time while he thought of an answer. Though his buddy didn't accept this “mockery”.

“Just shut up already. You are way too loud. Can we just go so I can lay down for a bit, without that old geezer seeing me?”

Or so I thought… It is just a lazy person!

“God, you could at least take a hint, you pipsqueak.” He regrettably scratched the back of his neck.

“...” You'd expect him to back-fire, at least a little bit, but he just leaned on a fence with his eyelids falling up and down.

“Crap! We are really late now, eh… Ah… Hey, uh… Guys, I will go confirm the remaining options, please have patience.”

After the guy with glasses took his leave, suddenly, the thuggish guy put his arm around me, leaned on me, and although he had a slick and lean figure, his grip was quite strong. His body kind of betrayed his abilities.

“Ok, so Kobeni syndrome and that ‘insomniac’ won't be listening in,”

“Huh?!”

“Why did you want to go to Ayastad?”

“Eh, I heard there is a pretty good collection of scraps…”

“So… You have not heard?”

“A-about what?”

“Oh, really now…? Almost everybody knows.”

“Well, I guess I am the minority… What is your problem, anyway?”

“Ok, well, actually never mind. I'll just cut to the chase, you wan’ a gift for her, right?”

“Well, yeah, our birthdays are tomorrow…”

It is kind of a bummer that Ayastad was already taken, never would have though other people were interested in ancient technology thi-

“Wait a second, how did you know?!”

What I saw on his face was, although hard to believe, a pure-hearted grin.

In that instant I felt something unlively, something out of this world and hard to describe, like a chill going down my spine, yet warm at the same time. Someone was standing behind me, someone the same height as me, someone with a fury in their composition, the look I was given was burning a hole into me.

“Hi guys, watcha talking about?”

“Ah!”

“Oh, hey.”

Thank god, it was only Miyuki, I don't think she'd be very happy to hear what I thought was actually behind me.

I realized that the guy was still holding me with his full weight now. He looked a bit fazed, perhaps because he felt a bit of guilt for exposing my plans, although I really hoped that Miyuki didn't hear any of our conversation.

“Hey… Could you let go already?”

“Oh, yeah, sorry, Tomi.”

“No worries.” I said, although it was very much worries.

Wait…

A heavy breathing filled our surroundings.

“Hey… Guys, hurry… Up, we were assigned Matop to be our place of search.”

Fidgeting, the guy with the glasses snatched his buddy and went ahead of us.

“Commander Masumi was very angry with me, so please, be there at the shortest possible time.”

“Hey, dude, what the hell!” Spoke his buddy in a rather harsh tone. And because he was just woken up by him, his delivery didn't exactly scream with “put me down right in this instant”.

Also it is quite important to say that he was the type you'd probably mistake for a pretty girl. And although he seemed and looked like he lacked sleep, his eye bags and black circles around them highlighting this fact, his skin was smooth and his eyelashes were pretty long…

“Damn, what is the big deal, all we gonna find in Matop will be jus’ plain old scrap metal.”

“But won't that be interesting? I find that every ancient piece tells a story… It is kind of mesmerizing.” Said Miyuki.

“Hah, damn, Tomi, you reall’y should take an example out of your girlfriend here.”

Ehm…

“Oh hey, I haven't introduced myself actually, name's Tachibani.” He stretched his arm forward.

“Eh, yeah, sure. It's a pleasure…” I guess he already knows my name somehow, no reason to introduce myself then. But still, holding his hand without saying something was a bit awkward. “...this is Miyuki.”

What kind of dumbass introduces his friend instead of himself?

He let mine go and grabbed Miyuki’s hand. At that moment I was still fazed by his previous statement and observation skills, I forgot to even register the strength of his grip.

This can't be simple observation, can it?

“Yeah, I already knew, but thanks for being honest. Lookin’ forward to working with you.” Tachibani finished his greetings and went ahead to Matop.

After this weird exchange, I atleast didn't have to call him “a thuggish guy” anymore, but it felt like I just made a pact with a stalker.

How exciting.

When even the podium, with Masumi leaving, and only we remained in the dead silence, a cracking of a laughter started erupting.

“Ha ha ha hah.” The laugh was pleasant to the ears, however, being it targeted at me, was not.

“What are you laughing about, Miyuki?” For some reason I couldn't properly express my frustration.

“You're blushing like hell!”

“W-what?!”

“Did simply someone mistaking you for my boyfriend make you this flustered? That's just the funniest thing ever!” Single tears emerged under her eyes.

“Hey! Screw you!”

“Wha-”

I quickly snatched Miyuki by the wrist, one - because we were late, and two - to shut her up. I couldn't even see Miyuki’s expression, however the rest of the walk was just silent.

We have arrived at Matop - a pretty quiet spot with few rarities - nothing special, but, apparently, this was the last available location for scavenging.

“Look at that!”

“Yeah, like I said - it's just junk…” Said Tachibani, already scanning the area for valuable items.

Apparently Miyuki was quite astonished by the common junk that lied here.

I, on the other hand, agreed with Tachibani. I only saw pieces of rusty metal, some were twisted in a quite irregular shape and some skeletons remained in a pretty preserved way. A junkyard really. And I don't mean the Junkyard in the red light district (if you ever stop by in Scryclat and you want to do your thorough research, it is right on the First Street).

Not that I've been there, of course. The bastards didn't even let us in. But from what I had heard they offer the best sugary beverages, something you won't find here in Asteria City.

Hey, and before you come at me saying that this just sounded like the opinion of an amateur, given that I had this job for almost 6 years, there really wasn't anything special to be seen.

“Oh, you have made it.”

Some girl greeted us, I think she'd wave her hands frantically at us, if she wouldn't be head locking both of our remaining scavengers, that is.

“Oh, hey, mind telling us who you are?” Asked Miyuki, she was good at communicating with other people and also manipulating, but I've grown accustomed to it.

“Oh, I was waiting for you guys, I guess.”

“For us?”

“Yeah.”

“But you aren't part of our squad.”

“I'm not?”

Ok, glasses looked on the verge of dying, but weirdly I couldn't tell if he struggled or enjoyed it. I mean, who wouldn't want to be stuck in the armpits of a beautiful girl, right? Right?

“What place were you assigned?” I asked, in quite the boring tone.

“Oh, hmm, let me think.” After a while she blankly stared at the ground, and pouted. “I think… It was Ayastad?”

Is she asking me?

“This is Matop.”

“Nah, pretty sure this is Ayastad…”

“Let me ask you this; do you see a volcano anywhere? Because Ayastad is rich mainly because of its volcanic activities,” Miyuki said.

“Huh, really? You seem really smart.” She gave herself a bit confused tilt of the head, but decided to let go of our people.

There was always this rivalry between other squads, getting worse and worse by the year, this explained why everyone was on edge. It always seemed quite irrational, when most of the time you were put together at random, just like now.

The main problem is the Headquarters supporting this behavior, whilst rewarding those who obey them the best. Most of the time, just simply moving up a spot in a respective line of your Oscillation class would be a reason for people to kill. Some false rumors might be the cause of that, however one can't be exactly closed to everything that spreads around.

Well anyway… People die for even more trivial reasons. Matters not, either way.

“Alright, see ya later then,” She continued, and directed those words to her captives. “Izumi. Himeno.”

You could definitely describe this girl as ‘chipper’.

At least now I knew the names of our squad. Izumi being the glasses guy, and Himeno being that ‘insomniac’, not my term, of course. This made things less awkward.

The girl got closer to Miyuki and me.

“Young man. Lady. May the divinity of the 7 gods be with you. You all have my condolences.” She gave her farewell in a very mannered way.

“...”

“What a weird-”

“What a weird-”

Both of us probably wanted to say the same tacky line you probably wouldn't want to hear, when it was about you.

“Hey, where is Tachibani?” Miyuki realises.

“Huh? Oh, you are right, the guy is gone.”

“Thank you for saving us.” Izumi bowed.

“You are thanking them?! My perfect pillow just left.” Sighed Himeno.

“I see you got your priorities straight. Himeno, right?” Miyuki stretches her arm forward. “I am Miyuki.”

I've read in some Progress of the Ancient World (PAW) archives that the people of the old world used to add suffixes to names to show respect. I haven't really dwelled on it too much, but maybe this situation would be quite fitting of honorifics. I guess people find it annoying nowadays…

“Miyuki… Would you be my pillow, please?” Himeno had tears in his eyes at this point, making him look like a child.

“I mean sure, I could-”

“Miyuki!” Himeno ran towards Miyuki with open arms and enveloped her in a huge tight hug. “I won't ever let go.”

“Yeah, sure…”

To be truthfully honest, I got angry, but I don't really know why. Could it be jealousy?

“Nah, that can't be it.” I mutter.

Wait, the name “Himeno” does sound quite feminine and like I said he, or maybe rather she, has very prominent features.

“They say flat is justice.”

“What?”

I look behind me and see Tachibani rambling about something.

“Boobs, Tomi. I am talking about breasts. I don't care what size they are, boobs are life. Think about it.”

“I mean, sure? But why are you telling me this?”

“Well, ya just learned that that good looking guy is a girl, right? I am just telling you how to look at it.”

“Ok?”

I guess I don't have to worry.

“Oh, and another thing; don't you just wanna get molested by one?”

“Dude. What the actual fuck?”

“Oh, well, just me I guess.”

People say you shouldn't judge others, but this just proves them wrong.

Now I have to worry about Tachibani.

“But, I feel really bad for it.”

“Oh, don't worry you will develop your tastes soon enough.”

“I meant the gender thing… Should I go apologize?”

“Why the hell would you be doing that? You didn't even talk to her.”

“I guess, but isn't it a bit rude?”

“Have you even looked at her? Yeah, the chick is more handsome than beautiful, but all the important things are there.”

“...”

“Don't be so gloomy, man. If I got mistaken for a girl, you wouldn't see me complain’.”

“Like you could pull it off.”

I knew this guy was going to be a nuisance, but I guess he is trying to help me.

“Hey. My feelings.”

“You have any?” Joins another voice.

“Shut up, pipsqueak. You a girl or a boy?” Tachibani asked, apparently his bluntness not reaching its heights as of yet.

“Girl.” Himeno says, whilst tightening her embracement of Miyuki.

You could definitely call Himeno a resourceful person of a few words. And social anxiety definitely isn't the reason. I mean could a person even have a slower character development?

Oh, yeah. That would be me…

“Guys, I believe our efficiency would be greatly increased, if we actually did our job.” Joined Izumi.

“Yeah, that is a good suggestion.” I agreed.

And so, our scavenging party came to be, consisting of a dominant woman, a pervert, a sleepyhead, a guy that takes all the job and of course a side character, yours truly.

Although I was in many last-minute groups, I felt disconnected in all of them. This group is weird enough though… That even I can find a company.

Greasy knots can be tied, so it seems.

No.

I am just deluding myself. Retirement is tomorrow and my fate is just.

Ah, huh. Intrusive thoughts, right? Everybody has those, I must surely fit in then. I should be grateful I have this life…

Everyone scattered across this plain field. As to not stand out and get reported, I began to search as well, Izumi being the closest to me, just a few meters away.

After a few moments I really was amazed by the divergence of the scrap pieces. We have a square metal plate and a triangular block of steel. Not into sharp shapes? Then don't be saddened, here take a look! Do you see it? A circular electrical circuit, have you ever seen a circuit this useless? No? Well then you are one of the few lucky people that get to enjoy the nourishing sight of this fine spectacle. When you think about it, this can represent y-

“May I speak to you for a moment?” Asked Izumi.

“Go ahead.”

“Doesn't that guy seem… Quite odd to you?”

“Oh, you mean …”

Damn…

“Well that depends on what you call normal.” I foolishly finish my sentence.

“Well yes, but I am not asking you to debate philosophical questions. His deduction skills are… Admirable, but as a person he sucks. Do you know why I think this guy is so confident?”

Why doesn't he refer to him by his name? I somehow managed to forget the guy’s name. And it also seems that he knew him beforehand.

“Well, looks like you’ve got history with him, tell me then. Also, do you know his name?”

“I couldn't care less about this traitor's name!” he exclaimed quite frantically, which was probably good. Tachiman? Tachihissu? Wait, what if it didn't even start with “Tachi”?

“I think he already received his powers and takes advantage of the ‘scavenger system’.”

Ok, this is weird… I was screaming his name just a few moments ago. Are these early signs of dementia?

“I've heard of this derivation of power called ‘fate seeker’, but it is doubtful that this guy is a berserker class.”

All this is making me dizzy.

“But you do know that your Oscillation class is dependent on your class of bloodian, right? I mean it is decided by chance.” I added this note so I did not appear absent in the conversation. Bachitachi? Banimani?

I feel like I was born just a few moments ago.

“Of course I know that, the archives are available to almost anyone…”

Tachibani! That is his name! I can die peacefully now.

“Look, I don't think that one guy not being in the frontlines is such a big deal. And what do you know? Maybe he has special permission, we can't disprove that can we?” I wasn't trying to sound like a douchebag, but it came out how it came out…

“You don't get it. The shadows aren't the issue, it is that-”

“Tomiki, what have you found so far?” Miyuki asked me while Tachibani stood behind her with his back turned.

“So I have to go again, huh?” It appeared that Izumi was mumbling something to himself.

“Hey, why are you taking so much?” I ask bluntly, there was a certain quota that you had to uphold and, Matop being this uneventful, it wasn’t that much. Nevertheless, what he had was at least twice as much as mine.

“Oh, it is nothing really.”

Izumi took out 2 bags meant as means of transformation to the obtained materials. He proceeded to fill them evenly.

“Guys, you are still here? It is very kind of you to wait, but there was no need.”

After Tachibani woke up Himeno and got almost beaten up by her, we all proceeded to engage in small talk during our way back.

It was harsh to think of not seeing these people ever again, whilst the moments lasted.

We brought the metals back to the Headquarters.