Katawa Yandere - The Entire Lilly Route - Parts 17-20

Part 17
(Previously, on Katawa Yandere)
>"If Shizune re-obtains the one ring, then all the world shall fall under a reign of eternal darkness..."
>Emi lunges through the air, gunning down hordes of stampeding zombies with Akimbo gun-fu
>Taking a sip of wine, Akira smiles wryly at Hisao "Well, if you have no wish in mind... then why not wish for joy?" It’s the look of the serpent from the Garden of Eden.
>The world ablaze with strange colors, Rin's ethereal companion asks her softly. "How about it Rin? Would you like to be a magical girl?"
>Pushing away his electron-microscope, Mutou grimaces. "In all my years of research, I've never seen a virus mutate that quickly."
>Hisao battles a Tyrant, blasting away chunks of it with a fearsome battle-cry, but his magnum begins dry-clicking as the creature barrels towards him...
>"There is no truth in the force, exile..." Lilly tells Hanako softly. "But there is truth in you..."
>"Please comfort me, Hicchan. Just for today."
AND NOW THE CONTINUATION.
You awaken the next morning in Hanako's room with the girl draped over you, having spent the majority of last evening catching her up on the current situation.
She was ecstatic to help your cause and quickly vowed that she'd be keeping an eye on StuCo.
Rising, your mind drifts towards Akira... she might have your new weapon ready by today...
Hisao is also a presence in your thoughts, as always, but especially so now for whatever reason...
You’re broken from your thoughts by the sound of Hanako stirring and snuggling up against you.
“Lilllll-lyyyy….” She mutters.
It’s a bit awkward, so you squirm away from her as delicately as you can. “Good morning, Hanako.” You greet her. “Ready for class?”
“Of course…” She mumbles as she stretches with a drawn-out squeak.
“Ok then.” You say as you take a few steps to the door.
“L-Lilly?” She stops you.
“Hm?”
“I was… thinking we might visit Akira… Before class…” She sighs fondly. “She was so nice to me when we were both in the hospital… She felt so much like you…”
You disregard her disproportionate affection and ponder the proposition.
True, it might be good to drop by and see your sister. Still, you’re also a bit concerned about Hisao. What to do…
"I can't right now, Hanako." You tell her gently. "Give her my best though, ok?"
"Ok..." She replies with a small sigh before hugging you and beginning to put a get-well basket together.
Exiting the room, you make your way over to Hisao’s dorm.
The world seems somehow less vivid than it did when you held Rin’s sword of insanity.
Still, the lure of Hisao’s presence more than compensates for that.
Reaching his door, you give two sharp knocks. Contrary to previous visits, it opens almost instantly.
“Oh! Good morning, Lilly.” He greets you.
“Good morning Hisao…” You purr, pleased that he seems to be intact.
Still, there are a few things amiss…
"Oh, I was just thinking we could walk to school together today." You say, putting a hand on his arm and smiling at him. "Sound good?"
He gives a contented sigh. "Sounds great, Lilly."
Already mostly ready for the day, he steps out into the hallway and simply does his tie while you walk.
It wasn't that late in the morning... did he wake up earlier than usual?
Together, you head to the cafeteria and, flouting the authority of the insidious cafeteria overlords, purchase your breakfasts from some shady guy who smuggles hostess pastries behind the bushes.
Sprawling out together, you and Hisao settle in. He seems in a good mood, but distant.
He actually seems distant fairly often… It occurs to you that he might think too much…
“My, my… You’re awfully quiet today…” You observe aloud. “Is something on your mind today, Hisao?”
He sighs. “I guess…” and trails off into thought.
“Hm?”
“Well…” He sighs and puts his hand on yours. “I don’t mean to pry but… Lilly? Do you know what’s between Misha and Shizune?”
“Pardon?”
He seems at a loss for words, fumbling over himself, but finally elaborating. “They seem… so… ‘conflicting’.”
You’re not best pleased that the day had to be darkened by mention of Shizune, but this still might play to your advantage.
"Well, yes... there is a bit between those two..."
You sigh and gather your thoughts, wondering how to best summarize.
"Lilly?"
"Well, a bit of this is conjecture, since I mostly only knew them through student council duties back in the day..."
You go through a basic outline of the events as you know them, how Shizune took control of the council and prompt drove it to ruin.
She had guile, she had intelligence, she had skill… But she lacked empathy... She lacked charisma.
Not unlike most of 4chan, she thought that she could succeed on intellect alone and neglected her skills with people.
She was too judgmental, too critical, too confrontational. She only saw others as tools or toys.
It was this manner of hers that broke the council in the end. Its members left one by one.
In the end, only you and Misha were left…
DING.
You're broken out of your monologue as the school bell summons you both to class. Dammit. For a gamer, it is so easy to forget that talking is not a free action.
As Hisao rises, you clench your fingers loosely around his hand. “I don’t think we’ll miss anything important in class… do you?” You say with a rueful smile.
“Eh… no. Not really.” He replies and sinks back down.
You don’t let go of his hand… You like the contact.
You continue your story about how you and Misha stayed on longest…
You attempted to salvage the council’s reputation, but it backfired. Students started coming directly to you for help, regarding you as separate from the council itself.
‘Mongrels.’ You muse to yourself before continuing.
Misha stayed on though, never complaining…
“Why?” Hisao interjects.
With a smile, you explain Misha’s unrequited crush on Shizune… You weren’t there to see her confess, but from her miserable state afterwards, you can guess how it turned out.
She stopped coming to class, stopped attending meetings. For a while, it seemed as though she’d lost her will to live.
Suddenly, Hanako drops out of presence concealment at your shoulder.
“H-hanako?!” Hisao stammers, clearly being broken out of his train of thought.
“Hello Hisao…” She murmurs cheerfully before bending over and whispering in your ear.
“StuCo said they’d come find Hisao and they’re heading this way.”
Damn. Sure enough, you can dimly make out the sound of ‘wahaha’.
“M’liege. It is not safe here.” She concludes.
You’re fairly sure that Hisao’s safe with those two. You could just leave, or try to take him with you, but evading those two with Hisao in tow might be tricky…
"My, my." You emote, rising and taking Hanako's arm. "I'm so terribly sorry but it I've forgotten a prior engagement with Hanako here."
"Oh, that's fine." Hisao remarks, seemingly in a daze.
"I told you all the important parts anyways."
He stands up and suddenly hugs you. Hanako doesn't move and you wonder as to her reaction... for the merest instant.
Hisao-cuddling time is FAR more important.
“Thanks, Lilly.” He whispers into your ear, producing a not-at-all unpleasant tingling sensation.
He releases you and you both head off.
“So that’s why…” You hear him mutter to himself as you and Hanako duck into the next hallway.
“HI HICCHAN!” A loud voice cuts in from the direction of the room you were in. You’re quite grateful that Hanako was there to give you a head’s up.
“Thanks, Hanako.” You tell her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
She nuzzles against you. “Always… Always.. so very happy to help, Lilly…” She replies, giggling in a soft, dangerous tone.
It dawns on you that Hanako... she really has done so much for you, her espionage, her work against Emi, everything.
You smile and pull out your Needler.
"Kneel."
"Hm?" She says even as she complies.
"Hanako Ikezawa!" You state in an authoritative tone. "As the chosen regent of Saint Andrew and heir of Alasdai MacColla, I, the rightful Queen of Scotland, Lilly Satou, do hereby recognize thee!”
The hallway fills with the holy power of the monarch and you continue.
“In recognition of your incredible gallantry and service to the crown, I here forth dub thee” You tap her shoulders. “Lord Privy Seal.”
All across the school, classrooms erupt in applause and fireworks go off in the sky for no reason at all. Chewbacca lumbers out of the classroom right next to Hanako and roars in recognition.
He’s actually telling you that Alasdair MacColla had no claim whatsoever to the royal succession, but you don’t need to know that.
“Aw…” Hanako coos, shivering with glee. “Lilly…”
“Rise, knight.” You say.
She doesn’t so much ‘rise’ as ‘lunge forward and hug you’ but it’s all the same. She wraps her arms around you and nuzzles into your chest with the very broadest of smiles.
The school quiets down as the moment passes and you cuddle Hanako to you for a bit…
You cuddle you newly-minted lord privy seal for a moment, then release her.
“So Hanako… How was Akira this morning?”
“Oh!” She peeps, not releasing you. “She’s quite well. She’s recovered enough that she’s able to move around with a cane. She’s already started wondering around the school grounds.”
You smile. It’s good to hear that your sister’s recovery is going so well.
“Oh… she also said that she had something for you…” Your heart skips a beat, but you maintain your serenity. “Did you want to go look for her?” Hanako concludes.
“My, my. Of course.”
Where to look for her, though? If she’s started wondering around Yamaku, probably drinking, she won’t be in her room… And Akira’s not the type to let security stop her… She really could be anywhere.
Where could she be?
“Well… The roof’s a good drinking spot… Or… so I’ve ‘heard’.” You tell Hanako unconvincingly, tugging on her arm.
Together, the two of you ascend the stairs to the top of Yamaku.
Opening the doorway to the roof, you’re greeted by a familiar scent… The scent of alcohol.
“Akira?” You call out.
“Oh! Hey hey, you two!” She calls back cheerfully.
There seems to be other voices and footsteps around her… it doesn’t seem like she’s alone.
“Oh, don’t mind them.” Your sister replies as she starts towards you at a slow, relaxed pace. “I was teaching these kids that fun childhood game of mine.”
She sighs fondly as you hear two students taking turns walking along the building ledge. “You know? That one I learned as a kid from that nice Czech guy.”
Akira hums to herself for a moment as you savor the breeze. “Hm… actually… I wonder what happened to him? I think he got shot.”
She reaches you and affectionately puts a hand on Hanako’s head.
“So? What can I do for you two?”
“Actually…” You tell Akira. “I’ve appointed Hanako Lord Privy Seal.”
“Huh…” She makes an interested noise as she surveys Hanako. “You’re sure of that call?”
“Beyond all doubt.” You say confidently.
“Alright then!” Your sister replies cheerfully. “Then your court is coming together for when you finally retake the throne…”
A surge of burning passion resonates between you and Hanako as you accept Akira’s judgment as turn your mind towards retaking the throne of the Britons.
You shall rally all who oppose the false kingship.
All shall burn beneath you as you drive forth the pretenders…
Actually, first conquests first. Hisao’s more important.
“Akira…” You begin to ask, but stop yourself, unsure if Hanako should be let in.
She IS the lord privy seal, after all, so she should know. Still…
You smile and squeeze Hanako’s hand. “Actually Hanako, Akira’s been working on a sword for me...”
“Huh… cooool….” She says dreamily as she clutches your arm.
“That one I took from Rin… endowed with all her madness.” You elaborate.
“Is that safe?” Hanako asks.
A wet smacking sound as one of the students plummets to their death.
None of you care.
“For short periods, Lilly should be able to handle the insanity.” Akira mentions. “I wouldn’t recommend you trying it out though.”
“Huh? How come?” Hanako inquires.
You’re not sure how to reply without stepping on her feelings, but thankfully, your sister defuses the situation with an oddly passionate statement. “It’s bad manners to lay hands on the king’s treasures.”
“Oh! Of course…” She says as she snuggles against you. “I’d never want to disrespect you like that…”
Satisfied, Akira continues. “You might also be able to channel it into other stuff. ‘That’ cane is no less deadly.”
You smile. Yes, they would make a formidable combination. “So… you have it then?”
“Right here.” Your sister replies in a smug tone as she places a porcelain cane in your hands. That’s the sheath – crafted with the darkest secrets of Scottish alchemy, restraining the madness of Rin.
“Akira…” You breathe, taking the evil weapon. “Thank you.”
Your hand tightens around the grip and suddenly, the world becomes more vivid. All the senses you can perceive now come with a sense of color…
“Go ahead and use it like that in small doses if you want.” Akira elaborates. “Just take care not to overindulge.”
You wonder what purple tastes like for an instant before releasing your tight grip.
“Ehehe. Thanks Akira.” You say as you pat her should and become aware of her slender form.
You bask in the feeling.
Yes. It’s a powerful weapon, and now in the hands of a strong-willed owner, you can move to claim your true coveted treasure…
Hisao ‘will’ be yours.

=========================================================================================================================

Part 18
You remain on the roof for a moment, basking in the insanity of your new evil weapon while Akira cheerfully instructs the other students on how to make mustard gas.
Hanako remains fastened to you, not that you really mind the contact, though it’s not the kind you’d like most…
Speaking of which, it might be a good idea to go find Hisao, assuming StuCo has released him from their evil clutches.
Actually, it's likely a good idea for his sake in the opposite scenario, as well.
If they haven’t, you might need some kind of distraction… You can’t murder anyone with Hisao around, sadly.
“Lilly…” Hanako coos. “You’re thinking about… ‘him’?” She says, lapsing into that inexplicable gaming trend of referring to someone with pronouns only even if everyone actually knows their name. You wave it off.
“Yes.” You reply. “Would you happen to know where they are?”
“I… thiiiiiink so.” She hums as she nuzzles against you.
You smile to yourself. Hanako’s intel is usually reliable. Now how to approach the issue…
“Come on Hanako.” You say cheerfully, tugging your arm slightly. “Let’s go find Hisao.”
“Okkkaaay…” She says, not letting go.
“Akira?” You call back to your sister. “You think you can keep yourself amused here?”
“No problem.” She answers, breaking out her Russian Roulette playset.
With that, you and Hanako depart the roof, now having exchanged your conventional navigation cane for Rin’s legendary-tier blade of insanity (-1 char, +3 str, +20% crit).
Making your way through the halls with Hanako acting as guide, your hearing begins to pick up the dreaded ‘WAHAHA’ emanating through the hallway.
Preparing yourself for a brutal rescue mission, you swing open the door and cast about.
“HI Class Rep!” An enthusiastic voice greets you immediately.
“Oh!” Hisao’s more comforting tone. “Hi there, Lilly.”
“So what business do you have here?” Misha questions happily, though clearly channeling the malevolent energy of that fucking deaf bitch.
“I’m afraid Hanako here lost her ID card.” You say, giving her a slight nudge.
“Yeah…” She says lazily. “I’m afraid I’ve been a bit… distracted lately…” She plays along seamlessly.
“When are you two not?” Shimisha jabs. You cast an evil glare to where… you assume Shizune is.
“…” A barely audible sigh.
“Wait here. We’ll go make a new one.” Shizune speaks through Misha. Without another word, she rises and grabs Hanako. They exit the room together.
You pray neither of them does anything foolish… Not now.
Now left in the room are you, Misha, and Hisao. The sane membership (or ex-membership) of the student council.
You lower yourself into a seat. “So what were you all doing here?” You ask.
“Um… we were playing D&D. While Shizune was demanding help with the upcoming festival preparations…”
“That’s not very nice, Hicchan…”
“Ok, shizune was… er… ‘asking’ for help.” He clarifies.
You feel a slight surge of anger and in response your evil Rin-blade calls to you…
It’s telling you to touch Misha’s drills and see if pink is really that odd a hair color.
Pushing that down as best you can, you reason that Hisao hasn’t mentioned this… So it might be new to him as well.
You wonder what your next conversational move will be…
Giving in to the power of madness, you grip your evil cane, raise your hand, and press a slender finger to one of Misha’s drills.
Instantly, your mind is flooded with images of unholy color: you detect a typhoon of swirling evil pink, set with gems of false light.
An unholy power courses through these sorcerous drills.
If feels as though a corrupted light, passed through a filter, or a tainted bonfire.
A barely controlled despair, forged into a weapon beyond belief, emanates its blight beneath the touch of your fingers.
This is it… Misha’s Gae Drills.
“L-lilly?” You’re broken from your entrancement by a startled squeak from Misha, seemingly taken aback.
Hisao says nothing either. All three of you are frozen in silence for different reasons.
In retrospect, you realize this was kind of a weird move.
“Oh!” You exclaim with feign surprise as you invoke the power of your sheath. “I misjudged my reach. I’m ever so sorry.”
You make a mock bow of sincerity in an effort to save face.
The purifying sheath does its work and you feel the psychosis of Rin being suppressed.
“Oh… ok…” Misha says in a deflated tone.
Silence permeates the room.
You didn’t get drilled at least, but this is rather awkward…
“A-Anyways!” Hisao cuts in. “Shizune was just asking for help fixing up the next batch of stalls. Ehehe… guess I got drafted.”
It’s clearly an attempt to break the stillness, but it serves its purpose.
You’re not best pleased at ‘her’ mention, but Hisao’s opened the door to a few new interesting topics…
“My, my.” You respond with your signature verbal tic. “Drafting you to help? Shizune seems to do that a lot, right, misha?”
“Well… yeah…” She answers quietly. “wahaha.”
It's odd... Her laugh lacks her typical enthusiasm.
“Misha…” Hisao interjects, sounding earnestly concerned for some reason.
BLAM.
With a thunderous sound, the council room is blown open.
“Liiiiiillyyyyyy…” Hanako’s voice sings.
“Oh, hi Shicchan!” Misha elaborates the other presence as her hands slice the air.
“Well, your understudy has her new ID” Shizune states. “I know it’s a foreign concept, but would you mind leaving us so we can actually get something done?”
You wonder if the middle finger is ACTUALLY sign for… Oh never mind, that would be improper.
“Actually.” You reply, smiling sweetly. “I think I’d like to sit in if you don’t mind.”
“Eeeh?!” Hisao, Misha, and Hanako all emote simultaneously.
“For old time’s sake, if nothing else. I’d much like to know how you’ve fared in my absence.”
It’s a blatant lie, obviously.
The school can burn for all you care. Actually, you’ve already done that at least partially, as well as destroyed the cafeteria, started several human stampedes, murdered the head physician, given Akira free range to start a Dionysus-style death cult…
“Aw, Lilly!” Misha cuts in, seemingly having regained a chipper tone. “Does this mean you’re coming back to the Student Council?!”
You smile slyly and take advantage of the fact that you’re sitting right next to Hisao.
You softly place a hand on his leg and answer Misha. “Seduce me.”
You can’t exactly determine if Shizune saw the gesture on not, but you can detect at least two murderous intents in the room.
“Fine then!” Shizune replies, though clearly not having the verbal edge she wants due to Misha being… Misha. “Maybe you can make yourself useful for once.”
Wish that, she yanks Hisao, chair and all, to your left and sits down between you two and begins to lay out the groundwork plans.
It sounds just like the last festival… just later and with yukata. Hm… what to contribute.
“Hm… It seems a bit bland.” You note. “Perhaps we could liven it up with a fireworks display?”
“Oooohh…” Hanako notes. “Fire is always pretty…”
Hisao is apparently the only person who finds that statement strange.
“Heyy!!” Misha pipes up. “Yeah! That would be a great idea! Wouldn’t it Shicchan?”
“And where exactly would we get the funding for that?”
“Hm…” You ponder, debating possible sources.
“Oh!” Hisao cuts in. “Just use the old art club’s budget. That’s available after the teacher’s heartbreaking death.”
“Heartbreaking? Hicchan, we had a party for that. You showed up. You drank to the ‘hooray Nomiya’s dead’ toast.”
“Who didn’t?” Shizune elaborates through Misha.
“No objections then?” You conclude.
None can be made.
“Fireworks!” Misha and Hanako declare in unison.
“Fine then, I’ll set things up. This student council meeting is adjourned.” Your deaf nemesis declares.
With that, you all rise. Misha and Shizune don’t move. They seem to be signing to each other. Hisao, on the other hands, leaves with you and Hanako.
He stretches. “Ugh… That was lively… but I’ve gotta say… I’m looking forward to this next festival.”
You give a sinister smirk. “I think we all are, Hisao…”
Well, it was a productive meeting, what to do next?
“I think I feel like taking an afternoon stroll.” You say, smiling up at Hisao as you grasp his arm.
You turn your head in Hanako’s direction – easy to find since she’s clinging to your other one. “Hanako? Could you be an angel and go bring Akira up to speed?”
“Ok…” She replies quietly before departing without another word.
Hm… actually, you realize, she won’t be able to catch Akira up on the malevolent force you sensed from Misha’s drills. But you can do that yourself later.
This takes precedence.
You nuzzle into Hisao as she heads off. “Shall we?”
“Yeah… let’s.”
Together, the two of you take a stroll in the cooling afternoon air, debating the subtleties of late.
He talks about his progress in class, gravitation towards a professional career in science, some of the grunt-work he’s been doing for the student council, and the like.
At that last part, he hesitates for a minute. “Actually, I’ve been doing a little too much maybe, the other d-“ He stops abruptly and stills himself for a second.
“Actually…” He verbally grasps. “How’ve things been going for you?” He settles on.
[Meanwhile]
As an interesting historical fact: in ancient Greece, at the ritual festivals of Dionysus, there are records of men getting drunk-and-drugged enough to actually castrate themselves onstage and hurl their testicles out into the audience like some kind of bizarre carnival beads.
Worst. Hangover. Ever.
On the roof of Yamaku, surrounded by followers and bearing a serene smile, Akira is sitting on the roof, handing out wine made with that exact same recipe.
This can only end well.
Hanako is slumped against her, nuzzling into her chest with a broad smile as she finishes giving her report.
“Hm… So it seems Lilly wants a tranquil festival…” She muses as she strokes Hanako’s hair.
She makes a slightly sour face, but it brightens almost immediately. “Well, I wish I’d had more gaming opportunities, but it’s ultimately her call, after all.”
A scream goes out as one of the students somehow lights themselves on fire using an iPod.
Both of them watch it, taking casual sips.
“She’s gonna claim Hisao, huh?” Hanako asks as she snuggles against Akira with her eyes closed.
The Golden King laughs softly to herself, swilling her drink. “Yeah… It’s all in motion now…”
[End meanwhile]
Hisao” You ask, clutching his arm gently at his hesitation. “Are you alright?”
Your charisma has dulled slightly by keeping the evil of Rin in check, but it’s still quite sharp. You don’t sense much danger from the situation.
He sighs. “I had a flutter the other day.”
“Hisao?!”
“A small one.” He quickly adds, stopping your walk and placing a hand on your shoulder. “I was working on one of the Council’s stalls… I guess I overdid it…”
You become so much more aware of his touch on your arm.
“Shizune was really worried… So was Misha…”
You must be wearing a concerned expression because he actually hugs you lightly. “Really… I’m fine…”
Everything else in the world is suddenly drowned out. You feel… lightheaded. Happy…
You sink into a gentle embrace unconsciously…
“Hisao…” You manage to mouth, no doubt wearing a massive blush.
He releases you after a moment… you wish it’d lasted longer… you’re still wrapped in the feeling…
“I’m fine Lilly…” He makes a small noise as if to say something, but then stops. “… I’ll see you tomorrow.”
And with that, he heads off, leaving you standing there, breathlessly, leaving you to analyze what just happened.
Hisao… May be yours already… Maybe… At least getting there...
‘But…’ Your thoughts turn towards Shizune’s malevolence.
Can you… keep him?

=========================================================================================================================

Part 19
You follow Hisao for a bit after he’s bid you farewell.
Because you’re concerned for his health, of course. This is totally not stalking.
It turns out to be an uneventful viewing: He doesn’t exchange words with anyone else and heads straight back to his dorm, where he falls asleep almost instantly.
He was exhausted. You wonder how hard Shizune’s been working him…
Actually, does she even know about his heart?
Gritting your teeth, you head back to your own dorm, pondering how exactly to proceed with this new situation.
You mull this over as you ready yourself for bed, then comes a knock.
“Hello?”
“Lilly… It’s me…” Hanako’s voice answers in a low purr.
It’s kind of rare for her to drop by this late, but not so unorthodox.
You answer your door immediately. “Hanako? Is something the matter?”
“I couldn’t fall asleep…” She replies lazily. “Can I sleep with you tonight?”
Without actually answering, you beacon Hanako inside and take a seat at your table.
“Is something on your mind, Hanako?” You ask softly.
“Um… kiiiinda…” She replies before following you.
She pulls her cushion next to you and settles down, nuzzling against you slightly.
This does make the preparation of tea a bit more difficult, but you manage it and slide a cup over to Hanako.
She takes a sip before elaborating. “I’m happy with our family…” She nuzzles against you as she trails off. “But…” She just stops dead there.
“’But’?” You echo, adding a shot of tea liqueur to your cup before offering it to Hanako.
She takes the bottle and mixes in quite a bit before taking a sip and continuing.
“Well… I just... I wish Hisao would spend more time with me…” She says softly. “I mean… we used to play games or read together all the time…. Now though…”
She sighs and finishes her cup in one gulp before mixing another.
It’s true that they hung out together quite a bit in the beginning. Since then, though, Hisao’s mostly been dividing his time between council duties, and, well, you.
You’re not exactly sure how to respond…
“Well Hanako?” You answer. “How about if I distract Shizune and Misha tomorrow?”
“Eh?!” He peeps.
“That could give you two some time together, wouldn’t it?”
“Lillyyyy…” She breathes your name. She then wraps her arms around you in a tight embrace and nuzzles against you feverishly. “Thank you… thank you. Thankyouthankyouthanyou.”
You giggle and stroke her hair.
“My, my. It’s nothing, Hanako. Just enjoy yourselves.”
She releases you and makes an affirmative sound as if a silent vow. She then takes another swig of her spirited tea.
“Thanks Lilly…” She repeats one final time.
Satisfied with your proposition, she then segues. “So can I sleep with you tonight if it’s ok?”
“Oh fine.” You say with a mock defeated sigh.
You sink down on your soft bed and make a sweeping gesture. “Welcome aboard.”
“Ehehe! Ehehehe!” Hanako giggle before practically lunging over and tackling you.
Easing down as Hanako snuggles into you, your mind wanders a bit.
For two people, your bed’s actually not that large, you realize as Hanako presses into you. (Though you have a feeling she’d be doing that anyways).
It’s a regal bed, one that Akira picked out for you, which is very soft (She was a bit evasive as to what it was actually stuffed with) but not that big.
There’s a logistical issue to consider…
If you want to share it with Hisao at some point, your Yamaku bed is inadequate.
Although the usefulness of Yamaku itself will soon be over to you.
You smile slightly at the thought.
Hanako presses her face into your chest and snuggles a bit.
You make a startled noise, but she doesn't seem to notice.
Smiling, you simply stroke her hair.
She coos for a bit before falling still.
You ponder how best to fulfill your promise for a bit before following suit...
You awaken the next morning with Hanako still clinging to you.
It’s not quite time to be getting ready for class yet, though you know you won’t fall back asleep.
'To distract StuCo'… You ponder. There are a few ways you could do it.
You could drop by Hisao’s room and tell him Hanako needed him for something. You could also feed some kind of story about logistics to Misha and let her pass it up the food chain.
Hanako makes a snuggling motion against you and at the corners of your mind, you hear the evil powers of Rin questioning what her scars look like exactly…
You let it flow about for a moment as your mind drifts.
It’s equally possible to just play it by ear.
What to do…
You wriggle free of Hanako and scribble a fast note.
With Rin’s touch-vision, it’s actually much easier than it used to be.
Preparing for the day takes no time at all.
Picking up your Needler by its wrist-strap and taking Rin’s sword of insanity in the other, you head over to Misha’s room.
It’s a very short trip, since she’s also in the girls’ dorm.
Actually, all the girls likely have their rooms within the same few dozen meters.
That in mind, you wonder why they don’t show up in each other’s routes more often.
You push it out of your mind and knock on Misha’s door.
Contrary to last time, it nearly blows open as soon as your fingers have made contact.
“HI LILLY! WAHAHA!” Misha answers, likely waking up more than a few people since she’s shouting at this hour.
Actually, it’s strange for her to be up at this hour as well. Normally, she sleeps all the time.
Isn’t hypersomnia a symptom of depression actually?
Another factor you put aside for later consideration. You still haven’t returned her greeting…
You smile at the bubbly girl. “Good morning, Misha…
… How are you feeling this morning?” You decide on, flashing a kindly smile.
“Oh… I’m fine! Great! As always!” She answers enthusiastically. “Wahaha!”
You’re less than convinced, but realize that directly pressing the issue is likely fruitless.
“Um… Lilly?” She asks in the same tone but at a lower volume. “I heard Akira was getting better… Is that true?”
It’s a bit off-topic, but actually not so strange an inquiry, you realize...
Right… those two never really knew each other ‘well’ but they were on pretty good terms once…
Hm. How to answer?
“She’s recovering quite nicely.” You tell her with a smile. “Actually, we have enough time before school starts. Would you like to come visit her with me?”
“WAHAHA! OK! YEAH!” She replies right away, picking something up.
Together, you and Misha head over to the infirmary.
Walking is a bit awkward since her skipping pace is so much faster than your casual stride.
“Lilly?” She asks, stopping suddenly. “Um… do you think your sister actually remembers me?”
You actually laugh at such a ridiculous question. “You’re the only human being to ever survive a drinking contest with her. Of course she’ll remember you.”
“WAHAHAHA!” She laughs at this, possibly recalling that night.
You recall some snippets of it as well.
In a sea of blood and empty whiskey bottles… Hanako had passed out on your shoulder, Shizune was conked out wearing a Pikachu costume, and Misha and Akira were chugging jaeger bombs while jousting on the backs of rhinoceroses.
Death toll the next day was 57.
Good times…
'Though better ones still are in the making.' You annotate to yourself, thinking of Hisao...
Coming back to reality, you wonder briefly if you should talk to Misha a bit while you walk.
“My, my, Misha.” You say as you draw closer to the infirmary entrance. “Why are you so concerned for Akira today?”
Misha stops, hesitates for a minutes, and finally says. “I guess I don’t have too many people I could call ‘friends’.”
After a short pause, she resumes skipping, leaving you to ponder.
It’s true, but an enigma to you.
Misha’s always been an outgoing and upbeat person… But she’s always seemed somewhat lonely…
You speculate it’s because of her association with Shizune, who’s practically social kryptonite.
“Ah!” Misha breaks you from thought as you stop through the doors. “Smells like alcohol and brain-matter in here.”
“That’s my sister for you.” You say, passing Misha with a smile.
If Misha’s taken aback, she hides it immaculately, resuming her cheerful skipping pace through the body-strewn halls.
Suddenly, she stops dead in front of Akira’s room.
“Um… Lilly? Do you want to open it?” She asks in a barely audible tone of voice.
“No, you go ahead.” You reply with a smile. “I’m sure she’ll be delighted to see you.”
“Really? Ok!” She yells, bursting through the door with a thunderous cry of ‘WAHAHA!’
Perhaps not expecting company, in response to this disturbance, the golden servant begins taking out a sword.
A strange sword…
“Hi Akira! I brought you some breakfast!” Misha greets her with a carefree smile, showing off her basket.
“Oh!” Akira emotes, returning it to its resting place. “Hehe! Aw! Really? For me, Misha?”
“Yup yup!”
At this, you enter. “I ran into someone who also felt like visiting you.” You elaborate Misha’s presence, tossing a smile to your sister.
“I woke up early to come visit you anyways.” Misha says loudly. “I just happened to find an even better excuse. WAHAHA!”
Misha’s loudness isn’t really is issue here. Around Akira, everyone’s dead, drunk, insane, or some combination of the three.
“Aw… you guys…” Akira purrs happily. “This calls for a celebration!”
And with that, she produces more of her personal wine stash.
“Really Akira? For breakfast?” You say, giving a slightly discontented look.
“Huh?” Akira makes a quizzical sound. She genuinely doesn’t get it.
You decide that to lecture Akira on her drinking would spoil the moment, so you stay silent as the first goblets are filled.
You’ll try to distract Akira from refilling when it comes to that.
Setting up your strange picnic, Misha breaks out her basket and sets up a decent amount of food for everyone.
“Mmm…” Akira emotes, nibbling at a piece of pie. “You’re a surprisingly good cook, Misha…”
You take a bite of grilled fish. Actually. Yeah. She ‘really’ is.
“Wahaha, glad you like it!” She responds happily.
“I used to try and cook for Shicchan, but she just started preferring takeout for some reason…”
You hear a glugging as she downs her glass before giving an obligatory post-drinking gasp. “Wahaha… wow… And you’re really good with your wines, Akira-chan!”
“My treasury houses only the best.”
You take a sip as well, it’s splendid.
Although not actually your intention, you’ve somehow thrown together a very nice regal breakfast…
You nurse your drink and allow Akira and Misha to catch up.
You realize that it’s been a while since they’ve seen each other, not since you left the student council over a year ago actually…
Akira entertains Misha with some stories of her exploits – a few of which could probably be considered war crimes.
Misha takes about student council work a bit. ‘Shicchan’ this. ‘Shicchan’ that.
Eventually, Misha seemingly loses some enthusiasm and just drinks for a bit.
A moment of silence is broken when the first bell rings for class.
Really? You were here for a while… Time flies when you’re having fun.
Also, you realize this could work to your advantage.
“You two can just catch up.” You say as you rise. “I’ll make your excuses, Misha.”
“Waha…ha?” She answers. “But… I’m supposed to help Shicchan later…”
“I’ll cover for you.” You tell her, smiling sweetly. “I haven’t forgotten how Council festival preparations are.”
“Um…But Lilly… don’t you need me to translate?”
“Hisao can do that, can’t he?”
“Waha… yes… but…”
“Oh, don’t worry so much, Misha!” Akira chimes in, refilling her goblet. “Just relax for a bit!”
She seemingly gets some energy back from that. “WAHAHA! Ok! Thanks, you two!”
And with that, you leave.
You stretch and sigh as you head over to the school building.
You didn’t really drink that much and Mutou’s usually outright plastered, so you doubt it’ll be much of a concern.
Moreover, you’ve successfully distracted Misha. There’s half the council.
Now you just have to do something about Shizune and you’ve fulfilled your promise to Hanako.
Heading over to class, you try to come up with a few things that would necessitate the council president’s attention...
Deciding that a riot is in order, you blow off class and busy yourself sowing the seeds of discord throughout the school.
You head over to the athletic department and trash the place, carving the dreaded insignia of physics into the wall.
Next, you head down to the clinic, which is mostly empty thanks to Akira mind-raping most of the staff and randomly switch everyone’s medications around.
Short tempers and out-of sorts mentalities are what you need.
For your next trick, you also pocket two large medicine bottles before you leave, one of amphetamines, the other of psychadelics.
Without wasting any time, you head over to the cafeteria and murder the only non-lunchtime staff worker with your needler.
After feeding the body into a burger machine, you set about dosing the food…
[Meanwhile]
Akira is lazily sprawled out on her unmade bed, staring at a seated Misha with a curious smile.
“So if you feel so unfulfilled… Why keep doing as you’re doing?” She asks softly.
“I just… don’t know...” Misha answers Akira with a sorrowful expression.
A moment of silence passes between the two.
The pure golden eyes of the Drill Knight meet the aberrant crimson gaze of the King of Spirits.
“Wahaha. I’ve tried to make people give me their affection… but it’s never worked…” She cows her head. “No matter what I actually did…”
Akira’s serene smile doesn’t change, but there’s a twinkling in her burning eyes.
“Nothing really surprising about that.” She annotates. “In general, people take everything for granted. No matter how nice you are to them, it’s unlikely they’ll give anything back. Reciprocity is a myth.”
She lowers her drilled head sadly.
Akira exhales and then smiles. “Almost invariably, it’s better to ‘make’ whatever you want yours.”
“Huh?” She says, raising her head and cocking an eyebrow.
“If asking for something doesn’t work, then isn’t the most logical next step taking it?” Akira elaborates, still keeping a relaxing gaze on Misha.
“But… Doesn’t that devalue its worth?” The pink knight says after a minute.
“A devalued treasure is better than nothing at all.” The Golden King answers. “And if the quality is high enough, the defacing really isn’t that noticeable.”
She sips her wine. “Besides… Mutilated things are tastier.”
Misha weighs this for a moment, then blinks once and replies. “…Does that still apply if the treasure is too beautiful to even think about defacing?”
The pink knight gives a rueful smile. “Wahaha… I don’t think so…”
Akira purses her lips, genuinely contemplating these words. Then…
“Misha Mikado…” The King of Spirits repeats the other’s name as she smiles calmly, swilling her wine. “Suddenly… I have a newfound interest in you…”
[End meanwhile]
Once your yandere-cooking session in the cafeteria is over, you smile to yourself and head out.
You head up to the administrative office and kill the secretary.
Afterwards, you take the shield off your needler and set about using the magnetic field to fry the communications.
Making use of Rin’s touch-vision, you also access Hisao’s student records and change all his current grades to As.
Satisfied, you smash the computer and leave.
It’s a shame you can’t do anything about cell phones, but the land lines alone are better than nothing.
Now that enough pieces are in place, all that remains is how to extradite Hisao and Hanako before the bodies start dropping…
Yuuko could help with that, actually… They both know her and she usually leaves for the shanghai anyways.
Also, you’d rather not have such a useful pawn perish if possible.
Alternatively, you could try to pass on the message yourself, but it might be tricky to do without Shizune noticing…
The Library is your next stop.
Grinning to yourself, you head over and make your way to the front desk.
BANG.
“Hello Yuuko” You say with a sweet smile. This really doesn’t bother you anymore.
“L-lilly!” She emotes, shifting nervously.
“Yuuko? Would you kindly do me a favor?” You ask.
“Huh? Um… uh… W-W-What is it?” She asks, trembling in fear.
“At lunchtime, would you take Hisao and Hanako with you to the Shanghai? Perhaps say you need to discuss a book order with them?”
“Um… b-b-but… all t-their orders are fine…”
You place your hand on hers and bring your face a bit closer, trying to stoke her confidence.
You smile gently, caress her hand a bit, and speak in a motherly tone which you know she’s comfortable with.
“Please Yuuko? It’s just an inside joke with Hanako. She’ll know what it means… You can do that, can’t you? Just play a game with Hanako?”
Your charisma resonates with her and you hear her take a deep breath. “Y-yeah… ok…”
You embrace her warmly. “Thank you, Yuuko. I knew I could count on you.”
Having steeled Yuuko, you bid her farewell and head to your tea room.
Once there, you break out a bottle of tea liqueur, crack the window open, and begin casting about with your sharp perceptions - augmented by the madness cane where needed.
A projection of the school is fed into your mind.
This is something which you’ll want to ‘see’…
The lunch bells rings.
After a few moments, just at the very edges of your perception, you detect Hanako and Hisao’s voices as they leave the school grounds with Yuuko.
A good thing, too.
Casting about, you detect the embers of discord beginning to catch.
People are arguing over nothing.
Many people are beginning to show signs of hallucination.
Anger, rage, and hate are flaring under your influence.
Everywhere, students and teachers alike are breaking out knives, guns, swords, katars, whips, maces, scythes, golf clubs, tasers, crowbars, chainsaws, and all sorts of other implements.
You’re not sure why everyone’s so heavily armed.
Perhaps Akira had something to do with it, or perhaps everyone was simply crazy anyways.
You smile and droop your eyelids to half-mast.
“My, my. Time to drop a cloth doused in oil onto this open flame.” You muse to yourself.
You unsheathe the Blade of Insanity and send its aura pulsating through the school as you unleash the maximum amount of madness you deem safe to yourself.
‘Splat’ in the cafeteria, someone is slaughtered.
At this, the school erupts.
The condition of the school explodes into absolute carnage.
The sword of splatters, explosions, gunfire, and screaming rings out and builds to a fever pitch.
Everywhere across the school, personal grudges - some real, some imagined - boil over and break into violence.
People are tearing at each other with bare hands.
One of the janitors smashes someone’s head open with a vacuum cleaner and then begins strangling their next victim with the extension cord.
In the cafeteria, the state is pandemonium.
Cohorts are lunging at each other as if feral beasts, mutilating each other.
One student smashes their opponents through a table and then savagely beats them to death with a war maul.
A second later, he’s filleted by a barrage of strange black darts.
Atop a pile of ripped-up bodies, the true assassin faces her prey with a feral smile.
“Ki MiKiKiKi KiKiKiMiKiKiKMiiKiKiKiKiKiKiKiKi Miki!”
Standing atop a field of corpses, Miki skewers another hapless assailant with her evil black darts, laughing maniacally.
She purses her lips cheekily as the chaos spreads around her.
She then stoops, places both hands on his face, and rips it off.
Laughing as the smell of blood fills the air, she peels away the flesh and places the fresh skull mask upon her face.
Time to go all-out.
She rips away the bandages from her arm, revealing its true hideously deformed shape and delved into her noble phantasm – borrowing the arm of Satan to attack the heart.
Her spiderlike palm glows bright red as she hurls it outwards.
All around her, the chests of her peers explode in palm-shaped surges of blood and flesh.
She laughs elatedly as the gore splashes her face.
Across the cafeteria, Naomi weaves through a hail of hurled knives and dashes behind Natsume who rips off her glasses and frees the binding seal on her cursed eyes.
Her nerves burn. That evil pupil twists into a shape no life form should have and instantly a geyser of black flames erupt from anything beneath her line of sight.
The cafeteria bursts into flames as its inhabiting luckless combatants die in the murderous blaze.
With a Cheshire cat’s smile, she extends her arms as the world around her shifts into a portrait of hell.
Takashi slithers through the flames, brandishing a hideous spiked mace, covered in fresh brain matter.
Her other eye locks onto his and into pupil shifts into a shape.
He freezes just outside his attack range as her petrification spell solidifies him into place.
Blood begins to flow from her sockets as she brings her other mystic eye to bear and burns him to death in an instant.
At the entrance of the cafeteria, a ghastly figure observes the massacre with an impassive look.
A slender, delicate-looking albino, unsuited for this sea of blood.
Rika observes the battle for a moment, then calmly flips down her unturned collar to reveal an odd-looking black choker, set with strange wires and electronic equipment.
Rika’s true power now activated, her face twists into a broad, evil smile.
“KEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKE!”
The area around her explodes in a maelstrom of death.
The ground is torn to shreds and the air itself morphs into a weapon at her touch as she sends out the invisible blades.
Everyone around her is shredded.
A double-tap to her heart is vector-changed and rebounds back to murder its assailant.
She calmly walks through the massacre, tearing apart people as she picks up mundane objects and fires them as if bullets.
With simple flicks of her wrists, the albino’s evil power rips people to shreds as if blows from a mighty demon.
Washes of dark maroon emanate all around her.
Wading ankle-deep through blood and body parts, she reaches out her hand, seizes an opponent by the throat, and rips his body apart with her bare hands.
“KEKEKEKEKEKEKEKE!!!!!”
She stabs her finger into a wounded combatant as she tries to crawl away and then vector-changes her blood.
The body is shredded into an artful pattern of carnage.
Back within your tea room, you smile to yourself with the serene expression of a monarch watching a play.
Viewing the massacre through your mind's eye, you sip your drink and watch your script unfold.
True, you’d still prefer to be with Hisao, but a performance like this is hardly a bad consolation prize.
The massacre lasts throughout lunch break as everyone kills each other in a haze of drugs and eldritch insanity.
You remain seated in your tea room, drinking yourself into a pleasant buzz as hell descends to earth at your decree.
Finally, things boil down and everyone goes their separate ways.
The entire school is devastated.
The cafeteria is knee-deep in blood, severed body parts, and shredded organs.
About half the school is on fire.
Several of the overhead lighting fixtures have been broken and their wires used as nooses to hang people from.
Some of the outdoor street-poles have had people impaled upon them.
There are a few dozen fresh crucifixes set up in the athletic field.
The door outside Mutou’s classroom now has several freshly-severed human heads mounted to it with a nail-gun.
But that’s just trivialities. You’ve kept your promise to Hanako and ensured she’ll have had a couple hours to herself with Hisao.
You finish your cup and rise.
Hanako, Hisao, and Yuuko should be getting back about now. You could go wait for them at the gate.
Or you could pop by Akira and Misha back at the hospital wing and see how they’ve fared with each other.
“Ara, Ara…”
You decide you might as well go visit Akira and Misha.
Hanako can likely distract Hisao well enough by herself.
Yes, best to let them make the most of their day together.
Smiling, you head out the doorway and go towards the cafeteria at a leisurely pace.
The hallways are full of broken glass and dead bodies.
"Mongrels." You decree softly as you navigate through them.
Every now and again, you detect a gunshot, but most of the fun is over by now.
You smile to yourself and twirl your needler a bit as you meander through the fields of carnage.
The hospital wing is largely as you left it, basically an unorganized morgue.
Well, thanks to you it meshes quite well with the rest of the school now.
“Akira?” You ask as you ease her door open.
“Hey hey!” She answers right away.
“WAHAHA! Hi Lilly!” Misha chimes in a second later.
Akira’s suit jacket is tossed on the floor and Misha’s ribbon is dangling from the doorknob.
The entire room smells like a preservation jar.
You can’t imagine how fucked up they must have gotten together in your absence.
Casting about with your cane, you brush innumerable empty jar and bottles.
Knowing how strong these two like their drinks, it’s actually a wonder they’re not dead, let alone conscious.
Suddenly, Misha lunges forth and hugs you. “Wahaha… Glad you could join ush…” Feeling her snuggle again you, she seems to be wearing a pair of defibrillators as a necklace.
“My, my.” You say in an earnestly surprised tone as Misha presses her soft frame against you. “I just thought I’d pop in and see how you were doing together.”
“Aww… We had Loadsh of fun… hic!” Misha elaborates, almost falling over. “We found this really cool movie to watch together.”
Instead of the TV, she gestures in the direction of the window.
“Yeah…” Akira emotes, flopping back onto her bed with a contented sigh. “Definitely a good show.”
You feel her gaze upon you.
“A show… hic… befitting royalty…” She giggles. “Did you… play a part in itsh production?” She asks, clearly already knowing the answer.
You return a guilty smile.
“Ehehe… Well…”

=========================================================================================================================

Part 20
As the afternoon rolls along, you hang out in Akira's chamber, sipping wine with Akira and Misha for a bit.
It's actually a nice feeling - it reminds you a bit of how Misha used to be prior to Shizune's evil.
You entertain yourself with those two while the paramedics, fire department, Red Cross, and army arrive and frantically begin trying to deal with the aftermath of your lunchtime trolling.
You smile, pleased that you were able to give such a nice gift to Hanako.
“So when I sometimes shadowed my father on his business trips to Europe when I was a kid and Lilly was still a little one.” Akira casually tells a story in the pleasant serenity of the afternoon. “And while he was working, there was this nice Czech guy who used to babysit me… huh?”
She’s suddenly interrupted by a stomping set of footfalls emanating from the hallway.
WHAM.
The door is blown open.
“Hi Shicchan!”
You should have guessed.
“…!” A sharp exhale followed by a rumble of kicking through the sea of bottles that mats the floor.
“Did you have a hand in this?” The deaf one questions you through Misha.
You give your most smug smile. “Why, whatever do you mean, Shizune?”
You hear a chopping of the air as Shizune gestures, but Misha doesn’t translate. So you actually doubt it was a formal sign.
“So you’ve just been swilling wine here all day, being generally useless sociopaths?” She decides on a second later.
“Now, now, Shizune.” Your sister cuts in. “Don’t be so judgmental. In ancient Greece, that’s exactly what the gods did.”
“…!” She almost seems to suppress a laugh, but then becomes serious again.
“Well, if nothing else, it seems we have a marginally smaller student body to manage…” Misha gaily speaks for Shizune as someone screams in agony from the medic’s tent outside.
“But we have to redraw the plans now - Aw. Really, Shicchan? – Yes really, come on Misha.”
With some reluctance, whether due to actual emotions or intoxication, the Drill Knight groans and rises from her seat.
As she does so, you weigh your options.
It might be a good opportunity for damage assessment, actually.
Or you could try to catch some Hisao or Akira time.
You let Misha head off with Shizune and the sound of skipping gradually grows distant down the hallway.
“So, I there’s another festival then?” Akira pipes up after a minute.
“Oh!” You realize you haven’t actually talked to Akira alone in a little while. “Yeah… Tanohata.”
“Sounds fun. Need a hand planning the games?”
“Um… not right now, sis.”
Generally, when she does that, they involve crimes against humanity.
You sigh and sink down onto the bed and lean up onto Akira.
She refills your glass and you sit together in silence for a moment.
“Eheh. Misha seems to have changed a bit…” She muses.
It’s an odd comment that catches your attention. But there’s other things you could talk about, too.
“What did you mean by ‘changed’ Akira?” You inquire, curious what they got up to together.
“Hm….” She hums, thinking of how to phrase it. “She seems wearier, I suppose. In both body and mind… But…” She turns to you. “I think you’d know more about that than I would.”
“What do you mean?”
She laughs softly. “You’re her schoolmate, after all. And you used to be on fairly good terms.”
“Well, yes, but I haven’t really talked to her that much since I left the council… I didn’t want to get into needless fights with Shizune.”
“Huh…” She actually seems interested by that response. “I wonder how many others have had the same thought process…”
She trails off and chugs the rest of her glass.
Suddenly, perhaps in response to your use of its power today, Rin’s evil flares up in your mind, telling you to feel Akira and reassess her appearance.
Not fighting it, but not giving in either, you let your thoughts drift and check the time absentmindedly.
It’s well into the afternoon, you think you’ve fulfilled you promise to Hanako by now.
Channeling the holy powers of the Monarch of Scotland, you suppress the madness of Rin and stand.
“Well Akira, it’s been lovely as always, but I think I should be finding Hisao and Hanako now.”
“Okie dokie.” She replies as she rises with you and affectionately ruffles your hair. “I think I’ll go take an afternoon stroll around campus.”
“Steer clear of the Athletic field.” You advise. “Miki and the athletic team decided to try and re-enact Golgotha until they got it right. Place is covered in crucifixes.”
“Gotcha.”
And with that, you both head out.
Leaving the athletic field, you sigh contentedly and take a deep whiff of fresh air. Well, slightly fresh; it mostly smells like blood, shit, and rotting flesh.
It reminds you of Inverness.
You wonder where exactly those two might have gone… They were with Yuuko, so they may have headed back to the library.
Or they might have headed over to one of their dorms.
Well, Hanako’s dorm maybe… You’re not sure if she’s ever been to Hisao’s room.
Deciding that it’s unlikely Hanako would have taken Hisao through Yamaku before the place had been cleaned up a bit, you go to Hanako’s room.
The school grounds are pleasant enough – there’s a background noise of whimpering and a large murder of crows circling overhead, but that’s not so unbearable.
You can already make out the survivors starting to quarrel with each other for extra dorm space.
Actually, that’s not so bad an idea. Maybe you should look into an upgrade.
You arrive at the female dorms (Which has been partially burned down and has the entranceway is missing its doors) and make your way up to Hanako’s room.
It’s still in rather good condition in comparison to the rest of Yamaku.
“Hanako?” You call out, knocking on her door. “Oh… Lilllllyyy…” Her voice perks up right away. The door swings open and she cuddles you.
“Nice to seeee yoouuu…”
“Likewise Hanako.” You say, putting your arms around her.
“Hey Lilly.” Hisao says over her shoulder. “We were just playing a game of chess. Wanna watc- er observ- um… uh… Sit on Hanako’s bed?”
You giggle. Yup, he’s fine.
You allow Hanako to lead you over and settle down on her bed.
“You threw a party here… diiiiidn’t you…” Hanako says, giggling softly. “Aw… I kinda wish I’d been here for it…”
You smile at her, then direct it at him and beam.
All for him...
You allow Hanako and Hisao to resume their game for a little while, remaining silent.
The sound of Hisao’s breathing alone is rather nice…
After a moment, you ask about something that’s been curiously prevalent in your mind for a bit. “So Hisao, whatever became of that porcelain armor you borrowed?”
“Hm?” He asks, directing his focus to you.
“You know, the night of Hanako’s party. That porcelain gear set you used as a reagent to make your epic platemail armor?”
“Oh!” He emotes in recollection.
You’re actually a bit surprised he remembers as well, given how plastered everyone was.
You wonder what else he remembers…
“I don’t know actually.” He breaks you from your thoughts.
“Ara? Pardon?”
“I’m not sure… I’m pretty sure I was wearing it when I somehow made it back to my room… But when I woke up, it wasn’t there anymore.” He says in an earnestly confused tone.
He trails off. Hanako remains still as well.
Dead silence permeates the room. The air itself becomes heavy with an ominous feeling. You feel as if the very fabric of reality has somehow been distorted.
“Um… I’m really sorry I lost it…” He says sheepishly.
At this, you exhale and smile. It’s actually kind of cute.
“My, my, don’t worry Hisao.” You say sweetly. “I’ll let you make it up to me.”
He gives a laugh at that, which steadily becomes more nervous. “Eheh… Ok, fine, I’ll do that.”
You breathes a sigh. “Heh… I seem popular these days…”
“Ooooooh? What do you mean by that, Hisao?” Hanako questions for you as she takes his bishop.
“Oh, just that Shizune wanted me to help out building stalls tomorrow…” He stretches out, producing a few detectable cracking sounds along his spine. “Man, and just after all that paperwork, too… She really is merciless…”
Hisao and Hanako sigh together while you let off a small killing intent.
That girl clearly believes in ‘tough love’…
Whichisntactuallyloveatallitsjustarationalizationbypeoplewithhorrendouspersonalskillsinacrudeattempt
tojustifytheirowntotalinadecacyinrelationships-
Shut up Rin.
You clear your mind and turn your thoughts towards how you might safeguard Hisao…
“Well Hisao?” You say after a moment’s internal debate. “How about I tag along to give you a hand tomorrow?”
“Huh… You can… I mean, can you…”
“Ehehe.” You giggle, cutting off his stammering, which is actually so cute, but a bit intrusive at times...
Back to reality.
“Of course I can help out. I did a good job organizing my own class in the first festival, didn't I?”
“Huh. Good point. Yeah, actually, that’d be a real help Lilly.”
More like you used your A+ charisma to enslave your cohorts and had them build everything for you.
And you’re not really sure how many of them were actually killed in the riot you started earlier today.
“Oooooohhh…” Hanako purrs. “Can I help, too?”
Hisao seems to be at a loss for words.
He clearly didn’t come here to recruit help, but it doesn’t seem like he wants to refuse it either…
This one’s to you.
You slide down to the floor with them and clap Hanako on the shoulder. “The more the merrier. Welcome aboard.”
Hisao, next to you, reaches over and squeezes your hand. “Thanks.”
You smile at him. “My pleasure, Hisao.”
The two of you enjoy the contact for a moment, then-
A grip on your opposite arm.
Perhaps jealous at the attention, Hanako’s scooched closer to you and snuggled up against you, gripping your other arm gently, but firmly.
Hisao doesn’t show any sign of backing away either this time around.
He seems more comfortable with Hanako being around the two of you.
The absurdity of the situation hits you and you start laughing to yourself like a lunatic:
Hanako gripping one outstretched arm, Hisao holding the other – with a chessboard spread in front of the three of you like a table.
“What is it, Lilly?” Hisao asks quizzically.
“Oh…” You say, calming yourself for a moment. “I’ve been told ‘The Last Supper’ looks something like this.”
Evidently, it does, because after a moment of silence, likely spent glancing about, Hisao and Hanako burst out laughing as well.
Your strange little family shares a trivial, but genuine light-hearted moment together.
Just laughing at minor little things like this… You hope they’ll be many more such moments in your future.
For all of you.
After a bit, the moment passes and you relax as Hanako slouches into you while Hisao rises and stretches his legs.
He then makes an interested noise and takes a step away from you towards the bed.
“Hisao?” You ask.
“Oh, speaking of porcelain, Lilly?” He says as he bends over, still evidently stuck on the tea-armor a bit.
“Hm?”
“Oh, I noticed when you came in, actually.” He extends his hand… towards…
Your heart suddenly stops.
“Did you get a new cane?”