Chapter 15: To End This Dilemma
We interrupt this 2-part body swap mini-series with an intermission…
Tenri entered the classroom finding her seat. She sat down and gazed upon the students talking to each other. She placed her hands on her chin and sighed. I… I don't know what happened to Keima-kun… An image of Keima walking with his mother appeared in her mind. When I saw him, he turned around… But his face… Keima's eyes glimmered, reminding her of a classmate at her school. It's not really his own… Tenri laid her head on the desk, making her cheeks red. I just hope there's nothing bad going on. Nanaka entered the classroom, walking towards Tenri, she carried a shogi case with her, smiling with joy.
"Ayukawa-san. Let's play!"
Tenri lifted her head up, blinking at Nanaka.
"Ha… Haibara-san?"
Nanaka dragged a chair from an unoccupied desk, moving near Tenri's desk. She sat on the chair, opening the shogi case up.
"Since I gotta few more days before the newcomers, I need more practice!"
Tenri blinked at Nanaka. I… I didn't realise how nice she's now acting towards me… I should thank Keima-kun for that though… Nanaka sighed, watching Tenri spacing out.
"Ya gonna play or what?"
Tenri snapped out of her daydream, facing Nanaka.
"Oh… Sorry about it…"
She gazed upon the pieces being set up.
"Say… What about Muhara-kun?"
Nanaka blinked at Tenri. Tenri continued speaking, trying to put her thoughts together.
"Are… Are the two of you now together?"
Nanaka's cheeks reddened.
"Uh… n… not exactly…"
Nanaka chuckled nervously.
"Right now, I need to go through the tournament first! Need to get my game up!"
Tenri watched Nanaka grin with joy. If she's not worrying about them, maybe I shouldn't worry too much as well…
The intermission has ended. We will now return to the mini-series, starting with Kumuro. Umm… I mean Keima.
Kumuro groaned, feeling his eyes pinned up by some torturing machine. His head was grasped by a machine-like hand, trapping prisoners into their own demise. Heihachi and Ichigou carried a laptop and projector, bringing them inside the classroom. They placed the laptop and Projector side by side, connecting cables together. The projector emitted a holographic screen, revealing a picture of a TV screen. Heihachi moved the mouse around, selecting the play button. Another screen showed up, showing a picture of game cases. The title appeared "A gamer's guide to finding and playing the best games."
Kumuro chattered his teeth, feeling fear from the unknown. Oh god… This is like trying to indoctrinate me with something horrifying! Why does cruel reality have to do this to me? A picture of a man appeared, holding a game up.
"Hello fellow gamer. I am here to tell you about what games you need to buy and play. First, let's analyse the genres."
A list of the top genres appears on the screen.
"The number 1 genre you should look for are first person shooters. Let's face it. We wanted to use weapons like all of the bad-ass soldiers in the wars. Weapons are cool, because we get to kill enemies with its massive prowess, but of course at a reasonably safe level."
Kumuro whimpered. Oh god! Make it stop!
Ayumi and Chihiro huffed and puffed, sweating from their newfound drive. Keima smiled at the girls, leaning forward.
"That was fun! It was the first time I could produce such a strong sound with this drum!"
Miyako clapped her hands together, smiling at Keima.
"That was really great! I have the feeling that I'm improving with each passing moment!"
She turned her head, facing Chihiro and Ayumi.
"Say, wasn't Katsuragi that wonderful guys?"
Chihiro and Ayumi widened their eyes, feeling their hearts thumping. Ayumi placed her hand on her cheeks, hiding her blush.
"Umm… We… Well about average I say..."
Chihiro sighed, facing her eyes to the window.
"Well… We are a girl's band, eh?"
Keima blinked at Ayumi and Chihiro, wondering what's on their faces. Ayumi and Chihiro's body trembled, feeling weird vibes inside. Keima sighed. Maybe they don't like me here after all. Keima stood up, facing away from the girls.
"Then… I'll take my leave…"
Chihiro and Ayumi turned around, holding their hands out.
"WAIT A MINUTE!"
They faced each other, blinking at their faces. (Chihiro) Wait… What's up with her? (Ayumi) What's going on with her? Keima blinked at the girls giving each other a staring contest. Wait… They're… They're accepting me? Keima rushed to Chihiro, grabbing her shoulders.
"So is it okay for me now?"
Chihiro widened her eyes, making her cheeks red. Waah? Otamegane's touching me again? Ayumi gasped, feeling somewhat jealous. She frowned at Keima touching Chihiro. She swung her guitar on her head, knocking him on the ground.
"But this does not mean you're a member yet!"
Keima lifted himself from the ground, holding his hands together. Keima smiled joyously, staring at the ceiling. I… I can continue with music… I'm so happy right now! Chihiro turned her head, staring at Ayumi. Ayumi faced away from Keima, making her cheeks red.
"So… Chihiro… Could this mean that Katsuragi would also be here from now on?"
Chihiro sighed, placing her hand on her head.
"T… There's no way, right? Maybe for just tomorrow…"
Miyakjo blinked at ayumi and Chihiro. What's up with those two all of a sudden? Suddenly, Amika entered the room, carrying her bass case on her back. She sighed, feeling exhausted.
"Sorry I'm late. That damn science club and research is taking toll of me."
Suddenly, her eyes widened in fear, noticing Keima inside the room.
Yui strolled through the school grounds, moving her head around. Dammit! Where's Keima buddy! I need to check up on him in case something has gone wrong… Suddenly, Amika ran towards her, holding her arms out.
"Oh Kumuro-sama! Something has gone wrong!"
Yui blinked at Amika, watching her wrap her arms around Yui's body tightly. Tears poured out of her eyes, dripping onto Yui's clothes.
"Oh god! That girl inside Otamegane's body joined our band!"
Yui blinked at amika.
"Is she on drums? If so it's fine…"
Amika shook Yui's body, making her head spin around.
"What dya mean it's fine! Even if she's a drummer, that means I have to spend the rest of my life looking at his ugly face! Besides, there'll be chaos after I find the cure! What should we do then?"
Yui fell on the ground, feeling her head whirling around. She shook her head, regaining control. She lifted her head up, facing Amika.
"Listen. I'm sure everything will work out well. If you think about it, Keima might get kicked out after we get our bodies back, but maybe you can get the girl to join the band. Everything will work out fine!"
Amika sighed, gazing upon Yui's cheery face.
"I'm sorry I overreacted… I… I just got stressed out."
Yui crossed her lips, watching Amika wipe the tears off her face. I guess everyone's starting to take the toll of this situation. I hope it won't be much longer though… Yui lifted her body up, smiling at her.
"Can you help me find Keima buddy? I just need to make sure he's not into any trouble."
Suddenly, Ichigou and Heihachi ran towards Amika, opening their eyes widely.
"Amika! Thank god you're here!"
"Kumuro's gone out of control!"
Ichigou and Heihachi gazed upon Yui. Yui blinked at the boys, watching them drop their jaws. Amika sighed, staring at their disgusting face. Oh god… These boys piss me off… She stood in front of Yui, making them snap out of their daydream.
"Look. What have you done to Kumuro-sama this time?"
Ichigou and Heihachi scratched their heads.
"Well… We tried un-brainwashing Kumuro…"
Yui widened her eyes. Oh… Shit.
Yui and Amika peered through the door, watching Kumuro sitting at a computer. His eyes were red. His hair spikes pointed up. His hands move around the keyboard and mouse, controlling a terrorist on the computer. Kumuro laughed sinisterly, watching his enemies get shot.
"Muahahahahahaha! I am a terrorist! I will rule over the world!"
Yui crossed her lips, watching Kumuro's monstrous side. Maybe it was a bad idea telling my friends how to un-brainwash me in case I get brainwashed… Amika placed her hands on her lips, giggling at Kumuro. Oh god! I can't believe that's how that Otamegane would turn out when he gets crazy. The computer teacher advanced towards him, folding his arms.
"Young man! You have broken several rules already!"
He pulled out a huge piece of paper, reading it out loud.
"Rule 1, you must not play computer games in this room during all times at school. Rule 2, you must not make loud noise in this room. Rule 3-"
Kumuro faced the teacher, shouting at him.
"Shut the fuck up you annoying piece of shit!"
The teacher widened his eyes, standing away from Kumuro. Amika and Yui opened their mouths, feeling horrified by the new Kumuro. (Amika) Why did I laugh in the first place! This Otamegane is more monstrous than before! (Yui) Keima buddy! Why? Why do you have to go to the dark side? It's too soon for you to do so! The teacher ran away from him, exiting the room.
"I need reinforcements! This young man has gone mad!"
Amika and Yui faced each other. Amika sighed.
"We have to do something…"
Yui took a deep breath.
"I'm going in. I need to help my buddy free himself from his evil self."
Yui entered the room, making Amika hold her hands out. Wait! Don't go! Yui stood near Kumuro's room, staring at his evil grin. Oh Keima buddy. This is my fault you have become the beast you are right now. Yui lowered her eye lids, clenching her fists with determination. I'm going to get you out of here, no matter what Keima buddy! Yui slowly moved her hands forward, reaching for the PFP sticking out of Kumuro's pocket. She gently pulled it out, making sure Kumuro doesn't notice. She turned it on, flipping it around.
"Look Keima buddy. This is the game you like the most!"
Kumuro turned around, gritting his teeth.
"Hey bitch! Fuck off!"
Suddenly, Kumuro's eyes were drawn to Yotsuba, smiling at him. Kumuro's eyes watered, watching his beloved giggled at him. His eyes changed, drawing tears from his eyes. Kumuro slowly stand up from his chair, moving his hands forward. Yo… Yokkyun? Is… Is that really you? Kumuro hugged the PFP tightly, dripping tears from his eyes.
"Oh Yokkyun. I'm so sorry! I promise I won't let myself get carried to the dark side! I will never leave you again!"
Yui smiled at him, feeling relieved. Welcome back Keima buddy… Yui held her arms around Kumuro, dragging him out of the computer lab.
Ichigou and Heihachi stood in front of Yui and Kumuro, blinking at them. Amika stood next to Kumuro, staring at Ichigou and Heihachi. I hate having to get these guys involved… But it almost seemed like we have no choice… Kumuro sighed, feeling his head aching. Thank god I haven't been trapped inside that dark prison forever! It almost robbed me of my ideals and the 2D girls I called home. Kumuro placed his hands together, praying to god. Dear lord. Let's hope this will never happen again. Yui sighed, gazing upon Ichigou and Hehachi's confused faces. I guess these guys have the right to know.
An image of Ichigou and Heihachi ripping Kumuro's brains out appeared inside her mind. Who knows what will happen next if I don't tell them the current situation. Yui stood up from the bench and took a deep breath. She opened her mouth, hesitating to find the right words.
"Guys… What you just did to me… He's not actually me…"
Ichigou and Heihachi scratched their head.
"What?"
"You got me confusing there, pretty girl."
Kumuro sighed. I guess these idiots needed a more simple explanation. I better do the talking before Kumuro screws up more. He stood up from the bench, glaring at the boys.
"Listen carefully. Kumuro and I got our bodies swapped with a girl called Yui. I am inside this body, Kumuro got inside her body, and she got inside my body. Do you get it?"
Heihachi and Ichigou stared at Kumuro for a while. They dropped on the floor, laughing senseless.
"You almost fooled us Kumuro!"
"Yeah! I almost believed you then!"
Heihachi and Ichigou stopped laughing, noticing Kumuro continuing to glare at them. Ichigou and Heihachi widened their eyes, dropping their jaws.
"Oh my god! Is this actually true?"
"Maybe that's why you've gotten crazy, Kumuro!"
Heihachi gazed upon Yui's face, raising his fist up.
"We must help Keima and Kumuro get their bodies back, for our sake!"
Ichiogu nodded at Heihachi, following his action.
"And then we'll get the girl of my dreams!"
Heihachi and Ichigo turned around, facing each other.
"What does that supposed to mean?"
"Why are you getting worked up all of a sudden?"
Ichigou and Heihachi exchanged frowns, gritting their teeth. Yui lowered her eyelids. Maybe it was such a bad idea telling them… I'm gonna feel sorry for that Yui girl once we get our bodies back. Kumuro sighed. Fools! They need to even consider planning their confessions if they want to win her heart… Amika lowered her eyelids at Ichigou and Heihachi. Boys… They've learned nothing from the summer vacation, didn't they?
Yui and Kumuro entered her room, carrying their backpacks with them. Kumuro blinked at Yui, having some concerns.
"Are you sure that damn woman won't be around here?"
Yui shrugged.
"Well… If you think about it, I've never seen her come here that much. Anyway, I'm gonna show you Regolia since I failed to do so last time."
Yui sat on the chair, facing them huge monitor. Kumuro turned around, noticing the huge space occupying the room. Wow… This room's very spacious. Maybe this household also has great electricity supply… The screen showed an image of his desktop. Kumuro moved the mouse around, clicking on the icon for his game. An image of an empty bar appeared, grabbing her attention. Shit I forgot that today's patch day. At least I got myself fast internet speeds! She clicked on the scroll bar, moving it downwards. I'm gonna check the patch notes while I wait… Yui widened her eyes, staring at something horrible.
"The hot streak version of pyroblast now deals 35% less damage than the normal version of pyroblast?"
Yui repeatedly slammed her fists on the table, crying in pain.
"WHY? Why are you nerfing my little pyromancer! This is one of my favourite fire spells! Why Tsunami? Why did you do this to me?"
Kumuro blinked at the screen. What is he whining about this time? Yui opened an internet browser and typed in a web address. He typed on the forums, voicing his complaint.
"Why would you nerf HS pyroblast? It was perfectly fine the way it was!"
A reply was sent to Yui, making her grit her teeth.
"Suck it up! You were OP enough as it is! That damage needed to be toned down so that you're letting other DPS compete better with you! You can still beat Vindicators as we have yet to get buffed!"
Yui moved his fingers quickly, making a reply to the replier.
"I don't care about you with your QQs! Stop QQing on this forum and go home!"
"I'm just stating the bloody obvious as you seemed to be one whinging! Besides, you can also be a nethermancer and spam 1 button! Then you can be at top DPS all you want!"
"Why are you suggesting that to me? Why don't you go be a nethermancer, since all you do is QQ on every class that seems to deal more DPS than you!"
"Pfft! You're just a sad rich girl living with her parents, having to follow their rules because you have to! That's why you've made the forums in the first place! Go back to your hello puppy island, little girl!"
Kumuro cocked his eyebrows at the forums. What does that have to do with the topic? What the hell are they even arguing about? Yui laughed sinisterly, delivering the final blow.
"That last post you made shows that you're just a retarded 12 year old who likes to troll around! Try making better insults next time you decide to invade other forums!"
Yui closed the internet browser, noticing the play button appearing on screen. Oh screw it! I'm gonna see how well I do.
Yui pouted her lips, staring at the DPS recount table shown on the moniotor screen. The words "5th, 12k dps" appeared on screen. Ever single hero on screen, turned around, staring at the little gnome. Everyone shouted at Yui from her headset, making her whimper in fear.
"Oh my god Kumuro's cousin! Why were you spamming pyroblast the whole time?"
"You should've just gone with that rotation Kumuro always do!"
"Even if she was using Kumuro's rotation, she's been standing on a lot of shit this whole time!"
Yui tried speaking, continuing to whimper.
"Well… It's just that… I like pyroblasting enemies…"
The raid leader sighed, making his character shake his head.
"Maybe it's best if you let Kumuro play. Wouldn't want a noob like you doing something like that in every boss fight…"
Kumuro sighed, watching Yui laid her head on the floor. I don't know what they're talking about, but why does he have to get sad about it? Kumuro moved close to Yui, placing his hands on her back.
"Why are you crying about something so little?"
Yui sobbed.
"I… I miss my old body! Ever since that body swap, I think I'm becoming dumber and dumber every time I play this game! What's worse is that I may never find true love as a boy ever again!"
Kumuro gazed upon Yui's head facing away from him.
"Listen, we are all feeling like this right now. Hang in there for a little longer now…"
Yui sighed. She lifted her head up, smiling at him.
"Th... thanks Keima buddy. I hope we'll make it through before we end up being stuck forever…"
Kumuro lifted his watch up, reading 7:30.
"Jesus! It's getting late!"
Nikaido lifted her book up, facing Chihiro and Ayumi.
"So you finally decided a drummer for you band. That's good."
Ayumi and Chihiro faced Nikaido. They turned away from her and sighed.
"I… It's not like we've already decided…"
"I AM AGAINST IT, AFTER ALL!"
Nikaido scratched her head.
"So… Who's the candidate?"
"Chihiro-san!"
Ayumi and Chihiro widened their eyes, feeling Keima's presence. They turned away from him, leaning their hands against nearby desks. The girls blushed, feeling their faces heating up. Nikaido widened her eyes in fear. What… What has gone wrong with this world? Chihiro and Ayumi turned around, shouting at him.
"Stop with this played enthusiasm!"
"I won't be fooled by that!"
Keima blinked at them.
"But…"
He lowered his eyes, clenching his fists together.
"I really want to do it! I want to do it together! Together with you guys!"
Their bodies trembled in fear, feeling Keima's different energy. They faced away from him, huffing and puffing. Chihiro placed her hand on her head, feeling her head twirling.
"We… We'll meet after school…"
Ayumi's cheeks grown redder.
"What… What is that?"
The school bell rang, making Chihiro and Ayumi escape the classroom. Nikaido sighed as she left the classroom. Yui and Kumuro entered the room, walking towards Keima. Keima formed a huge smile, gazing upon Kumuro's face.
"Keima-sama! You're here now!"
He rushed towards him, squeezing his body tight. Kumuro groaned, gasping for air. Oh my god! This feels like when that damn Kumuro hugs me! Keima released Kumuro, making him fall on the ground. Keima faced Yui, smiling at her.
"Muhara-san! I'm also glad you're here!"
Kumuro tried standing up from the ground, groaning in pain.
"Listen. We need to talk about the incident."
Yui nodded her head.
"Yeah… We don't like your current lifestyles anymore… So we all need to start working out a way-"
Keima placed his hand son her arms, smiling at her.
"More importantly, please listen to me! I joined a band!"
Yui's body formed goose bumps around her. Umm… What's going on with my body… Why does it feel… odd?
"I… I can finally play drums again!"
Yui's cheeks reddened, feeling her heart thumping. Oh god! This feels weird! I know this is Keima buddy's body… but this… I… can't… control… Yui's eyes circled around, feeling her head spinning in circles. She waved her arms around, moving through the classroom. Keima and Kumuro blinked at Yui pushing through many desks. She fell on the ground, screaming out loud.
"Why did you touch me?"
Keima and Kumuro blinked at her. Kumuro scratched his head. Okay… Is Kumuro becoming… ditzy? Keima placed his hands on his lips. Oh my… I didn't mean to… Yui's covered her face, feeling shocked. Holy shit! What has become of me? Yui stood up from the ground, running out of the classroom. Keima and Kumuro ran out of the classroom, chasing after her.
Keima and Kumuro sat on the bench. Keima sighed, twiddling his thumbs. I… I didn't mean to scare Muhara-san like this… I… I feel guilty about this… Kumuro lifted his PFP up, gazing upon the screen. Oh this is great! I had never realised how fast girls can run! This is beyond ridiculous! How can Kumuro run that fast as a girl? He sighed, watching the girl lean forward. It's just like saying why I've temporarily gone insane and started playing shitty FPS games, or why I've gone immature instead of retaining my logical mature self. He lowered his PFP, gazing upon the sun. Reality had sure made some crazy events for the three of us.
He moved his head, facing Keima's anxious face. Even though I didn't get to see this girl much… Did she ever have any changes inside my damn body? Keima moved his head, facing Kumuro.
"Dya think we'll find Muhara-san? And do you think he'll forgive me for my actions."
Kumuro sighed.
"Don't worry about him. He does have his feminine side, even before this shit has happened…"
Keima blinked at Kumuro.
"R… Really?"
Kumuro chuckled sinisterly.
"Even if Kumuro had somehow got himself a girl, I bet he would sometimes whinge and whimper about little things."
Keima placed his hands on his lips.
"I see…"
Keima's cheeks blushed, gazing upon his eyes.
"Are your eyes always like that?"
Kumuro blinked at Keima.
"Umm… what?"
Keima giggled at Kumuro.
"I... I kinda like people who have two different types of eyes with them. One of them is the soft vulnerable eyes. They bring out their inner beauty and cuteness. The other one is the calm god-like eyes. They seem to draw your attention very often."
Kumuro continued blinked at Keima. Okay… What's going on? Keima closed his eyes, leaning his head against Kumuro.
"I… I hope you also have those types of eyes with you…"
Keima carefully caressed Kumuro's hair, feeing the soft silkiness being pressed onto his hands. Kumuro cocked his eyebrows at Keima. Seriously… What's going on? Kumuro turned his head around, watching Amika staring at him and Keima. Her jaws dropped, horrified of something new and awkward. Wh-what monstrosity is this?
The clouds blackened, signalling gloom coming inside the city of Majima. The shadows covered the buildings and streets. Yui trudged through the streets, feeling ashamed of herself. She tilted her head downwards, gazing upon the foot paving. Ever since… Ever since I'm in this girl's body… I… I'm becoming dumber and dumber… Maybe… maybe it's because I'm now a girl… Maybe I've been in the wrong body before… thinking that I have been a boy all my life… Mother's right… I'm not really a boy. I've been whinging and moaning about things that's supposed to be for men…
An image of Kumuro playing on his computer appeared in her mind. This is terrible… I thought I was one of the best pyromancers in Regolia… I was wrong… I've been a fraud all this time! I've merely been playing well because I was in the wrong body… The body was the one who performed well at being a pyromancer… Not me… An image of a gnome shook his head at Yui. Let's face it. I don't deserve to be a pyromancer… I only deserve to play a noob-like face roll class. I have never been a boy… I have never been a pyromancer… I am never Muhara Kumuro… I am not… The Fire of Doom…
Yui sighed. The Fire of Doom… Never existed… Suddenly, she bumped into a tray of omelette soba bread, making the tray drop them on the ground. Mio screamed, watching Yui collapsed on the ground.
"The store's bread!"
Mio placed her hands on the sides, frowning at Yui.
"Watch where you're walking, careless commoner!"
Yui turned her head around, blinking at Mio. She widened her eyes, making her cheeks red.
"It… It's you!"
Mio blinked at Yui, taking a closer look at Yui's face.
"Oh… You're Goidou Yui I see? You're gonna come to this commoner shopping district from now on?"
Mio walked around the streets, picking the scattered bread up and place them on the tray. Yui scratched her head, feeling confused. This girl… how does she know that Yui girl? Hang on… Isn't that because both of them were rich?
"I can't attend to parties anymore. So you'll be on your own again…"
Mio walked towards Yui.
"Help me pick them up."
Mio leaned forward, taking a closer look.
"Hmm… You seem to have grown taller, have you?"
Mio moved her head, gazing upon her own shoes.
"Oh right… I'm not wearing high heels. I've been wearing these work shoes since I first decided to work there for part time."
Yui lowered her head, staring at them. Hang on… Did I actually make a huge impact in her life all this time? Yui made a weak smile on her face. I guess I have helped people after all… That's good to know! Yui lowered herself, picking the bread around her.
"Wow. Part time job?"
"That's right. I'm currently working in this store."
Yui lifted her head up, staring at the sign "Boulangerie Patisserie." Mio moved the tray inside the store, beckoning Yui to follow after her. Inside the room, she watched Mio greet the customers. Some were offended by being called "commoner". Mio placed a few items on a customer's hands, smiling at her. Yui moved towards a shelf, picking up a loaf of bread. This store seems to be decent. Maybe it's quite popular in this city. Yui placed the load back on the shelf, walking towards Mio.
"So are you planning to work here after finishing school?"
Mio sighed, placing a few buns on another shelf.
"Of couse not! I'm still a daughter of the president, the rich family. I will soon rebuild my father's company!"
She held the breadstick tightly, showing her determination. She then faced Yui, smiling at her.
"But right now I'm poor. I'm still helping my mother out."
Yui smiled at her. Wow… I feel so pleased… Mio turned around, walking to a different section.
"I'm busy right now. Do you mind walking home?"
"Say… you seemed to be way different form before."
Mio's body froze. She sighed, making her cheeks red.
"Yes. There was a day… Where everything had changed… It started out where I first met him… Then... I kept seeing him… until one day… he came to me and said "You may be at the bottom right now… But you can still reach for the top" Before I came here, I felt that there was a great burden inside my heart… right before he lifted it off me."
Yui wept, feeling tears coming out of her eyes.
"It's so beautiful!"
Mio sighed. She turned around, smiling at her.
"Well I hope you'll go well in your family. The fortune rests on your shoulders."
Yui smiled at her.
"Thanks. I should go home now."
Keima and Kumuro sat on a table inside the library, watching Amika cry. Keima crossed his lips. I feel sorry for Muhara-san's friends. I wonder what I did wrong then… Kumuro gazed upon Amika's head, waiting for her to finish crying. Sheesh! Why do I have to wait for the verdict! The silence is killing me!
"Have you found anything about body swapping?"
She slammed her fist on the ground.
"Shut up about it already! You think it's hard enough for me to find a cure? I also have to put up with yous two trying to get close to each other!"
Keima's cheeks reddened, feeling somewhat embarrassed. Kumuro turned his head, facing Keima's red cheeks. Okay… This has gone weirder. Kumuro sighed. He placed his hands on hers, smiling at her. He projected his voice, trying to match Kumuro's sound.
"Cheer up Amika-chan. There should possibly be another way around it. Please hang on there for longer."
Amika lifted her head up, watching Kumuro smiling at her. She wiped off her tears, making them go away. She punched Kumuro in the face knocking him to the ground. Kumruo gritted his teeth, feeling his nose bleeding and his face throbbing. I tried to cheer that damn bitch up, and this is what I get for it? Amika gritted her teeth at him.
"Stop trying to tease me, Otamegane!"
Keima lifted himself off the desk, walking away from them.
"I got band practice coming soon."
Amika turned around, gritting her teeth at him.
"What about you? Don't you care about your other lifestyle? Don't you miss one bit of it?"
Keima sighed.
"The truth is… I'm fine the way it currently is. I got my band to play with, and I don't have to get forced around."
Amika grasped his shoulder, making him turned his head around.
"And you're completely fine with Kumuro-sama and his shitty friend being stuck on other people's bodies, suffering form their own demise, feeling trapped by other people's lifestyles?"
Keima opened his eyes, making them watery. I… I didn't realise about that… Keima sighed as he walked away from Amika. Amika shouted at him, clenching her fists.
"Are you running away from your own problems? Is that it?"
Kumuro lifted himself off the ground, gazing upon Amika. I never knew how passionate she is about Kumuro…
Keima banged his drumsticks on the drums, keeping the beat of the song. Chihiro and Ayumi strum their guitars, creating a soothing atmosphere of music. Keima sighed. Now that I think about it, I've been thinking only about myself, and not Keima-sama and Muhara-san's current life… Keima smiled, thinking about the fun times form the past few days. It was certainly fun living in Keima-sama's lifestyle… But… This is his happiness… He stopped waving his arms around and sighed.
"Have… Have I been walking on my own legs this whole time?"
Chihiro and Ayumi turned around, wondering why the drums stopped.
"Katsuragi-kun? Is there something wrong?"
"Why did you stop all of a sudden?"
Keima stood up from the ground, walking away from the girls.
"I'm sorry girls, but there's something I need to do first off."
Chihiro blinked at Keima.
"What do you mean?"
Keima stopped moving. He turned around, smiling at Chihiro.
"I just need to help someone else solve their problems. After this is all over, I will come back and play with you guys again!"
Keima left the room, making Chihiro and Ayumi face each other. Keima ran through the corridors, heading to the library. Okay! There's no time to lose! I'm going to free Keima-sama and Muhara-san from their own prison no matter what! Keima placed his hands on his head, making his mind generate thoughts. I just need to think about how this has happened in the first place. An image of Yui falling onto Kumuro appeared in her mind. I remember how I had first seen Muhara-san. But there was something else before and after that… Keima widened his eyes, feeling his head glowing brightly.
"It's so obvious! Why didn't I think about it in the first place?"
He ran out of the school building, dashing through the students.
Amika cried on the desk, making the table wet. Kumuro sighed, staring at his PFP. Honestly, at this rate, we'll all be trapped here forever! Oh well... There's no reason I'm unable to play my games in this body. I sadly had gotten myself the only form of dignity left inside of me… Keima stood near Kumuro and Amika, huffing and puffing. Kumuro moved his head, blinking at Keima. What does she want this time? Amika slowly lifted her head up, finding Keima smiling at her. Keima's glasses shined brightly.
"I got it!"
Amika cocked her eyebrows.
"Got what?"
Keima pulled Kumuro and Amika out of their seats, dragging them towards a computer. Keima sat on the desk, moving the mouse around and typing on the keyboard.
"I have figured out how we all got body swapped."
An image of a red crystal ball appeared on the screen. Kumuro widened his eyes, reliving the memory inside his head.
"Dammit! And it was so obvious as well!"
Keima scrolled through the information about the crystal ball.
"I remembered my mother telling me how this used to belong to an unknown Pharaoh in Eygpt. According to the information made from recent discoveries, there was a pyramid designed for only three gravediggers to try and infiltrate the defences. Of course this crystal had some failsafe of its own."
Amika blinked at Keima.
"Fail safe?"
Keima nodded his head.
"The traps the gravediggers went through drove them mad enough that they'll fight over the wealth the crystal would have held. They pushed and shoved, until one of them pushed the crystal off the stand and broke into three identical fragments. Another trap was set and the gravediggers thoughtlessly grabbed each fragment and ran off. A few hours after running away from each other and selling them at some market, their bodies got swapped and they were said to be doomed forever."
Kumuro frowned at Keima.
"So there's no information on the cure?"
Keima chuckled at Kumuro.
"What dya mean? I had managed to gather the clues to find the cure. We just need to place the crystal back together, and we'll be back to our normal selves!"
Amika scratched her head.
"Are you sure your theory works? That seemed to be too far-fetched…"
Kumuro sighed.
"If you think about it, it was the crystal ball's fault we got trapped inside our own bodies… What do we have to lose now?"
Yui strolled towards them, smiling at them.
"Hey guys, I heard that you have found a solution now!"
Kumuro moved towards.
"Listen carefully! There's a crystal fragment inside you mansion. I want you to go there and find it! Then we'll meet up at this school!"
Yui blinked at him.
"Crystal fragment? What fragment?"
Kumuro lowered his eyelids. Is he actually getting more and more stupid?
Yui strolled towards the desk. She pulled out each drawer, looking inside it. She pushed them back inside their nesting homes. I swear I've remembered putting the fragment somewhere… Or did I leave it on the floor? Yui whimpered, feeling her brain aching. Oh shit! Why did I not consider placing it somewhere I can remember clearly? She moved towards her bed, lifting the blanket sheets up. Oh crap… What should I do? Should I tell Keima that I don't know where it is? An image of Kumuro shouting at her appeared in her mind. I would get the hot end of a stick if I do that… I think I'm screwed…
Yui's mother emerged inside her room, gazing upon her.
"Yui-san. Is there anything wrong?"
Yui faced her mother and sighed. I guess I'm gonna have to ask this hag for this…
"Mother… Do you know where that crystal fragment went?"
Her mother sighed, folding her arms.
"I've seen what you did with it… I'm quite disappointed with how you've made it broken…"
She turned away from Yui.
"I don't know why I'd let you at least take something very precious to school regularly. Therefore I decided to keep whatever's left of the crystal ball with me."
Yui widened her eyes.
"But mother! There's something I needed to-"
"No buts! I am getting sick and tired of your misconduct. If you wish to earn my trust in you again, you must prove your worth by listening to me all the time!"
Yui crossed her lips, watching her mother leave her room. Oh crap… Keima buddy won't like this…
Kumuro lifted the fragments up on his hands, gazing upon their shape. Very interesting… I tried finding any differences between the two… whoever made that crystal must have some gift with drawing perfection like this… Keima and Amika gazed upon the fragments. (Keima) I had never known how valuable this is when mother had given it to me until now… (Amika) This thing has a lot more mystery stored inside it than I had guessed. How can something as simple as this be this sophisticated in causing body swapping? Kirino entered the room, holding the phone on her hand.
"It's for you."
Kumuro placed the fragments on the desk, getting off his seat and walking towards Kirino. He snatched the phone off her, making Kirino grit her teeth. I never knew how annoying this son is right now… She left the room, leaving Kumuro behind. He moved the phone to his ears, hearing Yui's cries.
"I'm so sorry Keima buddy! That hag grabbed hold of the fragment and I don't know where she had taken it to!"
Kumuro shouted on the phone, making Yui whimper.
"You idiot! Why would you let something happen?"
"It's not my fault I didn't know about the crystals until now…"
Kumuro sighed.
"Hang on a moment, I'll think of something."
He lowered the phone down, facing Yui.
"Your mother has gain possession of the fragment."
Amika covered her lips. Oh no! What should we do now? Keima widened his eyes, triggering a memory inside his mind. He saw Yui strolling through the corridors. She entered her mother's room, watching her stand near a safe. She pushed a few buttons on it, making the safe open. She placed a few possessions inside her safe and closed it. Keima snapped out of his memory, returning to Kumuro's room.
"Guys… I think I know where my mother has placed the fragment?"
Kumuro and Amika turned her head, facing Keima. They blinked at him, feeling surprised.
"You do?"
Keima nodded his head.
"It's kinda funny… I also know the way to get in the safe…"
Kumuro blinked at Keima.
"A safe?"
Keima held his hands out, smiling at Kumuro.
"Pass me the phone, and I'll tell Muhara-san what to do!"
Kumuro placed the phone on Keima's hand, making him move it to his ears.
"Muhara-san, please listen to me carefully…"
Yui twiddled her thumbs, sitting on her bed. Oh god… I hope her plan will work out well… Keima climbed through the window from his ladder, strolling towards Yui. Keima held his hands up, beckoning her to move up. Yui smiled at him, grasping his hands. I guess I have to trust him now… And I have to not screw up anymore… Keima lifted Yui off the ground as they moved out of her room. They crept through the corridors, making sure they don't make any noise. Suddenly, Keima stopped moving, standing near a door. Yui stood still, watching Keima open it carefully. Keima turned his head around, smiling at Yui.
"Keep watch while I enter."
Yui crossed her lips.
"What.. What happens if I screw this up?"
Keima entered the room, strolling towards the safe.
"Don't worry. You'll do fine."
Yui sighed. Okay. No more screwing around! I'm gonna man up about this and forget that I'm ever a woman! Yui slightly closed the door behind her, standing there on guard. Keima knelt down, gazing upon the buttons. Okay. I better close my eyes and remember the details… Keima closed his eyes, trying to conjure numbers inside his mind. The number "23" swirled inside his mind. The number "56" bounced up and down joyously. There should be one more… Come on Yui… Please… Please remember this… The number "43" slowly moved from its hiding place, checking if anyone was watching.
Keima opened his eyes, clicking his fingers. Yes! I got the numbers! Keima pushed the buttons, entering in the details. The safe slowly opened as Keima peered inside it. A crystal fragment shined brightly, causing his eyes to water. I did it! Now the crystal will be placed together! Keima pulled the fragment out, placing it inside his pocket. He moved towards the door, slowly opening it up.
"I got the fragment. Let's get out of here!"
Yui screamed loudly, falling on the ground. Keima crossed his lips. I didn't mean to scare Muhara-san like this. A huge cackle boomed from the corridors.
"Yui-san! Are you alright?"
Keima widened his eyes. He lifted Yui off the ground, running to her room.
"Muhara-san. We must get out of here while we still can!"
Yui sighed.
"I can't believe I did that again…"
Keima smiled at her.
"Don't worry about it. You'll be back to your normal self after this has ended!"
Keima stood near the window, placing Yui on the ground.
"You better climb first. I'll follow you down there."
Yui nodded her head. She climbed through the window, turning her body around. She widened her eyes, watching her mother stand near the room. Her mother gritted her teeth, pointing at Keima.
"What are you doing to my daughter?"
Keima frowned at her.
"I'm sorry. But I'm taking Yui with me! She does not wish to live like this any longer!"
Yui blinked at Keima. Wow… He… He's somehow speaking much stronger than I recalled.
"She got pushed around, forced to do things she doesn't wish to do. Yui has her own desires! She's the only person who can decide on her own life!"
Yui's mother charged towards Keima. Keima turned around, facing Yui.
"Go now! We must leave before we get captured."
Yui nodded her head. She quickly climbed down the ladder, landing on the ground. Keima jumped out of the window, grasping on the ladder. Her mother swiped her arms at Keima, trying to attack him (but to no avail). She leaned her head forward, watching Yui and Keima run through the garden.
"Guards! That foul man's taking away my daughter!"
Yui and Keima ran through the garden, charging towards a wall.
"Muhara-san! There's a ladder we can climb through quickly. Your friends are on the other side!"
The guards charged towards them, holding their arms out. Keima frowned at one of them, determined to see through his quest. He grabbed a stick from the ground, throwing it at a guard. One of them got knocked to the ground, crying form his pain. Yui jumped onto the ladder, climbing to the top. Keima stopped near her, turning around. The guards advanced onto him, grinning sinisterly.
"We've seen many boys trying to get Yui-san… But you are very persistent…"
Keima turned away from them, climbing through the stairs. The guards ran towards him, trying to grab his feet. Using his immense agility, his feet evaded form the guard's grasp, standing on top of the wall. He jumped off, forcing the guards to follow after him. As they reached the top, they saw Keima, Kumuro, Amika and Yui running away from them.
Keima, Kumuro and Yui stood outside the school grounds, watching Amika hold the fragments together. Amika studied the fragments carefully, figuring out how to piece them together.
"I can't see any latches or joints that I can fit them into…"
She held the fragments together, shaping it into a sphere.
"Maybe… Maybe if I can use superglue to-"
Suddenly, she noticed Yui, Keima and Kumuro falling on the ground. They lied still like lifeless dolls. She moved her head, watching her hand releasing the crystal ball. She blinked at it, finding the fragments pieced together. She rotated it around, finding any marks on the sphere.
"Strange… They somehow can piece themselves together…"
She gently placed the crystal on the ground and moved towards Kumuro. She elevated his body upright, watching his eyes slowly open. She moved her hands to her lips, feeling her eyes watery.
"Kumuro-sama. Is that you?"
Kumuro smiled at her.
"Yes… It's me Amika-chan."
Amika hugged him tightly, shedding tears from her eyes.
"Oh Kumuro-sama! Thank god you're alright!"
Kumuro chuckled.
"I've been fine the whole time…"
Amika moved her head near his, wiping the tears off her.
"Don't ever do something as horrid as this ever again!"
Kumuro nodded his head.
"You can count on me!"
Amika and Kumuro gazed upon each other, exchanging smiles. Keima lifted his body form the ground, groaning with pain.
"My head… It hurts."
Keima moved towards the crystal, lifting it up from the ground.
"Strange… There are no lines to indicate the fragments being placed…"
Yui lifted herself from the ground, smiling at Keima.
"Keima-sama. I'm glad that you're now in your own body."
Keima turned around, watching her smile at him. Strange... Her smile doesn't really annoy me… Is it because of the crystal that she doesn't annoy me that much? Keima strolled towards her, holding out the ball.
"You better keep this. And make sure you don't let anyone else touch them."
Yui nodded her head.
"Don't worry about me. I will make sure no idiot dares to sufferer what we had been through."
Keima blinked at Yui. She sounds like a man… Even after we're now back to normal… Amika turned around, gazing upon Yui and Keima.
"What are we going to do about the band?"
Keima shrugged.
"Those are your problems."
Amika slapped him on his head.
"Why did I bother asking you, Otamegane?"
Yui chuckled.
"I bet everything will sort itself out by tomorrow!"
Keima and Kumuro strolled through the corridors, walking pass chattering students. Keima gazed upon his PFP, tapping the buttons rapidly. His glasses shined form the PFP lights. Kumuro placed his hands on his head, forming a huge smile. He closed his eyes and sighed, remembering the joyous moments from last night.
"I'm so glad I'm in my own body now! I even play Regolia last night and managed to down 3/15 in heroic mode! I don't think I'll ever worry about being a nethermancer to improve my scores!"
Keima sighed. Why are you blabbering about that game again? Suddenly, Chihiro and Ayumi strolled towards Keima and Kumuro, waving at him.
"Hey Katsuragi! About the band practice today…"
"Hey Katsuragi! About the live performance we talked about!"
Ayumi and Chihiro blinked at each other, exchanging their blushes. Keima leaned towards Kumuro, whispering to him.
"I had a bad feeling about this again… What was last night about?"
Kumuro leaned towards him, whispering back.
"Don't you remember? Amika-chan was worried about the band after we returned to normal."
Keima sighed. I'll go help Amika-chan out at least… Keima placed his hands on his lips, gazing upon Ayumia and Chihiro.
"Yeah… I did trick you both…"
Ayumi and Chihiro widened their eyes.
"There's no way I would consider doing the drums…"
Keima closed his eyes, reflecting on his triumphant speech. Ayumi and Chihiro widened their eyes, feeling shocked. They gritted their teeth in rage, clenching their fists. Shrugging off the anger, they closed their eyes, smiling at him. Keima opened his eyes, watching them stroll away from him.
"I thought that was the case."
"Well then, let's look for another drummer."
Kumuro broke sweat from his face.
"Umm… Did you even consider what you have said, Keima buddy?"
Keima shrugged.
"I only disposed that situation as it is, and it worked like a charm. Now I don't have to worry about a-"
"Don't mess with me!"
Chihiro and Ayumi charged towards him, punching him in the face.
"You're dead Otamegane!"
"Go to hell cockroach guy!"
Keima screamed, gasping for his life. Kumuro watched the battle clouds concealing around the fighting warriors. Oh god… Maybe he's still immature after the ordeal was over… Yui strolled towards Keima, smiling at Chihiro and Ayumi.
"Hey guys, how about acting less violent…"
Keima and Kumuro turned around, watching Yui's new look. Everyone widened their eyes, watching her wear her summer boy's uniform.
"It's not very nice bullying a frail boy!"
Keima and Kumuro moved towards Yui, staring at her face.
"Yui? Is that you?"
Yui sighed, pushing the boys away from her.
"You guys need to keep your act together. You're both guys, right?"
Keima and Kumuro scratched their head.
"Right…"
Yui turned around, facing Ayumi and Chihiro.
"Wow! You guys play music?"
She moved her hand on her chest, smiling at the girls.
"I got kicked out from my club, so you guys mind if I join your band?"
Chihiro sighed.
"B… But we're a girl's band."
Ayumi gritted her teeth at Yui.
"WE DEFINTELY NEED NO GUYS THERE!"
Yui chuckled casually. She moved her hand around, pushing her pony tail upwards.
"Oh my… But I'm a girl!"
Author's Notes: I have to be a bit honest... when I posted chapter 14, I had a strange feeling that this series might get a tad less popular due to some decisions made... I will apologise again if anyone got a bit pissed off with chapter 14. If it doesn't, then I hope you enjoy the concluding mini series of Yui and yes, Hinoki will be there next week!