One day, in New York, a tall woman with black hair, wearing her white coat and black dress, was finishing up a mannequin for her shop. It resembles a girl with black hair done in long pigtails, wearing a red and white bikini, and even with cat ears and a tail. She was bending forward a bit, with her arms holding a tray and her head turned slightly to her left. The woman finished it and said, "Bueno. All done."

The doors opened, as a girl in blonde hair, wearing a beige sweater, came in. The woman bowed, "Oh! Miki. You came."

"Sorry I'm late, ma'am… I had to be stopped by traffic, and–." She gasped, seeing the mannequin.

Miki Naoki is a part-timer working for Casa de Munecas, a shop owned by Cassandra and Luther Martinez. Miki was shocked and said, "That… That mannequin…"

Cassandra asked, "What about it? Isn't it adorable? It's our summer special for 2022."

"Not that! I mean, the swimsuit…" Miki whispered, "Kurumi…"

Cassandra said, "Oh, right… It's your friends. Don't worry, they're alright. You just had bad memories."

"I know… But remembering it reminds me of… of…" She sighed, "Anyways, I got nothing to worry about."

She sat down and read a book, as Cassandra took the book, "We don't want to slack off. Christmas is around the corner. We have a lot of work to do."

"Right…"

She and Cassandra went to work on the Christmas decorations. After two hours of decorating, Miki was exhausted, as she said, "Man, that was hard work…"

Cassandra smiled and said, "Hey, listen, I know you're working here, because of Farra's request, since the others are somewhere for the holidays. I hope you don't mind my company."

"Not at all…" Miki said, "But still, it has too many memories…" she was sad, as all she remembered was a girl with short brown hair and an orange dog. Kei & Taromaru, two people that are no longer with her.

"What's wrong?"

Miki sniffled, "It's… nothing… It's times like this… I wish this world didn't exist, and I'm back to my own home, without the drama…"

"I know what you mean… Aside from this pandemic, you came here with your friends, after a zombie attack. I sometimes wonder about that, too… like if this nightmare on Earth would go away…"

She hugged Miki into her huge breasts and whispered, "You still got me, amiga. You're not alone…"

Miki blushed and smiled, "Yeah… I do…"

A man in black hair, wearing pink, called to them, "Hermana, Senora, it's almost time to close up shop."

"Ay, si, hermano." Cassandra said to Luther, her brother. She said, "You like to stay with me, tonight?"

"No, thank you…" Miki said, "I don't mind sleeping in the warehouse, tonight."

"Oh, right… Anyways, I should keep you company."

"No, that's fine."

Miki was upset, as Luther asked, "Something wrong with her?"

"Loneliness… Aside from her friends, she's hiding something else…"

"Who?"

"That's just it… I wonder… What is more important than the girls she befriended?" She said to Miki, "It's alright, Miki. You can tell us… We're friendly here."

Miki blushed and said, "Well, okay…" She explained, "There's this girl I know… She was in the same class as I am, and we hung out at the mall, during after hours in school. But one day… She disappeared, after she, Taromaru, and I were hiding in the warehouse…"

"I see… who was she?"

"Her name was Kei."

"Kei, huh? And she goes to the same school as you did?"

"Yeah. She was always positive and happy. We spent a lot of time together. But still…"

Cassandra nodded and said, "I see… She may have perished, as well…" She said, "You're not alone, Miki. You have us. Us, Farra, and the rest. We're all here for you…"

Miki sniffled, "Thanks, that made me feel better."

Luther said, "Here, this is for you." He gave her a white CD Walkman and stated, "You've been listening to static, now and then, but I fixed it so that you can listen to FM radio."

"Seriously? I was tracking AM radio…"

"This isn't Megurigaoka, anymore. You're in New York, safe and sound. Your friends are safe, too. Miss Naoki, don't be sad, all the time."

"You're right…"

Miki walked off, as Cassandra nodded, "You're right, Luther. This isn't like her home, anymore…"

He judged her, "Meh, even for a flat-chested beauty, she is all-heart. It's no wonder she was a survivor in that tragic moment."

She added, "But still… I wanna learn more about this Kei she was referring to…"

XXXXX

Miki was sleeping in her futon, inside the warehouse, as she has a small Christmas tree in the room. Miki has been sleeping in the warehouse, since she was taken in by Cassandra's friends, The Gang. Back then, Miki Naoki was one of the survivors of one of the most horrible moments of her life. And it lost her two friends – Kei and a dog.

"Taromaru…" She wept, as she was crying on her pillow. "I wish I wanna see you again… Taromaru… Kei…"

After sobbing her heart out, she went to sleep. Christmas comes tomorrow, and Miki was unhappy that she won't get to see Kei again.

The next morning, Miki woke up and moaned, "Mmmgh… It's Christmas? Huh?" she saw a small package near her door and said, "What's this?"

She read the tag: "Merry Christmas, from your friend, Kei."

"Kei?" She opened the package and out popped a small orange collie. "Taromaru?!"

Taromaru licked her and she giggled, "Oh! Taromaru, down! Good boy!" She was in tears, as she sniffled, "I can't believe it… Taromaru's alive! It's a Christmas Miracle!"

Taromaru barked, as he pointed at the door. "What's that? You want me to go out?" She thought, "Maybe Cassandra would be happy to see Taromaru again."

She got dressed and opened the door. But when she stepped out, she was in a small rural field, covered in snow. She gasped, "Huh? What is this? This is…" She held Taromaru and saw a small city with houses and trees. Miki said, "I have a feeling we're not in New York anymore, Taromaru."

She saw a school building and gasped, "Huh? That's…" She saw the view of a huge school building, all clean and pristine. It was Miki's old school – Megurigaoka Academy. She dashed to the gate and laughed, "Oh, my! It's true! I'm back home! My friends are all there! Ri-san! Kurumi! Yuki-senpai! Kei! EVERYONE!" She giggled, "I'm… I'm home."

CLICK!
"Not so fast!" She stopped as a golden rifle was aimed at her. Two women were in solder outfits. All-black, and with red and white trim. The guard with the golden rifle had black hair, and the other had long blonde hair. "No entry in Megurigaoka Academy, not no way, not no how. Shove off."

The blonde said, "Yeah, shove off."

Miki said, "E-Excuse me, but this is Megurigaoka Academy. This is my school."

The black-haired woman said, "Is that a fact? Did you graduate?"

"Well, sort of. See, there were four girls left, with no teachers, and–."

"A-HA!" The soldier barked, "A DROP-OUT? No… You were expelled! No admittance to brats like you!"

She slowly aimed her rifle and said, "Begone!"

Miki complained, "Look, if you'd let me explain!"

"I'd listen to April, if I were you, brat." January saluted, "No one gets past the Royal Guard of Megurigaoka. Take a hike, or face justice!"

April said, "And I won't miss… Besides, these fire blanks for non-enemies… But they can take an eye out, as proven."

January smirked, "Not us. Our eyes are durable and safe. 100-100 vision."

Miki cried, "Wait a minute! What the hell are you girls talking about? This is a school, not a castle!"

April aimed at her and said, "What part of leave do you not understand?"

January creaked her arms up and said, holding two machine guns, "You have until the count of 5."

Miki huffed, "Fine! I'm leaving…" She took a step forward and then slipped onto April's chest. April gasped, as Miki felt her bosom. They were hard. Only, made of wood.

"Huh?" she knocked on April's breasts and made a hollow sound, "No way… Life-sized wooden soldiers?"

January seethed, "You perverted lesbian!"

Miki cried, "WAIT! I'M NOT–!"

April and January fired at Miki, and she ran off. She screamed, as she and Taromaru ran away. January yelled, "AND DON'T COME BACK!"

April calmed down and said, "Was it wise to snuff her?"

"Who cares? I saw what she did to you."

"Meh, better than termites. The Marciano Battalion will protect the castle, for our queen."

"Understood." she stood in place and guarded, "No entry."

As the two toy soldiers guarded the school, meanwhile, deep in the dark forest, human-sized rat people were lurking around, coated in a dark aura. They hissed and roared, as they were wandering around, outside of the building, waiting to invade. Who were these monster rat people?

In another part of the forest, Miki was panting. She thought, "I don't get it! This isn't like these girls. Just why and how are they in our school? And what do they mean by Royal Guard?"

Taromaru barked, as Miki said, "I don't know why, but I have to get in, somehow."

She suddenly heard a loud roar, as she gasped, "Huh?" She saw one of the rat people, and then Taromaru barked at it. Miki whispered, "No way… Can it be? No, please don't let it be so."

The rat person lunged at Miki, but she ran out of the way. She ran off, and the rat person went after them. She ran as fast as she could, but she tripped and fell. Taromaru dashed off, and she cried, "OH! TAROMARU!" She sobbed, "No… He is gone again?" she slid back, as the rat went closer to her. She sobbed, "This is how I die? From this monster rat?"

The rat roared and pounced on her. But a voice called, "HEY! RAT BOY!" She was a tall woman with long blue and pink bangs. She held up two swords and charged at the monster.

SLASH!
The woman killed the rat man, and Miki fainted.

Minutes later, she woke up in a small room. The woman that saved her said, "Ohhh… You're alright?"

Miki asked, "Hm? Where am I?"

She looked around and asked, "Is this–?" She was in a small club room in the school. Miki gasped, "Huh? This is… the School Life Club."

"Is our visitor awake, Yozuki?" A woman with blonde hair asked.

"Yay! Saved her ass, Club President!"

"Huh? Club President?"

The blonde woman said, cooking up some spaghetti, "Well, you're feeling rested. And looking fresh as sunshine."

"Oh, uh… Thank you?" Miki asked, "Beg pardon, but why am I back in the School Life Club?"

"You're here, and you belong here." Yozuki said, "Besides, we rescued you, when we saw you being chased by the Royal Guards."

"Who told you I was in trouble?"

Taromaru barked, as Yozuki hugged her, "Foo! This cute puppy! Arf-arf! He came to me, and I was on my way back from patrol! Adorable puppy! Who's a good puppy!"

Taromaru was in bliss, as Miki smiled, "Amazing… You came to help me, Taromaru?"

Taromaru barked, and she hugged him. Miki sniffled, "Thank goodness… I can't believe I got in." She gasped, "Ohh… Wait, how did you girls convince the Royal Guard?"

Ran said, "We didn't. We took the back way. The guards here are lax… not to mention stiff and robotic, like toy dolls."

"Yeah, about that… Those two are wooden mannequins."

"No, they're not. They're sentient toy soldiers. Just not under standards for the holidays. Goth Loli Soldiers… yeah, the queen hired them to guard this place, like a palace."

"Really?"

"Of course. And we, the School Life Club, take refuge to our likings… as long as we don't piss off April and January. The rest are alright. They haven't gotten their keys wound."

"Amazing… So, wait… Who are you girls?"

Ran said, "I'm Ran Kuzuryu, and this is Beatrix Yozuki Noctiflora. We're founding members of the new School Life Club."

Yozuki smiled, "Yep! We live here, all our lives! Well… except the moment with…"

"With what?"

Ran said, "I'll explain once Iori returns."

A small woman with giant breasts appeared with long lavender hair and glasses. "PHEW! Your senpai is here! Make with the breakfast!"

Miki asked, "Huh? Spaghetti breakfast? Hmm… Where have I seen this before?"

Ran served the plates and said, "Yep, spaghetti with meat sauce."

"WOOOOO!" Yozuki hugged her and cheered, "I love you, Ran!"

"Okay!" Ran giggled, "Would you help me set up the plates?"

Miki said, "Oh, wait… Can I join you girls? Also, do you have dog food?"

Miki served dog food to Taromaru and said, "Wait until we're ready to eat, okay, boy?"

The dog nodded, as Miki smiled, "Spaghetti breakfast… Like old times…"

They sat at the table, and Ran smiled, "Alright, let's eat."

They cheered, "Time for spaghetti breakfast!" "Arf!" Taromaru cheered.

They started eating, as Yozuki started to eat really fast. But Iori said, "Yozuki, this isn't a race… Look at the new girl."

Miki was slowly enjoying her food. She took a bite and blushed, "So good… So many memories…"

They stared at her and she blushed, "Uh… Please don't stare."

Yozuki smiled, "Sorry."

Iori asked, "Hold up, who's the new kohai?"

Ran said, "We found her, along with her dog, after she was attacked by that monster."

Miki said, "Yes… A horrible rat monster… I know it's not much, but back then, in this school–."

Iori interrupted her, while she was talking, "So, another one… and our lackadaisical dolls are of no help, huh?"

Miki cried, "HEY! DON'T IGNORE ME!" She sighed, "She's not listening…"

Iori said, "Even so… That's the 3rd attack, this week. If those rats enter the school, we're done for… And who knows how long we have until we stop living."

Ran smiled, "I wouldn't worry about that. Thanks to our Royal Battalion, we should be alright, as long as no one draws the attention to the rats."

They finished their food, as Yozuki prepared her swords and said, "Alright… Breakfast time over. I'm off to do a few rounds."

She dashed off, as Miki called, "Be careful!" Ran smiled, "Well, since you're here… I believe you said that you know this school, right?"

"Y-Yeah… I was a student in Megurigaoka… before… THAT happened."

"That? As in…"

"Monsters… only zombies, not rats."

Ran nodded to Iori and said, "Shall I speak with her alone?"

Iori said, "Right. I have to go to the science room." Iori walked off, as Ran stayed with Miki.

"You're the Miki Naoki we heard about…"

"Huh?"

"You're a legend in this school…" Ran explained, "Yozuki & Iori are the same as me… We're actually ninjas, and we are working on a way to rebuild the school… Your name was engraved with the names of Yuki, Yuuri, & Kurumi."

"Huh? Wait, what's going on here? Just why are there rats all over the place?"

Ran bowed her head and said, "Well, you see, since we returned to the school, we saw an outbreak of rats. And Yozuki, emotional as she is… Killed her boyfriend…"

"HUH?"

"Well, we were up on the roof, when it happened. Iori was in the garden, while I had to help her… Oka-nee, no, Miss Kazamatsuri, was our teacher at the time… And then it happened…"

Yozuki was on the roof, breathing for air, as the others saw the rat infestation break in. Suddenly, a boy in black hair stood up, next to her, and shoved her down.

"MISS NOCTIFLORA!" Oka, a woman in pink hair and a gray pinstripe suit, cried, "YOZUKI-DONO! YOU HAVE TO RUN!"

Yozuki grabbed two blades and roared, killing the boy that was once her boyfriend. She stabbed his corpse down, and Iori shrieked, "NOOOOOOOO! He's already dead! He's already dead!"

Yozuki wept, "Why are YOU crying?"

Ran asked Oka, "Oka-nee… We have to do something! There's millions of them, and we can't go downstairs…"

Ran continued, "Oka-nee did reform the School Life Club, upon learning of a club room of legends… So, instead of fighting back, we formed our club… in the hopes to stop the rats. However… Oka-nee…"

Miki asked, "Wait… So, this Oka Kazamatsuri… She's… gone now?"

Ran bowed her head and sniffled, "Yes… She is…" She explained, "Miss Kazamatsuri always protected her students, right until the very end. Iori couldn't stop crying, knowing that Oka sacrificed herself to save us."

Miki gasped, "Almost like… like… Like Miss Sakura…"

She remembered the same moment, when Megumi Sakura was killed in the zombie outbreak, similar to this world. Miki thought, "That would explain it… I'm not from this world… This is just like my world, only with rats and toy soldiers."

Ran sighed, "Even so… After news heard of the rat apocalypse, the Royal Guards of Megurigaoka sent forward their battalion, the Marciano Battalion. 7 of their best soldiers, led by April, in hopes of NO entry allowed."

"Who says so?"

"Our queen, Queen Martinez the XXI."

"Martinez the 21st?"

Ran said, "Listen, Miki… I know it's troubling, but I would like for you to stay with us, until the rat problem goes away…"

"No. I have an idea. The thing is, I know this school off the back of my head. There's an escape route in this school. Have you ever noticed this place? There's a vegetable garden, water tank, solar panels, generators…"

"That's true. It's almost like our own fallout shelter. Why?"

"Well, there's no cure to stop the rat infestation, but what if we alert your queen about this matter?"

"Well, I don't know…"

"And your guards are all lax."

"That's true… But I can't leave here, I'm rich. The queen does give us rations and supplies, every month. She's friendly, but she doesn't have time on her hands."

Miki sighed and said, "In that case, lemme go meet her alone. I promise I will return."

Ran asked, "It's dangerous to go out, on your own. Rats appeared in the school, all around the building."

Miki smiled, "You have nothing to worry about. The rats know all of you, but not me. They never met me. Let me take a weapon…"

Ran nodded and said, "Okay…" She gave her a shovel and said, "Protect yourself, young traveler of legends… Protect our school."

Miki smiled, "I was wondering why you kept this." she said to Taromaru, "Stay here, boy. You enjoy the others. I promise I will return…"

"Arf! Arf!" Taromaru barked, as Ran smiled, "I think he wants to come with you."

"You mean it?" He leapt onto her arms and smiled, "Okay… Just stay with me, boy." She nodded and said, "Okay. Miki Naoki, moving out." She headed off with Taromaru, and Ran held herself, "Be careful…"

Ran ran out the backway, avoiding April and January. She then saw two soldiers, lifeless and still. One with light brown hair and glasses, with her head tilted down, and another was with blue hair done in pigtails, bending down. Miki said, "Two more toy soldiers… I see…" she saw a brass key on their backs and said, "Someone forgot to wind them up. Here, let me, girls…" She wound the keys of the two guards, and they suddenly started moving. They aimed at Miki with their rifles, as she pleaded, "WAIT! I'm on your side! Don't hurt me with your blanks!"

March said, "Who is this brat?"

February said, "Oh? I feel so alive… My spring has been tight. You did this?"

Miki nodded, and February kneeled to her, "I am Feb, of the Marciano Battalion… Thank you for winding my spring. I felt tired, every single day…"

March bowed, "I'm March of the said battalion. We owe you."

Miki said, "Please, let me go and see Queen Martinez."

Feb nodded, "Sure. But what of the rest of our battalion? May, June, & July?"

March added, "They must be wound down, like us…"

"Yes, I think so, but April and January are alright. I don't know why."

"Young lady," Feb said, "What is your name?"

"Miki Naoki, I was a student… no… STILL am a student in Megurigaoka Academy."

March and Feb kneeled to her and said, "You have returned… Mi-kun."

Miki gasped, "Eh?! Don't tell me they call me Mi-kun, too?"

March pointed, "Go. February and I will revive the rest of our team. Just tell them the Battalion gives our permission. We are indebted to you. But beware of the rats."

Miki smirked, "No worries. I have my shovel with me."

"The Shovel of Ebisuzawa." Feb smiled, "The wielder's choice. Go forth! Smythe thy dirty rats!"

Miki said in disgust, "You don't have to be personal or formal about it."

Feb moaned, "Sorry… I had a bad nap… my spring may be loose again… from excitement."

"Let me give you a hand." She rewound Feb's key, and then March turned her back to her, "Hey, hero, how about me, eh? I'd reach for it, but my arms are wooden planks."

XXXXX

Feb and March waved goodbye, as Miki and Taromaru headed to the kingdom. April called, "HALT!" She called, "FEB! MARCH! What the hell is she doing here?"

Feb called, "NO! She's the hero… Miki Naoki."

April gasped, "EH?" she heard moans, and she said, "Stay on your posts… As for this Miki Naoki, I will follow her."

They saluted, "Yes, ma'am." April sprinted off, as Feb and March prepared for the next wave of rats.

Miki dashed through the forest, and charged through a couple rat people, along the way. She skidded off, and she arrived at a bridge. Shots were fired, as April called, "Gotcha!"

Miki called, "Stay back, mannequin!"

"It's doll… And you're under arrest!"

She aimed her golden rifle, and Miki cried, "Why do you hold a golden gun?"

"It's gold-plated. Custom-made. And can shoot an eye out. You're going to attack the queen!"

"NO, it's not!"

"Oh, yeah?" April fired at her, and Miki avoided it. Taromaru barked at her and April hissed, "Beat it, mutt."

Miki cried, "Wait, I'm on your side, April!"

"Bull!" April said, "You're letting the monsters in the kingdom, are you?"

"Th-That's not it at all!"

Taromaru crossed the bridge, and April shouted, "BAD DOG! GET BACK HERE SO I CAN SHOOT YOU!"

Miki yelled, as she chased April, "HEY, WAIT! DON'T HURT HIM!"

April fired at him, but Taromaru easily dodged the bullets. April yelled, "Okay, that dog's gonna get it!"

"Don't hurt Taromaru!"

"It's fine. These blanks are safe."

"THAT IS NOT SAFE! You said so yourself that you can shoot an eye out!"

April ran to the castle gate and yelled, as he ran through, "CALL OUT THE GUARDS! There's a dog running to the courtyard!"

Miki & April went in, as a woman in a blue tunic and three-cornered hat was walking by. She had long blonde hair, with the left side showing a blue patch, and saw the commotion. The dog stopped at her feet and the woman said, "A dog… Dear doggy…" Her aura shot out flames and roared, "YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THIS ROYAL GARDEN, WITHOUT PERMISSION!" The dog gasped in fright.

April aimed her gun at Taromaru and cackled, "It is done. Goodbye, dog."

"April…" The woman glared at her in a demonic smile.

April and Miki shrieked, "KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" April kneeled to her, "M-M-Mother… I didn't expect you to–."

"SILENCE!" She pointed at her, "I didn't built or carve you to fool around with that dog, April! Not if I have anything to say about your pathetic laziness, you wooden mannequin!"

April bowed her head, "Prime Minister, please… Don't take my key away."

Miki called, "Wait! Miss Prime Min–!" She gasped, "Farra?" She said, "Uh, Prime Minister, it's my fault. I'm from Megurigaoka, of legendary times–."

"I know who you are."

"You do?" Miki asked.
"You do?!" April gasped.

"Along with Wakasa, Ebisuzawa, and our savior Takeya… you are girls of legends." Farra smirked, "But I don't believe you!" She pointed at her and shouted, "SCHOOL LIFE CLUB RULES! NUMBER 1!"

Miki nodded, "All School Living Club members not only attend classes but reside at the school, to strive at all times to work in conjunction with other departments outside the school and thereby fostering the spirit of independence; serve as role models for all."

Farra nodded, "Ah, so you are the one…" Miki bowed, "Yes, Prime Minister."

Farra barked at April, "YOU! Return to your post, at once, or you're grounded!"

"Yes, Mother…"

"WAIT!" Miki asked, "May I see your key?"

April asked, "Huh? What about my key?" She wound her key and said, "I revived your friends, February and March. I hope you do not mind…"

April moaned, as she felt refreshed. She asked, "Eh? You did this?"

"Yes… I only wish to see the queen about this, and I want to know if you can help the School Life Club of now, from its recent rat problem."

April nodded and said, "Right. But please return… I want to know more about you, young one. And I apologize for my behavior…"

Miki asked, "Are you sure? You should apologize to Taromaru."

April bowed and said, "Then, I'm sorry… Taromaru." He barked.

Farra said, "You did right, April. Now, return to Megurigaoka, at once."

"Yes, mother." April headed off. Farra smiled and said, "You seem to know this place, very well, Naoki."

"Yes, I do… Miss Prime Minister… I want to see her about this, and maybe I can resolve this. I know the place, within the back of my head."

"Very well. Come with me."

They headed off to the throne room, as Farra stated, "Well, I happen to run the place, since our Queen only preens at her collection." She was in the hallways, with different female mannequins, dressed in clothing. Miki gasped, seeing a girl in pink hair, dressed in a school uniform and black hat. "Yuki-sen–. No…"

"Don't worry… She's not a mannequin. It's a statue built by her, to remember the heroism of Megurigaoka's Monster Outbreak." She stated, "The others, however… They defy their queen… they become mannequins, fated by our queen."

"Does she do that, alot?"

"Only the lawkeeper Coco… He has a thing for busty women…"

"And you're busty."

"Yes, but the Queen and I are friends."

They went to the guards, and Farra called, "I brought along one of the girls of legend - The School Life Club!"

They stepped aside, as a man in armor called, "Announcing, Prime Minister Farra of Terror Bay, Prime Minister of Megurigaoka. And the girl of legend, Miki Naoki."

They kneeled down, as the Queen appeared, resembling Cassandra. "Announcing Cassandra the 21st, royal queen of Megurigaoka!" The fanfare played, as Cassandra sat down, wearing a white and black gown. She said, "Oh, Prime Minister…"

Farra waved, "Hiya, Queenie."

"Prime Minister, why bring this trollop to my castle?"

"Our prayers are sent for our rat problem. May I present to you, Miki Naoki, surviving member of the School Life Club."

"Approach me, dear."

Miki bowed to her, and Cassandra hissed, "Flat and dull… even so, your namesake is legendary. I believe that you know about the school?"

"Yes…" Miki bowed and explained, "In my time, zombies actually invade the school. Of course, we call them monsters or things."

She explained to her that there may be a vaccine that can stop the infestation, similar to how they stopped the monsters. The Queen politely accepts, and agrees to but one condition.

"Should you fail, then it's the axe for you. I'd normally turn you into my mannequin, but the punishment for failure… is death. You have one chance. Return to the school, grab the vaccine, and we will prepare the doctor for creating more… and make haste!"

"Yes, your majesty." Miki bowed, as Taromaru barked.

Cassandra said, "You may go. Prime Minister, see to it that she returns safely."

Farra bowed, "Yes, ma'am. Come along, Naoki."

They departed, as a man in black hair, donned in pink, was waiting in the shadows, "I will strike Megurigaoka today. Then the kingdom will be mine."

XXXXX

The man in pink went to the basement and met with a woman in a medium bob of black hair. She called to her, "Witch! Summon the witch!"

"I have a name!" The witch hissed, wearing a revealing purple and black witch's outfit. "I am Waka the Witch. How goes the attack on Megurigaoka, Lord Coco?"

"Not so good… The Queen, my sister, has learned of the outsider called Miki Naoki…"

"Ah, the little brat that stopped Megu-nee? Ahh, her story is foretold… Nee, hee, hee…" she held up a wand and said, "The rat army has arrived, as we speak, and I have drained these toy dolls of their energy… only half of it. Besides, would I ever let them save the day?"

"The rats are drawing closer. The dolls will cease function, then they will charge in. And once it happens, we take it from below."

"You mean above? That's the plan!"

"The plan's changed. Miki Naoki knows of something hidden underground. A vaccine that will stop our evil plan. We strike now… Once the wind-up dolls are now mannequins forever, the rats will come in, and take the school, like they almost did."

"Ah, yes… Like before… Including Miss Kazamatsuri?"

"Yes… Bitten by one of the rat people, and about to become, one of us. Once we enter underground, we take this mystery serum, and destroy it."

"Very well, Coco… We strike at night."

"Do what you can to silence the guards, permanently, and let the rats roam."

Luther leaves Waka to do her dirty work. Waka cackled, as she prepared another plan.

XXXXX

Riding on a horse, Farra took Miki back to the school. Farra said, "If I hear that the guards are being lax, I will build more, for the army. Rats grow by numbers, by day and night. You stay safe with the School Life Club, and I will prepare, just in case."

"Thank you. Go forth and carve new soldiers for daughters."

"Thanks… They do call me Mother, after all. I'll do my best." She saluted and left.

Miki went to the back gate, and thought, "Huh? Where'd the others go?"

January appeared and aimed at her, "Gotcha!"

"WAAAAAAAAAAUGH!"

January barked, "I told you not to enter our building! I don't care what Mother says. You don't enter!"

"You're the only doll that doesn't listen to reason…" Taromaru barked, "Woof!"

January barked, "Huh? A dog? Hey, pooch, beat it before I spay you!"

Miki was shoved down, and January yelled, "And as for you, leave now, or walk away with one eye!"

Miki snarled, "Never! You are all in danger!"

BANG!
Miki screamed, as her right eye was shot. She yelled, "YOU BITCH! WHAT THE HELL DID I EVER DO TO YOU?"

January cackled, "Only to make me angry!" She went closer and said, "Time to suffer! Surrender or fall! You are not welcome in these parts, no matter what the queen says. I cannot let you… enter… the palace, you… inter…. lop… pinnnnnnn… brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…" She bent down and her spring unwound.

Miki held her eye and moaned, "You wasted your energy… Perhaps I can help you understand…"

She lightly carved a small heart on her chest and rewound her key. Miki nodded, "Come on, Taromaru. We have to warn the others. Let's go."

Miki and Taromaru ran inside, as January started to wake up. She felt her wooden chest and gasped. Her energy has returned, but…

"Huh? What is this?" She felt a heart on there and whispered, "She… She rejuvenated me… only to deform me… No, wait…" She saw Miki and gasped, "WAIT!"

She ran after Miki, but stopped, hearing a noise. The rats were growing. "Damn… And there's more of them, every night!"

XXXXX

Miki was bandaged up and said, "And that's how it went down. There's a vaccine below, and I have to return it to the Queen, or else we're doomed."

Ran replied, "I see… In that case, we'll stay up here, when the rats return."

The sky started to turn red as blood. Yozuki said, "Every time the dusk sets, it turns dark red… That's where we hide for cover."

Iori said, "We're not strong fighters, but… Make sure that the vaccine is safe."

"Right. You girls stay safe up there, and lock the doors, in case they try to get you."

Ran said, "Please be careful… You have the Shovel of Ebisuzawa in your arsenal."

"I will…" Miki smiled, "And even so… Thank you for saving me. Now, I'm returning the favor."

She dashed off, heading to the basement area. By the time night fell, the guards valiantly fought off the rats, but they were overwhelmed by the rats. They fell like lifeless dolls, in dominoes, and they charged into the school. Miki was all the way down, as Taromaru ran off. Miki said, "You know the way, boy?"

He barked, and then pointed at a woman in pink hair. She gasped, as she saw Oka, moaning and hissing, drooling from her mouth. She was turned into a rat monster. She hissed and chomped, as Miki whispered, "That must be Oka Kazamatsuri… Ran's teacher…" She held her shovel and said, "Miss Kazamatsuri, I am an alumnus in Megurigaoka Academy… My name's Miki Naoki… and I'm a second-year student." The Oka Rat hissed, as Miki said, "Your friends… They are safe. They're alright because of you!"

Oka chased after her, but Miki slid to a closing garage door. It stopped halfway, as Oka tried to walk in. "Just like before with Megu-nee… Why am I seeing this? Oka-nee, she's like Megu-nee. She wanted to protect her students, and she did just that!" She raised the shovel high, and Oka grabbed her ankles. She hissed, and roared. Miki thought, "Ran… Iori… Yozuki… Forgive me… Oka, please… We're alright… They're alright… You can now rest in peace! From Heaven's heart, and all of the School Life Club, I stab at thee! Begone, demonic rat creature!"

STAB!
Oka was killed by Miki and her shovel. Oka is dead, as Miki went to locate the vaccine, as Taromaru barked. It ran off, as she cried, "Taromaru? Hang on!"

She then thought, "Miss Kazamatsuri… I promise… We're going to save everyone."

She found a huge chest and said, "Oh? This must be it…" She opened it and gasped, "It's… like before… Painkillers, antibiotics… THIS IS IT! I have what I needed! Please… girls… Help is on the way."

The lights turned red, as Luther appeared from the darkness. He said, "Congratulations, flat-chested heroine… You have found the vaccine. But all for naught."

"Are you… Coco?"

Luther said, "Yes. Lawkeeper and Maker Luther Coco Martinez the XXI. I am the Queen's brother. Hand over the medicine, then the kingdom will be mine."

"You… You would dare take all this, for your evil deed? But… But I thought you cared for the kingdom."

"I do… But that weakness shows perversion to the next level…"

"Yeah, well, you're a no good pervert, too!"

"So what? When you ogle at dolls in panties and bras, you get to the point that your nut is dead. Thy nut I'm cracking is your head." He held up a sword and said, "Have at thee!"

He swung at her, and she blocked it with her shovel. She cried, "Taromaru! Get the sack of medicine to the gates, and hurry!"

The dog ran off, as Luther bellowed, "Belittle the mutt… You sacrifice your own life, for their own? Ridiculous…'

She was shoved down, and was stomped on the chest. He said to her, "Now, I take the throne from my sister. But first, I get to make Dog Food out of your damnable mongrel!" He raced off, as Miki was injured to move. She groaned, "Dammit… My legs. I think I twisted my ankle. Don't tell me I may have failed… My friends are up there, and they are waiting for me… Taromaru… Please…"

The dog was in a fork in the underground hallways, as Luther located the dog. He cried, "There you are, dirty filthy beast! Hand it over! And say your prayers!"

It growled at him, as Luther held his sword at him. He responded, "Is that right? Well, let us see how well you fare against the Lawmaker! There'll be no more medicine to cure a curse! My sister will not be queen, any longer!"

He grabbed the sack and kicked Taromaru in the ribs. He fell injured, as Luther called, "This is over! DIE!"

BANG!
January appeared and shot the sword off of Luther's hands. January robotically reloaded her guns and responded, "TRAITOR!"

"YOU!"

"I came here to grab Miki Naoki!"

"She's already pinned down. She's yours to do as you please."

"Not after I come to you, traitor! I should've known this was your doing, on the grounds that you would steal the medicine from below. And how dare you act cruel to that mutt!"

She held Taromaru and whispered, "Dog… I'm sorry you were injured… Let me… avenge you…"

She glared in a dark stoic stare, as Luther smirked, "Nothing but magical kindling. Get out of my way…"

"What have you done to this place, you barbarian?"

"Only to make you girls like dolls… The Prime Minister did sculpt you as perfect warriors… but I digress. Time to punish you dolls."

January fired at Luther, and he avoided the shots. Luther slashed down at January, and she was badly hurt.

Meanwhile, Miki was badly hurt, as she was sobbing, "I let everyone down… The girls are stuck as rats, forever… I killed their teacher for this? And now I'm going to die, alone again! In a dark little room! I missed my chance to escape, but I was had by that jerk! Now I failed everyone… I refused to go back, knowing I'd die, anyways! But nobody's coming! Nobody's coming this time to save me!" She wailed, "This is how it was to happen! BUT I'M NOT READY! OH GOD! KEI! TAROMARU! RI-SAN! KURUMI! YUKI-SENPAI!" She was bawling. Until…

"Miki…" A figure appeared, as she called, "You're not alone…"

"K-Kei?" She saw a ghost, it was a heavenly figure of Kei, Miki's former best friend. "Kei?"

"Please… There's a way… Get up and follow me…" She held her hands and whispered, "You can lift your spirits… and show your way back…"

Miki sniffled, "Okay… Please, I'm sorry…" She slowly got up and held her shovel. She then grabbed a small amount of the vaccine and said, "There's still enough left… I'm glad he didn't take the rest. But I have to reach… the goal."

She walked off, as Kei called, "That's the spirit! Do it, Miki!" Kei ran off and called, "Follow me, Miki!"

Miki followed Kei's light, but stopped, seeing January, clutching onto Taromaru's body. Luther was about to finish her off, and she growled, "Him…"

She dropped the bag and growled, "You son of a bitch!" she charged at him, but he dodged out of the way. "Get away! TAROMARU!" She sobbed, "NO… What happened?"

January moaned, "I'm sorry… This monster… This traitor… He kicked him in the ribs, and… and he's dying…"

Miki sobbed, "Taromaru… You only did this to protect me… Please… No…"

Taromaru smiled, as Miki was sad. The dog suddenly passed out. He died in January's arms. January bowed her head and sniffled, "Taromaru… Your dog…"

Miki sniffled, "No… Not again… You, please… let me… fix you…"

January smiled, "No, it's alright… I outlived my services… but it's… too late…" Her spring stopped, as she spoke, "Perhaps… in another… life… I would join… the Schoolll… Life… Cluuuuuuuuuuuu…" Her head dropped down, as Miki sniffled, "Noooo…"

She turned around, gripping the shovel, and snarled, "You bastard! You killed Taromaru!" She dashed at her, shining a golden aura, and roared, "I HATE YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOU!"

She swung down and struck him in the back. He fell to the ground, and Miki grabbed the small sack of the medicine. Luther already destroyed the rest. "I can spare your life, but…" He stabbed at his legs and hollered, "You can just stay down there and suffer, you monster! This is for Kei! AND FOR TAROMARU!" She continued, as he screamed for help. Kei stopped her and cried, "STOP! There's no time for revenge! Get back up and hurry!"

"But I'm trapped! The rats he summoned have entered the school!" Miki sobbed, "What'll I do?"

Suddenly, she heard a bugle fanfare. The rats looked around, as an army of dolls were standing in attention, armed with rifles, swords, guns, cannons, and bayonets. Farra was standing in front of the new battalion, which has over 998 toy soldiers, all resembling Miki Naoki.

"I cannot replace my dear daughters, but a thousand bearing the face of the legendary zombie hero… will do me good!" She summoned, "ATTACK ANY AND EVERY RAT YOU CAN FIND! THAT IS A DIRECT ORDER! CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGE!" The Miki Soldiers charged and attacked every rat person they could find. The Marciano Battalion were being rescued, as these rats were being slaughtered.

Ran waved, "YOO-HOO! Little help here!"

One Miki soldier said, "Three survivors! Onwards!"

A few armed with rifles ran into the building. As the commotion went on, Miki and Kei escaped through the back way's secret passage. Miki panted, and gasped, "What the–?"

A soldier called, "Miki Naoki?"

"Yeah?"

"This way!"

"WAIT! Lawkeeper Luther's inside, with January and a dead dog… down below!" Miki pleaded.

The soldier called, "This way, ladies! Underground! And Hurry!" Seven Miki soldiers ran off to the basement area, as Miki made it to the forest. Miki was exhausted, but was crying, knowing that everyone was safe. "Taro… maru…"

Kei hugged her and said, "I knew you could do it… Don't worry… I'm always here for you…"

"Thank you, Kei…"

Kei suddenly vanished and said, "Goodbye."

"NO, KEI!" She shrieked. Miki was saddened, as she wept, "K-Kei… Not again, please…" She was badly injured, running off, as she held the bag of medicine in her arms. But she fainted and moaned, "I… I can't… move…"

A Miki soldier called, "MEDIC! HURRY!" She called, "Miki Naoki! Please get up! You cannot fail! Miki! Miki!" She was trying to wake her up, but no luck. The soldier cried, "Miki! MIKI! Please get up! Miki! Miki, hurry! Miki! Miki! Hurry, please! Get some help here! Miki! Miki! Miki! MIKI!"

"Miki… Miki… Miki?" Miki was waking up, as Cassandra was nudging her. She opened her eyes and gasped. She gasped, "Queen… Cassandra?"

Cassandra smiled, "It's alright… It was all a dream."

"A dream?" Miki wept, "Then… Taromaru… He's still…"

She hugged her and cried, "Noooooooooo!" She sobbed and wept, as Cassandra hugged her. She whispered, "It's alright, Miki… It was a horrible nightmare…"

"No… It felt… so real…"

Miki continued to cry, as Cassandra comforted her. Afterwards, she showed Miki a surprise in the store.

XXXXX

They arrived at the lobby, as Farra was waiting for her, dressed in a blue coat and jeans, with a blue facemask on. "Merry Christmas, Naoki!"

"Oh, thank you. Merry Christmas." Miki said.

Farra smiled, "Look what I got for you. Cassandra and I spent all night making this for you…"

"Huh? You made a mannequin?"

"Oh, yes. But not just any mannequin…" She opened the package and revealed a mannequin that resembles Kei, in her school uniform. Miki was shocked, as Farra said, "I looked in your records about this Kei… and I found a match… Kei Shidou. She's in Megurigaoka, under lockdown…"

"You… Is she alright?"

"We… cannot be so sure yet." Cassandra said, "When we saw a photo of her, last night, while we found the Kei Zombie, we… Well, we didn't want you to be lonely anymore… So, we built you a Kei Doll."

Farra said, "It's still under work, but we didn't get the measurements up in time, so we used more of a B-Cup doll on it."

Miki smiled, "No, it's fine. It's all I wanted. I only wanted to see Kei, one more time."

She hugged Cassandra and smiled, "Thank you… Thank you!" Cassandra smiled and said, "Oh, don't thank me, Miki."

Farra huffed, "Cassie… You should. And yet another barrel of monkeys that you rolled me into."

"What did I do?" Cassandra asked.

"You had to make me get almost bitten by those things. Luckily, I was prepared for this."

Miki sniffled, "Thank you very much…" She took the Kei Mannequin and said, "If you don't mind, I'd like to talk alone with Kei. And hey, can you get me mannequins of Ri-san, Yuki-senpai, and Kurumi? I hope to see them, someday… once they return." She bowed and said, "Well, Merry Christmas, guys. And thank you."

Miki left, as the girls waved, "Merry Christmas!" They smiled, but Farra scowled at her, "Three more mannequins for a lonely girl." She barked, "Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into!"

Cassandra smiled, "Farra, it is Christmas, after all. And Miki Naoki is lonely… Perhaps, when her friends return, someday, wherever they are… Miki won't be lonely anymore."

Farra said, "I guess you're right. Even so, how are we going to tell her the truth… about Kei Shidou?"

She said, as she was leaving, "Well, I should be going. The guys need me. Merry Christmas, Cassie."

"Feliz Navidad, Senora." Cassandra waved goodbye, "See you on New Year's."

Farra left the store, as Luther asked her, "Was that Miki with a mannequin?"

Cassandra smiled, "Let her enjoy this moment… Miki needs this."

The Martinez Siblings let Miki enjoy Kei, who is a wooden doll to talk to. Miki would feel relieved, knowing that Kei will always be with her, no matter what. Miki Naoki was never alone again, after that. Someday, she will see her friends again, even Kei.

Miki prayed to Kei and said, "Merry Christmas, Kei." she prayed to the doll, as Kei's voice said, "Merry Christmas, Miki…"

Meanwhile, far away at Megurigaoka Academy, Kei was in the school building, wandering aimlessly, with dead skin and a dark aura. She saw a blackboard of the Graduation Class and read the final message.

"Mi… ki…" The zombie held her hand to the blackboard, leaving a bloody handprint behind, and whispered, "Mi… ki… I'm… glad… you're… aliiiiiiiiiiive…"

After that, she walked out of the classroom and hissed and moaned. As Kei wandered the halls alone, a few zombies were marching around the decrepit and desolate campus of Megurigaoka Academy, wandering aimlessly into the snow. But deep down, for these zombies that were once humans, they were happy.

Farra was on the stage, as she said to the audience, "And so, we put the curtain down on a very special Christmas fanfic, made possible by our friends at Casa de Munecas and Miz-K Productions. From all of us here, in the most wonderful time of the year, despite that we're still in a huge worldwide pandemic, we hope your happy holidays are safe and merry. And now, let's introduce our cast."

April, January, February, & March appeared in their maid outfits, waving to the audience, "My adopted android daughters from Coyote Ragtime Show, April, January, February, and March."

They walked off, as the ninjas arrived, in casual attire, "From Moé Ninja Girls, Oka Kazamatsuri, Ran Kuzuryu, Beatrix Yozuki Noctiflora, Iori Natsume, & Waka Kyogoku."

They walked off, as Cassandra and Luther appeared, "My good friends, Cassandra and Luther Martinez… and me, Farra Stevens, of The Gang series." She then waved her arm out, "And now, the star of our show, from School-Live, Miss Miki Naoki!"

Miki appeared, as she smiled at the audience, and bowed. Farra called, "And lastly, our guest of honor, the zombie remains of Kei Shidou." They applauded, as the Zombie Kei walked slowly to the stage, but Farra separated her and Miki. Farra announced, "Let's have one more round of applause for our cast."

Everyone bowed, except for Kei, who was standing, looking around. Cassandra whispered to the 4th wall, "Of course, it's mostly thanks to The Speedwagon Foundation, for bringing Kei out of her element, and making sure she's at home. If you didn't watch School-Live, you should. We won't explain why and how she'd show up."

The audience applauded, as the curtain went down. Farra remains the only person onstage. She said, "Well, once again, we wanted to wish all of you a Merry Christmas… and we'll be back next year, for "The Gang In-Action - the Final Season", coming in the spring. Until then, stay safe, look out for yourselves, and each other. God bless, goodnight."

Farra left the stage, as the crowd applauded. Thus we end our fanfic with happiness and merry. And believe me, that's all we want in this fucking pandemic – Happiness!

Merry Christmas from Miz-K Productions!