Chapter 10 - Mea
One day in Rito's classroom.
It's free period; everyone's either chatting in groups or doing stuff at their desks. Rito sits at his desk, sulking over his returned test; he scored 26 out of 100.
Man, I'm pathetic, he thinks. Voices from behind grab his attention.
"38? You gotta be kidding me," barks Risa. "I stayed up all night studying for this thing."
"Well, there's your answer right there," teases Mio.
"Oh, like you're one to talk, Miss 82?" jabs Risa.
"Now, now, girls. Let's take it down a notch," says Haruna.
"Easy for you to say, Miss 100," says Risa.
"That's just Risa's way of saying 'great job.' Which, by the way, great job, Haruna. As always," praises Mio.
"Oh, thank you," says Haruna.
Suddenly, Risa grins and gropes Haruna, causing the latter to squeal and Rito to blush.
"Boobs and brains. You've got yourself quite the package," jokes Risa.
"Risa, please! Ah! That's enough," says Haruna, breaking free.
Mio turns her attention to Saruyama. "What about you, Saruyama? How'd you score?"
He's got his face planted on the desk, slouched over and looking miserable.
"That bad, huh? Can't say I'm surprised, no offense," says Risa.
Without looking up or saying a word, Saruyama lifts up his test, offering it to the girls. Haruna accepts it.
"Wow! 91? That's amazing, Saruyama," she praises.
Risa snatches the test out of her hands. "What?"
She and Mio gawk at the test. Sure enough, the score is 91.
"There's no way," says Mio.
"Seriously? Is someone playing Jumanji or something?" asks Risa.
Rito can't believe his ears. What the hell? Saruyama's never scored that high before. Ugh, now I feel even more pathetic.
"What gives, Saruyama?" asks Risa. "You should be dancing on your desk right now, not drooling over it."
"No high score could ever cure a broken heart," groans Saruyama.
"What's that mean?" asks Mio.
"What's wrong, Saruyama?" asks Haruna.
"Oh, nothing. I just lost the girl of my dreams, that's all," mopes Saruyama.
The girls blink twice with confusion.
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Flashback
A few days ago in the park.
The sun's going down. Saruyama and a beautiful girl stand next to a park bench. But this isn't just any beautiful girl; it's Riko. Her face is flushed with embarrassment whereas Saruyama looks like he's just been stabbed by a thousand knives.
"I'm s-sorry, Saruyama," says Riko.
The public restroom is a few yards away. Momo hides behind the brick wall, watching the scene. She's holding a stopwatch, and a bag with a change of clothes. She looks at the stopwatch.
Hurry up, Rito, she thinks. You're almost out of time.
"You're going away?" asks Saruyama.
"Y-yes," replies Riko. "Somewhere far away. And I w-won't be coming back. Ever. This is g-goodbye."
"Then I'll go with you!" declares Saruyama. "Wherever you are, I'll be there, right beside you! Riko, I…I love you!"
While this scene would look heartwarming to anyone else, it's somewhat hilarious for Momo, and absolutely torturous for Riko. She shakes her head, wishing someone would kill her now.
"I…I can't. I'm s-sorry. Goodbye, Saruyama," she says, turning around and running away.
"Wait!" yells Saruyama, lunging at her.
As he grabs her arm, he trips over himself, and his face falls in between her large breasts.
"Eh?" says Momo.
"Eh?" says Riko.
"Eh?" says Saruyama.
...
Riko screams and slaps Saruyama so hard, he goes flying and crashing into the trash can, knocking it over and spilling everything out.
"Oh, no! That was a reflex, I swear! I'm sorry, Saruyama, but I really have to go. Farewell," says Riko, running off for real.
"Riko!" yells Saruyama, sitting up and reaching out.
But she's already disappeared from his sight. He sighs and collapses on the ground, surrounded by the spilled garbage.
Behind the restroom, Riko pants heavily. "That was the most humiliating thing I've ever done in my life."
Suddenly, her body erupts in a puff of smoke, and she transforms back into Rito. He stands before Momo wearing a dress. She hands him the bag of clothes.
"Not to mention the closest. Another second, and Saruyama would've learned his best friend is a crossdresser," she teases.
"Please don't make fun of me, Momo," he says, heading inside the restroom.
A few moments later, Rito reappears, wearing new clothes and carrying the bag with the dress. He joins Momo by the wall, and they spy on Saruyama together; he's still lying in the heap of trash, crying his eyes out in heartbreak.
"I don't know why, but I feel kinda guilty," says Rito.
"This was for his own good, Rito. And yours. But don't worry, it'll all work out," assures Momo.
"I hope so," he replies.
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Back to Saruyama with his head on the desk.
"She was the love of my life," he says. "I was so down, I just stayed in my room all weekend and studied to get my mind off her. But it didn't help."
Haruna pats his shoulder. "There, there, Saruyama. I'm sure you'll find someone new."
"Yeah. There's bound to be a girl out there for even a weirdo like you," says Mio.
Risa can't take her eyes off Saruyama's test. "You know, this could be a blessing in disguise, Saruyama. If getting dumped means doing better in class, maybe I should consider getting dumped too."
"Huh?" asks Rito, overhearing.
Risa snickers. "Nah, just kidding."
Rito sighs and watches the girls comfort Saruyama.
I really am sorry, Saruyama, he thinks. I hope you can forgive me. Or...forgive Riko...for that matter. And I also hope you find someone worthwhile.
Then he looks at his abysmal test score again.
If I'm gonna become a king, I need to do a lot better than this.
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Later, Rito walks down the hall alone, passing the stairs.
"Rito Yuki!" yells a voice, freezing him in place.
He looks up the stairs, and sees Saki and Aya on the intermediate landing, staring daggers with their arms crossed.
"Tenjou-senpai, Fujisaki-senpai. What, uh, what can I do for you?" asks Rito, sheepish.
"Come here," demands Saki.
Rito gulps and walks up the stairs, wondering what he did wrong this time, and fearful of how much trouble he's in. He stands before his two frightening seniors, realizing Rin isn't with them.
"Y-yes?" he asks.
Suddenly, both Saki and Aya throw their arms around Rito, embracing him in a double hug. He's beyond bewildered.
"You saved Rin's life. Thank you," says Saki.
"Being your girlfriend has made her so happy. Thank you for that too," says Aya.
"Uh, yeah, you're welcome," says Rito.
Just then, the girls tighten their grip around him. They've gone from hugging him to strangling him. He struggles to breath as they glare at him once more.
"But I've said it before, and I'll say it again," warns Saki. "If you so much as make her cry…"
"You'll make me regret it? Yes, I know, I know. I promise I won't. I swear I'll take care of her," chokes Rito.
With that, Saki and Aya smile, and release Rito. He coughs a few times before catching his breath.
"You better. I wish you both a happy life together, Rito Yuki," says Saki, heading down the stairs.
"Have a good one," says Aya, following Saki.
Once they're both gone, Rito slinks against the wall and releases a heavy sigh. "Man, this harem stuff ain't easy."
"Yuki!" yells another voice, scaring him off the wall.
He looks up, and sees Yui at the top of the stairs with a fire in her eyes.
"We need to talk," she demands.
"Oh, come on," he groans.
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Meanwhile in the girls' locker room.
The girls shower and change after finishing gym class. Among them are Mea and Nana getting dressed by their lockers.
"What?" yells Mea.
Nana covers her mouth. "Shh, don't be so loud."
She and Mea finish changing into their school uniforms.
"Sorry. But for real, Nana? You saw Rito-senpai kissing Kujou-senpai?" asks Mea.
"Yeah, I did," replies Nana. "I even told Big Sis, Momo AND Mikan all about it. But you know what they said? 'Don't worry about it, Nana.' 'Best not to get involved, Nana.' I mean, Momo, I can understand; what with her trying to make a harem for Rito and all. But Big Sis and Mikan?"
"That's amazing. Have you told anyone else?" asks Mea.
"Well, I was thinking of telling Kotegawa since we're both now on the student council, but I'm not sure. Honestly, Mea, I'm not so sure I should be telling you," says Nana.
"Oh, ho, but you already have," replies Mea. "Hmm. Could it be that Rito-senpai is actually going through with Project Harem?"
"He better not. I'll never accept a harem. Never," says Nana.
Mea grabs her shoulders. "But why not? Don't you see, Nana? If Rito-senpai IS building a harem, then this is the perfect chance for me."
"Huh? Perfect chance for what?" asks Nana.
"Why, to get licked by him, of course," says Mea.
"WHHAATTTT?" asks Nana, her face turning red.
"Ooh, I've gotta find Rito-senpai right away. Catch ya later, Nana," says Mea, rushing for the door.
"Wait, Mea," calls out Nana, but Mea's already gone.
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Out in the hall, Tearju walks past the girls' locker room.
The door bursts open, and Mea comes rushing out, almost crashing into Tearju.
"Oh, sorry, I…" starts Mea, stopping when she sees it's Tearju. Her eyes suddenly become sharp.
"Oh, that's alright, Mea. Just watch where you're going next time," says Tearju with a friendly smile.
"Yeah, whatever," replies Mea, coldly.
Then she runs off down the hall. Tearju watches her go with a sad expression.
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Meanwhile up on the school roof, Yui confronts Rito.
"So what's going on, Yuki?" asks Yui.
"What're you talking about, Kotegawa?" asks Rito.
"I'm talking about that freaky robo-alien guy," she says. "I saw the news. Twice now, he's attacked you. First, it was the 'Magical Kyouko' set, and then it was that penthouse restaurant."
Not to mention, he's protected a different girl both times, she thinks. What is it with him and all these girls?
"Well, I, uh," starts Rito.
Yui gets right up in his face. "Come on, spit it out."
Rito gulps. "L-long story short, he's an alien criminal who wants me dead."
"Dead? Why?" she asks, somewhat worried.
"Well, because I…I..." he starts again.
I can't tell HER about marrying Lala or the harem plan just yet, even if she was in my dream too, he thinks before clearing his throat.
"It's because I'm affiliated with Lala and her sisters," he says. "Don't get the wrong idea, this isn't their fault. And don't worry about me, I've been training to defend myself."
"Training?" she asks.
Then she takes a closer look at his body, and notices the subtle changes; broader shoulders, bulkier arms, thicker chest, defining abs. Her cheeks start to redden, but she quickly shakes her head.
"Y-you're the one getting the wrong idea. It's not you I'm worried about, it's everyone else," she says, pretending not to care. "I mean, what if that guy came here and attacked you at school?"
"Oh, um," he says, realizing he hadn't even thought about that.
"No problem, Lady Shameless," says a voice.
Rito and Yui look up, and see Mea sitting on the water tower.
"Mea?" asks Rito.
"That isn't my name, Kurosaki!" barks Yui.
Mea jumps down from the water tower to join them. "If that jerk attacks Rito-senpai at school, Big Sis Yami and I can protect him. By the way, Rito-senpai, is it true you can fly like us now?"
"Fly?" asks Yui.
"Oh, well, sort of," says Rito.
"That's so cool! Can you do it again?" asks Mea.
"Huh?" asks Rito.
"Now just a minute, Kurosaki," says Yui. "I don't want you and your sister turning this school into a battlefield."
But Mea isn't listening; instead, she grabs Rito with her ponytail. "Sorry, Lady Shameless, but I'm gonna borrow Rito-senpai for a while."
Rito protests. "Wait, Mea, what're you-"
"Here we go!" cheers Mea.
Then she hurls Rito over the fence and off the roof. He screams as he plummets to the ground.
Yui rushes to the fence and watches him fall. "Yuki!"
Before Rito's face connects with the hard earth, Mea catches him by his leg with her ponytail, having flown down after him. She sets him down on the grass safely. He breathes heavily.
"Well, that was no fun," teases Mea.
Yui yells from up on the roof. "Kurosaki, you're insane!"
"Uh-oh, looks like I've gone and made Lady Shameless mad again," jokes Mea.
"Mea, what the heck you'd do that for?" asks Rito.
"Hmm? But you said you could fly," she replies.
"Not on command, I can't! Geesh," he says, dusting himself off. "I was gonna learn how from Nemesis after school."
"Really? Ooh, can I help too?" she asks, her eyes sparkling.
"Eh?" he asks.
"Please? I promise I'll behave," she begs.
Well, she was in the dream too, he thinks. This could be my chance to find out why. Plus, she can teach me some new moves to use against Stem. That is, as long as she doesn't get me killed first.
Mea gets face-to-face with Rito, bringing him back to reality.
"Pretty please, Rito-senpai?" she asks.
He blushes and steps back a few feet. "Okay, okay. You can help too. I mean, ahem, yes. Please help teach me, Mea."
"Sure," she says, smiling.
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The Dark Rover idles on the ocean floor.
Inside, Stem lies on an operating table. He watches various footage of Rito's daily life on the monitors with his good, right eye while his damaged, left one is being treated by an assortment of automatic machines.
A mechanical eyeball is inserted into his left socket; the pain would be excruciating for anyone else, but not for Stem. The new eyeball glows fiery red, like a jewel from Hell.
Stem rises and approaches the monitors. One of them plays recorded footage from the fight at the penthouse restaurant; specifically, the part where Rito slashed Stem's left eye with his dark matter sword.
The scene rewinds and plays again; it's set on a loop. Stem glares at the footage as it replays again. And again. And again. And-
"AAAAAHHHHHHH!"
He rips the monitor off the wall and smashes it onto the ground, sending the broken pieces scattering across the floor. Some of them stop under a table of robotic parts.
...
Stem looks at the parts on the table, and gets an idea. He digs through the scraps and finds a titanium band. His eyes light up as he gets to work.
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At the training river.
Rito, Nemesis and Mea, all wearing tracksuits, stand on the bridge over the river. Rito climbs onto the rails; he looks like he's about to jump, but clearly doesn't want to.
"This is so stupid," he says.
"Rito, flying has to become second nature to you," says Nemesis. "If you can fly like us or Stem, you can level the playing field the next time you fight him."
"But how am I supposed to just make myself fly?" asks Rito.
"Here's an idea," says Mea. "Just imagine Kujou-senpai falling off the building. Remember that feeling, that desire to save her."
"Okay. I'll give it a try," says Rito, psyching himself up, ready to take the leap.
...
He still isn't jumping. "I'm just gonna...gonna-"
"Too long," says Nemesis, pushing him off the bridge.
"Oh, come on!" he yells, falling off the bridge and splashing into the river.
Nemesis and Mea burst into fits of laughter.
Rito swims for shore. "Would you guys please stop doing that?"
As he dries himself off down below, Mea takes the chance to speak with Nemesis in private.
"I still can't believe you became his lover, Neme," says Mea.
"It's quite wonderful, I have to admit," replies Nemesis.
"But you're not the only one, are you?" asks Mea. "Nana said she saw Rito-senpai and Kujou-senpai kissing."
"Did she now? Well, then I suppose there's no use hiding it anymore," says Nemesis.
"So...it's really happening?" asks Mea. "Project Harem is a go? Not to mention, I haven't seen Momo all day, which means-ah, no way! Rito-senpai is doing it on his own?"
"What're you asking me for? Why don't you just go ask him?" insists Nemesis. "In fact, why don't you ask if YOU can become a harem member yourself?"
"Believe me, I would. But I'd much rather he'd ask me, you know. Call it a girl thing," says Mea.
"No, no, I completely understand. I felt the same too," says Nemesis. "But chin up. If Rito welcomed ME of all people into his harem, and even landed himself Rin Kujou, it's only a matter of time before he includes you."
"I hope you're right, Neme," says Mea.
Nemesis puts her finger to her lips, beckons them to be quiet, and gestures to someone behind Mea; it's Rito, walking towards them, all dried off.
"What're you guys talking about?" he asks.
"Oh, nothing," says Mea. "Alright. Ready to go again, Rito-senpai?"
"You know, maybe we should try something else," says Rito.
"Agreed," says Nemesis. "Buckle up, Rito. Now that Mea's here, it's time for combat training."
"What?" asks Rito.
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Later, Rito slams onto the grass, groaning in pain.
Mea stands over him. "My bad, Rito-senpai. Guess I went a little overboard."
"A little?" complains Rito.
Nemesis sits and watches on the hillside. "Get up and try again, Rito. This should be nothing compared to your last fight with Stem."
"Easy for you to say," says Rito, standing up. "Back then, I had the Neme-watches. And a sword."
"Rito, you can't always rely on weapons, because they won't always be around to help," says Nemesis. "The same could be said for Stem, but even if he were unarmed, he could still rip you in half. Can you say the same? Now try again."
"Ugh, fine," whines Rito.
He takes a stance, readying himself for another round. Mea does the same.
"Come at me with all you've got," she says.
Rito launches himself at her and throws a punch. She easily deflects it and throws a kick. He ducks it and goes for an uppercut. She backflips, dodging the attack, and kicks him in the chin. He drops onto the grass once more.
"Ow," he says, nursing his chin.
"You almost got me, hehe," she says.
How strange, she thinks. I thought for sure he'd fall over and grope me that time, but he didn't. In fact, he hasn't done anything perverted since we began training. Kind of disappointing.
"Hey, you guys," says a voice.
Rito, Mea and Nemesis look up, and see Oshizu carrying a bag of groceries on the sidewalk.
"Oh, hey, Oshizu," says Rito, standing up.
"Murasame-senpai! How you doing? Where you off to?" asks Mea.
"Oh, I was just making a run to the store for Dr. Ryouko. What're you guys up to?" asks Oshizu.
Rito, Mea and Nemesis walk up the slope, and join her on the sidewalk.
"We're in the middle of training," says Nemesis, snagging herself an apple from Oshizu's bag.
"Hey," says Oshizu.
Nemesis bites into the ripe fruit. "What? All this training makes me hungry, fufu."
"Except YOU haven't done any actual training yourself, Nemesis," groans Rito.
Oshizu sets down the groceries, and glares at Nemesis. And it's not just because of the apple.
"Uh-oh," says Mea.
"Relax, Murasame," says Nemesis, chewing the apple. "I'm not gonna do anything unpleasant."
"Oh, so you're not gonna try and erase Mea's existence again?" hisses Oshizu.
Rito raises his hands to diffuse the tense situation. "Uh, Oshizu..."
"It's okay, Rito. Let her speak," says Nemesis, finishing the apple.
"Nemesis, you know if I hadn't used my power to separate Mea's body from yours, she wouldn't be here right now," says Oshizu.
Nemesis chucks the apple core into the nearby trash can. "Fufu, that's true."
"Yeah, but that's all in the past, Murasame-senpai," assures Mea. "Now Neme and I are the best of friends, and we're helping Rito-senpai get stronger so he can take down that Stem jerk."
"Is that true, Rito?" asks Oshizu.
"Uh, well, kinda," replies Rito.
Nemesis sighs. "Okay, Murasame. If it's an apology you want, here."
She bows to Oshizu, much to everyone's surprise.
"I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused you. Please find it in your heart to forgive me, and I hope someday we can become friends ourselves," she says with the utmost sincerity.
"Nemesis," says Rito.
...
Oshizu's at a loss for words, so she turns to Mea.
Well, I WAS untrusting of Mea at first, but we learned to get along, she thinks. Maybe I can do the same for Nemesis, if she truly is making the effort to change.
She smiles and bows to Nemesis. "Thank you, Nemesis. I'd be happy to be your friend."
Everyone else smiles in return and sighs with relief.
"Oh, you're the best, Murasame-senpai!" cheers Mea.
Then she transforms her ponytail into a dog puppet. One look at the puppet, and Oshizu screams her lungs out.
"EEEEEYYYYY! A DOG!" she yells, accidentally activating her telekinesis.
"Oh, no, not again," says Rito, knowing what comes next.
But instead of him getting levitated, it's Mea who goes flying into the air towards the river.
"Ay! What the?" yells Mea.
"Mea!" yells Rito, worried.
He spreads his wings, flies and catches Mea before she splashes into the water; seeing her in danger got him to fly. Oshizu stares at them in surprise whereas Nemesis appears pleased.
"Impressive, fufu," she says.
As Rito hovers over the river, Mea finds herself being carried in his arms and blushes. "Uh, thanks, Rito-senpai. But you know I can fly too, right?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Guess I forgot, hehe," he says.
Suddenly, his wings disappear, causing him and Mea to fall and splash into the water. When they surface, they both burst into laughter.
"Rito can fly now?" asks Oshizu.
"He's got a long way to go," replies Nemesis. "But it's a start."
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Later that night at Rito's house.
In Rito's bedroom, Rito studies at his desk while Lala hovers next to him.
He gestures to his homework. "Is this right?"
"Hmm, not quite. Try it with this formula instead," she responds.
"Ugh," he whines.
Lala massages his shoulders. "It's okay, Rito. Just keep working hard, and you'll get it soon enough. And I'll be here whenever you need me."
"Thanks, Lala. And thanks again for taking the time to tutor me," he says.
"Of course," she says. "But you know, there is another girl who'd also be more than happy to help."
"Who?" he asks.
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Night in the city.
A police cruiser coasts down the street, passing a dark alley where a filthy mugger holds a helpless woman at knifepoint behind a dumpster.
"Make it easy on yourself, sweetheart. Hand over the purse," demands the mugger.
Suddenly, a robotic arm seizes the mugger's collar from above. The helpless woman looks up, and sees Stem levitating upside-down in the air.
"Pardon, I need to borrow this," says Stem.
Then he lifts the terrified mugger off the ground, and flies off with him into the night sky.
"Hey, let me go!" yells the mugger. "AAAHHH!"
The woman watches them disappear, and then huffs away. "That's it, I'm moving to Vegas."
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The next day at school.
In the library, Haruna tutors Rito for an upcoming, human anatomy quiz.
She leans close to him, and their arms touch. "That's it. Now try this one."
"O-okay," says Rito, flustered.
Haruna notices what's she's doing, blushes and backs off. "Oh, s-sorry, Rito."
"No, no, it's fine," he says.
They both smile and blush at each other.
"Ahem," says a voice from behind, scaring both Rito and Haruna out of their seats.
They turn to see Yami standing behind them, carrying a stack of books with her hair.
"Oh, Yami, it's you," says Rito.
"Rito Yuki, this is a special environment designed to broaden one's education," says Yami. "You should think twice before soiling it with your perverted nature."
"What? No, I wouldn't dare," says Rito.
"Please, Yami. We weren't doing anything," says Haruna. "I was just helping Rito study for his test, that's all."
"Is that so? Since when did YOU develop an interest in studying, Rito Yuki?" asks Yami.
"Well, I," starts Rito.
Yami stares at him with serious eyes.
Okay, thinks Rito. Yami was in my dream too, and on top of that, she confessed to me. But just like Kotegawa, this isn't the right time to tell her about the harem plan. So I've gotta word this carefully.
He clears his throat. "Well, Yami, as you know, Lala intends to marry me. And if she does, I'll become king of Deviluke. Before that happens, I need to learn as much as I can while I still have the time."
Haruna catches onto his words. "Y-yes, that's right, Yami. Think of this like baby steps."
"Hhmm. So you do wish to marry Princess Lala after all?" asks Yami.
Rito and Haruna trade anxious looks, unsure of how to answer such a curveball question.
"I, uh, guess so," responds Rito, sheepish.
"And you're okay with that, Sairenji?" asks Yami.
"Well, I, uh...I just want what's best for Rito and Lala," replies Haruna.
"Mmm-hmm," says Yami, unconvinced.
She continues staring at them with a blank expression, making them both tremble. Just then, the school bell rings.
"I suppose we should return to class," says Yami.
As she walks away, Rito and Haruna sigh in relief. But then Yami stops and faces Rito.
"By the way, Rito Yuki, is it true you've been training with Mea and Nemesis?" she asks.
"Um, yeah, I have," replies Rito.
"You should quit," says Yami.
"What? Why?" asks Rito.
"Leave Stem to those of us with actual combat experience," says Yami. "Mea, Nemesis and I are more than enough to handle him. There's no reason for you to get involved. I'm only telling you this for Mikan's sake."
...
"I appreciate your concern, Yami, but...I have to do this," says Rito. "As long as he's still out there, the people I love including Mikan are in danger. I'll do everything I can to keep them safe."
Oh, Rito. You're so cool, thinks Haruna whilst blushing.
Yami stares at him for a moment. "Fine then. Do as you please."
Suddenly, she transforms her hair into blades, and holds them to Rito's neck, frightening both him and Haruna.
"But I warn you," says Yami. "If you do anything perverted to my sister during training, I'll know about it."
"I won't! I won't!" panics Rito.
Yami retracts her blades, and walks away with her books. "Good. Then if you'll excuse me."
As she walks away, she glances back at Rito one last time.
Though to be honest, he hasn't fallen onto any girls since this morning, she thinks. No, even before that. I haven't seen him fall on or grope any girls for quite some time. What's going on? Was Dr. Ryouko right? Could Princess Lala have something to do with it? Wait, why am I even thinking about this?
She starts to blush.
Rito Yuki, you lech.
Back at the table, Haruna and Rito pack up their books.
"We better to class ourselves," she says.
"Yeah, you're right," he says.
As the two walk down an aisle, they almost bump into Mio and Saruyama around the corner.
"Mio?" asks Haruna.
"Haruna?" asks Mio.
"Saruyama?" asks Rito.
"Rito?" asks Saruyama.
"What're you guys doing here?" asks Rito.
"I could ask you the same, man," says Saruyama.
"Rito asked me to tutor him for the next quiz," says Haruna.
Saruyama's face lights up. "Really? That's hilarious, because that's just what Mio asked-"
Mio elbows him in the gut with a look of embarrassment. "I asked nothing of the sort! I just thought getting a second opinion would be beneficial."
Rito and Haruna trade confused looks while Saruyama keels over in pain.
"Anyway, the bell's already rung. Let's hurry before we're late. Come on, Saruyama," she barks, dragging the groaning Saruyama out of the library.
"Why me?" he complains.
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Moments later, Rito and Haruna walk down the hall together.
"Well, that was peculiar," he says.
"Mio. So it's like that, huh? Hehe," she mumbles.
"You say something?" he asks.
"Oh, no. Nothing at all. Hey, look," she says, gesturing to something down the hall.
It's Mea; she's hiding behind the doorway to the infirmary. It looks like she's spying on someone inside. As Rito and Haruna approach, Mea notices them, gives them a wave, and then hurries off before either of them can get a word in.
"Okay, that was even more peculiar," says Rito.
"Wonder what she was doing," says Haruna.
She and Rito approach the infirmary. When they look inside, they see Tearju and Mikado chatting and laughing over tea while Celine giggles in Tearju's lap.
"Miss Lunatique? Why would Mea be spying on her?" asks Haruna.
"I don't know," replies Rito.
Then he looks down the hall where Mea took off.
Mea, he thinks. Could it be that you want to…
000000
Later that day at the training river.
Rito and Mea are in the middle of an aerial sparring match. Only this time, they both use their powers. Mea shoots her laser cannons, keeping the shots small and non-lethal. Rito deflects her attacks using dark matter from his Neme-watches.
Nemesis sits on the hillside, watching them while munching on the goods from Rito's bento box. "You're thrusting too fast, Rito. Balance your flight pattern along with your combat technique."
"What do you think I've been doing for the last three hours?" shouts Rito.
While he's distracted, one of Mea's shots hits him square in the chest. He comically yells, falls and lands right next to Nemesis.
Mea lands next to them. "Oops. My bad, Rito-senpai."
"Can we please take a break?" begs Rito, dusting himself off.
"Fine," says Nemesis. "But only if you feed me this delicious meal your amazing sister prepared."
"Neme, that lunch was for Rito-senpai," scolds Mea.
"Yeah. If anyone should be feeding anyone, you should be feeding me," says Rito, not really meaning it.
"Oh, I should, should I?" teases Nemesis.
"Yeah, I've been working my butt off all day," says Rito. "Plus, my arms are so dead, I can't even lift them. Let alone, feed you with them."
Nemesis nibbles on some more grub. "Fufu, then no breaks for you."
"You're unbelievable," says Rito.
"Come here, Rito-senpai," says Mea.
She takes his head and rests it on her thighs, giving him a lap pillow.
"Uh, Mea?" asks Rito, getting all flustered.
Quick as lightning, Mea's ponytail snatches one of the chicken bites out of the bento box in Nemesis' hands.
"Say ah," says Mea, feeding him the chicken bite.
"Uh, ah," says Rito, enjoying the chicken bite.
Nemesis offers Mea some of the bento box. "Nice move, Mea."
Mea enjoys a clump of rice. "Thanks, Neme."
"Yeah, sure, help yourselves," says Rito, sarcastic.
Then he closes his eyes, enjoying the soft sensation of Mea's thighs.
"You know, he really has been working his butt off all day," says Mea.
"I suppose," agrees Nemesis.
A gentle breeze blows by, carrying blades of grass into the air.
"Hmm-hmm," laughs Nemesis.
"What's so funny?" asks Mea.
"Oh, I was just thinking," replies Nemesis. "Who would've ever thought we'd get to eat lunch and talk like this?"
"Right?" agrees Mea. "After all...I was just an imaginary personality you conjured up to help interact with people."
Nemesis stops eating, looks at Mea with serious eyes, and sets down the bento box. "Yes, that's true. Mea, I came to this planet using you as a disguise, because I wanted to turn Yami back into who she was. I wanted her to start a new galactic war, because I believed war was the only place us weapons belonged. But to make that happen, I needed Yami. No, I needed Golden Darkness. But doing that meant getting her to complete her original contract of killing you, Rito."
She and Mea look at Rito, only just now realizing that he's asleep on Mea's lap. They both smile at him as he rests.
"And now, here we are, training and protecting him," says Mea.
"Indeed," says Nemesis. "You know, in the past, I lived only for the sake of fighting. But thanks to Rito, I've learned to live a new way. A better way. And in doing so, I've come to regret my previous actions. Mea...I apologized to Murasame. And now, I want to apologize to you. I'm deeply sorry for everything I've done."
...
Another gentle breeze blows by.
"It's okay, Neme," says Mea. "Despite everything, in your own way, you were still a caring master. But if there's anyone you should be saying sorry to, it's Big Sis Yami."
"Yes, I know. Though I doubt she's as much the forgiving type as you or Murasame are," says Nemesis.
"Wouldn't hurt to try," says Mea. "By the way, something's been on my mind for a while."
"Oh?" asks Nemesis.
"Well, we're not exactly master and servant anymore. But it'd be too thin to just call us friends either. So I was wondering, what does that make us?" asks Mea.
"Hhmm. I wonder that myself," says Nemesis.
"Sisters," says Rito.
Both girls perk up, noticing Rito mumbling in his sleep. Whether he actually heard them and is responding, or is just having a weird and convenient dream, is anyone's guess.
"You're...sis..ters," he mumbles.
Another breeze blows by. Then Mea and Nemesis burst into fits of giggling.
"Oh, man, he is such an idiot," says Nemesis.
"No kidding. But I admit, I like the sound of that," says Mea.
"Huh?" asks Nemesis, taken aback.
"I was so happy when Big Sis Yami acknowledged me as her sister," says Mea. "And the idea of having another sister makes me even happier. Come on, Neme, what do ya say?"
"I...I don't know what to say," replies Nemesis. "All I've ever known is war and death. I never thought I'd have a family, let alone deserve one."
"Deserve? Who cares about deserve? Just think about what you want," encourages Mea.
Nemesis lowers her head. "Again, even if you say that, Yami will never-"
"Then I'll convince her!" interrupts Mea. "I'll talk, persuade and beg as much as I have to. Anything to get Big Sis Yami to accept you. Because as far as I'm concerned, you're just as much a sister to me as she is."
"Mea," says Nemesis, genuinely moved.
...
She smiles and slides the bento box to Mea. "Thank you."
As Mea smiles back, Rito begins to snore; he's out cold. Mea gingerly strokes his hair.
"You really love him, don't you?" asks Nemesis.
Mea gazes at Rito whilst blushing. "Like you said, it's thanks to Rito-senpai my life changed. I have friends, sisters...even someone to love. He showed you, Big Sis Yami and myself that there's more to life than fighting, and he always treated us as people, not just weapons. He gave us a place to belong where we'd never feel lonely again. At first, I simply enjoyed teasing him because he's a hopeless pervert. But now, I can say it with absolute certainty. Yes, Neme. I love him."
Zzz-zzz-zzz.
Mea comically gasps to see Nemesis also asleep.
Seriously? she thinks. I just poured my heart out to her, and she goes and takes a nap? Well, in that case, hmm-hmm.
She hovers her ponytail over Nemesis' forehead.
"Use psycho-dive on me, and I'll choke you with your own ponytail," warns Nemesis, still awake.
Mea freaks out and retracts her ponytail. "Hehe, sorry."
"But you're right," says Nemesis with a smile. "He is a hopeless pervert."
Mea realizes Nemesis heard everything she said before going back to sleep.
Thanks, Neme, thinks Mea.
Then she returns her focus to Rito's sleeping face, and puts on a mischievous grin.
Should I or should I not? Oh, who am I kidding?
She touches Rito's forehead with her ponytail, activating her psycho-dive.
000000
Mea floats through Rito's subconscious.
Ooh, I wonder what erotic dreams Rito-senpai is having, she thinks. Maybe he's taking a bath, and needs someone to lick. Ooh, I gotta find him.
With drool oozing from her lips, she wanders aimlessly through the warm abyss, searching for any signs of Rito. Then she comes across a door hovering in space, like in the classic "Twilight Zone" opening.
Must be through here.
She opens the door.
"Huh?"
She's now inside the school infirmary. Rito, Yami and Tearju are all laughing together over tea and taiyaki. Mea stares at Rito in bewilderment.
Rito-senpai...why would you be dreaming about this?
Then she turns her attention to Tearju.
"Oh, hi, Mea. Would you care to join us?" asks Tearju.
...
For a second, Mea forgets that all of this is just a dream, and becomes frustrated.
"Why would I ever join YOU for anything, Tearju?" she yells. "You abandoned Big Sis Yami. She could've lived a different life, a happier life, if you had just stayed with her. But you didn't. And because of that, Big Sis Yami spent years putting herself in danger, always fighting, always alone. I don't care that you were forced to leave the organization. If you loved Big Sis Yami half as much as I do, you would've fought to stay by her side. You wouldn't have let anything separate you two. But it's too late now. It doesn't matter if Big Sis Yami forgives you, because I don't. And I never will!"
Just then, Tearju throws her arms around Mea, wrapping her in a warm embrace.
"Eh?" asks Mea.
"I'm sorry, Mea. I'm so sorry," says Tearju with misty eyes.
For a moment, nothing happens. Mea remains still as Tearju hugs her.
What am I getting so upset for? she thinks. None of this is real; it's just all in Rito-senpai's head.
She turns to Rito. He and Yami are both smiling at her.
Wait, what? thinks Mea. Why WOULD any of this be in his head? Does he...is this...is this what he wants? For Tearju and I to make up?
"It is, Mea," says Rito.
His response startles Mea.
"I can't fathom what you, Yami, Tearju or Nemesis have been through," says Rito. "But that's all in the past. You can start over with each other. I know that's what Miss Tear wants. As for me, I just want all of you to be happy, and I'll do whatever I can to make that happen."
...
Mea feels tears welling up in her eyes. "Why, Rito-senpai? Why do you care about us so much?"
Tearju releases Mea, and smiles at her. Mea stares at her, then at Rito and Yami. Then she smiles and wipes her eyes.
Oh, who am I kidding? she thinks. I already know why. That's just who you are. That's why I...
"Mea," says Rito.
"Thank you, Rito-senpai. I know what to do now," says Mea.
000000
Back at the training river, it's already sunset.
Rito opens his eyes, yawns and stretches his arms. "Man, that was a great nap. Ah, but it looks like I overslept."
As he sits up, it's only then he notices Nemesis sleeping on his thigh. His face burns red.
"Uh, Nemesis?" he asks.
She snores in response.
Geez, this girl is too much, he thinks.
Then he looks around, and realizes his other training partner is gone. "Mea? Mea!"
Just then, his phone vibrates. He whips it out, and looks at the new message.
"It's from her," he says aloud.
He reads the text, and raises his eyebrow in confusion.
"Take care of something?"
000000
Meanwhile, Mea flies over the rooftops, heading for a six-story apartment complex.
She lands on the balcony of one of the fourth-floor units; not at random; she knows who lives here.
The lights are on, but there's no one in sight. Mea's about to knock on the glass door, but stops herself. She takes a deep breath, steels her resolve and taps on the glass.
...
Ah, man, thinks Mea. What if she's out?
Just then, the bathroom door opens and a cloud of steam spills out into the unit. Tearju hums to herself as she emerges from the bathroom, one towel wrapped around her body, and another around her hair. Mea takes one look at Tearju's tremendous breasts, and glues her face and palms to the glass.
Holy crap, they're like watermelons, she thinks.
"Hmm?" asks Tearju, feeling someone's eyes on her.
She turns around to see Mea's face plastered on her glass door. She comically shrieks, trips over and lands on her butt.
"Ouch, that hurt," she says. "Huh? Mea?"
Mea gives her a wave. Tearju throws on a bathrobe, and opens the glass door to greet her.
"Hi, Miss Tear," says Mea.
"Hi, yourself. What brings you here so late?" asks Tearju.
"Well, I…I just wanted to say…" starts Mea, unable to find the words. Then her body begins to shake.
"What's wrong?" asks Tearju.
...
"I'm sorry," says Mea.
"Huh?" asks Tearju.
"Miss Tear, I've been wanting to talk to you for a while, but didn't know how," says Mea. "Then I found out from Rito-senpai that he also wanted us to talk. Knowing him, he'd probably arrange for you and I to meet, and then I'd keep avoiding you, and then he'd keep persisting. Just like he did with you and Big Sis Yami. That's just like him, sticking his nose where it doesn't belong...all because he cares. But he's got enough on his plate right now, and I don't wanna burden him with this any further. That's why I came here on my own, so we can...reconcile."
"Mea," says Tearju.
"I was really upset over what happened to Big Sis Yami, but she never blamed you for it," says Mea. "And I realized I was wrong to do so myself. Now, I've got this great life. I get to go to school, make friends, adopt sisters, and even fall in love. This may sound selfish, but I want everything in my life to be perfect from now on. And that means...I want things between us to be perfect too. So if it's not too late, Miss Tear, do you think…maybe...we could start over?"
...
Tears of joy fill Tearju's eyes. "Oh, Mea."
She steps forward to hug Mea, but stops herself, unsure if it's okay. Mea smiles and spreads her arms, welcoming a hug. The second she does, Tearju wraps her in a warm embrace, just like she did in Rito's dream. Only this time, Mea hugs her back.
...
"By the way, Miss Tear," starts Mea.
"Yes, Mea?" asks Tearju. "EEEYYY!"
Mea smothers her face between Tearju's breasts.
"Tell me, how can I get big boobies like these?" teases Mea.
"Um, uh," says Tearju, having no clue what to do or say.
Then the two burst into fits of laughter.
000000
The next day at school.
Rito walks down the hall, heading for the infirmary.
Alright, he thinks. Somehow, someway, I've gotta get Mea and Miss Tear to make up. Besides, as a king, I'm probably gonna have to help a lot of people get along, so this'll be good experience. But remember, this is about them, not me. Okay, here I go.
As he approaches the infirmary, he hears laughter. He peeks inside, and is greeted to a heartwarming sight.
Mea, Tearju, Oshizu and Mikado laugh and enjoy tea together; Celine plays on Mikado's lap. She notices Rito in the doorway, leaps off Mikado's lap, soars across the room, and lands into Rito's arms.
"Yikes, Celine," says Rito.
Celine babbles and hugs him.
"Oh, Yuki. Welcome," says Mikado.
"Hey, Rito-senpai," says Mea.
"Celine's missed you. No surprise there," says Oshizu.
"Would you care to join us, Yuki?" invites Tearju.
Rito looks at Mea and Tearju; he can feel the warm atmosphere between them. He smiles, realizing they've already made up on their own.
"Sure, I'd love to," he says.
Mea stands up, takes Celine and hands her back to Mikado.
"Oh, actually, Rito-senpai, I need to borrow you for a second," she says, taking his hand.
"What? Again?" asks Rito.
"Sorry, everyone," says Mea. "I'll swing by again after class. Later, Miss Tear."
"Later, Mea," says Tearju.
"Wait, Mea," says Rito.
"Come on," says Mea.
She yanks him out of the room, and they disappear down the hall.
"I'm so happy for you, Tearju," says Mikado.
"Thanks," says Tearju, smiling.
000000
Later, Mea leads Rito up onto the school roof.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," he panics. "You're not gonna throw me off the roof again, are ya?"
"Hehe, of course not," she says.
Then she walks to the fence, and gazes at the horizon.
"This place sure brings back memories," she says.
"Huh? Oh, yeah," he says. "This is where you and I first met, even though you were using psycho-dive on me."
"Yeah, sorry about that," she says. "And by the way, I kinda used it on you yesterday too."
"You what?" he asks.
"Sorry again, Rito-senpai," she says. "You passed out after training, and I couldn't help myself. I was hoping to join you for another erotic dream."
Rito smacks his forehead. "Of course, you were."
"But instead…you were dreaming about Miss Tear and I making up," she says.
"Huh?" he asks.
"It made me happy that you wanted to repair our relationship," she says. "To be honest, I wanted to repair it myself, at least for Big Sis Yami's sake. So I went over to her place last night, we talked, and now…well, we're getting there."
"That's wonderful, Mea," he says.
"Hmm-hmm," she says. "You're always helping someone, Rito-senpai. No matter who they are, you never seem to leave anyone behind."
"Well, I just want everyone to be happy and get along. Simple as that, really," he says.
"I see. Is that why you're going through with the harem plan?" she asks.
...
"WHAATTTT?" he yelps.
"Sorry again, but Miss Tear wasn't the only one I saw in your dream," she says.
"W-what do you mean?" he asks.
Mea counts on her fingers. "Well, there was also Haruna, Lala, Run, Risa, Kyouko, Neme and even Kujou-senpai. I saw you confessing to them, kissing them, and making all of them your harem girls. You sly devil, you."
Rito blushes, exposed and humiliated. "Mea!"
"Relax, I won't tell anyone. I just wanted to be honest with you," she says.
"W-well, I appreciate that," he says.
Though I'd appreciate it even more if you never used psycho-dive on me again, he thinks.
"Speaking of honesty, there's one last thing I wanna tell you," she says.
"O-okay," he says, bracing himself.
Mea takes a deep breath, and her cheeks redden.
...
"I'm in love with you, Rito. I have been for a long time," she confesses.
Rito stares at her, dumbfounded.
"At first, I just enjoyed sexually teasing you," she says. "But over time, I became attracted to your character. You have this deep-rooted desire to help others despite never asking for anything in return. And that night, when Kuro asked why I was protecting you from him, I meant what I said. This new life of mine, this town...it's sweet, laid-back, perverted and stupid. And you're the center of it all, Rito. That's why I love you; it's because you're Rito."
She approaches Rito and hugs him.
"Mea," he says.
"I understand if you don't love me back," she says. "At least, not yet. So I'm gonna work hard, and win your love the right way."
...
Wow, he thinks. She was mature enough to reconcile with Miss Tear on her own. Not to mention, she HAS risked her life so many times to save mine. Those bounty hunters sent by Nemesis, Golden Darkness, Kuro; she saved me from all of them. How could I not love someone like that? Maybe that's why she was in my dream. And now...she's in my heart.
A gentle breeze blows across the roof. Rito grips her shoulders and looks her in the eye, which makes her swoon.
"Mea...you don't have to win anything," he says, smiling.
"Rito," says Mea, smiling back.
Then she stands on her tiptoes, and plants her lips onto his. He's surprised at first, but then kisses her back. Once they break off, she rests her head on his chest.
"I promise, I'll do everything I can to protect you from that Stem jerk," she says.
"And I promise you the same," he says, hugging her tighter.
A pair of birds fly and kiss over the roof.
"Well, now that that's out of the way, I've got one more important question to ask," she says.
"What's that?" he asks.
She brings her face right up to his. "Remember when Big Sis Yami confessed to you?"
"Eh?" he asks.
"It was the last memory I saw in your dream. You're obviously thinking about it, so tell me. Are you gonna confess back? Are ya?" she asks.
"Well, uh…" he says, trailing off into uncertainty.
000000
Onboard the Dark Rover at the depths of the sea.
In a glass prison cell, the filthy mugger is unconscious on the floor. As he stirs awake, he takes in his surroundings. Then he notices a mechanical collar fastened around his neck, made from the same titanium band that Stem was working on earlier.
He tries to rip off the collar. "What the hell?"
"I wouldn't do that," warns Stem, approaching the glass wall.
The sight of the cyborg-alien makes the mugger crawl back in fear. "Who the hell are you? Where am I? What's going on? What do you want?"
"Uh, Stem...uh, on my ship at the bottom of the ocean...an experiment...and just to see if it works," replies Stem.
Then he snaps his fingers. On cue, the collar starts beeping.
"Hey, man, what'd you do?" panics the mugger.
The beeping grows faster. Again, the mugger tries in vain to rip off the collar. Then he bangs on the glass walls in a futile attempt to escape.
"Get this thing off me!" he yells. "Let me out! Help! He-"
BOOM! - a small explosion inside the cell.
The glass walls remain intact; the mugger, not so much.
Stem stares at the carnage with sinister glee. "Hmm. Guess it works."
Author's Note: I hope everyone is healthy, and enjoyed their holidays. You've all been waiting very patiently, and I appreciate that. As you've noticed, the chapters have started getting longer, because I've been cramming in as much plot as possible. Ironically, there wasn't much conflict between Mea and Rito, so I looked for conflict elsewhere, and landed on Tearju. Plus, I wanted to improve Rito's fighting prowess, AND elevate Stem's cruelty to the Nth degree. Now that Mea and Nemesis are taken care of, it's time for everyone's favorite weapon to get her shot. Stay tuned and as always, thanks for the support.
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