Azumanga Daioh Fan Fiction / School Rumble Fan Fiction ❯ Maiden for Hire: School Rumble Style ❯ Maiden Sacrifice ( Chapter 9 )

Chapter 9 Miko:  Maiden for Hire (Conclusion:  Maiden Sacrifice) The day before Hanai went to see Miko and Mikoto, Mikoto was pretty ill.  Knowing about her sickness, Miko decided to not attend school that day.  She spoke with Hanai and agreed to mind his house, while he’s gone.  When he left, Miko went to recharge, just to be ready.  After she was fully charged, she stepped out and went to Mikoto’s. When she arrived at the Suo Residence, she was very nervous.  She rushed to the door and knocked on it softly.  Her parents opened the door and saw Miko.  They thought it was really their daughter, but Miko then showed them her business card.  They were grateful to see her; they showed her to Mikoto’s room. Mikoto’s mother called out, “Mikoto, someone is here to see you!” She said nothing.  She was in bed, with an allergy.  She was red on the nose and was sneezing and coughing on occasions.  Miko stepped in and saw Mikoto in bed.  She bowed to her and said that she’ll be with her.  Mikoto took a glimpse of her and was shocked. “AHH!”  She shrieked. “Oh, sorry.  Did I scare you?”  Miko asked, “How are you feeling today?” “What the hell are you doing here?”  Mikoto yelled, “Aren’t you supposed to be in school?” Miko then placed Mikoto in bed, trying to make her relaxed. “Now, now, I am only here because I grew worried about you,” she said, “I’m here for your guaranteed service, by making you feel better.” She snatched away her tissues and gave her a fresh box.  She also placed a thermometer in her mouth and told her not to talk right now.  She even gave her some organic orange juice. “Why is she doing this?”  She thought, with her mouth preoccupied, “Did Hanai put her up with this?” “Listen, I heard the whole thing from Tenma and Eri yesterday,” Miko responded, “You had a sickness, and I thought maybe I’ll help you, on account that I am Hanai’s Maiden.” “WHAT?”  She thought, “HOW DID SHE KNOW???” She took the thermometer out and looked at her temperature. “Ooh, 108 degrees,” she said, “You have a fever.  This cannot be right.  You need to stay in bed.” She laid Mikoto down and comforted her.  She began to give her a moist cloth and placed it on her head.  Mikoto tried to take it off, but Miko stopped her. “Mikoto, no,” she said, “If you resist, you’ll fever will be worse off.” “Miko, why are you doing this?”  Mikoto asked. Miko responded, “You see, I was worried about you.  Weeks ago, you saved me from that pervert.  My battery was running low and I couldn’t move.  When I was at 3% power, I saw your face and was happy to see you.  But… when you picked me up, my battery died.  And that was all I could see.” Mikoto then asked, “You’re so nice, trying to give me this treatment.  But why are you doing this?  You’re supposed to be Hanai’s, right?” Miko looked away and was sad, “Mikoto… I wanted to ask you something.  Do you hate me?” Mikoto then smiled, “Oh, now you’re being ridiculous.  I don’t hate you; I just hate Hanai’s actions, since he got you.” “Is that all?” “No, and most importantly, he just like it when he rules the class with an iron fist; or in this case, an iron girl.” “Actually, I’m made of 100% diecast metal.  All Maidens for Hire are sometimes indestructible.” Mikoto got up and continued, “Anyway, I’m just happy that you’re with Hanai.  However, I don’t approve of you being his android lapdog.” Miko nodded, “I understand.  I don’t approve of his motives, either, but it’s in my circuits.  I am a custom model, sans Pleasure Mode.  And under Hanai’s special orders, I cannot back down from them.” Mikoto tried to reach for her, but couldn’t.  She was coughing heavily. Miko laid her down again and said, “Oh, no.  Stop coughing.  I’ll try to make you feel better.” She draped the covers over her and left her room. “You must be very hungry!”  She cheered, “How about some chicken soup?” “Oh, sure,” Mikoto replied, “Just make sure you add more meat to my soup!” “No, Mikoto!”  Miko insisted, “Too much meat could hurt you.  You need a special chicken soup dish that can cure you in hours.” Mikoto thought, “Huh?  What does she mean?” Twenty minutes later, she gave a bowl of soup to Mikoto.  The soup contained chicken, beef, rice, noodles, vegetables, and seasonings, all in chicken broth.  Mikoto took a taste of it.  She took a spoonful and ate some.  She was shocked. “Miko,” she stammered, “It’s… it’s… it’s good!” “Thank you!”  Miko bowed, “It’s our special Maiden Soup.  Whenever our user gets sick, like the mumps, flu, runny nose, hay fever, or other, we prepare a special dish just to cure them.  Sadly, it’s only a 70% chance that user is cured.  This is my first time making a dish for a non-user, namely Master Hanai’s friend.” “Thanks,” Mikoto smiled, “Listen, if I feel better tomorrow, you want to go out together for a walk to El Cado?” “El?  Cado?”  Miko asked in confusion. “Of course, I’ll ask Hanai to see if he’s okay with it,” Mikoto insisted. Miko let out a huge smile and squealed in delight. “Miko, I’m glad you came to my rescue.”  She thought. Of course, Miko stayed with Mikoto until six in the evening. When she returned home, she found the place being a bit dusty.  Miko realized that she must fulfill her master’s wish, or else she’ll be sad.  She grabbed a broom, mop, and sponge and began to clean the entire house.  It only took her 7 minutes, an average of 45 seconds each room.  She was extremely exhausted.  She sat by the plug outlet and plugged herself in. “Recharging… commencing…” She closed her eyes and sat down on the floor.  She was frozen in place, recharging her batteries. Minutes later, Hanai returned from school and found Miko, sitting on the floor, plugged in. “She must be exhausted,” he thought. He went to his room to change. Now we come to the part, where we are NOW close to the end of the Miko arc… The next day, Mikoto was feeling refreshed. “WOW!  That was great!”  She cried out, “I felt better!” She got out of bed and changed into her casual attire.  She grabbed an umbrella and went out the door to Hanai’s. Why an umbrella?  Simple… It was raining. “I knew it would rain,” she thought, “I hope Miko will be okay outside.” At Hanai’s, he went to Miko and asked her about yesterday.  Miko responded that she went to Mikoto’s house, trying to cure her of her nasty fever. “WHAT?  You went to Suo’s, without my permission???”  Hanai barked. “I’m sorry, but Miss Tsukamoto and Miss Sawachika said that she was sick,” Miko responded, “Not only that, she saved me from Nishimoto, so I had to make it up to her.” Hanai then cringed and said in a deep voice, “I see… you wanted to make it up to her and that was when you were ready, since Suo was sick.” Miko nodded. “Well, I don’t approve of you leaving my side,” he stated, “But you came to her, since she’s my friend.” “Correction:  friend/classmate!”  Miko smiled, “And she’s going to take me out, if she is very well.” But, Mikoto knocked at Hanai’s door.  Miko turned to the front door. “I think that’s her now,” she said. She opened the door and saw Mikoto, with a blue umbrella in her hand. “Hey, Miko,” she said, “Are you ready to go?” “Wait!”  Hanai cried, “I don’t think Miko will join you in this storm.” “It’s just a little rain shower,” Miko informed, “Besides, I’m waterproof.  All Maidens are waterproof.  Why do you think we give you baths, wash the dishes, and--?” “Okay!  T.M.I., Miko,” Mikoto interrupted, “You want to come along or not?” “Hold it,” Miko said, as she went close to Mikoto. She felt her forehead with her left hand, while feeling Hanai’s in her right hand. “Good,” she sighed, “You’re feeling better.  I should give you my soup more often.” “Soup?”  Hanai thought. During their walk in the rain, Miko and Mikoto were walking to El Cado.  Hanai joined them, since he owns Miko.  As they were on their way, a spiky-haired boy with a mesh shirt and black jeans went after Hanai.  He tackled him down and began to pummel him.  Mikoto and Miko watched on in horror.  Hanai got up and tried to fight him off, but he was too weak. “Damn!  I cannot feel my legs!”  He groaned. “Oh, no!”  Miko cried, “Hanai was going through some rigorous training.  I told him not to set too much pressure.” Mikoto gave her the umbrella and went after him.  She began to sock him in the face.  She also struck a roundhouse kick to his chest.  He staggered down, but the thug decided to brandish his knife.  He charged at Mikoto.  She let out a scream.  However, Hanai saved her by kicking the knife off his hands.  Miko, however, was in thought. “I can’t believe that these two are so good together,” she thought, “Master Hanai… Mikoto… those two are great friends.  It’s too bad I cannot fight like them.  My only program for violence is self-defense; THAT’S our M.O.” Hanai successfully beat up the thug and held him down. “YAY!  Master Hanai!”  Miko cheered. The thug, however, got up and evaded from Hanai and Mikoto.  He dashed towards Miko and restrained her. “Come one step closer, and your girl here dies!”  He shouted. “Miko!”  Hanai cried. “I wouldn’t hold her, if I were you,” Mikoto scolded. He held Miko’s skirt up and said in a disgusting smirk, “Oh, really?  I’ll bet she’ll be a part of me real soon.  Maybe, if I could fool around with her for a while.” “That can be arranged,” Miko responded, “If you weren’t such filth!” She grabbed the thug by the neck and chokeslammed him into the pavement.  He got up and was in pain. “Sorry, you disgusting monkey!”  Miko bellowed, “No one touches a delicate Maiden for Hire, like me!” The thug got up and dashed off in an act of cowardice. “You’re freaks!”  He shrieked, “I’m outta here!!!” “HEY!”  Hanai cried out. He ran after the thug, but stopped in the middle of the crosswalk.  The thug disappeared, crying in fear. “YEAH, RUN!!!  Let this be a lesson to you about trying to hurt me and my friends!”  He hollered. But then… HONK!  HONK! “HANAI!!!”  Mikoto screeched. A car was running towards Hanai. He couldn’t move out of the crosswalk.  He was petrified in fear. He screamed, as Miko dashed towards him. “MIKO, NO!”  Mikoto screamed. She shoved him out of the way, but… CRASH!!! Miko was struck by the car.  She fell down, completely damaged.  Mikoto looked on in fear, as Hanai got up and found Miko, collapsed on the ground. “MIKO!  MIKO!!!”  He screamed, running towards the damaged Maiden. He cradled her onto his arms and tried to wake her up.  She opened her eyes and saw Hanai.  She let out a smile. “Hanai…” she spoke in a distorted voice. Her body was severely damaged.  Her skin on her left arm was ripped, her right leg was snapped off from her knee, and her face was badly scarred.  Her clothes were all tattered, as well, since she was hit on impact. “Miko!  Speak to me!”  He screamed, with tears in her eyes. “I’m… I’m sorry, Master,” she continued, as she began to fade. “Please!  Don’t die on me!  We can get you repaired!”  He cried out. “Miko…” Mikoto thought, holding her tears, “She saved Hanai’s life, after I saved hers.” She held onto Hanai’s face and said, “Hanai, forgive me.  My actions were too reckless…” She started to spark. “Miko, you didn’t do anything wrong,” he sobbed, “You stopped that sicko from taking you, and you saved me from a car crash.  How can I…?  Miko!  MIKO!!!” He cried on her chest.  She reached for his face and smiled.  Miko then said, as her eyes flickered to black: “Master, even if you tried to fix me, it won’t work.  I just want you to be happy.  Sure, my actions were violent towards those creeps, but I want you to know one thing:  I cared for you, despite my modified programming.  I gave you guaranteed service, and I did.  Seeing you and Mikoto together, it made me feel happy…” Mikoto sobbed a bit, “That’s not it at all…” Hanai then said, “Please don’t go…” “I’m sorry… Ha… nai…” Miko weakly said, as her arms started to drop. She closed her eyes and collapsed on the street.  She died down and was broken.  Tears came down on Hanai’s face, as he hugged the severely broken Miko tightly.  He cried her name over and over, until Mikoto stepped forward, holding the umbrella towards Hanai. “Hanai, I’m sorry,” she said, “She’s gone.” Hanai couldn’t stop crying, as the rain continued to fall. M4H Disclaimer:
As mentioned recently, Maidens are repaired, free of charge, unlike the services for computer and machine repairs.  Sadly, a Maiden’s broken leg, arm, head, etc, is by far unethical.  It would take about weeks or months to rewire a Maiden’s joints; plus, it costs extra. And that would suck. The next day at Hanai’s backyard, Miko, or at least most of her, was inside a cardboard box.  She was lying in the box, with her arms crossed.  It was like she was dead, which she was actually broken.  Hanai and Mikoto, dressed entirely in black, decided to hold a funeral for her, even though he would call the Maidens for Hire Company to pick her up.  They approached the broken robot, with her eyes closed and her body immobilized and broken. “Mikoto,” he said, “I know it feels bad, but… but Miko was a crowning achievement in my life!  She saved me from an accident and she even stopped the perverted carnage!” He sobbed a bit, as Mikoto patted his shoulder. “But, look on the bright side,” he continued in a stern and restrained yell, “Many of our classmates loved her, but she’ll be remembered always for her guaranteed service.  ALWAYS!  NOW AND FOREVER!  Miko, Model #M-780; may she rest in peace, despite the fact that she’s a human-shaped android, programmed for domestic chores!” Mikoto looked at the Maiden and started to swell in tears.  She then remembered everything that she did when she was around.  She also remembered the moment when she came to her house and treated her, when she was sick.  She walked over to Miko and grabbed her white bonnet from her head.  She placed it in her pocket and kneeled down. “Suo!  What are you doing?”  He cried. Mikoto then whispered, “Miko… thank you… you… I…” She grabbed the Maiden and hugged her tightly.  She began to cry on her shoulder.  Mikoto couldn’t stop crying. “Miko…” she wailed, “Goodbye, Miko!  Miko!  No!” Hanai stepped towards Mikoto and said that it was for the best. “Why?”  She sobbed, “Why did she have to die?” “She cannot die,” he said, “But, she can be happy for us now.  Mikoto, there is something I should ask you…” “Say it,” she sobbed, “Before my eyes turn red.” Hanai then told her, “Were you jealous of me or my Maiden?” Mikoto responded, “Neither.  But, it was very creepy to see a robot version of me, being with you.  That’s downright bizarre, even for you.  I thought you might’ve lost it.  But then, when I saw her in action, I said to myself that she would be the NEW Miko Suo.  But I didn’t approve that; not one damn bit.” She placed Miko back into her box and got up, with part of her dress soaked in tears. “Hanai… I’m sorry,” she continued, “But, ever since she came to your life, and our school, I just felt uneasy.  I’m not jealous of her, I’m just not happy to see her!  She looks like me and everything, but why would a robot that resembles me appear in front of my eyes?” “Mikoto, now that was rude of you!”  Hanai bellowed, “I know I cannot replace you, but putting her in this world, by using your exact measurements and voice pattern, was a stroke a genius and a cry for help!  I never meant to hurt you!” “No?” “No!  I’m just tired of the boys ogling at you and the other girls, with the exception of Miss Tsukamoto, of course.” He held her hand and added, “Mikoto, try to understand.  I was a fool to purchase such a beauty as a customized Maiden for Hire!  When I disabled her filthy programming, I might’ve known that it would happen one day!  I, Haruki Hanai, will never again try something like that again!” “But she cared for you!  She cooked for you, cleaned for you, and even protected you!  She saved your life, Hanai!  Can’t you see that?  I’m not saying that you cannot purchase another Maiden for Hire, but I want you to stop this petty crusade.  Miko died a Maiden and a hero, when she saved you!  I want things back to normal, for her sake!” She looked down and was sad.  She walked past Hanai and was sobbing. She then said to him what Miko said to her, when she was sick: “I know it was very nice of Hanai, but I cannot have this sudden violent attack.  Master Hanai is such a great guy, but he really needs to take it easy with his uptight attitude, especially towards his friends and classmates.” Hanai then said, as walked towards Miko, “Suo, you’re right.  I am such a fool!” He closed the box and duct taped it shut.  He even wrote down on a felt tip marker, “Miko – Maiden for Hire #M-780 – R.I.P.” Back to present day, Akira continued the story. “Hanai never changed,” she continued, “He still remembered Miko and decided to continue his crusade to stop the boys from their perverted ways.  Of course, he hardly succeeded now, since he’s still trying to convince Yakumo to be with him.  And as for Mikoto, the accident still cut deep within her heart.  She not only lost a Maiden for Hire, which belonged to the class rep, but she lost a friend.  Ridiculous, it is; but at least it was all true.  Miko eventually returned to the Company, and was never seen again…” Tenma couldn’t stop sobbing, “Oh, Akira, that was so sad…” Akira then asked, “Now do you understand everything?” “No, you’ve done enough,” she said, “Besides, Miko, the robot Mikoto, saved Hanai’s life.  And yet, it was sad.  It was like losing a friend who died of a car accident, plane crash, or even a mugging.” She looked at Mikoto, who was still brooding with the bonnet she had in her hand from Miko.  Tenma was a bit sad. “I wonder if Mikoto will be all right,” she thought. “You know, she’d rather not talk about it,” Akira stated, “But, I guess we should tell Eri the story, someday.” She walked towards Mikoto, as Akira looked at the tarot card she had, during Hanai’s reading that day.  The card was… The Fool. “I guess my prediction was right, after all,” she said. Meanwhile, Tenma held Mikoto with a hug and said that she’ll be all right. “Tenma?”  Mikoto asked. “It’s okay,” she said, “I know how you feel about her.  I’m sorry for Hanai.” “Did Akira tell you that story?”  Mikoto asked. “Yes, and I felt sorry about you and Hanai,” Tenma said, “But, I can’t believe that Hanai was a fool.” Mikoto got up and held Tenma.  She cringed, “He wasn’t the fool!  I was!!!” She cried on Tenma’s shoulder, “No… Miko… why didn’t I save her?  I was a fool!  I didn’t believe Hanai!  And now, she’s gone!  I let her die, and it’s my fault!  I should’ve stopped her, before she ran off!  I wanted to help both of them, but she sacrificed herself!” Tenma comforted her and said with a little tear in her eye, “Shh… it’s okay.  Akira and I felt that way, too.  You didn’t mean to let her die.  Wait, what?” “Yeah, well, Akira forgot to mention one part of the story that I told her,” Mikoto said, “That last part she told you had one part missing and one part wrong.” She then told her what really happened in the end: Mikoto narrated, “After I left, Hanai said that he was a fool for purchasing Miko.  He taped up the box and wrote down the word ‘Miko – Maiden for Hire’.  When he finished, I returned with my face in tears.  I wanted to say it to him… about everything that happened. “Hanai,” she sobbed, “I’m sorry… I cannot hold it any longer!” “Why are you sorry, Suo?” Hanai asked. “I… I… It’s, um…” She then cried out. “I LET HER DIE!!!” She cried on Hanai’s shoulder.  Hanai comforted her. “Mikoto…” he said, “I didn’t know.  You wanted to save her, but you do realize that you would’ve let me die, if you did, right?” “I… I couldn’t react!”  Mikoto cringed, “I didn’t know what I was supposed to do:  save you or save Miko and let you die!  When I saw Miko running to save you, I froze!  I couldn’t budge!  If it were me, Miko would still be here, and you’d be alive!” Hanai then said, “It’s okay, Mikoto.  As long as you admit it, everything is okay now.  Miko is gone forever, but I still have you.  In fact, I care for you mostly, almost as much as Yakumo, but it doesn’t matter.  I will not let you get it to your head.  So, please forget about it and move on.  Do it for Miko; it’s what she wanted, like you said.” Mikoto continued to cry, as Hanai looked at the sealed-up box. She sobbed, “It’s my fault… no, Miko… No!  Why?  No, no…” Hanai then thought, as he patted her shoulder, “Mikoto… it wasn’t your fault at all.” “To this day,” Mikoto continued, “I hold a part of her to remember the moments Hanai and I had with her.  Miko was a great Maiden for Hire, but now, she’s scrap metal.  And every time I look at it, whenever Hanai goes into his fits, I carefully hold Miko’s bonnet tight, trying to be strong.  Hanai activated Miko, then Miko helped Hanai, then I saved her from Nishimoto, then she saved me from a sudden illness, and then she saved Hanai and died.  Though, I guess now… now… (Sniff) …now I have to move on, for her sake.  Miko died… because of me.” She sniffled, as Tenma began to whimper, “Oh, Mikoto!  Miko--!  WAH!!!” She couldn’t stop bawling.  Mikoto grew a bit annoyed, but was relieved. “It’s okay, Tenma.  Don’t cry,” she said, “I know it was sad, but…” She held her and comforted her, as Tenma continued to blubber.  She then remembered the image of Miko’s smile. “Miko,” she whispered, “Goodbye…” Eri arrived and saw Tenma crying. “Mikoto, did you make Tenma cry again?”  She sneered. “WHA?  DON’T GET ANY MISTAKES!!!”  Mikoto shouted, “Geez, ruin the moment, will you?” Tenma grabbed Eri and cried about Miko. “Miko?!  Who’s Miko?”  Eri asked. “You don’t remember?!  I think I should tell you about her,” Mikoto said. Eri asked, “Her who?” She then sat down with Eri and told the story to her, that she told Akira, who told Tenma, of how Hanai’s Maiden for Hire, Miko, and how she saved his life and Mikoto’s. Of course, we’ve already heard it.  But I think we’ll know the reaction from Eri about what happened that day, don’t you think? Miko: Maiden for Hire – The End Later that afternoon, Harima was sitting in his desk, reading a comic book.  Eri approached him and asked him for his phone. “Why?  You got your own,” he snapped. “My phone’s dead,” Eri responded, “Besides, I needed to make an emergency call to Nakamura.” He gave her his cell phone.  But when she grabbed the phone, Harima heard some interference sounds from her. “Thanks, Whiskers,” she smiled. As she walked away, Harima then thought, “Have I been had?  Her cell phone was working!  All I heard was static from my ears!  She’s trying to waste my Anytime Minutes!  Damn that Rich Girl!!!” But as he got up from his desk, Miss Itoko Osakabe, Harima’s cousin/teacher, stopped him.  She wanted to speak to him about a package that she got this morning. “A package?”  Harima thought. “I know it sounds weird, but somehow it arrived at our house,” she said, “Marked to you and it was very big.” “What did I get?”  Harima asked. “Well, you’ll find out after school,” she said, “I think you’ll be surprised.” Harima was confused.  What package did he get? Two down, one to go…
“Eri: Maiden for Hire” is coming up, but for now, stay tuned for the next chapter for a special side story about a newer Maiden.