An hour had passed since the two bombs went off and sending Byakuya's home into a pile of flames and rubble.

The fire had settled after the fire service arrived on the scene, and the police and medical team.

All three service teams and Kyoko, Mukuro and Komaru all began to lift the rubble to see if Makoto had survived.

Komaru was informed by Kyoko by phone what happened. The former had threatened a bodyguard's life at the palace if he didn't take her to the site.

Kyoko was told a few times to stay back as everything was still too hot, but she ignored the firemen's advice and began to throw away rubble as her hands began to burn. She didn't care neither did Mukuro and Komaru.

All three women were willing to let their hands burn if it meant saving Makoto's life.

Soon everyone reached the bit of the house where Makoto and Byakuya would have been. The whole team began to move away wood, stone bricks and other rubble to find a body.

"We have found someone!" Said a police officer.

Kyoko, Mukuro and Komaru ran towards the officer, and they were felt sick when they saw a body burned to a crisped. The body had to belong to Byakuya. The medics rush in because they had proper protective clothing and gloves on they were able to pull the body out.

Much to everyone's surprise, they saw another body underneath, and it was Makoto. His mask was severely damaged in the explosion, and half of his face was showing. But the mask appeared to protect his face, but it was unknown how the rest of his body was.

The three women began to remove all the rubble surrounding Makoto's body. Still, the trio was very careful not to touch the body if Makoto was burned or if anything was broken.

Thanks to the whole team, they were able to clear the area, the medics checked the body for a pulse and to the trio's relief, Makoto had a weak pulse. But everything wasn't all good news.

Due to the mask being broken, Makoto was struggling to breathe, and with all the heat, smoke and dust in the air, Makoto's lungs couldn't cope.

The medic's worked as quickly as possible to get Makoto's out of the area and onto flat land to do other checks and put an oxygen mask on his face.

"Your Majesty," a police officer said. "I think it's time for you to head home, the medics can take care of the rest."

"I will not leave his side!" Kyoko said as she glared at the officer. "Tell me what to do again, and you will not have a job by the end of the week."

Komaru looked at Kyoko in shock. 'Badass,' she thought.

"Kirigiri," Mukuro said. "What will be your plans?"

"I'm taking Reaper back to the palace, and I will have Tsumiki look after him," Kyoko replied as she and the others watch the medic team check over Makoto's body.

Next morning

Kyoko, Mukuro and Komaru were sleeping in armchairs they sat beside Makoto's bed, the latter hadn't awakened yet.

The medics and Mikan's report returned, and Makoto had suffered burns to his sides, and his right foot was broken. But because Byakuya's body was on top of Makoto's body. The former shielded the latter from most of the impact from the bombs and the debris.

Kyoko woke up first, and she let out a stretch as she watched Makoto sleeping peacefully. Then tears began to form around her eyes as she hated the sight before her.

"Why you Makoto?" She said weakly. "You never did anything wrong in the beginning, but here you are yet broken once again. I'm a failure of a ruler. No, I'm a failure of a girlfriend, you deserve better Makoto."

Kyoko stood up and walked over to the window. "You would have been fine if you hadn't dated me." She turned back and walked over to Makoto and looked down at him. "I will do the right thing, Makoto. I will speak to your parents and tell them the truth. If they want to do me harm, then so be it! I deserve everything."

"Kirigiri stop talking crap," Komaru said as she opened her eyes and looked directly as the empress. "Now isn't the time to let the guilt take over."

"You heard everything?" Kyoko said, shocked.

"I've been awake for a while, but I was comfortable, so I didn't move. But I need to stop you right here, Makoto needs you to be strong."

Kyoko began to chuckle then hung her head in shame. "Strong? I'm not strong. I'm nothing but a weak person. I've failed to protect the man I love twice now and look at him."

"This is not the time to grow weak Kirigiri!" Komaru said, annoyed as she stood up. "My brother needs you more than ever."

Kyoko turned around and shook her head. "I tried and failed the first time. I fear history will repeat itself. I will let you and Ikusaba look after Makoto from now on."

Komaru walked over and spun Kyoko around and slapped her in the face waking up Mukuro in the process.

"I don't care what failed the last time between you and Makoto," Komaru said firmly, but then her expression softened. "Kirigiri this time things are different, you have Ikusaba and me by your side. You can't let the guilt of the past consume you as the anger and hatred did for my brother."

"Can't you see Naegi!" Kyoko replied as tears ran down her face. "As long as Makoto is with me, he will never know of a peaceful life. He has been targeted because of me look at him."

"Yeah so?" Komaru said, folding her arms. "Do you think he would care?"

"What?" Kyoko said stunned.

"Makoto understood the dangers of dating you, and he didn't care! Fuck, he even went to boot camp training to learn how to protect you, which mean he understood he would be in danger in the future."

Kyoko didn't reply.

"And when he was Reaper, he protected you not because it was his sole reason for living but because he still loved you. He even admitted it to your face when I was there. Regardless of the troubles, you two had."

Mukuro stood up, catching the other two off guard. "Makoto always told me to watch my emotions when he was Reaper," she said, looking at Kyoko and Komaru. "Because he didn't want me to him up like him. Even though Reaper was suppressing Makoto, his love for all of us is what kept Reaper from swallowing up Makoto completely."

"Iksuaba is right," Komaru said. "Now we have pulled Makoto back from the darkness we can regroup and enjoy our lives in peace with the Despair Core destroyed."

Kyoko didn't reply as she reached her hand out and touched Makoto's hand. "I need time to think," she said quietly.

Mukuro let out a small sigh. "Kirigiri this the chance to live happily with Makoto."

Kyoko didn't reply as she slowly sat on the bed and looked at Makoto while still holding his hand. Then suddenly, Makoto's hand began to move and took a firm hold of Kyoko's hand.

Kyoko let out a small gasp as Makoto opened his eyes to see Kyoko, Komaru and Mukuro look at him. Kyoko's face was covered with pain, while Mukuro and Komaru were smiling.

"Hey bro," Komaru said. "Having a nice dream were you?" She laughed. "You have slept like a log."

"Kyoko," Makoto said weakly.

Mukuro knew this wasn't hers or Komaru moment. The former grabbed Komaru's shoulders, and the two left the room.

"Makoto," Kyoko said as tears ran down her face. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For failing to protect you again. That's twice now you could have died under my watch."

"Kyoko," he said as he tightened his grip on Kyoko's hand. "Both times were my choice. I knew the risk of the second time. But my hatred told me to push on. Do not blame yourself."

"I-I-"

"Kyoko, please listen to me," Makoto said as he closed his eyes. "I'm the one who has made mistakes, not you. I was the monster between us who forced you to lie to everyone. I was the monster who done awful things, even shocking Maizono while you watched on horrified by what I've become. Regardless if you love me or not, you have no right to protect a monster. Heck, I even ended up destroying Komaru's relationship with my mum."

"But I kept you alive because of my selfishness."

"True, but you saved my life out of love, but I was full of hate and anger to see that, and now I feel empty. But one thing will always remain. My love for you."

Kyoko let out a weak smile as Makoto tried to sit up. Kyoko helped him up, and the pair hugged. "I love you, Makoto."

"I love you too, Kyoko."

A day later

Mr and Mrs Naegi were summoned to the imperal palace by Kyoko. The two adults had no idea why they were being summoned.

They were in the back seat as they were driven to the palace, and once the couple reached the palace grounds, they saw Kyoko and Komaru standing at the front door.

"Komaru!" Mrs Naegi said as she rushed towards her daughter and hugged her. "I've been worried sick about you."

Komaru closed her eyes, and she wrapped her arms around her mother. "Yeah same mum, I'm sorry for being a total bitch."

The hug lasted for a few seconds while Mr Naegi walked up to Kyoko and bowed. "Hello, Your Majesty."

"Please Mr Naegi, do not bow," Kyoko said, shaking her head. "Can you both follow me please?"

The couple looked at each in confusion as they followed Kyoko into the palace with Komaru following close behind.

Kyoko led the couple to a door and paused. "Before we go in, there is something I need to say." Kyoko turned around and looked at the two adults. "If you want to hurt me, then you are free to do so."

"Kirigiri what are-" Komaru replied before getting cut off.

"Mr and Mrs Naegi," Kyoko continued. "Beyond this door lies your son Makoto Naegi, he has been alive for the past two years."

"My…son has been alive?" Mrs Naegi said slowly. "W-Why…how?"

Kyoko closed her eyes. "He will explain everything." Kyoko opened the door, and she felt both parents rushing in only to be horrified by what they saw.

"Hello mum, dad," Makoto said weakly as he was sitting up as Mukuro was sitting in the armchair.

"Makoto…" Mrs Naegi said as she burst into tears. "You're alive!" She rushed over and hugged Makoto as tight as she could. "I-I don't believe it."

Outside Kyoko opened her eyes and began to walk down the corridor only to be stopped by Komaru.

"Where are you going Kirigiri?"

"This is Makoto's moment, not mine," Kyoko replied bluntly. "I will talk to your parents when everything is settled. Go on, Naegi, be with your family."

Kyoko walked past Komaru and vanished.

Komaru walked into the room, and she held back the tears as she saw her mother hugging Makoto.

Mukuro who hadn't said a thing stood up.

"Mukuro wait!" Makoto said. "Don't go. I need to tell you the truth, as well."

"Are you sure?" Mukuro replied.

"Yes," Makoto replied. "Mum, Dad, please take a seat. I have a lot of explaining to do."

A week later

The whole country cheered when they learned that the Despair Core had been defeated and Byakuya was killed. The country was at peace once more and was able to move forward into a bright future.

Both Makoto and Kyoko got an earful from Mrs Naegi needless to stay they were both left spooked.

For Sayaka, she was glad everything was over, her reputation was safe; however, she still had the mental scars from when Makoto shocked her.

She hadn't heard from Komaru, Makoto Kyoko since the warehouse got raided, but she was happy this way. She had no desire to ever speak to Makoto or Kyoko ever again.

The idol was sitting in her home, trying to come up with new lyrics for songs when she heard someone knocking on her door.

She got up and left the living room to answer it. Every part of her body went numb when she saw Makoto on the other side of the door. She failed to see Kyoko standing next to him as Sayaka focused on Makoto.

"N-Naegi!" Sayaka said in a panic.

"Maizono can we come in?" Kyoko asked.

"Kirigiri?" Sayaka jumped a little bit. "Umm yeah of course." Sayaka stepped back and opened the door.

Makoto walked in with crutches as Sayaka watched him avoid putting his weight on his right foot.

Kyoko walked in as Sayaka closed the door. The latter pointed the pair towards the living room. Makoto sat down on the sofa along with Kyoko as Sayaka stood.

"How can I help you both?" Sayaka asked.

Makoto didn't reply as he put his hand into his pocket and pulled out a device. "Here take it."

Sayaka took the device from Makoto and had a quick look at it. Then she realised what is it was. "This is the device for the shock bracelet?"

"You are correct," Makoto replied as he pulled up his right sleeve to show Sayaka he had the bracelet on.

"What is the meaning of this?" Sayaka said, growing annoyed.

"I'm simply trying to make things right," Makoto said as he took off the front of his mask. "Go on ahead."

Sayaka looked at the device and then threw it to the floor, breaking the device. "No! I will not stoop to your level!"

"Maizono look-"

"No, you look Naegi!" Sayaka snapped. "Do you have any idea how crushed I was when I found out you were dead? I loved you, Naegi. Yeah, sure I made mistakes. But as soon as I realised I made them. I did everything I could for you and Kirigiri to help bring down Enoshima and what I get in return? Shocked and lied too!"

"Maizono, I'm sorry," Makoto replied.

"Sorry doesn't cover the damage you have done!" Sayaka replied, narrowing her eyes. "Kirigiri, you are no better. How can you allow Naegi to get away with murder, it's a fucking joke."

"I've made mistakes as well," Kyoko said. "I will not deny this. But both Makoto and I felt it was right that we spoke to you."

"Is that so? Well, I don't want anything to do with you both," Sayaka said, folding her arms. "Leave and never bother me again!"

Makoto and Kyoko both got up.

"One more thing Maizono," Kyoko said. "If you mention to anyone who Reaper truly is. Then expect your career to be over very quickly."

Sayaka shot a glare at Kyoko while Makoto put on his mask. The pair left Sayaka's home.

The future

Sayaka would be the last person to see Makoto in public as Reaper vanished from the public eye.

Mukuro took over as Kyoko's personal bodyguard as Makoto stayed in the background and avoided all interactions with Kyoko's duties as empress.

Soon word broken out that Kyoko was pregnant and the father remained unknown, and nobody was ever able to learn who the father was.

Kyoko delivered a healthy baby boy and was named Makoto Kirigiri. The future Emperor of Japan.


Thank you for reading.

I have suffered a massive burn out while writing this fic. For the time being, I will be sticking to one-shots and WLYM chapters.

I DON'T OWN ANYTHING.