This was only under two months! That's not so bad, right?
My first year of college is over (?!), so with that, I now have summer free to do updates. My goal is simply to reach a midpoint in this story that I was hoping to reach last summer...but I think I can actually do it this time, since it's actually a reasonable goal now.
Also, the reviews have been severely lacking recently. Please, please, please review! I want to know if people are actually reading and/or enjoying this story! Thanks everyone!
Anyway, enough of that, and onto this story. Enjoy! This chapter is one that I've been immensely looking forward to :).
As the cluster of X-Eggs floated behind the teenager, Rima could feel her heartbeat begin to race. Clearly, Saira had known that the guardians were coming. But how could she have known so rapidly? There was no way she could gather all of this in a matter of seconds based on simply being alert to Kukai and Yaya outside; there had to be another reason.
They must have realized Amu was missing, Rima reasoned, her fists clenched. But what about Kairi? Is he with her? Can we distract Saira for long enough to give him enough time to escape with Amu safely?!
"Saira," Tadase hissed. Rima grimaced slightly, recognizing the tone of voice distinctly.
"I'm not going to lie; I'm quite impressed with how you were able to obtain Amu so swiftly. I didn't think you all had it in you." The guardians exchanged a quick glance. "But I'm afraid your plans are going to end here. Where is Amu?"
"I'm afraid we aren't going to disclose that information," Nagihiko bluffed. "But I assure you that we won't let you lay another finger on her." Ikuto and Utau stepped forward protectively, preparing their attacks. Saira scoffed.
"I don't have time for this. Seto requires fast delivery." As she lifted her arm, ropes quickly surrounded her wrist. She gasped, glancing over at the shortest guardian.
"I didn't expect you to show your face around here so fast," She spat.
"I won't let you hurt my best friend," Rima snapped.
"I thought you were my friend, Mashiro Rima," Saira pointed out. "We worked together; we had a common goal under Easter. You said you harbored no care for what the guardians did!"
"I lied," Rima replied bluntly. "We were never friends, Saira. Everything I did for the past few months… everything I did was to protect Amu. And I swear to you, I will not hesitate to put an end to your wretched plans to protect the people I love."
"Very well then." The ropes around Saira's wrist suddenly glowed green, and they suddenly disintegrated. "Then I suppose we have some catching up to do." She inhaled. "Care to dance, Rima?" Rima smirked.
"You bet I am. I've been wanting to fight you for so long, after everything you did to my best friend. This is all for Amu." Rima began juggling some pins in her hands, her eyes cautiously watching Saira.
"Take on the others. Leave Rima to me," Saira ordered, turning briefly to the other employees. The workers nodded, heading over to the remaining guardians.
"Rima-San, we can help," Tadase urged.
"No. Saira is mine," Rima hissed, her eyes not once leaving the green-haired girl. "You guys take care of the other workers and the X-Eggs."
"But Rima—"
"This is my fight, Nagihiko," Rima interjected. Her voice softened. "I need you to purify the X-Eggs, okay?" He nodded slowly, hesitantly making his way toward the X-Eggs not without glancing nervously back at her.
"Give me everything you've got Mashiro," Saira taunted. Rima stepped forward, a juggling pin in each hand. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the others heading straight toward the other Easter employees and X-Eggs.
"Juggling Party!" Rima yelled, directing her attention back to Saira. She tossed the juggling pins in the direction of the teenager, prompting her to quickly deflect them. Rima continued tossing juggling pins at her.
"Is that all you can do?" As a juggling pin aimed straight for Saira, she formed a shield around herself, prompting the pin to hit it squarely and aim straight back at Rima. Prepared, she tossed up multiple pins, allowing them to spin in the air in front of her. The reflected juggling pin hit into her decoy pins, prompting them to speed up in their rotations. They suddenly lit aflame, prompting Rima to smirk slightly. She stepped slightly forward, sending the juggling pins directly at Saira. She immediately extended her arms to try to create a barrier, but the juggling pins came too rapidly.
"Is that all you can do?" Rima mimicked.
"I'm just getting started." Rima's eyes widened, as the juggling pins floated around Saira. They were glowing green, indicative of her magic. Saira smirked, as they went flying back at Rima.
"Go Duckies!" An army of duckies suddenly appeared, blocking Rima from the damage. She looked up, watching as Kukai and Yaya ran over.
"I can take on Saira," Rima urged. "You two help out with the others."
"But…" Kukai glanced over at the others. Tadase was creating a shield, blocking some of the employees' attacks, while Ikuto charged straight at them. Nagihiko and Utau were rotating attacks on the X-Eggs, trying to weaken the barrier.
"Go," Rima hissed. Kukai and Yaya exchanged a look, before preparing to attack the other employees. Rima stepped forward, her hands extended. She began to summon ropes.
"Tightrope Dancer!" She shot her ropes at Saira, twirling them around. With a flick of her wrist, Saira cut right through the ropes, prompting Rima to gasp.
"Oh come on, did you really think you could just tie me up?"
"Juggling Party!" Again, Rima shot juggling pins at Saira, who continuously deflected them. Biting her lip, she watched as the pins went to the side. She took a deep breath, feeling power surge through her. She closed her eyes, focusing her abilities inward.
"Knife Toss!" Suddenly, knives appeared in Rima's hands. She juggled them briefly, before tossing them directly at Saira. She deflected them, aiming them back at Rima who dodged them.
"That's a new one," Saira noted. "But your stupid clown tricks won't work on me. Let's get serious, shall we?" Saira extended her arm out suddenly, prompting Rima's body to move on its own. Rima gasped, desperately trying to wiggle out of Saira's control. A small smirk formed on the teenager's face, as she swung Rima roughly into the wall.
"Rima-Chan!" Tadase cried. "We can help, please!" He maintained his shield around himself and Yaya, who was shooting duckies at the Easter employees. Kukai was shooting balls in an effort to distract them from Ikuto, who was slashing at their weapons and attempting to knock them out. Utau and Nagihiko continued to focus on the X-Eggs.
"I-I've got this…" Rima staggered to her feet, a juggling pin appearing in her hand. This time, however, the juggling pin was spiked. She charged at Saira, who immediately sent her flying backward again. Gripping her pin tightly, she shakily stood up once again.
"Give up already," Saira hissed. "What can you do anymore? You can't hide Amu for long, you know. With her power, we're unstoppable; you of all people know that. You've got nothing on us, Rima. Your betrayal means nothing to us." Again, Rima shot juggling pins at Saira, who proceeded to shoot them back at Rima. She cried out, ignoring the pain, as she continued shooting pins, an adamant look adorning her features. As she continued to shoot her pins, she formed another rope. She directed the rope at Saira swiftly, aiming toward her feet. Saira, who had been occupied with the continuous juggling pins, gasped as the rope swung at her legs, prompting her to trip over. Rima walked over to her shakily.
"Juggling Party." Rima shot several juggling pins at her as she laid on the ground. Saira rolled over, dodging the imminent attack. Rima continued to shoot her pins at each spot Saira seemed to be carefully avoiding. Eventually, Saira rose to her feet and extended her hands as Rima shot juggling pins. They reflected at Rima, prompting her to narrowly avoid the attack. As the petite blonde continued dodging her reflected pins, Saira focused on a throwing knife that was on the ground behind Rima. Unbeknownst to Rima, the knife began floating on its own, glowing green. While dodging one last pin, Rima paused for a moment.
"Rima, look out!" Nagihiko shouted. Before she could react however, a sharp pain filled her entire body. She screamed, falling to her knees in agony. Saira pulled the knife out of Rima with her powers, causing her to cry out in more pain.
"That's how it feels to be stabbed in the back," Saira pointed out. Immediately, Nagihiko rushed to her side, forgetting about the X-Eggs. He looked behind her, seeing the now bloody knife lying motionlessly on the ground. He knelt beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"N-Nagi," Rima stammered, whimpering, looking over at him.
"Shh," He whispered, benignly massaging her shoulder. "You're going to be okay, I promise. It doesn't look too bad. I'll get it patched up right away…"
"No… There's no time." She gently pushed his hand away, prompting him to gasp. "Go back to the X-Eggs; I'm not through with her."
"Rima, you can't—"
"I can…I must." She looked at him as she rose to her feet shakily. As she arched her back, she screamed in pain, falling back onto his lap. He quickly wrapped his arms around her. Saira watched the exchange, a merciless smirk present.
"Oh, what do we have here?" All the guardians turned, as Deidre suddenly entered. Rima glared up at her as she turned to face her. "You don't look so good, Rima."
"We're not going to let you get away with your stupid plans!" Rima yelled, sitting up slightly. The pain in her back became more palpable, but she tried to ignore it.
"Oh Rima, always jumping the gun. You were never the type for small talk; I suppose I should have suspected your betrayal, as you never tried to become my friend."
"I already have my friends," She snapped. "In fact, you're brainwashing my best friend!" Deidre scoffed.
"Please. You know that what we're doing is for the greater good."
"The greater good?!" Tadase exclaimed. "You're just trying to profit from peoples' misfortunes! You don't care about helping people; you simply care about furthering your business ventures!"
"Do you not understand the potential of what our plans entail?" Seto walked beside Deidre, his glasses shimmering in the bright sunlight. The figure behind him, however, is what drew the guardians' attention. Similarly to his father, Kairi's face was expressionless. He stared straight ahead, a stoic expression present. Yaya gasped, her eyes widening tremendously. She stared at him, her mouth agape. Kairi faced Rima for a moment. She studied him, confusion and anxiety present in her eyes.
"Where is she?!" She mouthed. Kairi slowly shook his head. Rima cocked her head to the side, but he had already looked away, his eyes gazing straight ahead.
"What Easter can do with Hinamori Amu's power is far more than you all can fathom. You cannot understand the capabilities that your friend possesses."
"We won't let you hurt her," Ikuto growled, stepping forward.
"Very soon, our plans will be complete," Seto proceeded. "There is nothing you petty guardians can do to stop us. Soon, we will take back Hinamori Amu, and we will be unstoppable."
"We won't give up," Rima demanded, gently pushing Nagihiko's arms away and shakily rising to her feet despite his surprised expression. She ignored the seething pain in her back. Seto turned to face her, his expression remaining empty. "I know all that your despicable company is capable of. I have spent months deliberately delaying your plans, and I have succeeded. I may no longer be striking from within, but I—as well as my friends—will not hesitate to put an end to your plans. We won't let you take her back. We will save Amu, and hell, we will save the world, if it comes to that." Yaya and Kukai grinned widely. Nagihiko smiled up at Rima, rising to his feet as well.
"Nothing you know can stop us, Mashiro Rima," Seto told her. "You know how close we are."
"And I know your weaknesses, as do the guardians know now," She retorted back. "If you expect us to give up, you're an idiot." She turned to Deidre. "Ichigami-San, you told me that the guardians' biggest weakness was their emotions. But on the contrary, our emotions are our strength. And we will wield them proudly, fighting to the bitter end."
"Give us a good performance then, Miss Mashiro," Seto sneered. "Let us see how emotions can be your weapon."
"Angelic Lullaby!" Utau yelled, closing her eyes. The directors and Saira turned suddenly, as Utau sang a quiet melody. Saira mumbled something under her breath, and the X-Eggs vanished. A small smirk formed on Deidre's face. Utau opened her eyes, alarmed.
"Scorching Ropes!" Rima yelled, sending enflamed ropes at Saira. She gasped aloud, as ropes suddenly tied her up, flames present on them. Rima squeezed her tighter with them, prompting her to cry in pain. Rima held her as tight as possible, ignoring the agonizing pain that continued to bother her in her back. She bit her lip, looking back over at Saira. To her dismay, the ropes were glowing green. They suddenly disintegrated, allowing Saira to rise to her feet, looking as if no pain was inflicted. She extended her arms, sending Rima flying backward once more. This time, she hit the wall again directly on the gash on her back, prompting her to collapse on the ground. The world suddenly began spinning. Rima started to rise to her feet, but she quickly fell backward. She could hear voices yelling, and felt someone—presumably Nagihiko—holding her.
"Blaze Shot!" Nagihiko yelled, shooting a basketball at the girl, his other arm carefully around Rima. She frowned, sending the basketball back at him. He grimaced, halting the speed of the basketball, allowing it to simply fall to the ground. Saira turned to the other guardians, who were focused on the other Easter employees. Saira raised her hand and prepared to attack the remaining guardians, unbeknownst to them. A green substance escaped her hand and aimed straight for the guardians. However, the attack instead hit a metal blade. Saira looked up, a gasp escaping her throat. The guardians looked up, their eyes widening.
"I am tired of being someone I am not," Kairi began, his voice stern. He stood in front of everyone except for Rima and Nagihiko, clutching his katana tightly. He looked at his father, not a trace of fear present.
"Kairi, what on earth are you doing?!" Deidre exclaimed. "You…you said that you had no association with Rima! You were loyal to us the whole time; you're an Easter employee!"
"I lied," He replied bluntly. "Years ago, I aligned with Easter under Kazuomi's direction. I had vowed that I would never associate with Easter again, but obviously, I did not hold true to that. But now, I remember who I am. I am not simply a boy who futilely attempts to please his father with every action; I am my own person who dearly adores his friends. And I will fight with them to the bitter end to save my other friend." Kairi gripped his blade tighter.
"Rima-San risked everything to protect her friends…to protect our friends. I no longer can sit back comfortably, watching everyone I care about valiantly fighting for what I believe in. I am tired of living in your shadow, Father. I am finally going to be my own self, someone with his own direction." A smile formed on Rima's face as she looked up at him, amazed.
"That's my Kairi-Kun!" Yaya whispered loudly to Kukai, who smiled widely as well.
"What a shame." Seto stepped toward him, prompting him to hold up his blade. His face was emotionless. "I was going to praise you for your work here with Easter, though of course, you hardly did anything. You would have inherited the company one day."
"I never want to be the owner of a dastardly company," Kairi replied, his voice smooth. "And I do not require your approval for my well-being. Your praise—or lack thereof—means absolutely nothing to me. And if you must know… I did do something for your wretched company. I weakened the X-Powers. I aided Rima-San in every possible manner I could. It may not meet your expectations, but I finally acknowledge that your expectations are impossible means of measurement. Moreover, I would be ashamed to meet that standard."
"I am ashamed to call you my son." Kairi tried to maintain his stoic expression, but his eyes widened. Seto moved closer to Kairi, but he was too stunned to retaliate. Without a trace of emotion visible, he leaned forward and slammed his fist roughly into his son's face. A resounding gasp followed from everyone.
"Kairi!" Yaya shouted, starting to run forward. Kukai grabbed her quickly, his eyes darkened.
"F-Father!" Kairi choked out, horrified. Again, his father delivered another blow to his face, this time shattering his glasses. Kukai let go of Yaya, and ran over. He stood in front of Kairi protectively before Seto could strike him again.
"Don't you dare hurt him again," Kukai growled protectively. Seto rolled his eyes, turning to face Deidre and Saira.
"Our business here is finished," He told them, his voice calm. "Let us attend to our own matters at hand. We must find Amu Hinamori at once."
"Two traitors in a week…" Deidre frowned. "Good things our plans are progressing nicely." She turned to face Kairi briefly, a look of guilt present. Shaking her head, she followed Seto.
"I'm not done with you!" Rima cried, a juggling pin spawning. She tried to sit up, but the writhing pain was unbearable. Nagihiko kept his arm around her, watching wearily as she struggled. Saira watched her, an eyebrow raised.
"You pose no threat to me," Saira told her. Rima tossed a juggling pin in her general direction, but it missed completely. Saira walked away. Rima continued to try and throw juggling pins, but they were hitting the walls instead. She leaned forward, prompting her to cry out and fall over. She collapsed onto Nagihiko, her head lying on his chest. He tightened his grip around her.
"She needs medical attention immediately," He muttered, slowly rising to his feet with Rima in his arms. She moaned quietly, barely conscious. "You…both do." He looked over at the forest green-haired boy worriedly. Kairi stared straight ahead blankly, his face completely pale.
"The Royal Garden has some medical kits," Tadase began. "We can head there…" He sighed hesitantly. "But what about…"
"She's gone," Kairi murmured, prompting everyone to look at him. "I do not quite understand where she went, but she and her charas vanished out of nowhere. I thought I could sneak out with her, but…"
"We'll find her later. You two need medical attention immediately," Kukai began, placing a hand on Kairi's shoulder.
Upon arriving at the Royal Garden, Tadase immediately headed toward the box that contained the first aid kits. Nagihiko gently set Rima down on one of the chairs, making his way over to Tadase.
"This should be used to clear up any glass that could have gotten in his skin," Nagihiko explained. "You should use this cream in case there are any infections." Tadase nodded, taking the appropriate tools and heading over to Kairi, who was absentmindedly watching the fountain. Nagihiko grabbed a sterilizer and bandages, and sat beside Rima. She looked at him briefly, a small smile present.
"Your shirt." He began. "Do you mind if…"
"Go ahead." He slowly lifted the back of her shirt, immediately tending to her wounds.
"So, what exactly happened?" Utau wondered quietly, breaking the silence that had emerged. "I mean, in regards to Amu and your sneaking out…" A moment of silence followed, before Kairi exhaled. Tadase backed away, having finished the work he needed to do.
"After I called Rima-San, I had remained fixed in one spot for a while," Kairi began. "Eventually, my father found me, realizing that Amu-San was missing and presuming that you were all responsible, given your presence. At that point, I did not have another choice but to follow him. But upon turning around, I discovered that she was just gone… I do not suspect that Easter has her anymore given their actions against you, but I cannot say where she is." He shook his head slowly. "I had a simple task, and I failed. I apologize…"
"You did what you could," Tadase reassured. "She's not in Easter, at least."
"Is that really a good thing?" Ikuto mumbled, his arms crossed. Kairi's eyes remained fixated on the floor.
"This is all my fault," Kairi began. "I never should have aligned with Easter. My sister had warned me months ago, and I should have heeded her warning. There is absolutely no excuse for my betrayal, and I truly and deeply apologize for everything I have done. I do not expect any of you to ever forgive me; what I have done is unforgiveable and—" To his dismay, he suddenly felt arms envelop him. He looked up, and through his blurry vision, he could make out familiar auburn pigtails held up by large red ribbons close to his face.
"You did nothing wrong, Kairi-Kun," Yaya reassured gently, a smile present on her face. "You're a hero, just like Rima-Tan. And standing up to your father… Yaya's so incredibly proud of you."
"Yaya…" He whispered, his eyes widening slightly. He rested his head on her shoulder, prompting the pigtailed girl to hug him tighter. As he held the girl of his affection, he could feel the weight of Musashi's egg in his pocket.
"Hey Kairi, you can stay at my place tonight, 'kay? I have a bunch of extra clothes you can borrow," Kukai offered, smiling reassuringly. Kairi picked his head up from Yaya, nodding slowly.
"This is fine." Nagihiko looked over at the shorter girl beside him. She limped forward, each step worsening the pain in her back.
"Are you sure you don't need help getting in?" Nagihiko wondered, worry leaking into his voice. "I don't mind at all, and—"
"It's fine," She dismissed. "You've done more than enough for me. Besides, Mama is probably home now, and she'd have a lot of questions…" He nodded understandingly.
"Well, don't overexert yourself too much more," He admonished, prompting her to smile bashfully. "You're going to need several days to recuperate before you get back into action. It's not too bad of a wound, but it could worsen with too much strenuous movement."
"Thanks Mom," She teased. He smiled half-heartedly. She glanced at the ground slightly. "But seriously… thanks for everything, Nagi. You didn't have to take such good care of me and take me all the way home."
"Don't worry about it." He opened his mouth, but he shut it quickly. "I'll see you soon, okay? If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call me. You know I'll be there in a second." He glanced longingly at the door briefly, before turning back to her with a smile. "I'll see you soon, Rima."
"Bye…" She looked up at him for a moment. He stared back down at her for a few moments to long, before smiling weakly and walking away. Once he turned around, she frowned, and she immediately entered her house, shutting the door behind her.
"I'm home," She mumbled, heading up the stairs to her bed, ignoring the searing pain that seeped through her back upon each step. As she reached her room, she immediately collapsed on her bed, groaning.
"Rima!" Kusu-Kusu cried worriedly, floating toward her.
"I'm fine." She groaned, leaning back onto her bed. "Ugh, I feel so pathetic."
"Hey, you're just recovering now!" Kusu-Kusu told her, floating in front of her. "Nagi said that the most important way to recover is to rest!"
"He's probably right; he always is." Rima sighed. "But… I lost so easily to Saira. Even though I should have known her weaknesses, I underestimated her. She shouldn't have been able to inflict this much pain; I should have been more prepared."
"You will be next time!" Kusu-Kusu tried to reassure. "This isn't the last time we're fighting Easter, I'm sure. Next time we take them on, you'll crush her! But Rima, maybe next time, we should fight with others. Saira is clearly powerful."
"But she hurt Amu," Rima whimpered. "I need to fight her alone."
"Why? Everyone loves Amu!"
"Saira… I know Saira better than anyone, except maybe Kairi. I know what she's capable of. Obviously, I took a huge beating from her, and I don't want anyone else to get hurt." Rima frowned. "I just hope I'm recovered enough to take her on again."
"You will be in no time!" She smiled.
"I guess I should be heeding Dr. Fujisaki's advice." She laid down on her bed again. "It still hurts, but the pain has definitely died down from before."
"That's great Rima!" Kusu-Kusu smiled giddily, before her expression turned serious. "Speaking of 'Dr. Fujisaki'…" Rima's smile faded.
"Don't go there," She grumbled.
"He was your boyfriend, you know."
"Of course I know," She snapped. "Like I can ever just forget those two years. It's in the past now, Kusu-Kusu."
"Why?"
"I don't know, but that's what he wants, I think." She frowned. "Too much has happened. Even though I didn't actually betray him, Nagi is very emotional; he can't just forget the feeling of heartbreak." She rubbed her eyes. "That day when Yaya made that promise about staying friends or whatever… I saw the way he looked at me, and I could see how much he loved me. A week later, I betrayed him horribly, and now, it turns out that I'm good again. It's a tumultuous emotion, and I…I do understand why he's acting this way. I just don't know how I'll ever get over…" She sniffled. "I was right from the beginning; love is always bound to failure. I should have learned from them…"
"Don't say that!" Kusu-Kusu cried. "Nagi still loves you, I know it! He really looked after you after the battle with Saira."
"Nagi is just a really sweet person… And maybe he does love me—in fact, he probably still does—but I think he's going to try and move on. And that's okay. If he can, then I…" A sob escaped her throat.
"This is stupid. I don't have time to worry about romance; I need to save Amu." She looked over at her chara. "We have to find her immediately."
Amu gradually stirred, her eyes blinking open. She sat up suddenly, glancing around nervously. She rose to her feet in a panic.
"W-Where am I?!" She wondered, the dark room frightening her. "Arisa-Chan? Are you here?" As the door opened from nearby, she gasped, stepping back. A hooded figure made her way toward Amu, prompting her to inch back.
"No need to fret, Amu-Chan; I'm a friend."
"W-Who are you?!" Amu exclaimed. Slowly, the hooded figure removed her hood, revealing the face of a girl. She had grey-brown hair that cascaded down to her neck and purple eyes that reminded Amu of Utau's.
"My name is Luca, and I am here to protect you from the eternal darkness."
Dramatic enough? Who is Luca? The name mayyyy sound vaguely familiar, but that's all I'm going to say! I hope I didn't get carried away with too much RimaHiko fluff without any actual fluff. Please don't hate me for teasing! It makes me as sad as you not to see them be together.
Please please please review! If I can get a satisfactory number of reviews, I may be able to update in a week (GASP what a concept). Actually I may update at that speed regardless. But reviews are nice and I like nice things, and you guys are nice. Ergo, review!