Chapter Text
“How long do you think they’re going to take?” Hitomu paced back and forth.
“I can’t say,” said Kokone, “but I haven’t heard from Rosemary since he went off to find Chiho.”
"I hope they're not hurt," mused Ran, sipping on a glass of apple juice.
Hitomu shook his head. “This is the longest I’ve ever been away from either of them. I just want some sort of sign that they’re okay.”
Ask and you shall receive; the door gently closed. Hitomu looked up, and there they were, looking alive and healthy as could be. “Da’y!!”
“Chiho!” Hitomu rushed to the entrance and scooped his little girl up, holding her to the sky. Setting her down on his hip, he tightly embraced Rosemary. “Babe, you’re alright!” The two nuzzled noses.
“Koko!” Chiho squealed as Kokone picked her up and hugged her.
"Scoot your boot, I want in on this too!" Ran squeezed her way in to hug Chiho as well.
“She’s here!” Mana came barreling out of Pig Tail. “She’s here!!”
Makoto was knocked right off her feet by Mana, Rikka, and Alice, who all tackled her with hugs. Ai-chan, fluttering her little wings, landed softly in Regina’s arms, who held her close. “I’m glad you’re home safe.”
“Ai!” Ai-chan squeaked.
"Yes," cooed Regina, "the Himura sisters are back together again."
Asumi entered her home and let Latte down to trot into Yasuko's arms. "Oh, you're such a good puppy!" Yasuko cuddled Latte.
"Arf!" Latte barked happily.
Nodoka came to hug her stepsister. "We were all really worried about you. Dad even cried about it."
Takeshi blushed. "Maybe I did...I just wanted you to come home safe."
“Is that…?” Love peeked out the window, then went running down the stairs. “It is!!” She threw open the front door and squeezed Inori into a giant hug that lifted her off the ground.
“Urf, I’m…glad to see you too,” wheezed Inori. “Can you put me down? You’re crushing my ribcage.”
“You did a really great job,” praised Miki, picking up Chiffon, who cooed happily.
“Nya!” Hummy hopped off Kanade’s shoulder as soon as Hibiki entered her line of vision. She padded down the sidewalk and into her arms.
“There you are!” Hibiki picked her up. “We’ve been so worried about you!”
“It doesn’t look like she’s too hurt,” said Ako, petting Hummy’s head. “I’d call that a successful mission.”
"It's so good to have you home," cooed Ellen, plucking Hummy from Hibiki's arms and nuzzling her face.
"They're home!" Ageha practically shot off the couch like a ball in a cannon when she saw Mashiro coming inside.
"Elle!!" Tsubasa scooped the little princess up into his arms. "Oh, I'm so happy you're safe! I'm sorry I wasn't able to protect you!"
Ageha and Yoyo both held Mashiro tight, while Sora and Tsubasa fussed over Elle-chan.
Hidden in the Bad End Kingdom, Poisony swore she could feel a familiar presence in the air. Exiting the lair where she had been waiting, she was delighted at the sight of Joker coming to the door, with Maimiko trailing behind him. “Maimiko, my treasure,” she cooed, “how wonderful it is to have you back in my arms.” She picked her up and held her tight.
“I can assure you that ruffian will not be a problem in the future,” muttered Joker.
“Are you certain?” Poisony asked.
“Oh, yes, I am,” said Joker, stifling a belch. “If you don’t mind, I need to lie down and sleep off this indigestion. When I awaken, I’d like to speak to you regarding a possible new ally.”