Tridon and Sayori stood sat outside the principal's office with Sayori being visibly afraid.
"Sayori, we're not in trouble."
"What makes you think that Tridon?!" Sayori grabbed Tridon's collar and said, "She probably found out I threw that stinkbomb in the girl's locker room!"
"That was you? Nice."
"Thanks."
"Ah, Tridon, Sayori," Ms. White walked out and greeted the two, "I have a request."
"Okay?" Tridon questioned, "And that request is?"
"Our planner for the Senior Prom needed to pull out for personal reasons and there aren't any other planners for a country mile because it's prom season."
"So you want us to plan it?" Tridon asked.
"I know it's a lot, but there's no other choice. Plus, it is your guys' Senior Prom. Plus, your friends can help."
"I guess." Tridon sighed and looked at Sayori before saying, "Also, she's the one that threw stinkbomb in the girl's locker room."
"Tridon!" Sayori shouted.
"Oh I knew that. I thought it was hilarious ."
"Now let's go before she finds out about the other things you've done." Tridon dragged Sayori out of the room.
Moments later, the group sat in a classroom trying to figure out how to go about planning for their senior prom.
"Okay," Tridon started, "before we even think about how we're going to plan it, we have to figure out where we're going to have it."
"We could always use the school gym." Yuri offered, "It's where it's been held before."
"True, but I kinda want it somewhere else this year."
"Oh!" Sayori stood up and said, "What about the hideout?!"
"I don't think that's a good idea Sayori." Chelsea commented, "Has it even been repaired?
"Tiff said it's in the works." She answered, "I'm sure it should be good to go in two weeks."
"I don't know." Monika retorted, "The area is kinda out there. I don't think people would willingly go there."
"Yeah, but put a pin in that." Tridon clicked his tongue and said, "What about that abandoned party hall downtown?"
"Hm." Yuri wondered, "I thought that wasn't open to the public."
"Well, the police department owes me a favor for putting Robert away, so I'm using that to my advantage."
"We're going to have to clean it up real good to use it." Natsuki commented, "But I like the idea."
"I do too." Monika agreed.
"Yeah." Sayori nodded, "It's probably more doable than the hideout, but we'll need to split into teams. After we clean, we'll need to split up."
"Hm." Tridon sighed and thought to himself, "We'll need a group to find to go about finding a DJ. Then we'll need decorations, refreshments, and other things. Hm."
"Chelsea and I can work on food and refreshments." Natsuki offered, "That'll be easy."
"I can do senior prom photos." Yuri offered, "I think it'll be a good end of year project."
"Alright." Tridon nodded, "I can help with that and maybe the lighting. My mom has a few set of radios we can use to communicate with each other before, during, and after the prom."
"Maybe I can help with the lighting too." Monika offered, "I think we can also get help from Jen since she did a good job with decorations before."
"True." Natsuki and Yuri agreed.
"Alright, give her a call and maybe call on Tiff for some security detail. I'll make a call to her brother about letting us use that place in the first place. Sayori, you go about spreading the word and finding us a DJ."
"You got it bud!"
"Alright. First we clean it."
Later that day, the group stared in shock at the state of the building. Officer Warren walked up behind them with his flashlight and sighed.
"Yup. This thing has been out of commission for over 30 years. The last people to use it that long ago left it like this and it's just been left to rot."
"Nice." Tridon commented, "We're gonna need to do a lot."
"Some of the officers at the station will offer whatever help they can. Any requests?"
"Maybe some new windows," he answered, "because there's no way these current windows are safe."
"Got it. Just call me when you need more things."
"Yup." Tridon nodded as Officer Warren left them to the cleaning, "Alright girls. We have 2 weeks to get this party hall into top shape for a senior prom!"
"Yeah!"
After cleaning for a small time, Tridon carried some of garbage bags outside. Once he threw them into the dumpster. He paused and turned around. He looked around for a minute and pretended to walk off.
He waited for a short moment before saying, "I know you're there Erica."
"I should've known you heard me." Erica stepped out from the nearby bushes and looked around, "So you're planning the senior prom."
"Yeah. What of it?"
"I know I haven't been trustworthy over the last few years." Erica stated, "I'm last person you would agree to this with."
"You want to come?"
"Haha." Erica chuckled and scratched the back of her head, "I guess it was pretty obvious."
"I don't know how the girls would react. Namely Sayori. I don't even know how to feel. You did help us bring Robert down, but your past actions..."
"I need to atone for them I know. I just haven't been able to feel how a prom could feel. You know the reasons."
"You kinda already know how Sayori and I feel about proms and dances. We're using this as an excuse to not be part of the dance."
"So I'm guessing you wouldn't be so sure as to let me be part of the senior prom?"
"I would take that up with Sayori. She's very pissed about everything you've put me and everyone else through."
"What about you?"
Tridon turned to walk away and said, "Whatever my best friend's judgement is, I'll trust it." And with that, he walked away.
Later that week, Tridon walked around with a clipboard while checking the flooring of the party hall. He scrunched his face and wrote on the clipboard. He turned around and walked into Monika.
"Hey Monika. What's up?"
"Come on." Monika dragged Tridon away towards the front of the party hall where several lights stood ready to be placed around the party hall, "My mom was able to grab some of these from a building she used to work at. She had some people work on them to have RGB lights. They're perfect!"
"Cool. Who's going to hang some of them up?"
"You could snap-."
"No powers Monika."
"Oh. Right."
"We'll see if Officer Warren can get some people from the police department to help there. My mom still needs to bring the radios so we can prepare for the actual dance."
"Don't you think this dance will be amazing?" Monika asked, "I'm going to where such a beautiful dress that I hope is to your liking."
"Monika, you know Sayori and I hate proms and stuff."
"Yeah, but this is senior prom Tridon. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity."
"I don't know Monika."
"How about this. You make your choice that night."
"H-Huh?"
"It's the perfect time to make the choice!" Monika twirled around and stared at the sky, "You got the night where couples go to dance and spend time together. So it's the perfect place to finally make your choice!"
"That's just..."
"Come on Tridon." Monika pleaded, "It's the perfect scenario."
Tridon stared at Monika, who's eyes were glistening. He sighed and said, "Alright. I'll have to go look for something to wear that day."
"Yay!" Monika cheered.
Tridon smiled at Monika jumping around and cheering.
2 days later, Tridon directed traffic around the party hall as people brought in decorations and the lights both Monika and Jen brought. He messed around on his clipboard before turning on his radio.
"Sayori, do you hear me?"
"Loud and clear bud."
"Alright, so how are we doing entertainment?"
"It's kinda hard. Every single DJ is at every other senior prom. It's kinda difficult. More so since this is all last minute."
"Right..."
"I'm tryin' my best though best friend. How's the party hall looking?"
"Most of the decorations are set, but the lights might take most of the week. This'll be stretching it."
"Do you think Ms. White will let us push the prom back?"
"No. The week after are finals and the week after that is graduation. There's no way she'll push it back another week."
"Ah man."
"We've really been put on the spot."
"Yeah, but we can do it. I know we can. We've been through worse."
"True." Tridon laughed, "Well, I'm gonna continue directing traffic and such. Keep up your good work best friend."
"Same to you best friend."
Tridon looked up and shouted, "No! The tables should be on the right of the party hall. Not the middle. What kinda proms did you people have when you were kids?!"
Sayori laughed as he heard Tridon shouting orders and sighed. She sat in the same cafe she was at just a few months ago with Eric. She clicked through on her laptop and groaned.
"Is something wrong dear?" Sayori turned around to see an older woman that looked liked her.
"Mom?" Sayori was shocked to see her mom. She normally doesn't see her mom unless she's on school breaks or something. She eventually answered saying, "It's nothing big mom." Sayori sighed and closed her laptop, "It's just hard finding a DJ to be at our senior prom. So it's just difficult."
"I know you don't want to even think about it, but what about Eric?"
"No mom!" Sayori quickly stood up and added, "I will never talk to that jerk again."
"But you just need to get to his cousin. Eric's cousin is a DJ."
"Mom, you do remember what Eric put Tridon through, right? Not to mention he insulted me behind my back, or at least tried to anyway."
"I know and I haven't forgiven him for that, but he's your only hope for getting a DJ for your prom. I know that this prom will mean a lot to you. Because I know this is your chance to finally win Tridon over."
"M-Mom..."
"It's no use denying it sweetheart. You love your best friend. You want him to choose you. I've said it before. I would love to have Tridon as a son-in-law."
Sayori fell silent and looked at her mom who beamed a bright smile at her. Sayori had a small smile creep on her face and sighed.
"I'll make this ill-fated call..."
"Not needed." A familiar voice interrupted.
Sayori looked past her mother and saw Eric standing there. Her eyes widened as chill was sent down her both her spine and simultaneously, Tridon.
"Something wrong Tridon?" Monika asked while bringing in some plants, "You look like you've seen a ghost."
"I might as well have. I don't have a good feeling right now."
Sayori sat across from Eric with a frown. She stared daggers into Eric who was visibly nervous. She looked at her mom beside her who ushered her to speak. She let out a long sigh and looked back to Eric.
"Does your cousin still DJ?"
"She does and she's available for the next few weeks." Eric answered.
"What's this gonna cost ya'?"
"To be honest, I've seen this woman around named Erica."
"Huh?" Sayori seemed confused. She initially thought Eric would try some underhanded scheme as payment for his cousin to DJ for them, but he brought up Erica. She knows Eric doesn't know what happened that day because of Tridon reversing time. So he should only know Erica by voice, "Why are you bringing up Tridon's ex?"
"When I spoke to her, she sounded familiar to someone I knew as a kid. Before I met you."
"That's unlikely. We've known each other since kindergarten. Besides, Erica is a year older than us. That's not possible."
"I don't know. I feel connected to her somehow. I think she's my sister."
"Wait what?"
"Let him talk Sayori dear." Her mom interrupted.
"I was told growing up that I had an older sister that was separated from our family when I was 3 years old I don't know if you've noticed, but our names are similar."
"Anyone with a brain can catch that."
"My parents told me that my older sister's name was Erica. I didn't want to believe it at first, but I used to keep up with her throughout my elementary school years. However, in middle school, I lost contact with her. I think Erica is that same sister I was separated from as a kid."
"I don't know. I don't like Erica. After all she did to Tridon, I just can't see myself going to her for something that might be too good to be true."
"Just let me see her so I can confirm it. Please Sayori. If you can promise me that she'll be at this prom, then I'll tell my cousin to DJ for the prom."
"I..." Sayori paused and said, "I have to consult my best friend!" Sayori ran out of the cafe leaving her mother and Eric alone.
"I hope you're not fibbing with my daughter Eric."
"I don't know how she found out about my past actions and I know my trust for her is nothing but dust in the wind. I just want to know for sure if Erica is my long lost sister."
"You do know her best friend knows people, so I wouldn't try anything."
"I know. I know better than to mess with an enigma."
"You know he's not an enigma now, right?"
"What?"
"That's right."
"Huh..."
Sayori stood outside with her radio and repeated, "Tridon..."
"Yeah bud?"
"I know you felt the disturbance, right?"
"I did. What happened?"
"It's Eric."
"Where is he?!" He roared.
"No wait! Didn't you say Erica walked up to you wanting to attend the prom?"
"Yeah?" Tridon responded still enraged, "What of it?"
"He wants to meet her?"
"What?"
"Tridon, please calm down."
"S-Sorry..."
"He thinks Erica is his sister."
"I smell bs. I don't remember him every talking about a sister."
"Well, you never liked him."
"Sayori..."
"Right, but I do remember him talking about a sibling he talked to everyday. He says that when they spoke the other month, he recognized her voice. Maybe there's a chance."
"I don't know Sayori."
"Tridon, I'm asking you to bring her to the prom so that they can meet."
"But-."
"It's the only way we can get his cousin to DJ for us."
"Gah." Tridon groaned and punched the nearby wall and chipped, "Aw shoot."
"Just do it Tridon. Maybe we can get the both of them out of our hair."
"I-I guess..."
"You tell Erica and I'll tell Eric. Geez, now that I say it, their parents were not original with names. Why couldn't they be like the two of us?"
"Well, yours is a Japanese name. I have no idea what happened between the time my sister was born and when I was born. 'Tridon' is definitely not a common name."
"Anyway, let's get them to the prom."
"Alright."
That night, Tridon paced around alone in front of the party hall. He stopped and turned around to see Erica standing behind him.
"You called?"
"Let me ask you something." Tridon turned to face and asked, "What do you know about a lost brother?"
"W-Where'd you hear that?" Erica stuttered, so she instantly knew there was no hiding it. She sighed and said, "I thought you hated Eric."
"I do. I didn't meet with him. He met with Sayori for a deal. Is he your brother?"
The two stared at each other and she said, "He is."
"I find it hard to believe you were just separated as kids."
"We were. You know that I lived with my aunt, right?"
"Yeah, but the people that set your marriage with Robert was your birth parents. Why did you have to get separated?"
"It was for all of this."
"Come again?"
"Setting up everything that has happened the last few years."
"What are you talking about?"
"At first, I never understood why I had to live away from my family until I got to middle school. They wanted me to get to you."
"Who is 'they'?"
"I'm assuming Tiffany hasn't told you everything."
"There are things she refuses to tell me."
"Well, I'm leaving it all out there. I'm letting everything out of the bag."
"Tell me then. I have time."
Sayori paced around her bedroom while thinking about the confrontation between Tridon and Erica. She bit her nails while staring out her bedroom window. In Tridon's driveway should be his car, but it was gone. He was gone. He was confronting Erica about Eric.
She noticed a car pulling into his driveway and outstepped Tiffany who walked towards his front door and knocked on it.
"Why is she visiting him this late at night?" Sayori put on a jacket and shoes before heading outside, "Tiff!" She called out, "What are you doing here?"
"I need to see Tridon about something."
"And that is?"
Tiffany blushed and said, "My dress for the prom."
"H-Huh?"
"Look Sayori, I've never been to a prom before, so I would like to experience it for once. What better prom to be at than one that you and Tridon are planning. So I need his opinion on the dress."
"Why not ask me or the other girls?" Tiffany fell silent to her question, making Tiffany blush, "You wanted to have Tridon compliment you, right?"
"W-What?!"
"You do! You like my best friend!"
"S-Sayori!"
"Haha!" Sayori laughed and said, "I never thought you'd be someone to fall in love with him."
"I don't think I see him the same way all of you do. I don't know. Where is he anyway?"
"Eh..."
Moments later, both Tiffany and Sayori were driving towards the party hall.
"What is wrong with the both of you."
"I don't know, wanting to live our lives normally?"
"Don't you know that those two could be playing with you?"
"Tiff, we're desperate for a DJ right now."
"Desperate to look into two people who tried to tear you and Tridon apart?"
"Tiff," Sayori groaned, "I want this prom to go smoothly so I can spend time with my friend."
"I understand this but I'm still worried."
"I'm worried too Tiff. He's my best friend."
Tridon and Erica sat next to the entrance of the party hall and she explained.
"Your power as an enigma would be sought after for obvious reasons."
"I could get the idea."
"The power to change reality on whim in a literal second. Power like that in the wrong hands would lead to despair. People wanted you specifically. Namely, Tiffany's agency."
"What? Well, that's not hard to believe. The FBI are fickle with enigmas and such."
"No. She doesn't work for the FBI."
"Huh?"
"She works for an agency that specializes in the capture and termination of enigmas."
"Wait what?" Tridon slowly stood up and said, "She looks after me. What lies are coming out of your mouth right now Erica?"
"They're not lies. She was suppose to take you out."
"Don't listen to her!" Tiffany shouted as both her and Sayori ran to them, "She's lying."
"No." Tridon sternly ordered, "Let her talk."
"She was originally ordered to kill you and extract a sample of your DNA to reverse engineer your powers. However, when they found out that she went against their orders, they wanted me to finish what she started."
"So let me get this straight. When she was first given my file, she was suppose to kill me, extract my DNA, and hand it back to her superiors so that they can make my powers? Then when she went against those orders, they wanted you to take up for her which explains why you were separated from Eric."
"That's right."
"Something's not adding up." Tridon commented, "Why did they grab a 3 year old girl."
"To make her into a fighting machine." Tiffany answered, "To make a long story short, she was suppose to be the original Epsilon."
Tridon and Sayori looked at each before looking at the two of them, "So," Tridon started, "did you have the same revelation as Tiff, Erica?"
"I did."
"So they gave the contract to Robert," Tiffany added, "but Robert wanted the powers for himself and bought out that company. He bought the only company responsible for the death of engimas."
"Now that he's gone, enigmas can fight back against the prejudice against them. That explains that enigma attack a week ago." Tridon muttered, "So what now?"
"My brother, Eric, doesn't know this. He wasn't told. I was allowed to talk to him until middle school. That's when my training began. It ended in high school when I was sent to kill you, but I couldn't Tridon. Then Robert forced me to call him to send him to your school."
"Then what you should do is go to Eric and tell him what and why things happened the way they did."
"But-."
"Do it. If you want to attend this prom." Tridon pointed at Tiffany said, "And you. I don't even know how I should feel about you."
"Tridon... I..."
"No." Tridon looked to the side and said, "I need time away from you and just everyone right now. Sayori, take over here for me for a day or two."
"But Tridon."
"Please Sayori. I need to clear my mind." And with that, Tridon walked away.
"Tridon..." Sayori muttered while she watched her friend drive off.
A/N: Uh oh. The drama is heating up. Don't worry. No action is gonna. It's just straight, heart-wrenching drama. Like the finale of the last volume. So get ready to have your heartstrings tugged at. Things are gonna be a little insane over these last 2 chapters! Yes. 2 chapters. You know what that means? That means the next chapter is the massive finale! I've barely started on it as I've been really lazy with this chapter that was originally suppose to span across 2 separate chapters, but I chunked it together so that I wouldn't try and milk this anymore than needed.
So the next chapter will be the Finale and the one following that will be the Epilogue that'll setup the continuation of this series. The next chapter will start as a filler, them move onto Sayori's last minute attempt at getting into Lingston with her best friend, and what everyone really cares about: The Choice!
Team Triyori vs Team Trisuki!~ One of these two will come out on top in the finale. Gear up as this finale will take some time to complete. I'm talking like, maybe 10K words max. So if you'd like updates, head over to my twitter where I will start posting progress on the Finale while I write it. So follow at NocaReal on Twitter to get updates. Anyway, c'ya all 'til the Finale is released!
