Azumanga Daioh Fan Fiction / School Rumble Fan Fiction ❯ Maiden for Hire: School Rumble Style ❯ The Singing Maiden ( Chapter 10 )

Chapter 10 The Singing Maiden Following Miko’s arrival, Kyosuke Imadori wanted a Maiden of his own.  But just after Imadori met Miko the first time, when she arrived, he was dragged out.  However, his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Karin Ichijou, have heard whim of the Maidens for Hire.  She was to get one for her own, but… Looking back, before Miko was introduced to school… Imadori arrived back to school, upset over the fact that he cannot get a Maiden for Hire.  Karin noticed him and asked him. “Hey, Imadori, what’s wrong?”  She asked. “Oh, it’s nothing,” he said, “Stupid Maidens aren’t even good enough for me…” “Oh?  Is that what this is about?”  She insisted, “Tell me about it.  I think maybe I can help you, even for someone like you.” He then told her about what he did at the Yagami Maidens for Hire Company; at the time, it was hours after Hanai bought Miko: “It started when I heard that Hanai got a Maiden for Hire.  And from what I heard is that she’s a spitting image of Mikoto.  Well, I was going to sign up for one, as well, but I couldn’t get through the gate.  The guards noticed me as a pervert or a stalker.  I asked if I wanted to give a tour about their factory, but they just booted me out.” He then imagined what the Maidens would look like, but out of nowhere, Lara Gonzalez appeared and went after Imadori. “I HEARD THAT!!!”  She screamed, “IMADORI, YOU PIG!!!” He ran off, evading from Lara.  He called to Karin that he’ll explain later. “Poor Imadori,” she thought, “It must’ve been tough for him to go through this.” She then had an idea.  She would go to the Company and get a Maiden for Hire for him. So she did.  She went to the Company in Yagami and met up with its supervisor, Tomo, who was dressed in a green-blue maid outfit with tan stockings.  She then showed her the entire tour, seeing many Maidens being made and produced.  After the tour, Karin sat down with Tomo, concerning what type of Maiden she wanted.  However, Karin suggested a Maiden for her boyfriend. “Huh?”  Tomo asked, “Why would you give a Maiden to him?” “Well, he was kind of unfocused,” she said, “And I thought maybe I’d give a Maiden to him as a gift.” “Oh, a gift?”  Tomo cried, “Well, that’s different!  We have a special gift package for people who wanted to give a Maiden as a gift.  For your purchase of one Maiden of your choice, we also include a free gift set, which includes an extra Maid outfit, a small brush to fix your Maiden’s hair, a FREE spare battery pack to change your Maiden, whenever it gives out, and a special mode for your Maiden, to please your boyfriend, sister, or anybody that you’re sending the gift to.  And it’s ALL for only 3,000 Yen at an 8,000 Yen value.  You’re SO lucky!  You could save up to 5,000 Yen, if not buying the Maiden and everything else separately!” “Wow!  What a deal!”  She cried, “I’ll take it!” “Oh, no, no, no, no, no,” Tomo inquired, “First, you have to buy a Maiden.  And then, you have the option to make it a gift package.” “Okay, since I will make my Maiden a custom model,” she said, “I want one to match my styles, so that Imadori will like it.” “Oh, well,” Tomo smiled, “A custom Maiden is 500 Yen extra.  As a matter of fact, I think we have one that matches your profile.” She examined Karin’s face and said, “Hmm, Examination… searching for Maiden… in progress… processing… processing…” Her LED eyes began flashing, and finished her search. “Search complete…”  Tomo said in a robotic voice; she then said to Karin in her normal voice, “Model #D0J126R0N, named Karen.  It matches your personality, your green hair, your eyes, your body, and your voice.  Though, we include everything that comes with the Maiden.  Would you like its new Mode, for your boyfriend’s Maiden?” “Yes, I will,” she said, “Send it to Kyosuke Imadori.  I’ll pay for her services.” “Thanks for your offer,” Tomo said, “The Maiden will be at his doorstep in two weeks.” Two weeks later, Karin was by the big package.  Imadori was walking to his doorstep and found Karin, sitting by his package. She got up and cheered, “Surprise!” “Uh, Karin, what is this?”  He asked, “I don’t recall ever having a package today.” “It’s a gift from me to you!”  Karin glimmered in happiness, “I thought about what you said weeks ago, about trying to get a Maiden, so I thought I’d get you one!” Imadori was shocked, “YOU GOT ME A MAIDEN FOR HIRE???” “Yes, I did!”  She smiled. Karin easily picked up the package and brought it in.  Imadori held the door for her.  She opened the package for him, revealing the Maiden in her box, with two sets of Maiden outfits. One of them is folded in a plastic wrapping, and it is pink with green frills.  The other, which is what she’s wearing, is a blue outfit with white frills and a purple stitching.  Her face and hair looked exactly like Ichijou’s, except her lips are pink. “Oh, wow!  She looked exactly like you, Ichi!”  He cried in joy, “I cannot wait to try her out!  Thank you!” He pulled her out and tried to the Power button.  Karin stood the Maiden up and plugged her in.  She then pressed the red button and the Maiden began to shake. “Whoa!  She’s noisy!”  He cried. “I know,” she said, “It’s how these things get started up!” She opened her blue eyes and bowed to Ichijou and Imadori. “Hello, my user,” she introduced herself, “I am your Maiden for Hire, model #D0J126R0N.  My name is Karen.  I am here for your guaranteed service.  Now, which one of you is Imadori?” “I am,” he said, “Well, it is nice to meet you.” Karin then stayed with Imadori, just to know the Maiden better.  Karen began to clean his house very quickly.  Since his house is a bit small, she lasted about 45 seconds. “Oh, that was awesome!”  He cried out, “I hope all of his programming is suitable for us.” Karen then explained to him what her programming contains, including Pleasure Mode.  Imadori was shocked, but as long as the robot version of Karin doesn’t go to second and third base, whatever that means. “I, uh, suppose so,” Karin nervously said, “As long as you’re happy.  I don’t care what they say about you, as long as you’re happy!” Karen then bowed to Imadori and pulled out a microphone from her waist panel. “Kyosuke Imadori, before I continue, I must do something to you, which came with your gift,” she said. She held up the mic and sang: Hello to you, hello my dear The Maiden for Hire is always here From the rising sun to the deep blue sea We always have a happy smile for you to see We cook, we clean, we bathe, and we brush We always clean your house in a rush If my battery dies, then plug me in We’d stay in the place to be in We’re Maidens for Hire; yes, we are We’re Maidens for Hire, and you’re our star She stopped singing and bowed.  Karin and Imadori applauded. “WOW!  That was awesome!”  Imadori cheered, “I never knew she had a beautiful voice like yours, Ichi!” Ichijou blushed and tittered, “Oh, yes, right.  I’m glad you liked it.” “That’s what’s known as our Karaoke Mode,” Karen informed, “It’s an exclusive Mode we Maidens have, whenever we are presented as a gift.” “Karaoke Mode, eh?”  Imadori said, “Perhaps you sing other songs, aside from that jingle.” “Jingle, no; we’d call it our theme song,” Karen said, “And to answer, we do.” She printed out a permission slip to Imadori. “All you have to do is sign here, and I’ll be able to go to a Karaoke Bar, among other places,” she giggled. “No way!  There are rules?!”  Imadori shouted. Karin signed it and gave it to Karen. “Normally it’d be signed by a parent or guardian, but I’ll allow it from a person who’s sending the gift,” Karen stated, “Thank you for your choice of services, Miss Ichijou and Master Imadori.” Imadori smiled and said, “Wait’ll the guys at school hear this!” The next evening, Imadori and Maiden Karen (Just so we’re not confused…) were walking to a local karaoke bar. “Hey, let’s try over here and see if you’re good at what you say about your Karaoke Mode.”  He suggested. “Sounds wonderful!”  Karen smiled. Imadori and Karen sang songs with each other.  In fact, Karen had a great idea.  She asked if she could sing one of Imadori’s favorite songs, just to please her master. “Hey, how about the Dojibiron theme song, Karen?”  He inquired. Karen nodded.  The music plays Karen holds the mic up.  She sang the Dojibiron theme perfectly and in harmony.  Imadori was moved; all he could do was close his eyes in amazement.  Karen had a beautiful voice. “Oh, this robot has a beautiful voice,” he thought, “I wonder if Ichi and I save up, we could get a Karaoke Machine.  She’ll sing nothing but theme songs, with the Dojibiron theme as the main attraction.” He was blissfully smiling, as the music ended.  He applauded to Karen, but Karen said and did nothing.  Wanna know why? “Karen!  That was beautiful!”  Imadori cheered, but then asked, “Karen?  Karen?” Karen stood with a smile, holding the microphone in her hand.  Unfortunately, she was frozen stiff and was motionless. Minutes later, Imadori carried a motionless Karen home, carrying her like a backpack. “Great!  I take her to an all-night Karaoke party for just the two of us,” he snuffed, “And she goes and waste her battery power.” He went home, dejected, but happy. “Well, at least she sang the Dojibiron theme with gusto,” he smiled. As he was walking home, Masakazu Tougou and Harry MacKenzie saw him with Karen on his back, wearing a maid outfit. “Whoa, did you see that?”  Harry asked. “I don’t believe it, when I see it,” Tougou said, “It seems Karin Ichijou of 2-C has finally done it.  She’s gone off the deep end, being carried like some kind of doll.” “I think maybe we need to have a word with Imadori, hoping we’d break off his twisted fantasies,” Harry cracked his knuckles. Tougou halted him, “No, my friend, I think it is best we ask her about this matter.” He snickered as Harry smiled, “Oh… I get it.  Why not have him suffer?  I’ve seen Lara in action on Imadori before.  Let send her the message.” They left with a Cheshire grin on their faces.  What are they up to? The next morning, Karen changed into her spare Maiden attire, the pink one, and began to wake up Imadori.  He woke up pretty fast.  He looked at Karen and held her hand tight. “Thank you for waking me up, my dear,” he greeted, “Shall you give me a bath before I go to school?” Karen then showed him the clock.  It was 7:00am. “I wanted to wake you at 6, but you looked so peaceful.  If I give you a bath, you’d be late for school,” she stated, “Luckily, I’ll try to give you a nice bath, before you go and have breakfast.  And when you’re done, I’ll race you to school, just so we’ll make it.” Imadori then nodded and asked, “You’d do that for me?” She then sang, “Imadori, it’d be a waste to make you late.  Now out of bed, and clean your face!” “Hey, that didn’t rhyme!!”  He pouted. “Not all songs have to rhyme,” Karen giggled. “Everybody’s a critic,” he muttered, as he went out of bed. Karen went to the kitchen to prepare him his breakfast.  Imadori started to have his bath. At 8:00am, Imadori was running forcefully to school by Karen, by singing to him some lines. “Hustle, bustle!  Hustle, bustle!  Run to school and hustle!”  Karen sang in auto-tune, “Don’t be late; know your fate!  School is the first date!” “I get you, you singing animatron!”  Imadori cried, “And that auto-tune of yours sounded awful.” “Sorry,” she said, “As long as you’re on time, I’ll be happy for you!” Imadori was panting like crazy, running to school, while his Maiden sang him on. At school, Imadori was panting on the steps, while Karen held him tight. “Oh, Imadori, you made it!”  She cried out. Imadori gasped, “Well… at least… I was… entertained… by a… robot diva.” “I’m no diva; I’m a Maiden for Hi--.” Karen began to beep.  Her battery was running low. “Excuse me, but since I was running with you, I almost gave out my battery power,” she said, “If you don’t mind, I would like to stay in your school for a couple minutes.” Imadori asked, “What?  Why?” “Well, Karin Ichijou already signed my permission slip, even though I was gifted to you,” she stated, “It means I can go anywhere, as long as I can be with you.” Her LED eyes began to flicker. “HURRY!”  She cried, “I’m fading…” Imadori carried Karen all the way up to the 2nd floor.  He placed her in a seat, next to Karin’s, and plugged her in.  Homeroom hasn’t started yet, but at least he had time to recharge her Maiden.  Karin arrived and saw Karen, plugged in. “Oh, Imadori, why is she here?”  She asked. “Don’t ask, Ichi.  It’s a long story,” Imadori sulked. He told Karin that she was taking him to school, when he was sleeping late.  Karin agreed and went to get a broom.  Imadori said that she’ll only be here, until she’s fully charged. “Right.  I have to go train for a moment,” Karin replied, “I’ll be right back.” Imadori smiled as Karin left to the gymnasium.  He looked at Karen and was concerned. “I wonder… if she and Karin are the same wavelength,” he thought aloud, “I can’t believe she gave me a gift that sings; but can she be strong like her?” “Pardon me,” Tougou called from the doorway. He and Harry stood by the doorway and watched on.  Harry took a view of Karen and was amazed, even when he took a look at the power cord attached to her. “Oh, so she’s a robot, huh?” He sneered. “He’s right, my partner,” Tougou gloated, “It seems our friend, Imadori of 2-C, found himself an artificial playmate!  To be honest, I’m surprised that you have made Ichijou of 2-C as her likeness.” “Quit calling me “Partner”,” Harry groaned. “Shut up, you two!”  Imadori shouted, “It’s not what you think!  This girl is a Maiden for Hire!  So what if he looked like Ichi?  She’s a great girl!” “You talk too much, do you, you weird creep?”  Harry smirked. “Well, we won’t hurt you or her,” Tougou said, “Just as long as we hear the truth.” The American National anthem plays as Tougou continued: “You think honestly I’d believe in such a ridiculous phrase as Maiden for Hire?  Truthfully, yes, but we’d never resort to artificial beauty!  My partner and I are all about naturalistic women than robotic women.  The female body is a wonderful thing, but it cannot be replaced.  We’re aware of its wonderful service in the M.4.H., but we aren’t that sloth, and stupid, for the same reason.  Face your fate, Imadori Kyosuke of 2-C!” “Will you stop calling me that?”  Harry growled, from the partner remark. Imadori was crossed, “Enough!  You’re our rivals from 2-D!  Nothing you say can intimidate me, except D-Cups!  But in this case, I’m happy for my Maiden.  You want to defeat me?  Try as you might.” “Very well,” Tougou smiled, “I guess we’ll have to dismantle your bathing beauty… Karin Ichijou!’ Harry whistled loudly and a female student entered the classroom in anger.  Care to guess who it was? “IMADORI!!!  ICHIJOU!!!  YOU’VE ASKING FOR IT!!!” That’s right!  Lara Gonzalez has entered the classroom. “Oh, crud… not again…” he whimpered. Harry and Tougou left to their classroom with a chortle behind Imadori’s back.  Lara grabbed Imadori by the face and began to strangle his neck.  She began to toss him around the classroom. “Lara thinks this is just an act!  You make me sick, controlling Ichijou!”  She screamed. “NO!  It’s not like that!  It’s not like that at all!!!”  He screamed. As Lara grabbed Imadori by the face, Karen opened her eyes and saw Lara about to him.  She unplugged herself and get up from her desk.  She walked to Lara and tapped her on the shoulder. “Excuse me, young woman,” she said, “But, please omit from hurting my master, Imadori.” “What did you say to me, Ichijou?”  She turned around and glared at Karen, “Ichijou, snap out of it, amigo.  You don’t deserve trash like Imadori!” Lara placed her hands on Karen’s shoulders, trying to shake her. She grabbed Lara’s left wrist very tightly. “Sorry,” Karen said, “No habla Español.” She threw Lara over her shoulders and gave a Judo throw.  She landed on the floor, hip first. “Imposible!”  She thought, while on the floor, “Why did she attack me?  It’s Imadori’s doing!  I KNEW IT!” Karen approached Lara and cried to her, “How dare you hurt Imadori?  If I weren’t fully charged, I’d give you such a lip lashing!  Even if you think of him as a sicko, it offends me!  I am his Maiden for Hire, and you are nothing but a bully!  If you got that, then leave!  Do it again to Imadori, and I’ll tell the principal on you!  Got it, you stupid fat bully?” Lara got up and was angry, “Did she just call me Matón gordo estúpido?” She was extremely pissed off, “I don’t care if you are a Doncella para el alquiler; Lara will crush you, ICHIJOU!!!” Doncella para el alquiler is Maiden for Hire in Spanish, by the way. As she dashed towards Karen, a voice called out, “Yes?  What is it, Lara?” Lara stopped.  She looked and saw Karin at the doorway, with a little sweat in her.  She rushed over to Imadori and comforted him. “What happened?”  Karin cried. Karen responded, “Blame her!  She attacked poor Imadori, and she had the gall to attack me!” Lara was too confused.  She thought aloud, “Dos Ichijous?!” “Lara, what is the meaning of this?” Imadori cried out, “That raging Mexican thinks my Maiden is YOU!” “WHAT?!”&nbs p; Karin gasped. “Lara is embarrassed,” she cringed.  She then clutched her fist and calmed down. Karin let out a glare and said, “Lara, this is all a big misunderstanding.  This me is a robot.  I bought her for Imadori as a gift.  And when her batteries died down, the minute they arrived for school, I had to help.” Lara shook her head and smiled, “Oh, okay then.  I guess it was a misunderstanding.  I’m sorry if I was rude to you.” Karin and Karen bowed and apologized to Lara.  She then pointed at Imadori and shouted, “BUT YOU!!!  Lara’s got her eye on you, Imadori!  Watch your back, pervert!” She left to go back to class.  Karin was confused on what Lara said to him. “Uh, what did she mean by Pervert, master?”  Karen asked him. After that, Karen returned home, since she cannot stay a while longer.  Karin suggested to her that she must stay home, to avoid confusion.  Imadori and Karin had a chat with each other. “So, Imadori, did Karen treat you good?”  She asked, “Because after what transpired, I don’t think I want to be in the way.” “No, it’s nothing,” he said, “Those jerks from 2-D egged me on.  And they even sic Lara at me.  Karen has been a great help earlier.  She cleaned up the classroom, after the bad awkward moment.” “I know.  And I apologize for that moment.  I should’ve never bought that Maiden, even though you’re such a pervert to others.” “WHAT?  Ichi, you know me better than that!” “I could tell!  You were always hounding Suo and Lara.  Besides, I wanted to buy you a Maiden, just for laughs and fun.  I never expected you to get hurt.” “Easy for you to say; she’s a singing Maiden, in case you’re wondering.  But, hey, she’s awesome!  Maybe I should loan her to you, one day.” “Oh, no; my little brother would treat her like she was a toy.  Plus, I don’t think I--.” “Aw, come on,” Imadori smiled, “In fact, you and I should go out, in case Karen is busy.” Imadori then had a puzzled conspiracy, “Say, I think there are different characteristics about you and my robot.  You’re strong and she’s defensive; you’re a very cute girl, but she’s a very beautiful maid; and both of you have different names.” Karin stated, “Right.  Karin is spelled K-A-R-I-N.  And your Maiden had an “E” in it.” Imadori then sighed, “And the best part is that you and Karen are great.  And I thank you for the Maiden.  Do you think Karen will be perfect for me?” Karin then asked, “Um, do you think one day I’ll sing with Karen?” Imadori then nodded.  He then pouted and said, “I wish everything was back to normal…” Karin then got up and said, “Well, I don’t blame you.  Whatever you decide, when the rent is ready for her, you do whatever you want.” She left as Imadori thought to himself:  What would be more enjoyable: D-Cup girls or a robot girl singing Dojibiron? Time went on, and Imadori made his choice. Since then, Karin and Karen became good friends.  They bonded together and sang their hearts out, especially since she visited school to sing with the band.  Karin became friendly with her boyfriend’s Maiden for Hire.  And then, when Imadori’s Maiden finished her services, he decided to give her away.  But to who?  You wouldn’t believe what he did. Karin, who was in Imadori’s house, cried out, “YOU’RE WHAT?”
“That’s right,” he cheered, “I’m giving you Karen.” Imadori decided to end his service and give his Maiden to Karin. “Listen, I thought about what you said, and we’ll… I’m better off hugging D-cups.  It’s my normal nature, but I don’t want you to be upset at me, since you find me sickening.” Karin stammered and said nothing.  Karen then thought, “Imadori was a perv?  I didn’t know that, and yet he’s shown no perversion since he got me.” Karin said, “I don’t know what to say…” He gave her 4,000 Yen and informed, “Spend it on her only; rent and purchase.” “Really?”  Karin gasped, “I… I’m so touched.” “Come on, Ichi, you gave me Karen.  And for some reason, I don’t think someone like her is right for me; well, except the singing and her performance in Dojibiron.” Karen then asked, “Um, are you sure?  Can’t I just stay with you, master?” “You can stop calling me “Master”!  I said that you’re fired,” Imadori snuffed. “Fired is such a vulgar word for us Maidens.  We usually use the word “finished”,” Karen bowed. “Sorry, my mind is made up,” he said, “Unless your breasts are bigger, I can snuggle you all night, while you sing me a lullaby.” Karen blushed and said, “Oh, Imadori, that was very nice of you to say that.” “Imadori!”  Karin scolded. “Uh, hello, Ichi… Pleasure Mode?” They both smiled and agreed to use the transaction.  Karen then hugged Imadori, vaguely rubbing at his chest.  Imadori blushed and patted her head. Karen began to sing to him: Imadori, thank you Imadori, I love you Imadori, you are the best guy You’ve been my best friend, and I’ll know why Imadori… thank you Imadori, it’s you Imadori, you have been happy to me And I… And I… But then, she collapsed on his arms.  Karen gave out; her battery was low. “Oh, no!  Not again!”  Imadori screamed, “Why does every time she sings, she dies down?” Karin panicked and tried to find a plug. Minutes later, Karen was lying on Imadori’s bed, with a plug on the wall.  She was recharging, while Karin sat by her, stroking her faux green hair. “Karen,” he thought, “I hope you’ll have more fun with her than me.” “Imadori,” Karin asked, “Are you sure you want to do this?  I wanted to give her to you, but it seems I cannot make you change.” “No, you’ve succeeded,” he stated, “The only reason I liked Karen was when she sang Dojibiron.  But you sang more heavenly, as well.  Besides, since her Karaoke Mode was awesome, I wanted to know what it’s like.  And, well, Karin Ichijou is better than a Maiden for Hire, and they both sang well.  Besides, you’re way better than some animatronic Maiden you.” Karin then swelled in tears.  She rubbed her eyes and hugged Imadori. “You really mean it?”  Karin asked. Imadori smiled, “I do.  Let’s just go back to the way we were.” Karin agreed and asked, “But, do you think I should keep Karen?  I was thinking of returning her.” But as he answered, Karen began to sing in a quiet whisper: Imadori…  Imadori… You’ve been happy to me And I can be as happy as can be… Imadori… Imadori then approached Karen and pressed her button on her back; but not before a goodbye to her.  Karen held Imadori’s hand and said, “I’ll miss you… Kyosuke…” Imadori smiled and said, “Take good care of Ichi for me.” He deactivated her and cradled her up.  He gave the prone Maiden to Karin. “Here, Ichi, and thank you,” he smiled. Karin held Karen up easily, since she was very strong. “I’m sorry I gave you such a useful Maiden that affected you in any way.” Imadori chuckled and said, “Oh, don’t be.  I’m sure everything is right again.” “Send me her accessories tomorrow,” she smiled. Karin left with the Maiden, as Imadori flopped on his bed. “Man!  I’m glad it’s over,” he said. However, he saw a CD by his desk, labeled “Karen – Maiden for Hire” on it.  He played it and it had only three songs on it:  the Maiden intro, her goodbye to Imadori, and the Dojibiron theme, composed by her.  Imadori began to cry in tears.  He rolled around in bed and screamed: “WHY DID I DO SUCH A THING???  I MISS HER ALREADY!!!” He never saw Karen again… maybe, but only if he visits Karin’s brother to play Dojibiron.  Maybe the Maiden will play Dojibiron Blue. Karen: Maiden for Hire – The End Karin was sleeping in her bed.  Karen, her new Maiden, began to hum the Dojibiron theme, while cleaning her room very quietly.  Karin was moaning in her sleep.  She then dreamt about Imadori, having a romantic moment with her. “Kyosuke…” she moaned in her sleep. Karen noticed it and asked, “Master?  Is she dreaming of Mister Imadori?” She shook her head and continued her work. And now, we move on.  Eri gets the ball in the final Maiden arc.
See you in the next chapter.