Ch. 37 Trouble٭Quest ~The Unconventional Heroes~
The kitchen smelled like cooked meat mixed with fried eggs. The chef scrambled the delicious combination using the spatula. He reached for the pepper next to the bag of tortillas.
"Jolt," Rai asked. "Can you grab a plate? It's almost ready."
"Pika!" Jolt saluted. He leapt from the floor to the table and grabbed the glass plate resting on the table cloth. He made his way back to Rai and handed him the plate.
"Thanks..." He eyed the plate. "...I hope you washed your hands." Jolt looked at his tiny fingers. When Rai wasn't looking, he took his pants and rubbed thoroughly. In the living room, Kurumu and Lala were watching a live show. On the screen was a young girl with short, black hair and a witch hat. A smiling sun was buttoned on the side of her head. Her outfit consisted of a frilly, white blouse and red cape tied into a bow around her neck. She wore small gloves that waved to the audience.
["My name is Kyouko Kirisaki," the girl introduced herself. "I'm a High School second-year student with witch blood! I'm a Magical Girl who is always fighting troublesome wizards around the world!"]
"Look!" Lala cheered. "It's Kyouko-chan!" Kurumu wasn't too impressed.
"She looks kinda like Yukari," she noticed. "…Except she isn't a complete washboard." A man with the face of a handheld console wearing formal attire showed up next. He also wore a cape, but carried a scepter in his hand. Around his neck was a chain with large G medallion.
["Wahaha!" The villain laughed. "I am Earl Gamu of the Wizards!" He pointed his staff to the girl. "Magical Girl Kyouko, today is the end for you!" His video screen face changed into a suave, demon prince with long hair and black horns on the side of his head. DEMON KING. "This person is the final boss you've been anticipating for the game: Handsome*Quest!" Kyouko was attacked by a blue, charring energy blaze.]
["AAAAHHH!" Kyouko cried. She fell to the ground exposing her pink garment underneath her skirt. A small, white cat ran up to the girl. On the right ear, it wore a small red bow.]
"Haaaa~~~" Lala stared with anticipation for the next scene.
["Are you alright, Kyouko-chan!? Nyaaa~" the cat asked.]
["Y…yes, Shirone," Kyouko replied. You shattered the RPG's final boss! Kyouko's body surged with red energy to combat against the enemy. "Unforgivable wizard! I'll burn you to your bones! Magical CHANGE!"]
[Pshew!]
The TV screen shot off. "Eh!?" Rai held the remote in one hand and a burrito in the other.
"Alright, time for school," He announced. He pointed to the clock on the wall.
[7:30]
"Yeah, I know," Kurumu rose from her seat and grabbed her bag off the floor.
"But it was just getting to the good part!" Lala whined. Rito and Mikan entered from the hallway with their bags. Rito had on his school uniform, while Mikan had her white, short sleeve jacket over her long, shirt and shorts. Her sneakers covered her ankles with long socks running up to her knees.
"Lala," Rito spoke. "If we don't hurry up, we'll be late." Lala dragged her feet to the door and started fitting her shoes. Rai's scythe and tool belt were nestled in the umbrella rack.
"Are you gonna be alright on your own?" Mikan asked.
"Sure," Rai guaranteed. "I have today off, so I'm just gonna rest."
"Pikachu!" Jolt patted his chest saying he'll watch over the house. Lala was now ready.
"Ah~" Lala sighed. "I want to watch the rest of it~."
"There'll be reruns later," Rito explained. "Don't worry."
"See ya later." Kurumu and the others waved goodbye to Rai and Jolt. As they left the house, Rai went back into the living room. He continued to enjoy his eggs and chorizo, savoring each juicy bite from the warm wrap. Once consumed, he had his complete fill.
"Now that hit the spot." Rai rubbed his stomach. Jolt jumped on the couch and clicked the remote. He returned just in time for the ending of Magical Girl Kyouko. "...You're really gonna sit around and watch TV?" Jolt laid back in his seat and scratched his small chest. This only annoyed Rai. "I need to whip you back into shape." Rai walked over to the door and put back on his belt. "Maybe some training might get him going again."
Fwoop!
A pink envelope flew underneath the door. It fluttered at Rai's feet. "Hmm...?" Rai picked up the small paper and stared at it. "…Weird way to send the bills." He turned around to see Jolt watching his show. "We are living here, so I should at least cover some rent." Rai lifted the corner flap and ripped it straight from the top. He pulled out a greeting card and saw the laced designs around the corners. Rai tossed the ripped envelope aside and read the words on the cover.
INVITATION: PLEASEOPEN THIS
"An invite…?" Rai opened the card.
FLAAAAAAASHH!
A bright, pink light began engulfing his entire being. "THE HELL—!?"
*Warp*
"Pi?" Jolt's ears twitched. He jumped off the coach and ran to the front door. He looked over and saw no one. "Pika?" He turned his head and saw Rai's scythe still settled on the rack. His tool belt, however, was missing. "…Pikapi." He shrugged it off and went back to his show. The envelope descended onto the wooden flooring.
[Raimundo Ortega has been granted entry!]
Rai opened his eyes. The sunlight peeked into his vision before he could glimpse at the landscape.
"…Whoa…" Rai awed the scenery before him. For miles, there was nothing but grassy fields, rocky hills, and a wide-open sky above him. The breeze rustled the tall grass as the soothing air past his face. "What…the…fuck…?"
*Warp*
"KYAAAA!" A scream roared over Rai. He looked up.
"Huh?"
SLAM!
Rai fell on his back while a large amount of weight forced down on his chest. When he looked, it was a girl with long black hair and a school uniform. She looked at Rai in shock.
"W-What?!" Yui cried. She quickly scurried away and pulled her skirt down from the front to protect herself. "What were you doing under me!?"
"What were you doing on top of me?" Rai replied. After Yui finally calmed down, she realized the situation they were in.
"Where are we?"
"No idea. I checked the mail this morning and ended up here."
"Eh? Mail?" Yui lifted her card from her pocket. "You mean this?"
"Yeah, just like that one." Rai held his and showed her. They were identical in size and style.
"I found it inside my school bag." Yui opened the card. "There's stuff written in it."
"Really." Rai read the card out loud. "Let's see…This is a physical RPG experience…blah, blah, blah...when you clear the game, you'll return to the world you came from…"
"An RPG?"
[An enemy has appeared!]
"There's text appearing in the sky!" Yui noticed the words above them. From behind a rock came a small creature with sharp fangs and a body of an accordion.
Chomp-Chomp!
It hopped towards the two for a bite.
*Step*
Rai stopped the creature with his foot.
"…This is it?" he asked.
Punt!
With one kick, he sent it flying backward.
"Blagh!" the creature cried.
*Poof*
It vanished in a cloud of pink smoke.
[The enemy was defeated!]
*Clatter* *Clatter*
Gold coins scattered where the monster vanished.
"It…It turned to coins." Yui stepped behind Rai. He walked over and picked up the money. "What kind of monster was it?" Rai examined the coins.
[Rai collected 150 Gold!]
"From the money earned, I'd say it was probably a weak monster." Yui stared at Rai curiously.
"…You like you know a lot about this RPG."
"You can say I've played a lot of games as a kid, so I know what to expect." He looked back over the landscape. "From my standpoint, kinda looks like a crossover between Final Fantasy and an adventure game."
"Final Fantasy?" Rai decided to change the subject.
"So, you got a name?"
"Yui, Yui Kotegawa. You're the man who showed up with Kurumu, right?"
"Yeah, I'm Raimundo Ortega."
"Ortega-san?"
"No, it's Ortega."
"That's what I said, Ortega-san."
"Ortega."
"Ortega-san"
"Ortega."
"Ortega-san."
"Or-te-ga…"
"Or-te-ga-san…"
"Just call me Rai!" Yui looked past Rai at a small tower in the distance.
"Over there…" She pointed past the patchy forest. "There's a town!"
"Seriously?" Rai also saw the small town over the hill.
…
"Hey!" a pungent peasant stood with a rake and bucket. He greeted the two travelers on their quest. "Welcome to the town of Storta!"
"Storta...?" Yui asked. "Wait, isn't this Japan?"
"Hey!" The peasant repeated. "Welcome to the town of Storta!"
"No...That's not what I'm asking."
"Hey!" The peasant repeated. "Welcome to the town of Storta!"
"Wha...What is up with this person?!" Yui lashed out. "He's got some kind of problem!"
"Easy there," Rai tried to clarify. "He's just a computer character. They're supposed to give small speeches in the game. That's how they're programmed."
"A game...do you think Lala is behind this?"
"Lala..." Rai rationalized the possibility. "Rito said Lala was a pretty good inventor, but I didn't know this was what he meant."
"Well, there's no other person capable of doing this."
"WOOOOOAAAAAHHHH!" A voice yelled out. Rai and Yui turned to see a wild boar charging at them. But, there was a loose rider trying to hang on for dear life.
"Y-Yuuki-kun!?" Yui noticed. Rai knew they were heading their way.
"Look out!" Rai ordered. He quickly shoved Yui across the road. He then pulled out his hammer and swung straight into the pig's face.
Whack!
Rito tumbled off the beast and landed a few feet away. The beast ended up crashing to the ground and bursting into smoke. "Everyone alright?"
"I think so..." Yui stated.
"Yeah..." Rito answered in exhaustion.
"Raimundo-san?" said Mikan. She and Haruna arrived on the scene. "You guys are here too?"
"Mikan?" Rai replied. "Didn't expect to see you here." He turned to the girl standing next to her. "And you're...?"
"Oh," Haruna answered. "I'm Sairenji Haruna." Rito rose up from the ground.
"Kotegawa-san?" He recognized her. "What are you doing here?"
"I was about to ask the same thing," Yui responded.
"We were attacked by a wild animal and Rito tried to protect us," Mikan described.
"That explains your entrance," Rai added.
"Do you know Yuuki-kun?" Haruna asked.
"I'm staying at his place with Kurumu and Jolt."
"Anyway," Rito interrupted. "We need to find Lala and get out of here."
"Is it really Lala-san's work?" Haruna examined. "If it's really Lala-san and she set it up for us to return only after we clear the game...isn't it strange then? If it's just another one of her inventions, I can understand, but..."
"You're saying someone else put us here...?" Rai questioned. The kids all stared amongst each other as they were unsure of the culprit.
"So, what do we do now?" Mikan asked.
"Since this is an RPG, I guess we'll have to complete the quest," Rito suggested. "After that, we can return to our world. By the way…" Rito turned to the girls. "Do the two of you usually play video games?"
"I don't have any games at home," Haruna politely assured.
"I used to play with my older brother when I was small," Yui declared. "But not RPGs…"
"You got an older brother?" Rai asked.
"You got a problem with that!?"
"Nah, I have an older brother too. I can relate."
"It seems like everyone here has a sibling," Haruna realized. "I have an older sister."
"I guess that means only Rito and I have experience with RPGs," Mikan assumed.
"Although I don't know if it'll make any difference…" Rito scratched his cheek. Yui turned to Rai.
"Rai actually knows a lot about these kinds of game," she spoke. They all looked to him.
"You do?" Mikan asked.
"Well," Rai listed. "If you count rescuing a princess, saving a kingdom, or fighting giant monsters." Unless you count the ones in real life. The group nodded in agreement.
"Alright, so where do we go from here?" A peasant woman was sweeping in the background. She noticed the tool belt Rai had around his waist.
"Usually, if you don't know where to start, you talk to people until they give you a hint on your mission."
"What kind of game does that?" Yui asked.
"Excuse me," the kind woman interrupted their conversation. "Are you adventurers? You can't defeat the monsters on your quests without class-specific abilities. Go to the guild at the village entrance to designate your character class."
"The guild?" Rito asked.
"Cool," Rai complimented her. "Thanks for the tip." The group followed Rai until they arrived at the front wooden door of the guild. The old sign hanging on the corner read Employment Agency.
"This is it?" Rito asked.
"Huh," Rai scratched his head. "Looks smaller compared to the last one I've seen."
"Guess there's nowhere else to go," Mikan replied.
"Why didn't the other villagers tell us about this earlier…" Yui moaned. "What's their problem?" Mikan sweat dropped.
"Err…RPGs are like that. You need to trigger something before someone else tells you what to do."
"Well, shall we?" Rai pushed against the large door.
"WELCOME TO THE GUILD!" A crowd of girls cheered. Each of them had on the same leotard with cuffs on their wrists and bunny ears on top of their head. They had short, frizzy hair and red lipstick, but the only thing separating them was the color patterns from their clothes and hair. A girl in the red leotard stepped forward.
"You can designate your character class here !" she informed.
"Wha…all of them look the same!" Yui cried.
"They actually reused the same character design…" Rito noticed. The woman continued the explanation.
"You get to use special abilities, like magic, after your character class has been selected." She grabbed Mikan's arm. "Would you like to select your class, cutie~?"
"Sure," Rai answered. "Where do we sign up?"
"Okay!" the girl pointed to the blue bunny girl by a large lever. "Let 'er rip!"
"Switch on!" The lever came straight down. Underneath their feet was a six-pointed star with a ring touching each tip. A blast of blue light completely surrounded the group and flailed about the guild.
FLASH!
Once the light vanished, everyone had their clothes and uniforms swapped out with more heroic outfits. Mikan had a white cape and small top. Her shorts were now white and her shoes became white travel boots. She now wore white gloves while carrying a small, purple book. Haruna had her hair loose with a yellow clip on the side of her head. Her only clothes were a red shroud around her neck and a sturdy combat corset around her chest. Her red skirt had a sword latched around the back. Her long, purple boots reached to her thighs to complete the outfit. As for Yui, she looked like the next Mortal Kombat fighter in her orange, martial arts outfit with black gloves reaching to her triceps. Her sleeveless shroud covered her front, but exposed her thighs. Her hair was now tied back with a flower bud and with a small daisy on her collar.
[Mikan: Mage Lv. 1]
[Haruna: Knight Lv. 1]
[Yui: Martial Artist Lv. 1]
"Huh?" Haruna asked. "I'm a knight?" Rito and Rai were surprised at their new allies.
"Wh-What's this!?" Yui argued. "What's with these revealing clothes!"
"This doesn't seem that bad…" Mikan concurred.
"…" Rito remained quiet and red in the face.
"Not bad," Rai nodded. "We got ourselves a balanced team."
"Really?" Haruna asked.
"Yeah, we got a spell caster for magic," he pointed to Mikan. "There's a physical fighter for speed and endurance," he pointed to Yui. "You're a knight for combat, and…"
"What are you!?" Yui asked. Rai looked at his character. His shoes were now boots ending in a tip at the toes. His pants now changed to jeans with black lining serving as chaps. His shirt was replaced with a gray poncho and brown cowboy with the same design as Clint Eastwood. His tool belt remained intact, but his pockets were bulky and filled with an unusual shape. Rai checked and pulled out two steel revolvers.
"Whoa!"
[Rai: Gunner Lv. 1]
"You're a gunner!?" Haruna panicked.
"Watch where you're pointing those!?" Yui cried.
"Alright, alright," Rai agreed. "I guess I'm the long range attacker. A little over-comprehensive, but I'm okay with that." He placed the revolvers to his sides. "So, is that everyone?"
"Uh…" Rito interrupted. "What exactly am I?" For Rito, he wore a white apron over a green, long sleeve shirt and baggy brown pants. His shoes were thick like rain boots and a watering can dangled from his belt.
[Rito: Florist Lv. 1]
"A Florist!?"
"The selection is automatic," The red bunny girl explained. "You can't choose your character class on your own~." With everyone assigned to their roles, they started exiting out the front door. "Okay, you're all ready to go! Please go to the Southern Continent and defeat the Demon King!"
What's a florist supposed to do? Rito sighed.
[Southern Continent]
In a deserted wasteland on the opposite side of the land, no living creature was seen for miles. Grass had died out, trees hadn't grown, and dirt was all around. On a giant hill stood a massive castle with its stone walls and point-tip towers. A large door remained inaccessible as long as the drawbridge remained lifted. Within these castle corridors was a small bath chamber where three residing guests were having their conversation. Two looked completely identical with their large robes covering their body and large hats that only revealed their eyes. Resting in the hot bath water was a girl with short black hair and red eyes.
"Kyouko-sama," the first wizard spoke. "Is the water warm enough?" Kyouko rose from her bath and stretched her relaxed body.
"Yep—," Kyouko replied. "It's just right~." She slowly began exiting the water. "Don't you think it's weird for a game character to take a bath?"
"Of course not. Kyouko-sama is the most important character in the game."
"It's just that it's so boring being the Demon Lord. There's nothing to do besides wait for the hero to come." She covered herself in a fuzzy towel to wrap over her chest. "...What about the princess?"
"She's still sleeping." Kyouko left the bath chamber and entered the bedroom. In the center of the room was a luxurious bed with silk sheets and a large pillow. It resembled a classic style with wooden poles extending upward so the drapes may hide the person sleeping. However, the bed was already occupied by Princess Lala. Her princess gown was fully detailed with long gloves and a silver tiara on her head. Her eyes remained closed from her trapped slumber. In a flash of fire, Kyouko returned to her magical witch outfit.
"Keke..." Kyouko giggled. "You'll just have to sleep forever." She switched her attention to the crystal ball resting on a small table. It revealed the image of Rito along with the others traveling. "I reeeeally~ want to know if Yuuki Rito will come and save you." The skirt underneath the bed ruffled. "For all you know, he might become mine...kekeke..."
La...Peke trembled. Lala-sama!
"The next town should be across the forest," Rai advised. The group continued walking down the path.
"How do you know?" Yui asked. Rai pulled out a sheet of wrinkled, brown paper with a round circle and green grid within the perimeter. There were small arrows pointing in the direction they were walking.
"Games with large maps come with a navigator so players don't get lost in objectives."
"Speaking of which," Mikan inserted. "Don't you think it's strange that we suddenly have to defeat some Demon King...Don't tell me Lala's the Demon King!?"
"I doubt a girl like Lala can pull off an overlord of darkness."
"Then what do we do if it's her?" Haruna asked. While the three were talking with each other, Yui felt uncomfortable having her side exposed. If Rai or Rito were to notice her for that matter...!
"Yuuki!" Yui spoke.
"What?" Rito replied.
"Stay in front of me."
"Uh...okay..."
"Make sure you don't look this way."
"Hmm?" Rai turned to her. "Everything alright, Yui?" She simply turned her head away. Rai shrugged it off and focused on the map. I wonder if she's still mad about earlier...
*Slurp!*
Yui felt a tingling sensation run behind her leg. A long, sticky tongue looked to be crawling underneath her skirt.
"KYAAAAAAAAAAA!" Yui shrieked. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING~YOU PERVERT!?"
"WHA…" Rito cried. "WHAT DID I DO!?"
[The enemy has appeared!]
Everyone quickly turned to the monsters that showed up from the back. They were giant, white ogres with long, drooling tongues, pointy ears, and one huge eye underneath their single horn.
"Guys, heads up!" Rai warned them. One ogre made a jump for Yui. He grabbed onto her shoulder with his large palm. Yui, feeling threatened, fought back with a rising kick.
[Yui: Attack = Ogre (A)]
Slam!
"Graaghh!" The monster shrilled. It tumbled backward and vanished into binary coding.
[Ogre (A) was defeated!]
"…Eh?" Yui was stunned by her strength.
"Wow!" Rito cheered. "As expected of a martial artist!" With the surge of the battle, Rito went to prove himself. "Now…here I go!"
[Rito: Skill—Watering Can = Ogre (B)]
Drip-Drip…
Rito sprinkled water on the monster's feet.
"…UWAAAAAAAAA!" The beast yelled.
"It…It had no effect!" Rito cried.
"No shit," Rai sighed. "You washed its toes." Haruna rushed in to save him.
"Yuuki-kun!" Haruna yelled. She drew her sword and ran at the monster.
[Haruna: Skill—Blade Rush = Ogre (B)]
*Slice!*
In one swing, the ogre split in two from the waist down and vaporized into binary code.
[Ogre (B) was defeated!]
"Sairenji!" Rito cheered. Waaah! That style is from…tennis?
"It…It worked?" Haruna asked.
"Not bad, Hana," Rai clapped.
"Eh…Hana?" Haruna looked confused.
"You know, short for Haruna. That's cool with you?"
"I guess so…" Haruna smiled shyly.
"Okay then." Rai looked to the ogre standing in front of the group. "Let's finish the last one."
"Mikan, use your magic to defeat it!" Rito advised.
"Oh!" Mikan quickly looked through her book for a spell to find. "Let's see…" She scanned through the pages. "What spell can I use at my level…" The monster was approaching. "Let's just use this!" She raised her hand and called out her spell. "PUPURIN!"
[Mikan: Skill—Pupurin = Yui]
"What kind of spell will it be?" Rito asked. Suddenly, Yui's top slipped open.
Boing~!
Rito's face shot red. The monster watched with interest at Yui's opening.
[Ogre (C) is paralyzed! It cannot move!]
"Hey, it worked!" Rai realized from the text.
"Wha…" Mikan stood frozen.
"DIRTY!" Yui cried.
[Yui: Skill—Shameless Punch = Ogre (C)/Rito]
*PUNCH!*
Yui sent Rito and the beast hurtling a yard away. Mikan quickly tried to comfort Yui as she huddled herself away from the others.
"I…I'm sorry, Kotegawa…" Mikan apologized. "I didn't know it was that sort of spell…"
"He…" Yui whispered. "…He saw them…" Rai went off to fetch Rito. He landed in an open field with trees circling them within the area
"Uh, you okay?" Rai asked. Rito still remained unconscious.
I'm going to die at this rate…He thought. Even before I complete the quest. Just where did Lala go?
*Rustle-Rustle*
Rai heard noises coming from the bushes.
"Rito," Rai whispered to him. "...You hear that?"
"Huh?" Rito came to. "Hear what?" Rai slowly drew out the right revolver.
Click-Click!
He pointed the barrel at the trees.
"...Aim at the target...ready for the recoil..." Rai placed his left hand under the butt of the gun. His finger slowly inched on the trigger.
"BLAAAAARRRRGGG!" A green zombie popped out from the bushes. Its physique was so thin that the ribs could be seen through its skin. It's eyes were yellow and empty as a mindless creature. Its only garment was a brown shrubbery of hay around its waist and a single boot on its foot.
POW! POW!
Rai fired his shots at the creature. It fell to the ground and disappeared into binary codes. "Got it!" From the bushes came a large horde of undead goblins.
[The enemy has appeared!]
"W-What are they?!" Rito cried.
"A real problem." As they all emerged forward, slimy drool began dropping out of their mouths. The saliva splat to the grass and burned it into small dirt piles. "Acid...Great..." The first came rushing at the heroes. Rai shoved Rito away as they separated from the enemy. "Rito, don't let it touch you!" With his revolver, Rai planted it inside the goblin's mouth.
POW!
Rito quickly stood his ground and faced off against two enemies closing in on him. He felt a wooden stick lying next to an old oak tree and held it out. He swatted any that came close.
"Get back!" He yelled. Rito smacked the first zombie away. The second time was when the next one clamped the stick with his mouth. Rito fought back to retrieve his stick. Seeing him struggle, Rai quickly pulled out his hammer and launched it straight at the undead crowd.
WHISH!
The hammer blazed through their skulls and dug straight into the oak tree. The arch just barely missed Rito's neck. The crowd was vanquished, but more still continued to approach.
"Damn it!" yelled Rai. "How many more are there?" The zombies closed in on the duo. Back to back, they readied for their final showdown.
SWISH!
A group of five zombies went to pieces.
"Huh?" Rito paused. "They disappeared? "
"Something killed them before we did," Rai assumed. "But what…?"
[A mid-level boss has appeared!]
"A boss!?"
"Like these things weren't bad enough." Rai held his weapons ready. Rito held his chewed stick tightly. With his senses on high alert, Rai kept an ear open for any sign of the enemy.
SWISH!
A gust of wind came from the right. They quickly turned right. Nothing...
SWISH!
A rustle came from the nearby bushes. Rai knew the boss was hiding. He tapped Rito and pointed him to the bushes. He raised three fingers. Rito nodded. Rai raised two fingers. He raised one finger.
"Now!" Rai shouted. The two ran at the bush. From the leaves came a purple blur that flew over them. With its tail, it snatched Rito by the neck and tossed him by the oak tree. Rai quickly felt the tackle as it rimmed back to him. It's razor nails came down on his face.
SLASH!
It grazed the grass by Rai's neck. He quickly dropped the gun and reached for his screwdriver. He pulled around and aimed for its neck. The creature stopped his thrust. With the other arm, it brought down the final blow.
Tap-Tap!
"Ow!" Rai felt the hammer's head tapping at his skull.
"You drop this?" The winged creature asked. After getting a good look, Rai now observed the enemy they were fighting.
"...Kurumu?" Sure enough, she was in the game as well. The only problem was that she was playing the role as a monster enemy. Her outfit was fit for a demon: a purple bra with a latex thong. Her wings and tail were still the same, but now she had two horns coming out the side of her head. "You're a boss?"
"Like hell I am. I ended up here with these weird ass monsters, and now they won't leave me alone."
"Blegh!" a small soldier goblin squeaked. It grabbed on to Kurumu's leg and started moving up and down.
"I can see why..." Rai perceived. Kurumu had a vain popping over her head. She summoned her claws.
"Will you cut it out!" She screamed.
Slice!
The small soldier split to pieces and vanished.
[The enemy was defeated!]
"What's with the floating words?"
"We're in a video game," Rai explained.
"...A video game?"
"You know: controllers, objectives, level ups..."
"You mean those things nerds play?"
"Hey!"
"Rito!" Mika cried. "Rai-san!" The rest of the crew arrived on the scene with their uniforms tattered and almost out of breathe. "Are you alright?"
"Mikan!" Rito waved to them. "What happened?"
"We took out some monsters while looking for you," Haruna added. Yui was the first to see Kurumu in her revealing apparel.
"K-K-Kurumu, why are you like that?" Yui demanded.
"What?" she answered. "This isn't my idea."
[Level Up!]
"Now what?"
"We got more experience," Rai pointed out. "So, we're getting stronger."
[Rai: Lv. 5]
[HP: 27/31]
"See?"
[Rito: Lv. 4]
[HP: 19/32]
[Mikan: Lv. 4]
[HP: 20/28]
[Haruna: Lv. 5]
[HP: 20/28]
"We leveled up quite a bit," Haruna noticed.
[Yui: Lv. 5]
[HP: 25/30]
"At least we can beat the low-level monsters now," Yui nodded.
[Kurumu joined your party!]
[Kurumu: Lv. 10]
[HP: 42/42]
"Sweet!" Kurumu smiled.
"You were a boss, remember?" Rai explained
"Ya-hoo-hoo!" Haruna pulled out her sword.
"It's a game after all," Haruna mentioned. "So it doesn't hurt that much when we get hit, but…" She bent the blade like it was made of rubber. "It still gets tiring."
"By the way, I'm more concerned with this HP thing…" Yui realized.
"That's an indicator of your force in the game," Mikan replied.
"What happens if it reaches zero?"
"Uh…" Rai rubbed his neck.
"I think you won't be able to keep fighting if that happens," Rito sighed. He pointed over to the peasant passerby carrying a chain over his shoulder. He dragged along a row of black coffins each trailing behind the other. Yui stood with her eyes wide open.
"Speaking of which," Mikan interrupted. "The lady at the guild said something about returning to the starting point if we all lose. We have to be careful."
"In that case, we should find a place to spend the night," Rai suggested. "If it gets dark, we might get ambushed with the health we have right now." Haruna looked over the distant hill.
"Hey, look!" She yelled out. "It's the next town!"
*Munch*
Jolt continued munching on the crispy chips. With his lazy butt on the couch, it didn't look like he was interested in doing anything except watch TV.
"Pika..." Jolt placed the chip on his tongue. "...Pi?"
"Are you gonna be alright on your own?" Mikan asked.
"Sure," Rai guaranteed. "I have today off, so I'm just gonna rest."
Jolt turned to the clock and rubbed his eyes to see if it was right.
[12:53]
"Pika!" Jolt jumped from the couch and rushed around the house. He checked the kitchen, but Rai wasn't around. He looked in the bathroom, but no one was there. He went to Rito's room, Mikan's room, the waiting room, and finally back to the hallway where he started. "Pika pi…" Jolt sighed. "Pika?" He noticed an envelope placed on the floor. He sniffed the paper and caught Rai's scent. He grew into a panic. He ran for the backyard and over to the giant plant bathing in the sunlight. "Pika Pika Pikachu?"
"Geeeh?" The plant responded. "Geeh! Geh Geh!"
"Pika..." Jolt scurried off around the house and took off towards the city.
"Welcome!" The innkeeper greeted Rito and the group at the entrance. With his jolly personality and round specs, he seemed like the right guy for the job. "It'll cost 120 Gold for one night with 4 people, including meals."
[Okay] [No, Thanks] [Where's the bathroom?]
"Now, please head for the second floor." Rai followed Haruna, Kurumu, and Mikan upstairs while Yui and Rito trailed after.
"Yuuki-kun," Yui spoke.
"Hmm, what is it?" Rito answered.
"The rest of us are girls...If you do anything dirty...I won't forgive you, all right?"
"Do I look like I do that kind of stuff!?" With everyone exhausted from their journey, they all decided to try the baths and wash up. First were the girls while Rai and Rito waited their turn. After everyone had their turn, they discussed the matter in the bedroom.
"Man, that felt good," Rai implied. With his poncho off and his hat, the only attire he had was the pants. Haruna only wore her corset and Mikan her small blouse. Yui and Kurumu could finally let their hair down.
"It really was nice," Mikan added. "But, the innkeeper was completely unreasonable. There are only 3 beds even though there are 6 of us."
"That's true," Haruna mentioned.
"I guess we're sharing beds tonight," thought Kurumu.
*Stare*
Yui shot Rito and Rai a cold stare.
"Aahh!" Rito panicked. That Kotegawa...is she still mad from what happened before?
"…Okay then," Rai reasoned. "Let's make this simple. Rito, you and Mikan share the first bed since you're both siblings. Haruna and Kurumu, you two can have the next bed over."
"…And you?" Yui asked hesitantly. She saw Rai scooting the old wooden couch across the room. He lugged it over towards the door.
"I'll take this and sleep in the hall."
"In the hallway?" Mikan asked.
"Well, yeah," Rai opened the door. "Someone has to be a lookout. We don't want someone barging in without a warning, right?" Rito marched to Rai.
"I'm going with you," he insisted.
"Dude, relax. I'll be just outside."
"Still, if there are two people guarding, then we can take turns." Rai can tell Rito was determined to help in any way he can. That...and the fact that Yui might be watching him throughout the night.
"…Alright, then help me push." Rito helped Rai lift the couch towards the wall. Rai walked back into the bedroom and grabbed his hat and poncho. "Good night." Rai shut the door. He inspected the hall and saw no one nearby. The only light that emitted came from the lamp on the wall and the moonlight shining in from the window. Rito rested on the couch huddling his body. "I'll take the first shift. You get some sleep, poncho."
"Yeah…" Rito closed his eyes. Rai leaned against the wall with his arms folded. "I didn't expect it to be so drafty."
Creek…
The door from the bedroom opened. Haruna came out with bed sheets in her arms.
"Yuuki-kun," she whispered.
"What's wrong, Sairenji?"
"Here." She handed the sheets over to Rito. Rai leaned his head down to seem like he was resting his eyes. "I figure that the hallway would be much colder than the room."
"Th-Thank you, Sairenji."
"No problem." She smiled. Rito's face lit with bliss.
Haruna-chan! He thought. You're so sweet!
"Well, I'm going back inside." She turned around and opened the door.
"Okay…" She went into the bedroom. Rito cuddled with his sheet and enjoyed Sairenji's kindness.
Kid kinda reminds me of Tsukune, Rai recalled. Being the good guy does have its rewards here.
Creek…
The door swung open again. Rai kept his face hidden under his hat.
"…I know you're awake," Yui stated. Rai looked back at the girl standing before him.
"Hmm, just resting my eyes." In her hands, she had bed sheets just like Haruna's.
"I-It's not like I'm worried or anything." Yui fidgeted. "Kurumu thought you'd slow us down if you caught a cold."
"…She did?"
"Here!" She shoved the blankets in his arms. She stormed back into the bedroom. Rai looked at his poncho and back at the sheets.
"I'm gonna sweat with all this." He turned to Rito who was still exposed to the drafty hallway. Rai smiled and covered him with the extra sheet. He took back his post as he watched out overnight. As the night passed by, Rito couldn't help but rustle in his sleep. His dream depicted his thoughts on Lala. Where was she? Is she in danger? Who's behind all this?
Rito…The voice rang in his head. Rito…
"…Lala…?" From his view, Lala was ensnared by vines with rose thorns over her body. Her arms were tied back and the tight grip it had on her neck kept her locked in place. With each movement, the thorns left ridged scratch marks on her skin.
"RITO! PLEASE SAVE ME—!"
"LALA!" Rito shouted from his sleep. Rai awoke from his daze.
"What?!" He answered. "I wasn't sleeping!" Rito stopped his panting.
"It was a dream…"
"Sounded like a nightmare to me." Rai sat on the couch. "You're worried about her, aren't you?" Rito stared at the ground. He patted his back. "…She's gonna be alright. It's not like someone would take Lala without a good reason, right?"
"…I guess…"
"Trust me, the way I see it, I bet she's waiting for Mr. Hero himself to rescue her." Rai nudged at his side.
"Hehe…" This gave Rito some confidence back. "Maybe." A light breeze came from the window.
"…Did it just get colder in here?"
"Huh?" Rito and Rai looked at the window. The sill had been lifted, letting the outside wind come inside. From the bottom poked a tip of a pointy hat. Rai stood up with his hand hovering over his belt.
"Who's out there?" The girl popped her head over the window sill. To them, it was a complete surprise.
"The one who solves all problems with a burning passion!" She cheered. "Magical Girl Kyouko!"
"Huh?" Rito stared. "Magical Girl Kyouko…!" Although it looked like the one on television, instead of her witch apparel, she wore a red, tight piece bikini top and bottom. She still maintained the boots and gloves as well as the cape.
"At this point, nothing surprises me," Rai claimed.
"Good Evening~~Yuuki Rito-kun!" Kyouko greeted.
"What's going on—?" Rai asked. Kyouko quickly jumped straight onto Rito. "That was fast…"
"Keke…Do you want to see Lala?"
"Y-You know where she is?" Rito asked.
"Of course~~." Kyouko leaned closer on Rito. "Because Kyouko is the Demon King ."
"You're the boss?" Rai added. "Not the best idea to show yourself in front of us." Rai quickly reached for his gun. Kyouko's glance quickly shot to Rai. With his hand extending to aim, she shot a fireball at his revolver.
*Poof!*
The gun fell to the floor while Kyouko pressed Rai against the wall. Her strength easily surpassed his own. "The fuck…?"
"Lala-chan is the princess who I'm holding captive at my castle. The terms for clearing this game are to defeat me, the Demon King, and save Lala-chan."
[Kyouko: Lv. 100+]
[HP: 3849856775/3849856775]
"But~~Kyouko has the highest HP. It's impossible to defeat me~~." Kyouko licked her lips.
"I've noticed." Rai tried to budge, but her strength was overpowering.
"Now…let's get back on the topic." Kyouko turned back to Rito. "I actually think you're my type."
"Y…You do!?" Rito replied.
"So, I'll prepare a special event for you."
"A special event?" Rai asked.
"If Yuuki Rito abandons Lala-chan and becomes my boyfriend, I'll send you all back to your world."
"And if he doesn't?"
*Snap*
Kyouko snapped her fingers.
KA-BOOM!
The side of the inn blew to pieces. Rai and Rito flew into the air and began falling to the concrete ground.
"UWAAAHHH!" Rito cried. Rai quickly grabbed Rito and braced for the impact.
"Hang on!" Rai shouted.
*Brush!*
The two landed in a wooden cart full of hay. As the cloud of smoke cleared out, the girls came running out of their room and over to the commotion.
"Yuuki-kun, are you alright?" Haruna asked.
"What the hell happened?" Kurumu examined. From the sky came Kyouko on top of her broom.
"Hi!" Kyouko welcomed them. "Nice to meet you!"
"Magical Kyouko-chan!?" Mikan said with surprise.
"I see you're all here…"
"Ow…" Rito picked himself up from the hay cart he fell in. Rai poked his head out.
"Ptew!" He spat out the straw in his mouth. "Talk about a leap of faith."
"The special event has now begun! I'll now warp you all to my castle!" Kyouko held up a gold medallion in the shape of a smiling sun. In a gold flash, it released a burst of bright energy. "Here we go!" Everyone shielded their eyes from the blinding light.
Jolt kept searching around the city in search of Rai. His search brought him back to the high school where he first arrived.
"Pikachu?" Jolt dashed into the building and continued on.
"Nuhh~~~" Lala had awakened from her slumber. She rubbed her lazy eyes. "Good morning, Rito…" She suddenly noticed the room she was resting in. "Huh? Where…am I? I…was at school…"
"AH!" Kyouko ran into the room to meet with Lala. "You're awake at last~~Princess?" Following behind her were the two wizards.
"Magical Girl Kyouko-chan!?" Lala jumped with excitement. "Wa~~~Why~~~Why!?"
"Fufufu…Calm down, Lala-chan!" Kyouko tried to inform the girl. "Now then, would you please listen to Kyouko's request?" She put her finger to her lips. "I want you to behave for a little while longer. As of now, you happen to be very important." Lala wasn't sure what she meant.
"I don't know what's going on, but if Kyouko-chan says so, then it must be fine!"
"Kyhaha! Thanks~~!" From underneath the bed, Peke slowly tiptoed out of the bedroom.
I have to get help!
As the orbs of energy gathered in the air, the crew reappeared in the desert tundra. Unfortunatley, Rai and his team simply plummeted to the ground below. All except Kurumu, who remained in the in-flight with her wings.
BAM!
"Ow," Haruna moaned. Her rear felt sore from the fall. Strange enough, it felt very warm. That was only because Rito's face was underneath her. "KYAAAAA!" Yui retorted with thrashing kicks.
"Why are you always like that!?" she shouted. Rai lifted himself and saw the large castle perched at the end of the cliff.
"Check it out," Rai pointed to the structure. Kurumu landed next to him.
"Is that where the boss is?" she asked.
"With every castle, there's a princess waiting to be rescued." Coming from the castle was a small creature flying right at the group.
"Everybody!" Peke cried.
"Peke!?" Rito answered.
"I'm so glad you've already made it here!" It jumped straight into Mikan's arms.
"Then," Mikan guessed, "This must be the last place."
"Lala must be in there somewhere," Yui added.
"Don't worry!" Peke assured. "I will guide you to where Lala-sama is. Let's hurry!"
"O…Okay!" The large drawbridge dropped in front of the wandering heroes. Everyone all busted through the steel doors and entered the castle. The interior had the cobblestone flooring and large pillars keeping the tower supported.
"So then," Rito asked, "This really wasn't something that Lala planned?"
"That's right!" Peke explained. "She was also lead here by the invitation…"
"Is this world on a planet somewhere?" Mikan asked.
"I don't know much because I didn't look deeply into it, but I think it's a virtual world created by using a distorted space. The reason for that is because the pattern of the area resembles a 3-D game Lala-sama started making, but did not finish." Haruna looked ahead and stopped.
"Look out!' she cried. Everyone halted before the large crowd of monsters ahead of them. They were an army of giant skeleton soldiers in bronze armor.
[The enemy has appeared!]
"Now that I think about it, we're still under leveled!" Mikan shouted.
"How bad can they be?" Kurumu asked.
[Skeleton Soldier: Lv. 35]
[HP: 358/358]
"Seriously?!"
"There's no way we can win!" Rito cried. "And I'm a Florist…" A bright flash shot just past Mikan. The skeletons looked up to see golden hair stream past their skulls.
Slash! Slice! Slash! Slice!
The new fighter landed in front of the others. Two twin blades were coming from her extensions.
"See?" the fighter spoke. "They're nothing special." The skeletons fell to pieces.
[The enemy was defeated!]
"We're saved!" Rito cheered.
"Yami-san!" Mikan greeted her. However, she seemed out of character with her new outfit. She wore a black leotard and red stockings. There were ears and a tail to make her look just like the bunny girls from the beginning of the game.
"You're…a rabbit?" Rai asked.
[Yami: Playmate Lv. 1]
"I ended up like this when I went to the skill center," Yami answered. With Yami on their side, The crew continued running through the castle.
"Glad to see you made it here," Kurumu added. Yami looked over her outfit.
"…No Problem."
Jolt searched high and low for Rai and Rito, but there were no signs of them showing up.
"Pikapika…" Jolt moaned. His efforts seemed useless at this point. He couldn't find anyone willing to help him.
"Oh my," a voice called from behind. Jolt turned around. He noticed a tall woman standing above him in her white lab coat. "What's a Pokémon doing here?"
"Pi?"
They all reached the top of the stairs when out of nowhere…
[The enemy has appeared!]
"Now what!?" Yui complained.
"OHOHOHO!" a rich voice laughed discreetly. "Hold it right there!" Rito instantly distinguished the enemies as their upperclassmen.
"Tenjouin-senpai!" he recognized. Standing beside her were her fellow classmates; Rin Kujou and Ayako Fujisaki. Saki was a warrior with her shoulder guards, headband, large sword, and battle kimono at her arsenal. Ayako, or Aya, had a sort of spell caster appeal with the two tailed hat, wooden staff, and baggy shorts with a black corset around her torso. As for Saki Tenjouin, she seemed more of a sadistic mentor what with her large whip and neck brace attached to her latex bra. Standing behind Rin was a girl with light green hair wearing what looked like a battle bra and thong with a short skirt. Carried on her side was a scimitar ready to slash at her enemies. "And Run too!?"
"Meeting here must be our fate," Saki assumed. "I won't allow you to go past me, the Destiny Queen, Tenjouin Saki!"
Crack!
She stretched the whip.
"You better be ready," Rin announced.
"Rito-kun," Run apologized. "I told them I didn't want to, but Tenjouin-senpai threatened me…"
"Aya," Saki ordered. "Make the war declaration with your spell."
"Okay!" Aya flipped through her small book for a spell to use. "Let's see…" She found the first spell she could find. "GIGAPUPURIN!"
[Rin: Skill—Gigapupurin = Saki/Rin/Run/Aya]
The spell flashed in her hand.
Boing~! Boing~! Boing~! Boing~!
Sadly, the spell backfired and revealed the enemies' "weak points."
"KYAAAAAAA!" The girl's shrieked.
"What the hell kind of spell was that!?" Saki shouted. Rito's face was red with steam radiating from his head.
"…We should keep moving," Rai suggested.
"I agree," Yami nodded. The team made a final dash for the last door at the end of the hall. Rito pushed open the doors and unveiled the final enemy.
"Hee~~~," Kyouko smiled. "Wasn't that kind of fast?" She sat atop her throne while looking over the heroes. "So, have you already decided on your answer?"
"I didn't even consider it!" Rito answered. "Give Lala back!"
"Are you saying you'll fight me? Even though I told you that I'm invincible and you can never win…? So basically…you love Lala-chan, right?"
"Love?" Rai asked. "What are you talking about?"
"Geez, for a person to be so desperate…" From behind the curtains came Lala with the two wizards beside her. "Now, let's clear this up right here. How do you feel…about this girl?"
W…What!? Rito was caught at a crossroad. The answer he would need to have one day…
"You love this girl, right?"
"Ah shit," Rai whispered. This isn't good.
"W…" Rito stuttered.
"Hey!" Kurumu intervened. "Why should he have to answer something like that!?"
"Because," Kyouko explained. "That's what this is all about. If he answers correctly, I'll use my special rights as a last boss and send everyone back to their original world. Maybe~~~…"
"Wh…What's she saying!?" Yui asked.
"It means she holds all the cards," Rai explained. "Whatever happens, it's all up to Rito."
What should I do? Rito strategized. How should I answer this…? No…What's the best thing to do!? What do I think of Lala…? In spite of telling me her feelings…I've never given her a direct answer…Is it okay like this? Everyone watched as Rito chose his words. He stepped forward. "Lala…"
"…Rito?" Lala answered.
"I…you…I…probably…love you." In that moment, Lala and Haruna felt a sudden shock in their heart. "With this game, I finally realized it…" He gripped his fist. "When you're not around, I felt uneasy…But…But I don't know if this feeling is love or not…so…"
"…It's okay, Rito," Lala spoke. "My feelings for you won't change. I'm happy enough to hear those words." She smiled. Yui suddenly flinched.
Wh…What is this…this feeling? She asked herself.
"Eh!?" Kyouko huffed. "What's with this 'probably' and 'I don't know!?' I hate indecisive people!" She raised her finger. "…Enough already!"
*Poof!*
A stream of fire sprouted from her finger and spun quickly around the party. They were all trapped within the fire spin. "It's Game Over now!"
"…It's not hot at all…" Yami realized as the flames just phased past her body.
"Yami-san!" Mikan warned her. "Take a look!" She pointed to the indicator.
[Yami: Lv. 1]
[HP: 31/31]
[HP: 27/31]
[HP: 23/31]
[HP: 19/31]
[HP: 15/31]
"Your HP is slowly decreasing! If it reaches 0, then it's Game Over!"
"Everyone!" Lala cried.
"Ahahaha!" Kyouko laughed. "When it's game over, you will be sent back to the start! After that, it'll take you 3 years to get back here without my help~~!"
"Wh…What!" Rito cried. "3 years!?"
[Rito: Lv. 4]
[HP: 11/31]
"Sorry," Rai loaded his revolver. "But we don't have that kind of time!" Rai took aim at Kyouko. "Nice knowing ya!"
POW! POW! POW!
Rai fired his rounds. Each shot pierced right through her body. Her skin and binary codes began regenerating itself.
"It's useless!" Kyouko declared.
"It didn't leave a scratch!" Kurumu cried.
"You!" Lala fired out. "Kyouko-chan's imposter! The real Kyouko wouldn't be bullying Rito and the others!"
"Imposter?" Kyouko asked. "How rude~~I am Magical Girl Kyouko, the established boss character of this game."
"Then put out the fire, now!"
*Snatch*
"Hyaa!" Lala stood paralyzed. The grip on her tail forced her to fall to the ground. "…My tail…" The small wizard on the left had a tight hold on it.
"Be patient," she requested. "It'll be all over soon."
"…!?" Lala stared at the two. "That voice…" The party was almost of health. Rito tried using his watering can to douse away the flames.
"Damn!" he cried. "It's not going out!"
"There's no way that's gonna work!" Yui shouted directly.
*FLASH!*
"Uhn!" Rito's watering can began to shine with an immense energy. "My watering can is…glowing!?"
"The florist's watering can…" the second wizard informed, "It's an item that can douse Magical Kyouko's flames; making it the key that will end the game."
"A key?" Rai questioned. "Water…fire…Rito!"
"W-What!?" he responded.
"Aim it high! Cover the room in water!" Rito pointed the watering can above his head.
"Like this!?" The water shot out like a large sprinkler with gold-like rain covering the battlefield.
[Rito: Skill—Lightning Shower = Demon Lord Kyouko]
The chamber became drizzled in a golden cascade that vaporized the flames.
"The fire's going out!" Haruna clarified. Kyouko smiled after being covered in the wet attack.
"A~RRE~!" she cried. In a burst of binary code, she vanished.
[Magical Girl Kyouko was defeated!]
The smoke cleared out of the room. Lala turned back to the two wizards behind all this.
"You two…could it be…" Lala thought.
Bzzzt!
Their outfits began to render and fade. When they came into complete focus, it revealed to be two younger girls. They both had almost the same appearance: pink hair, pointed dresses with separated sleeves on their arms, even long stockings with high-heeled boots. However, the girl on the left had short hair and a more aqua and black design while the girl on the right had two pigtails and a red and black pattern. The strangest thing was that they both had matching tails with heart tips.
"Long time no see…" the pigtail girl answered. "Onee-chan."
"Hee!?" Rito paused.
"Oneechan?" Rai thought. "That sounds familiar."
"…You got to be kidding," Kurumu's eye twitched. "Don't tell me…"
"Yep," Lala explained. "They're my little twin sisters."
Everyone: TWINS!?
[TWINS!?]
"I'm Deviluke's second princess," the pigtail girl announced. "Nana Aster Deviluke."
"I'm Deviluke's third princess, Momo Bella Deviluke," the short hair girl smiled warmly. "Pleased to meet you."
"You never said she had sisters." Rai cocked an eyebrow.
"…This is the first time hearing about it myself…" Rito sighed.
"Huh?" Lala heard their conversation. "I've never told you?"
"As usual," Nana assumed. "Sis does things at her own pace."
"Fufu," Momo giggled. Lala put her hands to her side and looked at her sisters with a serious look.
"So it was you two who made this world, right?" Lala scolded them. "Why did you do this?"
"We just wanted to know…about the humans…"
"…and him." Nana pointed to Rito.
"Me?" Rito asked.
"You can see a person's true character in these situations," Momo continued. "Thanks to this, we've seen that you have many good friends."
"I'm not really convinced though," Nana doubted. "He has this bestial face."
Beast!? Rito cried inside.
"Please continue looking after her, everybody ," Momo requested. Everyone stared blankly at her.
"So, you two created this world just for that?" Yui asked.
"We actually didn't prepare this," Nana mentioned. "We modified the game that was in Sis's lab."
"Me?" Lala questioned. "I made this?"
"Shortly after we came to Earth," Peke told, "You got hooked on earthling games and created this."
"Ahh! Now that you mentioned it, I had trouble with it halfway and stopped working on it!"
She procrastinated, didn't she…? Rai thought.
"Well~~" Nana boasted. "It was hard, but I completed it!"
"But the one who did the most work on the program was me…" Momo argued.
"I think it took about a week."
"That's true, but Nana mostly went sightseeing."
"But my goal of having Magical Girl Kyouko as a character in the game and preventing Sis from moving around was a success!"
"That was also my idea."
"I'm amazing, aren't I?"
"…" Momo's eyes darkened with the fact that her sister was stealing all the glory.
Whoosh!
In a quick pace, she grabbed Nana by the neck and started squeezing the life out of her. "ALL YOU DID WAS DELIVERED THE INVITATIONS TO HER FRIENDS…"
"I'm gonna die!" Nana gasped for air. "I'm gonna die!"
"I guess it runs in the family," Kurumu whispered to Rai.
"Hey! Hey!" Lala broke the two up. "No fighting! Anyway, hurry up and return everybody to the real world!"
"Alright, Onee-sama !" Momo answered in her happy and gentle voice as she released her hold on Nana.
This child…Rai thought to himself. She gives me the willies…Lala turned to the group.
"I'm sorry my sister caused trouble for all of you…" Lala apologized.
"That's not true," Yui assured.
"Yeah," Mikan added. "We actually had a lot of fun, right?"
"I suppose," Yami spoke.
"I'll admit having powers like this might be a nice change," Rai smiled.
"I don't want to keep looking like this!?" Kurumu debated.
"But you are a succubus…" Kurumu sweat dropped. Lala was very happy for her friends' forgiveness.
"Thank you, everyone…" she said gratefully.
"Nana!" Momo asked pleasantly. "Let's go ahead and end the game ! Get the controller out."
"I know!" Nana answered. "Damn that Momo…It's her looks that's good…" She held the long remote in her hand. It somewhat resembled the remote for a television.
Kachi-Kachi
"Huh?"
"What's wrong?"
"This isn't good…The transfer mechanism won't start…"
GRUMBLE-GRUMBLE-GRUMBLE-GRUMBLE-GRUMBLE-GRUMBLE-GRUMBLE!
The floor under everyone's feet began to shake. Small rocks and debris began falling from the ceiling.
"Wh-What's happening!?" Rito asked. From outside, the towers had begun to collapse as the cliff began to give way. The pillars started toppling over and crashing to the ground. The roof opened a black hole with cracked data escaping outward.
"The world's collapsing!" Yui cried.
"I thought it was my breakfast for a minute," Rai assumed. One of the stone pillars toppled and started falling over Mikan.
"Eh!?" she shrieked.
"Mikan!" Rito yelled.
Swoosh!
CRASH!
Kurumu quickly snatched Mikan from the crushing pillar just in time. She carried her in her arms and settled her to the ground.
"You might want to start finding a way out now!" Kurumu suggested. As the castle continued crumbling, more data was being exposed from the walls and ceiling.
"AWAWA!" Nana screamed. "Why is this happening!?"
"A computer error is occurring…" Lala informed. "Because the program is still incomplete!"
"Ehhh!" Momo realized.
"Momo!" Nana exclaimed. "This isn't good!"
"This distorted space isn't going to last long!" Peke concurred.
"At this rate, we…" Lala theorized. "Everyone will be lost in this dimension!"
"That doesn't sound good," Rai agreed. Suddenly, his focus was caught off guard when he noticed Lala's dress vanishing into pixels. The first to go was the back of her skirt. "Lala! Your butt!"
"Uhn?" Lala noted. "I see! These clothes are also part of the data…" The other girls also had their costumes become erased from existence.
"They're disappearing!" Haruna stressed as she covered her torso. Yui quickly turned to Rito.
"Yuuki-kun! Rai-san!" she ordered. "Don't look at any of the—!"
"We've got bigger problems!" Rai covered his behind with his belt. Unfortunatley, Rito had nothing to cover his front. The apron had vanished. "…That's not what I meant."
"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Yui screamed from the sudden sight. Yami quickly formed her hair into several blades.
"I'm going to slice it off!" she declared. Rito ran for his life.
"ST…STOP IT!" he yelled.
"Run, boy!" Rai ordered.
"Now what!" Kurumu yelled.
Bzzzt!
"Heh?" Mikan looked at her legs. Her body started digitizing into a blue aura and instantly evaporated.
[Mikan: Logging Out]
Kurumu looked to where Mikan was.
"Where did she go!?"
"She logged out?" Haruna asked. The same began happening to her.
[Haruna: Logging Out]
"Sairenji!" Rito cried. "Eh!?"
[Rito: Logging Out]
"What's going on!?" Yui cried. "WHAA!"
[Yui: Logging Out]
"Did you do this!?" Nana asked.
"I don't know!" Momo answered.
[Nana: Logging Out]
[Momo: Logging Out]
Yami looked to Rai, Lala, and Kurumu who were still trying to keep themselves decent.
"…" Yami stared blankly.
[Yami: Logging Out]
"Nana!" Lala cried. "Momo!" Her body started vaporizing.
"Lala-sama!" Peke reached for Lala. She quickly shot around Lala and fitted itself into Lala's Devilukian attire. Rai and Kurumu stood beside each other as they watched Lala be the last one to digitize.
"Rai! Kurumu!" She vanished.
[Lala: Logging Out]
Lala streamed through the data space and blasted out through the other end. She fell hard on the cold floor.
"Ouch…" Lala rubbed her head. "What happened?"
"Pika pika!" Jolt cheered. He quickly leapt off from the counter and jumped onto Lala.
"Jolt?" When she looked up, everyone was with her. Rito, Yui, Haruna, Momo, Nana, and Mikan. They were back in their original clothes. The setting was now an office with a bed, a large desk, and hospital curtains waving back and forth.
"Lala-san!" Haruna cheered. "You made it!"
"That was too close for comfort," Rito added.
"Rito?" Lala asked. "Haruna? How did we get here?"
"Actually," Momo looked over by the front desk. "It was thanks to Mikado-sensei!" The teacher wheeled herself from her desk and presented herself. She was an older woman with a slender and mature body. She had green eyes and brownish red hair with lipstick that showed her sincere smile. Her outfit consisted of a pink top with lacing around the edges that somewhat revealed the top of her chest. Luckily, it was held by a black belt around her waist and wore a lab coat in case to cover herself. She wore her black tight shorts and black stockings up to her thighs.
"It's good to see you're all safe," Ms. Mikado greeted them.
"But," Mikan asked. "How did you know where to find us?"
"Believe it or not, this Pikachu was the one looking for you."
"Eh?" Nana eyed the electric mouse. "A Pikachu?"
"Pika pika." Jolt blushed with embarrassment. Nana quickly picked it up and squeezed it tightly.
"I can't believe there's one of these here on Earth!"
"I never knew you had one of these, Onee-sama," Momo pondered.
"It actually belongs to Rai," Lala cleared up.
"Rai…?" Momo looked around the room. "…Where is he?"
"Pi?" Jolt wondered.
"KEEP RUNNING!" Rai ordered. Kurumu and Rai were left running for their lives as the castle continued to fall apart.
"I can't believe they just ditched us!" Kurumu angrily shouted.
"Something must have screwed up if we didn't go back with them...!" They both made it outside the castle. At the last minute, the building had collapsed to pieces. The two looked in opposite directions. "You see any way out?"
"What do you think!?" Kurumu and Rai looked up to see above them become shattered and fragmented. The sky became digitally blackened with white frames.
"They're still in the game!?" Lala cried.
"Your virtual space didn't recognize them," Ms. Mikado explained. Everyone watched the virtual screen as the two survivors were left in peril.
"But we programmed the game to send everyone back to the world they came from!" Momo assured.
"But Rai and Kurumu aren't from this world," Rito clarified.
"Neither is Lala," Haruna added. "So, why didn't it teleport Rai and Kurumu?"
"Because," Ms. Mikado concluded. "They are not from this dimension."
"They're not!?" Yui said surprised.
"Just like his Pokémon, Rai's and Kurumu's biological structure don't fit into this universe's setting. You took the data collected from everyone so they were able to enter the virtual space by the information gained in Sainan City. Much like removing a puzzle piece, it can be easily placed back in the same spot and still remain intact. In this case, the program won't return them automatically."
"They're gonna be erased!" Nana panicked.
"Unless we can find an alternate exit for them to take. In order to that, we'll need to find out where in the game they were teleported from."
"Kurumu was programmed as an enemy," Momo implied. "Her spawn point wouldn't be considered an entrance into the world." Yui realized the problem.
"The beginning!" Yui stated.
"Huh?" Lala asked. "The beginning?"
"Rai had appeared before me near the town of Storta. That's where we met Yuuki-kun and Haruna-san."
"That's right!" Mikan remembered.
"Storta…" Momo thought out loud. "That's back near the starting point across the entire map."
"Will they even make it!?" Nana asked.
The ground below was starting to disassemble. Grass became erased as the black abyss was slowly crawling towards the two.
"Uh, Kurumu." Rai informed her. "You might want to start getting us out of here." With Kurumu's real wings shooting from her back, she grabbed onto Rai's arms and started lifting him into the sky.
"Damn, you're heavy," she groaned.
"Hey, I'm laying off the curry, alright?"
Lala kept typing at the computer. She tried to override the software, but the system wouldn't allow her inside the data storage.
"It won't let me access the game data!" she explained. "I can't connect from the outside!"
"How do we let them know where to go?" Haruna asked.
"Lala!" Rito interrupted. "Can you use one of your inventions to get them out?"
"Right!" Haruna added. "What about a teleporter?"
"Hmm," Lala pulled out her D-dial and searched through her cellphone. With a push of a button, a flash of light summoned forth her warp bracelet. "Pyon Pyon Warp-kun Improved! But..." Lala frowned. "It can only be used once." The team was in a bind. Rai and Kurumu had a way out, but there was no way to inform them without someone going in with them.
"This really is a turn of events," Ms. Mikado sighed. Jolt looked at the computer screen.
Rai held on to Kurumu as the land below them was giving way. The fields were nothing more but small patches with oceans of binary codes sweeping below them. Over their heads was the primary grid that helped set the boundary within the game.
"Do you have any idea where we're supposed to go!?" Kurumu cried.
"…" Rai became hesitant. He tried looking in different directions for any sign of an entrance or exit. So far, it was like they were in the middle of the chaos with no sense of direction. "Maybe…"
WHOOSH!
A burning tornado started roaring behind the two. From the flames came the return of the Demon Lord, Magical Kyouko. However, her size had now grown to gargantuan and her underwear attire was now changing between the colors of the rainbow.
"Hahahaha," Her voice echoed inside the digital wasteland. "HAHAHAHAHA!" She looked at the tiny heroes in front of her face.
"Oh man!" Kurumu gasped. "She's huge!"
"At least her clothes still fit," Rai jested.
*Grasp!*
Kyouko snatched Rai and Kurumu in separate hands. She eyed them as she boasted over her victory.
"Everyone should just vanish!" She declared.
"Oh no!" Yui shrieked.
"Since when did she come back!?" Nana asked.
"The bug must have gotten worse!" Momo assumed. Everyone became frightened at the sight. Jolt quickly leapt for the bracelet.
"Pika!" Jolt snatched the bracelet in his mouth.
"Eh!?" Lala dropped her cell. Jolt held the bracelet high as the energy began circling around him.
SWISH!
Yami quickly grabbed a hold on Jolt with her hair.
*FLASH!*
Everyone covered their eyes as the two were being sent into the fray. When their eyes opened, Jolt and Yami had vanished from the office leaving only behind Yami's battle dress along with Jolt's bandanna.
"Yami-san!" Mikan cried.
"She went with it!" Haruna said.
"Lala, do something!" Rito said.
"Right!" Lala quickly reached for her D-dial. The phone was gone. "Eh?"
"I can't let you escape this world~!" Kyouko stated.
"We totally kicked your ass!" Kurumu argued. "You're supposed to let us win!"
"True, but I think it'll be more fun if I destroy you along with me!" Her right eye glowed an eerie, red shade as she continued laughing. "Hahahaha!"
"Lady, you got to work on that evil laugh," suggested Rai.
"CHU!" Jolt let out a loose Thunderbolt.
KA-BOOM!
Kyouko was sent blasting from the bolt and dropped Rai from her grip. He began falling to his doom.
"Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!" Rai yelled.
SWISH!
Yami swooped in and caught Rai in the air. Her hair wrapped Rai's torso and lifted him above the data stream. Rai looked up to his heroine. "Whoo! Thanks Yami!" Rai froze to realize that Yami's outfit had disappeared. "…Uh…"
Punch!
Yami's fist hit Rai across the face.
"Don't look…" She ordered. In a quick flash, she summoned her bunny costume to serve as a replacement outfit.
"…Got it." Kurumu broke free of Kyouko's grasp and went to grab Jolt in the air.
"It's about time!" She yelled.
"Pika Pika…" Jolt rubbed the back of his head. The four quickly took off away from the giant Demon King.
"What are you guys doing here!?" Rai asked.
"Where here to take you back," Yami explained. "Mikado-sensei says there might be a way to exit the game if you return to the starting point."
"You mean where I came in?"
"Pika!" Jolt nodded. From behind, Kyouko shot rapid spews of flames at her targets.
FWOOP! FWOOP!
The flying angel and demon each swerved around to avoid the burning projectiles; each one missing the mark. From Jolt's fur came Lala's D-dial. It bonked Rai on the head as he cupped it in his hands.
"What the...?" Rai examined the device.
"This bitch is getting on my nerves!" Kurumu yelled. In the distance was the field where Rai had been summoned (or what's left of it). The portal looked to be a vortex with a funnel end leading into a bright tunnel. The blue static flailed wildly as the hole bent and twisted. Its stability wouldn't last long.
"That's our way out!" Rai pointed ahead. The four made off for the exit.
WHOOSH!
Kyouko forced a huge firewall between the portal and the party. Kyouko rose from the data laughing with joy from her tremendous power.
"You can't escape from me~," she grinned.
"I've had it!" Kurumu yelled. Her claws were ready to strike. "We'll handle the pyro maniac." Kurumu zoomed off toward the enemy.
"Pikapika!" Jolt nodded. Yami took Rai and went for the portal.
"Wait-what are you doing?" Rai asked.
"I'm taking you back," Yami stated. With her wings, she blew the fire away and cleared the exit. "Kyouko can't be defeated so easily."
"That's why we need to back them up!" Rai opened the cellphone. He started flipping through the settings searching for something to use.
"How will you fight her? You have no weapons." Rai smiled as he found an interesting invention.
"Sometimes you gotta make do with what you got." With a push of a button, a bright light flashed immediately before them.
Kurumu zoomed around the witch. With each slash, she scratched her data away. The problem kept being that her body would continue to regenerate. Kyouko continued launching fireballs at the duo. Jolt went diving at her chest with a Wild Charge.
"Pikapikapikapika...!" He rushed in. "PIKA!"
BAM!
Jolt blasted hard enough to form a hole in her chest. The patch of skin still grew back. "Pika!?" Kyouko swung her fist at Jolt.
Swish!
Kurumu blocked her punch from reaching Jolt. He latched onto her tail and crawled up to her shoulder. "Pikapi..."
"I know," Kurumu agreed. "She's too strong."
"You still want to fight me?" Kyouko asked. "Even if it means disappearing in the process?" The entire environment was nothing more than a data grid with white cracks in an empty, dark space. "It's the end for the heroes~!" She started summoning a large fireball over her head. "Say bye-bye~!"
"Adiós!" Rai answered. Rai grabbed Yami's arm and tossed her straight into the fireball. With her razor blades, she sliced through the burning orb.
Slice!
BOOM!
The explosion from the giant sphere blew away half of Kyouko's body to pieces. Her data still returned and reformed her missing limbs.
"Rai!?" Kurumu yelled. Rai floated just next to Kurumu thanks to one of Lala's inventions. It looked like a large iron board with a black streak in the center and two small rockets in the back. On the nose of the board was Lala's Devilukian symbol. "You're supposed to be out of here!" When she looked at the portal, it vanished. "...Great, now where stuck with Ms. Pyromaniac!"
"No problem," Rai assured. "We just go with plan B."
"Plan B?" Yami flew beside them.
"We defeat her and return to the real world," she added. Kyouko rose before the four fighters. Jolt jumped at the nose of Rai's board.
"Pika!" Jolt readied the electricity in his cheeks.
"Let's go!" Rai shouted. He pressed his heel on the back of the board. The board shot quickly for Kyouko. Kurumu and Yami followed right behind him.
Seriously, this guy...Kurumu thought. The team went at full-assault for the Demon lord.
"Nice try!" Kyouko declared. She took in a deep breath and fired a stream of flames from her mouth. Everyone circled around the outside and took towards her backside. Kurumu went kicking the side of Kyouko's head. This toppled her forward forcing to stop herself from falling too much into the data stream. Yami went slicing away at Kyouko's flesh but only removing her hat and undergarments. Rai went directly for her head with his hammer out. He tossed it upward and had Jolt leap from his shoulder.
"Jolt," Rai ordered. "Thunder Slam!" Jolt grabbed Rai's hammer and started spinning forward. The faster he spun, the more he and the hammer became enticed in an electric coat. As his momentum increased downward, Kyouko tried to turn her head to look upward.
SLAM!
"KYAAAAAA!" Kyouko's head had exploded open revealing the inside portion of data within her cranium. Inside exposed a dark, red twelve-sided crystal with wild static flailing about.
"Pika!?" Jolt cried. Rai snatched Jolt and soared at the crystal. He leapt off the board and pulled out his screwdriver.
"Thanks for playing!" He yelled. Rai jabbed his screwdriver right into the crystal.
KABOOOOOM!
In a burst of spinning flames, Kyouko spun around and faced toward the audience.
["Magical Kyouko, " she announced in her witch uniform. "Whatever the problem is...burn it to solve it!"]
"Go, Kyouko-chan!" Lala cheered. As Lala watched the television, everyone else relaxed on the couch with their muscles sore and exhausted from their adventure. Rai sat on the leg of the chair, Jolt snored on Mikan's lap, and Kurumu moaned on the chair.
"I think I'm hungry again..." Rai groveled in fatigue.
"Me too," Kurumu raised her hand. Jolt did the same with his small paw.
"Lala-chan ' sisters already went back to Deviluke," Mikan told Rito. "They could have stayed longer." Rito didn't respond.
"Yo, Rito," Rai called to him. "You alright?"
"Oh," Rito answered back. "It's nothing." Rai shrugged and rested his head on the seat. He stared up at the ceiling pondering over a thought.
"Hmm, why do I feel like we forgot something?"
Amazon Rainforest
Run, Rin, Aya, and Saki all continued their escape from the crocodiles in the swamp. Lucky, they only devoured their clothes for a snack.
"Kyaa!" Run cried. "My uniform!"
"It's great that we're back, but did we have to be here!?" Saki screamed.
-To Be Continued-
HOLY CRAP! I can't believe how long that took! So much detail and plot for just one chapter. Well, at least everything worked out in the end for everyone…sort of.
Mikan: You really have been working overtime on this, haven't you?
Like a jogging man racing to the finish line, I'm gonna keep on plowing through this with all my strength! All rights reserved and material used all belong to their respective owners. Be sure to leave a comment and review!
Next time on Anime Unleashed: Surviving a Swap For Two!
We're switching places? Good, I could use a break. Here, I'm taking ten. You can right the next part.
Mikan: Wait! I don't think that's what it means!