Chapter 12: So The Problem Children Decide With Rock-Paper-Scissors?
"I'm telling you it was him!" Gryphon screeched from his bed, his limbs strapped down to prevent him from escaping and swallowing anything in his path.
"If what you say is true we would all be gone from the start." A voice said approaching the monstrous man. His body was covered in robes of green from the neck downwards allowing no skin to be seen. Upon his head a large cloth headdress sat, only a small slit near the top allowed one to see his eyes if they looked carefully. "But I suppose that would be a good thing as well." He whispered the last part as he stabbed a syringe into his patients neck.
"It's the truth!" Gryphon shouted again as he struggled against the needle, unwilling to let his blood go. "He's the reason I'm like this, crumbled with no flavour!" His body was mangled completely. His arms broken and his legs flayed. Dried blood created a crown around his head as he squinted at the doctor. "And I can't have any more fun because of this!"
"Yes and it's not because of you revealing yourself to all of [Salamandra]," the doctor sighed as he finally got the blood he needed.
"Hey, the boss wanted me to distract and I wanted a meal, we both win!" The grin that the beast gave caused the doctor to take several steps back. That grin just proved his theory about the monster this man was. "Oh but the next time we meet. I'm bringing the best sauce I can find because he will be cooked so well... No blue. I'll cook him blue! That will make him the best meal in the world! Ahahahah-guh!"
"Please stop, you are giving me a headache." The doctor said removing his hand from the roll of bandages slapped inside the man's mouth. "Now allow me to work." With that the doctor began to slowly bandage Gryphon up making sure everything went smoothly.
-Such a vile beast... To think he was like this back then. At least that poor Dodo had a reason for her insanity... But how much is due to who we were?
His masked head looked down at his robed hands, a small tear visible from when he had to hold down his patient. Skin of dark green could only slightly be seen, the bumpy texture of scales being what was hidden from view.
-And how much is from what we have become?
A rather loud creaking noise echoed through the large room. Eyes trailed towards a small child skipping across the floor.
Dodo.
"Hello doc!" The girl smiled with a cheery glee. Purple eyes turned to the Peryton in human form lying on the bed. A hyper giggle left the girl as she twirled around.
"Well you look terrible!"
"Shut up!" Gryphon yelled. "Hey doc, let me eat the chicken!"
"I'll give you heart burn so I wouldn't bother... Wonder what it's like to be eaten?"
"Get over here and I'll show you!"
"This is a ward, not the meeting room." The doctor spoke as he looked at the purple wearer over. "You seem fine so a checkup then?"
"Yep! Got a new job they want me to do! And it's going to be fun!" Dodo yelled as a reflex hammer touched her leg lightly. "Doc... Can we make the hammer hurt more... please!"
"If I do that then I can't give you one of these." From the inside of his robes, the doctor fished out a lollipop to the girl's joy.
"Best doc ever!" She yelled as she snatched the sweet from the man. "Hey Gryphon, look what I got!"
"That's not fair! I'm hungry to! Doc can I have one?!"
"No."
"WHA-THATS NOT FAIR!"
"I am rather amazed that you possess the body of an adult and yet your mentality suggests a child ten years younger than you are."
"Uh...did you just call me a kid?"
"I stand corrected. Intelligence quotient suggests preteen age, possibly 12."
"Oi! I ain't a kid!"
"You certainly do behave like one..."
"When I get free, I'm going to eat turtle soup!" The doctor sighed while Dodo giggled at the beast's anger. She stopped when she noticed the doctor's hand in front of her.
"I'll see you off, ok?" The man said in a fatherly like tone causing the girl to blush and hug the man.
"Thank you doc!" She said before taking the men's hand, leading her friend out of the room. "Hey doc, how much do you think I can make them hurt this time?" She asked as she ignored Gryphon's cries of attention.
The man just held his fingers up slightly causing the girl to giggle.
-You poor thing...To accept pain and to dish it out so easily and then to become a fiend like me. If only there was a way to make you a normal child again...
RETURNOFLOSTSOULS
Outer Gate number 7759175, [Great Waterfall of Underwood], Fir Bolg Hill
[Underwood], a location of the south side of Little Garden. This was the sight of the battle between the dragon and the combined might of [No Name], [Draco Grief], and [Six Scars] in the [Gift Game] SUN SYNCHRONOUS ORBIT in VAMPIRE KING. The Gift Game that forced Leticia to take back her [Host Master] powers and forced her to become everyone's enemy for time being.
However, the Problem Children were able to beat the game and save Leticia due to loopholes within the game. Once it was completed, a half a month later, they participated in the Harvest Festival, going up against [Will-O-Wisps] guest and Queen Halloween's loyal Servant, Faceless, a female human warrior, [Two Wings] leader and the Saurian Demon King himself in the [Gift Game] Rider of Hippocampus. Asuka managed to win the race, and save herself the embarrassment of being stripped.
Thanks to Shiroyasha's influence, she was able to force all female participants to wear swim suits during the game as it was Hippocampus' running on water. And during said race, Faceless came up with a rather intricate way of eliminating the competition without killing anyone: strip every female rider naked.
Thanks to Asuka's ingenuity, Izayoi holding back Kouryuu and Yō facing off against the leader of [Two Wings], Asuka managed to out maneuver Faceless and win the competition.
Now, a month later they had returned to the place where they fought their toughest battles.
Black Rabbit hopped around, anger radiating off of her body with her face scrunched up. Her pink hair fluttered as she jumped high and landed with a thud on the ground. She had landed outside where herself, Yō and Asuka had arrived to when they first traveled to [Underwood].
A large amount of moisture littered the air around her, but it was no surprise why. Through her eyes, she could see a large tree, a gigantic water tree that could encase an entire town. Waterfalls fell through the roots of the tree and cliffs, collecting someone on the ground which could not be seen, a large cloud blocking the ground thousands of feet below the cliff. Through one of the cliff holes, one could see an underground city covered by a web like pattern of roots and a floating stage that had cool water sprays in the air.
The water that poured out of the gigantic water tree cascaded passed its lower branches to fall into the city below. Following the crystal decorated canals constructed under those spots, the fierce and lively flow then travel towards the various interiors of the city. The sprawling roots of the Great Tree also extended outwards, covering the entire Underground City. The canals that were constructed on the fissures that ran through the ground due to the root's actions were reinforced with greenish crystals.
The giant Water Tree as well as the Underground City constructed by the excavation of the river bank.
The combination of the two regions was what the world's inhabitants generally called [Underwood].
"Where are they?" Black Rabbit grumbled as she jumped from root to root looking for three certain children. As soon as they had arrived, her body froze as if a certain someone activated her gift, followed by a burlap sack covering Makie and Jin. And if that wasn't bad enough, as soon as she was able to move again Black Rabbit was attacked by birds. Needless to say, the rabbit girl was not amused by the antics of her charges.
"When I find them..." The rabbit began to mumble about their punishment as she leapt over another root.
The rabbit bounced around the roots, jumping from one place to another, searching for familiar faces, but not finding them.
"Ahh mou! Just where are they!? Those Problem chilDREEEEEEEEN!" Black Rabbit's words echoed through the area, the words passing through the roots of the tree and into the city.
"Black Rabbit!"
"Ah, Leticia-sama!" The rabbit exclaimed as the vampire appeared, her black, manifested wings flapping as she floated in midair.
"Have you seen Jin-kun?"
"No. Izayoi-kun and the others have kidnapped both him and Makie-san!"
"Well that's a first." The vampire sighed as she shook her head in annoyance. "Any idea where they went?"
"If I knew I would have already caught them!" The rabbit shouted.
"Black Rabbit please calm down." Leticia chided the younger female. She understood her annoyance and anger but yelling around wasn't going to help, it would just cause the kidnappers to enjoy the rabbit's frustration...Again.
Even so, the red face that matched the rabbit's ears and hair would not vanish. She was far beyond angry at the three most powerful Gift Players and worried for the white haired girl and [No Name] leader.
Who knows what they had in store for Makie and Jin?
Knowing Black Rabbit's luck they would steal the national treasure of [Draco Grief] alliance and hide it just to have fun in Hide and Seek.
Or quite possibly try and manipulate the floating castle where the Gift Game those many weeks ago took place at.
Each situation she imagined began to make her skin crawl and heart pump faster. Adrenaline rushed through the rabbit's body as she imagined the worse.
Leticia could only watch as Black Rabbit's face and expressions went from angry red to pale shock. She was clearly over thinking the situation.
-Then again, given how it is that the master's act, perhaps I too should be worried for Jin and Makie-san's sake...
RETURNOFLOSTSOULS
"This. Is. Awesome!" Makie shouted as the wind flew through her hair. The girl was seated behind Asuka with Jin in between them as they rode on a hippocampus. Water from the canal splashed on the three as they rocketed through the town. Behind them, Yō bounced against the air using the Griffon's power, cradling Calico Cat to her. Running nearby them was Izayoi, a large grin on his face from seeing Makie's excitement.
"Having fun there, monkey?"
"Of course! And don't call me monkey!"
"OH this is bad; this is really bad we need to return the Hippocampus now!" Jin declared at the top of his voice. If [Draco Grief] learned that Izayoi stole the beast from its stable, that Yō convinced it to take Makie, himself and Asuka for a ride, and that Asuka was using her gift to increase the Hippocampus' body, the boy couldn't even begin to figure out how to calm their rage. Even if Sala was a friend she most certainty would be angry with this endeavor.
"No way hozzay!" Makie declared with equal force. "Speed it up Asuka!"
"Okay!" Asuka spoke in plain English. Looking at the Hippocampus the girl activated her gift. "Run faster."
The beast cried out as it allowed its legs to travel faster, Makie's laughs of enjoyment creating an echo through the area as they rounded a corner and traveled alongside roots of the giant tree. A bright, big smile encased her face, a smile much more different from the morning's earlier Makie.
That Makie was one with red eyes and a nearly broken facade. Despite her attempts at putting on a brave front, Izayoi saw through her clear as day. He knew what she dreamed about, the topic having been brought up several times during conversations.
So he decided the best way to prevent her from thinking about her pain of the past was to kidnap her for a joy ride and if their leader accidentally got captured as well... Then that just meant more fun for everyone.
Jin groaned as he realized there was nothing he could do before a flash of pink caught his eyes. Turning his head he could see the fading forms of Black Rabbit and Leticia. Seeing he only had one chance, he decided to take it.
"Black RabbitIIIIII!" He shouted causing the rabbit to turn to where the voice was coming from. Her eyes widened as she paled. Leticia caught her with her palm as she watched the group go off into the distance.
-Three, two, one…
"IZAYOI-SAN!" Black Rabbit shouted as she ran after them, intent to capture the runaways in her mind.
The blonde haired problem child looked up, a smirk on his face. He noticed the pink haired bunny before Jin did, and knew that the boy would cry out for her.
Asuka and Yō, who did not know, just merely took the rabbit's sudden appearance and charge at them as they usually do; ignoring it as they pressed onward with their activity.
"Yo, Black Rabbit! You're late!" Izayoi taunted the rabbit.
"Izayoi this has gone far enough! Return Jin, the hippocampus and Makie and you won't get in trouble!"
"You'll have to catch us first! Full speed, Ojou-sama!" Asuka nodded as she gave the horse-fish the order. The creature grunted as its speed increased dramatically, Yō slightly struggling to match the beast. "See ya, Black Rabbit!" The blonde called out as he escaped the annoyed pink haired rabbit.
"You are not getting away!" Her declaration was matched with her speed, being able to easily match the speed of the Hippocampus. Makie could only laugh as she watched the rabbit keep up with him.
"Awesome, awesome, awesome! This is so much fun!"
"M-Makie-san! Please reconsider your definition of fun! Asuka-san, Yō-san and Izayoi-kun already have me pulling out my poor hairs!" Black Rabbit exclaimed.
"Well it explains the gray appearing." That caused the rabbit to trip momentarily allowing the group to escape. The rabbit stood there, her body shaking as she glared intensely at the group in the distance.
"My. Hair. Is. Not. Turning. GRAY!" She shouted as she bounded after the group, her speed easily matching them within seconds. "Stop this right now!" Makie flinched at the enraged look sent to her. Asuka sighed as she realized the game was over, this time their toy meant business. The group pulled over with Jin stumbling over himself to get off.
"T-thank you..." He mumbled before falling onto his bottom, his eyes spinning round as he tried to focus in the worried rabbit.
"All of you...Are stupid dummies!"
Swoosh!
*Pak**Pak*Pak*
The paper fan she held on her body at all times collided with the heads of the problem children, hitting them with enough strength to cause all of them to fall onto the roots of the giant tree.
"Was that necessary?" Leticia asked as she arrived. Her eyes narrowed at the problem children and their newest recruit.
"Yes it was! If the alliance learnt they stole a Hippocampus..." Black Rabbit shivered in fear, not wanting to finish that thought.
"We would have been fine." Izayoi said, his grin reemerging in his face.
"No we would have no!" Black Rabbit declared as Asuka and Makie still sat on the Hippocampus.
"Uh...alliance?" Makie raised an eyebrow. "Can you elaborate on that?"
"The [Draco Grief] alliance. Basically, they lead [Underwood.]" Jin said as he stood back up slowly. "It's not a good idea to cross them so stealing a Hippocampus would give them the right to attack us, regardless if we are on their good side or not."
"Ah gotcha." Makie nodded, understanding what the boy leader meant.
"So basically don't worry because we are friends with them." Izayoi smiled.
"Ah okay then!" Makie smiled.
"Yes! Because we are friends WE SHOULDN'T HAVE STOLEN FROM THEM!"
*pak*
Black Rabbit swung her paper fan on the boy once more.
"And stop teaching Makie bad lessons! We don't need another you!" Asuka and Yō tilted their heads as an image of a female Izayoi appeared in their heads. They chuckled slightly as everyone turned to them confused.
"It's nothing don't worry." Yō said with a smile.
"...Alright." Black Rabbit was unconvinced but decided not to worry about it. "Now take the Hippocampus back without any more problems."
"Okay..."The problem children sighed. A disgruntled voice came from the hippocampus, the beast lowering its head, seeming to be upset and annoyed as well.
Leticia sighed slightly annoyed by the looks they had. Any minute now, someone would let them ride the Hippocampus back while pulling the same stunt as before.
"You guys have fun." Jin spoke causing the vampire and the rabbit girl's eyes to widen.
"Jin-kun?" Black Rabbit whispered.
"I... I think the Hippocampus wants to give them another ride so I guess its fine but please be careful."
"Oho? So we still get a ride? Perfect! Oujo-sama!"
"Got it!" The water horse galloped against the water, Makie still behind the woman with Izayoi and Yō following.
"Was that a good idea Jin?" Black Rabbit asked as they disappeared into the distance.
"I don't think so but the Hippocampus seemed to like giving them a ride and hopefully we can deal with any other mischief those four commit."
"... Alright, if you say so." The rabbit sighed. Her mind began to race through the chaos the problem children could perform. But like Jin said, they could handle it...Hopefully.
RETURNOFLOSTSOULS
Just as asked, they returned the Hippocampus to the stables that they brought it from. Makie petted the water horse's nose lightly.
As she did, her face broke out into a smile, one similar to a child who was given a birthday present.
"This place is so cool!" Makie felt tears trail down her face. Her right fist shook in exhilaration. The feeling of riding on that horse as it ran on top the waters, it was such a new experience the adrenaline still pumped through Makie's body!
The beast saw the tears flowing down from the girl's face and nuzzled its face into her hand. The girl giggled before petting the creature a bit more.
"Hey Makie, stop befriending animals. You'll make Kasukabe-san jealous." Izayoi ignored the glare sent at him by the seer. As the girl moved away to yell at the blonde, Yō moved towards the creature to pet it herself.
"If Yō wants to pat it, she can do it herself. I think you're jealous that animals like me more."
"Yes, if you count the time those birds swooped you in the library."
"THEY WERE HUNGRY!"
"They thought you were a vegetable."
"So she's a vegetable monkey then?" Asuka asked
"She won't taste good. The Peryton's realized she was a Homunculus, called her disgusting, and that's why they wouldn't eat her." Yō's declaration was met with an array of reactions.
Makie's jaw dropped.
Asuka stifled a giggle.
Izayoi flat out laughed.
"I'm glad they won't eat me but I am not disgusting!"
"Then prove it," Izayoi ordered. "New game, the hippocampus licks your hand. If it takes another lick you're not disgusting. If not..." As the boy trailed off, Makie made her way to the creature and held out her hand.
"I'm not disgusting am I?" She asked the hippocampus who blinked innocently. Its wet tongue went over the girl's palm slowly before it grimaced and looked downcast. "It's ok..." She whispered as she pet the water horse's head, understanding it didn't want to let her down.
"He says sorry but he won't try to eat you any time soon." Yō translated. "He also says go easy on the soap next time.
"Right..." Makie hung her head in defeat. What could she do? If it was her constant need to bathe that cost her the game, then it was no one else's fault but hers. The girl turned around, seeing a victorious smirk on Izayoi's face.
"So...how many wins does that make it?"
"...I don't want to think about it..."
"I believe it's me winning and you losing again?" Izayoi asked his grin growing as he watched the girl shake in annoyance. "Well, it's getting close to that time." The blonde haired male declared, causing Makie to blink, her eyes widened slightly.
"What time?"
"Ah, the opening ceremonies correct?" Asuka asked.
"Right. We should begin heading over there. After all, it was because of their preparations this place had no one else nearby." Izayoi explained
"So we could have been caught within seconds otherwise." Makie asked getting a nod from the blonde. "...Let me at him! His stupid luck nearly caught got us trouble!" The older girls grabbed their junior by the arms as she tried to claw her rival's eyes out.
"Ahh but it didn't. Besides we could have done this regardless if there were more members."
"Let me guess, a distraction?"
"It's why we have Black Rabbit."
"Then let's get going before we are found out!" Makie screeched, waving her arms to break free from the other two girls holding her. Once Asuka and Yō released the white haired girl, Makie took off out of the stable.
"Do you think she knows where she is going?" Yō asked.
"Nope." Izayoi declared with the biggest smile on his face.
"Are we going after her?" Asuka asked.
"Nah, let her get lost for a little bit. She'll figure it out in no time."
RETURNOFLOSTSOULS
"Ok... The opening ceremony is in the center right?" Makie asked herself. "So, we go right here Izayoi?" When she realized her rival didn't answer her, she turned wondering why he was being silent before she noticed why.
"...Really? Just really? Damn it Izayoi!"
Makie clicked her tongue against clenched teeth. She was growing tired of this charade of being lost and without a guide. Yes all those times were her fault, but the triggers of performing said actions was nowhere in sight, always missing whenever she needed him to help her most.
-He knows I have never been here! Why couldn't he keep up with me?! Lazy bum...
Standing here wouldn't solve anything, she told herself. As such, Makie, with heavy stomps, marched towards where she recalled the living quarters of the [No Name] were. Without Izayoi, Asuka or Yō, Makie wouldn't be able to attend the opening ceremonies, and thus decided to head back to the rental rooms.
Except, she had no clue where those were either, she only recalled being stuffed into a bag the moment they arrived and spirited away by the three Problem Children alongside Jin.
-...Well...I'm screwed...
"Excuse me." A voice asked from behind the girl. Turning around she was met by a woman dressed in a pristine white dress suit. Other than her black gloves, tie and boots the rest was white as snow. Her dark blue eyes shined with confusion as she looked around the area for something. "
You wouldn't happen to know where the opening ceremony is to take place, do you? I'm afraid I'm a little lost." She asked tugging her braided silver ponytails.
"I'm afraid not sorry." Makie answered causing the woman to blink slightly before her eyes widened as she took a better look at the seer.
Makie noticed the chance in facial expression, and seeing how her eyes grew for no reason caused Makie to question the woman.
"Are...you okay?"
"...Yes. I am fine." The braids dangled as the mysterious woman walked around the seer who still sat on the ground.
"...She was really beautiful..." The words drifted out of Makie's mouth with an exhale of breath. Makie picked herself up from the rather moist ground. Turning to the right, she saw a river flow by, moss growing along the branch of the large water tree.
"To think water comes from trees here...More of an excuse to not cut them down I suppose..."
"There you are Makie-san" Looking up the girl noticed Black Rabbit jumping from root to root, her hair its usual blue. "Sorry it took Black Rabbit awhile to find you. Izayoi left you again huh?"
"Hasn't been that long but thanks." The girl said as she stood up. At least I got to see a nice part of this place. It really is beautiful...Can we move here?"
"We can't sorry." The rabbit deadpanned. Black Rabbit led the seer away from the area, the woman from before looked at the white haired woman, frowning at her departing form.
"Found you, rule breaker."
RETURNOFLOSTSOULS
'Underwood Great Tree' Conference Room, Evergreen Longhouse
Jin exhaled. He was standing before the meeting hall of the [Draco Grief] Alliance, something akin to windowed long corridor or house that is used to be a book storage area/hall/tea room for reception. With him was the long haired vampire aid, Leticia.
Moments after the end of their ride on the Hippocampus, Leticia took Jin to the meeting hall of the alliance members.
"Are you all right, Jin?" The vampire asked the unusually paling boy.
"Just a little nervous I guess. This is one of the few big meetings I've been to. I hope I'm ready for this."
"Of course you are." Leticia gave the boy a small hug to cheer him up and to put some color back into his cheeks. "You'll be fine."
"... R-right. Thank you." The boy said as his blush slowly vanished. "I can do this." The boy let out a sigh of relief as he focused. He had to make sure that [Jabberwocky] was seen as a big threat, he had to for everyone's sake.
-I just hope they agree with me on what to do with them.
The doors of the room opened.
Within Jin's eyes were all familiar faces, and those of the communities his allied with; [Six Scars], [Will-o-Wisp], and the leader of [Draco Grief]. Each Jin knew and each was happy to see him.
"Ah, you arrived Jin-san?" Green eyes looked forward at the table. Sitting at the head was the head of the [Draco Grief] Alliance, the ones responsible for helping Asuka fight, and a dear friend.
"Sala-sama!" Jin greeted.
Sala Doltrake; the older sister of Mandora and Sandora of [Salamandra]. Due to a mysterious incident, Sala left the [Salamandra] community and joined forces with [Draco Grief]. The reason for joining the community alliance of the south was because of their leader falling ill. Sala became his assistant and brought the [Underwood] back to prosperity.
Sala was a rather beautiful bronze skin colored woman. Long red hair even brighter then her siblings, determined but gentle green eyes matched the domineering spirit she gave off. Her simple and scant outfit would easily allow others to mistake her for a dancer. Sitting atop her head was a single dragon horn.
This woman, knowing it would tremendously cut down her power, broke her own horn off in a previous Gift Game that threatened the sake of [Underwood]. Giving this horn to Asuka, she merged it with Deen, creating a stronger body for the automaton and giving Asuka the chance to fight.
Even with the loss of this horn, her spirit never wavered and still remained as strong as ever.
A gentle smile laced her beautiful features as Jin sat across from the woman.
"I am glad to see you are doing well Sala-sama."Leticia spoke, a matching smile on her face.
"Same to you Leticia-dono."
"So all we must do is wait for the representative of [Salamandra] correct?" A rather high pitched youth spoke. Jin looked to his left.
Sitting a few seats away to the right, right next to Sala was Poral Gundark, Garol Gundark's son and the leader of [Six Scars] the agriculture community, a cat beastman around Jin's age.
A crop of messy hair matched with round framed glasses, with a playful gleam that seems to shine in his eye whites that makes him look even younger than he already was. Only his dress code seemed appropriate for the occasion. In short, he looked more of a normal teen that was in his rebellious period.
"Ah Parol! Thank you once again for your assistance in mining at the six gate." Jin bowed his head.
"No thanks are needed Jin. We are allies, I am merely doing my part of the contract." The young boy declared as he pushed his glasses up.
"I see I am not late as I expected." Turning around, the young leaders noticed Mandora walking towards them. "Jin-san, Garol-san." The older man greeted as he turned towards Sala. His eyes narrowed in something akin to disgust and yet still showing respect. The red haired dragon man bowed.
"I have been sent by Sandora-sama to handle the negotiations on behalf of Salamandra."
"I see." Sala bit her bottom lip. Through her choice of abandoning [Salamandra], Sandora, whom she had left ten years ago, was now forced to be the leader of the northern community because of her potential. Even though she had faith in her youngest sibling whom she barely recalled, she still worried about her once the news reached her.
Sala bowed her head in respect.
"Thank you for coming Mandora."
The dragon said nothing as he sat down next to Jin.
Poral glanced at the dragon woman. He viewed her as both sister and a teacher when it came to leadership and politics. He also knew that to Sala, the topic of Salamandra was a tad bitter.
Deciding to change the subject, Poral cleared his throat. Time to use the meeting as a tool.
"Let's stop dawdling and begin the meeting." Poral declared with blunt ease.
"Agreed" A young looking girl with ghostly blue hair and innocent eyes said. This was Will-o-the-Ignis-Fatuus, the head of the [Will-o-Wisp] community. Her blue eyes looked carefully at the two siblings, unsure if they would argue sooner or later.
"We all know why we are gathered here correct?"
"[Jabberwocky]" Mandora stated. "We have all heard about them by now correct?" Nods from around the table was his answer.
"Apart from [No Names] and [Salamandra], have the rest if you had an encounter with them?"
"Amazingly, yes. They targeted us a few days ago." Jack-o-Lantern, the [Gift] created by the [Will-O-Wisp] leader and second representative alongside Ayesha, spoke.
"How peculiar." Sala muttered. "They target the seventh gate first, then the sixth the next three days later, and we were attacked a few days back."
"No sane leader of a community would authorize this without some sort of plan." Poral declared.
"Unless they don't have one..." Jin muttered. He jumped when he realized they were all looking at him. "I mean." Taking a breath in, the young man regained his composure and tried again. "What I mean is, they seem to be playing a distraction game. Maybe they are apart if a large alliance, getting all eyes on the smaller group and then the larger group attacks us from behind."
"But why would anyone ally themselves with them?" Ayesha asked. "They are too unpredictable to control. [Jabberwocky] backstabbing them could happen easily."
"Perhaps they aren't working with anyone." Jin declared. "We fought them a few times , once with [Salamandra]. They seemed to be fighting on their own accord, at least that is how they appear to be. We do not have any info besides the names of a few members. One of them is called Gryphon. He is a Peryton shapeshifter who can control shadows."
"A peryton?" Poral asked. "Is that true?"
"It is." Eyes turned to Mandora as his eyes narrowed at the thought of the beast who attacked his city. "The monster was able to sneak through our defences and took over a corridor. However he seemed to be an idiot."
"He was." Jin agreed. "He wasn't the smartest. We also know of two more members. A young girl called Dodo and another known as Hatter. From what I was told, Dodo has control of some kind of unknown energy and can grow black wings. The other, Hatter is a mad man who can manipulate mercury to explode."
"So two destructive members? Ohohoho, interesting that we may face such destructive opponents." Jack spoke up in his jovial tone of voice.
Sala hummed. Her eyes narrowed as she rested her chin on entangled hands. Her elbows pressed onto the table as she thought onto what Jin had said.
"Let us name off the people who attacked us, and when. Jin, was this Hatter and Dod one of the people who attacked you to begin with?"
"Well...no. Hatter assaulted our home at the same time as Gryphon attacked [Salamandra]." Jin steeled himself. He would not reveal that important information just yet. He had to make sure about it. "Dodo attacked Asuka-san and Yō-san during a Gift Game regarding two members who assaulted us to begin with a week before."
"Attacked at the same time then? They seem to enjoy pincer strikes then."
"Wait, two other members? What aren't you telling us Jin-san?" Ayesha asked. The boy letout a silent gulp as he began to worry. He didn't know Fulcanelli that well but he apparently changed sides.
And then there was Makie. Izayoi and the others would not be pleased if Makie was outed as a member of [Jabberwocky]. Even if she changed sides due to the results of Hatter's game, the other communities would not be pleased regardless.
"One member was known as the Red King. I don't know much about him but he apparently according to two of my members he's changed sides. The other is known as... Alice. Apparently she was under control of the group and she has since then vanished."
Mandora and Leticia sent the boy looks, unsure if what was he doing. He was playing a dangerous game by lying at such a meeting.
Even so he had to tell them the truth.
"Well…before I can confirm it...has anyone here been attacked by an alchemist, and a white haired girl?"
"[Six Scars] has." Poral narrowed his eyes.
"Ah. So has [Will-O-Wisp]." Ayesha nodded.
"When was this?" Jin asked.
"Why do you ask?" Poral raised an eyebrow. Jin was a worthy leader and politician in his eyes, a negotiator of the highest caliber, like himself. Jin wouldn't withhold details without reason, and if he did it was to gain the upper hand in a negotiation. But this wasn't a negotiation' this was a strategy meeting to discuss [Jabberwocky].
Poral's eyes widened.
The fact he even asked about them told Poral that the green haired boy went through the same situation. There was a piece he was missing before the puzzle could be solved.
"One week from today."
"As has [Salamandra]."
"[One Horn] of the Draco Grief Alliance as well."
"[Will-O-Wisp] too."
The widened eyes and gasps of those present encased the area. The tension which was already high to begin with could be felt clearly, eve from the outside. Leticia narrowed her eyes.
-As I thought…Makie-san...
"I-it has to be at different times then!" Ayesha declared as she stood up. Her face portrayed the shock she felt. Sweat began to slowly form on her pale face, her eyes twitching at intervals of time. "[Will-O-Wisp] was attacked at Sundown!"
"So was [Six Scars]...no...the entire Alliance!" Sala declared. Jin and Mandora could only nod in affirmation.
"Yahoho...this is certainly not what I was expecting. How is this possible?" Jack asked. There was shock in his voice, but even he was trying his best to understand the situation.
"How is it that two people could attack at the same time, in different areas?!" Poral bit his lip. He was racking his brain to find this out. The only known mythological beasts he knew that could do such a miraculous effort would be demon lords, but even they would have difficulty with such a feat. It had to be one with powers over space, or time.
Jin swallowed. Now was the time. "This is why I asked you." All eyes trailed onto him and Leticia. "A week ago, during the attack, Sakamaki Izayoi faced off against the girl. He won a small [Gift Game]. That game entitled us to Alice."
"What!?" Poral exclaimed.
"Her REAL name is Kobayashi Makie. A girl with a rare gift, a legendary one. [Pathway to the Future]."
"And she has now joined your group? Can she be trusted?" Sola asked her eyes narrowing.
"Well before she was being controlled by [Jabberwocky] due to some kind of device. She has been taken in as an official [Guest] since she defeated Hatter outside our home. So yes, she can be trusted."
"Yahoho, so you took her in as your own and she has defended your place since. But what of the other?" Jack asked.
"The Red King. He is also known as Fullcanelli..."
"The alchemist?" Sola asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Well we're not sure on that. He seems to have the skills but... There is something about him that seems off."
"Off how?"
"It's like he's lying about who he is. His powers are apparently use alchemy since another member of mine confirmed it but..."
"It doesn't add up, am I correct?"
"Yes. From what I have witnessed. I have seen alchemy, and yet I have also seen him perform suspicious acts. When he fought against us, he used a stick to raise the ground and caused the nearby forest to act on his will. He controlled the water Shirayuki-sama created. He only used the elements that were in the area. By the rules of Alchemy, he used the tools he was given to alter the properties of the area around him and still followed the [Rules of the World]."
"Going by that he must be an alchemist. But you do not seem convinced," Poral observed the tension within Jin's body.
"Well...If he is proclaiming to be one, then his abilities and Makie are possible proof."
"Explain." Sala ordered.
"Kobayashi Makie came from the Lower World, same as the others, but in the same time period as Izayoi-san." Jin's words were met with sympathetic eyes. Jin knew why they felt such a way, and partially agreed with them. "Izayoi said that she died three years ago. However, through measures unknown she is alive now, but as a Homunculus."
"...A woman brought back from the other side? The World of the Dead?" Jack's interest was piqued.
"Yes, we are not sure how but she was indeed brought back to life. However... Her body wasn't the only one."
"Excuse me?" Ayesha spoke up. "What do you mean by that?"
"According to Shiroyasha-sama and confirmed by Kohryuu-sama, six additional bodies either buried or cremated were stolen from the Lower World and bought here."
"So more Homunculus?!"
"That's what it sounds like." Mandora said. "Can we confirm if that is true?"
"The bodies taken are but we aren't sure in the latter."
The room went back to silence. The tension was thick; to the point not even a knife could pierce it. [Jabberwocky] was becoming more and more of a mystery with each new piece of information.
Yahoho...Willa will not be pleased...
Jack thought back to his creator, recalling the demon and Willa's opinion if that person were to learn of this.
"So all we do know is that there are six possible enemies. No, five if you're telling the truth." Ayesha muttered.
"At the least." Jin repeated. "However we still don't know how many there were to begin with so..."
"There group could be quite large." Poral finished. "Then we really do have a major problem."
"But would it even go that far?" Mandora asked. "If the higher floors get involved..." As the man trailed off they understood his meaning.
If the higher ups caught word and entered the lower floors, the Garden would have a serious problem. A crisis on a phenomenal level that could cause their home to break.
"That cannot happen." Poral said raising his voice. "We have to take care if this sooner rather than later."
"Right. First we need to find out the size of the community. Given by what we know, and what Makie has told us. We do know there are about seven core members and eighteen knight chess piece soldiers who assaulted our community grounds a few days back." Jin declared. "How many soldiers attacked your communities?"
"Same number." Poral declared.
"Sixteen." Jack declared.
"Twenty with a cat named Cheshire." Mandora declared.
"Well we know what it is they pull their inspiration from." Poral spoke. "Think about the story they take their names form and inspiration. They may not be the characters themselves but they CAN give us a hint as to their original identities."
"Makie Kobayashi once said there was about eight members she could name. So plus the soldiers and Cheshire..." Jin quickly did the math in his head. "Twenty seven members."
"Wait, Jin-sama. I think we have a problem." Leticia spoke up. "During the fight against Hatter, the man destroyed his entire force."
"Then they have reserves if the man didn't seem worried about it." Mandora frowned as he rubbed his temples. "If it was just the members you mentioned this would be easier but an army?"
"And as you said they didn't seem concerned about killing their own members," Sala contemplated. "That would mean they have even more members then what we are thinking of."
"Once again. we do not know anything besides several members and their names. Back to what I suggested," Poral smirked. "You said Gryphon was a peryton correct?"
"Uh, yes." Jin nodded.
"Then what about Dodo?"
"She was a young girl who claimed to be a Hell Raven. She seems to possess a Gift based on nuclear fusion." Leticia was the one to speak this time. As the one who witnessed her skills and fought her, as well as form what Asuka had explained she currently possessed the most information.
"So something akin to the sun and then not?" Ayesha asked.
"Yes. We do not know much on Hatter, though we learned he has the ability to use Mercury in a sense."
"So then, each of these characters hint at the true identity of the community member. Dodo was a bird, this one a hell raven. Gryphon was a winged beast, so is a peryton. Though, what did the Hatter have to do with Mercury..." Poral, who previously spoke his words in complete confidence, was baffled by the mad tea party lover.
"Mercury poisoning." Eyes turned to the large pumpkin headed man. "During the time the books were written, mercury was used in the production of felt that was then used in hats. The workers got mercury poisoning and some developed dementia. So they coined the phrase mad as a hatter from there."
"How do you know that?" Ayesha asked her partner who shrugged in response.
"Yahoho, I know many things."
"So what does that leave to discuss about them?" Mandora asked.
"Well besides three members we can only make assumptions on the size of the community. Given their actions, we summarized it would be a rather large community, possibly army size." Poral spoke out.
"We also said that the community seems to not have a benefactor and maybe after something. Hence the distractions." Ayesha followed up.
"Considering their name," Sala commented. "It's likely if they were after something he would be related to their name sake. Like say a vorpal sword."
"Does anything like that exist?" Jin asked.
"Not that I know of." Jack spoke up. "And even if it did, it's likely it would only be used to harm..."
"A Jabberwock..." Mandra finished. "Perhaps they have such a beast and if they have the sword, we can't defeat them."
"Do Jabberwock's even exist?" Silence was the response for Jin question before Poral coughed lightly.
"No, they don't. So that would leave the sword to be not as effective as we would think. So perhaps they are not after something but what are they really planning."
The question left everyone to ponder it. It was like grasping a leaf when the wind was blowing at 95 miles per hour, unattainable and yet still a glimmer that there is a way to catch it. Leticia recalled what the Hatter said.
"Perhaps we should begin to discuss what it is they were after during these battles." The vampire spoke out, earning the gazes of everyone inside. "They need Makie Kobayashi for a reason. They lost her once before and tried to retrieve her in a Gift Game. But why go so far when they simply could have taken her?"
"They need her to be weak." Mandora stated. As eyes went towards him, he spoke up. "They need her to be controlled by them, as she was before she broke free. Jin-san, what would you say she is like?"
Jin blinked at the odd question before he answered. "Well, rather strong. She does have problems at times but doesn't seem to want people to help her with them."
"Then they need to break her." The older male's voice went quite, only above a whisper as dark undertones were lying in his words. "If she is strong then they need her to trust them completely, to be their puppet."
"They need her for something. Her Gift?" Poral asked without missing a beat.
"Ah yes. The Gift she possesses is [Pathway to the Future]."
"And what does that do?" Ayesha asked.
"It really depends." Sala explained. "I remember hearing someone could only use it to stop time while another was able to speed up time around them. It's a rather temperamental Gift that usually doesn't allow its full power to be seen."
"Then Makie is different." Eyes went back to the leader of the [No Names]. "At this time, Makie has different abilities that utilize the Gift. Slowing down time, speeding it up, viewing the future, teleportation."
"But that is not just control of Time but the timespace continuum!" Despite the happy smile his pumpkin head held, the surprise expressed in his voice was evident to tell that he was shocked at the development.
"I will tell you everything I know so far. There might be some information missing and if must...I will ask that Makie join us, if that is acceptable.
RETURNOFLOSTSOULS
Makie was not pleased, not at all.
She was soaked from head to toe. Her hair was ringing wet, her skirt nearly dyed parts of her white shirt.
Why was she soaked?
When she and Black Rabbit had found their way to the inn they were staying at, Izayoi and the others had arrived. What was supposed to be a prank on Black Rabbit ended up with Makie on the receiving end.
Luckily she got her revenge, but Izayoi was the only one to be soaked.
So now the group was drying off in the Inn before heading off to the opening ceremony.
"Stupid cheating Izayoi." The wet girl grumbled as she glared at her friend's back. "Even if I got him he will want to get me back so... I need another plan."
"You say something Makie?" Izayoi asked as he turned his head to look back at her.
"I didn't say a thing."
"Liar."
"I didn't!"
Makie's vision was blocked as she felt something soft on her head. She didn't need to analyze much to know it was a towel.
"So, where would the opening ceremonies be?"
"The usual place where Shiroyasha declared the girls to wear swimsuits in the last game." Izayoi's face was lit with a smirk, one that caused Asuka and Yō to grimace. The memory was not pleasant, especially at the reminder of a certain armored swordsman who stripped the girls naked of their apparel to win the race, even if she truly didn't mean anything by it.
"That race was unpleasant and yet wonderful at the same time." Asuka muttered.
"What race?" Makie's voice was muffled by the towel.
"We will tell you later." Yō spoke.
"Alright then... Wait, Izayoi saw you in swimwear right?" Though she couldn't see their nods she knew they had done so. "Did you smack him for being a perv?"
"No we didn't. Though we have thrown things at him before." Asuka answered to her embarrassment.
"Ahuh..." Makie muttered. She was curious as to what the circumstances would cause the girl to be in swimwear and Izayoi to go with his perverted antics, but at the same time wished to not know. Rubbing her head with the towel, the girl stood up and began walking towards the bathroom.
"Izayoi, are you done?"
"Almost."
"Hurry it up..."
"You that desperate to strip monkey?"
"Yep. I'm desperate to get out of wet clothes and into warm ones." Makie answered without missing a beat, her deadpan tone matching her rather bored expression.
"In that case…" The boy left the bathroom with a smile on his face. "All yours monkey."
"... What did you do?" Makie asked her eyes narrowing at her rival.
"Nothing."
"... I'm watching you." The girl growled as she entered the bathroom. The smile on the blonde's face grew as he held up three fingers to the others confusion. One by one they went down and as the last fell, a large bang was heard from the bathroom.
"IZAYOI!"
Asuka and Yō cracked a smile as they both turned to the male who was signaled out. Izayoi, who still possessed that smile on his face, drew in the air with his forefinger. The shape was circular, a wide cylinder like object. Izayoi drew another cylinder like object, something similar to a cup.
The two girls knew exactly what fell on Makie and giggled.
"Seriously!? How does a water basin fall from the-Oh come on, seriously?!"
"Hey Monkey how does it feel to fall for your own trap!?"
"At least now I know that I need to make traps you will have difficulty replicating with household items..." The girl's voice was muffled by the sound of the door but still reached the ears of Yō due to her super hearing.
"She says she will make a trap you can't replicate with items lying around."
"Let's see her try." The boy boasted as he grinned widely, amused by the plots that his friend would try to perform... And fail at.
"She says she'll prove you wrong and beat you... Even if she has to reuse the dress bomb?" Yō translated, though confused by what she meant by dress bomb.
"I thought that was banned?" Izayoi asked.
"She says it never was banned."
"What's a dress bomb?" Asuka asked confused. Though her confusion doubled when she noticed the boy shiver in slight fear by the mention of the prank.
The door of the bathroom opened, revealing Makie. Though she was not in her usual clothing. In fact, she was wearing the clothing she wore when she was part of [Jabberwocky]]. The gray turtleneck sweater, the dark colored skirt, the stockings and black boots. Makie sighed heavily as she walked out into the room.
"Makie-san...why are..." Makie didn't even have to hear the whole sentence from the red clad woman. Why was she wearing this?
"Because this is all the other clothes I have."
"We have to get you some more then." Yō commented before turning her head towards Black Rabbit.
"Hmm what is it?" The rabbit blinked before she realized what they meant. "Black Rabbit doesn't hunk that's a good idea..."
"No offence but I don't want any clothes that... That demon has come up with... Other than my normal clothes." Makie stated making sure Izayoi didn't open his big mouth.
"Well that's sad. I know Shiroyasha has an outfit I think you would look cute in."
"You mention being like a doll and I will run you through with a spoon Sakamaki." The low tone and growl of the white haired girl's voice was enough to let anyone know she still hadn't forgiven Izayoi nor Shiroyasha about that.
"Eh? Still holding onto grudges?"
"I think I have every right."
"If you are ready Makie-san!" Black Rabbit waved her arms in between the two friends. "We need to hurry towards the main stage! Sala-sama will be doing the opening ceremonies along with announcing the first [Gift Game]! The [No Name] are required to take part in it!"
"We all cannot. There has to be a limit right?" Asuka asked.
"Yes! Only two players per community!"
"Well…that is a problem."
"Especially since I would like to participate in this one." Izayoi narrowed his eyes.
"Same for me!" Asuka added.
"Me as well!" Yō followed.
"Why not play rock-paper-scissors to decide?" Makie spoke in a deadpan tone.
The three problem children each gave each other a glance. Makie knew where this was going.
"Okay, okay. Let's add some rules to this."
"Rules?"
"Yeah. Here's how it will go. You will each play rock, paper or scissors. You know how the game works so no need to remind you of the rules of what beats what. However, there will be instances of draws. So here is my opinion. If you use rock it is a draw no matter what. Using anything else is okay, but rock will always be a draw. With paper and scissors you either win or lose. However, if you get a draw, then you are not allowed to participate in the Gift Game automatically. That choice is left up to Black Rabbit. If you manage to win during the game then you are automatically part of the team. To summarize, getting a draw means Black Rabbit will have to choose. But obtaining a win means you are automatically on the team."
"So if Black Rabbit understands this, rock is a draw no matter what?" The rabbit asked as her ears twitched.
"If you play rock then yes. It is a draw. However, if your opponent plays scissors, then they are out. Rock will always beat scissors, so rock will win. However, Rock cannot be beaten by Paper, and will end in a draw. Basically the rule that says Paper beats rock is omitted."
"But wait, that only leaves Paper and Scissors as the only two signs to use."
"Not necessarily. I never said NOT to use rock. It's just that you will end up in a draw or lose with the basic rock beats scissors strategy. If you end in a draw, Black Rabbit will be the one to decide who goes. Oh and if you don't like her decision; too bad, get over it."
"So the rules say if you lose you don't go, if you get in a draw Black Rabbit makes the choice, but if you win then it's a definite part. Not bad Makie except this is a three way game."
"You really think I didn't take that into account Izayoi?" The smirk that laced Makie's face was one that could match Izayoi's in confidence.
-...Oh..I get it now. It's a gamble on our parts. Who is willing to risk being the draw or going for an absolute win?
"Hahaha...Interesting. Exactly what I would expect form you Makie!" The voice that came out of Izayoi was one of when a father was proud of their child.
"So then...the wins are when Rock beats Scissors, Scissors beats Paper correct?"
Makie nodded to Black Rabbit's question.
"Yep. The draws are when its Paper vs Paper, Rock vs Rock, Scissors vs Scissors and Paper vs Rock."
"Understood!" Asuka clenched her fist in determination as Yō's eyes hardened. Izayoi, however, had the usual carefree expression on his face. With a victorious smile the white haired girl took a deep breathe.
"Begin!"
RETURNOFLOSTSOULS
"Well... That didn't work out like expected." Makie said as she watched the opening ceremony about to begin. Standing on stage was Asuka and Yō, the winners of her little game...By Black Rabbit's choice.
"Chaos didn't happen, monkey." Izayoi sniped at her as he watched with a small smile.
"Bah doesn't matter, just means you guys don't have as much pride as I expected... Wonder if I could get a reverse dress bomb on them."
"Oi, don't even try it. I don't know where you would get the men's clothes." Izayoi rolled his eyes.
"Black Rabbit once told me a very interesting story. About how you both participated in a Gift Game where you can have your opponent do any one thing to them if you win."
Izayoi flinched. His right eye twitched. He used to have that Gift, but had to give it to Shiroyasha to make sure he and the others lived.
"And you ended up in a Draw with her. From what I understand...she got you into clothes with her remark, now what did you get Black Rabbit in? Oh wait, you couldn't!"
"Just... Be quiet, monkey. We don't want your howling running the ceremony." Makie shot the boy a dark grin knowing she had another win against the blonde.
-Another point for me and another loss for him. Let's keep this up.
In the crowd not far from where Makie was standing, a small girl wearing purple was glaring at her. Dodo was not pleased that her rival Alice had appeared. What made the traitor so special she didn't understand nor could she understand. A small amount of green flames began to burn on her fingers.
"Dodo." The girl tilted her head upwards to see the doctor. She wasn't able to see his face but she knew he was frowning. "I agreed to go with you but no causing any mischief."
"But Mocky." She whined.
"No buts. You have to be good for now ok?" At the girl's disappointed look, the man sighed pulling out another lollipop from his robes. "Promise to be good?"
"Of course doctor Mock Turtle!" She yelled before realizing she had to be quiet. "Oops sorry doc."
"We should be thankful this place is loud." He muttered before giving the candy to the girl. Out of the corner of his eye, the man noticed Makie and Izayoi leaving as the game on stage was about to begin.
-We'll stay here for now...I'm more curious on the skills of the other two.
END OF CHAPTER 12
TEACH ME, IZAYOI-SAN! EPISODE 8: Gift Games Volume 3
"Finally it's all back to normal!" Chibi-Makie yelled as she's at in the middle of the newly fixed library. "No more destruction caused by Izayoi!"
"Makie... You caused it remember?" Chibi-Black Rabbit stated though the seer just ignored her.
"Yep, everything's back to normal after what Izayoi did."
"But it was you Makie-san!"
"Now all I have to do is pad everything before Izayoi gets here and he won't be able to do anything!"
"Oh I give up..." The chibi rabbit lowered her head in shame. A dark cloud formed over her long hair.
"Hey Black Rabbit, when is Izayoi supposed to get here? He says we actually have a lesson today!"
"He said he'll be here soon. He had to make sure the lesson goes well."
-And too make sure you don't destroy the library again.
"Well of course it has to go well. He doesn't want to destroy the library again."
"Blaming me for your mistakes, monkey? That's a new one." Chibi-Makie turned her head as Chibi-Izayoi walked in with Chibi-Yō and Chibi-Asuka. The trio was wearing sunglasses as they stepped into the room, snapping their fingers as they went.
"What?"
"Izayoi-san said this is the latest trend back in his time." Chibi-Asuka explained. "He also mentioned something about turning Deen into a motorcycle?"
"What?" Chibi-Makie repeated as Calico Cat ran in and jumped into Chibi-Yō's arms. The even smaller cat was wearing the same shades and a leather jacket.
"We decided we might as well give this new look a try." Chibi-Yō explained further to the seer's confusion.
"Black Rabbit want to join!" The rabbit called out as a pair of undies was tossed her way by the male.
"What?" Chibi-Makie reappeared before glaring at the one responsible. "Izayoi, what is this?"
"Something new."
"You freakin liar..." Chibi-Makie spoke in a deadpan voice, not hesitating or even hiding her disgust at how the blonde haired problem child managed to trick them. A heavy sigh racked through the room as the seer merely lowered her head.
"Okay, so what is the lesson this time around?"
"Oh, I decided it should be Gift Games."
"Gift Games? But I get the gist of them-"
"No we'll be talking ABOUT the Gift Games seen in the anime and Light Novels."
"Why? I mean I've read the novels and they have Internet so..."
"No we are going through them regardless of what you say Makie."
"But that's..."
"Makie-san, it's our lesson." Chibi-Yō said.
"That's right. Now sit down as The Mondaiji motorcycle gang goes through this." "Chibi Asuka ordered.
"But you... No gang... What?"
"You heard me," Chibi Asuka smiled in delight. Chibi-Makie could swear she felt ice running down her back.
"This is soo wrong...on so many levels..."
"Well, the first is Asuka so; enjoy being sensei ojou-sama!" Chibi-Izayoi grabbed Chibi-Yō and Chibi-Black Rabbit. Within seconds, all that was left was a puff of smoke. The boy had traveled so fast he managed to disappear without a trace.
"Now first off. What do you know about the games played during the 3rd novel?"
"Why are we starting there? I thought you said we were talking about all of them?"
"Well since the anime finished at [Salamandra] we will start where it finished for those who wish to continue."
"I suppose that makes sense."
"Now, Izayoi plays the first game in the 3rd book. What can you tell me about the game?"
"I thought you were meant to teach me? But it was to decide who would go to [Underwood]. Everyone played different games and whoever got the best prize got to stay for the whole thing."
Chibi-Asuka nodded her head. "Yes, yes. And what else?Specifically what was Izayoi's game?"
Chibi-Makie rolled he eyes. Seeing how Asuka was acting this time with the glasses on her and the leather jacket only served to taint the elegant lady image Makie had of her.
"It was a game between him and Shirayuki. Flowers Over the Lake was the title and it was basically Izayoi had to make some flowers grow. Thing is, the flowers wouldn't bloom unless it was over a body of still water and not moving water like the river or water falls, it had to be the lake. This earned Izayoi Shirayuki's servitude as a maid but also caused him to completely destroy the Tritonis Falls..."
"Oh? Aren't you missing the detail?"
"Huh?"
"How did he make the flower bloom?"
"The flower could bloom within the game territory, that told Izayoi it could bloom anywhere. But the name was a partial giveaway. It's called Aqua Fran and can only bloom over water. Now, I say still water because, well seriously how is a plant gonna bloom when it has tons of water thrown on it or is moving constantly? Unless its root is inside the river on the floor then it won't work. So Izayoi came to the conclusion that water that wouldn't move as quickly, like say, a lake, was needed. And since there wasn't a lake, he did what Hercules did for one of his ten tasks. He basically changed the flow of the river and made a lake. Planting the flower there, it bloomed, and voila!"
"Correct. And the second game for the novel?"
"Sun Synchronous Orbit in Vampire King." Makie stated. "The Geass appeared in the end and went on to the next novel right?"
"Right! Now we won't reveal that Gift Game till next lesson. But well done in explaining the game between Shirayuki and Izayoi-san."
"...What happened to the Biker Chick persona?" Chibi-Makie narrowed her eyes in boredom.
"What persona?" Chibi-Asuka asked.
"You know, With the sunglasses and the jacket, that you are still wearing."
"Don't know what you are talking about." At moment the other members re-entered the room. "Izayoi-san, I think something is wrong with Makie. She seems to think we are a gang."
"When did we say that?"
"What?"
"I don't recall saying anything about being a gang Makie," The grin that grew wider on Izayoi's face only caused Makie to see red.
"YES YOU DID-"
"I said it was something new we should try."
"Gah but that's... GAH! Stop cheating you jerk!" Chibi-Makie yelled as Chibi-Black Rabbit looked confused.
"But you said-OW!" She didn't have a chance to finish as Chibi-Yu stood on her foot.
"Sorry, I must be getting clumsy."
"What the hell was that Kasukabe!?"
"Your shrilling again. Shut up Monkey." Chbi-Izayoi lightly glared at the girl.
"Nice! You call me a monkey but in the Gift Games all you can do is destroy! You can't do anything else other than that! The only games you are capable of winning are those where you can fight and destroy. Place you in a game where you can't and you lose!"
"Not necessarily." The blonde shrugged. "Anyway questions." With a click of his fingers, Chibi-Black Rabbit exploded into paper. Within a few seconds her head popped out from beneath the pile.
"There isn't that many." She argued but was ignored as the blonde picked up the first note.
"The reviewers are getting lazy..." Chibi Yō whined as Chibi-Black Rabbit picked up a single card. Her ears twitched as she read the contents.
"This one seems to be for Yō-san!"
"For me?" The short haired chibi's eyes glistened. She never received a question solely for herself.
"Yes! First off he is complimenting you for your wardrobe and says that a Hikari will be wearing it in his fic." Chibi-Yō's face turned beat red.
"Hikari...Hikari...ah its for that one fic right?" Chibi-Izayoi turned to Makie, who nodded.
"Yes its the Spear That Guards The Priestess, featuring Hikari Himemiya, Rei Tachibana and Shiro Ogami from Dissidia 021!"
"The authors need to hurry with that, given one of their soon to be schedules."
"And then we will be shoved aside like used books..." Chibi-Makie grumbled in detest.
"Ahem! If you do not mind Black Rabbit is continuing!" The rabbit huffed as her eyes glanced over the card. "Is it possible for the Calico cat to have a human form and date that cat girl waitress he's taking a liking too? It just seems kind of off putting with the height difference."
"Ah, no he cannot but Carol and Calico Cat doesn't have any problems and are okay with it." Chibi-Yō answered. She was slightly disappointed that the question was technically for another, but was happy that the other was her first real friend.
"Ok Makie, since you're the only one not in the actual story, you have our permission to invade 021 and take over." Chibi-Izayoi stated as the seer grinned a dark grin.
"Understood captain. Then we won't be forgotten!"
"Next questions!" Chibi-Black Rabbit interrupted, hoping they wouldn't get in trouble with that group. "One's for Makie and I'll leave that for later. Oh favorite genre for reading Makie."
"Why am I...Oh it's an everyone one question which we can't answer. Fairy tales and story books, particularly Hans Christian Anderson and the Brothers Grimm. But there was this good one about a rainbow bird I found once... Where did I find that one again?"
"Alright, the next question is directed to all of us. If we could talk to our story counterparts what would we say?" Chibi-Black Rabbit said. Her ears flapped once more as she pondered her own saying.
"Hmm..well for myself-"
"Nothing. There is absolutely nothing you can say to your real counterpart. Because nothing will change your position!" Chibi-Izayoi rudely interrupted the rabbit. A heated glare was sent the chibi's direction as the blue haired rabbit turned pink.
"That's not true I would tell her..."
"To dress up with Makie-san." Chibi-Yō interrupted.
"Yes to dress up with... NO! Black Rabbit is not doing that!"
"To join Makie in Dress up." Chibi-Asuka said
"That's the same thing!"
"No offence but I am not dressing up with Black Rabbit." The silver seer spoke getting rapid nods from the rabbit.
"See! You can't make us."
However, both girls began to shiver as they agreed to their proclamations. Chibi-Izayoi's face was dark, his once purple eyes now shining red.
"Muwahahaha! I think I will!~"
"Moving on! Asuka, Yō, what would you girls say!?" Chibi-Makie threw a book at Izayoi's face, hitting him in the face but the aura surroundings him did not change.
"To win the next games, do more things and we are not accountable for anything that goes wrong." Chibi-Asuka stated after the two huddled together.
"I have nothing to say to myself." Chibi-Izayoi said. "He's doing a good job so why change that."
"Well, I guess the only thing I can say is...Humidity rules the Underwood so wear something light if yo go in the Library...seriously who places books next to WATER!?"
"What's the last one Black Rabbit?" Chibi-Asuka asked, pushing her biker glasses up further on her face.
"Ah well this deals with Makie-san's Gift!"
"Eh?" Chibi-Izayoi folded his arms, breaking from his previous appearance.
"Makie how much are you able to see with your gift in regards to Izayoi?" Chibi-Black Rabbit read form the card. "He also seems to have speculated about how it was possible.
"Wow...uhm...this one might be difficult to answer..." Chibi-Makie looked down, pondering as she gave a sad look. How would she answer this one? "I don't know much about my gift to begin with...Ther was one person who described it in a certain way though..."
"Don't answer this one!"
"huh?" Chibi-makie turned back to Chibi-Izayoi.
"The lesson I am covering is about Gifts. And this counts as a question for that lesson!"
"But wait a minute he can't wait that long that would be cheating him out on his questions!"
"Two out of three isn't bad. Moving on!"
"That's it." Chibi-Black Rabbit said.
"What do you mean that's it?"
"There's no more questions. We are done."
"Oh... We can't end it here so..."
"DEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNN!" A large fist broke down the wall of the library as Deen with motorcycle handle bars on his head walked through the hole.
"See! You are part of a gang!" Chibi-Makie yelled.
"No, that's just Deen's new antenna." Chibi-Asuka explained. "It lets him get radio signals."
"What-how-when-where-" Chibi-Makie was baffled. She had no clue what they did to Deen, or how they succeeded in doing it.
"Well later Monkey, catch you on the flip side." Chibi-Black Rabbit called out as she and the others jumped on to Deen's arm, their outfits changed back to their gang uniform. "...I don't feel comfortable doing this." She admitted to the chibi blonde.
"Alright then." With that the male pushed the rabbit off of the golem's arm, grabbing the sunglasses and jacket as she fell. "Well later you two!" He called out as Asuka grabbed the handlebars and began to rev up the golem bike. Wheels popped out from underneath its feet as exhaust pipes emerged from the shoulders. With the transformation done, Deen rolled out of the area, it's passengers yelling and hooting as they left.
"Just... End it now." Chibi-Makie said as she left the room. "Just end it."
"Little help please..." Black Rabbit moaned from her place in the ground, unable to move as her body screamed in pain.
END OF SEGMENT
And thus we begin a new Arc, the UnderWood Halloween Festival Arc!
Once again I don't have much to say so let's make the announcement.
The English Dub Cast of Problem Children Are Coming From Another World, Aren't They? Has been revealed! Sentai Filmworks is releasing the Blu Ray and DVD on July 29th (BS! That's about three weeks before I head back to College….) And I have decided to turn Kuro Usagi back to Black Rabbit only because I managed to hear the English Dub. Sorry for the change everyone.