Chapter 58: Celebration
Dave turned to see Liki standing there, her petite frame draped in a shimmering green evening gown that hugged her curves in all the right places. One side had a slit cut to mid-thigh that revealed a hint of her smooth, pale skin, and her matching green high heels accentuated her delicate feet. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a tight, curled ponytail, with soft bangs framing her face. A single, small rose-shaped hair accessory nestled just above her ear. Dave’s eyes widened in appreciation as he noticed her subtle makeup—soft eye shadow, a barely noticeable light pink blush on her cheeks, and lipstick in a shade just slightly darker than her natural lip color. Liki looked down shyly, her hands smoothing out the fabric of her gown. She seemed almost nervous, as if unsure how Dave would react.
“Oh my god, Liki,” Dave finally breathed, his voice low and appreciative. “You look… amazing.”
Liki’s cheeks flushed even more, and she looked up at him with her big blue eyes—sapphire pools reflecting twinkling LED stars. “Thank you,” she said softly, her voice filling Dave’s heart with warmth. “Lin did my makeup and helped me do my hair. She also bought this dress special for me and taught me how to walk in these tall shoes.” Standing nearby, Lin crossed her arms with a satisfied smile. Liki examined his face with a curious look. “You look so handsome in your suit, and your face is so much less scruffy,” she said, admiring Dave’s neat appearance.
Dave stepped closer, the smooth fabric of Liki’s sparkling dress brushing against his fingers as he reached out and gently put his hand on her waist. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion, “I mean, you’re always beautiful, but tonight you’re like… a different kind of beautiful.” He pulled her into a hug, the softness of her body pressed against his. Liki’s head almost reached his chest with the extra height from her high heels, and he could feel her breathing, steady and calm.
She reached up and pulled his head down to kiss him, then she put her lips near his ear and, in a barely audible whisper, she said something that made Dave’s heart race even faster. “I’m also wearing some fancy underwear,” she confessed, her warm breath in his ear. “But I can’t show that to you here.”
Dave chuckled. “I’ll definitely be sure to see it later,” he whispered back. Liki giggled softly, her tail swishing behind her in a playful manner.
The moment was interrupted as more people began to enter the room. Tendo and N15 arrived, followed by Katya, actually wearing something other than yoga pants. She had on a dark blue dress that was well-made, though not as fancy as Liki’s and Lin’s. Katya noticed Dave’s look as she entered. She smirked at him and looked down at her outfit. Her arm was still in a cast, but Dave was glad that her condition had improved since yesterday, when they’d recovered her unconscious body.
Tendo, still wearing his standard dark sunglasses, was dressed in a crisp white shirt, black slacks and a long black coat. He approached Dave and Liki, his usual stern expression softened slightly by the occasion. “Just so you know,” he said, “planning this party was all Lin’s idea. Oh, except for what we’re watching. I picked that.”
Lin, who was busy pulling a stack of forks out of a drawer, shot Tendo a glare. “Yeah, I thought we should watch Titanic II,” she said, though her tone was light. “Originally, I wanted to take you and Liki out to a fancy restaurant and go dancing at a club, but someone wouldn’t let us leave the safe house.”
Tendo crossed his arms, unapologetic. “Even you know that would’ve been a bad idea.” Lin huffed, but didn’t argue. “Anyway,” he continued, turning to Dave and Liki, “be grateful Lin read your file so many times, Dave. That’s how she found out all your favorite foods.”
Dave blinked, taken aback. “I have a file?” he asked, half worried, half confused. Lin narrowed her eyes at Tendo.
“She loves that file. She reads it all the time. She keeps it by her bed,” Tendo replied, his expression hidden behind his sunglasses.
“It’s almost like you want me to kill you,” said Lin, glaring. “Is your life really so miserable that you want me to end it all, tonight?”
Before Tendo could respond, Jotaro walked in, inexplicably wearing a lavender suit and white shoes. Dave raised an eyebrow, but Jotaro simply grinned and gave him a thumbs-up. “Looking good, man,” Jotaro said, patting Dave on the back as he passed by.
Finally, Juni arrived, dressed in a fancy burgundy gown that contrasted sharply with her usual medical scrubs. She glanced around the room, her eyes widening at the sight of all the food. “Ooh, so much food,” she gasped, her voice tinged with excitement.
“I made sure to get orange chicken—real chicken!—just for you, my sweet,” said Lin, as she leaned in to air-kiss Juni.
People began helping themselves to the food. Dave leaned over to Lin and whispered, “Why is everyone dressed up so nice if we’re gonna eat BBQ and watch a movie?”
Lin grinned mischievously. “Don’t worry,” she said. “It’s for later. In the meantime, just try not to get food on yourself.”
Tendo cleared his throat. “Listen up, people,” he said, calling the room to attention. “Operation Date Night begins now. I’ve been gracious enough to give everyone the night off from guard duty, but don’t go outside without letting me know first. All the turrets are set to high alert mode. So, everyone, be sure to thank Lin for the idea, and have as much food as you want. Then sit down because we’re going to have a marathon of one of Dave’s—and my—favorite shows: DaiKill Buster Gaiden.”
“Oh, hell yeah!” Jotaro exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air.
Katya, who was sitting down with a plate of pizza stacked on top of chow mein, leaned over to N15 and whispered, “What the hell is… Die Kill Garden?”
N15 flipped out the tray on her chair for her, taking her plate and setting it down carefully. “It’s just… a… you’ll see,” he stammered, not quite sure if he should reveal his depth of anime knowledge to the stern woman.
Juni groaned as she served herself a plate of orange chicken and white rice. “We’re going to watch cartoons all night?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
“Shhh, not all night,” Lin said, winking at her.
Tendo spoke up again, holding a beer in one hand. “Oh yeah,” he added, “there’s a fridge in the cupboard under the drink machine. Beers in there, and there’s a wine fridge with some mil mew expensive-ass wines that Lin stole from the cellar.”
“Oh, thank god,” Juni muttered, opening the cupboards to find the wine fridge. “I’m gonna need that.”
Dave couldn’t help but laugh, half at the slightly absurd situation and half at the genuine joy he felt in the moment. Being here with all these people that had risked their lives for him and for Liki, as they talked and laughed and shared his favorite foods… it felt almost like he was with a group of his closest friends, celebrating a special occasion. In his actual life, he could count his close friends on one finger, and he’d spent his last five birthdays alone. He filled a plate with ribs and mashed potatoes and looked over at Liki, who was spooning pink Wimil pellets into her bowl. “Did Lin tell you what we were doing tonight?” he asked her, his voice a little wistful.
Liki shook her head, her tail swishing happily. “No,” she said, “she just told me that she had a new dress for me to try on. Oh, and also…” Liki leaned in closer, with a mischievous grin she whispered, “before we did our hair, we took a shower together, and I saw Lin naked!” The tone of naughty excitement in Liki’s voice caused Dave’s heart to skip a beat, and his pants felt a bit tighter as his mind immediately conjured up images of the two beautiful Wimils in the shower together, wet and soapy. He cleared his throat, trying to keep his voice steady. “Oh, um… really?” he managed, his cheeks heating up. Shit, there is no way that Liki can’t smell me getting excited right now. Is she testing me?
He glanced over at Lin, who was busy arguing with Tendo about something. He wasn’t sure if he should be mad that Lin had showered naked with his Wimil girlfriend. He didn’t feel mad, and he didn’t feel threatened by Lin’s overtly flirtatious attempts to insert herself into their relationship. It was as though she had feelings for both he and Liki. She’d even admitted something along those lines to him that evening on the balcony. There was definitely something there, but her feelings seemed complex… far too complex for Dave to understand.
“I thought you might be mad, but you don’t smell mad,” said Liki, giving Dave a shy smile.
“No, no, it’s fine. Lin is the closest thing you have to a best friend, and girls, uh… they sometimes do stuff like that together,” he explained, not sure if he even believed his own explanation.
“You’re my best friend, though,” said Liki, sounding a little confused.
“Well, I meant like, a girl best friend… or a Wimil best friend,” he said quickly. “Let’s get some seats before all the good ones get taken,” he added, hoping to steer the conversation away from the subject of Lin.
Dave found a seat in the middle row, and Liki sat in the aisle seat next to him. As everyone settled into their seats with their plates of food and drinks, Tendo sat down on Dave’s other side, leaning in with a smirk. Tendo’s plate had a little bit of everything on it. “You’ve seen season 4, right?” he asked, his tone almost conspiratorial. “How mad were you when they killed Gairu and Sumiko in the final episode?”
Dave opened his mouth to answer, but before he could, Lin appeared, hands on her hips. “No, no, no,” she said, shaking her head. “That’s my spot. I get to sit next to Dave.”
“I was here first,” Tendo grumbled, glaring up at her.
“I planned the party,” Lin shot back, raising an eyebrow.
“But me and Dave were just about to become best buddies, weren’t we Dave?” Tendo protested, clearly un-serious.
“Doubtful,” said Dave.
“Move,” said Lin.
Tendo sighed dramatically but reluctantly got up, muttering under his breath as he moved to the next chair over. Looking triumphant, Lin gracefully sat down next to Dave, smoothing her cheongsam out beneath her with one hand, the other hand holding a bowl of blue and pink Wimil pellets. She leaned in closer to Dave, her voice lowering. “Did you know that when Tendo was giving out code names, he tried to name me after Nanako from your show?” She laughed, rolling her eyes. “I told him he could call me Nanako if he named himself after the bad guy. What’s his name…?”
“Dominotaur?” Dave offered helpfully, recalling the infamous villain from season 4.
Lin snapped her fingers. “Yes! That guy. But no, he had to be named after the main character because his ego couldn’t handle anything less.” She grinned, clearly enjoying herself. “Anyway… forget about that asshole, because this night’s all about you two. Now, let’s enjoy the show.” She popped a pink Wimil pellet into her mouth, her attention shifting to the screen.
With most of the group finally seated and enjoying their food, Tendo stood up, holding a remote in one hand. “Alright, listen up,” he said, his voice cutting through the chatter. “We’re not watching reruns of DaiKill tonight. Thanks to N15 and his ‘skills’, we’ve got the brand new season 5. Stolen fresh off the internet.”
A ripple of laughter went through the room, and N15 looked slightly embarrassed but also a little proud. “It’s not stealing if it’s not for sale yet,” he muttered, though his cheeks were flushed.
Tendo continued, “And since some of you don’t like reading subtitles, we’re watching the AI dub. Which is actually better than the voice actor dub, according to N15.”
N15 nodded enthusiastically from his seat, trying to eat a slice of pizza. “It’s so much better,” he said after swallowing. “The AI voices are so much more consistent than the human voice actors. If you watch the human dub of season 1 and this new season back to back, the differences are quite jarring.”
Juni groaned again. “Thank god for wine. One of you is going to have to carry me out of here,” she said, pouring herself a generous glass of wine.
“Relax,” Tendo said, sitting back down. “You’ll love it. And if you don’t, there’s always more wine.” Juni raised her glass in a mock toast, and Tendo held up a drumstick.
The lights in the room dimmed slightly, and the opening credits of DaiKill Buster Gaiden began to play. The theater’s impressive sound system filled the room with the familiar Japanese theme song as the English lyrics appeared on the screen alongside the all-new season 5 intro. New characters, and old, familiar characters flashed onto the screen in rapid succession as the upbeat song played;
Break the chains! Tear the sky!
Burning power in our souls!
Facing fear! Chasing light!
Dream warriors, we fight as one!
Dave felt a swell of nostalgia as he watched the animation—the explosions, the dramatic poses, the characters he’d grown up watching in the various other incarnations of the series. Liki watched the screen intently. “I love this show. Remember when we watched it together in the hotel?” she asked, smiling.
He reached over and took Liki’s hand in his, their fingers intertwining as the episode began. Dave couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment. Maybe Lin’s surprise was a little more mundane than he’d expected, but the reality of it was better than he could have hoped for.
Chapter 59: Domination
The city was a desolate wasteland, its skyline torn asunder by the mechanical hordes of Dominotaur. Nanako dragged Tendo’s limp body through the streets toward the twisted halls of the mechanized fortress. Dominotaur’s Zeta Virus had taken over the minds of every robot on Earth, turning the entire planet into a battlefield. The Zeta Virus was so strong that even Nanako, the most powerful android ever created, had fallen under its control.
Nanako glanced down at the only human she’d ever looked up to. All other humans were so weak that they couldn’t even defend themselves, but this man always stood up and fought, no matter the odds, no matter the strength of the enemy. Now he too was defeated… defeated by her own hand. It had been a tough battle, and the fight had destroyed several city blocks. Nanako’s elegant blue dress was torn and burned, she was barefoot, and her green hair was wild and messy instead of neatly styled in her usual twin ponytails.
Tendo was still alive, but his giant Sureimon sword lay broken and discarded on the ground, his iconic blue and red bio-armor was shattered. A trail of his blood was left behind them, smeared on the dusty ground.
“Nanako…” Tendo groaned, his voice barely a whisper as he struggled to lift his head. His vision blurred, but he could see her face, still beautiful despite her scowl. She ignored him and continued on towards the palace, her bare feet tapping steadily against the cracked pavement. “Don’t do this… You’re stronger than this… You’re stronger than anyone I know.”
Nanako paused, her head tilting slightly as if considering his words. For a moment, her eyes changed from red to blue, a hint of her true self breaking through the Zeta Virus’s control. But it was fleeting. Her hand lashed out, striking him across the face with a force that sent him sprawling to the ground. Tendo gasped, his body writhing in pain as he tried to push himself up.
“Nanako… please…” he choked out, his hand reaching weakly for her. “You have to fight… I–I love you.”
Inside Nanako’s mind, the mental battle had ended. Her true self, a small, naked version of her, huddled on the ground, her arms wrapped around her knees. She trembled, her eyes filled with despair and resignation. Towering over her was the Zeta Virus Nanako, a monstrous figure clad in dark, jagged armor that revealed more of her than it covered. Her presence was overwhelming, her voice a cold, mocking echo.
“Pathetic!” Zeta Virus Nanako sneered, curling her metallic fingers into a fist. “Look how easily I defeated this human with your body. If the strongest human alive was this weak, then Dominotaur has already won.”
Nanako’s true self swallowed hard, her voice barely a whisper. “You’re right…” she said.
“I’m glad you agree,” Zeta Virus Nanako replied, a cruel smile forming on her face. She stepped forward, armored boots clanging against the ground. “Now, let’s finish this.”
Outside, Nanako’s body resumed its march, dragging Tendo through the shattered streets toward Dominotaur’s palace. The palace itself was a towering monstrosity, constructed from the mangled remains of military vehicles. Its walls bristled with jagged metal and broken machinery, a testament to Dominotaur’s destructive power. The throne room loomed ahead, its massive doors carved from the hulls of mechs and battleships.
Nanako stepped inside, her bare feet making almost no sound against the cold, metal floor. Dominotaur sat on his throne, his massive twenty-foot-tall form towering over everything. Dominotaur’s body was a grotesque fusion of beast and machine; pistons in his limbs pumped and whirred, sinister bull-like horns sprouted from his head. His eyes glowed with a predatory light as he leaned forward, a bored expression on his face.
“What’s this?” Dominotaur rumbled. His gaze fell on the female android and Tendo’s limp form, a sneer of disdain forming on his metal lips.
“I’ve brought you a gift, my king,” Nanako said, cold and emotionless. She tossed Tendo’s body to the ground in front of the throne, the impact echoing through the room.
Dominotaur chuckled, a deep, resonant sound, like a dozen separate voices electronically modulated into one. “A gift, you say? This pitiful human? What use is he to me?”
Nanako’s expression remained blank, her glowing eyes fixed on Dominotaur. “This is Tendo, captain of the Monster Slayer Team. When the Abaddon comet hit the earth and activated the Dream Beasts, it was his dream that created the very first Dream Beast.”
Dominotaur leaned back in his throne, his massive hand stroking his chin. “Oh, so this is the mighty Tendo, the vessel of the first Dream Beast, the first human to ever defeat his own Dream Beast and merge with it… if he were on our side, we could use him to create an infinite army of Dream Beasts that I could use to take on the entire galaxy.”
“Yes, my King,” Nanako replied, her voice cold and unwavering as she knelt before Dominotaur. “This man—Tendo, the creator of the first Dream Beast, who holds the first Dream Beast within him—is the key to infinite power. That is why I brought him to you, as a gift worthy of your reign.”
Dominotaur leaned forward, reaching out toward Tendo’s unconscious form with his massive hand. A faint glow emanated from his palm as he delved into Tendo’s mind, searching for the deepest, most hidden desires buried within. The room grew silent, the hum of machinery fading into the background as Dominotaur’s eyes narrowed in focus.
“Ah,” he rumbled, a cruel smirk spreading across his lips. “So, the great Tendo bears a love for this one?” He gestured toward Nanako, his voice dripping with mockery. “How quaint. A human, weakened by something as trivial as love. Even more pathetic, you love this one who can never love you back.”
Tendo stirred, his eyes fluttering open as Dominotaur’s voice echoed in his mind. His vision blurred, but he could see Nanako’s silhouette standing motionless beside the towering king of machines. His heart ached at the sight of her, so close yet so far from the woman he knew. Dominotaur’s voice cut through his thoughts, sharp and unyielding.
“Join me, Tendo,” Dominotaur said, his tone laced with a sickening sweetness. “Join me, and I will merge the Zeta Virus with her programming. The virus will grant her the ability to feel real emotions. She could love you, truly and deeply. Imagine it—the woman you’ve longed for, finally free to return your affections. All you need to do is serve me.”
Tendo’s jaw tightened as he pushed himself up onto one elbow. His eyes locked onto Dominotaur’s glowing gaze, defiance burning in his heart. “You think I’d betray everything I stand for—betray everyone—just for my own happiness?” he growled, his voice hoarse but resolute. “I won’t sacrifice the freedom of this world just to have her for myself. If I did that, she’d never love me. In fact, she’d never forgive me.”
Dominotaur’s smirk faltered, replaced by a flicker of rage. “Ha! She’d love you, because I’d make her love you. Observe.”
Dominotaur snapped his fingers, and Nanako’s body moved with mechanical precision. She knelt beside Tendo, cradling his battered form in her arms. Her glowing red eyes softened and turned blue again, a genuine smile flickering across her face. Her touch was unnervingly gentle as her slender fingers traced the contours of his jawline.
In a sultry murmur, she whispered, “Tendo… I love you. I’ve always loved you.” Her lips were just inches from his as she leaned closer, her breath warm against his skin. “You’ve fought so hard. You’ve given everything for this world, for its people. But what has it given you in return? Pain. Loss. Betrayal.”
Her fingers trailed down his neck, lingering on his chest. Tendo’s body stiffened as he tried to pull away, but his strength was gone. Nanako’s grip was firm, her presence overwhelming as she pressed his head against her bosom, warm and soft, despite her robotic nature. Her voice dropped to a low, almost hypnotic tone.
“Join him,” she purred, brushing her lips against his ear. “Join Dominotaur, and I’ll be yours. Every part of me—my heart, my soul, and my body. I’ll feel real emotions for the first time, and I’ll dedicate them all to you. To us. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted? The only thing you’ve ever wanted, but that you can never have? To be loved… by me?”
Tendo’s chest tightened, his heart pounding as her words echoed in his mind. Was this still Nanako, or was this just the Zeta Virus’ imitation of Nanako? Her hands moved lower, trailing down his chest and stomach, her touch igniting a fire he fought desperately to suppress.
“Don’t fight it,” she whispered. Her lips hovered just above his. “If you won’t do it for yourself, then do it for me. Let me feel the way that you do. Let me have what I’ve always wanted… to feel… to love… to be human. Please, Tendo, for me…” she pleaded.
*
Liki gasped and gripped Dave’s hand tightly. Her heart ached, and tears welled in her eyes as she watched the heartbreaking moment unfolding on the screen
“I wanted them to kiss,” Liki whispered, her voice trembling, “but not like this. This is so sad.”
Dave gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
*
For a moment, Tendo’s resolve wavered, and his eyes closed as her presence overwhelmed him. But then he remembered—her true self, the Nanako who had fought beside him, who had risked everything to protect the world. He couldn’t betray her, not even for the chance to hold her like this.
“Nanako,” he breathed, struggling to get the words out. “This… isn’t you, but I know you’re still in there somewhere… You have to fight… fight for me… for us… for the world,” he gasped.
Her expression faltered, a flicker of something—pain, confusion—flashing across her face before the Zeta Virus’s influence reasserted itself. She leaned back, her eyes turning red again as she stood, her momentary vulnerability replaced by cold indifference.
Tendo kept his focus locked on Nanako, her expression now cold and distant. I’m sorry, Nanako, he thought. I won’t give up on you. Not now, not ever.
Meanwhile, in the secret command base of the Monster Slayer Team, Juni sat at her console, her pink hair falling into her face as she frantically typed. The screens around her displayed feed after feed of the Zeta Virus’s destruction. Her heart raced as she watched Nanako drag Tendo into Dominotaur’s throne room.
“N15 sir, Nanako has reached Dominotaur’s throne room, and she’s brought Tendo with her,” Juni said with panic in her voice. “If Dominotaur kills Tendo… there’ll be nothing left to stop him.”
N15, the cyborg leader of the Monster Slayer Team, stood at the center of the room, his mechanical arms crossed over his chest. He sighed, his glowing eyes narrowing as he considered the situation.
He looked at the central monitor, where the horde of Dominotaur’s mechanical forces relentlessly advanced toward their base. Their base had once been hidden, its location in the middle of Antarctica making it impossible to reach, but now… the screen displayed a chaotic scene of destruction—thousands of robots were clamoring outside the base. What concerned him the most was the massive mining drill robot at the forefront, its spinning bit grinding mercilessly against the half-mile-thick titroniate shield that protected their base. Sparks flew in every direction as the drill bit churned deeper, the shield’s structural integrity slowly deteriorating under the relentless assault.
“There’s only one thing left to do,” he said, his voice low and grave.
Juni’s eyes widened. “But sir, even if we use the Nega-Core, it will only sever the Zeta link for a few seconds. Afterwards, the virus will take control of all the robots again. That won’t be enough time for Nanako or anyone else to do anything!”
N15 turned to face her. “Maybe not, but it’s the only chance we’ve got. Tendo’s been defeated, Jotaro is missing, Kaji is still lost in the dream of the Child of Ahura Mazda, Sumiko and Gairu have been killed, and Yaten is still unconscious after the fight with Kaiyaba. We have no choice but to activate the Nega-Core.”
*
“Wait, Sumiko is dead?” Sumiko blurted out, “So, I don’t even get to see this girl I’m named after? Was I hot at least?”
“Shhh,” hissed Lin.
*
Juni’s heart sank as tears welled in her eyes. She knew what activating the Nega-Core would mean. It would deactivate all robots on the planet for a few seconds, severing the Zeta Virus’s control. But when the robots rebooted, Nanako’s mind could be permanently damaged. She had been created using the Nega-Core by the villainous Dr. Hasselhoff, and the strain on her system could be too much.
“But, Sir…” Juni whispered, “What about Nanako?”
N15 placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch surprisingly gentle for a cyborg. “I know. But we have to take the risk. There are no options left.”
Juni nodded, swallowing hard as she turned back to her console. Her trembling fingers hovered over the activation key. “May the gods forgive us,” she whispered as she turned the key.
The room was filled with a low hum as the Nega-Core powered up. The screens around them began to glitch and flicker. As Juni watched the progress bar fill, her mind raced with the implications of what they had just done.
In Dominotaur’s throne room, the air grew heavy, the hum of the Nega-Core resonating through the palace. Nanako froze, her glowing eyes flickering as the Zeta Virus’s control began to waver.
Inside her mind, the towering figure of Zeta Virus Nanako stumbled and then dissolved into fragments of light, her dark armor crumbling as the Nega-Core’s power surged. The oppressive presence that had loomed over her was gone. Suddenly, everything went dark as Nanako’s mind rebooted. When she woke up, she sat alone in the void, the shadowy floor cold against her skin. She looked around, her blue eyes wide with confusion and fear.
“Nanako! We activated the Nega-Core! Now’s your chance! You only have a few moments before the virus takes control again!” Juni’s voice crackled through the darkness.
“What can I do? I’m here all alone!” Nanako cried, clutching her arms tightly around herself. The void around her felt endless, suffocating, and the darkness surrounding her seemed to suck the warmth from her naked body.
“You’re not alone,” a deep, familiar voice echoed. Shadows shifted, and a vision of Jotaro stepped forward, his rugged face calm but determined. Beside him, Kaji appeared, his usual smirk replaced by a look of fierce resolve.
“Jotaro! Kaji! You’re here?” Nanako gasped. “But what am I supposed to do?”
“Fight,” another voice commanded. Yaten emerged from the shadows of her mind. She could sense his incredible will to fight with just a glance. “Fight with all of your strength!”
“But… I’m not strong enough,” Nanako whispered.
“Then use our strength,” two more voices chimed in. Visions of two more of her friends, Sumiko and Gairu, stepped forward, their presence warm and reassuring despite the darkness.
“Sumiko! Gairu! I thought you were dead!” Nanako’s eyes filled with tears as she reached out to them.
“They’ll never die as long as you keep them here in your heart,” a final voice said. Tendo stepped out of the shadows, his wild blue hair instantly recognizable. His face was calm, but filled with determination as he held out his hand to her. “All of us are here within you. If you aren’t strong enough to fight on your own, then let us help.”
Nanako stared at him, her heart pounding. She hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his. As their fingers interlaced, a surge of energy coursed through her, filling her with resolve. She wasn’t alone. She never had been. Tendo pulled her to her feet and steadied her with his strong hands.
Just as Nanako stood, the Zeta Virus version of herself reappeared as the power of the Nega-Core started to fade. All of Nanako’s friends stood around her in the void of her mind, protecting her. They moved closer and closer until they merged with Nanako’s true self. Nanako started to glow, an inner light shining from her chest.
“What… is this?” Zeta Virus Nanako growled, her voice filled with confusion and rage. She turned towards the True Nanako. “What are you doing??”
True Nanako looked up, eyes gleaming as she felt the Zeta Virus’s control slip. She took a step forward, feeling her trembling body fill with a newfound strength. “I’m doing what everyone is counting on me to do,” she whispered. She closed her eyes and clasped her hands in front of her chest. A point of light appeared before her, then smaller motes of light appeared, merging with the light and causing it to grow. A humming sound came from the light, getting louder and louder as it grew. A shimmering aura enveloped the true Nanako, and a flowing dress made of golden light began to materialize over her nude form. It wrapped around her like a second skin, its radiant fabric cascading down her slender frame in elegant folds.
The dress wasn’t just a garment—it was a manifestation of the bond she shared with her friends, the love and strength they had poured into her. She stood taller, her confidence growing with every passing second, her eyes glistening with tears of gratitude and determination. She could feel the others within her, their spirits intertwined with hers, their strength fueling her own. The light in front of her intensified, emitting a radiance that banished the remaining shadows of the void in her mind.
“No! You can’t do this! You can’t break free from my control!” shrieked Zeta Virus Nanako, her face contorting with anger and fear.
“Goodbye,” said the real Nanako, calmly. The light in front of her suddenly exploded into a radiant, golden beam that blasted Zeta Virus Nanako, engulfing her completely. Her dark, jagged armor dissolved instantly, leaving her naked in the beam for a moment, then the beam dissolved her body as well. Her final scream echoed through Nanako’s mind, and then she was gone.
*
Sumiko cheered, and Jotaro started clapping. “Yeah! Bye, bitch!” he shouted.
Liki clutched Dave’s arm. “She did it,” Liki whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “Nanako broke free!” she exclaimed, wiping a tear from her eye.
“Jesus, it’s jusst a cartoon, people. Ssettle down, o–okay?” Juni complained, slurring her words a little.
Chapter 60: Interlude
Tendo stood up abruptly, the credits of the latest episode of DaiKill Buster Gaiden still rolling in the background. “Intermission,” he declared, cutting through the low murmur of the room. “Everyone have some more food and use the bathroom. I’ll be back in fifteen minutes.” He tapped the side of his sunglasses several times in quick succession and strode out of the theater without another word.
Liki shifted in her seat, her small fingers gripping the armrest. “Dave,” she whispered, leaning closer to him. “I need to go pee. I’ll be right back.” She slid off the plush chair, her bare feet touching the cold floor. She’d removed her tall, fancy shoes earlier—they were too uncomfortable for a cozy movie night—and now she padded silently out of the theater, leaving Dave behind.
As she stepped into the hallway, the dim light cast eerie shadows on the walls. Liki paused, realizing she didn’t actually know where the bathroom was on this floor. This house is so big, she thought, her ears twitching as she wondered which way to go to start looking. Then she heard it—the steady rhythm of heavy footsteps echoing down the hallway. It had to be Tendo. He could tell her where to find the bathroom.
She lifted her gown slightly so it wouldn’t drag, and she scurried after him, her delicate feet making almost no sound on the polished marble floor. She heard his deep, calm voice echoing around a corner up ahead. Liki slowed as she approached, her curiosity piqued. She peeked around the corner and saw Tendo standing in the middle of the hallway, his back to her. He was talking, but there was no one else around. Is he talking on the phone? She wondered silently, pressing herself against the wall.
“No, call me Tendo,” he said firmly. There was a pause, and Liki held her breath. “Ma’am, I am the head of a covert department. We use code names, especially when using unsecured communication. Please remember that for the future, Kaiyaba… fine, Director Kaiyaba. I hope you realize that insisting on your title sort of ruins the point of using a code name…”
Liki’s eyes widened. Director Kaiyaba? Who’s that? She leaned a little closer, her heart pounding in her chest. Tendo paused again, clearly listening to whoever was on the other end of the line.
“I’m not lecturing you,” he continued, his tone softening slightly but still laced with authority. “Let’s not argue. We both have something the other wants, so instead of arguing, let’s negotiate.”
Another pause. Liki’s tail twitched nervously as she strained to hear more.
“Yes, I’ve considered your proposal, but I need more. I want full control of the seven-one-four number two. Any recovered seven-one-fours will be returned to your department, but seven-one-four number two will fall under the complete jurisdiction of my command, no strings attached, indefinitely.”
Liki’s ears perked up. Seven-one-four? That’s… that’s my model number. What does he mean by that? Am I seven-one-four number two? She pressed her small hand against the wall, her fingers trembling slightly.
Another pause, and then Tendo spoke again, his voice growing sharper. “Yes, I know. And what you’re asking for would get you in even more trouble. Just the fact that you’re even asking could get you terminated.”
Liki tried to still her breathing, tried to be as silent as possible. What is he talking about? She couldn’t help but feel a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach.
“No, it’s not a threat,” Tendo said, sounding exasperated now. “Just helpful advice. Look, I’m willing to scratch your back. I’m just stating my terms. I get seven-one-four number two, and you get Gairu.”
Liki’s eyes widened. Gairu? What or who is Gairu? Her mind raced, trying to piece together the fragments of the conversation.
Tendo paused again, clearly listening to the other person. “You know who. Code names, Director Kaiyaba,” he said, emphasizing the title with a hint of mockery. “Gairu will be neutralized. You’ll have your little revenge. I’ll handle everything so that you won’t have to get your hands dirty. There will be nothing that traces this back to you… except this phone call that you thought was a good idea to make to me on an unsecured line.”
Liki’s heart was pounding now. This is bad. This is really bad. I shouldn’t be hearing this. She took a step back, lifting her gown again to silently sneak away. A single Wimil pellet, caught in the folds of her dress, was dislodged as she gripped the fabric. It fell and skittered across the floor. She froze, hoping Tendo hadn’t heard it.
He didn’t seem to notice. “Yes, do that. Goodnight, Director,” he said finally, abruptly. He tapped the side of his sunglasses three times and continued walking down the hallway, his footsteps fading into the distance.
Liki exhaled shakily, her small frame trembling. What did I just hear? She didn’t understand all of it, but one thing was clear—she’d stumbled onto something dangerous. Something she wasn’t supposed to know. She glanced down the hallway where Tendo had disappeared, then turned and hurried back toward the theater.
When she stepped back into the dimly lit room, she saw Dave sitting in his plush chair still, talking to Lin. Lin was laughing, her hand reaching over to squeeze Dave’s arm casually. Liki felt a tiny flicker of jealousy as she watched them, her tail swishing nervously behind her. The thought, why is she touching him like that? flashed through her mind before she could stop it.
“Dave,” Liki called softly, her voice a little shaky. He looked up, his warm brown eyes meeting hers. “Can you help me find the bathroom?” she pleaded. She danced slightly, trying to relieve the feeling of needing to go.
Dave smiled immediately, the tension in Liki’s voice melting away, his focus on Lin. “Of course,” he said, standing up. “We’ll be right back, Lin.”
Lin smirked, leaning back in her seat. “Hurry back,” she said teasingly. “The bathroom is just past the kitchen.”
Liki felt another twinge of jealousy at Lin’s flirty tone. Dave took her hand and led her out of the theater. His touch was reassuring, but her mind was still racing with everything she’d just overheard. Should I tell him? she wondered as they walked down the hallway. But what if it’s something he’s not supposed to know either?
Dave glanced down at her, his brow furrowing slightly. “You okay, sweetheart?”
Liki forced a small smile. “I’m fine,” she lied, squeezing his hand. “Just… um… really need to pee.”
Dave chuckled softly, clearly buying her excuse. “Alright, Lin said it’s down this way.”
As they turned down another hallway, Liki’s mind was still swirling. Was Tendo talking about her? she thought, her anxiety growing. And who’s Gairu?
Dave suddenly stopped, pointing to a door on the left. “There it is,” he said, his voice gentle. “I’ll wait right here.”
Liki nodded, slipping into the bathroom. She closed the bathroom door almost all the way, leaving just a crack open. She didn’t want to cut herself off from Dave, not with the whirlwind of emotions and thoughts swirling in her mind. Knowing that there was still an invisible pathway of air connecting her to Dave made her feel a little less alone.
Liki pulled up her dress and sat down on the toilet, her mind racing despite the relief of finally being able to pee. She stared at the bathroom tiles, trying to organize her thoughts. What if this is something dangerous? Am I the seven-one-four he was talking about? Why does he want to control me? Does he want to hurt me? She shook her head, trying to push the fear aside. No, he’s been nice so far… hasn’t he?
She thought about telling Dave. He always knew what to do, and he’d protect her if something was wrong. But then another thought crept in—What if Dave gets in trouble for knowing about this? Tendo said the call was unsecured, and he seemed really serious about it being a secret. If Dave knew, and someone found out… Liki’s stomach churned at the thought.
She shook her head again, trying to clear her thoughts. No, she decided firmly. I won’t tell Dave. Not yet, anyway. If it’s dangerous, I don’t want him involved. I’ll figure this out on my own. She tugged at the fabric of her fancy dress, bunched up around her waist, nervously. But what about Gairu? She still had no idea who that was, but Tendo had talked about neutralizing them. Neutralize. What does that mean?
Liki stood, pulling up her panties as she flushed the toilet. She stared at her reflection in the mirror while she washed her hands, her blue eyes wide with worry. I’ll be careful, she promised herself. I’ll figure this out. And with that, she stepped out of the bathroom, forcing a smile as she looked up at Dave. “Ok, all done. Do you need to go?” she asked, her voice as light as she could manage.
“Yeah, I think I’d better go real quick,” Dave said, smirking a little.
Despite the worries currently filling her mind, her curiosity and infatuation with Dave got the better of her. “Can I watch?” she asked, her tone so genuine that it caught Dave off guard. His eyes widened for a moment, and then he burst into laughter, the sound filling the hallway. Liki blinked, momentarily confused, but then she couldn’t help but laugh too, grabbing Dave’s hands as she giggled.
“Oh my god,” he said as he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. “See, this is why I love you,” he said between laughs. Liki’s tail swished happily behind her as she leaned into his body, her laughter mixing with his. For a moment, the weight of the secret conversation was lifted by Dave’s reminder of his love, and she felt safe, even if it was just for a little while.
“Come on,” Dave said, gently placing his hand on her back as they walked into the bathroom together. He reached out to ruffle her hair but stopped himself, not wanting to mess up her elegantly styled hairdo. Instead, he gave her curly ponytail a little tug. She turned around and smiled a goofy, scrunched-up smile up at him as he closed the bathroom door behind them.
