The afternoon in Wonder Ville continued with the town's police force still patrolling the streets and keeping watch over the town itself. Two policemen are currently stationed at the barricade facing the western road. Inside the Dawn truck, Haru and his team gathered in a circle, discussing their next course of action. Earlier, Hatter's trio and Hinata left them in order to join Jack's group. Minutes passed since then. The group of four was now contemplating on entering Shinzo Academy.
"I know they said it'll be fine but, I've got a bad feeling about this, Boss," Clara spoke to Haru.
"You're not the only one thinking that," replied Haru. "We should probably head in there to help,"
"If we do that, there will be no one left to watch over this side," said Miko. "There are the police but, they will not suffice,"
"You're not saying that we should just wait here, right?!" a worried Clara said.
"Calm down, Clara," Major said calmly. "I understand how you feel. For now, let's give them a little more time. Any longer than that, we'll go into the school,"
"I suppose we have no other options should the time come," Out of concern, Miko frowned. "Let us pray that Jack and his friends return safely,"
"Yeah, let's hope for the best," Moving his eyes to the left, Haru muttered to himself, "Jack, everyone, you guys better come back alive,"
Jabberwock took a step backward, letting go of Arika in the process. His right hand began to move on it's own and clutch his left wrist. As the entity tried to comprehend his situation, the White Rabbit and his company moved to Arika. Hatter's trio, followed by Leader's unit, quickly joined them. Everyone was standing inches away from Jabberwock, wondering what was happening to him.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Jabberwock demanded. "Why are you awake?!" Towa's face emerged out of the being's chest. The man's eyes were now open and he was attempting to free himself from Jabberwock.
"Towa?!" Red Riding Hood cried out as she and the rest became surprised.
"Give it up, Jabberwock!" Towa spoke from within Jabberwock's chest. "It's over!"
"No, it is not!" Jabberwock released his left wrist. "Return to my being at once! You cannot resist me!" At this, Towa's face was slowly getting absorbed into Jabberwock's chest.
"Yes, I can!" Towa grunted out loud as he resisted Jabberwock's effort in reclaiming him.
"So be it. If you wish to resist further, I shall drive you deeper into myself!" Jabberwock placed his right hand on Towa's head and attempted to push it into himself. At that moment, the former's left hand suddenly grabbed his right and pulled it hard. Within seconds, Jabberwock's right hand was severed. The draconic entity howled in pain as pink blood gushed out of his right arm and splattered the ground. All who witnessed this were further surprised.
"What are you doing?!" Jabberwock shouted as his right hand was tossed aside and left to vanish into thin air. "You accepted me in order to become stronger! Without me, you'll never be free from your fears! You need me!"
"It's true. I wanted to be stronger. But, I realized just doing so won't change the past. And that's why I don't need you anymore. It's time to end this!" Letting out a long grunt, Towa began pushing himself out of his prison.
"No, don't do this!" Jabberwock implored. Not listening to him, Towa continued his efforts. By this time, he had brought his arms and upper body out of Jabberwock. With his right hand, Towa grabbed and pushed the latter's head. In response, Jabberwock seized Towa's neck in an attempt to choke him. A fierce struggle ensued, with Towa trying to pry his opponent's hand away from his neck and Jabberwock maintaining his grip on Towa. Jack and his group, some of their mouths agape, watched as both wrestled for control over the other.
"This is some "Nutty Professor" s***!" Hatter commented loudly.
"It is not too late," Jabberwock coaxed Towa. "You can have strength beyond anything that you can imagine. With that, you can cut down the nightmares plaguing you for an eternity. Return to me and all this will be a reality!"
"I'm done with all of that!" Towa, despite being gagged, gave a defiant reply. "I already said… It's… over!" Yelling out loud, the man exerted all of his strength in resisting Jabberwock. Soon, Towa's whole being burst out of the entity, causing him to fly towards Jack's team. Swiftly, the White Rabbit stepped ahead and caught him. When everyone gathered to check on Towa, Jabberwock staggered backward. To his horror, he found that his body was breaking down. Every part of him, from his head to his limbs, looked as if they were dissolving.
"No, NO!" Jabberwock's feet melted into a puddle of black liquid. Everyone observed his form gradually dissolving into the pool beneath him. Hatter in particular, was put off by the sight of Jabberwock melting to the extent of saying a soft, "D***,"
"LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE!" Jabberwock shouted with rage. "YOU HAVE CONDEMNED US! ROBBED US OF OUR LIVES!"
"Jabberwock," Alice, her face appearing solemn, walked forward. "There is no point in continuing your actions," Facing Jabberwock, the Blood Maiden added. "To be honest, I pity you,"
"What?" a surprised Jabberwock replied as his lower body disappeared into the pool.
"You have been warped by your desire for vengeance. Because of that all you can think of is killing," Alice continued. "But, killing isn't everything. It only leads to endless bloodshed. I know this through my experience as a Blood Maiden,"
"So, that's why I'd like to say, let us put an end to this peacefully," Alice said in a comforting manner. "There is no need to be consumed by revenge anymore. Please rest and pass on without regrets,"
"Alice…" Jack looked at his childhood friend. He had never seen Alice show sympathy to an enemy especially one which she had fought many times with her friends. Despite this, Jack and the others found her act admirable.
"Are you trying to mock me?" Jabberwock responded with hostility. "Do you think you can make me step down with words alone? I will not accept this! And I shall prove this NOW!"
"Huh?" Alice lifted her brows. Suddenly, the dark puddle underneath Jabberwock moved towards the Blood Maiden quickly.
"Alice, look out!" Snow White shouted. Before Alice could react, the black liquid crept up to her feet. She let out a startled cry as the dark substance made it's way up her legs. Jack and his friends became shocked as Jabberwock's amorphous form enveloped Alice.
"Alice!" Jack cried out.
"I will devour you until you are reduced to nothingness!" Jabberwock's head loomed over Alice menacingly. "Then, I shall do the same to your friends!"
"No! Let go!" Alice yelled as she struggled to free herself. The more she did though, the more her movements were restricted. Jabberwock's shapeless form clung to every part of Alice like a strong adhesive, rendering her immobile.
"Alice!" Looking at Jabberwock, Jack said, "Let her go!"
"That's right! Unhand m'lady at once or you shall burn in h***fire!" Hameln threatened.
"Do you think you can harm me?" Jabberwock smirked, his body covering all but Alice's head. "Especially since the life of your friend is in my hands?"
"No, but, I can do this!" Holstering the Mary Gun, Jack rushed to Alice. Wasting no time, he put his hands on the substance enveloping Alice and clawed at it repeatedly.
"Jack, stay back!" Alice said with concern. "You'll be in danger!"
"No!" Jack responded, his hands prying away Jabberwock's bindings bit by bit. "I won't leave you behind!"
"A futile effort," Jabberwock said condescendingly. "If you wish to join her, I will grant your wish!"
"Wha?!" Before Jack knew it, Jabberwock began to envelop him as well. "Argh!" All watched in shock as both Jack and Alice were instantly engulfed by the draconic being's shapeless form. Where the duo was, a large black blob appeared. The huge mass made squelching sounds as if it was digesting it's prey.
"No!" Snow White screamed in terror.
"Oh my G**!" a horrified Hatter exclaimed. "We gotta get Jack and Alice outta that thing!"
"In that case, I shall burn it down with my flames!" Hameln conjured a fireball on one hand.
"Wait!" the White Rabbit stopped her. "If you do that, you may end up injuring Jack and Alice in the process!"
"Then, what we're going to do?!" Thumbelina said frantically.
"Stay calm and listen," the White Rabbit addressed everyone coolly. "I have a plan,"
Jack and Alice found themselves encased within their enemy's formless body. The two were facing each other directly, every part of them except their heads having been enveloped by Jabberwock's form. Black vein-like growths crept up onto their necks, a sign that they would be devoured sooner or later.
"Alice, hang on," Jack assured as he tried to break free. "I'll get you out!"
"Why did you do that?!" Alice cried out. "Don't you realize you'll get killed?!"
"It doesn't matter!" Jack replied quickly. "I'm not going to let Jabberwock kill you! Even if I have to sacrifice myself!"
"You're stupid!" Alice shot back at Jack. "Why go so far?! You promised not to burden yourself too much!" Hearing his friend's words, Jack fell silent.
"Alice, I know I can be reckless at times," The boy spoke calmly, the black veins having reached his chin. "But, I have a reason for that. Can you hear what I have to say, please?"
"W-What is it?" Alice asked, the veins having reached her chin as well.
"Y-You see… I…" Jack started to utter some words to Alice. Upon hearing them, the latter's eyes widened. What she heard was something that she found hard to believe.
"Jack?" Alice was nearly speechless. "Do you really…?"
"Yes, Alice. I do," Right when Jack finished speaking, he heard a sound from his right. Turning to look at the source, he and Alice soon saw the White Rabbit tearing his way through the blob imprisoning the duo.
"Jack, Alice!" the White Rabbit reached the two youths, his hands pressed against the blob's walls.
"Mr. Shiro?!" Jack was surprised upon seeing the White Rabbit.
"It's dangerous, Mr. Shiro! Please get back!" Alice spoke.
"Don't worry. I will get the both of you out. Hang on tight," The White Rabbit put his hands on Jack and Alice's bodies. He then turned his head around and called someone. "Rapunzel!" Nodding in response to the White Rabbit, Rapunzel stepped in front of the blob. Her hair extended forward and split into multiple tendrils which pierced through it. Inside the blob, the tendrils wrapped and secured themselves around the White Rabbit's body and limbs like ropes.
At the same time, the other Blood Maidens; starting with Red Riding Hood and ending with Kaguya, lined up behind Rapunzel. Each of them held onto the person in front from behind. On the left and right of the line were Leader's unit and Hatter's trio, Towa, Hinata and Arika respectively. All of them were standing by, preparing to provide any assistance to the Blood Maidens.
"Okay, on the count of three. One, two… Pull!" At Red Riding Hood's words, Rapunzel began to tug on the White Rabbit hard with her hair. Her friends started pulling from behind, grunting loudly in the process. Concurrently, the White Rabbit pulled onto Jack and Alice's trapped forms using his hands.
"Man, now this is like something right out of "The Blob"!" Hatter remarked while shaking his head a little.
"Everyone! You can do it!" Hinata cheered the Blood Maidens. Just then, Jabberwock's disfigured upper half emerged from atop the blob. "It is useless! You cannot prevent your friends from becoming fodder for my own self!" The draconic entity mocked the Blood Maidens.
"We won't let you take Jack and Alice!" Thumbelina shouted from the center of the line, her sisters behind her.
"That's right! We've won a game of tug of war so, we're not going to lose here!" Red Riding Hood said.
"In that case, all I have to do is break your spirit!" Jabberwock raised his hand and prepared to attack. Just as he did, the entity was hit by a gunshot from the side. Card-One, shotgun aimed at his enemy, was standing on the right of the blob with the other members of his unit. "Open fire!" At Leader's command, he and his squad fired their weapons at Jabberwock repeatedly.
"Do not interfere!" Raising one hand towards Leader's unit, Jabberwock made multiple spikes shoot out from the blob. Leader's team members yelled out in pain as his whole unit had their arms and legs pierced. As for Leader, he let out a pained grunt as he and his unit became immobilized due to the spikes holding them in place. Seeing this, the Blood Maidens and Hatter's group were shocked.
"You're next!" Jabberwock brought his attention back to the Blood Maidens. Suddenly, he was hit by something else. This time, it was a chili bomb from Hatter and several playing cards thrown by March. "Jabberwock! Don't you be touching Red and her girl's a****!" Hatter shouted at everyone's enemy.
"Why must you stand in my way?! No matter, your efforts are futile! You cannot do anything!" Jabberwock gathered flames in one hand and hurled them at the Blood Maidens. To the horror of those at Leader and Hatter's side, Red Riding Hood and her company were engulfed in a searing line of fire. The flames did not burn their clothes but, they inflicted excruciating pain on their victims. The Blood Maidens screamed, their grip on each other loosening. Out of concern, Hatter, March and Drake shouted out Thumbelina, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty's names respectively.
"Suffer in the flames of h*** and perish! Once you do, you shall dwell in eternal unrest for being cursed with the blood of my kind!" While Jabberwock spoke, the White Rabbit noticed that Rapunzel's hair was losing it's hold on him. To make matters worse, Jack and Alice are still bound by Jabberwock, their cheeks now covered by black veins. Just when things appeared to have turned out for the worse, a look of determination emerged on Red Riding Hood's face.
"No… We won't die," the brunette fought to maintain her hold on Rapunzel. "Not while we have a friend to save. I've already lost someone dear to me. I'm not going to let that happen anymore! EVER!" Suddenly, Red Riding Hood's eyes turned pink and had white vertically slit pupils. A pinkish aura enveloped her whole self and her hair became white. This caught the eyes of Hatter's group and Leader's unit, surprising most of them. Towa and Arika were not too surprised as they knew Red Riding Hood had entered Massacre Mode, a state that Blood Maidens can attain when they fight. Normally, Massacre Mode occurs when one of them is soaked with a certain amount of Marchen blood. However, Red Riding Hood had entered the aforementioned state with raw emotion alone, something which has never occurred before.
"Alright!" Red Riding Hood sounded ecstatic. "Let's do this!"
"Yeah, we won't lose!" Thumbelina said loudly as she resisted the pain inflicted by Jabberwock's attack.
"Grr… Rapunzel no give up!" The Blood Maidens other than Red Riding Hood underwent Massacre Mode, their transformation dispelling the flames that engulfed them. Witnessing their current forms, the people at Hatter and Leader's side was further surprised, Hatter yelling out a loud, "D*******!" As he did, March remarked on the Blood Maidens' appearance with slight fascination and Hinata asked about what was transpiring.
"PULL!" Hearing Red Riding Hood, the Blood Maidens resumed their efforts in freeing Jack and Alice, their hold on each other stronger than before. The White Rabbit, feeling Rapunzel's hair tightening around him once more, continued tugging onto Jack and Alice. Surely but slowly, the two youngsters were being freed from their prison.
"You attempt to stop me from devouring my enemies?! I will not allow that!" Jabberwock hurled multiple fireballs at the Blood Maidens. The resultant explosions caused those they hit to flinch. Despite that, the Blood Maidens held their ground as if nothing happened.
"What? How is this possible?" A look of disbelief swept across Jabberwock's face. "You should be falling on your knees!" More fireballs were thrown at the Blood Maidens but, the girls remained strong even after getting hit. Feeling desperate to rid himself off his foes, Jabberwock launched an endless barrage of fireballs. One of them exploded beside Gretel's face causing her spectacles to fly away to the side. In the middle of this, the spikes holding up Leader and his unit retracted back into the blob. The police officers save Leader, who fell onto his knees, landed on the ground in sitting positions. As they struggled to recover from their wounds, the officers were stunned to see the Blood Maidens withstanding Jabberwock's assault. Even the people at Hatter's side could not believe what they're seeing.
"Why are you still standing?!" Jabberwock's offense did not stop. "Falter and die already!" By this time, Red Riding Hood and her company were bleeding all over. Regardless, this did not stop them from what they are currently doing.
"We're not going to go down!" Thumbelina yelled defiantly. "Because the one who'll do so… is YOU!" Within seconds, Rapunzel and her friends pulled even harder. The White Rabbit slowly emerged out of the blob. This left Jabberwock stupefied to the extent where he stopped his attack.
"No, you cannot do this!" Soon, the White Rabbit had come out of the blob followed by Jack and Alice. "DON'T!" With a loud grunt, Rapunzel and the Blood Maidens preceding her made one final pull finally freeing their friends whom were encased inside Jabberwock. Upon being released from their bindings, Jack and Alice fell into the White Rabbit's arms. The Blood Maidens behind him reverted to their normal selves, all of them looking tired. Quickly, Hatter's group tended to their friends; Hatter, March, Drake and Hinata to the White Rabbit's side, Towa and Arika to Leader's unit. During this, Jack and Alice moved away from the White Rabbit. Jack was then startled by a hug from Alice.
"Jack, thank goodness!" Alice looked as if she was going to cry. "I'm so glad… So glad that you're safe!"
"I know," Jack put on a light smile as he hugged Alice back. "I'm sorry I worried you, Alice," Just then, Jabberwock retreated a few steps away, his form slowly dissolving once more. "Why must you continue to resist?!" he boomed, gaining his opponents' attention. "I will not accept this! NEVER!" All of a sudden, tentacle shaped appendages sprouted out of his amorphous form and launched themselves towards Jack and Alice.
"Look out!" the White Rabbit pushed the two youths aside. To everybody's dismay, the White Rabbit was pulled back into Jabberwock. Inside the latter's body, the former was being covered in black veins. This time, Jabberwock's hold was stronger compared to when he captured Jack and Alice. The White Rabbit was unable to move a muscle.
"Mr. Shiro!" Snow White called out in fear.
"Fall into despair as I devour your comrade and when you prepare to be consumed next!" Jabberwock spoke malevolently.
"Blast it!" Thumbelina cursed. "Right when we got Jack and Alice out of there!"
"Ugh, I'm so tired…" Red Riding Hood was bending down on one knee. "I think I overdid it…"
"I believe that applies to most of us," True to Gretel's words, some of the Blood Maidens began displaying signs of extreme tiredness. Thumbelina, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty nearly lost their footing prompting Hatter, March and Drake to hold each of them respectively. Kaguya was sitting on the ground, leaning onto Bamboo No. 1. Kneeling next to and watching over her was Hinata. As for the Blood Maidens that were standing on their two feet, they were panting from exhaustion.
"We can't be sittin' on our a**** here!" Hatter urged the more able ones around him. "Let's go get Mr. Shiro!"
"It's dangerous to do so right now!" Towa said.
"What do you mean?" asked Drake.
"We were able to save Jack and Alice thanks to the Blood Maidens' abilities," Towa walked towards Jack's side. "But, since all of them except Alice have used up a lot of their strength and are injured, we lack the manpower to get Mr. Shiro out. It'll be reckless to save him given our situation,"
"Are you saying we're leaving Mr. Shiro inside there?!" Hinata pointed at Jabberwock. "That's not right! We have to save him!"
"I didn't say we're not saving him," replied Towa. "In fact, I will. Let me do it,"
"What? Why?!" Jack was taken aback by Towa's words.
"You know, all this happened because of me. Jabberwock was able to use my body because he took advantage of my past-Of how my parents were killed by Marchens in cold blood. And not to mention how I beat them up so as to relieve myself from the pain of losing my family," Towa appeared solemn. "If anything, I'd like to make up for all the trouble that's happened until now. Even if it endangers my life,"
"You cannot possibly mean that you would sacrifice your own self?!" Cinderella asked.
"Mr. Kadowaki, don't do this!" a worried Alice said. "It is true that you did horrendous things but, that doesn't mean you need to atone for them with your life!"
"Oh, don't worry about me," Towa chuckled lightly. "I may have said all those things but, I won't die so easily. So, sit back and leave this to me, alright?" Saying this, the well-built man stepped up to Jabberwock.
"Mr. Towa…" Snow White forced herself to speak. "Please… don't!" At the same time, Sleeping Beauty shook her head slowly to indicate her disapproval over Towa's decision.
"You must rest, Snow White. Do not force yourself," March held Snow White closely to him.
"But…" Sleeping Beauty was about to speak.
"Please don't strain yourself, Sleeping Beauty," Drake said. "We're all worried about Towa. But, if you push yourself too hard, it won't help anything,"
"Towa, don't do this!" Red Riding Hood said to Towa, the man now facing Jabberwock.
"She is right! You must not forfeit your life unnecessarily!" Hameln called out.
"Don't do it, Towa!" Thumbelina shouted. Despite the Blood Maidens' pleas, Towa focused his eyes on Jabberwock. The man glared at his former captor, his eyes filled with determination.
"Jabberwock, it's time to finish this,"
"What can you possibly do?" Jabberwock sneered. "Perhaps, you wish to take your friend's place and return to me?"
"Sorry, but, that's not going to happen," Towa shook his head. "I told you it's time we ended this. Right here, right now,"
"Very well," Tentacles came out of Jabberwock slowly. "I shall kill your mortal self. Once that is done, your corpse shall serve as my vessel FOREVER!" The moment he finished talking, they swiftly lashed out to Towa.
"Towa!" Most of the people at Jack's side cried out. Anxiety swept over everybody as they watched Towa brace himself. However, the minute the tentacles were an inch away from him, a voice resounded from inside Jabberwock.
"It is not your time yet," To the astonishment of all, Mr. Shiro's body popped out of Jabberwock. The bespectacled man landed on his back next to Towa. "Mr. Shiro!" Wasting no time, Jack and his company attended to him.
"What happened? How were you able to get out?" Alice asked.
"I'll explain later," Mr. Shiro got up on his feet. "For now, take the injured. We must leave!"
"Alright, come on!" Although he and his companions were unsure of what Mr. Shiro said, Towa began gathering everybody and led them away from Jabberwock. Hatter and his trio held their partners, one arm over each other's necks. Hinata helped Kaguya up onto Bamboo No. 1 and escorted her. The Blood Maidens that were exhausted used any strength they had left to help the police officers get up. As for Jack and Alice, the duo kept themselves close to each other.
"You shall not escape!" Jabberwock redirected his tentacles to the fleeing group. Before he could act further, the White Rabbit emerged halfway out of his shapeless form and grabbed him from behind. "What are you doing?!" Jabberwock said to the White Rabbit in alarm. Concurrently, Jack's group stopped a small distance away from the two entities and looked at them.
"Jabberwock, this ends here. It is time for your vengeful existence to cease," At the White Rabbit's words, white veins started to encroach over Jabberwock's self. The latter was rendered immobile, his tentacles slowly retreating into himself.
"What is this? Unhand me at once!" Jabberwock yelled as he made a futile struggle to break away from the White Rabbit.
"The moment you captured my host, I took the opportunity to invade and take over your body. But, not before letting him out first. And now, we shall leave this world together,"
"What is he talking about?" asked Card-Two, who was held by Red Riding Hood.
"The White Rabbit is planning to sacrifice himself. While I was inside Jabberwock, he informed me that this was his last resort should we be unable to destroy Jabberwock quickly. With that, I was separated from him and am standing here while the White Rabbit completes his task," Mr. Shiro's explanation left his listeners surprised.
"What?! Why didn't you tell us about this earlier?!" Thumbelina exclaimed.
"I apologize but, this was the White Rabbit's decision made at the last minute. I too was taken aback by this. However, it appears that was the only option left," Mr. Shiro's eyes were downcast.
"White Rabbit, don't do this!" Jack said. "You don't have to give up your own life to beat Jabberwock!"
"I am sorry, Jack," Peering over Jabberwock's shoulder, the White Rabbit spoke to Jack and his friends. "It must be done. This is for the best,"
"I never thought a Marchen would go this far," An astounded Cinderella stated. "For what reason would you do this?"
"The truth is I am neither Marchen nor Nightmare. The same applies to Jabberwock. We are merely products of the Jail's influence. I am a figment of the one whom you know as Professor Tohjima. As for Jabberwock, he is an incarnation of the souls of fallen Marchens," In the midst of the White Rabbit's explanation, almost all of Jabberwock's self was enveloped in white. "Regarding my reason for doing this, it is because of our nature-Of what we are. I and Jabberwock are deemed to be aliens in the normal world. Our existence may not be acceptable to the living. For that, I have chosen to end both of our lives. All in order to ensure peace on the surface. And for humanity,"
"But, that doesn't mean you have to kill yourself!" Red Riding Hood retorted. "Plus, it doesn't matter what you are! You're one of us!"
"That would have been more applicable if I and Shirosagi were one and the same," The White Rabbit found Red Riding Hood's statement to be unexpected. "Despite the two of us being separated, you still consider me as one of you? In the same way you did when my host revealed his true form?"
"Of course we do!" Thumbelina shouted, her voice having a hint of sadness. "I don't care about what you said regarding your existence or whatever! You think it's alright if we let you die?! You're crazy!" Hearing Thumbelina's outburst led to the White Rabbit chuckling softly.
"You truly are spirited," He then remarked to Jack and the Blood Maidens. "I sincerely appreciate that you consider me as a part of your team. Unfortunately, I cannot stay with all of you. Again, this is for the best," At this time, Jabberwock was completely covered in white veins. "Now, go!" The White Rabbit continued talking in a more serious tone. "You must leave!"
"But…!"
"You must go!" The White Rabbit cut off Snow White. "It is too late for me but, it is not for all of you! Did you all not wish for another tomorrow? If you truly do, go now and cherish your own lives!"
"Though that is something which no rational person would accept, I am afraid the White Rabbit has a point," Gretel stated coolly.
"You're agreeing with the White Rabbit?!" Thumbelina gave Gretel a look of disbelief. "Don't you care about what happens to him?!"
"Though it pains us to leave a comrade like this, I believe we have no other choice," Hameln tried to mask her sadness.
"If that is the case, let us go. Now!" Standing between Towa and Arika, Mr. Shiro beckoned for the group to follow him. Although torn over the fact that they had to leave the White Rabbit behind, Jack and the Blood Maidens quickly fled with their friends. Jabberwock watched helplessly as his enemies approached the entrance of the room in which everybody is in.
"No!" Jabberwock angrily cried out. "It cannot end like this! Unhand me! UNHAND ME AT ONCE!"
"It is over, Jabberwock," a solemn White Rabbit said. "Let us put an end to this," Soon, Jack's group exited the room and started closing the gate behind them. The White Rabbit watched as Jack and his friends slowly disappeared from his sight.
"Goodbye, my friends," White light emanated from the White Rabbit and Jabberwock, filling the entire room. The light shone through the cracks of the now closed gate, startling those who stood near it. Within the light, the White Rabbit and Jabberwock started to disintegrate. The latter screamed in agony, his voice resounding across the dungeon. The White Rabbit, on the other hand, was filled with calmness.
"It is done," With those words, he and his opponent completely turned to ash. In an instant, the light that filled the room faded. For a moment, Jack's team fell silent. "The White Rabbit… Did he really?" the young boy asked his company.
"It seems that is the case," Mr. Shiro answered.
"Rapunzel don't sense anymore prey," The blonde Blood Maiden was frowning. "Don't know why but, Rapunzel feel sad," Hearing her, the rest of Jack's team remained quiet. Most of their faces, including Jack and the Blood Maidens', appeared forlorn.
"I am truly sorry for your loss," March said to Jack and the Blood Maidens with sympathy.
"Don't be," Alice responded. "The White Rabbit was valiant to the end. The least we can do is to have a moment of silence to honor him,"
"Indeed, m'lady," Hameln nodded her head slowly. "His sacrifice was not in vain," When she finished talking, small particles of light came out of the ground and floated up into the air. Everybody's attention was grabbed by their surroundings which was gradually getting enveloped by the light. The sight of this caused Rapunzel to gasp in awe.
"W-What's happening?" a confused Thumbelina asked.
"It would seem that this place is fading," Mr. Shiro stated. "I say this since this is happening right after Jabberwock's defeat,"
"Then, does that mean…?" Snow White came to a realization.
"Yes, that is most likely the case," Soon after Mr. Shiro talked, the light engulfed the group's surroundings. This prompted them to either shield or close their eyes. In a matter of seconds, everything around them turned white.
And then, it all faded to black.
Jack and his friends opened their eyes. The group found themselves at a familiar place. It was none other than the west road of Wonder Ville. "Are we… back in town?" Red Riding Hood asked while she and the others scanned the environment. Just then, Snow White took notice of something.
"Everybody, look!" The blue haired Blood Maiden pointed to a certain direction. Seeing where she was pointing, Jack's team realized they were standing in front of Shinzo Academy's main gate. Beyond it was the school itself, now back to normal. With Jabberwock gone, his influence over the building had disappeared.
"That's the school. It's back to normal!" Thumbelina stated with lifted eyebrows.
"Indeed, it is," Gretel mentioned. Soon after she talked, Haru, Miko, Major and Clara arrived at Jack and his team's spot, having ran all the way there from their truck.
"You guys!" a concerned Haru said. "Are you alright?"
"Haru!" Jack and his friends turned to face Haru's team.
"What happened inside the school?" Miko noticed the injuries sustained by most of the Blood Maidens and Leader's unit. "And those wounds…"
"I will explain later," Mr. Shiro stepped forward. "More importantly, let us leave. We must treat the injured first,"
Shinzo Academy's assembly hall is large; it's floor carpeted in red and the walls and ceiling white in color. At one end of the hall was a stage with red curtains and a podium at it's center. In front of the stage were several seats. The principal and teachers occupied the front row while the students, Hinata and Ichijo's gang included, sat behind them.
Atop the stage were Jack and the Blood Maidens, seated on their own chairs a few feet behind the podium. Jack was next to Alice and Thumbelina was in between her two sisters. On the right of the youths were Mr. Shiro, Miko, Clara, Major and Arika, now a normal girl without her powers. Haru was on the podium with Towa beside him. Hatter and his trio were nearby a flight of stairs on the stage's left. It is Thursday morning. As Haru prepared to speak into a microphone, Jack and the Blood Maidens pondered over something from the previous day.
Jack and the Blood Maidens are inside their house, gathered at the center of the lounge. Also present were Haru's team, Towa and Mr. Shiro. After sending Hinata and Hatter's trio home as well as Leader's unit to the hospital, Jack and the Blood Maidens returned home to have their injuries treated. Later in the evening, Haru's group decided to talk with the youngsters about an important matter-One which the youths found unexpected.
"What do you mean we're leaving this town?!" a bewildered Jack asked.
"Yeah! Exactly what's going on?" Thumbelina chipped in.
"It's precisely what I meant," Haru answered. "We got word from the police chief that they appreciate our efforts. The police force also offered to explain to the townsfolk about what happened so far for us," The gruff-looking man closed his eyes. "However, the chief mentioned that some members of the police are skeptical over his decision. They can't bring themselves to tell people that kids as young as you all were fighting,"
"And that's not all," Haru's eyes focused on the Blood Maidens. "You girls even entered Massacre Mode without getting Marchen blood on yourselves. We don't know how that's possible but, we find that worrying. There's a chance it might happen again even when you're not actually fighting,"
"Even if it does, we have Jack," Red Riding Hood gave a quick reply. "He can use our blood to calm us down!"
"That's true. But, honestly, I believe people would be perplexed if they were to see Jack carrying around the Mary Gun everywhere," Miko said. "On top of that, there is no telling how they may view all of you should they witness Massacre Mode… or worse,"
"Which is why we've decided to leave Wonder Ville along with all of you. It's to prevent further complications," Haru closed his eyes. "I know it's hard to hear this especially since you kids have taken a liking to this place. But, we can't risk exposing your real selves out in the public,"
"But, didn't the National Defense Bureau agree to hide our true identities?" enquired Alice. "If so, I do not see how there should be any problems,"
"That's what we thought so too. Given how things are turning out though, I'm afraid the Bureau's authority won't be enough to conceal your identities,"
"No…" A sad Rapunzel voiced her disagreement. "Rapunzel no leave here. Rapunzel want to stay here!"
"I agree with Rappy," Cinderella said with concern. "Even if we leave, where else are we to go?"
"We'll figure that out later," Haru replied. "Now, I understand this is not easy to take in. That's why, we're letting you think about this. You can tell us your answer in the morning. Whatever you decide, be sure you're honest about it, m'kay?" Silence filled the lounge. Jack and the Blood Maiden's faces were downcast. Seeing the youngsters, the others could not help but, feel the same. Indeed, this was not a simple matter. It is true that Jack and his friends could move elsewhere. But, what are the chances that things would be better compared to when they first entered Wonder Ville?
Such is the uncertainty of reality…
"Students and teachers of Shinzo Academy," Haru addressed the crowd. "Thank you for coming here. First off, my name is Haru and I'm here on behalf of the National Defense Bureau," A lot of the students began murmuring among themselves. "I believe you all want answers on what happened yesterday," Haru quieted his listeners. "And we will give them to you. For that, I'll let my partner here explain everything,"
Haru stepped down from the podium letting Towa stand on it. The former stood next to him as the latter cleared his throat. "Good morning, fellas!" Towa spoke with a cheery grin. "Quite a large crowd we have here, don't we?" The students were confused by his cheerful demeanor. Even Jack and the Blood Maidens were dumbstruck over Towa's behavior given that the atmosphere is somewhat serious. Hatter's trio just stared at Towa from the side of the stage.
"Alright, let's start with a little introduction. I'm Towa Kadowaki and I work with the Bureau as well. As Haru said, I'll be explaining about yesterday's events," Towa's exterior slowly changed to a serious one. "What I'm about to tell you all may be beyond your imagination. You can choose to believe it or not. Alright with all of you?"
The crowd was quiet as if they were in silent agreement with Towa. Seated next to the principal, Ms. Joshima nodded her head. With that, Towa started to detail the Dawn's experience in the Jail followed by a summary of the happenings in Wonder Ville. His story elicited mixed responses. The students save Hinata and Ichijo's gang, displayed surprise and disbelief. A majority of the teachers were perplexed. As for Ms. Joshima and the principal, both looked serious.
"I can imagine if all of you find my story to be out of this world. The fact is, it is the truth. We have fought for our survival for as long as we could remember," Directing his words to the students, Towa referred to Jack and the Blood Maidens. "And there's one thing I'm sure you' kids are wondering-How exactly are your friends here able to fight the monsters you saw? I would tell you but, I think you will find it hard to believe if I were to say it,"
"For that, I'll let Jack handle that," With a good natured smile, Towa added humorously, "Let's give a round of applause for our brave young man, shall we?" Upon hearing his words, Thumbelina exchanged confused glances with her sisters. At the same time, Jack left his seat and took Towa's place on the podium. With that, Haru and Towa went to join the rest of the people on the stage.
Facing the crowd, Jack felt nervous. Even more so compared to when he and his friends first enrolled into Shinzo Academy. For a moment, the boy was quiet as he thought of his lines. "Um… Good morning," Jack started off hesitantly. "I've never really spoken to a huge crowd like this. Anyway, I hope it's alright if you'll let me say one thing," In a normal tone, Jack continued his speech.
"The truth is, we aren't exactly human. We were born from the disaster that struck fifteen years ago for the purpose of fighting Marchens, the monsters that were at our school yesterday. After we escaped the Jail, we decided to settle into this town, thinking that everything was over. But, it turned out it wasn't. The Marchens returned and we ended up fighting again," A lot of Jack's listeners were solemn when they listened to his story.
"That's why I'd like to say, we're going to leave Wonder Ville," Jack's words caused the students to be even more surprised, a lot of them talking amongst themselves. Hinata and Ichijo's gang could not believe what they heard. Hatter uttered an astonished, "What?" as he and his two friends looked at Jack. As for Ms. Joshima, she raised her eyebrows.
"I know it's sudden for me to say this. But, our reason is that we've brought trouble to this school due to our fighting. And not to mention, to this town as well. For that, we should apologize," Jack gave a pleasant smile. "We appreciate having spent time with all of you. We were able to enjoy a life outside the Jail, something which we never thought we would. Although it was short, we thank you for giving us the opportunity to be with all of you,"
"Jack…" Alice was impressed by Jack's speech.
"That's… all I'd like to say," Jack began to look sad. "If you'll excuse me," Stepping off the podium slowly, Jack went to rejoin the Blood Maidens. "Hold it right there!" Hatter went up on the stage and shouted. All eyes were on the redhead as he pointed a few feet away from Jack.
"Hatter?!" Thumbelina exclaimed.
"What the h*** you sayin' all of a sudden?" Hatter approached Jack, his friends following from behind. "You ain't tell us nothing bout leaving this town! I thought we gonna spend our days together!"
"Sorry…" Jack replied hesitantly. "It's for the best,"
"For the best?!" Hatter cried out in disbelief. "Why're you saying that? Cuz people may get scared of you since you guys ain't human? Who cares bout that? Me and mah pals accepted you all. The people should too!"
"It's not as easy as it sounds…"
"Look, I don't care, man!" Hatter shifted his eyes to the Blood Maidens and the Dawn personnel. "Listen, I dunno what y'all are actually thinking, but, you guys are not going to leave Wonder Ville!"
"Hatter, please stop," March spoke to calm his friend down.
"Whaddaya mean, stop?" Hatter looked at March. "I can't accept this, March! Even if they go, where else they gonna stay, huh?"
"Excuse me," Ms. Joshima approached Hatter. While he was talking, she had left her seat and got up on the stage. "I would like to have a word with our audience. If it is alright, please step down from the stage with your friends,"
"She's right. Come on, Hatter," At Drake's words, he and March took Hatter away and walked down the stage with him. Ms. Joshima then walked up to Jack. "I will take it from here. Do join your friends,"
"Thank you," Jack went back to the Blood Maidens. Ms. Joshima went up onto the podium and talked into the microphone. "Students and teachers of Shinzo Academy," she said. "After hearing what Mr. Haru's team have to say, I am of the opinion that their story is beyond anything that one can imagine. In fact, I personally find it hard to believe," Hearing Ms. Joshima's statement led to Jack and most of the Blood Maidens frowning.
"However, that is how an ordinary person would think," Ms. Joshima continued. "Despite how absurd their story may be, I believe that is no reason for them to leave,"
"Huh?" Jack was surprised. His friends also shared the same feeling.
"The motto of our school is to have a heart above all else. It does not matter where one comes from or who that person may be. We will accept anyone into our school and treat them as if they are one of us," Ms. Joshima added, "For that, I ask-Are any of you against having Jack and his friends in our school and our town? Those who think so are free to stand up and leave the hall,"
There was silence. Five students, each of them from Class 1-1 to Class 1-4 respectively, got off their seats. Ms. Joshima observed them walking forward, believing that they would make their way to the door. Instead, she saw the students head to the stage and walk up onto it. The students moved to Jack and the Blood Maidens and faced them, their faces solemn.
"We won't tell anyone about who you all are," said the Class 1-1 student, a male.
"Yeah, you bet we won't," said the student from Class 1-2, another male.
"But, you don't know who really are…" Red Riding Hood spoke tentatively.
"Who cares about that?!" the Class 1-3 student, a girl, said aloud. "You think we're going to accept you leaving us like that?" Turning sad, she added, "If you do that, it just doesn't… feel right,"
"But, are you sure?" Alice asked the students. "We are not what you think we may be…"
"Well, you heard her," the Class 1-4 student, a boy, spoke. "Besides, I'm curious as to how you could fight those Marchens,"
"Yeah," Smiling at Sleeping Beauty, the student from Class 1-2 said, "Plus, school won't be the same anymore when our Goddess is not around,"
"So, that means…" Snow White lifted her eyebrows. "…we can continue to be in Wonder Ville?" After seeing the exchange between Jack's group and the students, Ms. Joshima spoke into the microphone. "Everyone," she smiled. "I believe the answer is clear. If we are all in agreement to allow Jack and his friends to be with us, let us give them a round of applause. For saving our school and to accept them," The audience gave a positive response, with the students clapping and cheering loudly. The teachers talked to each other in approval of Ms. Joshima's words. As for the principal, he smiled and nodded his head.
"Well, color me surprised," Haru chuckled as he and his team moved towards Jack. "Looks like there was no need for me to have told you and the girls to leave with us," His smile fading, Haru added, "Sorry I said those things by the way. I thought it was for the best,"
"It's alright, Haru," Jack smiled. "It was sad at first, but, we understand you meant well,"
"I feel so happy," Alice was so touched she looked as if she was about to tear up. "This feels like a pleasant dream…"
"Y-You said it, Alice," Red Riding Hood shared Alice's sentiments. "In fact, I… I…" The brunette started crying softly, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. Miko placed a comforting hand on Red Riding Hood's shoulder. At the same time, a smiling Thumbelina placed her arm around a sniffing Snow White. Mr. Shiro, Major, Clara and Arika stood next to Hameln, who was trying to fight back tears. When asked by Cinderella whether she was crying, the tanned Blood Maiden denied it.
"My, how elated we are all are," Gretel watched her companions being happy about their current situation. Smiling to herself, she said, "This is quite the fascinating development," The cheering subsided and Ms. Joshima asked for the audience to see themselves out. Shortly after they exited the assembly hall, Jack's group were in front of the stage talking with Ms. Joshima and the principal. Hatter, March and Drake were standing with them as they wanted to listen in on their conversation.
"To be honest, I knew there was something different about all of you since your first day in Shinzo Academy," Ms. Joshima said to Jack and the Blood Maidens. "Despite that, we will keep all that you have explained a secret. Rest assured, we will not share anything about it haphazardly. Especially to the people outside of Wonder Ville,"
"Thank you, Ms. Joshima," Alice gave a grateful smile.
"Told ya they'd accept you all," Hatter grinned at Jack and the Blood Maidens. "And speaking of which," The redheaded boy shifted his eyes to Thumbelina and her sisters. "You three sisters owe me, March and Drake here a date,"
"You're still going on about that?!" Thumbelina shot Hatter a look of disbelief.
"Chill, chill," Hatter raised his hands. Spreading his arms out he said, "That aside, remember that tea party we talked about?"
"Yes, what of it?" Cinderella asked.
"A tea party?" Ms. Joshima turned curious.
"Yeah, well about that," Hatter leaned forward a little and smiled. "I've got a better idea,"
