[Tokusatsu Themes, Relief, Fluff]

"Ehehehe... Well, this is awkward. I didn't expect to get caught."

"You say that, and yet you tried to go in through the front door. What exactly did you have planned, Golden Freedom?"

"I have a name, you know. It's King Cobra. What's yours, cutie?"

"Not interested. Especially not after you and your allies decided that it'd be a good idea to make a fool of my student."

"Now now, that's aaaalll in the past. Besides, that was Spider's fault. Not mine. Not my responsibility, ehe."

"I beg to differ."

Standing within a somewhat dusty shrine were two young men. One easily identifiable as the flamboyant and aggressively gay King Cobra, who was currently bound in shibari-style bondage. It wasn't exactly great in terms of restraining him, but it did its job thanks to how it dug into his body and really pushed his buttons. Good grief, it had been a while since he had been through something like this.

The other youth was named Yu. The lone black-haired boy who tended to the shrine at the edge of Mimoto, it had been part of his family's duty to care for the shrine and make sure that the spirits within were kept placated and nourished. At least, that's what he was supposed to do. But once that gal with the tan and the blonde hair popped her way over, it was hard to truly make her turn back. Leaving him with the duty of teaching her from the ground up as well.

"It's not like she's that bad like that, right? She's still trying her best to follow your teachings and all that, yeah?" Cobra grinned as he didn't even bother struggling. He only shifted around a little to make sure that he made the robes rub into him ever slightly more, his cheeks flushed bright red with excitement.

Yu adjusted his traditional shrine garb and brushed his hands through his ponytail before shaking his head. "No, she's worse. But that's none of your concern." He stated, before reaching forward and grabbing the green-haired twink by the jaw. All while his hand squeezed tightly, his glare burning its way into the twink's eyes. "You have one of those accursed objects on you. Hand it over."

"W-Well, if that's all you wanted, then I don't mind!" Cobra laughed nervously before licking his lips slightly, only to then let a single golden ring roll its way off his tongue as it rested right on the very tip. "It'll make your wishes come true and set you free from responsibility! Honest!" Good grief, why was his grip so much stronger than anybody else's? It's not that it was discomforting, far from it, but it definitely turned him on a little too much.

The shrine tender grabbed the ring, before quietly scanning it. "Mizutani, you are here, correct?" He asked, as he turned back towards a set of double doors leading deeper into the shrine.

"'course I am, Yu-senpai!"

A powerful wind blasted its way through the inner chamber as the doors were slammed open, revealing the oni-like form of one Azami Mizutani. The girl that had gotten into an altercation with Mimoto and her allies, all thanks to a bit of a misunderstanding. But at this moment, she seemed to have complete control over herself. Which really helped complete the look of a miko-in-training when combined with her current garb.

Cobra felt a little bit of fear pouring across his body as he looked at her, because he could see the subtle definition of her muscle poking out through her garb. If he said anything that wasn't appropriate, he had good reason to believe that she'd probably just pop him between her thighs and... Well, the release he'd feel wouldn't be the good kind. And not just because it'd be caused by a girl...

"You said that when you used yours, you kept your mind focused on what you wanted most of all. Nothing more, nothing less?" Yu asked, all while slowly letting the ring flip between his fingers, not unlike if he was trying to do a little trick with a coin. He had gotten quite good at this, while he was counting the meager amount of donations that the shrine got.

Azami nodded, all while pulling her sleeve back a bit. There was a rather telling set of golden kanji wrapped around her wrist, where she had worn the golden bracelet that transformed her. "Mmhm. Just focus on that. Can't believe it left this behind, it's a real pain." The large and brash oni commented, before her stomach growled a little. "Yu-senpai, can't we have a midnight snack? I'm staaaarving!"

"You'll get more food than you could ever imagine when the festival begins. Now please stay still." Yu said, all while he closed his eyes and focused his mind. Everything growing silent around him, as if he had become nothing. Once he had achieved this perfect sense of self, he let the ring fall onto his ring finger, and took a deep breath.

Thanks to his intense concentration, the golden glow that spread from the ring and all the way across his body... It didn't hurt. It didn't give him pleasure or force him into a blissful state either. It just washed all over him, all while he remained perfectly calm and collected. He wasn't going to let it control him. He was just going to let it wash through him...

Both Cobra and Azami watched as the golden glow vanished moments later, revealing the youth's new form. And both couldn't help but grin a little. For entirely different reasons, lust driving Cobra's grin and kinship driving Azami's.

Like his student, he had become an Oni. His horn was in the middle of his forehead, pointedly sticking out in an excessively phallic fashion. But it was not the fact that he had become a youkai that made him stand out, or even drew Cobra's lust toward him. No, it was the fact that his ceremonial garb now hung down by his elbows, showing off his chest and his upper arms and how chalk white his body had become. Because he wasn't just an oni, oh no.

He was a Geisha. Chalk white skin fitted with several ceremonial drawings using his body as a canvas. A beautiful Yin and Yang outlined across his chest, several evocative kanji across his shoulders, with plenty of makeup across his face to make him look as delicate as his kind should. Combine that with the bun that his hair had been fitted into, and he looked like he could pass for a proper concubine, even with his masculinity on full display like this...

"So this is what it feels like..." Yu muttered, before letting out a soft 'ka ka' as he turned to Azami. "Mizutani, dear. We have a festival to host. Call Tachibana, we need to make sure that the funding is secured. Call Grimwald as well, we need to ensure that the various stalls have everything that they need to be stocked with."

His words were a lot more affectionate, which wasn't really saying much, but it did make Azami blush a little as she saluted and headed deeper into the shrine. All while Cobra chuckled a little in response to the geisha in front of him. "Woooow. So you managed to keep yourself in control. Even that stronger Jõtai wasn't enough to make your desire go out of control."

"Self discipline is important in my field of work." Yu said, before turning back towards Cobra. "You should learn to exercise it. But for the time being, I will spare you the lecture. I have a much more important role for you, after all." He concluded, leaning closer to the green-haired twink.

Cobra blinked, before he was swallowed by the sensations that immediately flooded through him as he felt those white fingertips brush against his cheek...

---

"Aren't you done yet, Mikai?!"

"It's not easy to fit into one of these things, you know! I've never tried one!"

"You've been at every single festival, I know you have! You wore a really plain yukata too! What's so different about this one?!"

"I'm actually trying to wear it right, that's what!"

The Mimoto Festival was today. A once-a-year event near the end of fall that celebrated the bonds that were born throughout the city. And now that Mikai was actually conscious of herself, it meant that she couldn't skip out on it. Which was why she was currently having trouble getting into an appropriate set of clothes for the occasion. And since she didn't have any at home, she had gone to Agatha's place to try and get her help. Which was why she was currently in a private room together with one of the girl's maids.

"Please stay still while I fit it onto you, Miss Fushimi." The black-haired maid who had previously met Mikai, Tomoe, did her best to fit the outfit onto the girl. "I know it's restrictive. But you're not meant to exert yourself while you wear it. You're meant to enjoy the festival."

Mikai pouted a little as she tried standing still. "It's not easy, you know. Especially not with Agatha yelling from behind those doors. Don't you have to get your clothes ready too, Agatha?!" She shouted, only to lose her balance slightly from the agitation pouring through her body, prompting the maid to correct her posture with a firm grip.

"I'm already done! You've spent a whole hour in there getting ready! So get ready before I break down the door and get it done myself!" Agatha shouted, and knowing her temperament... She probably would do just that, if she really had to.

"Please don't break down the doors, Lady Anemone." Tomoe replied, all while putting the finishing touches on Mikai's yukata, tying  the sash that kept it all together. "Or would you like me to inform Lady Mizuki about your violent streak continuing?"

Agatha grew quiet for a moment. Only for a thud to hit the doors, and the sound of Agatha's exhausted sigh echoing out. "Why'd you tell her anything, Tomoe? I thought I told you that I wanted you all to ignore her."

"She is ultimately our employer." Tomoe replied. "On top of that, she was the one that prepared these yukata for you and your friends. She even sent her regards to the 'Hero of Mimoto', congratulating her on getting close to you despite your caustic personality."

Mikai, once she felt that Tomoe was done adjusting her yukata, gently jumped down from the stool that she had been standing on to allow the taller maid to properly adjust her outfit. "But that doesn't mean you have to talk about her mom like that, Tomoe! You know she doesn't like hearing about her!" After what she had heard a few weeks back, when Agatha was at her weakest, she didn't want her servants to be the ones to rub it all in.

Tomoe looked at the young sandy-blonde girl, before softly smiling. "Unfortunately, Miss Fushimi, Lady Anemone is an adult. And as an adult, she can't just run away from reality." She explained, her words betraying her expression. All while she opened the door leading out into the hall. "But it has been quite some time since somebody has sincerely stood up for Lady Anemone. And for that, I will concede that I went out of line. I apologize to you both, Miss Fushimi, Lady Anemone."

Agatha looked up as she saw Tomoe bowing respectfully for forgiveness, glaring at her before huffing. "Just go away. I don't want to think about her." She muttered, and the disrespectful maid nodded softly before taking her leave. Great. She just had to go ahead and mention Mother, didn't she..?

"I thought she was nice, but she's a lot more mean than I thought..." Mikai muttered as she walked out of the room. "Guess I just gotta learn more about her. Then maybe I can make her change her mind more and realize how mean she was." She concluded, right before turning towards Agatha. "Hey, Agatha? How do I look?"

The plump girl looked up at her short friend, and she couldn't help but blush a bit. Here she was, the girl that had gotten on her nerves many times in the past, the girl that had managed to enrage her just by existing, the girl that had ultimately been the reason why she hadn't gotten into trouble several times thanks to the way she saved her as a heroine...

And she cleaned up so nicely. One look at Mikai in a yukata, with her hair done up in a cute lil' bun, and you could barely tell that she was the same rambunctiously happy girl. You could still see her, sure, but she looked a lot more like... She had been this beautiful all along. All because of a simple change of attire, a warm yukata with a few sakura petals contrasted with the colors of the evening shining down...

"...You look good, Mikai." Agatha muttered. She really didn't know what else to say when faced with her like this. What could she say? What other words would be adequate to describe her when all she felt was a wave of warm kindness washing over her when she looked at Mikai..?

"You look good too, Agatha!" Mikai giggled. Even though she looked beautiful, she didn't think too much of it. If anything, she was more impressed with how Agatha looked. Despite her friend's heavier frame, she was able to squeeze her way into a yukata too, one with a soft red motif and a couple of delicate wave-like patterns. Kinda pretty, because the waves also slowly started to sink further down. Almost as if they were drilling, like her drills... Which had been done as one long drill ponytail instead of twintails like usual.

Agatha smiled in turn. "H-Heh. Of course I look. You really think I wouldn't look good?" She tried to get back into the groove thanks to Mikai's words, though it didn't last long before she deflated again. "Ah, who am I kidding. You're probably just saying that to make me feel better. Thanks, Mikai."

"I meant it, Agatha." Mikai kept a smile on her face, before grabbing ahold of her friend's hand. "Now come on, we've gotta go see the others! I'm sure they're all waiting!" She cried out, all while dragging the bigger girl along. All while giggling like the lil' bundle of energy that she was.

With those words slipping into her heart, Agatha couldn't help but shed a little tear. That girl had managed to work past her problems, and she didn't even think that how she had hurt her mattered. She was just happy to be friends with her. It was... It really was just the thing she needed to slowly gain a bit of confidence herself.

...She'd have to ask her later if she'd be willing to help her with something personal. Because if there was anybody that could help her with her Mother, it'd be Mikai...

---

"Whoaaaaa."

A single word left MIkai's lips as she laid her eyes upon the festival, and all the people enjoying themselves. Such a show of pure happiness that she hadn't seen before. It was a beautiful sight. One that she would have a difficult time ever forgetting. Of course she'd never want to forget it either, because of the joy pouring through her.

"You really don't have to be surprised every time you see something brand new, Mikai." Agatha muttered, gently tugging the girl on the shoulder. "We should find Yumeko and Tsubasa. They're probably hanging around somewhere close by. Kimiko too, probably."

"Ara, you didn't bother waiting for us?"

Both Mikai and Agatha felt a powerful shiver rush down their backs as they heard Yumeko's voice echo out through their ears, prompting them to turn around and face the black-haired friend. As well as face her soft smile, pleased with the reaction she got from both of them.

"Yumeko!" Mikai giggled, taking a swift step forward as she hugged her sweet friend. All while looking at her yukata, which seemed to match the one that Mikai wore. Just with cloud-like patterns woven into the light-pink fabric, like the dreams drifting from the petals on Mikai's yukata. "Where were you? You didn't call, so..."

Agatha fumed a little as she blushed all over. All while glancing away from Yumeko and towards the young boy at her side. The boy that was strangely quiet. "...Still hurting over that, are you, Tsubasa?" She had heard about what Tsubasa went through. And she honestly didn't blame him. If she was the one in his shoes, she would've probably been just as shocked.

He didn't respond. Nor had he bothered to get a very fancy yukata. His was rather plain all things considered, which starkly contrasted the kind of attire he'd wear every other year. And the wardrobe he had at home. So many different outfits that matched his favorite characters and all that...

Yumeko pet her sweet friend, before looking at Tsubasa for a second. "I had to pick up Tsubasa from the medical ward. And then I had to find a good outfit for him. I'll say, it's a lot harder to get Miss Suzaku to make something plain than it is to make her do something custom. But I managed to do it after a lot of back and forths." She explained, before chuckling softly. "But we shouldn't stand around here, should we? There's so many fun games to play!"

"That's right!" Mikai cried out as she grabbed Tsubasa's hand, yanking him along despite his dreary mood. "Come on, Tsubasa! You gotta join us!" She chimed with the same bright grin and smile as always. She wanted everyone to be happy. She wanted everyone to have fun!

Tsubasa's eyes lit up as he blushed. "W-wait, Mikai, I'm gonna trip if you go that fast!" He cried out as he stumbled and nearly tumbled as she pulled him along, with the shorter girl giggling all the while. She had such an infectious way of making people cheer up...

"Say, Agatha?" Yumeko asked as the two followed behind the excited girl, taking everything at their own pace. "Have you seen Kimiko around? I never did get her phone number, so it's a little difficult getting a hold of her."

"Nope. She's probably going to show up out of nowhere, knowing her. She's done that before, she'll do it again." Agatha replied, crossing her arms slightly. "Come to think of it, was she the one I saw a few days ago... Naw, she couldn't have been over. She's always glued to Mikai whenever she shows up."

"Isn't that weird?" A single question left Yumeko's lips. A question that had been burning in her mind ever since the girl showed up. "How she only shows up around Mikai? You don't think there's something weird about her?"

Agatha blinked a little, before slowly shaking her head. "Not... really? I mean, you guys don't even come by and visit, so why should I concern myself with how somebody else behaves? Hm?" The stout girl puffed out her cheeks as she glared at Yumeko. "It gets really lonely in my manor, you know. You should stop by, and you should bring Mikai and Tsubasa! You got that?!"

"You never invite us, but if you really want me to just stop by with them, then I can easily do that. Because it's what friends do." Yumeko giggled. Well, if she wasn't going to get a good answer from Agatha, she'd just have to wait for another opportunity. "How's tomorrow sound? We could have a little sleepover. It'd be a nice way to cool down after the festival!"

"S-Suit yourself. As long as you actually keep your promise!" Agatha's face got swallowed by red shades as she stomped up towards her friends, not happy to be teased. Especially not by Yumeko. She was the last person she'd want to be teased by!

Yumeko chuckled softly. Ah, to think she was still this vulnerable. Oh well. That's part of what made her such a fun friend. But she had to catch up and play with the others. Otherwise she'd be wasting plenty of precious time...

The four friends, once they had gathered side by side once again, decided to visit each stall one by one. They had to make sure that they got the chance to indulge in everything. Whether it was food, games, or anything else that might be on display.

"You really think you'll make the shot, miss? You don't look like you've ever held a gun like that." One of the stall owners said as he looked at Yumeko grasping the airsoft rifle that was meant for this little target shooting game of his. "But don't worry. You just have to knock a single plate down to get a prize. Go on, do your best."

Yumeko looked at the different prizes on display, before chuckling softly as she looked at Mikai. "You don't mind if I clean house, right? There's still plenty of games that you can try."

"Mmhm. Do your best, Yumeko! Win a really good prize!" Mikai was confident that her friend could hit all the targets that she needed to. Because she was her friend. If there was anybody that was going to win it all, it was going to be Yumeko!

Agatha rolled her eyes a bit. This kind of peptalk never worked. Besides, she had never seen Yumeko hold a firearm. Not even a toy one. There's no way that she-

The sound of several plates shattering, even before they were knocked to the ground, echoed out. And a bit of smoke drifted from the barrel of the gun as Yumeko slowly put it down, smiling softly as she bowed before the owner of the stall.

"Y-You... You win..." He muttered, collapsing in shock. He didn't even see her fire a single bullet, and yet she had done what was supposed to be impossible. He was sure that he had bought extra thick plates that wouldn't tip over or shatter, and yet...

Mikai clapped excitedly, with Tsubasa and Agatha following suit as the shock of Yumeko just destroying the competition settled in. How was she that good? How had she gotten that good? ...Could they teach her, in case they'd ever want to impress somebody themselves?

"You mind if I stay here and pick out my prize, while you guys go on ahead? I just have to make sure of something." Yumeko asked, bowing respectfully towards her friends. "I promise I'll catch up. Don't worry, and don't wait for me."

Mikai nodded, as she quickly started to drag the other two along. All so they could try out another game. All so they could all have a bit more fun together. Even if both Agatha and Tsubasa weren't exactly able to keep up due to her natural absurd pace. Couldn't she just take it a bit slow?

They barely even noticed that Yumeko was giggling at them before they arrived at the next stall, a simple fishing game. And it seemed like there was already somebody there. Somebody that quickly made Agatha hide behind Mikai and Tsubasa, since she really didn't expect to see her. Nor did she know how to properly articulate her feelings...

Mikai blinked as Agatha hid behind her, before looking forward at the girl standing at the stall. Black glasses with thick rims and a maternal form... Where had she seen her before- Oh, that's right! "Alyssa!"

Alyssa Winters, Agatha's dearest friend, had been one of the reasons why Mikai and Agatha's relationship started off in such a rough state. And just like Mikai, she had cleaned up extremely nicely. Instead of her long black and messy hair, it had been done up in twintails. Not just any kind of twintails either, drills just like Agatha's.

"A-Ah!" Alyssa cried out as she just missed her concentration, and as a result missed out on the chance to catch one of those fish. Which prompted her lenses to dim as she looked towards the three friends. "Ah... Mikai, was it..? What a pleasant surprise to see you here." She muttered, dejected over her loss. "I just lost the chance to get Agatha a gift, so if you don't mind me..."

She completely ignored Agatha. Which prompted the blonde to twitch and force her way past her tiny friend anyway. No use hiding if the girl wasn't even going to acknowledge her. "You didn't lose anything, Alyssa! A pretty girl like you would never lose!" She shouted, her face completely and utterly red. "Now come on, I'll win you a gift! Just watch me!"

Mikai and Tsubasa just watched as their friend... Well, to say that Agatha flawlessly caught all the fish that she needed to was just wrong. But she definitely caught a bunch of them. Maybe with more brute force than anybody would've wanted. But regardless of her methods, she did manage to win. And that's all she wanted.

Agatha quickly snatched her winnings, a big plump bear plush, squeezing it tight as she looked at Alyssa with her blush still bright and powerful. "This. This is for you, Alyssa. I won it for your sake. S-So you better accept it!" She was so helpless in a situation like this. She didn't know how to properly confront the feelings beating around in her heart. So she just smashed her way through like usual. Just being the same rough-hearted girl as usual.

Alyssa's response? Simply grabbing her dear friend's hand. "Mikai, I'll be taking Agatha for a little bit. I hope you don't mind." She said with a smile, as she started to walk away with Agatha not even trying to resist. Though she stopped for a brief moment so she could turn back towards the blonde and wink. "Thanks again. For everything." She chimed, before she disappeared into the crowd with her plump friend.

Tsubasa looked to Mikai as they were left all by their lonesome, proceeding to the next stall. A food stall, which just happened to be perfect considering his stomach started to rumble and grumble. "Should... Should I really be here?" He muttered, still a bit down. "I helped, but... H-Hiro, she..."

"Hiro's fine, Tsubasa." Mikai replied, patting her friend on the shoulder before pulling him into a hug. "I don't know if she knows what you did. But she didn't want to hurt you. She's just going through a lot right now. So how about we go buy some snacks and meet up with her, huh? She should be here, she told me she'd be here."

Tsubasa let his head hang low as he listened to Mikai. He knew that she was right. He knew that Hiro wasn't bad in the slightest. But his heart wouldn't accept it. His heart just wouldn't accept what he had seen. "I... I don't know. I'm not strong like you, Mikai. I don't know if I can handle seeing her again after that."

"I'm not that strong either. I'm just doing what I can. Do you want me at your side when we go visit her? I can do that." Mikai replied as she tightened her hug. Only for her stomach to interrupt her heartfelt moment. "Aha... Maybe we should just eat. Maybe you're just feeling this down because you're running on an empty stomach."

"Maybe..." Tsubasa snickered a little. Even with his doubts, she had a way to get through. He really wished that he could be just like her. Not just on a heroic front, even if he really did want to try and save the world by standing alongside her. But also as a friend. He wanted to be the one to support her like she supported him.

Just as Mikai was about to order something nice to eat, like something meaty or some candy, the air around both of them grew both hot and cold at the same time. And while Mikai was familiar with one of those sensations, the other prompted her to blink as she turned around.

One of the girls standing behind them definitely looked familiar. Momiji Atsuhi, alias Habakiri, who currently wore a fiery yukata that went together perfectly with her element. And the other... Well, she was familiar, but she hadn't caught her name. She kinda looked like a smaller and less enthusiastic version of Yuuki-senpai, complete with a plain white yukata to contrast her fiery friend.

"Come on, Yuuka." Momiji said as she gently nudged her white-haired companion. "You've got something to say to the two of them, don't you?" She smiled. Though it was a really labored and difficult smile to maintain. She wasn't one to usually associate with a girl that was her direct opposite like this.

"...Thank you. Fushimi-senpai. Sato-senpai." The girl known as Yuuka said as she gently bowed her head as formally as she possibly could. That was just the kind of girl she was. Compared to the fiery girl besides her, as well as her older sister, she was a deeply traditional girl. "If not for you, I would've been the reason why this city became a den for only the coldest Monsters. And for that, I am eternally grateful."

"Aha... You don't have to thank me that much." Mikai giggled, before looking at Tsubasa and noticing his massive blush. "But it looks like he definitely needed it. How's it feel to be thanked like that, Tsubasa?"

"A-A lot more embarrassing than I'd think." Tsubasa muttered as he pushed his glasses up a bit. All while reaching into his yukata and pulling out his wallet so he could offer it to the woman tending the stall. "Y-You really don't have to thank me. B-But if you'd like, w-we could share a little snack. I-If that's alright with you two!"

"Of course it's okay, Tsubasa-senpai!" Momiji cried out with intense vigor. Aaaahhh! To share a meal with her senpai..! She knew it was a good idea to keep an eye on him and protect him..!

Yuuka softly nodded as she lifted herself back up. "I'd be delighted to." She said, doing her best to smile. A difficult task, considering her extremely icy heart, but even the smallest smile from somebody like her was worth everything...

Before long, Tsubasa left Mikai as well. Accompanied by the kouhai that looked up to him and loved him, even if he didn't feel like he had earned their love or their respect. With them, he was sure to recover. Even if it was only a little. As long as he stayed with them, he'd be able to face Hiro before long...

And that meant that Mikai was all alone. Aaaaaall alone. No Kimiko. No Yumeko. No Hiro. No nothing. Not even Chimera, she was currently sleeping. Honestly, she was glad that she had slept in a part of her mind where she couldn't hear her snoring. Because it'd be a real quick way to ruin the mood.

So instead of standing around and waiting for people, Mikai decided to join the crowd working its way through the festival grounds. Slowly but surely checking out a few different stalls, all so she could see if there were any interesting ones. There were a couple of games like the ones she had already participated in, as well as plenty of food stalls. There were a couple that told one's fortune as well, and...

"Oho! Mikai! Over here, over here!"

Mikai blinked as she forced herself out of the stream of people, all so she could look at the ganguro goth that was calling her. A silly girl that was wearing a skull-patterned yukata to such a festive event. "Ero, right..? What are you doing here?"

"Ehehe. What wouldn't I be doing here?" The tanned girl chimed as she grabbed Mikai's hand. "Say, there's a boy I'd like you to meet. Don't worry, I'm not playing matchmaker. But it's just somebody that I think you need to see. He's been a real handful, but I imagine that meeting you'll set him straight!"

The young girl's head tilted. Set him straight? Another boy? It wasn't Kouta? Then who could it be? As far as she knew, she didn't know any other boys that mattered. So she shrugged her shoulders a bit, ready to get pulled along by her flashy friend.

Only for that very same flashy friend to be gently chopped across the head by a green-haired young man that popped out from the side of a stall. A young man that gently gazed at Mikai for a single moment. "Excuse me. I need to have a word with my friend. Have a good evening, Mikai."

Just as quickly as he had appeared, he took his leave. Which just prompted Mikai to blink a few times. Who was he? And how did he know her name? Hrmmm... Oh well. It's not like she'd figure out the answer right now. Time to get back in the crowd and see what she'd find...

"What's the big deal, Hayato? Don't you want to meet an old friend?" Ero asked as she was yanked far behind the stalls, far out of sight. All while her green-haired friend glared at her, a gesture she returned with a pout and a raspberry.

"She's been touched by those Monsters. I don't want to see you with her. Eventually, we'll have to remove her Jõtai Factor as well. She's part of the problem we're trying to fix as well, you know." The young man, Hayato, said as he let go of his partner. "And furthermore, you know how much I loathe their kind. Why did you drag me along to this?"

"Because we've got a deal." Ero replied as she dusted herself off. "You play along and help me, and I help you with your vengeance. That's what you agreed to when you first came to Mama and asked for her help. And while she's out, I'm in charge of keeping you from spiraling out of control. Got it?"

"...understood." Hayato muttered, before departing into the woods surrounding the shrine grounds. "But that doesn't mean I have to stay here. I can scope out our next targets another day." He concluded, almost disappearing from sight in the process.

"You're no fun at all." Ero sighed, following behind him. She had to keep an eye on him. He had already been a bit too rough regarding that big titty Jõtaijin, so she couldn't allow him to go overboard when she didn't have her eyes on him. Ah, being a babysitter to somebody like him was a reaaaaal hassle...

Mikai continued to work her way through the crowds. Right up until she made it all the way to the front of the crowd, which had gathered in front of a big stage. Weird, this thing wasn't here before. Then again, there weren't a bunch of stalls here either. So maybe it was a good thing. But it could also be the doing of another Jõtaijin, considering what Yua's older sister had become that one time...

Standing on the stage were many people that she recognized. Most importantly, the golden-armed Mina Magatsu, who currently wore a ceremonial mask and dressed like a proper samurai. Though she looked like a real mess, with her clothes torn and her blade having lost a couple of chunks. She was on the verge of losing...

And on the other side of the stage were a myriad of individuals. Most striking was the Oni that she had fought against in the past, Azami, who was currently wearing a mask that made her look like even more of a demon. All while she laughed and downed alcohol from her gourd, which just poured onto her bosom thanks to the lack of a proper mouth on her mask. But she wasn't the only one that was present either.

She could see other 'Oni' on the stage, though it was clear that their transformation was more temporary. One was identifiable as Mumei-chan, who was really leaning into the role of a powerful enforcer given the way she bared her chest. One was Mina's partner, Rika Nitta, who looked significantly less thrilled about this entire thing. Not because she had been transformed into an Oni, but rather because she seemed to play the role of one that had always been an Oni. And the final player on the stage was another human, or at least one that played at being human...

Akemi Hokori. The former Dazzling Star who had transformed her entire theater into an eternal play. Once again standing on stage, now dressed as a samurai just like Mina even though it clashed with her body having a partial ruby sheen to it. All while part of her skin had turned nice and red to reflect that of the other Oni. All while she laughed from the depths of her 'wicked' heart.

"You really thought that you could be with her? A mere human be with an Oni? You're a fool, Magataro!" Akemi cried out as she trembled all over. "I had to throw aside my humanity to be with the ones that I felt close to, how can you possibly hope to be with her despite your differences!?" She shouted, brandishing her blade. A serrated blade, showing how she had thrown her fellow humans aside.

Mina, nay, 'Magataro' stood tall as she grit her teeth. "I don't care about customs... I don't care about humanity... Nor do I care about Demons and Oni like you, Onimaru. All I care about is her! And I'll strike you all down if that's what it takes!" She shouted, as she brandished her own blade. Even though it had seen better days, she would fight for the sake of her dear.

'Onimaru' laughed as the ruby sheen on her body started to glow brighter, which Azami took as her cue. She tilted her gourd and let her sake pour its way onto the 'wicked samurai', letting the intoxicating effects overtake her. All for the sake of settling this feud between the human and the Oni.

Laughter continued to pour across the crowd as the former Dazzling Star let her acting experience echo out. She embraced her transformation into an Oni, letting the ruby glow cover her completely as it sank into her. Deep red skin took the place of her humanity as she bulged with muscle, all while her red hair grew long and white to match her role, before she slammed her blade into the floorboards. A blade that had turned just as big as she was. Ready to come to blows with the hero that would dare romance one of their kind.

"THEN COME, 'HERO'! STRIKE US ALL DOWN!" Onimaru cried out, as she beckoned her enemy into an even greater fight. All for the sake of a better show, of course. This was all one big show, for every single person that wanted to be a part of the festival.

Mikai watched with glee in her eyes, all while ignoring the fact that somebody was grabbing her by the shoulder. She was far too busy watching the sparks fly across the stage and almost hit one of the spectators, all while her eyes gleamed and glowed and turned into stars from sheer excitement...

"Fushimi. I would like to have a word with you."

This time she did notice the one that tried to grab her attention, as she spun around and looked at the young man that was around her own height. A little taller, but at the same time... He looked a little silly, didn't he? Pale white skin, lots of tattoos and makeup... And yet, had she seen him before? Nah, she didn't know anybody that wore clothes like that...

"Uhhh... Who are you again?" Mikai asked a simple question, tilting her head. "I mean, I don't mind having a talk, but I'd like to know who I'm talking to. Are you friends with the big Oni? You both have horns and all that, so I was thinking you might be connected."

Yu blankly stared at the girl. Only to softly smile. "Indeed. I am Yu, and I would like to have a small chat with you regarding your role as the Savior of Mimoto. So if you would like to follow me to the back of the shrine, so we can get some privacy..."

"Can it wait?"

He paused as he looked at her, before slowly nodding. "I suppose it can. You want to partake in the festivities, I take it?" He asked, and she confirmed his suspicions with a brisk and rapid nod. "Then I shouldn't keep you. I do apologize." He said, bowing his head as respectfully as he possibly could.

"I'll be there later, promise, Yu!" Mikai grinned, though by the time she had replied he had already found a way to vanish into the crowd. Spooky. Then again, if he was part of the staff that arranged this entire festival, then no doubt he'd have a way to get away from situations quickly like that. It was the only explanation that made sense to her.

Now, while the play was fun and all, and she could see Rika and Mina kissing on stage while Mina held off Akemi with her blade, she kinda wanted to try and find Hiro and the others. After all, they should be here soon. And while Yumeko and everyone else were busy, she'd at least want to see them before she'd head off and talk to the pale twink that had bothered to hit her up.

Forcing her way out from the crowd, Mikai made a single mistake in the process. Leading to her nearly falling onto her face in the process, if only to save herself by quickly rolling forward and not slamming into the ground. She had learned that trick from fighting against Miss Genbu a lot, since she had made her fall onto the floor a lot with her continued throws and the many ways that she had swept her off her feet.

"I'm away for a week or so, and you already start rolling around like you're in one of those tedious action rpgs? Good grief, I never should've left you, Mikai."

There was that wonderful voice that she had been longing for. And the skunk-striped woman who it belonged to, who was currently wearing a mostly black kimono that went well with her pale skin and her two-toned hair. But she wasn't the only one that had stopped by, given the white-clad Qilin and the tiger printed Byakko by her sides.

"Hiro! Qilin! Byakko!" Mikai giggled as she quickly got back on her feet, running straight at the skunk-striped woman and hugging her as tight as she could. "You're all better! Right, Hiro? Right! We can go back home and sleep together, right?!" She was a little too excited. So much so that she didn't think of the words that left her mouth.

Both QIlin and Byakko teasingly glared at their friend, prompting Hiro to blush and sigh. This girl was a hassle from the moment she opened her mouth. "Yes, Mikai. We can go home and sleep together tonight. Please think before you speak, don't give either of these girls ammo."

"Ara, but that's part of the fun, isn't it?" Qilin said, brushing her hand through her hair, even giving the bun that she had tied her ponytail into a little squeeze. "Seeing how you two grow closer. Why, by this time next year, we might just need to ring the wedding bells. Then again, there is a substantial gap between your ages... But on the other hand, Mikai seems like the type to love mature women more than they think they love themselves."

"Oh please. You say that like you don't like it, Hiro. How many times have you invited me home to sleep in your bed?" Byakko grinned, before scowling slightly. "Besides, it's the least you deserve after forcing me to wear one of these things. They're awfully stuffy. How can you two handle wearing one of these?!"

Mikai chuckled as her dear partner turned several shades of red thanks to the other ladies' teasing. All while squeezing her tight and snuggling her chest as much as she could. "I'm just so happy that you're here, Hiro. I'm so glad you're not hurt and your arm's giving you less problems. I just... I just don't want to lose you. Or see you hurt. Or... or..."

Before she had the chance to finish her other fears, she felt a hand bonking her on the head. And she looked right up into Hiro's eyes, which didn't look that aggressive despite the fact that she had just bonked her partner on the head. If anything, she looked just as relieved as Mikai did.

"I don't want to lose you either. So please. Don't get into fights with those chumps from The Darkness without me again, alright? It's bad enough that you got absorbed for a bit. So just try and have me by your side when it happens again." Hiro said, as she finally returned the hug. "You're very near and dear to me. Even if we've been at each others' throats."

Mikai giggled and hugged her dear partner as tightly as she could once she returned the hug. All while Qilin let out a teasing 'dawwwww' and Byakko gagged at the sight of pure affection. And once she finally finished her hug, she giggled and looked at the other two. "You two look really good too! Do you have any plans or can I stay with you for a bit?"

"We do actually have a few plans. Don't we, Hiro?" Qilin said, as she forced her arm around the skunk-striped woman's arm and pulled her close. "Something to the tune of watching the fireworks from a secret spot where we can make out and consummate our love?"

As Hiro did her best to not immediately launch her fist at Qilin for her continued teasing, Byakko rolled her eyes. "Seiryu ordered us all out of the building for the day. Partly because she needed extra space for one of her experiments, and partly so Hiro could get some fresh air. And Qilin just happened to stop by moments later, because she sensed the chance to mess with her. Honestly, the guts on this woman..."

"Don't worry, Byakko. We can go grab some milk before we go watch the fireworks. Then you can join in on the lovemaking, ehehehehe." Qilin chimed, ignoring the fact that the tiger was hissing at her for her awful joke. "So, I'm afraid that you're gonna have to have a bit of fun all on your own. I'm sure you can find things to do, Mikai."

Mikai nodded, before chuckling softly as she gave Hiro one more hug. "You all better have fun! And don't bully them too much, Qilin! You'll just get hurt!" She chimed, right before running off to have a bit of fun elsewhere... And then head behind the shrine so she could have a talk with the pale-skinned twink.

Hiro took a deep breath. And then she smiled. Because at least the girl was okay. And her arm didn't act up the entire time. It showed that it didn't want to eat her at least... And that was good enough for her. If she could keep that thing in check and just use it on the ones that deserved it, then everything would be okay.

Hopefully, things couldn't get any worse. Beyond being teased by Qilin for all it was worth...

---

"Saki?"

"Yes, Yuuki?"

"One question."

"Go ahead."

"Why is HE here!?"

The student council was also enjoying a nice trip to the festival. Which honestly, Saki needed. After having to work together with Mikai to fight back against that mechanical draconoid... She really needed to just breathe and relax. And the best way to do so was to spend time with her dear friends. Yuuki Shimo, Saeko Suikumo, and even Minami Kazumi since she wanted to spend a bit of time with them despite being wheelchair bound.

But her dear friend had a point. Because unfortunately, the shrine tender had saddled her with a duty that could best be described as pet-sitting. Because she was currently holding onto a leash that was connected to one King Cobra's neck, the green-haired twink frowning just as much as the white-haired girl that was glaring at him.

"You think I like being around all you big-tittied dummies? I don't like girls, I much prefer boys. So being stuck near you girls is making me sick." King Cobra audibly and mockingly gagged. Of course that shrine tender had completely scammed him. He didn't even blow him! He just tied him up further and forced a seal on him, so he couldn't do anything he wasn't allowed to!

"Listen here you runty twink!" Yuuki grit her teeth as she grabbed Cobra by the collar, shaking him around. "Saki and Saeko are not dummies! And they're not just big-tittied, they've got the BIGGEST titties! YOU GOT THAT!?" The fiery-hearted Yukionna cried out as she shook him all around.

Saeko nervously blushed as she was given a very strange compliment, all while gently pushing at her breasts. "Kazumi-chan, am I that big..?" She muttered as she looked to her handicapped friend, looking a little lost. She wasn't THAT big, was she?

"You may not be that big, but you are too big." Minami smiled serenely despite saying such harsh words. "But don't worry. I've read ways to deal with breast fat. We'll have you at an appropriate size before long." She chimed, despite the shadow cast on her face.

Saeko whimpered in response, all while Saki gently pinched the bridge of her nose. She didn't expect a simple trip to a festival to turn so chaotic. But she had to keep an eye on Cobra. If he ended up spilling secrets or causing problems when he had specifically been ordered not to, then... But then again, she was the one that had gone against D'Or's orders as well...

"Alright alright alright I get it I get it!" Cobra cried out, prompting Yuuki to finally let go of him. All while he cleared his throat and coughed a little. "Sheesh. You'd think that you guys were the real Jõtaijin, if you're that strong."

"Well if that Spider friend of yours hadn't lured me in, I wouldn't be that strong. So you have her to thank for it!" Cobra huffed, all while trying to slither away. Only to be yanked back by Saki's leash, prompting him to whine. "You're going to be responsible now? Of all times?"

"Of course I am. I'm the president of the student council, after all. It's my duty to protect students. And letting you out of my sight will just harm them." Saki replied with a dry and uncaring tone. She truly wasn't going to let him go. Even if he was an ally...

"Hmph. Fine. Continue trying to act like you're so responsible. But you're going to regret it, you should just cut loose and accept it." Cobra huffed and crossed his arms. He really didn't want to be a part of any of this. Especially not when she was the one that held his leash...

Saki let those words dwell on her mind. Even though he was a brat that cared most about getting his rocks off... He was right. She was being awfully irresponsible as her alter ego. By acting like a higher authority while human, and then acting against D'Or's orders as Kanzei, she was being an awful hypocrite. So the only thing that made sense would be to solve that issue. Otherwise... Well, she'd hurt the ones she loved...

Yuuki. Saeko. Minami. The girls that were clearly having fun together. Ever since she became Kanzei, she felt herself drifting further away from them. And yet... She still wanted to protect them. So perhaps... Yes, she should reveal it. But not now. Not tonight. Soon, when she knew they were ready for it...

Tonight was a night for them to enjoy themselves... The grief of making them understand would have to wait...

---

"So why'd you want to see me?"

Mikai asked as she made her way behind the shrine, all so she could have a private chat with the pale twink that had tried to get ahold of her. Honestly, she didn't know what it was that he wanted from her. But one way or another, it was important. And she kinda did want to know why.

Yu took a deep breath as he got up from his meditating position. "Stand still, please. Perfectly still. This won't hurt if you do so." He said, as he carefully placed his hands together, as if he was conducting a prayer...

The sandy blonde blinked and nodded, remaining as perfectly still as possible. It didn't seem like he was hostile, so what's the worst that could happ-

Her eyes widened. Not because he transformed her. No, it was simply because he slammed his hand into her chest. It was a really powerful slam too, like he just tried to force her heart out the other side of her body. And as he withdrew his hand, she felt a burning sensation within her. A powerful sensation, one that seemed to rip her apart bit by bit.

"A-Aaaahhh! What did you do!? Why does it hurt so much?! AAAAAAHHHH!" Mikai screamed, all while the sensation forced itself apart further and further. Almost like an egg being tugged on both sides until the contents spilled out thanks to the cracks. And once it spread out just far enough... The pain suddenly vanished, leaving Mikai to raise an eyebrow in pure confusion...

All that Yu did to counteract her confusion was to point to her side... Where Chimera was now laying. Fast asleep, but physically manifested in this world. Something that caused Mikai to blink rapidly in pure shock. How did he know that there was somebody inside her? More importantly, how did he do that?

"I know you probably have a lot of questions. But I must get back to the festival soon. The fireworks show starts in merely an hour. So I'll keep it simple." Yu started to explain, before motioning to the yin and yang on his own exposed chest. "I allowed myself to become a Jõtaijin for the sake of improving my understanding. The body is made up of a lot of different energies, positive, negative, emotional, and so on and so forth. Just like your body had all of that energy, ancient as it may be, hidden inside of you. But while it allowed me to become more aware of that energy and how to exercise it from your body, if only temporarily, there's one thing it didn't help me accomplish."

Mikai listened to all of those fancy words as she sat on top of Chimera, not bothering to try and wake her up. "Soooo... There's stuff inside me, like Chimera, and you became a Jõtaijin like the Oni to try and figure out what you could pull out of me." She boiled it all down, before tilting her head. "So what didn't you find?"

"...I didn't find anything else inside you."

"Eh?" Mikai asked as she tilted her head a bit further. "What do you mean you didn't find anything else inside me?" That didn't make any sense. Shouldn't there be a heart? A light? Something? What did he mean by that?

"Inside every single human, there's light and dark. But I found nothing inside you. The only light I found was her, and she's her own thing. She's not part of you, even if she helps you." Yu explained to the best of his ability. "In short... You're empty, Fushimi. And I don't know why."

Empty. So there was nothing inside her? But that... How could that be? It wouldn't make any sense. It really, really wouldn't make any sense. "But... If I'm empty... Then what do I do to end up full? Should I be full?" She had a lot of questions. Of course she did. She had just been told something important, and now he expected her to just be able to handle it?

"By all accounts, you should be full. But you've been able to live despite that. So..." Yu mused, before clapping his hands together, canceling his power and letting Chimera go straight back into Mikai, prompting the sandy blonde to hit the ground with a soft thud. "For the time being, I want you to be conscious of that emptiness. Because there may be a way to fix it. I'll let you know if I learn anything."

Mikai let the thought dwell on her mind, before she got up and dusted herself off. "But why'd you tell me?" Of course she had to know why she needed to know something like that. Why? What did he gain from letting her know she was empty..?

"I met a girl that told me that you needed to know. Only then would you be able to grow. She requested that I keep her identity secret, and..." Yu paused, before a red shade forced its way past his pale face. "She donated a lot to the shrine. I'm afraid that I can't reveal her identity as such." He muttered, bowing for forgiveness.

"...I guess I can't really argue with that. Well, I hope she was right then." Mikai muttered, all while slowly turning around. "Thanks for letting me know, Yu. Please. Enjoy the fireworks." She really felt down after hearing about that. But why? Why did learning about her empty insides leave her so... sad?

She really didn't understand. Not the part about being empty, nor why she felt this way. It really looked like her whole world had shattered, and yet she didn't understand why it felt this way. He could've been wrong, couldn't he..?

"Mikai?"

Mikai slowly looked towards the voice that called out to her. Yumeko's voice. Her dearest friend. She was standing right there. As if she had kept her eyes on her. As if she had come to try and help her in her darkest hour. She really had a habit of doing that, didn't she? But she helped her when she was on the verge of getting corrupted too. So really... She was paying her back, in a way. Wasn't she?

"Yumeko... Ehe... Sorry, I just heard something really dumb..." Mikai did her best to smile. She didn't understand why it was so hard. She didn't understand a thing. She really did just think it was all a bunch of dumb stuff... So why was it making her feel this way?

Yumeko smiled softly. "It's okay. Look, I got you a present. Could you close your eyes for a moment?" She asked, all while remaining as cheerful as ever. All because of the girl she kept so close to her heart.

Mikai did as she asked and closed her eyes. And a few seconds later, she felt something being wrapped around her neck. Something nice. Something warm. Something that seemed to fill her emptiness. What was it..?

She opened her eyes... And laid her eyes upon a big bright red scarf. It was familiar. And yet it was mostly just comforting. It was exactly what she needed right this moment. It even made a few tears run down her cheeks, as she looked at Yumeko.

"I know it's not much. But I wanted to give you something that I've thought you always needed. My Hero."

That sweet look in her eyes. It was beyond comforting. It made Mikai weak. So weak that she fell forward, right into Yumeko's arms. So weak that she couldn't stop herself from crying her heart out, all while clinging to her dear Yumeko...

They had a lot to talk about. All so Mikai wouldn't feel so bad about that revelation. All so she could find out if it was really a bad thing.

And as they hugged it out, a pair of familiar eyes kept watch. A pair of pink eyes belonging to one muddy girl...

"That's it, Mikai. Keep on growing..."

---

"Finally. Good grief, they really just didn't let me breathe. How can that girl handle juggling a life that's so dangerous?"

Hours later, as midnight had fallen and King Cobra had been let free, he had finally returned to his own home. No need to return to the hideout, D'Or and Bat were probably enjoying the festival as well, those lovebirds. So he had all the time in the world all for himself...

Not that he wanted to do a lot. All that he wanted to do was just lay down in bed and relax. He had escaped his own responsibilities long enough. It was time to be an adult. So off his ring went...

Cobra trembled as a golden glow covered him, right before it shattered and revealed a man in his twenties. With a black suit and a red tie, as well as well-combed black hair that made him look nothing like the flamboyant and horny boy that he was when he was part of Golden Freedom.

"Good Night for now, King Cobra. And Good Morning, Ichiro Tachibana."

He muttered to himself, all while looking at his own reflection. But it didn't last for long, before he just sighed and sat down on the chair behind him. He was a real joke. The poster child and heir to the Tachibana Foundation, and yet he decided to turn himself towards freeing the world. Or rather, just enjoying himself. That Father of his... He'd definitely throw a fit if he knew.

"My my. What a lovely young man you are. Perhaps I could use you for a little trick."

Reflected within the mirror was a dark hole, as a hat-wearing entity emerged. An agent of The Darkness. An agent that didn't match the data that Ichiro had on hand when D'Or informed him of their current operations...

But just as that blue-haired man emerged, he found himself paralyzed. As if he had just been bitten all over, by a myriad of tiny snakes. All while Ichiro turned his head and let one of his eyes shine gold.

"My my. You're not like those squid that attacked back then. But you're still from that world, aren't you?" Ichiro said, all while smiling serenely. "Then I give you a choice. Leave now. Or I'll make sure to take my time making you submit and tell me everything I want to know."

Lumiel laughed. All while his body started to turn back into Darkness. "Very well then. King Cobra of Golden Freedom, I tip my hat to you. But know this, you will pay for antagonizing me... And you will find that a Prime's fury is not so easily quelled." He left him with a warning, right before he vanished and left Ichiro standing all by his lonesome...

Ichiro sighed and looked at himself in the mirror again, restyling his hair for a moment. "Good grief. Now I have to work overtime..." He muttered, all while closing his eyes and letting his mind focus.

"Just wait a little longer, brothers and sisters. I'll make sure to make this world a good place for all of us. Just wait for your big brother to have his fun..."