Azumanga Daioh Fan Fiction / School Rumble Fan Fiction ❯ Maiden for Hire: School Rumble Style ❯ Yakumo's Jealously ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter 4 Yakumo: Maiden for Hire (Part 4:  Yakumo’s Jealousy) Later that night, Yakumo arrived at the church.  She rolled to the front gate and knocked on the door.  Sara, who was dressed in a red Chinese girl costume and her long hair flowing, opened the door.  She let Yakumo in, as she rolled her way in. “Welcome, Yakumo,” she introduced, “We’ve been expecting you.” “Uh, thanks.  Say, why are you dressed like that?”  Yakumo asked. “Oh, this?”  Sara replied, “This is my uniform.” “Take it off,” Yakumo said, “It’s wrong to wear it here.” Sara smiled, “Oh, it’s okay.  It’s my usual attire, unlike my school uniform.” Yakumo then let out a gasp, realizing something, “Sara… please don’t tell me… that you’re…” “A Maiden for Hire?”  A voice called, “Yes.” Another Sara came out, dressed in her nunnery attire.  It was the real Sara Adiemus. “Sara?  What’s going on?”  She cried. The real Sara then kneeled down and said, “It’s simple.  I was at home all week.  I decided I wanted to have someone fill in for me.  That’s why this service came to me in a flash.  However, I chose the custom model, just to make sure that she looks like me.  And what’s more special is that her uniform reminds me of the same uniform I wore at my part-time job.” The Maiden Sara bowed and introduced herself, “I’m Model #71R1H; my name is Sara.” Yakumo was white as a sheet.  “I… I don’t un--.” Sara then said, “Sara and I are here to help you.  We can work it out.  Your jealously has risen towards that Maiden of yours, and we thought that you would practice on another Maiden.” “She’s right,” the Maiden added, “And when you feel better, you can tell your Maiden Yakumo the truth about you.  Once I become useful to you, you’ll never be jealous again.” Yakumo nodded and then asked, “Uh, Sara… I’m confused.  If you were gone a whole week, then why did you bought a Maiden for Hire that looked exactly like you?” Sara lifted part of her skirt and showed her bandaged left knee.  Yakumo gasped. “And that’s not all… I had a bruised hip, a fractured ankle, and broken arm.  I was also paralyzed on most of my right side.  I couldn’t move for at least a week or two,” she continued, “I was immobile.” “And that’s when you decided to buy a Maiden,” Yakumo said. “Actually, Asou helped me,” Sara responded, “When he helped me to the Maidens for Hire Compound, I insisted on a custom model, the minute the tour guide mentioned it.” “But, how did you injure yourself?”  Yakumo asked. Sara said nothing.  The Maiden Sara, however, explained to her, “It was an accident at her school, six weeks ago.  She was busy putting away the P.E. equipment, but they were stacked too high.  And then, it suddenly fell all over her.  The teachers found her out cold and sent her away.  Luckily, she lived, but they said that she was broken and paralyzed.  The accident was severe, but not serious.  It would be okay in a month or so.  She didn’t want to talk about it, since then.” Sara then continued, “You see, after I got the Maiden, she was doing the same stuff that I do around my home: cooking, cleaning, maintenance, and others.  Of course, to make sure she’s like me, all programming that’s adult-like was disabled.  Like you, I was jealous that she’s replacing me; but…” She then explained how she was jealous with Maiden: The Maiden Sara comforted Sara, who was no longer paralyzed at the time, but her knee remained bandaged.  All throughout her services, she let out a smile towards her Maiden. “Miss Sara, you must be happy since you have me for two weeks now,” she explained, “You should be healed soon, right?  Your paralysis is gone, but your bones aren’t healed.  When you’re fully healed, we’ll get you walking.” Sara said nothing, but sighed. “Sara, I want to thank you for your help… but,” she said in a worried state, “But it feels like… it feels like… it’s just…” She started to cry.  The robot hugged her and cheered her up. “I cannot stand it!  I’m a fraud!  I grew jealous of you, the minute I created you!”  She whimpered, “I can’t believe I said that!” The Maiden Sara responded, “There, there.  Don’t cry.  To be honest, when you disabled my Pleasure Mode, I felt like I was like you, and it makes me happy.  You see, when you were still injured, I wanted to continue your life.  Two weeks didn’t go by too fast, but at least I am happy for you.  I am your Maiden for Hire, and proud of it.  There’s no need to be envious of me.  In your words, it’s a sin.” Sara wiped her tears and exclaimed, “Oh!  You’re right!  And here I thought that you might replace me!  I’m sorry.  But it almost makes me feel like I should’ve have convinced myself to create you.” “But I did, in a good way,” the Maiden smiled, “I just wanted to be a good person, just like you.  Being you on the outside was a privilege.  But being you on the inside, it could be difficult.” Sara grinned, and had an idea, “You’ve just made me hatch an idea.  What do you say we make things right for the both of us?” “Sounds interesting, and since I am your Maiden, I’ll do as you say,” the Maiden reacted. “So, I decided to reprogram her into thinking that she was me,” Sara exclaimed to Yakumo, “And that was when she filled in for me, to work and school, for the remainder of my injured state.  Everything that is me was built in:  my looks, my feelings, my personality, and everything else.” “What does that have to do with me?”  Yakumo cried. “The Maiden you see here was a life-saver,” Sara responded, “Not only she cured me of my inner feelings, but she and I became fast friends.  And hey, with 2,000 Yen a month, the bonding hadn’t died.” She held onto her and said, “I think it’s time you try to break free from your inner hatred.” “I… I don’t hate my Maiden,” Yakumo whispered, “I just… don’t like her… to…” “Huh?” Yakumo then shouted, “I DON’T LIKE HER AS A REPLACEMENT!!!” She was fuming.  The Maiden Sara then rubbed her shoulders, trying to relieve her tension. “Sara, I think she needs to practice first,” the Maiden reacted, “Shall I accompany her to your house?” “Sure.  I need to lock up for the night,” Sara responded, “Don’t be too late or your battery will fade.” “Yes, Miss,” the Sara Maiden bowed. Sara then instructed to her Maiden to not hurt Yakumo.  She concurred and rolled Yakumo to the exit. “Sara, I hope you know what you are doing,” Yakumo said. The Maiden Sara responded, “Remember our motto:  Guaranteed service!” The next morning, Tenma sat by the Maiden Yakumo, who was recharging.  She was very concerned about her sister, who didn’t come home last night. “Yakumo hasn’t come home yet,” she thought. She held onto robot Yakumo and started to grow sad. “Gee, I tried to call Sara, but she wasn’t home,” she said, “It’s not like her.  Why is my sister so late?” The Maiden woke up and saw Tenma by her side.  She gave a kiss in the cheek. “Good morning, Tenma,” she said. She looked up and asked, “Oh, it’s you.  How long did you listened to me?” The Maiden Yakumo replied, “I just woke up.” She then got up and went to the kitchen to make breakfast.  Tenma then thought that maybe it has something to do with Yakumo and the maiden.  She went to the table and tried to ask her something. “Yakumo robot,” she asked, “Do you think that her being gone for the night at Sara’s, might have something to do with you, the other day?” The maiden exclaimed, “Uh, not really.  Yakumo just caught me by surprise.  Plus, she said some bad language that she wasn’t supposed to say.” “Oh, Yakumo is going through those phases,” Tenma remarked. Just then, Yakumo returned, all calm like.  She then asked Tenma if she could talk to the Maiden alone.  Tenma agreed.  Yakumo had something to say to the robot. “Yakumo… I know I’m not supposed to have you here, but I wanted to apologize for yesterday.  My outlandish behavior was too rude for my heart.” The Maiden replied, “You didn’t do anything.  You yelled at me, but you’ve managed to admit it.” Yakumo then giggled, “Well, let’s just say this:  If I ever grew angry at you, I’ll come right down and say it to you, first-hand.” “Huh?” “Well, at first I was jealous of you,” Yakumo said, “But since then, you wanted me to feel better.  I know that if I was injured and had to do all the work you’re doing now, I’d be ashamed of myself.” The robot Yakumo then said, “Aw, you’re just saying that to make me stand aside.  Besides, I knew you were jealous all along.” She then held her hand and insisted, “Please, for your sake, let me do the chores for you, until your leg is healed.  And I’ll try my best to not make a pass at you.” “Okay, I promise,” she smiled, “But try not to make Tenma hurt.” They both laughed and agreed to keep it friendly.  Tenma listened in the whole time, and was happy. “That’s my kid sister, Yakumo!”  She smiled, “I’m glad that we’ll have two Yakumos.” The following week, Yakumo was freed from her cast.  She was able to walk again.  She then went over to Tenma to deliver the good news.  However… “Yakumo, we need to talk,” she said, “I want to speak to you and the Maiden Yakumo alone.” Yakumo was concerned. “Tenma…” That afternoon, the sisters and the robot sat together in the kokatsu.  Tenma made her announcement, by placing the 2,000 Yen on the table.  The robot took it, just to pay off the month. “Now that that’s out of the way, I want to speak about Yakumo the mechanical maid,” she smiled, “For the past month we have been through a lot.  You were malfunctioning, so we fixed you; you spent time with Harima, so you provided guaranteed service for him as a guest.  Let’s review your PROs and CONs, in which I, Tenma Tsukamoto, took the liberty of writing.” Tenma held up a sheet of paper and read out the PROs and CONs: PRO:  You provided good service.  You like to cook and clean.  You even fed Iori. CON:  You have Pleasure Mode, which is forbidden in this household.  Yakumo is 15 and I’m 17! PRO:  You make delicious cuisines. CON:  You break down on occasions, to which… …PRO:  We repair you for free! CON:  You have somewhat of a problem with Yakumo. But, PRO:  You and her patched things up. CON:  And this is a big CON; you’re only here, until Yakumo is healed. Tenma placed the paper down.  She then cleared her throat and made her decision. “Yaku-bot!”  She called. “Yaku-bot?!”  Both Yakumos thought. “I have made my decision, since my sister is healed,” Tenma declared. A hush came in the room.  Tenma’s words moved both Yakumos. “You can stay!”  She cheered, “I’m so happy to have two Yakumos in the house!” The maiden was ecstatic, while the real Yakumo was shocked. “Sis?  Are you kidding me?”  She gasped, “Why… I… well, it’s, um…” “Aw, sis,” Tenma smiled, placing her hand on Yakumo, “I overheard your jealously stunt!  I know it’s tough, but let’s face it; you deserve a break now and then.  Besides, in the event Yakumobot decides to recharge or in need of repairs, it’s your turn.” Yakumo bit her lip and was cringing. “It’s not it…” she whimpered, “I… I… I am jealous of her.  I… I don’t want to…” She turned to the robot and said, “I, uh… I know you’re all for great service, but… I don’t know…” The Maiden replied, “It’s okay.  I’m here for your guaranteed ser--.” “SHUT UP!”  Yakumo shouted angrily. It seems her jealously wasn’t the only feeling she hid.  It was anger. “Look at you!  You think you can treat my sister with respect?  That’s my job!  I love her, even if she’s a dimwitted boob!  She’s still my sister, and I cannot have some overzealous robo-me take her away from me!” “YAKUMO!”  Tenma scolded, “Be nice to her!” Yakumo turned away in tears. “I…” she whispered, “I hate you…” “Yakumo?”  Tenma asked, “What’s wrong?” She turned to the Maiden and shouted, “I HATE YOU SO MUCH!!!  YOU CANNOT HAVE MY SISTER!!!  JUST GO AWAY!!!” She ran out of the living room and into her room.  She shut the door and hid inside there.  Tenma was shocked.  She heard Yakumo’s sobbing from behind the door. “Yakumo…” she thought, “What’s wrong with her?” The Maiden asked, “Shall I comfort her?  I think it’s best if we cheer her up.” “NO!”  Tenma shouted, “It’s my fault.  I wanted to tell her sooner, but… I never thought she’d end up like that.  The same thing occurred when we were young.” The Maiden asked, “Was Yakumo a bad child?” “No, but she was always a mean little sister, when she and I were young,” she stated, “Then one day, she was nice to me, after I destroyed her book she got from father.  Of course, I bought a new book, after I destroyed it.” “Oh, how sad,” she said. “And now… it’s repeating,” she cringed, “Except that she’s mad at you, and not me.” She went to the door and wanted to speak to Yakumo. “May I come with you?”  The Yakumo robot inquired, “This is partially my fault, as well.” “No, please stay outside,” Tenma insisted, “I’ll handle this.” She knocked on the door. “Yakumo… little sister?”  Tenma called out. “Go away!”  Yakumo whimpered. “It’s all right.  I’m alone,” she called out. “I’m not coming out until that robot is gone!”  She screamed, “I wish I never had a maid!” She opened the door and went inside her room.  She saw Yakumo by the doorway, sitting on the floor, crying. “Yakumo…” “Tenma,” she whimpered, “You should’ve asked me.  I wanted to be happy with you!  And when she came along, I felt like I was being replaced!” She cried on Tenma’s shoulder. “And… and I feared that you were being very friendly towards her,” she continued, “Sara taught me to admit my feelings about you, but I had so much frustration about Yakumo Maiden that I… that I…” “Aw, come on, don’t cry, sis,” Tenma said. Yakumo cried, “No!  I just had those emotions hidden inside of me.  At first I was happy, but now… you’re replacing me with… a machine!  A MACHINE!” She wailed on Tenma’s chest, “WHY?  Why did you have to pick her?  I would’ve said no, but I thought it would be like the old days.  But then, she did ALL the chores, she helped Harima with his comic, and she even took a bath with you… I just couldn’t… WAH!  I hate you, you machine!” She kept repeating “I don’t want to be replaced” over and over again, as Tenma was saddened by her remarks. “Is that what this is about?”  Tenma asked, “You mean the reason is because… NO WAY!” Yakumo nodded, “It’s true.  But what was I supposed to do?  You’re supposed to be the big sister!” “Look, Yakumo, it’s all right,” she added, “I never knew you had that much anger.  If you wanted her to leave, you should’ve asked.  Besides, when I took a glimpse of your robot double, I said that she’s perfect!  You were injured and I cannot stand by and see you slouch around.  I wanted a simulation of Yakumo, not the real thing on a bum leg!  After all, it was you that suggested I’d get a Maiden for Hire.” Yakumo realized it and was right, “Tenma, I’m… I’m…” The robot entered her room and said, “There’s no need to continue. I heard the whole thing.” She held Yakumo and hugged her, “I didn’t know you hated me.  I would’ve left the minute you said it.” “Yakumo,” the real Yakumo said, “I’m sorry.” They both closed their eyes and embraced their hug.  Tenma watched on and was smiling. “You know, for a maiden who looked like me, you sure are warm,” Yakumo smiled. The Maiden replied, “Thank you.  You’re so nice…” Her eyes started to fade.  Her arm started to drop.  Tenma then was scared. “Listen, I’m sorry,” Yakumo said, “But… will you please stay?  I’ll be nice and honest to you from now on.  I won’t make you hurt towards me again.” She looked at the Maiden, who was very sleepy. “Yakumo?” The maiden spoke in a weak voice, “Yakumo… I’m… so… glad.  Thank… you.” She collapsed on Yakumo’s arms. “NO!”  Tenma cried. Yakumo tried to wake her up, “YAKUMO!  Hey, Maiden Me!!  Wake up!  WAKE UP!” She swelled up in tears and hugged her tight. “NO!  She’s gone!  She’s gone!”  She sobbed, “Why?  It’s my fault!  I broke her!” Tenma then looked at the meter in her waist and found the problem:  her battery has died. “Oh, Yakumo,” Tenma smiled, “Dry those tears!  It’s nothing bad.  She just forgot to recharge.” “Oh?”  Yakumo wiped her tears. “Don’t worry!  I’ll help you!”  Tenma cheered, “I’m happy to help you save your Maiden!” She was about to plug her in, when Yakumo threw her to the floor.  She stood and called out to Tenma: “TENMA!  NO!” What’s this?  Has Yakumo Tsukamoto put her foot down about her Maiden, or does she want to say something about the Maiden, very nicely? Find out, as the conclusion of the “Yakumo Arc” will begin… in the next chapter.