8Hello again. This is the second portion for the month of April. (The first one was from Wild Stars Anthologies).
Likewise, Let's all give a big Yousoro to wish a Happy Birthday to Wannabe You.
Without further ado, enjoy the next chapter.
I do not own Love Live.
Warning: There are certain triggers in this chapter. Viewer discretion is advised.
Hmmmmm
You slowly open her eyes, her vision a blur, taking less than a minute to adjust.
She finds herself staring at an unfamiliar ceiling. She was resting on something metallic judging from the sensation on her back.
You: …Where am I?
Her mind feels foggy. From her peripheral vision, she was in an unknown place where there was little light, so it was hard to see where she was.
The Inu then notice that her arms and thighs felt cold and wet to the touch for some reason.
You: What th-?!
When she looked down, she was horrified that the buttons on her school uniform were unfastened, exposing her light-blue lace bra and belly.
Are you ok?
A low voice alerted You, causing her to quickly look up.
From the light-dimmed room, she could recognize a figure of an unknown man with glasses and something covering his mouth.
What was more frightening was that the man had long branched horns sprouting from his head.
Her heart starts to race as it dawned on her that she was in a rather precarious situation.
As she tries to get up, the man presses a hand on her left shoulder, effectively pinning her to the table.
Grh!
As a reflex, You puts both her hands on his hand holding her, trying to get the man to release her.
You: H-He's strong.
Despite only using one arm, You couldn't escape from the man's grasp.
As the man moves his face closer, You uses both legs to kick hard repeatedly at the man's abdominal area.
This loosens his grip on her.
Taking this short moment, You slips away from the man's hold, gets her feet on the floor, and starts to run for the door.
As she bursts through the door, a bright light from the outside nearly blinds her, but You kept running without a clear direction in mind.
You: S-Someone…
She tries to call out, but her throat felt dry, making her voice hoarse.
By the time she stopped to look around, the mysterious man was nowhere to be found.
Chika: You were attacked?!
When You met up with the other girls, they were shocked to see her in a haze, with her hair and her clothes in a mess.
You told them about her harrowing encounter and escape.
Kanan: Man. That sounds rough.
You: I was lucky to escape, but he is still out there somewhere.
Ruby: That sounds very scary!
Mari: How dare he!
Yoshiko: From how you describe him, it sounds like he may not be from this world.
Hanamaru: This is a serious case, zura.
While the rest of the girls was concerned for You, Riko was concerned for a different reason.
Riko: hmmmmmm.
Chika: What's wrong, Riko-chan?
Riko: ..You-chan. You said the man had horns on its head?
You: He really did have horns, I swear!
Riko: No. What I mean is does the horns look like antlers?
You: I-I guess. It looked like this.
The Inu put out her hands, with her fingers spread out, above her head.
Chika: Why do you ask, Riko-chan?
Riko: From what you describe, it sounds like you met a Shika.
Kanan: A Shika?
Riko: They are a tribe of humans from my home country that were known for having deer features, but that is strange. If I recall, the Shika are not known to be aggressive until provoked. Actually, I hadn't seen or heard of a Shika staying here in this town, so it's possible that he may have moved here to town like I did.
Chika: And he must have come very recently.
Dia: In any case, if there is someone dangerous in our town, we cannot overlook this.
Kanan: Then, let's all go and find the assailant.
Mari: Yes! There is strength in numbers.
Yoshiko: Yohane will gladly come to defend her fellow demons.
Riko: More importantly, I think we should investigate before we jump to conclusions.
You: Then, let's go now before he disappears.
With their objective in mind, the girls head to where You thought she met the man. Interestingly enough, there were very few people walking on the streets at the time.
Ruby: Look!
Eventually, they came across an unfamiliar person standing on the sidewalk.
The man had wheat-colored hair and light green eyes behind round glasses. His body had a tall build, wearing a short-sleeved white coat, which shows its subtle muscles, along with blue pants and sandals. What really stood out from the man was a majestic rack of antlers on his head.
Hanamaru: He really does have horns, zura!
Chika: Nevermind the horns. He looks ripped!
The man may have heard them as he notices them.
For some reason, he was looking intensely at the girls, making them nervous.
?: Could it be…..
As he walks closer to them with his head lowered slightly, You steps in between him and the rest of the girls.
You: You got some nerve. First, you try to assault me, and now you are eyeing my friends.
?: Oh. It's you from this morning.
You: Damn straight!
Riko: Please calm down, You-chan. Excuse me, but I haven't seen you around here before.
I just started living here, the man said as he points a two storied purple-red building with a store front on the bottom floor. My name is Takahara Itsuki from the Shika Tribe. Are you perhaps a Hyou?
Yes, I'm Sakurauchi Riko and I also moved here with my family, Riko said. Can you tell us what happened this morning with You-chan?
I don't mind. I was cleaning up the sidewalk of the entrance when I heard something dropping on the ground. I turned around and found her collapsed on the sidewalk. When I checked on her, she seem to have suffer heat exhaustion, so I took into my place away from the sun and heat. The steps for dealing with heat exhaustion is to get the body temperature lowered back to normal while rehydrating the body, so I placed ice bags near her armpits and thighs while loosening her clothing to help her breathing. When I was trying to decide on giving her IV fluids, she woke up, put up a struggle in a panic, and ran off before I could do anything more, Shika explained.
I see, Riko said. Now that I think about it was kinda hotter than usual this morning.
But You-chan didn't say anything about fainting, Chika said.
Both Chika and Riko look at You, inquiring for an explanation.
Haha. I woke up late this morning and missed the bus, so I thought I get to the meeting place by running on foot, You said sheepishly.
All that running without any preparation would have put a strain on your body, Kanan said with a frown. And the hot and humid weather made things worse.
I was so focused on trying to meeting you guys that I didn't really noticed, You said, scratching the back of her neck.
And some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness and confusion, Itsuki said.
So that would explain why You-chan didn't remember clearly, Riko said.
…. I'm very sorry for making everyone worry, You said, lowering her head before looking at the Shika. I'm sorry for trying to attack you.
Before Itsuki could answer….
?: Itsuki Is that you?
Hearing someone call out the Shika, the girls saw Chiba walking towards them.
Itsuki: Chiba. It's been awhile.
Riko: You know this Shika, Chiba?
Chiba: Yes. He is a good friend when we were working together back at Mori.
Riko: I heard that the Ookami and the Shika have a good relationship, so that would make sense.
Riko then explains the event that took place this morning.
I see. Well, you don't need to apologize to him, Chiba said to You. Even when he does good work, he is not the most social person you will meet. He can and will rub people the wrong way with his manners.
So what kind of work do you do, Itsuki-san? Riko said.
Currently, I am expert in multiple sciences, Shika said as he points at the three metal bands attached to his antlers.
What he means is he is licensed as a doctor, herbalist, and researcher. The bands are proof of his professions, Chiba elaborates. I can personally vouch that his skills are the real thing.
That's amazing, Riko said.
So what brings to this country? Chiba said.
I came to this country to set out on my own, though I haven't decide what I wanted to do here, Itsuki said. That said, if anyone needs any medical help, drop by my place.
That will definitely come in handy, Chiba said with a smile. With things going around in this town, we will take any help we can get.
What do you mean? Itsuki said, tilting his head.
…..I will explain later, Chiba said.
Despite some reservations, they were able to clear up a misunderstanding and met an eccentric character.
[Few Days Later]
So you have any plans for the summer? Riko said.
Summer has come to Uchiura in full force and they were finishing the last days of summer school.
The first years and third years had their own plans today, so it was just You, Chika, and Riko hanging out.
I know there are some festivals during the summer, but I don't have any plans other than helping out with the Inn, Chika said. What about You-chan?
Hehe. The thing is, my papa is returning after his long trip from the sea this afternoon, You said with a wide grin.
Is that so? Riko said with a calm smile.
From what she heard, You's father is usually away from home due to work, only coming back for a short time.
That's right. I can't wait to spend some time with him, You said, her tail swishing side to side. Also, I want Riko-chan to meet papa.
While Riko has met with Chika's family due to them being neighbors, she had yet to personally meet You's parents.
As the second years continue to talk about other topics…..
BAHHHHHH
A large geyser of water spurted from a distance following a loud sound, which alerts the girls.
That is something you don't see every day. Is that normal in Uchiura? Riko said.
No way! And that looks like it is coming from the docks, Chika said.
The place that comes to Riko's mind was the port where she first set foot in this country, before realizing something even more urgent.
You-chan. Didn't you say that your dad was coming later? Do you know where his ship will dock at? Riko said with a serious look.
Chika and You slowly understood what the Hyou meant.
Papa…. You said with a low whimper.
Soon after, the Inu starts running in the direction of the commotion.
Wait, You-chan! Chika said.
You-chan! Riko said.
The two followed after their friend.
This is crazy! At this rate, we will never be able to reach the port! Chika said, who was starting to breathe heavily.
From their position, it would take time to get to the port, time that they may not have.
In that case, Riko said as she took out her necklace underneath her shirt.
Ahead of the two, You was running as fast as she could, fear and grim thoughts filling her head.
Papa, please be safe, You said.
You-chan!
Hearing her name snaps her from her mind and turns to see a familiar beast running beside the Inu. It was Mikei with Riko and Chika on its back.
You-chan, Hop on! Chika said as she and Riko reach out their hands to her.
Without hesitating, You grabs both their hands and uses it to lift her up onto the beast.
Let's go, Mikei! Riko said as the two hold on tight.
Rooooaaarrrrr
Mikei let out a ferocious snarl as he picks up the pace.
When they reached the port, they were shocked to see what looked like a huge red octopus-like creature with glowing yellow eyes and several long elastic arms floating in the water.
From the looks of things, several smaller boats were already destroyed by the creature when the girls arrived.
The Tako was moving closer to the port, where the rest of the boats were, its body blocking any possible route of escape.
It's a giant Tako! Chika said.
At the opposite side, they saw some people seemingly walking on the moving water surface, fending off the arms.
There's Chiba and Itsuki-san, Riko said. Even the dogs are here.
Chika!
The second years saw Kaga running on all four in a different direction from where they arrived. On top of its head was the bracelet given by Taishu, which was glowing a red light. Riko lent it to Kaga as a precaution.
Kaga! Chika shouted to her partner.
I saw that big tower of water coming from here, Kaga said before looking at the Tako. What is that?!
It's another enemy, Riko said with a serious tone.
Look! There's papa's ship, You said.
You recognizes one of the ships from a distance. At the main controls of the boat was a man who looked like an Inu with dark gray hair and yellow eyes.
You-chan. Why hasn't your dad escape from here? Riko said.
Papa is the captain. He won't leave without trying to save his ship and his crew, You said with a conflicted expression.
Along with You's father was some of his crew members, holding on to dear life as they were assaulted by the turbulent waves caused by the monster.
This is bad. It won't be long before it reaches then, Riko said as she brings out her whip from her bag.
Then, what are waiting for? Chika said as she looks at her partner.
Kaga: Alright!
When Chika and Kaga grabs each other's hand, an orange light engulfs them and before long, Chika changes into her [Fusion] attire.
Chika: Let's go!
You-chan wait here, Riko said as she left her bag with the Inu and went with Chika while riding on Mikei.
A-Alright, You said reluctantly as she watches Chika and Riko rush to the scene.
Riko: Chiba-san! Itsuki-san!
Riko and Chika ran to the docks where the Ookami and Shika were.
Riko! Chika! What are you doing here? Chiba said before noticing Chika's attire. And what are you wearing?
So you really are.. Itsuki said, as if realizing something.
Ah! This isn't what it looks like! Chika said.
After previous discussion, the girls decided to keep the existence of [Kizuna] in Uchiura a secret, particularly from those who came from Mori.
We'll talk about this later. We need to get this thing away from the others, Chiba said.
As their fight continues, one of the arms somehow grabs the Inu, wrapping around her body.
Chika: Ah!
Chika-chan! Riko said as she launches a [Fireball] at another arm.
Let me go, Chika said, trying to escaping the arm's clutch. Seconds later, her body was engulfed in the flames that burned the arm, forcing it to release Chika while leaving the Inu unharmed.
Are you alright? Riko said, catching Chika as she was falling.
I'm ok. Thanks, Riko-chan, Chika said, her feet back on the ground. But, seriously, the monster this time is a lot harder to fight.
Unlike the previous fight, where the enemy was on solid ground, this one is over the water, making land dwellers like humans hard to move. Furthermore, the creature's body was very squishy, their attacks seemingly bouncing off or not connecting.
While they were fighting desperately, You was standing on the sidelines, watching as her friends risk their lives protecting her dad and everyone at the port.
You bit her bottom lip at her own helplessness.
Amidst the battle, some of the Tako's arms bypasses the defenders and pierces through the starboard of her father's boat.
You: Stop… Stop…
As the arms were slowly wraps around the vulnerable boat, You could no longer hold back her emotions.
STTOPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP IIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!
You yelled at the top of lungs while closing her eyes, hoping someone would hear her.
As the echo from her cry disappears, she opens her tear-filled eyes only to notice a green light glowing on the ground. It was the bracelet that Kaga left behind.
Why is it… You said as she kneels down and picks up the bracelet.
Before You could figure it out, the Inu saw a large shadow in the water from a distance that was moving fast towards the direction of the port. As it reaches the middle between the Tako and the boats…..
FFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
A gigantic dark blue creature that looked like a manta ray suddenly breaches out of the water. The creature was roughly the same size as the Tako. This also forces Riko and others to retreat back to land.
In retaliation, the Tako uses its arms to wrap around the newcomer, who didn't take kindly of the embrace and starts flailing. The ray answers back by shoving its massive body against the Tako, pushing it away from the boats and the bystanders.
Chika: There's another one?!
Kaga: This giant!… This is one of my friends!
Riko: Your friend.. you mean a [Kizuna]?!
Kaga: Chika, get on top of its head!
Chika: What?!
Kaga: Hurry! There's no time!
Chika: O-Ok!
Putting some strength on her feet, Chika jumps into the air and lands on the giant's head, which felt rubbery.
Kaga: Kyono, can you hear me? It's Kaga!
Chika: Kyono?
The giant stops moving after hearing the Kizuna's voice.
Kaga: That big one over there is an enemy, so take it down.
Chika raises her arm and points her fingers at the Tako.
The giant slightly lowers its head and a ball of blue light starts to form where its mouth is.
Chika: W-What's going on?
After a few seconds,
fffffuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
A beam of blue light shoots out from its mouth and hits the Tako point blank.
Not only does the beam pushes the monster further away, but before long, layers of ice start to form on the creature's body. By the time the beam dissipates from the ray, the creature was frozen solid, unable to move.
Chika: Amazing…
Chika-chan! We need to get away from here. Kaga. Tell your friend to follow us, Riko said as she landed next to Chika on top of the ray.
Kaga: Alright!
Chika: But the Tako!
Riko: At this point, we will only stand in the way.
Confused by the Hyou's words, Chika nevertheless comply with her request.
You: What is all this?
You was watching the whole scene played out while trying to process what she was seeing. Another large creature came out of nowhere, but was defending the ships from the Tako.
You-chan!
You then saw Chika and Riko returning to her.
You: Chika-chan! Riko-chan! Why are you here?
Chika: I don't know! Riko-chan was the one who wanted to retreat.
Riko: You'll understand once you see them fight.
Chika/You: See who?
The two soon finds out what Riko meant.
Not only the creature, but the water around it was frozen solid, stable enough for two figures to land near the edge of the ice layer.
Now's our chance, Chiba said with a smirk as sparks form on his right hand.
Let's finish this before it gets out of hand, Itsuki said calmly as a green light envelops his left hand.
The Shika and Ookami runs to the center of the iceberg, with Itsuki moving slightly ahead of Chiba.
[Hoof Strike]
With unwavering force, the Shika plunges his palm into the frozen Tako, shattering the ice pillar like glass. The attack pushes the Tako's body further backwards.
There!
Locating the core embedded at the center of its arms, Chiba jumps forward.
[Lighting Blade]
With one slashing movement of his arm, the core was destroyed as the monster was bisected through the side.
Without the core, The Tako's body, along with the ice, dissolves without leaving a trace of the monstrous presence that appeared.
After making sure the Tako was defeated, the two left the ice layer as icy debris fall into the ocean.
The second-years witnessed the entire attack of the two men from afar. At that point, Riko canceled her [Summon] and Chika separated from Kaga, who was hiding along with its friend at another location.
Chika: So this is the strength of Mori.
You: And that was just two people.
By the time the rest of the others girls, who were alerted of the event, make the way to the port, the battle was already over.
You's dad and his crew was transported to the hospital, with You accompanying them. While there were injuries, they were not as severe, so everyone would recover without any issues.
After making sure that her dad was ok, You left the hospital and join up with her friends. Meanwhile, Chika and Riko inform the rest of the girls of the events that took place today.
Kaga: Kyono!
Kyono: Tofuuuuuuuuuuu!
Kaga: I can't believe we finally meet again!
Kyono: Tofu!
While the two [Kizuna] were hugging, happy to see each other, the girls could only watch with astonishment.
Dia: Is this really the one that you saw just now?
Riko: It is the same [Kizuna], but…
Mari: It's so tiny!
Unlike the giant manta ray that was fighting the Tako awhile ago, the one in front of them was a size sightly smaller than Kaga. On closer inspection, Kyono has a dark blue layer on its head and back with a lighter blue underbelly with two small hook-like arms. The [Kizuna] had what looked like two horns on its head and a tail with a pointed tip.
The girls were touched by the reunion of friends, but was more curious by the new [Kizuna]. Somehow, Kyono has no problem being out of water despite looking like a water dweller. What's more, Kyono is able to hover, using his wide wing-like flaps to move in the air. Not only that,
Chika: Um. Kaga. Why is your friend only saying 'tofu'?
Kaga: I don't know myself, but this is how Kyono has always talked.
Kanan: So you can understand what it is saying?
Kaga: Yeah. It takes some time to get used to it, so I guess I should translate for your guys for now.
Kaga releases his friend from the hug.
Kaga: Ne, Kyono. Where have you been all this time? I had been looking for you and you just appear out of nowhere like it was yesterday.
Kyono: Tofu... Tofu Tofu Tofu Tofu Tofu Tofu.
Kaga: 'I don't really know. By the time I noticed, my body was resting at the bottom of the ocean. The water was so calm, so I took a nap soon after.'
Yoshiko: You are way too relaxed!
Kanan: Is that so? The waves can be very soothing.
Kyono: Tofu Tofu Tofu Tofu Tofu Tofu Tofuuuuuu
Kaga: 'I don't know how long I was asleep, but I woke up again when there was something going on in front of me. There was this huge thing that I never seen before and it was attacking a group of smaller things.'
Dia: That must have been the monster that Chika-chan was talking about.
Kyono: Tofu Tofu Tofu
Kaga: 'Everything was going so fast, but then I heard a voice in my head.'
Riko: A voice?
Kyono: Tofu Tofu Tofu TOFFFFUUUUUUUUUU! Tofu Tofu Tofu.
Kaga: 'Yes. It said STTOOPPPPPPPPP ITTTTTT! Before I knew what was happening, my body started moving on its own and I ended up between the two things and then I met Kaga.'
Is that so? Wait. Doesn't that sound like You-chan at the time? Riko said.
Chika and Riko remember hearing the Inu's voice, shouting out of desperation at the Tako.
Yoshiko: Isn't it obvious? You's cries from the heart must have moved Kyono into action.
Kaga: I wouldn't be surprised. Kyono is the type who would rush head first and ask questions later.
Chika: That sounds so much like You-chan.
You: Since when do I do that, Chika-chan?
Riko: There was the time that you nearly jumped out of a building when you tried to grab an uniform that was falling.
You: You know that I have a thing for uniforms.
Riko: We were on the second floor. Me and Chika-chan had to grab you from falling along with the clothing.
You: Hehehe. Ok, Maybe I can be a bit rash. But if it wasn't for Kyono, things could've have gotten real bad.
The Inu then approaches Kyono, who looks at You.
Tofu? Kyono said tilting its head.
You crouches down and gently brings the [Kizuna] into her arms.
Thank you… for saving my papa, You said, tears starting to form as she was hugging the [Kizuna]. I am truly grateful to you.
Whether out of shock or consideration, Kyono didn't struggle from the embrace, but stayed silent. That didn't last long when You suddenly lets go of the [Kizuna] and fell on her butt.
Ah!
The Inu yelp in pain and clutches her left hand as a glowing grayish-blue mark shows up on her left hand. At the same time, a mark appears on Kyono's belly, which looks like a sailboat.
Kyono: Tofu! Tofu!
While Kyono was in panic over the surprise on its body, Kaga and the other girls realized what was happening.
Hanamaru: That mark! Could it be, zura?
Ruby: You-chan and Kyono became partners!
This is unbelievable, Riko said, who looks both shocked and confused, which goes unnoticed by the girls.
Yoshiko: kukuku. Yet another ally has joined our ranks.
Chika: Wow! Isn't that great, You-chan?
Yattaa! Now I can fight along with Chika-chan and Riko-chan! You said with excitement, her tail wagging chaotically. I will be in your care, Kyono!
Kyono: Tofu!
Dia: As delighted as this moment is, it's getting late. We should get home. I'm sure the commotion today will make our parents worry.
With that, the group went their separate ways, with Riko, Chika, You, and the two [Kizuna] going in the same direction.
Riko: How are we going to explain to Chiba and Itsuki-san about the [Kizuna]?
Both Chiba and Itsuki had to stay behind to deal with the aftermath of the fight while the girls were able to quietly withdraw their presence.
Chika: I'm sure we will find a way.
Kaga: Hey, Kyono. If you don't have a place to sleep, why don't you stay with me tonight?
Chika: Eh? Why?!
Kaga: To be honest, it feels lonely being the only [Kizuna] among you humans, no offense. Besides, I want to catch up with my friend for old times sake.
It has been few days after meeting Kaga, who started staying at Chika's home.
Chika: I can understand that.
Kaga: Also, Kyono doesn't have a place of its own, normally roosting on top of trees.
No way! Kyono is staying with me, You said, who grabs the [Kizuna] and holds it to her chest.
Kyono on the other hand looked confused.
Hold on. Is this really going to be ok? Riko said, looking uncertain.
Unlike Kaga, Kyono literally looks like a fish out of water while hovering off the ground.
Don't worry, I will make sure to keep Kyono a secret from my parents. That's a sailor's promise, You said with a salute. Kyono's my partner after all, so it's the least I could do for it.
Kyono: Tofu!
Kaga: 'I don't know what's going on, but ok!'
[You's house]
I'm back, You said as she enters her house.
You! Where have you been?
An older woman with wavy gray hair and clear blue eyes similar to You greets her with a worried look. Unlike You, her mother had longer hair and a much shorter pointed tail.
You's mother went to the hospital after she got the message from You about her husband. While she met her daughter at the hospital, You left a little bit after and she hadn't seen her since.
I'm fine, mom, You said after changing into her inside shoes. I went to check on my friends. Anyway, I am just going to my room to change.
Without saying anything else, You went straight upstairs to her room. When she closes the door, the Inu lays her backpack on her bed.
You: You can come out, Kyono.
From the backpack out pops Kyono, who starts looking around You's room, curious about the new surroundings.
Welcome to my room. Make yourself at home, You said as she sat on the bed after changing her clothes.
?: I'm home!
That voice, It's papa! You said as she gets up. Kyono, Wait here. I'll be back.
Tofu! Kyono respond as the ray settles onto the bed trying to hide itself among the blankets and pillows.
When You came down the stairs, she saw her father being hugged by her mother.
Papa! You said as she runs to hug the older man.
Oh! Hey little sailor, You's father as he pats her on the head.
Dear. Are you ok? Shouldn't you stay at the hospital? the mom said with concern.
It's fine. My arm got all banged up, but otherwise my body is fine, You's dad said, showing his cast before showing a dejected smile. Unfortunately, there was some damage to the ship, so it's going to be a few weeks before I can set out to sea again.
What's most important is that you are home and safe, You's mother said with a worried, but relieved look.
That's right, papa. Besides, it's been awhile since you were in town. A lot has happened, You said.
Is that so? Well, let's talk about them over dinner. I'm starving, You's father said.
While You was eating with her family, Kyono fell asleep on You's bed.
Kyono's first night at You's home came to an end with any problems.
My inspiration for Kyono came from the kite pokemon, Mantine.
Next time on Wild Stars: Sunshine, life becomes hectic as the girls learn more about aura and the [Kizuna], and a special guest arrives in Uchiura.
Find out on the next update.
Reviews, comments, and suggestions are welcomed.
