//------------------------------//
// Week 6 Wednesday: A sacrificial countermeasure 
// Story: Assassination Club 
// by Tythen 
//------------------------------//

"Flash will not take this lightly," Celestia voiced, "Knowing what it was like to be forced into a situation like this was the sole reason he turned to you."

"Flash is right that he should turn to me," Nagisa answered, "but he should also know that voicing his concern to you is just as vital."

"I am a little uneasy about your bargain, mostly because his parental figures will raise complaints should they know."

"If his parents were still alive, they'd ask Flash to concentrate on his studies and take over the rescue themselves." Nagisa reasoned, "I don't know about his aunt and uncle, but it's very uncommon for the extended family to be concerned."

"I am an observer to the Parent-Teacher Meetings for Canterlot Junior School, and I met his parents then. Disciplined to a T, but loving to a T as well. Not much so for his extended family... That's a personal reason on why I'm eager to hear more about this."

"Well..." Nagisa gulped as he heard footsteps, "we're about to find out."

"Principal?" Flash walked through the door, "am I in trouble-- Oh no..." His voice faltered the moment he laid eyes on the Principal and his Neighponese Teacher in the same room.

"Good Morning Flash," Celestia greeted, "and no. Your 'trouble' is a far greater issue and concern than mere misconduct and disciplinary action. Plus, I never had any record of you doing something bad. Have some faith in yourself."

"No..." Flash turned to Nagisa, "you told her!?!?"

"Flash, you need to be more trusting of your authority figures, at least your Principal is kind enough to lend an ear. Be lucky that it wasn't mine when I was in Junior High School." Nagisa answered,

"Even if--" Flash protested

"Especially IF." Celestia's firm statement and glare interrupted, cutting through his words. "Dealing with issues about kidnapped siblings is a first, I will admit. But as a Principal, it is my responsibility to address the issues and complaints of my teachers and students, even if it is out of my hands. If it is, then I'd call emergency services, but yours is definitely not the case either."

"And that is what I'm here for. Plus Ms Yada and Masayoshi-- I mean Coach Justice will be coming along." Nagisa finished,

"I know what this means... You're pulling me out of the exams right?"

"Yes..." Celestia nodded, "for the remainder of your exams, including those today, you will be exempt from them. Assigned to do a make-up exam within this term."

"..." Flash stopped,

"Something on your mind?" Nagisa asked,

"I was about to say, 'but what would the other students think'? But then I realised that's the worst question to ask as of now." Flash answered, "though, I'll need some time to breathe in and out and stay level-headed."

"So you've already made a decision?" Nagisa asked, "I still haven't finished the bargain you know..."

"Sorry, continue,"

"I know you're not satisfied with just being exempted from the exams because you have an issue. During your exempted exams, I want you to join me in the search of your siblings."

"Very well, I accept." Flash shot up,

"Are you sure you want to do this Flash?" Celestia asked, "Remember the reason I am here is so I can bear witness to this meeting, and to acknowledge the agreement from both of you of this decision."

"Yes, Principal." Flash gave an adamant nod, "I promise I will take full responsibility for my own health... And my enrolment in this school, should I face consequences."

"And I..." Nagisa jumped in, "will also take full responsibility for my position as a teacher, and will accept all consequences too."

Celestia sighed, "It sounds like you'd always put your position and job into risk every day."

"Well, I've always been taught in Military camp to be prepared for any situation that implies pressure or panic. Otherwise, a soldier's not going to last long."

"And I take it you are well versed in... Self-defence?" Celestia added,

"Yes Madam," Flash answered,

"Very well then..." Celestia nodded, "I shall let the teachers know that you will be given exempt and that you will complete your exam at a later date. As of now, you will be assisting Mr Shiota, Ms Yada and Coach Kimura in finding your siblings."

"Yes, Madam!" Flash saluted,

"One more thing before you go." Celestia stopped, "It is ultimately up to you whether you want to involve others in your plight, but do not hesitate to tell not just your teachers, or superiors in the future, about what is concerning you, even if it is something we have no knowledge or expertise on. After all, there is absolutely no way the kidnapper will know this conversation ever happened. I made the necessary arrangements so our words won't be recorded."

"So that explains why you ask me not to bring my phone along, I see." Flash nodded in understanding,

"Normally, you shouldn't be using your phone at school AT ALL." Celestia corrected with a firm cough.

"Thank you, Principal," Flash thanked, "Perhaps I was wrong in not trusting you."

"I agree that for most things in our lives, we should take responsibility and do it ourselves as a sign of independence and confidence. But no one is an Island for the rest of their lives. After all, the same goes with everyone else, no matter their walk of life. All understand the need to have someone to lean on, even if it's an unstable rock."

"I understand Celestia. Thank you." Flash thanked once again,

"You can say thank you once you and your siblings are back safe and sound. May the Sun Goddess watch over you."



"Congratulations Flash," Nagisa answered as he and Flash walked down the silent hallways, "looks like you won't have to do your exams now."

"I'll eventually get there... But seriously, I'm still fine with just doing my studies before you went to tell the Principal."

"Please... I'm not Korosensei in the regard I can do about 'anything', I'm still a human after all. And need I mention that it's not only you that cares about Scootaloo and First Base. You rather I ask their best friends to help them?"

"Of course not." Flash shook his head, "by the way, where are we going?"

"We're going to the Neighponese Classroom. Yada and Masayoshi are waiting for us." Nagisa answered, "and I'd also like to introduce another of my classmates that will be super vital in searching for your siblings."

"Hmm... Is it your A.I. Classmate?" Flash guessed, "since technology is the best thing these days of doing things."

"You always think ahead." Nagisa laughed as they entered the classroom. Yada was sitting on one of the student tables, while Kimura was at the teacher's desk, a pile of papers on it.

"Right on time Nagisa," Yada gave a sly smile, "and welcome to you Flash, on our little scavenger hunt."

"Yada, I wish you'd treat the lives of hostages with a little bit more concern than just a party game." Kimura moaned,

"At least let me make a joke Kimura," Yada pouted, "after all, we have kids in the team too!"

"A kid raised by a military father, spent two full years in military school, and not to mention is part of a faith that cares for others greatly." Kimura reminded.

"And Ritsu?" Nagisa asked,

"Right over here!!!" A muffled cheery voice spoke with the rumble of a phone. The four of them pulled their smartphones out to see which one has the girl in question: It was Flash's.

"Hello hello!" Ritsu greeted with a sweet smile, "you must be Flash Sentry. Nagisa told me a lot about you!"

"And about you too." Flash responded with an unsurprised smile, "how you've been an A.I. and how you can do all sorts of things like sneak into my phone."

"Glad to see you on board! Now. I take it you don't have any sort of item that can detect them easily?"

"My sister's number. You can look at my phone if you want."

"But it's polite to ask first!" Ritsu countered, "Otherwise, I'd be no better than a thief! And you wouldn't want me sneaking through your browser history right? Hope you haven't been looking through any suggestive content!"

Flash gave an unimpressed face. "I only use my phone to communicate. Call me different. Besides, I have a... Sort of 'kink' that's considered rather niche."

"How could you!? And I thought you were a sensible boy!" Yada closed her mouth in complete shock as if she realised everything good she knew about someone was a lie. 

"Don't mix sensibility and civility with celibacy. I don't take pride in it, but I'm still human." Flash calmly responded, though his face began to show some irritation.

"Agreed." Kimura responded, "And that's enough Yada. If you're going to tease your students, you might as well tease me first."

"Oh!" Yada turned to her colleague with delight. "I'll hold you to that!"

"Alright then. Next matter at hand, or method of attack. Are firearms allowed?" Kimura continued.

"No." Nagisa declined, "The news regarding guns in Equestria, and not to mention the school's reputation too. Not risking us or the school on the news."

"Even if our kidnapper may be dangerously armed?" Kimura challenged,

"Stealth rescue. We sneak in undetected." Nagisa suggested, "We can bring melee weapons, however. We have some of them, don't we Masayoshi?"

"A knife is the best weapon for me. Good thing I can remember many things when using it!" Yada pointed out.

"Got it. You need a weapon Flash?" Kimura asked.

"I can fight with my hands and feet," Flash answered.

"Hmm..." Nagisa looked concerned at Flash.

"I know that look, sir." Flash caught, "I know it's going to be more information for your student book, but I'll manage should you turn it against me."

"My goodness, you sometimes prepare too far into the future." Nagisa laughed, "If only the same can be said for your academics." 

"Ha ha. I thought I told you not to worry about it." Flash moaned.



Elsewhere, with only a single ceiling lap providing their light, two young children grumpily woke up and were painfully reminded that they were still captured, unaware where they are. 

"Aww man..." Scootaloo moaned, "we should've gone straight home! Otherwise, we wouldn't have gotten into this mess! Now how are we going to get out?"

"I don't know big sis..." First responded, "I don't know..."

"Ah..." A voice came from an open door, "Rise and shine little ones! How are my beloved captives doing, hmm?"

"You!" Scootaloo's eyes glared against the oncoming man dressed in black. "Mystère! You big jerk!"

"Now now, no need with the hostilities... I'm sure you had a good sleep now."

"Of course not!" Scootaloo continued the berate, "I hate sharing a double bed! First kept stealing the blanket!"

"Though to be honest..." First pondered, "why did you give us something like that? It's not what I'd expect a person like you to do."

"I have some standards on how I treat my victims, but I don't think you want me to delve into that." Malum laughed,

"Well, it doesn't matter either way!" Scootaloo roared, "you won't hold us for long!!! Sooner or later, there are people we know that can easily take you down!!!"

"Oh really? And who may that be? Your precious brother and his teacher???" Malum taunted, "well good luck with that."

"Oh," First gave a smile, "I wouldn't dare to underestimate them."

"Well, I'm sorry to say that those two have some issues of their own. They won't be able to save you."

"What!?" Scootaloo jumped up, "you wouldn't dare!"

"I didn't do anything to them." Malum defended with a lie, "but they have their own lives and issues to follow, such as their studies and jobs. Do you really think they have all the times for you?"

"I... Wait..." First's eyes grew dim and blank,

"I'm sorry little kids," Malum chuckled, "but it's time to face the reality. The world doesn't revolve around us, and everyone we know who were supportive, would sooner or later backstab us. Or maybe they probably think you're a nuisance, and leave you alone. That is what you think, right little ones?"

"Well..." First warbled, thinking hard of the things where Flash had been supportive, but Malum's suggestion has him unearthing various memories where the young boy had cast doubt on his brother for various concerns, no matter how big and small, which he thought he hid away in hopes that he would never look back on it at all.

"I... No..." First started to tear up, the memories coming back. "He won't... He's not like that..."

"First!" Scootaloo snapped in shock, "don't let him get to you!" Then she raised a finger to Mystère, "And you! Don't even think I trust your bluff for a second!"

"Oh?" Mystère tilted his head,

"I've seen many stories, and know many of my friends or relatives who've had estranged families, it's so sad and cruel, but that's one reality I accepted along with my brothers. Not all families are together or 'meant to be' for some. If that was the case, then this is pretty much a normal thing in society, when the communication and connection between siblings or parents are so minimal and so few, that even the strongest argument can set them apart!"

"Well, aren't you a smart and rational kid, better than your brother." Mystère complimented,

"It has nothing to do with being rational or smart!!!" Scootaloo burst into rage, "We are all our own people, right or wrong. If you don't like us because of personal reasons, that's fine! But there are many paths that lead to being smart, and it doesn't mean throwing every single value we cherish at childhood away to grow up!"

"..." Mystère stayed silent,

"Besides! You don't even know the pain we've been through as a family! There's absolutely no way he'd leave us be without his knowledge. He's always feared the worst on what would happen to us, and he'd been training so hard because of it! He wouldn't be fooled by free money if told to look the other way, he'll come to us, no matter what stands in his way!"

"Hmmm... He... Hee..." Mystère tucked his head, a few grunts and titters can be heard from him. "Hee... Hee..." His sounds of giggling became louder,

"What's wrong?" Scootaloo taunted, "quaking in your boots?"

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!" Mystère burst into tears of laughter, "Haa Haa Haa!!! Oh! Aren't you adorable!? You may look all tomboyish and cool, but you've still got a big loving heart for your dear brother of all people! How innocent, so naive, so..."

All of a sudden, he punched the walls of the room, with the sound of metal denting. The siblings immediately dropped whatever confidence or insecurity they had and sat up in silent fear.

"... Dependent!" Mystère growled, blowing any sort of dust or markings of the hand he used to punch the wall.

"..." The siblings were aghast. Not even a single site of bruising or cracked bones on his hand.

"Oh dear! Look at the time!" Malum noticed his watch, "time for us to have some fun!"

"I'm not going anywhere..." Scootaloo blurted out,

"Me too!" First, despite crying, gave a pout as he sat firmly with his arms crossed.

"Oh really? What if I told you..." He slid a small envelope to their direction. Reluctantly, First was the one to pick it up and see what was inside. He gasped as he pulled two small tickets out.

"No..." Scootaloo gasped,

"No," First repeated, "you're joking! You wouldn't dare!!!"

"Oh, but I do!!!" Mystère gave a devious fanged grin, "after all, doing whatever you want is a part of growing up. And with that freedom, I'm going to take you to a place that's fun! Though we may need to pick up some stuff along the way. It's an absolute necessity. One more thing, when we get there. You'd better be in my sights... Or else."

"Noooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Scootaloo yelled at the top of her lungs as the man grabbed her hand and forced her along.

"I-I'm sorry Flash..." First sobbed again as he followed behind him without any force. "I'm so sorry..."



Flash decided to bring his recess food to the classroom to continue the meeting, where he elaborated about his fighting skills and what he can do. Of course, he made sure that he was not the target of any nearby student that has at least the slightest wonder of their missing classmate (not that they really should). Needless to say, avoiding the eyes of students were unavoidable come lunchtime. It was a few minutes into it that Flash decided to enter the Neighponese Classroom at a late time, attracting the eyes of all 24 students.

"Oh My Goddess! You're alive Flash!" Pinkie jumped in the air and dived towards the orange student with a big hug, "where you for the past 2 exams??? I haven't seen you anywhere and I was so worried that I didn't eat my recess or lunch! Were you late? Did you get a cold? Did you get kidnapped? Are you rebelling? Did you denounce your faith? Did some secret agency require your help that you took the entire morning fighting bad guys???"

"Save some questions for us Pinkie." Obi called out, "we barely get enough chances to be concerned."

"Besides," Carrot added, "I'm sure Flash's reason is not as extreme as your last one..."

"It's pretty surprising that I'm being recognised a bit more." Flash shared. "But yeah, it's definitely not extreme but I wouldn't say it's normal either..." Flash answered, "And uh... You're probably going to need to prepare yourself if you really want to know. Trust me, you don't want to get worried about me for the moment, and focus on the exams."

The class looked at each other,

"Okay then, sure thing," Thunderlane replied, "we can always wait a while longer." And most students nodded their heads.

"I want to know though," Sunset stood up, "maybe outside?"

"Same here," Fluttershy stood up as well, "I want to know what's happening."

"In that case, those who want to know, come outside. Masayoshi? Yada? Can you take over?" Nagisa instructed,

"Roger," Kimura saluted,

"You can leave it to us!" Yada also saluted, though differently as if she were a cute anime character.



Flash and Nagisa were the first to leave the classroom and followed by Sunset, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Soarin and Big Macintosh. The group walked for quite a distance until they could find a quiet study room in the library.

"If we're goin' pretty far from the class, then it must be serious." Big Mac started as he closed the door of the room.

"I'll make this quick," Flash answered, "my younger brother and sister, they were kidnapped two days ago."

"WHAT!?" The three girls and two guys jumped.

"I told Mr Shiota about this yesterday, and we went to Principal Celestia about it. Said the best way was to postpone my exams."

"By the Goddess..." Fluttershy took deep breaths, trying not to panic, "I... How... I'm so sorry Flash..."

"It doesn't end there..." Nagisa shook his head, "the one responsible for the kidnapping... Was Kuro."

"... Aw no... That don't sound good one bit." Big Mac's eyes widened in fear. "Ah thought Applebloom was worried as a fly tryin' to stay afloat in the ocean yesterday. Looks like her fears are true..."

"We can't call the police now. I bet there's a death threat for that right?" Soarin asked,

"Yes," Flash and Nagisa nodded in unison.

"So Scootaloo is your sister!!!" Fluttershy couldn't hold it, "this... No... That's horrible!"

"Needless to say, Yada, Masayoshi and I are working our butts off to find them as soon as possible. We've also got Flash helping too!"

"I see..." Sunset nodded, "I know I may seem unworried, but from what you guys have done, I can be assured that you've got it covered."

"Yes. But this time we're being pushed to the limit." Nagisa nodded, "every moment we hesitate, our chances of rescuing the kids shrink. If we need to make a plan, we make it now."

"Do you have any idea where to start?" Soarin asked,

"We've got Scootaloo and First Base's phone details." Nagisa continued, "and we have a trusty person who's looking into it as we speak. But... We still haven't got any results yet, and there's not much preparation but our own skills and abilities."

"Hot damn."

"Sir, I want to help Flash look for Scootaloo and First." Fluttershy requested,

"That's not going to happen. I'm sorry," Nagisa shook his head,

Fluttershy began to panic and breathe rapidly, "But--"

"I know you mean well Fluttershy." Nagisa interrupted, "I know that you care for your friends and that you don't want anything bad happening to them, especially if it is family related. But we all can't just stop whatever we're doing and rush to someone, even if it is a noble move. If anyone can be exempt from that, it can only be Flash, because it's his family. I'm really sorry Fluttershy, but you can't risk your exams unlike him."

"... Yes, sir..." Fluttershy gave in with a nod. "Then promise me this Flash. You will bring not just your siblings back safe, the same goes to you. Got it?"

"... Yes, Fluttershy..." He raised his pinkie, "you have my Pinkie Promise."

"Cross your hearts you two..." Pinkie chimed in, "and say it properly!" Flash and Fluttershy looked at their jumpy friend of laughter, then back to each other, and nodded as they crossed their hearts.

"Cross my heart and hope to fly..." Fluttershy started while taking an imaginary cupcake from Pinkie,

"... Stick a Cupcake in my Eye." Flash finished, shoving that imaginary cupcake into his left eye.

"Then that's settled. I guess the best we can do for now is root for all of you." Soarin answered, patting Flash's shoulder.

"Let's go back." Flash encouraged.



The door swung open into a dark room, with the sole ceiling light turned on, Scootaloo and First Base were shoved back into the room. Damp, exhausted, coughing and spluttering on the floor.

"Well well! I'd say we had lots of fun did we?" Mystère followed behind with a playful laugh.

"..." Scootaloo was too tired to say anything but gave an unforgiving glare at him.

First, on the other hand, was still coughing up like no tomorrow, trying to soothe his throat

"Now, I thought I told you that I needed to keep an eye on you at all times. You do know that this world has full of bad strangers that would take no hesitation to jump at you?"

"Look... Who's... Talking..." First gasped between coughs.

"Oh? I thought I showed you who I really was when we took off our clothes!" Mystère smiled, "surely you don't recognise that... Hot body?"

"Shut up!" Scootaloo yelled, managing to catch enough breath, "why the hell would you do this!? Why would you go... To such levels!?"

"Of what? Protecting you from harm? Perhaps you should be a bit more grateful to what I do for you." He pulled out a phone, "now then. It's time make some medicine for causing worry and despair. Mind if I can have your voices?"

"You jerk... You... Bastard... Why... Why are you constantly taunting our brother?" Scootaloo swore,

"Sis!" First tensed up the moment he heard his sister swore.

"Complacency is a very dangerous trait, and even the brightest minds can let the most dangerous outcomes slip by with it." Mystère explained. "It is important to keep an eye on anything that is even a little bit suspicious. It's how I survived in my teenage years!"

"Like what!?" Scootaloo yelled. Mystère raised a finger to his lips as he fumbled on his phone. Once he got what he needed, he turned his phone for the siblings to see: An email.

Word by word, the siblings read through the sender's plans and fell into shock and insecurity as soon as they finished their analysis.

"Do you understand now?" Mystère reasoned, "You see, I know about your teacher and your brother, and what they can do. They're fearsome when pushed or when something goes wrong, yet kind and compassionate when things are under their control. Violence is not their main answer to life, but they are not hesitant on refining and using it should things get very dire."

"Get to the point!" First angrily yelled, "I'm sick of you talking about my brother and his teacher like that!"

"Fine then. You do know your brother has his midterms right? And do you know that your teacher, or rather every teacher, must be prepared for them right? Well... You know what's happening there. Do you think that teacher will take him down when he's busy at a time like this?"

"You plan to kill him!!!" First blew up in anger, "You've been working with that criminal to kill him!!!"

"Wow. Your first sentence is exactly what your older brother said to me, and I will use the same answer," Mystère calmly replied, shrugging again, "I gave his teacher a chance to leave Equestria, and he refused. But that's not how I would put it... I am absolutely positive that the teacher will have no chance of beating the criminal as of now, and he will die because of that. Now your brother on the other hand..."

"No..." First stood up, "so he's..."

"Ah-ha! Looks like you've caught on, little one! So..." He went back to the recording app on his phone, "now that you know why I do this, perhaps you'd be cooperative on making the medicine of worry?"

"Flash!" First yelled as fast as he could the moment he saw the man hit record, "don't be fooled! This is all a trap!"

"No no no!!!" Mystère quickly cupped First's mouth, only letting grunts of desperation and worry out. "Let's not ruin the surprise!"



The end of school has come, and the students were happy that another set of exams consisting of Art, History, and Religious Studies were completed, all but Flash that is. With his exams now postponed, he quickly returned home to change into a black tank top and blue shorts and decided to exert all the pain from thinking about his siblings still in danger onto a training dummy for an hour.

"Huh! Haah!" Flash mercilessly delivered two back kicks to his training dummy, "Graah!" Then delivered an astonishing downward roundhouse kick right onto the dummy's head.

"Chh..." Flash relaxed his muscles as he turned his focus on breathing, making sure that he wasn't fully using all of his anger and rage. He checked a clock on his table, looks like he's coming.

"Well now..." Mystère laughed as Flash opened the door, "and you knew I'd be coming."

"We spar in the nearby park," Flash instructed, still in his tank top and shorts, but bringing a bottle of water and his house keys. "Body combat classes are held there, so no one will notice anything suspicious if we spar at that location."

"... Very well, let's go." Mystère agreed.



For two hours, the two had sparred endlessly with lots of energy to stretch and swing their body parts around, not to mention yelling at each other with various grunts.

"Will you two ladies shut up!?" A neighbour yelled at them, "keep your tennis match down!"

"Oh, Sorry!" Both Flash and Mystère yelled back in their own respective tone (genuine and sarcasm).

For a third time, Flash had seen a familiar pattern of fighting from his opponent. From the air propelled by each punch, Flash deduced that there was plenty of force behind these punches, perhaps a compromise for the lack of swiftness and technique. This can be easily countered with a simple sidestep and a swift axe or crescent kick.

Sometimes, he would change into a desperate tackle in order to interrupt his opponent or knock him down for some serious damage. But with his stature, it's not going to amount to much. Also, aside from the usual dodging, a firm push kick with enough force can drive back that charging momentum, especially if directed towards the face, a wonderful counterpunch, or kick in this case.

What's more, just today, he added a few more moves that focus on grabbing a target outright, then proceed to deal damage through breaking bones or limbs... Mystère's grip is tough, true. But unless his hands were bigger, Flash could easily wring his arm free or use his legs and feet to launch a surprise attack. Perhaps even strike his arm with his own knee, giving an ironic broken bone for the bone breaker.

"Got you now!" Mystère laughed as he launched a sudden headbutt out of the blue. Without any word, Flash stepped to the side of the impact and opted to use his knee as a counter. A clear hit to the gut, it sent the smartly dressed man staggering backwards.

"Uncle. I call Uncle for now Flash." Mystère croaked, holding his gut for some attempted relief, "Damn! You really are a strong fighter! And an honourable one too at that!"

"We have done this three times now, and not once did you pull any dirty trick." Flash reasoned, "however. I find your fighting skills... Puzzling. Are you trying to mock me?"

"Whatever do you mean? I don't get you really." Mystère shook his head, "Why must you always be so suspicious of everything?" 

"The way you fight... It's undisciplined, reckless, fully reliant on strength rather than technique." Flash explained, "Not to mention, all these attacks do not suit you... And they seem rather new."

"Get to the point,"

"Your attacks are reckless and it leaves you very open." Flash elaborated, "those moves only work if the user can absorb a hit or two from me, but clearly, you've tried that and failed. Someone with a bigger and bulkier body can do that. Like a wrestler."

"Ha ha ha... You've managed to catch on I see," Mystère flashed his fanged smile, "not just fundamental and solid in your practice, but a bright and perceptive mind! Definitely soldier material, or even a competitive martial artist!" He stretched his neck, "as for my... Shoddy skills, let's just say the days that we had together amount to something important. A warning, if I may advise."

"What?"

"Just keep an eye on my moves, you'll need it soon enough..." Mystère chuckled as he brought his arms back up again in a fight. "Otherwise, I can always make sure you stay motivated!"

"Don't even think of pulling your phone out." Flash swung his arms, "I'm already motivated!!!"



"This is troublesome indeed." Kimura grumbled as he and Yada drove away from the Canterlot Water Park.

"What's the discovery?" Nagisa answered,

"We've recovered Scootaloo's phone, alongside her and First's swimming gear from the lost property area. Damp if I might add." Yada reported, "Don't ask me why in the world a kidnapper like Kuro would take his victims swimming."

"That's not serious at the moment, what about her details on her phone?"

"Well... When I turned it on, a frightening message appeared on the screen."

"Which was?"

" 'No No no... The game is still going... And its climax begins tomorrow!!!' -Kuro. Is what it said." Yada read, "Something tells me we're being led on a merry goose chase!"

"He's certainly cunning, that's for sure..." Nagisa fused, "And something that happens tomorrow??? What could be--!!!!!"

"Nagisa?" Kimura prompted, wondering why their teacher classmate had cut the line all of a sudden.

"OH CRAP! PRESSURE SHAKER!!! HE'S COMING TOMORROW!!!" Nagisa yelled,