One night at Rito's house, everyone is gathered around the table for dinner.
Lala, Momo, Nana, Mikan and Celine enjoy their food. On the other hand, Rito is too distracted by the TV.
It's the TV show, 'Magical Kyouko', starring Kyouko and Run. Rito's eyes are fixed on Run. A famous pop idol and TV star. That's my girlfriend now. Along with Haruna, Lala and even Risa. Four girlfriends, four future wives. And I still have a whole lot more to talk to. Man, this harem stuff sure ain't easy, he thinks to himself. On the TV, Kyouko's hero character shoots a magic fireball at Run's villain character. Rito's gaze shifts to Kyouko.
Come to think of it, Kyouko was also in my dream. That's so strange. I mean, sure, she's pretty and kind. And despite being an idol, she's really down-to-earth, kind of like Haruna. Rito blushes, then he yelps, feeling someone kicking him under the table.
"Quit drooling over the TV girls, you beast," says Nana before she resumes eating. Rito looks at her while massaging his leg.
Nana, thinks Rito. She was in the dream too. I don't even want to think about how I'm gonna approach her with the harem plan. As Rito eats his food, he looks back at Kyouko on TV. Kyouko, do I…love you?
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The next day, a TV crew for 'Magical Kyouko' prepares a shoot in the middle of the park.
Kyouko sits alone in her trailer. She's lost in thought. Her mind flashes back to the night Rito confessed to Run, and she accepted his harem plan.
Rito's willing to have a harem, ponders Kyouko. And Run's okay with sharing him. She's always loved him, and I was content with supporting her love. But then…She reminisces about the time she's spent with Rito; how he blushed so innocently over seeing her naked, how he carried her in his arms to get her away from a crowd of rampaging fans, and how he saved her from one of Momo's crazy plant monsters at the lake.
He's cool, selfless, and acts innocent in the most adorable of ways, thinks Kyouko. He doesn't hesitate to risk his life for others. I can see why Run loves him. And that's wonderful. I mean, sure he saved me, but is that a good enough reason for me to fall in love with him? And even though he wants to have a harem, what chance do I have of being in it? Besides, Run's my best friend; I don't want to steal the boy she loves after she only, and finally, just got him. Yes, this is for the best. A knock on the door snaps her out of her trance.
"Hey, Kyouko. They're ready for us," says Run.
"Coming," replies Kyouko. She heads for the door, ready to go.
"By the way, we're shooting again tomorrow, right?" asks Run.
"Yeah. I heard it was for the big battle against the evil alien lord," answers Kyouko.
"Great! I'll invite Rito to swing by. I'm sure he'd love to see us perform," says Run.
"Oh, uh, yeah. I'm sure he would," says Kyouko, hiding her blush.
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The next day at school.
It's free period in one of the classrooms. Everyone's relaxing and chatting, including Risa and Mio.
"Momioka!" says Yui, stomping towards them.
"Uh-oh, what did I do now?" jokes Risa.
"Here," says Yui, presenting a manga to Risa; it's the lewd one written by Rito's dad which Yui confiscated a while back. "You can have it back so long as you don't read it at school," she says.
"Oh, thanks. But nah, I don't need it anymore. In fact, Yui, why don't you keep it? It might help you learn a thing or two about getting closer to Rito," jokes Risa.
"Huh? I-I wouldn't dream of getting closer to that-eh?" says Yui, even though she did in fact read it [and enjoy it] to get closer to Rito. But that's not what's on her mind right now.
"Risa, did you just call Yuki by his first name?" says Mio.
"Who? Little 'ol me?" teases Risa.
"I-In any case, I wouldn't be caught dead reading such carnal media. I'll just dispose of this manga later. And you better think twice about bringing such filthy property to school ever again," says Yui, storming off.
"Geez, that girl is too wound up," says Mio.
"No kidding. Hey, Mio, random question for ya. Since we're talking about Yuki and all, would you ever consider dating him?" asks Risa.
"Huh? Where did that come from?" asks Mio with a blank expression.
"Just humor me," says Risa.
"Well…no, not really. Yuki's an okay guy, but I wouldn't say I feel attracted to him. Remember when that Nemesis girl made the whole school his concubines? I only went along with it, because of the cool space stuff I could get, not because I'm in love with Yuki or anything. But no, I'm not in love with him and I wouldn't consider dating him," answers Mio.
"Gotcha. Guess I was just curious," says Risa.
"What about you, Risa? Would you be interested in dating him?" asks Mio.
"Hmm-hmm. Who knows?" says Risa, chuckling to herself.
Momo leans in the doorway, eavesdropping on everything and thinking aloud. I still think Momioka's too much of a wild card, but I trust Rito's judgment. As long as she doesn't get too wild with anyone else in the harem, especially me, she can stay. She blushes, not wanting to remember that day in Risa's shower. Though now that he has Momioka, I wonder who's next on Rito's list. I wonder where I am. No, this is fine; he can talk to me when he's ready.
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Later at Rito's house, Rito opens the door to leave.
"Okay, I'm heading out," says Rito.
"Later, bro. If Run and Kyouko aren't too busy, invite them over for dinner," shouts Mikan.
"Okay," says Rito.
"Say hi to them for me, Rito," says Lala, holding Celine who gives Rito a cheerful wave.
"I will. See ya," replies Rito, waving back at Celine. As Rito heads off, Momo and Nana sneak after him.
"Remind me again why you're coming along, Nana," says Momo. As Nana stares after Rito, Dr. Mikado's words echo through her head. We'd like you all to pay close attention to Yuki. See if you can identify any changes in his lifestyle.
"I-I just want to make sure he doesn't do anything lewd to Run or Kyouko. Who knows what'll happen if he's left alone with them," says Nana.
"Whatever you say," jokes Momo.
If something really has changed about Rito, I need to know what it is so I can ensure his lewd acts never happen again. For Big Sis' sake, thinks Nana as she and Momo tail Rito. And while they follow Rito, unbeknownst to them, one of Stem's probes follows them.
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At the park, the TV crew is getting ready to shoot the big battle scene.
Run and Kyouko are chatting by the catering table when the former notices someone approaching.
"Rito!" cheers Run. She dashes over and tackles him. Her skimpy costume combined with such close contact causes Rito to blush.
"Uh, hey, Run," says Rito, noticing some of the crew giving them suspicious looks.
"H-Hey, there, Rito," says Kyouko.
"Hi, Kyouko," replies Rito.
"Thanks for coming. I promise to put on another great show just for you," says Run.
"Uh, thanks," says Rito.
"Places, everyone! We're about to start rolling," yells the director.
"We'll see you after the shoot, okay? Don't go anywhere," says Run as she blows Rito a kiss, making him blush.
"Well, then, better get to it," says Kyouko as she goes after Run.
"Kyouko," says Rito. Kyouko stops and looks at Rito. He wants to tell her something, but appears too embarrassed. "I just wanna say…uh…good luck," he says. Kyouko blinks twice. Then she starts giggling. Of course, Rito would say something like that.
"Thanks, Rito. Just sit back and enjoy the show," says Kyouko, then she joins Run on the set. Behind a tree, Momo watches Rito. Her eyes dazzle to see Rito taking such initiative with the harem plan. Behind another tree, Nana also watches Rito with a stern look.
"Seriously? Don't tell me Kyouko likes him too," grunts Nana.
"And action!" yells the director. Rito watches the scene commence. The lighting, sound and special effects teams all work their magic. But it's the two leading ladies Rito can't take his eyes of off. They're both so convincing in their roles, it's like their different people. And maybe it's just because she's playing the hero character, but Rito can't help feeling smitten by Kyouko.
"I won't let you destroy this planet," says Kyouko, acting. "I love both it, and the people on it. I am Magical Kyouko, and I will stop you!" she declares.
I know she's just performing, thinks Rito. But she looks so…real. So genuine. I wonder if that's how she'd act if something like this really did happen.
And just like that, all of a sudden, something does happen.
On the other side of the park, a lone figure makes his way across the set, heading towards Rito. A security guard blocks his path.
"Hey, pal, you can't come through here," warns the guard. With one hand, the figure seizes the guard by the collar, and hurls him against a tree like he's a softball, knocking him out. The ruckus causes the crew to panic and clear away as the figure walks right into the set. Run and Kyouko stop acting. Soon enough, all eyes are on the scary-looking, biomechanical, humanoid alien strutting right into the scene like he owns it. He stops just a few yards away from Rito.
"Momo, who is that?" asks Nana.
"I don't know. But he's giving me a bad feeling," replies Momo.
Rito feels a cold shiver run down his spine as the figure stares at him with lifeless eyes. A frightened TV assistant whispers into the director's ear.
"Hey, boss, what do we do? This isn't in the script," says the petrified assistant.
"I know, but I like where this is going. Keep the cameras rolling," answers the director. The nervous crew do as he says.
"Rito Yuki," the figure speaks. Everyone looks to Rito, bewildered. He's just as confused as they are. "My name is Stem, and I've come to this pathetic rock of a planet for one reason," he continues. His left arm transforms into his laser gun. "To kill you," he says.
Before anyone can react, Stem fires a laser beam at Rito. Thinking fast, Rito hits the ground just in time; the beam zooms overhead and blasts a tree, causing it to explode. A few people scream by the sudden devastation. Rito stands up, angry.
"Kill me? What did I ever do to you?" demands Rito.
"There's only person who's gonna be crowned king of Deviluke, and it's not going to be you," replies Stem, charging another laser beam. Before he can shoot, both Run and Kyouko block his line of fire to protect Rito.
"Hey, pal, I don't know who you think you are, but I won't let you lay one finger on my beloved Rito," threatens Run.
"Blowing up our TV show is one thing, but Rito's a good friend of mine, and I'm not gonna just stand by and let you hurt him," warns Kyouko.
"Run, Kyouko," mumbles Rito, touched his friends would risk their lives for his safety.
"This doesn't concern you girls. Stand aside, and I promise I won't harm you," warns Stem.
"Rito, are you alright?" says Momo as she and Nana hurry to Rito's side.
"Huh? Momo? Nana? What're you guys doing here?" asks Rito.
"Well, well. I must say, I didn't expect to see either of you on this planet, Princess Momo and Princess Nana of Deviluke. I take it your sister Lala is here as well?" inquires Stem.
"Who are you?" demands Momo.
"What business do you have with us?" demands Nana.
"Like I said, my only objective is Rito Yuki. Now stand aside," threatens Stem.
"And like we said, you jerk," starts Run.
"Not gonna happen," finishes Kyouko.
"Then you leave me no choice," says Stem. He fires his laser beams at Run and Kyouko. The two girls work together, dodging his attacks. Kyouko fights back using her fireballs. Run draws one of her inventions, a photon pistol, and fires back. Stem avoids their volley of attacks. The chaotic fight causes everyone on set to flee. Well, almost everyone. The director and cinematographers transport the camera on a rolling platform.
"That's it! Keep filming like your lives depend on it!" yells the enthusiastic director.
"Rito, you've gotta get outta here," says Nana, activating her D-dial, and releasing a fierce alien lion to attack Stem.
"What?" asks Rito.
"She's right, Rito. If he's after you, then our best option is to hold him off while you get to safety," says Momo.
"But I…" says Rito as he watches her, Kyouko, Run and Nana fighting for their lives on his behalf. I can't just leave them like this, thinks Rito. Dammit! The one time I actually need Nemesis inside me. If she were here, I could use her powers to fight and protect them.
"I know what you're thinking, Rito, but I'm sorry," says Momo as she grabs Rito from behind, spreads her wings and launches them both into the air.
"Wait, Momo," protests Rito, but it's too late. They're already flying away, leaving the others behind to fight Stem.
"Oh, no, you don't," hisses Stem. He activates his jet boots, and soars into the sky like Iron Man. Then he takes another shot at Rito with his laser cannon. The beam misses, but causes Momo to lose her grasp on Rito, and he falls.
"Rito!" yells Momo.
Rito screams as he plummets to his certain death; none of his friends can reach him in time. Thinking fast as he falls, he angles himself towards a tree. He crashes into the treetop; the thick foliage cushions his fall, but he slams against several branches before hitting the ground. He moans, suffering great pain.
"Rito, I'm coming!" yells Momo, flying to him. But before she can make it, Stem comes out of nowhere and kicks her, sending her crashing into another tree trunk.
"How dare you do that to my sister!" yells Nana.
"How dare you do that to my beloved!" yells Run.
The two furious girls charge Stem together. But with one well-aimed shot from his laser cannon, he fires at the ground in front of Nana and Run. The explosion blasts them away, and they hit the ground, unconscious. Nana's pet lion lunges at Stem. With one well-aimed, powerful fist, Stem punches the lion square in the face and sends it sliding across the ground. Then Stem turns his attention to Rito, activates his purple energy sword, and approaches with sinister intent.
"You only have yourself to blame, Rito Yuki. I didn't want to hurt anyone, but you've gone and made these girls care about you, leaving me no choice but to fight," says Stem.
Despite the overwhelming pain, Rito forces himself to stand, leaning on the tree for support. He can't run. He can't defend himself. He's helpless. Suddenly, Stem moves to the side, narrowly avoiding a fireball. Kyouko runs in between him and Rito.
"I told you, I won't let you hurt him," declares Kyouko. But then, Rito touches her shoulder, steps forward and spreads his arms out, surprising her. Now he's the one protecting Kyouko.
"You think you're so brave, you little worm?" mocks Stem.
"I'm not brave at all," confesses Rito. "I'm cowardly, clumsy and unforgivably weak. I couldn't protect Run, Momo or Nana. But even so, at the very least, I will do everything I can to protect Kyouko. So go ahead, strike me down if you must, but you stay away from her!" he yells.
"Rito," says Kyouko, blushing like crazy.
"Very well," says Stem with an evil grin. He approaches Rito, ready to cut him down. Rito's legs tremble, not from fear, but from the pain. Still, he stands his ground.
BANG! All eyes turn to the direction of the sound. Zastin emerges from the trees, decked out in armor, holding a photon pistol which he just fired into the air.
"That's enough, Stem," says Zastin.
"Zastin. This planet truly is full of surprises," says Stem.
"Lower your weapons, and surrender yourself quietly," demands Zastin, taking aim. Stem looks from Zastin to Rito, and then he sheathes his sword.
"Another day, worm," warns Stem. Then he grabs a small orb from his belt and throws it onto the ground, creating a massive cloud of smoke; a smoke grenade. Rito and Kyouko cough. Zastin charges into the smoke. Once it disappears, Stem is already gone. Zastin curses under his breath. Rito collapses into Kyouko's arms.
"Rito!" worries Kyouko. Even if it was for a short time, Rito fought through the pain and stood his ground. Now he's out cold. Momo and Run approach them; they're a little bruised, but they'll live. Nana tends to her alien lion; they're both injured, but they'll live too.
"Princess Momo! Princess Nana! Are you both alright?" worries Zastin.
"Hey, I'm here too, ya know," scolds Run.
"We're fine, Zastin. Thanks for coming. I was afraid you weren't gonna make it in time," says Momo, holding up her D-dial.
"I'm glad I got your message when I did, Princess. I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner," says Zastin as he bows.
"Just who was that guy, Zastin?" asks Nana, returning her alien lion back into her D-dial.
"Save the explanations for later, you guys. Right now, we gotta get Rito to a doctor," says Kyouko.
"She's right. Let's get him to Dr. Mikado's house. Quickly," says Run.
"And cut!" yells the director, still filming the entire thing in the distance. The whole film crew cheers. "That's the best scene I've ever filmed! Well done, everybody!" he yells.
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Later that night, it's dinner time at Rito's house.
Rito, Mikan, Lala, Momo, Nana, Celine, Run and Kyouko enjoy a meal together. Rito and the girls are all patched up, thanks to Mikado. Lala and Run take turns feeding Rito, though it seems more like they're fighting over who gets to feed him. Rito's embarrassed, but doesn't mind.
"Here, Rito. Eat up," says Lala, offering him a forkful of ramen.
"No, Rito! Eat mine," says Run, offering her own forkful.
"Come on, you guys," says Rito.
"Must be nice having two pretty girls fawning over you, bro," says Mikan.
"No, no, I just, uh…" starts Rito. Mikan smiles, and refills his cup of tea.
"I'm glad you're safe, Rito. Don't you worry me like that again, got it?" says Mikan.
"Promise," says Rito, smiling back.
The night goes on as usual. Everyone's happy; everyone except Kyouko. She looks between Run and Rito, something heavy weighing on her. She touches her chest, feeling her heart, and clenches her fist; she's made up her mind.
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Outside, Run and Kyouko begin walking away, heading home for the night. Rito sees them off.
"Thanks for having us, Rito," says Run.
"My pleasure. And despite what happened, I did enjoy myself at the set, so thanks for the invite," says Rito. Suddenly, Run dashes up to Rito and kisses him straight on the mouth. Both Rito and Kyouko are taken aback.
"I'm so happy that you weren't killed," confesses Run, and she means it. Rito smiles and hugs her.
"I'm glad you weren't either," says Rito. They break away, and Rito looks to Kyouko. "I'm glad you're okay too, Kyouko. And thank you," he says, bowing. Kyouko remains silent. She looks down at the ground. Rito and Run are bewildered. Their confusion turns to worry when tears start falling down Kyouko's face.
"Kyouko, what's wrong?" asks Run.
"I'm sorry, Run," says Kyouko. "I know you love Rito. I've known it all this time, and that's why I wanted to support you. But the truth is…I love him too. Rito, I'm in love with you!" she yells. Both Rito and Run are speechless. Kyouko cries as she continues. "I tried to dismiss these feelings, because I wanted to protect our friendship, Run. And I started spending more time with Rito, because I was trying to learn more about him, so I could help you with your romance. But the more time I spent with him, the more I started to realize why you love him so much, as I myself began feeling that way too," she says.
"Kyouko," says Rito.
"I really am sorry, Run," says Kyouko. "You finally have Rito. And the last thing I want to do is steal him away after you only just got him. But as your friend, I wanted to be honest and fair to you about my feelings. And to you as well, Rito. Also, I was at the stage that night. I heard what you said to Run about your harem plan. And the truth is, if you have any feelings for me, even in the slightest, I want to be a part of it. I wasn't sure at first. I thought my crush on you was just a fluke, because you saved me that one time at school. But today, you risked your life to save me again. You're not cowardly, clumsy or weak at all; you're the bravest, sweetest and most dependable boy I know. And now I know for sure how I feel. I truly, deeply love you, Rito," she finishes. With that, she buries her face in her hands, and softly weeps.
Rito and Run trade looks, not sure of what to say. Then Run steps forward and wraps Kyouko in a big hug.
"Huh?" asks Kyouko.
"Kyouko, you are my best friend. All this time, you were supporting my love for Rito. So what kind of best friend would I be if I didn't do the same?" says Run.
"Eh? You mean..." asks Kyouko. Run nods.
"I accept your feelings for Rito, and I happily welcome you into his harem," says Run.
"Oh, Run! Thank you!" says Kyouko, hugging Run back, overjoyed. But the joy is short-lived as the realization dawns on Kyouko. Even if Run accepts her, Rito is another story. Both girls face Rito, awaiting his reply.
"Well, Rito?" asks Run. Rito takes a deep breath, and steps forward. Run backs off, standing idly by to give them some space.
"Kyouko," starts Rito. "I think you're really brave yourself. Seeing you stand up to that Stem jerk, it's just like what Magical Kyouko would do, only that wasn't acting. And you're not just brave; you're kind, and really cute, and a lot of fun to be around. That being said, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about you. I do care about you, but I'd be lying if I said I'm head over heels for you. However, if you give me a chance, if this is really what you want, I'll accept you. That way, I can grow to love you too," he says.
Kyouko keeps crying. Only now, her tears of regret have turned into tears of joy.
"Oh, Rito. Yes. That's good enough for me. Thank you," says Kyouko with a bright smile.
"Kyouko," says Rito, smiling back.
"What're you waiting for, Rito? Kiss her already," eggs Run.
"Uh, right," says Rito. Both he and Kyouko are too nervous to kiss. She closes her eyes, and tilts her head. Rito gently touches her shoulders, and presses his lips against hers. She places her hands on his chest, feeling his beating heart as they kiss. Run watches them, happy.
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Out in the middle of the ocean, Stem flies to his ship, which is hovering over the water.
The hull door opens, and Stem enters with an evil look in his eye.
Once the door closes, the Dark Rover descends into the water, and disappears under the ocean.
Author's Note: Stem has finally shown his hand; get ready for his epic rivalry with Rito. Plus while Rito and Kyouko have fun chemistry, there weren't enough moments of them throughout the story, so getting them together naturally took some work, but paid off in the end (at least, I hope it did). I haven't forgotten about Yui, and I'm hoping to include more of her before her chapter eventually surfaces.