Percival arrived at the Springwood Sanctuary, moments after he left New York, leaving the others to fight Real Ninja. He only went there… for answers.
The car parked, as Percival said, "Wait in the car, Cy." He walked in and spoke with the nurse at the desk, "Excuse me, nurse… Percival Gaynes, Feral Beauty. FBI." The nurse asked, "What can I do for you, sir?"
He asked, "Do you know of a Jebediah Hathious?"
She responded, "One second…" She looked at the computer and said, "He is here. Rom 602. He's been here, for a long time."
"What?"
Percival was shown to Hathious, as he was a man with long gray hair, wearing a straitjacket. "Are you… Father Hathious?"
The man said, "Yes. My child… I recognized you… The man that saw Hell… in his own eyes."
He was face-to-face with Father Jebediah Hathious, one of the preachers that tried (and failed) to exorcize the demon, Onigiri, from the worlds.
[Time before the New Moon: 88 hours remaining]
Episode 14 – Chapter 2: (One Final Battle: Part 2)
The Darkness Unleashed!
Remy Snowflake's Unholy Story!
"The lord does work in mysterious ways…" he said, "He giveth and He taketh away… as did my livelihood. Percival Gaynes, you were responsible, but you chose the righteous path, and all for forgiveness… But… Forgiveness means nothing for you, unless the demon is permanently erased. What happened years ago, when Haruka banished Tohru Honda's evil soul… and in exchange, it awakened Remy Snowflake, from her prison from below. You were too late to stop it… but you made it up, with your friends by your side… You can fix all that!"
Percival agreed and said, "Any man would try to forgive for what he witnessed. If I had killed Chris McLean, this never would've happened… but I was wrong."
"Clearly, you do remember… You told me about a false prophet, dating back to the years of DIO. Father Enrico Pucci… he was a chaplain. I, however, was an Evangelist, rejected by the church! I didn't have a Stand! But I know who she was… The demon… She's real. Matters not that she's dead… Her evil is forever."
"That's why we're going to stop her." He explained, "Father, Ritsu Tainaka and Oka Kazamatsuri are going to open The Gates of Heaven, something Pucci did, over a decade ago. I know you don't believe me, but if they open Heaven, the worlds come to an end. A friend of mine told me… And she knew the knowledge of DIO's notes."
"The vampire? I heard, but never knew. What happened that day?"
Percival explained DIO's full notes, and concluded, "And we wait for the New Moon, in less than 3 days. If Ritsu opens Heaven, it's over."
"A world… reset from existence… and to be reborn, with a new story." The preacher said, "Yes… My son, you were right. Now I see why and how these worlds… are meant to be fused, as the Hellscape of Onigiri. The Spawn of Onigiri, Remy Snowflake! She wanted it this way… but… It wasn't meant to be. I, child, had that problem, when I promised the END of Onigiri. But when I confronted the demon… I failed."
Father Jebediah Hathious, a man with a black preacher's robe and hat, was sitting by the chair, in his office, as he saw a woman in a white dress, with white hair, and a parasol.
"No… … … It cannot be…" He whispered.
Remy Snowflake… The Dahlia Hawthorne of the Moji Mikisa. Mid-1980s serial killer; all-around sadist. She was the same mass murderer of these worlds, and a clone to Tohru Honda. She kills innocent teenage girls, then molests them, and kills them more, and slaughters them! Deep within each girl, they have beauty, charm, and charisma. But she… … … … She was Satan, herself.
"Well, well, well… Jebediah Hathious… the fallen son of Father Matthias. It's really good to see you again, my most biased of friends." Remy smirked, "I'm impressed. Surely, this is your most elaborate scheme, yet. You see, I kinda knew about these worlds, despite that they think of me, as someone else. Yes?"
She explained, "You know, I wish, for once, for your sake, it would go as you prayed it would've been."
"Ah, Remy Snowflake," he said, "You needn't worry about me. For I have righteousness on my side; I have vengeance! As my companion and I have the lord as my god, and you… demon, will finally, once and for all, be! Put! DOWN!"
Remy smirked, "Then… Let us talk… Surely, you remember me as someone else… This Tohru Honda woman?"
"Yes, I do… But no more… Because… Someone was waiting for you…"
A girl in blonde hair grasped onto her, as she was speaking robotically, "I love you! You are so sexy. You make me pleasure." A sex robot, reprogrammed by the preacher, but…
"Jebediah! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?" The gynoid beeped and flashed red.
KABOOM!
It exploded into nothing, taking Remy with her.
And just like that… I vanquished the demon. But I knew deep down, she was still alive. I cannot fathom, but I would know who she is… because she, the devil, as it seemed… survived!
Remy was hiding in the darkness, as Hathious walked off. "We'll meet… Just not now. When the time comes." She was covered in soot and black dirt, "He will pay!"
XXXXX
The next day, we met privately. I was face-to-face with the beast. My soul was prepared for death. Like my father did, but I wasn't afraid. This was the SAME devil… who tortures this world, long before SHE fused it all.
He and Remy talked in her office, as she was sitting at her desk, in a dark room.
"I know who you are, demon… I know exactly what you wanted, and I promise you… You shall not have this world! With all my being… with all the sacred soul, burned within me, I shall see you fail, in your cursed quest."
He leaned forward and bellowed, "And one day, ONE DAY, I shall send you BACK to that festering pit in Hell, from whence you emerged! I will not fail this mission! I know who you are, Remy Snowflake! I know who you really are, Tohru Honda! NO! The likeness is different, but it is uncanny that you two look-alike. I know who you are… I know who you really are… and I know exactly what it is!"
Hathious stood tall, as his vision saw a view of Remy's face. He even saw, in his perspective, that Tohru Honda's face, with long brown hair and her slightly blood-soaked blue school uniform, next to Remy's all-white attire and hair.
My eyes were locked to the demon, faced on… in my perspective, she was two different people, but they are simply ONE being. It was how I pictured it. They speak the same, they kill the same, but they are from different worlds. Different timelines. Different realms.
Remy leaned forward. And then she said, "Well… Perhaps you're right. But then again, you may be seeing things…"
She stood up and glowed in a dark aura, as her clothes turned black, her right eye turned red, and her left eye dark blue, as Remy hissed, "Or maybe… … …you're just insane…"
Her hair turned black, as Hathious was shocked. He looked around Remy's pristine and clean office, as he pleaded, "No. NO! I know it's real! I know exactly who you are! I know what you've done!"
Remy laughed, "Oh, Jebediah! Maybe a little time away from your mission will get you back on your feet again… Have you feeling… right as rain… Yes? Don't worry. I am NOT who you think… Because I'm NOT Tohru Honda… but rather… closer than you think… she is…"
Remy walked forward, as she concluded, "It'll give you… enough time… to figure it out… as you… sit and pray."
She laughed evilly, as Hathious growled in anger, realizing that Remy may be tricking him. Heeding to her words, he caved in, and surrendered. Of course, Father Hathious disappeared from the Moji Mikisa, never to be seen again. Only Remy Snowflake knew what happened to him…
Percival was lost in thought, as he said, "And that's why you're here… Remy Snowflake… She's… She's the Angel of Death."
"Exactly. And once awakened, they will fall to Onigiri. I tried… and I failed…"
Percival said, as he was confident, "Father… What I did, years ago… If I could only restart my past mistakes, then maybe… maybe He can forgive me."
"You cannot restart a world with an edict." Hathious said to him, "I am sorry… But… The Gang, your friends… They will stop Onigiri. This time, THEY will stop them… NOT Haruka."
"HUH? What do you mean?"
"Keep this to yourself, child. Remy Snowflake… MIO… DIO… Father Pucci… Ritsu Tainaka… Oka Kazamatsuri… They are simply players in Her world. The Chosen One… her battle is with The One."
"What?" He was shocked, as Father Hathious concluded, "The Moji Mikisa is controlled by one being… ONE being! But only the chosen one… can stop these worlds from suffering. Tell them they must erase Pucci's devil work… but they cannot know… The truth…"
Percival was stunned, as Hathious remarked, "If you defeat Ritsu… and banish Remy Snowflake forever… then, you will be forgiven. This was your mess, as you believed, but it was Her doing! Make sure… that you cannot unleash Hell in these worlds."
He nodded, "I promise. I won't let you down. But what of Haruka? Where does she fit in?"
Hathious said, "This is all I can tell you, son. Go now, and NEVER! EVER! Return! Even if these worlds are saved, I cannot help, any longer."
He left, as Hathious returned to his cell. He left a forlorn face, as he whispered, "I know the truth… They are all players to Her. The Moji Mikisa, during my time here, I know exactly… who did it… Remy Snowflake was the penultimate anomaly of what lies ahead. But the world must not know… only those… that knew."
"Is that so?" A woman in black hair appeared. She was Aya Hoshino, one of Percival's friends. She was faced towards the fallen preacher and asked, "I want to know… Who is responsible for the Moji Mikisa? And I want to know… … …" She spoke in an inaudible voice, as Hathious nodded, "Yes… She is."
He walked off, as Aya growled, "I knew it…" She roared, as her aura went black, "I KNEW IT!"
XXXXX
In a small padded room, Father Hathious was in a straitjacket, as he was brooding.
"I know who you are… … …" he spoke, in a serious tone, "I know who you really are… I will stop you! I am on a mission from God! And I WILL! NOT! BE! STOPPED!
The world must know… The world must be free of your illusions; of your madness! You're NOT the lonely onigiri, anymore! I KNOW who you are! YOU… ARE THE BEAST! YOU ARE THE BEAST! I WILL… BRING YOU DOWN! DAMN YOU!"
XXXXX
Percival returned to the car, and he sighed, "Three days…"
"Fweh? Wuz wong?"
"Nothing. Just drive."
He heard Hathious's screams, from far away, "I WILL! BRING YOU DOWN! DAMN YOU! DAMN YOU!"
"Wut wuz that?" Cy asked him.
"An old friend… But still, we have to return to New York. Our final battle has begun."
They drove away, leaving Jebediah Hathious behind, as he kept convulsing and hollering to Remy Snowflake and her true form – She was THE devil.
"Father Hathious… We promise. Onigiri will be erased, once and for all… and it starts with Euphoria and Real Ninja… and then Ritsu and her quest for Heaven. Once they are purged, it's over. The worlds are saved. Only…" He pondered, "Only we need a miracle… if we let them."
They returned to New York, after that.
The BattleVan arrived at Joanna's house, as Farra said, "That's our ride."
Joanna nodded, "Well, good luck, you guys. It's a long journey, but I hope we survive this day."
Krystle said, "You're right. We're going to stop Ritsu… and save this world, and many more."
Farra smiled, "Spoken like a true Joestar."
They left, as Joanna called, "Farra! Be safe… And don't die… Okay?"
"I'll try…" Farra remarked, as she stepped out, "But that depends on what happens in three days."
They approached the van, as Mundy said, "Oi! Room fer one more?"
Farra, Steven, Krystle, Jace, & Kim stepped in, as Jace gasped, "WHOA! The Gang's Tour Van!"
Kim blushed, "Amazing… It's so roomy…"
Krystle said, "Hmph, not my style."
Mizuki said, "You must be Krystle Giese, right? I'm Mizuki Takase, and this is Oscar Gooden."
Krystle said, "I see. So, she's my sister-in-law, huh?" She thought, as she was concerned, "She's a robot? No… She's half-human. But she's so slutty. Those bongos are big." She chuckled, "Good fucking grief, Peter… You know how to land them…"
Jace asked, "You say something?"
"Oh, nothing…" Krystle said, "Let's motor!"
Mundy laughed, "Right, love! Next stop: Cape Canaveral!"
The BattleVan drove away, heading off to Kennedy Space Center. On the other side of Florida, Mech-Asahi landed and she called, "Alright! We made it!"
She changed back to normal, as Peter & Cassandra stepped off. Peter said, "So, now what? We're miles from Kennedy Space Station."
Cassandra said, "We'll charter a cab."
Asahi said, "No… Too slow. We'll ask directions, and then take flight."
"No need. I got the directions to–."
"Yes, but traveling is a problem. And I need to save my strength."
"Lo siento. But I am sure we're aware… but how are we going to travel to Kennedy Space Center, to stop Ritsu?"
"That's a problem… Still, we can hoof it, for now." Asahi stated, "Peter, you lead the way… but… How long do we have?"
"By my count… About 80 hours to go. That's three days."
The girls sobbed, "Then we have to hurry."
They departed off to find some travel arrangements, but Ritsu watched on, in complete shock, "No! He came back? Dammit! Kuki failed me…" She called Oka, "Hello, Kazamatsuri? Ritsu."
Oka picked up and asked, "Yes? What is it? Ritsu-dono?"
"I'm in Florida, picking up the final piece… You?"
"On my way to the Euphoria Plant, near your location. Any reports?"
"Bad news… Your assassins failed. Giese, Sakurai, and Martinez arrived in Florida, and they know where I am going."
"WHAT?" Oka cried, "ARE YOU SAYING THAT GIESE IS BACK?"
"Yeah! But he's still weak and frail, after losing a lot of strength. Real Ninja need to stop them, here."
"No." Oka huffed, "All my assassins failed, because of them… I'm left with no choice. I'll fight them, myself!"
"Really?"
"Nah, I'm kidding. I have two more on the way… I was saving these two for something very special…" She smirked, "They're already in Florida, but they will intercept these three. Those are their strongest arsenal. If they can't stop them, nothing else will… or else."
Ritsu said, "I'm heading to your plant, right away. It's blocks from Kennedy Space Center."
"I don't care what you do!" Oka roared, "I WANT THE GANG DEAD, BEFORE MY AUSTRALIUM SUPPLY GOES DOWN! AND DON'T CALL ME BACK UNLESS YOU DO!" She calmed down and replied, "Last time, it was Krystle Giese getting a pardon… Peter Giese's arrival is two… Bottom line is–. THREE STRIKES!" She hollered, "THREE STRIKES! AND HERE I THOUGHT YOU HAD EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL! YOU BETTER LIVE UP TO YOUR WORD OF THE UNLIMITED AUSTRALIUM! AND DON'T COME BACK UNTIL YOU DO!" She slammed the phone down, hanging up on Ritsu. Oka seethed, as she ordered, "You two. Peter Giese, Asahi Sakurai, and Cassandra Martinez have arrived. Hotaru and Lily are in New York, slaughtering their allies. Make sure they do not come here, alive… Otherwise…" She slit her throat with her finger, and petals flew out of her hand. The two assassins jumped off and disappeared, Oka sat back with a serious look on her face. She held her hand out and said, "If this fails, I'm left with no alternative."
She glared, as she was about to unleash her Stand. Oka knew that victory was slipping from her grasp. And she has about three days left.
Ritsu was upset, as she held the phone, "This is bad… I have to carry out my plan, at once. The New Moon isn't for another three days. Oka has everything in her care… but it seems that she'll handle this herself, once that fails. But the ones I'm after are Steven Cooke and Krystle Giese. Once I eliminate them, they fall like dominoes." She walked off, "Real Ninja has The Gang to eliminate, but my job is to obtain Heaven. MIO, I promise you, I will reach Heaven for you… as long as we obtain it to create your vision of a perfect world."
XXXXX
The BattleVan arrived near Cape Canaveral, as they waited. They were ten miles from the place.
"Do you see her?" Mizuki asked.
Mundy said, "No, not yet." He viewed from his binoculars. "It's heavily guarded, but… Ritsu Tainaka is closeby."
Farra said, "Oscar, we'll handle Ritsu. You mind the others. They could be in danger."
"Right, love."
They suddenly got radio contact. It was Asahi. "Stevens. Who is it?"
"Farra, it's Asahi." She contacted, "We're in trouble."
"Ritsu hasn't arrived yet."
"I know that… But we got a major scoop. Cassandra and I were attacked by one of Real Ninja's androids."
"Another one?" Farra gasped.
Asahi explained about Oka's whereabouts (not mentioning Peter). Mizuki whimpered, "A factory of Euphoria?"
Steven asked, "Asa? Steven. Anything disturbing from the enemy's explanation?"
Asahi said, "Yeah… And it's brutally bizarre. The Euphoria drug, it's made with pure Australium."
They all gasped, as Mundy barked, "WHAT? AUSTRALIUM?!"
Farra asked him, "You knew?"
"No… But ICPO has heard reports of the reemergence of the stuff from my home." Mundy explained, "Where exactly did they find a portion of it here?"
Asahi explained, "The house where Chris McLean once stood. However, we had no idea. Oka Kazamatsuri unearthed it, behind our backs."
"Did you say McLean?" Steven asked.
Farra growled, "That was years ago… That was when Percival brought us together, in our first mission! What the hell is going on here? None of this makes any sense!"
Mundy replied, "That explains everything… The stuff is bonkers to everyone in contact, even stimulate their sex drive OR grown unwanted facial hair… Though, robot girls are immune to those side effects, but they did glitch from the drug."
Asahi said, "Cassie explained everything about the material, and even confirmed that the reason why July, February, & March were changed. The Australium is at fault here."
"WHAAT? THAT'S NOT TRUE!" January emerged from the BattleVan and protested, "THAT'S WRONG, ASAHI! We used the Australium-plated weapons in Strike Force, and we're working functionally!" She gasped, as The Gang glared at her. Mundy barked, "WHAT THE BLOODY HELL? How did YOU get here?"
Farra said, "Uh, Asa, we'll call you back."
"Nuh-uh! January! Before I ask why you stowed away to Florida, after we agreed that you stayed in New York, how did you know about the Australium?"
January said, "Because the stuff was manufactured by President Iizuka. He was able to find a large portion of it, near DC. He even stated that the Aussie Gold is scattered everywhere, after it was mysteriously gone."
Asahi said, "The Monkey Rocket! Of course! The rocket was launched, but the monkey died, along with the Australium."
Farra said, "And some of it landed during this AU Mind Fuck that Father Pucci created."
January nodded, "Right, Mother. But we're unaffected by the Australium… so it has to be something else."
Farra added, "She's got a point. If not the Australium, then there's got to be a key ingredient that made it so." Mundy said, "And I bet it's Oka Kazamatsuri's hand that did it.
Asahi said, "Right. Mundy, you take January and meet us at the Euphoria factory, miles from here. Farra, Steven, stay with the rest."
Mizuki said, "I'm coming with you. I'm not strong enough to face Ritsu… so, I'll join Mundy."
Asahi giggled, "Eh, sure… Cassie and I will wait by these coordinates. Over and out."
She signed off, as Farra stated, "January, when this is over, we're gonna have a long talk about disobeying your orders, young lady!"
January barked, "NO! Mother Dear, I wanted to help… Not just for Oscar, but for everyone. Feb… March… July… even April… We suffered, because of the drug. On behalf of robots everywhere, I, January Marciano-Gaynes, will end the Euphoria for The Gang!"
Farra nodded, "I see…" Steven said, "She has been waiting for this. January, you, Mundy, & Mizuki head to the factory. We'll handle this."
Mundy barked, "Alright… But I'm doing this under protest, because it's her." He was referring to January.
Farra stated, "She's my daughter. I'll handle her punishments, afterwards. She has been a spitfire, lately."
January said, "And that's the same for Krystle Giese? She'll be fine within YOUR protection… They need the strongest to fight."
Steven said, "You're right. Farra & I will watch them, you make sure the drug is stopped, before anything else happens. Time's on our side, and we're not gonna waste it."
Mizuki said, "Just make sure Krystle and the others are safe."
Steven smiled, "Steven Cooke promises that, but he can't promise success."
They departed, as Farra sighed, "What a day…" he replied, "Wait until the New Moon."
He stated, "Hmm… I have an idea…"
XXXXX
A guard said, "Absolutely not! We are not accepting entry and protection from civilians or freelancers. Besides, we've dealt with this issue before."
Steven said, as he was with the guard, guarding the Space Center, "Sir, I'm sorry. But history may repeat itself, if we don't get it. A crazed woman in a hood may try to barge in, uninvited. Trust me. This happened before."
"On your way, sir. And don't bother me with stories like that."
"Alright… but keep an eye out on her." He showed a picture of Ritsu, "This is the target. She wears a hood, and has bangs over her eyes. She once posed as a chaplain in St. Dolphin Prison, miles from here. Now, she's coming here, from our sources."
"I'll see what I can do. But you still cannot gain entry. We'll stop this person, no matter what."
"Thank you."
He walked off, as he thought, "He's going to die." He stated the obvious, because Ritsu Tainaka's a Stand User. The guard's not.
"Well?" Farra asked. Steven said, "We're going in, once Ritsu arrives. We didn't gain entry, but we'll charge in, once she makes her move."
Jace nodded, "Right. And the first person who finds the asshole, we'll fight first."
"If Steven Cooke finds her, you better call an ambulance, or an undertaker!" Steven barked. "The plan is… we lay low, five miles from the place, and wait for Ritsu's arrival. The others took the BattleVan, heading to Oka's main factory, so we're gonna camp out, until the New Moon. Krystle, Jason, Kim… We're doing this for all of you."
Kim said, "I fear this may be a repeat performance. You sure we can beat this?"
"Knowing Oka & Ritsu… they'll try anything."
They left to find a place to camp out, before the final battle begins.
[Time before the New Moon: 76 hours]
Two days later…
Percival's allies were in New York, waiting near the main streets of Times Square. Percival was with Yamabuki, Miki, Chazz, and Cy. The Sailor Guardians refused to help, but promised to wait until the battle ends. April, however, was still broken, back in Strike Force HQ. Even Akari & Enju chose to step down.
Percival waited, as he saw a figure in the distance. It was Hotaru, wearing her beige ninja outfit. She was walking down the street, as a few people were shaken.
Miki asked, "Is this wise? She knows our exact location."
"What happened to a few of my daughters… what happened to these worlds… This is personal. We're the only allies left, and there's only one of her."
Hotaru appeared, as she was far from the group. She called, "Like… You had the nerve to ruin Obnubi. This was our stronghold, and you totally bummed out our welcome."
Percival stated, "Real Ninja is perverted by logic! You are manipulated and mutilated by your masters! This isn't your world to worship the false prophet, Onigiri!"
"Says you, old man!" Hotaru jeered, "So begins the new era of Onigiri… The Chosen One is helpless to stop her now, upon her revival."
Chazz barked, "No, but she has friends. The Gang, too. They have allies."
Miki stated, "That's right. We're not running away, this time. Everything you did, for Euphoria and for Heaven… it ends tonight!"
Yamabuki called out, "Listen up, Hotaru! I may not be Real Ninja anymore, but I refuse to fight ya. But even so, I can still fight without my Stand. Tear me apart asunder, but never break my spirit!"
Percival said, "Hotaru Kokonohi, this is your endgame! Real Ninja is finished!"
Hotaru smirked, "Oh? Where's your wife and The Gang?"
Percival stated, "They're in Florida." Hotaru gasped, as he continued, "Apparently, we're one step ahead. Divide and conquer. Our main heroes stop Oka AND Ritsu, while WE stop you."
Hotaru growled, "Dammit, like, Oka was right. They legit went after the plant! AND Ritsu!" She calmed down, but smirked, "But I'm not impressed. I'm aware of their journey… Florida is where the graves are marked for The Gang. Cape Canaveral – Kennedy Space Station: The Gang's burial; the same burial spot as Jotaro Kujo and Jolyne Cujoh. The Joestar Lineage ends tonight… this time, for good. All obey Onigiri."
She raised her arms out and laughed, "All will obey us, mortals! We shall, like, totally, end your pitiful existence as freedom fighters! The rebirth has begun!"
Percival stated, "No… It's not. We've improved, just in case… to prevent something like this from happening, again…"
He thought, "Everyone died, because of Remy Snowflake. Even those that followed her or defied her… I cannot let this happen again."
Hotaru smirked, "Your move, Percival Gaynes. What mistake will you make, this time?"
Percival unleashed his Stand, Gale Breaker, likewise The Undead Knight and Ojama Star. Percival said, "No more mistakes. It ends… TONIGHT!"
They have a day left to stop Ritsu Tainaka and Oka Kazamatsuri, but Hotaru came to spoil their fun. The allies are fighting back against this deranged shrine maiden ninja.
XXXXX
Meanwhile, in Florida, Mundy, Mizuki, & January arrived at Asahi & Cassandra's location. Mizuki said, "Hey! We came!"
Asahi said, "Where were you?"
Mundy said, "Sorry, love. It was a long drive here…"
January bowed, "I'm sorry. But the van broke down a bit, and I had to take it to the auto shop."
Asahi smiled, "Great. The rest are at Cape Canaveral?"
Mizuki said, "Yeah. And don't worry. They got this. We have a factory to demolish."
"Count me out, babe." A male voice called, "My beef is with the priest."
They all gasped, as Asahi chuckled, "I forgot to tell you…"
Peter was with Cassandra, as Cassandra smiled, "Surprise!"
Mizuki was teary-eyed, "P-Peter?" Mundy was shocked, "Holy doody… He's alive."
Peter smirked, "Hey."
Mizuki hugged him and hollered, "YOU JERRRRRRRRRRRRK!" She bawled, as she was crying on his chest. "No, don't cry, Miz. I never left you."
"I can't… I'm so… happy you're alive… I thought I lost you forever."
"It's alright. Ritsu took ONE disc, not two. I'm still kicking. This is for my sister, after all."
Mizuki was crying, as Mundy smiled, "Welcome back, Big Lad. I know we're stalling for time, but can you make it with only 18 hours to go?"
"Of course. I can't fly, but… I know that they need me. My sister needs me, after all." Peter requested.
Asahi agreed, "Then it's settled. Peter, join the others in Cape Canaveral. The rest of us will stay here and head to the Euphoria Plant."
Mizuki whimpered, "I love you…" He smiled, "Same. Stay safe, Mizuki."
He dashed off, as he was heading to the others.
Mundy then asked, "Uh… Why is the Big Lad wearing a purple hat?" Mizuki sniffled, "Who cares? As long as he's back, I'm happy."
Mizuki wiped her tears, as Cassandra said, "So, now what?"
Mundy said, "We got a factory to shut down. Asa, lead the way."
January said, "Wait, there's a lot of us… and Real Ninja knows who we are. Shouldn't we split up?"
"There's five of us!" Asahi stated, "How can we split up? … … … Okay, fine. But January, you stay with me and Cassie. Mizuki, Mundy, you'll be group B."
January moaned, "Awwww… No fair!" She pouted. Asahi barked, "Consider this being grounded for stowing away in our tour van. And when this is over, I'm telling Percival about this. And I'm not losing you, for one second."
Cassandra bowed, "Sorry, January…"
Mundy smirked, "Hah!" he walked off, as Mizuki huffed, "You're taking this lightly." He replied, "So what? I don't have to deal with her, all day."
January nodded and said, "Still… If we survive, Oscar owes me. Asahi, Cassie, I know I'll be in trouble with Father Dear, but I want you to know… The Euphoria Drug hit me where it hurts. Three of my sisters are broken… and I will do anything for them. This isn't just about Oscar, anymore. This is about my sisters. I… I want to join you… The Gang."
Asahi was about to speak, but Cassandra said, "You cannot. But… You're welcome to join us, as an ally to The Gang. It's not just the Marcianos, it's about us. And screw your past. You have us now."
January sniffled, as Asahi stated, "She's right. There's no way you can join us, as part of The Gang. But you're right. This isn't just about YOU. Everyone that suffered from the drug will be avenged. Even April."
"April?"
"She broke down…" Cassandra said, "It's my fault… Azusa Nakano's dead. And I blew up. And April overheated to a malfunctioning mess." She bowed her head and wept, "I didn't mean it…"
January smiled and held her hand, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Princeton will repair her, if her parts melted a bit. I know it. Deep down… when I was slashed apart by that zombie, someone was in my view, and he healed me up. I later learned it was him, Chazz Princeton. And I realized… … …The Gang has others before us. So, I will make it up to them and to you. Mister can wait."
Asahi smiled, "That's the spirit." They headed off and said, "Let's go!"
They drove off in the BattleVan, heading to the factory. Oka Kazamatsuri is waiting for them. The finale is drawing near.
XXXXX
Oka was waiting in her office, looking out the window. She saw the huge black van arrive from a distance. Oka seethed, "Ohhh, Shiratsuru-dono. You failed me… No matter… I'll do this myself!"
She unbuttoned her blazer and said, "The Gang, they were there from the beginning. Sing it loud, play it proud. And they are the greatest heroes of the Multiverse. But… Even heroes fall.
You amuse me, Percival Gaynes. No matter how many people that emerge for justice, no matter how many people fight for despair… Your efforts are futile. People are too poisoned, too scarred for life… to change… Especially COVID-19, the shootings, the nukes, even drugs, sex, guns, violence… even destiny. They're too afraid to be anything… so this multiverse is all a veil.
Look at the freaks that enter this Moji Mikisa… a superhero rock band… a fembot with a human soul… a survivor of a zombie infestation… a Duel Monsters graduate turned Josuke Follower… Ninjas… magical girls… Stand Users… All broken beyond repair. Each in their own despair. Yet I, I alone, gave them a fresh start. I… am their true savior. If I were to give them a second chance… or a third, depending how they confront me… What do you think they'll do to me? Do you think that their endings, their future, their fate could be any different? I sincerely doubt it."
She was in her ninja outfit, as she held up some pink and white paper ofudas, "But… I suppose all things are possible. Yes? But no one will survive… because I'm the living embodiment of God. What do they expect from someone like me? Euphoria is all they have… and this Euphoria will guide them to salvation. Or even doom. But I suppose we shall see. And I know the true fate for The Gang, come our meeting. This is only a portion of my power… but my true full potential may surprise you…"
She walked off and glared at the 4th wall, "My name's Oka Kazamatsuri… … … and I am the one… … … who will bring the Moji Mikisa to their knees."
Oka walked off to outside, as she waited for The Gang to arrive. The finale draws near.
[Time before the New Moon: 17 hours]
To be continued…