DGA: New Year's Eve

“Welcome home, Ryoji.”

Your dad takes your bags from you and welcomes you and Saki with a long hug as you arrive at your parents home. Tonight... is going to be a good one. You just have that feeling. It's in the air.

“Oh, it's so lovely to see you!” your mother exclaims, rushing Saki with a hug, who is eager to hug back. “Ryoji, Saki has been calling almost every day since your last visit! She's such a dear!”

“You have?” you ask, raising an eyebrow. Saki simply smiles and nods. “Geez, Sak... you're making me look bad...” you joke.

“She's just eager to be back!” Yuki replies. “And now I get to hear it all from you! What have you been up to, Ryoji?”

“Well, we fought a rogue demon god, took part in a Darkworld tournament...” Stranger mutters. “Oh and we-”

“We had a lovely Christmas,” you answer one of the few details you can give your mother, as you throw an arm over Saki's shoulder.

You mother smiles warmly as she stares at the two of you. “I'm sure you gave Saki a lovely gift!”

“He sure did!” Saki exclaims with excitement. For any other person, that much excitement over a book on law would sound disingenuous... but not Saki.

Your mother rushes to the kitchen to grab a tray of cookies, as you and Saki sit on the couch in the living room.

“It's all so... familiar...” Nina mumbles. “I have so many fond memories here...”

“You remember here well?” you ask.

“Of course,” Nina explains. “My family would spend a lot of time here every New Year... my family... I hope they drop by. I want to see them again. I really do...”

“Hey...” Stranger sighs. “Don't get all sad on us. If they don't drop by, Ryoji will be sure to visit. Right, Ryoji?”

“Of course.”

“Why are you being so considerate?” Nina asks. “It's not exactly like you.”

Stranger grunts. “Don't get me wrong, I just don't like sharing this space with you when you're moping all the time.”

“This is my first New Year without them...” Nina mutters. “Christmas too...”

“See, this is what I meant.”

“Well... excuse me for being depressed on the first holidays after I died,” Nina fires back. “Stranger... please leave me alone today. I don't need your comments.”

Stranger lets out a sigh. “Look, I wasn't trying to upset you. But whatever, I'll shut up.”

Your mother returns to the room, a tray of cookies ready like the natural baker that she is. She sets them down on the table, before looking up at Saki. “I'm sure this is very special to you, Saki.”

Saki raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

Yuki laughs. “Well, you're returning to the bedroom where you had your first time.”

“W-w-w-w-w-what?!” Saki exclaims, possibly beating her previous record for stuttering. “I... We didn't... I mean-!”

“Oh, was it not your first time?” your mother asks.

“It was...” you groan. “Geez ma, don't embarrass us like that. You'll give Sak a heart attack.”

You mother chuckles. “Oh, I was just having my fun. Besides, Saki tells me that you often tease her!”

You shake your head. “Yeah, but I start out small, ease into it. There's an art to teasing.”

“Don't lecture me, young man!” your mother laughs. “I taught you everything you know about teasing!”

A knock on the door jolts your mother's head up. “Oh, that should be the Nagatas!”

“The...” Nina mutters, as your mother rushes for the door. “No... Ryoji, I don't know if I can handle this. I... I think I have to hide for a-”

“What are you, a coward?” Stranger replies.

“Shut up Stranger,” you sigh.

Saki turns to you. “The Nagatas... Nina's parents. Is she okay?”

“Having a little panic,” you explain, before turning back to your thoughts. “Nina, if you're not ready to see your parents-”

“Grow a spine,” Stranger replies. “Look at you, Nina. You're supposed to be strong. Brave. Are you telling me that you can't face your own family?”

“I...”

“You're lucky to be able to see them again... in any capacity,” Stranger mutters.

Nina gives a long pause, thinking it over. “You're right... I want to see my family.”

Mr. and Mrs. Nagata shamble into the living room, a haggard yet kind look on their faces. Not much different from when you last encountered Nina's father.

“Ah, good evening,” Mr. Nagata bows towards you. “How are you, Ryoji?”

“I'm doing well,” you reply.

“Good to hear...” Mr. Nagata replies in a low, tired voice. “And this is... Saki, I believe?”

“Yes,” Saki bows in respect. “It's a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

“And... you attend the same school that our Nina attended, right?” Mrs. Nagata adds.

“Yes...” Saki replies. “I'm extremely sorry for your loss. Nina was a wonderful, kind person.”

“They look so... old,” Nina whispers, her voice cracking as she looks at her parents. “I... I just don't understand how they could look like that. I've been dead for... what, seven months?”

“Of course they look old,” Stranger explains. “It's their first winter without their baby girl.”

“They miss me...”

“Of course they miss you,” Stranger replies. “Any parent would.”

“Well, I suppose we should focuses on happier matters,” Mr. Nagata replies, perking up a little. “Times have been hard, but we don't want to dampen the mood for you all.”

“Yuki, do you want to help me with tea?” Mrs. Nagata asks.

“That would be lovely!” Your mother replies. “Saki, do you want to help?”

“Uhh... sure!” Saki smiles, as your mother drags her away.

“Hmm... our mothers have been friends for a long time,” Nina remarks. “This is... nice. It reminds me of all those Christmases our family's would spend together... oh, well I suppose you don't have those memories anymore...”

“It's okay,” you reply. “We'll make new memories... together. Trust me, Nina. Tonight's gonna be a good one.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Damn, I'm dreading this...”

“Are you really complaining already?” Hikaru groans, poking Akio hard in the chest. “You don't see me complaining about meeting your mother tomorrow!”

“That's because you don't know what to expect,” Akio replies. “Trust me babe, when you meet my mom, you'll be complaining.”

“My parents like you!” Hikaru pleads.

“Lie.”

“Okay fine... but they don't completely hate you.”

Akio cracks his knuckles as he carried their luggage up the hill. “I'm just dreading telling them that we're actually dating... and how sucky a boyfriend I've been already.”

“You don't have to cover that part,” Hikaru smirks. “Seriously... don't cover that part. Don't be an idiot, and you'll be fine.”

“That's like telling me to not be handsome and charming!” Akio protests.

“In that it's completely feasible?” Hikaru fires back. “Look... we're gonna be fine. You survive my parents today, I'll survive your mom tomorrow, then it's training for the rest of winter break!”

“It's certainly the weather for it!” Satomi points out, her breath hanging in the air as she plods through the snow. “Colder temperature have been proven to greatly hasten the effects of exercise! Of course, the effects that would have on the workout routines that superpowered beings like ourselves would carry out would likely be relatively miniscule...”

“So, if I just covered myself in ice or something and worked out, I'd get buffer faster?” Seishiro asks. “Damn, I gotta try that out!”

“Seishiro, why are you here?” Hikaru asks. “Sorry, that sounded kinda rude... no, wait, it was the appropriate amount of rude.”

“I thought it would be fun to tag along!” Seishiro replies. “Me, my bro, and our girls... plus, I get to meet cutiebu-Satomi's folks!”

“Ah, so you admit you two are a thing now?” Hikaru raises her eyebrow. “It's about time. She's far too good for you, y'know.”

“Hikaru, I wouldn't say that I'm all that-”

“No, you are,” Hikaru re-assures her. “You really, really are.”

As Akio and Hikaru move on, Seishiro pauses for a moment. Satomi turns back to face him. “Something wrong? Are you ill?”

“Hey, cutiebutt... I wanna tell you something,” Seishiro explains. “Something that's been on my mind.”

“Oh?” Satomi ponders. “What's that?”

Seishiro lets out a sigh. “Since Christmas, I've had all these thoughts running through my head... feelings about things... feelings about people... and trying to work out what feelings were real and which weren't and... well, all of them were real. I feel things about... well, a couple people. But one of them is definitely you... the stuff I feel for you? That's real, I know that. I can't put my finger on it, but when I'm with you... I'm happy. And because of that... I wanna say sorry.”

“Sorry for what?”

Seishiro's eyes dart to the ground in shame. “I've not been a good guy to at all. I was so caught up in you being a nerd and some other feelings that... I acted ashamed to be with you. And I wasn't... I'm proud to be with you. If anything... you should have been ashamed to be with me.”

“I'm not ashamed of you,” Satomi points out in a matter-of-fact tone. “I wouldn't be with a man who I was ashamed of!”

“Oh... really?” Seishiro asks.

Satomi nods. “Yes... I can't pinpoint it myself, but I smile a lot more when I'm around you... and yet you never comment on my smile. Most find it creepy.”

“I like your smile!” Seishiro replies. “It's not perfect. Reminds me that you're real... I like being reminded of that.”

The two share a long pause together, before Seishiro reaches out his hand and holds Satomi's, as the two move to catch up with their friends.

“Hm... do you want to hear something amusing?” Satomi smiles, as she hugs into Seishiro's arm. “Before he began dating Hikaru, I had quite the crush on Akio! Can you imagine?”

“... Yeah, I can.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Miss Arisato, we've arrived.”

Rei opens her eyes as the train pulls up at the station. Isamu is sitting next to her, his arm wrapped over her shoulder with a warm and loving smile on his face.

“Huh? I fell asleep?” Rei asks, rubbing her eyes.

“Indeed you did!” Isamu exclaims. “I considered waking you, but you looked simply divine! Like the sleeping Ariadne!”

“I don't know if that's a good thing or not,” Rei replies. “But I'll take it as a compliment.”

The two share a brief kiss in their chairs, before being interrupted by a cough from Akira.

“Sorry,” Rei replies. “Public displays of affection aren't my style usually.”

“I'll forgive it,” Akira nods. “I was just wondering what I should do regarding my prosthetic? When I last met your family... I still had my arm. Would it scare the children for me to go without? But if I do... would the advanced prosthetic seem strange?”

“The younger Iori's would marvel at a tale regarding your new metallic limb!”

“It was a horrible, traumatising and painful experience that I'll feel for the rest of my life,” Akira mutters.

“A horrible experience that would make for a thrilling story!” Isamu points out, always looking on the bright side of things.

“I say wear it,” Rei suggests. “You seem very happy with that prothetic, and I don't see why you should take it off.”

“Yes, Akemi did work very hard on this...” Akira looks down at her new arm. “Though I'm still not accustomed to all of the functions... I'm worried about hurting myself or others. This arm is loaded with turrets, cannons, a candy dispenser... hmm, what is this button?”

Akira hits a small button near the elbow of her prosthetic, leading to a high pitched beeping sound. “That... started a countdown timer...” Akira's eyes widen, as she presses the button again to de-activate it. “Not pressing that one again.”

The trio step off of the train with anticipation, as Rei checks the time on her phone. “You said they'd be meeting us at the station about now, right?” Rei points out. “Well, I don't see your family around any-”

“Princess?”

A child's voice rings out among all the other sounds in the train station. Between the chatter and the screeching and the rumbling, a single child's voice is picked up clearly by Rei. She turns her head around, as in the distance she comes running... and in a moment of pure instinct, Rei runs to her as well, her face twisted into a grin of pure unbridled joy.

“Princess!” Kin yells out, waddling as fast as her little legs can carry her.

“Kin!” Rei calls out in turn, hunkering down in time for the littlest Iori to leap up and cling to her in a tight and loving embrace.

“You kept your promise!” Kin exclaims.

Rei hugs back. “Of course I did, squirt... what, did you think I wouldn't be there for my number one fan? I said I'll always be there, Kin... and I meant that.”

“A-ha!” Marise chuckles as she joins up with her sister. “The Chosen One welcomes you, Rei! Brother, it's been too long!”

“Heh, she's been working on her dramatic voice,” Rei laughs. “I don't know which of these two are even more like you.”

“Hey there... I guess,” Kaii adds as he joins the group, his hands in his pockets trying to look cool.

Rei chuckles. “Hey, did you grow a couple inches since we last meet? You're getting big!”

Kaii blushes, and look down shyly, as Kin crawls on top of Rei's head and plants herself there like a koala to a tree.

Soon, Isamu's parents join the fray, catching up to their children. Nana Iori smiles warmly as Isamu's father walks with the support of a cane.

“Mother, Father!” Isamu exclaims. “Your hero son has returned home with tales of his exploits!”

“That's nice,” Isamu's father nods. “But maybe you can start by introducing your old man to your girlfriend.”

“It's nice to finally meet you,” Rei smiles as she shakes his hand. “I'm Rei Arisato. I'm the girl your son decided was the prettiest.”

“It's about time he made up his mind!” he laughs. “My name is Kota Iori, by the way. Isamu's mother had many nice things to say about you, and the kids just love you. Never thought my boy would land a good one.”

“Well, that's why you shouldn't doubt a hero,” Rei smirks, before turning her head back to Isamu.

“Goliath, your appearance has changed!” Marise exclaims, pointing at Akira.

“Marise, don't be rude!” Nana exclaims. “I'm very sorry, Akira.”

“No, it's okay...” Akira nods. “I... had an accident. Had to replace my arm with... this.”

“That... that is so cool!” Marise squeals.

“Marise!”

“But she's like a superhero!” Marise explains.

As Akira smiles at that comment, Rei turns her attention back to Kin. “So squirt, what do you want to do first?”

“Tea party!”

“Tea... party?” Rei asks. “Uhh... not really what I was thinking of-”

“You're a princess!” Kin exclaims. “Princesses have tea parties!”

Rei shrugs. “Well, I'm a different kind of princess, you know? I'm more into getting muddy and playing sports and stuff.”

“Oh... it can be a muddy tea party!”

Rei pauses in thought for a moment. “... Yeah, I can do that. Now, you might want to cover your eyes, squirt. I'm going to kiss your bro now.”

“Ew!”

“I know, right?”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“No, no! That won't do at all, Gado!”

Sitting in the living room of Kuin's foster parents, Gado has his phone snatched from his hands by Kuin. “Don't you understand?” she explains. “When you're texting a girl you like, it's imperative that you add a loveheart to the message! I cannot stand for my personal bodyguard being so socially inept!”

“I don't think brainiac's gonna care if I add a love-heart to my message,” Gado replies.

Kuin smirks and snaps her fingers. “Yes, but this message was composed for Amaya!”

“It was?” Gado replies. “Damn, it was a long train ride here. I'm starting to lose track of... wait, she won't like that either!”

“Too late!” Kuin replies. “And... sent!”

“Dammit...” Gado mutters.

“So Gado, how was this semester for you?” Kuin's foster mother asks, adjusting her glasses.

“It was great,” Gado replies. “Had a lot of fun, got close with a few girls, and Kuin here... well, she's been a blast to spend time with.”

“That's great to hear!” she replies. “Would you like a re-fill on tea?”

“Nah, I've had enough,” Gado replies politely despite his gruff voice.

“Well, how about some cake?”

“Hmm... can't turn that down,” Gado smiles.

As Kuin's foster mother stands up and makes her way out of the room, Gado turns to Kuin yet again. “Thanks.”

“Never doubt your glorious dictator!” Kuin replies. “I always make sure that my loyal subjects have a roof over their heads!”

“Not just this...” Gado replies. “I meant thanks in general... you've really taken good care of me this last semester, kid.”

“I took care of you?” Kuin asks.

“Yeah... you did,” Gado replies. “After... all I've been through, to have someone like you in my life... it keeps me going. I want you to know that.”

“Oh...” Kuin mutters. “Well... um... you're welcome? I must say, you've been a fine bodyguard for me!”

“I'm not just your bodyguard,” Gado replies. “You're my friend. My best friend... you're like a little sister to me.”

Without a word, Kuin shuffles towards Gado, and hugs into him. “Thank you Gado... you're my loyalest subject. And my best friend... I love you.”

“Love you too,” Gado replies, ruffling her hair.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Heh, that might have been the easiest guardian yet!”

As Taka and Yasutake share a high-five, Maro simply wipes the black blood from his jacket, a non-chalant look on his face.

“To our glorious leader!” Yasutake exclaims, raising his sword high. “Under your bold regime, we finished off an incursion in... what, two minutes? And now we have plenty of time to spare for a New Year's party! Hey Maro, where 'ya heading?”

“Go on ahead,” Maro replies. “I'll join you all later. Something I need to take care of, first.”

As the others make their way back towards the dorms, Maro heads outside, to a certain patch of land... the Class 3 graveyard.

Placing his rifle down by the headstones, he removes his hat and stares at the graves with a sigh. “Happy New Year...” he mutters. “To you Jurobei, to Aiko, to Chouko, to Hitoshi... to Yamato... to Nina...”

Maro pauses. “This next semester will be our last before graduation... and we still stand. Six of us still stand... and we stand for all of you. We fight for your memories, so that your lives weren't in vain. I only hope... that you can be proud of us.”

“I'm sure they were,” a voice from behind Maro speaks.

“Sayeka...” he mutters. “What brings you here?”

“Paying respect for the dead,” she explains. “I... wasn't ready to face my family in my condition. Chihiro offered for me to join her at her father's mansion, but I refused. I wanted some time to be alone.”

“Alone? Or lonely?” Maro asks. Sayeka doesn't answer. “Self-pity will get you nowhere. Your accident... it isn't the end of you. With or without sight, you have so much to give.”

Sayeka sighs. “My powers are more complicated than that... it's hard to tell if I'm helping or hindering with them.”

Maro pauses in thought, before asking a question. “Hey... what does the future hold for us. For Class 3?”

“Do you honestly want to know?” Sayeka asks.

“Yes. I do.”

Sayeka shakes her head. “You all die. But you also all live. That's the interesting part of the future, Maro. It's not set in stone... so many branching paths. It's one of the few things I take comfort in... and you should too.”

Sayeka drops some flowers by the nearest grave before wandering off, but it isn't long before Maro is joined yet again.

“There you are, handsome...” Lilo smiles. “I should have figured you'd b here...”

“I told you to start the party without me,” Maro mutters.

Lilo laughs. “There is no party without you! We can't start without our leader!”

“I'm not the leader,” Maro replies. “Yamato was.”

Lilo shakes her head as she takes Maro hand in comfort. “No... you are.”

The two stare at the graves in silence before Lilo pipes up. “You know... I realised something a while back.”

“And what's that?”

“There's no graveyards for any of the previous classes,” Lilo points out.

“Yes... we've lost so many...”

“That's not what I meant,” Lilo clarifies. “Yamato made it a rule... even when they die, we keep the body, and we give a proper funeral. We did this for all of them... even Yamato himself. You know what that tells you?”

Maro shakes his head.

“It means we care,” Lilo replies. “It means that we're much more than just a class... we're a family. And that really makes me feel good.”

“Hmm... I like that thought as well,” Maro agrees.

“So... when we graduate...” Lilo mutters. “Do you want to get a house together?”

“... Maybe, Lilo. Maybe.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The ticking of the clock moves ever so slowly as Risa sits in her chair, counting the minutes pass by in dead silence. Well, silence apart from the screeching of her fathers spoon stirring his tea into his china cup. He gives two light taps to the side of the cup before taking a sip without a hint of satisfaction.

“I take it that school is treating you well?” he asks.

“Yes.”

“Good,” Her General father replies. “Tell me if the school is not to your liking.”

“I will.”

Her father nods, before standing from the table. “I have a meeting in five minutes. Put on the tv, if you must.”

“Dad...”

“Yes, darling?”

“... Nothing. Never mind.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Ah, you brought friends!”

Akemi's father, a cheerful rotund man smiles as he welcomes Raiden and Akuro at the door.

“Yep!” Akemi gives a thumbs-up. “They didn't have anywhere else to go, so I said they should stay here on New Years! Then Raiden said he didn't think it was a good idea, and then I told him it'll be fine, and then he said-”

“Maybe you should introduce me to your friends first,” her dad chuckles. “I'm Riki, Akemi's father. And you are?”

“This is Akuro, and this is Raiden!” Akemi exclaims.

“Well, it's a pleasure to meet the both of-GAH!” Riki exclaims as Raiden lowers his hood. “O-oh geez, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to react like that! It's just... surprising.”

“It's okay...” Raiden mutters. “I can understand being disgusted by my scars and burns.”

“H-how did that happen, if you don't mind me asking?” Riki asks.

“He does,” Akuro replies.

Riki nods in understanding, before Akemi hands him a cardboard box. “Is this what I think it is-”

“New Years fireworks!” Akemi exclaims. “It's gonna be great!”

“Okay, let's just try not to see the neighbours' bush on fire this year,” Riki smiles and laughs. “Come on inside!”

“Oh boy, what's in the fridge?” Akemi asks as she barrels inside the nice small house. Akuro follows close behind as Raiden is guided into the living room. There, he looks around at the surroundings... as peaceful and as pleasant looking as he could have expected. And her father seems nice too... exactly the kind of upbringing that breeds a positive person like Akemi.

Raiden notices a framed photo on a cabinet. A younger Akemi, her head being pat by a woman... a tall brown-haired woman with a striking resemblance to her... her mother, most likely.

“So... what are your intentions with my daughter?” Riki asks, causing Raiden to look back at him in confusion.

A fearful Riki takes a step back and waves his arms. “Sorry... bad joke. I'm sure you're just good friends.”

“This is Akemi's mother, I take it?”

“Yes...” Riki replies solemnly. “We, uhh... we lost her a few years back.”

“Lost her...” Raiden mutters, staring at the photo. “Akemi lost someone too...”

“Did you not know?” Riki asks.

“She never mentioned it,” Raiden replies. “I... I'm sorry for your loss.”

“I guess Akemi never did like to talk about sad topics...” Riki replies. “She always looks at the bright side, the silver linings...”

“That she does,” Raiden mutters.

“Don't take offence, I'm sure she would have told you when she was ready.”

“I know...” Raiden nods. “I hope she will be ready one day... so, you asked what my intention were with your daughter?”

“Well, it was really more of a joke, you don't have to answer-”

“Because I would like your permission to date her,” Raiden explains.

Riki chuckles and scratches the back of his head. “Wow... you really don't mince words... well, I can't give you permission right away. But you seem nice... I'm sure you'll earn it by the end of the night.”

Raiden shakes his head. “No sir... it would take a lot more to earn someone like Akemi...”

Riki chuckles. “Well, you're gaining point pretty quick! Do you know how to play chess?”

“I'm sorry sir?”

“Let's play a game!” Riki replies. “Come on, son!”

“Son...” Raiden mutters, as he joins Akemi's father for a game.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“You've gotten taller, Hoshi.”

“I... I have?” Hoshi asks, unsure as she holds her hand over her head. “I-I don't... f-feel taller...”

“No, he's right,” Hoshi's brother agrees with their father's comment. Yoru Sanada examining his little sister's height. “You've definitely grown, and... doesn't she seem more confident?”

“I-I do?” Hoshi mumbles.

Her father laughs. “Yes, it seems that school really is becoming a great influence on you. I would owe that to the academy's... other purpose.”

“W-wait...” Hoshi mutters. “You mean you know about-”

“A secret military training school!” her father exclaims. “A fine institute, teaching you valuable skills that will serve you well. Of course, I don't expect you to go to war, Hoshi, but the strength and experience you gain from that kind of academy is invaluable.”

“R-right...”

“Of course, if it ever proves to much for you,” her father explains. “I won't think less of you if you decide to give up. We're not all cut out for success... but if you aren't just remember that you'll still be daddy's little princess.”

“Thank you...”

“You're growing up, Hoshi...” Yoru explains. “Actually, on that subject... we've been compiling a list of suitable suitors for you.”

“S-suitors?!” Hoshi gasps.

“Yes,” her father nods. “It's about time we start looking into your future marriage partners. Someone successful, someone with drive, someone-”

“Hoshi!” a voice cuts through, forcing Hoshi to turn around to see Reiji rushing towards her.

“R-Reiji?”

“Oh, your friend,” Yoru Sanada. “I thought you said he wasn't coming.”

“I changed my mind,” Reiji replied. “I finished my studies early so that... so that I could spend today with you.”

“I'm sorry,” Yoru shakes his head. “Boy, do you have any idea where you are right now?”

“Kingudoro,” Reiji replies.

“No, more specific.”

“The Shooting Star Inc. Headquarters.”

“More specific.”

“The 100th floor?” Reiji replies.

“Exactly,” Yoru replies. “How did you get here? You're not authorised at all.”

“My phone ran out and I couldn't ring Hoshi,” Reiji explains. “And so I sneaked past your security.”

“You... what?” Yoru gasps. “How?”

Hoshi's father chuckles. “Sounds like a boy with drive.”

He approaches Reiji. “Boy, take my daughter out tonight. Go see a movie, or whatever else you find pleasant.”

“Is... is that an order, sir?” Reiji asks.

Hoshi's father laughs. “You say that like you don't want to. Enjoy yourselves.”

“W-w-what?” Hoshi mutters, before looking over to Reiji, who simply shrugs.

“I... wasn't expecting that...” Reiji explains. “Sorry about that... uhh, do you want to see a movie, or...?”

Hoshi pauses. “Umm... there's a horror movie being screened not far from here...”

Reiji smiles, as he takes Hoshi's hand. “Let's go then.”

“Reiji...” Hoshi mumbles. “I'm really glad you came.”

“Me too.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Son, are you in there?”

Kosuke's father knocks on the door of his son's bedroom, trying as hard as he can to ignore the explicit sounds from within. The creaking, the moaning... the excessive swearing. “We would really appreciate it if you and Rini weren't to busy to join us for dinner.”

The door creaks open, as the head of a familiar face to Kosuke's father pokes out. “He said they'll be  down in about five minutes and that he's sorry for all the noise, sir...” Rui explains with a smile.

“Rui... why are you in here?” Kosuke's father asks.

“Uhh... w-well, I... that is to say, I...”

“That's enough questions!” Rini's voice calls out from inside. “Now close the door and get back over here, Rui!”

“Please don't fire me,” Rui mutters.

“Sorry pop!” Kosuke's voice calls out. “We'll be back down soon!”

They better at least clean up first... Kosuke's father lets out a sigh as he closes the door tight. “My son and his wife... they're deviants!”

And yet... Kosuke's father can't help but smile. To know that his son is happy... it's a fine feeling. The finest in the world.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So Akio...” Hikaru's father mutters. “I suppose you're here to ask for permission to court my daughter yet again?”

“Actually...” Akio smirks. “I'm actually here to tell you that I've been courting your daughter for a while now.”

A long silence befalls the room after that little comment.

“Damn... should have figured you'd jump right into it...” Hikaru mutters.

“Well...” the father again speaks. “Let me ask you something, Akio. The last time you were here, you said that you needed to prove that you were a good enough man for my daughter.”

“Oh yeah, I did say that...” Akio mutters.

“Well, tell me... have you proven yourself? Do you think you're worthy of courting my daughter?”

“W-well...” Akio mumbles, his usual golden confidence shaken. That question hit where it hurt... reminding him of his crappy treatment of Hikaru of the last couple months. “You... you see, sir...”

“He did,” Hikaru replies. “He's proven himself a million times over. Dad, I know you prefer it when the boy's ask your permission first... but Akio's special. You trust me to make the right decisions in life, right?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then believe me when I tell you... I love Akio,” Hikaru replies. “With all my heart, dad. So... like it or not, this is your future son-in-law. Get used to it.”

“Yeah... that,” Akio replies. “That's what I was gonna say.”

Hikaru's father pauses, before staring at Akio with daggers in his eyes. “I trust my baby girl. Treat her right, or I will end you.”

“Deal,” Akio nods. “Trust me, I can more than live with that.”

As Hikaru's father stands up and moves to the next room, Akio turns to Hikaru and smirks.

“What?” Hikaru giggles as he stares at her. “Surprise, surprise, I actually like you! Don't pop your ego!”

“I love you, Hikaru.”

Hikaru gives a small smile upon hearing that. “Love you too, Akio.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So, what's her name?”

“Huh?” Roka raises an eyebrow, looking up at his uncle Shuncho.

“Come on, I know that face on anyone,” Shuncho replies. “It's coming down to the New Years countdown, and there's a girl your wish you were with right now. What's her name?”

“Kiriko.”

“And this Kiriko... she your girlfriend?” Shuncho asks.

Roka pauses. “No... she ain't my girlfriend.”

“That's a shame,” Shuncho replies, sitting down next to his nephew, patting him on the shoulder. “Is she cute?”

“Yeah...” Roka replies. “I like her a lot.”

“Well, you're a good kid,” Shuncho replies. “I'm sure you can get her if you try. I asked your aunt out about seven times before she finally said yes!”

“Thanks...”

Roka joins his parents in the living room, as the New Years countdown comes to a close.

3...




2...





1...

Roka closes his eyes, and dreams of the fly being with him. He pictures the softness of her lips, the smile on her face, the argument they'd probably have after. A good time.

Completely unlike what follows the countdown.

"Hello Japan. You don't know me... but very soon, you will. The destruction of Raibaru was my doing. This is not a warning shot. This is not a threat. It is simply a display. A demo. You cannot fight me, and I will not take a surrender for an answer. I just felt it appropriate to introduce myself to this world. I have been waiting for this moment, lurking behind the shadows, picking my time... to take control. Every night from now until the next solar-lunar eclipse... five days from now for those that don't know, I will leave a new message for you all. Oh, and those of you in the major cities... say, for instance, Kingudoro? Good luck getting out! If you look outside, you'll see that you've been domed in!"

“... What the hell was that?” Roka's mother asks, as Roka himself stand in shock. Tsuki. He was there. On the television... but why?

“Raibaru was destroyed?” His dad asks. “And that video... was that some sort of prank? It didn't actually happen, right?”

“Sounds like a plot right out of one of the old Red Mask cartoons,” Shuncho replies. “Isn't that right, Roka?”

“Kingudoro...” Roka mutters. “Fly... no...”

“Something wrong?”

Roka shakes his head, and clenches his fist. “Sorry, I gotta take off... important business. I... look, I can't explain, okay? Just... Goodbye.”

“Roka, what are you talking about?”

“I have to save someone,” he explains. “It was nice seeing you all!”

“What are you doing?” Shuncho asks.

“Remember the Red Mask?” Roka asks.

“Uhh... yeah,” Shuncho replies. “I played him!”

“Well... that. That's what I'm doing.”

With that, Roka rushes out of the room... only to come back shortly thereafter. “Oh, and uncle Shuncho?”

“Yeah, Roka?”

“Thanks for the new suit. Best gift ever.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An odd feeling. One moment, you were sitting on the couch, your arms wrapped around Saki as the two of you partake in a passionate New Years kiss, as you whisper your love for her into her ear immediately afterwards... then the next moment, everything changes. A harrowing news report. A frightening message on the television. A feeling of overwhelming dread. The panic. Rushing from the house.

“Ryoji, don't act brashly!” Saki calls out after you. “We have to think of a plan for this first!”

“Dammit... can't we enjoy any nice moment without the world coming to an end?” you mutter.

“Our parents are very confused,” Nina explains. “An entire city gone... they're freaking out. Maybe we should try calming them down first.”

“I can't believe he would act now...” Saki mutters. “And in such a big way... why? What's his purpose? To call attention to himself?”

“He's a failed god in his own world so wants to be a big fish in a smaller pond?”

“More like god of a puddle,” Stranger remarks.

“Okay, we need to get in touch with the others...” Saki explains. “I'm sure Tsuki knew that we'd be separated at this time... we can regroup, and help those of us in Kingudoro, try to help them escape from that dome he mentioned...”

“Hey, Sak?” you ask, as you look up to the sky. “Is this place what you'd call a major city?”

“You mean this small fishing village?” Saki replies. “No, not at all.”

“Huh,” you mutter. “Then why the hell are we domed in too?”

THE END