Greetings, Everyone!
It's been awhile since I posted something online, which I hope to do more later on.
Also, a shoutout to Koizumi Hanayo and Kurosawa Dia, wishing them a Happy Birthday.
Here is the first chapter for the new year.
I do not own Love Live.
It was the afternoon in Uchiura, the sun was shining radiantly over the forest near the town, which was the perfect time for exploring the outdoors. That was exactly what nine high school girls were doing.
Everyone, please be careful, Dia said as she watches over the group and for anything suspicious.
This morning, Riko told the others about what she saw through her [Scan], describing the location as best as she could.
Based on their knowledge of the land, the girls who were residents of Uchiura pinpoint the place to the far eastern side of the forest.
At the moment, they were searching the area around the biggest tree they could find in the forest.
Are you sure that you saw something here? Chika said as she uses her hands to part through the shrubs to see if there is anything underneath.
There is no doubt about it, Riko said who saw the source of the light near a large tree. As further proof, the bracelet that Riko with her was pulsing a weak green light as they arrive in the area, meaning that a [Kizuna] was near.
But, will we be able to find something that easily? Kanan said. I mean, if what Riko said is true and the [Kizuna] were sealed away a long time ago, you would think that they would show up after all this time.
Well, there's no point in wondering now, Chika said, who was bent over while looking at the older girl. Besides, with everything that has been happened in Uchiura, Who knows. Maybe even this rock would be the one we are looking for.
After grabbing the nearest random hard object without looking at it, Chika lifts it up to show it to the rest of the group with a goofy smile.
AHH! The girls besides Chika let a shout in surprise on their faces.
What the Inu was holding with her hand was a red orange gem-like rock, which seemed very out of place from where it was found.
What's more, they remembered what Taishu said and paled at the realization that Chika was touching the stone with her bare hands.
Um? Is something wrong? Chika said, leaving the Inu with a confused expression.
You: C-Chika-chan. T-that gem you're holding?
Chika: Eh? Gem?
Just as the Inu direct her sights at what everyone was seeing, the said gem starts to glow a bright orange light followed by vapor and a sizzling sound coming from the stone.
Chika: GAAAHHHHHHHH!
The orange-haired girl felt an intense burn on her hand, prompting her to drop the rock onto the ground at her feet and landed on her bum.
Riko/You: Chika-chan!
When two reach the Inu, they saw that there was a strange marking singed onto the girl's left hand. Chika was tightly gripping that hand while showing an agonizing expression.
Chika: I-It hurts….
Riko: Oh no.
Ruby: Everyone, look!
The girls notice that the light coming from the rock was increasing before it gradually disappear as quickly as it appears.
Wah! They gasped in shock.
In place of the gem was an unknown creature with the body of a frog with dark red smooth, but slightly bumpy skin with a pair of hands with 4 claw-like fingers. It was nearly half the size of Chika with purple markings encompassing around its eyes and randomly scattered over its body.
Mari: Oh! It's a toad!
Hanamaru: It looks like a frog to me, zura.
Yoshiko: No! That is a messenger of an ancient god.
uhhhhhhhh
The creature let out a groan as it slowly opens its eyes, which displayed a yellow hue.
When those eyes line up with Chika's who was the closest person to it…
Chika: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
?: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Chika: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
?: AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!
Chika: AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!
After few shorter screams between them, the two quickly back away.
?: Who are you?!
The voice coming from the creature was raspy and masculine.
Chika: That's what I want to say! Wait, you can talk?!
?: Of course I am. Wait. You understand what I am saying?!
Seeing that none of them was not budging and the other girls were still in shock, the Hyou decided to step forward before things get out of hand.
Riko: Ano…
That caught the attention and they stopped their talking to look at Riko, who kneel down at a comfortable distance from the [Kizuna].
Riko: I know this is sudden, but we are not here to fight, but to talk.
Chika: That's right! We wanna be your friends!
?: …..Friends? What is that?
Chika: Friends are people who are close and important to us.
Riko: Chika. I'm sorry, but may I ask what you name is?
?: ….My name is Kaga. Who or what are you all?
The [Kizuna] was wary of these unfamiliar people, who were just as nervous by this first encounter.
Riko: Well…..
After the girls gingerly introduced themselves, Riko calmly explains what has been going on while the [Kizuna] of Uchiura was sealed away. Whenever due to fatigue, disbelief, or courtesy, Kaga, who was sitting on a rock, stayed silent throughout the explanation. After she finished talking….
T-That can't be, Kaga said who looked it was going to faint. I have been asleep for that long?
So you believe us? Riko said.
This is a lot to take in, but I don't think you are lying seeing that you are serious, Kaga said before widening its eyes and began looking around. Then.. what of my friends? what about them?
Your friends? Chika said.
Kaga: The last thing I remember was being with them and then…..
The [Kizuna] couldn't say anymore, but just showed a painful expression while clutching his head with one of his hand.
Riko: You're the first one that we met. It's possible that they are in the same situation as you were before we found you.
I see, Kaga said, who had a downhearted expression.
The area was quiet as nobody could find the words when the bracelet that was hanging on Riko's bag glows a reddish color.
Riko: This is…
Kaga: What is that?
Seeing the girls tense up made the [Kizuna] anxious.
Kanan: Something is coming!
They heard sounds coming from the grass around them.
Mari: What is that?!
Emerging into the open area in waves were humanoid creatures with contorted bodies that were pitch black and yellow orbs presenting as eyes.
Riko: This is bad.
Yoshiko: Didn't think that we would encounter the enemy this soon. What a miscalculation.
While they were smaller than the previous ones, there was a large group of them.
Kaga: So these are the bastards you were talking about that has been messing with my home?
The [Kizuna] narrows his eyes as its body was emitting steam coming from his body.
Riko: They are although they looked….
Kaga: That is all I needed to hear.
Without warning, Kaga jumps into the air over the girls' heads and towards the horde.
Riko: W-Wait!
Chika: so high!
In mid-air, Kaga reels back one of its arm while clench its hand in a fist.
To their surprise, Kaga's arm stretches beyond its normal size. The [Kizuna] pulls its loaded arm into a chopping motion and brought its fist straight down, landing on top of one of the creatures' face, smacking it to the ground. The impact disturb the movement of the enemy group.
Chika: Awesome!
Kaga: I'm not done!
Kaga lands its body in the center of the enemy group while his body like it was on fire.
Riko: Kaga-san! Everyone take cover!
While the rest of the girls move behind the big tree, Riko takes out her whip and runs to where Kaga was engaging the enemy in a fury.
For the first few minutes, Riko and Kaga were fighting individually at the black horde, systemically decimating their numbers and preventing them from reaching the others. As they did not prepare for an enemy attack, the rest of the girls could only wait in anticipation.
Hanamaru: Ne, something's wrong with Kaga's body, zura.
When the younger girl mentioned it, the others were able to notice that Kaga's movements was starting to be sluggish since he joined the fight. Moreover, the [Kizuna]'s breathing was becoming heavier.
Yoshiko: Kaga just awoken from a long slumber, so he may not be in a good shape to fight.
As the fight come at a stalemate, five of the black creatures abruptly leap into the air towards Kaga, aiming their darks claws at the [Kizuna].
Kaga! Riko said who tries reach the [Kizuna], but was distracted by a strike from her side that she was forced to block.
Damn it.. Kaga said as its body was too exhausted from fending off the other creatures surrounding it.
It was at that point that Kaga heard running sounds of small, but firm footsteps getting louder.
Before the [Kizuna] realized it, Kaga found itself in the arms of Chika, who ran in just in time to escape the aerial attack of the black creatures, who crash-landed onto the ground and missing their target.
The hasty movements cause the orange-hair girl to trip, but still holding the [Kizuna].
Kya! Chika lets a yelp from the impact before recovering to look at the [Kizuna]. A-Are you ok, Kaga?
That's what I want to say?! What are you doing?! Kaga said, who was confused by her actions.
Baka! You really think I could just sit by and see you get hurt! Chika yelled with a loud voice, her eyes tearing up. Even if I am not able to fight, there is no way I will allow that to happen.
C-Chika… Kaga said.
Hehe. You called me by my name for the first time, Chika said with a satisfying smile.
Riko: Chika-chan!
You: Watch out!
The screams from the other girls alert the two of the creatures closing in on them at a fast pace.
Just as Chika tightly hugs the [Kizuna] while trying to look for a path of escape, the mark on her hand starts glowing, which startled the Inu.
Chika: W-Wha..
Suddenly, a bright orange light similar to the stone that Kaga came from engulfs the two, blinding everyone. When the light subsides, they saw Chika standing, but there was something covering her body. It looked like an orange and blue cloth-like armor that cover her arms, legs, and body. She was equipped with a pair of gauntlets with blue gloves that fitted her hands. On her head was a twisted replica of samurai helmet with a purple metal-like headband.
So cool! You said while wagging her tail rapidly with excitement.
…What just happened? Chika said slowly opening her eyes before realizing what she was wearing. Wha! What is this?
As the Inu checks her new attire with surprise.
Kaga: This… This is [Fusion] !
Chika: Fusion?! Wait! Who said that?!
Chika notices that she could hear the [Kizuna] but it was nowhere to be seen.
Kaga: I'm here! I don't know how, but I am covering your body in a strange form.
Chika: What?!
While Chika was in a panic, Riko was astonished by what she saw.
Could it be, the Hyou said after realizing something but then remember that they were still in danger and ran to them. You two! Watch out!
As everyone was distracted by the unexpected turn of events, the black creatures shook off their shock and start to gather together in one spot.
The girls and Kaga watch in horror as they merge into one being and growing bigger until it was the size of a tree.
After its transformation, the giant focuses its sights on Chika and Riko, who were a few feet from them.
Chika: What should we do now?!
Riko: We have to break all the cores on that thing, but first we need to stop its movements. Chika-chan, help me out!
Chika: Alright! Just tell me what to do!
Riko: Try to get its attention and don't stop moving.
Chika/Kaga: Roger/Ok!
The two jump out of the way as the giant attacks during their talk, missing at the last second.
Chika: Wow! My body feel so light!
As Chika was moving about, seemingly jumping high with ease, she notices that the Hyou was using with her whip.
Chika: I get it now. This is just like fighting with Chiba.
Kaga: Let's do it, too.
Chika: Eh? But how?
Kaga: Move your arm like you are throwing something.
Looking at the back of the giant, Chika use her left arm according to what the [Kizuna] said.
As she did, something that looked like thin strip of orange cloth appears from the middle of the gauntlet covering her knuckles. The end of the cloth wraps itself tightly around one of the giants' legs.
Chika: Eh?! I can do that?!
While avoiding the attacks from the giant, Kaga's cloth and Riko's whip was covertly maneuvered around its body.
Ruby: It looks like they are dancing.
Yoshiko: And in perfect sync at that.
By the giant figured it out, its legs and arms were caught in a bind, keeping it in place.
Riko: Yah!
The Hyou made a swiping kick at the giant's abdominal area, causing it to stumble backwards and towards the ground, making a loud and rippling crash sound.
Chika: It's down! Now what should we do?!
Riko was thinking about the best way to finish off the enemy when she was interrupted.
Kaga: Chika! Gather your energy to your hand and light up this bastard from the inside!
Chika: How do I do that?!
Kaga: Put your feelings of wanting to protect your friends into your fist.
Chika: Oh! Alright!
Chika clenches her fist and closes her eyes to focus her thoughts.
A warm feeling flowed from her core to her right hand before red-orange flames erupted from her fist.
Chika: Woah!
Her hand was on fire, but it doesn't hurt.
Riko: Hurry, Chika-chan!
While the Hyou help in restraining the giant, Chika get close to its body.
Chika: Haaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!
Without hesitation, Chika punches as hard as she could, piercing deeply the creature's dark exterior.
You: Do it, Chika-chan!
Chika/Kaga: [Pyro Tornado]!
Chika channels more of her energy into the creature through her fist.
The influx of fire entering causes the black giant expand like a balloon, setting its body in flames that leak out of the cracks on its form.
Chika/Kaga: aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
One by one, the cores of the creature shatter from the intense heat, which was felt even from a distance.
Dia: Amazing…
Mari: So Hot!
As the flames begin to fade, all that was left of the creature was a pile of ash.
Chika: We did it.
Riko: Thank goodness.
Sensing that there was no more movement from any enemies, the Hyou let out a sigh and both relaxed their bodies.
Seeing there was no more danger, the rest of the girls went to the two were.
You: Chika-chan! Riko-chan! Are you alright?
Chika: We're fine.
The outfit that Chika had on started glowing a white light.
Chika: What now?!
Little by little the outfit was seemly dissolved into light, leaving only the clothes that Chika came with.
The light moves from the Inu, where Kaga's form appears from it and stumbles onto the ground.
Kaga?! Chika said with a concerned look, who reaches her hand to the [Kizuna].
I'm alright. Just a little winded, Kaga said as it grabs Chika's hand to pull himself upward.
By the time all commotion was done, the sun was starting to set.
Dia: Can somebody please tell us what just happened?
Dia was referring what happened to Chika and Kaga during the battle.
Mari: Chika-chi became a superhero!
Chika: I was kinda awesome. Hehehe.
Kanan: a superhero you say….
Yoshiko: It was the perfect amalgamation between two souls.
Chika/Kaga: Huh?
Hanamaru: More importantly, Chika-chan was able to use aura, zura. This has never happen before, zura.
Riko: I think it may be because Chika became Kaga's [Host].
Everyone else: Eh?!
Riko: I heard about this from Sensei. When a bond is form between [Host] and [Kizuna], they are able to share their aura and thoughts with each other. Kaga can understand what Chika is saying and by extension, the rest of us. Even that 'fusion' that we saw is something not that uncommon for people with companions, though in my country it goes a different name, [Equip].
Chika: It all makes sense.
Kaga: Sensei? Who is that?
Riko: I think you met him long ago. His name was Taishu and we are friends with Taishu.
Kaga: Y-You are friends of that huge beast!?
Riko: That's right.
As the conversation began to shift to different topics, something had occurred to the Hyou.
Kaga, I know, this may not be a good time, but there is something important that I need to ask you if it's not a bother, Riko said with a serious expression.
W-What is it? Kaga asked, who was unsure what to expect.
Awhile ago, you mentioned your friends. How many friends are you talking about? Riko said.
Eh? Let's see… I think it's about…. Kaga said, showing both his hands palm facing them while holding one of its thumb close to his palm. This many.
So there are seven [Kizuna] besides Kaga. Is that right, Kaga? Riko said, who mimics Kaga by showing an open palm on one hand and two fingers on the other.
Y-Yeah, Kaga said.
I see. Thank you for telling us, Riko said.
Ne, Riko-chan. Why did you want to know that? You asked.
That is… if there are 7 others like Kaga, then most likely that means we will need to have 7 other people to become a [Host] like Chika-chan, Riko said, touching the back of her hand instinctively.
Hold on! Is that true?! Kaga said, showing an incredulous expression.
If we go by with what we saw today, your friends may not be able to awake on their own, Riko answered. Actually, there are some things that we still don't know.
Chika looks at her left hand where the mark she got as a [Host] was. From her view, it looked like a crude inscription for 'fire'. Interesting enough, Kaga also has a marking on his right hand except it looked more like a round mikan with hollow slices, something that the girls only noticed after seeing both of them up close.
But what should I do? My friends are somewhere out there, lost and alone, Kaga said, its eyes drooped down after remembering their predicament.
It will be alright, Chika said, who suddenly grabs both his hands with both her own, her eyes staring at Kaga's just like their first encounter.
Chika? Kaga said.
We will help you find your friends, Chika said. I am sure of it if we work together.
….Why would you do that? Kaga said.
Because we are friends and friends help each other out, Chika said, before standing up. Riko-chan!
W-Why are you shouting all of a sudden, Chika-chan? Riko said.
I already made up mind. With Kaga's help, I will be able to fight alongside you just like today. Chika said before facing the rest. And not just me, but all of us. We can combine our strength and protect the town if we each partner up with the [Kizuna] of Uchira.
That may be the case, but…. Riko said with hesitation, not sure the Inu understands the weight of her words.
Riko-chan. There is no point in arguing with Chika-chan once she makes up her mind, You said in a resigned tone, putting a hand on the Hyou's shoulder.
That's right. We fight power with power, zura, Hanamaru said in an eager mood.
Somehow, that sounds a bit off, Ruby said nervously.
I don't think it will be that simple, Kanan said with skeptical expression.
Of course it can if you put your heart into it! Mari said.
There is no way I am letting Ruby into doing something this dangerous! Dia said angrily.
Interesting. Just who will Yohane's fated companion? Yoshiko said with a confidant smug.
While the girls were having a lively conversation…..
Kaga let out a wide yawn and stretch out its arms in the air.
Kaga: All this fighting has made me tired. I think we should talk more after some rest.
Dia: Well, it can't be helped considering how chaotic today was.
Ruby: So where do you normally sleep?
Kaga: I usually sleep in caves and on top of trees, particularly a big one, but I didn't stay anywhere for a long time.
Chika: In that case, why don't you stay at my place for the night?
Eh?! Everyone responded with surprise.
Chika: Now that we are partners, we should stick together. We should take some time to go to know each other.
Riko: But Chika-chan, what about your family? Would they agree to this? Also, I said before that we cannot anyone else know about the [Kizuna].
You: That's right. Chika-chan's home is an inn. It may not be a good idea for Kaga who is still learning about humans.
Kaga: What's an inn?
Mari: It's a place where people who are traveling stay for a restful night or two.
Kaga: Oh? That sounds interesting.
Chika: Anyway, I'm sure I can make it work …. Maybe….
Seeing the Inu hesitant at the end makes the others, including Kaga, worry.
[Later that night]
Kyaaaaaa! What is that thing?!
At the entrance, Mito points at an unfamiliar creature standing next to Chika with a frightened expression.
Chika: Well, I found this cool frog in the forest and it followed me home, so can I please keep it?
Kaga: Kero~
Kaga was told by the girls about his frog-like appearance and that all other animals don't speak the human language, so he can only reply as a frog as to not reveal its true identify as a [Kizuna].
Mito: We are not keeping that! Get that thing out of here!
Seeing her normally firm older sister freaking out gives Chika a sense of pride while making an amused expression.
In contrast to the panicking Mito….
Shima: Is this perhaps a new unknown species?
The oldest sister went closer to the [Kizuna] get a better look at his features.
Kaga: Kero~
Kaga was confused about the situation as it tilts his head slightly.
Chika's Mom: It does look interesting, but I am not sure about keeping it at our place.
The mother said nonchalantly while the father looks intently at Kaga without saying anything.
Chika: But Mito-nee! Mom! This is very important!
It took Chika nearly the entire night trying to convince her family to allow to Kaga to stay in the Inn for the night.
The inspiration for the Chika and Kaga's 'Fusion' was based the outfit she wore for Mijuku Dreamer.
Stay tuned for future updates.
Reviews, comments, and suggestions are welcomed.
Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year!