Last time, The Gang succeeded in defeating the crooks, Atsunobu Hayashimizu and Ren Mikihara, preventing them from obtaining the deed and the will of Yui Hirasawa and Ho-kago Tea Time. Steven Nevins assisted them, by ruining dinner, and by catching the two crooks, off guard. Now all that's left is the deed, since they have found the will. Moreover, what clues does the mansion have, after learning of Gita in the house?
Meanwhile, Asahi Sakurai found out who Akai Kādo was, but not enough clues. She is introduced by a spell, in the Bracelet of Gigantica, owned and found by Dawn, who was under the tutelage of Saki Hanajima. Under Dawn's spell, the trance-like Asahi is teleported to the Broken Shades, in order to power up.
Dawn spoke, in an echo, inside Asahi's head, "That room contains the Ropponmatsus, who are friends of mine and The Gang, during my visit. You must act this way, in order to become fully charged. Knock on the door and hurry. You only need one aura to replenish the power. And then, I shall explain to you who and what this Akai Kādo is; only then, you shall assist The Gang on your quest."
Asahi said, "Yes, master… Underway."
She walked to Room 103 of the Ropponmatsu's room, as she approached the door.
What will happen next? Find out, right now!
Chapter 47
The Reprogrammed Asahi Sakurai
(再プログラム桜井あさひの巻)
(or "The Creation of a New AU Hero")
NOTE: Due to parts that contain nudity, read carefully and cautiously.
Reader's discretion advised…
Earlier…
Steven C, Mizuki, and Peter searched every room in the mansion of Ho-kago Tea Time. Earlier, they caught the two crooks, who owned the building. And already, they were dealt with. Now, since they have found the will, they have to find the deed to the building. Before they could look at the will, they had to search every room, in order to find the will, and maybe some clues.
Mizuki checked inside Mio Akiyama's room. She looked inside her desk and found some paper, with some lyrics inside. She also found a rubber spider inside. She gasped, as she closed the drawer. She said, "Man, if memory serves me, Mio is such a fraidy-cat."
She then examined the bed and found a note. She read it.
"To Mio,
Make sure we have everything needed for our trip to Stockholm, for the upcoming "Fruktan odjur" event. We want to make everything so fun, in order to keep our fans going."
It was written by Ritsu. Mizuki thought, "Fruktan Odjur… That means Terrible Beast in Swedish… Something about this seems uneasy…"
Peter checked inside Ritsu Tainaka's room, as he moaned, "Heather would flip, seeing the inside of a drummer's huge room."
He then found some wooden drumsticks on the table, as he looked at it. He said, "Dude… She'd never leave her sticks around, when she goes on training for music…"
He thought, "Wait… Then, if what I hear about the crash was a hoax… then how did they disappear?"
Steven C entered Azusa Nakano's room, as he was confused. He looked by her bed and found an envelope, including four bottles of makeup.
"Hmm… Latex makeup… This is weird… Could they be preparing for a show, before their deaths?"
He looked at the envelope and said, "Strange… This must be the deed to the mansion… Except, it's marked to Ui Hirasawa. Steven Cooke is starting to grasp the situation. Could we see that this accident was real? Even so, how could they have left their instruments here, in their rooms? Tsumugi Kotobuki left her Krog Tritan Extreme 76-key keyboard here, and Azusa left her Fender Mustang guitar…"
He thought, "This is creepy… I knew it was a hoax, the minute I stated it! But why? Was it staged, or, was it really suicide?"
He got up and said, "All I know is that we found the will and the deed. But we need to return to HQ and read it aloud, so we'll give it to the real owners."
He called to the others, "I FOUND IT!"
Mizuki asked, "You found the deed?"
Peter cheered, "YAY! WE DID IT!"
Steven N smiled and said, "Good job, guys. Now, all that is left is to arrest these two jokers."
Steven C smiled, "Leave it to me."
XXXXX
The AAW Paddy Wagon arrived and took Hayashimizu and Mikihara away, inside the wagon. Steven C said, "Now, all that's left is to call Heather and Asahi, and get to the bottom of this mystery."
Mizuki said, "Right. For this, we'll return to HQ and read the will. Whoever it belongs to, will be heavily rewarded."
She stated, "Remember, we don't read the will, until everyone's here. Now, come on!"
They stopped and realized that Carl drove them there. Mizuki blushed, "Oops… I forgot about our ride home."
Steven N called, by his Rolls Royce, "You guys need a ride home?"
Steven C smiled, "Anything, Steven. You know me well."
Steven N stated, "I'm not doing this for you! I'm saying, since I was looking forward to finding Shredder, again. But who would've figured that the building is here, and owned by the girls in Ho-kago Tea Time."
Mizuki asked, "One thing… How do you know about their deaths?"
Steven N said, "I was there, when I was on a trip to Finland, with my daughters. It was a favor for Heather, since I promised the girls a winter trip. Anyway, when I saw the wreckage, I figured I'd check it out. However, there were NO bodies. And the only thing left in the rubble was footprints. I didn't know what to make of it, but I followed the tracks. It took me a couple of hours to locate the source, and from there, I saw the end of the road, leading to a small city in Stockholm. It means one thing… either someone is covering the tracks of Ho-kago Tea Time's death, or…"
Steven C said, "Or… It's means one thing…"
They pondered and thought, "Nah…"
Steven N said, "We're going to need ALL The Gang for this. Where are they now?"
Steven C said, "Well, Asahi had to go somewhere alone, while Heather is taking a jog. Percy, Farra, and Michelle are back at the Broken Shades."
Steven N said, "Then it's not too late! We'll find the rest of The Gang and regroup at AAW HQ. What do you say?"
Peter nodded, "Man, I would say… Let's get our ankles to it!"
The car drove off, as it was heading back to town.
(Dawn): No need to worry. "The Gang – IN-COLOR" will return!
(At Steffi's)
(Steffi): Hiya! I'm Steffi Matheson, former member of The Gang! I live in this swanky diner, and for those who know, a diner is a place to eat. And what better place than to eat at Steffi's?
(Narrator): Steffi's! Home of the famous Fish and Chips! It's a side of fried salmon, cod, or battered fish with a plate of potato chips. Also try out our tasty Toast and Jam, which is a piece of toast, with a pack of jam on the side. And more importantly, our best-seller, the Cheese and Burger, which is a plate of grilled ground beef on cheese, minus the bun.
(Steffi is by the table, showing her plates of food)
(Steffi): Here, it's not about one item, it's about two, and with an and on it! So, come on down to Steffi's! It's tasty and quick!
(Julie; off-screen): Uh, Steffi… You make the most stupidest plates you ever make…
(Steffi; under her breath): Shut up, Julie…
(A view of Steffi's is shown)
(Narrator): Come on down to Steffi's… You'll be glad you did.
XXXXX
Michelle was watching the commercial on TV and said, "Huh… The little banger, Steffi Matheson, has improved her business. But seriously… Fish and Chips is a plate of breaded fish with fries. She's got to get her facts straight."
Percival and Farra are still snoozing, as Michelle relaxed.
(May): Back to "The Gang – IN-COLOR"! Uh, is that right?
At the Broken Shades, May appeared from her room, Room 202.
Yukino Miyazawa called to her, "May, would you take out the trash for me?"
May said, "Sure thing, Yuki!"
May, in her red-orange shirt with a green bandana, was walking to the trashcans, as she saw Asahi, by Room 103. She thought, "Huh? A visitor?"
Asahi knocked on Room 103, as Ropponmatsu 1 opened the door. She said, "Excuse me. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Asahi bowed and said, "May I come in?"
She walked inside, as R-1 said, "Of course. Do I know you from somewhere?"
The door shut, as May was confused. She said, "Huh? Was that…? It can't be."
She pondered, as she went to the stairway. She sat by the stairs and waited. She thought, "Whoever she is… I'm going to wait for her. Still, if she is waiting for the Ropponmatsus, what's the occasion? Could it be fashion secrets? Girl chat? Maybe even tips on beauty. I mean, the Ropponmatsus are cute, especially in those tight-fitting outfits."
She waited, as Asahi was talking to Ropponmatsu 1, inside the room.
Asahi said, "Miss Ropponmatsu, is it?"
R-1 said, "Yes. Thank you. I am called Ropponmatsu Unit 1. To what do I owe the pleasure, Miss?"
Asahi said, "My name is Asahi Sakurai. I wish to speak to you about a power in which you and your kid sister have. My requirement is to observe the aura you have and assimilate it."
R-1 responded, "I am sorry. I do not wish to be presenting towards strangers, including the ones that want my battery power. But for a Miss Asahi Sakurai, you are well-known. I may, and I shall, since it is an emergency. Is it an emergency of any kind?"
Asahi turned and said, "Yes. There is a being called Akai Kādo. Only I can help stop her, for I have the corresponsive attributes and details on this devious woman. She used a friend of mine, and made her into a sultry vixen, only to love men and women. And she used five Sailor Senshis, only for revenge on The Gang."
R-1 said, "You know of The Gang, as well? They were nice enough to assist me in finding Ropponmatsu Unit 2. And have been successful, since the rescue mission."
Asahi blushed, "I did not know that."
Even in this state, she's still herself.
R-1 examined her, as she said, "Miss Sakurai. Is there a reason why you chose to obtain my power module? Do you wish to become a stronger version of yourself? You do not appear robotic."
Asahi said, "That is classified… For this, I chose to own it, out of help for AAW. I am sure that you will understand. It may be a small dosage of your life, but you will have to recharge, when finished."
R-1 said, "Understood. Please wait a moment."
She removed her white coat and dark violet sweater, revealing her white bra. She turned around and said, "Please insert your hand inside me."
She opened her back panel, exposing her mechanical parts. It had a huge hole inside, which can fit Asahi's hand in it.
Dawn said, through her head, "It's harmless, Asahi. Please insert your left hand, the hand with your bracelet, and then consume the energy inside of her and transfer it to you. And once you do, you'll be very powerful."
Asahi responded, "Suppose my body cannot take the robot's power."
Dawn said, "If that happens, that's saved for later. I'll explain further… when the time comes."
Asahi nodded, "Affirmative. I shall assimilate Ropponmatsu Unit 1."
Asahi stuck her hand inside Ropponmatsu 1 and closed her eyes. She started to glow white, as Ropponmatsu started to beep. She whirred and shook, as Asahi was shaking, while sparks consumed her. She paused, as Ropponmatsu 1 froze. She collapsed onto the floor, facedown, immobilized, and shut down. Asahi fell on her back.
"Assimilation complete…" she whispered, "Must… Rebooting… program…"
Asahi regained composure, as her eyes regained color, as she got up and looked around. "Huh? Where am I?"
Dawn said, "You're at the Broken Shades. Asahi, you just consumed the powers of Ropponmatsu 1 to the bracelet."
"I did?" She said, as she rubbed her head, "But… I don't remember… a thing…"
"In due time, you will. Click the button to activate it. But first, you'd have to control these powers. In any case, you'll meet the mysterious youth, close by. She's a friend of mine."
"What does she look like?"
R-2, a girl with purple and pink hair, with a white skirt and cat ears, gasped, "Big Sister! Hey! Who are you?"
Dawn gasped, "Gotta go!"
Asahi cringed, "Uh, oh… I'm in trouble…"
R-2 barked, "Why didn't you plug her in, if she's dying down?"
She plugged R-1 in and said, "There you go, Big Sister… You rest easy."
She scolded at her, wiggling her ears, "You naughty girl. You're trying to seduce her, aren't you?"
Asahi stammered, "Uh… No, I mean… Well, it's…"
She explained, "Well… I had to borrow her power source, so-."
R-2 smiled, "Power source?"
She turned around and removed her black shirt and blouse, revealing her back. She opened her back panel and said, "You can borrow mine, since Big Sister is recharging. Just plug me in, when you're done."
Asahi trembled, "More power? This is nuts…"
She thought, "On the plus side, she's too cute. Okay, why not?"
She stuck her hand inside, as she glowed in a white aura, consuming R-2's power. After the glow faded, R-2 fell, motionless and turned off, with her smile intact. Asahi gasped, "Oh, I'm so sorry! Are you okay, uh… Which Ropponmatsu are you, 1?"
She placed her in a seated position and plugged her in. She moaned in pain, "Man, I feel like I had a head rush…"
She adjusted her bracelet and said, "Still… It's nice to have enough power to my bracelet. Maybe too much power, so to speak."
She held it and said, "Only one problem… What did she mean by uncontrollable powers?"
She then pressed the button and said, "Only one way to find out."
CLICK!
She pressed her button on her bracelet and then started to stand in place.
"Assimilation complete." She spoke robotically, "Must return to Hane City…"
She walked off, as she opened the door. May watched on, as she saw a glimpse of Asahi.
She gasped in shock, "AAAH! ASAHI SAKURAI?"
She squealed, "I'm so happy! Yuki and I met Narue Nanase, who is AKIBA's famous dancing sensation, but now, Pop Idol Royalty? THE Asahi Sakurai?! SO AWESOME! I WISH I HAD MY CAMERA!"
"YUKI! YUKI!" She cried out, "MISS ASAHI SAKURAI IS IN OUR HOME!"
Yukino huffed, "Yeah, yeah. Why are you taking so long, outside? Get inside, soon!"
May pouted, "Aw, Yuki…"
Asahi turned to May and asked, "Hello. I am Asahi Sakurai. I am… am… am…"
She approached her and grabbed her arms, "You are… a fan? Sakurai…"
She started to glitch, as Dawn said, while viewing the action, up on a tree, "I was afraid of this… Miss Sakurai took BOTH Ropponmatsus, and she's becoming unstable! Oh, Haruka… Please fix her…"
May held her, as Asahi was shaking and twitching. She asked, "Miss Sakurai? Are you okay? You are in so much pain… She must be in a seizure."
Asahi said, as she grabbed her collar, "Help… me… I'm in… pain…"
May hugged her and said, "NO! Who did this to you? Was it this Onigiri I heard of?"
Dawn gagged, "AAH! You idiot! She doesn't even know about Tohru Honda, yet!"
May said, as she was in tears, "How did it happen? You seemed uneasy… and in pain…"
Asahi moaned, as she dropped her arms, "Child… Please… take me… to…"
She gasped, as she collapsed on the ground, not moving. May hugged her, as she was crying. Asahi suddenly stopped breathing.
"She's dead…" she sobbed, "Miss Sakurai is dead…"
Dawn sobbed lightly, "No… There's no hope now… Oh, why did I choose her, Hana? Now, she's dead, and music has lost a legend…"
But then, she started to glow in a bright white light, as Dawn was shocked, "Whoa… This is the power that woke me up, from my mannequin shell."
May stopped glowing, as Asahi woke up, regaining composure. She saw her and asked, "Huh? Who are you?"
May hugged her and giggled, "YAY! ASAHI SAKURAI IS ALIVE!"
Dawn prayed, "It's a miracle. Haruka, you did it!"
Asahi asked, "Uh… Who are you?"
May smiled and said, as she held Asahi up, "Oh, forgive me for earlier. My name is Haruka. I live in the Broken Shades with Yuki. Are you okay now?"
Asahi said, "Haruka… You seemed cute. So, how long have you lived here?"
"About four months. I live with Yuki."
"Oh. Then, if you don't mind, I should leave…"
Haruka blushed and grabbed her arm, holding a pen, "Miss Sakurai! Yuki doesn't believe me! So, can I have your autograph, before you go? Please?"
Asahi looked at May's face, who was in a starry-eyed look. Dawn said, in echoes, "You better do as she says. This girl is special to me…"
Asahi asked, "You know of her?"
"Indeed. Haruka is such a brave girl. I'll explain, once we finish. Just leave your mark on Haruka, and you'll make her and Yukinon happy."
"I guess you're right. Okay…"
May asked, "Who are you talking to?"
Asahi smiled, "Oh, nothing. You got some paper?"
May pouted, "No… I forgot…"
"Aw, that's too bad." Asahi said, calmly.
May sobbed a bit, as Asahi felt upset. She removed her bandana and said, "Here… How about this?"
She signed her autograph on her green bandana and gave it to her. She smiled, "Don't cry for me, Haruka… I know you are very special."
Haruka looked at her bandana and said, "Wow… She signed my bandana…"
She ran up to the stairs and cheered, "YUKI!"
Asahi said, as she was exhausted, "Man… What a weird little girl… She's hyper, but she's cute, like Ikumi…"
Dawn walked towards her, as she patted her back. She remarked, "Congratulations, Asahi Sakurai. You have controlled your powers now. Now, once you have faced a huge battle and win, the bracelet comes off."
"That's all?"
"That's all. But it'll be saved for later… And there will be more to it, once finished."
She grabbed her hand and said, "For now, it's time we leave. Let's take you back."
A cloud of smoke exploded, as Dawn and Asahi disappeared. Michelle came out of The Gang's room and saw the smoke. She thought, "Odd… Where did Asahi go?"
She snuffed, "Sodding little primadonna… Ditch me, will you?"
She slammed the door.
Asahi returned, with just her overalls on, and her upper body naked, with her hair over her breasts. She regained composure and said, "Wow… I'm back in Hane City…"
Dawn said, as she was speaking through the mirror, "You see? Now, since you are well rested, you shall assist The Gang in the battle against Akai Kādo."
She explained, as Asahi sat down on the bed, "You see… There is a woman called Onigiri, who bears a resemblance to Akai Kādo. She was once called Tohru Honda, and she was pure evil, out of corruption. In fact, another girl resembles her, but with different traits and styles. I talked to Hanajima about this, before your powers were assimilated, and she told me everything. It's time I told you about Akai Kādo."
She explained the story of Akai Kādo:
"During the Alternate Worlds became fused and mangled, there was a girl by the name of Koyomi Mizuhara, a.k.a. Yomi. She was a college student, and the creator and CEO of the Maidens for Hire, android servants for rent that give users guaranteed service, and to serve to the user's every whim. One day, she was to sponsor the Maidens and Butlers in West Plaza, until an accident made her act this way.
Yomi was busy, putting up the last fliers for the NEW Maidens for Hire, until she was confronted by two evil beings. Of course, this was BEFORE Onigiri was birth. Two teens from Antagony, Alejandro and Courtney, confronted her and tried to persuade a deal to merge with her company, to make millions. Of course, Yomi heard of the group Antagony, and refused to side with evil women. In the end… They beat her up. Al, however, chose not to beat up a girl, since it's against his code. Only Courtney, in violent rage, assaulted her, out of swift malice. They escaped, after the cops arrived to find that Yomi was beaten up. She almost died. Luckily, her Maidens, Tomo Model and Eri Model decided to care for her, when not busy with the Maiden Café, near downtown. Three weeks passed, as she was under intensive care. By that time, she knew that she cannot become picked on, no more. She had visions of the Antagony kids, laughing at her, calling her a nerd. Something inside Miss Mizuhara boiled inside her, like she was a Fire-type. She woke up and fled from her hospital bed. She escaped through the window and disappeared into the night, similar to her first Maiden Android, Tomo Model, when she escaped from her place of creation.
After that, very few know of the being, Akai Kādo, meaning "Red Card" in Japanese. She was given the name, when she started out, controlling Miss Makimura, and used her for dirty deals. Minami is a robot, yes… but that's because of the Alternate Worlds' DNA mix-up. It's also called, "The Moji Mikisā". Hanajima knew of its name, which picks a selected few in different worlds, from their boring and humdrum life, and made it into something exciting, terrible, or anything that would make their in-canon story mixed up. You, Miss Sakurai, and also The Gang, are many of the few, unaffected by this power. Minami, the Sailor Scouts, Haruka, and myself… we were one of the unfortunate ones, but Haruka and I traversed on, for the good of life. Remember when you met Russia? He was NOT affected by the Akai Kādo's Moji Mikisā. But Warsman was, since he was a member of the UN; the very same UN that banned the AAW from pursuing Tohru Honda… who caused hell on all the worlds, including Plas City, which was caused by a summer snowstorm."
Asahi said, "I've heard of it. Yeah, Percival told me that it was caused by a spell. I never knew it was from a young girl…"
Dawn said, "I know. But now, Plas City is gone, and it's affecting all of us. Hana and I must make sure that Onigiri must be dealt with, with everybody's help. You can fight, too, if you'd like… But for now, let The Gang fight their battles, before the UN gives the green light to face Onigiri; and that means you have to fight Akai Kādo. And with the Bracelet of Gigantica in your possession, you are their Trump Card, next to Steven Nevins."
Asahi complained, "But I don't understand! What does it mean? I'm just a pop idol! I'm a celebrity! What do you have for me, about this hell? This Moji Mikisā you call it affects people, including Miss Minami, who I thought she was that bad woman, Akai Kādo! Why are you making me a freak like her, Peter, Mizuki, Mister Nevins, Heather, and Farra? It makes no sense, since they have unique powers! I had to help Miss Nevins fight, even though she was recently injured, and you're making me become a helper to The Gang, after everything I've done for them?"
She sobbed, as she was in tears, "I nearly lost Minami, through the woman's dark side, all because she was mugged by two jerks! And I'm not going to have them ruin this! This woman, Minami Makimura, helped me, before, next to Eimi Ohba, who was my friend! And I cannot stand to lose her, because some evil tramp controlled her and tried to rape me! I'm Asahi Sakurai, god damn it! And I will NOT become one of these freaks!"
Dawn said, as she was smiling, "That's it. Get angry and know the truth! You see, while you care for your friends, before the fusion, you still have heart for everybody, including your friends and your fans… even Haruka."
Asahi said, "But Haruka was so frail… Why she is special, I'll never know."
Dawn said, "She is special… But something about her makes her very mysterious… In due time, you'll know… Everyone will know…"
Asahi sobbed, "Just… Just tell me what you want from me!"
She cringed, "Please, Hikari! Do something to make me understand these powers I can control!"
Dawn smirked, "When the time comes, you'll know. But this is something you'll figure out, on your own, or with The Gang's help. I will leave you a clue: remember the words – West Plaza. Once Akai Kādo shows herself to the city, it'll be time to activate your powers. But use it, as a last resort, meaning use it, when it's time to end this, once and for all. You know I'm right, so there's no need to worry. You may not know it now, but when your instinct tells you, you are ready."
"My instinct?"
Dawn started to disappear, as she concluded, "Remember… You are not alone… for the battle of your life… Farewell, Asahi Sakurai."
Asahi thought, "Hikari…"
She looked at the frozen Minami and said, "If we fix these worlds, then, Miss Minami, you will be okay. I'm sorry I accused you for being Akai Kādo. If you can understand what I am saying, I hope you will forgive me…"
She started to cry, as she said, "Minami… Minami…"
She put her hands on her face and sobbed. As she was crying, Heather arrived, exhausted and in a hurry.
"ASAHI! HERE I COME!" She cried out, "HANG ON, KIDDO!"
Asahi stopped and saw her, "Heather?"
Heather stopped, as she was in shock, seeing her bare upper body. She shuddered, as she was flushed beet red in her face.
"So… jealous…"
Asahi covered her upper body with her arms and blushed, "Just… pick up my clothes…"
Heather picked up her white shirt and said, "What happened? Did that hooker did this to you?"
Asahi was thrown her shirt, as she responded, "I don't wanna talk about it."
Heather looked at Minami and asked, "Asahi… Is that Miss Makimura? She looked so… slutty."
Asahi said, as she put her shirt on, "It's a long story. I wanted to ask her about Akai Kādo, but… it's not her. Plus, I was hoping to cure her of her transformation. You guys got this, right?"
Heather smiled, "Sure."
Asahi asked, "Incidentally, why did you come here?"
Heather confessed, "Well… This is Maki of Comic Party we're talking about. I hope she didn't give you an earful."
Asahi said, "She's fine… She's nice, once you get to know her…"
She stated, "What do you say we leave this city?"
Heather nodded, as she left, "I'll wait by the van."
Asahi then approached Maki and placed a sign that says "Out of order" on her chest. She whispered, "I'll fix this for you, Miss Minami… You'll remember who you are, someday. Rest well, my friend…"
She left through the doorway, as she turned off the lights.
XXXXX
At the van, as it was leaving Hane City, Heather was driving home, scolding Asahi Sakurai.
"What were you thinking?" She scolded, "Heather is disappointed at you; traversing to Hane City, the perverted boondocks of the worlds. Why?"
Asahi turned away, as she was sad. Heather huffed, "I can't believe you. Heather was so worried about you, including the reason you told me why you wanted to find Minami Makimura."
Asahi said nothing. She shrugged her shoulders and said, "I was worried about the whole Akai Kādo thing, and why she controlled the Sailor Senshis…"
Heather said, as she felt upset, "Well… That's no excuse. If you had something to tell us, don't hide it from us. We're all AAW agents, and we're friends. That's all. We're here to help."
Asahi felt sad, again, as Heather smiled "Don't worry. You wanted to know the truth, and now, you can tell Kanaka the whole report."
Asahi said, in sadness, "I want to quit… I want to quit AAW."
Heather said, "No, Asahi… You're here, while Farra is injured. However, you feel like you're losing hope. Don't quit."
"Losing hope?"
"The guys have "hope" to save the worlds from bad people. That's what we do."
"No. I don't know…"
"It's fine. You can stick around, and help us. But don't stay quiet, a while longer… So, no need to worry."
Asahi thought, "No need to worry…"
She then smiled, "Thanks, Heather…"
The van continued to drive off, as the sun set.
Back at the Broken Shades, May showed Yukino the bandana that was signed by Asahi Sakurai.
"How did you get that?" Yukino griped.
May said, "But I did! I did see Asahi Sakurai!"
Yukino said, "It's so real… I guess you can keep it…"
May squealed, "YAY! I get to keep her autograph!"
She thought, "Oh. But what about a new bandana?"
Yukino groaned, "Man… Why do you always make things annoying?"
She asked, "But how did Asahi Sakurai come here? I never knew her…"
XXXXX
At The Gang's room, Michelle was watching TV, showing a small pink and yellow panda in the zoo.
"And as you see, this is a rare panda that is marveling in a shade of pastel pink and yellow. Here in the North City Zoo, the cute panda, named Simon, is on display, as the 3-year old panda is wowing the crowd."
The panda snuggles in a rock, as Michelle blushed, "Oh, how cute."
FYI, Percival and Farra are still snoozing.
Eventually, she forgot that Asahi was here… and how can these two stay asleep, after everything going on?
Hours later, at AAW HQ, Steven C explained the story behind the incident in the mansion to The Gang and the Nevinses. Steven C showed the slides of the Ho-kago Tea Time's place, including the cans of latex paint in their rooms.
"As you can see, the place has left behind clues from the band, including a note, written to them, about an event in Stockholm. However, no news yet on why they would perform there. We also found some items that were owned by the band – drumsticks owned by Miss Tainaka, Gita by Yui Hirasawa, a guitar owned by Miss Nakano, a keyboard owned by Miss Kotobuki, and even Mio Akiyama's lyrics book. The only known clue behind the girls is this will."
Mizuki held the will up and said, "This says that Yui Hirasawa wrote it all down, and said that the ownership to the place will be owned, solely, by the remaining members of the band, should one member or two die in an accident."
Peter said, "That's odd, seeing that they were together forever."
Steven N said, "What I don't get is why the two crooks would record the deed."
He showed the deed, as Michelle responded, "Yes. This was owned by Yui Hirasawa and the band."
She asked Mizuki, "Incidentally, was there anything in the will that said if every one of the band has died?"
Mizuki read, "Well, here's an addendum to the will. Should all of us died in an accident, tragic or otherwise, then the entire estate will go to my dear sister, Ui Hirasawa, so she can own the building, as she wants to, with her friends."
Everyone was shocked, as Mizuki said, "Ui Hirasawa…"
She held up the deed, and said, "We should give this to Ui. Who wants to give it to her?"
The Gang nodded, as Farra said, "Since I'm not on The Gang's roster here, I'll deliver this to her, as a sign of respect for her sister."
She was given the will, as Percival said, "Are you up to it, Farra?"
Farra said, "I think I can… Trust me. I know what I can do… and I know how it feels to lose a loved one. After all, we're uncertain on what to do, now that the items of Ho-kago Tea Time are shown."
Steven N said, "Well, you'll have to forget it, until later. For now, send this to Ui Hirasawa, post haste. I'll drive you there."
Farra said, "Thanks."
They both left, as Percival said, "Okay, now that this matter is settled… if anybody has any new business…"
Asahi said nothing, as she held her wrist, thinking to herself. Percival said, "Dismissed."
But then, a klaxon siren has sounded, as Central City is in danger.
Mizuki called, "Hold the celebration, Percival! There's trouble in Central City! A zombie attack in the city, terrorizing the entire population!"
Steven C said, "Who is it from?"
"I'll take a closer view. There are five zombies in the area."
"Zoom in, Mizuki."
She zoomed in on one of the zombies, on the screen, and saw that it was a girl, with dead skin, wearing a black school uniform and brown hair. The Gang gasped, as they recognized that face.
Mizuki shivered, "No… It couldn't be…"
Heather asked, "Is that Yui Hirasawa?"
Mizuki replied, "I'm afraid so. The zombie ID confirms of Yui Hirasawa, Ritsu Tainaka, Mio Akiyama, Tsumugi Kotobuki, and Azusa Nakano."
Steven C gasped, "Zombies of Ho-kago Tea Time?! You mean… They are dead?"
The rest nodded, as Steven C pouted, "Oh… hell!"
Peter gasped, "And Farra is leaving to get to Ui Hirasawa!"
Mizuki said, "It's fine. She and Steven Nevins are heading away from the area where Ui is. For this… We better investigate, before the city becomes infested with the undead."
Steven nodded, as he said, "You got it! Gang! To the van!"
They all ran off, heading to Central City.
Now THIS set up a BIGGER question: How are the Ho-kago Tea Time undead zombies?
More on this, in the next chapter…