Reviews:
Guest DCDGojira: Glad you liked it, friend
Tenzalucard123: No gender equality in this group of friends xD. The boys are going to be used for a lot of lifting. It was about time for Hazuki to make a move on Miku. But Miku was the one who did it, so I guess she's the one in control of that relationship lol. I wonder what Chiaki will do once she finds out. Hajime and Hibiki trying to have a nice moment but of course, the younger sibling bothering them just to have some fun. One that she will know what that feels like.
lordri25may2001: Sorry for taking too long on that chapter. I got sick and couldn't get out of bed but I'm good to go now. Kuroiwa is trying to impress Kirika, but so far it's not working. He will have to change his approach a little. Hazuki is hesitant about his plans, and it's all thanks to Miku. I wonder if it will be enough to make him reconsider. The meeting with Hibiki's dad will be next chapter so look forward to that. Also, yes, Zolda will get a survive form. Just not now but soon. In a few chapters. He's the next one to go Survive.
Chapter 59
Day in the Sun
"I can't believe these two just fell asleep right after getting out of the water," Yosuke remarked, staring down at Takeru and Chris, who were curled up together on a beach chair, snoring loudly. Takeru was about to fall off the chair since Chris somehow managed to wrestle all the space for herself with her foot planted on his cheek.
"I'm more surprised they can sleep so soundly while snoring like that." Tsubasa stated."Yukine told me to wake her up when we play volleyball. Or when the food is done."
"I guess I can't blame them for being sleepy. We did stay up until late last night, after all." Yosuke hummed, his gaze falling on Tsubasa, examining her two-piece blue bikini."Did I tell you you look lovely?"
"You did." Tsubasa sighed with a smile."4 times. What, forgot already?"
"It's not every day I see you wearing that." Yosuke shrugged, grabbing the back of his head and undoing his hairband, causing his hair to fall up to his chin.
"Do I really have nice legs?" She abruptly asked.
"E-excuse me?" He stammered, unsure if he heard correctly.
Tsubasa rubbed her chin in thought."When the girls and I were listening in to Sakamoto being a pervert, he mentioned I had nice legs. But he also said I'm the least well endowed...do you think that's true?"
"I think that shouldn't matter at all." Yosuke scratched his cheek awkwardly."I guess it depends on who you're asking..."
"Ok?" Tsubasa quirked a brow with a small smile."What do you think? You are my boyfriend after all."
"Unofficially." Yosuke clarified."Don't want your fans to come to kill me, right? Or for your dad to find out yet. Or even worse, you know who. But...you look gorgeous, Tsubasa. You're perfect just the way you are."
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't expecting more." She sighed, shaking her head."But you're not that type of guy. I'm okay with your dry compliments, though."
"You have a problem with my driving and now my compliments?" Yosuke glared at the bluenette."I don't want to hear about being dry from you. You straight up compliment people like you're a teacher complimenting their students. You're too uptight."
"Is that so? You don't compliment people at all."
"Yeah, well at least I'm the better driver."
"The slower driver."
The childhood friends laughed at their comments. After knowing each other for years, this had become the norm for them.
"It's too bad Goro didn't live to be here today." Tsubasa said with a wistful smile."Do you remember when we went to the mall together?"
"I wasn't there." Yosuke reminded her."I had a lot going on thanks to Kuwana. I had to talk to the school board about the funerals of the kids who died that day...But yeah. I bet Goro would have loved to be here. Kanade and Akira too."
"It feels weird being the two leaders of the group." Tsubasa said."It used to be Kanade and Akira the ones who mainly took control and we just followed. But now...it's different."
"We also didn't have as many people with us as before. But at the same time, we also didn't have as many problems as we do now. Ouja is still alive...and we're no match for Odin. Those bastards...I won't let them get away with what they did."
"We won't." Tsubasa grabbed his hand."But for now, let's enjoy our time together while we can. Who knows when we'll have another chance like this to relax?"
"We'll, we're supposed to be training..." Yosuke grinned."But I'm okay with this. So...you wanted to play volleyball?"
"This is going to be the best castle ever-desu!" Kirika cheered, admiring their creation. It was turning out be look like a nice, big castle. And thanks to the collective effort of her, Shirabe, and Andreas, it would be done soon."Hey! Raiden! Elfnein! Come help us!"
"What?" Raiden approached his siblings, followed by Elfnein."What now?"
"Say, Raiden." Shirabe adopted a coy smile."How does Elfnein-chan look?"
"Why do you care?" He grumbled, knowing perfectly well where this was going."It's none of your business, Shirabe."
"He said I looked pretty." Elfnein answered for him with a smile next to him."He was very kind to me and said this swimsuit suited me."
"He did?!" Andreas gasped, hands on his cheeks.
"You...didn't have to say that..." Raiden turned away, rubbing his nape."I told you it was meant for you only..."
"Aw, Raiden is all embarrassed. That's cute." Kirika giggled, bending over with her shovel to continue working on their castle."We wanted to ask you if you could help us-"
A loud wolf whistle caused her to freeze, heat rising to her cheeks as she quickly stood straight, covering her butt.
"Thanks for the view, Kiri-chan. Damn girl, nice butt you got there." Kuroiwa winked at her, twirling around a spatula. He had an apron on that said "Kiss the chef"."Want to obey the apron?"
"Y-you pervert!" Kirika bellowed, blushing furiously.
"Hey, here in Okinawa is a sin not to compliment a big booty when you see one." He shrugged, pacing around them and admiring the castle. Kirika knew better and avoided giving him another view of her rear. "Woah. This is something else. Did you-"
"That's harassment." Shirabe stood in front of him, blocking his path."Also, you don't get to call her Kiri-chan. Only I can. I won't let you-"
"So cute..." Kuroiwa gaped, leaning closer to Shirabe, prompting her to take a step back.
"W-what?!" She stuttered.
"Oh my god! She's soooo cute!" Kuroiwa threw his spatula on the ground, pulling on her cheeks with hearts in his eyes."Look at her! She's like a little doll! I want to dress you up in a cute outfit and have some tea and cookies with you! So adorable!"
"Hey, let her go." Raiden placed a hand on Kuroiwa's shoulders."These are my sisters you're talking about."
"Ah, my bad, my bad. We got the big brother here. You guys don't look alike though." Kuroiwa rose his arms in defense."It's just...well, I always wanted to have a little sister. You guys are so lucky. Instead, I have my demanding, power abuser, bossy, older sister."
"Bossy? Power abuser? Sounds familiar." Shirabe muttered, but loud enough for Raiden to hear.
"I heard that."
"You have a sister, Kuroiwa-san?" Elfnein tilted her head.
"I do. She runs our ramen shop with my aunt in town." He scratched the back of his head."She doesn't know I'm here yet. So as long as she doesn't find out, we'll be fine."
"Why?" Andreas innocently asked."She's your older sister, right? Isn't she nice?"
"She's...nice. But she drives me insane!" He exclaimed, throwing his arms up."Always telling me what to do and what not to do. Can't have fun anymore around here. That's why being here is kind of a vacation for me as well."
"Oh?" Kirika adopted a devious grin."Mind introducing us to your sister? So we can tell her how much of a pervert you are-desu?!"
"Hell no." Kuroiwa shot down the idea."I'm not a pervert, Power Girl. I'm just an open gentleman. I have to give a girl credit where credit is due. And you are one fine senorita if you catch my drift. Hey, Andreas-kun. You look like an honest kid."
"Yup! I am!" Andreas nodded.
"And you look like you couldn't tell a lie."
"That's right! I'm the worst liar ever!"
"So..." He wrapped his arm around the green-hair boy's neck."Do you think Kiri-chan is into me? What do I need to do to get a date with her?"
"Oh." Andreas hummed in thought."Well, I think-"
"You're insufferable!" Kirika grabbed Andreas' hand and pulled him away. "Keep Andreas out of this! The worst guy I ever met-desu." With that, she went back to working on their castle.
"Aw, I'm not that bad, am I?" He sat on the sand next to her, only to have a handful of sand shoved down his throat, causing him to choke.
"No! You're the worst!" She began throwing more sand at him, causing him to crawl away in a hurry."Ugh! I can't stand him!"
"He's certainly something else." Raiden huffed."Well, if you need me to set him straight, I can do that."
"No, it's okay." Kirika sighed in resignation."Blacky-kun considers him his best friend. And if he trusts him, it has to be for a reason."
"But that's still harassment, Kiri-chan." Shirabe persisted.
"I know. But don't worry. If he ever touches me or anything weird I'll knock his lights out-desu!" Kirika flexed her bicep with a wink.
"I'm sure Jades-nii would take care of that just fine." Raiden scoffed."Speaking of which, where are Jades-nii and Maria-nee-Oh, no..."
Maria laid on her stomach under an umbrella, enjoying Jades' hands as he applied sunscreen on her body."This feels nice."
"I sure hope so." Jades mused, applying pressure on her back."Not the first time you've asked me to give you a back massage. But it's been a while."
"Well, you're the only one who can give decent massages." Maria cracked an eye open."And since my breasts are so heavy, it hurts my shoulders and back."
"Is that so?" Jades nodded in understanding, letting the innuendo completely fly over his head."Makes sense. You are carrying a lot, after all."
Maria's eye twitched. Whether he was dense or just playing hard to get was beyond her, so she tried to shoot her shot again.
"And? What do you think of my bikini?" She asked with a flirtatious tone."Does it accent my figure?"
"It does. Anything looks perfect on you, Maria." He answered honestly.
"Yeah...?" Maria yelped when Jades accidentally brushed one of his hands against her chest.
"Oh, sorry!" Jades quickly apologized."My hand must have slipped with the sunscreen. Well. I think you're good to go. Hopefully, none of you get sunburnt. It's a pain, let me tell you."
"Wait." Maria groaned, sitting up from her position."Jades, be honest with me. Do you find me attractive?"
"Huh? What's with the question, Maria?" Jades sat in front of her, crossing his legs."Of course, you look beautiful."
"I mean, do you find me attractive as a woman, not a sister."
"Oh. Oh..." Jades trailed off once he fully realized the situation.
"Oh, what?" Maria scowled."Do you not?"
"It's not that, Maria..." Jades sighed, rubbing his arm."It's just...We're family..."
"I love you." Maria suddenly declared her love."And I want you to look at me as a woman. Not a sister. I love you as a man, Jades. I...always have. Ever since we were little. I fell in love with you. But I didn't want to ruin our relationship. You saw all of us as your siblings, after all. I...didn't want to make it weird."
"Maria..." Jades cleared his throat by coughing into his hand."I...I appreciate your words. I love you too. Like you can't imagine. But...I don't think you want to be with a man like me. I'm a failure. I couldn't save Serena or Atticus. Terunosuke became the way he is because of me. Mom is dead because she cleaned up our mess. I can't do anything right for you guys."
"But that's not true. You're the strongest person I know."
"I'm not. Maria, look at me." Jades grabbed her hands."I'm a mess. I want to do the best for you guys but...I failed Serena and Atticus. Now I have to worry about Terunosuke doing anything to you. Because he lost himself in the darkness...because of me. Maybe he's right...maybe I'll get another one of you killed. Back when I thought you were Fine, I was ready to give up. And look what I did? I made Raiden doubt himself and side with Terunosuke, almost killing Andreas. I'm not strong at all. Not when it counts the most..."
"Jades..." Maria began tearing up, prompting Jades to freak out and start wiping her tears off."You mean so much to all of us. You kept us safe and gave us love when we were all scared. Back in FIS, you kept us together and treated us like family. You our safety and happiness before yours and that's something I admire. You never show you're scared in front of us to give us hope. Love...is what defines our bond."
Jades stared at Maria as she scooted closer to him, resting her forehead against his."You're way stronger than you give yourself credit for. Serena and Atticus...I know they must be proud of you. Terunosuke chose his path. Not you. And you're right. Maybe killing him isn't the best choice. I'm sure...Serena wouldn't want that to happen. But we're together. So if you ever feel insecure or scared...know you can count on us. On me."
"I know." Jades closed his eyes, rubbing her cheek as he began leaning closer and closer."I know..."
Maria threw her arms around his head and forced the kiss when she grew tired of waiting, locking in a passionate kiss. One that was long overdue. Jades got a little frisky, pushing Maria down as he laid on top of her and rubbed her sides, kissing her with primal hunger.
"Can you guys...not do this here...?" Raiden groaned in embarrassment. The couple gasped, quickly pulling away as they noticed their siblings plus Elfnein staring at them with blushes on their faces."Seriously, you're worst than Takeru-san and Chris-san..."
"Wait...you're kissing..." Kirika muttered before her face lit up in happiness."Does that mean you're finally together!"
"So you really are our Mom and Dad!" Andreas beamed."Yay! We have parents now!"
"I thought that was just a joke..." Shirabe whispered, a small smile gracing her features."But we're happy for you two."
"We do have them listed as our parents in our emergency contact cards for school..." Raiden pointed out."But can you not do this out in public? You're embarrassing us."
"One day you'll do the same." Maria retorted with a grin."But knowing you, you won't be the one to do it. It's up to you, Elfnein-chan."
"E-eh?" Elfnein blinked, confused.
"Maria-nee!" Raiden yelled, flushing furiously."Stop that! It's not like that at all!"
"Come on, Marie, don't embarrass the kids." Jades chuckled."They'll find love soon enough. Just let them take their time."
"I sure hope so..." Andreas deflated slightly."Setsuna-chan doesn't seem too into me..."
"She seems to be interested in the muscular, more mature guys." Shirabe pointed out."Which means why she's into Jades-nii-chan. And now that he and Maria are a couple, this could cause problems."
"Please. You're exaggerating." Maria waved her comment off."She's just a kid. I heard kids tend to have a crush on people older than they are. I'm sure once I talk to her I-Ouch!"
A beach ball hit Maria on her back, causing the group to glance over to where it came from.
"Tsubasa-san is asking if you guys want to play volleyball with us." Setsuna grumbled, glaring daggers at Maria with a murderous expression."I'm going to go ask Chao-Xing-san."
With that, the short brunette stomped her foot on the sand, clearly upset.
"I guess I'll need to talk to her after all..."
Takeru has finally pushed off the chair after Chris moved around in her sleep, causing him to fall on his face on the sand."What the fuck? Chrissy!"
"Whaaa?" Chris stirred awake, rubbing her eyes."Stop screaming..."
"You pushed me off!" Takeru yelled, flipping the chair and causing Chris to fall on the sand.
"You asshole!" Chris growled, lunging at Takeru as they wrestled in the sand. Eventually, they were both covered in sand entirely."Uh...we should probably wash off."
"Yeah." Takeru coughed, feeling sand going down his throat."Bad idea..."
The gunslingers of the group jumped into the water, splashing each other with water and getting the sand off their bodies.
"I haven't been at a beach in like...forever," Chris said, washing her hair.
"I've never been to a beach." Takeru confessed."I mean, I have. Back during a mission. But it was pretty bad. I had to hide in the water with all this equipment and stuff. So uncomfortable."
"Honestly, I don't like the beach that much." Chris shrugged."I don't like the sand getting everywhere. I'm too used to the school pool."
"Yeah, I hear ya," Takeru smirked, submerging in the water.
"Takeru?" Chris blinked, confused as to what her boyfriend was doing.
"Gotcha!" Takeru appeared behind her, coping her breasts and kneading them.
"Seriously..." Chris groaned, smacking him in the face and causing him to fall onto the water."You're such a pervert. Can't wait to do this while we're in our rooms? What if someone sees?!"
"I'm sorry...It's just...it's been a while since we had some time for ourselves." Takeru chuckled, lowering his gaze.
Chris sighed, swimming over to him."Takeru."
"I'm sorry if I sound like I'm hitting on the other girls." Takeru began."I'm not. I swear. You're the only one I love. I just...it's not an excuse, I know. But I think it's just how I cope?"
"How you cope?"
"Sometimes things get to me, you know that." Takeru continued."And well...I think humor is my defense mechanism to avoid being worried or depressed. Don't get me wrong. The girls here are gorgeous and all. But I will forever have eyes for you. My love for you is genuine and pure. I could never-"
Chris leaned forward, kissing him on the lips to shut up him."I know that, dummy. Why do you think I don't get super upset about it? I know how much you love me. All you've done for me, ever since we were kids. You're my one and only too. I only love you and you only."
"I think we were meant to be together." Takeru softly said to his sweetheart."Sorry, I'm getting a little cheesy. But I could never get tired of getting you how much I love you. How wonderful and beautiful you are. So sexy too."
"Yeah, you say that a lot." Chris rolled her eyes, playfully punching his shoulder.
"Hey! We're about to play volley!" Tsubasa hollered from the shore.
"That's our cue." Takeru grabbed her hand."Let's go."
Chao-Xing sat under a palm tree with her legs crossed, meditating. She was wearing a one-piece red bikini with black flames around the sides and short jeans. She tried toning out the constant cheers of her now comrades in the distance, but she couldn't. They were too loud. 'Must be having fun.'
She heard someone approaching her from a mile away due to her enhanced senses while meditating and mentally preparing herself to tell the person to fuck off and leave her alone. She knew who it was, of course. The Chi felt familiar. They were here to train, after all. Not to play around like school kids.
"Uh...Chao-Xing-san?"
Chao opened her eyes, shifting her gaze to the youngest Adachi."Oh. It's you...Your name was..."
"It's Setsuna."
"No. I mean your Chinese name." Chao-Xing scoffed."Surely your father gave you one as he did to Lingyun."
"Lingyun...?"
"Your brother."
"Oh...I think it was...Xiangling. Or something like that. It was on my birth certificate." Setsuna explained, receiving a nod.
"I see...Xiangling it is, then." Chao-Xing regarded her."So...what do you want?"
"I just wanted to see how you were. And get you a drink." Setsuna sat on the sand next to her, offering a canned iced tea."You looked lonely. And I wanted to see how you were. And I figured you liked your tea."
"Why...?" Chao-Xing rose a skeptical brow."I mean, I do like tea. Just not this garbage. But it works just fine."
"Because you're my cousin." Setsuna easily answered."We're family, right? Even though we may have...not been on the best of terms."
"Yeah? Your brother and grandmother don't seem to think so."
"Well, they're bitter because my Dad abandoned us and did some bad things with this Bragard person." Setsuna sprawled on the sand."But I have no reason to dislike you or your family. And now that there's not a lot of us left, we should be more united than ever. There's enough hate in this world already."
"Smart girl. Not bad, for a halfbreed."
"But you kind of don't make it easy with those remarks."
"Meh." Chao half-shrugged."I'm fine. You can scram now."
"I also came to see if you wanted to play volleyball."
"Me? Play volleyball?" Chao-Xing scoffed at the notion.
"Everyone is going to play. Haji, Tsubasa-san, Chris-san, Hibiki-san-"
"Hibiki Tachibana you say?" Chao-Xing immediately jumped to her feet."Say no more. Where do I sign up?"
The girls rushed to where the others were, and Chao-Xing immediately surprised them with her declaration."I don't care what team I'm in, as long as I go up against this lousy woman."
"H-huh?" Hibiki blinked, puzzled."Why me...?"
"Shut your trap." Chao-Xing pointed at her."We're fighting right here and now!"
"I get you wanted to include her and make her feel welcomed, but..." Tsubasa trailed off, eyeing the smiling younger girl beside her."Did you know this would happen?"
"Maybe." Setsuna said with faux ignorance."But hey, this is going to be so much fun! They say competition is the best source of entertainment!"
"Seriously...You remind me of how Adachi was back then..."
While the girls played their games and some of the boys watched, Jades and Kuroiwa were grilling some meat and setting up the tables for their drinks and snacks.
"So...you cut the meat and then you season it?" Jades arched a curious brow, watching as Kuroiwa effortlessly cut away meat with two knives.
"Yup. See, if you only coat it with seasoning outside, you're not enriching the flavor inside." Kuroiwa explained, slamming the meat around on the board he set up."This adds extra flavor to it. So when you're chewing, you'll experience an even more delicious taste. After that, we just grind the meat."
"Is that so?" Jades nodded with great interest."I'll make sure to remember this."
"You the cook of this group?"
"Kind of. I cook whenever I get a chance." He smiled fondly."But nowadays, Shirabe cooks for us. She's come a long way."
"The doll-looking one? How lucky you are, my man. Wish I had a cute little sister like her." Kuroiwa shook his head.
"Yeah, yeah. Training is going fine..." Yosuke absentmindedly spoke into his phone, watching in awe as Hibiki and Chao-Xing continued returning the ball to each other."You don't have to worry about a thing, Ogawa-san."
"Hey! Stop hogging the ball to yourselves!" Chris sneered.
"Agreed." Tsubasa tapped her foot impatiently."We want to play too."
"You're one to talk." Hajime pointed out."You were taking this too seriously before."
"This looks too intense..." Elfnein muttered, slightly intimidated by how fast the ball went back and forth.
"They're...a special case..." Maria sweatdropped.
"Don't be scared, Master." Tobias cheered from the sidelines.
"I'm not losing to you!" Chao-Xing slammed her hand against the ball as she jumped in the air."Mjolnir!"
"I'm not losing either!" Hibiki punched the ball back."Gungnir!"
"OH MY GOD!" Andreas screamed, blowing the whistle around his neck."Enough! Let Elfnein-chan play too! Chao-Xing-san! Hibiki-san! You're both out of the game! Out!"
"Huh?!" Both girls gasped in unison.
"You have been removed from the game for being too aggressive. Move along." Raiden waved his hand."You're on the edge of being booted too, Tsubasa-san. So take it easy."
"I can't believe Tsubasa-san is so competitive about this." Miku commented."Or even Hibiki and Chao-Xing for that matter. I guess sports bring out the competitive side in people, huh?"
"I guess so." Hazuki shrugged, eyeing the raven-haired girl as she begrudgingly exited the field along with a gloomy Hibiki.
"Alright! Elfnein-chan!" Takeru whistled loudly."You can do it!"
"Get them!" Kirika cheered as well.
Elfnein took a deep breath, tossing the ball in the air and going for a serve, only to miss and fall onto the sand spectacularly.
"What happened?" Maria blinked in surprise after hearing the thud. She turned on her heels, approaching the homunculus."Are you okay, Elfnein-chan?"
"Theoretically, I know how to perform a serve, but in practice, it's completely different." She said, dusting the sand off her body.
"Well, it is your first time playing." Maria sympathized with her."So it's to be expected. You might know how to do something, but if you're not used to doing it, it won't work as effectively. Just trying doing it in your way. You don't have to mimic what we do."
"She's right. We all move at our own pace." Raiden nodded."Besides...can she even hit the ball like that with her stature?"
"That's rude, Raiden. I taught you better than that." Maria gave him a disapproving glare."Listen up, Elfnein-chan. Even a weak server is enough to get the ball moving. That way, your teammates will support you and play along to cover your weaknesses. Just be yourself."
"Just be me..." Elfnein nodded with determination."Okay! I'll try!"
A few hours later, everyone sat on their chairs or towels situated on the sand, exhausted after intense matches.
"Somehow...this turned out to be an actual training session." Shirabe heaved a big sigh.
"It's because certain people take this game too seriously." Chris glared at Tsubasa and Chao-Xing, who adverted their gazes.
"I'm sorry..." Tsubasa apologized.
"I'm not." Chao-Xing scoffed."Not my fault you guys can't keep up with me."
"Hibiki was giving you a run for your money." Hajime reminded her with a grin."Was she about to beat you, Chao-Xing?"
"S-she was not! You take that back, Lingyun!"
"I didn't know you were so into sports, Chao-Xing-san." Miku giggled, further embarrassing the girl.
"I-I am not! You're the ones who invited me to play! Take responsability!"
"Weird way of saying thanks..." Raiden muttered to himself.
"Man, Chao-Xing looks so hot in that bikini, right?" Kuroiwa muttered to Takeru."It emphasizes her huge boobs pretty nicely."
"Yeah, but don't let her hear you say that. She'll castrate you."
"Well, at least the weather is nice today," Elfnein commented.
"Probably because a big ass typhoon passed through here yesterday." Kuroiwa informed them."It was pretty bad. But you guys came just as soon as it passed."
"It's our good karma-desu!" Kirika stated.
"So, is it also good karma to have met me again, Kiri-chan?" Kuroiwa winked at her, earning another ball of sand to the face."You're so lovely."
"You wish! My week was just fine until I met you again!"
"Regardless..." Jades deadpanned."Food's ready. We prepared an Okinawa special. Kuroiwa-kun said they call it Tokoraisu."
"Really? Here I was expecting something involving ramen." Tsubasa voiced her opinion."I was a little hesitant, to be honest."
"There is some ramen as a side dish, but I wouldn't make it the main dish. I'm bored of it." Kuroiwa rolled his eyes."It's all I eat for lunch when I'm at work. Anyway, you guys feel free to dig in. As the chefs in charge, Jades-san and I treated ourselves to the first bite."
"Finally! I'm so hungry!" Chris exclaimed, running over to one of the coolers and finding a big surprise."What the hell?! Why is there so much beer here?!"
"There is beer and some iced tea here too." Andreas opened up the second one.
"Yeah, no shit there's beer." Kuroiwa shrugged."It's a beach party. What else is there going to be?"
"We're all underaged except for Maria and Jades!" Tsubasa berated him."How did you even get this much beer? You're 17! You shouldn't be able to buy much less drink beer!"
"Ah...well, I have a friend that works at the convenience store nearby. He hooks me up whenever he can. He's a cool dude." He frowned bitterly."Unlike the other clerk working there. The guy is such a pain in the ass. Always with the dumbass store policies and not letting me buy anything good since I'm under 18. Scrawny asshole. Kind has the same color as Tachibana-chan."
"Well, he sounds like a responsible adult, in contrast to this friend of yours." Yosuke reprimanded him further."I'd have a word with his superior but I suppose we can overlook this for now."
"What are you, my dad?" Kuroiwa blew raspberries."Look. I'm sorry. I thought you guys were lax with this kind of thing."
"Whatever the case, now we need someone to buy more drinks." Maria chewed on her thumb.
"Oh! And some dessert too!" Kirika beamed.
"But who will go?" Shirabe asked the million-dollar question.
All girls slowly turned to face Kuroiwa, causing the bluenette to freeze up in horror.
"Only if they come with me!" Kuroiwa pointed at the guys, who all paled at the suggestion.
"It's decided." Maria smiled sweetly at the group."Don't just buy junk stuff. Buy something to replenish our electrolytes and minerals too."
"The hell does that even mean...?" Hajime sweatdropped at the pinkette.
"Lady, it's a convenience store not a fucking pharmacy." Kuroiwa waved his hand dismisivally. "We'll get what we can buy. Let's go boys. Expedition time."
"At least we can buy some dessert..." Takeru offered, but no one was too thrilled about being sent on an errand."But I guess gender equality isn't a thing."
The group consisting of 8 boys entered the convenience store and immediately scattered around except for Yosuke and Jades, who decided to wait outside.
"Yo! Kuroiwa!" A young man with shaggy sandy blonde hair waved from the counter."Haven't seen you in a few days. These are the friends you mentioned?"
"Yeah. We came here to get some goods."
"You didn't tell me about the you know what, did you?" Hajime asked suspiciously.
"Hell no. I'm not stupid. Oh yeah, this is my best friend. Hajime Adachi. This here is the friend I mentioned. His name is Kotaro."
"Oh? The Hajime Adachi?" Kotaro whistled."Nice to put a face to the name. Kuroiwa never shuts up about you."
"S-shut up! He doesn't need to know that! Listen! Do you have the things I asked for?!"
"Yeah, man. Okinawa's speciality. A non-alcoholic fruit cocktail and...wait for it..." Kotaro pulled a big box from underneath the counter."A box full of condoms!"
"Wait, what?!" The boys who were bringing their stuff to pay gasped.
"C-c-condoms?! What for?!" Hajime asked his best friend, stuttering.
"Just in case. Better be prepared than sorry." Kuroiwa gave him a knowing smile.
"He's not wrong..." Takeru grinned, opening up the box."Don't want anyone making any mistakes, right? I should know."
"Or me," Raiden muttered bitterly.
"What's a condom?" Andreas asked in an innocent tone.
"Are you serious?" Kuroiwa deadpanned.
"You...don't know what a condom is...?" Hazuki carefully asked."Do you know where babies come from?"
"Sure I do." Andreas nodded."Maria said they come from a bird with a big belly! And then the birds just give them out to families that feel lonely!"
"Aw, what a wholesome kid." Kotaro cooed."I feel bad for when reality hits him in the face."
"It won't come to that...yet..." Raiden trailed off.
"A-anyway, why the hell did you get so many damn condoms?!" Hajime flipped the box upside down, dropping the countless packets of condoms on the floor."Dude! You're trying to give this out to a mansion or something?! Half of us can't even have sex!"
"Hey, man. We're a group of guys with a group of girls, living in a single house and enjoying the beach life." Kuroiwa scoffed, squatting down to pick up the condoms."Something is bound to happen. As for why this many? I read somewhere it's a good move to put condoms around the house in strategic locations. So in case you and your partner get bored, you can switch things out and never run out!"
"Have you ever even had sex...?" Hazuki placed his fists on his hips.
"I-I-What?! Of course, I have!" Kuroiwa turned blue, stammering.
"He hasn't. He's lying." Kotaro guffawed."Whatever this kid told you is probably a lie. He goes around telling people about these parties he goes to and all the girls he gets but that's just a bunch of baloney."
"T-traitor!"
"Whatever, man." Hajime groaned, rubbing the bridge of his nose."Just...take the fucking condoms..."
"You'll thank me for this." Kuroiwa insisted."All of you will. Except for the kid. And maybe you, Raiden. Elfnein doesn't have a reproductive system, right? So if you get all hot and steam with her, she won't get pregnant."
"I'm going to kill him," Raiden grumbled with a visible black cloud circling him.
"What's in this drink?" Hazuki curiously asked, touching the barrel of the supposed cocktail.
"That's a secret for me to know and for you not to know." Kuroiwa winked, refusing to elaborate further."Say, Kotaro. You closing today?"
"Nah, man. Akira is." Kotaro chuckled."I know how much you like him. So if you need any late-night snacks, he'll be around."
"Man, fuck that guy." Kuroiwa pulled out a few bills and tossed them on the counter."Put the rest on my tab. I'll pay when I get paid. "
"Sure. By the way, your sister came by earlier asking for you. She said she'd be back later. What do I tell her?"
"Tell her I'm busy and to not look for me."
As the boys exited the store, they were met with the two oldest members of the group, who immediately questioned the existence of the box.
"Ever heard of the Mouskatools from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse?" Kuroiwa said cryptically."It's a special tool. Don't worry about it."
"Anyway..." Takeru rose a brow."I've been thinking...I think I'm going to propose to Chris here in Okinawa."
"Propose?!" All the boys cried in unison.
"Not really propose." Takeru quickly clarified, pulling out a small box from his pockets."A Promise Ring for Chrissy. To signal that she's the person I will one day marry."
"Oh! You totally should!" Andreas beamed."That's so romantic!"
"And what better place to do it than here in Okinawa?" Jades smiled at the idea."I think you should. We could have a mock wedding and everything."
"Leave the preparations to me." Kuroiwa shot him a thumbs up."I know a few people who owe me favors. We can get this mock wedding up and ready before you guys leave."
"But when are you going to tell her?" Yosuke promptly asked.
"Soon." Takeru's gaze fell on a shrine that had been destroyed."Wonder what happened here."
"Who knows." Kuroiwa shrugged, equally as lost as they were."The typhoon was pretty bad."
"Do typhoons carry ice spikes?" Raiden asked, walking closer to the area.
"Hey! The hell are you doing, Akira-san?!" Kuroiwa stormed his way over to a middle-aged man with shaggy brown hair. The man in question was taking pictures of the scene.
"Not know Kuroiwa-kun..." The man named Akira sighed."Please. I don't want to have to deal with you today."
"Kuroiwa, leave that man alone." Yosuke rubbed his temples.
"There's kids here man." Takeru watched as a group of children wearing baseball uniforms stood by, watching in curiosity."Watch the language."
Just then, all six Riders, with Hazuki as well, heard a screeching noise.
"What's that sound?!" Hajime grabbed his head, not used to the horrible sound.
Hazuki leaned against a tree, much to Kuroiwa and all of the bystanders' confusion.
Out of a mirror, a web was spewed out and wrapped around a kid's hand, attempting to drag him in. Jades quickly ignored the headache and unwrapped it from the kid's arm."Mirror Monsters!"
A humanoid spider with two claws, dubbed the Solospider, emerged from one of the mirrors. Akira screamed in horror, proceeding to record the whole thing with his phone.
"Hey! What are you doing?!" Hajime snapped."Get these kids out here now! We'll hold them off!"
"G-give me a break! Why the hell should I risk my life?!" Akira screamed and decided to dash out of the area in fear.
"You fucking prick!" Kuroiwa screamed after him."Coward!"
"Leave him." Yosuke scoffed, kicking the Solospider and sending it back inside the mirrors."Kuroiwa, Kaburagi!"
"We got them!" Kaburagi nodded, guiding the children to safety with Kuroiwa.
"Man, I really wanted to see some Kamen Rider action..." The bluenette sighed.
All six boys gathered around in front of the mirror, preparing for the fight. All of them pulled out their Decks, striking a pose as their V Buckles manifested around their waists."Henshin!"
For Hajime, an energy version of Dragreder appeared and began circling around him and releasing flames before finally diving down toward him. Darkwing mimicked this action, flying around Yosuke but with more mobility due to being smaller than the dragon before flying down behind him, wrapping him with his wings.
Destwilder began running around wildly while Magnugiga shot energy missiles into the air that headed for Takeru, before being absorbed into him as Destwilder lunged at Jades.
The Gigazelles and the Gazelles appeared behind Andreas, jumping around and bouncing off the walls before they all began jumping into Andreas and the Gigazelle was the last one to finish his transformation. Evildiver flew around, twirling around in circles before ramming into Raiden. In a flash of six combined energies, the Kamen Riders were ready for action.
"Alright"! Ryuki cried, wasting no time and jumping inside the mirror.
"So eager." Knight sighed, following after him.
"This is going to be interesting." Tiger chuckled, followed by the rest. Once they were in the Mirror World, they were met with a similar scene to the real world. Except there were no people around and everything was inverted.
"Wow!" Imperer marbled."It looks exactly like the real world! Except..."
"Inverted. Yes." Raia sighed.
Just then a giant spider creature landed in front of them, followed by a group of Solospiders.
"W-w-what the hell is that?!" Zolda shrieked at the Dispider."It's huge!"
The creature wasted no time and lunged at them, forcing the group to scatter around. Zolda rose his visor, shooting energy bullets that were blocked by its legs. It then tossed a nearby car to him, forcing him to jump out of the way.
Strike Vent: Destclaws
Tiger gave a battle cry, lunging at the monster and forcing it to jump back onto a house. It then spewed web at him, tying him up tightly.
Swing Vent: Evilwhip
Raia lashed out his whip, grasping the monster's leg and pulling hard, causing it to slip and fall to the ground. Zolda rushed over to Tiger, shooting off the web tangled around him."You alright?"
"Yeah. Thanks for the assists."
Meanwhile, Ryuki, Imperer, and Knight faced off against the group of Solospiders.
Sword Vent: Dragsaber
"Man! I feel stronger than ever!" Ryuki sidestepped, kicking a monster away."Elfnein-chan and Tobias are miracle workers!"
Spin Vent: Gazellestab
Imperer struck a Solospider in the chest, knocking it against another one. One of them grabbed him from behind, but Knight kicked its face, forcing him to release him.
Sword Vent: Winglancer
"Don't get careless." Knight commanded, earning a nod from Imperer."We may have gotten stronger, but we shouldn't waste time here. The girls could be in danger too."
"Then let's not waste any time!" Ryuki drew upon his Final Vent, inserting it into his visor
Final Vent: Flying Dragon Kick
Ryuki jumped in the air as Dragreder flew around him before breathing fire, propelling him toward a Solospider with a dive kick, destroying it.
"Good call." Knight nodded, tossing away his Winglancer and materializing his Darkvisor again, opening it up.
Final Vent: Flyinglancer
Final Vent: Drive Divider
The combined attacks of the Final Vents were enough to wipe out the group of Solospiders they were facing.
"Now we got you!" Tiger grabbed onto his Destvisor, activating a card.
Frost Vent
A wave of ice washed over the monster, freezing it in place and preventing it from moving."Guys!"
Shoot Vent: Gigalauncher
Shoot Vent: Evillauncher
Zolda and Raia bombarded the Dispider with rockets and grenades, causing it to explode spectacularly alongside some nearby Solospiders. Orbs of energy began floating above their heads where the monsters once stood.
"What's that?" Takeru pointed at the orbs.
On cue, their monsters manifested in front of them, devouring the orbs of energy and absorbing them into their bodies.
"They...can eat that?" Ryuki blinked, dumbfounded.
"Hey, if they can eat Noise, this shouldn't be that surprising." Knight sighed."Let's get moving! The girls could be in trouble! Let's travel through the Mirror World!"
"I can't believe how quiet it is without all of those guys." Maria groaned, stretching on her chair."Feels kind of empty having no boys around."
"Tobias is here." Hibiki noted, but the Autoscorer was slumped on the sand, snoring."But he seems to have run out of energy..."
"Speaking of guys..." Tsubasa couldn't help but keep on eating from her plate, already on her third serving."What's with this?! I didn't expect Kuroiwa to cook this well!"
"I know, right?" Miku agreed."I was in a cooking class with him but he was always skipping."
"I...I have to say you're right..." Kirika blushed slightly, setting the plate down."It's so full of flavor...I could eat this every day..."
"Kiri-chan?" Shirabe tilted her head.
"The food!" Kirika quickly elaborated."Good food but a bad chef-desu! He's insufferable!"
"The food..." Chao-Xing slowly opened her eyes, followed by the expectant looks from her teammates."It's satisfactory."
"Can't say it's good, huh?" Chris rolled her eyes.
"Well, since we're all girls here..." Maria adopted a sly grin."How about we talk about the guys?"
"Talk...about the guys...?" Tsubasa parroted."What do you mean...?"
"Well, Takeru was quite descriptive about what he liked about us. So how about we return the favor and say what we like about them? And no personalities are involved! I don't want to hear "he's so kind or so nice"! I'll start...Jades is so ripped."
"Maria!" Tsubasa exclaimed, taken aback by the sudden statement. Setsuna growled under her breath, looking away.
"What? It's true. You all saw him without his shirt." She shrugged shamelessly."Now it's your turn."
All the girls blushed, except for Chao-Xing and a confused Elfnein.
"Well...Haz looks like an idol. He has such a dreamy face..." Miku batted her eyes, flushing."And he has such a nice way with words too..."
"I guess...Hajime has nice abs. And his eyes...I get lost looking into his hazel eyes." Hibiki covered her face."And you said no personality traits but he's so determined too. I'm more drawn to him because of his heart."
"Well, we can make that one an exception." Maria relented."Chris?"
"I love everything about my man." Chris shrugged easily."Maybe not his bad habits. He keeps his modeled guns everywhere. But I have to say I love sitting on his back when he's doing pushups in the morning."
"Really?" Tsubasa rose her brows.
"Elfnein-chan can be excluded since she's fairly new to all of this. Shirabe and Kirika can be excluded too. Unless Kirika wants to say something about Kuroiwa-kun?" Maria shot her a mischievous grin.
"Absolutely not-desu!"
"Raiden-san is very nice." Elfnein commented, raising her hand."And protective too."
"I'll allow that." Maria nodded, satisfied with her answer."Tsubasa?"
"I-I-I...Well...You see...I guess... he has a broad chest...and shoulders...And his hair..."
"How scandalous." Chao-Xing chuckled, surprising the group."How unexpected for the great idol Kazanari to say such words."
"Well, what about you, Chao?" Maria challenged."Do you have any romantic interests?"
"I actually-"
Suddenly, a massive explosion from the water grabbed their attention. On top of a pillar of water, Garie stood, smiling down on them."Hope you're all having fun and made plenty of summer memories. I'm dying to have them!"
"Finally, this trip is getting good." Chao-Xing adopted a predatory grin."A fight!"
"Malice delal Mjolnir Tron..."
"Kilterr Ichaival Tron..."
"Balwisyall Nescell Gungnir Tron..."
"Imyuteus Ame No Habakiri Tron..."
(Play Trust Heart)
In a flash of colors, the Symphogears were ready to fight and immediately engaged Garie.
"Thunder and lightning!" Chao-Xing screamed, punching her fists together and throwing a thunderbolt at Garie, who dashed toward them. Chris aimed her crossbows, firing several arrows that pierced through Garie, only to realize her body was dissolving into water.
"What the?!" Hibiki cried, unaware of the Autoscorer appearing behind her and Chris, conjuring a dagger of ice.
"Move it or lose it, Tachibana Hibiki!" Chao-Xing blasted herself toward her, hip-bumping her out of the way and punching Garie, which she easily managed to block with her dagger. Chris reacted quickly, raising her gun but Garie moved out of the way, kicking them simultaneously.
"Maria! Get them all to safety!" Tsubasa cried to the pinkette."And Liang! Watch out with your thunder!"
Maria nodded, proceeding to address the others."Let's move it!"
"But my brother and the others!" Setsuna yelled.
"They'll be fine! They're Kamen Riders after all!" Maria grabbed the younger girl's hand and pulled her along.
"Don't tell me what to do, Kazanari!" Chao-Xing growled, thrusting her arms forward and conjuring a bird made of lightning
Victory Bird
"So eager." Garie mused, dodging the lightning falcon as she leaped into the air.'But Micha said she was too aggressive. And if that idiot calls anyone aggressive, then it's not good news for me. I should keep my distance, just in case.'
"Your master is dead!" Chao-Xing was already on top of her, trying to punch her as she continue to weave."Slaves like you should drop dead without your master!"
"Chao-Xing! Take it easy!" Hibiki pleaded.
"She's a brutal fighter, I'll give her that." Tsubasa unsheathed her katana."But it won't be enough."
Garie's feet were clad with water, enhancing her speed and moving behind Chao-Xing, punching her in the back and sending her skidding onto the water. The Autoscorer pulled out a handful of gems, throwing them in the air and summoning Alca Noise.
"We have to work together." Hibiki rushed over to one of her sisters-in-law, offering a hand. She swatted her hand away, moving Hibiki out of the way before using her boosters to fly toward the Noise. Chris began bombarding the Noise with rockets and missiles, making sure to avoid hitting anyone by accident. Tsubasa sprinted around the battlefield, cutting the Noise down like butter.
Chao-Xing and Hibiki were more hands-on, brawling their way through the battalion of Noise that seemed to not end.
"Enough games!" Chao-Xing rose her arms, lightning sparking through them.
"You idiot!" Chris screamed, stopping her."Your attacks scatter around! You'll electrocute all of us!"
"Is that so?!" Chao-Xing punched through a Noise, baring her teeth at Chris."And what about your missiles? Your explosions have shockwaves if you hadn't realized, smartass. What, friendly fire isn't a concept to you?"
"You're doing the same!"
"Oh, I know." She grinned."I hope I get to shock you so you can shut up. You're too loud."
"Oh, that's it!" Chris began storming toward Chao, switching to her Gatlinguns as Chao's hands sparked with electricity.
"Wait!" Hibiki cried, getting in between them."Where's Garie?!"
Meanwhile, Maria led the girls out of danger, but a pillar of water rose from the ground, revealing Garie once more."Yo. I hope you didn't think you'd get away from me, useless user."
"Is that...an Autoscorer?" Setsuna pointed at Garie."You said she looked like a doll but I was not expecting this. What a pretty dress."
"Not now, Setsuna-chan!" Kirika whispered in her ear.
"Garie, please." Tobias, who was being carried by Shirabe, stirred up."Stop this. You don't have to do this."
"Finally, the patchwork piece of garbage is butting in." Garie adopted a cruel smirk."Tired of being carried around? Are you going to use that God against me like you did with Zeke?"
"We don't have to fight...Carol has lost. Bragard will be stopped..." Tobias frowned."And...I don't want to have to hurt you."
"Tch. You sound just like Damian, you know?" She scoffed, conjuring a dagger of ice in her hand."I'm done listening to this. I have a job to do and will ensure I do it right."
"Garie..." Elfnein muttered.
"Guys...run." Tobias gritted his teeth."Thor and I will hold her off."
"But your body-"
"I won't let you get hurt, Master."
Garie sneered, lunging at them."This game of tag is over!"
Before Thor could take over Tobias, Maria ran past them, winding her fist back.
"Seilen Coffin Airgetlam Tron..."
Maria weaved her head to the size, punching Garie across the face as her arm glowed in silver, followed by the rest of her body until she was clad in her Symphogear.
(Play Ginwan Airgetlam)
"A silver...arm!" Garie kicked the ground, doing a few backflips to stop her momentum."That punch caught me off guard."
"Maria-san!" Miku cried."What's that?!"
"That's the Airgetlam!" Elfnein answered.
"Fine. Let's see how well you perform now." Garie threw more gems at the ground, summoning Alca Noise.
Maria glared at her scornfully, reaching for her gauntlet, reaching for a dagger which then multiply into a few dozen daggers, which she launched with a swing of her arm.
Infinite Crime
The daggers impaled through the Noise, just as Maria ran through them with her dagger.'This is my chance! With the LINKER I took for training today, I can win!'
Noticing the Noise beginning to close in on her from all sides, she converted her dagger into a whip-sword and with a hard swing, lashed it out around the Noise.
Empress Rebellion
"Oh, should I be scared?" Garie laughed, stepping away from Maria and avoiding her attack."But you're not that special."
Maria was struck in the back by a spear of ice, launching her face first against the dirt.
"You...you're strong. No doubt about that..." Maria reached for her Pendant."I'll finish you with this power! I'll kill my weak self!"
"Feel free to try." Garie offered a toothy grin."Surprise me!"
"Ignite Module, BAKKEN!"
The Pendant popped off from her chest and Maria rose it to the sky.
"Dainsleif."
The Pendant shot up to the sky, sprouting four prolonged darts before flying back to where it once rested. The Pendant stabbed into her chest, and Maria immediately screamed when the darkness began to overtake her.
"I'LL KILL...THE WEAKNESS IN MY HEART!" She declared, but her body was unable to follow her will."I...I...I WILL!"
With a scream, Maria's body gave in to the darkness and was now in her berserk state.
"Oh." Garie blinked, perplexed."Guess she didn't make it.'
The beast snarled, dashing forward while bearing her teeth like a wild animal. Garie twirled out of the way, effortlessly dodging the berserker. Maria was relentless and continued on her pursuit. But no matter how much she tried, she was unable to land a single blow.
"She's just a rabid dog now." Garie spat in disdain.
The beast leaped into the air, trying to claw at Garie but like before, her attacks were merely evaded.
"No, no, no!" Garie grabbed her face, slamming her to the ground and creating a huge crater before leaping away to avoid energy bullets being fired in her direction."Did you think you could become strong with desperation alone?! This simply won't do!"
"MARIA!" Tiger yelled, running over to where an unconscious Maria was.
"Oh. They're here." Garia blocked a few bullets from Zolda before focusing her attention on the arrows being shot from the sides."And those girls too. I can't take them all by myself. Pft. What a damn letdown you turned out to be, useless user."
Garie pulled out a red vial and broke it, teleporting just in time as Chao-Xing flew by her with a thunder spear out, missing her."DAMN!"
"Maria! Wake up!" Tiger undid his transformation, reverting to human.'Maria!"
"We should take her back to the house and discuss what happened," Yosuke suggested.
With that, the group reverted to their regular forms. Jades carried Maria in his arms as he followed them back to the house.
"Jades..." Maria muttered, opening her eyes.
"It's okay. I got you, love." Jades smiled, kissing her cheek."You'll be fine."
"I'm so useless...I lost..." Maria closed her eyes, tears threatening to fall.
"Don't beat yourself up, Maria." Jades cooed."You protected the others. They're okay because of you. Besides, you haven't tested this Gear out yet, right? No one expects perfection."
"But I couldn't use the Ignite Module...What am I missing? What am I lacking...?"
"I think that's something you have to find out for yourself." Jades said, giving her a warm smile."If I did it, I'm sure you can too. You're the strongest one out of all of us. At least, in terms of determination. You keep doubting yourself and forcing yourself to be a certain way, but I think you just have to follow your heart. And see where that takes you."
"Just be me..." Maria trailed off."I'll give it a try, Jades. I love you..."
"I love you too." Jades beamed, leaning down and kissing her on her lips.
"Please, get a room," Raiden muttered, embarrassed by association.
"Oh, trust me." Kuroiwa rubbed his hands maliciously."There will be plenty of time for that..."
A few hours later, after the sun had set and night came, the group gathered in the living room. Some of them were chatting away at the table and playing board games while others were playing video games and others did other things.
"What do you mean you don't want to sell that property to me, Lingyun?!" Chao-Xing slammed her hands on the table, nearly knocking all the pieces on the monopoly board off."I have one blue! Just give it to me and then I'll give you the red one plus a railroad!"
"Yeah but then you'll tax the fuck out of me if I go by your properties." Hajime dismissed the idea, angering the second Liang to no end."I'm not stupid. Hey, Miku-san, how about I sell it to you and you give me one of the greens?"
"Sure." Miku smiled sweetly.
"Oh, this is bullshit."
"I only have two browns..." Tsubasa muttered dejectedly, finding herself on the backfoot of their game. She took a sip from her drink, feeling a little funny."What's in this?"
"Fruits and such. It's a cocktail." Hazuki said, twirling his cup in his hands while reading something on his phone."Non-alcoholic, apparently."
"Tsubasa, let me borrow some money." Yosuke pleaded to his girlfriend."I want to buy a hotel. I'll give you immunity."
"NO! MY STAR!" Kirika screeched, tears streaming down her face as Bowser stole a star from her after landing on a Bowser space."DESUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"
"God, you're loud." Raiden covered his ears.
"Remember back when we were staying at that abandoned hospital?" Shirabe smiled."And Kiri-chan screamed really loud because I woke her up in the middle of the night?"
"Y-your face was so close!" Kirika defended herself."And I had just watched a horror movie!"
"You're so unlucky!" Kuroiwa laughed at her expense, wrapping an arm around her frame and wagging his eyebrows at her."But if you kiss me, I can give you mine."
"Get off me!" Kirika smacked him on the back of the head with her controller, dropping him to the ground.
"Yes! I'm first place!" Setsuna cheered, throwing her arms in the air."Let's go!"
"Not for long. I have a golden pipe ready for when my turn comes around." Raiden pushed his glasses further up his nose.
"Maybe so, but you don't have enough coins." Shirabe pointed out, much to his chagrin. She grabbed her head, realizing she was feeling a little lightheaded.
"So then what happened?" Maria asked, sitting across Hibiki with her legs crossed.
"He started shaking like a leaf because he said he was afraid of heights." Hibiki giggled."He clung to me really tight. It was adorable."
"It's hard to imagine Hajime-san being afraid of heights when he's flying around all the time," Andreas said, downing his cup of juice.
"It's perfectly normal to be afraid of something." Jades glanced in the direction of the boy."I'm afraid of dogs."
"No way! Really?!" Chris burst into a fit of laughter."You?! With your size?! Hahaha! That's hilarious!"
"Chrissy!" Takeru grabbed her attention, entering the room with his hands behind his back. The room fell silent, confusing Chris at how quickly the volume died down.
"Yeah? What is it?" Chris stood up from the floor, looking at him expectantly.
Takeru smiled, approaching her with a loving gaze that cause her to blush."Chris Yukine...You're the most beautiful girl I ever laid my eyes on. And with the most loving personality and the biggest heart. You are what soothes my aching heart and brings me peace."
"Oh...okay..." Chris muttered, her face turning completely red when she noticed him taking a knee and showing her a black box."T-T-T-Takeru...?!"
"Chris Yukine...will you marry me?" He opened the box, showing two rings with their initials engraved on them.
"TAKERU?!" Chris squealed, hands to her cheeks.
"Just kidding." Takeru grinned, standing back up."I'm not asking you to marry me, dummy. We can wait for that. But I did get us Promise Rings. To symbolize that-"
Chris punched him in the face before tackling him into a hug, showering him with kisses.
The group cheered them on, clapping in happiness for their friends. Even Chao-Xing found herself clapping slowly with a faint smile.
"If you had asked me to marry me for real, you know I would have said yes..." She muttered against his ear as she pulled him down to her level.
"Yeah, but I'm sure the Commander would have killed me." Takeru chuckled."The day I marry you, I first want to ask your parents. I know I won't get an answer, but...I at least want them to know I'll take care of you. Then I'll ask the Commander for his blessing. He's the closest thing to a dad you have, after all."
"Takeru, these are so beautiful..." Chris teared up, crying in happiness as he put the ring on for her."You bought this for me...?"
"I took on extra jobs." Takeru supplied."Saved up some money and well...here it is. You deserve the best of the best so I went for the most expensive ones. Once we grow up, I'll get the best wedding rings we can afford and make you the happiest girl ever."
"Takeru...I'm already the happiest girl!" Chris cried against his chest."You make me so happy..."
"You make me happy too." Takeru couldn't help but join in on the tears, rubbing her back lovingly."You're the best thing that ever happened to me. And I will always be with you. Always. No matter what. Even if I die first, I'll claw my way out of heaven just to come back to your side..."
"This is such a beautiful moment." Hibiki was in tears as were the other girls."I'm so happy for them!"
"Me too. I'm proud of them too." Tsubasa nodded, clasping the pendant around her neck with the ring that belonged to Kanade.'Kanade...is this the happiness you would have felt...?'
"I'll talk to a few friends in town to set up a surprise for you two." Kuroiwa rose his cup, earning several cheers."For the future husband and wife! And Kirika! You'll be my wife too one day, won't you?! My little Cindirella!"
"Keep dreaming, Noodle Boy!" Kirika stuck her tongue out."And what's up with all these nicknames?! Just pick one already!"
"So you want me to give you a nice nickname?"
"Ugh! I hate you!"
Once the cheers died down, Takeru and Chris went to sit on a chair together, enjoying each other's warmth as they talked.
"Once all of this is done...the Kamen Rider and Symphogear stuff..." Takeru began, caressing her stomach."Maybe we can get our own house. Settle down and live a normal life away from all this action."
"But won't you join the military?" Chris looked up at him with a hint of sadness on her face."You'll be going away a lot, won't you?"
"I'll figure something out. I don't think I can be away from you for long so I'm rethinking on what to do." Takeru confessed."Maybe I'll just open my own gunshop or something. That way we will never have to be apart and...if we have kids, they can have both their parents."
"I would love that." Chris nodded, pulling his head down to give him another kiss."As for kids...I don't dislike the idea. But only once we're ready."
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
The groups broke apart again to resume their activities, but this was going all according to Kuroiwa's plan. Once he noticed them drowsy enough, he pulled out a cup filled with sticks."It's time! Gather around, children!"
"What's going on...?" Tsubasa leaned against Yosuke."Why am I feeling so...dizzy?"
"Maybe you're tired from today." Yosuke said though he felt out of it as well."Kuroiwa, what's this about?"
"It's Okinawa tradition to play this game during times like this when friends gather around and have a good time." He grinned deviously."Time to play the King's Game! Grab and stick and let's get started!"
Oh no. What did Kuroiwa do to the drinks? The next chapter will conclude the beach saga. Also, flashbacks are coming back too.