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

[Idiott]

Yeah, it's much more standard than I expected. But there will be NSFW. Eventually. Anyway, today's update:

Spoiler

I couldn't stay unnoticed – Olga Dmitrievna called me.

Camp leader, Slavya and Electronik were sitting at the four-seat table.
I nodded and went to take food.
This time I had to spend some minutes in a queue.
Today's menu didn’t really differ from the other days’ menu. Dishes looked the same at least.

When I sat at the table and wished bon-appetit to everyone, Olga Dmitrievna said:

So, What are you thinking?

About what?

We searched for Shurik all around. It is noon and he is nowhere to be found.

I took a note of the rhyme, but didn’t want to point it out.

We looked all over the camp.

I went all around neighboring forest.

Olga Dmitrievna looked at me.

And I... helped too.

We must call the police!

Maybe we should wait until the evening?

I asked lazily.

Maybe he went home...

It can't be! Shurik lives thousands of miles away.

By train?

The nearest station...

She paused.

Is far...

Now it was getting interesting.

~ Every time the conversation reaches the point concerning ways I could leave ‘Sovionok’ all the camp inhabitants start changing the subject. ~

How far is 'far'?

Really far.

Camp leader looked at me, indicating with her look that asking more questions was not advised.

So we should go deeper into the forest! Maybe he got lost!

Shurik always takes a compass.

Chimed in Electronik.
I wonder what else could be found in his magic vest (If he even has one)?
If I would get lost in the forest, compass would be of no real use.

Yeah, because knowing that you are still going in the same direction is totally useless.

Police! We should call the police in the evening!

~ Not right now at least. ~

Ok, see you later...

They were all silent.

We should be able to find him before evening, we still have time.

If he actually got lost we have no time to lose!

We cannot be sure.

Then where is he? Where?

There was some truth in the camp leader’s words. Hiding the whole day just like that is suspicious.
Why would he do that? Shurik seemed to me a quite serious pioneer. Ulyana would have been a better fit with this behavior.
So there is a reason to believe that he was gone.

All that could be done was already done. We'll just have to wait.

Slavya, Electronik and Olga Dmitrievna looked at me sorrowfully but haven't said a word.

...

I finished my lunch, brought the tray back and left the canteen.

~ What now? ~

Only Genda stared at me through his glasses.
Of course, he stared somewhere else, but I had a feeling that he was constantly watching me.

~ Bet he knows were Shurik is hiding. Just can’t tell anything... ~

Disappearance of the cybernetics’ club leader made me think.
Maybe it’s got something to do with my case?

HELLOOOOOO NURSE!

The nurse stood in front of me.
I looked at her curiously.

Go and take my place in the infirmary. I have an urgent call. Somebody is injured.

Me?

Yes, you! Take the keys!

Nurse threw me the keys and ran away.

~ Why me? Isn’t there anyone else in this camp? What exactly should I be doing? What if something happens? ~
~ Oh what can I do now, I missed my chance to refuse... ~

You can ignore her telling she had a call while there were supposedly no phones here, I guess.

~ 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. ~

Hipsters, man.

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... ~

Gentleman mode engaged.

Thank you...

It’s alright, I’m just being completely honest!

We were quiet for some time.

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.

Eating cantine food only for over a week... Ugh.

Considering the local cuisine it's not that surprising.

Maybe...

She smirked.

I see you’re alive and kicking!

Well, I’m not complaining...

Bye!

Ulyana ran out of the infirmary slamming the door.

...

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?

By the way, Semyon...

Slavya said, and looked intently at me.

What?

Seems like I lost my keys. Have you seen them anywhere?

And she only noticed that they're missing after three days? Wow.

~ Sure I have! ~

Yes, here, I found them near the canteen yesterday. I wanted to return them to you but forgot about it.

Why do you lie about the keys now you fucking retard?

I was really bad at lying – my cheeks were red, eyes were wandering around and hands were constantly shaking.

Here.

I was already preparing myself for an appropriate scolding, but Slavya only took the keys and said:

Thanks.

So what have you come for?

I really had to change the subject.

Anything hurts?

No, it's nothing...

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

You've just shown how trustworthy you are.

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? Whatever it is, she wouldn't tell us anyway now so we won't inquire.

Good luck!

I shouted to her.

Thank you!

She gave me one of her sweet smiles before leaving.

...

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...

Stop being such a gigantic fag, Semyon. Let's give her the carbon, so far she's the only one that does anything anyway.

Yet you never know... What if she really has an ache.

Okay.

I reached into the drawer and got a package of activated carbon.

Thanks!

She wrested it from my hand and ran away.

...

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? ~

Maybe it's from love fairy.

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.

Eat it. With some luck it is poisoned and we won't have to deal with your shit anymore.

~ There is nothing wrong, I guess... ~

Once again, I tried to remember if this apple was here before.

~ In the end, it must have appeared from somewhere! ~
~ Maybe it got here through the window? ~

Shutter was slightly open.

~ So, someone must have put it here. ~
~ Nothing serious! However... ~

Oh for fuck's sake

Finally a hunger prevailed, and I started chewing on a ripe green apple with an appetite.
Its taste seemed usual.

~ Though I don't think that even the strongest poison can be tasted. ~
~ But it's too late to think about it... ~

It was time to go for a dinner.

How is it going? Did you find Shurik?

No, still no signs of him...

Don’t worry... We'll find him!

I tried to cheer him up.

Too much time has passed! I'll just keep on searching.

What about a dinner?

No, finding Shurik is more important.

He uttered thoughtfully.
I left him at the crossroads and wished him good luck.

I quickened my pace trying not to be the last one in the line, at least for today.

I took my dinner quickly and sat at the table.
Tonight's dinner consisted of fruit soup and a pair of buns.
This set surprised me at first but tasting it was actually nice.
I concentrated on eating.

Lena, let’s go here! Look – three free chairs!

Is it taken?

Wondered Lena.

No, take a seat.

~ Of course, I wish she was alone. ~

Thank you...

I'll sit here. There are no places left.

She said, putting her tray on a table and sat down not even waiting for my answer.

Sure. Make yourself at home...

I muttered sorrowfully.

What?!

Nothing...

To tell the truth I wanted to reduce the whole company to just Lena, though nor Miku nor Jenja weren’t causing to much trouble.

Why is he suddenly calling her Jenja? Translation derp?

Except one was too talkative and other was too arrogant.

~ But nevertheless they were absolutely harmless especially comparing to some others. ~

Oh, seems like I forgot a key...

Don't worry, take mine!

I was surprised by Miku’s short reply.

Do you... live together?

Of course! Didn’t you know? Together. Our cabin is the rearmost. I mean the farthest from here. I mean the last one.

I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody told me that Lena lived with Slavya or with Zhenya at worst. Even Electronik.

~ But silent and shy Lena and excessively talkative Miku making a company... That's really a surprise! ~

Did you find your Shurik?

It's strange that Zhenya is disturbed by someone's problems.

No.

Sure he is at the village buying cigarettes. Or vodka.

She snorted.

Village?

That very moment conversation got much more interesting.

Anything wrong with villages?

Zhenya looked amazed.

You mean there is a village near by?

I think so...

She said uncertainly.
I looked at Lena and Miku, but they were busy with their meals and did not pay attention to our conversation.

You mean you don’t know exactly?

Why should I care!?

Can you act like a human being for once?

Zhenya stared at her dish.

But there must be localities nearby.

Listen...

Listening.

I don’t know! Will you let me eat!?

~ Seems like I won’t get anything from her. ~

Though, there is a chance that she really doesn’t know...
The remaining time was spent, listening to Miku talking about some nonsense. I was just slowly going mad in silence.

The Sun was setting.

~ I decided to take a walk. ~
~ Highly unlikely that I will find anything more exciting to do for the rest of the evening. That way something interesting could arise quite unexpectedly. ~

I was approaching the square when I heard a loud clap.

- BOOM -

Seemed like something exploded.
I felt paralyzed.

~ I am in a hostile environment, not knowing rules and laws of this place! ~
~ It would be better for me to run! But at the same time I was curious... ~

Probably, I would just keep here standing, but somebody grabbed my hand.

Why are you standing here? Let's go and see what happened!

Can’t you ever manage without me?

I begged her piteously.

It shouldn’t be anything serious! I hope...

Olga Dmitrievna, vigorously pushed through the crowd and approached towards the crime scene.
Obviously someone tried to blow up Genda.

But attackers failed – the monument was still standing upright.
There were only dim ash traces on the pedestal.

She looked over a crowd of pioneers.
Sure thing it wasn’t done by an organized terrorist bunch.
They all came here just to look what happened.
I noticed Ulyana and Alisa in the crowd. And looks like our camp leader noticed them too.

You two, here!

They approached reluctantly.

If you think so...

Show me your hands, Dvachevskaya!
[alsur] What's wrong with them?

I looked closer and saw that they were smeared with black.

Now it's clear... What did you make a bomb with?!

Junior terrorist seemed to be hesitating whether to confess or not, but then blurt out proudly:

Activated carbon, saltpeter and sulfur!

Why exactly the monument? What did this honored man ever do to you? The fighter for the rights of...

Besides, he gave me activated carbon.

She pointed at me with her finger. The whole square stared at me.
Thoughts about pointlessness of this act due to the small bomb size left me that very moment.

She stole it! I did nothing!

Even if he gave it to you, I'm sure that Semyon would never take part in such disgusting antisocial act!

Yes! Yes! Exactly!

I agreed.

...

I could hardly imagine how long would she keep on scolding Alisa if Electronik wouldn’t pop out that very moment, shouting:

Everyone turned towards him.
He held a boot in his hand.

Here!

Electronik boastfully shook it over his head.

It's Shurik's boot!

Ok, calm down! Tell us in detail where did you find it!

In the forest. On the way to the old camp!

Whispers ran among the pioneers.

Are you sure?

Absolutely!

What's wrong with this old camp?

I joined in the conversation.

Nothing special, really...

She stammered.

One of the Sovionok’s legends tells a story of a young camp leader’s ghost living there. She fell in love with a pioneer but he rejected her and so she killed herself...

Did hara-kiri with a kitchen knife. Next day that boy was hit by a bus!

Ulyana ran out of the crowd.

Bus?

I held myself from asking about the route's number.

But science doesn't approve of ghost existence. So we have nothing to be afraid of.

Anyway, somebody should go there!

I have a bad feeling about this...

Suddenly the crowd started to thin.

Olga Dmitrievna, it's almost night. Maybe tomorrow?

What if at night... What if at night something happens to him... No! Today! Right now!

By the way, where is this place?

Electronik roughly described me the directions and told me the story of the old camp.
Camp leader looked at me attentively.

If you think that I...

You're the only man here.

I looked around the area.

~ That's right… Electronik was quick to flee! ~

I still didn't want to walk in the woods alone.
If you ask me, I would...

Let's see: Slavya clearly doesn't trust us enough; Lena would probably die to heart attack after any noise and I'd rather kill myself with a kitchen knife than go with Ulyana. Going alone is not the best idea. We are fucked.

And Dvachevskaya goes with you!

It was as if Olga Dmitrievna had read my mind.

Why's that?

Well, who tried to blow up the monument? And as if that wasn’t enough! Who as well tried to slander Semyon?!

She said that in such voice that Alisa did not dare to argue.

Happy now?

She blurted after we were left alone.

What do I have to do with this? Was it me who tried to blow up the monument?

Alisa grunted and turned away.

I’m not going with you anywhere!

Oh, please don’t!

Great then!

Excellent!

We stood silently for a while, not looking at each other.
I dared break the silence first.

Is that all?

All what?

All that you wanted to tell me?

Yes, that's all!

Do you mind then if I inquire why you tried to blow up the monument?

I was bored...

~ Ah, sure, blowing it up would have definitely cheered you up! ~

Alisa seemed really reluctant to go with me.
As for me, however, I've decided to find Shurik after all.
It wasn't him who interested me the most, but the forsaken camp.

For some reason, I had a feeling that I might find out something there.
And I really did not like the idea of going alone in the night...

So, you scared then?

Wanna dare me?

She made a sarcastic smile.

Oh no, I'd never... Good luck if you're staying then!

 

[Idiott]

Spoiler

I'm going with you!

Why did you deign to change your mind all of a sudden?

Asked I ironically.

Ignorance is bliss!

Snarled she and handed me a flashlight.
That was quite wise.
I don't know what I would have done there alone in the dark if it wasn't for Alisa.

As Electronik told us – the old building was built right after the war.
It looked like a kindergarten (or like barrack, as I expected) and definitely could fit less pioneers than today's camp.
It was abandoned for about twenty years...

Just a couple of hours ago, it seemed like a small grove where even a blindman wouldn't get lost.
However, as the darkness fell, trees seemed to grow up, the bushes would suddenly take up all free space, and the paths, so wide in daylight, turned into barely visible waves in the dark green forest ocean.
The final strokes to this picture were the birds, the insects, and the beasts, who were giving a concert, each with its own instrument, creating together an amazing yet frightening nocturnal symphony.

She acted self-assured to a fault. Absolutely not like me: every rustle of bushes nearby or hoot of an owl overhead made me cringe and look around timidly.

At least one of you have balls...

Of course, it was obvious that there was not much to fear here: the local woods weren't likely to teem with wild beasts, and it seemed there were no people at all in this world, apart from those in the camp.
However, the fear was there on the instinctive level, and I tried to walk carefully and to stay as watchful as I could. Discretion is the better part of valour, after all.
Alisa stopped suddenly. So suddenly that I nearly bumped into her.

Now where?

What? Well... Straight forward, I guess?

Are you sure?

I tried to figure out the direction.
Looked like we were going the right way.
However, without a map, without GPS or GLONASS navigation I wasn't even sure that we were still on the same planet (wherever it was). Or at least the way suggested by Electronik.

We haven't taken any turns, we've been walking straight forward all the time, just as Electronik told...

Then why haven't we made it to the old camp yet?

How do I know?!

Alisa's rude way of talk was already getting on my nerves.

Are we already lost?

Why's that? We are barely one kilometre away from the camp.

So what?

She looked visibly sadder.

So nothing! You don't like it, you can go back.

Will you stop acting like a bitching cunt and get that old camp this year?

Alisa eyed me disappointedly for a while and then her face changed sharply.

And back I am going!

She suddenly turned around and started walking briskly towards the camp.

Good luck there!

Shouted I as she was going.

~ However, Alisa may have been right, and we are lost in fact. Then it's not a good idea to stay here alone... ~

The cool night breeze blew stronger, and I shivered.

~ But going after her means losing my face, even more: agreeing with her. No, I'm not ready to accept that! ~

I could have probably spent time till morning in this discussion with myself, if it weren't for Alisa's scream.
My legs carried me on their own towards where she went.
In about twenty metres I nearly fell into a hole, just managing to jump over it the last moment.

EEK!

As for Alisa, it looked like she had not managed to.
I was about to point the flashlight into the darkness when I realized that she took it with her. Well, that had to be expected.

Are you alive?

Her muffled voice was coming from below.

Did you break anything?

Hell if I know! Idiot!

A light flickered in the hole. I stepped closer and bent to it to examine how deep it is.
The crumbled hole was going about three meters into depths but it was all pitch black below.

Help me to get out!

Alisa yelled angrily.

And how do you imagine that?

I don't know! Think of it yourself!

Well, what do you see now? Describe it.

Well, it's sort of a tunnel and... Nah, just a tunnel.

A tunnel? That's weird.

Come on, get down here!

Is that your brightest idea? I'd rather run for a rope to the camp.

You're gonna leave me alone here?

Alisa's voice lost much of its impudence.

But you're alone down there anyway...

Hey!

She cried out loud and directed the flashlight right into my eyes.

Well, don't panic, trolls aren't gonna eat you there, I'll be back in a flash!

Alisa was screaming herself into fits from down below but I couldn't make out the words.
However, I've only managed to take a few steps as the ground yielded under my feet and I was tumbling down before I knew it.
I've grabbed a thin root that somehow slowed down my fall...
... but cracked under my weight and went flying down with me.

You're alive?

Tunnel music: Sunny Day

Alisa was squatting next to me and looked upon me in an nervous manner.

Any limbs broken?

I don’t know...

I've moved my hands and feet – everything seemed to be fine.
Given the height, I was pretty lucky to make it alive!
I've hardly managed to stand up and examined the crash site.

Indeed, we were in some kind of a long corridor. There were some kinds of heavy wiring all along the walls and some lamps encased in heavy metal holders under the ceiling.
In any other situation I would guess that it's a subway service tunnel but it was hardly the case that 'Sovionok' has already reached such level of infrastructure...

Where are we?

I don't know but we have to get out of here!

Climbing the crumbled wall was hardly an option. In fact, I was wondering how we survived this fall from such a height.

Well, it seems that we've got to find an exit somewhere else.

How's that?

Alisa asked, slowly turning pale.
Not a single trace of her lapsed arrogance remained on her face.

Well, just like that... There's gotta be an exit here, right?

Probably, but where would we go?

~ Now that's a good question. ~

At the first glance, it seemed to be a bright idea to head towards the camp (at least where I thought it was), but I haven't seen there anything that would resemble an exit from the catacombs. And it means that we should rather try an opposite direction.

Give me that!

I've snatched the flashlight from Alisa's hands and pointed its light into darkness.

That way!

...

In other circumstances I might be surprised, embarrassed, rejoiced (how would I know) but right now I was just eager to get out of here as soon as possible
My bruises from the fall were aching. The blood was pulsing in my head as a heavy pendulum. Even a flickering spotlight that kept illuminating the same cement walls on and on wasn't exactly raising our morals.

Damn. There is also Shurik...

What?

Why have we gone into the night forest in the first place? To find Shurik!

Oh, just forget it.

He might have fallen down just like us.

Of course, Alisa has a point – it's wasn't exactly the best time to engage in the search mission. If we won't manage to get out, there would be a search mission for us instead.
But I couldn't just take my mind off this thought.
It was as if Shurik was standing right before my eyes with a reproachful look.

Look out!

Alisa yelled.

Biohazard sign immediately caught my eye.

It means that we're in a bomb shelter...

I mumbled under my breath.

You have? Why didn't you mention it from the very beginning?

Why would I know it's important?

I guess you're right... Fine.

I've grasped the door's wheel and pushed it as hard as I could, trying to bar it over.
Rusty metal grated but refused to budge.

Stop slacking, help me!

Alisa hesitated a little but then grasped the handle and started to pull.
Finally we've managed to turn the wheel and the door opened.

Cabinets full of gas masks and dry rations, lots of equipment, bunk beds and air recirculation systems – there was everything one would need to survive a nuclear war. Well, at least to survive the first blast.

What is it?

What 'what'...

She blabbered under her breath.

I'm scared...

What are you scared of?

~ Indeed. What of? ~
~ We've tumbled down the forsaken bomb shelter, now we're wandering here in the dark, trying to find an exit... Oh, yeah, nothing to be afraid of. ~

These thoughts made me squirm and I've instinctively drew nearer to Alisa.
She didn't say a thing, just blushed a little and turned her back on me.

Well, in any case...

What?

We have to keep searching for an exit.

Well, there's another door.

Indeed, there was a door on the far wall, just as the one that we came through.
However, no matter how hard I tried to open it, it was stuck.

Need some help?

Nope, it's jammed for good...

I've cast a glance at the room, trying to find something that would work as a lever and noticed a crowbar in the far corner.

Great!

Alisa gave me a blank stare.

Watch it!

However, I still couldn't push a handle an inch even using the crowbar.
Totally exhausted, I flopped on a neatly made bunk and drew a sigh.

We have to walk back.

But we just came from there!

Alisa seemed to regain a bit of self-control, as well as her usual rudeness.

Well, you can stay here – there's water, ration kits, probably the radio's still working...

She looked upon me in spite but answered nothing.
My whole body ached terribly.
Only having relaxed, I began to understand that.
A deep wound on my leg was bleeding like a pig, the hands were heavily bruised, blood was thickening in my hair.

And you are... okay?

I asked Alisa either out of courtesy or like I was really worrying about her.
It took her some time to answer.

How can it be okay in such a situation?

Well, I mean that...

I've pointed to a wound on my leg.

Oh!

Cried Alisa.

We must sanitize it urgently!

No need. I'll survive.

Oh stop! We must do it, or you'll risk being infected and then they'll take your leg off! My granddad lost his leg this way on the war.

Alisa looked truly concerned and I've decided not to argue.

Okay, but it's kind of a long way to the infirmary.

Hang on.

She smiled and started to rummage through the cabinets.
There was a fair chance of finding some kind of medicine in a bomb shelter, and soon enough Alisa pulled out a first aid kit with a triumphant look.

Ok, hold still.

Well, I'll try.

Treating the wound with iodine-soaked cotton swab felt as a touch of red-hot iron. I've set my teeth hard and hissed with pain.

Oh, come on, it's not that painful.

It is! Try it yourself?

It was easier with other wounds and soon enough I was looking like a leopard – all covered with brown spots.

Thanks...

Don't you think anything, we just had to treat your injuries!

Alisa snorted and turned her back on me.

Sure, sure...

I abstained from arguing and got up from the bunk.
Even a short rest definitely was good for me.

Well, let's go?

...

The tunnel seemed endless. We couldn't find the place we fell down from neither after five nor after ten minutes.

Alisa asked sadly.

It might be possible to get lost in the forest...

It just came up to me that it's exactly what we've accomplished half an hour ago, so, to refrain scaring her even further, I continued with confidence:

But here's a single straight tunnel – you can't get lost here!

So, where are we gonna end up then?

My words seemed not to calm Alisa down enough...

We'll get outta here, there's always an exit.

Really?

Of course, there is! The workers that built it somehow got up to the surface, didn't they?

Yeah, I guess.

It appeared that she tried hard to look as bold as usual but it didn't turn out well. In a dim light it was evident that Alisa was shivering. A look of extreme exertion was plastered on her face.

Fine. Let's move forward!

...

What's there?

Hell if I knew...

I've kneeled and pointed the light downwards. Damp ground, some kind of rail tracks.

Must be a mine.

Alisa looked at me inquiringly.
Of course, we could easily sidestep the hole but my sixth sense insisted that we won't encounter anything good proceeding down the tunnel either – there would be either a dead end or yet another jammed door.
On the other hand, it was naive to believe that we would find an exit in the mines.

We could give it a try. In the worst case we'll just return – this depth allows us to climb back up later.

Her face got a suffering expression. Then Alisa turned away from the light and quietly said.

As you say...

Indeed, we were in the mines. Miles of rust-eaten tracks stretched far away down the corridors. I could virtually see overloaded minecarts creaking along these tracks ages ago. The walls were propped with rotten beams and some water was occasionally dripping from the ceiling.
I'm not sure that it was scarier here than in the catacombs of the bomb shelter. I'd rather say that it was a kingdom of post-apocalypse 'up there' and occult medievalism reigned 'down here'.
In any case I was even more eager to get out of here and do it as soon as possible.

Alisa didn't utter a word after we had descended into the mine. She just walked next to me, clenching my hand so I started to worry.

Are you alright?

No.

She said quietly.

I understand that it can't be okay, but how are you holding up?

Fine.

She replied with that indifferent voice.

That's good, because...

I really wanted to say 'because if you'd go nuts too, it's gonna be a massacre'.

ecause we will find an exit. We'll definitely find it.

Yeah...

It seemed she wouldn't endure much longer.

~ We should go faster! ~

I hastened my steps and we reached a fork after couple of dozens of meters.

So, where to?

Alisa seemed to completely disconnect from the outer world and didn't worry about what would happen to us and how could we leave that place.

Well, let's think...

~ To the left or to the right? And what if we'll get lost... ~

I've decided to put a mark on the wall in case we'll get lost and return to this spot again.
Soon, a large cross scratched with a stone decorated one of the beams

So, now we're ready to go...

Let's play it safe and turn right every time.

It seems there is another fork in the road.

Go right.

It seems there is another fork in the road.

Go right.

Although naming it a hall would be an overstatement – it looks more like a quarry. Maybe it was coal or gold.
All walls were cut by a pickaxe or a pneumatic pick.
It was completely dark here. So the flashlight was our only mean of surviving.

~ If it breaks, we'll never be able to get out. ~

I noticed a red piece of cloth in its light.
It was a pioneer's neckerchief!
Shurik is evidently here.

Shurik! Shurik!

Only echo responded to me.

Why are you shouting? It's not like he can hear you...

You never know.

Alisa didn't reply, just sighed.
There was no other exit from this hall.

~ Obviously, it's quite possible that there are some nooks in these tunnels we haven't checked yet... ~
~ So, we have to keep looking! ~

Three right turns later...

There you go, there's something!

You think so?

Alisa looked a little refreshed.

Sure!

Frankly speaking, I really wasn't sure that there would be an exit behind this door.
It wasn't like we had any choice anyway.
I've pulled the handle...

Empty bottles, cigarette butts, and other bits of debris literred the floor.
It proved that there is an exit from these caves!
I've scanned the room with a flashlight and in the farthest corner I've seen...

Shurik!

Who... who is that?

He stammered.

Shurik! We have been looking for you for the whole night and you’re just sitting here! Get up!

I won't go anywhere...

He started quietly but with every word his voice gained strength until he was shouting at the top of his lungs.

Nah, I won't go with you anywhere! You don't exist! You aren't here anyway! It's a hallucination! It's antiscientific! Yeah, antiscientific!

What do you mean by 'you aren't here'?! Here we are, came searching for you!

Alisa remained silent until now, but then she let go of my hand and took a few steps towards Shurik.

Where are you going?..

I asked quietly.
She hesitated for a moment but proceeded as if not hearing me.

- SLAP -

Finally, having come close to the lost pioneer, Alisa fetched him a scathing slap across the face.

Shurik stared at her with a bemused look.

Now then, get your ass up and move!

No...

He began to whisper quietly.

No...

Somewhere deep inside me, on the very edge of my awareness, I've got a feeling that something really bad is going to happen now.
It happens. A premonition, an intuition or just analysis of the situation like the way Shurik was sitting or expression on his face hinted on his following actions.

He was clasping a metal rod and if I had been a moment too late, he would have definitely smashed Alisa's head with it.

But I've made it.

Eek!

- CRASH -

It has taken me a while to come to my senses.

What are you doing, jerk?!

I've checked my arm and it felt okay – the blow landed on the flashlight. So now we were in complete darkness.

You won't get it, won't get me!

Shurik's hysterical laughter was quickly fading away in a distance.

Hey! Where are you going?! Get over here now!

Won't get...

The yell went into the distance...

What a freak...

I've tried to fix the flashlight in the darkness. No way, Shurik has smashed it into pieces with his rod. Only then I suddenly thought of Alisa.

Are you okay?

I've heard a quiet sob and at the same instant I felt her embrace hugging me tightly.

Okay, okay, it's all over now, everything's fine...

~ Well, in fact nothing was fine, but I needed her to get a grip on herself. Otherwise we stood no chance of getting out of here alive. ~

I've tenderly caressed her head.

~ I wonder, crying Alisa – is that a funny thing? Maybe in another circumstances... ~

I'm scared...

That's ok, I'm scared too...

I've noticed this strong and sudden transformation of Alisa.

~ But what the heck, everyone would be scared in these circumstances. Moreover, she's a girl... ~
~ But why ain't I'm scared? Nah, not scared – why am I still keeping my mind clear and speaking sense? ~

Might it be because I have to worry not only about myself?

Ok, come on, we have to get out out of here anyway.

Hold on, just a sec...

Where did it come from?

The statue...

She forced a gentle smile and handed me the lighter.

Alright...

I've quickly swept my eyes over the room, searching for something that can be used as a torch.
There were some tattered rags and a rod among the debris on the floor. One of the bottles contained some liquid that smelled like industrial alcohol.
Be it for good or for bad, in a minute I was holding something that resembled a source of light in my hands.

I don't know how long it will last, so we got to move quickly.

Where to?

Alisa seemed to be returning to her senses.

Let's go back. At least we'll reach the bomb shelter. For one thing, there is light.

She gave me a quiet nod and took my hand.

The torch was burning poorly: we had to re-ignite it every other minute. One didn't have to be an oracle to predict an extremely short lifespan of that rag we were using.
I was scared more and more that we wouldn't leave that darkness in the mine. You couldn't rely too much on the lighter.
However, we've reached the hole that was leading up to the catacombs quite fast – it seemed that I've memorized the route afterall.

Ok, where are we going now?

Asked Alisa, getting her breath back.

What do you mean? We're going to that room with the bunks and cabinets.

Which way is that?

I opened my mouth to reply, but suddenly realized that I have not a slightest idea.
The hole looked the same from all sides, just as the walls, the floor and the ceiling. We had not a single hint to trace the right direction.

Well...

Don't you know?

Alisa asked sadly and sat on the ground.

No.

Are we going to die here?

She rested her head upon my shoulder.
Alisa's voice sounded smooth, one might even say calm, but I felt that her body was trembling – either with cold, or with fear, or with all the stuff combined.

Don't be silly! Sure, things are getting worse, but it's still pretty far from 'we're gonna die'... They will come and rescue us in the morning. Olga Dmitrievna with the police. So...

~ I would love to believe it all myself. ~

I see...

Yeah...

...

I've lost the track of time sitting there...
I was afraid to go 'forward' or 'backward', I was afraid to make a choice, as our torch definitely won't last both ways. Wandering in total darkness without any source of light was definitely worse than waiting for the rescue here.
This way at least we would have some light left for an emergency...
Suddenly some rambling started echoing in a distance.

~ Well, here is that emergency! ~

That was definitely the clank of door bolts' latching in that rambling.

Get up!

What is it?

She asked in dismay.

I don't know, but it seems there is someone. We have to run!

To be honest, I wasn't sure that it was such a good idea.

~ What if our mad Shurik is there? And, in fact, it's the least of all evils I can imagine! ~

But we had no choice left.

She ran along in silence, breathing heavily.
I really wanted to look back at her, but didn't have strength or time.
Finally the outline of the open door appeared before us and I've leaped into the bomb shelter, readying myself to fight any foe that was there...

I swept my eyes across the room, trying hard to spot hidden monsters, Shurik, any other evil entity, but it was all exactly the same as it was the first time we've been here.
Except for the door, the second door... It was open!

Somebody passed through!

I spoke up triumphantly.

Who?

Don’t know, maybe it was Shurik...

But how did he manage to open it?

Who the hell cares! Come on!

...

~ So, we're getting closer to the surface. ~

I was right, after a several hundred of feet I've stumbled upon a ladder leading to a small hatch on the ceiling.
It didn't take much effort to open it.

What's up there?

Who cares, it's better than down here anyway!

However, this gloom was definitely lighter than the darkness of the catacombs; as my eyes got more used to it, the outlines of the walls, the ladder, and the door leading to the outside were emerging in a pale moonlight.
I helped Alisa to climb and we literally sprang out of the building.

Alisa sat on the swings and wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand.

I see... So, we've found it afterall.

I smiled involuntary.

What are you laughing at?

She frowned and pouted with displeasure. To put it shortly, she returned to her usual self.

So, is it not scary here anymore?

I wasn't scared there too!

Oh, come on!

Yes, I wasn't!

Ah, whatever...

I was angry.

~ I really felt hurt because of Alisa. If it was not me, she would still have sat there, in that damn mine! ~

Where are you going?

She asked in a less assured voice when I turned around and walked slowly to the camp.

Back to the camp.

Hey!

Alisa jumped up right away and started to walk next to me.
For a moment I wanted to say something foul, but I wasn't ready to start the next argument...
We have found the path we walked before surprisingly fast. Even those two holes we fell into.
It was only about two hundred meters to the old camp.

...

Well...

Well...

She looked uncertain, even confused.

Then...

Sure...

Deep inside I wanted to yell at her, to scold, even to insult her. On the other hand, I wanted to have an edifying conversation.
In the end I just kept silence, turned around and slowly headed to the leader's cabin.

But something persistently disturbed the night's quiet. I attentively listened to and realized that it was a snorting...
... of Shurik, who slept peacefully on the bench!

Hey!

I called Alisa, who hasn't walked away too far.

Get up, you!

Oh, is it morning already?

Morning? Yeah, sure...

Sometimes one acts first, thinks later.
Of course, it all starts in the brain, then the current comes through the neural links, thereby transmitting the command to the body.
But sometimes the subconsciousness just works faster than the consciousness. It is exactly why my fist took a swing and smacked Shurik in the guts and only then I realized what I've done.
He coughed, trying to recover his breath, and writhed in pain on the bench.

What the hell was all that?!

I already felt bad about it – I shouldn't have treated him so rough...

What are... what are you talking about?

Shurik looked upon me in awe.

In the mine!

What mine?

He twisted his head, completely confused.

And why am I here?

And why are you here?

Stop fooling around!

Alisa barged into a talk.

You've nearly killed me there! And now you're going to play it like nothing happened?

And what happened?

You really don't remember?

Not a thing...

Ok, and what is the last thing you do remember?

Shurik tried to concentrate.

Well, I was on my way to the old camp in the morning. I knew I could find some hardware for a robot there, so...

So?

And that's all... I don't recall anything since then. Then I just woke up here.

I let out a heavy sigh as I turned away.

Well, go ahead, sweet dreams...

Hey, where are you?..

I've ignored Alisa and scurried away to the Olga Dmitrievna's cabin. She stayed, arguing with Shurik.

...

This night they seemed to be brighter that usual.
Perhaps, they seemed so because not a long ago my only source of light was a dim flashlight, and then – that torch.
The stars are brighter than a flashlight and obviously a torch. Most of the stars, I guess, are even brighter than the Sun, but they're so far away...

So, why have you come?

What has Shurik said?

He said that he doesn't remember anything, that it is 'unscientific' and nonsense like that.

I think he really doesn't remember because of shock and stress.

~ Who am I to say? I was in the same boat not a long time ago. ~
~ I am still in it though. Do I have an amnesia? ~

Well then, why did you come?

Then again, I guess I knew the answer – that's exactly why I haven't gone to sleep but waited for her here.

Alisa sat down next to me.

Kind of... Liked to thank you... After all, down there... You... That, you know...

No problem.

I said gently and reclined back.

Well, all right then...

She got up and was going to go.

If you think that I am angry at you, I am not. Everything is okay.

I, actually, didn't think that!

Oh Jesus, this fucking aspie.

Alisa worked up.

Fine then.

Okay...

Yeah...

Then...

Go already!

I said kindly and waved my hand.

You are such a cunt.

I'll go when I want to!

So now you don’t want?

I want!

Well? Is something preventing you from it?

Moron!

Well played, retard. Enjoy being a virgin till the end of your fucking days. Fuck.

Alisa stamped her foot and quickly walked away from the leader's cabin.
I took a heavy breath and stood up.
My head was terribly dizzy from fatigue.

~ Well, at least Olga Dmitrievna is sleeping already and thus I won't have to explain anything... ~

Or rather for a debriefing.

Would you deign to explain?

Even she can't believe how you managed to fuck up there.

What's the matter? In fact, you didn't mind when we were going to search for Shurik?

And what, have you found him?

Looks like she was more concerned about me coming late and not about the fate of the lost pioneer.

Yes, we have. By the way, why are you standing here in the darkness?

What?

I say, why in the darkness?

Because it's time to sleep.

I couldn't agree with her more, although I was slightly surprised with such an abrupt mood swing.

...

I just hardly stumbled to the bed and fell down without undressing.

~ But still, Alisa... Alisa... ~

I just didn't know what I should think of her.
That wasn't because she acted strange lately. No, on the contrary – everything in her behaviour was quite consistent and explainable.
Even her return to thank me.
I thought of Alisa much more than of everything that happened tonight.

Although, if you get down to it, there's nothing supernatural about it.
Uncomfortable – sure, frightening, even spine-chilling – sure. Something that has to do with my arrival here – barely.

 

[WhiskeyWolf]

:russia:

 

[Ninja Destroyer]

Stalker VN.

 

[Idiott]

That tunnel business was and probably the best part so far. Of course in the end our retarded protagonist must've fucked it all up.

If he was real, this would be him:

 

[Zdzisiu]

There will be some nsfw, no worries. But nowhere near the usual japanese hentai fuck every girl, twice.

 

[SerratedBiz]

I'd rather this went further down into mindfuck than anything else, to be honest.

 

[Idiott]

Spoiler

Ran with our last bits of strength...
Like those who run for their precious lives.
Like a doomed person knowing that there is no hope to save his life still fights the inevitable and his own fate...
I hardly managed to close the heavy metal door behind me.

She gripped my hand tight.

Don't be afraid...

Bits of the ceiling was falling off and walls were shaking.
I was prepared for the worst.
But death is such a thing, that you can't ever be prepared for...
But suddenly, complete silence fell. It was ringing even louder than the explosions.

She was whimpering.
I wanted to ease her somehow but realised that there is nothing I could do.

Yes...

You know, I...

Horrible bang almost broke my ear-drums apart.
It seems that I'm under a piece of collapsed ceiling but I haven't felt any pain.
All I wanted was to not let her go...

It took some time to come to my senses.

It was a dream... It was just a dream...

My inquired mind however refused to believe it.

~ But who was that girl with me there? ~

I didn't want to let go off her hand so hard...
Sadly I couldn't recall her at all.
Clocks were showing few minutes past ten.

I was slowly coming to my senses as reality started to stake out its claim for my mind – and my stomach foully growled.

Alright – war is war, but lunch should be served in due time!

It turned out that Olga Dmitrievna wasn't here – she must have decided not to wake me up.

After yesterday she probably figured being yourself is enough of a punishment.

~ Well, thanks goes to our camp leader for this! ~

After yesterday's adventures I had to have a rest.
Last night left as a blurry reminiscence which I really didn't want to think about.
It's now more important to find something to eat and... to wash myself!

~ Exactly! ~
~ Because a pioneer must always be clean and tidy. ~

Though I would agree with this thesis even without being a pioneer (and I wasn't one as the matter of fact).

He started to wave his hands and ran to me.

Good morning! Thank you, for finding Shurik! Without him I don't even...

It’s nothing...

I was a bit embarrassed.

No, really! Don't be shy much – the country must be proud of its heroes!

And what about Shurik... How did he look in the morning? Is he alright?

After yesterday's craziness, I thought such a question would be completely valid.

Yes, absolutely! The only thing is that he can't remember anything...

Clearly he haven't punched that idiot hard enough.

Can’t he?

I wasn't surprised at all.

He says that he went to the abandoned camp yesterday, and then... Woke up in his bed in the morning. I mean he remembers nothing between those two events.

I see... Alright then...

You missed the breakfast, right? Come to our club! We'll feed you! I have something special.

Electronik smiled in a conspiring way.

Thanks, I'll come, probably...

I had to wash myself first anyways.

We'll be waiting!

He waved at me and left to mind his own business.

~ It got warmed up already I guess... ~

Having my face washed I realised that it wouldn't be easy to wash the rest of my body here.

~ Maybe I had to go to the showers... ~
~ But since there is nobody here... ~

I turned the tap in such a way so water streamed parallel to the ground and started to take off my clothes.

~ And what if somebody sees me? ~
~ Well, I'll rinse and dry myself quickly, and put on my clothes... ~

Water which seemed warm for hands and face, felt bone-chilling cold for my body.
The whole washing process took no longer than ten seconds and I started to wipe myself quickly afterwards.
But I haven't managed to finish anyways – there were voices coming in from the footpath direction.

The only solution came in a split second – I grabbed my clothes and dashed into the bushes.
A moment later Alisa and Ulyana appeared near the washstands.

Is it a big deal for you?

Fine, let me...

I peered at them and noticed that they both were covered in red paint.

Alright, if you have to set up shit like that, at least make it LOOK like they are covered in paint. It's a VISUAL novel ffs.

~ What a surprise... I wonder how have they managed that? ~

Take off your bra!

What if somebody sees us?..

What – is there anything to see?

She grinned.

Ok… Just be quick!

It was a pity that they were standing with their backs to me.
A minute later Alisa managed to wash off all the paint.

I'm done!

Thanks!

You're welcome...

Alisa replied lazily.

Listen, let me try on yours...

She pointed at Alisa's bra.

It won't suit you for sure...

Well, I'd like to try anyways...

And here…

There is nobody here, right?

Ulyana looked my way and smiled archly.
I was absolutely sure she couldn't see me in these bushes, but...

Enough with that foolishness...

Ulyana wasn't listening to her anymore and grabbed Alisa's bra with dexterous move instead.
Now I have to confess, I had something to look at!

Alisa covered her breasts with her hands so I could barely see anything at all.
I leaned forward and having stumbled over a stone, fell out of bushes...

Alisa and Ulyana stood frozen staring at me.
I tried to cover my nudity with the guilty face.
Such tableau has lasted for a few seconds and then Alisa took her shirt and somehow put it on in a moment.

Her face gone from red to purple. It looked like she will explode with a nuclear blast any second.
The only thing I wanted was to disintegrate into atoms and get as far from the epicenter as possible.

~ So, she noticed me then... ~

You! You!

And I... Well I... Accidentally... If you know what I mean...

Alisa rushed to me.

It seemed the best solution to me at that time – as showing up naked in the middle of the camp accompanied by two screaming girls wasn't a good idea...

And stopped few minutes later to catch my breath.

But at the price of lacerated, scratched and bleeding feet – as I had no time to put on my boots.
I sat on the tree stump and sighed...

~ I need to decide what to do next! ~
~ My feet are hurting – so I should go straight to infirmary! ~
~ But, on the other hand, my stomach isn't going to wait either. ~
~ Maybe, I should accept Electronik's invitation. ~
~ Or head to the canteen – in hope of something left to eat there?.. ~

Walking around with cut and bleeding feet probably isn't the best idea. Let's patch them up in the infirmary.

I was always taking a good care of my health. And even a better care at the moments when I couldn't bear it anymore.
So without a hesitation I made my way to the infirmary.

I had absolutely no desire to face the camp nurse without any urgent need, on the other hand, I almost did a great dead yesterday defending the infirmary.
So she owed to me in some sense...
I took heart and opened the door.

HELLOOOOOO NURSE!

Hello...

I'm sorry that I was so late yesterday...

That wasn't problem at all...

Why have you come? Are you sick?

She smiled slyly.

Well, I'm... I got my feet a bit...

You got a bit what?

My feet.

I gave a stupid answer.

Ok, show them.

I sat on the couch and took off my boots.

How did you manage that?

I was better keep silent about anything happened near the washstands.

Well I...

Ok, nevermind. Wait a second...

She rummaged in the drawer and took a big red pill with cross-shaped notch from the vial.

And what is this for?

I was disturbed by the size of the pill and its strange form – they are broken in halves usually and not in quarters.

This is to make an amputation of your legs unnecessary!

What?!

You'll take it and it will all be alright.

Afraid isn't one of the things I am now

And why this pill… looks like that?

That's for patients who refuse to take medicines perorally. We screw them in with the screwdriver then.

I didn't dare to ask where they are being screwed in actually.

And now try to bear it a bit.

She took a big pack of cotton wool, wrapped a bud with it and applied a plenty of iodine to it.
I got myself ready for the torments of hell…

IIiiii...

I've moaned quietly.
But my trust to this method of disinfection was much higher than to the odd pill so I had to stand the burning well.

I put on my boots and tried to walk.
My feet were still hurting but sharp pain was gone.

Thank you!

Don't mention it! Drop in anytime... pioneer!

My health problem was solved!

~ It's a right time to eat now! ~

But I did it and now have my legit right to fill myself full!

Lunch included a pea soup and mashed potatoes with a fish.
I was a major disappointment to me as I don't eat fish in any form and hence will get fewer calories than usually.

Soon Slavya with Lena came to my table.

She smiled nicely.

Eh? Yes, sure!

I stood up and pulled her a chair.

Please!

I was in an excellent mood at that moment.

Enjoy your meal...

Saying that, Lena started staring at me and continued for some time but then after realising that she looked somehow odd, switched to her plate.

You too.

Do you have any plans for today, Semyon?

Nope.

No looking for clues or searching for answers?

I gave an honest answer as I had no plans indeed. Except for searching for answers, but it was more like a global goal.

Oh great, we can do some side quests then.

Do you want to have a boat ride to the island with us?

~ The island... Well, I think I've seen it from the pier. ~

For what?

Olga Dmitrievna asked to gather some strawberry. There's a lot of strawberry there and it's so delicious!

I could imagine that taste without even tasting it, just by looking at Slavya's face.

Strawberry... And what is that for?

I don't know, but it's indeed a great idea!

~ Well, indeed it is. Moreover, I haven't been on the island yet. ~

Yeah, sure.

...

Well, here is the boat. Hang on, I'll go and fetch the paddles now.

~ I was left face to face with Lena. ~

Do you like strawberry?

Well, not really... But it's tasty.

Lena smiled.

I see...

I didn't know what to say next, how to continue the conversation.
If Slavya wouldn't be back we could probably be sitting here till the very evening without saying a word.

Here you go!

he handed me a pair of hefty paddles.

Yeah... Thanks...

And where exactly are we heading to?

Right there!

She pointed her finger at the island.

This island is named 'Closest one'.

~ I wonder what captain gave it such a name? This island is close to the shore indeed. ~

Ay ay captain!

~ If only I could know what is waiting for me ahead... ~

I wasn't an experienced oarsman, more so – I've rowed a boat just once or twice in my entire life.
It was less than half a mile to the island, but we were cutting our way in zigzags thanks to my 'skills'.
Approximately in the middle of our path my arms hurt so badly that I've dropped the paddles to get some rest.

Oh come on, it is not THAT hard. Unless the only exercise you've done during your whole life was lifting a bottle of MTN DEW.

Well... Isn't there any strawberry somewhere else? I mean, in more accessible places.

But the tastiest one grows there.

Slavya gave me a puzzling look.

It must be hard for you to row on alone?

Lena unlike Slavya realized everything straight off.

Oh... It's nothing...

Anyway, I wouldn't let a fragile girl help me.
The rest of the path I've spent concenrating on being alive while getting to the island.
Slavya and Lenya discussed something but I wasn't listening – that was too much for me.
At last, we have arrived.

It seemed so far away that I felt myself like a first person on the Moon watching the Earthrise.

Slavya handed me the basket.

It was a small island – hardly 100 meters long.
And it looked more like a birch grove with even rows of trees covering entire surface of it.
Calm green sea spread beneath our feet with wind causing lonely waves on its surface from time to time.
This island looked like a lost paradise.

~ It's no wonder that the most delicious strawberry grows just here. ~

We've got to split up, this way we'll do the job faster.

Yeah, sure.

But there are only two baskets.

Said Lena humbly.

Oh, you're right, my bad!

And how are we going to split up then?

Staying alone with Slavya after that infirmary incident doesn't seem like a greatest idea. I guess we can go with Lena, at least it will be quiet.

Let me go with you.

Let's go...

Ok, that's fine!

Slavya grabbed the second basket and ventured to the farther side of the island.

Well?

Fun times ahead.

Let's go?

Yeah.

Lena smiled.

Just pay attention! Don't leave any single berry behind!

You too.

...

So, it was the harvest time.
Indeed, strawberry was delicious here.
I could probably eat it all if I wouldn't stop myself in time.

~ Despite being wild grown, the berries were close to garden ones in size and had a rich red color – so it was clear that our visit here wasn't in vain. ~

Lena followed me closely as we had only one basket for the both of us.
I felt like a real mushroom picker, examining each shrub and carefully pawing the grass.

Well, you're much better than me...

Am I? Frankly, I’m not even counting them.

Yeah, right you are!

The basket was already half-full.

You must be enjoy nature, right?

I am.

Bright Sun rays pierced the tree crowns and blinded me for a second.
I sat down on the ground and leaned to a tree.

Still, it's so beautiful here!

Lena sat down close to me. So close that our elbows touched.

Yeah!

We just sat and enjoyed the moment. Seemingly, the time stood still.
The wind gently shook the tree leaves, some bugs lazily hopped around the grass and the splashes of sunlight played on a faraway water surface.

I was slightly surprised at first but then I've heard her regular breathing and thought that it's a matter of course.
Probably she felt drowsy and wanted to take a quick nap.
I just sat there and haven't thought of anything for a few minutes.

But then the words started crossing my mind with an ultrasonic speed:

~ Lena. So close. Sleeping. So warm. So gentle. Feelings... ~

I've gazed upon her.
She had such a serene, such a tranquil look on her face that it seemed that right now she's not here, but in some kind of a better world.
Don’t know what would happen the next moment if it wasn't the voice of Slavya that I've heard.

Probably nothing, as usual.

Semyon! Lena!

I shook my head side-to-side a few times to come to my senses. Lena started to wake up.

Had any dreams?

Huh?

Suddenly understanding that she dozed off leaning on my shoulder, Lena blushed.

Oh... I'm sorry...

That's fine.

Slavya came to us and so Lena rushed to get up.

So how much you've got?

I've sighed.

That's not a lot...

Her basket was full of strawberries to the brim.

Well, it's enough anyway! It's time to get back!

I've grabbed the basket and we've headed back to the boat.

My only wish was to get back alive as the first trip didn’t go by without consequences and now my hands started to hurt just after a few sweeps of oars.
Having moored up the boat I've fallen to the ground with no energy left.
Slavya with Lena leaned over me.

Yes...

Never mind, it's fine... I'll just lay here for a bit and everything will be alright...

Ok, then get those baskets to Olga Dmitrievna please as we have something else to do.

I don't think she likes us anymore.

Yeah, sure.

I was ready to agree with anything at that moment just so I won’t have to get up.
Slavya put the baskets full of strawberries next to me and headed to the square happily chatting with Lena about something.

The hardest thing is done anyways…

That’s what I thought before I got up and took the baskets...
After the sport paddling they seemed cement bags while weighing barely above few kilograms each.

Olga Dmitrievna! Olga Dmitrievna, I've got presents for you!

There was no answer.
I hardly managed to get up and enter the cabin.

If you don't need it – it's up to you...

I was paddling a boat with my last ounces of strength, trying to escape huge berries chasing me.
My hands were failing me and I could barely see anything because of sweat covering my face. Blood was hammering in my temples but strawberries were getting closer.
They were baring their teeth at me.

~ But wait... Strawberries with a teeth?! ~

...Semyon! Semyon!

Olga Dmitrievna was standing beside me shaking my shoulders.

I see you got a rich harvest, didn't you?

Sure I did

Ok. But that's not all!

~ Seriously, I was just anticipating the lovely rest I was about to have... ~

Do you even know what these strawberries are for?

Not a single idea...

What an honest confession.

We'll make a cake out of it!

I see...

~ Well, it makes sense. ~

To honor the miraculous saving of Shurik! And it's all thanks to you!

It was clear that getting strawberries wasn't the last thing to do.

~ And why, please tell me, if I am such a hero, why do I have to organize a celebration in my name by myself?.. ~

Well, I guess...

So... I have an important task for you! We are missing yeast, flour and sugar. And need it all in the canteen before the dinner!

And those who will make a cake can't deal with it on their own somehow?

I've asked pitifully.

Of course they can't! All of them are busy! And you are the only one in the whole camp who does nothing!

While her words were partially true it doesn't make it any easier for me now.
Moreover, those words felt like a bullet to my head.

So, write it down! You'll get yeast in the infirmary, flour in the library and sugar in the clubhouse.

Updated my journal.

Wait, wait a...

I have no time, I'm in a hurry! Good luck!

She smiled slyly and left.

~ Of course there are a lot of strange things in this camp, but... Yeast in the infirmary? Ok, I can deal with that. But! Flour in the library? ~
~ And sugar... No, it's way beyond my comprehension! ~

I spat on the floor.

I don't want and I will not believe this! Tell me, just tell me you're pulling my leg.

I would not be surprised if the crowd of green fat trolls would appear here right now beside me with every one of them feeling obligated to laugh at me.

~ So maybe hell with this cake?.. ~

I'm pretty sure 'hell' is a typo.

I've been weighing my options for some time.

~ No, if such a major Olga's Dmitrievna plan would fail I'll get it hot like no tomorrow. ~
~ And it will complicate both my life in the camp and my search for the answers which I've stopped for quite a while. ~
~ It seems I have no other option... ~

 

[GreyViper]

So was that a nod to METRO and man Shurik does get around ehh.


Wonder if it uses the time warp thing from Guest from the Future.
.

 

[Idiott]

Spoiler

~ But what can I do – that's how things pan out. ~

I sighed and knocked on the door.

Come in!

Nurse said it with a trace of singing accent.

I've hesitated slightly.

Yeast...

Ah, sure.

She gave me a broad smile.

It’s just that I don't have any... pioneer.

How so? She said, that...

Well, I had some, but now nothing is left.

I didn't even bother asking why she had them in the first place.

Well, don't you worry. You can have some aspirin, for example.

~ It could be of some use for me actually. ~

Where do I get it then...

I sighed.

Take this!

She opened the drawer and pulled out some kind of a bottle.

It was 'Ostankinskoe' beer.

...

What's the matter? The beer is also a fermentation product.

She gave me a deep gaze.

Nobody will even notice!

She had a point but everything just looked so grotesque to me that I couldn't find anything to say.

Are you... sure?

Absolutely!

Ok then...

The bottle clearly didn't fit into the shorts pocket.

Well, thanks...

I've mumbled shyly leaving the infirmary.

~ Even my limited knowledge of chemistry and biology was enough to accept this. But... ~

Really? This is the first time I hear anything like this. Sounds like BS to me. Can anyone actually confirm that?

Generally, walking around with this bottle in my hands looked like a silly idea to me so I decided to bring it to Olga's Dmitrievna cabin and hide it there.
But I had to reach it somehow without anybody noticing the beer.
I hid the bottle under my shirt.

Actually, she sprang out from behind me so suddenly that I even gave a start.

How is it going?

What exactly?

Your search for ingredients.

Ah, so you know already...

Yes I do!

Slavya smiled.

It's going alright...

I've answered trying not to give away my unrest.

And what do you have there?

She pointed at the bottle sticking out from under the shirt.

Ah, this...

~ She got me! ~

Ah, it's nothing...

I've blushed with a silly giggle.

It's time to go...

~ It's great that she is one of those people who won't ask unnecessary questions. ~

But there are people in this camp who like nothing better than poking their nose into other people's business.

You just HAD to think that.

Passing pioneers' cabins, I've stumbled upon Ulyana.

She gave me one of her cocky looks.
I thought there is no point in denying anything so I replied in a provoking manner:

It's none of your business! I'm a cypher officer bearing a message to the Headquarters.

You've got a big... message...

I was carrying a bottle at waist height so I was slightly embarrassed.

You might want some help?

I'll deal with it on my own!

I walked past her confidently and proceeded my way.
To my surprise she didn't say anything nor tried to pursue me.

Really, I couldn't believe that I would ever worry that much about a single bottle of beer! Like I got back into a high school.

~ It's a good thing that it's all safe now... ~
~ Even if somebody will find it, I'll claim that it's not mine – I could always think up of a suitable excuse from my enormous experience. ~

And you are such a skilled liar

Next up, library and flour.

None of them make any sense, it's just a pointless filler.

I thought hard on who and why would want it in the library but couldn't find any sane explanation afterall.
Given Zhenya's harsh nature, I better knock first.

- KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK -

Open.

What do you want?

Umm... Don't think anything wrong, but I need a...

I didn't want to look like an idiot and decided to explain things carefully.

I need some flour. Olga Dmitrievna said that it's here. I understand that it sounds strange to keep the flour in the library but... I was sent to you. And it's needed for the cake, to celebrate Shurik's rescue.

Yes, I have the flour and what's so strange about it?

Zhenya replied with surprise.
At that second I felt myself like I got a hit with heavy weight in my head and lost the ability to understand anything at all.

~ Flour in the library... Sure, what's so strange about it... ~
~ We're in the Wonderland, I'm Alice, now I'm gonna eat that magic mushroom and I'll be back home... ~

Hey!

Ah? Yeah!

I was daydreaming.

Wait here, I'll be right back.

She disappeared behind the bookshelves while I criss-crossed my hands and started waiting.
A sound of a trapdoor groaning on its hinges reached me in a moment.

Hey, you need some help?

I inquiried loudly.

I'll deal with it!

Zhenya barked out to me.
She seems to be in the basement so I'll have to wait a little.

Okey-dokey...

A few minutes passed but Zhenya still hasn't returned.

Hopefully she was eaten by a grue.

I was starting to get worried as the door suddenly has flung open and Alisa came into the library.

What are you doing here?

Am I not allowed to be here?

I've said rudely to her.

Why does he turn into such a whiny cunt with her around?

Alisa was clearly overwhelmed a bit.

Ah, why do I care...

She snorted off and headed to Zhenya's table.

And why are you here then?

Alisa measured me with her eyes carefully and almost opened the mouth to say something but then seemed to change her mind and turned away hiding her hands behind her back.

Returning a book?

I blurted the first thing from the top of my head.

It's none of your business...

She replied with a tint of hesitation.

What book is it?

Alisa was silent.

Oh, come on, let me see it! I wonder what does miss 'High-voltage-keep-away!' reads.

It's none of your business...

Her voice was even less confident.

Ok-ok, I don't insist on anything...

In fact, I was quite interested to find out what Alisa was reading.
Moreover, I was quite amused to see a book in her hands.
TV, movies or a computer, if it would be available here – all these things seemed to be much more appropriate entertainment for a girl like her.
But she had a book instead...

Fuck it. Let's die a virgin and check out the book.

My curiousity won. I've stroke the right moment when Alisa was looking away from me and snatched the book.

Ouch!

She screamed.

In the following second her face got such an expression that made me question my decision.

~ If I'm about to die at least I will know what for. ~

I held a copy of 'Gone with the wind' in my hands.

Pretty accurate description of your chances of getting laid, too.

That was the same book that Lena was reading that evening on a bench.
I was so astonished that I've suddenly forgot about my imminent death.

Is it interesting?

Yeah...

Blushed Alisa answered without any enthusiasm.

Ok then...

I handed the book back to her.
Alisa threw it on the table and left the library quickly without looking at me.

~ So nothing human is alien to her. She is a girl too in the end. ~

After a quick review of everything that just happened, I concluded that there was nothing strange actually.

Finally, a deep groan of Zhenya rang out, reaching each and every corner of the library.

Grab it!

Thanks!

I took the sack and got out of the library.

One place left...

It felt like I've gone through more things today than all previous days combined.
Thus, coming closer to the clubhouse I've even forgotten to think about how awkward it must be to look for sugar there.

They were so busy that even didn't notice me.
I looked closely.

It was some kind of a robot... Or at least a body of it.
More so this robot was a female, and had ears.
I didn't want to make up theories about purposes of such a device for luminaries of camp cybernetics.
Even though design looked practically workable, I had my doubts about this robot to ever conquer Earth or at least be able to do anything on its own.
But they seem to be enjoying the process more that the end result itself.
And it was something we shared, even though I didn't want to admit it.

On the other hand they weren't afraid of possible failure, criticism or jokes... They were working towards their goal without paying attention to others, who could call it unrealistic or even absurd.

~ Oh, it looks like I'm truly comparing then to some luminaries of sciences... ~

Hey guys.

I greeted them uncertainly.

~ I actually was in already... ~

Just get the sugar and let's get out of here.

You know... Sorry for what happened yesterday! I barely remember anything, but... Well...

Never mind! It's ok!

And what led you to the humble abode of ours?

Electronik looked at me slyly.
Sometimes I felt like he makes such a face when he surely knows something about the other person, something he can use in a right moment.

Sugar. I need sugar.

An image from an ancient video game suddenly came into my mind, where some kind of unit like a builder or something cried out loud from all its five pixels stature: "Gold! We need more gold!"

Game from 1994 is 'ancient' to you?

We got it.

Said Electronik calmly.

Why would you want it?

I felt that I shouldn't explain to Shurik that they want to bake a cake for him. I shouldn't spoil a surprise.

I don’t know... Olga Dmitrievna told me to get some...

Ok, hang on.

Electronik disappeared behind the door into the next room.

And why do you have sugar here? Why not in the canteen?

When a food truck came last time, it was the last thing to unload. And given that our building is the closest one to the entrance, they decided to leave it here to save some effort...

~ It's reasonable, isn't it? ~

It isn't.

The door has opened revealing Electronik hauling a huge bag behind him.
I really didn’t know what will be the size of the cake, but that was obviously too much sugar.

Well, thanks, but I don't need it all...

But where could we place it?

Maybe... Back where it was?

Electronik gave me a surprised look.

We don't have a place for it. You asked for sugar – so take it.

~ It seems that that previous smile of his wasn't there without a reason. ~

Maybe you'll help me then? It's not that far to carry...

We are busy.

Yeah, building a 'robot' that will only be good for you two to wank to it.

He pointed his hand at the robot.
I've gazed at Shurik. He owed me in the end.
He halted and then looked away in shame.
I sighed, took the bag and headed to the door.

Thanks anyway...

Said I at parting, exerting myself.

Just after mere twenty metres I had to put the bag down to have a rest.
I had no idea how much it weighed, but it felt like more than twenty kilos.

On the one hand, it was just two hundred meters to the canteen.
On the other hand even such a distance with this payload on my shoulder (or eventually in my hands, or on my legs, or under my arm or even on my head) looked impossible for me to cover.

What the hell man. It seems any form of physical exercise is about to kill you. Did you survive a heart attack or something?

And as I've set myself to move in minor sprints with prolonged pauses between them (so I could get there by night at least), I've heard a voice behind me:

Maybe I could help you?

I don't think you can...

It wasone of those moments when I painfully felt my dramatic lack of good shape...

I can bring a handcart.

~ A handcart... Why haven't I thought about it myself?! ~

Yes, that would be great!

Wait here, I'll be right back!

She smiled and ran in direction of the square.

~ And what could I do without her... ~
~ It's good that Lena isn't always that shy and can take the initiative sometimes. ~

I started to think.
She seemed quite unusual now. With no trace of shyness on her face and actually complete opposite – smile and confidence
The offer of help wasn't something extraordinary by itself, but getting it from Lena...

I put a bag down on it.

Thanks.

Don't mention it...

She blushed and looked down.

~ Oh, Lena we all know is back! ~

So I'll go then...

Yes, see you! And thank you again!

I shouted after her.
Sometimes I felt like there are two different persons living inside of Lena.
But the second one – confident, happy and sometimes even bold – appears just when she talks to me.

~ Or am I making it up again?.. ~

 

[Nevill]

Really? This is the first time I hear anything like this. Sounds like BS to me. Can anyone actually confirm that?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beer_bread

 

[abnaxus]

Who are we trying to fuck again?

 

[SerratedBiz]

Who are we trying to fuck again?

 

[Idiott]

:russia:

 

[Idiott]

Spoiler

And beer was hidden under the shirt just in case.
The day was coming to its end so I had to hurry as cake itself needs some time to be baked.
Of course, I'd rather enjoy lying down, closing my eyes and getting a decent sleep, but I just couldn't let Olga Dmitrievna down.
Indeed, after all the troubles I even felt my personal responsibility for the success of this event.

It wasn't the cart that was heavy – it ran smoothly without any noticeable efforts required. Just any physical load caused pain to me now. Both physical and moral one.
I sat down on the bench and closed my eyes for a moment.

I wasn't really giving a damn on who is it – probably just a fellow pioneer girl who got interested in an unfamiliar companion in distress.

What are you talking about?

I've asked her tiredly.
She didn't reply.

That's the ingredients for a cake... Do you like cakes?

I don’t know...

What, you've never tried any cakes?

I don’t know...

Obviously girl couldn't get what I was talking about but it didn't surprise me at that moment.
I really wasn't interested in that conversation. I was so tired that I had zero intention to classify all outer distractions and tag them either as conventional or uncommon.

I see... Come down the canteen later and take a bite.

Really?

Really.

And what are they made of?

What?

I asked with indifference.

These... Cakes!

Well... Some flour, some sugar, various fillings...

~ Now that's a queer question, doesn't she know what are the cakes made of? ~

And you have it all here?

Yeah, sort of.

And sugar?

And sugar...

Could you lend me a little?

What for?

I thought it was over the top.

However, nobody was here.

~ Am I daydreaming? ~

I've noticed though that sugar sack was untied and a small heap of it had poured out.

~ It could be that she was scared by wind and ran away?.. ~

Having the sack fixed, I got up from the bench and continued my challenging strawberry way.

I brought the handcart to the rear exit and handed the foodstuffs to the camp cook.
She must have been told already what to do with them as she gave me such an unpleasant look. I'm not sure how long it takes to bake a cake but she had to hurry it seems.
I just wanted to relax during the remaining time up to the dinner.
In short, I was so tired that I sat on the footsteps just waiting.

My eyes have closed themselves – I guess I got so tired throughout the day that even didn't notice how someone came and patted me on the shoulder.

Miku was standing before me.

Yeah...

I didn't need a mirror to imagine an expression of scepticism and annoyance on my face.

Oh, excuse me, I must have interruped you...

No problem, I was just sitting here.

I didn't want that rest anyway.

Ah, alright then!

Miku shined with a smile.

I was just coming to dinner. I thought that it's time already and then it appeared to me that it's too early, but I've decided to check just in case – maybe it's not me who's mistaken, but the clock is!

Well, not the clock, clocks can't be mistaken, it's just that I've misread it...

She seemed to be ultimately confused now and thus went silent.

It's still about half an hour before the dinner.

Oh, that's great, then I'll sit here and wait with you if you won't mind?

Frankly speaking, I would mind.

You know, I have some matters to attend to...

I think it is a first time since last four and a half days when I feel myself like that.
I wasn't just irritated because of some insignificant details but, indeed, I was really angry.

I've completely stopped to care where I am and why am I here.
I didn't care about how to get out either.
What was driving me mad is that I always had to carry out some stupid tasks given by our camp leader and it was always me who gets into stupid situations and sometimes even ends up being a clown.

~ If all of this is some alien tricks or a plot of the Universal Mind they better consult with their psychiatrist! ~

I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists.

~ And most annoying thing is that everything what happens seems to happen by itself somehow! ~
~ I'd be happy not to carry bags of sugar weighting a good pound but I had no choice at all! ~
~ I mean, any other option would lead to much worse consequences than a muscle strain or a hurt pride... ~

Who are you angry with?

Nobody really...

I've answered absently.
But my fists gave me away.

Just like that...

Ok-ok, It's up to you... You better tell me why did you run around the camp for the whole day with some kind of bags?

I had to.

I've replied reluctantly.

I guess it was food.

Maybe it was...

Ulyana was about to say something, but at that moment the bell sound came, calling the pioneers for the dinner.
I sighed in relief and quickly headed to the canteen, leaving Ulyana behind.

For what?

The camp leader gave me a friendly smile.

For the cake of course!

Ah, sure...

It was that exact moment I've understood the true meaning of an idiom 'Keep your thanks to feed your cat'.

You haven't told anybody? This ought to be a surprise!

Yeah...

That's my boy! And now off you go to the dinner!

Olga Dmitrievna waved her hand, pointing at the canteen.

It turned out there are plenty today so I got a chance to eat all alone.
There was a fish with mashed potatoes for dinner.

~ What a misfortune once again – I'll end up half hungry. And didn't we have fish for lunch… ~
~ Is it a fish-only day today?! ~

But soon somebody came to my table.

Hey, are you alright?

I'm fine...

I've replied without changing my position.

Just tired?

Yeah, a little...

That's bad.

Slavya said it seriously.

Of course...

You remember that we are going to the hike after the dinner, don't you? Have you prepared everything?

I opened my eyes and lifted my head up instantly.
Lena was standing by Slavya.

The hike...

She was surprised.

Didn't you know?

No...

~ If only I could sink into the ground right away... ~

The girls remained silent.
I stayed alone with my thoughts for some time and that was fine to me.
Maybe I could sit that way until the end of dinner time but a strong voice of Olga Dmitrievna was heard from the opposite part of canteen.

Guys! To celebrate a miracle rescue of our friend and comrade Shurik, we baked this cake for you all!

A second... Just a second...

~ And nothing about me. Nothing about me rescuing Shurik or gathering ingredients for the cake... ~
~ As if that's how it ought to be. ~
~ Well, it would be wrong to expect anything else from our camp leader. ~

Let's go! Or we won't get our share!

Slavya smiled.

Let's go.

Lena agreed.

Yeah, sure...

I got up with reluctance and tagged behind the girls.

And now...

She managed to nibble it a few times before she was pulled away.
She was kicking and screaming.

I stared blankly from the outside at all this drama: smiling Alisa; Lena that picked up some cream with her finger; all the furious pioneers around.
I felt completely out of this place. I thought that if I'll close my eyes now and open them again – here I am, back to the safety of my apartment in front of a computer.

I... I just...

Well, in fact behaving like this is a bit over the top even for her.
Shurik has broken in the conversation – or the court-martial?

He hesitated.

It doesn't matter!

The camp leader turned to Ulyana.

And you... Today I'm going to prosecute you to the fullest extent, so you'll behave next time!

Ah, whatever!

She snorted and turned back.

You won't be going for a hike with us tonight!

And that's supposed to be a punishment?

As if I wanted to!

I was more than willing to switch places with Ulyana and skip the hike instead of her, but who knew...
If I would have guessed beforehand, I'd be the first one to go berserk and smash down that damn cake!

After a couple of minutes of confusion, pioneers started to dismiss.

You have to get ready too! There'll be a lineup at the square in half an hour.

I looked straight into the eyes of the camp leader, trying to express my attitude in non-verbal way but it seemed that I've failed.

Don't be late!

So why did you do it?

She looked very upset. But she had a right to be so.

I wanted to.

Ulyana replied abruptly.

So, you're happy now?

Of course I am! And you – have a good luck hiking!

She smiled mischievously, springed up and rushed out of the canteen.

~ Well, a little bit of luck won't hurt... ~

Somehow I just couldn't manage to oppose, to pretend that I'm sick or to just skip it without a reason.
Events of this day taught me submission. Although sometimes whatever was happening made no sense to me.

~ Well, in fact, how should I get ready? ~
~ Clothes? I only have an overcoat and a pair of jeans. Anyway, I've forgotten to ask whether it's going to be an overnight hike or not. ~

Couldn't think of anything better, I've grabbed the sweater that I had on me when I've arrived in the camp (the night might be fairly chilly) and shuffled off to the square slowly.

I've snugged near the edge and waited patiently.
The night was falling.

~ If we are to be looked at from the outside, what a fairly comical picture it would be: a crowd of pioneers, lined up out of a sheer habit, was like awaiting for a silent command from a bronze Genda. ~
~ And all this happening in the scarlet rays of the sunset. ~

And there he is waving his hand and screaming 'attack' as roaring soldiers with red neckerchiefs converge into the battle against some ghost enemy...
But Olga Dmitrievna have shown up and started to talk instead of Genda.

I was so tired today that I couldn't even think about anything, so I ended up just listening to the camp leader.

Now, today we'll go hiking!

It is essential for every pioneer to be able to come and rescue his comrade, to offer a helping hand in the hour of need, just saving him in the hopeless situation!

We'll have to learn to do all these things together!

A whisper that ran through the pioneer crowd suggested that most probably this truly epic expedition would end on a clearing in the forest, several hundred feet away from the square.
Somehow I thought so too.

We'll walk in pairs. So, if you haven't chosen a partner for yourself yet, it's the right time do so!

Great!

Pioneers quickly caught the idea and started to match pairs.
It looked like I was the only one without a pair.

Slavya was enthusiastically discussing something with Olga Dmitrievna, Lena was with Miku, Electronik, of course, with Shurik.

What about Alisa? Ulyana is not going. Other pioneers don't exist as far as plot is concerned.

~ Well, it might be not a bad idea to go alone afterall. ~

Semyon!

A voice of the camp leader pulled me out of my thoughts.
I came up to her with reluctance.

I see that you haven't found a pair.

Seems like it...

Then you'll join Zhenya – she is alone too.

I was struck with that special kind of despair that only a truly loner can experience.
So, it appears that I'm the same castaway as the yeti librarian that I won't risk spending a couple of hours with even if I was paid for it?

~ Although, we seem to be in the same boat now... ~

I slowly approached Zhenya.

Well, I guess we'll be going together...

She looked up at me.

Don't you even think that I'm glad!

Said Zhenya seriously.

Why on earth you should feel glad?

I asked naively.

Never mind! It would be much better if you'd just shut up.

It would be much better if we could just punch you.

~ Eh, it couldn't get better than this... ~

She turned her back on me and followed the other pioneers.

Anyway, we were walking on the trodden forest trails and it was quite difficult to get lost here even if I'd wanted to.
Moreover, while we were already hiking for half an hour, we weren't rushing into the depths of the forest, trying to face all the dangers that could test our courage and harden our pioneer spirits, but instead we were just walking around in circles.
However, if we'll take into account that Olga Dmitrievna was our chief, this hike could be compared to a hobbit's march from Shire to Mordor...

Especially with miss Gollum there...

Just as Zhenya insisted, I was following her at a distance in silence.
The librarian seemed to be perfectly okay with it.

Hey, don't you know when we'll reach our destination?

Why do you talk to her

Our what?

Ahem, that place where we'll settle down and set up a camp.

The whole idea of this hike is not setting up a camp but hiking itself! You don't get it!

Yeah, it seemed that I didn't understand a thing about hikes...

I guess you're right, but still...

I don’t know!

She replied sharply and hastened her pace.
I caught up with her and asked:

Listen, and why are you always so...

I was about to say 'mean', but stopped short.

I haven't done anything bad to you and I'm not going to!

Sadly.

She glared at me in surprise.

Always so... What?

Well, unsociable... Kind of... Or is it something about me?

Oh cut that stupidity already!

As you wish...

I decided not to start a conversation with her until the end of the hike.

...

It's time for a halt.

The place chosen turned out to be quite a large glade with a few tree trunks laid in half circle to make an improvised arbour with burned ground and remains of a camp-fire in the middle.
Obviously such hikes is a tradition of this camp.
I was sent to gather firewood together with other boys.
It didn't take a lot of time because there were a lot of branches and trunks of various sizes around.

In the end Olga Dmitrievna have lighted up the fire using some old newspapers.
I was eager to know what was written there but couldn't discern anything but soviet symbolics.
Pioneers took their places on the trunks and started to talk about their things.
It seems that the final goal of this event was achieved.

~ The only things missing were a pot of fish soup, aluminium cups with vodka and a guitar. ~

But I wouldn't be surprised if all of this would appear here somehow.

Slavya sat next to me.

Oh, nothing special... Just enjoying the hike.

I answered sarcastically.

You don't look too happy.

Well, I'm not ready rejoice in jumping, sorry about that.

Okay, I won't disturb you.

She was sitting with me for a while but after realising that I wasn't in the mood of talking, left me to enjoy my introspection all alone.

Nice job, princess.

And all I wished for was to lie down in bed and fall asleep as soon as possible, but I was being filled with smoke and useless chatter of pioneers around me instead.
They were cheering and laughing and were enjoying this warm summer evening in general.
In the far side of the glade I noticed Lena who was arguing with Alisa intensively.
'Intensively' and Lena seemed like complete opposites to me.

Slavya has left somewhere after our conversation it seems.
Electronik and Shurik were trying to prove something to Olga Dmitrievna furiously.
Looks like I'm the only one who doesn’t belong to this place.

Not surprising, as you do everything you can to keep it that way.

Okay princess, get your ass up and let's see what's going on over there.

Only Lena and Alisa stood out from all this splendor.
Well, of course it was quite natural for Alisa to be arguing with someone like that.
But hearing Lena talk in a raised voice...
I came closer silently, trying to understand what is going on.

Think whatever you want, I've said everything!

~ It looks serious. ~

I tried as hard as I could to not attract any attention, and looking like I'm just standing there with no intention of listening to them.

There's nothing to think about – everything is as clear as day! Do not try to wind me around your little finger like that, I know you too well.

Why, of course you know everything! Then why won't you tell him yourself?

Lena was getting angry. That alone was really weird, even considering me not knowing the point of their agrue.

Seems like they're arguing about you, Einstein.

That's none of your business!

Second later, Lena gave me a look as well.
Girls were standing there in confusion for some time.

Me? Oh, no-no-no! I was just... like... passing by...

We are fucked.

I've put on the best smile I had, but it didn't seem to help much.

By the way, today he was peeping at me!

Alisa gave out a malicious smile.
Lena looked at me questiongly.

~ First of all, why would she believe in this foxes tale? ~

I didn't peep! You know quite well that it was an accident! Ulyana should be the one to blame!

Sure, it was – tell that to the marines!

~ It seems like my excuse was not working. ~

Did you like my boobs?

Not sure, we'd have to see them again

Shivers went through my spine.

Is that... true?

Lena looked at me imploringly.

Well, you see, it was an accident... I haven't seen anything there.

You haven't? Well, I can repeat!

Alisa cried in anger.
I didn't know what to say.

You see, I told you!

No... No...

Lena started to mumble, and rushed away a moment later.

Wait, what happened!?

I shouted after her.

She gave out a spiteful smile.

First of all – it wasn't me who frustrated her! Second – I don't have any idea what you two were arguing about!

I was running out of patience.

Why should I tell you.

It seems like she thought that our talk was over and was about to leave.
I gripped her hand abruptly.
Alisa glanced at me in fear, but didn't say anything.

I was angry at that moment. Really angry!
First, I was wildly enraged that Lena was upset because of me (even though I was guilty by implication).
Second, I was enraged by Alisa's insolence.
Third, I was so tired that I could've got out of myself because of any trifle.

Happy now?

I hissed pointing in the darkness where Lena ran off to.

You only seem to have guts to explode the memorials and offend innocents girls!

She looked frightened, saddened and confused at the same time.

She herself... could offend anyone! You just don't know her!

The only truth here is that I don't know her too well. But I'm absolutely positive that she can't offend anyone! That's your job!

We stood in silence for some time.
I held Alisa's hand and didn't know what to do next.
The solution dawned upon me all by itself.

You shall go and apologize!

Why the heck would I?

Alisa tried to act as puffed-up as always, but it just wasn't going to work.

'Cause I said so!

I refused to take any objections and dragged her to the side of the bonfire.

Olga Dmitrievna, I'm sorry, we have some urgent business to do, so we have to leave early.

The counselor tried to object, but I didn't listen, and headed for Lena, holding Alisa with me.

Objections?

All the pride and arrogance have left Alisa's face long ago.

If you want me to come with you – I will, but I have nothing to apologize for – I told her the truth.

We'll see it then.

I've cut her short.

Where do we go next?

How do I know?

And who said that knows Lena well? I did?!

Alisa hesitated.

Well, she could be at the island... She often goes there when she wants to be alone.

Excellent!

One boat was actually missing.

Okay, today is your lucky day to do several killer exercises for building up your biceps, triceps and other arm muscles.

I said sarcastically.

Are you serious?

Alisa cast a fearful glance at me.

~ Well, perhaps that was a little too rough. Even for her... ~

Alright, I won't make you row, of course...

That hardly sounded confident.
Swinging the paddles appeared to be much harder this time.
Well, that's not a surprise, considering today I must've used up my annual rowing quota.
I've stopped in the middle of the river to get some breath.

Trivial and ordinary night.
It was one of those nights, when dark sky, stars and crescent Moon don't make you feel anything special, and chirring crickets and twittering birds sound like they are doing a dull routine job, rather than performing an otherwise exciting nocturne.
I was starring into the darkness, trying to make out the shaded island.

How did you get to know her?

Alisa shivered a little.

We grew up together.

She answered slowly after some hesitation.

And ended up in the same pioneer camp. What a fabulous coincidence!

All these questions, mysteries and fears that were so well-hidden so far suddenly spawned in my head.

~ Damn, I could just throw her out of the boat and drown her right here and now. ~
~ I can demand answers. ~
~ Although, it could be dangerous unless I'm sure that I know what I'm doing. ~

But still I thought that this time I was playing with white pieces and thus I could make the first move and not only parry the blows of the opponent.

So, what kind of camp is it?

Alisa stared at me blankly.

Where are we? Why am I here?

She kept silent.

Answer me!

I shouted.

Hey, what's wrong with you?.. If you want me to apologize to Lena, I will...

That's where I realized how stupid I acted, to say the least.

~ She could simply be uninvolved in all... that stuff. ~
~ And what's more... One can't lie that plausibly. ~

Just because you can't lie for shit doesn't mean no one can be good at this.

Alisa's fearful glance was yet another reason to belive her.

Sorry...

That was all I was able to say at the moment.
Yet I wanted to keep my advantage.
The last meters were really tough.

I bet she's about to gibe or utter some barbed wit, yet since she remained silent I assumed she's still shocked or something.
Even though it was rather dark here, it would be easier to hide in my old flat than at this tiny island.
Furthermore, Lena must have already heard us as we were crossing the river, so by now it's already too late to ask Alisa any more questions even though I had some.

Listen...

I looked at her but saw nothing – that was a dark night and I didn't have cat's eyes.

Well, when we find Lena you gonna tell her you never wanted to hurt her feelings and everything that happened in the morning was nothing but a misunderstanding, ok?

My voice sounded not that confident as it did a couple of minutes ago yet confident enough.
Although Alisa said nothing it was clear by the look of her face that she agreed.
I stood up and we were off to find Lena.

Her boat was tied to a snag at the far side of the island.

That's very clever of her. One will not see the boat from afar.

I mumbled.

Well, that means she's somewhere in the trees, let’s find her!

I headed to the grove yet Alisa stood still.

What's up? I thought we've discussed everything already...

Er... It's not the case... It's just that... it's dark... in there...

I had to narrow my lids to make out her face.

The grove is smaller than my grandmother's daisy garden. What is there to be afraid of?

Alisa didn't answer.

If you care to know what I'm thinking – I would just gladly leave you here. Never know what trick you are up to!

Well...

She came very close to me.

Let's go like that...

She took my hand.

My cheeks turned red and hot, my breath was taken away and I could barely say anything.
The whole situation didn't favour a conversation and it's probably for the best, since I doubt I would be able to say anything smart.
Slowly we headed to the grove.
In a couple of minutes I regained some control of myself.

Come on, there is really nothing to be afraid of. We've been here during the day, gathering some strawberries – no big deal. Just a usual birch grove...

Stop. Talking.

It's really nice here during the day.

I added after a short pause.
Alisa didn't look at me, she was staring somewhere into the distance.

Well, it's up to you after all...

In several minutes she pointed somewhere in front of us.

There she is.

I peered into darkness but could barely see anything.

Why have you come here?

She asked weepingly.

And you...

She looked at Alisa but didn't finish the phrase.
That moment Alisa released my hand.

Well, you see...

I simply wanted to apologize for being somewhat harsh and rude...

Alisa interrupted me. Her voice has regained that usual arrogance of hers.
Maybe it's because she didn't want to look weak in front of Lena.

What a perfect apology! Not walking the talk, are you?!

How clever of you to insist that I'm doing a bad thing and than do that same thing yourself!

Lena switched to shouting uncontrollably.

You got it all wrong...

I only got what I've seen!

Er... You see, girls... You are arguing again and I seem to be somehow involved in all that yet I can't understand a thing!

Explain it to him.

Lena said to Alisa with a grin.

There is nothing to explain...

Well, maybe you will let me have a try then?

Whatever!

She crossed her arms on her chest and turned away.

Well, then, Semyon... She blamed me for running after you.

For a minute there was a complete silence.
Lena didn't look like making more explanations, and as for me, I stood still trying to make scattered pieces of puzzle become a whole.

What do you mean?

Just what I said.

It's not like that, that's not what I meant.

Interrupted Alisa.

Of course... You've always been like this...

Lena bursted into tears again.

Wait, how come?..

~ So… Lena likes me? ~

And you! What about you? You are trying to convince me it's all wrong while holding his hand!

How can anyone be so dense?

It's just it was dark over here and...

That's so much like you. Ever so arrogant, always trying to control the others, but when it comes to yourself...

Alisa didn't answer.
I really felt like I had to say something to defuse the situation.

Hey, wait... Perhaps we just got it all wrong... I...

It has nothing to do with you...

Alisa's voice was oddly estranged.

Judging by the conversation it's exactly about me.

Yes, it is! Ask what does she think of you and why she told me not to run after you!

~ I don't think Lena was actually 'running after me'. ~

I'm telling you once again, I...

We heard enough of your story already!

I stood nailed to the spot not sure what to do next.

~ If I follow Lena now, what would I say when I find her? ~
~ After all, I don't even understand what is all this about. ~
~ My dumbness and silly consolation attempts would only upset her more. ~

Guess we'd better let her stay on her own for some time...

That didn't sound very confident.

Whatever.

...

Alisa was staring at the river and didn't pay any attention to me.
Well, that seems to be the first situation here in the camp that is completely beyond my comprehension.
Not to say that ultimately it is just a trivial everyday situation.
I wasn't that confused even during the all-night expedition to the old camp.

~ After all, if we have a closer look, there isn't anything strange at all. ~
~ Lena is a very shy and perhaps even enclosed person, yet she's human and can't completely avoid surrounding developments. ~
~ Considering that, her reaction fits into the situation quite well. ~

Even if I don't get the source of the quarrel, it's clear as day that girls would not behave like that if they hadn't a valid reason.
And as the things were standing – I was that reason.
That is exactly the most strange part of the situation.

Hey, I'm sorry it went that way. Only if I wouldn't have overheard your conversation...

Seems like I got a pathological need to excuse myself.

That is not your fault at all.

She said absent-minded.

It's just that you appeared in the right place at the right time and started a mechanism that stood still for a long time.

Don’t quite get it...

Of course you don't. And actually shouldn't right now. You'll get it later.

She cast an intense glance at me.

Damn it! Why does it always happen to me?!

Both at school and college troubles seemed to have chosen me as their primary target.
Someone blocked classroom's door with a mop? I got a written reproof in my mark book.
There was a fight? All things considered – I must’ve been the instigator.
Failed an exam? Well, of course that's my fault and the teacher who hates me has nothing to do with it.

Even my parents ever seemed to prefer blaming me than a set of unfavorable circumstances, third parties involvment or decree of providence.
At some point I even started to believe that I somehow do attract troubles. Remember Murphy's law? In my case it was like 'If something nasty is gonna happen, it gonna happen to me'.

For that reason I always tried to stay out of any trouble where I could become a whipping boy.
Well, judging by this day I'm not really good at it...

It seems like you've got an aura of some sort – you do attract attention.

Surprised I looked at Alisa. She was smiling.

~ Looks like she can read my mind... ~

Troubles mostly.

Who knows... Who knows...

She said dreamy and stared at the river.

What a wonderful night, isn't it?

Just like the other ones if you ask me.

I felt used up.

That's exactly what I'm talking about... Just an ordinary night, nothing special. Best moment to make our most admirable camp leader really happy.

She has to know that her most favourite pioneer is a nasty pervert who enjoys peeking at naked girls!

Something cracked inside of me again...

You aren't serious, are you?

Why... Of course I'm serious!

She didn't look like she’s joking at all.

Well, suit yourself, but don't you think it's not the bes time to do that now?

Aren't you supposed to row?

I realised that our boat is still drifting amidst the river.

Wait! Do not escape my question!

Let's get back to the camp... I'll have a moment to think it over.

Spending the whole night in a boat wasn't something I would strive to, so I had to apply myself to the paddles.

I was exhausted. Both because of the rowing and Alisa's intention to tell Olga Dmitrievna about the morning incident.
As far as I know our camp leader, her reaction is quite predictable.

So, you are actually going to visit Olga Dmitrieva now, aren't you?

Why not?

It's not like she will believe her anyway.

She gave me the most roguish smile.

It's night after all. She must be sleeping already.

Who knows, she may as well be awake...

Come on, you do understand it was a coincidence! A mere misunderstanding triggered by Ulyana!

No, I don't...

I gathered all the remaining strength, sprung up and followed her.
At first I considered grasping her arm but then realised it wouldn't be such a good idea after everything that happened today.

Hold on...
I trudged inertly next to her.

Let's talk this over.

Is there anything to discuss?

We silently walked alongside each other for some time.
At least she walked slowly so that I had no trouble keeping pace with her and I was thankful for it.

Hey, maybe there is something I can do to convince you not to tell anything to Olga Dmitrievna?

Not sure but well... there is one thing...

So what is it?

Well, stop running after Lena for instance...

~ For God’s sake! What makes her think I do run after Lena? ~

I started losing my temper.

Why should you make up such nonsense?! You started that quarrel in the forest, because of you we had to go to that island and here we go again! Enough is enough!

I am not running after her!

Like I don't see how you look at her!

How do I look at her?

Like that!

Girl, he looks that way at everything that has boobs.

Like what?

She shifted her gaze but remained standing still.

Hey, stop seeing everyone through your twisted imagination! If you can't stop making up nonsense stories just keep them to yourself!

Do not make others suffer because of you and your stories! I don't care if you pick on me, but now you got Lena involved!

I really lost my temper for good, but Alisa didn't answer.
We sunk into unexpected silence that was only interrupted by Alisa's sparse sobs.

From bad to worse! Now YOU are crying... Have you all gone mad here?

I clasped my hands in despair.
I could understand why Lena was crying. But seeing Alisa crying is something unthinkable to say the least...
I can't even see her reasoning.
Any other time I would definitely be shocked, but at that moment I was too tired for that.

My head was absolutely void.
To be precise, it was too heavy and full so that even a single idea wouldn't have a chance to dwell there.
If I would compare my brain at its prime time to a broad highway full of speeders overtaking each other and causing chaotic giant crashes, then now it's nothing but a forgotten tiny footway in a distant desolate forest, which is only used at times of absolute necessity.

Alisa kept silent. At least she stopped crying.

If you take it so seriously, go ahead and tell everything to Olga Dmitrievna... Hope you'll get relieved...

Ok, I won't do that...

She said quietly and turned to me.

I'm just feeling hurt...

What hurts you?

I asked her tiredly.

It's always like that. She draws all the attention and always puts me aside.

I had difficulty understanding what she's talking about and decided to play along.

~ Hope she would finally let me alone. ~

That's not true. You do draw attention and people do not overlook you. I do not.

I raised my eyes and looked at her.
Her face expression showed a mixture of amazement and tedious expectancy of something.

See?

All of a sudden, her voice became so tender that I flinched in astonishment.
Alisa's face turned red and she hid her sight.

So... Do you really think I'm not worse than her?

I wanted to say something like 'Even better!', but broke off.

Yes, I do...

It seems she didn't understand that I say it all absolutely insincerely.

Alisa yelled cheerfully all at once.
Now she was more like herself again.

See you tomorrow.

We bang, ok?

She waved her hand and ran away.
I sighed in a relief.

~ Well, it was over for today. ~

~ It is still interesting, what did Alisa mean? ~
~ And Lena?.. ~

It became totally unclear what is going on with them and with me – as if we got suck in some sort of vortex, which started to swirl with a furious power.

~ But what's going to happen next? ~
~ And where will I be thrown then? ~

 

[Idiott]

Spoiler

I felt surprisingly okay, although I should have slept through the day after what happened the night before.

The camp was asleep.
The grass was shaking the night dew off, a light fog hung above the ground, and the Sun was just beginning to break through the treetops, not warm at all yet, like the fluorescent lamp in the house across from mine.
I took a full breath of the tasty cold air and thought that even a night owl like me can enjoy waking up this early sometimes.
The 'streets' of the camp were empty of course.

~ Olga Dmitrievna is asleep, breakfast's not soon, so there's nothing to do... ~

~ That guy doesn't care if it's day or night. He's alert! ~

As I walked I hummed some song, absolutely sure I was the only one awake here.

I came closer and stopped, not sure what to say.
Then she suddenly turned around and stared at me.

Been standing here long?

No...

Why aren't you asleep?

Why aren't you?

She turned back and stared at the river again.

~ Looks like I'm not the only one in a good mood today. ~

At least she wasn't being sassy again.

Can't sleep.

I see...

About yesterday... You get everything, right?

What exactly?

Oh Gosh!

~ My answer didn't seem to count. ~

Alright, I did...

I lied.

Alright... Good...

She suddenly looked straight in my eyes and smiled.

In that case I have plans for you tonight!

We'll bang?

Errm? May I ask what they are?

You don't need to know!

Well, since I'm a part of them...

You'll know when it's time.

Can you give me a hint at least?

Nope!

She got up and walked towards me.
A bit scared, I cleared the way.

Don't do anything stupid!

Alisa said, moving away from the boat station.

~ I wonder what she meant. And what are those plans?.. ~

I had no wish to become a part of some terrorist act against a monument or anything...
Besides, I was still haunted by yesterday's talk with Lena on the island.

~ She is still angry probably... And I never managed to explain everything to her. ~
~ Although I don't even know what I would say if I had the chance. ~

I felt guilty about everything that has happened but I couldn't figure out what exactly I was guilty of.
The camp was starting to wake up...

~ At least I'd be the first one there for once! ~

I sat on the steps and watched the Sun rising.
Sometimes it's great to just watch a new day come.
I was overwhelmed with complete peace and tranquillity, there were no thoughts to tear up my brain as they usually do.
I simply bathed in warm rays of the heaven’s star.
In any other place and circumstances, I could probably even say I was happy.

Good morning! You're early today...

You too...

All the last night’s events flashed before my eyes.

Listen...

If this is about yesterday, please don't!

She interrupted me sharply.

I don't know what came over me... It all was... Just forget it!

She stared at me.
Lena seemed much more confident than usual.

If only it was all that simple...

There's nothing about this that is not simple!

She sat down next to me.
So close I felt a bit awkward but made no move away from her.

Sometimes we have some disputes with Alisa.

~ Yeah, I realized. ~

I see... But in this case, it happened because of me.

Who knows...

She answered, lost in thought.

So that's why... You know... I'm embarrassed.

Perhaps I really am to blame... Or rather, I'm not trying to say that I'm not to blame, but...

I was trying to explain myself like a fifth-grader to a teacher.

Okay, don't! As I said, nothing serious happened!

If you think so...

You should just think about how to act from now on...

Not again!

I covered my face with my hands, clearly showing that I have absolutely no idea what's going on here and that everything, saying it mildly, is very unpleasant for me.

Could you express yourself clearer?

What for?

She said evasively.

You are talking to a really dense concrete here, girl.

Look, if I don't know what I did wrong I can't do better! I can't decide on how to 'act' as you say.

I think you'll understand...

I would like to believe that as well but...

Sitting hungry this early?

She said playfully.

Good morning!

Lena said merrily. She got up and headed inside.

Shall we?

Yeah, sure...

Feeling down and not saying "hi" to anybody on purpose, I headed to my favourite place in the far corner of the canteen.
I chewed oatmeal (it really was chewable today) and washed it down with some cold tea. Then I began to watch the others.

All pioneers seem to be here.
Some were chatting, some, like Electronik and Shurik, were immersed in chewing, and some were gaping around, like me.

Bon appetit!

She blurted.

Stealing again?

I asked, looking at her tray unambiguously.

A growing organism requires a lot of calories!

Yeah, you really should grow up a bit...

I whispered.

What?

I think she didn't hear me.

Nothing...

I headed out.

Leaving so soon?

She yelled at my back, disheartened. I gave no answer.

~ Besides, what am I going to do today? ~

Nothing at all came to mind.
I was in such a mood that it seemed like someone was going to show up and invite me on a journey.

It was Slavya.

Busy?

No...

Can you help me?

~ Of course... ~

I didn't want to look for answers on a wonderful day like this.

~ A couple dozen hours wouldn't change my situation after all. ~

What is it?

You should stop by the Cybernetics club... I don't know exactly, they'll tell you everything.

~ The unfortunate inventors again... ~

Alright...

Thank you!

She gave me a nice smile and ran off.
So, a journey to the enemy's lair lies ahead of me – to the lair of the evil Dr. Electronik and the diabolic Professor Shurik. Doctor Jekyll and Mr.Hyde...

Pinky and the Brain...

Electronik said a bit ominously, glancing up from some contraption he had been poking with a screwdriver.

Slavya sent me.

I know.

And?

What?

The second door opened, and Shurik came in.

Semyon.

Shepard.

He greeted me in the same tone Electronik had.

Well, I was Semyon this morning...

I joked.

So what do you need from me?

We have an important task for you!

I am listeting.

The nurse came by yesterday.

He stopped, as if he wasn't going to continue.

So?

I asked carefully.

So we have an important mission for you.

I got it already...

You are to deliver a package to her.

Can't you do that yourselves? The infirmary is right there.

I said skeptically.

We can't.

Electronik said, surprised.

~ What a weird couple indeed. ~

I see... Not another heavy bag I hope?

No, no, nothing like that!

He smiled.

Alright, fine...

I carefully agreed.

Hold on.

Shurik disappeared behind the door and soon came back holding something wrapped in paper.

Just be careful.

Alright, alright.

I took the package. If the pioneers weren't passing me the key from Heaven, it still looked like they were at least giving me the Olympic fire.

Can I go?

Of course.

Electronik said threateningly.

Just be careful!

Shurik pleaded.

They never told me not to open it.

~ Although it would make sense to go further. ~

~ I wonder. What's in it? Why is it so important for them? Why couldn't they take it themselves? ~

I had a lot of questions.
I opened the package and saw a bottle of 'Stolichnaya' vodka.

~ Well, so what? Pioneers bringing a bottle of vodka to the nurse. Or rather, I'm doing it for them. Happens every day. ~

I wrapped the bottle back and scratched my head.

~ This isn't weird anymore, this is just stupid. ~

I've felt like that about this game for quite some time now...

~ So stupid I couldn't think of one intelligible theory. ~

I stood there for a while longer and thought I shouldn't let the wonderful chance slip away. I quickly walked to the camp leader's cabin.

Soon, the vodka was in the soda bottle, while its place was taken by some water for the plants.

~ If anyone else had? ~
~ We could have managed ourselves... ~
~ So it was absolutely nothing! ~

I gathered all my strength and knocked on the infirmary door.

Hello! I have a package for you – a bottle for your armpit... I mean a package for you cabinet.

I was so euphoric I began to talk nonsense.

Ahh...

She said.

Give it here.

I handed her the package.
The nurse stuffed it into the table drawer without looking.

You didn't open it , did you?

Of course not!

I blurted out.

Good boy.

Alright, so I'll be...

Go, go... pioneer.

~ I could always pin this on the crazy inventors, and I could use even the most primitive ways to let off some steam! ~

I sat on the bench with a solid intent not to move from here until the come-and-eat-something bell sound comes.
Pioneers were running by. They were smiling and shouting merrily.

~ Yes, the day was definitely a wonderful one. ~

I glanced over the square and saw Lena approaching.

Something like that...

She sat by me and looked at the sky.

Nice day, huh?

It is...

It was a bit awkward. Lena seemed different. She was not embarrassed, her face was not red, she was confident.

Why couldn't she act like that form the start? Instead of speaking barely two words a day.

So about that conversation...

I told you everything already.

Yeah, but...

Just forget it.

If you say so...

We sat for a little longer in silence.

I just can't, not like that.

Relax, princess.

So what do you think about Alisa?

She said, ignoring my question.

What do I think about Alisa?

According to the day start screen we are on a quest for fiery bush.

I repeated, lost in thought.

I don’t really know... Why?

You're just so worried about yesterday.

Well of course... But what does that have to do with it?

There's a direct connection there!

She laughed.

Let's assume...

So what?

Well she...

And again I started thinking.

~ Really, what do I think of her? ~

Well she... She can be arrogant sometimes.

That's right.

~ What else can I say? Now that I think of it, I don't know Alisa at all. The way she is does annoy me sometimes. ~

If you were wondering if I had any negative feelings about her, then no. I mean, she gets carried away but everyone has their quirks...

Lena stared at me.

Really?

Did I say something wrong?

No, not really...

She laughed out one more time, just before the lunch bell sound came.

Alright, see you!

I didn't stop her, although I had a lot of questions left.

~ But how do I ask them? And should I? ~

I got up and slowly shuffled to the canteen.

Yeah..

I answered lazily, poking my fork into the buckwheat porridge.

No incidents?

No incidents... What was in there anyway?

You didn't open it did you?

He stared.

No...

Great!

I was attacked by yawning.

~ Taking a nap wouldn’t be a bad idea. ~

I headed to the camp leader's cabin.

There was nowhere to hide – the sunlight seemed to reflect from every surface. Looking up, you risked going blind.

Of course I wouldn’t expect the cabin to be really chilly, but it was much better than outside.

Strangely, sleep left me. I was overwhelmed with thoughts, teeming in my head.
Here is another theory, a solution to the problem of how I got here. Here is what explains what's going on here. And here is the true form of all those, inhabiting this place.
I remembered Lena saying, 'What do you think about Alisa?'

~ Seriously, what did I think of her? What can I think of a person I've known for several days? Can I just make conclusions based on a couple of words and deeds? ~
~ Although her deeds... ~

I laughed a bit.
Any relevant organization would make the right conclusion based on the monument explosion.

~ Still though, I... don't care? ~
~ Maybe I really don't think anything of her? ~
~ Can one be interested in a person who's not interesting? ~
~ No, that's some sort of a absurdity... ~

A knock on the door.

I was too lazy to get up so I just sat up a little bit.

She stopped, unsure, and stared at me for a couple of seconds.

I guess you were looking for the camp leader?

~ Why would she though? ~

No.

What's up then?

I was looking for you.

She sounded calm and not aggressive at all.
I caught myself, thinking I was not afraid of her and had no concerns when she behaved like that – normally.

For what?

I want to make everything clear.

She sat on the bed across from me.

What exactly?

I want to rule out any misunderstanding and understatements.

Alright, I’m in!

Have you spoken with Lena today?

Yes.

About what?

Nothing really...

You're lying.

Alisa looked stiff and worried. She crossed her legs and was biting her lip.

You do understand I... I'm always painted guilty when anything happens?

Well you always are guilty.

I said thoughtlessly.
There was a spark in her eyes but she kept talking calmly:

Maybe... But in this case... Me and Lena, we're always like that – even if she starts something, she's all innocent and I take all the guilt!

So you're saying Lena... Actually, I don't really know what you're saying.

You never understand anything, do you!?

She fumed.

~ This is strange, I wouldn't call myself slow. ~

So explain.

You do know Lena likes you?

She went red after those words.

No...

I answered truthfully.

Well, now you do...

Now I do...

Oh ffs, can we be done with these talks? This retard won't get anything unless it's straight in his face and we will have to deal with this shit for another week at this rate.

Uncomfortable silence overtook the room.
I was processing what she said, and Alisa seemed unsure of how to continue the talk.

~ Lena likes me... Could I ever have guessed? Unlikely. ~

My intuition is usually good but when it's about me and my feelings it does not work at all.
The weirdest thing was – I took the news with almost no worries.
Right at the moment, I was listening to Alisa, I was focused only on her. I could think about the rest later.

And she thinks I'm gonna steal you away from her! She thinks that all the time, understand? Even though it's always the other way around! Everyone looks at her cause she's such an angel, and nobody pays any attention to me!

I'm just a shoulder to cry on...

Alisa started screaming.

Look, I... Please don't get so upset! I don't think of you like that!

Of course...

I still had no idea what forced her to be so honest. And I didn't know how to react. Moreover, I was not worried at all.
It was like I was watching another episode of some TV series, and what was going on in the room was on the other side of the screen.

I understand, I was the reason for all of it... But today Lena said it was okay.

That's just like her! You probably realized that she's not as quiet as she wants to seem!

~ I started to guess. ~

If I can do anything...

Tell me...

Alisa raised her eyes. Only then did I see she's been crying.
Some sort of worry stirred inside of me. I could not take this conversation as an outsider anymore.

Do you like Lena? Or do you like me?

I guess I should have expected a question like that, but I just wasn't ready.

Just like that...

~ Lena is nice of course... But Alisa has her perks as well. ~

Besides, the way she was at the moment, she could seriously compete with Lena.

I don't really know you two at all... A question like that... It's difficult to answer directly.

If I could say no, I would have, at that very moment.
But I only had one chance for the other answer as well.
And I didn't know what to choose.

You did want the situation to resolve itself.

Of course but...

Why 'but' again?

Why 'again'?

Why 'why'?

Look, we're going nowhere with this.

Well, answer then!

Goddamn, this writing is worse tan Bioware's. It physically hurts me to read this nonsense.

Her face fell back into the usual bold arrogance.

I need time to think...

Well go ahead and think!

Alisa stood up abruptly and headed out.

Don't forget we have plans for tonight!

She said on the threshold, smiling.

The door closed behind her before I could say anything.

~ Plans? What kind of plans? ~

At this point I hope she takes you to the forest and murders brutally.

The talk with Alisa left a heavy impression on me.

~ So, Lena likes me... ~
~ On its own, the news could shock and startle. And I, above that, was also forced to make a choice. A difficult one, to put it mildly. And any choice I make would be a mistake for someone ~
~ If only I could refuse both... ~

What choice? We talked to Lena for like 15 minutes total during the last week. I don't get why he's thinking about her so much.

Although I didn't like the word 'refuse' itself.
~ If I could just answer her question with a 'no' it would be easier. ~

But I knew it couldn't work like that.

~ After I talked to Alisa, I realized nothing would ever be the same again. ~

It can't be, no matter what happens. And I'll have to make a decision...

~ Since I rejected the "no" scenario, I needed to pick a positive solution. If, of course, I could live with it. ~

But I was sure that out of all the possible outcomes, there's one not just good for everyone but also one that I would be striving for.
And the choice seems obvious. Lena. She's pretty, she's cute, she's kind.
But then again, there was something about Alisa that attracted me.

Hanging around again, huh.

Just resting... It's so hot out there...

Go and help Slavya. She was asking.

Where?

I asked lazily.

On the athletic field.

Reluctantly, I got up and headed out.
I should really air my brains anyway.

Slavya walked up to me.

You require my assistance?

I asked, all official-like.

Yeah... Listen, did you take the infirmary key?

We took some keys you forgot ONCE and now we are go-to person when keys go missing?

No.

~ Why me again anyway? ~

Well you were there a lot recently.

~ I guess she is right... ~

No...

Maybe you know who did?

No. Why?

The nurse came up to me to ask for my key – you know that I have the key to every building in the camp. She said hers went missing.

Could she have lost it?

I shrugged.

No, she says she couldn't have.

I don't know, okay?

Okay.

She smiled and ran off.

...

I don't exactly remember what I dreamt of but it left a heavy impression, as afternoon naps often do.

~ Nothing surprising if you think about it – I should have expected to sleep through the day. ~

Yeah, spend whole morning yapping how beautiful the day is and then sleep through it. Makes perfect sense.

~ Although, as it turns out, I missed dinner as well... ~

That thought made me uncomfortable, and I headed to the exit.

I don't know how long I would be standing here – my head was still heavy after sleep – if someone hadn't cried out to me.

Semyon...

She started, breathless.

Are you sure you don't have the infirmary key?

Of course not, why would I need it?

Well do you know who took them?

No I don't. Why?

Well... Something has gone missing.

What?

Something important...

Slavya hesitated.

Some medications.

Can it be the 'medication' we delivered?

~ So all this disturbance was started cause of some medicine? Although... ~

I pondered.

~ I mean, I have the bottle in my cabin... Did she mean that? ~

I tried to keep my face still as stone, without giving myself away by anything.

Okay. I don't know, I'm sorry...

Okay...

Slavya said in frustration.
I looked at her and tried to figure out how bad the situation was for me, and whether it was bad at all.

~ On the one had, vodka... I did... steal it. ~
~ Then again, she's saying it's 'gone', as in disappeared, all by itself, with no external influence. ~
~ Although it’s highly unlikely that she would say that the bottle of trophy vodka was stolen from the infirmary. ~
~ So the way it was said was okay. The problem was different. ~

I suddenly got really scared.

~ What if they find out that was me? ~
~ Even if it wasn't about the bottle, they'd still find it while looking for what was gone. ~

This is... unlikely. We delivered the bottle, and no one knows we poured flower water in there.

Basically, I had to to get a move on! And the main thing to do right now was to get rid of all the clues!
I jumped into the cabin, shoved the bottle under my belt and raced to the forest. Burying it somewhere was the best decision at the moment.

A familiar voice surprised me.

Hey!

I struggled to turn back, making my face look as casual as possible.

Oh I'm just having a walk.

My voice sounded calm but I already understood – I wouldn't fool Alisa.

Alone? At night? In the woods?

Well yeah... What’s wrong?

I have a rag that smells like chloroform here. Wanna smell?

Nothing. Nothing at all.

She stared at me.

Okay, then I'll...

Hold on! Am I forgetting something?

Don't think so.

We had an agreement!

About?

About the night!

I think she's right. There was something like that.

Yes, but you see...

I see nothing! Let's go!

She turned around and gestured me to follow.
I thought there was no point to argue – any word or deed could give me away.

~ And then... ~

Sighing, I followed.

While we were walking, I was busy picking the best time and place to get rid of the vodka but Alisa was too close so I didn’t manage anything.

Well?

She stared at me.

Well what?

I was so nervous my hair was all wet.
The only thing on my mind at the moment was how to adjust the bottle so she would not notice.

What do you say?

About what?

Alisa pondered.

Okay, I guess you're right – I brought you here so I'm the one to decide.

Okay...

I agreed, unsure.

Hold on a minute...

She reached under the bed and in a few seconds... the 'Stolichnaya' bottle of vodka was out!

Alright, now you can stop worrying about that shit, princess. Stop being such a cunt.

I was shocked.

Surprised, huh?

~ Of course! Not by the vodka itself though, but by the fact that it was the exact bottle I carried to the infirmary in the morning. ~

The murky contents gave it away.

So?

Alisa looked at me with teasingly.

What?

Wanna take a shot?

I didn't even know what to say to that.

~ What she had was just rotten water. The real vodka was in the bottle under my belt. ~

Well, I kind of...

Don't tell me you don't drink!

Need him to get wasted anyway, so he maybe starts to act like a human being.

Alisa pouted.

I don't know... No, I just...

Alright then! Just a second!

In just an instant Alisa got two glasses and filled them to the brim.

Let's do this!

She said, giving me one of the glasses and downed hers before I could answer.

Pooh!

She gasped.
In a moment she realized...

What on Earth is that?!

Eau de Flora

She started spitting.

They're calling this vodka?

Despite my difficulty, I couldn't help laughing.

What are you laughing at?

Alisa shouted, red in the face.

I asked, what's so funny?!

It is actually funny.

So he is having fun? Drink yours, we'll see how you laugh then!

I had no desire to try expired water, but just to avoid getting her suspicious, I asked:

So, how does it taste?

Like rotten water.

Alisa said, upset.

I was just going to relax a bit, have a cultured time-out, and then it...

A cultured time-out...

I repeated, as a new bout of laughter bent me in half.

Hey, stop it!

Alisa shouted and jumped at me.
She was trying to hit me, or bite me or something. Maybe her plan was to crush me to death with her authority. I just grabbed her hands, and all she could do was gasp in powerless anger.
All was going fine but then Alisa's legs slid and she began to fall.
I let go of her hands, so she fell right on top of me, painfully headbutting me in the nose.
I moaned in pain, threw her off and turned to the side.

What do we have here?

When I realized she had taken the bottle, all the pain disappeared.

Give it back!

Let's see, huh!

She immediately took off the cap and made a big gulp.
In a moment, her face went red and her eyes seemed to pop out of their sockets.

What...what is this?

Eau Deflora

She rasped, while coming back to her senses.

That's the actual vodka.

I seemed to have come to terms with my defeat.

But where did you get it?..

You really thought you had stolen the right one from the infirmary?

She nodded.

Well, it was the right bottle, sure, but the contents...

Man, you're clever!

She was already starting to slur her words.
Alisa came to the window, poured the water out of my glass and replaced it with vodka.

Come on!

I dont want it!

Man up, princess.

~ Really, not the right time or place. ~

Drink it! Or else I'll tell everyone you stole the bottle!

But it was you!

Well, you have the vodka!

You can't prove that!

You think I even have to?

Alisa said maliciously.
Unsure what to do, I stared at the glass.

~ What's important is to get rid of vodka, this was just one of the ways to do it... ~

I breathed out abruptly and swallowed the contents of the glass in one quick motion.
A short moment after I regretted that.

Got any... food to chase this?

Wait a second!

I tore it from her hands and bit off a big piece.

Phew...

So how was it?

You’re asking... It’s not like I’m having full loaded booze every day you know!

I didn't really understand how I'd agreed to this so easily.

Well, how was it?

Like... Like dubble bubble with vodka flavor!

Alright, time for another round then!

She opened the bottle again and poured us half a glass each.

Don't you think that's enough?

Shut up and let the booze do its magic.

No way!

Well, since we've already started...

The alcohol was starting its work. Without a second thought, I gulped down the vodka.
Alisa was definitely less experienced – she was having some trouble with the second glass.

Ugh... How does it...

She seemed really drunk already.

You can't handle the heat – get out of the kitchen!

I said merrily, pouring myself some more.
Somewhere deep inside I realized it was too much, but the gun was already loaded.

How about me?

Alisa was outraged.

Haven't you had enough?

No way!

She grabbed the bottle from my hand and started to drink straight from the bottle.

Hey! We have glasses you know!

Screw 'em!

She shouted and roared in laughter.

This is so cool!

She said, catching her breath.

Sure, not bad.

I looked at the bottle – we'd gone through two-thirds.
I was definitely drunk by that point, and Alisa seemed even worse.

~ Then again, there was barely anything left! ~

I sighed and poured a full glass for myself and a half for Alisa.

That's all!

With these words she chucked the bottle from the window.

What if they find it?

Oh who cares!

We both laughed.

Okay then. For all ladies present!

I grunted and drank.

And for all the gentlemen!

She followed my lead.

I carefully looked at her.

~ Had she always been this beautiful? Or is everyone beautiful to me at this point?.. ~

Whichever it was, I could not force myself to look away.

You're gonna stare a hole through me if you keep going like that!

Alisa laughed.

Sorry...

Embarrassed, I stared at my feet.

You can look if you're so interested.

With some effort, I opened an eye and saw her continuing unbuttoning her shirt.
No words could escape my mouth. Besides, who needs words at a moment like this?

A lightbulb burned out, or one of us turned off the light, but the room went dark.
I looked around her cabin and thought of something.

Where's Ulyana?

What, you're afraid someone will come in and see us?

She grinned warmly.

Could happen...

I asked her to spend the night at another girl's cabin.

Wait, so you... planned all this?
[slgrin] Well, not something like this of course...

She looked at me intently, smiled and closed her eyes.

Yeah...

I stared at the ceiling for a while longer and soon heard quiet deep breathing – Alisa was asleep.
My head ached suddenly – the alcohol seemed to be wearing off.

 

[WhiskeyWolf]

Fucking finally. God, this game is lethargic.

 

[Zdzisiu]

Fucking finally. God, this game is lethargic.

Yeah, its no jolly Rance adventures, thats for sure.

 

[Baron Dupek]

About time.

 

[Idiott]

Spoiler

Or maybe it weren't people but fuzzy black blots with hellish landscape on the background.
I ran... ran, stumbling over something, having no air to breathe.
My whole essence was overtaken by primal fear and terror.
And then a memory lapse...

...

A terrible taste in my mouth, pains all over body and a severe headache – it seems someone was drinking hard yesterday...
After coming to my senses, somehow I started to recall the events of last night.
I believe there was a bottle of vodka which we happily emptied with Alisa together...
I tried to stand up, but something was blocking my left arm.
It was peacefully snoring Alisa.
Naked...

Everything that happened, returned to my mind.
Fear was quickly replaced by a feeling of euphoria.
I lay down imposingly on the bed, enjoying a beautiful hungover morning.
Some time later Alisa woke up.

Good morning!

She gave me a blank look for a couple of seconds and then jumped up shouting:

You! You!

The joys of drunk sex: seeing who is in your bed in the morning

Me what?

Realizing that she's a little naked, Alisa snatched the blanket from me and wrapped herself up.

Yesterday you...

She hissed.

I was drunk!

Like me, what can we do...

Alisa was furiously looking at me, but then calmed down and sat beside.

Alright, what happens happens...

You sure?

At least it wasn't Shurik or Electronik, right?

I got up and tried to hug her.

Don't...

She whispered, blushing.

Why?

Because...

Alisa started to spin her head hectically.

Because it's four o'clock already!

And what? Don't tell me you're late somewhere?

Everyone will leave without us!

Leave where?

Today is the last day!

The last day of what?

I asked, completely confused.

The last day of the session!

What?!

A hangover that seemed to have already passed a while ago, made a sharp comeback.

Don't tell me you didn't know?

Asked Alisa in surprise.

So, you did know it.

Well, yes... But I've forgotten it somehow.

And what should we do now?

Actually it wasn't the main thing that I was concerned about.

~ If today is the last day then everyone will go somewhere. So one can get out of this camp somehow! ~

Well, I have no idea.

Maybe we can still make it!

I jumped out of the bed and started dressing quickly.
It was difficult as coordination was badly disturbed by yesterday's lavish libation.

What are you waiting for?

Alisa didn't reply but started dressing too.

Alright, so: Ulyana managed to magically pack all her shit without waking them, then apparently there was no head count at all before leaving because fuck those losers who don't make it, and on top of that nobody noticed two people missing on the bus?

Let's go to the camp leader's cabin!

...

We checked the entire camp and found that we were alone here.

...

I still felt sick but now it turned out that I was to solve serious problems.

And where could they go?

Well, to the district centre, I guess.

Do you know where it is?

Approximately.

Is it possible to reach it on foot?

Don't know.

And how long would it take on a bus?

A couple of hours.

Quickly I reckoned how much it is in kilometers.
Taking into consideration quality of Soviet motor-car industry and Soviet roads one could presume that it is quite possible to reach it on foot.
Providing that Alisa knows the exact direction.
More over, in my situation it's not easy to decide on such steps.
But we can't stay here as well. Alone, without food in a deserted pioneer camp...

Without food? So they packed all the supplies from cantine too, and all the staff went away. In the middle of summer. Clearly only one group comes to camps liek that. This whole situation makes no sense. But hey, it's the world of magic bus so whatever.

In real life it will be a definitely bad idea and I had no other choice but to take everything happening as a reality.

In real life bullshit like that wouldn't happen.

Let's go.

Where?

To the district centre!

Are you mad?!

You suggest staying here?

Sure! They'll notice that we’re missing and will return.

There is one road leading from this camp, so it doesn't even matter.

Don't you think it's odd that they haven't noticed it during departure?

Well, yeah, but...

She started to think.

But to go somewhere all alone...

But you said you knew the direction!

I do...

She agreed without confidence.

So what’s there to think about!? Maybe we'll meet some local buses on the way.

~ I don't really believe in it myself but if there is an exit from this camp this idea seems quite real. ~

I don't know... As you say...

She prattled confusedly.

Then start packing your stuff. Meeting here in half an hour.

I ran towards Olga Dmitrievna's cabin.

I tossed warm clothes I was about to go when an interesting thought crossed my mind.

~ What for may I need it, actually? ~
~ It doesn't seem to be late summer so what's the point in dragging unnecessary weight along? Especially since I don't know how far am I to walk. ~

After reasoning that one can survive such weather without coat and warm boots I shoved my cellphone with dying battery into the pocket and went to the square.

Hangover seemed to ease a little so I could better focus on the previous night.

~ What does she really mean to me? ~
~ Was it just a drunk sex or something more? ~

I doubt any girl would want 'more' with you.

~ Naturally I can't speak for Alisa. It's difficult to speak even for myself. ~

I began to remember my acquaintance with her, how she teased and mocked me at first, her arrogance and self-confidence...
It was more than compensated by tenderness of last night.

~ It was already clear that she is not the person she wants to seem. But what kind of person is real Alisa? ~
~ And do I have any feelings towards her? I do feel sympathy, sort of affection but is there something more? ~

If you have to think about it this hard, I'd say it's unlikely.

Here, take it.

She held out a huge backpack to me.

What's this?

I asked skeptically.

My stuff.

Why so little?

As much as I could fit.

Look... We don't know how long we are to go. Maybe you'll take only them most necessary things?

First you're surprised there's so little of it and now you want her to leave some of that?

So what, I'm to throw it away? Leave it here?

Alisa sniffed.
Firstly, I couldn't understand why does she have that much stuff and secondly, what so valuable is there.

Are you still drunk, princess?

But the honorable duty of carrying it is mine, isn't it?

Of course!

She smiled archly.
I evaluated how much could it weight.

~ About ten kilos, I guess. I can carry it for a few kilometers but not further than that... ~

You do understand that we'll not go far away with it.

Well, we'll do our best...

You mean I can throw out something later?

We’ll see.

She answered with her eyes flashing slyly.

Okay, I'm taking you at your word.

~ After all, as I carry it, I've got a full right to throw togs out of it. ~

And so our way began.

I would never think that I posses such a stamina.
Either the backpack was handy to carry or last night’s exercises trained my muscles.
I stopped on the roadside and thrown Alisa's belongings on the ground.

She was clearly resented.

Don't you want to carry it yourself?

Of course not!

If so, I must rest.

Naturally, the most rational decision was to get rid of the most stuff, keeping only the most necessary things but I couldn't bring myself to such drastic measures.

You are keeping silence for the whole time...

Alisa was looking at the receding into the distance road with an empty glance.

What is there to talk about?

Don't know... But you behave as if noting happened.

She can't believe she had sex with you of all the people I guess.

Did something happen?

She asked absent-mindedly.

Well... You know...

Got enough rest? Then let's go!

Alisa began to quickly move away from me.

Hey, wait a minute!

I shouldered the backpack and ran after her.

So it's a backpack that weighs 10 kg, meaning you carry it on your back, and you have problems with that load? What the fuck.

...

We’ve already been going in silence for some time with Alisa slightly ahead and me behind.
I had no idea how to start conversation.
She seems to be giving an obvious hint that the last night events were one big mistake.
At least, seemed to me...
Though from my point of view what happened was to happen.

Last few days in the camp I was definitely attracted to Alisa. And I believe she was attracted to me as well.

~ In that case what's wrong? ~

Maybe if you didn't act like hissy cunt all the time around her...

~ Maybe she doesn't want it to be just a one night stand? ~

You know...

If I did something wrong...

You did nothing wrong.

But...

It just turned out this way.

So it was just something accidental?

I haven't said that.

Then what have you said?

Without getting a straight answer I began to lose my temper and so raised my voice.

There are just hints, ambiguities! What about straightforwardness, sincerity? At first you weren’t like that!

People tend to change...

She slowly paced forward.

Change? You call this a 'change'? You are completely different person now! Just like Lena, really.

Alisa stopped but didn't turn.

Don't compare... Got it?! Don't compare me with her!

She spoke quietly but there was rage in her voice.

What?..

I was somewhat taken aback.

You blame me for something but what about yourself? You constantly look at her! Even now you managed to see her in me...

Wait, what's...

Why did you come yesterday then? You could go to her! You did know...

Did know what?

Did know that I'm waiting for you!

It seems that this confession was a hard decision for Alisa but at first I gave little importance to her words.

Well, you yourself told me to come yesterday so I...

This isn't about it!

Alisa burst into sobs and covered her face with hands.
I was taken aback completely.
I still couldn't catch what she's hinting at so it was impossible to talk normally.

Sorry... Forgive me...

Stop apologizing!

But if I said something wrong or did...

So what’s the point in apologizing? If you already did... Better to behave yourself right from the very beginning.

But I don't know how!

Alisa looked up at me.
There was so much sorrow in her gaze that I couldn't bear it and turned away.
We stood like this for some time...
Soon she seemed to become herself.

Okay, forget it. Let's move on.

Naturally I couldn't forget it even if I wanted to but anyway I had nothing to say so I followed her in silence.

...

I was immersed in thoughts and even forgot about that heavy backpack on my back.
I had to say something, do something.

~ Alisa is expecting me to. At least a few words... ~
~ But what should I begin with? ~

I got used to everything in my life being quite simple.
Any work seemed already finished after just few steps.
Instead of a long way to my goal I was instantly starting to think about results, enjoying unachieved victory.
Moreover, I hardly could ever face such a situation in real world.
Obviously, for a long time I dreamed about a person for whom I wouldn't be indifferent.

But right now such person is in front of me and yet I feel nothing.
And I can't say to Alisa neither 'yes' nor 'no' just because I don't know what will happen next.
Meanwhile it got dark.

I guess, we should make a camp for the night.

Are you sure? And even if it is so, it's better to go during the daytime.

You know better...

She answered coldly.
We stopped at an edge of a wood.

Got anything useful in there?

I pointed at the backpack.

Have a look.

Mainly footwear and clothes were there, but on the bottom I found a magazine and a box of matches. Quite enough to light a fire.

Only now I finally realized that I finally got out of this damned camp.

~ I found no answers, on the contrary everything became even more tangled, as, I guess, I am to spend the rest of my life in this reality. ~
~ If I don't take into consideration all the sci-fi stuff, it's clear that I'm somewhere in the South in the end of 80s. ~
~ How, and above all – why I got here is not so important now as I have to somehow adapt. ~
~ And I ought to begin with the girl sitting by my side. ~

So what will we do when we reach the district centre?

Call the parents, what else!

Alisa smiled slightly. She had where to call.

And then?

And then it’s all over.

Meaning?

Well, we'll leave to our homes.

I wasn't really surprised by this answer, I rather didn't think about what will happen next.

And that's all?

What else is needed?

Don't know... After all that happened...

But nothing happened at all!

She told merrily.

What do you mean 'nothing happened'?

You have a chance to find Lena.

I was surprised but Alisa said it absolutely kindly.

Like I need Lena!

Isn’t it so?

To be honest, Lena was the last person I was thinking about now.

No.

Then, maybe, it's me?

I looked at Alisa attentively. She grinned spitefully.

~ And she was weeping just now... ~

What about you?

I evaded the question.

What are you thinking about me?

I don't know...

Maybe you'll just put it straight?

Silence fell for quite a time.

~ Alisa is waiting for the straight answer but I can't sort it out for myself. ~
~ This pioneer camp, and now the girl, who wants to hear something I can’t say that easily. ~

You see...

And than I really understood it.
Understood that now it's no use in cunning and holding something back.
I almost managed to break out of the cage. The worst things are over!
Or, on the contrary, they are yet to come but it's time to speak outright.

You see... What you're expecting from me is almost impossible.

Looks like everything's impossible for you.

She sniffed.

Oddly to say, but it's true. I don't know what will happen to me... not even tomorrow, but the next second!

And what may it be? Will you vanish into thin air?

Quite possible.

I don't even

She burst into peals of laughter.

You know, I expected any excuses but not like that.

These are no excuses, just listen...

Alisa gazed at me attentively and, as it seemed, had no intention to interrupt.

You see, I don't belong to this place. I'm not talking about the camp, but about the whole world. All of you here are completely strange, unintelligible people for me.

As you are for us, actually.

I'm not even sure if you are from my planet or from my reality.

Quit it now...

Alisa said tiredly.

Imagine that once you fell asleep and woke up in a completely different place. And it's not just place, but different time as well. That's what has happened to me! I used to live in the early XXI century in a city far away from here. I was somewhat older than I look now. I used to have my own life, whether it was good or bad, but my own.

And once I took a bus, fell asleep and woke up here. As a seventeen year old pioneer.

Alisa looked at me in surprise.

And you expect me to believe you?

Don't know, it's up to you... Actually it wasn't easy for me to tell you that.

You are a master of stories, really.

Just a sec...

I've rummaged through my pockets and showed her my phone.
To my greatest surprise, there was still some battery, and the screen was glowing brightly.

Have you ever seen things like this? Do you have something alike?

I held it out to Alisa.
She fidgeted with it, pressing buttons.

Well... Some kind of imported foreign toy. So what?

It's not a toy, it's a telephone.

And where are the wires, where's the handset?

She laughed.

There's no need for them. Unfortunately, I can't demonstrate you how it works because they're still not invented in your time.

Yeah, sure...

She said skeptically and handed me my phone back.

Anyway, it's your decision to believe me or not. I told you all this only to explain in what position I'm now. I still don't know what would happen to me in an hour, yet such decisions...

Fine, you don't have to say anything more. And you don't have to make any decisions.

She got up and shuffled some firewood into the fire.

If I've offended...

Nah, everything's fine.

She said coldly.

I understand. You're a guest from the future, so simple girls like me don't interest you.

You got me wrong...

No, I didn't. It's a very credible, logical and, above all, truthful tale. Every girl would dig it.

So, you still think that I'm making up the excuses?

Alisa kept silent.

Or that I’m gone completely mad?

One can expect anything from you.

Why do you have to be like this?

I said sadly.

And what about me? I've done nothing bad.

She grinned spitefully.

Just imagine that it's all true and understand why I behave so...

I already imagined, understood...

- HONK -

I was about to say something else but a horn sounded from the road.

It's odd that we haven't noticed its approach.

~ At last! Salvation! ~

Alisa asked in a completely bland, emotionless voice.

Yeah, sure!

I grabbed the backpack.

I can manage it myself.

She took it from me.
It was obvious that it was too heavy for her but I didn't object.

Various feelings fought inside of me. On one hand, I was glad beyond measure to get to the civilized world, on the other – I was conscience-striken by the unfinished conversation with Alisa.

I've expected nothing of you.

She replied coldly.

I just wanted you to understand... And, concerning our relationships, I like you! Really!

Glad to hear that...

But her voice sounded not so gladly.

I said it honestly. You see, I don't know what will happen next, but now and here...

I guess, the last night you liked me even more.

No, you misunderstood...

Should we repeat it while driver can't see us?

Calm down for a second, okay? I didn't even think about it!

What's the matter? You want it and I don't care, it's the only thing I’m needed for...

Alisa, wait...

Okay, I want to sleep.

She reclined on her seat and closed her eyes.

Wait a sec...

I'm sleeping! Let's talk later!

I didn't object.
After all, it's good to take counsel with your pillow. Besides, Alisa needs some time to calm down.
Although, of course, I was desperate to explain everything to her in a way she'd understand.
But I held back.
Still I was sick at heart.

...

We were alone in the bus.
Outside dark shadows were passing by. Sometimes it was possible to discern a tree, a river or a power transmission line pillars.
But the landscape seemed not to differ from one in the camp. Maybe the world is a circle and we are just moving in it?
Anyway, the surroundings were the least of my concerns now – I just stared at the floor and thought about tomorrow.

~ What will happen? City, planet, time – all are strange to me... ~
~ And a further talk with Alisa, who was totally disappointed with me... ~

...

The process of waiting happens to be more tiresome than its result.
And finally, things bound to happen didn't look so important or fearful. All your strength is exhausted. There is just tiredness and emptiness in your soul.

 

[Idiott]

Spoiler

The day was over and hangover should have been long gone but I still felt sick and dizzy.
Despite how hard I tried I was unable to open my eyes. I just turned to another side.
I wonder, what awaits me in the district center? How am I to live? Maybe it's not all that bad?
Well, sure, I don't know where to begin, but on the other hand this world doesn't seem hostile. I know a lot of things here, everyone speaks Russian...
So, maybe nothing bad is to happen?..
Suddenly I felt very sick.
Damn it, I thought it was all gone by yesterday evening!

After some time, when my dirty business was done I returned to the room.
And then I realized...

However, why old...
It seemed that nothing had changed during the week of my absence.
Even dust layers haven't grown thicker.
Keyboard position, monitor incline and a stain from a cup of tea on the table caused painful gripe in my retina.

Theoretically, a man in condition like mine shouldn’t notice such details!
But entire room drew my attention to the most minor of details as if it was twinkling with different colors.
The socks were thrown around exactly in the same order as they had been before. The blanked bristled in the unmade bed as it did before, dirty window, like a cracked kinescope, shows the same view of the street.

In vain I tried to become terrified or at least scared.
Maybe it's the shock effect, posttraumatic syndrome or something like that?
After all, several hours ago I haven't thought of returning to the real world.

Pioneer camp, girls, Alisa, mythical district center where I would have got if I hadn't woken up in my flat. All that started to seem real to me.
Maybe my fantastic vacation to 'Sovionok' was just a dream?
My feet started to rack up the circles around the room. I held my hands behind my back and started to think over everything.

Only one thing is clear, I returned as suddenly as I arrived there.
Without any reason or logic.
Maybe there was some sort of explanation but it's beyond my (or human) comprehension.
Whether those were tricks of interstellar forces or supreme mind or government experiments (I believed the last one to be the least probable) they left no clues.
If I were unable to find answers in the camp, it would be foolish to expect something to become clearer here.

It's just like searching for evidences in a house, burned to ashes.
Even if a crime was committed, all of the evidences are destroyed by fire.
Maybe if I had skills and equipment of a criminalist I would find something, but...
Memories of the week spent in the camp were all I've got.

But it wasn't a dream. I knew it for sure!
Hangover was absolutely real. My feelings and emotions were true rather than composed of dreams.
Therefore, I've been there, spent a week in the 'Sovionok' pioneer camp with the camp leader and pioneers... with Alisa.
Memories of her made me sigh.
It would be great to leave with her.

Wait a minute! What's wrong with me?! I should be glad I returned home, to the real world!
Or shouldn't I?..

For now I just couldn't evaluate the situation reasonably.
I couldn't understand whether I wanted to stay there or to enjoy long-expected returning.

I noticed a five ruble coin on the table. I took it and began to toss it up without any purpose, counting number of heads and tails.
A long time ago, maybe even in school I heard that in infinite quantity of experiments the probabilities are not equal to 50 percent each.
Maybe it's because the coin doesn't have an ideal shape and weight or because of some other reason.
However, after some time I've counted 70 heads and 71 tails.
So the theory of relativity lies... But I'm not the man to judge it, I don't know much about it.

I recalled my childhood, when I had heard the word 'tails' for the first time.
For some reason I always thought that it means 'squirrel'.
Maybe there is some logic in this – squirrel indeed does have a tail.
Now this theory seemed strange to me, but at the same time I couldn't find any conclusive evidences of its groundlessness.
So, does it mean that squirrel comes out more frequently than heads?
But one must consider that squirrel has a head as well, so...

I grasped my hair and sighed, exhausted.
It's not the time for thinking of such rubbish now!

On the other hand, what is now the right time for? What can I do? What is under my control?
If I hadn't approached the solution a jot during the week there what would be the point of thinking now?
Maybe I should just try to come back to my usual life?

Words 'usual' and 'life' were painful to me.
Why had I chosen this very description? I could say 'past', 'old' or something else?
The most obvious answer is that I got used to it, that's why.
As they say, the custom is your second nature.

Instantly all the last week events floated before my eyes.
Did I really want to stay there so badly?
Was just one week enough for me to get used to Olga Dmitrievna picking on me all the time, Ulyana pranking and joking around or Alisa, being all cheeky and mocking?
I had no answer to this question but it is obvious that I already miss it.
Although surely I'll never return there.

Obviously, I can't know if the force that brought me there might want to entertain itself again.{w} And again, and again...
It is possible.
But for now I have what I have – an adventure that I'll remember for the rest of my life.

Damn it, how many people have experienced something like that? Even books, even dreams about such things are unthinkable!
The main thing is that it wasn't Dr Moro's evil island, but the most usual Soviet pioneer camp with the most usual pioneers.
And its commonness was overlaid by the astonishing origin of my arrival there.

Anyway, it's not the worst stage in my life. Or, maybe, one of the best.
Obviously it's sad that everything ended just a halfway through, but every story has an end.
It's good that it has ended that way. Who knows what else could have happened?

...

Date of coming concert was thickly encircled on a computer desktop calendar.
The very thought of that gave me goosebumps.
It will be the first time we will be headliners. And an album presentation as well.
I wonder how many discs would be sold? Of course the CD era was already over but still there are some who appreciate it.
And maybe someone will buy it just to support the band.

I looked at the date once more. Yes, it is exactly a year since I returned from 'Sovionok'.
My smile reflected in a darkened monitor screen.
I wonder whether Alisa would like my music if she existed in this world. Don't think so!
She preferred Soviet rock classics. But who knows...

I played a couple of complicated guitar parts and concluded, with a feel of satisfaction, that the sound of my guitar surpasses by far that of the soviet 'Ural' guitars, and my skill overcomes the skill of the same era guitarists.
I wonder whether I would’ve achieved all this without those fantastic events. Unlikely...

Nothing strange in fact. Lots of people rethink their life after stepping close to the edge.
Surely nothing dangerous was happening back then but the moral shock is a good substitute for a grave danger.
I rehearsed my tunes once more, put the guitar into a case, packed all my stuff and headed to the exit.

Slowly I approached the 410th bus stop.
Such a coincidence, I am to go to the club on this very bus.
With sinking heart I counted off seconds.
Soon the bus arrived. It idly opened its doors and swallowed up few passengers.

The closer we were getting to the down town the more people were in the streets.
Some of them were chattering merrily, some were gazing on magnificent boutique windows and some were hurrying somewhere, paying no attention to anything.
I thought that I had no wish to return to that camp this very day. Any other time, but not today!
I must play the concert, and the rest can go to hell.
I had a clear aim and nothing else mattered!

...

I desperately missed the drums on the monitors, which I am trying to tell about the sound guy.
Sound tuned, gadgets installed, set-lists on their positions. Time to start?
But it is a special day. We are not doing the warmup. The other guys are doing the warmup before our concert. Thus, our entrance is the last.

After I listened to the first band, I noted that they have much to improve.
On the other hand, we were no better not so long ago.
As time was getting closer to the start of our performance my tension grew enormous.

Come on, I was literally shaking of anxiety!
I decided not to listen to the other bands and to wait calmly in a make-up room.
Judging by their expressions, my mates were in the same mood.

We were silent. Actually, we had nothing to talk about.
Parts were learned and perfected long time ago.
Only nervousness can hinder us but we already have some experience so everything must be fine. At least, I comforted myself with this thought.

...

I don't remember how we entered the stage and greeted the audience.
My consciousness turned on when the first chords of our first song came from the speakers.
While sitting in the make-up room I heartbreakingly tried to warm my ice-cold fingers but now they ran from string to string without a slightest mistake, like if they were charmed.
A thought flashed across my mind – why didn't I still make a single mistake.

When I played all these parts at home or during the rehearsals I never thought of it, everything seemed a matter of course.
But now, when I stood in front of an audience it felt different.
Somewhere deeply in my mind there was a thought that soon my finger will slip and... Thank goodness thinking wasn't interfering with the playing.
Our performance was nearing the end and now it was the time for a difficult solo I was learning for so long.
By that point my nervousness vanished and I played through it perfectly, even better than during the rehearsals.

Finally our performance was over and music hall burst with applause.
I smiled awkwardly (at least I thought so) and bowed several times with the rest of the band.
They shouted 'Encore!' to us. Even without them shouting I would be glad to play something in addition but we ran out of songs as we were just a newly formed band.

...

All discs were sold and it made me even happier.
Eventually I managed to become something too!
It's impossible to predict the future of our band or of the whole affair with music.
But one thing was clear. I finally found something I am interested in and I can dedicate my entire time to.
As well as that – I see that it may please someone besides me.
Probably I was now the happiest man on the Earth! At least it surely was the best moment in my life.

...

The club is empty, instruments are packed, so I am to wait for others and may go home.
I glanced at the stage where I was standing just an hour ago.
Once again, joy and pleasure excitement gripped me.

For sure I'll appear on this stage more than once.
And maybe more serious stages, like concert halls and Olympic stadiums are to be expected. Who knows? Everything is possible now.
After saying goodbye to my mates I ran to the bus stop and luckily caught the 410th bus.

Maybe one day my songs will also be played on radio.
In some way, these days trips were similar to the events that took place a year ago.
Obviously now everything is expected, achieved by working hard. It is a planned result.
But I'm coming back being another person. A person, who has now changed.

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.

This game gave me cancer.

 

[WhiskeyWolf]

What? No victory fuck. This game is ass, so much potential wasted.

 

[SerratedBiz]

Time to do it all over again, must unlock 100% CG gallery.

 

[Idiott]

What? No victory fuck. This game is ass, so much potential wasted.

There is only one fuck scene per girl in this game. I guess they wanted to be serious about that but their writing sucks too much. And the protagonist is such a retarded cunt, he doesn't even deserve to get laid.

Time to do it all over again, must unlock 100% CG gallery.

I'll try to cover two more endings that are at least interesting codexian. I'll also need one good ending for that, and man do those suck. Not sure if I'll have any sanity left for more but I can try to LP this bitch to 100%. At least this thing is short and most stuff is shared between routes.

 

[RK47]

Not sure if I'll have any sanity left for more but I can try to LP this bitch to 100%.