Chapter 15 - Yui Part 2
Rito opens his eyes.
Once again, he's trapped in the dark abyss; another nightmare. Only this time, he's not frightened; in fact, he's seething. "Leave me alone," he says.
Behind him stands Dark Rito, his gloomy doppelganger with the creepy voice. "But you invited me here," says Dark Rito.
"What?" asks Rito, turning around.
"Just as flies are lured to the scent of a corpse, I too am lured to your feelings of anguish and melancholy. I smell such feelings all over you, and it's never been this strong," says Dark Rito. Hearing enough, Rito storms away with no idea of where he's going, but he doesn't care; anywhere away from his evil twin is good enough. "Is it because of her?" says Dark Rito.
Suddenly, Yui appears right in front of Rito, stopping him dead in his tracks. She has the same cold look in her eyes from Rito's first nightmare.
"Kotegawa," says Rito, anxious.
"All she ever did was love you. But instead of loving her back, you wanna run off and have your way with a dozen other girls like some lascivious playboy," says Dark Rito.
"That's not true!" declares Rito.
"What did you think was gonna happen? She's an earthling girl who's abhorred sexual acts and only understood monogamy her whole life. Did you really think she'd ever go along with your harem plan?" baits Dark Rito.
Rito ignores Dark Rito, and grabs Yui's shoulders. "Kotegawa, listen to me," he says.
Suddenly, Yui's ears melt off her head like slime, scaring Rito. She doesn't react; just keeps glaring at him.
"You broke her heart. Now you must pay the price," says Dark Rito.
Just then, different parts of Yui melt off her body; her nose, her mouth, her hair, her chest, her arms, her legs; before long, her whole body becomes a gooey puddle with only her glaring eyes remaining intact.
"Stop! Please!" screams Rito, terrified of watching Yui die right in front of him.
"You don't love her, Rito. You never have," says Dark Rito.
Rito watches in horror as Yui's eyes swirl around in the gooey puddle. "AAAAAHHHHHH!" he screams.
000000
Rito screams awake in bed, panting heavily.
Momo stirs next to him. "Rito?" she asks with a worried expression.
"Momo. You're here," he says.
Momo took a reprieve from sleeping with Rito for the betterment of Project Harem. But after what happened with Yui, she figured he was depressed and needed the company, so she snuck into his bed like old times.
"I'm always here for you," she says.
Rito stares at her for a moment, trying to be strong. But it's no use; within seconds, he chokes back tears. Momo curls up to him, and places his head against her soft chest, not in a sexual way, but a comforting one.
"Shh, it's okay," she says softly.
Rito struggles to speak as he weeps. "I hurt her, Momo. I don't…know what to do. I knew…sooner or later…something like this would happen. I knew one of them…would hate me for building a harem. Mom and Dad warned me there'd be consequences. I thought I was prepared to deal with them. But I...I wasn't ready at all. I…I just…" he says.
"You'll find a way to make it right; you always do. You've come this far already. And I'm sure she's feeling bad about it too," she says.
"I love her. I never thought I would, but I do. I love Yui Kotegawa. And…I don't care about adding her to the harem. I just…want her to be happy. But…I don't want to let her go either," he says.
"Then tell her that, Rito. And no matter what happens, I will always be by your side," she says, holding him tighter.
"Thank you, Momo," he says, hugging her back and calming down.
000000
Meanwhile at Yui's house.
In the dark hallway, Yuu picks up a tray of untouched food outside Yui's bedroom door. She didn't even touch her dinner, he thinks. Okay, Yuu. Time to be a big brother.
He gently knocks on the door. "Yui, you awake?" he says quietly. No answer. "Listen, I know it's not my place to say, but I think you should talk to Yuki," he says.
Inside Yui's room, the lights are off and the blinds for the sliding glass door are shut, casting the room in total darkness. Yui lies in bed in a near-catatonic state, weeping softly into her cat-themed body pillow. Her eyes are red and puffy; she's been crying non-stop. She listens to Yuu speaking through the door.
"I admit, what he's doing is pretty twisted," says Yuu. "Forming a group of his own lovers, and asking you to be one of them. But...he doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who would do that out of any lustful ambition. I think he truly cares about you, and I know you care about him. And if you leave things as they are, you're gonna feel so much worse than you do now. I'm only telling you this, because I love you. I'll leave you be for now. Goodnight, Yui," he says, and then walks away.
You're right, Yuu, thinks Yui. It's not your place to say. But you're also right about Yuki. I know better than anyone that he isn't the type of boy who would do shameless things on purpose. He wouldn't round up a bunch of girls just so he could have his way with them. Instead he's taking on this gargantuan responsibility of becoming king of the whole freaking universe, and inviting those he loves and trusts the most to support him through it. And for him to invite me of all people makes me really happy. But...I still want to be the one he loves most. Is that so wrong? If Yuki were just a normal boy who rejected me because he had feelings for another girl like Lala or Sairenji, it wouldn't hurt this much. But the fact that he's accumulating a harem, I...I just don't understand why it hurts so much more.
A buzzing sound. Yui turns over to her cell phone vibrating on the bedside table; the screen displays several unanswered calls and unread text messages from Nana, Risa, Mio, Lala, Haruna and Rito.
I'm a horrible person, making all of them worry like this, she thinks. But I can't. I can't go back to that school. I can't look at the council members without feeling guilty for leaving them to finish the Space Festival on their own. I can't look at the other girls without wondering how much closer they've already gotten to Yuki. And I can't look at Yuki himself without crying over hitting him and saying those awful things to him. I love him. I love him so much. But how can he love me if he already loves so many others? I just...I don't know what to do. Oh, Yuki...Rito...I'm sorry. I'm sorry...but no. I can't be a part of your harem. I just can't, she thinks as she cries herself to sleep.
000000
Grey clouds cast Sainan High in a gloomy atmosphere.
In Rito's classroom, the teacher takes attendance. "Kotegawa?" he asks. No answer; Yui's desk is empty. "Out again, I see. Very well. Yuki?" he asks.
"Here," says Rito, staring at Yui's empty desk. Behind him, Risa and Mio whisper amongst themselves.
"Two days in a row?" whispers Risa.
"She must be sick. She's gotta be," whispers Mio.
"Too sick to answer her phone?" implies Risa.
"Maybe. Oh, I hope she's okay," whispers Mio.
I hope she is too, thinks Rito. After what happened in the student council room, Kotegawa stopped coming to school. She's never skipped a day in her life, let alone two. Well, except for that one time she WAS actually sick. Which means she's not okay at all, and it's all my fault. Suddenly, a sharp pain attacks Rito, and he clutches his chest, trying hard not to make a scene in class. Oh, no. Not again, he thinks.
000000
In Mikado's infirmary, Celine cries in Mikado's arms.
"Shh, there, there. Don't cry," says Mikado, gently rocking Celine in her arms as she paces around the room. As Celine calms down, Mikado kisses her forehead. "It's gonna be fine, Celine. I'm sure Yui will be back, and she'll play with you again real soon. I promise," she says. Celine musters a cheerful giggle.
Outside in the hall, Rito leans against the wall, clutching his chest, eavesdropping by the door with a somber expression; he's in more pain from Mikado's words than he is from Black Darkness. He takes a deep breath, quells the pain on his own, and walks away; he'll return later for the antidote at a better time. I'm sorry, Celine, he thinks.
Hiding behind another hallway, Momo watches Rito walk away from the infirmary, looking just as somber as him. She clenches her fists, and runs up the stairs.
000000
Later in the student council room, Rito and the other council members listen as the newly-elected Vice President Nana, filling in for Yui, discusses the last-minute details regarding the Space Festival.
"And finally, the forecast said clear skies by five o'clock, but I think we should have umbrellas and ponchos available by the entrance just in case," says Nana.
Everyone mumbles in agreement, not really listening; they're all thinking the same thing, including Nana. She trades looks with Rito, and sighs.
"Look, guys, I know these last two days without Kotegawa have been tough," says Nana. "And I know it seems like she abandoned us at the worst possible moment. But if you know her like I do, you'd know she'd never do such a thing unless she had a good reason. Kotegawa worked herself to the bone planning and organizing this festival, because she wants everyone who comes to enjoy it as much as possible. This is the perfect opportunity for humans and aliens to have fun, and build relationships that will last the rest of their lives. Kotegawa understands that, and that's why she worked so hard. We can't let all her hard work go to waste, so on her behalf, let's finish strong and throw the best Space Festival ever," she finishes.
Rito and the other students exchange smiles, spurred by Nana's leadership.
"Will she be coming tonight?" asks a random female student.
"Well, uh," says Nana, unsure of the answer herself.
"She will," says Rito.
"Rito," says Nana.
"I'll make sure of it," he says with a confident smile.
Nana smiles back with a light blush, proud of her man. "I have full faith in you," she says.
000000
Meanwhile at Yui's house.
Yui emerges from her bathroom, and falls back into bed. Her flip-phone buzzes again. She rolls over, facing away from her phone.
"KOTEGAWA!" yells a voice.
"Ay!" yelps Yui, startled into falling out of bed headfirst. "Ow, ow, ow," she moans, rubbing her head.
"I know you're there. Answer me!" yells the unseen voice.
Yui frantically looks around. "Who's there?" she asks, frightened.
"It's me, Momo," says the voice.
"Momo? Where-?" asks Yui.
"Your phone," says Momo.
Yui turns to her phone, still closed. She snatches it, and flips it open; nothing but a dark screen; there's no way Momo could be speaking to her through her phone right now.
"You still there?" asks Momo through her phone.
"H-how are you doing this?" asks Yui.
Back at school, Momo stands on the roof, talking on her phone with a pink USB plugged into it. She and Yui continue speaking via phones. "That doesn't matter," says Momo.
"Wait, is this another one of your sister's crazy inventions?" asks Yui.
"Kotegawa," says Momo.
"Whatever. Just turn it off, and leave me alone," says Yui.
"Not until you hear me out," says Momo.
"What is there to say?" challenges Yui.
"It was my fault," says Momo.
"What? What was?" asks Yui.
"Project Harem was my idea. I'm the one who put Rito up to it," says Momo.
Yui processes this information for a moment. "Why?" she asks.
"Because I love him too," says Momo. Yui gasps in surprise. "That's right, you heard me. I'm in love with Rito Yuki," continues Momo.
Yui feels the need to sit, so she plops herself down in her chair. "I'm listening," she says.
"I'm sure Rito told you, but in case he didn't, he's always loved Haruna," says Momo. "But when my sister came into his life, he couldn't deny his love for her either. He was confused, torn between his feelings for two different girls. So I approached him with the harem plan. I figured it'd be easier for everyone if he just accepted both girls without having to choose. But I'd be lying if I said I did it just for his sake. The truth is…I wanted him to love me too. I still do. And with a harem, I thought I'd have a better shot," she explains.
"Momo," says Yui.
"I'm a terrible person, Kotegawa," says Momo. "I used Rito's feelings for Haruna and Big Sis to my advantage. I thought if I could convince him to love two girls, I could manipulate him into loving me. After all, the more girls he loved, the easier it'd be for me to squeeze myself into his heart. Like I said, I'm a terrible person. Not to mention, selfish. I didn't just want him to love me; I wanted to be the one he loved most. His best girl. And now I'm paying the price for my selfish actions," she says.
"What do you mean?" asks Yui.
"I'm the so-called harem manager, and yet I'm not even a part of the harem," says Momo.
"What?" asks Yui.
"Despite everything I've said, Rito still hasn't confessed to me, or invited me into his harem," says Momo. "He's done so with so many other girls including yourself. And if I'm being blunt, you may have known him longer, but I've loved him longer. And yet he still approached you first. What does that say about him? About how much he loves you? He bore his heart and soul to you, and you just threw it all away," she chides.
"You wouldn't understand," says Yui.
"Try me," says Momo.
"You're from Deviluke, Momo. Maybe you were raised to believe polygamy is an acceptable practice, but I wasn't," says Yui.
"Yeah, well, neither were Haruna, Momioka or Kujou. But their love for Rito outweighs any Earthling traditions. Was I mistaken to believe yours did too?" asks Momo.
"Why are you telling me all this? What do you want?" asks Yui.
"I want you to talk to him," says Momo.
"How can I?" asks Yui.
"Stop acting like he betrayed you, because he didn't," says Momo.
"Then why does it hurt so much?" asks Yui.
"If anyone's to blame for that, it's me. Like I said, Project Harem was my idea, so take this out on me. Rito's not in the wrong here," says Momo.
"But he's still going through with it," says Yui.
"Of course, he is. And he and a lot of people are happier because of it. Heck, even his perverted accidents were cured because he's building a harem," says Momo.
"What? Well, ahem, even if that were true, I still can't accept it," says Yui.
"Why not?" asks Momo.
"Because I'm selfish too, okay! I want to be the one Yuki loves most, but that can never happen. As long as he loves a dozen other girls equally, I'll always carry this lingering doubt of how much he actually loves me," says Yui.
"Well, that's your problem, not his," says Momo.
"What?" asks Yui.
"Who cares if you're not the one he loves most? Isn't having a piece of his love better than none at all? That's what I tell myself every single day. Do you have any idea how lucky you are? He reciprocates your love, Kotegawa. I'd give anything to be in your position," asks Momo.
"I can't do this," says Yui, her eyes growing misty.
"No, I'm not done! Listen to me, Kotegawa. One day, Rito's gonna leave Earth, with or without you. He's come too far, and as much as he loves you, he can't back out now just for your sake. But it's also because he loves you, he'll wanna make peace with you before he leaves. If you won't go to him, he'll come to you. You can't avoid him forever," says Momo.
"Momo…I can't be a part of his harem," says Yui, tears sliding down her face.
"Fine. If you won't take him up on the offer, at least turn him down easily. Because no matter how many girls love him, there will always be that pain in his heart from losing you. But I strongly suggest you reconsider. Otherwise, you yourself are gonna lose something more special than you can imagine. Where else are you gonna find a man like Rito Yuki?" asks Momo.
"I…I can't! I'm sorry, but I can't!" says Yui, crying her eyes out, and rushing to her sliding glass door.
"Kotegawa!" says Momo.
Yui chucks her phone over her balcony, and watches it disappear behind the trees. Then she drops to her knees, and cries even harder.
Back on the school roof, Momo sighs in defeat and closes her phone. "It's all up to you now, Rito," she says.
000000
Later at Rito's house, Rito stands in the living room staring out the window, watching the sun set beyond the horizon.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Rito," says Lala, entering the room.
Rito turns around, and his eyes widen. "Wow," he says.
Lala, Momo, Nana, Mikan and Celine stand before him, all wearing yukatas, and all looking amazing in them.
"What do you think?" asks Momo.
"You all look great. Like, better than great," says Rito.
"Uh-huh. This is my future husband," jokes Nana.
Mikan picks up Celine. "We should get going," she says.
"Right," says Rito, heading for the door.
"Right," says Lala, pulling out the silver bracelet that is her warp ring.
"Huh? Wait, is that-?" asks Rito.
"Here we go," says Lala, activating the warp ring.
"Lala, ahh!" yelps Rito as he and the group vanishes into thin air.
000000
At Mikado's clinic, Oshizu comes running out the front door with her phone; Mikado waits for her on the sidewalk. They both wear yukatas.
"Sorry. It was under my bed," says Oshizu.
"No worries. All set now?" asks Mikado.
"Yeah, let's go," says Oshizu.
They leave the clinic on foot, and head down the sidewalk.
000000
At the Kurosaki's residence, Yami, Mea, Neme and Tearju (all wearing yukatas) are ready to go. Mea and Neme unfurl their wings, launch off the balcony, and fly off into the night sky.
"You all enjoy yourselves," says Lune.
"Hold down the fort until we get back, Lune," says Yami, hugging Tearju from behind.
"Uh, Yami, are you sure we can't just walk?" asks Tearju.
"Don't worry about your hair, Tear. I'm sure the wind won't mess it up too badly," says Yami, unfurling her wings.
"It's not my hair I'm worried-ah!" yelps Tear as Yami takes off, flying them both out of the apartment and after the others.
000000
A limousine drives down the street.
Inside in the back seat, Saki, Aya and Rin (all wearing yukatas) finish applying makeup to their faces.
"Never thought I'd see the day when you'd wear makeup, Rin," notes Saki.
"Oh, well, I, uh," says Rin, flushed.
"It's okay. We understand," says Aya.
"You wanna look good for Yuki, right?" teases Saki.
"W-w-w-what? No, that's not it all!" says Rin, more flushed than before.
000000
At Sainan High, the Space Festival kicks into high gear.
Hundreds of patrons flood the streets, buying food from the vendor stalls, participating in different games, and all around, having a great time.
Kyouko, Risa and Mio (all wearing yukatas) talk among themselves, waiting for Saruyama as he orders dumplings for everyone from a stall.
"Hey, everyone," says Run, wearing a yukata and walking with Ren.
"Hey, you two," says Risa.
"Kyouko, you made it," says Run.
"What? You'd think I miss this party?" jokes Kyouko.
"Hey, you guys," says Lala as her group minus Rito joins them.
"Hey, yourselves. Hmm? Where's Rito?" asks Run.
Back in the crowd, Rito struggles to navigate past so many people.
"Crap, how is I get separated from everyone at the start of the festival?" he complains.
He weaves his way past one happy couple after another until he accidentally bumps into someone.
"Oh, sorry about that," say Rito and the other person at the same time.
Rito blinks twice when he sees who it is. "Haruna?" he asks.
Sure enough, Haruna stands before him, looking just as perplexed. "Oh, Rito," she says.
Rito stares at her for a moment, dazzled by her yukata. "You look beautiful," he says.
Haruna smiles and flushes. "Thank you," she says.
"Hey, Rito," yells Mikan. Both Rito and Haruna turn to see her and their friends beckoning them over. "Get over here, would ya?" says Mikan.
"Shall we?" asks Rito, offering his hand. Haruna nods, and takes his hand. Then they both go running through the crowd to join the others, ready for an exciting night.
000000
Meanwhile at Zastin's apartment.
The lights are off, and the TV is on, playing reruns of Jeopardy. Zastin sleeps on the couch with a half-empty bowl of popcorn on his lap, two empty bottles of saki on the floor, and a trail of drool oozing from his snoring mouth.
000000
Back at the festival, Rito and all his friends enjoy themselves.
Lala, Run, Nana and Mea play the fish-catching game, competing against each other for fun. Yami, Mikan and Celine enjoy bags full of taiyaki. Haruna, Oshizu, Saki, Aya and Rin take pictures together in front of a wallpaper of the solar system. Risa, Mio and Kyouko come running and screaming out of the haunted house exhibit; then Neme comes out, laughing her head off. Mikado and Tearju talk and laugh over iced teas.
Rito, Ren and Saruyama sit on a bench, drinking sodas, gazing at all the pretty women in their yukatas.
"This is the life," says Saruyama.
"No kidding," says Ren, who notices Rito slumped over with a gloomy look. "What's up your butt, Rito?" he asks.
"Huh? Oh, it's nothing," replies Rito.
"If it's about Kotegawa, I haven't seen her either," says Ren.
"Wait, how'd you-?" asks Rito.
"You're not that hard to read, you know," says Ren.
"Now that you mention it, I haven't seen Kotegawa either. I wanted to thank her for arranging such an awesome festival. I wonder if she's just running late," says Saruyama.
"Unlikely," says Ren.
Rito looks around at everyone having a good time. He clenches his fists, realizing what he has to do.
000000
Meanwhile at Yui's house.
Another untouched tray of food rests outside Yui's bedroom door.
Inside the room, Yui is still in bed, still wearing her pajamas, still hugging her kitty pillow. Even from her house, she can hear the distant music from the Space Festival. Sounds like everyone's having fun, she thinks. That's good.
Just then, Yui reminisces about all the hard work she put in for the festival; leading the council meetings, hanging the posters, mapping out the blueprints, buying the supplies, building the stalls, discussing everything with the principal, etc. And Rito was there, right by her side through all of it.
Yui sits upright in bed, her eyes filled with resolve. "Okay," she says aloud.
Moving fast as lightning, Yui takes a quick shower. Everyone else also worked really hard on this festival, she thinks. First thing I gotta do is find them and apologize for flaking off at the finish line. She blow-dries her hair. And I'm gonna have to make up for all the time I took off school. I can't believe I did that. She puts on her yukata, smoothing out any wrinkles and wrapping her belt around her waist. Besides, Momo was right; I'll have to face Yuki sooner or later. She checks herself in the mirror; she looks absolutely stunning. "Okay," she repeats.
Yui walks to her door, reaching for the doorknob-
And stops.
Yui stares at the doorknob for what feels like an eternity. Her heartbeat increases rapidly. Her legs begin to shake. She can't bring herself to open the door.
The festival music echoes in the distance.
Yui sighs and lowers her hand, cold feet getting the better of her. She returns to her bed, and begins unraveling her belt. Then she notices tears falling from her eyes. "What? Why am I…?" she says to herself. She wipes her eyes, but the tears don't stop.
"Kotegawa?" asks a voice.
Yui comically freaks out. "Y-yes?" she asks, spinning around her room to find the voice. Seriously? Again? she thinks.
"It's me," says the voice.
Yui looks to her balcony, and sees Rito standing on the other side of her sliding glass door. "Yuki?" she asks.
"H-hi," he says, sheepishly waving.
Yui stares at him, and then walks over to the door. She lifts her hand, about to open it; instead, she flips down the lever, locking it. Her brow furrows into an angry glare.
"Wait," says Rito.
"Go away," says Yui, drawing the curtains over the door, obscuring Rito from sight.
"Kotegawa," he says.
"I don't wanna see you," she says.
"Just give me a chance. I'm not leaving til you do," he says.
"Then I'll call the police," she says, going for her phone at her bedside table. But once she sees it's not there, she remembers how she threw it over the balcony. She facepalms herself with a grunt.
"I'm sorry, Kotegawa. I didn't mean to hurt you," says Rito.
Yui takes a moment to consider his words. "Are you still going through with the harem plan?" she asks.
Rito doesn't answer; doesn't have to. That's all the answer Yui needs; she goes for her door.
"Kotegawa," he says.
"If you won't leave, I will," she says, pulling the doorknob, but the door doesn't open. "What the?" she says.
"Just hear him out, Yui," says Yuu on the other side of the door.
"Yuu?" says Yui, incredulous.
Out in the hallway, Yuu grasps the doorknob with both hands, and plants his foot against the wall; he's pulling the door shut from his side so that Yui can't open it from hers. "He could've been having fun at the festival, but instead he came here so you could do the same. He came here for you, Yui," he says.
"Yuu, open this door. Let me out," demands Yui, struggling to open the door.
"Oh, NOW you wanna leave your room," mocks Yuu, struggling to keep the door shut. "Yuki, whatever you're gonna say, you better say it now. She's a lot stronger than she looks," he says.
Yui pulls the doorknob so hard, her hands slide off, and she goes rolling across the floor in a hilarious manner.
"Kotegawa, are you okay?" asks Rito; he can't see anything with the curtain blocking his view.
"Ow," moans Yui, laying on her back with her legs up and her yukata down, exposing her panties. She flushes red with embarrassment, quickly adjusts her yukata, and glares at Rito, thinking he saw them, only to see the curtain draped over the glass door; he never saw them. Yui sighs in relief.
"Kotegawa?" asks Rito.
"Please just leave me alone. I will never join your harem," says Yui.
"I'm not asking you to. It's your choice, and I won't persuade you otherwise," he says.
"Then why are you here?" she asks.
"Like your brother said, I'm asking you to come to the festival with me," he responds.
"I…I can't. I abandoned the council members, and dumped all the work on them. They hate me, and I don't blame them," she says.
"That's not true at all. In fact, everyone's really worried about you, and they'd have a lot more fun with you there," he says.
"They would?" she asks.
"Definitely. Besides, you worked your hardest for tonight. Don't you wanna see how it all turned out?" he asks. Yui remains silent, so Rito continues. "I noticed you're wearing your yukata," he says.
"Yeah, so?" she asks.
"So you WERE planning to go, right?" he asks.
"D-don't be absurd. I just wanted to see how it looked," she says, her inner tsundere kicking in.
"Well, I only caught a quick glimpse, but I thought you looked really pretty," he says.
Yui blushes, touched by his compliment. "Th-thank you," she says. Even after everything I've done, he's still being nice to me. Well, that is just like him, she thinks.
"You're welcome. Listen, I won't guilt or force you into coming. I'm here, because I care about you. And I'll never forgive myself if I was the reason for you missing out on such a big night," he says.
Yui heeds his words, and then looks at herself in the mirror; she worked hard on her appearance, and she really does look beautiful. It would be a waste not to go, but even so…she thinks.
"Just think about it. The festival ends in just a few hours. I hope to see you there. I'll go now," he says.
"Wait," she says. Composing herself, she draws back the curtains, unlocks the glass door, slides it open, and meets Rito on the balcony. "How'd you get up here anyway?" she asks.
"Oh, this? Did you forget?" he says, levitating a few feet off the ground.
"Oh, right, you can fly now," she says.
"Yeah, life sure is strange that way," he says. A gentle breeze blows past them. Rito offers Yui his hand. "Wanna see what it's like?" he asks with a smile.
"Huh?" she gasps.
"You can trust me, Kotegawa," he says, floating higher into the air, hand still outstretched.
Yui smiles, and takes Rito's hand. "O-okay," she says.
Rito pulls her up, and holds her in a bridal carry. Yui notes how high up they are, and hastily wraps her arms around his neck, more so out of fear than love. They ascend higher into the sky.
"Don't be afraid, and don't let go," he says with a dreamy smile.
"Alright," she says. Oh, wow. Now I know how all those fairy tale princesses must've felt, she thinks.
Without warning, Rito accelerates into the night sky with Yui in his arms. She screams a bit from the sudden thrust.
Meanwhile back in the house, Yuu is still in the hallway, still holding the door shut. "So you're gonna go, right, Yui?" he asks. No answer from inside the bedroom. "Yui? Yuki? Hello?" he asks.
000000
A thousand feet in the air, Rito flies and carries Yui through the starry, night sky; just like Aladdin and Jasmine, or Hiccup and Astrid.
Yui marvels at the view of the town. "Wow. I can't believe you get to do this every day," she says.
"Well, I do admit it, it never gets old," replies Rito, then he gestures to the stars above. "And someday, I'm gonna fly among those," he says.
Perhaps it's the night sky, or being flown through it in the arms of the man she loves, but Yui's icy demeanor begins to defrost. "When you become king of the universe, right?" she says in a sad tone.
"Kotegawa?" he asks.
"I'm sorry, Yuki," she says, looking Rito right in the eye. "I'm sorry I hit you, and said all those hurtful things," she continues.
"I'm sorry too. You worked up the nerve to tell me how you feel. I should've been more delicate with my response, and more considerate of your feelings. Please forgive me," he says.
"Yuki," she says. Then she realizes how close their faces are to each other, making her blush. "I, uh, erm, ahem. If...if you want to explain again, I'm willing to listen now," she says.
"Thank you," he says.
As they continue flying over the town, Rito explains everything to Yui in greater detail. First, he mentions the nightmare he had of everyone hating him. Then, he explains his indecision to pick between Haruna and Lala. Finally, he confesses that his reason for going through with the harem plan is out of love, not lust; while he admits he wants to do shameless things with all the girls, his primary motivation is making them happy and showering them with the love and devotion they all deserve.
"After all, if I can't make a couple girls happy, how am I ever gonna make a whole universe happy?" inquires Rito.
"Well, I suppose that makes sense," says Yui.
Rito takes them under a cluster of clouds to avoid the freezing vapor. "Kotegawa...I really do love you," he says.
"W-w-w-what? Yuki, this is hardly the time," she says, panicking so much, she almost falls out of his arms.
"I'm sorry, but I can't wait anymore. I love you, and I was truly happy when you said you loved me back. I didn't think you'd ever feel that way about me," he says.
"Yeah, well, feeling's mutual. After everything I've done, I didn't think you'd ever love me," she says.
"True, I didn't love you at first. But over time, I realized how important you are to me. I saw that there was more to you than just the class rep who was a stickler for the rules. Like your motherly side when you care for Celine, or your adorable side whenever you see cats," he says.
"A-adorable?" she says, face red and steaming. "But Yuki, you already have...t-ten girls. What do you need me for?" she asks.
"It's not the number of brides that matters to me. I'm not trying to subjugate a dozen women to my sexual needs, you know," he says with a straight face.
"I-I know that," she says, flustered.
"I just find a new sense of joy with each new girl. They bring me something I didn't even know I could feel," he says.
"Even Momioka?" she asks.
"Y-yeah. Surprisingly, even her," he says. "I still have a lot to learn before I'm ready to become a king, let alone a husband; let alone a husband to numerous wives. But everyone believes in me, and I want their faith to be rewarded. So I'm gonna believe in me too. I'm gonna pull this off, Kotegawa, and I…I really want to share the adventure with you too," he finishes.
Yui finds herself staring longingly at him again. "You said you wouldn't persuade me to join your harem," she teases.
"Oh, right! Sorry 'bout that, hehe," he says.
"Well, it's still unorthodox, but considering the alternatives, perhaps it's the best option. If you dated one girl like a normal person, so many others would've been left heartbroken. Not to mention, who knows what kind of creep would come along and take advantage of them. I can't believe I'm saying this, but if those girls are safe in anyone's hands, it's yours. And if anyone's qualified to have a harem, it's you," she says.
"Kotegawa," he says.
"I know you'll be chivalrous with your brides, and keep them safe. But I…I still need time before I can answer," she confesses.
"Okay," he says with a smile. Then he notices something up ahead. "Look," he says. Yui follows his gaze, and her face fills with elation.
They're approaching the Space Festival. Humans and aliens are having fun together, enjoying the festivities to the fullest. Yuki was right, thinks Yui. It did turn out great.
"Yuki, let's go," she says.
"You got it," he says, descending towards the school.
All of Rito's friends are gathered together in a large group, chatting and laughing. "Hey, Rito's back. And he brought Yui too!" cheers Lala. Soon as Rito and Yui touch the ground, everyone flocks to them.
"Kotegawa, you made it," says Haruna.
"I'm so glad you're here," says Nana.
"Took you long enough," says Risa.
"Yeah, but you know what they say," says Mio.
"Better late than never," says Saruyama.
"Welcome, Yui," says Mikado.
"You did a great job putting this festival together," says Tearju.
"Oh, uh, thank you, everyone. I'm sorry I worried you all," says Yui, blushing from all the praise and attention. Then she notices another group approaching; it's the rest of the student council members.
Yui takes a deep breath, and approaches them. "Everyone, I'm so sorry," she says, bowing before the group. "I was selfish and childish. While you were all hard at work, all I did was mope around in my bedroom. I abandoned all of you when you needed me," she says, turning to Nana. "And Nana, I owe you the biggest apology of all. You had to fill in when I wasn't there. I never should've done that. It's clear to me that I'm not fit to be the council president anymore. I'm willing to step down, and-"
"No way," says Nana.
"Huh?" asks Yui.
"You're the only president we need, Kotegawa. Yeah, you made a mistake. But hey, no one's perfect. Just look at Rito," says Nana.
"Hey," whines Rito.
"Besides, if you wanna make up for slacking off, you can always help clean up once the festival's over. Consider that your punishment, and we'll call it square. You're our president, Kotegawa. Stay our president," says Nana.
"Nana," says Yui, looking around. All of the other council members smile and nod, agreeing with Nana's statement. Then Yui turns to Rito; unsurprisingly, he smiles and nods as well. "You guys," she says as grateful tears fill her eyes.
Momo walks over to Yui, and hugs her gently. "Hey, now, there's no need to cry. This is a festival. Let's have some fun together," she says.
Suddenly, Celine springs out of Mikado's arms, and lands in Yui's arms, giddy with joy; she hugs Yui, and nuzzles her face against her neck. Yui smiles, wipes her eyes, and nuzzles Celine back. "Yeah, you're right. Thank you, everyone. Now, let's have some fun!" she says.
"Yeah!" everyone cheers.
000000
The night goes on. If Rito and the others were enjoying themselves before, they're all extra excited now that Yui's with them.
Yui joins all her friends in various events; she attends a maid café with Risa and Mio; she gets scared in the haunted house along with Lala, Momo, and Nana; she enjoys an assortment of food with Yami, Mea and Neme; she participates in a karaoke event with Run and Kyouko; she and Oshizu face off in a shooting range game; she, Celine, Haruna and Mikan pet an alien llama at the petting zoo.
Rito approaches Mikado, clutching his chest (because of Black Darkness) and flushing red. He whispers something in her ear, causing her to blush and smile. She leads him behind a tree, away from the crowd where they won't be seen.
A few moments later, the two of them rejoin the crowd. Mikado licks her lips with a seductive smile. Rito wipes his lips, even more flushed than before; at least, he's not clutching his chest anymore.
In the courtyard, an adult chaperone lights the bonfire. Several students pair up and dance; among them are Mio dancing with Saruyama, and Aya dancing with Ren. Yui watches them all from the side, happy. I'm so glad, she thinks. It turned out better than I could've dreamed.
Rito appears before her, and offers his hand.
"Yuki?" she asks.
"May I have this dance?" he asks.
Yui grows flustered. "Huh? Oh, um, thank you, but I'm no dancer. You should ask Lala or Yami or Kujou or Run or Momo-yeah, Momo! I'm sure she'd love to…" Her voice trails off as she realizes Rito isn't backing down. He just keeps smiling, and offering his hand. She stares at his hand for a moment, and then takes it.
000000
Meanwhile at Zastin's apartment.
Zastin is still passed out on the couch.
A sudden alarm blares throughout the unit. Zastin wakes up, and tumbles off the couch headfirst. "Ow, ow, ow. What in the world?" he says, rubbing his head, and looking at the TV. The screen flashes a proximity warning alert. Zastin's face goes white as a sheet. "Oh, no," he says, grimly.
000000
Back at the festival.
In one of the women's restrooms, the Deviluke sisters and the Kurosaki sisters wash their hands, laugh and gossip.
"I must say, I wasn't expecting tonight to be so much fun," says Neme.
"The wonder of earthlings, Neme, is that they never cease to amaze you," says Yami.
"Yeah. Speaking of amazing earthlings, anybody seen Rito?" asks Mea.
"Oh, I'm sure he's just doing what he does best," says Nana.
"What's that?" asks Lala.
"Falling in love," says Momo.
000000
Back at the bonfire, Rito and Yui dance under the starry sky.
Despite neither of them having any experience, they're both in relatively good sync, flowing to the music and matching one another's movements. As they dance, everything else just fades away, like they're the only two people in the world.
This is the first time…a boy's ever asked me to dance, thinks Yui. They were always angry at me or scared of me; the girl who kept scolding them for their perverted behavior. None of them ever wanted anything to do with me. I didn't care at first. But being in a boy's arms like this…being in HIS arms…makes me feel…warm...and safe. She looks up into his hazel eyes, lost in their wonder. "Yuki," she says.
"Kotegawa," says Rito.
They stop dancing, and keep gazing into each other's eyes. Whatever's getting to them, whether it's the romantic atmosphere or their mutual attraction, they find themselves leaning closer, about to kiss-
BOOM!
Something drops from the sky, and crashes into the bonfire with a thunderous impact, decimating the burning pyre and cratering the ground. The music ceases. Everyone in the vicinity screams and braces themselves against the roaring cloud of dust sweeping through the courtyard. Rito instinctively shields Yui, keeping his back to the dust.
A couple seconds tick by, and everything settles.
"Kotegawa, are you alright?" asks Rito.
"Y-yes. What was that?" asks Yui.
They both look around; everyone else is picking themselves up. They're all confused and disoriented, but alive and unharmed. The bonfire has been reduced to a campfire.
Suddenly, a figure rises out of the flames like a phoenix, silhouetted in the smoke; the only thing visible is the thumping heart glowing in his chest.
"No," says Rito.
The smoke clears, revealing the figure in all his sinister glory.
"Stem," says Yui.
Rito observes everything new about Stem; his blue body dyed red, his glowing heart, even his malicious aura feels more palpable. Stem swivels his head left to right, taking in the faces of all the terrified dancers. He stops when he sees Rito, who keeps himself in front of Yui.
"Little worm," says Stem. He takes one step forward, and everyone screams for their lives, fleeing to safety; only Rito and Yui remain.
As Stem slowly approaches his prey, Rito thinks fast. He's gotten stronger. There's no way I can take him alone. Where are Lala and the others? They've must heard the commotion. I've gotta stall until they get here. "WHAT'RE YOU DOING HERE?" he shouts, full of rage.
Stem stops a few paces short of Rito and Yui. "You know damn well why I'm here," he responds.
"This is the Space Festival, Stem," chastises Rito. "A peaceful celebration that humans and aliens can enjoy together. A place where they can make happy memories and form new bonds. Do you have any idea how important tonight is to them? How important it is to Kotegawa?" he yells.
"Yuki," gasps Yui.
"She worked so hard to make tonight possible. And you have the nerve to come here and ruin it all? I won't forgive you for this," shouts Rito. Yui gazes at him longingly, touched by his words.
Stem howls with laughter. "The Space Festival? That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard," he says, laughing so hard, he has to wipe his eyes. "Rito Yuki, if you want humans and aliens to coexist peacefully, I can make that happen. As king, I'll subjugate every creature in this universe equally. They can have all the memories and bonds they want, so as long as I'm the one overseeing it," he says.
"Yeah, that sounds like a real king," hisses Yui, sarcastic. Stem shoots her a glare, scaring her behind Rito.
"Kotegawa, you need to get outta here," whispers Rito.
"What? No, you can't take him on by yourself," says Yui.
"Lala and the others will be here soon. Until then, you need to help evacuate the festival. Remember, you're the president. That means right now, your role is to get everyone to safety," he says.
Yui appears reluctant. "But Yuki-"
"Go, please. I'll be okay," he says, sending her off with a smile.
Yui clenches her fists; she doesn't want to leave him, but knows he's right. "You better be. We still have a dance to finish," she says, then she takes off from the courtyard.
Rito faces Stem. They stare each other down. No words exchanged; none needed. Rito takes something out of his pockets; his Neme-watches, fully charged. He puts them on, and takes a fighting stance; Stem does the same. A cool breeze blows through the courtyard, carrying embers from the smoldering bonfire into the night sky. The breeze causes an acorn on a nearby tree to snap off its branch, and fall to the ground. Once the acorn hits the dirt, Rito and Stem launch at each other.
Their fists collide, producing a mini-shockwave. They exchange jabs, hooks, elbow-strikes, knee-strikes, round kicks and push kicks; blocking every single move they throw at one another; attacking only with their arms and legs for now.
Try hard as Rito might, the power gap between him and Stem is immense. He throws another punch; Stem counters, and slugs him across the face. Rito staggers back, holding his nose as he bleeds.
"You can't beat me, Rito," gibes Stem. "Not without that special power of yours."
Rito blinks in confusion, and thinks. Special power?
"He's talking about me," says another voice in Rito's head.
No, not you again, thinks Rito.
"Let me take over, Rito. You know you can't do this without me," goads Dark Rito.
Rito wipes the blood from his nose, and activates his Neme-watches. "I got all the power I need right here," he says, charging two energy balls of dark matter.
Stem taunts Rito with his fingers. "Then have at me," he says.
Using the energy balls like rocket thrusters, Rito propels himself at maximum velocity, and tackles Stem, who just casually takes the hit without any damage. They break through a wall in the building. Now the fight has entered the school.
000000
Back by the food stalls, the festival carries on as usual; everyone is completely oblivious to what's going on in the courtyard.
Lala and the rest of Rito's friends enjoy some dumplings together.
Suddenly, dozens of terrified patrons stampede through the crowd, fleeing to safety. The peaceful night erupts into all-out pandemonium.
"What's going on?" asks Haruna.
"I don't know," says Momo.
"Everyone, please remain calm," yells a distant voice.
"Is that Yui?" asks Lala.
At an intersection of the food stalls, Yui does her best to work crowd control. "Head to the nearest exits in an orderly manner," she yells.
"Miss Kotegawa," says a voice from above.
Yui looks up in surprise. "Zastin, you're here," she says. Zastin descends from the air in front of her. "You've gotta get to the courtyard, quickly," she says.
"I'm on it," says Zastin.
"Kotegawa," says Nana.
"Zastin," says Saki, cheerful.
Lala and everyone else joins Yui and Zastin. More people continue screaming and running past them.
"Princess Lala, it's Stem. He's here," says Zastin, shocking everyone.
"You guys, Yuki needs your help," begs Yui.
"Rito?" asks Mikan, worried.
000000
Inside the school, everything gets destroyed. Classrooms, hallways, restrooms, windows and walls become shambles. The fight grows more intense, causing catastrophic damage to everything in its wake.
BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM!
Rito goes flying and crashing through five classroom walls, sliding across the floor into the infirmary. His clothes are in tatters, he's covered in bruises, his Neme-watches are already half-empty, and he's bleeding from his head. He forces himself to stand, using Mikado's desk for support.
Stem walks into the infirmary, not a scratch on him; a completely one-sided battle if there ever was one. What's more, Stem is still only using his fists and feet; he hasn't used his full power or weapons.
"So disappointing," says Stem. "After all the grief you caused me, I figured killing you would be more fulfilling. But this is just so…anticlimactic," he finishes.
Rito shoots another energy blast, but Stem swipes it away like a fly.
"Show me your power, Rito Yuki. Your real power," demands Stem.
Inside Rito's head, Dark Rito yells at him. "Hey, idiot, if you die, I die too! The only way to win, the only way to save your friends, is Black Darkness. So stop being so stubborn, and give me control!"
Rito's eyes start to turn red, and his body becomes enshrouded with shadow. Stem watches with deadly glee.
"No!" yells Rito, shaking off the temptation; the shadow vanishes, and his eyes return to normal.
"Like I said, disappointing," says Stem. He lunges forward, and seizes Rito by the neck.
"Thanks a lot, idiot," says Dark Rito.
000000
Up on the school roof.
Everything is quiet for a moment until-
BAM!
Rito explodes out of the roof like a volcano; Stem threw him upwards from down in the infirmary, and he crashed through every solid level of the school until he reached the top. As Rito floats in the air, he coughs blood before gravity kicks in, and he plummets back to the roof, slamming onto it.
An agonizing moment passes as Rito lies motionless; he looks like Leo after the bear attack. He coughs repeatedly, struggling to breathe. The sound of a door opening claims his eyes; he looks up, his vision blurry, and sees Stem walking out onto the roof.
Rito tries to stand, but he's in too much pain. The best he can do is kneel. With his Neme-watches in the yellow, he prepares two energy blasts. But before he can charge the attack, Stem seizes both his wrists, and squeezes the Neme-watches so tight, they break apart; Rito howls in pain as Stem continues to squeeze his bones.
Down below, a large group of Rito's friends rush into the courtyard: Yui, Lala, Momo, Nana, Mikan, Zastin, Haruna, Yami, Mea, Neme, Risa, Mio, Saruyama, Run, Ren, Kyouko, Rin, Saki, Aya, Oshizu, Tearju and Mikado (carrying Celine). The sight of the damaged school, and what could've caused it, shocks all of them.
"Yuki!" yells Yui.
"Rito!" yells Lala.
"Rito!" yells Mikan.
"Where is he?" asks Haruna.
"LOOK!" yells Zastin, pointing upwards. Everyone looks up, and gasps in horror.
Rito dangles over the edge of the roof; the only thing keeping him from falling is Stem's hand gripping his throat. Rito pounds against Stem's arm, but he has no strength left to pound with, so he just dangles, helpless.
"Oh, look, your friends have to come to see you off," says Stem.
"STEM!" roars Yami, gearing up to fight.
"Put him down," demands Mea.
"If you don't, it'll be the last thing you ever do," yells Neme.
Stem ignores them, and leans closer to Rito. "Don't worry, little worm. I'll take special care of them. Especially the one you danced with," he says.
Rito's eyes burn with anger at the mention of Yui. Through clenched teeth, he mutters a single word with all the hate in his heart. "Stem," he says.
"Long live the king," says Stem as he winds back his free arm.
"NO!" screams Yui.
PHHLLLUUUSSSHHH!
Stem plunges his bare fist right into Rito's chest. Rito's eyes widen, and his body goes still. And then...Stem rips Rito's beating heart out of his body!
Down below, the very souls of everyone in the courtyard shatter. Mikan falls to her knees. Run screams at the top of her lungs. Yui watches with tears streaming from her eyes.
Barely still alive, Rito stares at his own heart beating in Stem's hand. Stem gives him a smug grin, and crushes the heart within his palm like a tomato. And finally, he lets Rito go.
Time seems to slow down as Rito falls from the school roof. As he falls, his eyes fix on Stem, standing victorious atop the roof. I'm sorry, everyone, he thinks. I…I tried.
Before Rito hits the ground, Yami catches him with her hair. Soon as she sets him down, she and everyone else hurries to Rito's side; the first to get to him are Yui, Mikan and Mikado. They all look upon Rito with shock and sorrow.
"Yuki! Yuki!" yells Yui.
"Rito! Rito, wake up! You promised you wouldn't die! You swore on our family's name!" yells Mikan.
Mikado sets Celine down, and examines Rito's body. "Let me see him," she orders. Celine tries to get to Rito, but Tearju holds her back. Everyone waits with bated breath for Mikado's words.
"It was fun," mumbles Rito, surprising everyone.
"Yuki," says Yui.
Rito gazes at all of his friends and loved ones surrounding him. "The festival…was fun," he mumbles.
"Yes. Yes, it was," says Yui, crying.
Rito's eyes land on Yui last. He summons every ounce of strength he has left, and wills himself to smile at her. A small, content smile of a man at peace. Then his body sinks into the ground, and his eyes flutter before slowly closing. His head drops, and he exhales for the last time.
"Yuki?" asks Yui.
Rito doesn't answer; he never will.
Yui shakes his body. "Yuki? Yuki, Yuki, Yuki, Yuki, Yuki!" she screams.
Mikado touches Yui's shoulder. "Kotegawa-"
"No! No, he can't! He can't be gone! He can't…RITO!" says Yui, burying her face into Rito's bloody chest and crying her eyes out.
"Big brother! No! No, don't leave me," says Mikan, hunching over Rito's side, gripping his hand, and crying harder than she ever has in her life.
"Rito! Rito, please! Please," belts Haruna, wailing, as she grips Rito's hand and holds it against her face, longing for his lost warmth. Oshizu hugs her from behind, weeping just as badly.
Within seconds, everyone is in tears. Celine wails like the toddler she is in Mikado's arms; Mikado herself can't stop the tears flowing from her own eyes. Rin drops to her hands and knees, sobbing uncontrollably; Saki hugs her from the side, doing her best to comfort her, though she can't help but cry herself. Ren, trying to stay strong, hugs Aya as she weeps into his chest. Mio and Saruyama bawl as they hug each other. Risa backs away and shakes her head in disbelief, refusing to cry. Tearju touches her shoulder, insisting she let it out. And she does. Tearju holds Risa as they both weep.
Zastin doesn't cry, but that doesn't make him any less sad to see Rito dead. As for the others (Lala and her sisters, Yami and her sisters, Run and Kyouko), they're perhaps the ones crying the hardest, but they don't show it. As sad as they are to see their beloved gone, it's nothing compared to the rage they feel.
Up on the roof, Stem laughs in cruel delight.
"How dare you," says Lala. "HOW DARE YOU!" she roars. In a flash, she spreads her wings, draws an energy sword from her yukata, and flies towards Stem; this is a dark, berserk side of her no one's ever seen before.
She thrusts the blade into Stem's face, but he stops it with his bare hand. "Cute," he says. His foot lands a solid kick in her gut, knocking her back through the air, but she recovers in seconds, shaking off the kick like it was nothing; because it was nothing; nothing compared to the pain in her heart.
Down below, Momo screams like an angry witch; her fury spurs Zastin and the other girls into spreading their wings. "Stem, you're gonna pay!" she roars.
Nana grabs Run, Mea grabs Kyouko, and they all take to the air together, ready to attack Stem as one. Stem flies up, ready for another battle.
Everything that happens next happens fast.
Lala and the others have lost all signs of restraint. Their eyes burn with rage, and they roar with wild anguish as they attack the advanced cyborg-alien in continuous waves.
The Deviluke sisters fight with their superhuman abilities and D-dials; Lala summons every weapon from her arsenal, including the guns from her bedroom wall; Momo releases an entire forest of deadly plants like Poison Ivy; Nana unleashes a group of her most vicious and bloodthirsty animals.
The Kurosaki sisters fight like they used to; back when they were the deadliest assassins and weapons in the cosmos. Even Yami pulls out all the stops, and transforms into her Golden Darkness mode.
Run activates her own arsenal of weapons, and Kyouko creates fireballs the size of Zorb balls.
Lastly, Zastin draws a double-bladed energy sword. "This is for you, my king Rito Yuki," he declares.
The night sky illuminates like a world war battlefield. Everyone comes at Stem with everything they got.
But it's not enough.
Stem dodges and counters every attack with ease. He holds his own, and doesn't break a sweat as he fights back. And what's worse, he still isn't even fighting at full strength.
He punches Lala in the face; kicks Yami in the head; head-butts Run; elbow-strikes Momo's temple; uppercuts Mea; knee-strikes Kyouko's gut; backhands Nana; double-kicks Neme; body-slams Zastin into a wall.
The high school turns into a desolate war zone. Walls go down. Dust and smoke fill the air.
Lala and the others lie scattered across the rubble. Their injuries range from excessive bleeding to broken bones. No matter how hard they fight, how much they want Stem dead, he's too powerful. Despite that, not one of them stays down. They rise, glaring at Stem as he hovers in the air above them.
"You can't win," taunts Stem, folding his arms. "Surrender and embrace me as your king. It's the only way I'll spare your lives," he says.
Neme zeroes in on Stem's glowing heart. They were all too angry to notice it before, but now she's focused. "Mea, Yami, let's do THAT again," she says.
"THAT? You mean THAT?" asks Mea.
"We beat him last time with THAT, so yes. THAT," agrees Yami.
"Oh, THAT! Yes, let's do THAT," agrees Mea.
All three Kurosaki sisters take flight. Yami raises her arm, producing the enormous blade of light, which basks the entire town in an angelic glow. Mea hugs Yami's right side, and shares her energy with her. Nemesis hugs Yami's left side, and does the same. The two girls channel their power into Yami, merging and combing their energy to the point where the giant blade shines into a rainbow of colors.
"Aim for the heart. We destroy that, we win," says Neme.
Stem remains still, allowing them to prepare their attack. Unlike last time, he isn't the least bit intimidated. "Bring it on," he says.
The three girls shout together, and Yami slices her rainbow blade downwards, aiming at their enemy's heart. As it comes down on Stem, he winds back his fist and releases a beastly roar. With a single swipe of his arm, he connects with the blade, and shatters it into a million pieces of energy; said pieces vanish into thin air.
Everyone watching gasps in disbelief.
"What? No," says Neme.
"That was our best attack, and he nullified it in an instant," says Mea.
"Impossible," says Yami.
In a sudden flash, Stem appears right in front of the three sisters. Before any of them can blink, Stem drop-kicks all three of them with rapid speed, and they smash into the rubble.
Lala and the others resume the battle, but it's a lost cause. No matter how many times any of them get up, how many times they attack Stem, he keeps knocking them down. And he'll keep knocking them down until they die.
Down in the courtyard, everyone watches the battle with unease.
"Is there nothing we can do? Let's call the army," says Saruyama.
"Against Stem? He'll tear them apart," says Tearju.
"What about Deviluke's army?" asks Ren.
"I've already contacted them. Even at their top speed, it'll be an hour before they arrive," says Mikado.
"We don't have an hour. Hell, we don't have five minutes," says Ren.
While everyone else is focused on the losing battle, Yui and Mikan are still hunched over Rito's body. Mikan rests her head on her brother's shoulder, squeezing whatever remaining tears she has left out of her eyes.
Yui leans closer to Rito, her tears dripping onto his face. "Rito," she says, softly. "I'm sorry. For everything. For not understanding what you were doing. For making you wait so long to...to tell you...how much I love you," she continues, caressing his cold face. "Please wake up. I'll do anything, anything you want. I'll join your harem, and marry you. And y-you can marry as many women as you want. I don't have to be the one you love most. All I ask...is that I be the first...to bear your child. For the longest time, I had this dream; you, me, our unborn child, and Celine, our adopted daughter, all living together. Nothing would make me happier. So please...please wake up. You can do as many shameless things to me as you want. Please, Rito, please. Come back. And I will never let you go again. I love you, more than anyone else in the world. No, more than anyone else in the universe," she finishes.
Everyone else stops watching the fight, drawn by Yui's words.
"You listening? I love you," says Yui.
And then, she leans down, presses her lips against Rito's, and gives him her first kiss. Then she lays her head on his chest.
All across the battlefield, everyone is down for the count. Alive, but too weak to fight anymore.
Up above on what's left of the school roof, Lala slams against the fence, coughing blood. Stem descends, and approaches her on foot. "You should've married me when you had the chance, Princess Lala. But don't worry, at least this way, you'll be joining that little worm soon enough," he says.
Lala's too weak to move; all she can do is watch as her enemy comes in for the kill. She closes her eyes, accepting her fate. "Rito," she mumbles as one final tear falls from her face. The second the tear splashes onto the ground...
THUMP-THUMP.
Down below, Yui, with her head still on Rito's chest, bursts up.
THUMP-THUMP.
A burning light, like a shooting star, pulsates within Rito. Yui and Mikan back away. Everyone stops crying for a moment, finally noticing what's happening, watching in extreme anticipation.
THUMP-THUMP.
Rito levitates into the air, his body shining brighter and brighter with each passing second. The light envelopes his entire body, forcing the others to look away and shield their eyes. The beam of light fires into the sky.
Up above on the roof, Stem stops a few meters from Lala, both basked in the light. Lala sees something behind Stem; she gasps, and finally smiles.
Stem tilts his head, confused. Then he feels a presence behind him. He slowly turns around, facing the beam of light...and the figure rising within it.
Rito.
His chestnut hair is pitch black. He wears Devilukean armor similar to Zastin's, only his is white and doesn't have a cape. He floats in the air, spreading his wings (one black, one white). His once-hazel eyes now shine bright blue. But most importantly, he's alive. And his injuries have completely healed.
The bright light causes Yami and the others injured in the battle to stir awake. They and everyone else in the courtyard stare at the new Rito in awe and delight. Celine cheers her little heart out, overjoyed.
"Rito," says Haruna.
"How?" wonders Tearju aloud.
As Mikado stares at Rito, a thought crosses her mind. She touches her lips, then looks towards Yui, and her eyes widen in realization. "Of course," she says.
Up above, Stem shakes his head; his goal finally achieved, only to be undone. "Can't be. I killed you," he says.
Rito touches his chest, feeling a new heart beating within it. Then he looks at the devastation to the environment, and all of his wounded friends and lovers, including Lala.
"I killed you!" roars Stem.
Rito stares Stem down with unwavering resolve. "Yes, Stem, you did," he says, pausing for a moment, clenching his fists. "Now it's my turn."
Author's Note: Are. You. Ready?
The fated clash between two rivals; only one will claim the crown, and the other will die. If you've ever seen any anime like DBZ or Naruto, you've probably some idea of how epic this upcoming fight's gonna play out. It's only the fate of the universe we're talking about. Cue the dramatic music, haha.
Only downside is I have no idea when it's gonna be published. I'm in the process of moving out, so it might take a few weeks, maybe/sadly even months, before it's released. That being said, I really do want to finish this story.
Out of all my fanfics, this one has become my most popular. And while I'm happy, I'm also surprised; I thought my "Highschool of the Dead" fanfic would be the most popular. But ironically, I took a hiatus from that fanfic so I could work more on this one, haha. I will eventually finish both fanfics; as a writer, I like to finish all my work to gain that sense of closure.
Now, I wanna talk about this chapter. Given the reactions to Yui's behavior at the end of the previous chapter, my primary goal was to make her likeable again. After all, and I'll say it again, she is my favorite. And I know, I know, I may have used one too many romantic, Disney tropes. But hey, whatever works. As for Rito's death, that was always going to happen. In fact, I considered ending the chapter right then and there. But I thought his miraculous resurrection would stir the pot even better. How is he back after getting his heart crushed? I live for those kinds of questions, and I'll have it answered in the next chapter; though I am curious to hear your theories as well, so please review or PM.
I want to thank you all for your support, patience and love for this fanfic. I also want to give a special thank-you to Temporal King for their consistent and helpful feedback. Writing this story has been an incredible journey, and I look forward to how it ends. Thank you again, and bless you all.
See you again soon.