"What do you mean they got away!?"
"They defeated us."
"You are our best fighters! You have the most training! How did they beat you!?"
"I'm sorry, sir. We'll make sure it won't happen again when we recover them."
"Make sure it doesn't or I may take your lives as compensation."
"Yes, sir. Should we go now?"
"No. Let them think they're safe for now. I have things I wish to plan before we send you back."
DIVIDER--
Yukina was the first of the group to wake up. She did a quick sweep of the camp to make sure everyone was still accounted for and nothing looked disturbed. She paused when she saw Rinko was back.
It didn't take much to understand what had occurred. She pieced it together that Ako had something to do with her return. Yukina didn't know if she was more impressed or mad. Ako had gone off on her own in a very dangerous area. And judging by her looks, met an enemy along the way.
Yukina sighed. She'd let it slide this time. They had more important matters at hand than dealing with her and her impulsive decisions. So, Yukina got up and started making sure everyone else was getting up too. They really shouldn't stay here for too long.
There was obviously some confusion when the others saw Rinko, but no one said anything. It was probably best they didn't ask. At least, not right now.
"We should head back as quickly as we can. They may still be out looking for us." Yukina stated.
Everyone got up and prepared for the journey back to Roselia's base. That would be their main hideout for now. Until things died down with this rescue, they had to lay low and stay together.
"Let's go then."
DIVIDER--
"Guys... I have some um... bad news." Maya entered the sleeping quarters.
"What is it?"
"Yeah, what's wrong?"
"I heard rumors that the higher-ups think we are traitors." Maya stated.
"That's bad. What can we do?" Eve questioned.
"We just need to act loyal and like we're ready to go kill them for escaping." Chisato offered.
Aya looked at Hina, "They're probably going to be most suspicious of you."
"I... guess they would be." Hina hated that was most likely the truth.
"I hope we can prove to them otherwise." Chisato sighed, "So, Hina, you have to act like you hate Sayo for now."
"I'll do my best." Hina replied.
This was going to be tough. They knew this very well could happen. It was suspicious for them to have been defeated. So, they really needed to lie well.
DIVIDER--
"So, what do we do now?"
They had all returned to Roselia's base. Everyone was gathered in the living room and talking.
"We should lay low until they stop searching as heavily for us." Yukina replied.
"That could take a while..."
"Unfortunately it could."
"Speaking of that..." Lisa said, "Are you guys going to stay with us for now?"
It was directed toward RAS. They weren't allies yet. So, would they stay or would they leave again.
Most eyes fell on Chu2. She technically had the final call.
"We will discuss it alone." Chu2 replied, "Later."
"Alright."
"Anything else we should talk about?" Yukina questioned.
"What do we do if they get too close for comfort?" Tsugumi asked, "It's not impossible that they'll come here."
"Depends on how many they send. If it's not too many I think we could just take them down. If we can't, we'll just hide farther in the woods for a bit." Yukina replied after some thought.
"Do you think they'll come this far?"
"They often station demons in the town nearby. It wouldn't be that big of a stretch." Sayo answered.
"It's scary... knowing how many demons will try to kill us on sight now..." Himari gulped.
"It definitely makes things more chaotic now." Tomoe agreed, "We can't really trust anyone. Who knows if they'll turn us in."
"What reward do you think they'll offer for our capture?" Rokka questioned.
"Seeing as they want us now, I imagine it'll be a very high price of money." Rei offered.
"Maybe even a place working for them. You know some demons actually desire to join them." Lisa added.
"It's scary to think there are regular demons who want to help them remain in control." Pareo whispered.
"You're from the organization yourself. Do you know why demons believe them?" Yukina questioned.
Chu2 sighed, "Because they are also power hungry. They want others to suffer and obey them."
"Did you used to believe in them?" Ako asked, "I would guess they'd have tactics to convince demons they're doing what's best."
"As a kid you believe what your parents tell you. Once we got older, we saw the truth about them and stopped trusting them." Chu2 nodded.
"This is going to be tough now... Who knows how many demons will be on their side now?"
"Everyone should rest for now. We can discuss further when we are in better conditions." Yukina stated, "There are two rooms you guys can use."
Everyone got settled into where they would be resting. RAS stayed in the main living room. Afterglow was in a room next to that one. It was still empty as there had been no need to add anything to it yet.
Roselia went to their rooms. Except for Yukina and Rinko. They were standing by the stairs leading up.
"Are you remaining?" Yukina questioned.
"Ako doesn't want me to leave..."
"She looks up to you a lot. It will be hard for her if you leave. I won't deny it." Yukina agreed.
"I'll stay for now. It's risky to leave..." Rinko eventually said.
"Very well. Just let someone know if you do decide to leave." Yukina said, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
DIVIDER--
"So, what are we going to do? Are we going to stay here?"
RAS was discussing what to do. They needed to make their decision soon.
"You know I don't like working with others." Chu2 stated.
"Yeah, but they've really helped us. And they haven't asked for anything in return." Rokka offered.
"I think it's more beneficial if we stay and help them." Masuki said.
"With the way everything is going, it might be wise to have more help." Pareo said.
Chu2 sighed, "You trust them? What if they'll use us because of who we are?"
"Considering they have another, I think they'd have already done that if they wanted to." Rei stated.
"Yeah, I doubt Rinko would be here if they wanted to use her." Rokka nodded.
"Very well." Chu2 said, "We shall remain here and form an alliance. Don't make me regret it."
"What is there to regret?" Masuki questioned.
"I think she thinks they'll still turn on us." Rei offered.
"We barely know them. How can you trust them completely?" Chu2 shot back.
"Give them the benefit of the doubt. They've done nothing to rouse suspicion." Masuki stated.
"Pareo, you don't trust them, right?" Chu2 looked at her.
"Um... I mean... I trust them a little bit. Probably more than you do." Pareo nervously offered.
Chu2 sighed. She was outnumbered. She had no choice but to give in to them for now. She couldn't lose them. If she didn't have a group, she'd never achieve her goal. Her and Pareo alone would never be able to do it.
"Like I said, don't make me regret this alliance."
DIVIDER--
The next morning, Chu2 was questioned about her decision. She had to unwillingly agree to it. She was not happy.
"We'll remain and join you. Don't think I won't hesitate to leave if you cause problems for us." Chu2 stated.
"So, we have three groups of five. That's quite good." Lisa said, "Do you want to recruit more or would you rather not have anyone else?"
"If the opportunity arises, I won't say no to more help. I will not actively seek it out, however." Yukina replied.
"Do you know of any other groups like us?" Ako asked with curious eyes.
"Not that I've heard of." Yukina shook her head.
"There is... one possible group." Rinko said, "Though, I believe the end goal is different."
"And who might they be?"
"I don't know if the have a name, but it's this group of demons who are... well, trying to spread happiness. They are against the organization because they bring despair." Rinko replied.
"That's not what I was expecting." Yukina had no clue how to react to that, "How many do you know of that are in the group?"
"The last I heard was three of them... once I left... I no longer could get information. They... may have more. I just know they're still going." Rinko said.
"How do you know that?" Moca questioned, "What makes you so certain they aren't dead?"
"Easy." Chu2 but in, "A group like that would be publicly executed. We would know. And if they died of other causes, they would've announced it to everyone."
"Yes... that is my reasoning." Rinko nodded.
"Do you think they'd be of use? With that goal I'm uncertain about wanting to deal with them." Ran stated.
"I think they could be of use." Yukina said, "Even if our end goals aren't the same, the way to them is. A compromise would be easy."
"I'm going to assume we should ask them about joining if we ever do run into them?" Tsugumi questioned.
Sayo gave Yukina an uncertain look, "They may hinder everything, though. Who's to say they won't try and force us to adhere completely to their plan?"
"They are outnumbered severely. If they insist, we can easily abandon them." Yukina shrugged off her concern, "Trust me. I think they could be very useful."
"If you say so..." Sayo was still unconvinced.
"On that note, yes, do ask them if you run into them."
DIVIDER--
"Don't you think they're being secretive?"
"They aren't sending us out on anything. That's rare."
"What if we're in trouble?"
"We just have to keep an ear out, okay?"
Pastel*Palettes was growing more concerned each day. The leaders weren't giving them anything. They never had this happen before. They were scared.
"Do you think they know?"
"Possibly. I... wouldn't put it passed them..."
"Hina? You okay?"
Hina had been quiet recently. She rarely spoke and always seemed on edge.
"What's bothering you?"
Hina didn't want to say. She'd rather they stay in the dark. It would be easier.
"I'm just... worried about them..." Hina lied.
"Why? They're all safe."
"There's a bounty on them all. Didn't you know?" Hina was concerned they weren't aware of that much.
"There is?!"
Hina nodded, "Three days ago they put it out."
Eve frowned, "You think they might get captured again?"
"They only want Yukina alive. That's what the order said."
Everyone gulped. That changed things drastically. They couldn't even attempt another breakout if they never arrived to begin with.
"They probably know about it. They may be hiding." Chisato offered.
"I hope so." Hina whispered.
Maya rested a hand on her shoulder, "They all seem quite strong. I think they'll be just fine."
"Girls. I have a job for you."
"What is it, sir?" Aya asked.
"You four go and investigate a recent fire in the jail. Hina, I have something else for you to do."
Everyone nervously looked at Hina. Hina just blankly stated at the demon.
"Fine." Hina replied without emotion.
The other four unwillingly left to do their job. They were all concerned. Why was he after Hina alone? What did they find out?
"Restrain her."
Two demons came out of the shadows and tied Hina's hands behind her back. She just sat there quietly. She didn't resist. Because she knew this was coming. She had already accepted her fate.
"No need to give me a long speech. Just say my charges." Hina stated before he could speak again.
"Very well." The demon cleared his throat, "Hina, you are accused of being a traitor and aiding in the escape of the prisoners. As well as manipulating the others in your group to do your bidding. Do you deny any of this?"
"I don't."
"Then in three days you shall be executed. Take her to the cell."
Hina was roughly dragged away.