November 23rd, 2055

Japan

"No," Angel shakes his head. "No, what kind of plan is that? If you make even the slightest mistake, the slightest miscalculation, it could spell doom for all of us. Thousands, maybe millions of people will die."

"And that is why I can't afford to make the slightest miscalculation," Rain says simply. "That is why this is the only plan that will work."

"No, you can't do it."

"But, why not? Do you have a better idea?" Rain steps toward her brother, making him step back. "You've always been the nicest one of the three of us but when push comes to shove, you're a coward. I understand you're concerned about innocent people dying but if we do nothing, then this world will be helpless without us. As long as Kira is around, as long as Kira is still a pedestal for godship to stand on, this world will be vulnerable without us. We have to do this." She puts a hand on her shoulder. "Besides, if we're lucky, only a handful of innocent people will die."

Angel looks at Archer. "Brother, aren't you going to say something?"

Archer stays silent.

"What, now you're going quiet all of a sudden? Why? What has got you so spooked, this plan?"

"I don't want to die," Archer says, "but I don't want to lose my power to judge people like a god."

"You guys are both insane." Angel turns to the Shinigami in the room. "Well, Dad, do you have anything to say? Do you have anything to say involving this absurd plan that could result in millions of people dying?"

Gintik Hagmay raises other hands. "I am Switzerland. I'm just here to observe, not interfere. I'm rooting for you but I'm not going to get involved. If you're so opposed to Rain's plan, come up with a plan of your own?"

"Maybe we can call for a sit-down and negotiate with them some more. I'm sure Hydra is willing to talk about avoiding a war."

"Hydra is all about waging war," Rain points out, "that's why he went after us in the first place. The only way he'll talk to us is if we're six feet below. We can't kill Hydra because he is an identity that anyone can take up but we destroy the powers keeping him alive. We can destroy the powers making Hydra Hydra and the death wish people Hydra. This is our only shot at avoiding an invasion and avoiding any escalation. I said it once, I'll say it again, Angel: War cannot be won without making sacrifices or making tough decisions. Luckily for you, your bigger lovable adorable sibling is willing to make those hard choices."

"With a big ass smile on your face."

Rain scoffs. "When was the last time you saw good old Rain smile? Be honest."

"Like, before you started going over this plan of yours."

Rain pauses, pretending to ponder a bit before shaking her head. "Nah, you're right; I was smiling."

"You like what's going to happen, don't you?"

"End this Kira Cold War and prove to everyone that we can operate without the original Kiras to guide us? Yes, I like that I'm about to prove that we can stand on our own two feet and make this world a better place for every Kira to come before us."

"Does that include Higuchi?" Archer snarks.

"Ehh, only a quarter," Rain shrugs again. She turns to Angel again. "You know, baby brother, if you're having second thoughts, then I can do this on my own. I already have a few candidates in mind and already have an idea as to how I'm going to control them. Also, I have my Shinigami eyes so you guys won't be useful to me. Conversely, you guys will be useless without me."

"I don't want to do this."

"If you're out, then you better hand over your notebook so I can burn it." She eyes his shocked expression, looking at her like he just got caught stealing something out of the cookie jar. "I love you but I don't trust you enough to turn my back on you. If you're not in, you're out and the only way to ensure you won't stab me in the back with my back to you, I'm going to have to ask you to either burn your notebook or forfeit ownership. If you choose to give up ownership, I'll hand the notebook back to you and give you your memories back but this deal and order is final and non-negotiable."

"What?"

"And if you're worried that you must help out in this plan, you won't be doing any of the wetwork; that'll be my doing. You have everything to gain by working with me and nothing to lose. We already lost our innocence when we wrote down criminals to die in the notebook when we were children so there's no point in dwelling on that. But like I said; if any of you are having second thoughts, then I can solo Hydra."

"Ha," Archer laughs. "You will most certainly get yourself killed without us so I'm helping out, regardless." He puts a hand on Angel's shoulder. "And I assure you that brother will come along in no time."

Rain looks at her youngest brother. "I'm surprised you're not all gung ho about this plan."

"It does sound a bit extreme to me but at the same time, I understand." He looks at his sister and smiles, patting his brother lovingly on the shoulder again. He decides to look his brother in the eye. "I have doubts about this plan but to clean up the filth of this city, we have to get our hands filthy ourselves."

"Are you in, or are you out?" Rain asks quietly and slowly so Angel would have to listen hard for her words.

Angel's eyes dart between her older sister and younger brother before they fall on Gintik Hagmay, who stares at him with his blank skeletal expression. Clenching his fists together, he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Finding the courage to open them, his eyes trace to Rain's icy blue eyes.

"I'm in."

"Good," Rain nods carefully like a hungry predator, "then let's get ready; today is Kinrō Kansha no Hi; let's celebrate Labor Thanksgiving Day."

A/N: I know that this is a short chapter but I still have a case of writer's block and instead of dragging the chapter out with filler content, I decided that it would be a good idea to show the reactions to whatever Rain is planning. What do you think Rain is planning?

Also, the third chapter will be posted either tomorrow or Monday.