Hello, everyone.

Sorry for not updating sooner. My hectic schedule combined with my enduring case of writer's block has been exhausting, so they may be some delays on the stories. Nevertheless, there are a lot of things in the Fall to celebrate, which includes birthdays. From u's, we have Kousaka Honoka and Minami Kotori while in Aquors, there is Takami Chika, Sakurauchi Riko, and Kurosama Ruby. So let's all wish them a Wonderful (Belated) Happy Birthday!

Also, I'm so excited for the upcoming second season of Love Live Sunshine next week.

Now on with the next chapter.

I do not own Love Live.


They're coming!

Everyone, Run!

Hurry to the Shelters!

In a remote town on a certain day, an incident was unfolding that has caused the townspeople to flee from their houses, shouts of fear and paranoia filled the air.

Among the panicked masses was a little girl carried by her mother, who was running from the confusion. The child buried her face on her mother's chest, scared of the loud noises around her. For whatever reason, she timidly lifted her head to see the chaos behind her.

Houses set ablaze and leveled. Debris from the crumbling buildings were falling on the ground, some of it landing on the people escaping from the chaos.

At another direction, she saw what looked like giant insects of different shapes and sizes, moving towards them, cutting down and killing any victims that couldn't escape in time.

As the horrific scenes were etched into her mind, her eyes was suddenly blinded by a large blue-green light that shoots upward from a far distance.


AGH!

Riko opens her eyes widely while making a sharp yelp.

She slowly props herself up with her arms from her bed in a sitting position and places her hand on her chest, her body covered in sweat.

Riko took a few seconds to take deep breaths to regulate her breathing and heartbeat. After calming herself down, she lays back down and stares at the ceiling.

Why did I dream about that? It was something that happened years ago, so why now?

As her worry float in her mind, she falls back to sleep.


[At Uranohoshi Girl's Academy]

Soooo hoooot, Chika said in an exhaustive tone, leaning back on her chair, fanning herself with some papers lying around.

It's true that it is very sunny today, Riko said, shielding her eyes with one of her hands from the sunlight coming through the windows while holding a broom with another.

Well, it is almost summer after all, You said with a wry smile.

It was after school where the three girls were hanging in their classroom on the second floor. Chika and Riko were assigned classroom duty while You was waiting around until it was time for diving practice.

The heat aside, did any of you think of any more ideas? Chika said as she looks at the two.

It has been a few weeks since Riko arrive to Uchiura in the spring. As season changes to summer, the weather has become much hotter than what she experienced when living in the Country of Mori. Thanks to the locals and her friends, the Hyou has become accustomed to the town life although she could never get used to occasional surprises, particularly coming from Chika.

They decided before to come up with ideas to help invigorate the town.

Days have passed, but they still didn't have a solid idea to work with.

At first, they look at the attractive parts of Uchiura that would draw people to the town.

As Chika and You point out early on, other than the beautiful scenery and the warm hospitality of the town, Uchiura didn't have any other interesting attractions compared to the cities.

Next, they try to think of fun activities and events that can take place in the town throughout the year although their options are limited due to lack of resources.

Haaaaa, I hate to say it, but nothing really exciting ever happens around here, You said in a dissatisfied tone.

That may be a good thing in a way, Riko said.

But that's not good at all! Chika said with a frustrated expression. What people want is something that makes them excited and wanting more.

Well, it's too bad that we don't have a club or group that can help us with this, Riko said. This is way too much for just the three of us.

A… Club? Chika said slowly, tilting her head to the side.

What do you mean, Riko-chan? You said.

Well, this school has after-school clubs, right? Riko said.

Because of the dwindling number of students, there were very few clubs in the school, but there are some nevertheless.

Hm, Both Chika and You nod their heads in agreement.

This thing is, having a club would mean more people working together and they can get school funds for their activities, Riko said.

That's a great idea, Riko-chan! Chika said loudly as she went to grasp the Hyou's hand with both her own. We should start our own club!

Eh?! Riko said, taken back by the Inu's unexpected answer. But, I was just making that suggestion at the top of my head. To tell you the truth, I really don't know if it will help us though.

Riko-chan's right, Chika-chan. Besides, do you really think that they'll let us form a club just for our personal use? You said.

It's not just for us. We are trying to save our town from extinction, Chika said with a burning passion in her eyes. If that is not important enough, then I don't know what is.

Extinction? Riko said

It'll be fine. How hard could it be? Chika said with a smile.

Before either Riko or You could respond, the three felt the floor shook slightly under their feet.

Chika-chan! Didn't I tell you before not to stomp the floor like that? Riko scolded.

Eh? But that was not me, Chika said.

The three girls then felt a slow, but steady rhythm of vibrations, which was made partly visible by the rippling of the water in a nearby bucket.

After a few seconds, the tremors ceased.

Oh, it stopped, You said.

Before long, they heard loud screams coming from outside the classroom followed by a loud glass-shattering sound. After looking at each other for a second, the girls run to the door.


[Minutes Earlier]

On the first floor of the school, a girl by the name of Kunikida Hanamaru was sitting on a desk, reading a medium blue-colored book in one of the classrooms. She had light brown hair with pointed ears on her head and a thick, fluffy tail with a slight curl at the tip.

What cha doing, Yoshiko-chan, zura? Hanamaru said, as she closes her book to look at someone who also in the classroom.

It's not Yoshiko! It's Yohane! And if you must know, I am performing a ritual to see into the future, the dark blue-haired girl said in an irritated look. The said girl, Tsushima Yoshiko, was wearing a black cloak with a hood, holding a candle with one hand and an old book with another.

Hmmmm. By the way, isn't it hot to be wearing black clothes? Hanamaru said, looking with unconcerned yellow-colored eyes.

Kukuku… These are but another formal attire of the fallen angel. What's more, the sun has no effect for the likes of Yohane's power. Yoshiko said confidently even when sweat droplets cover her forehead. So let me do my work, Zuramaru!

Watching them interact in shy silence was another girl with bright red hair tied in pigtails and emerald-colored eyes. Her name was Kurosawa Ruby, a student in the same year as the other two. She sported short, flat ears and a pointed, straight tail similar to an otter. Although she was close friends with Hanamaru, she only met with Yoshiko a few weeks ago, when she transferred from another school in a different town. From what Ruby heard, Yoshiko was Hanamaru's childhood friend. She thought that Yoshiko seems like a nice girl amidst a bit strange with her interest in the 'fallen angel' although Hanamaru didn't mind as she was used to the other's girl's antics.

Suddenly, the sunlight coming through the windows disappear, which was noticed by the three girls.

When they look out the window to see what happened, their faces paled as white as snow.

Ah ah ah Ruby let out nonsensical gibberish as she fell on her behind, her body was petrified with fear.

C-Could it be that an agent from hell has come for me? Yoshiko said as her body trembling completely, waiting to give out.

R-RUN AWAY, ZUURAAAA! Hanamaru shouted at the top of her lungs. Her voice echoed into the hallways.


On the third floor, three girls exit out of their classroom after hearing loud noises to see what was happening.

What's going on?! A girl with long, violent-blue hair and purple-colored eyes said as they saw students running in one direction in the hallways.

They saw that the wall of one side of the building was ripped away, leaving a gaping hole in the school.

However, what made the scene even more outrageous was the appearance of a red-pinkish-colored creature standing in front of the gap, whose height was roughly the same as the school building. It had a humanoid body, but its head was like that of an anemone, several tentacles and a wide mouth with jagged barbs.

PIGIIIIII

A high-pitched scream from above alerts them to look up see some of the students being held by some of the tentacles, including someone they knew.

RUBY! A elegant girl with black hair and green-colored eyes said in a high-pitched scream as she runs towards the direction of the creature.

Dia! You mustn't get any closer! Another girl with blond hair and eyes that matches her hair said, who grabs her friend by her waist before she could get near to the creature.

Let me go, Mari-san! I have to save my sister! Dia said in a desperate voice as she tries to struggle out of the golden-haired girl's grip.

WATCH OUT! A voice shouted as they felt someone forcibly shove them backwards to the ground.

T-That hurts… What t-

Mari recovers from the impact to retort, but her words fell when she saw her friend, Kanan, captured by one of the creature's tentacles, struggling as she is lifted up into the air towards the creature.

Ugg ghhh, Kanan grunted as the tentacles slowly wrap around her arms and legs.

NOOO! KANANNNNN!

KANAN-SAN !

Both Mari and Dia screamed frantically, but could only stand there helplessly against the towering monster.


Are you kidding me? Chika said with a blank voice.

When Chika, You, and Riko went into the hallways, there was terrified screams from the students as they run to one side of the school. The reason was because there was massive monster coming from the opposite direction, leaving behind a scene of destruction in its path. They saw that some of the students got injured as they try to escape from the building.

It took a moment for them to realize the severity of their situation, but before they could react, a stray tentacle reaches out and grabs Chika by the waist.

KYYYAAA, Chika screamed as she lifted into the air.

CHIKA-CHAN! You said. Damn it! What should we do?!

Why….

Hearing a soft voice, You turns her head to see Riko, who was trying to say something.

Why… I thought it was already over…. Why is this happening again?! Riko said with an erratic tone, who fell on her knees. The Hyou's body is trembling violently as she is seeing something unbelievable.

Riko-chan?! What's wrong? You said despite her being afraid. Compared to the others, the Inu thought that the Hyou's reaction was off.

Another roar coming from the creature draws everyone's attention except for Riko, who seems to be in an internal state of panic.

Please… Someone….the Hyou thought as she closes her eyes tightly as she couldn't bear to watch what may come.

"Let's do our best, Riko-chan!"

"Of course, you're our friend after all!"

Amidst her chaos of thoughts, The Hyou remembers the voices of her friends, suddenly followed by an unknown voice that came from inside her mind.

FIGHT!

Reaching her mental limit, a feeling deep inside Riko's heart spreads throughout her body, making her lift her head and slowly stand up, which went unnoticed.


Meanwhile, the students and teachers scattered near the school building could only watch in horror as the creature brings the girls it caught closer to its mouth. It was at this time….

[Fireball]

A ball made of fire was shoot out of nowhere at an unprecedented speed, and hits the mouth of the creature, resulting in a blood-curling scream. The source of the attack came from none other than Riko.

Riko…chan? You said, her mouth slightly agape.

YAAHHHH!

The next second, Riko lets out a maddening cry as she dashes towards the creature, shocking the people near her.

….R-Riko-chan! Wait! You said after she shakes off her initial shock of the weird behavior of the Hyou.

As she approached the broken edge of the second floor hallway, Riko uses the strength of her legs to jump across the gap between the building and the creature. The force of the jump propelled the Hyou directly to the monster. Before bracing for impact, Riko shifts her body to where her right side is facing the monster, delivering a shoulder blow to the monster's upper area.

The impact was strong enough to cause the creature to fall backwards until it landed on its back.

Although her body slides down the monster slightly, Riko grips onto its skin with her nails on one hand and winding back her other hand, balling it up into a fist that was seemingly glowing a red light, before landing a punch to the creature.

The punches causes the body to ripple, forcing the air of the creature's mouth each time.

After the initial hit, Riko starts a series of short, but intense punches to the creature's abdomen.

Let. Them. Go, Riko let a few words escape her mouth between the punches.

The relentless attack by the Hyou somehow debilitates the monster, making it loosen the grip of the tentacles, allowing its captives slip out slightly.

!

Taking the chance, Kanan wriggles out its grip and escape by jumping off while Riko was distracting the creature. After landing on the ground, she ran to where Chika the others were, who were unconscious and on the verge of falling to the ground.

Kanan reaches for the tentacles holding them, pulls them off each girl, and rescuing them one by one.

After making sure they were all secured, she ran as far away as she could from the monster, carrying Ruby and Hanamaru on her back while holding Yoshiko and Chika with each arm.

By the time Kanan was able to rescue the captured girls and move them to a safe distance, some of the other classmates exit the building and ran towards her direction as she finished gently laying the others on the ground.

KANAN! the golden-haired girl screams as she crashes into the taller girl's body knocking both of them to the ground. KANAN! KANAN!

M-Mari.. Calm down, Kanan said, who softly rubs the girl's trembling back.

No! I am not letting you go ever again! Mari said loudly, burying her face into the chest, tears falling from her eyes as she tighten her grip around Kanan's waist.

RUBY! Dia said, who went to the younger girl and check on her body. Seeing there are no serious injuries on the small girl, Dia let a sigh of relief before looking worried at Kanan. Are you ok, Kanan-san?

No biggie. Everyone else is fine as well, just knocked out, Kanan said with a nervous smile.

Chika-chan! Chika-chan! Wake up, You said, lightly shaking the Inu's shoulder.

Y-You-chan.. Chika said, her eyelids flicker as they open to the see the worried face of the ash-gray haired girl.

Thank goodness you're awake, Chika-chan, You said, with a relieved look. Does it hurt anywhere?

While Chika was waking up from her, Ruby, Hanamaru, and Yoshiko were still unconscious from their ordeal.

I think so? Chika said with a confused look while her face was very close to her friend's. What happened?

T-That's… You stuttered, who couldn't find her the words to explain.

Before You could explain, Chika and the others heard an inhuman scream and look at the direction to see the pink creature standing up with the Hyou next to it.

Hey! Over here! Riko yelled, trying to get the creature's attention by throwing a few fireballs at its head.

Riko-chan? Chika said, her eyes widened as she saw her friend trying to fight the massive monster.

Eventually, the creature became agitated, which was shown by its restless tentacles, and starts walking at the Hyou's direction. In response, the red-haired girl started running to the forest next to the school.

Riko-chan! Chika said with a frightened expression as she finds her footing to stand up and clumsily chase after the Hyou.

Chika-chan wait! You said who runs after her friend.


[At Another part of Uchira]

Gulp Gulp Gulp Haaa! That hits the spot.

Chiba let out a satisfied breath after drinking some water from a clear glass bottle.

He was sitting on a wooden bench, taking a break from his work.

I supposed I should get back to the store. The boxes won't move themselves, Chiba said.

As he begins to get up from his seat….

Grrrrrrrrrrr

Bark! Bark!

Wan! Wan! Wan!

Chiba saw that his companions was barking and growling loudly while glaring something at a distance.

What's wrong, You guys? Chiba said with a confused expression as he looks to where they were looking at before sensing an ominous, yet familiar aura that made the hairs on his body stand up.

This… But why is….

Left speechless, but spurred by a bad feeling in his gut, the Ookami grabs his work bag and starts to run to the source of the aura, the dogs following after him.


Good. I got its attention, Riko thought as she was running deeper into the woods. Despite her heartbeat thumping so hard that she felt it was going to burst out of her chest and her mind was flooded with overwhelming dread and fear, the Hyou surprisingly wore a calm, but determination expression.

The pace of the creature was slow enough for the Hyou to maintain her distance.

While sprinting, Riko reaches into her school uniform and retrieves a necklace with a green-blue crystal attached to a black lanyard. Removing her necklace from her neck and gripping the crystal in her hand, Riko concentrates her aura to her hand. Seeing that she has gotten far enough from the school and making sure that the creature was still coming her way, she stops running and turns around to face the approaching creature.

Hope this works, Riko said in a soft voice before kneeling down and plants her hand onto the ground with the crystal at the center of her palm.

[Summon]

Suddenly, a circle of light surrounds Riko as green markings appear on the Hyou's body.

From the ground in the middle of the circle emerges a large, hulking animal on four legs, twice the size of the Hyou.

The animal had the appearance of a leopard with greyish-silver fur coupled with black strips and markings on its body. It was wearing what looked like a tan vest covering its upper body with a handle on the back.

When the circle disappears, Riko stood up as the leopard came to the side of the Hyou.

Come Mikei! Riko said as she jump-climbs on top on the back of the beast.

RROOAAARR

The beast opens its mouth to let out a bellowing roar that ripples through the air, exposing its set of sharp fangs, as it charges at the creature.

In response, the creature stops its movement and uses one of its arms to take a swipe at the two who was moving closer to it on the ground.

Seeing the arm coming straight at them….

Jump, Mikei! Riko said in a commanding voice.

Using its leg muscles, the leopard leaps into the air.

Despite its bulky appearance, the leopard's agility not only dodges the attack, but also jump high enough to where they were both above the creature.

There it is, Riko thought as she spots an unbefitting gem-like structure from the reflection of the sunlight, embedded on the top of the creature's head, protected by the free flowing tentacles. Without hesitation, Riko jumps from the leopard's back. Despite the risk, the Hyou lands randomly within the bed of tentacles on the monster's head.

At the same time, the leopard dives from midair, aiming for one of the monster's arm, where it was sinking its teeth. Both of them hold on firmly as the creature was flailing around to throw them off.

Amidst the chaos, Riko was able to reach the core within arm's length.

Please go through, Riko thought as aura of a blue static-like light gather around her right arm.

[Lightning Claw]

When her attack hit the stone directly, a fissure forms on the core.

CRACK!

Clunks of the core broke apart as her aura was infusing into the opening, causing it to shatter into pieces.

The Hyou could feel the energy from the core building up, so she jump backwards just as the core releases a blast. As the Hyou was blown away from the explosion, she was received by the leopard, who catches her on its back in midair. As the two land on the ground, the creature falls on its side as its body start to dissolve into red-colored glitter fragments.

When Riko determines that the danger is over, she relaxes her body and looks at her companion.

Thank you, Mikei. I promise I will pay you back next time, Riko said as she gets off the beast and nuzzles against the leopard's face. The beast in turn bumps its head back in affection, making a light purring sound.

Soon, a light envelopes the panther. Within seconds, the light disperses into the air, the beast along with the markings on Riko disappear along with it.

Riko-chan!

The Hyou look to see Chika, You, and some of the other classmates standing meters from her. They had expression of shock and awe, which meant they must have saw what she did.

While the Hyou was worried about the repercussions from today's incident, she was nevertheless happy that her friends are safe.

Everyone. I'm gla….

The Hyou didn't finish her sentence as her body suddenly loses all strength, hitting the ground with a loud thud.

RIKO-CHAN! Chika screams as she runs to her friend.


What the hell happened here? Chiba said in a low voice. The Ookami ran in the direction of the school after following flames and sparks suddenly appearing in the sky. He arrives at the scene minutes after the clash between Riko and the creature, standing and staring in disbelief at the damage to the ground before him. There was a visible crater that was smoldering on the ground with downed trees littering around it.

Oi Riko-chan! Are you ok?! Open your eyes! Wake-up!

Chiba looks to see Riko lying unconscious on the ground.

A girl was holding up Riko's body as other girls gather around the two, worried about the Hyou.

Trying to connect the pieces together, the Ookami has a vague idea of what happened, showing a troubled expression.

What is going on? Chiba said as he grit his teeth.


Sorry about the sudden turn of events, but it was necessary for the story to move forward.

Stay tuned for the next update.

Thank you for the feedback so far.

Reviews, suggestions, and comments are welcomed.