S.R: Okay so… I really want to be done with this arc. That means this is probably going to be a long one. Or at least longer than normal.
Dante: You're tell us to buckle up aren't you?
Izayoi: That just means it should be fun. Let's shut up and let him do his thing then!
Chaos. Everywhere she looked Black Rabbit saw chaos. Without ending the Gift Game there was nothing she could do to stop it. For every person she saved from those under control of the Demon Lord and their minions, another three were cornered and killed. It was a horrific scene, and Black Rabbit was scared. Scared they wouldn't be able to win the game in time to save anyone. But as her mind focused on the rules of the game while she carried people to safety she realized there was a way to end the game at least temporarily.
Setting the two children she'd just saved inside a doorway, she smiled when the people inside quickly ushered them in to safety. Jumping away she found the highest point in the city. Using her own Gift Card she summoned a Gift she really didn't want to have to use. Holding her hand out in front of her, a vajra appeared in her hands. With it's mock divinity she could generate and control lighting.
Letting it crackle with power she used her authority as an aristocrat of the Little Garden to gain the right to end the Gift Game. As it happened she became a Judge Master for the game, which allows her voice to carry throughout the entire city since.
"The invocation of a Judge Master has been approved. As of this moment the Gift Game, Pied Piper of Hamlin shall be suspended. Furthermore deliberations will begin immediately, this means the players and the host WILL cease all hostilities. A general meeting will be called shortly to discuss the problems caused by this disturbing game."
With her announcement made the panic and terror slowly faded away as things returned to normal. Or at least as close to normal as they could. Hopping back towards the arena to consult with Shiroyasha, Black Rabbit was plesantly surprised to see she wasn't the only one with the idea. Though she was disappointed to see the white haired demon was still trapped behind the hazy black barrier.
"Sandora, since it seems I'm still unable to act I appoint Jin of the [No Names] to be my envoy at the meeting."
Black Rabbit heard the loli girl say as she approached. Nodding along Black Rabbit knew that was a wise idea. Considering the fact she tried to keep an eye on Jin as much as possible she knew his time in the library with Izayoi and Dante would come in handy with the situation.
"Oh hey there Black Rabbit, that was quick thinking. Good job."
Shiroyasha commented as she noticed the blue haired bunny girl. Sandora nodded her head in greeting as well.
"Sandora, I assume Mandra will be your adviser for the meeting? I would like to attend as master Jin's but since I'm Judge Master I'll have to leave that role to Dante and or Izayoi."
"That's acceptable. From what I've seen, those two are more than capable."
The red haired girl responded to Black Rabbit's words. Around that time, Dante, Izayoi, Caitlynn, Yo, and Jin returned to the arena. As she looked around and noticed the teens she realized one was missing. The look of confusion on her face telling them that something else was wrong now.
"I see Shiroyasha is still trapped. That is not good. Especially considering the true Demon Lord involved with this game is the Black Plague."
Dante spoke, getting a raised eyebrow from Izayoi, a look of shock from everyone else, and a coughing fit from Yo.
"Black Rabbit still doesn't see Asuka. She stayed in the arena to deal with the one playing the flute, while Black Rabbit, Caitlynn, Yo, and Jin tried to help evacuate people to a safe spot."
Izayoi's eyes widened at that concern flashing across his face. Dante noticing this just patted him on the back comfortingly. Because they needed to resolve the situation, Sandora turned to Jin and explained that Shiroyasha wanted to appoint him as her envoy since she was still trapped. Nodding the young boy turned to look at Dante and Izayoi, counting on their aide. But when he saw the look in Izayoi's eye he realized the same thing as Dante.
"It's fine Izayoi. Go, find Asuka. I don't need two super geniuses for this meeting. Dante will be more than enough as an adviser."
Inclining his head in thanks to the two Izayoi walked away, slowly breaking out into a run as he began his search. Since they didn't seem to be needed for the meeting Caitlynn and Yo turned to join him in searching for Asuka, but Yo broke into another coughing fit. This time it was enough to bring her to her knees.
"Shit. That's their game then… That's what the Demon Lord is here for. Since the rules mention massacre, the Demon Lord is using her power as the Black Plague to cause people to fall ill. Who knows how many are already infected by that power."
Dante spoke as he looked at Yo. Caitlynn's eyes widened in horror as she caught on. She nearly panicked, before Shiroyasha calmed her down.
"It's true there are now people that are sick because of it. But since the game has been suspended, they can't get any worse than they are right now. If something were to happen, it would break the rules of the forced peace Black Rabbit just put in place. Just take her back to the shop and let her rest."
"Right. I'll send people through town to do the same."
Sandora spoke up as she walked a short distance away. A few of the soldiers she had in the [Salamandra] community were waking up from where they had been knocked out by each other, so she explained everything to them as she called for Mandra.
"We need to handle this swiftly. The moment Mandra gets here I would like to move to the location our meeting will take place at."
She commented to Jin as she returned to the group. Nodding Jin mentioned that it was fine with him. Dante said he felt that was a good idea. Black Rabbit nodded as well since as Judge Master she would be at the meeting to act as a mediator between the sides.
The meeting
Black Rabbit sat at the head of the table, while to her left sat Mandra, Sandora, Jin, and Dante in that order. On her right sat the avatar of the Weser river, the Demon Lord herself, and finally the blonde figure that name is Ratten.
"Black Rabbit would like to thank you all for attending the meeting to find a resolution. As Judge Master I, Black Rabbit shall mediate this meeting. Black Rabbit would like to start this talk with the Hosts."
"We have done nothing wrong. There has been no misconduct from us on the rules of the Gift Game."
"Shall Black Rabbit accept that as your response?"
"Yes."
"Please keep in mind that Black Rabbit's ears are connected to the central network of the Little Garden. If you are lying it will be known very quickly."
"We know this. Again, there has been no misconduct on our part."
"Black Rabbit, please continue."
Sandora cut in. Her voice showing that she understood the confidence that the Demon Lord was showing was not false. Nodding Black Rabbit closed her eyes and her ears began twitching as she used her connection to the central network.
"Alright then… But if there is any misconduct on their part, wouldn't it be Shiroyasha's entrapment?"
Dante spoke, his words getting a nod from Mandra.
"Yes, that would be the first thing they would be flagged on. The rules state she participates, but not fight. There must be a stated legal reason for that to take place."
"I don't recall seeing any kind of reason for that written in the rules. Unless…"
Dante trailed off as Mandra's response helped him figure things out a bit more. But as he started to think, Black Rabbit spoke up once more. She mentioned that the seal on Shiroyasha was done through acceptable means which also helped Dante figure out what the reason behind her seal was.
"I am perfectly content for the rules to stay the same. The more pressing concern I have is what date the game will resume on. Judge Master what is the maximum amount of time you can extend the date of resumption to?"
The red haired Demon Lord mentioned now that the idea of misconduct had been settled.
"Black Rabbit would have to confirm with the Little Garden, but I believe it's one month."
"Very well, we shall see you in a month."
But at that point Dante and Jin both called out to hold on. Since they seemed to be on the same page Dante nodded for Jin to speak.
"My companion here has informed me that you hold power over the Black Plague. Given that I assume your name is Pest correct?"
"Yes that is me. Though I have also been called Back Percher. Why do you wish to confirm this?"
"Simple. Because if we accept your proposal to delay the date we resume the game on, you will win no matter what. You've released your pathogens into the town and affected people already. But since the game is on hold they can not fall into a worse condition since that would be seen as resuming the game early. That doesn't mean it can't or won't spread during the time between then and now."
"Your point is? It is within my rights to make my game as advantageous to me as possible. Though I'd be willing to trade their lives if everyone here and Shiroyasha herself join my community. Swear loyalty to the [Grim Grimiore Hamlin]."
"New community? Don't deny it, you have to be if your starving for members this badly. But I shouldn't have to explain what master Jin's already pointed out. If we were to resume the Gift Game in one month everyone would die. It would spread to affect everyone after all. Pretty sure killing your recruits isn't a good way to make your community grow."
Dante chimed in. He was followed by Mandra.
"Doesn't matter. They are threatening us with the lives of others. Well two can play that game. Everyone who shows symptoms will be killed. Even if it's myself or Sandora. No exception."
"Oooh. Nice play there. Hey Black Rabbit, we can change the games rules still right?"
Dante piggy backed of Mandra. Black Rabbit nodded her head at the dark haired boys question. Seeing her nod as a go ahead he continued.
"Well then. Black Percher what do you say we haggle a bit. We fix the rules to prevent suicide and the killing of allies. You win and we accept your demand to join your community. But the game resumes in three days."
"Unacceptable. 14 days."
She responded swiftly, but Dante already had his counter ready.
"Five days, and we'll add Black Rabbit to the list of recruits that join if you win but only if she can participate. How about it? That should be one hell of a victory prize. A moon rabbit joining your community, would be a massive boon."
"10 days at minimum."
Jin having caught on to what Dante was planning jumped in with his own offer.
"A week from now, but we add a time limit as well. If the game can not be cleared within 24 hours it is an automatic win for the Host. We loose and you have our surrender unconditionally."
Black Percher closed her eyes in thought at Jin's offer. Dante smirked cause he knew that Jin had her, Sandora and Mandra were silent both starting to wonder what was going on in Jin's mind. Black Rabbit was still in shock that Dante would even offer her up to the Demon Lord.
When the red haired girl opened her eyes again she looked dead at Jin.
"I have a question. Allowing all these changes to heavily tilt the game in my favor. Do you really think you can win?"
She asked, as she forced him to hold eye contact. He didn't flinch, nor did he back down. Keeping their eyes locked he responded.
"Think? I know we can."
Sandora and Mandra couldn't contain their shock at his confidence. Standing up Black Percher gave a small smile before it twisted into a cruel sneer.
"I see. We'll see you in one week then. After we win I will turn you all into my play things."
Spinning on her heels the Demon Lord walked away as her two companions followed.
"What the hell are you two thinking?"
Mandra asked Jin and Dante once Black Percher was out of the room. Jin was already walking to the door as he gave his answer. Dante wasn't too far behind.
"I'm thinking we need a library so I can do some searching. Once I find my answer we've got this game in the bag."
"The runt's right. "Shatter the false legends, and reveal the true legend"? There's stain glass all over the city depicting the story of the Pied Piper. But they don't all show the exact same story. Figure out the truth, then break all the stained glass that shows a false version of the story. Seriously, how did you not figure that out?"
As they left Dante had a thought, one he wanted to confirm with Izayoi since he was the only other person that could understand it.
"Hey, runt head on over to the library without me. I'm going to discuss a few things with Izayoi."
He commented to Jin before running off. It didn't take him long to find Izayoi. Who was repeatedly slamming his fist into a wall in frustration.
"Oi, no need to destroy the city."
"I can't find Asuka. It's like she's vanished."
"We've got a week to find her before the game starts up again."
"How'd you manage that?"
The two teens stated talking, a slight distraction from Izayoi's anger as they worked together to search for Asuka. Dante gave the blonde teen a synopsis of the meeting before giving Izayoi the beginning of a though he had.
"I know you also thought the stained glass throughout the city had something to do with the game. But what if it was far more simple?"
"What's the twist you've just thought of?"
"Well, what if the idea of a "true legend" is misleading? Then the game becomes a matter of finding which version of the story is first. In other words the game isn't to find the truth, but to put the list of possibilities in the order they became connected to the story."
"But that's too easy. Unless it's meant to be so easy that it's overlooked."
After hearing Dante's thought Izayoi went to brush it off, before he figured out the same thing Dante did. Seeing that his thoughts were being mirrored in Izayoi, Dante gave him a plan that he had thought up.
"So I'm thinking we set everyone on the idea of destroying the stained glass while, we take them down in the order they were added to the story. The chaos should make it hard for them go keep track of what's happening."
"Obviously that means the Demon Lord is the last target. But what about that giant white thing you were fighting before?"
"It's just a hint for who the first target is. That giant is named Strum."
"So it's a representation of storms then… Yeah I see what you mean on it being a hint. The question is how would we make sure they are beaten in that order?"
They continued to talk. But Dante already had an idea for how to make sure their new plan would work. He gave Izayoi a wry smile before walking off. He didn't go far before calling over his shoulder.
"Let me worry about that. You just focus on finding Asuka for now."
One week later
Dante's new plan had been set in motion. Of course key players were made aware of the truth, but because of the power needed to handle the opponents the only people that were actually going to confront the villains were from the [No Names] and Sandora, though Mandra was made aware of the plan so he could keep people away and out of the fighting. Normally Yo would have been involved but she was one of the people who had been infected by the Black Plague, and so she was forced to sit it out and rest instead.
On top of that, they were still unable to find Asuka. That fact didn't bother anyone more than it did Izayoi. Enough so that he was irritable while they waited for the game to start up once more. He was actually starting to growl.
"Calm down Izayoi. Being angry isn't going to help anyone."
Black Rabbit tried to tell him, as she reached to put a hand on his shoulder but he brushed it off. Scowling as he did. He didn't get the chance to actually respond as the game started back up and the group had to move to deal with the tasks they'd been given. Before Dante let Izayoi run off he approached the blonde teen.
"After you win against Weser, go back to searching for her. I'm worried too and there is no way in hell we will abandon her."
Sharing a nod Izayoi took a deep breath.
"Great pep talk. Remember to keep an eye out for the signal though."
"No shit, Izayoi. It's my plan after all."
With a fist bump the two teen separated. Izayoi speeding off in a random direction. He had just caught a glimpse of Weser when the city began to change. A feral grin came to his face as he heard the people rallying despite the change.
Slowly to a stop Izayoi stood face to face with Weser in the middle of a massive square.
"Bravo"
He said sarcastically as he looked at the male avatar of the Weser river, but rather than just start fighting he continue on.
"That's a pretty cool trick, but I've seen better. Same with the divinity you've been granted."
A matching grin appeared on Weser's face as he responded.
"Oh? So you noticed. But you must not be as smart at you like to think you are if you think just one person could take me when I've been granted divinity."
"Pah, it's a neat power up sure but I'm not impressed by it. My first day here in Little Garden I challenged a Water God and kicked her ass… Besides We've solved your riddle and unless you've brought more than the three of you and that Strum creature, you can't prevent the others from breaking all the stained glass."
Izayoi snorted, at Weser before taunting him.
"True. But you must reveal the true legend to win."
Holding his index finger up Izayoi ticked it left and right as he told Weser the truth behind the game.
"Nope. It's a false line, meant to distract us from the fact that there is no true legend. Yes 130 children went missing from Hamlin but no one knows how. The first theory was they were walking along the river when a landslide came along. That's you. Years later there were people that weren't satisfied with that, and had their own ideas. That's Ratten. As for Pest? It took Jin a bit of digging but there is a retelling of the story where the date those kids disappeared is at the height of the Black Plague. You are going down in that exact order too."
"So because of our power you fed the others a false idea for how to win the game. A way to keep them out of the crossfire. Damn you're good. Why don't you join us? It's a much larger playing field."
"Because my playing field is more fun. Plus I'm kinda pissed off that a dear friend of mine is still missing."
"So you want to end things quickly then. Very well."
Charging towards Izayoi he swung his clarinet like lance. The power behind it was far more than it was the last time they'd clashed. But Izayoi held his own. The battle serving as a way to release his frustration that Asuka was still missing. Because of that anger, the fight was far more brutal that Weser was expecting.
They had just barely started and Izayoi was using his full strength, which was enough to frighten Weser. Even with his divinity he could just barely match Izayoi's might. But it didn't matter since Izayoi was leagues faster.
Just barely avoiding the fist that would have shattered his ribs, Weser leaned back as his foot came up and kicked Izayoi in the stomach to get some room. Blood leaking out of his broken nose, and his head was throbbing due to a fist right between the eyes. But Izayoi hadn't moved back in yet, giving him the chance to regain his breathe. As he did he noticed the teen was bouncing on his feet, likely due to adrenaline so he had no clue just how much damage he'd done to the blonde but he doubted it was enough.
"Are you sure you're even human?"
"Blood tests and all that crap say yes. Me? I have no fucking clue. Now, stop holding back. It's starting to piss me off even more."
"Don't come crying to me then!"
Weser replied as he spun his lance above his head, the speed he did it at causing an updraft around him as the slight blue glow he had surrounding him as a visible cue to his divinity brightened. After a moment he swung the lance out behind him again, the energy he had built up poured into it causing the clarinet like spear to shine.
Lunging forward he attempted to bash Izayoi's head in with it. But the blonde teen crossed his arms to defend himself. The ground around him cratered from the force but Izayoi had yet to move an inch. Grinning he twisted his hands inward and grasped the end of the lance that was resting against his arms. Tugging hard he caused it to crack and begin ripping in half.
Eyes widening in shock, Weser replayed what just happened in his mind before he settled on the idea that he'd been baited.
"Fuck I feel dumb. I let you goad me into breaking it."
"So? We can still fight."
"No. Not now. The item I was revived and summoned with has been broken. Just look at me I'm already starting to fade…. You know, I kinda like you kid. Don't get yourself killed."
"I don't plan on it."
Stretching Izayoi groaned as he realized he'd busted his knuckles when he'd punched Weser in the jaw earlier. A moment after he groaned pain exploded in his wrists, and stomach.
Gingerly lifting his shirt the blonde teen noticed bruises were already forming from where he'd been kicked. Lightly squeezing his wrists he was unsurprised to find he'd fractured his left wrist, and twisted the right one with his last stunt.
"Well I could still fight if needed, but Dante is probably the only one that wouldn't have a hissy fit if I did."
He commented to himself as he picked up a small stone. Looking around he found a bell tower. With a grin he tossed the stone as fast as he felt needed to make it collide with the bell and make it ring out. That was the signal Dante had suggested Izayoi use when he was done with Weser.
As it starting ringing out, Izayoi moved to begin looking for Asuka once more.
With Dante
Jumping from roof top to roof top at the speeds he was, it looked like Dante was flying as he continuously beat down the copies of Strum that had been brought into the battle this time. He was having a field day destroying them while he waited for the signal. The moment he heard it a smile came to his face.
Lunging towards the blonde figure known as Ratten, he came within two feet before being knocked back as another Strum appeared between them. He had to blink when a giant red fist was driven through the white monsters head.
"Sorry to interrupt, but she's my fight Dante."
a voice called down to him. Glancing up he saw the red fist belonged to a massive metal robot like construct. Standing proudly on it's shoulder was Asuka.
"About damn time you show up! Izayoi was about ready to destroy the city to find you!"
He told her a smile on his face.
"You'll have to tell me more later. For now just stand back and watch my new Gift in action. Deen!"
She called back, though she used her Authority Gift to order the giant to move. It spun it's upper body, causing it's arm to cut through several of the Strum copies and shatter them like ceramics.
Ratten, not noticing the glint in Asuka's eyes as this happened attempted to attack the blue eyed girl from behind. But this was what Asuka wanted, as the giant Deen's other hand caught the voluptuous blonde woman in her tracks. Deen's metal hand crushed the woman, for a moment before Asuka ordered it to stop.
"I've gotten my revenge for last time. But it just doesn't feel right. How about a game? I'll stand down and surrender if you win. You get one song. If you can play a song that let's you take control over Deen from me you win. If you can't it's my win."
"Normally I'd accept a challenge like that. But I don't think I could win. Plus there's the fact that your golem's grip did some fatal damage..."
She spoke as her body began to glow before slowly fragmenting. The pieces of her body fading slowly as a sad smile came across her face.
Shaking his head at the scene Dante jumped up to stand on Deen's shoulder with Asuka.
"That was cool and all. But where the hell have you been?"
He asked her, a scolding tone to his voice. One that made her feel like a younger sibling being yelled at by the other older sibling.
"Well…"
*Flashback*
"You're pretty entertaining. I think I'll keep you as my little pet."
Ratten said to Asuka, having overwhelmed her after a slight struggle. While it was true Asuka could disrupt her control over others, it was also true that the blonde had the power to withstand Asuka's will and defeat her without any aid.
But before she could take a step closer to the girl on the ground Black Rabbit's intervention of the game happened which drew her attention. When Ratten looked back down at the ground Asuka was gone.
Asuka had heard Black Rabbit speak, but then everything around her went dark, she could feel herself being moved but there was nothing she could do about it. When she woke up, she was in a massive cavern with Deen the giant robot and dozens of glowing lights just floating in the air.
They lights introduced themselves as the spirits of the 130 children that disappeared in the Pied Piper of Hamlin story. Continuing on they explained they were linked to the demons the represent the different theories on their disappearance.
"But our link is only because we were summoned here with them, and just like them. The demon Ratten is bound to the same book we are. We crafted Deen with the hopes that someone could use him to defeat Ratten and end our summoning."
"If I were to accept your help with Deen would I have the power to free you?"
"If you can win our challenge for Deen you will have the power you need. In other words if you can win our Gift Game, your prize is Deen. Also since you found our unofficial 131st member, she may stay with you if she wishes. After all she's a fairy from this world and not ours."
"Then I Asuka Kudo of the [No Names] graciously accept your challenge."
*Flashback end*
"the rest of the time since then I've spent trying to subjugate Deen."
Asuka finished her explanation. Dante just nodded his head, before pointing out the flute that had been left by Ratten.
"Well that's pretty cool. By the way, it looks like Ratten left this flute behind. It doesn't seem like a normal flute, so it's probably a Gift."
"I'll give it to Caitlynn. Maybe she can use it to amplify her Gift."
"That's up to you. Anyway good job. Just leave the rest to me."
With that Dante jumped to a nearby roof and sped off in the direction he could see fireballs being thrown about.
Izayoi was to deal with Weser, and after that' he'd crush Ratten before joining Sandora and Black Rabbit in defeating Pest, so Izayoi could go back to finding Asuka. Sure that last part was no longer needed, but he didn't get the feeling Pest would be enough of a problem to require both of them.
It didn't take him long to join the two, a surprise attack from him driven the red haired Demon Lord to the ground.
"Calvary's here!"
He joked with a smile towards Black Rabbit. But Pest wasn't bothered by his attack. Instead she stood up and was silent for a moment as she realized Weser and Ratten had been beaten.
"I'm done with this…. I'll kill you all and destroy shiroyasha already!"
She cried as her anger was palpable. The black haze that she'd been attacking with before suddenly became a torrential red gale bursting out of her.
"Dammit, we need some what to negate her Gift if we want to defeat her!"
Dante commented, a sarcastic tone to his voice as he nodded to Black Rabbit.
"You think any of you stand a chance?"
Pest shouted at him, while he rolled his eyes. Grinning at the Demon Lord he snapped his fingers and their surroundings changed. Her wrathful blood red winds slowly dissipated around her. Growling in anger she tried to summon them back but couldn't.
"Huh, who knew you wouldn't be able to call your storm to the moon. It's too far for it to travel after all…. Oh wait. I did. Man I'm a smart guy."
"Changing the battle field will do you no good! You will still die!"
She roared in response to Dante's taunt. He ignored her as he turned to Black Rabbit and Sandora.
"Let me handle the rest here. Good job keeping her distracted until now."
He said as he held up the card that Black Rabbit had handed him when she regained her bearings. You see after he confirmed his thoughts with Izayoi he searched out Black Rabbit to ask about finding a Gift that could transport people within a certain distance to the moon. He was counting on the fact that Pests power would rampage on earth and not be taken with her, which would mean she would have to wait for it travel the massive distance between the Little Garden and the moon, before she could use it. After that it was a matter of finding something with the power to kill her. Black Rabbit also had something to do that with but she didn't want to just hand it over to him so she waited until she had too.
Black Rabbit had handing him one of her Gifts, which was a replica of a divine weapon. But it held massive power, enough so that it could only be used once per game. Activating said gift, everyone watched as the card in his hand began glowing brightly before the glow took the form of a large spear. The spear crackled with electricity and thrummed with power.
"Now, do you want to do this the easy way or the hard way?"
Dante asked Pest as a distraction. While she wasted the time to taunt him, the dark haired teen used his Gift called Skill Gain to recall and copy the gift of fire creation and manipulation. Normally when someone with a gift that allows them to summon and shape fire, it still takes a normal orangish red hue, but when Dante did it for some reason his flames were black.
The black flames he created slowly molded themselves into chains, wrapping around the Demon Lord and preventing her from moving, no matter how much she struggled. Just to be safe he also copied a Gift of supersonic speed, to vanish from sight as he rammed the spear through the Demon Lord.
The group was unsurprised to see that defeat Black Percher, but they where surprised to see her being sealed into a ring, as she vanished. The ring fell, colliding with the ground as Black Rabbit canceled her Gift that placed them on the moon.
Turning to Sandora, Dante nodded for her to make the announcement. Using her powers to amplify her voice she called out.
"The Gift Game, The Pied Piper of Hamlin has been cleared!"
S.R: And we are now back on Hiatus until I've got the next arc figured out and typed up to be mass uploaded. See ya'll next time.
