Chapter 21: Colors Fly High Part 1
From the highest floor of Honnouji Academy, where the nest of the eagle rested high and powerful, the young Kiryuin was looking at the night sky alongside the butler who had been loyal to her cause for all these years, reflecting on all the hurdles and achievements she has done to put herself in this position. Though this was probably the last time she would enjoy this calmness, as after tonight, she would bring forth the storm of change.
"Your tea, miss…" Soroi said, serving his mistress a cup of tea as she continued to gaze at the vast sea of stars, their light seeming to beckon her, waiting to be seized by her greatness. She knew that a bathrobe after a warm shower would flush away her insecurities, just as human flaws were like the stains on your sink. They couldn't go off no matter how hard you tried to brush them off.
"Thank you." Satsuki said, taking his drink in an act of kindness.
"So many years have I savored this drink, hasn't it…?" she mused with a nostalgic tone, giving space for Soroi to reply.
"Well miss, as a matter of fact, you've been drinking it since childhood."
"Indeed… Ever since my father showed me Junketsu for the first time…" She muttered, her gaze shifting toward a nearby drawer where a framed photograph of her and her deceased father was. Remembering those short moments of childhood innocence when she hadn't yet understood the significance of the wedding dress. But now, as a young adult, its meaning was crystal clear.
"I guess since that fateful day, it became the marking point where I truly became a woman… And yet, I can still remember that day like it was yesterday… Such as this tea I once found so bitter, is now the most exquisite beverage I can think of…" Looking at her reflection on her tea, she quickly noticed Soroi looking gloomed. "Soroi? Is there something bothering you?"
"Y-you, didn't like my tea all this time…? But I thought you loved it since your first sip." The elderly man inquired, sounding sad and betrayed.
"Sight…. I guess my formerly weak self was so compassionate and naïve that I didn't wish for you to fall into despair. You were my father's right hand, and i guess i wanted to cheer you up after our loss" Satsuki said. "I was so committed into appearing like an obedient puppet on the outside, I forgot how to even be earnest with myself over time. So please, I beg you to save your apologies. You are not at fault here."
"Not at all, miss." Soroi answered. "But you held all the right to not put up with it, much less through all these years. I would have been happier to brew something much more of your liking. Knowing you've been lying to me for my sake only makes me feel miserable and a disappointment to your expectations."
Satsuki's smirk vanished once this was mentioned. "It appears my unapparelled power had a price of casting away my sincerity." She murmured as she put down her cup. "In one way or another… I envy Akira Kurusu's natural ability to form alliances and loyalties with only his earnesty… Something I wish I could've gotten all those years ago… I wonder if things would've turned out different if I was more conscious of my actions…?"
"Excuse me?"
Satsuki realized that Soroi was hearing her every word with how quiet the room was. Despite looking collected on the outside, she was panicking inside. "F-forget I said anything… There is no point in falling into Onism." She tried to rebuild her emotional wall by covering her sentimental weakness. "I'll head to bed. Be sure to lock my room before leaving, as always." She stood from her seat and headed down her bed, clearly not wanting to expose her true self.
Standing lonely, Soroi watched as his mistress walked out. "Oh miss… If only you knew you could stop all of this and turn over a new leaf…" With no one here to listen to him, Soroi showed how bad and sorry he felt for Satsuki Kiryuin. In all true regards, it pains him down to his core watching how much Satsuki was turning into her mother, no matter how much she wanted to deny this fact.
Knock Knock!
"Excuse me, but you'll have to wait for tomorrow if you want an audience with Lady Satsuki." Soroi turned at the entrance to inform whoever knocked that the lady of war will not take requests, only to be surprised to realize it was not the case.
"You look sad…" It was Akira Kurusu, the Vice-President of all Honnouji Academy. standing at the entrance.
"Oh! Master Kurusu. I didn't expect your visit at this time of the night." Soroi told the black-haired teen. "Do you require my assistance? Is your dorm inside the school not that of your liking?"
"No, I'm fine with it…" Kurusu responded. Even with how glamorous his dorm inside Honnouji Academy was, it was not enough to heal his wounded heart. "I just heard that you were worried about Lady Satsuki's mental health. I wish to state my opinion on the subject matter, if it weren't for my condition." Akira pointed at his choker.
"I do… And I wish things wouldn't have escalated this bad for you, Mr. Kurusu. But now that you're here, I think you're the perfect person to talk about this. Why don't you have a seat?" He stretched his hand to where the young woman's chair was for the former thief to get comfortable.
"Are you sure? It's the lady's seat we're speaking off…" Joker mumbled as if it was a good idea to sit over the throne of his superior.
"With how far Honnouji Academy has come, I'm sure Lady Satsuki won't mind anyone sitting at her throne. Even so, you're the Vice-President of the Student Council, so I'm sure she'll excuse you."
"Hmm… Fair point." Akira then rested on Kiryuin's chair, really comfortable he might add.
"By the way, you won't mind if I invite you for a cup, right?" Soroi pulled an extra porcelain cup for the black wolf and pour some of his tea for him.
Kurusu took his first drink of the hot drink before putting it down. "Somewhat bitter and could use a pinch of sugar." He stated. Though who is he to ask? He's more of a coffee person.
"I see. My sincere gratitude for giving me much needed critique." The butler put some sugar cubes into the teapot before serving a small dose of his tea. "Here, Is it more of your liking?"
Taking another shot, Kurusu was growing a soft smile by the extraordinary taste. "Looks like all it needs is something to balance the bitterness of its taste to truly sparkle." He said as he took more sophisticated shots.
"Like the ying and yang. One cannot live without the other." Soroi added. "Now that this is settled, may we talk for a moment? About Lady Satsuki…?"
Kurusu could predict this is about to get personal, and it was something he couldn't let be swept away. He turned to Soroi and nodded. He had his cup of tea on hand and was ready to counsel the butler in distress. "You're worried about Satsuki succumbing to madness, aren't you?"
Now that he has built enough confidence, Soroi took a deep look before talking. "I guess that saves up the explanation. In all truthfulness, I wish none of this had happened. So many innocent lives will be lost at her hands and those that follow her, and it all comes from her wish to fill the soul sickness the loss of her father and sister has left on her, and I'm afraid her soul sickness is worsening with every minute…" Kurusu turn and saw the poor butler sniveling down. Tears fell down his face as they contacted the floor.
"You… Didn't want this…?" Akira inquired in a calm shock. "So why didn't you confront her to stop…?"
"Sight… Master Kurusu, I truly envy your courage and commitment to follow the justice you fight for no matter the adversity. Sadly, that couldn't be the same for me." Lamented the butler. "I really wanted to tell Satsuki that this was not the way to heal her heart, that fostering her own hatred and pride will only lead her to ruin. But sadly, I was too much of a coward of how she will receive that…"
"You're scared she might execute you for treason?"
"On one part, yes, but that's not my main concern…" Soroi shook his head. "That she will fall into despair she can't recover from." Soroi confessed while drinking some tea to quell his nerves. "Ever since Lady Ragyo assigned me as her personal servant, I have been the closest thing Lady Satsuki has to a friend. We've studied together, trained our swordsmanship together, and even I would even volunteer to be her Mrs. Fairy Cream Puff godmother in her tea parties…" He was calling back all those happy memories he had with the child Satsuki. When she was a child, she was everything contrary to the cold-blooded monster she was today. Remembering those treasured memories brought a single tear down his eye. Oh, how people change over time. whenever be it for the better, or for the worse "Oh Sochirou… Where have those great times gone…? If only we knew the true perversions of the Kiryuin clan sooner… Perhaps none of this would've happened in the first place…"
"Sochiriu…? You mean her father?"
"Yes… And I feel terrible for not upholding his promise all those years back…" He responded with a bleak tone. "I was one of the few if not only servants of the Kiryuin household to question and doubt Ragyo's dreams and goals, but I was too afraid to stand in arms for obvious reasons… But, this opposition let me become good acquaintances with Mr. Soichiro…"
(Flashback)
Years ago… before the current events…
"Mr. Soichiro? Mr. Kiryuin! Please, I beg you to make a signal to where you are!" During a stormy night, Soroi was looking left and right for Soichiro, who he didn't know was busy escaping. He wanted to know what caused the sudden robbery of many of the Kiryuin papers and files about the Life Fibers and Ragyo's master plan as he traversed the dark manor with nothing but a candlestick to light the dark corridors.
He quickly heard a broken pot to his right and quickly rushed to see what was the cause, and thus found him. "Master Kiryuin! Are you alright?" He bent down and stretched his hand to help the scientist get up, only for Soichiro to reject his help.
"B-back off! I don't care if you're the closest friend I have, Soroi, I can't let my trust slow me down!" The scientist snarled as he pulled out a pocket knife and pointed it at Soroi.
"Master Kiryuin. Y-you got to remember I won't dare to do such a heinous betrayal. I'm more loyal to you than to Ragyo Kiryuin." He wrapped his arm and lifted Soichiro up to the ground. "You're safe with me. Now please, why are you trying to escape with those papers?"
Soichiro scowled for a few minutes. "Listen… You're the last person I want to not be involved with besides Satsuki, but I guess I should lift off some part of my heavy regrets." Sochiro groaned before turning back at his closest friend. "I was a fool for helping that psychotic woman… I truly was nothing more than a greedy piece of shit for letting Ragyo's promises of power wrap me under her strings. And I guess it won't be too long for her to kill me personally, but I guess this is my heavenly punishment for everything I've done."
"Is that so? T-then I'll gladly come with you. Lady Ragyo's forces are probably surrounding every exit and hidden passage. And no man should fight against the world alone. I've been at your service fo so long that i-"
"No!" He refuted as he grunted. "This penance is for me to atone for myself. I can't bear others pay the price for my mistakes. And even so, I cannot let that poor child be raised by such a horrendous woman…"
Stating this, Soroi gasped in realization. "You mean, Young Mistress Satsuki…?"
"We can't deny it! that Ragyo is going to indoctrinate her with her distorted ideas, until she is nothing more than another weapon to the Life Fibers. Seeing her break when she loss her baby sister…" His guilt was killing his heart, seeing how foolish and evil he was for not being with Satsuki and showing her a better way, making him an accomplice to Ragyo's machinations. "But even if everything seems hopeless, please! As my last wish, do whatever is in your power to make sure Satsuki never loses the way to the light. We cannot let the Kiryuin lineage prevail with all of the horrible actions they've perpetrated!"
"Hey! I've heard voices coming through the west hall! After him!" A voice from affar exclaimed, revealing to be Ragyo's agents storming near as an avalanche of footsteps was approaching.
"I have to go! Forget this ever happened!" Not a goodbye or anything to say goodbye to the one person that has been with Sochirou all this time. All he could do is run away.
Soroi was left perplexed knowing that he just saw his closest friend for the last time.
"Hey, old geezer! Did your feet freeze or what?"
"Ah, if it isn't master Kuroido. And it appears you've brought some company." Soroi turned and recognized the stubby man Kuroido and some more black suits following him, his personal hunting party. "I'm inquiring what's with the ruckus. You don't wish to wake up either Master Ragyo or young master Satsuki in the middle of the night. You know how Lady Ragyo gets when they interrupt her beauty sleep."
"Or maybe your eyesight is finally giving up. Don't you see we're hunting down that backstabbing idiot of Soichiro? And guess what, we've been deployed by Madame President Herself! Tell me where that cockroach went?" The steward of the house exclaimed in fury as he was growing anxious of some bloodshed.
"Well, being former Master Kiryuin's closest consort, I can say his location won't be that hard to track. By any means, did you made sure to secure any possible exits?"
"of course we did, you geezer! I'm the goddamn steward of this house! I know where my feet are, even with my eyes closed." Kuroido was losing all sophisticated composure, with his mask peeling off like a banana to show his true cruel self.
"I see… then what about the hidden passage behind the statue at the grand bath? Only I, Ragyo and Soichiro know of its existence, but I hope this revelation could serve you."
Kuroido squealed with a loud WHAT? "So you're telling me, theres was always a secret passage here and you're telling me about it just right now? You're bluffing aren't ya?" He pointed fingers at Soroi, but Kuroido was too angry to think rationally.
"Time is not your ally right now. If I were you, I would start searching if Lady Ragyo's wrath is not what you're desiring."
"NGH! Fine! You've win this one, wrinkleface, but I'll get you someday!" Kuroido cursed at Soroi before picking up his phone. "Hey! Make sure to increase security up-tight through all exits of the grand bath passageway! No snitch ain't gonna make a fool out of me!" Thus, Kuroido and his lackeys foolishly charge toward the grand Bath.
Soroi was relief he was able to fool him so easily. Albeit the grand bath passageway was true, Sochirou was too smart to know that using it would be too obvious for Ragyo to guess and ironically would flee through a more obvious route.
But again, Soroi wasn't sure if he will be able to help Satsuki to not be consumed by her greed like her father or her vanity like her mother through the next few years…
(End of Flashback)
"And ever since then, I only watched as Lady Satsuki grew colder and more distant through the years… Even with all the memories we've built together, I've realized that she only saw me as just her butler. Not her friend anymore… And yet, I always felt she hasn't truly grown up. When you take away all of her power, all that is left is a confused and lost little girl…" Soroi was sobbing realizing how far gone Satsuki may be.
Akira watched and sympathized. "What about Ragyo…? I'm certain you knew her when she was younger…" He asked.
"I know you may think that people aren't born evil, and I'm glad you think that way." Soroi could only leave a small smile.
"Well, kind off… I-I've met my fair share of truly abhorrent people…" Akira shrugged, further referring to the likes of Kamoshida, Madarame, Kaneshiro, Shido and even Akechi to an extent. Yes. the Black Mask may have been a victim of circunstance and a puppet for Shido and Yaldabaoth's plans like him, even wondering if they could have been close friends if things were better for him… But at the same time, he was the mastermind of the Mental Shutdowns and Psychotic Breakdowns that have left his Japan with a sense of dread and unrest for around half a year. Gleefully murdering those he was tasked into getting rid off or driving them to the edge of insanity, causing dozens of casualties. Some of which were Futaba whose life was ruined because of his actions and Haru with Kunikaze's mental shutdown all in an attempt to frame him and his friends for his crimes. It was, complicated to say the least…
"I… truly wish that there was still even a tiny drop of goodness on Lady Ragyo's soul, but I'm afraid people are more complicated that we give them credit for. Ragyo Kiryuin was a narcissistic and diabolical woman at birth. Her biggest dream of her life is to be used as a tool for the Life Fibers as much as her mother and her grandmother. She desires nothing more than to crave her never-ending pursuit for absolute beauty and perfection, and she compares that by subjugating all of humanity to the Life Fibers."
"Then that must mean Satsuki isn't truly lost yet."
"Huh…? Young Master, I admire your optimism, but I'm afraid I can't agree with you as much as I want to." Soroi turned and asked Akira what made him so certain that the young Kiryuin can still change for the better.
"Listen… I'm not going to say that she's just a victim and needs saving. I know firsthand the horror and atrocities she has willingly commited and no ammount of trauma will ever be able to justify what she did. She needs to be stopped and face justice and the consequence of his actions. But on the other hand, she is still not a lost cause yet." He stated. "That howhever, i still feel she has some good inside of her that she tries to purge." But that's when his optimism was beginning to black out. "Although, I'm not certain how I could help her be truly happy… Much less when she's this close to accomplishing her goals amongst, other things…"
"Sadly, it'll take a miracle for something like that to happen, or even watch her empire fall before her eyes, but It seems all roads will only lead to despair." Soroi said. "And even so, with how far she has gotten on her plans, I'm afraid she has spread too much death and suffering to stop. Even if you or Ryuko manage to forgive her, I don't think the outside world will be that merciful. Everyone outside Honnou Town only known her as a ruthless tyrant that crushes the weak under her heel and the general public's vitriol will only go out of control the moment Satsuki shows weakness. They won't feel safe until she's dead…"
Kurusu then finally understood the gravity of this turmoil. "Now that you say it, It won't be easy for Honnouji Academy's students to reincorporate themselves to the outside world. With how many crimes they all have committed, they would first need to show their desire to change by atoning for everything they've done, even if it means…"
Soroi already knows what Akira referred to. "The collective can really be cruel against people. Many won't care if they wish to change, as long as they witness violence and punishment against the enemies of the world, it is what they will call justice."
"You tell me, my former team's last heist was to steal the treasure from all the citizens of Tokyo." Joker added, reminding how ruthless society can be against outcasts…
Soroi would nod before gently turning at Akira. "I know this may go against her wishes, but I beg you." He stood up and bowed at Akira. "Please, do what is on your reach to save Satsuki from herself… Even if it means betraying Honnouji Academy for the second time."
Akira looked at the tormented butler and got up from his seat. "I'll see what I can do. But if it's possible, I'll promise you to make Satsuki have a change of heart." Both teen and elder exchanged sights and forged a contract bound in trust, faith, blood… and tea…
I am Thou, Thou art i…
Thou has adquired a new vow…
It shall become the wings of rebelliom
That breaketh thy clothes of captivity.
With the rebirth of the Hanged Man Persona
Thou has reawakened a power dormant within thee soul
That shall lead to salvation, and new power…
The Tarot card of the Hanged man fell down into the hands of Kurusu, allowing his Persona Macabre to be free from its slumber, and closely being near to fully recover all of his powers.
Unaware to them, Satsuki heard everything from the comfort of her bed. But instead of accusing this as a mark of defiance, it made her rethink her actions if they were truly in the right. No! it cannot be! Unlimited power and vengeance against her mother is worth trampling everyone and didn't dare to oppose her ambitions. Then again, was it true what Soroi said…? She wasn't sure… I-it has to be…
Turning the page to our ragtag team of heroes, they were all huddled in one of the computer rooms at their worn-down headquarters, watching Honnou Town through surveillance cameras. Some had been hacked by Maiko; others were remnants from when Aikuro was still undercover as a teacher."Hey, what's with the thousands of trucks getting there? Though they got all their goons all rounded up." Ryuko asked, narrowing her eyes at the cargo convoys climbing to the top of the literal societal pyramid.
"Look closer. Don't they seem... off to you?" Uzu pointed out, prompting Ryuko to squint at the screen.
That damn symbol! That damn red square with the capital R! Of course was them!The symbol known nationally as the one that belongs to…
"REVOCS! Who else…?" Tsumugu snarled with all the spite he had against the multibillion clothing conglomerate.
"REVOCS? What did they do now? Don't tell me they're being bribed by Satsuki to do her dirty evil work? Quick! We gotta help them! They're gonna enslave them into doing the laundry of all their Goku Uniforms!" Mako exclaimed, hopping up and down in her seat. Ryuko would place her palm over her shoulder and put her friend on vibration mode.
"No, Mako. Don't ya' remember? REVOCS is owned by Satsuki's mom. They're probably just as scummy as she is."
Mako surprisingly put 2 and 2 together with what her punkish friend explained before coming to a conclusion. "Wait… Oh my gosh! I've been wearing their clothes since I was a kid! Don't tell me I've been funding their evil world-domination plans! I'm going to hell for this! Eeeep! So Headmistress Ragyo was evil this whole time?!"
"Take it easy Mako, you're not going to hell or anything. Their PR department did a damn great job washing their hands from any Honnouji relationship out of the common consumer's eye." Aikuro said, calming Mako from her freakout. "Truth is that the Kiryuin have been controlling the world from the shadows this whole time."
"Yeah…" Tsumugu added. "From fashion to politics, the Kiryuins have their greasy fingers in just about everything. Ragyo's even got a say in who becomes Japan's next prime minister. And with their overabundance of riches, all it takes is to set a good price to buy anyone's loyalty, or hire the best hitman to make someone they can't buy disappear."
"Guys! We're steering off from the main problem!" Morgana hissed to beg everyone to lock their eyes on their screen.
"So… the hell they're smuggling?" Panty asked while eating a burrito. Where did she got it? Why would you care?
"There's only one thing they must be transporting: Life Fibers." Morgana answered. "But sitll, that's a ton of Life Fibers even to fulfill the demand of all the schools. Unless… Oh no!" The cat quickly came to the dark realization.
"Oh no? What you're saying with Oh no, fur ball?" Omiko asked, looking anxious at what Morgana discovered for the mass import of Life Fibers.
"It's not only for Honnouji Academy, it's for every citizen of Honnou Town! Both poor and rich!" Aikuro gasped at this.
"Excuse me, but why do they need that much damn yarn? I thought they were playing Mother Teresa for the poor or something. This feels like the opposite of charity," Panty scoffed.
"No, it's worse," Luluco said, voice shaking. "They're going to use everyone as fuel for the COVERS!"
Ryuko's fist clenched so tightly it crushed the laptop in front of her, sending cracks into the desk—and even the floor below.
"Gah! Ryuko! That laptop was expensive, there was no need to act like that!" Mako stammered, seeing her BFF—and maybe-girlfriend—completely lose it.
"Good thing we've got backups," Tsumugu said dryly.
"Those fucking Kiryuin…" Ryuko could barely manage to make words with how hard she was gritting her teeth. "I always figured they were the biggest fuckwits in the whole world, but now they're treating people as damn objects that they can dispose off like wet tissues… First my dad, now Mako's parents, and those poor No-Stars…"
"Ryuko, i-I know you're upset, but-"
"Upset? Of course I have every damn reason to be upset right now, Senketsu!" Ryuko shouted back like an enraged bull. "Knowing Satsuki and Ragyo are gonna turn everyone into food pisses me off so fuckin' much beyond what you can think about! But you know what? That's good!"
"Why's that?" Sanageyama came to ask.
"Cuz' I'm aiming that anger for somethin' good for once!" The tomboy answered as she cracked her knuckles. "I first thought that I ain't no hero like Akira cuz' I once thought the world ain't worth that much to make it better. But truth be told, Fuzzy Hair's corny speeches and Mako's weird love has shown me that there are some good shit worth protecting in this shitty world, and even being able to change things in this world. I don't care if it doesn't make them better or just makes them less shittier, I ain't gonna let assholes get away and ruin and dictate other people's lives just because they think of themselves as if they're freakin' god."
"Ryuko…" Morgana turned to Matoi with admiration and pride. "Well said. Joker would be so proud seeing how much you have changed."
"Yeah, yeah, let's save the camp once we're done tearing down the Kiryuins, Morgana." Ryuko replied with a laxed smile. "But, who here hasn't had their lives changed by him? Guess it's like a virus, and it got us all sick." Turning around, she reflected on the wonderful allies she had guarding her back. And it was all thanks to Akira's selflessness and persistence in seeing the good in souls gone bad, even if it was just a pinch of goodness.
"So it's only fair that we complete our end of the bargain and be the ones to save his ass from Honnouji Academy" Omiko grinned before loading her gun, showing she was ready to give it all to save her friend.
"Hey! Are we gonna sit here like ducks or are we gonna save the world for once?" Sanageyama exclaimed.
"Thanks for reminding us, Uzu." Aikuro responded as an air of inspiration flew over his naked buttcheeks. "Then let's not waste any more time. I have one of those cargo trucks at the carrier zone! Let's get moving!"
"Yeah, about that boss…" One Nudist Beach goon came to carry the sour news
"NOO! YOU MANIACS! How could you!" As everyone arrive at Nudist Beach's hangar, Miksigui realized that many of their transport vehicles were destroyed by the Reaper's attack.
"Man up, not like being stealthy gonna help us right now." Ryuko scoffed.
"I have 2 things I'd like to say." Tsumugu said with crossed arms. "1: Thankfully, the Naked Star, your scooter, and my bikes haven't suffered any serious damage. 2: It's still gonna be hard trying to transport the others."
Everyone stopped in their tracks, as they figured this would truly be an issue. Luluco at least had her hoverbike, but what would be Uzu, Omiko, and Maiko's means of transportation? For that, Morgana had the solution.
"Nyehehe… Luckily for you, I have this covered." Mona smirked as he took some steps forward. Doing some tokusatsu-inspired poses, he shouted. "Morgana, Transform!" He jumped before being covered in a cartoonish cloud and what was left was a black van that landed onto the ground with a thud. "Ha! Seems people's cognition ain't that different than in my world." The now transformed Mona happily cheered as everyone was left speechless at the cat car.
"WOW! You turned into a car!" Mako jumped, feeling awestruck at the kitty's form.
"Surprised? This is how the Phantom Thieves used to drive through the Metaverse." Morgana contested with confidence. "I'm sure it seems weird for you, Ryuko."
"Neh… to be honest, with all that has happened, seeing you turn into a car out of thin air is the least surprising thing that has happened right now." Ryuko sighed with her arms crossed.
"Well, that's one problem solved. Hop in everyone, Nyouwch!" Morgana yelped, feeling the kick of Ryuko. "What was that for, Ryuko? Look, if you're mad about me not turning into a car during No-Tardies Day, then I'm sorry. I didn't even have my powers back then, but we need to focus, cuz' god knows how many lives are at stake."
"Tch… you're lucky you pulled the words out of my mouth. I saved myself from a dry throat." Ryuko rolled her eyes as she put her helmet on and revved the engine of her bike. "Come on y'all, we got a city to save!"
"Heh! Don't need to ask twice!" Tsumugu grinned in true companionship as he summoned his Persona, Van Helsing, to call forth his motor.
"Alright everybody! Our mission is to subdue Ragyo and Satsuki and capture them, and to rescue Akira as well." Aikuro told everyone as he loaded his DTR in the backseat of Mona's car form. Given the cat's cognitive being, he was able to load anything as long as someone thought he could.
"This is going to be our only shot! We either pull this out, or we'll sink with all of mankind!" Aikuro Exclaimed before getting into the driver's seat of the vehicle and putting on his seatbelt.
"Uzu, Hakodate! You're coming with me. We're going to need people to cover for us in case Satsuki's troops try to intercept us." Mona ordered the former Club Presidents.
"Tch, don't need to ask." Uzu said with a smirk, not before being pushed aside by Omiko. "Hey! What gives?" The swordsman barked at the sniper as she got through first.
"Sigh… sorry, I… I honestly didn't see you there. I got too focused on our mission that my mind went foggy." The former Tennis President apologized to the former Elite with an earnest voice. "Look, I know you don't have the authority to punish me, but if you want, you can go first."
At this gesture of solidarity, Uzu just smirked with a lax face. "You know, the old me would've definitely hurt you for this, and trust me, I still have a long way to go to atone for my sins. But I don't care about being the number one anymore." He said with confidence towards Omiko. "Don't get me wrong, I put as much effort into being better than those around me, but i-"
"Jeez, could you just shut the fuck up?! I'm not gonna swallow an unnecessary dragged out backstory or some larger than life lesson when we're about to die!" Panty groaned before whistling her fingers. Everyone then quickly scattered as the Anarchy sisters mode of transportation arrived, a pink custom Hummer convertible driven by their dog Chuck.. "Get in bitches, we're gonna save Geek Boy's pathetic ass!" Se exclaimed before kicking her dog out of the driver's seat with a cheshire grin on her face.
"Jeez! Do you really need to be vulgar all the time?" Luluco reclaimed as she and Maiko took the passenger's seat of the See Through.
"It'll be bettah to just let Mrs. Panty here be a hoe for the time being." Garter responded to the police officer as he took the co-pilot's seat. "NOW GET YO' ASSES READY, WE'RE GOIN' AGAINST DA MOTHER OF ALL ELDRICH HORRORS!"
"Wait! What about me!" The last strips of hope quickly turned at a pouting Mako carrying overstuffed bags of goods, but the thing the bubbly girl truly tried to hold was her tears.
"Mako?" Ryuko gasped. "L-look Mako, I know you may be eager to follow us, but you gotta understand. This is way above your league."
"Your friend's right, Mankanshoku. We're heading to the crow's nest on full throttle. Satsuki is likely gonna spike up her security to make sure nothing goes wrong with the Sports and Culture Festival." Tsumugu added. "I don't want Ryuko here to carry the same burden that I'm trying to get off my shoulders. We're likely gonna bump heads with the Reaper again. If you really want to help us and the Honnou Town residents, then your best option is to stay here at the base, safe and sound."
"I don't care!" Mako refuted as she stomped her foot. "How could you say that I should be sitting here like a duck while you're going out there risking your lives for Ren and my parents? Even if Satsuki sees me as an enemy, Honnou Town is still my home, and i can't let all those poor people get eaten by aliens!"
"Wait Mako! I'm just saying that because we all care about you! What would Akira even say about that? The last thing that I want is for one of my closest friends to be a dead weight." But no matter how much the teen girl tried to reason with her air-headed friend, Mako got into Ryuko's bike regardless.
"I don't care if I'm a dead weight! I don't want you to feel alone! We've been through so much that I can't fathom the idea of leaving behind my friends that try to save the world! I just want to be with you and cheer you on, no matter what! I know I've done a lot of dumb stuff in the past, like getting into Honnouji Academy in the first place or letting money and expectations control me when we opened that stupid Fight Club! But I don't care if this decision is dumb, because I'm making it without regrets! So I won't take no for an answer!"
It was clear to everyone that Mako was just as stubborn as Ryuko at this point, judging by the force her arms had in grabbing Ryuko's torso.
"Heh… Nothin''s gonna change your smile, ain't it Mako?" Ryuko responded with a soft smile. In a way, it made her feel butterflies in the stomach.
"Time's running out, And the opening ceremony won't take long to begin!" Morgana told everyone while preparing his inner engine. At this point, they just had to deal with Mako being with them, no matter how daffy she was.
"Yeah, less words and more action!" Ryuko exclaimed, her eyes reflecting full-on determination in the shapes of flames of Spiral Power as she gaze on at the exit of the base. All that abundance of Spiral Energy even caused her Blank Tarot Card to glow for a few seconds.
"Hold on, if she's coming with us, she'll have to change clothes." Aikuro added. "Ryuko, think you can let Mako borrow your Clothes of Hope?"
"Uhh, sure." Ryukoresponded as she took her old outfit and handed it over to her friend. "Here you go Mako, but make sure to change somewhere safe."
"Already done it, Ryuko." Mako said with quite a bit of cheer. True to her word, she was already wearing Ryuko's old clothes, changing into them in what seemed to be the blink of an eye. "Wow! You really have nice clothes, Ryuko! This feels so soft and comfy I could take a nap on myself." As she said that, Mako innocently admired the old clothes she had now, as true to her word, they were very comfortable to wear.
"There, that should protect her from any Life Fibers that may come her way." Aikuro said, smirking at Mako's boundless happiness.
For Ryuko, she felt a weird sensation seeing Mako with her outfit. She didn't want to admit it, but her air-headed bestie did look good wearing it. So much so, that she even could feel her heart skipping beats.
"Something wrong Ryuko?" Mako asked, disrupting her thoughts.
"N-no its nothing… I-it's just that… Well…"
Ryuko couldn't explain why she felt this way. She felt close to Mako ever since their friendship flourished into an unbreakable bond. But now, she felt that their relationship is turning into something greater…
"I'll tell ya' when we're done with Honnouji Academy. We got some dweebs to save!"
"ALL MOVING UNITS READY TO MOBILIZE. BYSTANDERS MUST EVACUATE THE DEPLOY AREA IMMEDIATELY!" The digital voice of the Nudist Beach base informed all present operatives as they cleared the way for the vehicles to leave the area as the main gate opened.
Alright everyone, time to fuckin' roll out!" Upon the brassing voice of Matoi, the heroes of justice turned their vehicles into full throttle with the tire-burning speed they ran out from, jumping out of base with the speed of rockets as they all left a trail of fire make their way all the way from Osaka to Honno City as fast as possible.
Hurry, heroes of justice! The fate of this world and possibly even more worlds are hanging by a thread! Literally!
AN: Okay, i know its been a long while since i haven't reuploaded. I had to cut this chapter as i had a very bad case of writter's block, not to mention that my P5 and KLK fixation kinda slowed down in favor of Danganronpa at the time i'm writting this. But i assure you, i do want to continue to write this story, Also, shoutout to hmaxhanson for helping me.
