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Twitter: https://twitter.com/bookerman32
Discord: https://discord.gg/yz7sDra
Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Dark%20Gate%20Academy
Character Pastebin: http://pastebin.com/s9JM8xxW
Quest Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K42ED-7PWAo

Far off, nestled in an otherwise small Japanese town lies the Dark Gate Academy. An institution of tremendous size, the Academy holds a long kept secret. Unknown to the outside world, this unseemly town is home to a tear in our reality. A gate between our world and a bizarre dimension known as the Darkworld. The inhabitants of this hellish world breach this gate and attempt to flood into our reality and spread throughout the world on a regular basis. However, the Dark Gate Academy is home to students of truly extraordinary abilities. The ability to sense the presence of these evil Darkworld creatures, and defeat them in combat, sending them back through the gate.

They cannot close the rift between our world and the Darkworld, but the students and staff of Dark Gate Academy have dedicated their lives to using their amazing powers to hold back the darkness that plagues our world, even if it costs them their lives. They have risen up to the challenge and in secret have become great heroic defenders of the world as we know it.

For many years, Dark Gate Academy has held back the forces of the Darkworld, kept this unspeakable evil contained within their walls in secret. But now, with their existence revealed, a great cloud of change looms over Dark Gate Academy.

>Previously on Dark Gate Academy...
Tori Taguchi made his first great step towards conquering the academy.
>>
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>Many years ago

“There he is, hold him to the light…”

Tori often dreamed of the day of his birth. He could never be certain… were these memories? Or an idealized image concocted in his mind? There was certainly little chance he could remember the earliest moments of his life, and yet the image was so vivid. He could see his older brother, peering down from his position on the side of the bed, the masked feminine figure who loomed over him and spoke with an authority that straightens his back to this day… and the arms he was ripped from.

“There is is… the mark.”

Tori knew he was different. They would not let him forget. His destiny was set in stone from the moment of his birth, each step he took since his first was on the golden path towards Avidya.

His brother never understood, and he could feel that resentment. Sister often told him not to worry about Settan, that all would be understood and forgiven in the next world. But it was not the disdain in his older brother’s eyes that bothered Tori. It was the fear.

“What am I?” he would often ask.

“You are The Herald,” Sister would reply.

“And what is that?”

“The one who will signal the rebirth of Albion, and lead us all into Avidya.”

“And… what is Avidya?”

His curiosity was deep, but Sister was patient. Every time, she would answer in a calm, composed manner.

There were not many days Tori could bear to remember Sister, but her face was impeded in his thoughts on this morning.

“Are you ready, dear?” Kaori asks him, as she affixes robe.

Tori looks at her with soft eyes. “I truly do love you, dear.”

Kaori pauses. “Oh… I have not earned your adoration.”

Tori runs his hands through her hair. “Today is the day we’ve waited for. Avidya awaits.”

Tori thoughts move from the past, to the future.

What will he say to Sister once he meets her again?
>>
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>Saki

“No…”

You continue to stare at the phone in your hand. Yuki…

Her contact is right there. Your future… no, that’s not right. The woman who was meant to be your mother-in-law.

That family you found for yourself… it’s gone now, isn’t it?

You can’t tell her. Not until your task here is done.

You most certainly can’t break that news over the phone.

A knock on your door. You’ve had several visitors in the last while, but you’ve chosen not to handle any unrelated to plans. You can’t think about anything else right now… your thoughts need to remain on defending the school…

“Enter,” you blurt out on instinct.

The door creaks open, as Nurse Tekina hesitantly pokes her head into your room. You stand, adjusting yourself, and give a nod. “Good day, Tekina-sensei. Are the preparations complete?”

“Satomi and I have the medical station at the ready,” Tekina explains. “But… this isn’t about that.”

“Tekina-sensei?” you raise an eyebrow.

She approaches, a sorrowful expression on her face. “This isn’t from Tekina-sensei,” she remarks. “This… is from Unagi Tekina.”

Her first name… you’d never heard it before. It was always a mystery among the class.

Unagi takes to her knees, and bows deep before you. “What is this about?” you ask.

“I’m sorry…” Unagi mutters, her voice cracking. “Saki, I’m so sorry…”

“For what?”

“I kept him here…” she explains. “I… I wanted him to stay as a case study. Your grandfather wanted him to be sent away due to his condition, but…”

Unagi begins sobbing. “If I hadn’t kept him here, he wouldn’t have…”

“Sensei, stand.”

Unagi pokes her head up, confused. Slowly, she rises, as you place a hand on her arm. “If you didn’t keep him here, we never would have made it this far. You have nothing to apologize for. In fact…”

You hang your head low. You can’t think about it, you can’t… “Thank you, Sensei. For giving me this time in my life… however brief.”

“Saki…” Unagi sobs. “You poor little thing…”

You would have protested the hug, but Tekina is too quick. She holds you tight, squeezing you close to her. “I… I’ll man the medical station. How much longer do we have?”

“They’ll be arriving in a matter of hours,” you reply. “The defenses are raised… but the village.”

The school has always been prepared for attacks from the outside, but the village of Dakugeto… innocent people, with no mind for this war between worlds… will Tori turn them into another casualty?
>>
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You step outside of your room. Everything has been so hectic. Hoshi has not even been made aware of Ryoji’s fate… you fear the news would cause her to lose connection to the younger class. You could use those extra hands… perhaps they’ll be drawn back before The Order arrive.

You step outside the dorm, and are quickly greeted by a bottle of water.

“Drink up,” Rei replies.

You hesitantly accept the bottle. “Thanks…”

“I considered a can of coffee,” she explains. “But I figured you needed calmed nerves more than you did the caffeine.”

“You’d be right,” you admit. “I can’t afford to lose my focus.”

Rei shakes her head. “You and Tajiri are the same… Akio and I can lead the frontline, but neither of us are strategists.”

She’s choosing to keep it all business, then? She hasn’t mentioned what happened once… you shouldn’t be surprised. Rei and yourself don’t have the friendliest of relationships… and she’s the sort to always look ahead.

“You always push forward, don’t you?” you point out. “Running forward, never being held back by the past… I envy that.”

Rei shoots you a glare. “No you don’t. You don’t envy me, Kobashi.”
>>
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“I do…” you reply. “Ahem… how is everyone’s status?”

“Determined,” Rei notes. “Maybe a little too determined. Most have good reason to want to tear Taguchi limb from limb… but I guess that’s the goal, huh? We need to kill him… what, a hundred times?”

“What’s your suggestion?” you ask. “We need someone up front, don’t we?”

Rei smirks. “I figured that would be you, Kobashi.”

“There’s an issue,” you reply. “This isn’t an offensive mission. Whoever’s up front should be able to handle Taguchi, but… this is primarily a defensive endeavor. Not just of the academy…”

“The village is in trouble too…” Rei agrees. “I guess… you wouldn’t keep your focus if you met that guy face to face, right?”

You silently nod.

Rei places her hands behind her head, looking up at the morning sky. “Okay… if you or Ken are going to strategize on the backline, and Class 3 are still recovering… here’s my suggestions. Akio or I can easily lead, we’ve done it before. If I’m being perfectly honest, he might be a better option for the controlled assault. Other than us, Isamu has the angel form with the best offensive capabilities… but it’s not exactly reliable on command. Same with Tajiri’s. Raiden’s also a possible choice, he’s got a one-track mind on killing demons. Hell, he’s already got a kill on Taguchi to his name.”

“The rest will be focused on clearing the area and keeping the village safe,” you note.

Rei nods. “So, who’s leading the charge, Kobashi?”

>You’re in charge, Rei. You’re the best fighter among us.
>Akio already vowed to take out Taguchi. I trust him to do it.
>If Isamu can unlock his Golden Champion at the right time, he’s our best bet against that Archdemon.
>Ken can take the frontline. I think he’ll be able to focus when the time calls for it.
>Raiden knows what he’s doing. Place him up front.
>>
>>5114533
>>You’re in charge, Rei. You’re the best fighter among us.
>>
>>5114533
>>You’re in charge, Rei. You’re the best fighter among us.
Aaaaaa
>>
>>5114533
>You’re in charge, Rei. You’re the best fighter among us
>>
>>5114533
>Akio already vowed to take out Taguchi. I trust him to do it.
He's got a solo Archdemon kill to his name.
>>
>>5114533
>Akio already vowed to take out Taguchi. I trust him to do it.
>>
Calling for
>You’re in charge, Rei. You’re the best fighter among us.

Writing now.
>>
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>You’re in charge, Rei. You’re the best fighter among us.

Rei crosses her arms. "Is that so?"

"Is that really so surprising to you?" you ask.

"No," Rei shakes her head. "It's just..."

You and Rei's conversation is quickly interrupted by Hiro rushing up towards the two of you. "Guys, guys!" he exclaims, a panicked tone in his voice.

"Calm down, what's wrong?" you ask.

Hiro takes a deep breath. "We have a problem. You know what day it is, right?"

"Tori arrives..." you mutter.

Hiro shakes his head. "No... well, yes. But what day of the week it is."

"Saturday?"

Hiro nods. "And what else happens every Saturday?"

You look to Hiro with confusion. Every Saturday? What happens on...

Oh.

"... Darnit," you mutter.

"What?" Rei raises an eyebrow.

"Konami."

Those protests, that high school girl and the groups around her... outside the gates, every Saturday.

You rush to the gates, where the crowd is gathered, Konami standing at the head with her megaphone as usual.
>>
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Akio and Hikaru are already present, as Konami yells at the gates.

"Time and time again, this academy have refused to be transparent in their methods!" Konami honestly protests. "Not only do they make use of the labour of mere children, but we are in turn expected to trust this institution with our lives? Yet they surround themselves in secrecy!"

"They're hiding something!" Michiko, Akio's ex-girlfriend chimes in. "The other day, I was able to snap photos of a convicted murderer, Kenshiro Tajiri, entering the school shortly after his disappearance from prison! Are the unlawful the secret first line of human shields thrown at the demons?"

"Shit..." Akio mutters. "Hey! All of you! You need to get out of here!"

Konami stamps her foot. "No! We will not be silenced!"

"I don't care about that!" Akio exclaims. "You're all in danger!"

Konami gasps. "Are you threatening us?"

You sigh. You better handle this, Akio isn't the sort to be diplomatic. "An attack is coming from an outside force," you calmly explain. "This entire village is an evacuation zone."

"An... attack?" Konami pauses. "Well... the cities have been attacked over the last few months. You'll fight it off, no doubt."

"Yes... but this attack is of a greater force," you explain. "And this village is much more vulnerable."

Konami's eyes widen. She's a passionate one, with a good heart... but she's yet to experience the true horror of the demon threat. The idea clearly terrifies her.

"Wait, why should we evacuate?!" Michiko points a finger to you. "Isn't that school supposed to be a defensive facility. Wouldn't it be safer in there... unless you're trying to hide your dark secrets!"

In the school...?

Hikaru leans in to whisper to you. "We don't know how soon the order will get here," she points out. "And it is a safe day... so maybe holing people up in the school for protection might not be a bad idea."

"They'd still be in the warzone, though..." Hiro notes. "It would be better to evacuate the town altogether..."

"But do we have enough time for that?" Hikaru points out. "And who's to say Taguchi won't ravage all in his path. We send them back the way they came, they could be walking right into his forces..."

>Everyone, through the gate now! You'll be safe inside the academy!
>I beseech you all to leave this village now, before it's too late!
>>
>>5114659
>>Everyone, through the gate now! You'll be safe inside the academy!
It's time for the big scoop
>>
>>5114659
>Everyone, through the gate now! You'll be safe inside the academy!

Because this isn't a terrible idea
>>
>>5114659
>I beseech you all to leave this village now, before it's too late!
If they leave then we only need to focus on our own forces.
>>
>>5114659
>I beseech you all to leave this village now, before it's too late!

>Listening to Michiko after the Akio thread
Into the meat grinder you go
>>
>>5114659
>Everyone, through the gate now! You'll be safe inside the academy!
>>
>>5114659
>>Everyone, through the gate now! You'll be safe inside the academy
>>
Calling for
>Everyone, through the gate now! You'll be safe inside the academy!

Writing now.
>>
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>Everyone, through the gate now! You'll be safe inside the academy!

"Says who?" Michiko asks. "How do we know this isn't just a-"

"What?" Konami raises an eyebrow of confusion. "Didn't you JUST argue that we should shelter inside?"

"Oh, well..." Michiko mumbles. "I reconsidered and, ah... good point."

You have no idea precisely when Tori will turn up, so you have to act fast. Akihito, Agent White and Agent Green lead the charge in evacuating the small village and creating a shelter within the academy. Tori will tear through the village itself to reach you... the walls of the Dakugeto Institute is your last line of defence in this battle.

The gymnasium works as a makeshift shelter for the village-people, and you take your time surveying the familiar faces for any clear absences. As you do, you note Chihiro helping her frail grandmother to a chair.

"Try not to strain yourself," Chihiro warns her. "You're barely out of the hospital."

"Thank you," her grandmother mutters. "You're so helpful, dearie. Who taught you that? Surely not my good for nothing son."

Chihiro lets out a small giggle, before her grandmother looks around the hall. Her eyes convey a deep longing, a sadness, a nostalgia for something not quite felt. "I've never been beyond that old iron gate..." she admits. "My sister went to this school, you know."

"I know," Chihiro smiles.

"She looked a bit like you," she remarks. "My, you'd have loved your auntie Alice..."

Chihiro gives a wry smile, as her grandmother's face turns cold.

"My other grandchild went here too..." she notes. "Your cousin, Sho."

"I know," Chihiro replies. "He was in my class but... I barely knew him."

"He's gone now," her grandmother replies. "Just as my sister."

Chihiro pauses. "I'm sorry, grandmother..."

"People go, dearie..." she reminds Chihiro. "Some before their time, but... we all go. That's what unites us all, in the end. My sister is still here. He laugh still lines these halls as a memory, her hand is still on my back, keeping me upright."

You turn away from the conversation. But her words stick in your mind.

You feel Ryoji's hand on your back. You turn around, but see nothing.

Soon, your grandfather approaches, his family shield in his hand. As he reaches you, he places it out, presenting it to you.

"For you, Saki..." Wei remarks.

"What?" you mutter. "But that's..."

Wei looks up. "I'm still not able to fight at my full strength, and this is a matter of defence. I granted you a copy of the family shield last Christmas, but just for this fight... I believe you're ready to hold the original, the Kobashi Dragon displayed proudly against the enemy."

>Thank you... I will hold it with pride.
>It's okay... this here is my shield. It's not my time to wield yours.
>>
>>5114800
>>Thank you... I will hold it with pride
Gosh I dunno which I want
>>
>>5114800
>>Thank you... I will hold it with pride
This is certainly the time to wield it.
>>
>>5114800
>>Thank you... I will hold it with pride.
>inb4 it breaks
>>
>>5114800
>It's okay... this here is my shield. It's not my time to wield yours.
Wei can put away his death flag, Tori has to finish the Class 3 purge
>>
>>5114800
>Thank you... I will hold it with pride.
>>
>>5114800
>It's okay... this here is my shield. It's not my time to wield yours.
Wei trying to trick Saki into keeping the Kobashi name
Plz Yuki will adopt Saki as her own daughter regardless of Ryoji being dead or not
>>
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Calling for
>Thank you... I will hold it with pride.

Will continue things from tomorrow evening, around 5pm GMT!
>>
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>Thank you… I will hold it with pride.

“I expect no less,” Wei replies. “I know you’ll do me proud, as a true Kobashi.”

“Shida,” you instinctively reply.

Wei pauses. “Saki…”

You shake your head, and stagger away. Wei considers stepping forward, but stays put, moving to attend to other matters.

You hold the shield he handed you close.

Why did you say that? Why did you throw the family name aside?

You’re not a Shida.

They took you in, but… there was a condition there.

That could have been your family once, but that has passed. They never will be again.

“I’m sorry.”

A voice behind you speaks. You turn to see Raiden, his head hanging low as he examines his gun.

“What?” you ask.

“I could have stopped it that day…” Raiden remarks. “I was overconfident.”

You shake your head. “Raiden, it wasn’t your fault.”

Raiden pauses. “Ryoji… had faith in me. Despite all I had done to him, he stood by me. That debt passes on to you, Kobashi.”

“You don’t owe me anything,” you reply.

“I know,” he responds. “But I want to make all right.”

With that, he calmly walks away. He’s trying to keep a cool head… but that’s difficult for all of you. You haven’t been swept away in your emotions… but the act of repressing it is taking it’s toll. You keep losing focus.

But you have to keep stoic, for now. Emotions will come later. When you have time for a memorial… when you finally speak to Yuki…

You spot Nanami. She’s not in her usual outfit, she’s not geared up at all. Her hair Is frazzled, her eyes sunken. The moment she locks eyes with you, the tears come on once again.

You lean down, placing a hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay.”

“No it’s not!” Nanami blubbers. “We… we didn’t even get to say goodbye! He’s just gone! He’s just…”

The rest of her words are unintelligible, drowned out by her sobs. Many keep their heads low upon hearing it, trying to zone it out lest they become just as overwhelmed.

“I know…” you speak with a comforting tone. “But… he wouldn’t want us to stay like this. We have to fight, for his sake.”

“How…” Nanami cries. “How can you keep walking! How are you not crying?! You… you’re so strong, Saki. You’re so strong and I’m not…”

>There’s nothing weak about what you’re doing right now, Nanami. I wish I could do the same.
>I know if I could ask Ryoji, he’d tell me how strong you were.
>If you’re not fit to fight, you can stay here with the civilians. There’s no shame in that, Nanami.
>>
>>5115902
>There’s nothing weak about what you’re doing right now, Nanami. I wish I could do the same.
>>
>>5115902
>There’s nothing weak about what you’re doing right now, Nanami.
>In fact, Can I ask a favour of you? Once we've dealt with Tori, can I borrow your shoulder?
>>
>>5115902
>I know if I could ask Ryoji, he’d tell me how strong you were.
inb4 Nanami thinks Saki thinks she's weak by using past tense
>>
>>5115902
>>There’s nothing weak about what you’re doing right now, Nanami. I wish I could do the same
Just don’t let Akemi see you or she’s going to slap your face.
>>
Calling for
>There’s nothing weak about what you’re doing right now, Nanami. I wish I could do the same.

Writing now.
>>
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>There’s nothing weak about what you’re doing right now, Nanami. I wish I could do the same.

Nanami looks up at you, before wiping a tear from her eye. She sniffles, her nose runny from the crying. "Saki... I'm sorry. I..."

She stands to her feet. "I'm going to fight. I promise."

You give a nod. "I know you are. Thank you, Nanami..."

As she wipes her tears and readies her gear, you speak up. "Maybe, when this is over... we can cry together?"

Nanami looks back at you, and gives a silent, determined nod.

The battle will come soon.

You look out over the hall. The civilians you must protect. The fighters who will stand at your side.

But of course, your thoughts turn back to him.

Ryoji...

What can you all do without him?


>POV: Ryoji

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7_aZTjc9Yw

You sit at the end of the incline, gathering your thoughts, when she approaches.

"I... truly never thought I'd see you again."

You hang your head low. Her voice has been in your head all this time, you've grown used to that voice, but this is the real thing. The Nina in your head... it was always a fake, an afterimage... a delusion.

But for some reason, you find the silence in your skull unbearable.

"Same..." you reply. "The last time I saw you..."

"The last time I saw anything," Nina replies. "In the living world, that is."

"I've heard you plenty," you explain. "Remnants, but... you were there."

"That..." Nina gives a small smile. "I never thought it would work..."

"Huh?"

Nina sits down next to you. "My voice... as I lay there dying, I couldn't express anything to you. I had lost my ability to express my emotions through removing my demon... but the only thing I was concerned with at the time... well, it was you."

You shake your head. "You've been concerned with me too long, you know. Even in death, huh?"

Nina pauses. "So, you remember me now?"

"Not enough," you reply. "But... bits and pieces have come back."

Nina gives a relieved smile. "I had hoped so. In my last moments, all I could think about is how you would continue without me. Without my voice to guide you... that's all I wanted, Ryoji. I wanted you to hear me, to know me, to have one piece of me carry on within you. I focused and I focused, but I didn't think such a thing was possible."

"There was some help in bringing it out," you admit. "My own demon took care of that."

"Your own..." Nina mutters. "I should have known. That's why The Order targeted you, that's why you were different from the others. I could sense some of it within you when we met that day, but... I couldn't be sure, and I certainly couldn't express it."

A silence falls between the two of you, before Nina finally speaks. "I... missed you, Ryoji."

>You shouldn't. It's my damn fault that you're here.
>You've been with me, Nina. Every step of the way.
>I missed you too. Your family misses you.
>>
>>5116009
>I missed you too. Your family misses you.
Nina's dad cried so much when we "met him for the frist time"
Very sad
>>
>>5116009
>You shouldn't. It's my damn fault that you're here.
DICE GODS
>>
>>5116009
>You shouldn't. It's my damn fault that you're here.
Ryoji and Gado are allergic to using guns properly
>>
Calling for
>You shouldn't. It's my damn fault that you're here.

Writing now.
>>
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>You shouldn't. It's my damn fault that you're here.

"Ryoji..."

"Don't try to argue it," you reply. "You know it's true. You died protecting me, there's no way to change that."

Nina pauses. "Saving someone is the most dignified death, isn't it?"

"Before you turn twenty?" you ask. "Face it, you had an entire life ahead of you, but now you don't. I took that from you. Maybe... I don't deserve my own future."

Nina pauses, before standing up. "Ryoji, I suppose you don't remember, but... this is so you."

"What?"

"It's totally what you do," Nina points out, her more natural tone of voice coming through. "I just got middle school flashbacks. Every bad thing that ever happened to me, you'd blame yourself, no matter what, no matter how indirect."

"Because I-"

"Because you're a good person," Nina explains. "And you care a great deal about the people you love. It's... good to see that even if you don't remember, you still care. In those last moments, I didn't need you to remember a damn thing about me. My name, my face, that didn't matter. I only needed to know that you cared..."

"Nina..."

Nina shakes her head. "If I could step out of here, return with you and Maro to the land of the living, and go back to normal life, I would take it. I won't lie to you, Ryoji... of course I'd want that. But it's too late for me... I'm dead. I've come to terms with that."

With a smooth motion, she grabs you by the shirt and forcibly drags you to your feet. It feels... familiar.

"But I'll be damned if I'm going to give up on you," she replies. "You need to live. You have others out there, others who are waiting for you... don't you?"

Of course...

Saki.

You can't leave her alone back there.

Hell, you can't bare to be apart from her. What are you going to do without her pestering you into every good deed? You'd be rudderless, directionless... lonely.

Nina points above you, at a figure in the distance, in the sky of the void. "There... that's your way out."

"Seems there's a guard," you reply.

Nina nods. "Indeed... a guardian spirit of some kind, watching over this purgatory."

"Is this Tori's work?" you ask.

"I don't know," Nina replies. "Based on what Maro told us, this 'Tori' has been operating for some time... but this encompasses far more than the lives he's taken... case in point. Maybe... this isn't some Archdemon spell. Maybe he truly is this herald of the Elder One. Maybe he is god."
>>
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"That guardian is placed there by god, huh?" you reply. "And you expect to get past it?"

"We intend to," Yamato speaks as he approaches the two of you, Maro close behind. "It may not be possible, but... to free you of this place... it's what I owe you. It's... what I owe myself."

You shake your head. "Sorry, I know that's the real you... but hard to trust words from that voice anymore."

"I understand," Yamato replies. "I can barely trust myself anymore. This purgatory... it's my deserved punishment."

"Yet you're going out of your way to help me..." you mutter, before looking to Nina. "Nina... I've caused you a hell of a lot of trouble, haven't I?"

"I didn't mind."

You sigh. "I couldn't even remember you as you were dying. Dammit, if that demon inside me hadn't..."

"You wouldn't have remembered me anyway," Nina points out.

You pause. "What?"

"That wasn't the work of your demon," Nina explains. "That was mine. It granted my wish made in desperation... when I was all alone, I wished that you could be here with me. I never intended for it to come true, but the demon answered my call regardless, and the contract was made. But... in return, it took all memory you had of me."

"Nina..."

She shakes her head. "I searched through all the records, and I thought the ritual to expel it would in turn reverse the effects of the wish... but no. Ultimately, you would find yourself dragged to Dakugeto... and as I died, you would not even know who I was. I was nothing but... a stranger."

A... what?

No... hang on...

"Nina," you mutter. "Do... you know the name of the demon you expelled?"

Nina nods. "How could I forget? It called itself The Stranger."

... Shit.
>>
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>POV: Saki

"Rini, are you ready?"

Rini adjusts her gloves. "Yeah... always..."

Preparations are complete, the school is ready for the assault. Rei will take the front line at the edge of town, with more of the heavy hitters not far behind. Wei, despite his weakened condition, has elected to stand with the civilians as a last line of defence if all goes wrong.

You meanwhile, stand near to the front, where you can strategize and adjust plans as the battle rages.

"When he gets here, what will you do?" Akihito's voice asks, as your teacher comes up from behind.

"Sensei?"

"I was just done calming the nerves of Miss Hirashi," he explains. "She was a shivering mess. Yamano has been handling the situation much better than I expected."

"You intend to fight up front?" you ask. "Shouldn't you stay back to protect the academy?"

"I'd prefer they never make it through the village," he explains. "So... he's really gone?"

Your head tilts downwards. "Yes..."

"Shida was always getting himself into trouble," Akihito sighs, scratching his head. "It's the natural act of the delinquent. Figures something like that would happen to the little troublemaker..."

"Akihito-sensei..."

Akihito's gaze faces forward, into the distance overlooking the village. "This Tori Taguchi... he took a student from me. A bright kid, with more hope in his eyes than he'd ever want to admit. So... it's one hundred times I have to kill him, isn't it?"

You pause. "Yes, one hundred."

"That's much less than he deserves..." Akihito replies. "Saki... after this, what will you do?"

"What?"

"What will you do?"

>I... don't know.
>Now's not the time to think about the future, sensei.
>I... continue on. What else can I do?
>>
>>5116134
>I... continue on. What else can I do?
>>
>>5116134
>Now's not the time to think about the future, sensei.
Can't focus on killing Tori 100 times if you're thinking about tomorrow
>>
>>5116134
>I... continue on. What else can I do?
God damn The Stranger's been fucking with us way before he took away the beach episode
>>
>>5116134
>I... continue on. What else can I do?
Now that is a wham line if I have ver heard one.
>>
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Calling for
>I... continue on. What else can I do?

Will be continuing tomorrow, around 5pm GMT!
>>
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>I... continue on. What else can I do?

"Looking ahead, moving on... it's a healthy attitude most of the time," Akihito tells you. "But take it from me... it's unwise to tunnel yourself. To keep pushing ahead to your detriment... there's a strength in looking back, taking the time to honour your past. On those you've lost."

"Akihito-sensei..."

Akihito fixes his jacket as he speaks. "I once had four brothers... now, I'm no longer a brother. I press on, but I'm always sure to look back at those pushing me forward."

You nod. "Thank you..."

Akihito looks ahead, and his brow furrows. With a sigh, he speaks. "Seems the rest of my pep-talk will have to wait..."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN2TOdiPtG4

Long flowing robes drag across the ground, as their wearer floats over the rooftops above the village, a parade of cloaked soldiers following in his wake. That woman with the green hair follows at his side, ever the faithful servant.

The cultist leader, in his messianic pose, stretches out his arms as his voice booms out, loud enough to reach all the way back to the academy.

"People of Dakugeto," his unnatural echo bellows out, as if speaking into a megaphone. "I have come to you at last, as your saviour, the Herald of Albion. I beg you... I wish no blood to be shed on this day! I come with my hands out in peace! Stand behind me, and I will lead you all to the promised world of Avidya!"

"I'm not letting him give a speech," Rei mutters, before pressing forward with the front line offence. "Let's go!"

"In Avidya, there is no pain..." Tori continues to proselytize, "No hunger, no loss. You fight for an existence that has left you cold. I understand why you would not trust the light, when the darkness has become a home to your heart. But it is not too late..."

Soon, his speech will stop. Soon, he and his forces will be engaged in battle, and he will be driven from this place.

But seeing his face in person...

This is the man who took everything from you.

That future. That life. Those children. Those dreams.

That picture of you in the ill-fitting dress, as Ryoji laughs it off with that same smug smile... it will never come true.

Yuki and Ryoji will never get to be proud grandparents, to know that their delinquent son had finally settled down and made a life for himself.

You'll never say his name in that way again... that annoyed yelp of 'Ryojiiiiii'... snuffed out forever.

And he did it to you.

Tori Taguchi, this vulture wearing the skin of a saint, took this from you.

And he stands there, and he has the gall to preach?!

That... that bastard!

You clench your fist. You take deep breaths, but no part of you can contain your anger.

The Kobashi Dragon within you is baring its claws...

>Kill. Him.
>No... I have to be cautious, I shouldn't jump out of line...
>>
>>5117575
>>Kill. Him.
Dragon Rage
>>
>>5117575
>No... I have to be cautious, I shouldn't jump out of line...
Got to let the cannon fodder weaken him first
>>
>>5117575
>Kill. Him.
Palpatine echoes in the distance
>>
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Calling for
>Kill. Him.

Will be continuing with the fight starting tomorrow, but for now, hit me with a 1d100, Best of 3.
>>
Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>5117633
Ohshit
>>
Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>5117633
>>
Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>5117633
>>
Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>5117633
Rolling

>>5117641
Even though we've probably removed a few lives already
>>
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>96

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u052cW1e1Y

Everything... everything...

It was his fault.

And you can't stand that!

Saki Kobashi, a kind, diligent young woman, the sort to see the best in others...

But this man... you can never, ever forgive!

"AAAAAAAGH!" you let out a cry, as Akihito looks to you with concern.

"Kobashi?"

"GORUDO!" you exclaim, as in a flash of light you're on your dragon steed, charging towards the enemy in the skies above.

"Kobashi, you idiot!" Rei exclaims from below. "What are you doing?!"

But you drown out her words.

There are no more words. No tears. Only pain.

"TAGUCHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!" you scream, commanding the claw of Gorudo to catch the peacock in the air, and drive him into the nearest cliff face you find, by the waterfall leading to the village lake.

Taguchi is taken aback, as you walk across your dragon's arm, to come face to face with your enemy, your lance at the ready. You drive it into his shoulder, not his throat. You want to hear him.

"Admit it," you spit. "Admit what you did?"

"Kobashi, I take it?" Tori smirks.

"ADMIT IT!" you scream, twisting your lance.

Taguchi hangs his head down. "I have nothing to be ashamed of. I granted Ryoji Shida the greatest peace there is. Those who stand in the way of Albion are lost. I freed him of his chains."

Your face twists into a snarl, before you remove your lance and drive it... right into his face.

You leap onto the neck of Gorudo and pull your dragon back, before letting loose with several fire blasts into the crater in the wall you're now forming. With each blast, your battle cry growing louder and louder.

You take heavy breaths... you may have worn yourself out in that barrage. You continued your assault until the flames could no longer be forced from the dragon's body.

In the end, you watch as Tori's charred corpse staggers from the crater, the skin repairing before your eyes, as the number above his head can be seen clearly.

Seventy eight.

You killed this man twenty-two times.

But you may have pushed yourself to your limit early in your rage...
>>
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"I understand," Tori speaks. "Grief is a difficult thing... I've dealt with it myself."

As you catch your breath, your muscles seize, tensed up from pushing yourself... as he draws his scythe.

"I will grant you this wish," Tori explains. "You may join your beloved."

He takes a swing... only for his arm to be sliced by a speeding figure, who in turn grabs you and leaps to a nearby rooftop to safety.

You rest on your knees, collecting yourself, before a fist flies into your face, sending you down.

"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!" Rei yells. "WE HAD A PLAN!"

"He..." you mutter.

Rei pauses, collecting herself, before letting out a sigh. "Sorry... but you can't take him out alone."

You slowly pick yourself up from the ground, as you look to Tori. He floats down towards the two of you... only to be caught with a massive lariat sending him crashing into nearby buildings. Landing on the rooftop opposite yours is Akihito. "I'll keep him at bay, you should deal with the small fry."

"The small fry?!" you hear Akio protest from below. "I vowed to take him out!"

"And if you clear the floor, you'll get that chance!" Akihito fires back, before moving in pursuit of the recovering Taguchi.

"Rei... sorry," you mutter. "I got carried away..."

Rei scoffs. "Whatever... let's just deal with-"

"REI!" you exclaim... as a figure rises from beneath the ceiling, phasing through the roof to appear behind Rei, dagger in hand.

Rei spins around and blocks an attack, before the faintly Kaori weaves back into a defensive stance.

"Shit, I forgot about her..." Rei mutters. "How are we dealing with the phantom?"

>Pincer attack. Trap her between us. She has to focus on her phasing, we can catch her at the right moment if we time our attacks properly.
>We can't fight her among all these buildings. We need to negate her powers by bringing her into an open area... like the lakeside.
>>
>>5118767
>We can't fight her among all these buildings. We need to negate her powers by bringing her into an open area... like the lakeside.
>>
>>5118767
>>We can't fight her among all these buildings. We need to negate her powers by bringing her into an open area... like the lakeside.
>>
>>5118767
>We can't fight her among all these buildings. We need to negate her powers by bringing her into an open area... like the lakeside.
>>
>>5118767
>Pincer attack. Trap her between us. She has to focus on her phasing, we can catch her at the right moment if we time our attacks properly.
Damn Saki went apeshit on Tori
>>
>>5118767
>We can't fight her among all these buildings. We need to negate her powers by bringing her into an open area... like the lakeside.
>>
Calling for
>We can't fight her among all these buildings. We need to negate her powers by bringing her into an open area... like the lakeside.

Roll 1d100, BO3.
>>
Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>5118795
Rollin
>>
Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>5118795
>>
Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>5118798
Guys what are you doing!?
>>
Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>5118795
>>5118800
Just beaten to the punch but rolling anyway
>>
Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>5118795
What about me
>>
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>We can't fight her among all these buildings. We need to negate her powers by bringing her into an open area... like the lakeside.

Rei nods. “There’s the strategy… thought you had lost your damn mind.”

Kaori smiles as she notes you and Rei. “Saki Kobashi! Rei Arisato! It is so good to see you again!”

“It ain’t mutual,” Rei replies.

Kaori fixes her hair. “Oh, don’t be that way. It truly is a shame that Ryoji Shida couldn’t co-operate with our vision…”

“Don’t speak his name,” you scowl.

“I’m sorry about your beloved jellybean,” Kaori sighs. “But the vision of the Order comes first. You’ll understand when you’re with us, in Avidya. That is, if you stand down now.”

You clutch your lance. “Not happening.”

“I tried,” Kaori shrugs, before charging you.

Rei is quick to intercept, blocking her dagger, and leaving her open to a punch from yourself, which sends her flying. You and Rei leap from rooftop to rooftop. You need to draw her out into the open… and you certainly don’t want to damage the village people’s homes.

As you leap onto one, a hand shoots out from below. Kaori grabs you and holds you upside down, but you kick yourself free, before planting yourself firmly on the rooftop and rebounding, safely landing on the sloping hill towards the lakefront.

Luckily for yourself and Rei, Kaori follows you into your trap. She keeps up the chase, seemingly not realizing the area to phase through are dwindling.

In a brief moment during the chase, Kaori pauses, realizing the trick, but it’s too late for her. Rei kicks her from behind, and sends her crashing into the lakebed.
>>
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She picks herself up, and as you both approach, she lets out a shriek.

“MY ROBES!”

“What?” you mutter.

“Look!” she exclaims, holding them up. “Mud! My perfect pure white robes, muddied! My saintly appearance, sullied! How can I stand to Tori like this! He’ll be so embarrassed! Mortified!”

Rei shakes her head. “She’s as whacko as ever. Yo… consider this payback for when you had us chase you around the city. Now, this is our playing field.”

Kaori smirks. “Oh, my dearie… you think you have me cornered?”

You look behind, as several members of the order in their robes begin walking down the hillside. “That’s it?” Rei scoffs. “Some jabronis aren’t enough back-up against me.”

Kaori gives a small giggle. “Oh, you don’t realize?”

“Stop bluffing,” Rei replies. “Your little phasing ability is neutralized.”

Kaori shakes her head. “And you think that is the extent of my powers? My beloved Tori is not the only one channeling the power of an Archdemon.”

So… she’s an Archdemon herself. Meaning she’s even more powerful than she lets on…

Kaori reaches out her arm, and suddenly the ground around you tremors. “What the…?” Rei mutters.

As a dark and crackling energy forms around Kaori’s hand, she explains. “The Specter, I can manipulate the properties of all I touch. The tangible becomes intangible, and vice versa.”

So… she’s drawing a force from the air around her?

It doesn’t take long to realize this attack is serious. You leap in front of Rei and plant your grandfather’s shield to embrace the impact.

Kaori unleashes her blast, and you intercept it with your defense, pushing forward against the mighty pressures from the air. “Kobashi…” Rei mutters.

“JUST STAY BEHIND ME!” you exclaim, straining under the pressure.
>>
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There’s a silence from Rei.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOeb7StJlRc

Before she mutters.

“Behind you…?”

She mutters again.

“Always behind you…”

And then… you feel a massive burst of air behind you. You turn your head back, and see the order members taken out.

What’s more, you feel the pressure on your shield disappear.

You peer up from your defenses to see Kaori… desperately fighting off… something. Quick bursts that your eyes can barely even make out, let alone detail, which Kaori holds off with a frightened face, each block sending her staggering back, and the causing the ground beneath her to crack under the force.

And then, appearing before her, and catching her in the sternum with a body blow, stands a dark figure, lightning streaking around their body.

Kaori is launched, spinning through the air, before the figure dashes into the imperceivable speed once more, dropping and elbow from above, that sends Kaori crashing like a nuke into the center of the lake.

The attacking figure returns to the shoreline, the lightning around them flashing uncontrollably.

“Rei…” you mutter.

It seems Rei has achieved her angel state at last. But… what triggered it?

What you said to her while defending her…

“Stay behind me.”

Hearing that from you… was that truly what activated this state?

Well, no use theorizing at this stage. “Good work,” you commend her. “Now to focus on… ah, Rei?”

Rei keeps her back to you. Even in a standing position, her body is vibrating so quickly to create an afterimage, and the lightning around her body jolts outward in an unpredictable pattern, striking and scorching the ground beneath her.

She twist her head back, to stare at you.

And what you see is a glare of pure hatred.

“Rei?”

The figure disappears from your sight.

You focus your eyes, readying your lance, and you feel the burst of air coming your way. You’re just able to block her dual-bladed attack as your weapons collide… and the force causes the ground to burst beneath you. The water of the lake flows into this newly formed crater as you leap to safety, but Rei continues her assault.

“REI!” you yell.

No… she’s unlocked this form, this power… but she can’t control it. You’ve heard this was possible… Risa Aoki of Class 1 was a mindless machine upon her activation… but this?

Does Rei truly hate you to this degree, that this is what she becomes?

>I can’t fight her. I just need to talk her out of it.
>She’s always wanted a fight. Then… a fight is what she’ll get.
>>
Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>5118874
>She’s always wanted a fight. Then… a fight is what she’ll get.
Warming up the rolls
>>
>>5118874
>She’s always wanted a fight. Then… a fight is what she’ll get.
Let's see if it gets interupted like the tournament fight
>>
>>5118874
>>She’s always wanted a fight. Then… a fight is what she’ll get.
>>
>>5118874
>She’s always wanted a fight. Then… a fight is what she’ll get.

Rei waiting till Saki's expended all her meme angel powers before unleashing her own meme mode to pick a fight sonit they'll be even
Clasic Rei
>>
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Calling for
>She’s always wanted a fight. Then… a fight is what she’ll get.

That'll be all for tonight and I'll be picking things up tomorrow, but hit me with 1d100, BO3 in the meantime.
>>
Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>5118911
DICE GODS
>>
Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>5118911
Here we go
>>
Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>5118911
>>
Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>5118911
Aaaaa yall
>>
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>Many years ago

“Speak your name.”

Tori looked to the young serving girl with a quizzical expression as he addressed her. She seemed about his age. She was surely no older than fifteen.

“My name is unimportant, Taguchi-sama,” she meekly replies with a curtsey in her white dress. She was always wearing white when she came to his room with a tray.

“I disagree,” Tori explains. “I think you’re rather special.”

“Is… is that so?” the girl blushes. “Why?”

“I’ve never met a girl my age before,” Tori explains. “What’s your name.”

She pauses, before whispering. “Kaori.”

“Kaori…” Tori notes. “You look at me differently to the others.”

“I… I’m sorry,” Kaori mutters. “I didn’t intend to… you… they speak much of you… I’m sorry, Taguchi-sama.”

“No,” Tori explains. “Do not apologize.”

“No?”

Tori nods. “It’s… refreshing. Most of the others view me like a fragile piece of china. My brother views me with fear. You…”

Kaori gives a bow. “Apologies-“

“Stop apologizing.”

“Sorry,” Kaori shakes her head. “Umm, I mean…”

Tori lets out a small laugh. “I like you. You should hold your head up more.”

“Oh… I will,” Kaori replies. “Umm… are you truly… him?”

“Who?”

“The… Herald,” Kaori replies. “Are you truly a god?”

“I don’t know,” Tori answers. “Do you believe me to be a god?”

“I… want you to be god,” she admits.

Tori smiles. “Then god, I will be.”

It was a few years later that Tori and Kaori eloped. They wed under a cherry tree. Sister never approved… none of them did.

But when he was with Kaori… was when Tori only truly felt human.
>>
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>Meanwhile

“Dammit…” Akio mutters. Akihito is fighting the peacock above, but he’s on the bottom, being mobbed by cultist after cultist. One grabs him from behind in a bear hug, as he tries to break free.

A rod flies into the face of the cultist, allowing Akio his freedom, as the rod flies back towards its owner, Ken. “Having trouble?” he asks.

“I thought the mooks were…” Akio pauses. “Well, mooks. These guys are strong…”

The pair hear a cry of pain, as they see Rini being thrown into a wall. “SHIT!” she yells out, wiping some blood from her mouth. “There’s so many of them…”

Rini receives back-up from Akemi, who fires a small missile that sends the cultists flying.

Raiden keeps a pair at bay with a few shots, before looking back to Akio. “You realize it too, right?”

“Doesn’t take a genius…” Seishiro cuts in. “All of them… they’re all awakened.”

A sword flies towards Seishiro, only to be blocked off by Hiro’s shield. “Every one of them…” Hiro somberly replies.

“These aren’t just the foot soldiers…” Hikaru mutters. “Every single one of them… they have our powers, our same experience…”

“And there’s more of them…” Satomi whispers in a dismal tone. “There are more awakened on their side… than there are on ours…”

“What does that tell us?” Kosuke asks.

There is no silence at the scene, as the fight continues… but a silence falls among the words of them team.

Akio finally speaks up, after dealing with a single one of the robed figures with great difficulty. “Hey Tajiri… y’mind activating that angel form of yours?”

“I can’t do it at will,” Ken admits.

“How about your old man?”

“He’s still recovering.”

“Of course,” Akio chuckles. “Oi, Raiden! Look out!”
>>
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Raiden spins around to face one of the cultists leaping at him with a knife. He raises his gun, but it isn’t in time. The cultist comes down… only to get caught with a throwing knife to the back.

Sayeka staggers up to the cultist, and draws her knife back, before standing tall. “What does any of this mean to you?” she asks the group.

Chihiro gasps. “Sayeka, darling, what are you doing here? You should be back with the civilians?”

“I’m here to fight,” Sayeka explains.

“Fight?” Seishiro raises an eyebrow. “This isn’t a year ago. You’re not the fighter you used to-“

“I know,” Sayeka replies, facing ahead. “But… we fight together, don’t we?”

Akemi gives a bright smile. “Of course!”

Sayeka nods. “They’re awakened… and they chose the path of loyalty to this man. It’s clear that among people with our gift… we are the minority. All along, the rest have been plotting against us. But… does that mean anything? Do any of you doubt this fight?”

A small silence falls, before Ken answers. “Not for a second.”

“For Ryoji…” Rini answers, and the others nod.

“It won’t be easy…” Sayeka mutters. “I… can tell you… this is only the first wave.”

“What?” Raiden asks.

“I’m sorry…” Sayeka mutters. “More are coming.”

>POV: Saki
>She’s always wanted a fight. Then… a fight is what she’ll get.

You throw up your shield, blocking a downward strike from Rei. In less than a second, the force above you dissipates and suddenly, Rei is beside you, hitting you with a kick which sends you flying.

You skirt along the ground before finding your feet, and instantly throw up your shield once more. She’s faster than ever, and that kick… she’s far, far stronger too. You have to stay cautious and on the offence.

Before you can even collect a thought, Rei is behind you. She swings her blade, and you answer with a swipe of your shield, pushing her arm and redirecting her attack to the ground… which creates another crater, launching you both upwards.

As you fly above the ground… you come face to face with Rei, flying above you, with wide determined eyes. Face to face, and in no position to throw up your shield, Rei readies her double edged blade for a downward thrust… before briefly pausing, and instead lands a punch which sends you crashing back down.

You pick yourself up, as you look to Rei, who lands on her feet and drives her blade into the ground, before letting out a scream. Not at you… but to herself. That brief hesitation, that moment of control… may have just saved your life.

Her attacks have been relentless, but she’s also barely in control. You must take advantage of that. You can’t allow yourself to be distracted from Tori…

>I need to charge up. If I can manage it… a Megabuster will take her down.
>I don’t know if I have the energy for it… but I need Mr. Gorudo’s help.
>>
>>5122224
>I need to charge up. If I can manage it… a Megabuster will take her down.
Saki shits on Rei's Archangel form by beating her as a normie
>>
>>5122224
>I need to charge up. If I can manage it… a Megabuster will take her down.
Save our energy for the Tori fight
>>
>>5122224
>I need to charge up. If I can manage it… a Megabuster will take her down.
>>5122231
That disrespect is going to sting for Rei.
>>
>>5122244
>Can't beat normal Saki even with Archangel powers and her speed hack from the Demidemon
Rei's never returning to normal, Seething Rei is here to stay
>>
Calling for
>I need to charge up. If I can manage it… a Megabuster will take her down.

Roll 1d100, BO3.
>>
Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>5122264
Aaaaa
>>
Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>5122264
>>
Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>5122264

>>5122267
Oh man it's over, Rei can never live this down
>>
Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>5122264

>>5122267
Holy shit, how can she ever recover?
>>
>>5122267
Saki just speedruns Rei's entire boss fight
>>
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>100

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOeb7StJlRc

A well charged attack should be enough to knock Rei back to her senses... but only one problem comes with that...

How in the heck are you going to charge up the Megabuster when Rei is rampaging like this?

"KOBASHIIIII!" Rei lets out a scream, before bounding towards you.

Only for a lightning bolt to fall between the two of you, causing Rei to leap back in shock.

You look up, as joining the fray between the two of you.

"Isamu!" you exclaim with relief. "It's Rei, she's..."

Isamu, in his full Golden Champion form, holds out his hand. "Miss Arisato, come to your senses!" he pleads. "As truly majestic as this form is... really, really impressive and cool..."

"Isamu!" you protest.

Isamu nods, regaining his focus. "This is not how I want to see you. And I know this isn't how you want to be..."

Rei heeds none of Isamu's words and charges, trying to circumvent Isamu, but the Golden Champion sees that move coming.

He blocks off her path, blocking her blade with his spear, before pushing her back onto the defence. He turns his head back to you for a moment. "Saki Kobashi, the only thing that will bring her to her senses... finishing this fight."

You nod.

And you begin charging.

All this time, is this truly how she felt?

She hates you so much... she would turn against you like this.

The competition between the pair of you has lasted even longer than you could know...

From the moment the pair of you first shared words... that's when she vowed, wasn't it?

"<i>Kobashi, it takes all my effort to even keep pace with a natural like you. If I can't surpass you... I'll never be good enough.</i>"

It's... not hate, right?

This is Rei, this is her desire... to surpass you.

Do personal feelings meddle with that ambition?

Perhaps she doesn't hate you. Perhaps her feelings towards you play no part in her goal to be the best.

Or perhaps, that goal to surpass you was born from hatred?

Or was that contempt born from frustration and ambition?

You likely won't ever know. You're looking at Rei unlocking her purest form, her purest essence... and you still can't tell what it is.

You're no mind-reader.

But in this moment, you realize... you can still question what you think.

Rei Arisato... what is she, to you?

Not a friend, certainly a rival... but an enemy?

More importantly... what do you want?

You look at her, even in the midst of this battle, and it becomes clear.

You want to be her friend.

You have endless respect for her. Her drive, her motivation, overcoming her background to achieve greatness, and her raw honesty in the face of every obstacle.

She has never once shied away from spitting in the face of your pampered upbringing, and you cannot thank her enough.

She may hate you with every fibre of her being... but that feeling is far from mutual.

And you refuse to upset her.

You refuse to hold back.
>>
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"NOW!" Isamu declares, leading Rei into position.

You close your eyes, and focus on Rei.

One day she'll surpass you... you can count on it.

And this moment will bring her there, alongside you.

"MEGABUSTERRRRRRRRRRR!" You scream at the top of your lungs, as the mighty blast erupts from the head of your land, destroying the ground below it before colliding with Rei. She is swept up into the blast, being carried with the singing wave, as it carries through to the hillface.

With that power, you could have killed her...

But you give a small smile. You know you didn't.

In fact, what you see next doesn't surprise you.

As the smoke clears... you see Rei swaying in the aftermath of the blast.

Swaying.

She refused to go down.

She refused to even leave her feet.

"Kobashi..." Rei mutters. She takes one step, then another, then burst again towards you.

"Stop!" Isamu declares.

You can't fight back... you put all you had into that blast.

Luckily, another figure comes into the frame, jumping before you and holding their arms out. "REI, STOP!"

Akira stands firm, but Rei keeps charging.

Akira is powerful in her own right, but this... this Unending Will of Rei's... there's not much she can do, right?

Calmly... Akira unlatches her metal arm, and throws it to the side. She bares her missing limb before her friend.

And on sight of this, Rei's eyes widen. Instantly, the aura around her body disappears, and her clothes return to her original armour.

Calmly, Rei continues to walk between the two of you. Akira steps aside as Rei puts her hand on her shoulder, before coming face to face with you.

And with two fingers, she roughly taps you on the forehead.

"I totally would have gotten you, Kobashi..."

And on that, she collapses onto you.

You have no strength left, and you both fall to the ground.

>You weren't even close... I would have won.
>Rei... I want to be stronger than you. Keep chasing me.
>We can't lay back like this... there's still a battle going on...
>>
>>5122313
>>We can't lay back like this... there's still a battle going on...
>>
>>5122313
>We can't lay back like this... there's still a battle going on...
Saki and Rei are destined to never have an uninterrupted fight
>>
>>5122313
>We can't lay back like this... there's still a battle going on...
Rei plz those are Ryoji's private pillows
>>
>>5122313
>You weren't even close... I would have won.
Couldn't even beat her after she blew her dragon load earlier
>>
>>5122313
>>You weren't even close... I would have won
God damn
>>
Calling for
>We can't lay back like this... there's still a battle going on...

Writing now.
>>
>We can't lay back like this... there's still a battle going on...

Rei chuckles. "Yeah... I'll get to my feet before you, y'know."

Hard to do otherwise, considering she's on top here.

As you pick yourselves up, you notice Isamu revert from his angel armour and let out a laugh. "I have to admit, Miss Arisato, you had me worried! I tried so hard to keep my cool... and I used just about everything to keep you at bay."

"Sorry..." Rei admits. "Hopefully you have some more left in you... we still have to take out Tori."

Isamu nods, scratching the back of his head. "Right! We've made more than enough of a mess of the lakeside, time to-"

Isamu doesn't finish his sentence.

As a blast of pressure pierces his chest.

Wide-eyed, he immediately falls back on the river-bed, unmoving.

"I... Isamu...?" Rei meekly mutters.

You turn your head to the source, as you see Kaori, the water of the lake flowing under her feet as she controls the atmosphere around her, her eyes glowing with determination.

"I fight for The Herald," Kaori explains. "I fight for Albion. I fight to seat myself in Avidya! I will not back down!"

"You..." Rei mutters.

And in another burst... Rei has changed forms once more.

The ground below you shakes, as Rei turns to Akira. "Grab Isamu! Take him back to Tekina!"

Akira nods, grabbing Isamu, before Rei turns to you. "You still have any energy left?"

"I don't think I have a choice..." you reply. "That burst of power..."

Rei readies her blade. "If you can't fight... then stay behind me, Kobashi."

You can't help but smile, before gripping your lance.

>I'll draw out her attacks and stay defensive. You land the blow while she's preoccupied, okay?
>This is a two angel job. Mr. Gorudo... I SUMMON YOU!
>>
>>5122345
>>I'll draw out her attacks and stay defensive. You land the blow while she's preoccupied, okay?
That's what the shield is for, yo
>>
>>5122345

>I'll draw out her attacks and stay defensive. You land the blow while she's preoccupied, okay?
>>
>>5122345
>I'll draw out her attacks and stay defensive. You land the blow while she's preoccupied, okay?
Isamu is too powerful, needs to be taken out by stealth
>>
>>5122345
>This is a two angel job. Mr. Gorudo... I SUMMON YOU!
>>
>>5122345
>>I'll draw out her attacks and stay defensive. You land the blow while she's preoccupied, okay?
>>
Calling for
>I'll draw out her attacks and stay defensive. You land the blow while she's preoccupied, okay?

Roll 1d100, BO3.
>>
Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>5122357
>>
Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>5122357
Will Rei choke again?
>>
Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>5122357
Here we go
>>
Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>5122357
Late roll for fun
>>
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>65

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K42ED-7PWAo

Rei begins to chuckle, causing you to look at her. "What?"

Rei shakes her head, her posture cool and confident. "Let this be the last time we team together, Kobashi."

"There'll be more times," you smile.

Rei tilts her head. "Okay... let's go... S-sa... Sa..."

"You can stick to Kobashi."

"Alright, let's go!"

"STOP TALKING!" Kaori exclaims. "I THOUGHT WE COULD BE FRIENDS, BUT I'M SICK OF YOU BOTH! YOU KEEP STANDING IN THE WAY! WHAT IS THIS?!"

"I feel bad for you," you reply. "Your mind's been completely warped, hasn't it?"

"SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!"

With that, Kaori unleashes a massive burst of rage, the waters of the lake parting around her as she sends a deadly wave burst targeted for you. You deflect with your shield, and begin to strafe to the side. You have to direct her view, otherwise she'll just be able to faze through all of Rei's attacks, no matter how fast they are.

Saki Kobashi and Rei Arisato... complete opposites. Diametrically opposed in every way. Opposing backgrounds, opposing personalities, opposing goals... but just this once.

Right now, the two of you will win, together.

You run to the lake, weaving under the raised streaks of water around you that are raised by Kaori's power, as she continues to focus her offence on you. One big blast, and it takes all you have just to hold it back. You strain against the pressure... you worry Wei's shield may just break under the weight, but you hold on. Just a little more.

Rei, whatever she has planned... she better do it now!

"I'm never letting Kobashi beat me..." Rei mutters as she speeds towards Kaori. "I have tricks of my own!"

"You think I wouldn't catch you?!" Kaori laughs, as Rei sword strike phases through her spectral body. "I can count to two, you know! I never lost sight of you!"

"I know," Rei smirks, as the lighting emanating from her body is carried up within the manipulated air pressures around Kaori... which then redirect right onto the demons body, shocking her. More importantly, leaving her static.

Now!

You push forward, as the blast your were just defending yourself against fires back, returning to it's sender, and blasting a hole through Kaori's robes.

Kaori's eyes widen, as she flies above the lake... with Rei above her.

"Now check this Kobashi," Rei smirks, before flashing out of sight.
>>
File: Kaori06.png (1.92 MB, 2295x1500)
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Around Kaori you see streaks of light, forming a massive spiral around the target of Kaori, picking up momentum and speed with every rotation, before hitting terminal velocity once it reaches the centre. "HYPERSONIC DEATH SPIRAL!" she declares, before unleashing a mighty slash with her spinning blade, powerful enough to slice Kaori in two at the waist.

"My... my white gown..." Kaori mutters before both halves fall into the water below.

You breathe a sigh of relief, before Rei zooms towards you, grabbing you and pulling you to safety before the lake's water all comes crashing back down to it's rightful place.

Rei quickly exits her form and falls again. "That last burst... I think that was all I had."

"Well, it worked..." you reply.

You let out a giggle.

"What's so funny?" Rei asks.

"Nothing..." you reply. "It's just... Hypersonic Death Spiral? That's such a dorky name, isn't it?"

"It's not dorkier than Megabuster! I hate that name!"

"It's simple!"

"It's non-descriptive!"

"Yours is too descriptive! Brevity is the soul of wit!"

Before long the two of you are laughing.

"Kobashi..." Rei mutters.

>You should head back, check on Isamu. I'll keep fighting from here.
>You know... we make a good team.
>>
>>5122396
>>You know... we make a good team.
Finally friends...or something.
>>
>>5122396
>>You know... we make a good team.
Saki's right, it's a silly name
>>
>>5122396
>You should head back, check on Isamu. I'll keep fighting from here.
>>
>>5122396
>You should head back, check on Isamu. I'll keep fighting from here
>>
>>5122396
>You should head back, check on Isamu. I'll keep fighting from here.
Better check that best boy is still breathing
>>
Calling for
>You should head back, check on Isamu. I'll keep fighting from here.

Writing now.
>>
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>Many years ago

Tori remembers every second of that day. The day they lead him to the waterfall. Where Sister waited for him. Where she handed him the dagger.

His baptism.

The blood stains never washed away. A rash developed on his skin precisely where her blood touched him, that would never go away. Those marks made no difference, however. They could not serve as any more of a reminder than the image seared into his mind. Of her gentle smile and encouragement. Her insistence that this must be done. The order chanting the name of Albion as he carried out the deed.

The brave smile on her face disappearing when the knife plunged in.

For all her comforting, for all her insistence that this was necessary, even for how much she guided the weapon towards her own heart, she could not prepare herself for the pain.

It was no sudden death, nor was it peaceful. The calm, serene face he knew twisted before turning away, as she failed to contain her screams and cries in her last moments. She did not go into the great world beyond a serene soul.

She suffered.

And Tori has carried that suffering ever since.

The act of bringing death to another… it brought Tori no pleasure. It was a horrific act, but even through the screaming and the crying, it was a means to an end.

They were delivered to Avidya.

Through death, all pain and suffering would come to an end.

He did not know it at the time, but Sister carried a pained heart. Once he came to understand the great relief he brought upon her, the rash would fade.

Tori knew the power he held. All the pain, all the suffering, he could end. Just with a touch.

And in that realization, Tori never felt more like a god.
>>
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>Meanwhile

“The reinforcements are coming,” Utako informs the rest of her team. “We can cut them off at the pass if we… Miyoko?”

“Miyoko, dearest…” Nari asks. “Are you okay? Running a fever, perhaps?”

Miyoko continues to look down at the chaos in the village below. Fires raging, destruction of the homes, the battle continues…

“It’s exactly like that day,” Miyoko mutters to herself. “It… it’s happening again. He is returning.”

“What are you talking about?” Nishi asks. “Who’s returning?”

“She isn’t here…” Miyoko mutters. “Why isn’t she here? Where is The Star?”

Utako crosses her arms. “What are you saying?”

Miyoko pauses, and stands. Her face turns cold. “It is time we took our leave. Soshu, take Mr. Tajiri with us. He will require our assistance.”

Soshu nods, as Omitsu looks to the leader, concerned. “Any problem with that?”

Omitsu meekly shakes her head.

“Good…”

Nishi speaks up, confused. “What? But… we’re here to defend the village, right? That group is lead by a demon!”

Miyoko shakes her head. “Their business is not ours. We have more important matters to attend to.”

“What’s more important?!” Nishi protests. “This… this school is the last line of defense against the Darkworld! They’re our allies! We’re the Demon Hunters, we can’t just walk away from our-“

“Nishi, you vowed to follow me,” Miyoko cuts her off. “Do you still trust my judgement?”

“I…” Nishi mutters. “I… I’m going to fight with-“

Nishi is unable to finish her sentence, as she’s struck on the back of the head by Utako. Nishi collapses, and Utako catches her, a sorrowful expression on her face. “I’m sorry, Nishi…” Utako mutters.

In moments, the Demon Hunters have vanished from the site… and the people of Dakugeto are left without back-up.
>>
File: Sayeka.png (1.07 MB, 868x1227)
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>Meanwhile

“Dammit!” Seishiro exclaims. “Where are those damn demon hunters? Weren’t they supposed to join us?”

“There’s no hope now…” Satomi mutters. “The numbers are just… too much…”

Chihiro steps forward, shocked. “My doves… crying… no, there’s children in that house!”

“SHIT!” Akio exclaims, leaping into the village townhouse, which has already been set ablaze by the cultists.

“Akio, wait!” Hikaru exclaims, before trying to put out the fires raging on the outside of the house.

Akio enters the home, where he sees two children cowering under a table in their home. “Where are your parents?” he asks.

“They were upstairs!” the young boy among the sibling screams, shielding his younger sister.

“Head for the door, I’ll save them!” he exclaims… but as he heads for the stairs he’s met… by the blade of a cultist driving into him.

“NOOOO!” the children scream, as Akio staggers back.

A gunshot fires, as the cultist is caught from the side. Akio turns to see Raiden, entering in behind him. “You okay?”

Akio refuses to answer. “The kids.”

Raiden nods, and rushes to be at the children’s side. “Ahh… you’re scary…” the young girl mutters.

“I know,” Raiden replies. “But we’re here to help-“

Before he can finish, the roof collapses. Akio catches the collapsing beam, holding things steady, but in the process, forces a large of spurt of blood to shoot from his chest. “Take them and go.”

“What?”

“Take them and go!”

Raiden grabs the children, and holds them tight, rushing out of the building.

Akio, holds the ceiling up, just long enough for their escape. “All that worrying…” he mutters to himself. “This is where it gets me, huh? Heh, well played…”

As soon as Raiden exits with the children, the building collapses.

“AKIOOOO!” Hikaru screams.

“AKI!” Seishiro exclaims in turn. “Shit! No, no way…”

Hikaru rushes to the rubble, putting out every flame she can see. She begins clawing through the buried bricks and straw and remains. “Akio, no! You can’t!”

Rini clenches her fist and winces. “We’re… losing this one, aren’t we?”

She snaps her head to Sayeka. “ANSWER ME!”

Sayeka remains silent.

“Is that why you joined?” Rini asks. “So we could all die together?”

Sayeka finally speaks up. “I promise you… none of us die today.”
>>
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>POV: Saki

You return to the scene, and see the damage left to the village. The rest of your class are fending off the on pour of cultists, but you can’t help them. You have to take down Tori.

The battle between Tori and Akihito has been raging above this entire time, and as you return to the battle, you quickly gleam the state of the bout.

Tori stands depleted down to twenty lives… Akihito has taken so much from him.

However, Akihito has certainly spent himself… he clothes are tattered, bloody wounds stand from his flesh…

And a timer above his head.

Half an hour.

“Sensei!” you exclaim.

“I know…” Akihito replies. “It… doesn’t scare me.”

“But Sensei-“

“I’ve had this time my whole life,” he replies. “You think this changes anything, Kobashi? Come, we have thirty minutes.”

“You have nothing left in you,” you reply.

Akihito gives a small laugh. “You noticed? I’m sorry, Kobashi… I couldn’t manage one hundred…”

“I will give you credit,” Tori declares. “You are the finest fighter I’ve ever met. You deserve a seat at the greatest feast in Avidya. But now… I will end this…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cbjrTNSq0I

Tori prepares his scythe, only to be sliced from behind, cutting him in two. A lariat sends the top half flying, as Taka stand with his greatsword at the ready.

“Doi, you should be recovering!” Akihito scolds him.

Taka smirks. “You really think the elite class 3 aren’t going to get their revenge?”

“Doi…”

“We haven’t graduated yet,” he jokes. “Now… we can have one last charge.”

While they aren’t at full strength, the remaining Class 3 spring into action. As reinforcements, the combined efforts of Taka, Shinji, Lilo and Kamiko begin to turn the tide against the cultists.

“There’s still too many of them…” Satomi mutters in fear.

“Who cares?!” Lilo snaps. “FOR MARO!”

“Yeah!” Seishiro exclaims. “For Akio!”

“And for Ryoji!” Rini exclaims before sending a cultist flying with a mighty punch.

“For Mr. Yamada!” Hiro declares in turn.

“For everyone…” Ken mutters, before activating his angel form, and jumping back into action, dominating three cultists in one swoop.

Everyone has someone to fight for. A memory to preserve.

That is why…

“Do you see, Tori?” you tell him. “This is the willpower of Dakugeto. You fight for your glory, you fight to destroy, to lay claim… we fight to protect.”

“We all have something we’re willing to die for,” Tori replies as he rebuilds himself on upon his newest life. “That comes as no surprise.”

For Ryoji…

“Anything worth dying for,” you explain. “Is also worth living for!”

>GORUDO, SUMMON!
>I need to draw him in close and get the right moment to attack. He still has nineteen lives left.
>I can’t waste time, for Akihito-sensei’s sake. I need to go all out on the offence.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>5122521
>I can’t waste time, for Akihito-sensei’s sake. I need to go all out on the offence.
Better warm up the dice to skip some of Tori's phases
>>
>>5122521
>I can’t waste time, for Akihito-sensei’s sake. I need to go all out on the offence.

>>5122536
This isn't going to end well is it?
>>
>>5122521
>>I can’t waste time, for Akihito-sensei’s sake. I need to go all out on the offence
God damn, Sensei a beast

>>5122536
Ha nice
>>
>>5122521
>I can’t waste time, for Akihito-sensei’s sake. I need to go all out on the offence.
>>
Calling for
>I can’t waste time, for Akihito-sensei’s sake. I need to go all out on the offence

Roll 1d100, BO3.
>>
Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>5122581
>>
Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>5122581
It'll work this time
>>
Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>5122581
SPEEDRUN
>>
Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>5122581
>>
Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>5122581
I missed out
>>
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>56

You don't have a lot left in the tank... but you have to press on regardless.

You launch forward, lance in hand, but Tori dodges with ease. He swings his scythe, and you block with your shield, but his strength pushes you back. You land on a rooftop, and only narrowly avoid another slash. You're sluggish, but he's on top form.

It's not just a matter of killing him nineteen times... he restores to full health and energy with every revival, while the rest of you are long worn out.

You block another slash, and push forward with all your strength. You stab your lance, driving it through Tori, before launching him at the rock wall. A errand edge pierces him, providing the final blow... for that life.

One down... but just that exchange alone took a lot out of you.

And now, Tori pulls himself from the rock wall... fully healed again.

Eighteen more to go.

This man may just be unstoppable...

"Despite your pretty speech," Tori explains. "We both know how this ends. I can see it on your face."

"No."

"You're exhausted," he remarks. "What's more... you're suffering."

You strain yourself. "Stop..."

"All I want," Tori explains. "Is to end that suffering. For all of you."

"You just want to kill!" you reply. "And destroy, and conquer."

"There's no changing your mind, is there?" he sighs. "Very well."

Tori charges, and you ready your shield... but no, it's a feint.

Tori appears behind you, and hits you with a palm strike.

You stagger back, and pause.

You know what just happened.

"Dammit, Kobashi..."

You lower your eyes. "How long...?"

"One hour," Tori explains. "Is that enough time to change your mind. Is that enough for you to listen to me."

"I'd sooner die."

Tori sighs. "Then let your suffering come to an-"

Tori is interrupted by a spear launching up from some rubble below.

Akio's spear.

As Tori is launched into the air by the piercing projectile, a figure bursts from the rubble below, and leaps up to claim his weapon.

Seventeen lives remain.

Wait, make that sixteen, as Tori is immediately decapitated upon healing by an extra swing from the spear.

Akio lands beside you. He's covered in scars, bleeding heavily... but he's standing with a straight back. "I owed him that," he huffs.

"AKIO!" Hikaru cries in relief.

"Bro!" Seishiro calls out. "You're alive!"

"Yeah, and none of us are going down anytime soon!" Akio exclaims, pounding his chest with his fist.

Sayeka gives a small, sly smile.

"Uncle, you ain't got a lot of time left!" Akio adds. "We gotta wrap this up quick. For you too, boss."

"For Ryoji."

"For Ryo-kun."

"For Ryoji..." Ken adds, as he joins you on the rooftop.

Tori repairs himself once more.

You straighten your back. Have to give a good example to the others, right?

>Akio, we'll distract him while you load up the Deep Impact, okay?
>Ken, you're our powerhouse right now. Let's get him.
>Sensei... if you can push through a little longer... we can beat him.
>>
>>5122639
>>Ken, you're our powerhouse right now. Let's get him.
>>
>>5122639
>Ken, you're our powerhouse right now. Let's get him
Alright Ken it's finally your turn
So do something okay
>>
>>5122639
>>Ken, you're our powerhouse right now. Let's get him
Do something cool Ken, don't blow your load too early tho
>>
>>5122639
>Akio, we'll distract him while you load up the Deep Impact, okay?
Anri begins to sweat
>>
>>5122639
>Ken, you're our powerhouse right now. Let's get him.
>>
Calling for
>Ken, you're our powerhouse right now. Let's get him.

Roll 1d100, BO3.
>>
Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>5122678
>>
Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>5122678
>>
Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>5122678
>>
Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>5122678
Late roll
>>
Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>5122678

>>5122689
Nice
>>
File: Ken (Spirit of Justice).png (1.09 MB, 850x1207)
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>98

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0E90DgZdqU

"Even in this form, there's only so much I can do..." Ken replies. "It isn't going to last long. I'm going to need-"

"Well duh," Akio replies. "You've got our help."

"Together," you mutter. "We'll do this."

Tori smirks. "I know the clear target when I see it. You two think you can distract me in your friends favour are mistaken."

"Nah, there's no tricks..." Ken replies. "You took out our strategist, after all."

"Yeah," Akio gives a grimacing smirk. "So I figure... the current plan is just beat the shit out of you."

"Good luck," Tori replies. "But I-"

A dove flies past Tori's face, blocking his view for half a second, but that half a second proved just enough. Chihiro, with the assist.

Ken has already moved, meeting Tori at his side. "JUSTICE WAVE!"

At point blanc range, Tori is reduced to dust. His attempts to repair only take off several more lives.

By the time Ken's justice wave settles, Tori is down to twelve.

"Even on your last legs, you all fight like this..." Tori sighs. "Fighting against a proper peace. Don't you understand that-"

Tori is interrupted once more, this time by rapid fire from Akemi's turret. Tori deflects the shots, only to face Rini leaping up to throw a punch. He blocks, but is sent back into an opening for Akio, who drives the spear through him once more.

Eleven left.

Akio isn't done, though, launching Tori up into the air.

Target practice for Seishiro and Raiden, who whittle off another life with their blasts.

Ten.

Ken is there to meet Tori once more when he recovers, and a body blow from the staff sends him flying. The offence continues, and even Tori's constant smug expression is beginning to fade as he faces an attack from every angle.

Tori knocks Ken back on his next attempt at an attack, but leaves himself open to an arrow from the neck from a vengeful Lilo. Tori clutches his throat, allowing Reiji to step in.

"You..." Reiji gargles. "One of my own... you understand..."

Reiji fixes his glasses. "I will never be one of yours."

With a slice, Reiji takes out yet another life.

Nine.

Then another.

Eight.

Reiji is finally knocked back when Tori collects himself, only for Ken to return to the assault. Shot after shot after shot, Tori is unable to block them on, as Ken takes the advantage.

Finally, the assault reaches it's end, as Ken flies back. "I'm running low on energy, it's your turn..." he responds to you as the opening is provided.

You reach out your arm, pointing it at Tori... as Mr. Gorudo's swirling figure takes shape, befitting your arm like a cannon. Channelling all of your energy into this attack, you look to Ken.

"JUSTICE WAVE!" Ken declares, before you join the blast with your own attack.

"GOLDEN BUSTERRRRRRRR!"

Together, you collide with Tori, and embed him deep, deep into the mountainside, creating a deep cavern in the process. Hopefully... that was enough.

You fall back, and Ken does the same.
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"I'm spent..." Ken remarks.

You nod. "Same..."

Akio falls to a knee, clutching his chest. "Gah... too much blood lost..."

You're all spent.

But the battle...

"Well done."

... Isn't over.

Tori emerges from the cavern, his smirk plastered back on his face.

One life remaining.

"Well, I must commend you all for taking me down to the wire," Tori admits. "But time has caught up to you all, it seems."

Reiji charges, only to get blasted away. Rini does the same, with the same result. As does Chihiro, and Raiden. Sayeka throws a dagger in a desperate attempt, only for Tori to deflect it back at her.

You've used up all your most powerful attacks. None of you can face that one last burst of power.

"A shame," Tori cracks his neck. "For a moment there, a was scared. I really was-"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gErRbJVjGok

From behind, one more attack.

A downward slash, one that slices from shoulder to hip.

From a weapon you neglected to notice the absence of this entire battle.

A cutlass.

Tori looks behind him, wide-eyed in shock... to see a young girl in a pirate hat, her eyes closed tight with fear, and her teeth clenched with determination, slice through him.

Nanami lands on the rooftop at your and Ken's side, her cape blowing in the spring wind, as Tori can only look on in shock.

"A good pirate always waits for the right moment," Nanami explains. "Attack from behind, while they're monologuing... my first mate Ryoji Shida taught me that one!"

Tori's eyes widen further, as he begins to comprehend what just happened. His body slides apart, as he mutters to himself. "How... in the end, I was beaten by..."

Nanami did it.

The final blow is struck.

You won.

... Until Tori's upper half is caught, by a floating spectre.
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Floating up like a ghost, the upper half of Kaori joins her husband, like the perfect pair in defeat.

"Taguchi-sama..." Kaori tearfully cries.

"No..." Tori mutters. "Tori. Please, Kaori..."

Tori clutches Kaori tight.

"It's over..." Tori mutters. "Perhaps I wasn't."

"No..." Kaori mutters. "You know what to do... finish it."

Tori pauses. "No... I can't..."

"Become The Herald. Create paradise..." Kaori explains. "End... the pain... my pain..."

Tori winces, before speaking.

A flash of light blinds all of you, as the pair begin to glow. It seems the two are... combining?

No, it's clear.

She's giving up everything.

One more life, a last ditch attempt.

But when the light fades away... it's not Tori who stands there.

Not quite.

His skin changed, his form alien... he now stands as a lean horned creature. But that smirk still remains.

"They are all in their rightful place..." Tori declares, his voice garbled and distorted. In fact, several voices come from his mouth, a harmony of scared masses. "The twelve are united as one, in the world beyond..."

"So this is it..." you mutter. "The full power of his Archdemon..."

"No, I am not a demon," Tori replies. "I am Albion. I am god."

The final battle... is only beginning. But at this rate... the result is foregone.

It would take the heavens themselves to save you now.
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>POV: Ryoji

"So, we're breaking out of heaven," Maro replies. "Or hell. Or something in between. I don't care."

"You two can escape... possibly," Yamato replies.

"Nina, wait..." you mutter. "Before all that... the demon inside you... it was The Stranger?"

Nina nods. "That was it's name, yes... but... there was a group within the village... that Tori Taguchi and his brother, they showed me a ritual to remove it. But... it took everything from me. My emotions were cut off, forever."

"I know that," you reply. "There's one problem."

"What?"

"That exact demon found it's way inside me..." you explain. "What's worse, that peacock freak says Stranger was the one who started... everything. This entire mess. The gate between our worlds, caused by him wiping out that damned Elder One they won't shut up about."

Nina continues to stare at you. "Ryoji... you've been through so much without me, haven't you?"

You nod, with a heavy sigh. "Yeah..."

"But Stranger..." Nina points out. "That's... good. Great, even!"

"What?"

"If the demon inside you is truly that powerful," Yamato explains. "It may be exactly what we need to get out of here. You weren't sent here by a pure death so maybe it's still part of-"

"Forget it," you explain. "Even if he was, he's been silent since those other demons ran loose. He's been no help..."

"You sound disappointed," Yamato raises an eyebrow. "Were you and your demon, allies?"

You shake your head. "Not once. He's been fighting me every step of the way... The Stranger... he needs to die."

>POV: "Nina"

Where... where are you?

Ryoji died, and then...

Wait, Ryoji died.

He's gone.

But... you're still here.

You're still inside him?

How could this be... if he's...

You should be wiped from existence by now. Well... you never truly existed in the first place. You were just the memory, a conjured up mental copy of a girl... nothing about you should exist.

You're not even Nina Nagata. No part of you is.

You were just a memory, in the vessel of one boy.

But... how can a memory live on, with the vessel expired?

"Wake up."

What? That voice...

Your vision comes into focus. The figure speaking to you, present in the mists of the mind... wrapped up, and hooded.

"You."

He steps forward. "I thought he lost you."

"Where have you been?"
.
"Here..." The Stranger replies. "And I need your help. Ryoji needs your help."

You clutch your head. "But... he died."

"Like that would stop him," Stranger replies.

"But... what can I do?" you ask. "I'm... I'm..."

"Just as much part of him as I am," Stranger replies. "Despite my best efforts... you're even moreso."

"But what do you mean, help him?"

Stranger shakes his head. "Nina... I think it's time."

"Time?"

Stranger nods.

"It's time that Ryoji Shida finally wakes up."

END OF EPISODE 46
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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDFBb-mlfGo

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Dark%20Gate%20Academy

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

Thanks for playing! A long wait for this one, but we're in the absolute home stretch of Season 3! Next thread in the very near future! Follow the Twitter for any updates!

>Player Question
We're entering the final thread for Ryoji's crew this season next time! What are your predictions on the big conclusion?
>>
>>5122766
Thanks for running Booker.

>PQ
Guessing since Tori's still alive the timer's will still be up so Saki'll be busy dealing with that. Fully expect a Russian doll moment with Ryoji and Maro bursting out of Tori along with Yamato and Nina Nina please Booker my boi's paid for his mistakes by getting nothing personnel'd
>>
>>5122766
Aaaaaa god damn it the fucking hype. Feels like the episode before an anime finale.
Thanks for the run, Book. Was a fantastic thread. Beeg ups, beeg down, all great



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