Ch. 26 Princess Infiltration
The shadow creatures dragged Cyrus back into his cell. They closed the gate behind him and locked the exit. He stood in exhaustion; his limbs growing weak, his skin growing more pail as the weeks go by. The masked man walked over to his cell and looked down on his progress.
"How is your health, Cyrus," he asked.
"…" No answer. The spiky haired shadow faded in from the floor and handed him a metal rod. The masked man pressed the small green button and separated it into two rods. Holding it vertically parallel to one another, he read off the virtual clipboard.
"According to our charts, you've reached your intermediate development in our project." Cyrus looked up to him. His eyes were lit with a vengeful red.
"It's about time," he grinned manically.
The train had come to a complete stop. The metal wheels screeched along the tracks as they closed in on the station. Rai left his seat and stood over the sleeping Kurumu. Jolt was lying in her lap following her example.
"Hey, let's go," Rai whispered to her. "Vamos!" He nudged at her shoulder. She shimmied over to the right.
"No…Tsukune…" she smiled. "…We should wait when we're alone…" Her dream seemed somewhat erotic for Rai to consider interrupting.
"Oh boy, here we go." Rai reached over the cargo hold and grabbed his scythe. He did the only sensible thing a good friend would do at a time like this.
Poke!
Rai jabbed Kurumu's head with the butt of his stick.
"Rise and shine, Sleeping Beauty," said Rai. Kurumu awoke from her slumber. She stretched out her arms and legs until she felt refreshed. Jolt rolled to the floor and woke up in a state of shock.
"Pika!?" Jolt looked around the room. Seeing no threat, he fell back to the floor and slept.
"Oh no, you don't," Rai picked up Jolt by the tail and carried him off the train. Kurumu followed behind as they entered the station.
"Ya-hoo-hoo!" Kurumu cheered. "We're here!" She spun in front of the station as she took in the sights. It was a somewhat large town with broad streets and people walking up and down the sidewalk. Farther down the road was when the streets started rising and shifting based on the landscape.
"Yep, looks like we made it before dark," Rai looked at the sun placed in the middle of the sky. He looked over at a small sign welcoming the visitors. "...Sasanaki Town…"
"The Royal Family is supposed to be here, right?" Kurumu asked.
"The bus driver said the daughter was staying over in the east side of the country, so I'm guessing this is the right place." Rai rested Jolt on the concrete as he placed the scythe in his belt. "In that case, we're gonna have to find her."
"What!" Kurumu sounded displeased. "That'll take forever!
"We don't have much of a choice." Rai and Kurumu questioned their predicament. The sun was peaking over the hillside. Jolt stared at the setting sun casting over them.
"Pi?" Jolt stared at the lonesome manor in front of the warm sunlight.
"If I were a rich, wealthy, supernatural royalty, where would I be?" Rai ruffled his chin.
"Probably someplace fancy or away from everyone else," Kurumu suggested.
"What; like a castle?" Jolt tugged on his pants.
"Pikapi," the little mouse pointed to the building.
"She might have servants waiting on her hand and foot," Kurumu suggested.
"Pika!" Jolt tried to grab his attention.
"She got the soul from Moka's dad, so she'd probably have it where no one would…"
BZZZZZZZT!
"CHU!" Jolt fired a Thunderbolt at Rai; frying him to a tender and sizzling flavor. He collapsed to the ground.
"Wow, does that always happen?" Kurumu asked.
"…Not…recently," Rai twitched. He looked over to his comrade. "Why buddy…why?" Jolt identified the hilltop. Rai and Kurumu noticed swirling clouds hovering from above and the eerie atmosphere over the town. "Ok; we get it." Jolt smiled.
"Cool, so let's go!" Kurumu started marching ahead. Jolt followed right behind. Rai remained on the floor.
"Uh, guys…un poco de ayuda, por favor?"
An hour later...
Their legs were giving way under the certain circumstances; the sun started setting an hour ago, they've been walking since they left town, and they were traveling in an upward slope. Jolt had already grown tired and decided to rest on Rai's shoulder.
"Come on, Jolt," Rai moaned. "You're slowing me down too." He looked over at Kurumu. "How are you holding up?" Kurumu rested on the side of the road.
"Just...give me…a few minutes," she sighed.
"If you wanted to, you could have just flown ahead to the mansion."
"No way," she shivered. "There's no way I'm going to a house like that on my own."
"Right…sorry." They pressed on. The road seemed pretty empty for something a vehicle would drive on. Nothing ever came up or down since the last hour. After a complete hike up the mountain, they stood at the front gates. The black steel boundary and the brick wall with sharp pinnacles made sure there were no uninvited guests allowed. The front yard had a nice cut lawn with a few trees spreading out over the area. They noticed the building itself had more of a modern appeal to it with dark outer walls and a cobalt built roof. There was a small balcony hanging just above the front door with an awning for safety measures. There were at least six windows covering the house on each side. Two were on the first floor, two on the second floor, and one at the tip near the roof. There was a glass entryway that leads into the balcony. Jolt walked up to the fence and touched the cold metal.
"I can only assume the girl lives here," Rai presumed.
"Do you think someone like her will just hand over something that important to you?" Kurumu asked.
"Guess we'll have to wait and see." Rai started prying the gate open. The sound of creaks dispersed as it separated.
"…!" Her red ears rose upon her head. "Hey, did you hear that?" The woman asked. She stood up from the floor in her black tank top and green cargo pants. She had red, short, round hair and yellow eyes. Her acute senses were telling her that someone was forcing their way into the perimeter.
"What's wrong, Riza?" a boy asked. He had brown messy hair while wearing a white buttoned shirt and blue jeans.
"I think someone might have trespassed onto the property, but I don't…"
[Player 1: Winner!]
"Damn it!" Riza's arm transformed into a giant wolf's claw and punched the boy in his face. "I was distracted!"
"S-sorry," the boy whimpered.
Rai walked up to the front door. He knocked with his right knuckles.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Hello?" Rai yelled out. "Anybody home?"
Click!
The door slowly opened. "Why, hello there!" A woman appeared in a maid uniform with a long white apron and a small red ribbon tied around her neck. Her hair was long and brown as her eyes remained dark blue filled with bubbly joy. "How may I help you two today?"
"Yeah, we're looking for the girl that owns the place," Kurumu asked.
"Oh my, are you friends of hers?" the maid asked.
"Well, somewhat," Rai gestured his hand back and forth.
"Pika?" Jolt looked up at the maid. She looked down at the small yellow mouse.
"Oh wow, what a cute little bunny you have there!" She picked up Jolt and started stroking him from its head to its tail. Jolt seemed to be enjoying it. "He seems very friendly."
"Cha!" Jolt sighed in comfort.
"Yeah, he is," Rai smiled. You little rat…
"Lovely!" the maid clapped, but accidentally dropped Jolt. "If you would please follow me." She started walking inside the mansion. Rai, Jolt and Kurumu followed right after. As they entered, a small staircase rested in front of them leading up to the second floor. The arm frames and doors inside were fresh pine décor and the wallpaper was a salmon dark color. The mansion had a more traditional style rather than some preppy luxurious estate; it felt like home. "My name is Sawawa Hiroyimi. I will be servicing you this evening." She bowed to them.
"You're right, she does have people waiting hand and foot," Rai whispered to Kurumu. "I'm Raimundo Ortega. This is Kurumu Kurono, and my little friend here is called 'Mr. Cottontail'." Jolt despised Rai about now. "Go on, say hello."
"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Cottontail," Sawawa smiled. Jolt turned to her and gave a fake smile.
You wanted to be cute with the ladies right? Rai laughed in his head. Had to be done, buddy. Sawawa escorted them down the left hallway. As the three walked, they noticed the house empty of any more servants…or company. "Is…uh, there anyone else helping you out here?"
"Yes, there's Hiro, my younger brother, and Flandre who helps out from time to time," Sawawa explained. "We also have someone else residing inside the mansion. Please be sure to greet her and feel free to make yourselves at home."
"Wow, she's pretty good," Kurumu said impressed.
"No kidding," Rai replied. "She's got the skills, the look, and the appropriate tone of manner."
"Why thank you," Sawawa smiled.
The princess sipped her hot tea. She rested in her large chair fitted with cushion on the rear seat and back support. Her appearance was someone of high class; she had long blonde hair and red eyes with slit pupils. The princess wore her black dress showing down to her knee with black rain boots extending to her feet. She wore black gauntlets stretching up to her upper arms and bared a silver tiara with a red jewel on top of her head. Her figure was very slime, but her posture was proper. Standing close by was another one of her servants, but much smaller compared to Sawawa. She had short light brown hair with a bun on her head. Her maid outfit was the same: white apron, red ascot, tights, and black Mary-Jane shoes. She held a silver tray holding a container of sugar cubes as well as a kettle and cream dispenser.
"Fuga," she spoke.
"Yes, it is a nice day today," the princess answered. She stared outside the window. The sun had begun to set. "However, it seems as though we might have some unexpected company." She continued staring at the front gate.
"Mistress," Sawawa interrupted. She opened the door to the dining room as Rai, Kurumu, and Jolt followed her inside. "It seems you have guests."
"Hey, how's it going?" Rai waved. The princess stared at the three. She sipped her tea unphased by their greeting. She rested her cup on the small plate in her other hand.
"Sawawa, would you please prepare dinner for tonight?" she asked.
"Yes, Mistress," Sawawa left the room leaving the three alone with her.
"That's supposed to be her?" Kurumu asked. "She looks like a Goth girl to me." Jolt stepped in front of Rai and Kurumu.
"Pika?" Jolt looked over to the black princess and the small maid.
"Fuga?" The small maid walked over and looked down at Jolt. The two stared at each other.
"Pikachu?"
"Fuga Fuga."
"Pikapi."
"Fuga!"
"Flandre," the princess called back her servant. Flandre rushed over to her side. "I take that you were the ones who trespassed into my property."
"Well, we really didn't mean to," Rai apologized. "We just wanted to talk with you, Miss…uh…"
"…Hime," the princess replied. "You may address me as Hime."
"Alright, here's the thing," Kurumu spoke out. "Raimundo says that you have one of the souls you've been keeping here for some time. Is he telling the truth or not?" Hime paused. She rested her tea on the tray.
"I see," said Hime. "I take it you must be a Celestial Reaper."
"That would be me," Rai entered. "I'm the guy traveling around worlds and keeping the peace; nothing special. If it's alright with you, we'll just have it gift wrapped and we'll be on our way." Hime picked up her tea cup.
"I do have what you are looking for," Hime replied.
"Pika!' Jolt jumped with cheer.
"Ya-hoo-hoo!" Kurumu smiled.
"Nice!" Rai agreed.
"Unfortunately," Hime added. "You cannot have it."
"No problem, I can carry it in my belt since…wait-what was that?" Rai stood confused.
"I cannot entrust a sacred artifact passed down from my family to a man, a girl, and a rodent."
"Geez, what a bitch," Kurumu objected.
"Whoa, hold on," Rai considered. "I've got some training under my belt, so don't assume that I don't know what I'm doing. I already have the Soul of Fantasy tucked away; you don't have to worry about me keeping it safe."
"Is that so," Hime sipped her tea. "However, I can't allow someone with your 'unprofessional' talent to have such a significant object." She closed her eyes. "However, I am willing to part with it under one condition."
"…and that is…" She opened her eyes.
"…If you agree to be my servants."
"WHAT!?" Kurumu gasped.
"PIKA!?" Jolt cried. Rai stared at Hime.
"Proving your worth will be sure to show the abilities you possess in order change my better judgment." Kurumu stepped forward.
"Are you seriously thinking that we…"
"No deal," Rai interrupted. Everyone looked at Rai. "I shouldn't need to beg on my hands and knees just to make a point. If you think I'm gonna have my friends be your little lap dogs, then you can forget it."
"I see," Hime pondered. "So, I take that you won't need the Soul of Terror then?"
"Believe me; I haven't called it quits." Rai turned and started leaving through the doors. "Thanks for the talk. We'll let ourselves out."
"Hey, wait!" Kurumu called out. She chased after him.
"Pika?" Jolt ran right after.
"Fuga?" Flandre asked. The back doors opened wide as two others ran into the room. The small boy and the red haired girl stood in confusion.
"What's going on, Hime?" the boy asked.
"Did we just miss them?" Riza asked. Hime averted her attention.
"There's nothing to worry about." She finished her tea. "Dinner will be ready shortly."
Rai, Kurumu, and Jolt exited the mansion and stood outside the front gates.
"What the crap is her problem?" Kurumu complained. "Are we really gonna be her servants?"
"Like hell we are," Rai demanded. "We're going to be smart and get that soul in the most upright and sophisticated way."
"Pika?" Jolt asked.
"And how are we going to do that?" Kurumu asked.
"…We're gonna steal it."
Evening
The sun had disappeared and the dark night had casted over the quiet town. The royal mansion was well lit from the windows and the residence was still awake at this hour. In the den, Riza was laying on top of the couch as Hiro sat on the other across from her. Hime watched on her luxurious chair similar to the one in the dining room. Standing beside her was Flandre staring at the screen. From the window, a small bat hanged upside down watching the group. Hime looked up at the bat.
"It seems to be a quiet evening tonight," Hime pointed out.
"Fuga," Flandre agreed.
"We should get started on training," Riza punched her left fist into her right hand. She rose from her seat. "Come on, Hiro! Let's work on your body build!"
"Uh…I think I'll pass," Hiro answered nervously. Meanwhile, a dark hooded figure leaned up against the front wall and pierced through the iron gates. He checked over by the small trees next to the building. A large bat-winged creature landed on one of the branches. The hooded man pulled out a roll of measuring tape and stretched it to about five feet. He locked it and began waving the tape back and forth; making a rattling noise. The figure in the tree flapped its wings three times. The hooded man pushed the gate open and quickly ran underneath the tree.
"Mexican to Love Ninja; you copy?" he whispered. The figure popped her head from the leaves and found him standing just below her.
"Love Ninja to Mexican; There's no one nearby," she replied. "The Firefly is in effect."
"Roger."
Bzzzt
A bright yellow light shined at the window. Riza and Hiro looked over at the dark forest behind the house.
"What the hell was that?" Riza asked.
"Do you think there's a storm?" Hiro assumed. He looked at the sky, but only saw the stars.
Bzzzt
The light appeared over near a patch of small bushes.
"I bet someone's out there spying on us," Riza growled. "Probably that damn vampire." She ran out the house to the backyard. She started searching the field until she could find the source of the bright light.
"Guys, allow me to introduce to you my plan of action," Rai announced. The three rested on the bench inside a small diner. Kurumu and Jolt both looked over his shoulder at his drawing on a napkin. It was a small box with four lines surrounding the square along with three dots on the other side of the lines.
"It looks like my math homework," Kurumu sweat dropped.
"Pika?" Jolt scratched his head.
"Even better," Rai offered. "This is how we're going to get in the mansion and find the soul." At the very top of the drawing were words printed and underlined.
Operation: Soul Reaper
"Cool," Kurumu applauded. "We're breaking in and looting the place!"
"Easy there, Catwoman," Rai calmed her down. "We can't just go barging in; we need to have a plan. For all we know, she could have some tight security. I say we go in the sneaky way and try not to get caught."
"Man, what a mood killer," Kurumu folded her arms.
"Jolt, you're gonna start this plan off." Jolt flinched in surprise.
"Pika!?"
JOLT
The Firefly
Jolt freed more static from his cheeks. Its face was covered by a ski mask that only revealed its eyes and red dimples. The electricity gave off a bright light that casted onto the trees around him.
Bzzzt
"Chu!" Jolt released more energy. From a distance, he could hear the footsteps approaching across the yard. He stopped and started dashing for the trees. Riza looked around for the light in between the bushes.
"Where did it go?" she asked. The ears on her head grew out as the noise of grass rustling came from up ahead. "Ah-ha! Found ya!" She ran after Jolt.
"Jolt," Rai explained. "You'll create a diversion to draw out any guards or watchmen outside. Once they're in the woods, try to shake them off so we can have the house unprotected. I'm thinking a little 'light show' might do the trick."
"Pika!" Jolt saluted. He turned over to the succubus
"Kurumu, that's where you come in," Rai confirmed.
"Let's hear it!" Kurumu cheered.
KURUMU
Love Ninja
Kurumu swooped down from the tree and flew over to the front door. She sneaked over in her black jumpsuit, high heels, and black beanie. Her wings retracted into her back as she tiptoed by the side window. Kurumu slipped off her black gloves and extended her right index fingernail. She traced a large circle over the glass leaving a round cutout visible. With both hands, she pulled out the tracing and sat it on the dirt. She leapt through the hole and flew straight at the chandelier hovering above the lobby. She surveyed the room and saw no one around.
"Listen, your job is gonna be tricky," Rai clarified. "I'll rendezvous with you in front of the mansion. While Jolt heads into the forest, go over and 'make your way' inside the mansion. But the thing is-I don't have a clue how to get you inside." Kurumu looked over his sketchy details. She snapped her fingers.
"I got it!" she smiled. "Just leave that to me!"
Kurumu jumped off the chandelier and landed by the front door. She unhinged the lock and slowly opened it just enough to sneak through. She waved Rai to come close. He had on a black hooded sweater hiding his baseball shirt and a black baseball cap. He tiptoed in the shadows as he quickly made his way to Kurumu's location. He kneeled behind her.
"Come on, the door's open!" Kurumu urged him to hurry.
"We still need to wait for Jolt," Rai reminded her.
Jolt ran through the shrubs blocking his path. It wasn't long until he came to a dead stop. He witnessed two burial hills lying in front of it. One had a small cross and the other had a grey plaque with inscriptions of the name that departed.
[Lobo Wildman]
Jolt stood by the two gravel pits with fright. Its ears dropped.
"Pika…" The bushes behind Jolt ruffled. There was no time to run. Jolt quickly glanced for an escape route. He dived down at the ground and tunneled into the earth. Riza popped out from the bushes.
"Damn it!" she cried. "Where did it go!?"
"Come on, the door's open!" Kurumu urged him to hurry.
"We still need to wait for Jolt," Rai reminded her. The ground below him caved and his balance shifted. Jolt came leaping out onto Rai's head. "Whoa!"
"You didn't say he could do that!" Kurumu spoke amazed.
"I didn't even know!" Rai grabbed onto Jolt. "Not bad, buddy. Looks like you learned how to dig!"
"Pika!" Jolt cheered. The three quickly entered the building. The lobby was free of any passersby.
"That's when everything comes together," Rai concluded. "With no one else watching the inside, that's where we separate and search the house."
"You mean the whole building!?" Kurumu cried.
"From top to bottom," Rai answered. "We only get one shot to search that place and find it. If we don't in time or we get caught, it's over."
"Pikapi…" Jolt sighed. Everyone remained quiet. This mission was an all or nothing risk; there was no room for failure.
"…Then we better get it right the first time," Kurumu declared. Jolt nodded his head. "I just hope you know what you're doing."
"I wouldn't be taking extreme measures if I didn't," Rai smiled.
Raimundo
Mexican
"Alright, guys," Rai stated. "…and Kurumu…spread out and look for it." Kurumu flapped her wings and took to the second floor.
"I'll take the upper half," Kurumu yelled.
"Remember, don't get caught!" Rai informed. He and Jolt split going in opposite directions. The two started searching on the ground level while Kurumu went peeking on the second. Rai checked each corner to avoid any contact with members of the household. He leaned against the wall as Hiro came running down the hallway. He didn't notice him.
Jolt slowly walked along the wall. He kept his senses sharp to avoid any unnecessary contact or cause any ruckus. That is…until Flandre started appearing in the hallway with Hime following behind. Jolt started panicking and running in circles. He saw a flower pot on a desk above him. He jumped over and concealed itself in the flowers. Flandre and Hime continued on their route for the front door, until Flandre turned to the pot.
"Fuga?" Flandre asked. Hime looked over and smiled.
"Yes, those are lovely flowers," she replied. "Come Flandre, we can't let my canine be out and about alone." They went on ahead. Jolt stuck his head out from the flowers and ran away.
Kurumu searched the hallways for any sign of secretive places or well-kept doors. It didn't take long to find a door at the end of the hallway. She opened it slowly and stuck her head inside.
The front door opened with Riza huffing in and out of her lungs.
"Damn…*huff*…I lost it…" she said. Hiro, Flandre, and Hime came into the scene looking at Riza.
"Did you find it?" Hiro asked.
"No, they got away without me noticing."
"My, such a useless beast," a voice spoke out from behind Riza. They all stared to the woman standing on a nearby tree branch. Her long black hair and red eyes gave her a dark aura that complimented the night. Her outfit was a blue sailor shirt and a long skirt. "It's no wonder the mysterious intruders have yet to be captured."
"Intruders?" Riza asked. "What do you mean? There was only one outside!"
"Actually," Hime butted in. "It would appear that it was a simple diversion to sneak into the mansion."
"Fuga," Flandre nodded.
"Well, it seems the princess has already caught on to their charade," The girl licked her lips. "It would be a waste to miss what might become of the trespassers." She jumped from the tree and levitated to the ground.
"What do think they want?" Hiro asked. Hime brushed her hair.
"It's what they were after earlier."
Rai and Jolt ran into each other in the kitchen.
"Did you find anything?" Rai asked.
"Pikachu," Jolt shook his head.
"Damn, nothing." Rai tapped his chin. "We better find Kurumu and check the next floor…"
"RAAAAARGHHH!" Riza shouted. She slashed her mighty claws at Rai. He moved to the right and tumbled to the floor.
"Argh!" Rai rose to his feet. His sleeve was ripped with light scratch marks on his left arm. "Guess we've been found out!"
"Pika!" Jolt stood in front of Rai. He readied his static at the woman.
"Ha!" she scoffed. "You think a little rat is gonna stop me?" Riza charged in at Jolt.
"Pika…CHU!" Jolt released a Thunderbolt at Riza. She quickly dodged and hid behind the kitchen counter. Hiro rushed into the room.
"I heard some noise," he said, "What's going on?"
BZZZZT!
"AAAAHHH!" Hiro was electrocuted by the Thunderbolt. He fell to the floor in a barbecued daze.
"Whoa!" Riza ducked for cover. "That rat runs on power?" Jolt and Rai hid on the other side of the counter next to the sink. They whispered back on a plan of action.
"We need get out of here!" Rai explained. "The others will be here any minute." Jolt nodded. "I'll handle the girl, you go find…"
"Pika!" Jolt disagreed. He pounded his chest.
"…Alright then." Rai rose from the ground and ran down the west hallway.
"Hey, get back here!" Riza shouted. Jolt jumped in her way. "Move it!" Jolt charged in.
Kurumu scaled the upper level until she could meet with Rai or Jolt.
"Where the hell are they?" Kurumu questioned. It wasn't until she came across a small maid standing at the end of the hall. "Isn't that Goth girl's servant?"
"Fuga," Flandre spoke.
"Whatever, I don't have time for this," Kurumu spread open her wings and flew over Flandre.
"Fuga Fuga," Flandre grabbed onto her tail. She pulled her until Kurumu wasn't moving in the air.
"How the crap are you doing that?!" Kurumu cried.
"Fuga!" Flandre started pulling in Kurumu. She tugged back on her tail and began dragging Flandre with her.
"Let go already!" Kurumu flapped as hard as she could. She dragged Flandre across the tile until she crashed her way through the window. Flandre fell over the sill and landed in the backyard. Kurumu swooped over to the rooftop. "Man, that girl is heavy." She wiped away the sweat.
"How interesting," Reiri whispered to Kurumu from her back.
Rai ran down the hallway until he came across the flight of stairs to the second floor. He rushed and made a sharp right turn. As he ran, he came to a double wide glass door. He opened and passed onto the balcony of the mansion.
"Nice view," Rai said amazed.
"Yes, it is wonderful, isn't it?" Hime stepped in the light of the doorway. "Invading on public property, attacking my servants, and caught pilfering…"
"Those are all good points," Rai chuckled. "I don't suppose you're sort of pissed about us crashing in on your home, right?" Hime put her hands behind her back and pulled out a large red chainsaw. She tugged on the string and revved up the engine.
VRRRRRRRMMMM!
"Oralé," Rai turned to gaze over the balcony. It looked like a two story drop to the ground below. Hime started stepping closer. "I can say for sure you ain't a Disney Princess." Rai stepped onto the awning. Hime lunged in with her chainsaw and chipped away at the wood finish.
"Still running from a fight, I see," Hime grinned.
"It beats losing my favorite body parts!" Rai ran along the side of the wall. He latched scythe onto the roof and started pulling his weight up. Hime sliced at Rai's legs, but nipped his shoelaces. The teeth reeled in his laces until the chainsaw shredded them in flaky and fabricated strips. "Not to mention my clothes!" Rai hoisted himself up.
Kurumu and Reiri both casted serious glances at one another. Reiri revealed her fangs as Kurumu drew out her claws.
"I should have known a vampire was stalking us," Kurumu deduced.
"So it seems you're an actual succubus," Reiri commented. "What might such a radiant and voluptuous girl be doing here of all places, especially with a young man and his pet?" Kurumu stepped back. She tried to cover the front pocket of her jeans. This caught Reiri's attention. "You wouldn't happen to have something of interest, now? Perhaps that is why you three planned out this little escapade of infiltrating the mansion in the first place. Could it be what Issa Shuzen had entrusted to the Von Phoenix family?"
"Yeah, so what is it to you?" Kurumu drew up her defense.
"Nothing, really; just a little curious. Although I did love his parties," she smiled. She transformed into a swarm of bats and disappeared into the night. Kurumu couldn't shift her attention away from the dark sky.
"Kurumu!" Rai rushed across the roof to Kurumu's position. "There you are. Did you find it?"
"Huh, oh yeah," Kurumu shook off her distraction. "Here." Kurumu pulled out the green jewel from her pocket. It was a round orb small enough to place into the palm of Rai's hand. He inspected the sphere close enough to see through it. He nodded and placed it in his tool belt.
"Come on," Rai began walking near the edge of the roof. "We gotta find Jolt."
"Where is he?" Kurumu asked.
"Hold it!" Riza shouted. Rai and Kurumu froze in place. From the other side of the rooftop, Riza stood under the light of the crescent moon. "My name is Riza; Riza Wildman." She crossed her arms. "I am the proud daughter of Volg Wildman! It's time I took you, one-on-one!" Rai drew out his scythe.
"I should have known it would come down to this." Suddenly, her arms shifted into large wolf arms with black claws and white fur. "Wait, you're a werewolf?"
"How do you know about our kind?" Riza asked.
"When you've been around like I have, you tend to run into some strange things." Rai held his scythe with two hands. "Soul-"
"It seems we have reached a standstill," Hime spoke out. Everyone turned to Hime who stood in the open area between the two. "I believe you have something of mine." She pointed to Rai. Standing beside her was the small maid as she held Jolt in her hands. His ears drooped.
"Jolt!" Rai yelled.
"Pikapi," Jolt apologized.
"Hey, don't just but in on our match!" Riza shouted. "And why are you taking it hostage?"
"It seemed obvious that this small pet was very versatile if he managed to escape you. Knowing this man, he trained him well in handling any sort of situation. He wouldn't be willing to part with his fellow comrade." Rai gritted his teeth. "Hand it over, and I will release your rabbit." Jolt popped out an animated vein.
"I don't know," Rai looked cautious. "I'd be glad to agree if you dropped the chainsaw." He looked at the chainsaw in her hands.
"…Very well," Hime released it. "I am merciful." Rai pulled the orb from his pocket. He gripped it tight.
"Rai…" Kurumu whispered.
"It's alright," Rai whispered. "I'm not done yet." Rai started walking toward the center where Hime stood. Flandre agreed to exchange one for the other. She held up Jolt while Rai reached out with the orb in his hand. Rai used his left arm to try and wrap Jolt while giving Flandre the sphere.
"Hime!" Hiro yelled out. Everyone turned to see a burnt Hiro trying to pull himself up on the roof.
"Hiro," Hime called out. "You know better than to be late." Rai took his chance.
"NOW!" Jolt jumped out from Rai's arms and tackled Flandre. He grabbed the orb and placed it in his mouth. "Let's go!" Jolt and Rai started running after Kurumu. Her wings spread open as she flew in at the two.
"Grab on!" Kurumu lowered her hands and latched onto Rai's. Jolt grabbed onto his leg.
"Don't you run away!" Riza jumped onto Rai's leg and grabbed a hold. Followed by Hiro.
"Riza, wait!" Next was Flandre.
"Fuga!" The chain of people holding on was too much for Kurumu to handle.
"You're all…too…heavy!" Kurumu cried.
"This is a private flight!" Rai yelled. It wasn't long before Kurumu's wings gave way and collapsed. The entire group started falling back down on top of the mansion. Flandre crashed through the ceiling until she landed in an underground bunker. In a bed nearby was Sawawa who had fallen asleep a while ago.
"Mm," Sawawa rustled. "Not so loud, Flandre."
Hiro and Riza had fallen near Hime and caused a large crash in the rooftop. The force toppled Hime and rolled her to the edge. Rai and Jolt tumbled on top of the two. Jolt remained squished in between Hiro's body and Riza's chest while Rai rolled until he pulled out his hammer. He latched the back end to the brink just a few feet away from Hime.
"Mmmpk," Jolt muffled with the jewel in his mouth.
Slam!
Kurumu was the last to drop on Jolt. The pressure made it lose his air and spit out the orb. The Jewel rolled down the tent shape roof until it was just near the verge of dropping to the bottom. From equal distances, Rai can either reach out and grab Hime or move down and grab the sphere. Rai started swinging towards the jewel. "Just a little more."
Snap!
The tile Hiro held started to come loose. She switched tiles, but they were breaking too quickly. Rai looked over to Hime. "Fuck!" He looked back at the jewel. It was practically ready to fall. "Do I really have to choose of all times?"
Crack!
The tile broke off. The jewel was rolling over the edge.
*Grab!*
Rai held on with his right hand on the handle while his left hand gripped tightly. Rai closed his eyes hoping to not hear the final result.
Shatter!
The jewel dispersed into hundreds of glass pieces. Hime watched as Rai held on to her right arm.
"You gave up your only means of saving this world for one life?" Hime asked.
"Letting one person die is one too may for me to consider," Rai smiled as he tried to regain his grip. Kurumu, Riza, Jolt, and Hiro all hoisted him over the edge and brought along Hime. They sat together and tried to catch their breath.
"Man, we were so close," Kurumu whined.
"Nah, don't worry about it," Rai assured. "It wasn't worth it."
"Huh?" Kurumu was confused.
Morning
"A fake!" Kurumu cried. "After everything we went through, it was a fake!?"
"Pika!?" Jolt was just as surprised. The seven of them were on the balcony resting in the warm sun. Riza was doing sit ups on the ground, Hiro was sitting near Hime by the table, Flandre held her tray with more tea, and Rai was sitting on a lounge chair as Kurumu and Jolt were giving off their frustration.
"Pretty much, yeah," Rai confirmed. "As soon as I held that jewel, I already knew it wasn't the one. I couldn't feel anything from it."
"So where the hell is it!?" Kurumu screamed.
"If I have to guess, the princess has it with her," Rai looked over to Hime. She grinned.
"Quite the clever man you are," Hime complimented. She pulled on her collar and tugged on a small string wrapped around her neck. Hidden within her dress was a green sphere encased in small ivory branches that created a loop for the string to go around and rest upon her neck. Everyone noticed the sphere gave off an eerie glow with a luminescent light the closer Rai came to looking at it. "The one you encountered was merely a copy to prevent unwanted foes from stealing it in the first place."
"Man, we had such an awesome plan," Kurumu pouted.
"Then why did you go for the trouble of getting it back if it wasn't the real one?" Riza asked.
"Chu," Jolt nodded.
"I wanted to see how a Celestial Reaper would handle himself in a situation such as this," Hime concurred. "However, it seemed as though I have underestimated you, Reaper. If you were to serve me, I might reconsider and hand over this soul without any fear of falling into the wrong hands." Rai looked back at her with a serious look. The group stared at Rai's final decision.
"Hmm, as much as I hate the idea of being someone's errand boy, it doesn't look like I have many options," Rai scratched his head.
"Exactly," Hime sipped her tea. "You will be very helpful in providing service to my growing army."
"Whatever," Rai replied. He looked over at Kurumu and Jolt in humiliation. "Don't worry, I'm the one doing the work. You guys don't have to get involved." Kurumu tapped her foot on the ground.
"Don't try to weasel yourself out of this," Kurumu stated. "You said we're a team, right?"
"Pikachu!" Jolt agreed. Rai looked at his friends in admiration and smiled.
"Hello!" Sawawa joined in with everyone. "How is everybody doing today?"
"Sawawa," Hime introduced the three. "These will be your coworkers starting today."
"Oh my!" Sawawa smiled with joy. "How wonderful! I should prepare some outfits for you!" Sawawa ran inside to grab their new uniforms.
"…Did she just say outfits?" Rai asked. It didn't take long for her to come back with another maid outfit much like Sawawa's, a butler's uniform, and a black vest with a red tie. The three stood sweating at the demeaning outfits.
"Well then," Hime waved them toward their uniforms. "Go try them on."
"Wait, are you serious?" Kurumu asked. "I'm not putting something like that on!"
"What happened to being a team?" Rai asked disappointed. Kurumu was hit with a sting. Jolt looked at the outfit and smelled it. He stuck his tongue out. When the three turned to Hime, she had a dark and cold stare about her.
"Are you implying that you're going back on your word," she said coldly. Rai grabbed the outfits and passed them to the others.
"I'll take the bathroom downstairs, you take the one upstairs," Rai stated. Kurumu an Jolt agreed.
"It won't be long until your chance to redeem our actions will be provided," the masked man said. He began walking away from Cyrus.
"How," Cyrus spoke. "How does it appear that you know so much about this power and yet continue to use it on others than your own selfish notions?" The masked man stopped in his tracks.
"This is for a good cause," the masked man replied. "Much like you, I too desire to reformat this dimension into a perfect environment free of torment, hatred, and uninvited glitches."
"So it would appear," Cyrus lay down on his bed and drifted into a deep slumber. The masked man left Cyrus in his cell and returned to his main room where his throne rested. He leaned back and reposed in an upright position.
"Unlike your activities," the man whispered. "I will not fail." He reached into his packets and pulled out a small trinket in his burly palm. It was a small stuffed doll to look like a girl. It had black yarn for hair and a pink shirt and blue shorts. He gripped it tight making sure not to let it go. "I shall atone for my mistakes. I will not fail in succeeding in my crusade. That is the obligation of a Celestial Reaper."
-To Be Continued-
Flandre: Fuga, Fuga.
Alright shorty, when riding a bike be sure to always wear the right safety equipment: Helmets, padding, pillows, bubble wrap…
Hime: What exactly are you doing?
I'm giving Flandre lessons on riding a bike. Once she's read, she can start riding on Riza's motorcycle.
Hime: She already knows how to drive. Why would she need to know how to use a bike?
Come on, a motorcycle sounds much better. Right, Flandre?
Flandre: Fuga!
Next Time: Princess Dead Sprint
Characters and material used in this story belong to their respective owners. Be sure to leave a comment and a review on your opinions!
Hime: Have you even ridden a motorcycle before?
Does a moped count?
Flandre: Fuga Fuga.