SZ: Hoo boy...side story or not, this has been coming for a while...the return of a certain...Yandere…
Z0: *walks out of a Green Door to hell* Okay I felt like I am needed today...what you do?
SZ: Brought up a certain Yandere from Blazblue...the creepy one.
Z0: Ah...of course it's that time...what of GT ran off for the hills the moment you began forming the word yandere?
GT: *speaking from a radio on the table* =Yes. Yes, I did==
Z0: Right well I guess I'll just leave him to himself till he braves up enough to come back to the office. You on the other hand *points to SZ* You brought this upon us...let's get to it. *walks into the Green Door to hell*
SZ:...ugh. Alright…*looks at the readers* we own nothing aside from original content...so…see you in the outro…*walks into the door*...wait. The Donut Hell from one of the Simpsons Treehouse of horrors? That's what hell I get?...eh. Not s….wait…..where's the milk…?
Z0: *walks in with a flaming crown and horns on my head* This is hell buddy...welcome~! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
SZ: NOOOOOOOO!
Tsubaki sighed as she sat down at home. Another day done with, and now she's free to relax at home. She blinked, seeing her badge beep a few times, indicating she was getting a video call from someone.
"...who could be calling me at this time?" she whispered as she picked her badge up and answered, "Hello?"
=Hello!= Robotboy greeted as he waved as Jenny held him up.
"Oh. Robotboy, Jenny," Tsubaki smiled a bit as she sat down, "How've you two been? Are things going okay over at Hope's Peak?"
=They're going well= Jenny answered =Me and the others are making sure to keep an eye out on RB and makes sure he stays out of trouble...Mari is doing well with Gundham, too=
"That's good, demo...is something up?" Tsubaki asked.
=Well...lately…= Jenny paused, she and Robotboy looking around for a moment before looking back at the screen =There have been rumors of a ghost girl being spotted late at night in Japan=
"Ghost girl?" Tsubaki repeated.
=I know sounds like your typical ghost story stuff, but I don't know...the fact this place is being attacked by monsters on the regular, what happened a bit back in the Plumber Base, and the fact we have what I'm sure is a magical Golden Knight running around...well...= Jenny muttered.
"It's understandable," Tsubaki nodded a bit, "...still, maybe I should…"
=There's more= Robotboy spoke =Rumor also says Ghost girl whispers a name=
"A name?"
=Yeah...Ragna's name= Jenny added.
"Are you sure?" Tsubaki asked.
=I'm sure, we've already talked to all the folks who've seen her and they all said the same thing=
=They also said they wet their pants= Robotboy smiled innocently.
"...mmm~" Tsubaki held her heart a bit at that before shaking it off, "Y-you're right...this does raise some questions…"
=Think you could ask Ragna if he can drop by or tell us anything?= Jenny asked.
"I can try and get a hold of him," Tsubaki nodded, "Hopefully he's not busy...I might have to bring in Jin to assist."
Jin tensed in his room at Plumber HQ, "I feel danger in the air...something bad is about to happen to me…" he spoke while snapping his book closed.
=Oh I'm sure everyone would be happy to see you again= Jenny smiled.
=Visit!= Robotboy cheered.
"I'm honestly excited to see you and the others myself," Tsubaki smiled as she stood up, "We'll see you soon, but if you hear anymore rumors on this 'ghost girl', let me know."
=Can do= Jenny nodded.
=Ja ne!= Robotboy waved as the screen turned dark.
"...and cue Jin in three...two...one…" Tsubaki began before a knocking was heard, prompting her to walk to the front door and open it, "Hello Jin."
"You know I respect you dearly as a long time friend and companion...but what did you do woman?" he demanded while taking deep breaths of air from his apparent run all the way here.
"I have a new case ot investigate at Hope's Peak...and I'll need you…"
"Pass…"
"And Ragna's help on this case."
"...why my brother?" he asked, his tone changing.
"There's story of a ghost girl haunting Japan while calling out his name." Tsubaki explained, "I imagine this must be rather interesting given it is related to your dear big brother isn't it?" she smiled.
"You have been tainted by Tennyson and his woman…" Jin deadpanned.
"Also I already said we're going, and promised Jenny and Robotboy...so...We're going." she smiled once again with an aura that just dared Jin to try and argue, "That is unless you have something to say to a superior officer who holds and is pulling rank?" her sweet smile continued, "I am all ears, Jin-kun?" she smirked while stepping back and slowly closing the door, "See you in the morning."
"I…but...what just happened?" Jin asked in utter confusion, he then turned to the sound of a whip crack as he saw Alf leaning out of a window.
"Congrats buddy boy, you're now a totally whipped boyfriend! Look forward to days of holding heavy shopping bags filled with stuff she likes and makes you look like an idiot!" Alf laughed as he pulled his head back in.
"...grr…." Jin's eye twitched at that.
"Go home Jin." Tsubaki called out from behind the door.
"...Can't believe you pulled me into this," Ragna muttered, sitting across from Bullet as a plate of hot wings laid between the two.
"Scared of the heat, sheriff?" Bullet taunted.
"Heat, no. How stupid this...specificaly this is…" he pointed at the wings and their vibrant orange sauce, "Yes…" he nodded, "I mean...where do you even find people who make concentrated ghost pepper sauce?" he then pointed to the dip, "Then serve it up with ghost pepper mayo!?"
"Pyronite that owns a Wing Shack near the plaza," Bullet replied, "Scorch wanted to sell different types of wings to the people of Undertown and Earth...and you know I like my food spicy…"
"How can you even taste? For lunch yesterday you ate a ghost pepper burger...with extra hot sauce?" Ragna asked, "I am still trying to pick if I'm concerned or...interested by what kind of medical marvel your tongue is." he looked around, "Oh thank god no one was there to turn that around on me…" he whispered.
"Thank god for that," Bullet muttered in agreement, "Ahem, so are you in or not?"
"...ugh fuck it. I haven't eaten yet so…" Ragna began as he picked up one of the wings, "Bottoms u-"
"Excuse me, Ragna."
"...what is it, Yayoi?" Ragna asked, not bothering in turning to look at Tsubaki.
"I think something has come up in Japan that might be connected to you?" she explained as he paused mid-bite, "Apparently a figure in Japan is looking for you."
"A figure?" Ragna raised a brow.
"Ah...ehem...ghost girl…" she spoke slowly as Ragna shot up suddenly.
"HARD PASS!" Ragna exclaimed in a bit of a nervous tone.
"Oh come on…" Tsubaki sighed, "Look for all we know it might not even be a ghost but someone from our world of origin who knows and is looking for you."
"Like hell I know some ghost…!" Ragna began before he tensed up, his pupils shrinking down as his eyes widened in realization, "...Nu."
"New?" Bullet raised a brow at that.
"...Bullet," Ragna spoke up, a serious tone in his voice as his eyes narrowed, "Look after the office and Celica for me while I'm gone...this is important."
"Oh crap this is important." she blinked.
"So...your coming?" Tsubaki blinked.
"I am," Ragna replied. Grabbing his sheathed sword from nearby as he quickly put it on the back of his belt, "When are we leaving?"
"As soon as Jin stops pouting," Tsubaki replied, "So...now, because he gets no vote."
"I do not like this new side to you since your counseling with that maddening sentient carpet swatch!" Jin complained from outside.
"You can use the therapy too, Jin!" Tsubaki called out.
"Moment I let that furball console me fully is the day I tapdance on the damn moon!" Jin snapped, "...ugh. Let's just get this over with...hopefully this won't cause too much…"
"Welcome back, Jinjin!"
"Personal space, Mioda! Personal space!" Jin snapped, using the sheath of Yukianesa to try and pry a hugging Ibuki off him.
"Aw...they missed you." Ragna chuckled, "And here I thought my antisocial little brother sucked at making friends."
"She's not my friend damn it!" Jin argued.
"Yes Ibuki is!" Ibuki laughed.
"Can someone pry this rock and roll sugar rush off me?!"
"What about the red haired one, no hug for her?" Ragna rolled his eyes to Tsubaki.
"...oh! Ibuki forgot to greet Tsuki!" Ibuki gasped, letting go of Jin before she glomped Tsubaki next, "Welcome back!"
"I missed you too, Ibuki." Tsubaki smiled, returning the hug, "I think I've missed having a regular hugger hanging around me."
"Aww~!" Ibuki squealed a bit before gasping, "Oh! That's right..Ibuki has to bring you to Jenjen and the others."
"Will you please speak like a normal person first…?" Jin groaned as he used his sheathed katana to stand.
"Nope."
"I think he needs another emotional support hug." Ragna smirked.
"Don't y-!" Jin began before Ibuki glomped him once more, "I hate all of you!"
"Ibuki…" Kuon spoke as he walked over, "You're supposed to greet them...not assault them." he sighed.
"But Ibuki just wanted to greet a former classmate," ibuki muttered, Kuon walking over and prying her arms off Jin and moving her back.
"I don't think we have time for you to smother them with your overabundant love and positive energy." Kuon sighed, "The others are freaked out over this ghost girl thing. Most of your class has nightmares and can't sleep…"
"Pfft...they're just being silly. We have two...arguably three super fighting robots, Classmates who border on super human...and then you, whom we've seen punch out a rampaging bear." she argued.
"I still don't know who let that thing in…" Kuon sighed.
"Perhaps we should discuss more about this 'ghost girl' with the others," Tsubaki suggested.
"Right," Kuon spoke as he tossed Ibuki over his shoulder, "This way." he motioned as he began walking.
"...I like this guy. Doesn't take anyone's shit," Ragna grinned as he followed.
"Why couldn't he have been here with us back then?" Jin sighed.
"Hm…" Tsubaki chuckled a bit in a sheepish manner as she and Jin followed, "So how are the others in the club, Ibuki?"
"Good, thought due to said ghost girl rumors, most of them are opting out because they scared or an assignment," Ibuki answered, "Kaede's working on helping Sayaka with a new song, Mikan's helping Gungun look after Mari-chan, Kyoko took Naegi for something important, and Makir-" she paused as she felt a murderous intent aiming right at her from far away, "...Maki doesn't wanna join Ibuki and the others…"
"In short they are a little understaffed compared to normal." Kuon spoke, "Which has oddly lessened the number of nonsense events happening in the dead of night…"
"...is this still about the concert Ibuki held for you guys?" Ibuki asked.
"That was no concert...that was literal death metal," Kuon deadpanned.
"So the flamethrower guitar was a bad impulse purchase!"
"Three teachers are still in therapy."
"Well their burn marks healed thanks to that salve Mikan made with Gonta's help."
"Good to see things never change around here." Tsubaki smiled.
"This place is a madhouse…" Jin muttered.
"Holy shit I think you've been traumatized by this place." Ragna realized.
"Yes...thank you for pointing out the obvious, brother…" Jin deadpanned as the group stopped before the door leading to Team Hope Heart's club room.
"Was that Jin?" Akane's voice asked.
"NO!" Jin snapped as he quickly unsheathed Yukianesa the moment Akane stormed out, "Don't even think about it, tiger woman!"
"Yeesh...what's up with him?" Akane asked as she looked at Kuon, "Was just coming out to greet you guys."
"Greeting and pouncing someone for a fight are two very different things," Kuon bluntly stated.
"I don't get your point." she muttered, only to be karate chopped to the head making her body go stiff and fall over.
"You got that point." Kuon muttered.
"Ow…"
"Maybe shouldn't have jumped out like that, Ibuki…" Hina muttered as she, Robotboy and Jenny poke their heads out.
"Its so great to see you." Jenny smiled, hugging Tsubaki.
"Tsubaki!" Robotboy beamed as he hugged her leg.
"I missed you both too," Tsubaki smiled as she returned Jenny's hug before picking up Robotboy for a hug.
"You too Ragna, Jin," Jenny smiled at them.
"Long time no see," Ragna replied with a smirk.
"It's been a while, Wakeman." Jin sighed after calming down.
"Greetings once more," Kibo greeted as he poked his head out, "Also...I apologize in advance for Miu."
"...why?" Jin cautiously asked.
"She's being punished for her attempts to help get Tenko down from the air."
"Himiko ended up using a 'potion' she found in Miu's lab and it resulted in Tenko's ribbon to act like a propeller," Jenny explained.
"That doesn't sound like...science…" Jin muttered.
"It's really not." Kuon nodded his head as he and the others walked in..with Akane staggered in as she held her head, "Did you learn anything?" He turned to Akane.
"Not to jump old friends when greeting them?" Akane cautiously asked.
"Good girl…" Kuon nodded before looking at Miu...who had a dunce cap over her head, "And you?"
"I didn't do anything wrong…" Miu muttered.
"Grr…" Kuon growled a bit.
"...ugh. I learned not to leave my inventions out in the open...and using a magic hand to end up swiping Tenko's panties while trying to get her down…"
"And…?"
"...and for shooting Kaito into space with a rocket…"
"We barely caught him just as he was about to break the atmosphere," Jenny explained.
"So basically last Tuesday in Undertown," Ragna compared in amusement, "Even the panties bit…"
"Ah so you're also stuck dealing with a bunch of crazies." Kuon noted.
"Sheriff for a town of aliens, cat girls, and the occasional human...and have a deputy who wore hot pants that are borderline lewd until I got her to wear actual pants."
"Why?" Akane asked, "Also...what are hotpants?"
"Ask Ms. 'panty flash' when she jumps and pounces,'" Kuon muttered.
"We're trying to get her to wear something else," Jenny explained to Tsubaki.
"So far...she seems to like spats the most," Hina added.
"Spats?" Jin raised a brow.
"Spandex shorts."
"I've learned to stop asking and roll with the punches, it makes things move faster." Kuon spoke to Jin.
"Noted..."
"Gotcha," Ragna nodded, "..speaking of moving things faster.." he paused before adapting a serious look, "What do you kids know about this 'ghost girl' rumor?"
"Not much else to be honest outside of it calling your name," Jenny admitted.
"All we got is that her skin is really pale like a ghost," Hina added.
"Some people saw they sometimes see her flying around in armor~" Ibuki added in a spooky tone..before Akane bonked her on the head, "Ow~"
"Serious time," Akane stated.
"Mmm~"
"Anything else?" Ragna asked them.
"Sadly no," Kibo sighed.
"We don't know who else to ask," Robotboy added.
"So it's a dead trail at the moment," Jin noted.
"...what if…" Tsubaki paused, holding her chin in thought, "There might be someone that could help us learn more…"
"Who?"
"Fuyuhiko and Peko."
"Who?" Ragna asked.
"Ultimate Yakuza and Swordswoman respectively," Jin explained, "...also no."
"Jin…"
"We might know him, but dealing with the Yakuza is a different story, Tsubaki."
"Ibuki's still curious if he personally knows Goro Majima or Kazuma Kiryu," Ibuki spoke up...only to get bonked on the head again, "Itai~!"
"Those are games," Kuon sighed.
"Says the man who fights like someone from those games…" several mumbled.
"This is serious. Real life yakuza can be scary," Kuon argued.
"I ain't scared," Ragna spoke up, "Plus if this Fuyuhiko is supposed to be the 'Ultimate Yakuza', I doubt anyone will try and go against him."
"It also kinda helps that he is the son of the former head of the yakuza," Kibo added.
"This might be our best option to get more info then," Tsubaki spoke up, "..let's just hope Fuyuhiko is available to talk."
"...you know this isn't gonna end well, right?" Fuyuhiko deadpanned as he looked at KAzuichi, who was nervously shaking as he looked at Sonia sitting at a nearby table.
"D-don't talk crazy, man! I just gotta give these flowers to Ms. Sonia, and she'll surely notice me!" Kazuichi hissed, currently holding a bouquet of different colored roses.
"Kuon had to help pull you out of that melted chocolate statue of her you made...which scares me at the fact you can cook…"
"You're not being helpful here ya know."
"I don't recall ever saying I was trying to be…" Fuyuhiko argued.
"Wh-whatever! Just wish me luck, man!" Kazuichi exclaimed as he prepared ot take a step forward, "Ms. So…!" he began as he put his foot down..onto a can of soda as he began to slip and stagger around, "Gh!"
"Told you," Fuyuhiko deadpanned as Kazuichi was rolling around the place, shooting right past and crashing right into a pair of vending machines...which sparked for a moment as they released a large supply of canned sodas and bagged snacked while Komaeda stood nearby.
"...oh my. I was not expecting this, but...such a hopeful surprise," Komaeda smiled, picking up an armful of hte snacks and sodas as he began to walk away, "Arigatou, Kazuichi."
"I can't feel my face…" Kazuichi groaned form underneath the pile.
"...yeah I still call BS on his luck," Fuyuhiko sweatdropped before his shoulder was tapped, turning to see Peko standing behind him, "What's up?"
"Yayoi-san and her friends wish to speak with you."
"Eh?" Fuyuhiko raised a brow before looking over, seeing Tsubaki and the others walking over, "Oh...hey. Been a long time..."
"Kuzuryu...Pekoyama," Jin greeted in a neutral tone.
"We were hoping to ask you a few questions," Tsubaki added.
"...is this about that stupid 'ghost girl' rumor going around the city lately?" Fuyuhiko asked.
"It's not like I'd be here if it wasn't something weird…" Jin sighed.
"There's also the fact that said ghost girl is whispering my name," Ragna added.
"Eh?"
"So maybe we're thinking you or one of your pop's men might know something about her, Baby Gansta," Akane added.
"Grr…" Fuyuhiko gained a vein mark on his head at that, "Don't fuckin' call me 'Baby Gansta'..."
"Focus," Kuon spoke, making both Akane and Fuyuhiko jump at his tone, "You two can argue later. Something tells me with the tone going around, we don't have time for this."
"...oh shit...it's that serious," Fuyuhiko whispered, "...Peko?"
"Yes, Fuyuhiko-sama?"
"Heard anything from one of the guys back home?"
"It has been a while since I last checked in. Things have been rather hectic around here." she bowed her head, "I will contact them at once."
"To be fair shits crazy around here often…" Kuon muttered.
"Not like we don't contribute…" Zaruba chuckled to himself.
"...fair," Kuon whispered to him.
"Recall what happened to the haunted house we made for the summer festival?" Hina asked.
"To be fair...we should not have let Kokichi put Korekiyo in charge of it," Kibo muttered, "I would've argued...but he made a robophobic comment I do not wish to repeat."
"We all agreed on keeping Kokichi and Hiyoko far away from the autumn festival," Jenny stated, "Especially the dance."
"Dance?" Tsubaki blinked.
"Jenny's idea," Hina smiled a bit, "We're gonna hold one big dance to help her get a sense of nostalgia."
"In America you have a lot of names for these things…" Kuon spoke, "But given how school years work for us in Japan, would this be like Prom?"
"Yup," Jenny replied, "Even talked to Head Principle Kirigiri about it and he agreed to it."
"It will be fun!" Robotboy beamed.
"Teruteru is providing the food…" Akane drooled a bit as Hina began to join her.
"And Kurumi is gonna help provide said food," Kibo added.
"You've really found yourself here haven't you?" Tsubaki smiled to Jenny.
"I have," Jenny smiled back, "It's almost like I never left highschool in my own time...only difference here? No Crust Cousins...but…"
"Kokichi and Hiyoko?" Tsubaki guessed.
"Yeah...but they at least get karma for their pranks," Jenny stated before shuddering, "Especially after they tricked Gonta to kidnapping everyone in our classes for a 'bug party.'"
"We had to rescue Himiko and Fujisaki from a mass pile of ants and cicadas," Kibo added.
"And make sure not to offend Gonta," Robotboy added, "He is trying to be gentleman, so best to respect the party master."
"RB and Gonta became real good friends," Jenny smiled.
"At least they can be a good influence on the other…" Kuon muttered.
"Fuyuhiko-sama," Peko spoke up, looking away from her phone as Fuyukio and hte others turned their attention towards her, "I have found out one of the men at home have in fact made contact with the ghost girl a few nights ago."
"And?"
"All they recall is seeing the red 'eye' she sported."
"Singular?" Tsubaki blinked.
"Any specific details?" Ragna asked.
"Just two before they passed out from blood loss...a red robotic eyepatch...and o-fuda cards on the 'ghost girl'," Peko answered.
"...it is her then," Ragna whispered as a frown grew on his face, "...where was this 'ghost girl' seen last?"
"The intersection over at Shibuya."
"It's a start," Tsubaki nodded.
"I think some of us should go check there, and send some to see if we can get more info from our so far only witness." Jin offered.
"I'm going to Shibuya." Ragna spoke.
"Kuon, can you go with the team to ask our witness stuff?" Jenny asked.
"Is this 'cause you think I could fight our way out if something stupid happens?" Kuon asked.
"Yes."
"Alright fine…" Kuon sighed, "You two, lead the way." He looked to Fuyuhiko and Peko, "Anyone who wants to follow...come along…" he sighed to the others.
"...stay and question someone with the possibility of fighting yakuza...or find the ghost girl and possibly get into a fight if she's hostile," Akane listed her options, "...well, my curiosity is peaked, so I'm with Jen and the others in search for her!"
"I think I'll stick with Kuon," Hina spoke up.
"You may need some help looking from the sky," Kibo spoke up, "Robotboy?"
"We can help!" Robotboy declared as he held up a stick like a sword.
"...wait. Then who's gonna watch after Ibuki and Miu so they don't cause trouble while we're busy?" Kibo asked.
"I can call Sakura-chan, Mondo and Ishimaru and ask if they can watch them for us," HIna offered, "Least that way we can call them in case we need help."
"Good, then we have a plan," Ragna stated before adapting a serious expression, "One thing I will say though...if any of you see this 'ghost girl'...run."
"Run?" the others repeated.
"Trust me when I say this..if you run into her and she starts having this crazed look in her eyes, that's your cue to run," Ragna stated.
"The hell are you not telling brother?" Jin asked.
"A lot...but trust me...I have my reasons." he explained as he began to walk off, "I'm heading off...I'll meet you there later tonight."
'...what are you hiding, brother…?' Jin thought with a slight frown.
"..your place is huge," Kuon muttered as he and the others of his team followed Fuyuhiko and Peko down the halls of a large Japanese pagoda home.
"I'm the heir to the largest Yakuza in Japan right now...of course I got a lot of money," Fuyuhiko snorted, "But unlike Togami...I don't have to be a dick about how rich I am."
"Fair point." Kuon spoke as he turned his head and several men stopped to look at him, "Hey wait don't I…" he began before they ran away, "That was weird…" he and the others noted several of the men they spotted not and again would pause at the sight of Kuon...Kuon specifically.
"Are you famous Kuon-kun?" Hina asked.
"Not really…" he shook his head, "I'm not some famous MMA fighter, I'm just someone who got into a lot of fights on the streets."
"...My father was complaining about some of our men getting beaten up in the streets lately by some street punk," Fuyuhiko muttered as he looked over at Kuon, "That was you?"
"I don't know. My nights typically go one of two ways: Either nothing happens and I get home peacefully, or I find someone picking on somebody smaller...and I take offense." he explained simply, "It's not like I remember all the faces I've punched. I've been punching them since middle school…" he paused and caught one of the Yakuza men, "Hey buddy do me a favor and flinch." he held his fist up as the man panicked and flinched, "Oh I remember you...I knocked out two teeth from you!"
"...what did you do?" Fuyuhiko asked the man.
"N-nothing, boss!"
"...Peko?"
"He was shaking down a sushi shop owner," Peko answered.
"Told you I take offense to stuff." Kuon spoke, slapping the guy so hard he passed out despite it looking like a calm tap to the face.
"...he'll be okay, right?" Hina asked, poking the man a bit.
"Eh. He'll be fine," Kuon and Fuyuhiko shrugged as the former let the man drop.
"We're nearing Hiroshi's room, Fuyuhiko-sama," Peko spoke up as she pointed to a nearby door with her kendo stick.
"Good. May as well check the damage and s-" Fuyuhiko began as he opened the door and looked in...seeing a man laying in bed as he was missing his right arm while his head was wrapped up in bandages with one of his eyes covered, "..."
"I guess Jin's brother was right…" Kuon spoke up as he gently moved Hina behind him.
"...Peko, stand outside," Fuyuhiko ordered.
"Hai, Fuyuhiko-sama," she nodded as she stepped outside.
"...oi, Hiroshi," Fuyuhiko spoke.
"Gh...Fuyuhiko-sama…" Hiroshi grunted, weakly moving his head to the side to look over.
"Easy. We just need to ask you something about that ghost girl you met a few nights ago," Fuyuhiko stated.
"...That ain't no girl…" he whispered, a haunting look appearing in his visible eye as he turned away, "That was a demon...me and my buds didn't think the rumor was real and was talking shit about this Ragna guy...and next thing I knew, my buddies are literally meaty chunks on the streets with me losing my arm and eye."
"...jesus," Kuon whispered with wide eyes while Hina held her hands over his mouth.
"Anything else?"
"Yeah...she uttered something as I was passing out…" Hiroshi whispered, grunting in pain as he tried to stay awake, "N...nu….nu….nu…"
"Nu?"
"She said.." Hiroshi grunted as he clutched his chest, "Said...Nu….will not tolerate...people making fun of...her...Ragna…!"
"Oi...oi! Stay with me!" Fuyuhiko shouted as he rushed over, Hiroshi screaming in pain as he thrashed in his bed, "Tch...He's suffering a heart attack...Peko, get the doctor!"
"On it!"
"A dark scent is on this man…" Zaruba spoke, "Not a Horror...but just as dangerous…"
"Zaruba?" he asked of the ring silently.
"Using magic for this man Kuon? Oh fine," Kuon pushed Zaruba into his free palm as he breathed a bit of green flames onto his hand.
Kuon waited for just a moment as Fuyuhiko looked away, to tap his palm to Hiroshi's chest, the flames quickly spreading across his body before fading. His thrashing halted as his breathing became stable, the pain subsiding suddenly. It looked like Kuon was merely stopping him from thrashing about to hurt himself to the others though, so his secret was kept safe.
"...Nu….Nu….Nu…" Hina whispered, tapping her forehead a bit as she thought, "...That almost sounds like La-chan's name….Kuon-kun?"
"Yeah?" Kuon spoke as he turned to look at her.
"You took that class on the Greek Alphabet right?"
"Yeah," he nodded, "Wait...La-chan's full name is Lambda, right?"
"Hai...and I think I recall that she and Noel-chan are kinda like these cyborg girls if what one of Tsubaki-chan's friends back in the states said is true," Hina added.
"Well Lambda is one of the Greek alphabetical symbols, it's the 11th…" Kuon muttered, "And one of the letters was...Nu…the 13th."
"..."
"...Hina?"
"Hai?"
"Try and call the others. Now."
"Hai," Hina quickly nodded as she pulled her phone out.
"What's happening?" Fuyuhiko asked just as Peko returned with a doctor, "...you guys know what's up, do you?"
"Potentially...and it's a weird one if true." Kuon spoke, "But uh short of it...Evil long lost sister, probably super powered, totally psychotic."
"...ok. Either I'm missing some context here, or I'm must've accidentally ate something Teruteru made again," Fuyuhiko blinked while Peko looked on in confusion, "...I'll give you guys a ride to Shibuya, but you're gonna have to fill me in."
"Trust me; even for that drive, I'm gonna have to tell you the abridged version." Kuon sighed as they began walking, "Be good!" he shouted to the Yakuza, making them panic at his voice.
"...Mmm…" Akane muttered as she, Jenny, Kibo, Robotboy and Tsubaki were looking around a part of Shibuya at night, her eyes narrowed while her tiger ears and tail were out, "...I don't like this…"
"What do you mean?" Robotboy asked.
"I normally pass here during the day to pick some food up for my sibs at home," Akane explained, "But right now….it smells like old, dried up blood around her."
"I believe the term is…'red flag'..." Kibo gulped a bit.
"Jenny, you see anything?" Tsubaki whispered to the Gynoid, the redhead gripping the hilt of her sword to stay ready.
"Nothing at the moment, meaning they are either not here at the moment, or really good at hiding." Jenny spoke, her eyes scanning for anything.
"Stand ready just in case," Tsubaki ordered, "We don't know who or what we're dealing with here…Akane, let me know if you hear anything."
"Got it," Akane answered, her ears flicking as she looked around.
"Robotboy?"
"Hai," Robotboy nodded, banging his fist together as he quickly transformed into his Battle Mode.
The group stayed close together as they looked around, looking for anything out of palace. Did not help there was a faint mist starting to permeate the area, making it slightly harder to see as they looked around. Thankfully Tsubaki can call in Ragna and Jin in case something bad happens and they need back up….hopefully they won't need it because those two together? They are a truly powerful combination when they decide to work together and stop holding back. Before anyone could say anything, a ringing sound broke the silence completely, making everyone jump.
"...I-I'll get it," Jenny spoke as she tapped the side of her head, "Hello?"
=Tell me you haven't found that 'ghost girl' yet= Hina spoke.
"Not yet….wait. Why the nervous tone, Hina?"
=We think this ghost girl is actually La-chan and Noel-chan's sister=
"I'm sorry?" Tsubaki blinked in shock.
=Well we gather her name is Nu...Nu is a Greek letter...just like La-chan's full name=
"...That means…" Tsubaki whispered as it slowly dawned on her, "...Another Murakumo Unit…"
=You also need to get the hell out of there...like right now= Kuon added in the background =Apparently this sister...is a crazy psychopath=
"Right," Tsubaki noted with a nod, "We should regroup with Ragna and Jin." she turned to the others.
"Good idea...I…" Akane began before her tail shot up, "?!"
"What's wrong?" Kibo asked.
"...its' nearby…" Akane whispered, clenching her fist together as she tried to stop shaking, "That 'ghost girl'...and she's giving off a lot of killing intent." she furthered tensed up when they heard footsteps
"..." Robotboy narrowed his optics as he took his blasters out.
"Stand ready…" Tsubaki ordered as everyone stood ready.
A few moments past as the footsteps grew louder, a figure being seen within the mist as it began to approach the group. Once they were within view...it showed a girl that looked almost exactly like Lambda...only she seemed to be wearing a pale-blue jumpsuit underneath her large robes covered in red o-fuda cards, her hair was a pure silver white...and one of her crimson-red eyes was covered in a gunmetal grey and red eyepatch as she looked on at the group.
"...she looks like Lambda-san," Kibo whispered.
"Scanning…" the girl whispered as she looked at the group, "...threat level...B+."
"Talks like her too," Jenny noted.
"But different." Tsubaki spoke, "She's not like them...I don't sense that same kindness," she began drawing Excalibur.
"...what if she's just lost?" Jenny suggested, earning Tsubaki's attention, "Recall how you guys met Lambda? Well...maybe we can try and talk her down as well…"
"I don't know.." Akane frowned, bearing her claws as she glared at the girl with Robotboy, "That chick just screams bloody thirsty to me…"
"...I am with Jenny," Kibo spoke up, "Perhaps if we can talk down to this...Nu, we can possibly avoid a fight."
"And figure out why she's looking for Ragna," Jenny added.
"...Rag….na?" the girl/Nu repeated, earning the attention of the two robots, "You….know Ragna?"
"You're looking for Ragna right!?" Tsubaki spoke as she ran a bit away from the others while getting Nu's attention, "I can help you find him, if you tell me what your business with him is?"
"...Nu….just wants to see him again," Nu answered, her voice sounding a little less monotone...and more of a lost child.
"...well don't worry," Jenny assured as she stepped forward a bit, "We can help take you to him."
"Hmm?"
"He shouldn't be too far from here," Kibo added with he grew a small smile, "Perhaps you are willing to come with us so you can see him."
"...ah…" Nu began to smile a bit, "Hai...Nu wants to see Ragna so bad…"
"Cool, so l-"
"So that she can kill herself and Ragna…"
"...excuse me?" Jenny and Kibo slowly blinked at that.
"It's destiny…" Nu whispered, a slight gleeful yet crazed look appearing in her eyes as she hugged herself, "Nu and Ragna are meant to be together...to be as one...…" she paused as she swayed to the sides a bit, "It is destiny for Ragna and Nu to fight...so that we may spill each other's blood and join together in the Void...so…" she threw her head towards the group a bit, "Nu must kill herself with Ragna so that we may be together~!"
"...this girl is super crazy," Akane whispered with wide eyes.
"I...think we may have made a mistake," Kibo whispered as he and Jenny stepped back.
"Hah….three of you are girls…" Nu noted as she tilted her body to the side, "...you're trying to steal Ragna from Nu...aren't you?" she asked as a familiar set of armor, only colored silver and a pale blue appeared on her as her blades began to float up into the air, "Nu must terminate you…"
"This really was not how I expected things to go…" Kibo flinched.
"She's totally crazy. We really shouldn't have told her he was here." Jenny agreed.
Robotboy nodded in agreement as he stepped back...only to flinch when an energy gate appeared before Nu.
"...RUN!" Tsubaki screamed as the group ran out of there.
"Shinei!" Nu screamed as she spread her arms out, unleashing a mass swarm of black and crimson energy daggers that flew right after them.
"No…" Tsubaki spoke before flinching as Excalibur began glowing, her body moving on its own into the path of the attack. She held the golden sword up before swinging it down, suddenly all the daggers were knocked out of the air and many seemingly slashed in half. Tsubaki stopped as she held the sword up in a defensive stance, her eyes glazed over and glaring at Nu. 'D-did I just do that?' Tsubaki asked herself as it felt like she was at the moment a passenger in her own body. She swung Excalibur again and this time blocked a slash from Nu's own sword as she growled in frustration. Tsubaki pushed one leg back to gain better leveredge and pushed Nu away, the swords she blocked with Excalibur cracking from the force.
"...mmm...you cracked Nu's swords…" Nu pouted before gaining a serious tone, "Now she'll have to get serious."
"?" Robotboy blinked at the before quickly moving to the side, wincing as an energy sword came out of a portal behind him, grazing his side as he repositioned himself in the air.
"What j-ahh!" Akane yelped as she narrowly avoided an energy sword from below..resulting in her shirt being torn open and revealing the black sports bra underneath, "Woah boy!"
Tsubaki noticed this before glaring at Nu, she rushed forward and held her sword up for a thrusting attack. Nu smirked and raised a blade to block just as the stab came her way, only for her eyes to widen as it felt like dozens of swords began striking the same spot...the resulting pressure pushing her back and slamming her into a wall. Even after being pushed back the force of the thrust was still pushing against her as she was sent through a building and out the back.
'Is this the power Excalibur has? I don't even know most of these stances or attacks…' Tsubaki spoke to herself within her mind as her body seemed to still be acting autonomously and effectively.
"...Act Pulsar….Zwei," Nu's voice spoke before she suddenly reappeared behind TSubaki, making the redhead tense as she used her sword to block the incoming kick from her leg blade.
"Gh!" Tsubaki flinched from the force as she was sent skidding back. Her eyes glared at Nu before rushing forward again.
Nu swung her arms as her swords slashed at Tsubaki, who slid under them and past Nu. Nu blinked and turned around only to go on the defensive as another thrust aimed at her pushed her back. She stopped herself by stabbing her leg blade into the ground. Nu lowered her swords to glare at Tsubaki only to not see her. She looked up to see her mid-leap into the air as she swung Excalibur down, Nu only having a moment to raise her blades to block the swing...but her swords cracked even more as Excalibur proved the superior blade as it began cleaving through the floating blades.
"?! Act Pulsar!" Nu called out as she vanished before reappearing above the group, "Mmm….new threat level for you...S...but…" portals began to open behind Kibo and hte others, "Cannot defend everyone at once~"
"?!" Tsubaki tensed up at that, "Move!"
"Wh-!" Jenny began before Kibo quickly grabbed her, pulling her away in time as a large energy blade nearly impaled the two.
"Opening," Nu smirked as several of her swords aimed at Tsubaki, only for them to stop mid-thrust as a wall of ice caught them, "...oh….Nu recognizes this…" she whispered as she looked to the side, seeing a frowning Jin glaring at her, "Nu remembers you...but...do you remember Nu~?"
"No...but you remind me of someone I know," Jin countered, sheathing Yukianesa as he stood ready, "Tsubaki, are you and the others okay?"
"Y-yes…" Tsubaki shook her head as the glow of Excalibur dimmed a little, "We thankfully are more prepared for combat then the average person."
"Just be careful," Kibo advised, "She can create portals to send out more of those energy blades of hers."
"Nearly stabbed me, Jen, and RB too," Akane added as she discarded her torn school top.
"Even with Tsubaki's sword, she still won't go down," Jenny added.
"Noted," Jin said as he continued to focus on Nu, "...Tsubaki, take your friends and find my brother," he ordered as he got into a drawing stance, "I'll hold her off…"
"Hah~? You want to fight Nu?" Nu questioned with a slight insane giggle, "Last time Nu fight you...you were a bleeding mess~"
"I don't have such a memory...so you have no proof of that ever happening." Jin replied, "But I'm nothing like the Jin you faced. I am far superior to any failed version of myself who lost to you!"
"Then prove it…" Nu challenged, summoning more gates as they surrounded Jin, "Because Nu will kill you...for Ragna's sake~!" she shouted as she swung down, unleashing a group of large energy swords at Jin as they stabbed into him.
"JIN!" Tsubaki cried out...until Jin began to crack until he shattered into ice and snow, "?!"
"Hah? Ice?" Nu blinked, "...Iie. Yuki no bushin?"
"Didn't I say...I'm not some failed version of myself who would lose to someone like you!?" Jin shouted, appearing behind Nu and swinging down forcing her to move out of the way. But upon hitting the ground with his blade, a thin path of ice spikes shot out and struck Nu sending her falling over and rolling across the ground, "Ha!" he swung up as the ice spikes fired off and arched through the air at Nu.
"GH?!" Nu tensed as she quickly vanished, making the ice spikes miss as she appeared behind Jin, her arm reeled back as she summoned another energy blade, "Crescent Saber…"
"Do you think such a trick will work!?" Jin stabbed his sword into the ground before a slanted wall of ice sprouted from the ground behind him and struck Nu's stomach, the ice spreading around her torso and keeping her trapped.
"GH?! Grr…" Nu growled a bit...before she smirked, "Got you~"
"Wh…" Jin began before he grunted in pain, feeling an energy sword stabbing into his side as it sent him crashing into a glass window, shattering it upon impact as he fell into the store.
"Different or not...Nu still sees you as same weakling," Nu noted as she managed to break herself free.
"Gh…" Jin grunted as he climbed himself out, holding his bleeding side while a bit of blood dripped from his forehead.
"Now...Nu w-" Nu began before she was suddenly punched in the side of her face by a big blue robotic fist, "?!"
"Kibo, RB!" Jenny shouted, swinging her fist as she propelled Nu towards Kibo and Robotboy, both of whom having their blasters out as they combined them into two larger blasters.
"I apologize for this, but you brought it on yourself!" Kibo shouted as he and Robotboy fired a pair of large lasers that slammed into Nu, resulting in a large explosion that sent her flying back and crashing through a building.
"I told you...to get out and get my brother…!" Jin grunted as he stood up, lowering his hand to show ice forming on the open wound.
"You're welcome." Jenny argued with an annoyed frown, "But seriously...are you ok?"
"Yeah...not the first time I've had to deal with an open wound in the middle of battle," Jin answered as he wiped the blood from his forehead a bit, "I've taken worse from brother before…"
"...damn Jin's hardcore," Akane whispered before a red glow came from the open hole, "...uh heads up! She's getting back up...and she looks pissed!"
"Urusei…" Nu ordered before she suddenly reappeared above the group, a mass group of portals forming behind her as large energy blades began to seep out, "Calamity Blade….Ragnarok."
"Gh?!" Jin tensed as he quickly jammed his sword into the ground, creating a barrier of ice around him and the others as hoard upon hoard of energy blades began to rain down on the group, destroying any nearby cars, light posts, trees, and damaging even more buildings in the process.
"How powerful is she?" Tsubaki asked.
"...Tch...damn it. She must've found them," Ragna frowned, hearing explosions in the distance as he looked ahead. He was about to turn before he saw a golden blur running past him, "?!...the hell was…"
"Ragna-san!" Ragna turned to see Hina and Fuyuhiko running up to him, "Did you happen to see Kuon?"
"No."
"Tch...man he disappears fast," Fuyuhiko muttered, "Also...why does he run so damn fast? He said it be faster if he ran...jumped out the car...and ran through traffic…"
"...that kid is crazy," Ragna whispered as he blinked a few times.
"That's what I practically said!" Fuyuhiko exclaimed.
"..n-nevermind," Ragna shook his head, "You two get to someplace safe. If you see Yayoi and your other friends…..get as far away as you can."
"...why?" the two Ultimates asked.
"Shibuya is about to become a literal battleground," was all Ragna said as he quickly ran off.
"...given what you and Kuon told me...I believe him," Fuyuhiko muttered as he grabbed Hina's wrist, making her yelp as she was dragged off, "Peko, get the limo ready...and some medkits!"
"Of course, Fuyuhiko-sama."
"It won't hold much longer…" Jin grunted, everyone tensing as the barrier began to crack...only for a gold light to fly over the ice, "What was that?" After a moment, a shockwave shattered the ice as Nu was sent falling to the ground, resulting in a large crater upon impact, "?!"
"...New threat...detected…" Nu whispered as she floated up a bit, looking at a nearby lamppost as Garo landed on top of it.
"Sweet! Garo's here!" Akane grinned, "Now we got an advantage!"
"..." Garo swung his sword down as he jumped down. He suddenly stabbed it into the ground before holding his arm out and challenging Nu to come at him with his outstretched hand.
"...Threat level SS...response…" Nu began in her monotone voice, vanished once more before reappearing before Garo with her leg reeled back, "Terminate with extreme force."
Everyone tensed as the leg struck with a powerful kick to Garo's chest, the metallic ringing filling the air. But the Golden Knight was unmoved, his eyes glaring down at Nu. Nu blinked behind her visor, but had no time to process as a fist struck her, sending her flying back and eventually skipping across the ground. As soon as she was able to flip herself around to stop herself, she blinked as a gold flash appeared behind her. A beast-like growl filled the air as Garo punched her again, sending her flying back towards the others. Garo rushed forward leaving streaks of gold and blue light before he cut Nu's flight path off again. He held his hand out as he grabbed her by her face before he pushed one leg against the ground, the force pushing forward through the air as he slammed the back of her head into a wall. Garo flipped back a few times before swinging his body around so he landed on his sword with one leg.
"...gh…" Nu grunted as she staggered off the wall, bits of her armor cracked as she floated back up, "Damages...50%..."
"..." Garo jumped off the handle of his blade as he landed on the ground and pulled it out. He twirled it around a few times before drawing it across his gauntlet, making sparks fly, "How many?"
"Eh?" Nu blinked a bit as she looked up at him.
"How many innocent lives had been felled by your blades?" he asked, "How much blood of people who merely wanted to live their lives in peace? How many lives lost...for a reason they will never understand...for a reason that only brings insult to their deaths?"
"...heh….heh heh…." Nu began to chuckle in a rather...unerved fashion, "To make sure there are enough souls ready for when Nu kills herself and Ragna..."
"...why…?" Jenny spoke, earning Nu's attention, "Why are you so intent on killing him?! What did he ever do to you to deserve it?! No...what gives you the right…"
"Nu already told you..it is destiny for Ragna and Nu to be one..so our souls can be united, together as one…" Nu stated as a dark aura began to surround her, "As the Black Beast…"
"?!" Jin and Tsubaki's eyes widened in horror at that.
"The...Black Beast?" Kibo repeated.
"Bad...very….bad…!" Jin grunted as Robotboy and Akane helped him up.
"If that happens...it'll not only result in Japan being destroyed…" Tsubaki paused, grabbing her shaking arm to try and calm herself, "It'll result in half the world's population being killed off and the rest forced to live atop mountains."
"?!" the robot trio, Akane, and even Garo tensed up at that.
"She's right, Garo," Zaruba whispered to Garo as the dark aura around Nu began to grow, "I sense something sinister...primordial...evil in that girl. You know what the Makai Knight must do, your one mission and why you carry that sword."
"..." he nodded as he held his sword out, "Kisama no inga...Orega kirisaku!" he declared, twisting his blade around.
Nu said nothing as she swung her arm down, Garo about to charge at her before he found himself suddenly being forced onto the ground, the gravity around him intensifying, "Gravity Seed…"
"Hey! That ch-" Akane began before she and the others suddenly found themselves on the ground, "Gh?!"
"The Gravity...it...it's too strong..!" Kibo grunted as he tried to force himself up, Robotboy 'grunting' as he was forced back into his child-like state.
"Can't...move…!" Robotboy winced in pain.
"Such...terrifying power…" Tsubaki grunted.
"Nu will make sure you receive a swift end…" Nu assured as she floated up, a symbol faintly appearing behind her as large energy gates appeared above Garo and the group, "Calamity...Sword…" she whispered as she swung down, unleashing more energy blades at the group.
"Grrr…" Garo growled as he suddenly slammed his hand and pushed himself up, his armor glowing as he did, "I...won't…" he growled, his mouthplate seeming to struggle like a muzzle, "Anyone die like that ever again!" he shouted, standing up as he held his sword up as it began glowing.
"Oh...so even that power has awakened to you, call forth that which is calling to you...Garo!"
"Gouten!" Garo roared as a bright flash came off his blade.
Nu tensed before several of the energy gates suddenly shattered, blades and all. She blinked as a golden strike flew through the air attacking more of the gates before it flew down and scooped up Garo. The streak flew about and struck more of the portals before crashing through the last one, everyone blinked as the light faded enough to reveal Garo now riding atop a Golden Mechanical Horse with a flowing red mane. Garo growled pulling on the reins as the horse cried out and swung around, letting him swing his sword at Nu. Nu quickly became a blur as she avoided the slash in time, the blade nicking her visor as it left a noticeable scratch along the 'eye' as she flew up high into the air.
"Ha!" Garo growled, kicking his steed's side as it snorted and jumped into the air once more, clearing the distance in a mere moment.
"Did...he just summon a metal horse?" Jin asked as all they could see were two streaks of light flying through the sky and clashing.
"I...think he did," Jenny whispered as she blinked a few times.
"That...should not have been possible," Kibo whispered.
"...magic?" Robotboy offered.
"...I believe I will go with that, yes."
"HA!" Garo growled, swinging and clashing with Nu before he pushed her back, several of her swords shattering from the clash.
Gouten cried out as it seemed to step on the air itself and charge at her. The golden steed slammed headfirst into Nu before pushing her back, the steed rearing up on its hind legs and brought them down to stomp on her, only for the hooves slamming into a pair of swords. A moment passed before a golden flash went off, Nu tensed as the shockwave washed over Gouten and then Garo, for the briefest of moments, it seemed like a different version of Garo overlaid with the one riding. The Golden Knight held his sword up before swinging it to the side as it began glowing, a shattering sound could be heard as it began glowing...and then growing, the blade increasing in size into a giant zanbato like sword with a cursed crescent tip at the end, the blade extending from a crossguard shaped like the head of a wolf with blue gems for eyes.
"...holy shit," Akane whispered.
"I advise we retreat!" Kibo exclaimed.
"Good idea!" Tsubaki nodded, grabbing Jin as the group hurried out of the area to avoid what was about to happen.
"...initiating countermeasures…" Nu whispered, her visor glowing as she scanned Garo's attack, "...Response...Astral Heat."
"Garo Zanbaken!" Garo shouted, scraping his fingers across the blade as green fire began igniting across it.
"From beyond the realm of souls and birth, I call upon the ur-sword to bring ruin upon my enemies…" Nu chanted as a faint symbol appeared behind her, followed by a massive energy gate as a giant sword tip began to seep out of it, "Perish...Sword of Destruction."
Just as Garo charged, Nu held her arm out, unleashing a massive sword as it began to tear apart the very ground and nearby buildings in its wake.
"Gouten!" Garo ordered as the Golden Steed neighed and stomped its hooves with each step, the golden shockwave going out as it caused both to begin glowing.
Suddenly the mount vanished as it broke apart into the many pieces of armor and metal that made up its body. It flashed before floating around the Garo Zanbaken, the armor merging with the blade as it changed shape, the blade became thinner with a regular pointed tip, a golden wolf head forming at the base of the blade, silver markings forming along the blade as the rounded crossguard formed in the center. Handguard-like armor merging the blade to Garo's right arm with Gouten's head forming into shoulder armor. The remaining armor latched to Garo's back before igniting with green flames that pushed him forward. The flames began spreading out until they took the shape of wings.
"The future you speak of…" he growled as his mouthguard struggled again, a snapping sound could be heard as the mouthguard of his armor split open, his helmet changing as the wolf features became more wild, sharp fangs forming along the jaw as it opened to howl with Garo's voice, "Will never happen!" He thrust his sword forward, a golden ring forming before the tip with a symbol resembling the kanji for King forming in the center, "Koukaku Jushin Garo Zanbaken!"
Nu's eyes widened as the sword went through the gate, only for a golden burst of light to go off...and a massive surge of golden flames condensed into the head of a wolf howled as it flew out and straight at her attack. The head bit down, shattering the giant sword before slamming into her. A bright flash went off as a pulse of glittering golden light went out. But...nothing was destroyed, in fact...this light felt...calming and hopeful. Whatever Magic was within Garo's attack it only hurt the one he intended to harm...while it seemed to restore anything the light washed over. The buildings slowly began to revert back to how they once were, and even the wounds and pain of others fading as the light shone over them. A light touched down on the ground before fading to reveal Garo in his original form, his Garoken flashing and reverting to normal. The Golden knight slowly sheathed his blade as the others walked back realizing who was the victor here.
"...wh...what just happened?" Kibo asked, the group poking out of a nearby building as they noticed any damages that was done ot he area was gone.
"I think...Garo just defeated her," Tsubaki answered.
"BOOYAH!" Akane and Robotboy cheered on.
"Knight always win!" Robotboy cheered.
"...I wouldn't say that…" Jin frowned.
"Eh?" the group blinked as the smoke began to settle, Garo stopping as he turned and saw a heavily panting and damaged Nu standing there, a few pieces of her armor left with her visor cracked in two and noticeable bleeding tears in her jumpsuit.
"..." Garo unsheathed his sword again as he began marching forward, "I told you…" he began as he aimed the sword at her, "I will cut you down…"
"It won't work anyways…" Garo turned to the side, seeing Ragna walking into the area as he had a serious expression on his face.
"Ragna/brother!" the others shouted.
"...what do you mean?" Garo asked.
"You can't kill her…" Ragna stated as he stood between him and Nu, "Without killing me."
"..." Garo aimed his sword at him.
"Not what I meant," Ragna stated as he sighed, "She probably told you something crazy like 'she will kill herself and me,' right?" Garo looked to the others who would know more.
"...hai…" Tsubaki spoke up.
"It's because we're linked in a way…" Ragna stated, looking back at Nu as she stared at him, "Neither of us can't die...unless one of us kills each other."
"The boy assumes that we can't deal with such unkillable things." Zaruba spoke up loudly for once getting their attention, "But I think his meaning is more than just telling us it's pointless. If you wanted to save the girl, its all you needed to say my boy. But don't assume we couldn't have dealt with her, this sword you see doesn't just kill," he chuckled as Gato sheathed his sword.
"I suppose...that's fair, I have no clue who the hell you even are." Ragna noted.
"Garo…"
"Gotcha...and no offense, but in a way...you remind me of this white armored bastard that's tried to kill me in the past," Ragna admitted
"Oh believe me...this armor is far superior." Zaruba replied knowingly, "White is oh so gouache, Gold is much more wonderful. But unlike that thing...we actually have standards."
"How do you...?"
"If you think you're the only one who knows untold secrets of the world, well you and my partner are in for a shock from this old demon guide. Hehehe, oh you dhampirs are so adorable as well, but that is a topic for another day. I can feel Garo growing agitated with me for withholding information."
"...then you can head out. I need to talk to her anyway," Ragna stated.
"...thanks…" was all Garo said as he walked off into the shadows.
"Now then…" Ragna began as he turned around to face Nu, "Hello...Nu."
"Ahh...Rag...na…" Nu smiled weakly as she looked at him, "Finally...Nu has found you…"
"Yes...you have," Ragna nodded, taking on a more somber tone yet...he also sounded like an older brother looking sadly upon their younger sibling, "I was hoping you wouldn't come back in this time…"
"But Nu has...Nu wouldnt' stop until she found you…" Nu smiled a bit, staggering a bit over to him, "Now...we ca-"
"Stop," Ragna spoke, causing the Murakumo unit to stop on her tracks, "You don't' have to fight anymore….we don't' have to do this shit anymore."
"...nani?" Nu blinked at that, "But….why, Ragna?"
"This isn't like our original world," Ragna explained, "We're not stuck in that endless loop anymore...thanks to someone I know, it was finally broken….we don't have to become the Black Beast, Nu. I...you can live peacefully here in this world."
"But….Iie….you lie, onii-sama…" Nu whispered, shaking her head a bit, "Nu still believes we can be one...Nu believes we can become the Black Beast so we can be together forever...it is why the other units failed t…"
"They're alive in this world…"
"...nani?"
"You have sisters Nu….that are alive," Ragna stated, "You have family that can take care of you…"
"What is he doing?" Jin whispered.
"Sh…" Tsubaki hushed him, holding a hand up as she cautiously watched on.
"You don't have to fight anymore, Nu…" Ragna continued as he slowly began to approach her, "You can rest now...you don't have to kill anyone anymore…"
"..."
"So please...come with me, Nu…" Ragna continued as he held his hand out to her, "I can help you...I can make sure you won't have to suffer anymore…"
"..." Kuon said nothing as he watched on from the shadows.
"A time loop….so that's why…" Zaruba whispered, "Even in all my years I never heard of such a thing like this, and the world not ending right away. Either someone really looks out for that boy...or someone screwed something up."
"He also sounds tired…" Kuon whispered to him, "Which makes sense...he's probably encountered her so many times…"
"...sisters...onee-san tachi…" Nu whispered as her remaining armor sparked a bit, "...Nu understands now…"
"...Understands what, Nu?" Ragna asked with a frown.
"What she has to do…" Nu whispered as she managed to stand up straight, ignoring the pain in her body as the remains of her swords began to float up behind her, "To make sure Nu can be with Ragna forever….she must terminate the other Murakumo units...she must kill her sisters."
"...This chick is batshit insane," Akane whispered with wide eyes, her hands over Robotboy's hearing receptors so he wouldn't hear her curse.
"She almost makes Junko look sane in comparison," Kibo added.
"She's so unhinged from reality," Jenny added, a scared yet sad tone in her voice.
"The world is always full of darkness which corrupts," Zaruba sighed.
"...who broke this poor girl?" Kuon whispered.
"...ugh….so that's how you wanna do it?" Ragna asked with a sigh, "...fine. Then I'll stop you…"
"Hmm~?" Nu blinked as she tilted her head to the side.
"I'm not the same when we fought all those times," Ragna stated as he gripped his sword, "So no matter what you do...no matter how many times you try to kill your sisters...I'll stop you every time until I beat this lesson into your goddamn head, you idiot. But..." he paused as he took his hand off the grip of his sword, "You're so badly damaged...I doubt you're willing to continue anyway…"
"Aww~ But I wanted to see some blood shed."
"?!" Ragna and the others seemed to tense up at that, Ragna more so as a scowl began to grow on his lips.
"Terumi…!" Ragna growled as he began to look around, "Where are you?! I know your here, you bastard!"
"Oh please...like I'm just gonna suddenly intrude in and say hi, Raggy ol boy!" Terumi's voice laughed.
"Kuon...this feeling…" Zaruba spoke up.
"I know…" Kuon frowned as a portal began to open up behind Nu.
"So….I hope you don't mind if I take something of mine back," Terumi grinned before a pair of chains with metal snake-like heads burst out of hte portal and wrapped themselves around Nu, "Ol' girl needs a tune up anyways~!"
"NO!" Ragna shouted as he ran forward and reached out for Nu, only for her to be pulled into the portal, "GRRR! BASTARD!"
"As much as I wanna play catch up Raggy, I have some plans to do...so tah tah~!" Terumi's laugh echoed throughout the area.
"Don't you dare…!" Ragna began.
"HA!" Everyone looked as Garo rushed past them and swung at the portal, just enough time for it to swing through, to the sound of something being cut on the other end. "...tch. I missed him…"
"...Tsubaki….that voice," Jin spoke, earning the red-head's attention as a icy scowl grew on his face, "That's him...the voice I heard in my head during the War…"
"You mean…"
"Hai...I recognize it now...It's also the same voice I heard that night…" Jin continued, his hand balling up into a fist as he shook, "The voice of the man...who ruined my and brother's lives all those years ago…"
"He's here...that bastard…" Ragna spoke with a growl.
"He returned." Garo spoke, getting Ragna's attention.
"Returned?"
"That was the being who attacked that alien base in Tokyo." Garo revealed, "He ran away before. He must have known I was here and didn't risk coming into the open."
"...tch!" Ragna growled out before he punched the ground hard, resulting in cracking it a bit, "Damn it...Even now, he's still ruining people's lives for shits and giggles!"
"Wait...he ran?" Jin spoke up, "What do you mean he ran?"
"By the time I found him, he chose to turn tail and run." Garo explained, "He looked to be in a hurry to get away from me."
"?" Ragna raised a brow at that, standing up as he turned to look at the golden knight, "...he's scared of you?"
"That man is many things...but he's not afraid," Jin added, "If that is true...wh-what is it you can do that scares him so much?"
"Kill immortals," Zaruba spoke, getting their attention, "We don't deal with monsters...we destroy the devils from beyond this world. You call it hell...we call it the Makai World. Demons, devils...Horrors. Immortal beings risen from the depths of darkness, to bring chaos and destruction upon the Living world. Garo is the being that brings balance to the world, slaying Horrors and banishing that which can't be killed back to the world of the Makai."
"...so those monsters from before…" Jenny began.
"Are beings from this 'Makai World'?" Kibo questioned.
"I don't get it…" Akane muttered.
"Hah...we've been killing Satan okay…" Zaruba sighed, "Kids these days…"
"Oh~" Akane nodded...before she and the others blinked, "...wait. Did his hand just talk?"
"...magic gauntlet?" Robotboy pondered.
"We just learned hell is real and that's what you focus on!?" Jin snapped.
"He's right. We're getting off track here," Tsubaki spoke, "So hell is real...and Garo can kill demons from it…"
"Horrors…" Garo corrected, "Only humans believe in demons."
"And this Terumi you talk of….we feel something...ancient about him," Zaruba stated, "Something...evil."
"So then how do you know you can hurt him?" Ragna asked.
"Soul Metal. That is what Garo's armor and sword is made of. As the name implies, it not only cuts the physical...but the spiritual." Zaruba spoke, "If desired...we could cut the soul out of ones body...or just cleave them in two by making this sword weigh several metric tons and crush its way through anything. And believe me...I've been bonded to many Garo's...and some of my favorite ones...have killed far worse then this Terumi you despise so much...oh believe me...Far Worse~"
"Stop scaring them." Garo spoke.
"It's not often I get to have my fill of fun with humans. They are so easy to spooke, especially when they have no clue how things about our world even work." he mused, "I mean just look at the dumb one...she looks like her brain has exploded. The automatons look no better either, I've never blown a homunci's brain before, but oh this expression or realizing things like Hell exist...oh how fun~"
"I'm sorry, he's a demonic ring after all. He might be good...but he's a pain." Garo explained.
"I-it's fine. We're just...overwhelmed because of tonight is all," Jenny sighed.
"Tell me about it...a robotgirl like La-chan that's pretty much a yandare on steroids, some psychopath that ruined Jin and his bro's life...and the fact is hell's real," Akane added as she scratched her head.
"Makai World" Garo and Zaruba corrected.
"So...you mean...if you fought Terumi...you could?" Jin asked.
"I've fought some insane stuff since this job got dumped on me." Garo sighed, "But for now...I think I'm ready to rest for tonight….that battle with said robotgirl really took a lot out of me."
"...it has been a wild night, yes…" Tsubaki spoke with a sigh, "We should just head back to Hope's Peak and rest for the night..."
"Probably for the best," Jin muttered, "...so long as Mioda stays far away from me."
"Wait. Shouldn't we ask the guy who can kill our greatest…" Ragna began as they turned to Garo just as a gold flash went off.
Everyone heard the sound of an engine as the light died down, they all looked as Garo was now sitting on...a golden chopper bike. Its headlight was Gouten's head and expanded out over the front wheel, with a golden cowl and a black seat. The handles were built into these armored guards along the side, its tail light was the armored tail of the Steed. Each tire was wide, colored in bright red with a seam that seemed to open along the center. The engine roared as green flames burst from the tail pipes. Blue accents flashed along the body as the engine roared loudly, a horse neigh mixed in as Garo revved the hidden accelerator handle.
"...he has a bike as well…" Kibo slowly blinked.
"This...this works." Garo spoke to himself as he suddenly took off.
"Wait! We st-and he's gone…" Ragna muttered as Garo was out of hearing range.
"...he's soo cool…" Akane whispered in awe as her tail was wagging slightly in excitement.
"Okay...so we learned something about him…" Jin began as he turned to Tsubaki, "And that might be...that he is probably one of the strongest beings on the planet…"
"Agreed…" Tsubaki whispered.
"Now if only...we had a way to contact him that didn't entail us waiting to be rescued…" Jin groaned.
"If there really are people like him in this world now...maybe this is a better world." Ragna spoke, watching the golden light in the distance vanish, "You think there are more of him?"
"I...don't know," Tsubaki responded, "There are so many abnormal changes now...who's to say if Garo is the only good one?"
"...good question…" Ragna muttered, pondering that over as he looked up at the night sky, "..."
"...are...you going to be okay?" Jenny asked.
"Yeah...you guys go on ahead," Ragna replied, "I need to cool my head anyway…"
"...understood, brother," Jin nodded, "Let's go…"
"...alright…" Jenny whispered as she and the others began to walk off, both her and Robotboy shooting Ragna a look of worry as they walked away.
"...Nu…" Ragna whispered, "...I swear I'll get you back...and away from that madman…"
"...and you are sure this girl is capable of slaying gods?" Albedo questioned as he and the rest of the Cabal-minus Modula and Khyber- stared down at the currently unconscious Nu, who was strapped down to a medical table.
"Once prepared the right way, very much so," Terumi replied with a grin, "And best part….she can't die unless she kills herself with her precious onii-sama~"
"A split personality with one craving for her sweet brother's death while wishing her own to create a hellish demon that can destroy the planet…" Junko added before shivering, "Oh...such despair is already giving me shivers, Master Terumi~"
"Down, girl…" Terumi said as he patted her head, "Let's not get all murder happy now...let's wait until the time is ready~"
"Why is she so damaged?" Vilgax asked, getting Terumi's attention, "And why did you not fully go through the space bridge?"
"...no reason," was all Terumi replied as he looked away, "As for your first questioned...well in the state of mind she was in, would you be willing to kidnap her while she's trying to go all murder happy on you?"
"Very well, see to her...repairs." Vilgax spoke, "If she is as valuable as you claim, dedicate whatever time you have to ensure she's usable. And stop torturing random prisoners of war from my dungeon."
"Boo~ You're no fun, Gaxy…"
"I swear to the Celestialsapiens, I will eat whatever organ pumps blood in your body since I'm sure you lack a heart…" Vilgax groaned.
"And I will enjoy watching every moment," Vexus added, currently resting on Megatron's shoulder.
"Hmph...It's a little small for my liking, but if it can be of use, have at it fleshling." Megatron crossed his arms.
"Perfect," Terumi grinned, "...in fact, I have a proposition...but I'd need Albedo and Shockwave's help."
"Denied," Albedo refused.
"But this will be something new for you to explore...something not even your former mentor tackled before," Terumi stated, "The field of both science...and magic."
"Boy help him." Vilgax and Megatron ordered in unison, the former slapping Albedo forward with one of his tentacles.
"Tch...fine," Albedo muttered as he began to cart Nu off, "...but I will admit, this has caught my interest somewhat…"
"...question, Terumi," Vlad spoke up, earning the green haired man's attention, "These...Murakumo Units as you called them...how are they made exactly?"
"Oh I am glad you asked," Terumi grinned a bit, pushing Junko away so she could follow Albedo, "You recall those Cauldrons I mentioned?"
"Yes…?"
"Well...those can be used to 'smelt' a Murakumo Unit. All you need is a body, the right magic and tech, and a big ol' heaping fresh batch of souls to help piece it all together, and boom! One Murakumo unit!" Terumi beamed before frowning a bit, "Though we could never create Omega-14...too many flaws without it possibly going berserk...and while each of them were powerful, we couldn't make one into the perfect godslayer for the Imperator...the God Slaying sword Kusanagi."
"...how many were made exactly?" Vilgax questioned.
"As many numbers in the Greek Alphabet," Terumi answered, "Nu-13 is the current one, and the only other one I know of before Phantom split is Lambda-11….which begs the question…" he paused as he stroked the chin, "Whatever happened to Mu-12…?"
"Unimportant." Vilgax spoke, "We'll deal with those technicalities as they come."
"..fine. I'm gonna ruminate over this anyway," Terumi shrugged as he walked off.
"...he is truly an odd enigma," Argost muttered, "Still...a weapon that can slay the gods in the form of a little girl…"
"Something fascinating indeed, that is if I hadn't dealt with a god on my own before. But what does interest me...is how something odd happened again." Vilgax stated as he turned to Vlad, "It was the same as last time he returned in a huff...wasn't it?"
"Correct," Vlad answered.
"I do believe there is another piece on the game board that...he isn't telling us about." Vilgax stated, "And I find that so much more...interesting~" he laughed.
"...perhaps we should keep an eye out on this 'Mu-12' he had mentioned," Alpha spoke.
"...what do you mean?" Vexus asked as she floated off Megatron's shoulder.
"Well I have studied the new allies of Ben Tennyson," Alpha spoke, "Facial recognition systems shows...this girl, Nu...matches over 99% to a girl that has been seen around Tennyson and his companions."
"Really now?" Vilgax asked in interest, "Do elaborate...which girl?"
"The one called…" Alpha began as he held his hand out, prompting a screen to appear as it showed a set of images showing Lambda on the left, an unconscious Nu on the right...and Noel in the middle, "Noel Vermillion."
"So...that's how it is then?" Vilgax chuckled, "Oh this changes things significantly."
"That little girl?" Vexus asked.
"I've found these annoying little Earth females cause more trouble than you expect," Megatron growled at the memories, "From what I understand...that one chased off some of Overlord's men…"
"She was able to hold her own as well during a rather...unpleasant alliance I had made previously," Vlad added with a frown.
"Probably best to not underestimate this chica then," Sartana added.
"Hmm...perhaps we should keep a close eye on this girl then," Argost suggested.
"Oh Ben, what wondrous adventures you bring me," Vilgax laughed to himself, "Let us proceed with these suggestions for now. Then see how things develop, and whether or not certain plans shall be needed or not."
"Agreed…" Megatron nodded with his own dark chuckle.
"...yeesh...talk about a huge bomb being dropped," Miu muttered as she and the rest of Team Hope Heart-along with Fuyuhiko and Peko stood outside the school gates looking at Tsubaki, Ragna and Jin.
"Agreed...we found out Noel-chan and La-chan has a sister...only for her to be mentality unstable and taken by an evil man," Hina added.
"Not to mention the reveal on this Makai World shit," Fuyuhiko muttered.
"Wonder where Kuon is anyway…?" Akane pondered as she looked around.
"He seems to vanish whenever Garo shows up…" Ibuki muttered before gasping, "What if he is Garo, b-!" she began before an apple was stuffed into her mouth, "?!"
"Shut up," Jin sighed as he moved his hand back.
"Mmm…" they heard a grunt as Kuon walked over, his clothing all torn up in places, "I got blasted by some explosion...woke up under a building…the hell happened?"
"Mmm...mmm m," Ibuki muttered.
"You missed a lot last night," Kibo explained.
"That girl you tried to warn us about? She got kidnapped," Jenny explained.
"Seriously?"
"We will explain later," Robotboy stated.
"Great, we can start after I get some food, an aspirin, and a freakin nap." Kuon grunted.
"Huh...I guess you are human." Fuyuhiko muttered, "I mean...given what you've done, I half expected to hear you ran through a building."
"Yeah...yeah everyone thinks I'm a superhero, I heard all the crazy theories before." Kuon groaned, motioning to Ibuki, "Just cause I can punch real good doesn't mean I'm a superhero. I can still get knocked on my ass...just not by anyone here," he smirked as he limped off, "Ah speaking of ass...I need some ice…"
"...Jin?" Tsubaki spoke.
"Ugh...hold," Jin sighed.
"Hmm?" Kuon raised a brow before a block of ice formed in front of him.
"Have Wakeman or someone crush it," Jin stated as he sheathed his sword, "It'll help...if not, it helps to just lay down on it."
"Thanks..." he groaned, taking a seat on the ice, "Gah...that feels good...I gotta stop letting you guys drag me into this super powered nonsense…"
"We don't mean to...most of the time," Jenny and Hina sheepishly chuckled.
"It was pleasant to see you again," Peko spoke as she bowed her head a bit to Jin and Tsubaki.
"If you're ever in the area again...I'll treat you guys to a karaoke bar," Fuyuhiko offered, "...and no. I'm not gonna be forced to sing Baka Mitai."
"I saw that one coming." Kuon chuckled, "Don't…" he stopped them once they looked at him, "Just don't…"
"So...you're, like, totally weak right now?" Akane asked, leaning in close.
"..." Kuon raised his index and middle fingers of his left hand, and began poking her shoulders, clavicle, ribs and neck before a final poke to her solar plexus...made her twitch and lock up before falling over totally paralyzed, even drooling slightly.
"...is...is she okay?" Robotboy asked, poking Akane a bit with a stick.
"Eh...she'll be fine...I just shut off her central nervous system for a bit." Kuon explained, earnign looks from the others, "Oh relax. She can still breathe and stuff, it's more like I put her body to sleep."
"Where do you learn this crap?" several asked in awe.
"A lot of people have fought me, I like stealing the moves that hurt or worked." Kuon smirked.
"...I was gonna say 'watch out for Tenko', but...she probably wouldn't fight you?" Jenny muttered.
"...why?"
"Sexist towards men," Miu blurted out, "She thinks they're all nothing but perverted degenerate males that like women for their bodies."
"...the hell?" Ragna raised a brow at that, choosing what to say very carefully so Robotboy wouldn't pick up on his cursing.
"I am a firm believer that all genders are equal. And I punch everyone equally." Kuon spoke, "So long as they have it coming. For me, it's you're either a person not to punch, or a person to punch."
"...I really like this guy," Ragna smirked, "Next time you kids are in the states, especially this guy here...hook me up? I got a pencil necked idiot who thinks he's a mob boss you can use to vent on."
"...depends, does he deserve it?"
"When he tries to shake people down for their money and auction dangerous weapons….yes he does."
"Alright...sounds like a fun time." Kuon chuckled.
"Cool. Now if you'll excuse me…" Ragna began as a Ground Bridge opened up behind him, Jin, and Tsubaki, "I gotta get back to my office..and hope my deputy didn't thrash it or lose my desk clerk...again."
"I imagine that happens a lot," Fuyuhiko muttered.
"Like you wouldn't believe," Ragna sighed as he was the first to walk into the portal.
"Ah...well been fun seeing you guys again," Kuon sighed as he got up, "But I better get some rest. RB help me drag the dummy to her room."
"Ok," Robotboy nodded, picking up Akane as he walked off with Kuon.
"Catch you guys later," Tsubaki waved to the Hope Heart team as Jin walked through the portal first, "...and Jenny?"
"Yeah?" Jenny blinked.
"...be careful," Tsubaki stated as she turned, "I think last night...is the precursor to something big…" she whispered as she walked into the portal.
"Yeah, I get the same feeling." Jenny sighed before smiling, "But I got a lot of new friends. And we got our own protector."
"A...scary but amazing one." Hina chuckled.
"We will be fine," Kibo added.
"I know...least...I hope," was all Tsubaki said as the portal closed.
As all this went on, everyone saying their goodbyes and the regular chaos began going on around, none was the wiser to a figure watching over everyone from above. They watched with an eye focusing on the leaving Heroes from Bellwood...before moving over to stare at Kuon. A wolf-like growl could be heard as the figure jumped high into the sky, choosing to leave for now. They passed by the moon as green lines lit up along their armor. The light revealing their armor was a bright silver, two golden wings extending for ears and gold tusks on the lower jaw of their helmet, a green light shone on their forehead as the wolf-like helmet with a solid mouthplate stared down at Kuon. Two swords in each hand the figure vanished into the night.
SZ:...well. To quote TFS Popo when he drank a gallon of LSD….well that's fucking ominous.
GT: Agreed.
Z0: And not even they know what I just did...so you won't for a while readers.
SZ:...w-well...a lot of heavy shit happened this chapter regardless, but we hope you enjoyed it
Z0: Bye-bye~!