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.
(Author Note: To anyone who is following or favorited me or my story. Fanfic have implemented a very dumb feature for your email notification. In order to receive updates from any story, forum or authors of your following, you must go to your account setting and change your email notification to 'yes' and save the changes. It will automatically switch to 'no' after six months.)
Successfully escaping the mansion, the crew races back to the school. However, it's not over yet. The Immortal Wolf goes on a full on power rampage as he aims to kill Usano and Junichi. Everything ends here in this endless night of urban warfare. Will they live to see another day? The gripping battle rages on…
-Nekumi's Mansion-
Several Years ago…
Waking with a gasp, the young Hayakki's eyes sit up in her bed, holding her stuffed bear close to her. Dressed in her pink button pajamas. She looked towards the door, though it was faint, she could hear faint murmurs coming from the other end. Though she couldn't hear exactly who was talking or what words they were saying.
The young Hayakki scurried out of her bed and silently rushed over to the door. Reaching the doorknob, she cautiously opened up her door. But as soon as she opened it…
She could hear loud voices on the other end of the hallway…
"You….d….."
"I….don't…."
She could hear two people. While it wasn't clear what they were talking about, she gripped her stuffed animal close to her chest as she braved down the dark corridors.
Each step she took, those low whispers became more and more clear. She ventures further down the hall until she reaches the steps. Being careful not to alert anyone, she carefully walks down the stairs. She could now hear those voices and make out which belonged to who…
"All you think about is power! Not once have you ever considered your own family!"
"Hmph, please. You and that girl are only here to maintain my social appearance. And I wish for both of you to cooperate a little more instead of nagging my ears off."
Hayakki stops mid-steps. "Mommy…daddy…"
The young girl said with a frightened stutter. Biting down on her lips, she slowly creeps her way downward. While listening to her parents' argument, she tries her best not to let their words make her cry.
"I hate it when they fight…h-hopefully they stop and finally get along…r-right?"
"I DO NOT CARE!"
Hayakki almost lets out a whimper as she hears her father's booming voice. Hugging the wall, she slowly tries to peek at what's going on…
Inside, she can see two grown adults arguing. Her father, wearing his usual business attire but without the coat over his shoulders. And an older looking woman, with dark brown hair formed in a ponytail, draped over her shoulders. She wore dark blue pajamas that matched with her pants.
The woman glares at Tatsuya. "You're a pathetic man, you know that? You never once cared about us, you only use us for your social appearance. You know, to truly hide who you are."
Tatsuya growled under his breath. "Woman, you are starting to test my patience. If you dare speak up to me one more time…you will regret it."
The woman however, did not back down. Biting down on her lips as a frustrated growl escaped. "I never asked for this…I never asked for any of this You…you and all this life…I'm done!"
"Go back to your room and go to sleep."
"...no."
*SLAM!*
"GO BACK TO YOUR ROOM NOW!"
"I SAID NO!"
By this point Tatsuya walks up to the mother with a very dangerous blood glare. "What is it that you want?"
The young Hayakki trembled in fear. Her heart raced fast as she watched the two arguing. "Please stop fighting…"
"...I want out."
"What?"
"I said…I want out of this life…I'm done. I'M DONE WITH THIS LIFE! I NEVER ASKED TO BE MARRIED TO YOU! I NEVER ASKED FOR HAYAKKI TO BE BORN INTO THIS CURSED FAMILY! YOU FORCED EVERYTHING ON ME!"
"...hmph. Such a petty request." Tatsuya said as he faced away from her. "In case you didn't remember, those who join the Sleeping Wolves…are banned from leaving. It is a stapled rule within our clan. If you leave illegally, then you will be punished."
"...I would rather die than be with you any longer. Please think for a moment," She said with a pleading voice. "Hayakki doesn't deserve this life. She deserves a better life than living a life filled with horror and murder!"
"WHY ARE YOU CONSTANTLY BRINGING THAT PATHETIC GIRL INTO THIS!?"
"BECAUSE THAT PATHETIC GIRL IS OUR DAUGHTER!"
By this point, Hayakki closed her ears, hoping to block off all noise. She wanted the fight to be over! She didn't like this at all…
Tatsuya gritted his teeth. "You…this conversation isn't about me at all, is it? It's about that girl. That very same girl who is a failure in my-"
*SMACK!*
His sentence was cut short when he was slapped hard across the face. Hayakki jumped a little, curiosity got the best of her as she peeks back at the scene. She couldn't believe her eyes, her father was slapped!? By her own mother!?
The mother had tears in her eyes as she dangerously glared at the man. "That girl…t-that girl…is not a failure…she's…she's our baby. She's our own daughter…our own flesh and blood! The very same innocent girl who never asked to be born into this life that you forced upon your own hands!"
Tatsuya gritted his teeth. "Y-You…"
The mother wipes her tears away but returns glaring at her husband. "I'm leaving whether you like it or not. Our daughter deserves a life where she can grow up healthy, make friends, and do things that any little girl would do."
"Her goal is to continue the family legacy! NOT! To grow up into a weak, spineless fool!"
"...the only weak and spineless fool around here is you."
Tatsuya growled under his breath as he walked up once more. His glare hardened. "I will give you one last chase. Either stay with the sleeping wolves and be happy with me. Or die."
Hayakki breathed heavily as she hid behind the wall once more, tears streaming from her eyes. Trying her best to keep herself from crying. "M-Mommy…"
"...I'm leaving with Hayakki. And you can't-"
*BANG!*
A loud bang erupted in the room. Hayakki's eyes widened in shock and horror. Watching her mother's body going lifeless for a moment before she drops to the floor. Standing there, with his gun in his hand. Smoke emitting from the tip point of his gun. His eyes, glowing dangerously red as he looks down at the lifeless body by his feet. Blood oozing from her chest.
"You're a fool…"
"MOMMY!"
He hears a distinct shriek. Looking up, he sees the small Hayakki with her widened teary eyes, frighteningly staring at the man who is dangerously looking down at the girl. Hayakki looks back between her dead mother's corpse and back up to the man who still stares at her with the gun pointed directly at her.
RUN!
Was all her mind could say at this point as she ran away! With her stuffed animal close to her, she runs up the stairs! Not daring to look back! Climbing the stairs, reaching the top, she swore she could hear her father footsteps coming from the kitchen and touching the stairs with a faint but deep creak noise!
Making it to the top, she makes a B-line towards her room. Tears flew from her eyes as she desperately reached for the doorknob and turned the handle. With one good grip, she opens the door and as soon as she rushes inside, she slams the door shut behind her and locks it!
Breathing rapidly, her eyes look from left-to-right. Wondering where to hide. Once she looks at the closet, she makes a mad dash towards the closet, opening it before jumping inside, closing the door shut.
Completely silent, she hugs her stuffed animal near her chest, while her hands are covered over her hands. All she could hear was her muffled breathing and the sound of her heartbeat, beating against her chest. Mental images of her mother dying in front of her haunted her mind, threatening for her to burst down into tears. But she shook her head violently.
She almost lets out a scream when she hears the doorknob turning from the outside. The door fully, slowly creaked open. The small Hayakki back hugged against the wall, her heart beating harder, rapidly against her chest, threatening to burst out.
She could hear Tatsuya footsteps…creaking against the floor. Tears build up in her eyes, dripping against her cheeks. Her heavy breathing muffled as she kept her gaze on the door. Not wanting to make a sound or make a move at all. She just wanted to wake up from this nightmare.
Her fear only got worse when Tatsuya approached the closet door. His steps moved closer to her hiding spot. The young Hayakki wanted to hide! Runaway! But she couldn't! All she could do was look onward, horrified beyond disbelief.
*SLAM!*
Tatsuya slammed the door open! The small poor girl's eyes widened in shock and fear. Her breathing got to the point of hyperventilating. Tatsuya didn't say anything as he glared down at his own young daughter who was trying to run away from him, but her back was against the wall.
Tatsuya points his gun at the young girl. Causing her to whimper, clutching her stuffed animal to her chest. Closing her eyes shut, not wanting to look up at her father who was threatening to kill her right here! Right now!
"D-Daddy…" She whimpered. "D-Daddy…please…I-I don't…I-I don't want to die…"
"..."
Tatsuya didn't say anything as he still had his gun pointed at her. The small Hayakki cried silently to herself as she kept her eyes shut.
*BANG!*
Hayakki flinched with a small yelp. Seeing the bullet hit the wall near her head. She looks back up at the gun that was slightly inched to the left. Tatsuya puts his gun down, but his glare remains.
"Listen up, you useless girl," He growled. "You are to remain silent on this matter. Do not speak about this, you did not hear about this, nor did you see this, either. Do I make myself clear?"
Tears continued to leak from her eyes, but nonetheless, she nodded in agreement.
"Good. From now on, you will do as I say. No objection, no stepping out of line. And no. Failure."
"Y-Yes…daddy." She whimpered.
"And one more thing," Tatsuya said with a growl. "You are to address me as father."
"...y-yes, father."
"Now go to bed." Tatsuya said as he faced the other way. "I have some…important business to take care of…"
He walks towards the door as he exits, leaving the girl alone in her room. Crying within the closet, clutching the stuffed animal to herself, wanting nothing more than comfort.
-On the Road to Hachimitsu-
"Father…on that day you killed mother…why didn't you kill me? Did you find me to be a useful tool to your world conquest? Or was it out of sympathy. Heh, I highly doubt it. To this day. You never once were proud of me. You never shared the same love that mother shared. It was your own fault that you didn't kill me. And now you will get what's coming to you."
"Hayakki?"
Her train of thoughts were interrupted when she heard her name being called. She looks over to her left to find Riku giving her a glance before turning his gaze back on the road.
"Is everything alright? You've been out of it ever since we gave that crazy bastard the slip."
"Ah. Nothing. I was just remembering some unsettling childhood memories." She said as she looked out the window.
Matsuri heard her words and was particularly curious. "Do you…want to talk about it?"
"Want to mind your own business." She said softly and annoyed.
Matsuri flinched a little as he decided to drop it. Not wanting to test his luck.
"H-Hey, Boss Lady no need to be rude and all. We're all friends here. There's no need for you to hide your feelings. Just tell us what's on your mind and-"
"Sousuke."
"Yes?"
Hayakki looked over her shoulders and gave him a glare. "Zip it."
Both Sousuke and Ren flinched as they held onto each other. Matsuri was still curious about her past, but chose not to pry too much into her personal life.
"Hey look, the police!" Sousuke said, pointing ahead.
The crew looked up ahead and saw a good number of police cars in front of the dome, with many of the students out of their hiding spots and crowded the center. The police officer was speaking with Kojiro with Izumi by his side.
Hayakki sighs to herself. "Go ahead and park here."
Riku didn't argue as he drove the car near a sidewalk. With Obushi driving the truck in front of their car. Parking the truck, Obushi and the others got out of the truck. The older man releases a sigh as he stretches his hand.
Etsuko's eyes immediately look up at the giant dome. "WHOOOOA! IT'S REALLY REAL! AND HERE I THOUGHT IT WAS BLUFFING!"
Yukina couldn't help but to pinch her brows. "Unbelievable. Whose idea it was to fund this ridiculous project. Don't you think we should fund our money into something more useful?"
Tsubaki groans to herself as she looks at the dome. "Rich people have way too much time on their hands."
Megumi could only shake her head with a sigh. She looks ahead and looks at the police speaking with Kojiro before looking at the dome. She could see the building still intact. "At least we got here in time."
By this point, everyone got out of their vehicles. Sousuke and Ren fall flat first onto the ground, kissing the sidewalk while crying tears of joy after almost dying on their first car chase. Riku was breathing in and out as he squatted on the ground.
"I thought we were gonna die!" Riku said to himself.
"True," Matsuri agreed before giving him a small smile. "But we got out alive. And you did some…decent driving."
Riku pondered for a moment before realizing that. He did do some decent driving, did he? A smile graced his lips. "Hey…you're right…I drove…I participated in an actual car chase! And I didn't suck!"
Ren runs to the other side of the car and approaches his friend. "HEY GUYS! I DIDN'T SUCK!"
Sousuke and Ren only gave him an annoyed glare. "You still suck."
Matsuri took the time to stretch before he was pulled aside by Hayakki. Swinging her arm around Matsuri's neck, bringing him along as they walk towards the front of the dome, where Obushi was already speaking with the police officers alongside with his father and Kojiro.
Matsuri's eyes scanned the school immediately. Looking amongst the crowd of students, until his eyes landed on the gray-haired amazon young woman.
"Go talk to her." Hayakki whispered into his ear. "Because if you're serious about revealing the truth about Yoshimiya to the police…then you better enjoy your last few minutes with her before it's too late."
Matsuri blinked before registering her words. He went wide eyes before looking up at his former bully. Hayakki looks back at him before nodding her head. Pushing him forward, running towards the dome.
It didn't take long before Meiko's eyes spotted the familiar boy. She went wide-eyed for a moment before a small gasp escaped her lips. Her body, having a mind of its own, immediately rushes over before her hand pushes against the dome.
Matsuri reaches towards the dome where her hand was, no words exchanged between them as they both smiled at each other.
Only for Matsuri to be shoved aside by a red head boy. Pulling his hair back as he laid his hand on the same spot where Meiko's is. Releasing a grin at the young woman. "Why hello there, my sweet."
Meiko could only express a disgusted look towards Sousuke. "Oh great, you."
"That's right, Cupcake. It's your savior." Sousuke said not minding the disgusted tone in her voice. "You know, I drove here to save you."
"LIKE HELL YOU DID!" Riku said as he slapped Sousuke on the side of the head. Causing the boy to glare at him. "I DROVE THE ENTIRE WAY! IF ANYTHING I SHOULD GET A KISS!"
"Back off! I deserve it! You on the other hand deserve a fricken bronze medal for your terrible driving skill!"
"No way!" Ren butts in between them. "I deserve a kiss from the big boob girl!"
"YOU DIDN'T EVEN DO ANYTHING!" Both Sousuke and Riku pushed their faces into the boy who flinched between them both.
It didn't take long before Yukina managed to push all three of them out of the way with an annoyed glare. "All three of you need to get a life."
Matsuri could only sigh to himself before looking at Meiko. "Yeah…we got help from those three."
"I see that…" Meiko said still rather annoyed from her moment being interrupted by the three boys.
"YOU BASTARD!"
A raged inducing voice was heard from behind Meiko as a certain blonde girl rushes up to the dome and punches the spot where Matsuri stood on the opposite end. Causing the boy to flinch from her anger while Meiko gave a confused but surprised expression.
Hana glared at the boy. "YOU LITTLE, JUST WAIT UNTIL THEY OPEN THIS DOME UP SO I CAN PUNCH YOU RIGHT IN THE FACE!"
"Huh!? Why!?"
*SLAM!*
"THE HELL YOU MEAN WHY!? YOUR ASS FAKED YOUR OWN DEATH NEARLY GAVE ME A HEART ATTACK!"
"She's right," Mari walks over with her arms across, under her breasts as she glares at the boy. "You nearly gave us a heart attack there. I'm still mad about that."
"I-I told you I needed to fake my death so that Tatsuya wouldn't find out about it. Otherwise, our plan would be for nothing."
Hana gritted her teeth. "I'm gonna fucking clobber you!"
"H-Hana! Calm down!" Kiyoshi said from behind. "Matsuri is alive and well, so there's no need to-"
*WHAM!*
Kiyoshi's words were cut short when he received a punch to the face. Blood flew from his nose as he fell backward. "OH SHUT UP! THIS DOESN'T CONCERN!"
"On second thought, maybe it would be best if they didn't open the dome just yet…at least until Hana calms down." Matsuri thought to himself.
Hayakki watches quietly from the sideline. "So these are the girls that Matsuri became friends with, huh?"
Her gaze couldn't help but to look at the tall amazon teen. She certainly was quite the looker, she could easily make any female jealous of her figure. From her massive breasts, to her thighs and muscular legs! She was packing everything in the department.
"Can't believe that a wimp like Matsuri was able to land on someone like her. There got to be some story behind this relationship."
"HAYAKKI!"
She hears a familiar voice before she is brought into a bear hug. Homura rubs her cheeks against Hayakki's. "Gak! Homura!"
"WE DID IT! WE FUCKING SHOWED THOSE BASTARDS WHAT'S FOR!"
"Gah! O-Okay! Homura! I-I really cannot breathe!"
"Whoops!" Homura said as she quickly dropped her before scratching her head. "Sorry about that."
Hayakki pushed her own back before she felt a satisfying crack.
"It's good to see you alive and well, my Lady." Izumi said as she bowed respectfully.
"It's nice to see you guys alive and well too," Hayakki said with a small smile. "So is everyone counted for."
"Yes. All the teachers, students, even Kojiro, Scarlet and his men are doing good as well. Right after we disabled the bomb, Jack sent his men on us, but we managed to handle them just well."
"By the way," Homura gained a scowl on her face before punching her fist together. "Where is that bastard, Jack?"
Hayakki sighs to herself. "He tried to kill us, but Obushi and the others saved us at the last minute. But he got away."
Homura growled under her breath, meanwhile Izumi released a pondering hum. "I see."
"Damn bastard!"
"It should be good…for now."
"Oi."
Hayakki looks over her shoulders, spotting Ayame with a glare. Hayakki sighs to herself as she fully faces her. "If you're gonna punch me in the face, can it wait? We're still not out of the woods yet."
"..." Ayame released exaggerated sighs to herself before rubbing the back of her own head. "You have no idea how much I want to beat the living shit out of you for causing so much trouble for my little bro…but in the end, you did keep him safe."
Hayakki raised a brow.
"I still don't like you, being entirely honest here. But you did help out, so I guess I'll let you off the hook…for now that is." Ayame said with a glare.
Homura and Izumi exchanged looks between each other before looking back at Hayakki who was looking back at the older sister. A small smile graced her lips. "Well, just be happy that your brother is alive."
"My Lady," Izumi spoke from behind. "While I do wish for us to rest for a good minute or so…I'm afraid we're not done yet."
Hayakki immediately knew what she meant. She glances over at Ayame. "Excuse me for a moment…"
Hayakki walks over towards Kojiro as he was speaking with the officer along with the others.
"Kojiro!" She called out to him. Causing the whole focus on her. "The prison camp, remember."
Kojiro blinked for a moment before it clicked. "Ah! That's right!"
"Oh shit! That's right! I completely forgot about him!"
"Wait," Chiyo rushes up to the dome with her expression showing concern. "Where's father!? Is he okay!?"
Kojiro turns towards the cops. "Listen, over by my mansion, there's a prison camp where he's holding privately!"
"A prison camp?"
Before he could ask even further, Hinata showed him some photos that they had taken during their raid. Plus a couple from the outside of the prison. The officer narrowed his eyes as he looked at the photo.
"The hell am I looking at here?"
"His prison camp." Yuta said with a grim look. "I and Hinata were also in there as well."
"And Tatsuya is behind all this? The same Tatsuya who is the CEO of Sakura Production?"
Hayakki walks over and hands the officer a folder. "You also might want to see this as well. It's the document that contains the information about the bomb that was being used to blow up Hachimitsu."
The Officer took the document and looked at it. All the information regarding the bomb was inside. Even signature by Tatsuya himself. He grew a grim look before sighing. "To think we almost let all of this slip right from under our noses."
"Listen, we don't have much time," Hayakki spoke once more. "There's a prison camp pretty far from here and my father could be well on his way to kill more people."
"W-Wait…is he…is father alright!?" Chiyo yelled.
Mari got word of her father, turning over to her little sister before walking over. "What about father?"
"H-Hold on, your father?" The police officer said.
Takamoto spoke up. "Yes, his name is Usano Kurihara. He's the chairman of this school. But if I'm correct, he was captured by Tatsuya and is now at Tatsuya's prison camp."
"Then what are we standing around here for like a bunch of brainless idiots!" Obushi yelled before pointing at the policeman. "Look here! You got your damn evidence! If you want to truly see if it's all real and not some damn made up story like I'm spreading some conspiracy theory! Then come see yourself!"
Kojiro looked over at Scarlett, and both of them nodded. "Me and Scarlett will stay here and wait for backup to arrive to remove the dome from the school. Obushi, you know the way there, right?"
"Damn straight! NOW LET'S GO! I'LL LEAD THE WAY!" Obushi said as he wasted no time to run over to the truck.
The police officer turns towards his men. "Alright, you five, stay here until the military arrives and remove the dome from where it stands. As for everyone else, go straight to your vehicles now! Let's move out!"
On that note, some of the police officers rushed over to their vehicles, rushing off from school grounds. While others remained in their place, awaiting for support to arrive to remove the dome from the school.
"I feel like our boss is getting into this, way too much…" Hinata said with a nervous smile with Yuta agreeing with his partner.
Kenchiro looks over at Ayame. "Oh that's right, we should go pick up your mother, sister and Miyuki. See how they're holding up."
"Oh that's right." Ayame looks towards Matsuri. "We'll be back! Can you guys man down the fort here?"
"We'll be fine. We'll let you know if anything comes up." Matsuri said.
Penny raised her hand. "I'll stay here for the moment and watch them."
Ayame and Kenchiro nodded as they headed out to the car to go and pick up the others. Leaving the others to wait with the students and teachers who were still currently trapped within the dome.
"So we're taking a break for now right," Homura asked Izumi and Hayakki, both nodding. The blonde brawler lets out a sigh before dropping on her butt. Rotating her arm. "Good, because I'm fucking beat. As much as I want to get into the final fight, I'll leave that to the old man."
Hayakki couldn't help but look in the direction where the others left for the prison camp. "Junichi…don't push your luck."
She felt a tap on her shoulder, looking over, she spotted Penny with a small smile. "He'll be fine. He may be stupid and stubborn at best, but he'll be fine."
Hayakki only scoffed as she looked the other way. "Who's worried? That old fossil? Please."
"Come on, don't pretend you don't care about him." Penny teased.
"Like I said, I don't care."
"Then why do you show respect for him?"
Hayakki didn't answer as she just looked at the young woman who just smiled at her. Hayakki could only roll her eyes as she looked back at the direction where the others had left.
"My father isn't the type to back out of a fight…and with his little upgrade that he got from wherever he got his upgrade from…I can only see a deathwish for him."
"He got it from Kyoto." Both of them turned towards Kojiro who wore a pale look on his face. "I don't know the full details, but he got it from Kyoto. His…soul got transferred from his human body and into an artificial mechanical body. Infused with his new body, i-is divine power."
Hayakki blinked as she narrowed her eyes. "I think I did hear about that, I'm still trying to process how the hell does that even work. Just when I thought that things couldn't get any more weirder to begin with."
"U-Um…" Matsuri cautiously raised his hand. "I was dead for a moment before coming back alive."
Hayakki had to blink twice as she looked back at Matsuri with a baffled expression. Even Penny, Homura and Izumi had to look at him with expressions of disbelief.
"Hold up," Homura said with a raised brow. "You're telling me that you came back from the dead briefly? You're kidding right?"
Before Matsuri could answer, Etsuko jumps onto Matsuri's shoulders as she looks at the group. "It's true! Right as Andre transformed into a rampaging kaiju, he was trying to kill the USC and then Matsuri came to the rescue and took the hit!"
Etsuko spoke as she animated the entire event that had happened. Homura had stars in her eyes as she leaned in. "SERIOUSLY! NO WAY! A TWIG LIKE YOU!? I CAN'T SEE IT!"
Matsuri ruffled his own hair. "Y-Yeah, well…it was at the heat of the moment and I just acted on a whim I guess."
Homura grinned as she playfully punched him on the shoulders (despite the flinch from Matsuri). "You got some more guts than what Hayakki describes you as."
Hayakki coughs in her fist, quickly getting Homura's attention. "Homura, you don't need to go around and tell him that."
"Why? You did though."
Hayakki sighs to herself before she looks back at Matsuri who was looking back at her. "Oh don't look at me like that. You were a total push over back then."
Etsuko pouts as she glares at the pink-haired girl. "And you were taking advantage of that!"
Hayakki rolled her eyes but not without feeling a little guilty. "I will admit…I did take advantage of that…I won't sugar coat it either…but seeing you for the past few days…I will admit you have grown quite strong for the most part."
Matsuri blinked before he smiled at the teen. "Thanks Hayakki."
Hayakki sighs to herself. "Whatever, let's just go ahead and rest up a bit before we get some actual help…and hopefully hope that old fossil doesn't go and die on me."
"Well don't go and jinx it." Penny said.
Hayakki rolled her eyes as she passed by a nearby tree and sat down with her back against her tree. With everything that has happened for the past days, saying she's tired is an understatement. She released a sigh before looking up at the night sky.
Inside the dome, Chiyo couldn't help but to look out the dome, with a completely worried expression written on her face. She felt a hand on her shoulders, causing her to look over to see Mari with a frown.
"I'm worried about our father too. But all we can do now is wait." Mari said.
Chiyo blinked, almost having tears in her eyes. "I…I don't want to lose him."
The crow mistress could only muster a smile before hugging her little sister, allowing for Chiyo to sob silently into her own shoulders. "We pray for him to come back safe…it will be alright."
Chiyo didn't say anything as she just continued to sob silently onto her shoulders. Despite the best effort Mari tries to comfort her sister. She couldn't help but to think about her father as well for his own safety.
Memories race back through her head, the time when she was a child all the way through her teenage years. That was the time they drifted apart…
"Father…I know I don't particularly see eye-to-eye with you…but please…please come back home safely."
-Tatsuya Prison Camp-
On top of the buildings, many of the prisoners were staying at a safe distance away from the ground. As they were told to do as they watched the only two lone figures sitting on the ground level, as if they were waiting for someone to come.
With the fire slowly igniting around them, Junichi was sitting on a metal chair that he had someone brought out as he waited within the courtyard. With Usano standing by his side as he kept his eyes ahead of them with a rather worried look on his face.
"You worried…" Junichi asked.
Usano releases a sigh. "I will not lie…I am a bit…worried."
"Hey, there is still time to make a run for it. Want to renounce?"
"...no. That man has caused too much trouble one way too many times. And have gotten away with it with no consequences coming his way. He endangered my daughters, my friends…my school," Usano clenched his own fist. "No…this time I will show him no…MERCY!"
Junichi laughed a little. "Well, hope you don't slow me down, because me and that bastard have a score to settle."
Usano couldn't help but chuckle a little. "Don't you think you should be saying that to yourself? You must be quite well in your 70s at least. Even though I'm much younger than…you."
"Don't go calling me that, I may be old…but I can still beat up a bastard when I see one. And right now, that bastard Tatsuya is gonna get one helluva beating." He said before popping a bone as he rotated his shoulders. "But you…don't you have a family to go back to?"
"And you?" Usano asked back.
"..." Junichi recalls Penny not wanting for Junichi to die on her watch. He remembers her almost being in tears from the way he laid out his plan during their planning phase. "Hmm…I do have somewhere to go back to…and I don't plan on dying…not yet."
Usano nodded with a grunt. Crossing his arms across his chest. "Then I shall aid you in this final showdown…against the Immortal…Wolf."
Before Junichi could answer, he blinked. He felt the hair on his skin rising as he sensed a dangerous presence in the air. Glancing back at Usano, who felt the similar presence as he clenched his own fist. Staring in front of them. Beyond them was a lone figure, slowly walking towards them with a terrifying low muttering growl. The crowd burst into murmurs of whispers, looking at the man's appearance.
Junichi blinked as he looked closely at the figure approaching. "The hell…"
Even Usano was unsure of what to say at this point. "Is…just what on earth…"
Both of them looked closely at the approaching figure as he stomped his way towards them. A dangerous purple electric rose around him. Dark horns grew out from his head, the white from his eyes was replaced with black color with only his glowing red eyes. His teeth showed more fangs than usual.
"This man…n-no…this man…h-he's literally a monster." Usano thought to himself with a terrified thought.
Junichi leaned on the chair he was sitting on as he gave Tatsuya a glare. "Well, well, well, that's a fitting look for ya, though you look more and more like an Oni than an actual wolf ironically enough."
Tatsuya didn't respond as he just growled at the two with an almost demonic noise.
Junichi sighs to himself before he speaks. "Yup, look where we are now, I still remember that day. When you killed my own friends…and the day you took my family away."
The old man sucked in some air before leaning off the chair and walked a little ahead facing Tatsuya.
"And now here we are, your own little prison camp. Your own foundation. Your ego…is now all burned down and in ruins. Kind of ironic, you took something away from me…and now I took something away from you."
Tatsuya released a sigh. "Here you are at death's door steps. And you still yap away like a chatterbox. You think you've won this battle, but the battle has just started. It isn't over, until the immortal wolf stops breathing."
Tatsuya slowly starts to walk around the two. "You may have pulled the rug right from under me. I'll admit, I'm impressed. But that doesn't mean you have actually won the fight. No…you're only delaying the inevitable. Of your death."
Junichi scoffed. "Please, like we're scared of you. Just because you turned yourself into a monster, doesn't mean we can still kick your ass."
Tatsuya could only scoff at this remark. "So you think you still can win against me. In case you've forgotten, I have gotten an upgrade from my recent business trip. I am not the same weak man you once knew…I am stronger, faster…I am invincible."
"No." Usano spoke up with a hardened glare. "You're wrong. You're not invincible nor are you some superior being. You're a monster through and through. A terrible man who only tramples on those you see beneath you. You're the type that will pluck out the weak and dispose like trash."
Tatsuya could only growl at the man. "And what do you know, you're just some commoner who runs a school!"
Usano growled under his breath, his hardened glare did not leave. He took a deep breath before answering. "Which do you prefer, ass or boobs?"
"..."
Complete silence between the two. Junichi had the most confused look on his face as he looks at Usano. Even Tatsuya, wore a rather confused look, unsure of how to even respond to that.
"What?"
"Ass or Boobs? Which is better and why do you like it?"
"The hell?" Junichi thought to himself.
"...what…WHAT KIND OF QUESTION IS THAT!?" Tatsuya bellowed. "Have you truly lost it? What does it matter which is better? Ass or Boobs? Does it matter? Why ask such a question like that?"
"...no one who likes asses could be a bad person." Usano answered, just earning more confusion. "It is a philosophy that I follow. Those with a great ass are good…people!"
"What are you…"
"I wanted to make sure that I am not making a mistake and claiming you as a bad man. I want to believe that you are, deep down, a good man. So I will go back to my question. Boobs…or Ass?"
Tatsuya could only blink in confusion before shaking his head with a scoff. "You truly are a dirty old man…such a ridiculous question and philosophy. What does it matter what types I should go by? But if I had to choose…I would choose both."
"You're actually answering this question?" Junichi asked.
"Both!? But…WHY!?"
"Why? Because they're both prizes for me to enjoy. I mean, why would I choose one over the other? I can just easily lose myself in the lust."
Usano glared at him. "That's…it?"
"Of course that's it. What other explanation do you need?"
Usano sighs to himself. "I thought for a moment you were a good man deep down…but I guess I was…wrong!"
In an instance, the chairman took a step before making a good decent distance between the two. "You endangered my school, you endangered my students, my daughters…my friends. No more…I shall stop you here and now."
"Count me in as well." Junichi said as he stepped in. "This is where your legacy ends."
The crowd on top of the buildings chanted their names in unison. Cheering them on for the fight that is about to happen.
Tatsuya looked between the two older men before he chuckled. "Both of you have a death wish…but I admire your bravery…allow me to show you my respect. JUNICHI! USANO!"
Electricity spurred out from his body! His glowing red eyes intensified. More marks begin to appear on his face.
"Allow me to punish you for your own FOOLISHNESS!"
Junichi did not waste time as he springs off of one foot on the ground and makes a mad dash towards Tatsuya. With his fist ready, aims for a blow at his stomach. With one good swing, he punches Tatsuya in the guts.
However, the Immortal Wolf only grins maliciously at the old yakuza man. In a quick motion, he extends both his hands and grabs both of Junichi's shoulders. Bending his back all the way, he launches his body forward, slamming his forehead right onto Junichi's.
*WHAM!* *CRACK!*
Junichi's body was pushed back with such force, his body rolled against the dirt. His hand over his own forehead, rubbing the sore spot.
Tatsuya's eyes then registered on Usano who raised his fist and aimed to punch him on the cheeks. However, Tatsuya effortlessly blocked his fist. Usano tried to break free from his grasp, but the terrifying strength of Tatsuya only proved that he was not gonna like what he was gonna do next.
Soon, Tatsuya, in just a blink of an eye, twisted Usano's hand with one easy turn.
*CRACK!*
Earning an agonizing scream from the chairman. Tatsuya, still holding onto Usano's hand, flings him over his and sends him flying towards a building. With Usano's back slamming onto the building and falling to the dirt.
Tatsuya merely laughed. "Look at you two, you can barely even stand as my equal. Seize now and beg for mercy!"
Junichi groaned with pain as he got up. Putting both his hand on his back and pushing on it. Earning a satisfying crack, he shakes his head as he glares at the Immortal wolf before looking at his partner.
"Oi! Are you still with me?"
Usano groaned as he got up from the ground, twisting his hand back into place. "I'm not out of the game…YET!"
Junichi nods as he looks back at Tatsuya who rotated his neck glaring at him. "Let's finish this."
"...bring it."
Junichi rushes towards Tatsuya with an electrifying charge. With all his might, he brings up his leg and goes for a roundhouse kick to the face. Tatsuya blocks the move with his own kick, both feet colliding into each other. He pushes Junichi off of him, sending him stumbling before regaining his composure.
Junichi dashes towards him as he swings his fists at him. Tatsuya, as if he could predict where he was going to hit and aim. He effortlessly dodges and blocks all incoming attacks. Tatsuya grabs his one hand and brings up his other hand, slamming his own elbow onto Junichi's!
*CRACK!*
Junichi releases a scream, not before his face was punched several times before Tatsuya swings him to the side. His body rolls onto the dirt once more.
Before he could look towards Usano, Tatsuya felt a pair of strong hands wrapped around his waist. Usano locked him in place before lifting him up from the ground. Bending his body into a perfect arc before he slammed Tatsuya's head onto the ground. Finally landing a hit on him.
*WHAM!*
Usano lets go of Tatsuya's body as he rolls away from him. He looks over at the Immortal Wolf who struggled to get up from the ground. He took notice of the purple electricity spewing from his body. An ominous purple glow formed.
Tatsuya slams his fist onto the ground before finding his target. Usano immediately had shivers sent down his spine as Tatsuya aims rushes towards him with a rather demonizing scream.
What he didn't see coming from his side, was Junichi who swung a big hammer into his face. Blood flew from Tatsuya's mouth as he was sent flying to the side. Both watched as the yakuza body rolled on the dirt.
Junichi fell on his knees with his hand resting on his elbow. Usano comes up to his partner. "You o..kay!"
"I'm fine…" Junichi said, breathing heavily. "You saw that?"
"I did." Usano said as he looked at Tatsuya who was struggling to keep it together, more ominous dark purple energy spewed from his body. He's invincible…but he's not all the way…strong!"
"Looks like his new body comes with a limit. He can't take both of us on if we work together. But watch out for anything he tries to pull. I don't know but something is wrong with his new body."
"Indeed. I'll take a hit and let you land a…hit!"
Junichi nods as he looks back at the chairman. "Same here. Let's end this fucker's career."
Tatsuya gritted his teeth, he turned to find both his enemies standing. He slams his fist onto the ground. "DON'T YOU DARE LOOK DOWN ON ME LIKE THAT! I AM YOUR GOD!"
"You are no god of…MINE!"
Tatsuya lets out a scream that sends a tremor throughout the prison. All of the prisoners up on top shivered at the sight, some wanted to leave, but wanted to watch the fight unfold before them.
Usano and Junichi look at each other before nodding. Usano makes the first move as he rushes towards him with Junichi following his lead. Tatsuya with one growl, aims for Usano raising his fist in the air. He sees Usano raising his fist in the air as well, aiming to punch him in the face.
Tatsuya merely flicks his head to the right, dodging Usano's fist and connects his fist to Usano's cheeks. However, as he was able to land a hit on the chairman…
*WHAM!*
He felt something heavy and metal rammed right into his waist. Causing him to kneel down. Tatsuya holds his waist, the palm of his hand could feel some splitter underneath his clothing. "How…how are they…I was supposed to be invincible…and yet these…these commoners…they're able to harm me!"
Before he could snap back into reality, he found his own stomach kicked right into. His body was sent flying backward. With his back meeting the ground, his face met the night sky with smokes still emitting from the building. He could hear the prisoner cheering and chanting for his death.
"No…this is wrong…THIS IS ALL WRONG!"
*SLAM!*
He slams his own fist onto the ground. Sending tremor throughout the prison camp. He launches body upward, his glowing red eyes stabbed right into Usano's and Junichi's!
"I WILL NOT BE BEATEN BY TWO MERE COMMONERS!"
A very powerful force created a crater around him. In a blink of an eye, he immediately appeared in front of both of them. He swings his back fist across Usano's cheeks. Sending him flying towards a building. He repeats the same motion by swinging his fist across Junichi's face. Sending him flying.
Junichi's back hits against the wall, creating a crater. With the hammer still in his hand, he was suddenly forced against the wall once more, feeling pressure weighing down on him. He sees a seething Tatsuya with his canine teeth and glowing red eyes. Glaring at the old man as he pushed him against the wall.
"Give it up old man, you're way past your prime! You can never hope to beat me! I AM FAR MORE SUPERIOR THAN ANY OF YOU!"
"...y-your wrong…you're not far superior…" Junichi said with a glare. "You s-see yourself as a g-god…d-don't make me laugh…all I see…i-is a pathetic delusional old hound who needs to be taught a lesson…"
Tatsuya could only scoff as he forced him further into the wall. "And you'll be the one to teach me a lesson? Are you, old pal?"
"...in fact…both of us…WILL!"
Usano came up from the side and elbowed Tatsuya on the side where he was shattered from. Easily sending Tatsuya flying off to the side, freeing Junichi from his prison. The crowd burst in excitement. Chanting their names as they both stood their ground against Tatsuya who got up immediately.
Usano and Junichi both ran up to the man. Usano came in first with a swing to the left, Tatsuya tried to block, but was suddenly met with a hammer to the face. Usano, elbows him across the cheeks. Junichi tosses Usano's hammer and immediately punches Tatsuya in the face. He moves to the side as Usano swings upward, connecting the hammer head to Tatsuya's chin. His body lifts in the air before hitting the ground.
*CLANG!* *WHAM!*
The crowd roars in cheer. All of them enjoy the pain that Tatsuya is receiving. The immortal wolf struggled to get up. But his legs and arm were failing against him.
"No…get up…DON'T FAIL ON ME YOU USELESS BODY!"
Junichi and Usano shared one more look before coming to an agreement. Junichi drops the hammer as he runs up to the kneeled Tatsuya, he leaps off the ground, angling his body sideways with his feet pushed together.
*WHAM!*
He drives his leg straight into Tatsuya's face. Rolling to the side, Usano rushes in to finish the job. With all his power, Usano lifts Tatsuya's body off the ground where he positions his head, facing the ground and his leg dangling upward. The crowd electrified, waiting for the finishing blow.
"Here comes the…FINISHER!"
Usano leaps in the air with Tatsuya's body still hanging on. As he was a good distance off the ground, he extended his legs out and drove Tatsuya's head to the ground.
*WHAM!*
With enough force, he was able to land Tatsuya head on the ground hard. Tatsuya's body went limp as he and the rest of his body fell to the ground. The crowd went wild, cheering for Junichi and Usano.
The chairman lets out a breath of relief as he gets up from the ground and walks back a bit. Not taking his eyes off of Tatsuya who was having a desperate time getting up. Junichi walks next to Usano as he glances at the man.
"Nice moves…" He praised him.
"It was…nothing." He said with a smirk.
Tatsuya groans as the ominous dark energy around him begins to deplete. He could feel his body growing rather weak. "No…no…don't fail on me…I…I can still fight…"
"It's over, Tatsuya." Junichi said. "Your plan for conquest failed. Your own daughter backstabbed you. The name Immortal Wolf is no more. You lost."
Tatsuya growled. Seething with anger. "No…I-I can still fight…"
Usano shook his head. "No…it seems your new body is at its limits, Tatsuya. It is time to surrender for your crime and face…JUSTICE!"
Tatsuya only scoffed. "You damn fools…you will worship me…ALL OF YOU WILL BOW DOWN! BEG ON YOUR KNEES TO THE IMMORTAL WOLF! YOU WILL FOREVER BECOME INFERIOR TO ME!"
A burst of dark ominous energy spewed from his body. All the prisoners on top of the building were terrified of his mysterious power. Usano and Junichi shield themselves from the terrifying pressure. Both of them look at the man who started to get up off the ground with his hand still holding his side. His whole body slowly becomes coated with the dark energy.
"GET ON YOUR KNEES. BEG FOR MERCY! I COMMAND YOU! I COMMAND EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU TO-"
All of a sudden, bright light flashed down on him. Blinding everyone on the scene. Causing a stir amongst the crowd.
Usano shields himself against the light as he looks up. "Is that…the…police!?"
Junichi fought against the light, he looked up to see something flying over them. He immediately thought it was the police…before taking a good look at the shape. A rather big silhouette covered them.
"That's…that's not the police…"
"WHAT!? THEN WHO!?"
They didn't have time to think something was lowering down from the blimp, a figure riding on top of it as it landed right on top of Tatsuya. Immediately trapping him inside the cage. The man inside whips his head around in confusion.
"What is this…what's-"
Tatsuya didn't have time to respond as he was suddenly restrained with an glowing electric ring shackling his body. Being successfully trapped, he was shocked with electricity. Releasing an agonizing scream from him. Both the two old men looked at Tatsuya as his dark silhouette that was covering his body, was reducing in size. Not only that, the horns on his head were retracting back in his head. He was slowly returning to normal.
Tatsuya screamed as his body went limp, falling to his knees.
"Boss!" A familiar voice called out to Tatsuya.
"T-That voice…I know that voice…J-Jack?" He looks up to see a relieved Jack.
"Oh man, that scared me for a moment! I thought I went hard on ya and you immediately kicked the bucket! Don't worry boss, I'll get you out of here!" He said as he got back to the cage and brought out his walkie-talkie. "Okay, lift us up!"
Junichi blinked for a moment as he looked at the familiar figure. "J-Jack? What's he doing here?"
Jack looks back at the two confused men. He gained a grin. "Heh, you guys may have won this round! But don't worry, the Immortal Wolf will return and you'll ALL DIE! HAHAHAHAHA!"
On that note, the crane carrying both of them lifts them up in the air and back inside what looks to be a giant blimp.
"SO LONG LOSERS!"
"STOP! GET BACK HERE!" Usano yelled as he gritted his teeth.
Junichi's eyes scanned the blimp, seeing the giant hovercraft that shadowed over the prison. His eyes look towards the window, he sees a mysterious figure looking down at them as it stands by the window. The figure glared back at Junichi that sent shivers down his spine. The figure then walks away from the window, the blimp lifts up in the air before turning invisible.
"Hey! Where are they taking that bastard!?"
"I wasn't done with him yet!"
"I want to see him suffer! Cowards!"
As the crowd shared their grievances, Usano and Junichi looked up at the sky as the blimp was completely hidden and flew away from the scene. They hear the sound of the blimp engine while also hearing the mix of sirens and a helicopter coming their way.
"Just who were they? Something tells me that they were not the sleeping…wolves."
"...I'm not sure…but I do know one thing…I feel like this won't be the last time we'll see Tatsuya." Junichi said with a hint of fear in his tone.
Usano hums to himself as he continues to look in the direction where the blimp flew off in. Carrying Tatsuya and Jack with them.
-Inside the Blimp-
Tatsuya leaned inside the cage, making a low growl in frustration. "Damn it…damn it…I had it all…I had it all within my grasp! But it was taken…all those hard works and efforts…IT WAS ALL TAKEN FROM ME!"
*SLAM!*
He slammed his fist against the cage. Causing Jack to flinch a little. "U-Um…b-boss…"
Tatsuya lets out a sigh. "So…my own daughter…betrayed me…I knew I should have killed her when I got the chance. Like mother and daughter…heh."
"B-Boss…"
"...I'm fine, Jack. For now at least…" He lifts his head up as he looks at his surroundings. "Where are we?"
"Oh! Right! Um, so the guys who you formed a partnership with were actually watching us the entire time."
"My…business partners?"
"Yeah! Well um…after those brats escaped. I was on my way to go save you, but then I was stopped by these guys, at first I thought they were some special ops or something. But no, they're from Heavenly Tower! The place where you got that new body and obtained that divine power thing!"
"I see…so they watch me the entire time…"
"That is correct, Tatsuya."
Walking inside the room, was a man who dressed rather professionally. He had short but well combed brown hair. He wore glasses with a red shade that matched his red business-like suit. He walks inside as he looks at Tatsuya with Jack making way for both of them to speak.
"I know you…you're Maximus, right?" Tatsuya asked.
"That is correct. I'm happy that you remember me. Even after you're lost in such a rampage."
"...my rampage…ah. That's right…I lost control of myself during that fight…" He glares back up at the man. "This body…just what happened? I lost all control of it like it was consuming me, the more I lost control of this power."
"I believe I have a perfect explanation for that. In due time at least, however, I highly recommend you to rest first. Nerima knows of your true identity as the immortal wolf. So going back here would be a death wish, which is why we'll be heading back to Kyoto."
"So you want me to run with my tails between my legs? Heh, sorry, but I won't run away from a fight." Tatsuya claimed.
Maximus wasn't fazed. "Oh, do you want to risk yourself getting caught by the police and possibly face a death sentence with the crimes you committed? Be my guess. Although, seeing how your men…well…majority of your men." He looks towards Jack. "Have been defeated, your clan is no more than two men…and with the damage your new body has suffered. I am the only one with the special treatments your body needs."
Tatsuya growled with frustration. But flinched when he felt the pain on his side. "That's right…I suffered some severe damage from those two…to think I would be outmatched by them. Guess I pushed this new body too hard…"
"I know what you're thinking." Maximus said. "I know you want some explanation for that body I gave you and the power that nearly consumed you. And I know you wish for vengeance against them. But your body needs rest. You shouldn't push it too far or else it will truly break down on you." Maximus said.
Tatsuya glances at Jack who nodded. Leading for the man to sigh. "Fine…I shall follow your instructions…but I want answers when I wake up."
Maximus smiled. "Very well. Then please, use this opportunity and rest up until then."
He bowed to them before leaving them in the room.
"Geez, something about that guy gives me the creep." Jack said.
"True…but there's nothing much we can do for now…I'm gonna rest now, I suggest you do the same, Jack. Because we're gonna be busy tomorrow."
"Huh? How's that boss? What are we going to do tomorrow?"
"When you suffer a defeat from your enemies. There's only one solution to that, Jack. And that solution is simple…plotting my revenge!"
On that note, the blimp silently moves through the night and towards their destination. Leaving in utter defeat…for the moment.
[Omake]: Why's a Raven Like a Writing Desk?
Tsubaki yawns as she lays down in bed. With the blankets acting as her curtains, she covered them so that she could shut out some of the lights. Though she allowed some lights to peek through the slit open. She rested on her bed with a mask over her eyes. Lightly snoring away.
"HEY TSUBAKI!"
And just like that. Her sleep was ruined by a familiar shriek! Jumping on top of her. Tsubaki releases a groan as she lifts up her mask, looking at Etsuko who looks back at her with a small curious glance.
Tsubaki sighs to herself as she removes her mask and looks at the small girl. "And just what do you want, Etsuko?"
"I was reading this book," She shows her a book that is titled: "Alice Adventures in Wonderland". "I got far into it and the Mad Hatter asked Alice a riddle that even I don't know the answer to."
Tsubaki rolled her eyes. "And that riddle is?"
"Why is a raven like a writing desk?"
"..."
And just like that, Tsubaki was stunned by the riddle. She just laid there in silence. Cannot produce a simple answer to the riddle.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"Why is a raven like a writing desk?"
"...the hell kind of riddle is that?"
Etsuko merely shrugs. "I thought you knew."
"Of course I don't know." Tsubaki said as she allowed her body to fall back down on the bed. "Don't worry about it too much. It's just a stupid riddle."
"Yeah, but it's still interesting though. I mean, why a raven specifically? And what's with the writing desk? Are they implying that a raven can write or something? Or are they implying that a raven is some sort of symbol in some old cultures ways?"
Tsubaki opened one eye at the girl. "You know sometimes I just forget under that mask you're a smart girl."
Etsuko, feeling offended, uses both her hands to slap Tsubaki's cheeks together. "DON'T CALL ME STUPID!"
"Jush dropsh the shtupid priddle!" She muttered through Etsuko's hand.
"No! I will not drop it!" She said as she let go of Tsubaki's face and grabbed the book. "I'll go ask Matsuri, maybe he knows."
And like a storm, she jumps off of Tsubaki bed and rushes out the door in a hurry. Leaving Tsubaki to her own as she merely yawns. "Whatever…just a dumb riddle she's asking. What harm will it do?"
Despite her going back to laying down on her bed, she couldn't help but go back to the riddle. "Why is a raven like a writing desk?"
"Huh? Why is a raven like a writing desk?" Matsuri questioned with a raised brow.
Etsuko nodded. "Do you know?"
"...not…really?" Matsuri was just stumped by the riddle. "Yeah I don't know the answer to that…"
"Aw man! I was hoping you would know!"
"Why are you so curious to begin with?" Matsuri asked.
"Because it's interesting!" Etsuko asked with sparkles in her eyes. "I mean, it's such a brain picking riddle, you have to be a total nerd to figure it out!"
Matsuri merely just shrugged. "Yeah, sorry. But even I don't know…"
Etsuko merely pouted before thinking to herself. "Hmm…maybe Yukina and Megumi know…"
The small first year zooms out of the room and off towards her next destination. Leaving the boy in thoughts. "Why is a Raven like a writing desk…so weird."
Both Yukina and Megumi gave similar baffled expressions. "Why's a raven like a writing desk? Are you smoking something?"
"No. Just reading this book." Etsuko showed them the book she was reading.
Reading the title on the cover, Megumi makes the connection. "Oh, you were reading Alice Adventures in Wonderland, yeah I read that book."
Etsuko's curiosity peaked. "So you know the answer?"
"Nope."
And like that, her curiosity was immediately replaced with a pout. "Damn it. How about you, Ojou-san?"
"Sorry, I don't know such a riddle. I mean, why does it have to be a raven? And why compare it to a writing desk?" Yukina asked herself with a curious expression.
"I know right! I keep asking myself that and yet I still can't grasp my head around it! It's so weird!" Etsuko asked.
"Why not ask Mari? Sure she doesn't have a raven, but I bet she knows the answer to that." Megumi suggested.
"Hey! That's a great idea!" Etsuko said as she rushed off to her next destination with the book in her hand.
Leaving Yukina and Megumi in thoughts. "Hmm…why is a Raven like a writing desk…so strange."
"Tell me about it."
Chiyo was walking through the courtyard humming to herself a familiar tone. Only to stop when she finds three familiar female students standing to the side.
Mari, with a rather serious expression, and there were Hana and Meiko exchanging expressions as they glanced at Mari and back at the set up in front of them. A crow standing on top of a desk with a pencil and a writing paper.
Chiyo held a concerned look, and she walked over to the group. "Um…Sis?"
They all looked behind them, seeing Chiyo. "Oh, good afternoon Chiyo."
She waved at the other three before she looked at her sister. "What are you doing?"
"Oh…this…" She shamefully looked at the rather ridiculous set up she got going on. "Well, Etsuko came to me with a riddle she got from a book. The riddle is…why is a raven like a writing desk?"
Chiyo just blinked as she looked back at the desk and the crow before looking back at her sister. "But…that's not a raven."
"She's aware." Hana stated. "But that shrimp got her brain working overtime, the moment she left and went to go ask Kate and the others, Mari and…well us too, we got so confused by the riddle."
Meiko cleared her throat as she continued from Hana point. "So, Mari thought it would be a good idea to have a visualization to see if she can answer the riddle."
"...and did it work?"
"No." All three of them answered.
Inside the library, Gakuto was vigorously reading a book with his head low to the page. Surrounding him were literally several other books that were stacked in rows. Some of them are English literature.
"Um…G-Gakuto-kun?"
Gakuto blinks to a familiar voice. He looks to the side to find Mitsuko with a worried look. "Ah. Mitsuko-dono! Apologies for not noticing you!"
"It's fine…um…what are you…doing?"
"Ah…well. You see, Etsuko-dono came to your's truly and comrades with a rather…confusing riddle."
"Why is a raven like a writing desk?"
"Ah! Indeed! That is the answer! How do you know that?"
"...she asked us the same thing."
"Ah…and did you find the answer?"
"That's why I actually came to find you. Did you find it?"
"...alas…no."
Takamoto was walking down the hall minding her own business before she was approached by Ringo.
"Psst. Takamoto-sensei," She managed to get the nurse's attention. "Why is a raven like a writing desk?"
Takamoto stops. "Why is a raven like a…what?"
Anzu: "Why's a raven like a writing desk?"
Mayumi: "I know right, so weird. But I'm curious."
Asuna: "So, any answer from you guys?"
Sakura: "Even I don't know that. I mean, why a raven? Can it not be any other animals?"
Suzumei: "Why is a raven like a writing desk?"
Kiyoshi: "Maybe if we act like a raven then we'll know the answer."
Shingo: "No way, that's stupid."
Joe: "But it *cough* might work."
Female student: "Maybe a raven talks like a smart person?"
Female student #2: "That's stupid."
Ino: "Do any of you know why a raven is like a writing desk?"
Female student #3: "Where did you hear this from?"
Female student #4: "I heard it from her."
Female student #5: "I heard it from someone else."
Female student #3: "Then where did it come from?"
School Cleaner: "Why is a raven like a writing desk? The hell does that even mean?"
Chinatsu: "WHAT KIND OF RIDDLE IS THAT!?"
Suzumei: "Why is a raven like a writing desk?"
Nagita shouts in a megaphone: "DO ANY OF YOU KNOW WHY IS A RAVEN LIKE A WRITING DESK?"
Obushi: "Why is a raven like a writing desk…what does that mean?"
Hinata and Yuta shrug.
Ritsu: "Mom, dad! Do any of you know why a raven is like a writing desk?"
Akane and Kenchiro: "Huh?"
Ayame: "Why is a raven like a writing desk?"
Sousuke: "Hey boys. Why is a raven like a writing desk?"
Riku and Ren: "..."
Hayakki: "Why is a raven like a writing desk? Where did this come from?"
Izumi: "Homura said she got it from Sousuke and the others."
Tatsuya: "Why is a raven like a writing desk…what in the world…"
"WHY IS A RAVEN LIKE A WRITING DESK!?"
Sitting in his office alone, with his back against the chair. His eyes looked up towards the ceiling with a curious expression.
"Why is a raven…like a writing desk…" Usano asked himself before humming. "Indeed…that is indeed a strange…riddle."
….
The fight is over. The Sleeping Wolves have been defeated and the school has been saved. But Tatsuya and Jack are still at large, but retreat. Peace has returned to Nerima once more. What happens from here on out? Next chapter will be the conclusion to the Blood Prison arc…
Sorry for the long wait on this chapter, people. One way too many things have been going on with either working on some side projects or life events that are happening around us that is distracting me. But as promised, I bring you the newest chapter of this story.
We finally get to see Usano and Junichi in action as they face off against Tatsuya. I always have planned to give Usano his own role in this story, but I wanted to give him a role that at least connects to the story in some way. And not act as some completely different side story where it overshadows the main. At first I was gonna have the whole school face off against Tatsuya, but I felt it wouldn't fit, so Usano and Junichi were the next best choice. Usano represents the school as their chairman and Junichi has a long lasting score to settle with Tatsuya. Both have their reasons to stop Tatsuya and I'm satisfied with the end result.
Despite suffering a defeat, Tatsuya manages to escape with Jack along with the business partners he met during his trip. Who are they? I'm not telling. But I can say that this will not be the last time we see Tatsuya and Jack, but that's a different story for another time, perhaps in the near future. ;)
We are nearing the end game of the story, next will be the conclusion to the Blood Prison arc and the next will be the final story arc of the whole story. I actually have some plans in mind for the final story arc, but I don't want to share them with you yet. You'll have to wait until the next chapter till then. Sorry! (Not sorry!)XD
Thank you all for reading this chapter! Leave a review, stay safe (please stay safe out there. I cannot stress that enough). And I shall see you all in the next chapter!