For Want of a Nail - Misha Route (Updated 11/1/19)
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 6:11 am
You read that right, this is another attempt at a Misha route.
Act 1 Conclusion (You Are Here)
Act 2 Scene 1
Act 2 Scene 2 Part 1 Part 2
Act 2 Scene 3
Act 2 Scene 4
Act 2 Scene 5
Act 2 Scene 6
Act 2 Scene 7 Part 1 Part 2
Act 2 Scene 8
Act 2 Scene 9
Act 3 Scene 1
Act 3 Scene 2 Part 1 Part 2
Act 3 Scene 3 Part 1 Part 2
Act 3 Scene 4
Act 3 Scene 5
Act 3 Scene 6 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 (18+) (Disable Adult Content)
Act 3 Scene 7 Part 1 Part 2
Act 3 Scene 8 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 (18+) (Disable Adult Content)
Act 3 Scene 9
Act 3 Scene 10
Act 3 Scene 11
Act 3 Scene 12
Act 4 Scene 1 Part 1 Part 2 (18+) (Disable Adult Content) Part 3
Act 4 Scene 2
BONUS: April Fool's Bad End (Follows Act 3, Scene 6)
A little context for this first part, because it's a little different: The Act 1 scenes were written as if they were integrated into the game itself (but in prose form rather than script form). Events start in the "Shanghaied" scene, following the "Slow Recovery" route. Hisao tried to keep up with Emi, his heart gave out, he came late to class, and he agreed to have lunch with Misha and Shizune. The next day, they go to the Shanghai, Hisao and Shizune face off, and Shizune challenges him to make it back to Yamaku before she does.
… I wonder if it's too late to go back to the shop and ask Misha for directions.
The last time I let my competitive spirit get the best of me, I nearly died. Retracing our steps, I find Misha just outside the Shanghai.
“Hey, Misha!”
She looks up, surprised to hear my voice. “Hicchan? I thought you left with Shicchan?”
“Yeah, I got caught up in her challenge. Sorry about leaving you to pay the tab.”
Now I feel like even more of a jerk for running out like that, but Misha looks more confused than annoyed. “Eh? Don't you remember? Shicchan said she was paying for it. Hahaha!”
“Oh...”
A mischievous smile creeps onto her face. “So, why'd you come back, Hicchan? Did you miss me~?”
“Shizune kinda ditched me, and I don't really know how to get back to school...” I explain sheepishly.
“Wahahaha! Don't worry~, Hicchan! Between the two of us, we won't be lost for too long!”
That is not what I was hoping to hear, but it's something, I guess.
*
As we try to puzzle our way back to school, Misha seems to be debating something with herself.
“Hicchan...?”
“Huh?”
“When we get back, we have more work to do...” she explains, apologetically.
“I know.”
Misha is clearly shocked by this revelation. “You do? How could you know that?”
“You two are pretty obvious with your bait and switch tactics.”
“That's mean, Hicchan! We were celebrating you joining the Student Council!”
A pause, then her expression softens. “We do have lots of work, though... And we could really use your help...”
Time to come clean. “I was planning on helping out. That's why I didn't try to escape.”
“You... want to help?” For some reason she seems truly surprised by this development.
“You two really care a lot about this student council work, and I'd feel bad walking away. It's not like you'd give up if I didn't help, so I really have no choice.”
It's surprisingly easy to talk to Misha when Shizune's not around. It's hard to keep secrets around that cheerful personality.
“But,” she continues, not entirely convinced, “why were you fighting it so hard until now?”
“You know Shizune better than I do,” I casually explain, “it's obvious she wouldn't be satisfied if I made it easy for her to get my help.”
“Wahahahaha! That's right, Hicchan~! Shicchan wouldn't want your help if it was too easy!”
*
In about half an hour, we make it back to the school. We find Shizune in the main lobby, a furious expression on her face.
Back to the two-man, one voice act, and Shizune's wasting no time in making accusations. “You lose, Hicchan. Asking for help is against the rules.”
“What? There was no rule against asking for help,” I object halfheartedly. Unfair rules aside, she clearly beat us here anyway.
As usual, Shizune's signs are sharp and terse while she glares daggers. Misha's translation conveys none of this, of course. “Asking for help admits weakness. You lose~.”
I really shouldn't be fighting this. I did lose fair and square after all. But she's making this personal, now. “Admitting weakness? Do you play chess with only a king?”
And there it is, her competitive smile. This isn't an argument anymore. It's another game. She throws another volley of signs, which Misha dutifully translates. “Wahahaha! So you're the king now, Hicchan? Is Misha your pawn? Hey! Why do I have to be a pawn? I want to be a horsey~!”
It still feels weird when Misha injects herself into the conversation halfway through the translation. I can't really fault her for wanting to take part in the conversation, though. Either way, we're wasting time, and I'd rather not be stuck here working all day. “You know what? Forget it. I lost. Now what's the work you want me to help you with?”
Shizune is taken aback. She didn't expect me to give in so quickly, I guess. She recovers in short order, and begins signing with a smirk, “I hadn't said anything about student council work, but now that you mention it... Sorry, Shicchan, I spilled the beans, he knows we have work to do. It was hard work, but~ I managed to convince him that we needed his help! Ahahaha!”
Shizune gives Misha an approving smile, but keeps a close eye on me to make sure I don't make a break for it at the last second.
*
It turns out that we still need to attach signs to backing boards. The sheer number we need to put together is overwhelming, but I've gotten used to expecting the worst, so it's not very surprising. Without saying a word, I start working. This is too much work for three people, but it would be much worse for only two people. Better to just get it done rather than complain more.
*
Two hours pass...
(The scenes continue as normal from here. Misha mentions how she and Shizune met and the Student Council orders Chinese because it's too late to get food. Kenji freaks out because he wasn't expecting the festival to arrive so soon. Hisao spends the festival with Misha and Shizune, wins one cat doll, which he gives to Shizune, and he and Shizune head to the rooftop while Misha gets food.)
...
“The stars are nice tonight. This couldn't have been a more perfect day.”
*
As we finish the meal, everything begins to wind down a little. There are still crowds of people talking down below, but the sound has diminished from a dull roar to a loud murmur. Looking around, I notice that the roof is full of couples enjoying the evening together. Boyfriends and girlfriends, looking at the stars and sharing each other's company.
Shizune and Misha are talking to each other about something. Considering Misha's staying quiet, it's one of their private conversations. They're both very cute. They've spent a lot of the past week trying to pull me into the Student Council. They really want me to be their friend.
...Am I their only friend?
They obviously know a lot of people, but I've never seen them spend time with anyone but each other. And with me, I guess...
The other girls on the roof are leaning on their boyfriends, holding hands, a few even stealing quick kisses. Are they broadcasting their relationship, or just too wrapped up in each other to care?
I feel a twinge in my heart. The figurative kind, for a change. If it weren't for this condition, that could be Iwanako and me. She was the girl of my dreams, and, against all reason, she liked me too. Can lightning strike twice?
I look over at Shizune. She's professional, severe, but also has a softer, more childish side. Something drives her, to go above and beyond in everything she does. If I hadn't decided to help them with the festival, she'd still have done everything. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to keep up with that drive. Still, it's nice spending time with her, and she has a lovely smile, too.
And then there's Misha. Bright, cheerful, and bubbly. Nothing but honesty and sunshine. She seems afraid of rejection, though – as if she expects Shizune or me to just suddenly up and leave. She's also loyal. It's obvious she doesn't care about the Student Council as much as Shizune, but she works alongside her day in and day out.
They have a really special bond. If I get close to either of them, wouldn't that push the other away? Do I want to be responsible for either of them losing their best friend? Their only friend?
“Is something the matter, Hicchan?”
I start, jolted out of my reverie. Misha and Shizune must have finished their conversation. Shizune is looking off toward the sky, holding the cat doll's paw. At some point, Misha must have moved closer to me, a look of concern on her face.
“Huh? Oh, no, not really,” I lie. If I told her what I was thinking, she'd probably laugh in my face. Friends or not, they're both way out of my league.
She's not buying my dismissal. “Are you sure? You don't look like you've had a good time at the festival.”
“I don't?”
“You aren't smiling, and you almost look like someone died.”
Someone died? I guess I did. My old life is gone, never to return.
“I'm just... adjusting to transferring.”
She seems to be thinking whether she should push further, but decides against it. “I know I've said it before, but I really do appreciate that you decided to help us. It means a lot.”
“Well, isn't that my job, as part of the Student Council?”
“Haha! You're right~! In that case... I appreciate you joining the Student Council. Shicchan does, too.”
As I'm about to respond, there's a loud bang and a flash of light. Misha jumps in surprise, then turns around to look at the source of the noise. I didn't expect there to be fireworks, but here they are, all the same. Misha watches the fireworks with awe and wonder. I can't really blame her. It's been a long time since I saw fireworks, but this is an impressive display, especially for a school in the middle of nowhere. They really are quite beautiful.
Glancing over at Misha's expression, it feels like we're sharing something special. Somehow, her smile seems more real, and her eyes sparkle with the reflected fireworks. She's completely entranced by them. I find myself looking at her more than the fireworks.
The fireworks go on for some time, staying strong the whole time. After the last one starts to fade, we sit there staring at its memory, not quite accepting that it's over.
I notice Shizune watching us. I can't quite tell in this light, but I think she's smiling.
Suddenly, Misha makes a loud yawn and stretches, nearly hitting me in the face. Shizune picks herself up and makes her way closer to us so Misha can see her signing, “I think it's time to turn in for the night. I agree, Shicchan!”
As we walk back to the dorms, I decide to speak up.
“Uhm... Sorry.”
“Huh?”
“About the doll. I know you wanted one, too.”
She smiles at me gently. “It's not your fault. I know you're getting tired of me saying this, but thanks, Hicchan~. You really did help us out a lot.”
I'm not sure I could ever get tired of her gratitude, but I didn't really do anything special, “It's really not a bi-”
She cuts me off. “Hicchan, it is a big deal. This is the first time I've seen fireworks. I always fall asleep before they start. But I got to see them this time~.” Her sincerity fades into an amused smirk. “All because you wanted to help a young woman sleep at night! Wahahaha!”
When we arrive at the dorms, we pause for a minute where the path splits to the girls' dorm and the boys' dorm.
“Thanks again, Hicchan. For everything.”
Without warning, Misha catches me in a firm embrace. I'm slightly taken off guard, but it does feel nice - the warmth, the softness, and the gratitude. I glance over at Shizune. Her expression is a mixture of shock, indignation and... jealousy? After a moment of indecision, she comes over and throws her arms around the two of us, turning it into an impromptu group hug.
It lasts for a moment, then they break off, Shizune looking mortified and Misha looking only slightly less embarrassed. I try to think of a way to break the silence, but only give a weak “See you in class tomorrow,” and start walking toward the boys' dorm.
I'm not sure what to make of this evening. It was nice spending the day with Misha and Shizune. I feel like I could really get used to that. But that last hour was pretty confusing. Does Misha like me? Does Shizune like me? Do they both like me? It's nice to be appreciated like that, but was there something more there? And if there was, what then? I decide that it's probably best to sleep on it. I'm probably imagining it all, anyway...
Act 2 Scene 1
Act 1 Conclusion (You Are Here)
Act 2 Scene 1
Act 2 Scene 2 Part 1 Part 2
Act 2 Scene 3
Act 2 Scene 4
Act 2 Scene 5
Act 2 Scene 6
Act 2 Scene 7 Part 1 Part 2
Act 2 Scene 8
Act 2 Scene 9
Act 3 Scene 1
Act 3 Scene 2 Part 1 Part 2
Act 3 Scene 3 Part 1 Part 2
Act 3 Scene 4
Act 3 Scene 5
Act 3 Scene 6 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 (18+) (Disable Adult Content)
Act 3 Scene 7 Part 1 Part 2
Act 3 Scene 8 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 (18+) (Disable Adult Content)
Act 3 Scene 9
Act 3 Scene 10
Act 3 Scene 11
Act 3 Scene 12
Act 4 Scene 1 Part 1 Part 2 (18+) (Disable Adult Content) Part 3
Act 4 Scene 2
BONUS: April Fool's Bad End (Follows Act 3, Scene 6)
A little context for this first part, because it's a little different: The Act 1 scenes were written as if they were integrated into the game itself (but in prose form rather than script form). Events start in the "Shanghaied" scene, following the "Slow Recovery" route. Hisao tried to keep up with Emi, his heart gave out, he came late to class, and he agreed to have lunch with Misha and Shizune. The next day, they go to the Shanghai, Hisao and Shizune face off, and Shizune challenges him to make it back to Yamaku before she does.
… I wonder if it's too late to go back to the shop and ask Misha for directions.
The last time I let my competitive spirit get the best of me, I nearly died. Retracing our steps, I find Misha just outside the Shanghai.
“Hey, Misha!”
She looks up, surprised to hear my voice. “Hicchan? I thought you left with Shicchan?”
“Yeah, I got caught up in her challenge. Sorry about leaving you to pay the tab.”
Now I feel like even more of a jerk for running out like that, but Misha looks more confused than annoyed. “Eh? Don't you remember? Shicchan said she was paying for it. Hahaha!”
“Oh...”
A mischievous smile creeps onto her face. “So, why'd you come back, Hicchan? Did you miss me~?”
“Shizune kinda ditched me, and I don't really know how to get back to school...” I explain sheepishly.
“Wahahaha! Don't worry~, Hicchan! Between the two of us, we won't be lost for too long!”
That is not what I was hoping to hear, but it's something, I guess.
*
As we try to puzzle our way back to school, Misha seems to be debating something with herself.
“Hicchan...?”
“Huh?”
“When we get back, we have more work to do...” she explains, apologetically.
“I know.”
Misha is clearly shocked by this revelation. “You do? How could you know that?”
“You two are pretty obvious with your bait and switch tactics.”
“That's mean, Hicchan! We were celebrating you joining the Student Council!”
A pause, then her expression softens. “We do have lots of work, though... And we could really use your help...”
Time to come clean. “I was planning on helping out. That's why I didn't try to escape.”
“You... want to help?” For some reason she seems truly surprised by this development.
“You two really care a lot about this student council work, and I'd feel bad walking away. It's not like you'd give up if I didn't help, so I really have no choice.”
It's surprisingly easy to talk to Misha when Shizune's not around. It's hard to keep secrets around that cheerful personality.
“But,” she continues, not entirely convinced, “why were you fighting it so hard until now?”
“You know Shizune better than I do,” I casually explain, “it's obvious she wouldn't be satisfied if I made it easy for her to get my help.”
“Wahahahaha! That's right, Hicchan~! Shicchan wouldn't want your help if it was too easy!”
*
In about half an hour, we make it back to the school. We find Shizune in the main lobby, a furious expression on her face.
Back to the two-man, one voice act, and Shizune's wasting no time in making accusations. “You lose, Hicchan. Asking for help is against the rules.”
“What? There was no rule against asking for help,” I object halfheartedly. Unfair rules aside, she clearly beat us here anyway.
As usual, Shizune's signs are sharp and terse while she glares daggers. Misha's translation conveys none of this, of course. “Asking for help admits weakness. You lose~.”
I really shouldn't be fighting this. I did lose fair and square after all. But she's making this personal, now. “Admitting weakness? Do you play chess with only a king?”
And there it is, her competitive smile. This isn't an argument anymore. It's another game. She throws another volley of signs, which Misha dutifully translates. “Wahahaha! So you're the king now, Hicchan? Is Misha your pawn? Hey! Why do I have to be a pawn? I want to be a horsey~!”
It still feels weird when Misha injects herself into the conversation halfway through the translation. I can't really fault her for wanting to take part in the conversation, though. Either way, we're wasting time, and I'd rather not be stuck here working all day. “You know what? Forget it. I lost. Now what's the work you want me to help you with?”
Shizune is taken aback. She didn't expect me to give in so quickly, I guess. She recovers in short order, and begins signing with a smirk, “I hadn't said anything about student council work, but now that you mention it... Sorry, Shicchan, I spilled the beans, he knows we have work to do. It was hard work, but~ I managed to convince him that we needed his help! Ahahaha!”
Shizune gives Misha an approving smile, but keeps a close eye on me to make sure I don't make a break for it at the last second.
*
It turns out that we still need to attach signs to backing boards. The sheer number we need to put together is overwhelming, but I've gotten used to expecting the worst, so it's not very surprising. Without saying a word, I start working. This is too much work for three people, but it would be much worse for only two people. Better to just get it done rather than complain more.
*
Two hours pass...
(The scenes continue as normal from here. Misha mentions how she and Shizune met and the Student Council orders Chinese because it's too late to get food. Kenji freaks out because he wasn't expecting the festival to arrive so soon. Hisao spends the festival with Misha and Shizune, wins one cat doll, which he gives to Shizune, and he and Shizune head to the rooftop while Misha gets food.)
...
“The stars are nice tonight. This couldn't have been a more perfect day.”
*
As we finish the meal, everything begins to wind down a little. There are still crowds of people talking down below, but the sound has diminished from a dull roar to a loud murmur. Looking around, I notice that the roof is full of couples enjoying the evening together. Boyfriends and girlfriends, looking at the stars and sharing each other's company.
Shizune and Misha are talking to each other about something. Considering Misha's staying quiet, it's one of their private conversations. They're both very cute. They've spent a lot of the past week trying to pull me into the Student Council. They really want me to be their friend.
...Am I their only friend?
They obviously know a lot of people, but I've never seen them spend time with anyone but each other. And with me, I guess...
The other girls on the roof are leaning on their boyfriends, holding hands, a few even stealing quick kisses. Are they broadcasting their relationship, or just too wrapped up in each other to care?
I feel a twinge in my heart. The figurative kind, for a change. If it weren't for this condition, that could be Iwanako and me. She was the girl of my dreams, and, against all reason, she liked me too. Can lightning strike twice?
I look over at Shizune. She's professional, severe, but also has a softer, more childish side. Something drives her, to go above and beyond in everything she does. If I hadn't decided to help them with the festival, she'd still have done everything. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to keep up with that drive. Still, it's nice spending time with her, and she has a lovely smile, too.
And then there's Misha. Bright, cheerful, and bubbly. Nothing but honesty and sunshine. She seems afraid of rejection, though – as if she expects Shizune or me to just suddenly up and leave. She's also loyal. It's obvious she doesn't care about the Student Council as much as Shizune, but she works alongside her day in and day out.
They have a really special bond. If I get close to either of them, wouldn't that push the other away? Do I want to be responsible for either of them losing their best friend? Their only friend?
“Is something the matter, Hicchan?”
I start, jolted out of my reverie. Misha and Shizune must have finished their conversation. Shizune is looking off toward the sky, holding the cat doll's paw. At some point, Misha must have moved closer to me, a look of concern on her face.
“Huh? Oh, no, not really,” I lie. If I told her what I was thinking, she'd probably laugh in my face. Friends or not, they're both way out of my league.
She's not buying my dismissal. “Are you sure? You don't look like you've had a good time at the festival.”
“I don't?”
“You aren't smiling, and you almost look like someone died.”
Someone died? I guess I did. My old life is gone, never to return.
“I'm just... adjusting to transferring.”
She seems to be thinking whether she should push further, but decides against it. “I know I've said it before, but I really do appreciate that you decided to help us. It means a lot.”
“Well, isn't that my job, as part of the Student Council?”
“Haha! You're right~! In that case... I appreciate you joining the Student Council. Shicchan does, too.”
As I'm about to respond, there's a loud bang and a flash of light. Misha jumps in surprise, then turns around to look at the source of the noise. I didn't expect there to be fireworks, but here they are, all the same. Misha watches the fireworks with awe and wonder. I can't really blame her. It's been a long time since I saw fireworks, but this is an impressive display, especially for a school in the middle of nowhere. They really are quite beautiful.
Glancing over at Misha's expression, it feels like we're sharing something special. Somehow, her smile seems more real, and her eyes sparkle with the reflected fireworks. She's completely entranced by them. I find myself looking at her more than the fireworks.
The fireworks go on for some time, staying strong the whole time. After the last one starts to fade, we sit there staring at its memory, not quite accepting that it's over.
I notice Shizune watching us. I can't quite tell in this light, but I think she's smiling.
Suddenly, Misha makes a loud yawn and stretches, nearly hitting me in the face. Shizune picks herself up and makes her way closer to us so Misha can see her signing, “I think it's time to turn in for the night. I agree, Shicchan!”
As we walk back to the dorms, I decide to speak up.
“Uhm... Sorry.”
“Huh?”
“About the doll. I know you wanted one, too.”
She smiles at me gently. “It's not your fault. I know you're getting tired of me saying this, but thanks, Hicchan~. You really did help us out a lot.”
I'm not sure I could ever get tired of her gratitude, but I didn't really do anything special, “It's really not a bi-”
She cuts me off. “Hicchan, it is a big deal. This is the first time I've seen fireworks. I always fall asleep before they start. But I got to see them this time~.” Her sincerity fades into an amused smirk. “All because you wanted to help a young woman sleep at night! Wahahaha!”
When we arrive at the dorms, we pause for a minute where the path splits to the girls' dorm and the boys' dorm.
“Thanks again, Hicchan. For everything.”
Without warning, Misha catches me in a firm embrace. I'm slightly taken off guard, but it does feel nice - the warmth, the softness, and the gratitude. I glance over at Shizune. Her expression is a mixture of shock, indignation and... jealousy? After a moment of indecision, she comes over and throws her arms around the two of us, turning it into an impromptu group hug.
It lasts for a moment, then they break off, Shizune looking mortified and Misha looking only slightly less embarrassed. I try to think of a way to break the silence, but only give a weak “See you in class tomorrow,” and start walking toward the boys' dorm.
I'm not sure what to make of this evening. It was nice spending the day with Misha and Shizune. I feel like I could really get used to that. But that last hour was pretty confusing. Does Misha like me? Does Shizune like me? Do they both like me? It's nice to be appreciated like that, but was there something more there? And if there was, what then? I decide that it's probably best to sleep on it. I'm probably imagining it all, anyway...
Act 2 Scene 1