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“Hm, what do you think Rei would like?”

As you walk around the clothing store, Saki eagerly leading you along, you can't help but shrug. “I don't know... new running shoes?”

“No, Isamu is already getting her those... among other things,” Saki explains as you continue to wander, carrying a pair of bags in your arms as your girlfriend leads the charge. Christmas shopping in the mall of the town of Okane, a brief twenty minute train ride away from Dakugeto, but it's still more travelling than you're comfortable with.

“I don't get it, do all humans buy this much for your weird custom?” Stranger asks.

“No, just Saki,” you reply.

“I think it's incredibly generous!” Nina smiles. “I don't see why you too have such a problem with it.”

“Ryoji, you look exhausted,” Saki mutters.

“I am exhausted,” you reply. “We've been wandering around this town since dawn! How many more gifts do you need to buy?”

“Ryoji, as head of class I have a duty to give gifts to everyone!” Saki smiles and beams proudly. “After all, we've done incredible work this year. We've achieved more than maybe any year in the history of the school, and with minimal casualties... sorry, Nina.”

“Nina says it's okay,” you relay the message from your head. “But don't you think you're going overboard? I get that you're rich, but don't forget that your parents cut you off.”

“Don't worry!” Saki replies enthusiastically, “This is all coming from my Christmas fund. Starting December 26th every year I begin saving up pocket money and money from odd jobs in a special fund to spend on Christmas gifts!”

“You're so sweet, it's sickening,” you mumble. “I was planning on just getting some cards.

“Cards?”

“At most.”

Saki pauses. “Well, if you're not buying anything, I guess I should make this quick. I still have to find something nice for Yamano-sensei, and I need to find something that's suitable for... Raiden.”

Saki falls silent in thought, pondering the previous days discovery. It was a harrowing sight, to see Raiden in such gory fashion. Thankfully, Agent White announced that he was in stable condition, and will be fit enough to receive visitors later in the day. Either you or Saki will probably have to have a talk with him very, very soon.

Saki puts the thought to the back of her mind and carries on with her shopping, bouncing between isles and stores in the mall like an excited puppy. She's expecting nothing from you this Christmas... making it all the better that you bought her gift ages ago. Of course, you'll open with the gag gift of a card and burger, but then you'll follow it up with the real gift. You bought her...

>A huge box of chocolates.
>A rather sultry outfit.
>A thick textbook on the topic of Law.
>Some polish for her shield and lance.
>Some nice jewellery

>>1169728
>>A rather sultry outfit.
>Some nice jewellery

>>1169728
>A thick textbook on the topic of Law.
Co-written by Judge Dredd.

>>1169728
>>A thick textbook on the topic of Law
Sounds about right

>>1169728
>>A rather sultry outfit.
>>A thick textbook on the topic of Law.

>>1169728
>>Some polish for her shield and lance.
>>Some nice jewellery

Calling for
>A thick textbook on the topic of Law.

Writing now.

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You considered maybe getting her something sultry or silly, something to really tease her on Christmas... but you decided that just this once, you would indulge in Saki's interests. Buy her something that she'll genuinely love and appreciate... even if you can't wrap your head around why anyone would be happy to receive a textbook the size of your head. A good, selfless gift. Maybe you're not that terrible a boyfriend after all. Saki still loves the hell out of you, of course.

"Oh, how about this?" Saki asks in one of the stores, holding up a black button-up shirt. "This is kind of Raiden's style, right? That boy really likes the colour black... I know I have a penchant for blue, but I can't imagine wearing the same colour clothes every single day. I like variety."

"Yeah, same here," you grumble as you adjust the collar of your signature green jacket.

Saki pays for the shirt and soon finds a nice dress for your homeroom teacher, Miss Yamano, and soon the two of you are making your way out of the mall. Finally. Your feet are killing you, and you immediately sit down on a bench. "I need to rest up, Sak," you sigh as you place the numerous bags to your side, before I hurt myself.

"Ryoji, that's not even possible!" Saki protests, placing her hands on her hips. "You have a healing factor! How on earth could your feet be worn down?"

You shrug. "No clue, I think it's a psychological pain. On account of being lazy my whole life."

"Oh, you are incorrigible!" Saki mutters.

"I don't know what that word means, so I'm taking it as a compliment," you smirk. "Thanks, Sak. You're incorrigible too."

"Ryojiiiii!" Saki whines, before sitting next to you, defeated. She places her hand on yours and leans back on the bench. "Oh, I just remembered that we have that triple date tonight!"

"Triple date?" you raise an eyebrow. "With which couples? There's a lot of possibilities here, Sak."

"Ken and Nanami, and the newlyweds," Saki explains.

"Ah. The usual suspects," you nod, as you pull out a cigarette and light it up. "Oh hey... isn't that Akihito and Yamano?"

Saki looks off in the same direction as you and... yep. That's them all right. Walking with their arms linked, Yamano laughing and blushing at Akihito comments.

"They must be doing some Christmas shopping themselves," Saki replies. "Oh, should we go talk to them?"

>Nah, leave them to their date. They probably can't do this often with the agents watching.
>Sure. It'll be good to have a chat with Teach before the holidays.
>I would, but that would involve getting up.

>>1169761
>>Nah, leave them to their date. They probably can't do this often with the agents watching.

>>1169761
>"Ryoji, that's not even possible!" Saki protests, placing her hands on her hips. "You have a healing factor! How on earth could your feet be worn down?"
>You shrug. "No clue, I think it's a psychological pain. On account of being lazy my whole life."
B E S T B O Y
>Nah, leave them to their date. They probably can't do this often with the agents watching.

>>1169761
>I would, but that would involve getting up.

>>1169761
>>I would, but that would involve getting up.

>>1169761
>>I would, but that would involve getting up.

>>1169761
>>I would, but that would involve getting up.

>>1169761
>>Nah, leave them to their date. They probably can't do this often with the agents watching.

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>I would, but that would involve getting up.

"Ryoji, you're even lazier than usual today!" Saki exclaims.

You shrug. "Eh, I'm about the same. At least I'm not on Kosuke's level."

You watch as Akihito and Yamano walk by, laughing away, having a great time. It's odd seeing Akihito like that, acting like a normal person, and not the authority figure you've known him as. To see that softer side of him, that makes jokes and goes on secret dates with Yamano.

You sit with Saki on the bench for a while, resting your feet. She rest her head on your shoulder and lets out a sigh. "Well, we should probably get moving. I want to catch an early train back."

You groan as you rise from the bench, but then your phone goes off. You pick it up and place it to your ear, as Chihiro's panicked voice rings out from the other side.

"Oh good heavens! Ryoji, we're in the middle of a disaster!"

"Let me guess, you ran out of tea?" you ask.

"My grandmother is in the hospital!"

"... Oh. Crap, I'm sorry."

Chihiro takes a deep breath on the other end. "Saki told me you'd be in this town today! Could... could you meet me in the hospital lobby? I... I need some advice."

"Of course, we'll be there right away," you reply.

"Something wrong?" Saki asks.

"Yeah," you reply. "We're going to have to take a quick detour."

You and Saki rush to the Okane Hospital, where you see Chihiro sitting in a chair in the lobby by the gift shop. She springs to her feet and rushes over to the two of you as you approach. "Oh, it's simply awful!" she cries into a handkerchief.

"What's her condition?" Saki asks.

"I... well, frankly I have no idea..." Chihiro sniffles. "The doctor told me she was stable, but... I can't say I've had the courage to see her."

"Oh..."

"Yes," Chihiro sniffles again. "After all... she made it quite clear that she didn't wish to see me again. And... while that breaks my heart... I'm a courteous woman, and I want to respect her wishes. Oh, what should i do?"

>Go see her. This is a chance to mend that bridge.
>Forget about it. That old bat doesn't deserve you.
>I can't make that decision, and neither can Sak. Follow your heart, Chihiro.

>>1169826
>>I can't make that decision, and neither can Sak. Follow your heart, Chihiro.
My advice though?
>Go see her. This is a chance to mend that bridge.

>>1169826
>>Go see her. This is a chance to mend that bridge.
Alice already laid the groundwork, just gotta follow through with it.

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>>1169826
>I can't make that decision, and neither can Sak. Follow your heart, Chihiro.

>Follow your heart
God damn it Booker.

>>1169826
>>I can't make that decision, and neither can Sak. Follow your heart, Chihiro.

>>1169828
Backing this one.

>>1169826
>>I can't make that decision, and neither can Sak. Follow your heart, Chihiro.

>>1169828
I'll also back this in case first choice loses it's chance to win.

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>I can't make that decision, and neither can Sak. Follow your heart, Chihiro.

"Follow my heart?" Chihiro ponders. "Would that life were so simple, my dear Ryoji. My heart wants many things... but I can never say for certain what those things are. I suppose I feel too much and think too little, I find it hard to... consider what I'm doing. What I truly want."

"Well, maybe it's time you asked that for yourself," Saki suggests. "What do you really want, Chihiro?"

Chihiro pauses, thinking it over, wracking her mind, before coming back with a single answer. "Love. I think I want love."

"Then you know what you want to do," you reply.

Chihiro looks at the two of you, then smiles. "Of course... thank you. Both of you. I must say... you have both become incredibly dear to me."

You waste no time in hugging Chihiro as she begins on the waterworks. She in turn wraps her arms around your head and holds you tight, before turning her attention to Saki and doing much of the same. Before long, she finds her attention turning to the bags by your side. "Oh, and what might these be?" she gives a small smirk. "Could it be that my Christmas gift from the lovely lady Saki is in there?"

"Maybe... b-but no peeking!" Saki waggles her finger. "It's good to see you returning to your old self."

"Well, it's good to have people I can speak to so openly and positively like this," Chihiro replies. "It... it helps to ease the pain. I love you both, very much. Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time I saw to my grandmother."

Chihiro wanders off, as you're left to wonder about her final words there. Chihiro has always been a great beacon of support and morale for the class despite her teasing nature... but you never considered how much she looked to the others for support. How lost she would find herself without Sayeka, or Saki, or yourself. Without your tea parties. You never considered how much hurt she was hiding inside, and that her flirtatious nature, her gossiping, he polite teasing... that's how she kept her spirits up. How she would hide the sadness.

"Hey Sak, did you get Chihiro that extra gift for suggesting the Hot Springs?" you ask.

"Of course!" Saki replies.

"... Good. She deserves it."

You and Saki leave the hospital, and find yourselves boarding the first train back to Dakugeto.

"Do you think she'll be okay?" Saki asks.

>I really worry about her.
>She'll be fine. Chihiro's strong.
>As long as she has us, yes.

>>1169864
>>She'll be fine. Chihiro's strong.

>>1169864
>>She'll be fine. Chihiro's strong.

>>1169864
>>I really worry about her.

>>1169864
>>She'll be fine. Chihiro's strong.
Chihiro is a good girl
Needs more screen time

>>1169864
>She'll be fine. Chihiro's strong.

>>1169864
>>I really worry about her.

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>She'll be fine. Chihiro's strong.

Saki nods. "Yeah... and if someone can mend a bridge as damaged as that one, it's Chihiro. She might be the most loving and compassionate person I know."

"I hope her meeting with her grandmother is going well," you reply.

"Well, I sent her a message that she hasn't replied to," Saki explains. "So I think things are going okay... or really badly. I'm going to assume the former."

"Wise choice, keeping a positive spirit. But is it better to think the best at all times, or to look at the worst possible instance, and that way you'll always be pleasantly surprised. Now, that's an interesting question."

Oh crap, you recognise that voice. What the hell is she doing here?

Miyoko sits down opposite you in the carriage with a wide grin on her face. "Hello Saki. Stranger."

"Miyoko. Last time you approached us on a train, it didn't end well, should I be worried?"

"So, she's one of those Demon Slayers?" Nina asks. "It's not how I imagined her looking."

Miyoko chuckles. "You should, but this isn't a repeat of last time. I'm here to express my disappointment."

"Disappointment?" you ask.

"The Darkness has been set free," Miyoko states. "And The Moon has helped him."

You sigh. "You've been keeping tabs on us for a while, haven't you?"

"I do have many eyes," Miyoko replies. "And I must say... the future does not look bright. An Eclipse is coming, and coming soon. You must be prepared."

>We're always prepared.
>Don't worry, we've all gotten much stronger since our fight with Yami.
>Well, can we count on your group to help us out?

>>1169901
>>Well, can we count on your group to help us out?

Cause I mean if not fuck off

>>1169901
>>Don't worry, we've all gotten much stronger since our fight with Yami.

>>1169901
>Well, can we count on your group to help us out?
Helps if you'd pull your own weight Miyoko.

>>1169902
This

>>1169901
>>Well, can we count on your group to help us out?
Been a while since we saw the Demon Slayers.

>>1169901
>>Well, can we count on your group to help us out?

>>1169901
>>We're always prepared.

>>1169901
>We're always prepared

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>Well, can we count on your group to help us out?

Miyoko nods. "Of course. Our interests are the same here. I wish to see the end of all evil from the Darkworld, and as such we have a common enemy, Stranger. Of course, we will have to remain in the Shadows in order to keep out of the watchful eye of your superiors. We quite enjoy our privacy."

"Yet you're completely willing to spy on us," you mutter.

"Not spying," Miyoko shakes her head. "Merely keeping in touch. Thank you for your time, Ryoji. Beware of the Eclipse, and we shall speak more on this in the future."

With that, Miyoko rises from the seat. "Come now, Nishi."

You hear a flush from the train's bathroom. "Just a minute! I-OW! My teeth!"

"She's always falling over," Miyoko smiles. "It's quite endearing."

Nishi eventually steps out and places a hand on Miyoko shoulder. The two disappear into thin air as Nishi teleports them away.

"An Eclipse is coming..." Saki pauses. "So Tsuki is making his move. But what does he plan on doing? Is he going to refuse with Taiyo and return to the Darkworld? Or... will he try to remain here?"

"Either way, we have to stop him," you reply. "If The Eclipse was as powerful a demon as we've been told, we can't have him running free, especially when he's holding a grudge against us."

The two of you discuss battle strategies on the way back, as the train eventually settles in Dakugeto. You and Saki hop off and make your way up to the school. Saki checks a message on her phone before turning to you. "I just got word that Raiden will be taking visitors now. I suppose one of us should talk to him... what he did was incredibly reckless and backfired on all of us... but I feel so bad for him. I don't know how to approach this..."

>Don't worry, Sak. I'll talk to him.
>You should talk to him Sak, you'll have more tact than me.
>Maybe we should both just give him some space for now.

>>1169924
>>Don't worry, Sak. I'll talk to him.

>>1169924
>>Don't worry, Sak. I'll talk to him.

>>1169924
>>Don't worry, Sak. I'll talk to him.
Might be fun. Maybe.

>>1169924
>>Don't worry, Sak. I'll talk to him.

>>1169924
>>Don't worry, Sak. I'll talk to him.

>>1169924
>Don't worry, Sak. I'll talk to him.

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>Don't worry, Sak. I'll talk to him.

"You will?" Saki asks. "Well... I suppose you have more experience in handling Raiden. He's always been on the outskirts of the class, never one to follow even the rare orders I do give him. Well... good luck, Ryoji. I'll take the rest of the bags."

Saki takes the bags of gifts from your hands and adds it to her own, carrying all of them with ease due to her incredible strength. You share a kiss goodbye before you make your way hastily towards the nurse's office. You open the door to the sight of an exhausted Tekina sitting back in her chair and receiving a shoulder massage from that Takeshi guy, while a badly burned and scarred Raiden sits emotionless on his bed, his sitting by his side, equally silent.

You make your way over and address him. "How are you holding up?"

"He's not speaking to anyone," Akuro mutters. "He might still be in some sort of shock... but personally I think he's just ashamed and stubborn."

You let out a sigh. "Raiden, I'm not gonna lie. You screwed up. But that doesn't mean we don't feel for you. We all make mistakes, but we can bounce back from this one as a team. And-"

The door clicks open, as Akemi slowly enters the room. But not the usual high-energy Akemi... no, she looks like she has lead in hr shoes as she makes her way over to the bed, a concerned look on her face. After what happened to Raiden, not even she could put a happy spin on it.

"Raiden...?" Akemi asks.

Raiden doesn't answer, simply burying his face into his knees.

"Raiden, why did that happen to you?" Akemi asks. "Why did the bad guy hurt you like that?"

"Because he's a bad guy cutie," Akuro mutters. "That's what they-"

"No," Raiden replies. "It's because I tried to hurt him. I wanted that demon to die, and I wanted him to die suffering. I got ahead of myself, and... I payed the price."

"But Raiden... that's silly!" Akemi protests. "Why would you want something like that? Pain, suffering... why? That's what the bad guys want!"

"Well I am a bad guy!" Raiden yells at her, snapping in anger. "He who fights monsters is doomed to become one himself. I'm not the good person you think I am! I'm not someone you can mould into a good person, you... stupid, selfish, airhead! I'm a monster! And the sooner you stop wasting your time on me, the better!"

"But Raiden-"

"No!" Raiden yells again. "Just leave! Forget me!"

"You're being silly-"

"I hate you!" Raiden screams again. "I hate you, okay? Will that get you to leave? I hate your face, your happiness, your stupid words of encouragement! I hate seeing you every day! I hate that you spend so much time with me! I... I hate that you think I'm better than I am! I'm not!"

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Akemi is stunned into silence. "But Raiden, we're buddies-"

"No!" Raiden snaps. "Get the hell out of here! If you know what's good for you, you'll never speak to me again! Go on, you airhead!"

Akemi slowly backs away, biting at her bottom lip. Her face floods, as the overly positive girl in class looks positively heart-broken. Gods, this is painful to watch. Like a young boy having to shoo away his puppy. Eventually, Akemi shuffles out of the room, tears filling her eyes. You look back to Raiden, who is red in the face as he leans back.

"I... that look on her face..." he mumbles, before pathetically breaking into tears himself.

"You didn't have to do that," you mutter.

Raiden sobs. "Y-yes I did, Ryoji... Akemi is too good for me. I-I don't want to hurt her... but she'll be sad for a while, then move on. She'll... she'll forget all about me. She'll be happier that she isn't wasting time on a pathetic loser like me... o-oh god, I messed it all up..."

"Yeah, you did," Akuro replies, with brutal honesty. "To be honest, bro... I don't think you belong here."

Raiden sniffles. "What?"

"Look at you, you're crying like a baby," Akuro replies. "And after all that's happened... you're stupid, you're reckless, you've got way to many emotional problems... you're gonna get yourself killed. Look... I know crap on you all the time, but... you're my brother. I'm worried about you, and... well, I kinda love you. So... I was talking to Agent White, and he said that he could fix you up with a home. A foster family, in Kingudoro, where you'll be safe and far away from here. No more fighting demons, no more... this. You're quest for vengeance is going to hurt everyone."

"You think Raiden should just walk away?" you ask. "We don't do that here-"

"No..." Raiden mutters. "She's right. Face it, Ryoji. I'm a failure. A freak. I've done nothing but make things worse. For you... for myself... for Akemi... I love her, Ryoji. I want her to be happy, but... I can't do it. I can't do anything right, so... maybe I should just give up. Let the real heroes do their thing... because I'm no hero."

>Raiden, stop. You're one of us.
>Raiden... you should stay. Don't let it all be for nothing.
>If that's what you think is right... I'm not going to stop you. Goodbye, Raiden.

>>1169999
>>Raiden... you should stay. Don't let it all be for nothing.

>>1169999
>Raiden, stop. You're one of us.
Good lord...

>>1169999
>>Raiden... you should stay. Don't let it all be for nothing.

>>1169999
>failures dont belong at darkgate
>the place full of every failure ever
top kek
>Raiden, stop. You're one of us.

>>1169999
>>Raiden... you should stay. Don't let it all be for nothing.

Give him a good punch as well

>>1170005
Appending "punch him" to this vote.

>>1169999
>Raiden... you should stay. Don't let it all be for nothing.
You fucked up and let The Darkness loose. Clean up your shit first then you can have the option to leave.

And then punch him.

>>1170015
adding punch to this vote

>>1169999
>>Raiden, stop. You're one of us.

>>1169999
>>If that's what you think is right... I'm not going to stop you. Goodbye, Raiden.

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>Raiden... you should stay. Don't let it all be for nothing.

"Ryoji, I... I can't..." Raiden mutters, defeated.

Instinctively, you curl your fist up into a ball as swing, whacking Raiden across the jaw with a punch in order to get through to him.

"What the hell?!" Akuro snaps.

"Are you really going to just let your mistakes lie there, and do nothing to set them right?" you bark at him in an angry tone. "Are you really going to give up on your quest for vengeance because of some setbacks? Are you really not going to learn anything from what you did wrong?"

"Ryoji..." Raiden groans, rubbing his pained jaw. "I've had too many second chances. Look at what I've done... the messes I've made. You should have rid of me when I tried to kill you... from the very beginning I was a failure. How could you forgive me, after everything I've done? I've only made things worse!"

"Newsflash, Raiden; we're all losers around here," you explain. "You're not special. You're a screw-up, just like me or anyone else in this dump. And when we make mistakes, we do everything we can to set them right... and we do it together. Now, do you want to live the rest of your life alone, and to keep running, and keep failing... or do you want to stay here, where you belong? This is your home, we are your friends, and no matter what you seem the think, we have each-others backs. That includes you, that has always included you. We've done everything to watch out for you, and I'll be damned if you're going to throw it all away. You don't want to give up, Raiden. You don't want to leave this place, to give up on your quest, to abandon Akemi. I know you're in a weak moment but that doesn't mean you can hide from the truth. We're going to take down those demons together. And you're going to help us."

A long silence ensues, before Akuro speaks up. "Raiden... you should go. It's not safe for you here."

"It's not safe for anyone here," Raiden replies. "I... I'm not special. Ryoji is right. Akuro, I'm sorry. But I can't leave this academy. It's my home... and my job is far from done. Ryoji... I'm staying. And together, we will fix my mistake."

"Good to hear," you smile, as the door behind you swings open yet again. Akemi enters the room once more with red eyes from where she had been crying... but this time she's carrying a bunch of balloons and a giant teddy bear.

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"Akemi...?" you ask. "What's all this?"

"Raiden!" she exclaims. "I bought these for you yesterday, and I filled them with air this morning!"

"There's like a hundred balloons there!" Akuro points out. "Did you build a machine just for that?"

"No, I filled them myself!" Akemi explains.

"But... why are you back?" Raiden asks. "And... so soon?"

"Well..." Akemi explains. "When you said those mean things to me... it made me sad. It really hurt! I thought I was going to cry all day... until I realised something great! Something that made me feel much better!"

"And what's that?"

"The Raiden I know would never say anything like that!" Akemi laughs. "My Raiden isn't mean, and he doesn't hate me! I realised that you're just sad and scared... but that's okay! Because I know just the cure!"

"The cure?" Raiden mumbles. "I... I don't understand-"

"THE CURE IS ME!" Akemi exclaims, as she leaps onto Raiden's hospital bed, causing Raiden to groan in pain for a moment before she hugs into him. "Raiden, you're my friend! And as long as I'm here, I promise you'll never be sad or scared again! Because that's what friends are for!"

"But... I screamed at you. I... Akemi, I'm so sorry."

"I know, Raiden. I know..." Akemi smiles, as she hugs into him.

As Akemi begins to relay the names of every single balloon in the pile for Raiden, who is listening intently with every word, you decide it's time to take your leave. Raiden is fragile and volatile, and he's taken such a major hit... but he's lucky to have people like Akemi. Hell, even his sister was looking out for him with her suggestion. At the end of the day, you honestly think he'll make it out okay.

"Ryoji, wait!" Raiden calls out. "Before you go... when we face off against those demons... I want to deliver the final blow on Yami. Is that okay?"

>Of course, Raiden.
>If you can, then you will.
>Can you promise you won't lose control in trying?

>>1170088
>>If you can, then you will.

>>1170084
>"Good to hear," you smile, as the door behind you swings open yet again. Akemi enters the room once more with red eyes from where she had been crying... but this time she's carrying a bunch of balloons and a giant teddy bear.
Akemi is a good girl

>"THE CURE IS ME!" Akemi exclaims, as she leaps onto Raiden's hospital bed, causing Raiden to groan in pain for a moment before she hugs into him. "Raiden, you're my friend! And as long as I'm here, I promise you'll never be sad or scared again! Because that's what friends are for!"
A very very good girl
>If you can, then you will.

>>1170088
>>If you can, then you will.

>>1170088
>>Can you promise you won't lose control in trying?

>>1170088
>If you can, then you will.

>Thinking he'll survive long enough to hit Yami
Good one Raiden.

>>1170088
>>Can you promise you won't lose control in trying?

>>1170088
>>If you can, then you will.

>>1170088
>If you can, then you will.
>Can you promise you won't lose control in trying?

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>If you can, then you will.

Raiden nods. "Right... I won't let you down this time. I promise, Ryoji."

You nod as well, before turning to leave as Akemi rattles off the names of the balloons.

"-And this one is Plimpow, and that one's Cringleshine, and this one is Cringleshine Junior, and this-"

Raiden quickly interrupts Akemi with a wide open hug from the side.

"Akemi, thank you. For everything."

"You're welcome, Raiden!"

You step out into the hallway and check the time on your cellphone. Crap, you should probably get ready for that double date later on. You make your way back to the dorms and enter the common room, only to see a most peculiar sight. Rei in the kitchen area, slowly cooking some curry... while also checking herself out in a hand-mirror.

"What's going on here?" you ask.

Rei snaps the mirror shut and hurriedly hides it behind her back, in a terrible attempt at concealing it.

"What, nothing!" Rei snaps. "Why does something have to be going on? Maybe I just like making curry for Isamu!"

"Ah, so you're having a dinner tonight?"

"I never said that!" Rei protests. "But... oh, whatever. Yeah... me, Isamu and Akira are having dinner tonight. I'm making it, and... well, maybe I kinda want to look my best for the goofball. Why not?"

>Wow, you really like him, don't you?
>No need to act so nervous. You've known Isamu long enough.
>Nice that you're including Akira.

>>1170126
>>Wow, you really like him, don't you?

>>1170126
>>No need to act so nervous. You've known Isamu long enough.
That last choice sounds wrong.

>>1170126
>>Wow, you really like him, don't you?
"When's the wedding?"

>>1170126
>>Wow, you really like him, don't you?]
He said as if there was any doubt what so ever

>>1170126
>>Wow, you really like him, don't you?

>>1170135
Backing this

>>1170135
I'll back it.

>>1170135
Also backing this.

I KNOW PRESENT THE CANON NAMES FOR ALL 100 OF AKEMIS BALLOONS
1 Fizzlestick
2 Rolfizzlebeef
3 Hadoney
4 Alazoo
5 Crimsan
6 Hugadoay
7 Shimsham
8 Gimt
9 Aefin
10 Bubsword
11 Flomrout
12 Powas
13 Oochaka
14 Hingadub
15 Salsy
16 Peiras
17 Limdle
18 Hosstafat
19 Lionarf
20 Blook
21 Walsta
22 Dooka
23 Merdog
24 Capgan
25 Dauld
26 Unilever
27 Solvlesly
28 Controlo
29 Bokudemi
30 Ipine
31 Dansta
32 Hostals
33 Robter
34 Snarp
35 Zeless
36 Nafoni
37 Librill
38 Lynsom
39 Quwonter
40 Firlin
41 Koknoda
42 Namba
43 Wone
44 Insturm
45 Hagoni
46 Escug
47 Stunder
48 Pume
49 Buffery
50 Dalerif
51 Vloom
52 Higrap
53 Kokorilla
54 Rarow
55 Poweep
56 Incoete
57 Impsol
58 Crazap
59 Bizer
60 Grossiere
61 Oshire
62 Plimpow
63 Cringleshine
64 Cringleshine Junior
65 Bhak
66 Nesel
67 Hoppsdacot
68 Sadoker
69 Raidenpleasetakeahintandkissme
70 Deslir
71 Risun
72 Yandorem
73 Undemsci
74 Palasidem
75 Granmof
76 Locasty
77 Hunfer
78 Qwump
79 Dantint
80 Buwer
81 Edma
82 Wifly
83 Ronstam
84 Hooder
85 Glamly
86 Ranstan
87 Klimglim
88 Proer
89 Sunstan
90 Umslip
91 Yamman
92 Tunderl
93 Polsta
94 Pimpta
95 Joinsly
96 Yandaro
97 Wersle
98 Klim
99 Akemi
100 Raiden

>>1170186
You guys had fun on the discord with this didn't you?

>>1170195
>guys
I did all of this myself fucker

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>Wow, you really like him, don't you?
>When's the wedding?

Rei turns red in the face and stomps her foot. "H-hey, cut that out! I'm not getting married any time soon!"

"Yeah..." you smirk. "I mean, you did just get out of a really bad engagement."

"Tell me about it," Rei crosses her arms. "I can't believe that we managed to get out of that whole business with Hermes... but yeah, I guess I do kinda like the goofball a lot."

"Ha, so you finally admit it," you remark.

Rei rolls her eyes. "Like it wasn't obvious... you know, it's funny. I used to think I could never be with someone like Isamu. Even disregarding my condition... I was so intense about being strong and training and being the best... and here was this dumbass pervert who acted like he was already a godly when he was the biggest weakling I know. We were completely opposed... but he had this amazing heart. Before I knew it, I couldn't imagine life without him... he makes me happier than I ever possibly could have imagined. I think that despite our differences... I found someone who completes me. I guess this is how you and Saki felt."

"More or less," you reply. "But I caught on much faster than you did."

"Yeah..." Rei replies. "And here I am, supposed to be the fast one, but boy was I slow on this. Hell, I'm still not wanting to make it official until Christmas... but I've already agreed to visit his family on New Years!"

"Not visiting your own?" you ask. "Actually... you don't talk much about your parents."

"Yeah..." Rei mutters, her eye glancing down. "Well, my parents are pretty normal. They're not great, but... they're not bad folk. My dad's just... kind of a drunk, and my mom chain-smokes like crazy to deal with the stress of working two jobs. My home... isn't a fun place to spend time."

>Ouch, sounds rough. Forget I asked.
>Still, they're your family. You should probably spend some time with them.
>Well, at least we both know how much Isamu's family loves you. They'll be happy to see you.

>>1170197
Pretty sure I cam guess who did this then. Good work!

>>1170199
>>Well, at least we both know how much Isamu's family loves you. They'll be happy to see you.
>Though it couldnt hurt to call home

>>1170199
>>Well, at least we both know how much Isamu's family loves you. They'll be happy to see you.

>>1170199
>Ouch, sounds rough. Forget I asked.

>>1170199
>Ouch, sounds rough. Forget I asked.
>Well, at least we both know how much Isamu's family loves you. They'll be happy to see you.

TOMBOY PRINCESS PICNICS!

>>1170206
Switching to this. Its better.

>>1170206
I'll second this.

>>1170206
I'll back it.

File: Rei40.png (1.19 MB, 1000x1500)

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>Well, at least we both know how much Isamu's family loves you. They'll be happy to see you.
>Though it couldn't hurt to call home

"Yeah, of course!" Rei smiles. "I was thinking on sending a letter, but my folks throw out any envelope that comes to their house that isn't a bill without thinking. A nice long phone-call to wish them a happy new year, then off to the Iori's. Huh... I wonder what kinda place they live in..."

"Nothing would surprise me with Isamu," you reply. "It could be an actual castle and I wouldn't be shocked."

"Yeah," Rei chuckles. "Either way, I'll be happy to see those kids again. Kaii, Marise, Kin... especially Kin. I made a promise that I'd see her again, and... I'm so happy that I'll be able to keep it. Heh, it's funny."

"What is?" you ask.

"When I first met Isamu's family, I was pretending to be his girlfriend... but now, I might be the real thing!"

You chuckle. "Rei Iori... has a ring to it."

"I think Isamu Arisato sounds better," Rei smirks. "B-but I haven't been considering marriage, okay?!"

"Sure..." you roll your eyes.

Rei throws up a finger as she grabs something from behind the counter. "One more thing..." she smiles as she pulls out the silly plastic tiara Isamu bought for her when she was in worse condition. "When I visit Isamu's family, I'll be wearing this."

You nod proudly. "You're come a long way."

"I guess I have," Rei smiles. "I guess we all have... and there's so much further to go. Catch you later, Ryoji."

You mimic the sound of wedding bells in order to tease Rei as you take your leave and enter your room... where you see Ken and Nanami sitting on the bed, reading from what appears to be a script.

"Preparing stories for the date?" you laugh.

Nanami chuckles. "Of course not, Ryoji! I'm filled to the brim with naval tales that I can recite off the cuff! No, me and the co-captain have been reading from a play by the Dakugeto community theatre!"

"We have one of those?" you ask.

"It's very small," Ken explains. "Anyway, they're putting on a play between Christmas and New Years, and one of the leads broke her leg. They needed a replacement, and while they first considered Nanami too young to play the part, she's in there now."

"And Ken's been helping me with my lines!" Nanami explains. "I have to learn them on very short notice!"

>Well, don't forget we have dinner soon, you guys.
>That's considerate of you, Ken.
>So Nanami, do you want to be an actor for a living?

>>1170265
>>That's considerate of you, Ken.
>>Well, don't forget we have dinner soon, you guys.

>>1170265
>>That's considerate of you, Ken.
>>So Nanami, do you want to be an actor for a living?

>>1170265
>>Well, don't forget we have dinner soon, you guys.

>>1170265
>That's considerate of you, Ken.
>Well, don't forget we have dinner soon, you guys.

>>1170265
>>That's considerate of you, Ken.

>>Well, don't forget we have dinner soon, you guys.

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>That's considerate of you, Ken.
>Well, don't forget we have dinner soon, you guys.

"Heh, it's really nothing," Ken laughs nervously at the compliment.

"No, it's not nothing!" Nanami protests. "You're amazing! You're a lifesaver! I love you!"

Ken smiles. "Well... it's not really work for me to do something like this," he explains. "Especially when I love you too."

Before you know it, Ken is being tackled and smooched hard by his girlfriend.

"Guys. Dinner," you point out, as the eventually break away.

"Oh yeah!" Nanami remembers with a laugh. She kisses Ken on the cheek before rising to her feet. "I'll get changed into my finest outfit! Do we want to see the captain? Or perhaps my newest character, the debutante?"

"Let's stick with Nanami," Ken replies. "She's my favourite."

As Nanami leaves, you begin to get changed out of your white shirt and green jacket into a slightly cleaner white shirt, before throwing your green jacket back on. There, all ready for the fancy dinner. "So how was your day, Ken?"

"Pretty great," Ken smiles. "I guess things have been going pretty well for me recently. I've been relaxing, spending time with Nanami... oh, and the tournament really eased my mind on something."

"And what's that?"

"Angel forms are possible," Ken nods. "Isamu did it. Just for a little while, but he managed it. So there's still hope for me reaching that level as well... but I'm not going to try and force some change to make it happen."

"You're not?" you ask.

Ken shakes his head. "You saw how Isamu did it. It came naturally to him. So... I just have to wait for this... realisation, this transformation to come naturally to me. I'll crack the secret eventually, but I won't get anywhere if I keep trying to push against a wall. So... any new developments from out glorious leaders?"

"Do you mean me and Saki?" you remark. "Are people calling us that now?"

"Nah, just a joke," Ken explains. "But morale is at a high these days. A few of us are still going through some real bad stuff... but as a group, we're closer than we've ever been. Despite Yami breaking free and Tsuki still being on the loose, I think most of us are confident that we'll overcome it."

"Damn, those hot springs do wonders," you joke.

Ken chuckles. "Yeah, I guess so. So, any news?"

>Tell him about Miyoko on the train.
>Don't tell him.

>>1170304
>>Tell him about Miyoko on the train.
I kinda don't wanna tell him but it seems a bit mean to hide it.

>>1170304
>Tell him about Miyoko on the train.
Time to ruin everything.

>>1170304
>>Tell him about Miyoko on the train.

>>1170304
>>Tell him about Miyoko on the train.
Gotta keep people in the know

>>1170304
>>Tell him about Miyoko on the train.

>>1170304
>Tell him about Miyoko on the train.

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>Tell him about Miyoko on the train.

You relay to Ken the message left to you and Saki by Miyoko on the train back to the village. The whole time, Ken sits in rapt attention, hanging onto every word.

"An Eclipse?" he wonders. "Huh... if Miyoko decided to show up out of the blue to express concern, then there must be a real threat. But do you think Tsuki actually has a way to fuse himself and Taiyo together again."

"No idea," you reply. "But it's not exactly a chance we can take. We'll have to stop him before that happens."

Ken nods. "Right. Well, if we work together, Tsuki won't stand a chance. He may be strong, but I know we can bring him to justice!"

"A lot of confidence," you cross your arms.

"What can I say?" Ken replies. "After the big win at the tournament, and with you and Saki doing such a great job in charge... I'm filled with a lot of faith."

You and Ken step out into the hallway, as you're soon joined by the other participants of the double date.

"Sup, you guys ready?" Kosuke asks with his hands in his pockets.

"Ready as ever," you reply.

"Ryojiiii!" Saki protests. "It was horrible! Rini insisted that she change with me! And her hands had intentions! Lewd ones!"

"It was totally innocent!" Rini scoffs. "I was just trying to compare!"

Some things never change.

As Ken admires Nanami's red dress and links arms with her, you take Saki's hand and walk alongside Kosuke and Rini down the hall and out of the dorm building. Another free night, another night to enjoy yourselves.

"How did the talk with Raiden go?" Saki asks.

"It was... emotional, but ultimately it went really well," you explain. "What did you get up to in that time?"

"I had a blast!" Saki smiles. "I categorically organised all of the gifts I bought today!"

"You're such a dork," you smile before leaning in for the kiss.

"So, when's the wedding?" Kosuke asks.

You chuckle, but Rini chimes in. "Yeah, when is it? Kosuke and I tied the knot, when the hell are you two making it official?"

>Not for a long time. We're still just kids.
>Soon, I hope.
>I think we'll do it right after graduating.
>Eh, I don't know if we need to get married.

>>1170400
>>I think we'll do it right after graduating.
Sounds reasonable

>>1170400
>That's up to Saki, I'm fine with whenever.

>>1170400
>>I think we'll do it right after graduating.
As a joke, but then more serious,
>Soon, I hope.

>>1170400
>>1170412
>>That's up to Saki, I'm fine with whenever.
good

>>1170400
>>Soon, I hope.
How about tomorrow?

>>1170400
>>1170412
I'll third this.

>>1170412
Support.

File: Saki60.png (1.17 MB, 900x1200)

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>That's up to Saki, I'm fine with whenever.

"Agh!" Saki gasps. "You're really leaving that decision up to me? T-that's a lot of pressure, Ryoji!"

"Hey, I'm ready whenever you are," you reply. "It's pretty obvious that I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Saki blushes as she leans into you closer. "Well... I'm ready to marry you whenever too!"

Rini bursts into laughter. "Well there we have it! Looks like we have a new wedding on our hands!"

"No!" a flustered Saki replies. "I mean... I love Ryoji, and if we got married tomorrow, I would be more than happy... but we have a lot to focus on right now! We should wait until we don't have to worry about the current threats to our safety, so I can properly plan a wedding!"

"Solid plan," you reply. "Beat the bad guys, get married. I like it."

"Okay, but how about kids?" Rini adds. "When am I going to become an aunt Rini?"

"You ask this every time we hang out," you mutter, deflecting from the actual answer. It'll have to wait until Stranger is no longer inhabiting your body... if that happens at all. Can't get angry at Rini for asking, though. She has no idea.

Saki hugs into your arm as Ken and Nanami catch up with the rest of you. "So, who's picking the restaurant tonight?" Ken asks.

"It's president Kosuke's turn," Kosuke jokes, leading to groans from everyone but yourself and Rini. "What, you guys don't like foreign food?"

"I do," Ken replies. "I also like pizza, but the pizza place you like is so... greasy!"

"The grease makes it taste better!" Rini protests.

"Don't insult the grease Ken," you chime in.

"Is this a delinquent thing?!" Saki asks.

You all share a laugh as you make your way into town. All things considered... this was a pretty normal day. Beginning with a trip to the mall and ending with a restaurant date... today you felt like you had a normal life. Of course, that's not true... but you love it when you can have moments like these. Some mundane among the madness... especially when you don't have much time for that.

A dark cloud looms overhead. But Christmas is just around the corner, and you're going to enjoy this time... while you have it.

END OF EPISODE 38

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if5Ehx9hJis

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

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

Thanks for playing! Next thread will be up either Monday or Tuesday, most likely Tuesday! Follow the Twitter for any updates!

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

>Player Question
Shorter thread than usual today, but Christmas is right around the corner for Ryoji, Kaz, Saki and pals! What do you expect to see from the holiday at Dark Gate?

>>1170483
Good thread Book
I expect more Balloons

>>1170483
Thanks for running Booker. Felt like we could have squeezed a few others in there for some talk but this was chill.

>PQ
Mistletoe shenanigans, parties, destruction of the world, more SoL fun times, the usual.

>>1170483
Thanks for running Booker.

>PQ
Tsuki Claus giving all the boys and girls lumps of deadly world ending coal.

>>1170483
Thanks for running
>pq
Everyone (except Raiden) has had some nice things recently so that can't continue.