Hello again everyone! Last time, Touya revealed his side of the Emrbyo Incident as well as his origins to Wendy. With encouragement from a thankful Wendy, Touya and Es plan to speak with Mei about revealing their status as a couple and put their uneasy doubts to rest.
Meanwhile, Mei is thinking about Nu's new power source, Kiri's living situation and a name for their new organization.
Lastly, while Unomaru is collecting pieces for his plans, Haruki begins to have doubts while Kōji is plotting something more sinister in regards to doing more than to humilate Mei.
As a new day approaches, what will happen? Let's find out now!
Shin Yokosaki Downtown [Toy Store]
In a little toy shop downtown at 10:00 PM, there was a special line of newly hand-made Brain Cat plushies, similar to the one Kiri owns. While Kiri and his friends don't know much about the plushie itself, they are based off the character of the same name from a world famous cartoon, which did raise the question as why Freaks had it back when he was Ripper. A mysterious blue light, similar to that of a light star, descended in front of the shop and entered it like a ghost. No one was inside right now as it had been locked up for the night. The light searched around until it floated in front of one of the Brain Cat plushies as the light entered it as a flash of blue light enveloped it.
When the light faded, the plushie had grown in size! With that, the plushie stood up, being around 3'5" in height. Lifting it's head up, it lept down from the display shelf and looked around the shop. Taking a few uneasy steps, it looked at it's paws in amazement.
"I'm here..." A young boyish voice came from the plushie, it's eyes glowing red slightly as it projected it's will through the toy it brought to life as it's own body. Looking around, it spotted a window. Climbing up, it opened the window and left the shop, lamding on the streets outside.
Wandering the streets, it knew it had to fulfill it's purpose. After all, it didn't need food or sleep to do what it was sent to do. All it did know was that it needed to complete it's task from the woman who created it's spirit. A pink haired woman who died in battle against an evil death goddess, thinking back to the first friend she ever made in her final moments in addition to her sister, husband and daughter. This was her last act of goodwill for the friend she never saw again, yet never forgot despite not mentioning her to anyone but her sister. It was the least she could do, that being one of her true final regrets...
With that, the Sentient Toy walked off into the night to find the girl it was sent to help, eager to fulfill it's purpose...
Hakuo North Academy [Thursday Morning, March 4th]
Another beautiful day rose in Shin Yokosaki as Es and Hinata walked with happy smiles as Touya walked alongside them. While still tender, Touya is able to come with them. Meeting up with Akira and engaging in so,e conversation, they reached the gate as they met up around 7:45 AM, MUCH earlier than normal.
"Huh? Guess I was excited for all of us to be at school together again, we got here much sooner than normal." Hinata said with a hint of embarrassment, but still cheerful.
"Really Hinata, it's nice to be back again, but we still could have taken our time." Touya said with some appreciativeness toward the Younger Himezuru. He's always been greatful of both her and Yuki, because even though he never says it, they truly are the greatest sisters he could ask for, even he never called them such directly compared to Yuki openly calling him such when they brought Es in for a check up during the Vampire Incident. He just hoped they would approve of him dating Es and only hoped he was overthinking what Hinata thought of him, but he made up his mind about who his heart belonged too. He just needed to speak with Mei to bring this out in the open, even more so since Avenge, Kiri, Nu, Wendy and... even Unomaru... know about their relationship.
'I wonder why I thought that way to begin...?' Touya thought to himself, feeling uncertain as he's questioning these concerning doubts. It feels as if though he were the protagonist of a Visual Novel game with the choice of four love interests. Which is really weird now that he's thinking that way as one of them is his adopted sister, one's a feisty shrine maiden and the last one is a good friend from overseas.
'I think Akira's shown me too much of that Fate/stay night game...' Touya thought to himself in annoyance as he remembered a Visual Novel game Akira showed him sometime before Es' rebirth as a human. It was around 7:50 AM when Mei showed up with Kuon and Elise not too long after. All early curiously enough...
"Morning everyone." Mei addressed her friends matter of factly.
"Good morning everyone!" Elise said with a bright smile.
"Good morning guys." Kuon adressed her friends happily. However, than they all saw Touya.
"Touya!? You're back!" Kuon responded with happiness that her friend is feeling better again.
"Good to see you on your feet Kagari." Mei said with a soft pat on his back. After all, the last thing she wanted to do was reopen the injury after it closed.
"Yeah, you really had us worried!" Elise chimed in with relief.
"I swear Touya, you're real popular with the ladies..." Akira siad with a shrug and a shake of his head. He wasn't going to accuse him of making a Harem... at least for now.
"Come on, it's not like that..." Touya said scratching his cheek. Hinata just giggled while Mei shook her head and Kuon just smirked. Touya took notice and saw they weren't reacting the way he thought. Maybe his fears were unfounded after all.
"Hmm... now where did she go?" Elise said as she looked behind her as if looking for someone.
"Who are you referring to Elise?" Mei asked the Blue Haired Mage, wondering who she's referring too.
"It's Wendy... you see Mei, after I spoke with her, I invited her to the Inn me, Elise and Ringo are staying at. She's with us now." Kuon explained to Mei and everyone present. Although the Fire Empress knew for a fact that Touya knew ahead of time due to her visit last night.
"I... I see..." Mei said somewhat nervously. While happy Kuon no longer bore the brunt of the Wind Mage's hatred and especially since Wendy isn't alloed with that cretin Unomaru, that doesn't change the fact that Mei herself had a part in taking Acht's life.
"I'm glad you and Wendy made up Kuon!" Hinata beamed brightly, glad that Wendy's no longer helping in hurting her friends.
"Where is Wendy exactly?" Es chimed in, wondering where Wendy is at. As if to answer there questions...
*SWOOSH!*
A quick flash of wind occured as witch hats are suddenly placed on top of Touya, Akira, Hinata, Es and Mei's heads respectively.
"What the-!?" Touya reacted in surprise at the black hat with the red ring around the center and spiky rim. He wondered what this was all about.
"How in the!?" Akira responded at the orange hat on top of his head. On one hand, he thought it was cool he was wearing a mage hat, but on the other hand... yeah, this was VERY sudden!
"Huh? Where did this hat come from?" Hinata asked innocently at the lime green hat on her head. Hinata thought it was adorable. She pretty much had tomkeep herself from screaming in sugar shock at seeing the hats on Mei and Es' heads.
"W-W-W-Why are you taking this calmly Hinata!? Who did this!?" Mei stuttered in embarrassment at the purple hat sitting upon her head. Just because she made friends with Kuon and Elise didn't exactly mean she wanted to look like a Ten Sage! Ringo would never let Mei live it down.
"Huh? I can at least speculate who put these on our heads." Es simply looked up at her head toward the light blue hat, sitting on her head, covering her hair antenna. The Azure Maiden had a good idea who did this as Kuon and Elise stared at them wide eyed with no hats on their heads at all.
"Ugh... I told her NOT to do this!" Kuon groaned in disappointment with a firm faceplam as Elise did her best to hold a chuckle back as suddenly...
"Come on! You have to admit the mage hat looks great on them!" Wendy said with a cheerful grin as she placed her arms around Kuon and Elise, while wearing her own witch's hat, black in color. Ever since she forgave Kuon and made up with her, her heart felt much lighter and she began to act like how she used too.
"Wendy!?" Akira said in shock, seeing her alongside the Fire Empress and the Blue Haired Mage with a much more... outgoing personality. It felt weird considering how melancholic she had been the last two days.
"So, how do you like you new witch hats? Quite the fashion statement! Hahahaha!" Wendy playfully jabbed at the five.
"I think it's adorable! Especially on Es-chan and Mei. They're lovely!" Hinata said with a sincere bright smile, completely missing the point.
"Hinata... we're not allowed to wear hats on school grounds." Es stated matter of factly to the Younger Himezuru, god bless her innocence. After all, Mei never wears her beret on school grounds as she's the only one of their group who always wore a hat until Wendy came along and Wendy's not officially part of the group... yet...
"K-Kazahaya!" Mei replied in stunned embarrassment and slight anger. Admittedly, this was an improvement over what happened when they fought, but still.
"Come on! Think of this as meeting the real me! Especially since I'd like to see you on the rooftop later on... figure I give a better impression." Wendy said in a cheeky grin before becoming serious, without losing her smile. Now, she just needs to speak with Mei to get the whole picture. Maybe Akira depending on things since he is a key player in Es and Touya's little arc.
"O-oh. Are you certain you want to...?" Mei asked seriously, her cheeks still red from the mage hat thing.
"Yes. On the rooftop. You and me." Wendy said with a small smile as she finally let go of the hate and rage that plagued her for a good long while. While still uneasy, she knew she was just looking for a way to take her anger out on and it wasn't right.
"Oh, by the way, this is Touya! He lives with me and Es-chan." Hinata said introducing him to the Mistress of the Wind. Touya and Wendy pretended to have not met each other last night to avoid making things weird.
"Nice to meet you Wendy..." Touya said, still feeling bad about deceiving Hinata as he shook Wendy's hand.
"Likewise Touya..." Wendy replied back, admittedly feeling a tad crummy herself about it as now that she's seeing the girl Es, Kuon and Touya spoke highly of, it felt awful lying to a cheerful soul like her. Right around when it was 8:00 AM, Es and Touya knew they needed to speak with Mei for a moment, even so they don't interupt her later in regards to speaking with Wendy.
"Um, sorry to cut this short, but Es and I need to speak with Mei before we head to class." Touya chimed in, getting everyone's attention.
"Ah, I... actually wanted to talk with you both as well. I'll see the rest of you later. And Kazehaya... we'll talk soon." Mei replied before walking ahead with Touya.
"We'll see you in class Hinata." Es said with a polite nod before catching up with the others.
"Hmm... I wonder what they're discussing?" Hinata asked, knowing it must be tough in regards to Unomaru's return. While she didn't recall being tortured, she still remained sad that he hurt her, Touya, Es and Mei as she considered him family as well. But she knows they need to stop him, but hopes they won't take his life for it's already a heavy cross on the three.
"Probably something related to Nu or Kiri? After all, Nu's a unique case and you guys are trying to find a place for Kiri, right?" Elise answered Hinata's curiosity in a way that makes sense. After all, it didn't need to be about Unomaru or his cronies.
"Yeah, how's Kiri been?" Akira asked in wonder about the Former Vigilante.
"He's nice to have around the house. I honestly wouldn't mind if he moved in." Hinata answered honestly. Seriously, her heart was so huge, that it pretty much sucked everyone in as if she had her own gravitational pull.
"Yes, but there's only one guest room left there. I'm pretty sure Kiri would want you to keep it open for someone who needs it." Kuon said with a reassuring tone of voice, trying to be realistic.
"Hmm? I suppose so..." Hinata said with a soft smile, at least understanding. The Mistress of the Wind looked in the direction Es, Touya and Mei walked off toward.
'Es, Touya... I'm rooting for you both. And... Mei... I... I hope I can look you in the eye now that this dark hold has left my heart...' Wendy thought in regards to the three in question as she walked with Akira to their homeroom as Hinata, Kuon and Elise went to their homeroom. However, unbeknownst to them...
"Well Boss... looks like Kagari's back..." Hanzo noted as he, Yuto and Kōji said, watching from the bushes. He only heard Kōji crack his knuckles with a vicious grin.
"Remember, we can't afford to cause much trouble on campus Boss. If you attack Kagari, especially with Mitsurugi and Amanohokosaka around..." Yuto warned the Delinquent Leader, unaware of the bloodlust building up inside him.
"Yeah, yeah... just remember the plan. After school, during Cleaning Time, we put the plan in motion. Divide and conquer. In the meantime, I'm gonna make sure to get the jump on him before giving Amanohokosaka the biggest humiliation of her life!" Kōji said in sadistic delight as he's looking forward to this.
"Alright boys! Break!" Kōji said as soon, Es will be his and his alone. That and the school will be down one less wimp and one less bitch in his eyes.
Hakuo North Academy [Side of the Building]
Finding a private spot around 8:05 AM, Es and Touya spoke with Mei. After Mei spoke about the success of Nu's operation and discussing Kiri's options where to live, the Azure Maiden and the Young Man revealed Kuon and Wendy's close encounter with Unomaru and Diablo as wel as not wishing to hide their status as a couple any further. When asking why, Touya revealed Avenge figured it out, Kiri made him tell the truth, he ended up blurting it to Unomaru while defending Es and Wendy spotted them together last night in his room. Needless to say, Mei was not happy to hear this...
"Ugh... you idiot... you can't even be secretive that well..." Mei insulted Touya while pinching the bridge of her nose, feeling the stress of multitasking a bunch of things.
"I didn't know Avenge and Wendy would find out, plus Kiri hates liars, I couldn't do that to him... and what was I supposed to do with Unomaru?" Touya replied back, at least making valid points. Not that it helped much, considering he had to lie to Hinata to keep Wendy's meeting a secret. And Mei had to admit internally that Touya had a right to be angry with Unomaru.
"Mei... I don't feel comfortable keeping this a secret. This isn't like Ai Yori Aoshi... it's difficult..." Es admitted while feeling bad about leaving the others in the dark, comparing their situation to the anime they watched. At first, it was fine, but with how more people are finding out, it's only a matter of time before everyone else finds out ome way or another. Even the Shrine Maiden had to admit this was getting rough as she knew Touya didn't say anything to Avenge or Wendy, yet the former found out and knew his heart was in the right place in regards to Kiri and understood why Touya replied to Unomaru the way he did.
*Sigh* "Maybe... I was asking too much... I just didn't want everyone overwhelmed... but with Unomaru and those stupid delinquents... along with Nu and Kiri... not to mention how Kuon and Wendy almost fought that Mad Dog..." Mei said in agreement, as she took on a LOT of work on her plate, no better than how Kuon was and trying to keep it a secret must have been restricting on the two, especially while Touya was bedridden for a few days... plus, as much as she doesn't show her, her heart nearly stopped when Touya told her that Kuon almost fought the Strange aRed Union in the middle of the city.
"Mei... you've done a lot for Nu already. And Kiri isn't rushing to get a new home. And... we still haven't seen the delinquents yet... besides this should convince Kōji to leave me alone... there's no need to overwork yourself... this is why Ringo helped you, correct?" Es spoke to Mei to calm her down and show her not to take on so much on herself.
"Es is right Mei. You're doing all you can, but like Kuon, you can't do everything alone." Touya added on, making the Shrine Maiden ease up on herself... at least a little bit.
"I... I guess so..." Mei replied with her face reddening at her friends kindness. Mei didn't wish to be a workaholic and knew she needed to destress now and again. After a few moments... Mei made a decision.
"Alright... you can tell them, but after we gather at the Himezuru Residence and discuss the things regarding Nu's power source and Kiri's living situation. However, you mentioned this Inn the Witch and the others are staying at... that could work as a substitute for the time being." Mei conceded before realizing a new option appeared before them. The less stress on them the better and Mei wanted Es and Touya to enjoy their relationship without worry as she supports them both so much.
"Thank you Mei." Es responded with a smile.
"Thanks Mei." Touya responded as well, greatful that they won't need to hide this much longer.
"Heh... no thanks needed. Anyway, we better get going and head to class." Mei responded with a smirk as she prepared to leave, but there was one thing Touya needed to get off his chest. He'll apologize as much as he needed, but he had to ask. Even though Es already verified it...
"Mei... are you okay with me being with Es...?" Touya asked hesitantly, no different than how Es asked her. Mei stopped and smirked, understanding that it was his way of asking her if she had feelings for him. Like Es asked, before, Mei turned around to give her answer.
"Of course you idiot... besides, you're more like an incompetent little brother to me than someone who's my type. No need to worry about me being jealous..." Mei answered honestly once again, but with a smile and calm voice as she looked back at her dear friends. With that, a burden from Touya has been lifted with Es smiling without a hint of jealousy as the Azure Maiden no longer felt the need to be so. If Touya ever fell in love with someone else, it would hurt, but she would step aside. She'll bring it up with Touya later, but for now, she's happy there's no hurt between her boyfriend and best friend.
With that, the three headed off to their homeroom classes as a figure with glowing red eyes watching them from the bushes.
"There she is..." The Sentient Toy whsipered as after a long night of searching, it found the person it was sent to help. The plush toy knew it needed to speak with her, but it was concerned about wandering out in the open, but at least considered it's options to get out in the open or to discuss things in secret. For now, it kept watch...
Hakuo North Academy [Es, Touya and Hinata's Home Room]
As class started around 8:30 AM, the class were all happy and relieved to see Touya come back. They may not know him as well as Es, Hinata, Kuon and Elise did, but it made the Young Man feel welcome regardless. The students and the teacher made sure Touya was feeling okay, but Touya just tried tompass it off as no big deal. After all, he and his group don't need to get people involved, regardless if the school was owmed by the Mitsurugi Agency or not.
The five sat down and took their class, as if nothing had ever happened. It's fleeting, but it's moments like this that makes the fighting worth it.
Hakuo North Academy [Akira's Home Room]
It was 12:45 PM as the first class period had concluded. The class were quick to note that Wendy had a noticeable spring in her step as she was beaming the moment she came in... with an oversized witch hat. She recieved a stern lecture about wearing a hat, but that was about it as the teacher was a least content to see one of her students in a bright mood.
As the classes ended, Wendy kept staring at Akira more often. She couldn't but womder if she was crushing on the guy or not, which is werid comsidering she only knew him for a few days... for one thing, she knew looks aren't everything and wanted to know him personally. However, she knew Mei came first of all, so talking with him can wait.
"Hey Wendy..." Akira called out to the Wind Mage as she turned back.
"What's up...?" Wendy replied casually, wondering what he wanted.
"Glad you came around." Akira said with a wink and a finger salute, making the Wind Mage blush a little bit, much to his obliviousness.
"Thanks. Glad I can see things clearly now too." Wendy said with a small, but sincere smile. With that, she headed off to see Mei. This is the moment of truth she's ready for!
Hakuo North Academy [Rooftop]
Mei was on the rooftop alone at 12:50 PM... for a long time, she always had lunch up here by herself, but it stopped ever since she had lunch with Hinata and Akira... since than, Mei started to have her lunch with them and the others more often, a feeling that made her day just better. Mei paced around, feeling... uncertain. Mei knew she did what needed to be done as she took no satisfaction in taking Acht's life and it was the only way to stop her. Eventually, the door opened... and the Mistress of the Wind stepped out.
"M-Mei..." Wendy simply adressedthe Shrine Maiden as she sat next to the fence with her lunch out.
"Kazehaya..." Mei replied as she sat down next to her. A feeling of unease if felt, but it was filled with peace and no hostility.
"Kazehaya... I... I'm sorry..." Mei said weakly, not a single ounce of pride in this moment. This was something she, Es and Touya knew would happen someday, being confronted by a person close to one of the Unions. This is something Mei can't make an excuse for...
"You don't need to apologize Mei. I... won't deny that it still hurts... not a day's gone by that I haven't missed Acht... but I guess I was just looking for a way to take my anger out on someone... it wasn't right." Wendy said with deep sincerity as she hugged her knees.
"What made you change your mind?" Mei asked somberly, wondering if Es and Kuon had an impact on the Mistress of the Wind.
"At first, I thought it was Es... but now that I look back... it was you." Wendy said, now looking at Mei in the eyes. As Wendy stared with kindness, she can tell Mei had striking and beautiful purple eyes that looked like the night sky with sparkling stars.
"Me...?" Mei asked in befuddlement, wondering why Wendy changed her mind.
"It didn't happen intially, but when I... I saw you scream and cry in pure rage... it made me wonder what Souichiro did to you... than... I got him to tell me about his dealings with you... how he "supported" your father's medical bills... but I knew there was more to it... I don't think... you'd ever kill your father like that..." Wendy explained while revealing what she knew about Mei's father. The Shrine Maiden looked in surprise that Unomaru would tell Wendy that along with somehow figuring out that Mei beat him to the punch of turning off her father's life support,
"You're right... but, it was the only way to free him... I've been scared to let him go... even though he was already dead... I was being selfish..." Mei admitted to the Wind Mage with Yuki knowing for a long time before explaining it to the others when her father was burried.
"Mei... tell me what happened from your eyes?" Wendy asked Mei for her side of the story, ready to see things for how they truly are.
"It all started... with my mother's fight during the Wadatsumi Incident..." Mei said as she began to explain all that she knew to the Wind Mage, hoping to bridge the gap between them at least.
Hakuo North Academy [Side Area]
Es, Touya, Hinata, Akira, Kuon and Elise all sat down together, enjoying lunch together around 12:50 PM. They all had conversation and discussions like normal, only this time Touya was with them. The only one missing is Mei, but after today, she'll be with them again and who knows? A seventh spot may be open for Wendy...
"I wish we got to wear those cute hats Wendy gave us..." Hinata chimed in, switching the conversation from the manga series was talking about... Tokyo Mew Mew... she belived it was called.
"Um... to be honest, it felt kind of weird wearing that so suddenly..." Akira said scratching the back of his head in embarrassment, as he while he thought it was cool, it was indeed sudden.
*Giggle* "I honestly didn't view Wendy as a playful individual." Es giggled, agreeing with Akira while expressing a bit of surprise that Wendy was slightly mischievous, but in a good way. Es viewed her as a stoic, calm individual, but it turned out to be a facade for her anger. Even last night, Wendy very much wears her heart on her sleeve in her reactions say anything.
"Really... I'm SO sorry for that! I honestly told Wendy that wasn't necessary, but she's still got that childish side to her." Kuon said with closed eyes while apologizing for her embarrassing behavior. While she and Wendy were competitive, the Wind Mage had something of a jokester side to her. There was even a time when they along with Elise and other students were outside practicing their spells for a joint session...
"You know, this reminds of the time when we were practicing spells one day. We had a lesson between the seniors, sophomores and juniors. When Kuon was about to show off her strongest spell, Wendy-" Elise chimed in as the Blue Haried Mage was talking about what Kuon was thinking about, however the Fire Empress' face flushed a deep red upon hearing what Elise was going to say as she immediately covered her mouth.
"AGHHHHHH! Elise! Don't you dare tell them what happened!" Kuon screamed in embarrassment. While she can forgive Wendy for what happened days ago, that was one prank that took more than a mere apology before Kuon spoke with Wendy again. This caused the others to look on with curious looks and made them wonder...
'What did...' Es thought with curiosity.
'...Wendy do...' Touya thought with concern.
'...Kuon to...' Akira thought with amusement.
'...make her panic?' Hinata thought innocently.
They couldn't help but wonder what happened, however Elise squirmed away and began to run in circles around them as Kuon began to chase her, never once considering running in the other direction to catch, much to Akira and Hinata's amusement as well as Es and Touya's concern.
"You see when Kuon was about to unleash a marvelous fireball spell, but Wendy sent out a burst of wind at her, causing a breezy updraft, prety much giving me and many others a good look under her skirt. That was such an amazing view!" Elise finished as she revealed that Wendy pranked Kuon by generating a a blast of wind that ended with Kuon's panties exposed. This caused Es to tense up, as she now has full understanding of the implications. Touya could only stare in widened disbelief thay Wendy would even do that. Hinata, somehow got the picture as she thought that wasn't very nice. While Akira had the same thoughts the others did, he had to try and hold back his laughter.
"ARGH!" Kuon growled in annoyance at Elise just revealing one of the most embarrassing things to ever happen to her. She was just happy Zwei, Sechs or any of the other Ten Sages wasn't there when that happened or she'd die of embarrassment.
*Laughter!* Elise chuckled as Elise did find some mild amusement out of the situation, letting her perverted side break through a little bit. Needless to say Kuon wasn't willing to let this sit down.
"H-Hey, come on you two, cut it out!" Touya tried to defuse the situation as the two ran circles around each other. While he believed it was wrong of Wendy to prank Kuon back than, he didn't believe Kuon should "punish" Elise, assuming that's what she's going to do.
"Stay out of this Touya! And you Elise, get back here!" Kuon shouted, using the same phrase she does whenever he tries to break her and Mei up during their arguments before talling Elise to stop as their circle started to get farther away until they were in front of Es, Touya, Hinata and Akira, looking like a comedy scene from an anime.
"What are you going to do!?" Elise replied in a mixed tone of playfulness and concern. As she kept up her pace, ironic considering how abysmal her staminia usually is. Although Es can guess her love for Kuon gave her more strength than normal... as well as not wanting to be caught obviously.
"Nothing!" Kuon shouted back, obviously lying as she intends to give Elise a VERY stren lecture about this, maybe a slight whack to her noggin. Akira really tried his best not to laugh at the ridiculous situation between the two mages.
"Than why are you chasing me!?" Elise giggled back as the Blue Haired Mage considered this a good way to build up her stamina so she didn't get worn out again. That and she knew she pressed a button she figured was worth it to see Kuon flustered as she found it adorable when she's embarrassed. Touya could only groan in silence as he figured this would take a while, hoping Mei had better luck than this.
"Stop and you'll find out Elise! ARGH! Damn it! Get back here!" Kuon shouted as out of all the things Elise could have told everyone, this was really pushing it. Thank god Mei wasn't here to hear this or the Shrine Maiden would have gotten some good ammo to use against her... and plans to make sure Akira doesn't use this against her later. Eventually the two disappeared from sight as their little circle grew larger.
"It's good to know Kuon and Elise are close than ever." Es said matter of factly with a slightly tired smile. While she felt bad for Elise's love being unreciprocated, Es is happy that they are the best of friends. As she looked back at Touya, the Azure Maiden wondered how life would go if she was in Elise's shoes. Regardless, it doesn't change the fact her life became richer as a result of meeting him and everyone else. Es just found it rather sad it didn't do anything for Unomaru...
Suddenly, Es' instincts kicked in as she stood up immediately as her eyes darted toward the bush.
"Es-chan? What's the matter?" Hinata asked Es as the Azure Maiden placed a defensive hand in front of the Younger Himezuru. Touya got up himself, wondering who got Es on edge. Was it Unomaru? Diablo? That purse thief Haruki? Even the Delinquents that gave Es a hard time?
"Someone is in the bushes." Es said as her eyes narrowed. If it's Kōji, she won't let him harm Touya or anyone else here. Not on her watch.
"Hinata, stay back." Akira said as he placed a gentle hand on Hinata as the Younger Himezuru raised her clenched fists up to her chest, holding the tension back, knowing Es and Touya can handle themselves, although she hopes it won't lead to a fight.
"Kōji Hashimoto! If that's you, than leave! I already gave you my answer that I won't date you!" Es shouted back at what she assumed to be the Delinquent Leader, but...
"Kōji? Who is that?" Said a young boy's voice as glowing red eyes appeared through the foliage, occasionally blinking. Seeing this set off some weird concerns, but made Es and Touya keep their guard up regardless as Hinata's breath hitched slightly. It's around than Kuon and Elise came back from their lap around the school, both out of breath.
"Wait till... I... get my..." Kuon panted as she and Elise stopped what they were doing to see the others on edge. Elise turned to see red eyes in the bushes and grew scared.
"Wha-!? What is that!?" Elise jumped back in fear at the sight.
"Who are you!? If you're not Kōji, than who is it!?" Touya shouted back, wanting to know who the voice belonged to.
"Just a friendly spirit wanting to help out." The voice said from the bushes. But, the world black and white for Hinata as she heard the word spirit as she let out a shudder. Suddenly, chills went down Es, Touya, Kuon, Elise and Akira's spines, as they figured what this meant... with everyone minus Elise knowing full well about this feeling of dread... the power of a Grim Reaper. Even Es began to feel nervous now... something she didn't do back then.
"Stay back..." Hinata whispered as she began to shake violently, prompting everyone to be concerned. They knew this won't end well if she freaked out now.
"H-Hey, d-don't freak out!" Akira said in a panic, at least keeping her calm for the moment. Eventually, Kuon stepped forth.
"You better come out, whoever...!" The Fire Empress demanded as the source of the voice came out...
"... You... are...?" Kuon trailed off as everyone saw the most unsual thing today. A Brain Cat plush toy, newly made and minted, around the height of a child, it's eyes glowing and blinking. All of a sudden, the chill in the air stopped as Hinata's eyes rolled into the back of her head and passed out.
"Hinata!" Akira said as he caught her before hitting the ground. But there's one thing Touya had to say in response to this bizarre sight...
"WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING!?"
To Be Continued...
With that, Wendy has finally gotten around to speaking with Mei, Touya and Es confirmed Mei's thoughts and feelings about the Young Man... and the Delinquents have begun their wicked plans.
And a new face enters the fray... who is this enigmatic plush toy brought to life? And no, it's not Freaks possessing the toy again.
Stay tuned!