#KOTORI IS OKAY IN THIS BUT SHE ALMOST DIES

[spinchip]

“Women and Children were targeted first,” Vex says at his emperors side, a shadow that clings to the edges of the Emperors long shawl dragging in the slush. Snow melted under boots and so well trodden that there were dirty pathways cut into the drifts pooling in the village- more mud than snow now. More blood than snow, too. “The men were away on a hunt.”

The Emperor surveys the remains of the village, the bones of their homes mingled with bodies strewn across the wet earth. It is a gruesome scene, a violent attack. He takes several more slow, shambling steps before Vex can no longer stand the silence and speaks again.

“The men came back to a trap.” He adds. “I believe-”

“Be quiet.” The Emperor's voice rolls and rumbles its way out of him, the roughness of it grating in the cold air. “Allow me a moment of peace to mourn.”

Vex falls silent, slowing down so the Emperor can continue on his march alone. The blizzard Samurai moving around the camp don’t speak, either. They are gathering the bodies and preparing the burial rites, the sound of boots squelching in mud makes the Emperor's chest ache. Senseless violence. His people slaughtered, their homes destroyed- he did not protect them, and now he was to bear witness to his failure. He grieves quietly over the dead as he twitches his fingers, casting the snow away and revealing hidden remains.

“When did the attack take place?” He asks tonelessly, turning his head just slightly to indicate his question is directed at his faithful advisor.

Vex steps forward and rejoins him as they move through the village, “It is impossible to know exactly when. A patrol returned this morning, and their report detailed that the tribe had already been slaughtered when they arrived.” He clicks his tongue as he thinks, “The trip here is not long through Wojiras passage, and our warriors have been able to pass through without issue since your dragon made its presence known to the beasts in the mountains. They should have made contact here at least two days ago, and it has taken us a day to arrive.”

“Three days.” He murmurs.

“It could be more.” Vex says quietly.

How long had his people been laid here, unable to rest? Spirits bound to their bodies cut down with no respect, left to preserve perfectly in the frost. There will be no one here left alive to mourn these people when he and his company make their leave. The thought of it makes the empty caverns of the Ice Emperors mind echo with sorrow.

“My Emperor… you cannot allow this to happen again.” Vex speaks so softly it’s only the northern wind's strength that carries the words to him. “They are animals.”

“They speak and they understand.” The Emperor reminds him stiffly.

“Then they are monsters. Look at the carnage they have wrought!” He sweeps his arm out at the scene before him, old blood and snow mixing in the afternoon light into an ugly ruddy brown, “You have been lenient with the Yeti. perhaps too lenient.”

“Watch your tongue.” The emperor says sharply.

They once again lapse into silence.

“...Your efforts to find peace have been admirable, my Emperor.” Vex continues slowly, “but you must open your eyes. These people are dead, and it was the Yeti who came down for the slaughter.”

The wind blows harshly around them, but neither of them feel the chill of it, “What evidence do we have?” He asks finally.

They turn a corner and come upon the blizzard Samurai preparing a body for transport.

“You have seen the injuries of the dead, my emperor.” Vex says soberly, “You know as well as I who was behind this.”

Teeth Marks. Uneven, choppy bites torn into skin and bone, rending thick fur-lined leather apart like paper. It doesn’t make sense. Why would the Yeti come here, so far from their homes up in the northern mountains? The longer he looks at the body in front of him, the more a creeping sense of doubt crawls up his spine. The bitemarks looked… too perfect. No pull of skin from blunted teeth. Like a clean cut. Done post mortem, maybe. The yeti did not hunt formlings for food, so why..?

The Emperor resumes his walk as he thinks, trailing around the village slowly while Vex follows.

“Were any resources salvageable?” The Emperor pivots the conversation as they walk past the stalls of what might have once been a small market. “Their sister village has been weakened by illness. We should not allow anything to go to waste- it is not the way of the formlings to discard what could be used.”

They quietly discuss these things as they make their rounds. There are things that could be offered to the neighboring tribes. Blankets, furs, and spices. Fishing and hunting equipment. Medicines. There are more things that cannot.

“And what of the livestock?” Is the final question the Emperor has, spurred only by the way they had come upon chicken coop tucked away behind one of the few homes that still stood.

“We have found no signs of animals. I imagine that is, perhaps, spoils of the conquest that the yeti took with them.”

The Emperor hums quietly, staring at the coop with blank eyes.

“You have sent for a reverend.” It's not so much a question as it is a flat statement.

Vex answers it anyway, “Yes. I had a scout leave the moment we got the initial report. He should be arriving soon- from the tribes west of here.”

“Good. We will stay for the funeral rites and then we will take our leave.” the Emperor sweeps his long coat as he turns away from the home, grief and suspicion clouding his mind. He takes only two long strides before he freezes in place.

There’s a sound coming from behind him. Soft, rough, tired.

“My emperor?” Vex prods, concerned.

So, so quiet. Just barely there.

A small, feeble little cry.

He turns around and rushes to the chicken coop, the snow clearing for him instantly as he drops to his knees by the weather worn old thing. It’s a tiny pen, made for maybe two birds- it doesn’t even open fully. The little entrance for the chickens is the only way inside. He bends low to look in. His eyes could see things that very few could in a space as dark at the pit before him. Old straw, feathers, remnants of chicken feed- and there, tucked away deep and covered in a handful of straw is-

He’s reaching inside before he can finish the thought, hand gently grasping soft furs as he slowly pulls the bundle out of its little sanctuary.

“Doctor!” He shouts loud and sharp and jarring in the still air the moment he catches the first glimpse of the baby's face. He doesn’t need to call him again with the way his call echoes the empty landscape.

He tucks the precious thing into the crook of his right arm and uses his left to unbutton his coat, swinging the thick fur off his shoulders and onto the cold ground to offer some barrier between the infant and that creeping chill. It’s not wrapped for this cold- the furs bundled around the child meant for inside, near the warmth of the hearth. It was too cold. Had been too cold for far, far too long.

A man comes stumbling through the snow, glasses askew, “Yes, My Emperor!?” He says frantically before he catches sight of the patient that the Emperor is laying down. He gasps and rushes forward, setting down his heavy bag and immediately getting to work on the baby.

He is the only other human to accompany them out of the palace- artificial blizzard samurai make up the rest of their party. But there are things those snowmen cannot do. He had come along just in case there was a chance of survivors, but had spent the entire morning sitting in the sled he’d ridden in with nothing to do. Not until now.

His hands fly over the child as he checks it over, pulling at the swadling to peek at the blue-tinge of her extremities. He listens to her heart for a long time, and the tension in his shoulders slowly drops. He is not so quick now as he re-wraps the child gently.

“My Emperor…” He says sorrowfully.

“It has passed?” He asks roughly.

“No,” He begins, “Bu-”

“Then do something.” his voice thunders out of him, harsh and demanding.

The doctor flinches but his hands stay at his sides, “I do not believe there is anything that can be done.” He says meekly, “It has succumbed to the cold. It won’t be long now.”

“Why was she in the chicken coop?” Vex questions behind him.

The Ice emperor draws his fingers gently down the baby's cheek. It doesn’t stir at the contact. It doesn’t even shiver at the next gust of wind. He remembered, vaguely, that there had been a woman slaughtered in this home with a spear in her hand. “It’s mother hid it away.” He concludes, “To protect it from the Yeti.”

“And it worked.” The doctor says but there is no joy there, “We were just too late.”

The lone survivor is to die right in front of him.

“Perhaps it is mercy to end its suffering.” Vex says blithely, his voice closer as he leans over the emperor to look at the kid.

“No.” He mutters, “It cannot be so.”

He unstraps the mask from his head and casts his helmet aside, the thunk of it hitting the snow sounding jarring in the stillness between the three men. He had done this before- once with vex, several times with the usurpers that stole his throne. Never before on something so fragile, so small. The staff in his right hand glows as he pours focus into his mind- he cannot be too hasty, too brash. This is not something to rush. But he has to go quickly anyhow. If the baby passes before he can- there is no second chance.

He feels the familiar spit of sparks along his neck before his hair bursts into brilliant blue flames.

The doctor gasps and scrambles back, his spine hitting the chicken coop with a painful sounding thud.

He reaches his hand towards the child and allows that blue fire to trickle down the side of his throat and catch a line up his sleeve. He cradles the baby’s cheek for a moment before he moves his index finger up, pressing it right between its wispy little eyebrows. Fire drips its way over his arm and finally cascades like a waterfall over the infant. The whole bundle goes up in flames.

The doctor reaches up to grasp the holy symbol strung around his neck, whispering a prayer.

He will protect it. It is his duty as Emperor. He failed this village- he will not fail at this.

Finally he stops. The fire connecting the two of them flickers lower and then out completely.

He takes his hand away. There’s a brilliant blue star shape stained into her skin. It worked. It had to have worked.

Another heartbeat passes before the baby opens its mouth and, with a mighty inhale, wails. It screams and cries and wails in discomfort and fear until the Ice Emperor gathers it up in his arms and holds it close, the familiar comfort of being held soothing the baby. It cries itself to sleep- but it is alive.

He stands on legs that don’t shake, “I must return to the palace.” He wordlessly calls a blizzard samurai over, “Send for a midwife in the village across the river. Send her to me, urgently.”

“My emperor?” Vex says, bewildered.

“Stay here and oversee the burial.” He says plainly.

“I- but- My emperor, you…” his face seems to be morphing into a lot of different expressions as he tries to formulate a rebuttal.

“And when you return to the palace,” The Emperor continues firmly, “Prepare our samurai. We will be going to the northern mountaintops within the week.”

Vex’s shocked expression turns into a wide, hungry smile. “A wise choice, My Emperor.”

“You were right.” The Ice Emperor gazes down at the baby in his arms, at the scar he’d given it saving its life, “I cannot allow this to happen again.”

Ummm new oc. Kotori 🩵

[earthslament]

" come on! open your eyes! " ( from nadie~ )

(gonna put this under read more for spoilers and also death but I promise he's gonna be fine) @ancxentgates

He was by the ocean, had he died? Last thing he remembered he had been fighting a Dragon of Earth, he'd never gotten her name; she didn't give him much opportunity to ask when her computer's wires started attacking him.

And now here he was, there was a peaceful blue sky in front of him. "Kamui-chan." He heard a familiar voice behind him, turning around he saw his beloved childhood friend Kotori; smiling kindly at him. "It's not your time yet Kamui-chan." She said, Kamui felt tears stinging his eyes.

"I'm so sorry Kotori that I wasn't able to save you, I don't deserve your kindness." He said, letting the tears flow down his cheeks. Kotori shook her head with a sad smile.

"It's alright Kamui-chan, you have nothing to apologise for; I knew the whole time what my destiny was. Now it's time for you to go back, don't forget what I told you. The future is not yet decided." Kamui could feel himself beginning to fade away from this place...

His eyes opened at the sound of Nadine's panicked voice, he blinked a couple of times before reaching out to rest his hand on hers. "Hey, I'm okay; look my wounds are starting to heal." He said sitting up, he guessed he had almost not come back from that.

'Thank you Kotori.' He thought, knowing that his childhood friend would probably hear him from where she was. Once again he had been saved by the people he loved, but yet he wasn't able to save the ones he loved.

[medea10]

My Review of Konosuba

(Short for: KonoSuba - God's Blessing on This Wonderful World)

How did I get into this anime? As you all know, I’m being an absolute lazy-ass when it comes to Isekai animes and have only gotten into the recent hits as of 2019. I already finished the suffer edition and the struggle edition. Let’s check out the light-hearted, wonk-fest! But before that…

Let’s go back to the mid-1990s and rewatch the first episode of Yu Yu Hakusho. We all remember Yusuke Urameshi sacrificing his life in order to save a child about to be hit by a truck followed by being told that the child would have survived regardless if Yusuke interfered or not. So dude just wasted his fucking life for nothing! Let’s amp this trope up to 483 with the way our main lead in Konosuba dies. Kazuma Satou was on his way back home from purchasing a video game when he noticed a girl about to be hit by a car. He pushes her out of the way and yada, yada, yada he’s dead!

He is now in a limbo setting, standing before a goddess named Aqua who tells Kazuma that his death was absolutely meaningless. Not only would the girl have survived, it wasn’t even a car, it was a slow-moving tractor. And Kazuma didn’t get hit by the tractor, he suffered a heart attack due to shock, followed by pissing his pants, followed by doctors, family, and relations laughing at Kazuma’s humiliating experience. And then he dies!

Aqua tells Kazuma that he has two options. He can either go to Heaven or be transported to a fantasy world (much like a game) and try to defeat a demon king. Choosing the fantasy world, Kazuma is given the opportunity to take an item with him on his travels. Now at this point, Kazuma has been annoyed by this goddess’s attitude towards him and decides to be a dick. So Kazuma chooses Aqua to be with him on his journey. Sucks for Kazuma however, because Aqua is useless! And unlike the video games Kazuma’s used to, he and Aqua must do manual labor and pay off expenses in the first town. So they might be there for a while.

Kazuma ends up with two more members in his crew including a witch named Megumin that uses explosive magic and a masochistic crusader named Lalatina Dustiness Ford (or Darkness for short). But don’t get too excited! Megumin’s magic can only be used once a day, wiping away her energy. And while Darkness has a mean sword, she misses every time with it. So yeah, this is a rag-tag team of useless dopes. Let’s watch the wacky misadventures of Kazuma, Aqua, Megumin, and Darkness as they go on missions, drink until they puke, explode castles, and steal underwear.

Yes, Kazuma occasionally does this.

BETWEEN THE SUB AND THE DUB: Crunchyroll has been able to bless the masses with an English dub. Can’t let FUNimation have all the Isekai hits. So far it’s been alright and I’m hearing more Erica Mendez and Cristina Vee. All good things here! Plus it gives me a chance to hear the voices of Kazuma, whom up to this point I have minimal time listening to either person who plays him. And annoying as Aqua may be, Faye Mata does a really good job with that range Sora Amamiya set in the original. Here’s what you might recognize these folks from.

JAPANESE CAST: *Kazuma is played by Jun Fukushima (known for Naruko on Yowamushi Pedal and Makoto on Fruits Basket 2019)

*Aqua is played by Sora Amamiya (known for Touka on Tokyo Ghoul, Chizuru on Rent A Girlfriend, Miia on Monster Musume, Yachiyo on Magia Record, Akame on Akame ga Kill, and Elizabeth on Seven Deadly Sins)

*Megumin is played by Rie Takahashi (known for Emilia on Re:Zero)

*Darkness is played by Ai Kayano (known for Alice on SAO: Alicization, Menma on Anohana, Nana on Golden Time, Ryouko on Food Wars, Itsuwa on Index, Yukika on My Love Story, and Mayaka on Hyouka)

ENGLISH CAST: *Kazuma is played by Arnie Pantoja (known for Watchdog-Man on One Punch Man and Kanbarry on Re:Zero)

*Aqua is played by Faye Mata (known for Rin on Love Live, Aluminum Siren on Sailor Moon Stars, Yukako on Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Pt. 4, Frederica on Re:Zero, and a bitch on Shield Hero)

*Megumin is played by Erica Mendez (known for Ryuko on Kill la Kill, Haruka/Sailor Uranus on Sailor Moon S [redub], Raphtalia on Shield Hero, Retsuko on Aggretsuko, Nico on Love Live, and Emma on The Promised Neverland)

*Darkness is played by Cristina Vee (known for Homura on Madoka Magica, Rei/Sailor Mars on Sailor Moon, Mio on K-ON, Sakura on Fate/Stay Night UBW, Kotori on Love Live, and Kanaria on Rozen Maiden: Traumend)

FAVORITE CHARACTER: Darkness is best girl, don’t at me!

SHIPPING (sorta): Can we just all agree that Darkness is just a sober version of Cheryl from Archer?

Whoever ends up with her will end up choking her either because she tells you to or she annoys you with her masochistic nature! I seriously do not know how you want me to turn this shipping discussion into anything other than a comment about a bitch getting choked.

ENDING TO SEASON ONE: Kazuma has been able to get a little good luck in his other world as he was finally able to move out of the stables and into a house with the rest of his crew. Although, it didn’t come easy! Then again, what has in this series? In the final episode of the first season, all of the adventures of the town were called to take on a scary foe. Up to this point, we’ve seen these guys take out mutant cabbages and an idiot dullahan. Today we’ve got…

A giant, mechanical spider!

Why do the stupidest stories always rely on a giant, mechanical spider? Kazuma and the rest were able to stop the spider from moving. However, this monstrosity is set to explode and the impact could take out the entire town. Darkness wants to repay the town for all it has done for her and her family. The adventurer men want to repay the town because of all the succubus taverns they love. And Kazuma just wants to continue his journey so he can take out the demon king. Now, because Megumin already used her explosion magic for the day, she’s down for the count. But she was able to do it a second time thanks to Kazuma transferring some magic from Aqua through his spell and with a little help from Wiz. The day is saved, Kazuma and his crew got a hefty reward, and then Kazuma is immediately charged with treason for sending the evidence to a higher up and it exploded.

Believe it or not, but a lot of these quests end with a giant middle finger to them. Almost like Curb Your Enthusiasm!

EPISODE 11: The special episode that followed came with some more misfortune for Kazuma. A trip to Wiz’s shop ends with a choker around Kazuma’s neck that’s going to strangle him in three days if his wish doesn’t come true. So to figure out what Kazuma’s wish is, Kazuma has all of these girls fulfill his greatest desires in the hopes of one of these humiliating tasks will release Kazuma from the choker.

As you can guess, because this is an OVA, it will be filled to the brim with degeneracy compared to the television series. Fuck yeah it was! Kazuma used this opportunity to use Wiz’s tits as comfy pillows, have Megumin play “Strip Rock/Paper/Scissors” with Yunyun, have Aqua fetch him food, and watch Darkness jiggle her breasts. Even when he thought he was at death’s door, he uses this special time to tell each girl with him at this dramatic moment that they are nothing more than tits and ass. All except for Aqua! No love for her. Not even a pity erection! So when the spell on the choker was released due to a simple wish, Kazuma was then killed by Aqua and quite possibly everyone else and Kazuma was sent back to the goddess chamber as he learned a powerful lesson.

Don’t ever do that again!

Damn…Kazuma died 3 times so far in 11 episodes. Subaru got you beat by a country mile. He’s probably looking at you like, “You damn, lucky dumbass. I got frozen, shanked, stabbed, sliced, maced, and eaten by bunnies”.

SEASON TWO: As I mentioned at the end of season one, Kazuma is charged with treason and usually that comes with a death sentence. Unfortunately for Kazuma, his unintentional crime was against this big, fat, smelly noble who has many higher-ups wrapped around his finger. The townspeople can’t really help him out otherwise they’d risk being charged as well. And you have a prosecutor wanting Kazuma’s head on a pike not only for the major charge, but for being a pervert. The writing is on the wall, Kazuma is screwed. However, thanks to Darkness (and her family lineage) she was able to take one for the team by saving Kazuma (for now) and have that big, fat, smelly noble do God knows what to her. Also, the kingdom repossessed a lot of things from Kazuma’s crew.

So they’re worse than “square one�� at this point. They’re at “square -57” with how much debt they’ve all accumulated.

ENDING TO SEASON TWO: Things are starting to look up for Kazuma and his crew. They were able to abolish their debt, got the treason charges lifted, and they were able to gain back some respect around the village. So what better way to celebrate then to go on a bit of vacation. The gang decided to head off to another town for some rest and relaxation. Unfortunately, the town they spent their time off at is full of religious wackos. And what I mean by religious wackos, I mean WORSE than Jehova Witnesses, Evangelical Christians, and the Heaven’s Gate cult all rolled into one.

…Okay, I’m obviously embellishing here. I just really fucking hate all of those ones I just mentioned. This cult is so fucking annoying! At every turn they’re trying to convert Kazuma, Megumin, and Darkness into their fold.

Oh wait, it gets better! This cult worships the goddess Aqua! And of course our favorite idiot Aqua was using this to her advantage. That is until a priest didn’t believe her, starting a chain reaction with the townsidiots all leading up to them chasing Kazuma and crew out with pitchforks and fire. Apparently, Aqua did a big no-no by purifying the hot spring water and now it’s just regular water.

Unfortunately at that same time, a general to the dark lord was in area poisoning all of the water in this town. Yeah, this guy is serious trouble since he’s on a higher level than Wiz (back when she was working under the demon king). But he’s a slime and works with poison. In this world, Kazuma doesn’t stand a chance. Surprisingly, this battle went well (albeit Kazuma dying inside the slime), but we got to see Aqua at her baddest of ass. Now you’d think the town would be grateful to Kazuma and his team for ridding them of a demon king general. Hahaha, never trust religious nutjobs! They still found fault with Aqua purifying their hot springs and they were thrown out.

In the 11th episode (or second side-story), Kazuma thought he was meeting a new fan in town. So he regales her with tales of his expoditions to woo her. Turns out the girl is a new member of the local tavern and one of her jobs is to listen to useless adventurers to boost their morale. And this girl was totally not digging Kazuma. I think this hurt Kazuma more than all the times he’s died in this series.

MOVIE: We head off to the land where Megumin and Yunyun were born and raised. While there was some miscommunication into if the town and their families were in trouble to begin with, trouble sure found Kazuma and the gang once they arrived. Another general of the demon king ends up causing quite a stir in the town. Sylvia was extra hard to take down in this story. Just when you thought she was dead, she returns from death’s door and brings the poison slime from season two and the dullahan from season one to wreck havoc all across the land. Luckily, Kazuma, his crew, Wiz, Yunyun, and the rest of the townspeople were able to put an end to Sylvia and her cohorts.

But man, Kazuma got some really shitty deals in this movie. His trashy and perverted reputation isn’t any better. Megumin’s father wanted to kill him. Megumin’s mother locked Kazuma and Megumin in a room together in hopes of doing the nasty, was messed with by a chimera of two genders, and was killed in a gruesome way that even the angels had to throw up when they saw the state of Kazuma.

On a positive note, Megumin seemed to have grown a little with this adventure as she was even thinking of putting her explosive magic on hold and give a whirl at other options. But she still gave a giant explosion that’s worth 120 points.

Konosuba was amusing. Definitely worth a few chuckles! I know it won’t be for everyone as comedy in anime can often be hit-or-miss. But the combination of characters with many quirks, the animation, the setting, the tasks, and misunderstandings, you’ve got yourself an anime version of Curb Your Enthusiasm. So…yeah, not for everyone, hit-or-miss! But in the big five isekai animes, this one is a little more light compared to some of the others. Overlord can get quite gory. Shield Hero will anger any sane person to a point of madness. And Re:Zero is just a misery blanket! Konosuba is that light-hearted comedy where sometimes the main protagonist dies horrificly in battle, but will return like Kenny from South Park. So if Shield Hero and Re:Zero depress you, maybe you might need a break with the silly, zany antics of Kazuma’s crew in Konosuba.

Results may vary on your views of Aqua.

If you would like to watch Konosuba, the entire series is available on Crunchyroll. That’s the first season, second season, both OVA’s, and the movie in several different languages!

Okay, let’s pick our next Netflix, Crunchyroll, or Amazon exclusive!

Alright! An anime like Black Lagoon if it involved gay boys! Banana Fish time.

[theraikouhotel]

Massive Headcanon Post

ALRIGHT I HAVE IDEAS!!! I think.... Headcanons below the damn cut because they’ll be separated into different series! God I hope this becomes a thing I do...

Please enjoy!! 

Fate

Raikou’s favourite time of day is dawn. She likes to see the sun coming up and the hope of a new day washes over her, making her look forward to another day of her being not insane as she believes she is. 

Shikibu secretly collects figures of the other Casters and sometimes makes them move with her magic, re-enacting something she sees in her head. She then writes out in her little diary, as if it was the most interesting thing ever when really...she made them kiss with her own figure she had gotten made.

Arturia also does baking on the side whenever she’s alone and she’s made sure that the cafeteria is empty. She’s been caught several times but they let her do her thing as she looked determined to get the recipes down. This is usually to thank everyone who has helped her, especially her master.

Tiamat likes to decorate mindlessly when she’s stressed. She’ll do it usually with Christmas decorations she has in her room, because she likes how fun they look. Sometimes it might be with Halloween ones. The Primordial Mother just likes decorating so much.

Europa sometimes might summon Talos and pet him to calm herself down. Having her bull close to her soothes her, especially when she sees things aren’t going as well. If she doesn’t have her bull, she’ll curl up and try to breathe but it doesn’t work sometimes.

Irisviel isn’t too fond of people badmouthing her children. Especially those she considers her own. She’ll kick the crap out of you so hard that you won’t even get up for the next week.

Black Clover

Asta hates it when people ask about his parents or drill into him that he should have died way too long ago. He’s never had any proper blood parents so he’ll say the Father at the church he was raised at is his dad. But when people say that doesn’t count, he won’t like it. He’ll also say that the belief in his comrades helped him live.

Noelle isn’t actually too close to the Mama Squad. She feels awkward around them. Or any sort of mother figure as she has no idea what to say. She’s also afraid of breaking down in front of them as it’s not becoming of a royal as she has drilled into her head. 

Vanessa only drinks to make sure the lonely thoughts don’t invade her mind. She hates feeling lonely and drinking helps alleviate it. But when she doesn’t, her mind starts playing on the fact that she’ll be alone forever and she just heads to bed, crying.

Bleach

Ichigo has nightmares about Yhwach from time to time. He always thinks about how he could have ended it a lot more quicker so that everyone could have lived. He always imagines several outcomes. But whenever he opens his eyes, he remembers those who have died in the War and it hurts him so much.

Orihime wishes she was as strong as Yoruichi. She has one of the strongest abilities yet she hates how indecisive she can be. She has kept to herself that her kind heart has hindered her so much, even with the amount of people telling her it’s her best trait and one that should be kept as there was enough hate in the world.

Yoruichi often feels like a failure. She has strongly felt this ever since Aizen and it continues to eat away at her even after the Thousand Year Blood War. 

Highschool DxD

Issei often feels like the girls that love him aren’t real. That he’s not really deserving of their love. He has these thoughts that plague his mind every other day that tell him that Rias is lying or that Raynare is actually still alive and is playing tricks on him.

Rias does her best to be there for everyone. But hates how her own duties stops her from doing that which instead makes her rely on Issei to see how everyone is. It’s not just as the alpha female in the harem, it’s as a friend to everyone.

Sona secretly enjoys dressing up with her sister, Serafall, as it reminds her that one day she may not be able to spend much time with her. So she never tells her to go away whenever Serafall is with her, rather she’ll just bear it and blush in embarrassment.

Date A Live

Kotori still enjoys the kids meals at the nearest restaurants as she loves how cute they are always made. She’ll always add it in with another order so she gets to indulge in how cute it is before devouring it.

Kurumi isn’t a big fan crowds. Whilst it does help her with her concealment, she feels her heart race whilst being within them. She has to take a moment in the shadows to get her heart to a more normal rate before going back in there again.

Love Live!

Umi is always the strict one. However, she almost always feels bad when she has to berate someone because in her own home, she has been treated a lot more harshly as the next head of the Sonoda household. But she keeps this fact closely guarded.

Kotori is always thinking about something. Usually about how to get Honoka to be hers only but she never acts upon it. She’d hate that she’d feel horrible if she did make Honoka only hers and “took out” the other competition that is her idol group. So instead, she gets out of this habit through fashion designing.

Mari isn’t actually a big fan of showing her wealth off to other people, only her friends. Sometimes she accidentally does it and then they try and cosy up to her. She hates that. She can see right through them and immediately denies them.

Chika doesn’t actually have many passions except idols. If it weren’t for idols, she would most likely stare blankly into the ceiling of her home as she would take over the Ryokan Inn that her mother owns. She’d just wonder what she was doing, whether or not if existing was right or not.

Karin has been offered various modelling gigs, which is of no surprise. However, there have been times when she has considered going 18+ modelling but refused in the end. She was curious yes but will never do it.  Of course, she’s just about getting by.

Emma has always been Karin’s best friend. They always look out for each other. However, Emma can see whether or not something is bothering Karin but doesn’t ever bring it up. Instead, she just wants to see her happy.

Bang Dream!

Sayo is a girl of many secrets. She only ever tells them to her twin sister, Hina as of late. Before, she’d never tell anyone about herself and if she did, it was only the bare minimum. She’s still closed off as she refuses to get hurt by anyone.

Tomoe is always overworking herself. She has lots of volunteering and things she does, which always leaves her knackered (tired as fuck) at the end of the day and all she wants to do is sleep. Even on days when she looks like she’s okay, she isn’t. She wants to rest.

Aya is clumsy and will get lost, just not as often as Kanon, her friend. However, she feels inadequate as an idol. She has trained for this but it always bothers her, as it goes into late night practices and early dawn nap times. She has considered giving up so many times, because of all the hate she has seen, even with her idol group, she’s usually the one with the most hate as she is at the centre most of the time.

Arisa is just gay as fuck. But she isn’t sure if it’s right to feel that way or not about certain people (KASUMI TOYAMA)

My Hero Academia

Kyouka has an innate talent of analysing quirks as well, she has never realised it. She has an analytical brain that can probably compete with Midoriya’s if she applied what she knew about music into hero work. 

Momo hasn’t been the biggest fan of being raised rich. She always wondered what it’d be like to live a normal life, without all the privilege and weight of a legacy she has  on top of her.

Danganronpa

Tenko has always been confused about what to feel about the ‘degenerate males’ she has met. Especially the likes of Shuichi and Makoto. She has wondered if her view of them being horrible is skewed as she seems Shuichi as one of her closest friends. But she won’t ever admit that, ever. 

Kaede really wants to know if she can stop with the piano puns. She likes to make them too much.

Makoto hasn’t exactly had the easiest time mentally. The death of his friends always haunts him even in his sleep. The screams, lights, flames, everything. He remembers all the details vividly and when he tries to reach out for them, their dead bodies are there on the floor.

Komaru has a hard time of knowing if she fits in or not as she had been taken from school and is now older than what she believes she is. She sits there wondering if it’s right to be this way now or not.

Other Muses

Jotaro is very cautious of everyone he meets. He doesn’t want a repeat of what happened in Egypt if he gets too close to anyone he likes. Even if DIO is gone, he’s never gotten rid of the feeling that someone will die in his presence or in his name.

Levi has a soft spot for his brats. He basically sees them as his children as this point and he may have been called dad once or twice by a few them. He enjoyed that but only gave them a glare.

Weiss is a soft gay for Ruby. But apart from that, she’s fine with both guys and girls. 

Mami always has the feeling of her wish being selfish at the back of her mind. It’s there nagging away at her as if it would come back to bite her in the ass so she’s always out there doing her best for her juniors and always on the look our for Kyoko Sakura.

Natsu hates how his former guild had treated him. He isn’t a dumbass who can’t do anything right, rather he’s someone who was the most attuned to his emotions as his flames prove. If he meets anyone from there, he won’t hesitate to take them out with one punch.

Lelouch actually had a crush on Cornelia for a brief moment before knowing of his relation to her. He decided to drop it and add her to the list of “Siblings I absolutely adore” but from time to time he does wonder if they weren’t related, would they take over the world together?

Haru has pictures of her friends in a small box. She also has one thing they owned within it too. She’s unaware of how strange this is.

[dimensiontripperhibiki]

Let It Burn (46/?)

Here’s the next chapter of Let It Burn, I hope you guys enjoy! And thanks again for all of your asks/comments etc about this, it means a lot that you guys are so interested in this fic and the ins and outs of the LIB universe. :) Warning(s): Major character death, angst, violence.

Rin wasn’t sure how long she’d been running, only that her lungs were burning with exertion and her side was starting to smart with pain. She stopped abruptly, her breathing heavy as she leaned forward and pressed her hands to her knees. She looked down at herself, at the yellow suit Kotori, Maki and Hanayo had worked together to make and she felt her vision blur once more with tears. Some hero she was. She couldn’t even save one of her friends when they were in danger. Looking up, Rin realized that she was near a beach of some kind though she hadn’t consciously travelled there. She’d just been running wherever she could, trying to run from the fact that Honoka was dead and there was nothing she could do about it. She stayed where she was for a few minutes, trying to steady her breathing. Her legs ached and she was trembling uncontrollably. Maybe from shock, maybe from the aching in her limbs. She wasn’t sure. Finally she straightened up and brushed her hair back from her sweaty forehead.

She considered whether she wanted to go back to the house. She could go to her hideout, she figured, though she remember seeing Eli’s state when she had left. She needed to be there. She took a deep breath and took off running again, making her way back to the house. It took her a short while to find her way back but when she did, she sprinted into the kitchen. She needed to eat something, given how quickly her metabolism worked. She stopped in front of the fridge and was just about to open it when the sound of laughter met her ears. Her brow furrowing, she turned around and found Honoka pressing Nozomi back against the counter, the older girl’s head bowed to gently kiss at Nozomi’s neck. “What are you doing?” Nozomi’s eyes flew open at the sound of Rin’s voice. Spotting her next to the fridge, she gently pushed Honoka away. “Rin-chan, I-I didn’t see you. Whoa, you look sweaty. Maybe you should take a shower.” “A shower?” Rin echoed slowly, struggling to figure out what was happening. “What are you talking about? A-And what were the two of you doing?” “Um...we weren’t doing anything.” Nozomi said, a bit puzzled. “We just finished dinner so we were going to go ba-” “DINNER?!” Rin cut Nozomi off loudly, her eyes wide with disbelief. “How can you eat right now, nya?! W-What about Eli-chan? Shouldn’t you be taking care of her?” “What’s wrong with Eli?” Honoka asked, stepping away from Nozomi. “Wha…? I don’t understand.” Rin shook her head, at a loss. “Why are you pretending like you don’t know what happened? Eli-chan set herself on fire, she burned herself! H-Her skin was charred and red and she wouldn’t stop!” “Wait, what?!” Honoka noticed tears gathered in Rin’s eyes. It was clear she was telling the truth. She took off toward the stairs, taking them two at a time. Just as she reached Eli’s bedroom, flinging the door open, Rin rushed in with her. Honoka and Eli leapt off the bed as Yuki scurried over to Umi. “H-Honoka-chan…?” Rin whispered, blinking quickly. She could see Honoka right in front of her. She stared at her long and hard as Future Honoka rushed over to Eli, quickly checking her over. Nozomi moved past her too, pushing Eli’s sleeves up to check her for burns. “W-What the hell are you two doing?” Eli asked, baffled by their behavior. “Are you okay, Rin-chan?” Honoka asked hesitantly. She grunted when Rin ran at her with her ability, tackling her onto the bed in a tight embrace. “Ah, that hurt.” “I thought...I thought…” Rin shook her head tearfully as she hugged Honoka tightly. She pulled back slightly to look at her. “You’re okay. You’re really okay.” “Yeah, I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?” Honoka smiled uncertainly. “You’re kind of squeezing really tightly though…” “Sorry, sorry!” Rin quickly scrambled up from the bed, letting Honoka sit up too. “I’ll take her.” Everyone looked up to see Hibiki standing in the doorway. The girl reached out a hand to Rin. “Rin, come on.” “But Honoka…” “Please. I need to speak to you.” Hibiki said firmly. “Just come with me.” Rin went to Hibiki, taking her hand and allowed herself to be tugged from the room. Neither of them spoke on their way down to the basement. Rin was still in shock and Hibiki seemed to be deep in thought. “I don’t understand.” Rin finally said, her voice soft when they got the basement. Nobody else was there, thankfully. “I saw Honoka-chan die. I saw it!” “You ran into the space time continuum.” Hibiki led Rin over to a painting. She turned the canvas over, revealing Rin running into what seemed to be a portal. “Something happened to Honoka in the future but right now you’re in the past.” “I-I don’t...so how do you…?” Rin shook her head, at a loss. The only thing she could focus on was that Honoka was alive again. “We’re connected, the two of us. We have been for a long time. A lot of my visions are of you and your experiences.” Hibiki answered hurriedly. “It doesn’t matter what you do with time, I’ll always see it if you have.” “Connected?” Rin echoed softly. “Rin, you’re connected to space and time just as much as Honoka is.” Hibiki squeezed Rin’s hand, having failed to let go yet. “I can tell the future perfectly. Your time is my time, okay?” Rin nodded though she wasn’t sure she really understood. “Should I tell the others? Honoka-chan...if this is the past, I have to protect Honoka-chan. I need to tell Eli-chan and Maki-chan...” “Calm down.” Hibiki hugged Rin gently, trying to soothe her. “We need to figure out a plan.” Rin took a deep breath. “We need to find Tsubasa and stop her.” “Well...that’s not exactly where I was going with this but we do need to be ready.” Rin nodded hurriedly. “Super ready! Can you help me talk to Honoka-chan’s future self? She really likes you. Maybe she’ll listen.” “You’re the speedster. I’ll follow you no matter what, hotshot.” Hibiki said with a small smile. She glanced around before quickly pecking Rin’s lips. “Let’s save Honoka.” ----- Rin took a deep breath before she raised her hand, knocking on Future Honoka’s closed door. She was nervous but Hibiki’s presence at her side was reassuring. A moment passed before the door opened to reveal Future Honoka standing there. “We need to talk to you.” Rin said before she brushed past Future Honoka. She tugged Hibiki after her into the room but paused at the sight of Nozomi sitting on the bed. “Oh um...maybe we should talk down in the basement.” Nozomi looked surprised but rose from the bed nevertheless. “Don’t worry, I can go somewhere else. I’ve been meaning to check in with Elichi anyway. After what happened this morning.” “Wait, wait…” Honoka held out a hand, keeping Nozomi from leaving. “You don’t have to go.” She turned her attention back to Rin and Hibiki. “Whatever you have to tell me, you can tell me in front of Nozomi. I’d just end up telling her anyway. Unless...it’s something personal?” “Um…” Rin hesitantly looked to Hibiki who shrugged and closed the door. “I-I guess she can stay. I’m not really sure how to tell you, nya…” “Just say it.” Hibiki said softly, stepping up beside Rin. “It’s not going to be easy for them to hear no matter how you say it.” “For us to hear what?” Nozomi stepped forward, a worried look on her face. “What’s going on?” “Honoka-chan is going to die tomorrow!” Rin blurted out hurriedly, her hands clenched at her sides. “I am?” Honoka didn’t look fazed whereas panic flashed across Nozomi’s face. “How?” “Not you.” Hibiki said quietly, placing a hand on Rin’s arm. She could tell how upset Rin was without looking. She could feel her trembling under her hand, almost unnoticeably. “Your past self.” Honoka glanced at Hibiki, vaguely feeling Nozomi clutch her hand. “You drew it then? How does she die?” Hibiki didn’t reply, taken aback by the fact that Honoka had believed her without question. “Anju stabs her.” Rin said, venom seeping into her voice at the thought of the girl who’d killed Honoka. “She attacks us with Tsubasa and she kills Honoka-chan when Eli-chan and Umi-chan are distracted. Um...Hibiki didn’t draw it. I saw it myself.” “What?” Nozomi looked between Honoka, Rin and Hibiki in confusion. “How?” “I’m...well I kind of…” “You’re from the future.” Honoka finished for Rin, staring at her intently. “You ran back in time after it happened, didn’t you?” Rin nodded, a troubled look on her face. “I didn’t know what to do after...after Honoka-chan died so I ran. I didn’t know everything was different until I got back her and saw Honoka-chan was alive.” “So now you want to save her.” Honoka said seriously. “So you came to me to figure out a plan.” “We have to save her, Honoka.” Nozomi said, gripping Honoka’s hand a bit tighter. “There’s no other option. We lose Honoka, we lose Eli too. I don’t think any of us can cope with losing either of them.” “I know.” Honoka mumbled, reaching out to lightly rub Nozomi’s arm with her free hand. She turned back to Rin, raising her voice. “You should know that if you save her something equally bad or worse might happen.” “I don’t care.” Rin said resolutely. “We need to save Honoka-chan. I don’t care what happens.” “What if saving my past self means Hanayo dies?” Honoka countered, raising an eyebrow. “Would you still want to do it then? Actions have consequences, Rin. The slightest change causes a ripple effect. Even you being here is changing things. I came back and now Yukiho is dead. You have to be prepared for the consequences of your actions.” “That’s not going to happen.” Rin said, her stomach sinking at the thought of anything happening to Hanayo. “I’ll keep both of them safe. Let’s just try to figure out a plan, nya!” Honoka glanced at Nozomi in search of advice. “We can’t let Honoka-chan die.” Nozomi said softly, still gripping Honoka’s hand as tightly as she could. “I don’t think any of us could deal with that.” Honoka turned back to Rin. “Let’s get started then. Take me through everything that happened. Step by step.” ----- “Onee-chan?” Dia had been staring out of the train window but she looked down at the sound of Ruby’s choked voice. Her younger sister was curled up across the seats, her head in Dia’s lap. “Ruby? I thought you were sleeping.” Ruby sniffled softly. “Do you think Hanamaru-chan is okay?” Dia was silent for a few seconds. She didn’t want to lie but she couldn’t say what she really thought. “Y-Yeah, of course.” She forced a smile to her lips as she gently stroked Ruby’s hair. “Her ability makes her valuable to them.” “W-What about Yoshiko-chan?” Ruby turned her face toward Dia, revealing tears in her eyes. “Wasn’t she valuable to them? T-They just killed her, they didn’t…” “Yoshiko-san fought too hard against them.” Dia said, her heart wrenching in her chest as tears slid freely down Ruby’s cheeks. “That’s why they couldn’t take her in like they did with Hanamaru-san. She fought to keep both of you safe.” “I miss her.” Ruby whimpered through her tears. “I miss both of them so much.” “Come here, Ruby.” Dia barely had her words out before Ruby was sitting up, throwing her arms around her neck. She held her sister close as she cried into her chest, doing her best to stem her own feelings. If Yoshiko hadn’t been there Dia was sure Ruby would have been taken too. Finally, Ruby cried herself to sleep and Dia awkwardly shifted, taking her phone from her pocket. She tried calling Kanan but it seemed the phone wasn’t turned on. “Damn it, where is she…” Just as she was starting to think about how angry she was with Kanan, she noticed movement on the opposite side of the train. She glanced over just as a male passenger got to his feet. As his hand moved to his belt, her gaze flicked down. She realized within seconds what was happening and quickly pushed Ruby off of her. Thankfully Ruby still had her feet up on the seat so Dia could move right past. She hit him with a kick to the solar plexus and he dropped the short sword in his hand. It slid down the train and Dia delivered a solid punch to the side of the man’s head, sending him falling to the floor, unconscious. At once, several other people leapt to their feet, going for their own weapons. “Ruby, move!” Dia reached out and grabbed Ruby’s arm, dragging her away from the seats. She pushed Ruby in front of her and took off running down the aisle, grabbing the sword the agent had discarded a moment ago as she went. She looked over her shoulder,  keeping an eye on the agents behind her. When Ruby abruptly stopped Dia crashed into her and turned to tell her to keep going. The words died on her lips at the sight of several more CORPS agents in front of them. “Damn it!” “Get down, Onee-chan!” Dia ducked down as she was asked, clamping her hands over her ears just as Ruby let out an ear-shattering scream. Several of the agents were thrown back, knocked unconscious by the force of the sonic waves emitted. Even Dia who had been prepared for it felt her head throb. Her ears ringing, she stumbled to her feet and grabbed Ruby’s hand, tugging her through the door to the next carriage of the train. “Ruby, come on! Help me!” Seeing no other option, Dia moved to the doors and slid the sword between them, using it to the prise them apart. Ruby helped as much as she could until finally they were open. Dia discarded the sword, not wanting to injure herself with it. “We need to jump, Ruby.” She said, quickly taking Ruby’s hand. She was relieved when Ruby nodded urgently in response. “On 3. 3...2...1!” The door opened just as Dia finished counting down and both she and Ruby leapt off the train at the same time. They hit the ground hard and rolled down a grass verge, their hands parting somewhere along the way. Dia groaned as she sat up. She could already feel bruises forming but she figured she should count herself lucky that nothing was broken. “Ruby?!” “I’m fine.” Ruby winced, crawling over to Dia. “You’re bleeding. Your ears…” “Hmm?” Dia reached up, briefly touching her left ear. Indeed it was wet with blood. “It’s fine. Let’s just get out of here. Come on, we need to get to Tokyo.” “Okay…” Ruby got to her feet with Dia’s help. She chose not to point out that Dia was speaking a little too loud. It was her fault, after all. As Dia tugged her along, her thoughts flitted back to Hanamaru. She hoped she was safe. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing another friend. ---- “So you’re saying that Arisa was the main reason for everyone’s distraction.” Honoka concluded as she looked over the whiteboard in front of her. She’d sent Rin down to the basement to get it earlier but they’d decided it would be safer to stay in the room she shared with Nozomi so that nobody else would find out what was going on. They couldn’t risk too much changing, after all. Rin, who was standing at her side, nodded quickly. “Yes! Arisa-chan ran downstairs and Eli-chan ran to her while I was fighting Tsubasa. Then Umi-chan ran over after so Honoka-chan was left alone. I think...I was trying to keep Tsubasa away from them.” “What happened after?” Nozomi who was sitting on the edge of the bed with Hibiki, asked warily. “When was Honoka stabbed?” “I-I don’t know.” Rin glanced apologetically over at Nozomi. “I didn’t see. I heard Umi-chan start to yell and that’s when I realized. Maki-chan and Nico-chan tried to help but they couldn’t do anything. Then Eli went out of control and killed Anju. And almost herself until Umi...stepped into her flames with her. I ran away after that, I didn’t know what to do.” Nozomi watched as Rin’s eyes flooded with tears, her lower lip trembling as she swiped at her eyes. No matter how hard she tried though she couldn’t stop crying. “We have to save her, Honoka-chan.” Rin said seriously as she looked at Honoka. “We have to.” Nozomi got up and silently crossed to Rin, drawing her into a light embrace. She shot Honoka a meaningful look and her girlfriend nodded in response. Hibiki frowned as she watched Rin cling tightly to Nozomi. She didn’t notice Honoka walk over until the older girl lightly touched her shoulder. “Relax, she knows what she’s doing.” Honoka said, sitting down next to Hibiki. “What if I paint another death?” Hibiki fretted anxiously. “You know, I...I…” “You won’t.” Honoka soothed gently. “By the time this is over you won’t paint death anymore. I’m not going anywhere, I promise.” Hibiki bit her lip, not entirely convinced. “Should we tell Honoka-chan and the others, nya?” Honoka looked up to find that Rin had pulled away from Nozomi and was suddenly looking directly at her. “No.” She answered with a resolute shake of her head. “They’ll just panic, especially Eli and Umi. We have to keep them in the dark and give them orders when the time comes. We have a plan now, we know what went wrong the first time they were attacked and we know how to change it. Don’t worry, Rin. We’ve got this.” “Right.” Rin nodded and taking a deep breath she seemed to steel herself. “So now what?” “Now, go and do what you would usually do. And don’t tell anyone.” Honoka answered firmly. She glanced between Hibiki and Rin. “Lock yourselves in one of your bedrooms if you don’t think you can keep the secret but nobody can find out about this. We can’t risk changing things be affecting someone else’s actions in the situation. If we don’t we give up our only advantage.” “Right! Let’s go, Hibiki.” Rin waited for Hibiki to get up and walk over to her before they both made their way to the door. Pausing as she opened it, she glanced over her shoulder. “Thank you, Honoka-chan.” Honoka smiled softly as the two younger girl’s left. Feeling Nozomi’s eyes on her, she glanced over to see her staring. She patted the space next to her and Nozomi wandered over, taking a seat next to her. “You’re thinking about something.” Honoka said, turning slightly toward Nozomi. “Worrying.” “You can feel that, huh?” Nozomi asked with a soft, sheepish laugh. “I should have known you would.” “Not at the minute.” Honoka shook her head, a knowing smile on her lips. “I just know you well enough to know when you would be worried about something, that’s all. So talk to me. What’s going on?” “I...I love Honoka. Your past self, I mean. She’s one of my closest friends.” Nozomi glanced away, a guilty look on her face. “The thing is, I um...I’m worried about what might happen to you if she dies. I know that sounds awful and I hate that I’m thinking it but what if she dies and you disappear? It’ll be bad enough that Honoka-chan will be gone but…” “Okay, okay.” Honoka placed a hand lightly on Nozomi’s shoulder. “Slow down. It really doesn’t sound as bad as you think. You’re still worried about my past self but you’re worried about me too. It’s sweet. But you don’t have to worry about me.” “Why?” Nozomi asked worriedly. “Won’t you disappear?” “I don’t think so. I think the timeline has diverged too much from my original timeline. She is my past so I might be wrong but I think I’m only from my past self at a fixed point. I’m my own entity at this point. I may as well be from a different earth.” “A different earth?” Nozomi looked more confused than when Honoka had first started talking. “But there’s only one earth.” Honoka smirked to herself and gently patted Nozomi’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about it right now. The continuum is tricky. If you mess with time too much you can easily tear a hole into a new universe. But the point is, I’m not going anywhere. I’m almost certain. Besides, Rin didn’t look at me like she was talking to a dead person. I know that look, remember?” “You’re not the only one who knows it.” Nozomi pointed out. “Yeah. I guess I would have looked at you like that a lot.” Honoka admitted softly, guilt seeping into her own tone this time. “I probably still look at Eli and Kotori in that way. But it’s different with you now. We’re different, aren’t we? You don’t see your Honoka when you look at me and I don’t see your future self when I look at you. Even though we still love those two, we know the difference. Don’t we?” Nozomi nodded silently. “See?” Honoka leaned in and pressed her lips gently to Nozomi’s. She pulled back to speak again but stayed close. “And for the record, I’ll never look at you like I’m looking at a dead person again because it’s never going to happen. I don’t care what I have to do to...mmph!” She let out a squeak as Nozomi kissed her again, falling back to tug her on top of her. Honoka went willingly, forgetting what she’d been saying. ------ Hanayo stepped into the training room, having been intending to work on her timing when it came to phasing. She paused at the sight of Rin hitting a punching bag with inhuman speed, turning it into a blur as it moved back and forth. Glancing around, Hanayo noticed Hibiki sitting cross legged on the floor a short distance away. She seemed sweaty and was wearing training clothes but she had a sketchpad in her lap and seemed to be drawing, casting the occasional glance up at Rin. Hanayo sighed and was just about the turn to leave when Rin stopped punching the bag and looked toward her. “Kayo-chin!” Hanayo offered a small smile as Rin reached up to wipe sweat from her forehead. “Sorry, I was just leaving. I’ll get Nico-chan to spar with me.” “I can do it!” Rin stated brightly. “Come on, spar with me! Hibiki is way too easy to beat.” “Hey, you’re just too fast!” Hibiki exclaimed though she looked decidedly uncomfortable with Hanayo in the room. “I wasn’t actually looking to spar with anyone. Just training.” Hanayo answered awkwardly, glancing between the two of them. “Come on, Kayo-chin. Fight me!” Rin exclaimed, bouncing from foot to foot, her fists raised. “Fine, fine…” Hanayo felt a gust of wind as Rin ran off somewhere. She blinked and then her friend was back in front of her, holding gloves. She sighed and tugged them on. “This should be interesting.” Hibiki mused to herself, flicking to a blank page of her sketchbook. “I won’t go easy on you.” Rin warned, grinning as Hanayo readied herself. Without giving Hanayo a chance to reply she threw a punch, using her speed to do it quickly only for Hanayo to phase immediately. Drawing her fist back, Rin grinned. “You’re faster now.” “I’ve been training with Nico-chan, I told you.” Hanayo focused on her ability as Rin unleashed a flurry of punches. Every one of them went right through her. Seeing Rin slowing down a little, Hanayo lifted her arm and threw a punch, unphasing just her hand at the last second. She caught Rin in the jaw, causing her to stagger for a second. It was more than enough time for Hanayo to slide her foot behind Rin’s ankle, sending her sprawling to the ground. “I guess I win.” Hanayo said, reaching down. She let Rin grip her arm and tugged her to her feet with a quick pull. “You’ve gotten faster too. But you can’t hit what you can’t touch.” “Yeah, yeah…” Rin grumbled, pouting. “Maybe I’ll train with Nico-chan or Honoka-chan later.” “Nice new trick, Hanayo-san.” Hibiki said, slowly getting to her feet. She left her sketchbook on the floor. Hanayo raised an eyebrow at Hibiki. “I wouldn’t call it a trick any more than you call your ability a trick.” She retorted, her voice turning slightly cold. Rin frowned at Hanayo. “She’s being nice to you. What’s your problem?” “I don’t like her. That’s my problem.” Hanayo answered simply. “You hardly know her. She will turn against you, Rin. I can guarantee it.” Rin gritted her teeth, noticing Hibiki shift uncomfortably out of the corner of her eye. “No, she won’t. You can’t know that. You obviously don’t even know her if you don’t like her. You two would get along. If you got to know her you…” “I have to find Nico-chan.” Hanayo turned on her heel and walked toward the door without another word. Rin let out a yell of indignation as Hanayo left and turned, hitting the punching bag twice. “Damn it!” “That went well….” Hibiki said, her eyes on the door. “Sorry. I guess she really does hate me.” Rin caught the punching bag as it swung back to her. “She’s not usually like that. Kayo-chin is the nicest person I know. I don’t know what’s wrong with her...” Hibiki shrugged her shoulder. She had never seen the other version of Hanayo. The version Rin always talked about and compared to family. ----- Maki paused at the bottom of the stairs, taking a moment to watch Kotori working on Rin’s costume as she hummed softly to herself. Recently Kotori had been spending more time in the basement, even when Maki wasn’t there with her. After a moment, Maki cleared her throat and Kotori looked up sharply. She looked concerned for a moment but quickly calmed when she saw Maki. “What are you doing?” Maki asked softly as she strode forward. “Just working on this for Rin-chan.” Kotori answered, nodding down at the costume on the table in front of her. “She said something about needing it to be perfect so I said I would look into it for her.” Maki nodded, looking down at the costume. It seemed fine to her though she didn’t point that out. She supposed Rin, who wore it, and Kotori who made it would know better than her. Her brow furrowed as she noticed Kotori’s hand trembling. “Can I help with anything?” “No, I’m fine.” Kotori answered with a shake of her head. “Your hand is shaking.” Maki pointed out, her gaze fixed to Kotori’s hand. She had noticed it happen a few times since Kotori had come back but she’d never paid much attention to it. “Is it sore?” “Sore? N-No, why would you think that?” Kotori let go of the needle she’d been gripping and crossed her arms in front of her chest in an attempt to keep them steady. “Let me see.” Maki stepped forward and gently prised Kotori’s arms from her chest. She lifted them, moving each of them to the side so that Kotori was standing with her arms stretched out to her sides. “Stay still.” Kotori did as she was told but after a few seconds she grimaced in pain as her arms began to ache. A few more seconds and she was gritting her teeth. “Maki-chan…” She finally let her arms fall to her sides. “It’s nothing, it’s...it’s just something I got from the facility.” “Got from the facility?” Maki asked incredulously. “What does that mean?” “When they...hung me up. I was hung by my arms for a few days. Almost a week, I think. I lost feeling in them after a while but then when the guards let me down, I couldn’t even move them.” Kotori looked away in guilt as she explained. “Rei-san couldn’t heal this fully. She wanted to ask Nico-chan but I said no.” Maki stepped forward and hugged Kotori tightly, needing the contact to reassure herself that Kotori was there and alive, not in a facility run by Sonoda. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.” “I didn’t want to worry you.” Maki drew back, fixing Kotori with a skeptical look. “I’m supposed to worry, I’m your girlf...your fiance.” Kotori smiled, her eyes nervously flicking to the doorway. “Maybe don’t let my mom here you say that. She’ll kill me. And you.” Maki frowned and shook her head. “You mom’s going to have to get used to me. I’m not going anywhere. And my mom won’t let yours break us up anyway...” She shook her head, realizing they were getting off-topic. “Let me ask Nico-chan to heal you. Please.” “No.” “Why not? You know that she would want to if she knew about this. She wouldn’t take no for an answer.” Maki pointed out, confused by how stubborn Kotori was being. “It’s just a little bit of blood.” Kotori adamantly shook her head. “No, I don’t want to bother Nico-chan with this.” “Bother?” Maki echoed in confusion. “Why would it be a bother?” “I just don’t want to keep relying on people like I did before I was taken.” Kotori answered sheepishly. “I don’t want to be that person anymore. This...problem is my own and I should be able to deal with it.” “Not when you have friends who can help you.” Maki pointed out. “Does anyone know about this? Anyone at all?” “Nozomi-chan knows. I told her in one of our sessions. She said I should talk to Nico-chan if I feel ready. She says she understands wanting to be independant but I need to accept help too.” Kotori sighed, her shoulders slumping. “I just don’t want to look weak. Everyone knows I’m the weakest member of the group. Even Sonoda said so.” “You’re not weak!” Maki said sharply, squeezing Kotori’s hands. “You got through a whole week with her without telling her anything! You saved Yuki, you probably saved Honoka by giving her a reason to keep going.” Kotori hugged Maki once more, touched by Maki’s vehement argument. “I want to be stronger. I want to try to be, at least.” She whispered honestly. “I want to be useful to the team like you and Rin-chan are.” “Stop it, you’re stronger than any of us.” Maki said, shaking her head slightly. “And I’m not going to let you call yourself weak, okay?” Kotori gave a soft laugh. “Okay, okay. I get it. I’m not weak.” “So you’ll let Nico-chan help you?” “Um...I’ll think about it.” Kotori replied hesitantly. Maki sighed. She supposed she couldn’t ask for anything else. ----- “Are you ready?” Future Honoka turned to Rin who was standing next to the whiteboard they’d been scribbling on. She was wearing her suit, Hibiki at her side. “You go downstairs and warn Honoka, Eli and the others. I’ll  get everyone up here. Nozomi, I need you to stay with Hibiki. Just in case she has a vision.” “That wasn’t part of the plan.” Nozomi protested in shock. They’d discussed extensively what would need to change to protect Honoka and it hadn’t been mentioned that she would need to hide. “I want to help.” Hibiki said, nodding in agreement with Nozomi. “And I don’t think I’ll be painting again soon. I’ve already done what I need to do. I’m connected to time and...and Rin after all.” She felt her cheeks grow hot as Rin glanced at her in surprise. “Anyway, I want to help!” “We can’t risk anything else changing.” Future Honoka impatiently glanced at the clock. They only had a few minutes before A-Rise would be there, according to Rin. “And I need to focus. I can’t concentrate when you’re in danger, Nozomi. And Rin won’t be able to concentrate when you are, Hibiki. Neither of you are fighters. You need to stay put. If you want to help, go and keep Arisa in her room. Make sure she stays there, no matter what happens.” “Honoka…” Nozomi frowned at her girlfriend. “I’m sorry, Nozomi. I just need you to stay away from this. We’ll talk about this later.” Honoka turned toward Rin and nodded. “Run, Rin.” With one last look toward Hibiki, Rin ran down the stairs. She went to the basement first, hurriedly telling Maki, Nico, and Hanayo what was happening and that they needed to meet her upstairs. Rushing to the living room she found Eli, Honoka, Umi and Yuki there. “A-Rise are coming.” She explained in a hurry, glancing toward the doorway. She heard the loud sound of footsteps hurrying down the stairs. “Umi-chan, give Yuki-chan to Kotori-chan when she gets down here. Tell her to go to Arisa-chan’s room. Hibiki and Nozomi-chan are already there.” “What? Bu…” “Just do it!” Rin exclaimed loudly. She took off running again, gathering up weapons for the others. By the time she got back, Umi was pressing Yuki into Kotori’s arms and the others were standing at the bottom of the stairs. She quickly gave them all of their weapons just before Tsubasa appeared with Anju. “Don’t leave Honoka-chan’s side, nya!” Rin exclaimed, pushing against Umi’s shoulder to urge her back to Honoka as Kotori reluctantly left. Eli was already there, standing in front of Honoka with her fists ablaze. “Get out.” Future Honoka raised the gun in her hand, pointing it directly at Tsubasa’s head. Nico stepped up next to her, tensed. “There’s nothing for you here.” Tsubasa smirked and was about to reply when she noticed movement out of the corner of her eye. She barely had time to think about moving before Rin slammed into her at full speed, throwing them both against the wall. She caught the briefest glimpse of Rin’s eyes, flickering with lightning before she shoved her off. She tried to use her own speed, heading for Hanayo but Rin was too fast. She caught her again, pushing her back. “Everyone get down!” Future Honoka yelled as Anju opened fire. Eli dragged Umi behind her, igniting her entire body so that the bullets were vaporised by her flames when they came near. You overturned a table, dragging Chika behind it while Kanan created a shield of water in front of herself and Mari. “Maki-chan, watch out!” Honoka yelled from behind Eli as Anju turned the gun toward the redhead. Rin’s concentration was broken for a split second. She turned her attention to Maki in time to see Raven tackle her to the ground just as he had in the previous time. Just like last time, he was struck, this time in the back of his shoulder. “Raven-kun!” Nico, who had leapt for Maki almost at the same time, landed on her knees next to the two and quickly cut her hand to heal Raven. Anju quickly turned her attention to Rin only for Riko to appear in front of her, taking her by surprise. A number of Riko’s actually. She shot at the first and then swung to the left, firing at two more. “RIN, FOCUS!” Future Honoka, who was busy shielding Hanayo yelled out. Rin nodded though just as she was about to run off she was stopped by a sudden, anguished cry. She looked for the source of the sound in time to see Kanan and You grab Chika as she tried to run forward. She barely caught a glance of Riko’s body falling to the floor, a bullet wound right between her eyes before she was thrown off her feet by Tsubasa. “RIKO-CHAN!” Chika cried out, struggling against Kanan and You’s tight grip on her. You especially, was impossible to fight against. “Go NOW!” Honoka said, noticing Anju was out of bullets. Hanayo moved out from under Honoka and rushed toward Anju. Before Anju could react she phased her hand into her chest and gripped her heart. As Rin and Tsubasa crashed into the far wall, she glanced over in time to see Tsubasa raise a fist. “TSUBASA!” She yelled, catching Tsubasa’s attention. “One more move and I’ll tear her heart from her chest.” Tsubasa growled. As much as she hated Anju, she needed her. “Give me Erena and I’ll leave. For now.” Future Honoka stared long and hard at Tsubasa before she relented, sighing. Rin was already bleeding from her forehead, she really didn’t want her to be hit again. Tsubasa could do serious damage. “Umi, get Erena. Go.” Umi did as she was told, moving past Honoka and up the stairs. Hanayo gave Anju’s heart a light squeeze, causing her to cry out in pain. “One wrong move and I’ll rip it out.” She warned coldly, vaguely able to hear Chika crying over Riko’s body. Rei was there, doing what she could but they all knew there was no healing that could save Riko. “Don’t tempt me.” As she waited, Future Honoka glanced around at the others. Nico was still sitting next to Maki and Raven on the floor while Honoka was pressed close to Eli’s flaming back. Kanan, Mari, Chika and You were gathered around Riko with Rei, Yume and Takashi. You was once again holding Chika back, this time to keep her away from Anju. Finally Umi came down with Erena in her arms and Tsubasa ran over, taking her.  “Anju, fall back.” Umi watched, surprised as Tsubasa’s eyes changed slightly as she looked down at Erena. She somehow looked more human. Saner. “Hanayo.” Future Honoka spoke sharply, causing Hanayo to finally release Anju’s heart. “I’m so glad you’re safe, Erena.” Tsubasa said softly as she looked down at Erena. “N-No need to be worried.” Erena said with a small smile as she looked up at Tsubasa. “I knew you would come for me.” Umi watched the two, confused by their conversation. She had no idea what their relationship was. Anju walked over to Tsubasa, touching her shoulder. In a blink of an eye the three were gone. Rin pushed herself into a sitting position and looked over at Chika and the others. “I’m sorry.” She choked out. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to…” “Rin!” Future Honoka exclaimed sharply, looking toward Rin. She had no idea how Chika would react if she found out that Rin had changed things from Honoka dying to Riko dying. “Go to my room, that’s an order.” Rin looked like she wanted to argue but without another word she used her ability to run to Honoka’s bedroom. “WHY DIDN’T YOU SAVE HER?!” Chika’s angry cry caught Future Honoka’s attention and she looked up in time to see You holding Chika back, this time from her. The girl looked furious. “I’m…” She was caught off guard by a sudden punch from the side. She staggered, her head spinning for a moment. She caught herself against the banister of the stairs and looked up to find out where the hit had come from. It didn’t take a lot of deduction. The punch hadn’t only hurt, it had burned. “I’m so sorry, I-I didn’t...it wasn’t me!” Eli apologized, her eyes wide. She’d only just apologized to Honoka for hitting her when they’d tried to save Sonoda and yet she’d done it again. She yelped in alarm as she threw another punch without thinking about it. Thankfully, Honoka ducked out of the way. “Chika-chan, stop!” You exclaimed frantically while Kanan pushed Chika’s arms down. Unfortunately for her, Chika’s arms were ablaze and there was no water near so she had to endure the burning. “Stop it, please!” “Someone needs to calm her down or knock her out!” Mari exclaimed in a panic. “When I’m in that state of mind I can’t be stopped. I won’t stop until I see blood!” Maki got to her feet and crossed the room, planting her hand on Chika’s head. In seconds, the girl slumped to the floor, unconscious. Eli sighed in relief. “Thank you, Maki.” Mari looked grimly around the room. “She needs to get rid of that ability as soon as possible or it’ll take her over. I won’t let her succumb to what I’ve been given since birth. Kanan, you need to look after her.” She glanced down at Riko’s body, her throat tightening uncomfortably before she turned back to You. “You, I need to speak to you in private.” You nodded and got to her feet. With a last look at Riko she left the room with Mari. Umi went to Honoka and hugged her tightly, Eli joining them a moment later. She couldn’t imagine losing any of their friends. ----- Kanan was just dozing off at Chika’s side when she felt her jerk awake. She sat up quickly herself just as Chika did. “Chika…” “Riko-chan.” Chika looked to Kanan with a hint of desperation. “I-It was just a bad dream, right? Riko-chan isn’t really…” “She is. I-I’m sorry, Chika.” Kanan noticed Chika’s expression crumble with grief and drew the girl quickly into her arms. “I’m so sorry.” She let Chika cry softly into her chest for a few long minutes until the girl seemed to run out of tears and fell silent. “Y-Your arms…” Chika finally rasped, touching one of Kanan’s bandages arms gently. She noticed a fairly bad, unbandaged burn on her own arm. “It’s nothing.” Kanan said softly, doing her best not to wince. “Don’t worry about it. We just need to get rid of that ability. Mari’s. She’s really worried about you having it, you know.” Chika shrugged her shoulders. “I needed it.” “You need to copy my ability, Chika. Please. Then Maki’s, Kotori’s, Hanayo’s, Rin’s, Nozomi’s and Nico’s.” Kanan pleaded, grasping Chika’s hand. “It’s a dangerous ability. Please, you have to trust me. You need to get rid of it.” “What’s so bad about it? It makes me stronger…” “It’ll change you, you’ll become like Tsubasa. Chika, you know that!” Kanan insisted firmly. “I told you about Mari’s ability and what it does to her!” “I know.” Chika looked away, remembering how Tsubasa had changed right in front of her. “Okay, I’ll copy your ability.” “And the others.” Kanan reminded her. “It’s the only way to get rid of Mari’s ability. You have six now after your ability grew, you need to take six more in.” Chika nodded silently. Kanan sighed in relief and lifted her hand, pulling water from the glass on Chika’s bedside table. She gently pressed the water to the girl’s arm and noticed Chika watching intently. She was obviously observing the ability but she also looked confused. “Sorry. We were worried that your skin was too hot for us to treat you earlier so I’ve been doing this for a while to soothe the burn.” “Thank you.” Chika whispered, looking down at her skin. She wasn’t sure how she had managed to burn herself. She cleared her throat after a moment. “You can bring the others in here if you want.” Kanan nodded and did as she was asked, rising to let the others into the room. They had been waiting nearby anyway. ------ Dia glanced over her shoulder in search of her sister. Ruby’s hand was securely in her own but Dia could tell she was slowing down. “We’re almost there. You can do it, Ruby. Just a little longer and we’ll be at the hotel.” “I-I’m coming.” Dia’s brow furrowed in concern. Ruby was clearly out of breath and she was holding her free arm close to her body. As much as she wanted to stop and check if Ruby was hurt she just didn’t have time. They had to get to the hotel before she could even think about doing that. She turned her attention to face forward. They had just entered Ikebukuro station so she didn’t think it would be long before they could check into a hotel and get some rest. She sighed and felt around in her pocket for her driver’s license. Before she had even thought about taking the train she had read a driver’s manual, memorizing it completely and had learned how to forge her license. She had given herself a new name, along with Ruby who she’d forged a passport for. She supposed she was lucky that her ability made her so well equipped to handle being on the run. “Stay close to me.” Dia warned softly, tugging Ruby closer to her side. “There are people around us.” As Dia let go of her hand, Ruby gripped the back of her sister’s jacket, pressing as close to her as she could without slowing her down. She could tell that Dia was tense and alert, watching the people around them closely for any signs of movement. Dia gritted her teeth. She could tell that the majority of people around them were CORPS agents. It seemed like she could never escape them. She didn’t react to them for a moment, focusing on Ruby. “Ruby, when we get to the hotel I’m going to dye your hair blonde, okay?” She spoke, her heart wrenching ever so slightly at the thought of having to do that. “You’ll look American that way, it might keep CORPS at bay…” “Yours too?” Ruby asked quietly. “Yeah.” Dia answered softly. “When I tell you to run, I need you to run, okay?” “O-Oka…” “Run!” Dia grabbed Ruby’s hand once more and took off running down the street. Around them, agents drew their weapons and gave chase. Thankfully she’d made sure they were in front of the agents before she’d started running. Nobody else around them seemed to move to do anything. As she ran she caught sight of a police car but not even the police moved to help. They ran for a few minutes before Dia made a vital mistake. She turned right instead of left and after a thirty or so feet caught sight of a dead end ahead. She’d led Ruby into an alleyway and they still had CORPS agents behind them. She glanced around, catching sight of a dumpster pushed up against a wall. There was a fire exit above, a ladder hanging down. Ruby could climb onto it and make a jump for the ladder. Dia was sure she could make it. “Ruby, climb onto the dumpster and then ladder okay. Climb.” Dia tugged her hand from Ruby’s. Already she could hear the agents running toward them. “I’ll hold them off. Go! You know the plan.” Ruby glanced toward the fire escape and then back to Dia. “N-No! I’m not leaving you here, I WON’T!” “GO NOW!” Dia drew a knife from her belt and rearing her arm back, threw it at one of the agents. It was getting cleared to her that the agents were trying to bring them in alive. “Do as I say, Ruby!” “NO!” Ruby yelled back just as a strange fog appeared around them. She quickly grabbed Dia’s jacket again so she didn’t lose her. “Onee-chan…” “I know, Ruby. Just…” Dia looked around at the fog. She didn’t know what had caused it. She supposed a high level hydrokinetic ability user could though. “Kanan…” She gripped her head suddenly, pain coursing through it. It felt like someone was screaming inside of her head. It was similar to what Ruby’s scream sounded yet somehow it was inside of her mind rather than a sound outside. She forced her eyes open just as lightning struck between herself and the agents. She saw a silhouette of a person, shooting what looked to be more lightning toward the agents, knocking them out one by one. “You’re affecting the others, control yourself.” “Nee-sama, I’m not good at this!” “Stop doubting your ability!” “Ruby…” Dia turned and finding Ruby on her knees, weakly grasped her arm, trying to tug her to her feet. As much as she tried she couldn’t manage it. She glanced over at the two females walking toward her, black edging into her vision. One of them was dressed all in black. Black jeans, a black turtleneck and a long black coat  as well as fingerless gloves while the other girl sported a shorter black jacket,  crimson button down shirt and ankle length black pants. Dia’s vision turned black and she slumped to the ground with Ruby. TBC

[entamewitchlulu]

Final Code

Prompt: Alternate Death

Warnings: Major Character Death (i mean...of course)

Characters: Yuma Tsukumo, Nasch, Astral, Kotori Mizuki, Kaito Tenjo

Summary: canon divergence from episode 143, the final duel between Yuma v. Nasch, in an AU where the Numeron Code accidentally merged with Yuma, and the only way to get it out and use it without killing Yuma was to collect all of the Numbers.Only, they’re going to find out that the final cost of using the Numeron Code is a lot worse than they imagined.

((so this is late and i was gonna like, draw shit for it but i didn’t...this is spoilers for my Zexal longfic but in all honesty i think like three people read that one anyway and most likely everyone will have forgotten by the millennia that i finally go back to finishing it))

He couldn't.  He couldn't hold it up anymore.  Being one with Astral made it so hard...so hard...to hide things.  He didn't want to hide things from Astral but he didn't want Astral to know—not yet.  He couldn't....it would hurt...

Astral gasped as the two of them pulled apart, Zexal shattering around them. Yuma dropped lightly to one knee.

“Yuma—why did you undo Zexal??” Astral said, zir voice cracking slightly with uncertainty.

On the other side of the field, Yuma saw Nasch's eyes widen slightly. He was just as shocked as Astral.  Kotori gasped from the sidelines, too.  Yuma tried to swallow—it was hard around the lump of tears in his throat.

He was scared.

He knew, now, exactly what he had to do.  He knew what he had to do—and he would do it. But...

He was so scared....

He forced a faint smile as he wobbled up to his feet.

“That door told me,” he said.  “That...that if I accepted it's power, I would lose the thing most important to me.”

Yuma swallowed again—talking was hard, every sound that came out of his throat forced the tears in his eyes a little closer to the surface.

“For so long I thought it must mean one of you guys,” he mumbled. “But...but the thing that's most important to me is...is my self...it's who I am...my kattobing...”

He quickly rubbed a hand under his nose.

“Yuma, what's wrong?  What are you talking about?” Astral said, sounding suddenly nervous.

“I think I lost something of myself along the way already,” Yuma said. He had to keep talking, or he wouldn't be able to talk again.  “The me that I like—that's the me that never gives up on anyone, that never leaves anyone behind, and for a minute there, I think—I think I almost sacrificed you, Shark...I don't want to do that...I don't ever want to live in a future that had to be taken from the lives of my friends.”

Nasch's eyes narrowed, but it was more from confusion than ire.

“Yuma,” he said.  “What are you on about?”

Yuma rubbed at his eyes with the back of his hand.  Oh no, oh no, he really was going to cry...he wanted to keep his eyes closed, so he wouldn't have to see the three of them all looking at him.  Astral with zir wide, worried golden eyes, Nasch's deep blue confusion, Kotori's hazel uncertainty.

“I guess at the end I just want to make sure I say...uh...thank you...Shark.”

Nasch blinked with surprise, his duel disk arm drooping slightly.

“For what?” he said.

“For taking me seriously.  For telling me that you understood.  Even though we're on different sides, and even though you've known me as that stupid kid who can't stop trusting everyone, you took me seriously as an opponent and faced me head on....and thank you.”

He shook his head quickly.

“And thank you, Kotori, for—for following me all the way out here, so far away from our home.”

Kotori clutched at her breast—the look in her eyes made him think that maybe somehow she already knew what he was about to do, even though there was no way she could.

Then Yuma slowly, slowly swung his eyes up to Astral, met zir eyes, and remembered the tingly feeling of their minds melding together in Zexal, the rightness of it, the wonderful, chilling feeling of meshing together for a few brief moments at a time.

“And thank you, Astral...for...for fighting alongside me, all this time, even when I was really, really dumb.”

Actual fear sparked in Astral's expression, and Yuma felt his head break. He...he didn't want to make Astral look like that.

“Yuma, what are you talking about?  Why are you talking like this?” ze asked, voice trembling.

Yuma licked his suddenly dry lips.  The world around them was so...cold, and distant.  These floating ruins in the vast depths of space felt so alien.  He didn't feel at home.  He...he missed Heartland, with all its gaudy colors and glowing lights and its warm homes...

He lifted his hand to his chest, touching softly over his heart.

“The Code is almost done,” he said.  “We...we all knew it was gonna come down to this, right...?  It wasn't just me?”

Astral jolted.  Ze zipped forward, trying to grab for Yuma's shoulder.

“Yuma, no,” ze said frantically. “Once we win—once we obtain all the Numbers—their power should be enough to extract the Code from your soul safely. That's what we're doing.  You don't have to—you don't have to act like you're about to die—”

Yuma smiled, but even he could tell it was strained and trembling.

“That's not what the Numbers are for,” he said.  “It's not what they were ever for—you know that, right, Astral?  Shark?  The Numbers aren't just power...they're...”

“They're a blueprint,” Nasch said suddenly, his voice cracking. “Oh—oh gods.  Yuma, you're not—”

“I have half of them right now,” Yuma said quickly.  “And once I have the other half of the Numbers, the blueprint will be finished, and I'll know—I'll know how the universe is actually supposed to fit together, and I can fix it, and everything will be okay again—”

“Yuma, no,” Nasch said, his voice actually leaping with fear.  “Yuma, you're—you're planning on using it, you're planning on—if you do that, if you fix the entire universe like that, you won't even be you, anymore, you can't do this—”

“The Astral and Barian Worlds were never supposed to be separate,” Yuma said.  “Maybe that's why I became friends with both of you—isn't that kinda funny?  I started on the road to being friends with the both of you on the same day...”

He sucked in a breath.

“I activate the effect of Sylphid Wing—I can change it into one of Utopia's overlay units, and then I use it to negate my Double Up Chance attack.”

“Astral, stop him,” Nasch was shouting.  “I can't—if he does that he'll—”

Utopia's attack stopped in midswing, and Nasch might have sworn. Yuma couldn't tell due to the sudden ringing in his ears.  He knew before Nasch or Astral made a sound that it was over—he had won. Nasch's card that he had drawn from Draw Reset had to be played, or he would automatically lose...and from the scream in Nasch's voice, whatever he had drawn couldn't react to Yuma's move.

Nasch let out a faint choking sound that might have been a muffled scream.

“I have to activate Glorious Seven,” he said in a choked, angry voice.  “I attach the rest of my banished Chaos XYZ Monsters to Barian Hope as overlay units, and increase Barian Hope's attack to 7000—but when the battle phase ends, my life points becomes the change in your life points.”

“My life points didn't change,” Yuma choked.

Nasch's pained eyes looked helplessly at Yuma.

“And mine become zero.”

Yuma closed his eyes.

He felt the Numbers surging towards him before they hit—the pain was intense for a moment, as the cards sank into his skin and melded into the Code trapped in his heart, and he almost screamed.  His head was so heavy and thick and dizzy, he could see galaxies swirling in the space behind his eyelids, the entire world vibrated as the Numbers integrated into the Code in his heart, sending him wobbling to his knees.

He heard someone screaming his name.  He wasn't sure who—it could have been any of them.

“I'll miss you guys,” he mumbled.  “B-bye.”

The Code was completing itself, weaving itself back together—it was fixing the hole left by the tearing apart of Barian and Astral worlds, figuring out how to fix it.  Yuma wasn't in the right place, he realized suddenly.  He had to...he had to go.  He had to follow the map that the Numbers were putting together, so that he could...oh god, it hurt, why did it hurt so much??  He couldn't think, he was being ripped apart—

“Hey...sh...it's okay.  I'm here.”

Yuma cracked open his eyes.

There was a hand in front of him—a gentle light surrounded him, and all at once, the pain faded.  He felt...calm, and safe...it was kind of like the feeling he remembered from when his mother held him as he fell asleep.

He looked up to find the other end of the hand stretched out to him.

Tenjo Kaito sent Yuma a half smile.

“Hey,” he said.  “Long time no see.”

“Kaito,” Yuma breathed.  “You're...”

“Dead?  Yeah.  I might have gotten a little carried away back there.”

He looked different.  It was Kaito, but it also...wasn't.  He was glowing—or maybe it was the world around him that made it look like he was.  Both of them were entirely enveloped in a soft, golden light, that somehow wasn't blinding.  But if Yuma looked a little too hard at Kaito, or not hard enough, he thought...maybe it wasn't a person standing in front of him...but something with the hint of wings, the faint swish of a tail, the glint of fangs, the swirling of galaxies for pupils...

He took Kaito's hand, and let him help him up.

“Looks like you did it, though,” Kaito said.  “I knew you'd make it.”

Yuma tried to hide the fact that he was sniffling.

“Were you waiting?”

Kaito nodded.

“I'm the dragon of light and time,” he said.  “That's why I had to go to the moon.  Not just to get Numeron Dragon...but to figure out exactly what I was.  So I could lead the Code to the end of the universe.”

Yuma looked down.

“I'm sorry,” he mumbled.

Kaito tilted his head.

“What for?”

“You...you died because of me...so that you could do this...”

Kaito actually chuckled softly.  There was something so much lighter about this Kaito than the one that Yuma had known as a human.  Dragon Kaito was...he didn't have any weight on his shoulders, Yuma thought. He was free and glowing and full of light.

“I didn't really have to die to become the dragon...I just might have...gotten a bit overzealous.”

He smirked at Yuma, nudging him with his elbow.

“Maybe a certain someone was rubbing off on me.”

Yuma covered his mouth against the unbidden snort.  But the brief spurt of mirth faded quickly, and he looked down at his feet again.

“Kaito?”

“Yeah?”

“Is it okay...that I'm...scared....?”

For a moment, Kaito did not respond.  Then Yuma felt his hands grip Yuma's shoulders lightly, squeezing.

“Of course it is,” he said.  “But that's why I'm here.  I'm here to guide you to the point where the world can be fixed.  And I'll be there every step of the way.”

“Do you think I can do it?”

“Yuma, you are literally the most ridiculous fucking person I have ever met—if anyone can do it, it's you.”

Yuma looked up quickly, and found that Kaito was actually smiling at him.  He found himself smiling faintly back.  He wiped at his eyes quickly.

“Okay,” he whispered.  “I'm ready to go.”

Kaito clapped him lightly on both shoulders, and then extended  hand to him.  Yuma took his hand, and then, all at once, they were nowhere.  Yuma felt the Code in his chest shifting, clicking together, finding the last stray lines of its program while Kaito dragged them between space and time.   Light bent around them, and the part of Yuma that was still human and not Code could not comprehend it, could not understand it enough to put any semblance of words to it.

He could feel the tingle of every single star in the universe—he could sense the space between every galaxy, the whisper of every space between dimensions.  He could feel the horrible, torn edges of Astral and Barian worlds like an open wound in his own chest.

It was never supposed to be separate.

For just the briefest moment, he remembered everything.  The faces of his friends flashed across his mind—everyone he had lost, everyone who had fought and died to make sure that he made it, made it to the point where he could do this—where he could fix the world.  They had no idea...they had never known that he would do this.

Shark and Astral's faces lingered the longest before vanishing.  Yuma closed his human eyes, and let the Code take over.

Shark....Astral....Kotori....everyone....thank you so much.

I love you all so much...

I hope...I hope this new world is one where all of you can smile and be happy again.

I'll miss you.

Yuma let out one final gasp, felt Kaito's hand slip away, and then the Code began to turn.

And then Tsukumo Yuma ceased existing.

*    *    *

Nasch of Barian woke up, not on the warm red ground of Barian World, but on the cool clay stones of....Heartland Park.

He shot straight up—and immediately regretted it when his head spun.  He gasped at the sudden rush of bile in his throat. That...that wasn't normal for a Barian...h-hang on...

His vision blurred slightly in and out as he stared at his hand. Pale, soft flesh looked back at him.  He tried to put on his Barian armor—it was easy, as easy as breathing.

It didn't happen.

W-what?  What was happening?  And where was he—

The first thing he saw was Heartland Tower, standing tall and untouched.  No hint of the Barian World fusion remained.  He...he was on the edge of the park.  He could see kids running around with Duel Disks, families walking with strollers, businesspeople in suits rushing past without looking.  It...it was too normal for a world that had just recently died...

“Nasch—Shark.”

Nasch jerked his head up to find wide, golden eyes staring down at him.  Astral hovered above him looking for all the world like ze had just seen a ghost.  Was...was ze crying?

“He's gone,” Astral said, zir voice breaking.  “Shark—he's gone.”

For a moment, Nasch had no idea what ze was talking about.

And then he remembered.  The light, enveloping Yuma.  The world breaking apart around them as the entire universe briefly disintegrated, pulled apart before snapping back together.

“I can feel it, the Astral and Barian Worlds—they reformed,” Astral was saying as Nasch's head spun.  “There's only one world now, they came back together.  H-he fixed it.  H-he actually fixed it but he's...he's...”

Astral couldn't finish the sentence, wobbling in midair as zir voice broke into a faint, moaning keen.

Nasch felt tears bubbling into his own eyes.  He pressed the heels of his hands against his eyes.  It wasn't real, right?  He was going to open his eyes, and Yuma was going to be grinning down at him.  He wouldn't have rebuilt a world where he didn't exist, would he have?

Did he have a choice?

It shouldn't hurt this badly...oh gods, it shouldn't hurt this badly.

He broke down anyway.

Tsukumo Yuma was gone.

[loyalflutist]

I Do [UmiMaki]

A/N: Thanks for sending in your request, Anon! I apologize for getting to it so late, but I suppose it’s better later than never! (I think.) Also, yes, I still take requests. It just takes a little longer to get to them, sob.

The blue-haired female nervously tugged on the end of the black collar as she stared at the full-length mirror. Behind her, Kotori and Hanayo were giving their upmost attention to fixing the standing woman’s tuxedo. A pat here and there, hands sliding over the attire’s materials to smooth it out, every single attention was given. If a single detail is overlooked, that could potentially spell disaster for the archer. Another tug at the end of her collar, Umi gulped and fidgeted.

It finally came. An important part of their life is about to start. Nishikino Maki and Sonoda Umi are going to marry each other. No matter how many times she squeezed her eyes shut and persuade herself that it is a dream, reality greeted her with the magnificent truth.

They were in a relationship for a fairly long time, and they still are. Ever since they began their interaction through μ's, they sprouted as close comrades. An idol for an idol, a song writer and a composer, the two constantly worked together in an effort to bring the highest quality of pop music for the group to perform. Eventually, their teamwork grew into friendship.

Just like a seed, it takes some time for the concept of love to bud into a beautiful white flower. It bloomed into a magnificent one after the second-year student persuaded both Maki and her father to keep her in the idol group. Although μ's did not physically last forever as everyone grew up into young adults, they all remained in contact with one another. Umi and Maki stuck close to each other tighter than that of a knot. Maki achieved her dream of becoming a doctor at a young age as Umi finally took over her family’s business.

After their successes were when the archer’s proposal came.

Ah, the red-haired female remembers it as if it were yesterday. Nishikino closed her eyelids as she reminiscence in another dressing room. The redness that colored the older female’s cheeks, the long awkward pauses that came in between her words, the time it took to finally make eye contact with Maki’s violent sclera, the slipping of the ring on her finger… That was one of the many happiest moments she’s had with Umi.

“Oi oi, Maki, you better not be dozing off on us!”

The sharp voice that lashed out startled the bride from her memory land. Eyes snap open, she then shot a glance at Nico Yazawa. She was immediately greeted with a scowl from the older woman by her side.

“Goodness, here you have the greatest idol taking care of your dress, yet you dare sleep on me?”

“Ex-idol, you mean.”

“Shut up, Nozomi!”

Her white gloved hand covering her own mouth, Maki could not hold back her laughter upon hearing Nozomi shoot a correction towards the short female. This earned another scowl from Nico to both party members. The boastful nature of hers can only be combated by the fortune teller’s rather blunt and sly retorts. It’s always been like this since they knew each other in high school.

“Are you nervous, Maki?” Nozomi shifted the conversation after exchanging a few more blows with her girlfriend. “It is a big day for both you and Umi.”

A faint hum came from the doctor’s direction. Then, a look at the full-length mirror showcased the white wedding gown that decorated her entire figure. The reality was staring right back at Maki. An outfit that can only be worn during the special occasion of bonding two individuals together, she was finally in it. One of her arms is raised to reassure that this wasn’t a dream. Fingers curled inward, the red-head felt her palms beginning to feel wet. Her heart pounded against her chest as it dawned upon her. Marriage… So it really was going to happen. It wasn’t to say that she isn’t prepared for it. It’s more like… she was finally going to make it happen with her lovely girlfriend.

Index finger resting on her chin, the older woman from nearby tilted her head to the side with a grin. Since she was in formal dress as a guest, this made her look less sly and more seductive to a stranger… which earned her a smack on the head from the shortest of the three. Another round of laughter came from the bride as Nico began to rant about Nozomi flaunting her sex appeal to Maki, let alone someone who is about to be married in less than an hour.

“I think she’s more than ready, Nozomi.”

A hand was placed on top of Maki’s shoulder. Everyone in the room turned their attention to the source. With a small smile, Umi gently squeezed her soon-to-be wife’s shoulder. Oh, the heat that crept up to the doctor’s cheeks. Nishikino became flustered and slightly lowered her head.

“You idiot,” she murmured in a small voice. “You don’t have to answer for me, you know.”

This resulted in a chuckling archer. Then, the tall female came close to plant a gentle smooch on her head. Face still close to the red hair, she deeply inhaled with closed eyes, eyelids fluttering open with a satisfied exhale.

“You’re so cute when you’re blushing like that.”

Compared to her young teenaged self who believes that holding hands out in the public is shameful, this is a large step in contrast to the woman’s personality. For Maki, on the other hand, it might take a bit more for her to outgrow from her tsundere phase. Then again, it doesn’t seem like Umi minds.

As much as the atmosphere began to fill up with hearts that apparently led to Nico exaggerating with a disgusted expression and Nozomi giggling whole heartedly in the background, the couple broke apart for their next wedding preparation step.

The premise was prepared hours ago before the newlyweds arrived at the scene with Ayase Eli in charge of the presentation. A wedding cake fit for the wealthy was safely delivered to the main table thanks to Kousaka Honoka’s bakery skills and Hoshizora Rin’s driving capability. Kotori and Hanayo decided to rejoin the guests, the two sitting with the audience in anticipation of the outdoor marriage vows coming up real soon. Nozomi and Nico gave their final preparation with Maki before merging into a large number of witnesses, waiting for the greatest moment of two beautiful women’s lives. Friends, colleagues, families, acquaintances, everyone is present. Their chatters in the luscious open garden near the hotel complex accompanied the hype.

Eventually, Umi and Maki were left alone as the final preparations were made. Nico and Nozomi had to hunt after the Sonoda’s and Nishikino’s family members, so the two are currently lingering behind the sealed double doors. A flower in Maki’s hands, she turned to look at her soon-to-be wife. Her violet eyes used this rare occasion to fully examine and observe the archer’s physique without any interruption.

Her firm posture, calm facial features, and warm brown eyes scream that she’s content with the upcoming part of their life. Umi looks ready for the event. Yet… something was off. Isn’t she a little too… stiff?

“Umi.”

The calling of her name perked the woman’s attention. Okay, maybe it caught her off-guard instead since the suited female nearly yelped out loud. Umi turned to look at Maki with raised eyebrows.

“Y-Yes?”

“Are you… nervous?”

Maki didn’t need a verbal answer to know her response. Both of Umi’s hands came together, fingers constantly pressing its tip at each other as she shifted her gaze elsewhere. A bead of sweat began to form on the side of the woman’s head, an audible, but forced, laughter tumbling out of her lips. This caused Maki to blink in succession. What happened to the confidence her girlfriend just had hours ago?

“Umi…” She retracted one of her hands from holding the bouquet and gently placed it upon Sonoda’s. “It’s okay to be nervous. I’m a little nervous myself too.”

Umi’s hands readjusted themselves so they can hold Maki’s in her grasp. Her thumbs ran against the white glove’s surface, eyes eventually trailing themselves to the woman she loves. No one said anything for a brief moment. All that went on between the two were the longing stares. It took a whole minute till the blue-haired girl felt her tense shoulders slump. Maki gave a small smile towards the other upon seeing this notion.

“It’s okay. We got each other.”

“Yeah…”

“Alright…. STOP!”

Nico popped up in between the two couple and had her arms crossed in an x-shape, a displeased expression scrawled all over her face. The hyperactive ex-idol shifted her gaze from Umi to Maki to Umi again before she returned back to her original posture.

“You both can flirt all you want AFTER the wedding. If I catch you guys doing this one more time, I swear I’m going to puke from the lovey-dovey atmosphere.”

“It’s just Nico’s way of saying that the wedding is about to start,” Nozomi had to clip in, preventing any form of misunderstanding from the short woman’s warning. True to her words, now that they’ve gathered the required members to walk out with the soon-to-be married women, this is the perfect opportunity to go out there and start.

One last squeeze to Maki’s hand was made before they went back to their original position. As nerve-wracking as this is, with each other, there’s nothing that could stand in their way. And so the wedding began.

Music cued by the Russian female slowly filled the air with dignity and formality. Each step the pair took almost felt so surreal, feeling as if they were getting closer and closer to the dream world than reality. Of course, it’s not imaginary at all. It’s hard to deny the budding sensation blooming within their chest of the reality that they’re about to face, and it’s a reality they’re excited about. Once they stood in front of the old minister, the background music died down and complete attention is directed to the females.

Book at hand, the frail, but gentle man cracked it open to the pages befitting for the ceremony. He quietly cleared his throat.

“Now is a time for a wedding.”

The minister glanced at the crowd before reciting for the ceremony.

“Friends, Sonoda Umi and Nishikino Maki, have invited us here today to share in the celebration of their wedding.

We come together, not to mark the start of a relationship but to recognize a bond that already exists. This marriage is one expression of the many varieties of love. Love is one, though its expressions are infinite.

It is fitting to speak briefly about love. We live in a world of joy and fear and search for meaning and strength in the seeming disorder. We discover the truest guideline to our quest when we realize love in all its magnitudes. Love is the eternal force of life. Love is the force that allows us to face fear and uncertainty with courage. But, you must “be of love a little more careful than of anything.” For the giving of yourself in love is difficult: you must learn to give your love without total submission of yourself. Therefore, in your giving, give your joy, your sadness, your interest, your understanding, and your knowledge—all expressions that make up life. But in this giving, remember to preserve yourself—your integrity, your individuality. This is the challenge of love within marriage.”

His eyes, old as they may be, contain wisdom as he dragged the pair over to Umi.

“Sonoda Umi, do you come before this gathering of friends and family to proclaim your love and devotion for Nishikino Maki? Do you promise to respect her, and to care for her during times of joy and hardship? Do you commit yourself to share your feelings of happiness and sadness? Do you pledge to remain faithful to her?”

“I do.”

“Nishikino Maki, do you come before this gathering of friends and family to proclaim your love and devotion for Sonoda Umi? Do you promise to respect her, and care for her during times of joy and hardship? Do you commit yourself to share your feelings of happiness and sadness? Do you pledge to remain faithful to her?”

“I do.”

“May these two find happiness in their matrimony. May they live faithfully together, may they ever remain compassionate. May years be rich in the joys of life, and their days be long upon the earth.” The minister lowered the book and tenderly observed the two women. A twinkle in his eyes could be faintly seen as he proclaimed the last line. “I now pronounce you both wives. You may kiss the bride.”

It’s finally here. Their face came close, their lips closing the distance by an interval of every half second. Then, it’s sealed, both their fate as spouse and with their kiss. It is truly a celebratory event as their friends cheerfully gave their blessings to the new couple. Of course, a few were relieved that they were FINALLY moving onward with their relationship… but that’s another story in due time. For now, Sonoda Umi and Nishikino Maki are officially wives.

[carib0us]

Coffeeshop Date 01: Coffeeshop Date

... also, I think I was a little in love with you from the first day we met. Not that I'd have admitted anything. So I'm willing to take the bitter with the sweet."

Story 1 of The Neglected Shrine

Summary:

Nishikino Maki meets her idol girlfriend at a coffee shop. they reminisce about the past.

At the coffee shop she liked because the parfaits and ice cream didn't have a big ice cube under them diluting them with water as you ate, if you had to wait, Nishikino Maki waited.

She sipped her cappuccino - the espresso was already gone, it was just foam now. She looked up, and her much younger-looking girlfriend appeared in the opened doorway, almost a half hour late.

"Sorry, something came up with the little ones. Mama had to work, so I made them dinner so they could focus on their homework and studying - they have tests coming up."

She looked a little tired, her red eyes showed a little exhaustion. It was incongruous in someone who still looked like a first-year, especially with her pigtails and red ribbons.

Maki might have questioned her, earlier. Might have complained.

But she knew, now, that getting into a good school was the only way out of the poverty the Yazawa family lived in, for the younger children. It gave a grim edge to her girlfriend's burning ambition to shine as an idol, too. In addition to wanting to make their family, even the ones who weren't around any more, proud. It was also a simple matter of survival.

The kiss she gave Maki was quick and discreet as she sat down and grabbed a menu. She actually knew it by heart but it was a nice tool to distract attention - and it was all done too quickly to see if she was kissing Maki on the lips or the cheek.

The conversation meandered, waxing a bit nostalgic as was their tendency lately.

"Oh, remember the first time I visited your home?"

"Yeah the little ones were all over you. And they bugged me for a week afterward - when is Maki-chan coming again?"

"Even though I was furious about you calling us backup dancers?"

"Yeah, I guess they knew how much Nico-ni likes Maki. Or Yazawas are just weak to Nishikino charm."

Then later:

"I still do it sometimes, you know. The whole Nico-nico-ni! thing."

"Well, don't do it for me."

"When we do the reunion, of course I'm gonna do it. You might like it better than you think."

"Why do you still like it so much?"

"Well, for one thing, our father taught it to Nico-ni before he died. It's one of our few strong memories of him. The littlest ones don't remember but they've been told about it often enough they feel they do."

Maki felt a little guilty, as she always did, but it was a helpless feeling. Nico had had one blow after another. The parent she was closest to dying, leaving them penniless. Having to become a parent to her younger siblings when she was still a child herself. Not being able to get into a school that had classes or clubs for singing or performing. Her initial trial at starting a group at their school, the years of isolation and rejection and heartbreak. Missing the first Love Live, almost losing everything before the second.

"But we won, we won. Despite everything the universe could do, Nico won," she thought.

"You're smiling."

"Yeah, remembering the Live we won."

"One of the highlights of my life, just being there, let alone having Muse win - and it's one reason I'll always love the Muse girls."

But then, Muse broke up, of course, and Nico had to choose - and she chose a performing college that, even with her scholarship, still required her to work full time. It was only with Maki's encouragement and even bullying that Nico had had a selection of colleges to pick from, naturally. The pressure, the exhaustion must have been tremendous, but Nico never talked about it.

"Now you're sad. Listen. We deserve happy times. I've earned them. You've earned them. I'm happy being with you. I don't over-think it, and you need to stop, too."

"I'm grateful to have you. So grateful. I think some days you're all that gets me out of bed ..."

"It's supposed to go the other way, Maki-chan!" she said with an impish grin.

"Hey, I'm serious. But I still don't understand why you are okay with me."

"Oh, just because you're still obsessing about your past relationship with another girl that I'm just a rebound, fill-in, substitute for?" She traced her hand over the menu as if she were reading lines in a thesaurus.

"No, you know you're more than that to me. But yeah, some of that."

"I'm just fine with you, Maki. Don't sell us short, I think we understand each other better than anyone else in the world understands us, including our families ...

... also, I think I was a little in love with you from the first day we met. Not that I'd have admitted anything. So I'm willing to take the bitter with the sweet."

A waitress came by and they ordered a parfait to split. Maki got another cappuccino and her girlfriend got an Americano. Nobody in Japan with any taste ordered brewed coffee, despite what animes like Gochuumon might imply, she thought.

The waitress was a little hesitant.

"Yazawa-san," she said, taking a breath and gathering her courage. "Just a second."

She went over to the cashier area and pulled out what was obviously the jacket for a 7-inch vinyl pressing.

"Onegai?" she said, endearingly.

"My goodness, Maki, we've found another Kotori!"

"Good thing Umi isn't around," Maki smirked, as her girlfriend signed with the distinct signature she'd practiced and practiced at home (Maki would have rolled her eyes, but she'd gotten over being superior about this stuff early in her time with Nico).

"And you don't need to call me Yazawa-san like that, don't be so formal, you can use my name," Maki heard, followed by a giggle.

"Oh, thank you, then .."

But at that moment the blushing waitress, who'd been neglecting other customers, was called back impatiently to her duties.

"Super-idols get all the girls!" she said happily, looking over at Maki impishly. "Better watch out, Maki-chan!"

"It's because you were so good about there having been 'another woman,' I think ... that's why I love you so much," Maki said, looking very serious."

It still hurts. Physically, I mean.

It's psychosomatic. Maki wakes up and it feels like someone punched her in the stomach. Hard.

"I think for me it's because I love you so much, that's why I am so good about there having been another woman. So we match!"

They smiled at each other.

Then later:

"I'm taller."

"You aren't."

"I am! A centimeter, but it counts!"

"Speaking as a future physician, I can say you've grown 1% if so."

Maki was swatted with a menu.

"I am comfortable, now," she said. "Talking about it. It's not obsessing, any more, and it's not denial that our dreams - that everything ended."

"Hey, Maki-chan, we're in the same boat. I loved her too, never forget. I'll never forget the bond we had during those years when the Idol Research Club was just one sad, lonely person - before you even knew any of us - even Rin and Hanayo. She was a big part of my world. We did a lot together - we went on shopping dates, cried on each other's shoulders, and told each other our secrets. In a lot of ways, she was my whole world. And I only met you through her."

"She never outgrew that girlish cuteness, did she? That restless energy, that innocence, somehow."

"Nope, Maki. That's how I think of her now. As still just a girl, with a girl's fears, and hopes, and wishes. And secrets."

Maki's hand twitched a little hearing that word.

"You look more like her now, you know."

"I don't mind. It's a good look for us Yazawas. It feels like I'm building on her efforts, you know, instead of just tossing them away. And I don't mind looking the way she would have when I get older, either."

"But you're you, and nobody but you, and that's who I love, Cocoro. You and you alone."

"You and me together."

Irrepressible.

Next Chapter »

AO3

Fanfiction.net

[endestprana]

Venture~Second Part~

“A stage of new revelation…”

“You don’t understand me at all, Umi!! All I want was to spend my times with you!” Maki shouted as she suddenly rose up from her seat and glaring at the blue-haired girl

“I know, Maki. Me too. Please understand, okay? Both of us need to finish our tasks first, right? Don’t be a spoiled little girl all over again.” Well, Umi herself was a little bit irritated by the red-haired girl

“Wha-? Spoiled little girl?” her eyes suddenly seemed empty and she concluded the whole fighting conversation “Fine, then. I will do as you wish, Umi.” Umi tried to hold Maki back, but the junior wouldn’t care at all at this point and she just went straight to the door, leaving Umi alone there, confused.

Maki’s mind was too occupied with Umi’s not-so-harsh words and from that point onwards, she always avoid seeing her senior. Obviously she also rejected all calls she got from her, so did she ignored all the messages. At first, even Eli tried to reconcile both of her juniors, but to no avail. She knew it too well that dealing with Maki plus Umi took more than just a status of her as their senior. After Maki said that she would end their fight soon, Eli stopped meddling with their affairs. Kotori also said to Eli, if both Maki and Umi were fighting, it’s best to leave them alone because they would reconcile all on their own. Well, the senior accepted the theory in the end.

It took almost a month after the fight they had at their usual café. No reply and no call whatsoever. “She was really mad at me, huh?” mumbled Umi as she stared at her coffee. “I know it’s my fault for saying things like that, but it’s almost took a month and she didn’t even had a will to reconcile? Am I that worthless to her now?” her tears started to fall slowly as she tried to calm herself before everyone in the café realized she was crying there alone.

Calming down was successful and when Umi was about to leave, someone she knew approached her. It was Mika, her fellow students back in Otonokizaka who took her study at Maki’s university. And by the way, she knew about her relationship with Maki. With that in mind, she happily greeted her long-time-no-see friend and said that she was really envious of Umi and Maki who would go to Uchiura tomorrow. At this point, Umi was confused. She was in the middle of her fight with Maki, so there’s no way her junior would invite her. But since it would do nothing good if she revealed that fact to her excited friend, she acted happy in front of Mika. After the talk, she went back to her house as fast as she could.

“Tomorrow, huh? Uchiura… Ah, Yoshiko-chan’s place. But she might be overreacting if she knew I want to go there. Oh, Riko-chan! Yes, Riko-chan!” as if a wondrous idea visited her mind, Umi took her cell and called the girlfriend of her cousin. When Umi told Riko about her predicament here, the younger girl happily accepted the request and said that she would find her teacher for Umi. Right after the call, Umi started to prepare for her sudden trip tomorrow. Even if Riko didn’t find that hard-headed lovely girl she would find her herself.

Morning came but there’s no call from Riko. “Wait a little bit more, then…” said Umi to herself as she fidgeted and walked around her room with uneasiness. Hours passed and it’s already 2. “If only I didn’t pissed her off that day we might be heading to Uchiura together right now…” she blamed herself almost the same way as her junior did in Uchiura. She waited and waited while she held on the tears of worries that might fell at any moment now. Luckily, after an hour of constant dilemma, Riko called her. And much to her delight, she confirmed that Maki was there in Uchiura. So, without a moment’s hesitation, Umi went out from her house and told her parents that she’s heading to Numazu to help Yoshiko with her study so she might spend the night there.

Meanwhile, in Uchiura Riko was having a trouble. A big one, that is. After the call earlier, she finally took a glance at her phone and realized that the number of missed call from her girlfriend was exceeding 50. “What should I do? What should I do? She might be crying right now…!! Uwaaaaaaa” Riko talked to herself, worrying about the chance that Yoshiko might be coming to Uchiura right now because of her. And not long after her premonition, the fallen angel really did came to her house. After a series of acting like she’s not home, Riko finally surrendered to her fate and let Yoshiko inside (Riko’s parents were not in home).

“Where have you been, Riko!?” Yoshiko’s tone was drenched with the visible anger and sadness in her eyes

“I-I was at Mari’s place just now, Yocchan…” Riko realized that Yoshiko didn’t call her Lily and it must be a big wave of scolding not long after this

“Is that so? Then why didn’t you answer my call?” Yoshiko’s eyes started to seem teary and slowly tears fell

“I-I left my phone at home just now, Yocchan. Forgive me, okay?” hoped for simple forgiveness

“Here you are playing happily with others while I was really worried there!! What if something happened to you!? Can’t you understand that I’m really afraid of losing you, Riko!?” Yoshiko no longer hold down and so she scolded her senior

In her head, Riko had no way of escaping anymore. If she wanted this matter with her girlfriend to end well, she needed to sacrifice Umi-san. But if she did so, she might be punished later on by the older girl (she got one hell of a scolding when she was yelling at Yoshiko half a year ago when they were supposed to be alone together until suddenly Umi arrived at Yoshiko’s place). Then again, if she had to choose between the two girls, it’s obvious whom she’s going to choose. So, with that in mind, she hugged her girlfriend, forcing the junior to hear all of her real reasoning.

“Yocchan, calm down and listen to me!” she hugged Yoshiko

“No, I’m leaving!!” refusal

“Please!! I will tell you what actually happened, okay?” she tried

“No, I don’t want to!!” another refusal

“C’mon, it’s also involved Umi-san!” and after Riko’s words, Yoshiko stopped her struggling to leave Riko’s arms

“T-Then, explain it to me…” Yoshiko stopped her crying and now her ears are willing to hear the whole story

So Riko explained about the request she got from Umi. At first Yoshiko was surprised that her cousin didn’t contact her and instead called her girlfriend, but when Riko said that her cousin wanted to avoid getting caught heading there by her own girlfriend, Yoshiko accepted it. Well, she knew she’s almost in euphoria state every time she knew her cousin was going to her place. And after a series of apology kisses from Riko, Yoshiko finally calmed down and thus they waited for Umi who’s heading to their place.

About an hour later, Umi called Riko and said that she was close so she needed Riko to pick her up. So, Riko and Yoshiko left to wait for the bus in front of the bus station near her house. A few minutes it took and there was Umi getting out from the bus and Yoshiko suddenly ran and hugged her there. Well, Umi squeezed her cheeks and said that if she’s going to be a bother then she would never accompany her again in Tokyo. And so, with Riko’s visible jealousy and Yoshiko’s acceptance, the three of them went to Chika’s inn.

Knowing nothing about her girlfriend was just a few meters away from her, Maki was currently resting herself inside her room after a series of people (actually, just two of them) falling unconscious when they saw her. She was a bit surprised that after all these five years, their group was still famous and considered to be a legend. Well, it did make her happy. Then, Chika knocked her door.

“Maki-san, are you there?” confirming

“Ah, yes. Wait a moment.” Maki stood and went to open her door “What is it, Chika-chan?”

“There’s someone who came to meet you.” Chika was warned to not the fact leaked that it was Umi who came for Maki

“Who?” Maki did wanted the one who came for her was Umi but her hope soon died as Chika answered her question

“It’s my friend, Riko-chan. Sakurauchi Riko. She came from Tokyo, too. And she also said that you are her teacher back in there. Is that true?” not exactly a lie, right Chika?

“Ah, I know Riko-chan. Well, that’s true. By the way, where is she waiting for me?” said Maki as she remembered the girl who was really exceled at piano back then

“This way, Maki-san.” Said Chika as she led the older girl to the girls who waited for her

So, as soon as Maki and Chika reached the lobby of the inn, the red-haired girl was surprised by the sudden appearance of a girl she thought was giving up on her. There she was, the girl of Sonoda, running to her as fast as she could and immediately hugged her in front of the younger girls around them.

“U-Umi…, what are you doing here?” Maki was confused but the warmth she really longed for was there engulfing her and soothing her loneliness

“I missed you so much, Maki!!!! Why did you left me alone? Why did you reject all my calls and ignore all my message? I’m really worried about you! I was really afraid of you leaving me, Maki!!” well, the blue-haired girl instantly cried as she enjoyed the smell of her beloved junior

“I thought you were the one who would leave me because of my childishness. I-I was afraid I might hurt you again, Umi. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, Umi…!” Maki tightened her hug

“There’s no way I would leave you, you fool! I love you so much, Maki!” Umi locked her gaze now solely on the eyes of her beloved junior in front of her

“Me too, Umi! I love you so much!!” Maki also declared her deep affection for her beloved senior

Then, after You-chan’s voice who was looking for Chika surprised the couple who hugged there, Umi then kissed Maki right there and said that she would visit her again tomorrow. Well, at first Maki insisted they spent the night together in her room, but after remembering about how bad the situation would be if she started pushing her idea again, she accepted her girlfriend’s wish and waved goodbye as the blue-haired girl left the inn with Riko and Yoshiko. Chika and You-chan were in awe of the kiss they saw just now. Maki smiled and then said good night to the duo there before going back to her room, her mind filled with joy and expectation of a great tomorrow.

[melancholic-seas]

Garbage Bag | Kayla | ATTN: ALL

This trial was a mess. Everything was a mess. As much as Kayla wanted to follow along with what the others were saying, she found herself slowly slipping away from reality, idly staring down at her podium as her mind blanked. She couldn’t bring herself to listen to Chieko’s and Kyohei’s desperate defences, nor the roundabout arguments thrown about by everyone else. No more thoughts about the past. The present. The future. No more registering the critical debates going on around her. Just… blank. She didn’t realize that she was practically suffocating Yumi. Or, well, she was as close as one could get to suffocating a stuffed animal.

It was a soft press against her lips that returned her to the trial at hand. Chikako… kissed her. In surprise, Kayla dropped Yumi to the floor. Usually, when she was kissed, Kayla would blush. Maybe argue a bit. But at that point, she couldn’t care much about the moment. Her eyes widened for a moment, locking on to Chikako, before lowering to her podium once more. As Chikako walked away, Kayla’s body began shivering.

As much as Kayla wanted to shut herself off again, she couldn’t. She was compelled to listen in. More fingers pointed at Kyohei, more defences for Kyohei. One in particular being Sorrel’s. Nobody could see it, given that Kayla’s face was lowered, but the girl smiled in relief for just a split second before it faded, replaced by a frown.

Talk of the sewing kit in Hachiro and Kayla’s room continued, leading Kayla’s figure to tense up. Finally, Hachiro brought up an arrival to their room in the night. 

Kayla shook her head, before raising it, her face reflecting a newfound intensity. Her eyes held a thin veil of tears. “Okay. It was me. I did it!” She grit her teeth. “I killed Danshov-san. I did it because I didn’t want anyone else to kill. I didn’t want anyone else to die. Especially not the people important to me. Chikako, Komaka, Kotori… None of them. And yet, look at what happened. Kotori died anyway…”

There was a pause as Kayla ducked down to pick Yumi back up, and sit the rabbit on her podium, facing the rest of her class. “I injected Takahashi-san. I knocked him out, and pulled the alarm, in order to frame him. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I didn’t mean to target him. He was just… there. On the island. The trial came. We discussed things. He became a suspect, but we still didn’t know who killed Kotori. I was almost sure he didn’t kill Kotori, so I defended him.”

Kayla shut her eyes tightly, forcing the tears to slide down her cheeks. “I wanted to confess to it all. I did. But… then Chikako… she said things, and I couldn’t leave her alone. But… I… I did it, okay? Everything was me. Everything except for Kotori’s death, and what was strange in the spa.”

She clenched her fists, and opened her eyes, despite the tears continuing to fall. She looked over each of her classmates. “We still don’t know Kotori’s killer. Or maybe I can’t accept it. I might be a killer, but… I didn’t do it for myself! I did it so nobody else would have to! I wanted to confess, but now I can’t leave Chikako alone. I can’t leave Komaka alone. I’m sorry, okay? I’m sorry!” 

A finger was pointed at Hachiro. “Vote for him! He’s worse than me! We all hate him, right? It’s like the last trial. We’re voting for who to execute. We don’t need to vote correctly. Just… vote for him."

[dimensiontripperhibiki]

A Name In The Wind (18/?)

Here’s the next chapter of ANITW. Thanks for all of the likes/reblogs etc. Hope you guys enjoy. 

Trigger warnings: Sexual scenes (maybe), violence, medical triggers, angst. 

Riko stepped into her bedroom behind Nico and watched as the older girl glanced around. “Um...it’s probably a lot smaller than what you’re used to.” She said nervously as she slid the door shut behind her. She walked past Nico, sitting down at her piano. Nico smirked in response as she followed close behind Riko. “What? Are you inviting me to stay over or something?” “What? N-No!” Riko exclaimed, her voice a pitch higher than usual. “I-I just mean…” “I know, I’m just messing with you.” Nico said with a roll of her eyes. She carefully sat down on the piano bench next to Riko and looked down at the keys of the piano. “So are you going to play or what?”

“I-I am!” Riko straightened her back and placed her hands over the keys. Hearing Nico chuckle, she glanced over at her. “What?”

“Nothing, it’s fine. Just play something.” Nico forced herself to be serious and nodded for Riko to go ahead and play. The redhead seemed to brace herself once more before her fingers began to glide effortlessly over the keys. Nico’s smile faltered slightly at the sound of the first notes. She knew the song Riko was playing. It was a song Muse themselves had sung on occasion. Aishiteru Banzai. She closed her eyes and ducked her head, letting the music wash over her. She remembered Honoka singing this with the other second and first years at their graduation. She remembered Honoka leading the song and Maki playing the piano. She remembered Eli and Nozomi crying at either side of her, her own eyes smarting with tears just as they were now. She bit the inside of her cheek hard, recalling when they had decided to disband Muse. That had been hard but not as hard as losing Honoka had been. As tears tracked their way down her cheeks, her throat began to feel uncomfortably tight as sobs threatened to escape her. Then she heard Riko’s voice singing along, soft and angelic. Still, she couldn’t help but think of Honoka. Of Maki, Eli, Nozomi and the others. A whimper passed her lips and suddenly the music stopped. “H-Hey, are you okay?” Riko asked, sounding slightly panicked. Nico reached up, using the sleeve of her fitting jacket to wipe at the tears on her cheeks. “I’m fine.” Riko frowned, turning more toward Nico. “No, you’re not. What’s wrong?” Nico sniffled softly and shook her head. “Nothing. Just...why do you have to be so good?” Riko stared at Nico, trying to work out what she was talking about. “I-I don’t understand.” “You’re an amazing pianist, Riko.” Nico leaned in and hugged Riko tightly for a brief moment before she pulled away and got to her feet. “I have to go.” “Wait.” Riko reached out, grabbing Nico’s hand. She stood up, refusing to let go. “Don’t go. I want to talk to you more, I want to know what’s wrong. I wan-” She was cut off by Nico tugging her close and kissing her lips. It barely lasted a couple of seconds before Nico pulled back but it had the desired effect. “F-French thing?” “Nah.” Nico shook her head. “Relationship thing. But listen, I really have to leave. You said it yourself, I’m not fine.” Riko opened her mouth to answer but she was cut off by the sound of Chika yelling from her balcony. “RIKO-CHAN! I SAW YOU ON THE NEWS!” “I’m sorry.” Riko squeezed Nico’s hand. “I have to deal with this. Please don’t go anywhere.” With that said, she let go of Nico and walked out onto her balcony, making sure to keep Nico hidden from sight. “What’s going on?” “I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU WERE WITH AN INTERNATIONAL MODEL!” Chika was still yelling, apparently still overexcited. Riko cringed at the volume of Chika’s voice. “T-That’s not true. And please keep your voice down.” “Don’t lie, I saw you.” Chika frowned, leaning against her balcony railing. Riko huffed out a sigh. “W-Well you lied to me about you and Kanan-chan in your room that night. You said there was nothing going on with you and her then you still made out with her.” Chika’s eyes widened in surprise. “Y-You saw us that night?!” “YES!” Riko took a deep breath to calm herself. “I-I have to go. My mom is calling for me. I’ll talk to you later.” Before Chika had time to formulate an argument, Riko ducked into her room again. She found Nico standing at the door, her hand on the handle. She stopped, watching her for a moment but Nico just stood there, motionless. “You’re not okay either, huh?” Nico asked softly. She slowly turned to face Riko. “So I’m guessing you have feelings for the loud girl outside?” Riko didn’t answer that. “Just don’t leave. Please.” She stepped forward and took Nico’s hand, drawing her further into the room. She walked to her bed and sat down, tugging Nico with her. “I want to talk to you.” “I-I have to wake up for work…” Nico’s protests were futile as she found herself sitting on Riko’s bed. “You’re pretty stubborn, huh?” “When I want to be.” Riko answered with a small smile. It faded quickly. “About before…” “It was nothing. I was...thinking about my friend.” Nico bit her lip for a second, hesitating. “She um...she died.” “Kousaka Honoka.” Riko said softly. “You know a lot about us, huh?” Nico murmured, looking down at her lap. “Well I went to the same school before moving here.” Riko answered with a slight shrug. “Besides, everyone in the school idol world knows Kousaka Honoka. And Muse.” “Muse…” Nico mumbled. The word felt almost foreign on her tongue. It had been so long since she’d uttered it. “I guess you’re right.” Riko waited patiently, figuring Nico would talk when she wanted to. Finally it seemed to pay off. “I used to listen to Maki play that song for Honoka. It used to soothe her.” Nico whispered. Closing her eyes, she could almost see it. Maki playing the piano, singing along to the song with Kotori while Honoka leaned into her best friend. Riko leaned in and gently drew Nico into her arms, hugging her close. She felt the older girl take a shuddering breath before finally relaxing into her. “I miss her.” Nico whispered, blinking against more tears. Riko gave a simple sympathetic sound of acknowledgement in response. She knew there was nothing she could do to help with that. Nico held onto Riko, desperate for comfort. After Honoka had died Rin and Hanayo had been there for her for a while, as she had for them, but she’d had to leave for France soon enough. After that there had been nobody else and she’d wound up feeling desperately lonely. “You’re so warm.” She murmured, basking in Riko’s body heat. She wondered when she had last hugged someone. It had been a while. She thought it might have been Maki, before she had left the country to pursue modelling. Kotori and Maki had made a point of taking her to the airport, wanting to show their support despite having reservations about her leaving. She remember a quick embrace from Kotori and then Maki hugging her frantically after, pleading with her to be careful. Nico let herself linger in Riko’s arms for a moment before she drew away. “So we’re friends now, I guess?” “I-I think so.” Riko said nervously. “I mean...you did kiss me though. Or were you just teasing me?” Nico shook her head. “You don’t want to get with an older girl, trust me.” Riko frowned. “You’re only fo...three years older than me though.” Nico thought about that for a moment. “When’s your birthday?” “Uh...why?” Riko asked, ice running down her spine. Maybe she’d been caught in her lie already. “Because when you turn eighteen you’ll only be two years younger than me.” Nico slid her fingers between the buttons of Riko’s shirt and tugged her close, their lips almost touching. “And I could have you.” Riko gasped softly, thinking of Chika and Kanan. “Y-You’re experienced with this, I-I don’t really know what I’m doing…” “Nah.” Nico smirked, shaking her head. “Would you believe I’m a twenty year old virgin? Even Hanayo got laid before me. And it took her like three months since starting college.” Riko swallowed thickly. As Nico leaned in and kissed her neck, she inhaled shakily. “So tell me.” Nico said softly. She could feel her phone vibrating in her pocket and knew that Kei was calling her but she didn’t care about that. She felt Riko’s hand come up. It was shaking even as the girl slid her beanie from her head, her other hand then boldly slipping around her under her jacket, pressing lightly against her lower back. “S-September 19th.” “So you just turned seventeen this month, huh?” Nico slowly drew her lips away from Riko’s neck and forced a small smile to her lips. “We probably shouldn’t then.” Riko’s face fell. “What?” Nico reached up, gently toying with Riko’s hair. “I could make an exception but I know you need to focus on your future. You know that too. It’s not a good idea right now.” Riko slowly felt herself start to think rationally. “Y-You’re right.” “That doesn’t mean we won’t get to see each other though.” Nico said softly. “We can be friends. If you want. I...I kind of need a friend.” “Okay.” Riko agreed though she couldn’t hide how disappointed she was. “Friends.” Nico smiled softly and kissed Riko once more, just a brief peck on the lips. “I’ll call you later, Riko.” “O-Okay.” Riko watched as Nico got up and straightened her clothes before she made her way to the door, letting herself out. Looking down she noticed that Nico had forgotten her beanie. She picked it up, pressing it to her chest with a slightly giddy smile. She couldn’t help but feel guilty at the same time. She was lying and she didn’t know how to tell Nico that. ------ “I’m going to….visit Maki or something.” Nico said as she set her bags down on the hotel room floor. She watched as Eli helped Honoka over to the bed. “If you need anything I won’t be far.” “Yeah, thanks Nico.” Eli said gratefully, looking up. “I was talking to Honoka.” Nico said with a roll of her eyes. “This place better not be a mess when I get back. And you both better have clothes on too.” Eli frowned. “What do you mea-” “Ayase, I’m not coming in to find you screwing your girlfriend with her ass in my line of sight, okay?!” “But she has such a nice ass.” Eli smirked, drawing a giggle from Honoka. “IT’S NOT THE POINT!” Eli raised an eyebrow. “So you admit you think Honoka has a nice ass?” “I’m leaving!” Nico turned, her face red with frustration and embarrassment. She stormed out of the room, shutting the door behind her. “That was mean.” Honoka said in amusement as she fell back onto the bed. She felt Eli lie down next to her. Eli smiled softly. “I wasn’t lying. You do have a cute butt…” “It’s not as good as yours.” Honoka’s hand crept over Eli’s waist to her behind. “Honoka, we shouldn’t.” Eli warned softly, conscious that Nico could come back at any time. Honoka leaned in, pressing her lips insistently to Eli’s. “When has that ever stopped me?” She pushed Eli onto her back and crawled over her, straddling her hips. “I want to touch you, Eli-senpai.” Eli inhaled slowly as Honoka’s fingers slid under her shirt and moved upwards to her chest, a soft hand squeezing at her breast a moment later. She hissed softly. “O-Only if…” She trailed off, noticing Honoka swaying slightly. “Honoka?” Honoka drew her hand back and pressed both to her head, tilting back. “Dizzy…” “Alright.” Eli quickly wrapped her arms around Honoka’s waist and used her remaining energy to flip them, laying Honoka down. “It’s okay. Get some sleep.” “I’m sorry.” Honoka whispered sadly. “I can’t do anything for you.” “Don’t say that.” Eli’s voice was sharp but the words that followed were gently. “Don’t, Honoka. You do everything for me. Just get some rest.” “Okay…” Eli gently kissed Honoka’s forehead and lay down next to her, drawing her into her arms. ---- You studied her menu long and hard, her brow furrowed as she took in the food available. She’d found a cafe near the beach that neither of them had been to yet. It had been Ruby who had suggested they go out on a real date but You had naturally taken control and declared that she would find somewhere for them to go. “Do you need help to decide?” You looked up in surprise to find Ruby watching her from the other side of the table. “Huh? Oh...no, I’m fine. Just um...browsing.” Ruby bit her lip, tilting her head slightly as she observed You. She wasn’t sure what was wrong but something seemed off about her. “Are you worried about Onee-ch-” “Ah, I thought I recognized you two!” Ruby and You looked up at the sound of a new voice only to find Kazuno Sarah from Saint Snow walking toward their table. Her sister trailed behind her. “We must be near your neighborhood. You’re part of Aqours, yes?” “Yes.” You answered for both of them, sitting up a bit straighter in her seat. “And you two are from Saint Snow, right?” She knew that already, of course, but it just felt right to ask in response to Sarah’s question. Sarah nodded. “I’m Kazuno Sarah. And this is my younger sister, Kazuno Leah.” Leah nodded stiffly at the two of them. Her gaze focused on Ruby for a split second before she looked away quickly. “Mind if we join you two?” Sarah asked hopefully. “It’s nice to see each other at competitions but it’s even nicer to just hang out, don’t you think?” “I guess.” You looked at Ruby regretfully. She wanted to protest against Sarah’s idea but she couldn’t exactly tell her she was on a date with Ruby and any other excuse would just sound rude. She shifted over as Sarah squeezed into the seat next to her. Leah sighed and reluctantly slid into the booth next to Ruby. If she was honest she would rather be anywhere but where she was. Dark pink eyes met the other girl’s bright green and she blushed, huffing under her breath. “Uh...so are you as annoyed about this as I am?” “N-No!” Ruby exclaimed quickly, hoping her annoyance didn’t show on her face. “W-Well a little. We don’t really know each other and we are meant to be rivals. But...I think it would be nice to get to know each o-other.” Hearing a laugh she looked up to find You and Sarah talking, Sarah having laughed at something You had said “Your sister is...very outgoing.” Leah nodded proudly. “She’s the best older sister.” “I feel the same way about Dia.” Ruby said softly, looking at Leah. She felt a bit guilty, realizing she hadn’t really been honest with her sister about how she was feeling lately. She had been trying to stand on her own feet and she was sure that looked like rebelling, something she was worried might be hurting Dia in a way. Leah huffed at her sister. “She always does this. She has a lot of friends compared to me.” “M-Maybe it’s because you’re a little rude sometimes.” Ruby suggested hesitantly. “Hey! I-I don’t mean to.” Ruby’s eyes widened in surprise before she smiled softly. “Oh so you do have a cute side.” Leah blushed. “S-Shut up.” “Oh good, she’s finally talking.” Sarah remarked, a slight smile tugging at her lips. “She’s actually pretty shy.” You looked at Leah and Ruby, noticing the shorter girl looked a little awkward, even next to the usually shy Ruby. “She just pretends to be confident.” Sarah continued, noticing You looking over at her younger sister. “It’s an act, mostly.” You hummed in response, an unfamiliar jealousy coiling in her stomach. She wished she had just come out and said that she was on a date with Ruby but she hadn’t. She had been worried about what the two would think. And now she was stuck in a situation she didn’t especially want to be in. She sighed and leaned back in her seat, watching Ruby and Leah continue to talk. Her chest tightened slightly as she watched Ruby laugh softly, a blush coloring her cheeks. She noticed the hint of a smile on Leah’s lips and frowned to herself. It was almost like the two of them were on a date and she was the outsider. She needed to do something to get Ruby’s attention back. “So I notice you’re pretty popular.” Sarah spoke up, effectively distracting You. “Your posters get sold out here at the stores.” “Ah, I-I don’t know about that.” You said modestly, her face turning red. “Aye aye, captain!” Sarah lifted her hand in a salute. You slid down in her seat slightly, her face getting hotter. “It’s because You-chan is so cool.” Ruby spoke up, drawing You’s attention back to her. “T-That’s why everyone likes her. She would be my favourite too.” “R-Ruby-chan…” You grumbled though she couldn’t deny that it felt good to hear that. “I can certainly see that.” Sarah said with a soft chuckle. “You’re even more popular than Kanan-san.” Leah sighed loudly. “Onee-chan, stop flirting.” Ruby frowned at that and You raised an eyebrow. They locked eyes for a brief moment before You looked away. “You must get that a lot.” Sarah said quietly. “My apologies.” “Ah, yeah. I-I’m kind of used to it.” You shrugged. Sarah glanced at Ruby. “Ruby-chan is cute too though.” “ONEE-CHAN!” Leah exclaimed loudly. “You’re cute too, Leah.” “I-I’m not cute, I’m cool!” Ruby cleared her throat. “No, you’re cute.” “RUBY!” ------ Kotori slipped out of her hotel room at precisely eleven at night. On her way down the hallway she passed Nozomi who nodded at her, a slight smirk tugging at her lips. The two had swapped keys earlier that afternoon and had arranged a time when they could switch without being noticed. She let herself into Maki’s room and found her girlfriend reading in bed. Kotori closed the door behind her just as Maki looked up. “Now where were we?” Maki stared, her mouth agape as Kotori started toward her, swaying her hips. “U-Uh...where’s Nozomi?” “Going to Umi-chan.” Kotori got onto the bed and crawled over Maki, taking the book from her hands and casting it aside. Maki closed her eyes, shuddering as Kotori leaned in to kiss her neck. “K-Kotori, we have practice tomorrow.” “And I’m gonna keep you up all night before it.” Kotori vowed softly. She nipped gently at Maki’s neck but made sure not to leave a mark. “Unless you want me to leave?” “N-No.” Maki took another shaky breath. “B-But um...we do need to get some sleep. I don’t want to mess up tomorrow.” “Sleep?” Kotori echoed. She grasped Maki’s hand and lifted it, pressing it to her chest. “Are you sure you want to sleep?” Maki whimpered at the softness under her hand. “No. But we need to.” Kotori hummed thoughtfully. “Can I at least make you feel good before we sleep?” Maki hesitated for a moment. “I-If you wa-” She gasped loudly as Kotori moved back and grasped her thighs, tugging her downward so that she was lying down instead of sitting up. “Kotori…” Kotori tugged Maki’s purple shorts off along with her underwear, tossing them aside. “Are you sure?” Maki asked nervously as she felt Kotori’s cool hands on her. Kotori hummed and leaned down, pressing her lips to the inside of Maki’s right thigh. Maki quickly pulled the blankets over Kotori and closed her eyes, deciding to relax and enjoy the attention from her girlfriend instead of complaining about it. If Kotori didn’t want to do it, she wouldn’t be. She knew that. Se felt hands push her thighs apart and then Kotori closed the distance, the first brush of her tongue hitting Maki’s senses hard. She moaned, her hips jerking slightly in response. She felt hands gently push her hips back down to the bed before Kotori went back to what she was doing, licking and sucking insistently. For the most part, Maki couldn’t do anything to hold back her moans. She grasped at the sheets with one hand, using her other hand to cover her mouth to keep herself quiet but even that didn’t work. “Fuck, Kotori…” She finally drew her hand from her mouth and slid it under the covers, sliding her fingers into Kotori’s hair. Kotori’s ribbon was already out, she noticed. Kotori had obviously taken it out for bed. Suddenly she heard someone pounding against the wall. “Are you fucking kidding me?!” Nico called loudly from the other side. “Shut the hell up and stop masturbating already, Maki!” Maki was about to answer but she was too close to care about what Nico was saying. She tugged Kotori closer just as her climax ripped through her, drawing a yell of Kotori’s name from her mouth and leaving her shuddering in the aftermath. “How the hell can Nozomi sleep through this?!” Nico exclaimed in disbelief. Kotori poked her head out from beneath the blankets. “Sorry, Nico-chan!” “...ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!” “NICO, GO TO SLEEP, DAMN IT!”  Even from a room away, Eli could be heard yelling. “How can you sleep with them screwing in the next room? How the hell is Honoka still sleeping?!” Nico growled in annoyance and Kotori pressed her face into Maki’s shoulder to muffle a giggle. “Ugh, whatever. Just don’t screw in the morning!” “We will.” Maki whispered, lifting her arms. She wrapped them tightly around Kotori. “You know, I always wake up before you…” Kotori felt a thrill of excitement course through her. “Oh?” Maki turned her head, kissing Kotori softly. “Go to sleep.” Kotori sighed but closed her eyes, deciding to do as she was told. It didn’t take long for her to drift off. ---- Kotori didn’t have to ask to know that Maki’s talk with Hanayo hadn’t gone well at all. Maki was unusually silent the previous night though she’d made no effort to go off by herself. Kotori could tell there was something bothering Maki but she knew better than to push her to tell her. Kotori watched as Maki picked at her breakfast. Nozomi and Umi had left the house early to do something but Hanayo and Raven had yet to wake up. “Hey.” Kotori lightly touched Maki’s hand, catching her attention for a moment. “You know no matter what happens I’ll still be here.” Maki managed a small smile at that. It was the one thing she was really sure of. That Kotori wouldn’t be going anywhere. The sound of a knock at the door caught her attention and she sighed, getting up. “I’ll get it.” She walked over to the door but she could feel Kotori walking with her. She was grateful for the silent support. She opened the door and as she suspected, found Rin standing there, her hands stuffed in her pocket. She was wearing a university hoodie and dark jeans, her hair in a high messy bun. There was a girl next to her, tall with short blonde hair and blue eyes wearing jeans and a long sleeve striped polo. Maki looked back to Rin, vaguely noticing the stud in her nose. “Hey. Um...” “Yeah, hey…” Rin said in a cool tone of voice. “Rin-chan!” Kotori didn’t hold back, and stepped forward, hugging Rin tightly. It had been years since she had seen her. Maki noticed Rin looked surprised but she also noticed a flicker of a smile on her face. “What does chan mean again?” The girl next to Rin asked in English as Kotori silently stepped back. Maki noticed Kotori looked a little offended by Rin not giving a response and gently rubbed her arm. She knew that Kotori had been looking forward to seeing the first years again, given it had been so long. But Rin was different now. She wasn’t sure if Kotori’s reunion with Hanayo had gone any better. It seemed to have at least but she wasn’t sure. Kotori had gone to Hanayo’s room last night and had returned seemingly quite happy. She’d obviously been trying to hide it for Maki’s sake though. Rin looked between Kotori and Emily, a little flustered. “Ahh, sorry. This is Emily, she’s a friend from college. Sorry, she can be...too curious sometimes. It’s great to see you, Kotori-chan.” She turned her attention to Emily next, switching to English. “Um...chan is an honorific used in Japan. It’s used between close friends. And it’s much cuter to use than the other version of it san.” Kotori raised an eyebrow in surprise. Rin used to hate English but the girl seemed almost fluent now. “Oh! You should come in.” She stepped out of the way, allowing the two  pass her and closed the door behind her. Rin tugged off her shoes before doing so though Emily instinctively stepped over the threshold. She paused, noticing Kotori and Maki staring at her. “Uh…” She glanced back at Rin, noticing her holding her shoes in her hands. Quickly, she stepped back, into the hallway. “S-Sorry!” She exclaimed in Japanese, bowing slightly. She quickly took off her shoes and waited to see what Rin would do. When Rin nodded at her and stepped over the threshold, she silently followed. Rin touched Emily’s arm, noticing how tense the girl seemed to be. “Emi, this is Kotori-chan. And Maki-chan.” She said with a soft smile. Kotori remembered Hanayo’s words about how sweet Emily could be. Stepped forward she held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” “Steinberg. Emily Steinberg.” Emily clasped Kotori’s outstretched hand, giving it a slight shake. “I play soccer at UCLA.” Rin noticed Kotori looked confused and quickly spoke up. “It’s the university we go to.” “Oh.” Kotori noticed the initials UCLA on Rin’s red sweatshirt. “I see. Um...well thank you for coming, Rin-chan. You too, Emily-san.” “Rin-chan!” Rin looked past Kotori and Maki in time to see Hanayo step out from her bedroom with a dark haired male behind her. “Kayo-chin!” Emily frowned in confusion at the name and the honorific as Rin bound over to Hanayo, hugging her tightly. “It’s cuter than chan.” Kotori advised softly, noticing Emily’s furrowed brow. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.” “Right…” Maki raised an eyebrow as Rin hugged Raven too. “You two know each other?” “Of course.” Rin answered, pulling away and turning back to Maki. “We all know each other. Raven and Emily are always there when I talk to Hanayo through Skype. Besides, Hanayo and Raven came to stay with us for a week a few months ago.” She glanced over at Emily, confused by the girl just standing there. “You don’t need to worry. Maki and Kotori  won’t bite.” “I-I know that.” Emily glanced nervously between the two of them nonetheless before she walked into the room. Hanayo yelped in surprise as Emily hugged her, lifting her a couple of inches off the ground. When Emily put her down, she bumped her fist against Raven’s. “So now we have all of the first years at least.” Kotori said, clasping her hands together. She was relieved they were getting somewhere at least. Rin rolled her eyes. “I’m not a first year anymore, Kotori.” “Sorry.” Kotori said with a smirk though she didn’t look especially apologetic. “But as I was saying, we just need Nico-chan and Eli-chan now.” Rin winced. That was a lot easier said than done if she was honest. She remember quite well how much of a mess Eli had been after Honoka had died. Nico had been too, she recalled. “I still don’t understand what we’re doing here.” Kotori and Maki shared a look before Maki herself spoke. “We’ll explain everyth-” “I’ll tell you.” Hanayo interrupted them. “It’s crazy but whatever. Chika is here.” She watched as Rin’s eyes widened in shock before her features darkened in anger. She didn’t need to ask whether Rin remembered her. “She thinks there’s a way we can...change things. And get Honoka-chan back.” Rin swallowed hard and shook her head. “Honoka-chan is...she’s gone.” Hanayo sighed. “That’s what I’ve been saying. But Maki-chan believes her and so does Kotori-chan. They think it’s something we need to try, for Honoka-chan.” Rin frowned. “I’m going to a hotel.” “Wait, you can’t leave me here with them.” Hanayo said hurriedly, gripping Rin’s arm. “Please, Rin-chan. I need you here.” “I can’t stay here with her.” Rin jerked her head toward Maki. She cursed under her breath and shoved her hands into her pockets. “Why the hell is she doing this?! She knows we can’t get Honoka-chan back!” Emily placed a hand on Rin’s back, trying to calm her as she noticed tears gathering in her friend’s eyes. “Come to my room.” Hanayo said quietly. “Just for a few minutes. We can talk in private there, okay?” She took Rin’s hand and seeing her nod, tugged her off toward her bedroom. Emily and Raven stayed where they were.

Emily turned to Kotori. “S-Sorry she’s in a bad...mood.” She said, her brow furrowing slightly. “When people bring up…” Kotori noticed the girl struggling and smiled softly. “You can speak English. We all know it here.” “Oh thank god.” Emily sighed in relief, reverting back to speaking English. While she was fine with the others speaking Japanese, she was still learning to speak it herself. “I’m sorry, I was trying really hard to get this right. When Rin first came to America she wasn’t as good as she is now. So I switched the French class I was going to take to Japanese. It’s quite a complicated language. I think I’m getting a B so far. Rin helps me with my homework and I help her with her English so it works out.” “It’s fine.” Kotori said, shrugging off Emily’s apology. She turned to Maki and reached out, gently taking her hand. She noticed it trembling slightly in her own. “Hey. Are you okay?” Maki gave a hesitant nod but the fact that she didn’t say anything and didn’t look at Kotori was worrying in itself. She turned back to Emily, squeezing Maki’s hand. “Sorry, we’ll just be a few minutes. Feel free to make yourself at home.” Emily nodded and watched as the two of them left, leaving her alone with Raven. She sighed and turned toward him to find him looking around the room in mild interest. “So um...what do you think about the two of them?” Raven shrugged. “They’re fine. Kotori’s really nice. Maki is a bit...awkward, I guess. But she seems nice enough too. You haven’t met the other two yet but they’ll be back later.” He laughed at the wary look on Emily’s face. “Don’t worry. They’re calm in comparison to Rin.” “Great.” Emily said dryly, rolling her eyes. "Please tell me I did not just step into a minefield…” "You stepped into a minefield.” Emily groaned. “Crap, I should’ve known this was going to happen...Honoka is a touchy subject.” “I know.” “What should we do? I just screwed up comforting my bestfriend.” Raven raised an eyebrow in response. “Don't you mean crush?” Emily huffed in annoyance. “Shut up. I’m serious, what should I do?!” Raven shrugged. “No idea. I guess you should just leave it to Hanayo.” “Did I hear crush?” The front door opened and Nozomi stepped into the room, a couple of bags in her arms. “Who has a crush.” “Nozomi. Um...nobody. I mean I do. On Hanayo obviously.” Raven gave a nervous laugh. “But nobody else. Anyway, Emily this is Nozomi. Nozomi, this is Emily. Rin’s...best friend from college.” “It’s nice to meet you.” Nozomi offered in response, looking Emily up and down. “So American girls really are like models. And tall...how tall are you?” “I um...Five foot ten?” Emily offered nervously, glancing between Nozomi and Raven. She remembered Rin mentioning on the plane that Nozomi was fairly laid back. That she could relax around her. Nozomi raised an eyebrow at that, continuing to stare at Emily. “Rin didn’t mention you were hot.” “Nozomi.” Raven frowned disapprovingly. “Don’t you have a girlfriend?” “Right, right.” Nozomi said with a soft laugh. “Relax, I’m just kidding. Speaking of my girlfriend she should be up here by now. Would you mind going to check on her?” Emily reached out, gripping the back of Raven’s shirt, out of Nozomi’s line of sight. “Don’t you dare leave me with her.” She mumbled through gritted teeth. “Ah, um...I would but I promised Emily I would show her around.” Raven lied, faking a smile. “Oh actually, why don’t you just come down with me? I’ll introduce you to Umi and then we can leave.” “S-Sure.” “You don’t need to look for me, I’m right here.” Umi said as she entered the room. She frowned at Nozomi. “Stop teasing her. She probably isn’t used to this.” She put the bag she was holding down and stepped forward, holding her hand out to Emily. “I’m Umi. You must be...Emily?” “Y-You know my name?” Emily tentatively shook Umi’s hand. “Sure. Hanayo told us you were coming.” Umi answered with a small smile. “Are you staying here? I don’t think Kotori has any more beds but I think she has an air mattress somewhere.” “Um...I think Rin wants to go to a hotel.” Emily said hesitantly. “But maybe Hanayo will convince her not to. A-Anyway, we were just heading out for a while. It was nice meeting you, Umi.” “Wha…?” Raven trailed off as Emily pulled him out of the apartment, closing the door behind them. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of Umi too.” Emily glared at him. “She’s just...cool, okay?” She huffed as he laughed at her. “Let’s just go.” ---- “Are you ready for our performance tomorrow?” Eli asked, sitting down on the bed next to Honoka. They had spend the majority of the day sightseeing before they had made their way back to the hotel. “I think we’re ready, don’t you?” Honoka gave a small smile. She was still standing but she wasn’t sure how after so much practicing and sightseeing. “Eli-senpai?” “Hmm?” “I’ve been lying to you.” Honoka’s knees trembled beneath her, her nerves getting the better of her. “I-I have to tell you something.” “W-What?” Eli sat up straight, suddenly anxious. “What is it?” “I um…” Honoka took a deep breath and then another, trying to calm herself. “I can’t see you...from here. You’ve been asking me if I’m okay all of the time and I’ve been saying yes but I’m not. My vision has been blurry for a week. Usually I can just blink and it’ll go back to normal but lately it’s been taking longer a-and now...I can’t make it go away, Eli-senpai.” Eli stood and crossed quickly to Honoka, stopping right in front of her. “Am I clear now?” Honoka nodded silently and Eli continued. “Maybe you just need glasses or contacts.” Honoka grimly shook her head. “I don’t think that’s it. I’m getting dizzy more, my headaches are lasting longer. I-I need to talk to Maki-chan and the others. Will you go with me? Please?” “Y-Yeah.” Eli stuttered nervously, her stomach twisted with nerves. “Let’s go now, okay? I’ll carry you.” Honoka nodded and as Eli turned her back, she wrapped her arms around the blonde’s neck, letting her lift her. Eli left the room and went to right first, knocking on the door next to hers. Rin opened the door. “Maki’s room, right now.” Eli said seriously, glancing past Rin at Nico and Hanayo. “All of you. Get Nozomi and Umi too.” Before any of them had a chance to react she turned and walked to Maki’s room, knocking at the door. She heard giggling and moaning behind it. “KNOCK IT OFF YOU TWO!” A moment passed before the door opened. Eli pushed past a disheveled looking Maki, setting Honoka down on the bed. She vaguely noticed Kotori hurriedly wrapping herself in a bed sheet. “Leave the door open. The others are coming.” Kotori frowned, moving to Honoka’s side. “Are you okay, Honoka-chan?” Honoka shook her head and leaned into Kotori, her head falling to her friend’s bare shoulder. “No. I feel like shit, Kotori-chan. I don’t know why.” Kotori wrapped her arms around Honoka, stroking her hair in an attempt to soothe her as the others entered the room. Nozomi entered last, closing the door behind her. “Honoka says she can’t see. That everything is blurry at a distance.” Eli said, crossing her arms in front of her chest. She was trying to stay composed but struggling. She could see from where she was standing that Honoka was scared. She turned away, looking at Maki instead. “Can’t you fix this?” “Honoka.” Maki called softly, drawing Honoka’s attention to her. “Can you see me clearly?” Honoka shook her head. “Tell me when you can.” Maki moved closer, one step at a time. “N-Now, I can.” Honoka stopped Maki three steps away from her and the redhead cursed loudly under her breath. “What does it mean, Maki-chan?” Rin asked anxiously as she looked between Maki and Honoka. “Is Honoka going to be…” She trailed off, biting her lip. She knew Honoka wasn’t going to be okay. She felt a hand grasp each of her own and looked up, finding Hanayo at one side and Nico at the other. Hanayo’s jaw was clenched while Nico’s lower lip was trembling. “Honoka.” Umi whispered, noticing tears cloud Honoka’s eyes. “My head hurts.” Honoka buried her face into Kotori’s neck, crying softly. “It feels l-like it’s splitting. It hurts so much.” “Maki-chan, what do I do?!” Kotori looked up desperately. “Nozomi-chan?” Nozomi moved forward and gently picked Honoka up only to place her back down in Kotori’s lap. “She needs painkillers. And heat. I’ll find something, just stay like this, okay, Kotori-chan?” Kotori’s arms went around Honoka as the girl curled up into her in her lap. Her own eyes watered as Honoka’s tears touched her skin. She didn’t know what she could do to help. “Trust me.” Nozomi gently touched Kotori’s shoulder. “She needs you right now, okay? I’ll be right back.” Nozomi left the room quickly, turning the light off as she went. The others stood there, watching Kotori and Honoka. “What does this mean, Maki?” Eli whispered, noticing Maki looked pale. “What’s happening?” Maki swallowed against the lump in her throat. “The tumor is...pressing against her optic nerve. She’ll lose her sight completely soon, i-if the tumor doesn’t ki…” She turned away, lifting her hand to cover her eyes as she teared. “Damn it.” “How long?” Nico spoke up, her voice trembling. “How long do you think?” “I-I don’t know. A month.” Maki mumbled, her voice thick with emotion. “Weeks maybe.” Eli turned on her heel and ran from the room. Nico growled under her breath. “Damn her. She should be the only one of us who’s here.” She went to sit next to Honoka, gently rubbing her back to soothe her. Umi joined her, kneeling on the bed next to Kotori. She gently wrapped her arms around the two of them, feeling Kotori trembling with soft sobs too. Maki took a shaky breath and walked over to her desk, staring down at her medical textbooks. Nozomi returned a few minutes later, her heart wrenching when she found Umi holding onto Kotori and Honoka, tears streaking down her own cheeks. She knew how much Umi loved the two of them. Losing either one of them would destroy her. “Where’s Elichi?” “She left.” Nico said bitterly. “I’ll find her.” Nozomi stepped forward and handed Nico a pack of pills and a heat pack. “Look after her, Nicocchi.” Nico nodded solemnly and handed over the key to her room before Nozomi could leave without it. Nozomi left the room and headed for the room Eli was sharing with Honoka and Nico. Hearing a sharp sob from behind the door she let herself in and closed the door behind her. She found Eli sitting on the floor, her back against her bed. She had pulled her knees to her chest and she was crying into them, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably. “Elich-” “DON’T COME NEAR ME!” Eli’s breathless yell brought Nozomi to a sudden stop on her way over to Eli. “Alright.” She said, her voice soft and calm. As Eli’s tear filled eyes looked up at her she slowly lowered herself into a crouching position. “I won’t do anything. I’m just going to sit with you, okay?” “It’s not fair.” Eli said, her voice rough with tears. “I love her so fucking much, Nozomi. None of this is fair. Damn her, damn Chika. I want to kill her. I just want to give her what she deserves.” “I know.” “How are you so calm?!” Eli exclaimed in disbelief as she reached up to roughly wipe at her tears. “Maki just said Honoka’s going t-to die in WEEKS! This is...this is your fault, damn it! Yours and Chika’s and Umi’s! How the fuck can you sit there and just say I know when I tell you Honoka is DYING?!” “Because what the hell can I do about it?!” Nozomi growled angrily. “I can’t take it back so WHAT THE HELL CAN I DO ABOUT IT?! DON’T YOU THINK THAT IF I COULD DO SOMETHING I WOULD HAVE ALREADY?!” She looked down, seeming to catch herself and took a breath to calm down. “I love Honoka-chan just as much as everyone else does. She came to me for help and I failed her but I have to live with that, okay Elichi?” “I won’t forgive you.” Elichi warned, fresh tears welling in her eyes. “Neither will I.” Nozomi said softly. She tentatively moved closer to Eli, noticing the blonde flinch in response. “I’m sorry, Eli. I’m so sorry. I wish…” She choked on her lump on her throat and silently shook her head. “I-I don’t know what to do either. We just have to keep going for her, okay? She’s the only thing that matters right now.” Eli buried her face in her knees once more. She didn’t yell at Nozomi again but she didn’t seem open to her getting closer either. Nozomi looked up as the door opened once more. She realized with a start that she’d forgotten to lock it. “Are you two fighting again?” Maki said with a roll of her eyes as she entered the room. Nozomi frowned at her, puzzled by the casual disdain in her voice.. “Now isn’t really the time, Maki-chan.” “Don’t you think I know that?!” Maki snapped at her. “I can’t be in that room.” “Honoka needs you.” Nozomi said softly, slowly rising to her feet. “What if something happens?” “Nico-chan is more capable than I am right now.” Maki answered with a shrug of her shoulders. “Honoka has her to mother her and she still hasn’t moved off Kotori’s lap so...why would I need to be there?” Nozomi gritted her teeth. It seemed that Eli wasn’t the only person she would be fighting with. “You don’t think Honoka-chan would want you with her? Or is she an inconvenience to your love life now?” Maki’s eyes went wide with shock. “Th-That’s not what I’m saying! I can’t be in there with her without feeling like I’m going to lose it and that would be bad for her. She’s already scared enough. I’m supposed to be the calm one. You, me and Nico-chan are but it seems like Nico is doing it for all of us. Hell, Umi and Kotori are doing a better job and they’re Honoka’s BEST FRIENDS! I want to be there for Honoka but I’m not calm. I’m freaking out. I can’t do anything. ANYTHING!” Nozomi stared at Maki for a long moment, slowly relaxing. She realized it must be hitting Maki harder because the redhead could see the signs that Honoka was getting worse but she couldn’t do anything about it. “I’m sorry.” “I just want to be useful.” Maki said, blinking against the stinging in her eyes. “I want to do something so I’m here. I’m going to help Eli because I can. She’s not dying of some incurable illness I can’t do anything about.” “I don’t want help.” Eli said gruffly. “I want you both to get the hell out.” “Well we don’t always get what we want.” Maki said sharply. She walked over to Eli and took her arm, dragging her up off the floor. “You need to get it together. You have weeks left with her, Eli, and you’re just wasting it!” Eli shoved Maki back with a growl of anger. “Shut up!” “NO! You have to keep it together for Honoka! She needs you to be strong!” Maki retorted angrily. “You’re not the only one hurting, Eli! Imagine how Kotori and Umi feel! Imagine how her sister and parents feel! We’re all losing Honoka, not just you!” Eli seemed to lose her fight, her features crumbling once more. “I don’t know what to do, Maki. I can’t lose her, I-I can’t do this.” “I know.” Maki hesitated for a moment before she moved forward, hugging Eli tightly. Nozomi watched the two dissolve into tears and sighed softly. She couldn’t do anything for them either. She headed toward the doorway only to be stopped by the sound of Eli’s voice. “Nozomi.” Nozomi turned to see Eli was still holding onto Maki but was looking directly at her. “Yeah?” “Don’t go. Please. I’m sorry, I-I just…” Nozomi didn’t need her to say anything else. She crossed the room to the two and hugged them both as tightly as she could. ---- “I think your bed might be smaller than mine.” Honoka mused softly, staring up at the ceiling. She could feel Kotori and Umi pressed against her from both sides. As much as she didn’t want to leave Eli she’d elected to spend the night with Kotori and Umi. She wasn’t sure why but she felt like she needed them close. “I have a lot of space left on my side.” Kotori replied in a whisper. “I just don’t want it.” “Me too.” Umi agreed. Honoka smiled slightly, feeling an arm go around her waist as Umi pressed closer. At the same time she felt Kotori sigh softly and and drape her arm over her too. “This is like one of our old sleepovers, huh?” Kotori smiled. “The ones where you’d try to tell ghost stories and Umi-chan would always freak out and hide under the blankets?” Umi pouted. “I was ten, Kotori.” “Oh? I bet if I told a ghost story now you’d still react the same way.” “Don’t!” Honoka laughed softly at their antics. She reached down, surprising them by grasping their hands. She squeezed tightly as her laughter faded away and tears prickled at her eyes. She couldn’t imagine not being with them but it seemed it would happen sooner than she’d thought. “Honoka-chan…” Kotori whispered, turning onto her side. Almost immediately, Honoka pressed herself close to her, burying her face in her chest. Umi moved too, maki sure not to lose contact with Honoka. “I’m so scared.” Honoka admitted in a choked voice through her tears. “I don’t know what to do and I-I don’t want to die, Kotori-chan. But I can’t see properly anymore a-and Eli-senpai hasn’t said anything since I told her and…” “Shhh.” Umi soother gently, rubbing Honoka’s arm. “Eli isn’t mad at you, Honoka. Don’t think that for a second. She’s just...hurting right now. We all are.” “I’m sorry.” Kotori hurriedly blinked back her own tears. “It’s not your fault. But we love you. We all love you and we can’t stand to see you suffering. Eli-chan’s trying to be strong but she can only do it for so long. She’s just taking a minute to compose herself.” Honoka nodded. She knew that already. She knew Eli was trying to hold back how she felt in favor of staying strong for Honoka herself. “Someone needs to be there for her when I...when I can’t be. Someone needs to make sure she’s okay and help Nozomi-chan fix their friendship.” “We will.” Kotori vowed softly. “And so will Maki-chan.” “And Yukiho too.” “I’ll take care of her. Don’t worry, Honoka-chan.” Kotori said softly, gently running her fingers through Honoka’s hair. “You don’t need to worry about anything.” Honoka sniffled softly and drew back to look at Kotori. “I love you.” She said softly. She glanced over her shoulder at Umi. “I love both of you so much.” She felt their arms go around her once more as they both returned the sentiment. She relaxed back into them and closed her eyes, feeling Kotori’s lips press against the top of her head. ---- “Are you sure it’s okay for me to be here?” Riko asked warily as she glanced around Nico’s dressing room. The way Nico had hurriedly ushered her inside made her think it wasn’t okay. The dressing room itself was small but that was to be expected. “Yeah, it’s fine.” Nico answered, sitting down at the small dresser she’d been provided with. “You’re allowed in here if I give you permission.” “Then I suppose I should thank you for giving me permission.” Riko said with a small smile as she stepped forward. “You look really nice by the way.” “Of course I do, I’m getting ready for a shoot, aren’t I?” Nico reached out when Riko was close enough and grasped the girl’s hand, pulling her close. Riko grasped Nico’s shoulder with her free hand to balance herself. She couldn’t resist the urge to lean down and kiss the model’s glossed lips. She felt Nico’s hand go to her waist and she let herself be guided into the older girl’s lap. She cupped Nico’s face in her hands and kissed her harder. She was surprised that Nico was letting her take the lead but she supposed Nico might be just as inexperienced as she was. She nipped at Nico’s lower lip, drawing a soft moan from her. She felt Nico’s face heat up under her hands and smirked to herself. She had to admit that it was satisfying to be in control of the situation. Feeling Nico leaning up into her, she experimentally deepened the kiss, pressing her tongue past Nico’s lips. She felt Nico’s hands grasp at her side in response so she assumed she was doing something right. Riko slowly allowed her hands to fall from Nico’s face, down her back to undo the strings of her red dress. Nico hurriedly pulled away. “Hey, hey, hey! W-We can kiss but y-you’re still seventeen, remember?!” Riko pouted. “It’s so cute when you get flustered.” She reached up, brushing the few strands of hair that had escaped from Nico’s messy bun behind her ear. She watched Nico blush. “You oozing confidence is totally an act, huh?” “Shut up.” Nico huffed in annoyance. “I told you I don’t have experience. Besides I have to be the mature one out of the two of us. Obviously.” Riko raised an eyebrow. “You just don’t know where to put your hands, do you?” “Is that a challenge?” “Maaaybe.” Riko drawled, distractedly running her fingers over Nico’s back, above her dress. “You know I’ll do my research right? You should prepare yourself when I’m done.” Nico said confidently, even as she shivered at Riko’s light touch. “I hope so.” Riko mumbled as she leaned in to kiss Nico once more. Just as their lips brushed, someone knocked loudly on the door. “Nico-chan, we’re ready for you!” Nico cursed under her breath and gently pushed Riko off of her lap. “Coming!” She turned her back to Riko. “Quickly, fix my dress.” Riko did as she was asked, vaguely noticing that Nico was shorter than her with flats on. “There. Should I…?” “Wait here for me.” Nico kissed Riko once more before she moved past her and let herself out, making sure nobody noticed Riko in the room. Riko sat down and got her phone out, calling You. She waited for a moment before You picked up. “Hello?” “You-chan.” Riko sighed in relief. “What do you do to restrain yourself from Ruby-chan?” “Um…” You hesitated for a moment, seemingly caught off guard by the question. “Usually I just pinch myself really hard. Why?” “J-Just wondering! Bye!” Riko hung up quickly and stared down at her phone. She wasn’t sure whether pinching herself would work when the person she was trying to resist looked like Nico. “Damn it.” She turned her head, catching sight of an open magazine with a picture of Nico on the front. “DAMN IT.” TBC.

[dimensiontripperhibiki]

Let It Burn (30/?)

Next chapter of LIB guys! Thanks for all of the comments, reblogs etc. As I mentioned, this is a bit of a longer chapter so I hope you enjoy.  Warning(s): Swearing, violence, suggested sexual scenes.  “I think it’s almost time.” Nico said quietly as she glanced over at Hanayo. The younger girl was sitting right next to her, suddenly looking very anxious. “I don’t want you to go again.” Hanayo curled her arm around Nico’s and pressed close to her as if she could keep her there by doing so. “I don’t want you to come back hurt.” “Better than not coming back at all.” Nico quipped though it only made Hanayo clutch her tighter, even more worried than before. “I’m sorry. I’m going to be fine. Look…” She paused, waiting for Hanayo to stop huddling against her arm and furtively look up at her. “Whatever tests these bastards are doing on me, they’re buying us time. If they didn’t need us alive we’d be dead by now.” “They haven’t done anything to me yet.” Hanayo said in a small voice.

“Because they know I’d kill them if they touched any of my friends.” Nico lied, forcing a smile. She knew that the only reason Hanayo was still alive was because she’d made it clear that if Hanayo had died she would find a way to do the same. It wasn’t as though she cared all that much about her own life but they needed her alive, at least temporarily while they tested her. “It’s a good thing.”

Hanayo shook her head. “They hurt you.” She said, her eyes brimming with tears again. “I hate seeing Nico-chan hurt. It’s not right.” “I know, believe me I know…” Nico smiled and placed her hand on Hanayo’s head. Her knuckles were bruised and cut from where she’d tried to fight back against the guards who’d fought her. She had to fight back, she had been told, to see how much she could endure. “I can take it. If it means getting you out of here, I can take a few beatings.” Just as she said that the door opened and a guard stepped into the room. Hanayo threw her arms around Nico who winced in pain. She wasn’t even sure what hurt anymore, just that everywhere seemed to throb in different ways. “Please come back.” Hanayo pleaded desperately. “I can’t do this without you.” “Can we get a move on?” The guard who’d come to get Nico asked impatiently. “We don’t have all day.” “Don’t worry.” Nico painstakingly returned the hug to reassure the first year. “I will come back. I’m not leaving without you.” “You’re not leaving at all.” The guard, growing quickly impatient strode over and grabbed Nico’s arm, dragging her off the bed. She let out a yelp despite herself as his hands closed around her bicep. There was a long gash there, she knew, stretching from her shoulder almost down to her elbow. “NICO-CHAN!” Hanayo cried out, moving to get off the bed. The guard easily shoved her back down with his free hand.   “It’s fine, Hanayo.” Nico winced, doing her utmost to resist the urge to fight back against the guard. “Just stay here and don’t cause any trouble. I’ll be back soon.” “Maybe you’re smarter than I thought.” The guard said condescendingly. Nico glanced back at Hanayo as the guard dragged her from the room, finding worried eyes staring back at her. A moment later she was being pulled down the corridor by the guard holding onto her. She didn’t fight against it, aware that doing so would be pointless. She didn’t have the strength to fight them anymore. The only thing she’d really had going for her was her ability and she didn’t even have that now. “I’m told you’re trying something a bit different today.” The guard said as they turned a corner. “I’m going to stay and watch it you don’t mind.” Nico looked up, frowning at the lecherous grin on the man’s face. “What?” “You’ll see.” The guard stopped in front of a door and drew it open, shoving Nico roughly inside. “I’ll be watching.” “Wha…?” Nico turned around only for the door to be shut in her face. “Damn it!” “Nico!” Nico froze at the sound of her name. Slowly, she turned around and as she’d expected found a blonde standing across the room from her, clad in a gown similar to the one she was wearing. “You…” "Ciao Bella! We haven't been in the same room in two days...hmm you seem down, Shining Nico." “ENOUGH with the random English and Italian, you’re so ANNOYING!” Nico exclaimed loudly, her fists clenched at her sides. “It’s bad enough that I’m in this place, it’s worse that I always get stuck with you!” The blonde gave a short laugh. “I’m not You, Nico. I told you my name already, remember? You forgot?!” Nico growled under her breath. “Fine. Mari. Are you happy now?!” Mari shook her head in response. “I’ve been thinking about escaping. I told you last time, remember?” “How could I forget. My head still hurts from all of the talking you were doing.” Nico said with a roll of her eyes. “You’re not going to talk about it today, are you?” Mari was unfazed by Nico’s retort. “Well I was thinking of helping you and your girlfriend get out too.” “W-Wha…?” Nico’s eyes widened in surprise. “S-She’s not…” “Just joking!” Mari said brightly, earning herself a yell of frustration from Nico. “Really though, we do have to escape. I have a plan but…” “Ohara-san, please remember why you’re here.” A new, male voice chimed in over some kind of intercom. “Let’s begin.” “Yeah, yeah. Sorry in advance, Nico.” “Wha-” Nico barely had time to realize that Mari was rushing toward her before she was knocked off her feet. She hit the ground with Mari on top of her and the wind rushed from her lungs in a strangled gasp. “M-Mari!” “Just go with it.” Mari muttered, landing a somewhat light blow to Nico’s ribs. “They want us to fight so we have to look like we’re doing this properly!” “Fine!” Nico locked her legs around Mari’s and with a force of strength, reversed their positions. Smirking in victory, she raised her hand and tried to bring it down only to find it wouldn’t move. “Eh?!” “I’m sorry.” Mari narrowed her eyes at Nico, thinking about forcing her to stand up. “HEY!” Nico yelped as she found herself standing up, not of her own accord. It was like she wasn’t in control of her limbs anymore. “This is so freaking unfair!” “Just shut up and follow my lead.” Mari got to her feet and walked toward Nico. Behind the glass across the room she could see the guard, watching them intently. She planted her hand on Nico’s shoulder and pushed her back against the glass, leaning close to her face. “Trust me.” Nico swallowed thickly, her eyes wide as she nodded her agreement. Mari’s lips turned up briefly at Nico’s agreement before her gaze shifted over her shoulder to the guard. Their eyes locked through the glass and she focused intently on his hand, forcing it to reach down and grasp his gun. “Now Bella, watch and be amazed.” Mari let go of Nico’s shoulder, allowing her to turn her head slightly more toward the glass. “Just watch this.” Nico shuddered at the breath against her ear but she didn’t have time to ponder on it before she heard gunshot followed by the sound of glass breaking. She felt a hand on her head, drawing her close and quickly realized that Mari had tried to shield her from the breaking glass. It hadn’t worked all that well as the glass still hit her. Another gunshot followed the first, then a loud thud, like a body hitting the floor. “Mari…” Mari let go of Nico and focused on the two doctors in the next room instead. It was never especially easy to control two people at once but she did it anyway, focusing intently. Nico watched in surprise as Mari forced the doctors against each other, one of them reaching for a knife that lay nearby. Next to her, Mari was imitating the attack, clearly controlling the two of them. She closed her hand into a fist and brought it down in a stabbing motion. Nico winced as the doctor with the knife easily stabbed the other doctor in the stomach before turning the knife on himself. “Mari…” Nico watched in horror as Mari seemed to buckle. “Controlling two people and...more than one body part takes it out of me.” Mari straightened up, flashing a bright grin. “No, I mean…” Nico motioned toward the three bodies in the next room. “I have people I love too, Nico. People I need to get back to.” Mari’s voice was serious one moment but the next she was grabbing Nico’s hand, seemingly back to her usual self. “Now Bella let’s go and save your girlfriend and get running toward the shining light of freedom!” “You can’t be serious for more than a minute can you?!” Nico asked angrily. “It’s a joke!” Nico growled under her breath. There was something about this girl that reminded her undeniably of Nozomi. It both made her chest ache and comforted her at the same time. “Damn it, let’s just go!”

--- Kotori stayed three paces behind Umi, Honoka and Eli as they walked. She had tried to keep up with them originally but having to listen to how the three of them were together was just annoying. Neither Eli nor Umi made any kind of secret of their feelings for Honoka. Not to her, each other or anyone else. Honoka on the other hand, accepted the affection from both of them and returned it equally. Kotori wasn’t sure what was going on with the three of them but it unsettled her. She didn’t fit in anywhere at Honoka’s side now. Her place had been taken. She glared at Eli’s back as they walked. She was glad she didn’t have to listen to what the three were saying. It would have just annoyed her more. “Are you okay, Kotori-chan?” Finally those blue eyes that always seemed to make her heart skip a beat focused on her as Honoka looked over her shoulder. “Do you want to take a break?” “No, we’re almost there. I’m…” “Yikes, look out!” “HONOKA!” Umi grabbed Honoka and pulled her toward her, stumbling back a few steps herself. Eli glanced up, her eyes widening when she spotted what Umi had. Remembering Maki’s words from the previous day she went up in flames and hurried toward Kotor, positioning herself in front of her. The telephone pole hit the ground a few feets from them, sending glass and debris flying everywhere. Shielding Kotori with her body and her face with her arms, Eli focused on keeping her flames alight while Umi swept Honoka up into her arms and turned away from the impact, shielding her as best she could. “CHIKA-CHAN, WHY DID YOU THROW THAT?!” “Uh...it seemed like a good idea. Sorry, Riko-chan!” Another girl laughed in response. “Hopefully Kanan-chan can see in the dark!” “You-chan, it’s not funny! More guards are going to come because of Chika-chan being reckless!” Riko barked. “Chika-chan, I didn’t say you could use You-chan’s ability so you could do that!” “Well you wouldn’t let me use yours and Kanan-chan wouldn’t let me use hers even though it’s so much cooler…” Chika complained miserably. “I didn’t mean to hurt anyone! I-I just want to save Mari-chan...” “So much for sneaking in…” Umi muttered, gently placing Honoka back down on her feet. She turned to confront the newcomers but Eli was already storming toward them. “Eli, be careful!” “Umi-chan!” Honoka exclaimed as Umi rushed off after Eli. She grabbed Kotori’s hand and followed too. “At least put yourself out first!” Umi hissed though Eli paid no attention to her. “Eli!” “Who the hell are you people and why are you throwing poles around?!” Eli demanded, coming to a stop in front of Chika. Almost immediately the other two were in front of their friend, sizing her up. Eli blinked in surprise. There was three of the redhead. “You!” She pointed toward Chika whose eyes widened in alarm. “What the he...ow!” Her wrist was suddenly grabbed by an irate looking You who growled under her breath. “OW, OW, OW!” “You-chan!” Chika cried out. “Ah, sorry!” You let go of Eli’s wrist, her own hand slightly burnt. Fortunately it seemed Eli had the presence of mind to rid herself of flames as soon as You had touched her. “Sorry, I guess I got a bit rough. J-Just don’t point at Chika-chan!” “Well don’t hurt Eli-senpai!” Honoka was suddenly right next to Eli, taking her hand into her own and carefully looking over her wrist. Chika gasped at the sight of Honoka and nudged You and Riko out of the way. “Honoka-onee-chan!” “Eh?” Honoka did a double take. Chika smiled broadly, unfazed by Honoka’s confusion. “It’s me. Chika!” “Ah, Chi-chan!” Honoka exclaimed in realization. “Of course!” Chika charged forward, hugging Honoka tightly. “It’s been so long, I missed you so much!” Umi grimaced as she stepped toward Eli. “So what are you all doing here? And what were you saying about guards before?” Riko, the girl who had created two clones of herself, spoke up. “We’re looking for our senpai, Mari-chan. Our other senpai, Kanan-chan, already went on ahead. That’s why um...a lot of the guards have already been taken down. She’s...in a hurry to get Mari-chan back.” “We’re looking for our friends too.” Eli said with a distasteful look toward Chika who was still somehow hanging on to Honoka. “We were hoping to be more subtle about it though. So...who are you again?” “I don’t think that’s going to be possible.” You said with a shrug of her shoulders. “Kanan sort of rushed in all guns blazing though I don’t think she set any ala-” She was cut off by the sound of an alarm suddenly blaring from the compound in front of them. “Ah, that was bad timing…” “Ya think?!” Eli growled irritably. “Do you even know how many guards are in there?” “Um...Dia-san says maybe a thousand?” You said, scratching her head. “I think she might be overreacting though. She does that…” “Well looks like we’re on the same team so it’s time to fire it up!” Chika exclaimed brightly. She clenched her hands into fists, focused intently and they went up in flames a moment later. “H-Hey!” Eli exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise. “I thought you just threw that pole! How do you…” “I borrowed your ability.” Chika answered with a shrug of her shoulders. “Or...copied it. You still have it too. Thanks for this by the way, it’s really cool.” She held up her hands, examining the fire. “Blue flames. So cool…” “Don’t you have to ask someone’s permission before you take their ability?” Eli huffed. “Wait, does that mean you get to keep it?!” “I can only use four at a time.” Chika explained, still staring intently into the flames that surrounded her hand. “Right now I have Dia-san’s, Hanamura-chan’s, You-chan’s and yours...what was your name?” “Ayase Eli.” Eli answered gruffly. “I think I’ll just call you Gaki.” Honoka laughed nervously and rubbed Eli’s arm. “Be nice, Eli-senpai.” She glanced to Umi for support but Umi was glaring over at Chika too. “Ah...um, Kotori-chan!” “What?” Kotori asked, stepping forward. She was surprised when Honoka grabbed her hand tightly. “Nothing, I just want you to stay close to me is all.” Honoka answered with a shake of her head. She turned back to Chika and the other two, failing to notice Eli and Umi pouting. “So what do we do now? We’ve lo-” “Honoka!” Umi stepped toward Honoka, grabbing Eli’s hand on the way. “Look at the side of the building.” “Huh?” Honoka followed Umi’s wide eyed gaze to the side of the building, her heart leaping to her throat when she saw two girls skirting around. “W-What?!” “ARISA!” Eli yelled, taking a step forward. It was too late though as the girls had already disappeared inside. “What...what the hell do they think they’re doing?!” She turned quickly toward Honoka. “Is she out of her mind?!” “Wha…?” Honoka shook her head. “Yukiho? Why would you think it’s her idea?! She doesn’t do things like this, it’s...oh god, what if something happens to them?!” “Well stop arguing and let’s go!” Umi grabbed Honoka’s hand too and hurried off toward the building. “Damn it, they’re coming!” You exclaimed as the double doors at the front of the building flew open and guards flooded out. She raised both her fists above her head before bringing them down hard onto the ground beneath her feet, splitting the concrete. The impact knocked a few of the guards off their feet. “Riko-chan, take Chika-chan!” You exclaimed as she picked up a slab of concrete. With ease she threw it at some guards. “Go and get Mari-chan, I can handle these guys!” “N-No! You need help, You-chan! Riko-chan, stay here with her!” Chika flinched as the guards reached the gates and opened fire. Luckily You had managed to create a trench of sorts for herself. Riko, who had grabbed Chika and pushed her to a wall shook her head. “Are you crazy?! You think I could just abandon…” she tensed as she felt someone approach her from behind but upon looking over her shoulder there was nobody there. A moment later she felt Chika being wrenched away and quickly tried to grab her again. It was too late though as she was out of her grasp. Looking around, Riko couldn’t see her anywhere. “CHIKA-CHAN?!?!” Riko ducked, covering her head as a spray of bullets hit the wall she was hiding behind. “YOU-CHAN, I CAN’T FIND HER!” “Don’t worry!” You called back. “I think it’s just the quiet girl’s ability. Cloaking or something. I’m sure Chika-chan’s going to be fine. Now hurry up and clone yourself so you can help me!” Riko took a deep breath before she jumped out from behind the wall and sprinted to where You was. She slid to the ground in the makeshift trench next to her. “Do you think we can trust her with her?” She focused briefly on her ability, creating two clones of herself to focus the gunfire of the guards. “Chika-chan?” You asked apprehensively. She hoped so but she couldn’t say she was sure. “I think so. She doesn’t seem as hotheaded as the other two.” Riko reached for her knife at her belt and stood up, throwing it. She didn’t wait to see if it hit, dropping back down next to You instead. “That doesn’t make me feel much better…” “Have you noticed how all three of them like to be around Honoka-san?” You asked, grabbing another piece of road from behind her. Riko watched with her mouth slightly ajar as with little effort, You threw the large block of cement toward some guards. She was sure it didn’t matter how many times she watched You use her strength, she would never get used to seeing it. “You mean like me, you and Chika-chan?” Riko asked when You crouched back down next to her. “Theirs seems more...complicated.” You said thoughtfully. “You must have read about it in that trashy ma…” She trailed off as Riko looked at her innocently. “Ah, nevermind. It just seems complicated.” “And I thought our seniors were bad eno-” Riko was cut off, ducking back down next to You as the guards opened fire again.

--- “No, No...stop!” Honoka tossed and turned, distress evident on her face. “Stop it! Nozomi…” “I’m here, I’m right here.” Nozomi, holding tight to Honoka’s hand was near tears herself as she watched Honoka’s distress. Kneeling on the bed, her hand on Honoka’s forehead, Maki had her eyes closed, focusing intently. She’d even taken off the glasses Kotori had given her, something that had taken Nozomi by surprise. “Nozomi, I need you to calm her down.” Maki said through gritted teeth. “Tell her it’s just me.” Honoka whimpered again, louder this time. “Please…” “Nozomi!” Maki emphasised. “She knows it’s you, that’s the problem!” Nozomi snapped, angered by the fact that Honoka only seemed to be getting more upset. “I-I’m sorry, I just…” Maki opened her eyes, focusing on Nozomi for a moment. “Then take my hand and tell her you’re with me. Does she trust you?” Nozomi bit down on her lip in an attempt to stem her tears and nodded her head. She took the hand that was offered to her, keeping Honoka’s hand securely in her other. “Be ready.” Maki said, closing her eyes again. “Her barriers are lowering. I think I’m getting through. It’ll be disconcerting but I’ll be with you. Just stay calm and whatever happens don’t let go of our hands.” Nozomi nodded even though Maki couldn’t see her. “Just focus…” Maki whispered though she was clearly talking to herself rather than Nozomi. “Almost, almost…” Nozomi gasped as the room around her seemed to fade away. She wasn’t looking but everything about the area seemed different, from the temperature and the feeling of the air to the sounds from outside. There was no sound now and everything was completely still. She opened her eyes, finding herself in a dark room. There were images on the walls, all around her. To her, they looked like videos. She tried to move forward to get a closer look at one but she was stopped when Maki’s grip tightened to an almost painful degree.   “What…?” “Stay with me, don’t wander off!” Maki exclaimed loudly though when Nozomi tugged at her to walk forward again, she didn’t resist. Nozomi examined the wall in front of her closely, recognizing Eli in some of the videos. But not her Eli, a slightly older Eli, one who looked taller and more mature than her Eli. Her hair was down in most of the videos, she noticed, and in all of them she was with Future Honoka. She stepped closer to the screen, her gaze focused on Eli. Eli was staring at Honoka, her eyes soft and more full of love than Nozomi could ever remember seeing them. She watched as Future Honoka looked back and Eli quickly looked away only to be teasingly poked by an amused Future Honoka. Around them, she could hear their muffled laughter. “She really did love her…” Nozomi mused quietly. The screen changed quickly to another scene and she inhaled sharply as she saw her future self holding Honoka from behind, Eli in front. The three of them were in bed, innocently enough. “I’m sorry.” Honoka whimpered, pressing her forehead to Eli’s knuckles where she was clutching the blonde’s hand in front of her. “I’m so sorry, I keep…” “Don’t be an idiot.” Future Eli interrupted though her tone was soft. Adoring almost. “I don’t want to hear apologies from you. I never want to hear it, okay?” Future Honoka choked back a sob and Nozomi watched as Eli shuffled closer, soothingly stroking her hair. Honoka was too thin, she noticed immediately. Much too thin, and she was covered in bandages and scars. “It’s not your fault.” Future Eli said, her voice trembling. “Stop blaming yourself. It’s her fault and the second I find her, I…” She trailed off as Honoka seemed to only cry harder. “Damn it.” “How could she...why…?” Nozomi watched as Eli’s face contorted with grief and the blonde turned her eyes upwards as her own tears formed. “I don’t know…” “I want Kotori-chan.” Honoka pressed her face into Eli’s chest and sobbed quietly. “But I can’t...she’s mad at me b-because I can’t trust her like I used to. Before…” “You can stay with us.” Future Eli said, her voice thick with emotion. “For as long as you want to. We’ll be here for you.” Honoka shook her head. “Nozomi shouldn’t have to put up with…” “I’m not putting up with anything, especially you.” Honoka flinched at the sound of Future Nozomi’s voice but quickly relaxed when the comforting embrace from her friend tightened. “We do this because we love you.” “Nozomi…” Maki protested quietly though she fell silent when the image on the screen changed again. “Give me my damn lighter back, Honoka!” A taller, older version of Maki growled angrily as she reached out to grab something from Honoka’s hand. She cursed when Honoka laughed and flitted away. “Come on, just leave me with one!” “No smoking, Maki-chan.” Honoka said, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “It’s bad for you.” Future Maki, clad in a white lab coat, planted her hands on her hips. “You’re bad for me. If I wasn’t so stressed about you and Eli trying to get yourselves killed maybe I wouldn’t have to smoke!” Honoka’s smile slipped from her face. “Oh...I-I’m sorry.” Future Maki sighed and rubbed her temples. “No, it’s...I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like...oh fine, you can hang out in my office, just don’t touch anything you aren’t supposed to!” “Thank you, Maki-chan!” Honoka flopped down onto the couch. “You’re the best!” “Yeah, yeah.” Future Maki’s gaze lingered on Honoka for a moment before she walked toward the door. “I’m going to check in with Kotori, to see if she needs anything.” “Kotori.” Maki mumbled, inadvertently leaning close to the screen. She was sure she wasn’t dating anyone in the future, especially Kotori. The image on the screen changed again to Honoka and Kotori sitting close together. They were outside, on some kind of wooden swing that squeaked noisily whenever one of them shifted. Neither seemed to mind though. Kotori was pressed close to Honoka’s side, her head resting on the other girl’s shoulder while Honoka toyed with her hair. “Hey, Kotori-chan.” Honoka mumbled, her breath blowing up a few strands of Kotori’s hair. She waited until Kotori looked up at her, an inquisitive look in her soft eyes before she spoke again. “I was thinking about what we’re going to do...after this. I was thinking that maybe when this is all over and A-Rise are gone we could go away. Just the two of us.” Kotori’s brow furrowed in confusion. “You mean run away?” “Um...I suppose.” Honoka answered sheepishly. “Well...all I mean is that I want to get away from here. I want to just be with you. Forever if I can be. I just want...a normal life for the two of us. I want to start new. Just you and me. That’s why...” She paused for a moment, fishing something out of her pocket. “Well…” “Oh my god…” Maki muttered as Honoka brandished a small box. Nozomi too watched with bated breath. “Honoka-chan…” Kotori gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “A-Are you…?” “Maybe.” Honoka gave a small smile as she opened the box to reveal two rings. “I don’t want to do it yet but I want to...promise that when this is over we’ll do it. Minami Kotori, there’s nobody I love more than you. There never could be. And I-I know you think I’m careless with my life but I’m not. Because...it’s not just mine to be careless with. It’s yours too.” She choked on emotion, falling silent for a moment. “Change it.” Maki muttered as she watched tears form in Kotori’s eyes too. “I can’t watch this, I can’t concentrate.” “I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. I know it’s not worth much but I really do love you. If you feel the same, I…” Honoka was cut off by Kotori taking her face in her hands and kissing her deeply. “Change it, Nozomi. Please, I can’t…” Nozomi glanced toward Maki, finding her eyes awash with tears. She realized with a start that if the images had hurt her they would definitely have hurt Maki, having to watch the person she thought of as her girlfriend agree to marry someone else. “Yes.” Kotori answered on the screen. “Yes, of course I’ll…” Turning back to the screen, Nozomi took a deep breath. “Senpai…” The images on the screen changed immediately to Future Honoka and Nozomi on the ground, Honoka on top of Nozomi. “Senpai?!” Nozomi’s hands roamed over Honoka’s body. “Did they hit you? Were you shot?!” Future Honoka shook her head. “You’re worried about me, huh? You must really like me if you want to keep me alive this much.” “Idiot!” Nozomi’s voice was suddenly thick with emotion, her arms going around Honoka tightly. “Idiot, idiot, idiot! Why are you such a damn idiot?” Future Honoka gave a throaty chuckle. “Yeah…I love you too, Nozomi-chan.” “Idiot.” Nozomi muttered again, shaking her head. “I told you to stop hitting on me. Come on, get up. I’m taking you home. Or to a hospital. “To my hotel room.” Honoka elected. Feeling Nozomi’s grip loosen, she pushed herself to her feet. “No hospitals.” “Of course not. You’re too stubborn for one.” Nozomi quipped as she watched the older woman give her a goofy grin. “Damn straight, little lady!” Maki watched, quickly dashing tears from her eyes. “So she can smile like that.” She mumbled, glancing toward Nozomi whose gaze was fixed intently on the video playing out. The scene changed to a bedroom, Honoka and Nozomi staring each other down. Honoka looked angry and distressed while Nozomi looked like she was close to tears. “Well you’re not!” Honoka exclaimed loudly, her hands clenched at her sides. “Stop trying to help me. Stop thinking that just because you’re here I’ll tell you anything. This is all wrong. You’re not my Nozomi-chan and we don’t…there’s nothing between us, okay? I don’t need you, I’m only here to…” “You’re full of crap.” Nozomi’s voice shook with emotion. “You said it yourself, I’m your best friend. And you’re my…” “Nothing!” Honoka’s voice had grown progressively louder as she spoke. “I’m not anything to you! All you see me as is a fucked up version of your friend that you have to fix! Some kind of project like…” She was cut off as Nozomi strode forward and slapped her sharply. Her head jolted to the right. “Screw you.” Nozomi’s eyes were laced with tears as she spoke but she sounded mostly angry. “If I ever hear you say anything like that again I swear I’ll…” She trailed off, not entirely sure what she would do. “If you don’t know how much I care about you you’re an idiot.” She visibly softened as she watched Honoka’s features crumble with grief. “I hate seeing you hurting. I hate feeling how much you hurt.” “I hate all of this.” Honoka’s voice was thick with emotion. “I hate how messed up everything is. You and Eli, Kotori-chan…I hate that you’re not my Nozomi-chan. It doesn’t matter how close you think we are, you never will be. My friends were precious to me, they can’t just be replaced with…with…” “What?” Nozomi asked when Honoka trailed off. “Go on, you can say it. I don’t care how much you try to hurt me, I’m not going anywhere. I’m here with you and that’s where I’m staying. I love…mmph!” Her eyes widened as Honoka slapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes glinting dangerously. “Don’t say that to me. Don’t ever say that to me.” Future Honoka slowly let go of Nozomi, lowering her hands back to her side. “Why not? You’re my friend and I lo-” Honoka lurched forward, kissing Nozomi hard and the girl fell silent. Honoka didn’t pull away right away though, she held Nozomi close to her, feeling her respond hesitantly to the rough kiss. Their teeth clashed uncomfortably and Honoka took it upon herself to deepen the kiss, feeling Nozomi’s hands wander over her back. As she pressed closer, pushing her tongue past parted lips she heard a soft, almost indistinct moan from the third year. She quickly pulled away, startled by the sound. Nozomi bit down hard on her lower lip. It was odd watching it play out though she remembered exactly how it had made her feel. “C-Come on.” She said, shaken up. She turned away from the screen, still holding Maki’s hand. “Let’s go and find Senpai.” “Eli-senpai…” A breathy moan stopped Nozomi short as she tried to tug Maki away from the screen. There was no mistaking that was Honoka. Swallowing heavily, she turned back to the wall where two scenes were playing side by side. She recognized Honoka’s hotel room and the bed she’d slept in so many times. More than that she recognized the bare forms of both Honoka and Eli. “Oh no…” On the opposing side she watched as Future Honoka curiously approached a slightly ajar door, coming to a stop right outside it. Holding her breath, she looked inside, her eyes widening when she saw Eli on her knees, Nozomi crouched in front of her, her hands on her shoulders. It was clear the memory was from Honoka’s own time. “She told me…” Future Eli’s voice was barely understandable as she tried to speak through tears. “She told me she asked and...Kotori said yes. She…” She leaned forward then, her forehead resting on Nozomi’s knee. “I heard them anyway...she was saying they’re running away, they’re...she’s leaving me.” Future Nozomi gently shushed Eli, running her fingers through her distraught girlfriend’s hair. “It’s okay.” “It’s NOT OKAY!” Eli yelled between sobs, looking up at Nozomi. “How can it be okay when she’s...and...I’m telling YOU of all people.” Nozomi smiled softly. “I’m the only person you should tell. Just because you feel strongly for someone else doesn’t mean you love me any less.” Future Honoka backed away from the door, slowly for a few paces before she turned and ran away. “I don’t think she wanted us to hear that.” Maki muttered, having lowered her hands to watch what was going on. Thankfully what was happening on the other ‘screen’ seemed to be skipping ahead. Eli turned onto her side and wrapped her arms around Honoka, burying her face into her chest. “Honoka…” “Hmm?” Future Honoka mumbled, brushing her fingers gently through Eli’s hair. She waited for a moment until Eli looked up at her, tears shimmering in her bright blue eyes. “What…?” “Tell me…” Eli choked on the lump in her throat and had to pause for a moment before she continued. “Tell me you love me. If…if you do. Don’t lie.” Honoka’s chest ached. She felt like she would cry herself, at witnessing Eli’s pain. “I love you, Eli.” She reached down to brush Eli’s tears away with her fingers and gently kissed her lips. “I love you.” Maki glanced at Nozomi, finding her staring at the screen, biting down hard on her lip. “Hey.” She whispered, laying her hand on Nozomi’s arm. “Look, it’s...it seems kind of obvious that those two have a connection. They’re always going to fall for each other. This time it’s just happened early and our Honoka chose Umi so even if it doesn’t seem like Eli is available now she probably will be soon, right?” She watched Nozomi closely, hearing her exhale. “Unless it’s not just Eli you’re worried about?” “Of course it is.” Nozomi answered softly, her eyes on the screen. She watched what happened after. Eli leaving Future Honoka alone in her bed. “Have you seen the way she looks at her? I don’t know if she’s ever looked at me that way. Even my future self can see how they feel.” “Nozomi…” Maki protested meekly. “And maybe I don’t want to see my...Honoka’s future self being close to someone else. Does that make me selfish?” Nozomi huffed out a sigh. “Can we please just leave? I don’t want to watch this anymore.” “So...you were jealous of Honoka and Eli because they slept together?” Maki asked inquisitively. “What?! No! It’s not like that. I said I’m jealous of her being close to someone else, not that I want to...ugh, just forget it.” Nozomi argued, shaking her head. “Maki-chan, can we please just go and find her? I’m tired of arguing about this.” “No, stop! Don’t come near me!” The sound of Future Honoka’s voice echoed around the room and both Nozomi and Maki instinctively turned to see what was going on. On the screen, a video played, of Honoka being backed into a corner. As a guard grabbed her she put up a fight but it was clear that she was weak. She looked thinner and frailer than she should be, especially dressed in the flimsy hospital gown she was wearing. “I think we can’t leave.” Maki said quietly as she watched Future Honoka being pinned against the wall, her hands held behind her back as she struggled. She was injected with something and a moment later she stopped fighting, clearly too weak to do so. “I think we have to see this through.” “Lift it up.” Another guard, older than the first spoke as he approached with what looked to be a gun in his hand. Future Honoka grunted her disapproval as her gown was pushed up her back. “Time to tag you like the monster you are.” The older guard snarled as he stepped forward. “No…” Nozomi whispered, her grip on Maki’s hand tightening. “Maki-chan, what are they doing?!” Maki frowned at the screen. Honoka was clearly sweating, unable to move much. “I think they tranquilized her. It doesn’t work the same with ability users...” “What are they going to do?” Nozomi asked desperately, turning to clutch onto Maki’s arm with her other hand. “The guard has a needle gun o-or something, right?! What…?” The sound of a buzzing motor suddenly filled the room and Nozomi looked back in time to see the older guard approaching Honoka with the gun. “Wait…” Honoka screamed in pain as soon as the needle pierced through her skin. “Keep her still.” The older guard ordered sharply, triggering the other guard to grab Honoka by the nape of the neck, pushing her face against the wall. He pressed his front partially against her back to keep her pinned there, making it impossible for her to do anything else. Powerless to move, Honoka could only sob and scream into the wall, tears tracking their way down her cheeks as the tattoo was forced onto her skin. “Senpai.” Nozomi choked out, her hand clutching at her chest, over her heart. Tears were sliding down her own cheeks too and she couldn’t do anything to stop it. Maki looked away, blinking hurriedly. She couldn’t imagine their Honoka going through anything like that. “Nozomi, you don’t have to watch.” Nozomi shook her head. “I don’t care.” She answered gruffly as she watched the final digit being tattooed into Honoka’s back. “I want to watch everything.” Maki looked to Nozomi in surprise. She was about to point out that it might not be the best idea, both for Nozomi herself and for Honoka when the scene changed. She was silent as she watched Nozomi turn back to the ‘screen’ in front of her, the older girl giving a sharp intake of breath. “Maki-chan, don’t look.” Nozomi’s voice was so serious that Maki couldn’t have kept her eyes away from the screen even if she’d wanted to. She turned back to the screen but no warning from Nozomi could have prepared her for the sight of Kotori lying on the ground. “Honoka-ch…” Kotori couldn’t finish what she was saying as she choked on the blood in her throat. “H-H…” “It’s okay, Kotori-chan. You’re going to be fine.” Honoka desperately pushed up Kotori’s shirt to expose the bullet hole in her abdomen. Her hands visibly shook as she uncorked a vial and poured red liquid into the wound. “I-I don’t understand…” “H-Hono…” Kotori weakly reached for Honoka’s hand but it was clear that her blurred vision was making it impossible to grab it. Maki’s free hand went to her mouth, a choked sob tearing it’s way from her throat as she watched. Honoka tightly grabbed Kotori’s hand, her own eyes welling with tears. On the other screens, Maki could see the fight still going on. She could see Nico standing in front of her future self, guarding her with her body but her gaze was fixed mostly on Kotori. “Kotori.” Honoka’s voice was harsh but filled with emotion. “Don’t you dare die. If you do…” Kotori used her remaining strength to reach up and grip the collar of Honoka’s jacket, pulling her down. Their foreheads collided awkwardly but neither seemed to care. “I-I…” Kotori struggled to speak despite her throat being mostly clear of blood now. “I love you…and….Umi…tell…” She trailed off and turned her head, coughing up more blood, some of it hitting Honoka’s cheek. “Please. Don’t…” Future Honoka gripped Kotori’s hand around her collar as if trying to get her to hold on. The sound of footsteps echoed around them and Nozomi and Maki watched as Umi suddenly appeared on the screen, dropping to her knees next to Honoka and Kotori. “Umi…” The name left Kotori’s lips as a weak yet content sigh and Honoka’s eyes snapped open.

“I’m right here.” Umi’s voice was choked as though she was near tears herself. She placed her hand gently on top of Kotori’s head as Honoka was desperately gripping her hands. “Stay with us, Kotori. It’s going to be okay. I promise.” A choked whimper escaped Kotori’s lips though a small smile lingered on her lips. Slowly, her eyes began to shut. “Kotori-chan!” “Koto-nee!” Maki’s yell rang out in sync with Honoka’s as her knees gave out beneath her. She fell to the ground, barely feeling Nozomi adjust her grip on her hand. “No. No, no, no…” She leaned forward, tears spilling their way freely down her cheeks. “Not her. Anyone but her.” “Maki-chan, it’s not real.” Nozomi crouched down next to Maki, placing her free hand on the tearful girl’s cheek and forcing her to make eye contact. “Not for us. You told me that, remember? You told me before we came here.” “It feels real.” Maki choked out, her hand going to her chest. “I could sense her a second ago and now I-I can’t.” “It just feels real because you…” Nozomi was cut off by a loud thud. She looked back up to the screen along with Maki, finding Umi had fallen too, her hands at her throat. The two of them watched, clutching each other tightly as Honoka desperately tried and failed to save her. Nozomi barely managed to resist the urge to look away. There was so much blood and every one of the people under attack were her precious friends. There was nothing more dear to her than them. “Honoka, move!” Eli’s voice rang clearly around the room and a moment later she was there, tackling Honoka to the side to get her out of the way of another attack. She jumped to her feet after, turning back to the fight. With a low, angered growl her body was engulfed in flames once more. “I’ll kill you.” She snarled furiously. She pulled her hand back, seemingly to attack. “Elichi…” Nozomi murmured, her heart in her throat. She knew what she was about to watch, minus the details, but she couldn’t turn away. “Oh?” With a wave of Erena’s hand, Eli’s flames went out. “I think you’re the ones dying. It just a matter of who’s next.” Her gaze shifted to Honoka. “I’ve been waiting so long to kill you, I’m not sure how I’d like to do it.” She took a step forward, causing Eli to tense and reach behind her to pull Honoka close to her back. “Maybe I should kill you like I killed the mousey one over there. Piercing your heart with darkness seems fitting.” “I won’t let you touch her.” Eli said angrily, letting go of Honoka’s wrist. “Oh Eli.” Erena lifted her fist and the meager flickers of flame Eli had forced to ignite again went out. She didn’t stop there as Eli fell to her knees with a choked cry. Nozomi gasped sharply, gripping Maki tighter. She’d never been able to tolerate seeing Eli in pain. She listened to her future self cry out but she was more concerned with Eli and Erena. “This isn’t right...she helped me so why is she…?” Her musings about Erena ended abruptly when the girl in question summoned a shadow and sent it flying toward Honoka. The next few seconds happened in a blur. Eli went up in flames again and dove toward Honoka, her hand going to the back of the girl’s head to draw it protectively against her shoulder as she shielded her. The blonde’s body jerked and then she stilled completely, her hand falling away from the back of Honoka’s head. “ELICHI!” Future Nozomi’s voice cried out. As Honoka pulled back, Nozomi could clearly make out Eli’s dead and unfocused eyes, coupled with the red covering the front of her shirt. She was gone. Nozomi’s eyes prickled with tears she could do nothing to hold back. “No.” Honoka whispered brokenly, touching Eli’s cheek. “E-Eli-senpai…” A sudden scream seemed to catch Honoka’s attention and she looked up in time to see Future Nozomi shove her way past Tsubasa. She ran to her knees, falling next to Eli. She pushed Honoka away, taking Eli away from her. “Elichi.” Future Nozomi pleaded, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Elichi, wake up. Wake up!” Nozomi wasn’t sure she could watch anymore. She was sure that watching her future self cry over Eli’s death would just bring about her own tears  so she focused solely on Honoka instead, watching as she looked down at something in her hand. Eli’s cross. “S-She’s gone.” Honoka mumbled. Her hand closed around the cross in her hand and she leaned forward, tears filling her eyes. She seemed to fold in on herself, biting down hard on her lip to hold back a scream. “This is it.” Nozomi mumbled as she watched Honoka’s body shake. It was obvious, the point where Honoka had broken completely. With Kotori and Eli dead she simply didn’t have anything left. “Nozomi.” Maki whispered when Future Honoka finally seemed to pull herself together enough to look around. Her grip was suddenly tight. Much too tight. Nozomi looked to where Maki was suddenly staring, bile rising in her throat as she watched Nico cutting at every inch of her own skin she could. She was crouched over a completely still Maki. “You’re okay.” She choked out, gently drawing Maki’s head to her shoulder. “Why would she…?” Maki was cut off as a laugh echoed around them. Future Nozomi’s crying stopped too and she slowly lowered Eli to the ground and got to her feet. There was hatred on her face, a look Maki didn’t recognize. The older version of the girl holding her held out, palm up and a moment later Erena cried out in pain and sank to the ground, clutching at her chest. “Hurts, doesn’t it?” Nozomi gasped, reflexively holding Maki closer to her as she watched her future self walk forward. It was obvious what was happening. She wa collecting every bit of pain from around the room, forcing it into Erena. What bothered her more than what she was doing was the satisfied look on her face as she did it. She wondered if she would do the same if anything happened to Eli. Probably, she thought. “Erena!” Tsubasa cried out, starting to move forward. “Stop!” Anju stopped Tsubasa in her tracks, a smirk on her lips. “I’ll deal with this.” Nozomi growled under her breath. Feeling Maki look up at her, she explained. “That’s Anju. The shapeshifter who pretended to be me. The one who hurt Kotori-chan and broke me and Elichi up.” Maki was about to ask how Nozomi knew so much when the girl on screen transformed into someone very familiar and her jaw dropped. She watched Tsubasa chuckle and hand over the dagger she’d used on Umi. “No.” Honoka muttered, hurriedly shaking her head. “NO! Nozomi! Nozomi, don’t listen to her!” Nozomi watched with baited breath as Eli - or rather Anju in Eli’s form - approached her. “Nozomi stop.” ‘Eli’ spoke softly. “E-Elichi?” Nozomi winced as her future self turned to ‘Eli’, her tears starting afresh. Within a couple of seconds she had thrown her arms around the blonde. “I thought...I thought…” “Shhh.” ‘Eli’ hushed Nozomi gently, her hand gently coming to rest on the back of Nozomi’s head. “It’s alright. I’m right here.” “Damn it. Damn her.” Nozomi glanced at Maki, finding her seething, her cheeks red and flushed with anger and seemingly every part of her body tensed. The redhead’s outrage on her behalf was touching for some reason. Swallowing thickly, Nozomi turned her attention back to what was happening in time to see ‘Eli’ thrust a knife into her future self’s stomach. She grimaced at the sight. She knew Eli would never hurt her. That’s what made it so hard to watch. It seemed her future self knew that too as in her last moments she realized it wasn’t Eli she was with. “Honoka.” Nico stood up from the ground and turned toward Honoka. She was soaked in blood. Her clothes, her hands, arms, and even her face was covered in it. “Go back! You need to fix this!” “I won’t.” In an instant, the room around Nozomi and Maki disappeared and they found themselves in the classroom instead, surrounded by the dead bodies of their friends. Maki clamped her hand over her mouth, gagging at the scent of blood in the air. “I won’t leave you!” Honoka insisted, causing Nico’s eyes to widen in surprise. The momentary hesitation was enough to give A-Rise room to attack again and Erena pulled her arm back, sending a shadow flying toward Honoka. It hit her in the shoulder, knocking her back a few feet. She landed next to Umi, hitting her head on the solid floor. She was dazed for a moment before she felt someone drag her to her feet by the collar of her shirt.

“I’ve wanted to do this for a long time.” Tsubasa smirked, brandishing her knife from her belt.

“So do it.” Honoka whispered, her venomous words a stark contrast to the tears sliding relentless down her cheeks. “Put me out of my misery.” “No!” Nico’s voice rang out in sync with Nozomi’s own cry of protest. Nozomi let go of Maki and scrambled to her feet, rushing for Honoka. She lunged toward her, tackling her to the ground. She had feared when she would finally see the day that Honoka gave up completely on her own life. She knew it was going to happen eventually but it was too soon. The room around them dissolved, back to the darkness from earlier and Nozomi found Honoka staring up at her. “Nozomi.” Honoka whispered, reaching up with a shaky hand. She brushed her fingers against Nozomi’s cheek, her eyes awash with tears. “You’re...you’re really here. My Nozomi, not…” Nozomi struggled to choke back a sob. “I told you I would come for you.” She pressed her forehead to Honoka’s, taking a shuddering breath. “Please wake up. I miss you so much. I’ve been waiting but you’re not waking up and I didn’t know what to do. I just want you back.” “Y-You’re better off without me.” Honoka argued tearfully. “I said horrible things before, I-I practically forced myself on you...I’m not who you want me to be.” “Idiot. I need you. I don’t care what you said. We’ll talk about it later. None of it matters!” Nozomi exclaimed desperately. “Please. Please just come back to us. To me. I need you more than anyone else does! I know it hurts, okay? I know you can’t do this forever and one day...” She trailed off, unable to fathom the idea of losing Honoka. “Just for now. Just give me some more time with you. I need more time.” Honoka’s arms went around Nozomi’s back and she drew her close, hugging her tightly. “Just a little longer.” She whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. “I don’t think I can do this much more.” Nozomi didn’t need to protest as she felt herself being drawn back to reality. She opened her eyes, finding Maki already putting her shades back on. “What did I tell you about letting go of my hand?!” Maki scowled irritably. “You could have been lost in there!”

“Senpai would never have let me get lost.” Nozomi murmured, turning to Honoka. The older girl was still for a moment and Nozomi felt dread creep up on her before she noticed Honoka’s brow furrow. “Senpai?” Honoka groaned and lifted her hand to her head. “If I’d known my head would hurt this much I think I would have stayed asleep.” She said, her words slurring slight. She blinked open her eyes, squinting for a moment before she found Nozomi. “Hey…you were so desperate to talk to me you had to chase me through my dreams, huh?” Maki shook her head in amusement. She could practically hear Honoka’s smile in her voice. “Idiot!” Nozomi clearly wasn’t as amused as Maki was. “Damn it, I thought you were gone!” “And leave my cute kohai alone?” Honoka teased, painstakingly pushing herself into a sitting position. “Of course no-” She was silenced abruptly by Nozomi leaning in and kissing her. The sudden movement almost had Honoka falling back onto the bed in her weakened state but Nozomi’s hands were there, at her back and at the back of her head to support her. Almost unwittingly, she melted into the kiss, grasping Nozomi’s arm to draw her further onto the bed. “Ah...I may be blind but I can still hear you, you know.” Maki said, blushing. Nozomi quickly pulled away, her own face turning red. “S-Sorry, I just got carried away.” “Blind?” Honoka echoed, her voice suddenly serious. She turned toward Maki, gaping at the sight of her shades. “How?” “Tsubasa sent someone. The girl who attacked you.” Nozomi said, soothingly rubbing Honoka’s shoulder. “She had acid too and she um...hit Maki-chan with it.” Honoka moved to her knees with a grunt of pain and reached for Maki’s shades, carefully removing them. She ignored the way Maki flinched and looked at her eyes, taking in how unfocused they were. They were a duller color too, she noticed. “It’s fine, Kotori has been taking care of me.” Maki said quietly. “It’s not fine! Why the hell hasn’t Nico healed you?” Honoka demanded to know. She looked between Nozomi and Maki but they were both silent. “What? What’s going on?” Nozomi took it upon herself to answer. “Nicocchi and Hanayo-chan were taken by CORPS. Elichi, Honoka-chan, Umi-chan and Kotori-chan went after them.” Honoka stared at Nozomi blankly for a moment. “You’re telling me two of my friends are missing and my future girlfriend and my two best friends went on what has to be a suicide mission?!” “By future girlfriend you mean…?” Nozomi quirked an eyebrow at Honoka. “And it’s not a suicide mission. They know what they’re doing. I wouldn’t have let Elichi go otherwise.” “Kotori-chan.” Honoka answered as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. She got up from the bed and made her way to where her clothes were neatly folded on the chair next to the bed. “I’m dating Kotori.” Maki said firmly as she put her shades back on. “Our Honoka already chose Umi. And...I guess Eli to an extent. Kotori is not your Kotori, she’s mine!” “Maki.” Honoka winced as she carefully removed her IV. Her Maki had shown her how to, mindful that Honoka would end up ripping them out. “I’m not trying to be mean but Kotori and I are always going to end up together. It doesn’t matter what’s in the middle.” “Are you…” Maki stood up from the bed, her fists clenched. “Are you serious? Not everything’s going to happen the way it did for you. You coming back has changed all of us. I’m not going to be cold toward everyone or smoke. Nico-chan isn’t going to be emotionless forever. She’s showing more emotion every day! And...and Koto-nee and I rekindled our friendship. We didn’t do that in your future, did we? Honoka is madly in love with Umi and she has the guts to admit she loves Eli too s-” “Maki-chan!” Nozomi cut in sharply as Future Honoka did a double take. Maki turned to her with a wounded expression, as though she had been waiting for Nozomi to agree with her. “I’m sorry. Just leave it alone, okay?” “Why should I?!” Maki demanded. “I love Kotori so why should I have to listen to her saying she’s going to take her from me eventually?! And Honoka loves Umi and Eli anyway, you can see it in her eyes!” “Maki-chan, not now!” Nozomi insisted, trying to keep the two from arguing. “We’ll talk about it later!” “Yeah, well I didn’t say my past self isn’t an idiot!” Honoka retorted, pulling on some jeans. “Kotori knew how she felt about me long before I realized how I felt about her. Just like in this timeline. Have you seen the way she looks at my past self? Besides, it’s not like she hasn’t kissed me before.” “But Honoka doesn’t see Kotori that way!” Maki insisted, her tone taut with frustration. “She loves Umi! And Eli too but she doesn’t see Kotori as anything other than her best friend!” “God damn it, shut UP!” Honoka yelled, whirling around to face Maki. “It doesn’t matter how my past self sees Kotori now because Kotori loves her. Has she even told you you’re her girlfriend yet?” She waited a beat for Maki to reply but she didn’t. “You know it doesn’t matter. If my past self doesn’t see sense Kotori-chan is always going to have me.” “Okay, okay!” Nozomi stepped between the two of them, holding her arms out at her sides. “Both of you just SHUT UP! Honoka, Maki-chan just saved your life. Stop being so cruel. And Maki-chan, you need to think about how Honoka feels.” “How she feels…” Maki winced in pain, gripping her head. “How SHE feels? Damn it…” “Okay, Maki-chan. Sit down.” Nozomi instructed, moving toward Maki. She lowered her voice when she was close to the redhead. “I know you’re upset but yelling at Honoka isn’t going to help. You saw her past, you know how she feels about Kotori.” “I don’t CARE!” Maki’s voice rose though she cringed immediately after. “Ow…” The door opened suddenly and Rei walked in, worry on her face. “What’s going on in here?!” She glanced in shock between Maki, Nozomi and Honoka. “You’re awake? How…” She trailed off, realizing what must have happened. “Oh Maki…” Maki swayed on her feet, her eyes watering. It was too much. The pain in her head hurt too much, the images of Kotori dying were still with her and now she was faced with the reality of Kotori leaving her. “It hurts…” Rei moved to her daughter, quickly steadying her. “I told you not to do this, Maki…” “I love Koto-nee.” Maki said wearily as she leaned into her mother. “I love her and she’s going to take her away from me.” “She’s NOT yours to…” Even Future Honoka was silenced by the fierce glare Rei shot her. “Whatever.” “I see you’re feeling better.” Rei said sharply as she gently guided Maki back to the bed. “Nice to see you’re making the most of your time by bullying my daughter.” “Mom, what am I going to do…?” Maki murmured as Rei helped her lie down on the bed. “Koto-nee...I just...I don’t want to lose her again.” “It’s alright.” Rei soothed, gently running her fingers through Maki’s hair. “You’ll be healed soon and everything will be fine, I promise. Just get some rest.” “I just want to see her again.” Maki whimpered. “Mama…” “I know, I know…” “Nozomi.” Honoka looked to Nozomi as she pulled her jacket on. She pointedly didn’t look at Maki, feeling guilty for hurting her. “Are you coming?” “Huh? Oh yeah.” Nozomi tore her gaze away from Maki. “Yeah, let’s go.” Rei stood from the bed and stepped in front of Honoka, levelling her with a serious look. “I know you’re vital to the future but if you even think about hurting my daughter, I’ll…” “I have no interest in hurting her.” Honoka interrupted bluntly. “She’ll be hurt enough without me adding to it.” “You don’t know anything about her.” Rei stopped Honoka leaving with a hand to her chest. “You have no idea how much she’s endured. She deserves to be happy.” Honoka gritted her teeth together. “Just tell me. In the future, has Maki even opened up to anyone about her childhood? Do you know what happened to her?” “Maki-chan isn’t...she doesn’t talk about her past. Or her feelings. She likes to be alone.” Honoka answered stiffly. She wanted to leave but she didn’t think she could refuse Rei’s questioning. “She doesn’t know how to...do relationships.” “Of course she doesn’t know how. She didn’t have a real friend until she was four. She didn’t play with other kids or see the outside world. Until Yume brought Kotori over to play. That was the happiest I’ve ever seen her. And then of course they fell apart.” Rei glanced toward Maki who seemed to be sleeping comfortably. “After Kotori started elementary, Maki became isolated again. She didn’t know how to control her ability and non-ability users are afraid of her. Maki’s always hated people being afraid of her…” “I know.” Honoka mumbled, remembering the many times she’d hurt Maki by flinching away from her. “But now she has Kotori back and I’m sure you can understand why she doesn’t want to lose her again.” Rei finished. “I know you don’t mean to hurt her but she’s still a teenager.” Honoka gave a terse nod. “I have to go.” She said, grabbing Nozomi’s hand and edging around Rei. --- “This is weird.” Chika commented as she allowed Kotori to tug her along. “I’ve never been invisible before.” Kotori gave a hum of acknowledgement. “So how do you know Honoka-chan?” “We were neighbors when I was younger!” Chika answered brightly as they approached the door to the building. “Honoka-onee-chan is a year older than me so I uh...looked up to her a lot. I used to follow her around a lot. It must have been pretty annoying, I guess…” “I’m sure she thought it was sweet.” Kotori replied with a shake of her head though she knew Chika couldn’t actually see her. “I had a friend just like you. She used to follow me around all of the time. She was so shy…” She chuckled softly to herself as she thought of how Maki had acted when she was younger. “Are you still friends with her?” Chika asked interestedly as they reached the door. “No, she’s my…” Kotori paused, realizing she’d been about to say ‘girlfriend’. “Well um...yeah, we’re really good friends now though we were seperated for a while.” “Oh.” Chika followed Kotori into the building and lowered her voice. “Kind of like me and Honoka-onee-chan.” “Kind of.” Kotori said agreeably. “Why kind of?” Chika asked inquisitively as Kotori guided her down the hallway. “Is it different somehow?” “Well...kind of.” Kotori said again. “Maki-chan and I are closer now. I guess you could say she’s my um...girlfriend now.” She was glad she was invisible so Chika couldn’t see her blushing. “I just um...don’t like to say that much. It’s complicated.” “Huh? Why is it complicated?” Kotori gave a small laugh. “You’re curious, huh?” She paused for a moment before answering. “I had feelings for someone else before Maki-chan and I became friends again. And I still have feelings for them. It’s...Honoka-chan actually. She’s one of my two best friends.” “But Maki-san isn’t your best friend?” Chika asked inquisitively. “What’s she then? And...well, I thought Honoka-onee-chan was with the dark haired girl. Or the blonde one...Eli-san, was it?” “Don’t remind me.” Kotori said with a resigned sigh. “It’s like they’re all she thinks about now. But her future self is dating me. In the future so…” “Wait, what? Her future self?” Chika asked in confusion. “Can someone see into the future? That’s so cool, I want to try!” “Uh...no. It’s complicated. I don’t know why I’m telling you all of this.” Kotori muttered. “You-chan and Riko-chan say I’m a good listener.” Chika said sincerely. “Maybe that’s why. I like helping people with their problems.” Kotori laughed softly. “You’re pretty cute, you know? Honoka-chan is lucky to have you as someone who looks up to her.” “I-I don’t know about that.” Chika said with a nervous chuckle. They turned the corner and she paused, making sure nobody was there to hear them. “So does Maki-chan love you?” “Um...yes.” Kotori answered thoughtfully. She didn’t have any doubt that Maki loved her. Maki had told her before and she would never lie about something like that. “And I love her. But love is...well I don’t know if I love her in the same way she loves me.” Chika hummed in response. “So you’re just with her because you don’t want to hurt her? That’s really...stupid and cruel. It’s wrong to just play someone like that. Just because you have feelings for two people at the same time doesn’t mean you can’t love them both in the same way. Or even the same amount. I think.” Kotori was surprised that she didn’t feel affronted by the harsh comment from this girl she had just met. “Speaking from personal experience?” “Wha…?!” Chika shook her head quickly. “Of course not! I don’t have feelings for anyone a-and I’m sure nobody likes me in that way. It’s just common sense, isn’t it? And...you said Honoka-onee-chan is the other person you love. Is Maki-san her friend too?” “Yeah.” Kotori answered quietly. “Yeah, she is.” “I’m sure she wouldn’t want you to hurt Maki-san either.” Chika finished. “So maybe if you’re using Maki-san it would be best to end it before it goes too far? Tell her the truth...though I guess that might cause some problems too, with your friends…” “Look…” Kotori drew to a stop, Chika with her. She wished she could ease up on using her abilities but she couldn’t risk being spotted by security cameras. It seemed she’d had the fortune of finding her way into a section of the building that wasn’t swarmed with guards. She wasn’t about to push her luck. “You seem nice and...I don’t mind talking to you about this for some reason but...maybe we shouldn’t talk about it right now, especially considering you don’t even know my name.” “It’s Kotori-chan. Honoka-onee-chan said it.” Chika said obliviously. “But if you don’t remember my name it’s…” “Chika-chan. I know.” Kotori sighed and continued on her way down the hallway. She closed her hand around the necklace around her neck, her thoughts straying to Maki. She just wanted to make sure Nico and Hanayo were safe and then get back to Maki. She wasn’t sure what to make of that though. “Let’s just focus on what we’re doing. We have to find our friends.” --- “These guards are never ending.” Honoka panted as she pressed herself close to a wall, taking cover from the onslaught of guards. “I wish Kotori-chan had followed us. This would be a lot faster. We need to hurry up and get to them before they do something stupid.” “They’re going to be okay.” Umi said reassuringly from next to Honoka. Having run out of things to throw she’d been forced to duck out of the fight. “I don’t know why they’re here to begin with.” Eli said breathlessly as she joined them. “You need to talk to your sister when we get to them, this is crazy!” “MY sister?!” Honoka exclaimed angrily. “This would never be Yukiho’s idea. I told you, she’s more responsible than that. Maybe you should look at your own sister. It’s obvious she’d try to be like you!” “Honoka.” Umi warned gently, grabbing Honoka’s hand. “It’s nobody’s fault.” “Arisa doesn’t KNOW better!” Eli stepped out from behind the wall, throwing out her hands to send a wall of blue flames toward the oncoming guards. “Yukiho SHOULD!” “Arisa-chan’s no more of a child than Yukiho is!” Honoka growled, seemingly not hearing what Umi was saying. “You act like Yukiho is dragging Arisa-chan out and convincing her to do things but it’s the other way round and you know it! Yukiho can’t resist Arisa-chan. She always ends up following your lead. Your sister has your charm. And she has my sister wrapped around her little finger.” “Hey, hey, HEY!” Umi interrupted loudly before Eli could argue. “Stop it! Just stop it, okay?! You two aren’t meant to be fighting, you’re meant to be leaning on each other. It’s what you do, isn’t it? What good is yelling at each other going to do when you’re both already scared enough?” Both Honoka and Eli looked suitably rebuked but neither of them said anything for a moment until Honoka spoke up. “I-I’m sorry, Eli-senpai…” “Damn it!” Eli hit the wall they were cowering behind with the side of her fist. “I’m sorry too. Let’s just find them, okay?” She turned to Honoka and held out her hand. “Would you mind teleporting me behind those guards? Maybe we can take them by surprise.” “Yeah.” Honoka hesitated for a moment before slipping her hand into Eli’s. “Of course.” She closed her eyes, focusing intently on teleporting herself and Eli behind the guards across the room. She felt the familiar sensation of her surroundings fading out of focus and new surroundings fading in. As soon as Eli felt her feet hit solid ground she threw her hands out, taking the remaining guards down with a wave of fire. “Finally…” “SHINY!” Eli whirled around at the sound of a new voice, throwing her arms out defensively. “No, no, no!” Nico exclaimed quickly, grabbing Mari’s arm to draw her behind her. “Eli, it’s fine. It’s okay. Mari’s...insane but she’s on our side.” She cast a glare over at Mari. “Would you quit it with the English? No wonder everyone tries to kill you.” Mari grinned at the comment. “Maybe I’m just hiding my true feelings. Besides, I like to annoy you, Bella!” “Nico-chan, what happened to you?!” Honoka was suddenly at Nico’s side, engulfing her in a painfully tight embrace. Thankfully it was brief before Honoka pulled away. “You’re...hurt?” “Long story.” Nico winced, leaning heavily on Honoka. “I...they gave me the cure. Took away my ability and now I’m dying.” “Dying?” Eli asked frantically, stepping forward. “No. No, you can’t be! I’m not going to let you die, you can’t!” “I am.” Nico took a deep breath, struggling to stand up straight even with Honoka’s help. She felt Umi grasp her arm too, to help. “I need to get back to Hanayo before it happens. I promised I’d get her out. She doesn’t know. I don’t know if she can walk, she twisted her ankle pretty bad.” “I’ll carry her.” Umi volunteered. “If her ankle’s hurt it’ll be faster anyway. Honoka and...your new friend will help you.” Nico scowled. “If you’re talking about…” “Mari!” Mari announced, perking up at having been addressed. “Oh my god, are you some kind of prince? You look like Kanan!” Umi blinked in confusion. “Prince…? What?” “Umi-chan is my girlfriend.” Honoka said sharply, earning herself surprised looks from both Umi and Eli. “Eh...I’m just saying. Umi-chan’s not...a prince.” “Don’t pay her any attention. She’s weird.” Nico mumbled, nodding toward Mari. “I like her.” Eli announced with a shrug of her shoulders. “Of course you would, she’s a blonde Nozomi!” Nico winced as she shifted. “Mari, please try to act normal. I don’t have the energy to punch you…” “So hot, I like you too!” Mari answered in fluent english. “Ugh, ENOUGH with the English!” Nico groaned. “You remind me even more of Kanan.” Mari smiled flirtatiously over at Eli who blushed and looked away. “D-Don’t speak to Eli-senpai like that, she’s my…” Honoka trailed off, wondering how she could even begin to explain. “My...special person.” Eli beamed at the slip up. “Just hers. In general.” “They’re both yours?!” Mari gasped exaggeratedly. “How scandalous!” “I’m going to kill her.” Nico whimpered, her head falling to Honoka’s shoulder. “I’m seriously going to kill her.” “You were going to say it, weren’t you?” Eli asked, sidling up to Honoka. “I will be if you want me to be, you know…” “E-Eli-sen-” “INTRUDERS, STOP RIGHT THERE!” A male voice rang out around the courtyard. Umi looked up sharply, searching for the source of the noise. A guard turned the corner and she drew her knife from her belt and threw it. It hit the guard square in the chest and he fell to the ground. He was quickly followed by more men though. “Everyone scatter!” TBC.