Author's Note: A little game. There are 9 Riders left. So I think this is a good time for you guys to give me your list of how you think Riders are going to die, I'm curious. I see a lot of people saying Yosuke so far. Include Hajime, since for all you know, I can pull a Ryuki ending and have him die so Yosuke can win lol.
Reviews:
Cyclone Fox: You'll find out soon. Probably not. But they will see another recording.
Artic-Zero: No, but there will be another fight involving those 2.
Guest: Yeah, I've been hyping them up for over 3 seasons. They've been involved in almost every major conflict. They went from taking orders from Bragard to fighting against the Illuminati, working together with Noble Red, and now will be taking charge in the next season. Odin will have a power-up...or more, who knows? Hajime's Final form will have extra hax. I have a pretty good idea of how it will work, but I am working on it as we speak.
Akira: Hajime also has Divine Powers from his status as Messiah. That comes as default. The only people that benefit from Shem-Ha and Loki are the other Liangs since they can be host to Divine Power without having to be freed from the Curses of Balal like Hibiki. They are compatible with Divine Beings.
nickseverino8: Everyone thinks Yosuke is going to die lol.
Lord Ri The Hushbu King: Tsubasa didn't exactly betray them. She was partially being mind-controlled, so I think he would have understood. Especially since he was being controlled too. Bragi...yeah, maybe that could have been good. But then he would have just jumped in and gotten destroyed. He's had enough for now. Honestly, that type of relationship for Shem-Ha and Loki could work in XDU where they would be more "tamed". Here, they're 2 masterminds wanting to control over everything. It's what I told you before. Where two people don't need to be involved to have a kid. Narfi was born because they wanted to mess with humanity. But they are aware that the other is hiding something. Shem-Ha's plans are a detriment to Loki and vice versa. In short, they need each other dead. I'm starting to think you hate Yosuke now. Everyone thinks he's dying next haha.
Tenzalucard123: Bragard became a puppet. How the mighty have fallen. Yeah, Hajime is a descendant of Shem-Ha...the Liang and Hyperion families are full of surprises, apparently. Terunosuke signed his death sentence.
primenidus: Don't worry. Everything is going to be just fine.
SoutaAmetsuchi: There are not that many death flags...right? Yeah, now comes the fight Yomi has been craving for. Let's see what he can do.
Anthony Galupo: Amen to that.
501awezome: You love to hate me. Don't worry, I always have enough depression for everyone! lol. But also I can give you guys a good time when the situation demands it.
nicksverino8: Yomi vs Hajime is up next. As for Hajime's form...you will have to wait and see. I have no idea what you mean by the particle thing.
Chapter 128
Let the Show Begin
"So what are we going to do now?" Hajime asked the group. It was about midnight, and currently everyone except for Hibiki, who was waiting for him outside, and Kirika and Shirabe."About Tsubasa-san."
"Why are you asking this now? Of course, we'll get her back." Chris huffed."She must be being forced to do this."
"It must be her grandfather." Maria shivered."That man...He's completely inhuman."
"Maria-san...?" Hajime frowned.
"So why don't we just go and get her ourselves?" Hamaguchi carefreely asked.
"If only it were that easy...I want to at least help Tsubasa...She's our friend and needs our help." Maria clutched her heart."I refuse to let anyone else die...No more..."
"We'll get her back. We'll get to the bottom of this, no matter what." Hajime nodded."Anyway, I should be heading off. I have to take Hibiki home. You guys take care."
"Right." Chris nodded."We'll manage. Are you going to school tomorrow?"
"I...don't know. I can afford to miss a day or two."
"Seriously..." Chris sighed."You'll fail the grade if you keep skipping. I understand Kirika and Shirabe not going. And the dummy since she's on probation. But you have to go. You too, Hamaguchi."
"I'll see what I can do..." Hamaguchi chuckled nervously."I wanted to be with Kirika...Especially now..."
"At least go for your exams."
Maria felt her communicator vibrate and took it out, frowning when she noticed a message telling her to go to the command room.
"Everything okay, Maria-san?"
"Yes...Just...it's going to be a long night..."
Bragi coughed as he woke up, his throat dry as he quickly tried swallowing saliva."Ow...my...everything hurts..."
"Your Highness! You're awake!" Garie, who was sitting next to him, beamed in joy."I was worried!"
"Garie...? What happened?" Bragi croaked, noticing the Autoscorer next to him.
"Let me fetch you some water, my liege. I-"
"Miku-san..." Bragi muttered, his eyes widening. He recalled Miku donned in that armor...her cold eyes staring at him before everything went black."Miku-san...Oh, no! Miku-san is out there!"
"P-prince! Calm down!" Garie pleaded, placing a hand on his forehead."You're in no condition to be moving around too much!"
The hybrid tried to move, but he found it impossible. He couldn't see under his sheets, but something was keeping him tied to the bed.
"Now why did I know you were going to do this?"
Bragi and Garie glanced over to Carol, who was wearing her classic red dress as she approached the bed. With a swift motion, she removed the covers, and Bragi noticed he was being held down by her threads.
"Mama...what's going on? Why am I tied up? What happened to Auntie Elfnein? Where-"
Carol pressed her finger against his lips while pressing one against hers."Hush! I figured you would try something reckless so I tied you up so you wouldn't run away and get yourself killed!"
Bragi flinched at her tone."I-I'm sorry, Mama...But Miku-san needs me. She-"
"She's alive. At least." Carol folded her arms."Not in the most ideal situation, but she's alive. And the last thing she needs is for you to rush in again, half dead, just to get beat up again. Do you want to put her through that pain? Imagine if you go right now and you die. How do you think she'll feel? How do you think anyone will feel? How do you think I will feel?"
"Mama...But...She's alone...She's probably scared...I have to save her." Bragi bit his lower lip.
Carol sighed, sitting on the bed and ruffling his hair gently, making him blush."Okay. Then tell me what your plan is."
"Huh?"
"Tell me what your plan is. And if it's good, I'll consider letting you go." Carol said."Go on now. You are my son. Surely you can think of a decent plan."
Bragi sighed, leaning back on his bed."I got nothing..."
"Thought so. Don't feel bad. I don't have a plan either." Carol removed the threads binding her child, brushing his head lovingly."Listen, Bragi...I'm only strict with you because I love you."
"You...do? But we just met, Mama. And I'm Bragard's son..."
"So?" Carol scoffed, pinching his cheek, much to his chagrin."Actually, I met you the moment you came out of that tube Bragard hard you in. I just never had the chance to properly see you. Besides, even if I didn't give birth to you, you still have my genes. Therefore, you're my son. And a Mother doesn't need a reason to love her child, does she?"
"I...guess not. But still, I-"
"How many people do you need to tell you that you have nothing to do with what Bragard 2 did?" Carol groaned."Seriously...Just get it through that thick skull of yours already!"
"But Master-I mean, Carol is right, Young Prince. No one blames you for what the Second did." Garie chimed in."All of us...think of you as Carol's son. Someone who just happened to have a monster for a father. But that doesn't make you a monster."
"I know. Sorry..." Bragi rubbed his nape."It's a bad habit I suppose. Mama...do you mind if I...hug you?"
"You want to hug?" Carol repeated, tilting her head.
"Yeah...It'll make me feel better, I think?" He averted his gaze, feeling embarrassed at the request."Auntie Elfnein hugs me all the time and it makes me feel better. But if you don't want to do it it's fine-"
Wordlessly, Carol leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing him for a hug. Due to the difference in size, the position was a bit awkward, so she increased her height for a bit to properly hug him. Now she was tall enough to kiss him on top of his forehead, rubbing his back gently as he purred in delight, enjoying his mother's embrace. The blonde looked over to Garie. Unbeknownst to the hybrid, Carol had a lengthy discussion with Garie about how to treat a child. And how to show her affection.
'Good work, Carol!' Garie nodded firmly, giving her a thumbs up.'Now go for the finisher!'
Carol nodded and opened her mouth, but she heard Bragi cry on her chest."Bragi?"
"Sorry...It's just...I always dreamt of meeting you, Mama..." The boy sniffed, looking up to meet her gaze."It's... been really hard. When I first woke up in the world, it was really scary. But Auntie Elfnein guided me and protected me. She made me feel safe. At first, the others were a little distant from me. And I constantly argued with the Boy Wonder...I guess I call him Adachi now. We're trying to get along. Not sure if that's possible but we're trying. At first, I was...a little shit, I won't lie to you. I wanted to prove myself...Because some of our co-workers were treating me like a monster. I never took action with them because, at the time, I thought I deserved it. That I had to pay for what the Second did. But Miku-san and Hibiki-dono reached out to me and taught me so many things. They gave me a chance. Miku-san told me I could be whatever I wanted as long as I had the heart for it. I wished I had known these lessons back when I first fought Adam and Cagliostro. I...at one point, I was close to becoming the Second. I nearly let my ego take over me. But everyone managed to get me out of that mindset. Ever since then, I've been concentrating on helping others, rather than helping myself. I really want to ask Miku-san out. Though I don't know how to go about it. I don't have any experience with a partner like that, so I'm unsure how to do it. But I'm still learning. I no longer seek perfection. I want to be who I am. Bragi Third Dienheim. As imperfect as I am. Because that's what my friends want of me. To be myself. To be human. After that...I'll figure out what else I can do with my life. But...it's been hard. I've felt you with me but I couldn't see you. Auntie Elfnein has done so much for me...And Tobias is like a little brother. Though I guess he was created or born before me. But I'm taller. Though...I guess I inherited your height? I'm a little short, at least compared to the others...heheheh...But I'm still growing...And as far as I'm concerned, I have two Mamas. You and Auntie Elfnein. I don't need a Father."
"I see." Carol sniffed, wiping away her own tears and resuming her embrace."My precious boy...My sweet, sweet boy...I'm so happy to see you growing. So happy you have made friends and are discovering yourself. It's not easy, I can tell you that. You know..." She pulled back, pulling on his cheeks gently."I've always wanted to be a Mama. Ever since I was a little girl. It was like a silly fantasy I had. My mother...Your grandmother, passed away when I was very young. After that, it was just me and my Papa. But it's been so long..."
"Right...you're not from this era...Neither is Garie or the Second."
"That's right. We're from a few centuries back in time. But you know that, already, right?"
"Just bits and pieces of memories from the First. And some of the Second..."
"I see. Well, that's fine. It doesn't matter what era we're from. What matters is where you are from." Carol kissed his forehead with motherly love."I don't care if I hate Bragard. Or if I never gave birth to you. You're my precious little boy. My heart has hardened over the centuries. Filled with nothing but hatred for the world after what happened to my Papa and wanting to...what I thought at the time, was the mission he entrusted to me. But when I see you...It feels like I'm back when I was a child. As if my heart is free again...I want to be there for you. I want to give you the support and the love you need so you can grow up splendidly and avoid making the mistakes I once did. I want to offer you words of wisdom and guide you down the right path so you can choose what you want to be. I want to hold you and tell you how much you mean to me and how much I love you every day. I want to make up for the time we missed. And most of all...I want to love you. Because to me...you're the most precious thing in the whole world." Carol pecked him on his forehead and both of his cheeks."My sweet precious boy..."
"Oh...Mama...Why do you have to make me cry?" Bragi sniffed, unable to contain his tears.
Garie wiped a tear away, touched by the scene. She never imagined Carol acting like this. She thought this side of Carol was long gone.
"Now...Bragi." Carol adopted a serious expression, returning to her small size."I need you to listen to me very carefully."
"Right."
"You were lucky. Very lucky. The doctor that takes care of you...she told me the whole thing. About your health reports. And if Damian hadn't given up his life energy to you, you would have died when your torso was blown apart again."
"Oh...Garie, I'm so sorry..." Bragi muttered to the water Autoscorer.
"It's okay." Garie shook her head, smiling."Damian...sacrificed his life because he trusted you could protect us. So I trust you too, Your Highness."
"Just Bragi is fine..." Bragi scratched his nape nervously."I'm...well I'm a prince by status but I'm not ruling over anything. But Mama...you saw my reports?"
"Bragi, you can't keep doing this." Carol sighed in exasperation."You're running out of lifeforce. You can get diced, cut apart, have your legs cut off, a hole blown in you. Whatever. But the problem is your head since that's your most vital spot. If you get it destroyed once or twice...you won't be able to come back from that."
"How long is my lifeforce, Mama? Be honest with me." Bragi adopted a serious tone, swallowing the lump in his throat.
Carol sighed, uttering a few words for the youth in front of her. Bragi took a deep breath, lying down on his bed, covering his eyes.
"Shit...that bad, huh? I didn't even realize it. Guess...I've been pretty reckless." He chuckled dryly.
"Well, you did get your head destroyed in the course of...what? 2 days?" Carol furrowed her brow."I'd say reckless doesn't do justice to the stuff you've done. For now, take it easy. You are forbidden from fighting for a few days."
"What? But why? My body has regenerated and-"
"And you haven't rested. Have you slept at all? Not counting being unconscious." Carol forged on, counting with her fingers."Have you eaten anything? Have you showered? Sure, you regenerated. Don't forget, your energy reserves are low. And I don't mean your life force. I mean your energy levels. You need to rest. Your body can't keep up with your will if you don't rest. From now on until further notice, I am grounding you. No fighting until you are back in peak condition. Am I clear?"
"M-Mama! That's not fair-!"
"I said am I clear?" She repeated, her voice louder and making Bragi flinch at her tone.
"Y-yes, Mama..." Bragi nodded slowly."But...where is Auntie Elfnein? Don't tell me she's-"
"She's fine. She just..." Carol groaned, scratching her head."Elfnein, do you want me to tell him or should I?"
Suddenly, Carol's eyes changed color and her dress was replaced with Elfnein's normal outfit."Bragi-chan..."
"Auntie!" Bragi beamed in joy.
Elfnein, however, started sobbing and lunging at him."Oh, Bragi-chan! It's terrible!"
"Why? What happened?"
"It's...it's Jades-san...he's..."
"Sorry for dropping in unannounced...Akira-san...Harumi-san..." Hajime politely bowed at Hibiki's parents, carrying a bag full of her clothes and his school bag.
"Never apologize for dropping in, sweetheart. You're family now. You're my son-in-law." Harumi cooed, making the raven-haired boy flush.
"I have no complaints either." Akira shook his head."Thanks for bringing Hibiki home. We heard what happened."
"Genjuro-san filled us in." Harumi said."And...about your friend as well...Also that Miku-chan is in a rather peculiar situation."
Hibiki hugged her mother, holding back her tears.
"It's okay, dear..." Harumi kissed her forehead, brushing her hair."Thank you for taking care of my baby, Hajime-kun. I'm glad we can count on you to watch over her."
"No kidding. I knew it since that day he'd be great for Hibiki." Akira rubbed his cheek, making the boy flinch.
"Ah...I'm sorry about that...I wasn't...thinking straight." Hajime muttered, lowering his head in shame."I can't apologize enough..."
"Don't worry. I totally deserved it. It was a wake-up call that I had to get my life back together." Akira walked up to the boy, placing a hand on his shoulder."I've heard a lot from Hibiki about you. And I know how far you're willing to go for her. Which is why we can rest easy knowing you'll protect her."
"Of course. No matter what." Hajime said solemnly, prompting Hibiki's heart to skip a beat. The girl excused herself, deciding to go take a shower and leaving her boyfriend with her parents.."How come you're here, Harumi-san? Where is Ayumi-san?"
"I decided to visit Akira today. My Mom is back home." Harumi explained, glancing at Akira."She's not exactly accepting of him yet..."
"It's like back when I first started going with Harumi." Akira chuckled in good nature."That lady sure is tough. But now, I understand why she's hesitant to trust me again."
Harumi rolled her eyes, smiling at the boy."Do you want to come inside for some dinner?"
"I wouldn't want to impose...I should get going."
"Nonsense. You can stay." Akira wrapped his arm around him."You live too far from here. Just stay the night." The man adopted a serious look."We heard about your sister...I'm sure going to an empty home is not going to do you any good."
"There's an extra futon you can use." Harumi insisted."I'm sure Hibiki would appreciate it too. Never forget we're your second family now. You're not alone."
"You're right...Thanks for your kindess." Hajime relented and was brought inside.
"So...What's your move now?" Akira asked the teen.
"I'm not supposed to talk about work-related stuff." Hajime arched a brow at his father-in-law."And I suck at explaining things while trying to not be obvious."
"No, not that! I meant when are you going to propose!"
"What?!" Hajime and Harumi gasped.
"I mean, sure, they're young. But he's already given her a Promise Ring. If they decide to get married soon, I wouldn't mind." Akira scratched his cheek."As a father, it's always been a dream to walk her down the aisle. And now, I'm hopeful that I can earn that right again."
"Akira..." Harumi sighed."Sorry about him, Hajime-kun. He's just...been emotional lately. You know how it is."
"I do." Hajime nodded. He was seated down on the kitchen table and Akira sat across from him while Harumi prepared two plates of food.
"But...I'm not sure. I want to in the future, but we're still too young. And besides...with all this mess going on, it's hard to think about...settling down. And peace." Hajime leaned back on the chair."I love Hibiki. With all of my heart. But...It's been hectic. Our relationship as well. Akira-san...I was so unfair to you. When I did the same thing. I gave up on everything and left. I ran from my problems. That's not something I can just take back."
"The difference is I am a grown man. You are still a kid." Akira leaned on the table."Do you think I do stupid stuff now? You have no idea. Back when I was your age, I was off the rails."
"Oh, yes." Harumi giggled, setting the plates down."Akira was more of a class clown than anything back in our school days. He sure made me laugh, though."
"H-hey, Harumi..." Akira flinched her bluntness.
"That being said, the fact that you and he are trying to make amends for your mistakes speaks volumes of your characters." Harumi sat next to Akira."Hajime-kun, I know you had your struggles. And your own demons to fight. But everyone does. So don't sell yourself short. I see the love Hibiki has for you when she speaks about you. And as long as she's happy, we're happy too."
"Yup. Truth be told, when we found out what you guys did, we were really worried. Hell, I was in the middle of it 6 months ago when that little blonde girl tried to kill me." Akira laughed."So I know more or less what you kids have to experience."
"I'll admit, when I heard of the people that...have died in your line of duty...we were very concerned" Harumi confessed, clenched her chest."I understand the fate of the world rests on your group's shoulders...but she's my sweet angel. My number one priority. I want her to come back safe to our home."
"But she's got a team of friends that watch her back." Akira chimed in, placing a hand on her shoulder."People that would go to hell and back for her sake. And of course, a loving boyfriend. If anything, I'd say you're in more danger than she is, all things considered."
"Yeah...It's...pretty chaotic, to say the least. But I'm not worried about me." Hajime ran a hand through his black hair."I'm worried about those around me. My friends, Hibiki, my sister, and those I can protect. In the end, that's all I got. The hope for a future where we don't have to fight anymore. I think we can make it happen. And then...I'll ask for your blessing. Is that okay?"
"Of course." Harumi nodded, touched by his words."You know we wouldn't be opposed to that. You've done so much for our girl."
"Not as much as I would like." Hajime trailed off."I know she...went through a lot when she was younger. She berates me for beating myself for not meeting her sooner. But...sometimes I wished I did. I could have done something for her. Protect her."
"You're doing plenty as it is," Hibiki said, standing near the door, wearing her pajamas. She walked over to his side, took a seat next to him, and leaned her head on his shoulder."I'm happy we met. It doesn't matter if it was sooner rather than later. I'm happy all the same."
"Hibiki...You do a lot for me too. Honestly, if I hadn't met you that day, I think I would have continued being an adrenaline junkie who only cared about fighting." He leaned against her head."You motivated me to change and be a better person. Though I'm still working on some things here and there..."
"It's okay...We'll continue exploring together..." Hibiki reached for his hand, squeezing it.
Akira and Harumi looked at each other, smiling, happy to see her daughter had someone like Hajime in her life.
"Well, Hajime, you're welcome to spend the night." Akira yawned."Just don't do anything crazy."
"I-I know...Nothing like that." Hajime blushed at the implication, making the older couple chuckle. Hibiki giggled, kissing Hajime on his cheek. He smiled, feeling calm and relaxed for a change. He noticed a picture on the bookshelf. It was one of Hibiki when she was a little girl and her parents during her school entrance ceremony.
A wistful smile graced his features, reminiscing of his first day and how his grandmother and mom took him together.
'Dad...I wonder if our lives would be any different if you had lived enough to see us grow up.' Hajime pondered, recalling the memory of his late father. But he had a family. Even if his Mom and Grandma were gone, he still had Setsuna and his friends.'Don't worry...We're not alone anymore.'
Later that night, Hibiki and Hajime were lying on her old bed, holding each other in their arms. And also because the bed wasn't big enough to fit them both. But Hibiki requested Hajime to sleep with her for the night, and he couldn't deny her. He gently brushed her air with one hand and gently caressed her belly.
"Hajime..." Hibiki muttered, nuzzling against his chest."Thank you for staying..."
"Of course. And...to be honest, I don't think going back home alone would have helped me..." Hajime sighed.
"You're worried about Setsuna..."
"Yeah...But...this may sound weird, but I know she's fine." Hajime smiled softly."She's a strong girl...And...I know Hazuki loves her too."
"You think so?" Hibiki asked, a little skeptical.
"Yeah. He loves her a lot too." Hajime closed his eyes."That's why he kidnapped her. He wants to convince her to join his side."
She frowned, kissing his nose for comfort."Why? Why would he want her support? I don't understand."
"Maybe...he just wants to break me." Hajime guessed, earning a gasp from Hibiki."I'm standing in the way of his so-called perfect world. We're natural opposites of each other. And...Setsuna happens to be in the middle of us. It would make for a good manga for two brothers fighting over their little sister, actually. But he lost his Mom. I lost mine and my Grandmother. In the end, the only family we have left is Setsuna. Except...I found you. Our friends. And despite all the pain we take, we keep going. Hazuki succumbed to that. And found comfort in his own fantasy. He probably wants Setsuna to see his way. Terunosuke, Allister, and Chiaki...they're just pawns. He wants that connection with her. I can only guess that's why he kidnapped Despia. So Yomi and Wei are probably in danger as well."
"That's horrible..." Hibiki muttered, tightening her grip on Hajime."We'll get them back..."
"And Miku-san too." Hajime added."We'll get her back. We'll fix everything. We'll find a way like we always do. It's worked for us this far, right? And this time, I'm not running away. I'll see this through to the end."
"Just...just be careful, okay...?" Hibik's eyes started to water, hiding her face by burying her face on his chest."You're the ones who are in danger...Jades-san just died...I'm worried the same thing is going to happen to you...I don't think I could take that, Sunny...I don't think I could...I don't think my heart can take that..."
"And you won't have to. Hibiki..." Hajime's face softened, hearing her low sobs. He gently kissed the top of her head, running his hands soothingly around her body."Sunshine...Look at me...Please? Just a little look?"
Hibiki gingerly peered up to see his face, and he rested his forehead against hers and pecked her lips, melting her heart.
"Sunshine...Don't worry. I'm here with you. Right here and now. And always. I promised myself I wouldn't go down that easily. A lot of people risked their lives just to get me this far. A lot of people I couldn't protect. I owe it to them to live. To keep fighting for a better tomorrow. For the people that are still here. For you. And for me. I know things seem bleak right now...But after all this darkness, we'll see the light for better times." He grinned playfully."Besides, I'm a Messiah, right? That has to count for something. I wouldn't be a good Messiah if I just drop dead."
"Hajime!" Hibiki giggled, trying to pout."You really had me going until the very end."
"Huh?"
She poked him on his nose, making him flinch."Don't joke about death. You're not dying. I'll protect you like you protect me. Always. I want to hold you in my arms and keep you safe."
"I'll hold you to that." Hajime smiled, leaning in for a kiss. Hibiki gasped into the kiss, wrapping her arm around his neck.
"We shouldn't do anything today...It feels...weird." Hibiki muttered, pulling back."My Dad is in the living room and my Mom is in his room."
"You're telling me?" Hajime deadpanned."Don't worry. As long as we're together like this, that's plenty for me."
"Are you sure?" Hibiki smiled deviously as she glanced down."Because that's not what it feels like to me. You're a bit too happy to be here with me."
Hajime blushed."H-hey! That's a normal reaction, okay?! Plus, you're...pressing on to me...It's not my fault...Stop doing that..."
"It's okay...I'm glad. That you love me in every way." Hibiki grinned, much to his chagrin."But now's not the time. So...a hug is all you get, mister!"
"You're the one who was pressing up to me..." Hajime sighed, accepting her terms and just enjoying the warmth of her body.
"Seriously, though...I understand...I'm stressed out too...Though I act like I'm not..."
"Yeah, I figured." Hajime whispered."You're a pretty good actress. But unfortunately for you, I've learned to see through your tough girl act."
"Same here. I know when you're putting up a strong front just to reassure me." Hibiki closed her eyes, listening to his heartbeat."So...that makes us even."
"It does." Hajime closed his eyes too, heaving a long sigh."I love you, Sunshine..."
"I love you too, Sunny. Sweet dreams..."
"Any dream with you in it is sweet."
"Maria-kun, glad you could make it." Genjuro nodded at the pinkette. It was fairly early in the morning, and Maria hadn't had much sleep. She had stayed awake all night, crying her eyes out. The commander grimaced, his heart aching upon seeing her like that. All of them were like his own children, and seeing them like this was worse than any pain a person can endure.
"What's going on?" Maria asked, wanting to get this over with. Suddenly, the screen behind Genjuro turned on, revealing Yatsuhiro."Tsubasa's Dad? What's going on?"
"After lengthy preparations, we're ready to crack down on the Kazanari patriarch...Our father. The operation will commence later tonight. The government will be arresting Fudo Kazanari under the same Disaster Prevention Law he originally pushed."
"Tonight?"
"I humbly apologize, Maria..." Yatsuhiro lowered his head."I understand you just lost someone very dear to you...and it's cruel of us to ask this of you...but you're the only one who can take on this mission as it stands."
"Me? Why me?"
"This operation requires a certain level of finesse." Genjuro elaborated."Aside from you, Tsubasa, and Yosuke, everyone else is underage. And are a bit immature for this kind of mission."
"Are you serious?" Maria arched a brow."And what about Bragi-kun?"
"Bragi-kun is currently resting. As you know, he took critical damage in quick succession. But..." Genjuro took a deep breath."I understand if you want to reject the mission. You are mourning after all...So don't feel pressured-"
"I'll do it." Maria narrowed her gaze, surprising the brothers."Tsubasa needs me. I haven't been able to help her at all. I let someone down already...I'm not about to lose someone else. I'll gladly bring her back, no matter what it takes!"
"How's Kiri-chan?" Shirabe asked the bluenette sitting on the couch of their living room."Did you get any sleep?"
"Hmmm? Oh, yeah." Hamaguchi yawned, eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Kirika was snoozing next to him. Keeping her word, she was glued to him, tied to the hip. She was sitting on his lap, her arms secured around his frame as she slept peacefully, occasionally moving in his arms."Or tried to. She kept waking up, crying. And of course, I couldn't leave my girl alone. So I didn't sleep much. Not that I mind. I'm used to sleeping just a few hours. It'll probably catch up to me one day. What about you?"
"I slept enough...I woke up because Maria had to go."
"Go? Go where?"
The pink-eyed girl shrugged."She was called to HQ."
"HQ?" Hamaguchi arched a brow."What for?"
"Not sure...She just told me to stay. I was...going to go to school."
"You sure?" Hamaguchi asked."I mean..."
"Yes...I...don't think I can stay here all day." Shirabe sat on the sofa, caressing Kirika's face."I've cried a lot too. I will continue to cry. But...I need to keep my mind off of this. If not for me...For Kiri-chan, Maria, and Raiden."
"I see...Plus, you're a bit of an overachiever, huh?" Hamaguchi teased, earning a small smile from the girl."I was going to go too. I have a test today in science class. Don't really want to miss it."
"But what about Kiri-chan?"
"You're right...I'll just go for the test." Hamaguchi reassured her."Don't worry. I won't leave her alone. You can count on me."
Shirabe nodded before sighing."I wonder...why did Jades-nii go by himself and didn't tell anyone...?"
"From what I understand, he was coerced to go." Hamaguchi replied."And...I guess he wanted to settle things with your other problematic brother."
"He's...not my brother. He's not family. He never was." Shirabr stated coldly."I hate him...He hates us. I will never forgive him for what he did...He took our brother from us..."
"Yeah..." Hamaguchi trailed off."They've taken too many people already...And for what? For a stupid delusion?"
Shirabe said nothing, her eyes fixated on Kirika.
"I'll take care of her. Don't worry." He gave her a saccharine smile as she kissed Kirika's lips softly."Trust me a little. You're like my sister, you know? I always wanted to dress you up in a little maid outfit."
"Again with this..." Shirabe adopted a small smile."You're weird."
"What? You look like a doll." Hamaguchi teased her, earning a giggle."My sister often talks about how she wants to have a tea party with you."
"I might take her up on her offer someday." Shirabe said, glancing in his direction."Not you, though."
"Man...That's fine." He relented, feeling Kirika move in her sleep."But seriously, if you ever need anything. Or to talk. I'm right here. Believe it or not, I'm good with words. And I'm good with talking to people."
"You think of me like a sister?" Shirabe asked, surprised.
"Well, duh. You're my sister-in-law." He winked."I care about you and Raiden. And Maria-san. So as long as I'm around, I'll protect you. And Kirika. So rest easy. I'll keep her safe."
"I know you will. You've proved yourself enough for my blessing." Shirabe responded, leaning forward and kissing him on his cheek, taking him by surprise."Thank you for taking care of us..."
He grinned with a playful wink."Of course. I'm glad to be of help. Get ready, it's getting late. You don't want to ruin your perfect attendance, right? And if you don't feel well, let me know. I'll take Kirika and pick you up. And if you can't walk, I'll carry you. And if I have to carry Kirika too, I'll do it. So don't worry. With me, you always have someone to rely on."
"Thank you, Hamaguchi..." Shirabe covered her eyes, tears unable to contain themselves."Thank you...I'm glad Kiri-chan has you..."
"And you have me too." He patted her back gently."We're all family. We cry together...and we laugh together."
"Mama...I'm not a kid." Bragi grumbled, his cheeks red as Carol practically was dragging him by his hand.
"From what I heard, you're never old enough to hold your Mother's hand. Isn't that right, Garie?"
"Yup!" Garie beamed, holding onto her son's hand as they walked down the streets. Garie had been repaired and was now functioning to optimal levels, courtesy of the Mother and Son duo of Alchemists.
"Yeah, but..." Bragi scratched his cheek.
"Don't complain." Carol chided him."I purposefully opted to grow into my adult form to keep up appearances. Or would you rather people assume that you're taking out your little sister?"
"Or worse. That you're a lolicon." Garie giggled.
"Okay, fine!" Bragi caved, making Carol nod in satisfaction.
The older woman pursed her lips. She was asked by Genjuro to take Bragi out to keep him out of trouble. After all, they were planning to raid the Kazanari mansion. No doubt Bragi would have jumped in to help, but they wouldn't risk having him fight in his conditions. His energy levels were replenishing nicely, but he was far from being at full power after overusing his regeneration. Carol was worried about him. He was reckless. Perhaps not as Elfnein had told her he was, but he still put others before his wellbeing. At first, she considered having Garie collect lifeforce from other people to replenish his. But she discarded the idea. She wasn't going to force Garie to do that anymore. Moreso because usually, humans would die. And everyone would be against that.
As for Elfnein, Carol had told her son that she needed some time for herself. The girl was still in shock upon hearing of her friend's demise and wanted to be with Raiden with all of her heart. However, her boyfriend was still unconscious, and they weren't sure when he was going to wake up as the explosion had done significant damage to him. So Carol promised her that as soon as they heard Raiden woke up, she would fly back and swap places with her so she could be with her beloved.
They entered a Burger King upon Tobias' request.
"Burgers?" Carol arched a brow and read the menu.
"Never ate one before?" Bragi asked, standing in line.
"Not really. I never ate anything this..." Carol grimaced upon seeing the menu, noticing the high calories each item ate."Unhealthy. Elfnein had eaten the occasional pizza but was not much of a burger person either. And you?"
"Takeru-dono would sometimes bring me stuff...Fries, burgers, shakes, chicken sandwiches, and all that kind of stuff." Bragi trailed off, remembering his fallen friend."And yeah, it's pretty high in calories. But that's not a problem for me. You know... advanced metabolism and all."
"One of the few good things Bragard did to your body." Carol acknowledged."Still, I suppose you can eat whatever you want...since I heard that you go without eating for days..."
Bragi flinched."N-not anymore, Mama. I eat all of my meals."
"Good. Keep it that way."
"I never ate anything before." Garie's eyes scanned the menu."I wonder how that would work."
"We can eat." Tobias said."Our bodies are artificial, but it should be fine. The food just puffs out of our bodies."
"Is that so?" Garie sighed in relief."I was worried about how the digestion would work."
As they got their food, they sat down on a spacious table. Carol fought the urge to roll her eyes at the people who kept glancing at her from time to time. She supposed she looked attractive enough in her adult form. But she had hoped that having Bragi would put a stop to their funny ideas since she could be considered a single mother. That, or they were probably baffled at Garie and Tobias' extremely pale complexions, but they seemed not to care as they just chatted away. Another possibility was Bragi's bizarre appearance. White and black hair and red and blue eyes. Not a combination you'd see every day.
"Mama...is Auntie Elfnein okay in there?" Bragi asked out of concern.
"She's fine. Just give her some time." Carol responded, leaning forward and resting her chin on her palm."You're concerned now, but aren't you the person who weaponized that Relic for her? One of the ones you took from the Qlipoth Tree.
"It should be safe for her to use. I made sure of it." Bragi explained."I just...well, I want her to be able to defend herself in case she happens to get kidnapped again..."
"It makes sense. But as long as I'm around, you won't have to worry about that." Carol hummed."But I'll make sure that she can use it. You never know what could happen. And what about the other Relic? Not the one you made into those childish teddy bears."
"Oh, that one? It's still a work in progress." Bragi responded promptly."It holds a lot of power...I can tell just by touching it. I want to make sure it's not dangerous. The last thing we need is to happen another threat roaming around."
"I can help you with that."
"You...can?"
"Of course. Elfnein wanted to help you, but she knows you're too prideful to ask for help. But pride has no meaning when you're dealing with your Mother. Isn't that right, dear?"
"I suppose not, Mama." Bragi blushed, smiling."I think I can learn a lot from an Alchemist of your caliber."
"Oh, trust me. There is a lot to learn from me." Carol boasted with a grin."Be ready to learn a lot. I won't go easy on you. I'll sit with you and teach you all I know. I know you'll do great. After all, you made use of the notes I had on gravity, didn't you?"
"That is true..."
"But...we can talk about studying later." Carol smiled warmly at her child."Tell me all about them...Legos you have. I want to know more about what you like."
"Really?!" Bragi's eyes lit up with sparkles before he started rambling about his Lego collection and Carol listened intently to every word.
Late in the day, Hajime walked down the halls of Lydian Academy alongside Chris, clearly feeling how small their group was at the moment as they made their way out of the cafeteria.
"I'm surprised you came today." Chris glanced over to her friend."I'd figured you stay home with the dummy."
"I was going to. But I remembered I have a project to start for my chemistry class with Yumi-san." Hajime explained."Plus, Hibiki was kicking me out, saying how I needed to keep attending school. I didn't want to seem like a bum to her parents, so I agreed."
"Good. I wouldn't forgive you if you decided to skip today. You need to start thinking about college." Chris grinned, slapping his back."Shirabe is here. Hamaguchi says he's on his way to school for a test. So we can meet up after school."
"Yeah." Hajime nodded, glancing at the sky through a window."It's probably going to rain today. It feels a little cold. Hopefully, he brings an umbrella."
"Hajime-kun."
The members of SONG halted, coming face to face with Yumi Itaba.
"And Chris-san! Good afternoon!" The pig-tailed girl bowed.
"What's up?" Chris greeted back."You came to get Hajime?"
"I just came to talk to him a little bit about the plan for today. I have swimming class right now, so I can't bother him for long."
"Gotcha." Chris nodded, patting Hajime on the back."See you after school."
"Right. Take care, Chris-san." Hajime waved, shifting his attention to the girl in front of him."We have a few minutes before lunch break ends. Mind if I walk you to class while we talk?"
"Heheheheh. What a gentleman." Yumi wagged her eyebrows."How lucky Hibiki was to get you. But I don't mind. That way we don't just stand around waiting for the bell to ring."
The youths proceeded to walk the halls of Lydian, watching as a few students walked by them on their way to class.
"So...how are things with Kuriyo-san?" Hajime asked after a pause."Sorry if that's a little personal. I just haven't been to school in a bit so I wanted to know how the two of you were."
"Oh, I'm doing okay..." Yumi looked at the ground."Just...it's been a rough few days. Shiori was one of my best friends...We've been together since pre-school. Her, Kuriyo, and I have been the three musketeers for a long time. But seeing her gone... murdered...Hajime, they didn't even let me see her body...Just what kind of state was she in...?
"It's better if you don't know..." Hajime placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as they halted by the staircase."We're doing everything we can to stop the ones who did it. I swear to you, I won't let the monster who killed her who unpunished."
"You sound like an anime protagonist..." Yumi teared up a little."I know this sounds childish, but it kind of fills me with hope to hear that."
"I'm just glad to help." Hajime smiled."And what about Kuriyo-san? How is she?"
"I'm not sure...We haven't spoken since the funeral." Yumi shook her head."We've grown distant. It feels like...when Shiori died, she left a huge gaping hole that we aren't able to fill."
"Hey, don't say that..." Hajime frowned."It's true these are difficult times, but don't forget, we're here for you. Me, Hibiki, Miku-san, Dienheim, and everyone else in SONG. You're part of our family too. So if you feel like you can't fill that hole Shiori left behind, then we'll be the bridge to unite you back with Kuriyo-san. How does that sound?"
"I think that can work...You do sound like an anime protagonist cheering up their friend. When did you get this much charisma?" Yumi giggled, wiping away her tears."Back when I met you, you were pretty rowdy and a bit scary."
"I'm not that great...I learned a lot from Hibiki, to be honest." Hajime admitted."And Hamaguchi, believe it or not."
"Ugh...that pervert?" Yumi groaned."Remind me how Kirika-chan even fell for him."
"He's a pervert. But he is pretty reliable." Hajime chuckled."I guess that's what charmed her."
"I guess so..." Yumi blushed a bit upon seeing Hajime's smile."Hajime-kun...I-"
"Cousin!"
Hajime and Yumi shifted their attention to a familiar blonde magician standing a few feet away from them.
"Yomi..." Hajime muttered.
"Sorry...I just wanted to talk to you for a second. Is it okay?" Yomi requested, glancing over at the brunette beside Hajime."I apologize if I'm interrupting anything, Yumi-chan."
"N-no! It's fine, really!" Yumi waved her hands frantically."I should get going. See you later, Hajime-kun."
Hajime watched the girl jog away, leaving the two distant cousins behind.
"How are you holding up? Want to talk a bit?"
"Let's go somewhere a bit more private." Yomi turned on his heels."We can head to the rooftop. I love having lunch there since barely anyone goes there. We can talk in private there."
"Sure." Hajime nodded, following Yomi close behind. They walked up the stairs that led to the rooftop in silence. Hajime felt odd. He couldn't figure out why. Yomi always just gave him a weird vibe. Ever since he fought him in the Liang Compound, he felt uneasy around him.
"You'll regret your words. I'll give you a good reason to fight me."
Frankly, he had forgotten about his threat. But he felt like Yomi had a reason to come after him. He didn't know what the reason was. Even now, with Despia kidnapped and Shiori dead, he thought he could maybe understand him more. But he was still an enigma to him.
"Hibiki-chan didn't come here today?"
"Oh. No. She was feeling sick." Hajime lied, hearing him chuckle.
"I see. I bet you're taking care of her." Yomi glanced over his shoulder.
"She takes care of me, actually." Hajime corrected playfully."But yeah, we manage."
"Must be nice and cozy in that friend group of yours." Yomi stopped in front of the door, grabbing the handle.
"You're welcome as well." Hajime offered with a sincere smile."You're not a stranger. You can come hang out with us any time."
"Yeah...That sounds like fun." Yomi smirked maliciously, opening the door. Hajime followed behind, shivering slightly at how cold it was. As he had guessed, it was going to rain today.
"Any updates on our sisters?" Yomi asked, pacing around the rooftop.
"No, nothing yet." Hajime's shoulder slumped."But they're fine. I know they are. So don't give up just yet. I'll get your sister back no matter what."
"I appreciate that." Yomi tipped his hat."You really are a great person, you know?"
"Me? I do what I can..." Hajime rubbed his nape sheepishly."I wouldn't say I'm a great person. I just do what I do to help the people dear to me."
"So it's a sense of duty? To protect the weak? And to show comradery to your friends?" Yomi tilted his head."Have you ever done this because you wanted to do it?"
"What do you mean?" Hajime scrunched up his face in confusion."What are you talking about? Didn't you want to talk about me about Despia?"
"Well, we'll get to that." Yomi glanced up at the gray sky."Humans are so weird, you know that? I mean, who would ever want to do something they don't want to do? Motivations are just an excuse for the human will be represented. But when it goes from a "want" to a "must", then it loses all meaning."
"Yomi...what are you saying right now?" Hajime shook his head, puzzled."You're not making any sense."
"Yeah...I thought the same thing back then. But now, I see the world as it is. We're all just part of one big play called life, and we all perform to our heart's content." Yomi's gaze darkened, his smile becoming malicious."Just when I blew Shiori's brains out when I kidnapped your little sister."
Hajime blinked. Then blinked again."Huh?"
"I kidnapped Setsuna." Yomi began advancing, smiling at Hajime's bewildered state, his runes activating and electricity sparking through his palms."Not only that, did you know that something destroyed half of Shinjuku the other day? That was me. I wiped out all vestige of human life. With my bare hands. Much like how every student here, every friend, every classmate, and every teacher is going to die."
Yomi was now standing in front of Hajime. Hajime's brain couldn't process what he just heard.
"Yomi...?"
All he could do was stare at Yomi's sadistic glare as he slammed his electrified fist into his gut. Hajime vomited blood, the shockwave of the attack blowing a hole through his shirt as he was sent flying through several school buildings. Yomi wiped the blood Hajime spat on his face, licking some of it and using the rest to brush his hair back and tainting his pristine blonde hair with blood. He pulled out his phone, immediately dialing someone."It's time. Do it now, Despia."
On cue, the fire alarm went off, and students began to pour out of their classrooms as Yomi began to levitate into the sky, cackling."WHAT A WONDERFUL TIME TO BE ALIVE! HUMANS CRAWL EVERYWHERE LIKE MAGGOTS! IT'LL BE A MASSACRE! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!"
Several dozens of people clad in black robes began invading the school, throwing Molotovs into the buildings and shooting any student who tried to escape.
"I figured I'd bring some of Father's followers. Sure, being killed by Mirror Monsters and Alca Noise is scary. But nothing is scarier than being killed by the true monsters of the world: humans." Yomi glanced down at the school, crossing his hands, intertwining his thumbs, and making the shape of wings."Look at these insects crawling around like maggots. Then as such, I should contribute by exterminating these vermin that stand before me. Now..."
He lifted his hands in the air, releasing a cloud of electricity that grew in size as it hovered over the school."To set the stage for the perfect fight against the strongest. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! IT'S SHOWTIME!"
"Shocker Overdrive!"
The cloud of thunder took the shape of a giant owl, spreading its wings and shooting thunder strikes at the ground as the genocide began around Lydian Academy.