As the Mecha Turns II

[LadyOfWicca]

Among his many talents, Cody is also a master chef. This is why Slow has sent him back to the Granvania Corporation. He is to help Itsuki and his female assistants to redevelop a failed grill design.

The grill was known as The Thirteenth Phantom. It was a good idea to begin with, but with a few adjustments, it could be a great idea. And perhaps it will also become a thorn in Maou’s side in the future.

Although Conception King shut down, its lab is still very much operational. Cody was surprised to see that the cute mascot that was plastered all over Conception King’s logo was actually a real red panda, although a very perverted one. It also talks and goes by the name of Mana. Cody smiles to himself. With all the things he’s seen and done, a talking mascot should not surprise him.

With miquelfire’s technical help, Cody thinks he has perfected The Thirteenth Phantom and is ready for a test run. Everyone has gathered in the corporation’s board room to watch the test.

Cody: “Okay everyone, this is just a test. If it doesn’t work, that just means it needs some adjustments.”

Cody heats up the grill and places one pound of ground beef on the surface. He closes the lid and presses a button. The grill sizzles and the lid pops open within seconds.

Cody: “It worked!!” He looks down at the thirteen perfect burgers. They are plump and smell delicious. “Now, for the taste test,” he says. The burgers are cut up and passed among the onlookers.

Slow: “Wonderful!”

Tonka: “I could eat these all day!”

Itsuki: “I can’t believe you got it to work this well. Our CEO will be very pleased!”

Slow: “I think it’s time to resurrect the Conception King chain. This is going to be a great partnership!”

Mana: “I will have a real job again!” The little mascot goes around hugging everyone and blushing.

[LadyOfWicca]

Newshawk can smell the story in the air. Something big is going on. With his trusty sidekick, Hornet65, to do some research, he is going to break this story wide open.

But first, a little work. As CEO of Newshawk Entertainment, he lives an entirely different life. He manages girls’ bands and right now he has several under his wing. It isn’t easy keeping track of everyone, but he has Hornet65 to help him here as well.

He just purchased a new venue for his girls, but first has to take care of some much needed renovations. He chuckles. Does his newspaper fund this other life of his, or do the bands fund his newspaper? No matter. He is very content with his life at the moment.

[LadyOfWicca]

Slow places a call to Newshawk.

Slow: “I have a scoop for you.”

Newshawk: “Do tell.”

Slow: “Off the record, I’ve secretly partnered with the Granvania Corporation.”

Newshawk: “What kind of scoop is that if I can’t print it?”

Slow: “Be patient. I’m about to give you the scoop!”

Newshawk: “Oh?”

Slow: “The Conception King chain is about to reopen. We’ve developed a grill that can produce delicious burgers with very little meat. This will be a great benefit for all involved. Delicious burgers at a great price.”

Slow: “Please give complete credit to Itsuki and his assistants at Gravania Corporation.”

Newshawk: “Will do.”

Slow: “Can you guarantee me a headline?”

Newshawk: “Done! However, I want exclusive rights to any follow up stories.”

Slow: “I think I can arrange that. Thanks, Newshawk!”

Both parties hang up. Both parties smile.

Newshawk pictures the headline: “Conception King Reopens! Have It Your Way Is Back!”

[MaouSadao]

Senko is at the stove, humming a tune. Several saucepans are on the stovetop and have steam rising from them. “Oh I do hope Shimakaze will like this meal. Let’s see now. Where did I put that grated garlic again?”

Suddenly, Nemesis barges in. “Hey Senko! I’m bored! Whatcha doing? Cooking? Let me help out!” She grabs an entire box of ghost pepper flakes and dumps it into one of the pots. “I bet that pig servant will love this. Especially if I say we made it together.” She laughs.

Senko is taken aback. “NEMESIS! That was for Shimakaze! Now I’ll have to remake the entire dish from scratch…”

Nemesis: “Did you forget who I am? My warping ability isn’t as powerful as big sis’s, but I was able to make a ship fly after all. This shouldn’t be a problem.”

She starts glowing her black glow, as does the pot and the empty bottle. Just like that, the bottle was filled as if it hadn’t been touched.

Nemesis: “I got most of it at least.”

Senko: I guess I could add some heavy cream to the recipe to be safe…"

Nemesis: “See? No prob! Sorry about that though.”

Senko glares at Nemesis.

Nemesis: “Anyway… How’s ship girl coming along? She feeling better yet?”

Senko: “She’s slept a lot, but I don’t know exactly. I’m worried about her. She used a lot of energy.”

Nemesis: “Yeah yeah. Everybody worries about the new girl. Meanwhile, I’m left in the shadows…”

Senko: “How dare you say that! She’s your sister too! And you know just as well as I do that he cares about you. I know I wouldn’t take all that abuse with a smile. Humph.”

Nemesis: “Sure…”

Senko: “Okay then, who made it possible to stabilize your dark matter body? If that was the case, then you’d need to be completely synced to someone else’s body to be stable. But look at you! You’re even able to access Darkness trans! Besides, you might not be blood related, but say that to your “big sister” Yami. She wouldn’t take it either. After all, who synced with you when that Rito guy was killed, and you lost your “stabilizer”? If she didn’t love you, she wouldn’t have done that.”

Nemesis has a look of sorrow on her face. “You’re right… Here. Let me actually help with this dish. Tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.”

Senko: “Let’s fix this up!”

A little while later Senko and Nemesis are in front of Shimakaze’s room with a tray of food. Nemesis opens the door and Senko pushes the tray in. “Shimakaze! I hope you’re hungry!”

Shimakaze is asleep with her head on Yami’s thigh. An expression of pure contentment is on her face. Yami is displaying an exceptionally warm caring smile.

Nemesis: “Big sis! Not fair!”

She walks over to Yami, lays down, and puts her head on Yami’s other thigh. Yami’s expression changes to one of surprise.

Nemesis: (pouting) “I don’t want to be left out either…”

Yami: “Don’t worry Nemesis. I wouldn’t forget about you.” She begins rubbing her hair. “You take a nap too. Big sis will be here when you wake up.”

Nemesis almost instantaneously falls asleep.

Senko: (whispering) “I guess I should take this back to the kitchen, huh?”

Yami: (in a soft voice) “You can leave it for now. You want to chat for a little bit?”

Senko: “We won’t wake them?”

Yami: “They’re out like lights.”

Senko: “What did you want to talk about?”

Yami: “I’ve told you about my life before earth, yes? About how many lives I’ve taken, and how much misery I’ve caused? And how I even almost destroyed this beautiful world once?”

Senko: “I’ve heard your tales, yes. What about them?”

Yami: “To this day, as I sit here in front of you, I still wonder if I truly deserve all of this. I haven’t been forced to kill once since that fateful day.” She looks down at Nemesis and Shimakaze. “I was once all by myself, but I have a family now. I have caring friends. I… I…” She blushes. “I have someone whom I love body and soul. I’m truly happy now.” She places one hand on each of the girls foreheads in her lap, closes her eyes, and smiles, then her expression turns to one of sorrow. “This warmth. Does a murderer like myself honestly deserve a place where I can feel this way?”

Senko stands right up, and hugs Yami, careful to not bother Shimakaze or Nemesis. “You’ve repented for your sins. You feel sorrow for the lives you took. There is kindness in your soul. Absolutely, there is a place for you here. Yes you deserve this happiness. I know these ones love you, as does Mikan. Honestly, I’m fairly fond of you myself. Then, there’s him.”

Yami tears up. “He’d probably give his life for me without a second thought, wouldn’t he?”

Senko: “You already know, don’t you.”

Yami begins to cry and Senko hugs her again.

The commotion wakes up Shimakaze and Nemesis. “What’s wrong big sis?”

Yami: “Thank you everyone… I love you all so much. This is something that I’ve already told Shimakaze, but I need to let you all know this.” She dials Mikan. “Can you come to Shimakaze’s room? There’s something I need to tell you. Oh! And bring Tearju with you.”

[LadyOfWicca]

The buzzing of a fly wakes Slow from a disturbing dream. She sits up and hears a voice: “Will you be my friend?” Good lord! It’s not a fly, but that nutcase fairy, Sugar, again.

The tiny creature flies around Slow’s head and she swats at it. “Waffo!”, the fairy cries. “I just want you to be my friend and help me find my Twinkle!”

Slow: “I’m not in the market for any friends, especially you!”

Sugar: “Waffo!” The little fairy tries to kiss her.

Slow swats the fairy into the wall. The fairy flies off. “Finally! Some peace and quiet!” Slow settles back down on the bed and quickly falls asleep.

[MaouSadao]

Itsuki calls Slowhand’s group into a meeting.

Itsuki: “Thanks to your help, The Thirteenth Phantom is operational. I couldn’t have done it without you guys.” He looks over at Mana and Mahiru. They nod in agreement. “We have some intel about Maou, and feel due to our partnership you should be made aware of the info we have.”

Mahiru produces a massive binder. “Mana, if you please?”

Mana: “Maou himself is a mystery to us as well. We don’t know where he came from, or how he got into a position of power, but we have collected some data on the people who he keeps around him. You could say they’re his henchwomen.” She shuffles around some papers, picks one up and shows the group. “First, there’s this girl. Nemesis. We know the least about her, but aside from being really sadistic, she doesn’t seem to pose a threat. Next.” Mana’s face turns to one of sheer disgust. “We have this disgustingly atrocious thing. Looking at it makes me want to puke. He’s gotta have horrible tase to keep this ugly thing around.” She picks up the second paper. “This thing is Senko. It can control a spiritual flame. Ugh. I’m sick now.”

Itsuki: “Come here baby. I’ll make you feel better.”

Itsuki and Mana start making out right in front of everybody. Mana throws Itsuki to the ground, and rips his shirt off. “I DON’T CARE IF THEY WATCH!!!”

Everyone in Slow’s group have blank expressions.

Mahiru stands up and pulls Mana off Itsuki. “We need to finish this meeting. Then you guys can get freaky. I want in on some of it too.”

Mana: “Fine.” She picks up the last paper. “This is the dangerous one. She was once known as the deadliest assassin in the universe! She is known as Golden Darkness, but no one knows her real name. She’s taken over 10,000 lives, so be careful around her. The worst part is she can turn her hands and that awful blonde hair into swords! And her eyes are red like the devil’s!”

Itsuki: “That’s all the info we have. I hope that was able to help. Oh! There is one other thing. Maou seems to have been restoring a Japanese warship. We did a little digging, and found the ship it was based on and brought it here. Tonka. I’ve heard you’re a good mechanic. Could you look over it?”

Tonka: “A Japanese warship, huh? Never worked on one of those before. Sounds like fun. Let me see what I can do.”

Slow: “It’s not the most helpful information, but everyone stay away from that blonde. I’ll take care of her if the time comes.”

Itsuki: “Meeting adjourned!”

Slow’s group leaves the boardroom, and right as the door is shut, the entire group hears loud seductive moaning coming from the room they were just in.

[MaouSadao]

Maou walks into the main laboratory. Haissan and Ueno are working on a device.

Maou: “Uh… What’s this thing? Where’s the grill at?”

Ueno: “Stupid! What do you think we’re working on? Seriously. I do not know how you even function with that pea brain of yours sometimes.”

Maou has an euphoric expression. “Yes. Berate me more. I deserve it.”

Haissan: “Dude. Really? What is wrong with you? Anyway, this is the revised grill, with design queues from Ueno. She’s brilliant! I’d never think of some of the mods she did to this thing!”

Ueno: “Well you know you can count on me! I really could have used Tearju’s help, but you had her building the body for that ghost girl, and then something came up with Yami.”

Maou: “WHAT??? WHAT HAPPENED TO YAMI??? IS SHE OKAY???”

Ueno: “Geez. Drama queen… Tear said Yami was feeling nauseous, so they went to Mikado’s clinic. I think they went to check up on Shimakaze when they got back.”

Maou runs out of the laboratory. “I’ll look over the revisions later! This is more important!”

Haissan and Ueno stare blankly at the swinging door.

Back at Shimakaze’s room:

Yami: “So yes. Mikado confirmed it. I’m pregnant.”

Mikan hugs her with a gleeful expression. “I’m the godmother, right?”

Yami smiles softly. “Of course Mikan. There’s no one else I would even think of.”

Senko pouts.

Mikan: Why don’t you want to tell Maou though? Do you know how excited he would be?" She laughs. “He’d probably go clothes shopping right this minute, not even knowing if it was a boy or girl.”

Yami: “Please keep it a secret from him. His plan is almost to fruition, and if he found out, he’d stop everything until at least the child was born.” She lowers her head sadly. If not way longer than that…"

Everyone in the room: “We promise Yami. We won’t tell him.”

Maou slams the door open. "YAMI! WHERE IS SHE? IS SHE OKAY???

A look of shock spreads across everyone’s faces.

Yami: “Yes Maou. I’m fine.”

Maou: “But… But… But… Ueno said Tearju had taken you to Mikado’s clinic because you were nauseous!”

Mikan winks at Yami. “Oh that! She had food poisoning! I guess I didn’t cook that pork thoroughly the other day. I was kinda nauseous too, but chalked it to the change in the weather. What about you girls?”

“Same.” “Me too!” “I wasn’t the only one?”

Mikan: “You didn’t feel ill Maou?”

Maou: “No. I am known for an iron stomach though.” He laughs. “But Yami, are you sure you’re okay?”

Yami displays an irritated expression, and punches him with hair fists several times. “I said I’m fine. They said I’m fine. You don’t trust us?” She walks over to Maou and hugs him. “Thank you for worrying about me. Everything’s fine.” She kisses him on the forehead. “By the way, how’s that grill coming along?”

Maou: “Oh crap! I heard you were ill, and ran here right away! I left Haissan and Ueno just standing there! Better go apologize…”

Tearju: “I really should see if Ueno needs my help too…”

Mikan: “Let’s all go then! I’m curious about this so called ultra grill myself. You don’t mind, do you Maou?”

Maou: “Not at all Mikan. Let’s go then!”

Everyone leaves Shimakaze’s room.

[MaouSadao]

Tonka is working on the Japanese warship that Itsuki’s company had acquired. Slow and Wicca enter the vessel and go to the bridge.

Wicca: “This is so weird! Why would Maou need a boat like this?”

Slow: “I don’t know Wicca, but we gotta trust Itsuki’s intel. Him and his company are good people, trying to defeat that demon. With their help, we should be able to rid the world of him once and for all.”

Wicca: “I trust him. He’s a cutie! And that red panda is just adorable! I want to hug it while I sleep!”

Slow gives a disgusted look. “I wouldn’t go that far. Now Tonka, what did you call us here for?”

Tonka: “Well, I wanted to show you this!”

He boots up a computer connected to the control terminal, then types several commands. All of a sudden, a voice speaks.

“Amatsukaze activated. Running diagnostic checks. Multiple faults found. Captain, do you wish of a list of all needed repairs?”

Tonka: "It’s crazy! I don’t know how, but when I linked my computer to this thing, it started talking to me! It’s like it’s possessed or something!

Both Slow and Wicca are taken aback at this revelation.

Slow: “Wicca. You’re of wiccan blood. Have you ever dealt with poltergeists?”

Wicca: “Once, but that was back when I was on the hard stuff. You know my magic power level is directly linked to my blood alcohol content. I’ve been practicing sober witchcraft, but the spells are of significantly lower strength. I can see what I can do though.”

Wicca begins chanting. A magic circle forms under her.

Slow: “Well, this takes me back! Tonka! Stay away from her! Trust me, you don’t want to get too close while she’s doing this!”

A whirlwind envelopes Wicca, as she continues to chant. She begins speaking in tongues. After a few minutes, everything subsides, and Wicca collapses. Slow and Tonka run over to her. “Wicca, are you okay!?!?”

Wicca picks herself up off of the floor. “You guys need not worry. The thing possessing the ship is the ship itself.”

Slow: “I am so lost. What do you mean?”

Wicca: “Well, it seems that this boat has something like a spirit attached to it. The spirit thinks it is the ship. It told me it would work with us if we repair the body.”

Tonka: “So I gotta work on a possessed ship. Great.”

Wicca: “At least it will work with us. That’s important.”

Tonka: “Fine. Fine. I’m gonna upgrade this baby like my trucks!”

Slow: “We gotta go Tonka. There’s another meeting we have to get to.”

[MaouSadao]

Maou and all the girls return to the laboratory. Alice has arrived and is speaking with Ueno and Haissan.

Haissan: “Is he always like that? You gals must have it rough dealing with that all the time.”

Alice: “You get used to it. Trust me. Plus he’s a fan of Dr Pepper, so he can’t be all bad, right?”

Ueno: “Sigh. You and your Dr Pepper. It’s not bad, but I honestly wonder which obsession is greater. You with Dr Pepper, or Maou with Yami…”
She pauses for a moment. “You don’t have to answer that. I already know the answer myself too…”

Alice laughs. “Yeah. We all do.” She looks over. “Oh Maou! Guys! Welcome back!”

Mikan: “Heyyyy ”

Tearju: “Ueno. I’m back. Sorry for taking so long on everything. My absence wasn’t too much of a hindrance, was it?”

Ueno: “I had Haissan with me, plus little sis.” She glances over to a table where 2 girls are sitting, and points. “As well as little miss potato chip destroyer and muscles mcidiot over there.”

Girl with blonde hair: “I don’t even like potato chips!”

Girl with blue hair: “She was referring to me dunce. You’re supposed to be muscles mcidiot.”

Blonde hair: But that’s not my name Nymph. It’s Astrea. You know that, right? She puts both hands on her cheeks. “Oh no! Did my name change without me knowing???”

Ueno facepalms. “I’ve had to deal with them this entire time…”

Tearju: “I’m so sorry guys. You know my dear Eve is more important to me…”

Maou pats her on the back. “You don’t need to feel ashamed. You did the right thing.”

Tearju displays a smile with teary eyes.

Nemesis: “Stop with all this mushy stuff.” She punches Maou in the stomach. “Let’s get on with this.”

Ueno: “Haissan, it’s your grill. Do you want the honours?”

Haissan: “Nah. I don’t like speaking in front of crowds.”

Ueno: “Okay then. I gave you the chance.”

She begins talking ultra scientific lingo. Tearju and Alice nod in understanding. Everyone else looks at her with an expression of sheer dumbfoundedness. Astrea’s head explodes.

Maou: “Uh… Could you explain that in words we understand. Please?”

Alice: “I’ll take over Ueno.” She pops a can of Dr Pepper, and chugs it in less than 10 seconds. “Okay. We modeled it into a triple platen unit, from the original single platen design that was brought in. That means we can automatically make three runs in the same time as the old one did one run. But that’s not all. Check this out!”

She places 1 pound of beef on the grill and presses a button. In less than half the time of the old grill, the clamshell raises, and two burgers are sitting where the pound of beef had been placed.

Yami: “I’ll do the taste test.”

Maou: “No. Yami. You were just ill. I don’t want you getting sick again.”

Yami turns to Maou. “I’m actually really hungry right now, and kinda want a burger too.”

Maou: “I won’t stop you my angel.”

Yami blushes deep red and pummels Maou.

Haissan prepares a deluxe cheeseburger using one of the patties, and hands it to Yami. “Here ya go.”

Yami picks up the burger and takes a bite. Her eyes widen and her expression turns into one of bliss as she takes a second, much bigger bite. “This… This… This is delicious!!!” She takes a third bite. “It’s honestly the best burger I’ve ever eaten in my entire life!!!” She quickly devours the remainder of the burger. With an expression of sheer delight: “You guys have got to try it!!!”

Maou walks over to the grill, places a pound of beef on each platten, and activates all three of them. A short while later, the clams raise, revealing 6 patties. He takes the burgers and dresses them just as Haissan did: pickles, onions, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, and two slices of cheese. He then slices them into quarters and distributes the 24 pieces to everyone there.

Nemesis: “Ugh. Onions. You know I hate onions.” She punches him. HARD

Maou coughs up blood. “That’s how Yami’s burger was made. You don’t want to try it like she did?” He falls over.

Nemesis: “Fine. I’m doing it for her though. Not you pig.”

Maou stands back up, and everyone tries their burger.

“Oh my God!” “This is incredible!” “Delicious!” “Tasty!” “What grade beef is this, A5?” “It’s good, but would be better without onions.” “This burger makes me want a Dr Pepper.”

Maou: “Great job guys! Now, how many of these grills do you think we can have manufactured in a month?”

[MaouSadao]

About a week later.

Yami enters Shimakaze’s room. “Little sis, are you ok?”

Shimakaze: “Today is my second startup. I’m worried I’ll overdo it again.”

Yami: “You’ll do fine. Just don’t push yourself and you’ll do fine.”

Shimakaze hugs Yami. “Thanks big sis!”

A little while later, Shimakaze and Yami arrive at Shimakaze’s ship body. The gang is already there.

Alice walks up to Shimakaze. “Because of the last test, we put a limiter on your turbine.”

Shimakaze scowls. “Why? That’s not fair! I can control my speed! Just let me show you!”

Yami: “I agree with her. She made a mistake, and paid for it. We’ve all done stupid things. Let’s give her another chance.”

Shimakaze’s eyes sparkle. “Oh big sis!”

Alice: “Sigh. Okay. I won’t disagree with you Yami. But Shimakaze. No more than 25% output, you hear? Even 1% more and I’m activating the limiter! Got it?”

Shimakaze nods in agreement.

They all got to the bridge. Psychopuppet is there, talking with Haissan.

Pup: “So yeah. Thanks for showing me how to drive this thing man.”

Haissan: “No. Thank you. I have to work on those grills, and don’t really have time to do this right now. You think you can handle it?”

Shimakaze walks up to them. “Really? I got it this time. Go ahead sit down. I’ll be fine.”

Yami: “Don’t be so arrogant little sis. Remember what happened last time.”

Shimakaze: “Ooookkkkaaayyy”

Maou: “Are you ready Shimakaze?”

Shimakaze: “No prob big bro!”

Maou: “Nemesis, you on standby?”

Nemesis: “You know it!”

Shimakaze enters the glowing panel. "Okay! I’m synced! Now: SHIMAKAZE LAUNCHING!!!

The boat departs, going at cruising speed.

Shimakaze: “Turbine, increase output to 20%!” Her boat body begins speeding up. “I think I’m good maintaining this level of output. I’m gonna do a couple laps just to make sure.”

The vessel makes several passes at almost Mach 1.

Senko: “Shimakaze dear, don’t exert yourself. Here. Have some of Mikan’s tea.”

Shimakaze: “Thanks Senko.” She takes the glass and drinks some. “Refreshing!”

Maou: “Are you ready Shimakaze, Nemesis?”

Both girls: “I guess.”

Nemesis: “Okay. Dark Matter Trans!”

Shimakaze feels a presence syncing up with her. “What is this???”

Nemesis: “Don’t worry Shimakaze. It’s my trans ability. I’m syncing with you, that way my spacial distortion can be used on your entire body. I did it before, after you passed out, but this way we can see how well we sync together.”

Shimakaze: “It feels weird, but let’s do it!”

Nemesis: “Alright! I’m ready when you are!”

Shimakaze: “I am. Let’s go!”

Both girls: “Dark matter trans!”

Nemesis begins glowing her black aura, as does Shimakaze. The propulsion jets under her boat body emanate the same glow, as the ship raises put of the water and begins flying at Mach 1.

Shimakaze looks over at Yami with a giddy expression. “See big sis? I got it!” She looks over at Psychopuppet and gives an akanbe face. “Na na. See? Told you!”

Nemesis jumps up and down. “Big sis, we’re working together, like I promised we would!”

Yami smiles and shakes her head. " What am I going to do with y’all? Good job both of you."

Maou: "Amazing Shimakaze, Nemesis! Now let’s dock and go home for the day.

[MaouSadao]

Maou is in his personal kitchen, alongside Senko and Mikan.

Mikan: “Why did you ask us to come here Maou?”

Maou drops to a begging position. “Can you please teach me how to properly bake?”

Mikan and Senko give an expression of surprise. “But Maou, you can cook well enough. Why do you need us?”

Maou: “I can do some baking, but I’m not the best at it. It’s for something special, but I can’t tell you what it is for.”

Mikan and Senko look at each other. In unison: “Yami.”

Maou looks up at them, his face beet red.

Senko pats his head. “Dearie. Don’t worry. I’ve picked up plenty of skills in my 800 years. If Mikan can’t help, I got it.”

Mikan: “I have time! Besides, it’s for Yami. I’ll help too.”

Maou is teary eyed. “Thanks so much girls!” He hugs them both.

Mikan: “We need to know exactly how well you can bake first. Collect the ingredients, and we’ll watch you make something, then we’ll go from there.”

Time passes.

There is a smoldering black charred mass on a baking tray.

Mikan: “What IS this???”

Senko: “Now Mikan, let’s try it first. Maybe it just doesn’t look appetizing. It was made with love, right?”

Senko grabs a fork and uses it to pluck a crumble of the mass off of the tray. She puts it in her mouth. Immediately, her face turns green and she throws up. “Oh God! That’s awful!” She looks up, regaining her composure. “Oh. I mean you do have room for improvement.”

Mikan gives a smug smile. “That bad, huh? Told you.” She laughs.

Maou: “Yeah. I know…”

Senko: “Now mister. You’re about to get a crash course in baking from two masters of it!”

[MaouSadao]

Slowhand and Wicca meet up with Roy and the rest of the crew.

Slow: "Okay everyone. One of my best informants set up this meeting. They were able to locate someone who had previous personal contact with Maou. It’s very important that we have to get as much information out of them as possible.

Roy: “But how can we know their intel is accurate?”

Slow cracks her whip. “I have my ways.”

They take Tonka’s truck to the meeting place.

Wicca: “Who or what are we looking for?”

Slow: “My informant said they will meet us.”

There’s a knocking on the window. Slowhand lowers it. Standing there is a woman with long red hair in a super short miniskirt. “Are you the TAN gang? I was told to look for a truck like this one.”

Slowhand thinks to herself: “I am going to kill whoever gave us that name.” She looks the woman in the eyes. “We are. Who wants to know?”

Redhead: “Someone told me that you wanted some intel about a certain demon.”

Slowhand smiles. “You have the right truck. We need to go somewhere more private to discuss this however. We’ll take you with us. Hop in.”

Redhead: “Nu uh. I don’t know you guys. I don’t trust you. I’ll follow you.”

Slowhand: “Fine. Have it your way.”

They pull out, followed by a Ferrari.

Some time later, they arrive at the Conception King headquarters.

They all enter the boardroom.

Slow: “My informant tells me you’ve had previous contact with Maou. That you may know some of his weaknesses. We’d like to work with you if you’d be okay with it.”

Redhead: “Oh. I know his weakness.” She pulls a sword out of nowhere, as her hair turns silver, and points her sword towards Slowhand. “My holy blade.”

Wicca: “You’re of angelic descent? How? I thought that type of power was just a legend!”

Redhead: “I’ve almost finished him off once before, when we were in our dimension. He escaped to your realm before I could deal the finishing blow. I followed him to this world, and through some strange coincidence, we fell in love.” She scowls. “Then he dumped me for some blonde bimbo.”

Slow: “This girl. She couldn’t perchance turn her hair into swords, could she?”

Redhead: “That’s exactly right! Her name was Dorkness or something like that. She was a trained killer, and I think that turned him on.”

Slowhand makes an evil smirk. “So. You want revenge?”

Redhead: “I’d love to castrate him, then run my blade through both of their hearts personally.” She begins laughing psychotically.

Slow: “You’ve come to the right place. Sounds like we can make a good partnership here. By the way, we’ve never been formerly acquainted. I’m Slowhand, and I’ll introduce you to everyone else in a while. And you are?”

Redhead: "I’m Emilia. Emilia Yuusa of the hero clan of Ente Isla.

[MaouSadao]

Back at Maou’s kitchen, it looks as if a tornado hit. Senko, Mikan, and Maou are covered in batter mixtures.

Mikan: “Okay. This will be attempt #14. Seriously. How can you be this bad at baking?”

Senko: “It is an anomaly, isn’t it? He can cook so well, but it seems like he’s never even made a store bought cake mix cake before…”

Maou slumps his head down. “It’s useless, isn’t it? I can’t bake desserts, can I?”

Mikan: “Well, you could start by JUST FOLLOWING THE RECIPE!!! Geez. I’m so irritated right now!”

Maou: " I just wanted it to be special for her birthday…"

Senko: “So you’re trying to make a birthday cake for Yami? That’s what all this is about? Then what was that thing I ate?”

Maou: “That was a cake…”

Both Senko and Mikan back up at that statement. “But how? That couldn’t have been a cake! It’s impossible!”

Maou: “Uhhhh… I’m not joking. That was supposed to be a cake…”

Mikan: “Okay. I taught a space assassin to cook, I can teach a demon to bake. Now follow EVERYTHING I say. To the tee. Got it???”

Maou: " Okay."

Baking montage.

They pull a successfully baked cake out of the oven. Maou is in tears. “Mikan, Senko, how can I ever repay you?”

They both smile. “You know the answer to that.”

Later that evening. Maou is sitting with Yami, watching a movie on TV.

Yami: “Mikan told me you asked her for help with something today. When I asked her what it was, she said it was a secret.” Yami pouts. “Why would she keep something from me? She’s my bestie…”

Maou smiles and begins rubbing her hair. “Don’t worry about it right now. I just needed her help with something. That’s all. Here now.”

Maou has Yami lay her head in his lap, as he grabs a brush. He begins brushing her long ravishing golden locks. “This always helps you calm down.”

Yami blushes cherry red. “I could obliterate you if I wanted to.”

Maou smiles. “You wouldn’t do that. I know you wouldn’t.” SMOOCH

Yami blushes again and says gently: "You know that I couldn’t actually hurt you. You mean too much to me. " She returns his kiss.

Mikan, Nemesis, Senko, Shimakaze, and Tearju enter the room. Yami shoots up, embarrassed, punching Maou in the face in the process.

Mikan: (smugly) “Oh ho! Did we interrupt something?”

Nemesis and Shimakaze: “Oooh! Big sis!”

Senko: “Mercy me!”

Tearju: “You get him, Eve! That’s my girl!”

Maou stands up, certain he has a concussion. His inner monologue: “Well, there went the mood…”

Maou: “Anyway, I’m glad you’re all here. Especially you, Shimakaze. There’s something I need to tell y’all. Tomorrow we’re installing some of the new grills in Shimakaze’s ship body.”

Shimakaze: “What???”

[MaouSadao]

Itsuki and Mana enter their boat. Tonka is welding a panel on the hull.

Itsuki: “Hey! Tonka! Come here for a minute!”

Tonka: “Just give me a second.”

Tonka gets off the platform, and goes to the deck. “What’s up?”

Itsuki: “So Slowhand tells me this thing is possessed? Is there a way to get rid of it? I don’t want no ghost on my ship.”

Tonka: “Oh. We went through this with Wicca. It doesn’t seem as if it is malicious, and it even is willing to work with us. The ghost thinks it is the ship. Eh. I don’t really get it, but just saying okay makes my life easier.”

Itsuki: “She’s a witch, but she didn’t exorcise the spirit??? This is unacceptable!”

Tonka: “Chill man. It said it’s cool with us!”

Mana: I’ll contact a priest right away Itsuki!" She starts flying away.

Tonka jumps in front of her. “Will you both just listen? Just come with me to the bridge, and let me show you this. If you’re not convinced, then you can get it exorcised. Give it a chance first.”

Itsuki: “I don’t like this, but I’ll hear you out.”

They all go to the bridge. Tonka turns on the main computer. It boots. Suddenly, a girl with silver hair and gold eyes appears on the monitor. It looks at Tonka, then Itsuki and Mana.

Girl: “Who are they?”

Tonka: “They’re the ones who commissioned your rebuild. Go on. Introduce yourself.”

Girl: “I am the kagero-class destroyer: Amatsukaze. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She bows. “Thank you for repairing me.”

Mana: “It’s evil! We need to vanquish it! It will try to kill us all! Itsuki, hold me!”

Tonka: “Wait. She hasn’t done anything!”

Itsuki: “My Mana says it’s evil. I’m going to get it exorcised as soon as I can!”

A look of sadness appears on Amatsukaze’s face. “Please don’t. I won’t hurt you. You’re fixing me. Why would I try to hurt you? I’ll work for you. I was one of the best japanese battleships of my time. I can be useful. Give me a chance. Please?”

Tonka: “Listen. She’s not evil. Just think of her as an advanced A.I. . She’s kinda cute too.”

Amatsukaze giggles.

Itsuki: “Fine. You’re the one working on the ship. But the first sign of poltergeist activity, and that ghost is dead!”

Mana scowls. “Itsuki. Why did you accept this?”

Itsuki: “It’s his problem. Let that thing possess him. Then he’ll change his mind as they’re exorcising the ghost out of him.”

They leave.

Amatsukaze: “I won’t hurt you. You’re helping me.”

Tonka: “You heard them. Just don’t do anything stupid. Hey, give me a status update on what repairs you need priority wise so you can function.”

Amatsukaze: “Yes my master. Processing report now.”

[MaouSadao]

Late night, at the Conception King headquarters.

CRASH

Everyone is startled awake. They all run out their makeshift sleeping quarters.

Slow: “What was that???”

Again they hear a crashing sound.

Roy: “Whatever it is, it came from Itsuki’s office.”

Everyone runs to the doors of the main boardroom. They appear to be locked, and won’t budge, even with force.

Roy: “Stand back everyone!”

He puts on his trusty gloves with alchemy signs imprinted on them and snaps his fingers. The door is incinerated in seconds.

Everyone rushes in. The entire room is in shadows. None of the lights appear to be working. Roy snaps his fingers and produces a flame. “Wicca, can you help with the lighting?”

Wicca: “Sure.” She does a quick chant, and a light sphere appears above their heads.

They look around. Itsuki is in the middle of the room, holding Mana. They both look injured.

Itsuki: “Get out of here now! Save yourselves! It’s Maou! He sent that assassin to kill us! Run!”

A blade strikes between Wicca and Slow.

From the shadows, a voice emanates. “Ah. So you’re the TAN gang I’ve heard about. This makes things easier for me.”

A figure walks out of the shadows.

The group, in unison: “Oh. My. God.”

The figure walks to a point to be fully visible. It’s a girl, outfitted in a black dress. Red eyes with a murderous glare. Long blonde hair, with some strands in the shape of swords. Her right hand ending in a blade as well. She smiles a crazed smile. “It’s been hours since I took a life for my master, Maou, and you all would be a great feast for my blades.”

She charges towards everyone, flinging her hair blades towards them. Amazingly, everyone is able to dodge the onslaught of blades.

Slow: “I got her!” She procures dual whips, and runs towards the girl, matching blow to blow. “I have my darling Roy watching me. There’s no way I can lose!”

The girl smiles. “Oh this will be fun!” Her left hand turns into a sword, as she strikes with all of her hair blades, and both hand swords.

Slow matches her pace with both whips, even managing to get a few hits in, while the girls blades just barely graze her.

Roy snaps his fingers, and a flame erupts between them. “I got your back Slowhand!”

The girl jumps backwards. “I’ve had enough fun today. Anyway I just came here to bring you a message from my master. Don’t you dare go meddling in his plans again! If you do, I, the legendary assassin Golden Darkness will come back to end all of your lives!”

She procures several patties.

Slow: “Wait. Are those???”

The girl throws the patties, and they explode on contact. As the dust settles, she had already disappeared.

Wicca and Roy: “Slow, are you okay?”

Slow: “A little cut up, but I’ll be fine. But enough about me, we need to see if Itsuki and Mana are severely injured!”

They go over to where Itsuki and Mana lay. They’re really cut up, but none of the injuries look fatal.

Slow: “Get Cody in here now! Seriously, how did he sleep through that???”

Some time passes. The scene goes to Itsuki bandaged in a hospital bed. Cody and a bandaged up Slowhand are there, talking about Itsuki’s and Mana’s condition.

Itsuki wakes up. “Where am I?”

Slow and Cody appear shocked at his rapid awakening. “We took you to Cody’s portable hospital. Mana will be okay too. Can you tell us exactly what happened last night?”

Itsuki: “That girl. It was Maou’s henchwoman! The assassin Golden Darkness! Maou knows about The Thirteenth Phantom, and he sent her to get rid of us! She tried to kill me and Mana, but Mana was able to put up a barrier, not before that demonic girl got a couple stabs in though. That’s when you all came in.”

Slow makes a phonecall. “Yeah. It’s me. We need to beef up security while we finalize this infiltration plan.”

[MaouSadao]

The next morning, at the main laboratory. Three grill units identical to the original modified grill are sitting in the middle of the room. Tearju, Haissan, and Ueno are working on the one on the far right.

Haissan: “Man. It sure is a lot quicker with both you girls helping on this. We’ve already built 3 more of them!”

Tearju: “Now now. It wouldn’t have been nearly as fast if we didn’t have Nymph and Astrea helping us.”

Astrea: “But Ueno said my name was Muscles Mcidiot! Did it change back? Oh! I’m so confused!”

Tearju walks over to Astrea and pats her head. “I really wish I could fix that busted comprehension programming of yours, but it would delete your personality, and Maou said he didn’t want that… But thank you Astrea. Yes. That’s your name. Don’t let anyone tell you different.”

Nymph: “I am so glad I got the brains…”

Astrea shoots Nymph a dirty look. “You might be smarter than me, but I’m strongest then you! Look!” She picks up one of the grills with one hand and balances it on one finger. “See!”

Nymph: “Bolts for brains, two things. First, put the grill down.” She points to the group of Haissan, Ueno, and Tearju. “They’d get pretty upset if you broke it. And secondly, the phrase you’re looking for is Stronger than you. Geez. It’s like you can’t even speak properly sometimes. Why did our original master program you that way???”

Astrea pouts while setting the grill back where it originally sat.

Maou and Yami enter the room.

Tearju: “Good morning guys! Wait. Eve, Maou, why do you both look so tired? Did you not get enough sleep last night? What were you doing?”

Yami and Maou both turn crimson. Yami walks over to Tearju. “Tear. That’s none of your business…”

Tearju puts her hand over a smug smile. "Oh ho ho. I know what you were doing.

Astrea: “Video games, right? That Switch thing is really fun, isn’t it? Mister Maou, next time play it with me instead!”

Nymph smacks her in the head. “Learn to read the room dunce.”

Nemesis enters the room. She walks over to the group. “Morning everyone! Hey! Maou, Yami! That was great last night!”

Tearju’s smug smile grows even larger, while Maou and Yami turn even redder.

Astrea: “It was Mario Party, wasn’t it??? I want to play too!!!”

Ueno: “Enough with this. Come on! We need to test these grills. Once we know they all work, we can install them in Shimakaze’s body!”

She powers them all on, letting them all heat up, then grabs 9 1-pound packages of beef. She then lays 1 package on each platen and presses the lower platen button. After a few moments, the clamshells raise, revealing 18 burger patties, 6 on each of the grills, 2 per platen.

Maou walks over and checks each burger patty. Some appear undercooked, and others are burnt.
“You haven’t gotten a chance to calibrate the grills, have you?”

Haissan: “This is their first startup. Of course they haven’t been calibrated yet. Give us some time to dial them in. Remember, we have to do it 9 times!”

Maou: “How long do you think it will take?”

Ueno: “Maybe a half-hour per platen. So we’re looking at about 5 hours if nothing goes wrong.”

Nymph: “And if you have Astrea do it, you might have 1 grill ready by the end of the year if you’re lucky.”

Maou: “Okay then. Just get them calibrated, and we’ll postpone the grill installation to tomorrow then.”

[MaouSadao]

Yuuna walks into her room, making sure she isn’t seen by anyone. She locks the door behind her, and grabs her phone.

A few minutes later, she hangs up. A smirk on her face.

She goes back to the door, and unlocks it. As she opens it, Maou and Psychopuppet stand before her, alongside Alice and Nemesis.

Yuuna: “Oh! Hey guys! Ummm. What’s going on?”

Alice goes up to her. “That’s what we would like to know.”

Yuuna: “Whatever do you mean? I was just taking a nap!”

Maou: “Yeah. No. You’re not pulling one over on us. Alice, if you wouldn’t mind.”

Alice pulls out her laptop. “You just made a call to MI5, did you not?”

Yuuna is taken aback. “Wait. You’re… You’re wrong! That wasn’t me!”

Pup: “Yuuna. Please tell me this isn’t true.”

Yuuna: “You’re gonna believe this demon over me? Pup dear, please trust me. I’m your darling ghosty girl, right?”

Alice: “You thought just because you used a personal line that I couldn’t track it? My ultimate Heaven’s Memo Pad can do surveillance throughout the entire world! And maybe next time, use something better than a basic 15 layer encryption. That was child’s play! MI5 makes me laugh!”

Yuuna: “No. No. This can’t be! But. Eh.” She looks back and forth between everyone. “I gotta get out of here!” She leaves her prosthetic body, and tries to leave the room, but it appears as she is having difficulty moving her astral form. “Wait. My body isn’t listening to me! What’s going on???”

Nemesis: “Ah. I see you’ve never dealt with someone who uses dark matter trans, have you?” She smirks. “I HAVE TOTAL CONTROL OVER YOUR BODY, YUUNA!”

Yuuna has a terrified look. “Noooo!!! You’re gonna exorcise me, aren’t you? Please. Don’t!”

Maou seems genuinely upset, as he glances at Alice and Nemesis. “Just cause I’m a demon, everyone I ever capture automatically goes to thoughts of me killing them. I’m really sick of it.”

Nemesis: “So what are we going to do with her Maou?”

Maou: “Tearju can help us contain her. Then afterwards, we’ll try to get some information out of her.”

Yuuna: “Not one of those horrible ghost traps!!!”

Maou facepalms. “Everyone’s seen Ghostbusters… No. Tearju was working on a device that makes spectral forms tangible for her friend.”

Pup has a look of utter sorrow. “I… I… I thought she was the one. I didn’t care she was a ghost.”

Maou: “Man. Pup. I’m sorry.”

Pup “I need to get away for a minute. I’ll see you when I see you.”

Psychopuppet leaves the room, holding back tears in his eyes.

[MaouSadao]

Yuuna is in a room. She attempts to phase through the wall, but is unable to. Maou enters the room, alongside Yami.

Yuuna gives both of them a disgusted look. “Oh. So you brought the killer girl along with you? Not man enough to end my life yourself?”

Yami shoots her a dirty look. “You do know I have killed ghosts in the past, right?” She turns her head away. “But that’s not why we’re here.”

Maou: “That’s right. All’s I want to know is what MI5 needs my plans for.”

Yuuna: “I’ll never spill the beans! Go ahead, do your worst! All’s I have to do is think of my dear Series, and I could withstand passing on!”

Maou grins. “You’re the boss.” He snaps his fingers, and Senko walks in.

Senko: “Yes Maou. I’m on it.”

Yuuna: "What is that fox going to do to me? She’s a God spirit! Is she going to end me now?

Senko grabs Yuuna, and grins. “I could do this even without Tearju’s device.”

Yuuna has a look of sheer dread. “Wha… What… What are you going to do to me???”

Senko: “You’ve been a bad girl, and I’m going to fix that.”

Yuuna: “NOOOOO!!! NOOOOO!!! SERIES!!! SAVE ME!!!”

Senko grabs Yuuna harder, and forces her to lay on her tail. “Fox magic: Calming hypnotism.”

Yuuna falls asleep on Senko’s tail.

Senko: “Oh my my. I so dislike being rough, but she left me no choice…”

Maou: "It’s okay Senko. You actually didn’t hurt her after all. She’s the one that was panicking and thrashing around. I should be the one saying sorry to you. You didn’t get hurt, did you?

Senko: “Not a scratch! I am a deity after all! A lower level spirit like her couldn’t even think about hurting me!”

Yami: “You think you’ll be able to get her to tell us what she’s been sending to MI5?”

Senko: "I most likely can by myself. But to be on the safe side, keep Nemesis on standby. She can sync dive on worst case scenario.

Maou: “She mentioned someone named Series, didn’t she?” He turns to Yami “You think she meant the agent Series5Ranger? That guy’s famous! Haha. He’d be no match for you though Yami.” He rubs her hair.

Irritated, she slugs him with a hair fist. “You know I’m not like that anymore.” She blushes. “Thanks to you.”

Maou stands back up. “I know, my Angel.” SMOOCH

Yami has an enamored smile. “Yeah.” SMOOCH

Senko: “Uh… Am I a third wheel right now?”

Yami and Maou blush. “Sorry Senko.”

Senko: “Just leave Yuuna to me for now. And maybe you two should get a room.” She smirks. “Tearju told me what y’all did the other night.”

Yami: “MMMMOOOOMMMM!”

[MaouSadao]

Psychopuppet is working on his van. Something he always did to take his mind off of things. He had just recently installed a gas tank chiller to increase performance, and it wasn’t functioning properly. “Best any time as now to fix this I guess”, he thinks to himself. “Great. The seams have cracked. Can’t weld it, as it had gas in it. Looks like I’ll have to get some special epoxy from that monster town. Guess I should be happy the gas tank still holds fluid…”

He hops in his van and starts it. He then presses a switch on a device Maou gave him, and a portal opens up.

He drives through it.

In a flash, he’s in a rustic town. Everyone in the scenery have humanoid shapes, but none of them look exactly human.

Pup leaves his van, and enters a shop. A few minutes pass, then he exits the building holding a bag. “This stuff is soooo expensive, but it’ll save me about 2 days of repairs on this thing.”

Suddenly, something crashes right into him. As they’re lying on the ground, Pup sits himself up. “Ugh. You need to watch where you’re going. You could have…” His voice trails off as he realizes what crashed into him.

A girl. No taller than half his size. Deep blue hair, and light blue eyes. But she wasn’t a normal girl, as she has golden horns and a tail!

Pup blushes at her reveal, while thinking: “Is she a real dragon girl? She’s so cute!”

Pup: "Uh… Hey. Are you okay? You’re not hurt, are you?

The girl picks herself up. “I’m so sorry sir. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going. Hey. Can you help me? You look strong.”

Pup has a dazed look. “What? You’re a dragon, right? I’ve never met one, but I’ve heard tales of a dragon’s strength. What could I, a human, do to help you?”

Dragon girl: “You see this choker around my neck? It’s a subduing collar. It’s slowly taking my strength and my life force, and the more I struggle, the faster it absorbs. I’ve tried, but monster demi-humans can’t remove it. It has some sort of magic seal on it.”

Pup: “That’s awful! I hate to say it though, but I’m no wizard. Got no affinity for magic myself. Can’t you try to find who put it on you?”

Dragon girl: “I don’t know who put it on me. They used a hypnosis spell, so I didn’t see their face before I blacked out. There is one thing I won’t forget. They were accompanied by a flying red panda. That’s all I can remember.”

Pup: “I do know someone who may be able to help you. You trust me though?”

The dragon girl’s eyes sparkle. “You look trustworthy. Besides, this collar has taken most of my life force. I don’t even know if I’ll even see tomorrow.” She inches up to Psychopuppet. “You very well may be the person who saves my life.”

Pup: “I don’t know if I can trust you though. I’ve just been hurt by someone who I cared for dearly, and feel I can’t open up.”

The dragon girl brushes against Pup. “Oh. You wouldn’t have to worry about that with me. Dragons are very loyal. I’d even call you master, if you want.”

Pup blushes. “Um. Uhhhh. Well, let me take you to see if we can help you out. I’d like your name though. I’m Psychopuppet.”

Dragon girl: “I’m Skadi. Skadi Dragenfelt. It’s an honor to meet you.”

[MaouSadao]

Senko is with Yuuna in the anti phantasmal room. Yuuna still appears to be under Senko’s fox hypnotism.

Senko: "Now. Whatever did you need from my dear Maou’s research.

Yuuna: (speaking dazedly) “I was sent to infiltrate the McRonalds headquarters to gather any information on products in development.”

Senko: “Now why would MI5 need to know about the future products of a burger restaurant?”

Yuuna: “That I do not know. Series5Ranger asked me to do this recon. He is my beloved. I would go to the ends of the earth if he asked.”

Senko gives a sigh. “She’s doing it all for a guy she likes. Heh. I know that all too well.” She looks back to Yuuna. “Okay then. Tell me everything you’ve sent to him.”

Yuuna: “Yes.”

Some time later, Senko leaves the room and reports to Maou.

Maou: "Thank you for that Senko. You were an amazing help with that. Is there anything I could do for you for dealing with that?

Senko looks down and blushes. “There is one thing you could do…”

Later that night:

Yami: “Senko? What are you doing in our bed?”

Senko smirks. “You can’t have him all to yourself, you know?”

Yami: “First Nemesis, now you too??? He’s mine!” Yami pouts.

Yuuna awakens. She looks around. “What happened with that fox? Did she force me to pass on?” She feels her body. “No. I think I’m still here.” She notices a light shining from the doorway. She goes over to it. It was left open, just a crack! “Time for me to escape…”