Wow, about time. The first year I did 40 episodes, the second around 20, and this is the third I’ve done like 10. I know that doesn’t add up but its close enough. I had major trouble with this episode, and couldn’t think of any other ideas. This is the longest running series I’ve done now that’s still actually going, though it’s depressing how slow I write compared to a year ago.

Anyway, I still need to think of an ending for it… I’d like to end around 70 or 72, but I plan to make a sequel.

Episode 64 – Trip

“I’m getting a little tired of this treatment.” Celeste frowned as she stared across the desk at her aunt. She was seated in the so-called student council room, where she found herself for at least an hour after school daily. “I should just ditch this position; my lackeys don’t even hang around half the time. I don’t get why Cassie liked it so much.”

“You just have natural leadership qualities.” Hanna stated.

“If you’re going to try flattery, do it with something I will consider such.”

“Look, I just need some help with this trip. I can’t watch everyone and we’re short on staff.”

“There are others who could do such a task. You could even pull in Celina or someone else spending their time doing who-knows-what.”

“Your mother is watching the baby for me,” Hanna stated, “Since we’ll be gone for a weekend.”

“I’d be tempted to change places with her if I wasn’t looking forward to this trip.” Celeste sighed heavily. “Really, should a student be chaperoning a student trip?”

“You’re really well respected! You’re even somewhat of an idol in this school.” Hanna flinched as Celeste slammed her head into the desk.

“That kind of thing always makes me think of those anime where the girl has her own fan club… luckily they aren’t that far gone considering my violent nature. Speaking of that, how did I go from being a terror to anyone who looked at me the wrong way to a school idol?” Celeste slumped in her chair with a heavy sigh.

“You’ve changed a lot since then.” Hanna stated.

“Kind of starting to wish I hadn’t.”

“We need two chaperones. Not like I don’t trust the students, but barring anything indecent I’m sure there would be pranks pulled.”

“Fine, I’ll do it. I was looking forward to this trip too.”

“Don’t worry too much about it. With you in charge of the girls-side they won’t pull anything.”

“I’m not worried about the girl’s side,” She muttered, “Though at least I’ll have an informant on the boy’s side.”

“You make it sound like a camping trip is going to be war.”

“I had several plans I can’t do since I’m in a position of authority now, so I can only guess what plans they had.”

“Just what were you planning to do on this trip?” Hanna frowned.

“Oh, nothing important.”

---

“You seem antsy, a term I thought I’d never use, let alone for you.”

“I’m a bit peeved.” Celeste was sitting at the back of a large and some what luxurious bus, at least for a group of high-school students. She was currently wearing a light blue shirt with a small dolphin on her right shoulder, and jean-material shorts. Her right leg was crossed over her left, which was furiously kicking the air enough to create a small breeze towards Seth beside her.

“Okay, I’ll bite.” Seth stated.

“I had several plans for this trip, including having my own tent… Since I’m now a supervisor, I’ll have to put up with a tent full of that.” She pointed at Sylvia and Kylie as they loudly chatted and giggled at something. “There are two tents for both sides, and I know who I’ll get stuck with.”

“Your classic fear of girl-talk? Actually, it’s more worrying who I’ll get stuck with…”

“Of course. You have no idea just what conversations may occur. Boyish dreams of pillow fights have no place in the reality of what girls tend to discuss. Actually, I won’t say more.”

“Ha…” Seth sighed and quickly tried to change the subject. “How far is this place anyway?”

“It’s about an hour drive.”

“I should have brought something to do.” Seth muttered.

“I’m surprised you didn’t bring a book.”

“I haven’t been reading as much as I used to.” Seth cleared his throat softly. “I don’t feel the need for escapism as much.”

“Oh? I would have brought something but I tend to get car sick if I read or watch something.”

“That’s a bit surprising.” Seth stated.

“I’m too aware of my peripheral vision.”

“I see…”

“Somehow I feel like that’s a bad pun.” Celeste frowned and only received a dubious stare from Seth. “Anyway, it shouldn’t be much longer.”

“So where did this camp idea come from?” Kylie asked Sylvia, who stared blankly at the window as she futilely tried to listen in on Celeste and Seth’s conversation.

“I’m not really sure to be honest. A class camping trip is actually kind of nice.”

“I don’t look forward to sleeping on the ground in the middle of some woods.”

“It’s an actual camp ground so it won’t be some dark area but a nice clearing by a small lake. Though there are some nearby woods.”

“Do you have a pamphlet or something?” Kylie frowned.

“No, it was actually Celeste who originally suggested it for the class event. It got the most votes.”

“Is that so? I was surprised we even got to vote on a class event. Do you know why she chose camping?”

“She’s wanted to do something outdoors for a while.” Sylvia shrugged. “Guess she used this as the chance.”

“She does seem like the outdoors type.” Kylie sighed. “I kind of hate camping but I’d feel guilty not coming.”

“Oh? I’m looking forward to it. We can tell ghost stories!”

“Ha…” Kylie sighed. “I have a small idea the kind of events we’ll do, but I’m a little concerned about what the guys will do.”

“You really think they’d try something weird?”

“When you put that many men together, especially with two of them being Vincent and Rubicent, who knows what could happen. Anyway, I hope we at least get there soon.”

---

“This place is pretty…” Sylvia stated as she glanced around after stepping off the bus. There was a large, wooden building at the end of the short sidewalk in front of her. It had a simple fountain on the right, and a large flower bed with the park’s name, the creative name of ‘Kometto Camp Park’. Though there was a small field behind the building, both sides of the road and the area behind the building had sparse trees which grew quickly thicker.

“Are we even in the city anymore? I didn’t think our city was big enough to have such large woodlands, let alone an hour away.” Kylie frowned as she stared at the park sign.

“You’re too cranky. Don’t be like that all night.” Setsuna stated as she stepped up to the two. They silently watched Celeste and Hanna pass them and head into the building. “Though I think Celeste is a bit ornery too.”

“She’s been under a lot of stress lately.” Sylvia stated softly. “She really doesn’t like having so many responsibilities at the same time.”

“Can’t you girls help instead of gossiping?” Konran growled as the boys started pulling out the camping equipment.

“You don’t have to be so rude.” Kylie scoffed.

“It’s okay. He needs our help carrying the equipment since he can’t do it alone.” Setsuna stated.

“Ha, that won’t work on me. I’d be glad to have you do all the work.” He stated as he grabbed a large bag containing a tent.

“Is that so?” Setsuna walked behind him and grabbed the tent. He stumbled forward, landing face-first into the grass from the sudden shift in weight.

“Hey!” He growled as he got back up.

“This one is the girl’s tent. You guys grab another one.” Setsuna stated as Kylie went to help her carry the large, long bag. Sylvia shrugged and grabbed one of the other bags with the help of Cassandra.

“All right, girls are with me.” Celeste stated as she reappeared. She waited for the group to grab the rest of the gear before walking away with them in tow.

“That leaves you with me, guys.” Hanna cackled.

“I can definitely see a family resemblance.” Konran muttered.

“I heard that! Now let’s get to the camp sight!”

---

“Wow, this place is great!” Sylvia stated as they dropped their gear on the grass a short distance from a small lake. There was a small field surrounding the lake, with woods surrounding that. There was only a small path leading back where they had entered from to break up the trees.

“Start pulling out the tents.” Celeste started barking orders.

“Why are we listening to her?” Siri growled as she watched the other girls start setting up the tents.

“It’s Celeste.” Cassandra answered.

“What kind of answer is that?”

“She’s experienced at this kind of thing.” Cassandra frowned. “She doesn’t even like being in charge but they put her in the position.”

“Still…” Siri muttered. The tents were set up rather quickly and filled with the sleeping materials.

“What are we doing for meals anyway?” Kylie asked.

“Considering we’re not going hunting,” Celeste fell into the grass on her back and stared up at that sky, “They provide the food. Breakfast is made for us; lunch is in picnic form, and supper we have to cook ourselves.”

“Oh, I can’t wait then.” Sylvia grinned. “What kind of food do they have?”

“Who knows? But it’ll probably be grilled.”

“You don’t say much.” An unhappy Eris stated as she stood away from the small group of girls.

“I tend to blend into the background a lot.” Mia responded softly. “Those four are the main characters of our class.”

“Eh? I don’t want to know. I don’t even know why I agreed to this little camp out.” She muttered and sat in the grass. “I just had to get in her class.”

“Um… why do you have a grudge against her?”

“She irks me. There’s no rational explanation for it.”

“She’s really quite nice when you get past the exterior… maybe it’s because you’re too alike?”

“Ha! I’d be far ruder to her if my idiot cousin wasn’t dating her sister.”

“That’s true… I almost forgot… do you um… have a boyfriend?”

“Ha,” She scoffed, “I don’t like anyone from this school. It’s not worth the time even thinking about.”

“I see…”

“I think I’ll go spy on the guys.” Setsuna suddenly stated.

“Why?” Kylie frowned. “There can’t be anything good going on over there.”

“Need something to do since we have time to kill until supper.” Setsuna shrugged and started walking.

“You feeling all right?” Sylvia sat down next to her sister.

“I’ve just been thinking too much lately.” Celeste sighed softly. “This kind of thing keeps happing. Student council, then people coming to me for relationship advice, and now I’m in charge of this.”

“It just means you’re trusted!”

“I liked it better when I wasn’t trusted and filled the hearts of all those in my sights with fear.”

“Don’t be so dramatic! I know you were lonely; besides you got to meet Seth!”

“Ironically that’s the one part I don’t mind. Still, I’m the opposite of lonely, if there is such a thing.”

“Try not to brood too much Celie! It’s not so bad being popular!”

“Popularity is my mortal enemy.” She stated softly.

---

“Watch it!” Leon growled as Vincent barely missed him with a tent poll.

“Don’t stand there then!” He shot back.

“You know the other group already has there tent up and there’s only three of them.” Konran pointed at Seth, Rikou and Kuro, who had just finished loading their tent with their camping supplies.

“That’s because they didn’t goof around.” Leon growled slightly.

“They never shut up.” Kuro sighed as he looked across the small gap of grass between the two tents. “What’s the point of a camping trip if they separate the guys and girls anyway?”

“It is rather annoying.” Seth muttered. “Do they have such a low opinion of us?”

“Besides, should we get an idea in our head, Celeste is there and she’d destroy us.” Rikou stated. He flinched at the look Seth gave him. “Sorry, but there’s some truth there.”

“Picking on Celeste are we?”

“You…” Rikou slowly turned around. “Why are you here?” He frowned as Setsuna saluted him.

“We’re already set up.” Setsuna stated as she glanced at the others. “Just what are they doing?” She sighed softly. “I guess I have no choice.” She paused as she started to move over to the other guys. “Why don’t you take my place? We may have to sleep across the lake but the rolls didn’t say anything about before that.”

“Ha…” Seth blinked. He sighed softly and stood up.

“You’re going?” Rikou asked.

“Nothing left for me to do here.” He stated as she left the area.

“Celeste and Seth… Those two have a really good relationship.” Kuro muttered.

“They are unique though I believe their relationship is far from perfect. Celeste tends to be logical so they don’t fight that often though.”

---

“Ha!” Celeste called out as she punched the air. I haven’t gotten much practice in lately. I’m always doing school stuff.

“It took a while to find you.” Seth frowned.

“That was the point.” Celeste stated as she continued her exercises.

“Instead of hitting the air, why don’t you teach me a bit?”

“Huh?” Celeste stopped her movements and turned towards him. “What was that?”

“I’ve never really asked about it, but just why did you get interested in martial arts.”

“It fit my personality well. Despite my logical exterior, I’m actually emotional to a dangerous extent.”

“I wouldn’t say dangerous…” Seth frowned.

“Well, that applied more to when I was younger. I was always big for my age, and almost unnaturally strong for a girl. Having an outlet and a form of meditation helped me control my feelings a bit more. If you want an example of just what I mean, there’s a plastered hole in my closet.”

“Ha…”

“My goals weren’t personal enlightenment; I was just bored and frustrated.”

“So why don’t you take out that frustration in a way that doesn’t look slightly creepy.”

“Why the sudden interest?”

“I don’t really have many hobbies besides my writing, so might as well start one that you like.”

“I guess I don’t mind. Though we won’t have long since I have to cook supper.”

“You don’t have to.” Seth frowned. “I know you like cooking, but…”

“Consider our options; if we want editable food, it has to be me.”

“I guess you have a point. Hanna can’t even cook?”

“The only person in my family who can remotely cook is that guy.”

“Really? I wouldn’t have guessed.”

“Well, I guess we’ll start with the basics.”

---

“She’s still here.” Vincent muttered as Setsuna sat next to Konran.

“Even including Celeste in the options, those two are the second least likely pair to form. Celeste and Konran being the first.”

“Why are you still here? Should you be getting ready for supper?” Konran frowned at Setsuna.

“If I hadn’t come along that tent would have taken even longer. Besides, I need to stay here long enough to interrupt your plans.”

“Huh?” Konran scoffed. “What plans?”

“Please, I know you guys plan to haze the girls in some manner.”

“Nonsense. You have Celeste running around on your side. We couldn’t get away with anything.”

“That won’t stop you from trying.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He huffed.

“Well, plan away. I’m going back for supper and I suggest you do too.” Setsuna stated as she stood up and walked away from the camp.

“She knows we’re planning something.” Vincent muttered.

“It’s pointless. Seth, Kuro and I won’t be foolish enough to participate.”

“You guys are buzz kills anyway.” Konran muttered.

“Oh, Seth, you look horrible.” Setsuna stopped as she met the boy halfway between the camps.

“Thanks.” He muttered as he wiped his forehead.

“So what happened? You didn’t try and look up her skirt or anything, did you?”

“Huh? That doesn’t make sense on any level.”

“The beat you up part makes sense.” Setsuna shrugged.

“She was relieving stress.”

“I find it hard to believe she’d relieve stress on you.”

“That was my fault. Even taking it easy, she’s strong…”

“Oh?” Setsuna tilted her head. “She usually hates to show that side of herself anymore. Aren’t you lucky?” She poked him with her elbow, eliciting a loud grunt from him.

“Hardly lucky…”

“Usually I’m her sparing partner when she’s particularly frustrated. Anyway, I’m getting ready for supper!” She stated as she started walking.

“Oh, right I’d better clean up and go help her.” Seth turned towards his camp.

“Oh?” He jumped as Setsuna moved in front him via a blur. “I’ll come too.” She fell into step behind him.

“Don’t follow me that closely.” Seth muttered as he started moving. After a quick stop at the camp, along with a few quick stares at Setsuna’s return, the two moved out of the woods on the short path back towards the camp’s reception area. They entered the large wooden building through the small back door directly into the kitchen.

“Oh, you brought another one?” Celeste currently has a white apron and clichéd chef’s hat on.

“That outfit…” Setsuna frowned.

“The apron I needed, but the hat was in there too so I couldn’t resist.”

“Figures.” Seth muttered.

“Eh? What was that?” Celeste leaned forward and stared at him.

“What’s with that act? It’s a bit creepy.” Seth backed away slightly.

“Sorry, my mood went from bleak to good because I don’t think I’ve ever cooked for so many people.” She snickered softly. “And I have control over certain people’s food…”

“Scary…”

“So what are you making?” Setsuna asked. “Besides poison for the guys?”

“I thought of making curry, but that’s too cliché.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever had it.” Seth muttered.

“My next idea was some kind of noodle.” Celeste sighed softly.

“Counting Hanna we have sixteen people… how about pizza?” Seth asked.

“You really like my pizza, don’t you?” Celeste shook her head. “Pizza as camping food,” She scoffed softly, “I like it. It just seems wrong.”

“Whatever works for you.” Setsuna shrugged.

“I’ll get the dough,” She pointed at Seth, “Sauce, and you get the other ingredients ready.”

“Aye, captain!” Setsuna stated with a salute.

“These personalities in our class vary way too much.”

“Anyway, let’s get this done!”

---

“Pizza?” Hanna blinked as she joined her students at the large, rectangular table. Several pizzas were spread across the table with various topping combinations.

“Eh? Got a problem with it? Want to complain to the chef, eh?” Celeste leaned over her shoulder and glared at her.

“Of course not… it’s just unusual camping food.”

“Exactly.” Celeste took a seat across from her, with Seth and Sylvia on either side.

“How did you even get peppers? Did we have sausage here?” Hanna muttered.

“Don’t worry about the details.” Setsuna stated.

“The details are what make me very worried…”

“It’s good, wherever or whatever you took these ingredients from.” Sylvia stated with a full mouth.

“It’s already this late in the evening.” Seth stated as he took a bite of pizza. “I still don’t get why we separate the tents so much.”

“We can’t have indecent things going on.” Hanna stated.

“Just what do you take us for?” Celeste growled. “Also, I have a feeling there’s an insult towards me in there.”

“I meant more like pranks between the genders. It’s a lot harder to do that at night when there’s travel time.”

“That may be true…” Celeste answered thoughtfully. “You could even set up traps this way.” She glared down the table at Rubicent and Vincent; they both shivered despite not seeing the gaze.

“They won’t tell me anything. They know I’d turn on them.” Seth whispered. “I never realized guys could be that immature.”

“Girl’s are said to mature faster but they can be just as bad.” She glanced at her giggling sister. “We’ll just have to see what they have planned tonight.”

---

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately. I’m glad I moved here, but it seems like thing just get consistently more weird. I never imagined this is where I’d be.”

“I believe that I never imagined my life would take this route, especially you.” Celeste answered.

“If I didn’t know you so well I’d take that as an insult.” Seth sighed softly.

“So what did those two morons plan on doing?”

“They originally wanted to try and steal some underwear, but they wised up when they realized it was life-threatening.”

“That was wise of them.” Celeste shook her head.

“I never understood obsessions with things like that…”

“Well, you’re lucky and if you want to see a girl’s panties all you got to do is ask.”

“W-what?”

“You’re so fun to tease.” Celeste grinned. “What did he replace that choice with?”

“They decided to try and use markers and draw on everyone’s faces.”

“That’s just silly. Besides, we know they’re coming…”

“I think only those two are going along with it now.” Seth shrugged. “After all that hype that’s all it is.” Celeste sighed and fell back into the grass.

“Join me.” Seth blinked and slowly laid back in the grass. “You don’t get to see the sky this clearly that often.”

“I’ve always had a fascination with astrology,” He stated as he started up at the brilliant sky, “But I’m bad at constellations.”

“I’m surprised with your imagination.”

“Connecting the dots among several billion other similar dots isn’t my thing.”

“What are your plans after high school?”

“Huh? What’s with that sudden topic shift?”

“I’m a realist, but I’ve also had a change of heart slightly lately.”

“I haven’t given it too much thought yet. I’d kind of like to do something with writing but I don’t think I could do anime, manga or light novels which is how my writing feels like. It’s not exactly easy to start with that kind of media here. I don’t think I can learn another language fluently enough to write in either.”

“What other plans would you have?”

“Maybe something with computers, though that actually has a large people aspect to it…”

“I know I’m going to be a chef. I was hoping we could go to the same collage.”

“I see…”

“I was thinking that we could live in the same dorm or apartment near that collage too.”

“Huh?” Seth sat up and stared at her.

“Like I said, I’m a realist. I’m not going to screw up my high school, but I don’t really care to deny my feelings either. It’s still a long way off and anything could happen.” She sat up and shrugged. “If you don’t mind I’d like to make some loose plans. Things may change by then but…”

“Living together eh?” Seth muttered.

“Not like we have to plan on it or anything.”

“It’s just something I never thought about.”

“Rather, you didn’t think such a thing was possible for you?” Celeste stated with a grin.

“Hey…”

“Don’t worry; I’ll fix that self-confidence by then.”

“Ha… Guess we can worry about that when I figure out what to do. I don’t want to make you go to a certain collage.”

“I only need a business degree from somewhere. The cooking I got down.”

“You gave this a lot of thought…”

“Somewhat.” She shrugged again. “Usually while I’m doing student council stuff.”

“I kind of like that idea…”

“Tsundere, tomboy, violent ninja girl; I’ve been called a lot but even I find myself thinking about such things.”

“Speaking of violence, how are you going to punish the twins? They should be coming soon.”

“I was considering using one of my seven secret arts.”

“I never know how to react when you say something like that.” Seth sighed.

“If I don’t keep some mystery, it’ll be no fun.”

“It’s closer to ‘insanity’ than ‘mystery’.”

“Maybe. Anyway, head back to your tent and make sure the other guys aren’t trying to be silly.”

“It’s pretty late anyway.” Seth stated and started walking away, tossing a wave behind him.

“Now, it’s time to mess with them on a level they couldn’t predict.” Celeste cackled softly as she vanished into the night.

---

“Why are we bothering with this? They all declined because it was a stupid idea.” Rubicent stated. “Not to mention we had to go around through the woods not to be seen.”

“I’m not giving up. I wanted to cause some trouble tonight but everyone chickened out.” Vincent stated.

“It’s because we’re against a group of violet girls. Even this is dangerous, but at least we won’t die over it.”

“Who’s violent?” The two stopped as the voice echoed through the darkness. “I’m a bit disappointed actually. This was the best you could come up with?”

“We were going to put your hand in warm water and we have some shaving cream as well.” Vincent answered proudly.

“You idiot, don’t tell her that.”

“Such childish pranks.” Celeste scoffed, still unseen in the darkness.

“Like you could do better?” Vincent scoffed.

“The best pranks leave the victim not only terrified, but wondering if it really happened.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Rubicent asked.

“Celestial Art number two; Neko Storm!” She let off a shrill whistle.

“Neko Storm? What kind of name is that? You’re… not fooling… us.” Vincent and Rubicent bumped into each other with their backs to each other as they heard soft mewing and hissing. Several eyes appeared in the darkness, glaring at them with the moonlight’s reflection.

“Now my kitties, let’s show them what happens when they attempt to mess with me…”

---

“I had the weirdest dream…” Sylvia muttered as she was shaken awake by her sister. “Ah!” She shrieked at the being before her.

“That isn’t very nice.” Celeste narrowed her eyes behind a mess of purple hair. All her hair, down to her waist was frizzy. There was a large mass of hair falling shoulder-length in front of her face, and a single crescent-shaped piece was sticking up at the center of her head.

“Ahoge?” Sylvia stared in awe at her sister, especially the large crescent piece that was on her head.

“What was that? I didn’t hear you.” Celeste glared at her sister.

“Nothing!”

“What do you expect?” She rummaged through a small bag. “Not like I can do much here. You underestimate how much care this takes.” She brushed her hair and it quickly resumed its usual shape as she tied the ribbon in.

“It’s still there…” Sylvia stared at her head as the small piece of hair bobbed with her movement.

“You’re imagining things. It doesn’t fit my personality type, so it can’t exist on me. Now what about that dream?”

“You called out and a bunch of cats appears. You were like some kind of super hero with cats.”

“That’s pretty silly. Anyway, breakfast will be soon so don’t slack.” Celeste stated as she left the tent.

She really had an ahoge… It’s perfect considering her hair care and mysterious personality. Still, I wonder why I had such a weird dream about her? It’s not the first odd dream I’ve had of her either…”

---

“What happened?” Rubicent frowned as he woke up in his tent.

“I guess we fell asleep.” Vincent answered.

“I had this weirdest dream…”

“What? I had a strange dream, about Celeste.”

“Me too… Maybe because we’re twins?” Rubicent frowned.

“What’s that on your arm?” Vincent asked.

“Yours too…” Rubicent pointed out several small scratches on his arm.

“We must have done that when we were going through the woods yesterday.”

“Yes,” Rubicent nodded. “That’s probably why we had such a dream, right?”