Once Upon a Two: Electric Boogaloo

-Article Pulled from Official News Source-

Classes in the main building of Hope’s Peak Academy had just resumed at the beginning of this month following the terrorist attack upon the school in November. 40 students who had been attending classes near the labs, the target of the attack, mysteriously disappeared-- they were not found among the survivors nor the dead. Today, however, in the middle of the school day, 12 of them have reappeared.

Hope’s Peak Faculty working in the labs at the time, as well as several senior students working on projects with the staff, rushed the students to the medical facilities on campus, equivalent to the best hospitals in the area. The students were examined thoroughly and treated for their injuries-- which several of them had sustained. According to the reports by world class Hope’s Peak examiners, the children were also deeply traumatized and delusional, speaking nonsense that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. Psychologists at the school have vowed to look into the matter, and are attempting to glean what they can of the true course of events.

The most pressing question on everyone’s minds, however, especially those at Hope’s Peak, is where are the other 28 missing students? Kirigiri, the headmaster, has said only that it appears grim. While the recovered students’ stories are fantastical and don’t match up, they all seem to agree on one thing: that the other missing students are all dead.

-Excerpt of a Blog Post/Mass Email Alert Created by a Known Alias of Bennett Jones-

Hello there to any and all readers that have gotten a hold of this article.  If you do not know who I am, that’s probably better for you.  All that you have to know is that I was one of the 40 students who disappeared from Hope’s Peak Academy and then ‘reappeared.’  Does it matter which of them I am?  Hope’s Peak Academy considers us all equally dangerous.

They’ve tried to quiet us.  I’ve been on media blackout since the moment I arrived back here.  I can’t claim to know exactly what the purpose of their equipment and experiments were at the school, but I know that they fear us.  The picture they have painted of us, the survivors, is one of illness and madness.  But it isn’t true.  At this point, I’ve abandoned any hope that I’ll be believed--but I know what I went through, I know what is right.  Even if it is disbelieved, I have to put the truth into words.

There were 40 of us who were transported from this world into another world, a place called Marchen.  Some of us were in Nechram, a mirror version, for a short time.  But it does not change what happened.  The birds, our guides, ordered us to kill each other.  We were given incentives to kill--and many of us succumbed to it.  It was the worst that could ever be brought out in someone.  People changed in there, my reader.  I changed, so did every survivor.  Every person who died, they are never coming back.  They aren’t missing, they are dead.  I remember finding those bodies with my own eyes, I remember watching people go to their deaths.

Hope’s Peak has manufactured a gigantic coverup for all of their wrongdoing.  Because we all know what we saw, we can’t erase it from our memories as desperately hard as we might try.  I beg you, I implore you--ask yourself, why are they hiding this?  What is it that we discovered there that they don’t want us to know about, and more importantly, that they don’t want you to know about?

The school has worked hard to silence us and they have succeeded.  Most of us have been put into medical care, kept away from media and billed insane.  It takes a lot to get away from Hope’s Peak and they aren’t making it easy on any of the survivors.

I am lucky that I got a hold of a way to put this letter out there.  If you’re reading this--believe in us.  They are lying to you all, and it bodes nothing but danger for everyone in the country and maybe in other countries as well.  I don’t even know, but it runs deep.  Please, please, fight them.  Help us, we can’t do anything with the hawk eyes of the school watching us.

Tell everyone you can, do everything you can.  Please.  Don’t be idle, the world needs to believe us and the world needs to hear that you believe in us too.  My partner knew that there was something running deeper in Hope’s Peak academy and I am absolutely assured of it now.  Help us.  They need to be brought down.  It could be your life next.

Please help us, reader.  Please do something, anything, in your power.  We’re trapped.  But you are not.

-Internal Coded Memo, HPA Senior Faculty-

This is all happening so quickly. For months you’ve been here, but it feels like years. And then suddenly everything is rushing forwards at the speed of light and you have only moments. There’s no time to run and get anything from your rooms, barely time to grab onto those here whom you love and talk, quietly, before Ama is shouting for everyone to get ready and face the large mirror behind the thrones, the ones you’ve walked through to trial so many times. It looks different now.

The thrones have been moved aside to make room, and as you watch the dark surface of the obsidian begins to swirl, somehow growing even darker while at the same time becoming almost transparent. Magic from it seems to radiate towards you, beckoning you forward. Looking into the glass, you see the vague shapes of a laboratory, almost like a reflection. But that image is through the mirror, not before it.

“GO!” Ama shouts, and you feel yourselves shoved forward by the force of her magic, giving you the push needed to break out of whatever spell was rooting you in place. You begin to sprint, diving through the portal into the black.

Some of you do, at least.

Ama throws Vengeance like a spear through the portal, and the enormous mirror shatters into millions of shards no larger than splinters. The sword is gone, as is everyone who chose to run through. Those of you who did not feel strangely hollow, and suddenly more aware of the castle you stand in, like your senses are only now fully registering the world around you. It’s a strange, dizzying sensation.

Ama looks shaken and tired, the birds even more so. Exhausted, pale, weak-- even Monocygnet is slumped over in her cage, finally silent. Cadhan clears his throat and then speaks, voice wavering slightly as he starts.

“You… all of you belong here now. You’re officially denizens of Marchen. There is still much we must do to heal our world and set things back in order… and to take care of Svana. But Ama and I will help you to adjust as best we can.” His expression looks pained and sad. “I apologize, again, I... I know that there are no words I can say to make right what has gone wrong here.”

It’s true. Nothing will ever be the same- in more ways than one. All of you, both those who have stayed and those who returned, will be leading very different lives than you were before. But you will live, you’ve survived everything this world has thrown at you so far, and so you look forward towards the future… with new hope.

The game is over.

The young man had been cowering there for a while, pondering, thinking. over all of the events that had transpired. Likely, the young man had just been weeping in a corner likely crying his eyes out like a big over grown fabulous baby.  In short he'd been ineffectual, useless. had done nothing all to help the group. All he'd done was spout bullshit and complain about everything. That's all he'd ever done during these trials and this grand adventure of his. He gently took off his hat, standing up from the corner he'd been cowing in. His hands reached up to his hat before quickly tossing it away sending it gliding across the hall. Gias the king of the skies hopped back up onto his shoulder, looking slightly bigger than he had before. The young man cleared his throat, and began on a monolog attempting to catch the attention of whoever would bother to listen.

"Well, it seems end times are upon us my friends. We've had some laughs, some tears, some thrills and chills. But I'm afraid this seems to be the curtain call. Shall we live like men or shall we die like mice! After feeling the caress of a Harp, I have gained new incentive to survive, to live onward. I know I haven't done much, but now I rise from the pheonix. The man known as Nano Nanagashi is here forth dead, from now on I go by a new name. NANO NANAGASHI! So please, whoever wishes to have me, take me along with you to your bid for freedom. I NANO NANAGASHI and my companion, Gaias, King of the skies, shall aid you."

It was all over. Masato was tired, not nearly as tired as his other comrades, but tired nontheless. Was it worth it though?

Yes. Yes, it was definitely worth it. He had done his part, and for what it mattered to him, he felt as though he had freed everyone. Not necessarily from this world, but to do whatever they so pleased with their futures and not be confined where they didn't want to be. As for him though?

He watched as the fight went on. He wished he could participate, but Amaryllis has been very convincing when she had said for him to stay out of it. It nearly brought a tear to his eye. 

Ah yes. Look at his daughter... They grow up so fast...

Yet nobody could tell behind his mask. And only those who had adventured with him would have understood if they knew. 

But this was the end now. With monoswan caged it was all over. And what was he going to do? Masato Shinjin, SHSL Ninjutsu Practicioner - What were his plans?

He would stay. 

There was nothing for him back home. His grandfather was dead, his brother was gone... Well, he might see his brother again, but the chances of that were the same whether he returned or stayed. But otherwise... There was nothing for him there. He had fulfilled his promise to Elijah... but when Elijah handed him the book, he knew. 

It was sad, but... He knew. History is doomed to repeat itself, isn't it. The people most important to you leave you and leave nothing behind of themselves but a book by which you can remember them... 

But this time was different. Masato understood at least one thing now... It wasn't his place to interfere. Maybe a murder game just does that to people. 

He didn't read the note, but as Elijah walked away. 

"Thank you... I'll miss you... My friend."

He put his hand up to his mask, as if to take it off, but stopped. Elijah's brothers would probably never get these letters, and Masato knew that. And so he turned his back and left the room silently. 

One monster caged, one more yet to be defeated. The sun demanded it, the stars wouldn’t care. Elijah had made a promise once, but… did anyone really want him to keep it? Probably not. He watched Daisy say goodbye to Kotone with a pang of jealousy. If only… But no. He had to accept reality. No fond goodbyes for him.

Except…

“<Wait a moment.>”

Daisy was waiting, holding out her hand so they could depart, but there was one thing left for Elijah to do. He rested his spear against the wall, pulled a book and pen from the bag he carried, then… wrote a note? Yes, one last note.

The book snapped shut, then he walked over to Masato and handed it over.

“Hold onto this for me, will you? You don’t have to give it to my brothers or anything, just… hold onto this.”

Interesting. So it seemed as if the other classmates had some use after all. They'd found a way to get out, to escape from this hellhole. Sure, more of this ridiculous magic was involved, but it was nothing more than a means to an end at this moment.

"Well. It's about time someone found a way out of here."

Had he actually tried, he was sure it would not have taken as long. But he had been content to revel in the aftermath of getting away with murder. After all, he had his weapons and one Shinobou Ume to protect him (even if he couldn't particularly rely on her. Praise her enough and she became more agreeable, even if her opinion of Greg was...incorrect and lowly). So he found that he could just do as he wanted. Especially since so many kids had apparently gone missing, and everyone else seemed to be avoiding each other.

"I think we have all spent enough time dallying here. Can we just get on with...whatever needs to be done?"

Tired.

Daisy Prescott was so very tired.

Their little journey had been a great idea in theory, yes, and probably was what had allowed for all this to happen. However, it was most certainly not for her. Her body was screaming in protest, the injuries on her arms still sent pain flying up into her shoulders, and all she wanted to do right now was to lie down. She hurt, she was dirty, but first and foremost, she was exhausted.

Now, however, a choice had to be made. Up until now, Daisy’s mind had been dead set on a third option, and it still lingered in the front of her mind. There was a part of her that begged to go home, pleaded with whatever shred of reason that remained inside of her to please stop this. But… The biggest part of Daisy refused.

The family she once adored now meant nothing to her. Her home was worth less than a worthless memory. What good was expanding her talent? It wasn’t going to be worth everything else that was to come.

And besides. She was tired of going back on promises.

First things first, though. There were so many people she wanted to talk to, but they had limited time right now. Looks like she would settle for what she could get. Daisy stepped off to the side slightly, making a beeline for one person. Without much warning, she practically threw herself at Kotone, wrapping the girl up in a tight hug and burying her face in her neck.

“Koto-nee… I didn’t mean any of what I said. I… I want you to do your best, okay…? You deserve one hell of a lot better than me. Please, go be happy.”

With one final kiss to the side of Kotone’s head, Daisy pulls away, head ducking down to the floor and shuffling off in the direction of a certain white haired main. Eyes raising up from the floor, something behind them looks completely terrified- the part of her that just wants to go home is gaining strength. But, once again… Enough broken promises. Daisy extends her hand out, looking up at Elijah and inhaling deeply.

“<… Let’s go, then. I’ll follow you. >”

It had been a while; well, it had been quite a while, to be exact, since Shinobou Ume had even been in the same place as another student. She had grown increasingly reserved to her room, to the quiet places of the castle, to the shadows and the dark parts where no one really tread.

She hadn’t missed them in the slightest, though, don’t let this give you that impression, no. It was over, wasn’t it? She would be able to go on from this, go back to her position, go back to the havoc she wreaked in their world. Shinobou Ume got to go back to living life without consequence, to taking life without consequence.

It’s not like she had learned anything. If anything, she had learned that she has much more to offer the world. She has to go back. She does, however, mourn the fact that she did not seek to bring her love’s body back with her. What a trophy that would’ve made, but, alas. Just the knife in her boot and a hole in her head to keep James Crowley close to her heart.

Her eye scanned the area, landing upon someone she actually, admittedly, did miss. A cat, slinking along the wall from behind the tapestry.  A friend. She approached E, lowering herself to a crouch and tilting her head to one side.

“A sight for sore eyes, you know that? I am going to … miss you.”

A smile that bared her teeth, but not the way most were accustomed. A smile reserved for a cat who had given her much wisdom and kinship throughout this ordeal.

Elijah had been watching the scene impassively. Three against one, no, four against one, it was such uneven odds but considering what was at stake... Soon. Soon. Have faith that they would succeed. They needed to succeed. Four against one.

The outcome was favorable. That was one monster caged. Soon. Soon. The dead could not be brought back. Good, they did more harm than good. And the portal...

The duty was done, the escort mission was over. Finally, finally, finally... Elijah turned to Daisy. She was waiting for an answer. Well. Now she had it.

Hello again world. Emile Martinez walked in with the six students. He tried to mentally steel himself on the way there, and somehow succeeded. He seemed to be surprising himself more and more these days. Perhaps though, it was because it all happened so fast, or because he was so exhausted from the eventful journey to bring Amaryllis to the castle.

No time to ponder, because once again now things were moving quickly. They had to choose. Go home, or stay here. Go home to your family and friends and your old life. Stay here where your friends and classmates were forced to kill or be killed, where you don’t understand anything and know even less. Emile already knew his choice.

He knew no one here and nobody knew him here. He’d finally be free from the job he never wanted. There was adventure. There was tragedy and danger. There was anything but home. What did he have to go back to anyway? More secrets and more of being blackmailed for things he could never have helped? More loneliness? More depending on everyone’s opinion of himself to determine his worth?

Or, a chance to reset his life.

He’d stay here. He’d be allowed to train under Amaryllis! He’d feel guilty about the decision, but he found he felt guilty about everything lately. He’d use this world as a chance to redeem himself. That’s it. After stepping outside the castle grounds, there was clearly so much more to this world. He’d find something he could do. He could help people here.

What year is it, is what Aideen Quinn would have asked herself had she actually been motivated. She wasn’t, though, so she just… didn’t really care, and like, okay. She could just hang out with her good buddy, Shinji. They spent much of their time being salty, talking about their lives, and creating fursonas together. Of course, Aideen didn’t really need that, because, you know, werewolf. She didn’t really know how that worked now, but it was cool to have people avoid her because of it. Of course, that could also be because of the attitude she presented, but that was entirely her choice. At least like that she didn’t end up in Shinji’s boat, getting stabbed multiple times. She’d been there. Oh, how she’d been there.

So, of course, she’d been happy when some of the more irritating members of the class went missing, and now, as they returned, she was once more salty. But, perhaps, this meant she was free! Liberated from whatever was reflecting– boy, if she got to go home, she would be ready as hell to freak Nin out with her new teeth. 

But first… plot development. Aideen truly and honestly tries her best to pay attention to whatever’s happening, but as soon as the word “mage” was uttered she immediately began to tune out. The weird mage fight only served to make her descend further into the void of indifference, the assassin’s face the picture of “are we done yet?” as she moves over to lean exasperatedly against Shinji. Of course they weren’t done yet. All Aideen wanted in life was to hang out at home, not killing anyone. Oh, right. She should have explained to people before they got all stabby with her, she realizes, staring dully at a bunch of talking birds. 

Finally, though, things seem to be winding down. She is nearly free, but then… they are offered a choice. Only exasperation can be seen on the girl’s face as she looks at the …mage. Sure, she wanted to hang out with her good buddy Sterben some more, but was it worth this? Hell no. She sighs wearily, pulling out a piece of paper and scribbling something on it– which seems to read “to: Sterben, if you ever see this– thanks for a good time!! i’ll miss u xoxoxoxox” before she drops it on the ground.

Then she just looks like this:

“Why would we stay, though… there’s like, no incentive……….

Ooh, except for our sweet-ass fursonas. Hell yeah, Mr. Shinji. Everyone look at them and weep.

After all this time, Shinji and Aideen finally got a chance to talk to people other than each other. The last time he talked to anyone else he got stabbed twice so that was fun. They spent the last few days just eating the food Shinji had stashed away and drawing fun things around the room! They were such good platonic friends. 

Now they were watching this all happen from the same podium (really in fear of other’s attacking them) and occasionally looking at each other in both fear and confusion. After all the birds flocked together (HA), Shinji tapped Aideen on the shoulder before pulling a piece of paper out of his jacket. 

“Now I’m sure you’re all very scared about what is going to happen to us. I am too! I will admit that I have no idea what is happening but Honestly, what can ya do. Rather than sulk, I have decided to share a piece of happy news!”

He reveals the paper to the rest of the students.

“Look at these excellently crafted fursonas! The one on the left is mine and the one on the right is Aideen’s! Look how cute we are!”

So...it was all over. Their quest, their journey, her mission to make atones for everything. She really hadn't done much along the way other than provide unneeded stress for the masses, but somehow...it felt like going along had been good for her. She had been there to assist in bringing peace back to Marchen, and she had done her part to help the others get back home. It would take so much more than that to wash the proverbial blood from her hands, but she had done it. Maybe she had proved Aideen wrong.  As they approached the castle, the tiny form of Gosami began to expand, becoming the tall man he once was. She wished to embrace him, but she felt the goose had enough cuddles on the road and he had work to do now. Though she dared not watch as he and the others did battle with Svana.

But just like that, the battle was over, and Svana was defeated. The portal would be ready soon, and they would be allowed to return home. Finally, the nightmare was close to ending, ever so close.

Once more, the deep longing to embrace Gosami overtook her. He had done so much to calm her when she found out she was the traitor, and without his words she knew she wouldn't have made it as far as she did. This would be their last meeting, after this she was to return to her world and there would be no coming back. But Gosami had a job that needed to be completed, so instead of embracing her friend, she smiled patiently to him and turned to the others.

"I'm s-sure you knew this was coming, b-but once we leave here, none of you have ever heard the name Kotone Okinawa, you're just coming home w-with your classmate Channing Burke. P-please, I know some of you hate me, b-but please don't involve my family in this. I-if any of you want to do something to me, y-you can do it when we get home. Y-you can hurt me a-as much as you want, b-but I won't let you kill me," she looked to Bennett. "I-I've learned I have too much to live for,"

With Monocygnet sufficiently subdued, Gosami turns his attention back to you and the other students. There's a deep sadness in both his tone and expression as he begins to address you all.

"For everything that has happened... I am so sorry. Although your arrival here was an accident beyond our control, how all of this was handled was a mistake that we can never fully make amends for. Svana is sick, but I understand that is no excuse for her actions. I cannot bring back your dead. I cannot undo the hurt my sisters caused. For that you have my deepest apologies. But I can and will end it now. The four of us," He gestures to himself, Wauna, Saaras, and Amaryllis, "Can send you home. But we have to do it now. We're already weakening again, and so is the fabric of our world. It will be risky to re-open the portal, but it is the least I feel we owe you, and we have the resources and the magic to do it now- though it will only remain stable for a few seconds. Afterwards I will close it, permanently, and sever all ties between worlds in order to restore stability and begin rebuilding here. If you want to leave, you will have to do so immediately, without hesitation. If you choose to stay, you will do so forever. Choose quickly, and wisely."

He pauses, gaze sweeping around everyone assembled, solemn and heavy. Then he gathers with his siblings while Ama steps forward with the sword. Her grip on it is white-knuckled, but she's holding it away from her body as if it were something distasteful, and her mouth is set in a thin, determined line. You can see sweat beading on her skin, as if just holding the sword is taking an enormous amount of effort.

"It will take a few minutes to complete the ritual. I suggest you take this time to think over your options and prepare yourselves. Don't try to ask questions, we need to keep our focus on the spell. I realize you're all frustrated, but as I warned you before, many of your questions will have to go unanswered. There just isn't time." Although her voice brooks no argument, the look in her eyes is not unsympathetic. Then she's moving towards one of the walls, where she lifts the sword and begins carefully carving some sort of inscription into the stone wall. The Birds gather around her.

It appears some of the other denizens of the castle have come to the scene at last. Caoin and Kome stand on one side of the double doors leading to the Castle Grounds. Sorrel and Elle are holding hands on the other side. Doc is lurking near the door that leads into the hallway. E, in his cat shape, has slunk out from behind one of the tapestries on the walls. The shadows shift unnaturally in one corner, and staring at them makes them seem to coalesce briefly into a humanoid shape. Looking up would show Tama perched in the rafters, peering down upon the scene curiously.

And, of course, you and all your classmates are there as well, standing around in varying degrees of shock, exhaustion, trepidation, anticipation, sorrow, anger... and hope.

So you’re all left, bewildered and in many cases apprehensive, with the new woman and your seven adventurous classmates.

“Alright, I’m sure all of you have a lot of questions, but you’re just going to have to deal with the fact that you’re probably never going to have answers for many of them.” The woman has turned to address you, hands placed on her hips.

“To start with an obvious one, my name is Amaryllis, I’m the most powerful mage still alive in this world, and I’m here to help restore balance and send you all home. I would have gotten involved much sooner if I’d known exactly how much of a mess was being created here, but I thought it was still under control. Apparently I was wrong, bite me. Now, if we all survive the next several minutes, you’ll probably get a slightly more substantial explanation. So let’s look forward to that.”

There is a moment or two of tension. Hushed whispering and fearful expectation. You hardly know what you’re waiting for, but it can’t be good. It comes to a head when Monoswan stumbles backwards out of a mirror, wielding her sword before her, in an obvious retreat. It’s her first appearance since the end of the final trial, and she looks noticeably haggard, much like Swanami had. Close behind her are her siblings, there's a sword in Swanami's hand as well, albeit of a very different style. Monogoose is emptyhanded but something about the gleam in her eye and the too-wide smile on her face suggests she doesn't need a weapon. Gosami is once again wielding a staff, though this one isn't wood but an ivory-colored metal that seems to border on effervescent, and there's no sign of the hesitation or reluctance he'd shown in previous confrontations. His expression is solemn, his red eyes cold.

“I knew I should have killed all of you.” Monoswan's voice is pure hatred, as is the look in her eyes. Even as worn out as she seems now, everyone backs away, giving her a wide berth. Everyone, that is, except Ama.

The mage woman darts forward, literal bolts of lightning crackling about her hands and feet as she grasps for the sword, slamming her shoulder into Monoswan and throwing the distracted smaller being off balance for a crucial second. Svana turns on Ama with a look on her face that can only be described as homicidal rage. There’s a moment of fear-- could a human, even a powerful mage, really stand a chance against a God, even an overtaxed and depleted one? Especially since, now that she’s holding the sword, Ama seems noticeably out of it, her eyes glazing over.

“You stupid, idiotic hum--” Before the question of Ama's fate can be answered- or perhaps in answer- the other Gods in this equation act. Saaras moves like a swan gliding across the surface of the lake, placing himself between Svana and Ama, and as she hisses at him Wauna giggles and plunges forward wildly, Svana only narrowly sidestepping the charge. She makes a grab for Swanami's sword, ducking under a swing and shoving him back with that surprising strength- though she staggers after, as if it took more effort than she'd expected.

"That is enough, Svana." Cadhan is there, the tip of his staff resting on Monoswan's shoulder. "It's over."

“Over?” Svana’s face twists into a snarl as she goes to knock the staff away with her newly acquired sword. Instead, Gosami dodges, much faster than his sister, and with an easy motion, disarms the swan for the second time this fight. She seems undeterred, grabbing the staff with her bare hands and trying to wrest it away from him, screaming hate and anger all the while.

"I am sorry, little sister. I'm sorry it ever came to this." Gosami's staff is absolutely glowing now, re-shaping itself, and the light sweeps over Svana and then explodes outwards in a blinding flash.

As everyone blinks the spots from their vision the sound of shrill angry screeching assaults your ears. Monoswan is nowhere in sight, but in Gosami's hands is an elaborate ivory-colored cage with a very small black and white bird in it.

Monocygnet screams, thrashing futilely, the scene equal parts ridiculous and chilling. Even now, that rage and hatred seems to consume her.

Gosami looks on her with sorrow, and more than a flicker of guilt. He says something, soft enough that it's likely difficult to catch for those still recovering from all the shock and activity. "You're right to hate me. I failed you."

"Awww she's so cute! Let me hold her!" Monogoose has swept over, her delight practically tangible, but Gosami holds the cage out of reach.

How long has it been? Two days, or three? It feels like longer. Almost like it’s been months or something. Many of you simply don’t know what to do anymore. Is there really a way out, or are you going to accept your fate? It seems that at least a few of you have decided to try, since there’s several familiar faces that have stopped showing up for meals. Any who investigate the Grounds might notice the large gate leading out of the castle walls is open, and a rickety makeshift bridge stretches across the moat. Do you dare attempt to cross? ...Actually that thing looks like it could collapse in a sharp breeze, so most of you wisely leave it alone. Sumi evidently decides it’s worth the risk and makes it across… and doesn’t return for several hours.

When she finally does, she’s not alone.

A ragtag group of the missing kids have returned to the castle, looking somewhat the worse for wear in some cases. Daisy Prescott, Masato Shinjin, Elijah Hayward, Momoe Furugawa, Emile Martinez, Kotone Okinawa, and Sumi Yamazaki have crossed over the bridge… and there appears to be an unfamiliar woman leading them.

Anyone not already looking on the scene taking place on the castle grounds from window or elsewhere outdoors may be alerted that something has changed by a sudden strange movement in the air. It's as though there was an earthquake, not unlike the one that preceded the merge two weeks ago, that lasted for only a fraction of a second. Those near a window may also have noticed a blinding flash of light coming from outside...

After a few minutes, a voice echoes through the castle in much the same way Monoswan and Monogoose would make their announcements. However this voice, while feminine, belongs to neither of them.

"Any kids who are still alive and want to stay that way should assemble in the Throne Room immediately."

Confused and alarmed at this sudden turn of events, you all nevertheless make your way down to the Throne Room, apprehensive about what this could mean. The game is over, but Monoswan is still alive and her last words to all of you were less than reassuring.

However when you arrive in the Throne Room, you don't see her anywhere. Instead...

Gosami and Monogoose, Cadhan and Wauna, are now standing in their human forms among the students who had been missing for a few days now, alongside a strange woman. How is this possible? You all saw the two Birds killed, though their bodies had been cleaned away at some point. Yet it's undeniably them. Cadhan's ridiculously tall form towers over those near him, Wauna's braid swings lightly in the breeze from the open doors to the Throne Room, one of her trademark manic grins on her face.

"Svaaaaaanaaaaa~! Wherefeather can you be, sister dear?" Wauna speaks first with a giggle and practically glides across the floor of the Throne Room- and as if out of thin air, Swanami steps out of a mirror to appear before her, staring at his sister with wide eyes. "Oopsie, wrong swan! Hello Saaras, do you know where our tweet little sister is?"

"You're... really back. You-" Saaras pauses, cutting himself off, and then draws himself up to his full height, putting a haughty expression on his face. "I do hope you're finished with all that nonsense from before."

"Not quite." It isn't Wauna who answers, but Cadhan, his expression unreadable. The strange woman beside him nods in greeting to Saaras before looking up to Cadhan.

"You three had better get going. Every second wasted is another second she has to prepare." Her voice is recognizable as the one that had just made the announcement to gather you all together.

"Don't worry, Ama. The balance has shifted." Cadhan smiles down at her, though the expression is thin and grim, not like the cheerful smiles he used to wear. "She's right, though. Let's go."

I’m just imagining Greg staring at himself in the mirror incredulously since there are no cameras.

Very Fancy Monocle and Mustache :: A pair, containing two things scientifically certified to be fancy: A monocle and a mustache. Putting them on instantly makes you twice as classy as you were before.

Jamie Dakimakura :: A full size bodypillow with an image of James Crowley on it, he appears to be lounging on his back, tie loose around his neck and shirt missing. His green eyes stare at you with a playful interest, his soft blond hair tousled and skin faintly flushed. For once his gloves are off and the fingers of one hand are brushing against his slightly parted lips, the other hand resting on his hip by the undone zipper of his jeans. That sure is a lot of scars. Wow.