The battle to make Miu regain herself was being waged in JPN-Babel's sports arena

At the present time it was three-on-one situation, however that didn't matter to Izumi Chikage.

After all, the Miu right now was able to brake Kaidou's barrier that was standing in their way. Therefore, unless they all attacked together, they would have been quickly overpowered.

No -- strictly speaking, even now it might be too tough.

But......

...... I can't back down.

Chikage thought that this was also their fight.

The want to defeat Kyouya since he was a member of COc.o.o.n was not only Akatsuki's purpose in this case, but one of his future goals. Of course, after everyone decided to follow him on his path they would give him all the support they could.

However, in the end that was Akatsuki's personal war.

-- But the fight right now was different.

As Izumi Chikage stared ahead reflected in her eyes was the image of a close friend, who they all decided to absolutely get back. After they regain their friend it was already promised to lived together from then on.

There was no negotiating with that, no matter what.

"-- We need to hurry, and get her back."

After hearing that Listy and Kuzuha nodded back together while they were on the move.

Chikage again reminded herself.

Miu must be suffering inside herself being unable to believe in Akatsuki, and having to fight us who still believe in him.

...... No.

Miu must be suffering being unable to believe in Akatsuki, and having to fight against herself and the others who still believe in such a Miu.

The ultimate goal wasn't to defeat her, but to get her back.

To once again have their friend regain her smile, and return to everyone's arms.

"I'm going -- MIU!"

While chanting magic Izumi Chikage dashed out ahead straight at Miu.

After Listy saw Chikage run out ahead, she herself also started running.

And even Kuzuha began to move.

...... I'll go.

Listy was no longer confused.

Her friends.h.i.+p with Chikage and Kuzuha could be said to be short.

When they visited Alayzard together with Akatsuki and Miu there wasn't an opportunity to talk. Even when she was brought to this world there was never a proper conversation.

Of course, after yesterday's pajama party they had come to a deeper understanding of what was in each other's hearts.

Even while she was worried her presence would become a burden to the others, everyone still gladly accepted her.

Through their feelings for Akatsuki they could form a common battlefront.

However, even with an understanding there wasn't time for a proper plan of attack.

And no time to establish a sense of teamwork.

-- Still there was no doubt in Listy's mind.

Because there was one thing that could compensate for an immature sense of teamwork.

That was......

...... Trust.

That was all that was needed Listy thought. With mutual trust in each others feelings a sense of solidarity could be born.

That was what's most important for teamwork.

Precisely because we all understand each other -- no, because we trust each other.

No matter how Chikage and Kuzuha moved, she should be able to perfectly match them -- Listy Sherfied felt sure of it.

So......

"...... I'll start first."

Kuzuha took the initiative. As Listy saw her place her small left hand on the ground unfolding a magic formation.

At the same time, Miu's feet began to sink into the ground.

The mud was sealing the her movement, causing Miu to lose her secure footing,

"...... Relying on this trick."

Miu lightly complained, as she jumped into the air. She retreated to safety with help of wind magic to fly.

Then a huge ma.s.s of water suddenly engulfed Miu's whole body.

The sphere shaped pool of water was created above Miu's head by Chikage that instantly captured Miu in a prison of water. However,

"----"

Listy looked on as inside the water Miu slightly moved her lips.

The movement of her lips she seemed to be telling them,

-- It won't do any good.

And then Miu cast a spell on the end of her magic wand, Holy Tin, before lightly touching it to the edge of the water.

That was all, with that simple action caused a huge splash as Chikage's water prison burst apart.

As soon as Chikage saw that happen she immediately raised her voice shouting, "Listy!" However, it wasn't from any agitation in her heart that she yelled.

She was only calling out to a fellow comrade.

So......

"-- Leave it to me!"

Listy released the magic that she had already finished chanting.

Brief flashes of light filled the area as lightning rained down from the sky.

However, she was not targeting Miu herself.

Rather it was the s.p.a.ce around her.

When Miu destroyed Chikage's water prison the water had scattered out all around her.

That water was now creating an area around her that conducted electricity with her at the center.

And also Miu herself was currently drenched after being submerged.

So now Listy was personally bearing witness to the results of them working together.

The explosions from the thunder had subsided, Miu was now floating in the air with electricity flowing all around her.

Sparks from the electric current were attacking Miu's whole body.

However, there wasn't any pain.

Instead, the sensations from her body had faded away.

...... I see.

This must have been what they wanted to achieve.

Apparently, the three were trying seal off all my movements.

Kuzuha's mud shackles, Chikage's magical prison of water coupled with Listy's lightning -- as expected it was flawless battle plan.

And now that it wasn't possible to move they undoubtedly planned to try persuasion.

Taking great pains to repeat the same words of believing in Akatsuki.

But,

...... It's useless.

Not trying to hurt her, and aiming to prevent her from moving like so wasn't going to stop the present Miu. So she focused her consciousness, however it wasn't to form a new magic.

"--------"

Miu's intention was to intervene with the current running through her body and the surrounding area.

The countless water droplets hovering around her were remnants created through Chikage's magic.

Thus, under the effects there would be no potential difference, causing the current running in the s.p.a.ce other than Miu to be parallelized.

-- If that was the case, Miu judged she would be able to control all of the electricity centering around herself.

It was the same technique she used against Zahhak once before to affix lightning into a certain shape.

Ousawa Miu centralized all of the electricity onto the end of Holy Tin, and further amplified it with her own magic,

"Let me return it to you -- Listy-san!"

Towards the ground below her she swung down Holy Tin at Listy.

Along with a zapping noise, a lightning strike came towards the top of Listy's head.

"-!"

Listy's face had turned white, but she still took immediate action.

Slightly charging her own magic wand with electricity she pierced it into the ground, while taking a giant leap backwards.

This created an impromptu lightning rod, causing the lightning to directly strike the on top of her wand, rather than herself.

It was a pretty clever decision, but......

"-- Its not over yet!"

Miu didn't give Listy any chance to recover.

As she unleashed a wind blade to attack Listy at once.

...... Eh?

The expression Listy wore as she looked up caused Miu to question herself for a moment.

Listy was in imminent danger, but a smile appeared on her face.

-- It was at that time.

Miu felt for a moment behind her -- that the night sky suddenly got slightly darker. It was like her mind was playing a trick on her.

...... Did the moon go behind a cloud?

That couldn't be right. There wasn't a cloud in the sky tonight that was thick enough to shut out the moonlight.

Miu subconsciously glanced back. There -- she caught the silhouette of a girl in her vision.

"--------"

She was in same position as when she first attacked Miu with her left hand still firmly placed on the ground.

However -- the earth immediately around her had been raised high into the air. And in the girl's right hand her AD weapon was already materialized.

It was a gigantic chunk of steel. The same oversized hammer she liked to always use.

"Kuzuha......"

Wile in blank surprise Miu called out the name of the girl.

"-- Do not call me by my name Ousawa-san."

The girl said with an unusually cold tone.

"Sorry, but only the Miu from before is allowed to call me by my name."

And you aren't that same Miu,

"So please, quickly wake up."

Kuzuha lifted up the huge hammer high in the air.

"You oppai woman-!"

She swung down the hammer with all her power cras.h.i.+ng into Miu.

"---------------!?"

Miu was smashed out of the air towards the ground.

The moment before however she did cross both of her arms out in front of her, but the tremendous weight and force of Kuzuha's blow was too much. Her arms went numb from the impact, an intense shock wave went through Miu's whole body.

"...... Ku!"

Still, she managed to somehow invoke wind magic behind her back to slow her descent.

Barely avoiding cras.h.i.+ng into the ground, Miu landed before falling to one knee.

Kuzuha immediately followed after her to the ground, soon after Listy and Chikage also gave chase surrounding Miu and stood.

Miu was in the center as the three formed an equilateral triangle.

However, like before Ousawa Miu was not in the least daunted. It was only that a seeming sad expression appeared on her face.

"You absolutely refuse to back down......"

She said quietly. She thought it was enough if only herself knew the sad truth, and had to suffer.

The fact that Akatsuki had betrayed herself and the others was too cruel to tell to everyone that admires him so much.

Therefore -- Miu planned for only herself to bear it all.

However, since they won't step aside no matter what, she had no choice but to tell them.

So......

"I will tell the reason why I cannot forgive that person."

And then Ousawa Miu's heartfelt confession,

"Because that person -- once achieving his goals intends to abandon everyone and die."

"--------"

After hearing Miu's confession Listy and everyone fell silent.

-- When she learned the truth herself there was n.o.body around.

She had to bear with it by herself making it a far stronger blow than with Listy and the others right now.

And when she became aware of the situation Miu was no longer able to forgive Akatsuki.

But......

"...... How can you still......?"

Instead, when Miu told the truth she was the one who was surprised.

On Listy's face right in front of her eyes there wasn't even a hint of agitation.

"Why is it that --"

Miu couldn't resist the urge to ask.

"...... Because I believe!"

Listy then calmly and sincerely answered,

"We decided on our own to believe in Akatsuki. That guy is willing to go to any lengths to stop a woman's tears. And yet if Akatsuki does what Miu-chan says then how can he cause us so much sadness that will make us cry over him?"

As she was saying so, Listy was gazing at Miu with an unshakable look in her eyes.

Miu also saw the same thing in Chikage and Kuzuha eyes, and continue to ask,

"...... Why do you believe in that person so much?"

"That is because we decided to believe in him no matter what."

"The first person who decided that, Miu...... wasn't it you?"

Chikage and Kuzuba were trying to gently help Miu remember. It was as if -- she had forgotten something important, and needed to be reminded of it here.

Then Listy also spoke up,

"-- When I was feeling uneasy it was Miu-chan who calmed me down. Now I will tell you what you told me."

She continued with a very serene look on her face,

"There is nothing to be afraid of, we all will be fine because Miu-chan, I am with you, Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka -- and even Akatsuki. We will all be together at Akatsuki's side."

Wasn't it?

"-- From now on, we will be together forever."

After hearing her own words being repeated back to herself,

"-!"

Miu bit her lower lip, and suddenly started running.

Towards where those words came from, Listy.

And -- almost immediately cut the distance with Holy Tin above her head before swinging down.

"Oh......!"

Listy blocked Miu's attack in that moment by raising her magic wand.

A crisp cras.h.i.+ng sound rang out as both weapons collided mid air.

"What......! Do you know what you're saying!"

Miu roared right in front of Listy's face.

"......?"

Listy was stupefied over her comment, which caused the irritation in Miu's heart to bubble up.

Why can't you just understand?

After all even I...... once believed in Akatsuki.

I believed. I believed. I believed more than anyone else, and keep on believing.

And yet,

"..... The result of that was him betraying meeeeeeeeeeee!"

As Miu cried out she violently pushed down on Holy Tin with all her might.

"-!"

The force tossed Listy backwards.

However -- she didn't directly smash into the ground.

Because immediately before that someone had gentle pressed up against Listy's back.

Therefore Listy looked back in utter amazement.

"...... Akatsuki?"

She lightly muttered his name.

"............"

Akatsuki supported Listy, while he stared at Miu with a sad expression on his face.

"...... That's not fair to look at me like that......"

While making a painful expression, she still raised up Holy Tin.

"-- This is not good Miu!" "This foolishness needs to stop!"

Chikage and Kuzuba grabbed hold of Miu from behind at the same time.

So,

"...... I, I......!"

Unable to stop her overflowing emotions Miu finally mustered up her voice.

And shrieked,

"-- Get off me!"

And the next moment a blinding flash, and a powerful force came out from Miu in all directions.

The world was steeped in a pure white along with an ear-splitting noise -- the surrounding area lost its voice. A complete silence. However, after some time the world gradually remembered the concept of sound.

-- And when the world returned to to its original state.

Ousawa Miu remained standing in her former place alone.

"............"

Looking around she suddenly found Chikage and Kuzuha's figures off in the distance, who were grabbing onto her just a little while ago.

The two had collapsed on the ground, but they weren't dead.

At that time the willpower in Miu's heart turned into a shock wave moving out in all directions.

Most likely Chikage and Kuzuba bared the brunt of it.

The physical damage was very limited, but their spiritual strength was seriously shaved.

Like that they shouldn't be able to cause anymore interference.

...... The other two......?

Miu looked up, searching for what happened to Akatsuki and Listy after the wave.

Then up ahead Listy stood maintaining her distance.

"----"

Miu was slightly surprised that Listy stayed inside the range of the wave and wasn't harmed.

...... That person probably protected her.

If that was the case, Miu turned to look for Akatsuki's figure.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, Miu's right arm was forcibly pulled back from behind.

It was in an instant.

Before Miu could understand who was behind her, her body was spun around. When she recovered her thinking, she realized she was pressed up against a chest she knew all too well.

Inside the arms of Ousawa Akatsuki.

"......!"

Once Miu understood Akatsuki had embraced her,

"Let me go......!"

Miu cried out in fear, desperately trying to resist.

However, no matter how violently she struggled, Akatsuki didn't budge in the slightest.

"............"

Akatsuki didn't say anything. Just silence, as he held her.

A strong hug.

But along with the warmth, Akatsuki's thoughts were being communicated.

I'm never going to separate from you, because this is where you belong.

Through the tight silent embrace he was going tell her that.

No matter how much it hurt.

"Uuu...... uuu......"

Still Miu did not stop resisting.

Because she couldn't forgive him.

Akatsuki had deceived her all this time.

Because wasn't it?

...... Once you achieve your goal...... you planned on dieing......!

Even though from the start it was agreed to be together forever?

When you defeat the people who reign over this world you're prepared to die -- and to make matters worse it was intended to be by my hands in order to let me find a place in his world?

Miu couldn't allow such things to happen.

"UUuuu-!"

After screaming out Miu suddenly shut her eyes while in Akatsuki's embrace, and then firmly bit down on his arm.

"-!"

She felt Akatsuki's body faintly shutter.

And the taste of iron began to spread within Miu's mouth.

It was the taste of Akatsuki's blood.

A taste -- Ousawa Miu knew. Strictly speaking, it was something she could never forget.

Then,

"...... Do you remember?"

While Miu remained inside his arms, Akatsuki finally opened his mouth and,

"It was also at that time I was holding you like this......"

"......!"

Miu unintentionally loosened her bite.

She understood what he meant by that.

It was for Ousawa Miu a precious memory that would remain with her for the rest of her life.

-- It happened the night of the first day of the ranking tournament.

After being incited by Phil Miu began to think she didn't belong in this world, and there wasn't any place she could. As a result Miu had given up all hope.

Therefore, in order to not involve Akatsuki or anyone else in her own circ.u.mstances any more.

And to save the demon tribes left in Alayzard.

Miu had chosen to end her own life.

So in the presence of Akatsuki she decided to throw himself from the top of a huge waterfall.

She still thinks at that place, at that time she should have died there.

But -- that did not happen.

Miu survived. No, strictly speaking she was saved.

By the hand of Akatsuki.

"......!"

Ousawa Miu remembered.

That day, the words Akatsuki gave her.

Akatsuki told her that she was proof that Galious lived.

Only by her surviving can her father's existence proven.

And -- even if Akatsuki himself couldn't accept his own words, he didn't hesitate to speak them.

The place where Miu belongs will never disappear. It was because wherever he was, was where she belonged.

After saying so, Akatsuki printed his lips on her own.

That was Miu's first kiss.

-- At that time, while accepting his lips and tongue Ousawa Miu had decided her own future.

She -- from then on will be by Akatsuki's side.

So she looked up, and started glaring at Akatsuki.

"You know at that time when you gave me those words and -- kissed me...... how precious of a memory it was for me......!"

Miu's voice trembled as she spoke those words.

It was because she was crying.

"I've always believed in you...... I believed we would be together forever!"

With her hair down, Miu cried out hysterically.

"A place where I can belong *Poku* by killing you has no meaning at all for me!!!" (heart beat -- I normally take those out, but the sentence seemed so dull without it.)

Miu's emotions erupted from inside her as they turned into words.

She couldn't take it anymore.

"Wahhhhh......!"

Miu cried, as she beat Akatsuki's chest with her fists over and over.

I cannot forgive you.

It was too cruel.

If that is so, at the least I want you to say for us to die together.

Because Ousawa Akatsuki -- was for Ousawa Miu the last place she had to belong.

So......

"As you can see I'm alive and well, so...... don't willfully put a curse on me to die sometime in the future."

With a wry smile Akatsuki pa.s.sed on those words onto Miu.

"I've said it very clearly. Even if you don't believe it -- I will realize the very best future for you."

Akatsuki questioned whether she had forgotten?

"I will threatened to destroy the entire world so that I can create a place for you -- I think that was the worst case, right?"

However, he continued speaking,

"-- Why do you think I would choose that as the worst way?"

Upon hearing Akatsuki's question Miu stopped crying and,

"...... Eh...... What......--?"

Until only then did Miu notice something was wrong.

"......?"

After Akatsuki brought it to her attention, Miu realized one thing.

It was a question she never asked herself.

-- Why would I distrust Akatsuki so much now?

The man who I had feelings for and believed in.

And despite being the partner I swore in my heart to share the same fate with.

No, this wasn't considered to be the main focus -- Miu thought.

I've always been by Akatsuki's side, and always placed myself within reach of Akatsuki's arms. Ousawa Akatsuki -- was supposed to be the only place for Ousawa Miu.

Miu couldn't think of a conceivable reason to part from there.

Why in the world then was I separating myself from Akatsuki since a while ago?

Furthermore attacked Akatsuki and Kaidou, fought against Listy and the others, and hurt everyone.

"Why...... I'm I doing all this......?"

Miu muttered to herself. Whether it was her own thoughts or actions, everything seemed wrong.

In an effort to remember the cause,

...... Strange...... I cannot remember...... Why...... Is that?"

Thereupon, Miu realized her memory was in disorder.

Even now she couldn't remember why she was here now.

She came together with Haruka to JPN-Babel, and remembered entering the student council room.

However, the next memory was completely blank.

...... But.

Miu vaguely remembered being attacked by a maddening sense of anxiety over Akatsuki.

Gradually that unease turned into anger. As soon as Miu thought she might of been deceived -- it had already turned into I could no longer forgive Akatsuki.

And simply because she believed in him more than anyone else she thought she had been betrayed.

"B,but how can you blame me? Because after you stop your older brother and father, you will pose a threat to the world. Isn't it your plan to die......?"

And Miu continued,

"Your older brother is a "COc.o.o.n" and your father is part if "Crimson Twilight" so...... just like when you defeated my father in Alayzard you won't let yourself become the spark for a new conflict --"

After she said that much,

"Where did you hear that?"

Akatsuki suddenly asked.

"Eh......?"

"I've never said once my brother was a "COc.o.o.n" or my father was part of "Crimson Twilight" in front of you...... No, I never mentioned any of this in front of anyone."

One breath.

"Such talk -- when on earth and where did someone tell you this?"

"When and where...... who told me......"

Miu subconsciously repeated what Akatsuki asked of her. Thinking carefully, he had really good point.

Although I thought I heard it from him, Akatsuki still hadn't told me about his family.

At most, when he was half asleep that one time he let slip that his little sister was dead.

Of course -- that there was some sort of discord between him and his family was clear from their absence.

His excessive reaction to COc.o.o.n, or from the conversation the other day at the shopping mall some kind of causal a.s.sociation could be inferred.

But......

As for the details other than that, I wasn't aware of anything

And yet then how on earth did I know that Akatsuki's brother was serving as administrator of the world in "COc.o.o.n", and his father was the founder of "Crimson Twilight" of the world's strongest terrorist group?

Moreover, after learning of these secrets the typical reaction would be astonishment.

So why would I accept these this as a matter of course?

...... Why is that?

I have seen much standing beside him so far, and understand what kind of character Akatsuki has very well. That's why, the idea that Akatsuki would want to kill himself was absolutely impossible.

In that case -- why did I come to think in such a way?

However as Ousawa Miu thought about it she could not come up with a reasonable answer.

"Well...... probably only the person that instilled this strange notion would understand, howver......"

Akatsuki continued,

"Right now whats important is to deal with your tears."

"What......?"

When Miu blankly asked back, Akatsuki only reached out with his hand and lifted up her chin.

And stared straight at her.

"Whatever the reason, it cannot change the fact you were crying over me. Also....... well, you -- need something to believe no matter what."

And the next moment, it was just the same way as that day.

Akatsuki lips overlapped on Miu's own.

"Ah!?...... AH...... Nnn!"

Faced with an unexpected kiss Miu frantically struggled inside Akatsuki's arm.

She closed her fists to beat on his chest, and also tried pus.h.i.+ng herself away with both hands to separate herself by any means. However, it was useless. Akatsuki had strongly wrapped his hand around her waist.

It was not possible to escape.

Akatsuki's lips stripped Miu of freedom.

However, when he brazenly pushed his tongue in deeper.

"!"

Akatsuki wasn't allowed to get away with it, every time Miu would close her teeth to stop him.

"-- Give up."

And the next moment -- from a small gap in the side of her combat attire Akatsuki slid his hand under. Then he gently caressesed Miu's chest.

"Fuaa!? Ah, mhm --"

She reflexivity released a sweet voice. Akatsuki seized the moment to slip his tongue in.

...... It's a lie. It can't be that simple......!

Miu couldn't help but close her eyes.

For being honest to her body she felt a little ashamed of herself. Once again she realized.

Ousawa Miu's body could no longer -- go against Ousawa Akatsuki.

"Fa...... Oh, Chu...... Ah, nn......!"

With her tongue entangled plus her chest being ma.s.saged Miu felt a burst of pleasure seemingly melted her body and mind.

When the tip of Akatsuki's tongue lightly licked the sensitive upper part of her mouth brought Miu close to the extent of going crazy making her limbs numb.

And when the tongue was sucked on the there was numbness from pleasure in her chest together with a lack of oxygen.

Even if it was just a short separation Miu's mind and body more than ever helplessly desired Akatsuki.

...... I,I will not let you have your way......

She didn't abandon the idea of resistance, but......

"Ah ah...... hum...... ah ...... chu, chu......"

The forceful manner made it impossible for Miu to go against, as an intense stirring welled up in Miu's mouth.

Akatsuki's tongue increasingly found its way in.

It was the exact opposite of the first gentle kiss they had during the ranking tournament.

An unending amount of Kei poured in, thoroughly making her body sensitive.

At that point -- even the slightest resistance wasn't permitted.

...... It this also a ...... Kiss?"

Miu's consciousness became hazy.

Also she noticed that -- while her lips were stolen, occasionally her body would tremble slightly.

...... It's a lie, it can't possibly mean......!

Even with her mind clouded she faintly understand.

Each one of those slight s.h.i.+vers were light climaxes, and that the pleasure was piling on top of each other.

But, even though it was strange to say, Miu didn't feel any uneasiness.

Perhaps that one night she spent in the brothel of Alayzard's, Akatsuki had deeply carved that feeling into her body and mind.

And then, on the train together with Listy -- she was willing to accept the pleasant feeling, even though she felt very embarra.s.sed.

But......

...... That's wrong......

Until now, Miu realized that she herself was mistaken of the root cause.

The warmth and pleasure that Akatsuki offered she had no right refuse herself.

"Chu...... Oh, chu......"

The sweet a.s.sault continued, and the pleasure tune never ceased.

It was a.s.sured that Ousawa Miu -- was thoroughly enlightened that she was a woman.

And the kiss by Akatsuki didn't end, mercilessly depriving Miu of her self(ego).

The lewd noises of their tongues twisting around each other was distinct in her mind.

The feel of a tongue and the mucous membrane different from her own. The tongue and a mucous membrane of Akatsuki.

Just the feeling of the heat through the tongue almost sent Miu's consciousness flying.

Her waist had given out a long time ago. Her legs also had no strength. It was only possible as of now for Miu to stand due to that Akatsuki grabbed hold of her b.u.t.t without her being aware.

...... If that person hadn't touched my b.r.e.a.s.t.s and b.u.t.t, then I might not of been able to stay upright......

As she thought so,

"Ah ...... chu, ha ...... oh...... er ah!"

She was even surprised by herself at how suddenly weak her body went.

Her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, b.u.t.t, and every part of her body were gradually being dissolved by the heat.

All resistance had been abandoned to fall into an abyss of pleasure of the female body.

So,

...... Ah, this......

Unexpectedly, Miu felt some other element than pleasure from Akatsuki's kiss.

Flowing through the lips were the feelings Akatsuki held in his heart for her.

Although there weren't any words being pa.s.sed on, the thoughts were certainly conveyed.

Even if it was until then a very forcible kiss she immediately understood.

People can lie, however the lips can't.

Akatsuki -- had been more than anyone looking out for me.

At one time Miu thought she had been betrayed by Akatsuki, and now she did not know what to believe.

However, his words had caused Miu remember something from a little while ago.

...... Something to believe no matter what......

Akatsuki further continued to kiss without saying anything.

But yet, the sense of the kiss now, and the warmth of Akatsuki was definitely the truth.

"Nn, Chu...... Aa, Fua --"

Unconsciously, Miu had stretched out both of her arms around Akatsuki's neck.

She had become absorbed, only seeking Akatsuki.

Inside of the arms of Ousawa Akatsuki was the place Ousawa Miu belonged.

So......

"Oh...... oh, uwannnn......"

Akatsuki's saliva had been flowing into her.

The thick liquid was about to fill Miu's mouth

And -- after perceiving that Miu's reaction completely changed.

Akatsuki slowly separated his lip from Miu. Then,

...... Ah.......

He raised up Miu's jaw -- to tell her something.

She almost inhaled being stared at by Akatsuki with such a firm look in his eyes. Then she heard a resolute voice that could not be refused.

"-- Swallow it all."

Responding to those words,

"Nn...... --!"

Miu did what she was told without the slightest hesitation.

She swallowed the acc.u.mulated saliva with a 'kokun' sound in her throat.

She felt the liquid as it pa.s.sed through to the back of the throat, and a gentle tickle in her esophagus as it made its way down. Her whole body trembled from a sweet sensation.

In addition, two, and three gulping sounds were heard. Miu had completely drank Akatsuki's saliva.

"Haa, fu...... Haaa...... ah."

A hot, sweet sigh was leaked from the remnants of a peak from inside her body

And when she looked up at Akatsuki with misty eyes,

"...... Do you understand?"

While embracing her waist here, the usual bold smile emerged on Akatsuki's face as he spoke.

So,

"............"

Miu quietly nestled her check to Akatsuki's chest.

Lightly holding on to make certain of his existence

...... It's okay to believe in you, right?

Miu tightly closed her eyes, willing to accept Akatsuki completely.

-- At that time.

A whispered echoed in her mind. In the voice that was cold enough to freeze.

Listening carefully it seemed to be laughter,

"-- I was waiting for this moment."

And -- the next instant, Miu's warmth had disappeared from Akatsuki's arms.

Akatsuki opened his eyes, however she couldn't be seen anywhere.

Almost as if everything was a dream, both of his arms were holding onto the thin air.

"!? -- Miu-chan?"

On the edge of his view, Listy raised a very anxious voice.

The suddenness made it hard for Listy to understand what had happened.

Kuzuha and Chikage were not much better,

"That....."

"...... What the h.e.l.l happened?"

The pair forced their battered bodies up, staring blankly at Akatsuki.

It was understandable, considering that everyone present thought Akatsuki finally was able to save Miu.

However -- it was all except one. Only that one person seemed to have an idea as to what was going on.

That was Akatsuki.

He looked down at his empty hands,

"You did......"

Akatsuki said with contempt in a low voice.

Kyouya had abducted Miu most likely to exploit the power of a higher life form sleeping inside of Miu.

After taking all that effort to obtain Miu would he obediently hand her over?

This means that.....

"...... Such a thing."

Akatsuki was finally aware of Kyouya's plan, and couldn't hide his inner anger.

And then his gaze rested off into the distance at tower of Babel,

"This was your objective? Hikami Kyouya ......!"

"You really are clever Ousawa-kun. It's a pity -- but, you found out just a little too late."

Inside the shrine within JPN-Babel.

Hikami Kyouya watched everything through the fast asleep Miu on top of the altar. Perfectly content he deepened the cold smile on his face.

"Incidentally -- That youthful girl you guys were praising so highly was in actually merely her thoughts given form."

Kyouya look back behind at Miu still lying there on the altar.

It was as Akatsuki imagined.

After taking all that effort to get his hands on Miu it was only natural that it was impossible for Kyouya obediently give her back.

"Such an important thing, of course I couldn't let it out until the bitter end."

And then -- the altar with Miu on it suddenly changed.

The light that had been emitting from Miu changed from white to gold.

After perceiving the change,

"Apparently, it appears that I'm finally able to fully dominate her spirit."

Kyouya said with profound emotion.

Having sealed the power of an ultra-high-order-lifeform by placing a seal on Miu's ego.

The offspring between a half dark elf and human had an appearance was approximately the same as a human being's. However, in a situation where an ego was occupying such a "vessel", it was impossible to exert the power of an ultra-high-order-lifeform.

Phil Barnett before couldn't demonstrated even half the power the that was Zahhak along the same lines.

Miu, above all, was not conscious of the fact she was a ultra-high-order-lifeform. So similar to that, the magic she had manipulated in her thought form were wind spells that were her strong point all along. An absolute barrier of a higher life form was also never been unfolded as well, because she had not been aware of the existence of power in her.

In this case, the power as an ultra-high-order-lifeform was not stable.

However -- that said, forcibly controlling her ego could end in destroying it in the processes.

Left in a situation where her mind had fallen into disorder, it would become almost impossible to control to her.

So there would be no meaning to it. After all, manipulating that power of an ultra-high-order-lifeform was going to place Kyouya at the apex of the world. Therefore, it was necessary to completely dominate Miu's spirit.

But -- in what way could the human mind be dominated?

...... The approach was very simple.

The first step was to push the person's mind to the brink of despair.

After weakening their willpower to the limit -- the next part was to offer a glimmer of hope.

The mind that was on the edge was like a person that was drowning. They would tightly clutch onto that last straw.

As a result, a great gap will to produced in their mind. Allowing for a chance to get deep down in the depths of their psychology. For that reason Kyouya enlightened Miu as to the ideas and background information on Akatsuki.

In an unconscious state, implanting memories wasn't any trouble.

And,

"When interacting with the other girls, she was constantly repeating "Everything will be okay." Believing that you Ousawa-kun would keep them safe... ... It was like a mantra."

Miu words were meant to rea.s.sure Listy, Haruka, Chikage, and Kuzuha, and it succeeded in deepening each other's bonds.

"-- However, those words weren't born out of an absolute trust and consideration. It was only that she herself wanted to believe it so."

In such a way, Miu was often anxious. After Kyouya spotted such, he took advantage of this gap to enter her mind.

And -- it succeeded in the worst way. He was able to create the illusion that her beloved Akatsuki had betrayed her. After losing consciousness gradually the seal on the ultra-high-order-lifeform power inside her began to unfasten. And as he antic.i.p.ated, Miu gave her thoughts a body to condemn what Akatsuki had done.

The deeper the affection the greater the shock of betrayal would be, and also the hate.

The love she had for Akatsuki, and belief in him the word "lair" had a very severe meaning behind it. It was undoubtedly the wailing of Ousawa Miu's very soul.

It went accordingly to Kyouya's meticulous plan to push Miu to the depths of despair.

But......

"...... You really did save her when her mind was under such turmoil."

Hikami Kyouya had always highly evaluated Ousawa Akatsuki influence.

His father was the founder of Crimson Twilight, and older brother was the implementation leader for COc.o.o.n.

And the same blood as those two people was inherit in Akatsuki.

Also there was no doubt there was considerable charisma within Akatsuki himself.

-- In fact, he has attracted a lot of people around him.

And many among them were even willing make enemies out of the world, and also share the same fate as him.

Maybe it was precisely because of that Akatsuki was able to win the reputation of a hero in the alternate world of Alayzard.

Furthermore, even the demon king entrusted his daughter to the human who defeated him Now, Miu even though her father died at his hands sincerely trusts him.

Also according to Kyouya's expectation, Akatsuki tried to save Miu's mind that gave into despair.

Thus, Miu once again open her mind to Akatsuki.

Completely unaware -- it would become the gap to which allowed himself(Kyouya) to completely control her mind.

"Thank you Ousawa-kun...... for moving according to my plan."

It was so. Everything went as Kyouya calculated.

Both making Miu fall into despair, and arranging for Akatsuki help her.

This was all measures of Kyouya's careful planning.

In an effort to completely control Miu's mind.

So as to fully release the power of an ultra-high-order-lifeform, and bring it under his control.

"Well then...... it's time to proceed to the final stage."

As he muttered so, Kyouya spun around.

Several red ropes arose from the walls and ceiling stretched out towards the altar in the center of the room Miu was sleeping on.

The ropes coiled around her arms and body, while slowly lifting her up into air.

Then through the ropes the golden glow that was emitting from Miu's body spread out to the whole room,

Vu~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ un

Together with low mechanical sound, a three-dimensional geometric magic patterns began unfolding over and over again.

The link to the ultra-high-order-lifeform had started to be established.

As he looked on,

"...... Well, until the link is set up, I still have a little time on my hand. Then, how should I dispose of those nuisances from earlier?"

Hikami Kyouya began to slowly walk out of the room.

While floating a sneer of absolute zero on his face.

"Before becoming G.o.d of this world -- I can't let a single one remain."

In a wide s.p.a.ce of one of the lowermost floors a single shadow was moving.

Surrounded by darkness a faint red light was being given off. It was from Onizuka after finis.h.i.+ng his battle with Phil.

"This should be enough......"

Onizuka had dropped to the ground on his b.u.t.t one step away from the unconscious Phil.

He had bound Phil, restraining him from moving.

Nearby steel wire had been used as roped to tie both of Phil's hands behind his back first. Then his ankles were tied, and finally his knees were bound together to completely stop Phil from moving.

And also to absolutely make sure he couldn't break free several layers of wire were wrapped around.

...... This was merely a fluke, next time I won't be able to win.

Onizuka Kenya understood very well that he only won because he caught his opponent off guard with his surprise tactic. However, the same trick won't work again.

If there was a second match, Phil would come at him at full force from the beginning. Coupled with his almost immortally, Onizuka had no more chances whatsoever at winning.

And more than anything,

"I never ever..... want to run across this crazy b.a.s.t.a.r.d again."

That was not a joke, Onizuka bitterly spit out. And when attempting to stand up,

"Gah......!"

A sharp pain hit ran through his body, involuntarily sending him to his knees.

Most likely it was the result of having finished restraining Phil, and relaxing his tension.

The pain in his body that had suppressed, had float up all at once.

"G.o.ddammit...... I just finally got discharged from the hospital. And the same guy that sent me there to begin with did it again......"

Ignoring the pain that was screaming within his body, somehow Onizuka still stood up.

For Onizuka there was somewhere he must go to. It was the spot he got separated from Tiana during the fight.

...... That fool couldn't possibly be lossing, but......

If he had to say it, Tiana's ability to fight was even greater than Phil's. In theory there was no possibility of defeat.

-- However, the outcome of a battle was never an "absolute."

Actually, Onizuka beating Phil was a perfect example. Although he didn't want to think about it too much, but he couldn't ignore the possibility of Tiana fail miserably at a very easy task.

And Tiana and Tanaka -- neither of the pair, still hadn't shown up.

Over there the fight might still be going on.

Then it may be possible for Onizuka to do something if he went.

"...... Tsk, what the h.e.l.l is wrong with me?"

Onizuka irritatingly clicked his tongue. It was unbelievable for his former self to think such a thing.

Worrying about another person, and actually willing to put his neck out for them.

His true self thought..... it was insane to do so.

And yet, Onizuka's mind couldn't stop his anxious.

Then, there might not be other way.

...... Well, now what to do?

Onizuka lowered his head in thought.

To tell the truth, he wanted to immediately rush over to Tiana's side.

However, it was still too dangerous to leave Phil alone even in that state.

Taking into consideration Onizuka had the physical strength to cause Phil to pa.s.s out, then there shouldn't be any problems with the security of the restraints. But, if by any chance he escapes when Onizuka's takes his eyes off him -- no, rather if he escapes and comes to attack again, what could there to be done?

At that time, the matter would certainly be troublesome.

Therefore, the safest thing to do,

"...... I'll have to carry him with him."

With some resignation in his voice Onizuka sighed.

He himself didn't know for far he could make it, but could only take it one step at time.

Unable to see the bottom of the hole that Tiana made, the risk was too high to jump.

However, the fact that they went down might make it possible to meet up on a lower floor.

"The problem is I don't know where they are, but......"

Ah well, never mind -- Onizuka thought. It was no use thinking that way here.

For the time being it was best to just move forward.

And then, Onizuka lifted Phil onto his shoulder ready to move, when......

"...... Eh, it's already over?"

From Onizuka's right side -- out of an entrance way, Tiana suddenly emerged.

It look like her hand was holding onto Tanaka's collar, that had been knocked unconscious. However, with no more than an light expression on Tiana's face, it seemed like dragging Tanaka's body the whole way was nothing to her. Of course, Onizuka was fully aware of the absurdity of it.

"To think I hurried over because I was worried, but...... you did quite splendid, Ken-chan."

Tiana laughed loudly with a "AHAHA." They had both had won a life and death battle, but compared to the bruises up and down Onizuka's body, Tiana looked utterly unscathed.

And that smiling face was too innocent.

"Well, of course this would be the case......"

The so-called case, was a million to one chance that wouldn't happen again. With a wry smile at the same time, Onizuka lowered Phil down and leaned him against a wall. Also it seemed that Tiana didn't need Onizuka a.s.sistance.

...... Yea, that is so.

A self-deprecating grin appeared on Onizuka's face.

After all, his level could nowhere compare to Tiana's.

"...... Eh? What happened, Ken-chan?"

After noticing a glance from Onizuka, Tiana had come over in front of his eyes, and looked up at him.

So,

"Err...... It's nothing."

And Onizuka shook his head,

"But -- unfortunately, that

stuff you were after should be within their bodies, and probably out of reach."

Onizuka believed that most likely the

had already a.s.similated with Phil and Tanaka's bodies.

And that it was impossible for Tiana to obtain.

However......

"Don't worry...... it's no problem at all~"

After hearing what Onizuka said, Tiana laughed. She steadily walked over to Phil's side, and bent over.

Then in front of Onizuka while he was watching......

Tiana's right hand -- soundlessly went through the left side of Phil's chest.

Part 10

"------!......?"

Onizuka couldn't understand what just happened in front his eyes, because there was no sense of reality.

He stood there completely frozen. However, ignoring the lost Onizuka,

"Ah, found it... ... Yoisho!!!"

Tiana nonchalantly pulled something out from Phils's chest.

Ripped out -- would probably be the correct way to put it.

Although the instant that she punched through he didn't hear any sounds from bones breaking, Onizuka clearly heard the noises from muscle fibers and blood vessels tearing. It was a true to life b.l.o.o.d.y scene that Onizuka couldn't help but want to cover his ears from.

"Just now......"

A groan spilled out from Onizuka. But that voice didn't reached the girl in front of him.

Tiana's was waving her clenched fist back and forth in an attempt to shake off the fresh blood.

"So this is a phoenix cell......"

Soon after, she had opened her fist, and stared intently at the vermilion glow in the palm of her hand. It was a red crystal about five centimeters in diameter.

"It's smaller than you would think. Ah well, but since this thing can turn a person into such an undead monster it's no wonder why j.a.pan's Government felt the need to engage in such unlawful activity......"

And after Tiana took out a cylindrical tubed shaped container from her pocket,

"Nonetheless, this is something that cannot fall into COc.o.o.n's hands. It's better if I take it here."

She opened the container and put the crystal in. Then at the same time, there was an abrupt change in Phils's body.

The surface of his skin began to dry up and wither, as if rapidly aging.

"Wh-what was that.....?"

"This is probably because he was originally dead from the start."

To the startle Onizuka, Tiana spoke without hesitation and,

"Living human beings by nature posses the ability to heal themselves. With the phoenix cell that vitality is unlimited with an infinite amount of cell recovery, and may cause the body to react, probably with the same potential problems of organ transplantation...... rejection. That is because there is a function in the body to eliminate any foreign substances. Therefore, a dead person rather than living would make for much better Phoenix cell transplant candidates.

A breath.

"Ah well -- I don't know if he was dead from the beginning, or he was murdered before the transplant. The Phoenix cell's recovery is quite strong, a small group of cells reconstructing the original body would not be impossible. Having undergone something like mummification just now was probably because the cells died rapidly after losing the phoenix cell."

After saying so, Tiana turned around and walked back a little.

To the other young man that had attacked Onizuka earlier she had left on the ground.

It was Tanaka whom Tiana had carried here.

So......

"Hey...... wait a minute!"

Onizuka panicked, as he grabbed Tiana's shoulder.

"Huh? What's the matter, Ken-chan?"

"What is "what," ah...... -- You!"

To having Tiana looked back confused, Onizuka couldn't help but raise his voice and,

"Killing nonchalantly, and you actually asked me what!"

Tiana blinked with surprise then,

"No, no, what you're saying. Before you were being tormented by your guilty conscience, and now are you beginning some ridiculous sympathy for them? You cannot forget Ken-chan they are enemies that were trying to kill you and myself. It is only retribution for what they have done themselves. Additionally, my mission is the Phoenix cells within them. Defeating them, and obtaining the cells is what's integral."

Tiana exposed a helpless smile, as if scolding a disobedient child and,

"Please bare with it... ... This is no place to mess around."

"I know that your objective is the Phoenix cells, and that I even came here on a whim -- But, losing the Phoenix cells means that he is going to die!"

Onizuka looked down at Tanaka on the ground. After the Phoenix cell was removed Tanaka would share Phil's same fate.

-- After the incident with the out of control training program.

Onizuka didn't know whether Tanaka had been caught alive or dead.

However, the transplantation of Phoenix cells would not of been what Tanaka wanted.

And for that he had already died once, and revived to be used as a chess piece.

Now to also let him be killed again would be -- too cruel.

However,

"I explained before...... they seemed to have died a long time ago."

Tiana somewhat sighed. And in amazed tone of voice,

"If only moving and speaking is what it is meant to be alive, then even robots posses life. Do you still not understand? They are only corpses moving around because of the Phoenix cells. There is no need for you feel that way over a moving mannequin."

Tiana's manner of speaking enraged Onizuka. Tiana's shoulder, he had a tight grip on, started shaking intensely before he roared almost out of control,

"Still -- that fellow is still a human being same as us!"

Onizuka's pa.s.sionate cry spread widely all around, echoing throughout the wide open s.p.a.ce.

Before long it fade away, and s.p.a.ce again settled down.

"...... Good grief."

A chilly low sigh without emotion came from Tiana.

"-!"

Onizuka involuntarily harden himself, despite that she brushed off his hand that had been placed on her shoulder.

And,

"...... I shouldn't have brought you after all."

Afterwords he saw in Tiana's eyes -- a cold stare different from her usual self.

"You followed me here on your own... ... furthermore, you want to impose your selfish sentimentality on me. Aren't you getting overly carried away with yourself? Moreover, all the trouble I've been though to this point, you think I would let go the prey in front of me, and quietly turn away?"

"......!"

Although faced with the overwhelming pressure from Tiana, Onizuka lost the mental battle for a moment,

"You've obtained one Phoenix cell...... that should be enough, right? There's no longer any need to kill another person."

"Killing a person? Ken-chan, are you really still treating them as human beings?"

Never mind, Tiana shook her head.

"Even if...... I overlook him here, then what? Surely, you don't intend to just leave him here like this? Forget that he tried to kill you, Ken-chan and myself for a moment. But suppose after waking up he goes out to kill another person this time?"

"...... Afterwords, I'll report him to the public security (Changed from -- Peace preservation corps)...... "

"Public security? And where do you think here is? This is the lower levels of JPN-Babel! We had to break through a security vulnerability to get here. Do you think JPN-Babel will authorize public security to enter and investigate?"

Tiana laughed and,

"Let's a.s.sume that public security was able to come here, then what would happen? Arrest him and put him on trial? Stop joking. This cannot be opened to the public. Babel will surely use their influence to demand they return him, and then finish things in private."

"This......!"

Onizuka face became bitter.

Everything that Tiana mentioned was indeed what might really happen.

Onizuka's idea for asking for Public security to arrest him was absolutely unrealistic. And to not leave him with any room for reb.u.t.tal Tiana pressed even further,

"Ken-chan, please carefully consider the meaning of them being at the lowermost levels of JPN-Babel. And, who transplanted the Phoenix cells into their bodies, and arranged for them to be here?"

"............"

To Tiana's word, Onizuka fell silent.

Only one person had that kind of power.

That was the person sent from COc.o.o.n to manage Babel -- Hikami Kyouya.

And if this really was Kyouya's doing then handing him over to Public security, or placing him in a hospital for treatment would be useless like Tiana said.

Hikami Kyouya holds full authority over all the special autonomous region.

Any kind of inconvenient truth would be very easily crushed.

To begin with, Tanaka was a terrorist who planned the destruction of JPN-Babel, but handing him over to Public security was purposely not done.

"And......"

And Tiana sighed,

"Most likely if we let him go he is going to be disposed of for failing his mission. At that time, the Phoenix cell from his body will be removed and re-transplanted to better "source material." Now do you understand? There is no route which he survives."

"...... But."

Still, Onizuka refused to give up.

"It's unsightly. Reporting it to Public security, and leaving it all to others. Is that what you want so you can fulfill your minimum obligation? Yes yes, you can stop me here, and indeed Ken-chan you will be a good person. But. that is just looking away from the reality in front of you, that no matter what he is going to be killed by some else's hands."

Tiana's words were sharp, but were indisputable facts.

"Or are you saying you're going to protect him? From Babel and COc.o.o.n, and Public security for all of eternity ... ... Do you have that much resolution? Your descendants will have to continue protecting him, who has became ageless and deathless because of the Phoenix cell, generation after generation... ... That sort of sacrifice won't just be you Ken-chan, or are you saying that there is even the resolution to involve someone other than yourself?"

"I ......"

"Impossible is not it? No power, lack of resolution, and even unwilling to shoulder the most basic of responsibilities. Speaking of life or human rights, and respect just for argument sake... ... Do you know what kind of standpoint that is, Ken-chan?"

A breath.

"That is called hypocrisy."

So......

".................."

Onizuka fell silent. and then finally shot Tiana a glance.

"...... So you understand, please don't obstruct me any further."

After saying that, she began to walk towards Tanaka.

"--------"

Onizuka could only silently stare at Tiana's pet.i.te back. His gaze was like one of an audience member looking at the stage.

Tiana's existence felt so far away.

So -- the Phoenix cell will be extracted from Tanaka, and he will instantly wither away the same as Phil.

That was what was going to happen.

-- But, in reality that did not.

On account of Tiana being forced to stopped.

And then she turned her head back towards him,

"Ken-chan, what do mean by this?"

She looked at the large hand resting on her shoulder, and then at face of its owner -- Onizuka Kenya.

"I've told you not to obstruct me any further."

"Ah...... I heard."

He said with his face looking down, however then he raised his head.

And said.

"Still, I can't let you kill that guy."

Onizuka understood that Tanaka's death was inevitable.

And that this was Tanaka's own fault, and no one else's.

But -- even so, this did not const.i.tute a reason for Tiana to kill him.

...... Yea, that is right.

Perhaps Tanaka and Phil couldn't be considered a human beings the same as Onizuka anymore.

But, to be so easily decisive about cutting open Phil's chest then Tanaka's.

Watching her do that felt like she was becoming entirely different from a human being like himself.

If only this reason Onizuka wanted to stop her.

-- Onizuka did not know what Tiana had done in the past.

But at least he knows that Tiana was definitely a normal human the same as him.

Even if it was a temporary moment of sentimentality, or hypocrisy --

Onizuka Kenya didn't want Tiana's hands in front of him to be stained with blood any further.

Then Tiana,

"............ Ken-chan."

The moment she called his name with the sigh,

"Gaa -------!?"

Onizuka suddenly felt a strong impact to his body, as if he had been hit by a car.

The force sent him flying, cras.h.i.+ng into the wall behind him.

"Gu...... ah......!"

He helplessly fell down to the ground, and right before his consciousness was gave out,

"If you obstruct me any further, I will consider you as an enemy."

Tiana