A/N: Sup Y'all. It's Doggie and dudes...getting sick sucks. Yeah I guess I wasn't too stupid enough to not catch a cold but like the Filthy Stray that I am my immune system kicked in and only had to deal with it for a couple of days instead of a week. Luckily I finished most this chapter and I proud to represent it to you guys.
Anywho, One of you guys asked in the reviews who or what a Brain Flayer is? And so Doggie is here to help ya out. (Puts On Glasses)
Well a Brain Flayer or Mind Flayer is creature in DnD that is basically a Squid Head from another Dimension. The illithid, commonly known as the mind flayer, is an aberrant humanoid best recognized by its tentacled mouth, which it uses to suck out and consume humanoid brains. It is highly intelligent, and feared for its powerful psionic ability. These creature a have a Superiority Complex that make Elves Ego's seem tame in comparison as they will collaborate with each others when necessary but the individual is entirely self-serving and will happily abandon its allies to save its own life. They have a special ability called psionic, which basically psychic powers.
Anywho these guys have a habit of invading other dimensions and enslaving anything that isn't them and even then they will beat on their own species as there is a pecking order with all of Octo-Brains following the Elder Brian which is just a huge brain that is connected mentally to all the Squid Heads.
They are the main bad guys of Balder's Gate 3 and in the Taimanin Universe they are one of the Main Antagonist when Kotaro goes into the Multiverse but this time it's in the future.
No, The Brain Flayer are not Demons but a separate Species from humans and demons.
Also One More thing for the Polls, the Poll is on my profile which to get to is to click on the Author's Name and from there you will see in small print the poll where you can vote on What FanFic I will work on next.
And One More Thing, I don't mind if you guys want to message me and share Ideas! Sorry if I am a bit late to respond but I will do my best to respond. So let's chill and discuss new ideas about our favorite hobbies.
Anyways I got some One Shots and Funny Side Stories planned for Taimanin so stay tune my dudes.
DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN ANYTHING BUT THIS BIOWEAPON CALLED... COMMON COLD. ALL CHARACTERS AND PROPERTIES BELONG TO LILITH SOFT AND OTHER CORPOS
Part II
Chapter 13
Memories of the Forgotten, Scars of Regrets
*** Gosha Academy' Courtyard***
"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Alsaal, an extra-dimensional traveler." The Brain Flayer said.
"Even its name sounds evil as fuck..." Kaiser said as Sakura nodded in agreement.
"(Sigh) Damnit Kai... Alright, so... Alsaal? Is that right?" Kotaro asked the brain flayer.
"The correct pronunciation is a little more complicated, but I've made it easier for you inferior beings to take in." Alsaal said in a condescending manner.
"... I swear all I hear from that talking smooth-brain squid is, 'Please beat my brains out for the crows to feast on.'" Kaiser said he was tempted to stomp on the brain flayer's 'brains' if it kept referring to him and his friends as inferior beings.
"I agree with Kai-kun, little brother. I think we should cut him into pieces after all." Rinko said as her hand was ready to draw her sword to cut up the offending mollusk apart.
"Wait, Onee-chan! Um... Alsaal, what did you mean by dimension traveler?" Kotaro asks, trying to change the subject and keep things amicable.
"We possess the technology to cross between dimensions freely." Asaal explained, as this piqued Kaiser's interests.
Kaiser remembered in his last mission in the cave of the Phantom Castle that Zaizen, a warrior who came from another dimension, explained that his people escaped the destruction of their home through the means of using a gate that took them to a dimension far away. Maybe this walking refuse of seafood could know something more about the Livorigem Humans or perhaps about the Kermesanima.
"Hmm... Crossing dimensions... I've heard about this before. I think a United Federation researcher presented something like that in their cosmology research. So that might actually be true..." Kotaro ruminated, but before he could inquire more on the matter, Kaiser stepped in to ask his own question.
"Hey, Octo-Breathe! ... Does the term Livorigem Human mean anything to you?" Kaiser asked, awaiting an answer that can help him understand his forgotten past.
"Livorigem? Hmmm... Livorigem... Ah yes, the term 'Livorigem' has been used in the ancient texts that were left behind by the ancient civilization. Though there is no real translation, as the word is used in a religious sense. To humans it would be your progenitor." Alsaal explained in a rather smug and condescending tone.
"Progenitors...?" Kaiser was intrigued at hearing the term and wondered if it was connected to his forgotten past.
"Yup, that's the best we can translate it as. It is not well known what the actual meaning of the term is or the true origin. But the name itself seems to have been coined by the modern inferior humans and demons." Alsaal said as Kaiser was already sick of his condescending attitude.
"I see... What about Babalingua and Kremesanima?" Kaiser asked as his curiosity was piqued by the names mentioned.
"Oh, the Kremesanima is the power of Livorigem Humans who were originally born in the dimension known as Tendiso. Their bloodlines were very close to those of the Humans of this dimension until the war and the destruction of the Tendiso world. They fled from the destruction and made a new world for themselves. Though after the last battle they were hunted down and are thought to have been eradicated by the demons." Alsaal explained as Kotaro, Sakura, and Rinko were surprised by this, but Kaiser was...
"You mean... they are all gone?" Kaiser said slowly as he felt... grief and immense sorrow that he couldn't explain. He felt pity for the ghost of the warrior back in the cave who sacrificed so much for his people to have a chance to survive for it all to be futile. "Zaizen..."
"Indeed, even with all the remnants of their bloodlines and artifacts, they have been wiped out. Though it is likely that many of their lost arts were recorded before their extinction, which are called the Animusfex. This would also be the same case with the Kermesanima, which was their source of power." Alsaal continued to say, while looking at Kaiser and noticing how deep his mind seemed to be thinking.
"Hmmm... I see... So they were a powerful species and were eradicated. Though the fact that they fled from their homeworld suggests that there are other worlds than the ones we know." Kaiser said slowly as Alsaal was a bit surprised that this knuckle-dragging ape had such an intellectual side.
"Yes, there are many different dimensions, each with their own unique rules of reality. There are hundreds or even thousands of them. The Tendiso, the Dark World, and this world are just a couple of them. These worlds are like a droplet of five-dimensional space. My species use this space as an intermediary to access and travel between these worlds." Alsaal said as he was trying to explain as much as possible.
"I see, so you are able to go from one world to another. I suppose that also means you can also create portals like that. But you seem to be a different kind than the demons I'm familiar with." Kaiser said as he started to think more on his words.
"That is correct. Our dimension has turned a little dangerous, so we are investigating other dimensions to find one fit for us to relocate to. Alsaal said.
"You can't find a new dimension then?" Kaiser asked with a curious expression.
"We cannot find one suitable for our kind." Alsaal said as he realized he had said too much and looked at the giant of a man in front of him.
"So the reason Rinko-se...uhh, Nee-chan, I, and Kai were sent flying here was probably because we got caught in the middle of your dimension-traveling process?" Kotaro asked.
"You're saying it as a good thing, but you're essentially trying to invade other worlds. We should kill him after all." Rinko said as she looked at Kaiser.
"Hmph, I agree. We should kill him right now. If we are not careful, this could be a big threat. His strength is likely equal to mine, and you are still recovering." Kaiser said as he agreed with Rinko's assessment that even this thing was not a demon, it still gave him uneasy vibes.
"Don't say that! He's really not that bad. Just listen to what he has to say!"Kotaro said as he tried to be the diplomatic one.
"Wait! Others might think it would be best to eliminate inferior beings, but I'm different! I believe in the coexistence of our races! When we move to this world, I will guarantee a protected space for all of you!" Alsaal said as he tried to stop this conflict from escalating further.
"Protected space! Hey Tentacle Head, what the fuck do you mean by that, huh!? We were here first, and this is our home! We aren't letting any mollusk smooth-brain assholes take that from us! I don't trust this douchebag. I can feel he's lying. Even if he can be trusted, he will just use us as tools or experiments later." Kaiser said as he pointed at Alsaal with a serious look on his face.
"Minus the barking ape over there, the rest of you pests also have value alive, so we can overlook your inferiority!" Alsaal said nothing, knowing that these were poor choices of words.
"... I agree with Kai-kun, so I can kill him already?" Sakura growled out as she was to fillet the mollusk.
"W...wait, Sakura!" Kotaro begged as Kaiser put a hand on Kotaro's shoulder.
"One-eye, I usually let you handle the talking because you have a way with words. For once in your scheming life, can you just accept that the direct approach is sometimes the best approach?" Kaiser started to say.
"But you can't kill him now, Kai! We need him to help us return to our world... Please hold out for a while longer, and then I'll let you turn this fish face into sushi." Kaiser whispered as he finished his sentence, and Kaiser sighed. "So Alsaal, let me ask you a question. When you travel between dimensions, is it possible that others might be caught up along the way?"
"Of course there is! Sometimes, the inferior beings that get caught in our dimensions even decide to start wars with other beings, like the one between the Livorigem Humans and Dark Lords of the Demon World! But that's a trivial matter for us. HAHAHAHA!" Alsaal laughs as Kaiser suddenly feels a punch to his gut as he falls to his knees.
"Kai!"
"Kai-san!"
"Kai-kun!"
As Kotaro and his friends shout out of concern for Kaiser, but the young man on the other hand, felt cold. He felt something in the back of his head begin to chant. At first it was a whisper... and slowly it began to increase in volume as it flooded his mind with two words.
KILL HIM
Kotaro was worried for his friend as he saw Kaiser fall to his knees. Kotaro didn't know what was going through Kaiser's mind as he was numb to everything around him. What happened next was something that Kotaro would never forget.
Kaiser stood up, but all of a sudden the air around him became heavy as his eyes were hollow and looked as though they were dead. He was a different person, as though something was using him as a medium. Kotaro and the others found it hard to breathe as it felt like an overwhelming presence was pushing down on them. At first the group thought that it was coming from the brain flayer, but they were surprised that even the brain flayer was frozen in fear as he was visibly shaking as well. It was then that Kotaro looked at Kaiser and saw something that hardly resembled his friend.
Kaiser had no expression on his face as he was the very picture of a corpse with a 1000-yard stare that seemed to not register anything in this world. His eyes were glowing red as the Crimson Energy was leaking out of him in a torrent of power. With each step he took, it was as though the world went silent, as there were no ambient sounds or even presences other than... whatever Kaiser was and the unlucky brain flayer that stood before him.
Sakura was afraid, Rinko was struggling to stand, and Kotaro just stood there as he was at a loss at what he should do. The mere thought of calling out to Kaiser was a foolish notion as he was beyond reason, it was as though he was longer there...something was using him as a vessel. Whatever it was controlled Kaiser as it was something else...something that was far older and foreign. The power that was emitting from Kaiser was something that Kotaro had never seen before or could even comprehend.
What was this power that was so overbearing that it was not meant to be used by man or anything. This being that was controlling Kaiser, it was stronger than any demons or anything on this plane of existence.
Kaiser didn't even look at Kotaro and the others as he walked past them and towards the brain flayer.
The brain flayer's eyes widened as he was visibly shaking as Kaiser stood before the brain flayer, his eyes looked emotionless as the brain flayer found the sight of him horrifying as it tried to move away. As Kaiser looked at the brain flayer, his face was expressionless with apathy as he had no emotions while he stared at the brain flayer as though the creature was nothing but a mere insignificant speck.
Kaiser slowly grabbed him by the neck and lifted him into the air. Kaiser began to squeeze his neck tighter as the brain flayer tried to get Kaiser to stop.
"It was you..." Kaiser quietly said, his voice barely above a whisper. There was no anger, hate, or even emotion in his tone as his red...empty eyes burned holes into the brain flayer's existence.
Alsaal did not know if it was fear or terror, but he could feel his heart beating against his chest, as if it wanted to escape from his body.
This creature... it wasn't human.
It had no concept of fear, anger, joy, or sadness, only instinctual terror of wanting to send all into oblivion. Alsaal felt every bit of that terror of having his entire existence judged as no more than an object to be erased.
"Do you know the meaning of suffering?" Kaiser asked.
Alsaal did not answer.
He couldn't even think of the correct answer.
The only time he would feel such emotions would be when he would experience them vicariously through his subordinates or slaves, but this... thing was something that defied all conventional reality and normality as Alsaal knew it. It didn't belong on this plane of existence. To be more accurate, it didn't belong anywhere within the universe or in any multiverse.
It was an affront to all life and reality itself.
"Do you?" Kaiser asked calmly as he looked directly into Alsalal's eyes.
Alsaal couldn't find the right words to speak.
His mind was blank; his tongue failed him.
"I'll make sure you do. It's time for you to learn the true meaning of pain."
"Kai-Kun!"
A voice shouted out to him as something within Kaiser tried to fight its way back.
"Kai-kun... please... this isn't who you are... please... come back... come back to me... My Kai." Rinko pleaded to her childhood to return to her. Rinko knew in her heart that this was not how her love would handle things, as she knew that the boy she grew up with and fell in love with was a young man that was filled with passion, strength, and conviction. It was something that had been buried deep within his psyche, but also it was something that was etched into his very soul.
Slowly but steadily something within Kaiser's body as it fought back against the the foreign entity that was controlling his body, Kaiser was able to regain control of his body as the thing inside him was pushed back deep into the recess of his soul.
Rinko could see it as his red eyes shined like the embers of a dying fire trying to reignite the flame that burned within him. Kaiser's normal green eyes began to return as he slowly was coming back to his senses.
"Rin...ko," Kaiser said as his eyes regained their glow.
"Kai-kun..." Rinko cried as she embraced him as she wrapped her arms around him and laid her head upon his chest.
Kaiser did not move as he was confused as he didn't understand what was happening.
"What... what happened?" Kaiser said, as his breathing was staggered as if he had just run a marathon.
"I-I don't know. The last thing I remember is you asking Alsaal some questions and then suddenly you went quiet and t-then..." Rinko cried as she buried her face deeper into his chest.
"I—I don't know what came over me. One minute, I was trying to interrogate Alsaal, but then the next thing I knew, my mind seemed to go blank, and everything just started to become a blur." Kaiser tried his best to explain what had happened, but it was not making any sense to him. "Rin-Rin... I... I'm sorry..."
"It's okay. It's okay." Rinko said as she tried her best to console him. She knew that Kaiser was trying to find the right words and that his heart was being torn apart with guilt.
"No... I need to apologize for what I did... I... I..." Kaiser said as his voice was trembling.
"No, Kai-kun. You don't have anything to apologize about... I'm just glad your back to normal." Rinko said as she felt Kaiser's body tense up as he felt a rush of shame was over him.
"Kai!" Kotaro shouted as he ran over to his friend as the mysterious and... whatever that thing that was inside Kaiser was gone now but still...
Kotaro shook his head, as right now his friend needed him as he would figure out whatever that was that happened to his best friend. For now, Kotaro needed to capitalize on this, as the brain flayer had something akin to a look of terror that made it want to crawl away from Kaiser.
"So then... Alsaal, now that you understand that my friend here is not joking around, I have a few requests to make of..." Kotaro said as he felt like a total scumbag for using his friend as leverage in negotiating for a safe passage back home.
Before Alsaal could respond, a loud, girlish cry was heard from above as something fell from the sky.
"WWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"
It was Shikanosuke.
"They're still on me!" Cried out the pathetic femboy as he was being chased by a monster that Kotaro or others had never seen before.
"R...Rinko Nee-chan... Kai... we need to deal with this first, then we can deal with that Slimy Mollusk." Kotaro ordered as Kaiser broke out of his self-guilt and prepared himself for battle.
"Y-Yes." Rinko said, as she was confused by the sudden appearance of this new enemy, but she was ready to help her friends. "I don't understand what's happening, but... Uehara-san, we're going to save you!"
"Hmm? Is he another little brother?" Sakura asks, completely destroying the serious mood.
"Ehhh!? Umm... maybe!" Rinko clumsily said.
Rinko took out her katana as she took on a waki-gamae stance and in an instant dashed quickly towards the two monsters. Sakura summons her shadow beasts as she also charges at the two monsters with her dual short ninjato swords drawn out. The only one who wasn't jumping into the fray was Kaiser, as he was having an inner struggle as to what happened to him earlier, as he faintly remembered something that he had long since buried in his mind.
"Kai!...Kai...hey, are you okay?" Kotaro asked if he needed his second command to be in the fight.
"K...Kotaro... I..."
"Hey buddy, snap out of it!" Kotaro punched Kaiser in the face as the Wild Taimanin fell to the ground on his butt. "Whatever that was! Whatever it is that lies within you... NONE OF IT MATTERS! You are Kaiser Wrath! You are my best friend, comrade, and a brother in arms! You will stand up and face this with your friends because... I'll say the same words you said to me on the rooftop... 'I got your back'. I'm with you to the very end!"
"Rrrrrr!" Kaiser quickly came back to his senses and got back to the task at hand."RRRRRRAAAAHHHH! Alright! No more sulking! Hey, Twiddle and Twiddled Dumb! Prepare to have your heads shoved up each other's asses!"
Kaiser roared as he was back into the groove knowing that Kotaro was right. Whatever it was that was controlling him or inside him, he would deal with it later, as it wasn't his style to overthink things but to face them head-on because that was the Kaiser Wrath way of doing things.
"Aaaahhhh!" Shikanosuke screamed as he was being chased as he climbed up a tree to escape the two large monsters.
"Foolish human... We will feast on your flesh and gain power!" Said the two in unison as they started to circle their prey.
"Uwaaaaaahh!" Shikanosuke cried as he was scared beyond reason.
Rinko reached the monsters quickly as she unleashed multiple slashes within a span of a couple of seconds, as her swordsmanship was without equal. One of the monsters that resembled a golem was unaffected by the slashes as they merely chipped its hard rock body.
"Tch'... it seems I need to go all out for this one!" Rinko said to herself as she sheathed the katana 'Ishikiri Kanemitsu,' which was a family heirloom that had been passed down the Akiyama clan for countless generations, and held it tightly. "Ninja Art: Void Arts, Butterfly Guillotine!"
Rinko focused on the golem-like monster as she covered the blade in a 'leaping bubble,' as her ninja ability allows her to manipulate space in the form of 'leaps' in multiple different ways, such as teleporting herself, others, or objects, or cutting space itself, ignoring enemy armor. It can also distort the air, which creates vacuum slash attacks. Rinko used her katana to force whatever part the blade touches to leap as the midsection of the Golem's upper torso was separated from its lower half. The technique itself makes even the hardest armor useless as it cuts through shields, armor, or other blades with ease.
"UWAAAAAHHHH!" Rinko cried as she used her Void Arts to cut the golem into pieces.
There was a reason why Rinko was called the second strongest student in Gosha Academy and was on par with Kaiser in terms of combat strength, as she was one of the few students that could fight him while going all out.
As Rinko took care of the golem, the second monster resembled an oversized ogre as it faced off against Sakura as she circled around the beast as she sent her shadow beast towards the ogre.
The Shadow beasts were created by Sakura using her Taima particles to create them from shadows. The Shadow Beasts would take on a shape of a huge bear that would only serve her until their master's death.
The ogre was surprised by the sudden attack as it attempted to block the attack with its large fist, but the beast was too quick as its claws were already tearing apart the ogre's skin and muscles.
"HAA!" Sakura yelled as the Shadow Beast unleashed a powerful and precise blow right at the ogre's chest as the ogre was knocked back.
Sakura jumped into the air as she performed a spinning slash in the air, and she was able to wound the ogre's arms as Shadow Bear was able to tear through the ogre's tough skin.
"DON'T YOU LOSE YOUR HEAD TOO!" Sakura yelled as the Shadow Beast once again attacked the ogre, biting his arm off and then tearing at his other arm. The ogre was unable to block the Shadow Beast's attacks as it was brutally mauled.
Sakura had a serious expression as the ogre was starting to lose his balance as she performed a todome, or the finishing blow, as she decapitated the ogre's head.
Sakura landed on her feet as she breathed heavily and then quickly turned her head when she saw Kaiser approach her.
"That was great; I didn't know you were that strong," Kaiser said as he looked at the corpse of the ogre.
"You—You didn't think I could handle it?" Sakura asked as her cheeks became red.
"No, not at all. I know you are strong, but you're the only student that is capable of handling those monsters."
"T-That's not true! I mean compared to my big sis..." Sakura said and was trying to hide her blush.
"... You know, your sister is amazing and a powerful Taimanin," Kaiser said as Sakura had her head down as she knew that when people compared her to her big sister, Asagi Igawa, she would more than often feel inferior, "but there is one thing your sister doesn't have... She is not you."
Sakura had a shocked face when she heard those words.
"What do you mean?" Sakura asked.
"I mean that, even though you might be the weakest in physical strength and power when you are compared to Asagi, you have something that she doesn't... you have heart and kindness for wanting to reach out to help others... to reach out and help someone like me when no one else wanted to. You are a lot stronger than you think, Sakura. That's why I respect you and trust you."
"I... I don't really get what you mean by that, but I am happy to hear you say that," Sakura said as her cheeks were still red.
As Kaiser complimented Sakura, the bodies of the destroyed golem and defeated ogre began to combine as the two became one in a twisted amalgamation of flesh and stone.
"Alright, you two, stand back and let me handle this... I'll send this asshole packing to whatever shithole he crawled out of." Kaiser said he was ready to fight the new monster.
"Wait, we can't just leave this to you; we should work together and defeat this thing." Sakura said as she was getting ready to attack.
"Don't worry about it. I can handle this; besides, you should go and check on the others."
"But..."
"Just trust me; I'll take care of it."
"O-Okay, I'll trust you, but please be careful."
"I will now go and make sure the others are alright."
"Alright, I'll see you soon."
"Yeah, see you."
Sakura ran off as Kaiser was left alone with the monster.
"Well, looks like it's time to put an end to this." Kaiser said he felt the Kermesanima spark within him. "I don't know what you are...but I am the master of my own fate and life. I'll decide how to end things, and I'll do it my way!"
Kaiser was still unsure how to use this power after he blanked out, but it was what the wizard back in the cave said: only the strong can decide their own fate. Kaiser charged at the ogre/golem monstrosity and punched it square in the face.
"Hmph, not bad, but not good enough."
The creature was unfazed by the punch and grabbed Kaiser by the throat as it opened its maw.
"Devour."
"Like hell I'm going to be eaten... Know this, you shithead demon."
Kaiser used his free hand to grab the creature's arm and began to squeeze.
"I AM THE ONE WHO EATS!" Kaiser said as he flared up the Kermesanima in his body as his strength and power were boosted as he crushed the arm that was holding him. The ogre/golem roars out in pain as it drops Kaiser, the Mad Dog, then follows up with a punch to the abdomen as he then delivers a bone-shattering stomp to the left knee of the ogre/golem. The creature falls to one knee in pain as it looks in terror at the Apex Predator that stood before it. It knew that this creature was not prey but predator who hunted and killed his kind for sport... The Wretched Ravager of the Umbral Plains.
Kaiser decided to put the thing out of its misery as he grabbed its skull with both his hands and started to squeeze as the creature fought back with all its strength as it threw a few punches, but they did little to stop Kaiser, who continued to put pressure until the creature's head pops with a satisfying crunch. Kaiser was showered in gore and blood with the dead ogre/golem monstrosity dropped dead to the ground as Kaiser kicked it for good measure to make sure it wasn't coming back.
Rinko saw Kaiser kill the monstrosity as brutally as possible as she remembered that his fighting style was always unrefined and needlessly cruel, but then again, as Kaiser once said, "It don't matter how you do it. A kill is a kill, and those who worry about how they do it are always the first to die to trickery or dishonorable acts."
Rinko shook her head as she walked over to Shikanosuke, who was still up in the tree hiding. She helped him climb down, and then they both looked over to Kaiser, who had finished his grisly task. Rinko comforted the small, girlish Taimanin, who looked about ready to wet himself.
"It's okay. Everything's fine now, Uehara-san." Rinko said as she comforted her scared comrade.
"Hi! I was so scared!" Shikanosuke cried out as he hugged Rinko with his head being smothered in her breasts.
Kaiser was walking over to them as he saw the sight and felt a pang of jealousy hit him as he grabbed the short Taimanin by his collar and pulled him away from Rinko.
"What do you think you are doing?" Kaiser said, his tone barely masking his displeasure.
"Aiiiieeee...huh... KAI!" Shikanosuke cried out as he hugged Kaiser, who felt his anger fade away as the femboy was probably scared out of his mind... at least that was what it appeared to be.
Kotaro joins his friends as he was thankful for another familiar face, but his mind was already analyzing the situation and its implications if Shikanosuke was here.
"Where did you get sent to? It seems like you went to a different place than Kai and I were sent to." Kotaro asks as he needed the details to paint a clear picture as to what was happening.
"Well... we were doing muscle training, and then the scenery just changed. When I came to my senses, I was alone in some stone forest, and those monsters were trying to eat me!" Shikanosuke explained and shuddered at the mere thought of being eaten by those monsters.
"Eat you?" Kaiser asked as he was interested in the answer.
"Yes... the monsters were very hungry and tried to eat me. They started to chase me, and I had no choice but to climb a tree. If you guys hadn't come to the rescue, I would have been their next meal." Shikanosuke explained and shuddered at the thought of being eaten by those monsters.
"That sounds really bad..." Kotaro added.
"Yeah, at most they would get a snack from eating someone like Shikanosuke. Not enough meat on him to even be considered a side dish." Kaiser joked as Shikanosuke puffed his cheeks and had tears in his eye.
"That's not funny, you dick! I was almost eaten alive by those things, and all you have to say is that they wouldn't get a proper meal out of me!" Shikanosuke yelled at the taller male.
"Don't worry, Uehara-san. You are safe now." Rinko said as she hugged the crying male.
Kaiser grumbled as he mumbled under his breath about a certain pansy who he was going to get back at once they got back home.
"But thank goodness you guys are here, and we are back at Gosha's front gate!" Shikanosuke said as his attitude switched at the flip of a coin.
"Not really... Shikanosuke... look over there..." Kotaro said as he decided to break the bad news to his friend. Kotaro pointed to the young Sakura as Shikanosuke had a look of confusion on his face.
"S... Sakura-sensei? Doesn't she look really young!?"
"Yes... and no." Kaiser said as he knew that this was an alternate universe and he had to explain it all again.
"Kotaro and I... we were kinda... sent back in time." Kaiser said, and Kotaro nodded.
"W-what do you mean?" Shikanosuke asked with a worried expression on his face.
Sakura, not liking being left out of the conversation, chose at this moment to cut in.
"Hmm? What's wrong with you? You brothers are really rude..." Sakura said as she was still under the impression of Kotaro and Shikanosuke being related to Rinko.
"Yup... she's young! Did she say brother?" Shikanosuke said as Kaiser put a hand on his shoulder.
"... Just roll with it." Kaiser said while shaking his head as Kotaro took Shikanosuke to the side and whispered to him the situation they were in.
"What are you two whispering about?" Sakura asks, as she was curious about the 'Two' brothers conversation.
"Uhmm... sorry for the trouble. I... I'm the youngest son, Shikanosuke Akiyama." Shikanosuke lied as Kaiser was fighting back his laughter.
Kotaro and Shikanosuke both shot him a dirty glare.
"Ahaha, it's fine! You look just like your brother!" Sakura happily exclaimed as she bought into the lie.
It was then that Kaiser couldn't hold in his laughter anymore as he was howling while holding his sides. "HAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh boy! I'm sorry, I just couldn't hold it in... Shika-chan and One-Eye being related is too much! HAHAHAHA! I mean, they are both cut from the same cloth and all!"
"S... shut up!" Shikanosuke said as he blushed out of ...O...Oh... Really...Hehehe… yeah, a lot of people say that... H-hey... Kaiser! Don't just laugh!"
"Y-yeah, sorry about that." Kaiser said as he was struggling to calm down his laughter.
"Awww, you are the cutest and look even more like a little sister!" Sakura said as she pinched Shikaosuke's puffy cheeks.
"Sister! Shikanosuke whined as once more Kaiser was on the ground laughing so hard that he was about to faint.
"BWAHAHAHAHAHA! HOHOHO! OH FUCK! I THINK I'M ABOUT TO DIE! HAHAHAHA! OH SHIT! I SEE IT! THE SANZU RIVER! BWAHAHAHAHA!" Kaiser said as he was rolling on the ground laughing.
Shikanosuke's face was red with embarrassment as Rinko snickered a little as she tried to cover it up behind her hand while Kotaro was chuckling a bit at Sakura's comment.
"Uuuuu... FINE! I HOPE YOU KICK THE BUCKET AND DROWN IN THAT RIVER, YOU ASSHOLE!" Shikanosuke cried out loud as everyone had a good laugh at his expense.
After the friends had calmed down, they were interrupted by the Brain Flayer.
"Bravo! That's some impressive fighting power you have there! You insec..." Alsaal congratulated until his eye fell upon Kaiser, and his fear and terror began to rise up, and the brain flayer decided to shut up.
"Ah! And just where are you hiding!?" Kotaro glared at the brain flayer, as he knew with Kaiser here, he could use it as leverage to get his friends back home.
"Uwaaaaah!" Shikanosuke cried out in fear as he saw the octopus face of the brain that he instinctively hid behind Kaiser.
"Calm down, Shikanosuke. This guy's looks are just bad..." Kotaro said, trying to calm down his skittish friend.
"Yeah, about as bad as rotting fish left out in the summer sun... and smells as bad too." Kaiser commented as Kotaro gave him a look to shut up.
"Anyways, this guy is our way out of here, as I can assure you he doesn't intend on fighting us... right..." Kotaro said as he gave Alsaal a look that said, 'I'll sic my friend over here on you if you don't give us what we want...'.
"No! That's not it! I know this thing! I was captured by this guy in that other world! The monsters that we just fought before were in cahoots with him!" Shikanosuke revealed as the brain flayer had an expression that was the universal understanding of 'I fucked up.'.
"Oh, is that so..." Kaiser said as his eyes zeroed in on the mollusk as his aura of anger flared up at Alsaal.
"What is the meaning of this...!?" Rinko inquired as everyone now was glaring at the octopus, who was about to ink himself.
"So, you're saying that this captured you in another dimension? What is the meaning of this!?" Kotaro demanded that transporting him and his friends to another dimension was one thing, but imprisoning them... there were things that he was willing to look over.
Kaiser struggled to control his temper as he did not want a repeat of whatever it was that took over him when he got too emotional.
"It was a harsh world. The people who lived there were either killed or became slaves to the octopus bastards!" Shikanosuke explained as each accusation was more egregious than the last.
"What!?" Kotaro was shocked at hearing this as he looked over to Kaiser, who was raging with emotion at what he was hearing as well. Kotaro really regretted not trusting Kaiser, as he should've known better.
'I should've trusted Kai's judgment! Damn it... Kai always has a knack for finding evil in anything or anyone.' Kotaro mentally berated himself as he knew any dealing with this octopus head would end in their loss.
"Calm down! That must be an evil Brain Flayer! This Alsaal is different! I believe in our coexistence. I am your ally!" The Brain Flayer protested.
"Don't fucking tell me to calm down, fish brain! You say you believe in coexistence, but to whose benefit? A dog that is taken care of is still a dog at the end of the day, and I ain't nobody's dog! Kaiser growled out as the brain flayer flinched.
"Kai-kun is right! That Octo-Brian is lying! Those octopus act friendly at the beginning, saying they'll give you technology and all, but then when you let your guard down, they attack!' Shikanosuke confirmed.
"One-Eye, c'mon, I trust you... but do you trust me?" Kaiser said as he gave Kotaro a serious look.
"Of course! I trust you, Kai!" Kotaro responded without a doubt.
"Then trust me now..." Kaiser said.
The brain flayer was out of excuses as he turned to look back, but Rinko was there, ready with her sword out and prepared to strike.
"Don't look down on the Taimanin." Rinko said as she drew her sword in a flash and had it pointed towards the brain flayer.
"That's my girl..." Kaiser quietly whispers as he smiles.
"But if we take him down... we can't go back..." Kotaro said as he looked over at Kaiser.
"It's a risk we have to take... after all, it's just like what you said in the cave. You don't have to do this alone... We'll find another way on our terms." Kaiser said as he clenched his fist.
"I couldn't have said it better myself, Kai-kun." Rinko said proudly as she was falling in love with her childhood friend all over again when he got serious with his unshakeable resolve.
"... Alright, then if Kai said so, then we'll find another way back home, and we'll make sure this Octo-brain pays for his deceit." Kotaro said he knew that it may take a little longer, but he wasn't too worried; after all, once Kaiser made a promise, he would keep it no matter what.
"Yaaah!" Sakura cheered as she was liking this foreign boy more and more as he was the right amount of hot-bloodedness and seriousness. "Looks like we're erasing the evil octopus after all!"
Everyone pointed their weapons at the brain flayer as they were ready to take action against this interdimensional traveler, but in response, said brain flayer started laughing.
"You inferior beings. If you had just shut up and let us take over, I would've taken you in as slaves. Well, I guess we can always find more!" Alsaal laughs out as his mask finally fell off and his true intentions were revealed.
"So the truth finally comes out; I always knew anything as ugly as you would always be evil. Ya Squid Face!" Kaiser says as he antagonizes the brain flayer.
"You... no... you in particular will be dealt with swiftly... whatever you are or whatever it is that lies within is not worth the trouble of obtaining the Kermesanima. If only those demons had done their job right, then we wouldn't have to hunt down every single one of those Livorigem Humans..." Alsaal said he was still afraid of Kaiser but wouldn't turn down this opportunity to get rid of a dangerous future threat.
The brain flayer started chanting something unrecognizable, and mysterious green energy appeared in his hands. Suddenly, the scenery started warping again, and monsters appeared in the whirlpool portal that opened behind the brain flayer.
"It's feeding time, my pets... Go get them!" Alsaal commanded as the monsters resembling a ball of tentacles and teeth that walked on four legs.
"Bring it on! Ya stupid-looking Squid Face!" Kaiser roars out as he charges towards Alsaal and its minions.
"As if I'd let you! I'll rip you apart for daring to hurt Kai-Kun!" Rinko followed closely behind Kaiser as she had her sword out, ready to draw out blood.
"Yahoo! Banzai!" Sakura cheerfully shouts out as she follows behind Rinko and Kaiser, excited that she was finally getting in on some action. She was liking Rinko's childhood friend more and more as she was wondering if Kaiser was single, and if not, then... well, Sakura doesn't mind a little competition.
Kotaro watched as his friend charged into battle as he too was pumped up along with Shikanosuke as they both looked at each other before they nodded and charged into the fray.
The battle rages on as Alsaal chants and commands the monsters to attack while Sakura cuts off the tentacles that dare to get near her, but suddenly, something grabs hold of her from behind and starts to choke her.
"Ugh…what?!" Sakura coughs as she feels a strong grip on her neck as the tentacle monster reels her in closer to its mouth.
"You inferior being... let's just finish you off here and now!" Alsaal laughs as he commands the monster to kill the Taimanin, but before the monster can do so, Kaiser grabs the tentacle that has a hold of Sakura and with brute strength rips it off of the monster's tentacle as it squeals in pain.
"Hey, you alright?" Kaiser asked as he had his hand out for Sakura to take as she grabbed it and pulled herself back up to her feet.
"Y-Yes! Thank you for the save!" Sakura replies with a red face as she holds onto Kaiser's hand for a second longer than she should've as Rinko came charging in.
"Stay focused and be careful!" Rinko barks out as Kaiser nodded his head and got back into the fight. Sakura shot Rinko a dirty look as sparks flew in between them as the competition was on now.
Kaiser was ripping and tearing into the tentacle dogs with his bare hands as he killed his way towards Alsaal while Rinko and Sakura were slashing anything that stood in their way. Kotaro and Shikanosuke joined in as the two coordinated their attacks, with Kotaro luring the enemy close while Shikanosuke threw his shuriken at a distance to wound the tentacle dogs as Kotaro would finish them off with his sword.
Rinko's peerless swordsmanship shone through as any enemy that came close was instantly sliced apart as she created a bubble space around herself that with every swing of her sword would create multiple dimensional slashes within less than a second. She would sheathe and draw her katana with fluid and precise strikes, as there was no wasted movement; each stroke of her blade was always a killing stroke, leaving death in its wake. She was clean and a proper warrior who enjoyed the challenge... the perfect woman to reflect the direct and straightforward nature of Kaiser Wrath.
Sakura, on the other hand, was carefree and spontaneous as she danced around the tentacle dogs, spinning and cutting anything near her. Sakura had an ever-present smile as she summoned multiple Shadow Beasts from her shadow as wolves, bears, and even sharks tore through the cannon fodder. Sakura was like a pixie of slaughter as she was giggling and prancing through the battlefield in a dance of shadow blades and carnage. The Shadow beasts formed a protective circle around Sakura as they went on the offensive with her. The Taimanin was having so much fun that she knew someone with energy like her would need someone like Kaiser, who would be able to keep up. She knew that they both enjoyed fighting without a care in the world and cutting loose as she saw the wild and expressive young man needing someone who could make a relaxing and easygoing atmosphere to help take the stress off... and that someone was Sakura.
The fight seemed like it was over until Alsaal sent more of his minions to fight but knew that these inferior beings were strong. Before Alsaal could summon more tentacle dogs to fight Kaiser in a reckless rush, he plowed through the remaining monsters as he wound up a devastating punch as the Wild Taimanin was infused with the Kremesanima that seemed to grow stronger with every kill he made.
The fist was covered in crimson sparks as it struck Alsaal in his squirming tentacle face that sent the brain flayer flying backwards into the ground.
"Gugyaahhhhh!?" The brain flayer's tentacles were writhing in pain and agony.
"Kremesanima... power?" Asked Alsaal in shock.
Alsaal then saw that Kaiser Wrath had a strange red aura around him that was surrounding his whole body like an aura that seemed to increase the Taimanin's power.
"To think that I would encounter it... but I was assured that they were all wiped out... unless... Damn those demons and their insatiable greed!" Alsaal said with frustration as he tried to escape from the powerful Taimanin.
"I've got you now," Sakura yelled out as she sent out a blade of shadow towards the downed brain flayer. The blades, however, were deflected by an invisible wall, as it seems that the overgrown mollusk had created a shield in front of him.
"Your Simple blades cannot destroy my shield. Take that! You inferior beings!" Alsaal arrogantly mocked.
"Hoo... interesting." Rinko smirked as she took the brain flayer's boast as a challenge.
Rinko stepped forward as she sheathed her katana into its scabbard.
"Kuhahaha! What are you thinking, you inferior being?! You think my shield can be broken by that simple weapon?" Alsaal mocked as the brain flayer was confident in his shield.
Rinko focused her power as she started to gather the Taima Particles around her. Orbs of light rose from within her body as she took a Iaijutsu stance from her family's Itto Sword Style. The orbs began to be absorbed into the sheathed katana as Rinko took a deep breath as she placed a hand on the tsuka, or handle, of the blade.
In the next instant, Rinko slashed forth in one fluid and single motion.
The brain flayer was surprised as it felt something cold before he noticed that he had been cut in half.
"Impossible...!?" Was all that the brain flayer was able to say before the top and bottom halves fell to the ground as a pool of blood formed beneath it?
Kotaro was in awe of Rinko's true abilities as he was thinking that if she joined the team, it would greatly improve their performance as she helped Kaiser with the frontline vanguard.
Kaiser smiled, as he always knew how strong Rinko was and how she never backed down from a challenge; it was part of the reason why he trained so hard as to not fall behind her. It also didn't help that he had the instinctual need to protect her and the fact that he wanted to be a man worthy of her. Maybe someday they can be together without going behind everyone's backs, but for now he would have to be content with their secret rendezvous.
"That was amazing, Rinko-san." Sakura cheered even though she accepted Rinko as her rival; it didn't mean she couldn't acknowledge her talents.
"Yeah... I'm glad we're not enemies, Rinko-senpai..." Kotaro said without thinking.
"Fufufu... Isn't she your sister?" Sakura asks curiously as Kaiser sighs at the idiot.
"(sigh) Dumbass..." Kaiser said as Kotaro tried to salvage the situation.
"Ah, no, Rinko Nee-chan is amazing, right!?" Kotaro said in a panic as he waved his hands around.
"Ahahaha! Don't force yourself! You're not her brother, are you?" Sakura said as she had a knowing smile.
"Huh... since when did you figure out we were lying?" Kaiser asked, as he always knew that Sakura was sharper than most people would expect, and he should know since she was always able to know Kaiser's mood swings and his feelings.
"From the beginning. Well, everyone knew that Rinko-san came from another world, you know?" Sakura said as she almost resembled the Sakura-sensei back from their world.
"Hehehe... I guess no matter which world, Sakura will always be Sakura." Kaiser concluded, as he knew that there was no point in hiding the truth.
"Eeh? I only spoke about that to the young Rinko..." Rinko said she was surprised that her entire cover was blown since the start.
"Well, the young Rinko-chan went around trying so hard to make the older Rinko-san's life easier..." Sakura explained that the young Rinko would tell things to other people who asked about the older Rinko-san when she was out after class or school and would always follow her around like a shadow to help answer any questions the older Rinko had.
"I guess even Rinko is still Rinko in sticking her nose into other people's business and always taking responsibility for things that don't involve her." Kaiser explained, as he remembers when they were kids, that the young Rinko was always so protective over him when they were in school and made sure that nobody messed with him as she tried to keep Yukikaze's adoptive older brother out of trouble.
"KAI! That's... I mean... I wasn't that bad... was I?" Rinko shouted out in embarrassment as she remembered how she was always butting heads with Kaiser.
As a child, Kaiser always tried to be alone, as he didn't want to cause the Mizuki family any trouble and was always trying to separate himself from her and her younger brother so as to not upset his little sister.
Rinko remembered that she was always taking responsibility for Kaiser, as people would joke that she was his future wife and keeper since they grew up together. Kaiser was also always getting into trouble with the Clans and other children, and she was always pulling him out of it.
"Hahaha... (sigh) That was such a long time ago." Kaiser said as he recalled how he was such a brat back then, but he could not help himself at the time since he had so many things on his mind that he could not bring himself to share with others. In truth... he always liked that about Rinko, as she never gave up and was just as stubborn as he was.
"Ku... That girl... Well, it's me, but..." Rinko groaned as she finally started to realize how Kaiser felt when she tried to help him out all those times when they were children.
Rinko's face was filled with conflicting emotions.
"But, with this, you can't return to the other world, right?" Sakura asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Aaa... I guess." Kotaro said as he just accepted the current situation with his friends, as he knew that with Kaiser around, they would figure out a way to return back home.
"Ehh, I wouldn't worry too much about that. We'll find a way... and it'll be on our terms... together. Right, Partner?" Kaiser said as he lightly bumped fists with his old friend.
"Hmph, that's right... I guess we will figure it out one way or the other. That's what Taimanin's do after all. Right, Sakura?" Kotaro asked.
"Hahaha, of course, you'll find a way back." Sakura said as she nodded her head. "You know, if you guys don't have anywhere to stay, you, Shikanosuke, and Mr. Tall Drink of Water here can all come and live with me! Though my big sister can be a little scary, though." Sakura cheerfully offered as she attached herself to Kaiser's right arm.
"Uhh...I don't know about that. I mean, back in our world, your sister... wow, that leaves a weird taste... anyways, Asagi and I don't really get along, but One-Eye would sell his left nut to get a chance to live with your sister." Kaiser joked as he didn't see the jealous look on Rinko's face as she grabbed Kaiser's other arm and placed it between her breasts as she and Sakura were tugging at him from both sides with Kotaro's face turning red in the background.
"KAI/KAI-KUN!" Kotaro and Rinko both shouted as Kaiser just chuckled.
"(Sigh) Damnit Kai... well, Shikanosuke and I need to discuss this before we make any big decision... Shikanosuke?" Kotaro said as he looked for his team's mascot.
Kotaro turned around and saw Shikanosuke standing next to the Brain Flayer's dead body as he was looking at it with interest.
"Amazing... It's like the opposite of Hebiko. What's with him...?" Shikanosuke said while he poked at the dead brain flayer with a stick.
'How the hell is he suddenly so brave? Is it because he's used to octopuses from Hebiko?' Kotaro thought to himself.
"Hey, dumbass! Stop messing around with that dead squid head..." Kaiser called out as he needed to make sure that the creature was actually dead.
It was suddenly that the top half of the Brain Flayer floated up and grabbed Shikanosuke.
"HIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!?" Shikanosuke screamed in fear as he looked over and saw the creature grab him.
"Whoa! What the... HEY! Let him go, you fucking squid-headed freak!" Kaiser yelled out.
The top half of Alsaal had an expression that looked like a sneer at the inferior being that dared to defy it as its tentacles wiggled and writhed all over.
"Too bad! As long as my head is fine, then there's no problem!" Alsaal explained how the torso was floating by some means.
"Shikanosuke!" Kotaro yelled out as he was worried for his friend.
"GIVE HIM BACK, YOU BITCH-ASS CHEATER!" Kaiser roared as he was about to charge off to go get him but was stopped by Kotaro, who was grabbing his shoulder.
"Don't! You'll just make things worse if you just charge in!" Kotaro said to him.
"BUT HE'S IN DANGER!" Kaiser yelled.
"Fuumaaaa! Kaaiiii! Save me!" Shikanosuke cried out.
"Hohohoho! So, if you don't want this kid to die, you'll have to let me escape!" Alsaal demanded as it created a ball of energy and moved it closer to Shikanosuke, threatening him.
'Is this some kind of cheap plot twist?' Kotaro thought to himself.
"Heeeee! Save me! It's hot!" Shikanosuke screamed out.
"Don't you dare fucking hurt him, or I swear that I will permanently end you, Squid-Face!" Kaiser threatened the brain flayer as he knew that one bad move and Shikanosuke was as good as gone.
"I already know that you inferior beings prioritize the lives of your allies. What a worthless habit!" Alsaal said as it let out a sneer.
"Fuck off! You bitch-ass, motherfucking squid-faced freak! You're in for a world of hurt once I get my hands on you!"" Kaiser yelled back at the brain flayer.
"This isn't good. If Uehara is there, I can't use my ninja art or my sword." Rinko said with frustration and self-loathing in not finishing off the brain flayer.
"I'm not really good enough at controlling my shadow from here either." Sakura said, as well as she too was mad at herself for letting her guard down; if her sister was here, then things wouldn't have...
"Victory! It's my victory! I'll bring in more allies and get my revenge on you all!" Alsaal mocked as the brain flayer's eyes narrowed at Kaiser. "Especially you...you abomination of...whatever it is that is inside you..."
The brain flayer shouted as it slowly moved backwards, holding on to its hostage as it was gaining distance from the group.
"Hey... wait a minute... you think we're going to let you get away like that?" Kotaro shouted as he took a step towards Alsaal and Shikanosuke.
"What the fuck are you doing, One-Eye! Are you insane! That overgrown squid face is gonna cook Shikanosuke's head if we make a wrong move!" Kaiser wondered what the hell Kotaro was planning.
"Kai... please trust me on this and follow my lead." Kotaro whispered with a confident smile on his face.
Kotaro knew that he was playing a very dangerous game at this moment in time, as the brain flayer had Shikanosuke in its grasp. If they moved too hastily or Alsaal had a trick up its sleeve, then he was risking a lot for his friend's life.
Kaiser looked at Kotaro and knew that he would never willingly endanger his friends lives without having some sort of plan cooking.
"Alright, partner... I got your back on this." Kaiser said as he nodded and followed along with Kotaro's bluff.
Kotaro grabbed Sakura's short blade and took a fighting stance as he wasn't backing down from the brain flayer.
"What are you trying to do!?" Alsaal said with confusion as he thought Kotaro wasn't as heartless to knowingly endanger the lives of his comrades.
"Oi, Shikanosuke! Sorry about this... but I'll have to cut you both down together!" Kotaro announced as he readied himself.
"Eeeeeeeehhhhhhhhhh?" Shikanosuke said with confusion on his face as he really thought that he was going to get taken down along with this tentacle freak.
"Don't worry, Shika-chan... I make sure to tell everyone of your heroic sacrifice! I swear that I'll never forget you for as long as I live!" Kaiser said as he gritted his teeth and looked away.
"C-Chotto Matte Kudasai," Shikanosuke shouted out as he did not want to go out like this.
"I know your habits, so I'll make sure you don't suffer!" Kotaro said.
"H...Haaaahhhhh!? Fuma, hey! You serious!?" Shikanosuke cried out in disbelief that he was going to get cut down by his own friend.
"What...! Impossible! I was certain you inferior beings prioritized an ally's life...!?" Alsaal said as his eyes opened wide in shock.
"You underestimate me and my friend here. If there is one thing that you should know about us 'inferior beings,' it is that we hate to lose, Squid-face. We will do what is necessary to win." Kaiser said as he bared his teeth at the brain flayer.
"Shut up! Here I come!" Kotaro yells out as he charges towards Shikanosuke and the brain flayer with Sakura's tanto blade, ready to cut down his foe before him.
"Hyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" Shikanosuke cried out.
It was in that split second that Shikanosuke's cowardly nature saved his life, as within an instant the scared and cowardly femboy ducked his head to the right as the Brain Flayer's grip on him loosened from the shock of Kotaro's sudden attack, as it could not comprehend that something like this hairless ape would be cold-blooded enough to cut him down along with his comrade.
The blade pierced the brain flayer's head as it fell to the ground limp like a puppet who had its strings cut. Kotaro stood over the dead creature as Shikanosuke was crying as the femboy clung on to Kotaro's leg.
Kaiser let out a sigh of relief as Kotaro's bluff paid off as he ran over to his two friends.
"I... I thought I was going to die!" Shikanouske said as he cried
"It's ok, it's ok. It's over now." Kaiser said as he embraced the boy into his arms.
"I... I... I was saved by you... thank you, Fuma..." Shikanosuke said as he buried his face into Kaiser's chest.
"You're welcome."
Luckily, Kotaro, knowing Shikanosuke's habits and reactions, was able to predict what the cowardly Taimanin was going to do beforehand, which is why he was able to cut down the brain flayer without hurting his friend. Kaiser looked down at the dead brain flayer as it dissipated into ashes as though he was never there.
"Hohee... Amazing! You can do it if you try, huh, Fuma-kun!" Sakura said encouragingly.
"I'm impressed... Uehara, you did well dodging Fuma's attack from that position." Rinko complimented.
"Fuma signaled me when he said he knew about my habits." Shikanosuke explained.
"Oh..." the two girls said.
"Shikanosuke has a habit of always dodging to the right when faced with a frontal assault. I know since we always train together..." Kotaro explained. "Fortunately for us, there is only one right answer and no wrong answer... It's the logical thing to do... which is why I always have him help me during training."
Shikanosuke wiped off his tears with his sleeve as he got back on his feet as Kaiser ruffled his head.
"Next time don't go poking around at things, dumbass." Kaiser chastises Shikanosuke as he looks at Kotaro. "And you... well, I guess all that training was good for something... good job, Boss Man." Kaiser said with a grin.
"Heh..." Kotaro simply grunted as he looked up at the sky with an amused look on his face.
"Guess I should get used to this..." Kotaro muttered to himself.
Kotaro couldn't help but let out a chuckle as he looked back down at Kaiser and his friends with a grin on his face.
"I see... but still, that's something you can't do without trusting the other person. That was splendid." Rinko congratulates as she looks at her Taimanin friends.
"Indeed... you trust each other like a well-oiled machine... or maybe something like a family." Sakura said.
The five looked at each other with a grin on their faces.
"Damn straight we are." Kaiser said with a smirk on his face as Rinko giggled as she was happy to see Kaiser finally being able to change.
Before he would isolate himself from others and push them away, but now with Kotaro... maybe now he can be happy and be the man she knew he always was, a man of kindness and love.
After that the friends were suddenly greeted by a familiar voice.
"Ah, I finally found you guys! What are you doing?"
The voice belonged to a girl who was no other than Hebiko Aishu, the third member of the Independent Rangers.
"Hebiko!?"
"Shorty!?"
Kotaro and Kaiser had a surprised look on their faces as Hebiko looked at the two boys pouting.
I heard that you, Fuma-chan, were doing some independent training, but when I went to the gym, no one was there!" Hebiko huffed out before looking at Kaiser. "And you, Kai-kun, said that you were going to do some research at the library, but you weren't there either!"
Kaiser and Kotaro had no words, as with Hebiko being here lecturing them could only mean one thing.
"Wait. Hebiko is here... Does that mean we're back in our world?" Rinko asks as she was hopeful that she was back home with Kaiser.
"It would seem that we are back in our time after being sent through that whirlpool in the last fight." Kotaro concluded as he nodded his head with his finger under his chin as he did a thinking pose.
"I guess that Squid Face did at least one good thing..." Kaiser agreed as he finally realized something.
"I guess that asshole did do something for us... well, unintentionally, that is. Thanks, Brain Flayer-san." Kotaro and the others clapped their hands together in a prayer as the image of Alsaal appeared in the sky, giving them a thumbs up.
How could you all forget my name already!
"But if we are here, then doesn't that mean..." Kaiser finally realized as his eyes went over to the younger version of Sakura.
"What are you guys doing? And why does Sakura-sensei look so young today?" Hebiko asks as everyone turned their gaze to their hitchhiker.
"Eh? Eh? EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!"
Sakura screamed out as the scene fades up to the sky as once again Kaiser and the others did another job. Well done... mostly.
***Old School Building, The Head Mistresses Office***
Kaiser, Kotaro, Rinko, and Shikanosuke took the younger Sakura to the headmistress, Igawa Asagi, who had an incredulous look on her face as she listened to the interdimensional travel adventure that her students had. Asagi decided for now that the alternate universe version of her sister would be staying with her and the older version of Sakura at the Igawa Clan's compound until they can find a way to return her back to her home universe.
Kaiser sighed to himself as he at least escaped another lecture from the stick-up-her-ass woman, as he needed to find his little sister and his disciple to tell them the good news that he found and returned Rinko back home.
Kaiser and Rinko were walking down the halls of the old school building after they were dismissed by the headmistress as they were excused for their absence. As the childhood pair walks down the halls, Rinko, on the other hand, was quietly going over some things in her head.
When she was in that alternate universe, she had noticed how much she had missed Kaiser. Even with her younger version of herself and her family around, Rinko still felt lonely without her friends around, most in particular Kaiser. There wasn't a day that Rinko didn't hear about something that Gosha's Most Notorious Delinquent was doing. From his missions with the Independent Rangers to his day-to-day exploits at school, Rinko was always hearing something about her childhood friend.
It also didn't help that Kaiser was always busy with Kotaro and his friends with something that she felt left out. In the past it was always the four of them: her, Kaiser, Yukikaze, and Tatsuro. Sure, Kaiser was less friendly back then, and yes, he was always getting into trouble... wait.
Rinko had a thought that she had barely noticed in her head. Back then Kaiser was always being compared to her and his little sister, with Tatsuro being a mere afterthought. People were always commenting on how he was a 'mad dog' and 'the disgrace of the Mizuki's,' that she and Yukikaze would be better off without him, but when they talk about him now with the underachiever and heir of the controversial Fuma Clan, there is nothing but positive things about him.
Was... was she the reason why he had isolated himself and was made to be the bad guy? Could it be that because of her and Yukikaze's success and backgrounds of being heirs to the most esteemed clans of the Taimanin, everyone tried to push Kaiser away so that the Outsider wouldn't be associated with them? Were the people that surrounded themselves around her and Yukikaze the ones who made up rumors about Kaiser so that he would separate himself from them so as not to cause her and Yukikaze more shame?
These thoughts both infuriated and saddened Rinko's heart.
Here she was living her best life with the praise and adoration of others as she was considered to be the next Ace of the New Generation, while Kaiser was made into a disgrace and villain that others gave their ire to.
It wasn't fair!
It wasn't fair that these people who supposedly knew what was best for her and Yukikaze didn't know or understand the kind, caring, gentle, and self-sacrificing nature of Kaiser Wrath. Sure, the young man had a crude and vulgar way of speaking. And yes, he was always getting into fights and disrespecting authority, but never had he done so for the sake of hurting others.
When the heir to the Jigokumaru Clan was being picked on, it was Kaiser who stood up for her and made her hecklers attack him with nasty rumors. When one of the teachers was abusing his authority by sexually harassing one of the girls, it was Kaiser who punched the man and took on the brunt of the punishment before the truth finally came out. Most of the rumors about Kaiser abusing his connection with the Mizuki Clan or him being a criminal on the side were just that: rumors, with no base or clear evidence of his wrongdoings.
As Rinko thought about it more, she asked herself what she did to help her childhood friend.
She did help him train from time to time, but it was never for a long time. What about Yukikaze? She was always defending and brushing away any nasty rumors about her brother that everyone just assumed that she was being manipulated by the Outsider.
Did Rinko ever try to speak up on his behalf when they were little? No, because she was afraid of him getting into more fights and of her own rep being ruined. Was she too caught up in the praise of the other Taimanin? Yes, she was. Was she a coward for not defending Kaiser's actions? Even if he didn't always agree with her, Kaiser would always stick to his beliefs and would never abandon her.
She tried to stop Kaiser when he was picking fights, but the boy always brushed her off. Even if he was stubborn and barely understood the situation, Kaiser was always going to pick the fights with anyone who he thought was evil or tried to control him and to hell with everyone else. He would get angry if she tried to talk him out of his actions or simply try helping him by telling others to stay away from.
It was then that Rinko realized that she was the one that caused him to be alone and made others turn on him. In some twisted and misconceived way, he was protecting her and Yukikaze because he thought that they were better off without him. When they were young, all he could do to stop their tormentors and those who would use them was to fight because that was all that Kaiser knew how to solve his problems, and after Kenichi died, Kaiser didn't have anyone else to show him anything else. Shiranui was left in a grieving state; Rinko and Tatsuro were trying to console Yukikaze, who was just a young girl who had lost her father, and Inage could only offer Kaiser some small form of guidance.
It was Kaiser who rescued Shiranui.
It was Kaiser who comforted and reassured Yukikaze.
It was Kaiser who pushed himself to get stronger to protect his loved ones.
And it was Kaiser who always upheld his own justice, whether or not it was convenient for him.
Rinko never really thought of these things because she was always handling her own problems by herself and making others think that she was reliable because Rinko had the instinctual need to be depended on... everyone except Kaiser, who was the only one that challenged and questioned her because he knew... he knew of Rinko's own insecurities and tried to show her that he was there for her to depend on.
Kaiser was always there for Rinko.
He would always help her out with her own problems and never gave her a reason to doubt him... he was just always there to be the voice of reason and encouragement.
He never wanted Rinko to rely on him, but when push came to shove, he would always be there to support her. He was there when she needed help, and he would never leave her side, and this recent adventure proved that he would go to the ends of the universe for her.
As the childhood friends continued to walk down the halls of the old school building, Rinko suddenly grabbed Kaiser's hand as the boy stopped and turned to see his childhood friend looking down.
"Huh?... Rin-Rin, what's up?" Kaiser asked curiously, unaware of Rinko's inner turmoil. "What did you eat? Something bad, or was all that interdimensional travel giving you the runs?"
Kaiser joked around but was suddenly pulled by his hand as Rinko led him to an empty classroom. Rinko did not say one word as she led him inside.
Rinko closed the door behind her as the afternoon sun bathed the classroom in a burning amber glow. Rinko had a look of conflict on her face as she pushed her childhood friend up against the wall as she put both arms on his side. Though Rinko was considered to be one of the tallest girls in the Academy, Kaiser still had a good foot over her as he looked down to try and see Rinko's face.
Rinko had her head down as her long and purple lavender-colored hair was covering her expression.
Kaiser was not sure why his childhood friend was acting so out of it.
"What's wrong, Rin-Rin? I know you like to take a break after school, but we have to head home after this and tell everyone you are back!" He joked once again, "Unless you want to make up for lost time."
But Kaiser's attempts at lightening the mood failed as he felt Rinko's body start to shake as she started to cry.
"R-R-Rinko?! W-What's wrong?! Did I do something stupid!? It was me, right!? Ah shit, I'm sorry if I said something stupid agia.… Kaiser tried to apologize but was suddenly stopped as he felt a pair of soft lips mingle with his as Rinko stood on her tiptoes to silence the babbles of the 'Mad Dog of Ruin.'.
Even with tears running down her face, Kaiser gently embraced Rinko as he wrapped his arms around her and held her close. After what felt like an eternity, Rinko broke the kiss as she gasped for breath.
"Y-Y-Y-Y-You didn't do anything, Kaiser..." She managed to gasp out between sobs.
"Then why are you crying, Rin-Rin? You are worrying me here."
"It's just that... It's just that... It's just that..." Rinko repeated in a barely audible whisper.
"What is it, Rin-Rin?" Kaiser asked, as he knew that he needed patience with Rinko, as she was not a girl who could easily share her feelings and thoughts with others. "Take your time. Everything else can wait."
Rinko had taken a deep breath as she prepared to answer Kaiser's question. "It's just that... I feel as if I don't deserve this."
"Deserve this?" Kaiser asked, confused by Rinko's statement.
"Yes." Rinko nodded her head, still looking down as she could not bear to look Kaiser in the eyes, "You were always alone and mad at everyone, and everyone was always saying nasty things about and isolating you... even when you're always so kind and friendly with me and you try your best to cheer me up when I am down. I... I don't deserve your friendship..."
Rinko choked down her emotions as she forced herself to keep talking.
"I mean... I—I am so weak. I couldn't even be there for you when everyone turned their backs on you, and I... and I..." Rinko began crying again as she had a hard time talking. "And when I saw you with Kotaro and the others... you were so happy... more happy than when you were with me, and it looked like you finally had friends and comrades... friends and comrades that you couldn't have had with me around... I mean, all I did was run away from everything that I couldn't handle with a sword... run away from the fact that I was the reason that you were alone for so long."
"Rin-Rin, you know that isn't true." Kaiser began to say as he tried to cheer up Rinko, but the younger girl would not hear of it.
"Every time I was around, people avoided you and said things behind your back. Not once did I try to stop them or get them to stop as I was more worried as to how others see me... They kept saying things like how you 'threatened' or 'manipulated' me and Yukikaze. They kept saying how I was too good for you and how I should cut you out of my life, but I know they all think I am stupid and gullible... that I shouldn't listen to your 'bullshit' because you just wanted to use me or you act like a 'submissive dog' just to appease me. You... you had no one, and now you have comrades that you can trust."
"Rinko... I would've been totally alone if you or your brother weren't around. I know that in the past I was... difficult to get close to... I was so confused, and I noticed that I was treated differently because I was an outsider. I guess it made me a bit weary of people, as I only had the Mizuki family and nothing else, so I was a bit... over Hehehe, n… Hehehe, now that I look back at it, I was pretty sure you thought the same things about me being a total stranger getting close to Yukikaze and her family." Kaiser chuckled a bit as he came to accept that he was a bit of a brat in his youth.
Thought Rinko couldn't blame him, as Kaiser woke up in the middle of a forest with no clothes or memories as to who he was, and the first person he meets adopts him into her family; there was no way that he wouldn't attach himself to them or be overprotective towards his family.
"It's just that... no one bothered to talk to me, nor even look at me; I was just there to be looked down upon and to be talked about behind my back... so I guess I didn't have any other choice but to play the role of the bad guy. I didn't want to be hurt, so I never let anyone in... but I always knew I could trust the Mizuki family, Yukikaze, Tatsurou, and you. You didn't treat me like the others did. You gave me a chance, Rinko... and I guess I was so caught up in my own bullshit that I didn't realize it." Kaiser said as he looked Rinko in the eyes, the both of them blushing slightly as they stared.
"You were just a child. There was no way you would've known any better. After Lord Kenichi died... there was nobody there to help you... I don't blame you for being the way you were." Rinko said, giving a reassuring smile. "I just wished I could've done more for you back then... to make you happy with others and make you feel like you are one of us... A Taimanin... I wish..."
"Rinko...We're a family now, and family sticks together through thick and thin, right?" Kaiser said, putting a hand on Rinko's shoulder. "Which is why I want you here... with me."
Rinko felt her face get hot again as she tried to think of a response, but the only thing that came out of her mouth was, "I-I mean... Y-yeah..."
Kaiser placed his finger under Rinko's chin as he tilted up to meet his gaze as he softly pressed his lips against hers. Rinko's heart fluttered as she melted into the kiss as she pressed her large breast against Kaiser's chest as the two childhood friends turned lovers indulged themselves with each other.
The couple continued to kiss until they separated for air.
"Ha-ha-ha... Rinko." Kaiser whispered in a husky tone as it flipped a switch in Rinko as the older Akiyama suddenly lunged at her love and pinned him to the ground.
"R-R-Rinko!?" Kaiser exclaimed as the older woman's face was flushed with an intense amount of heat.
"Y-Y-Your mine!" Rinko growled possessively as she ground her pelvis against her beloved childhood friend's. "Mine."
It would seem that during their time in the alternate world, Rinko had seen how the younger Sakura Igawa was all over Kaiser as it sparked intense feelings of jealousy. Rinko knew that her childhood friend was attractive physically, as he had attractive features for a foreigner, but it was always his attitude that made girls turn away from him. In the back of Rinko's mind, perhaps it was because of Kaiser's standoffish nature and rebellious attitude that she didn't need to worry about some... WHORE swooping in and whisking him away from her. Lately, with Kaiser becoming more friendly and kinder, more and more girls have been approaching him. Rinko was a competitive sort, and even though she was inexperienced in matters of love or femininity, she would not lose to anyone, including the likes of Asuka or Sakura.
Kaiser felt his member stiffen as the large, busty, tanned beauty was grinding her nether region against his manhood, causing him to feel an intense amount of pleasure.
"R-Rinko! What's gotten into yo.… Before Kaiser could say his next word, Rinko gently placed a finger on Kaiser's lips.
"I'm sorry, Kaiser. I can't hold back anymore. You are so kind and sweet, and you treat me like an equal. When I was in that alternate universe, I was worried... I was worried that I would never see you again... Kai-kun, I want to be yours and only yours." Rinko said as her cheeks became flush with a pink color.
Kaiser was taken aback by Rinko's sudden confession, but he didn't mind the idea as he was already head over heels for his childhood friend. Rinko saw the look of acceptance in Kaiser's eyes that she was looking for, and with a passionate kiss, she pushed Kaiser down onto the ground.
"Mhmm!" Kaiser moaned out as he felt his pants tighten and his body become warm and hot.
"K-Kai-kun. Let me lead this time... I think we need to get rid of these." Rinko said as she tugged on Kaiser's pants, pulling them down and revealing his already erect cock.
"Gah!" Kaiser gasps as Rinko was staring at his cock.
How long has it been since she and Kaiser had an intimate moment like this one? The only time Rinko can recall was when Kaiser was in the infirmary, and that was a month ago. It was then that it occurred to Rinko that if she wanted to keep her man, she needed to be more proactive and communicate her wants to her lover.
Kaiser, for all intents and concerns, was getting cold feet, as it was risky to do stuff like this at school; even if the school day was over, someone could catch them in this compromising position. Before Kaiser could voice his concerns, he felt a wet sensation on his cock as Rinko started to lick the head as he moaned out loud to let Rinko know the pleasure she was giving him.
"Mmm, you taste so good, Kai-kun. I want to taste every inch of you." Rinko said in a seductive voice as her voice was laced with pure desire and lust.
Rinko was surprised that Kaiser was rock solid when she was feeling him up before, but seeing Kaiser's cock up close, she was amazed at just how big his cock was and the sheer thickness of it.
Rinko could feel her panties becoming very damp, and as much as she loved sucking Kaiser's cock. Kaiser knew that Rinko's technique, when compared to Shiranui's and Azusa's, was a bit lacking, but her dedication and attention she gave his dick were nothing to scoff at. Kaiser saw Rinko's damp panties and decided to return the favor as he pushed them aside and began licking her wet folds.
"Aaahhh!" Rinko gasped out in surprise but let out a moan as she could feel Kaiser's tongue lick her sensitive folds.
"Gah! Kai-kun. Ngh...! Huff..." Rinko said as her whole body started to feel hot and she felt her stomach churn.
It had been so long since she last had an orgasm. Ever since she lost her virginity to Kaiser, Rinko had too busy with training and doing her duties as the class representive that it seemed like she didn't have time to... Relieve her stress. Kaiser was the only one who could make her cum this hard and make her heart beat so fast. The two childhood lovers continue to pleasure each other as obscene sounds fill the classroom as they both feel their eminent release approaching soon. Kaiser bucked his hips into Rinko's mouth as she tried her best to accommodate her lover's size into her mouth while Rinko pushed her hips down on Kaiser's face as the young man was trying to get Rinko to cum as soon as possible so that he could breathe air once again.
Rinko felt Kaiser's cock twitching as his balls started to tighten, signifying that he was about to release his sperm in her mouth. Kaiser gently nibbled on Rinko's clit as the Akiyama heir was left breathless as her lower body was spasming in preparation for her orgasm. With a final push, Rinko deep-throated Kaiser's cock as her lover released a torrent of his jizz into her mouth as she moaned out loud. Kaiser, on the other hand, felt Rinko's pussy clench as she finally released her love juices as Kaiser lapped it down like a man who was in the desert with no water.
Rinko swallowed as much as she could while orgasming as she felt her eyes roll back into her head from the intense pleasure she felt. Once the two were done, Kaiser lifted Rinko off of his face as Rinko was left panting for air. The two lay together naked on the ground as they basked in the afterglow.
"Kaiser, that was amazing." Rinko said as she looked over at the young man who was lying on his back.
"So were you, Rinko. I didn't know you could deep-throat like that." Kaiser said as he gave Rinko a loving kiss on the forehead. "But... I'm still ready to go if you want more...Ring-ring."
Rinko blushed at Kaiser's suggestion but knew that she needed to keep the initiative as she was the one to lead this time so that she could show Kaiser that she too can be... sexy and girly too.
"Heh, hehe, I'm glad that you are still able to keep up with me." Rinko said as she walked over to an empty desk and bent over it, showing off her large and firm ass towards Kaiser.
"I'm looking forward to it." Kaiser said as he looked at Rinko's rear as he walked over to her.
Rinko slowly removed her underwear as she could hear Kaiser groan and moan at her movements. Kaiser took his cock and lined it up with Rinko's wet slit as he slowly pushed his cock into her.
Rinko gasps out loud as she could feel the young Taimanin's cock push through her folds and into her womb as she could feel Kaiser's manhood pulse and throb.
"It's been a while since we had sex." Kaiser said as he was still trying to hold himself back from cumming right away as Rinko's insides clung tightly to his cock.
"H-hah... It has been a while. I've missed you so much." Rinko said as she moaned out loud as Kaiser kept pushing himself more and more into her. After her first time, Rinko was surprised at how her flexibility and hip movement improved as she was considering sex a part of her workout routine.
Kaiser started to thrust his hips into Rinko's firm and large ass as wet sounds of flesh sounded throughout the classroom. He thrust in hard and fast as his lust was already kicking in since it's been a while since he had sex. Kaiser unbuttoned Rinko's school uniform as he lifted her bra and pinched her nipples as he played with her large breasts.
"K-Kai-kun!" Rinko moaned out loud as Kaiser had his hands all over her body as she tried to keep herself upright as her arms were trembling.
"R-Rinko! Your pussy is squeezing my cock so tightly, and I—I can't take much more!" Kaiser groaned out as he fucked Rinko in standing doggy style over a desk as the world outside passed by them with no one being the wiser; he started to quicken his pace, and Rinko was starting to lose her mind.
"More! Give me more!" Rinko screamed out as Kaiser was pushing himself into her womb, and Rinko could feel her orgasm approaching fast. Rinko moaned out loud as she had her eyes rolled into the back of her head as her tongue was hanging out, her mind filled with nothing but pleasure as she was drooling a little. "F-fuck! K—keep it up, Kai-kun! Pound me! Pound me harder!"
"Cumming!" Rinko yelled out as she squirted all over the desk as she had a very intense orgasm and was left a shivering mess.
"I'm cumming too!" Kaiser yelled out as his cock throbbed inside of Rinko's womb as he filled it up with his seed.H-here it comes!"
Kaiser grunted out as he slammed his hips into Rinko as his cock felt like it was being sucked out as his seed shot out and inside Rinko's womb.
"I-it's so hot!" Rinko moaned out loud as her vision once again went white like it did before when she first experienced her mind-numbing orgasm. Rinko was shivering as her pussy was convulsing, milking Kaiser's cock as it drank down all the cum that it could into its greedy womb.
"Fuck! R-Rinko, your pussy is really squeezing my cock!" Kaiser groaned out as his balls twitched and spurted out the last of his seed deep inside Rinko's womb.
Rinko collapsed on the desk as she was a shivering mess as she could feel Kaiser's warm seed in her. The wet and nasty sounds of her pussy being filled were making the whole experience all the more lewd as a thought made its way into her head.
'Me...and Kai-kun...inside the school...where everyone..."
The idea alone that she, the Honor Roll Student and Class representative, was doing something so... dirty in the place where others frequent and meet up at turned her on. To imagine what the student body would think if they saw The Rinko Akiyama in such a shameful appearance with the school's most notorious delinquent... That thought alone was enough to make her cum as she could see it in her mind—the look of shock and gasps of having her childhood lover take in front of everyone... to let all those bitches and sluts see her take and be broken by this masculine and savage cock. Maybe then they would get a clue and realize that Kaiser Wrath belongs to her...
Her Kai-kun...
Her Best Friend...
Her Hound...
It was then that Rinko made a decision to assure her place was by Kaiser's side.
A/N: Phew that was a spicy Lemon. Anyways Now that Kaiser has found his lover back and is now back home with all his friends with a Plus-One but this is only the beginning as more adventures await.
So Right now in the polls, Kuro Inu is in the lead with 3 votes and Kangoku Senkan being a close second.
Which means there is only One week left before the poll is closed after Christmas. So make sure and vote if there is a Fic you guys would like for me to work on.
What other adventures await our heroes? What is it that lies within Kaiser and does it have something to do with the Pact? What is Rinko planning ? And Will the Alternate Universe Sakura find a way back home and will her sister believe her story? Find out in the Next Chapter...
Taimanin Part II
Chapter 14
Look Out! Here Comes The Lightning Strike of Spring!