Chapter Text
It's the very first train leaving Ooarai on Saturday morning. Japan Senshadou Federation wants me to do some paperwork in their office in Tokyo. So here I am, half-asleep, in a nearly empty diesel railcar. There's only one passenger other than me. A blonde girl, who's looking through the window at misty rice fields surrounding the railway line. I think I've seen her before, but I'm not sure. The girl looks around. It's not deja vu, the fellow passenger is indeed Darjeeling, commander of st. Gloriana Academy Senshadou team herself. I have to admit, she's way less recognizable in casual clothes. I wave at her, hoping she'll recognize me.
"Good morning, Anon-san."
"Good morning Darjeeling. Don't bother with -san, you're a commander, so we're equal in hierarchy"
"Ok, Anon. So, what made you take a train this early? "
"Bureaucracy. Senshadou Federation wants me to do some paperwork in Tokyo."
Darjeeling nods in understanding.
"I know something about that."
Then, the right one of her usual two braided hair buns unfurls unexpectedly. Long blonde hair drops onto seat next to her. If she stood up, it would probably reach her knees. Darjeeling loses her composure and blushes.
"A-a real lady would never allow this to happen" she says in a shaky voice, trying to keep a cool head.
"We're not in combat. Calm down. "
Darjeeling has picked up the hairband that got loose and now she's intensively searching through her handbag for a hairbrush.
"It's all because I was in a hurry and half-asleep..."
"I'm not blaming you. Do you want me to help you with your hair?"
Darjeeling has finally found the hairbrush. "If you could..."
She passes me the hairbrush and turns around so I can have better access to her hair.
"May I try something a little bit different?"
"Ok, go on. We're not in combat. "
I untie what's left of her braid and brush left half of her hair. I tie a high ponytail.
"Twintails? They're indeed cute, but not that convenient for traveling."
"Don't worry, that's not just twintails" I say, as I begin to braid the ponytail. "By the way, why didn't you take a car? You've got a few Land Rovers for Senshadou club use"
"They're not registered as street legal and I don't have a license. We can only drive them offroad"
"What a pity." I say as I end the braid in half of her hair length and wrap it around the base. "Where is the other hairband?"
"I've got it here." She passes me the hairband. "I'm getting curious, is it going to be space buns?"
"Something along Sailor Moon buns" I say as I untie her left braided bun "But better"
"My sister likes Sailor Moon, she's going to like it."
"You have a sister? I didn't know."
"Yep. I'm going to meet with my family today. We're going to see the Ueno Zoo."
"Sounds awesome. Are you from Tokyo?"
"No. I'm from Yokohama. Fortunately, there's a good train connection."
"...and it's done" I say as I finish tying her high hair bun.
Darjeeling's hair is now tied into Sailor Moon-like twintails with braided buns. The twintails reach only to her waist, as the rest of her hair is bundled up. She reaches for her handbag and take out a pocket mirror.
"Cute, yet dignified. There has to be a fitting Shakespeare quote for this..."
"You'll think about this later, now we have to change trains to Joban line."