Plushy Knights Epsiode 3

    Oh boy do I have a lot on my plate. These past few days I’m glad no Yami Plushies have attacked. Between homework, chores, school, and top it all of my new private martial arts lessons, UGH! It’s more than I can handle right now. Mina somehow, I don’t know how, managed to set up a deal with one of the other instructors at her Dojo to teach me Tai Chi. Much to my surprise I don’t have to pay for any of it either.
    “Mina how did you do this?” I ask, as she leads me to the training room.
    “Easy, I got a friend of mine who is more than happy to help you. Just as long as you’re committed. Besides we need you in top shape when one of those show up again,” She hinted.
    My heart begins to race a little, “Y…you didn’t tell them did you?”
    “Of course not! Harumi-chan relax. Trust me, I wouldn’t do that to you. I know this is important. Plus…I know for a fact you’ll like your Sensei,” She grins.
     I changed into the very girly pink training Gi Mina gave me. It was the only color they had extras of. I entered and bow respectfully, “Good more Sensei.”
    “Good morning Harumi,” A familiar voice answered.
    My eyes widen, “Ha…Hayashi-Sensei! You’re my Tai Chi instructor?"
   She smiles sweetly, “Yes I am if that’s alright with you.”
    I nod excitedly, “I didn’t know you like to fight."
   She giggles, “Hehehe, I don’t but a girl needs to learn self-defense and it’s a good workout. And you don’t have to be formal with me outside of class. Rui-chan is fine.”

    Boy is that a load off my mind. Still I can’t believe it! I never knew this interested her. Still she does make it a lot of fun and it’s coming really easy to me. I’m glad I’m not one of Takudo-sensei’s students. I don’t think I could handle his tough demeanor. He even pushes hard on his own daughter just to prove he doesn’t play favorites. Though he at least admits he doesn’t like doing that because he feels like he might come off abusing Mina. He always makes sure that Mina is his daughter first and student seconded and shows that he does love her no matter what.
    After my lesson I got some free time relax. I decided to visit the shrine today. It’s pretty quiet here not too many people come by. Not a lot here actually, the shrine's
resting place, a twin pond one for koi fish and another that’s just clear and decorative. It also has the wishing well, there is rope with a bell you ring when you want to make a prayer or wish. I actually used to be afraid of it because of Mina-chan. She told me a creepy ghost story about it one time. Mom thankfully set the recorded straight on that one. Hmm…what should I wish for today?
    I ring the bell and clap my hands together to make my prayer, “Please give me the strength to help protect the ones I love.”
    I ring the bell again to say I’m done. I sigh chuckling a bit, I never thought for a moment I would be a magic girl.
    I head home back up to my room where I was greeted by my stuffed friends. Mina popped in not long after I did.
    “Did you have fun with Rui-chan?” She asks.
    “Yup thank you Mina. You didn’t have to do all this for me.”
    “Hey it’s the least I could do for my new hero! Who knows maybe someday you could team up with Hyper Hamster!” She jokes.
   “I wish. That would be cool.” I sigh.
    “I agree with Mina-chan Lady Harumi. These lessons in Tai Chi will be of great help to you. Not only will you be in proper shape but you’ll have a true combat skill to help you combat the Yami Plushies.” Knight-kun points out.
    “Oh that reminds me!” Mina realizes she digs into her school bag and pulls out a note book.
    “I’ve got this, it’ll help us keep track of the plushies that we have and what they can do.” She explains as she flips through the pages with the first being the letter index.
    “Thanks Mina. You’re the best, I wouldn’t have thought of that.” I admitted.
    Looking at my plush mom made for me that looks like me I wondered something.
    “Hey Knight-kun, Was the princess ever in love with the knight in the story?”
    “It’s been a long time ago but I think so. It might have also explained why the witch was so jealous of the princess. Actually now that I think about it I do remember and there’s more to the story. Sad really, the knight was more faithful to his job than to the princess. She wanted to wed the knight but until the witch was dead he couldn’t. So the enchantress who made the plushies offered them a deal. If the knight marries her instead she will grant him the magical powers needed to continue the search for the plushies, including reincarnation. To which they regretfully agreed. However the Plush Princess unable to deal with the grief begged the enchantress to give her the same powers so that she would be able reincarnate to continue to wait for her knight’s return.” Knight-kun explains.
    “So you’re saying I could be related to the knight or be one of the reincarnations?” I ask shock.
    “Awww! That’s so romantic! My little Harumi could be the Plushy Princess? Awesome!” Mina squees.
    “M…Mina…” I blush.
    “It is possible, however there really isn’t a way to know for sure. For now let’s just focus on trying to rescue the others. If not for the princess than just to keep them safe.” Sir Plush shrugs.
    “You know I wonder how Korasami got so powerful so quickly. I mean we didn’t see her for very long and even then I think the only time I was really afraid of her was just before Mina came to save me.” I pointed out.
    “Yeah you said Yami Plushies feed on fear right?” Mina agreed.
    “Yes among other negative feelings. Fear just happens to be the strongest and easiest. You have to understand, Elemental Fairy was a mischievous girl even before her corruption. It’s likely she fed on your anger and annoyance. If you remember she constantly mocked and baited you into mistakes,” Knight-kun reminds me.
    It did seem to make sense every time she saw me attempt to fight her was met with a laugh.
    “A good example of her taunting is how she breathed fire like a dragon because you had my powers of a knight. We plushies were stitched with magic into us. You know of the spell to restore a plushy right?” He asks.
    “Light above free now this doll. Let it be stitched with love and care again.” Mina repeated.
   “Exactly. With love and care. The magic inside becomes strong when we feel love. However the darkness that corrupted makes us stronger when we feel other’s negative emotions. Each of us are different, they may think and do things differently. Some like Korasami will do it simply because they think it’s fun. Teddy was only aggressive when we provoked him, but he saw himself as a bear he grew strong as he got away from civilized things and into the park and your fear Harumi. I don’t remember everything about my old friends but I know that because we’re so different there’s no telling what they’ll do or how they act. We can gather they’ll be in places they find at home. Both Teddy and Korasami liked the park because of their interest in nature,” He explains.
    That make sense bears would like the woods and Korasami-chan being a fairy of the elements of natural the park would have a least three out of the four main ones she uses.
    I wonder of something, “Hey Knight-kun, I’m rather worried…I…I don’t think I’ll be able to keep these magic plushies a secret forever. Surely somebody will notice when something else weird attacks again.”
    “Not really, not everyone likes to believe in magic. Unless they are nearby people will won’t notice. If anything people will forget, magic is just odd like that.” Sir Plush explains.
    I sigh thinking for a moment. While I am having fun learning Tai Chi and really do want to help…I don’t know. Lately I’ve been feeling helpless. It’s the reason why I think Mina would be the better choice. She’s tough to handle the fighting and she’s really focused she planed everything out. Why not her instead of me? She’s just as kind and caring.
    “Harumi…are you okay?” Mina asked.
    I snapped out of my thoughts, “Yeah sorry…I was just thinking. I don’t know if I’m cut out for this.” Mina pulls me into a headlock.
    “Hey come on! Of course you are. You’re picking up Tai Chi really easily.  Besides you soften up Korasami-chan before I jumped in.” She hugged me a bit.
    “But I’m worn out, I barely get time to do anything fun!” I whine.
    “Hmm…It would be bad for Lady Harumi to be exhausted should a Yami Plushy show up,” Sir Plush noted.
   “Oh come on she just needs to get used to it. I do more that her load in two days,” Mina argued.
    “Harumi isn’t used to it as you stated. Thou must make arrangements so Harumi will have time to rest. Besides I agree with her, Harumi should have fun I hate to ruin her childhood like the first Knight of old.” Sir Plush argues.
    “I’ll talk with Rui-chan.” Mina gives in giving me a nuggy.
    “Thanks Mina. I can explain it to her…I think.” I smile.
    “Harumi while I do agree with you, your lessons are important. We believe in you Harumi do not doubt yourself. You’ve only begun to tap into your powers, you can do this.” Sir Plush encourages.
    Mina thinks about it for a moment. She brushed her one strand of hair from her eyes, “Hey Sir Plush why don’t you teach Harumi how to deal with these Yami Plushies? You know all about them don’t ya?”
    “I know some of them yes, but it has been long awhile. I’m afraid my knowledge would do her little good. The Plushies powers have been corrupted, there’s no telling what they can do now. And while I could teach her a few things it would only be truly be helpful if and when she was found the right one,” He explains.

    He’s got a point. I’d probably need to be reminded about said random plushy when it actually shows up anyway.
    “Harumi! Can I see you for a moment?” Mom calls.
    “Sure Mom what is it?” I ask coming down the stairs.
    “I have a special request for you. I know you’ve been busy lately but if I promise to lighten your chores a bit, how would you like to come work with me at the arcade for while?” She offered.
    ME? Work at Press Start with mom? Are you serious?
    “Um…okay but what could I do?” I ask curiously.
    “It’s really easy, see we got some new games in and the others want someone to wear some cosplay costumes of a couple of the characters in from the games to help promote them.” She explains.
    “That’s sounds like it would be fun!” I grin.
    “I thought you might like it. I already checked on the costumes a few might be a little hot for you but the place will have the AC and if you get tired you can take a break when you need to or just stand and wave hi to people.” Mom adds.
    “Cool I’d love to.”
    Mom would later go into the details, like it was okay that I could come in after school to work and that would be ideal because that’s when kids would show up anyway. There was only one other person I really had to answer to Mr. Miyamoto my mom’s boss. I’ve met him a few times and he’s really nice. You don’t see him very much because he always busy in the back areas doing boring office work stuff.
    At school the next day I talked to Hayashi-Sensei about my new job and a bit of my problem of feeling overwhelmed with the work. She smiles and said it was okay and she understood.
    “I want this to be something fun for you as well. And as long as you are committed to do it I’m more than willing to help. How about we train just on the weekends would that be easier?” She offered.
    I nodded and thanked her profusely. After school was over I head over to the arcade where Mom and Mr. Miyamoto were talking at the prize counter.
    “Good Afternoon Mr. Miyamoto.” I bow respectfully.
    “Ah there you are little Harumi, your mother and I were just talking about you. I think you’ve grown quite a bit the last time I saw you. Thank you very much for helping.” He smiles.
    Mom took me in the back area of the store where there were places I could change in private and showed me all the costumes I would wear, thankfully all of them made in my size. Except for one, Knight Armor, it’s for the new remake of Spooks & Specters. That one they made a little bigger to allow air in more and it’s meant to hide my face ‘cause the hero is a boy Knight.
    Mom said that my job is only for the week. She also promises that after the week is over and if I do a really good job we’ll go shopping again. She’s the best! I’m gonna work really hard.
    Mr. Miyamoto says I can change into any of the other costumes at any time if they get uncomfortable but he at least wants me to wear all five at least once for a little while at least an hour. 5 hours for 5 costumes give or take, seems easy enough.
    Hm? Oh you want know the other games don’t ya? Well there’s a pink robot for Explode Girl 4. An Elf mage girl for Last Legacy 15…seriously, we’re up 15 already? A bear suit for a new game called Beast Brawl. And last but not least a simple jump suit with a toy gun for Vortex 3. I’ve played the Vortex series they’re a puzzle game using a vortex gate gun. Mom told me it was actually meant for older players but she didn’t have a problem with me playing it. Nothing too inappropriate for me.
    I decided to play it smart and wear the thicker clothing first and get them out of the way. They had the game demos playing so I’m my best to mimic the moves from the videos. I was very careful in my playing around I didn’t want to knock people over passing by or break something. It was a lot of fun, I really liked seeing all the kids getting excited to play or buy the new games. Lots people want to stand next to me and take pictures. I have to admit I was worn out when the day was over, I mean sure I wasn’t trying to but 5 hours on your feet? Sheesh! I don’t know how mom does it!

    On Wednesday, Mina had the idea to come over and help me with my homework and we managed to do a bit of sparing. I however was still tired from work, I couldn’t catch my breath. Ugh…I feel so helpless sometimes. I had though with less chores and my Tai Chi lessons only on the weekends I wouldn’t feel so tired. But now I feel like I have taken on EVEN MORE than I had before!  Man I hope a Yami Plush doesn’t show up right now. I can’t handle it.
    I slink to the floor drinking some bottled water, “I can’t do this Mina. I’m just to slow to keep up with everything.”
    Mina sits down on the floor with me, “You’ll get there eventually. You’re doing great! You’ll kick the next Yami Plush’s butt in no time.”
    I shake my head no, “You should have been the Plush Knight. Your way better than me, you fight better and like it, you’re really smart like thinking about a notebook to keep track of everything. You and Sir Plush are always helping me. Even Yuki’s been a big help with my math.”
    Mina gives me nuggy, “Aww is that what you are worried about? Harumi you don’t have to compare yourself to me. You’re great just the way you are! I mean hey you had the idea of using Teddy to fight Korasami’s Earth form right?”
    “I guess…” I sigh.
    “Hey don’t worry you’re a great magic girl, everyone struggles in the beginning. I can’t tell you how many times I stumbled doing my training.” She admitted.  She gives me comforting hug, “It’s gonna be okay Harumi, I know you can do it. Ya just gonna put your mind to it!”
    I guess she’s right, still I was beginning to feel burnt out after Thursday. I tried to still show my en...enthusiasm. Ugh I still get stuck with big words. Sorry. Mom could tell I was whooped by the end of the day, I was constantly yawning.
    “Job a little too much work for ya?” She asks. I blushingly nod. “Well, you got one more day if you can stick out, I’ll treat you to something really nice.” She offers.
    I nod but had to ask, “Mommy how do you deal with it? How do you work all day every day and not feel so drained?”
    She thinks for a moment, “Well…I actually still do sometimes. It helps that I don’t have things like school keeping me busy. Part of being a grown up learning to deal with that. I’m rather lucky, I have a job I love to do. Lots of people have to work jobs that they hate but it was the only one that they could get at the time. Working at a job you like helps make it easier because it won’t feel like work and more like fun. Much like I how like to spend time making plushies for the internet.” She explains.
    “Do you ever worry that you’ll mess up? Or feel you’re not as good as others?” I ask.
    She smiles taking another bite of her dinner before answering, “Oh yes all the time. But remember everyone makes mistakes, and yeah we all wish we could do better. But here’s a little secret: There’s someone out there who wishes that could be as good as you. I got lots of people sending me messages on my computer telling me of how they wish I could do what I do. Just try your best and believe in yourself. You’d be surprise what you can do.” She encourages. I beam, my mom is wonderful I’m happy to have her. She does all these wonderful things for me.

    I really like helping others and getting to help mom at work is really fun. Actually if I’m being honest as tired as I am I wish could do this all the time. Which is why on Friday I’m trying really hard to save all my energy I can to make the last day of promoting the games special.
    However when I went to go change into one of the costumes I noticed something,   “Oh No!”
    “Is something wrong honey?” Mom asked standing outside my door.
    I got decent and showed her. Both the bear suit, the elf robes and the Knight armor were stained by what looks like a combination of ketchup and chocolate. I don’t know what happened. I did a great job taking care of them. In fact I took mom’s advice and made it a point to chance back into my normal clothes if I wanted to have a snack break.
    “I’ll tell Mr. Miyamoto. Just wear one of the others. Okay?” Mom instructed.
    I nodded, “I’m sorry, I just found them like that!”
    “I know honey, It’s okay. You’re not in trouble.” Mom assures me.
    I decided to wear Explode Girl first as I jokingly made explosion noises to simulate the bombs exploding in the game. I managed to overhear mom explaining what I had found. Apparently one of mom’s other’s co-workers confessed her babysitter brought in her two year old into the back to see her and the little one had just got done eating lunch, saw my costumes and was playing with them and that’s why they were stained. Mr. Miyamoto was naturally upset because my costumes were on loan hence why I made sure to take care of them. Sadly Mom explains later it was coming of the woman’s paycheck to pay for the damage. True it was an accident and not something the woman had any control over but she could have at least make it a point to keep a closer eye on her kid and not permitted customers in the back area.
    There was nothing we could do so I guess I just had to advertise Explode Girl 4 and Vortex 3. I felt bad for Mom’s boss. I mean on one hand sure this means I didn’t have to change so often and the jumpsuit for Vortex 3 was the easiest to wear. But a lot people including other kids liked seeing me as the Beast Bawl Bear. Oh now there’s a mouthful! Lots of people thought I looked adorable. I actually liked the other games too. Being a Knight and Elf who had...elemental…HEY! That gives me an idea! I headed in the back and got out my frog bag.
    “Sir Plush could I barrow you guys?” I asked.
   “What for? I don’t sense any dark presence.” He asked curiously.
    “Please I need the 3 other costumes for my job.” I explain.
    “Hmm…I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Sir Plush refuses.
    I gave a pouted look, “Awww please Knight-kun! Just this once it’s the last day! It’ll be fun!”
    “Oooh? Hehehe!” Korasami giggled hearing the word fun and hoped into my hands.
    “See? Korasami will help right?” I asked. She nods.
   “…Alright. I suppose so. Just be careful,” He sighs.
    I raised Korasami in hands and called out, “PLUSHY POWER ELEMENTAL FAIRY! HENSHIN!”
            My hair twisted into a French braid with a bow tie of a yin-yang and I was naturally in the Chinese style dress. I’m thankful it looks very similar to the Elf dress. A wave of my hand and the wings were gone and on my wrists and ankles were golden bracelets color coded to the elements. My ears even extended to points.
    “LET’S GO!” I shouted ready to continue my job.
    It was quite a sight everyone one was excited to see the new and improved Elf mage now. I wave around my prop wand with excitement.
    “That’s right people Last Legacy 15, the return of your classic favorites. All kinds of action and loads of magic. You’ll have hours of fun slaying baddies!” I cheered.
    This went on for a little while so I decided to switch to the Vortex 3.
“You think you’re smart? Well you better be if you want to escape the labs testing the Vortex gun. You’re gonna run into all kinds of trouble now. It’s finally here Vortex 3!” I advertised.
    Lots of gamer boys were excited to see that happen. It’s a popular series.
    I eventually switch to using Teddy, Sir plush tried to tell me something but I was too busy to listen. Now garbed in my bear outfit a few moms pinch my round ears but gently.
    “Rawww! I’m not cute! I’m a rough and tumble Fighter! I’ll show you! My claw frenzy will slash through ya! Sure go ahead use that special orb power up! I dare ya! Grrr!” I pretend to growl.
    The crowd cheered and laughed at my performance. I got pictures taken with me and other kids flexing their muscles showing how tough we are. Mom and Mr. Miyamoto however were watching from a far. Uh oh. They looked at each other than at me and then back to each other shrugging. I didn’t notice this I was too enthralled with my job.
    “Come on Knight-kun you’re last one!” I pleaded, having to change one last time.
    “I will not, thou must heed my warning, it’s too dangerous. Someone is gonna be suspicious.” Sir Plus objected.
    “But I’m almost done for the day. I can’t leave them hanging! It’s important!” I argued.
    “…Alright, but do not say I did not warn thee.” He gave in.
    Just to be on the safe side I whispered the words to merge with Knight-kun and using my wand. The Lance was okay but I switch to my prop shield to make me more game accurate.
    What I didn’t know was that Mom had hear a bit of my conversation including me saying some of my magic words. She thought this was odd but didn’t say anything…for now.
    “It’s getting dark now, get the game before the monsters show up! Don’t worry I’m not scared of no Spooks or Specters! Hang on Princess we’ll stop that Oni and save ya!” I said waving my lance around carefully as not to smack someone.
    And that was it, I was done. My job was over and everyone had a fun time. I returned the remaining costumes to Mr. Miyamoto.
    “I have a surprise for you. You’ve been a very big help. So here I thought you might like these,” He set a few things on the table.
    I looked over them, there were a copy of all the games I helped soled. He then handed me an envelope.
    “Here open it.” He said.
    I do so, and pulled out something that made my eyes widen. It was a check in my name for $300.
    “Ehhh? I’m getting paid?” I asked in shock.
    “Well of course. It’s a lot of hard work to do that kind of thing all week. You did a great job. Think I could have you come back again next time something this happens?”
    “Sure! I’d love to! If my mom says it’s okay. I love dressing up.”
    “I don’t have a problem with it. I’ve very proud of you Harumi. Come on let’s go have dinner.” Mom says with a smile having heard it all.
     We went to a slightly fancier café to celebrate a good job. My gosh the food is amazing! I love it! Still not as good’s mom’s. Half way through Mom had to ask a question Sir Plush was trying to warn me about.
    “Harumi, I have to ask where did you find those spare costumes? Mr. Miyamoto said he didn’t have extras and when we checked your changing room they were gone.”
    I blush a bit, “Um…I don’t really know. I just found them laying out for me. I thought someone brought them in for me. I don’t know what happen to them.”
    I feel a little guilty lying to mom. But I had to, I can’t tell her about Sir Plush and the others can I? It’s too dangerous. I don’t want her to get hurt. Plus if I do…she’ll try to stop me. I know she just wants to protect me but…the Yami plushies have to be stopped and I only I can do it. I know that now.
    Mom sighs, “Oh well, I guess it doesn’t really matter. Did you learn anything from this?”
    “I learned that a lot hard work can really pay off. I didn’t think I handle doing all that but I did. If I really try who knows what I can do.” I smile.
    Mom beams and sighs happily. We finished dinner and headed for home. I will admit I am still tired. I’m glad I also made my Tai Chi training tomorrow later in the day. Rui-chan said that, that actually works better for her. I also learned something else: even if it’s not something I want to do but had to, I should still put all the effort into making the job worthwhile.

Episode 3 ends.