The students and teachers of Shinzo Academy are assembled a short distance away from the main gate, most of their faces looking anxious. All of them were trying to comprehend the events that developed until now. It was no surprise for them to feel this way especially since they did see Jack and the Blood Maidens, whom they thought were ordinary youths, battling a horde of monsters at their school. Watching the school building, all hoped that nothing worse would happen.
In between the main gate and the crowd of people, the police cars that arrived previously remained at their spot. The police officers who were injured by Jabberwock were sent to the town hospital. The remaining ones lined up in front of the main gate waiting for backup while preventing any civilians from entering the school compound. Hatter, March and Drake were facing the line of policemen with the first of the trio trying to convince the officers to let them in. Earlier, they stayed by the main gate to guide any remaining people out of the school after Jack and the Blood Maidens left to search for Hinata inside it.
"I'm telling you, man, you gotta let us in. There're still some people inside that school and we need to get them out of there!"
"As I have said, you cannot go in there. Please remain here until our backup arrives," A police officer calmly replied to Hatter's demands.
"What do you mean "until our backup arrives?!" Hatter shot back in disbelief. "You got people inside that building and you just stand around here waiting for your pals to come? Are you out of your mind?!"
"Like I said, you need to remain here-"
"Don't gimme that crap, man," Hatter cut off the officer. "Who's your superior? I wanna talk to him right this moment!"
"Excuse me," A voice came from behind Hatter and his friends. Four individuals dressed in black uniforms, who had arrived at the scene and made their way through the crowd of innocent people, approached the policemen guarding the main gate and stood next to Hatter's group. They were a man with a rough appearance, a bespectacled fair skinned woman, a short young girl and a boy with blue unkempt hair. Seeing the newcomers, the students murmured amongst themselves.
"Is this Shinzo Academy?" the rough looking man asked the police officers.
"Yes, it is. Who are you, sir? We ask that you stand back and not attempt to enter the school," said one of the officers.
"We are members of the Dawn, an organization working alongside the National Defense Bureau," the woman responded to the officer. "We have reason to believe that an unusual occurrence is taking place at this town and have come to investigate,"
"The National Defense Bureau?" another officer said. "What business does the government have in this?"
"More importantly, we've come to lead all of you to safety," stated the gruff man. "It's not safe here and you should leave the rest to us,"
"Leave the rest to you?" Hatter stared at the man. "Look, old man, I dunno who you are but, there are still people inside that building! We can't be standing here leaving them alone!"
"Hatter's right. We're not leaving until Jack and the girls come back to us,"
"Wait, do you know Jack?" the blue haired boy turned intrigued at Drake's statement.
"We are his friends. Aside from that, may I know who you all are?" asked March.
"We're friends of Jack's as well. Don't worry, we're not going to leave anyone behind. Come with us. We need to get everyone to a safer place,"
Up on Shinzo Academy's roof, Jack and the Blood Maidens are in a conundrum. All of them were contemplating on how to save Towa without having to destroy Jabberwock entirely. Unfortunately, they remained silent as neither of them were able to come up with any solution. As the air around those on the roof remained still, all Hinata and Ichijo's gang along with the White Rabbit could do was stand and watch.
"You cannot possibly forsake the life of a friend in peril, can you?" Jabberwock, with Towa's face still on his chest, mocked Jack and the Blood Maidens. "All you can do is offer your lives to me as penance for killing my kind,"
"Do not be disheartened!" the White Rabbit caught Jack and the girls' attention with his words. "Remember. Anything is possible. That is what I have mentioned once to all of you,"
"Once?" Jack said, confused. "Have we met before?"
"I've been meaning to ask," Alice said to the White Rabbit. "Who or what are you? You seem to know about us even though we've never met,"
"I will explain later. For now, let us retreat. At our current rate, it is unwise to fight Jabberwock head on,"
"So, you choose to run with your tail in between your legs?" As Jabberwock spoke, Towa's face disappeared into his chest. Conjuring a fireball in his hand, he added, "I will not allow that!" Everyone braced themselves as the entity prepared to hurl it towards Jack and the Blood Maidens. Right when Jabberwock was about to launch his attack, a voice from above stopped him.
"Please stop," A figure came down from the sky, landing in front of Jack's group and facing Jabberwock. It was a young girl with long pink hair bearing a pair of angelic wings on her back. Dressed in a white robe, she exuded a radiant and divine presence. Upon seeing the angelic figure, Jack and the Blood Maidens immediately recognized her. She was the angelic being who helped them to defeat the Snark and brought the humans trapped in the Jail back to the surface world.
"You're…!" Jack exclaimed.
"It has been a while, my friends," the angelic girl greeted Jack and the Blood Maidens.
"W-W-Who is this?" Sanji stammered as he alongside his friends and Hinata were stupefied at the sudden arrival of an angel.
"Another one dares to interfere with me?" an irritated Jabberwock said. ""Who are you?!"
"I am Arika," the angelic girl replied. "I have come to stop you from harming the lives of the people,"
"How much more interference must I face before I can achieve my goal? So, be it. If that is the case, I shall do this!" Jabberwock began accumulating dark energy inside his hands. Seeing this, Arika spoke to Jack's group hastily.
"Everyone, we shall escape immediately. Gather around me quickly!"
"W-What for?" asked a hesitant Gotou.
"There is no time! Hurry!" Wasting no time, Jack and his company huddled around Arika. The latter began to conjure a white sphere which enveloped the whole group including herself. The sphere lifted everyone up into the air to the astonishment of Hinata and Ichijo's gang. Within seconds, Jack's group flew off and was about to pass the parapet at the front of the school building.
"You shall not escape!" Jabberwock slammed his hands into the ground causing multiple black tendrils to emerge at a rapid speed out of the ground. Some of them were about to grab onto the sphere containing Arika and her companions. Fortunately, the White Rabbit jumped at the tendrils and chopped them down in the nick of time. Landing on the ground, the White Rabbit headed for the parapet and jumped off the rooftop.
With Jabberwock having failed to capture Arika's group, the latter were able to escape the roof safely. They began descending down onto the area facing the main gate which was now empty. Arriving there, Arika removed the sphere that carried the group. It was then that she started to have a strained expression on her face much to Jack and the Blood Maidens' concern.
"Hey, are you alright?" Red Riding Hood asked Arika.
"I'm fine. It's just that I've used too much of my powers at the moment," When Arika finished speaking, Mr. Shiro ran from the school yard and joined everyone.
"Is everyone alright?" Mr. Shiro asked with concern.
"Mr. Shiro! Where have you been?" Hinata said.
"That will need to wait. Right now, there is a more serious matter at hand," Mr. Shiro turned around to look at the school. Joining him, the group was shocked to find that the whole of Shinzo Academy was being engulfed by black tendrils, the same ones Jabberwock summoned. The tendrils wrapped themselves on each and every part of the school, slowly obscuring all parts of it.
"What's happening to our school?!" Ichijo's eyes widened at the sight of the school.
"Hey, you guys!" From the western road, four individuals in black uniforms came running to the group. When the group's eyes met theirs, Jack and the Blood Maidens recognized the people as their friends from the Dawn.
"Haru, Miko!" Red Riding Hood said in surprise. "And Clara and Major too!"
"When did you get here?" Thumbelina asked Haru and his companions.
"Just now," replied Haru. "We've sent the students and teachers to the town square. And also-" Haru paused upon looking at Shinzo Academy. "What's going on here?" Everyone watched as the school, now covered by the tendrils, slowly transformed into a different structure. What was once the school was now a seemingly organic edifice, it's surface containing spaces which emitted an eerie pinkish light. The building's entrance changed into a different form resembling that of a mouth.
"No way…" Alice's eyes were wide open in disbelief. As the group stared at the alien edifice, one thing was clear to them.
Shinzo Academy was no more.
In the sky above Wonder Ville, the sun shone bright signaling the arrival of afternoon. A convoy of police cars are headed to Shinzo Academy. In the meantime, the students and teachers of Shinzo Academy huddled themselves in the middle of the town roundabout after they were sent there by Haru and his team. Hatter, March and Drake stood together with the crowd after parking their truck near the north road. Watching over the people are the policemen from earlier whose cars are now lined up at the west road's entrance.
A moment later, a few of Jack and the Blood Maidens' classmates together with Hatter's group noticed Jack and his friends coming from the west road. As Jack's group went round the police cars facing the said road, the students ran towards them with Hatter and his two friends in the lead.
"Yo, Jack! Girls! You're all right! Thank G-" Right when Hatter's group met Jack's, he became surprised and awestruck at the presence of Arika. "GOOD G** HAVE MERCY!" Jack and his company stared as Hatter nearly lost his balance. "It's an angel! I have died and gone to heaven!" With mesmerized eyes, Hatter kneeled in front of Arika. Holding her hands, he said "Tell me, beautiful angel, what is your name?" At the sight of Hatter's behavior, Thumbelina, who was standing near him, twisted his ear.
"Ow, ow, ow, ow! What was that for, Thumby?!" Hatter got onto his feet and looked at Thumbelina.
"Have you no shame approaching a girl and seducing her right out of the blue?" Thumbelina motioned her hand to Arika.
"I ain't seducing nobody, Thumby. Besides, did Halloween come early this year or something? First, we saw something out of a B-grade horror movie and now we've got an angel paying planet Earth a visit!" While Hatter was speaking, the students behind him flocked around Jack and the Blood Maidens as well as Arika. They began bombarding them with questions on the current situation and Arika's appearance. It took Haru and Miko to step in and calm the students down. As the two did their job, Major and Clara quickly moved Jack, the Blood Maidens and Arika away from their questioners. Hatter's trio along with Ichijo's gang then followed Jack and his company.
"Listen you first years," Ichijo said to Jack and the Blood Maidens. "Who exactly are you all? We saw you fighting those monsters as if they were nothing. Have you fought those things before?"
"We will tell you everything that you wish to know," Alice said to Ichijo. "For now, let's head elsewhere. This place is not suitable for us to explain everything,"
Jack and the Blood Maidens are currently in their house standing behind one of the sofas in the lounge. At the sofa in front of them sat Mr. Shiro, his laptop on the table. On Mr. Shiro's left and right, Major and Clara as well as Hatter's trio sat on one sofa each. Hinata stood in between the sofas in which Mr. Shiro and Hatter's band are sitting in. Behind Hatter and his friends were Ichijo's gang. As for Arika, she stood in front of the table, facing everyone in the lounge. Haru and Miko are not present as they have gone to the police station to explain the happenings at Shinzo Academy.
"It appears everyone is here," Arika stated.
"In that case, let's make this as quick as possible," Alice said. "We need to get back to the school,"
"We're not going anywhere until you tell us what's going on," Hatter's face was serious. "What really happened at school today?"
"And the monsters that were at our school," Yoshikawa said to Jack's side. "What are they?"
"Do you really wish to know?" Despite speaking with her usual deadpan expression, Gretel's voice concealed a tone of caution. "If you do, we will have to start from the very beginning. On top of that, the things that you desire to learn may be something far beyond what most of us in this room can comprehend,"
"What do you mean by that?" asked Nijima.
"To begin with," Alice brought her attention to Hatter's side. "Are you aware of a disaster that occurred in Japan fifteen years ago?"
"Are you talking about the incident where a city fell underground and got covered up by an unknown object?" enquired Hinata.
"That is correct, Hinata," Alice replied.
"I have heard about it ever since I was a child," March gestured to Hatter and Drake. "And so have the both of them,"
"We know about it too," Sanji said. "Why are you bringing that up?"
"Because it is from that disaster that everything began," Mr. Shiro answered Sanji's question.
"Can you please explain what you mean, Mr. Shiro?" Drake brought himself forward.
"I will do that," At Alice's words, she started detailing to Hatter's side about the things pertaining to the Jail-Of how the humans suffered imprisonment and torture inside it as well as the ordeals Alice and her friends underwent in order to escape the Jail. Alice also brought everyone up to date on the events that took place previously. When Alice finished her story, the faces of those at Hatter's side showed a combination of surprise and incredulity.
"You mean to tell us that all of you were caught in that disaster?" Hinata, his eyes wide open, asked Jack and the Blood Maidens.
"That's right," Alice looked as if she was recalling the past. "For fifteen years, we lived and fought in that living prison. For as long as we could remember, our lives revolved around nothing but, that,"
"So, let me get this straight," Hatter said to Jack's side. "You fellas basically escaped a living h***hole filled with a bunch of creatures giving people some S & M. That it?"
"Pretty much, yeah…" Red Riding Hood frowned due to not knowing the meaning of "S & M".
"What kind of bulls*** is that?" Sounding disbelieved, Hatter turned sideways and then brought his attention back to Jack and the Blood Maidens. Extending one hand forward, he said, "Were those things trying to run a red light district underground?"
"Red light district?" Rapunzel turned curious.
"I mean, what kind of cruel fate led you pretty girls to fight those Marchens? Or whatever they are. I've heard of kids going to war but, that's some really messed up s*** you all went through there,"
"I wouldn't say it was fate. Rather, it was our destiny," said Gretel.
"Why do you say that?" asked March.
"To be honest, we aren't exactly human ourselves," Red Riding Hood had a look of unease. "The truth is we were brought to life into this world out of the fairy tales you know of. That's why we're named after them. At one point, we learnt that we were born from the very same monsters we've been fighting. We also realized that we were born to put an end to the Jail,"
"Simply put, you can say that we're the same as the Marchens themselves," Everyone at Hatter's side as well as Hinata were at a loss for words. Jack and the rest of the Blood Maidens turned quiet, their faces showing the same uneasiness that Red Riding Hood had.
"Hold on a second," Ichijo broke the silence. "If you all already fought those Marchens in this Jail you're talking about, then, why did they show up at our school? Didn't you kill all of them already?"
"About that, the answer is inside here," Mr. Shiro moved towards his laptop and opened a video file in it. He then turned the laptop a little to the right so that it's screen faced those from Jack's side to Hatter's.
"What is that, Mr. Shiro?" Snow White asked as she and her companions' eyes are on the laptop.
"This is a video recording containing footage of the work done by Towa's team," Mr. Shiro replied. "It was taken this morning and sent to me by Haru while all of you were out," Jack and Hatter's groups paid attention to the video, the same one Mr. Shiro viewed prior to him going to Shinzo Academy. They watched Towa's team performing their work in the Underground Cavern.
"There doesn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary," commented Alice.
"You will see," Mr. Shiro said. As Jack and Hatter's side continued watching, they soon saw Towa walking towards the Jail Core as if he was in a trance. Despite being called by his team members to stop, Towa placed his hand on the bulbous object causing black clouds of smoke to erupt from it. The smoke entered into Towa's eyes and mouth causing him to give a long cry of pain. Once it completely went inside Towa, the Core wilted and vanished into nothingness. The next thing the expedition team knew, Towa became enveloped in a black aura, turning him into none other than Jabberwock.
Witnessing this, the members of the expedition team aimed their weapons at Jabberwock, unsure of whether to open fire or not. From out of his body, Jabberwock unleashed a mighty shockwave which knocked out the entire team. When that happened, the video ended with a static screen. A look of utter shock emerged on the faces of everyone who watched the video, especially Jack and the Blood Maidens. Snow White in particular, was so taken aback that she covered her mouth with both her hands.
"My, this is quite the unexpected development," Gretel remarked with raised eyebrows.
"Was this what Jabberwock meant when he said he took Towa?" Jack asked.
"That is correct," Closing his laptop, Mr. Shiro got out of his seat. "The Dawn had tracked down Towa's signal to Wonder Ville. Hence, it was evident that Jabberwock was heading to this town," Speaking with Jack's side, Mr. Shiro walked around the table and stopped next to Arika. "I rushed to your school with the intention to get all of you out and prepare for his coming. However, Jabberwock arrived faster than I anticipated and as you all know, he attacked the school leading to the things that eventuated up until now,"
"That aside, how did Haru arrive here with Miko, Major and Clara?" asked Thumbelina.
"When we got the news, we made preparations to come here as fast as we could," answered Major. "We were about to go there by truck when Arika flew to our side telling us she sensed something evil in this town. She used her powers to transport our truck, with us inside, all the way here. Once we arrived, we headed for your school under Arika's guidance and took the people there to safety. While we did, Arika went to get all of you away from there and here you are,"
"I never imagined that she possessed such capabilities," Kaguya was slightly impressed. "Was Arika not a newly born being whose powers were yet to be fully awakened?"
"That is true. However, my powers have been growing steadily ever since we last parted. This is why I was able to perform what Major explained about," Arika gave a troubled expression. "Unfortunately, having done that, most of my powers have been drained. There is no telling how much more of it would be left should I exert myself further,"
"Speaking of which, I don't get why that Jabberwock thing came all the way to this town," Clara mentioned.
"Now that you mention it, he spoke of enacting revenge against us for killing his kind," Cinderella said.
"That is true. From what has happened so far, it can be concluded that our enemy is bent on eliminating us. So much so that it endangered the school we're studying in as well as the lives of the students there," Gretel stated.
"Are you saying all this is happening because of us?" Thumbelina became worried.
"If you connect the dots, that is highly likely to be the case,"
"I've been meaning to ask," Hinata gazed at Jack and the Blood Maidens. "Why didn't you tell us about who you really were before?"
"It's because we were afraid to do so. You see, we decided to keep the truth about ourselves a secret. It was so that we could live peacefully without having to attract unnecessary attention. As selfish as it sounds, we thought that was for the best," After answering Hinata, Alice displayed an apologetic exterior.
"Given what happened so far though, I'm afraid we've caused trouble for not only our school but, also, this town as well. I know this is inappropriate but, I apologize for not telling you the truth. Even if we did, you may not believe us," Silence filled the lounge. Jack and the rest of the Blood Maidens, save Gretel, shared Alice's feelings. Gretel wore a neutral expression, hiding her anticipation of the next words that would be uttered by those around her.
"Who cares about that?" Ichijo said, his words forthright.
"Huh?" Surprised, Alice raised her eyebrows.
"We don't care where you all came from nor do we give a d*** about who or what you are. Tell us one thing-How do we get our school back to normal?"
"The most likely solution to our situation is to defeat Jabberwock himself," Mr. Shiro stated. "There is even the matter of rescuing Towa from Jabberwock's grasp,"
"Then, what're we waiting for? Let's go," Sanji was raring to leave with his friends.
"As much as I appreciate your offer of assistance, I am afraid you will need to avoid getting involved," Mr. Shiro said to Hatter and those at his side.
"Why not?" a displeased Sanji replied.
"This is not a matter that can be handled by innocent civilians," Mr. Shiro's tone turned stern. "Should you attempt to fight our enemies, chances are, your life will be lost. There is no meaning in throwing away your lives unnecessarily,"
"Then, what are we supposed to do?!" Sanji snapped back. "Sit back and watch?"
"Indeed," Gretel said nonchalantly. "A person such as yourself would clearly die easily from charging into battle,"
"What was that?" Sanji stared at Gretel angrily. "Take back what you said, glasses girl!"
"Watch it! You're being rude!" Thumbelina pointed out to Sanji.
"I wasn't talking to you, midget!" Sanji shot a glance at Thumbelina.
"What?! Why I ought to make you bite the dust right here!" Upset at what Sanji called her, Thumbelina was about to make her way towards him.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold it! Hold it!" Standing up, Hatter raised his hands thus, gaining everyone's attention. "Listen. I think all of us here got a lot on our plates already. Let me say a few things,"
"Jack, girls," Hatter spoke to Jack's side. "It ain't matter who you are or what you are. The important thing here is that you all are your own selves. Who cares if y'all are born from a bunch of monsters that act like S & M freaks? You people rock in your own way,"
"I mean, take Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty over there," Pointing to the two Blood Maidens, Hatter said amusingly, "They're pretty stacked what with them huge a** tities they got there. These big chested beauties can't possibly be monsters, are they?" As Hatter talked, a few of the people around him blinked. Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty's eyebrows were lifted at Hatter's comment on their features. March was trying to hide a grin after hearing Hatter.
"All I wanna say," Hatter continued, his eyes moving across everyone. "Is that no matter what kinda s*** hits the fan, we will have each other's backs. So, no fighting amongst ourselves. We stand together like brother and sister," Hatter's listeners slowly became impressed at his words.
"Long story short, people," Hatter came back to Jack and the Blood Maidens. "We got your back, Jack. Same goes for you girls,"
"Are you sure?" Alice appeared astounded. "But, why go so far for us? Aren't you bothered by the fact that we're not human?"
"Every person has a past," March said with sincerity. "Nevertheless, one should let bygones be bygones. It is what we do now that truly matters. Do you not agree, ladies and gentlemen?" With a smile, March looked around the people next to him.
"Now that I think about it, March's right," Hinata mentioned. "In fact, I remembered-What matters are the things that we do in the present," Shifting his eyes to Kaguya, he said, "Isn't that right, Kaguya?"
"You are correct," Kaguya came to a realization. "I remember that as well," Smiling, she added, "I thank you, Hinata, for reminding me of those words,"
"Don't know what, but, Rapunzel will always like everybody!" a cheerful Rapunzel said.
"That was well said, Hatter!" praised Hameln. "As a certain wise man once said, one for all and all for one!"
"I admit I'm worried about what we should do next especially when it comes to Towa," Jack gave everyone a smile of assurance. "But, so long as we believe, anything is possible,"
"I concur, Jack," Cinderella seconded Jack. "As long as we are together, nothing shall break us apart,"
"You're right," Thumbelina said. "No matter what, we'll plow through anything that stands in our way,"
"Indeed, dear sister. We shall do our best!" With a smile, Snow White nodded in agreement with Thumbelina's words.
"Yup… Yup…" Sleeping Beauty did the same thing as Snow White.
"My, how spirited we all are," a small grin emerged on Gretel's face.
"You said it, Gretel!" Red Riding Hood said enthusiastically. "Hearing Hatter just made me pumped up. Who else here thinks the same?" Jack and the Blood Maidens' words led to everyone else displaying optimism. Seeing this, Alice felt moved.
"Everyone," she then spoke with gratitude. "Thank you. I am truly grateful for your encouraging words,"
"We didn't say much though," Sanji referred to himself and his gang. Feeling a little embarrassed, he said to Thumbelina, "Hey, sorry I called you a midget,"
"Oh? It's a surprise to hear one with such a short fuse speak politely like that," Gretel remarked about Sanji's apology.
"W-What?" Sanji started to blush. "Is there a problem?"
"In any case, I'm through with that now. By the way, what should we do next?" Just as Thumbelina finished speaking, a loud growl resounded through the lounge, slightly startling everyone.
"God****!" Hatter exclaimed while scanning his surroundings. "Whose stomach here rumbling like an earthquake?"
"Crud, that's me," Gotou put one hand on his stomach. "I haven't eaten lunch yet,"
"Come to think of it, we haven't eaten anything since morning classes," Jack stated.
"I got to say that was quite the growl there," Red Riding Hood teasingly grinned at Gotou. "Not even Rappy's growling could beat that,"
"Hey, quit talking about my stomach like that! You all are hungry too!" Gotou tried to hide his embarassment.
"GRAAAOOOR!" Rapunzel let out a loud growl which sounded nearly identical to the rumbling of Gotou's stomach. Hearing this, Hatter burst out laughing.
"That was sick, Rapunzel!" the red headed boy said in between laughs. "Do that again," At Hatter's request, Rapunzel repeated her imitation.
"Hey, stop that! It's embarrassing!" Gotou cried out, his face now flushed. Once more, Rapunzel growled out loud causing Jack and the other Blood Maidens, sans Gretel, to join Hatter in laughter. Gretel watched with a smile as the rest of the people showed amusement, with Gotou's friends trying hard not to laugh. All Gotou could do was repeatedly tell everyone to stop laughing only for his words to fall on deaf ears. As the mirth continued, Mr. Shiro received a call on his hand phone. Excusing himself to the kitchen, he answered it there.
"Hello? Ah, it's you, Haru. What's the situation?" Mr. Shiro was listening to Haru intently. "What? Is that so? Understood. We will meet up with you later," Keeping his hand phone into his coat, Mr. Shiro returned to everyone whom had stopped laughing.
"I do not wish to hasten all of you but, we are to meet up with Haru and Miko at the town center," Mr. Shiro informed everybody.
"What happened, Mr. Shiro?" Alice asked.
"Word has it that the police are closing off the western part of the town and are having the civilians stay in their homes. Concurrently, Haru and Miko requests for us to see them in order to discuss a plan to face our enemy," In a good natured manner, Mr. Shiro added, "But, before that, I believe we should eat first. It is advisable for us to proceed without an empty stomach,"
"That sounds like a plan!" said a keen Red Riding Hood. Turning to Hatter's side, she continued. "Oh, and feel free to join us, you all. We could whip up something real quick for everyone here to eat,"
"You serious? You don't have to you know. We're done with people serving us food especially back in school," Ichijo referred to himself and his gang.
"What are you saying?" Red Riding Hood said with a convincing grin. "Don't be shy. We don't mind having you guys with us. Besides, it's more fun to eat together with a lot more people,"
"You sure about that?" an uncertain Nijima asked.
"Yup!" Rapunzel said with exuberance. Seeing that no one minds them joining the rest for lunch, a smile crept across Ichijo and company's faces.
"Well, if that's what you say guess we can't refuse, right?" As he spoke, Ichijo glanced towards his gang.
"Well then, shall we adjourn to the kitchen?" Cinderella smiled. "I shall cook something nutritious for everyone!"
"Count me in!" Hatter volunteered. "Me and my pals will help ya,"
"I'd say why not," said March as he and Drake got up from their seats.
"Let's go then," said a smiling Jack. "As soon as we're done eating, we'll go see Haru and Miko," With that, everyone, led by Cinderella and Hatter's band, proceeded to the kitchen. Despite having discussed unpleasant matters, they chatted among each other, happy at the thought of spending time together like a group of friends.
At the center of Wonder Ville, a lot of activity is taking place. Police cars are roaming around all parts of the town save the western area. Using megaphones installed above their vehicles, their drivers are announcing for the townspeople and shopkeepers to stay in their houses and shops respectively. The road to Shinzo Academy had been barricaded by police cars whose occupants have been stationed at various parts of Wonder Ville. Next to the barricade was a black truck with a Dawn emblem imprinted on both sides of it. In front of it were Haru and Miko, accompanied by a police unit wearing black Kevlar vests over their standard attire.
Previously, Haru and Miko had described their situation to the police chief by showing him the video of Towa turning into Jabberwock. The duo even substantiated their facts with footage recorded by the Dawn during their time in the Jail. Convinced of the two's explanations, the chief agreed to cooperate in restoring Shinzo Academy to normal hence, leading to the preparations that are currently underway.
Now, Haru and Miko are awaiting Jack's group to talk about how to approach Shinzo Academy. Minutes later, the two along with the police unit saw Mr. Shiro and Arika, Jack and his friends behind them, approaching from the northern road. As they moved nearer to Haru and Miko's side, the police unit began murmuring among themselves about Arika's presence. Once the group arrived, Mr. Shiro requested for Jack, the Blood Maidens, Arika, Major and Clara to accompany him. The rest were to wait near the middle of the roundabout.
"There you all are," Haru stated. "I take it you've eaten lunch?"
"Yes, we have, Haru," Glancing at the police unit in front of Haru and Miko, Mr. Shiro said, "I see that part of the police force are joining us in this meeting,"
"That's right. We were telling them about Jack and the girls," Haru motioned for Jack and the Blood Maidens to step forward. "Come here and let me introduce them to you,"
"Okay," Jack said. Complying with Haru's request, he and the girls presented themselves to the police unit. The members of the unit, five in total, looked at them intently. Though they appeared composed, they were hiding their surprise from seeing Arika's angelic form.
"Alright, everybody," Haru addressed the police unit. "First of all, I'd like to thank all of you for willing to standby here. We appreciate it. With that being said, let's get to the main point. Our objective is to head inside Shinzo Academy and return it to normal. To do that, we'll have to beat the one responsible for turning the school into what it is now," Miko held out a tablet, showing a still image of Jabberwock to the police unit.
"Our target is this being that you see here," Haru pointed to the tablet. "As I mentioned, we need to defeat it if we're going to bring back the school. However, there's a catch. Our enemy is actually a member of our organization named Towa Kadowaki, who had been taken over by an unknown force. As such, we cannot simply kill him. We are required to rescue Towa while achieving our goal at the same time,"
"How are we to do that?" asked the head of the police unit, codenamed "Leader".
"Unfortunately, we can't think of any way of doing so yet. But, what is for certain is that your unit won't be going into the school alone," Haru gestured to Jack and the Blood Maidens. "These kids here will be assisting you in your mission. They may not look like it but, they're experienced in fighting monsters similar to the one we're talking about,"
"You're asking us to perform the operation with these kids?" another member of the unit, "Card-One", said doubtfully. "Are you trying to risk their lives?"
"We understand that it's hard for you to accept that fact," Bringing her tablet down, Miko spoke to the unit calmly. "However, your chances of completing it will be better when they are by your side. We know this because we have fought alongside them for a long time,"
"With due respect, we can't approve this," a third member of the police unit, "Card-Two", voiced out his skepticism. "The chief may have asked us to help you but, we can't let children be involved. Besides, even if they are to fight with us, how can we be sure that they're as capable as you say they are?"
"I don't think you understand, sir," Alice gave Card-Two a serious look. "Now is not the time to be doubtful. Our main priority is to put an end to this swiftly,"
"But, what can you do?!" the unit's fourth member, "Card-Three", burst out. "We can't just let a bunch of kids fight! It's suicide!"
"Yeah, and what would the townspeople say if they hear about this?" asked the final member of the unit, "Card-Four".
"That's…" Alice could not think of a reply. Seeing that most of the police unit were doubtful of the Blood Maidens, Red Riding Hood decided to step in.
"You know," Red Riding Hood moved forward and faced the unit. Her face was neutral yet exuded firmness. "I can understand if you all don't trust us. We get that sometimes. In fact, I think it's pretty easy for you to say that you don't believe us,"
"What are you talking about?" Card-Three frowned.
"Unlike all of you who've been living normally, we've lived a life of fighting. Every day, we fought and bled to free people from their suffering. We've killed so many times, more than that you could ever imagine. There was even a time where I was forced to kill someone dear to me," A sad look emerged on Red Riding Hood's face.
"Wha?!" Card-Four turned shock.
"To put it simply, we've gone through h***. We cannot put what we've done behind us easily but, that won't stop us from maintaining peace even if we have to fight again," With a serious expression, Red Riding Hood added, "So, if you still think that we're a bunch of kids, that's fine. But, if you are to fight without our help, you may end up not seeing another day. And neither will the townspeople. Are you alright with that?" The whole of the police unit except the leader exchanged uncertain glances. It seemed as if they were affected by Red Riding Hood's words. As for Jack and the other Blood Maidens, they were astounded by her current demeanor.
Once Red Riding Hood finished talking, Arika stood next to her. With a gentle voice, she addressed the police unit. "Everyone, I am certain you're all unsure of what needs to be done. If I may request, do take your time and think about this. When you are ready, return to us and share your decision,"
"Very well. If you may excuse us then," Leader took his teammates aside and discussed with them their mission. Jack and his companions moved to the center of the roundabout and met with the rest of their friends.
"So, how'd it go?" Hinata asked.
"The police didn't seem convinced enough to help us," Thumbelina answered Hatter. "Talk about being helpful,"
"It's no surprise since they're about to deal with something out of the ordinary," Major stated.
"You know I wonder how we're going to explain all of this to everyone in this town." Alice felt worried.
"Don't worry, Alice," Jack assured. "We'll do what we have to do first. As for what happens next, we'll take it as it comes together,"
"Of course. Thank you, Jack," Alice smiled. "Let's do our best,"
"She's right. Anyway, Miko and I will handle the explanations," Haru then spoke to Jack and the Blood Maidens. "More importantly, come with us, your weapons are in the truck. You might want to equip yourselves,"
"Weapons?" Hatter became curious. "Whatchu guys talking about?"
"You'll see. Come and join us," Red Riding Hood invited Hinata, Hatter's band and Ichijo's gang. "We'll show you what we've been using to fight the Marchens,"
"But, I thought you use your hands…" said Ichijo.
"It's true that they are able to fight bare handed," Mr. Shiro referred to Jack and the Blood Maidens. "But, their battle prowess is further enhanced with the weapons they wield,"
"Well, let us go and see these weapons, shall we? I am intrigued as to how they look," March said with interest.
"Alright, then," Turning to look at Clara, Haru called her. "Clara,"
"Yes, Boss! Right away!" Clara rushed to Haru's side. With Miko and Clara next to him, he led everyone to the Dawn's truck in order to prepare them for the battle that is about to come. At this time, most of the townsfolk are already inside their homes. With that, the die is cast. From here, a new battle begins for Jack and his friends-The battle to save Shinzo Academy as well as their comrade.
Jabberwock was standing in a room containing four blue pillars surrounding him. The draconic entity had transformed Shinzo Academy into a Jail-esque labyrinth bearing resemblance to that of the Underground Cavern. Initially, Jabberwock intended to trap Jack and the Blood Maidens inside it so as to eliminate them. However, his prey had escaped him quickly, leaving him to wait for them inside the labyrinth.
"So, they have slipped past my reach. Very well. I shall bide my time. When the cursed ones return here…" Jabberwock walked towards a pillar. The being then swiped it with his claws leaving a mark on the pillar.
"…I shall crush them under my heel!"
