[DISCLAIMER: This is complete fictional and does not depict the real people who play these Hololive characters.
Thank you all for reading. This isn't the most popular, but I hope those who read it are enjoying this hokie little story. I will also update the other stories soon.
More couples, Pekora, Moona and the gang!
Chapter Twelve
Flare and Noel had made an unspoken commitment years ago to always be together. It was natural. Like osmosis. They even wore rings on their right hands to express they would always be together.
When faced with the horror in front of them, both had realized they would die for the other if it came down to it. They couldn't believe this was happening on the island they loved and served. They had met on the force years ago.
Noel was a young Captain and Flare joined because she had nothing better to do. She thought it would be a cushy income, she had decent fighting skills being a Fire Elf, and then she could spend her days helping the citizenry that had taken in a small elf girl that left her home long ago.
But when she sat at the back of the class, half listening to the instructor, Danchou, she couldn't help but be enamored at her beauty and sweet voice as she instructed with the demeanor of someone who actually cared.
Through time they became partners, go out for meals together, stop for coffee, and just chat; eventually, they were inseparable.
As they drove through the streets, it darkened from the cloud cover. Last streets were the ones with sparse housing, since it was along the beach front. Once they left this area, they'd head to the communications building up the coast.
It was then the truck began to sputter. Gas was low, and they hadn't even realized. Dusk would be upon them in the next 30 minutes.
"Well," Noel parked along the beach, as the sun set. She turned to Flare.
Flare realized they'd have to get out of the truck and walk, or sit in the truck and hope they could last until the morning.
When their eyes met the realization that struck them was that they were with the one they wanted to be with at this time in their life.
Flare slowly touched Noel's hand, clasping it within her own, her other hand's fingers delicately stroking the ring they had exchanged.
"I love you," she told the buxom officer.
"I love you too," Noel stated with a cry in her voice.
They kissed, as the sun continued to lower toward the horizon. Passionately, they kissed, holding one another, as one after another bang came onto the doors, and hood, of the truck; and slowly, they were surrounded by the creatures.
They embraced tightly.
Communication's Building at the Northeastern Edge of Town…
All were inside the building, breathing hard, after running inside and then locking the doors.
Rushia placed her CB on a table inside, instantly calling to Flare and Noel. There was no answer.
"Zombie Two – over! Zombie Two? Zombie Two – OVER?!"
The others looked to one another.
"This can't be happening," Mio cried. "This is surreal."
Fubuki placed a hand on the wolf-woman's shoulder. "I have to get the sirens started."
"I'll help." Marine followed Fubuki to the back of the building.
Rushia continued to try and contact the two cops. Mio sat in a chair, staring outward, nearly in shock because she could sense all the death and fear on the island.
Rushia grabbed a blanket and placed it over her shoulders.
"Thank you."
"Sure."
Mio held over the necromancer's hand. "You felt it, didn't you?"
Rushia nodded. "I just didn't believe I was sensing what I was sensing."
And then Rushia closed her eyes, allowing to hear the voices of the undead. That's when she realized that this was an otherworldly, alien presence. She knew the possibility, but didn't expect to hear something so clear. It meant; they had reached its lair with all the digging.
Her eyes opened suddenly, falling forward, eyes widened when Mio grasped at her, "What is it?"
Without answering, she ran over to the CB unit, "Anyone out there - over?" She switched one channel after another, "Anyone? Pekora, you out there - over? Pekora, I need you to be out there listening. They've broken through!"
#######################################################################
Miko led, as the others followed on their trek to Joseph's Village. Hours had passed.
Once they passed just under the village town hall, Pekora took over and pointed out the direction to her secret warehouse. No one had known of this location except for the Chairman.
A captured audience, they all listened to Pekora explain – or rather, complain - how she was betrayed by Moona. Because of this, they were all on heightened alert. Iofi or Comet Corporation could have thugs or creatures already awaiting them. But Pekora did have security measures in place. These were only activated with her eye, finger and voice signature; a three-point security measure.
Throughout the walk, they all half-listened to Pekora go on and on about her life underground with Moona, and what had happened, and her suspicions of MoonaTech, Iofi and Comet Corporation.
Korone listened, realizing Pekora was much more attached to Moona than she had let on.
When they entered the main building, which looked like a high-tech metal construction underground, or evil villain's lair, the others all walked through gazing at the multi-storied ceilings and large computers lining the walls underground.
"When did you build all of this?" Botan asked.
"Just a hobby through the years - Peko." She laughed haughtily in her usual cadence.
"You're one crazy rabbit."
"You've said that already – Peko."
Okayu and Korone giggled, realizing this was normal for Pekora. Miko was sensing all the sadness of the village above. An entire village had been wiped out, and she felt both sorrow and anger toward her oldest friend.
Along one wall were various types of communication in case of an emergency.
They followed Pekora who led, leading them to a large cavernous space at the back, like you would see in any Mecha anime, or possibly Evangelion.
There was a headpiece that came across their view first. It had dark blue beacons for eyes, and then the shape of the head was that of an Usagi, with actual ears.
"Pekodam?" Okayu asked.
"Yes – Peko."
The closer they walked to the multi-storied cavern carved out of the side of the stone walls, were more large mechanical beasts, in a row.
The group stood above, holding onto the dark metal railing.
"What the heck?" Botan's voice echoed as she looked over the display of large Mecha's in front of her and the others.
Below stood the taller MikoBusterDam, to the left, and then lower, but looking extremely strong on four limbs, was the Bo-Tanx 2.
Each looked slightly like the ones they were named after, but in a mechanical sense. The Bo-Tanx 2 looked similar to a lion, it even had a metal tail, but across the back were two large railguns, like sniper rifles.
The MikoBusterDam, had a large spear across it's back, with a slender scythe-looking metal blade. It could cut through anything. It also wore what looked like sunglasses on the face of the construction, but it was more like a high-tech device, which Pekora explained, "Those there, Miko, are so that you could see through anything. I've developed the capability for you to have X-ray vision. Isn't that cool?"
"No."
"Nothing impresses you – Peko."
"I'm impressed, but I'm also not wanting to drive a Mecha."
"It is very intuitive."
"That's not what I meant."
Miko stood there with arms crossed, both liking the style of the Mecha, but also upset Pekora was treating everything so blasé. "Why would you think I'd want to use this?"
"It's not a matter of want, but necessity – Peko."
"What about that Bo-tank?"
"Sheriff, it's called Bo-Tanx 2. Like I said, it's very intuitive and I'm sure you'll figure out how to use it quickly. You're a pilot, right?"
"Yes."
"Should we take them for a test drive?" Okayu asked.
"They aren't made for you – Peko."
"But…" Okayu actually sounded like she was pouting.
"I might be able to let you drive mine."
"Ah cool!"
Korone asked, "I'm sure these are fun to fight with but when can I fight the creatures with my bare hands? I don't have a Mecha."
"You'll ride in the MikoBusterDam and it will have a place for you to leave at the back when we infiltrate." Pekora laughed, "and then you can fight all you want."
"I ride with you, Pekora?" Okayu asked.
"Yes, you'll be my back up."
"Interesting."
"And then in the Bo-Tanx 2 will be the Sheriff and Lamy. They will head to the city and it will have room inside for at least six others to join." Pekora turned to Botan. "I need you to pick up Rushia, Mio and Fubuki."
"What about the others?"
"They are on their own."
"I can't just leave people behind. There are my deputies and I think Marine was with them."
"I'm hoping that if this works out your Bo-Tanx can shoot a crystalline substance into the air and take out the creatures, and heal those infected."
"How long will all this take with your crystalline substance and such?"
Pekora didn't answer, rather walking to the back rooms, where her lab was located.
Botan growled lowly, and then turned to Lamy. "I've never had anyone bother me as much as that rabbit."
Lamy wrapped her arms around Botan. "I know, hon."
"I need a drink," Miko stated, walking to the kitchen area. "I'm sure there is some sake in her somewhere. Wanna join me Lamy?"
Lamy pulled her lion over. "Let's help Mikochi."
As the three left, Korone sidled up beside Okayu, who was still staring down and admiring the giant Mechas in front of them. They were massive and a sight to behold.
"This is your dream come true, right Okayu?"
"Yeah, I guess." She turned slightly to her girlfriend, or ex-girlfriend, she still wasn't sure.
Korone placed her hand over the cat's forearm. "I'm sorry I stormed out yesterday."
"It's okay."
"Don't you have a sorry to tell me?"
"Sorry for what?"
Korone removed her hand. She stared at the beautifully clueless cat in front of her and then turned to join Miko and the others. "I think I'll go get a drink with Mikochi and Lamy."
But her hand was grabbed by Okayu, and she held her in place. With a sly grin, "I'm sorry."
"Why?"
"What do you mean, why? I'm sorry because… you know… I upset you."
Korone sighed and then giggled to herself, shaking her head. Okayu would always be clueless when it came to other women. In actuality, she hadn't really done anything but be her friendly self with everyone.
"What?" Okayu leaned closer into her girlfriend, smiling, "What?"
"I can't stay mad at you."
"Well, you can if you want to, but I'm not upset or anything. I…" and then Okayu stopped smiling. "I was really worried about you. When I thought you were in MoonaTech with a bunch of monsters and…" she rubbed at her forehead, then mussed up her shaggy hair… "I… got scared. Scared like I'd never been."
Within an instant Korone wrapped her arms tightly around the cat-girl.
"I love you Koro-san, and if I'd lost you…?"
"I know. I love you too."
Korone, always emotional, started to cry and both began to cry quietly holding onto one another.
"When I thought you were dead, it was the same. I was so scared Okayuuuuu. I love you."
Both were saying their name over and over and hugging and crying. It was quite the scene, which brought on the other's attention.
They continued to cry, as the other three slowly stood around with drinks watching. Lamy began to clap, and Miko slowly followed, and then Botan did a slow clap, which made the two pull away from one another.
"That was very emotional," Botan added playfully, "you two want a drink, or you going to kiss?"
When they pulled away the others were staring as if they had just finished a performance, which made them all laugh.
When Pekora walked out she asked, "What are you all doing? We have work to do." She pulled a pallet with three large black canisters behind. "Big lion type, I need you to help place these in…"
"…Whoa, a please would be nice."
"We don't have time for pleasantries. There are monsters attacking the residents of Holios."
Botan sighed, "ah, I hate that you're actually right. Let's go. Tell me what to do."
There was suddenly a crackling from the back. An old CB unit was lighting up. Botan instantly walked over, picking up the receiver.
"Hello? Hello – over?"
"Hey, this is the Island of Holios. There has been a breach from the Demon Realm and it's invading our island – over."
"I know," Botan looked over the others, and that's when Okayu grabbed the receiver from her hand.
"Rushia? Rushia, is that you?"
"Okayu - over?"
"We're at Pekora's warehouse. What's going on?"
"Say what? Pekora's with you? And, first off, you need to say 'over' at the end of the communication – over."
"Oh my gosh, Rush, you have to stop the OCD tendencies."
"I'm hanging up – over."
"Wait a minute – over!" Botan grabbed the receiver from Okayu. "Rushia, we're at a warehouse and we know there are demons loose and other creatures. It's why I called Noel and Flare. Is everyone okay over there? Did they get the residents indoor or safe – over?"
"No, it's something else. There is something else coming – I feel it – over."
Pekora suddenly grabbed at the receiver, but she couldn't take it from Botan's grip.
"Wait, I have to talk to Rushia, Sheriff."
A small bunny leapt up and down beside the tall and statuesque white lioness.
Korone giggled, followed by Okayu, at the scene they were watching. Lamy and Miko stood back, both more concerned at the fact the creatures had entered the city below the mountain.
"You should just let her talk," Okayu stated, and Botan handed the receiver to the Chairman.
"Thank you." She straightened out her clothing. "Hello Rushia - over?"
"Oh hey – over."
"What do you mean – over?"
"There is something else coming. It's like nothing I've ever felt. You said they were digging, and whatever is down there it's been dug out. I feel it – over."
"Yes, I know – over."
"What should we do – over?"
"Stay safe – Peko. Are the other gods with you – over?"
"Yes, Fubuki and Mio are here with us at the communications building – over."
"Ah good – Peko. They may be needed later – over. Keep them safe. Your village helped me greatly, and we have a serum that will help, just as I promised. We just need to stop the comet and the aliens – over."
"Got it – over." On Rushia's end her eyes blazed a deep blood red, as she considered her discussion earlier with Pekora on how to use her necromancy if things got dicey. There were more than those creatures that were dead under the dirt.
All stood, staring blankly at the conversation, watching Pekora speak on another thing she had not relayed to them. What was going on?
############################################################################
Iofi greeted Suisei's arrival, with a light peck on her cheek. Moona watched them, standing back and considering how upset it made the two that Pekora had escaped with the others. They needed her and her mind for the next phase.
The altar had been made, as they stood in the middle of it. The entrance to Hell Realm was lit with nine candles on each side, and then at the center where they stood was three circles graduating outward.
There were rivulets for when they had the sacrifice and her blood, that led down to the creature below the earth.
She considered what would be needed to have a win-win situation. She didn't want to lose her wife or the person she greatly admired in a way that even she didn't understand. She couldn't believe she fell in love with Senchou. But that was truly how it felt deep inside. She only hoped she could keep the feelings hidden inside so that the others wouldn't find out.
Before realizing what was happening the sharp pain spread throughout her torso, and she fell forward and to her knees. The sharpened pain spreading throughout her torso.
"Why?" she muttered, staring outward toward her wife, and then to the one holding the spear, Suisei.
Blinking, Moona wrapped her hands weakly around the long vajra speared through her stomach. Her blood flowing along the spear, to the hilt, and then down to the rivulets.
"You are a moon goddess Moona. Don't act surprised."
She only asked repeatedly, "why" to her wife.
"Blood is needed," Suisei held the ceremonial spear, "I guess she'll do since we lost the rabbit and the doggo god." She frustratingly sighed, "I can't believe you lost them both. We needed gods of this earth – not the moon."
"Why?" she asked, blood gurgling through her throat, as she asked her wife. "Why would you… do this to me?"
"I'm sorry my love, but it was needed." Iofi stepped back, as two large creatures lifted Moona, allowing the blood to continue draining. Suisei held to the spear, smiling, as Moona watched her closely.
If she was stronger, she'd punch her in her smug face.
Once enough blood was spilt, Suisei pulled back the spear painfully, dislodging from the moon goddess.
Two large creatures dragged her to a cage at the back of the room, throwing her limp body inside.
Iofi then walked up to her wife. "They just needed your blood. You'll eventually heal, once he comes forth. He'll take care of you."
"You…" Moona could barely form the words… "I… I…" her eyes slowly closed.
Iofi for the briefest moment felt what she'd done, but that was instantly replaced by the voices of the creature deep inside the earth. She turned and left to Suisei's side.
The creature had begun to come up, but stayed, looking like it was retreating.
"No!" Suisei watched on, as it stopped in place. She growled, "Urgh, Ri dee wifs Dee! Wcah cbehn ah eart geedees, Nagh thdees! Qidee, wcah cbehn kideel fdeed ah eart geedees."
The creatures nodded to her instructions, and left the cave. They were followed by at least 10 more creatures.
Moona laid there, watching the scene, as her view grew cloudier and cloudier. Yes, she was a moon goddess, and her ancestry had been what called her to the planet. Her view continued to become a murky visage as she watched the dark creature begin to rise from the depths of the Hell Realm. The last ingredient, and she hadn't considered they would use her blood. She could have told them it would not work. If only they'd have asked.
And then she realized that thing would consume all of them… and there would be nothing she could do to stop it. She knew they'd bring a god of this land back to complete the ritual. She just hoped it wouldn't be Pekora.
Her lips moved with no sound, as she mouthed, "Pekora, please don't let me down – your brilliant mind is what is needed now."
[END NOTE: Thanks for reading and please let me know what you think in the reviews. I know it doesn't seem like it, but I love Suisei.]