Day 24: Rising Up

Day 24: Rising Up

"Did you hear the news?" Kiara asked through the phone. When Kiara didn't shout her catchphrase as soon as Ryan picked up the phone, he knew something was wrong.

"No, what's up?" Ryan asked. He sat up on his mattress, as he destroyed his bed the previous night. He was grateful for how much Kiara was paying him, if not things would get rough for him financially.

"The idol group I'm a part of has a branch in China," Kiara started, her voice shaking. "I'm sure you've seen how bad things are in China from the news…"

"Although I don't really believe you're an idol, let's say I believe you," Ryan ignored the pout that Kiara made as he was talking. "Is there anything you want me to do?"

"I don't know. I need to clear things with YAGOO before we can do anything," Kiara said. "For now, just come to work like normal."

"You know, I'm here if you need me," Ryan offered. He may have only known Kiara for a few weeks, but he could tell when she's distressed. Plus, what are friends for?

"Thanks, Ryan," Kiara said softly. "I'll consider it."

-

"Yogiri-senpai!" Kiara dived over the counter, somehow flying over Ryan who was on the other side of the room. Ryan heard a soft "uff!" and turned around to see Kiara nuzzling a girl with red hair and white streaks. The clothing the girl gave off a delinquent vibe, but something told Ryan that this wasn't really the case. "It's been so long!"

"Kiara-chan!" The girl desperately tried to push her off, but Kiara was too strong. "Too… tight…"

"Ah!" Kiara speedily backed away, putting her hands in the air. "I'm sorry! How have you been?"

"I've been better," Yogiri rubbed the back of her neck, revealing a familiar looking scar on the side of her neck.

"Ah, those laser guns can be a bitch, huh?" Ryan rubbed his shoulder. It was an odd thing to have common ground on, but It was something. "Name's Ryan Shade. I'm Takanashi-san's employee."

"You can call me Kiara," Kiara smiled at Ryan. "You saved my life after all."

"I'm sure you could've handled it yourself," Ryan said.

"YAGOO-san told me about you," Yogiri offered Ryan a kind smile which completely juxtaposed her outfit and demeanor. "You've done a lot for us. I couldn't thank you enough."

"So, how's the Big Boss doing?!" Kiara slapped Yogiri's back playfully, but her wince didn't escape Ryan.

"Not good," Yogiri strained a smile. "Things have been getting dicey in China. If I didn't find my way in Roberu-san's bar, Civia and I wouldn't have made it."

"That's terrible!" Kiara looked genuinely horrified. "Do you know where the others are?"

"They're probably still in China," Yogiri replied. "YAGOO-san said that Spade Echo sent out a beacon, but as far as I know, no one has received it other than him."

Ryan thought about what happened yesterday. Those voices in his head and whatever beacon Yogiri was talking about probably had no correlation, but it never hurt to ask. "I'm not sure, but on my way home from work, I was bombarded with some kind of psychic message. Kind of like a bunch of pleas for help."

"That very well might be the case," Yogiri nodded, deep in thought. "Though to detect Spade Echo's beacon from China means that you're a very powerful sage or sensor. What are you doing working at a fast-food joint? You could be making millions as recon for several magical communities."

"I just got my magic powers a few days ago," Ryan rubbed the back of his head. "I don't really know how it all works."

"Sorry I'm late! YAGOO-san had to give me a health checkup!" A girl burst through the doors, obviously flustered. The thing that stood out to Ryan was the unicorn horn and the dress, which seemed out of place for a modern setting. "Kiara-chan! It's been so long!"

"Civia-senpai!" Kiara tackled the unicorn into a hug, which Civia returned with matching enthusiasm. "I'm so glad you're okay!"

"Things have been better," Civia pulled away from Kiara. "I'm really worried about everyone, but YAGOO-san said that we're going to get them."

"Really?" Kiara put a finger on her chin and tilted her head. "I wonder what he's up to."

-

"Mama! I'm home!" Rushia opened the door. "How was your day?"

"Rushia," Rushimama was looking at a phone, a deathly expression on her face.

"Mama...?" Rushia's mother was usually a very wholesome person, but when someone pissed her off, Matsuri have mercy.

"YAGOO called," Rushimama turned to her daughter. Despite the smile she had, Rushia could see the rage in her eyes. "Apparently someone decided to use one of your coworkers for their experiments. Pack your bags. We're going on a trip."

-

"Probably preaching his crushed dreams or something," Yogiri said. "I wonder if they are going to get involved."

"Who are they?" Ryan asked, mimicking Yogiri's emphasis.

"The masked mages," Kiara replied, causing everyone's attention to shift to the manager. "You've already met a few of them, Ryan. I think the surviving ones are all here in Japan as we speak."

"Really?!" Yogiri's eyes sparked. "If they joined, then we have a real chance!"

"Are these people really that strong?" An image of Sabrina blushing profusely and snapping at him like a tsundere flashed through his head. "They can't be that great."

"Well…" Kiara put a finger on her chin before shuddering. "Let's not talk about that."

"I probably don't want to know anyways," Ryan sighed. "Now, what would you two like to eat?"

-

"Looks like you're in a pickle," Shade said, causing YAGOO to jump.

"I think if we play our cards right, taking out MILF in its entirety can be a possibility," YAGOO turned to face storm. "I'm not sure if we have the firepower, though."

"Don't worry about firepower," Shade said. "I have reason to believe that you will be fine, but you will need everybody."

"I was planning on that," YAGOO said. "I was able to convince Rushimama to come out of retirement."

"I see," Shade nodded. "Go do your thing. I'll go do mine."

"Understood," YAGOO nodded as the two vanished from sight.

-

"So, we're really getting involved, huh?" Reporter said, fastening some sort of gauntlets onto his hands.

"If the void wills it, it shall be done," A knife of darkness formed in Storm's hands.

"Do you think you will reunite with her once more?" Reporter asked.

"Whether Anya wants to become a weapon once more is up to her," Storm examined the blade. "Regardless, I will still fight. I failed my brothers once before. I will not do it again."

"Don't count me out of this," Aloe stood up. "I won't let you fight alone. I think it's high time for HoloFive to reunite."

Reporter smirked underneath his mask. The pieces were falling into place.

-

"Oh, YAGOO!" Kiara chirped as the sage walked into the fast-food joint. "How are things going?"

"In a few days, we're going to be calling all hands-on deck," YAGOO replied. "We're going to be raiding China."

"Raiding China, huh?" Ryan came out of the back with two tubs of chicken. "Would you like to order something as well?"

"Actually, I was going to ask if you wanted to come with us," YAGOO said. "I know you only recently gained your abilities back, but we need everyone we can get."

"Are you going to go?" Ryan asked Kiara, who nodded. "Well, I guess I have nothing better to do."

"Really?" Civia looked up at Ryan, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you!"

"Eh, I made a promise to Calliope-san that I would make sure 'the bird' won't do anything stupid," Ryan said with air quotes. "I'm just upholding that promise."

"I don't remember you making any promises like that," Kiara said. Ryan sighed. Of course, that was the promise he made on his first day. "Plus, Calli is going to be there too."

"Yeah, but it's not like I have anything better to do. If you're going to go off to China for a few days, then I'll be out of a job for those few days," Ryan said. "Let's just call it a business trip."

"Are you sure?" Kiara asked. "It's going to be dangerous."

"And getting blasted through the shoulder wasn't?" Ryan shot back.

"That's fair," Kiara sighed. "I just don't want you to get hurt."

"I'll be fine, Tenchou," Ryan smiled reassuringly. "I appreciate the concern, but my good conscience can't let you go off while I stay here."

"Awhhh this is so cute!" Civia squealed.

"Does it look like it?" Ryan asked. "I sure hope it doesn't. I don't want to die."

"Why would you die-," Just as she asked, something clicked in Civia's head. "I see. That makes sense, then."

"How could you forget about Calliope-chan?" Yogiri facepalmed.

"Now, now," YAGOO smiled, ever the peacemaker. "I have to go notify everyone else. We probably won't attack for a couple days, but I'll keep all of you updated."

"Sounds good," Ryan offered YAGOO a smile as he turned and left.

"We should probably go too," Yogiri stood up. "Roberu will probably start to get worried after a while."

"I'm sorry we don't have any money!" Civia bowed to Ryan and Kiara.

"Don't worry about it," Ryan waved his hand dismissively. "It's not like people pay here anyways."

"Really?" Civia asked. "That's weird. Isn't this a restaurant?"

"So, you picked up on that," Kiara said. "It's true. This is just a place to hang out and put our hair down. All the meals are subsidized by me."

"Speaking of meals, can you put in an extra order of doughnuts for me?" Ryan asked, remembering the time Matsuri came in.

"Sure!" Kiara chirped. "Wait, how did you know about the doughnuts?"

"I know a lot of things," Ryan winked. So, that's how it felt to be on the other side of that.

-

Ryan sighed as he walked through the alley. What could he do? He wasn't exactly ready to raid the MILF capital of the world (AN: That sounds pretty nice under different circumstances) with the level of magic that he got. He went through his options. When he settled on the best option, he scoffed. He really didn't want to go to him, but he had to do what needs to be done.

"I see you've come to your senses," Ryan stopped when he heard a voice behind him.

"I will never bow to you," Ryan turned to stare down Storm. "But your help will really be appreciated."

"It may not look like it, but we're on the same side," Storm replied. "Come, we have much to do."