Completed Everlasting Summer - Soviet Waifus, It's Heaven [NSFW]

[Idiott]

Spoiler

It was too hard for me to open the eyes, so I've just whined pathetically.

Get up already! You're going to miss the lineup!

Once I realized what Olga Dmitrievna wanted from me and what time it was, I rolled over to the other side.
I was so tired that I wanted to quickly choke the camp leader so she would quit disturbing me from resting from a hellish yesterday.

Semyon! Get up immediately!

I mustered up my strength, opened my eyes and sat up.

Olga Dmitrievna... I understand, but I had a hard day yesterday... Can I sleep in at least today?

I started pleading.

It's out of question! Lineup is mandatory for every pioneer! And you've already missed it a few times.

My head went completely numb so I just couldn't find any arguments to bring up.

Oh yes, we all know how well thought-out arguments he can bring up when his head isn't numb

I dozed off, taking great pains to not fall asleep on my feet, so I've missed everything that Olga Dmitrievna announced.
The majority of the pioneers seemed to be feeling the same.
Electronik yawned constantly, Alisa had huge baggy eyes, only Ulyana seemed to be full of health and energy, as always.

I've swept my eyes over the lineup yet again and couldn't find Lena.

~ That's odd. Generally, she's a diligent and committed girl, it's against her rules to miss such events. ~
~ On the other hand, that was too much for her yesterday. Such a stress. Probably she's depressed... ~

Although such a behavior of hers was very surprising.
I mean, I suspected that she was not the kind of person she wanted others to see her as, but I never expected such a drastic change.

Lena – amazingly! – somehow reminded me of Alisa, even more strict and brutal at times.
And now I was not sure how to behave myself around her – I was simply afraid of her.

Finally, lineup was over and pioneers dragged oneselves to the breakfast.

Semyon, good morning! How did you sleep? Any dreams? How are you? Ready for the breakfast?[/img]

Morning, twitter.

She, as always, blabbered without a break, adding a cute smile at the same time.

I'm ok.

I answered lazily.

Today is quite gloomy... Maybe because of the weather – it's quite dark, it may even rain... So yeah! Everyone is sad and gloomy! I thought, maybe something happened but no one told me what.

Can you imagine that! Something happened and everyone knows about it apart from me. I was sad about it, but then...

Don't worry, you won't miss the end of the world.

I delivered a snark remark.

Huh?

It looked like she was so into her monologue that she was completely oblivious to everything around her.

You are both autists. Perfect match. Soon.

And if you are going to miss it somehow – I will make sure to let you know... Nothing. Enjoy your meal.

I went to the canteen firm step to get my portion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

I sat down and tried really hard to make such a face, that will tell everyone that there is really no need to come anywhere near me, apart from any case of emergency.
Just to sit alone and think. Moreover, keeping my mind off other things was making me less sleepy.

I did not notice Slavya standing there.

~ Strange... ~

Sure...

I answered after hesitating for a second.

Bad mood?

A bit.

Something happened?

Not really...

You do not have to tell me if you don't want to.

There is nothing to tell you about it.

We kept eating in silence until I asked:

Where did you go last night?

Me? Oh I just wanted to be alone for a while.

It's not like you.

I felt a bit more lively.

Really? Well maybe... You are also not seen so gloomy often.

~ She might be right. ~

Even being in most unfavorable circumstances I always tried to have a positive outlook on things.

"Boo-hoo what do I do now" and this constant mental whining is hardly a 'positive outlook'...

Not that I was an optimist, I just always tried not to feel too down.
Keeping my previous life in mind, it's only natural – as soon as you let depression get a hold on you, the noose will start looking very friendly.

Perhaps.

When Slavya was done with her meal I was still poking the porridge with my spoon.

I'll be going.

By the way, have you seen Lena?

Nope, why do you ask?

I did not see her at the morning lineup. That's odd... That is not like her.

Maybe you are right. I do not think it's a big deal to be honest.

Yes, of course, I was just wondering...

I sat for a few more minutes in place and then headed outside without finishing my breakfast.

~ Today was quite gloomy. First gloomy day during my time here. I kind of got used to bright and burning Sun. ~

The heat that would only subside by the evening seemed to be an irreplaceable component of this place.
It looks like even here the weather changes after all.

~ Almost like it's matching my mood... ~
~ It looks like just another proof that this place or it's creators are sentient and have great storytelling skills ~

Sometimes I really wanted to focus on a single theory of mine, concentrate on it and forget about all others.
Just to decide for myself, that it's all done by aliens or I am in parallel universe. Or witchcraft, or military experiments...
Just pick one and be done with it!
Stop thinking about all possible explanations to this situation, constantly jumping from one to the other. Just focus on a single one.

~ But it is impossible. ~
~ I (almost) have no facts about anything. Nothing extraordinary has happened to me here yet. ~

Yes, some odd things took place. But they can and do happen in real world too.

~ No answers, no hints, no clues... ~

I was walking where my legs were taking me.

I wanted to call out to him, but stopped, because he was going a little too confident in an unknown direction.

~ It's strange, it goes against his principles. ~

What, walking somewhere?

~ Anyway, what can I talk about with Electronik? And yeah, I have to start the conversation first... ~
~ Seems like I completely despaired. ~

Mr. 'always try to have positive outlook'.

However, it wouldn't be uninteresting to follow him and to find out where he is running.
As a child I liked games of spies and here is a chance to put myself into the real spy's skin!
I decided not to mask and hide in a special way and just went after him at some distance quietly.

I stood behind a big tree so nobody could see me and began to wait.

...

He was absent for quite a long time.

~ Perhaps, this is a stupid idea, because in fact, what’s the difference if he went to the library? Maybe just decided to take something to read. ~
~ He walked fast? So what? ~
~ Perhaps he has some business afterwards... ~

My thougts were disturbed by a loud door slam.

I don't want to hear it anymore! And to see you too!

They ran past me, but naturally they were so involved in chasing, that couldn't notice me.
The whole situation seemed very funny, and I decided that I necessarily should find out what's the matter.

~ I wonder, where could Electronik be running like that? ~

~ No, this is obviously a silly idea... ~

However, he wasn't here either.

Electronik, it's me!
Footsteps sound came from the next room and soon Electronik himself appeared.

His eyes ran guiltily and a shirt had visible traces of sweat.

Going in for sports, I see. Sprinting.

I... You saw it?

He asked doomed.

Yes, purely by chance. So I decided to stop by and to ask how you were doing and what happened?

Nothing special, really...

~ Indeed, fleeing from an angry librarian – it's nothing... ~

You can tell me.

I smiled disarmingly.

Really? And won't you tell...

Of course! Silent as the dead! Cross my heart!

It seems I exaggerated there a bit, but looks like it has convinced him.

Okay.

He took a deep breath, gathering strength.

You know, I like Zhenya from the first day...

After these words, I wanted to fall to the floor and start rolling, torn from violent attacks of laughter, but out of respect for him, I refrained, his next words flew past my ears.

... and so I just decided. Well, and you saw what happened next...

~ A brave fellow, indeed. ~

Well, you... Try harder I guess and you will succeed!

I patted him on the shoulder, trying really hard not to laugh.

Thank you for the support.

He smiled sadly.

Okay, I have to go, have some work to do.

~ However, if you think about it, Electronik and Zhenya would make a wonderful couple. ~
~ They are actually a perfect match. It is strange then that Zhenya rejected him... ~

~ At the end of the day Electronik is not such a simpleton... ~
~ Just like that, declared his love, even realizing that the refusal will follow. Or is it, on the contrary, because of just being as simple as an apple pie? ~
~ Any way, you can feel some kind of honesty and sincerity in his behaviour. ~
~ More complicated people would spend hours, days, months, years thinking about how to present this in a better way, what consequences can it have and should you even bother. I would do so myself. ~

'Complicated' isn't really the correct word here, especially when talking about yourself

~ No, rather, I have done so. ~
~ But he just said it. Unsuccessfully of course, but it could have also gone differently... ~

These thoughts got me into a complete melancholy, so that the lunch signal, usually so desired, didn't trigger any emotions at all.

Maybe the Sun that came out from the clouds contributed to that, or maybe something else that I missed, while running after Electronik.
Only the places next to Ulyana and Alisa turned out to be free.
I braced myself and started walking towards them – eating was still a necessity.

Can I sit with you?

Oh just sit down.

Why are you so gloomy?

Because you also have your route in this shit game. Can't wait.

It’s just that you are too cheerful. I'm trying to keep the energy balance in the universe.

Ulyana giggled.
Oddly enough, the girls did not pay any attention to me and talked about their concerns.
At first I thought it was good but then I started to think that they just took no notice of me.

By the way, where is Lena?

Because of all my thinking I completely forgot about her.

I don't know.

Alisa answered absently.

Has she still not appeared?

As you can see...

I took a look over the canteen but didn't see her anywhere.

And nobody heard nothing about her?

No.

Don't you find it strange?

What’s so strange? Maybe she is reading, maybe sleeping or something.

Seems like you’re talking about yourself.

It's not your business, is it?

Alisa interjected angrily.

Well, if the person is missing...

You weren’t so worried when Shurik disappeared!

That's quite different...

Yes? And why, I wonder?

Shurik doesn't have boobs.

I had nothing to answer and so was just blankly looking at Alisa before going back to food.
She did not insist on continuing the conversation.

...

The lunch was over. I silently stood up and went out of the canteen without a goodbye.

~ On the other hand, why should I do something? Why me. Where am I and why am I here, who are all these people? ~
~ One can not be absolutely sure that Lena is not what she seems. ~
~ Perhaps, all this doesn't even exist, so, why should I worry?.. ~
~ However, for me now, Lena is still the same Lena. Modest, quiet girl I met on the first day. ~
~ And even her strange behavior could not affect my attitude to her. ~
~ In the end, it’s not certain that I still exist. So while the world is logical (At least to some extent), I have to play by its rules! ~

Do you know where Lena is?

No, why are you asking?

She is nowhere to be found. She missed the breakfast and the lunch!

So what?

She looked at me blankly.

What do you mean 'so what'? When Shurik was gone the whole camp was searching him from the early morning.

I don't understand you.

There is something strange happening to the camp leader, again. She behaved absolutely incomprehensible, illogical.

Do you think it’s normal? So where is she now?

I don't know.

Olga Dmitrievna replied calmly.

This is over the edge!

I started to lose my temper.

Ask Miku – she is her neigbour after all.

~ The idea was good because obviously I would get no more answers here. ~

It was nice that the orchestra-girl has told me before where she lives, that is why I was at the door of their cabin a minute later.

It would be even nicer if she told you that on-screen, same as with quite a bit of information that you 'were told' while player wasn't looking. But that would require competent writers.

I should have knocked, but for some reason I couldn't.
After a few deep breaths I knocked on the door several times.

Come in!

I heard a familiar voice.

No... I haven't seen her today. You are looking for her, right?

Don't you think it's strange?

By that moment I started suspecting everybody in hiding the information about Lena's location, in conspiracy, in involvement into me being here, in Kennedy's assassination and in hundreds of other terrible things.

Well...You know, maybe... I thought she went somewhere and then I just got lost in doing things – breakfast, music club, helped to clean, and then lunch, and then, and then...

Okay, I see... And what about yesterday? Was everything normal?

Well... She came late and immediately went to bed, I didn’t even notice anything wrong.

Not a chance of finding out anything here either.

Thanks.

At that moment it seemed to me that missing Lena was the only living person of this pack of talking dummies, and I had to find her!
However, it seemed almost impossible to do this alone, so I went for help.

~ Who will help me most willingly? Of course Slavya! ~

I decided that at this time she could be engaged in cleaning something. For example, the square.
So I went there.

Hi!

Hey!

Have you seen Lena?

No. Why are you asking?

Nobody saw her since morning, She was absent during the breakfast. She was absent during the lunch.

Strange.

I also think this is, to put it mildly, strange. Can you help me find her?

Oh, sorry. Maybe later? I've got cleaning here to finish...

It was like a lightning strike.
I took a few awkward steps back and ran away from this place.

~ What is happening? The strangest thing is – it doesn’t have to do anything with me, but with Lena. ~
~ Maybe she got here the same why as I did. ~
~ Exactly! That could be the reason why she behaves quietly most of the time. ~
~ No, wait... But what about her, meeting Alisa?.. ~
~ No, something does not add up. ~

After catching the breath I looked around and found myself at the bus stop. I sat on the curb and closed my face with hands.

~ If before nothing really depended on me, but was going relatively smooth – then now I was, as always, helpless, but the situation was totally different. ~
~ Watching the battle fought from the side without a threat to your life and being in the hot spot without being able to help the ones you care about are two different things. ~

...

Time passed and the Sun began to fall.

~ Probably dinner has already started. ~
~ Although what's the difference, I still don't want to eat. ~

I stood up and trudged back to the camp on rubber legs.

~ As always, the only thing left is to wait. ~

~ While everybody are at lunch I could sit quietly and think there. ~
~ Though what else I could think about? Enough maybe? ~

However, my expectations were ruined.

You also come here?

She looked at me from behind of her glasses.

Do you think I'm not a human being?

Maybe if she acted like one...

No, I don't mean that.

Then what do you mean?

Nothing... By the way have you seen Lena?

No.

I see...

What do you want from her?

Well... Nobody saw her since previous evening.

Do you think that somebody could get lost in this camp?

She laughed loudly.

Shurik succeeded...

That was a special case... Those guys are two peas from a pod and you never know what to expect from them.

I immediately remembered the morning incident.

Tell me... Why were you chasing Electronik in the morning?

Zhenya got uncomfortable.

It's none of your business.

Just asking.

Because he is a fool!

She turned away after these words.

Maybe you shouldn't be so strict to him.

Even to me it was not clear whether I’m defending Electronik or just keeping the conversation going.

Then how else?

Well, give him a chance... You know, such an act requires lots of courage.

Biggest beta on the planet giving others relationship advices

You say it... as if it is something special, some kind of achievement. Wouldn’t you be able to do that yourself?

I thought and answered after a while.

I don’t know... Didn’t have a right moment yet.

I wish you'll have it soon.

Zhenya said rudely and walked towards the canteen.
I sat down on the sand and thought.

~ True that, Electronik was able say it, but can I do the same thing? That is a question, a big question. ~
~ If I got the right moment... But which and when? ~
~ It's always easier to think about something ephemeral, to get ready for dozens of possible situations, to predict the following events for many steps ahead. ~
~ But most of the time it all goes different. ~
~ Even a small trivia is enough to ruin all your plans. ~

~ And if you're not ready to do it at all, ever, under any circumstances, if you are ready only when everything comes exactly as you have expected, it is unlikely to get something worthwhile. ~
~ Therefore, the only correct answer to the question of Zhenya was 'no'. ~
~ Not unambiguous, non definite, non critical or depriving the right to choose. Just 'no'. ~
~ There is only simple a 'yes' and a simple 'no'. ~

It was always hard for me to understand it.
Between these two extremes I had a great number of different "maybe", "perhaps", "probably if", and other "not sure but I will try"...

...

Under other circumstances I would have gone to sleep now... But looking for Lena at night also was not a good idea.
I got up and slowly walked aimlessly.

I stood there for a moment and was about to leave when I heard noises.

~ Clap, another clap... Something painfully familiar! ~

I stood in shock for a long time.
My head was completely empty, I just looked at her and felt a sense of joy. A joy of finding her, a joy of seeing her again.

When wasn't your fucking head empty during the last week?

Finally I came to my senses and decided to approach...
But after a couple of steps I stopped.

~ And what do I say now? "Glad I found you"? "Where have you been, I was worried"? ~
~ After yesterday's conversation it is very unlikely she wants to see me. ~
~ And what if Lena will ask me why was I looking for her? Why was I worrying? ~
~ I did not know myself why... Probably it's because she was absent for too long. ~
~ Maybe if it wasn't her but some other person whom I know I'd be worried the same way. ~
~ Maybe if I would have behaved yesterday in other way today she would not have disappeared. ~
~ Not sure, but I'll try to come up with something adequate... ~

I took another step and stopped again.

~ Probably, maybe, perhaps, not sure... ~
~ Again and again, these words appear in my mind, in my life... ~
~ Unconsciously, without my will! ~
~ But why? What's the purpose? ~
~ I have to make a decision! Once and for all! ~
~ Although... There are two simple words – "Yes" and "no". ~

Finally all cleared up!
I went to the court, approached Lena, smiled and said:

Hey!

Hi...

You were absent all day.

Everything she said was quite and calm with no trace of embarrassment or shyness. With no emotions at all, to be precise.

We worried about you.

Though the only one who worried was me.

You shouldn't have.

But you can't.... You can't just disappear like that!

I tried to smile to make my words not sounding like a reproach.

I don't think that somebody cares about that.

I care, for example.

Why?

I read a surprise in her eyes.

Because... Because it's not right!

No matter how I tried to be perfectly honest, it was coming out wrong.

Ah! I see... Ok, I won’t do this again.

It seems like this conversation was not interesting for her.
A silence followed.
I just didn't know what else to say, and Lena seemed to be feeling quite well in silence.

Are you any good?

Finally I said, pointing at the racket.

Not very...

If you want I...

No I don't.

She walked to the bench and put down her racket and birdie.

Okay...

To tell the truth, I did not expect such a response.

Want to look at the stars together?

Yes, of course...

Lena intently studied the sky.
Lots of small lights shined above me. Some of them were brighter, some were barely visible.
I never really understood what people find in just sitting back and looking at the stars.
After all, here on Earth, it's just small dots of light and it is unlikely that many people know what kind of celestial bodies they are, as well as their size and how far they are from us.
Of course, it is so romantic to just enjoy the light of distant stars, but for me it was like staring at a brick wall. It also has its potholes, unevenness of brickwork, patterns on the stone.
A stellar sky in miniature.

So what do you see there?

Stars...

She said mysteriously with her head up.

Yes I know, I see them too. But what’s so special about them?

I do not know... It seems that they talk to me. There are other people there. They have their own life, probably much better than ours, and they too look at the sky and see the Earth, me and you.

Voices of the distant stars...

~ I already heard it somewhere else. ~

You can call it like that.

Interesting theory.

No no, the theory is quite common.

Lena looked at me.

I guess I'm just more, let's say, practical person.

She said nothing, just stared at the sky again.

But if you think about it, of course, endless interstellar space, millions of planets, hundreds of galaxies... This is fascinating!

My voice sounded unnaturally fun.

You don't need to talk about all these things.

About what?

About this... About everything...

No, the stars are... are really beautiful...

Why did you come?

Now she was crying for sure.

I...I... was looking for you.

Why?

I don't know why! I just was!

You found me, happy now?

Well...

I mumbled.

Why didn't you go to Alisa?

What does she have to do with it?

Trying to say that it’s not about her?

No, I am saying that! Why did you bring this topic up again? I thought we already cleared everything out.

Of course, we didn't clear anything out. To be precise, we didn't even start to.
However, I didn't understand why all this is necessary.

You think I really want to talk about it myself?

If you don't then why?

Because... Because... It's because of you!

Because of me what?

You and Alisa...

Me and Alisa what? We don’t have any relationships… we don’t have anything at all!

All this lena vs Alisa shit doesn't work at all, mainly because their events are mutually exclusive so player only interacts with one of them. They wanted to make it into some kind of drama and little details like not interacting with the other girl or common sense surely wouldn't stop them. It's really rage-inducing to think how mishandled and half-assed this whole thing is.

Don't lie to me...

Lena turned away sobbing quietly.

~ Why is it so important to her? ~

What else can I say if you don't believe me?

Tell me the truth!

I've already told you!

Then go to her!

Why should I go to her? I do not want to go anywhere!

Why are you sitting here and torturing me?

Oh Lord! How am I torturing you?

Lena didn't answer.

I've been looking for you the whole day, because I was worried. Came here because you're here. I'm sitting here because I want to be here! What don't you understand?

She stopped crying for a moment.

Is it true?

Of course!

I mean something to you?

Even taking into account all the things I’ve just said, this question came to me unexpectedly.

Well.. Yes...

She cried, got up and walked briskly to the exit from the sports ground.

Wait!

I caught up with her, grabbed her arm, but she pulled it out.

Don't touch!

Now Lena was a totally different person.
And I couldn't say that she was aggressive, assertive or super strong-willed. She just had no doubt about what she was doing.

Wait! What did I say? That's all true!

Keep all this nonsense for her!

I tried to stop Lena once again, but she looked at me so that I did not dare to argue.

Just imagine how I feel! You made-up a bunch of stupid things, and now think that I'm guilty of all mortal sins.

Why should you care?

I should!

She stopped for a moment and looked at me.

It's all lies!

In my anger I hit my forehead on the iron post.

You can just smash yourself here!

I have seen Lena being anything, but not ruthless and indifferent.

Wait, let's talk quietly!

We have nothing to talk about!

She was crossing the football ground, and I trailed behind, trying in vain to persuade her to listen to me.

~ I don't know why I do all this. To prove that I'm right? ~
~ So I won’t be understood in a wrong way? So I will look better in her eyes? ~
~ Or is there some other reason? ~

In any case, at that moment I just felt that it was necessary.

Lena was pretty fast, I could barely keep up with her.
I had to say something. My head was filled with different options, but nothing suitable.

Wait!

No answer.

Listen...

No answer.

Will you stop it!?

No answer.

We’ll wake the whole camp!

So what? What's the difference?

Strange, but at that moment I was more worried about behaviors than Lena.
She stopped.

Thanks for accompanying me, I’ll go alone now.

Lena said bitterly.

You haven't listened to me yet!

But as for me, seems I've already listened, and even several times!

So what do you want from me?

Me? From you? Nothing at all!

She sounded much more confident than me, there was no trace of a doubt in her eyes.

What can I say... What can I do... Damn it!

I was ready to burst into tears.

Do not get so emotional. Nothing happened.

Nothing happened?! Definitely something happened!

You won't lose anything if you'll pay no attention to me.

Let me decide on that!

No, seriously, why? There are many choices for a pleasant activity. Well, and to be honest, I don't need it anyway.

If you don't need it, why constantly mentioning Alisa?

Lena changed in her face.

This is none of your business, get it!?

No, now it's my business!

She looked at me as if she was ready to kill.

Why are you bothering me? You have her? So go to her! She won't refuse, I assure you.

Lena started screaming, her hair disheveled, her face flushed and her eyes got bloodshot.

Calm down! I won't go to her. Why do you even think so? Just see – now I'm here and I’m not going anywhere.

She seems to have calmed down a bit.

I turned around and saw Alisa lazily chewing a ban.

~ At the wrong time in the wrong place. This situation is a perfect example. ~

I just froze in surprise, not knowing what to say.
But Lena was smarter.

Time to pass him on. Catch!

Alisa looked surprised. No wonder, she did not hear the entire conversation.

What?

I said catch.

Lena in a moment became as before – calm and unruffled.

What should I catch?

Him!

She pointed her finger at me with disgust.

He complains about how he loves you, how he can not live without you, and stuff like that.

What?

Alisa's eyes popped open wide.

No, it’s all wrong... Lena is just joking.

I giggled nervously.

Why? It's exactly what’s happening.

Listen, everything has its limits.

I said quietly to her.

Want there to be victims?

Why? I already suggested to you to go to her.

I do not know what you're talking about here, but don't involve me!

Don't know?

Lena said it softly, but her voice had traces of rage in it.

Same thing again?!

Alisa looked at her frightened.

Listen, I understand that you, well, mm... But I don't know... Really... not a single word, not even a single thought about him! I swear!

You don't know?!

Well, I would understand a simple slap, but such a blow can break the jaw!
Alice fell down and seems to have lost consciousness.

Yup, they actually called her Alice there.

~ What should I do? ~

I decided that whatever happens – it does not concern me.

~ But, on the other hand, how can I remain indifferent? ~
~ Am I a real man!? ~

I ran to the lying girl and tried to figure out if she's alive at all.

Are you completely out of your mind? If you want me to leave, to shut up or to do anything else – fine! But this turns into a complete madhouse! Maybe you need a straitjacket so somebody else will not get injured!?

Lena stood, clenching her fist.
You could even break your hand with such a blow.

The tears welled up, flowing across her face and she ran away from the square.
It seemed to me that I still heard Lena's sobbing while I was bringing Alisa to feelings.

Alive? Are you okay?

So not only they tried to use 'Alice' here too, but also mistyped it

Alisa moved her jaw from left to right.

I'll live...

I helped her up.

Well, that doesn’t matter now! You have to get to the infirmary!

It's too late for infirmary... I'll have a good night's rest and in the morning I'll go there.

Okay, then I'll go with you.

Can’t refuse.

Alisa said, trying to give me a smile.

She probably was not really able to talk, and I couldn’t found right words to say. All this was a real shock for me.
I found myself a mere spectator of a drama play in which I just took on the main part...
After the door closed behind Alisa I stood for a long time and looked at her cabin.

~ What should I do after all this? ~
~ Fatigue overcame me. I had to sleep. ~

 

[Idiott]

Spoiler

It didn’t trigger any emotions at all – yet another day of my life, that's all.
I got out of the bed and came up to the computer.
A message window flashed on a taskbar.
I sat down and stared at the monitor.

~ Somebody wrote to me – and that means that somebody still needs me. ~

The message contained only two words – 'Wake up'.

~ What do they want from me? An unknown ID – is that a spam? And what does it mean – 'wake up'?.. ~
~ I'm not sleeping anymore. ~

Window still kept flashing.
I've tried to close it, but failed. Instead, yet another one popped out. And another one, and another one... And all of them contained the same 'wake up'.

What the hell do you want from me?!

I screamed.

Soon the whole screen was all blazing with identical messages.
I couldn't bear anymore, grabbed it and smashed it against the wall with all my strength.

A phone rang.

~ Strange, who could it be? ~

I picked the phone and heard just 'Wake up'.
On the other end, thousands of voices – men, women, children – were screaming...

Wake up!

I've smashed the phone on the floor but it didn't break and kept ringing.

They were grabbing my hands, peeping into my eyes and screaming, screaming...

Wake up!

~ Huh... What a dream... ~

I came to my senses in a couple of minutes and took a look at the clock.

~ It's 5 P.M. How long have I slept?! ~

All the events of yesterday flew through my head. Searching for Lena, the devastating conversation, defeated Alisa...

~ I really have to talk to her, maybe she cooled down overnight. ~

~ There's no way I should lecture her straight off the reel. ~

Not coming to a specific solution, I knocked. Nobody answered.
I knocked again and then pulled the door knob.

However there was nobody inside.

~ Well, it means Lena's not here. ~
~ Will grab some food, I might find her in the canteen. ~

~ That's odd too, it's always crowded here at this time of day. ~

Looks like something has happened during the day.
I sat down on the porch and started to consider the situation.
All the pioneers were gone. All of a sudden.

~ Well, of course, it's hard to state that this camp or my way of arriving here is normal, but I haven't met any completely unexplainable stuff during this week yet. ~
~ There were lots of strange things, but... ~

Maybe they're hiding in that bunker...

I chuckled aloud.

While all this is way, mildly speaking, mysterious, I was nowhere near experiencing a panic attack.

No, it’s just that they have left.

Lena was standing next to me.

You... You... You can't just sneak up on the people like that! One can become a stutterer for life after something like this!

Sorry...

She said calmly.
Now her words dawned on me. 'Left'...

Hold on, hold on a sec! What do you mean by 'just left'?!

The session's over.

And the camp leader?

She had some business to take care of in the town, so she went with them.

Okay, and what about you?

And I've stayed.

Lena was talking with complete calmness as if everything that has happened is a completely normal routine.

How? Why is that?

What's the problem? When the session is over, children depart for their homes, don't they?

And when has it surfaced that today is the last day of a session?

You won't believe it, at the very first day. Moreover, Olga Dmitrievna announced this at the lineup.

Yeah, even at those lineups that I've attended, the last thing that crossed my mind was listening to the camp leader's announcements.

Then why didn’t anyone tell me a thing?

I've waited for a chance to get out of this damned camp for so long and when it finally appeared, I obviously slept through it.

~ Well, that's exactly my style. ~

I asked not to.

Even if you would ask not to, Olga... Hold on! What?!

I asked for it.

Said Lena with the same confidence.

And what, you've asked them to leave me behind too?

Yes.

And don't you think that it's all a little...

ABSOLUTELY WRONG?!

I rose to shouting.

Nope, it's perfectly normal.

I took a good look at Lena.
Not a single emotion have crossed her face since the beginning of our talk.

~ It looks like that girl that stands now right in front of me is not that kind of girl that's afraid of the crickets, blushes on every occasion and reads romance novels. ~

Ok, I got it.

~ Looks like this situation is directly connected to my mystical arrival to this camp. ~

Just who are you?

Me? This morning I was Lena.

She replied patiently.

Oh, yeah, and I'm Optimus Prime, born nine million years ago in the Highlands of Scotland.

I wasn't afraid of her or anything around myself that moment.
I was just bursting with anger from within.

Nice to meet you, I'm Lena.

Ok, now let's get serious. I think that what you're saying is plainly impossible. Today, as it turns out, is the last day. Somehow, I don't know a thing about it, and the camp leader departs with everyone, leaving me behind just because you asked for it. Don't you find it all somewhat abnormal?

Maybe I do...

Are you hiding something?

Maybe I do...

Then spit out everything you've got!

I've told you already.

I buried my face with my hands and took a deep breath.

Ok, and what am I supposed to do in this situation?

I don't know.

And what are you going to do?

I don't know. I’ll go with the flow.

So here's this flow.

I hissed out, abruptly spreading the hands.

And why are you worrying so much?

For the first time, a ghost of interest has appeared on her face.

And how do you expect me to feel? Glad?

Well, not really, but you wanted it yourself.

Me? You are mad!

And who said yesterday that he cares and that he wants to be with me?

What's that got to do with this?

I pretended not to understand, but finally it started to dawn on me what is she driving at.

Your wish was granted!

Yeah, sure...

I've mumbled under my breath.

Well, here I am with you. It is not explaining in any way what happened.

There's always a couple of tricks that could help one succeed.

And you... This is how...

Yes.

A smile crossed her face.

Ahem, if I'd known that you're so cunning from the very beginning...

To tell the truth, I kind of liked this whole situation. Well, not really liked – but I was curious.

~ Of course, I'm very sorry that I couldn't have escaped with everyone else. However, I'm tete-a-tete with Lena now. ~
~ That might mean that I'll get a chance to see the real her. ~

And all the answers that I was longing for could be right here and not in some kind of mysterious town where everyone else have headed for.

Okay, so what are we going to do now?

We?

She smiled.

Yeah, we. We're the only ones staying here. The canteen's closed and I seriously doubt that there's any food left there anyway. Of course, Olga Dmitrievna should return in foreseeable future, but...

What's the difference?

Okay, no difference. Any suggestions?

Hmm, what do you want?

She asked with a sly smile.

I would have grabbed something to eat... And then I don’t know.

Well, let's go and have something.

Where to?

There should be some food left in my cabin.

Okay, deal.

Well, there are cookies, want some?

She handed me a half-open pack of biscuits.

Aw, how cute...

I sneered.

Why?

Biscuits... Like in my childhood...

I guess.

Well?

I asked with my mouth full.

What?

So what are we going to do?

I don't know...

She wistfully gazed out of the window.

But what do you want?

I...

I want my people to reclaim their rightful place in the galaxy. I want to see the Centauri stretch forth their hand again, and command the stars! I-I want a rebirth of glory, a renaissance of power. I want to stop running through my life like a man late for an appointment, afraid to– to look back, or to look forward. I want us to be what we used to BE! I want... I want it all back, the way that it was!

~ But really, what do I want? ~

A mere half an hour ago my only thought was to get away from this damned camp.
But now, right here, next to her, something seemed to change.

Well... I don't know either...

Think harder.

She drew herself closer and gazed into my eyes.

Well, I... You know...

My face seemed to be blushing and my mind was racing.
Not just before I was in such an extreme proximity to a girl that quite clearly wants something from me, but primarily because this girl was Lena.

Well?

She studied me closely.

...

Lena, I...

What?

To say that she didn't look like herself meant saying nothing.
I was not afraid of this metamorphosis at all. Rather, I was afraid of myself – what I can do in such situation.

I...

Didn't you want to be with me...

She whispered into my ear, languishing.

I did... I mean... I do!

Then what's the problem?

You know, it's all so... Besides, I have some other circumstances...

What circumstances?

Well... various... circumstances...

You are not... Aren't you?

Yes, he is. He only wants to be friends with you.

Lena laughed.

Hell no, how could you think of that!

Looks like I blushed even more.

Then what's the problem?

Are you sure that you want all that?

I tried hard to change the subject.
After all, just a week ago I had my own regular life. A life where everything was strictly tied up and well-organized and where there was no place for girls.
And now I'm in some kind of mysterious camp with Lena sitting next to me and hinting towards something.

I'm sure you sitting 24/7 on 2chan required extensive planning and organization.

~ How should I behave in such a situation? ~

Just fuck her, damnit. I'm sure even you can figure out how.

Yes...

She frowned.

Of course I do, what's the problem?

Well, it's my...

I behaved like I wasn't even seventeen (how I looked like now), but like I was much younger.

Mine too...

She smiled.

I had to decide what to do next – now, after the session was closed and all the pioneers were gone.
I had to seek the answers.

Are. You. Fucking. Serious.

After all, I just had to beware this girl that could change her behavior and even her character so easily at will...
But at that exact moment I was haunted only by one thought – 'but what the hell?!'

Well, if you don't mind...

She said nothing, just smiled and moved even closer.
Our lips locked in a long kiss.

I forgot everything at that moment: I forgot about this weird camp, I forgot about local pioneers that in fact were gone, I forgot about our wacky camp leader...
I forgot about my past life and about my future, if it will ever come.
Right now the only one who mattered was Lena, her soft lips, her warmth that poured deep into my soul, burning me from the inside.

Hold on... Don't you think that it's way too... fast?

Why?

She smiled and looked at me in a way that I immediately felt ready to drown in her eyes.

You're sure, aren't you?

I am...

I whispered quietly.

...

I got out of the bed, put on my trousers and had a stroll around the room.

~ What was that? Just an animal instinct or maybe it was something more? ~
~ No, it's all wrong, completely wrong! ~

Here we go again

~ I'm stuck in this camp, I've lost my chance to get out of here and, most of all, I'm with a girl who probably has a split personality and maniacal-depressive syndrome. ~

I looked at sleeping Lena.

~ Anyhow, she's marvellous. ~

Everything that happened between us literally a couple of hours ago flashed before my eyes and I felt shivers up my spine.

~ Nah, I don't know if it's right or wrong, but if I would have returned back in time, I would have done exactly the same thing. ~

I widely smiled and sat down next to her on the bed.
It was close to 10 P.M.

~ Well, it's probably time to get up. ~

I gave Lena a gentle jolt on a shoulder.

Good morning. Well, evening, in fact.

Hi.

She smiled tenderly.

Time to get up, sleepyhead.

Are you in a hurry?

Well, no... But we're completely alone together in this camp...

So what?

She took a good look at me.

Well, nothing... When will Olga Dmitrievna return?

Is it that important for you?

She got a heavy look on her face.

Well, without the food we're going to die here.

I laughed.

You're free to leave then.

She looked away, towards the wall.

But how can I leave?

On a bus, of course.

There are no buses here.

And why do you think there's a bus stop for a bus route 410 here?

Frankly, I don’t know.

I told Olga Dmitrievna that we have some matters of urgency here with you and we'll come later.

What?

I felt like I was struck by a lightning.
I didn't know what I should be more surprised about – the fact that there are buses passing here or by the fact that the camp leader agreed to leave two pioneers behind in an empty camp just like that.

What I said.

It means that we can leave?

Go on, no one’s holding you.

She said all that extremely still – in fact, so still that these words gave me cemetery-cold chills.

Okay, I'm sorry that I react this way... It's just... Everything that happened today is a total surprise for me.

You didn't look too surprised a few hours ago.

~ Probably I've said something wrong... Completely wrong. ~

Well, don't get offended... We won't be staying here till the end of times, right? If there's a way to leave...

Lena didn't answer anything.
I looked at her back and tried to understand what she's thinking.

Fine!

She exclaimed cheerfully after a while, jumped off the bed and started to dress quickly.

Lena leaned over and gave me a passionate kiss.

Alright.

I tossed my winter clothing into a bag, shoved my phone into the pocket and headed to the square.

...

I've justified it with the fact that she has lots of stuff to pack and, accordingly, she needs much more time to get ready.

...

However, she didn't come even in half an hour and I started to suspect something.
My legs ushered me to her cabin before I realized it.

I ran to her and started shaking her by her shoulders.

Lena! Lena! Why?!

She was still conscious.

Hi Semyon.

A weak smile froze her lips.

Hang on! Hey, don't you trip out! I'll think of something right now! Listen, everything's going to be fine! You're not going to die!

Of course, I didn't believe it myself – Lena had slit her veins from elbow down the wrist.
It was a deep cut and given all the time I've spent waiting for her at the square, she bled a lot.
Probably even the ambulance wouldn't do anything by now and here in the empty camp, away from the world, Lena had zero chances for survival...

How stupid can you get!?

I've embraced and cuddled her tightly.
My tears were running down my cheeks, disappearing in her hair.
I've never cried so hard in my entire life.

Fool! Why down the road? Everyone’s doing it across the street, and you cut down the road!

Sorry... Happened as it did...

But why?! Why?!

I'm tired... So tired...

Lena went silent.
I've looked her straight into the eyes – she was still conscious, but a last flicker of life was dying quickly in her.

I'm so tired of it all... Wearing a mask... Suffering... I just wanted to be with you... But you've left me too...

I never left anywhere! Here I am! Why?! What have you done?!

I'm sorry...

I was choking with tears, unable to say anything.

I'm sorry... I'll be seeing you... Later...

I've embraced her even tighter.
Lena's breath was getting weaker and soon enough it stopped forever.
Horror-struck, I've jumped away from the bed.

My eyes went dark, heart was beating wildly and I've spotted the bloodstained knife lying on the floor.
A moment later, I was holding it in my hands.
Blade halted in a hair away from my wrist...

~ But why? How will it help? ~

I was sitting completely freaked out and just kept staring at Lena.

No, you aren't dead.

I exploded with a hysterical laughter.

Come on, sleepyhead, it's time to wake up!

I said softly and proceeded with shaking her by the shoulders.
But Lena wasn’t waking up.

What am I... I... What have I done?!

I don't know how much time passed but finally I've worn myself out and collapsed on a ground.

These were the same stars that Lena admired yesterday...
Yet another crying spell has torn me apart.

~ Why, why had she done it?! Because I've left her?! Where have I left to?! I've never left her and wasn't going to! ~

Only this moment I've realized that she was truly important to me.
I've realized that despite all her quirks, everything that happened today, everything that happened during a short period of our acquaintance, all this suddenly became the most precious thing in my life.
And I... I've instantly forgot about her, about her feelings, as soon as I've heard about this damned bus.
Indeed, it can't justify her act but how could I have ceased thinking of her at all...
I had been lying for a long time, watching the stars.

...

The landscape seemed familiar.
Suppressing my cries, I headed towards the camp.

I was bursting from within.
It felt like the pain would tear my body into millions of little pieces in a moment.
I've fallen to my knees and turned to punching the ground until my entire fists were dirty with blood.

~ If I'd understood it just a bit earlier... Just a moment earlier, I'm not asking for more... ~
~ She was so... so... Even the slightest of hints was enough for her. ~

Only this moment I realized that Lena died. And a part of me died with her.
Probably the part of me that I would call the best...

I went to her bed and sat down next by Lena's body.
I was terribly afraid to be here but I felt that I must tell her something.

I'm sorry.

I started.

It's far too late, of course, but if you can hear me out there somewhere, just remember, please, I will love you forever, for the rest of my life!

And that was the plain truth.

I'm sorry that I've ignored your feelings. I'm sorry that I've always thought only about myself. I'm sorry for everything... It was me who had to die, not you.

I've covered her body with a blanket and slowly got out of the cabin.

So, running away, scumbag?

I muttered darkly to myself.

~ I couldn't stand a single minute longer in this camp. ~
~ Lena will never come back, one can't justify what I have done. I'll just wait for the bus that will take me away from here. ~

I wasn't giving the slightest damn about what's going to happen to me tomorrow or in an hour.
I don’t care about answers, I don’t care about how I got here...
Soon enough I saw a glimmer of dim light in a distance. Somehow I wasn't surprised at all.

This scene would work a bit better if we gave a fuck about any of these characters. Game's too short and writing is too bad for that though.

My mind was blank.
Everything that makes us human – feelings, emotions, aspirations, suffering – I left it all back there in that pioneer camp.
Now all I have is this night and the empty bus.
There is no more future, no more present.
If I would die tomorrow that would only mean that yet another human body ceased to exist – the real me died there a few hours ago.

...

I don't know, how much time passed, but the fatigue took over me.
I wasn't going to fight it as it made absolutely no difference whether I'm sleeping or awake.

 

[pippin]

what can change the nature of a weeaboo in anime cccp

 

[Idiott]

Spoiler

There are moments when spiritual torment overshadows everything else.
And even if the world ends – you will not notice. If a knife will pierce you – you will not notice. Even long boiling in pots of hell will seem just a minor inconvenience.
After all, there are problems more important than that...

Clarity of thinking took its time to come back.

Well, that was to be expected.
As if I spent a whole week, preparing for the exam, and at the last minute spectacularly failed.
And the result of this fail was the return to the real world...

However, now it didn’t seem any more real to me than the 'Sovionok' pioneer camp.
No wonder. Reality is what you can hear, feel, touch and taste. And all that was really there.
That world was real to the smallest detail. Sometimes it seemed more like my past life was a fiction.
And now I have to remember how to exist here...

Though why? I felt like a man who was thrown out of the car at full speed without even noticing it.
And was left, lying on the roadside with broken arms and legs, while the car disappeared into the night, taking away the last remnants of hope.

Lena...
Her image surfaced in my fevered brain so clearly that I wanted to cry unbearably.
No – I wanted to shout, tearing out clumps of hair, clobber fists on the wall, while making nonhuman screams.
However, the soul was empty.

I tried in vain to find at least the echoes of pain, guilt or pity for her, but nothing was coming out.
I was just lying here and staring at the ceiling...
I was not at all interested in how and why I came back.
After all, who will care about the process of selling the soul to the devil, all this legal formalities of the contract, signatures, stamps and seals?
What is more important is the result. And I've got this result.

No, it's not that I was sent back to reality! If I would get to the destination on that bus, it would hardly change anything for me.
In this case, the result is what happened to Lena. And the reason is my actions. I was absolutely sure about that.
After all, she could not just do that, for no reason ... No, Lena is not like that! So it's all my fault!

It is hard to live, knowing that you were the reason for someone else’s death.
As if I personally held the knife, calmly and carefully cut her wrists and watched her die. And then just ran away...
Of course, I could not do anything in that situation, but I still felt that I behaved like a coward.
No, even worse...
Although, does it really matter what is the best definition of my actions?

I was cursing myself for being so calm, while thinking about this situation.
After all, I have to be lamenting Lena and blame myself... But now nothing depends on me. If I was not able back then...

I started shivering, my body was trembling and it was getting hard to breathe.

Self-preservation instinct took over guilt for a while, and I staggered into the kitchen to drink a sedative.
They can always be found in the cabinet of every antisocial person like me.
Once I took half of the tablets that were in the package, I returned to the room and turned on the computer. Staying in silence was unbearable.

I played the first random song and soon realized that it was probably the most depressing music that can be found on my hard drive.
However, I did not want to turn it off – background noise damping my thoughts.
I had to decide on what to do with my life next.

I was sure about one thing – everything that happened in the camp, my appearance in it, unexpected returning – all that didn't worry me.
Didn't worry by itself and in the context of reasons for which they were caused.
The only thing that mattered was Lena.

I've horribly stumbled upon a word 'was'. Indeed, she's gone.
Of course, it's possible that it was just a dream and she never existed in the first place.

But then again, our real world could be someone's raving delusion as well.
Why not? If people suffer from losing their loved ones here, why should I think of Lena’s death there as of a result of someone's sick imagination?!
I've seen it all with my own eyes. I've felt the shock, fear and fright...
Damn it! For me it was not a reality, it is a reality.
Is and will be!
And I'm sure I'm not daydreaming!

Though it would be better if I dreamt that...

Dreadful howl of guitars resounded from the speakers. It sounded like a requiem. A requiem for me...
And now I have to live with the sense of guilt? No, I won't take it!
My mind wasn't an ideal of stability but... Not every man with a stable mind can stand shocks like this.
And I already feel that I'm going mad!

I tried to suppress all these thoughts. No, not to forget, just to give myself some rest.
Just for a minute...

But it didn't work – pain tortured my body again and again. I already started to feel it physically. However, physical pain is always weaker than mental...

I fell to the floor, clasped my knees and began rolling back and forth in this position.
Blood pounded in my head so heavy, that it felt like my skull could shatter any moment now.
I hit a table leg, and a little candle rolled out from under the pile of papers.

A little one, 20 centimeters long, it was bent at almost 90 degrees angle, but still retained its shape. The wick protruded from the other end.

Let it be in the memory of Lena...
Maybe in another world she is feeling better than...

...

I sat on the floor and watched, as the wax was slowly dripping on my fingers.
I felt no pain at all – probably the nervous system was so exhausted that it was unable to translate pain impulses into the brain.
Fire calmed me a little – I just watched the flame and did not think about anything.
Finally, at least some peace of mind...

...

Candle was half-way done.
Suddenly I've imagined that my life – is this very candle.
Not just mine – any person's life.
All that we have been given from above – is its full length.
But anything can happen – the wind may blow, hand may tremble or wick may end... And life will end before it should have.

But after all, candles can be different!
Such as this – 9 cents, two times thicker – 20, and huge ones, which look like the handle of a shovel – 1,85.
I’m wondering, did Lena's candle burn out ahead of its time or it was just smaller than other ones?
Though I doubt there can be one smaller than mine...

I rotated a candle in my hands.
How interesting is that – I can blow off the flame any moment, and that's it...
But in the meantime, life is not a wax, you can’t get two small candles to make one of the medium size.

I would love to give the remains of mine to Lena.
To anyone who needs it more than I do!

Why do I need it? I do not feel pain from the heated wax, its flame does not give me any warmth, it hardly illuminates the room.
Speaking shortly, a waste of ropes, wax and oxygen...

This action evoked absolutely no emotions in me.
I slowly stood up and headed to the bathroom.

...

Image of Lena came before my eyes.
She was smiling.

We'll definitely meet again... I'm so sorry...

Warm water, shadows and fatal hallucinations have finally brought me some peace.
It really might be that I’ve never actually been in that camp.
Or that I never actually came back.
But does it really matter now...
I've almost physically felt Lena's embrace.

Everything will be alright... We'll catch the bus together and ride it to the place... Where nobody will find us... Where we'll be happy together...

My strength left me and I started to submerge into the water that was already spilling over the edge of the tub.

We surely will meet... Forgive me...

...

Every story has its own outline, synopsis, contents, key points, a prologue and an epilogue.
And there is no book, which would not reveal the things you didn't pay attention to previously after you read it again.
Every story has its beginning and its end.

 

[Nevill]

So. Was that a good ending, or a bad ending?

 

[Idiott]

Sadly that was bad ending. Working on good now. Good endings are banal and boring anyway so I'll be doing bad ones first.

 

[omega21]

What the fuck, why did she off herself? I don't get it. She even got to have sex unlike myself

 

[Nevill]

Because she felt unneeded (the guy she just slept with dumped her and left in a hurry) and because she was unstable from the get go?

It is not that far-fetched.

 

[Idiott]

She was depressed, moreso thanks to this supposed Lena-Alisa rivalry, which doesn't really exist in game but is treated as if it did. And after she had sex with Semyon, the first thing the retard does is ask about the bus, the camp leader and then runs out. This arc had some potential, but terrible writing and pacing make it fall flat.

---

Spoiler

Alright, to get Lena's good ending we have to change two things from the last time: first, we tell Olga that we went to search Shurik alone. Dialogue doesn't really change, the only difference is that we reply "Yes, alone" instead of "No, with Lena.". Then, we need to help Alisa when she gets knocked out. The only change is lack of his 'Am I real man' mental monologue.

Spoiler

Spoiler

Well, there are cookies, want some?

She handed me a half-open pack of biscuits.

Aw, how cute...

I sneered.

Why?

Biscuits... Like in my childhood...

I guess.

Well?

I asked with my mouth full.

What?

So what are we going to do?

I don't know...

She wistfully gazed out of the window.

But what do you want?

I...

I want my people to reclaim their rightful place in the galaxy. I want to see the Centauri stretch forth their hand again, and command the stars! I-I want a rebirth of glory, a renaissance of power. I want to stop running through my life like a man late for an appointment, afraid to– to look back, or to look forward. I want us to be what we used to BE! I want... I want it all back, the way that it was!

~ But really, what do I want? ~

A mere half an hour ago my only thought was to get away from this damned camp.
But now, right here, next to her, something seemed to change.

Well... I don't know either...

Think harder.

She drew herself closer and gazed into my eyes.

Well, I... You know...

My face seemed to be blushing and my mind was racing.
Not just before I was in such an extreme proximity to a girl that quite clearly wants something from me, but primarily because this girl was Lena.

Well?

She studied me closely.

...

Lena, I...

What?

To say that she didn't look like herself meant saying nothing.
I was not afraid of this metamorphosis at all. Rather, I was afraid of myself – what I can do in such situation.

I...

Didn't you want to be with me...

She whispered into my ear, languishing.

I did... I mean... I do!

Then what's the problem?

You know, it's all so... Besides, I have some other circumstances...

What circumstances?

Well... various... circumstances...

You are not... Aren't you?

Yes, he is. He only wants to be friends with you.

Lena laughed.

Hell no, how could you think of that!

Looks like I blushed even more.

Then what's the problem?

Are you sure that you want all that?

I tried hard to change the subject.
After all, just a week ago I had my own regular life. A life where everything was strictly tied up and well-organized and where there was no place for girls.
And now I'm in some kind of mysterious camp with Lena sitting next to me and hinting towards something.

I'm sure you sitting 24/7 on 2chan required extensive planning and organization.

~ How should I behave in such a situation? ~

Just fuck her, damnit. I'm sure even you can figure out how.

Yes...

She frowned.

Of course I do, what's the problem?

Well, it's my...

I behaved like I wasn't even seventeen (how I looked like now), but like I was much younger.

Mine too...

She smiled.

I had to decide what to do next – now, after the session was closed and all the pioneers were gone.
I had to seek the answers.

Are. You. Fucking. Serious.

After all, I just had to beware this girl that could change her behavior and even her character so easily at will...
But at that exact moment I was haunted only by one thought – 'but what the hell?!'

Well, if you don't mind...

She said nothing, just smiled and moved even closer.
Our lips locked in a long kiss.

I forgot everything at that moment: I forgot about this weird camp, I forgot about local pioneers that in fact were gone, I forgot about our wacky camp leader...
I forgot about my past life and about my future, if it will ever come.
Right now the only one who mattered was Lena, her soft lips, her warmth that poured deep into my soul, burning me from the inside.

Hold on... Don't you think that it's way too... fast?

Why?

She smiled and looked at me in a way that I immediately felt ready to drown in her eyes.

You're sure, aren't you?

I am...

I whispered quietly.

...

I got out of the bed, put on my trousers and had a stroll around the room.

~ What was that? Just an animal instinct or maybe it was something more? ~
~ No, it's all wrong, completely wrong! ~

Here we go again

~ I'm stuck in this camp, I've lost my chance to get out of here and, most of all, I'm with a girl who probably has a split personality and maniacal-depressive syndrome. ~

I looked at sleeping Lena.

~ Anyhow, she's marvellous. ~

Everything that happened between us literally a couple of hours ago flashed before my eyes and I felt shivers up my spine.

~ Nah, I don't know if it's right or wrong, but if I would have returned back in time, I would have done exactly the same thing. ~

I widely smiled and sat down next to her on the bed.

It was an unspeakable pleasure – just seeing how she sleeps.
People say that the sleep reveals the true face of a human.
I've heard a legend that some ancient nation had a custom: before getting married, a woman watches her fiance sleeping for three nights.
And then she decided whether to marry him or not.
Bearing that in mind, I could confidently say, that Lena's face showed nothing but goodness, kindness and childlike naivety.

~ Could it really be that this is the girl that knocked out Alisa yesterday? ~

Well, whatever it may be, everything's already happened.
And I've already seen Lena like that... The humbleness for the first few days, the hysterics back there on the island, the rage at the square yesterday, her passion today...

~ How can one single human cope with so many opposing personality traits? ~
~ Might it be the case that she really has double-, triple-, quadruple-split personality? ~

Or may it be that no one can be characterized by a a few traits like 'shy and kind' and you are just a fucking retard. Then again, this is a VN, so if someone acts outside of their one or two traits they're weird or insane.

...

I don't know how much time I've spent just watching Lena sleeping. It might be a couple of minutes or it might be a couple of hours.
Finally, she awakened.

Lena smiled tenderly.

Come here.

She raised and hugged me.
I didn't resist and plopped down on the bed.

You're so wonderful...

She whispered in my ear, kissing my neck.

You too...

But my voice hesitated.

Wanna do it again?

She asked playfully.

Hold on.

I've moved her away gently.

You know, all this is anything but simple. When we've just met, you seemed to be one person, then you've seemed to be another one, and today... Now I can't understand at all who you really are!

And yet again, what you've done to Alisa...

Again her...

You really are retarded.

Lena covered up with a blanket and turned away.

Didn't you like what we've done? Want to do it with her too? Now, I won't hold you up! Come on, compare us! I'll leave you her address. You will tell me who is better! Or we can do a threesome...

She sounded like she wasn’t talking about me or her.
Like she was talking about complete strangers.

Ah, there you go again.

I sighed.

My reaction every time you open your mouth, dude.

Throughout today you should have realized that the last person I would think about now would be Alisa.

Okay, you're right.

She turned to me, smiled and hugged tightly.

Hold on... I yet still have to understand...

Why?

I can't just simply... And yes, I do care! That's why I really need to know who you really are.

Me is just me.

She answered in the same languishing voice.
My brakes started to break from all these emotions.

~ I have to calm down somehow. ~

Fine...

Lena said with disappointment and started to get dressed..

Later. It's time to set out.

She interrupted me impassively.

What? Where are we going?

What do you mean, where? Back to the town, of course!

But you told me...

Well, I might have withheld something. In fact, I've persuaded Olga Dmitrievna that we still have some extremely urgent matters here and we'll come later.

How would be get to town then?

By bus, of course.

There are no buses here.

I grinned.

What do you mean, no buses? Of course they are! Route 410.

I didn't know whether I should believe it or not – the situation seemed to be going out of control – but I wouldn't argue.

O-oh-kay...

I strained out cautiously.

Come on, get packed, meet me at the square in ten minutes.

Okay...

I gave up asking and left the cabin.

I just tossed my winter clothing into a bag and headed to the square.

You don't seem to carry lots of baggage.

It's just enough.

She smiled.

Let me carry it.

Please do.

Although her bag seemed almost weightless, bit of manners never hurt anybody.

~ Now I really lost any touch with the person near me. Is she the one I met a week ago, or the one I saw first time this morning. ~

When we reached the bus stop, I took the mobile phone and checked the time. Surprisingly, there was still some power left.
It was almost 11 P.M.

~ Isn't it a bit late for buses? ~

Asked Lena curiously.

Oh, just a toy... Take it, it's a gift.

Thank you!

She smiled and took the phone.

What can you play on it?

You'll work it out yourself later. It's not that hard.

Especially when battery dies. Some gift

Anyway, mobile phone is totally useless here.

...

We waited for about half an hour and Lena just kept and kept talking.
Well, I must admit that I was finding her stories amusing, I felt comfortable with her, but what about the bus?

So what about...

I haven't finished the sentence as I've seen a glimmer of headlamp light in a distance.

Ah, here it is!

Lena exclaimed enthusiastically.

The darkness behind the window prevented us from seeing the road, the woods or the fields – actually, it might be the case that they're all long gone and we're flying in the void towards the unknown.
Anyway, I couldn't care less for the surroundings – I just kept listening to Lena.
Perhaps she said more words during today than throughout her past life.

I've interrupted her at last.

I still don't understand...

What exactly?

She smiled.

How come you could be so hesitating, so humble at first, unable to string two words together... And then... Like this...

Is it that important?

Yes, it is! For me.

Well...

She took a deep breath before the answer.

You see, I've always been like what you saw the first time we met... I was like that in public. I wasn't able to live as I wanted to since the childhood. And... I've put on a mask...

She has gone silent.

Although... Let's not go deep into that!

Lena laughed and cuddled my arm, pressing her body tightly against it.

Ok, I get it...

Probably it was very hard for her to discuss it indeed.
Anyway, I got a lot even from such a short explanation.

But still... Can I be sure you won't turn into that one again?... Won't get into your shell, won't surrender to your anger and rage?

It depends on you.

Lena smiled slyly.
It was just now that I've realized that I'm playing a high-stakes game.

~ On the one hand, I've spent only a week in this obscure world trying to find some answers, I have nothing to my name, damn, I just have nowhere to return to! ~
~ On the other hand – there's this girl who obviously matters so much to me... ~

Back then, I almost wasn't thinking if I have any feelings for Lena.
I just wanted to be by her side, look at her, listen to her. I liked her the way she was.
I assured myself that this is it – the real Lena is in front of me.
And now, when these thoughts came back – about my past life, a mysterious appearance in the 80’s pioneer camp...

~ It's just not the time for such thoughts! ~
~ I feel good right now, close to her, I don't want to return anywhere, I don't want any answers, I don't want to think about what's going to happen tomorrow! ~

If it depends on me... then I just want to believe that you'll always be the way you are now. For this is the way I love you!

So, I'll keep being this way as long as we're together!

She hugged me even tighter.

...

I don't know for how long we've been on the road, but Lena's chatter gradually started to quiet down.
She put her head on my shoulder but still was telling me a story about her cat getting loaded with sleep aid, getting dizzy and wreaking havoc.
I slowly started to doze off myself.

And still, why did you hit Alisa?

She took a closer look at me with a serious expression on her face.

I always hated that bitch!

Lena laughed loudly and nuzzled into my shoulder.

...

I desperately tried not to fall asleep. It's unknown what's there – after the next turn of the bus. It might be a new life, awaiting for me or might be the end of this fairytale – and yet I'll be buried in the coffin of the peeling walls and ceiling of my old apartment.
But it was a losing battle – Morpheus has summoned legions of monsters under the command of Fatigue, Exhaustion, Desolation and Uncertainty.

Spoiler

Consciousness slowly started returning to me.
It was like I'm falling from a high cliff with clouds flying nearby.
Ground is coming closer, but I’m not afraid that I'll collapse. My fall slows down and my body smoothly immerses into the warm ether...

You'll sleep through your whole life like that!

Lena looked at me seriously.

Ah? What? We’re there already?..

Where "there"?

I looked around.
A bench, the square, Genda...
But how? I was in the bus, going to the district center.

Why you are looking at me as if you've seen a ghost?

But we... Why am I still here?!

For a second I felt terrible fear.
Will I never get out of this place?

We were... In the bus... Together...

In the bus?

Yesterday...

Yesterday?

Yes, yesterday! Don't you remember?

Lena fell into thinking.

Yesterday... I don't remember anything like this. Maybe you just had a bad dream.

Considering all that has happened already seemed like a hallucination, this must be a dream inside a dream then.

Well, let's take it slowly...

I tried to think logically.

Session ended yesterday, all pioneers have left, but we stayed... And then we took a bus and went to the district center.

Lena surely looked perplexed.

Are you kidding me?

I am not kidding anyone!

Today is the last day.

Wait... So, how much time have I spent here?

Lena started to count off on her fingers.

Looks like... Seven days.

Not eight?

It's seven, definitely seven!

I made an exhausted sigh and closed my face with hands.
Well, that's another riddle in a long list of this camp’s mysteries.

Well, ok... Though I have a feeling that we’ll not manage to leave today either.

Why?

Sixth sense.

You are a bit strange today.

I suppose, I have my reasons...

Want to tell me?

I gazed at her attentively.

I do.

Sure, why not?
When I had a real chance to break free from this camp, everything failed...
So what am I losing now?

Now where do I start from...

Start from the beginning.

Yes, of course... Well, I was born, I studied, married... Err... well, ok, I haven’t got married yet...

You still have time.

Yes, but... Well... In a few words, like, I'm not from this world.

From the looks she gave me, it was clear she didn't understand me at all.

I got here accidentally. Even I don’t know how.

So what does your world look like?

Lena asked seriously.

It is... Well... Virtually it is the same, but 20 years older than... your world.

Do you already have space flights?

Well, if it comes to that, you have them as well. However, we don't have great achievements in this field yet.

Sounds interesting!

I was unable to understand if Lena took it seriously or was just pretending to do so.

I used to live in a completely different place as well. Far away to the north, according to the landscape. In a big city.

I've never been to big cities.

Maybe it's for the best.

Will you show me your house?

It seemed like she was taking this talk as seriously as I do.

Well, I'm not even sure it exists in this world...

Oh come on!

Lena pouted.

Well, sure, I will...

So how did you get here?

One evening I took a bus, route 410 and... woke up here. I know nothing more.

410th route! It's the one that stops just outside the camp!

Yes, but my 410th travels in other place... and time.

Are you planning to return?

Lena said, and I noticed notes of unhappiness in her voice.

I have no idea how to...

And if you knew?

You're asking tough questions.

What's wrong?

Nothing, but... You see, I just recently have started to adjust myself. The first hours in this camp were such a shock for me that... I don't know...

Okay, you still have time to think about it.

Time to think?
It seemed that even if Lena believed me, she considered this whole situation just a typical inconvenience and nothing more.

Anyway, nothing depends on me. Possibly, even if I do want to stay... You see, that one who brought me here can take me back as well.

I do believe that any event in one's life has its reason. Therefore, you are here for some reason.

Maybe...

And if you have not returned... You must be needed here.

Well, I can't exclude such version.

Camp leader's voice sounded from afar.

Heard it?

I don't have much to pack...

But I do! So, meet you near the bus!

Would you like me to help?

Lena smiled and ran away towards her cabin.
I remained sitting on the bench, trying to cope with the shock.
My thoughts were still in chaos, one theory replaced another.
On one hand, the fact of me finding myself in this camp is much more odd that one of me being unable to get out but...

What now? What am I supposed do? Is there any chance that I can leave camp with another try?
Anyway, what's the point in being nervous? By now I know precisely that absolutely nothing depends on me.
Maybe I just have to sit back and enjoy the flight?

I couldn't help smiling.
Especially now, when I have an additional reason not to rush with departure. And this reason is Lena.
Maybe she's right and I am here for some reason.

In the end, even if I can narrow down the possible explanations for my situation to a reasonable minimum, there will still be a thousand and one.
And if I keep exhausting myself with their analysis, I'll just go mad.

Maybe it’s time I choose something?
Maybe this world is not so bad after all. Especially since for the first time in a long time I have an incentive to live.
Still a vague one, but still I have it, it exists!
And now I have the power not to simply hold it, but to develop into something bigger!

With such thoughts I stood up and started walking to Olga Dmitrievna's cabin in order to pack my humble belongings and leave 'Sovionok' pioneer camp forever.

...

She put a cup of tea on a table near an arm-chair.
Firewood was gently crackling in fireplace and snowstorm was roaring outside.
I wrapped myself up with a plaid cloth and looked at Lena.

Do you know what day it is?

No, what day?

Do you remember what I told you back there in the camp?

No.

No wonder. During all these years I never brought up a topic of my mysterious arrival to this world.

Do you remember how I told you that I am not from this world?

Lena paused.

Well, something like that... yes...

So, today is the day, when many years ago I got on the 410 bus and woke up in that pioneer camp.

So, it's an anniversary.

Lena smiled.

Yes, sort of...

Is it a sad celebration for you?

No-no, not at all!

And I remember almost nothing about that time...

Maybe it's for the best...

I added some firewood to the fire and took the mug from the table.

Maybe I'll write a novel. You will read and remember.

Do you think it's a good idea?

Lena's expression became serious.
Indeed, once I promised myself that I would never write about it.

Maybe it's not. After all, everything that happened is just for us.

That’s exactly what I think.

I sighed and looked at the fire.

You know, life is like a candle. Someone’s got a short one, someone’s got a long one. And it can burn out at any moment.

Then our life is like this fireplace.

Yes, perhaps.

I looked at her and smiled.

I'll sleep for a while longer.

Lena kissed me and fixed her gaze on the fire in a dreamy manner.
My eyes closed and my whole reality compressed itself to the crackling of the firewood.
I started falling slowly, somewhere far-far away.
No, it was not a dream. More like a warm ether, gently enveloping my entire existence.

Every story has its own outline, synopsis, contents, key points, a prologue and an epilogue.
And there is no book, which would not reveal the things you didn't pay attention to previously after you read it again.
Every story has its beginning and its end.

 

[abnaxus]

Let's fuck Olga next.

 

[Idiott]

We will gain some further insight into the mind of our emo cunt and do no-girls run. Think of it as a preparation before crossing the sea of inanity that is Ulyana's route

 

[SerratedBiz]

no-girls run.

At least the endings aren't just variations of themselves with different [girlname] stuck on them. Kudos for the bad end, I like ballsy stuff, game was lacking in nightmare fuel.

 

[Corporate_Jew_Master]

Rich Homie Cloaked

 

[Idiott]

Spoiler

We will start off by not replying to Slavya when we first meet her at the gate. I'm not sure if replying to her locks us completely from some of solo events or not, so let's play it safe.

Spoiler

The girl looked perfectly normal, she even had human appearance, but I still could not utter a single word.

~ It's too late to run... ~

Did I say anything wrong?

It cost me so much effort to give an answer:

Uhm... yeah...

What?

Oh, nothing, I mean I've just arrived.

I replied quickly, fearing that it was me who might have blurted out something wrong.

Uhm... yeah...

Rest of the first day is the same as usual. We learn where facilities are and meet girls. We then have a choice whether to grab cards for the game alone or with Slavya.

Spoiler

I'll go get them.

Fine. They're in my cabin, in a desk's drawer.

I headed to Olga Dmitrievna's place.

~ Why did I agree anyway? ~
~ Then again, what choices did I have? ~
~ There's nothing to do here at night, at least I'll have some fun. ~
~ But my mind kept nagging about this not being a good time for having fun. ~

~ On the other side, if there exists a camp with pioneers – then it must be someone's doing. ~
~ And even if it's not true, then the most logical thing is to seek answers here, not in the forests or fields. ~

But at this very moment, the answers are going to play cards.

To my surprise, there were no cards inside.
Instead it was full of cups, forks and knives, plates, scotch tape, scissors, rubber gloves, a piece of rope, few plastic bags, pencils and few broken pens.
Anything except the playing cards.

~ Maybe I should look in the closet? ~

It was full of Olga Dmitrievna's clothes, but the small drawer with a key hole on the top caught my eye.
I pulled, but it didn't open.

~ I wonder if she's hiding something? ~
~ Forcing it open wasn't the best idea, even if the cards were there. ~

I was turning to leave as I remembered something.
Slavya forgot her keys yesterday. They're here.

~ What if... ~

For a moment I hesitated, but then approached the closet and started picking a key to the lock.
Of course it would be strange to expect a result – indeed, why would Slavya carry a key from Olga Dmitrievna's personal chest?
But to my surprise, another key slided in the lock and turned a few times without a problem.

Suddenly a door squeaked behind me.

~ Was it wind?.. ~

I carefully looked outside. Not a single person in sight.
Perhaps it was nothing, but I still felt uneasy.

...

I even looked in the bushes by the cabin, but then decided to go back and seek out all the dark secrets of our chief.

Semyon, what takes you so long?

With shaking hands I turned the key and jerked it out of the lock.
Slavya came closer.

Ah! My keys! I thought I lost them! Where did you find them?

They were in the bushes... outside. Found them just now...

Thank God I managed to close it before she saw.

Let's go?

I wanted to get out as fast as possible, and preferably forget about my attempt to violate someone's privacy.

Sorry, I remembered that cards were in Slavya's cabin. She fetched them while you were looking.

I looked at Slavya, she meekly smiled.

~ Come on you guys, don't worry about me, I'll be fine... ~

Nothing special happens for the rest of the evening. We don't bet with Alisa, go get Zhenya and lose to Lena. We then wander around the beach and go to bed.

Spoiler

I was not in the best mood and I really had no desire to swim, but I still came to the water's edge and tried the water with my hand.
The water was warm.
Seems like it was still cooling down after such a hot day.

~ Well, perhaps some time later I will come back to swim. ~

...

Spoiler

Spoiler

It happens to me all the time: you see incredibly lucid images in your dream, as if you fell into a Hollywood blockbuster with a plot full of twists, well-paid actors and multi-million dollar visual effects. And then you wake in the morning without remembering a thing.
That's what I was trying to do – to restore the images shown by my relaxed brain. But this part of memory was empty – either archived, or formatted at all.

~ I seem to be an early bird today. ~

Olga Dmitrievna was still sleeping, wrapping tightly in her blanket.

~ Wrapping so tightly?.. In a hot summer?.. Humph... ~

I got up, stretched, came to the mirror to have a look at myself.

~ I better shave. ~

Strange idea. Before 2 times a month was enough, but now nothing depends on the way I look
I haven't found a razor anyway.

~ Why do I even need it – if I look like I'm seventeen at most? ~
~ So... Breakfast can't start earlier than 9 a.m., and this means I have plenty of time. ~

Which I can spend in walking and washing, for example.

Vice versa – its cute coolness helped me to brace up and to come back to reality (whether all these events could be called real).
The tooth powder didn't seem to be such an outdated thing. A quick thought has struck me that it’s not that different from toothpaste.

She was standing in front of the mirror and fixing her hair.

Good morning, Semyon!

Morning.

Because of lack of sleep, my head was still singing, and the thoughts were all jumbled together. However I didn't regret waking up instead of usual sleeping two or three hours more.

How come you got up so early?

Just happened...

And no neckerchief once again. Let me...

I'll do it myself, not a big deal... on my way to the canteen.

I don't think so, do it now! Did you forget about the lineup before the breakfast?

~ How could I ever forget? ~

And what's the lineup going to be about today?

We'll discuss the agenda for the day.

So what’s the agenda?

Frankly speaking, I didn't care for what might be on the agenda for our courageous pioneer troop. I was mostly interested in where our brave leader will lead our little pioneer army for the following 12-15 hours – maybe I will manage to avoid enemy dislocations.

She gave me a wily smile.

Olga Dmitrievna, you know, my stomach is getting upset – I'd rather... Well, you know...

I believe that's ok to miss the lineup once. It would get all nasty if I failed to control it right there...

~ Where did all this courage come from?.. ~

You have five more minutes.

I'm afraid I need more time. Could you tell me right now, please.

Oh, fine! On our list for today is cleaning the camp locations, organizing the books in the library, some other minor tasks. And, of course, we have a dance party in the evening.

Watch yourself! You must take part in the camp activities today!

~ You bet! ~

Definitely! And now I'd rather...

Come on, hit the road!

Actually, I didn't have any particular reason to behave this way.
But the voice within me kept telling that I have nothing to do at the lineup.

...

After the camp leader left, I went back to the cabin and decided to wait for breakfast there.

~ Cleaning and organizing – that's not what someone in my situation should be doing. ~

Two days have passed, and I'm still there where I started.
All tenants seemed to be perfectly ordinary people. They weren't involved in any conspiracy, weren’t communicating with aliens and had no idea about time warps.
Of course, each of them is a bit peculiar. But these peculiarities do not step out of line at all.
Moreover, having met any of these pioneers in my familiar world, I wouldn't suspect anything wrong.
They seemed to be even more normal and natural than, let's say, my very self.
This line of reasoning was quite logical, the illogical part was the absence of answers.

~ Ordinary people in a non-ordinary place. ~
~ I've heard and have seen that already, somewhere... ~
~ Dozens of pioneers (or even more) live their familiar lives and do their regular stuff day by day. They don't understand that the world around them is not what it looks like. ~
~ Okay. But this is their point of view. As for me, I'm not acquainted with both the world of 'Sovionok' camp and its tenants. Even if they seem to behave the way normal people would under the same circumstances. ~
~ I have to decide here and now – are those people involved in what's happening to me? ~

~ Can they give me any answers? ~
~ Or I have to seek the truth somewhere else. ~

...

Or even inside the canteen.
Probably, most of them had their breakfast before 9 a.m.

~ That's even better. Two is company; three is a crowd. ~

Lena was sitting in the farthest corner of the canteen, lazily picking with her fork an amorphic lump that vaguely resembled porridge.
Having a breakfast with her seems like a good idea. We can have a chat in peace.

~ Or at least try to have one. ~

I was on the way to her table when suddenly somebody grabbed me by the sleeve.

Take your meal and come. We need to talk.

...

What are you waiting for?

I was a bit confused.

Pardon, isn't it a bit too... sudden?

What's wrong? Take your meal and sit down.

I suppose that she judges her behaviour as something completely normal.

~ What if I can learn something new. She is such a bookworm. ~

Minute later I was sitting in front of Zhenya, with the tray and the simple meal on it: porridge, 2 eggs, 4 pieces of white bread, a sausage, and a glass of compote.

Bon appetite!

Thanks.

I decided to act as politely as I can, and also eat neatlier – without champing and spilling crumbs of food and drops of compote.

So, what do you want to talk about?

Today at the library...

I wasn't listening from this point onwards, I immediatelly recalled the Olga Dmitrievna’s word about the scheduled events for today.

...don't forget!

Oh? What?

I said, don't forget to visit the library after the lunch.

What for?

Were you even listening?

Nope.

Admitted I honestly.
Zhenya's face turned red, then appeared as green, then took on the soft purple colour.

Today! After lunch! You! In the library! Get it, dunce?

~ Dunce? What kind of curse is it? Though 'a pioneer must never use a curse word', how could I forget this rule? ~

Oh, yeah, sure! I apologize! Of course, I'll be there!

Actually, I wasn't really planning to go anywhere, but if you want to make someone speak, you need to sacrifice a bit at first.

By the way, what year is it now? I totally lost the count.

I decided to play fair.
She looked at me perplexedly and answered:

Have you completely gone bananas?

Honestly, that’s how I felt for the last few days.

Zhenya didn't reply.

So, what year is it?

I smiled kindly.

Listen, why don't you visit the infirmary?

Will they tell me what year is it there?

Oh certain! And even more!

Zhenya stood up and headed to the exit.

Wait, you didn't finish your meal...

This whole scene is pointless. There is no mention of this talk at any point later on and there is no way to go to library specifically after lunch, you can go there with Slavya to dust books and that's it. Maybe there were plans of Zhenya route too and this is some weird remnant of that.

Spoiler

I was finishing chewing on the sausage, tasted like a twisted-pair cable.
I wonder if they have an internet access here?

~ Guess, no. ~

A pioneer sitting at the other table has noticed me talking to myself and stared at me. I smiled and waved to him in return.
After such a friendly greeting he, for some reason, left the canteen quickly without finishing his breakfast.

~ Done with the food – it's time to search for some clues. ~

~ I have nothing to do in that place. ~

Though the nurse seemed quite caring, it's better to keep the distance from her.

Such benevolence is actually scary!
She may know something, but I had no courage to just enter the infirmary.

~ Moreover, I had no motive. Not a single one. ~

Immersed in my own thoughts, I didn't notice the nurse, who was standing at the porch.

She came closer.

You must be sick, came for medicine?

No, no... I... was just wandering around...

Oh, the truant I see.

But if you're here, I have a serious task for you.

I gave her a look of inquiry.
The word 'task' made me feel uneasy, it sounded like something inevitable.
The nurse smiled spitefully.

You both will help me to make the inventory of the supplied medicine, which arrived today.

~ Both? Who are we? Perhaps, I misheard. ~
~ But what word can be confused with 'both'? ~

Lena emerged from the nurse’s back.
Seemed strange that I haven’t noticed her until now.

Come here after dinner. I had explained everything to Lena, she will tell you what to do.

~ Medicine, huh? Supplied today? ~
~ But Olga Dmitrievna told me that no bus will arrive in the next couple of days. ~

So, there were visitors in our camp today?

Yes, they arrived from the city this morning. Why are you asking?

Just curious...

Alright then... pioneer! So tonight, after dinner, you'll be here!

Maybe I...

Lena was barely noticeable this whole time.
Surely, she's able to keep invisibility like a skilled ninja.

I could do it on my own.

Strange, she seemed more spirited during the lunch.

No way! There are lots of boxes.

And the pioneer is always ready! Isn’t it so... pioneer?

She gazed at me and smiled menacingly.
I don't want to spend whole evening doing something like this, also I’ve got more important things to do.
But rejecting this request would be really improper.
If it wasn’t Lena who’s standing here, I would definitely think my way out.

Sorry, we are busy being asocial emo cunt.

~ Maybe, I shouldn't have lied to her. ~

I should think before I say something.

Oh really? And what exactly are you going to be helping her with?[/nu]

It was turning a bad way, but I decided to stand my ground.

Her cabin... She ask me to clean it up, sort the things and so on. Bet you know what a mess the cabin is!

You are such a terrible liar.

Sure she asked you to tidy up her closet too?

The nurse looked at me so intensely, that the Napoleons fiasco at the battle of Waterloo seemed now a small annoyance comparing to my current flop.
I was going to say something, but she continued to speak.

Okay then... pioneer. We'll manage it without you.

I apologize. But, you see...

Said I and looked at Lena.
She stood looking at the ground as before, while blushing more and more.

It's alright... I'll manage it by my own...

Okay then.

An awkward silence followed.
I wanted to sink into the ground because of my lame lie that probably offended Lena.

Well, goodbye then?

Bye!

The nurse was still smiling spitefully.
I turned and walked away almost running.
Though in fact, I really wanted to run, common sense advised me not to.

Spoiler

~ So, what's next? ~

I decided to visit my cabin, in order to collect my phone.

~ Don’t know where I'll find myself today, but having a watch is always useful! ~
~ Though having a wrist watch is much easier. ~

Suddenly I heard a different tune, which was coming through the usual noise of this camp.
I listened to it carefully. Sounds like an electric guitar.
Three repeating chords, no more.
But this melody still was somehow 'warmer', as if vacuum tube-based audio amplifier was used.

~ Could there be such a luxury here? ~

Definitely, the sound was coming somewhere from the stage area.

~ I wonder, who could that be? ~

We are looking for answers today, so screw the guitar.

~ Whoever that is, what's the big deal? I have better things to do. ~

Olga Dmitrievna was lying lazily on her bed and reading a book.

~ That's what I could ask her too. ~

I've forgotten something... And so I came back.

You were absent at the lineup!

Oh, yeah. I apologize...

Alright. Nevertheless, you should do something useful today.

Just as I planned. But I have my own vision of what 'useful' means.

Like?

You could go to the square, to help with cleaning. Slavya is in charge there.

Banal.

~ Strange, I've just been there and haven’t seen anyone. ~

Or you could visit the boys at the club of electronics – they asked me for a hand.

Shit.

~ Those 'Fathers of invention' again! ~

Finally, you could help at the sports club.

What are they up to?

They're renewing the pitch: fixing the benches, changing the goal nets and so on.

Boring.

Honestly, none of those options suited me.

~ Why is she always trying to burden me with some work? ~
~ Seriously, except Slavya, no one ever works here, while some particular people are enjoying their free time with youthful spirit. ~

Every leader’s attempt to make me busy seems to be following the only purpose – prevent me from finding out my current location.
Really, all deep and vital questions concerning my existence are swept away by a broom, together with all rubbish and litter.
In my case taking some time to work would probably pay off, but same with someone suffering gangrene and rejecting the amputation – I will stand by my beliefs.

You know, I already had my own arrangements.

Oh, really? What kind of arrangements?

You retard.

She bucked up.

Well...

~ I can't just tell her what I'm really thinking about! ~
~ On the other hand, why not? ~
~ But it's too dangerous! ~
~ At least, now I keep a fragile balance and nothing is threatening me. Everything seems that way. ~

Just as I thought!

What exactly she thought remained secret.

You probably have not realized yet, how important it is to participate in social life. This is the only way to become an role model pioneer.

I didn't want to attend another long lecture, so I decided to accept one of the offers.

So? Should I choose for you?

The leader’s voice turned authoritative.

I can do it myself, thank you...

Mumbled I into the beard then went out of the cabin.

Sausage fest time.

That surely was a hard decision to make.

~ Indeed, is there any reason to hook up an extra time with weird chaps fond of early-to-mid-20th-century sci-fi? ~
~ But what if I'll manage to find out something useful from them? ~
~ At least I can try. ~

Standing on the threshold of the clubhouse, I hesitated for a while. Finally, all doubts were swept aside. I opened the door and came in.

Hi there, cyberneticists! How is it going?

I was itching to behave as friendly as I could.

Hi! We were waiting for you!

How did I know...

Electronik obviously intended to be called 'the Oracle'.

So, what do you need?

You'll help us to complete the robot.

No way. That's out of my range.

Don't worry! We'll show you around. The more you hate me, the more you will learn. I am hard...

...but I am fair!

Electronik joined in cheerfully.

Life can be more than fun and games, dudes. There's a topic to discuss... I've got a question, and you seem to have an answer.

What's the question?

He inquired with a grain of salt.

Do you think it is possible to travel in time?

Why would you think of such a thing?

Electronik suddenly became serious.

That's not only my idea... I took a book in the library yesterday – 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells. You must have read it. So, well, I'm thinking it over.

A-ah...

Wanna leap to the future, see how life is there?

Been there. Everything is shit.

Nah, not really. I'm more into travelling back in time.

Why is that?

I don't know. Why not... Well, and what do you think about it?

General Relativity Theory postulates existence of worm holes, also known as tunnels in space. But you won't understand it all anyway.

~ I bet I won't. ~

Anyway, in any such supposition we'll encounter a whole bunch of paradoxes. For example, if you'll travel to the past and will kill yourself then it would mean that you from the present won't be able to exist.

Well... It seems so...

Put it in a nutshell, it's all too unscientific.

I see, but what if it would be possible?..

I mean, do I need some kind of a machine, a device or an application to get into the past? Or it's enough just to fall asleep in a wrong place and wake up in another time and reality?

I'm sure that modern science has no answer for your question yet.

~ Oh, yep! He sounds just like 'Popular Mechanics' magazine. I've seen a couple of issues lying around my shelves too. ~

Dude, they're seventeen or so. What the hell did you expect?

I see.

~ It appears that coming here was a bad idea... ~

However if we assume that known laws of physics are incorrect... Or vice versa – the laws themselves are correct but we don't know all about them... Then it's definitely possible.

Okay...

Or it could be somebody, for example, a more advanced race than humans that possesses superior knowledge of the nature of things.

Okay...

They could build a time machine or travel through time by some other means.

Okay...

~ So, that means that I was thrown into the past by humanity's big brothers? ~
~ An interesting idea. And it seems that it's reasonable, if you think of it. ~

And how would one find these... the ones you've been talking about... if you’re already in the past?

How on Earth would we know?!

They both laughed loudly.

Well, thanks, guys!

I was about to leave.

Hey, hang on! And what about our robot?..

I'm sure that everything would be just fine with it!

...

After that, we go to the canteen. We break stuff, run away from cleaning futy and help Slavya in the library. Then we go to the disco.

Spoiler

Clock was showing nine.
Such a rare thing to happen.
I felt sluggish though.
Well, I have to go.

The loudspeakers and some DJ equipment were installed near the monument and the trees were decorated with the light strings.

~ Ah, one typical countryside disco. ~

A lot of pioneers around, but no familiar faces, so I just sat on the bench and waited.

~ I don't have to dance, after all. ~

Maybe I'll be able to just sit and chat with someone.

Hey sad face.

Here to suggest something?

Come on, let's dance!

It's way too early... There's not even music yet.

Blah, you're so boring!

~ Yeah, I am not the merriest person for a such event. ~

She ran away.

~ So Ulyana did wear something like an evening dress. Pretty funny. ~

Slavya.

Hey.

She sat down by my side.

How's the evening?

Fine.

Why are you so sad?

I’m not...

Okay. Dancing will surely cheer you up!

Maybe...

Don't forget to leave one dance for me!

She laughed and ran to the musical equipment.
The situation was getting serious. I wouldn't be able to sit through the whole disco.

Lena came closer.

Ah, hi, you’re here too...

~ Is it such a wonder? ~

Yes.

Okay... Gonna light the party up?

The joke turned out sour.

...

Lena blushed and looked down.

Well, maybe it’s not the best idea – setting everything on fire...

Okay, then I shall...

Yeah...

She left.

...

The pioneers formed large groups, talked, joked around and laughed.
At the DJ's panel Ulyana argued loudly with Olga Dmitrievna about the playlist for this evening.

The music started to play.
I didn't know the band or the song but I really felt that I'd tag it 'Soviet pop classics' if you'd ask me.
Pioneers just stood there for some time as if not hearing the music.
It's always hard to make a first step. Especially if you're pretty sure that you'll be the only one who would make it...
Ulyana seemed not to know that simple truth.

She reached the centre of the square with few leaps and cried out loud:

What are you standing for?!

And started to wiggle ridiculously.
'To wiggle' is the exact word. You couldn't find a better one.
It looked so silly and funny, that I couldn't resist laughing.
She noticed it.

I was pretending I can’t hear her.

Stop pretending! Come on here.

I've kept ignoring her.
Pioneers slowly realized that they are not too sexy for this party and started to dance.
It looked really silly from my point of view.

~ Shaking one's arms and legs to the beat of long-forgotten hits? Come on, get real! ~

Of course, I couldn't dance whatsoever but this thing couldn't be called a dance either.

Hey, Semyon, what are you sitting there for? Don't you wanna dance?

I was so deep in thoughts that I haven't even noticed Slavya.

Not really...

Are you sure?

She smiled.

Maybe later.

~ Damn! What am I even doing here?! ~

I sat a little longer and then cautiously slipped away after making sure nobody notices me.

...

The most quiet place here is a bus station, which might never be visited by a 410 route again.
But! I had uttered a scream.

I was petrified.

How, what, how, why?..

I remembered all my theories about getting in this camp at once.
I was striken by an idea that during these several days I had got used to local life so much, that I started to forget that the things happening here were really not normal.
I was just standing there and watching the damned Ikarus. Then I clapped my cheeks to be sure that it is not an illusion. The bus was still there.

~ If it is here then it is time to go home! ~

Sayonara, pioneers!

I rushed to the door...

- ZAP -

I came to senses on the ground. My nose hurt like hell.
I stood up and tried to understand what's going on.

~ It seemed like I bumped into something... ~

The bus was more than real by the touch.
I tried to stretch my hand into the door... But there was some kind of an invisible wall.
I was overwhelmed by a nearly animal fear.
Fear of everything – the camp, its inhabitants and this bus.

~ How the hell did I even get here? ~
~ What is this damned Ikarus I can't enter? Why is this happening to me?! ~

Suddenly a strong, knocking down wind blew.
I turned around and saw a little piece of paper under the wheel of the bus.
Something was written on it.

Bad handwriting seemed familiar.

~ I certainly have seen it somewhere... ~

It dawned upon me! I took a small charcoal from the ground and scribbled the same sentence on the back side.
The handwritings were identical!
My head cleared.

~ I have sent a message from the future to myself! That's it! ~
~ Or not. From the past... ~
~ Damn! I don't understand anything! ~

In any case that was my handwriting.
It certainly was not hard to forge it, but I was sure that I have written that message myself.

The invisible wall was still there.
I circled Ikarus all around, tapped at the wheels, peeked inside through the window.
Everything looked absolutely normal. But wasn't in reality.

Heavy stone just bounced off the glass without visible damage.
No effect. Not even a scratch.
I sat down on the border and sighed weakly.

If you think about it, that piece of paper hinted to something...
And it seemed that this situation doesn't carry any harm.

~ Interesting, what will she say about the bus now? Would she still insist that it won't come for a few days? ~

I jumped up and ran to the sound of Olga Dmitrievna's voice.

I blurted out victoriously and waved my hand to the road.

Say about what?

She replied in surprise.

The bus disappeared... as suddenly as it appeared.
The cry of victory died in my throat.

But... but...

What?

The bus! There was a bus! Just a moment ago!

The bus couldn't be here.

She said calmly.
I stared at Olga Dmitrievna's face. She was skilfully lying or really didn't see anything.
Is that me who might be seeing things?

~ It can't be true. I really have seen that damned 410. ~

Quit lying.

I said quietly.

Semyon, I don't understand.

Stop lying to me! There was a bus! It is you, you keep me here! Why?!

I gritted my teeth, but tried to speak with a calm voice.

You scare me... Time to go to bed!

~ I won't get anything from her as usual. ~

Seriously though, I really wanted to sleep.
I walked fast past the leader, deliberately not paying her any attention.

Spoiler

Day 4 is pretty much all the same shit. Shurik goes missing, we look for him - we have already visited all the possible places so I'll skip that. Next we are given keys to the infirmary. This is the best time to be a dick to everyone who comes in.

Spoiler

~ On the one hand there is nothing to worry about – I'll spend here half an our or so and she'll be back. ~
~ But what if someone comes for actual help? With broken leg? Or with injured head? ~

I began to worry too much.
I hope that there are no serious injuries other than bruises and scratches in this camp.
But at the same time I could not get rid of an idea that in case of a serious situation I would be absolutely useless.

Magazine on a nurse’s table caught my attention.

~ A good way to relax. I guess... ~

This is labeled 'Soviet fashion'.
Publish date or month were absent.
However, this was not a surprise. There were much stranger things happening here. I didn’t know much about Soviet magazines. Maybe they actually didn’t have publish dates on them.
Models dressed in old-fashioned clothes stared at me from glossy pages.

~ Nowadays nobody would put on such clothes. ~

I smirked.

~ I wonder if Slavya, for example, considered this fashionable. ~
~ Only imagine what would happen if she appeared in my time wearing something like this. ~
~ Imagine we are walking in hand-in-hand. I'm wearing my coat with the hood and she is dressed into a lavish dress covered with laces and thingies. ~

Seems like I’m already imagining Slavya in my world... with me... and not only Slavya.

~ This dress better suits Ulyana, this cute sarafan would look good on Alisa, this skirt and cardigan would look nice on Lena. ~

If only they could be real...
No, I saw them, heard them, could even touch them.

~ But still they are here and I... I simply don't belong to this place. ~
~ It’s alien for me. I'm just waiting for a chance to get out of here. ~
~ Waiting cause nothing depends on me anymore... ~

I sighed, put my head on the table and fell asleep

...

I was awakened by the noise of the door opening.

~ Yesterday I promised to help her in the infirmary... ~

My cheeks became scarlet shortly and I turned away pretending that I'm busy.

Nurse is not here? Then I'll come back later...

I’m substituting her!

~ Since I am responsible for pioneers’ lives I should do it with all the responsibility. ~

Although, in fact, I was just afraid of something happening because of me.

Any health complains?

I tried to give Lena the most accurate smile I could in order not to confuse her.

Nothing special... Just a little headache.

Let's do this!

~ Some painkiller maybe... ~

Of course I wasn't aware where to find required medicines so it took me long to find them.

Finally!

I handed metamizole tablet to Lena.

Thanks...

She smiled.
That was absolutely unexpected and so I lost touch with reality, staring at her.

What?

Lena got awkward in a moment.

Listen, I’ve been wondering. Do you like this?

Don’t know what’s got into me, but I grabbed that magazine from a table and showed her that picture of a skirt and a cardigan, which would really suit Lena in my opinion.
Maybe I went completely nuts, thinking about all the girls in my world.
Or maybe I wanted to distract myself instead of waiting for the nurse to come back.
Lena looked at the picture.

Yes, I guess...

Is stuff like this in trend?

I guess...

She got confused and started blushing.

Why are you asking?

~ Really, why... ~

Just asking...

...

We were quiet for some time.

Well, that was a massive change...

Spoiler

How is your headache?

Much better, thank you.

She smiled.

I'll go.

Good luck!

Lena came out and I continued to look through the magazine.

...

After a while somebody knocked at the door again.

~ Seems that infirmary is the most popular place to go. ~

Suddenly I've decided to roleplay a nurse... just a male version... and said:

Come in!

Wow! Did I miss the moment when you decided to start knocking?

Anything wrong with knocking?

She frowned.

What’s hurting?

Why on Earth would I tell you? Where is the nurse?

In front of you.

I've imposingly crossed my legs and looked questioningly at her.

I better go. Better die than being treated by you.

She smiled mischievously.

You didn’t even try!

Ulyana thought for a moment.

Though you could give me pills.

What’s bothering you?

Took her some time to reply.

Heaviness in the stomach...

Sure it’s not emptiness in the head?

I've muttered under my breath.

What did you say?

Nothing. Give me a second.

I found pills in the first drawer I opened.

Thank you, doctor!

She smiled cheerfully.
Watching Ulyana I could not imagine how such optimistic and active child could have health problems.

Stop stealing food from people.

She gave me a baleful look.

No, left everything for you!

Ulyana ran out of the infirmary and slammed the door.
Maybe I shouldn’t have said that.

...

Spoiler

Again I went into studying of the soviet fashion trends.
Time passed but the nurse was still absent.
I wasn’t searching for Shurik, wasn’t looking for any clues concerning my state... I was just sitting and flipping through the magazine.
Just for a moment I felt quite satisfied with this situation...

~ Eventually everything happening here could be seen as some sort of trip to a summer camp, and if nothing changes any time soon then I can start worrying. ~

Again somebody knocked on the door.

~ Did I miss an outbreak of an epidemic? ~

Oh, hi! Isn’t the nurse here?

Hi. No she's not here. I'm taking over for today.

Great. I'd like ...

She hesitated.

What?

No, it's nothing.

~ Strange. I wouldn’t even think that such an open person as Slavya would keep something quiet. ~

If there's something bothering you, tell me! That's why I'm here, to treat people.

I smiled widely.

No... I mean yes, but no.

Hearing that made anything possible, even division by zero.

So, how can I help you?

You? I guess, you can't.

She smiled and was going to leave, but suddenly stopped.

However... Can you step out for a minute?

~ Why not? ~

Okay...

~ I wonder what might she be doing, something that I can't even see. ~

She was carrying a small bundle.

What's in the box?

What is it?

Nothing!

She blushed.

Thank you!

You're welcome...

Slavya ran away.

~ Seems I shouldn've asked... ~

...

Spoiler

It was getting late, I've read the magazine backwards and forwards, but the nurse still wasn’t here.

She looked at me thoroughly.

What are you doing here?

Sitting...

I admitted honestly.

Okay then! It's even better without the nurse.

She murmured.

Are you sick?

I asked acidly.
Alisa didn't answer and came closer to me.

Move over.

Why?

So I can open the drawer, isn’t it obvious!?

What for?

She got angry.

None of your business.

Well, I'm kinda in charge here...

She gave it a thought.

Then give me some activated carbon!

Stomach ache?

Yeah.

She grinned acidly.
I felt there was something wrong here...

Nope.

Really, a stomach ache?

Really-really!

Doesn't seem so...

What, do I have to toss my lunch all over the place for you to believe me?

I don't know what terrible is there to be done with activated carbon, but I'm sure you will think of something!

She hesitated.

And what if you’re right?

Here! I knew it! Then I'm certainly not giving you anything!

With all her impudence she was still just a girl, and she had no chance to push me aside.

Whatever! I'll find it somewhere else.

She turned away and headed to the exit.
At the door Alisa stopped and looked back.

By the way, the camp leader and the nurse are carrying a pioneer with a broken leg. I really don't care, but they seem to be struggling.

Yeah sure!

Come see yourself...

Alisa seemed to be lying, but on the other hand, as long as I can see her...
I came to the door and looked outside. No one was there.

Em, where exactly?
[alsur] Haven't reached here yet then.

She made a helpless gesture.

Have fun!

I returned to the table and only then I realized that one of the drawers was opened.

~ How did she make it?! ~
~ I turned my back just for a second... ~
~ Though, what evil can come out of activated carbon? ~

...

Spoiler

It was 15 minutes till dinner, and the nurse still wasn’t back.

~ I guess just leaving like that won't do. ~
~ She asked me after all... ~
~ And who knows what might happen if I leave... ~
~ Though who might want to steal anything from here? ~
~ Except for Alisa stealing activated carbon... ~

I opened the magazine again and began flipping through it for the nth time.
The fashion of eighties wasn't that fun anymore.
Yawning got me several times.

It was already six o'clock, hence dinner has already started.
Of course I had to be on the watch till the end, but my stomach seemed to have its own opinion on this matter.
I stood up and steadily headed to the exit.
Some rustling sound came from behind the door.

~ Could it be someone else who got poisoned, broke their arm, or something even worse? ~

I sighed heavily and pulled the doorknob.

Seems it was just my imagination...

To be precise, an apple appeared on the table.

~ But where from? ~

Fruits can't just materialize from thin air by themselves, can they?
Though in this camp everything is possible...
Chances are someone just brought it here.
Maybe Lena wanted to thank me.

~ Given that she's all shy and... ~
~ But wait! How could she just walk past me like that? ~
~ Lena wouldn't climb through the window after all! ~
~ So there must be something else... ~

I was suddenly overwhelmed by fear.

~ What if the apple is poisoned? ~

Though why would someone complicate things, when I'm here totally helpless and can be killed way easier?

~ Or! It might be the apple which Eve tasted in the garden of Eden? ~
~ In this case I certainly should not eat it! ~

The same second my stomach reminded of itself by wambling traitorously.

~ However, it would take time to close the infirmary, to reach the canteen, to take food... ~

My stomach is about to eat itself.

We don't know where that apple's been.

~ No! Even assuming that this is a normal apple. In any case, I shouldn’t eat unwashed fruits! ~
~ Just like that... ~

I found the reason for my fear and put the apple away.

It was time to go for a dinner.

We go to dinner. Alisa is playing with homemade gunpowder at the square, and Electronik finds Shurik's boot. We can choose who will come with us. The girls only agree if we 'helped' them in the infirmary: since we haven't, even if we select a girl we will get 'alone' route.

Am I going there alone!?

Olga Dmitrievna looked thoughtful.

Perhaps you're right... We'll go together tomorrow morning.

Everybody seemingly forgot about Alisa and her terrorist act. Maybe due to the minor damage it caused.
Together with the camp leader we moved towards her cabin.
I tried to think why Shurik would go to the old camp.
He is interested in robots and cybernetics, not scary stories and ghosts.

~ What does it have to do with that boot?.. ~

I remember how I decided to wait until something extraordinary would happen...
And then I realized – this is it!

Olga Dmitrievna, I think I’ll take a walk before sleep.

Just not a long one!

Okay!

But doing this in the dark!..
I didn't want to return to Olga Dmitrievna's cabin but I had to find a flashlight. For instance in the infirmary.

~ I was glad I didn’t spend the whole time there reading the fashion magazine. ~

...

The flashlight was found quickly, and in few minutes I was again standing at the square putting myself together.
I just had to make the final decision before I enter the forest.
Moving along the pioneers’ cabins, by the forest path into the abandoned camp...

Electronik told me that the old building was built immediately after the war.
It looked like a kinder-garden (or like barrack, as I expected) and definitely could fit less pionneers than today's camp.
It was abandoned for about twenty years.

...

The forest looked totally different at night.
Mysterious shadows were hiding behind the trees. Strange rustling and cries of night birds coming from everywhere, branches treacherously crunching under my feet.
The full Moon was shining so I decided to save the battery in the flashlight – sure I will need it some time soon.
The further I moved the less pleasant thoughts were coming into my head.

I wasn’t afraid of the dark at all. I didn't believe in ghosts and other mystical crap, but at the same time, during the last few days I encountered so many incomprehensible phenomena that against my own will I started to look between the lines in the simplest things.
Obviously I felt exceptionally uneasy in the forest at night.

Everywhere I looked, every shadow, every tree or bush looked like weird creatures, escaping straight from horror movies or from Stephen King novels.
A branch seemed to be someone’s hand, so eager to grab your shoulder. Lying log – someone’s dead body, someone who failed to get out of the forest. In every ravine I saw a bottomless abyss.
If I would find myself in this forest under any other circumstances, without all these buses and pioneer camps, of course I would still feel myself uncomfortable, but then I would be able to explain everything with logic and be afraid of nothing, of course except for owls and mice.

But at the moment there were more than enough reasons to fear.
Despite all this I reached the old camp without any adventures.

...

Paint peeled off the walls. Almost all windows were broken. Broken masonry here and there, holes on the roof looked like those produced by bombing.
In front of a building was a little garden, surrounded by a rusty fence.
Apparently, once it was a playground with a merry-go-round, swing, chutes and other soviet attractions.
But time is cruel. All of them were mutilated by corrosion and broken.
The grass was so tall that almost came up to my waist.

It seemed like everything came back to life: windows with new glass and walls, painted with fresh paint.
I herd a playful laughter. Saw translucent children joyfully running and frolicking in the yard. Harsh camp leader on the threshold, holding basket with ripe apples in her hands. Old cleaning lady Manja taking a nap in shade.
I got such chills.

Of course, my imagination was playing tricks, but the old camp itself was so similar to all post-apocalyptic pictures I have seen that these visions were of no surprise.
I stood undecided for a long time, before I dared to go further.

~ After all, I’m here to find Shurik! ~
~ Though I still don’t get what he might be doing here... if he’s even here... ~
~ Boot somewhere nearby doesn't mean anything! ~

However, if he was not eaten by wolves (for some reason it seemed like there were no wolves in this forest), this must be the only place where he might be hiding.
I accurately crossed the yard pushing the tall grass apart trying not to run into some piece of metal.

But I stopped in a doorway hesitating.
Impenetrable heavy darkness looked at me from inside.
Even the bright moonlight could not reach any object or silhouette.

My head was filled up with different thoughts that it's better for me not to go any further and run away quickly.
But I pulled myself together, turned on the flashlight and stepped over a threshold.

I still remembered my childhood days and so everything here looked very familiar.
Sleeping room with lines of beds standing close to each other, large playing room, toilets, dinning room and utility rooms.
Signs of the past children's joy was seen everywhere. From time to time the flashlight helped me to draw my attention to a decaying doll or a plastic toy car or punctured rubber ball or broken rank of tin soldiers.

There was a faded with age book on a table.
I flipped through a few pages.

It was a story I read long time ago, back in my childhood. Something about the war...
Enemies destroyed the kindergarten and all of its kids hid in the little basement together with a bunch of adults, while bombs were exploding up on the surface.
I don't remember the end of the story, but as far as I remember, nobody died.
Looking at the illustrations, all emotions: fear, sadness, sympathy to the poor children and sense of hopelessness which I had experienced while reading this book came over me.
It's strange that under exactly these conditions, right here and now that found this book.

~ Probably there is somebody who manages the ongoing, who writes scenario for this absurd play, who sews costumes for local pioneers and draws sceneries like this abandoned camp. ~
~ To tell the truth he is very talented – attention paid to even the most minor of details. ~

Although this place was abandoned long time ago, everything here seemed to be untouched.
Of course, time didn't spare this camp, in so many years it was oftenly visited by the locals.
Just a perfect place for young people, hitting their puberty. They could drink alcohol, indulge in amorous pleasures or simply burn everything down just for fun.

Electronik mentioned this place is full of its legends. Legends of ghosts and devils living here...

Take at least the story about the camp leader who committed suicide.
In my world nobody would believe, that this could stop somebody. But in this reality everything is possible.
Certainly, the fear didn't disappear, but I decided that since I came here let’s take it to the end.

The building was small, so it wasn't difficult to inspect it fully.
But I didn't find any signs of Shurik.

~ Maybe I should just call him out? ~
~ But on the other hand it's not a good idea. ~

Frustrated, I sat on a bench in the lobby, and sighed.

Ghosts, where are you?

I asked the camp.
And all of a sudden I noticed a strange deepening in the corner.
Small hatch ajar – adult would hardly squeeze in it.
And it seemed to me that it had been recently opened as the dust was cleared around.
And so it’s here where I need to get scared.

~ So, Shurik reached somewhere... ~
~ What might be lurking beneath? A basement? What was he doing there? ~

I fully opened the hatch and pointed the flashlight into the darkness.
There was a ladder going down a couple of metres, jibbing into a concrete floor.
There was a low narrow corridor disappearing in the darkness.

I hesitated for a long time.
On the one hand, I had absolutely no desire to go down, but on the other hand, if Shurik was really there...
I swore loudly and began to descend.

Low ceiling, wires extending along the walls, broken lamps, clad in iron bars.

I slowly started to move deeper into the dungeon.
Road went down and after a dozen of meters ended up with stairways with high steps.

There was a sign painted on it.
I looked closely and realized that it was a biohazard sign.

~ No wonder – if the old camp was built after the war and it lasted until the seventies. ~
~ So it's an ordinary bomb shelter and there is nothing to be afraid of. ~

However, these thoughts made me even more scared.
I made a decision and opened the door...

I shuddered strongly, so that my hands began to tremble and eyes darkened.
I regained consciousness after a few seconds and only then I realized, that apparently a strong spring was attached to the door.

In the beam of the flashlight I could see a double bed, some cabinets along the walls and several devices of unknown purpose located in the far corner.
It seems that this bomb shelter was never used...
Nobody ever came here. The beds were made.
Which is strange by itself...

I carefully looked around the room several times.
The cabinets were filled with gas masks, chemical protective suits, dry rations, various domestic dribs and drabs.
Devices which purpose I could not at first determine were gauges of radiation, air pressure and temperature.
It was a typical bomb shelter, in short.
I've never been in such places, but that's how I imagined it.

The only thing remained unexplored was the door at the far end of the room.
I pulled the handle, but the door remained closed.

~ If someone recently came down here, and he wasn't found in a room, then it would be logical to assume that he is behind this door. ~

I called out in whisper.

Shurik?..

No reply.

~ Maybe he locked himself... But why? ~

It was unclear what to do next.
On the one hand, I could come back tomorrow with help, but for some reason I thought that behind this door I could find answers that can’t wait to be found.

Once again, I walked across the room and took a crowbar from the corner.
I picked the door bottom with it and tried to rip it from its hinges.
Oddly enough, after a while I did it, good it was not as massive as the previous door.

I took a breath and pointed a flashlight into the passage.

...

The walls were closing together, my head almost touched the ceiling, but I could not make out the end of the corridor.
I walked carefully, looking at the ground. This was the reason that I did not fall into the pit..

It seems that the hole was caused by an explosion.

~ It wasn’t too big – I could easily get out later. ~

Walls and the ceiling were reinforced with wooden beams.
The tunnel was so long that my flashlight was insufficient...

...

It's too dangerous to go further, I can get lost!
I decided that it would be a good idea to somehow indicate the place, from which I would begin the journey into the labyrinth, so I picked up a stone and made quite a big notch on the wall.~

~ So... ~

Right is the cavern, left is the miners' camp. Let's check out both.

It could hardly be called a 'room'. Seems that something was mined here. Coal or gold maybe.
All walls around were hacked by pick or rock breaker.
Total darkness reigned here, so the flashlight was my only saviour.

~ If it broke, it would be highly unlikely I would ever get out. ~

In the ray of light I noticed a piece of red cloth.
Pioneer’s necktie!
Now it’s clear that Shurik is somewhere here.

Shurik! Shurik!

Only echo replied back.

~ But where could he go? ~

There was no other way out.

~ Maybe there are other places in these tunnels that I didn’t see. ~
~ So I should search further! ~

...

Picks and helmets everywhere, rusty wagon stood in the corner.
All items were so old – they dated rather from the beginning of the 20th century than from the middle.

~ So this is really a mine. Which means I can be walking here on and on without finding a way out. ~

But I sensed that exit was somewhere nearby and went further.

...

Nobody was here except...

Shurik!

He stared at me with eyes full of terror.

Shurik, it’s me! Semyon!

I won’t give up just like that!

He got a piece of a reinforcement bar from behind his back and started waving it around!

Shurik, what's wrong with you?! Calm down!

First you bring me here! Then take me through this mine! And now you’re pretending to be Semyon!

~ He must have gone nuts completely. ~

Shurik! Calm down! Nobody pretends to be me! I am actually me!

I tried to talk as calm as could, but was felling nervous almost more than him.

He squinted.

Is that really you?

Yes! And now tell me what happened? How did you get here?

Shurik recovered his breath and started to talk:

I needed some parts for the robot. And I heard that there is a bomb shelter in the old camp... And there could be some instruments there. So I got up in the morning and went...

He stopped for a minute, trying to deal with tremor in his hands.

I found suitable parts but then...

I've read a primal fear in his eyes.

The voices... They told me to go here... I went down the mine... Then they were telling me to go to the right, then left, then right, then left, then right, then left...

He started to laugh hysterically.

But now they won't get me! I'll be sitting here! They won't find me here!

He once again started to wave his pipe in the air.

Shurik... There is no one there... I wasted quite a lot of time walking in the mine like you but haven't heard any voices.

He fixed his eyes on me.

Then you are with them!

I was just barely able to dodge him.
But the flashlight wasn't as lucky – and took a full force of Shurik's strike.

- CRASH -

Now it was my time to lose my mind.

What have you done, idiot?!

I swayed with hand in the way were I expected Shurik to be but with no avail.

Now we both will die here!

I got nothing but silence in return, and then quiet hysterical laugh.

It’s alright... That's fine... I know where the exit is! Follow me!

Follow you where?! I can't see a damn thing!

Follow my voice.

I had no other choice.

Here...

Shurik's voice was heard somewhere further.

How do you know where to go?

I walked here all over...

Then why didn't you leave?

The voices... Quiet! They can hear us!

In theory I could believe that there are some supernatural forces here.
In 'Sovionok' camp it’s just a daily thing to happen.
But there were no reasons to panic yet.
Though my hands were shaking without stop.

Here...

I was following his voice slowly and eventually lost a track of time.
It could be we were roaming a few minutes... or few hours.
Finally a dim light appeared in the distance.

We're here...

I pulled myself up and recognized the square from the bits of landscape I could see.

Pick me up!

Shurik obediently followed my request.
I started to hit the grating with my fists so hard that just a few strikes later all my arms were covered in blood...
But grating in return gave in and folded aside.

When I saw this grating before I had no idea that there could be catacombs below it...

I fell to the ground tiredly.

Who?

They will come!

Said Shurik again and ran away...
I was so exhausted that I could not even think about some voices, recalling some forsaken camp, bomb shelter or the mine.

But I couldn't go to bed right away.

Olga Dmitrievna...

Started I tiredly, attempting to cut the explanation to its minimum.

You said you are 'going for a walk', but instead!

And I... I was going to go and call the police! And...

Olga Dmitrievna, can it wait until tomorrow? I'm really really tired.

Camp leader eyed all over me.

Ok, fine...

Spoiler

Not much to do here until the hike. We will pick strawberries with Slavya since we haven't done that before.

Well, it's obvious: one basket for me, one for you two.

No, let me go with you!

Slavya smiled.

Okay...

I was a bit surprised but in fact I was glad that it turned out like this.
Lena seemed to take no offence at all.

...

The reaping has commenced.
Strawberry was delicious here, indeed.
I could probably eat it all if I wouldn't stop myself in time.

~ Despite being wild grown, the berries were close to the garden ones in size and had a rich red color – so it was clear that our visit here wasn't in vain. ~

Slavya was walking right beside me as we had only one basket.
I felt myself a mushroom picker, looking under every shrub and searching through the grass carefully.

Entire bunch of strawberries was left behind.

Ah, yeah... I'm sorry.

It's fine.

You must enjoy being here, don't you? You like nature after all.

Of course I do!

Slavya smiled.

It reminds me about my home – we have similar beautiful birches there.

She gazed somewhere in the distance dreamingly.

Look, I've always wanted to ask – what are you fond of in general? You look busy 24/7 and it seems like you have no time to rest at all.

Uhh...

She started to think.

I don't know really. Changing my activity is a way to rest for me.

Well, it's understandable, but still?

I like doing knitting and sewing! Something like that…

Slavya got a handkerchief out of her pocket. There were red, yellow and green flowers embroidered on it.
They were entangling each other in a complicated way, creating sophisticated geometric forms.
Such a typical russian hand-made handkerchief.
Glimpsing at it I instantly imagined Slavya in the ancient sarafan sitting on the bench beside ramshackle house with a crowd of playing children running around.

It's quite cute.

Thanks! Let me give it to you as a gift!

Such proposal embarrassed me.

You shouldn't...

No, take it!

I looked at the handkerchief once again and put it into the pocket.

Thank you...

...

There was so much strawberry here that after a mere half of an hour we had the basket filled up to the brim.

It seems we're done...

Yes. We've got a lot so it should be enough for sure.

Once we got back to the boat Lena wasn't here yet.

She needs more time to fill the basket by herself.

Yeah, I guess so...

I looked at the river.
Sun sparkles, happily dancing around the water surface were the only thing helping to distinguish it from a mirror – that's how calm the river seemed.

What are you thinking about?

Nothing really... And you?

Me?.. What will happen once vacation is over? We'll have to get back to our homes and leave this camp...

She looked at me with her eyes full of sorrow so I couldn't think up what to say.

Lena came out of nowhere helping me to break the pause.

Oh, you've done already... Here.

She showed a basket full of strawberries.

Great! Now we can go back.

And I still had Slavya's face and those words of her in my mind.
Sadness and sorrow weren't kind of emotions typical of her.

~ Could she be hiding them all the time under the mask of cheerfulness? ~

I had no answer to this question and I knew I couldn’t in any way.

And fast forward to the hike.

All I was doing is just watching the fire.

~ There is a saying that claims that one could watch it forever as well as running water. ~

But there was also some third thing there...

~ What was that? ~

Camp leader got me out of my dreaminess.

Semyon, don't you think that you've relaxed too early?

But what else do I need to do?

I honestly couldn't get what Olga Dmitrievna wants from me.

I don't know...

She stopped for a moment.

But if there will be something to be done, then do it without hesitation.

She smiled with some kind of ambiguity and went back to the fire to throw a few branches in.
After those words I was completely sure that she treats me like a personal slave.
Or at least like I'm a free labour force, what is, strictly speaking, the same thing.

I sighed and put my head down on my hands, hoping for my torments to be over for today...
Someone patted me on my shoulder.

What do you want?

I've asked tiredly.

Don't be sad!

Is there anything better to do?

Look, we've been discussing perspectives of advancement of cybernetics club with Olga Dmitrievna... And there is a problem – we need more guys. If you could...

He hesitated.

~ 'Advancement' and those guys are incompatible with each other. ~

I said nothing and started to look over pioneers around me instead.

Well?

I don't have time... Can't you see that I'm always busy with the camp leader's errands?

Yeah, I guess you're right... It's kind of embarrassing, how it all went today with Ulyana.

I looked at him with surprise.

~ It seems that Shurik blames himself for that cake accident. ~

Yeah, it is...

All the pioneers seem to be here but I couldn't spot Slavya anywhere.

I think she is angry with me...

What?

I've asked absently.

Ulyana. Maybe I should apologize?

No, it's not your fault...

We sat silent for a while and then I stood up and said:

My legs are numb, I better take a walk.

They gave no reply.
I made a few circles around our improvised camp, noticing close looks of a camp leader following me.
Looks like Olga Dmitrievna couldn’t wait to come up with some kind of a new task for me.
I haven't found Slavya anywhere.

~ Maybe I should go and try to find her? ~

On the other hand I felt sorry for Ulyana every time I recalled her upset face.

~ Maybe this hike isn't the most entertaining thing ever but sitting here all alone isn't any better either. ~

But at the same time I didn't want to go anywhere...

Not going anywhere.

~ I guess that's enough for me for today. ~

I sat on my previous place and started to wait for the end of hike patiently almost physically feeling the looks of the camp leader aimed at me.
At last she stood up and declared:

I had nothing against the game itself.

~ But it was obvious that the hike will take more time because of it... ~

Pioneers sat around the fire.
I noticed Lena and Alisa who took their places on a trunk opposite of me.

~ It seems that everything is alright. ~

And just a few minutes ago I thought the other way around while looking at their quarrel.

~ But anything is possible... ~

I'd really like to know what they were talking about but it's impossible now and I could feel tiredness growing in me more and more.
My mind was completely blank.
Precisely, my head was so heavy that there was no place in it for ideas to unfold.
While in my better times my brain appeared to be a wide highway with millions of thoughts running by, chasing one another and causing major crashes, now it was more like a footpath lost in the wood which is used rarely and only in exceptional cases.

Slavya didn't get back.

~ Maybe she had something to do? ~

But, once again, there is no way to find it out now.

Ok, let's start! Moscow!

Pioneers started to name the cities.
Finally, it was my turn.
I tried to listen closely to catch up the first letter of that city I'll have to use.

Arkhangelsk.

We played several rounds.
Each new city name made it harder to remember everything that was mentioned before.
My attention was dissipating and I was already lost in all these capitals, megalopolises, villages and urban settlements.

Semyon! Semyon! It's your turn!

Olga Dmitrievna brought me back to reality.

Oh, excuse me... And what was the last one?

You're daydreaming again! It was Sevastopol.

Ok, then I'll say London...

Already used.

Well, then...

It got me thinking. There were tons of cities in the world, starting with 'L', but it was hard to remember even one of them now.

Liverpool?

Already there!

Los Angeles?

Ah, finally!

She gave me a scornful look but the game went on.
I would hardly bear thinking of another city starting with 'L' but, fortunately, it was the last round.

Ok, that's enough for today! It's already late, time to go back!

I sighed with relief.
On our way back we walked as we could without joining in pairs.

Perfectly regular and normal night.
It was one of those nights when dark skies, stars and even a crescent Moon don't bring any special feelings and chirping of crickets and songs of night birds seem more like a routine work than a nocturne charms.

...

It was quite late already and fatigue took it's toll so our lineup wasn't perfectly aligned.
It looked to me more like a line of vikings after a successful battle where warriors are happy and smiling, anticipating their comeback to their families and not thinking about maintaining correct formation.
But someone else could possibly see here a completely defeated troop or a bunch of survivors who make their march to the homeland with last bits of strength.

Pioneers quickly ran their ways and so we were left together with the camp leader.

And we should go too!

I was tossing and turning for quite a while, recalling all the events of the day.
On the one hand, I was overcome with fatigue. On the other hand – I couldn't shake the feeling that I've forgotten something, did something wrong, said something wrong...
And this feeling of incompleteness was tormenting me.

It was about 2 A.M.
All the bad things would end sooner or later. Or at least would take a break...

 

[omega21]

Slavya is cutest. Which chan does she represent?

 

[Idiott]

I have no idea, not familiar with Russian communities. Grimwulf?

I recently got my hands on a demo from 2009, I like that Slavya's style a bit more.

Spoiler

http://i.imgur.com/fCLM7C4.jpg

 

[Grimwulf]

Slavya was a mascot of /b in 2ch.ru. But that was a long time ago, like 6 or 8 years. She is widely remembered on every rus chan, but I don't believe she is a mascot of something anymore.

Spoiler

 

[Idiott]

Spoiler

The whole body ached, I felt dizzy, my mind was clouded by haze.

Semyon! Wake up immediately or you'll miss the breakfast and, what is more important, the lineup!

Looks like the camp leader intended to exploit me to the fullest today, as well as any other day.
I garbled something, covered my head with the blanket and turned to the wall.

~ In the end, Olga Dmitrievna's anger will never go beyond the words. ~

At least I really wanted to believe it then.

Stand up right now or...

'Or what?' – I was going to say victoriously, but kept silent.
Not because of the fear, just because I felt too lazy to open my mouth.

~ Really, what would she do to me? ~
~ Lecture me at the lineup? Hang my photo on the wall of shame? ~
~ Or use me for inhuman alien experiments? ~
~ Well, I'm ready for that too, just let me sleep a couple of hours. ~

OK... But if you miss the lineup..!

The door slammed behind the camp leader, and the sleep which was about to fade claimed my mind again.

...

It was 1 P.M. according to my cell phone that was squeezing the last drops of charge out of its battery.
Strangely enough, my body didn't ache, my head got clearer, and, all in all, the day was having a good beginning.

~ Yeah, I've overslept the breakfast, but we'll be served lunch soon, so I shouldn't worry that I'll have to stay hungry as I had yesterday. ~

But I was going so fast I couldn't really see him. And when I turned around he was already gone around the corner.

Everyone is probably busy with Olga Dmitrievna's tasks and God knows what else.
I quickly brushed my teeth, washed my face and was already going to leave when suddenly heard the sound of water flowing from the opposite tap.

I couldn't see his face, but judging by his figure he looked like the one I saw a couple of minutes ago.

How are you doing? The Sun's so bright today!

I've looked up into the sky, shielding my eyes with my palm.

Yeah, nothing special...

It wasn't easy to get a better glance at the pioneer – given the way he stood, the bright sunlight that reflected from the water and shiny metal surfaces of the washstands heavily obscured his face and I wasn't able to distinguish any single feature.

The camp leader is angry today... so angry!

His voice sounded painfully familiar too.

Well, she's always like that...

Well, you know better, yea...

I've tried to remember if I've ever heard this voice or seen this pioneer before.

Well, see ya...

He turned the water off and quickly marched towards the forest path.
For a second I thought of following him, stopping him, but I quickly fought it off as I decided that it's not worth it to spoil such a great morning with suspicions and burdensome speculations.
The nature was glowing with a bright light of life: lush treetops were rhythmically swaying in the wind, whispering something to each other; breeze gently stroked high emerald grass; birds were cooing in the shade, escaping the midday heat; the woods and fields, stretching beneath the horizon, were dissolving in warm sunlight.

~ I don't know which month is it now but it looks like the midsummer. ~

I distinctly remembered my childhood and youth, summer vacation – time of fun leisure and carefree joy.

~ Childhood games, how many there were... ~
~ I wouldn't refuse to play war games or hide and seek now. Or swing on a bungee. ~
~ Or maybe build a sand castle and inhabit it with toy soldiers, ready to defend their master to the last drop of their plastic blood. ~

...

From time to time pioneers passed by me, sometimes alone, sometimes in pairs or groups of three.
But always someone I didn't know – Alisa, Ulyana, Lena, Slavya were nowhere to be seen.
Thoughts about the meaninglessness of existence were circling in my brain, but this didn't worry me in such a beautiful day.

~ Just think about it, who would think of grieving for his lived in vain or early lost life while basking in the rays of such a friendly Sun? ~
~ Certainly not me! ~

I've looked upon Genda.
He was meditating, as always.

~ Now he definitely never gets any unnecessary doubts. ~

I remembered my first hours in this camp and the day before, the anguish, the anxiety and fear.

~ This all seems so far away now, although so little time has passed. ~
~ Will I get out of here or not... ~

It didn't concern me as much as before.

~ Maybe I'm already dead. Then this is the last stop, please get off the train... ~

I looked up and saw that pioneer I saw before.
I couldn't see his face again, as the Sun was shining in my eyes.

You know, life...

It seemed he will now sit down next to me, but the pioneer stayed in the same place, only half-turned, which completely killed the hope of seeing his face.

Listen, have we met eariler? I don't think I remember you...

Well, let's say that you know who I am.

But I don't.

I laughed sincerely.

Here – you don't.

He answered short.

I see...

Honestly, It's not like I didn't want to talk, I just didn't know what to talk about.
And my soul was so calm this didn't bother me.

Your first time here?

He asked a question but his intonation corresponded to an affirmative sentence.

Yes... And you?

Me?

He paused for a few seconds.

Nah, I'm not the first time here... One might say that I visit this camp every year since my early childhood.

Such an answer got me interested.

Well... And how was it like... before?.

It's all the same... Olga Dmitrievna being a camp leader, all the same pioneers around, all the same lineups at the morning and all these wicked accidents.

For a moment I thought that it was me speaking, not him.

Interesting...

It's just that with every next...

He hesitated.

Year... More and more interesting things happen and one gets to know better what's going on.

What are you talking about?

This conversation positively triggered my curiosity.

~ It's a pity that I can't distinguish the face of this pioneer at all. ~

Well, every session in the pioneer camp reminds of the previous one.

He said calmly.

Probably... This is my first.

It is noticeable.

The pioneer grinned.

But looks like it won't be the last.

Well, it's fun here and all, but... You know how they say, there's no better place than...

Home, but you still have to get back there!

Now I was absolutely sure that this guy hides something from me.
To be more precise, he was too much out of the camp's usual ordinariness and too different from the local inhabitants.

What do you mean? You think I'm stuck here forever or what?

I said, enunciating every word.
The pioneer had no time to answer as the lunch bell sound came.
I turned my head towards the speaker, and by the time I looked back, this guy was already gone.
Thousands of theories and speculations instantly appeared in my mind, but I stopped myself, remembering all the apparent normality of this camp.

After all, nothing supernatural has happened in these five days.

Except, you know, magic bus reappearing. And it's pretty obvious this guy was brought here, same as us. Not necessarily by this bus, but he seems to know more about this place.

Moreover, everything here seemed too natural, sometimes even boring.

~ Maybe this pioneer didn't mean anything by that and I just misunderstood him? ~

Pioneers were running around, pushing each other, trying to crawl through for the first meal and take the most comfortable table.
I was calmly standing and patiently waiting when the the cook will get me the assigned food rations.

I sat in a corner and mentally rejoiced that I will be able to eat in peace.
My table was the farthest from the kitchen. I could reasonably hope that the pioneers who were looking for a free place won't reach it.
Or will reach it last.
However, when I moved to the main course, Slavya, Shurik and Electronik appeared on the horizon.

I had nothing against their company.

Of course.

The lunch was going surprisingly calm, even Electrnonik wasn't jabbering as he usually does.
I finally finished the meal, sprawled on the chair and, satisfied, clicked my tongue.

Listen, do you know this pioneer... I saw him today... You know, he's so...

I suddenly realized that I don't really know how to describe him.

Well, about my height, same constitution...

Hard to understand by such a description.

Slavya smiled.

Well, we have half a camp of such guys, if it comes to that.

All in all they were right.

Why are you asking?

It's just that I met him today. And it seemed like I haven't seen him here before.

Look in the canteen! I don't think he'll miss the lunch!

~ Why didn't I think about that! ~

That's it! Okay guys, bon appetite!

I got up and started to slowly walk along the rows of tables.

~ Lena and Zhenya are sitting over there. I gave them a friendly smile. ~
~ Alisa and Ulyana are laughing and arguing about something. ~
~ Olga Dmitrievna, surrounded by pioneers... Good thing she didn't notice me. ~
~ There are hardly any free seats, but the morning guy is nowhere to be seen. ~
~ The situation is getting more and more interesting... ~
~ Looks like I won't find him here. ~
~ Maybe he already had lunch? ~

I headed to the exit.

I suddenly felt like sleeping.
I yawned and headed to the camp leader's cabin in order to follow the domestic interpretation of the Archimedes principle.

~ Anyways, I really don't expect any other options to arise. Especially in this heat. ~

I took my clothes off and jumped into the bed.
Crickets were lazily chirping outside, the wind was shaking the curtains on the window, and I was sinking into a dream...

I reluctantly got up and went to open it.
Strangely enough, there was nobody on the doorstep.

It was already four o'clock.
I felt jaded.

~ I probably shouldn't have slept in the afternoon. After all, I knew what was going to happen! ~

~ But where shall I go? All in all there is not much time till the dinner. ~

A sudden thought came to me that it would be nice to refresh myself and so I went towards the beach.

I squinted and looked at the flaming disc.

Who was that just now?

I flinched.

The same mysterious guy was standing in front of me. And once again his face was hard to see due to the bright light.
For the moment the Sun blinded me so I could not see anything besides objects' faint contours.

Are you stalking me?

Nope, was just passing by.

He answered calmly.

Then you should know better!

So you haven't seen anyone?

Correct.

Why didn't I see you at lunch?

I asked bluntly.

I was not hungry.

He laughed.

What the hell is going on here?!

Now I was absolutely sure that there was something strange with that guy.

~ He must be directly related to everything happening around here! ~
~ I will have to find out. ~
~ But for starters it's good to confirm that I am not mistaken, and that he is not just a local pioneer. ~

~ Well, no wonder, it's so hot outside. ~

Olga Dmitrievna was standing just a bit further from everyone, keeping an eye on her army of pioneers.
As soon as I thought that coming here might not have been the best idea, she noticed me.

You weren't at the lineup! And in general you are hanging around the whole day!

I did not know how to answer.

And just how are you planning on becoming a proper pioneer...

She continued softer.

Olga Dmitrievna, in the camp... Is there a pioneer who... looks a lot like me?

She looked surprised.

Maybe, I don't know... Why do you ask?

Oh, I am just curious...

Well we have a lot of boys here.

Alright, never mind...

Someone's yell came from the river side and Olga Dmitrievna rushed in its direction.

~ Well, it looks like I will be spared a lecture. ~

I lowered myself on the sand and started staring at the pioneers, playing in the water.
After a few minutes of me sitting here, Ulyana approached me.

I am not sad.

Well why are you here sitting all alone?

Just thinking...

About what?

I decided to spare her the story about the mysterious pioneer.

Well imagine that – you are chatting with a weird person... And you have to figure out what exactly is so weird about them.

Simple! I would just ask them!

She laughed.

Too simple... But he won't answer.

How do you know? Have you tried asking?

No, but it's obvious...

Ulyana did not answer, just sat down next to me and let out a tired sigh.

I am all swimmed out.

And what if they know something, but won't tell you?

Make them!

~ But how?.. ~

For some more time we were sitting together talking about random things and then I got up, sad goodbye and went away.

~ It's time to find the mysterious stranger and get all of the answers. ~

~ After all, this is where it all begun! ~

The road was empty, as always. Only small dust tornados were rarely visible on it.
I was ready to turn around and go back to the camp, but then I heard someone's whisper.

A pioneer was sitting there with his back to me.
And once again, the voice seemed strangely familiar.

Who are you?!

I took a few steps towards him.

Stop! Do not come closer!

For some reason I froze in my steps.
Somewhere deep inside, assurance came to me and I understood that it's not worth arguing with him.

Alright, I will stay here...

Have you seen him? Talked to him?

He asked nervously.

Who are you even talking about?

He was dressed in pioneer uniform.

You know who...

And I definitely did know! He was talking about the weird pioneer I saw earlier.

Yes...

I answered after a few moments of silence.

What did he tell you?

Pioneer asked with a begging tone.

Nothing special...

Did he give you advices? Did he tell you what to do? Threatened you?

No, nothing like that... Of course he seemed pretty weird, but nothing more than that...

Remember he may not be alone! Or more like, he is alone but you may meet here many pioneers who look like him.

And what about you? Who are you? Who are you hiding from?

You will understand... With time... Just remember, the most important thing is – to find the exit!

At that moment I got overwhelmed by fear. Real, almost material fear.
I remember being scared during my first hours at this camp.
But back then everything around me seemed kind and friendly. Now 'Sovionok' revealed its fangs, getting ready to eat me.
And ahead – the unknown...

My body was covered in goosebumps, my throat was dry and my hands were shaking. I tried to ignore it all and headed back to camp.
It was already dinner time but I had no desire to go to the canteen.
After meeting the second mysterious pioneer, just thinking about the locals gave me if not fear, but definitely the creeps.

~ I don't even know who, or what they all are. ~
~ And even though nothing happened yet, it does not mean I can trust them! ~

~ On one side – the mysterious pioneer... Well, two of them to be exact. ~
~ On the other – all other inhabitants of this camp, who seemed absolutely normal. ~

In any way, my decision to stand back to let everything resolve on its own was under some serious pressure.
At this point it was clear to me – I had to do something on my own.

~ But what exactly?.. ~

Everyone is probably having a dinner, so I have a good chance to make it to Olga Dmytrievna's place without being noticed.

~ I won't be able to come up with a solid plan right off the bat so for the time being might as well hide in the forest. ~

My clothes were right where I left them and my phone was where it was supposed to be – under the pillow.
I quickly grabbed it and was ready to stuff it into my pocket but then I noticed something on the screen.

Message window was open.

The text read:
'You're wrong, Semyon! You are so wrong!'

It felt like my soul has left my body.
I froze on the spot.
I was shaking and my blood was pumping so hard, it felt like my skull was going to burst open from the pressure.
It took at least a full minute for me to come back to senses.

~ Olga Dmitrievna could have typed in the message... Or one of the pioneers. ~
~ It's easy to figure out how to do it, even if they are not familiar with this technology. ~
~ But no one besides me should know where I keep the phone! ~

This event was the straw that broke the camel's back.

...

I have been sitting in the woods for a few hours, shaking from every noise.
The spot that I chose was far away from the path, so it would be hard to find me.
I was keeping few plans in my head in the time being. To try and run, to kill every single person in the camp...
However on the other hand one thought chased me and I realized that I shouldn't behave like that because of some strange pioneer. Or even because of that message on the phone...

~ All of this was reinforcing the thought that everything happening here was far from being normal, however, there was no proof that anyone in the camp had to do something with it. ~

I could have stayed here until morning, lost in my own thoughts, but I heard footsteps coming from somewhere nearby...

I turned around but couldn't see the pioneer's face in the dark.
Nevertheless, I was pretty sure that it was him.
I wasn't afraid then.
More precisely, I was so physically exhausted that I was prepared for any possible course of events and somehow managed to reason appropriately and to maintain the conversation.

I wouldn't call this an escape.

...I answered with a delay, stretching every word.

Huh? Then what's that?

A tactical retreat...

Brilliant!

He burst into laughter.

Listen, why don’t you tell me what's going on, who are you and what you want from me?

What did that guy tell you at the gate?

It seemed that he didn't even hear my question.

He told me not to trust you.

I lied.
But on the other hand, I thought that it was what he meant.

Well, this is always the way for him... Running away, hiding...

I could hear irritation in his voice.

I am not sure what kind of circus you are running here, but I’m not going to be a part of it!

Oh, why... You're the star after all!

I couldn't see his face but I bet he was smiling.

Explain my part to me then!

You know, I was like you in the beginning... At the first time everything went peacefully.

Then I escaped, I tried to understand what was going on, got mad and even... tortured them to get the truth!

He laughed crazily.
I shivered.

But it was pointless!

..continued the pioneer after calming down a bit.

Pointless... And then the lapses started...

At first I just heard their voices – from the distance and sometimes in my head. Then vague silhouettes appeared. Then they slowly obtained their physical form. And finally, they stepped into my world! I could touch them, introduce them to other pioneers...

And they all were different! Different! Do you get it? Different!

He started shouting.

And it recurred again and again. You can get used to the laps, but...

Then I learned how to get into their worlds by myself, to interact with the others. But it turned out that I'm not alone. There are lots of us! Today you saw at least one more.

He fell silent.
I didn't know what question to ask and didn't want to interrupt his story, so I was simply waiting.
A minute after he continued.

It's not that simple, of course... And it's not always possible. Only under certain circumstances... When you feel strong emotions, for example.

I instantly remembered how I saw him the first time, the time when I didn’t feel any emotions at all.

Including the moments when you feel happy...

As if he was reading my thoughts.

I see... So, you’re trying to say that there're several parallel worlds including the same camp with its inhabitants where I am replaced by you or that guy I met at the bus stop...

Yeah, something like that...

His answer didn't surprise me at all.
In the end, it's clear that whatever happens here is beyond the limits of human understanding, and this theory didn't seem as the most unusual one.

But you've said that everything recurs...

Yes, it recurs.

And what will happen... afterwards?

You'll start from the very beginning – you'll wake in the bus, come to the camp, meet Olga Dmitrievna, the girls, Elektronik...

But if it happened to you, then why should it happen to me as well?

It happens to everyone!

Once again, he laughed hysterically.

And how many 'laps' have you experienced so far?

I stopped counting them already... At first I tried to remember them though. Maybe a few hundreds...

No wonder, it was very clear to me that this guy was suffering from a progressing mental dysfunction.

But you searched for a way out, didn't you?

He didn't answer.

That's what that guy was talking about at the bus stop.

Because he understands damned nothing!

..he shouted.

Because he's just like you! Constantly running away, hiding!

What would you suggest then?

If I had any suggestions, I wouldn't have been standing here and talking to you.

Alright, but you were trying, weren't you?

Are you trying to understand what I know, since I've been around here for plenty of time?

...he asked cheerfully.

Well, that's evident...

Yes, I did try to run away from here.

There...

He waved towards the forest.

...is nothing there. Nothing but trees. When I had been walking there for several days and had finally passed out, I found myself in the bus again.

Same for walking along the road – it's endless.

Talking to somebody about that is pointless. You probably already understood it by yourself.

I did.

...I added.

Even if you try to explain your situation directly, at best you'd just be considered an idiot.

What if you try not to leave the bus?

It's pointless. Sooner or later, but just the same you'll be found. I even tried to spend all the time there. In the end I fell asleep, and everything started from the beginning.

And what if you start it by yourself and leave?

No keys. And I don't have any carjacking skills.

A cursed cycle...

Exactly!

Long silence fell.
Finally, I asked:

And what about the people around here? Don't they raise absolutely reasonable suspicions?!

Suspicions?

Laughter again.

The only thing that is suspicious about them is that no matter how much you would tell them, they'd stare at you with their eyes out on stalks!

People... I feared them at first, too. Then I used them for different experiments... And now I don't consider them as humans. They're all dolls, puppets! You can easily predict any reaction, any word or action!

So they aren't worth fearing, are they?

The one who's worth fearing is yourself...

...he said softly.

~ Looks like he has finally lost his marbles. ~

Listen, I understand everything, but...

He thinks that it's a bit thick, too... But it doesn't matter. Nobody but you is real here!

The pioneer suddenly fell silent.

Well, no, I don't agree with you.

You probably think why I didn't check this all by myself, don't you? Why I didn't try to reach the nearest village or town.

Yes, I did have such thoughts.

Why I wasn't suspicious. Why I was doing different stuff instead of searching for answers.

Well... Yes...

Forget about it! That's normal. We all behave like this for the first time here.

But how many others have you seen so far?

Not that many.

The pioneer got lost in thought.

About ten people, maybe... But I'm sure there're much more of them!

And... is everyone... like this?

In fact, yes. Only the details are different, but the main thing is invariable – there's no way out of here!

And, by the way, you're just like the majority of them! The only thing that differs is that you have heard everything from me instead of experiencing that by yourself.

I didn't know if I should have thanked him for that...

Well, and what now?

Nothing.

...he said shortly.

~ So it's clear what's going on now... But, in fact, how could everything he had said guide me to an answer? ~
~ Yes, I'm not alone. Yes, everything recurs. But what's the reason for all this? ~
~ And, what is more important – where's the way out..? ~

The only useful thing that I extracted from the conversation was that the local inhabitants were not worth fearing.
And it was quite significant to me for now, since it was much better to sleep in a warm cabin instead of the forest.
I sighed, took my things and headed towards the camp.
As I was walking, the conversation with my fellow-sufferer popped up in my mind every now and then.

~ Why did I not ask him about the message on my phone? And some other stuff... There were hints, after all... ~
~ Maybe if I had found some details out, I could have drawn some conclusions. ~

However, our meeting didn't seem to be the last one.

I opened the door gently and came in.

...the camp leader said angrily.

Olga Dmitrievna, I'm so tired now, so let's delay your lecturing.

Tired of what, I wonder?

Of everything!

..I snapped rudely.
The camp leader looked at me with surprise.
I fell in bed without undressing.

Semyon, a role model pioneer shouldn't behave like that!

And how should he behave then?

Not like that...

The camp leader stumbled for a moment, as if picking the right words up.

He should respect seniors!

I respect you immensely, be sure...

Semyon!

Sarcasm in my voice didn't remain unnoticed.

And now I'd like to sleep.

Wait, I...

By the way, how far is the nearest town? When does the bus arrive? How can I even get out of here?

...I asked in a surprisingly calm voice.
There was no answer, and there shouldn't have been any.
I said all this just in order to get rid of her.

Why are you silent?

I'm tired, let's talk about that tomorrow.

~ Yes, it's all just like that guy has said. ~
~ Why did I speak to him so calm and adequately, I wonder? ~
~ I should have been shivering from horror... ~

This pioneer didn't have much credibility but I had a feeling that he's unable to harm me.

 

[Baron Dupek]

I sense some Matrix patterns here.
With this writing it will be even bigger crap or something hilarious. Still-

 

[Nevill]

indeed.

 

[omega21]

Thanks for information on Slavya.

Is it typical Russian style to have something that seems simple on surface but suddenly goes into existentialism and dark themes inside? Jesus...

 

[SerratedBiz]

You should check out a Pathologic LP.

Funny, the pioneer dude kind of reminds me of the Practical Incarnation.

 

[Idiott]

Thanks for information on Slavya.

Is it typical Russian style to have something that seems simple on surface but suddenly goes into existentialism and dark themes inside? Jesus...

I read somewhere that when Kwans tend to go for romance and 'sploshions, Russian stuff is more about existential stuff and psychology. Not sure how correct is that as I haven't read many Russian authors. Maybe it's common for them so it's also featured in games like this.



Also, googling "Pathologic Practical Incarnation" found me a bunch of books and this:

Spoiler

FML

 

[omega21]

Heh, that makes sense. I've only read Metro 2033, and that was pretty depressing. Kwan author would have gone on and on about technology needed to survive in post-apocalyptic environment, but Glukhovsky takes his readers on a crushing ride where the protagonist is barely hanging on to survive, and in the end even when they "grow" and "triumph" the victory is hollow as fuck.

 

[Nathair]

Russian history is not calculated to produce cheerful literature!