Day 26: Preparations for War

Brianna and Shade appeared atop a building, looking down at the bustling city lights. "Welcome back to the land of the living," Shade said. He opened his hand and a mask appeared. A white mask with a giant black 6 in the middle. He looked at it momentarily before handing it to Brianna. "You're going to need this."

"Huh, I never thought I would wear this again," Brianna said, taking the mask and looking at it. After a couple seconds of silence, she closed her eyes, putting on the mask.

"You know you'll always be a part of us," Shade said as he put on his own mask, one with a giant 1 in the middle. "If you ever need a family, we're here."

"As much as I appreciate the offer, this family is pretty dysfunctional," Brianna said, chuckling.

"If Edhas were here, he would probably blame that on my lack of 'dad jokes'," Shade sighed, using air quotes for the last two words. "A part of me is wondering if I'm getting too old."

"You already are, old man," Brianna chuckled, slapping Shade on the back. "Now, tell me where this meeting place is."

-

"You know, I've gotten pretty attached to this place," Grimm said as blue and white flames flared to life behind him as Nux stepped through to the phoenix dimension. "Leaving feels so weird, even if it's only for a few days."

"Ryan wanted you to have this," Nux said as Grimm turned to confront him. Nux had Grimm's old mask, a white mask with a giant 2 in the middle of it. "It was in Edhas's magical storage when he got here."

"I guess he would keep it with him after I was gone," Grimm chuckled, taking the mask and putting it on. "As much as he hated these masks, he put a lot of sentimental value behind it."

"Yeah, yeah, now go to your dumbass meeting," Nux said. "I want to bother you, but I don't really want to go there."

"Whatever you say," Grimm said, black flames starting to consume his body. As the fire completely enveloped his being, it started to subside until it was gone.

"Looks like I have to do my part as well," Nux said as blue and white flames started to envelop him in turn. "Jeez, Ryan's really going to owe me after pulling this stunt. How troublesome."

-

Ryan groaned as he woke up. He was excited for the meeting of the Masked Mages, but he was anxious at the same time. Even after all this time, he still didn't feel up to their level. They were supposedly the best mages in the world. Little did he know, he had already reached their level. "Morning Ryan," Suisei said with a tired voice as she mashed on a couple buttons on her keyboard.

"Are you okay?" Ryan asked, his voice littered with concern as he sat up.

"Yeah, just a little tired," Suisei groaned as if she were a zombie.

"You should really get some rest," Ryan said, placing a hand on her head, rubbing it a bit. Suisei groaned weakly in protest, but she was too tired to swat his hand off.

"Case and point," Ryan said, booping her nose. "Go to bed. You've worked hard enough today."

"Fine," Suisei said as she stood up. "I'm sleeping in your bed."

"Whatever," Ryan said as he exited his apartment, smiling as he heard the sound of a person flopping on a bed.

-

"Morning Tenchou," Ryan sighed as he opened the door. "I have a feeling that some of my colleagues are going to show up today."

"Colleagues?" Kiara tilted her head. "Do you mean the Masked Mages?"

"Yeah," Ryan grumbled as he walked behind the counter.

"Hey Kusotori, why are there Oreos in here?" Ryan turned to see the break room door opening, Calli steeping out.

"Please don't touch my Oreos," Ryan glared at Calli, causing her to flinch.

"A-alright," Calli looked around nervously. "I think I should take my leave."

"Actually, I think you should stay," Ryan said. "I think you would want to meet someone that's coming here today."

Calli turned to Kiara. "Do you know anything about this?"

"No, but I think we should trust Ryan," Kiara said, remembering her conversation with Ryan. "He usually knows what's happening."

"Whatever you say," Calli made her way to the stools, taking a seat. "I'll just have some wine or whatever."

"Sure," Ryan grabbed a wine bottle and a wine glass from underneath the counter, pouring her a glass. Ryan then looked up as the door to open. The first to arrive was Sabrina, her brown hair flowing down as she wore a brown cloak over her standard pink hoodie and skinny jeans. She wore her mask, a white mask with a giant 4 in the middle of it.

"Morning Sabrina," Ryan said, casing her to flinch. "You know, you could have called."

"How do you know it's me?" Sabrina asked, her muscles tensing. "Better yet, why do you have magic?"

"Shade didn't tell you?" Ryan tilted his head. "I'm representing Edhas in his absence."

"If he says so, then I guess it's fine," Sabrina said, taking a seat a couple seats away from Calli.

"It's nice to see you again, Yo-chan," Kiara smiled at Sabrina.

"Since the secret's out, just call me Sabrina," Sabrina waved her hand dismissively.

"I guess I'm early," Reporter let out an exasperated sigh as he opened the door. He didn't wear anything fancy, just his normal black hoodie and pants. "Hey Ryan, Sabby. Feel free to call me Reporter while I'm here."

"I don't know by any other name," Ryan chuckled dryly.

"Well, I know you don't, but everyone else does," Reporter said as he sat down beside Sabrina.

"You're alive?" Sabrina asked, her voice sounding shocked.

"Shade's been running across the dimensions dragging everyone back so they can come here," Reporter said. "If you're surprised by me, then you're going to have to get used to a lot of things real quick."

"Whatever you say," Sabrina sighed as the doors opened again.

"Calliope?" Calli turned to see Grimm standing there, the doors wide open. Although he had his mask on, his hairstyle and his stature can be recognized anywhere. "Kiara?"

"Sensei…?" Both Kiara and Calli's jaws dropped.

"Morning Grimm," Ryan smirked, waving the tall man over. "Black coffee, I assume?"

"Huh, you even know how I like my coffee," Grimm said, taking his seat next to Calli.

"Wait," Calli held her hands up, directing everyone's attention to her. "You're alive?!"

"Well, technically," Grimm said. "I prefer to spend my time into the phoenix dimension, but yes, I am alive. Speaking of the phoenix dimension, you should really stop by, Kiara. I think you'll really like what I've done with the place."

"O-okay…" Kiara said.

"I… I think I need a minute," Calli said, standing up.

"Take as much time as you want, little reaper," Grimm said. "I'll stop by anytime you need me to."

"T-thank you," Calli said as she vanished in a tuft of black mist, obviously shaken.

"Ugh, you guys better have some good drinks," Ryan smirked as Jack made his way through the doors, his mask on.

"Don't worry, unlike Bar: ROBEL, we serve Dragonson Liquor," Ryan said as Jack sat down next to Grimm.

"Thank god," Jack said. "I was getting sick of that weak shit."

"You really need to tone it down," Ryan said as he found his way to the locked compartment, entering a particular mana signature to open the lock, pulling out the strong liquor. He poured Jack a shot, sliding it over to him. Jack downed the liquor, before gasping, as if he had been rejuvenated by the alcohol.

"Thanks, kid," Jack said. "You know, at least you're willing to pour me one, unlike Edhas."

"Yeah, yeah," Ryan said as the doors opened again, revealing Shade and Brianna.

"Edhas…?" Brianna looked stunned to see him.

"That's not him," Shade said. "He's… filling in for Edhas until he comes back."

"I see…" Brianna looked down.

"Name's Ryan Shade," Ryan said. He felt bad for Brianna, but he didn't know if he could do anything for her. "He'll be coming back soon. I promise."

"If you say so," Brianna sighed, sitting down.

"I believe that's everyone," Shade said as he sat down.

"Actually, I invited a couple of guests," Ryan smirked. Shade looked to him, about to say something crass, but stopped when black mist started to form in the floor.

"It's been a while since I found myself in the living plane," All of the Masked Mages stiffened as Storm's voice filled the room.

"Storm?" Shade turned around to see the man, Nux standing behind him with his hands in his pockets.

"Don't worry, I'm not with the void," Storm said. "It has since lost interest in me after taking over MILF, so I shall fight by your side."

"That's good to know," Shade said as Storm took the last free seat at the counter.

"So, we're going to fight in the war, right?" Ryan asked. "I'm going to be going with or without you guys."

"It's good to know that you're fighting for what is right," Shade said, directing his attention towards Ryan. "As the Masked Mages, it's our job to protect this dimension from harm."

"Could've fooled me," Ryan chuckled.

"You don't know what happened to us three years ago," Reporter cut in. "The war on heaven was devastating, especially since there were only eight of us."

"My bad," Ryan put his hands up, feeling genuinely guilty. He didn't know what this war on heaven was, but he had a feeling he would find out eventually when Edhas came back.

"Hold on," Brianna said. "Why doesn't Ryan know about the war in heaven?"

"It seems that we have a lot of catching up to do," Ryan said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Let's just start from the beginning…"

-

"I'm surprised you actually remember the entire thing," Ryan said, looking at Reporter.

"I know everything," Reporter said, tapping his forehead.

"That's… quite the tale," Brianna said.

"Oh, congratulations on Ollie by the way," Reporter nudged Brianna with his shoulder.

"T-thank you," Although Brianna was wearing her mask, everyone knew she was blushing.

"Oh, none of you are crashing at my place," Ryan said. "Last I checked, you all don't have places here in Japan and Suisei would kill me if I brought people in without her permission."

"I thought you were the sole owner of that apartment," Kiara said.

"Do you really expect me to talk back to Suisei of all people?" Ryan asked, shuddering as he turned to look at Kiara.

"I guess not," Kiara shrugged. "I can't help you there."

"It's fine," Sabrina said. "We'll just crash at YAGOO's place."

"Actually, we better get there now," Reporter said.

"I would love to see Fubuki again," Sabrina said. "She's really nice. It's also been a while since I've seen Kurokami."

"You're always after Fubuki," Reporter sighed.

"I'll allow you to speak up to me about that once you stop pining for Danchou," Sabrina punched Reporter's arm playfully. "I mean you really need to cool it with your onee-chan complex."

"Well I'm sorry if those 'ara-aras' are too good to pass up," Reporter shot back.

"You guys are delusional," Brianna sighed. "Ollie is obviously the best Hololive talent."

"You're just saying that because she's your girlfriend," Sabrina said.

"N-no!" Brianna stiffened. "She's really funny and energetic and nice!"

"Who's your favorite?" Brianna, Sabrina, and Reporter turned to Ryan.

"Tenchou, obviously," Ryan said.

"Really?!" Kiara turned to Ryan, attempting to tackle him into a hug. "I'm so moved!"

"Yeah, yeah," Ryan said. "Now shoo. I need to close up."

-

"That was tiring," Ryan muttered to himself as he opened the door to his apartment. He stepped back as he opened the door as a huge wave of murderous intent flowed out of the room.

"What the fuck…?" Ryan asked. His question was answered as Suisei revealed herself, holding a rusty axe as a psychotic smile spread across her face.

"Did you really say that Kiara was your favorite Hololive talent?" Suisei said as she twirled the axe in her hand.

"I can explain," Ryan held his hands up, taking a step back.

"You surrendered that right as soon as you stated your bias," Suisei started to walk towards Ryan. "I think I need to re-educate you."

"Matsuri help me," Ryan whimpered as he took a step back. At that moment, he realized he was pinned to the wall.

"Matsuri can't help you now," Suisei tilted her head as she raised her axe.

"Shit."