Azumanga Daioh Fan Fiction / School Rumble Fan Fiction ❯ Maiden for Hire: School Rumble Style ❯ Meet Yakumo ( Chapter 1 )

Chapter 1 Yakumo: Maiden for Hire (Part 1: Meet Yakumo) The next day, Tenma, Yakumo, and Eri were driving to the Maiden for Hire Compound in downtown Yagami. “I can’t believe you’re going through with this,” Eri said, “You two are surely desperate about your decision.  You should be better off trying to obtain Misaru’s services.” “I’m sorry, Eri,” Tenma responded, “But it was either this or your maid, and I believe she’s better off with you.” “Tenma, Misaru is a--.” “Uh, girls,” Yakumo asked, “How far do you think we’ll be to get to the compound?” “Why would you ask that?”  Eri snuffed, “You should’ve been better off hiring Misaru!  I don’t get you at all, Yakumo.” Nakamaru, who was driving the limousine, responded to the ladies, “Miss Eri, we should be there in about five minutes.” “Thanks, Nakamura,” Eri said. As they head to their destination, Yakumo was rather confused. “Say, Eri-senpai,” she asked Eri, “Did you get a promo tape of Maidens for Hire?” “I did,” she replied, “But it seems I wasn’t interested.  When Nakamura heard whim of it, he suggested that I needed more help.  I utterly refuse to have technology or automation becoming my servants.” She let out an evil sneer and added, “Although, I could give the services to Whiskers, since he’s nothing more than a pig.” The sisters were confused as Eri laughed boisterous.  The limo arrived at the huge building. “Miss Eri, we have arrived at the Maidens for Hire compound,” Nakamura announced. Tenma and Eri walked to the front gate, while Nakamura rolled Yakumo, who was in her wheelchair.  Tenma approached the receptionist’s gate and asked if they wanted to see the boss. “And who might you be?”  The receptionist asked. “We happened to be first-time customers,” Tenma said in a proud manner. “Please wait a moment, ma’am,” she said as she approached the phone. She called her supervisor and was granted to give them a clearance. “You may wait a couple of minutes, Miss, um,” she said to Tenma. “Uh, Tenma Tsukamoto, ma’am.  We won’t be long.” “Well, the boss is currently on break.  Take a seat and a supervisor will be with you shortly,” she added. “I’m afraid only three of us will take a seat,” Nakamura stated, “One of us is currently incapacitated.” “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, sir,” the receptionist said, “We’ll have it taken care of.” Tenma, Eri, and Nakamura took their seat, while Yakumo, in her wheelchair, was placed next to Tenma’s seat. Minutes later, the supervisor, dressed in a red-orange maid outfit and with short brown hair and an ample bust, arrived with a clipboard. “Tsukamoto!  Tenma Tsukamoto!”  She called out. Tenma got up and said, “I am.” Eri thought, “So, this must be a Maiden.” The maiden bowed introduced herself, “Hello to you, ladies and gentleman.  My name is Tomo. I am a Maiden for Hire.  My job is to cook, clean, and do anything you desire.  However, Miss Mizuhara has appointed me as head supervisor of the Yagami branch of Maidens for Hire.  Miss Mizuhara is unable to appear at the time, so I will show you around.” “Oh, you look cute,” Tenma said as she blushed. “So, what do you do in your Maidens for Hire?”  Yakumo asked. Tomo replied, “I’m glad you ask!  We, at Maidens for Hire, are all happy for your guaranteed service.  All purchases of Maidens for Hire are required here.  We are an exclusive company.” “Go on,” Eri said. Tomo continued, “We are programmed for domesticated purposes.  All we do around here is cook and clean for you; even entertain.  These Maidens are working at full capacity.  As one of the original models, I am somewhat in working order.  However, Miss Mizuhara proclaimed me as outdated.  So, she gave me job here, just so I won’t get scrapped.” “So, you are a retired Maiden?”  Tenma asked. “Yes, I am,” she responded, “But I don’t remember how or why I was created as a Maiden.  Oh, well!  Miss Mizuhara wiped my memory clean, anyway.” She then grabbed Tenma’s hand and said, “So, shall I show you the grand tour, before your purchase?” “I’m not the one who wants a Maiden!”  Tenma snapped, “It’s for my sister!” “Who?”  Tomo asked. She looked at Yakumo, who was in her wheelchair, with a cast on her left leg. “Oh… I’m sorry,” Tomo said in a sad look, “We, at Maidens for Hire, can help people; even the ones who are injured or disabled.” Eri then sneered, “What a dumb rule.  Say, do you maidens ever create male maidens?” “Apologies, but no,” Tomo replied, “All the Maidens are female.  We’d never go that far.  If we were to make a male Maiden, then we can call it “Maidens and Butlers for Hire”.” Nakamura stated, “I can live with that.” He bowed to Tomo and asked, “If it is all right with you, Miss Tomo Maiden, if we should be given the grand tour?” “Well, it’s kind of short, since all we could do is build and present,” she said, “But okay!” Tomo then ordered the others to follow her.  They kindly obliged. Up on the corridor, Tomo showed them, from the view, the assembly line that produced many maidens.  Each of the maidens, dressed in white outfits, were rolling in a conveyor belt, getting dolled up, fitted into their maiden outfits, and downloading their Maiden programming into their electronic brains. “This is our assembly line, where we produced the finest Maidens in the world,” Tomo explained, “It is also where we test their body size, to make sure they are not too freaky looking.” “Oh, like when you have very big breasts?”  Eri asked. “Exactly.  Our Maidens can go up to D-cup breast size,” Tomo answered, “But we have limitations on what they would look like.” A Maiden with long blue hair and a misshapen body was thrown into a pile of defective Maidens. “See what I mean?”  Tomo said, “After defective models are produced, they are dismantled and being reused for newer Maidens.  We try our best to perform guaranteed quality service.” Tenma then asked, “Well, that is very awesome to create such girls.  Do they always have to be created in different forms?” “Not really,” Tomo replied, “We have custom-made Maidens, requested by some users.  It rarely happens, but it makes the user very happy.” Eri then snapped, “Oh, really?  Next you’ll tell me that these maid robots get shipped off, after being built.” “You’re way wrong, young lady,” Tomo remarked, “After the Maiden is built, we test them to see if they can perform the job.” She led them to the Maiden for Hire testing room, which is located next door.  In there, a Maiden with red hair, done up in a ponytail, and wearing a mauve maid outfit, was cleaning a room in break neck speed. “My word,” Nakamura gasped. “WOW!  She’s like some sort of machine!”  Tenma cried. “They are machines, Tenma,” Eri muttered. “As each maiden is tested,” Tomo exclaimed, “They are set a time limit to be performed their fastest time.  If it is less than 30 seconds, they are perfect Maidens; if about 45 seconds to a minute, they are at 100% working order, but with a few slow movements.  But, if the Maiden can go exactly 3 minutes or slower, they are rejected, and will have to be tested again to improve.” DING! “What was that?”  Yakumo asked. “Ah!  Model # 198M1 is finished!”  Tomo cheered. The elapsed time was shown:  2 minutes, 6 seconds. “Wonderful,” she announced, “But it needs improvement on speed.  Acceptable!” “Why are you accepting her?”  Eri asked, “You know she is slow.” “I know, but we have a code to make sure our Maidens for Hire are fast,” Tomo remarked, “Sadly, two minutes is fair, but passable.  If her battery died down before the final second, it wouldn’t be right.” “How come?”  Tenma asked. “Well, we Maidens have a battery life that can last up to 8 hours, give or take,” Tomo said, “That’s why we plug ourselves in overnight, when the user is sleeping or going out.” Yakumo inquired, “Will it only work if their power is fading?” “It will.  The Maidens are notified by their circuits that it’ll be time to recharge,” she said. Tomo then showed them another testing room, with a DING going off; but, this time, with a Maiden completing a room in 3 minutes and 7 seconds.  She shook her head and went to the microphone. “Model #K8R0S1W2, you have failed your task passing the elapsed time limit!”  Tomo cried, “Rejected!” The Maiden was dragged away by metal arms, screaming to Tomo to spare her. “Oh, sad days for Maidens, when they cannot do the job right,” she sobbed, “I learned that the hard way… Koyomi.” Eri cleared her throat and said, “Um, not to ruin your moment, but we should be going soon.” “Not without my Maiden,” Yakumo proclaimed. Tomo then showed them a huge room, where the Maidens are manufactured.  They are all displayed deactivated, in a seated position, with their eyes closed. “Look around,” she announced, “Remember, you can only choose one per customer.” “One is all we need,” Tenma smiled. She then grabbed Yakumo and wheeled her around the line.  She then tried to find a Maiden suitable for her.  But every Maiden she looked at, she didn’t approve.  Eri, however, grew angered by it. “Geez, how can any man purchase such a mere Maiden?”  She thought aloud, holding herself tight, “This feels creepy.” “Miss, uh, blonde girl,” Tomo asked, “Are you looking for a Maiden yourself?” “No, and why should I?”  She huffed, “How do I know they are in working condition?” Tomo looked down in sadness, “Well, you see, there was some bad merchandise we sold in the past.  Namely a Maiden we sold, which her name was Model #715154716: Sakaki Model.  She was one of our original models, and a defective one at that, who went on a psychopathic rage on her users… twice!  One was a high school teacher, who purchased her, but she was infatuated by his wife.  And then there was a young woman who was mistakenly sold to her, but she ended up making out with her high school crush, causing her to malfunction and go killing machine on them.” “Is she still around?”  Eri asked. “No.  You see, she was set for dismantling,” Tomo continued, “But she ended up being sold.  When she was going after those two women, she ended up overheating herself, causing her to destroy herself.  Luckily, we improved our Maiden assembly, hoping that this matter cannot be repeated.” Eri was concerned about it.  She then said, “Well, your boss was a really great woman, and I hope you could be able to improve your services.” “Thank you,” Tomo smiled. “Eri!  Come quick!!!”  Tenma called out, “Yakumo found her!” Eri and Tomo ran to where Tenma is.  When they arrived, they found Yakumo in awe of a Maiden, wearing a rose pink maid outfit with orange frills.  The Maiden had black hair and a cute face.  In fact, she looked exactly like Yakumo. “Oh, my god!”  Eri cried, “The Tsukamoto clan is multiplying!” “No, they’re not, Miss Eri,” Nakamura replied, “This is how these Maidens are produced.  Sometimes, they can look like the same person; pretty much a coincidence, don’t you think?” Eri was shocked.  Her face turned white, imagining a Maiden that looked like her. “She’s beautiful,” Yakumo whispered, “We’ll take her.” Tomo then examined her and said, “Hmm… Model #Y15860: Yakumo model; a classy model, but a cute one to boot.  Her name is Yakumo, and she has everything in her programming to please you.” “Tenma, this Maiden has the same name as you!”  She squealed. Yakumo gasped, “What a surprise.” Eri groaned, “What a waste.” Tomo was given the address to the Tsukamoto house.  She was also given the 2,000 Yen to start off with, by Eri. “Thank you for your purchase, Miss Tsukamoto and Miss Tsukamoto,” she bowed, “Your Maiden will arrive in two weeks.” “Two weeks?”  Tenma gasped, “I can’t wait that long!” “Sis, it’s all right,” Yakumo said, “Just as long as she can help us.  Besides, someone has to fill in for me when I am incapacitated.” Eri then escorted her to the limousine.  Tenma then asked Tomo if she was available. “Sorry,” Tomo stated, “As I mentioned before, I am a retired model.  Although my reasons are unknown, I can no longer provide you services.” Tenma then smiled and said, “Well, glad to hear it.  I’ll be happy to give you a gold watch, when I visit you again.” Tomo didn’t get what Tenma said, but I think she wants to give her a retirement gift. Two weeks later, a huge package arrived at the Tsukamoto household.  Tenma opened the door and saw the package in the doorstep.  She tried to grab it, except that the delivery man stopped her.  He presented Tenma with a clipboard.  She signed it and brought the package in. “Yakumo!  The Yakumo Maiden for Hire has arrived!”  Tenma cried out. “Coming!”  Yakumo called back. Yakumo arrived, walking in crutches.  She saw the package and was happy.  They opened the box and saw the Maiden, with her eyes closed.  Yakumo pulled her Maiden double out and stood her straight.  She plugged her in and said to Tenma, “I plugged her in, just in case.” Tenma pulled out the instruction manual from the box. “Say, Yakumo,” she said, “Listen to this.  This will tell you how to start up your Maiden.” She read out the instructions: “Congratulations on your Maiden for Hire, Model #Y15860.  She will cook for you, clean for you, and anything else that you desire.  To activate, in these easy-to-follow instructions:  First, plug her in.  Check!  Next, you must find the red button located on the back of her neck.  When you see it, press it.” “That’s it?”  Tenma pouted, “That’s all we need to do?” Yakumo then found the button on her Maiden’s neck.  She pressed it and the Maiden started to shake and make noises.  Tenma was terrified. “Yakumo!  What’s happening???”  She cried. Her LED eyes opened and glowed in a sharp blue color.  She turned to Tenma and Yakumo and bowed to them.  They bowed back. She spoke in a similar voice like Yakumo, except with a cheerful and polite tone, “Thank you for your purchase of me, Model #Y15860.  My name is Yakumo.  I am your Maiden for Hire.” “Oh, hello, Yakumo!”  Tenma smiled and introduced herself and Yakumo, “I’m Tenma Tsukamoto, and this is Yakumo Tsukamoto, my little sister.” “What a surprise, you have the same name and looks as me,” the Maiden smiled, “In any case, it’s nice to meet you both.  I am here for your guaranteed service.  I will cook for you, clean for you, and anything else you desire.” “Thank you,” Yakumo said, “But before you begin, we must explain why you are here.” She then explained to the robot Yakumo about her recent injury.  She said that she has about a month to go before she could be at 100% percent. “I understand,” she said, “Miss Yakumo Tsukamoto, currently injured.  I will tend to your every whim.  Just say the word and you’ll be in need of my services.” “Thank you, uh, Yakumo,” she smiled, “Now I would like to show you around, if you don’t mind.” The Yakumo Maiden then suggested, “No can do.  At your peak, you cannot move around.  Allow me to escort you to your room.” “Never mind, Yakumo,” Tenma said, “I’ll show her around.  You go to your room and rest.  Think of it as the start of your vacation.” Yakumo grew worried, as Tenma showed the Maiden around the house. “I’m worried about this Maiden,” she thought, “She looks like me, talks like me, and even acts like me …almost.” She then read Tenma’s thoughts: “Cool!  A Yakumo Maid Robot!  I cannot wait until Yakumo is better, so I can ask her to keep it.” She gasped and learned that she could keep her. “But that’s not fair!”  She thought, “She said this was only for until I am fully healed!  I’m surprised that she’s happy, but could she be…?” She walked to her room, in crutches, and sat down on the bed.  Will Yakumo accept new Maiden for Hire, or is she going to regret it, since Tenma is fond of her? Find out in the next chapter…