Hidden From Hope

by 1Glimmershine

The last 16 ultimates of the world, that have yet to perish during the 2nd tragedy or become corrupted by despair, have been taken to an underground facility for their protection until the tragedy ends and all roots of despair are taken care of. Unbeknownst to them, they were only heading to their fates in the grip of despair.

13. Chapter 2-4: Cemetery of Stars

-?-

…

…

Wh-what…?

…

I can't feel my body…

I try to look around but all that I see is complete darkness. Nothing but a deep, dark void surrounding me. Even my attempts to speak are met with failure.

I-c-can't speak, can't see, can't do anything… What is this…? Some kind of dream? This doesn't even make sense, what kind of dream consists of absolutely nothing?

After a few seconds, colors and images began to form all around me. The void slowly morphed into a tangible reality. Soon enough, I was located on some kind of cliff, devoid of any grass, overlooking the city of Tokyo. Hope's Peak Academy stood strong above the many buildings. I could only hear the ominous howling of the wind.

Why, why do I feel like I should find this familiar…? Nowhere in my memories can I recall this exact site or it's position in time. But…

For a brief moment, the skies seemed to turn a deep shade of red, the sun turning a baleful color utterly devoid of light. I noticed the city erupting into flames only for everything to return to normal before I could grasp what I had seen.

"ThIs," A staticky, demonic voice whispered into my ear. "Is," *static* that haunting image of the city in flames flashed "y-" *static* Again "-tiny!" *static* and again.

Just out of sight, I could see a figure that appeared to be made of black smoke floating beside me. They didn't seem to notice my presence, their hollow eyes simply staring at the city.

What does this all mean…? Does it even mean anything at all…? My t-thoughts just can't seem to go anywhere…as if there's a cursed haze muddying my mind…and that voice, I wish I could apply it to a face…

As I struggled to process this experience, the city was consumed by the flames once more, the sky turning orange with cinders. The air grew stagnant around me, yet the howling wind remained. Although, it had somehow sounded deeper and droned on unnaturally. It was like it ingrained itself into my brain, I couldn't shut it out.

Suddenly, a massive shadowy face rose high above the city. It had an unsettlingly demonic grin that stretched across it's head, coupled with piercing red eyes. It watched over me and the other unidentifiable figure I was beside. Before I could even blink, it rushed towards me at a startling speed. If I had the ability, I would have drawn in a sharp breath in fear. The darkness of its form engulfed me and then…

---

-Omezo's room-

I shoot up from my bed, eyes wide awake as if I just saw a ghost. I ran my hands through my hair and around my body, relieved that I was seemingly back in reality. Then, I take a deep breath and let out a long sigh, shaking my head free of thoughts about that strange dream.

Whatever that was, it felt very unnatural. I cannot quite place my finger on what that means exactly, but it felt as if that was more of a vision forced onto me than a dream of any kind. Be that as it may, I will never forget what I witnessed.

*knock knock*

Must be Norito coming to take me away to the next bonding session with Sukey. One thing for sure, I need a palate cleanser right about now and that should serve perfectly for that role.

I quickly get dressed and open the door to come face to face with that same old cheerful grin of our resident janitor.

I give him a well-meaning wave and the best smile I can manage in my tired state.

"Bad dreams, eh, Ace?" Norito questions, offering a concerned look upon noticing my baggy eyes.

"Well, I wouldn't say that." I dissuaded him, running my hand through my hair. "I'm just still feeling the effects of this mentally taxing game."

"This day will serve to cheer you right up, Ace! Cause there's a lot to look forward to today. Starting with our bonding session, which I'm sure Sukey has something great planned for!" the upbeat janitor exclaimed, trying to be as encouraging as he could.

Classic Norito. Strives for encouragement and smiles no matter what.

"Let's not keep her waiting then."

The sooner I can clear my mind, the better.

Norito motioned for me to follow him as he marched down the hallway. I pursued him at a leisurely pace all the way to the dressing room on floor B2.

---

-Dressing room-

Upon entering, I immediately took notice of the large amount of costumes hanging on a metal rack. Arishige was sifting through each of the costumes. Furthermore, there were a few boxes full of props present as well. The twins were inspecting the props in one of them while Kaiya was spinning around an iron mace.

I feel like I should be concerned about Kaiya messing around with a real weapon so close to those two…

Sukey stood up from the chair she was sitting on and approached me and Norito with a gleeful smile. "Glad to see the most loyal members of our merry band join us!"

Norito grinned in response. "Heh, you would never catch me missing a morning with you!" He said, grabbing the tip of his hat. He glanced around the room at the others. "Seems we've managed to regain our previously lost crewmate, Lumiose."

Lumiose, which was Arishige's nickname if I remember it correctly.

I rubbed my chin in thought. "Not to mention, we now have the infamously terrifying duo with us today…" I noted, glancing momentarily at the twins.

"When I told them what activity we were going to be doing, they showed express interest." Sukey explained. She gripped her dress's collar with a weak smile and faced away. "Well… about as express they are capable of anyways."

Seeing that we're in the dressing room, I suspect that our activity must relate to theatre somehow. In that case, It's no wonder that they'd wish to be a part of it. They're theater kids down to the bone.

Norito shrugged. "Regardless, I'm just happy to see more of us attempting to get along outside of important meetings," he said, pulling the tip of his hat down, covering his eyes. "Even if I have to subject myself to the twins' bone-chilling stare…"

I stuffed my hands into my suit pockets. "So, Sukey, what precisely are we preparing to do?" I asked, looking over at the band director.

"We're plann-"

"Participating in a most glamtabulous contest!" Arishige butted in, holding his arms outwards. "A grueling battle of not wit nor strength, but the very essence of aesthetic!"

Sukey gave a belated smile while twisting her bracelet. "I appreciate the enthusiasm, Lumiose." she wagged her finger with a disapproving look. "But, cutting people off is a form of misconduct that I disapprove of!"

Arishige appeared shocked. "My my, such scorn is unexpected from one such as yourself," he said while fanning himself with his hand.

Kaiya flung the mace she was playing around with into the air above her. "Band directors are still technically teachers, so I'd be more cautious around her!" She commented hastily.

The mace came back down and she did catch it. However, its weight caused her arm to be pushed downwards towards Shuuyo.

Luckily, Shuuyo managed to grab the mace before it made contact with her skull. Her judgmental eyes bore into Kaiya's. She was unmistakably displeased.

"Our role is not to play the victim…" Shuuyo started, her brow furrowing. She placed the mace back into the box it came from.

Rikako leaned her cheek on the back of her hand. "For we are the judge of this competition…"

"Practicing such dangerous theatrics outside of the stage is a cry for punishment…" they warned with a tone laced with venom. Afterwards, they each lifted up a curved dagger from the prop box. "Another mistake like that will result in your immediate disqualification from both the contest…"

In one swift upwards motion, they slice the ends off Kaiya's bowtie, whom didn't flinch. "And the plane of existence…"

I'm certain they aren't qualified to judge someone's life on earth. Though… I'd never be one to test that theory…

Kaiya held out her hands while blinking in quick succession. "My apologies then, I suppose there's a reason I specialize in blades over blunt weapons when it comes to melee combat," she raised her eyebrows with a light smirk. "I must say, you instincts are sharper than I'd predict."

"Stage acting often requires one to react to unexpected events, we'd never allow such deathly accidents to occur," Rikako informed, showing a hint of pride.

"Unless, of course, it is our intention to paint the stage a bleak sanguine, hmhmhmhmhmm~" Shuuyo added, her and her sister hid a dark smile behind their fingers.

They say that as if they've done so before…

Sukey frowned. "This is not the time to be making such remarks, you two," she dissuaded, expressing her frustration. "Let's stray away from such gruesome topics and return our focus to the costume contest, please."

I rubbed my chin. "So those two are going to be judging us then?" I gestured to the twins.

"Indeed," the twins curtsied before pressing their palms together while facing me. "Since the luminescent one desires to serve as the designer, we are the most apt for the role."

"Rikako, the dastardly demon," Rikako pronounced, posing with her arms crossed, her left hand holding her fingers out straight, and her right hand with her fingers curling.

"And Shuuyo, the estranged archangel," Shuuyo confidently said, posing with her right leg out and her left hand to her heart.

"Shall closely examine every inch of flesh and bone of our judgment seeking morsels," they finished. A thin smile then played on their lips. "For the brave few that find themselves able to overcome the dread of our soul-piercing gaze that is…"

Sukey wrapped her necklace around her finger with a nervous grin. "Good to know that you take this relatively minor role so seriously," she remarked in a slightly flurried manner.

"Honestly, I can respect that kind of drive," Norito commented with some admiration in his voice. His expression then turned to one of dread. "*gulp* B-but, I'm not too sure I want to find out how they treat low-ranking contestants…"

Arishige flicked his hair with a shake of his head. "Rest assured, with myself at the helm of making something special out of all four of you, there will be no opportunity for them to feel inclined towards low numbers!" he exclaimed enthusiastically, giving a prideful look.

I rubbed the back of my head and sighed. "It sounds like I'll have no chance to opt out of this then…" I lamented.

Sukey gave me a concerned expression. "You don't need to take part if it makes you uncomfortable," she said in a comforting tone.

I shook my head. "N-no, no, it's quite fine," I stammered and looked away while pulling my scarf up. "I won't sour anyone's opinion of me when you're working hard to do the opposite."

"Omezo…" Sukey's eyes softened.

"Well, let's get this show on the road before we need to meet up in the cafeteria, alright?" Kaiya interjected. She cockily smirked in our direction as she neared the door. "And y'all should be prepared to lose, as I have extensive training in disguises!" She flicked her hair.

I'm not sure if Sukey intended to say more or not. But, she did seem to disapprove. Why, I don't think I could figure it out. Am I not going along with her hopes to bring us together? Nonetheless, looks like Arishige will get to mess with my appearance despite my earlier resistance to that exact action…

---

-Backstage Hallway-

I didn't want nor care to see what everyone else was wearing, so I minded my own business without seeing anybody. Eventually, my name was called, meaning it was my turn to roll the dice for my costume. Begrudgingly, I opened the dressing room door and stepped inside.

---

-Dressing Room-

Arishige was the only one present in the room and he was standing behind a chair that was positioned in front of one of the desks. The desk also had a mirror attached to it. He held out his arms in greeting and motioned for me to come over. So, I approached the chair Arishige beckoned me to sit on.

Reluctantly, I relaxed in the chair by the mirror desk and sighed. "Alright, I'm ready to get this over and done with," I relaxed my hands in my lap and tilted my gaze up to him, furrowing my brows. "Don't do anything that I have to deal with seeing in the mirror past this point."

He offered me a lopsided frown. "Ah, I see that you continue to spit on the good name of cosmetics despite our conversation a few days ago," he lamented before lightly shrugging. "You mustn't worry, it would be unprofessional of me to permanently alter one's looks without it being requested."

"I simply don't trust you with how pushy you tend to be."

He started to search through the clothing on the rack. "For the record, I'm not pushy for the sake of selfish gain, you know," he firmly remarked with a displeased look. "From what I can glean, you seem to think otherwise, no?"

I crossed my arms. "You would be correct in your assumption."

He pointed at me and moved his finger up and down. "And you, my good sir, would be dreadfully wrong in yours," he countered in a faintly agitated manner. "I delved into the world of cosmetics not just for my own sake, but for the many other unfortunately unhandsome and unbeatiuos folks."

"Uhuh, and you certainly haven't been giving me any impression of such a righteous endeavor…"

"If you are referring to my incessant determination, then I understand your doubts," he closed his eyes in understanding. "It's just that… some people don't even realize how much they need a change in their life before it's too late…"

"If you don't mind me asking, what do you mean by that?"

He thought for a moment, biting his lip in silence. "…If it serves to reconstruct the animosity between us, then I shall tell you," he stopped observing the jacket he had taken off the rack. He came up to me and rested his hands on the chair. "Do you recall when I told you of my horrendous appearance back in the day?"

"How could I? You were like a troll under the bridge, as you put it."

Ok, maybe that was a bit indecent to say. He'd probably prefer it if I had forgotten.

He nodded. "Mhmm, however, that was because of disgraceful genes in my family. I did not suffer the worst of it though," he stopped for a second and seemed pained. "My sister did."

"So she was far less appealing than you?"

He gave a dismissive wave of his hand. "Not exactly…I was more so speaking metaphorically."

This is about to be a tragic story, isn't it?

He shook his body and straightened his clothes. He tightly gripped his violet boa. "...I used to look up to her, believing her to be some sort of god of ignorance for having dealt with her appearance in spite of the severity. And by that, I mean the insults and transgressions that the people had buried her with."

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me…" I muttered in ponderance.

He rested his thumbs on his belt. "An apt way of putting my thoughts about her in that time," he remarked before outstretching the palm of his hand, holding it there in a dramatic fashion. "She pushed through it all because she saw the light, a light in the form of cosmetics."

Of course it was.

He approached the desk in front of us and stared deeply into the mirror, laying his hands on the wooden table.

"Day after day, she worked tirelessly to earn the heaps of cash she needed to get the procedure she thought she would have. Something she had hidden from all of us, assuring us that she didn't need beauty to be happy," he slammed a fist on the desk in front of me, starting me quite a bit. I could see the anger in his demeanor through the mirror, though he wasn't looking forward. "...Then it all amounted to nothing, they took one look at her and laughed. Saying that there's nothing they could do for her! I know better now that it was all poppycock! Not one person in the industry had the competence or desire without an ultimate like me…"

I licked the back of my teeth as I mulled over that statement. "A shame how true that is nowadays," I commented, resting my hands on my sides with a thoughtful expression. "Sometimes, I do get the feeling I'm the only one writing books with how much attention I get."

He clenched his fist. "A shame is giving them too much credit, such laziness and disregard towards a hopeful customer is unforgivable," his voice seemed to get caught in his throat for a moment. He cleared his throat and relaxed his limbs.

"Suffice it to say, she was heartbroken at that revelation. All her hopes and dreams of beauty shattered in an instant. And when I thought she was strong enough to move on, as we all did in our family, my initial image of her was shattered a few days later as well."

"I hope this is not heading the direction I suspect it to," I said, feeling an onset of melancholy emotions. My head fell to face the floor.

His expression turned dejected. "I did too…I did too…" he murmured, his eyes becoming misty as he looked into the mirror. "If she had just told us that she was truly that upset with her appearance, if I wasn't so blind back then to an obviously hopeful individual…"

He wiped his face with his pink cloth. I could hear subtle whimpering from him. He stood upright and a more upbeat look returned to his face.

" I…wouldn't have made such an impact in the industry. Taking her determination with me, I would ensure that such travesties could never occur again. That, my good sir, is why I never give up on anyone, even should they pushback. Because, you truly never know…"

"I…I-I cannot say that I was prepared for that type of explanation," I said, finding it hard to respond because of how dumbfounded I was. "Normally, I'd consider a sad tale from a businessman a farce in an attempt to sway me. However, I can firmly say that I do not doubt your story. Your sister clearly meant a lot to you. Y-you are far more of a human being than I gave you credit for, and for that, I sincerely apologize."

Arishige smiled in that same dopey and enthused attitude I'm used to. "It glapleases that we have a semblance of understanding for each other!" he flicked his fluffy white bangs with his fingers and clapped his hands together with confidence. "Now how about that make-over!"

I stifled a laugh and shook my head. "Just make fast and efficient, you fabulous bastard,"

"Hah! I have full confidence you'll be providing the other ample competition in no time flat!" he chimed happily.

Why do I get the feeling that he's said that exact line to the other three?...

As Arishige had claimed, he did actually finish my look in an impressive amount of time. I decided to get a good overview of myself in one of the standing mirrors.

I took on the appearance of an elusive gentleman, top hat included, with a bit of a sinister aspect to him. With a color scheme of mostly black with some crimson and white here and there. Additionally, I had a featureless mask, with just two eye-shaped holes, that made me look as pale as a ghost. To top it all off, I was given a J-shaped cane.

"Opinion?" Arishige asked, placing his arm around my chair while leaning close to my head.

I rubbed my chin as I observed my outfit in the mirror. "I think this counts as taking advantage of our judges' evident preference of anything foreboding," I pointed out and then shrugged. "At the very least, this isn't the most ignominious of outfits, so I'm all for it I'd say."

"It's the most positive response I've gotten from you, so I'll accept that as a compliment!" he excitedly exclaimed with a smirk. "Now get on out there, my good sir!"

*Ding dong, bing bong*

"It's 7:00 A.M. time to abandon those beds! It's Another day, and another snooze fest for me. How can I uphold despair when I've been reduced to turning to hope for someone to bite it? Whatever, it'll probably happen this time, gahahahaha!"

30 minutes have passed already? Hopefully, I don't end up missing imperative information the others might discuss in the cafeteria because of this bonus time with Sukey and the gang. I'd be kicking myself if I did. Normally, I'd expect this to go over quickly, but these people have a tendency to draw out everything with banter…

---

-Theatre-

Me, Kaiya, Sukey, and Noritoshi were standing in line just out of view of the twins, whom were standing on the stage. I looked over at the others to see how they dressed up.

Kaiya had on a complex ninja outfit that had an air of regality to it, with a long dark purple scarf coupled with two pristine sais at her hips. Furthermore, she had a fox-like kabuki mask on, and her hair was styled into a knitted bun with two elegant needles stuck through it.

Sukey was dressed in an attention grabbing steampunk outfit. The august themed coloration, consisting of yellows, oranges, and browns, is quite pleasing to the eye. She had a bunch of different machine-like accessories on her as well.

Noritoshi, very fittingly, was wearing a super hero-esque costume with a motif clearly relating to cleaning. He had on the typical spandex with blue colors and that same soapy bubbles pattern that his jumpsuit had. The spandex really highlighted how chiseled he actually was. His cherry locks were hidden by a mop-like headpiece that made it seem like he had mop-like hair. Additionally, he had gloves that looked like feather dusters, dark blue shoes with broom bristles on the soles, a yellow cape made of sponge cloth, and the same toolbelt he always wore.

Sukey regarded me with a perplexed look. "Omezo…?" she guessed, sounding a bit unsure before warmly smiling. "I almost didn't recognize you with that unsettling mask."

I lifted my shoulders up for a moment. "Well, it wasn't really my choice, I just let Arishige do whatever," I dismissed, not really caring to elaborate. "And by your rather Avant Garde outfits, I can infer that he doesn't have the most traditional sense in fashion."

"I must say, Norito, that jumpsuit you wear really didn't do you any favors," Kaiya inferred in envy, placing a hand on her hip. "You can easily pass as a loyal bodyguard for an infamous mafia boss!"

Sukey looked Norito up and down. "You can say that again, with such a form it's no wonder you were able to lift me and Omezo up when we cleaned the theatre," she observed, clearly sounding like she was into it.

After a second, she covered her mouth while blushing. "Ah! F-forgive my vulgarity…" Her eyes widened a bit and hung her head down.

I can almost hear Leiko right about now…

Noritoshi grinned and flexed an arm. "Do not be ashamed, Sukey, such a squeaky clean outfit and body is bound for prying eyes!" he chuckled and puffed out his chest while lifting a finger. "I too, can admit to admiring perfectly buffered floors that can serve as mirrors in their own right!"

He looked over at me and then back to Sukey. "Speaking of our time in the theatre a couple days ago, I can't help but imagine these to be the true forms of The Cleanliness Hero, Bleach Boy, and Lady H20!"

I groaned in annoyance. "Don't remind me…" I palmed my face, recalling the compromising nature of that title.

If only I had just said no to participating in that whole charade…I'd say kill me, but I fear the existential repercussions of asking for that with the whole killing game thing.

"I second that notion!" Sukey exclaimed with an infectious smile, she then whipped out some kind of steampunk-like pistol that had a blunderbuss head. "And with this nifty gadget, I have the power of both forms of water, liquid and gas!"

She aimed her weapon with both hands at the wall and pulled the trigger. Steam sprayed out at a surprising velocity and soaked the curtained wall.

Norito raised his fist, clenching the pose hard enough to cause his muscles to bulge. "Fantastic! That would serve to multiply our efficiency tenfold!" Norito boomed with extreme vigor in his tone.

Kaiya appeared thoughtful and tapped the side of her head. "Huh, I've always had an interest in the steampunk aesthetic. Perhaps I should consider it for future gadgets…"

And here I am with a mere cane that has nothing unique about it…why didn't I receive anything nifty…

Arishige then walked up to us with pep in his step. "It's high time that we get the glamfirous contest rolling," he announced as he grabbed Norito's shoulder and gestured towards the stage. "Come along, my heroic sir, the judges await thee!"

They went out into the open air of the theatre, only to find that the twins were nowhere to be seen. Even Arishige was puzzled by this, meaning it was certainly not intended.

Norito rubbed his wrist with a concerned look. "Uh, did they just suddenly lose interest or something?" he questioned, he gave a good look around the area. "This place is utterly spotless, clear of any foreboding individuals…"

"Give them a minute, I'm certain they wish to make a spectacular entrance is all!" Arishige surmised, not sounding worried in the slightest.

But, they were present not that long ago. How did they manage to vanish without us noticing?

As if on cue, Rikako popped up directly in front of Norito, scaring the daylights out of him. He jumped back and nearly toppled over in shock.

Arishige staggered back with his foot. "Bloody hell!" He shouted while holding his hands out in front of him.

Rikako simply sweetly smiled, tilting her head slightly. "Welcome to the stage, our 1st morsel."

Norito regained his composure by wiping his face. "What kind of tricks did you pull to show up like that?!"

Now that I think about it, where is her sister right now? Probably thinking about how to also freak Norito out. I should consider myself fortunate for not being chosen first…

She twirled one of the magenta swirls of her hair. "Such tactics are our tools of the trade, and we would never divulge the details and ruin the mystery," she teased. Then, with a thin smile, she placed her finger on the underside of Norito's chin. "Nevertheless, we have a duty to fulfill. So you'd best straighten up before we dock a point for being out of character, hero, hmhmhmhmm~"

She let her finger slide off his jaw, leaving him aghast.

He forced out a couple coughs. "Right, it is unbefitting of a hero to turn pale at a frightening sight," he proclaimed as he got out his mop and posed heroically with it. "Observe away and understand why the stains of this world fear my visage!"

Rikako looked over his entire frontside, occasionally leaning in to touch parts of his outfit. I presume it's to feel the material, but I'd imagine it's also to unsettle him as well.

"Aren't you going to examine my backside?" Norito asked with some confusion.

She tilted her head curiously, as if she didn't understand. "Hmm…?" she looked into his eyes before staring past him. "We have been, haven't we?"

"What do yo-"

"Indeed, sis," Shuuyo suddenly propped her chin up on Norito's shoulder. "All sides are as pristine as he claimed, hmhmhmhmm~"

Her lips pulled into a thin smile as her eyes flitted over to Norito's nervous face.

"Gah!" Norito yelped, shaking her off his shoulder. "The two of you certainly have the element of surprise mastered. Why did we let you, of all people, judge…?"

Again, I did not notice her sneak up to him… or am I just that unobservant? I suppose it is pretty dark back here to give us an excuse.

"I thought I was the one that was meant to use ninjutsu…" Kaiya mumbled. Her face lit up as if she realized something and she appeared aggravated. "Those girls are theme thieves!"

Shuuyo ran her hand down Norito's cape, her expression one of puzzlement. "For what purpose does this type of material serve…"

"To absorb your past misdeeds perhaps?" Rikako pressed the tips of her fingers together up by her lips.

"N-nono, I am a hero of absolute integrity!" he shook hands vehemently. "Plus, I only deal with dirt and grime of the literal type, not any human beings."

Shuuyo frowned. "Disappointing," she stated in a flat remark.

"A hero with no ulterior motives or a speck of darkness in their heart," Rikako folded her arms together with a bored look. "How very dull."

They both held their arms outward. "You have murdered some points in your favor for such generic backstory," they both said in unison.

"Figures as much that you fully support such despicable nature…" Norito rolled his eyes indignantly.

"All that confidence went to shambles real fast…" Sukey sadly remarked, her hand finding a place above her heart. "I feel pretty bad for him,"

"The twins always seem to have that effect on people, especially him," I mentioned, running my hand through my hair. I turned my attention back to the stage.

"Although, a question for you, Arishige," Rikako faced the cosmetologist.

"Are you responsible for this design?" Shuuyo questioned, crossing her hands over her stomach.

"I was merely the tailor to this rather outlandish idea of this contestant," Arishige answered with a wide shrug. "Most of the credit can be attributed to him."

"Then we suppose that's enough to save the previously slaughtered points, albeit, not all of them," The twins turned to Norito and closed their eyes as they pondered. "65 out of 100, only because we venerate the lack of banality to the theme you went for."

"That works for me!" Norito exclaimed hastily, clearly eager to not be at the forefront of the judges' minds anymore. Like a bat of hell, he ran to stand beside Arishige off to the side of the stage.

"We invite the next morsel to the stage!"

Kaiya looked over at me and then at Sukey. We repeated that motion similarly until Kaiya finally shrugged.

"Sure, why not, I'll face the embodiments of fear next!" she declared, jumping and rolling onto the stage, landing in front of the twins. Following that motion, she immediately took out her sais and stood up on one leg like a crane. She held out one arm, poised her other hand up by her shoulder, and pointed her sais forwards.

Arishige presented Kaiya with outstretched palms. "Ah yes, here is the Royal Shadinja Fox of the Steathiddenows Village!" he proclaimed with pride before gesturing to himself, looking completely full of himself. "A remarkable design by none other than the Ultimate Cosmetologist!"

The twins stared blankly at him, blinking being their only motion. "We don't know what words just came out of your mouth," they remarked as they looked at each other. "Regardless, her entrance is deserving of praise we suppose…"

"Secret agents complement the ninja way pretty sufficiently!" Kaiya piped up, remaining in her pose.

"Still, we must examine the outfit for every little indistinct detail," Rikako said.

The twins approached her with the knives they had earlier in their hands. Using the knives, they trailed the bladed tips along the many lengths of Kaiya body and costume. Fortunately, they were quite delicate, ensuring no harm was done. Somehow, Kaiya's resolve didn't waver one bit, even when their knives reached her face where they outlined the edges of her mask.

She's got some nerves of steel. Albeit, that's expected of the Ultimate Agent.

The twins put their knives away and stepped back from Kaiya.

"That outfit fits you splendidly, tailored perfectly for every curve," Shuuyo complimented.

"And to your benefit, you stood strong despite a sense of danger treading along your very skin," Rikako noted in a sing-song tone.

"95 out of 100, for the proper stoicism of an experienced assassin and a fearsome appearance to compliment it," they both pronounced confidently, each holding out a hand while standing close together.

Arishige seemed peeved by that critic. "Yeah, I was definitely going for the dreaded assassin look…" he said in a way that made it obvious he was lying.

"Sweet!" Kaiya exclaimed, walking over to Norito. She playfully punched his shoulder with a grin. "Take that, Cleanliness Hero!"

"Minus five for out of character trash talk," the twins remarked, giving the agent a sly look.

"Aww, shoot…" Kaiya slumped her arms in defeat.

"Maybe show some proper etiquette around those that may save your house from being overrun by stains next time," Norito said with a smirk.

Harsh judges I see. I guess the judging isn't over until they say it's over.

Sukey let out a sigh and straightened up. "I'll head up there next, I'm feeling inspired by Kaiya's impressive fortitude!" she announced energetically. She leaned her hips to one side with both her hands resting on them. "I will synergize with my sister's steampunk spirit and have nothing to fear!"

I shrugged with one arm. "Go ahead. I certainly won't, and probably can't, stop you," I commented, scratching my head. "I wish you luck under their ruthless eyes."

Sukey nodded and skipped over to the twins. She lifted her pistol near her head, aiming it upwards, and placed her other hand on her hip. She gave the girls a wide smile and stared them down with determination flaming in her eyes.

Arishige clasped his hands together. "Oh yes~ Here's the fabled Ultilitastic Steampunk Princess of an Autumn Most Luminight!"

The twins' arms went lax as they rolled their eyes. "Must you always incessantly over-dramatize your titles?" the twins quizzed, making it clear they were tired of it with their tone of voice.

"But of course, the wilder the grander!" Arishige exclaimed, gleefully ignorant of their opinion.

In a way, it can be effective to attract attention with an over the top name, if it was easier to understand the portmanteaus that is…

The sisters began their close examination of Sukey's outfit. They seemed to have a fascination with running their fingers across the many metal parts of the clothing. After a couple minutes, they finished their observations.

"While our eyes are wont to accept such bright coloration…"

"There's no denying the pleasantries our souls receive upon gazing…"

"Furthermore, we have a certain weakness for Victorian era designs with a fantasy twist," they continued. "Alas, without a touch of terror, and we know you well enough to surmise there's no hidden tendencies, we cannot give you any higher than an 85."

Sukey motioned for them to stop. "Pause for a moment, I have one other thing up my sleeve," she requested. She grinned and then aimed her pistol at Shuuyo, whom was a bit taken aback by the sudden action. "This is more than just a toy, it actua-"

A blast of steam was launched directly into Shuuyo's face. They flinched slightly at the heated contact. Luckily, they closed their eyes before the now dripping make-up could get into them. She glared daggers at the sweating band director.

"Ll…y works…" Sukey finished, her eyes shaking. It was evident she was super panicky now. "S-so sorry, Shuuyo, i-it was not my intention!"

Rikako quickly started the process of re-applying her sister's make-up. "Accidentally or not, shooting your judges is a woeful show of respect," she said, the last few words intensely stated.

"Perhaps we'd have given you extra points for a real gun. However, a water gun is still but a mere toy in our eyes," Shuuyo remarked, her eyes narrowing.

Are they telling me they'd rather be shot with a real gun?!

Rikako managed to finish up with the make-up rather quickly. They both faced Sukey, eyes closed and with a subtly menacing smile.

"As punishment, you will be prominently banished into nothingness…" they threateningly declared before snapping their eyes open, making Sukey flinch. "Forevermore."

"And by that, I assume you mean disqualification?" Norito asked with a hint of concern.

The twins looked off to the side. "If you wish to put it so blandly, yes, that's our meaning," they confirmed dully, shaking their heads.

"Ah fiddlesticks…" Sukey exasperated, her spirit all but demolished. "I suppose capturing my sister's spirit doesn't grant me her gun handling…"

"A terrible shame, I was quite fond of the look," Arishige said, clicking his tongue. "I'll just have to consider the original score as final then,"

Sukey went over to Kaiya and Norito.

"Itchy trigger finger?" Kaiya guessed, glancing over at Sukey.

"Unfortunately, yes, that's what happened," she admitted, looking down in shame.

I felt a temptation to alleviate her downtrodden state, so I decided to approach her.

"Understandable, it's a challenge to not be at least a bit twitchy in the presence of those two," I reasoned in an attempt to comfort her. She smiled back and I returned the favor, although she couldn't tell that I did with my mask on.

Taking my turn for scoring. I turned to the twins and scratched the back of my neck. "D-do your worst."

I immediately regret saying that…

"And finally, we have the Esteemous Masked Gentlemen of Elusive Unimaginable Horrors!" Arishige exclaimed with one hand pointed towards me.

Giving me that kind of title is setting some lofty expectations, thanks for that… Knowing that the twins favor in-character attitudes, I'll just do my best to appear stonewalled…I guess.

I firmly planted my cane on the floor, standing tall as I rested a hand on top of it. The twins simply giggled in unison and invaded my personal space. As their delicate hands ran along my outfit and accessories, I was treated to Rikako's unending gaze into my eyes.

"..." I continued to stay silent, my eyes locking with hers.

"..." her expression remained neutral as she cupped my hand into hers, allowing her sister to get every angle of my left arm.

"..." I kept up my act as Shuuyo disappeared behind my back.

"..." Rikako remained in front of me, ensuring our staring contest would continue on.

An eerie smile then played at her lips, sending a tingle down my spine.

Why do I subject myself to these things… Though, I do have to admit, while she certainly is off-putting, her visage enchants me the more I study it. It's at least a bit charming, I suppose. If only the personality complimented that sentiment…

A blush that formed on my face was thankfully hidden by my mask. I still managed to keep my eyes on Rikako's, whom was smiling the same as she had been. Suddenly, chilling hands touched upon my neck and trailed up the sides of my face like a spider. Thus, I couldn't help but flinch at the feeling and avert my eyes to see that the hands belonged to Shuuyo.

"And you were doing such an admirable job at staying intimidating and quite imposing," Rikako said with a small frown, her disappointment made evident.

"Now we are forced to deduct your score for the slight break in character," Shuuyo added, returning to her sister's side.

"Great…" I sarcastically remarked, but I was genuinely upset.

Just one shift of the eyes and a flinch they could barely see, still they caught that? Maybe I'm more obvious than I had thought. Whatever the case is, I get the impression the loss of points was inevitable for everyone…

"Do not fret, dear morsel, for you have scored an 85 out of 100," they reassured as they held hands. "Your appearance does speak to us personally."

Shuuyo tilted her head to the left with a sweet smile. "You could pass as a long lost brother of ours…"

"Or a possible fated lover…" Rikako tilted her head to the right, mimicking her sister's expression.

They pointed at me with their hands that were laced together. "What say you, Omezo?" they asked curiously, staring at my intently. "Shall we form a bone-chilling troupe and serenade the souls of many?"

I shook my hand in dismissal. "I-I appreciate the offer, but n-no thank you," I answered, placing a hand on my side with a sigh. "I'd surely pale in comparison to you two anyways."

It would serve as an interesting experience to work alongside them, but I like to keep my sleep schedule untarnished by nightmarish dreams.

"Then that means Kaiya is the winner then?" Sukey assumed. The twins nodded and bowed in response.

"Booya!" Kaiya shouted, victoriously punching the air with a one two combo. "Now what's my grand prize?"

Arishige harrumphed. "Giving me a sense of pride and accomplishment!" he proclaimed as if everyone should've known that before cockily grinning. "Yours was the design I was most confident of after all."

Suuurrree…

Sukey gave Kaiya a sympathetic look. "Yeah, my apologies, Kaiya, but there was no planned reward," she said, squeezing one of her three braids. "It was all just fun and games to bring us closer. Well, I hope it succeeded at that anyways."

"I'd say it did, I had plenty of fun with it! Even though I didn't win," Norito affirmed with a vivid smile, offering a thumbs up. "Besides, a true hero needs no medals to be happy."

"It was nice to flex my fashion designing muscles for once," Arishige commented, absentmindedly playing with his fluffy bangs. "I'm usually too caught up in cosmetics to have time for anything else clothing related."

"Hmhmhmhmm~ " the twins laughed while covering their lips with their fingers. "We quite enjoyed this short detour from our hourly despair as killing game participants."

I pulled out my handbook to check the time. It was 7:50 A.M.

I ran a hand through my hair. "Well, it's been far more than our usual 30 minutes," I brought up, ready to get out of here. "Shouldn't we be heading to the cafeteria now?"

Sukey firmly nodded. "Definitely, we've probably kept them waiting a little too long," she said before gesturing to us to follow along as she left out the door. "Come along friends, to the cafeteria!"

That ended up being a more pleasant experience than I was expecting. Still though, I can't shake this feeling of dread that this is just a calm before the storm. Nothing positive is ever absent from negatives, least of all in our current situation.

We all dressed back into our normal outfits and made our way towards the cafeteria.

---

-Cafeteria-

Everyone else still remained here once we arrived, seemingly having finished eating by now. Sozen, Leiko, and Masakado were all sitting together. Anzai was lying down on a bench, by himself, reading a book. Heikichi was fidgeting with his wrist device, Widget. Finally, Jurobei was talking Nene's ear off, who was just giving him the cold shoulder.

Sozen noticed us entering the room and gave us a quick wave. "You folks took longer than usual with your whole morning routine gig," he said as he crossed his arms across his chest. "Had me concerned for a bit there."

Kaiya closed her eyes and shook her head. "Oh Sozen, didn't I tell you not to worry over every little thing?" she poised, walking up to him to rest her hand on his shoulder. "Not to say that I don't find your care for our well-being endearing or anything."

Sozen avoided her gaze. "It's no easy task to tell a man to go against his nature," he remarked in a serious tone.

Kado's eyes narrowed at the two. "I don't suppose this nature of yours also includes keeping innocent people in chains, hmm?"

"It doesn't, and the evidence speaks for itself, Kashiwa," Sozen loomed over Kado, who gave him a toying smirk. "Besides, I think those chains suit you quite well."

"I'll say, it's a strong addition to your sexiness factor!" A flushing Leiko interjected with her hands pressed together. "SDL equals pure evil times chains squared."

I imagine that equation changes daily.

"Such vulgar usage of the patented energy equation!" Anzai, with his horn-rimmed glasses on, spat in anger. "This baboon in heat never ceases to outdo herself…"

"It's ice demoness in heat fyi!" Leiko pointed furiously. She then began biting her nail with a foxy expression "But I get the confusion, my ass is quite hard to avoid."

Glad to see that some things never change…

Shaking my head, I grabbed a bite to eat and sat down at a table. The others from the contest also followed suit.

"Oh yeah, I just remembered," Norito piped up out of the blue, dropping his food onto his plate. "I intended to reveal my secret before I got rudely interrupted by the vile lizard."

"Right, and you were all super confident about it as well," Heikichi recalled, pinching his visor. His demeanor then shifted towards one of doubt "A type of confidence more suited to someone about to tell a bullshit story that is."

"Techhead's fuckin' right about that, ain't no man that proud about exposing their most hidden secret!" Jurobei gritted his teeth. "A fat load of shit it is."

Norito fumbled with his mop. "Hey now, don't make such crazy assumptions!" he rebuked, harrumphing. "It took a lot of effort to convince myself it'd be good to get it off my chest."

I propped my elbow up on the table, leaning my head on my hand. "Does it matter? Truth or not, it's coming to the light eventually," I rationalized, feeling irked at their hasty accusations. "No purpose in trying to dissuade him."

"Thanks for having my back, Ace," Norito gave me a thumbs up with a gracious look.

"As someone who has yet to put themselves in such a vulnerable position, I can admire the determination to clear the smog," Nene rested a hand on her rapier. "Let's hear it then."

"I…" Norito palmed his face, taking his sweet time. "Was accused for a most heinous murder once before."

Sozen's eyes narrowed.

"Wha-what!?" Sukey gasped. "I-I refuse to believe that!"

"Well…" the twins frowned. "The hero had a secret most foul after all, and yet, you denied it when we suspected you before."

"Oh the incredible irony of it!" Arishige exclaimed, cooling himself down with a miniature fan. "Here I thought that contest was nothing but fluff for the crowd."

"And who was the unfortunate mortal to fall under the blade of your so-called justice?" Kado interrogated, albeit, in a more amused manner. "Is this perhaps the working of an anti-hero rather than a true natured one as you claimed many times?"

"I need you all to just relax for a moment and listen," Norito demanded earnestly, relaxing his posture. "It was my grandmother who was killed, and for those of you who don't catch the news often, her name was Tansho Sone."

"Hold on, isn't that the previous headmaster of the Future Foundation?" Sukey eyes widened in surprise, she leaned in over the table. "Someone that important was your grandmother?!"

"Tansho…" Sozen muttered under his breath. "Her death was 7 months ago, I remember how it struck the world with widespread panic."

Norito tipped his hat down, shutting his eyes. "I'll admit, her position of power is probably why I rose to fame so quickly…" he trailed his finger down past his eye. "She was a lovely figure to me, I still struggle to come to terms with her death from time to time…"

Jurobei clenched his teeth. "And you're telling us that you, her goddamn own grandchild, murdered her?!" he shook his fist in outrage.

"Cowardly," Nene remarked, glancing at Norito with an ice cold look. "To think you'd be so lucky to have a loving family member just to toss her aside."

"I said I was accused, not the killer!" Norito retaliated, clutching his soap bar pendant. "I swear it upon my legendary mop that I had no part in the crime. I just arrived at a bad place at a bad time and got framed. I'm as clean as bleach!"

"Was this innocence proven at all?" I asked.

"I was scrutinized in a court, yes, and was given a not guilty verdict."

"So you were merely a competitor of being Lady Luck's most unfavored human being then," Arishige commented before feigning a faint. "How tragic!"

"Must have been a closed court, since I don't recall ever hearing about this nor being a part of it," Sozen mused, tapping his shoulder with arms crossed. "Do you have any idea who the killer actually was then?"

"My memories are hazy at best," Norito turned his head while holding his hat forwards. "The attorneys couldn't figure out who the other killer was, just that I had no involvement."

"So your defendant status was all because of an incompetent police officer," Heikichi remarked as he pondered. "I share your misfortune."

"..." Sozen seemed tense for a moment before staring down Norito. "You haven't mentioned the name of who arrested you, do you even know their identity? I should like to know in the event that I can get an explanation out of them when we get out of here."

"I… never got more than a glimpse," Norito responded, sounding disappointed with himself.

"What, are you as blind as a bat?" Anzai gawked. He then swapped to his sunglasses. "When you in da' hood, you nevah forget the face of a pig putting you in cuffs!"

"It pains me to try and remember the details of that horrendous day," he explained with a glum disposition.

"It's alright, you should not have to be forced to recall past trauma," Sukey assured, giving him a tender smile. "You're innocent and that's all that matters, at least to me."

"Although it's strange, since from what the news told us, it was no murder that caused Tansho's death, but sickness," Kaiya tapped her chin. "Either the true killer is just that efficient at their job or is being covered for."

Leiko pointed at no one in particular. "I bet it was the new headmaster of the FF, he sniped that seat as soon as it was available like the greedy devil he must be!" she exclaimed, her words going a mile a minute.

I mulled over her words, trying to make sense of them. "The new headmaster… Gengyo Kido, correct?"

"That is the name, yes," Sozen stoically nodded. "I suppose his immediate upbringing does merit a bit of suspicion. However, I'm no conspiracist and there's no logical proof of his involvement other than that. I suggest we leave this topic be, for now."

"I concur, the lack of substantial evidence proves his innocence well enough," Kaiya scornfully glared in the direction of the monitor that was in the room. "I'm sure us doubting the integrity of the FF is exactly what Monotokage wants."

Most likely… Though, I know better than to underestimate mankind's greed and what it makes people do. I have no reinforced opinions of the FF, so I cannot say with certainty they're completely clean.

"So that's the whole deal then, Norito?" Jurobei asked, scratching the back of his neck with an apologetic expression. "Sorry for the whole, fuck you for killing someone you love, thing I said before."

"It's fine, I don't hold any grudges," Norito answered, twirling his necklace around. I could tell that his mood darkened a bit. "Not to you or the police officer that arrested me. If I even find out who it was anyways. But yeah, that's all I wanted to say. I figured it would be better to hear it from me rather than from our host that wishes to stir up mistrust between us."

Really? He's surprisingly forgiving. Personally, I'd want that officer to see some sort of karma for their mistake. Norito could have easily been executed for such a crime. Regardless, I'm glad he was able to make it through all that despite the circumstances.

"That was wise of you…" Rikako acknowledged.

"That venomous lizard surely would have painted you as the worst of us," Shuuyo said with a neutral look, plucking her bow.

"Now that Norito has uttered his piece, we request that all performers for our theatre begin rehearsals before the grand show," they said, regarding us with a prying gaze. "We do hope none of you have had a change of heart regarding our plans."

"I've been excited for it for a while now," Sukey commented with a smile of purity. "Not a chance that I would skimp out on it now."

"I'd never pass on an opportunity to deliver a spectacle like no other!" Arishige excitedly exclaimed, extravagantly raising his hands up. "My performance will be ingrained in your memories for eons to come!"

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be," Heikichi stated in a tired manner. His attention was focused on his wrist device. "I do have a few ideas already to spice up the pyro beyond its normal limits."

That's… worrying.

The twins looked over at Norito. "We trust that your recent dredging up of memories hasn't caused your spirit to falter?" they asked with some concern, tilting their heads

"Of course not!" Norito answered before puffing his chest out with his hands on his hips. "What kind of hero would I be if I took no part in such an uplifting event? I'll ensure that everything continues on as spotless as can be!"

"My mind remains unchanged," Sozen closed his eyes. "So long as Nene takes good care of our bad-mannered guest."

Leiko stomped her heel down. "But I want him!" she demanded childishly.

"That's not for you to decide, Leiko," Nene pointed her rapier at Leiko. "Your obsession with him will only serve to set him free."

Leiko bent over with her arms hanging down. "It's my turn with the demon lord!" she whined. "I don't even have the keys, do you really think I can just break those cuffs? It's not like I have some kind of demon powers or anything."

"..."

"...Oh right… I do have that ability!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands with her foreleg thrown back. "Thanks for reminding me, me!"

"Jeez, you're something else, girl," Kaiya said, palming her forehead.

"Aren't you a performer for the show anyways, Leiko?" Heikichi questioned, narrowing a single brow. "What, are you gonna parade the man around on stage or somethin'?"

"I know that! And we could be a demonic duo!" Leiko eagerly proclaimed, her eyes positively sparkling. "Think of all the things we'd do together!"

I grimaced even thinking about what that might implicate. "I'd rather not…" I firmly stated.

"I say let the poor woman have me," Kado remarked. "You can trust me to subdue her demonic powers should she attempt anything unorderly."

Sozen palmed his eyes and grunted. "First of all, I find myself doubting that Leiko has that kind of strength. Secondly, you are going with Nene and that's final."

"He actually wanted my presence…" Leiko mumbled with a wistful demeanor. "And I will not leave him on the edge!"

She then tried to rush through Sozen. All he had to do was place his hand on her forehead to stop her in place. "Letmeletmeletmeletmeee!" She shouted as she swiped wildly at his body.

Kado closed his eyes and hummed. "Instead of desperately attempting to phase through an immovable object, remember that said object is made of flesh and bones," he explained, sounding slightly irate before maliciously smiling at Sozen. "Materials that are easily sliced through with the proper tools."

He must know that she collected his dagger after he was reprimanded. Hopefully, I'm not about to regret my negligence in mentioning that to everyone…

"..." Leiko finally calmed down. She appeared pensive for a moment, clenching her hand into fist near her chest. "Uggghhhh… fine, but swear to me that I will get a moment with him at some point."

It appears she briefly considered taking him up on that suggestion.

Sozen crossed his arms. "Sure, with me in earshot that is," he compromised, tapping his shoulder.

Nene turned to look at Leiko, her brows furrowing. "You must learn that some matters are to be treated seriously," she reprimanded. "Your childish notions and behavior could cause us all to spiral towards chaos. Masakado is a threat, not a toy nor a 'demon lord' nor your friend. You would do well to remember that."

"Never!" Leiko scoffed, her lips pursed as she looked to the side. "He's just misunderstood, I'm certain of it! And only a demonologist would see past the shadows of his soul, as I've done with many demons in the past."

"You mean the damn demons you never actually fuckin' met?" Jurobei remarked, raising an eyebrow. "We all know that's a bunch a horsecock."

"S-shutup…" Leiko turned her whole body away from us. "Let's just do the stupid theatre thing already…"

"Returning to business, we wish to know who's souls desire to be graciously serenaded," the twins mused, outstretching their palms towards us with thin smiles. "Our performance is sure to leave your amygdala shivering with delight!"

"Count me in!" Kaiya declared with peppy fervor.

"I'll definitely be there," Jurobei said, snapping the strands of his tank-top around his shoulders. "It's hella boring hanging around in your room all day."

"To the contrary, I quite enjoy my room," Anzai remarked in offense. He pushed up his glasses. "As it's the only place free of low rank plebeians. Luckily, this show of yours will serve to filter the mouth-breathers out of every room. Effectively allowing me more personal space."

I rolled my eyes. "So, you're not going, as expected," I said without care.

His eyebrows angled downwards ever so slightly. "Evidently," he stated, clicking his tongue. He held his medal in his palm, staring intently at it. "Have fun suffocating amongst all the smoke in that theatre. But, you have nothing to worry about, all your brain cells have clearly been offed already."

"I also will have to avoid the theatre," Nene said with an impartial look, pulling Masakado back by the scruff of his neck. "I cannot allow Kado the potential to speak to anyone but myself. Plus, the performances are a form of distraction that may deter me from my duty."

"A shame, but we respect your decision," the twins replied, lightly curtsying with their hands on their skirts.

"How disappointing," Masakado retorted, oozing with sarcasm. A disingenuous coy smile formed upon his face. "I was looking forward to cheering on the surely majestic entertainers and their delusions of grandeur."

"Uhuh," Heikichi's eyes squinted. "I'm sure you'd be the first to toss tomatoes."

"Incorrect, I would be the first to toss something far more threatening," Kado responded, lifting a finger. "What's a more superior way to end a performance than in a blaze of glory?"

"Anyways, I'll also be within the audience," I said, shaking my head.

It'd be nice to have at least a few hours of time to take my mind off everything.

"Oh, and Sozen," Kado faced the sheriff with a blank look. "I have a few parting words of advice for you."

"What is it, Kashiwa?" Sozen asked with a hint of annoyance. "Although, I suspect your advice is anything but helpful."

"Whether you find them useful or detrimental is all determined by your interpretation," Kado began, sneering. "First, I must ask, aren't you concerned at the idea of escaping your mission to protect us by playing in some meaningless act?"

"...It'd be irrational not to," Sozen answered, running his hand along his bandaged arm. "Nonetheless, I choose to trust Kaiya's judgment that I need a break of some kind, and this provides me that relief. Even if it might be brief respite, she assured me it's for the best that I don't pressure myself to play guardian for days on end."

Kado closed his eyes with his lips pursed. "Kekeke, and your admirable effort at shouldering our burdens is quite endearing, even I cannot deny," Kado's mouth then formed into a sinister, mirthless smile. "However, a fair warning, no mere mortal is capable of carrying such a burden forever. Our situation is no trifling matter, our challenges will only continue to worsen and pile up bit by bit, With each death, another few tons of guilt that you always seem to allow into your soul. I shudder to envision that with each subsequent cycle that follows, that burden upon your back will see your spine snapped in twine."

"The spine being his psyche, if the analogy went right through your empty skulls," Anzai interjected.

"Do not interrupt my foreboding speech!" Kado exclaimed in mild irritation. "Ahem."

He then split one eyelid open to reveal jade iris that was in a sea of black. An unsettling visage to say the least.

"The impact will leave you mad with unending guilt, begging for a solution to the unsolvable, our salvation from our inevitable fates. Even should you escape fate, your title will continue to invite more and more of that same burden. As I'm sure you are aware, this world expects nothing less of you."

"..." Sozen tensed up with a perturbed expression as he gripped his badge. "I should never have let you near me as often as I did."

"Kyahaha~"

I felt queasy.

That terrifying hysterical laugh again, the same one in the trial, this seems to only come from whatever this side of him is.

"Alas, that was your own doing. I'm but another pound of that burden, and what a joy it will be to take part in crushing that stoic mind of yours to bits and pieces," Every word he said was spiced with malice, his face filled with pure mania. "A fractured consciousness to be gorged upon by despair, such is the fate of all ultimates."

His words settled in the air and nobody seemed to know what to say.

"Enough of this nonsense!" Nene yelled angrily, sideways chopping the air. She swiftly jabbed her rapier in the direction of Kado. "Allow me to offer you a few words of advice. I am not so beholden to the selfish value of self preservation. I will see that your head is rolling at the executioner's feet, a justice you have well earned."

"I appreciate the compliment," Kado smugly grinned.

"I…" Sozen muttered with a distressed look, the color had been drained from his skin. Witnessing his usually stoic resolve being picked apart like this made an uneasy feeling wash over me.

"Sozen is fully capable of handling himself, no matter the weight he may be forced to endure," Kaiya stated with confidence.

"But… that's exactly the problem is it not?" Heikichi indicated with a frown, his hand underneath his beanie. "Acting like just because he's an ultimate means he can surpass human limitation."

I find myself, regrettably, understanding the truth to Kado's words. Society does rely heavily on us ultimates, and for some, that may be too much for them to handle. I mean, Sozen certainly has been determined to do everything he can for us, blaming himself instead of us when things go bad. I can imagine we aren't the only ones he's concerned with…

"There is only so much one person can handle, ultimate or not," Norito tipped his hat down, appearing dejected. "But I never got the impression that he was feeling overwhelmed."

"And I'm not," Sozen finally spoke up, he pointed at Kado with his brow furrowed. "And if you think your little mirthless speech is going to shatter my resolve, you're sorely mistaken. One more outburst like that, and I will not hesitate to remove your freedom of speech, Kashiwa!"

"The fate of all of all Ultimates…" Juro uttered weakly, looking lost in thought before clenching his teeth. "Bullshit!"

"One look at the second tragedy is enough proof of that as is," Arishige mentioned, combing his hair while sweating profusely. "But, I'm certainly not one to buy into an unfabulous looking man. Heheh, no of course not!"

"Just another reason to prove him wrong," Kaiya said with a determined look. "We'll be the ones laughing victoriously once we power through this killing game!"

"Kekekeke, it seems the demon has poked a few nerves," Kado taunted, his eyes having returned to normal. "My condolences, I cannot always hold them back. Regardless, perhaps I've said too much for the weak-minded mortals to comprehend. Their shields of denial do tend to be fragile."

Leiko gave him a round of applause. "You really tore into that one!" she cheered. "Left all of us completely speechless, top tier demon lord strats right there."

"Don't. Push. It." Nene growled.

"S-sorry sorry…" Leiko stammered, biting her nails. "I can't resist the temptation of praising him, he's just too dreamy~"

Nene seized Leiko by her side from underneath her armpits and then judo tossed her over her shoulder.

"AHH!" Leiko squealed as she slammed into the wall and slid it upside down.

"Heed my warning next time," Nene brushed her hands together with a resolute look, boring into Leiko's eyes.

That was frighteningly effortless looking…

"Hey, look at that, I'm finally not the only one who pisses her the hell off!" Jurobei exclaimed with elation, rubbing the back of his neck. He let loose a short laugh. "Now I get why it's so hilarious."

"Please, we must move on from this immediately," Sukey begged sincerely, her expression turning determined. "We have good times ahead of us, we can't let Kado's foul melody ruin it all for us."

"Indeed," the twins nodded in agreement. "We will waste no time in cleansing our spirits of his rotten corruption."

"Typical utimates…" Kado mumbled in disgust before staring up into the ceiling. "Why do I ever doubt you, my Jade Queen…?"

If I had any control, I'd silence Kado right now. Normally, he's just toying around, but it's times like these where he shows just how influential and serious he becomes when we allow it. However, the upcoming show might be enough to clear our heads, hopefully anyways.

We all then parted ways. I decided that I should pass the time with Sukey, since I had intended to speak with her yesterday before getting sidetracked.

---

-Storage room-

After some time of searching, I had found Sukey practicing in the storage room.

"Hey, uh, Sukey, I was hoping you'd have some time to talk," I told her, finding it somewhat difficult to say the words. I ran a hand through my hair with a nervous look. "I planned on speaking with you yesterday, but it k-kind of slipped my mind."

Sukey gently laid her violin on the floor and smiled graciously. "The others shouldn't need me right now, so I'm more than willing to spare a moment for you," she replied, placing a hand on her bracelet. "What made you so interested in talking with me?"

"I just was intrigued about your past I guess," I said, sticking my hands in my pockets with a shrug. "Last time we spoke like this I didn't get a whole lot out of you."

Sukey looked down in shame. "Yeah...my abolished spirit had left me rather despondent, you have my apology for that," she clasped her hands together and bowed. "This time, however, we can start off on a better foot. Tell me, how often do you get to see the world?"

"I don't see much other than empty pages requiring words upon them," I responded with a frown. "Not to say I'm wholly clueless about society or the many affairs of the world. But, I am not privy to deeper knowledge of it."

"I don't blame you for that, it makes sense that a dedicated writer would not have many chances to globetrot," she reasoned before letting out a long sigh as she became downtrodden. "Except, I'm tempted to say you're lucky for that reason…"

Well, it's not exactly because of my career choice. My father never let me out of the house either, for reasons I never bought into.

"Lucky?" I raised a brow, my curiosity piqued.

"You have been given no reason to witness the plight of others," she explained. "For all my travels around the earth, one thing remained constant despite the cultural differences, poverty and anguish. Not always both, but certainly at least one of them."

"Is it truly that common?" I questioned further, a bead of sweat rolled down my face as I realized how daft that made me sound. "N-not to give the impression that I don't care, but rarely do I hear that the mere presence of such things affects the enjoyment of traveling."

"Maybe for those happily ignorant that's true, for me…it's quite the opposite," she placed a hand over her heart with an upset look. "I always find myself attempting to reach out to those that suffer those circumstances. And when I think I'm helping, the result often leaves me in a melancholy state. Every corner I turn, every place that I visit, I never succeed in avoiding it all."

"Perhaps society never fully recovered from the first tragedy then…"

"Whatever it is that left so many undeserving people in disarray, I have done my all to try and uplift them," she stated boldly. "The most important factor for me, as the Ultimate Band Director, is to donate to those unfortunate bunch. It is my desire that the more blessed individuals would join in my hopeful melody when I make the issues apparent…however it has been nothing less than a futile endeavor."

"So you're saying nobody besides you care enough to go out of their way for these people?"

"To accuse them of not caring would be too harsh," she dissuaded, her hand covering one half of her face as a sad glint shined in her eye. "Whenever one person passed on donating, their excuse was simply that they couldn't afford to spare not a single penny. That was the case even for my own bands. My own cash was the only substantial boon the donations ever received. Along with a few other generous utimates here and there at least."

The sheer desire to hold on to a single penny must mean there's a whole lot more desperation than there is poverty or anguish. Are we really the only people with money in this day and age? No, I find that very hard to grasp, there's plenty of organizations that are well off like the FF, right? Or is that just because of the ultimates…? Man, I suppose I should start giving a damn about the world I live in, because there's a boatload of details I must be unaware of.

"I'm always surprised that you end up venting your frustration to me rather than just having a heartfelt conversation," I pointed out while tapping my chin. "I come to you expecting the latter usually."

"O-oh…sorry!" she seemed taken aback by that. She slumped her arms down. "I just lose myself sometimes…"

"P-perhaps I worded that wrong, I didn't mean to sound disingenuous!" I held up my hands defensively, attempting to quell her remorse. I tried to force out a caring smile, placing my hand on her shoulder. "Truthfully, if it alleviates your mind of woe to vent to me, then I'm perfectly fine with it."

"I…appreciate that you're so willing to listen," she looked up at me, gifting me with the tenderest of smiles. "It does feel good to just let it all out sometimes, I admit."

I felt a small amount of heat rush to my cheeks. "You're a-always welcome to," I sputtered, my hand returning to my side. "But, I did want to ask. You mentioned your sister earlier this morning and I'm kind of curious about her. I hadn't realized you even had one."

"You're referring to my older sister, Fume, I presume," she gripped her necklace with a warm expression. "She's actually the Ultimate Military Specialist's pupil, and I owe a lot to her. In fact, my whole family does."

"She must've done you a many favors then, I assume?"

"More than any single person deserves," she said, closing her eyes in rumination. Her lips pulled to the sides of her face after a few seconds of silence. "She was always there for me in my darkest times, always a shoulder to cry on…and somehow, even in her most stoic demeanor, she always knew exactly what to do to raise my spirits."

"And it seems I've stolen her role as the shoulder to cry on without her being here,"

She lightly giggled, making my heart flutter. "I suppose so, you shake it off about as well as her too. Although, I am deeply worried for her…"

"You're worried about someone that's a step below the Ultimate Military Specialist? I would be cross to believe otherwise."

"It's more that she's probably super concerned about my well-being 24/7," she explained with a smirk. "Me coming here wasn't her preferred course of action. I, along with our family, had been given a place of tight security thanks to her. Yet, she still saw fit to allow me to go without her."

She twisted her bracelet around with a concerned expression.

"It's…quite unlike her to let someone else watch over me."

"It would come off as peculiar if someone like that, who had given you security already, wanted you to come here," I thought, rubbing my chin.

I can imagine the likelihood of manipulation, but who in the hell is capable, not to mention confident, enough to pull the strings of a military oriented ultimate?

"With her approval and the encouragement of those closest to me, I ultimately ended up making the, now regrettable, decision to hide away in this bunker," she said, pulling on her necklace. "Before I parted ways with her, she expressed her confidence in me. Assuring me that I had the strength to persevere should things turn sour…and then I nearly failed her when it did turn dire."

"But, here you are now, shining brighter than the rest of us," I remarked in an encouraging tone, resting my hands on my sides. "Heck, I'd say you're the main reason any of us are getting along in the first place."

"Mayhap you're correct, it just took a little pep talking from those around me to get to this point," she mused while rubbing one of her braids between her fingertips. "...I think…I do have the aptitude to make Fume proud, and she will get to see her beloved sister again. So long as I have you and Norito at my side that is."

My eyes widened. "You hold me in that high regard?" I asked in disbelief. "I feel like I haven't done much to earn that opinion…"

"It's not about doing a lot, it's that you've done enough,"

"...I'm not sure if I agree with that," I turned away, hiding my forlorn disposition that had invaded my visage.

Sukey reached out towards me, wanting to grab my arm which I dodged. She was clearly worried about me. "Omezo you n-" her handbook made a blipping noise and she took it out. A disappointed sigh escaped her lips. "Welp, it seems they need me in the theatre. I had more to say, though it looks like we'll have to postpone our harmonization till another time. It was nice of you to visit me like this."

"A-anytime, Sukey, see you later tonight," I waved her goodbye.

"I hope you find enjoyment in the show!" she exclaimed as she exited the room, giving me a parting smile.

As sweet as it is that she values me as a close friend, I can't understand it. Does my willingness to listen and my few encouraging words really warrant that placement in her eyes? Even then, I've done nothing but force myself to participate in those bonding sessions just to not disappoint anyone when I otherwise would pay them no mind. Then again, I guess she has no way of knowing that for it to affect her opinion of me. Gods, I feel like such an asshole for leading her on with my insincere acts of kindness…it's all going to bite me in the ass isn't it?

---

-Theatre-

After washing away the remaining hours before the show via recording what I could in my journal, it was finally time for it to begin. I entered the theatre and saw where Juro, Kaiya, Sukey, and the twins were seated near the front. I decided to sit in their general area while still affording myself some personal space.

Once more, that sinking feeling of dread has crawled it's way back into my thoughts. I cannot help but acknowledge that the stage is a perfect set piece for all things good…and bad. Now that I think about it, Monotokage has been strangely silent today, almost as if she's privy to something we are not. I can see her maniacal grin watching over us anytime I close my eyes…patiently awaiting a soon to be nightmare…

Norito slowly rose up from underneath the stage, posing as heroically as he normally does. A rainbow of fireworks spewed forth from each side of the stage to compliment his arrival.

So there definitely is a trapdoor in the floor of that stage that also functions as a lift.

"Come one, come all, to this grandiose show of unimaginable altitudes!" Norito announced with plenty of energy spicing up every word. "I, the famed Cleanliness Hero, will serve as your host this fateful day!"

"WOOO YEAH!" Jurobei boisterously yelled, clapping as hard as he could.

Everyone else joined him in creating a round of applause. Although, I wasn't necessarily in the mood to clap as enthusiastically.

"Come on now, Bleach Boy, I know you have more power than that in your hands!" Norito chastised as he pointed his mop at me. He had a dopey grin plastered on his face as well.

Damnit Norito, you just had to take notice didn't you? Can't a man just sink into his seat and enjoy the show peacefully? Ughh, I'll never escape that ridiculous moniker either…

"We might as well chop your petty little hands off since you appear to have no use for them, hmhmhmm~" the twins sang, scraping their knives off one another with a threatening *shling*\

I felt faint for a moment after hearing it.

They still have those on them!?

"I can assure you I have plenty of reasons to keep them where they belong," I firmly stated.

Norito, with both arms, did a repeated upwards motion. "Give me another wave of clapping, this time, with everyone on the level of noise!"

Reluctantly, I did my best to match the others in their applause to his satisfaction.

"That's the kind of excitement I wanted to see!" Norito gave an approving thumbs up. "Enough to get this show on the road. Now please welcome our first performer, Sozen Motozawa!"

He walked backwards off-stage with his hands gesturing the center of the stage as the curtains opened. The lights got brighter as an entire old western styled set piece was revealed. Every prop had a sandy look to it with a huge daylit desert backdrop. Sozen stood in the center, facing us, dressed in cowboy attire. Additionally, he seemed to have make-up on, along with an artificial white beard, that made him look older.

Remaining true to his title I see. This is about as fitting as you could be for a play for him.

"Awfly quiet for this time o' day," Sozen said in a pretty accurate but stereotypical cowboy accent. "I'd 'spect to see a whole lotta hustlin and bustlin outside the ole Smoky Spitoon…"

A posh woman in an old-fashioned dress ran out onto the set.

"Who're you, stranger?" she asked, observing him from head to toe. "Ya betta tread carefully 'round here, there be bandits on the lookout, darn right rascals I say!"

It was clear by her appearance and voice that this was Leiko.

Sozen gestured for her to calm down. "Whoa-oh there, I'm justa lone desperado, I was lookin' to take the load off at the bottom of a beer," he rested his hands on his belt as he searched around the place. "And I see life isn't so kind today. I say, a prim and proper lass like yerself shouldn't be out an' about if there's varmints lurking about the place,"

"...Whatsit to you, lad?!" she exclaimed defensively with an overexpressed pout. "Ya think you're any more capable than me?"

Sozen took out a revolver and briskly loaded six bullets into it. "Any cowboy worth 'is salt comes prepared in these wild times," he remarked, smirking like a kid in a candy store.

He began loading another revolver that he had on his belt. "Now I'll ask ya again more frankly this time, state yer business, lass."

He glared at the woman with a suspicion in his eye. The girl reached behind her back in a panic before being swiftly shot down by Sozen. As she fell to the floor, a revolver of her own slipped to the ground from her back.

A smug look formed on Sozen's face. "They don't call me Sly Eyes Sozen for nothin'!" he proclaimed, flicking his chin up in a fast motion. "Now where's ye-"

Suddenly, the toonish sounds of gunfire rang out in the whole theatre. He quickly rolled over the top of a couple barrels off to the right edge of the set, taking cover from the invisible gun shots.

"Hoowee!" he howled as his excitement sky-rocketed. "Been awhile since I've had the pleasure of a good ole shootout!"

I noticed multiple cutouts, resembling cowboys and cowgirls, pop up around the western set on the opposite side of him.

"These banditos neva learn tha' ye should neva tussle with a gunslinger!"

He began returning fire, both revolvers in hand. What followed was an impressive show of marksmanship and theatrics. He would quickly twirl the revolvers around his finger, shoot from behind his back, do a spin of his own, etc. Each cutout that was hit would flip down backwards.

Judging by the visual impact when he fires his gun, he must be shooting bb's or something like that. Because, I highly doubt that's a real gun.

Every cutout was laid flat by the end of it all and he didn't seem to miss a single shot.

"Yeehaw! Like shootin' drunken fish in a barrel! Hahaa!" he exclaimed with a toothy grin, reloading his guns.

This time, an actual human being dressed as a cowboy in black stepped onto the set.

"Some nice shootin', son," the stranger complimented, munching on a piece of wheat. "S'pose I underestimated your artistry with a gun. We don't get your type all too often in this stretch of the land."

It was a little harder to tell than the other two, but I was certain this was Norito.

Norito playing a villain of all things is not something I thought he was willing to do.

"Now who might you be, boy?" Sozen questioned, tipping his hat. "The alpha o' this here pack of rabid varmints?"

"Damn straight!" he turned his side to Sozen and offered him a prideful look. "Name's Julius, the Wicked Outlaw of the West. And you're?"

"Just a lonesome wanderer," Sozen timidly answered with a careless shrug before smirking. "Though, I s'pose you could call me the sheriff o' this here town. Since, I'm 'bout to wrangle me a no-gooder!"

Julius took cover behind a rock right before Sozen fired upon him. He also returned fire, ducking in between shots. They continued like this for a bit without either of them being hit.

"Why dontcha face me like a real alpha!" Sozen demanded, firing a bullet.

"Says tha rat hidin' in his burrow!" Julius countered, firing a couple shots back. "An oldie like yerself wouldn't dare get down in ta mud with me!"

"Now hold up, that's big talk comin' from a future deadman to be buried before this here oldie!" Sozen hacked a spit onto the ground.

A beer bottle that happened to be sitting on the barrels Sozen was behind fell down into his lap. He swiped it up and took a quick swig. He let out a sigh of relief and gripped its neck. Following that motion, he flipped it a few times in his hand and flung it at Julius. It soared at high speeds across the set and smashed against Juliu's hat.

"Bullseye!" He then vaulted over the barrels and began sprinting towards Julius. "You've yee'd your last haw!"

Julius shook the glass shards off his hat and placed it back on. "Hells ya! Now it gets fun!" Julius also left his cover to do the same.

They both shot their revolvers as they ran towards the center of the stage. They managed to weave around every pellet before meeting each other up close. They started a fist fight, disarming one another in the process. Their hats also flew off their heads during it.

Clearly fake sound effects were played as they fought. Also, Sozen, all the while dodging, decided to prioritize bringing his hat back to its rightful place atop his head.

After they got a few more good slugs in, Julius kicked Sozen through a wooden fence. But, just when it looked like he had the upper hand, Sozen did a backwards somersault, holding his hat in place as he did, and stood back onto his feet. He took out a lasso and started to spin it around and around.

"I toldja I was gonna wrangle me a no-goodin'!"

Just as the lasso picked up a ton of momentum, he tossed it over Julius's torso and yanked him to the ground.

"Gadsdammit, this is no way to treat a proper man of the west!" Julius complained as he fruitlessly struggled in his confines.

Sozen stroked his jawline, taking a while to think it over. "Then how 'bout a duel of reflexes?" he finally inquired. "Right here in tha' middle of town."

"From one lonely cowboy to another, I humbly accept your gracious offer," Julius agreed, still squirming around in frustration. "Now get me out of this bind, will ya?!"

Sozen freed the man from the lasso. They both retrieved a revolver and approached face to face.

"12 steps back from this very spot, got it?" Sozen proposed with intensity.

"I gots no problem with that," Julius blew air over the barrel of his revolver, following that action with a cocky expression. "That'd be a perfect place for you to lay after this,"

Sozen snorted in amusement. "Keep tellin' yerself that if it makes ya' feel betta," he said in a mocking tone. Then, he pointed to himself with his thumbs. "High noon is my prime time, not a chance in hell your hand is more swift than my own at this hour."

After that exchange in words, they spun around on their heels and walked their paces.

1…

2…

3…

4…

5…

A make-shift tumbleweed rolled across the stage as the artificial wind noises picked up.

6…

7…

8…

9…

10…

11…

"Draw!" Sozen announced as he shot his revolver without even looking at Julius, whom did turn around, but without a chance to fire.

"You…dang…cheatin'...bastard…" Julius stumbled backwards and plopped over onto his back.

Sozen spun his revolver around and sheathed it. He then tipped his hat over his eyes. "Aye, some fightin' words comin' from an outlaw," he smiled and tapped his head. "But, ain't nowhere in tha rules is it written thatcha must see your opponent befoe' drawin'."

Everyone gave him a round of applause.

"YEEAAAHHH, YOU GOT HIS CLOWNING ASS!" Jurobei shouted, pumping his fist.

The sheriff gave a hearty chuckle, walking off to the side of the stage with his hands on his hips. The curtains closed soon after he left our sights.

Never did I think he'd participate in such a goofy play of all things. That being said, he makes for a convincing cowboy, I'll give him that.

A few minutes passed and Sozen, in his normal outfit, came back from backstage to join us in the audience.

He sat down next to Kaiya, who turned to him with a proud expression.

"You're a real maestro with those revolvers, Sozen!" she praised, punching his shoulder. "You might actually give me a run for my money in the gun-slinging territory, and I don't admit that lightly. By the way, I told you that you'd enjoy yourself with this."

"Heh, I suppose I can't avoid that fact," he answered with an uneven smile. "It did allow me to reminisce about my childhood days back on my family's ranch. My sibling and I always played cowboys and robbers since we had no better ways to pass the time. Guess I still got a little of that in me."

"You handled that lasso so effortlessly, makes me feel like a fuckin' moron," Jurobei commented with a hint of admiration, scratching his head with a grin. "I always manage to trip myself up in those damn things."

"Some skills you'll never forget, no matter how hard you try," Sozen stated in matter of fact.

"Well, it was wonderful to see you in your element," Sukey remarked in a pleased mood. "Kado doesn't know how off-course he is. You have optimal grit, enough to outdo any man."

"...Yet I still worry that a potential criminal has slipped my notice due to this diversion of affairs," Sozen became pensive as he frowned.

"As do I," I said, pulling at my scarf. "Who knows what the others are perpetrating in the background as most of us are all gathered in one place."

"Oh, so now there's two of you that cannot just relax and enjoy this rare opportunity to ignore the damned killing game," Kaiya chastised before looking at Sozen and shaking her head. "And as soon as you finish having a good time, is that all you can handle?"

"Simmer down, Kaiya," he rebuked with a faint smile. "It was just a passing concern, nothing more. I try my best to kick back and take in the show, is that clear?"

"You better," Kaiya warned as a metal device extended out of her sleeve. It transformed into a large metal mallet. "Or I'll have to bop you!"

She's a magician of pain…

Eventually, Norito hopped back onto the stage, giddy as ever.

"Hope you fellas enjoyed that vintage taste of the wild, wild, west!" he exclaimed still with the accent of a cowboy. "And the wildness doesn't end there, for we have Leiko Yamashiro coming up next right this moment!"

He left the stage in the same fashion as before, the curtains opening slowly along with him. Leiko was standing amongst ice-like structures on top of snow covered ground with a winter backdrop.

As soon as she focused her attention on us in the crowd, she seemed to completely freeze up.

"..." her eyes went wide and she appeared to be shaking.

Something tells me this isn't part of the act.

"Nope! N-nevermind! L-l-l-l-l-Leiko m-must r-r-run off now!" she uttered sporadically, she shielded her face in fear. "AAAAAIIIIIIIEE!"

She shrieked as she sprinted off the stage in a frightened manner. Norito soon stepped back onto the stage, looking towards where she went.

"DAMN GIRL, THAT WAS IMPRESSIVE ACTING!" Jurobei cheered with immense fervor.

"That was…certainly not in the script," he scratched his forehead before turning to address us. "My apologies for the unintended disruption, I'll be sure to check on her right away. You must excuse us while we adjust our intended schedule."

"It wasn't?" Juro slumped back into his seat and twisted his goatee. "Oh… fuck me then."

The curtains closed and Norito left the stage.

"Wait wait wait, you're telling me the ultra horny girl has shittin' anxiety?!" Jurobei uttered in confusion. He scoffed in disbelief. "Like hell, those goddamn massive gazongas did a damn good job thowin' me off."

"Guess this proves that women can compensate with their breasts in the same manner as men with their dicks…" Kaiya hummed thoughtfully with a hand on her hip. "I'll have to use that next time an egotistical girl tries to show me up!"

"Hmm, I don't recall her having a nervous breakdown during our rehearsal." Sozen crossed his arms and closed his eyes in thought. "Though, I suppose there wasn't a real audience looking back at her."

"Poor Leiko…I've had a few students of mine that have had stage fright before, it's a rough feeling to contend with," Sukey offered a sympathetic look. "I might have to teach her some ways to cope with it if she wishes. Nonetheless, since that unfortunately happened, I need to take my chance to practice and tune up while I can."

"I presume you are after whoever's next in line then?" I guessed, tapping my chin.

"Not exactly, I get the honors of closing the show, as much as I'd love to join you guys, I know the dangers of not being fully prepared, every second counts," she answered, then covered her mouth. "Fair warning, you're about to witness something that will almost certainly haunt your memories for a while. As I'm sure all the performers can attest to…"

There's only two people, or one split person if you so believe, that could be.

Sozen rubbed his forehead and let out a quick puff of air. Sukey then left through the theatre doors.

We waited for about five minutes until Noritoshi returned. He pointed the handle of his mop at us.

"To brighten things up after that event, well, darken would be a more fitting term. Since the twins, Shuuyo and Rikako Tsuchida, are ready to serenade all with their wonderful voices!" Noritoshi announced, his shaky tone betraying his dramatic demeanor. "Beforehand, I must advise that anyone with epilepsy or a faint of heart should exit the room immediately. To those brave few who remain, remain with caution."

"With that, I wish you luck," He bowed as he walked off the side of the stage. A second later, he popped his head out. "Also, my services are open should you require a scrubbing with a side of bleach!" his head then left our view.

I'm simultaneously frightened and fascinated about what they have in store for us.

Suddenly, the lights went out, leaving the theatre in pitch black darkness. Then, I could hear what sounded like an old toy winding up. As that happened, the room was slowly illuminated in a dim blue light. This revealed a graveyard setting upon the stage, accomplished with graves, coffins, pointy metal fences, dead trees, and a midnight full moon backdrop. There were two coffins, with a clear purpose, placed in the center standing upright facing us.

After a few seconds I had to observe the area, a deep fog encroached the scene. The winding then turned into an eerie tune and the coffins slid open. Out strided the twins in their usual attire.

Two souls intertwined

Lest fate do unwind~

Rikako moved to the left of the stage whilst twirling around.

One branded sinful

One branded innocent~

Shuuyo replicated the same maneuver as Rikako, but going to the right.

I couldn't tell who exactly was singing each verse. Regardless, I knew that with how their tone was, coupled with the off-putting music box-esque music, that this was going to be an unsettling experience.

Deny not the interwoven lies~

They sang at the same time.

Dark impulses of the mind

The demon shares in kind~

Rikako walked back to the center of the stage, facing Shuuyo, with her hand outstretched.

The angel thus denies

Embraced in love, they find~

Shuuyo, once again, repeated that motion. Then, she and Rikako warmly smiled.

Lest fate do unwind~

Their voices beautifully harmonized in unison.

Unbound by morals

They lock hands, unconvinced by man

Shuuyo took up her sister's hand.

Demon and angel lie hand in hand

Bond forged by love

They turned to look at us in the audience, gracing us with their pleased expression.

Deny not the interwoven lies.

Their gaze almost seemed to darken for a moment as they flatly sang that last line. Afterwards, the theatre went dark. Although, it didn't take long until the dim lights came back on to show that Shuuyo was now alone in the graveyard.

An angel cast aside

By the world they reside~

Shuuyo somberly clutched her hands over her heart with her head hung low. She let out a barely audible wail.

Crying of agony unheard

Inviting the demon to prey~

Rikako's visage could be seen within the fog in the back. She was spying on Shuuyo from behind a dead tree.

An angel no more, an angel no more!

Rikako vocally sang with a sinister grin. The lights got even dimmer, creating a spotlight of sorts on Shuuyo.

Bound by lies

Stained in darkness~

Rikako suddenly peeked out from behind Shuuyo, placing her hands on her shoulders.

The innocent soul

Oh so vulnerable~

Shuuyo curled her fingers and shakenly raised them up to stare at her palms. The look on her face was devoid of any emotion. Rikako, on the other hand, had narrowed her eyes in response to this action.

Cannot deny.

They both sang with a more striking tone.

Hmhmhmhmm~

Once again, the theatre was enshrouded in complete blackness, their ghostly laugh seemingly echoing throughout the room. However, light flashed for a brief moment and I caught a glimpse of the twins glaring at me with a terrifyingly wide smile and manic eyes. Even though it was only a moment, that image burned itself into my eyes.

Festering corruption

Beneath the very skin

Made clear by the demon

Coming from within~

The stage was illuminated again, and the twins were seen both holding the same knife. Shuuyo's eyes were wide and she seemed unsure. Rikako had a strong grip on the knife in their hands and had a menacing look on her face.

The angel thus denies~

The lights blinked out for a second, and somehow Rikako was gone. Shuuyo, still holding the knife, tosses it behind her. She shakes her head and closes her eyes.

Two souls intertwined

Lest fate do unwind~

Shuuyo sang, turning her nose up to the ceiling, appearing to be lost in thought.

One branded sinful

One branded delusional~

A voice in the distance sang, presumingly Rikako's.

Deny not the interwoven lies.

Shuuyo stared dead at us, a certain hollowness visible in their eyes.

Morals forgotten, innocence left to rot

An angel of madness~

Their singing grew more and more intense as Shuuyo fell to her knees.

Not a soul left to spare

Crying of agony unheard, one of despair~

She grips her head in pain, pulling at the hairs. She violently shakes her head about before finally relaxing.

The angel thus accepts.

Rikako returns to the scene with a coy trot in her step. She offers to help Shuuyo stand back up on her feet.

Unbound by morals

They lock hands, unconvinced by man~

Once more, they lock hands together as Shuuyo stands back up.

Demon and angel lie hand in hand

Bond forged by hate~

They snap their heads to the crows with a furious disposition upon their faces.

An angel no more, an angel no more!

They both chant manically. I could feel goosebumps play at my skin. Then, they began to rise into the air, holding both hands now. They began to do a rather impressive dance midair. A few minutes later, they disappeared above us.

Lines made to be unclear

Two souls blended together~

They both sang as only one of them, Shuuyo, floated back down towards the stage. She had that same knife from before in her hand. She glanced at it with a bit of adherence. She was then lifted into the air and out of sight.

Heaven or Hell be damned

Who bears the sinful brand?~

Rikako then took her place, with the knife gripped in her hand. She was in the exact same pose that Shuuyo was in as well.

An angel no more, an angel no more!

This time, the chant sounded quite frenzied, their voices not even in the same tone. Immediately after the light went out again, the music sped up and changed melody. Furthermore, frantic voices could be heard shouting.

Seized by desires!

Selfish whims of ire!

The twins sang as the screams of the background voices continued on and on. Everything I could hear sounded as if it was invading my thoughts, alternating between my ears. The lights came back on in their weakened state, revealing Shuuyo with the knife raised high above Rikako. She was grasping the cusp of Rikako's dress's collar. She was clearly fearing for her life as Shuuyo's deranged expression consumed her previous confidence.

Sinless turned Sinful!

Two souls intertwined!

As the voices continued their onslaught on my mind, I was most certainly gripped in the claws of panic. My heartbeat became rapid as the scene unfolded. The lights began to flicker, Shuuyo's hand shaking more and more dangerously.

Fate does unwind!

And then, right as I saw her hand strike downwards, darkness…nothing but foreboding silence. In a way, that was more terrifying than anything. This lasted for a decent amount of time.

Hmhmhmhmhmm~

That signature laugh then rang out amidst the lightless theatre, piercing my soul. I could feel a chill flow straight through my body. The music returned with a droning ambiance, every note lasting long enough to instill anxiety in my mind. It sounded similar to the music box theme that was present in the beginning, except it was almost broken in tone.

A world left cowering in light devoid of light

An angel once told pure~

In another flash of light, Rikako was there on stage, with that same smile that ingrained itself in my mind earlier on in the act. The darkness then remained for quite a while before they started singing again.

Amalgamated by a demon once living

You shiver in cold thought~

Finally, we were allowed to see the area clearly. Shuuyo was nowhere to be seen. But, Rikako, rather strikingly, had blood spattered on her dress and face. Her face had a lifeless grin and was ever so slightly twitching, appearing to be in a state of madness.

A demon they are, a demon they are!

Despite only one of them being there, both their voices sang the last line, ending the music with it. All of a sudden, the light started to flicker extremely rapidly, reminiscent of strobe lights. This effect caused everything to play out like a slideshow. Shadow-like hands rose up around Rikako and encircled her. They curled over the top of her head and seemingly pulled her into the ground slowly. She laughed and shrieked maniacally until she finally disappeared from sight beneath the stage.

And with that, the curtains closed, marking the end of their horrific performance. Even though I was left with an uncertain feeling, I clapped along with everyone else.

I liked to think I could handle horror plays and movies without even flinching or shivering. I have to admit, the twins really put me in my place in that regard. Though, I never should have allowed myself to doubt their capabilities of making you suddenly have the urge to use the bathroom.

I looked over at the other and saw Jurobei cowering behind his chair. Sozen noticed this too and chuckled.

"You handling yourself well over there, Juro?" Sozen said in a joking manner with a slightly toothy smile. "I hope that chair is an adequate shield at blocking the element of fear."

"F-fuck you! And no, I'm not alright!" Juro responded, squeezing the top of the chair tightly. His face was pale with terror as he looked over at us. "Those creepy bitches are off the fuckin' wall. They literally are ghost twins come to life!"

"Well, if you need a hired officer to stand guard at your door tonight, feel free to ask," Sozen offered teasingly, crossing his arms in his lap.

"I must say, they made me uneasy when I saw the blood on Rikako, who I presume was supposed to represent Shuuyo becoming a demon at that moment," I mused thoughtfully.

When I considered the potential significance of the blood on Rikako, I obscured my mouth with my scarf. "I don't mean to be a spoilsport, but isn't it a bit inconsiderate to pull a trick like that in a killing game?"

"Eh, maybe a little more than inconsiderate," Kaiya agreed, biting her bottom lip. "But, fake blood is a common enough ploy in stage plays, so let's not let it get to our heads. Playing on our emotions was the most effective way to terrify us, and they definitely knew that."

I suppose that's a possibility. I mean, surely Rikako and Shuuyo wouldn't actually murder one another. They'd be throwing away their entire livelihood. Maybe I really need to clear my head of the negativity clouding my judgment…

"I confess that I was possessed with the inclination to rush on stage and pin Shuuyo down when she had that knife," Sozen admitted. "They are mighty impressive actors, being able to nearly convince me it was genuine."

"Makes you question why the hell they're the Ultimate Twins and not the damn Ultimate Fear Inducers," Jurobei remarked, returning to his seat. "They'd have my vote of confidence for that."

Jurobei's vote of confidence when it comes to judging how scary something is wouldn't mean much I feel. Anyways, I am looking forward to Sukey's part. I've heard her bands play plenty of times, and they're quite fantastic. However, Sukey hasn't ever publicly done any music herself as far as I'm aware. I'm sure the teacher of those bands can deliver a song of untold proportions.

Some time later, Norito creeped back onto the stage, checking around him cautiously

"Alright, with the twins off the stage, well, I think they're off the stage…" Norito gulped, biting his lip.

He threw his mop up in the air like a baton. "Anywho, it's time for none other thaaaannnn…!"

A light mist covered the floor of the stage and the lights dimmed. Norito ended up fumbling the mop, as usual.

"Sukey Eijiri!" he announced as the curtains opened. He then left the stage, awkwardly scooping his mop up off the floor in the process.

Sukey was sitting in a wooden chair with a sunset backdrop. Other than her chair and violin, there weren't any props set-up around the place. With a serene expression, she closed her eyes and began playing her violin.

Movement 1: She starts off relatively quiet with notes that seem to float in the air for a bit. The melody was very soothing and easy to listen to. After about half a minute of that, the tone morphed into something sent tingles through my body. The notes were piercing, building tension and keeping me on edge. I could almost feel a looming threat approaching. A few more seconds later and that threat was made obvious, since cardboard cut-outs of dark clouds were slowly covering up the sunset backdrop. Additionally, the theatre lost most of its lighting in exchange for only the stage.

Movement 2: The build-up lasted for almost a whole minute until the storm clouds completely covered the backdrop. Then, the mood immediately shifted to one of fierce intensity. Sukey's hands were moving at high speeds as she drew her bow back and forth across the strings. Every sound the violin made was strong and distinctive, cutting through my senses. Even at this pace, every motion was smooth. Occasionally, she filtered in some longer notes that rose and fell. Sounds of thunder soon accompanied her.

*BZZAAAPP!*

Pyro imitating lightning struck the metal flooring in front of the stage. Along with it, Sukey had played the loudest high pitch note so far. She kept up a fast paced tempo with short and precise chords.

*BZZAAAPP!*

Another strike of lightning with the same high note as before. A few seconds later…

*BZZAAAPP! BZZAAAPP!*

Sukey paused for a moment, letting the two notes she played settle within the room.

Movement3: She followed up the pause with some more peacefully long notes. The dark clouds in the back began to withdraw and the sun seemed to rise in the backdrop. The stage continued to get brighter as Sukey continued with her tranquil ambiance. Then, she shifted to a majestic melody that made me feel as though I was soaring over a glorious vista. The volume continued to rise and make the emotion all the more stronger. Interlacing longer and shorter notes that enhanced this image in my mind. It was a very grand and uplifting moment, I must say. She tapered off one last note and waited for a split second. She then pulled her bow back…

*BZZAAAPP!*

In one final strike of lightning, she ended the whole piece with a snappy and resounding yet overall pleasant chord. A definitive conclusion to the song.

I was more than happy to give her my highest effort clapping. Of course, the others followed suit.

"HELLS YEAH, SUKEY!" Jurobei shouted before giving her celebratory whistling. "Thems the kind of tunes that get your blood pumping!"

Sukey opened her eyes and stood up, elegantly bowing with a smile. She stepped down from the stage and joined us in the seats.

"That was truly p-phenomenal, Sukey," I stammered in congratulations, truly enamored with her performance. "Even though I knew you'd be just as great as those in your band, you still managed to leave me impressed."

"It certainly blows my mediocre cowboy showdown out of the water," Sozen said before adjusting his trench coat. He glanced at Sukey as if he was expecting to be yelled at. "Don't mistake that for jealousy."

Kaiya looked over at him. "Don't be so critical about yourself," she dissuaded with a cheery smirk. "You had fun with it and that's what matters in the grand scheme of things. Among people like Sukey, where this is their playing field, you can't really expect to outshine them."

"Fun is all that matters, so don't worry," a.k.a another less belligerent way of saying "Yeah, you weren't that great." Honestly, I'd prefer the latter. I'm well aware of my inferiority to others in most areas, so it would not ruin any preconception of my self-value…

"I'm pleased that everyone enjoyed it," Sukey she clutched her heart with a pleased smile. "I was worried that my students had soaked up my musical prowess over the years. I rarely had time to express my own musical talent outside of providing examples for my bands."

"Man, I fuckin' wished I could have you in the band elevating my soccer team's motivation," Juro remarked in an upset manner, scratching the back of his neck. "They're always so damn down in the dumps even when we are kicking ass and taking medals, and I never know fuckin' why! But, with that kind music, maybe they'd at least be more hyped about winning."

Sounds like they lack a feeling of accomplishment. That either means they aren't being challenged or credited, maybe both. Not going to accuse Juro of stealing the spotlight, but…I suspect that's likely as well.

Our wonderful host, Noritoshi, trots back into our view upon the stage.

"What an outstandingly gripping song by our greatest musician! I had to clean up my own tears!" he commented with watery eyes, leaning on his mop. "Ahaha~ Anyways, it seems we have saved the most fabulous and fairest of them all for our final sendoff to this riveting show! Please welcome Arishige Hashiba to the stage!"

Everything then went pitch black.

*Thud!*

I heard a loud noise coming from behind me. I looked to see nothing. I felt kind of stupid afterwards.

In hindsight, obviously I wouldn't have caught sight of anything in this darkness. A small part of me really wants to ensure that, whatever that sound was, it wasn't indicative of some nefarious doings.

"Anyone else hear that?" A voice that sounded like Kaiya's asked, sounding a bit concerned.

"It came from outside the doors, I think…" A voice belonging to Sukey answered.

I then noticed a glow in my peripherals, it was coming from Jurobei's handbook. He seemed to be getting up out of his seat.

"I haven't a clue what the loud ass noise was. But damn my bladder, I got to fuckin' piss right now," he said in agitation, holding his hands over his crotch. He scooted by those that were in his row and approached the double entrance doors, using his light as guidance for his path.

I watched him as he pushed on the handles, only to be met with resistance.

"The fuck's the deal with the doors!?" he shouted in confusion, he attempted a few more powerful pushes, still the doors refused to budge. "I swear to hell, if some asshat is behind there, Your shoes are going to stand-in for the fuckin' urinals!"

I felt my heart sink with dread. I gripped my scarf nervously.

My fears have appeared to manifest…I can only beg the gods for this to be a cruel joke by the twins or anyone. Just, anything but another death…

"We never planned on locking those doors during the show…something is definitely amiss" A voice, that was definitely Sozen's, commented in a serious tone. He stepped beside Juro at the doors and began to lift his leg. "Allow me to handle this, just one good k-"

Just then, A spotlight shone down on a glamorously dressed man. It was none other than Arishige of course. I focused on him, noting that his back was facing us.

"To conclude this fantastical show, I, Arishige Hashiba, will deliver an unforgemerable presentation!" he twirled around and slowly walked forwards with his arms outstretched. With a smug grin, he flipped his fluffy white bangs in a flick of the neck.

"I will lay your concerns to rest, my good fellows! LET THE GREATE-"

*B-BANG!*

Following that booming sound coming from the stage, Arishige's face tightened in visible pain, his eyes were the first to close. He seems to be overcome with shock, looking over his body. While it was hard to tell, I could see the faintest glint of blood leaking from his skin. He limped forwards a few steps before dropping to his knees as the blood dripped from his body and pooled on the floor. He was unable to say anything, only gurgling helplessly. Then, with his hand reaching out to us…

…

…he slumped forwards, lying flat on the stage. His blood pooled all around him, glimmering in the spotlight that had illuminated this terrifying scene.

*Ding dong, bing bong*

The monitor behind us that was above the doors flicked on. Monotokage sneered devilishly as we remained paralyzed in silence. I peered into her single, intimidating green eye, acknowledging the undeniable truth…

…Arishige Hashiba was unceremoniously killed, and it was no act.

---

AN: Alright, so it has certainly been a while. My only excuse is that dealing with college, among other things, had stomped out my motivation and productivity for my writing. I'm not sure how many people still care about this story; regardless, I've always had this want to finish the trilogy I had planned nagging me on for the past few years and I'm not planning on ignoring it even if people have lost interest. I've regretted almost every moment of my negligence. At the very least, in all my thinking and planning that I've done in my head in that time, I have completely figured out how the trilogy's plot will be handled. Plus, now I know what themes to explore as well. Perhaps, it will all make for a higher quality story than it would have otherwise been.

Anyways, those of you that have stuck around after such a long wait and still wish to see it through along with me, just know that I deeply appreciate the continued support. It'd move me to know that my story had inspired that type of dedication despite me lacking it myself. Hopefully, my writing quality hasn't dwindled (not that it was amazing in the first place, I did re-read all the chapters and boy I don't even understand how I missed so many grammatical errors). My biggest roadblock in this chapter was the twins' song. I was super unsure of how to write it since I've never tried to write music before. I like to think I did a good enough job with it, but I'm uncertain.

Finally, while you have every right to doubt me, I certainly wouldn't blame you, I will try my damndest to more consistently update my stories. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean quick updates, just that I'll try not to take a ton of months to finish something. Just know that I literally cannot stop thinking about the stories I wanted to tell and that's primarily why I've returned.

---

Review response(s) (yes I'm still doing it even though it has been a few years):

Katastic Writer: It is around that time where info must be given and hints towards the bigger mystery can begin. The most fun I have with writing is laying down a foundation of intrigue for the characters and plot. World building is probably my strong suit when it comes to stories, and this chapter is where I really start to dig into that. Yeah, you sure had a lot of time to mull it all over until now, heheh…

ThePLOThand: The format is generally against the rules, but it shouldn't be that big of a deal since it's only for certain segments. If they happen to enforce it for once that is. I didn't think many people would have an issue with it. It serves the purpose of keeping the pace fast and allowing for more reader interaction with the trial well.

TheRoseShadow21: Having to decide between a child's life or thousands of others' lives is not something I could handle. That's a decision that you could never forget. This trilogy is going to be pretty heavy handed all the way through, so be prepared for that. The intention is to make the readers understand how glum and unenviable this world and its characters are. Scenes like the cooking one are enhanced thanks to those heavy moments. It's my hope that they're just as relieving to read as it is for the characters to experience. Luckily for you, this chapter is mostly lighthearted scenes like that, mostly.