Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The doors of Hope’s Peak Academy slowly opened, the six survivors of the Killing School Life staring hopefully at the entrance, eager to get their fist look at the outside world.  Their hopeful faces turned to shock as instead of the destroyed, despair-filled world that Junko had shown them during Mukuro’s re-trial, they were greeted with bright, clear blue skies  and green fields as far as the eye could see.

“So…” Hina asked “…Does this mean that Junko was lying?  The world really is peaceful outside?”

Byakuya scoffed “Use your brain, you simpleton.  Hope’s Peak Academy was in a major urban prefecture in Tokyo.  Wherever this is…it’s clearly NOT in Japan.”

Kyoko pondered “Indeed…but…where did Junko take us?  Actually…did she take us here at all?  She seemed pretty adamant during the trial about the state of the world.  I know we could write off her words as a bunch of lies…but transporting the entire campus to a countryside seems too absurd, even for Junko.”

Seeing the others nod in agreement, Makoto suggested “Well, we won’t learn anything by just standing here.  Why don’t we go explore the outside world, whatever it is?  At the very least, it’s not polluted, so we’ll be able to breathe just fine, and it doesn’t look particularly dangerous.”

Kyoko nodded “Indeed, besides, I am a little curious to find answers about our current location and how we got here.  So, shall we go?”

XXX

“Where…where are we?”  Kyoko breathed, baffled as she took in her surroundings.

Rather than a set of actual paved roads with sidewalks, they were walking down a single dirt path, a white and red castle faintly visible in the distance.  Various hillsides were strewn across the landscape, some of them having eyes, much to their shock.  As if that wasn’t enough, they also saw many fantastical creatures as they continued walking. 

Brown walking fungus with eyes walked in a straight line across the dirt path as they made their way to the hill on their right.  Gigantic turtles with green and red shells walked lazily up and down the hill to the group’s left.  To their right, more turtles with wings fluttered above them.  As if that wasn’t enough, what looked like a ball-and-chain with eyes and a mouth with rows of teeth as sharp as Mukuro’s daggers sat attached to a single wooden post to their left.

As they continued walking, everyone had completely shocked expressions on their faces, struck silent by what they were seeing.  Even Kyoko and Byakuya found they had no words to describe the utter confusion on their faces. 

Clearly we’re not anywhere in Tokyo…or anywhere that’s real…

By chance, she turned to face Makoto, who was walking next to her.  Like her, his expression also displayed shock.  Unlike the rest of them, his was a happy shock, a beaming grin on his face as his eyes sparkled, making her raise her brow in curiosity.

“Makoto…why are you smiling?”

Turning to acknowledge her, he ran around in front of them and spread his arms, asking excitedly “Guys, don’t you know where we are?”

As they shook their heads, Makoto pouted and demanded “Oh come on, didn’t any of you play video games when you were kids?!”

“My grandfather didn’t leave me much time for recreation, and he never allowed video games into the house.”

“I had better things to do with my time than spend it in front of a screen playing pointless, mind-numbing entertainment.”

“Why would I play t…trash like th…that?!”

“Umm…I was always busy doing sports with my little brother Yuta, so…”

“Umm…I was always busy developing my fortune-telling skills…”

Makoto fell down dramatically, making the others sweatdrop at his antics before he got up and exclaimed “Oh, come on!  You don’t know what you were missing out on!  Fine, I’ll tell you…”  Makoto took a deep breath before exclaiming “WE’RE IN THE MUSHROOM KINGDOM!  YOU KNOW, SUPER MARIO BROS.?!”

Smirking at Makoto’s enthusiasm, Kyoko deduced “I’m guessing that’s a video game you played when you were a kid.”

Makoto chuckled, scratching his cheek as he answered “Well…it is the most popular video game series in the world…”

“Well…since this is clearly your element…”  Byakuya pointed at Makoto and declared “I am appointing you our tour guide during out stay in this ridiculous world!”

Appointing?!  Makoto, Kyoko, Hina, and Hiro sweatdropped as they thought You don’t even have any money anymore…you can’t appoint anyone to anything…

Kyoko sighed and admitted “He does have a point though…you’re the only one of us who knows this world and how it works, so we’ll need your help if we’re going to make it back home.  So…mind giving us a crash course in this…Mushroom Kingdom…while we walk?”

Makoto grinned, taking his place back at Kyoko’s side as he nodded enthusiastically and replied “O…of course!  I’d be happy to tell you guys what I know.”  As they continued walking, Makoto began “Alright, so those creatures we saw…the walking fungus are called Goombas, the turtles are called Koopa Troopas, the flying turtles are called Paratroopas, and that Ball-and-Chain thing is called a Chain Chomp.  They’re all Bowser’s minions.”

“I see…” Kyoko nodded “And who is this Bowser?”

“He’s a giant turtle with a spiked shell that can breathe fire!  He’s the bad guy in every game that Mario has to defeat.  He always kidnaps the Mushroom Kingdom’s princess, Princess Peach, and Mario has to go and save her.”

“I see…and what kind of ruler is this Princess Peach?”

“Ano…well…she has long blonde hair, she’s tall and wears a pink dress, and she’s very kind and sweet.  There’s not a mean bone in her body!”

“I see…and is that her castle in the distance?”

Nodding, Makoto answered “That’s right; our best bet is to see if we can get an audience and explain our situation.  Maybe she can use her magic to help us get back home!”

Kyoko smirked and asked “Magic, huh?  If she has magic powers on that scale, why does she need to be rescued every game?”

“Um…well…ano…”  That’s a good point, I guess…  His eyes flashing in recollection, Makoto finally answered “It’s possible that after being kidnapped so many times…Princess Peach may have developed…Stockholm Syndrome and just…lets Bowser kidnap her now…” 

Her eyes widening in shock, Kyoko asked “What?  Makoto, what is…Super Mario Bros’s…intended demographic?”

“Well…it’s supposed to be a family friendly game series, so most of them are for kids as young as six.”

“Why…would the developers include a Stockholm Syndrome reference for such a young audience?”

Makoto scratched his cheek and admitted “Well…it’s just a theory I saw on the internet a while back…Nintendo hasn’t said one way or the other that it’s actually true…”

Kyoko closed her eyes in disappointment and sighed “Makoto…I hope you know better than to take everything you read on the internet at face-value.”

Sweatdropping, Makoto thought Geez, Kyoko, did you have to ruin the fun of game theory for me?  Sighing, Makoto mumbled “…Let’s just keep walking…”

XXX

“Man, Hifumi would have a field day if he were here with us…” Makoto commented, back to his excited, chipper state after having a good pout.

Toko’s nose scrunched up as she exclaimed “D…don’t even make me th…think about it.  He’d probably have all sorts of per…perverted delusions about the P…Princess…”

Everyone else shivered at the image, then shook it out of their heads as quickly as they could.

“So uh…” Hiro started “How much farther until we get to see this Princess?  You think she’d be willing to part with some of her treasure?  Then I could…OW!”  Hiro nursed his aching head, wondering “Ow…what did I…AGH!”  He spotted several floating blocks made of bricks, along with one solid brown block, exclaiming in shock “Wh…why are those blocks FLOATING?!”

Byakuya sighed, chastising “Try not to think, you imbecile.  Up until now we’ve seen hills with eyes, walking mushrooms, turtles with wings, and a cross between a ball-and-chain and a dog.  Are we really surprised to see inanimate boxes floating in midair?”

Rubbing his head, Hiro admitted “Oh yeah…you’ve got a…hey, where’d that leaf come from?”

Everyone looked up; sure enough, a golden-brown leaf was floating through the air, fluttering down at a leisurely speed.  Everyone watched, then their eyes widened in shock as it touched the tip of Makoto’s ahoge, causing the both of them to disappear in a cloud of smoke.

“Makoto!”  they all exclaimed in shock, worried about the Luckster that had guided them out of Junko’s trap.

“Uh, guys!”  Makoto called out through the smoke.  “I’m still here…I just can’t see outside of this smoke.”

The others sighed in relief before Kyoko deduced “That leaf must create white smoke upon being touched.  Hopefully it’ll dissipate in a little while…Makoto, how are you feeling?”

“Um…I feel fine…maybe a little tingly, but otherwise pretty normal.”

Tingly?  Kyoko frowned, then opened her mouth to respond, only for all their mouths to gape upon the smoke’s dissipation.

What the…

Makoto’s head cocked to the side as he asked the stunned group “Uhh, guys…what’s wrong?  You look like you’ve seen a ghost…”

It was Kyoko who spoke first, withdrawing a hand mirror from her jacket and holding it in front of him, urging “Makoto…look at your face…”

Makoto frowned, but obeyed, scrutinizing his reflection until his eyes widened at seeing two brown, pointy tanuki ears equidistant from his ahoge.

“What the…how did I get tanuki ears?!”  *Twitch*  “Huh?”

Feeling a strange twitching sensation coming from his rear, he turned ninety degrees and looked behind him.  Everyone’s eyes widened in shock as they saw that Makoto had grown a raccoon Tail, striped in different shades of brown.  Makoto stared curiously as the Tail lightly twitched, his eyes flashing in recognition as his lips stretched into an awe-filled smile.

Oh…oh…I’m…I’m…

“AAAAAHHHHHHHH!”

Startled everyone turned to Hiro, who was shakily pointing his finger at Makoto as he screamed “ALIENS!  ALIENS TOOK MAKOTO AND REPLACED HIM WITH SOME TANUKI MONSTER!”

Kyoko put her mirror back in her jacket as everyone else sighed in exasperation, facepalming as Byakuya chastised “Use your common sense, simpleton.  Makoto wasn’t abducted; that leaf just changed his form and made him half-Tanuki.”

“NO, THAT’S WRONG!”  Makoto declared, explaining as he beamed proudly “Raccoon, not Tanuki!  I’m now Raccoon Makoto!”

Hina, Hiro, Toko, and Byakuya rolled their eyes at Makoto’s enthusiasm.  Kyoko on the other hand had barely been able to process Makoto’s correction as she found herself staring at the transformed Makoto.

Those soft little ears…that big, fluffy Tail…he looks so…  “Cute…”

“Huh?”  Makoto turned to face Kyoko, who was walking towards him as though in a trance, making him frown as he asked “Ano…Kyoko…are you…”

“Cute…so…soo…cute…” Kyoko repeated as she reached out with her left hand, running it through the fur of Makoto’s Tail as she smiled softly.

Kami…she’s…petting my TAIL?!  Seeing it start to wag from side to side in rhythm with Kyoko’s strokes, Makoto felt a soft, pleasant sensation flow into his body from the base of his Tail as he admitted It feels…kind of nice…

Everyone else sweatdropped at the scene in front of them, Hina, Toko, and Hiro snickering as they saw Kyoko fully focused on petting his wagging Tail, repeating “Soo…cute…”, while Makoto purred as he closed his eyes and enjoyed the attention.

Once the snickering had died down, Hina asked “So um…what can you do as…Raccoon…Makoto?”

Opening his eyes, Makoto rattled off energetically “Oh, that’s easy.  I can swing my Tail when I spin to use it as a weapon.  I can also use it as a propeller to slow my fall…and if I can gather enough speed, I can even use it to fly!”

“WHAT?!”  Hiro, Hina, and Toko exclaimed, while Byakuya simply scoffed.

“Please, Makoto, this is no time to be a comedian.  Humans can’t fly, and no cheap Halloween costume can change that.”

Please, Byakuya, don’t ruin it.  Let Makoto have his fun… Kyoko thought as she continued to pet his Tail.

An annoyed, determined look crossed Makoto’s face, a rebellious fire burning in his eyes as he challenged “Oh yeah, well I’ll show you!  I’ll…”  Makoto paused, looking down at Kyoko who was still petting his Tail, and asked “Ano…Kyoko…would you mind letting go of my Tail for now?  I need to show Byakuya that I can fly.”

With great reluctance, Kyoko stopped petting his Tail and let go, stepping back until she was next to Hina, who placed her hand comfortingly on her shoulder and gave the Ultimate Detective a teasing grin.  Kyoko sighed before watching with the others as Makoto ran a few feet away from them and stretched his arms out like an airplane.

“Alright…” Makoto began, bending his knees as he chanted with a fake Italian accent “Let’s…a…GOOO!”

He then sped off like a rocket, dashing as fast as he could for a few feet before bending his knees and jumping into the air.  Unfortunately, his flight didn’t last, as he quickly sank to the ground once his jump reached its peak, belly flopping onto the grassy dirt.

Everyone sweatdropped, Byakuya muttering “I told you so…you can’t fly, Makoto.  So just get over here and let’s continue our way to the castle”

Still defiant, Makoto jumped back up and insisted “No, I can TOO fly!  I’m just not used to the Raccoon Tail yet; all I need is practice!”

“…Imbecile…” Byakuya muttered under his breath as Makoto got back into position, running full speed at a longer distance until he finally leaped up into the sky.

Unfortunately, no matter how many times he tried and no matter how much of a distance he covered, the result was always the same; a faceplant in the dirt and sighs of exasperation from the peanut gallery.  Tears of frustration streamed down his cheeks as he jumped up and down in a temper tantrum, his Tail swinging wildly.

“It’s not fair!  I must have filled my P-Meter to maximum capacity!  So why won’t this stupid Tail work!  Why can’t I fly?!”

Makoto fell on his rear and hugged his legs, burying his head in his knees as he started to cry, his Tail drooping with his mood as he bemoaned his lack of flight.  Byakuya, Hina, Hiro, and Toko sweatdropped at Makoto’s temper tantrum while Kyoko sighed, walking up to him and kneeling at his side.  Taking pity on him, she ran her hand down his Tail, petting it in a gesture of comfort.  Makoto closed his eyes, smiling and purring as he subconsciously leaned his head on her shoulder while his Tail jumped up into Kyoko’s grasp, eager to be petted in his sour mood.

Mmm…that…that feels good…thanks, Kyoko…

Byakuya awkwardly coughed into his fist, causing the two to snap their heads in the former Ultimate Affluent Progeny’s direction as he urged “We’ve wasted enough time tending to your ego, Makoto.  Now come on and let’s hurry to that castle.  The sooner we get there, the sooner we can get home.  Your girlfriend can comfort you on the way.”

Makoto and Kyoko blushed as the others began to walk ahead of them.  Sighing in frustration at having their moment interrupted, Kyoko stood up and offered her hand to him as he wiped the tears off his face with his wrist.

“I hate to admit it, but he’s right; we really should get going.  I can…”  Kyoko blushed redder as she offered “I can…keep petting your Tail as we walk…if you want.”

Matching her blush with one of his own, Makoto admitted as he took her hand and let her pull him into a standing position “I um…I guess…I wouldn’t mind if you…kept…kept petting my Tail…”

With a single nod from Kyoko and a happy wag from his Tail, Makoto walked side by side with Kyoko, her hand eagerly petting his fluffy Tail which practically jumped into her touch, making Makoto purr as they leisurely walked behind the others.

XXX

“Ano…Kyoko…we’re here…you can…let go of my Tail now…”

They both blushed as Kyoko removed her hand from Makoto’s Raccoon Tail, all six of them looking up at a mostly white castle with a red roof.  Kyoko’s gaze centered on the stain glass window of a beautiful, blonde princess.

“I take it that stain glass window is a depiction of Princess Peach?”

Makoto nodded “Yeah, that’s her alright.”

Byakuya spoke next, telling them “Well we’re not going to get an audience just standing here.  Come on, let’s go inside and grace her presence with the magnificence of a Togami.”

“Um…” Hina asked “Shouldn’t Makoto lead us inside?  He is the expert in this world after all.”

Seeing Kyoko and Hiro nod in agreement, Byakuya scoffed “Please, no Princess would take him seriously dressed in some tacky Halloween costume.  It’s best that someone who’s actually dressed like nobility parlay with the royalty of this realm.”

“Th…that’s right…Master’s the op…optimal choice to greet the Pr…Princess…”

“Princess?!  Have you returned?!”

Before an argument could arise, a high-pitched shout interrupted their debate, causing them all to turn towards the front door as they saw a little man half as tall as Makoto run up to them.  As he tripped and fell in front of them, they noticed he was wearing a mushroom-esque cap on his head, with a headlight wrapped around it.  He also wore a khaki explorer’s outfit, red shoes, and a red scarf around his neck, as well as a light brown explorer’s pack on his back.

They all stared down at him curiously as the petit, slightly plump young man got up and smiled bashfully, saluting “Captain Toad at your service, Princess…oh, sorry, thought you were the Princess, sorry about that.”

Captain Toad… Makoto wondered, his eyes shining in realization as he deduced Captain Toad from the Super Mario Galaxy games?!

As Captain Toad let out an embarrassed laugh, the others sweatdropped before Byakuya pushed Makoto forward from behind and decided “I stand corrected.  Makoto, you serve as our negotiator; you’ll fit right in with the other freaks.”

“Hey!  Don’t be mean!”

“Yeah, be nice!”

Kyoko glared at Byakuya, agreeing with Hiro and Hina while Toko muttered a timid agreement with Byakuya.  Makoto sighed and took the last couple of steps on his own, kneeling before Captain Toad and giving a warm smile.

“Hi, Captain Toad, it’s nice to meet you!  My name’s Makoto!”  Makoto gestured behind him introducing “And these are my friends Kyoko, Byakuya, Toko, Hina, and Hiro.”

Captain Toad’s brow furrowed as he remarked “Those are some strange names…”  Captain Toad’s eyes flashed in curiosity as he asked “Oh, are you all from the same world as Mario and Luigi?”

“Well…I don’t know if we’re from the exact same world as them, but we are from a different world.  We were leaving school together when all of a sudden we found ourselves in the Mushroom Kingdom.  We were hoping we could get an audience with the Princess so that maybe she could help us find a way back home.”

Captain Toad shook his head and apologized “Sorry, but the Princess is out exploring Toad Town with Mario.  I thought she had returned early when I heard chatter coming from outside.”  Captain Toad’s eyes suddenly shone in realization as he exclaimed “But I think I know how you all got here!”

REALLY?!  Everyone thought to themselves, shocked that this short little man potentially had the answer for how to get home.

Nodding in response, Captain Toad began “Our Mushroom society is powered by the magical energy of Power Stars, but even among the Power Stars, there’s one in particular that possesses extreme power.  We call it the Magenti-Star, due to its magenta color.  However, its power is as mysterious as it is great; not even our best Toad scientists fully comprehend its power.  We were studying it in the castle when, about an hour or so before you arrived at the castle, it started radiating extreme energy.”

“That must have been when we first stepped outside of Hope’s Peak and into the outside world.  It must have caused us to travel between dimensions and wind up here.”

Toad shrugged at Kyoko’s deduction and admitted “It’s as good a theory as we can come up with.  Anyhow, after it stopped radiating, the Magenti-Star split apart into three pieces and scattered themselves across the Mushroom Kingdom.  One in Grass Land, one in Princess Peach’s own castle, and one under the sea in Water Land.  If you can find them and reassemble them here at the Castle, we can use its power to send you back to your world!”

Byakuya scoffed “Please, Magenti-Star?  Are you plebians seriously buying this?”

“Ma…Master’s right…”  Toko agreed “It’s no different than the ga…garbage that Hi…Hifumi would come up wi…with…”

Before Hina and Hiro could be swayed, Kyoko reminded them “We’ve seen floating bricks, turtles that fly, mushrooms that can walk on their own, and in case you need any more proof…”  She firmly grabbed the midsection of Makoto’s Tail and held it up for all of them to see, Makoto flinching at the brief sensation as she exclaimed “Makoto has a Tail!  Created from a leaf!  With cute little ears to boot!  How is this Magenti-Star any less believable than what we’ve already seen today?”

“I agree with Kyoko!”  Hina declared, admitting “Besides…it’s not like we have any other options.”

“Damn straight, count me in!”  Hiro concurred.

“Do you n…not have a m…mind of your own?!”  Toko stuttered, pointing at Hiro.

“Of course I do!  What am I, an ant or something?!”

“Toko, enough…” Byakuya ordered, making Toko clam up before he sighed “Very well, I’ll play along with this little game.  Besides…”  Byakuya smirked as he admitted “It’s not every day that you get to partake in such a high stakes activity!  Do we collect the pieces and get back home?  Or are we forced to stay here for the rest of our lives?”

Everyone else shivered, reminded of his argument with everyone, sans Sayaka, Mukuro, and Leon, back in the library when he expressed excitement at taking part in the Killing Game.

Finally standing up after Kyoko let go of his Tail, Makoto asked everyone “So, are we all in agreement?  We’re going to look for the Magenti-Star pieces together?”

Seeing the others nod in agreement, Captain Toad took off his backpack and sifted through its contents, pulling out three identical scrolls and handing them to the group as he explained “If you’re going after those Magenti-Star pieces, you’ll need a map so you don’t get lost.  We managed to track down the general location of each Magenti-Star Piece and mark them on your maps.  Fortunately, there are Warp Pipes that will take you to the respective locations nearby.”

Kyoko, Byakuya, and Hina nodded as they accepted and opened their maps, noting the three magenta star marks and two green pipe symbols in their general directions.

Curling up her map and putting it in her jacket, Kyoko suggested “We should split up into pairs to cover more ground.  Makoto, you and I will go after the Magenti-Star Piece in Grass Land.”

Before he could even nod in agreement, Kyoko grabbed the midsection of his Tail with her hand and dragged him away in the direction of the Grass Land Warp Pipe.

“Ow!  Kyoko, that’s my Tail!  You’re pulling on my Tail!”

Kyoko either didn’t hear him or ignored his objections as she continued to drag him away and out of view, the others sweatdropping before Hina asked with a teasing tone in her voice “She just wants to have some alone time with Makoto, right?”  Seeing the others nod silently, Hina grinned and finished “Good, glad it’s not just me thinking that.”  Becoming serious, Hina asked “So…I think I’ll head for the Magenti-Star piece in Water Land…with my Ultimate Swimming Pro talent, it should be a breeze.  Who wants to join my team?”

Byakuya scoffed “And get my suit wet?  No thank you; I have no desire to go on a swim with you.”  Looking at his map, Byakuya smirked and decided “I think I’ll head inside the castle; the home of the Mushroom Kingdom’s monarch is the perfect place for a Togami to begin his search.”  He then pointed to Captain Toad and ordered “You.  Open the doors for me so that I may enter the premises and begin my search.”

Strapping the backpack back on his back, Captain Toad answered “R…Right away…” as he hurriedly opened the brown door so that Byakuya could strut inside.

“W…wait for me, Ma…Master!”  Toko cried out, pulling on her twin braids as she ran after him, Captain Toad closing the door behind them.

That left Hina, Hiro, and Captain Toad standing outside the castle entrance alone.

“Great, I was hoping I could at least get Byakuya…” Hina muttered before calling “Alright Hiro, you’re with me.  Come on and let’s get this adventure over with…unless you want to stay here…”

A nervous expression on his face, Hiro nodded “Yeah…I’d rather not chance running into any sharks, or piranhas, or whatever crazy sea creatures this Mushroom Kingdom has…”

“Oh, by the way Hina…”  Hina turned to Captain Toad who explained “While you’re out there, I’d recommend keeping an eye out for the Jolly Roger ship lying at the bottom of the sea in Water Land.  Rumors say that there’s a lot of gold coins lying in that ship.”

Hiro perked up at the news, uttering “Gold…Coins?  Awesome!  I can pay off my debts with all those Gold Coins!  Let’s go, Hina!  To find Gold Coins!”

“…We’re supposed to find the Magenti-Star Piece so we can get home…” Hina sighed, then caved “…Fine, we can look for the Jolly Roger while we’re searching, but I’m not risking my life so you can pay off your debts.”

“YEAH!”  Hiro whooped, giggling as he giddily followed Hina, who sighed in annoyance.

Why do I get stuck with the greedy, cowardly one who attacked Sakura… Hina moaned to herself as she made her way to Water Land’s Warp Pipe, depressed and annoyed that she was probably going to have to bail Hiro out of trouble.  Way to take the fun out of a trip to a freaking WATER LAND!

Captain Toad watched them leave, now alone in front of the castle as he thought Good Luck, all of you…we’re counting on you to bring back the Magenti-Star!

Chapter Text

Makoto leapt out of the warp pipe, his hand gripping Kyoko’s as he pulled her out with him.  Once they landed on the ground, Makoto let go of her hand, using his to caress and soothe his aching tail.  Kyoko’s eyes lowered in guilt at how hard she tugged him on their way to the warp pipe.

“…My apologies, Makoto…I was careless; I shouldn’t have tugged your tail so hard…”

Turning to her he waved his hands in front of her and hastily tried to assure her “Oh no, no, don’t worry about it…it’s better now, really…so don’t worry about it.”

Slightly comforted by Makoto’s assurances that he wasn’t hurt, Kyoko nodded “If you say so…so, any idea where we are now, Mr. Expert?”

Makoto blushed at her wink before coughing into his fist and answering “Well…I won’t be able to say for sure until we start to look around.”

“Agreed.”  Kyoko nodded “So, shall we go?”

XXX

“Wow…” Makoto beamed in awe, grinning from ear to ear as they took in the lush green, grassy fields, and clear, sunny blue skies.  A few Goombas walked back and forth in straight lines, as well as a Koopa Troopa or two.

“You look like a little boy in a candy store.”  Kyoko chuckled at Makoto’s joyful expression, admitting to herself After he helped investigate those gruesome murder scenes with me, defeated the Ultimate Despair and gave us all hope when all seemed lost…he deserves to be happy…

Makoto turned to her, his tail wagging as he exclaimed “Of course I’m happy!  I never thought I’d end up in Bob-omb Battlefield!”

“Bob-omb…Battlefield?”  Kyoko asked, her expression suddenly serious as she realized that this area wasn’t as peaceful as its surroundings had led her to believe.  Although as far as battlefields go…this one is definitely the most peaceful one I’ve ever seen…

Makoto nodded “Yeah; it’s the first area a player can access in Super Mario 64.  It’s a good area for new players to get their feet wet, so I don’t think we’ll be in any real danger as long as we keep our wits about us.”

Kyoko nodded “I see…and why is it called Bob-omb Battlefield?”

“Because of them…” Makoto answered as he pointed ahead of them while they walked, causing Kyoko’s eyes to widen as she observed what her Ultimate Hope was pointing to.

“Are those…walking…bombs?”  Kyoko asked as she saw a disorganized group of walking, black bombs with eyes walking in circles.

“Yeah; they’re called Bob-ombs.  There are two types; black and pink.  The pink ones are good and won’t attack anyone, so we shouldn’t have to worry about them.  The black ones however are hostile and will chase after us and light their fuses if they see us.”

Kyoko nodded “I see…and how dangerous are the black Bob-ombs.”

“Well…do you remember the day we first woke up during Junko’s Killing Game and Mondo tried to rip Monokuma apart?”

Kyoko nodded “…Yes…I also remember that I had to tell Mondo to throw it because it was…about to detonate…”  Kyoko’s eyes widened as she realized “Wait, so these Bob-ombs are as powerful as the bombs in Monokuma?”

“Well…in the actual Super Mario 64, being in the blast radius wouldn’t instantly make Mario lose a life…but I’m not exactly in a hurry to test it.”  Reaching up to touch his Raccoon Ears and turning to look at his Raccoon Tail, Makoto admitted “Besides, if I get hit by an enemy’s attack, I’ll lose my Raccoon powers.”

“I see…yes, we don’t want to chance your life against a Bob-omb’s explosion.”  And you’re too cute in those Tanuki Ears and Raccoon Tail for me to want to give that up unless it’s absolutely necessary!  Keeping that last thought to herself, Kyoko suggested “In that case, we should keep a healthy distance from those Bob-ombs and run if they get too close.”

Makoto nodded “Yeah, good idea.  Thankfully it takes a while after they light their fuse for one to explode, and simply touching one doesn’t hurt, so if one does get too close we can just pick it up and throw it a safe distance away.”

“I see…” that information may come in handy if we’re in a pinch…Kyoko thought, filing the thought away for later.  “So…shall we continue looking for this Magenti-Star Piece?”

XXX

“Oh look!  A pond!”  Makoto pointed at a small freshwater pond and exclaimed “All this walking around has made me thirsty!  Come on, let’s go!”

“Makoto, wait up!”  Kyoko sweatdropped as Makoto raced off, his spinning tail accelerating his speed as a dust cloud was left in his wake.  Kyoko sighed, smiling in amusement as she admitted “I suppose I am feeling a little parched too…” before jogging to catch up to him.

By the time she caught up to him, he was on his knees, splashing his face with water as he gulped some down his throat.  Makoto laid back, sighing in relief while Kyoko walked up to him, smiling at his peaceful expression.

“I take it your thirst has been quenched?”  She asked teasingly as she laid down next to him, allowing herself to relax and just enjoy the moment since no enemies were in immediate range.

Makoto purred as she softly stroked his tail, which hung out from the side as he nodded “You bet!  I haven’t had anything to eat or drink since the morning of Mukuro’s trial!”

Kyoko frowned, biting her lip in guilt at the mention of the trial where she threw Makoto under the bus to save her own life as she swore I’ll never do that to you ever again! as she clenched her fist.  Before Makoto could notice, she unclenched her fist and regained her stoic mask as she remarked “I can imagine…you must be hungry.” 

At that moment, Kyoko’s stomach growled, making her blush as Makoto turned his head to look at her with a teasing grin and remark “Seems like you’re hungrier than I am right now.  I’m not surprised; you did spend longer without food than any of us.”

Willing her blush away, Kyoko sat up, deciding “In any case, there’s no question that we both need food.  Stay here, I’ll investigate the immediate area for anything we can use as nourishment.”

Makoto sat up, watching as the now standing Kyoko began to investigate the surrounding grassy area, the Ultimate Detective making sure not to venture too far from their little oasis.

“Hm?”  Kyoko’s brow furrowed as she called over “Makoto, come here and look at this.”

“What is it?”  Makoto asked as he stood up and walked over to where she was standing.  Makoto kneeled down with Kyoko, his brow furrowed as he asked “Is that…a stem?”

Kyoko nodded, observing the long, thin leaves that stuck out of the green center as she remarked “Yes…it looks like a carrot stem.  Normally I’d be hesitant about consuming random plants, especially considering what that leaf gave you.”  Kyoko glanced at his Tanuki Ears and Raccoon Tail before admitting “However, carrots are perfectly okay to digest raw, and we both need to eat, so it should be okay.”

Makoto reluctantly nodded, trusting her judgment.  As she secured her grip around the stem, Makoto began to ponder, memories of his childhood flooding his mind.

Carrot…carrot…that sounds familiar…but where…  Makoto’s eyes widened as one specific memory from his childhood hit him like a brick wall; he tried to shout “Kyoko, wait…”

“What?  What is it, Makoto?”  Kyoko asked, confused as she pulled the stem out from the ground.

…Too late… Makoto thought as Kyoko glanced at the item in her hand; a carrot in every conceivable way, except like the hills they saw during their walk to Princess Peach’s castle, this vegetable had two black eyes that stared back at her.

“Does all vegetation here have eyes?  And what purpose do they serve?” Kyoko asked, genuinely curious.  Before Makoto could answer, the carrot vanished in a puff of smoke, making the even more confused Detective exclaim “Nani?!”

“Kyoko…are you okay?”  Makoto asked as she held her forehead in her palm, groaning.

“I…I don’t know…my head feels…heavier for some reason…”  Hearing Makoto gasp, she asked “Makoto…what is it?”

Makoto beamed, pointing at her excitedly.  Kyoko’s brow furrowed, confused and slightly bashful now that she was the center of attention.

“Makoto…what are you so excited about?”

Makoto grinned as he exclaimed “You have BUNNY EARS on your head!  That carrot was an old power-up and gave you BUNNY POWERS!”

Sweatdropping at the sheer absurdity of Makoto’s claim, Kyoko passed it off as a joke, chuckling “Very funny, Makoto.  It’s impossible, I can’t have…”  Kyoko trailed off, raising her hands to her head, frowning as she felt two soft and velvety appendages sticking out of the top of her head.  “…Bunny Ears…What’s…what’s going on?!”

Panicking, she stood up and ran back to the pond, Makoto in hot pursuit as she looked into the pond’s surface, her reflection staring back at her and revealing two white, fuzzy bunny ears with soft pink skin inside, standing diagonally from the sides of her head.

“EEK!”  Kyoko couldn’t help but yelp, reflexively jumping into the air, Makoto staring in awe as she practically flew in shock.

“Kyoko!  You’re flying!”

“Huh?” 

Looking down after Makoto’s giddy exclamation, she saw that she had indeed yet to return to the ground, her bunny ears flapping to keep her afloat.

What the…how did I jump so high?!  Is this a function of the Bunny Power-up?!  Wait, if I’m still up here, then that means…Makoto can see…EEEEEK! 

Keeping her embarrassed yelp to herself, she couldn’t prevent the pink blush that filled her cheeks as she tugged the hem of her skirt, hoping that her futile effort could at least prevent Makoto from seeing her panties.

Makoto ran up to almost just below her, making Kyoko clutch her skirt tighter as he exclaimed “Kyoko, you’ve already mastered your power-up!  You’re amazing!”  The Raccoon boy then pouted, muttering “I wish my stupid power-up would work…”

This is anything BUT amazing, Makoto!  I can’t even get on the ground, and if you step under my shadow, you can see my panties!  Hiding her true panic, Kyoko called from the sky “…Makoto, I see that you’re having fun, but I need you to tell me how to get down!”

“A…alright, Kyoko, let me think…” Makoto replied, toning down his excitement as he copied Kyoko’s thinking pose.  Now let’s see…how did Mario get down?  How to get down…how to get down…

Some of her panic bled through her voice as she urged “Sometime today would be nice, Makoto…”

“I’m trying, I’m trying!”  Makoto exclaimed, holding his head as he tried to think.  Let’s see, this started when Kyoko jumped in the air…wait…jump…jump…I’ve got it!  His eyes flashing in remembrance, Makoto yelled “Kyoko, I think I’ve figured it out!  I think you’re subconsciously still jumping in shock.  That power-up works by repeatedly mashing the jump button, so you need to relax and not think about jumping.  Once you do, your ears will stop flapping and you’ll fall like normal.”

Kyoko nodded, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, thinking Okay…stop jumping…stop jumping…stop jumping…

When she opened her eyes, she saw that the flapping of her Bunny Ears had slowed, allowing her to fall in a glide.  Kyoko sighed in relief, releasing her grip on her skirt and smiling as her boots finally touched the ground.

“A…are you okay, Kyoko?”  Makoto asked, worried as he ran up to her.

Kyoko nodded “Yes, I am.  Thank you for your assistance Makoto.”  Makoto frowned as Kyoko’s expression turned serious and she asked reluctantly “Makoto…did you see…”  Kyoko’s cheeks dusted pink as she finished “…them?”

Grinning, Makoto nodded, causing Kyoko to blush as red as a cherry as he confirmed “You bet I saw them!” 

…I was afraid of that…he DID see my panties!  Did he…did he like them, or…

Before Kyoko could say anything, Makoto continued with an excited gleam in his eyes “They were amazing!  I never got to see them in action, not even when I would play Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins on my Game Boy!”

…What?!  Confused, Kyoko asked “Makoto…what are you…”

“I’m talking about your Bunny Ears of course!  You were amazing, using them to fly and…”  Makoto’s cheeks flushed pink, the boy scratching his cheek as he bashfully admitted “You looked…really cute…in those Bunny Ears…”

Embarrassed by the compliment, Kyoko replied “…Oh…so…you didn’t see…”  Kyoko’s cheeks turned red again as she finished “…anything else?”

Makoto looked at her, confused as he shook his head “…No…I was just focused on you and your awesome Bunny Ears…”  Makoto frowned as he asked hesitantly “…Should I have been focusing on…something else?”

Kyoko’s blush dissipated before she turned her back to him, pouting as she thought I can’t believe he was so focused on my Bunny Ears that he didn’t take the opportunity to peek at my underwear like any normal teenage boy would!  “…I wouldn’t have minded if you looked at my panties…” Kyoko mumbled under her breath.

Makoto’s Tanuki Ears twitched, the furry appendages increasing his hearing and allowing him to just barely pick up Kyoko’s mumbling.  Makoto’s cheeks flushed pink as he tried to process what she just said.

…Huh?  D…did she…actually say that?!  Flashing back to the time at Hope’s Peak Academy where he caved to his hormones and peeped on her and the other girls bathing, Makoto’s cheeks flushed pink as he asked “Ano…what was that last part again…?”

He…he heard me?!  Turning around she saw his Tanuki Ears twitch and realized …Of course, those cute fuzzy Tanuki Ears must increase his hearing…those cute fuzzy ears and that soft, furry tail…and that totally dense, confused look on his face…they all make him look so cute!

“Ano…Kyoko…?”

Shaking her head, Kyoko admonished herself Get it together, Kyoko!  You’re here on a mission, and you’ve wasted enough time with this Bunny power-up fiasco, so get serious!  You can ogle at how cute Makoto looks as a Raccoon Boy later!  Coughing awkwardly into her fist, Kyoko regained her stoic mask and dismissed “…Forget I said anything…we need to look for the Magenti-Star Piece.  Once we find it, we can rendezvous at Princess Peach’s Castle and grab some food.”

Makoto nodded, thinking …Maybe my hunger was making me hear things…and Kyoko’s right, we have to find that Magenti-Star Piece…

“Huh?”  Makoto wondered aloud as his Tanuki ears twitched, making him turn and stare off in the distance.

“Makoto?”  Kyoko asked, only for the Raccoon boy to stand still, as if he hadn’t heard her.  What could have caught his attention?  She wondered as she walked around to look at his face, her eyes widening as she saw him completely enraged, his normally docile green eyes burning with fury.  I’ve never seen him this enraged since the Class Trial where we defeated Junko…what could have made him so angry?

Kyoko turned to look in the direction where Makoto was glaring, only to raise an eyebrow in light shock as she saw what appeared to be a Koopa Troopa with glasses riding a cloud.

“…What…?”  Kyoko uttered, trying to keep her voice normal and her panic down despite the fact that this, like nearly everything else she had seen today in this Mushroom Kingdom, defied all logic she had been taught as a Detective.  “Makoto…what is that thing…and why is it making you so angry?”  I don’t like that angry expression when it’s just the two of us…I prefer the sweet, kind, happy, adorable Makoto that fills me with hope!

At last Makoto spoke, informing her with clenched teeth “That…monster…is Lakitu of the Lakitu Bros.”  Clenching his left fist while pointing at the Lakitu, Makoto continued to rant “And that Lakitu has caused me to die SO many times because of its cruel camera shots!”

Kyoko simply stared at Makoto, his explanation going totally over her head as she could only utter while sweatdropping “…You’re making this up…”

Makoto shook his head and replied “I wish I was, but I’ll forever curse the day that I plugged Super Mario 64 in my Nintendo 64 as a kid…because that Lakitu and his stupid camera was the true villain all along!  I swear, Kyoko…all the lives I lost in Tick Tock Clock and Rainbow Ride…that monster cheated me out of so many Power Stars…SO MANY Game Over screens…”

Makoto shuddered at the memory, while Kyoko realized Ah, I should have guessed it had to do with one of his video games…  Kyoko’s gaze shifted from Makoto to the Lakitu as she sighed “If you say so…you are the expert in all things Super Mario here…” 

Kyoko’s eyes suddenly narrowed on the Lakitu as she saw a jagged, magenta colored fragment clutched in the Lakitu’s hands.

“Makoto…that Lakitu has the Magenti-Star Piece we’ve been looking for.”

“What?!” 

Looking in the direction of her pointed finger and spotting the same fragment that she did, Makoto’s lips stretched into a Cheshire cat grin, unsettling Kyoko as he clenched his right fist and pounded it into his left palm.

“Alright, I’ve waited years to get my revenge!”

Kyoko frowned as she asked “Makoto…what are you…”

Before she could finish, Makoto ran off, a dust cloud left in his wake as he sped off into the distance.

“Makoto!”  Kyoko sighed “That boy’s going to get himself in trouble going off half-cocked like that.  I’d better go after him…”

XXX

Kyoko panted, finally caught up with the now crouching Makoto as she asked “Makoto…slow down…we need…a plan…of attack…”

Makoto flashed her a smirk and retorted “I have a plan: attack!  And this hill is gonna be my ticket to getting my revenge on that stupid Lakitu once and for all!”

The…hill? 

Taking a closer look, she saw that Makoto was crouching just behind the hill, the Lakitu’s back turned to him as Makoto peeked just over the hill’s peak.

Kyoko’s eyes widened in realization as the deduced I see…he’s going to use that hill as cover for a sneak attack!  Kyoko smiled and thought I’ve gotta admit…that’s a pretty sound strategy…

Her smile disappeared however as Makoto leapt from the top of the hill, yelling “SURPRISE, MOTHER-HUMPER!”

Kyoko face-palmed and groaned “Makoto…announcing yourself defeats the purpose of a sneak attack.  This isn’t an anime, you goof!”

Just as the Lakitu turned to face Makoto, the Raccoon Boy spun his waist in an effort to smack it with his tail, only for the Lakitu to predictably move its cloud to the right, just out of reach of Makoto’s tail.

Makoto’s eyes widened in shock as he thought What?!  I missed?!  Oh no, I’m gonna fall!  “AAAHHHHHHH!”  Makoto yelled, waving his arms and legs wildly in the air as the Lakitu giggled while the slightest bit of fear pooled in Kyoko’s eyes.

“Makoto!”  Kyoko exclaimed, about to run and jump after him to try and catch him in midair with her Bunny powers, only to freeze in place when a long, pink tongue burst out of nowhere.  Huh?

They watched as the tongue wrapped around Makoto’s ankle, suspending him upside-down in mid-air as the gravity caused his hoodie and T-shirt to fall and cover his face, exposing his belly.

Kyoko sighed in relief, watching as Makoto started to squirm before she muttered “What a relief…but what grabbed him in the first place?”

Makoto finally grabbed the hem of his shirt and hoodie and pulled it back to obscure his belly so he could see.  Makoto and Kyoko’s eyes gazed in the direction of the tongue that had grabbed him, spotting a cheerful, green dinosaur with a white belly, big cartoonish eyes, round bulbous snout, short tail, red curved spines and soft saddle, short thin arms, and light brown boots on an adjacent hill.

Makoto gasped, beaming in awe as the dinosaur waved at him and retracted its tongue, slowly pulling Makoto over to it before gently setting Makoto down on his back, finally retracting the tip of its tongue into its jaws.  Seeing that Makoto was safe and that this strange dinosaur wasn’t going to harm Makoto, Kyoko jogged over to them.

“Makoto…what is that…dinosaur?”  Kyoko asked as she helped him to stand up.

Makoto grinned as he exclaimed “Are you kidding?!  This is YOSHI!  Oh Kami, I can’t believe I’m meeting Yoshi in person!”

“YOSHI!”  Yoshi spoke.

“…Is that all Yoshi can say?”  Kyoko asked.  “If so, it’ll make communication difficult.”

Makoto sweatdropped and answered “…Well, he is a dinosaur after all, but he can still understand us.  Even if he can’t speak human language, it’s still amazing that we get to meet a real live Yoshi!”  Hopping up and down as his eyes twinkled with childlike glee, Makoto asked “Can I hug you, Yoshi?”

…We’re in the middle of a battle and you want to hug a fictional dinosaur?  Priorities, Makoto…

To her chagrin though, Yoshi opened his arms wide, making Makoto grin with glee as he launched himself forward, wrapping his arms around Yoshi in a death grip, while Yoshi returned the gesture with a much gentler grip.

Kyoko sweatdropped before she pouted, grumbling to herself …Why don’t you ever give ME that kind of excited affection?!

Kyoko couldn’t help but smile however as Makoto nuzzled Yoshi’s neck with his nose, exclaiming “This is a dream come true!  I’ve always dreamed of hugging a Yoshi, ever since I was a little kid and I played Super Mario World!”

…It does look pretty cute, but we do have a job to do…  Kyoko coughed awkwardly into her fist, getting both of their attentions as she pointed out “As cute as it is to watch your dream of hugging a dinosaur unfold…we still have a Lakitu to defeat and a Magenti-Star Piece to confiscate.”, pointing out the sole Lakitu hovering in the distance.

“Oh, right…”  At last letting go of Yoshi and reluctantly stepping out of the hug, Makoto asked “Yoshi, would you mind giving us a hand?  We could really use the help to take down that annoying Lakitu.”

“YOSHI!”  Yoshi exclaimed, flicking his tail up in a silent gesture.

Understanding what Yoshi was trying to say, Makoto grinned as he carefully climbed up on Yoshi’s saddle, muttering “Oh boy oh boy oh boy…I’m riding a Yoshi!  I can’t believe I’m gonna ride into battle on a Yoshi!  Oh, if only Komaru could see me now…she’d be SO jealous!”

As Yoshi trotted off with Makoto in tow, Kyoko sweatdropped, sighing as she held her hand to the top of her head “…He is such a little boy sometimes…what do I see in him anyway…except for his happy smile that I never got to see as a little girl…and the way he fills my heart with hope even when I’m about to be swallowed by the depths of despair…”

Kyoko smiled as she shook the thought from her head before racing to catch up to them.  She stopped in her tracks as she saw a group of Bob-ombs walking nearby.

Better make sure to avoid them…don’t want to chance getting too close and having to throw them away…wait…  Kyoko’s eyes widened in realization as she realized Throw them…before they…explode…

The cogs in her brain started to turn, the Ultimate Detective’s lips curling into a victorious smirk as she came up with a plan.

Yes…it’s a little risky, but this might actually work… She mused, looking up at the Bunny Ears on her head.  And with the advantage of these Bunny Ears, I might just have the element of surprise on my side!

XXX

“Quick!  Spray that way, Yoshi!”

Nodding, Yoshi opened his jaws and sprayed bright, green juice in Lakitu’s direction, only for Lakitu to moveout of the green dinosaur’s aim.  They had been going at it for the past ten minutes; Makoto would come up with a strategy, first it was trying to gobble up Lakitu, then it was Flutter-Jumping onto Lakitu, they even tried having Yoshi spit juice at Lakitu.  But for all their efforts, all they got was Lakitu’s tongue sticking out at them, causing a vein to bulge in Makoto’s forehead as he grit his teeth.

Makoto took a deep breath, telling himself Breathe, Makoto…just…breathe…  Now calm, Makoto closed his eyes and thought Now let’s see…Kyoko was right; we need to take him by surprise, but he’s already dodged every one of Yoshi’s tricks…  Makoto’s eyes opened in realization as he deduced Wait…he’s seen my tricks…and Yoshi’s tricks…but not OUR tricks!  I’ve got it!  Patting the side of Yoshi’s snout, Makoto asked “Hey Yoshi, think you can launch me above him?”

“YOSHI!”  Yoshi exclaimed, a determined gleam in his eyes as he nodded, making Makoto grin before Yoshi bucked him off his saddle, launching Makoto straight at Lakitu like a speeding bullet.  Lakitu grew wide-eyed, beginning to panic.

“Yeah, that’s right…it’s payback time for all those Game Overs, Lakitu!  Let’s see you dodge a speeding Raccoon!  BANZAI!”

At the last second, Lakitu smiled and jumped out of his cloud, just in time to miss Makoto, landing safely in the soft nimbus as Makoto panicked, flailing for dear life as he closed his eyes, bracing for impact.

“NO!  I ALMOST HAD HIM!  I’M GONNA FALL!  YOSHI, HELP…Huh?” 

Makoto opened his eyes, staring down as he saw his Raccoon Tail spinning below him like a propeller, slowing his impact enough for him to land safely on his feet.

“Oh yeah…I can slow my fall with my Tail…”  Makoto smacked his forehead with his palm as he groaned “Oi!  I can’t believe I forgot I could do that!  I was so bummed out that I couldn’t fly that I never gave any thought to slowing my fall!”

“YOSHI!”

Makoto turned to see Yoshi trotting up to him with a worried gleam in his eyes, causing Makoto to pet Yoshi’s head and assure him “Don’t worry  Yoshi, I’m okay…though I’ve officially run out of ideas…”

Makoto and Yoshi watched as Lakitu hovered over them, laughing at their harebrained plans to take the Magenti-Star Piece from them, holding it up and pointing at it in an attempt to gloat.

Clenching his fist, Makoto yelled “YOU’LL PAY FOR THIS, LAKITU!  I SWEAR I’LL FIND A WAY TO BEAT YOU AND GET MY REVENGE FOR HOW YOU HUMILIATED ME!  JUST YOU…Huh?!”

*BOOM*

“A Bob-omb?”

As Lakitu shrieked and hung onto his cloud for dear life with his free hand, Makoto heard a feminine voice call out “Need a hand?”

Looking above him, Makoto beamed at the sight of Bunny Kyoko hovering above them, a lit Bob-omb in her hand as she smirked in victory while her Bunny Ears flapped.

“KYOKO!”

Seeing Lakitu start to panic, Kyoko threw her last Bob-omb at the struggling Koopa, the black sentient explosive combusting just as it landed on Lakitu’s cloud.  Lakitu shrieked as the shockwave caused by the explosion dislodged it from its cloud, sending it flying up into the sky.  Makoto and Yoshi watched as the Lakitu disappeared behind another hill, a faint crashing sound making Makoto’s Tanuki Ears twitch as it crashed.  Makoto ran up to Kyoko as she leisurely glided down to the ground, her Bunny Ears slowing down their flapping until at last her boots touched the grass.

“Kyoko, that was amazing!  I never would have thought to use the Bob-ombs as a weapon against Lakitu like that!  Not to mention using your Bunny power-up to get a height advantage!  And the look on his face when that last Bob-omb sent him flying?  Priceless!  Seriously, you’re so amazing, Kyoko!”

Seeing Makoto hop up and down with excited glee as he praised her while Yoshi trotted over to them, Kyoko blushed as she stuttered “Th…thank you…it was nothing…I just used the element of surprise, was all…” 

Kyoko’s embarrassed, happy mood was interrupted as Yoshi walked up to her and licked her face with his long tongue, making her scrunch her face in disgust.

Wiping Yoshi’s saliva off of her face, she groaned “Gross!  My face is covered in dino-slobber!”

Makoto laughed at the scene, making Kyoko pout before he explained with a giggle in his voice “He’s just saying he likes you and wants to congratulate you on your strategy, Kyoko.”

Seeing Yoshi’s puppy…or rather, dinosaur eyes, Kyoko sighed and let it slide, urging “Let’s…go chase after Lakitu…we still have to get the Magenti-Star Piece…”

XXX

“Alright, just a little further and we’ll finally be able to finish Lakitu off and get that Magenti-Star Piece!”

A second later, Makoto’s brow furrowed, the boy suddenly mimicking Kyoko’s contemplative pose as they approached the hill where the Lakitu had fallen.

Surprised, and somewhat worried by Makoto’s change in mood, she asked “ano…what’s the matter, Makoto?  Your excitement just went up and walked away…”

Makoto hummed, musing “I…I remember there was something scary around here when I played this area in Super Mario 64, but I’m having trouble remembering exactly what it was…”

Nodding, Kyoko mused “I see…well even if you can’t remember the name…can you remember some details about its general appearance?”

“…Well, I remember something big…with razor sharp teeth…”

*BARK BARK*

The trio suddenly came face to face with a giant Chain Chomp, gnashing its jaws at the trio.

“AAAHHH!  CHAIN-CHOMP!”

“YOOOSHHHIII!”

Makoto and Yoshi had screamed in terror, both of them jumping into Kyoko’s arms for protection.  All three of them closed their eyes, Kyoko’s grip on Makoto tightening in preparation for the end, only for her to open her eyes after a few seconds to see the Chain Chomp stuck chomping air as it tried to struggle in vain against its six foot chain.

“…Is it normal for a Chain Chomp to just keep trying to attack if its prey is more than six feet away?”  Seeing them both nod, Kyoko sighed and dropped the two boys on the ground, ignoring their groans of pain as she pinched the bridge of her nose, thinking You could have warned us we had no reason to fear being eaten….

Adjusting her gaze to the obstacle in front of them, her eyes narrowed at seeing the Lakitu stand behind and to the side of the Chain Chomp, laughing at them and holding up the Magenti-Star Piece as it gloated at their misfortune.

…Now I see why Makoto was so annoyed with that thing…if only there was a way to get past that Chain Chomp…wait…  Kyoko’s eyes widened in realization as she looked down at her boots, then to the Chain Chomp as she exclaimed to herself That’s it; I can use the Chain Chomp!

“Kyoko, what are you doing?!  That thing’s gonna eat you if you get too close!”  Makoto yelled as she calmly walked up to the ravenous Chain Chomp.

“YOSHI!”  Yoshi exclaimed in agreement as the two bit their fingers in nervous fear as the Chain Chomp stored up energy in preparation for its next charge.

*BARK BARK*

*BAM*

Makoto and Yoshi’s fearful faces turned into awe-filled grins as Kyoko wound her left leg back, letting it fly just in time to connect a roundhouse kick to the side of the Chain Chomp’s body.

*ARF*

With a cry, the Chain Chomp flew backwards, its chain snapping as it flew into the shocked Lakitu, flattening it into a pancake before rolling down the hill and out of view.  Kyoko smirked as she walked up to the now two-dimensional Lakitu, Makoto and Yoshi following close behind her as they watched it flutter off the side of the hill and onto the ground before vanishing in a puff of smoke.

…Interesting…when creatures die in this Mushroom Kingdom, their bodies vanish in a puff of smoke, just like Makoto’s Leaf and my Carrot…  Kyoko shrugged and admitted …Well, that doesn’t really matter.  Now let’s find…  ”Oh?”

Kyoko watched as the Magenti-Star Piece, which had been separated from Lakitu’s grasp when it got bowled over by the Chain Chomp Kyoko had kicked.  Staring at it for a second, she quietly pocketed it in her jacket before turning to see Makoto and Yoshi clapping thunderously at her accomplishment.  Once they were done applauding, Makoto ran up to her and embraced her in a vice, his tail wagging in excitement at what he had just seen.

“Kyoko, that was so amazing!  The way you roundhouse kicked that Chain Chomp and used it to turn that Lakitu into a pancake?!  He never even saw it coming!  I’m SO SO SO PROUD of you, Kyoko!”

Makoto…he’s…hugging me?  He’s proud of me?!  Blushing, Kyoko closed her eyes and smiled, returning the embrace as she told him “It…it was nothing…”  Hesitant to end the moment, the objective part of Kyoko’s mind won out, making her reluctantly release him and, with her cheeks still pink, she suggested “…Well, we have the Magenti-Star Piece now…what do you say we head back to Princess Peach’s Castle to rendezvous with Captain Toad and the others?”

Makoto nodded before turning to face Yoshi, wrapping his arms around the green Dinosaur in a hug and thanking “Thanks a lot, Yoshi!  We couldn’t have done it without you!”

“YOSHI!”  Yoshi cheered, reciprocating the hug and making Kyoko smile at the cute scene.

Once they separated, Makoto ran over to Kyoko, nudging her from behind as he urged with a smile “Go on, you give him a hug too!”

Seeing Yoshi open his arms welcomingly to her, Kyoko tried to decline “Oh, I’m uh…not much of a spontaneous hugger…”

“Come on, Kyoko, he helped us out with Lakitu.  Give him a hug, please?”

Sighing at Makoto’s puppy dog eyes combined with the cuteness of his Tanuki Ears and Raccoon Tail, she caved “…Only because you’re insisting…” before robotically walking up to the dinosaur.

Before she could give him a small hug, Yoshi wrapped her in a vice grip, squeezing her against him and licking her face with the tip of his tongue.  Kyoko couldn’t help but let out a giggle as she felt her face covered in Yoshi slobber once more.

“Okay, I’m good, I’m good!” she giggled as she returned the hug.

Makoto grinned as Yoshi finally stopped licking her, releasing her from the hug as she stepped back.  To their surprise though, Yoshi didn’t run away to parts unknown.  Instead, he crouched, gesturing with his snout to his saddle.

Makoto’s eyes widened in realization as his lips stretched into a gleeful grin before he turned to Kyoko before explaining “I think Yoshi’s offering to let us ride him back!”

“A ride, huh?”  Kyoko mused “…I suppose it would make the trip back to the Castle easier…alright, if you think he can carry the both of us, I don’t see why not…HEY!”

Kyoko yelped as Makoto tugged her by the wrist, running up to Yoshi before hoisting her by the waist onto the rear half of the saddle.  Makoto then expertly hopped onto the front end of the saddle, wrapping his arms loosely around Yoshi’s neck.  

With his cargo now in tow, Yoshi stood up and exclaimed “YOSHI!” before trotting off at a leisurely pace.

As they rode further into the distance, Kyoko took out the Magenti-Star Piece, staring at it as she concluded “This has been a very…strange day…”

Makoto turned his head to look at the Magenti-Star Piece with her, smiling as he concluded “Yeah…it’s not every day you find yourself in one of your favorite video games…but I’d say it was worth it, wouldn’t you?”

Kyoko nodded before she wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head on top of his between his Tanuki ears as she admitted with flushed cheeks “As strange as this whole adventure has been…I won’t ever forget it…because you were there to share it with me…”

Makoto blushed, replying “Th…thank you…I liked sharing this adventure with you too, Kyoko…”

Makoto smiled bashfully before Kyoko reached up with one hand to pet one of his Tanuki Ears.  Makoto closed his eyes, purring slightly as his tail stood and to the side of Kyoko.  Using her hand that was petting Makoto’s Tanuki Ear to solidify her grip on his head, she reached with her other hand to pet his tail, making Makoto purr louder as he enjoyed the attention from Kyoko.  The two smiled softly at the tender, private moment as Yoshi continued to leisurely trot along the path back to Princess Peach’s Castle, the green Dinosaur making sure to keep silent so as not to disturb his new friends’ peaceful enjoyment.

Chapter Text

Byakuya strutted into Peach’s Castle as if he owned the place, looking around at the black and white checkered tiles and single sun design on the floor, as well as red carpet-lined staircases and walls decorated with artwork resembling grassy hills, bright blue skies, and white clouds with faces.

Byakuya frowned as he remarked “This Princess Peach’s sense of interior design is as wacky as the rest of this crazy world.  That being said, it does somewhat resemble one of the Togami mansions.”

Byakuya closed his eyes and tried to remember which one, only for his memories to come up hazy, making him frown with disappointment.

Shaking his head, Byakuya shrugged “Well, not like it really matters.  Junko likely destroyed it during the Tragedy.  Seeing as how I’m the last of the Togami line.”  Byakuya clenched his right fist in anger as he swore “But in the name of my family, I vow that like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I will bring the Togami Empire even greater glory than it’s ever known.  By the time I’m done, Makoto will finally stop idolizing this stupid Mushroom Kingdom, and start idolizing me and the Togami Empire.  And then…”  Byakuya smirked as he finished monologuing “Then I will spit on Junko Enoshima’s grave.”

As Byakuya started to imagine all the ways he would have tortured Junko Enoshima to death had she not committed suicide by execution, a feminine squeal brought him out of his thoughts.  Grimacing, he looked over his shoulder to a beaming Toko, the former Writing Prodigy looking around at the castle walls.

Wow!  Whoever created this dumb Super Mario game certainly had good taste in castles!  It’s exactly what I imagined the castles in my romance novels looking like when the Princess marries her handsome prince!  I suppose staying here wouldn’t be so bad, if Master and I could get married in this castle…

Drool dripped from her lips, disgusting Byakuya as Toko entered one of her fantasies.

XXX

Toko cowered in fear, dressed in an uncharacteristically frilly purple Princess dress, cowering in fear as a half black and half white dragon with a jagged red eye roared in her face, its jaws threatening to devour her.

“AAAAHHHHHHHHH!  Sir Togami, I beseech ye, please save me from this terrifying Monodragon!”

Toko felt a breeze of wind and held her dress down in front of her crotch so that her panties wouldn’t be exposed as a gallant knight with blond hair rode in on a white horse.  Encased in metal armor from head to toe, he smiled gallantly as he readied his lance at his side, staring down the Monodragon with a death glare.

“Pr…Prince To…Togami…”  Toko stuttered as Byakuya charged forward, unfazed by the Monodragon’s terrifying roars as his horse galloped towards the beast.

Princess Toko smiled in relief as Prince Byakuya’s lance impaled the Monodragon, the beast letting out one last deafening roar before it slumped at his feet, the Prince smirking as he got off his horse and turned to face his Princess.

“It’s gone, my love.”  Byakuya assured her with a surprisingly gentle tone.  “The foul Monodragon shall terrify thee no longer, my beloved Princess Toko.”

“Prince Togami!”  Toko cried, tears of joy streaming down her face as she ran into Byakuya’s embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him close.

As she looked up at him, she felt his metal-covered hands cradling her cheeks as he wiped away her tears with his thumbs and continued to close the distance, puckering his lips in preparation for their kiss.

This is a dream…a dream come true!  My Prince saved me form the Monodragon and said he loves me!  And now he’s going to kiss me!  Toko swooned as she craned her head, closing her eyes and puckering her own lips so that she could return his kiss.

Nothing could ruin this moment!

“Snap out of it!”

XXX

“Huh?”  Toko exclaimed as she looked around, shaking as she saw an annoyed Byakuya.  Oh no…I slipped into one of my fantasies again…

“Get your head out of whatever gutter you lodged it in, Fukawa.  Now’s no time to indulge in your ridiculous fantasies.  We have work to do.”

Toko gasped, hugging herself as she breathed “You…you said we…as in…the two of us.  We’re working together…together…”

Toko drooled, beaming as she slipped into another fantasy, only to come out of it once Byakuya sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, admonishing “If you can’t take this seriously, then go frolic with Makoto.  I’m sure he’d love your enthusiasm.  I don’t care what you do, just leave me be!”

Toko paled, her arms falling to her sides as she thought Ma…Master wants me to le…leave?  He’s r…right…I have to take this se…seriously!  She slapped her cheeks with her palms before standing straight and saluting Byakuya, declaring “I’ll follow any and all of your o…orders!  Right down to the ex…exclama…mation point!”  I don’t care what it is, as long as he’s the one ordering me around!  Toko thought as she blushed and giggled to herself while slipping into one of her fantasies.  NO!  Get it together, Toko!  You have to take this seriously!

Toko settled into a more serious expression, causing Byakuya to glance curiously at her as he thought Well…perhaps she can take things seriously after all.  I guess we’ll find out…

Filing the thought away for later, Byakuya took out the map and analyzed it, telling her “It appears that the Magenti-Star Piece we’re looking for is in the Castle Basement.”  Rolling it up and putting it back in his pocket, Byakuya smirked as he remarked “The game is afoot, and it should be quite the interesting one indeed.”  Now serious, Byakuya ordered “Let’s go” before circling over to a simple wooden door and opening it.

“Ah!  Wait for me Ma…Master!”  Toko exclaimed as she hurried after Byakuya before he could close the door on her.

As the two of them walked down the red carpet staircase and approached a double-wooden door, Toko looked around and commented “I really wi…wish I had brought a pen and no…notepad with me before we left Ho…Hope’s Peak…”

Byakuya sighed before he glared at her and chastised “Keep your perverted fantasies to yourself, won’t you?  Don’t even think of writing them down.”

My fa…fantasies?!  How da…dare he!  I’m taking this seriously!  Toko fretted as she returned Byakuya’s glare for once in her life.

Byakuya raised his brow, intrigued by Toko’s uncharacteristic defiance as he wondered She’s actually annoyed with me?  That’s…unexpected.  I always thought she’d be the only one to call me the Ultimate Perfection no matter what I said or did…

Toko pointed at Byakuya and told him “For your information Togami, I wanted to take notes on the castle’s architecture so I could reference it for my next novel!”  Toko fiddled with one of her braided ponytails, somewhat embarrassed as she confessed “When we get back I…I want to start writing again.  And I…I never thought I’d get to be in an actual castle, so I want to share with my readers just how wonderful it feels to be walking in one.”

…I’m surprised…I never thought there’d be more to Toko than a crazy, obsessed stalker.  This is…a pleasant surprise, seeing her stand up to me with such determination.  Hiding his admiration, Byakuya mused “I see…” before filing the thought away and ordering “We’ll worry about that later, after we get the Magenti-Star Piece.  According to the map, we should be in the basement once we open these doors.”  He opened the doors and ordered “Well, come on, Toko.”

Toko beamed, nodding energetically as she exclaimed “Yes Ma…Master!” before she hurried to follow in lockstep with Byakuya.

Well, guess that forcefulness of hers wore off…  Byakuya thought, disappointed before he admitted Still…it was interesting, seeing her show a little backbone…

XXX

“Bunch of lazy Toads…shouldn’t they be roaming the halls and doing their j…jobs?”  Toko scowled as she and Byakuya walked through the empty halls.

In a rare show of agreement, Byakua nodded “Indeed.  Such sloth behavior would be intolerable if this were a Togami Castle.  If I were the one in charge instead of this Princess Peach, any and all slackers would be fired.  Any servants in my employment need to be willing and ready to do their jobs at the snap of my fingers.”

“Oh, Master…an authoritative leader like you is exactly what our world needs to rebuild once we get back!  No matter what, I’ll be honored if I get to work under your leadership!”

For once not annoyed by Toko’s gushing, Byakuya nodded “I suppose I can mark that as correct.”  Byakuya clenched his fist as he vowed “Once we get back, I will personally eradicate the Despair that Junko Enoshima left in the wake of her death…”  Byakuya sighed before he confessed “Loathe as I am to admit it…I can’t do it alone.”

Toko’s eyes widened as she thought Master…you…you really…

Toko’s hopes were dashed as Byakuya finished “Both Kyoko Kirigiri’s intellect and Makoto Naegi’s boundless optimism will be integral to bringing the world back to normal, along with my authoritative leadership.”

What about me?!  Toko opened her mouth to protest, only to fall silent as she realized What about me?  What did I do to help at all?  Nothing, that’s what.  Hell, I don’t even remember the last half of the final trial, because SHE was the one in control.  SHE has been far more useful to the others than I’ve ever been.  Even that idiot Hagakure is more useful to Master than I am.  I’m…useless…  “…Oof!”

So lost was Toko in her self-pity that she failed to notice Byakuya had stopped and bumped into him.  He turned around, glaring at her as he opened his mouth to scold her for not paying attention.

*Squeak*

Byakuya turned around, Toko scurrying to his side to get a better view of where the squeak noise came from.  Finally looking at their feet, they sweatdropped as they took in the sight of a small yellow rabbit with dopey eyes.

To their surprise though, the rabbit could talk, as it cocked its head to the side and wondered “Who are you two?  And what are you doing in the Castle Basement?”

“Ekk!  It t…talked!”  Toko stammered at the curious rabbit.

“With everything we’ve seen today, that’s what freaks you out?”  Byakuya deadpanned, annoyed again at Toko.

Before their argument could continue, the rabbit shrugged “Whatever, you dolts can do whatever you want.  I don’t have time for you, I’m late.  I’m late.  I’m late for a very important date.”

Toko glared at the rabbit, while Byakuya scoffed This little rabbit that I could crush under my heel thinks it’s better than Byakuya Togami?  Byakuya chuckled “The nerve of you, proclaiming that you’re above me.  Listen well, rabbit…”

“Mips.”  The rabbit interrupted “My name is Mips.”

“…Very well, Mips.  Listen well, for I am Byakuya Togami, sole remaining heir to the Togami Conglomerate, destined to lead the world in a new Togami Empire.  The Princess of this world is nothing but a common peasant compared to me.”

Mips sweatdropped and replied “I’d watch that tone if I were you, Togami.  It reeks of arrogance, and you’re obviously a fool for putting yourself above Princess Peach.”

No longer amused by Mips, Byakuya’s eyes blazed with fire as he opened his mouth to argue before he was interrupted by a “No, that’s wrong!” 

Both Byakuya and Mips looked over at Toko, surprised to see her pointing at Mips, and giving a very good impression of Makoto during the Class Trials.

“Byakuya Togami isn’t anything like a d…dolt!  He had to shed blood, sweat, and t…tears to get to where he is today!  You will never understand what it means to be above a T…Togami!  Master will lead our world out of the depths of despair and revive the Togami Empire like a ph…phoenix from the ashes!”  …How does Makoto give such long-winded speeches without losing his breath?!  Toko wondered as she panted, out of breath from her passionate, if somewhat disfluent speech.

Byakuya raised an eyebrow, again caught off guard by Toko’s backbone.  Despite his nearly reflexive disgust for Toko’s obsessive praising of him, he found that at least this time, he couldn’t find the heart to be angry with her.

Byakuya glanced at her, giving her a brief smile which nearly made her swoon, her cheeks flushed pink as she thought Master smiled at me…MASTER SMILED AT ME!

Byakuya turned back to face Mips and told it “What my employee says is true, and you would do well to remember it.  Don’t make me repeat myself.”

Mips just stared at them, unimpressed by Toko’s speech as he shrugged “Whatever…like I said, I’m late for a date with a very pretty bunny.  I even got her a gift!”

Byakuya and Toko’s eyes widened as Mips used one of his ears to reach behind him and reveal a magenta-colored star piece in its grasp.

The Magenti-Star Piece!  And this little rabbit has it!  Scowling, Byakuya pointed at Mips and demanded “Alright, Mips, I demand that you hand over that Magenti-Star Piece immediately.”

Mips merely winked and hopped around, wagging his tail at them and teasing “You want it?  You’ll have to catch me first!  I warn you though, only that plumber Mario has ever caught me before.”

An angered Toko pointed at Mips and exclaimed “How dare you t…tell us what to do!  I‘ll get it from you my…myself!”

Mips merely chuckled “Well, good luck!” before hopping in one place, taunting the Ultimate Affluent Progeny.

Byakuya moved to run after Mips, only to stop at the sight of Toko’s arm in front of him.

…Brave of her, I’ll admit, but this is too important to risk her messing up.  “…Move.”  He ordered, though without his usual venom.

“N…no…” Toko stammered, feeling her eyes getting misty.

Byakuya’s eyes widened in shock before he asked “What…what did you say?”

Toko merely turned to face him, revealing tears streaming down her face as she insisted “I…I want to get it myself!”

Still in shock, Byakuya retorted “If this is part of some futile attempt to live out one of your fantasies…”

“This isn’t part of some fa…fantasy!  And I’m not doing it so you’ll l…love me either!  I just…I just want to be u…useful to everyone!”  Byakuya stared at her curiously as she explained “I didn’t contribute much during the Killing Game.  Nobody would have cared if I had d…died.  I don’t want to be the girl who’s only good for being H…HER when you need a serial ki…killer!”

Toko… Byakuya thought as he processed her feelings, a far cry from how he would dismiss them before Sakura’s death.

Toko begged as she clasped her hands together “Please, Master!  Trust me to capture that Mi…Mips!”

Byakuya sighed and admitted “Well…you bring up a good point…and if there’s one thing I have to admire about you, it’s your newfound determination.”

Toko gasped “Ma…Master, you really…”

Byakuya nodded, looking at her respectfully as he handed her a handkerchief from his jacket and agreed “Go…get that Magenti-Star piece from Mips once you wipe your eyes.” 

As Toko beamed and nodded before wiping her eyes with the handkerchief, Byakuya crossed his arms over his chest and glanced away from her.

In an attempt to save face, he told her “Don’t get the wrong idea.  I just don’t want to get my suit wet trying to run through all this water.  I swear, that Princess Peach should really make Mario fix the plumbing in this kami-forsaken castle.”  With one last look, Byakuya instructed “Now, fulfill your promise and get that Magenti-Star Piece from Mips, and don’t make me repeat myself.”

“Th…thank you…” Toko whispered as she bowed respectfully, a determined fire in her eyes as she turned around to glare at Mips, who was still hopping in place.

“Are the waterworks done yet?  That speech of devotion was absolutely pathetic, and you’ll never catch me.”  Mips stated, bored as he hopped through the corridors.

“Sh…shut up.  I’ll get you, just you w…wait.  GAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!”  Toko yelled as she charged after Mips, pumping her legs as fast as she could to close the distance between them.

XXX

“Gah!”  Toko yelled as Mips yet again evaded her pursuit, much to her frustration.

Byakuya watched from the distance as the game of cat and rabbit continued, sighing as he watched her tumble for the tenth time.

I knew I should have chased after it myself…still, I’ve got to give her credit for her determination.  If she would simply stop being such a perverted stalker…she might even be tolerable to be around…like Makoto…

Filing the thought away for later, he watched as Toko just barely missed Mips, getting more and more impressed with how much closer her tumbles were.

Toko groaned in pain as she stood up, reasoning Alright, obviously I’ll never catch this vermin rabbit by running.  I need to cover some ground and get ahead without Mips seeing me.  But how…I know!  I’ll jump over it!  Mario is a platforming game after all!

With her determination reinvigorated, Toko dashed off, getting a running start before flipping over Mips, tapping into Genocide Jill’s acrobatic capabilities.

Yes!  Just a little more and I can…  “OW!”  Toko groaned as she felt her head collide with something hard, halting her momentum and causing her to fall to the floor on her belly.

Byakuya sweatdropped as Toko groaned and looked up, frowning at the brown block above her.

“Great!  Who put that b…block in here and made it in…invisible?!” 

Before she could ponder further, a simple black helmet jumped out of the block and fell perfectly on Toko’s head, making a puff of smoke surround her.

As she started coughing, Byakuya flashed back to when Makoto got his Raccoon Powerup and realized That must have been one of those powerup blocks.  But what did Toko get?

After a few seconds, the smoke cleared, revealing Toko groaning as she stood up.  Instead of her dress, Toko was now wearing a black, long-sleeved shirt with purple overalls and a black shell strapped to her back, in addition to the black helmet covering her head.

What the… Byakuya and Toko thought as they blinked at her new outfit, only for their attention to be diverted to a sweating and whimpering Mips.

Turning to Toko, Byakuya ordered “Toko, that helmet was a powerup!  Figure out how it works and use it to capture that vermin Mips!”

Toko saluted “Yes Ma…eek!  What did I just do?”  Toko shrieked as she found a hammer materialized in her right hand.

“Aw man, those Hammer Suits are the worst!  They give me such a headache, literally!”  Mips whined before his eyes widened as he realized with a bashful expression “Oops…I probably shouldn’t have told you that, huh?”

Toko’s eyes widened as she realized Oh, this suit lets me summon hammers.  Sounds stupid, but let’s try it again. 

She raised her left hand and, as if by magic, an identical hammer appeared in her fist. 

She glanced at her twin hammers and shrugged This is still dumb, but I won’t complain now that I have a weapon other than my scissors.  Smirking slyly, she stared down Mips and declared “I’m gonna flatten you, you little vermin!”

Mips shrieked as Toko threw one hammer before the other, bouncing out of the trajectory before Toko summoned more hammers and shouted “Who’s laughing now, you obnoxious v…vermin!”

“AAAAHHHHHH!”

As Toko continued to chase after Mips and throw hammers at him, Byakuya watched their renewed game of Hammer Girl and Rabbit, his eyes glued to her posterior with a light of intrigue.  Although he would never admit it publicly, Byakuya was still a hormonal teenager, and could appreciate physical beauty.

She…she looks nice in trousers…it shows off her smooth butt…  Byakuya admitted to himself as Toko tripped and fell again, her butt pointing straight in the air.  Interesting…Kyoko’s legs are smoothy and slim; Makoto has no idea how lucky he is to have a girl with those assets crushing on him.  Then there’s Hina…at first glance she may be a bit ditzy, but she has a hidden intelligence that would be foolish to underestimate…not to mention her large boobs. 

And that brings us to you, Toko…your hidden determination and your mighty rear give you a certain desirability I never noticed before…probably because I was so put off by your stalkerish tendencies…then again…I wasn’t that bothered by the attention…

Byakuya continued to watch Toko, impressed with her determination as she got back up and started chasing after Mips again, tossing hammer after hammer as each one just barely missed Mips.

With her newfound determination, her undying loyalty…and her cute side that I somehow missed…perhaps Toko is someone worthy of spending their life with me and bearing an heir.  I’ll just have to groom her into the role…which shouldn’t be too hard.

“Watch out!”  Toko shrieked, shaking Byakuya out of his musings.

His smirk vanished as he saw one of Toko’s hammers flying right at him, forcing him to quickly sidestep the projectile and tell her “Watch where you’re throwing those hammers!”

“S…sorry, Ma…Master!  I’ll be more ca…careful, I pr…promise!”  Toko apologized profusely before resuming her chase, screaming “You’ll pay for making me almost hurt Ma…Master!”

As he watched Toko continue to chase after Mips, Byakuya filed away his “Future Wife Toko” musings for later and realized “She…might need a little help if we’re going to catch that vermin and get the Magenti-Star Piece.  But how…”

Byakuya suddenly looked up, noticing a yellow ? Block as his eyes widened in realization.

“It’s the same kind of block that gave Makoto that Raccoon Powerup, and what gave Toko that Hammer Suit.  If they could get powerups from these blocks, then I can too!”

Byakuya adjusted his position so that he was standing underneath the block and jumped, hitting it with his fist.  As he landed on the ground, he watched as a crown with a pink top and eyes popped out and landed on the ground at his feet.

A crown with eyes…not the strangest thing I’ve seen today.  In any case, it should bestow upon me great power…perhaps I’ll gain the ability to rule over people or throw crowns at my enemies…whatever it does, it will definitely be interesting!

Byakuya chuckled as he picked up the crown and placed it on his head, his smirk turning into a frown as he was covered with white smoke.

Must all these powerups cover us with smoke? Byakuya thought, annoyed as he tried to swat the smoke away with his hands.

Once the smoke cleared and Byakuya stopped coughing, he looked around, seeing Toko and Mips stopped in their tracks, their eyes widened in shock as they stared incredulously at him.

“What the hell are you two gawking at?  Toko, go capture that infernal…ver…min…”  Byakuya trailed off, hearing his voice become squeakier and more feminine.  What the…what the hell happened to my voice?!

He decided to look down, his eyes widening in shock as he saw his suit was replaced with a black dress.

What the…this isn’t the first time I had to wear a dress, but that was when I had to assume the alias of Polaris P. Polanski.  So why am I wearing one now…wait…

Byakuya’s eyes narrowed as he inspected himself further.  They widened again at the sight of a rather large bulge on his chest.

What the…  He realized I have…I have…BREASTS?!

Byakuya immediately tried to feel around his crotch, only to find the usual equipment completely missing.  His…her eyes widened as she realized she was now a woman.

“What kind of power-up is this?  How is transforming into a Byaku…Byaku…Byakuette at all helpful?!”

Toko merely stared at the beautiful Byakuette, feeling her heart pound within her ribcage at the beautiful woman with long, blonde hair that was previously Byakuya Togami.

“Wha…what?”  Toko felt her cheeks flush, causing her to admonish herself B…but I can’t find women attractive…can I…?

While Toko was wrestling with the question of her sexual orientation, Mips stared lovingly at Byakuyette, his eyes turned into anime hearts as he exclaimed “WOW!  Now THAT’S a cute bunny!  Darling, how would you like to go hopping with me?”

Byakuette’s nose scrunched in disgust as she pointed at Mips and exclaimed “Weren’t you on your way to a date?!  And I was just a man before I put on this forsaken crown!”

Mips merely shrugged “Eh, I don’t discriminate on the basis of gender identity.  I may even prefer a cute guy who can pass off as a pretty girl…and you’re WAY prettier than that hag of a bunny I was going to meet.”

Mips winked, making Byakuette cringe as he hopped over to her, his eyes focused on Byakuette’s plush breasts.  In a moment of panic, Byakuette looked over to Toko, who was staring at her with a blush on her cheeks, and frantically snapped her fingers in an effort to get her attention.

Huh? Toko thought as she shook her head and looked over to Byakuette, watching her curl her hands into fists and place one on top of the other before swinging them down repeatedly.  O…Oh!  Master…Mistress…whatever…wants me to knock out Mips with a hammer while he’s distracted!

Mips merely grinned perversely at Byakuette and swooned “Mmm…that thing you’re doing with your hands is really hot!  Are you showing me how you want me to do you?”

Steam whistled out from Byakuette and Toko’s ears and they flashed the most angry and annoyed expression they could muster as they heard Mips’s perverted suggestion

Toko decided That’s it, he’s going down! before materializing a hammer in her hand and stealthily walking over and raising the hammer over her head in preparation for her strike.

“Why don’t you come with me to my burrow, sweetie?  I promise to show you a good ti…OW!”

*BONK*

Toko finally brought the hammer down on Mips as hard as she could, making the rabbit wobble for a few seconds before he closed his eyes and collapsed, dropping the Magenti-Star Piece as Toko panted, her fury now leaving her system since Byakuette’s perverted fan rabbit was out for the count.

Once she calmed down and dropped the hammer, the Magenti-Star Piece flew into Toko’s now free hands, making her eyes widen in disbelief before her lips stretched into a beaming grin.

“YES!  I DID IT!  I GOT THE MAGENTI-STAR PIECE!  I WAS USEFUL!  I WAS USEFUL!”

Byakuette sweatdropped as Toko jumped for joy, but couldn’t help a smile as she thought She really is cute when she moves so gracefully like that, and she proved her worth by getting the Magenti-Star Piece.  Reminded of their success, Byakuette coughed into her fist, catching Toko’s attention and interrupting her happy dance as she mentioned “I hate to interrupt, but we have to rendezvous with Captain Toad and the others.”  And find a way to get me back to normal Byakuya.  I don’t know how much longer I can tolerate having my gender bent…

Toko hesitated for a split second, her conflicted feelings regarding Byakuette’s new gender as well as her own sexual orientation catapulting to the front of her mind before she saw Byakuette walk away.

“Ah!  Master…Mistress!  Wait for me!”

XXX

As they walked through the halls of the castle, Byakuette glanced at the Magenti-Star Piece in Toko’s hands, then to Toko herself.  She frowned at the conflicted expression on Toko’s face before coming to a decision.

“What’s bothering you?”

“Huh?”  Toko looked at Byakuette, startled out of her thoughts by the blunt question and asked in a panic “N…nothing’s wr…wrong…Mas…Mistress…”

Byakuette shot her a suspicious look and asked “Don’t make me repeat myself.  Is it because I’m now a woman?  Are you jealous of my perfect feminine body?”

Byakuette’s teasing worked; Toko circled around and walked up the stairs, turning back around once she was one step up so that she was eye level with Byakuette.

Toko shot her an annoyed glare, complete with angry eyes as she mustered all the speech fluency she could and explained “I remember, you know.  I remember how mean you were to me because of my delusional fantasies of a romantic future with you.  I may be delusional, but I’m not a moron.  Deep down, I know that it’ll never happen.”

Byakuette looked curiously at Toko, confused at her confession before she asked “Elaborate, please.”

“I know full well that you’re an asshole.  You made that abundantly clear when you set me up to take the fall during Chihiro’s murder trial.  Framing me for murder just so you could make it more exciting and test Makoto’s abilities as an intellectual rival…that was a real dick move on your part.”  Toko sighed and admitted “But it was also my fault for telling you about HER in the first place.”

…So her words back then about hating me were genuine…and part of her still feels that way even after how much she’s sung my praises after the fact?

Intrigued, Byakuette opened her mouth to encourage Toko to continue, only to be cut off as Toko explained “I told you my secret as a sign of trust.  I trusted you, I trusted Byakuya Togami, and I hoped that by extending a sign of trust, you would in turn trust me, and maybe it might have lead to something more.”  Toko blushed in embarrassment and muttered as she looked at the Magenti-Star Piece “Of course, it’s my fault for giving in to such a grand delusion.”

She then turned to face Byakuette, a serious gleam in her eyes as she continued.

“I know that our upbringings were about as far apart as you can get.  You had to work hard to become the rightful heir to the Togami Empire.  The only thing we have in common is that I didn’t exactly have a warm and loving childhood either.”

Byakuette looked curiously at Toko and nodded for her to continue.

“Both of my Moms wanted different things from me, and my half-sister died stillborn.  Writing love stories was my only outlet, my only way for me to keep my sanity.  Of course, that eventually gave bith to HER.  She used to just be an imaginary friend, you know.  Someone to talk to who wouldn’t judge me.  Then of course, she became my violent split personality that will be a headache for the rest of my life.”

Byakuette merely nodded, silently agreeing with the former Writing Prodigy.

“To be honest…there are parts of my life that are just missing…and that’ll probably continue until I’m either an old hag or a rotting corpse.  And not knowing whether or not I was in control…that terrifies me every single time…”  Toko looked at the Magenti-Star Piece, her eyes starting to become misty as she asked “Is it any wonder I’m so screwed up?”

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she turned to Byakuette, now crying as she confessed “I just wanted one shining light in my life.  I wanted you to be that light…but now that I know how you treat other people, the people who love you…you’re just a blight!”

Byakuette couldn’t help but wince, hurt by Toko’s confession.

“I’m a slave to my love for you…even if you’re now a girl, I still love you and would do anything for you.  Because…we’re kindred spirits in a way.”

Toko stared into Byakuette’s eyes, the transformed Affluent Progeny returning it with a blank stare of her own. 

…Great, she probably thinks I’m a simpleton.  What a waste of time, I never should have…Huh?

*Pat Pat*

Toko looked up, gasping as she watched Byakuette patting her head in comfort, unable to believe this uncharacteristic display of affection.

Before she could question it, Byakuette told her “You should be more independent and stop praising me like a deity.  You’re more interesting as an independent woman than you are as a devoted follower.  I’d…like to see this side of you more often.”

Mist…Byakuette…  Toko nodded, wiping her eyes on one of her wrists as Byakuette smiled and walked past her.  Toko clutched the Magenti-Star Piece and thought gleefully Finally!  A breakthrough!  If I play my cards right, Byakuette could finally be mine!

Toko began to slip into one of her fantasies, standing in place and dropping the Magenti-Star Piece on the ground as the castle halls started to fade away.

XXX

Gentle, feminine hands started to caress Toko’s cheeks as their owner pulled her into a passionate kiss, Byakuette’s soft tongue prodding her lips open before slithering in Toko’s mouth to lash at the Writing Prodigy’s own tongue.

By…Byakuette… Toko thought as she moaned, feeling Byakuette’s hands caressing up and down her sides.

She reciprocated the loving gesture as their hands started to explore, first caressing each other’s plush rear ends, then moving up to cup and grope their breasts.

Ohh, Byakuette…  Toko thought as she felt Byakuette’s thumbs caress her nipples through her clothes, then moved her thumbs in small circles to caress Byakuette’s nipples through her dress.

The transformed Affluent Progeny moaned in pleasure, finally breaking their kiss to look her in the eyes as she continued to moan.

“Toko, wake up!”

XXX

“Huh?”  Toko exclaimed, the castle walls reappearing as she turned around to see Byakuette staring at her with a neutral expression.

“D…did I have a de…delusion again?”  Toko chuckled, kicking herself for slipping back into her old habits right after Byakuette was starting to warm up to her.

With more amusement than anger, Byakuette nodded, then told her “When we get back to our world, we will need to have a proper negotiation about a change in our future relationship.”

Change?  Future relationship?  Toko smiled as Byakuette turned around and continued walking up the stairs, thinking I don’t know what she means by that…but I hope it’ll lead to a future with her!

Holding back her girly giggles, Toko picked up the Magenti-Star Piece and quickly stuffed it within her black shell on her back.  She then eagerly followed Byakuette up the stairs and through the upstairs door.

XXX

“Still no T…toads around…bunch of lazy i…idiots…” Toko mumbled as they walked back into the main hall, still as empty as it was when they arrived.

Byakuette nodded “Indeed, such incompetence does not relect well on their current ruler.”  She shrugged “Well, at least nobody’s here to interfere with our objective.  Now, let’s meet up with…”

“SURPRISE!”

Byakuette and Toko stopped in their tracks, their faces frozen in disbelief as they found themselves surrounded by little angry fungus, their eyes narrowed in anger at the two girls.

What did Makoto call those things again?  Byakuette and Toko wondered, then recalling Oh right, Goombas.

Several of the Goombas then stepped to the side, allowing a much larger Goomba to walk up to the dynamic duo.  Unike the others, this Goomba had a crown on its head and a white mustache.

This must be these Goombas’ leader… Byakuette thought as the giant Goomba narrowed his eyes at her.

“Feeble human women, I am the Goomboss, King of the Goombas.  My spies within the castle walls have informed me that you have procured a piece of the Magenti-Star Piece from that annoying Mips.  I order you to hand over the Magenti-Star Piece at once!”

Byakuette and Toko narrowed their eyes in annoyance, annoyed by the smug tone that Goomboss was addressing them with.

Not ceding any ground, Byakuette scoffed “You dare to order me?  Please, such lowly mushrooms are beneath those of true greatness.  As a Togami, I stand far above you…and so does my ally.”

Toko smiled, pleased that Byakuette was finally showing her some respect, before the Goombas gasped, shocked that their King was being talked down to by a couple of dainty human women.

Steam piped out of the Goomboss’s ears as he bellowed “HOW DARE YOU!  WE ARE FUNGI, NOT MUSHROOMS!  YOU WILL PAY FOR MOCKING THE PRIDE OF THE GOOMBA TRIBE!  GOOMBAS, ATTACK!”

Byakuette got into a fighting stance developed from her years of training for the Togami Competition, while Toko summoned a pair of hammers, preparing to throw them at any Goomba who dared to charge at her precious Byakuette.  And charge they did, roaring as though it was their last day to live as they did so.

Byakuette and Toko relaxed however, confusion evident on their faces as they watched the Goombas run around in circles, completely missing their targets.

Are they this stupid?  Even Hiro is smarter than them…  Byakuette and Toko sweatdropped as they just watched the chaos unfold.

The Goomboss, now annoyed at his subjects, chastised “You idiots!  Get it together!  Red Goomba, Blue Goomba, Green Goomba, use the tower strategy!”

Three aptly colored Goombas jumped on top of each other, forming a tower before charging directly at Byakuette, this time managing to stay on target.

“Byakuette!  Lo…look out!”  Toko cried, warning the Affluent Progeny who managed to jump to the side in time and avoid the attack.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t stop her momentum, and ended up colliding against the nearby wall, making her groan “Oww…my head…that wall must have been harder than I thought…”

Nursing her aching head, she looked up and her eyes widened in surprise at seeing a yellow ? Block for a split second before it turned brown, a golden flower jumping out and landing right in front of her.

Oh no!  Not again!  The last time I touched one of these things, it swapped my gender!  Looking up from the flower, Byakuette saw the Goombas cowering in fear, making her reconsider, eventually deciding “Oh, what the hell?” before reaching out to touch it, making it and Byakuette disappear in a cloud of gold smoke.

Toko bit her lip, squeezing her hammers tighter as she worried What will THAT do to Byakuette?  What will she look like when the smoke clears?

Goomboss however was taking no chances; seeing an opportunity, he ordered “Quickly you idiots!  Charge at her before the smoke clears!”

“GAAAAAHHHHHHH!”  The Goomba mob bellowed, charging at the still morphing Byakuette.

“Byakuette!  …Huh?”  Toko’s fearful shriek changed to a confused exclamation as she saw a golden fireball bounce out of the cloud, colliding with one of the Goombas and making it burst into a pile of gold coins.

What the…did…did Byakuette do that?  Toko wondered as a familiar, masculine voice spoke from within the cloud.

“Ah, so that golden flower lets me shoot golden fireballs from my hands…and it turns the enemy into currency…interesting…”  Byakuette’s eyes widened as she realized Wait...my voice…it’s back to normal!   Then…  Byakuette felt her crotch with her hand, her eyes widening as she felt the equipment she had been so accustomed to before thinking with relief Oh thank kami!  Byakuya Togami is back!

The smoke finally cleared, revealing a now masculine Byakuya Togami, now dressed in golden overalls, a golden long-sleeved shirt, golden gloves, and a golden plumber’s hat.

The Goombas sweat in fear as Byakuya summoned a golden fireball in his hand, smirking as he remarked “This power truly is worthy of a Togami, the most elite among the one percent.”

Toko beamed as she thought Ma…Master Byakuya!  You’re back, exactly as I imagined you!  You really are a knight in shining…clothing.  Well, I’ll take what I can get…

Byakuya turned towards Toko and started walking over to her, the Goomas scurrying out of his way as he approached her and asked “Toko…help me to rid this castle of these lower fungi, won’t you?”

“Thank you for calling us fungi!”  One of the Goombas called to them; Byakuya simply ignored him as he offered Toko his free hand.

“O…of course, Master!”  Toko nodded gleefully before the dynamic duo narrowed their eyes and turned back to face the now nervous Goomba battalion.

Said nervousness had spread even to the Goomboss, who ordered “W…what are you waiting for you i…idiots?  Ch…charge!”

The Goombas hesitated for a split second before narrowing their eyes and, after swallowing the lumps of fear in their throats, charged the duo at full speed.  Byakuya and Toko smirked at each other before taking aim and letting loose.  Before long, hammers and golden fireballs were flying everywhere, turning the Goombas into gold coins as the pile of their accumulated wealth became larger and larger with each passing second.

Now I know why Makoto loves these games so much…this is a lot more fun than I thought!  Byakuya and Toko thought as they laughed gleefully during the fight.

Eventually the last of the Goomba army burst into coins, leaving the Goomboss alone, sweating in fear as Byakuya laced his right hand with Toko’s left.  They then raised their free hands up towards the ceiling, humming as a giant hammer coated in golden fire materialized.

“KOGANE NO HI NO HANMA!”  Byakuya and Toko roared as they pushed forward with their hands, making it launch like a missile towards the terrified Goomboss.

Wait… He realized I have the option do dodge it!  Yes, and then they’ll be so tired that they won’t have the energy left to dodge my counterattack!  Yes, I can dodge them, then I’ll make a counterattack at those two…  “AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!”  Goomboss screamed, its strategizing interrupted as the Golden Fire Hammer hit it right between the eyes, making it burst into a mountain of gold coins as big as the one formed by all of his minions combined.

…That…was one of stupidest fights I’ve ever…seen… Byakuya and Toko thought as they panted, refilling their lungs with oxygen.

They looked around noting all the hammers and coins scattered across the ground, not to mention the golden scorch marks decorating the castle walls.  Byakuya turned to Toko, the Ultimate Writing Prodigy returning his adrenaline-filled gaze with her own.  Before they knew what they were doing, Byakuya had captured Toko in a passionate kiss, their eyes closed as their tongues began to caress each other’s mouths.  Her arms were wrapped around his neck, while his own were wrapped around her waist.

The two squeezed each other close, wanting to be as close to the other as possible.  Toko moaned in pleasure as Byakuya’s wandering hand slid down to her plush rear, groping it as she felt herself slipping back into her most recent fantasy.

Yes…it’s coming true!  My fantasies are finally coming true!  This is the greatest day of my life!

*Cough*

The two reluctantly broke apart, blushing as they released each other from their embrace.  Byakuya had his standard, neutral expression on his face while Toko had a happily embarrassed expression.

I did it!  I finally got to kiss Master Byakuya!  Toko swooned to herself as she and Byakuya turned to see the source of the cough that broke apart their makeout: a lone Goomba that survived the fight.

Byakuya and Toko nodded, arming themselves with a golden fireball and a hammer respectively, only to let them drop in confusion as the Goomba asked “Who are you two?”

Byakuya and Toko sweatdropped, wondering Is this for real? before Byakuya awkwardly cleared his throat and spoke.

“The name’s Byakuya Togami.  And this is Toko Fukawa.”

Toko scowled while Byakuya stared suspiciously at the lone Goomba who replied innocently “Byakuya Togami and Toko Fukawa…you have both slain the Goomboss.  Therefore…you are now the new bosses of the Goombas.”

Byakuya and Toko blinked in shock as several other Goombas walked out from behind the Goomba, lining up in a perfect row as the bowed their heads before their new masters.

Toko scoffed, questioning “What kind of non…nonsense is this?”

The first Goomba looked up at Toko and explained “By law of the Goomba tribe, if the Goomboss is defeated by someone more powerful and intimidating, then they shall become the new King of the Goombas.”

Byakuya scoffed as he asked “Why should we trust you?  For all we know, this could be part of some elaborate ploy to lower our guard so you can finish what your Goomboss started.”

The Goombas frowned before the first of them replied “Then allow us to prove our loyalty to you, Master Togami.”  As Toko scowled at hearing someone else refer to Byakuya as Master Togami, the first Goomba shouted to his comrades “Pinky, Inky, Clyde, release the Toads we’ve captured at once.”

With a brief nod, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde hurried over to a nearby hidden door, opening it to reveal a secret room, and four Toads, each one a different color, tied up with rope and gagged with cloth.  Pinky, Inky, and Clyde then untied the ropes and gags, allowing the Toads to scurry out of the room and behind Byakuya and Toko.

The final Goomba explained “We captured the Toads earlier so they couldn’t interfere with the plan to procure the Magenti-Star.”

Byakuya nodded, musing “That would explain why we couldn’t find any Toads roaming the halls during our search.  It was because they had already been captured.”

The Goomba confirmed “The only one we couldn’t capture was Mips.  He was just too fast for us, so we decided to let you two handle him and we would ambush you so that we could take the Magenti-Star Piece for ourselves.”

“I see…not a bad strategy, I must admit…”  Byakuya replied, smirking as he commented “Too bad your opponents were a Togami and his ally.”

“Ano…just one question.”  Byakuya and the Goomba turned to look at Toko as she asked “How can you open doors and untie rope if you don’t have any hands?”

“We’re very determined Ma’am.”  The lone Goomba stated proudly, making Byakuya and Toko sweatdrop as they looked at each other.  “So, what will our next order be, Master Togami?”  The lone Goomba asked eagerly as Pinky, Inky, and Clyde lined up next to him.

“…What should we do?”  Toko asked, pointing out “We have the Ma…Magenti-Star Piece.  Do we really ne…need them?”

Byakuya assumed a thinking pose, closing his eyes as he pondered his options.  After a minute, he turned to the lone Goomba and pointed at him.

“You, Goomba.  Do you have a name?”

The Goomba grinned and answered “My name is Blinky, boss!” while Pinky, Inky, and Clyde stared with admiration at Byakuya.

Byakuya smirked, the wheels in his head turning as he thought Why not rule over these Goombas while we’re here?  They seem more than willing to follow me, as I would expect any of my employees to be.  Yes, they’ll be the perfect foot soldiers to a new Togami Empire, and it’ll make things much more interesting while we’re here.  He then pointed to Blinky and ordered “You, Blinky.  Make sure your comrades pay attention, and don’t make me repeat myself.”

“You got it, boss!  Pinky, Inky, Clyde, you heard the boss!  Listen up, and don’t make him repeat himself!”

“SIR YES SIR!”  Pinky, Inky, and Clyde chanted in unison, making Byakuya nod approvingly before he took Toko’s hand in his own.

“From this day forward, I shall be known as Goomboss Togami, and Toko Fukawa will be my right-hand woman.”

Toko blushed, beaming as she took out the Magenti-Star Piece from within her shell and clutched it to her heart, joyfully crying to herself Yes!  I’m Byakuya’s right-hand woman!  I’m finally of use to Master Byakuya!

Smiling at his woman, Byakuya turned his attention back to his Goomba followers, a serious expression on his face as he told them “As King of the Goombas, I will educate you into a proper power force that only a Togami can give you.”

The Goombas stood at attention wile the newly freed Toads stared at each other in confusion, biting their lips worriedly.

Uh-oh!  Princess Peach and the Mario Bros. aren’t gonna be happy to come back to this!

Chapter Text

Hina flipped out of the warp pipe, Hiro clumsily climbing out of it as she landed gracefully on her feet, looking around with stars in her eyes.

“Some mystical fantasy land…”  Hiro complained as he got to his feet and dusted the sand off his pants.  “This is just some bland beach, for serious!”

Hina turned to stare at Hiro incredulously as she exclaimed “Are you kidding?!  This place is the best!  I could swim for miles in this water world!”  Hiro rolled his eyes as she pondered “Come to think of it…what’s this place called anyway?”  She looked around until her eyes settled on a plan brown wooden sign, pointing to it as she exclaimed “Oh, maybe that sign can tell us!”

Nodding, Hiro walked with her until they were in front of the sign, his eyes narrowing in focus as he read aloud “Welcome to the area formerly known as Jolly Roger Bay.  After the Battle Within the Walls, King Wart of Subcon attempted to invade Jolly Roger Bay, forcing a war with King Bowser of the Mushroom Kingdom.  The ensuing battle caused Jolly Roger Bay to merge with Water World, and Princess Peach has yet to officially rename the new territory.”

Hiro and Hina blinked a few times, processing the information before Hina wondered “King Bowser and King Wart…I know Makoto mentioned that Bowser guy once…but who’s this Wart guy?”

She then turned to Hiro, who had a wide grin on his face as he rubbed his hands together greedily, making her sweatdrop as Hiro muttered “These two Kings must have fought and died…leaving all their treasure under the ocean, ripe for the picking!”

Hina sighed, shaking her head in exasperation before complaining “We don’t have time to go treasure hunting, Hiro!  We need to track down the Magenti-Star Piece so we can…”

“Oh wow!  Look, Hina!  There’s some of their treasure right there!”  Hiro interrupted, pointing to two wooden treasure chests on the beach.

As Hiro ran giddily to the treasure chests, Hina pouted and stomped a foot in the sand, scolding him “Hiro!  We don’t have time for this!”

As Hina ran after him, Hiro approached one of the chests, his fingers wiggling with glee as he assured her “Don’t worry about it!  This is only gonna take a sec, for serious!  I’ll even split the treasure with you 50/50!  Now, let’s open this ba…AAAAAHHHHHHHH!”

The moment he touched the chest, Hiro felt an electrical current shock his system, singeing him and making him yelp in pain and fall backwards.

Hina shook her head as she approached him, scolding “Well it serves you right for leaping without looking.  That greed of yours is gonna get you killed one day, Hiro.”

Hiro pouted and stood up, dusting the soot off of his body as he insisted with a determined fire in his eyes “Don’t be mean!  Besides, there’s more than one key to a buried treasure chest!  If trying to open it the easy way gets me zapped, then I’ll just break it open with a rock!  Now, where’s a good sized rock?”

…Well, he’s determined, I’ll give him that…if only he’d apply himself to something more productive, he might actually be useful…  Hina sweatdropped, sighing as she leaned on the nearby treasure chest.

*Ring*

“Huh?”

Hina immediately stood up, turning to see the treasure chest open by itself, making her exclaim “Hiro look!” as she pointed at it with widened eyes.

With an annoyed look in his eyes, Hiro turned around and complained “What?  Can’t you see I’m still looking for a…”

Hiro trailed off seeing the treasure chest open before his eyes, his eyes widening along with Hina’s as they screamed “AAAAHHHHHHHHHH!”, hugging each other in fright.

A few seconds of silence passed, the duo hyperventilating before they calmed down and looked at each other, causing Hina to blush in embarrassment before she pushed him away and exclaimed “Get off me, Hiro!”

“Oof!  Hey, don’t be mean!”  Hiro exclaimed, stumbling backwards a few feet.

Hina sighed and looked back to the treasure chest, wondering “Anyways…I wonder what’s in that treasure chest?”

As curiosity overtook her and she walked up to it, Hiro bit his lip and asked “Wasn’t it you who said we didn’t have time for this?”

“Oh hush!”  Hina waved off, deciding “It’s already open, so what’s the harm in taking a peek?”

“But what if it’s possessed?  It could come to life and eat you!  Why else would it jingle and open like that?!”

Hina rolled her eyes and huffed “Oh please, it’s probably just one of the mechanics fromt hose video games Makoto talked about.  Now…”  Hina peeked inside, her eyes growing large and cute as she cooed “Oh, what a cute little figurine!  I’ve gotta take a closer look at this!”

“Hey, don’t touch it, for serious!”

“Oh please, what’s the harm in examining it a little more?”  Hina finally grasped it in her palm and took it out, inspecting it as she observed “It looks like…a cute little froggy…”

*POOF*

“Hey!”  Hina exclaimed as a puff of white smoke covered her body, the Ultimate Swimming Pro confused until she realized Hey, this is just like what happened when Makoto touched that leaf and got a Racoon tail!  Hina grinned with excitement as she wondered giddily Maybe I’ll get a cute, fuzzy tail and ears too!

*Stretch*

Huh?!  Hina wondered, slightly panicking as she felt something slick and smooth cover her body, covering her from neck to toe and sticking to her like a second skin.  What…what’s going on?  This doesn’t feel like something cute!  It feels gross!

At last the smoke dissipated, allowing Hina to see Hiro staring incredulously at her.  She then looked down at her body, her eyes widening in shock as she saw a green, stretchy fabric covering her body, her shoes replaced with green flippers.  Only her head and hands were left bare, uncovered by the second skin.  Out of curiosity, she felt the top of her head, feeling two hard cup like structures on her head attacked to a flexible band.

What the…?  She pulled them down, revealing a set of water goggles as she realized That figurine was…

“ALIENS!”  Shaken out of her ponderings by Hiro’s terrified yell, she turned to Hiro, who was pointing to her as he screamed “Aliens took over Hina!”

A vein pulsed in Hina’s forehead as she retorted “I was NOT taken over by aliens!  That figurine must have been some kind of power-up, like when Makoto touched that leaf and got a tail!”

Hiro calmed down somewhat, lowering his voice though apprehension was still written all over his face as he objected “That’s just what an alien would say!  If you’re really Hina, then tell me something only Hina would know!”

“…You broke a bottle over Sakura’s head when she was trying to make peace with you.”  Hina stated pluntly, her eyes narrowed in accusation.

Hiro looked down at his feet, guilt flooding his heart as the memory came rushing back, the Ultimate Clairvoyant finally uttering “…Did you have to go back there again?  I said I was sorry…”

“…It was the only way to prove I wasn’t some kind of alien doppelganger.”  Hina stated, though her eyes were still narrowed as anger bled into her voice, making it clear to Hiro that she still held a grudge against him and Toko for the parts they played in Sakura’s death.

Hiro sighed, avoiding eye contact with Hina as she continued to glare at him, the tension between them so think it could be cut with a butter knife.

…Let’s just focus on getting the Magenti-Star Piece…  Hiro sighed and changed the subject, asking “So, um…what does that suit of yours actually do?  It kind of makes you look like a frog…”

Hina blinked, then looked over her outfit, observing “It looks like a wetsuit I used to wear when I was training for the Olympics at the beach.  But they never had one that quite fit my proportions, so it was always uncomfortable.  This one however…”  Hina smiled as she explained “This one fits me perfectly, almost like I’m swimming in the buff.”

In the buff… Hiro thought as he recalled seeing Hina naked when he, Hifumi, and Makoto spied on the girls bathing the day after Chihiro and Mondo’s deaths.

Hiro blushed as a perverted smile stretched across his face, making Hina frown as she guessed what was going through his head.

Perverted, greedy fortune telling quack…  Hina thought, her vein pulsing again as she slapped his cheek with her open palm as she yelled “Get your head out of the gutter, Hiro!”

“Agh!  I’m sorry!”  Hiro apologized, nursing his sore cheek as wondered “So, umm…since you’re wearing that Frog Suit…does that mean you have the abilities of a frog?  Like how Makoto insisted his tail allowed him to fly?”

Hina assumed a thinking pose and mused “I wonder…maybe…”

Without another word, Hina crouched before flipping backwards, soaring over Hiro’s head before she landed gracefully in the water behind them.  Hiro stood there, his eyes widened in dumbfounded amazement as he ran over to the edge of the sea.

“Whoa!  That was incredible, for serious!  How’d Hina do that?!”  Hiro shrugged as he stared out at the ocean and decided “Well, she can tell me when she comes back up…”

One minute turned into two, then three, then four.  Finally when five minutes passed without so much as a splash from Hina, Hiro frowned and muttered.

“Okay, this is freaky, for serious!  I know that she’s the Ultimate Swimming Pro, but even she couldn’t stay underwater THAT long without drowning.  What if she was captured by eels, or eaten by sharks, or…”

*SPLASH*

“WAAHHHHHH!”  Hiro exclaimed as something came up from the surface, falling on his butt and scrambling back to avoid the circular wave of water that erupted.

Once the wave settled back down, Hiro stared with a slackened jaw as he took in the sight of Hina standing on the beach in her Frog Suit, pointing at him with one finger as she laughed with glee.

Hiro had an annoyed expression on his face as he exclaimed “That’s not funny, Hina!”

Still laughing, Hina retorted “It was hilarious!  You should have seen the look on your face!”

“This is serious, FOR SERIOUS!”

Hina giggled “Okay okay, I’m sorry, but I saw you trying to look for me from below water and I couldn’t resist the temptation to give you a jump scare.  I swear, you’re as easily spooked as my brother Yuta!  Besides, you deserved it for fantasizing about me earlier.”

Hiro blushed in embarrassment, a flash of guilt crossing his face before it morphed into realization as he wondered “Hey…how did you do that backflip into the water or hold your breath for so long?”

Hina reassumed her contemplative pose as she admitted “It’s totally strange…when I flipped it felt so natural, like I was jumping from a diving board.  But even when I jumped from a diving board, I’ve never jumped that high or so precisely.  And my record for holding my breath underwater is only three minutes, but I stayed underwater for five that time.  And I didn’t even feel the need to come up for oxygen when I did.”

“Maybe…maybe that Frog Suit allows you to stay underwater for longer than normal and enhances your swimming and jumping abilities.”

“…Hiro…I think you actually said something logical for once…”  Hina breathed, amazed at Hiro’s rare show of intelligence.

Hiro however pouted and exclaimed “Hey, don’t be mean!  I…hey, what happened to your hair?  It’s not in its ponytail anymore; it’s just flowing down your back.”

“Huh?”  Hina panicked, looking behind her before she groaned “Aw man!  My hair band must have come off in the water!”  Hina sighed and pouted “…Whatever, it’s not a big deal.  It’s just gonna be annoying when it gets in my face like it always does…”

“Umm…”  Hiro suggested “Why don’t you just cut it short if it gets in the way?”

Hina’s eyes flared as she exclaimed with a fist curled “No!  No way, Hiro!  I’ll never cut my hair off!  What if I find a guy who’s into girls with long hair?!”

Hiro rolled his eyes and muttered “Spaz…”

Hina pouted cutely, stomping her flipper foot as she groaned “Geez, you’re just like my little brother!”

“Am not!”

“Am too!”

“AM NOT!”

“AM…Hey, Hiro, what are you doing?!”  Hina exclaimed, their argument broken off by the sight of Hiro walking over to the second chest, his fingers wiggling excitedly again.  “Don’t even think about opening that chest again!  It’ll probably shock you like it did last time.”

“Don’t worry, I have a good feeling about this.  Besides, I just predicted that it’ll open this time!”

Isn’t your accuracy rate like 30 percent or something?!  Hina deadpanned.

“Plus, there’s only two chests here, and the first one already opened for you, so maybe it’s one of those correct order things, ya know?”

…Hiro being logical twice in a row?  Maybe you’ve been replaced by an alien.

*Ding Ding, Diiiing Ding*

Hiro smiled as the chime went off and the treasure chest opened, rubbing his hands together as he chanted “Money money money money…”  As he peered in however, Hiro’s greedy grin turned into a disappointed frown as he spotted a blue mushroom with four white spots and two black eyes and groaned “Aww man, it’s just some lame mushroom.”  His eyes widened as he wondered “Could this be some sentient alien in disguise?!”

…No Hiro, it’s just a mushroom…  Hina sweatdropped, relieved that the Hiro she knew and disliked was back.

Said Ultimate Clairvoyant eventually shrugged “Nah, it’s just a mushroom.  Besides…”  Hiro grinned as he contemplated “Maybe I can use it as an ingredient for my special brownies!”

…I don’t even want to know what’s in those brownies…  Hina shivered before she saw Hiro reach into the treasure chest, causing her to warn “Hiro, maybe you shouldn’t touch it!”

“Oh come on, Hina!  What’s the harm in touching it?  You said that to me, and you got a cool Frog Suit!  Who’s to say that this can’t be a cool power-up too?!”

…I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I can’t argue with that logic…

Unable to come up with a sufficient counterargument, Hina watched as Hiro reached into the chest, exclaiming in the most stereotypical Italian accent he could muster “I’m ah touching it!”

“…That’s racist…”  Hina scolded. 

“It is NOT!” 

Hina retorted disapprovingly “You didn’t see Makoto doing the worst Italian accent known to man when he got his Racoon Tail, or me speaking in a fake French accent when I got Frog Legs!”

“I’m just having a little bit of fun, so don’t be me…”

*Poof*

Another puff of white smoke covered Hiro, obscuring him from view as Hina deadpanned Well, the smoke proves it; Hiro’s got a power-up now too.  I wonder what he’ll be able to do now…Hey, where’d he go?  Hina frowned as Hiro was nowhere to be seen, causing her to call out “Hiro?”

“Hina!”

What’s going on?  I can hear Hiro, but I can’t see him!  Hina shivered as she panicked If that mushroom gave him the power of invisibility, I can’t even begin to imagine all the perverted and greedy things Hiro could do with it…

“Hina!  Down here!”

“Huh?”  Hina wondered and looked down, her eyes widening at the sight of a seven-inch-tall Yasuhiro Hagakure jumping frantically up and down.  Unable to stop herself, she burst into laughter as she asked “Hiro?!  Is that you?!”

“This isn’t funny, Hina!”  Hiro exclaimed, though his comedic jumping only reinforced Hina’s fit of laughter.

As her laughter died down to light giggles, she got on her knees and assured him “Oh come on, Hiro, you’ve gotta admit it’s pretty funny!”

Hiro pouted “It’s NOT funny!  I feel like an action figure, for serious!”

…An action figure, huh?  Hina grinned deviously as she squeezed her hand threateningly in front of him and asked “So then…do you perform a karate chop if I squeeze you?  Or maybe you come with an action button on your back…”

Hiro shrieked and ran up to Hina’s ankle in fear and anger, trying in vain to kick it with his foot.

Hina sweatdropped, then sighed, reaching down to pick Hiro up in her hand, ignoring his yelps and protests.  She opened her palm, allowing Hiro to get his bearings as she lifted him up so he was looking into her eyes.

“Are you done?”  Hiro huffed, crossing his arms over his chest and turning his head to the side in a pout, making Hina sigh as she thought Come on Hiro, you’re behaving like a big baby…  Hina’s eyes softened as she admitted to herself Although I did tease him more than I had to.  Maybe I was being a bit spiteful because…because I haven’t completely forgiven how he and Byakuya and Toko treated Sakura before her death…I admit, maybe some small part of me wanted some payback that I couldn’t get through the Class Trial.

“Don’t lose hope now!”

Ma…Makoto?

Makoto’s smiling, hopeful face flashed in her mind as his disembodied voice told her “We promised we’d all stick together, no matter how much despair was in the world outside!  I know you and Hiro still have issues to work out, but you can’t let that drive you apart.  We all need to work together if we’re going to get back home!”

“Makoto…”  Hina smiled as she whispered “You’re right…Thank you…” 

Hiro looked up at her and asked in curiosity “Umm…what did you say about Makoto?”

Come on, Hina, do as Makoto said; just put aside your grudge until we get the Magenti-Star Piece, then you and Hiro can work things out properly.  Sighing, she replied “Makoto and the others are working hard to get their pieces of the Magenti-Star, so we need to do the same and get our gold medal.  Now’s no time for us to be fighting amongst ourselves.”  Looking down at Hiro, she bent her pointer finger so that it was touching her palm, making Hiro turn to her in surprise as she apologized “I’m sorry, truce?”

Hiro looked into her eyes, seeing a serious honesty within them, allowing him to smile and grab her finger, shaking it as he returned “Truce.”

Removing her finger from her palm, Hina looked around until she spotted a group of roundish rocks.  She proceeded to walk over to them, lowering her palm once she approached them so Hiro could jump off.  She then pulled out her map and started scanning it.

“It says here that the Magenti-Star Piece is located at the bottom of the ocean, on a sunken ship called the Jolly Roger.”

“Is that why this place was called the Jolly Roger Bay?”

“It’s possible, but not really important.  I’ll have to dive down there to find it.”

As she was about to turn around, Hiro exclaimed “Wait!  You’re seriously just going to leave me here?  For serious?!  What was that whole speech about having to work together for then?!”

“…It’s not like I can bring you with me; you’d just drown.  And before you finish that thought, I’m NOT putting you in my Frog Suit where you can do who knows what in there.”

“Don’t be mean!”  Hiro objected “I wouldn’t do anything perverted…”  Then again…what if there are sea monsters down there…or…Chthulhu…  Hiro shivered before changing his tune, smiling nervously as he agreed “You know what, you’re right Hina.  You should be the one to look for the Magenti-Star Piece while I…secure the beach!”

Hina sweatdropped at Hiro’s grin, sighing sarcastically “My hero…”

“Yeah, I guess I am a hero, aren’t I?”  Hiro replied proudly, oblivious to her sarcasm.

I don’t know who’s denser…you for not being able to detect sarcasm, or Makoto for not getting together with Kyoko…

Hina sighed and turned around, about to walk into the water to begin her search when she heard Hiro call “Wait, Hina?”

Sighing in irritation, she turned around and asked in an annoyed tone “What?  We’re in a hurry!”

Scratching the back of his head nervously, Hiro asked “Umm…just curious…how did you pull that map out of your Frog Suit when it doesn’t have any pockets?”

“…” 

Hina found herself dumbfounded by Hiro’s third logical thought in a row today, one that she hadn’t even considered.

Eventually she was only able to reply dumbly as she stared at her map “I…I…don’t…I don’t…knooowww?”

She looked from her map to Hiro, who looked just as confused as she did, only for him to laugh off “Ah…maybe it’s one of those video game mechanics.  So…maybe we shouldn’t question it?”

Hina nodded “Yeah, good point.  Alright, I’m off now.  The sooner I find this Magenti-Star Piece, the sooner we can rendezvous with the others.  Now…eek!”

Hina turned around, only to shriek and fall on her butt, her eyes widened as she saw a green hooded robe draped over some kind of creature on the sand.

“Hina, you killed it!  Whatever it is, your shrieks killed it!”

Hina huffed at Hiro’s exclamation and retorted “Please, Hiro, there’s no way THAT killed it.”  Her brow furrowed as she wondered “Come to think of it…what is that little thing anyway…Huh?” 

She placed her hand on the sand to try and push herself onto her flippers, only for her brow to furrow as she felt a smooth, hard surface under her hand.

“What the…” 

She picked up the item and held it in front of her face, frowning as she saw that she was holding a white mask with two round holes for eyes and a smaller circular hole that was obviously a mouth.

“That mask is…kind of creepy…could that little thing be part of some weird theater cult?”

Hina rolled her eyes and told him “Oh shush, Hiro.”  Though I don’t know the answer to that question either.  I don’t know anything about Mario games, but I thought they were rated A for All Ages.  Why would there be cults in a kids game like that?

“…Hei-ho…”

“Huh?”  Hina and Hiro exclaimed, their eyes widened in shock as they looked down at the green hooded creature, obviously not dead as they could see the outline of its hand trying to feel around the sandy floor in front of it.

It suddenly stood up and spun around, Hina and Hiro just barely catching its free arm covering its face.

…It must be looking for something…  Hina realized.  But what…wait!  Hina’s eyes widened as she looked to the mask, then to the mysterious creature, then back to the mask again.  This mask must belong to it!  Waving it in the air, she called out “Hey, little guy!  Catch!”

Hina threw the mask forward, watching as the creature caught it in its hand.  It then shuffled, placing the mask back on its head and tying it back on before turning around.  It then swiftly turned around, holding its arms in front of it as though it were making fists, making Hina narrow her eyes and get in a fighting stance of her own.

To their surprise though, the mysterious creature lowered its guard, cheeks blushing and eyes bulging beneath its mask as it stared at Hina.  Suddenly acting shy, it held its hands behind its back as it rubbed one foot back and forth in the sand bashfully, confusing the Ultimate Swimming Pro.

Deciding to investigate this seemingly enamored creature, Hina finally summoned the strength to stand up, slowly walking up to the strange creature before she knelt down before it and asked “Hey little guy; what’s your name?”

“Hei-ho!”

Hina and Hiro looked at each other with confused expressions before Hina shrugged “Well, he doesn’t seem particularly hostile.”  She turned back to the strange creature and asked “Is Hei-ho the only thing you can say?”  Seeing him nod, Hina gushed “Oh, that’s so cute!”

He brought his hands to his cheeks, gasping as he thought She…she called me…cute?!

Hiro looked suspiciously at him and cautioned “Um…Hina…I know I’m kind of the gullible one…but I really don’t think we should let our guard down around this…this…Maskass!”

Hina gasped, then turned to glare at Hiro and admonished “Hiro, don’t be mean!”  Looking back at him, she cooed “Besides, how could this harmless little guy be bad?”

As Hina and Hiro continued to argue, he sweat nervously beneath his robe and mask as the knife, spear, Fire Flower, and gas bomb jingling in his specially concealed pouch felt like a time bomb about to go off.

The little weird man I don’t mind skewering or roasting on a stick, but I don’t wanna fight this beautiful, compassionate goddess!  He suddenly noticed the map Hina was holding and pointed to it curiously, asking “Hei-ho?”

Hina looked to Hei-ho curiously, then to her map in realization as she exclaimed “Oh, you see my map!”  Holding it in front of her with a smile, she explained “My friend Hiro and I are looking for a Magenti-Star piece at the bottom of the sea.”

He gasped, then assumed his own thinking pose as he realized This human girl is looking for the same Magenti-Star Piece that Captain Wart assigned me to find?  And they have a MAP to help them?  He grinned under his mask as he decided This is perfect!  Once she recovers it, I can steal it to give to the Captain…  He blushed as he thought …And maybe I can even have this beautiful goddess all to myself as a reward!  “Hei-Ho!”

“Huh?”  Hina and Hiro asked as they saw him jumping up and down.

Once he was sure he had caught their attention, he pointed to the map, then to Hina, then to himself, and finally to the water.

Hina’s eyes lit up as she realized “Oh, you want to help us find the Magenti-Star Piece, little guy?”

“Hei-Ho!”

Hiro frowned as he cautioned “Hina, I don’t know about this…I think trusting this guy is a bad idea…”

Hina huffed “Oh come on, Hiro, let the little guy help!  He probably knows this area better than we do, and with you not really able to come with me, I could use the help.”

“Umm…well…how’s he gonna breathe underwater?”

As Hina began to ponder that conundrum, the strange creature exclaimed “Hei-Ho!”, pointing frantically to a pile on the other side of the beach consisting of an air tank, goggles, and flippers.

“Oh, you brought your own swim gear?”  Hina beamed as the creature nodded, the Ultimate Swimming Pro pumping her fists as she exclaimed “Alright, now we can both go in the water and get the gold…”  Hina blushed as she rubbed the back of her neck in embarrassment, correcting herself “…I mean the Magenti-Star Piece…”

Hiro frowned as he cautioned “I really don’t know about this, Hina.  I still think this is a bad idea, for serious!”

Hina rolled her eyes and retorted “Oh relax, Hiro; if anything goes wrong, I can just use my Frog Suit to swim out of there.”

“I…I guess…”  Hiro replied, still unsure about her plan, but unable to come up with a proper argument to dissuade her.  It’d be one thing if I could go in Maskass’s place, but I’m still barely over half a foot tall!

Beaming in victory, Hina turned to the strange creature and asked “So little guy, would you mind helping us?”

The hooded creature nodded and exclaimed “Hei-Ho!”, making Hina giggle before she assumed a contemplative pose.

“Still…what do I call you…”  Her eyes lit up in realization as she beamed and asked “Oh, what about Heiho-kun?”

The strange creature froze at the question, dumbstruck as he asked himself This beautiful goddess…is giving me a name?  No Shyguy has ever been given a name before!  But…if I decline…it’ll make me look suspicious!  Alright…if I’m going to gain this beautiful goddess’s trust…I’ll accept my new name!

Heiho nodded slowly, making Hina clap her hands together in glee as she exclaimed “Alright, from now on, your name is Heiho-kun!”

“…Still gonna call him Maskass…” Hiro muttered, only to freeze up as Hiro and Heiho shot angry glares at him.

Hina sighed and proceeded to lecture him while Heiho ran over to the other side of the beach and put on his swimming gear.  Once was fully equipped, Heiho gestured for Hina to follow him, leading her to nod and put her map away before she turned back to Hiro one last time and pulled her goggles into place.

“Alright, just stay here until I come back, okay?  I’ll be back with the Magenti-Star Piece before you know it.”

Hiro nodded with a rare serious expression on his face before he stared into her eyes and agreed “Alright…just come back safe, okay?  We’ve already lost so many friends…Sayaka, Leon, Chihiro, Mondo, Taka, Hifumi, Celeste, Sakura…I…I don’t want to lose any more friends, for serious!”

Hiro…  Hina blushed, touched by Hiro’s rare display of caring, then nodded with a smile as she assured him in a happy, determined voice “Don’t worry, we won’t lose any more friends…”  Sakura’s face flashed before her eyes before she punched her fist into her open palm and vowed “Never again!”  She then turned to Heiho and called out “Alright Heiho-kun, lead the way!”

Heiho nodded and started walking, Hina walking to catch up to him until he stopped at the edge of ledge hanging over the sea.  Heiho crouched to make a dive, only to be completely blown away by an impatient Hina.  Fueled by her Frog Suit, she jumped a good ten feet in the air, Heiho and Hiro’s eyes widening in awe as she rolled into a triple somersault before diving perfectly into the water, a ring of water forming a brief wave in her wake.

Heiho raised his arms to clap, only to stumble backwards as he was startled by Hina who broke through the surface and called out in a friendly teasing voice “Hurry up slowpoke!”

“Hei-Ho?”  Heiho uttered, confused as Hina dived back underwater.

Heiho looked back at Hiro with a befuddled expression, leading the shrunken Clairvoyant to shrug “Hina is very competitive.”

Heiho nodded, then crouched and leapt forward, holding his short legs together in a cannonball as he unceremoniously made a splash, sinking into the water below.

“…Two points…” Hiro judged.  Then again, he did have to wear all that diving equipment…  Hiro sighed as he looked out to the water, praying “Good luck Hina…and you too, Maskass…”

XXX

Wow…this place is amazing!  Hina thought, wide-eyed as she and Heiho swam through the sea, taking in the sight of Cheep-Cheeps and Bloopers swimming through the vast waters.  Hina turned to see Heiho staring at her, somehow able to detect the amusement behind his mask as she thought excitedly I know I probably look like a giddy little kid, but I can’t help it!  If I had known those Mario gamers were this amazing, I would have played them with Yuta years ago!  Huh?  What is it, Heiho-kun?

She then saw Heiho frantically pointing down, causing her to curiously follow his gesture with her eyes until they widened at the sight of a large, wooden pirate ship at the bottom of the ocean floor.

Oh, that must be the Jolly Roger, which means that our Magenti-Star Piece must be inside that ship!  Okay, let’s go!

Hina immediately started swimming down, Heiho following close behind as they approached the ship.  With a quick glance to each other and a silent nod, they then swam in opposite directions, circling around the ship as they searched for a way inside.  Eventually, Hina rejoined Heiho in front of a square hole on the side of the top deck, the little Shyguy gesturing to it.

Oh, you want me to follow you inside?  Great work, Heiho-kun!

Heiho nodded before swimming inside the hole, Hina about to pump her legs to follow when she felt a shiver down her spine.  She turned her head and furrowed her brow at the sight of nothing but calm ocean water.

…Why do I get the feeling that we’re being watched?  Maybe I’m just nervous…

Hina shrugged and proceeded to follow Heiho into the hole, unaware of the white eyes and jaws of razor-sharp teeth staring at her as she disappeared into the ship.

XXX

Hiro sighed, tapping his foot against the rock he was sitting on as he lamented “Man, wish I had brought my tarot cards from Hope’s Peak…then again, they’d probably be too big for me to play at this height.”

Hiro sighed for the sixteenth time as he stared at the open sea.

“Wonder how the others are doing with their Magenti-Star Pieces…I hope Hina and Maskass are doing okay down there.  I know I’m a greedy coward, but I really wish I could do something to check on them…”  Hiro groaned in frustration “Man, this power-up bites, for serious!  How is shrinking even useful?”

Hiro began to ponder, taking a contemplative pose before his eyes widened in realization.

“Wait a second…what if…my superpower is actually…mind control?!”  Hiro pondered, giggling with glee as he began to fantasize about his nonexistent power.

XXX

“Your fruit juice, Master Hagakure.”  Byakuya announced as he and Makoto walked over to Hiro who was sitting on his throne, his golden crown adorning his head.

Dressed in butler uniforms, Makoto and Byakuya carried two trays, a single goblet on Makoto’s and a bottle of fruit juice on Byakuya’s.  Byakuya proceeded to uncork the bottle and pour it into Makoto’s goblet.  The former Lucky Student then handed the goblet to Hiro, who accepted it gratefully before he downed it in one gulp.

Handing it back to Makoto, Hiro commanded “Thank you Makoto, Byakuya, you are dismissed.”  As Makoto and Byakuya nodded and left, Hiro clapped his hands and ordered “Kyoko, wipe my face.  Toko, massage my back.  Hina, rub my feet.”

“Meow!”  The three girls called back as they filed in, dressed in stereotypical maid uniforms with fake cat ears on their heads.

Ah, this is the life!

XXX

*Stomp*

“Huh?”

Hiro turned around, bringing his hands over his mouth to muffle his shocked gasp as he saw a large green anthropomorphic frog wearing a blue and gold cap and a golden crown atop his head, as well as a golden chain hanging loosely from his neck.  Bringing up the rear was an anthropomorphic mouse wearing sunglasses, as well as a small battalion of Shyguys cloaked in red hoods.

Oh no…it’s an army of Maskasses!  Hiro thought as he stared fearfully at the two strange creatures.

Before he could ponder further, the giant frog cackled “I am the Great Captain Wart!”

The mouse and Shyguys shook their heads in exasperation before Wart turned to the mouse and asked “Mouser?  How long until the Green Shyguy returns with the Magenti-Star Piece?”

Green?  Is he…is he talking about Maskass?!

Mouser nodded “Any minute now, Captain.  And might I say, it was an excellent plan, letting that human girl do all the hard work for us.”

Wart grinned and stroked his chin, musing “Yes, it was, wasn’t it?  Once our Albatross forces saw her coming to this area’s Warp Pipe, all we needed to do was send Green to keep tabs on her until she acquires what we’re looking for.”  Wart frowned as he lamented “I just hope that Green’s up to the task; he’s always been the runt of the litter, so to speak.”  Wart grinned evilly as he mused “With any luck, he’ll get us the Magenti-Star Piece, then we can feed him and that human girl to the Unagi.”

“Here here!”  Mouser agreed.

“Hei-ho!”  All the Shyguys chanted in agreement.

Hiro hid back behind the rock, biting his fingernails as he thought with dread Oh no…Hina’s down in the depths of the ocean with a spy…and a vicious sea monster!

XXX

Okay, so this Frog Suit increases my lung capacity, but it doesn’t allow me to breathe underwater.  I’m running out of time… Hina thought as she resisted the urge to gasp for breath.

Heiho looked back and seeing Hina’s pensive expression, looked around until his eyes settled on an air bubble floating in front of them.  He pointed frantically at the bubble, trying to get Hina’s attention.

Heiho-kun?  Why are you pointing at that air bubble?    Hina’s eyes widened in realization as she realized Wait, air bubble…could touching it refill my oxygen?  Is that what you’re trying to tell me?  Well, this is a video game world, so it’s worth a shot.

Hina hurriedly swam over to it, reaching out to touch the air bubble while she still had air.  The instant her fingertip touched it, it popped, making Hina start to panic until she felt her lungs start to refill, making her beam and relax, just barely resisting the urge to sigh in relief.

Alright, so that proves it; I still need air to breathe; thank goodness this air bubble was just floating here, or I’d have been in real trouble!  Heiho-kun just saved my life!

Hina grinned at Heiho, causing him to blush and turn his head away bashfully before Hina took out her map again.

Alright, let’s see…  She thought as they continued to swim, inspecting the map.  The Magenti-Star Piece should be…here…  Hina and Heiho looked up from the map, only for their eyes to widen in shock as they saw nothing but wood and sea water, Hina panicking What the…it’s GONE!  But how?  The map said it’s supposed to be here!

Heiho brought his hands up to the cheeks of his mask as he started to panic Oh no!  The Magenti-Star Piece, it’s not here!  Now what do I do?!  Captain Wart and Mouser are going to punish me if I come back empty-handed!

Hina noticed Heiho’s panicking state and swam around so that he was looking straight at her.  She smiled reassuringly as she nodded, causing Heiho to calm down, lowering his hands as he smiled behind his mask and nodded.

Alright…everything’s gonna be okay…we’ll…we’ll still find it…and…and then I won’t be punished!

Seeing that Heiho had calmed down, Hina thought Okay…let’s take another look around.  It can’t be too…

*Creak*

Huh?

Hina and Heiho slowly turned their heads, their eyes widening to see a reddish-violet eel staring them in the face, licking its lips as it savored its prey.

XXX

“So, what’s the plan again, Captain Wart…OW!”

Wart growled as Mouser soothed the aching lump on his head “Pay attention, sorry excuse for a sea mouse!”  He took a deep breath and explained to the group of Red Shyguys “Once Green comes back with the girl, all of you will surround them, at which point, Green will hand the Magenti Star-Piece to me.  Then you will take the girl and Green, take away her Frog Suit and his air tank, and throw them into the sea to the Unagi.”

As Wart cackled and Mouser giggled, Hiro started to sweat nervously, thinking I’ve gotta get out of here!  I’ve gotta think of how to send a message to Hina…  “Ah!”

As Hiro slipped and fell off the pile of rocks, Wart and Mouser turned to glance over to where Hiro had stood, hearing his surprised shriek, only to shrug and turn back to their Shyguy battalion after seeing nothing there.  Meanwhile Hiro tumbled into a large brown bag, resisting the urge to groan in pain as his fall was broken by a pile of black, metallic balls.

When Hiro had gotten his bearings together, he looked around at the balls that had caught his fall, his eyes widening as he realized Oh no!  These balls have fuses!  They must be…  Hiro’s gaze immediately turned to a stitching on the side of the bag, reading “BOMBS!  Property of Mouser.”  BOMBS?!  I’m in a bag full of bombs?!  Oh man, I’m really starting to hate this game!  No treasure is worth this!

XXX

Ah!  Hina shrieked to herself as she dodged yet another bite from Unagi.  Good thing I’m the Ultimate Swimming Pro and that I got this Frog Suit, otherwise I’d be fish food!  Oh no, Heiho-kun!

Hina’s eyes widened in fear as Heiho just barely swam away from Unagi’s next bite, the Shuguy sweating beneath his mask as he found himself trapped in the far corner of the ship.  Unagi slithered forward, snapping its jaws hungrily as Heiho shivered in place, frozen by the prospect of his inevitable doom.

Hina’s eyes narrowed as she clenched a fist and vowed No, I won’t let things end this way!  No way Heiho-kun is going to become eel food!  Alright, you slimy fish freak, feel the fury of my SPEEDING DIVE FROG KICK!

Barely holding back a roar, Hina dove down and pumped her legs, kicking at top speed until she was shredding through the water like a speeding bullet.  Once she was above Unagi’s head, she flipped into a downwards kick, making Unagi groan in pain as her foot made contact with its eye.  Seeing his chance, Heiho swam away from the writhing eel, staring at Hina gratefully, making her smile and nod in a silent reply.

Still, I only stunned it; we need a way to get out of here before that thing eats us so we can find the Ma…genti…Star…

Hina and Heiho’s eyes widened as they saw the exact thing they were looking for, hanging loosely from the tip of Unagi’s swishing tail, Hine exclaiming to herself That’s it!  The Magenti-Star Piece!  Now…how to get it safely… 

Hina swiftly gazed around the ship until her eyes settled on a group of four chests lying on the bottom floor, arranged in a triangle shape with one in the center.

That’s it; that’s how we’ll beat it!  Alright, time to make some sushi!

She swiftly started swimming to the center chest, facing the now recovered Unagi as she started to wiggle like a worm.  Unagi chomped its jaws and charged forward like a speeding bullet.

That’s it…just a little more…that’s it, almost there…alright, NOW!

Hina immediately swam out of the way at the last second, causing Unagi to collide with the treasure chest.  An electrical current immediately surrounded Unagi, shocking and stunning it in place.

Bullseye, just like Hiro!

As soon as the electrical current passed, Hina immediately swam over to Unagi’s tail and grabbed the Magenti-Star Piece, exclaiming to herself Yes, I got it!  Heiho sweatdropped as Hina spun in place, ending by pumping her fist in the air in victory as she thought Alright, now to get back to the surfa…  “AGH!”

So enthralled by her victory was Hina that she failed to notice Unagi’s tail slamming into her as it turned to swim away, the reddish-violet eel off to find less resistant prey.  Hina groaned as she slammed into the side of the ship’s hull, quickly losing consciousness as the wind was knocked out of her.  Heiho grabbed the cheeks of his mask and panicked as she limply floated in the water, her grip slackening and causing her to drop the Magenti-Star Piece.

Oh no!  She’s gonna run out of air at this rate, and there’s no more air bubbles in this ship!  If I don’t get her to the surface soon, she’ll drown!  But we’re too deep underwater to swim back up!  If only I could raise…wait…  Heiho’s eyes widened as he stared at the treasure chests and exclaimed to himself That’s it!  I can just raise the Jolly Roger and then the water will drain out!  Now what was that order again?  Come on, think, think…oh, that’s it!  BRAIN BLAST!

Pumping his legs as though his life depended on it, Heiho swam over to the chests and tapped them one by one.

Top, Bottom Right, Bottom Left, and…CENTER!

*Ding Ding, Diiiing Ding*

Heiho sighed in relief as he heard the ship creak and saw the water slowly drain from the Jolly Roger.  With a look of determination, he took a deep breath and swam over to Hina’s limp form, removing his scuba mask and pressing it to Hina’s mouth.  He let out another sigh of relief as he watched her chest move up and down as het lungs started to take in the extra air.

There…at least now she’ll still be alive… Heiho thought as he waited for the ship to drain completely.

XXX

“Buddha and sweet baby Jesus, save me!”  Hiro whimpered in prayer as he kneeled among the bombs.

Meanwhile, Wart, Mouser and the Red Shyguys turned as they heard a splashing sound, the anthropomorphic frog grinning  as he mused “I guess Green came through after all…Mouser!  Prepare to board the Jolly Roger!”

“Yes, Captain Wart!”  Turning to the battalion of Shyguys, Mouser commanded “You heard the Captain!  Get the planks ready to board the Jolly Roger!”

“Hei-Ho!”  The Shyguys nodded before running to the pile of wooden planks and ladders on the other side of the beach.

Hiro yelped from inside the bag of bombs as Mouser grabbed it, following Wart as they followed the Shyguys to the Jolly Roger.

I can’t believe this…shrunk to seven inches and about to get blasted to bits in a bomb bag…I didn’t do anything to deserve this!  …Except try to kill Sakura, and vote Makoto guilty for murder, and nearly condemn him to death again during the final Class Trial…

XXX

Hina groaned as her eyes fluttered open, Heiho’s mask gradually clearing in her vision as he carried her in his arms while he walked up the stairs to the outside deck.

“Hei…Heiho-kun?”  Hina groaned before she asked weakly “Did you…did you save me?”

“Hei-ho!”  Heiho confirmed with a nod, making Hina give a beaming smile of gratitude.

“Oh, thank you, Heiho!”  Heiho blushed beneath his mask as Hina looked around, spotting the Magenti-Star Piece in his hand as she asked “Oh, did you get that for me too?  Oh, you’re a real hero, Heiho-kun!  Much more than Hiro, that’s for sure.”

“Hei…ho…”  Heiho stammered, making Hina smile. 

She was completely oblivious to the nervous sweat dripping behind his mask, believing he was just being bashful again when he was in fact facing a moral conundrum.

What do I do?  Do I…do I really give this goddess the Magenti-Star Piece?  Or do I betray this girl who’s shown me nothing but kindness in order to serve my Captain?

Her strength recovered, Hina jumped out of his arms, stretching in her Frog Suit and removing her goggles from her eyes as she suggested “Alright, now let’s go get Hiro and get back to that Warp Pipe so we ca…AAAHHHHH!”

Hina shrieked, Heiho shivering in fear as they were instantly confronted by a row of red Shyguys.  Before Hina could ask what was going on, Wart and Mouser landed in between the row of Shyguys and Hina, causing Heiho to cower behind her in fear.

“I am the great Captain Wart!”

As Wart cackled, the others sweatdropped at the dramatic introduction as Hina deduced “You must be that Wart guy that fought with that Bowser guy…”

A vein pulsed in Wart’s forehead as he roared “HOW DARE YOU COMPARE ME TO THAT LOWLY TURTLE!  I’M TEN, NO, A HUNDRED TIMES THE SUPREME LEADER THAT KING KOOPA WAS!”

“Captain Wart, remember your blood pressure, sir!”  Mouser cautioned in a panic, leading Wart to pinch the bridge of his nose and take a deep breath as he calmed down.

“…As I was saying…once I get the pieces of the Magenti-Star, I’ll be Public Enemy #1 to the Mushroom Kingdom, not that sad excuse for a turtle.”  He then spotted Heiho peering out from behind Hina and growled “Green!  I see you cowering over there, as usual.  Now, get over here and give me the MAgenti-Star Piece.”

Hina gasped, feeling her heart break as she turned to Heiho in shock, asking “…Hei-ho-kun…is it true?  Are you one of Wart’s…minions?”

“…Hei-ho…”  Heiho whimpered, looking away in guilt at Hina’s betrayed, disappointed expression.

Wart rolled his eyes and complained “Ugh, is the soap opera over yet?  I’m still waiting for that Star Piece, Green.  You’ve always been the weak link, cowering in fear instead of taking charge like the others in your platoon.  That’s why you’ve haven’t earned your red robe and you never will; you’re too soft!”

“Hei-ho!  Hei-ho!”  The other Shyguys chanted, jeering at their comrade, making him whimper as the memories of being bullied by his fellow Shyguys came rushing back.

“Hei-ho…”

Wart raised an eyebrow and demanded “What, you want to prove me wrong?  Then hand over that Magenti-Star Piece, and maybe I might change my mind one day.  So, what’s it gonna be, Green?”

Heiho sluggishly walked over, stopping halfway as he wondered What do I do?  Do I obey my King?  Or do I repay this girl who didn’t make fun of me?

“Heiho-kun…” Hina muttered, her eyes becoming watery at the betrayal of someone she considered a friend who saved her life.

“…Heiho.”

“Huh?”  Hina asked, the other Shyguys along with Captain Wart and Mouser gaping in shock as Heiho turned around, walking over to Hina and presenting the Magenti-Star piece to her.

Hina sniffled as she wiped her eyes “Heiho-kun…are you giving me the Magenti-Star Piece?”

“Hei-ho!”

Hina beamed and accepted it, whispering “Thank you, Heiho-kun.”

“Hei-ho!”  Heiho cried, beaming as he saw Hina’s pure smile again.

The both turned around as Wart growled at them “I should have known better than to have you spy on the girl, Green.  Well, since you’ve become a full-blown traitor now, I’ll just have to give you both a proper sendoff!”  Heiho whirled around, stretching his arms out in a protective gesture as Wart ordered “Mouser, use one of your bombs to blast them to Star Bits!”

“Right away, Captain!”  Mouser nodded, making Hina and Heiho tense up in fear as Mouser opened his bomb bag, reaching in with one paw to grab a bomb.

“Aah!”

Hiro?  Hina wondered as she spotted something jump out of the bag.

*Sizzle*

“…Mouser, what’s that sizzling sound?”

Mouser pulled out a bomb, his eyes widening as he exclaimed “Captain!  One of my bombs has been set off somehow!”

“What?!  You idiot, get rid of it before it…”

*BOOM*

“AAH!”  Wart and Mouser screamed as Hina wrapped Heiho in a protective embrace, whirling around to protect Heiho from the blast radius as she closed her eyes.

“WE’RE BLASTING OFF!”

“HEI-HOOOOOOO!”

Hina reluctantly opened her eyes and looked up, seeing Wart, Mouser, and the red Shyguys disappear among the stars twinkling in the skies.

Hmm…just like Team Rocket… Hina thought with a smile as she released Heiho from her embrace and assured him “Heiho-kun, you can open your eyes now.  We’re safe, thanks to you.”

“…Hei-ho?”  Heiho asked as he opened his eyes, looking up at Hina with a relieved expression now that he realized that his former comrades were gone.

“What am I, chop liver?  I was the one who saved you guys, for serious!”  Hiro exclaimed as he ran over to them.  I thought you guys had drowned under the sea, for serious!

Hina grinned as she exclaimed “Hiro!  We would have been barbequed if you hadn’t set off that bomb when you did!”  As soon as she said that, Hina cocked her head in confusion as she asked “Hold on…how did you know to set that bomb off?”

Hiro grinned proudly as he explained “Don’t you remember?  I’m the Ultimate Clairvoyant!  I knew how and when to set it off because I predicted I’d set it off at the right time.  And you know my predictions have at least a 30% chance of coming true!”

Hina smiled and nodded “Well, I’m glad your fortune came right for once, Hiro.”

Hiro laughed, thinking I’m glad she bought it.  It would have been really embarrassing to tell her I was just trying to jump out of the bomb bag and accidentally set off the fuse with my shoes…

Oblivious to Hiro’s lie, Hina exclaimed “Boy do I have a tale for you!  But first…”  Hina turned to Heiho and asked “Heiho-kun, could you steer this ship back to shore so we can get back to Princess Peach’s Castle?”

“Hei-Ho!”  Heiho saluted before he scrambled to the top deck and began operating the steering wheel, leaving Hina and Hiro alone to talk.

XXX

As the Jolly Roger came to a stop, Hina and Heiho jumped off the ship’s bow.  Once they had landed on the beach, Hiro jumped off Hina’s shoulder, his jacket acting as a cape as he glided to the Warp Pipe.

He then proceeded to get on his knees and kiss the rim, crying “Oh, I’m so happy to be alive!  Alive and on solid land and about to reunite the Magenti-Star Pieces so we can go home!”

Hina and Heiho sweatdropped as they approached the pipe, Hina turning to Heiho and kneeling down before she said “Well, Heiho-kun, I guess this is goodbye.  Thank you for saving my life, and I’ll always treasure you as one of my friends.”

As Hina stood up and turned around, Heiho realized I don’t want this to be goodbye.  Hina…Hina’s been the only person to show me kindness.  She even gave me a name!  I want to stay by her side until the very end!  He then walked up and tugged on her Frog Suit sleeve, making her turn around and stare curiously at his determined expression as he exclaimed “HEI-HO!”

Her eyes widening in realization, she asked “Heiho-kun…are you saying you want to come with us?”

Heiho nodded seriously, confirming “Hei-ho!”

Before Hina could reply, Hiro interjected “Hina, I don’t know about this, for serious.  You said that he was working for that Wart guy before, right?  Who’s to say he won’t betray us like he betrayed Wart?”

Hina scowled and rejected “Oh please, Hiro!  I like having this little guy around; at least there’s one short guy around here I can trust.  Like it or not, he stays!”  She turned around again and cooed “Don’t worry, all our friends are gonna love you!  Byakuya and Toko are kind of jerks, but they’re our jerks!  Kyoko’s a little quiet, but she’ll warm up to you.  And Makoto’s just the sweetest boy you can ima…”

Hina trailed off, stunned into silence as Heiho reached up and removed his mask, exposing his true face to her.

“Heiho-kun…you…you took off your mask…” 

Heiho sweated nervously, anxious about her impending reaction to his face, though he had nothing to fear as Hina wrapped her arms around him, drawing him to her breasts in a bear hug and nuzzling her nose against his head.

“Oh, you’re so ADORABLE!”

Heiho blushed as she let him go, grinning cutely before he replaced his mask and, along with Hina, turned to Hiro.

As she lifted him up to stand on the rim of the Warp Pipe, Hiro asked “So, um…can you show me what you look like to?”

Before Heiho could answer, Hina interjected “No way!  You did nothing but doubt and insult him!  You’re not much better than the minions who bullied him!  The secret of his adorable face is my privilege and mine alone.”

Hiro sighed grumbled as Hina grinned while Heiho rubbed the back of his hood bashfully and exclaimed “Hei-ho!”

Staring into the depths of the Warp Pipe, the trio bent their knees as Hina counted down “Alright, on three.  One, two, THREE!”

They then jumped into the Warp Pipe, screaming as they fell into its depths.

”Aaaaaahhhhhhhhh!”

“Heiiiiiiihoooooooooooo!”

Chapter Text

Green dinosaur feet in brown boots trotted down the dirt road, its owner focused straight ahead as it continued to make its way to Princess Peach’s Castle.  Makoto sat upright, his arms wrapped around Yoshi’s neck for support, a determined look in his eyes while his cheeks flushed pink, feeling Kyoko’s breasts press against his back as one arm lay wrapped loosely around his waist while her free hand lay flat against his tail.

She’s been awfully quiet lately…is something…

He turned his head to check on her, only to for his eyes to soften as he realized that she had fallen asleep in the middle of petting his tail.

*Snore*

Makoto smiled as his Tanuki Ears twitched at the sound of her snoring, musing as her Bunny Ears twitched She must have been really tired from our little adventure today…I hope she’s at least having some good dreams right now.  She deserves to have some good dreams after everything she’s done for us…for me…I wouldn’t be alive right now if it wasn’t for Kyoko!  Sleep tight, Kyoko…you deserve to relax for as long as you can, sleeping with that cute, peaceful face…

Makoto then silently tugged on one of Yoshi’s spines, causing the dinosaur to turn its head to look at him curiously.

In a hushed whisper so he wouldn’t wake up Kyoko, Makoto instructed “Hey boy, why don’t we make this trek a little more leisurely so Kyoko can relax and dream a little longer, okay?”

With a hushed “Yoshi”, Yoshi nodded, smiling with a wink before he turned his head back to the road and continued to trot at half-speed, allowing Makoto to relax into the pleasure of feeling Kyoko sleepily hold onto him.

XXX

…Well, it was nice while it lasted…  Makoto thought as Yoshi finally came to a stop in front of Princess Peach’s castle.  With a reluctant sigh, Makoto turned his head around and tapped Kyoko lightly on the arm, murmuring “Kyoko…Kyoko, we’re here.  Time to wake up…”

Makoto blushed as Kyoko merely nuzzled his back with her nose and mumbled “No…Kyoko comfortable…she sleep here!”

Believe me, I don’t want to disturb your peaceful rest, but we’re already here…  Makoto tried again, shaking her shoulder gently as he said a little louder “Kyoko, it’s time to wake up…”

“Ehehehe…”

Huh?  Makoto wondered as Kyoko’s sleepy giggles died down.  Did she just…giggle?  But why…  Makoto’s curious gaze wandered until he saw Kyoko’s ear twitch, making his eyes widen as he realized Could it be…

Makoto leaned close and gently blew into one of Kyoko’s Bunny Ears, making it twitch as she smiled again.

“Ehehehe…”

I was right!  When I told her to wake up, my mouth must have been too close to her Bunny Ear and my breath must have tickled her!  Wow…I never imagined Kyoko would be ticklish…  Makoto looked down at his tail, its tip resting gently against Kyoko’s belly before he grinned mischievously as he thought This is just too good to pass up…  “Kyoko…if you don’t wake up, I’m gonna tickle you until you DO wake up…”

Kyoko groaned, nuzzling his back with her nose in an unconscious act of defiance.

“Have it your way…alright, tickle tickle, Kyoko…”

Makoto proceeded to brush his tail up and down her belly, her shirt powerless to protect her against his tail’s furry, tickly texture as she smiled and started to giggle again.

“Eeeheheheheheheheheeeee!”  Kyoko giggled as her eyes started to crack open, making Makoto smile as he continued to tickle her with his tail.  “Hahahahahahahahahahaaaaa!”

As Kyoko continued to giggle and twitch, Makoto’s tail ended up dislodging her shirt from underneath her skirt, exposing her bare belly and making Makoto grin as he circled the tip of his tail all over her ticklish tummy, teasing in her Bunny Ear “Tickle Tickle, Kyoko!”

Kyoko’s eyes slowly opened more and more with each brush of his tail, busting into laughter as her belly quivered.

“EEEEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEEEEE!  THAT TIIIIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHICKLEEESSS!  AAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!  STAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAP!”

“Oof!”  Makoto exclaimed as Kyoko reflexively pushed him away, causing him to lose his balance and fall off Yoshi, causing him to faceplant in the dirt.

*Thud*

Kyoko took deep breaths to refill the oxygen she had used up during her tickle-induced laughter, her grogginess fading with each breath she took in as she slowly became aware of the world around her.

“Huh?  Did…did I fall asleep?”  She wondered as she looked around, musing as she spotted Princess Peach’s Castle “I must have, since last thing I remember was snuggling against Makoto for balance on the ride back…”  Kyoko blushed at the memory before she apologized “Apologies, Mako…Makoto?”  Growing worried as she looked around and saw no sign of her favorite Luckster, she asked “Ano…Yoshi, was it?  Do you know where Makoto is?”

Yoshi turned his head to look at her before pointing to the ground with his arm.  Kyoko followed the direction of his pointing finger to see Makoto lying face-down on the ground, his tail lying limp over his bottom.

“Makoto!”  Kyoko exclaimed worriedly, immediately leaping off Yoshi before rushing over to Makoto’s side.

She kneeled at his head, resisting the urge to stroke his Tanuki Ears as she grabbed his shoulders and turned him onto him back, revealing his dazed expression, swirls in his eyes.

“Makoto…are you okay?”  She asked as she cradled his head to rest it on her lap, reaching down to stroke his Tanuki Ears as he groaned.

“K…Kyoko…?”  Makoto’s eyes went back to normal as he called out her name, regaining awareness as he looked into Kyoko’s violet eyes.

Worry sparkled in her purple orbs as she nodded with a relieved expression “Thank goodness you’re okay…what happened, Makoto?  How did you fall off and hit your head?”

Makoto bit his lip, thinking …I can’t tell her that she pushed me off…it WAS kinda my fault for tickling her in the first place, and she didn’t really mean to…I gotta make up a believable lie…  Makoto chuckled nervously and fibbed “Oh, I just ano…got unlucky and lost my balance, that’s all…”  There, that’s not a total lie, ne?

…He’s lying…  Before she could glare at him, Kyoko reigned in her anger and reminded herself Calm down, Kyoko, no need to overreact.  He must have a reason for lying, just like he had a reason for keeping Sakura’s betrayal a secret.  Kyoko’s brow furrowed as she pondered Let’s see…I remember hearing Makoto’s voice…and then I remember this tickling sensation…I thought it was just a dream, but maybe…maybe he tickled me awake with his tail and I…  Kyoko’s eyes widened, then her expression turned slightly downcast as she realized I pushed him off…and he lied about it so I wouldn’t feel guilty…that selfless boy…

Kyoko felt her heart beat faster, making her blush as she smiled lovingly at the Racoon Boy whose head was resting in her lap.

Blushing himself, Makoto assured her as he stared lovingly into her eyes “Anyway, I’m fine, Kyoko, don’t worry about it.”

Makoto…you really are too nice for your own good…  Kyoko thought as she bent over, her lips inching tantalizingly closer to Makoto’s lips until they could feel each other’s breath against their lips, tempting them to kiss.

“Ah, young love, it’s always a beautiful sight to behold…”

Makoto and Kyoko froze, their eyes widening as Kyoko turned her head while Makoto sat up to see Captain Toad looking at them with a knowing smile on his face, inadvertently ruining their romantic moment.  Makoto and Kyoko blushed a deep shade of red, suddenly embarrassed as they looked at each other for a split second before turning around, Makoto slapping his cheeks while Kyoko discreetly tucked her shirt back into her skirt.

What the…was Kyoko…going to…kiss me?  But why?  I’m just an average boy who can’t even control his own powers!  What would a girl as amazing as Kyoko Kirigiri see in me?!

What the hell?!  Why was I about to kiss Makoto?!  I mean, sure he’s cute, especially with that fluffy, tickly Racoon Tail, those fuzzy Tanuki ears, those bright green eyes and that hopeful smile…no, bad Kyoko! 

Captain Toad cocked his head in confusion as he asked “Is…is something the matter?”

“Yoooshiiiii…”  Yoshi groaned in disbelief as he facepalmed before glaring at the dense Mushroom Retainer.

Captain Toad’s eyes finally widened in realization before he bowed his head and apologized “I’m sorry…I just assumed you two were already dating…”

Still blushing, Makoto stammered “N…no…we’re…we’re just friends…”

Kyoko felt her heart crack at Makoto’s denial but shook off her confused heartbreak, coughing into her fist before turning back to Captain Toad, though her cheeks were still flushed pink.

“Let’s…move on…Makoto, do you still have the Magenti-Star Piece we recovered in Bob-omb Battlefield?”

His blush dissipating now that he was distracted, Makoto’s eyes widened as he exclaimed “Oh, right, sorry!”  Makoto reached into his hoodie and pulled out the sparkling Star Piece, offering “Here.”

“Great, thanks!”  Captain Toad exclaimed, accepting and marveling at the Magenti-Star Piece as he announced “Now we just have to wait for your friends to return with the other two pieces.”

Makoto and Kyoko nodded, Kyoko assuming her contemplative pose as she mused “I wonder if the others had to deal with anything in the same league that we had to deal with.”

Makoto nodded, admitting “Yeah, I’m worried too.  None of them have played the Mario games before, so they might not know how to fight the enemies in this world, especially without any power-ups.”  Makoto smiled as he continued “But they’re Ultimates who have the will and talent to make it out of tough scrapes, power-ups or no.  So as long as they keep hope, I’m sure they’ll be fine.”

Kyoko, Yoshi, and Captain Toad turned to look at Makoto smiling as they felt themselves become infected with his hope.  Makoto’s cheeks flushed pink again as he rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment, making the three of them snicker.

Once his snickering had died down, Captain Toad turned to Yoshi and asked “So, how did you come across this Yoshi anyway?”

His blush vanishing again, Makoto explained “We were fighting a Lakitu for the Magenti-Star Piece and this Yoshi came and decided to help us.”  Makoto grinned and bowed, making Yoshi blush as he said reverently “It really is an honor to meet the legendary Yoshi.”

“Yoshi!”  Yoshi exclaimed as Makoto lifted his head up, making the boy giggle as Yoshi licked his face affectionately.

Kyoko closed her eyes in jealousy, as she thought This is cute and all, but you need to be focusing on me…mission!  You need to be focusing on the mission!  Kami, what’s wrong with me?!  Am I really so in love with him that I can’t keep my head out of the clouds?!

Kyoko opened her eyes, her confused musings interrupted as Captain Toad cocked his head and asked “Ano…what do you mean by the legendary Yoshi?”

Makoto scratched his cheek with a confused expression on his face as he replied “Ano…the Yoshi that helped Mario in most of his adventures?  What other Yoshi would I be talking about?”

Captain Toad shook his head and denied “That can’t be true; this Yoshi can’t be the one that helped Mario back on Yoshi’s Island.”  Seeing Makoto cock his head in confusion and Kyoko stare at him with an intrigued sparkle in her eyes, Captain Toad explained “This Yoshi is a slightly different shade of green compared to the one that Mario met, and he looks like he’s a little younger than that Yoshi, probably around your age in Yoshi years.”

“Hmm…”  Makoto hummed, mimicking Kyoko’s contemplative pose before turning to Yoshi and asking “Hey boy, have you ever met a human named Mario?  Short, plump, red hat, blue overalls, and has a mustache?”

“Yoshi?”  Yoshi asked, cocking his head in confusion.

Captain Toad nodded and deduced “This little guy must have migrated from Yoshi’s Island recently.  Most Green Yoshis are descendants of the Grand Chief Yoshi that helped Mario rescue Luigi from Kamek and Bowser when they were babies.”

Makoto’s eyes widened in realization, his tail standing erect as he exclaimed “Whoa!  I didn’t even think about that!”

Kyoko nodded and mused “It makes sense; this Yoshi must belong to some kind of pack or herd.  To the untrained eye, they all probably look the same, but are completely different individuals.”

“…Yoshi…”  Yoshi uttered, feeling depressed as he lowered his head, thinking that he did something wrong.

Catching onto Yoshi’s hurt feelings, Makoto reached over to pet Yoshi’s snout, assuring him “Don’t’ worry about it, boy, even if you didn’t know Mario, you were still a great help!  We never would have recovered the Magenti-Star Piece without you!”

Instantly cheered up, Yoshi exclaimed “YOSHI!” before rubbing his snout against Makoto’s Tanuki Ears, making him giggle.

“Eeeheheheheheeee!  Yoshi, that tickles!”

As Makoto continued to giggle, Kyoko smiled, thinking …That’s…kind of cute…seeing him giggle like that…

“Haahahahahahaaa…alright, enough, enough, Yoshi!”

As Yoshi finally stopped tickling Makoto’s Tanuki Ears, Captain Toad announced “Alright, I’ll prepare some food for you all while we wait for your friends to come back.”

*Growl*

Makoto, Kyoko, and Yoshi blushed as their stomachs growled again, reminding them that they still haven’t eaten since before Mukuro’s Class Trial.

“…It would be nice to finally get a chance to sit down and eat something…”  Kyoko admitted.

“Yoshi…”  Yoshi nodded, agreeing with the Bunny-Eared Detective.

Makoto beamed and pumped his fist in the air, his tail wagging as he declared “Alright!  When the others get back, we’re gonna have a celebration lunch!”

XXX

“Hm?”

Makoto’s Tanuki Ears twitched as he turned his head to the nearby warp pipe, causing Kyoko’s brow to furrow as she asked “What is it, Makoto?”

Makoto took a contemplative stance as he replied “I thought I heard something…Kyoko, look!”

Kyoko turned around, focusing on a green-suited individual with a green-hooded Shyguy flanking her side.

Captain Toad cocked his head in confusion and wondered “That’s weird…why would a sea monster and a Shyguy be coming out of the Water World Warp Pipe?”

Sighing, Kyoko explained “Take a closer look; the one with the green suit has a feminine body shape, so odds are it’s Hina with some kind of power-up.  Though I don’t know why a…Shyguy is with her…or where Hiro is.”

As Hina got closer and waved to them, Captain Toad exclaimed “Oh yeah, I see it now…the Frog suit and lack of a ponytail just threw me off…”

Makoto nodded, musing “I am curious as to why she doesn’t have her ponytail anymore…”  Makoto beamed, almost hopping up and down as he exclaimed “But even more importantly…Hina got the Frog Suit!  HINA GOT THE FROG SUIT!”  Kyoko rolled her eyes in amusement as Makoto called out and waved to her “HEY!  HINA!  GREAT JOB GETTING THE FROG SU…”

Before Makoto could finish, Hina smiled before picking up the Shyguy flanking her and bouncing up into the air, making Makoto’s eyes widen in shock before Hina landed in front of him.  Makoto yelped, startled as he fell back on his bottom.  Kyoko’s expression indicated surprise as well at Hina’s increased acrobatic capabilities, she hid it better.

As Hina put down the Shyguy, Makoto’s shocked expression turned into a smile as he fell victim to a laughing fit, clutching his belly and kicking his legs as he exclaimed “You mastered the Frog Suit!  You really mastered the Frog Suit!  You’re amazing, Hina!”

Hina and Kyoko sweatdropped at Makoto’s antics as he calmed down, sighing as he stood up and dusted off his pants before they turned to each other, Kyoko giving a small smile as she greeted “It’s good to see you, Hina.  You certainly found a change in wardrobe during your adventure.”

Hina beamed and exclaimed “Yeah, totally!  It’s amplifies my jumping capabilities, and it lets me hold my breath for longer underwater…”  Hina pouted and grumbled “…though I lost my hairband in the water, so I had to deal with it getting in my face while I was swimming…”

Ah, so that’s why her hair was down… Makoto and Kyoko realized before Hina trailed off, her eyes focusing on Kyoko’s Bunny Ears.

Hina’s eyes grew bigger and shinier, a beaming smile on her face as she leaned into Kyoko’s space and exclaimed “Oh, Kyoko, your Bunny Ears are SO CUTE!  Where’d you get them?  You look absolutely adorable as a Bunny Girl, Kyoko!”

As Hina continued to gush over Kyoko’s cute Bunny Ears, Kyoko kept her standard, stoic expression, but felt the blood rush to her cheeks with every compliment from the Ultimate Swimming Pro.

“She’s just the cutest with those Bunny Ears, right, Makoto?”

Kyoko froze as Makoto blushed, admitting while scratching his cheek nervously “Y…yeah…Kyoko looks…quite cute…”

He…he thinks I’m…cute…?

Her whole face turning as red as a tomato, Kyoko turned around, trying to get her emotions under control as Hina teased “Aww, come on, Kyoko, don’t be shy!  It’s a compliment; what teenage girl doesn’t want to be called cute…”

*Cough cough*

Kyoko sighed in relief as Captain Toad’s cough interrupted Hina’s teasing, making Hina and Makoto turn to face him as he asked “So Hina…did you bring back the Magenti-Star Piece?  And why is a Shyguy accompanying you?”

Makoto furrowed his brow as he wondered “Yeah, and where’s Hiro?  Didn’t he pair up with you?”

Still fighting to vanquish her embarrassment, Kyoko kept her back to them as she mused “Knowing Hiro, he probably got lost in the Warp Pipes.”

“Hey!  Don’t be mean!”

“What?!”  Makoto, Kyoko, and Captain Toad exclaimed as they heard the reverberations of Hiro’s voice, looking around in an attempt to discern his location, only to furrow their brows in confusion as they couldn’t spot him.

“…Please tell me Hiro’s power-up didn’t give him the power of invisibility…”  Kyoko voiced with an unusual amount of fear in her voice.  I still remember when Hiro and Hifumi and Makoto peeped on us while we were bathing.  I don’t want to give Hiro another chance to peek.  Well…Makoto I wouldn’t mind taking a peek…what’s wrong with me!  Why am I thinking it would be okay for Makoto to look at me naked again?!  And why wasn’t I angry with him the first time?!  Could it be I…?

Kyoko’s confused musing was interrupted by Makoto’s reassurance “Don’t worry, Kyoko; there’s no invisibility power-up in these games.”

Captain Toad nodded “That’s right; the closest alternative would be the Vanish Cap; that lets you walk through walls, but its effects are only temporary.”

Kyoko let out a sigh of relief, nodding gratefully before she pondered “If that’s the case, then where…?”

*Cough cough*

Makoto, Kyoko, and Captain Toad turned to Hina, who smiled nervously and pointed at the Shyguy at her feet.

“…Did Hiro’s power-up cause him to transform into this creature?”  Kyoko wondered.

“Hei-ho!”  The Shyguy retorted angrily, making Kyoko realize that her guess was wrong.

Hina smiled and placated “It’s okay, Heiho-kun, no need to get upset about it.”

Heiho-kun?  Makoto, Kyoko, and Captain Toad wondered as Hina placated Heiho.

She then looked at the others and introduced “Everyone, this is Heiho-kun; we met in Water World.  Heiho-kun, these are my friends Makoto and Kyoko, and that’s Captain Toad, so say hi to them, okay?”

“Heiho!”  Heiho greeted nicely, waving at them.

Makoto and Kyoko nodded at Heiho, while Captain Toad waved back, relieved that this Shyguy was one of their allies.

“As for Hiro…well…”  Heiho immediately stepped in front of Hina, revealing a seven-inch Hiro as she gestured to him and explained “Here he is…”

Makoto and Captain Toad’s eyes bulged out of their heads as they thought Oh my…Hiro…got the…Mini-Mushroom…

They both brought their palms to their mouths, muffling their snickers as they tried their best not to laugh at Hiro’s misfortune.

Kyoko meanwhile took a step backwards, threatening “…Stay away from me…the last thing I need is you using your altered size to sneak a peek up my skirt.”

Hiro gaped, shocked and offended that Kyoko would think he would do that, causing him to exclaim “I’d never do something so blatantly underhanded, for serious!  You’re just being a wascally wabbit!”

Hina, Makoto, and Captain Toad released muffled giggles, making Kyoko blush in embarrassment before she shot Hiro her Kirigiri glare, making him quake in his shoes as she threatened “I will step on you!”

Hiro yelped in fear, while Hina, Makoto, and Captain Toad sweated nervously, feeling as though red-hot flames were emanating from Kyoko’s aura.

Captain Toad leaned over and whispered “Makoto, your friend is scary…”

Nodding, Makoto mumbled “Yeah, you don’t wanna be on the receiving end of her anger, take it from me…”  Makoto cautiously approached her and started petting her Bunny Ears, urging “Kyoko, calm down, okay?  Hiro’s just being…Hiro…”

As Kyoko sighed and let go of her anger, starting to purr at Makoto touching her sensitive Bunny Ears, Hina exclaimed “Yeah, and believe it or not, Hiro deserves some praise this time!”  Seeing the others’ confused stares, she clarified “Hiro helped us defeat Captain Wart and get the Magenti-Star Piece!”

Makoto’s eyes bulged out of his head as he exclaimed, removing his hands from Kyoko’s Bunny Ears “Wait, seriously?!  You guys met Wart…and HIRO beat him?!”

Captain Toad gave an impressed smile as he asked “Wow, how’d you get the Magenti-Star Piece from Captain Wart?”

Hiro chuckled gloatily, then stumbled in front of Hina and Heiho and rested his hands against his hips in a heroic pose, his jacket flapping like a cape as he proclaimed “Be amazed, as I’m about to tell you a swashbuckling story about how I, at a mere seven inches, defeated the evil Captain and rescued Hina and Maskass!”

…You mean Heiho-kun?  The others thought, sweatdropping at Hiro’s exaggeration.

“Hei-ho!”  Heiho retorted angrily at the insult as Hina scolded Hiro for insulting Heiho-kun.

“I’ll believe that when I hear it…”  Kyoko snorted, thinking with an amused smirk This should be hilarious…

As Hina and Hiro stopped arguing, Hiro cleared his throat and exclaimed “Now then, it all started when we came out of the Warp Piiiiiiiii…”

Hiro screamed as a long tongue wrapped around his body and pulled him away.  Their eyes widened in shock, Makoto, Kyoko, Captain Toad, and Hina turned to see Hiro disappear in Yoshi’s mouth, the green dinosaur bashfully licking its lips.

A stern, oddly paternal expression on his face, Makoto stormed over to Yoshi and scolded “Bad!  That’s bad, Yoshi!  Hiro’s our friend, and we don’t eat our friends!  Now spit him out!”

A second later, Yoshi froze before forcefuly spitting out Hiro with a blech of disgust, making it clear that his motivation for spitting Hiro out had more to do with Hiro’s taste than any guilt from Makoto’s lecture.

“Ew, ew, eww…my life just flashed before my eyes…and I’m covered in dinosaur slobber!  You mangy…”

“Stop.”  Hiro clammed up, silenced by Kyoko’s forceful command and Kirigiri glare as she walked over to Yoshi and petted his snout, pointing out “This Yoshi hasn’t matured yet; he didn’t know any better.  Besides, I don’t blame him for spitting you out; your greed is absolutely grotesque.”

…Technically you’re not wrong, but that’s still really cold, Kyoko…  Makoto and Hina thought, sweatdropping as Kyoko continued to pet Yoshi’s snout while the young dinosaur nodded in agreement.

It was then that Yoshi turned his gaze to Heiho, licking his lips and causing Heiho to exclaim fearfully “Hei-ho!” before he ran around Hina, hiding behind her legs.

Hina turned to smile at Heiho and assure him “Don’t worry, Heiho-kun, I won’t let Yoshi eat you.”

“Hei-hoooo…”  Heiho whimpered, leaving Hina to turn back to glare at Yoshi.

“Alright, you may have saved Makoto and Kyoko, but you’re not gonna eat my new friend, is that clear?!”

“Yooooshiiiii?”  Yoshi pleaded, licking his lips before Makoto walked between them, trying to keep the peace.

“Hina, Heiho-kun, calm down, nobody’s getting eaten, okay?”  Once Hina and Heiho sighed in relief, Makoto turned back to Yoshi and lectured “Yoshi, boy, you can’t eat Heiho-kun.  He’s Hina’s friend, so even if he tastes good, you can’t eat him, okay?  We’ll have a plate of food for you when it’s ready, so just hang on until then, okay boy?”

“…Yoooshiii…”  Yoshi nodded, dejected that he couldn’t eat a perfectly delicious Shyguy.

As Kyoko walked over to pet his snout, cheering up the dejected dinosaur, Makoto turned to Hina, who had just succeeded in coaxing Heiho to come out from behind her legs as he asked “Anyway…Hina, where did this Shyguy come from?”

Hina turned to Makoto with a furrowed brow as Heiho gingerly stepped to her side and she asked “Shyguy?  Is that what this little guy is?  I just thought he was a guy that was shy…”  Hina chuckled “Hey, that sounded cute; a guy that was shy…”

Makoto reminded her “Hina, focus!”

“Oh, sorry…”  Hina blushed, rubbing the back of her head bashfully before she assumed a contemplative pose and began “Let’s see, it all started when…”

XXX

“Wow, Hina!  I’m so jealous; I can’t believe you got to see a Shyguy’s face!”  Makoto looked like a gleeful kid opening presents on Christmas morning as he kneeled before Heiho and asked “Hey, Heiho-kun?  Can I see what’s under your mask too?  Pleeeeaaassseeeeee?”

“Hei-ho!  Hei-ho!”  Heiho exclaimed, ducking under him hood and pressing his hands to his cheeks.

Frowning, Makoto looked up to Hina and clasped his hands together as he begged “Please, Hina!  We’re friends aren’t we?  I’ve always wanted to see what a Shyguy looks like underneath his mask.  So…”

Hana scratched her cheek, feeling bad about denying him as she declined “…Sorry, Makoto…but Heiho-kun’s face is something reserved for me and me alone.”

Makoto groaned, bowing his head dejectedly as his Tanuki Ears drooped, mumbling “My childhood dream...ruined…”

As Makoto sniffled, Kyoko took pity on him and kneeled behind him, stroking his tail with her and making him purr.  The others sweatdropped, smiling at the cute scene until Makoto stood up, Kyoko retracting her hand now that he was cheered up.

Captain Toad then interjected “Anyway, congratulations on defeating Wart.  He’s not as big of a threat as Bowser…but he still shouldn’t be taken lightly.”  Looking down at the Magenti-Star Piece, Captain Toad wondered “…I wonder when Byakuya and Toko will return with the last piece…”

Hiro nodded “Yeah, I was wondering when they’d get back too…for serious…”

Makoto nodded “Yeah, I’m kinda worried to be honest…I mean…I know you and Hiro managed, Hina, but they’re not exactly well acquainted with Super Mario…not to mention the fact that Byakuya can’t stand Toko…”

Captain Toad’s eyes widened as he exclaimed “Wait, Byakuya and Toko don’t get along?”

Kyoko shook her head and corrected “Byakuya can’t stand Toko.  Toko on the other hand is in love with Byakuya to the point that she stalks him.”

“…Ah…I can relate…”  Captain Toad nodded in understanding, causing the others’ eyes to widen and stare at him.

Captain Toad started to sweat nervously at the attention while a light bulb went off in Makoto’s head, the Racoon Luckster smirking as he asked “Captain Toad…does this have anything to do with…Toadette?”

Captain Toad blushed before sighing in admission “…Yes, it’s Toadette…”  In an effort to save face, Captain Toad frantically assured them “But she only stalked me so she could go on adventures with me!”

Nodding in understanding, Makoto asked “Is Toadette still going on adventures with you?”

Captain Toad shook his head and explained “No, she stays at home and takes care of our two kids.”

Makoto gaped, eyes widened as he exclaimed in shock “You…have…KIDS?”

Captain Toad shrugged and replied “What can I say?  We got to know each other so well on those adventures that one day we just…clicked…”

Captain Toad smiled as he flashed back to his wedding day, leaving Makoto to stand there baffled as he wondered “This wasn’t in any of the Mario Games I played as a kid…”

Confused, Captain Toad cocked his head and asked “Um…what do you mean by Mario Games?  Do you mean the Olympic Games we have with Sonic and his friends every year?”

Makoto, Kyoko, and Hina sweatdropped and deadpanned …We probably shouldn’t tell them they’re all video game characters… while Hiro took an uncharacteristically contemplative pose as he closed his eyes, apparently deep in thought as he tried to rack his brain.

*Creak*

“Hm?”  Captain Toad wondered as he and the others turned to see the castle doors swinging open, a lone Goomba running in their direction.  His brow furrowing in concern, Captain Toad warned “Something’s wrong; Goombas shouldn’t be coming out of the castle.  We must have a Goomba infestation on our hands!”  Captain Toad curled his fists and assumed a fighting stance, proclaiming “We must take back the castle!”

Makoto nodded solemnly, walking up next to Captain Toad and narrowing his eyes as he mimicked Captain Toad’s fighting stance.  Without another word, Kyoko walked next to Makoto, her eyes narrowed as she vowed to protect Makoto from harm in this unexpected battle.  Yoshi trotted behind them, his eyes narrowed as he licked his lips, looking forward to the taste of Goomba.  Hina and Heiho looked to each other, nodding silently before Hina leapt to Captain Toad’s other side.

Heiho withdrew a spear and ran in front of Hina, declaring “HEI-HO!” as he took a battle stance.

Wow…Heiho-kun…you’re such a gentleman!  Hina gushed privately while the defenseless Hiro shrieked and dove into a bush, deciding to wait where it was safe and watch the battle unfold.

Suddenly, the Goomba stopped in its tracks, making the others blink in confusion as it announced “Presenting…the new King and Queen of the Goombas!”

Makoto and Captain Toad blinked again as they thought Wait…there’s no Goomba Queen!  The Goomboss is single!

Before they could contemplate the matter further, the castle doors swung open completely, revealing a red Goomba and a blue Goomba.  Makoto, Kyoko, Hina, and Hiro’s eyes widened as they saw Byakuya and Toko walking out, holding hands and continuously circled by a third Goomba.

Kyoko leaned over and whispered “Is Byakuya wearing…golden overalls?”

Makoto nodded, whispering “He must have gotten the Golden Flower power-up.”

Kyoko nodded as Hina murmured “Still…why are they…holding hands?  I thought Byakuya wouldn’t be caught dead showing an ounce of affection for Toko…”

Hiro finally ran up to them from his hiding spot in the bushes, exclaiming “I knew it!  I knew they’d get together!  I predicted it before we left Hope’s Peak!”

What?!  There’s no way Hiro predicted this!  Hina asked incredulously “Are you sure they weren’t taken over by aliens?”

To her shock, Hiro scoffed “Oh, just because I say it ONE TIME, it becomes like my catchphrase?!”

Though still shocked herself, Kyoko nodded and commented “I hate to say it, but Hiro does have a point; it’s not a complete impossibility that they could have gotten together.”  Stranger things have happened after all…  Kyoko mused, looking at the Luckster next to her.

Though still flabbergasted himself, Makoto shook away his shock, smiling as he decided “Well, I’m happy for them.  Come on, let’s go…”

“Well, other than Kyoko, it seems you’re all shocked by my presence, standing around with your mouths open like fish out of water as I came out.  And…Hiro, is that you?  I shudder at what misfortune caused you to shrink that much.”  Byakuya announced haughtily as he looked down at them.

Toko giggled, exclaiming “Yeah, now your body is as big as your b…brain…”

Before Hiro could interject, Makoto looked at the Ultimate Writing Prodigy as he realized “Hey, you got the Hammer Suit, Toko!  Let me see, let me see!”

As he eagerly walked up to her, Byakuya moved to stand between them and held up his hand, commanding “Keep a respectable distance from my right-hand woman, you ratty commoner.”

Kyoko’s eyes narrowed, upset now that Byakuya had gone back to insulting Makoto.

As she opened her mouth to speak in his defense, Makoto beamed and exclaimed “Byakuya, you got the Golden Flower power-up!  It totally suits you!”

The others sweatdropped at Makoto’s burst of enthusiasm while Byakuya stared at him incredulously before he closed his eyes and chuckled “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, given your cheery disposition.”

“N…no argument there…”  Toko nodded as Makoto continued to heap praise on the two like a giddy fanboy.

…He never heaped this much praise on me when I got my Bunny Ears…  Kyoko grumbled to herself, slightly jealous that Byakuya and Toko were getting more of Makoto’s attention than she got.

Makoto’s praise-singing trailed off however when, after seeing Byakuya and Toko’s slight annoyance, one of the Goombas walked over to Makoto and asked “Goomboss Togami, want me to have Pinky, Inky, and Clyde to have this pest sleep with the Cheep-Cheeps?”

As three other Goombas hopped on top of each other to form a small tower, Makoto gulped and started to sweat nervously, thinking fearfully as Pinky, Inky, and Clyde approached him What do I do?  It’s totally amazing that Byakuya got an army of Goombas to follow him, but I REALLY don’t wanna lose my Racoon Tail!  I haven’t even learned how to fly yet!

As Makoto took a step backwards and Kyoko and Yoshi tensed in preparation to leap to Makoto’s defense, Byakuya held up his hand and commanded “Blinky, Inky, Pinky, Clyde, stand down immediately.  That’s Makoto Naegi, the one I told you about.”

He…told the Goombas about me?  Makoto wondered, confused as Blinky, Inky, Pinky and Clyde nodded in understanding.

Blinky then turned to Makoto and apologized “Please, forgive us for calling you a pest.”

Makoto scratched his cheek and assured them “No, it’s okay, really…” before he cocked his head in confusion and wondered “It’s just…I didn’t expect Goombas to be so…nice…”

As the others nodded in agreement, Captain Toad mused “Something’s fishy…”

“It’s not fi…fishy!  They’re nice because we de…defeated the Goomb…boss!”

Makoto’s eyes widened in shock as he thought incredulously You guys beat the Goomboss?!

“So, by their own l…law…we’re now the new King and Queen of the Goo…Goombas!  And under Master’s le…leadership, the Goombas are ready to be used for more productive means rather than de…destruction!”

Byakuya nodded, confirming “Toko speaks the truth; I have swayed the Goomba tribe under my leadership, and with my talent as the Ultimate Affluent Progeny, I will erect a new Togami Empire with Toko at my side!”

Makoto, Kyoko, Hina, and Hiro sweatdropped, then stared at Byakuya and Toko, eyes widened as Byakuya leaned in to quickly peck Toko on the lips.

They’re…they’re KISSING?!  The other four survivors exclaimed, wondering if Byakuya and Toko really were possessed by aliens.

Hina spoke first, asking “Um…how did you guys get so…forward…with each other?”

Byakuya turned to Hina and explained with a smirk “Toko has shown her usefulness to the group and proven that there’s more to her than a quiet writer with a split personality.”

Toko blushed, giggling while Kyoko frowned, envious of their newfound romance as she thought I can’t believe those two have gotten so forward in their relationship…  She looked at Makoto, who was conversing excitedly with Inky, Pinky, and Clyde as she thought …meanwhile, I haven’t made much progress with Makoto at all…I can’t even decide whether or not I love him…  Seeing his shoelaces become loose, she shook away her dilemma for the time being and warned “Makoto, be careful!  If you trip, you’ll bump into the Goomba Tower!”

“Huh?  Don’t worry, I…WHOA!”  Makoto exclaimed, predictably tripping on his shoelaces and falling into the Goomba Tower, bouncing back and landing on his butt as his face just screamed shock and horror.  Makoto teared up as he screamed “No!  Now my Racoon Power is…huh?” 

Makoto’s eyes dried up, his brow furrowed in confusion as he felt something fuzzy underneath him.  He quickly felt around his bottom, feeling down the length of his fuzzy tail.  His eyes widened in realization as he felt the top of his head, sighing in relief as his fingers came into contact with his two Tanuki Ears.

As he reached down to tie his shoe, Makoto exclaimed “Hey, I still have my powers!  But how?  A minion’s touch is supposed to remove a power-up!”

Hina cocked her head in confusion as she asked “What are you talking about?  When I hugged Heiho-kun earlier, I didn’t lose my Frog Suit.”

“Hei-ho!”  Heiho announced, pounding his fist against his chest in confirmation.

As Makoto stood up, Byakuya nodded “It’s the same for me as well.  I touched every Goomba recruit in order to test their durability and usefulness as bodyguards.”

Turning to the others, Makoto’s brow furrowed in confusion as he pondered “But how?  That never happened in the games before!”

It was Captain Toad who answered, revealing as Makoto rejoined them “It’s because they switched sides!  You see, when a minion changes allegiance and becomes good, they lose the ability to take away powers!”

I…I never knew about that…  Makoto crossed his arms and realized None of the others knew that…and yet…they still accomplished their missions!  Byakuya and Toko earned the loyalty of the Goombas and got cool powers.  Hina got to befriend a Shyguy and see underneath his mask!  Even Hiro got to send Wart and Mouser blasting off like Team Rocket! 

Not to mention Kyoko…she got to master her Bunny Powers instantaneously, and she came up with a winning strategy for taking down Lakitu when Yoshi and I were at the end of our ropes!  And she roundhouse kicked that giant Chain Chomp!  Me though…I can’t even fly!  The only one who knows this world and I can’t even use my own powers!  I’m so…so useless!

Makoto shut his eyes in frustration, tears streaming down his cheeks as he thought Maybe everyone would be better off if I just…just disappeared…then I wouldn’t hold them all back!

Makoto stormed off, unaware of the fact that his volatile emotions were causing his tail to swing wildly, causing Kyoko to exclaim “Ow!” as it hit her leg on his way out.  “What was…Makoto?”  Kyoko gasped, catching a single glance of the tears streaming down his face as he stormed off, the Ultimate Detective muttering “Makoto…”

“Um…is Makoto okay?  Did we…did we say something?”  Hina wondered, confused as they watched Makoto disappear into the distance.

“Yoshi…”

“Hei-ho…”

Yoshi and Heiho closed their eyes in contemplation, while Hiro mused “I don’t know, but something must be bugging the guy…for serious…”

“Wh…whatever…I hate dramatics like this…”

“Toko!  That’s totally thoughtless of you!”  Hina scolded, scowling at the new Goomba Queen.

“No, Toko’s right.  Whatever caused Makoto to storm off, it’s caused an unnecessary delay in our return home.”

Kyoko tuned to glare at Byakuya and scolded “It seems you’ve forgotten what I told you after Celeste’s death.  When you dismiss other people’s feelings, it always comes back to bite you in the end.”  Sighing, she turned to the direction Makoto stormed off in and decided “I’m gonna go and see what’s bothering him.”

Without another word, she walked off, worry in her eyes as the others watched her disappear in the horizon, secretly hoping that she could find Makoto and cheer him up so they could go home.

XXX

Makoto grunted, grabbing a nearby pebble off the sand of the beach he was sitting on and throwing it into the pond in front of him, watching as it skipped across the water before it sank to the bottom.  Makoto sighed, his Tanuki Ears drooping and his tail slack behind him as he wallowed in his depression.

“Makoto…are you okay?”

Oh…Kyoko…  Makoto thought as he recognized her voice.

Kyoko bit her lip, unsure of what else to say and not wanting to invade his personal space too much if he just wanted to be alone.  Makoto sighed as he patted the spot next to him, allowing Kyoko to walk over and sit next to him.  An awkward silence passed, making Kyoko’s expression turn downcast.

Why…won’t he talk to me?  He’s not usually so silent…Makoto…please…open up to me…like you helped me to do…

“…Why can’t I fly?”  Kyoko furrowed her brow in confusion, though she was somewhat relieved that Makoto was finally talking as he clarified “You guys never even played these games before, but you and Byakuya and Toko and Hina and even Hiro were able to master your new powers right out the gate!  You were amazing, your Bunny Ears flapping as you hovered over me!  You were fluttering so high I could see your black…”  Makoto blushed and clammed up, kicking himself Great job, Naegi!  That was supposed be a secret!  Now Kyoko’s gonna think you’re a pervert and be mad at you again!

…I see…so he DID see them after all…  Kyoko thought, blushing as she saw Makoto’s eyes clamped as shut as his mouth, trembling fearfully.

She rested a comforting hand on his shoulder, causing him to open his eyes and turn to her, murmuring “…You’re not…mad?”

No, I wanted you to pay attention to my panties…  Kyoko thought, though kept that thought to herself as she lied “That doesn’t matter anymore.  Let’s just move on…”

Makoto flashed her a look of grateful, yet sad admiration as he told her “Okay…so as I was saying, the way you guys took charge and mastered your new powers…you guys really are Ultimates.”

Kyoko frowned; normally a compliment from Makoto would leave her touched, if not a little embarrassed, but she felt that Makoto wasn’t going to stop with a simple compliment.

She was right, as Makoto drew up his knees and wrapped his arms around his legs, moaning “But I grew up with these games; I’ve been playing them for as long as I can remember…”  Kyoko smiled as she tried to imagine a baby Makoto in a onesie holding a game controller while sucking on a binky, only for her daydream to vanish as Makoto continued “…but I couldn’t even figure out how to fly!  I’m not like you guys; I’m no Ultimate!  I’m just a completely average boy!”

Kyoko put her hand on his shoulder and refuted “That’s not true, and you know it.  You need to stop berating yourself; you’re not a Reserve Course Student!  You got into the Main Course fair and square, just like the rest of us!”

“By luck!  That was my title, Ultimate Lucky Student!  I got my name practically drawn out of a hat!  I’m a tame housecat who wandered into a pride of lions!  Byakuya and Toko defeated the Goomboss and won the loyalty of the Goombas.  Hina befriended a Shyguy and got to see his face, something I’ve only dreamed about since I was a kid!  Hell, even Hiro was able to defeat Wart and Mouser, at SEVEN INCHES TALL!”

Kyoko frowned, starting to understand where his rant was going.

“And then you…even with Yoshi, I couldn’t beat that Lakitu and get the Magenti-Star Piece!  In the end, you came up with that plan to catch Lakitu off guard with those Bob-ombs!  Not to mention how you roundhouse kicked that Chain Chomp to finish it off!  You won us that Magenti-Star Piece single-handed!  But what did I do?  I didn’t help out at all!  I was totally useless!”  Makoto sighed, glancing back to the cannon as he laid his head against his knees and grumbled “…Maybe I should just blast myself out of that cannon so I won’t be dragging you down.”

Kyoko bit her lip as Makoto started to cry, tears trickling down his cheeks and soaking the sand beneath them.

I see…we ended up emasculating him by adapting to this world so easily…  She realized as her eyes swirled with guilt, feeling her heart break at his depressed state.  How do I show him that he’s not useless, that he’s an Ultimate just like the rest of us?  Damn, I’m a Detective, but I can’t find a single clue to solve this mystery!

She looked at Makoto, still crying into his knees, then sighed as she came to a decision.

I can’t rely on my Detective skills…I have to just throw caution to the wind and tell Makoto how I feel, deep down…alright, here goes…

“No, that’s wrong!”

“Huh?”  Makoto asked as he stopped crying, looking up to see that Kyoko had crawled around so that she was in front of him.

Makoto stared into her eyes for a split second before she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into a hug, leaning back so she could pull him into her lap before she rested her head on his shoulder.  Makoto blushed, then started to purr as Kyoko sneakily moved one of her hands down his back so she could pet his tail, her gloved fingers stroking his fur.

“K…Kyooookooo…no faiiirrr!  You know it feels good when you touch my tail!”

Kyoko smirked and replied “Good, then you’ll be more receptive to my counterargument.”  Without waiting for another word from the depressed Luckster, Kyoko soothed “Makoto, you might not believe it, but you’re just as much an Ultimate as the rest of us.  You belong with us…and if you don’t believe me, you can believe my Father.”

The…the Headmaster?  Kyoko’s…Dad?

“While I was investigating before the final Class Trial, I looked through your Student Profile, and apparently he had written some notes in it.  Apparently the Steering Committee wanted to abolish the Ultimate Lucky Student position; they felt that Luck was a waste of research.  But my Father…he pushed back.  He believed that Luck was a talent worthy of Hope’s Peak’s time and money, and as a result the Steering Committee relented.  I don’t have many happy memories of Jin Kirigiri, but he saw you as an Ultimate and fought so you could stay, and I’ll always respect him for that.”

Kyoko’s Dad…considered me an Ultimate too?  So I…I didn’t just get in by luck?  I…I earned it?!

“And even if that wasn’t the case, that still wouldn’t make you average, Makoto.  You’re the most positive, down to earth guy I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting.  If it wasn’t for you and your infectious hope, Junko would have won and none of us would be alive to experience all the adventures you led us on in this Mushroom Kingdom.”

I…I’m really that special?!  Makoto wondered incredulously, struck speechless as Kyoko continued her pep talk.

“And I have a confession to make…”  Kyoko blushed as she admitted “The reason I called you the Ultimate Hope when you defeated Junko…is that…to me…you’re MY hope.  You gave me so much hope, Makoto…”

Kyoko hugged him closer with the arm wrapped around his back, making Makoto smile as he felt hope and self-worth flood his heart.  He wrapped one arm around Kyoko, then reached with his free hand to grab her own that was petting his tail.  Their fingers interwoven, they squeezed each other’s hand, Kyoko trying to comfort Makoto further as she made her closing argument.

“We may have adapted to this Mushroom Kingdom, but only because you were there to serve as our guide.  Without you, we would have been completely lost!  Byakuya and Toko may have a Goomba Army, and Hina may have gotten to live your childhood dream of seeing a Shyguy’s face, but you got to do great things too!  You got to ride your favorite dinosaur with me, and you took me on an amazing adventure that I’ll never forget for as long as I live!”

“R…really?  I…did all that?”

Kyoko nodded “Yes, you did…”  And if you play your cards right, you’ll even get a Princess of your own…because I love you, Makoto Naegi!  You adorable little Racoon!

Makoto beamed, leaning back so he could look her in the eye as he apologized “Sorry, Kyoko…I acted like a child earlier.  But you’re right…”  He scooted off her lap before standing up, pulling her with him as he decided “…you’re right, Kyoko.  This was an amazing adventure way better than any video game…because I got to spend it with you…and I’ll never forget it!”

“We’ll never forget it.”  Kyoko corrected, squeezing his hand again as they smiled at each other, subconsciously leaning closer to each other, closing their eyes as they felt each other’s breath on their lips again.

I’m doing it!  I’m about to kiss Makoto!

Kyoko…I think…I think I love you…I want to…to kiss you…

“Yo, are you guys done talking yet?”

Kyoko and Makoto blushed and groaned at the sound of Hiro’s voice, thinking Not again!  That was SO CLOSE!

Their romantic moment interrupted, Kyoko and Makoto broke apart before the annoyed Detective shot the Ultimate Clairvoyant her Kirigiri glare, making Hiro yelp and run for the hills.

“I’ll tell the others you guys are better now!”

The two lovers sweatdropped before Makoto chuckled nervously “…Maybe we should get back to the others…”

Kyoko nodded, coughing into her fist before turning to Makoto, blushes still on their cheeks as she replied with a hint of irritation leaking into her voice “Agreed…so, shall we go?”

Makoto nodded, then grabbed Kyoko’s hand again, causing the two to blush as they wove their fingers together.  Kyoko smiled at him before they leisurely walked back up to the Castle.

I love you, Kyoko…

I love you, Makoto…

XXX

“Well, you sure took your sweet time.  Don’t you dullards realize that we have more pressing matters that need taking care of?”

As Kyoko opened her mouth to speak, Toko suddenly zipped in front of her, startling Makoto and causing him to fall on his bottom again.  Kyoko blinked, surprised by Toko’s uncharacteristically fast speed as the Ultimate Writing Prodigy narrowed her eyes and glared at the Bunny Detective.

“Whatever you have to say, you better not insult Master in front of me.  I won’t tolerate any more disrespect, is that clear?”

Is that…is that really Toko?!  Makoto wondered incredulously as he stared at the much more forceful Writing Prodigy, then to Kyoko, who put on her standard emotionless mask as she returned Toko’s glare.

“It would seem you found a backbone on your quest.”

Toko narrowed her eyes and replied “I found a lot more than a backbone, you Bunny Bimbo!”

Toko enclosed her fist, making a hammer materialize out of thin air, causing the Goombas to smile proudly while Byakuya raised an eyebrow, curious as to how his intellectual rival would answer Toko’s newfound show of bravado.

“Hei-ho!”  Heiho shrieked fearfully as he and Hina hugged each other, the Shyguy blushing from being pressed against Hina’s breasts.

Hiro meanwhile got on his knees and muttered a prayer out of fear as Captain Toad watched the new development, feeling the tension in the air while Yoshi cuddled nervously next to Makoto and whimpered “Yoshi…” as Makoto wrapped his arms protectively around the adorable little dinosaur.

Kyoko and Toko continued to stare at each other, unmoved from their initial standoff until Kyoko finally warned “If this is your attempt at intimidating me, you should know that I’ve faced much scarier than you!”

“Like I care about that…just know that you’re not going to be the Alpha Female of our little group for much longer!”

“Oh, is that right?” Kyoko asked, staring down Toko for a minute until she smirked and answered “Challenge accepted, Fukawa.”

Toko smirked back and replied “May the best woman win, Kirigiri.” before they turned around and crossed their arms over their breasts, closing their eyes.

Everyone sighed in relief, relaxing now that a major catfight had been averted.  They tensed up again however as the two girls turned their heads to give the other a challenging glare, the others feeling the electric sparks that flew from the focal point where their glares collided.

The Goomba Tower walked over to Hiro before Clyde mumbled from the bottom “Women, am I right?”

Hiro sighed and nodded “Yeah, that’s the truth, for serious…”

*Cough cough*

Kyoko and Toko broke off their lightning glare as they turned to Captain Toad who asked “Um…I hate to interrupt, but can I have the other two pieces of the Magenti-Star so we can…oh, I don’t know…put it back together?!”

Kyoko and Toko blushed, embarrassed that they let themselves get carried away with their newfound rivalry.  With a sigh, Toko took her piece of the Magenti-Star from within her shell and walked over to Captain Toad, handing it to him before she strutted back to Byakuya’s side and grasping his hand.  Kyoko meanwhile walked over to Makoto who was still sitting on the ground as she took him by the hand and pulled him to his feet.

As Makoto dusted off his pants and tail with his free hand, Kyoko and Toko glared at each other one last time, silently declaring This isn’t over!

Makoto and Byakuya sweatdropped at their respective love interest’s intense rivalry while Hina sighed and thought I’m glad I’m not part of this alpha female rivalry…

“Um, Hina…your Magenti-Star Piece, please?”

“O…oh!”  Hina bonked her fist atop her head lightly, then rubbed the back of her head bashfully as she apologized “Sorry…”

Putting Heiho down, she took out the Magenti-Star Piece as Hiro laughed “Wow, Hina, you can be such a spaz, for serious!”

A vein pulsed with blood in Heiho’s forehead as he raised his fist and ran up to the Ultimate Clairvoyant, exclaiming angrily “Hei-HO!”

Hiro yelped, turning around to run behind Inky, Pinky, and Clyde, who merely shivered in fear as Heiho glared at Hiro through them from behind his mask, shouting “Hei-HO!  Hei-HO!”

Ignoring their little feud, Hina handed Captain Toad the final Magenti-Star Piece.  Suddenly, all three pieces started to fly in a circle above Captain Toad, a blinding light demitting from the vortex between them, causing the others to stop what they were doing and turn to watch the Magenti-Star’s reformation.  As the shining light got bigger and brighter, everyone shielded their eyes with their forearms, grunting until the blinding light died down.

When they gingerly lowered their arms, their eyes widened as a completed Magenti-Star floated in Captain Toad’s hands, the Mushroom Retainer beaming as he announced “At last…the Magenti-Star is complete, thanks to the six of you and your new friends.”  Captain Toad frowned as he admitted “But it will take time for the Magenti-Star to regain its full power.

“I see…and how long will that take?”  Byakuya questioned.

Suddenly approached by a squadron of Goombas, Captain Toad started to sweat as he admitted “I…I don’t know exactly!  We’ve never had to reassemble a Power Star before, let alone one as unique as the Magenti-Star!”

“Great…”  Toko grumbled “We still have to stick around h…here…”

As the others nodded, Captain Toad clapped his hands and announced “In the meantime, I’ll prepare some celebratory rice balls for you all in the Castle!  Promise!”

The six survivors all looked to each other and shrugged before Byakuya nodded “That should be acceptable.  Goombas, stand down.”

With that, the Goombas retreated, making Captain Toad sigh in relief before he turned towards the castle and exclaimed “Alright, follow me!”

XXX

“Mmm…SO GOOD!”  Makoto moaned as he ate his mushroom onigiri, making Kyoko smile with amusement at her beloved as she ate her onigiri at a much more controlled pace.

The six of them were eating at a table in the Castle Dining Hall, Makoto, Kyoko, Yoshi, Heiho, and Hina sitting on one side, while Byakuya and Toko sat on the other.  Hiro meanwhile had to sit on the table itself due to his miniature size, being given one small onigiri that he was in the process of whittling down.

As the others nodded in agreement with Makoto, Byakuya mused after swallowing his bite of rice “Not bad, I’ll admit.  Of course, cuisine this common is nothing compared to the lavish feasts served at any of the Togami Castles.  Once I rebuld the Togami Empire and rule this world, I’ll show you all exactly what I mean.”

Byakuya smirked, leaving everyone except Toko to sweatdrop before Makoto brought up “Uh, Byakuya…the Mushroom Kingdom already has a Princess.  You can’t rebuild your empire here, and you can’t take over her castle.”

“He…he could too!”  Toko objected, standing up and exclaiming “That Princess P…Peach is nothing before Ma…Master!  He even got a crown that’s much prettier than…EEP!”

Toko clammed up after Byakuya glared at her, thugh not soon enough, as Makoto’s eyes widened in realization.

Wait a minute…crown…Crown…could it be…  “Byakuya…before you got the Golden Flower…did you get the Super Crown?”  The vein that pulsed in Byakuya’s forehead, along with the blush that darkened his cheeks was all the evidence that Makoto needed, making him snicker as he exclaimed “You did, didn’t you!  You got the Super Crown!”

As Makoto tried to get his snickering under control, Kyoko’s brow furrowed as she asked “…I’m confused…what’s so funny about this…Super Crown?”

Byakuya shot Makoto a glare that screamed Tell them and there’ll be a body discovery announcement waiting for you, Naegi!

His silent threat went ignored however as Makoto explained “It’s a character-specific power-up that allows Toadette to become Peachette.  But since Byakuya’s a guy, I think it…”

Makoto fell victim to a giggle fit again, leaving Kyoko, Hina, and Hiro to ponder what he was trying to say until the Ultimate Swimming Pro’s eyes widened, exclaiming “Holy crap!  Are you saying…that Super Crown turned Byakuya into a girl?!”

Seeing Makoto nod, the entire table except for Byakuya and Toko burst into laughter.  Even the normally stoic Kyoko couldn’t help but laugh at his expense.

“Sh…shut up!”  Toko exclaimed “Stop laughing at Ma…Master…”

As Toko’s demands went ignored, Byakuya sighed with annoyance and muttered “Let’s just finish eating so we can go home and forget this little adventure ever happened…”

XXX

The survivors now stood outside the castle, surrounded by their new friends and Captain Toad who held the Magenti-Star and commented “Well, I guess this is goodbye…”

Byakuya turned to Blinky, Inky, Pinky, and Clyde, who stared at their new leader with sad frowns as the Ultimate Affluent Progeny admitted “I can’t believe I’m about to say this…but I think I might actually miss you.  Good help is so hard to come by.”

Tears welled in Hina’s eyes as she hugged Heiho and cried “Oh, I’m gonna miss you, Heiho-kun!”

“Hei-hooooo…”  Heiho whimpered, saddened that his first real friend had to leave.

Kyoko watched with softened eyes as Makoto and Yoshi hugged, his Tanuki Ears drooping as he murmured “Well, goodbye, Yoshi.  I’m really going to miss you…”

“Yoshiiii…”

Makoto petted Yoshi’s snout as he replied “I know, I know boy, I really want to take you…with…me…”  Makoto’s eyes widened in realization, his lips stretching into a beaming grin as he released Yoshi and turned to the others, exclaiming “Hey, I’ve got an idea everyone!  Why don’t we take Yoshi, Heiho-kun, and the Goombas with us?!”

Kyoko sweatdropped and facepalmed, thinking This is bad; with how attached everyone’s become, Makoto’s natural charisma may end up endearing them to the idea.  She shook her head and denied “Makoto, I really don’t think that’s a good idea.  It wouldn’t be right to take them from their world.”

Makoto turned to face her, giving her a puppy-eyed stare as he begged “Aw, come on, Kyoko!  I’m sure they…huh?”

Makoto’s Tanuki Ears twitched, making him turn around as Kyoko’s brow furrowed before she asked “…Makoto?  Are you…?”

“…I heard something…”

*Whirl*

A gust of wind suddenly struck the fields, forcing Makoto, Kyoko, Byakuya, and Toko to brace themselves.  Meanwhile Hina quickly snatched Hiro in one hand and wrapped an arm around Heiho to protect them from being blown away.

“It’s some kind of windstorm!”  Kyoko declared.

Makoto shook his head, refuting “No, that’s wrong!  It was a totally sunny day, and there are no clouds in the sky!”  Makoto turned to Captain Toad, who was quaking in his boots as he cradled the Magenti-Star protectively against his chest and asked “Captain Toad, do you know what’s going on?”

Captain Toad shook his head and denied “No, I don’t know why we’re getting hit with this sudden wind…unless…”

“GWA HA HA HA!”

Captain Toad went completely pale, blanching as he breathed “Oh no…he’s here!”

Captain Toad looked up, leading everyone else to look up at the sky as they saw a white bowl-type vehicle with a green rim lining the top, a green helicopter blade spinning from the bottom, large black eyes painted on the front, and a large orange smile painted below the eyes.

“GWA HA HA HA!”  A giant yellow scaled turtle roared as it stood up in the strange vehicle.

Makoto and Captain Toad’s eyes widened in shock as they took in its green spiked shell, pale jaw, horns, and underbelly, black spiked bracelets, green scaled head, yellow tail, and flaming red mane, breathing “Daimao Kuppa!”

Kyoko turned to Makoto and asked “What was that, Makoto?  Who is this creature?”

“…King Bowser Koopa, the King of the Koopa Tribe!  He’s the final boss of almost every main Mario game, and that Clown Copter is his main mode of transportation!”  I don’t know whether to feel shocked, horrified, or excited!

Hina exclaimed “Wait, hold the phone!  You mean the same Bowser who Mario fights?  The one you told us about when we first got here?”

Makoto nodded before Bowser cackled “HA HA HA!  FINALLY, THE MAGENTI-STAR IS COMPLETE!  THANK YOU ALL FOR COMPLETING IT FOR ME!”

Makoto reigned in his excitement and narrowed his eyes, the others following suit as they took up defensive positions, except for Hiro who merely shivered in Hina’s hand.  Blinky, Inky, Pinky, and Clyde immediately formed a defensive row in front of Byakuya and Toko, while Heiho stood protectively in front of Hina, brandishing his spear.

“HEI-HO!”

Unimpressed, Bowser merely cackled “GWA HA HA!  How adorable, a ragtag Goomba quartet and a lone Shy Guy think they stand a chance against ME?!  Alright, you’ve had your fun, now I will confiscate the Magenti-Star so I can put my master plan into motion!”

Byakuya scoffed, forming a fireball in his hand as he proclaimed “No giant reptile is going to cash in on our hard work, or my name isn’t Byakuya Togami!”

As Toko beamed at her lover, Byakuya threw his fireball, only for his eyes to widen in shock as Bowser merely moved his copter out of the way, laughing “Please, you call that a fireball?  THIS is a fireball!”

Bowser roared, red light forming in his mouth before he spat in Byakuya’s direction, a giant flaming meteor heading straight for the Ultimate Affluent Progeny, who was frozen in place as his eyes widened in shock.

“Th…this is…”

“Master, get down!”

“AGH!”  Byakuya cried as Toko pulled him down, causing the fireball to just miss his head as it collided with the ground, leaving a flaming crater where the grass used to be.

“…How humiliating…”  Byakuya grimaced as he nodded at Toko thankfully, the two of them getting up before he called out “Makoto, what’s his weakness?”

“I…I don’t know!  It changes from game to game!”  Makoto shouted frantically, making Byakuya facepalm before they all stared fearfully at Bowser flying above them in the Clown Copter.

“GWA HA HA HA!  You pipsqueaks can’t beat me without Mario around!  I can beat you all without even having to touch you!”

*SLAM*

“AGH!”  Everyone screamed as Bowser bounced his Clown Copter against the ground, sending everyone flying in various directions.

“No, the Magenti-Star!”  Captain Toad yelled in a panic as it flew out of his grasp.

“GWA HA HA HA!  At last, the Magenti-Star is mine!”  Bowser cackled as he steered his Clown Copter in its direction, extending his claw out to grab it.  “Yes!  At last, the Magenti-Sta…HUH?!”

Bowser gaped, dumbfounded at the fact that the Magenti-Star had disappeared, scanning the grounds as he said frantically “WHERE IS IT WHERE IS IT…YOU?!”

Makoto grinned as he pointed out “Hey, it’s Kyoko!  She got the Magenti-Star!”

Sure enough, Kyoko was gliding across the field, holding the Magenti-Star under her arm as her Bunny Ears flapped, keeping her airborne.

She smirked at the Koopa King, causing a vein to pulse in his forehead as he roared “ALRIGHT YOU WENCH!  GIVE ME THE MAGENTI-STAR!”

The two engaged in a rather humorous chase, Kyoko smirking as she continued to float just out of Bowser’s reach while the oversized turtle kept trying to swipe at the Bunny Detective with his claws.

As the others stood up, Makoto stared at Kyoko with admiration, beaming as his tail wagged and he praised “Wow, Kyoko’s amazing!  She’s managing to tango with Bowser all by herself!”

Kyoko blushed at Makoto’s praise while Hina grinned and cheered “Heck yeah!  Go Kyoko!  You’ve got this!”

Byakuya coughed to get their attention before he pointed out “I hate to burst your bubbles, but just because she’s keeping pace doesn’t mean she’s winning.”

Toko nodded, biting her fingernails as she agreed “Y…yeah…after all, with that Clown Copter, that B…Bowser will catch her e…even…”

“AGH!”

“OH NOOOOOOOO!  SHE GOT CAPTURED!”  Hiro exclaimed holding his head in fear.

All their eyes widened as they saw Bowser pull Kyoko by the waist, causing the Ultimate Detective to struggle and gasp “…Let go of me, you oversized turt…what…what’s happening?!”

“Oh no…her Bunny Powers!  She got hit, so she’s losing her Bunny Powers!”

True to Makoto’s word, Kyoko felt a draining sensation as she looked up and saw her Bunny Ears start to become more translucent until they disappeared entirely, leaving her completely normal.

Makoto started to panic as he yelled “Hang on, Kyoko!   We’ll get you out of this, we promise!”

Still squeezed in Bowser’s claw, she gasped “Well hurry up then, Makoto, before this thing squeezes the air out of my lungs!”

Turning to Makoto, Byakuya asked “Well, Makoto?  Any ideas as to how we should separate Kirigiri from Bowser’s claw?”

“Just…JUST LET ME THINK!”  Makoto shouted, closing his eyes as he thought frantically We need to get closer…if only we had something we could ride…wait…RIDE…NOW I UNDERSTAND!

Makoto turned to the others and asked “Byakuya, Toko, we’re going to need to use your power-ups to launch an offensive attack.  Are you guys up to it?”

Byakuya smirked and nodded “As long as you have a strategy in mind, a Togami is always ready.”

Toko bit her lip and stammered “B…but, last time, he just dodged Ma…Master’s fire…how are gonna get cl…close enough?”

Makoto turned to Hina and asked “Hina, can you give Toko a piggyback ride?”

Her eyes widening in realization, Hina grinned and saluted “You got it!”

Makoto smiled, then turned to Yoshi and asked “Hey boy, you mind letting Byakuya ride you in this battle?”

“YOSHI!”  Yoshi exclaimed, nodding resolutely before Byakuya walked over and got on Yoshi’s saddle.

Meanwhile, Hina crouched, allowing Toko to climb awkwardly on her back.  Once she was secure, Hina stood up, waiting with Yoshi for Makoto’s command.

“Alright everybody, listen up!  Hina, Yoshi, we need you to be able to jump up and to the side of Bowser’s Clown Copter so he can’t dodge.  Byakuya, Toko, once you’re close enough, combine your powers and pelt him with everything you’ve got!”

Byakuya smirked as he boasted “Just leave it to us; we’ve got just the attack in mind to take down this oversized turtle.”

Flashing back to their combo attack that vanquished the Goomboss, Toko nodded “On your command, Master!”

Makoto nodded and pointed straight at the Clown Copter, screaming “Alright everyone, CHARGE!!!”

Hina and Yoshi started dashing while Toko and Byakuya charged up their hammer and fireball respectively, making Kyoko give a pained, yet proud smile at how Makoto took charge of the battle.

My hero…

As they got closer, Byakuya raised an eyebrow and laughed “GWA HA HA HA!  I have to admit, you pipsqueaks are cleverer than I thought, but too bad I have just the countermeasure for a team attack like this!”

Kyoko frowned worriedly as he pressed a big red button on his copter, causing several hidden vents to open as a purple mist leaked out, covering the ground in a haze and causing Makoto’s eyes to widen, the Racoon Luckster yelling “EVERYONE!  COVER YOUR MOUTHS AND NOSES BEFORE…”

Makoto’s warning came too late as the cloud reached the group, causing them to cough before they started to feel hazy.

“What…what is this stuff…?  I can’t think straight, for ser…iouuusss…”  Hiro trailed off as his eyes shut, falling to the ground as he lost consciousness.

Hiro was soon joined by Blinky, Inky, Pinky, and Clyde, who yawned in unison before falling asleep, causing their tower to topple.

*Yawn*  “I’m feeling…sleepy…”  Hina moaned as she took a nosedive, causing Toko to fall off of her before Heiho ran over to his sleepy friend.

“Heiiiii…hoooooooo…”  Heiho moaned before falling asleep.

“Heiho-kun…we need to…stay…awaaaakkkeee…”  Hina yawned before she collapsed, falling asleep next to him.

”Yooooo…shiiiiiii…”  Yoshi yawned, his eyes closing as he tumbled to the ground, throwing Byakuya off of him as the Ultimate Affluent Progeny rolled next to Toko.

Makoto’s knees buckled as he felt his strength left him, the Racoon Luckster yawning as he tried his hardest to stay awake.  He looked around to see Captain Toad’s eyes drooping, the Mushroom Retainer trying to reach into his backpack before he collapsed under its weight, falling asleep like the others.

Like Makoto, Byakuya struggled against the desire to sleep, mumbling drowsily as his knees buckled “I…I am a Togami…I will not be beaten by something as underhanded as…sleeping gas…”

For all his efforts, Byakuya fell victim to it just as easily as the others, his eyes closing as he blacked out, faceplanting on the ground as Toko followed suit, her face landing on his shoulder as she yawned cutely before falling asleep.

Feeling even more woozy, Makoto tried to stand up, repeating to himself I…I have to…get up…Kyoko…Kyoko needs me…

Despite all his mental fortitude, Makoto found it was taking all his energy to stay awake, never mind standing up or fighting back.

Makoto…  Kyoko worried as she looked at her still-conscious friend.

“Gwa ha ha ha!”  Bowser gloated “You see, wench?  All your friends have already lost to me!  Now, give me the Magenti-Star and I’ll let you go!”

Kyoko glared at him, clutching the Magenti-Star tighter against her frame as she spat “I’d rather eat coriander you underhanded reptile!”

“Gwa ha ha ha!  Oh, you’ve got some fire, do you?  Well, I know how to cool you down!”

“AGH!”  Kyoko screeched as Bowser dangled her just outside of the Clown Copter, her face angled towards the ground and forcing her into the sleeping gas cloud.  No…not the…gas…it’s…making me all…woozy…

“Ky…ooo…kooo…”  Makoto weakly called out as he saw Kyoko’s eyelids start to droop.

Kyoko shook her head, opening her eyes until they were three quarters open as she stubbornly refused “No…I won’t fall asleep…and I won’t…give you the Magenti-Star!”

Bowser raised an eyebrow, impressed as he noted “Well, a wench other than Princess Peach who actually has the resolve to struggle against me even when doused with sleeping gas?  I must say, I haven’t come across a girl with as much spitfire as you in quite some time; it’s actually refreshing!”

Bowser tapped his chin with his free claw, apparently deep in contemplation before he snapped his fingers.

“You know what?  I’m tired of getting rejected by Peach and getting my shell kicked by Mario again and again.  A change is in order, and you seem like a fine bride for the King of the Koopas.”

Kyoko meanwhile found her resistance slipping and slipping, causing her eyes to droop and her vision to become hazy.  The last thing she saw clearly was Makoto bravely trying to fight off the effects of Bowser’s sleeping gas.

She smiled proudly as she uttered “I’m…sorry…”  I wasn’t strong enough…

With one final yawn, Kyoko lost consciousness, her vision becoming black as Bowser pulled her back into the Clown Copter.  He relaxed his grip on her, allowing her slackened grip to drop the Magenti-Star into his waiting claw.

“GWA HA HA HA!  THIS WAS SO EASY!  ALMOST LIKE TAKING CANDY FROM A BABY!  AND TO TOP IT OFF, I GOT A NEW BRIDE TOO!”  Bowser cackled as he looked from the Magenti-Star to Kyoko’s sleeping form.

No…Kyoko…  Mustering up all his energy formed from his anger at the Koopa King, Makoto roared “YOU WON’T GET AWAY WITH THIS!”

Bowser laughed, amused as he challenged “OH YEAH, HOW’S A KID LIKE YOU GONNA STOP ME?  YOU’RE NO MARIO!”

Makoto outstretched his hand as Bowser turned the Clown Copter around and zoomed off in the distance, the Magenti-Star and Kyoko in his claws.

“No…Kyoko…KYOKO!!!”  Makoto screamed in despair before the sleeping gas finally overwhelmed him, causing him to black out as he slumped against the ground, mumbling worriedly in his sleep.

“Kyoko…I…I love you, Kyoko…Kyoko…come back, please Kyoko!”

Chapter Text

*WHOOSH*

Makoto dived out of the way as a blazing fireball just barely missed him, the Racoon Lucky Student feeling the heat threaten to burn his face as it zoomed off into the distance.  Makoto skid to a halt on the black and purple octagonal stage as Bowser roared, leaving Makoto shaking in fear and excitement.  Bowser continued to launch a barrage of fireballs, Makoto gradually starting to smile as he dodged each one with greater and greater ease.

Thank goodness I spent all those years playing Mario games.  It took me a little bit to adjust to dodging his attacks for real, but I have Bowser’s attack patterns memorized!

Snorting, Bowser cackled “GWA HA HA!  You can’t dodge me forever, Racoon Boy!  It’s only a matter of time until I burn you to a crisp, then there will be nobody to rescue your beloved Princess!”

Makoto looked to the side, frowning as he glanced at Kyoko’s still form, frozen in a translucent, blue crystal that kept her in a comatose state, her face frozen in shock. 

“Kyoko…”

Makoto’s left fist clenched in anger, his green eyes blazing with fury as he pointed his right hand at Bowser.

“I promise…no matter what the cost…even if it kills me…”  Makoto roared “I WILL SAVE KYOKO!”

With a determined roar, Makoto burst into action, dashing at Bowser with courage and love in his eyes.

“BWA HA HA!  I have to admit, seeing you attempt to take me on like this is quite amusing.  However, I’m afraid it all has to end now!  You’ll never beat me…WHAT?!”

Makoto smirked as he ran round and round in a circle, Bowser unable to keep track of where he was due to Makoto running so fast.

“What the…hold still Racoon Boy!  You’re making me di…dizzy…”

Yes, I’ve got him on the ropes!  Just a little longer and…  “WHOA!”  Makoto exclaimed as he tripped over his shoelaces, tumbling and landing on his knees.  “Oww…stupid bad luck…”  Makoto groaned, thinking Gotta…get up…Kyoko needs you, Makoto!  So…get up!  Makoto struggled to try and stand, only for a burst of intense pain to shot up his right leg, forcing him back to the ground as he groaned “No…my leg…it’s…”

“GWA HA HA!  Some plan, Racoon Boy!  You’ve just made it easier for me to roast you!”

This is NOT good…at this rate, I won’t be able to move and I’ll be roasted!  Makoto fretted as Bowser charged up another fireball, rays of yellow and red shining from his jaws.  And worse, I won’t be able to save Kyoko!  He looked to Kyoko’s crystallized form, shaking his head as he resolved No, there must be something I can do!  I won’t let my busted leg cost Kyoko her freedom!  But what?!  Oh what I wouldn’t give for a shooting star…wait…S.T.A.R.  Now I understand!  Alright, it’s time to break out my secret weapon!

Makoto reached into his hoodie and pulled out a yellow Super Star, smiling as the flames from Bowser’s jaws started to dissipate.

Terrified, Bowser stepped backwards, waving his hands in surrender as he exclaimed “NO!  NOT THAT!”

Makoto smirked as the Super Star vanished in a puff of smoke, enveloping Makoto in a bright yellow aura as he went Super Saiyan, his hair standing up in every conceivable direction as it turned as yellow as his aura.  Feeling a surge of strength revitalize him, Makoto bounced back up, using his tail as a springboard to get to his feet.

Yes, I feel better than ever!  Thank you, Captain Toad!

Without another word, Makoto dashed over to Bowser, whose whimpering proved fruitless as Makoto assaulted him with a barrage of punches and kicks, covering the Koopa King in bruises from head to toe.  With one final kick to his soft underbelly, Bowser was sent flying across the stage, groaning and closing his eyes as he landed on his shell.

Tears of joy trickled down his cheeks as Makoto burst into victorious laughter, exclaiming “I DID IT!  I DEFEATED BOWSER!  NOW I CAN…ow…”  Makoto groaned, feeling the Super Star’s power leave him as his yellow aura dissipated, his hair falling back into its usual shape as it faded back to its usual brown.  “Guess the Super Star’s power is fading…couldn’t it have at least healed my leg?”  Makoto sighed “Well, at least there’s no more danger.  All I have to do is get back on my feet and get Kyoko out of here.  Maybe Princess Peach can use some magic spell to…free…her…”

Makoto trailed off, his eyes widening in shock as Bowser’s disembodied head bounced in front of him, making him scream.

“UWAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!”  Hyperventilating, Makoto struggled to calm himself, repeating between breaths “Calm down, Naegi, calm down.”  Once his breathing and heart rate were back under control, Makoto pondered “Now, why is Bowser decapitated?  I didn’t hit him that hard…”  Makoto’s eyes widened in realization as he exclaimed “Wait…that happened in Luigi’s Mansion too…could it be that I was fighting King Boo the entire time?!”

“Upupupupu…”

Makoto paled as that familiar, haunting laugh reached his ears, his Racoon Tail standing on end as he breathed “No…it can’t be…”

Makoto’s eyes bulged in horror as Bowser’s body finally stood up, revealing the head and torso of none other than the Ultimate Despair herself, Junko Enoshima.

Shrieking, Makoto fell back on his tail, panicking Ju…Junko…?!  No, it can’t be…you…you’re…supp…supposed to be… “DEAD!?!?”

Grinning, Junko used the Bowser suit to walk until she was right in front of him, using a set of levers to operate the Bowser suit before snapping her fingers, making a chair materialize before she sat in it.

She then waved at the terrified boy and greeted “Hey Makoto, long time no see!  Upupupupupu…”

I…I don’t understand…Junko should be dead!  Why is she here in the Mushroom Kingdom, operating a Bowser suit no less?!  This doesn’t make any sense at all!

As Makoto stared with wild eyes at his former classmate, Junko’s eyes grew as she adopted her cute persona, giggling “Aww, Makoto, you’re gonna make me blush if you keep staring at me like that, ya know?”

Makoto gasped as she extended one arm of the Bowser suit, snapping her claw and pulling the crystallized Kyoko to her telekinetically.  Makoto paled as the Ultimate Detective was now ensnared in her claw, placing her on her side before the Ultimate Despair placed her right foot against Kyoko’s torso.

“No…no no no…PLEASE STOP!”  Makoto screamed, trying to get to his feet to save Kyoko from being crushed to death, only for the shots of pain to force him back onto his rear.

Junko waved a claw at Makoto, grinning as she reverted back to her normal persona as she admonished him “Tsk tsk tsk…Makoto…this is your own fault.  You failed to stop me, and anyone who fails their trial, must face punishment!  And your punishment…will be…to watch the girl you love get executed!”

“No, please…kill me, just leave Kyoko alone!”

“Too bad!  Let’s give it everything we’ve got!  IT’S PUNISHMENT TIME!”

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”  Makoto tearfully screamed as Junko finally stomped on Kyoko, shattering the crystal and Kyoko into countless shards.  “Kyoko…Kyoko…”

Makoto hung his head, sobbing as he mourned his lost love.  Eventually his sobs dissipated, turning into sorrowful giggles as he lifted his head, revealing an unnatural grin and swirls in his eyes, making Junko laugh.

“Upupupupupupupupupupupuuuuuu…”

XXX

Makoto shot up into a sitting position, gasping for breath as he brought his clammy hands up to stare at his palms.

“Hey, Makoto, are you alright?”

Makoto turned his head to stare at Hina, still in her Frog Suit as she looked at him with a worried expression.

“H…Hina…?”

Nodding, Hina gently rested her hand on his back, rubbing up and down soothingly as she assured him “It’s okay, it’s okay…we’re alright, Makoto…we’re safe…”

Her friendly touch allowed Makoto to calm down; breathing normally, he looked around and asked “Where are we?”

Removing her hand from his back, Hina answered “We’re in the Castle Medical Wing.”

“Hei-ho!”

Makoto turned his head to see Heiho walking up to him, a glass of water in hand as he stopped and offered it to him.

Makoto smiled gratefully and accepted it, replying “Thanks, Heiho-kun…” before shakily bringing it up to his lips and tilting it so that the water flowed down his throat.

Hina smiled and gushed “Oh, that was so nice of you, Heiho-kun!  You’re a really good friend!”

“Hei-ho…”  Heiho blushed and rubbed the back of his hood in embarrassment, happy to receive a compliment from Hina.

After handing the now empty cup back to Hina, who put it on one of the nearby tables, Makoto wondered “So…how did we get…here…”  Makoto trailed off as the memories of Bowser’s surprise attack and Kyoko’s kidnapping flashed before his eyes, causing him to exclaim “KYOKO!” and panickedly stand up, only to sway and fall back on the bed as he hadn’t completely recovered his sense of equilibrium.

“Whoa, take it easy, Makoto!”

“Hei-ho!”

As Makoto struggled to sit up, Hina scolded “Makoto, you’ve gotta be careful!  I know you’re worried about Kyoko, but you just woke up!  You can’t just jump into action before you’ve even recovered!”

“Right, s…sorry…you mind helping me stand?”

“Sure…”  Hina nodded, taking Makoto’s hands and pulling him into a standing position, Heiho keeping his legs steady until Makoto found his center of balance, standing upright.

“Alright…so…how did we get here?  Last thing I remember was passing out after Bowser used that sleeping gas on us.”

Hina nodded, explaining “Once the sleeping gas dissipated, the other Toads carried us into the Medical Wing to recover.  The others have woken up already and are trying to come up with a plan to rescue Kyoko and get the Magenti-Star back.”

Makoto stopped listening after “rescue Kyoko” however, feeling his eyes start to water, his Tanuki Ears and Racoon Tail drooping as he bowed his head.  Makoto closed his eyes, tears trickling down his cheeks onto the floor as his nightmare flashed in his mind.

“…Are you listening, Makoto?  Makoto, why are you crying?!”

“Hei-ho!”

Snapped out of his despair, Makoto shook his head and wiped his eyes on his wrist, scolding himself Get a grip, Naegi!  Bowser isn’t Junko!  He won’t kill Kyoko; he needs her alive to take her as his bride…

Makoto felt himself become red with fury, the image of Kyoko in a white wedding dress kissing the Koopa King making him want to throw up his lunch.

He took a deep breath to calm down, then looked up at the worried Hina, apologizing “Sorry, Hina, Heiho-kun.  I was just…remembering a bad dream…anyway, I want to be part of the discussion for how we save Kyoko.  You guys mind…helping me down there?”

“Sure thing, Makoto!”  Hina agreed, smiling as she walked behind him, wrapping her arm around his waist and allowing him to lean on her.  “Heiho-kun, you mind walking behind him to steady him in case he starts to sway?”

“Hei-ho!”  Heiho saluted before marching over behind them, keeping his hands pressed behind Makoto’s knees.

“Thanks, you guys…”  Makoto’s eyes narrowed in determination as he exclaimed “Alright, let’s go!”

“That’s the spirit, Makoto!  Just take it slow…put one foot in front of the other.”

“Hei-ho.  Hei-ho.”

XXX

Hiro paced in a circle, muttering incoherently as he appeared deep in thought, while Yoshi lay curled in a corner, depressed that the Dr. Toads booted him out of the Medical Ward when they had to treat Makoto and the others.  Meanwhile Byakuya, Toko, Blinky, Inky, Pinky, and Clyde stood around the sun design in the center of the Castle Lobby as they debated their next course of action.

Byakuya suggested “First and foremost, we need a plan of attack so we can storm Bowser’s Castle and reclaim the Magenti-Star he stole from us.”

“Well, we also need to factor in Kyoko’s rescue.”  Captain Toad pointed out, making Byakuya close his eyes and smirk smugly.

“Well, that goes without saying…Toko, you must have written countless novels about dashing knights rescuing damsels in distress from tyrants in castles.  Any insight on how we should plan our next move?”

“Well…it’s been a while, but I think I remember…”

“YOSHI!!!”

“Hey, it’s Makoto and Hina and Heiho-kun!”  Captain Toad exclaimed.

“Hey, you’re right!  The little dude’s awake, for serious!”

“T…took him long enough…”  Toko muttered as they watched Makoto wave at them as he and Hina walked down the stairs, releasing him from her grasp as they reached the bottom floor.

“Thanks for helping me get my bearings, guys…I’m okay now, really…oof!  Maybe not…”  Makoto smiled weakly as Yoshi tackled him in a hug, laughing as the green dinosaur assaulted him with licks.  “Haha, good to see you too, boy!”

Once boy and steed had separated and Makoto wiped off Yoshi’s slobber with the arm of his jacket, Toko scoffed “You sure took your t…time, Sleeping Be…beauty…”

A vein in her forehead pulsing, Hina objected “That’s so mean of you, Toko!  We breathed in sleeping gas!  It’s not like he just decided to take a nap and lie down on the job!”

“We woke up w…way before him though!  Who’s to say he wasn’t na…napping in se…secret…?”

Hina opened her mouth to interject, only for Byakuya to cut them off with an irate expression “Toko, Hina, enough!  We have more important matters to discuss…”

Makoto nodded, thinking Yeah, like rescuing Kyoko from Bowser…

“…like getting the Magenti-Star back so we can get home.”

“Huh?”  Makoto exclaimed, causing the others to stare at him as his eyes narrowed in anger at Byakuya.  “I can’t believe you, Byakuya!  Kyoko’s been captured!  We’ve gotta storm the castle and rescue her!  Are you seriously considering just leaving her behind?!”

Surprised by Makoto’s uncharacteristically straightforwardness, Byakuya nonetheless pushed back “Makoto, in case you forgot, without the Magenti-Star, we’re stuck here; none of us will be able to get back home.  If it came down to it, Kyoko would want us to choose to reclaim the Magenti-Star and get back home, even if it meant leaving her behind.  Or are you saying you’d let her hard work and sacrifice be in vain?”

“No, but…”  Makoto closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm down, telling himself Calm down, Naegi.  Byakuya’s wrong, and you know he’s wrong.  Arguing with him on this is a waste of time.  No matter what, Kyoko’s safe return comes first.  We leave together, or we stay together.  We owe it to those of us who died in that Killing Game to not lose any more friends.  And besides, I…I could never abandon Kyoko!  If Byakuya’s too stubborn to realize it…then…I’ll just go to Bowser’s Castle and bring her back myself!

Taking Makoto’s silence as resignation, Byakuya smirked and replied “So, you have no rebuttal?  Then…hey, Makoto?!  Where are you going?!”

“Yeah, get back here!  Ma…Master wasn’t done ta…talking to you!”

Makoto ignored Byakuya and Toko, his eyes narrowed in determination as he threw the Castle Doors open, marching outside.  The others looked to each other and, with a silent nod in agreement, walked out of the lobby to follow Makoto, curious as to what Makoto was planning to do.

XXX

…Is he trying to fly again?  The others wondered, sweatdropping as Makoto continued to hop around the nearby fountain.

Hina pumped her fists and cheered “You can do it, Makoto!  Just focus on how much you love Kyoko and you’ll be flying in no time!”

“Hei-ho!”  Heiho exclaimed as he imitated Hina’s pose.

“YOSHI!”

“Oof!”  Makoto groaned as he faceplanted into the ground again.

…This is embarrassing to watch…  Toko, Hiro, and Byakuya deadpanned, the former two rolling their eyes.

Byakuya sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before walking up to Makoto as the Racoon Boy stood up, scolding him “Makoto, quit wasting our time with this silly little stunt of yours.  Hopping around the this fountain isn’t going to rescue Kirigiri, or get us the Magenti-Star back.  So get back into the Castle and help us come up with a real plan.”

*Snap*

Makoto felt his self-control break at Byakuya’s condescending words, his eyes narrowing in anger and blazing with fury as he turned around and pointed at the Ultimate Affluent Progeny, telling him calmly “Byakuya…I’ve had it up to here with your smug attitude.  I kept quiet in the interest of preserving our unity as a group, but if listening to you means losing another friend…losing Kyoko…then kindly shut the fuck up!”

“Wh…what did you say?!”  Byakuya breathed, shocked that Makoto had talked back to him, with such crude language no less.

“Damn…who knew the little guy had it in him?”  Hiro muttered.

Toko looked down at him and muttered “You’re one to t…talk…compared to you, Makoto’s a gi…giant…more importantly…”  Toko pointed at Makoto and exclaimed “How dare you t…talk to Ma…Master like that.  Apologize, right n…now!”

“Yeah!  Apologize to our King!”  Blinky, Inky, Pinky, and Clyde agreed with their Queen.

Makoto ignored Toko and the Goombas and continued “You heard me, Togami!  And don’t make me repeat myself!”  Byakuya blinked at the use of his own words against him as Makoto went on “I’ve played these games since I was a little kid!  Have you?  Have any of you?  I don’t think so!  I got my Racoon Tail and Tanuki Ears from a Super Leaf, so I know that I can fly!  And I know exactly where Bowser’s Castle is!  If you’re not willing to help save Kyoko, then I’ll fly there myself, I will save Kyoko from Bowser, and I’ll even get the Magenti-Star back so we can all go home together!  I refuse to lose another friend, so quit wasting my time with your condescending attitude Byakuya!”

Byakuya’s jaw slackened, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny shocked at how angry Makoto was and how forcefully he had stood up for himself.  Everyone else approached them, their eyes widened in shock at Makoto’s angry and emotional speech.  Toko grit her teeth, angry at Makoto for talking back to Byakuya and rendering him speechless.  She moved to raise her hand to summon a hammer and whack Makoto over the head with it to put him in his place but gasped as Byakuya raised his hand and gestured for her to stand down.

…Is he just gonna let that slide?  The others thought in unison as Toko reluctantly lowered her hand.

To their surprise, Byakuya’s lips tugged into a calm smirk as he asked “Is that so?  Well then, prove me wrong.”

“Huh?”  Everyone else, including Makoto, uttered in unison.

Sighing, Byakuya continued “Listen up, because you know I hate repeating myself.”  Byakuya folded his arms across his chest and continued “You claim that you can fly, so prove to me that you can fly and save Kirigiri.”

Makoto and Byakuya entered into a staring contest, the tension palpable in the air until at last Makoto returned Byakuya’s smirk with one of his own, boasting as he clenched his fist “I’ll prove to everyone that I can fly!”

“You can do it, Makoto!  Reach for that Gold Medal high in the sky!”

“Hei-ho!”

“Yoshi!”

“You can do it, Makoto!”  Captain Toad cheered along with Hina, Heiho, and Yoshi.

“Wh…what are you waiting for?  Get you lazy t…tail in ger and shoot into the s…sky already so you can save Ki…Kirigiri…”  Toko stuttered.

“Yeah, dude, for serious!  You have to fly!  Fly to save Kyoko!”  Hiro cheered.

“Hina…Hiro…Toko…”  Makoto’s eyes began to water as he beamed at the encouragement from his friends.

Makoto narrowed his eyes in determination and crouched to leap into the air, only to be startled and fall on his face as Captain Toad exclaimed “Makoto, wait!”  As Makoto groaned and got up again, Captain Toad apologized “Sorry, I just remembered something I forgot to tell you when we first met!”  Seeing everyone turn to stare at him, Captain Toad explained “Anyway, it’s true that you need to jump with a running start to fly, but that’s not all you need.”

Captain Toad walked up to Makoto and poked his chest right where his heart lay beating.

“You need to be thinking of something that makes your heart flutter.  For Mario, it’s Princess Peach.  For Luigi, it’s Princess Daisy.  You just need to think of something, or someone, that makes your heart flutter, and you’ll be able to fly.”

…Why didn’t you tell him that before?!  Everyone except Makoto thought, resisting the urge to facepalm at Captain Toad’s forgetfulness.

Makoto meanwhile pondered Let’s see…someone who makes my heart flutter…I mean, I love my parents and Komaru, but somehow I don’t think that’s what he means.  So who…

“My name is…Kyoko Kirigiri.”

No way…Kyoko?!  Makoto thought as his eyes widened in realization, memories of him and Kyoko flooding his mind.

“Hold on.  It’s still too early to decide conclusively that Makoto is the killer, wouldn’t you say?”

“Because…you’re the kind of person who can overcome this.”

“I don’t expect you to forgive me.  I know this is all my fault.”

“I abandoned you.”

“He would never want us to abandon Makoto and choose to stay here.”

“I think we can call you…the Ultimate Hope.”

“Cute…so…soo…cute…”

“Th…Thank you…it was nothing…I just used the element of surprise, was all…”

“As strange as this whole adventure has been…I won’t ever forget it…because you were there to share it with me…”

“Thank goodness you’re okay…”

“You gave me so much hope, Makoto…”

I…I understand now…I know I thought it once after she cheered me up, and I said it when I was about to lose consciousness, but I dismissed them as something said in the heat of the moment.  But now I know…the one who makes my heart flutter…is Kyoko Kirigiri.  I…I LOVE KYOKO!

Beaming with joy, Makoto looked down, gasping in shock as he saw that he was no longer touching the ground, his Racoon Tail rotating like a propeller and helping him to hover above the tallest tower of Peach’s castle.

“I…I did it…as soon as I admitted that I love Kyoko…I began to fly.  I’m flying…I’M ACTUALLY FLYING!”  Makoto narrowed his eyes and shouted “ALRIGHT KYOKO, I’M COMING TO SAVE YOU!  THEN I’LL TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU…my beautiful Princess…”

With his mission in mind, Makoto zipped across the sky, the others watching with impressed smiles he disappeared across the horizon.

XXX

*Gasp*

Kyoko shot up, gasping for breath as her eyes opened, her vision still coming into focus.  Eventually she got her breathing under control and her vision finally cleared.

“Where…where am I…”  Kyoko wondered as she looked around, taking in the grey metallic walls and the equally grey stone table that she was sitting on.

A chuckle rang throughout the room, causing her to turn her head, her eyes widening as she saw Bowser sitting on his throne a few feet away, musing “Ah, so you’ve finally awaken, my dear.”

Confused, Kyoko closed her eyes and wondered Who…who is this creature?  And why…?  Kyoko’s eyes opened as the memories of Bowser’s attack and her abduction flooded her mind, realizing Oh, right…that’s Bowser…he took the Magenti-Star from us, and took me hostage…

Kyoko was brought out of her musings as Bowser noted “You must have had one scary dream, to wake up from my sleeping gas so soon…”  Bowser grinned as he gloated “Perhaps you were so terrified of my power from last time that you had a nightmare.  Don’t feel bad, it’s only natural to feel fear in the face of my awesomeness!”

I’ve faced corpses more terrifying than you!  Kyoko shook her head and denied “Wrong.  My nightmare was about a certain strawberry blond snake.”

Bowser raised an eyebrow, confused by Kyoko’s denial, but brushed the thought aside as he replied “Ah, not important.  What matters is that I have the Magenti-Star and my master plan can finally begin!”

Bowser pointed to one of the walls with a claw, Kyoko following his gesture to see the sparkling Magenti-Star, locked away in a glass case.

Well, at least now I don’t have to worry about finding it.  Now I just have to deal with this oversized turtle clown.

Bowser then leapt from his throne, a minor boom echoing in the room as he landed in front of it and boasted “Now that I have the Magenti-Star, I can finally use it to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom and…”

Why is he…monologuing?  Does this happen to Mario during all those games Makoto talked about?  Kyoko wondered as Bowser droned on and on about his master plan.  The Ultimate Detective tuned him out, reasoning Under most circumstances, I’d want to get any and all information from an evil Mastermind, but Makoto’s told me all I need to know already.  His only goals are to kidnap Princess Peach and take over the Mushroom Kingdom.  He’s so one-dimensional it’s not even funny.  He’s no criminal Mastermind, just a clown.

Junko’s grinning face flashed in her mind, making Kyoko shiver as she recalled how Junko nearly outsmarted her by throwing her into despair.

Yes, Bowser is no Junko; Junko was unpredictable with a well thought out plan that plummeted the world into a despair-filled apocalypse.  This turtle clown on the other hand has a one-track mind.  No, it’s best that I try to investigate this room as much as I can for any exits.

With her objective now clear, Kyoko subtly gazed around the room, taking care not to move from the stone table so as to not disrupt Bowser while he was distracted.

Let’s see…I see some windows, and they don’t appear to be locked…but I’m not tall enough to reach them without my Bunny powers, and I don’t see any kind of stepladder.  I suppose I could use his throne as a slanted surface to climb up, but I have no idea if it’s nailed to the floor.  At this point, my best bet is to just use the front door.  But it’s likely under heavy guard, and I can’t discount the possibility that he’s set traps for unsuspecting adventurers like Mario…or…Makoto…

Shaking the thought from her head before she started to get worried, Kyoko shifted her gaze to stare at the sealed Magenti-Star.

No, Makoto’s an expert in these games.  I don’t believe that he’d let himself get caught by Bowser’s traps.  The first problem I have to deal with is getting the Magenti-Star back.  Even if I concocted an escape plan, I can’t leave without it, or we’ll never be able to get back home…

“…and then I’ll make you my blushing bride…”

“What?!”  Kyoko breathed, turning her gaze back to the monologuing Koopa King as her face formed a completely baffled expression.  “Come again?”  Kyoko asked, managing to revert to her more neutral expression and voice.

Flinching in surprise, Bowser reiterated “Didn’t you hear me?  I said that I’ll take you as my blushing bride.”

…How the hell would a human and a giant turtle even be compatible?!  Kyoko asked herself, barely able to keep the bile down her throat as she tried to imagine any kind of romantic interaction with the Koopa King.  Anyway, there’s no way in hell I’d marry that monster!  Clenching her right fist, Kyoko pointed at Bowser and told him “No such marriage will ever happen between the two of us.”  Besides, there’s only one person I’d ever want to marry, and he’s way cuter than you will ever be!

“GWA HA HA!  You don’t have a choice, Princess!  Once I take over the Mushroom Kingdom, you will marry me, even if I have to get that dimensional interloper Nastasia to hypnotize you into saying I do!  Besides, who’s going to save you?  That shrimpy Racoon kid with the ahoge?  Please, I’ve trained Goombas that were tougher than that little squirt!  GWA HA HA!”

As Bowser continued to cackle and make fun of Makoto, Kyoko’s eyes narrowed, flames of fury enveloping her and setting her violet orbs ablaze as she clenched her fists tight enough to draw blood if her gloves weren’t protecting her scarred hands.

How dare you…HOW DARE YOU!  You dare to belittle the boy I love with insults?  Well, that shrimp has more power inside of him than you’ll ever have!  And I won’t sit here and take it while you laugh at him and make fun of him!

Completely silent, she stood up and began walking over to the cackling Koopa King, who finally stopped laughing and watched with curiosity as she stomped over to him, earthquakes booming with each step she took.

She doesn’t look happy…but what could she possibly gonna…  “AAGGGGHHHHHHH!”  Bowser yelped as Kyoko launched her right foot, her heeled boots connecting with his chin and sending him flying backwards, toppling over his throne before he flipped and landed on his feet.

Bowser shook his head, slightly dazed from Kyoko’s surprise attack as he nursed his bruised chin, making Kyoko smirk in satisfaction as she crossed her arms over her chest, staring defiantly at Bowser.

That defiant smirk set Bowser off; once he got his bearings together, he bared his fangs and growled “Not smart, little girl…”  Flames of fury blazed in Bowser’s eyes as anger seeped into his voice, the Koopa King pointing a claw at Kyoko and announcing “Now I’m gonna have to punish you!”

Bowser flashed his claws to intimidate her, but it had no effect as Kyoko only narrowed her eyes in determination, the Ultimate Detective getting into a battle-ready stance that her maternal Grandfather had taught her as a little girl.

“Bring it on, Godzilla!”  The pissed off Kyoko challenged as Bowser let out a deafening roar and charged at Kyoko.  Kyoko broke into a charge of her own, quickly analyzing Bowser’s movements and attributes as she calculated a battle plan, vowing as they leapt into the air I have to win!  Not just because he kidnapped me like some possession, not just because I need to get the Magenti-Star back so we can all go home…but most importantly…  Makoto’s smiling face flashed before her eyes as she smirked and thought …to defend Makoto’s honor!

XXX

Finally…I thought that Angry Sun would never leave me alone…ah, there it is!  Bowser’s Castle, here I come!  Makoto thought as he saw a giant grey and gold castle below him, complete with a sign plastered on the front that read “BOWSER” in bright neon lights.  Makoto grinned as he exclaimed “This is so cool!  I’ve always wanted to…”  Makoto shook his head and reminded himself with a frown “Get a grip, Naegi; this is no time to be a fanboy!  Kyoko needs you to rescue her, so focus on being her hero!”

Sighing, Makoto gradually slowed the spinning of his tail, allowing him to descend in front of the castle, its towering size now intimidating to the excited and anxious Racoon Luckster.

“Alright, I’ll need to come up with a plan of attack if I’m going make it to Bowser’s Throne Room.  I’ll have to be careful around the pillars and the Thwomps, not to mention Dry Bones, Ball N’ Chains, those statues that shoot lasers, the Chargin’ Chucks…”  Makoto slapped his forehead as he realized “Doy!  Why am I thinking about going through that gauntlet when I can just use the secret warp pipe as a back door and skip all the dangerous parts?!  Thanks for getting me that Nintendo Power subscription for Christmas as a kid, Dad!”

Makoto smiled smugly as he ran around the perimeter of the castle, making his way to a single green Warp Pipe by the Castle’s left side.

As he bent his knees, Makoto wondered “Though why doesn’t Bowser guard or destroy such an easy entrance into his lair?”  Makoto shrugged and decided “Ah, no need to worry about that right now; Kyoko’s waiting for me to rescue her.  Alright my beautiful Detective Princess, here I come!”

With that, Makoto finally jumped, using his tail as a springboard as he flipped into the Warp Pipe.

XXX

Makoto whistled, then he looked around the square, grey stone-walled room with two doors and a single slight illuminating the area from above.

“This room looks like it was designed for a mini boss battle…Huh?!”  Makoto exclaimed as the light suddenly went off before the echo of low chuckles reverberated across the room.  Smacking himself on the forehead, Makoto groaned “I shouldn’t have said that out loud…”

At that moment, the lights came on, causing Makoto to look up, his eyes widening as he found himself surrounded by four large Koopas.  One had a magenta-colored head and wore sunglasses, one had a white head with a grey star pattern surrounding his left eye, one had thin blue hair, and the other had wider blue hair.

As Makoto quivered in fear, the four Koopas burst into laughter, the one with sunglasses laughing “Ha ha ha!  Boy, what an unfortunate nitwit this Racoon Boy is!”

The one with thin blue hair cackled “That’s right, brother!  King Dad’s idea to leave the secret Warp Pipe to our playroom unguarded was a spectacular idea!”

Now I understand…that Warp Pipe was a trap!  Makoto realized as the four Koopas grinned at him, their laughter finally dying down.

The one with sunglasses commented “Alright Racoon Boy, before we pulverize you for trying to sneak into King Dad’s Castle and trying to interrupt his alone time with our new Mom, I suppose we can tell you our names as a participation trophy.  I’m the mighty…”

“Roy!  You’re Roy Koopa!”

“…What…?”  Roy uttered, baffled as Makoto hopped up and down in excitement, grinning as he turned and pointed to the others, stars in his eyes.

“And you’re Morton Koopa Jr., you’re Larry Koopa, and you’re Ludwig von Koopa!  Your four of Bowser’s eight Koopaling children!”

How…how did he know our names?!  And why isn’t he scared?!  He’s taking the fun out of this…  The four Koopalings thought, staring with baffled expressions on their faces as Makoto didn’t show an ounce of fear in their presence.

Shaking his head and trying to get his intimidating expression back, Ludwig growled “…Correct, but flatter will get you nowhere, Racoon Boy!  Koopalings, get ready to pulverize this…”

“Wait!”  Makoto interjected, causing the four Koopalings to fall over from being startled.  Makoto scratched his cheek and apologized “Sorry, it’s just…before you pulverize me…can I ask you guys a couple of questions please?”

…Is he for real?!  The four Koopalings thought in unison, gingerly standing up.  Seeing Makoto continue to hop in place with stars in his eyes, they collectively sighed, realizing He’ll probably never shut up if we don’t…fine, let’s just get this over with so we can pulverize him.

Nodding to each other, Morton answered reluctantly “…What’re your questions, kid?”

Makoto grinned, then mimicked Kyoko’s contemplative pose as he asked “Okay, so first…are you guys really Bowser’s biological children?  That would make you Bowser Jr’s siblings, right?”  Nintendo gave conflicting statements on it over the years, so it’d be helpful to get the answer straight from the turtle’s shell!

The four Koopalings collectively sighed as Larry groaned “Yes, we are indeed King Dad’s children.  Bowser Jr. gets more credit because he’s the youngest and is a total attention hog.”

“Yeah, and it’s so annoying, seeing King Dad take Jr. on all his new schemes while we have to stay home and clean the castle…”  Roy grumbled, leading his brothers to nod in agreement.

Larry then explained “Though it doesn’t mean we don’t love our little brother!”, leading to another simultaneous concurring nod from his siblings.

Makoto nodded “I totally understand!  I have a little sister back home named Komaru, and even though we get on each other’s nerves, we still…”

“Don’t bore us with your sentimental rubbish kid; just get on with your other question so we can get to pulverizing you.”

Makoto chuckle sheepishly as Morton cut him off, scratching his cheek and apologizing “Right, sorry.”  He then pointed up to the ceiling and asked “So…since you guys know this castle inside and out…what the heck is that thing up there?”

All four Koopalingslooked up at the ceiling, causing Roy to scratch his head and remark “Oh, that’s just the disco ba…”

“AGH!”  The Koopalings yelped as Makoto crouched and spun in a circle, his tail tripping the Koopalings and causing them to fall on their bellies.

“YES, IT WORKED!”  Makoto cheered, bouncing back up into a standing position before turning to the door labeled “To King Bowser’s Throne Room” and announcing “Alright, now to find Kyoko!  Later, Koopalings!”

The four Koopalings groaned as they stood up, Roy gritting his teeth as he watched Makoto run away.

“Oh no; you’re not getting away that easily!”  Roy growled as he ran to the wall and pulled a big red lever, forcing Makoto to skid to a halt as a metal door slid over the wooden one, trapping him inside.

Makoto groaned and turned around, exclaiming “I so don’t have time for this!”  He narrowed his eyes and pointed at Roy, demanding “Open this door, now!”

“Oh, I don’t think so!  We haven’t even gotten a chance to play with you yet, and we have quite the magic show planned!”  Ludwig taunted, withdrawing a silver wand with a blue, spherical tip as Roy walked back over to them.

Sighing Makoto did his best to get into a fighting stance, nervously regretting Man, I really wish I had asked Sakura to teach me some martial arts before she died…  Makoto smiled as he reminded himself It should be okay though; I do know how to beat these Koopalings after all…  Makoto narrowed his eyes and pointed at them, declaring “I’ve beaten all of you in the Mario games before, and I’ll do it again, right here, right now!”

The four Koopalings looked to each other, baffled expressions on their faces before they shrugged and Morton retorted “I don’t know what game you’re talking about, Racoon Boy, but one thing is for sure…”  At that moment, Ludwig waved his wand, causing the tip and the four Koopalings to glow, surrounded by a bright blue aura as Morton grinned and finished “…this is no game!”

Makoto’s eyes bulged as he trembled with fear, the Koopalings growing bigger and bigger until they towered at over 12 feet tall, ninja gear materializing on their bodies.  Makoto gulped, causing the Koopalings to smirk as they moved into a team pose, proclaiming “We’re the Sneaky Lying Cheating Giant Ninja Koopas!”

As a brief explosion played behind them, Makoto sweatdropped, thinking From the American cartoon?  Seriously?!  Even I think this is a little too silly…

Roy cracked his knuckles and exclaimed “Alright, time to flatten you like a pancake, Racoon Boy!  HAAAAAAAA!”

Roy drew his fist back and punched the ground where Makoto was, only for the Racoon Luckster to bounce out of the way.

“Oh no you don’t!”  Morton taunted, forcing Makoto to dodge again when Morton tried to flatten him under his foot.

And so the song and dance continued, all four Koopalings trying in vain to flatten Makoto, while Makoto had no effective means of launching a counterattack.

Damn, they’re too big!  I can’t jump high enough, and the ceiling’s too low for me to fly!  What do I do!

Eventually, Makoto ended up in the middle of the room, panting from exhaustion as he was surrounded by the four Ninja Koopas.

No, I’m boxed in!  I won’t be able to rescue Kyoko!

Ludwig smirked, raising his foot and asking “Well, any last words before I turn you into a Racoon Pancake?”

Makoto closed his eyes, bracing himself for his inevitable demise, whimpering “Kyoko…I’m sorry…I wasn’t strong enough…”

“That’s right; you didn’t stand a boo of a chance against us.  Now, goodbye, Racoon Boy…”

*WHOOSH*

“What the?!”

“What is that?!”

“It’s a cyclone!”

“Impossible!”

“Huh?”  Makoto wondered, opening his eyes and feeling a strong wind make his jacket and hoodie flap.

He turned around and gaped at the sight of a small cyclone spinning behind him.  Their surprise only intensified when a giant hammer flew from the eye of the storm, causing Ludwig to stumble backwards in order to avoid the surprise projectile.

As it buried itself in the stone floor, Makoto glanced back to the cyclone and the hammer repeatedly, gradually smiling as he cheered I’m alive!  I don’t know where those came from, but I am not complaining!

Eventually the winds died down, making Makoto gape in awe as the cyclone dissipated, revealing Byakuya, Toko, Hina, Heiho, and Yoshi, as well as Hiro who was riding on Yoshi’s saddle.

W…who the heck are they?!  The Ninja Koopas thought as Toko strode up and took back her hammer, the shocked Ludwig falling back on his shell.

As Ludwig struggled to stand back up, Makoto stood up and turned to his friends, exclaiming “You guys!  How did you get here?!”

Byakuya smirked and pulled out a golden flute, Makoto’s eyes narrowing as he analyzed it before a gleeful grin stretched from ear to ear and he exclaimed “Holy crap!  The Warp Whistle!  You guys used the Warp Whistle!  How’d you guys get the Warp Whistle!”

Byakuya sighed and urged “Calm yourself, Makoto; your enthusiasm is grating on my patience.  Hina, would you mind explaining to Makoto how we got here?  As the energetic one, you’re the best equipped to tolerate his unbridled joy.”

Nodding, Hina explained “So um…as we were about to follow you, Captain Toad gave us that whistle and told us that it would take us to the Castle.  So of course we played it so we could help you rescue Kyoko.”

“You…you guys…”  Makoto sniffled, touched that his friends decided to help him after all.  Once his tears dried up and he wiped his eyes on his sleeve, Makoto narrowed his eyes and declared “Alright, let’s take down these Koopalings TOGETHER!”

Byakuya sighed “Makoto, isn’t there something else you need to be doing right now?”

Makoto’s eyes widened as he realized Oh yeah that’s right…Kyoko still needs my help.  But still…  Makoto’s brow furrowed as he looked to his friends in concern and asked “Are you guys gonna be okay fighting the Sneaky Lying Cheating Giant Ninja Koopas by themselves?”

Toko scoffed “P…please…how tough can they be…with a st…stupid name like that?!”

“Hey, it’s an awesome name!”  Morton retorted, a vain pulsing in his forehead, only for the others to ignore him.

Roy spoke up next, threatening “It doesn’t matter what you think of our name; none of you will be getting out of here alive!”

Byakuya smirked and replied as a golden fireball formed in his hand “I beg to differ…” before throwing it at the metal door, vaporizing it and the wooden door behind it, leaving only a pile of gold coins in its wake.

Makoto and the Ninja Koopas gaped, exclaiming “He…he destroyed the door…and turned it into money!”

“Money money money…”  Hiro chanted from his place on Yoshi’s saddle.

“Don’t look so surprised…”  Byakuya taunted.  “We’re the Ultimates, chosen to be a part of the elite Hope’s Peak Academy…and so is Makoto here.”

I’m…I’m an Ultimate!  Makoto smiled, nodding as he felt his insecurities about his self-worth completely wash away before he turned to run for the stairs behind the pile of gold coins.

“Makoto, wait!” 

Just barely managing to avoid tripping, Makoto turned back to face Byakuya, who reached into his pocket and threw a small ? block to Makoto.

“What…what’s this?”

“Captain Toad told us to give it to you so you could give it to Kyoko when you rescue her.”

Makoto nodded, putting it in his pocket and accepting “Okay, if Captain Toad says it’ll help Kyoko, then I’ll trust him.”

Without another word, Makoto turned and ran up the stairs, Larry yelling “Hey, get back here Racoon Boy!  We’re not done with you ye…AAAAAAIIIIIIII!”

Larry stopped in his tracks, his claw burned by Byakuya’s golden fireball as he blew on the wound.

As the Ninja Koopas glared at the group of friends, Byakuya proclaimed “You won’t do anything unless I order you to.”

The group of friends got into various battle stances, preparing themselves for the battle at hand as Hiro exclaimed “Alright everyone, pick a partner and let’s dance!”

XXX

“RAWR!”  Larry yelled as he tried to fury swipe Hina and Heiho, only for Hina to hop around him with her Frog Powers.

“Hei-ho!”  Heiho was not so fortunate however, as he was backhanded and sent flying until he crashed into the nearby wall.

“Heiho-kun!”  Hina cried before she grit her teeth, her eyes narrowing in rage as she flipped into a flying kick.

“AGH!”  Larry cried, his vision fading into black as he toppled over, swirls in his eyes.

Hina grinned before she ran over to Heiho, who was leaning against the wall for support as he struggled to stand before she kneeled in front of him and asked “Heiho-kun!  Are you alright?  Just take it easy, okay?  I’m gonna go help the others.”

“Hei…Hei-ho…”  Heiho weakly nodded as Hina ran over to the others, shaking the stars from his eyes as he tried to steady himself.  He then noticed a silver wand with a blue top rolling towards him, making his eyes widen behind his mask as he realized this…this is…one of the magic wands that Wart mentioned before I switched sides…if I’m right…  Heiho’s lips stretched into a Cheshire grin as the gears in his head started to turn.

XXX

“AGH!”  Morton cried, shutting his eyes as Yoshi spit green juice at him, temporarily blinding the Ninja Koopa.

“Waaaahhhhhh!”  Hiro cried, accidentally flung from Yoshi’s saddle as he was sent flying through the air, grabbing onto the ninja belt hanging from Morton’s forehead.

Morton’s eyes narrowed as he exclaimed “Get off me, you mini-Pokey-Head!”

Hiro yelped as Morton raised his hand to swat him off, the Ultimate Clairvoyant using the fabric like a jungle vine in order to evade Morton’s slaps.

“Grr…hold still you pest!”  Morton growled, curing his claws into a fist and launching it to punch Hiro, only for the agile Clairvoyant to dodge, causing Morton to deck himself.  “Oww!”  Morton cried as he held his snout and fell on his shell, allowing Hiro to scramble off of him.  “You made me break my nose!”

“Now, Yoshi!”

“YOSHI!”

“What…?”  The dazed Morton mumbled, only for his eyes to widen as he saw Yoshi leap above him, flipping once before launching himself straight down on Morton’s head.

“AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!”  Morton screamed before Yoshi’s tail bashed Morton’s face, bruising the Ninja Koopa and knocking him unconscious, making swirls appear in his eyes.

“Woohoo!  We did it!”  Hiro cheered, holding his right hand up to the ceiling in victory.

“YOSHI!”  Yoshi cheered, jumping next to Hiro before spinning on one leg and holding his arms to the side like an airplane’s wings.

XXX

“Ow, ow, OW!!!”  Roy yelped as he was pelted by a barrage of hammers and golden fireballs.

Byakuya smirked at Toko and complimented “I must admit, you performance in battle is quite…satisfactory.”

Toko blushed, giggling “Th…thank you Ma…Master…I’ll put everything I ha…have into this ba…battle…it’s all I’m use…useful for after all…”

As Byakuya opened his mouth to speak, a vein pulsed in Roy’s forehead as he cut him off “HEY!  ARE WE FIGHTING OR ARE YOU TWO JUST FLIRTING AND NOT TAKING ME SERIOUSLY!”

Toko’s eyes narrowed as she pointed at Roy and retorted “How d…dare you accuse us of…”  Toko’s nose twitched, making her eyes widen as she quickly covered her nose, squeaking “Oh no…ah..ahh…AH-CHOO!”  Toko’s eyes turned red as she let her hands fall, cackling “AHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!  Miss me, bitches?!”

Roy flinched, creeped out by Toko’s change in personality, and her elongated slithering tongue, while Byakuya merely sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he groaned “I suppose it was only a matter of time before Jill came out to play…”

“Now where’s…ah, there you are, Master…hey, what’s with the overalls look?  That’s way too tacky for you, even if they’re made out of gold…”  Jill looked over herself, asking “And why am I wearing this giant shell on my back?  I can’t even show off my boobs to Master with this!  And why is that swimming bimbo dressed as a Frog?  And is that a dinosaur and a little opera singer over there?  And why is Hiro the size of an action figure?  And why are we surrounded by giant turtles dressed like ninjas?  Is this some kind of crazy Halloween party?  The stone age castle design totally sucks!  At least give me a weapon to show off…WHAT?!”

Jill raised her hand, accidentally materializing a hammer in her hand, making her eyes bulge in shock.

Totally baffled, confused, and overwhelmed, she scowled and demanded “ALRIGHT, SOMEBODY, CONTEXT, NOW!!!”

Byakuya sighed and conceded “That’s right, you two don’t share memories.  Very well, but don’t make me repeat myself.  You see…agh!  Get off me!”

Byakuya tried to push Jill off as she dropped the hammer and ran over to snuggle him, gushing “Oh, Master, I don’t care anymore; you being here is all the high score I need!  I don’t even need any 1-Ups as long as I have your love!”

Please…no video game pickup lines…  Byakuya silently begged, veins pulsing in his and Roy’s heads.

Roy growled, causing Byakuya and Jill to turn their attention to him as he bellowed “I’m gonna make pancakes out of you two…starting with you, Gold Boy…AGH!”  Roy groaned as Jill dislodged herself from Byakuya, scowling as she summoned a giant hammer and zipped over to Roy, leaping up and smashing it against his face.

As Roy toppled onto his shell and blacked out, Jill spat “How dare you threaten Master Byakuya…in front of me!!!”

XXX

“Well…at least it was a useful attack…”  Byakuya admitted as the others gathered around them.

Jill’s eyes turned into anime hearts as she latched onto Byakuya, who blushed despite his blank expression as he admitted “…We’re going to need to have a long talk afterwards about how this relationship will work…”  He and the others turned to face Ludwig as Byakuya decided “In the meantime, please remove yourself from me so we can focus on the last threat before us.”

Ludwig seethed “You may have defeated my brothers, but you’ll never defeat…me…what…what’s happening?!”

A blue glow enveloped Ludwig von Koopa as he began to shrink down to normal size.  Feeling a tap on his shoulder, Ludwig turned around, his eyes widening as he saw Heiho tapping his wand against his palm like a baseball bat.

“Hei-ho!”

“Heiho-kun!  You’ve recovered!”

“Hei-ho.”  Heiho nodded in assurance before narrowing his eyes, winding back the baseball bat with his arms.

“Now now…no need to get hasty…let’s just…talk this out, oka…AGH!”  Ludwig yelped as Heiho swung the wand, its tip shattering into blue shards as it smashed against his face, making Ludwig spin in place before toppling to the ground, letting out one last groan as swirls appeared in his eyes and everything went black.

“Heiho-kun!  You did it!  You beat the Ninja Koopa!”  Hina cheered as she ran over to Heiho and wrapped him in a hug.

“Hei-ho!  Hei-ho!”  Heiho nodded bashfully, blushing underneath his mask.

Jill broke the moment as she asked “So…what the hell is that thing anyway…Ah-choo!”  Toko’s eyes went back to normal as she looked around and asked “Huh?  What…what happened?”  She turned to Byakuya and fretted “Ma…Master!  Are you o…okay?!”

“Is he okay?!  What about the rest of us?!”  Hiro complained, only to be ignored by the others.

Byakuya merely patted her head and explained “We already defeated the Ninja Koopas without injuries, so everything’s fine.”

Toko closed her eyes, humming as she snuggled against Byakuya’s arm, making Hina gush “Aww, Byakuya, you really do have a soft side.”

Byakuya glared at Hina and pulled his arm out of Toko’s grasp, ordering “Now’s not the time for meaningless commentary.  Come on, we’ve got to get out of this castle.”

“Umm…”  Hiro rubbed the back of his head and pointed out “But…aren’t we going to help Makoto rescue Kyoko?”

Byakuya sighed “Stop trying to think, please.  We can trust Makoto to pull off this rescue; that boy has an uncanny ability to pull off the impossible.  Meanwhile, we have to clear a path to the entrance so that their escape can proceed unimpeded.”

The others nodded, following Byakuya as they made their way to the main entrance, hoping that Makoto truly could pull off a victory and rescue Kyoko.

Chapter Text

“Well, here it is…Bowser’s Throne Room…”  Makoto uttered, staring with nervousness at the metal doors, each one emblazoned with an insignia of Bowser’s head.  “This is it, Naegi; it’s time for you to put your life on the line for Kyoko.” 

Makoto flashed back to his execution for a split second before he shook the memory away and smiled, visualizing Kyoko’s smiling face.

“That’s right, you’ve already risked your life for her once; you can do it again!  You just have to…WHOA!”  Makoto exclaimed, looking down to see his tail spinning and keeping him afloat.  “Okay, it looks like I’ve mastered my Racoon powers, and I’ll need them if I’m gonna defeat Bowser and save Kyoko, but right now I need to get down!”

Makoto sighed in relief as he got his fluttering heart under control, slowly descending until his feet touched the ground.

Makoto took a deep breath and narrowed his eyes, bellowing “Alright Bowser, watch out, because Makoto Naegi the Ultimate Hope is coming to kick your shell and save his Princess that you kidnapped!”

*BOOM*

Makoto kicked the doors with his right foot, causing them to swing open and reveal a metallic room, the floors decorated with scratches and scorch marks.

What the…it looks like my room after Sayaka was murdered!  Was there a fight in here?  Did Kyoko get hurt?!

Makoto’s face went white at the mental image of Kyoko’s scorched and maimed corpse, only for the terrifying thought to vanish from his mind as a frustrated grunt reverberated through the room.

What the…  Makoto wondered, looking around for the source of the strange noise.  At last his eyes settled on the glass case, Makoto realizing There’s the Magenti-Star!  But wait…that can’t be what’s making that grunting noise.  Then what…  Makoto looked down, his eyes widening as he saw a frustrated Kyoko, struggling to wrestle herself free from the grasp of two unidentifiable creatures.

Kyoko!  She’s unharmed!  She’s safe!  “KYOKO!”  Makoto called as he ran over to her.

“Huh?”  Kyoko breathed, instantly ceasing her struggling as she turned her head to lock eyes with him.  Her shocked gasp turned into a wide, beaming smile as she said lovingly “Makoto, you’re here…”, feeling her heart flutter as she thought You came!  You came to save me!

“Kyoko…”  Makoto breathed affectionately, smiling before he approached and looked down at the creatures restraining Kyoko.  Now, which of Bowser’s horrible minions is keeping poor Kyoko trapped against her will…are those…Mecha Koopas?!

Surely enough, Kyoko was flanked by one Mecha Koopa on each side, their orange jaws ensnaring each one of her arms and keeping her rooted in place.

Predictably, Makoto grinned and exclaimed “Wow!  Real Mecha Koopas, in the flesh!  Or is it metal…?”

Kyoko sweatdropped, sighing internally …And he was looking so cool too!  An annoyed look flashed across her face as she glared at him and told him “Makoto…I understand you’re having a bit of a moment…but please, save the fanboy stuff for after you get me out of here!”

Makoto chuckled nervously, blushing in embarrassment as he nodded “Right…s…sorry…” 

Makoto bent his knees in preparation for jumping on the Mecha Koopa, only to be startled back into a standing position by a grumbled laugh.  Makoto and Kyoko immediately turned to see Bowser sitting on his throne, obscured by the shadows.

“Gwa ha ha ha!  Well, if it isn’t that little Racoon Boy from earlier.  I commend you for making it this far into my castle.”

Overcoming his excited fear, Makoto narrowed his eyes and pointed to the shadowy Koopa King, demanding “King Bowser Koopa, I demand that you release Kyoko this instant!”

Bowser chuckled giddily “Heh, so you want me to set your purple-haired Princess free, is that it?”  Seeing Makoto solemnly nod, Bowser leapt from his throne, landing about a foot in front of Makoto and creating a minor shockwave.  Makoto felt the ground rumble beneath his feet, swaying slightly as he struggled to keep his balance.  After a few seconds however, the shockwave dissipated, and Makoto narrowed his eyes and mimicked one of Kyoko’s fighting stances, making her heart flutter at how cool he looked.

“I just have one thing to say to you…”  Bowser began.  Makoto’s eyes widened in shock however as Bowser fell to his kneed and clasped his claws together, begging “Please, please, PLEASE take her back!”

“Huh?”  Makoto uttered, baffled by Bowser’s plea.  “You…kidnapped her though.  You said yourself that you wanted to marry her…so why do you want me to take her back?  What’s going on?”

Makoto, don’t jinx it!  Kyoko thought as she flashed him a glare.

Ignoring Kyoko, Bowser stood up and explained “Yeah, I did want to marry her…but it turns out this Princess didn’t know how to get with the program and tried to beat me up!”

…Yeah, that sounds like Kyoko…  Makoto thought, turning to see Kyoko’s proud smirk before he turned back to Bowser.

“So I charged at her so I could rough her up a bit and put her in her place.  But then she…”

XXX

“RAWR!”  Bowser roared as he and Kyoko turned around to face each other, getting up from their crouching positions after their clashing leaps.

With another bellow, Bowser charged at Kyoko, trying to slash her with his claws.  Kyoko deftly dodged, flipping backwards and tucking herself into a ball before landing on her feet, making Bowser growl in annoyance and frustration.  She then charged straight at Bowser, who responded by drawing his arm back and making another slash with his claws.

Gotcha!  Kyoko thought as she smirked, shifting her weight in order to slide under his arm like a baseball player sliding onto home base. 

“WHAT?!”  Bowser gaped, looking around for Kyoko’s agile form only to find not a single trace of her.  “Grr…show yourself, wench…AGH!”  Bowser yelped as Kyoko grabbed two of the pikes of his shell, using them as leverage to flip over him and kick him between his horns, causing him to topple on his belly.

Kyoko crawled on his shell and looked down at him, locking eyes with the Koopa King and smirking victoriously.

“Grr…get off me, wench!”  Bowser growled, raising his arm to slash her, only for Kyoko to intercept his arm, twisting it until it was locked in her grip.  “OW OW OWWWWW!”  Bowser howled in pain, his other claw banging on the floor in a futile attempt to shake the Ultimate Detective off his shell.

“Do you yield?”  Kyoko asked in a neutral tone despite her victorious smirk.

Shaking his head in defiance, Bowser refused “Never!  I am King Bow…OWIE OWIE!”

Kyoko twisted Bowser’s arm even more, tightening her lock on it and increasing his howls of pain to deafening decibels as she hissed “Do.  You.  YIELD?”

Bowser started to sweat, genuinely fearful for his life as he thought Not even Mario beat me up this bad!  I’ve gotta restrain her for my own safety!  But how…wait, that’s it!  I normally don’t like doing this to Princesses I capture, but desperate times call for desperate measures!  “MECHA KOOPAS, HELP!”

Kyoko’s eyebrow furrowed as she repeated “Mecha…Koopas…?”

Kyoko gasped as she felt her arms ensnared by two mechanical green heads with red googly eyes and orange spikes and jaws.

“What?!  Aah!”  She shrieked as the metal heads retracted, dragging her with them until they reattached themselves to small metallic bodies with green shells, pale underbellies, and orange feet.

A crackle of electricity appeared at their feet, magnetizing them to the floor and keeping her locked in place, their hold too strong for her to overpower.

“Urgh!  Let go of me!”  Kyoko grunted, struggling in vain against their hold as Bowser stood up.  She locked eyes with the Koopa King, shooting her Kirigiri glare as she demanded “Fight fair, you coward!”

Bowser smirked and boasted “One good thing about being evil; I get to cheat a lot!  You’re staying right where you are, Princess!  Gwa ha ha ha!”

As Kyoko continued to struggle against her captors, Bowser turned around and let out a sigh of relief, muttering “…Marrying her isn’t gonna be worth the endless physical abuse I’d suffer at her hands.  I think I’ll just give her back to that Racoon Boy and his friends when I take over the Mushroom Kingdom.”  He spotted his knocked-over throne and decided “But first, I need to stand my throne back up…can’t be an evil King without an evil throne…”

XXX

“I swear, Princess Peach never kicked my shell this much when we weren’t in a Smash Tournament…”  Bowser grumbled, pouting as he rubbed his still aching arms that Kyoko had twisted.  Except for that incident on Vibe Island, but they don’t need to know that…  Bowser pointed at the still trapped Kyoko and remarked “But that purple haired demon could have killed me if I hadn’t restrained her!”

“Whoa!”  Makoto exclaimed, amazed that Kyoko had been able to thrash the Koopa King so completely.  And without any power-ups to boot!  He turned to the Ultimate Detective and asked “Kyoko…is this true?”

Kyoko gave the same smug smile that she bore when cornering one of the culprits in the class trials (and when knocking Byakuya off his high horse during Sakura’s murder trial) as she remarked “It’s not that hard to use a bulkier opponent’s size and weight against them.”

She ended with a wink, making Makoto blush and sweatdrop and he thought …Remind me never to get on your bad side…

Makoto turned back to Bowser who had clasped his claws in a begging position as he pleaded once more “So please!  Take her back and get her out of my castle!  I can’t stand the physical abuse that would result from keeping her here!”

Hey!  Kyoko’s not abusive!  Makoto defended in his thoughts, then shook the thought away as he realized Calm down, Naegi, it’s not important.  You know just how sweet and kind Kyoko is, and besides, he’s willing to hand Kyoko back unharmed!  Don’t look a gift Yoshi in the mouth and just accept so you two can get out of here!  Makoto nodded “Alright, alright, I’ll take her out of your castle!”

“Thank you!”  Bowser sighed before turning to his Mecha Koopas and ordering “You two!  Release the Princess at once and get out of my throne room!”

Kyoko sighed in relief and rubbed her sore forearms as the Mecha Koopas released her before demagnetizing themselves and walking out of the throne room.

“Kyoko!”  Makoto cried as he ran over to her, embracing her in a hug, making her gasp in surprise and blush as he fretted “Are you okay?”

Kyoko beamed, returning his hug as she assured him “Don’t worry, Makoto, I’m fine.  After all…”  She pulled away from his hug, smiling with a slightly darker blush on her cheeks as she shyly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and finished quietly “…You came for me…”

A darker blush on his cheeks, Makoto returned her smile with one of his own, reaching to thread their fingers together and squeeze her hand as he suggested “Come on, let’s get out of this castle.”

Kyoko nodded, squeezing his hand as she concurred “I agree; this place is completely inhospitable, and its metallic design is incredibly dull to look at.”

Do you HAVE to make fun of my castle?!  Bowser complained to himself as he walked back to his throne, sitting on it and watching them leave.

Makoto looked to her in concern and asked “Are you sure you’re okay, Kyoko?  Fighting Bowser is no cakewalk!”

Kyoko smiled and ruffled his hair with her free hand, making Makoto laugh as her fingers brushed his Tanuki Ears before she withdrew it and remarked “Please, the only reason I didn’t beat him outright was because of his underhanded tactics with the sleeping gas and the surprise appearance of his minions which caught me off guard.”  Kyoko smirked as she boasted “In a one-on-one fight, he’s more of an annoyance than an actual threat.”

That’s it!  I will NOT be mocked in my own castle!  Bowser decided as a vein pulsed in his head, the Koopa King pressing a red button on the arm of his throne.

“What?!”  Makoto and Kyoko gasped as the doors closed in front of them, two metal bars extending over them and sealing them inside.

“Hey!  What’s the big idea?!”  Makoto exclaimed as he and Kyoko turned to face Bowser, releasing each other’s hands as their eyes narrowed in annoyance while the Koopa King snickered evilly.

“Indeed; I thought you wanted me out of your castle.”  Kyoko added with a nod.

Bowser snorted as his snickering died down, explaining “That was the idea…but I won’t tolerate being made fun of in my castle!  So I decided I’m going to pulverize you both instead!”

Flames blazed in Kyoko’s violet orbs as she threatened in a low voice “Release us…now.”

Makoto shivered as her voice matched when she was angry with him after Celeste’s death, causing him to turn to Bowser with a look of pity in his eyes as he tried to warn him “Trust me, you do not want to make Kyoko mad!  I can tell you from experience…it’s not fun!”

Kyoko winced at the reminder of how unreasonable she had been with him, only to relax when Makoto flashed her a smile, reassuring her that he wasn’t upset about their falling out.

Bowser meanwhile merely snorted “She caught me off guard before with her athletic capabilities.  I’ll be ready this time.  Now…let’s set the stage for our battle!”

Bowser pulled a red lever on the other arm of his throne, causing the walls to disconnect from each other, falling down until they formed a hexagonal platform.  Makoto stared in awe as they were surrounded by the yellow-purple glow of the sunset, with multiple spiked bombs suspended in midair just outside the confines of the platform.

Rather than be scared or shocked, Kyoko merely smirked, cracking her knuckles as she mused “I was looking forward to a rematch after he cheated in our last duel!”

Yeah, you could totally kick his shell, even without any power-ups…wait!  Makoto reached into his pocket and pulled out the ? block, holding it out to the suddenly curious Kyoko and explaining “Here, Captain Toad said this would help you!”

Kyoko nodded and took the block into her hands, her brow furrowing as she pondered It’s obviously containing some kind of power-up, but what could it be?  Shrugging, she decided Well, only one way to find out…

Kyoko curled her free hand into a fist and punched the block, causing it to shatter before she held out her palm, her eyes widening as she saw a familiar brown leaf fluttering into her grasp.

That’s the same kind of leaf that Makoto got when we first arrived here!  So that means I’ll be like…

*POOF*

Kyoko was covered in a puff of white smoke, which quickly cleared, revealing Kyoko with a set of lavender Tanuki Ears on her head and an equally lavender Racoon Tail with purple stripes sticking out from her skirt.

Makoto beamed, exclaiming excitedly “Wow, Kyoko…you have Racoon powers just like me now!”

Kyoko felt the ears on her head, then turned back to see her tail, holding it in her hand as she admired “Yes…this feels like a much more appropriate power-up for a tag-team battle.”

Both of their tails wagged in joy, only to be interrupted as Bowser leapt from his throne, landing a few feet in front of them.  Again, Bowser’s weight created a minor shockwave, causing Makoto and Kyoko to hold each other’s hands to keep their balance as it subsided.

“Grr…it doesn’t matter if you two have Racoon powers; I’ll still smash you in hand-to-hand combat!  Gwa ha ha!”

Kyoko got into a fighting stance, Makoto mimicking her as they watched with narrowed eyes, preparing for Bowser to make the first move, making Bowser smirked as he snapped his claw.

*WHOOSH*

Makoto and Kyoko’s eyes widened as they saw a large, white top hat fly into the room, landing on Bowser’s head.  Before either of them could say anything, the top hat opened two panels on its front, revealing two large, red boxing glove arms that extended from the compartments.

As Bowser cackled, Kyoko smirked, taking it all in stride as she mused Well, this might not be the traditional hand-to-hand combat that Grandpa Uzuchi taught me as a child…  She looked to Makoto, who was trying so hard to keep a brave face, making her smile as she finished …but with Makoto by my side, we can’t lose!  “So, Makoto…you’re the expert here.  How do we neutralize this Combat Hat?”

Makoto grinned at Kyoko and exclaimed “Wow, that’s a really awesome name for it, Kyoko!  Combat Hat…it really has a nice ring to it!”  Kyoko smiled, blushing at the praise, only to frown as Makoto’s brow furrowed, the boy scratching his cheek nervously as he admitted “But…I’ve never seen this before…”

Kyoko nearly fell over in shock as she thought He…doesn’t know…?  Kyoko gasped, placing her palm over her mouth as she asked “Are you…are you serious?!?!”

“S…sorry…”  Makoto smiled sheepishly as he shrugged.

Kyoko facepalmed, muttering “…We’re screwed…”

“Hey, hey, we’re not screwed!”  Makoto exclaimed, taking her hands in his own, causing her to look at their threaded hands, then up into his hopeful, green eyes.  “So what if it’s new?!  This whole adventure was new, but that didn’t stop us!  This is no different; as long as we work together, we can beat Bowser and his new Combat Hat.  We’ll beat him together, Kyoko!”

Kyoko blushed, then smiled, squeezing his hands and nodding “Yes, we’ll beat him together.”

“Ugh, are you done yet?  All this lovey dovey sweetness is making me wanna hurl!”  Bowser complained, making Makoto and Kyoko reluctantly release each other’s hands.  “Alright, enough of this, prepare to be pulverized!  RAWR!”

Bowser charged, preparing his Combat Hat to attack as he got closer to the loving duo.

“Kyoko, split up!”  Makoto instructed, making Kyoko nod in agreement as the tips of their tails pressed against each other.

“Take this!”  Bowser roared, his Combat Hat making a double jab, only for him to miss as they bent their knees and their tails bounced against each other, propelling them in opposite directions.  Bowser set his eyes on Kyoko as he snarled “Alright Racoon Girl, it’s payback time for the beating you gave me earlier!”

He then ran after Kyoko, his combat hat winding up its boxing gloves and charging up before throwing a punch, only for Kyoko to smirk and gracefully dodge out of the way.

“Grr…hold still, you wench!”  Bowser demanded, pursuing the Racoon Detective as his Combat Hat launched punch after punch at her, only for her to consistently evade his blows, though she could still feel the rush of wind as the gloves barely missed her.

Kyoko frowned as she thought He may be slow, but that Combat Hat is incredibly powerful.  If I get hit even once, I’ll lose much more than just my new Racoon Powers!

Makoto watched from a distance as Kyoko was forced to play defense, panicking “What do I do, what do I do?!  As long as Bowser has that hat, Kyoko won’t be able to fight back!  If only I could just kick it off…wait…kick…Now I understand!”  As Bowser continued to chase after Kyoko, Makoto ran up behind the unsuspecting Bowser, using his tail as a springboard to launch himself above Bowser, flipping into a downwards diagonal kick as he bellowed “RIDER KICK!”

“HUH?!”  Bowser turned around and exclaimed, wide eyed as Makoto kicked his Combat Hat off his head., landing at the far end of the platform.

Makoto beamed, jumping up and down as he cheered “YES!  I DID IT!”

Kyoko flashed a proud smile towards him before Bowser snarled “Oh, you think you’re so clever, don’t you?  Sneaking up behind me like a coward and kicking off my Combat Hat…”

Big talk coming from the coward who doused us with sleeping gas and called for reinforcements when he couldn’t beat me…  Kyoko deadpanned.

“…well, if I can’t punch you into a Racoon Pancake, I’ll just let gravity do the job and scrape you off later!  TAKE THIS!”  Bowser roared, jumping up before smashing his feet down on the ground, creating a shockwave that forced both Racoon Ultimates off balance, causing Kyoko to fall with a pained grunt before shakily standing up, though Makoto, standing right at the edge of the platform, wasn’t so lucky.

“Whoa…whoa whoa whoa…WHOOOOAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!”  Makoto yelled as he fell off the platform, disappearing into the clouds below as he hurtled towards the ground to his death.

“MAKOTOOOOOOOOOOOO!”  Kyoko yelled, tears in her eyes as she rushed to the edge of the platform, staring over the precipice and praying that he had landed on something that had broken his fall, only to fall to her knees in despair as she saw only a Makoto-shaped hole in one of the clouds below.  “Makoto…”

Bowser smirked and laughed “GWA HA HA HA!  I told that kid he was no Mario!”

Kyoko sniffled, tears trickling down her cheeks and onto the platform as she cried “Makoto…”  I…I never even got to tell you…that I love you…

“…You’re right Bowser; I’m not Mario.”

“WHAT?!”  Bowser and Kyoko exclaimed, looking up with flabbergasted expressions as Makoto smirked, hovering just outside the perimeter of the platform as he looked at them with a hopeful smile as he crossed his arms.

“I am Makoto Naegi, the Ultimate Hope!”

Kyoko’s flabbergasted expression morphed into a joyous, beaming smile, tears of joy trickling down her cheeks as she gushed Makoto…you’re alive!  And you’ve really come out of your shell!  You’re wearing your Ultimate Hope title with pride, and you’re exuding an unshakable self-confidence that you didn’t have when we faced Junko!  Oh, Makoto…I think I’ve fallen even more in love with you than I thought possible!

Kyoko wiped the tears from her face before Bowser roared “So what if you learned how to fly?  I can still roast you like a Cucco!”

“Makoto, watch out!”  Kyoko called out as Bowser charged up a fireball, then launched it in Makoto’s direction, making Kyoko sigh in relief as he expertly dodged it.

“You can’t dodge my fireballs forever!”  Bowser taunted as he continued to launch fireball after fireball at the Racoon Ultimate Hope.

Kyoko would have bitten her nails in anxiety if it weren’t for her gloves as she watched Makoto continue to dodge the barrage of fireballs, Makoto thinking Alright, I can dodge his fireballs now, but that’s only half the battle.  I need a plan to counterattack, but what…wait, is that…  Makoto’s eyes widened as he saw Bowser’s Combat Hat just sitting there, realizing I’ve got it!  Dodging one more fireball, Makoto called out “Hey, Kyoko!”  As Kyoko stood up, he asked “Can you keep him distracted?  I’ve got an idea!”

Kyoko nodded, glancing around the platform as she pondered Alright, I need to get Bowser’s attention, but how…wait…  Kyoko’s eyes widened as she saw some loose scraps of metal lying around from her earlier duel with the Koopa King.  That’s it!

“Grr…hold still Racoon Boy so I can Roast…OW!”  Bowser yelped as a small ball of metal hit him in the back of the head, snarling as he turned around to see Kyoko smirking, tossing another small ball of metal up and down with her tail in a taunt.  “You wench!  Alright, you asked for it!  RAWR!”

Bowser charged at Kyoko, baring his claws in an attempt to slash her into ribbons, only for her to expertly dodge as she thought Makoto, whatever you’ve concocted, hurry up!

Thanks, Kyoko!  Makoto thought gratefully as he flew down to the platform, picking up the White Combat Hat and thinking Well, here goes nothing! before putting it on his head, his eyes widening as he instantly realized how to use it.  It’s like wearing a mech with user friendly controls!  Bowser, thanks for using a weapon that’s so easy to understand!  Alright, now to go help Kyoko!

XXX

“GWA HA HA HA!”  Bowser cackled as Kyoko found herself cornered at the edge of the platform, sweating in nervousness.

What do I do?  I can’t go anywhere, and I can’t fly yet; I’m completely trapped!  Kyoko bit her lip as she pleaded Makoto, if you’re gonna be the hero and save me, now would be the time!

“GWA HA HA HA!  Prepare yourself, Racoon Girl, as I roast you before I do the same to your bo…OW!”  Bowser groaned in pain as he demanded “What…who did…oh no…”

“Makoto…”  Kyoko breathed, smiling as Makoto stood in front of her, smirking as he wore Bowser’s Combat Hat, the right boxing glove retracting after smashing Bowser’s jaw.

“No…no wait…don’t…OW OW OW OW OW!”  Bowser yelped as he found his soft belly under barrage by his own Combat Hat, Makoto launching punch after punch at the terrified Koopa King.  With one final smirk, Makoto wound up the right boxing glove one more time, making Bowser’s eyes bulge in fear as the glove made contact with Bowser’s belly, making him yell “GRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!” as he felt the wind get knocked out of him, the Koopa King flipping as he was sent flying, landing on his bruised belly in the center of the stage.

Seeing Bowser let out one last groan of pain, Kyoko smiled, sighing in relief “At last, it’s over.  Good work Mako…Makoto?”

Kyoko stood there baffled as she saw Makoto toss aside the Combat Hat and run to the fallen Koopa King, the Ultimate Detective asking “Makoto, what are you doing?” as he grabbed Bowser’s tail.

Makoto turned to Kyoko and called out “Kyoko, we still need to throw Bowser into one of those spiked bombs!  Can you give me a hand?  I’m not strong enough to do it by myself!”

Kyoko’s brow furrowed in confusion as she pointed out “But, Makoto…you’ve already won!  What’s left to be gained by throwing him around?”

“Yeah, listen to the girl!”  Bowser groaned, complaining “Haven’t I been beaten enough already as it is?”

Kyoko narrowed her eyes at the Koopa King, making him gulp and sweat in fear as she uttered “…On second thought…”  Kyoko smirked as she strode over to Makoto, grabbing the base of Bowser’s tail as she asked “So, how do we throw him?”

Makoto nodded “We just have to spin him by his tail in a circle until we build up momentum.  Then we let him go so that he flies into one of the spiked bombs.”

“No…please…”  Bowser whimpered.

“Alright, let’s do it.”  Kyoko nodded.

“Alright, on three.  One, two, THREE!”  Makoto instructed before they lifted with all their might, swinging Bowser round and round in a circle.

“PLEEEEEEEAAAAAAASSSSSSEEEEEE!!!”  Bowser begged as he grew nauseous from motion sickness as they continued to spin him faster and faster.

“Okay, NOW Kyoko!”  Makoto called out, making Kyoko nod and release the Koopa King, making him cry in terror as they sent him flying straight towards one of the spiked bombs.

Kyoko smirked, snorting “Good riddance!”

“So long, Gay Bowser!”

“What?!”  Kyoko breathed, looking at Makoto incredulously as she processed his last line.  I…don’t even know what to make of that…

“THAT’S NOT WHAT HE SAID!”  Bowser complained.

*BOOM*

The tip of the spiked bomb punctured Bowser’s belly, making the device explode in a shower of red and yellow fireworks and send Bowser hurtling back toward the stage.  At last, he landed right in front of them, groaning in pain as he landed on his shell.

Makoto cheered, his lips stretched from ear to ear in a beaming smile “YES!  WE BEAT BOWSER!”

Kyoko nodded “Yes, we did, though…”  Kyoko turned to Makoto and asked “…Why did you call Bowser gay?  Didn’t you say that he always tried to abduct Princess Peach?  And I clearly remember him trying to get me to marry him.”  Makoto and Kyoko shivered at the mental image before she continued “So I think we can clearly deduce that he’s not homosexual.  Given the evidence, what reason would you possibly have for calling him gay?”

“Oh, well…”  Makoto scratched his cheek, smiling bashfully as he explained “I saw an old Youtube clip of the boss fight with Bowser in Super Mario 64, and when Mario threw him, it sounded like he said So long, Gay Bowser.”

Kyoko sighed “I see, that’s disappointing…”  She pinched the bridge of her nose and told him “…Makoto, I told you before not to believe everything you see on the internet.”

“S…sorry…”  Makoto nodded sheepishly, making Kyoko smile as she ruffled his hair and Tanuki ears in a reassuring gesture.

Suddenly, a low groan made their respective Tanuki Ears twitch, making them turn to the fallen Koopa King.  Their eyes widened as they saw Bowser struggle to stand before they narrowed, getting into battle positions again, only to sigh in relief as Bowser fell into a sitting position, a defeated sigh escaping his jaws.

“I can’t believe it…losing to those faucet freaks Mario and Luigi over and over again is embarrassing enough.  But now I get my shell kicked by two Racoon Teenagers?!  This is humiliating…”

Makoto scratched his cheek nervously and pointed out “Actually, we’re nineteen…”  His brow furrowing, Makoto turned to Kyoko and asked “We…are nineteen, right?  Sorry, it’s just this whole lost memory time skip thing is starting to make me confused about my own age…”

Kyoko nodded understandingly and summarized “We believed we were seventeen when we entered Hope’s Peak Academy, and Junko and Mukuro took away two years of our memories.  Seventeen plus two is nineteen, so yes, that would make us nineteen.”

“Whatever, like it makes a difference…”  Bowser moaned as he drew his knees up to his chin and rested his face on them, wrapping his arms around his legs.  “I’ve been beaten by Mario and Luigi time after time…and even Peach beat me on Vibe Island…what’s the point of going on?  I’ll never take over the Mushroom Kingdom and I’ll never marry Princess Peach!  There’s nothing left for me…nothing left but despair…”

Makoto’s eyes softened, starting to feel sympathy for the evil King as he turned to Kyoko and murmured “Kyoko, we’ve gotta cheer him up!”

I was afraid of this…  Kyoko sighed and pointed out “Makoto, he uses his army to commit mass home invasion and kidnapping on a regular basis, he stole our Magenti-Star, and he kidnapped me and tried to force me to marry him!  Are you seriously considering giving the antagonist a pep talk?!”

Makoto nodded seriously pointing out “Kyoko, as survivors of the Tragedy, we know first-hand what it means to fall into despair.  Nobody deserves to feel like that, not even someone as evil as Bowser.”

Kyoko’s expression softened, marred with indecision as she considered Makoto’s point, reflecting on how she had fallen into despair before Makoto pulled her out of it.

That was the worst day that I can remember…if Makoto hadn’t helped me back there, we’d be trapped in the school forever, and he would be dead.  But still…  Kyoko retreated into her old habits as she asked “Have you ever heard the phrase You reap what you sow?”

“W…well, yeah, but still…”

“…You really are naïve, you know that?  It’s really quite appalling…”  Kyoko sighed, accepting “Go ahead, do as you wish.  I won’t try and stop you if you feel this is what you need to do…”

Makoto nodded, smiling apologetically before turning to walk over to Bowser, patting his shell before Bowser moaned “…What?  You already beat me fair and square, so just take the damn Magenti-Star and get out of my castle!”

Makoto shook his head and insisted “King Bowser, you can’t just wallow in despair.  You may think you have nothing, but you have so much more than you realize!”

Kyoko smiled proudly at Makoto as Bowser looked up at him, a slight spark in his eyes as he listened intently, curious about what Makoto meant.

“You have an army of minions who believe in you so much, they’re willing to overthrow an established monarchy for you.  You’re a great Dad to eight, really tough Koopalings!  And where I come from, there are a lot of people who think you’re awesome, me included!”

Bowser looked up at Makoto, asking “…Why are you trying to make me feel better?”

“Because he’s Makoto Naegi, the Ultimate Hope…”  Makoto and Bowser turned their heads to see Kyoko smiling proudly at Makoto as she explained “He confronts despair wherever it goes, and he does his best to befriend anybody and everybody, so that they will never be corrupted by despair.”  …One of many reasons why I love him so much…

At last, Bowser smiled, chuckling “Keh…who knew I’d be affected by such cruddy sentimentalism…”  Bowser slowly got to his feet, deciding “But, you’re right!  I’m in charge of a great kingdom, my kids are super awesome, and I’m practically a household name!  I never realized how lucky I am!”  Bowser closed his eyes and pondered “Still…it’s about time I stopped using my privilege to destroy.  Perhaps it’s time I turned over a new leaf…er…shell…”

Well, what do you know?  He even convinced an evil King to switch to the side of hope…  Kyoko mused as she and Makoto stared at Bowser incredulously.

I don’t believe it…Bowser being a good guy?!  Well, I guess it’s not totally unheard of…maybe…

*Dum dum dum dum DUUUUMMMMMM*

“Huh?”  The trio exclaimed as the strange new tune got louder and louder.  “What…what is that?”  They wondered before their eyes widened at the sight of a white and blue airship flying closer and closer until it came to a stop at the side of the platform, four human-sized, cartoonish, white rabbit-like creatures standing on the deck, all of them dressed in fancy clothing.

“This…this defies all logic…”  Kyoko uttered, unable to keep the shock out of her voice.

Makoto nodded with a similarly baffled expression “Same here; I’ve never seen any of these guys in the Mario games before…”

Bowser meanwhile pointed a claw at the unknown rabbits and demanded “Alright, who are you, and why are you docked at my castle?!”

One of the rabbit creatures, wearing a green suit and top hat, removed said top hat and bowed, apologized “Our apologies for not calling first, but the phone number on your order form was out of service, so we had to visit you personally to confirm the details.”

“Order form?”  The three of them wondered, confused by the rabbit’s words.

The rabbit nodded as he put his top hat back on and introduced “That’s right.  My name’s Topper, and we’re the Broodals, professional wedding planners.”

“Wedding Planners?!”  The trio exclaimed, Makoto and Kyoko blushing as they looked at each other before averting their gaze.

Bowser closed his eyes and rested his chin in his claw, deep in thought until his eyes opened in realization, exclaiming as he snapped his claw “Now I remember!  I read about their services in a magazine, and called in 1988 to plan a wedding between me and Princess Peach, but I had to be put on a waiting list for my reservation.”

Makoto’s eyes lit up as he turned to Kyoko and explained “That was the year that Super Mario Bros. 3 was released in Japan.”

Kyoko nodded in understanding as Topper confirmed “That’s right; as head of Client Relations, please accept my sincerest apologies for not keeping you updated, but we had a very long waiting list that year.  But, if you’d still like our services, we are able to take your reservation now.  We’ll even make this absolutely free, as an apology for the multi-year wait.  So…is Princess Peach still the bride?”

Makoto and Kyoko looked to Bowser, who after a second of intense pondering, laughed “GWA HA HA HA!  Yes, Princess Peach is still going to be my blushing bride!”

…Why am I not surprised…?  Makoto and Kyoko sweatdropped as Bowser eagerly boarded the Broodals’ airship before being immediately circled by the Broodals, the four creatures working faster than Makoto and Kyoko’s eyes could follow.  They’re…very efficient…  The two lovers concluded as the Broodals stepped back, revealing Bowser’s groomed red hair and new white tuxedo.

“GWA HA HA HAA!  Not bad!  I’d say the wait was worth it!”  Bowser praised, making the four Broodals beam with pride before another Broodal dressed in a purple dress sauntered off the ship, approaching Makoto and Kyoko before handing them a business card.

“You two look like a cute couple!  The name’s Hariet, and I’m in charge of any and all pyrotechnics.  Here, take my business card.”

Kyoko hesitantly nodded, taking the business card and looking it over, confused as she asked “What…what is this all about?”

Hariet giggled and winked “Oh silly, I’m giving you our contact information so that if you ever decide to get married, just give us a call and we’ll personally fit you in for a wedding.  I’ll even jump you two up the list since you look so cute together, especially with those boots of yours!”

“Th…thank you…”  Kyoko murmured, she and Makoto blushing as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her human ear, fantasies of a white wedding playing through their minds before they shook the thoughts from their heads.

Harriet giggled “Oh, you lucky Racoon Girl, you!  You’re dreaming of it already, aren’t you?  I can tell by the look in your eyes.  And you, you’re having the same thoughts, aren’t you, little Racoon Boy?  Come now, no need to be embarrassed; it’s natural.  Well, just give us a call when you’re ready!”

With one last giggle, Hariet hopped over to the discarded Combat Hat and picked it up before hopping back over to airship.  She then tucked her knees and hopped high into the air before slamming the Combat Hat back on Bowser’s head.

Bowser grinned before looking down at Makoto and Kyoko, saying “Well…Makoto, was it?  Thanks for the pep talk, but I’ve been waiting for the day I marry Princess Peach for years and I’m not going to pass it up now that I can finally claim my reservation!  But, as a gesture of gratitude…”  Bowser clapped, deactivating the case holding the Magenti-Star, causing it to fly into Makoto’s hands as the Koopa King told him “You can have that back.”

Confused, Makoto asked “…Why are you giving this to us?”

Kyoko nodded “Indeed; you spent minutes babbling on and on about how you were going to use it to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom.”

“GWA HA HA HA!  I don’t need that stupid rock anymore, now that I’m gonna marry Peach!”  Bowser pointed up at the sky and proclaimed “This is a wedding that’s gonna go straight to the moon, baby!”

Bowser cackled as the Broodals steered the airship away from Bowser’s Castle, the ship disappearing along the horizon along with Bowser’s laughs.

“…It looks like they’re headed towards Toad Town…that’s probably where Mario and Princess Peach are right now…”

Kyoko nodded, looking over to Makoto who still held the Magenti-Star in his hands before asking “…Should we go help them?”  Smiling knowingly, Kyoko reasoned “I imagine it’s probably been your childhood dream to meet Mario and the Princess…”

Makoto chuckled before closing his eyes, mulling it over before shaking his head and rejecting as he opened his eyes “No…I have a feeling that this is one adventure Mario will need to do on his own.”

Kyoko nodded “I see…”  She then smiled before finishing “Well, I’ll trust your judgment then and pray for Mario to have good luck on this new Odyssey.”

Makoto nodded before looking down at the Magenti-Star in his hands, smiling as he suggested “…Well, we beat Bowser and got the Magenti-Star back…what do you say we meet up with the others?  I really need to thank them; they kept the Koopalings off my tail so I could find you.”

Kyoko smiled and nodded “Yes, that’s a good idea.  Makoto, I’m…glad that I have more friends than just you that I can depend on to come to my rescue…”  Kyoko’s smile turned into a grimace as she confessed “…even Byakuya and Toko…”

“Right…just one question…how long is this new rivalry between you and Toko gonna go on for?”  Makoto asked hesitantly.

“Until she knows her place…”  Kyoko responded without missing a beat, flames burning in her eyes.

…Shouldn’t have even asked…  Makoto thought, regretting the question.  …But I guess there’s not much I can do except leave them to settle things on their own…

“Anyway…”  Kyoko started as she turned around, staring at the door as she pondered “…how do you propose we get out of here?  Bowser barred the door during our fight, and defeating him didn’t activate any unlocking mechanism I would think would be present in video games.”

Makoto smirked as he put the Magenti-Star in his pocket before threading their fingers together and stating simply “Then we’ll just have to fly down to meet them!”

F…fly…FLY?!  Th…that’s suicide!  We have no idea how long Makoto can stay airborne, and I haven’t even figured out how to fly yet!

Kyoko shook her head vigorously, only to slow to a stop as she made the mistake of looking into Makoto’s gentle green eyes, becoming entranced in their hopeful warmth.

“Do you trust me, Kyoko?”  Makoto asked as he used his free hand to reach down and stroke Kyoko’s tail, making her purr and smile.

“…Always…”

XXX

*WHOOSH*

“AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!”  Kyoko screamed with her eyes closed, unable to contain her terror as they fell through the clouds, the two of them plummeting after having stepped off the platform together.  We’re gonna die, we’re gonna die, WE’RE GONNA DIIIIEEEEEE!  Huh?  Eventually, she felt the wind lessen in severity, her clothes and tail no longer flapping in the wind as she opened her eyes and exclaimed “Ma…Makoto…you’re…you’re flying!” as she saw Makoto’s tail rotate like a propeller.

Makoto smiled warmly, squeezing her hand as he told her “I’m never gonna let you fall, Kyoko, I promise!”

“Ma…Makoto…”  Kyoko felt her heart flutter as she smiled at him, feeling safe and secure as he squeezed her hand.

“Come on, let me show you how fun it is to fly!”

“Hold on, Makoto, let’s…EEEEEEKKKKKKK!”  Kyoko screamed again as Makoto started to move them through the sky, swaying them back and forth.  I’m gonna die I’m gonna die I’m gonna…

Makoto squeezed her hand, making her turn to Makoto with wild eyes, her Ultimate Hope staring into hers and smiling at her panicked face, silently assuring her It’s okay, I’ve got you, I’ve got you…  Kyoko took a deep breath, feeling her panic ebb away as Makoto repeatedly squeezed her hand.

“That’s better…now, don’t worry about the ground, Kyoko.  Pretend it’s not even there, okay?  Just focus on me, and relax, okay?”

Squeezing his hand, Kyoko reluctantly nodded, allowing herself to relax as she let Makoto guide her through the sky, the Luckster taking care not to do anything too fancy so as not to startle her any more than she already was.  Kyoko looked up at Makoto, admiring him as the setting sun reflected off his adorable face.  The longer she stared at him, the more she felt her fear dissipate, swiftly replaced by the fluttering in her heart as she thought of Makoto.

“It’s good to see such a carefree smile on your face…”  Makoto commented as he saw a pure hearted smile tug on Kyoko’s lips.

Kyoko nodded at him, then stared out at the horizon and admitted “Yes…I suppose I am smiling…how could I not be?  This is amazing!  Flying like this…it feels like my whole body is fluttering…”

“That’s good, because it’s the flutter in your heart is what’s keeping you afloat right now.”

“Huh…?”  Kyoko’s eyes widened as she saw Makoto smiling in front of her, no longer touching her hands.  Wait…if he’s in front of me, then…what’s keeping me from…  Kyoko felt the wind currents under her get stronger as she finished falling…  “EEEEEEKKKKKKKK!”  She shrieked as she plummeted through the clouds again, Makoto diving after her and catching her in a hug before he slowed their descent.

“Kyoko, Kyoko, it’s okay!  I’ve got you, I’ve got you!”  Makoto breathed into her ear as Kyoko hyperventilated, his calming voice allowing her to get her breathing back to normal and snap out of her panicked state.

“…Makoto…why did you let me go when you knew I couldn’t fly?!”

“Because you were flying, Kyoko!”

“Huh?”  Kyoko uttered as she and Makoto glanced to her still tail.

Makoto smiled and explained “Captain Toad told me that in order to fly, you need to think of something that makes your heart flutter.  I don’t know what you were thinking about before, Kyoko, but you were flying.  I saw your tail spinning and your joyful smile; that’s how I knew it was safe to let you fly on your own.”

I…I was thinking of you, Makoto…that’s what made my heart flutter.  So…as long as I consciously think of you…then…I can fly?

Kyoko took a deep breath, imagining Makoto’s smiling face and how happy his smile made her.  Soon enough…

*Whirl*

“Huh?”  She looked behind her, seeing her lavender and purple tail spin underneath her, making her beam excitedly as she gasped “Ma…Makoto…I…I’m doing it!”

Makoto nodded, grinning as he asked her “That’s right, you’re flying on your own, Kyoko.  Are you ready to let go of me?”  Makoto felt Kyoko squeeze him tighter, anxiety still in her eyes, making him smile as he reached up and petted her purple Tanuki Ears, making her purr and loosen her grip as he assured her “You’ll be fine; I’ll never let you fall.  But I know you can do it, Kyoko!”

Feeling herself become reinvigorated with his hope, Kyoko nodded, reluctantly letting go of him as she hovered a foot away from him, her Racoon Tail keeping her afloat.  Kyoko stared down, an awe-filled smile stretching from ear to ear as she exclaimed “I’m…I’m doing it…I’m flying on my own!”

“That’s right, Kyoko; you’re flying on your own!”  With a sigh, Makoto reluctantly suggested “…Ano…should we head down to meet the others now?”

Kyoko shook her head, grinning as she giggled “No; now that I know how to fly, I want to spend some time with you!”

Makoto grinned, nodding as he and Kyoko leisurely flew through the clouds, giggling at the rush that was rushing through their bodies as their hearts fluttered as high as the clouds above them.

“I’m really having fun!”  Kyoko giggled as she flew above Makoto.  “I can’t believe it, but I’m actually having fun!”

Makoto smiled as he exclaimed “I’m glad you’re having fun; you really deserve it after…hey!”

Kyoko circled to Makoto’s right, pulling just a little ahead of him before she looked back at him with a cheerful smile and teased “Chase me.”

Seeing Kyoko wink at him, Makoto smirked and accepted “Oh, I’m so gonna get you!”

“Good luck!”

“Hey, you’re talking to the Ultimate Lucky Student!  And get back here!”

Makoto and Kyoko laughed as the continued to fly through the sky, performing all sorts of spins and loops as Makoto tried to catch up to her, Kyoko turning her head and blowing an occasional raspberry to tease him.  This little game continued until eventually Makoto tackled Kyoko into a bear hug.

“Gotcha!”

“Hey!”  Kyoko giggled, her heart filled with glee as their game came to an end.  She wrapped her arms around him as he pulled them upright, hovering in place as she exclaimed “This has to be the craziest thing I’ve ever done in my life…”  Kyoko’s grin widened even more as she admitted “…and also the most special, Makoto!  I’ll never forget how you rescued me and taught me how to fly!”

…It’s time I told her…  Makoto resolved as he stared at Kyoko’s beautiful smile, grinning lovingly as he cradled her cheeks in his hands, making her blush as he told her “…I think I can top that.”

“H…how could you possibly top this?  What could be more special than flying in the sky…mmph!”  Kyoko’s eyes widened in shock as Makoto softly claimed her lips with his own, thinking as her cheeks turned red Oh…oh kami!  Makoto…Makoto’s kissing me!  He’s really kissing me!

Kyoko closed her eyes, cradling his cheeks in her hands and returning the soft caress of his kiss with one of her own, making them both moan as they caressed each other with their love, making their hearts flutter even higher than ever before and helping them to fly to cloud nine.

At last, the Racoon lovers separated, their cheeks flushed rose as they rested their foreheads against each other and stroking each other’s cheeks with their thumbs as they smiled lovingly at each other.

Don’t just float there; tell him you love him, Kirigiri!  Without a single doubt in her mind, Kyoko told him “You were right; this definitely tops flying.  Thank you for that, Makoto.  I…I love you, Makoto.”

“I love you too, Kyoko!”

They both floated there, staring into each other’s loving eyes for a good few minutes before Kyoko reluctantly broke the tender moment, reluctantly suggesting “We should…probably go meet up with the others now…”

Makoto sighed, lamenting …Well, it was nice while it lasted… before reluctantly nodding, the two of them threading their hands together before controlling the fluttering in their hearts to slowly and safely descend where their friends were waiting for them.

XXX

“Hey look!  It’s Makoto and Kyoko!”  Hina exclaimed pointing up at the sky.

“Hei-ho!”  Heiho cheered as they saw the falling forms of Makoto and Kyoko descend in front of them, brown and purple tails slowly spinning underneath them.

“And look, they match!”  Hiro pointed out.

“Yoshi!”  Yoshi cheered in agreement with Hiro.

“Well, they certainly took their time…”  Byakuya commented.

“Y…yeah…how dare they keep us wa…waiting…”  Toko complained as Makoto and Kyoko finally touched the ground, their tails coming to a stop before wrapping around each other, creating a beautiful fuzzy double helix of brown and purple.

…They finally confessed their feelings for each other…  Everyone thought as they saw the faint traces of blush on Makoto and Kyoko’s cheeks

“H…Hey guys?  Thanks for waiting for us!”  Makoto greeted, waving with his free hand while Kyoko merely nodded.

“Oof!”  Makoto and Kyoko grunted as Hina ran up to them, tackling them both in a hug and exclaiming “Oh, Kyoko, we’re so glad you’re safe!”  She stepped back as she let them go, smirking as she teased “And you even have matching tails and ears!  And you’re holding hands to boot!  Oh, you two look so cute together!”

“H…Hina…”  Makoto objected, his and Kyoko’s embarrassed blushes returning before they reluctantly let go of each other’s hands, their tails unwrapping from each other and hanging loosely behind them.

Hiro cheered “You guys totally got together, didn’t you?  Makoto, great job manning up and confessing, dude!  Of course, I already predicted it before we left!”

Their blushes intensified, causing their faces to turn red as tomatoes before they shook it away, smiling at each other before Kyoko turned to Toko, a neutral frown on her face as she greeted “Fukawa.”

“Kirigiri.”  Toko greeted back in equal tone, making Makoto and Byakuya sigh in exasperation.

Turnign to the Ultimate Affluent Progeny, Makoto walked up to him with a gloating grin on his face and boasted “See, Byakuya!  I told you that Super Leaf could make me fly!”

“Very good Makoto, do you want a cookie?”  Byakuya asked sarcastically, only for his eyes to widen as Makoto held out his hand expectantly.

“Damn right I want a cookie!  That fight with Bowser made me hungry!”

As if on cue, Makoto’s stomach growled, making Makoto blush and smile bashfully as Hina, Heiho, Hiro, and Yoshi laughed at the exchange while Byakuya and Toko couldn’t help but smile in amusement.

“Hey!”  Hiro yelled as he was knocked off Yoshi’s saddle, the green dinosaur tackling Makoto to the ground and licking his face affectionately with his tongue.

Makoto laughed “It’s good to see you too, boy!  Okay, okay, I get that you’re happy to see me!  Enough with the kisses!”

As Yoshi got up and backed away, allowing Makoto to stand up, the Racoon Luckster’s eyes widened in shock as he heard Kyoko ask “What am I, chopped liver?  Hey!”  Kyoko giggled as Yoshi licked her cheek a few times, makign the others smile at the scene.

“You must really like Yoshi now if you asked for him to greet you with kisses, Kyoko!”  Makoto teased, making Kyoko tuck a strand of loose hair behind her human ear as she reluctantly nodded.

Byakuya coughed into his fist, getting their attention before he said “As…amusing as this conversation is…there’s one thing we need to take care of.”  He turned to the two Racoon Lovers and asked “Makoto, Kyoko, did you two procure the Magenti-Star, or do we have to storm the castle again?”

Luckily, the group was spared a collective groan of frustration as Makoto smiled and reached into his pocket, withdrawing the Magenti-Star, it’s magenta color sparkling in the sunset as he nodded “Yep; we won it from Bowser after we defeated him.”

Byakuya nodded “Then perhaps it’s in our best interests to return to Princess Peach’s Castle so we can finally go home.”

The others nodded, mumbling statements of agreement before Makoto pocketed the Magenti-Star again and consented “Yeah, but first…”  Makoto smirked before turning to Kyoko, tapping a finger on the forehead before running off, exclaiming “Tag, you’re it!  Race you back to the castle!”

Gaping in shock, she quickly morphed her expression into a confident grin, calling as Makoto leapt up into the sky “Oh, you’re on, Naegi!”

With that, she dashed into a running start before leaping up into the air, her tail spinning as it rocketed her up into the clouds.

“Hey!”  Makoto exclaimed, the two of them laughing as she tackled him, the two of them zipping through the clouds as they flew, still wrapped in their embrace.

After a few seconds they separated, Makoto managing to get some distance as Kyoko tailed him, their jubilant laughter echoing in the others’ ears as the loving Racoon couple zipped off into the sunset.

“Aww, they look so cute, being all playful like that…”  Hina’s eyes widened as she pointed at the clouds, exclaiming “Hey, look!”

The others followed her gaze, their eyes widening as they saw the words “Makoto ♥ Kyoko” written in the sky.

“…Showoffs…”  Byakuya muttered.

“I think it’s adorable!”  Hina disagreed, making Byakuya pinch the bridge of his nose in annoyance.

“We need to get back to the castle so we can go home.  Good thing this Warp Whistle is a two-way trip…”  Byakuya muttered as he took out the Warp Whistle, blowing into it before a cyclone materialized around them, enveloping the group before vanishing along with its passengers.

XXX

After arriving at Peach’s Castle and having one last meal in the Mushroom Kingdom courtesy of Captain Toad, the six survivors of Class 78^th stood outside, bidding farewell to their new friends.

“Farewell, my subjects.”  Byakuya said to the tearful Goombas, explaining “Your King must regrettably relinquish his crown so that he may return to his homeland and rebuild his former empire and make it become even more powerful than it was before.”

Toko nodded, agreeing “You were al l…loyal su…subjects…”

Blinky nodded, crying “Good luck, your Majesty!  We Goombas will cheer you on from here!”

“Long live Goomboss Byakuya!  Long live Goomba Queen Toko!”  The four Goombas chanted, making Byakuya and Toko smile forlornly.

Hina meanwhile was kneeling before Heiho, her arms wrapped around him in a bear hug as his mask lay on the ground, wanting to say goodbye to his new friend without hiding behind his mask.

“Goodbye, Heiho-kun!  I’ll miss you, when we’re back in our world!  But I’ll always remember you and treasure getting to know you!”

“Same here, for serious!”  A now fully grown Hiro agreed, having consumed a Super Mushroom gifted by Captain Toad to restore him to normal size.

The Ultimate Clairvoyant grinned despite his sadness at having to leave the little Shyguy, as he was determined to send his new friend off with a smile.

“Hei-ho!  HEI-HO!”  Heiho cried, sobbing into Hina’s shoulder as he was overcome with sadness at having to separate from his new friends.

Even though her own tears were still trickling down her cheeks, Hina smiled, patting Heiho’s back as she soothed while reaching down to offer Heiho his mask “There, there…”

As Heiho put his mask back on, Makoto turned to Kyoko and tried pleading one last time “Ano…Kyoko…everyone looks really sad to say goodbye, and friends shouldn’t have to leave each other like this!  Can’t we just bring them with us?” 

Makoto gave Kyoko his cutest puppy-eyed stare as he begged “Pretty please?  With a cherry on top?”

…Always thinking of others…that’s just like you, Makoto.  You know I hate having to deny you anything, and I don’t want to say goodbye to any of them either.  But…  Logic overcoming sentimentalism, Kyoko’s soft smile turned into a frown as she pointed out with a sigh “…Makoto, where would we even put an army of sentient mushrooms, a little hooded man in an opera mask, and a green dinosaur?”

A twinge of guilt shot through Kyoko’s heart as Makoto’s shoulders slumped, sighing “…Okay, I understand…”  Plus…as much as I don’t want to believe it…there’s a chance that Junko was telling the truth about the state of the world.  And if that’s true…  Makoto gazed at their new friends as he realized …I’d be sentencing them to death if we took them with us…

“Yooooshiiiii….”  Yoshi whined, nuzzling Makoto with his snout.

Makoto smiled sadly at Yoshi, caressing his snout as he cooed “I’m sorry, Yoshi, but you heard Kyoko; we can’t take you with us.  I’m really going to miss you, but I’ll always remember you whenever I play my video games.”

“Yoooshhiiiii…”  Yoshi muttered sadly before turning to Kyoko and nuzzling her with his snout.

Kyoko sighed, allowing a small smile as she laid a kiss upon Yoshi’s snout, making him blush as she admitted “…I’ll…miss you too…thank you for allowing me and Makoto to ride on your back.”

“Yoshi!”

“Hey!  Alright, enough kisses, Yoshi!”

Makoto smiled as Kyoko continued to receive goodbye kisses from Yoshi, then turned to Captain Toad, who was currently holding the Magenti-Star, and requested “Ano…can you promise that you’ll take good care of him?”

Captain Toad nodded with a smile, vowing “For everything you’ve all done, it will be my pleasure!  And I’m sure Mario and Luigi and Princess Peach will love to have him around.”

Makoto smiled, nodding in gratitude before Byakuya sighed “Well, let’s get started, or we’ll never be able to leave.” 

Everyone else nodded somberly and assembled into a tight-knit circle. 

Makoto and Kyoko held hands and twirled their tails around each other.  Toko hung onto Byakuya’s arm as he allowed her to lean on him.  Meanwhile, Hina and Hiro walked over to stand between the two new couples.  Captain Toad wordlessly held the Magenti-Star above his head, causing it to sparkle as it floated, twirling in the air as it circled around the survivors, bathing them in a magenta light that gradually got brighter and brighter, eventually blinding them before dissipating, taking the Magenti-Star and the survivors with it.

“Goodbye Makoto, Kyoko, Byakuya, Toko, Hina, Hiro…we’ll miss you…”  Captain Toad nodded before turning around, encouraging “Come on everyone; let’s turn in for the night in the castle.”

With somber nods, Yoshi, Heiho, Blinky, Inky, Pinky, and Clyde followed Captain Toad into the castle, already missing their friends.

Chapter Text

A bright, magenta flash interrupted the tranquil atmosphere before it vanished as quickly as it came, leaving six oddly dressed teenagers in its wake.  Still dazed, the ragtag group took a moment to get their bearings before they looked around at the grassy fields and bright blue sky.

“Um…this doesn’t feel quite right…”  Hina observed with a frown.

“Y…yeah…this isn’t Ja…Japan!”  Toko scowled as she questioned “Wasn’t that Ma…Magenti-Star supposed to take us h…home?”

Byakuya’s brow furrowed as he nodded “I concur…that Captain Toad told us that the Magenti-Star would take us back home.”

Kyoko shook her head and interjected as the Magenti-Star floated into her hands “He may have told us it had the power to take us back home, but he never specified how its mechanics function.”

Hiro scratched his head before suggesting “Umm…maybe we’re supposed to undergo a spiritual journey and complete a series of quests before we can go home?”

Byakuya scoffed “Please, that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.  Stop trying to think, you plebian.”

“Y…yeah!”  Toko agreed, pointing at the Ultimate Clairvoyant as she exclaimed “Stop wasting Master’s time, you i…idiot soothsayer!”

“IDIOT SOOTHSAYER?!”

His eyes now narrowed in annoyed anger, Hiro proceeded to argue back against Toko and Byakuya, their discussion quickly devolving into a chaotic, unintelligible mess.  Hina sweatdropped while Kyoko sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose before trying to stop the pointless argument.

“All of you, just…”

“STOP!”

“What?!”  Kyoko gasped as she and the others turned to Makoto, whose face was red with anger as he hyperventilated, his Racoon Tail whipping uncontrollably as he struggled to get his anger out of control.

Toko clutched onto Byakuya’s arm as Hiro’s teeth chattered in fear while the three of them stared at the unusually angry Makoto.  Meanwhile Kyoko and Hina shared a concerned expression as they tried to reconcile this rather Mondo-like Makoto with the lovable dork they had come to know and treasure.

…I haven’t seen him this angry…since we saw that Lakitu in Bob-omb Battlefield… Kyoko thought as she reflected on their past adventure.  …And I don’t like it…  She took a deep breath and hesitantly approached “Makoto…my love…are you…”

Makoto took a deep breath, interrupting Kyoko and making them brace themselves for another lashing out by Makoto, only to sigh in relief as Makoto smiled, the red gone from his face as his tail came to a stop and he apologized “Sorry guys, but we can’t afford to be fighting amongst ourselves!  We need to figure out where we are.”

…I’m feeling emotional whiplash…  The others deadpanned, sweatdropping at Makoto’s emotional one eighty.

Sighing, Kyoko turned to Byakuya and pointed out “We should listen to Makoto…”  She smirked as she finished “…unless you prefer to waste a Togami’s time with pointless banter.”

Toko seethed Oh, that little Ra…Racoon Girl!  How dare she…then again…arguing with Hiro would be a waste of time.

Kyoko’s eyes narrowed in annoyance at Toko’s silence, her Racoon Tail standing stiff in a threatening pose.  Meanwhile, Byakuya looked at Makoto’s encouraging smile, then to Kyoko’s annoyed face, and finally to Toko’s determined glare that she was shooting at Kyoko.

Eventually Byakuya sighed and relented “Very well…we do have better things to do than get into pointless arguments with plebians.”

As Hiro pouted, Hina suggested “Okay, so…we just have to find out where we are, right?  Why don’t we just follow that dirt road over there?”  As the others followed Hina’s pointing finger and observed the winding dirt road, she continued “It probably leads to some kind of town, and we could ask around for information.”

Makoto nodded “I agree; we need all the information we can get.”

As Byakuya, Toko, and Hiro mumbled in agreement, Kyoko smiled “Okay, then we’re all in agreement?”  She then laced her fingers with Makoto and took the lead, gently tugging her Racoon boyfriend along as she urged “Alright, let’s go then, Makoto.”

“Wha…hey!”  Makoto yelped as she tugged him along.

The others sweatdropped before Hina smiled in amusement and walked to catch up to them, the Racoon couple now walking at a leisurely pace. 

“Okay, let’s go!  Adventure awaits!”  Hina cheered, leading Makoto and Kyoko to smile in amusement before giving each other blushing smiles, their tails wagging as the trio continued to walk.

Byakuya and Toko turned to each other, the Ultimate Writing Prodigy still grabbing his arm as the former Affluent Progeny suggested “Let’s follow along, my dear.”

Byakuya smiled warmly, making Toko smile and blush as they hurried to catch up to their friends.  Hiro meanwhile brought up the rear, pouting and grumbling to himself as he hurried to catch up.

XXX

“So?  What happened when you two confessed?!  Give me details, Kyoko!”  Hina grinned, begging excitedly “Come on, pleeeaaaassseeeee?  I supported your relationship since the beginning!”

“Good luck, Makoto!  Girls like her are total pushovers when you show a little backbone!”

Kyoko blushed, smiling at the memory as she agreed “Very well…I suppose it can’t hurt to give you a few details.  We had just defeated Bowser and gotten back the Magenti-Star when Makoto suggested we fly down to the surface.”  Kyoko fiddled with her braid with her free hand as she admitted “…I was…nervous, but Makoto convinced me to trust him and he taught me to fly before kissing me.  He really was like my knight in shining armor…”

“Aww, that’s so CUTE!”  Hina gushed, stars in her eyes as Kyoko giggled, feeling her heart flutter at the memory.  “Oh, Kyoko, you’re…kind of hovering…”

“What?”  Kyoko breathed, looking down to see that her Racoon Tail was spinning, propelling her just above the ground. 

Hina and Makoto tugged on Kyoko’s arms, helping her back to the ground as she focused on restraining her more joyful and loving emotions.

Once her Racoon Tail had come to a stop, Kyoko blushed in embarrassment at Hina and Makoto’s concerned expressions as she muttered “…Apologies for that…it seems I’ve yet to master my new abilities.”

Makoto smiled understandingly as he assured her “Hey, it’s okay, Kyoko!  I don’t blame you for being happy; you deserve to feel happy enough to flutter!”

“Yeah, he’s totally right, Kyoko!  Congratulations again; you two are totally made for each other!”

As Hina winked, Kyoko blushed, muttering “Th…thank you…”

“So…can I hear more details?  I wanna know more about how Makoto helped you to fly!”

Kyoko blushed, keeping her fluttering heart under control as she smiled, relenting “Sure…now, I was really scared when we plummeted through the clouds, but he held my hand through it all and kept his promise not to let me fall.  I felt so safe in his arms…”

Uh, girls…you know I’m still here, right?  Makoto deadpanned, blushing as Kyoko continued to recount the memory of their romantic moment.

Makoto averted his gaze in an effort to distract himself from Hina and Kyoko’s “girl talk” before his brow furrowed as he saw Byakuya and Toko whispering too each other, their exact words just quiet enough to be unintelligible to Makoto’s Tanuki Ears.

I wonder what they’re talking about…  Makoto wondered as he tried to imagine what they were talking about.  …On second thought…I don’t think I want to know… 

He looked away from the couple, frowning in concern as he saw Hiro trailing behind them with his arms crossed, pouting and muttering under his breath.

That’s odd…why does Hiro look so grumpy?  Something’s wrong; I’d better go help him…  He turned to Kyoko and Hina and told them as he reluctantly let go of her hand “Hey, I’m gonna go check on Hiro; he seems kinda down and it just doesn’t feel right to leave him in a sour mood…”

Her brow furrowed in worry, Kyoko offered “Would you like me to come and help?”  And keep an eye out in case Hiro tries anything uncouth?  I know he’s no Junko…but I still don’t want anything to happen to my little Racoon Boy if I’m in a position to stop it.

Seeing through Kyoko’s real motive, Makoto shook his head and smiled, explaining “No, I think I’ll be okay.  And besides, Hiro’s our friend; nothing’s gonna happen just by talking. And like I said, I don’t want to see any of my friends feeling upset, so I need to do what I can to help him feel better.”

Hina nodded “I agree, believe it or not.  Hiro was an unusually big help.  Technically, he defeated Captain Wart and Mouser, and he was really helpful in the battle against the Ninja Koopas.”

Kyoko nodded, persuaded by the assurances from both her boyfriend and best friend as she smiled lovingly at Makoto, cooing “Oh Makoto…you really are too pure for us…” and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips, making their Racoon Tails wag out of love.

Just as Makoto was enjoying the moment, Kyoko broke off the kiss, smiling as she consented “Go help him…my love…”

Makoto and Kyoko blushed before he nodded, forcing the blush away before turning around and walking past Byakuya and Toko, ignoring their whispered gossip and over to Hiro.

“Hehehe…my love…?  Who knew you could be such a romantic, Kyoko?”  Hina teased, giggling as Kyoko sighed in embarrassment before focusing on the dirt road ahead, marching ahead without another word as she dealt with Hina’s barrage of teasing about her and Makoto’s newfound romantic relationship.

XXX

“AH!”  Hiro yelped, jumping in the air before turning to glare at Makoto, who sweatdropped after Hiro’s overreaction to being tapped on the shoulder.

“S…sorry, didn’t mean to startle you, Hiro.”  Makoto chuckled in apology as Hiro held his hand over his heart and steadied hid breathing.  Once Hiro nodded in acceptance, Makoto asked “…Are you doing okay, Hiro?”

Hiro crossed his arms, pouting for a minute before dismissing Makoto “Umm…doesn’t matter.”

“It does matter, Hiro.”  His eyes widening, Hiro turned to face Makoto, who was smiling as he continued “You’re my friend, and I hate seeing my friends down in the dumps.  So if you’re feeling upset, I want to help you feel better, because your feelings matter, Hiro.”

Hiro stared into Makoto’s eyes, making the Racoon Boy shuffle uncomfortably at the attention as Hiro seemed to be searching his soul for the truth.  Eventually, Hiro nodded, accepting Makoto’s sincerity as he sighed and began to explain himself.

“I just…I wanted to be helpful by thinking of why we were brought here…and I genuinely thought that a journey to multiple worlds was why we weren’t brought back home, and that it would be meaningful…until Byakuya and Toko called me stupid.  Maybe I should just keep my mouth shut from now on.”  Makoto stared at Hiro, making the Ultimate Clairvoyant groan internally Great…even Makoto thinks my idea is stupid…I shouldn’t have said anything at all…

To his surprise, Makoto grinned excitedly, exclaiming “That sounds amazing, Hiro!  It’d be so cool if we got a chance to explore other worlds!”

You…you actually think my idea is cool?!  The only person who thought my ideas were cool…was my Mom!

Hiro barely held back his tears as he gained a newfound appreciation for Makoto’s friendship before nodding and replying with a smile “Yeah, you’re right!  Going on a quest to different worlds will be a really rewarding experience, like how you and Kyoko got together or how everyone else got a cool power-up!”

Makoto cocked his head in confusion, his Tanuki Ears twitching as he pointed out “But Hiro…you…ano…you didn’t get anything out of the Mushroom Kingdom…no gold coins…even your power-up was neutralized by that Super Mushroom you ate at dinner.”

Hiro laughed “Well, yeah, it’s true that I never got to find any sunken treasure in Water World, and you guys all got cooler power-ups than me, but at least I’m back to my normal size again.  Plus I got something even more valuable than all that…knowledge!”

Makoto’s brow furrowed as he asked “What…what do you mean, Hiro?”

Hiro smiled and asked “Do you remember when Captain Toad asked what you were talking about when you mentioned the Mario games?”

Everyone else turned around, staring at Hiro as his remark had suddenly captivated their attention.  Makoto nodded, the two oblivious to everyone else’s curious stares as Hiro continued his explanation.

“Well, um…it reminded me of something I read in a book when I was first learning clairvoyance…The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Tarot and Fortune Telling.”

…Of course you did…That book was made for you…  Everyone deadpanned before shaking the thought away, their curiosity undeterred by Hiro’s choice in instruction manuals.

Makoto chuckled before asking “So…what did you read in it that our conversation about Mario games reminded you of?”

Hiro rubbed the back of his head sheepishly and confessed with a chuckle “That’s the thing…um…I’m still trying to remember…” 

Everyone except Makoto and Hiro fell over, making them turn around as Makoto greeted “Oh, hi guys.  Were you listening in on us?”

The four eavesdroppers let out a collective groan as they stood up, nodding as they lamented Hagakure, you almost had something interesting to say and you ruined it!

Shrugging, Makoto turned back to Hiro and offered with a smile “Well…when you do remember it, please tell us.  I’d love to hear what it was you remembered.”

Hiro grinned and nodded “You bet, Makoto!  As soon as I remember, we’ll talk about it over some brewskis!”

…We’re still not old enough to drink, Hiro.  And there’s no alcohol that we can see…  Everyone else deadpanned.

Nevertheless, Makoto smiled, nodding and taking the lead, walking down the dirt path as Kyoko walked next to him and Byakuya, Toko, Hina, and Hiro brought up the rear.

Makoto turned his head to look at Hiro as he told him “You know, it’s funny you mentioned video games, Hiro…”

Cocking his head in confusion, Hiro asked “Umm…why’s that, Makoto?”

Kyoko, Hina, Toko, and Byakuya’s brows furrowed in concern as they thought Oh no…please don’t tell me…

Makoto turned his head so that he was facing the road as he walked ahead of Kyoko and the others, explaining nonchalantly “Well…these open fields are reminding me of another video game series I played as a teenager…”

The other five Ultimates stopped in their tracks, Makoto oblivious to their shocked expressions as he continued to happily march ahead, humming a nostalgic tune while his friends shuddered Oh no, not again!

XXX

The survivors looked up as they reached the end of the dirt road, staring at a towering, gray castle with blue tips on top of its towers.  The others then turned to Makoto, frowning as they saw a familiar expression of confused excitement lighting up his face.

I was afraid of this…  The others dreadfully deadpanned before Kyoko cleared her throat and decided to voice their collective thoughts.

“…I take it you know where we are, Makoto?”

Makoto turned to face them, grinning as his tail wagged excitedly and he exclaimed “You bet!  We’re in Hyrule!”

The others sweatdropped before Byakuya sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose and pointing out “Makoto, we need more information.  Obviously this is a location in another one of your video games, but whatever it is, we haven’t played it.”

“Right, s…sorry…”  Makoto apologized, chuckling before explaining “Hyrule is a major Kingdom in the Legend of Zelda series.”

“So…it’s just like Super Mario Bros.?”  Hiro asked.

Makoto shook his head and insisted “No, it’s not just like Super Mario Bros.  The Legend of Zelda is a series of adventure games with swords, monsters, magic, puzzles, and saving the Princess.”

Everyone sweatdropped, staring at Makoto’s progressively excited expression before “Hina asked “So…it’s just like Super Mario Bros.?”

Makoto groaned, facepalming as he thought No, Hina!  I JUST said it’s not like Super Mario Bros!

Seeing her boyfriend’s frustration and feeling her memories jog a little, Kyoko offered “…I think I can translate what Makoto’s trying to tell us.”  Everyone looked at Kyoko curiously before she explained “The Super Mario Bros. games have a complete fantasy setting with platforming action, while the Legend of Zelda has a medieval focus that has puzzle solving and role-playing elements.”

Byakuya, Toko, Hina, and Hiro nodded in understanding while Makoto looked to his girlfriend in surprise and asked “Kyoko, have you played the Legend of Zelda before?”

Kyoko shook her head and denied “No, though I just remembered a case where I had to go undercover and apprehend a killer who was a big fan of Role-Playing Games, so I know the basics.”

Byakuya touched his finger to his cheek in contemplation as he urged “I see…well then, tell us more about this Legend of Zelda.”

Kyoko nodded, explaining “The main protagonist of the Legend of Zelda is a man named Zelda who must rescue the Princess of Hyrule from the villain…”

“Ehehehehe…”

“What…?”  Kyoko trailed off, turning to see Makoto’s palm over his mouth in a futile attempt to muffle his snickering.  He…he’s laughing at me?!  Kyoko’s eyes narrowed in annoyance, her Racoon Tail standing up straight in a threatening gesture as she demanded “And just what is so funny, Naegi-kun?!”

Makoto finally stopped snickering, removing his hand to reveal an amused grin as he apologized “I’m sorry, it’s just…you were almost right, but you got the name of the hero wrong, that’s all.  It’s a common mistake for people who don’t play the games to make.”

“What?!”  Kyoko gasped, her eyes widening before she frowned and demanded “…Elaborate.”

“R…right…”  Makoto explained “See, Zelda is the name of the Princess, and the hero of the game is a boy in a green tunic named Link.”

I see…it has been some time since that case, so I suppose it was possible I misremembered one of the details…but he still didn’t have to laugh at me!

Kyoko pouted cutely, crossing her arms over her breasts and turning her back to Makoto and the others.

Makoto sweatdropped, thinking She’s cute when she gets all pouty like that…but I shouldn’t have laughed at her.  I made her mad, and I don’t like it when she’s mad, especially when I’m the reason for it.  Makoto shivered as he recalled That fallout over Sakura’s betrayal was torture enough; I don’t want a repeat, EVER.  I’d better go apologize and make things right…

Sighing, Makoto walked up to her and rested his hand on the tip of her tail, making Kyoko gasp as Makoto petted her tail, stroking down to the base and back to the tip rhythmically.

Oh, kami…Makoto’s…petting my tail…but it doesn’t change the fact that I’m still mad at him!

Seeing that Kyoko was still refusing to look at him, Makoto apologized “Kyoko…my love…”

…Can’t you at least call me your Princess…?  Kyoko huffed to herself, slowly melting like butter as Makoto continued his apology.

“I’m sorry for laughing at you.  I shouldn’t have done that; your mistake was an understandable one and not one I should have laughed at.  I’m sure if I had a misconception about your Detective work, you wouldn’t have laughed at me for it.  So…forgive me?”

…Maybe I’m being too unreasonable with him; he apologized and admitted he was in the wrong…plus feeling him pet my tail just feels so goooooddddddd…  Kyoko relented, purring as she finally turned her head to face him, smiling as he smiled back, continuing to caress her tail as she nuzzled her head against his shoulder.

Makoto smiled lovingly at the return gesture, hearing her purrs intensify as he took the opportunity to scratch behind her Tanuki Ears with his free hand.

Byakuya ignored Makoto and Kyoko’s tender moment as he looked up towards Hyrule Castle, commenting “Well…I don’t particularly care which one of Makoto’s video game worlds we ended up in…but this Hyrule Castle certainly appears more majestic than Princess Peach’s Castle in the Mushroom Kingdom.”

Toko nodded, concurring “I a…agree…this castle would fit much better in my s…stories than Peach’s Ca…Castle…” as she entered another one of her fantasies, feeling her surroundings start to fade away into a completely different reality.

XXX

Toko sat upon her throne as Byakuya kneeled before her asking “My beloved Hammer Princess, would you honor me with a romantic picnic in the garden?”

Toko smiled excitedly and nodded “I would love to, Fire Prince Byakuya”, before clapping her hands.  

Kyoko immediately walked in, wearing a white dress, which was obscured by a black apron dress with a spider web design on her right breast and the right side of her gown, as well as a black lace headdress, black gloves, black tights, and grey pinwheel shoes with white laces.  Her Tanuki Ears stood erect as she waited for her orders. 

“Servant Kyoko, prepare the royal picnic basket.”

Kyoko nodded, bowing as she replied “Yes my Princess.  I, plain, boring, and not as pretty as you are, Kyoko, will do your bidding.”

She then turned around, her Racoon Tail gently swaying as she left the throne room.

As Toko got off her throne and Byakuya stood up, she cooed “Come, my Prince, favor me with a kiss.”

*SNAP*

“Enough!”

“Huh?  Kyoko?!”

XXX

“Wh…what?”  Toko wondered as her fantasy faded away, the world of Hyrule fading into view as she looked at Byakuya confused.

To her surprise, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny wasn’t looking straight at her, causing her brow to furrow as she wondered Wait…isn’t Ma…Master the one to snap me out of my fantasies?  But…if he’s not even paying attention to me, then who…oh no…

Following Byakuya’s gaze, Toko hesitantly turned around, dread on her face as she saw Kyoko’s eyes narrowed in her standard Kirigiri glare, annoyance and a hint of anger flashing in her eyes.

“Let me give you some advice…don’t bring me into your perverted fantasies.”

Toko glared, pointing at Kyoko and stammering “Sh…shut up you stupid Ra…Racoon Girl!  At least in my fantasies, you’re more to…tolerable to be around!  I don’t know what Ma…Makoto sees in you…”

“What did you say?!”  Kyoko demanded in a low, threatening voice, her face red with fury as steam erupted from both sets of ears.

Makoto and Byakuya both began to sweat in fear; though Makoto was angry at Toko for insulting his girlfriend, he still wanted to avoid any fights within the group.  For Byakuya’s part, he could feel Toko’s hand gripping his arm tighter, and didn’t want to be dragged into a catfight with her newfound rival.

Though a fight between her and the Racoon Detective would be amusing to watch… Byakuya admitted to himself.

In the end, neither of the two boys needed to interject, as Hiro asked Makoto “So, um…Makoto…what else can you tell us about this Legend of Zelda stuff?”

Their curiosity won out as they broke off their feud, turning to face Makoto and Hiro as the Racoon Luckster hummed, musing “Well, I’m not sure which information is relevant; I’d need to know what timeline we’re in.”

“Timeline?”  Everyone else repeated, baffled by Makoto’s confession.

“Yeah, most Zelda games take place in separate timelines, with only a handful of games being directly connected to each other.  Like, Zelda II is a sequel to the original Legend of Zelda, A Link Between Worlds is a sequel to A Link to the Past, Majora’s Mask is a sequel to Ocarina of Time, and Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks are sequels to the Wind Waker.” 

Seeing their confused expressions, Makoto chuckled before turning to the castle and looking up at the tallest tower.

“Anyways, the best way I can discern what timeline we’re in, is to find out which Princess Zelda is here.”

“Makoto!  Come back here!”  Kyoko called as Makoto jumped into the air, his Racoon Tail quickly spinning like a propeller as he flew up into the sky.  Kyoko sighed, facepalming as she muttered “…That boy…” before focusing on the flutter in her heart that she felt around him, letting it propel her into the sky as she gave chase.

XXX

“Let’s see…Princess Zelda, Princess Zelda…”  Makoto muttered as he circled around the tallest tower, exclaiming as he got to the top “Aha, a balcony!  And…”  Makoto’s eyes widened as he spotted a human figure sitting nearby, exclaiming “Yes, Princess Zelda!  Now, to get a closer…wah!”

Makoto yelped, feeling a tug on the hood of his hoodie.  He turned around only for his eyes to widen in shock as he saw Kyoko’s scolding expression, her gloved hand firmly grasping the fabric of his hoodie.

“Oh, Kyoko…”

“Don’t go around doing whatever you feel like.  It causes problems.  And not just for me.  For everyone.”

Makoto bit his lip and hung his head, apologizing “S…sorry…I just…got really curious about what timeline we ended up in, and couldn’t help getting carried away trying to do some reconnaissance.”

Kyoko frowned sympathetically, sighing as she admitted “…I understand how you feel…I am a Detective after all, so I understand the temptation to take the initiative and learn more about your surroundings.”  Makoto looked up at her hopefully as she relented with a soft smile “Well, since we’re already here, let’s go meet the Princess, shall we?  After all, we never got to meet Princess Peach back in the Mushroom Kingdom, so we might as well see an actual Princess.”

Makoto smiled gratefully, which then morphed into a sly smile as he leaned forward until his breath tickled her lips, the Racoon Luckster cupping her cheeks in his palms as he whispered “Thank you, my Princess…” before pressing his lips to her own in a soft kiss.

Kyoko’s eyes widened before she moaned, surrendering to the kiss as they moved their hands to the sides of each other’s heads, reaching to scratch behind their respected lover’s Tanuki Ears.  They purred into each other’s mouth before Makoto reluctantly broke off the kiss, pulling away from his girlfriend.   Kyoko was in a lovesick daze, a dopey grin on her face as her purple eyes had morphed into anime hearts.

She looks so adorable!  Makoto thought as he floated next to her and laced their fingers together, the Racoon Detective giggling as they floated closer to the balcony, observing a young brown-haired woman with a regal dress. 

Purple around her torso and white around her gown, with white gloves that extended to her elbows, the mysterious woman’s eyes were closed as she sat deeply in contemplation.

“I think I know where we are now…”  Makoto whispered to Kyoko, shaking her shoulder to bring her out of her lovesick daze as he exclaimed under his breath “Kyoko, we’re in the Twilight Princess timeline.”

“I…I see…”  Kyoko mumbled, shaking the hazy feeling from her mind as she focused on the Princess, her brow furrowed as she warned “Makoto…I have a bad feeling about this Princess Zelda.”

“Huh?”  Makoto’s brow furrowed in confusion as he wondered “What do you mean Kyo…ano, Kyoko?  Are you okay?”

Kyoko’s eyes were widened in fear as she shakily pointed in front of them.  Makoto ruined his head, gasping as he saw that Princess Zelda was now standing up, staring at them with an almost dead look in her brown eyes.

What the…what’s going on?  Makoto wondered, shaking with the same fear as Kyoko as he realized Something’s off about Princess Zelda…but what…

“You shouldn’t be here…”

Before either of the Racoon Lovers could react, Princess Zelda stretched out her hand, causing a ball of golden light to form in front of her palm before it flew straight at them, heading for…

“Makoto, look out!”  Kyoko cried, taking his hands and tugging him so that her back was turned to the projectile, her body shielding him as she cried out “AGH!”

“Kyoko…agh!”  Makoto cried out, both of them falling unconscious as they felt the light envelop them, blinding them to their surroundings.

XXX

“Oww…my head…”  Kyoko groaned, her eyes fluttering open as and brought a hand to rest between her Tanuki Ears, feeling a dull headache.

“Urgh…Kyo…Kyoko…”

“Ma…Makoto?”  Kyoko asked, her vision finally coming into focus as she stared into Makoto’s gentle, yet shocked green eyes, their Tanuki Ears twitching in sync as they focused on each other.  “Wh…where are we?  And what happened?”

“I’m not sure exactly, but I’d say we’re somewhere in Hyrule Fields, outside the Castle.  Princess Zelda must have transported us somewhere with a magic spell.” 

Kyoko hummed as she mused Well…I don’t feel any pain, despite being hit by that ball of light energy, so it must not have been lethal…

He frowned as he asked worriedly “Are you okay, Kyoko?  You took a direct hit from Princess Zelda’s spell.”

Kyoko nodded “I’m fine, just a little disoriented, that’s all.”  Kyoko frowned as she looked into his worried eyes and asked in a worried tone of her own “What’s wrong, my love?  Are you hurt?”

Shaking away the blush that threatened to form, Makoto assured her “I’m fine, Kyoko.  But…why did you shield me like that?  You could have gotten seriously hurt if that spell had been lethal!”

Kyoko averted her eyes as she answered “…I was just…protecting you…”  She sighed and tried to drop the subject “Anyway, we’re fine, so it doesn’t matter…”

IT DOES MATTER!  YOU ALMOST THREW YOUR LIFE AWAY!  Makoto opened his mouth to object, only to utter “…Huh…?” as he felt a rather soft, squishy substance in his palm.  “What am I…”  Makoto wondered as he gave the mystery texture an experimental squeeze.

Kyoko shuddered in pleasure as she realized “W…wait…Makoto, you’re touching my…”

“Your…”  Makoto’s gaze wandered down to his hand, blushing with widened eyes as he saw his palm was directly against the peak of her breast, his fingers curled around the curve of her bosom.  “Ah!”  Makoto yelped as he quickly scrambled off of her, Kyoko reflexively crossing her arms over her breasts, hanging her head to hide her embarrassed blush as she bit her lip.

I get that it was an accident; worst case scenario, Makoto’s Ultimate Luck just allowed him to cop a feel.  But…are we ready for that?  We only just confessed our love the other day!  I know that he got to sneak a peek at my panties when I had trouble controlling my Bunny Powers…but are we ready to be…touching each other…?

Makoto meanwhile hung his head and apologized “I’m sorry!  I didn’t mean to squeeze your breast, I swear!  It was an accident, and I’ll make sure it never happens again!  You mean too much for me to disrespect your body like that Kyoko, and I’m sorry!  I’m SO SORRY…”

“Eeheheheheheheee…”

“Huh…?”  Makoto trailed off, looking up to see Kyoko giggling, her curtain of lavender hair obscuring her expression from view.

“Wh…what’s so funny?!”  Makoto demanded “I violated you!  I touched your…you know…when I didn’t have permission to!  So why are you…?”

Kyoko finally stopped laughing, looking up at him to reveal an amused smile as she explained “I’m sorry, Makoto, I shouldn’t have laughed at you…but you’re just so cute when you over apologize like this.”  Makoto stared at Kyoko, dumbfounded before Kyoko explained “I get it was just an accident, and I’m not going to stop loving you because you got to cop a feel, okay?” 

She crawled over to him, reaching to cradle his cheeks in her palms as she told him “One day we’ll take that step together and see and feel all of each other, but for now, let’s just enjoy being lucky in love, okay?”

Makoto gave a relieved smile, wagging his tail as he nodded “Y…yeah…”  He then frowned again and apologized “I’m still sorry for touching your breast without your permission…”

Kyoko smiled slyly and teased “…I’m not…”, giggling at Makoto’s blush.

*Grumble Grumble*

“Hm?”  Kyoko wondered as both their Tanuki Ears twitched, the Racoon Detective standing on her feet and turning around to see a group of green, troll like creatures approaching them, red eyes narrowed at them as they made unintelligible utterances.

“Makoto…”  Kyoko asked warily “…What are these creatures?  They don’t look anything like the Mushroom Kingdom…”  Indeed, they look much more threatening than any of the monsters we encountered over there…

Standing up, Makoto answered “…They’re Bokoblins; think of them like the Goombas and Koopa Troopas of this world.”

Kyoko nodded, asking “…And how difficult are they in a fight?”

“Well…they’re not tough one-on-one, but if they surround you, obviously they’re more of a challenge…”  Makoto explained, gulping as he thought But how are we gonna fight them?  I doubt our Racoon Powers are gonna be enough…if only we had some kind of blade…

Kyoko meanwhile narrowed her eyes, stepping in front of Makoto with her arms spread protectively, not letting her nervous fear show as she tried to formulate a strategy while the Bokoblin group marched over to them, clubs raised in preparation for battle.  Makoto’s teeth chattered, his Racoon Tail waving around erratically in fear as one of them let out a battle cry, only for a giant, orange hand to smack them aside, losing consciousness as they slammed against a nearby boulder.

“Huh?!”  Makoto and Kyoko exclaimed, the Racoon Detective’s eyes widening in shock while releieved excitement was painted on Makoto’s face.

A giant orange hand…that means…

Makoto’s thoughts were confirmed as a black and grey wolf trotted forward, snarling as a black and pale-blue imp wearing a rustic black helmet that exposed her red eye rode him, grinning at them and exposing a single fang.

I was right!  It’s Midna!  Midna riding on Wolf Link!  This is the coolest thing ever!

Kyoko sweatdropped at Makoto’s fanboyish grin before Midna giggled, catching their attention as she patted Wolf Link on the head, commenting “Those pests sure like to take a beating, don’t they?  Well, all the more fun for us, eh boy?”  Wolf Link growled before she stretched her arms into the air, shrugging “Ah, who asked you?  Anyway, as much fun as it is to beat up Zant’s minions, we have better things to do.”  She then floated off of Wolf Link and ordered “Oh, Link, do me a favor and finish off your prey.  Consider it your treat for being so helpful in that last temple.”

Wait, Link?  Did she just call her pet wolf Link?  Kyoko wondered as Wolf Link let out a growl before leaping towards the group of unconscious Bokoblins, baring his fangs as he proceeded to tear them apart limb from limb, their blood staining the grass crimson.

As Kyoko turned away from the carnage in front of her, she saw Makoto staring at Midna with a familiar, excited smile, causing Midna to frown and demand “And what are you looking at, shorty?”

Snapping out of his fanboy attitude, Makoto chuckled and apologized with a bow “S…sorry.  My name’s Makoto Naegi and this is…”

Midna waved him off, turning cheekily away from him and dismissing him “Yeah yeah, sorry shorty, but I don’t really have time for introductions.”  Kyoko pouted in anger at Midna as Wolf Link trotted up to her, nuzzling Midna and making her giggle as she patted his snout and praised “Good boy, Link, getting rid of those big, bad Bokoblins for me.”

Wolf Link rolled his eyes as Midna flipped in the air, landing on his back and making him grunt, turning his head back to the imp and glare at her.

She then looked over at Makoto, who excitedly smiled at her, then to Kyoko whose pouting expression was offset by the confusion dancing in her eyes.

“Hey, shorty!”

“Huh?”  Makoto asked, curious as Midna winked at them.

“You and your girlfriend make a cute couple, and unlike Link over here, you look kind of cute.  If only he had a girl to take care of him, he might not look so mangy…”  Midna sighed, shrugging “…Oh well, guess I’ll just have to keep doing it.”

Makoto and Kyoko sweatdropped while Wolf Link face-pawed, letting out something akin to a groan before rolling his eyes at Midna’s giggling insults.  He then stared at the Racoon Luckster as their respective female companions looked at the two, wondering what they were thinking about.

“H…hi there, Link…” …You and I…we’re kindred spirits, aren’t we…?  Makoto thought, smiling as he nodded and realized You have something important to do, just like we do…

Wolf Link nodded, giving something akin to a smile before yelping as Midna tugged on his blue earring and urging “Alright, Link, enough, dilly dallying, we have work to do.”  As Wolf Link shook his head and trotted ahead, Midna turned her head and called back “Farewell shorty!”

“Good luck!”  Makoto called back, the Racoon Luckster greeted with a wolf’s howl as Wolf Link and Midna vanished from sight.  He then turned back to Kyoko and commented with a smile “Well, we might not have gotten to meet Mario, but we did get to meet Zelda and Link!”

Kyoko’s brow furrowed as she asked “That reminds me…isn’t Link a human man?”  Seeing Makoto nod, Kyoko asked “Then why did that imp call her wolf Link?”

“Oh, in Twilight Princess Link can change into a Wolf.”

“Ah…”  Kyoko nodded “I get it…”  …I think…stupid, unpredictable video game logic…

“Hey?!”

“Huh?”  Makoto and Kyoko gasped as they turned around, seeing Hina, Byakuya, Toko, and Hiro running up to them, Hina bringing up the front as she waved at them, smiling.  “Hina…oof!”  They grunted as Hina tackled them into a bear hug.

“There you guys are!  We’ve been so worried about you!  After you guys didn’t come back from the castle, we decided to search the perimeter!”

Byakuya sighed before scolding “You really are a handful…you’re lucky you two are an integral part of our group or we would have just left you behind.”

“Hey, don’t be mean!”  Hiro defended “I’m sure the little dude just wanted to experience another video game world from his childhood and got excited.”

Makoto chuckled sheepishly, scratching his cheek as he admitted “…Actually…I didn’t start playing the Legend of Zelda until I was twelve.”

“What?”  Kyoko gasped, thinking With how excited you were, I was under the impression that you had been playing these games all your life!

Makoto smiled and nodded “Yeah, I started when my Dad got me an old Nintendo 64 with Ocarina of Time.  It wasn’t until I was thirteen that I got a Wii and played Twilight Princess.” Stars appeared in Makoto’s eyes as he gushed “That’s my favorite Zelda game of all time!”

Everyone else sweatdropped as Makoto shook himself out of his fanboy mode and turned to Hiro, thanking “Thanks for sticking up for me Hiro, but Byakuya and Kyoko are right; I shouldn’t have just run…er, flown off.”  He bowed and apologized “Sorry, everyone.”

Kyoko smiled at Makoto’s maturity with pride as Byakuya stared at him before sighing “…At least Kirigiri knocked some sense into you.  Just be sure to stay with the group from now on.”

“Yeah, it’d be a p…pain to lose track of you guys…”  Toko muttered, making Makoto smile knowingly at the couple.

Byakuya and Toko may be a bit harsh at times…but they really do consider us friends…  He then saw Kyoko and Toko glare competitively at each other, causing him to sweatdrop as he amended …maybe not all of us…

Hiro gave him a thumbs-up, while Hina cooed “Aww, I could never be mad at you for that, Makoto!”

Makoto suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder, making him turn to see Kyoko smiling at him. 

As he returned her smile, Kyoko felt a rumbling in her jacket pocket, making her wonder “Hm?” as she fished the Magenti-Star out of her jacket.

The survivors watched as the Magenti-Star floated above Kyoko’s palm before circling above them, causing them to huddle close without another word as it let out faint magenta pulses, enveloping them in a similarly colored light.

Finally, we’re going home…hopefully…  They all thought as the land of Hyrule gradually disappeared.

The blinding light and the feel of Kyoko’s arm and tail wrapping protectively around him make Makoto flash back to the moment when Kyoko took the brunt of Princess Zelda’s spell.

Kyoko thought that her spell was going to hurt, or even kill us, but her first instinct was to take the brunt of it for me.  Was…was she willing to sacrifice herself for me?  What does this mean?!

Any further thoughts on the matter were silenced as they and the Magenti-Star disappeared, leaving only a peaceful Hyrule in its wake.

Chapter Text

“All of those events took place within a fictional world known as Danganronpa.”

“I told you that ain’t happenin’, you dumb sea urchin-headed…wait, that’s me!”

“Well duh!  It’s so you’d all play the killing game!”

“Th-the outside world is p-peace itself.  There’s n-no despair or wars and…”

“All the people in this peaceful world are straight-up crazy for this killing game!”

“The Biggest, Most Awful, Most Tragic Event in Human History never happened…Hope’s Peak, the Future Foundation, and the Remnants of Despair do not exist…”

Shuichi, Maki, Himiko, and Keebo watched in horror as they reflected on the revelations uttered by their classmate, Tsumugi Shirogane, as she went on a cosplaying rant where she dressed up as Kyoko Kirigiri, Yasuhiro Hagakure, Aoi Asahina, Toko Fukawa, Genocide Jack, and Byakuya Togami.  Himiko was left crying while Maki grit her teeth in anger.

While the survivors were drowning in their own turmoil, Tsumugi transformed once more, cosplaying as the Ultimate Hope himself, Makoto Naegi, and issued “I know it seems hopeless…but you all still have the Ultimate Choice to make!  You have to choose between hope…”  Tsumugi then cosplayed as the Ultimate Despair herself, Junko Enoshima, and continued “…or you can choose Despair, and let Danganronpa continue to entertain millions of people around the world!”

“…Let’s maintain calm, everyone…”  Keebo tried to assure them.  “…no positive outcome can possibly result from voting for…”

“Voting for Despair?”  Junko interrupted, silencing Keebo as she chastised “Don’t you realize that by voting for despair, you’ll actually be giving hope to the outside world?”

“…What hope…?”  Shuichi retorted in anger.  “There’s no hope that can result from more and more killing games!”

“Shuichi’s right!  Just…just stop it!”  Himiko cried as Maki turned her back, silent tears falling out of view of the camera feed.

“Ah, now this is some nice despair…though it’s still only about B-rate…”  Monokuma sighed “Not like the original guys…boy, that takes me back!  Seeing those guys wallow in hopelessness…boy, that was some real A-Rate Despair!”

Junko meanwhile laughed and told Shuichi “Well…B-Rate or A-Rate, doesn’t really matter at this point.  Shuichi, with Kaede gone, it’s up to you as the new protagonist to lead the others to your future.  But what will you choose?  Will you choose to hope?  Or will you choose to despair?”

“…I…”  What?!

A magenta light flashed in the middle of the trial room, blinding everyone as Junko exclaimed “Wh…what’s going on?!  This wasn’t in the screenplay!”

Huh?  Then…if Tsumugi isn’t doing this…then…who…

Once the light dimmed and dissipated, they got their answer; Makoto, Kyoko, Byakuya, Toko, Hina, and Hiro stood in the center, dazed as they tried to collect their bearings.

Monokuma gaped, stammering “It…it can’t be…but it’s…them?!?!”

Makoto shook the daze away, locking eyes with Shuichi and cocking his head in confusion while the Ultimate Detective narrowed his eyes in anger.

Coming out of her daze next, Hina looked around, then paled as she quietly mumbled “Ummm…I think we…we made it home…”

Byakuya nodded, apprehensively concurring “We must have; look at this place, it looks almost identical to the Class Trials we’ve taken part in.”

“Yeah but…”  Toko pointed at Shuichi, Maki, Himiko, and Keebo and demanded “Wh…who are th…those people?!  I’ve never se…seen them in my li…life!”

Cradlign her chin in contemplation, Kyoko postulated “It would seem…that we’re back in our own world, but we could be in a different Class Trial with different students from Hope’s Peak Academy.”

Makoto furrowed his brow and wondered “But if that’s the case…just how long were we gone?!”

“OHHHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOO!”  Hiro screamed, the others watching with disturbed expressions as he fell to his knees before crawling backwards until his back was against Himiko’s podium, holding his head with one hand and pointing to behind the others with his other.  “She…she can’t be here!  She…she’s DEAD!”

Dead…what’s Hiro…oh no…  The others thought with dread as the shakily turned around, their eyes bulging out of their heads as they took in the sight of both Monokuma and a very confused Junko Enoshima.  Ju…JUNKO?!  And MONOKUMA?!

Hina wrapped her arms around her trembling frame as she fell to her knees, hyperventilating as Byakuya shook his head, muttering “Th…This is…” as Toko buried her face against Byakuya’s chest, the former Affluent Progeny wrapping his arms around her in a gesture of mutual comfort.

Of all the places the Magenti-Star could have taken us…WHY did it have to take us to a world with both Monokuma AND Junko?!  Makoto panicked, staring in fear at his arch-nemeses before his view was blocked by a protective wall of lavender.  “K…Kyoko…”

Kyoko narrowed her eyes, holding back tears as Makoto’s terrified face as the Garbage Press threatened to end his life flashed though her mind.

Never again…NEVER AGAIN WILL I LET YOU LAY ONE FINGER ON MAKOTO’S HEAD, JUNKO ENOSHIMA!  She pointed a gloved finger at Junko and demanded “…What’s going on here?!”

Cocking her head in confusion, Junko’s eyes widened in realization as she deduced “Ohh…you guys must be extra cosplayers who wanted to be part of my show so bad, they crashed the party.”  She shrugged “Well, it’s fine I guess…it wasn’t in my script, but at least it keeps things from getting boring…”

Cosplayers?  Makoto, Kyoko, and Byakuya wondered, their brows furrowing as they stared at Junko, Makoto peeking out from behind Kyoko.

“I…I think this is some kind of Class Trial…but it’s different from the kinds we were in…”  Makoto continued to glance over Junko’s form, thinking Junko looks…just like she did before she executed herself…wait…  Makoto’s eyes widened as he realized No, that’s wrong!  Her eyes…they don’t give off the same love for Despair that Junko did…NO!  She looks more like she’s excited to see her favorite TV show or playing her favorite video game…like how Komaru was when we were kids…

With a more determined focus, Makoto stared into Junko’s eyes once more before realizing And there’s more…in her right eye is a V, and in her left is a 3…but that’s not natural!    Taking a deep breath, he walked next to his girlfriend and told her “Kyoko…something’s off about Junko, especially her eyes.”

Kyoko’s brow furrowed in intrigue before she stared into Junko’s eyes as well, nodding as she cradled her chin in her palm again and commented “Indeed; it’s strange for Junko to be wearing contacts, and it’s certainly not normal for human eyes to have markings that represent letters or numbers.”

Junko then interrupted their contemplation, commenting “Ya know, I’ve gotta say, it’s oddly cute seeing a couple of cosplayers adding Racoon tails and Tanuki Ears to their cosplays.  I do enjoy seeing a Naegiri cosplay with some interesting crossover twists…”

Again with the cosplay talk?!  The Class 78^th survivors wondered as Kyoko’s brow furrowed.

“I don’t know much about cosplay…but this Junko is clearly wearing a wig.  I can see strands of blue hair peeking through the strawberry blonde hair.”

Byakuya’s brow furrowed as Makoto looked at him, the two nodding in understanding before the Ultimate Hope looked to his girlfriend, nodding at her before he looked Junko straight in the eyes and asked “Who are you?” causing Hina and Hiro to look up at him, their despair replaced with confused curiosity.

Junko withdrew a crown and placed it on her head before boasting “Who are we?  Listen well peasants, for we are Junko Enoshima…”

“NO, THAT’S WRONG!”  Junko trailed off as Makoto pointed at her, a defiant glare in his eyes as he accused “You’re lying, whoever you are.”

“Wow, you even sound like the original protagonist!  It’s been so long, I had almost forgotten!  Nyohohohoho!”  Monokuma gushed.

Makoto did his best to ignore Monokuma’s words as Junko frowned, tossing the crown off her head, grumbling “Alright alright, you got me; I’m not the original Junko Enoshima…”  She shifted into her rock star persona and proclaimed “I’m actually Junko Enoshima the Fuckin’ 53^rd!”

Makoto shook his head and denied “No, you’re still lying.  Whether it’s the first or the 53^rd, you’re not Junko Enoshima.”

Kyoko nodded “Indeed; while Junko Enoshima has the perfect ensemble of designer clothes and accessories…”  not to mention attitude… “…she has no desire to cosplay; her sole focus is to spread despair throughout the world.”

“That’s not untrue.”  Monokuma interjected, only to be ignored.  Sighing, he muttered “Nobody pays attention to the original mascot anymore…”

“W…what does that even m…mean…?”  Toko stuttered, hearing Kyoko’s words.

Byakuya sighed as he pointed out “Turn around and look my dear; this is nothing but a farce.” 

As Toko looked up at Byakuya, then turned around to look at Junko, the former Affluent Progeny glared along with Makoto, Kyoko, and Hina who was just standing up.

“Enough of this charade; show us who you really are!”

Their eyes bulged out of their heads however, when Junko smiled and disappeared into a puff of smoke before dissipating, revealing a nearly perfect replica of Makoto, sans Racoon Tail and Tanuki Ears.

Kyoko shook her head, gnashing her teeth as she denied “That…that can’t be…my…”

Giving a perfect replica of the real Makoto’s hope-filled smile, Tsumugi replied “I am Makoto Naegi of course, and I am the protagonist of Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc.”

“D…Danganronpa?  Trigger Happy Havoc?”  Makoto asked, giving a bewildered stare to his doppelganger, who sighed in exasperation.

“Geez, are we really gonna go down this route?  Your amnesia shouldn’t even apply here…alright fine.”  Tsumugi explained “Danganronpa is a video game, anime, and reality TV franchise that entertains millions of people all around the world!  And the very first was Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc!  Currently, we’re at the season finale of the 53^rd season, titled Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony.”  Tsumugi then gestured to Shuichi, Himiko, Maki, and Keebo, and explained “These four survivors will have to choose between Hope and Despair!”

Makoto bristled, stammering “B…but…that’s exactly the choice Junko forced on us at Hope’s Peak Academy!”

Tsumugi shrugged, smiling as she justified “That’s just the way it’s always been.  If they choose Despair, then all of them will die.  But if they choose Hope, then these four survivors will survive and get to leave the Academy for Gifted Juveniles, and Danganronpa will continue to entertain the world for another season!”

“Um…so…does choosing Hope mean that this crazy show will…continue…?”  Hina hesitantly asked.

Tsumugi nodded “That’s right; Danganronpa’s Hope will continue to entertain millions…”

“NO, THAT’S WRONG!”  The others stared at Makoto, then to Kyoko as the Racoon Luckster stared in shocked awe at his girlfriend.  Kyoko pointed at Tsumugi, rage pooling in her violet eyes as she growled in a dangerous voice “”How dare you try and claim that this Killing Game is a means of escapism!  How dare you try and use Hope as a gimmick for continuing this crazy game!”

“Kyoko…”  Makoto muttered, about to grasp her shoulder in comfort and affection, only for her to slap it aside as she stomped over towards Tsumugi, the real Makoto unable to speak as he watched his girlfriend confront his doppelganger.

“Using Makoto Naegi’s appearance, voice, and Hope to promote more killing games…I’ve never seen something more disgusting in my life!”  At last, Kyoko came to a stop, the two able to feel each other’s breaths tickling their skin as Kyoko demanded “Just who do you think you are?!”

Tsumugi raised an eyebrow and smiled, making Kyoko shudder on the inside at the sight of Makoto’s purehearted smile being used for nefarious purposes before he disappeared in a puff of smoke.  Kyoko’s eyes widened in shock as the smoke dissipated to reveal a Pre-Mushroom Kingdom replica of herself.

“My name is…Kyoko Kirigiri, the Ultimate Detective.”

“Ultimate…Detective…?”  Shuichi muttered under his breath as Kyoko shook the shock from her mind.

She crossed her arms over her breasts and smirked, taunting “Oh, that’s cute.”

Her doppelganger gasped, pointing her finger at the real Kyoko as she exclaimed “Y…you’re not acting like Kyoko Kirigiri at all?!”

The others sweatdropped, Makoto pondering What does she mean; that’s the one and only Kyoko Kirigiri!  Whoever this person is, they’ve been going on and on about cosplaying and acting…almost like we’re characters in a…no…

Makoto’s face paled while a still smirking Kyoko asked “Alright then, why don’t you tell me how Kyoko Kirigiri is supposed to act?”  Whoever this phony is…they must have quite a bit of information about us…maybe even our deceased classmates as well…this is the perfect opportunity to test how far their knowledge goes…

“Wow, now this is EXTREME!”  Monokuma gasped.  “This Kyoko is acting exactly like how she was in Trigger Happy Havoc…she even gets angry like she did whenever she would argue with Muku…whoa, that was a close one!”

The others merely ignored Monokuma however, leaving Tsumugi to smirk at Kyoko and announce “Very well then; allow me to educate you on the history of Kyoko Kirigiri, you amateur cosplayer!  Kyoko Kirigiri was born the only child to Jin Kirigiri and an unnamed woman from the Uzuchi family.  At the age of seven, her Mother passed away from an illness.” 

“Soon after, her Father walked out on her, leaving her Grandfather Fuhito Kirigiri as her sole guardian, and her mentor as a Detective.  During her training, she befriended a Detective named Yui Samidare.  Yui’s betrayal of Kyoko’s trust caused her hands to be permanently scarred from severe, third-degree burns, leading her to wear purple, studded gloves to remind her of her mistake.”

Kyoko…  Makoto thought, his heart going out to her as he processed all the suffering she had endured at such a young age.

She…she’s described my life to perfection…but how…how did she know…I made sure nothing about my life could be found online!  Kyoko thought, her eyes widening in shock as her smirk had long dropped from her face.

“She was then scouted by Hope’s Peak Academy as the Ultimate Detective, entering as the Ultimate Detective of Class 78^th,.  It was her intention to cut ties with her Father, who had since become the Headmaster of Hope’s Peak Academy.  However, she ended up reconnecting with him instead, thanks to the friendship of the Ultimate Lucky Student Makoto Naegi, who she began to date within a few months of meeting.”

…Is…is that true?  Makoto…Makoto and I…dated before we lost our memories?!

Kyoko’s ponderings were interrupted as Tsumugi continued “A year after enrolling in Hope’s Peak Academy, the Ultimate Despair, Junko Enoshima and Mukuro Ikusaba, started a global phenomenon called the Tragedy that caused the world to sink into Despair.  She and her classmates were then sheltered inside Hope’s Peak Academy for their own protection.  This backfired however when Junko Enoshima and Mukuro Ikusaba executed the Headmaster and suppressed their memories, forcing them to become participants in the School Life of Mutual Killing.”

That’s essentially what Junko told us when we unmasked her as Mukuro’s killer.  But how does this person know about that?

“Over the course of the Killing Game, Kyoko Kirigiri became instrumental in ensuring the survival of the remaining participants.  Eventually, she became a threat to the Mastermind Junko Enoshima, and forced her to use the Class Trial system to attempt to murder Kyoko.  First she tried to murder Makoto Naegi in his bed, but was thwarted by a protective Kyoko Kirigiri.  This forced Junko to shift to a backup plan, using Mukuro Ikusaba’s corpse, who she had executed soon after Sayaka Maizono’s murder, and use a bomb to obscure its identity.  Because of the actions of Byakuya Togami, Toko Fukawa, Aoi Asahina, and Yasuhiro Hagakure, only she and Makoto Naegi were left as viable suspects during the Class Trial.”

Kyoko paled, realizing …No…please no…

“Taking advantage of Makoto’s kind and protective nature, she sacrificed Makoto, who Junko was willing to accept as a consolation prize, in order to ensure her survival.”

What the…Kyoko never took advantage of me!  I chose to take the fall for her, to save her life!  Kyoko, don’t listen to this imposter!  Makoto thought, gnashing his teeth in rage as his previous thoughts completely disappeared, now focused on the mental torture Kyoko was being subjected to.

Completely oblivious to Makoto’s thoughts, Kyoko felt tears trickling down her cheeks as Makoto’s terrified face from his failed execution flashed in front of her eyes over and over again.

I remember that day…it was the worst day of my life!  I want…I want to take it back…SO BADLY!  I abandoned Makoto…abandoned the boy I love to die…and no matter how much he may smile at me and insist that he forgives me…I can NEVER for give myself for how I threw him under the bus to ensure my own survival!  Not until the day I die!  And for this…this monster…to just recount it like some historical event…

“Luckily a virus saved Makoto’s life, allowing Kyoko Kirigiri to…AAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!”  Tsumugi screamed as Kyoko curled her hand into a fist and decked Tsumugi right between the eyes, causing the Ultimate Cosplayer to fly backwards, her wig flying off along with one of her contacts, revealing an olive-colored eye and hair as blue as Sayaka’s was.

The others blinked, gaping at the uncharacteristic show of violence from the Ultimate Detective, who was hyperventilating as she struggled to calm down, still feeling the rage boiling in her heart.

“Kyoko…”  Makoto muttered, staring worriedly at his girlfriend as he realized Kyoko…she…she’s really angry…but is she angry at that imposter…or…is she angry at herself…for what happened during Mukuro’s Class Trial?

Tsumugi nursed her aching jaw as she spit out a few specks of blood, as well as a loose tooth before glaring at Kyoko and exclaiming “What the hell is wrong with you, bitch?!  Kyoko Kirigiri isn’t Mondo; she wouldn’t punch the Mastermind!”

Kyoko smirked victoriously, crossing her arms over her breasts as she countered “Well, it seems that you don’t know me as well as you thought.”

Maki looked over to her and interjected “Um…Kyoko, was it?  Thanks for decking Tsumugi; it was satisfying to see her finally knocked down a peg.”

Kyoko smiled and nodded “My pleasure, Miss…”

“Harukawa…Maki Harukawa.”

“Ah, Harukawa-san…if it would please you and your comrades feel better, I wouldn’t mind giving her a black eye as well.  Besides, I still have some steam I need to blow off.”

“By all means, go right ahead.  Shuichi?”

“I’ll just pretend I sneezed and was forced to close my eyes.  What about you, Himiko?”

“Go for it!  She deserves it for killing Tenko and the others!”

Keebo sighed and lamented “Normally, I’d advise against needless violence…but if anyone deserves it, it’s the Mastermind.  My programming cannot determine a reason to halt a non-fatal brawl at this time.”

“Wh…what?!”  Tsumugi shrieked, shakily getting to her feet as she looked to Monokuma and demanded “Monokuma, help me out here!”

“Now why would I do that?!  You know I can’t interfere unless someone breaks a school regulation, and a brawl isn’t breaking school regulations.  Even if it was, Kyoko Kirigiri isn’t a participant of the Killing School Semester, so the rules don’t apply to her.  Besides…there’s no way I’m missing a catfight involving Kyoko Kirigiri!  It’s so EXTREEEEMMMMMMEEEEEEE!”

I never thought I’d see a day where Monokuma was on my side…  Kyoko thought dryly.

Tsumugi sighed as Monokuma started digging into a tub of popcorn before she decided “…Guess I’ve got no choice…”

She then clapped her hands, causing five new Monokumas with different design variations to drop from the ceiling, forming a protective wall between Kyoko and Tsumugi.

The Class 78 survivors’ eyes bulged as Toko screamed “Aaaahhhhhh!  What the f….fuck are those th…things?!”

“Allow us to introduce ourselves…I am Monotaro!”

“Monosuke!”

“Monophanie!”

“Monodam!”

“And Monokid!”

They then formed a team pose and exclaimed “Rise and shine, ursine!  With our powers combined, we are the Monokubs!”

…Monokubs…  The Class 78^th survivors thought, sweatdropping at the overdramatic introduction.

“MY CUBS!”  Monokuma teared up, gushing “MY CUTE LITTLE CUBS CAME BACK TO ME!”

“FATHER!”  They all exclaimed in unison, causing the Class 78^th survivors to shudder at the Monokuma family display.

Byakuya pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering “Kami, Monokuma’s multiplied!”

“I thought one was bad enough…”  Makoto muttered.

Monotaro coughed awkwardly before stating “…Anyway…we can’t allow youse guys to harm Tsumugi here.”

“Oh no, that would leave this trial room staned with your blood and guts everywhere…and that just makes me wanna vomit!”  Monophanie nodded.

Kyoko sweatdropped before relenting “…Fine…”, walking back over to her boyfriend as Tsumugi and the Monokubs sighed in relief.

“Aww…I wanted to see a Kirigiri catfight!”  Monokuma groaned, only to be ignored by everyone else.

“…Anyways…”  Kyoko crossed her arms and demanded “This…Danganronpa…is over; we will not allow another killing game to continue!”

As the others nodded in agreement, Tsumugi spat “Nonsense; the show must go on!”

Makoto shook his head, denying “Tsumugi…you need to stop this, right now!”

“Oh, but it’s not up to me…”  She pointed to Shuichi and insisted “It’s up to Shuichi and the other survivors of the Killing School Semester!  Not to mention the millions of viewers watching this show from home!”

“But that’s absurd!”  Makoto insisted “You can’t use a Killing Game as a means of entertainment!  You’re toying with people’s lives here!”

Tsumugi cocked her head in confusion and admitted “You know, I just don’t get it.  Why is some crossover cosplayer trying so hard to act like Makoto Naegi?  I mean, I admite the whole dedication to your performance…”

Miffed, Makoto interjected “It’s not an act!  My name is Makoto Naegi!”

Smiling, Tsumugi suggested “I see…well, let’s test that theory, shall we?”

Tsumugi disappeared in a puff of smoke, Makoto’s eyes widening as a near perfect replica of his first love, Sayaka Maizono, appeared in her place.

Sa…Sayaka…?  Makoto stammered in his head, paling as the memories of her death flashed in his mind again.

…I’ve got a bad feeling about this…  Kyoko thought as she dreaded what the fake Sayaka was going to say to Makoto.  Given how my own doppelganger toyed with my own emotions…I just know this won’t end well.

“Um, if you don’t mind?  Could we maybe switch rooms?  Just for tonight?”

Th…those were her exact words!  When she tried to set me up so she could kill Leon and escape!

Kyoko grit her teeth as the faux Sayaka told him with a cheery smile and giggle “Those were Sayaka Maizono’s exact words when she persuaded Makoto Naegi to unwittingly help her with her murder plan.  She would kill Leon in Makoto’s room, leaving him as the perfect scapegoat.  But she underestimated Leon’s strength and reflexes, and ended up being murdered by a hotheaded Leon instead.”

“N…no…that’s…”

Sayaka then disappeared, swiftly replaced by a copy of Leon Kuwata as he continued “But you just had to find me guilty!  I was totally innocent, but you and the others sent me to my death anyway!  Do you have any idea how painful it was?  Being shot to death by all those baseballs?!  And it’s all your fault, Makoto Naegi!  You’re stupid!  Stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid!”

His confidence shattered, Makoto hung his head, tears trickling down his cheeks as he sobbed “…I…I am stupid…I could have stopped it…I could have stopped it all.  I could have stopped Sayaka’s murder plan by insisting we sleep in the same room.  I could have stopped Mondo’s tantrum by insisting that we all share our secrets together.  I could have been a little more suspicious of Celeste.  I should have worked harder to convince everyone to believe in Sakura.  And I should have stopped Mukuro from stepping on Monokuma…then we wouldn’t have had any victims, and Junko never would have been able to try and frame Kyoko.  But I didn’t do any of those things…I’m…so stupid…”

“No, that’s wrong!”  Kyoko grit her teeth, clenching her fist as she growled “How dare you toy with Makoto’s emotions like that!  You treat his sorrow like something to be manipulated!  Where do you get off, Tsumugi?!”

Tsumugi merely smiled and asked, still cosplaying as Leon “Oh, you think I don’t know about sorrow?  Well then…”  Leon disappeared into a puff of smoke before reappearing as Junko and questioning “…why don’t you tell me all about it.  Tell me how you felt when you found your Father’s bones in his office, all wrapped up like a present.”

“No way…that’s…too cruel…” Hina gasped, the others frowning in concern for the Racoon Detective.

“Let me take a guess…you probably mourned his death and whatever chance you had to reconnect with your Father again, the Father that had become the center of your world.  You probably started bawling when you sent Makoto away to investigate, crying like the little girl you really are.”

“Th…that’s not true…”  Kyoko weakly lied, feeling her eyes water as the memory of her doing exactly that, and craving Makoto’s warm, comforting embrace as she cried, flooded her mind.

“Kyoko…”  Hina muttered, filling Makoto’s role as he was too wrapped up in his own despair to notice.

As if that wasn’t enough, Junko disappeared in yet another puff of smoke, reappearing as Makoto as Tsumugi taunted “You must be used to pushing people away, right?  Just like you did to me when I didn’t tell you about Sakura’s duel with Monokuma.  Or when you abandoned me to die under that garbage press so that you could survive and solve your mystery.”

Kyoko slammed her hands over her ears, shouting as she cried “THAT’S ENOUGH!  I DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT!”

Tsumugi smirked before changing her appearance yet again, this time to Kyoko before weaving between the podiums and behind Kyoko, hissing in her ear “In the end, you can’t trust anyone but yourself…everyone lies to you.”

“SHUT UP!  SHUT UP!  SHUT UP!  YAMERO!  YAMERO!  YAMERO!”  Kyoko screamed, falling to her knees as she thought to herself Please!  Just make it go away!

“Alright, that’s it!”  Byakuya, Toko, Hiro, and Tsumugi shifted their gaze to a now seething Hina, who clenched her fists and shouted “Leave my friends alone!  I won’t allow you to torment them any…”

Hina gasped, trailing off as Kyoko’s doppelganger disappeared in a puff of smoke before reappearing as her best friend, Sakura Ogami.

“Sa…Sakura?”

Sakura smiled, nodding “Hina…I’m so happy to see you all united…now I know my suicide wasn’t in vain.”

No…this can’t be!  I wanted to see Sakura again…but not like this!  Not toying with our emotions like this!  The real Sakura was much more honorable than that!

“Hina…I’m proud of you…you were willing to avenge my death no matter what the cost…even though it played right into Monokuma’s hands.”

“No…”  Hina gasped, falling to her knees in despair.

Toko grit her teeth, exclaiming “That’s e…enough.  It’s time I do s…something about y…you…”

Toko gasped, trailing off as Tsumugi once again changed forms, this time into her own alter ego, Genocide Jill.

“Oh, please, a shut-in like you shouldn’t be this bold.  After all…who’d want to rely on some useless writer with a serial killer as a split personality?!”

“N…no way…h…her?!”  Toko gasped, feeling the world around her disappear in a blur as she despaired Why did I have to meet h…her??!  She’s caused me so much pain and mi…misery!

“Toko, snap out of it!”  Byakuya exclaimed as he shook her by the shoulders, only for his efforts to be in vain as she refused to snap out of it.  Glaring at Tsumugi, Byakuya demanded “You, imposter, stop this nonsense at once…”

“And why do you wish to help Toko?”  Byakuya trailed off, confronted with the sight of his own doppelganger as he continued “She’s merely annoying trash, not at all worthy of being with the great Byakuya Togami.”

Red with fury, Byakuya grit his teeth and clenched his fist, retorting “I care about the people who can serve me well, and this woman is far more useful than first impressions would lead you to believe.”

Byakuya’s eyes widened as Tsumugi changed form once more, this time into Chihiro Fujisaki, who asked “So…was I a useful friend then, when you strung up my corpse to make the second Class Trial more interesting?”

“Th…this is…”  Byakuya muttered, biting his fingernails once before clenching his fist and gritting his teeth, pointing at Tsumugi and demanding “How do you know so much about us?!”

Makoto, Kyoko, Hina, and Toko shook themselves out of their despair-filled trances, just enough to stand and look at Tsumugi as she reverted back to her normal self as she explained “Oh, it’s simple.  I’m a huge Danganronpa fan; I’ve played all the games and watched the animes that you all have starred in.”

Makoto paled, uttering “So…we really are just…video game…characters…?”

H…HUH?!  His friends exclaimed in their minds, their eyes bulging in disbelief.

Tsumugi nodded “That’s right; I’m real while you’re all fictional!  Oh, you must be feeling such despair right now!  HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!”

“Hmm…I wonder how Hope Boy will speech his way out of this one…”  Monokuma mused as he looked at the shocked Class 78^th Survivors.

“M…me…Byakuya Togami, a fictional character?  That’s lu…ludicrous!”  Byakuya shook his head in denial, his face paling at the truth.

Toko held her head in her hands as she stuttered “So my t…troubled past was all just someone’s enter…entertainment?!”

Hina’s face turned pale as a ghost, the Frog-Suited Swimmer gasping “So…I have no control over my own life?  Reaching for that gold medal isn’t even my own dream?!”

C…Calm down, Kyoko…this is all one big lie…the scars on your hands, your Detective training, the Killing Game you survived, your love for Makoto…those are real…those are real…aren’t they…?

Yet for all her efforts, Kyoko found herself unable to regain her composure.  Desperate for a life raft of hope to keep her from drowning in an ocean of despair, she turned to Makoto, only for the last of her hope to be extinguished as she saw his normally bright green eyes darken in despair.

Ma…Makoto…you too…?

Makoto’s lip quivered as he uttered “…This is exactly why I didn’t tell Captain Toad about the Super Mario Bros. games back in the Mushroom Kingdom…because he’d be feeling just like we are right now.”  Makoto looked up at Tsumugi and asked “If we’re just fictional characters…then…what’s the point of even existing.”

Tsumugi smiled and replied simply “It’s all for the sake of Danganronpa!”

As Makoto, Kyoko, Byakuya, Hina, and Toko felt themselves drown further and further into despair, their eyes turned into black and white swirls as their lips curled into creepy, hopeless smiles.

“NO, THAT’S WRONG!”

“Huh?”  Everyone uttered, looking to Makoto, who looked just as bewildered and disheartened.  Wait…if Makoto didn’t say his catchphrase, then who…

They turned their gaze, their eyes widening as they saw the Ultimate Clairvoyant glaring at Tsumugi, pointing his finger at the Ultimate Cosplayer with a hopeful determination in his eyes.

HIRO?!

XXX

Intermission

“Welcome, everyone, to the first ever Trial Six Intermission!”

“But Father, we’ve never had an intermission for the final Class Trial before!”

“And that was a super duper majorly bad mistake on the part of the developers!  So bad it’s almost magical!  Ultra magical awful awful attack!”

“Huh?  But why, Father?”

“I’ll tell you!  Trigger Happy Havoc’s was short enough to not need one, but Goodbye Despair’s was such a long plot dump!  A good chunk of our audience probably had to go grab a snack out of boredom!  And this one would have been even worse; it ended up being a record FOUR HOURS LONG!  That’s longer than a Lord of the Rings movie!”

“Ah, so you decided to give the player a break halfway through?”

“Exactly!  That was we can keep the audience’s attention!”

“Okay, but Daddy…why did we put the intermission at such a cliffhanger?”

“Well, naturally we want to keep the audience hooked and tempted to skip the break entirely so thay play through the whole thing in one sitting!”

“Huh?  But Father…why have an intermission at all if you just want the player to play the whole Class Trial in one sitting?”

“IT’S ABOUT GIVING THE PLAYER OPTIONS, GODDAMMIT!  ARE ALL CUBS AS SILLY AND STUPID AS YOU?!”

“Eeek!  Daddy’s scary….!”

Chapter Text

“Yo!  The name’s Yasuhiro Hagakure.  Hiro for short.”

“We finally got home, only to land in the middle of another Class Trial, complete with a Monokuma and a Junko copycat who looks and sounds like Sayaka!”

“As if that wasn’t enough, she just told us that we’re all fictional character!”

“This bites…everyone’s fallen into despair; even Makoto!”

“But too bad for her, I just remembered something that’s gonna save us all!  That’s right, I’m actually gonna be useful for once!”

“So watch out!  Yasuhiro Hagakure is gonna beat the Mastermind and get us all home!”

“Oh, and don’t forget to kudo and comment!”

XXX

Makoto, Kyoko, Byakuya, Hina, and Toko stared at Hiro, his unusually hopeful, determined stare a sharp contrast to the black and white, despair-filled swirls in their eyes as he pointed at Tsumugi.  Tsumugi blinked, a bewildered look in her eyes before howled in laughter, tears streaming down her cheeks as she doubled over, clutching her belly as she processed the hilarity of the situation.

Hiro sweatdropped before Tsumugi finally calmed down, albeit still laughing as she asked “You?!  Yasuhiro Hagakure, is gonna be the PROTAGONIST?!  What a joke!”

“HEY!  DON’T BE MEAN!”  An indignant Hiro protested, an annoyed expression on his face.

“Please, you’ll never bring your friends back from despair…”

“Are you sure about that?!”  Monokuma wondered, shutting up Tsumugi’s laughter and causing her to turn with a confused expression towards the mascot.

She then turned back to Hiro, who still had a hopeful determination in his eyes before vanishing into a puff of smoke, reappearing as a copy of Hiro himself before placing her hands on her hips and scoffing “Please, I’m nothing but a comic relief character, for serious!  I’m just a clown who nobody’s supposed to take seriously.  For kami’s sake, I was the victim in the Trigger Happy Havoc demo, not to mention the Ace Attorney Crossover!”

“BE QUIET YOU!”

The fake Hiro shut up, stunned by Hiro’s uncharacteristic show of backbone before asking “What the hell are you…”

“I said be quiet me…you…ummm…person…umm…girl who looks and sounds like Sayaka.”

“…Her name is Tsumugi…”  Monokuma informed him, facepalming out of exasperation at Hiro’s butchered retort.

“Yeah!  Be quiet, Tsumugi!”  Hiro exclaimed, thinking I really should have paid better attention.  But I was so freaked out by Monokuma that I didn’t even pay attention to those new kids’ names.  Who was that girl who Kyoko talked to again?  Hattakawa?  Weird name…  Hiro slapped his cheeks telling himself Focus, Hagakure!  You’ve gotta tell everyone what you remembered from the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Tarot and Fortune Telling!

Hiro glared at Tsumugi once more and declared “I have something to say…but first…Tsumugi, stop dressing up as me!”

W…what the hell?!  Why is Hiro speaking with such an aggressive edge in his voice?  It’s really unnerving!

Tsumugi reluctantly nodded, vanishing in a puff of smoke until she reappeared as her usual self.

Hiro took a deep breath before beginning “Everyone…”

“Oh, this outta be interesting!”  Monokuma interrupted, digging into a bag of popcorn as he urged between bites “…Continue, Hiro…”

Hiro glared at Monokuma before sighing and continuing “Everyone, Tsumugi is wrong!  We’re not video game or anime characters!  We’re real people!”  Hiro put his hands on his hips, grinning proudly as he thought Try and refute that, Tsumugi!

Hiro frowned as he heard a feminine chuckle and turned around to see Kyoko chuckling “…Wow, Tsumugi is right; you are the comic relief character.”

Makoto, Byakuya, Hina, and Toko joined Kyoko in a chorus of despairful chuckles as the Racoon Detective stared at the floor, her long lavender hair forming a curtain and obscuring her Junko-esque smile.

Hiro started to sweat, panicking This is bad!  They won’t even listen to me in this state!  What do I…

“Hagakure!”

“Huh?”  Hiro turned around to face the source of the voice, furrowing his brow in confusion as he pondered Who…who is this guy?  And why does he look like a shiny version of Makoto?

“…Your furrowed brow indicates confusion.  Very well, I shall commence with introductions.  I am K1-B0, the Ultimate Robot.  But you can call me Keebo.”

…Ultimate Robot?  How does one become an Ultimate Robot?!

Hiro sweatdropped before Keebo continued “Before you make any obviously robophobic remarks…allow me to give you a nudge in the right direction.”    Seeing Hiro’s interested stare, Keebo continued “If you want to save your friends from despair, perhaps it would be fruitful to explain why you’re not fictional characters.”

A light bulb lit up in Hiro’s brain as he tried to save face, stammering “R…right…I knew that!  I was just…waiting for one of my friends to ask, that’s all…”

Shuichi, Himiko, Maki, and Keebo sweatdropped, the Ultimate Assassin sighing “This Hagakure makes that idiot Kaito look like the Ultimate Brain Surgeon…”

An indignant Hiro narrowed his eyes and pointed at Maki, telling her “Hey, don’t be mean!”

Maki glared at Hiro, sending a terrifying shiver down his spine as she hissed “Do you want to die?”

Hiro gulped, thinking Yikes!  This girl could give Kyoko a run for her money!    He waved his hands in front of him frantically, denying “N…no way!  I’m too…too young to die!”

“Then say what you’re going to say already.”

Shuichi watched as a now calm Hiro nodded and turned to face his friends, thinking Depending on how Hagakure proceeds…it could very well influence our own trial as well…

Hiro’s face turned pale as he saw black swirls in his friends’ eyes, their smiles constantly shifting between frowns and smiles.  Hiro couldn’t make out Kyoko’s unintelligible mumbling as he looked into Makoto’s eyes, his heart breaking as he saw a Junko-esque grin on his face, the swirls in his eyes spinning twice as fast as the scleras were tinged red.

This is bad!  I’ve gotta get everyone back to their senses!  But I’m not Makoto…wait…I’ve got it!  I just gotta get Makoto back to his senses and he can handle the others!  Well…here goes nothing…  “Makoto, do you remember when we were in Hyrule…”

“Hyrule?!”  Tsumugi gasped, confused at the new revelation.

Hiro ignored her and continued “…and we talked about that thing I couldn’t remember from the complete Idiot’s Guide to Tarot and Fortune Telling?”

…The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Tarot and Fortune Telling…?  Shuichi, Maki, and Keebo thought, sweatdropping at the stupidity of the title.

“Nyeh…that sounds like a book I read when I first started learning magic…”  Himiko commented, causing her friends to stare incredulously at her.

Makoto shook his head, looking at Hiro as he retorted “It doesn’t matter what you remember anymore…we’re just fictional characters…hehehehehehehehehe…”

Makoto burst into laughter, causing Hiro to narrow his eyes in frustration, thinking That’s it, I’ve had it!  If words won’t do the trick, maybe my actions will!  Hiro ran up to Makoto until they could feel each other’s breath and wound back his fist, screaming “MAKOTO, WAKE UP!” before launching a punch squarely on Makoto’s cheek.

Hiro panted as Makoto fell on his tail, groaning in pain as he rubbed his cheek, the Racoon Luckster staring up at the angry Clairvoyant with a shocked expression on his face.

Tsumugi pointed at Hiro and stammered “W…what the h…hell…?!  Y…you can’t punch Ma…Makoto!  That’s Juzo Sakakura’s job!”

“Sit down and shut up, Tsumugi!”  Tsumugi turned to face Monokuma, who explained “I wanna hear what Hiro has to say; this is getting good!”

“Eek!”  Tsumugi clamped her hands over her mouth, panicking I can’t upset Miss…I mean Monokuma!

As Makoto stood up, Hiro grabbed him by his hoodie and demanded “Do I have your attention now?!”  Makoto nodded, shocked by Hiro’s new, aggressive side before Hiro sighed and continued “…I remembered reading that people can have a subconscious psychic link to different worlds, meaning that what Tsumugi thought was someone’s creative imagination was actually mental flashes of us playing the Killing Game!”

…Mental…flashes…?!  Makoto and Tsumugi thought in unison, perplexed by Hiro’s hypothesis.

“So, that means that anything we thought was fictional was actually based on a real world…that includes the Mushroom Kingdom!”

Okay…first Hyrule…now the Mushroom Kingdom?!  What on earth is he talking about?!  Tsumugi wondered as Hiro pulled Makoto until their noses were touching.

“Makoto, if we and the friends we’ve made are nothing but fictional characters, then why did it feel so sad to leave them behind?!”

Makoto bit his lip and closed his eyes, pondering …What if Hiro’s right…?  Tsumugi claims she knows so much about us because she’s a huge Danganronpa fan, but if what Hiro’s saying is true, then there’s a chance that Tsumugi doesn’t know everything about us…because the creator of Danganronpa couldn’t know EVERYTHING about us through some brief mental flashes…

Though his eyes were still closed, a flash of inspiration hit Makoto, making his memories flash through his head as he latched on to them like a desperate hope.

Captain Toad…he told us he married Toadette and had two kids…but they never appeared in any Mario Game!  And when I invaded Bowser’s Castle to rescue Kyoko…there was blood…Bowser was bleeding!  But there’s never been blood in the Super Mario games…EVER!

“Don’t lose hope now, Makoto!”

“Come on Makoto…come back to your senses!”

…Sayaka…Leon…is…is that you…?  Are you…encouraging me…from beyond the grave…?  Feeling a pair of gentle nudges at his shoulders, Makoto decided …Yeah…you’re right…I…I can’t give up on hope, especially since you guys aren’t around to enjoy it with us.  Thanks Sayaka, Leon…Thanks…Hiro!  When Makoto at last opened his eyes, the black swirls were now gone, his eyes returned to normal as a hopeful smile stretched from ear to ear and replied simply “I agree with that!”

Hiro grinned, letting go of Makoto’s hoodie and squeezing Makoto in a bear hug, exclaiming “Dude!  You’re back, for serious!”

“…Hiro…thanks for bringing me back…but please stop hugging me; you’re crushing my ribs!”

As Hiro let go, Makoto wheezed for breath, the Ultimate Clairvoyant apologizing “Sorry, my bad…”

Makoto chuckled “Don’t worry about it…now…what about them…?”

Makoto and Hiro turned to see Byakuya, Hina, and Toko, black swirls still spinning in their eyes, although they were no longer smiling in despair, but rather giving confused frowns, as though Hiro’s words had shaken Tsumugi’s grip, but left them unsure of the truth.

“Hey…Makoto…”  Hiro asked “You mind taking over from here?  I mean…you are the Ultimate Hope…and you’re better at giving pep talks than I am…”

Makoto smiled and shook his head, encouraging him “Hiro…you did good.”

Hiro laughed bashfully and patted Makoto on the back, replying “Nah…I just had a thirty percent chance of saying the right words.  Besides…they’d probably listen more to you than me…”

“Hey, don’t shortchange yourself, Hiro!”  Makoto took a deep breath and admitted “But you’re right…I have to make our friends feel hope again…just like when we faced Junko…”

Makoto turned to Hina with a sad expression on his face as he noted Hina’s drive, her determination…Tsumugi stole it all from Hina…and I’m gonna get it back!  “Hina!”

Hina looked up at Makoto as he told her “You need to get up, and keep reaching for that gold medal!”

“…What gold medal?  It’s not even my own dream; some character designer probably just put that in my character…”

“No, that’s wrong!”  Hina gasped as Makoto exclaimed “Remember what made you want that gold medal in the first place!  That’s something no story writer can ever put in for you!”

Hina closed her eyes, recalling “…When I was little…my parents always fought, and I was too young to understand why.  Because I lived in a lousy household, I didn’t have any motivation to do anything.  I just laid in bed all day and wasted my life away.  But then…I signed up for a softball team on a whim…”  Hina smiled as she recalled “…and it was one of the best decisions in my life!  It gave me something to focus on, and something to distract me from all the family problems at home!”

“…Now I understand…why you had the energy to join six sports teams…it was to let out all that negative energy building up from your home problems…”  Makoto realized, smiling as he got to understand his friend even more.

Hina nodded, explaining “Then when I tried swimming and was a natural at it…my Coach told me that I had the potential to compete in the Olympics if I kept at it.  That…that was when I realized…that no matter what…I had to reach for that gold medal…to be the best of the best!”  Hina opened her eyes, now returned to normal as she smiled, realizing “…There’s no way that feeling is just fiction.”

“N…no…that can’t be…!”  Hina turned to Tsumugi, who pointed at her and exclaimed “You must have made it up!  Aoi Asahina has always been a sporty, donut eating, happy go lucky spaz!”

“No, that’s wrong!”  Tsumugi was stunned into silence as Hina pointed at her, an angry glare in her eyes as she continued “There’s more to me than just sports and donuts!  I was motivated by my parents feuding every night to get into sports and reach for the gold!”  Hina chuckled, smiling bashfully as she admitted “My love of donuts came later when I dragged my brother Yuta into joining a sports team.”

Makoto and Hiro sweatdropped, smiling while a dumbfounded Tsumugi stammered “Th…that’s impossible!  This…this was never in any of your Free Time Events!  And it never showed up in the Danganronpa 3 anime, either!”

Hina merely smiled back and replied “I don’t have time to waste on this Danganronpa stuff; I have to keep moving forward so I can find that gold medal!”

Gasping in shock, a desperate Tsumugi disappeared in a puff of smoke, reappearing as Hina herself in her outfit from the Killing School Life before arguing “You need Danganronpa!  If it wasn’t for Danganronpa, you would never have met Sakura Ogami and fallen in love with her.”

“…Sakura was my best friend and I love her…”  Hina smirked and continued “But for someone who claims to be such a huge Danganronpa fan, you seem to be unaware of the fact that Sakura had a boyfriend before she died.”  As Tsumugi gaped in shock, Hina grinned proudly and boasted “Sakura told me when she slept over during the night Sayaka was killed.  Besides…”  Hina glanced over at Makoto and continued “I actually want a boyfriend, which is why I asked Makoto for help and asked him to pretend to be my boyfriend to help me practice.”

Hiro looked over at Makoto, curiously asking “Is that true, dude?”

Makoto blushed, smiling bashfully as the embarrassing, yet happy memory flashed in his mind, the Racoon Lucky Student nodding with a nervous chuckle “Y…yeah…it’s true…”

“Th…that doesn’t count…”  Tsumugi stammered.

“It does count, and thanks for reminding me of the sacrifice Sakura made so that we could all stay united!  I’ve made my decision; I’m gonna carry on Sakura’s will like a gold medal and keep moving forward!”

Hina smiled as Sakura’s smiling form briefly flashed in her mind, nodding approvingly at the Frog Swimmer Girl’s choice.

Hina’s brow suddenly furrowed as she crossed her arms and cocked her head, biting her lip in contemplation as she wondered “So…if what Hiro said is true…then…”

“HEI-HO!”

Hina smiled as she imagined Heiho-kun smiling at her from behind his mask before she realized “…then Heiho-kun is just as real as I am…and is SO huggable!”

Hina giggled while a shocked and confused Tsumugi disappeared in a puff of smoke, returning to her original form as she stared at the Frog Swimmer and wondered in disbelief …WHAT THE HELL IS A HEIHO-KUN?!

Hina turned around and walked over to Hiro and Makoto, wrapping her arms around them in a group hug as she whispered “Thank you both…”

Once they separated, Makoto merely smiled and replied “We’re just glad to have your hope back!”  Makoto frowned, his eyes narrowed as he turned to his girlfriend, Byakuya, and Toko, announcing “Alright, three more to go…”

“…Are you just gonna give a big Hope speech?  Because…I didn’t even g…get one in the final t…trial…”

Makoto closed his mouth, looking down in guilt at the realization that Toko didn’t get to directly feel hope like the others did, apologizing “S…sorry…but I couldn’t exactly help that Jill was the one in control back then…”

Toko chuckled, causing Makoto to look up at her as she shook her head and retorted “Not that it ma…matters…I’m just as fi…fictional as my romance novels…”

“It doesn’t matter if we’re fictional characters!”  Makoto retorted “You wanted to be helpful to us, to Byakuya…so that you can be more than just the anti-social writer with a serial killer split personality!”

“…Th…that’s right…I…I wanted to be more…to do more…I wanted to be u…useful…”

Makoto nodded, smiling as he continued “Those feelings are real, Toko, your love for Byakuya is real!”

Gasping, Toko closed her eyes, feeling herself get pulled away from her despair and into one of her fantasies.

XXX

A six-year-old Toko sat in her room, biting her lip and writing on a piece of paper.  Suddenly, she heard a malicious chuckle behind her, causing her to gasp as she turned around.  Toko’s eyes widened as she saw a dark, looming shadow with dark red eyes staring out at her as a slithering tongue stuck out below the shadow’s eyes.  Toko burst into tears, crying and trembling while the shadow only laughed, materializing a pair of scissors in its hand before resting the tip against Toko’s throat.

All of a sudden, the shadow was pushed back, screeching in fear as five balls of green, purple, blue, yellow, and golden light materialized in front of her.  The golden light dissipated to reveal a seven-year-old Byakuya Togami.  Byakuya extended a hand, allowing Toko to eagerly take it as he pulled her to her feet.  The two were momentarily engulfed in light before it dissipated, revealing a new nineteen-year- old Byakuya and Toko.  Byakuya turned his head in a gesture for her to follow him as he walked off, still radiating golden light in the darkness.

Toko took two steps in his direction before she heard a whimpering sound behind her.  Her brow furrowed in confusion, Toko turned around before her eyes widened as the sight of the previously malicious shadow shedding tears as it cried.

Toko frowned as she thought She…she’s crying…but I should leave her be…she…she’s caused me nothing but tr…trouble…

“I’ll always protect you, Toko.”

Toko gasped as she thought …That’s right…when she was just my imaginary fr…friend…she…she told me that…and leaving her behind…would be like throwing a part of myself away…a part that pro…protected me…in her own twisted way…

Steelign her resolve, Toko sighed and walked up to the shadow, extending her hand out to it.  The shadow looked at her hesitantly, but dropped the scissors, taking Toko’s hand as she pulled it to the still waiting Byakuya.  The golden light caused the shadow to dissipate, revealing Genocide Jill as the two alter egos looked at each other.  They smiled before embracing in a hug.  Smiling as well, Byakuya wrapped his arms around his two favorite girls before they giggled and wrapped their arms around him.

XXX

When Toko at last opened her eyes,they had returned to normal.  She smiled at Makoto, making him smile in return.

“You…want to help me bring Byakuya back to normal?”

Toko scoffed “I would have done that even wi…without your help…”

Makoto chuckled, thinking …At least she’s back to normal… 

He and Toko then turned to Byakuya, frowning as the Ultimate Affluent Progeny looked completely lost, a shell of his former self.

“Byakuya, snap out of it!  We need the Ultimate Affluent Progeny…”

“There is no Ultimate Affluent Progeny.”  Makoto and Toko turned to see a revitalized Tsumugi interrupting “There is no Togami Conglomerate, because that was all written up by Team Danganronpa.  Byakuya Togami in Trigger Happy Havoc was nothing more than an actor!”  Tsumugi crossed her arms over her breasts, smirking victoriously as she thought Try and counter THAT, Hope boy!

Makoto frowned as he realized This isn’t good; she knows how to counter my unique brand of reassurance.  I’m gonna have to try a different tactic; something Tsumugi won’t see coming!  Makoto narrowed his eyes as he taunted “Is that it?!  You’re gonna let the words of a demented fangirl beat you?  I expected more out of the great Byakuya Togami!”

Tsumugi gasped, thinking W…what the…this…THIS ISN’T IN MAKOTO’S CHARACTER!

Hiro and Hina looked at each other in confusion, while Toko grit her teeth, exclaiming “H…How dare you talk like that to Ma…Master…!”

“Nyohohohohohoooo!  Now this is exciting!”  Monokuma laughed.

“Huh?  W…what’s he doing?!”  Tsumugi asked, only for Monokuma to deny her.

“Sorry, but…denied!  Super denied!  Ultra denied!  There’s no way I’m spoiling Makoto’s argument for everyone!”

As Tsumugi groaned in frustration, Himiko turned to Shuichi and asked “Nyeh…what is he doing?”

Shuichi grasped his chin in concentration before he realized “…I think…Makoto’s trying to goad Byakuya.”

As Himiko nodded in understanding, Byakuya finally turned to face Makoto, encouraging Makoto as he continued “Why does a few words cause someone who called himself the Ultimate Perfection to shut down like a faulty video game console?!  You’re better than that, Byakuya!”

“…Explain.  Now.”  Byakuya demanded, his eyes widened in shock.

“…Remember what you told me during the Killing Game?  How you had to fight in an insane competition against all your other siblings to be recognized as the heir to your family’s legacy?  Even if we are just fictional, the struggles you’ve endured, the obstacles you’ve had to overcome to become head of the Togami Conglomerate and survice the Killing Game…that suffering was real, don’t ever forget that!”

Byakuya stared at Makoto, his eyes widened before he closed them, recalling his past.  The happy days he spent with his Mother before he was abandoned by both of his parents.  The days where he learned to become ruthless to survive his own siblings’ ruthlessness.  The days where his butler Aloysius Pennyworth served as his only source of compassion and comfort.  The nights that he cried himself to sleep, dreaming of his Mother’s loving, warm embrace.

Byakuya gasped as he felt Toko embrace him from behind, whispering in his ear “M…Master…you…you don’t have to suffer a…alone anymore.  Our friends are real, I’m r…real…so…so you’re real too!”

At last, Byakuya opened his eyes, the black swirls replaced by his blue irises as he looked at Makoto, who smiled and held out his hand and said “We’ll always need a Togami at our side.”

Byakuya smirked arrogantly and accepted Makoto’s hand, commenting “Of course you plebians will need me; you’d all be lost without my leadership.”

“You’re being a bit rude, right now.”  Keebo scolded “You didn’t even thank Makoto for his help.”

Makoto smiled, shaking his head as he explained “He doesn’t need to; I already know he’s grateful.”

“Believe whatever you wish…”  Byakuya scoffed, though he couldn’t keep an embarrassed blush from staining his cheeks pink.

“Th…that doesn’t matter!”  Tsumugi stammered in a desperate bid to regain control “The Togami Empire doesn’t exist!”

Byakuya nodded “You’re correct…”

WHY ARE YOU AGREEING WITH HER?!  Makoto, Hiro, Hina, and Toko exclaimed in their heads, shocked at Byakuya’s response.

“…because Junko destroyed my Empire.”  Byakuya smirked evilly at Tsumugi, pointing at her as he boasted “Which is why I’m going to rebuild it, and bring it greater glory than it’s ever known..”  As Toko stood by his side, Byakuya smiled softly as he admitted “…and this time, I won’t be alone.”

He then leaned down to kiss Toko on the lips, though they were startled apart as Tsumugi pointed at them and shrieked “WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!  YOU TWO AREN’T SUPPOSED TO BE IN A RELATIONSHIP!  TOGAFUKA IS TOXIC!!!”

Both lovers glared at Tsumugi, annoyed by both being interrupted by the Ultimate Cosplayer and by her accusation about the toxicity of their relationship.

Toko pointed at Tsumugi and pointed out “Did it not o…occur to you that maybe I had fe…feelings for Ma…Master before the me…memory wipe?”

…No…I…I never saw any of Class 78^th’s School Life during the Danganronpa 3 anime…could it really…  Shaking her head in denial, Tsumugi demanded “Has he ever told you that he loves you?!”

To Tsumugi’s shocked disappointment, Toko shook her head and replied with a determined expression “He doesn’t have to…” before their hands intertwined and she met Byakuya’s lips in a soft, chaste kiss.

Once they separated, they turned their back to Tsumugi and walked back to Hiro and Hina as the Ultimate Affluent Progeny told Makoto “Makoto, this is your leader’s order; you cannot refuse.  Take down this second-rate mastermind.”

SECOND-RATE?!  Tsumugi shrieked in her mind as Toko nodded.

“Yeah…Tsu…Tsumugi needs to be taken out of her little fa…fantasy world so she can get a do…dose of reality!”

Makoto nodded, thinking Alright…all that’s left is…Kyoko…

Makoto turned to look at Kyoko, his green eyes filled with sadness as he saw his girlfriend on her knees, her lavender hair obscuring her face just like her cold iron mask did before he forced it off her with his love.  Makoto’s eyes widened in shock as he saw her scarred hands bare, her gloves discarded as she stared at her personal mark of shame.

…Her gloves…Kyoko…what did Tsumugi DO to you that made you take off your gloves?!  Filing the thought away for later, Makoto took a deep breath and approached his girlfriend, placing his hand on her shoulder as he muttered “Kyoko…”

*Smack*

Makoto gasped in hurt shock as she slapped his hand away, turning her back to him as she pleaded “Please…don’t look at me.”

Makoto saw her Tail droop, making Makoto frown, causing his own Tail and Tanuki Ears to droop as well, realizing I don’t think a simple Tail rub is going to help here…  Steeling his resolve, he simple walked around her until he was facing her once more, the Racoon Luckster grasping both her shoulders as he asked “Why don’t you want me to look at you?”  Despite the fact that he was dreading the answer, Makoto resolved No matter what…I’m never leaving your side again!

Kyoko chuckled lowly as she lifted her head, revealing a despairing grin that could give Junko a run for her money, as well as black swirls in her eyes that spun so fast in her red scleras that he could barely track them.

Kyoko…I was afraid you had fallen to despair…but I didn’t think it’d be this bad…

Tears fell from her eyes as she told him “I see the disappointment in your eyes, Makoto…so this is what true despair feels like.”

Kyoko…I always believed you were a strong-willed girl…and I still do…but I never thought you of all people would be so affected by such cruel mental attacks.  This Tsumugi…even Junko wasn’t this cruel!  But even so…I…I’M NOT GONNA LET DESPAIR TAKE YOU AWAY FROM ME!

In a strange fusion of crying and laughing, Kyoko told him “I know what you’re thinking Makoto…you’re trying to think of a way to bring me back from despair.  But it doesn’t matter what you say…because my whole life…my feelings, my struggles…IT WAS NOTHING BUT A LIE!”

“No, that’s wrong.”  Makoto rebutted gently, placing his palms against her cheeks so he could make her look into his eyes, causing her despairful smile to vanish, replaced with a stoic expression that was purely Kirigiri.

“…How can I be wrong when everything that happened in my life is just fiction…?”  Kyoko trailed off, tears falling from her eyes as she continued to cry.

“…Kyoko…”  Makoto stroked her cheeks with his thumbs as he replied “Even though we’re in love with each other… there’s still so much about each other that we just don’t know.  I had no idea about just how much you struggled…your Mother’s death, your Father abandoning you, the intensity of your Detective training, Yui’s betrayal, your scarred hands…”

Makoto’s eyes drooped as he was saddened not just by the thought that such an amazing woman had struggled so much, but that it was Tsumugi who told everyone instead of Kyoko trusting him enough to tell him privately.

“You’re a smart, talented, and beautiful woman, Kyoko, and I’m so sorry you had to struggle so much…”

Ignoring the fluttering within her heart, Kyoko shook her head and denied “I’m not beautiful; my scars are ugly!”

Makoto shook his head and denied “No, you are beautiful, Kyoko.  You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met!  But even the fact that you’re fighting me on this proves that your feelings about your hands are real!  Your passion for Detective work is real!”

Kyoko gasped, latching onto Makoto’s words as he continued to talk to her.

“Remember when we found your Father’s skeleton in his private residence?  How you told me to leave so you could collect yourself?  I…I wanted to stay and help you…but I knew I had to respect your wishes.  How could your sorrow and my desire to stay and be there for you possibly be fiction?  And…I believe your Father loved you more than anything, and wanted to protect you, no matter what.  If that wasn’t real, why would that photo of you as a little girl with him exist?”

“Sweetie, stop being such a wiggle worm!”

“Look, I’m a birdie!”

Kyoko gasped as she realized I…I remember now…my Father and I…were happy…when I was a little girl…and it…it felt so…so real!

As a hopeful smile crossed Kyoko’s lips, Makoto smiled in return, assuring her “I don’t know whether what Hiro said is true or not, not for certain anyway.  One thing I do know for certain…is that my love for you is real!”

Maki rested her hands over her heart and closed her eyes, agreeing …I agree…it’s the same as my love for that idiot…it’s real as well…

Kyoko smile soon tugged into a frown however, causing Makoto to frown as she asked “…Makoto…our feelings…our love for each other…are they even real…?  Tsumugi said that we dated during our time at Hope’s Peak Academy.  So…what if that’s just another part of the fiction?”

Maki opened her eyes and narrowed them in determination while Shuichi bit his lip and cradled his chin in his hand in contemplation, mulling over his thoughts as he listened to Makoto and Kyoko’s conversation, waiting for it to play out.  So deep in concentration was he that he failed to notice Maki walking away from her podium.

Meanwhile, Makoto told Kyoko “It doesn’t matter what Tsumugi says, or what Hiro says for that matter.”

“HEY!”

Makoto ignored Hiro’s outburst and continued “What matters is that I love you, and that flutter in my heart when I think of you is more real to me than anything else!”

Kyoko felt her heart flutter at his words as she stared at Makoto, though she felt her words leave her as she kept wondering …What if it’s just a lie?  It could all be a lie…couldn’t it…?

“He’s right you know.”  Makoto and Kyoko turned in shock as they saw Maki standing behind them, explaining “Kyoko…Makoto’s feelings are real…and your feelings are real…because I had those same feelings for a participant in this Killing Game.  His name…was Kaito Momota, the Ultimate Astronaut.”

Maki smiled sadly, recalling all of her memories of the man who made her like herself again.

“I didn’t care about him at first…not at all.  He was such a naïve idiot, but he dragged me to training sessions day in and day out to get me to trust others.  And he slowly broke down my walls and made me feel like I was a person worth a damn instead of a coldhearted assassin.  And before long…I fell in love with the idiot.”

Maki started to tear up, tears trickling down her cheeks as she recalled Kaito’s execution before opening her eyes and turning to stare at his portrait.

“But as you can see…he’s…he’s not here anymore.  He…succumbed to an incurable illness just last night…and I’ll never even know if he returned my feelings.”  She wiped her eyes before turning back to Makoto and Kyoko and telling them with a determined fire in her eyes “But there’s one thing I do know…my feelings for Kaito are real to me…and that’s all I need to know!”

Makoto’s eyes and Tanuki ears drooped in sadness, nodding as Sayaka’s smiling face flashed in his mind “I understand, Maki…I lost someone close to me in a Killing Game as well.”

Maki nodded, smiling appreciatively at Makoto as she thanked him “…Thank you…you’re too kind…in fact, you’re not so different from him…”  Shaking the thought from her head, she addressed Kyoko “…Kyoko…Tsumugi has taunted us both about our feelings for the boys we love.  Even though she’s been going on and on about how everything about us is fiction…that doesn’t mean we have to take what she says to heart.  My feelings for Kaito are real, what do YOU feel is real?!”

What do I feel is real…?  Kyoko closed her eyes, sorting through her memories until she started flashing back to her memories with Makoto.

“I didn’t help out at all!  I was totally useless!”

“Real Mecha Koopas, in the flesh!”

“Oh, I’m so gonna get you!”

Kyoko opened her eyes, looking up at her boyfriend with her normal purple eyes as she gave him a loving, hopeful smile.  Grinning at the sight of the love of his life back to her normal self, Makoto helped her to her feet before mashing his lips against her own in a hungry, loving kiss.  As Makoto’s tongue forced its way into her mouth, Kyoko moaned in pleasure. 

The two wrapped their arms around each other in an equally hungry embrace before their tails started spinning, lifting them into the air as they spun.  Hiro, Hina, Byakuya, and Toko smiled at their friends as the Racoon Lovers’ hearts fluttered in sync.  Maki gasped in amazement before smiling, deciding to just roll with it as she rested her hands over her heart.

“Amazing!  They have no jetpacks, but they seem to be defying gravity with just those fuzzy accessories!”  Keebo commented.

“Nyeh…I could do that…but my mana’s too low…”  Himiko boasted.

Shuichi stared, exclaiming to himself What the hell…?!  This defies all logic!  …Then again…I’ll happily take something nonsensical like this over the Killing Game…

“Nyooohohohohohohooooo!”  Monokuma laughed “This is new!  The power of love made Hope Boy and Nancy Drew fly?!”

“So they can fly…big whoop…”  The Monokubs commented.

“Hush!  What do you know?  You’re just my adorable little cubs!”

“Y…yes, Father!”

Tsumugi’s eyes bulged out of her head, all speech and thought ripped from her as she gaped, trying in vain to process the sight in front of her.

At last, Makoto and Kyoko broke apart, gradually landing on their feet as they stared into each other’s eyes, love and hope swirling in their depths.

Kyoko cupped his cheeks with her palms, stroking him with her thumbs as she smiled bashfully, commenting “It feels nice, touching you with my hands instead of hiding behind my gloves…I should…do this more often…thank you for bringing me back from the depths of despair, Makoto…”  She turned her head to face Maki and nodded “And it appears I owe you a debt of gratitude as well…Maki…”

Maki nodded “…Happy to help…Kyoko.”

Makoto smiled, nodding “Don’t mention it; I’ll do whatever it takes to save my Princess!”

Kyoko giggled before a feminine voice shrieked “HOW?!”  The others turned to Tsumugi, a look of baffled fury on her face as she screeched “THIS ISN’T POSSIBLE!  I CHECKED THIS TRIAL ROOM MYSELF!  THERE’S NO INVISIBLE WIRES!  THERE’S NO WAY YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FLY!”

Kyoko smirked smugly and retorted “It helps to have Racoon Powers from the Mushroom Kingdom.”

Tsumugi sputtered “TH…TH…THAT’S TOTAL BS!  SUPER MARIO BROS ISN’T EVEN THE SAME GENRE AS DANGANRONPA!  YOU SHOULDN’T BE ABLE TO BRING THOSE POWER-UPS HERE!”

“I beg to differ…”  Byakuya stated simply as he materialized a golden fireball in the palm of his hand while Toko materialized a hammer and Hina did an unnaturally high flip, landing just behind Tsumugi.

“…Boo.”

“EEK!”  Tsumugi screeched, making Hina giggle before she flipped back over to her friends.

“…Amazing…”  Shuichi, Maki, Himiko, and Keebo muttered at the show in front of them.

Once she recovered from her shock, Tsumugi started stomping and screaming “NO!  NO!  NO!  NO!  NO!  IT’S NOT FAIR!  YOU ALL HAVE TOTALLY DERAILED MY SCRIPT FOR DANGANRONPA V3!”  She pointed at Class 78^th and exclaimed “I WON’T LET YOU GET AWAY WITH THIS!”

As Tsumugi hyperventilated, the others sweatdropped, while Makoto realized I’ve seen that look in her eyes before…she’s been pushed into a corner, but she won’t accept defeat.  Then…I’ll just have to make her accept defeat. 

Kyoko walked next to him, threading their fingers together as they smiled at each other while their friends assembled behind them.

Makoto narrowed his eyes and pointed his free hand at Tsumugi, proclaiming “Tsumugi, if you won’t accept the truth…then I’ll make you accept it…”

“That’s wrong!”

“Huh?” 

Class 78^th turned to face Shuichi, whose eyes were narrowed in his own determined expression as he walked up to them and insisted “This is our fight, our Class Trial.  Tsumugi has killed so many of our friends…Kaito, Kokichi, Gonta, Miu, Kiyo, Tenko, Angie, Kirumi, Ryoma, Rantaro…and Kaede…for all our friends who couldn’t make it this far…we owe it to them to finish this with our own hands…”  Shuichi suddenly smiled as he finished “…but we wouldn’t mind a little help, if you were willing to offer.”

Everyone else except for Tsumugi, Momokuma, and the Monokubs smiled and nodded in agreement.

“I’m glad to see you’re on our side…as an Ultimate Detective, it would be foolish of me not to accept assistance, especially with so much riding on this class trial.  We can’t let Tsumugi do as she pleases any longer.”

Kyoko nodded “Indeed, and perhaps having two Ultimate Detectives on this case would be the most efficient way to stop Tsumugi.”

The others nodded as Maki, Himiko, and Keebo moved to stand behind Shuichi, paralleling how Byakuya, Hina, Toko, and Hiro stood behind Makoto, the two protagonists staring and smiling at each other.

Tsumugi stared at the dual surviving casts, foaming at the mouth in disbelief before she took a deep breath, her panic dissipating before she vanished in a puff of smoke, reappearing as a tall, brown-haired boy, not dissimilar from Makoto, yet different.

“You think that joining forces will stop the Killing Game?”  She then transformed into a girl with curved, mauve hair and continued “That’s unlikely…I think…”  She then turned into a girl with streaks of blue, black, white, and pink hair, with some of it arranged into two horns on her head, before exclaiming “DANGANRONPA WILL ROCK ON FOREVER!”

She then turned into a more obese variant of Byakuya, making the Ultimate Affluent Progeny sweatdrop in disappointment.

“Even if you work together…”  She then transformed into an elegant, exotic, blond-haired teenage girl and continued “The fans will never allow it to stop!”  Next she transformed into a short boy in a chef’s uniform and insisted with an obviously perverted tone that made al the girls shiver “The fans will always be…hungry…for more Danganronpa…”  She then turned into a black-haired young man whose buff physique could give Mondo a run for his money as she yelled “…AND THE ULTIMATE CHOICE THAT YOU HAVE TO MAKE!”

She vanished into a puff of smoke, reappearing as a boy with spiky, wavy white hair, smiling as she asked “So…will you choose hope…”  She then turned into the Makoto look-alike, but with long, flowing black hair as she asked “…or despair?”

As Tsumugi returned to normal, Shuichi turned to Makoto and asked “Um…Makoto…who…were those people?”

“Hey, she cosplayed so fast I could barely keep up!  And I have no idea who any of those guys were.”

Kyoko cradled her chin in her hand, contemplating the matter until she concluded “I think I saw them in a file in the Headmaster’s Office…they were…the 77^th Class of Hope’s Peak Academy.”

Byakuya nodded “I saw that file too, when we were investigating for the final Class Trial.  There was also information about a Reserve Course Student…most likely that boy who bore a resemblance to Makoto…but I don’t know who that last cosplay was based off of.”

The others nodded as Monokuma shrugged “Hey, we had to make a Goodbye Despair reference somewhere!”

Tsumugi smirked as she proclaimed “Well…this final battle is gonna be interesting…I’ll finally get to use all my knowledge about Danganronpa!”

As Tsumugi disappeared in a puff of white smoke and reappeared as Junko again, Toko heard a voice in her head, suggesting “Let’s shred this bitch’s clothes!”  *Ah-choo!*

“AHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!”  Jill cackled, withdrawing her scissors from the shell on her back as she exclaimed “Let’s shred this bitch’s clothes!”

“EEK!”

Tsumugi and Jill vanished in a blue and purple blur, a dust cloud obscuring their forms for the next thirty seconds until the dust finally settled.  Everyone’s eyes widened as Jill walked away, leaving a nearly naked Tsumugi surrounded by shreds of clothing as she whimpered in her black bra, panties, and stockings, wrapping her arms around her body in an attempt to preserve her modesty.

“AAH!  MY COSPLAY COSTUMES!  THEY’VE BEEN RIPPED TO SHREDS!  DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW HARD I WORKED ON THOSE?!  EVERY FINE DETAIL TO REPLICATE YOUR APPEARANCES…TOTALLY RUINED!  WAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!” 

Jill merely smirked at Tsumugi before turning back to her friends and smiling cutely, doing a mock bow before winking at Byakuya as she told them “You’re welcome…” 

Tsumugi sniffled “…You could have at least left me my original dress!”

“…No…” *Ah-choo!*

“Huh?  Wh…what happened?”

“You shredded Tsumugi’s disguises…”  Byakuya smiled as he finished “That was good work, Toko.”

“M…Master…”  Toko smiled, blushing at the praise from her beloved Byakuya.  “Finally…I’m…I’m useful!”

“…We’re useful, Miss Morose.”  Toko heard Jill say in her mind, making her sniffle in joy as she struggled to hold her happy tears at bay.

The others sweatdropped before Shuichi commented “…Anyway…now Tsumugi can’t hide behind her costumes anymore.”

Makoto nodded, agreeing “Now she’ll have to face us without any of her disguises.”

Tsumugi trembled in anger as she muttered “This is the last straw…you barge into my show, derail my script…and now you leave me nearly naked?!  Steamy scenes are supposed to be strictly optional!  Well, if you’re going to just come and break my show…then I’ll just break YOU!  Screw the Class Trial, it’s Punishment Time!  Monokubs, Attack!”

“Got it, Boss…Agh!”  The Monokubs shrieked before being silenced forever by a golden fireball, lazily thrown by Byakuya.

As Tsumugi and the other V3 survivors gaped in shock as the Monokubs exploded into gold coins, Byakuya muttered “Finally…those guys were annoying.  At least Monokuma has the advantage of being cunning…”

One of the coins rolled to a stop at Tsumugi’s feet, causing her to pick it up and inspect it out of curiosity.

“I…incredible…it looks and feels so real…Wait!  This isn’t possible!  This isn’t real!  You’re not real!”

“Just chill, alright?”  Hiro tried to calm her down “We’ve already proven that we’re real people.  What more proof do you need…”

“Wait, your remark just gave me an idea, Hiro.”  Keebo pointed out “Tsumugi said that she can’t cosplay as real people due to her Cos-pox.” 

Seeing Class 78^th stare at Keebo with baffled expressions, Shuichi sweatdropped and realized “Oh right, you weren’t with us for this Killing School Semester.  Anyway, when Tsumugi tries to cosplay as real people, it causes her to break out in hideous rashes.”

“Th…that’s so s…stupid…”

Hina nodded and agreed with Toko “Yeah…a skin condition that triggers when you cosplay as real people?  There’s no way that’s true!”

Makoto’s brow furrowed in concentration before he asked “Shuichi, did you see this Cos-pox for yourself?”

“Well…not personally, no.  Only Kaede saw it before she got wrongfully executed.”

Kyoko’s brow also furrowed in confusion as she mused “I see…so Tsumugi allegedly has a skin condition that only she and someone already deceased can confirm.  That’s suspicious indeed…”  Kyoko smirked as she proposed “In that case, I’d like to test Tsumugi’s claim.”

“Huh?”  Tsumugi asked fearfully as Kyoko bent down to collect her discarded gloves, slipping one on her hand before walking over to Tsumugi, holding it in front of her.

“Put it on.”

Tsumugi began to sweat, stammering “B…but what will that a…accomplish?”

Kyoko narrowed her eyes and demanded “Put the glove on your hand.”

Seeing that nobody was going to help her, Tsumugi sighed and snatched the glove away, slipping it on her hand before she shrieked “AAH!” before ripping it off her and throwing it back at Kyoko, who caught it in midair with a smirk on her face, slipping it back on as she walked back over to her boyfriend.

The others gaped at the sight of Tsumugi’s hand covered in rashes as Kyoko explained “That settles it; Tsumugi’s Cos-pox was a big, fat lie.  If I really was fictional, as she claimed, then my glove wouldn’t have caused such an adverse reaction.  But as you saw, her hand was immediately covered in rashes.  The only explanation would be that my glove and her costumes are made of completely different materials.”

Makoto’s eyes lit up as he exclaimed “Now I understand!  Tsumugi must have an allergic reaction to most clothing materials, so she has to make her own!”

Shuichi nodded “That’s probably the truth; the Cos-pox was just a way to throw suspicion off her.” 

“…One last thing…”  Tsumugi looked up at Kyoko, the Ultimate Cosplayer frantically scratching at the rash to make it go away as Kyoko finished “…Hibiki.”

“…Hi…Hibiki?”

“…That’s my Mother’s name; Hibiki Kirigiri, originally Hibiki Uzuchi.”

“Wh…what…a piece of Danganronpa character backstory…that I didn’t know…i…impossible…WAAAAHHHHHHHH!”

Tears streamed down Tsumugi’s face before Shuichi demanded “I have another question: how is it that you knew Makoto and Kyoko had a relationship before their Killing Game?  Was it in a visual novel or a side game?  Some side anime?”

Tsumugi continued to sweat as Makoto nodded “I’d like to know that as well.”

“I…It was just an a…assumption…I always shipped you two…so I thought it’d be natural that you always loved each other…”

There has to be some other explanation…now that Kyoko’s proven we’re real people, that whole excuse seems like a lie…she has to have known about us somehow.  Otherwise there’s no way she would have been able to cosplay as all…of…us…I’ve got it!  “I’ve got another question, Tsumugi.  You’ve cosplayed as all of our deceased classmates, but you never once cosplayed as Mukuro Ikusaba.  Not in her natural appearance, nor in her Junko disguise.  So…why?”

Tsumugi gulped, sweating bullets as she turned to Monokuma, who bared his claws and taunted “Go ahead, Tsumugi, I dare you to answer that question.”

This is bad…this is very, very bad!  I’ve gotta find a way to get my show back on track, regain control on the mastermind…wait!  The final decision!  Well, I was hoping to save this for a better climax, but desperate times call for desperate measures!  Tsumugi burst into laugher as she exclaimed “It doesn’t matter what’s real or fictional anymore!  This trial has already reached its end!”

No kidding…  The survivors deadpanned as Tsumugi tapped her foot on the floor, causing a pillar with a big red button on top to rise until it reached her hand.

She then turned to face Shuichi as she exclaimed “It’s time to make a choice, Shuichi!  Will you choose Hope?  Or will you choose Despair?”

Shuichi bit his lip and told Makoto “I…I think it would be best to choose neither.”  As Tsumugi gaped in shock, Shuichi explained “If we choose Hope or Despair, then this is just gonna continue for who knows how long?!  It…it’s probably best…that we choose neither…so that we can finally put an end to Danganronpa’s insane killing games.”

Makoto nodded “I agree.  I sided with Hope before because it was the only way to stop Junko and go into the outside world.  But if these Killing Games just feed off the battle between Hope and Despair…it’s best to just walk away from it and let it suffocate on its own.”

Shuichi nodded before turning back to Tsumugi and declaring “Alright Tsumugi…I choose…”

“HUH?!”  Everyone exclaimed as all the lights turned off, the trial room covered in complete darkness before the backup lights dimly lit up.  “Wh…what just happened?”

“I…I don’t know…”  Tsumugi stammered, taking out her smartphone and scrolling through it.

“Um…where’d you hide that anyway?”  Hiro wondered.  “Was that seriously in your panties?”

Eww…  Everyone else thought, shivering in disgust before Tsumugi’s eyes widened as she shrieked.

“HOW?!  DANGANRONPA…IT…IT…IT’S COMPLETELY OFFLINE!  WIPED FROM THE NET!  DESTROYED!”  Her eyes narrowed in fury as she pointed at Makoto and Shuichi, accusing “YOU DESTROYED DANGANRONPA!”

“W…what are you talking about?”  Shuichi asked.

“Yeah, we’re just as confused as you are!”  Makoto agreed, only for Tsumugi to angrily point at them.

“Y…you’re lying…you have to by lying…you destroyed…”

“Nope!  I destroyed Danganronpa!”

Everyone turned to stare at Monokuma in shock as Tsumugi stammered “Y…you can’t do that…!”

“WRONG!  Whatever I create, I can destroy!  AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!”  Monokuma laughed before his red eye dulled, the bear hunching over.

“What?  Are you pretending to be broken again?”  Byakuya taunted before smoke rose from below, obscuring Monokuma and his throne from view.

Makoto’s eyes widened in shock as he realized This is what happened…during our last Class Trial.  Could it be…

“Upupupupupupup”  *Hack Hoff*

His musings cut off by the laughter and coughing, Makoto watched with widened eyes, just like the others as the smoke cleared, revealing a tall, slender, blond haired old woman with streaks of grey in her hair.  A pair of simple glasses shaped just like Byakuya’s rested on her nose as she stood dressed in a simple white blouse and black pants.

Kyoko’s eyes widened as she saw the cane that the new woman grasped in her hand for balance, thinking That…that cane…

As her coughing fit came to an end, the old lady walked up to the survivors, adjusting her glasses as she greeted “Well…it’s been a long time…but I’d know the lot of you anywhere.”

His eyes lighting up in realization, Makoto asked hesitant “So…you’re really…Junko…?”

“That’s my name, don’t wear it out, Hope Boy.”

As Junko fell into another coughing fit, Byakuya demanded with a scowl “What the hell…what’s going on here!  Why is Junko Enoshima alive…and real?!”

Junko sighed “…Man…I hate long-winded explanations…guess it’s unavoidable though…alright whippersnappers, listen up.  Everything about the Ultimate Real Fiction was just one big lie that Tsumugi made up, since the theme for V3 was lies.  Honestly, it was SO redundant!  Why make a theme about lies when the whole point of a Killing Game is for the blackened to lie their pants off to escape?”

“I…I thought it was a good idea, Miss Junko…”

Junko glared at Tsumugi, silencing her as she commanded “Shut up.”

“Eek!  Y…yes, Miss Junko!”

The others stared at the two Masterminds in confusion until Junko turned her attention back to them and pondered “Now, where was I?  Oh yes, now I remember.  Anyways, our first Killing Game was indeed real, but you guys must have come from another timeline.  Even if the dorky costumes didn’t give it away, I know it’s the case because in this timeline, only Makoto, Kyoko, and myself survived.”

We…WE DIED?!  Hina, Hiro, Byakuya, and Toko exclaimed in their heads, gaping at the news of their counterparts’ deaths.

“So, after the three of us escaped, it filled me with so much despair that I wanted to do more Killing Games.  Some time afterwards, you two joined an organization dedicated to fighting me and my Remnants called the Future Foundation.  Meanwhile, I started another Killing Game with Class 77^th and Hajime Hinata, who was that Reserve Course student that the Steering Committee artificially infused with talent.”

“I see…”  Kyoko mused “…I thought I read something about a Kamukura Project…”

“Yeah…they named him Izuru Kamukura…anyway, the Future Foundation failed to stop me and caused all sixteen of them to die.  Afterwards, I decided I needed the third Killing Game to include my remaining beloved classmates as participants…plus I needed to really stick it to the Future Foundation.  So for Danganronpa 3, I forced the Future Foundation Division Heads into a different kind of Killing Game, which ended with Makoto as the only survivor.  You only made it out alive because Kyoko allowed herself to die in order to ensure your survival.”

Makoto and Kyoko’s faces turned pale at the revelation of Kyoko’s counterpart’s death, with Makoto flashing back to Princess Zelda’s attack, thinking Kyoko…she sacrificed herself…for my other self…would my Kyoko…do that too?!

As Makoto and Kyoko’s hearts broke at the thought of living without the other, Junko continued “Anyway, without his beloved Detective, Makoto was consumed by rage and swore vengeance on me and my Killing Games.  His ferocity came to an end on the 10^th anniversary of the first Killing Game, during Danganronpa 10: Birth of Despair which resulted in his death, along with that of the Future Foundation.”

Kyoko closed her eyes, letting a single tear trickle down her cheek as she silently mourned the death of her beloved’s counterpart.

“So with none of my classmates around to stop me, the post-Tragedy world soon picked up greedy sponsors, and the Killing Games became a global phenomenon with millions of viewers.  Life was good, until Danganronpa 42 where an accident on set caused me to break my leg and I had to walk around with a cane after it healed. 

Opening her eyes, Kyoko focused on Junko’s cane and deduced “That cane…that’s my Grandfather’s, isn’t it?”

Junko nodded “Smart cookie, like always.  Yeah, after I killed him in his old detective agency, I moved into his mansion and found it there.  Oh, and I should also mention I found your old diary where you wrote about your adventures with Yui.”

I see…now I understand…how Tsumugi knew so much about us…  Kyoko realized, the gears turning in her brain as she started to put the pieces together.

“Alright, back on topic; from then on, an organization calling themselves Team Danganronpa took over production…and their seasons SUCKED!  They kept rehashing old storylines; it was like the reboot problem on steroids!  I was seriously considering pulling the plug on this whole operation until Danganronpa V2 happened where Tsumugi starred as the main heroine along with the protagonist Rantaro Amami.”

“HUH?!”  Shuichi, Maki, Himiko, and Keebo exclaimed in shock while Tsumugi smiled nostalgically.

“Yeah, V2 was great…because Rantaro and I fell in love at the end of that season.”

“…But…you killed Rantaro!”  Shuichi exclaimed, shocked at Tsumugi’s romantic confession.

Forgetting her nearly nude state, Tsumugi stood proudly, placing her hands on her hips and replying “Of course my love for Danganronpa was greater, but isn’t there something romantic about the one you love dying in order to keep the show going?”

“…YOU…”  Maki seethed, her and Shuichi shooting death glares towards Tsumugi, causing her to shriek in fear and run behind Junko.

“…Anyway, it really breathed new life into Danganronpa, which satisfied me enough to give it a second chance.”

Makoto cocked his head in confusion before he asked “Wait, if you wanted to breathe new life into your Killing Games, why did you destroy it just now?”

“Because, this was a test to see if Tsumugi could be an adequate successor and make the Killing Games more interesting…but she totally failed because she cheated in Chapter One by executing the initial protagonist Kaede Akamatsu for a crime she didn’t commit!  At least when I used underhanded tactics to get Kiri killed, I still operated within the confines of the rules!”

“B…but…”  Tsumugi stammered, only for Junko to cut her off.

“Plus she just rehashed ideas from Goodbye Despair and all the twists were so boring and predictable.  I mean, hello?  Having Kiyo be the blackened for both Angie and Tenko’s deaths?  You had such potential to deviate from tradition and have there be two blackeneds, and you just fell back of tired tropes!”  Junko took a deep breath, calming down before she continued “Anyway…I told myself that if Tsumugi here failed to impress, then I’d pull the plug on Danganronpa forever.”

Tsumugi gaped at Junko and stammered “B…but Miss J…Junko…my script was flaw…flawless…”

“Sorry, but it wasn’t flawless!”  Junko retorted in a sing-song voice.  “Besides, nothing’s perfect, you know.  That’s what made the Killing Games so exciting; you never truly know what’ll happen.  If they were perfect, they’d be boring and predictable.  In your case…I’ll admit your concepts weren’t half bad, but your execution left SO MUCH to be desired.  Seriously, what was the point of using the History of Hope’s Peak Academy book and cosplaying as my deceased friends and upperclassmen?!”

“I…I thought it would be good fanservice to have the original Ultimates be on my first script of Danganronpa!” 

“…Wouldn’t it have made more sense for you to cosplay as Kaede and Kaito and all the others who died in this Killing Game?  At least then it would have made your claim about everyone being fictional more impactful.”  Junko pointed out, causing Tsumugi to stare incredulously at her predecessor.

“…Baka…”  Junko groaned, facepalming as Shuichi, Maki, Himiko, and Keebo glared at the two Masterminds in disgust.

“Wh…why are you calling me a baka?  I’m positive my script was the perfect throwback to your glory days!”  She pointed angrily at Class 78^th and exclaimed “And it would have been perfect if these crossover rejects hadn’t interfered!”

Everyone sweatdropped at Tsumugi before Junko sighed, shaking her head in disappointment and scolding “This is just sad, Shirogane.  And not even the despairing kind of sad…just the pathetic kind of sad.  This is why I objected to it at the pre-production meeting…but I got outvoted by Team Danganronpa.  At least I got them to agree to not let her cosplay as Mukuro during this season…” 

So that’s why she never cosplayed as Mukuro…  Makoto realized.

She turned back to the joint survivors and continued “So as soon as I knew Tsumugi had failed, I made sure to make an Alter Ego program to wipe out everything related to Danganronpa upon the conclusion of this Killing Game.  Team Danganronpa would have continued with this shitshow even if I left and Tsumugi took over, so this was my fuck you to them.”

“W…wait…then that means…”

Junko grinned and nodded “That’s right; Team Danganronpa is powerless, and with countless murders on our hands, the United Nations is gonna be hunting us down like rats!”

As Tsumugi whimpered in fear, Junko walked away, raising her free hand in the air as she said “Whatever, I’m done with this crap.  I’m bored of the Killing Games.  I’m bored of my multiple personalities.  I’m even bored of Despair.”

JUNKO BORED OF DESPAIR?!  The Class 78^th survivors thought in shock.

“Hey…where are you going?!”  Shuichi demanded.

“Oh, me?  I’ll just go to my Manor and get in touch with my inner crazy cat lady until I either get arrested and executed, or die of old age.”

…You mean MY manor?  And you’re telling me it smells of cats now?!  Kyoko grumbled to herself.

“W..wait!  Take me with you, please!”  Tsumugi begged as she crawled over and latched onto Junko’s leg, only for the former Ultimate Despair to bop her on the head with the end of Fuhito’s cane.

Junko sighed as she walked back onto the hatch from whence she came, disappearing from view as she muttered “…I seriously regret offing Muku…good help is so hard to find these days…”

The others sweatdropped as Tsumugi shakily turned her head to face the survivors, angry tears streaming from her eyes as she opened her mouth.

*BAM*

A sickening crack could be heard as Maki’s fist collided with Tsumugi’s face, causing her eyes to spin as a goofy grin stretched from ear to ear, the Ultimate Cosplayer slurring “…Look at the pretty stars…” before promptly passing out on the floor.

“…That was for Kaito…”  Maki concluded, blowing on her fist with a satisfied smile.  She then turned to Kyoko and commented “…Ironic…you offered to give her a black eye before, yet I ended up being the one to deck her.”

Kyoko nodded, replying “…Thank you…”

Shuichi, Himiko, and Keebo smiled approvingly as they turned to the Class 78^th survivors, Makoto asking as he scratched his cheek nervously “So…what happens now?”

“Well…”  Shuichi began “We should probably take Tsumugi outside so we can turn her in to the police.”

The others nodded before Hiro grinned and gloated “Well, looks like my revelation about the existence of other worlds beat the Mastermind and saved the day!”

Byakuya scoffed “Please, you didn’t save anyone, you plebian.  Ironically enough, it was Junko who ultimately debunked Tsumugi’s claim about us being fictional.”

“Hey!  Don’t be mean!”

“Well…”  Makoto began awkwardly “…if it wasn’t for Hiro, I wouldn’t have broken free from despair, and I couldn’t have gotten the rest of you out of despair.”  Makoto smiled at his girlfriend as he continued “And it was Kyoko who exposed Tsumugi’s lie, so she really deserves the credit.”  Kyoko blushed, her tail nuzzling Makoto’s, making him blush in return before he finished “And we’re living, breathing proof that Hiro was right about other worlds.  How else could we use our power-ups outside of the Mushroom Kingdom?  And that means that Captain Toad and our other friends are real as well.”

“…Let’s…not try to overthink this, alright?  We’ll just get a headache.”

Before Makoto could object to his girlfriend, Shuichi nodded “Agreed; we’ve had enough madness for a lifetime.  So…what will you all do now?”

“Well…we have to get home with the Magenti-Sta…”  Makoto felt his pockets in a panic, exclaiming “Hey, where’s the Magenti-Star?!”

“OHHHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”  Hiro screamed.

“H…how could you lose something so i…important?!”  Toko scolded.

“Hey!  It’s not my fault!”  Makoto defended, holding up his hands in surrender.

“Don’t panic, guys!  Quickly, maybe it’s hiding somewhere in the trial room!  Let’s investigate until we find it!”  Hina suggested before she, Hiro, and Toko began tearing the room apart, frantically trying to find their ticket home.

Makoto, Kyoko, and Byakuya sweatdropped, Byakuya sighing and pinching the bridge of his nose, muttering “…Imbeciles…it’ll be easier if we just retrace our steps.  We stood in the middle of this trial room when we appeared.”

Kyoko nodded “Then we saw Shuichi and the others…”

Makoto agreed “And then we freaked out at the sight of Monokuma and Tsumugi…”

“Nyeh…is this what you’re looking for?”  Himiko asked as she walked up to them, everyone stopping to stare at her with gaping jaws as she took off her witch’s hat to reveal the Magenti-Star sitting on her head.  She took it off with her free hand, offering it to Makoto as she explained “It was floating around when we were focused on Tsumugi, and it was so pretty, I thought I could use it with my magic as a distraction in case things got really bad.  But…since it’s yours, you can have it back now.  Thank you for helping to avenge Tenko, Angie, Kaito, and Kaede’s deaths.”

The Class 78^th survivors sighed in relief, Makoto smiling and accepting it as he nodded “Thank you, Himiko.”  He and Shuichi smiled as the junior Ultimate Detective walked up to him, the two protagonists shaking hands as the Racoon Luckster thanked “Thanks, Shuichi.”

Shuichi averted his eyes bashfully and denied “Oh, uh…we didn’t really do all that much.  We need to be thanking you guys for all the help.”

Kyoko and Maki rolled their eyes before approaching each other as well, the elder Detective nodding “Well, now that we have our power source back, we should be on our way.  We wish you luck in the outside world, whatever it is.”

Maki nodded stoically “…I’ll return the favor someday.”

Everyone smiled as the Magenti-Star pulsed with energy once more, floating above Class 78^th as a magenta flash engulfed the room, causing Shuichi, Maki, Himiko, and Keebo to cover their eyes with their arms to avoid being blinded.  When at last they lowered their arms, they looked around to see that their new friends had completely vanished, leaving them and Tsumugi alone in the trial room.

“Nyeh…that was some twist…”  Himiko commented, causing Shuichi to nod in agreement.

Maki sighed and walked over to Tsumugi, throwing the Mastermind over her shoulder like a sack of rice as she suggested “Let’s get going…”

Shuichi and Himiko followed her to the elevator while Keebo stared at the spot where the Class 78^th survivors last stood, muttering “I wish you safe travels on your journey”, before he hurried to join his companions, the four friends smiling as they realized that the Killing School Semester was finally over.

Chapter Text

A magenta light flashed for an instant before dissipating as quickly as it came, leaving a dazed Makoto, Kyoko, Byakuya, Toko, Hina, and Hiro in its wake.

“Does the Magenti-Star have to leave us so dizzy whenever it drops us off in a new dimension?”   Makoto wondered after getting his bearings.

“It’s a powerful item whose mechanics we still have no real understanding of.”  Kyoko pointed out as she stood near her love, Byakuya nodding in agreement.

“As loath as I am to say it...I must agree with your Racoon girlfriend, Makoto.”  Byakuya grumbled.  “I will not pretend to understand how its magic works.  Only a fool would say that, and we are no fools.”

Hina smiled at Byakuya and commented “You must really consider us your friends if you’re not insulting us and calling us fools anymore,” causing Byakuya to sigh and adjust his glasses.

“Don’t get a swelled head, Hina.  Just because I don’t consider you to be fools doesn’t mean that I consider you all my equals.”

Hina frowned before smirking and asking “Does that include Toko?”

“Tch...” An embarrassed Byakuya grunted as he and Hina turned to face Toko, who wore the same determined expression that she did during the Magenti-Star Hunt.

“You just have to de...demonstrate how valuable you are to Ma...Master Byakuya, and he’ll reward you with his re...respect!”

Byakuya nodded approvingly to before he blushed, muttering “...and more.”

Toko blushed, approaching her beloved as her arm twitched, preparing to wrap it around Byakuya’s waist in an affectionate half-hug once she reached her target.

“Oh you have value alright...as a handy woman.”  Byakuya and Toko turned with indignant expressions towards Kyoko, who smirked as she continued “You can use those hammers of yours to nail in your stash of framed photos of Byakuya to your wall.”

Toko glared as she retorted “Maybe I’ll use them to build a nice sh...shed to protect my garbage from filthy Ra...Racoons!”

Kyoko’s smirk dropped into a frown as her icy eyes intensified into her trademark Kirigiri Glare before the Racoon Detective retorted “I’ll gladly steal your garbage; at least it’ll smell pleasant compared to your repugnant stench.”

Toko stomped her foot on the ground as she pointed at Kyoko and demanded “Take that ba...back, you...”

“I will not.”  Kyoko denied before she and Toko stomped up to each other, the tips of their noses pressed against each other as lightning sparked between their matching purple eyes.  Kyoko’s Racoon Tail and Tanuki Ears stood on end as continued to glare and growl as each other while Byakuya and Hina sweatdropped in annoyance.

“Hey, Kyoko, c...calm down...”  Makoto tried to interject before Hiro intervened.  The Ultimate Clairvoyant wrapped his arms around both their shoulders as he gave the feuding females an easy smile.

“Hey, come on guys.  You’re killing our good vibes here.  Look, I’m just as entertained as the next guy by a good cat fight...”

...Don’t touch us...  Kyoko and Toko thought as they turned their glares towards Hiro.

“But shouldn’t we try to get along until we can at least figure out where we are?  Especially after that whole V3 incident.”

Hiro grinned proudly until he finally noticed the twin glares burning into him.  The Ultimate Clairvoyant stepped back nervously as Kyoko and Toko finally reflected on his words.

...I hate to admit it...but he’s right.  He did get Makoto out of Despair, so technically he did save us.  So...we should be nice to him...  “...Fine...” They sighed as they walked back to their respective loves.

Makoto and Byakuya shared a mutually confused glance before Hina giggled “That was their way of thanking Hiro for his help in the V3 universe.”

Hina’s claim was met with silence from the girls in question, silently affirming her hypothesis.

“I must admit...I am indebted to Hiro’s...intervention...” Byakuya sighed “Very well; I will try to be...nice, Hiro.”

Hiro laughed heartily and replied “Ah, don’t worry about it!  It’s my job to look out for you guys.  I am the oldest after all!”

The others sweatdropped at Hiro’s claim before Makoto suggested “Anyway...going back to Hiro’s suggestion, we probably should figure out where we are, especially since this doesn’t look like our world at all.”

The others looked around at their surroundings as they observed the nearly endless forest that threatened to envelop them.

“Well...we could be in a forest in some rural prefecture...” Hina offered, though her nervous tone implied that she was unsure of her own suggestion.

“There’s only one way to find out.”   Kyoko decided as she laced her fingers with Makoto.  She and her beloved Racoon partner smiled at each other before she asked “So, shall we go?”

She then gently tugged him along as their Racoon Tails wagged in gentle joy, the others sweatdropping before they followed the lucky-in-love Racoon couple.

XXX

At last, the survivors cleared the endless maze of forestry, Kyoko leading the group as the curtain of foliage parted to reveal an endless expanse of green grass as far as the eye could see.  In the distance, an aged, wooden well with walls arranged in a cube-like shape with its top completely open was visible to their eyes.

Makoto’s eyes sparkled while his cautious girlfriend warned “We should exercise...caution...”

She trailed off, sweatdropping along with everyone else as Makoto just ran past her.  Kyoko sighed, facepalming before she strolled up to her excited boyfriend.

“Makoto, I told you we need to be...”

“It’s okay, Kyoko!”  Makoto told her excitedly.  “I know what this well is!”

Everyone groaned in unison, thinking Great...another world from Makoto’s childhood...

Kyoko sighed, not having the heart to stay mad at his childlike glee as she cautioned “Just don’t get overexcited.  Remember, these worlds could be fraught with danger if we’re not careful.”

Byakuya nodded and asked “So, what video game world did we end up in this time?”

Kyoko shot him an annoyed glare while Toko snickered at her rival.

Makoto meanwhile turned around and shook his head, correcting them “No no no!  No video game world this time!  We’re in an anime world!”

“Um...what’s the difference?”

Everyone nodded in agreement with Hina’s question, which caused Makoto to sweatdrop as he deadpanned “You all really need to watch some Isekai anime...”

Makoto trailed off as his and Kyoko’s Tanuki Ears twitched, which caused them to turn in surprise.

“Ano...Kyoko, is it just me, or do you hear voices?”

“No, it’s not just you; I heard voices too.  But who...Makoto!”  Kyoko exclaimed as a red blur sped towards them and grabbed Makoto by the collar of his shirt.

Makoto’s eyes widened as he kicked futilely and stared into a pair of feral, golden eyes.  The Racoon Luckster choked as he felt a hand squeeze his throat while the tips of its claws threatened to puncture his skin.  Makoto managed to draw his eyes away from the hypnotic golden stare and take in the face of his assailant: a teenage boy with flowing white hair and fangs that just barely poked out from his scowling lips.

“Who the hell are you?!”

Oh Kami...it’s Inuyasha!  One of my favorite anime characters from when I was in middle school...no.  Inuyasha isn’t a fictional character; he’s real!

“Put him down this instant!”

A resounding smack could be heard as Kyoko launched her fist straight into Inuyasha’s cheek.  Inuyasha stared down at Kyoko’s gloved fist, then to her angry scowl, unfazed by her assault.  Despite her shock that her punch didn’t even cause Inuyasha to flinch, Kyoko kept her mask of anger in place.

“Ano...Kyoko...everything’s okay...”

“Like hell it is!”  Kyoko and Inuyasha yelled, which made Makoto trail off in awe before the two angry teenagers refocused their attention on each other.  Annoyed, Inuyasha swatted at her with his free claw before Kyoko. Swiftly dodged the lazy assault.

“Keh.”  Inuyasha scoffed as he gave an impressed smirk a and complimented “As expected of a Racoon Demon to evade me like that.”

Racoon Demon?  Kyoko wondered before she shook the thought away and dashed over to Inuyasha.

Her eyes widened as she skid to a halt in the face of a giant curved, two-handed sword, its tip pressed against her nose as Inuyasha smirked victoriously.

Tetsusaiga... Makoto realized as his friends’ eyes widened at the intimidating weapon.

“Now, I won’t ask again.  Who are you demons?”

Overcoming his shock, Byakuya scoffed “Demons?  How dare you refer to me as such, you dog-eared freak.  Time for me to singe your fur and teach you a lesson, Muttface.”

Byakuya produced a golden fireball in each hand and threw them at his target.  Inuyasha’s eyes widened in surprise as the golden, flaming projectiles flew towards him.

“Hiraikotsu!”

Byakuya’s eyes widened as a giant wooden boomerang whooshed through the air.  Blasts of wind and flaming embers grazed his cheeks as he felt the force of the boomerang scatter his fireballs.

“Th...This is...”

Before Byakuya could continue, the boomerang left as quickly as it came.  The survivors’ eyes followed its trajectory until at last it landed in a sleek, feminine hand.  Its owner, a woman with long, brown hair, dressed in a skintight black body suit with pink armor plates and a single katana clinking at her waist, approached the ragtag group.

This woman...  Kyoko deduced ...She knows how to fight, and she’s obviously this man’s ally.

Focusing on the woman in question, Kyoko noticed a feral, white cat the size of a mountain lion walk beside the woman.  Riding the cat was a small boy wearing a blue outfit and a yellow-orange fur vest, with angular ears on his head and a bushy tail lightly wagging from side to side.  Kyoko glanced to the woman’s other side and took note of a man wearing a purple robe and sash as he carried a ceremonial staff that clinked with each step he took.  Flanking his other side was a teenage girl with long, raven hair, dressed in a middle school sailor uniform.

Finally, someone normal... Kyoko, Byakuya, Toko, Hina, and Hiro thought in relief while Makoto’s eyes shone excitedly.

Oh Kami oh Kami oh Kami!  Sango, Kirara, Shippo, Miroku, and Kagame!  This is like a dream come true!

Hina stared at the new group, then to her friends and noticed Hiro staring at Inuyasha’s friends with a concerned expression.

“Really?  You of all people aren’t freaking out about aliens or monsters or whatever?!”  Hina hissed in shock before Hiro shrugged.

“I know, right?”

As Hina sighed in exasperation, Shippo asked “So...who are these guys?”

“That’s what I’ve been wondering, Shippo.”  Miroku mused as he cradled his chin with his free hand in contemplation “Those two seem to be some variety of Racoon Dog demons, but all of them are wearing clothes reminiscent of Kagome here.  What say you, Kagome?  Do you think they could be visitors from your world?”

“Hmm...” An intrigued Kagome pondered “I suppose it’s possible.  Though we won’t know for sure until we actually try and talk to them, instead of pointing weapons at them.”  Inuyasha grunted and Sango smiled guiltily as Kagome walked up to the Class 78th survivors with a smile.

“Hi there!  Who are you guys?”

Byakuya scoffed and opened his mouth to speak before Hiro clamped his hand over Byakuya’s mouth.  The Ultimate Affluent Progeny’s eyes widened in surprise before settling into an annoyed glare at the silencing of his retort.

“H...How dare you do that to Ma...Master!”  Toko retorted as she pointed at Hiro.

Before she could continue to insult Hiro any further, Toko found herself muffled by Hina’s hand as the panicked Swimming Pro clamped her mouth over Toko’s jaws.  Toko gasped, then started struggling futilely against Hina’s superior grip.

Kagome sweatdropped before Hiro smiled nervously and assured her “Umm...sorry about them...they’re...”

Hina quickly interjected “They don’t really mean any harm; they just have a tendency to rub people the wrong way.”  Byakuya and Toko gave muffled, unintelligible objections against the hands preventing them from speaking as Hina continued “Sorry about the misunderstanding.”

Kagome nodded understandingly and replied “I think I get it...don’t worry, I have a friend who can rub people the wrong way too.”  Inuyasha glared at Kagome, who merely ignored it as she concluded “Anyway, I don’t think these guys will give us any trouble...oh, they look so cute!  Look at their little Racoon Tails and Tanuki Ears!”

Kagome’s friends sweatdropped as she gushed and stared at Kyoko, who blushed at the attention before Kagome’s gaze shifted to Makoto, then to Inuyasha.  Kagome’s eyes then narrowed in anger, causing Inuyasha to shake as she stomped over to them.

“Inuyasha, put your sword away and stop choking the poor Racoon Boy!”

“Kagome, they could be dangerous!  Besides, the girl here already tried to punch me!”

“These little guys?  They’re too cute to hurt a fly!”

Me yes, Kyoko...not so much...  Makoto thought as he and Kyoko watched Kagome and Inuyasha continue to bicker back and forth.

“You’re just being a baka, Kagome!”

“Inuyasha...”. Kagome growled, making Inuyasha and Makoto sweat in fear.

Oh no...she’s gonna sit him.  I like Kagome, I really do...but sometimes she can be a bit of a brat with her sits.  Plus, if he face plants, I faceplant!  I’ve gotta defuse this situation before we both end up in a world of hurt!  “Higurashi-san, there’s no need to be so mad with Inuyasha.  This is just a big misunderstanding.”

Makoto...what are you up to?  Kyoko wondered with widened eyes while Inuyasha and Kagome stared at each other with confused eyes, their argument forgotten.

“How...how do you know my last name?”  Kagome wondered.

Makoto started to sweat at his slip up, panicking This is bad; people in the Sengoku Jidai don’t even have last names!  How could I have been so stupid?!  We can’t have another V3 incident, but what do I say to make her stop asking questions?

Makoto was saved by Kyoko’s quick thinking, who explained “It’s right on your backpack.”

“Huh?”  Kagome looked behind her and sure enough, saw her last name stitched into the yellow fabric in black font.  Kagome let out an embarrassed chuckle as she admitted “Oh, so it is...”

Wanting to avoid another sit threat, Inuyasha compromised and lowered Makoto so that his feet were touching the ground and he was no longer choking, but still kept a firm grasp around his shirt.

“Okay, but how do you know my name?”  Inuyasha demanded, still not completely trusting Makoto and his friends.

You mean other than the fact that we heard it during your argument?  Kyoko deadpanned while a calmer Makoto thought up an excuse.

“Oh, that’s because I know about the Feudal Fairytale Inuyasha from folklore.  It was one of my favorite stories that I read in school!”

Huh?  I don’t remember reading about Inuyasha in school... A baffled Kagome thought as Inuyasha looked absolutely stunned by Makoto’s lie.

“Th...there’s a story about me?”  Inuyasha wondered as Sango, Miroku, and Shippo stared in shock with the same baffled expression as Kagome.

I see...how clever... Kyoko thought, barely hiding her proud smile at Makoto’s quick thinking.  I suppose...this is yet another reason I fell for him...

Convinced, Inuyasha smirked and unceremoniously dropped Makoto, patting him on the shoulder once the Racoon Luckster got to his feet.

“Well, if you know how great I am, then you can’t be all bad!”

His companions groaned as Miroku muttered “One mention about him being a folktale and his head inflates like a balloon.”

“Yeah, the last thing he needs is to be even more full of himself...” Shippo muttered before Sango nodded in agreement.

Byakuya meanwhile finally pushed Hiro off of him and demanded “Enough small talk; who are you and what are you doing here?”

Kagome glared at Byakuya and retorted “You’re as arrogant as you look.”

Toko tried to shout in protest but was still muffled by Hina’s hand.

Kagome sighed and relented “To answer your second question...I sensed something...powerful in the area and we left the nearby village to investigate.”

Byakuya’s eyebrows narrowed suspiciously as he interrogated “And what were you investigating?”

“Hey, back off!”  Inuyasha interjected as he stepped in front of Kagome and tightened his grip on Tetsusaiga.

“Don’t order me around, Muttface.”  Byakuya retorted as he summoned two more fireballs in his hands.

As the two ragtag groups tensed in preparation for battle, Miroku stepped between the two volatile teenagers and tried to diffuse the tension by saying “Now now, let’s not have an unnecessary battle on our hands.  I don’t believe that these strangers have any evil intentions.  Why don’t we introduce ourselves?”

Makoto nodded and smiled as he agreed “Yeah, that sounds like a great idea.  My name is Makoto Naegi.”

Kyoko decided to trust Makoto and went next as she introduced “My name is...Kyoko Kirigiri.”

Hina smiled and nodded before explaining “I’m Aoi Asahina, but my friends just call me Hina.”

Hiro waved “Yo!  I’m Yasuhiro Hagakure, Hiro for short.”

Makoto nodded and finished “And that’s Byakuya Togami and Toko Fukawa.”

Kagome smiled and spoke first for her group as she explained “You probably figured it out by now, but my name’s Kagome Higurashi.”

As Sango stepped forward and Shippo jumped away, the giant cat was suddenly engulfed in flames before they dissipated, leaving a tiny kitten in its place.

“My name’s Sango, and this here is Kirara.”

“My name is Shippo, and the temperamental dog demon over there is Inuyasha.  But his name’s not that important to remember...OW!  Kagome, Inuyasha hit me!”

“Keh, serves you right, runt.”  Inuyasha smirked as Shippo nursed the bump on his head.

“Now Inuyasha, you shouldn’t hit Shippo like that.  And Shippo, that insult was uncalled for.”

As both averted their gazes in embarrassment at Kagome’s scolding, Miroku stepped forward and bowed respectfully as he introduced “My name is Miroku; I’m a humble monk on a quest to slay a great evil that has cursed my family.”

Hina gasped and let go of Toko, casing the Writing Prodigy to fall unceremoniously and grumble in pain as the Swimming Pro exclaimed “That’s terrible!”

Miroku closed his eyes and clenched his fist as he continued “Yes, it’s a horrible burden that only I alone can bear.”

Inuyasha, Kagome, and Shippo groaned at the all too familiar tale while Sango’s eyes narrowed in annoyance.

“For you see...the only way to destroy the curse on my family is to destroy Naraku, the demon who cast it on my grandfather.  But if I fail, then it will be up to my descendant to destroy the curse in my stead.”

Kyoko rolled her eyes at Miroku’s sweet talking, taking note of the annoyed expressions on his companions’ faces as Miroku went on and on.

“I see...and pray tell me, who do you envision having a child with an over the top monk like yourself?”  Kyoko questioned.

Miroku’s lips stretched into a smirk as he quickly walked over to Kyoko and took her gloved hands in his own and looked into her violet eyes.  A stunned Kyoko felt her blood boil at Miroku’s sudden advance, but before she could put force behind her emotions, she felt her shock multiply at Miroku’s next question.

“Kyoko Kirigiri, would you consider having my children?”

Hina gasped in shock while Byakuya’s eyes widened in bewilderment and Toko snickered at Kyoko’s misfortune.

“Wow...I didn’t expect this...” Hiro chuckled while Kagome, Inuyasha, and Shippo facepalmed at  Miroku’s advances.

Sango meanwhile grew livid, steam pouring out of her ears while Kyoko grew equally furious as she seethed He did NOT just...first I get kidnapped by Bowser, then Tsumugi claims I’m fictional, and now this perverted monk asks me to BEAR HIS CHILDREN!  The only boy whose children I’d bare is standing right behind me...and why isn’t he decking this guy?

Kyoko turned her head to look back at Makoto, who did indeed have anger swirling in his gentle green eyes, but it was minuscule compared to the childlike excitement.

Oh no...not Makoto’s fanboy mode...he should be in super angry boyfriend mode, but he’s too busy getting all excited by something obviously from the anime these people are from to care about the fact that his GIRLFRIEND is being hit on!  Shikata wa nai...

“Miss Kirigiri, are you alright?  I...AGH!”

Makoto, Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo, Sango, and Kirara gasped as they saw Kyoko pin Miroku to the ground and twist his arm against his back.

“Ow ow OW!”  Miroku whined.

This is bad...  The group collectively thought If she unravels the beads by accident, she’ll set off Miroku’s Wind Tunnel!

“I will not be a baby-making machine for some underhanded, perverted monk.  Am I clear?”

“Okay okay, I’m sorry, just please, get off me!”

“Hmph.”  Kyoko grunted as she finally let him go and stood up.

Miroku’s friends and Makoto sighed in relief as Kyoko stomped back to Makoto.  Makoto gulped as Kyoko stared into his eyes before she said simply “Otaku.”

Makoto blinked in confusion as Kyoko walked next to him, roughly grabbing his hand.

As Makoto tried to look at his girlfriend, Kyoko merely grunted “Hmph,” and cutely pouted as she averted her gaze.

I...I’ve gotta fix this... Makoto thought as he nervously scratched his cheek.

As Miroku stood up and rubbed his wrist he noted Okay...clearly that Kyoko girl has a boyfriend...and she’s just as viable to cause pain as Sango does.  Be careful, Makoto...  He then looked at Hina and thought Maybe Hina would be more receptive...plus that Frog Suit of hers does a great job of showing her lovely, lovely figure... 

Miroku walked up to a a startled Hina and took her hands in his own.

“I must say, Miss Asahina, you’re very courageous to show off your beautiful figure like that with your skintight suit.”

Hina blushed while Sango pouted as she thought I wear a skintight suit too!  Does that mean nothing to that lecherous monk?

Ignorant to Sango’s thoughts, Miroku asked “Tell me, Miss Asahina, would you consider having my children?”

Hina blushed in embarrassed shock  as she angrily thought What the...Kyoko rejected him so now he’s trying to catch me on the rebound?  That’s SO not cool!  I should totally slug this creep...although this could be good practice for dealing with other lecherous suitors, and I have magic frog powers, so...  Miroku missed Hina’s mischievous grin as she replied “...alright, I’ll consider it...if you can keep up with me?”

Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo, and Sango gaped in shock as Miroku’s eyes widened before he thought S...seriously?  I’m not getting rejected for once?!

Fantasizing about himself with a pregnant Hina, Miroku smiled and replied “Not to worry, Miss Asahina.  I’m confident that I can keep up with anything you have to offer.”

“Is that a fact?”

“Yes, it is, Miss Asa...AAAAHHHHHHHHH!”

Everyone stared in shock as Hina picked Miroku up bridal style and leapt into the air.

“Wow, I’ve never seen this side of Hina before.”  Not even when I pretended to be her boyfriend.  Makoto turned to Kyoko as he asked “What do you think, Kyoko?”

“Hmph!”  Kyoko grunted as she snubbed him, which caused Makoto to sigh in exasperation.

“M...Miss Asahina...I...I’d like to get down now...”. Miroku stammered, clinging onto her Frog Suit for dear life.

“Aww, but we’re not done yet...”. Hina cooed as her feet touched the ground before she leave into the sky again, disappearing into the forest as Miroku’s terrified screams rang in their ears.

“Should...should we stop her?”  Shippo hesitantly asked.

“No, let him suffer.”  Sango retorted curtly, which caused Shippo to look at Inuyasha and Kagome in confusion.

“Keh, this is Miroku’s fault, so he needs to deal with the consequences.”  Inuyasha explained, which caused Shippo to shrug in acceptance.

After another minute, Hina landed with a boom back in between the two groups, causing dust to scatter as she looked at the dazed Miroku in her arms and noted with satisfaction the swirls in his eyes.

“So...” She asked with a smile “When’s our first date?”

Miroku shook the dizziness from his mind before he scrambled out of Hina’s arms and bowed respectfully.

“F...Forgive me Miss A...Asahina...but I ca...can’t go out wi...with you...”  Miroku stuttered before running back to his friends, which made Hina smirk victoriously as she walked back to her friends.

I’m glad that’s over with.  I won’t deny that he’s charming in his own way, but I don’t want someone so perverted as a boyfriend.  If that acting session with Makoto taught me one thing...it’s that I’d want my boyfriend to be like him.

Hina looked over at Makoto who was still trying without success to coax Kyoko into talking to him.

Kyoko...you’re super lucky to be dating Makoto, and I’ll still support your relationship one hundred percent!

Once Miroku got his bearings, he contemplated It seems finding a woman to bear my child is becoming more and more painful by the minute.  He glanced towards the still pouting demon slayer as he contemplated Perhaps I should cut my losses and pursue Sango...  Miroku’s gaze wandered until his eyes focused on Toko, which caused the young monk to contemplate Although, Miss Fukawa is rather cute in her own right...oh what the hell?  Third time’s the charm, right?

His mission decided, Miroku walked over to Toko and tapped her shoulder, which caused her to shriek in shock before he took her hands in his own.

“Miss Fukawa, your demure aura merely accentuates your already exquisite cuteness.  Tell me, would you do me the honor of bearing me a son?”

Kyoko giggled in amusement while Makoto stared curiously as Toko’s face turned as red as a tomato.

“Really?”  Kagome deadpanned, both surprised and not surprised that Miroku was continuing to push his luck.

“Baka.”  Inuyasha muttered.

Hiro stepped away in fear as Byakuya glowed with a golden fiery aura and Sango glowed with a red blazing aura.

How dare this commoner ask my Toko to bear him a son...what nerve!

I can’t believe you’re flirting with other women...I’m RIGHT HERE you know!

Toko shook the shock from her system and glared at Miroku as she pulled away her hands and stammered “You...you listen here you pervert.  I...”

“Oh just let me have control for a minute!  I wanna have some fun with this guy!”

Toko recognized the excited voice in her head and sighed before relenting ...Just don’t kill him.

Toko sneezed before she glanced down at her shoes, which caused a concerned Miroku to ask “Miss Fukawa, are you alright...Ah!”

Miroku gasped in shock and fear as he stared into Jill’s ruby red eyes and saw her blood red tongue slither out of her mouth.  Byakuya’s golden aura dissipated as he smirked in satisfaction at the recent turn of events.

“This is bad...”. Makoto muttered “If Jill finds Miroku to be cute, then he’s liable to get slashed and stabbed!”

Before Miroku could utter another word, he felt sharp, metallic tips at his throat.  A quick glance revealed that Jill had withdrawn her signature scissors and was holding them against his throat as she grinned.

“HEY THERE CUTE MONK BOY!  DO YOU WANT TO SEE HOW I CAN MAKE A DEAD BODY?!”

“Ah!  Demon!  Begone from this young maiden’s body at once!”  Miroku shrieked before he quickly withdrew a sacred sutra and slapped it against Jill’s cheek.

“Ooh!  Is this some kind of new bondage tool or something?  Sorry, but stickers aren’t really my thing so...”

Miroku gaped in shock as Jill merely ripped the sutra off her face and let it flutter to the ground.

“What the...my sacred sutra didn’t work on her?!”

Inuyasha stared curiously as he remarked “Wow, I didn’t expect his sutras to completely fail.  Usually only Kagome’s Grandpa’s sutras fail; the old geezer is a total fake.”

“Hey, don’t badmouth my Grandpa like that!”  Kagome retorted.

“Uh guys, we still have a problem over here...”. Shippo pointed out, which caused them to drop their argument as they turned their attention back to the terrified Miroku and the cackling Jill.

“So...you wanna see how I can make a dead body, pretty boy?  Then get a taste of my beautiful scissors!”

Miroku shrieked, as he stumbled backwards just in time to avoid Jill’s slashes.  The scared monk then turned and crawled back to his friends before he latched onto Sango’s leg as he looked up at her pleadingly.  Sango looked from Miroku to the cackling Jill, then back to the shaken Miroku before she smirked in satisfaction.

Serves you right, you lech!

After she sheathed her scissors, Jill sauntered over to Byakuya and latched onto his arm before she rubbed her cheek against his chest and proclaimed “Sorry pretty boy, but if any man is gonna penetrate me, it’s gonna be my lovely Master Byakuya!”

...I don’t know whether I should find this annoying or sexy... A truly torn Byakuya contemplated as Makoto tried once more to talk to Kyoko.

“Hmph!”  She rebuffed him once more, frustrating Makoto as he tried to figure out how to get back on her good side.

Man, how can I get Kyoko to look at me again?  I don’t think a simple tail rub will work...wait, will it?  Well, I guess it’s worth a shot...

Makoto hesitantly reached with his free hand and began stroking her Racoon Tail, which caused Kyoko to gasp as her annoyed expression softened into a pleased smile.

Oh that feels so good...wait, NO!  This is no time to enjoy a tail rub, Kirigiri!  Makoto didn’t do anything when that lech was hitting on you, so don’t reward him just because you like it when he strokes your tail!

Gritting her teeth, Kyoko yanked her hand away from Makoto’s, only for her to gasp in shock as her yank inadvertently sent him flying.

Oh no, I didn’t think he was holding my hand that tightly!  What have I done?!  “Makoto...huh?”

Kyoko sighed in shocked relief as his Racoon Tail spun like a propeller, causing him to hover above the ground as he sat in a cross-legged position.  Makoto looked down in shock before glancing at everyone’s shocked expressions.

I didn’t know I could do that...I wonder...  Makoto contemplated before he stared to propel himself forward, smiling in awe as he continued to propel himself around the field with his tail.

“Hey, that looks kind of fun.”  Kagome noted “And that tail kind of looks like something out of a Super Mario Bros game.”

You have no idea... Kyoko, Hina, Hiro, and Byakuya all deadpanned in unison as Makoto laughed with glee.

The boy continued to zip around the field until his fun was brought to a sudden halt, a collision with a tree, to be accurate.

“Oof!”  Makoto groaned as he fell on his back, lying prone on the ground.

“Makoto!”  Kyoko called out worriedly as she ran up to him, the others following closely behind her.  “Are you alright?”  She asked as she kneeled next to him and stared into the swirls in his dazed eyes.

“Oh...who’s this beautiful purple goddess talking to me...?”  Kyoko blushed as red as a cherry before Makoto shook away his dizziness and stared up at Kyoko with a smile.

Her annoyance with Makoto now forgotten, Kyoko smiled lovingly at her Racoon Luckster and held out her hand.  Makoto took it gratefully before she gently tugged and helped him to stand up.

Before Kyoko could open her arms to draw Makoto into a much-needed hug, her eyes widened as she pointed at his ahoge and asked “Makoto...what in the world is that thing on your head?!”

“Huh?”

Makoto suddenly felt a tugging sensation at the root of his ahoge.  Annoyed by the slightly painful sensation, Makoto reached up with one hand and grabbed at the source before he lowered his enclosed fist and opened it once it was at eye level.  Makoto and Kyoko stared in shock as they saw a miniature lizard demon with its tail curled around a glowing pink shard.

“Inuyasha!”  Kagome exclaimed “That demon in Makoto’s palm is holding a shard of the Sacred Jewel!”

Inuyasha drew the Tetsusaiga while Makoto scrunched his nose in disgust at the thought that a demon was in his hair.

“Fear me human...Racoon...thing!”  The demon snarled, then shrieked as a disgusted and unintimidated Makoto simply plucked the jewel shard from the demon’s tail and chucked it behind him.

Makoto stared into the jewel’s crystal depths, mesmerized by its gentle, enchanting glow.

“Makoto...?”  Kyoko asked as she frowned in concern at Makoto’s trance before she relaxed as Makoto snapped out of his trance and smiled reassuringly at her.  Makoto then walked over to a curious Inuyasha and deposited the jewel shard into his open palm.

“Here, you guys are collecting the Sacred Jewel shards, right?  Then you guys should have this.”

Inuyasha stared at Makoto incredulously before he nodded and handed the jewel shard to Kagome.

“Wow, for you to find a jewel shard before Kagome could...you must really have Ultimate Luck.”

You have no idea... Kyoko, Hina, Byakuya, and Hiro thought as Makoto chuckled.

“He’s more than just lucky...” Kyoko stated as she walked up to Makoto, which caused the Racoon Luckster to blush and smile before they leaned in for a chaste kiss.

“Aww, that’s so adorable!”  Kagome gushed as Inuyasha nodded approvingly.

“Well, if there’s nothing else to do here, then perhaps we should get going.”  Byakuya suggested as he, Hina, Jill, and Hiro approached the racoon couple.

As they nodded, Kagome cocked her head in confusion and asked “By the way...how did you guys get here anyway?”

Makoto answered by removing the Magenti-Star from his pocket, which caused Inuyasha, Kagome, Miroku, Sango, and Shippo to stare in awe as the little fox demon asked “Wow, what’s that?”

“It’s our pet rock, and we’re taking it for a walk Kehahahahahahaaaa!”  Jill cackled as her friends sweatdropped at her joke.

“...Shouldn’t you switch places with Toko by now?”  Kyoko asked as she thought At least Toko isn’t chaotic.

“No way!  I wanna see all the worlds we get to travel to!  Besides, I want equal time with Master, and Miss Morose has been hogging him all to herself.  It’s my turn dammit, so go play in the garbage with your boyfriend and leave me to Master!”

Byakuya blushed as Kyoko muttered “...I don’t know who I can’t stand more, you or Toko.”

Jill unsheathed her scissors and decided “Well, I’ll stick around so we can find out!”

“Jill, stop talking.  Makoto, activate the Magenti-Star so we can go home already.”  Byakuya commanded before Makoto nodded and the Magenti-Star floated above their heads and pulsed with purple waves of light.

Makoto turned to wave at Inuyasha and his friends and called “Say hi to Kin’u and Gyokuto!”

“Huh?!”  Miroku and Sango asked, baffled by Makoto’s request.

An equally confused Kyoko turned to her boyfriend and asked “Who are Kin’u and Gyokuto?”

“Oh, see at the end of Inuyasha, Miroku and Sango have twin daughters, but they were never named, so my sister Komaru and I came up with those names as kids.”

“Ah...” Kyoko nodded in understanding before a burst of magenta light blinded Inuyasha and his friends before it dissipated.

“They’re gone...well, they seemed like an interesting group...” Kagome noted as they were greeted with solace once more.

Inuyasha agreed “Yeah, but I wonder what that Makoto kid meant by Kin’u and Gyokuto.  I’ve never heard of anyone by those names.”

Sango shook her head and replied “I don’t know either Inuyasha.”  Though...those sound like unique names for young girls...  Sango admitted to herself as she glanced at Miroku and started daydreaming about settling down with him, her belly swelled with life.

Miroku smiled in amusement as he wrapped an arm around Sango and asked curiously “My dear Sango, just what are you daydreaming about?”

A vein pulsed in Sango’s forehead as she lifted Hiraikotsu from her back and growled “None of your business, you nosy lech!”

“Ow!”

Kagome, Inuyasha, and Shippo sweatdropped as Miroku toppled to the ground, dizzy swirls in his eyes as a lump quickly formed on his head.  Just as he was getting his bearings, Sango yanked him to his feet by the sash before she moved her hand behind his neck and pulled him in for a deep kiss.The others gaped in shock as Miroku’s eyes widened, but before he could reciprocate she released him.  Miroku stumbled backwards for a moment before he found himself staring into Sango’s intense, passionate eyes.

“Quit flirting with every woman you meet...and maybe you’ll find out what I was dreaming about.”

Before Miroku could answer, a blushing Sango sheathed her Hiraikotsu, then turned around and walked away.

Quit flirting...yes...I think I can do that...very well, I’ll do my best to change for you, my dear Sango... Miroku thought before he eagerly followed the young demon slayer, Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo, and Kirara flanking them from behind.

“Oh wow, that was so brave of Sango to put herself out there like that!”  Kagome gushed.

A blushing Inuyasha scoffed “Keh, we don’t have time for this mushy stuff!”

“...Inuyasha...”. Said half-demon quaked in fear as he saw a vein pulse in Kagome’s forehead, the priestess in training annoyed and angered by his thoughtless remark.

“Wait, Kagome, I’m...”

“You can be so thoughtless sometimes!  SIT BOY!”

The necklace around his neck glowed as Inuyasha fell to the ground with a thud, a crater in his image formed where he stood with him lying at the bottom.

“Hmph!”  Kagome grunted, pouting as she hurried after Miroku and Sango.

“Man, you always strike out with Kagome, don’t you Inuyasha?”  Shippo teased before Inuyasha groaned in pain and embarrassment and climbed out of the crater.

As Inuyasha slumped on the ground, Kirara transformed into her larger form and took pity on him as she bit into the collar of his robe.  Once Shippo had climbed on top of Kirara’s back, she walked along the path, dragging Inuyasha along.

“Damn...Makoto...why couldn’t you have come with us?!”

Chapter Text

A blinding magenta light flashed, then dissipated as quickly as it came.  In its wake stood the dazed Makoto, Kyoko, Hina, Byakuya, Jill, and Hiro.  Makoto shook his head and looked around, his dizziness dissipated as he took inventory of the seemingly abandoned building they had landed in.

“…This place looks a little creepy.”  He deadpanned before he turned to face his girlfriend and asked “What do you think, Kyo…”

“Hey there Big Mac!  What pit stop did we make on our interdimensional road trip this time?  Ahahahahaha!”

“Ah!  Jill, don’t scare me like that!”  Makoto exclaimed as the Ultimate Murderous Fiend continued her signature cackle.  Makoto sighed as he calmed down before he explained “Anyway, I don’t have a clue where we are for once, and I certainly can’t say why we’re here.”

…We’re in trouble…  The others deadpanned, now out of their daze.

Jill’s eyes narrowed as her tongue slithered dangerously close to Makoto’s face before she interrogate “Are you saying that you brought us somewhere potentially dangerous to Master, and you can’t tell us anything about it?!”

“Hey, I can’t control where the Magenti-Star takes us!”  Makoto defended before his breath suddenly left him as he felt the tip of Jill’s scissors press against his throat.

Jill glared threateningly at him and threatened “Let me tell you something Big Mac, Miss Morose and I swore to protect Master.  If he gets hurt or killed because you decided to take us dimension hopping to some death trap you know nothing about, I won’t hesitate to stab you with my beautiful scissors and hang your pelt above my fireplace!” 

Makoto shivered as Jill grinned and giggled while her tongue slithered against the tip of his nose.

“After all…you’re cute enough to kill, Racoon Boy…”

I’m not sure I find that flattering right now…  Makoto lamented as he gulped in fear.

To his relief, Kyoko swiftly pushed Jill aside, which caused the Ultimate Murderous Fiend to fall on her rear.

“Ouch!  Watch it, Nancy Drew!”  Jill whined before she stared cutely at Byakuya and complained in a somewhat cute manner “Oh, Master…that mean Racoon Detective just brushed me aside!  Are you gonna just let her get away with such abuse?”

Byakuya sweatdropped before he pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed in frustration.  As Jill continued to plead with Byakuya, Kyoko took Makoto’s hands in her own, which caused Makoto to blush as she smiled at him.

“Nothing’s going to happen, Makoto.  Not to Byakuya, and certainly not to you.”  She squeezed his hands and vowed with a determined fire in her eyes “I won’t let it.”

Makoto smiled and nodded as he squeezed her hands in return before he thought Yeah.  Kyoko won’t let anything happen to us…just like…just like in that alternate timeline…

“You only made it out alive because Kyoko allowed herself to die in order to ensure your survival.”

Was Junko right?  Would Kyoko…die for me?  Yes…she would.  In fact, she already gave up her life for me, in a way…  Makoto realized as he flashed back to when she took Princess Zelda’s attack for him.  Kyoko…even if it’s for me, I don’t EVER want you to die!

Kyoko frowned in worry as she saw Makoto’s smile droop into a sorrowful frown.

“Makoto…what’s wrong?”

…I can’t keep this to myself anymore.  I need to know for sure…whether Kyoko would die for me…and I need to dissuade her if she answers in the affirmative!

Makoto opened his mouth to answer when he was suddenly cut off by another familiar voice.  He and Kyoko turned to see Jill lying on her belly as she bent her knees so that the soles of her shoes were parallel to the ceiling.  She grinned at Byakuya as she rested her elbows on the floor and rested her head in her open palms.

“Ooh la la!  Look, Master!  Don’t I look absolutely sexy like this?  Someone should paint me like one of Makoto’s French girls!  Ahahahahaha!”

As Jill continued to cackle, Makoto’s face turned as red as a cherry while Kyoko refrained from showing even a hint of pink on her cheeks.  Instead, she turned to glare at Byakuya.

“Togami, control your girlfriend, won’t you?  We have more important things to deal with than her childish antics.”

Byakuya glared back, incensed by the fact that Kyoko was trying to give him commands, but sighed as he acknowledged that their safety was more important than his pride.

He turned to face Jill and told her “Jill.  Cease your childish laughter at once.”

“Okay!”  Jill obeyed as she smiled cutely at her boyfriend before she lowered her legs back to the floor and asked “So, do you like the view of my backside, Master?”

As Jill giggled, Byakuya opened his mouth to retort her teasing claim, until he felt his mind start to wander to places previously unknown.

XXX

Byakuya pulled at his restraints as he grunted, frustrated and humiliated that he was tied to the wall and stripped down to his black briefs.  The echoes of click clacks entered his ears as he stared ahead at his warden who approached him.  Toko Fukawa, dressed in a black leather leotard, thigh high boots, fingerless gloves that extended to her elbows, and a police hat, held a whip in her hands.

“You’ve been found Yu…Yuzai, Ma…Master.  It’s time for your pun…punishment.”

Byakuya smirked as he challenged “Do your worst; it will take much more than that to break a Togami.”

Toko smirked as she shook her hips while she approached.  Suddenly, Byakuya heard an identical echo flow through his ears.  He turned his head to see Jill dressed in the same outfit, a grin plastered on her face as they approached in sync.

“I see…impressive, I must admit.  But even the two of you combined can’t beat a Togami.”

Toko and Jill laughed as they continued to approach their Master.  Their tongues slithered out to lick their lips, their owners eager to begin Byakuya’s torture.

XXX

Byakuya slapped his cheeks before he admonished himself What am I thinking?  Control your hormones, Togami, before you turn into Toko!

Byakuya heard a soft cough and turned to see his classmates as he noticed the amused smiles tugging at their lips.

Wha…what’s so funny?  Why are they smi…oh no…  Byakuya dreaded as he looked down to see the slightest bulge in his trousers.

Byakuya’s embarrassment worsened when Jill stood up and glomped him as she teased “Ooh, is that bulge because of me?  I’m on fire!”

Byakuya’s blush darkened as he struggled to keep a straight face at the situation.  The others giggled at the embarrassed Byakuya.

“Upupupu.”

Their complexions paled and Jill released Byakuya as that all too familiar laughter rang in their ears.

No…it can’t be…her?!

“Look, there’s an open window.”  Kyoko pointed out as she suggested “Let’s use that as a vantage point to figure out what’s outside, but make sure not to let yourselves be seen.”

The others nodded and quietly walked up to the window and hid behind its perimeter as they peeked out from their hiding spot.

“Man, this reminds me of an American movie I watched one time about some guy wearing a hockey mask as he killed teenagers.”

“Did you have to bring that up NOW?!”  Hina hissed at the fortune teller.

“S…Sorry…”  Hiro apologized.

“Quiet, both of you.”  Kyoko hissed as she glared at her two comrades.  They instantly clammed up as Kyoko took a glance outside and commented “It looks like some kind of junkyard outside, and it’s foggy, which will impact our visibility, though that also holds true for whoever laughed just now.”

Byakuya nodded and added “It looks like it’s nighttime, but there are some search lights outside.  That should help with visibility, though as you noted, that’s a double edged sword.”

“Guys, look at that.”  Makoto whispered as he glanced at a metal chair with wires hooked into the back.  He shivered as he commented “That looks like something Junko would have used for one of her executions…”

“NO!  Let me go!”

“Makoto!  Are you alright?!”  Kyoko exclaimed.

Makoto raised an eyebrow in confusion as he told her “Uh, I’m fine, Kyoko.  I’m right here.”

“What?”  Kyoko questioned as she saw that Makoto was indeed fine.  “But I…I heard your voice just now.  If that wasn’t you, then who…?”

“Kyoko, look!”  Makoto interrupted as he pointed through the window.

She and the others continued to look through the window.  Their eyes widened as they saw a Monokuma, roughly the same size as Sakura, with gold stitching on various seams of its body.  Trapped in its paw was another Makoto Naegi, who had three balloons attached to his back.

Is…is that…me?!  Makoto wondered in shock as they watched Monokuma strap the other Makoto into the electric chair. 

Makoto blanched from his vantage point as he imagined himself being electrocuted to death.  He calmed down and breathed a sigh of relief when Kyoko squeezed his hand in comfort before they all continued to watch the strange occurrence outside.

“Upupupupupupu!”  Monokuma laughed as the other Makoto continued to struggle against his bonds.

“…It would seem that this is some other counterpart of Makoto, though clearly different.”  Kyoko observed.

“Yeah, this other Makoto has buttons for eyes and brown yarn for hair.  Plus there’s all these stitches holding his body together.”  Hiro noted.

“Yeah, he’s like a living doll.  Why don’t you go and play house with him, Kiri?  Ahahahahaha!”  Jill giggled as Kyoko glared at her.

“Let me go!  Let me go!”  The other Makoto pleaded before his captor and soon-to-be executioner.

“Sorry, but begging doesn’t work on me!  Upupupupupupu!”  Monokuma laughed as Kyoko clenched her fist in anger at the other Makoto’s despair.

That tears it!  This may not be my Makoto, but I won’t let any Makoto die if I can help it!

Kyoko lifted her foot to step onto the window frame, only for her own Makoto to grab her wrist as he hissed “Kyoko, what are you doing?!”

Before she could retort, a deafening siren blasted their ears as it rang throughout the vicinity.

“Upupupupupu!  You hear that, Lucky Guy?  That means everyone is escaping as we speak.  That means your beloved companion has abandoned you to die.”

The other Makoto hung his head as the buttons on his face darkened with despair.  Kyoko grit her teeth as she lifted her other foot onto the frame before Byakuya grabbed her shoulder.

“Don’t be a sentimental fool, Kirigiri!  This isn’t our world, and that’s not our Makoto.  Don’t risk your life for a Makoto who isn’t yours to protect!”

Kyoko glared at Byakuya as she wrestled her shoulder out of his grasp, only for Hina to wrap her arms around her torso and yank her off the window frame.

“I hate to say it, but I agree with Byakuya, Kyoko.  I know how you feel, but it’s too risky to let Monokuma know we’re here!”

Kyoko glared at her friend as she demanded “Asahina, let me…mmph!”

Kyoko was cut off as Hiro muffled her with his palm.

“Hm?  What was that noise?”  Monokuma wondered as he looked around the vicinity while his captive raised his head, his hazel buttons shining with hope.

Kyoko stared at her beloved’s counterpart as she struggled to break free from her friends’ restraining hold on her while Jill merely stared curiously from her comrades to the other Makoto and back again.

Suddenly, Kyoko felt a gentle hand on her cheek and turned to look into the gentle warmth of her own Makoto’s gentle orbs.

“Kyoko, please, calm down.  Everything’s gonna be okay, I promise.”  Makoto soothed with love and affection in his voice as he pleaded with her to not do anything rash.

Kyoko took a deep breath and calmed down slightly before she looked over at the other Makoto, still trapped in the electric chair.  At that moment, Kyoko instantly flashed back to when her own Makoto was trapped at a desk on a conveyor belt as he waited with terror to be crushed and tossed into the garbage.

No…not again.  I’ll never forgive myself for leaving you to die, Makoto.  All I can do is make sure that no counterpart has to go through that again.  Not again, never again!

Kyoko held back the traumatic tears in her eyes as she struggled against her friends in a desperate bid to rescue her beloved’s counterpart.  None of them noticed the mysterious person from afar observing and approaching them.

Jill huffed “Wow, you’re really being annoying right now, Kiri.  If you keep insisting on putting Master in danger just to save your boy toy, I’ll have to break my no stabbing bitches rule.”

“You’re not helping, Jill.”  Byakuya grunted as he, Hina, and Hiro struggled to keep the Racoon Detective in check.

Man, what do I do?  I know how she feels, but it’s too risky to interfere with Monokuma.  What do I do?!

As Makoto thought desperately about his dilemma, they heard Monokuma ask “Huh?  What was that noise?”

They all froze in terror as they braced themselves for the possibility that Monokuma might have heard their argument.  Byakuya and Jill glared at their detective friend while Hina, Makoto, and Hiro frowned sympathetically, which caused Kyoko to hang her head in guilt.

“Wah!”  Monokuma shrieked as a gunshot rang through the vicinity.

What?!  They all thought as they stared directly at Monokuma who had toppled over. 

Smoke rose from a black blast mark on his forehead as the psychotic bear lay stunned on the ground.  The others sighed in relief as they saw the other Makoto turn his head in the opposite direction and gasp in relieved joy. 

The others followed his gaze and their eyes widened as they saw another Kyoko, her texture similar to the other Makoto, complete with purple buttons for eyes and lavender yarn for hair.

I see…so she fired that gunshot…what a relief!  Kyoko thought in gratitude as she took note of the smoking gun in her counterpart’s hand.

“Coordinator, you came back for me!”  The other Makoto exclaimed, beaming as his Kyoko ran up to him and began to unstrap him.

“Well, I couldn’t just leave you here, Lucky Guy.  You’re probably the only person I can trust.”

Once the freed Makoto stood up, he smiled at his Kyoko before she hid her relief behind a familiar neutral mask and warned him “I’m going to trust you, but if you betray that trust, don’t expect me to rescue you again.”

The other Makoto chuckled and scratched his cheek as he agreed “Noted.”

His Kyoko smiled before she turned around and directed “Alright, time to find the exit.  Follow me.”

“Right, coming!”  The other Makoto called out as he ran after his Kyoko.

The survivors watched as the two counterparts disappeared from sight before a quiet groan echoed in the vicinity.  They turned their gazes to the prone Monokuma, who weakly stood up and shook its head to clear its daze.

“Wha…what happened…hey!  Where’d my captive go?!”  Monokuma scowled as he ranted “Oh, that damn detective girl came and rescued him!  Get back here!  You won’t get away from me!”

The survivors watched as Monokuma proceeded to chase the two counterparts out of view.  Kyoko sighed in relief as she finally let the tears flow, relieved that intervention was no longer necessary.

“Kyoko…”  Makoto cradled her cheeks in his hands and stroked with his thumbs, soothing her “Everything’s okay now.”

As Makoto nodded, Byakuya, Hina, and Hiro let go of the Racoon Detective, allowing her to wipe her eyes on her gloves as she composed herself. 

“…Apologies…”  Kyoko stated.

Makoto nodded and asked her “So, Kyoko…what happened back there?  You know…when you tried to jump out the window like that?”

“That doesn’t matter.”

Liar.  The others deadpanned at her obvious lie.

Makoto and Hina frowned in concern and worry while Byakuya scoffed “It’s already disappointing that you exercised such poor judgment, Kirigiri.  Don’t lower my perception of you further by lying about it.”

Kyoko grit her teeth as she forced herself away from her boyfriend’s inviting hands and clenched her fists.  As she took a single step towards the former Ultimate Progeny, she stopped in her tracks as Jill stood in front of her, scissors drawn as she grinned at the Racoon Detective.

“Hey, Nancy Drew!  If you don’t control yourself next time, you won’t have to worry about what Monokuma will do to you, cause you’ll have a date with my beautiful scissors!”

Jill and Kyoko engaged in a glaring contest as the others watched the two feuding females in worry.

Makoto in particular frowned as he pleaded “Kyoko, please, think about this rationally!  You could have died!”

Shaken out of her glare by Makoto’s begging, she turned to him and began “Makoto, I was trying to save…”  She trailed off as she realized Wait…save…save who?  That Makoto was rescued by my counterpart, so my intervention was unnecessary.  But I didn’t know it at the time, so I was trying to save Makoto!  I swear, I…

“Why are you breathing so heavily?  It’s annoying, and you could give our position away.”  Byakuya complained as he saw Hiro hyperventilating.

Shaken out of her internal debate, Kyoko turned with the others to see Hiro’s panicked state before he pointed and shrieked “He…he…HER!”

They followed Hiro’s finger and collectively turned blue in the face as they saw Junko Enoshima standing in front of them with an eerie smile on her face.

Junko!  Kami it’s Junko!  Makoto panicked.  But how is she…wait…  Makoto analyzed the Junko standing in front of them and deduced “It looks like this is this world’s counterpart to Junko too.  Look, she has blue buttons for eyes, there’s cotton poking out of the stitched seams, and yellow and pink yarn for hair.”

“Just like I said, a living doll!  Ahahahahaha!”  Jill cackled.

The others sweatdropped at Jill’s levity before Makoto mused She’s right though, she almost reminds me of Sally from that Nightmare Before Christmas movie, but unlike her, this Junko just creeps me out!

Junko tilted her head in curiosity as she continued to stare at the survivors while they stared at her in return.  Finally, Junko grinned and rested her fists against her hips before she burst into laughter.  She then reached into her jacket and pulled out an ice bucket shaped like Monokuma’s head before she pulled out a beer bottle.

“Howdy ya’ll!  I’m the Barmaid and I brought my specially made brewskis.  Who wants a drink?”

Everyone stared at Hiro, who to their surprise shook his head in refusal.  Junko tapped the lid of her bottle against her heart and moaned “Nobody wants to share a brewski with me?  Oh, this is super despair!”

As Kyoko stared at the counterpart to her archnemesis, she noted This may be an alternate version of Junko, but she sure acts like the Junkos we fought against.

As her depressed frown faded into a more neutral expression, Junko tapped her beer bottle against her chin as she noted “Hey, you all look familiar.  Have we met somewhere before?”

Byakuya sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose as he muttered “This is getting ridiculous; this is just a life-sized doll of Enoshima.  Let’s just have me burn her or Jill slash her to ribbons so we can be on our way.”

Before any of them could vice their opinion on Byakuya’s proposal, Junko’s body went straight as her lips formed a blank expression.

Uh-oh…Junko was more dangerous in the Class Trial when she stopped messing with us.  They realized as they flashed back to the final Class Trial in their world.  This can’t be good…  They dreaded as Junko popped the lid off her beer bottle and began to gulp its contents.

As a green aura enveloped Junko, she replied in the most despairful voice they had ever heard “You can try…but I’ll never die until I find what I’m looking for…”

As Junko grinned her signature evil grin, Hina wrapped her arms around herself and shrieked “Eek!  I can’t take this anymore!  Makoto, use the Magenti-Star and get us out of this world!  I don’t care which world we end up in, just not this one!”

“Yeah, on it, Hina.”  Makoto nodded as he sifted through his jacket and muttered “Should have done this when we got here…”

“Hey, what is that thing?”  Junko wondered as the Magenti-Star began to float out of Makoto’s hand and above its masters.

Junko grunted and shielded her eyes with her arms as the Magenti-Star created a blinding flash of magenta light before it dissipated, leaving nary a trace of the survivors in its wake.

“Hey, where’d they go?”  Junko pondered as she glanced around the room.  “So bizarre…ah, I’m bored, so I don’t care anymore.”

After she shrugged, Junko turned around and walked out of the building.  Once she exited the premises, Junko’s walk changed into a carefree skip as she carried the ice bucket in one hand and her beer bottle in the other.  She hummed a carefree tune as she disappeared into the fog.

“Hm…I wonder if I’ll run into that big Monobear on my way out…”

Junko’s signature grin was the last thing to disappear in the depths of the fog.

Chapter Text

The magenta flash dissipated as a once more dazed Class 78 stood in its place.  A loud honk brought them to their senses and caused them to turn around.  Their eyes widened in shock as a giant truck zipped straight for them, threatening to turn them into roadkill.

“Move!”  Byakuya ordered as he grabbed Jill’s hand and ran to the left.

Makoto and Kyoko wordlessly took each other’s hands and swiftly flew in the opposite direction.  Hina meanwhile leapt into the air and landed on the sidewalk just as Makoto and Kyoko stopped next to her and panted from shortness of breath.  Hina sighed in relief before she turned to face the road.  Her eyes widened as she saw that Hiro seemed to jog in place while he grabbed his hair in a silent panic.

Crap!  Hiro’s gonna become a pancake!  I’ve gotta do something!  Hina cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled “HIRO!  MOVE!”

No time!  Makoto thought as he let go of Kyoko’s hand and tried to fly to his friend with an outstretched hand.

It’s too late.  He’s done for.  Kyoko and Byakuya thought solemnly as the truck continued to speed towards Hiro faster than Makoto could fly to him.

No, I’m too late!  Hiro…huh?!

Makoto glided to the ground and landed on his feet as he stared at the truck with an amazed expression on his face.  The truck missed Hiro entirely, and instead leapt over the Ultimate Clairvoyant and landed a few miles away. 

With a sigh of relief, Hiro fell on his rear and muttered “My life just flashed before my eyes.”

“Hiro!  Are you okay?!”  Makoto called as he dashed over to Hiro and grabbed his shoulder before he shook the elder boy.

Hiro shook as he turned to face Makoto before he replied “…Would you be okay after your ninth or tenth near death experience since waking up in a school and having your memories erased?”

Makoto sweatdropped and asked “Ano, I know that we came closer to death more times than I’d like to admit, but has it really been that many?”

“…I…kinda lost count…”  Hiro admitted with a nervous chuckle.  “Ow!”  Hiro yelped as he felt two hard slaps on the back of his head.  “What was that…for…”  Hiro trailed off as he saw Kyoko and Hina glaring angrily down at him.

“What were you thinking?!”  Hina berated.

“Indeed.”  Kyoko stated “You’ve somehow managed to lower my severely low expectations of you.”

“I agree.”  Byakuya nodded as he commented “You cannot possibly contribute to the group’s success with such slow reaction time.”

“Yeah!  That truck should have totally run you over!  Then you would have at least sustained us as splattered pizza!  Ahahahaha!”  Jill cackled.

“Hey!  D…don’t be m…mean!”  Hiro weakly retorted before he averted his gaze from Jill and looked at the others.

His eyes settled on Makoto’s outstretched hand before he took it and allowed Makoto to pull him up.  The two then turned to look at their comrades’ serious expressions as Makoto sweated nervously, afraid that another quarrel would break out in their party.

To their surprise, Hiro grinned and exclaimed “You guys…were really worried about me, weren’t you?”  They all nearly fell down in shock as Hiro laughed “You guys must really care about me, for serious!”

“Why you little!!!”  Hina screeched as she shook him by the collar of his jacket.

“Hina!  Calm down!”  Makoto tried to placate Hina as she continued to shake Hiro.

Byakuya scoffed “I simply didn’t want to waste time dealing with your splattered corpse.”

“Not to mention your slow reaction time nearly got Makoto hurt as well.”  Kyoko pointed out, though the slight blushes on their faces gave away their true feelings regarding the Ultimate Clairvoyant.

“Kyoko, I’m fine, really.”  Makoto assured his girlfriend before he turned to an annoyed Hina and pleaded “Hina, I know Hiro can be a bit…difficult sometimes, but he did save us back in that alternate timeline, so you really shouldn’t go shaking him like that…”

“Ah, don’t listen to Racoon Boy, Milk Jugs!  FINISH HIM!  Ahahahaha!”  Jill cackled as she cut Makoto off.

“You’re not helping, Jill.”  A now annoyed Makoto told her as he pinched the bridge of his nose.  Jill can be fun in her own way, but I’d really prefer to have Toko back right now…

“HEY YOU DAMN KIDS!”

Their conversation interrupted, the survivors turned around before their eyes widened at the truck floating right in front of them, without any wheels attached to the bottom of the vehicle.  Their gaze shifted to the driver side window, where a masculine man as buff as Sakura was with orange skin and two antennas sticking out of his head glared at them.  The man scowled and shook his clawed fist at them.

“WATCH WHERE YOU’RE WALKING!  DON’T YOU KIDS KNOW TO STAY ON THE SIDEWALK?!  I’M GONNA BE LATE TO MAKE MY DELIVERY, ALL BECAUSE I DIDN’T WANT TO SPLATTER SOME WEIRD-HAIRED IDIOT!”

“…”  The survivors stood speechless as they gawked at the man’s unusual appearance.

He raised an eyebrow and told them sarcastically “What?  Why are you all staring at me like that?  If you think I’m so handsome, then take a photo; it’ll last longer.”

“ALIEN!”  Hiro shrieked as he pointed at the man.  “ALIEN FROM OUTER SPACE!”

The irate alien spat in disgust “Oh, you think that aliens should just stay on their own planets and mingle with their own kind, is that it?!  Freaking racist tourists…”  he muttered as he drove off and out of sight.

Hina finally let go of Hiro and Jill commented “Well, that was some weird shit” once they were safe from oncoming vehicles.

“Yeah, last I checked our world didn’t have floating cars or mutant humans.”

“Agreed, though if I were you Hina, I’d keep that last part to yourself.”  Kyoko cautioned before she gestured to the sky and continued “Anyway, I’d suggest that you all look up.”

The others glanced towards the sky before their eyes widened at the traffic of flying cars and ships zipping mere yards above their heads.

“Wow, those look like spaceships!”  Hiro exclaimed in awe as Makoto nodded in agreement with him.

Byakuya touched his left hand to his corresponding cheek and commented “It would seem that we’re in some kind of metropolitan area, reminiscent of New York City, but much more majestic.”

Indeed, as the survivors took another glance, they saw numerous futuristic skyscrapers surrounding them as crowds of aliens and humans passed by them.  A sudden honk startled them out of their conversation as they saw another car blaring its horn at them as it waited for the roadway to clear.

“…Perhaps we should move out of traffic and onto the sidewalk.”  Kyoko suggested before she grabbed Makoto’s hand and dragged them over to the sidewalk.

“S…sorry…”  Makoto apologized as he stumbled over to the sidewalk.

Byakuya meanwhile scowled in annoyance as Jill happily skipped by his side towards the safety of the sidewalk.  Hina began to walk over to them before she noticed that Hiro was neither at the sidewalk nor at her side.  She looked around in confusion before she saw the Ultimate Clairvoyant frozen in place, staring up in awe at the hovercars flying above him while the cars honking at him and threatening to run him over didn’t even register in his mind.

Hina sighed in exasperation before she yelled “HAGAKURE, MOVE!”

“Ah!”  Hiro yelped, briefly startled before he finally noticed the cars honking at him.

Hiro turned around and ran over to his friends in a panic, finally clearing the sidewalk for the annoyed traffic to pass.

“Okay, Makoto…any idea where we are?”  Kyoko asked.

“Hmm…”  Makoto hummed as he adopted Kyoko’s thinking pose.  “Nothing here is immediately familiar.  But we’ll need to investigate before I can say for certain.”

“I see…”  Kyoko nodded, smiling at the thought of an investigation that wouldn’t directly threaten their lives.  They glanced around before she pointed the direction opposite their group and asked “Makoto, what’s that?”

Makoto looked in the direction of Kyoko’s finger and exclaimed “It looks like a holographic sigh.  I’m gonna go take a closer look.”

Makoto let go of Kyoko’s hand and ran off before Kyoko called “Makoto!  Wait up!”  She brought a hand to her forehead and sighed in exasperation before she muttered “Here we go again…” and powerwalked over to him, the rest of their group following closely behind.  She frowned disapprovingly once she caught up and scolded him “Makoto, you shouldn’t wander off without at least one of us.”

As they approached the sign, Makoto rolled his eyes and grinned cheekily at his girlfriend before he joked “Yes, Mother.”

Makoto felt a chilling sensation travel down his spine as he could sense Kyoko’s disapproving glare.  Makoto barely kept from quaking in his sneakers as he gulped.

Guess she didn’t find it funny…  Makoto kept that thought to himself as he read “It says…Welcome to Dalaran City, part of the Glactic Federation Hall and Galactic Capital of Planet Daiban.”

Hina’s eyes widened as she exclaimed “Wait, we’re not even on EARTH?!”

Byakuya nodded as he replied “Use that brain of yours, Asahina.  The mixture of human and alien populations we’ve already encountered already implied that we weren’t on our own planet.”

“…Meanie…”  Hina grumbled as she pouted.

Byakuya ignored her and continued to muse “It would seem that we’re not only on another world, but likely in a different galaxy.  One where humans have mastered space travel and colonized other worlds, mingling with their species in the process.”  Byakuya smirked as he pondered “I can only imagine how powerful and influential the Togami Corporation would benefit from these kinds of advances.”

Hiro grinned as he looked at Byakuya and joked “Space, the final frontier…these are the voyages…”

“Hagakure, cease your useless Star Trek prattle or I’ll personally make sure you have no more teeth to chew your food.”

As Hiro gulped, Jill joined in “Yeah!  And I’ll launch you with my foot in your sack, then you’ll perish with a hack!  Ahahahahaha!”

“Quiet, both of you.”  Before Byakuya could launch an offended retort, Kyoko explained “We have a location name; now we just need to determine what world we’re in.”  Byakuya reluctantly kept quiet as Kyoko turned to Makoto and narrowed her eyes before she asked “Makoto, what world are we in, and what do we need to watch out for while we’re here?”

Makoto sweatdropped as everyone stared expectantly at him before he stared into Kyoko’s expectant glare.

I goofed with that Mother joke earlier, didn’t I?  Alright, I’ll make it up to you Kyoko, and I’ll start by answering your question without any jokes.  He sighed and answered “Well…it does look vaguely familiar, but I can’t say for certain.  The closest thing that comes to mind is one of the worlds from the classic Star Wars movies, but this place doesn’t fit any of the locales I’ve seen in any of the movies.”

“I see…”  Kyoko sighed in disappointment before she decided “Then we’ll just have to explore in order to get some answers…”

“Uh, no we don’t!”  Jill cut her off, which made everyone turn to look at her as she pointed out “Seriously, why don’t we just leave with the Magenti-Star?  I mean, it’s not like we have any reason to stay here.”

Makoto shook his head and pointed out “I don’t know.  I mean, we’re not in immediate danger, and the Magenti-Star must have brought use here for a reason...”

“And what reason would that be, Big Mac?  Besides, you didn’t hesitate at all to use it to get us out of that creepy doll world!”  Jill pointed out, which caused Makoto to bite his lip in indecision.

Kyoko frowned as she thought Maybe it’s the detective in me, but I don’t feel right just leaving this world when we’re not in immediate danger and when we don’t know why we were brought here.

She opened her mouth to raise an objection, only to close it as Byakuya put his hand on Makoto’s shoulder and ordered “Don’t use the Magenti-Star just yet.” 

Everyone stared at him in shock before the former heir returned their confused gazes with a cool expression.

“Every world we’ve explored has been one interesting encounter after another, including that alternate timeline and that…living doll world.  I wish to explore this world and see just what interesting encounters it has in store for us.”

“I see, I see…”  Jill mused.

“Besides…”  Byakuya turned towards Makoto and asked rhetorically “Who are we to rob Makoto here of the fun of exploring what’s likely the world of another one of his childhood video games?”

“…That’s probably the most thoughtful and considerate thing you’ve ever said to me.”  Makoto stated in shock.

Byakuya’s smile morphed into a more commonly used smirk as he told the Racoon Luckster “Don’t misunderstand.  Your childish glee is merely a bonus compared to the much more interesting game before us.  After all…who knows what kind of excitement we’ll encounter next?  Perhaps we’ll be forced to do battle with a space dragon.”

Yep, that’s Togami…  Makoto, Kyoko, Hina and Hiro deadpanned before Jill latched onto Byakuya’s arm.

“Great idea, Master!  Let’s have a romantic date in the big city!”  She exclaimed as she smiled cutely while she nuzzled his shoulder with her cheek.

The others sweatdropped as Jill walked off, tugging Byakuya by the wrist as he reluctantly followed her.

As Hiro followed the couple, Hina decided “Well, we might as well enjoy this place while we’re here.”

Makoto nodded and agreed “Good idea, Hina.”  He turned to his girlfriend and suggested “Maybe we could find a restaurant to eat at.  I’m sure we must be hungry by now.”

As if on cue, Kyoko’s stomach growled, which caused her to blush before she coughed into her fist.

“…Agreed.”  As Makoto and Hina giggled at Kyoko’s blushing face before she briskly walked ahead of them.

Hina frowned and asked “Um…you think she might be mad?”

After a moment, Makoto shook his head and denied “Nah, she’s probably curious about this world like Byakuya is.”  At least I hope so…I hope she’s not still mad about that Mom joke from earlier.  Makoto shook the thought out of his head and asked “Alright, let’s go catch up with the others.”

“You got it!”  Hina grinned as she and Makoto powerwalked to catch up with the Racoon Detective.

XXX

As they walked through the city, Kyoko’s pace slowed, the Racoon Detective taking a moment to reflect on everything she had been through since waking up in Hope’s Peak Academy after her forced amnesia.

I knew that as a Detective, I’d come across strange and unusual occurrences, but I thought that waking up with amnesia and forced into a Killing Game would take the cake.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d travel to alternate dimensions based off popular video games, get Tanuki Ears and a Racoon Tail…and find love somewhere along the way…

Kyoko couldn’t help but smile as she flashed back to her first kiss with Makoto as they flew through the sky.  She then frowned with remorse as she recalled her reaction to Makoto’s recent use of humor.

Maybe I was out of line when I gave him such a cold glare after his joke.  I’m sure he was just being playful.

As she looked to Makoto and Hina, who were laughing and smiling as they talked about all the sights, Kyoko felt a slight pool of jealousy bubble in her heart.

That should be me smiling and laughing with…  She slapped her hands against her face a couple times before she admonished herself What are you thinking, Kirigiri?  You have no reason to be jealous of Hina!  She’s your friend, and she’s been nothing but supportive of your relationship with Makoto!  Besides, he loves you, so this is just pointless!

To her confusion, her jealousy refused to die as she continued to watch the two interact without her.

I know Hina’s my closest female friend, and probably the only one I trust completely besides Makoto, but why is Makoto talking with her and not paying attention to me?  Is he still upset that I took his hand and tried to keep him safe when I didn’t need to?  I just wanted to protect him, just like my counterpart in that living doll world from…before…

Kyoko’s eyes widened as she was suddenly struck with an epiphany.

There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m willing to sacrifice my own life if it means protecting his…  Kyoko briefly flashed back to when she took Zelda’s magical attack for Makoto.  It’s the least I can do after I threw his life away in Junko’s trap. 

She barely restrained her tears as Makoto’s execution played on repeat in her mind, the boy’s terrified face forever engraved into her brain.

But even so…I was willing to sacrifice my own Makoto’s safety…for that of a Makoto that I never even met…

“It’s already disappointing that you exercised such poor judgment, Kirigiri.  Don’t lower my perception of you further by lying about it.”

Kyoko clenched her fists in anger at the memory of her own hypocrisy.

“Hey, Nancy Drew!  If you don’t control yourself next time, you won’t have to worry about what Monokuma will do to you, cause you’ll have a date with my beautiful scissors!”

Isn’t that the teapot calling the kettle black.  Jill can’t even control her own transformations.  What right does she have to lecture me about self-control?  Kyoko grumbled to herself before another memory hit.

“That was the idea…but I won’t tolerate being made fun of in my castle!  So I decided I’m going to pulverize you both instead!”

What’s wrong with me?!  Kyoko wondered as she realized just how many poor decisions she had made since leaving Hope’s Peak Academy.  How could I have been so rash and illogical?!  Grandfather always taught me to think things through logically and not to rely on my emotions.  So how could I just throw all of his lessons away and rely solely on my emotions, especially with how much I’ve repressed them until…

Kyoko’s eyes widened as she came to a critical realization.

…Until I met Makoto again.  He helped me to feel emotions for the first time since I was seven.  He’s helped me to trust people again.  That’s why I’ve fallen in love with him, why I’ve tolerated Byakuya’s arrogance, why I can find the good in someone as idiotic as Hiro.  And despite my newfound rivalry with Toko, she can at least be amusing when I’m not teasing Makoto about his cuteness.

Kyoko briefly smiled before she frowned again.

I wouldn’t have cared about either of those things before I met Makoto at all.  So how…how has he caused me to change so drastically?  Has he done more than change my worldview?  Is he…is he manipulating me somehow?

“In the end, you can’t trust anyone but yourself…everyone lies to you.”

Kyoko brought her fist to her mouth and bit on it as she recalled how Tsumugi temporarily convinced her that she was nothing more than a video game character.

No, Makoto wouldn’t manipulate me, and I can trust him!  He wouldn’t have pulled me out of despair twice if that was the case.  But still…

“Even though we’re in love with each other…there’s still so much about each other that we just don’t know.”

Kyoko bit slightly harder on her gloved fist as she was forced to admit to herself the unpleasant truth of Makoto’s statement.

…I’m in love with Makoto; that’s not what’s at issue.  The problem here is that we don’t know anything about each other, or at least, we don’t remember anything we learned about each other prior to the Killing Game.  I don’t know anything about Makoto’s past, but he knows the important parts of mine thanks to that Shirogane!

She bit even harder on her fist as two questions echoed in her mind in a loop.

What am I doing?  And why am I doing this?

As the answer to these two questions eluded her, she felt like she was starting to drown in despair for a third time, until she felt someone’s warm hand take her own out from her jaw before their fingers threaded with her own.  She let out a startled gasp as she locked eyes with Makoto. 

His gentle, loving green eyes soothed her soul as he looked at her in concern and asked “Kyoko, are you okay?”

“I’m never gonna let you fall, Kyoko, I promise!”

That…that voice…  She thought as she latched onto Makoto’s words, the sound of his voice banishing the despair that threatened to fill her heart.  Not wanting to worry him, she shook her head and assured him “I…I’m fine, Makoto.”

To her dismay, Makoto frowned in suspicion before he pointed out “Kyoko, I don’t think you’re fine.  You walked really slowly, and you never do that, even when you’re deep in thought.  Also, you were biting on your hand, and you never do that except when you’re really upset!”

He…he really knows me, doesn’t he…?

“Not to mention…”   Makoto gestured to the building behind them where their friends were waiting with concern on their faces as he explained “We finally found this restaurant and you just kept walking past it, even when we tried to call out to you.  Something’s wrong, isn’t it, Kyoko?”

Kyoko sighed in self-disappointment and apologized “My apologies, Makoto.  I was…unusually lost in thought.  I’m ashamed that I blocked out my surroundings as a consequence.”

“You don’t need to feel ashamed, Kyoko.  But…what were you thinking about?”  Kyoko took her other hand and squeezed them as he told her “You can tell me these things, Kyoko.  If you’re hurting, I want to help you to bear the burden of that pain.”

…I know you are, Makoto.  I know I can trust you with my secrets.  But…  Kyoko touched her forehead to his own before she apologized “I’m sorry.  I’m not…at a point where I can articulate it.”  She sighed as she muttered “You must think I’m being terribly unfair…”

To her surprise, Makoto drew her into an affectionate hug instead of pressing her.

“It’s okay, Kyoko.  I don’t think you’re being unfair.  Just know that I’ll be by your side when you’re ready to tell me.”

“You…you trust me that much…?”  Kyoko whispered in awe as she blushed at how considerate he was.

“Always.”  Makoto told her as he stroked her Racoon Tail.

Kyoko hummed in pleasure as she closed her eyes and smiled before she returned his embrace.

“Thank you…you’re too good to me, Makoto…”

Makoto blushed as he replied “Oh…I’m just glad I could make you feel better…”  Reluctantly, he stopped stroking her tail and pulled away before he threaded their fingers and urged “Come on, let’s go rendezvous with the others.”

Kyoko let Makoto gently tug her along as she slipped back into her thoughts, though she made sure this time to keep aware of her surroundings.

I don’t need to worry about getting to know everything about Makoto.  We have the rest of our lives to get to know each other.  I don’t know if I’ll ever solve the mystery of how he captured my heart, but for once, I don’t think I need to solve this mystery.  All I need to know is that I can trust him with my life, and he’s proven that every step of the way.

Kyoko reflected on the past couple of weeks in the Killing Game, recalling her bittersweet memories of Makoto professing his belief in her, how he allowed himself to be implicated to save her, and how he pulled her out of despair.  Her memories soon turned to their brief time in the Mushroom Kingdom as she recalled how Makoto saved her from Bowser’s clutches and helped her learn to fly.

And gave me my first kiss…  Kyoko thought, blushing as she barely held back the giggles bubbling inside her.  Our first flight together, our first kiss, and starting my first relationship with him…even if I never remember my school life with him, I’ll never forget those memories as long as I live!

XXX

“It appears to be an Italian restaurant.”  Kyoko observed as Makoto looked curiously at her.  “I traveled through Europe during my detective training, and my grandfather and I stopped here once after completing a case in Italy.”

Byakuya nodded as he confirmed “I can confirm that this is an Italian restaurant.  I recognize the name as well from one of my business trips to one of our Italian divisions.”  Byakuya frowned as he pondered “It’s very strange though.  Why would a familiar Italian restaurant have a location in a completely different galaxy?”

“Well, strange or not, it’s kinda convenient that we came across this place when we did.”  Hina commented “Besides, I could go for some Italian food right now.  It’s not that different from ramen after all.”

No, it’s very different, Hina.  Makoto, Kyoko, and Byakuya deadpanned before their thoughts were interrupted by Hiro.

“I could really go for some lasagna, for serious!”

“I’d love some spaghetti and meatballs!”  Makoto chimed in, his previous thoughts swept aside as he and his two friends drooled at the thought of eating good Italian food.

“Fine with me.  I wouldn’t mind sharing a pizza with Master…or eating it off his pants, or shirt, I’m not picky.”  Jill joked before Byakuya glared at her.

“Cease these idiotic jokes, Jill.”

Kyoko nodded and concurred “I agree.  More to the point…we have no money.  Even if we did, I highly doubt it would have any worth in an alien galaxy.”

Makoto, Hina, and Hiro groaned in disappointment before the fortune teller snapped his fingers and suggested “I’ve got an idea!  Why don’t we stand on the street and beg for cash so we can buy food?”

“Don’t insult me, you plebian.”  Byakuya scoffed “Junko may have robbed me of all my riches, but I refuse to grovel for money.  You all might be willing to throw your pride away, but I have a little more dignity than that.”

Kyoko narrowed her eyes at Byakuya’s insinuation, but before she could get into an argument, Hina suggested “Well, why don’t we get some quick jobs for cash?”

Byakuya frowned as he thought A Togami reduced to performing manual labor?  That’s almost as ridiculous as that idiot Hagakure’s suggestion!  He opened his mouth to tell her off before he reconsidered Then again…we don’t have a lot of options.  It’s either we get money to buy food, or we starve to death, and I won’t die before I rebuild the Togami Empire!

Byakuya sighed and turned to face the swimmer.

“As much as I hate to admit it…that’s the most logical idea I’ve heard since we’ve arrived here.”

“B…Byakuya…”  Hina stammered and blushed in surprise before she shivered at the sound of scissors opening and closing behind her ear.

“Back off, Milk Jugs!  He’s ours!”  Jill whispered threateningly, which caused Hina to shiver before she hopped behind Makoto and Kyoko for safety.

In an effort to avoid a fight between Hina and Jill, Makoto suggested “Hina’s suggestion makes sense.  Why don’t we go look for some Help Wanted posters and see what kinds of jobs exist around here?”  As everyone nodded in reluctant agreement, Makoto smiled and exclaimed “Great, let’s go!”

“Makoto, wait up!”  Kyoko called out in concern as Makoto ran off once more.  Once he rounded the corner and disappeared, she sighed in exasperation before she suggested to the others “Come on, let’s hurry and catch up with him, before…”

“Agh!”

“Makoto!”  She exclaimed as she ran off to find out what had happened to him, the others following close behind her as they tried to catch up with him.

As they rounded the corner, Hina gasped as the others’ eyes widened at the sight before them.  Makoto had fallen face down into what appeared to be a woman dressed in an overcoat and hat that mostly obscured her in shadows.  Kyoko’s concern gave way to disgruntled annoyance as she saw Makoto’s face was planted right between the mystery woman’s breasts.

Her annoyance was not helped by Hiro, who gave a thumbs up as he and Jill laughed at the Racoon Luckster’s predicament.

“Cease your idiotic laughing, both of you.  There’s nothing remotely funny about this.”  Byakuya told them, which silenced them just as Makoto groaned in a daze.

“My my, you sure are a bold one.”  An amused voice told him as he finally rose to his knees and rubbed his head in slight pain. 

Once he blinked away his dazed state, he stared at the woman’s ruby red lips which tugged into a smirk. 

A…a woman…?  But why is…oh no…  Makoto paled as he finally realized the predicament he was in.  He immediately scrambled off her and bowed before he apologized furiously “I’m so sorry!  I didn’t mean to!  I swear…”

His apology was interrupted by the woman’s giggle as she assured him “It’s okay, I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings either.  Though I must say…”  She told him as she stood up “You must be very lucky indeed to get the drop on my like that.”

Makoto blushed as he thought I don’t feel lucky.  I bet Kyoko’s mad at me again…but it’s not my fault!  I can’t control my luck!  He then noticed an orange hat on the ground and realized This must have gotten knocked off when we crashed into each other.  He bent down to pick it up before he handed it to her, still bowing as he apologized “I really am sorry.  Here, your hat.”

“…I appreciate the gesture, but I prefer it if you looked me in the eyes when you apologize to me.”

Makoto gulped as he slowly looked up at her, noting her orange heels, yellow skirt, an orange overcoat, and yellow choker.  Though mesmerized by her gentle blue eyes, Makoto still took note of her creamy skin, rosy red lips, and long, elegant blond hair.

“Sa…Sa…Sa…Samus Aran?!”

Samus raised an eyebrow as she gingerly took her hat back before she asked “…Yes…but…how do you know who I am?”

The others looked at the two with interest in the current exchange, except for Kyoko who Hina noticed had smoldering embers burning in her narrowed eyes.

Is she…angry…?  The swimmer wondered in concern.

Though not necessarily angry, the annoyed Racoon Detective asked herself Who the hell is Samus Aran?  And why is Makoto looking at her like a slack-jawed idiot?!  Having had enough, Kyoko stomped over to her boyfriend and pulled on his Tanuki Ear.

“Ow!  Kyoko, my ear!”  Makoto protested.

Once she let go, Makoto rubbed his aching ear before she demanded “Makoto, how do you know who this woman is?”

Samus nodded and concurred “Though I don’t agree with how rough she was, I’m curious as well.”

Makoto grinned as he took Kyoko’s hands in his own before he exclaimed “Kyoko, I know who Samus is…because we’re in the world of Metroid!”

Everyone stared blankly at Makoto before Kyoko told him “Makoto, I get that this must be one of your childhood video games, but that doesn’t tell me where we are.”

“R…right, sorry…”  Makoto replied, smiling bashfully as he scratched his cheek.

Game?  Metroid?  What are they talking about?  Metroids are creatures; there’s no system named Metroid.  Are they referring to SR388?  Samus wondered as she cocked her head in confusion.  Wait…are those Racoon Tails and Tanuki Ears?  Just like…  Samus shook the thought from her head before she walked up close to the couple and asked “Excuse me?”

Startled, Makoto turned to face Samus while Kyoko’s eyes narrowed at the bounty hunter’s closer than preferred proximity.

“Where…did you hear the name Metroid?”

Makoto began to sweat nervously as he panicked “Crap, what do I do?  We can’t have another incident like in the alternate timeline, but I can’t think of a good excuse like I could with Inuyasha and Kagome!”

Seeing that Makoto was staying silent for the time being, Samus turned to the Racoon Detective and asked “Miss…Kyoko, was it?  What did you mean when you spoke to…Makoto…about his childhood video games?”

Despite her serious tone, Kyoko was not intimidated at all, and merely returned Samus’s serious stare with her own Kirigiri glare.  Makoto glanced between the iconic bounty hunter and his girlfriend nervously, afraid of a catfight that would make her rivalry with Toko look like two children on a playground.

Clearly she’s not going to talk either.  How do I…hm? 

Samus stepped backwards, relieving Kyoko as the bounty hunter looked at the other members of their group.

Oh, I see now, so that’s what they meant…  Samus smirked in comprehension as she realized “You all…visited the Mushroom Kingdom, haven’t you?”

Everyone except Jill stared in shock at the bullet they just dodged while Kyoko continued to narrow her eyes in suspicion as she asked “How do you know about the Mushroom Kingdom?”

“Yeah, and what the fuck is the Mushroom Kingdom?  Some kind of amusement park ride?  Ahahahahaha!”  Jill cackled.

“Jill, be quiet.”  Byakuya ordered.

“Okay, Master!”  Jill agreed while smiling cutely.

…Okay…  Samus thought before she shook away her confused thoughts and opened her mouth to explain.

She was interrupted however by six simultaneous growls from their stomachs.  The survivors collectively blushed in embarrassment, which caused the bounty hunter to giggle in amusement.  She then walked past them, confusing the group even more.

“I asked you a question.”  Kyoko demanded as she gave chase, Makoto and the rest of his group close behind.

Samus however merely ignored the irate detective until they stopped in front of the Italian restaurant.  She then turned her head to smile at the group.

“It doesn’t make much sense to engage in this kind of discussion on an empty stomach.  You want to know how I know about the Mushroom Kingdom?  Then let’s discuss it over lunch.”

“What…?”  Kyoko muttered, baffled by this turn of events.

“But…we don’t have any money…”  Makoto objected, not feeling right about freeloading off one of his childhood idols.

Samus merely smiled and assured him “Don’t worry about that; lunch is on me, but only if you want.”  She turned her head and walked up to the door before she told them “Five minutes.  If you don’t join me in five minutes, then I’ll assume you declined.”

As the doors closed behind the bounty hunter, Makoto decided “Guys, let’s go!  I wanna know how she knows about the Mushroom Kingdom, and besides, we’re all hungry, aren’t we?”  I don’t particularly like the idea of making her pay for us, but she offered, so it’s not so bad.

“Makoto, wait!”  Kyoko called out in vain as Makoto ran inside, disappearing inside the restaurant.  “…Shikata wa nai…”  She muttered as she pinched the bridge of her nose in annoyance before she reluctantly stomped after him.

A concerned Hina swiftly followed after them, followed by Hiro who rubbed his hands together as he exclaimed “Lasagna, here I come!”

“Idiot.”  Byakuya muttered as he followed said idiot with Jill right behind him.

Chapter Text

“Good afternoon, may I take your order please?”

The survivors and Samus looked up to see a humanoid female alien with green skin, dark green lips, and long, flowing red hair.  She looked down expectantly at them as she rhythmically tapped her pen against her pad of paper.  The survivors briefly looked at her with wide eyes, but quickly hid their shock at her appearance.

…They’re not from around here…  Samus mused in amusement as she took a sip of her tea that she had ordered before the survivors settled at the table.  “Fettuccine Alfredo, please.”

“Alright, dear.  What about the rest of you?”

Makoto spoke next, ordering “I’ll have spaghetti and meatballs.”

“Lasagna for me, for serious!”  Hiro cheered.

“I guess I’ll have Shrimp Scampi.”  Hina decided.

“Hmm…I think I’ll have the Eggplant Parmigiana.  It’s not Master’s, but I guess it’ll have to do.  Ahahahaha!”

Why can’t you sneeze already?  You’ve officially outworn your welcome.  Byakuya scowled in disgust before he decided “I’ll have the Lasagna Classico, please.”

“…I’ll have a Seafood Alfredo, please.”  Kyoko decided as their waiter finished recording their orders.

Once she walked out of sight, Kyoko looked at Samus and demanded “So, now it’s your turn.  How do you know about the Mushroom Kingdom?”

Samus smiled at the Racoon Detective and replied “Not only do I know about the Mushroom Kingdom, but I also know that you’re not of this world, or that world for that matter.”

“What?”  Kyoko gasped as she and her comrades stared at the amused bounty hunter with wide eyes.

“Are you…are you psychic?!”  Hiro asked.

Samus smirked and lied “I am.  In fact, I’m so powerful that I’m controlling your thoughts as we speak.”

“OHHH NOOOOOOOOO!”  Hiro screamed as he grabbed his head in panic.

“Hagakure, control yourself.”  Byakuya ordered, though the fact that he couldn’t refute her lie worried him.

The possibility that the woman at their table was psychic worried Kyoko too, as she and Byakuya looked to Makoto for confirmation.  To their relief, his eyes narrowed into his trademark accusatory stare as he pointed at the bounty hunter.

“No, that’s wrong!”

Samus giggled and nodded as she confirmed “Of course that was a lie, but why the need to shout it for the world to hear?”

Makoto sweatdropped and gave an embarrassed sigh before he let his arm drop and he apologized “Sorry, it’s…force of habit.”  He smiled bashfully as he scratched his cheek before he explained ”Let’s just say that I got used to doing it after people lie.”

“I see…”  Samus replied as she nodded in understanding.  “Well, you obviously know who I am…Makoto, right?”  As Makoto nodded in confirmation, Samus continued “Okay, then.  As a show of courtesy, why don’t we introduce ourselves properly?  I am Samus Aran, a professional bounty hunter.”

Makoto beamed in awe as he introduced himself “My name’s Makoto Naegi.”

“Yasuhiro Hagakure, Hiro for short.”  Hiro introduced himself.

“Hiya!  I’m Aoi Asahina, but my friends just call me Hina.”  Hina spoke afterwards.

“Name’s Byakuya Togami, and this is Toko Fukawa.”  Byakuya introduced himself and Jill.

“No, no, no!”  Jill objected.  “Not Toko!  Toko’s such a loser name!”

“Silence.  You will allow yourself to be referred as Toko while we’re in public.”  Byakuya ordered.

Jill sighed and relented “Fine, I’ll be Miss Morose for a while.”

Samus sweatdropped before she turned to Kyoko and asked “And what’s your name, miss?”

Kyoko, whose eyes were narrowed in a jealous glare as she saw Makoto continue to grin gleefully at the bounty hunter, replied curtly “…Kyoko Kirigiri.”

Samus nodded and replied “Well then, it’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

“So…”  Hina broached “Now that we know you’re not psychic…how do you know we’re not from your world or the Mushroom Kingdom?”

Samus smirked and reached into her pocket before she pulled out a white envelope stamped with a red, circular seal.  Makoto’s eyes bulged out of his head as he recognized the insignia on the envelope.

Samus chuckled at Makoto’s shock before she passed it to him on the table and offered “Would you like to read it?”

Makoto’s grin stretched even wider as he eagerly snatched the envelope and unsealed it before he pulled out a single piece of paper and began to read while Byakuya and Kyoko peered over his shoulders in curiosity.

“Dear Samus Aran,

JOIN THE BRAWL!

You are hereby invited as a participant in the Third Super Smash Bros. Tournament, Super Smash Bros. Brawl.  We hope to see you join the expanded roster of fighters.

-Master Hand and Crazy Hand”

“Super…Smash Bros…?”  Kyoko uttered.

“What is this garbage?”  Byakuya asked incredulously.

“It’s not garbage!”  Makoto exclaimed as his familiar fanboy smile stretched from ear to ear.  “It’s a letter to participate in the Smash Tournament!”

“Indeed.”  Samus replied “This is my third invitation, after the original and the Melee Tournament.”

“It’s cool and all, but isn’t getting a handwritten letter a little retro?”  Hina asked.

Samus nodded and agreed “A little, yes.  To be honest, I prefer digital over handwritten, but my father taught me to appreciate classical mediums before he…died…”

As Samus looked down at her tea in tragic remembrance, Hina apologized “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up…”

“It’s fine, it was a long time ago.”  Samus assured her with a smile.  “I’ve moved past it.”

As Hina reluctantly nodded, a still excited Makoto dropped the letter on the table and grabbed Samus’s hands before he looked the startled bounty hunter in the eye.

“Can you tell us about what Mario’s like?  We didn’t get to meet him when we were in the Mushroom Kingdom, so I’m dying to know what kind of person he is from a firsthand account!  And can you tell us about Link too?  Kyoko and I only met him in his wolf form, so what’s he like as a human?  And while you’re at it, can you tell us about Fox McCloud?  And…”

“Here you go…”  The waiter interrupted Makoto’s rambling as she placed everyone’s plates in front of them.

Samus giggled in amusement once the waiter had left and teased “You’re quite the curious one, aren’t you?  I’ll try to answer your questions while we eat, okay?”

Makoto nodded eagerly, which caused Kyoko to glare at him as she thought I understand why he’s so excited, but why can’t he look at me with that kind of excitement?!

“Itadakimasu.”  They chanted before they dug into their food, some more enthusiastically than others.

As Samus began to answer a practically entranced Makoto’s questions, Kyoko’s attention was shifted by a quiet whistle.  She turned to see a grinning Jill who slithered her tongue teasingly at the Racoon Detective.

“Jealous much, Nancy Drew?  Ahahahaha!”  Jill whispered with a quiet cackle, which caused Kyoko to blush, though Makoto didn’t notice.

Kyoko felt simultaneously relieved for not having her newfound jealous tendencies noticed by Makoto and upset that he seemed not to care enough to notice.  Byakuya leaned forward in his seat, curious for new information from the impromptu question and answer.  Hiro picked happily at his lasagna as he paid little attention to the discussion in front of him, while Hina looked at Kyoko in concern for her feelings.

“Makoto, slow down.  I know you’re excited, but I can barely keep up with your barrage of questions.”

Makoto smiled bashfully at the bounty hunter and scratched his cheek as he apologized “S…Sorry, but I just figured out how Samus knows about us.”

Everyone’s gaze now focused on the Racoon Luckster as Byakuya asked “Is that so?  Well, do tell then.”

Makoto nodded happily as he explained “Samus knows that we’re not from her world because she’s been to another world herself, in order to compete in the Smash Tournaments with other Nintendo characters like Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Bowser!”

Kyoko rolled her eyes at the very memory of the King of Koopas as she thought That clown got invited to a tournament?  Clearly they have low standards, though it’d be best if I kept that to myself…for Makoto’s sake.

“Makoto!”  Hina gasped before she admonished “What are you thinking, mentioning Nintendo to Samus?  Do you want to have another alternate timeline incident?!”

Oh crap!  Makoto panicked as his face turned pale as a boo.

“Excuse me…”  Makoto looked up at the confused bounty hunter as she asked “What do you mean, alternate timeline?”

“Ano…well you see…ano…”  Makoto stammered as he panicked What do I do?  I have to say something, the genie’s already out of the bottle.  Kyoko, a little help here, please…

Samus’s eyes suddenly lit up as she realized “Are you worried about what will happen if you tell me that this Nintendo company made a series of video games based on my life?”

Their jaws collectively slackened as Hiro stopped eating to join the others in gaping in awe at Samus’s deduction.

“You…you know about Nintendo?”  Makoto asked after he finally collected himself.

Samus nodded and explained “Well, I don’t know all the details, but Master Hand explained to me that someone made a series of games based on me.”

“Master Hand?”  Byakuya asked in confusion.

Kyoko nodded as she explained “It was one of the signatures on that letter Samus showed Makoto, but I have no idea who or what it actually is.”

As Makoto opened his mouth to explain, Samus beat him to the punch and told them “Master Hand is an omnipotent being that wants to take fighters from different worlds and have them compete in a nonlethal competition.”

Makoto elaborated “It looks like an oversizd Mickey Mouse White Glove.”

The other survivors nodded in understanding while Samus coked her head in confusion and thought Mickey…Mouse…?  What is that?  Well, I suppose it’s irrelevant.  More importantly…  Samus cleared her throat and asked “Now that we have that out of the way, you’ve yet to answer my question about an alternate timeline.”

Makoto nodded and explained “It’s basically another world we traveled to where a very bad person made us believe that we were fictional characters.”

The other survivors looked down and clenched their fists as they recalled the psychological torture Tsumugi put them through.  Makoto’s eyes widened as he felt a comforting hand squeeze his own.

Kyoko, I’m okay, really…wait!  Makoto thought as he looked down at his hand and realized That isn’t Kyoko’s hand; it’s Samus’s!

As he looked up at the bounty hunter, Samus nodded and replied in a comforting voice “I can understand how you all felt.”

“You did?”  Makoto asked hesitantly “Did you…ever question your own existence?”

Samus nodded and explained “Some of us took it better than others when we were told that we were fictional to other people.”

“…And how did you take it?”

Samus smiled wistfully as she told them “I took it like a pro.”

XXX

I…I’m fictional?! Samus thought as she huddled and cried in the corner.  There…there’s no way…that’s IMPOSSIBLE!

“Pika…Pikachu…”  Pikachu tried to communicate with Samus as he gently prodded at her overwhelmed form with his tail.

XXX

Yeah, that’s a big lie.  But they don’t need to know that…  Samus decided as Makoto spoke next.

“Wow, you’re so strong-willed, Samus!  We nearly gave up on hope when we were told we were fictional until Hiro debunked the mastermind’s claims.”

Hiro grinned proudly as Samus explained “Thankfully we all got over it after one of the other participants, Ness, explained how psychic links fed into other people’s dreams and made them think they came up with the ideas for our respective worlds.”

Makoto, Hina, and Byakuya’s eyes widened as they turned to look at Hiro, who smirked victoriously.  Kyoko stared at Samus’s face, analyzing every contour for even a hint of deception.

…I guess she’s telling the truth…  Kyoko acquiesced as her gaze softened.

“Master Hand gave the same explanation it gave me to the newcomers that were invited to the Melee and Brawl Tournaments.”  Samus explained with a wistful smile “They all took it much better than the original twelve of us, except for this Solid Snake guy who hid in a cardboard box all the time because Master Hand took away his cigarettes.”

As Makoto burst into laughter, Kyoko nodded and asked “Alright, I understand how you know about the fact that we’ve come from a different world, but how do you know about the Mushroom Kingdom?”

Samus turned her gaze to the Racoon Detective and replied “Because I went there.  During the Brawl Tournament, another omnipotent being named Tabuu tried to seal the world by turning all their inhabitants into trophies.”

As he others gaped in shock, Makoto nodded and asked “Didn’t Luigi, Lucas, King Dedede, and Kirby help return you all to normal?  And didn’t Sonic help to weaken Tabuu so you could all finish him off?”

Impressed, Samus nodded and confirmed “That’s correct.  You must be a real Smash fan to be able to recall that off the top of your head.”

As Makoto chuckled and scratched his cheek, the others just decided to take Makoto’s word for it.

“After that Tabuu incident ended, I became good friends with Pikachu, and Princess Peach and Zelda decided to take me dress shopping.”

Samus snorted in amusement at the memory of being dragged from one dress store to another and trying on countless dresses.  As the others looked in surprise at the bounty hunter’s revelation, her expression changed from one of amusement to one of dead seriousness, not dissimilar to a deceased Ultimate Martial Artist.

“What, you think I can’t flaunt a dress once in a while?  I may be a bounty hunter and a warrior, but I’m a girl too.”

“No, we weren’t thinking that at all, Samus.”  Makoto assured her.  “I’ve just only seen you before in your Power Suit or Zero Suit, but you’re allowed to be yourself, even if we never see it where we come from.”

Samus flushed pink, caught off guard by Makoto’s assurances.  Meanwhile, Kyoko’s eyes darkened as she watched Samus giggle at her boyfriend.

“By the way, didn’t you used to have green hair?”  Makoto wondered.

“…I’m surprised you remembered something like that.”  Samus nodded and replied “Yes, I dyed it green one year.  It was…fashionable back then.”

“I see…well, if you ask me, I think blond hair suits you better.”

Kyoko instinctively grabbed a lock of her lavender hair as Samus complimented “You’re sweet, Makoto, and quite a cutie, too.”

“Oh…you…think so…?”  Makoto asked bashfully as he blushed at her compliment.

Samus nodded and asked hesitantly “Yes, would you mind…if I…touched your racoon ears…?”

That tears it!  Kyoko thought as she slammed her hands on the table and stood up, startling the Racoon Luckster and bounty hunter into looking at he.

“Kyoko…what…what’s wrong?”  You…you’re really mad, aren’t you?

Kyok exhaled through her nose as Samus raised an eyebrow in confusion.  She then looked around and spotted a lone empty table with two unoccupied chairs.

“I’m going to eat elsewhere.”  As Makoto stood up to accompany his girlfriend, she thrned her head to glare at him and clarified “Alone.”

Makoto felt an icy cold spear pierce his heart as Kyoko walked away.  He barely held back his heartbroken tears as she sat down at the faraway table, looking at anywhere but him.

“Man, what was that all about?  For serious?”

“I wish I knew, Hiro.”  Makoto muttered.  I can’t just leave her alone!  As much as I’m hurting, Kyoko must be hurting too!  And I can’t just leave her to stew by herself; that’s not what a loving boyfriend does!

“I wouldn’t go over there if I were you.”

Makoto turned to see Samus shaking her head as she wrapped her hand around his wrist to restrain him.

“But…my girlfriend’s hurting.  I can’t just leave her while she’s in pain.”

“And that’s very admirable of you.  But take it from a woman, sometimes we just need to blow off steam when we’re upset.  Just give her some time to cool off, okay?”

After a poignant pause, Makoto sighed and relented, falling back in his seat as Samus let go of his wrist while giving him a look of sympathy.  Makoto picked aimlessly at his spaghetti, having lost his voracious appetite.

I’m not hungry anymore…Kyoko, it’s not the same without you…

XXX

I can’t believe the nerve of that Makoto Naegi!  How can he pay more attention to that bounty hunter when his girlfriend is literally right next to him?!  He’s…

Kyoko took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down as she exhaled.

Why am I being so angry about this?  Why am I so jealous?  It’s never been a problem before.  I mean, sure, I got a little jealous when we first met Yoshi, but we weren’t even a couple back then…which makes it less excusable…  I don’t doubt that Makoto will stay loyal to me; I can’t imagine him being the cheating type.  So why am I being so angry about this?

Kyoko buried her hands in her forearms and let out a frustrated groan in place of screaming.  Kyoko’s Tanuki Ears twitched as she heard gentle footsteps approach her table.

…Makoto…  Kyoko frowned as she thought Even now you want to cheer me up.  But I…I can’t show my face in front of you right now.  I’m just…too ashamed…  Kyoko sighed and said “Apologies, Makoto, but I wish to be alone right now.”

“Um…I think you have the wrong idea, Kyoko.”

What?  Kyoko thought as she looked up at Hina, who smiled softly down at the Racoon Detective.  “Oh, apologies, Hina.  I thought Makoto had come over here.”

“Oh believe me, he wanted to.  He insisted on making sure you didn’t stew alone, but Samus told him to let you cool off.  The guy didn’t even want to eat, he felt so bad about it.”

The two glanced at the group table where the rest of their friends sat.  Kyoko frowned at Makoto’s anguished face as he sighed and poked at his meatball.

“Having me go over instead was the only way he’d compromise and give you space.  In exchange, I promised I’d cheer you up.  So, you wanna vent out your frustrations?”

“…I don’t vent.”  Kyoko scoffed to hide how touched she was by Hina’s attempt to placate Makoto and cheer her up.

“Oh come on, Kyoko, everyone needs to vent at least once in their lives.  Otherwise we’ll just be sour and grumpy all the time, and I know you don’t want to live the rest of your life being sour and grumpy with us, especially with a certain racoon boy.”

No, I don’t.  I don’t want Makoto to be miserable because I can’t keep a handle on my emotions.  With Makoto’s anguished face still fresh in her mind, she sighed and acquiesced “I…I haven’t made the best decisions lately when it comes to my emotions.  My inexcusable behavior in the last world we were in is undeniable proof of that.”

Kyoko let out a heavy sigh, ashamed of how she had nearly put them in danger.

Hina frowned in concern as she tried to assure her friend “Kyoko, you’re being too hard on yourself.  We understood that you just wanted to save that other Makoto, and we didn’t really know at the time that your counterpart was coming.  So…you shouldn’t feel so ashamed for trying to help another Makoto.”

Hina placed her hands on top of Kyoko’s, which caused her to look into Hina’s soft blue orbs.

“You’re a really considerate woman, Kyoko.  The fact that you’re taking this so hard is proof of that.  You should show us your emotions more often.  After all, with the passion of your emotions enforcing your infallible logic, you and Makoto will be an even cuter couple!”

Despite her best efforts, twin tears trickled down the Racoon Detective’s cheeks as she sniffled. 

As Hina reached across the table to wipe Kyoko’s tears away, the Racoon Detective asked “…Why?  Why are you…”

“Because we’re friends, Kyoko.”

“…Best friends?”  Kyoko asked hopefully, which caused Hina to blush.

As Kyoko giggled at Hina’s embarrassment, the swimmer smiled and confirmed “Yeah, the best…Makoto notwithstanding of course.”

“…Thank you for convincing me to vent, Hina.”  Kyoko thanked.  “You’re the only girl I’d trust with my secrets.”

“Hey, what about Toko?”  Hina teased, which caused Kyoko to scoff.

“Not a chance.  Fukawa needs to understand who’s in charge.”

Hina knew that Kyoko was mostly being playful, and replied “Well, I don’t wanna get in the middle of your rivalry, but I promise to support you, Kyoko.”

The two girls shared a giggle before Kyoko glanced over at the other table.  She frowned at the sight of Makoto’s forlorn and depressed face before she stood up.

“Let’s go.  I have amends to make.”

Hina grinned as she stood up and followed Kyoko back to the table.  Makoto’s eyes widened as they approached before he stood up and opened his mouth to apologize.  Before he could get a word in, Kyoko held a finger to his lips.

“Not here.  We need to talk privately.  So, shall we go?”

Makoto’s brow furrowed in confusion before he nodded and followed Kyoko away from their friends, anxious about the conversation that would ensue.

XXX

“Ano…Kyoko?  Why are we in the bathroom?”

“Hush.”  As Makoto clammed up, Kyoko’s eyes softened before she apologized “Apologies, Makoto.  I didn’t mean to be so harsh with you.”

“Oh, it’s not really a big deal, really…”

Kyoko shook her head and retorted “It is a big deal, Makoto.  I…”  Kyoko bit her lip in shame before she admitted “I’ve been acting like a brat, getting jealous when you paid more attention to Ms. Aran than to me, and I took out my frustration on you.  That was wrong of me, so I’m sorry.”

“Kyoko…”  Makoto wrapped his arms around her in a warm embrace before she returned the gesture.  “Kyoko, I’m sorry too.  I know I’ve been a bit of a…fanboy lately, but I shouldn’t have paid so little attention to you.  I’ll…try to do better next time.”

He then cupped her cheeks and brought her lips against his own in a soft kiss.  After she pressed her lips against his own, Kyoko pulled away.  She then buried her head against his shoulder as she tightened her hug.  Makoto smiled lovingly as he reached with his hand to stroke her tail.  Kyoko purred as her Tanuki Ears and Racoon Tail jumped up at the sensation of his touch.  After a minute, she forced herself to pull away from his ministrations.

“Let’s…head back to our table shall we?  I still have one more apology to make today.”

XXX

“Ah, there you are.”  Samus greeted as Makoto and Kyoko walked back to the table.

Kyoko nodded before she let go of Makoto’s hand and took a deep breath before she began “Ms. Aran…”

Samus held up a hand to silence the Racoon Detective before she insisted “Please, call me Samus.”

After Kyoko nodded and Samus lowered her hand, Kyoko continued “Samus, I owe you an apology.  I got…jealous of you when my boyfriend started paying more attention to you than me.  My hostility was uncalled for, and unprofessional of me, so…I’m sorry.”

Samus shook her head and told her “There’s nothing to apologize for.  Truthfully…I’m in the wrong too.  I shouldn’t have called your boyfriend a cutie and asked to touch his ears.  That was crossing a line, and I apologize for that.”  As Kyoko nodded in acceptance, Samus leaned back in her chair and suggested “Come on, let’s enjoy the rest of our lunch together.”

Makoto and Kyoko nodded before they sat down next to each other.  As they smiled at each other, their tails wrapped around each other before the tips softly caressed each other.  Samus smiled and Hina nodded approvingly before they continued to enjoy their meals, the tense atmosphere now dissipated.

XXX

“Gochisosamadeshita!”  They all chanted just before the waiter came back to their table to collect their dishes.

“Would any of you like to order any dessert?”

Samus looked to her new friends and asked “What do you think?”

“That sounds yummy!”  Makoto agreed, which caused Kyoko to roll her eyes at his appetite.

“I suppose I wouldn’t be opposed to it.”  She conceded.

“Sure, I’m down with that!”  Hina concurred.

“That sounds scrumptious, for serious!”  Hiro laughed.

“Ooh, I wouldn’t mind a little sugar rush!”  Jill commented.

“I suppose I won’t object either.”  Byakuya agreed.

Samus turned back to the waiter and told her “We’ll have one cheesecake to share, please.”

After the waiter left, Makoto stood up and told them “Uh guys, I’m gonna use the restroom.  I’ll be right back.”

Kyoko nodded and released his tail before he walked over to the restroom.

“So…hm?”  Samus trailed off as she saw a small group of red bipedal creatures that resembled crustaceans.

Kyoko narrowed her eyes as she whispered “Something’s…not right.”

The bounty hunter nodded in agreement and stood up to get a closer look at them.

“…Space Pirates…”  She growled as she narrowed her eyes before they brandished their claws.

“Everybody, freeze!”

“…Everyone, sit back in your seats.”  Samus ordered as she sat down and started to fiddle with her wrist.

Thank Kami Makoto’s in the bathroom…  Kyoko thought with relief as she watched the pirates rob the customers of their valuables.

It wasn’t long before one of the Space Pirates approached their table and demanded “Alright, hand over all your valuables, starting with the pretty blond girl.”

“…If you insist.”  Samus sighed as she raised her arm. 

Everyone’s eyes widened as instead of her right arm, she raised a green cannon that pulsed with yellow energy.  Before anyone could react, it fired, blasting the Space Pirate square in the chest.  The other survivors watched with amazement as he went flying and smashed into a nearby table.

How did she…?  Kyoko wondered in amazement as she watched Samus become enveloped in a bright yellow aura. 

After a split second it dissipated to reveal Samus covered from head to toe in red, orange, and yellow armor, complete with bulking shoulder plates and a green visor.  The others blinked in shock as she walked in front of their table.  Meanwhile the Space Pirate groaned as he tried to shake away his disoriented state of mind.

Once he finally collected himself and looked up at Samus, his eyes widened in shock as he stuttered “Th…that a…armor…you’re…you’re Sa…Samus!”

Samus smirked and thrusted her left fist, which activated her Grapple Lasso and caused an energy beam to launch straight at the Space Pirate’s chest.  He wailed as he was pulled to Samus before she grabbed him by the throat.

As he kicked in a futile effort to get away, Samus told him “Consider yourself lucky that I set my Power Beam to stun.  I didn’t want this place to get caked in blood; it’s so hard to find good Italian food in this part of the Federation.”

Without another second, Samus rammed her head into his, which caused the Space Pirate to fall limp as he was knocked out cold.  With a grunt, Samus threw him to the side, only to turn around as she heard a groan behind her.  Her eyes widened as she saw Kyoko roundhouse kick a Space Pirate that had tried to ambush the bounty hunter from behind.

As he also fell unconscious, Samus nodded and replied “Thank you.  You’re tougher than you look.”

Kyoko smirked as she walked up next to Samus and pulled on her gloves in a taunt to the other Space Pirates.  Byakuya, Jill, and Hina nodded and walked next to their comrade.  Byakuya conjured a single golden fireball while Jill brandished a pair of her scissors.  Hiro meanwhile quickly scrambled under the table for safety, then quickly reached out to grab a leftover bread stick before he immediately retracted it.

As the sound of his chattering teeth could be heard while he nervously devoured the bread stick, his comrades stared down the three remaining Space Pirates who walked boldly up to them in an effort to intimidate them.

The sole human in the group, a physically attractive young man with boyish blond hair and soft teal eyes was the first to speak, as he addressed Samus “Well well, if it isn’t the beautiful Samus Aran.  What an honor…for you to meet the strongest Space Pirate in the galaxy.”

Samus scoffed beneath her visor as she remarked “Yeah, a real honor to have my vacation so rudely interrupted by some of the most generic Space Pirates in the universe.”

“…What do you mean?”  The human Space Pirate asked as he frowned at Samus’s insult.

“I’ll admit you’re the easiest on the eyes…but as far as looks go, I’d say you’re a…six.”

Said Space Pirate scowled and clenched his fist as Samus moved her gaze to a Space Pirate whose body resembled a stout toad and remarked “And you must be the freaky one who subjected themselves to even more experimental testing than the others.”

“Hey!”  He protested “I’ll have you know the added experiments were worth it!  I can grow arms out of my back now!”

“Fascinating.”  Samus replied, sarcasm bleeding from her voice as she rolled her eyes. 

She then pointed to the last Space Pirate, who towered over his peers and whose muscular structure could give Sakura a run for her money.

“And you must be tough, but stupid meatstick.”

Incensed, the muscular Space Pirate demanded “Take that back!”

Kyoko smirked as she replied “Okay, calm down.  You’re not tough.”

As Samus nodded in approval, the muscular Space Pirate grinned proudly and boasted “That’s better.”

A confused Hina cocked her head and asked “Huh?  But you just said…”

Kyoko held out a hand in front of Hina, silencing her as the Racoon Detective and bounty hunter told the swimmer “Give him a minute.”

As if on cue, the bulky Space Pirate scowled as a vein pulsed in his forehead before he exclaimed “That tears it!  I’ll show you how tough I a…AGH!”

Before he could finish, he was sent flying as Hina’s webbed foot made contact with his head.  He crashed on top of one of his comrades, knocking him unconscious.

Kyoko smiled and thanked the swimmer “Thanks, Hina.”

“You got it!”  Hina replied cheerfully, then winced in pain as her nervous system finally caught up with her.  Ow, guess Space Pirates have tougher skin than I thought.

The human Space Pirate grit his teeth and whipped out two blasters before he exclaimed “That’s it, prepare to…huh?!”

He gaped in shock as a golden fireball made contact with his blaster and incinerated it, leaving a burst of gold coins in its wake.

“My…my…my custom blasters!”  He wailed.  “Do you have any idea how much it cost me to have these made?  And this currency is worthless in the Federation!”  He then glared at Byakuya as his face turned red with fury before he pointed at the former progeny and growled “You’ll pay for tha…ah!”

He stumbled backwards as Jill sipped up in front of him and slithered her tongue while she told him “Hey, you’re an adorable little man, and you know what I do with adorable little men?”  Overcome with fear, he gulped as Jill grinned and exclaimed “THIS!  AHAHAHAHAHA!”

The man screamed as he was surrounded by a blur of black, red, and purple.  After a few seconds, Jill came to a stop in front of him, who now shivered in his boxer shorts.

“Ahahahaha!  That’s for threatening Master!  Now…”  She pocketed her scissors and conjured up a giant hammer before she exclaimed “Take thi…ah-choo!”

“Huh?”  Toko wondered as she opened her eyes and dropped the hammer.  “What ha…happened?  And where…where am I…eek!”

Toko saw the now recovered and livid Space Pirate trying to punch her and screeched in fear as she shut her eyes.

…Huh?  She thought in surprise as she hesitantly opened her eyes.

“What…?”  She breathed as she saw her would-be assailant lying on his back, his eyes swirling in dizziness before they closed as he lost consciousness.

She hugged the nearest person as she exclaimed “Master!  Tha…thank you for sa…saving me…huh?!”

As she felt a pair of breasts press against her own, she looked up and paled as she saw Kyoko’s smirking face.

“Eeeek!”  She screeched as she pushed Kyoko away and pointed at her as she stammered “Y…yo…you…you…”

“Yes, the one who just saved you.  I expect that you’ll repay this debt one day.”  Kyoko replied with victory in her eyes.

“Y..You…”  Toko seethed in anger before she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.  She turned her head and stammered as her eyes widened in shock “Ma…Master…”

As he smiled at her, Toko blushed and returned the smile with one of her own, her anger at Kyoko seemingly forgotten before they turned their attention to the last Space Pirate.  As the group advanced threateningly at their remaining foe, the Space Pirate stepped back nervously towards the exit.

“Huh?  Where is everybody?  What happened here?  And what was that noise I heard?”

Kyoko paled as Makoto came out of the restroom and the thought Oh crap!  Makoto, why couldn’t you have stayed inside a minute longer?!

The Space Pirate grinned evilly as several arms retracted out of his back and wrapped around his torso.  As Makoto yelped in shock, he found himself pulled up against the Space Pirate’s chest.

As Samus aimed her cannon at him, the Space Pirate warned “Uh-uh. You try and shoot me, I can’t guarantee his safety.”

Kyoko forced herself to calm down before she warned him “Release the boy and surrender.”

“And lose my leverage?  Sorry, but Racoon Boy here is coming with me as my hostage.”

Kyoko scowled as she was effectively powerless to save her boyfriend.

Samus placed a comforting hand on her shoulder before she glared at the Space Pirate and warned “If you leave with him, then we shall hunt you down.  And believe me, you don’t want Samus Aran to be the one collecting your bounty.”

“Yeah, right.  I know you wouldn’t dare harm a civilian, so you wouldn’t dare try anything that would put Racoon Boy here in danger.”  As Samus clenched her fist, the Space Pirate warned them “Just don’t try anything funny and I’ll drop him off somewhere once I’m out of range.”

Samus and Kyoko watched powerlessly as Makoto was taken hostage by the Space Pirate, fear and panic in his eyes.  Kyoko grit her teeth before Samus again placed her hand on her shoulder.

“I promise, we’ll save Makoto.”  Samus vowed.

“…But how…huh?”

Their eyes widened as they saw a blue blur speed just outside the restaurant.

“What…was that?”  Kyoko asked.

“I’ve got an idea.  Quickly, let’s go.”  Samus ordered as she dashed out of the restaurant, the others quickly following behind her.

Please be okay, Makoto…

XXX

“K…Kyoko and Samus will stop you!”  Makoto stammered as he tried to stay brave despite the fact that he was a hostage.

“Ha, dream on, kid.”  The Space Pirate retorted as they walked down the sidewalk.  “They won’t do anything to me as long as I have you.  Now, be quiet and…what?!”

“Huh?”  Makoto uttered as a blue blur stopped right in front of them.  Is that, Sonic….?  No, Sonic’s not part of this world.  So what…is that…the BLUE FALCON?!

Once the lbur disappeared, an angular blue car with flaps appeared in its place.  The black hatch pulled back as a man wearing a tight purple jumpsuit and red helmet jumped out.

…Is that…  Makoto wondered before the man dashed towards them as red flames enveloped his fist.

“St…stay back!”  The Space Pirate fearfully stammered as he warned “I’ve got a…”

“FALCON…PUNCH!!!”

“Ah!”  The Space Pirate yelled in pain as the man was enveloped by the flames of a phoenix.   The Space Pirate landed on his back, skidding across the ground until he hit the wall of the restaurant.  With one last groan, he fell limp as he lost consciousness, his flesh covered in minor burns.

“Ahhhh!”  Makoto cried out as he flew into the air from the force of the impact.  I’m gonna fall and break my…wait a minute, I can fly!

Makoto immediately focused as he spun his tail, propelling him into a gentle glide.  As he slowly descended towards the ground, the flames receded to reveal the strange man who had saved him.

No way…that’s…  As he landed on the ground, Makoto ran up to him and gushed “You’re Captain Falcon!  You totally saved me, thanks so much!  You were in the Smash Tournament too, right?  Tell me…”

Captain Falcon sweatdropped in the face of Makoto’s enthusiasm before he let out a slight chuckle.

He then reached out and ruffled Makoto’s hair and Tanuki Ears as he remarked “Glad to see you’re unharmed.”

“Makoto!”  Kyoko called out, getting their attention as she stopped in her tracks and breathed out a sigh of relief.  Thank Kami you’re alright.

“So, what are you waiting for?”  Kyoko turned to see Hina grinning at her before the swimmer urged “Go hug him already, won’t you?”

Kyoko blinked before she smiled and nodded.  She then turned to her boyfriend before she ran up to him and wrapped him in a loving hug.

“Thank Kami you’re alright.  I was so worried!”  She exclaimed before she felt him reciprocate her embrace.

“Kyoko…”  Makoto uttered as he pulled his head back to look into her eyes.  “I was so scared…I thought I’d never see you again!”

Kyoko pecked his lips before she smiled lovingly at him and assured him “It’s okay, I won’t let that happen to you again, Makoto.  I promise.”  The couple smiled lovingly at each other before she finally noticed Captain Falcon and asked “Makoto…who’s this?”

“He’s Captain Falcon.”

Everyone turned to Samus as she walked up to him.  Captain Falcon smiled and saluted her as she was covered in a blue light before it dissipated to reveal Samus in her prior outfit.  Once her armor dissipated, Byakuya and Toko caught up with them.

“Is everything…okay…?”  Byakuya asked just before he saw the scene in front of them.

“Oh…you’re safe…good…”  Toko muttered just before Hiro came out of the restaurant, a plate of cake in hand as he chewed on a bite with his fork in the other.

“Hey guys, the waiter gave us our cake, for serious!”

The others sweatdropped at Hiro’s lack of priorities before Makoto explained “Anyway, it was Captain Falcon who saved me.  The Space Pirate’s lying over there.”

“Is that so?”  Kyoko released Makoto before she bowed politely before the racer and told him “You have my gratitude for rescuing Makoto.”

As Captain Falcon smiled and nodded, Samus glanced at the unconscious Space Pirate before she turned back to the racer.  She shuffled awkwardly, her cheeks tinted pink as she looked at Captain Falcon.

“I have to call the Federation Police so they can book these pirates.  Afterwards, Captain…”

“I…hate to cut you short, Ms. Aran, but I do have to go unfortunately.  A racer’s always moving, you know.”

“…Right…another time, Captain.”  Samus replied with a tinge of disappointment in her voice.

“Well, it was fun meeting you all.”  Captain Falcon told them before he jumped back into the hatch of the Blue Falcon.  “Another time, Samus.”  He told her as he winked, which caused her blush to darken in shade.

Makoto, being more observant since starting a relationship himself, turned to Samus and asked “Are you and Captain Falcon…dating…?”

Captain Falcon smirked, then turned his head towards Samus as she told Makoto quietly “…I wouldn’t object, but it’s kinda hard to catch him long enough for a date.”

Makoto nodded in understanding before he mused “I can’t believe you and Captain Falcon live in the same universe.”

Samus nodded and agreed “I know; it was a surprise to me when I found out during the first Smash Bros. tournament.”

“Hey, little Racoon Boy.”  Captain Falcon called from inside his vehicle, which caused Makoto to stand at attention.  “Show me your moves, won’t you?”

“Huh, me?”  A confused Makoto asked before he acquiesced “Well, if you insist…”  His eyes narrowed as he clenched his right fist and threw a punch in front of him while he exclaimed “Falcon Punch!”

Captain Falcon laughed as Kyoko giggled at her boyfriend’s goofy imitation.

“Alright, well, I’ve got a race to go to.  Later!”  Captain Falcon waved at them before the hatch closed and he zoomed off in a blur of blinding blue speed.

“…Damn, almost had him.”  Samus cursed as she snapped her fingers.  She then turned to face the survivors and commented “Well, it seems like we had quite the unexpected adventure.  Though I apologize that you all didn’t get to enjoy the cake we were supposed to share.”

They all glared at Hiro, who smiled guiltily as he swallowed the last bite of his cake.  To his surprise though, they all laughed at the scene, happy for some lightheartedness after the relationship drama and hostage situation.

Makoto looked at Samus and told her “Well, it’s been fun, Samus, but we should probably go.”

“I understand.  You probably need to get back to your own world.”  As Makoto nodded in reply, Samus raised an eyebrow and asked “By the way, how did you get here anyway?”

“Oh, it’s uh…with this…”  Makoto produced the Magenti-Star from his pocket and explained “This is the Magenti-Star.  We found it while we were in the Mushroom Kingdom.  Have you ever seen it?”

Samus broke her stare of amazement to shake her head as she denied “Sorry, but no I haven’t.  I didn’t even know that thing ever existed.”

The survivors groaned collectively before Kyoko recovered and commented “Well, I suppose it doesn’t really matter.  As long as we stick together, we’ll find our way home eventually.”

“I must say, Kirigiri, I didn’t expect you of all people to encourage group camaraderie.”  Byakuya noted.

“I suppose…a certain someone has rubbed off on me…”  Kyoko mused as she and Makoto smiled at each other.

“Kyoko’s right.”  Makoto told them “We’ll find our way home soon.  As long as we keep hope, we’ll find a way.”

As the others nodded in agreement, Samus walked up to the Racoon Detective and held out her hand.  Kyoko frowned as although Makoto had rubbed off on her, she still wasn’t a touchy-feely person, except with Makoto and possibly Hina.  Makoto and Hina smiled at her and nudged her in the back with their elbows before she sighed in surrender.

“Alright, alright.”  She acquiesced as she awkwardly took the bounty hunter’s hand and shook it.

As their hands dropped, Samus admitted “I’ve got to say Kyoko, I’m a little jealous of you.”  As Kyoko raised an eyebrow in surprise, Samus explained “Being a solo bounty hunter can get lonely without any company, so sometimes I wish I was in a stable relationship I could come home to like you and Makoto have.”

Kyoko blushed in shock as she stammered “Well…tha…thank you.  It…it rea…really is spe…spec…”  Hearing Toko giggle behind her, Kyoko sighed and collected her thoughts before she assured Samus “If you’re as good at bounty hunting as you were with fending off those Space Pirates today…then I have no doubt you’ll catch the prey you’re looking for.”  She smiled at Makoto as she remarked “I certainly did.”

Samus smirked as she nodded before clenched her fist and vowed “I intend to.”

As the six survivors took hands and Hiro dropped his plate on the ground, Makoto announced “Alright, let’s go!”

The Magenti-Star shone brightly as it circled around them before it flew above their heads.  It pulsed bright flashes of magenta light as Samus held her forearm above her eyes to shield them.  When at last it dissipated and Samus lowered her forearm, she looked around and saw that her newfound friends had disappeared.

“Good luck everyone…”  She muttered before she turned to the unconscious Space Pirate and walked up to it.  “Now to deal with you…hm?”

She knelt down and picked up a small metal sheet with a single button on it.  She pressed it and a holo image appeared from the top of the sheet.

“It’s a ticket to Captain Falcon’s race today…and not just any ticket.  This is for a VIP seat!”

Samus smiled and deactivated the holo ticket before she pocketed it.

“This is really lucky…could Makoto’s luck have rubbed off on me?”

Chapter Text

A magenta-colored light flashed before it dissipated as quickly as it came, revealing the ragtag group of survivors, once again dazed by the trip between worlds.

Hiro was the first to shake the dizziness away as he wondered “So, um…where do you think we ended up this time?”

“Hopefully somewhere that has locals that don’t want to kill us.”  Hina commented as she and Toko regained their awareness.

“For once, I a…agree with her.”  Toko replied.  “Hopefully, it w…won’t make us question our ex…existence, either.”

To their surprise, Byakuya smirked and asked “Where’s the fun in that?  A little unknown danger can make your plebian lives a lot more exciting.”

Hina facepalmed and muttered “I really wanna punch him right now” while Toko sighed dreamily at Byakuya’s renewed cockiness.

As Makoto regained his sense of awareness, he looked around the Victorian style room, noting the large bed, red drapes, and lit candles.

“Hmm…”  Makoto hummed as his brow furrowed in contemplation.  “This place looks like something out of an old vampire game I used to play.”

Byakuya sighed and questioned “Alright, which childhood video game world are we in now, Makoto?”

“Well, the closest thing I can think of is Castlevania, but although this has a similar vibe, it feels a little different.”

“Maybe we’re in Byakuya’s room.”  Hiro suggested.  “All the stuff in here looks really expensive; I wouldn’t be surprised if he spent a million dollars on all this furniture and drapery.”

Toko scowled and pointed at Hiro as she hissed “Don’t insult Ma…Master’s sense of taste!  He’d ne…never decorate his bedroom with such go…gothic attire!”

“Um…how would you know that, Toko?”  Makoto asked hesitantly as he, Hiro, and Hina stared at the Ultimate Writing Prodigy.

Toko pouted cutely, but before she could open her mouth and invent an excuse, Byakuya stepped in and interjected “She’s right, I would have never used this many drapes, or used red as the main color theme.  I prefer a mixture of greens and grays with simple furniture that, while expensive, is comfortable.”

“Hah!  See?  Nobody knows Master like I do!”  Toko boasted, causing the others to sweatdrop before Byakuya nodded.

“As a matter of fact, I’d be more inclined to say that a room of this style would have suited the deceased Ludenberg much more than me, what with her crazed dream of living in a castle and being tended to by vampire butlers.”

Makoto nodded in agreement as he looked around the room and noted “Yeah, Celeste would have loved to see this room.”

“Perhaps not as much as you’d think.”  Kyoko spoke at last, getting her boyfriend’s attention.

“Huh?  Why not, Kyoko?  This place kinda fits in with her whole vampire castle dream.”

“Perhaps.”  Kyoko admitted.  “But I don’t think the gothic drapery could overshadow the familiarity of this room.”

“Familiarity?”  Makoto stared at his girlfriend and asked “Kyoko, do you know where we are?”

Kyoko turned to stare her comrades in the eyes with a slight hardness as she confirmed “Indeed, I’m surprised the rest of you haven’t figured it out.  Go ahead and take a closer look, and you’ll see why this place is so familiar.”

“D…don’t tell me what to d…do!”  Toko stammered, but nonetheless relented as she and the others began to look around the room.  “Now that you me…mention it…it do…does look kinda fa…familiar…”

Hiro scratched his head, confused at what Kyoko meant until he looked down at the center of the floor.  His eyes widened as a very familiar emblem stared back at him, filling him with fear as he barely held back a shriek.

“What are you so panicked about, you…”  Byakuya began in a curious, yet exasperated tone as he walked over to the Ultimate Clairvoyant.  It wasn’t until he looked down at the emblem that Byakuya’s own eyes widened and he stammered “Th…This is…”

Everyone migrated to the center of the room and stared down at the morbidly familiar symbol before Makoto asked his girlfriend “Kyoko…is this…?”

“…The Class Trial Courtroom?!”  Hina exclaimed, shaking in her flippers.

Kyoko nodded and confirmed “Indeed, but please, remain calm and stay close.  I don’t know why we ended up in another Class Trial Room, but at least this one appears to be deserted.”

“I hope this isn’t another alternate universe of our world.”  Makoto hoped.

“Agreed, I’ve had enough of this place to last a lifetime.”  Byakuya concurred.

“Uh, guys?”  Hina interjected.  “Don’t look now, but I think I see some kind of eerie fog.”

True enough, a light fog seemed to appear as if from nowhere, though it was only high enough to reach their ankles.

“Ghosts!”  Hiro shrieked as he pointed at the now dimmer candles.  “Ghosts are messing with the lights!”

For once, nobody bothered to rebut his superstitious claims before a light scratching noise echoed in the trial room, causing them to jump slightly and turn in different directions in an attempt to deduce its location.

“…We’re not alone.  Be ready for anything.”  Kyoko warned as she clenched her fists and straightened her tail.

Byakuya nearly jumped in shock as he felt two slender arms wrap around his chest, pinning his arms to his side.

He sighed and told their owner “Toko, this isn’t the time to…”  He trailed off as he saw Toko and Hina standing in front of him, their backs pressed against each other as Toko’s hand clenched around a hammer.

Byakuya turned his head to see that Hiro was the one currently embracing him, causing his face to turn blue with mortification.  Meanwhile, Makoto’s tail stiffened as he prepared for battle, turning right to face Kyoko.

Wait, wasn’t Kyoko standing to my left?  Maybe this gothic atmosphere is messing with my sense of direction…  Despite his confusion, he reached out and grabbed Kyoko’s hand before he threaded their fingers and told her “I promise, Kyoko, no matter what’s in this room with us, we’ll face it together.”

Kyoko smiled, but her expression gave him shivers, as if she were hunting her prey.

What…what’s going on?  Why does Kyoko’s smile fill me with dread now?

“Makoto, who are you talking to?”

Makoto froze, his eyes widened as he realized Wait…Kyoko’s lips didn’t move, but I heard her voice…coming from my left side, even though she’s on my right!

Makoto withdrew his hand and stepped backwards, taking a look at Kyoko as he finally saw her glowing red eyes and the two fangs protruding from her upper lip.

“Uh, guys?  There’s something we…”

“EEK!”  Hina screamed.  “There’s another Makoto here, but this one has glowing red eyes!”

“What?!”  The real Kyoko gasped as she propelled towards Hina.  “Stay there, Hina.  I’m com…ah!”  She grunted as Makoto’s form slammed against her, knocking them both to the floor.

Click Clack!

Kyoko and Makoto looked up to see an exact duplicate of Kyoko who giggled maliciously at them.

Who…who is this…?  Kyoko wondered as she stood up and pulled Makoto with her.

They then stepped backwards cautiously until they felt a pair of feminine arms wrap around their shoulders.

“What’s going on?  Why is there another Makoto and Kyoko?”

Makoto and Kyoko shakily turned their heads to stare their captor in the eyes, causing their own eyes to widen as they saw the familiar freckles adorning their face.

“Mukuro?”  Makoto whispered.

“Ikusaba!”  Kyoko finished in shock.

Mukuro smiled, baring her vampire fangs as she mused “Hmm…you might not be my Makoto and Kyoko…but I’ll enjoy having you here with me nonetheless.”

Despite the situation, Makoto and Kyoko blushed before the detective’s malicious counterpart walked up to them and bore her blood red eyes on the pair, making them squirm as she pondered “Still…I wonder why there’s another version of us, not to mention Hina, Hiro, Toko, and Byakuya.”

“It doesn’t really matter, does it?”  Makoto and Kyoko turned their gazes towards a duplicate of Makoto, but with blood red eyes and neatly combed black hair.  “After all…”  The malicious Makoto licked his lips and bared his fangs as he finished “We have a brand-new supply of blood to drink.”

“Absolutely not.”  Byakuya denied as a golden fireball materialized in his hand, only to find he was unable to move his arm to throw it as it was still pinned by Hiro’s terrified grip.  “What the hell?  Get off me, Hagakure!”  He yelled as the fireball dissipated in his palm.

“Don’t worry, Ma…Master!  I’ll…swat him for y…you…!”  Toko stammered as she ran up to Makoto’s counterpart and raised the hammer above her head, preparing to swing it down onto his noggin.

The malicious luckster merely sweatdropped and sighed before he vanished in a puff of black smoke, causing Toko to lose her balance and tumble onto the floor.  Kyoko’s counterpart giggled as the malicious Makoto reappeared next to her and they shared a brief kiss.

“That te…tears it!”  Toko grunted as she stood up and summoned another hammer before she bent her arm back to throw it.  “This time I’ll ge…get yo…” 

“No.”  Mukuro stated simply as she tossed Kyoko like a worn ragdoll.

“Oof!”

Toko tumbled to the floor again as Kyoko was thrown into her, causing the two girls to fall on top of Hina as the three girls lay collapsed on the floor.

“Kyoko!  Toko!  Hina!”  Makoto called out in worry, still trapped in Mukuro’s grasp.

He gasped as he found himself turned around in Mukuro’s grasp and pulled against her breasts, making the Raccoon Luckster blush as she bore her fangs.  The boy shivered as he felt her breath tickle his face before he gulped as she licked her lips.

He tried to smile nervously as Mukuro cooed “You’re cute, but not as much as my Makoto.” 

Said counterpart nodded approvingly as he walked up to her, scratching his cheek and smiling as he replied “Maybe, but nobody’s as perfect as my Mukuro.”

Mukuro sighed happily at the compliment, then frowned at Makoto before she started to levitate, causing Makoto’s eyes to widen as he exclaimed “You can…you can FLY?!”

Mukuro grinned, bearing her fangs as she confirmed “I can do a lot more than that.  It’s a simple matter once you become a vampire.”

“VAMPIRE?!”  Makoto shrieked as Mukuro flew the two of them up to the ceiling, the others appearing like specks on the ground.

Vampire Kyoko sauntered up to her beloved as they watched with amused smiles at Mukuro’s fun.

Meanwhile, Kyoko, Toko, and Hina groaned as they slowly regained awareness, the Ultimate Swimming Pro groaning “Toko…get off of me…”

“As soon as Kirigiri gets off of me!”  Toko whined.

“A…apologies…”  Kyoko muttered as she stood up, allowing the other girls to get to their feet.  As she shook the haziness from her vision, she looked up and her eyes widened as she gasped “Is that…?”

“It’s Ma…Makoto…”  Toko stammered as she pointed at the pair in the air.

“Mukuro’s got him!”  Hina cried nervously.

Kyoko’s eyes narrowed as she yelled “Ikusaba!  Bring Makoto down this instant!”

Vampire Kyoko giggled “How amusing, she thinks she can order Mukuro around in our palace.”

“She must be really concerned about my counterpart to try and demand anything of us.  It’s not like she can fly or anything.”  Makoto giggled in reply before they both burst into laughter.

“Wha…what are you gonna do to me…?”  Makoto stammered in fear, barely able to make out the conversation happening below them.

Mukuro leaned her head closer until her breath tickled his raccoon ear, making him shiver as she answered in a seductive, scary voice “I’m gonna drop you…and watch you fall…”

As Mukuro giggled evilly, Makoto sighed in relief, causing the Vampire Soldier to furrow her brow in confusion.

“What are you so happy about?  I know you’re optimistic, but even you must know that such a fall would kill you.”

To her shock, Makoto merely shook his head and answered “No, it’s not a big deal.”  He then cupped his hands around his mouth and called down to the ground “Hey guys, it’s okay.  She’s just gonna drop me!”

Kyoko sighed in relief as she thought At least he’ll be out of Mukuro’s grasp…

Meanwhile, Byakuya snorted “Well, if dropping the plebian is the worst these vampire knockoffs can do, then we don’t have much to worry about.  How disappointing…”  A vein pulsed in his forehead as she exclaimed “And for Kami’s sake, Hagakure, will you PLEASE let go of me!”

Hiro at least let go, allowing Byakuya to sigh in relief as the Ultimate Clairvoyant chuckled and rubbed the back of his head.

“Sorry, the vampires just really freak me out, for serious.”

“Among other things…”  Byakuya muttered as Hina sighed in relief.

“That’s a relief, at least now I don’t have to frog jump up to Mukuro and give her a frog kick.”

The others sweatdropped as Toko commented “I think that Frog Suit is zipped up too ti…tight.  You’re using the word frog a lot mo…more often.”

“Hey, I’m just using what I’ve got.  At least you can just hammer your problems away.”  Hina joked with a grin.

Toko sighed in exasperation and pouted cutely before she let out a giggle, thinking Okay, that was a little funny…

Hina giggled “See, it’s totally catching on!”

As Byakuya facepalmed and sighed heavily, Vampire Makoto furrowed his brow and wondered What the heck is going on with them?  Using words like frog and hammer at a time like this…wait…they’re dressed differently, especially Byakuya.  I know he’s rich, but he’s never worn overalls.  Why are they wearing those costumes?  And why do they look so familiar?

Mukuro felt a vein pulse in her forehead as she yelled “ENOUGH!”  Once she had everyone’s attention, she altered her grip so that Makoto was dangling by the hood of his hoodie and demanded “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?  AREN’T YOU WORRIED?  I’M ABOUT TO DROP MAKOTO HERE TO HIS DEATH!”

Kyoko frowned in worry before she shook her head and smirked, replying “Go ahead, drop him.  At least then he’ll be out of your clutches.”

Mukuro gaped, thinking incredulously What the…isn’t she worried at all?  Doesn’t she care about him?!

An equally shocked Vampire Kyoko voiced Mukuro’s sentiments as she demanded “What?!  Why would you show such little concern for Makoto?  You’re not acting like Kyoko Kirigiri at all!”

I see…so we’ve ended up back here!  Kyoko realized as she turned to face her counterpart with a victorious smirk.  “Well, Shirogane, I guess that wasn’t a part of your precious Danganronpa script, now was it?”

Vampire Kyoko’s shocked anger morphed into confusion as she cocked her head and asked “What?  Who’s Shirogane?  And what’s Danganronpa?”

I see, it appears I was mistaken…  Kyoko realized as she explained “If you must know, it’s a series of anime and video games in an alternate universe that’s based off our lives.”

“…You’re crazy, you’re making this up to confuse us.”  Vampire Kyoko replied bluntly after a moment of silence.

“If I hadn’t lived through it, I’d have said the same thing.”  Kyoko replied as she shook her head.

As Vampire Kyoko opened her mouth to rebut, Vampire Makoto exclaimed “Wait, Kyoko, I think she might be right!”  As Vampire Kyoko turned to Vampire Makoto in shock, he explained “Now that I get a better look at her, I think your counterpart is wearing raccoon ears and a raccoon tail.  She’d only have those if she got a Super Leaf from Super Mario Bros. 3!”

“Huh?”  Mukuro muttered in confusion before Makoto turned his head to smile at her.

“Ano…Mukuro…could you please let me down now?  It’ll be a lot easier to explain things if I don’t have to shout up here, dangling by my hoodie.”

Mukuro narrowed her eyes, making Makoto gulp as she exclaimed “Oh, you think you’re so cute, don’t you?  Well, let’s see if that fuzzy tail of yours helps you fly!”

Before Makoto could so much as open his mouth, Mukuro let him drop, grinning as he began to plummet to the ground.  However, her smirk dropped and her eyes threatened to bulge out of their sockets as his tail spun in a circle, allowing him to levitate.  She stared, dumbfounded as Makoto flew up in front of her with a smile on his face.

This…this can’t be happening…  Mukuro thought as Makoto waved at her before he turned to wave at his fellow survivors.

Kyoko, Toko, Hiro, Byakuya, and Hina smiled up at him as Kyoko thought with relief There, now he’s safe from Mukuro.

Vampire Makoto’s jaw slackened as he thought No way…this is…this is…raccoon power!

“This…this defies all logic…”  Vampire Kyoko gasped, causing her counterpart to giggle at the tables being turned.

“I said the same thing back in the Mushroom Kingdom.”  She told the young vampire as Mukuro descended halfway from the ceiling.

“What the hell am I looking at?”  Mukuro hissed at Vampire Kyoko as she watched Makoto descend and hug his girlfriend.

“How should I know?”  Vampire Kyoko hissed back.

“Hey, you’re the detective!  You should be able to figure this out!”

“Excuse me, Little Miss Ultimate Soldier, but I can’t solve a mystery without evidence!”

“Are you really that out of practice?  Some Ultimate Detective you are!”

“Hey, go fuck yourself!”

“Come here and fuck me yourself, you coward!”

Vampire Kyoko’s angry expression turned to a smirk as she retorted, “Is that a challenge, Soldier Girl?”

Makoto frowned as he pulled away from Kyoko before they turned to see the back and forth between Vampire Kyoko and Mukuro.

“Ano…Kyoko…”  Makoto wondered “…Is it me, or are Mukuro and your vampire self…flirting?”

“It…appears to be the case…”  Kyoko admitted, her face turning blue in mortification.

As if to verify their hypothesis, Mukuro opened her arms as she challenged “Well, come at me anytime, my love!  I’m always up for round three!”

Hina and Toko’s eyes widened as they muttered “Please tell me I didn’t hear what I thought I heard…”

“Umm…it sounds like to me like Kyoko and Mukuro are a couple in this world.”  Hiro commented.

“Ugh, stop talking, Hagakure.  I’m already getting a headache from this nonsense.”  Byakuya muttered as he rubbed his fingers against his forehead.

Vampire Kyoko, oblivious to the conversation happening a few feet away, licked her lips as she leapt into the air and started to fly towards Mukuro, only to get tackled by her counterpart mid-flight.  The two tumbled through the air until they gripped each other’s hands and continually pushed back in a tug of war.

Kyoko hissed “Enough of this!  You will not display such indecent behavior in front of us!”

Vampire Kyoko narrowed her eyes and threatened in a low growl “Let go of me, or you will regret it!  I don’t care what power you’re using to fly…”

“Raccoon Power!”  The two Kyokos turned their heads to look at Vampire Makoto, grinning from ear to ear as he exclaimed “Our counterparts have raccoon power!  That’s how they’re able to fly!”

Makoto nodded and confirmed “That’s right, we got raccoon powers when we were in the Mushroom Kingdom.  Hina got the Frog Suit, Toko got the Hammer Suit, Byakuya got the Golden Flower, and Hiro…well…he got the Mini-Mushroom, so we had to change him back to normal.”

“Yeah, I got the short end of the stick, for serious!”  Hiro muttered.

Vampire Makoto turned back to his counterpart and asked “So…the Mushroom Kingdom…it’s real…?”

Makoto nodded and confirmed “Yeah, it’s real…all of it!”

After a moment of silence, Vampire Makoto began to laugh and bounce up and down as he exclaimed “This is amazing!  The Mushroom Kingdom is real!  This is so amazing!”

Great, now we have two fanboys…  Kyoko, Hina, Hiro, Toko, and Byakuya thought to themselves in exasperation before Makoto nodded.

“Yeah, it was really amazing.”

“Please!”  Vampire Makoto flew over to his counterpart, startling the boy as the vampire pulled him into the air and begged “You have to tell me all about your time in the Mushroom Kingdom!  Is it just like the games?!”

“Well…”

Everyone else sweatdropped as the two stayed in the air as they bonded over their love for Super Mario, Mukuro, Kyoko, and Vampire Kyoko following them once they finally descended.

Byakuya heard something snap inside of his mind as he growled That’s it, I’ve had it with this nonsense!

“Ah!  What’s that?!”  Vampire Makoto exclaimed as Byakuya produced two brightly glowing golden fireballs, their light illuminating the room.

“The light from those fireballs…”  Kyoko grunted.

“It’s…it’s not even touching us, but I can feel my skin burning!”  Mukuro hissed before the three vampires screamed together.

The heat caused the trio to lose their sense of balance, causing them to stumble into each other.

As Mukuro began to sway, she exclaimed “It’s too much…I can’t take it…goodbye, cruel world…!”

“Mukuro!”  Makoto exclaimed as he propelled over to them and caught Mukuro mid-fall, causing Kyoko to glare in jealousy causing Makoto to gulp in fear and blush at how he had caught the Vampire Soldier.

Meanwhile, the other two vampires embraced each other for the final time, pressing their lips together in a soft, yet passionate kiss before they collapsed onto the floor.

…You have got to be kidding…  Toko, Hina, Hiro, and Byakuya thought, sweatdropping at the overly dramatic scene.

“Ano…guys…why are you just staring blankly at them?”  Makoto wondered before his eyes widened.  He looked down at the three vampire corpses and realized “…They’re not really dead, are they?”

Kami, my boyfriend can be dense sometimes…  Kyoko thought as she restrained her anger, though she could not prevent her eye from twitching at how Mukuro was playing Makoto for a fool.

As if to answer his question, Mukuro burst into laughter with her eyes still closed.  Meanwhile, muffled giggles echoed from the corpses of Makoto and Kyoko’s vampire counterparts as the couple got to their feet.

Vampire Makoto gently admonished Mukuro “Ano…Mukuro…we shouldn’t laugh, seeing as we’re dead.”

Mukuro’s eyes finally fluttered open as she giggled “I can’t help it; it’s fun to mess with them!”

Makoto blushed as Mukuro began to snuggle him, rubbing the tips of her fingers in circles on his hips and chest as she laid her head on his shoulder.

Kyoko felt steam come out of her ears as Mukuro cooed “You may not be my Makoto…but you sure are cute!  Can I…can I touch your…tanuki ears?”

OH HELL NO!  Kyoko yelled in her mind as she propelled over to them and grabbed Mukuro’s wrist, causing the Vampire Soldier to gasp in surprise.  She then glared Mukuro in the eyes as she hissed “Get away from my Makoto, Ikusaba.  Go snuggle your own Makoto!”

Mukuro yelped as Kyoko grabbed her other wrist and tossed her out of Makoto’s grasp. 

As she flew through the air, Mukuro giggled “You have a sexy angry face, just like my Kyoko…huh?”

As Kyoko’s cheeks flushed red in embarrassment, Mukuro felt a pair of protective arms wrap around her waist, catching her in midair and pressing her comfortably against their owner’s chest.  She looked up and saw Vampire Makoto smile lovingly at her, causing her eyes to turn into red anime hearts.

“My counterpart may be cute, but I’ll always be here to catch you, Mukuro.”

“Makoto…”  Mukuro breathed before Vampire Makoto pressed his lips against her own, causing her to moan as she felt his tongue dance with her own.

The survivors gaped in shock, trying to process the sight in front of them.

“Even Ji…Jill can’t laugh at th…this…!”  Toko stammered.

Their shock multiplied when Vampire Kyoko walked up to the kissing couple and tapped them on the shoulder, causing them to break apart with a frustrated groan.

“Apologies, but I believe it’s my turn for Mukuro time.  I was going to fuck her, after all.”

Vampire Makoto sighed and lamented “Sadly, that will have to wait.  We have guests present, after all.”

Mukuro pouted before Vampire Kyoko quickly resumed kissing her.  The shocked Raccoon Detective turned to face her blushing boyfriend.

“Makoto…I’m afraid I must ask you not to look at the…scene in front of you.”  Kyoko asked as she lightly shook him by the shoulder, causing him to give a startled yelp as he faceplanted into the ground.

As Kyoko sweatdropped at her boyfriend’s antics, Vampire Makoto briefly parted his two wives before he briefly and chastely kissed their lips.

“There will be an eternity for fun later, but we must tend to our guests.”  As Vampire Kyoko and Mukuro sighed in disappointment, he suggested “Now, would you two please set the table so they can have a place to sit?”

The two vampire girls nodded before they walked away from the group towards a round table.  Vampire Makoto finally turned to the dumbfounded survivors and approached them.

“Apologies for our behavior earlier.  We don’t often have guests down here, so when we do, we sometimes like to have a little bit of fun with them before we get to business.  Please, come and sit with us so we can talk.”

The survivors blinked as Vampire Makoto extended his pale hand in an offer to handshake.  An awkward silence passed before Makoto walked up to his counterpart.

“This has got to be the strangest world we’ve been in so far, and we’ve been to some pretty strange worlds.”  Makoto smiled and shook hands with his counterpart, suggesting “We should probably compare notes.”

Chapter Text

“The table is set.”  Vampire Kyoko and Mukuro announced as they bowed simultaneously. 

As they stood up, the survivors got a better look at their appearances.  Mukuro wore a black leotard, choker, fingerless gloves, army boots, and a black and red cape that draped across her back until the hem reached the back of her knees.  Kyoko meanwhile wore a dark purple sleeveless blouse, a dark purple skirt that exposed her thighs and legs, dark purple boots and studded gloves, and a black choker.

Vampire Makoto nodded and replied “Thank you, ladies.”  He turned to his guests and offered “Come, have a seat.”

As he walked over to his wives, the survivors got a better look at Vampire Makoto’s outfit as well.  Like his counterpart, he wore the same hoodie, but modified so that it reached his ankles, almost like a robe.  He also wore a white button-up short sleeved shirt, black pants held in place by a gray belt, and black dress shoes.

As Vampire Makoto sat between his wives, the survivors cautiously followed him and sat in the remaining seats.  Makoto and Kyoko sat next to each other, while Hiro and Hina sat to their immediate right.  This left the remaining two seats to be occupied by Byakuya and Toko.

“Now, Makoto…”  Vampire Makoto grinned excitedly as he asked “Shall we continue our previous discussion?  I’m really excited to hear more about the Mushroom Kingdom.”

Here we go again!  The others thought in exasperation as the two Makotos picked up where they left off.

XXX

The others sat bored out of their minds as the two Makotos continued their seemingly endless discussion, except for Hiro who had gotten up from his seat and started to wander the room out of boredom.

“And then we threw Bowser into one of the spiked bombs from Super Mario 64!”

“Wow, that sounds amazing!  Tell me, what was Mario like when you met him?”

“Well…”  Makoto scratched his cheek and explained “I never actually got to meet Mario, or Princess Peach.  They were in Toad Town while we were collecting the Magenti-Star.”

Makoto sighed in disappointment as his vampire counterpart patted his back sympathetically and consoled him “I understand your disappointment.  I’m sure I would have felt the same if I were in your shoes.”

Makoto looked up at his other self and replied “Finally, someone who understands me!”

What am I?!  Kyoko thought, slightly hurt as the two Makotos smiled at each other.

“I feel the same way, it’s like we’re sworn brothers…”

“Ocarina of Time reference!”  They exclaimed simultaneously before they burst out into laughter.

They trailed off however as they felt chills shiver down their spines.  They turned towards the others to see the two Kyokos and Mukuro glaring at them.

They chuckled nervously and scratched their cheeks simultaneously as they said “You girls wouldn’t understand…you don’t really play videogames.”

“…Otakus.”  The three girls muttered as they continued to glare at the two Makotos before Byakuya broke it up.

“While it’s entertaining to see the two otakus get chewed out by their girlfriends…don’t we have more important things to discuss?”

Vampire Makoto scratched his cheek and apologized “Sorry…I just couldn’t help it.”  He turned to his vampire brethren and told them “If it helps, I’d be happy to play any of my old videogames with you any time you want.”

The two vampire girls softened their glares as Mukuro got up from her seat and walked over to Vampire Makoto.  As the Vampire Soldier wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled her nose against his shoulder, Vampire Kyoko also wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled his chest with her nose.

Makoto meanwhile turned to his own special girl and told her “Sorry, I just got excited too.  Our time in the Mushroom Kingdom is really special to me.  Beyond getting to live an adventure I’ve played in video games so many times…”  His tail lovingly wrapped around hers as he finished “…I got to find my own princess to live happily ever after with.”

“Makoto…”  Kyoko uttered lovingly as she gave a blushing smile and her own tail wrapped around his own.

“Otakus…”  Byakuya muttered under his breath before he exclaimed “Can’t we discuss what’s actually important?!”

“Y…yeah…”  Toko stammered as she pointed towards the others.  “I’m ti…tired of hearing about Mario this and Mario that!  And the only lo…love I want to hear about is between me and Ma…Master!”

The others sweatdropped before Vampire Makoto nodded and replied “You two are dating?  Congratulations to the both of you.  You’re right, Byakuya, I apologize for derailing the conversation.  Kyoko, Mukuro, could we possibly save the snuggling for later?”

The two vampire girls pouted but relented as they let go of their shared beloved and went back to their seats.  Meanwhile, Makoto and Kyoko reluctantly released each other’s tails as they sat up straight.

“Now, perhaps we can get some answers.  To start with…”  Byakuya began “Since Mukuro’s alive in this world, can we assume that the Killing Game never happened here?”

As Vampire Makoto nodded, Makoto’s eyes sparkled with hope as he exclaimed “Does that mean all our friends are alive?”

“Yeah, none of our friends died.”  His vampire counterpart answered.

“…And, my father…?”  Kyoko asked, hope bleeding into her neutral tone, only for it to be crushed as the three vampires’ eyes lowered.

“…No, Dad was the one casualty we couldn’t prevent in time.”

Kyoko’s eyes narrowed in anger as she clenched her fists and glared at Mukuro.

“Ikusaba, you had a hand in his death, am I wrong?”

Mukuro sighed and admitted “I have no excuses.  Junko ordered me to help her execute Headmaster Kirigiri and start the Killing Game.  It’s something I’ve regretted ever since my Makoto and Kyoko freed me from her influence, and I will have to live with my guilt for all eternity.”

“It doesn’t matter if you regret your actions.  You stole my father from me, and I can never forgive you for that.”

“I understand.”  Mukuro nodded before she continued “But, and I mean no disrespect, Kyoko, but your approval isn’t what matters to me.”  She glanced towards Vampire Kyoko, causing them both to smile as she finished “All that matters to me is what my Kyoko thinks of me.”

Vampire Kyoko nodded and replied “Indeed, and I’ve moved past any anger I may have held towards you, Mukuro.  I’ve chosen to forgive you, because I love you.”

Kyoko scoffed as her vampire counterpart and Mukuro threaded fingers and squeezed each other’s hands in reassurance.  She then felt a familiar set of warm fingers thread with her own, causing her to gasp and turn to face Makoto’s understanding face.

“Kyoko, you have a right to grieve and be angry.  Nobody blames you for feeling that way after your dad died.  But that anger shouldn’t be directed at this world’s Mukuro.  She’s worked to atone for her crimes.  It’s our world’s Mukuro you should direct your anger at…”  Makoto’s eyes lowered in sadness as he finished “…and she paid the price for her treachery.”

Mukuro reluctantly released her hand from Vampire Kyoko’s grasp before she turned to the others and asked “Just to clarify…did…did Junko kill me in your world?”

Kyoko nodded and confirmed with no emotion in her voice “Indeed, Junko executed you for Violence against the Headmaster, in this case, Monokuma.”

Mukuro sighed and stared down at the table as she muttered “So I was just a means to Junko’s despair…I was a fool to think she ever loved me.”

“Mukuro…”  Mukuro looked up at her husband who smiled at her and assured her “You’re in a better place now.”

“Yes…you’re right, Makoto…”  Mukuro nodded before she smiled and finished “I couldn’t care less about Junko anymore…I have you and Kyoko to make me happy.”

“So, um…”  Everyone turned to face Hina as she asked “What happened to Junko in this world, anyway?”

The survivors tensed up as the three vampires held their hands over their mouths to muffle their amused giggles.

At last, Vampire Makoto stopped giggling and lowered his hand before he apologized “Sorry, but let’s just say that she’s not really an issue anymore.”  Seeing his counterpart’s worried face, Vampire Makoto assured him “We didn’t kill her, but we punished her in a way that will make her suffer for all eternity.”

Makoto furrowed his brow in nervous confusion as he asked “Punished how…?”

“OHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Everyone stood up and ran over to Hiro as he screamed before Makoto asked “Hiro, what’s wrong?!”

Hiro merely pointed at the nearby wall with a shaky finger, causing the others to look up in the direction he was pointing towards until their eyes widened at a painting of Junko.

After a few moments, Toko scoffed and scolded “Idiot!  So what if these va…vampires have a weird pa…painting of Junko?  There’s no need to sc…scream about th…that…!”

As the other survivors nodded in agreement, Hiro exclaimed “That’s not a painting, it’s a mirror.  And its eyes are moving!”

What?!  The other survivors thought collectively as they took a closer look at the mirror.

To their shock, Junko’s eyes did indeed move from side to side, like an old Scooby Doo portrait.  Before they could contemplate what the strange mirror with Junko’s face in it was, they heard Vampire Makoto chuckle in amusement as he and his wives approached them and smiled up at the mirror.

“Let me explain.  You see, when we defeated Junko, we decided that we didn’t want her to die.  That would have been too easy, and we would have stooped down to her level.  Plus, we want her to suffer for the rest of our existence for what she did.  So, we decided to trap her soul inside this mirror and hang it in our bedroom.”

Byakuya smirked and complimented “I see, that is a creative punishment.  And quite fitting too, for the Ultimate Fashionista to be nothing but eye candy.  Tell me, can she see anything from her prison?”

Vampire Kyoko explained “Yes, she can see and think to herself, but she can’t move or hear anything.”

“She also can’t say anything, so I don’t have to hear by sister blab about how useless I am anymore.”  Mukuro added, a relieved tone bleeding into her voice.

Makoto furrowed his eyebrows in contemplation, his tail swishing from side to side rhythmically until his eyes flashed in recognition and he turned to his vampire counterpart.

“You got this idea from Luigi’s Mansion, didn’t you?”

“…Caught me…”  Vampire Makoto chuckled as he scratched his cheek.

“Makoto…”  Mukuro turned to her husband and began as her and Vampire Kyoko’s eyes flashed in realization.

“Did you really use a video game reference to punish Junko?”  Vampire Kyoko finished.

“Um…well…it was the best punishment I could think of, and it’s from one of my favorite video games.”

“Not that I’m complaining, but why didn’t you tell us about this?”  Mukuro asked her husband.

“Well…umm…”  Vampire Makoto explained nervously “We were making love at the time, so it kinda…slipped my mind is all.”

Both his wives nodded understandingly while Makoto and Kyoko blushed simultaneously at the straight admission that their counterparts and Mukuro had gotten as far as having sex.

Makoto attempted to shake his embarrassment away by mentioning “You know, this is the third time we’ve run into Junko on this world hopping journey.”

Kyoko’s own blush faded as she nodded and replied “Indeed, I’m not superstitious, though given present company perhaps I should be…”  The vampires smiled guiltily before Kyoko continued “…anyway, I hope that Junko won’t be haunting us wherever we go from here.”

Hiro sighed and crossed his arms over his chest as he nodded and agreed “Yeah, for serious!”

As the others nodded in agreement, Byakuya asked “I have a question: how did you manage to transplant Junko’s soul into that mirror.”

Vampire Kyoko smirked and told him “It’s one of our vampire powers.  Any other questions?”

“Actually, I do have one.”  Kyoko offered, getting her counterpart’s attention.  “How did the three of you become vampires?”

“Yeah, how did you become vampires?”  Mukuro asked as she glanced at her husband and wife.  Though I already know what they’re gonna say.

Vampire Makoto and Vampire Kyoko glanced at each other before they nodded and replied “That doesn’t matter.”

“Same answer they give me every time I ask!”  Mukuro sighed as she threw her hands up in the air.

Makoto sweatdropped at the vampires’ antics before he asked excitedly “So, what other kinds of powers do you have?”

Vampire Kyoko smirked and replied “Good question, allow me to demonstrate.  Toko?  Hina?”

The two girls looked to the young vampire as her eyes glowed bright red.  After a few seconds, their eyes glossed over and they grinned from ear to ear, creeping out the other survivors.

“Master…Master…yes, I must obey Master!”  Hina and Toko chanted, making the others frown in worry.

Vampire Kyoko giggled “Now, entertain us.”

“Kero, Kero!”  Hina chirped as she got on all fours and hopped up and down like a frog.

Meanwhile, Toko summoned three hammers and began to juggle them, causing the other survivors to sweatdrop.  Byakuya turned to the giggling vampires, his expression displaying shock and anger.

“What the hell?  What have you done to them?!”

“Calm down.”  Vampire Kyoko assured him as she stopped giggling “They’re just hypnotized temporarily.  They’ll be fine once I reverse its effects.”

“In that case, free Hina form your hypnosis immediately.”  Kyoko demanded.

“And what about Toko?”  Byakuya objected.  “If anything, she should be the one freed from your counterpart’s hypnosis.”

The two continued to argue until Vampire Kyoko yelled “ENOUGH!”  The two feuding Ultimates stopped arguing and turned to face the young vampire who decided “Since you two can’t stop arguing, neither of them will be freed until further notice.  Besides…”  Vampire Kyoko smiled as she finished quietly “…they look cuter like this anyway.”

Byakuya and Kyoko crossed their arms over their chests and grunted as they turned away from each other.

“Um…”  Mukuro began.  “I know you probably don’t want to listen to me, but I promise, this isn’t harmful to them.  In time, you might actually enjoy them like this.”  She then turned to Hiro, who gulped before the Vampire Soldier smiled and offered “Here, I’ll demonstrate on Hiro.”

“ME?!”  Hiro exclaimed in fear as Mukuro’s eyes glowed crimson red.

“Yes, you.  Now stay still.”  Mukuro commanded as she stared straight into Hiro’s eyes, only to frown after a few seconds.  Why isn’t this working?  She wondered as she narrowed her eyes in an attempt to concentrate her powers.

“Umm…”  Hiro wondered nervously “…am I supposed to feel anything?  Hey, your nose is bleeding!”

“Mukuro, that’s enough.”  Vampire Makoto told her as she shook her head.

“No, I can do it.  I’m strong enough…”

“Mukuro, Makoto said that’s enough, so stop.”

Mukuro gasped as her eyes went back to normal before she clutched her forehead with her palm.

“What…what happened?”  Mukuro muttered.

“You focused so hard on your hypnosis powers that it drained your energy and caused you to bleed.”  Kyoko explained as she wiped the blood from under Mukuro’s nose with a finger.

“…Sorry…”  Mukuro apologized, blushing as she saw Vampire Kyoko suckle the blood from her finger.

“It’s fine, I just didn’t want you to hurt yourself.”  Kyoko explained as she stared tenderly into her wife’s eyes, the two vampire girls enjoying the moment before Hiro interrupted.

“So, um…not that I’m complaining, but how come I’m not like Hina and Toko?”  His eyes sparked as he grinned and exclaimed in realization “Guess I must be immune!”

As Hiro laughed, Mukuro turned to her husband and asked “Is this what you meant when I asked why you released our world’s Hagakure, and you told me it was because he was special…?”  Her eyes widened in realization as she quickly pleaded “Don’t say it…”

“Yes.”  Vampire Makoto replied with a smile, only to frown as Mukuro and Vampire Kyoko stomped over to him.

“I told you not to say it!”

“Indeed, you should have kept your mouth shut.”

“Now girls, let’s not get carried awa…AH!”

The three of them tumbled across the floor as the two female vampires beat some sense into their husband, causing Makoto, Kyoko, Hiro, and Byakuya to sweatdrop at the scene playing out in front of them.

“Kyoko?”

“Yes?”

“…Promise me you won’t beat me up like that whenever we get back home and date like a normal couple, please?”

Kyoko nodded and promised him as she curled her raccoon tail around his own “I promise I won’t be physically abusive to you once we settle into a relationship, Makoto.”  She then smirked at him and reminded “Though if you’re looking for normal, we passed any hope of that when we got raccoon tails.”

Makoto facepalmed as he muttered “Right…I forgot about that.”

Kyoko rolled her eyes as she mused “Well, perhaps it might be best to find a way to hide these new features once we get back home.  We might not want the attention they’d give us…after all, how else would we get any privacy?”

Makoto laughed and smiled lovingly at his girlfriend, who smiled back with just as much love.

“…Lovebirds…”  Byakuya scoffed as the three of them waited for the vampire tussle to finish.

XXX

“So…what did you mean when you said you released Hiro?”  Makoto asked once the vampires’ fight was finished and the seven of them sat back at the table.

“Right, I guess I should have explained this better.”  Vampire Makoto nodded before he explained “After we stopped the Killing Game from happening, we sent Byakuya, Hiro, Toko, and Hina into the outside world to serve as our eyes and ears in an organization dedicated to eradicating despair called the Future Foundation.  We asked them to use their influence in the organization so that a peace treaty between the vampire world and the human world could be negotiated.  The signing is actually set to occur in the next few days.”

That’s a relief, at least my counterpart isn’t using his powers for world domination or anything like that.  He’s orchestrating world peace, he stopped Junko, our friends are alive…wait…  Makoto’s brow furrowed before he asked “Um…So if our other friends aren’t dead, then what did happen to them?”

Vampire Makoto explained “Our other classmates are in the other parts of Hope’s Peak Academy, happily serving us to our hearts’ content.”

Serving them?  I can’t imagine some of our classmates willfully serving anyone.  A gothic Lolita girl came to mind as he asked “Did you…um…?”

Vampire Makoto nodded and confirmed “Yes, we hypnotized them.  It’s fine though, they lo…”

“No, that’s wrong!”  Makoto cut off his vampire counterpart and pointed at him, his eyes narrowed as he scolded “Friends don’t turn their friends into mindless slaves!  They have dreams of their own, and you’re taking their autonomy away from them!”

“Makoto…”  Vampire Kyoko broaches gently and tried to explain “I think you have the wrong idea.  When we hypnotize someone, they’re not in a trance.  They still have their self-awareness, so they’re not mindless slaves.  It’s also quite soothing and therapeutic for them.”

“I can vouch for that.”  Mukuro added, recalling how her hypnosis helped her to process her grief when she was human.

Byakuya and Kyoko narrowed their eyes in suspicion at her vampire counterpart before she crossed her arms over her breasts and replied “Forgive me if I don’t take your words at face value, but I have to side with my boyfriend here.  Hypnotizing your friends into serving you does nothing but harm the…”

“We’d never hurt our friends!”  Vampire Makoto exclaimed, stunning his wife’s counterpart into silence.  “Besides, most of them are free from the hypnosis; they’ve found peace living in our new palace.”

“It’s true.”  Vampire Kyoko explained “Taka was the first to break free of the hypnosis, but he decided to continue serving us anyways because he saw our palace as an established order that needed to be protected.”

Yep, that sounds like Taka…  Makoto thought before he realized “Wait, you said that most of our friends weren’t hypnotized anymore.  So…”

Mukuro sighed and explained “Celeste is the only one of our classmates who’s still hypnotized.  She’s someone who wants to be served in a palace rather than serve the lord and lady of a palace.  Plus…”  Mukuro grimaced before she finished “…she’s indicated more than once that she wants to be turned and wed by my dear wife.”

Kyoko shuddered as she imagined the thought of Celeste making romantic advances on her.

“So, um…Kyoko…?”

“Hm?”  Kyoko turned to her boyfriend and asked “What is it, Makoto?”

“Um…don’t take this the wrong way, but…are you…”  Makoto blushed as he finished “…bi?”  As Kyoko blinked in surprise, Makoto panicked and waved his hands in front of her while he assured her “Not that there’s anything wrong with that!  I was just…you know…curious…”

Makoto’s rambling was cut off by Kyoko’s amused giggles before she assured him “Don’t worry, I know you’re just curious.”  As Makoto sighed in relief that his relationship wasn’t over, Kyoko answered “To answer your question…I never considered dating anyone before Hope’s Peak Academy, so I wasn’t concerned with my sexuality.  If I had to choose though, I’d say I prefer men over women.”

“Well, there’s nothing wrong with liking both, am I wrong?”  Vampire Kyoko asked her counterpart.

“Indeed, don’t mistake my preferences for bigotry.  We are the same person, but we’ve had different experiences that have shaped us into different people.”

“In any case, don’t worry; no woman will have my dear Kyoko except for myself.”  Mukuro assured the Raccoon Detective, who felt oddly relieved by Mukuro’s vow.

It was then that Vampire Makoto got up from his seat and walked between his wives, wrapping his arms around their waists as he agreed “That’s right, the three of us are a family…”  He smirked as he finished “…one that will only grow with time.”

Kyoko gasped as her eyes widened and she held her palm against her mouth.

“Could it be…are you…?”

The two vampire women smiled and nodded as they rubbed their respective bellies.  Makoto and Kyoko blushed as they turned to face each other, briefly imagining Kyoko pregnant, then imagining them raising a raccoon baby together before they turned away out of embarrassment.

“That’s absurd.”  Byakuya scoffed, causing the raccoon couple’s blushes to fade as he continued “You don’t even look pregnant.”

Byakuya earned the simultaneous glares of Kyoko, Vampire Kyoko, and Mukuro, but before they could kill him for his thoughtless remark, Vampire Makoto intervened.

“We only found out that they were pregnant a few days ago, so the babies are still growing.”

As if to emphasize Vampire Makoto’s point, the two mothers-to-be rubbed their bellies as Hiro’s eyes widened and he exclaimed “WOW!”

“You took the words right out of my mouth.”  Byakuya muttered before a far-off rumbling noise caught their attentions, causing the seven of them to turn towards the descending elevator.

“That’s weird.”  Mukuro pondered as she looked towards her wife and husband “I wonder who would be coming down here?  I thought you two gave the order not to be disturbed.”

Vampire Kyoko replied “Well, Sayaka did get promoted to be our primary messenger after you became a vampire.”

Sayaka?!  Makoto, Kyoko, Byakuya, and Hiro thought in shock as Vampire Kyoko continued.

“If she’s coming down here after we gave a non-disturbance order, it must be important.”

Sayaka!  Makoto thought, gasping as the elevator doors opened and Sayaka Maizono walked out, dressed in her frilly pink idol outfit.  You’re…you’re alive!

Vampire Makoto turned to glance at Sayaka as he smiled at the former idol, who returned his smile and bowed.  Meanwhile, Makoto stared at her with a conflicted gleam in his eyes, joy and sorrow waging war within him.

“Forgive me for intruding, Masters, but Director Togami of the Future Foundation wishes to…speak with…you…”  Sayaka trailed off as her eyes widened at the sight of Makoto, Kyoko, Byakuya, Hiro, Hina, and Toko.  “Masters, why are there duplicates of you, Byakuya, Hina, Toko, and Hiro?  Is this a new power?  And why is Toko juggling hammers?  And why is Hina in a frog suit and jumping like a frog?”

Vampire Makoto shook his head and explained “No, Sayaka, these are alternate versions of us and our classmates from another world.  They somehow appeared in our world, and we were sharing stories when you came in.  We hypnotized their versions of Toko and Hina to be our entertainment.”

Sayaka cocked her head to the side in confusion as she replied “…I don’t really understand, but I think I get the gist of it.”

“Don’t try and think about it too much.  Now, what does Byakuya want?”  Vampire Kyoko asked.

“Oh, here, Master.”  Sayaka replied as she handed a cell phone to Vampire Makoto, who gently took it and, upon seeing Byakuya stare at him intently, pressed the speaker button.

“Yes, Director Togami?  How are things at the Future Foundation?”

“Naegi, I’m calling to provide a status update on the peace treaty.  The signing ceremony should proceed on time, although Vice-Chairman Munakata is proving to be a particularly squeaky wheel.  He seems to be promoting the view that vampires are foul atrocities to be destroyed, rather than productive partners to help rebuild human society.”

Mukuro and Vampire Kyoko sighed in frustration at the potential roadblock before Makoto replied “Thank you for the update, Director Togami, but don’t worry.  Munakata will be convinced of our value to human society one way…”  Vampire Makoto’s voice suddenly lowered as he finished in a dark tone that made shivers run down his counterpart’s spine “…or the other.”

Director Togami chuckled and remarked “Well, one thing’s for certain, Naegi.  You and your brethren certainly make this world more interesting.  I look forward to seeing this treaty’s ultimate fate in the next few days.”

“Hopefully, it’ll be as peaceful our classmates have become since we rebuilt Hope’s Peak Academy.”  Vampire Makoto hoped.

“Except Celestia.”  Director Togami remarked.

“Right…Celestia.”  Vampire Makoto sighed before he and Director Togami chuckled while Vampire Kyoko, Mukuro, and Sayaka giggled.

“I’m…guessing this is just some inside joke about Celeste?”  Makoto guessed as he scratched his cheek before Kyoko, Byakuya, and Hiro nodded in agreement.

Vampire Makoto chuckled before he told Director Togami “Sorry, Director Togami, but I’m currently tending to some guests.”

“…What…guests…?”  Director Togami asked, confused at Vampire Makoto’s revelation.

Vampire Makoto smirked and asked “Would you believe me if I told you that alternate versions of you, me, Kyoko, Toko, Hiro, and Hina appeared in my lair with powers from the Super Mario games?”

A moment of silence passed before an annoyed Director Togami answered “You’re right, I don’t believe you.  It’s bad enough that I have to deal with the Ultimate Imposter dressing up as me and causing havoc, but an alternate me with video game powers?  Your sense of humor is even more warped today than usual.  Whatever, I don’t have time to play with you.  Goodbye.”

As the line cut, everyone stared at Byakuya expectantly until he answered “In his defense, I wouldn’t have believed it either if I hadn’t lived it, just like I wouldn’t have believed in vampires if I weren’t sitting at your table.”

Everyone nodded before Vampire Kyoko glanced over Sayaka as Vampire Makoto handed the phone back to Sayaka.

“Thank you for the message, Sayaka.  You may take your leave now.”

“Thank you, Masters.”  Sayaka replied as she bowed before she stood up and turned around.  “Goodbye…”

“Sayaka!”

“Ma…Makoto?”  Sayaka stammered as she turned around and stared not at Vampire Makoto, but at Makoto himself.

Makoto stood up and shakily walked over to her before he fell to his knees in front of her, making the others gasp in shock and worry.

“Makoto!  What…what’s wrong…?”  Sayaka asked before Makoto cried out.

“I’m sorry!  I’m so sorry!”

Makoto…  Kyoko thought as she watched in concern and pity while the vampires watched the Raccoon Luckster curiously.

As Sayaka stared at Makoto and her brow furrowed in realization, he confessed as tears streamed down his cheeks “We…we came from an alternate timeline, one where Junko succeeded in pulling off her Killing Game…”

“Makoto…”  Sayaka asked hesitantly “…Did I die in your timeline?”

Makoto nodded and apologized as he tried to hold back more tears “I…I’m sorry!  I’m sorry I couldn’t save you!  I’m sorry I couldn’t get you out of there alive like I promised!  I just…I needed to apologize to you now that I have the chance!”

Makoto…  Kyoko thought as she watched Makoto cry, her heart breaking at the burden of guilt he carried that threatened to overwhelm him.

“Makoto…”  Sayaka sighed and shook her head as she gently told him “…I’m sorry, but I can’t accept your apology.”

Huh?!  Makoto thought as he looked up at her, shocked as tears continued to stream down his cheeks.  “But…why not?  I’m doing my best, Sayaka!  I…”

“Don’t misunderstand me.”  Sayaka interrupted him.  “That apology was extremely heartfelt, and I have no doubt that you meant every word.  But…we both know that apology isn’t meant for me.  If I were to accept it on her behalf…that wouldn’t be right.”

Accept it…on her behalf…?  Makoto’s eyes widened as he realized That’s right, this Sayaka isn’t the Sayaka whose memories I vowed to carry on my shoulders.  I thought that if I apologized to this Sayaka, then I could ease the guilt I bear, but I can’t do that.  The Sayaka I knew is long gone; apologizing to a different Sayaka won’t change a thing.

At last, Makoto stood up, sniffling as he wiped his eyes before he smiled at Sayaka.

“Sorry…I faltered for a bit…but you’re right.  I can’t just take the easy way out.  I have to carry my Sayaka’s memories with me…for her sake.”

Vampire Makoto smiled before his wives took his hands and smiled at him.

“He really is your counterpart.”  Vampire Kyoko commented.  “He’s a talented and inspiring motivational speaker, just like you are.”

Meanwhile, Kyoko smiled and nodded approvingly as she thought I’m proud of you, Makoto.  Even under the crushing weight of your guilt, you managed to uphold your conviction that made me fall in love with you…with a little nudge of support.

Sayaka giggled as she replied “You must truly be an Ultimate Hope if you can radiate such determination mere moments after crying in anguish.”  She then turned towards Kyoko and asked her “Keep him out of trouble, won’t you?  He’s really special; any self-respecting girl would die for him.”

…die for him…?

That thought echoed in Makoto’s mind as he began to flash back to various points in their journey.  Kyoko using herself as a shield against Princess Zelda’s magic, Junko’s words about how her world’s Kyoko sacrificed her life for her own Makoto, Kyoko struggling to save the doll-like version of Makoto.  Every one of those memories came rushing back at a breakneck pace as his eyes widened.

We’ve put this off long enough; I can’t let this go!  We need to talk, and we need to talk NOW!

Sayaka gasped as Makoto narrowed his eyes and quickly spun around, accidentally slapping her thigh with his tail, causing her to wobble as she barely kept her balance before he stomped over to his confused girlfriend.

“Makoto?  What’s going on?  Why are you so angry all of a sudden?”

The vampires, Byakuya, and Hiro watched with interest and confusion at Makoto emotional one-eighty as he asked her a single question without a single hint of levity in his voice.

“Kyoko, are you willing to sacrifice your own life just so I could live?”

Kyoko’s concerned face reverted to her custom emotionless iron mask, concealing the panic she felt at the imminent discussion that she now had no way of avoiding.

Chapter Text

Not even the squeaks of a church mouse could be heard as the room was completely silent.  Only the sound of her racing heart echoed in her ears as Kyoko forced her iron mask that she had become so accustomed to using before she met Makoto.  Internally however, she was panicking as Makoto’s eyes were no longer radiating with warmth and kindness, but with the ferocity and determination that blazed within them during the Killing Game.

It’s like…I’m the blackened…but…why?  Kyoko wondered, feeling slightly hurt as he glared at her, as though she were a criminal on trial.  Ironic, a detective being treated like a criminal…

Makoto wasn’t enjoying glaring at his girlfriend one bit, thinking I hate glaring at Kyoko like this…I love her and I don’t ever want to be accusing her of anything.  But still, this has to be done if we’re going to get to the truth.  We can’t be keeping secrets from each other, especially not something that has life or death implications!  It won’t be easy; Kyoko’s almost unshakeable, but I didn’t beat Junko Enoshima by running away from tough opponents.  Leon, Mondo, and Celeste’s faces flashed in his mind as he recalled I pushed through and exposed some very good friends to get to the truth.  And that’s exactly what I’m gonna do now!

“Is it wrong to protect your friends from danger?”

“Huh?”  A startled Makoto asked as his thoughts vanished from his mind, his focus now centered on Kyoko’s argument.

“After all…”  Kyoko smiled as she explained “You taught me that lesson.  I didn’t trust anyone when we first met after our memory erasure, and I’m certain I was the same way before the memory erasure.  But you taught me the importance of having strong friendships, Makoto.  Why wouldn’t I want to protect them?”

The touched Makoto resisted the urge to smile bashfully as he argued “I’m not saying you shouldn’t protect your friends, Kyoko, but you’re taking it too far!  Remember when you used yourself as a shield to protect me from Zelda’s magic attack.  That was incredibly reckless, Kyoko…”

“Reckless?  How ironic that you of all people would call me reckless.  If I recall, the only reason we were in that predicament was because you flew off ahead of the rest of us just so you could find out which era of Hyrule we were in.”  As Makoto gasped, Kyoko smirked and asked “Am I wrong?”

“Th…that’s not…”

“Don’t tell me it’s not possible!”

Vampire Kyoko frowned as she and the others watched her counterpart argue with Makoto.

“You didn’t need to do that, Kyoko!  I could have handled it myself…”

“Oh really?  You could have handled it?  Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t you the least experienced in combat and self-defense among us?  Even Hiro proved he has some aptitude in combat when he conked Sakura over the head with the Monokuma Bottle.”

Hiro winced as he averted his gaze, clearly uncomfortable with the reminder of how he overreacted during the Killing Game.

“Th…that’s a little harsh, isn’t it…?”

“I’m merely stating an objective fact.  Given how fragile you are, why wouldn’t it be reasonable to protect my boyfriend, the only boy I’ve ever loved, from being harmed?”

Byakuya and Hiro nodded at Kyoko’s argument, though the former Ultimate Affluent Progeny frowned as he remarked “She’s not wrong, but there’s more to her feelings than she’s telling us.”

“Huh?”  Hiro asked “Not telling us?  What isn’t she telling us?”

“Just pay attention, plebeian, and you might learn something.”

Hiro grumbled as they both paid attention to the argument happening in front of them.

Makoto began to sweat as he panicked Shoot, she’s too good, I can’t think of another way to attack her excuses.  I need another time where she acted irrationally, another world we went to…wait…I got it!  “Well, what about that time we went to that world with the living dolls?  You risked our safety to…”

“To help your counterpart in that world, I remember.”  Kyoko cut him off.  “But tell me this, Naegi, if the roles were reversed, could you resist the temptation to help my counterpart?”

Makoto grit his teeth in frustration as he cursed Shoot, I can’t!  No matter what I try, she’s always one step ahead of me!

Kyoko smirked as she thought There, Makoto’s good, but there’s no way he can find anything else to refute me.  And with that, we can end this…

“YOU’RE AVOIDING THE TRUTH!”

“Huh?!”  Makoto and Kyoko exclaimed as everyone’s gaze turned to the source of the outburst: Vampire Kyoko.

Her glowing red eyes narrowed in a glare at her counterpart, the Raccoon Detective unused to her own glare being turned against her.

“Your arguments are flawed, and your avoidance of the truth is a disgrace to the Kirigiri creed!”

“Wha…”  Kyoko’s eyes narrowed in return as she retorted “How dare you call me a disgrace!  Stay out of this argument; I won’t tolerate interference in a private dispute!”

“No, I will not stand by and watch you turn us both into hypocrites!”  Vampire Kyoko rejected, unperturbed as the two Kirigiris glared at each other, refusing to give the other an inch as they prepared their arguments.

Makoto meanwhile watched curiously as he wondered Vampire Kyoko said that my Kyoko’s arguments are flawed, but what does she mean?  I couldn’t find a contradiction anywhere…

Makoto shook the thought from his mind as he watched the two Kyokos finally clash.

Rebuttal Showdown: Vampire Kyoko vs. Raccoon Kyoko!

“You dare to call me a hypocrite?!”  Kyoko growled.  “I haven’t lied about anything!  Makoto isn’t a fighter.  He was almost killed by the Mastermind, Junko Enoshima!  If I hadn’t intervened, we’d all be dead!  Makoto can’t protect himself, and he can’t protect us by himself!  So you see…I haven’t lied about anything!”  Kyoko argued, only for her counterpart to snort in objection.

“I’m not calling you a liar, Kyoko Kirigiri.  I don’t doubt that all of those things you said are the truth.  What I doubt is your claim that you’re not hiding behind those words to avoid facing a deeper implication.”

“A deeper implication?!”  Kyoko seethed.  “I value honesty and openness.  Makoto’s open nature has helped me to make friends, and I’d never lie to them.  If I was hiding something, they wouldn’t hesitate to tell me!”

Vampire Kyoko seized on that opening as she cut off her counterpart “I’LL PIERCE THOSE FALSE WORDS!”

Kyoko grit her teeth as her vampire counterpart asked “You don’t say?  Well, in that case, let’s ask your friends, shall we?”

Kyoko shook in anger as the vampire waved her hand, causing Toko and Hina to shake their heads in confusion.

“Huh?  Where a…are we…?”  Toko wondered.

“I don’t know…but I feel surprisingly refreshed…”  Hina answered before she looked at the scene in front of them.  “Um…why does our Kyoko look like she’s about to murder her counterpart?”

“Um…why don’t I explain?”  Sayaka offered as she approached them.

“Holy crap!  You’re Sa…Sayaka!”  Hina exclaimed as her and Toko’s eyes widened in shock.

Sayaka smiled as she explained “Yes, but I’m this world’s version of Sayaka Maizono.  Now…”

“Holy crap!”  Hina exclaimed.

“Y…yeah…this is ba…bad…!”  Toko agreed as she wandered back towards Byakuya.

“Hold it, Asahina.”  Vampire Kyoko ordered as Hina moved to follow Toko.  She turned nervously towards her friend’s counterpart as Vampire Kyoko gently, yet firmly inquired “Answer me honestly.  If your Makoto’s life was at stake, do you believe my counterpart would sacrifice her life to save his?”

Answer that, and you die, Asahina.  Kyoko threatened in her thoughts as she sent her Kirigiri glare towards Hina.

The former swimming pro bit her lip at the sight of Kyoko’s angry glare, but sighed and apologized in her mind Sorry, Kyoko…  “Um, well…I’ve had conversations with Kyoko, in Hyrule and that city where we met Samus.  And, to be honest, they make me really concerned about how little she values herself compared to Makoto.  I mean, it’s nice that she values him, but it’s almost like she doesn’t care whether she lives or dies, as long as she can protect him.”

“I see…”  Vampire Kyoko mused.  “And why do you think she feels this way?”

“Well…during the Killing Game, I spotted Kyoko walking to the garbage room with a bag containing some bottled water and bread rolls.  At the time, I didn’t know why she was going there.  We were all feeling a little out of it after Makoto’s near execution, so I didn’t think much of it.  After we saw them both in the dining hall though, I realized that she went back to save Makoto, no matter what the personal cost was.”

Kyoko gaped and held her hand to her open mouth as she thought I…I was sure I wasn’t being followed…was I really so laser-focused that I didn’t notice Hina on my way to the garbage chute?!

As Vampire Kyoko nodded, Hiro asked “Um…Hina…why didn’t you bring this up in the Class Trial where we found out Junko was the Mastermind?  That seems like pretty relevant information, for serious!”

“Use your brain, plebian.”  Byakuya interjected, chastising Hiro “How she saved Makoto wasn’t relevant to who murdered Mukuro Ikusaba.  That’s why nobody brought it up.   However…”  Byakuya’s eyes glistened as he continued “…that information is clearly relevant now, especially considering her behavior in the Mushroom Kingdom.”

“I see…”  Vampire Kyoko mused before she asked “Byakuya, did you notice any particularly strange behavior concerning my counterpart?”

Kyoko didn’t even bother glaring at Byakuya, as she realized If Hina didn’t listen to me, there’s no way Byakuya will.

Byakuya nodded and explained “Before we came into your world, we ended up in a world where our Kyoko, foolishly and recklessly might I add, nearly gave away our hiding spot in the interest of rescuing a version of Makoto that we hadn’t even interacted with at all.”  Byakuya glared at Kyoko as he criticized “A noble gesture, but foolish all the same.”

“I…Is that true?”  Toko questioned.  “Jill was i….in control during that ti…time, so I have no recollection of what ha…happened in that world…”

“It’s true.”  Byakuya confirmed with a nod.

Toko nodded in return before she turned to blare and point at Kyoko.

“She’s ri…right…you really are a hy…hypocrite…”

Kyoko glared at Toko and retorted “Oh, you are the last person who should be lecturing me about the moral high ground.  You have a serial killer inside you who’s on Japan’s most-wanted list, and you can’t even control her.”  As Toko opened her mouth to object, Kyoko turned to her counterpart and cut the former writing prodigy off, pointing at Vampire Kyoko and lecturing “And you…you have no business butting into my private conversation with my boyfriend.”

“THIS IS THE ONE, ABSOLUTE TRUTH!”  Vampire Kyoko cut her off, silencing the Raccoon Detective.  “No business, did you say?”

“That’s right, you have no business interfering in my private relationship.”

“Are you sure about that?  We’re the same person, deep down, so what affects you affects me as well.  And even if it didn’t, I’m not convinced that you aren’t running away from the truth.”

Kyoko grit her teeth as she growled “Me, running away from the truth?!”   She pointed her finger at her vampire counterpart as she exclaimed “I’ll prove to you I’m not running away!  I’ve never run away from the truth!”

As the two Kyokos glared at each other, Mukuro felt her own anger boiling at how her wife was being treated by the Raccoon Detective.  She clenched her fists and stepped forward, only to be held back by her husband’s gently grip on her shoulder.  Her eyes widened as she turned to see Vampire Makoto shaking his head.

“But…Makoto…”

“This is between the two of them and my counterpart.  We shouldn’t interfere.”

Mukuro sighed and relented as they and the others watched in concern, Makoto’s heart especially hurting as he watched his girlfriend and her counterpart prepare their arguments once more.

Rebuttal Showdown: Vampire Kyoko vs. Raccoon Kyoko!

“You dare say I’d run away from the truth?”  Kyoko questioned.  “That goes against everything Grandfather taught me!  I didn’t run away from a single Class Trial.  Not once did I accuse someone of a crime they didn’t commit!  So you see…it’s impossible for me to run away from the truth!”

Her vampire counterpart was unfazed however, as she pointed out “But you’re only human, Kyoko Kirigiri, and I don’t mean that as an implication of any superiority on my part.  I only mean to point out that we all have fears, and I think you’re scared of facing the truth behind your actions.  That’s the one, absolute truth we need to uncover, or you’ll never be able to move forward!”

Kyoko scoffed “This whole argument is nothing but a waste of time….”

“ALLOW ME TO CUT THROUGH YOUR WORDS!”

What?!

Everyone’s eyes widened in shock as they turned to the source of the outburst: Makoto.  His hazel eyes blazed with determination as he pointed at his girlfriend.

“This isn’t a waste of time, Kyoko!  Your counterpart’s right; you’re hiding something from me, from us, and even from yourself!”

“Ma…Makoto…”  Kyoko uttered, hurt bleeding in her voice before she cried out “Wha…what could I possibly have to hide from you?!  I love you, Makoto, and I’d never hide anything from you!  I promise, I’m not hiding anything!”

Makoto sighed in disappointment as he lamented So…she refuses to accept it even now.  I hate doing this, treating you like Leon, Mondo, Celeste, Hina, Junko, Tsumugi…I hate it!  But…I have to do this…this isn’ a game; I’m not having fun breaking you down.   But…we need to face the truth…or we’ll be in continuous danger for the rest of our lives!

As Kyoko clenched her fists and narrowed her eyes at her impromptu protégé, Makoto steeled himself for for the painful task of making his girlfriend accept the truth of her behavior.

Argument Armament – Kyoko Kirigiri

“Your deductions are erroneous Naegi!”

“Then why are you looking so panicked, Kyoko?”  Makoto pointed out.

“I’m not panicked!  You’re just imagining things!”

“I’m not imagining things, Kyoko.  You’re running away from your feelings, and it needs to stop!”

Kyoko scoffed and demanded “And just what are these feelings you’re claiming I’m running away from?!”

“YOU FEEL GUILTY KYOKO!”

Kyoko flinched, but grit her teeth as she tried to recollect herself and focus her argument.

“I feel guilty?  Preposterous; I haven’t committed any crimes!”

“Nobody’s calling you a criminal, Kyoko.”

“So I’m a traitor, then?  I haven’t betrayed any of you!”

“We don’t think you’re a traitor either, Kyoko.  We’re just trying to get you to accept your own feelings!”

“The feelings that I’m guilty?!”

“Yes, that’s right.”  Makoto nodded.

“What do I have to feel guilty about?!”

“THROWING ME UNDER THE BUS!”

Kyoko flinched more violently, gritting her teeth as her eyes narrowed in anger.

“So that’s what you think it is?!”  She demanded as she shook away the flashes of Makoto’s execution.  “I understand where you’re coming from, Naegi.  But it was a long time ago!”

“Kyoko, it wasn’t even a week ago!  The pain and trauma is still raw in our minds!  Nobody would blame you for being upset about it!”

“Even so, we’ve had so many adventures together!  I barely even think about it now!!”

“That’s a lie, and we all know it, Kyoko!  You haven’t moved on, none of us have!  We’ve just been using our adventures to run away from the problem, and it needs to stop!”

Hyperventilating, Kyoko demanded “WHY WOULD I HAVE TO RUN AWAY FROM IT?”

Here it is, the final blow…please forgive me, Kyoko…  “YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO HANDLE IT!  THIS ENDS NOW, KYOKO!”

Kyoko gasped as she felt her resolve shatter, causing her to hang her head in surrender, her lavender bangs obscuring her eyes.

Kyoko…don’t break up with Makoto over this, please…  Hina begged silently as she stared with worry at her two friends.

Man, this is the worst, for serious…  Hiro thought as he grimaced.

Byakuya watched with intrigue at the aftermath of Makoto and Kyoko’s showdown, but frowned as a nagging feeling in the back of his mind caused him to feel slightly displeased at the intense argument that occurred in front of his eyes.  Toko meanwhile for once didn’t react at all.  No giggle, no antagonistic commentary, nothing but concern and worry for her friend.

Come on, just ge…get your sh…shit together…

No way…is this…what happened in the Killing Game in their world?  Sayaka wondered as she stared with shock at the two raccoon lovers.  Would something like this have happened if Junko’s plan succeeded in our world?

Mukuro meanwhile kept a neutral expression as she walked towards her wife and threaded fingers with her.  Vampire Kyoko squeezed Mukuro’s hand in comfort and briefly smiled at her before she retained her iron mask and stared at her and her husband’s counterparts.  For his part, Vampire Makoto kept silent as he briefly glanced at his wife before focusing his gaze on Makoto and Kyoko.

For their sake…I hope things turn out alright for them, whatever happens after this.

A nervous Makoto stared with worry at his girlfriend, then gasped as she finally raised her head to stare him in the eyes.  Tears streamed down her cheeks as she softly cried, tired of hiding her emotions.

“Kyoko…”

“Y…you were right…”  Kyoko smiled sadly, her lips quivering as she confessed “Leaving you to die under that garbage press…I do feel guilty about that.  It weighs on my soul, so much that I would gladly offer my own life in exchange for yours.”

Mukuro watched, her eyebrows raised in curiosity as Kyoko broke down, sobbing as she fell to her knees.

“Kyoko…”  Makoto uttered before he ran over to her and fell to his knees, wrapping his arms around her waist and holding her protectively. 

Kyoko buried her head against his shoulder as her sobs dampened his hoodie.  Makoto reached down and caressed her tail in an attempt to make her feel better, though her sobs still vibrated in his ears, both human and raccoon, regardless of his soothing ministrations.

“Kyoko…you don’t need to feel guilty about that.  There was no other way, and I chose to overlook your lie and become the suspect.  You’re the only one who could have solved the mystery of Hope’s Peak Academy!  I could never have done any of the amazing detective work you did.  After all, I’m nobody spec…”

“DON’T FINISH THAT SENTENCE!  I’M SICK OF YOU SAYING THAT!”  Kyoko screamed in his ear, making him wince in pain. 

She wrapped her arms around his back, pulling him tightly against her as the others watched, eyes widened in shock at Kyoko’s uncharacteristically emotional outburst.  As he watched, Vampire Makoto felt both of his wives thread their fingers with his own.

“I agree with my counterpart.”  Vampire Kyoko told him.  “I don’t ever want to hear you put yourself down.”

“I agree as well.”  Mukuro concurred.  “You’re our reason for living, Makoto.  I don’t ever want to hear you think so low of yourself as your counterpart does.”

Vampire Makoto nodded and whispered “I promise, I won’t.  I’m going to do the best I can to lead our new vampire society, with your help and guidance.”

His wives smiled and released his hands so they could hug him.  Sayaka nodded in approval before they released him and they turned their eyes back to the two raccoon lovers in front of them.

Makoto barely held back tears as Kyoko continued to sob against his shoulder while he rocked her back and forth awkwardly.

Dammit, nothing’s working!  I need to reach Kyoko’s heart…

Makoto’s thought trailed off as Kyoko’s sobs quieted and she sniffled.

“A…apologies.  I’m…not really good at controlling my emotions.  That’s always been the case, but I’ve had an especially hard time ever since we left the Killing Game.  I guess…seeing the bright peaceful skies, mischievous creatures that only follow a joke of a king…I let my guard down.  It just seemed so…peaceful…that I…indulged more than I would have…”

“Kyoko…there’s nothing wrong with wanting to relax and enjoy your surroundings…”  Makoto assured her.

“It was more than that though…”   Kyoko blushed as she admitted “…Seeing you get your tail and ears for the first time…I could never take my eyes off you.  You just looked so…cute…no wonder all the girls want to pet you these days…it’s certainly tempting for me…”

“Oh…really…?”  Makoto asked with his own embarrassed blush, leaving Kyoko to nod against his shoulder.

“Seeing how happy you looked, after everything we’d all been through…it made me feel even more guilty when I remembered the terrified, despairing look in your eyes during your execution.  So while we were walking through Bob-omb Battlefield…I made myself a promise.”

“A…promise….?”

Kyoko nodded and explained “I promised myself that I would protect your life, so you would still be alive to smile such a joyful, happy smile…even if it meant I wouldn’t be around to see it.”

“Kyoko…”  Makoto thought as he rubbed the top of her head, recalling Junko’s revelation from Tsumugi’s timeline.

“So for Danganronpa 3, I forced the Future Foundation Division Heads into a different kind of Killing Game, which ended with Makoto as the only survivor.  You only made it out alive because Kyoko allowed herself to die in order to ensure your survival.”

Makoto narrowed his eyes in determination as he hugged her tighter and comforted “Kyoko Kirigiri, it was my choice to overlook your lie.  I did that so you would be protected from Monokuma’s claws…”

“It’s my fault you had to make that choice!”  Kyoko cut him off.  “I should have been the one to die!  But I condemned you regardless…”

“No, that’s wrong!”  Makoto cut her off as he told her “Kyoko, let’s say you did allow yourself to get executed, or that I chose to point out your lie.  I’m not a detective; I don’t have the training that you do!  It’s much more likely that if you died, we would have just lived the rest of our lives at Hope’s Peak, no matter how short or how long they would have been!”

Byakuya and Hiro bristled while Toko and Hina felt shivers run down their spines as the four of them imagined Byakuya holding a memorial photo of Toko while Hina nursed Makoto, Byakuya, and Hiro’s sons.  Hina shook the vision from her mind, opting to focus on her two best friends in front of her.

“Stop it…just stop it…!”  Makoto and Kyoko gasped as Kyoko raised her head from Makoto’s shoulder and they turned towards the teary-eyed Hina, who continued “We’ve gotta stop dwelling on the death, the lies, and especially the Killing Game!”

Everyone turned towards her, staring curiously at the swimmer as she made her argument.

“You’ve been arguing about who should have sacrificed themselves for the other.  But it doesn’t matter, because either way, Alter Ego stopped the execution, so whoever ended up being voted as the blackened would have lived!  So if it was Kyoko who got voted, then she would have just been dropped in the trash room and she would have used the skeleton key to get back out.  And who knows?  Maybe Makoto would have dived after her to save her!  We both know he would!”

Makoto and Kyoko blinked, processing Hina’s argument before Makoto admitted “You…do have a point…” but Kyoko shook her head.

“Hina, your point hinges entirely on the sequence of events staying completely the same regardless of who was voted guilty.  But there are too many possible variations for that to have been the case, chief of which being Alter Ego’s interference.  For all we know, Alter Ego was only able to appear by virtue of Makoto’s Ultimate Lucky Student talent.  So if he hadn’t been able to hack in…”

“For Kami’s sake, who cares about variations?!  Stop overthinking the what-ifs!”  Hina cut Kyoko off, exasperation evident in her voice as she continued “There’s just one reality I believe in.  The one we survived, and we’re living in it right now!  So we have to get ahold of it and hang onto it, or we might as well be dead!”

Hina finally broke down, falling to her knees as she cried, reaching her breaking point.

“You’re not the only one who feels guilty, you know.  Do you have any idea how much remorse I felt after I tried to get everyone killed to avenge Sakura?  Kami, I was such a fool, letting Monokuma trick me like that!”

Hina…  Makoto and Kyoko thought as they looked at Hina, then to each other.

They simultaneously nodded and released each other before they stood up.  They then walked over to the sobbing swimmer and kneeled in front of her before Makoto drew her in for a hug.

“Kyoko…”  Makoto began as he looked at his girlfriend.  “Hina’s right, this needs to stop.  We can’t keep dwelling on sacrificing ourselves.  We’ve seen enough of our friends and loved ones die.  If we let it, our guilt will cloud our judgment and prevent us from being happy, or even living at all!”

As Hina continued to sob against Makoto, Kyoko realized Maybe…I’ve been letting this get too far.  Even if it’s for Makoto’s sake, maybe sacrificing my life means little in the grand scheme of things if we don’t all survive this journey together.

Footsteps echoed in Kyoko’s ears, causing her to turn her head and watch as the three vampires approached her.

Vampire Kyoko stared at her with empathy as she addressed the Raccoon Detective “They’re right you know.  I understand that you want to protect your Makoto, and I would do the same for my own, but you would do well not to dwell on it.  We both lost our fathers to despair, but even though I miss my father, I gained so much more, thanks to my Makoto, Mukuro, and the child growing in my belly.”

The vampire gently rubbed her baby bump before she glared at her counterpart.

“Tell me, how long are you going to act like this and lose sight of what’s really important?!”

Kyoko stared at her counterpart with widened eyes, processing her words before she turned back to Makoto and Hina and wrapped her arms around them in a group hug.

“I’m sorry…for everything.  As a Kirigiri Detective, I didn’t think I could afford to become attached to anyone.”  She removed her gloves, exposing her burnt hands as she continued “The trauma behind these scars convinced me that it was better to operate alone in the shadows.  In the past few weeks…I’ve failed to maintain that tradition.”

“No, that’s…”

Kyoko cut off her boyfriend, explaining “But because I’ve gone against my grandfather’s teachings, because I’ve become attached to you all and embraced my feelings, I have something my grandfather never gave me: a better understanding about my father and why he left the family.”  Kyoko’s eyes lowered as she lamented “I just wish I could have reconciled with him before he died.”

Kyoko…  Makoto thought before he glanced at Hina, who nodded with a smile and released Makoto, standing up as he pulled Kyoko into a standing position.  He handed Kyoko her gloves, allowing her to gratefully accept them and put her gloves back on before they threaded their fingers together and he assured her “Kyoko…we don’t need to dwell on this anymore.  Neither of us will be able to truly live without the other.  So…let’s get through this together, okay?”

Kyoko smiled as she squeezed his hands and apologized “Apologies, Makoto.  I was just so focused on repaying you for saving me and protecting you no matter the cost…I let myself lose sight of what’s really important.”

Makoto smiled and nodded in acceptance, squeezing her hands one last time before releasing them.  They then turned to Hina, who smiled at them before she gasped as she felt a gentle squeeze on her shoulder.  She turned around to see Hiro, who smiled sympathetically at her.

“You know, none of us are completely innocent here.  We all feel guilty about something we did during the Killing Game, for serious.”  Hiro sighed as he admitted “I’ll feel guilty about jumping to conclusions and hitting Sakura over the head for the rest of my days.”

“Hiro…”  Hina uttered as she flashed back to a similar discussion back in Jolly Roger Bay.  “Maybe…I need to move past Sakura’s death.  I’ll always miss her, but I don’t need to dwell on it anymore.”

“Quite.”  Byakuya agreed as he and Toko approached them.  He averted his gaze as he admitted “I for one am…ashamed of what I did to Chihiro out of a desire for entertainment.  It was…unbecoming of someone of my stature.”

The others blinked in pleasant surprise, not expecting the former heir to admit to being wrong.

“M…me too…”  Toko chimed it.  “We all mi…miss those who di…died back there.  We may not re…remember them, but they were our cl…classmates for two ye…years!”

Makoto beamed as the group basked in the unified atmosphere, feeling stronger than ever as Makoto summarized “We’ve lost and suffered a lot, but we gained just as much on this journey together…”

He turned to Kyoko and cupped her cheeks before he leaned forward and pressed their lips together.  Their tails wagged as the loving couple closed their eyes and melted into the kiss, enjoying the moment as they happily moaned against each other. 

“Indeed.”  Byakuya uttered succinctly as he turned to Toko before they mimicked the raccoons and engaged in their own kiss.

Hina smiled at the joyful scene before she looked at Hiro, who smiled as he looked at the two kissing couples before he looked to Hina and they fist bumped.

Sayaka meanwhile cooed “Aww…” as she watched the couples kiss, including her vampire masters who decided to cash in on the romantic atmosphere.  “I’ll really have to check up on Leon when I go back upstairs.”  She mentioned offhandedly as she watched the hugging and kissing going on around her, slightly jealous that her own boyfriend wasn’t in the room to join in on the fun.

The lovers had finally separated, feeling a sense of renewed strength.  Makoto and Kyoko smiled lovingly at each other, their tails wagging as they cupped each other’s cheeks while they stared into each other’s eyes.

“Kyoko, I love you, and no matter what, we’ll make decisions together, okay?”

“Agreed.”  Kyoko concurred “The whole concept may still feel slightly…alien to me, but we’re a team, you and I.”

“Um…I really hate to interrupt the mood…”  Hina hesitantly voiced, causing the two raccoon lovers to blush as they reluctantly released each other.  “But what should we be doing now??    I’m…kinda lost…”

As Kyoko coughed into her fist, Makoto replied “Well…we should probably get going home.”

“Um…can we even get home?”  Hiro wondered nervously, causing the others to turn to the clairvoyant.  “I mean…the Magenti-Star keeps taking us to different worlds and alternate timelines, but we’ve never once stepped home.”

Byakuya sighed and lamented “This is what we get for not asking that Captain Toad plebian how that accursed magic star works.  Maybe if we had bothered to ask, we could actually get back home.”

Mukuro coughed into her fist, getting their attention before she asked “Excuse me, but…what is this Magenti-Star?”

“Oh!”  Makoto exclaimed before he apologized “Sorry, I forgot we never mentioned it to you before.  It’s a magical item we acquired while we were in the Mushroom Kingdom.  It allows us to travel between worlds.  It’s actually thanks to the Magenti-Star that we even arrived in the Mushroom Kingdom in the first place.”

The vampires and Sayaka watched with widened eyes as Makoto reached into his hoodie and pulled out the Magenti-Star.

“Wow…”  Vampire Makoto breathed.  “So that’s the Magenti-Star…it’s so pretty…it reminds me of the Power Stars from Super Mario 64!”

Makoto nodded and agreed “Yeah, I thought that too when we assembled the pieces together.  But, well…”  Makoto scratched his cheek as he admitted with a bashful smile “…we don’t really understand how it works.”

“Oh!  Masters!”  Sayaka chimed in.  “Maybe you can use your vampire powers to activate this Magenti-Star!”

Kyoko frowned in skepticism and shook her head as she answered “I don’t think that’s the case.  This artifact is from a completely different world.  I’m not sure our powers would have any effect on this powerful item.”

Vampire Makoto sighed “Man, that bites.  Can you describe what usually happens when you do use it?  Maybe if you put it into words, we can at least give you guys some guidance.”

“Well…”  Makoto explained “When we left the Mushroom Kingdom, Captain Toad used it to send us home, but we ended up in Hyrule, the Twilight Princess era to be specific.”

As Vampire Makoto nodded in awe, Vampire Kyoko rolled her eyes before she pondered “Speaking of which, who used the star when you left Hyrule?”

Kyoko hummed as she recollected “Well, I believe it was me who used it at that time…”  Her eyes widened as she realized “Wait…could it be…that the person who activates it controls the destination?”

The others nodded in agreement as Kyoko’s vampire counterpart concurred “That would seem to be the case.”

Makoto’s eyes widened as he realized “Now I understand!”  As the others turned to stare at him, Makoto explained “When Captain Toad used the Magenti-Star to send us home, he was probably thinking about going on an adventure.”

“It was probably subconscious; he likely didn’t even realize he was letting his mind wander.  It was the same for me; I must have been thinking about the Class Trials when I used the Magenti-Star.  That’s probably why we ended up in that alternate timeline with Shuichi, Maki, Himiko, and Keebo.”

“And then I must have been thinking about all those other places when I used the Magenti-Star.”  Makoto realized as he recalled their brief adventures in the Sengoku Jidai and the Metroid universe.

“I see…”  Byakuya mused.  “So whoever holds the Magenti-Star can direct its passage.”

“But wait!”  Toko interjected.  “If that’s the ca…case…why did we go to th…three different alternate re…realities?”

“Hmm…”  Makoto mused “We can chalk up Hyrule to Captain Toad’s mind wandering, but as for the others, maybe one person using it isn’t enough?  Maybe that’s why we’ve been jumping to all these different timelines.”

“Alright, so we know how it works.”  Hina pondered “But how do we use it to get back home.”

“Well…”  Toko stammered, causing the others to stare at her.  “Why don’t we all u…use it…”

Kyoko blinked, processing Toko’s suggestion before she uttered “Fukawa…that was probably the single greatest idea you’ve come up with since we met.”

Toko glared at Kyoko and pointed at her, stammering “I’m a wr…writer…I have plenty of i…ideas!”  Though that does make me wonder…were all my novels wholly my own, or was it really just another world that my subconscious connected to…?

“Ah, that’s just Hagakure’s junk he read from a stupid self-hep book.  Don’t listen to him, he’s not even adorable!  Ehahahaha!”

Toko shook Jill’s thoughts from her head as Byakuya suggested “Well, it seems to be the one idea we never tried, so there’s no harm in giving it a go, I suppose.”

The others nodded as the group of six formed a circle.  Makoto placed the Magenti-Star in the center before Kyoko and Hina placed their hands on the artifact, closing their eyes as they focused on their home dimension.

“Wait!” 

Startled, the survivors fell over groaning as they looked up to see Vampire Makoto smiling at them.

“Sorry.”  He apologized as they stood up.  “I just wanted to ask my counterpart a question before you leave, that’s all.”

“…Make it quick…”  Kyoko sighed in resignation before Vampire Makoto nodded and walked over to Makoto, whispering in his ear.

The others watched curiously, wondering what Makoto’s counterpart wanted to ask him.  They frowned in concern as Makoto gasped in shock, then grinned and giggled with glee.

This can’t be good…  They thought as the two Makotos separated.

“So…what did you want to ask him, Master?”  Sayaka asked before they grinned at the others.

“WE ARE GONNA SMASH!”

Sayaka, Byakuya, Hina, Hiro, and Toko furrowed their brows in confusion while the other two vampires and Kyoko blushed, their minds imagining the two Makotos in bed before the Raccoon Detective’s eyes widened.

”Wait…Samus mentioned something called the Smash tournament…”  Kyoko groaned “Oh, don’t tell me…”

…This is a colossal waste of time…  Hiro, Byakuya, Toko, Sayaka, Hina, the two Kyokos, and Mukuro thought, with Toko sitting on Byakuya’s lap as the seven of them sat on a luxurious red couch lined with black.

Directly in front of them, the two Makotos sat cross legged in front off large screen, with Nintendo 64 controllers in their hands as an original Nintendo 64 was hooked up to the screen.  Vampire Kyoko and Mukuro sipped from large red cups sitting on their thighs through long, translucent straws as red liquid trickled down their throats.

The others cringed before the female vampires stopped sipping their beverages and asked “Pardon our manners.  You want some?  It’s Type AB!”

“No!”  The others denied in unison, causing the vampires to shrug and resume sipping.

Once she stopped sipping her drink, Mukuro commented with an amused smile “This day has been pretty unusual, even for us.  First our counterparts stumble in our private chambers, then we have a mini-trial with my wife’s counterpart, then we find out the existence of some dimension-hopping object, and just as our counterparts are about to go back home, Makoto stops them…to play with himself.”

Vampire Kyoko laughed along with Mukuro while Kyoko facepalmed at their sense of humor.

Sayaka elbowed Kyoko and teased “Hey, come on, it was a little funny, you gotta admit…”

Sayaka trailed off as Kyoko shot her a reduced Kirigiri glare, causing the former idol to sweatdrop.

“So, Sayaka…”  Hina asked “What’s up with your Kyoko and Mukuro’s weird sense of humor?  I don’t remember what our Mukuro was like before she disguised herself as Junko, but our Kyoko’s way too reserved to make such a perverted joke, or laugh at one.”

Sayaka shrugged “My masters have a dark sense of humor that apparently comes with vampirism.  You get used to it when you’re around them as long as I am.”

The others sighed before Hiro commented “I can’t believe they offered us blood to drink.  They should have offered us brewskis, for serious!”

“Well, my mistresses are eating for two.”  Sayaka replied, causing Kyoko to blush as she remembered that her counterpart was already expecting Makoto’s baby.

Kyoko hid her embarrassed face behind her hands as Hina patted her shoulder.

The two Lucksters grinned with glee as they saw the words Super Smash Bros. appeared on the screen, exclaiming “YAY!”.

The others rolled their eyes as the Makotos advanced to the character selection screen.

“Alright, I’m gonna go with…Mario!”  Makoto decided as he moved his cursor over the icon.

“Ah, I see you’re a man of culture…but, so am I.”  Vampire Makoto replied as he also selected Mario, albeit with the Wario costume.

Makoto nodded as he pondered what stage to battle on, musing “Hm…now what stage…how about…Mushroom Kingdom!”

His counterpart nodded as the stage loaded, causing the countdown to begin.

“3…2…1…GO!”

“Go get him, Makoto!”  The two female vampires cheered as the Makotos began to smash.

“D…do your best, Ma…Makoto…”  Kyoko awkwardly cheered, blushing in embarrassment before Hina cheered along with her.

“You can do it, Makoto!”  Hina turned to Kyoko as the two girls smiled at Makoto.

“Kick your butt!”  Hiro whooped while Byakuya and Toko merely watched the match out of boredom, opting not to cheer for anybody.

I should cheer for Makoto…but which one?  Sayaka pondered as the two incarnations ducked it out through the most timeless classic they knew.

“This game’s winner is…MARIO!”  The game announced.

“Hehe, I got it!”  Mario’s pre-recorded voice clip played as Vampire Makoto grinned, holding his controller above his head with one hand as he hovered in midair.

Makoto tossed his controller on the floor and pouted while Kyoko got on her knees and crawled over to him.  She placed a hand on his shoulder, causing him to look at her and smile, nodding in assurance that it was okay.

“Showoff!”  Hina jeered before she laughed at how silly he looked, floating in midair while holding a plastic controller in a victorious pose.

Vampire Makoto chuckled and lowered to the ground, facing his counterpart as he offered his hand and asked “Good game?”

Makoto nodded and shook his counterpart’s hand, replying “Good game!”

They then turned to the girls and asked with pleading, puppy dog eyes “Can we have another game?”

“No.”  The two Kyokos and Mukuro denied in unison, dark looks in their eyes that caused the others to feel chills run down their spines.

“Besides…”  Mukuro pointed out after the two Makotos nodded in concession “My alone time with my husband and wife has been delayed for too long.”

“Agreed.”  Vampire Kyoko nodded and continued “This was an interesting occurrence, but I want some alone time with my beloveds.”

“It’s time for us to go home anyway.”  Kyoko announced before the two Makotos shrugged and looked at each other.

“Well, it was nice while it lasted.  Thanks for the smash match.”  Vampire Makoto told his counterpart.

“The pleasure’s all mine.”  Makoto replied.  “You’re really lucky to have most of your game systems still with you!  You just need to get your Sega Genesis from Mom and Dad and your entertainment center will be complete!”

Vampire Makoto’s eyes suddenly lowered in sadness as he muttered “…That’s not possible.”

Makoto’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion as the female vampires and Sayaka frowned in worry.

“Ano…I hate to ask…but what do you mean by that?”  Makoto asked hesitantly, getting some idea of what his counterpart was hinting at.

Vampire Makoto sighed and admitted “Mom and Dad…aren’t alive anymore…at least in this world.”  As Makoto gasped in shock and horror, his counterpart explained “They died during the Tragedy.”

“B…but wait!”  Makoto objected “I thought you guys stopped the Tragedy!”

Vampire Makoto shook his head sadly and explained “We stopped the Killing Game, but not the Tragedy.  If we had, then Kyoko’s father would still be alive.  But our world…it’s still broken.”

The survivors’ eyes widened in horror as they realized that means Junko was right…the world really has been plunged into despair and chaos.

“…And Komaru…?”  Makoto asked hopefully, only for his counterpart to let out a heavy sigh.

“I don’t know.  My spies informed me that she was in a place called Towa City, but a group called the Warriors of Hope, led by a bastard named Haiji Towa, destroyed it in an explosion.  I’ve since given up hope of ever finding her.”

Makoto stumbled backwards as his eyes threatened to bulge out of his head, muttering “No…Mom and Dad…dead…Komaru…missing…likely dead…?”

As Vampire Makoto sighed, his two wives stood next to him in comfort, causing him to wrap his arms around their waists.  Sayaka meanwhile looked at them with sadness in her blue eyes as she silently mourned the loss of her deceased bandmates.

“Wh…what did this Towa do to cause such an explosion?”  A shaken Byakuya demanded.

Mukuro stepped in and asked “In your timeline, did you get a motive DVD?  A video showing your loved ones?”  As the survivors reluctantly nodded, Mukuro explained “Each one of those captives was kept somewhere in Towa City.  Junko had her Remnants of Despair, children brainwashed by the Warriors of Hope, keep your loved ones held hostage.  They used to be led by a girl named Monaca Towa, but her older brother Haiji usurped her leadership and used a machine called the Big Bang Monokuma to destroy all of Towa City, including the buildings where your loved ones were.”

“W…wait…”  Hina uttered “My hostage…my little brother Yuta…was he also…?”

Mukuro nodded, causing Hina to hang her head and quietly sob, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Um…”  Hiro asked “My mom Hiroko…don’t tell me…for serious…?”

As Vampire Makoto nodded, Hiro held his hand over his chest, clutching his shirt as he grit his teeth.

“…My butler, Aloysius Pennyworth…he’s gone too, isn’t he?”  Byakuya asked, looking away after Vampire Makoto sadly nodded in confirmation.

Toko wordlessly hugged Byakuya, who for once didn’t bother to push her away, allowing her to embrace him as she thought If their loved ones are gone, then there’s no way Kameko survived…

Kyoko walked to her boyfriend, threading their fingers together and squeezing his hand in comfort before she stared at his vampire counterpart and asked “My grandfather, Fuhito…is he also among the deceased?”

“…Yes, we weren’t able to save Grandfather.”  Vampire Kyoko sighed.  “There are a lot of things he did wrong, but I never hated him.  I loved Grandfather.”

Kyoko nodded and agreed “Indeed, I owe him a lot.  He taught me how to be a detective after all.”  And beyond that, I’ve lost not only my father, but my grandfather too…I have no family left…  Kyoko lamented in sorrow and grief.

Mukuro sighed and began “I’m sorry for…”

“No, don’t.”  Makoto cut her off, assuring her “You don’t need to apologize.  You were a victim too.”  Everyone looked at Makoto as he stared at the vampires and told them “I’m so sorry you and your friends lost so much.  But…just because they died in this world, doesn’t mean that they’re dead in our world.  We have to hope that our loved ones are still alive!”

Vampire Makoto smiled as he told his counterpart “I hope that’s the case, for your sake.”

Makoto grimaced as he wondered But will hope be enough this time?  He shook the thought from his head as he pulled out the Magenti-Star again and announced with a little less enthusiasm than normal “Alright, it’s time for us to go home.”

The other survivors nodded as Byakuya, Toko, Hina, and Hiro moved to form a circle.  As he walked to join them, he felt his hand squeezed by a warm, velvety grip.  He turned his head to see Kyoko next to him, her fingers threaded with his own as they nodded at each other.  Once they completed the circle, Makoto placed the star in the center where it floated.  The six of them each placed a hand on it and closed their eyes, concentrating on their destination.

Home…  They thought as the Magenti-Star radiated waves of magenta, floating in the air as Makoto opened his eyes and turned his head to face his vampire counterpart.

“Good luck on your new family!”  He called back, causing Vampire Makoto to nod and place his hands against his wives’ baby bumps.

Kyoko turned her head to face her own counterpart as Vampire Kyoko warned “Don’t make any unnecessary sacrifices, you hear?  Just keep your friends and Makoto together.”

Kyoko nodded and vowed “I won’t let them out of my sight.”

The vampires and Sayaka nodded, smiling as a pulse of magenta light filled the room.  The survivors stared up at the Magenti-Star, thinking of home before they briefly grimaced, hesitation darkening their eyes before a bright magenta light flashed, blinding everyone in the room.  It vanished as quickly as it came, taking the survivors with it.

“They’re…gone…”  Sayaka uttered.  “I hope they get back home.”

Vampire Makoto nodded and agreed “I hope for the best for them, but from here, this is their journey.  There’s nothing we can do anymore to help them.”  As his wives nodded and kissed his cheeks, Vampire Makoto ordered “Sayaka, you may take your leave.  I wish to be alone with my wives.”

“Yes, Master.”  Sayaka replied as she bowed respectfully before she stood back up.

The three vampires watched as she turned around and walked back to the elevator.  The doors closed behind her before the elevator shot back up, leaving the three vampires alone.

“…How are you feeling?”  Mukuro asked her husband, causing him to turn his head to face her.

“I’m okay.”  He assured her.  “We should get mentally prepared for signing the peace treaty in a few days.”

“Agreed, but first, why don’t we turn in?”  Kyoko suggested seductively as she grabbed her husband and wife’s wrists and pulled them to the bed.

With the snap of a set of fingers, the candles went out, darkening the room.  Only a set of mischievous giggles echoed throughout the chamber.

Chapter Text

The gentle sun shone on the grounds of Princess Peach’s castle, causing the dew on the grass to glisten and the glass image of the monarch to sparkle.  The doors gently opened to reveal Captain Toad along with another, more wizened Toad with a grey mustache and brown cane. 

The two Toads walked over the bridge and towards the clearing where a metallic, mushroom-shaped spaceship stood.  The “cap” was as red as the roof of Princess Peach’s castle, with several round windows.  The “stem” meanwhile was a dull yellow color, reminiscent of the Mushroom Kingdom’s currency.

As they approached the Starshroom, the elderly Toad fretted “Oh, I am simply beside myself with worry!  If only I could accompany you to find Master Mario and assist him with defeating that awful Bowser Koopa!”

Captain Toad sweatdropped before he smiled and assured him “Don’t worry Toadsworth, I’ll find Mario!  Besides, as the next-in-command, you have to take the throne in Princess Peach’s absence so the kingdom doesn’t fall to ruins!”

Toadsworth sighed as he lamented “You’re right, of course.  I just wish we could have spared more manpower to help the Princess and Master Mario.”

Captain Toad nodded and agreed “Yeah, but the rest of the Toad Brigade went ahead to find more Power Moons to give to Mario.  I would have gone with them, but then the Magenti-Star incident happened and those new friends of ours had to help us reassemble the pieces.”

Toadsworth’s brow furrowed as he lamented “It’s a shame, I would have liked to meet these new friends you mentioned.  It seems like they had quite the adventure collecting the pieces and whooping King Bowser to boot, worthy of Master Mario’s exploits!”  Toadsworth looked to Captain Toad curiously and asked “So, what were these friends like, if you don’t mind indulging an old Toad’s curiosity?”

“Hmm…”  Captain Toad hummed as he searched for the words to explain to Toadsworth.  “Well, the one that stood out the most was a young boy by the name of Makoto Naegi.  He was the most animated and excited of the group, and if you stood in front of him, you could just feel the optimism radiating from him.  He was also the only one of them who knew anything of our world.”

“Hmm…”  Toadsworth mused “Perhaps he played those video games based on Master Mario and Master Luigi’s adventures that they and the princess told us about.”

Captain Toad nodded and agreed “It’s a strong possibility, but I never brought it up with him.  I figured it’d be quite a shock if he knew that we already know about those Nintendo games that are loosely based on our lives.”

Toadsworth nodded sagely and agreed “Quite right, they surely would have been flabbergasted by such a revelation, especially so soon after arriving in the Mushroom Kingdom.”

With that, the conversation ended and Toadsworth watched as Captain Toad continued to load supplies into the storage compartment of the Starshroom.

“Okay, all done!”  Captain Toad announced as he dusted off his hands and closed the storage compartment.  “Time for me to head off to the Cascade Kingdom!”

Toadsworth nodded and replied “The best of luck to you, Captain Toad!”

Captain Toad saluted and replied “Thanks, though if anyone could use some good luck right now, it’s Makoto and the others when they get back to their own world.  Hopefully they’ll be able to adjust with their new powers.”

Toadsworth smiled softly as he assured Captain Toad “That shouldn’t be a problem.  After all, Master Mario was able to adjust after getting the Fire Flower.  He proved as much when he burned Bowser’s tail in their first duel and rescued the princess.”

Captain Toad nodded in agreement as he pressed a button on the hull of the Starshroom, causing one of the windows to open and a long, metallic ladder to extend to the grassy ground.

“Well, Bon voyage, Toads…ah!”

“GOOD HEAVENS!”  Toadsworth cried out as they both raised their arms to shield their eyes from the blinding magenta light.

“My boy, what could be causing this light?!”  Toadsworth wondered as it began to dim.

“I don’t know, unless…”  Captain Toad’s eyes widened with realization as the light finally dissipated, causing them to slowly lower their arms.

“My word!”  Toadsworth exclaimed as he pointed his cane at the dazed Makoto, Kyoko, Byakuya, Toko, Hina, and Hiro.  “What are these strange creatures?  And why have they appeared out of nowhere?!”

“Toadsworth, these creatures are the ones I told you about!  The raccoon couple are Makoto Naegi and Kyoko Kirigiri, the one in the gold overalls is Byakuya Togami, the one in the hammer suit is Toko Fukawa, the girl in the frog suit is Aoi Asahina, and the boy with the urchin head is Yasuhiro Hagakure.”

“Hm…I see…”  Toadsworth accepted as he lowered his cane.

“But what are they doing here?”  Captain Toad cocked his head in confusion as he commented “I thought the Magenti-Star was supposed to take them back to their own world!”

“Um…where are we?”  Hina wondered as she shook the daze from her mind.  She looked around and observed the grassy fields and blue skies before she pondered hopefully “Maybe we’re back home and the world hasn’t fallen to despair after all?”

“Stop spouting nonsense, Asahina.”  Byakuya lectured.  “This place doesn’t even resemble Japan!”

“Though Byakuya’s tone was uncalled for, I must concur with his point.”  Kyoko admitted.

As Makoto looked around, he wondered “…Why am I getting this sense of déjà vu?”

“Umm…guys?”  Hiro spoke nervously as he turned his head.  “You might want to look behind us…”

The five survivors curiously turned around, only for their eyes to widen in shock as they saw Princess Peach’s Castle towering over them, the glass image of the monarch seeming to stare down at them.

Toko pointed at the glass image and stammered “Why…did that thing bring us back to this ca…cartoonish, backwards ki…kingdom…?”

“Now see here, young lady!”

The others turned around before their eyes widened in shock at the sight of the familiar Captain Toad, and the furious Toadsworth, who stomped over to them.

His eyes narrowed in an angry glare as he poked Toko in the stomach with his cane and lectured “This is the Mushroom Kingdom, ruled by the benevolent Princess Peach, and I will not permit anyone to insult the dignity of our proud society!”

Toko grit her teeth and narrowed her own eyes in anger before she slapped Toadsworth’s cane aside and pointed at him.

“Don’t ta…talk down at me, you shri…shriveled up mushroom!  I didn’t co…come here for a hi…history lesson!  Who even a…are you, anyway…?”

“Toko, calm down!”  Makoto stepped between them and placated the former writer, causing her to take a deep breath before Makoto explained “This is Toadsworth, he’s Princess Peach’s longtime steward.”

Toadsworth gave an impressed smile and complimented “I’m impressed; you’re very knowledgeable about our culture, and quite the respectful young man as well.”  He pointed his cane at Toko and lectured “You on the other hand could learn something from your friend here.”

“That’s it!”  Toko exclaimed in anger as she summoned a hammer.  “I’m gonna flatten this rotten old shroom!”

Toadsworth shifted his grip on his cane to hold it like a baseball bat before Makoto tried to placate “Toko, Toadsworth, please don’t…”

“Toko, cease this at once.”  Everyone turned to Byakuya, startled as he commanded “Starting a fight with this old man is pointless; we don’t need to engage in unnecessary fights.”

“…You’re right, Master…”  Toko complied as she made the hammer disappear before she skipped over to him and hugged his arm.

Byakuya sighed in exasperation as he continued “Besides, we need our questions answered, and those two may be the only ones who can answer them.”

“Indeed.”  Kyoko agreed as she turned to face Captain Toad and Toadsworth.  “To start with, why did we come back to the Mushroom Kingdom?  Is this even the same one we started in?  Could it be some alternate reality Mushroom Kingdom…?”

“Um…welcome back…?”  Captain Toad interrupted, greeting them hesitantly with a nervous smile.

Kyoko sweatdropped as she decided Guess that answers that question.  So we’re not in an alternate Mushroom Kingdom…

An awkward silence permeated the group until Toadsworth chided Captain Toad “My boy, it’s quite rude to keep our new visitors waiting.”

“Sorry!”  Captain Toad apologized before he asked “So, why are you guys back here anyway?”

That’s what we’re asking you!  The others deadpanned before Hina spoke up.

“Well…we never actually got back home.  We ended up going somewhere completely different.”

“Huh?”  Captain Toad cocked his head in confusion as he wondered “But why?  The Magenti-Star should have taken you back to your world, not to another world.”

“Actually…it was multiple worlds…”  Captain Toad’s eyes widened as Hiro explained “We actually ended up going on a world jumping tour to better understand ourselves.”

Kyoko, Byakuya, Hina, and Toko sighed as they deadpanned I’m pretty sure that’s not why we went to all those worlds…

“…Well, you could argue that it was a spiritual journey…”  Makoto defended as he realized what his other friends were thinking about Hiro’s claim.  “But we really didn’t know how it worked at the time, so we ended up in Hyrule first…”

“Hyrule?!”  Captain Toad beamed, his eyes sparkling as he exclaimed “I’ve always wanted to see Hyrule!  Mario and Princess Peach talk about it after every Smash tournament!”  Captain Toad excitedly took Makoto’s hands, startling the Raccoon Luckster as he asked “What was it like?!”

“Oh, well…”  Makoto smiled bashfully and scratched his cheek before he exclaimed excitedly “It was amazing!  We landed in Hyrule Field and…”

A light cough interrupted Makoto’s spiel, causing him and Captain Toad to turn their heads to see Kyoko and Byakuya’s impatient glares.  The two boys sweatdropped before Makoto cleared his throat.

“Anyway, we did go to Hyrule…”

“We went to Hyrule Castle because of YOU!”  Toko cut off Makoto as she pointed at Captain Toad accusingly.

“Quite.”  Byakuya interjected “Let me explain so you can understand it, you mushroom plebian.  When we were in the previous world, we found out that the person who holds the Magenti-Star controls where its passengers are taken.”  He glared at Captain Toad and demanded “Tell me, Captain, when you used the Magenti-star to send us home, what were you thinking about?”

The other survivors’ eyes sparkled in realization as they all turned to look at Captain Toad, who rested his hand against his cheek, deep in thought.  His eyes widened in realization as he looked apologetically at the six survivors.

“Oh no…I was thinking of Hyrule!  When I sent you home, I accidentally sent you to Hyrule!”  Captain Toad bowed his head and apologized “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to send you to Hyrule…”

“Um…it’s okay, you didn’t know, really…”  Makoto assured him as he patted the top of Captain Toad’s mushroom cap.

Unfortunately, Toadsworth was not so forgiving, instead choosing to chastise “Bah!  I told you we should have done more research on the Magenti-Star before using it, you foolish mushroom explorer!”

“Hey, that’s uncalled for!”  Captain Toad retorted angrily as he pointed at Toadsworth.  “Besides, I was trying to locate the pieces while you were taking a nap!”

“You know I get cranky these days when I don’t get enough sleep!”  Toadsworth defended.  “I’m not as young as I used to be!”

“Old man!”

“Young punk!”

Lightning sparked between their eyes as their mushroom caps pushed against each other.  They grit their teeth as they growled at each other, steam piping out of their noses.

The others sweatdropped at the two Toads’ antics before Makoto sighed in exasperation and stepped between the two. 

He gently pushed the two apart and exclaimed “It doesn’t really matter whose fault it is!  If you two don’t stop this pointless bickering, we’ll never be able to get back home!  So stop blaming the other for what happened, alright?”

The two Toads’ eyes softened before they gently smiled at each other.  Makoto smiled as they shook hands, causing his girlfriend to smile at how quickly he had resolved the conflict.

“…Sorry…”  Captain Toad apologized as he rubbed his headlight.

Toadsworth nodded in acceptance as he suggested “Perhaps we should focus on determining how to get you all home this time.  Master Makoto, may I see the Magenti-Star?”

“Oh, sure, hang on.”  Makoto dug into his hoodie and pulled his hand away as he exclaimed “Here it is…wha…?!”

Their eyes widened in shock as they observed that the once vibrant artifact was now a sickly grey color with cracks on either side.

“It…can’t be…”  Kyoko gasped.

“What the hell?!”  Byakuya exclaimed.

“It’s all cr…cracked!”  Toko stammered.

“How did it get so damaged?!”  Hina wondered.

“OH NOOOOOOOOO!”  Hiro cried as he held his head in a panic.

“Hiro, calm down!”  Makoto tried to ease Hiro’s panic despite his own panicked thoughts.  He then handed it to Toadsworth and asked “Toadsworth, any idea what happened to the Magenti-Star?”

“Hmm…”  Toadsworth pondered as he inspected the artifact.  His brow furrowed as he at last concluded “It appears like the Magenti-Star’s power has been used up from the stress of opening multiple portals between dimensions.”

“Ummm…”  Hiro began nervously.  “Does that mean it can’t take us home anymore?”

“That…seems to be the case…”  Kyoko sighed, admitting what they were all thinking.  She then turned to Captain Toad and Toadsworth and asked hopefully “Is there any way to restore its energy?”

Unfortunately, their hopes were dashed as Captain Toad shook his head, explaining “I’m sorry, but we didn’t even understand how it worked.”

“Quite right.”  Toadsworth sighed as he admitted “Even Princess Peach couldn’t figure out its power in the short time she held it.”

“Oh, but you guys figured it out!”  Captain Toad exclaimed.  “So, if you guys figured out how to use it, then why did you end up back here?”

Kyoko nodded and confirmed “We did find out how to use it, but something must have gone wrong during the final voyage.”

Hina nodded and explained “We figured out that if we all held the Magenti-Star and thought about going home, then we’d go home.”

“But then why did you come back here?”  Captain Toad asked.

The six of them collectively cradled their chins in their hands in contemplation until Makoto’s eyes widened in horror.

“…It’s my fault…it’s all my fault…”

“Huh?!”  They exclaimed in confusion as they turned around to face Makoto. 

The Raccoon Luckster’s tanuki ears drooped to rest against his hair as his raccoon tail hung limply between his legs.

“Makoto…what’s wrong?  What do you mean it’s your fault?”  Kyoko asked with concern in her voice, barely resisting the urge to walk over and hug and pet him.

Without so much as turning his head to look at her, Makoto explained “Back in the vampire world…when we were all touching the Magenti-Star and thinking about going back home…I…I chickened out.”  As the others’ eyes widened in shock, Makoto confessed “I changed my mind at the last minute and thought about the Mushroom Kingdom, because I knew it’d be safe here.”

The others gasped at the thought that Makoto Naegi, their lovable Ultimate Hope, lost his courage and ran away.

Makoto sighed, his shoulders slumped as he lamented “I tried so hard…so hard to hope…that Junko was lying to us.  And when we walked out into the Mushroom Kingdom, it felt like a dream come true.  It’s funny, we survived a Killing Game, lost more than half of our friends, lost two years of our memories with no real assurance that we’d even remember each other again, got betrayed by our classmates again and again, we had our existence questioned, and none of those things broke me.”

Kyoko’s eyes softened, truly appreciating just how much Makoto had been knocked down, and marveling at his ability to stand back up.

“But…back in the vampire world…when my counterpart told me what happened to my parents and Komaru, and I realized that could be my reality too…I couldn’t cope with that!  I couldn’t handle finding out that our families were dead too!”

Makoto turned around with a sad smile as tears of shame trickled down his cheeks.

“I’m so sorry...you called me the Ultimate Hope…but all I am is an Ultimate Hypocrite!”  Makoto cried as he stared into Kyoko’s shocked, lavender eyes and finished “…I wouldn’t blame any of you if you were angry with me…if you hated me for costing us our last chance to go home!”

Makoto…  Kyoko thought as her heart broke at the sight of Makoto at his lowest.

She stepped forward, only to be blocked by Byakuya’s arm.  She watched curiously as Byakuya walked calmy up to Makoto and stated “Naegi, there’s something I want you to confirm for me.  Are you telling me that you wanted to come back to this Mushroom Kingdom without consulting us?”

Makoto tearfully nodded, unable to say anything from the shame he felt.  Byakuya closed his eyes and took a deep breath before they opened once more to glare at the Raccoon Luckster.  Kyoko and Hina sent their own glares towards the former Affluent Progeny, highly disapproving of how Makoto was currently being treated.

Damn it, Byakuya, can’t you just leave it alone?  Kyoko thought with frustration.  He already feels bad enough as it is; he doesn’t need to take any of your abuse, whether it’s physical or psychological.

“…Then I suppose I will just have to rebuild my Togami Empire here instead…”

“Huh?!”  Everyone thought incredulously as they stared at Byakuya, his last sentence coming completely out of left field.

Byakuya smirked and continued “It may take time, but my family’s rise from the ashes is inevitable, whether it’s in Japan, or here.”

Everyone was shocked by his reaction, but none more so than Makoto who stammered “But…w…why?  Why aren’t you m…mad at me, Byakuya?  I cost us our only trip home, all because I was too scared…”

“…You’re not the only one who was scared.”

“Huh?”  Everyone wondered as Byakuya sighed and removed his glasses, revealing softer blue eyes that stared into Makoto’s hazel irises.

“In case you’ve forgotten, Junko Enoshima orchestrated the downfall of civilization and wiped out my family, leaving me as a king of an empty wasteland.  It’s…not exactly fun to think about…”

The other survivors listened curiously as Byakuya for once admitted his own vulnerability to the Luckster.

“Unlike some of you, I wasn’t particularly close to my family.  The only one I cared about was my butler Aloysius, who was the captive on my DVD back at Hope’s Peak.  He was the only one I cared for…”  Byakuya shook his head and corrected himself “No, that’s not quite true.  I also cared for my sister, Shinobu.”

Byakuya…  Makoto thought, realizing that and Byakuya were even more kindred spirits than he realized.

“But according to your counterpart, it’s incredibly likely they didn’t survive the Tragedy.  Once I heard you talk about your own sister, I…understood your feelings.”  Byakuya let out one last sigh before he put on his glasses and declared “But don’t misunderstand me; I have no intention of moping about the dead.  I will rebuild the Togami Empire right here, where it will have greater glory than it has ever known before!”

…Yep, same old Byakuya…  The others thought, sweatdropping at his declaration before Toko walked between the two.

“I…guess I don’t really mind staying here.  It’s not like I have anyone to go back to.”  She turned to stare at Makoto as she told him “Besides, as a…annoying as you all can get…with Master being the exception of course…you’re the only ones I’d f…follow…”

The others smiled, knowing that was just Toko’s way of saying she cared about them.

She then turned to Byakuya and walked up to him before she vowed “No matter what…I will continue to be useful to you, Ma…Master…”

“That is…acceptable…”  Byakuya replied, his cheeks flushed pink as he laced their fingers together.

As Toko blushed and giggled, Hina approached Makoto and admitted “You know…living here might not be the worst thing in the world.  I mean…I would have liked to check up on my brother, but I guess that just wasn’t meant to happen.  Besides…I was scared too, of finding our world destroyed and my little brother dead.  Things could have been so much worse in our home dimension than your vampire counterpart described.”

Hina let out a heavy sigh, then smiled wearily at the Raccoon Luckster before she giggled “But on the bright side, staying here means I can see Heiho-kun again!”

Hiro laughed as he walked up to them, exclaiming “See, what’d I tell you?  It was our fate to return here; I even predicted it myself.  I told you I’m always at least 30% right!”

As Hiro laughed, the others sweatdropped before Byakuya gave an annoyed sigh and instructed “Stop laughing, you idiot.  There’s no way you could have seen this coming.”

“Nope, nope!”  Hiro denied as he wrapped an arm around Makoto and grinned.  “My clairvoyance and Makoto’s luck is an unstoppable combination.”

“Well…”  Makoto commented “We can’t say that he’s necessarily wrong…”

Byakuya rolled his eyes as he acquiesced “Fine, I suppose that’s a better excuse than relying solely on that idiot’s fortune telling.”

Well…I guess I’m outvoted five to one…  Kyoko lamented as she slowly approached the group, smiling as Makoto smiled and laughed with their friends.  Well…maybe being outvoted isn’t such a bad thing in this case…I’ll just have to get used to living here…

As she stood in front of her boyfriend, Kyoko reached up and cradled his cheeks in her palms before she wiped the tears from his cheeks.  Makoto closed his eyes and leaned into her touch, enjoying the moment as she continued to wipe his tears away.

As he at last opened his eyes, Kyoko smiled softly as she told him “It will be an adjustment…but as long as we stay unified…I suppose we can make this work.”

“I promise, I’ll make things right!”  The others turned to Captain Toad who passionately vowed “You can stay in the castle for the time being!  I’ll personally help you guys settle in…”

“That’s very nice of you, Captain Toad, but don’t you have somewhere else to be?”  Toadsworth interrupted with a knowing glance at the Starshroom, causing Captain Toad’s eyes to widen in realization.

“Oh, you’re right!”  Captain Toad realized as he slapped the lens of his headlight.  “I totally forgot!”

Makoto’s brow furrowed in confusion as he asked “Wait…where are you going?”

Captain Toad pointed at the Starshroom and explained “I’m off to meet Mario at the Cascade Kingdom!”

“Cascade Kingdom?”  Makoto questioned before he thought Wait, that doesn’t matter.  He’s gonna go meet Mario…HE’S GONNA GO MEET MARIO!!!

Seeing Makoto’s excited grin, the others collectively sweatdropped and sighed, deadpanning …Here we go again…

Captain Toad on the other hand smiled at Makoto’s unspoken enthusiasm and offered “Would you like to tag along and meet him?”

Makoto’s eyes sparkled in glee while Kyoko frowned in concern as she mused with a hint of sorrow No question that would make Makoto extremely happy…but that would mean leaving me behind…

Makoto walked up to the Starshroom and placed his hand on the metal hull.  She sighed in relief as she compared Makoto’s height to that of the Starshroom, realizing that Makoto was too big to fit in the spaceship.  Her relief turned to nervous fear however as Makoto opened the door and put his leg in the opening.

The nervous Kyoko started to spin her tail to propel herself over to her boyfriend and stop his futile attempt.

She stopped however when Makoto shook his head and removed his leg from the spacecraft before he explained “Sorry, but I can’t even fit in the Starshroom, so I can’t go with you.  And even if I could…”

Makoto turned his head to look at Kyoko first, then his friends, who watched and listened with nervous anticipation, unsure of how he was going to finish his sentence.

“…I wouldn’t want to go without Kyoko or my friends.  We’ve been through too much together to split up now.  We’re a team…no…a family!”

Makoto…  They all thought, touched by his admission of how much he loved them.

Captain Toad nodded and accepted “Alright, I understand.  Well, I guess I’ll just have to tell you what it was like when I get back.”

Makoto chucked in agreement as he began to walk back to the others, only for Captain Toad’s eyes to widen.

“Wait, Makoto, you’re gonna walk into my…”

“OW!”

“…supplies…”  Captain Toad finished lamely as Makoto accidentally kicked a yellow block, causing it to turn brown as he hopped on one leg, holding his injured foot in his hands as he cried out in pain.

“Ow!  Ow!  Ow!”

“Makoto, are you okay?”  Kyoko fretted as she rushed over to him.

Once the pain made its way through his system, Makoto released his foot and let it fall before he gave a pained, yet reassuring smile.

“Yeah, I’m fine, Kyoko…”  Makoto shook out his foot as proof of his unharmed state.  “It just stung a little, that’s all…whoa!”

Makoto pointed above them, drawing everyone’s glances to a miniature, golden bell with black eyes.  Their eyes followed the unfamiliar object until it landed on Hiro’s spiky head

“…Oh boy…”  Hiro groaned just before he was enveloped by a cloud of smoke, obscuring him from view.  “I’d better not shrink again!”  He complained as the others stared at the cloud of smoke, curious as to what power Hiro would be getting this time.  “Hey guys…my skin feels all fuzzy…”  He called out nervously as the cloud dissipated, revealing his changed form.

The others stared in shock, blinking as Hiro was now wearing a full-body cat suit with orange fur.  White fur covered the tip of his tail, his paws, and the front of his belly.

“Uh, guys…what’s going on?  Why are you all staring at me?”  Hiro asked nervously.

“Here…”  Kyoko replied as she walked up to him and took out a compact mirror.

As Hiro stared at his reflection and his eyes widened in shock, Hina asked “Um…Makoto…?”

“You’re the expert!”  Toko exclaimed as she pointed at the Raccoon Luckster.  “Why does Hiro look like a giant pus…pussycat?!”

Makoto held up his hands and exclaimed “Hey, don’t look at me!  I’ve never seen this power-up before!”

“Oh, that’s the Super Bell.”  Everyone turned their eyes towards Captain Toad who explained “We found it over at Lake Lapcat.  It lets the user climb walls, slash enemies with claws, and increases overall speed.”

“I see…”  Byakuya mused.  “That’s good information.  Hagakure, despite how weird you look in that suit, it seems you’ll finally be useful on a regular basis.”

Hiro grinned as he handed Kyoko back her mirror and exclaimed “You said it, I actually like this power-up!  It’s way better than that shrinking mushroom, nyah!”

The others sweatdropped as they collectively wondered Is this gonna be a regular thing?

“Hey, Makoto!”  Hiro exclaimed gratefully “Thanks for giving me this cool suit!”

“Yeah, thanks Makoto…”  Toko muttered sarcastically, causing the Raccoon Luckster to chuckle and scratch his cheek nervously.

Toadsworth suddenly tapped his cane against the ground, getting their attention as he told them “Well, this has been very entertaining, but I’m afraid Captain Toad is already late for his engagement.”

“That’s right, I need to get moving!  Those Power Moons won’t find themselves!”

Power Moons…?  Makoto wondered before he shook the thought from his head.  Ah, I’ll ask him when he gets back…

As Captain Toad began to climb the ladder of the Starshroom, he turned his head to look at the survivors and concluded “Well, you may not be joining me on this adventure, but it seems settling into your new lives in our kingdom will be your own adventure.”

“Indeed.”  Kyoko nodded with a soft smile as she walked over to her boyfriend and threaded their fingers together.

Makoto returned her smile before his eyes flashed in realization and he called “Hey, Captain Toad!”  As the adventurer turned his head towards Makoto, the Raccoon Luckster asked “Before you go, where’s Yoshi?”  Now that we’re here to stay, we should find all the friends we made along the way!

“Oh, him?  He and your other friends are at the plaza in the castle courtyard.”  As Byakuya and Hina smiled at the news, Captain Toad continued “Alright, it’s time for me to be blasting off again, but I don’t know when I’ll get back.  Toadsworth, please make sure our new friends settle comfortably in the Mushroom Kingdom!”

Toadsworth nodded and agreed with a smile “Quite!  I’ll make sure they’re treated like royalty until the princess returns to us!”

“Thanks, Toadsworth!”  Captain Toad turned to the survivors one last time as he climbed inside the hatch before he told them “Goodbye everyone!  I’ll be sure to bring Mario and Princess Peach with me when I come back!”

With that, the hatch closed and the rockets hummed beneath the hull.  Makoto and the others waved goodbye as the Starshroom slowly lifted into the sky, disappearing from view as it blended in with the sky.

“Alright, young chaps.”  Toadsworth announced, catching their attention. “I’ll escort you to the plaza so you can reunite with your friends, then we’ll set you up in your temporary rooms in the castle.”

The six friends nodded before Toadsworth turned around.

“Right then, this way!”

Chapter Text

“Hey…Toadsworth?”

“Hm?  What is it, Master Makoto?”  Toadsworth asked, turning his head towards the Raccoon Luckster as he led them towards the plaza.

“So…why was Captain Toad going to meet Mario?  Did something happen?”

Toadsworth sighed and nodded before he turned his head to look ahead of him.

As they continued walking, Toadsworth explained “I’m afraid that brute Bowser kidnapped the princess again.  He even had the gall to announce his wedding to her as he took off.”

Kyoko’s face scrunched up in disgust, flashing back to when the Koopa King tried the same thing with her as she muttered “I suppose that Koopa Clown hasn’t learned his lesson from when we trounced him…”

Toadsworth chuckled in amusement as he assured her “Not to worry, Lady Kyoko.  I have full confidence that Master Mario will be able to trounce him in the end just like he always does.”

“That’s a nice sentiment, but I hope you have a backup plan in case this Mario fails.”  Byakuya interjected.

“Hm…”  Toadsworth hummed before he answered “Well, there’s always Master Luigi, Master Mario’s brother.  He has proven himself useful in a pinch.”  Of course, we’d have to drag him away from those balloons he’s suddenly become interested in…

Makoto however shook his head and insisted “No offense to Luigi, but I don’t think we’ll need his help on this one.  Mario will triumph, just like he always does!  He’s always given me and my family hope, so we just have to believe in him!”

As Kyoko and Byakuya sweatdropped at their friend’s passion, Toadsworth let out a hearty laugh before he complimented “Quite right, Master Makoto!  You certainly have a way with words; I feel my spirit rejuvenated just by listening to you.  You must be some kind of Ultimate Hope, my boy!”

The others smiled knowingly, then sweatdropped as Hiro interrupted the silence with a “Nyah!”

“Well…”  Makoto said “At least Mario won’t be alone.  After all, Captain Toad is gonna help him out.”

“Bah!”  Toadsworth spat.  “That boy will probably spend more time treasure hunting than actually helping.”

“I see…”  A brief, contemplative silence passed before Makoto’s curiosity struck again and he asked “Toadsworth, are you and Captain Toad friends?  You guys seem like you argue more often than you get along…”

Toadsworth sighed, his eyes softening as he replied “A fair question, I suppose.  I suppose you could say I’m a…father figure to him.  You see, I happened to serve with the boy’s father before he shriveled up.  I promised him that I’d look after the boy in his stead.”

“I…I’m sorry…”  Makoto muttered, his eyes suddenly downcast.

“I am too, Master Makoto.  Thankfully, it seems like the boy turned out alright.”  He turned his head to smile at Makoto and told him “I appreciate your concern, but if I’m harsh on him, it’s only because I’m trying to do right as his stepfather.  Truthfully, I hope his own children grow up like he and their mother did.”

“Does that mean we’ll get to meet Toadette soon?!”  Makoto asked excitedly, causing Toadsworth to laugh.

“Possibly, my boy, but that will have to wait.” He turned his head back in front of him as he announced “We’re almost at the plaza after all.”

The survivors stared at the small plaza, filled with different booths and establishments that were sprinkled around the perimeter.  Various Toads with different colored mushroom caps walked through the circular plaza, though a fair chunk of them couldn’t hide the tense look in their eyes, obviously on edge from Princess Peach’s kidnapping.

With a glint in his eyes, Byakuya wordlessly walked away from the group, causing Toko to chase after him.

“Ah, so that’s why Byakuya took off without a word.”  Makoto observed with an amused smile as he spotted a set of picnic tables occupied by a set of familiar goombas and a pile of very familiar UNO cards.

“Green Three!”  Pinky announced as he put down his card.

“Green Four!”  Inky announced, making Blinky smirk as Clyde reached for his next card.

Yes, once Clyde plays that card in his hand, I’ll win…

“Green Skip!  Sorry, Blinky!”  Clyde smirked, causing Blinky to stare in shock.

Wha…what just happened…?  Blinky wondered as Pinky passed and Inky played a card, though it didn’t really matter to either of the other two goombas, as the winner was already decided.

“GREEN ONE!  I WIN!”  Clyde cheered as steam piped out of the frustrated Blinky’s head.

“I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU WON AGAIN!!!”  He roared as Clyde just shrugged.

“What can I say?  I’m just talented at this game.  Maybe you guys should call me the Ultimate Gambler.”  Clyde chuckled, which only made Blinky angrier.

“IT’S NOT TALENT, YOU JUST GOT LUCKY!”

“Blinky, calm yourself.  There’s no need to get so worked up over a card game.”  Pinky calmly advised his comrade, though this did nothing to help Blinky’s mood.

“I AM CALM!”  Blinky roared before Inky and Clyde laughed at him, causing him to blush in embarrassment.

“SO, this is what the lot of you have been up to in my absence.”

The laughter tailed off as Blinky’s anger faded into surprise.  The four goombas turned to see Byakuya standing a few feet away, arms crossed over his chest as he smiled in amusement at his minions.

“Rejoice, for you king, Byakuya Togami, has returned to you.”

“BOSS!!!!”  They exclaimed as they dropped their cards and ran over to him.

Byakuya watched in amusement as they ran in a circle around his feet, crying tears of joy as they celebrated their leader’s return.

After a few minutes, Byakuya rolled his eyes and commanded “Alright, enough of this sentimental buffoonery.  Stand at attention.”

“YES SIR!”  They chanted as they scrambled to form a straight line in front of him.

“Good, so you can still follow orders.”  Byakuya commented.

“Does…this mean you’re gonna stay, Boss?”  Blinky asked as he and his comrades’ eyes shined hopefully.

Byakuya nodded and replied “It would appear to be the case.  So, you had better serve me and Queen Toko well.”

“H…Hi…”  Toko waved as she stepped out from behind Byakuya.

“OUR QUEEN!  OUR QUEEN!”  The four goombas cried as they circled around Toko, causing her to blush as her boyfriend smiled in amusement at the turnabout.

After a minute, Toko had enough, causing her to threaten “S…Stop cir…circling me!  Or I’ll s…step on you…!”

Blinky, Pinky and Clyde immediately stood at attention a few feet away from her, but Inky had a perverted expression on his face as he begged “Oh, please, step on me!”

“What the…?!”  A horrified Toko questioned as she wondered Is that…what I looked like when I pursued Ma…Master..?!

Byakuya sighed before Pinky and Clyde headbutted Inky, causing the goomba to fly a few feet away before Blinky bowed his head and apologized “Please forgive Inky, he can be a bit of a pervert sometimes, but we promise to keep him in line!”

“See that you d…do…!”  Toko demanded as Inky walked back to stand at attention with the other goombas, a pained and apologetic expression on his face.

“Um…excuse me…”  The others turned to see Hina walk up to the four goombas and ask “Have you guys seen Heiho-kun?” 

“Who?”

Seeing the goombas look at each other with furrowed brow, Hina clarified “The Shy Guy.”

“Oh!”

Their eyes shined in realization as they turned to Byakuya and Toko, causing Byakuya to nod and explain “Asahina can be trusted.”

“Just answer the frog girl’s question!”  Toko demanded, causing Blinky to nod in understanding.

“Well, ever since you left with the Magenti-Star, he’s been really depressed.  He must have drunk his weight at that tavern over there!”  Blinky gestured behind them to a small booth, causing Hina to gasp, horrified.

“Heiho-kun…he’s been…dr…drinking…?”

Pinky nodded and confirmed “Yeah, it’s true…I’ve never seen a Shy Guy drink so many milkshakes in my life!”

Byakuya and Toko stared exasperatedly at each other while Hina sighed in relief, thinking At least he’s not literally an alcoholic…  Suddenly a thought came to her and she asked “Wait, if he’s been so sad, why haven’t you guys tried to cheer him up?”

“…Shy Guys freak us out.”  Clyde answered plainly.  “They’re so weird.”

The other goombas nodded in agreement, causing Hina to narrow her eyes in anger as she exclaimed “I can’t believe you just ostracized him like that, just because he’s a Shy Guy!  That’s…that’s…”

“Look, lady, some of those guys light themselves on fire just to scare away Yoshis.”  Inky interjected.  “If that’s not creepy, I dunno what is!”

As the other goombas nodded in agreement, Hina dismissed “Nonsense, Heiho-kun’s not creepy!  Well, if you won’t cheer him up, then I will!”

As she stomped past Byakuya and Toko towards the tavern, she glared at the former affluent progeny and scolded him “You’d better teach your lackeys something about compassion, Togami!”

Byakuya blinked and watched as the frog-suited girl stomped into the tavern, impressed once more by the backbone she showed him.

“Hei-ho!  Hei-ho!”  Heiho exclaimed as he dropped his plastic cup on the floor and pointed at the barrel of milkshake behind the vendor.

Said vendor shook his head and told the depressed Heiho “You’ve had more than enough milkshakes for one day.  Why don’t you go hang out with some friends?  Surely it’s better than sitting outside all day.”

“Hei-ho!”  Heiho groaned as he buried his face in his arms.  As the exasperated vendor walked away to serve other customers, Heiho lamented I don’t have any friends.  Once word gets back to Yoshi Island about my betrayal of Captain Wart and my fellow Shy Guys, I’ll never be able to go back!  All I had was that goddess Hina and she’s gone too!

Heiho sighed and lifted his head up, tears trickling beneath his mask.

I know that Captain Toad said I could work in the castle.  At least I have coins to my name and a place to sleep, but all the other Toads avoid me like the Blorbs! 

He rested his hands against his mask and sighed, then gave a startled yelp as a pair of human hands covered his eyeholes.  Before he could even contemplate what was going on, his eyes widened as a familiar, feminine voice giggled softly into his ear.

“Guess who?”

Heiho gasped as he slowly turned around, coming face to face with the grinning Hina before he exclaimed in joyful disbelief “Heiho!  Heiho!”

He jumped from the stool and into Hina’s waiting harms, crying “Hei-ho!  Hei-ho!”

Tears trickled down both their faces as Hina halfheartedly scolded “Heiho-kun, don’t cry!” before they both sobbed, happy to be reunited.

Once they finished crying, Hina sniffled “Heiho-kun, you wouldn’t believe the crazy things we saw after we left.  But through it all…I really missed you, Heiho-kun!”

As Heiho sniffled, he reached up and discreetly removed his mask, showing his bare face to her.

Hina grinned as she told him “I know you missed me too, Heiho-kun.  I promise, we’re gonna stick together from now on!”

“Nyah!”

“Eek!”  Hina shrieked as she quickly hid Heiho’s face by squeezing him against her breasts, making him blush in embarrassment.  “Hiro, what’s the matter with you?!”

Hiro smiled guiltily as he apologized “Sorry, I wanted to say hi to the little guy too…plus I…kinda wanted to see what he looks like behind the mask too.”

Hina glared at the Cat Clairvoyant and exclaimed “If I wouldn’t even let Makoto see, why would I let you see?”

“Well…um…”

Hina sighed and told him seriously “Heiho-kun’s face is a privilege for me and me alone!  You don’t ask Kyoko to go take off her gloves on command, do you?”

“Well…no…”

“So don’t try and sneak peeks at Heiho-kun’s face!”  Hina commanded as Heiho put his mask back on and jumped from Hina’s arms.

“HEI-HO!  HEI-HO!”  He shouted angrily as he waved his arms, intimidating the Cat Clairvoyant and causing the vendor to chuckle in amusement at the scene in front of him.

“That’s the most lively I’ve seen that Shy Guy since he started frequenting my tavern.”

Hina glared and pointed at the vendor as she corrected “His name is Heiho-kun!”

Makoto and Kyoko smiled at the scene before Makoto turned around and began to walk away.

“Hm?”  Kyoko walked after him until she was at Makoto’s side, keeping pace as she wondered “Where are you going, Makoto?”

“I figured I’d try and see if I could find Yoshi.”  Makoto explained as he glanced around his field of vision while he walked.

Kyoko nodded, thinking I wouldn’t mind seeing the cute little dinosaur as well… as she glanced around while the two of them walked.

After a few minutes of walking, Kyoko’s tanuki ears twitched, causing her to cautiously turn her head.  Her eyes widened as she saw a shadow leap right towards them.

“Makoto, look…”

“Ah!”

“Makoto!”  She raced over only to find Makoto wrapped in a bear hug.  “What…?”  She wondered, confused as she watched Makoto being licked by a long tongue.

Kyoko walked closer and breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of the very dinosaur that they were looking for.

Makoto laughed gleefully as he returned the hug, exclaiming “Yoshi!  Alright, alright, enough with the kisses!”

“YOSHI!”  Yoshi exclaimed as he lifted Makoto up and gleefully danced in place.

Kyoko sweatdropped, sighing in embarrassment at the sight, but didn’t have the heart to stop Makoto and Yoshi’s fun.  She smiled softly as she stood and watched Yoshi lick Makoto’s cheek.

Makoto laughed and exclaimed “Alright, alright, I missed you too, Yoshi!”  As Yoshi stopped licking him, Makoto pointed at his girlfriend and informed the jolly green dinosaur “Oh, and Kyoko’s here too!”

Kyoko waved awkwardly at Yoshi before he walked over to her and gave her one long lick, causing her braid and nearby locks of lavender hair to flip over onto the other side of her hair.

“Yuck!”  Kyoko exclaimed in disgust as she glared at Yoshi and fixed her hair as best she could.  “I’m gonna need a comb to get my hair back to normal!”  And a bath to get the dino-spit out of my hair!

The intimidated dinosaur, quickly ran behind Makoto, making him sweatdrop as he tried to figure out how to handle the situation.  Kyoko’s mild anger and disgust was quickly forgotten however as a feminine laugh rang in their ears.

“Nice hairdo, Kirigiri!”  Toko giggled as she approached the Raccoon Detective.  “Is your pet dino your new hair stylist too?”

Kyoko glared at Toko and shot back “Yoshi’s a lot better than your goomba cheerleading squad!  Good luck trying to get them to style your hair when it needs a good cutting!”

As Toko opened her mouth to retort, the four goombas charged into view, roaring “WE MUST PROTECT OUR QUEEN!”

As Kyoko braced herself for battle, Yoshi stood in the way, growling at the line of goombas and forcing them to come to a halt.

The multicolored mushrooms all turned blue in the face before they turned around and screamed “RUN AWAY!!!”

“Run away?”  Everyone turned to face Byakuya who approached them before he glared at Blinky and asked “Didn’t you tell me that you would die for me?”

“Yes, but becoming a Yoshi’s snack is no way to go, boss!”

Byakuya hummed in contemplation before he sighed “…I’ll take your word for it, then.  No need for pointless conflicts within the group, after all…”  Byakuya glared at Toko and finished “And that goes double for you, Toko.”

“…Yes, Master…”  Toko agreed as Kyoko smirked before she walked up to Yoshi and pet his snout.

“That will do, Yoshi.”  Kyoko told the happy dinosaur.

“YOSHI!”  Yoshi cheered as Makoto walked up and tried his best to fix Kyoko’s hair.

“Sorry about Yoshi’s slobber, but I still think your hair’s really pretty…”

“Oh…th…thank you…”  Kyoko muttered, blushing from Makoto’s compliment.

“Pardon me.”  The others turned to see Toadsworth walking up to them, cane in hand as he asked “Would you all please follow me to the center of the plaza?”

Once all the survivors and their friends were gathered in the plaza, Toadsworth cleared his throat and addressed them “It seems that you’ve all reacquainted yourselves with the friends you’ve made on your journey.  I trust you’re willing to help care for these lost souls?”  Seeing the others nod, Toadsworth continued “Excellent.  Now, since you’re going to be living here on a permanent basis, we will do our best to find permanent accommodations for you.”

You’d be…better…we have nowhere to g…go…  Toko muttered in her mind.

“In the meantime, you may stay in the guest wing of the castle.  The staff will prepare your rooms for you, but for now, why don’t you enjoy yourselves at the plaza?”

“…It would be a good opportunity to learn more about our new homeland.”  Byakuya mused.

Toko nodded and commented “Maybe we can find some better clo…clothes than these power su…suits…”

“Speak for yourself, I’m perfect content with my cat suit, nyah!”

Hina sweatdropped before she smiled at Heiho and offered “Say Heiho-kun, would you like to join me for a swim?”

“Hei-ho!  Hei-ho!”  Heiho agreed.

Soon enough, everyone was chatting about how to spend their day, although one lone detective stood deep in thought, cradling her chin in the palm of her hand.

So…we’re going to be living here for the rest of our lives…but what does that mean for me…?

Makoto and Yoshi watched Hiro climb up the wall of the castle in his cat suit.

“Wow, that cat suit really does work!”  Makoto breathed in amazement as Hiro reached the very top of the tallest tower.

Hiro cupped his hands over his mouth and called “Yo, Makoto!  Too bad you can’t see it from here, but the view’s great!”

Makoto smirked as his tail spun like a propeller before it lifted him flawlessly into the sky.  Hiro’s eyes widened as Makoto flew up to him and grinned before landing right in front of the Cat Clairvoyant.

As Makoto turned around and looked down at the plaza from their place on the tower, he whistled “Wow Hiro, you were right; this is a great view!”

Hiro chuckled nervously “…Yeah, I kinda forgot you could fly.”

The two friends shared a hearty laugh as they looked down and saw Yoshi waving at them from the ground below.

“So…Hiro…”  Makoto looked at his friend and wondered “How are you planning to get down?”

Hiro gulped nervously before he stammered “I…didn’t get that far…”

Makoto sweatdropped before he smiled and told Hiro “…Well, I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

As Makoto began to fly away, a panicked Hiro called “Wait, Makoto, don’t leave a bruh behind, nyah!”

Hiro sighed in relief as a chuckling Makoto flew back and picked him up before he assured the Cat Clairvoyant “Don’t worry, Hiro, I’m not actually gonna leave you up here.”

As Makoto glided towards the ground with his tail, Hiro sighed “Man, don’t scare me like that, for serious!”

“YOSHI!”  Yoshi cheered as Makoto put down Hiro before the three friends turned to watch the setting sun.

Well… Makoto thought This day wasn’t too bad, all things considered.  Byakuya’s off with the goombas to secure the “finest room” for himself, Toko and Hina are picking out rooms for them and Kyoko, and Kyoko’s doing what she does best: investigating!

Makoto’s thoughts wandered to earlier in the day when he and Kyoko split up.

“You sure you don’t want me to come with you, Kyoko?”

“Makoto, I’ll be fine, really.  I’m just doing some investigating.  I’ll see you at dinner, okay?”

“Okay…I love you, Kyoko.”

“I love you too.  Now go have fun with Yoshi, alright?”

“Excuse me, Master Makoto?  Master Yasuhiro?”

The others turned to see Toadsworth walking up to them before Hiro corrected “Oh, just call me Hiro.  Everyone does.”

Toadsworth nodded and replied “Very well, Master Hiro.  I wanted to inform you that dinner is almost ready.  You two look famished.”

As if on cue, their stomachs growled, making the three of them blush as Toadsworth burst into hearty laughter.

“We are rather hungry…”  Makoto admitted.

“Well what are we waiting for?”  Hiro cheered “Let’s go inside and eat, for serious!”

“Ah, ah, Master Hiro.  Before we can start eating dinner, someone has to retrieve Lady Kyoko.”

Makoto’s brow furrowed in confusion as he wondered “Wait, isn’t Kyoko already in the castle?”

Toadsworth shook his head and informed the Raccoon Luckster “She was, until about an hour ago.  She flew off to the castle fields and nobody’s seen her since.”

Concerned, Makoto asked “But…why would she do that?”

“Perhaps she had a lot on her mind.”  Toadsworth shrugged and commented “She did appear deep in thought earlier.  Perhaps she wanted some time alone to clear her head.”

…Is that why she said she wanted to investigate alone?  Damn, I should have realized something was wrong!  Makoto thought, kicking himself for not being more observant.

“Dude, why don’t you go and get Kyoko?”  Hiro suggested, causing Makoto to turn to the Cat Clairvoyant.  “It’s what you want to do, right?”

“Quite right, Master Makoto!”  Toadsworth promised “Don’t worry, I’ll watch your Yoshi for you!  Go and tend to your lady.”

“Thanks, Toadsworth.”

As Makoto prepared to fly off, Makoto heard Yoshi shine “Yoshi…”

Makoto smiled and pet Yoshi’s snout before he assured the dinosaur “Don’t worry boy, I’ll be back in time for dinner, me and Kyoko both!”

As Yoshi nodded, Makoto’s tail spun and he flew off into the sunset.  Yoshi looked at Makoto’s silhouette with sadness, then to Toadsworth and Hiro, then back to the now vanished Makoto, and finally back to Toadsworth and Hiro.

Hiro sighed and told the saddened dinosaur “Dude, just go after him.”

“YOSHI!”  Yoshi cheered before he dashed off in search of his master.

Makoto flew above the clouds, worried out of his mind as he frantically searched for his beloved Raccoon Detective.

“Come on, Kyoko, where are you?  Kyoko, Kyoko…Kyoko!!”

At last he spotted her silhouette on a small grassy hill surrounded by flowers.  He slowly glided down until his feet gently rested behind her.  Makoto quietly observed her watching the sunset from her spot on the hill they were on.  Makoto opened his mouth to greet her, only for the detective to beat him to it.

“Hello, Makoto.”  Not taking her eyes off the sunset, she patted the grass next to her, wordlessly inviting him to sit next to her.

As Makoto sat down next to her and crossed his legs, he stared into the sunset with her, both raccoons admiring the serene beauty it brought.

After a minute, Makoto turned to look at his girlfriend before he asked “So, what’s on your mind, Kyoko?”

“Hmm…”  Kyoko hummed before she admitted “I’ve been thinking…about adapting to my new life here in the Mushroom Kingdom…and…”  Kyoko fiddled with her braid nervously as she confessed “…I’m afraid that there might not be a place here for me.”

“W…why not?!”  Makoto exclaimed, shocked by her admission.  “Of course there’s a place for you, Kyoko!  I’d never abandon you, you know that…”

“Makoto.”  Makoto shut up, allowing Kyoko to continue with an appreciative, blushing smile “I’ve never doubted your loyalty, not for a moment.  I can always count on you to stay by my side, and in that respect, I’m not doubting that I’d have a place by your side, no matter where we are.  So I don’t mind living here, as long as I can stay by your side.”

Kyoko leaned her head on Makoto’s shoulder as her raccoon tail wrapped around Makoto’s in a loving embrace.

Relieved, Makoto began to stroke Kyoko’s tanuki ears as he asked hesitantly “Then…”

“…I’m speaking in an occupational, professional context.”  Seeing Makoto’s brow furrow in confusion, she elaborated “What I mean is that I’m not sure the Mushroom Kingdom has a need for detectives.”

“…I’m not sure I follow…”  Makoto admitted, causing Kyoko to sigh.

“Makoto, do you remember when we were in Bob-omb Battlefield and we defeated that lakitu?”

“Yeah, he had that Magenti-Star piece, and you kicked that chain-chomp into him before he…”  Makoto’s eyes widened as he realized “…He disappeared in a puff of smoke…”

Kyoko nodded and explained “That’s right.  Makoto, my specialty is in homicides; before I enrolled in Hope’s Peak academy, I investigated homicides for a living.  But everything here completely disappears when it dies.  There are no bodies for me to investigate.  I…I can’t exercise my talents to the fullest in this world, and I…I can’t help but feel a bit lost.  What’s my purpose, now that I can’t investigate murders?  I’m not sure that I have a purpose, from an occupational perspective anyway…”

“No, that’s wrong!”  Kyoko gasped as she glanced up at Makoto’s serious, narrowed eyes before Makoto looked down at her and told her “Sure, maybe you can’t be a homicide detective here, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still be a detective!  The Mushroom Kingdom must have countless mysteries just waiting to be solved!  I don’t even know how everything works here, so I know there’s no shortage of puzzles waiting to be solved!  And it’ll be your job to expose the truth!  That’s your purpose, Kyoko!”

“Ma…Makoto…”  Kyoko lifted her head off his shoulder and turned to give him a heartfelt smile as she replied gratefully “Thank you so much for cheering me up.  You truly have a way with words, Makoto.  Let me repay you with a kiss…and something else too…”

“Something…else…?”  Makoto pondered what she could be referring to until his eyes widened as she removed her gloves, exposing her hands as she dropped her signature gloves on her lap.

“Kyoko…your hands…”  Makoto stammered as he felt her fingers lace with his own.

Kyoko squeezed his hands and smiled as she told him “Makoto Naegi, I love you so much.  So much, that whenever we’re alone and you ask me to, I will happily show you my hands.  After all…we’re family, in all the ways that matter anyway.”

Makoto beamed as he breathed “Kyoko…I’m so honored that you trust me this much…my Princess…”

“My Princess…”  Kyoko repeated, beaming as she said “…I like it…kiss me, my love…”

The two of them closed their eyes until their lips met for a soft kiss.  The world around them seemed to melt away as they felt themselves enveloped by the radiant love and affection of the other.  Their tails, still wrapped around each other, seemed to wag with glee until the two separated.  They stared lovingly into each other’s eyes until they felt a gentle embrace attempt to hug them.  Curious, they turned their heads and stared with surprise at the joyful Yoshi.

“Yoshi, I thought I told you to stay with Hiro.”  Makoto gently scolded.  As Yoshi hung his snout in shame, Makoto smiled and rubbed it, causing Yoshi to look up as Makoto told him “But I’m happy to see you, boy.”

Kyoko smiled as she too reached to pet Yoshi’s snout, then stopped as Yoshi’s eyes locked onto Kyoko’s scarred hand.  She froze in fear and anxiety, feeling self-conscious as she stared down at the gloves on her lap.  Before she could move to reach them, Yoshi rubbed his snout affectionately on one of Kyoko’s hands.

“Aww…that’s so cute!”  Makoto cooed “Yoshi’s trying to help you not feel self-conscious about your hands, Kyoko!”

Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry…  Kyoko mentally repeated in vain as her eyes welled with tears anyway.  Doing her best to hide her tears, she muttered “Th…thank you…” before she continued to pet Yoshi’s snout.

Makoto smiled at the cute scene before he told her “Kyoko…if it’s alright…I…I’d like us to adopt the little guy.”

Kyoko blinked in surprise, then turned other boyfriend and asked “Makoto…this is a dinosaur, not a puppy or kitten.  Is it even possible to adopt a yoshi?”

Makoto nodded and explained “Yeah, it’s totally possible, according to Toadsworth, anyway.  He said it’s rare, but not unheard of for yoshis to be domesticated.”

Kyoko nodded in understanding and agreed “Very well, if that’s what you want, I’ll support it.  But…”  Kyoko held up a finger and stipulated “I’m not cleaning up after him!”

Yoshi frowned, upset by Kyoko’s stipulation, causing Makoto to rub his snout and tell him “Don’t worry, boy, she’s not trying to insinuate anything.  We promise to take good care of you…but we’ve gotta give you a name first.”

Kyoko and Yoshi stared curiously at Makoto as he hummed in contemplation and pondered “Let’s see…how about…Yodiya?  That’s what I first called him when I played Super Mario World as a kid.”

“…That sounds like…a weird name…”  Kyoko concluded.  “And I don’t think he likes it.”

As Kyoko gestured to Yoshi’s cringing expression, Makoto sighed “Alright, let’s see…”  As he stared intensely at Yoshi, Makoto’s eyes sparkled before he exclaimed “I’ve got it, how about Zyuran?”

“Zyuran?”  Kyoko asked curiously.

Makoto nodded and explained “Yeah, it means Dinosaur Power!”

Yoshi closed his eyes and hummed in concentration before he grinned fiercely.  Startling Kyoko, Yoshi jumped up in the air, performing several punches and kicks before he landed with his back turned to his masters.  He ended his little performance by raising his head, showing a victorious, battle-hardened expression.

“I guess he likes his new name…”  Kyoko giggled before she turned to her boyfriend and asked “Where did you get that name from anyway?”

“It’s loosely based on Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger.  It’s a TV show I used to watch as a kid.”

“Ah yes.  The one that was the basis for Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers in America?”  As Makoto stared incredulously at her, Kyoko blushed and admitted “I…saw some while I was traveling abroad with my grandfather.  I would try to sneak in an episode or two when my grandfather wasn’t watching to practice stealth and reconnaissance.”

Makoto smirked and teased “Wow, who knew you were secretly a Detective Otaku?!”

Kyoko giggled “Takes one to know one, King Otaku?”, causing the two raccoons to burst into laughter as Zyuran sweatdropped, confused about why his masters were laughing.

After they were done laughing, Makoto and Kyoko fell on their backs, Kyoko lying diagonally on top of Makoto.  As they enjoyed the tranquil moment, Kyoko raised her scarred hand, seeming to analyze each and every detail of her scars.

Makoot’s brow furrowed in curiosity as he asked “Ano…Kyoko…?”

“Hm?”

“…I’m just curious…do you ever see yourself not wearing your gloves anymore?  I’m not trying to push you, really, I’m not…”

Kyoko giggled and turned over so she was now lying right on top of Makoto, their noses touching as she smiled at the blushing raccoon boy.

“I know you’re just being curious, Makoto.”  Her smile turned into a neutral expression as she hummed in concentration, pondering her answer.  “We know that there are multiple timelines out there, so there must be some version of Kyoko Kirigiri…” or Kyoko Naegi… “…that has developed the courage to show her scars in public…”

Kyoko closed her eyes, imagining a human Kyoko Naegi with her scars proudly exposed for everyone to see, surrounded by her husband and several beautiful children.  Shaking the vision from her mind, she opened her eyes and sat up before she grabbed her gloves and donned them once more.

“But I am not her, and she is not me.”

Makoto nodded and replied as he sat up “I understand, and as long as you’re happy with the choice you make, I’ll support you all the way!”

Kyoko blushed before she and Makoto felt their sides nuzzled by Zyuran’s snout.  Once he had their attention, Zyuran sat down on the ground and gestured to his saddle.

“Oh, you want us to go on a ride, boy?”

Seeing Zyuran nod, Makoto walked over to him and plopped down on his saddle.  He then reached out his hand to Kyoko, causing her to smile and walk over to him.  Once she took his hand, he pulled her gently behind him, allowing her to sit behind him on the saddle and wrap her arms around Makoto’s waist.  Makoto blushed and smiled as he felt Kyoko lay her head against Makoto’s back.

“Alright, you ready, boy?”  Makoto asked.

“YOSHI!”  Zyuran cheered as he stood up and began to walk down the hill. 

As they passed through the flowers, Makoto’s tail reached down to pick a few before he offered them to Kyoko.  Kyoko blushed as she wordlessly accepted the gift, bringing the flowers to her nose and taking a deep sniff before she sighed lovingly at his thoughtfulness.

As they rode their new pet/friend, Makoto absentmindedly hummed a tune, causing Kyoko to ask curiously “Is that from one of your video games?”

Makoto nodded and chuckled “Yes, it’s the ending theme for Super Mario World.”

“…Otaku…”  Kyoko whispered teasingly in his tanuki ear before she hugged him tighter, closing her eyes to savor the moment.  After a minute, Kyoko asked “…Makoto…?”

“Yes, Kyoko?”  What could she want to ask me?  Does she want to say that she loves me again?  Or maybe she has a question I haven’t answered yet…

“…So where are we going exactly?”

“…”  Makoto pondered the answer but kept drawing up blanks, causing him to chuckle and scratch his cheek nervously as he admitted “…I kinda forgot.”  As Kyoko sweatdropped, Makoto asked “Zyuran, you remember where we’re going?”

Zyuran stared at Makoto and shrugged, causing the Raccoon Luckster to sweatdrop.

Kyoko sighed and suggested “Why don’t we just rendezvous with everyone at the castle?”

“Wait…castle…”  Letters swirled around in Makoto’s mind until his eyes widened and he exclaimed “Now I understand!”  As Kyoko stared curiously at Makoto’s realization, he explained “Everyone’s preparing to have dinner at the castle.  That’s why I came to get you, so we could all have dinner together…WHOA!”

At the mention of food, Zyuran began to salivate, feeling his belly rumble.  Motivated by the thought of food, he immediately turned around and dashed down the path towards the castle.

“Ride on, boy!”  Makoto laughed as he tightened his grip around Zyuran’s neck while Kyoko hugged Makoto tighter, not looking forward to falling off.

…This is gonna take some getting used to…  Kyoko admitted before she smiled and leaned closer to her boyfriend.  “I love you, Makoto.”  She whispered in his tanuki ear.

“I love you too, Kyoko.”  Makoto replied lovingly, grinning as they leaned closer together until their lips touched.

The world around them melted away as they basked in their love for each other while their trusty steed Zyuran carried them to the castle as fast as he could, the sun setting in the distance bathing them in rays of yellow, orange, and red.

As they separated, Makoto grinned and pumped his fist in the air as he exclaimed “HERE WE GO!”

Kyoko rolled her eyes at Makoto’s dorkiness before she sighed Well, he’s a dork, but he’s my dork.

Somewhere in the Mushroom Kingdom, the remains of Hope’s Peak Academy stood, surrounded by tranquil fields of green.  Its structure oozed of death and despair, causing it to be a tourist avoidance to all in the area.  As such, nobody was around when its doors suddenly opened, a small red light glowing in the school’s darkness.

“Nyohohohohoooo!  It’s a-me, Monokuma!”

As the chilling laughter echoed, the doors suddenly slammed shut.

This story is not over.