Disclaimer: Prison School belongs to its original creator Akira Hiramoto and the anime series J.C Staff. Shadowdream30 claims no ownership of anything save for any OCs, original scenes.

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Matsuri and Meiko gets a special invitation to the goddess Victoria. However, are put to the test first. What awaits them when a very special guest puts them to the test….


-Unknown Location-


In the middle of the garden, a lone table sat in the middle of the field. Two figures were sitting on opposite ends of the table. A familiar red haired with a top hat and dark tunic. And the female figure with a younger feature and long black hair with purple highlights on her strands.

Dorrik sipped at his tea while speaking with Yoshimiya. "Ah. Your tea is as good as ever, Yoshimiya."

Yoshimiya giggled at that. "Oh stop, I'm still learning the work around. And besides, it's really nothing to be complimentary about."

"True, but I'm always looking forward to your tea."

Yoshimiya just merely smiled as she set the tea down. "But I assume you're not just here for some idle chat. I assume you're here for more important business."

"Cutting to the chase, are we?" He eyed the girl with a smirk. Noticing her smile at the man. "Alright then, now then, so what do you make of Matsuri?"

Yoshimiya opened her eyes, her smile somewhat tamed. "I think he has potential, but he is still somewhat of a novice when it comes to obtaining the power of the maiden warriors. But I sense he has potential."

"You seem to have a lot of faith for the boy."

"Of course, I could sense it when I first saw him. It was like…a pure heart within him. He was unlike any other that I ran into. But during our first meeting, he was weak, he lost some practice rounds here and there. So you could say I gave him Chariot's emblem, to give him a boost."

Dorrik closed his eyes with a ponder. His chin resting on his folded hands. "I see what you did, but it was also dangerous as well. There aren't many humans out there with Chariot powers."

Yoshimiya leaned her head the other way. "I say I blessed him with the power of Chariot. Much to her chagrin."

Dorrik sighed to himself. "By the way, did she watch the battle between Matsuri and Sousuke?"

Yoshimiya blinked at that. Wondering who he meant. Then it clicked within her. "Oh! You mean Victoria! Of course she did. All of us did!"

"Ah, even the other girls. Then I guess all of them are up to date on what's going on then."

Yoshimiya nodded. "She gave us a task. She watched how Matsuri fought in the duel and is aware of Meiko's Maiden crest issue as well. And thus, she wishes for an audience with both of them."

Dorrik's eyes widened at that. "Is that so…a rare opportunity? No one ever gets an audience with Victoria."

"Guess Matsuri truly has shined through that match. However, before she even meets with them," She said as she set her cup down. "She wishes to test Matsuri herself. To see if he can truly use Chariot powers to good use and not only that…she wishes to see if Matsuri has any other intentions for Meiko."

Dorrik didn't say anything. He laid back against his chair as he looked up at the blue sky. "I don't blame her. It has been over years since there's been a Maiden Crest holder. And all people who are in possession of such…are part of the student council."

Yoshimiya didn't say anything as she sipped her tea. Not looking at anything in particular.

"Say now, what's your opinion?" Dorrik broke the silence. "Not just on Matsuri as a person, but do you believe he has ill intentions on Meiko."

Yoshimiya only looked at for a moment before her eyes shifted to her tea. A small smile graced her lips. "Like I said, Matsuri is a kind young man. With lots of admirations. Sure he is still a boy and possibly has some thoughts in his mind. But he's a kindred spirit through and through. If he sees someone in trouble, he will be there for them and aid them no matter what. And he feels like this towards Meiko as well."

Dorrik smiled at her statement. "I say that's a good answer. I thought you were going to be half ass and say something like 'he's nice' or 'because we were friends'. Something like those."

Yoshimiya puffed her cheeks. "Don't take me for someone who just gives the blessing of a goddess all willy nilly."

Dorrik gave a heartfelt laugh.

A bell ranged in the distance. Yoshimiya looked over at the distance. "Guess it's time."

"Ah, time does fly by. I suppose it's time for you to get to work."

"Well about that, I and the others should possibly see how she does her work."

Dorrik blinked before taking another sip. "Hm? You already have a volunteer?"

"Yeah and…" Yoshimiya had a worried look on her face. "I'm worried."

"What's there to be worried about?"

Yoshimiya only gave a gruntled groan. "Take a wild guess on who volunteered."

Dorrik just blinked. Unsure of what or who she meant. But from her expression, he could only take a few hints. And it's not like all of them were bad except…wait. She couldn't mean her, right?

Dorrik merely sat back with a nervous smile. "Well now…I say Matsuri and Meiko are in for a ride."


-Hachimitsu- [Matsuri/Meiko's Room]


Matsuri was sleeping soundly on the floor. Breathing in and out, with the blanket over his body. He turned on his back, his head facing the ceiling. The boy's nose got a whiff at something. Something fresh. A sweet fragrance smell illuminated the room.

A shadow loomed over the boy's body. "Matsuri…Matsuri…"

He hears a soft angelic like voice. His eyes and nose twitched as that sweet fragrance smell came closer towards him. He groggily opens his eyes, he sees a figure that looms over him. A familiar face coming into view.

The gray hair that is tied into a bun. Garnered in her red uniform with her shirt and jacket open, revealing her impressive massive cleavage. Wearing her red ribbon tied around her neck. Her red luscious red lips.

"Matsuri…Matsuri~."

Matsuri's eyes soon came clear. The one who was standing on top of him was Meiko! The young man jumped up on his hands and crawled backward a bit. He sees her face, pushed up against his.

"M-Meiko!? W-Why are you…"

Meiko merely chuckled a little as she crawled a bit closer to Matsuri while on top of the boy. Matsuri could feel her thigh rubbing against him with her massive breast squished against his clothed chest.

"I was thinking of that duel you had with Sousuke the other day."

"Y-You were…"

"Yes." She said with a breathless tone. Blowing air near the side of his cheeks. "You were truly a shining knight in my eyes~."

Matsuri didn't know what to say. His mind was going on all over the place. Especially this early in the morning. Why was Meiko on him? More importantly, why was she acting like this? He tries to think, but the feeling of Meiko's soft skin rubbing against him, made him think of other things.

Meiko licked his cheeks, earning a yelp from the boy. "What are you doing!?"

The gray haired retreated back, pushing her hair back. "You taste good~."

Matsuri's hair was flaring up, his face almost becoming red. "M-Meiko! Seriously! What got into her…no wait!"

Meiko's hands slid against his clothed chest, he felt her hand caressing up against him, until she got up to his neck. He could feel her warm hands against his. "You know Matsuri…I've been thinking for a while now…"

"W-What…"

"Ever since I became possessed by the maiden crest…I thought my life would be ruined. I saw no future with that Sousuke," She said her hand now moved to both sides. Her head leaned in closer to his face. Matsuri wanted to back up, but found himself unable to. He could smell the sweet fragrance from her once more. "But then you saved me…and I am forever grateful for you saving my life."

Matsuri tried to find the right word to say, but the smell that illuminated the area became stronger. His senses started to fade in and out. His eyes were on Meiko whose figure became more alluring.

"Meiko…why does she seem more alluring than before…" He thought to himself as his heart rate increased. He felt a strange sensation from his special area.

Meiko's lips curled in a grin. She then reached behind her hair and released the bun on her hair and unleashed her long hair. She then took his hand into hers and moved it to her massive breast. The boy flinched as he felt the softness of her breast. Her hand forced him to motion it around.

"Do you feel my heart…it can't calm down." Meiko said. Her cheeks match the same as his face.

Matsuri blood started to boil. His heart increased faster and faster. He could feel her plump breast as she motioned his hand. "M-Meiko…"

Meiko giggled as she leaned in closer to the boy. Her hair dropped over his face, surrounding his field of vision. "Come now Matsuri, why don't we just do it…here and now."

Matsuri tried to come to his senses but the sweet smell got to him more and more. He could see Meiko inching closer to his lips.

"I love you…Ma~tsu~ri~."


His eyes snapped open, he grabbed Meiko by the shoulders and pushed her back away from his face. Matsuri gave a ragged breath as he looked at the confused Meiko whose hair was still down. Blinking her eyes at the boy.

Matsuri took his time to slow his breathing down. Before his eyes looking right at Meiko. "Your…not Meiko."

"Huh? What do you mean? I'm your bride."

"No you're not…Meiko…she would never fall for me that easily. Plus, she doesn't like it if I just touch her unless she gives me permission to. And also…she has a crest mark on her breasts!" He said with his cheeks full red.

A small gasp escaped her lips as she looked at the boy. Matsuri continued to look at her with a firm stare. Complete silence between the two. It didn't take long before Meiko giggled once more.

"Hehehe~. And I almost had you there. But you're pretty sharp. As expected as the Maiden's groom."

"Huh?"

"Matsuri!"

He hears a voice coming from the door. Coming through the door, a female student burst through the door. She had the same gray hair and uniform as the Meiko on top of him.

"Matsuri are you al-" She stops when she spotted another version of herself right on top of Matsuri. Meiko blinked before she started to fume in anger. "THE HELL IS GOING ON IN HERE!"

She didn't waste time as she rushed in and swung her leg at the fake Meiko. Just as she was in close contact, the fake Meiko suddenly vanishes out of sight. But her feet went and struck the wall. Matsuri ducked underneath, dodging her kick.

Meiko cursed as she removed her leg, but kept her glare on Matsuri. "Seriously! How could I fall for a trick like that!"

"S-Sorry! I just woke up without a warning!" Matsuri said as he shot straight up, alarmed.

Meiko sighed to herself. "Honestly."

"Fufufu~! As expected of the maiden groom to not fall for my trap so easily," The group turned to the end of the room where the other Meiko was sitting on the dresser. Her legs crossed over the other, revealing her thong to the two. "But I guess I shouldn't expect it to be that easy to begin with."

Matsuri blushed as he looked the other way. Meiko groaned as she looked at the faker. "Just who the hell are you!? And why do you look like me!?"

The fake Meiko only laughed playfully. "I guess I could reveal my true self."

A sudden light illuminated from within her body. Soon a stream of water circled around her, small bubbles floated around the room. Soon the other Meiko figures started to take shape into someone different. Soon her figure came into view.

She appeared as a small average height girl. She had small black hair with red ribbons tied on each side. She was clothed in a pink and black dress with a big skirt that covered her legs. On her chest was a small pink brooch. Around her waist was a big white ribbon. Over her shoulders were a sash that floated above her. Her eyes look right at them.

The two blinked in confusion. Unsure of who this girl is.

The small girl smiled brightly at them. "This is my true form."

"Um…w-who are you?" Matsuri asked.

The girl giggled as she used her hands to push herself up and pulled her legs on top of the dresser. She stands up and looks right at them. "I guess it's fair to reveal myself…my name is Etsuko Kamishoya! I'm the wielder of Luna, the Maiden Warrior of Dreams and Illusion."

Matsuri and Meiko blinked as they glanced at each other before looking at the small girl.

"Your…the Maiden Warrior of Dreams and Illusion?"

Etsuko gave the two a bright smile with an added giggle. "I know my look doesn't exactly fit what you call a…warrior or some sort. But trust me, I'm plenty powerful and extra capable of a fighter."

Despite her saying that, Meiko still had her doubts. She crossed her arms under her bosom and looked at her with doubtful expression. "Hmph. You say that, but you look like a little girl who just likes to cosplay."

Etsuko just grinned at the gray-haired girl. She raised her finger above her head and snapped her finger.

Nothing had happened for a while…until Meiko felt something off about her chest. She looked down at herself, looking right at her chest. Her eyes widened in shock and utter confusion as she noticed her two massive spheres were retreating back to her body. Matsuri looked at what she was looking at and immediately had a faint blush on his cheeks as he noticed it.

Her massive breast started to shrink further and further into her chest. Until they shrunk so much they shrinked into her that she ended up being flat chested. A small gasp escaped her breath as she patted her chest, all she could feel was the bag of her uniform and her bare bone chest of where her breast was.

"W-W-WHAT THE HELL!?" Meiko exclaimed, breaking into small beads of sweat.

Matsuri had no words as he just looked at her chest with wide eyes. He did not believe what he just witnessed, it was just completely out of the blue and just hit him like that. He just witnessed Meiko's once massive breasts, transforming her into a flat chest.

Meiko noticed his stare and covered her chest and faced the other way with a heavy blush on her cheeks. "S-S-STOP LOOKING!"

"Gak! Sorry!" Matsuri said as he quickly looked the other way.

Etsuko giggled at her expense. "Now you believe me. I can also do this." She said as she once more snapped her finger.

Meiko dreaded what she meant as she still held her chest. Her worries only increased when she felt another surge of sensation from her chest. A small groan released from her lips. She felt a small bead of sweat dripping down against her skin. She looked down and noticed her chest started to surge outward. Her breast grew larger and larger. She felt her uniform stretching against her uniform, but it did not stop there.

Her breast surge further passed her original size, growing further and wider. She began to hyperventilate, starting to dread and become frightened as they went past her limit and grew even further, stretching against her uniform. To her relief, they stopped. Meiko is now sporting at least her original cup size and much larger than before.

Matsuri's face became completely flustered as he quickly looked the other way, feeling his heart and blood boiling faster.

Etsuko grinned at their reaction. "You guys should look at your faces! They're priceless!"

Matsuri only groaned as he looked at the small warrior. "Would you please stop teasing Meiko and return her back to normal!"

Etsuko snickered. "Okay, okay. I hear ya."

On that note, she returned Meiko back to original self. Meiko's breast shrunk back to her original state. Despite not seeing much of a difference, due to how big her bust is, she was grateful that they were not too big or ridiculous size.

Matsuri sighs in relief. "Anyways, why are you here?"

"Isn't it obvious? I'm here for you two of course." She pointed at them with a casual gesture. Her eyes look right at Meiko. "Meiko, you're the maiden crest holder, right?"

"Um…I mean…y-yes." Meiko said, not exactly very fond of the idea of her being the crest holder.

Etsuko then looks towards Matsuri. "And you're the groom?"

"Y-Yeah."

Etsuko smiles brightly and stands up on her dresser. She sets her hands on her hips as she looks at them with a confident smile. "Congratulations! Matsuri Hitoyoshi, with your rematch against Sousuke ending in such a spectacular show! Lady Victoria has requested an audience with you both!"

Matsuri and Meiko both carried a shocked expression. An audience with the goddess herself!? Lady Victoria!?

Meiko started to break into sweat, an audience with the goddess, she couldn't even fathom the idea of the goddess ever wanting to meet with them. "B-But why…"

"What does Lady Victoria want with us?"

"Who knows!" Etsuko said with such glee. With the others looking onward with confusion. Etsuko moved in a gesture as she crossed her arms across her chest and looked the other way with confusion. "Personally, she didn't specify. But I have a few feelings here and there on why she wants to meet with you two."

Matsuri pondered, he figured it would have to deal with the crest placed on Meiko. He looked at Meiko who was becoming nervous as she placed her hand on top of her breast. He looks back at Etsuko.

"So then…do we meet with her now?"

"Nope."

"Wha!?" They both gawked at the girl.

Etsuko swayed her hips to the side with her finger under her chin. "You two didn't think it was going to be THAT easy on getting an invite from Lady Victoria, right? First, before I even consider taking you guys to Lady Victoria, I must first test you two!"

"Test us?" Meiko asked. "Test us on what?"

Etsuko grinned once more as she began to sway her hips from side to side in a cute way. "I'm gonna test on the strong affinity between you two! And…"

She jumped off of the dresser and landed in front of Matsuri, her finger pointing right at him. Contacting his nose. "To test the holder of Chariot's power."

"Wha…"

Etsuko retreated back to her posture. Looking the other way with a smile. "So, before I do any of that, I must first test your affinity. You must realize, there's more to it about being cursed with the maiden crest. It's not just your mission, but a better understanding of your two relationships."

Meiko blinked. "I see…well, I should've expected much. But what does testing Matsuri powers have to do with this test?"

Etsuko crossed her arms across her chest as she looked the other way. "Instead of just sitting here explaining to you, how about I just test you instead."

Matsuri and Meiko glanced at each other. Meiko placed her hand on her chest where the crest was placed in the middle. She bit her lip as she looked right at Matsuri, giving him a nod. Matsuri nodded as well before looking at Etsuko.

"We'll do it."

The two didn't see it, but Etsuko had a hidden grin on her face before she extended. "Alright then! Without further ado! Let's start the show!"

With a snap of her finger, the room suddenly went dark.


-Unknown Location-


It all happened so fast, the next thing he knew he was in the room with Meiko and the maiden warrior, Etsuko. But now he was in a completely unknown location. Neighboring buildings stood on both sides, reaching past over his head in height wise. The structure looked like a mix of modern and old Japanese archetype. He looked up at the sky, the only distinguishing feature of the location was the huge red tower that stands in the middle.

"Where am I…" Matsuri asked.

"Welcome to my world."

He turns around to see Etsuko standing at a good distance between him and her. She stood there with a smile, while Matsuri stood with a concerned look. "Y-Your world?"

Etsuko nodded with a smile. "It's a world that I created with my own mind and imagination."

"You created all of this?" Matsuri said with awe as he looked at his surroundings once more. He took notice of small particles that float in the sky. Sparkling against the sunlight.

"I call it, Mirror City."

"Mirror City…so this is the doing of your powers…"

"Now you're getting it! My powers resolve around illusion and dreams, like I said before. All of this I constructed within my dream. So in a sense, you could say we're in my dream."

"Your dream…so in other words in your dream you can change anything you want."

"Hm-mm! Both of your guys' appearances also appear different as well!"

Matsuri wasn't sure what she was talking about as he tilted his head. Etsuko snaps her finger as a mirror appears in front of him, causing him to jump a little. Apparently another surprise was in it for him as well. He looks at himself in the mirror that floats in front of him and notices something off about his appearance.

His hair was much longer this time, in fact too long as the back of his hair was tied in a ponytail with a red ribbon tied. His features also altered as well. He noticed some small faint blush sticker on his soft cheeks. His clothing looked different as well, he was wearing a blue and red zipper jacket with some dark blue shorts and shoes. Not only that, his body was smaller as well.

"WHAT IN THE WORLD!? I'M A CHILD AGAIN!"

"DING! DING! YOU GOT IT!" Etsuko exclaimed with a proud smile before she pointed to the side of him! "That's not all, look at Meiko!"

"Meiko!?"

His question was answered when he heard a groan next to him. He looked on the ground and noticed an unfamiliar small figure. The small gray-haired girl struggled to get off the ground. Once she stood up, Matsuri got a good look at her, she was dressed in some sort of school uniform. A dark brown uniform that was closed up all the way. Her white collar and a red ribbon, Her long gray hair that reached towards her back and her bangs covering her forehead. And some familiar red glasses.

"Ugh…where…are…" She said as she looked up and spotted Matsuri looking at her with a confused expression. "Huh…are you…M-Matsuri…"

"U-Um…yeah but how do you…wait…Meiko is that you?"

Meiko shook her head as she stood up. "Of course it's me how can you…wait, when did you get taller. Actually no, how are we the same height? And what happened to your appearance?"

"Um…"

Etsuko giggled to herself. "You might want to look at your appearance too, Meiko-chan."

"Huh?" She was beyond confused on what she meant before she looked in the mirror and noticed what she was talking about. She rushed up towards the mirror, her hands grasping both edges of the mirror. A shaky breath escaped her lips as she shook. "W-What in the…what in the world…W-WHY AM I BACK AS A CHILD!?"

Meiko stood back as she looked down at herself, looking at herself once more. She was in some familiar looking uniform from back then.

She rushed over to Matsuri and shook him. "MATSURI! WHAT IS GOING ON!? WHY WE KIDS AGAIN! WHERE ARE WE!? IS THIS DREAM!? JUST WHAT IS HAPPENING!?"

"MEIKO I KNOW YOUR SCARED AND CONFUSED, BUT PLEASE CALM DOWN AND STOP SHAKING ME!" He said in between his shakes.

Meiko stopped for a moment, slowly releasing him from her grip. She begins to panic a little as she looks at her surroundings and begins to wonder what is going on. Slow heavy breathing escaped her lips, unsure what was going on. She only calmed down a bit when she felt Matsuri hand on her shoulders.

The boy was giving her a soft smile. "It's okay Meiko, everythings fine."

"H-How are you so sure?"

"To be honest, I'm really not."

"THAT DOESN'T HELP!"

"B-But I know that you're safe! That's all that matters."

Meiko breathed heavily before looking at the boy with a softer expression. She took a deep breath before looking back at the boy, her hand on her own rather marshmallow breast.

"Y-Your right…that what matters."

"Aww~! Young love!" Etsuko said with her hands clasped together, moved against her cheeks.

Meiko shot a glare at the girl! "OH SHUT UP! I KNOW YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THIS! WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON HERE!?"

Etsuko giggled once more before striking a pose. Her hips thrusting to the side and pointed at the two. "This dreamworld will be the perfect place for your test!"

The two blinked, their eyes on the small maiden warrior. "I mean…I get that, but why are we back in our…uh, child forms."

"It's all part of the test of course," She said as she began to gesture in body movement. "To test your true love for each other."

"Um…I'm not sure if that answers my questions…" Matsuri asked with a confused look.

"Just accept it to what it is alright. It's not everyday I get to test anyone with my powers."

"So is she usually on the sideline or something…" Matsuri thought to himself.

Meiko crossed her arms under her breast and looked at the girl with an annoyed look. "Well, j-just tell us what we need to do."

"Alright then! Listen up!" She said as she crouched down and did a flip in the air. Jumping high until she landed on thin air gracefully with just her toe tipping down. "There are a total of three tests. Each test you pass, you will be awarded a badge. If you pass two of my tests, for your third test…well, I'll let you guys see that for yourself."

Matsuri and Meiko glanced at each other and nodded.

"Alright, what do we have to do?"

Etsuko smiled to herself. "In Mirror City, there are three places that I placed the badge at. I like to call them the three places of wonder. Oh right, before I go, take this."

Etsuko took something out of her skirt pockets and tossed them towards them. Matsuri fumbled a little before he caught it in his hand. Both him and Meiko looked at the small compass.

"A compass?"

"Not just any ordinary compass, it's a device that will show you where each of the badges are at. However, only two are marked on your map."

Matsuri blinked as he touched a small button on the side of the compass. Immediately, a small holographic image of the city popped from the compass. Two blinking dots appeared on each end of the city. She was right on that, only two appeared on the map.

"Remember, your goal is to find each of these badges. Both of them have a test waiting for you, you pass and you two will earn the badges and will take on the third test! Simple and easy! So get out there and go, go, GO!" She parted with those last words before she left.

"H-Hey! Hold on! Hey!?" Meiko yelled but was too late as she left. What can only be heard was a giggle in the wind. "Ugh, she left already."

Meiko sighed to herself before looking at Matsuri, the boy was looking at her with a stare. The gray hair girl got a little self conscious as she turned her body around with her hands covering her breast. Her cheeks flaring up.

"W-What are you looking at?"

"Huh? O-Oh! Nothing! I was just…a little surprised." He said with a nervous glance.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean…compared to how you were in your older self…but your younger self looks so different."

Meiko puffed her cheeks, which made Matsuri blushed a little. "So I look different, so what? A-Anyways, let us get on with this so we can go back to our old world. Where shall we aim first?"

Matsuri looks back at the holographic map. "How about this one…it's closer to us anyways."

"Right then…" She said as she walked ahead with Matsuri following behind.

Matsuri couldn't help but to look at the back of the gray-haired girl. While her older figure was like an amazon beauty, Meiko in her younger years, looked very cute, to him at least. She seemed so different back then.

He only stopped when he spotted Meiko looking back at him with a glare. His face flared red as he turned his head around, avoiding her gaze and herself. Meiko only looked ahead, her lips biting down on her lips with her cheeks flaring red.


The two begin walking through the town that had many people walking amongst the street. They spotted many buildings, stores and plenty of more that were open and running their own businesses. Many people talked amongst each other, exchanging conversations here and there.

"I have to admit, Etsuko really did make an impressive city here. It almost feels real." Matsuri said as he was looking around with a curious but intrigued expression.

Meiko looked up at the crowd that were walking past them. Some of them were exchanging glances at the two. Causing Meiko to wrap her arms around her chest. "I-I guess so…."

Matsuri's eyes then look back at Meiko. He noticed how she was protecting herself, almost as if she was feeling self conscious about herself. He walked up towards the girl with a concerned look. "Meiko?"

Meiko twitched as she glanced at Matsuri.

"Y-You okay?"

"I-I'm fine….I'm just…." Meiko said as she looked back up at the crowd who were exchanging glances at her. "Let's just get this over with so we can hurry and get out of here."

Matsuri looked at the back of her and couldn't help but to gaze at her. "Even back then she was rather…something else. I guess she kept getting gazes from the boys."

Matsuri blinked as he looked at her, Meiko was trembling a little, trying her best to hide her breast or not be seen at the very least. The boy removed his jacket from himself and threw it on Meiko's back. A small gasp escapes the gray-haired girl as she turns to look at the boy.

"I…I don't know if it's much but…it should help you if you want…" Matsuri said as he glanced the other way with a faint blush on his cheeks.

Meiko blinked as she looked at the boy with an awe expression. She gripped the rim of his jacket and attempted to zip it up. She worried that the jacket was big enough to hide her breast, but thankfully it didn't stop as she fully zipped all the way up. She glances the other way with a faint blush.

"T-Thank you…."

Matsuri nodded in return as he brought out the compass, releasing the holographic map into view. He sees that they were at least getting closer to their destination. "We're almost there."

"G-Good," She said with a sigh. "Honestly, I wasn't expecting my day to turn out like this."

"M-Me neither. But I have to say it is a…rather interesting turn of event."

Meiko looks back at the boy. "What do you mean?"

"I mean well….so many things have happened today. I mean, at least we get to meet the Goddess Victoria in person. If we pass the test, then perhaps we can find another way to remove the crest from you so we don't have to worry about…you know…having…"

Meiko's face turned red, her eyes bulging out of her socket as she snapped her head the other way. "I-I know what you mean! No need to finish that sentence."

"S-Sorry!"

"And not so loud either!" Meiko hissed at him.

"S-Sorry!"

…..

Just complete silence between the two. Both of their hearts pound against their chest. Meiko felt beads of sweat dripping against her bare skin, she tried her best to calm down. But the silence between them wasn't doing much and then there's the whispers amongst them.

"Hey, don't those two look like a couple."

"I know right. They look so adorable. It must be nice seeing two youngsters at such a young age falling in love."

"Yoohoo~! You two, would you like to buy some things for your little play date!"

Both Matsuri and Meiko's faces turn bright red, their hearts pounding against their chest faster. Meiko could feel the crest mark on her chest start to grow hotter and glow a little from her jacket. Meiko looks down with an alarmed expression and finds herself hiding behind Matsuri with her face growing shade of red.

"M-Meiko…."

"P-Please…can we hurry."

Matsuri blinked, but it didn't take long for him to get the message. His hand moved to grasp her. The two begin walking at a fast pace, the boy trying his best to ignore the people gushing at them.

"I'm not sure…but I feel like Etsuko is just somewhere in the shadow laughing her ass off at us!"

Matsuri looks ahead as they proceed to go further away from the crowd. He could feel Meiko grasping against him.

"Meiko's hand…she's really warm."


Matsuri and Meiko found themselves at a much less crowded spot. It was less bustling than the street they were on.

"Okay…we manage to get some good distance from them…and another good news that we're closer to our objective," He said as he looked upward at the hill. "It's just over that hill."

"That's good and all but…."

Matsuri blinked as he turned back towards her and noticed how her face was still red in embarrassment. He then looked down and noticed that his hand was still holding hers.

"O-Oh! Sorry!"

"I-It's okay…." Meiko said as she retreated her hand back, hiding her hands back around her back.

"What's going on with me, why is my heart reacting like this…is Etsuko doing something with this?"

"A-Anyways, we should-"

Before he could finish that sentence, he hears a couple of voices talking not too far from them. He looks around until he spots a group of kids that look about their age. The group looked rather…familiar to him. He looked closely at the group of kids, five of them were boys and two of them were girls.

One boy had short dark navy blue hair, wearing a yellow jacket zipper vest over his blue and white shirt. He wore some shorts that stopped at his knees and red shoes. The next boy had long black hair and glasses. He wore a black collar button shirt with white shorts. The other boy wore a hoodie over his head so it makes it pretty difficult to find out what his face looks like. But looking at his hand one could tell he was pale looking, almost as if he was sick. The other boy had short combed blonde hair, wearing a white shirt over another shirt underneath. The last boy looked the most odd one out of the group. He was at least a head taller than the other boys, his ears were long and had short black hair.

The two girls looked somewhat familiar as well, the girl who was crying had long brown hair. She wore a white button shirt with suspenders attached to her brown skirt. She wore some black dressing shoes. The girl comforting her had short short blonde hair that was cut in a bob hair style with two ponytails on the side. She wore a light blue dress with frills on both her shoulders and skirt.

Meiko walked up to the boy. "Hey, you okay…"

"Those guys…don't they look familiar to you…" Matsuri asked as he looked at the group.

Meiko stared back at the group he was looking at. From a glance, the kids looked familiar, especially from the hoodie wearing boy and the large boy. But her focus was more on the two girls. The blonde hair girl looks almost too familiar….

"She almost looks like…Hana…and the other girl…Chiyo-san!?" Meiko gasped.

"Huh?"

Meiko didn't waste time as she ran towards the group with Matsuri following behind.


"Okay! One more time!" The navy blue hair boy said as he raised his hand balled in a fist as the others did. "Ready!"

"Rock! Paper! SCISSORS!"

They threw their hands down, only to find that they all threw scissors.

"All scissors again!?" The glasses wearing boy said.

"Oh come on! Again! We're not gonna get anywhere if we just keep on picking scissors!" The blonde hair boy said with annoyance in his tone.

"Yeah man. *Cough* How are we gonna decide who's gonna go inside the manor?" The hoodie wearing boy said with a cough.

"Hey wait a minute, wasn't Kiyoshi going in there?" The large boy said.

"I-I did! B-But I need someone to come with me! You know how dangerous that witch is!"

"Duh! We know that, but-"

They were interrupted when the blonde-haired girl stomps her foot on the ground and stares at them with an enraged face.

"Oh for god sakes! Would you guys decide already! Can't you see Chiyo-chan is worried!" The girl pointed to the young crying Chiyo.

The small Chiyo was wiping the tears from her eyes. Unable to calm down or even stop.

"Now would you guys decide already! Or are you gonna go in there alone!" She pointed at Kiyoshi with a narrowed glare.

The young Kiyoshi flinched, his eyes looking between Hana and the boys. His eyes then fall on the crying Chiyo.

"S-She's right! I have to do this! But…MAN I REALLY DON'T WANT TO GO IN THERE ALONE!"

"She's right, Kiyoshi-dono." The young glasses wearing boy said. "You were the one who victoriously proclaimed that you would go in there and save her."

"Yeah, that's right." The blonde boy said as he pointed his finger at Kiyoshi.

"Y-Your right…okay…." He said as he was about to go towards the gate. But stopped mid in his tracks. His feet trembling in fear, beads of sweat dripping against his skin.

"Hello? Aren't you going or not-"

"CHIYO!"

The group flinched at the sound of Meiko's voice. Chiyo stopped crying for a moment as she looked to her right, only for her to be glomped on by Meiko as she embraced her with a hug.

"I KNEW IT! IT IS YOU!" Meiko said with a smile.

The boys and Hana looked at Meiko with curious looks, as well as Chiyo who held a small faint blush on her cheeks.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! YOUR HERE! I RECOGNIZE THAT INNOCENT LOOKS FROM ANYWHERE!"

"H-Huh?" The small Chiyo asked.

"H-Hey, who-" Before Hana could finish her sentence, she was glomped on by Meiko.

"And Hana! I'm glad I ran into you as well!" She said with a pure bliss smile on her face.

"H-Hey! Hold on! I don't know who you even are!?"

Meiko stopped herself, she blinked as she parted away from the girl, her hand still on her shoulders. "W-What do you mean? It's me, Meiko."

"M-Meiko? I don't know any Meiko's!" Hana said with a faint blush.

"Huh?"

Matsuri caught up to the girl, hearing their confusion as they were hugged by the gray-haired child. They don't recognize her at all?

"Remember. It's me, Meiko. I know I look a little…different. But it's me. Remember we were part of the Underground Student Council."

"...Underground Student…what?" Hana said with a head tilt.

"Hana-dono, you know who this young beauty is?" The glasses wearing boy said.

"No I don't! I never met this girl! I never met you and I don't know anything about this Underground whats-you-ma-call-it."

The young Meiko gave out a startled breath, she started to sweat a little. "B-But how could you not remember me…then don't you remember him! Matsuri!?" She pointed to the timid boy.

Matsuri looks at the group of the two girls and the five boys. "It's really them, but just them in their kid years. But how come they don't…"

Hana and the others look at him with almost the same reaction.

"We don't know this wimpy ass boy." The blonde hair boy said.

Matsuri felt a little hurt when he said that rather bluntly, but the more he was looking at this scenario, the more he figured what was going on.

Before Meiko could try to reason with them, Matsuri tapped on her shoulders, stopping the girl from making the scenario any more awkward.

"Meiko, I don't know if they know us."

"Huh? But how…wait." Meiko grabbed Matsuri and huddled close to him. Causing him to blush from the skin contact. "You don't think that this has something to do with Etsuko's powers, right?"

"That's what it seems like, I'm taking a wild guess, but I'm feeling like these aren't the same ones we know." Meiko held a curious expression. "Think about it, we're in a dream world. We may remember each other, but they might be the dream version that Etsuko created."

"You think so?"

"Well…she did create this world, so it's a possibility."

"Well…I guess that explains why they're in their child form like us."

"A-Again, this is just a hunch I'm going with."

"Well…it does put my mind at ease…" She said as she took a deep breath before looking back at the group. "I'm sorry, I mistook you for another group. M-My apologies."

The group were a little taken back from the two. Hana and the boys were still a little unsure of the two, aside from Chiyo who walked up front and bowed her head.

"It's okay. We just looked like some of your friends, you know, right?"

"R-Right." Meiko said with a bit of a stutter. "A-Anyways, let us start over. My name is Meiko Shiraki. This is my friend, Matsuri Hitoyoshi."

Matsuri flinched as he quickly bowed. Chiyo giggled as she bowed. "Nice to meet you two. This is Hana-chan. The blue-haired boy is Kiyoshi-kun, the one wearing the glasses is Gakuto-kun, the hoodie-wearing boy is Joe-kun, there is Shingo-kun and that's Andre-kun."

The others made some friendly gestures. Hana still had her doubts about the two, keeping an eye on them.

Matsuri noticed her stare and tried not to let it get to him. "S-So…what were you guys going on about?"

"That's correct, you were crying." Meiko said.

Then it dawned on the group. All of them looked the other way with saddened expressions. The young Chiyo bit her lips, almost about to cry again.

Hana spoke up. "It's a long story, so I'll try to be brief with this. These five numb nuts thought it would be a good idea to go on an expedition at Morgana's Manors."

"Morgana Manors…" Matsuri tilted his head with a curious expression.

The young Kiyoshi and the other boys twitched, their mouths gaped wide open. "YOU NEVER HEARD OF THE WITCH MORGANA!?"

Matsuri yelped a little. "N-No. Is it someone we should be afraid of?"

"What the hell!? Seriously, you slept under a rock or something!" Shingo said.

Matsuri groaned at the boy. "No need for you to be rude."

"Ahem!" Hana interrupted the boys with a glare. "I said I would be the one who would explain what's going on and I would like to get this over with."

Shingo and the other boys flinched under her glare as they shifted the other way.

"As I was saying, Morgana is a witch who lives past that gate. She is known as a witch who lives alone inside this creepy manor and would pray on anyone who comes to her manor uninvited. If you're caught by her, it's gameover for you."

Chiyo sniffled a little, almost about to cry again. Kiyoshi came up to her, trying to comfort her.

Matsuri and Meiko glanced at each other before looking back at the group. "What happened?"

Hana bit her lip as she gripped her sleeves. "Chiyo-chan's sister…has been captured."

Both Matsuri and Meiko held surprised expressions. More so with Meiko as she started to sweat small beads of sweat against her bare skin.

"M-Madam President…"

Chiyo started crying once more. Covering her face with her hands.

"And this jerk isn't moving a single inch!" Hana said with an annoyed expression.

Kiyoshi flinched once more. "I-I mean! I was thinking of having someone come with me! You know, it would be better if I had more than one or two people with me. So um…who's coming?"

He directed his look at the boys. But none of them dare move an inch. Not even raising their hands.

"OH COME ON! REALLY!?" Kiyoshi said.

"Indeed! I have loving and doting parents!" the young Gakuto said.

"Hey! Yeah! And I have loving parents as well who love me with all their hearts!" Shingo said.

"My parents love me more than Mirror City!" Joe said.

"My parents love me more than the universe!" Andre said.

"ALL OF YOU COWARDS ARE UNBELIEVABLE!" Hana said growing more annoyed. "Ugh! Fine! I'll join Kiyoshi on his mission!"

"Huh!?" Kiyoshi said with a surprised gasp. "A-Are you sure!?"

"Yeah! I'll be more helpful than these cowards anyways! You four, at least make yourself useful and protect Chiyo-chan!"

"Y-YES MA'AM!"

"Kiyoshi! You and I will be going inside the manor to save Mari-chan!"

"Y-Yes ma'am!"

Matsuri blinked at the group, he felt a tug on his sleeves and noticed Meiko was giving him a side glance with a mix of a worried expression. He felt her hand trembling. Matsuri knew what she wanted and she looked at the two.

"U-Um! Excuse me!" Hana and Kiyoshi looked at the two. "Can we join you guys?"

Hana and the others carried surprised expressions. "Eh? Really? But we barely know each other! Plus, you don't know who Morgana even is! She's a real bitch!"

"I-I know…but we can't just leave everything like it is. And besides…I just feel like we should help her." Matsuri said, trying to sound convincing.

Meiko gave the boy a soft smile, her free hand holding against her chest.

Hana gave the boy a narrowed look. "You're really weird."

Matsuri just flinched.

"H-Hey, Hana. Let them help. Think about it, with four of us it would be easier." Young Kiyoshi said with a whisper.

Hana just gave him a narrowed expression before sighing. "Fine. But I got my eyes on you two!"

"Y-Yes!" Matsuri said.

"Come on! Let's move!" Hana said as she led the way.

Matsuri turned towards a hopeful looking Chiyo. "We'll be back, don't worry."

"T-Thank you, Matsuri-kun."

Matsuri and Meiko followed the two fellow comrades towards the gate and into the woods. As Matsuri kept his eyes forward, he felt the crest on his hand glowing. He hears a familiar soft voice.

"Thank you, Matsuri…" He hears the voice of Meiko in his thoughts.

He looked to his right as Meiko was giving him a smile. Matsuri returned the smile.


-Morgana's Manor-


The four ran as fast as they could, going deeper into the woods, further away from the town and into an isolated area. The deeper they went into the woods, the darker and gloomier the area became. The trees became more crooked and dead, the air grew more cold, the wind picked up.

Matsuri shivered against the wind, but mustered it through as they both ran. The group slowed down as they began walking. They came walking up to a wide open space. Occupying that space was a large mansion, right there in the middle.

The huge mansion was twice as size in comparison to the four young kids. The mansion stood at least 3 stories. Windows placed across the mansion, the front door had pillars structured at the porch. A hedge circles around the building with flowers sprouting within it.

Matsuri and Meiko gawk at the sight of the mansion.

"It's huge." Matsuri and Meiko thought at the same time.

"Hey! Hey!" The young Hana grabbed their attention. Her hand on her hips. "Come on, enough gawking, we have to hurry and save Mari!"

"R-Right!" Both Matsuri and Meiko said as they both followed Hana.

The kids circled around the mansion, Matsuri couldn't help but to ogle at the mansion. It was much bigger the closer he got to it. Just from his position, he felt an ominous chill coming from the mansion. The added dark and purple cloud that rolled overhead and the wind that looked like it was attempting to pull them towards the mansion.

"Matsuri?" He looked at Meiko who looked at the boy with a worried expression. "You okay?"

"I-I'm fine. Just a little overwhelmed by how massive this mansion is."

"I know what you mean…" She said as she looked at the mansion. "It's nothing I've seen before."

The two walked up towards where the young Hana and Kiyoshi were at. Matsuri and Meiko took notice of the thorn bushes that covered the door to the cellar.

"Ugh! That damn witch! She blocked off the entrance!" Hana said with annoyance in her tone.

"Let me give it a try." Kiyoshi said as he attempted to go up to the thorn, but as soon as he touched it, it reacted rather violently towards him. He flinched away. "Damn it, looks like we're not getting in."

"Ugh! We got in the first time, but since she knows about us, how else are we getting in?"

Matsuri looks at the thorn bush that was completely covered the entrance way towards the cellar. He noticed some dark muck emitting from the thorns. His eyes twitched when a strange light was glowing. He looked at the glowing emblem wrapped around his pants.

Meiko noticed this as well. "Matsuri, the emblem…"

"It's reacting to the thorn bush."

Hana and Kiyoshi took notice of the emblem as well, unsure of what was going on.

"The hell…what's that?" Hana asks as she bends over and looks closely at the emblem.

"It's just something I got from a friend of mine…but I think I know what to do with that bush."

Kiyoshi blinked. "Y-You do?"

"I-I think. Don't quote me on it, but I should be able to handle it."

Matsuri walked up to the thorn bush, not entirely sure of what he planned on doing but he had an idea of what he needed to do. He raises his hand in front of the bushes. He closes his eyes and focuses his energy.

An illuminated light bathed his hand in a light blue energy glow. Dust particle energy floated around him. A wind circled around him, his eyes snapped open, a burst of energy shot from his hand and onto the bush. The thorn bush then slowly dissolved into thin air.

The group around them looked at the scene, did he really just destroy the thorn bush with just a single burst of…whatever that was. Meiko's eyes sparkled at how the boy, even when he's in child form, still looked like a knight. A celestial knight of the sort.

Matsuri opened his eyes and looked at the group. "Okay, looks like that worked."

"HOW YOU DID THAT!?" Hana said as she practically pushed herself against the boy. "JUST WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!?"

"SHH! HANA!" Kiyoshi hissed at the girl. "We need to be quiet! We can't let Morgana know that we're here!"

"R-Right, sorry about that." Young Hana turned around with her hand on her hip. Looking at the now open cellar door. "Alright, let's get moving."

"W-Wait a minute!" Kiyoshi said, grabbing their attention. "Um…w-would be much better if I can just stay out here and watch to see if anyone comes by."

The three just gave the small Kiyoshi a blank expression. It was clear what this boy was trying to do. He was trying to not get involved in this rescue mission and not be caught by Morgana.

"Oh come on, don't tell me you're gonna go back on Chiyo-chan words." Young Hana said with an accusing finger.

"N-No! Of course not!"

"Then why don't you go first." Hana said as she pointed at the entrance towards the cellar.

Kiyoshi looks down at the cellar, his heart pounding against his chest. He swore he heard a moaning coming from the cellar, but was from the wind.

"Well…go on." Young Hana said with her hand on her hips.

"O-Of course. I-I'm not scared at all." The poor boy was trembling all over with his body.

Matsuri and Meiko looked at the boy with blank expressions. "He's definitely scared."

"U-Um…okay. H-Here I go…one…t-two…t-three…um…h-hey how about some encouragement over here."

"Kiyoshi, do you have any health issues?" Hana asked.

"No. Why?"

Without another word, Hana kicked Kiyoshi down the cellar. The three hear him fumbling down the stairs and finally hitting the ground. Hana, Matsuri and Meiko peered down at the cellar basement, hoping to hear something or even a peep from the boy.

"Ow…" Is all they heard.

"He's fine. Come on, let's get moving." Hana said as she rushed down the cellar.

Matsuri and Meiko followed after her.


-Morgana's Manor- [Interior]


The three walked down the steps and into the dark cellar. Hana peered her head from left and right, before seeing Kiyoshi on the floor with his cheeks rubbed against the ground.

"Get up will ya." Hana said.

"Cooommming…" He said with a groan rubbing his face.

Matsuri and Meiko came down afterward. The small boy looks at their surroundings, getting a good look at his surroundings. The cellar looked like any other cellar. Barrels that laid in stack in a row, making some narrow hallways. Plank of wood stood up and supported the house from the basement.

"This is kind of my first time being in a cellar…" Matsuri said with wonder.

"Same here, by the way, Hana. I've been meaning to ask, do you know where's Madam-uh! I mean, do you know where Mari is?" Meiko asked, trying to lose her habit of calling her madam president.

"Hmm…not too sure. But she has to be around here somewhere." Hana said with a bit of a hopeful tone.

"So none of you guys knows where he is?" Matsuri asked.

Kiyoshi managed to get up from the ground. "N-No. But she has to be alive. We gotta try."

Matsuri and Meiko looked at each other before looking at the two fellow young children.

"I-I say give it a try. Because we always have to remain hopeful, right?" Matsuri looks at Meiko.

The young Meiko gave him a soft smile, a faint blush on her cheeks before looking at the two. "Yes, it's always best to remain hopeful."

Hana and Kiyoshi look between the two with a curious tone.

"Hey, do you guys like a couple or something?" Hana asked, causing both Matsuri, Meiko and even Kiyoshi to fluster at the question.

Meiko's face turned deep red. "N-No! We're just friends that's all!"

"Really? Because you guys seem rather close." Young Hana said.

"W-Well, we just happen to be close friends, that's all." Meiko said her face was almost a shade of red.

Hana looked between Meiko and Matsuri, both of their faces a shade of red, not exactly looking into each other's directions. As much as she would love to ponder on it a bit more, she knew that they were here on a more important mission. She turns the other way attempting to find a way to get out of the cellar.


Hana quietly opens the door, she peers her head out of the doorway, looking in both directions of the hallway. As if the outside of the manor was not scary enough, just being inside of it gave it a more spooky and eerie feel as well.

The hall was decorated as if something that would be suited for halloween. Wall paper was decorated in dark purple with stripes and different shades of color of purple from light to dark. The bottom rim of the walls had brown tiles that stretched across the hall. On the wall were candle lights being held by their holders.

Hana carefully opened the door more, allowing the others to come in. Kiyoshi was trembling like a leaf while being drenched in a small bead of sweat. Matsuri and Meiko came out, their eyes wandering about the interior of the mansion.

"This is possibly because we're kids, but from a child perspective, everything looks rather big…and a bit scary."

Hana turns towards the group. "Morgana's possibly sleeping. Let's hurry and find Mari and get out of here. But please be quiet while doing it. That goes for you too, Kiyoshi!"

Kiyoshi couldn't stop trembling like a leaf as he continued to just stare dead straight ahead. Not at anything in particular, but just getting the thousand yard stare.

"I-I'm not scared!" He said with a stutter, chattering between his teeth.

"If you're so scared about doing this, then why did you agree to do this?" Matsuri asked.

"B-Because, Chiyo-chan would be so sad if her sister ended up…uh…right. But anyways, that's why I decided t-that I should…um…well…"

Hana rolled her eyes at the boys. "Oh brother, cry me a river. Let's just get this over with, I don't want to stick around before that witch wakes up."

The group slowly walks down the hallway. Making as much less sound as they could. But it was pretty difficult given that the floor is very squeaky and loose. Each step they took, they couldn't help but wince with every sound they made. Kiyoshi whimpered in a very low voice.

Hana walks towards a door, slowly opening it. Leading them into another room. She peered her head and noticed they found themselves in what looks like the central lobby of the room. The room was bigger than the hall, with two stairs leading upward to what looks like the second floor.

Hana gestures to them to follow her, silently making their way up the stairs. Kiyoshi hurried as he stuck close behind Matsuri. Much to his chagrin.

They stopped as they reached another door, unlike the other few doors, this door was much bigger and it was a double door as well. Hana reached for the knob and opened it.


It led them inside another room, she peered her head inside, the room was different this time around, sporting a more homey and welcoming atmosphere. Candles lit on the table, exquisite looking couches around the room, one by the table, one in the middle of the room and a few around another table.

Hana eyes look around, expecting it to be just another ordinary room. Until her eyes look ahead, a big picture hangs on the wall. A small gasp escaped her lips as she rushed forward towards the fireplace.

"M-Mari!"

Meiko, Matsuri and Kiyoshi followed after her, wondering what got her to act like that. Only to find what was getting act up.

Matsuri and Meiko's eyes look up at the picture. The picture frame was designed like any ordinary picture frame, aside from the fact that it looked to be designed with a gold border and badge symbolized at the bottom. But it's not the border or the design of the frame they were looking at, it was the picture itself.

Inside the painting was a small girl with long black hair with her bangs swept to the side. She wore a brown jacket, right above a white shirt she wore underneath. A red tie under her collar. She wore a brown skirt that covered her knee.

Both Matsuri and Meiko thought about the same thing. The girl in the painting was Mari. But her in her child version.

"T-There's no mistaking…" Meiko whispered. "T-That's the Madam President…"

Matsuri blinked rapidly as he stared at the painting. She was literally inside the painting. The pose she was in seemed to be in such a frightened state. Her eyes screamed as if she was pleading someone to stop with small tear drops forming at the corner of her eyes. Her hands are holding up in front of her. Defending herself against something…or someone.

Kiyoshi's knee started to tremble, almost giving away. "N-No way…"

Hana rushes towards one of the chairs and moves it next to the fireplace. She climbed on it and carefully removed her from the wall. She set her down in front of the chair. Hana held a worried look on her face.

"Mari…just what did she do to you…" Hana asked herself as if she was about to cry.

"M-Morgana gonna do the same thing to us! We'regonnadie!We'regonnadie!We'regonnadie!"

"Would you shut your mouth already! She's not gonna do anything if we're quiet! Now…how are we gonna get her out of this…wait! You! Matsuri!"

Matsuri flinched. "Y-Yes!?"

"Same thing you did to those thorn bushes, can you do something about this!" Hana said as she pushed her face up towards Matsuri.

The small boy blinks rapidly before he looks in the other direction, unsure of how to respond. "I mean…I'm not sure if it can do something about this type of magic."

"Well, can you try at least!"

"Please Matsuri! If this works then we can get out of here as fast as we can!" Kiyoshi pleaded.

Matsuri wanted to respond back, but he couldn't. He looks back at the painting that had a horrified young Mari.

"I-I want to help…but I'm not sure…" He stops himself when he feels a soft hand caressing him. He looks towards Meiko with a frown, but her eyes behind her glasses tells that he wants him to do it. Matsuri felt his heart tugged at. They were really hoping he could do something about this. He sighed to himself. "Alright…I'll see what I can do…"

"Please do." Meiko whispered.

Matsuri walks up to the painting. His eyes look into the picture. He pushed his hand against the frame, he focused his energy on the frame. Like last time, his hand was coated with a bright light illuminated glow. Small bubble rises in the air.

Matsuri tried to focus hard. "Please…make this work…please…save Mari."

As if reacting to him, an after image emitted from his body. Giving almost everyone the spook. The image almost represents a knight of some sort. Wore a complete armor set, on top of his head was a flowing feather. Dust particles sprouting from its armor.

The children looked in awe. Looking at the image that helped the boy reaching inside the painting. As if he was reaching inside a portal. He reached inside and pulled out. Coming from the other side was another pair of hands. Once he was able to pull all the way out, the other pair revealed to be Mari. The child version at least.

Mari was fully out of the painting. She slowly floats to the floor, her body face first to the floor. The knight figure dropped his hand to the side and vanished into the particle dust. Matsuri wobbled a little before almost falling to the floor, only for the gray haired girl to hold him.

"Matsuri…" Meiko asked out of curiosity.

The boy gave a big sigh before looking at the girl. "I-I'm fine…"

"Matsuri…just what was that…was that the power…"

"I guess…but I have never seen anything like that before…" Matsuri said as he looked at his emblem. "Was it a new power that I unlocked…"

"Mari!" Hana said as she went up to the fallen girl. She drops to her knee and rubs her back. "Mari…Mari, wake up."

The young girl woke up with a groan as she slowly got up. Her eyes slowly opened up, she only saw a blur. She rubbed her eyes with her fists to get a better sense of where she is or who is with her at the moment. Her vision became clear. She saw the familiar blonde and the boy in front of her.

"H-Hana…Kiyoshi…" Mari said.

Hana had a bright smile on her face as she gave the girl a big hug. Rubbing her cheeks against the face of the young Mari. "I'm so glad that you're safe!"

"Um…y-yeah…but what happened?"

"Don't you remember? We went on the property of Morgana's and you were captured!"

"Morgana…t-that's right. Chiyo got caught on something and I rushed back to save her…then I…" A small gasp escaped her lips. "Wait! What are you guys doing here! And…"

Her eyes looked forward at Matsuri and Meiko. The young boy was shaking his head, trying to stand back up with Meiko help. Looking between the two.

"Who…who are they?" The young Mari asked.

"Ah! These two are Matsuri and Meiko. They helped us trying to find you."

"Really…"

"Yeah! And that boy Matsuri! He got some crazy power that got you out of that painting." Kiyoshi said his eyes sparkled.

"Painting…" She turned around and noticed the painting. Her eyes scanned the painting, as if she was remembering something. Something important, then she remembered. She remembered what exactly happened.

"Now I remember…I remember clearly now. Guys…we have to leave now…Morgana! She's-"

She stopped. A chilly air grew around them. Thunder struck outside, causing a tremor! The candles suddenly blew out. Causing the kids to yelp in fear. They all huddled in a group. Sticking close to each other. Hana latching onto Mari, Kiyoshi tries to huddle himself in the middle of the group. Matsuri and Meiko were shoulder to shoulders.

The candles turn a dark purple. The thunder gave a last tremoring strike. A cackling laugh filled the air.

"KEHEHEHE~! YOU FOOLISH BRATS! I JUST KNEW YOU'D COME BACK FOR YOUR LITTLE FRIEND~! NOW, YOU SHALL ALL BECOME MY FRAMED PICTURES…FOREVER~!"

Kiyoshi gave a trembling squeak. "Let's run and burn the house down…"


..


And that's a wrap! When Matsuri and Meiko initiate the test, the two find themselves trapped within Morgana's Manors with the dream version of their friends. They make their daring escape away from Morgana's Manor's, but will they succeed or forever be trapped in this dream world forever….

Sorry for the very long wait. Managing both this story and the main story proved to be quite the task. Though it's my fault for creating this story in the first place. This story is really meant to be something fun and silly, but then later turned into a passionate project that would soon spark another spin-off after the end of the main story. Just bare with me. XD

This particular chapter did go through some revision here and there during the outline phase. I had an idea where Matsuri enters the dream world and his task was to climb a giant Meiko. But then I had another idea where Matsuri and Meiko were in their kids' year and their relationship was tested. I feel this was more acceptable and fun because having them as kids just sounded more fun. Plus, it leads to more interesting ideas. As you can see with me introducing the other characters into this chapter. XD

Thinking back on this chapter, it seems that this series will have more chapters. Maybe a 6 or 7 chapters series. We'll see, but it may take a little longer, I'm still aiming for a short story so don't worry.

Anyways, thank you for your patience. You have no idea how I appreciate you guys for that. For both this story and the main story.

As always, thank you for reading. Leave review for feedback, stay safe and I will see you guys in the next chapter!

Update: I have made a few changes to the chapter. Instead of Yoshimiya and the others being said goddesses, they are instead, wielders of each of the goddesses who houses the emblem they carry. It does make for more potential storytelling and introduces more new characters to the story.

Time Stamp Edit: 12/15/2023