67. Red, Blue, and Purple
08-19-2024
A/N: Sorry for the delay, I got sick yesterday lol. Stress sucks guys. Because of that, I have some important news at the very end of the fic regarding updates. I'll make sure to include a TLDR at the end as well.
HOWEVER, this fic hit its two year anniversary on Aug. 11! Thank you guys for your support for the entirety of the fic! I couldn't have done it without you all.
Q: Have you heard the news about Dr. Stone's final season?
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Days and days upon heading to the ship with Moz, you saw that Ibara and the rest of the palace guards had found no evidence of intruders escaping into the mainland. They had taken every single stone friend of yours that were on the ship and had dumped them into the sea with no regard of ever seeing them again. But you didn't mind, since every time you came back, Haru was quick to give you the news of who was revived with their wits and stories. You were glad that the treasure you sent was helping your friends. You couldn't wait to see them again, and they all wanted to do the same.
"Another day of nothing found. I suppose that this should be my last day of helping Ibara-sama and the master?" You subtly question as you and Moz sailed back to the mainland after spending some time on the Perseus with Ibara.
"Perhaps. Though, I do need your presence with me at the palace," said Moz with a smile.
You raised a brow as you looked over at him. "Oh? What for? It better not be something weird."
"Hah! You remind me of Kirisame-chan, it's quite amusing. But no, don't worry. It has something to do with the intruders..." he tells you, chuckling to himself.
You froze when those words entered your ears. Questions filled your mind, wondering how Moz might have a lead. Of course, you were one of the bigger ones, but you made sure to keep yourself in check and tried to suck up to them as much as you can. As you were arranging your thoughts, you calmed down and took a deep breath as the boat at hit land, all of which that Moz was watching.
"That's...interesting. I'll make sure to meet you later tonight. Just like before, let me say my farewells to the villagers and Haruhi-chan," you tell him as you begin walking off.
"Of course. I wouldn't miss a chance to see that cute girl any time," he says, trailing behind you.
"Don't talk about her like that." You roll your eyes as you headed for the village.
As you made it, you were happy enough to see Haru once more in their feminine wear. It seemed like they come up only when you are leaving the Perseus, which was good timing.
"Ah, (Y/N)-san. How was your search this time?" They questioned as they approached, clearly trying to ignore the man's presence behind you. For the past few days, you saw that their hatred for him had grown, which was understandable.
"Nothing of interest to be found once again, Haruhi-chan," Moz answered with a smirk on his face. "It seems to be better when I'm able to see you, or when I'm with (Y/N)-chan."
Haru's mouth slightly twitched as his words. With a strained smile, they replied, "I was talking to the lady, not the weirdo standing behind her. Stay in line."
"So harsh. But I can't get over how entertaining you are," said the man with a grin, then turned to take a distance away from the two of you. "I'll leave you two to talk."
As you and Haru watched him walk toward a few women in the village, you faced the kid with a grave look on your face. "Haru, I have some news. Moz might be onto us."
With a bewildered look on their face, they replied, "What?! What did you guys do?"
"We didn't do anything! These guys are more perceptive than we thought. But we need you to stake out the palace tonight just in case we need help escaping," you explained to them. "Let Senku and the others know before you leave, alright?"
They stared at you with those wide, grey eyes of theirs and nodded. "Okay. I could only imagine how your science guy would react to this info right now..."
"Tell him that he'll see me again, safe and sound."
"Yeah, yeah."
You hastily turned as you said your goodbyes and met with Moz and Ibara outside of the village, who had caught up to the two of you. Just like before, his mood seemed to heighten at the sight of you, which creeped you out whenever you got close.
"(Y/N)-chan! Thank you for your help today, once again," said Ibara with a cheery grin. "You have been a very good girl with aiding the investigation."
"Thank you. Will I be helping again tomorrow?" You politely ask.
"If the master allows it."
"I see. When will I be able to see the master? I want to thank him for allowing me with this...opportunity."
With his hand against his chin, the old man begins to think for a bit until he replied, "Soon. He is going to be very busy for the next few days. However, the master had informed me earlier today that he wants to see Gin-chan tonight. So, please make sure to escort her to the master's quarters when we get back."
You widen your eyes in surprise. "Ginr--I mean, Gin-chan? Are you sure?"
"Yes. He finds that little tomboy quite cute and wants to have a 'discussion' with her!"
For a split second, you saw a look on his face, one that you could only describe as disgusting. Considering that you had infiltrated a harem, such activities happening with the master was no surprise to you. However, it was something you never wanted to participate in, let alone your friends as well. You could only pray that you'd see Senku again before you were chosen for "those" duties.
"Understood. I'll bring her over with no problem."
~~~
"NO! PLEASE, NO! WHY ME?!"
"Because that's what the old man said, Ginro! Let go of Kohaku!"
"But I don't wanna meet the master! At least come with me, please!"
Ginro tightly clutched onto Kohaku with tears and snot pouring out of his facial orifices. You were trying to pry him off the woman as the three of you led him to the master's quarters, which was at the highest peak of the palace.
"We can only escort you partway since you're the one who was summoned," said the lioness, pushing his head down in annoyance.
"Plus, this is our biggest chance to make contact with the leader. While you get to do this, I have to unfortunately meet with Moz in regards to the 'intruders'. Pray that we aren't caught," you let out a sigh.
"Exactly! Remember the mission, Ginro. Get friendly with the master and maybe take some hostages if the opportunity arises!" Your blonde confidently exclaimed as she ripped his arms off of her body.
The boy's jaw dropped with disbelief. "Do you honestly think I could pull off a stunt like that?!"
"Relax. You're a man, so it's not like you'll be attacked," replied Kohaku.
"That's some naive thinking, Kohaku-chan..." Amaryllis commented softly.
You then shoved Ginro forward to head up to the quarters by himself. With a serious expression, you told him, "You'll be okay. Just remember to use the secret weapon Senku gave you if you need to escape."
With a sad and nervous groan, he replies as he leaves, "Fine..."
As the three of you watch him disappear from sight, you let out a sigh as you looked up at the sky, "Now that he's gone, I have to meet with Moz..."
"Well, you don't need to look so hard, since he's already here," Kohaku said as she stared at you, then turned toward the trees. You followed her eyes to see that Moz was sitting in a nearby tree, watching the three of you from afar.
"Heh, you've got some pretty good eyes, Kohaku-chan, (Y/N)-chan," you heard him say as he dropped down from the branch he sat on. He started walking toward your group with his spear hung over his shoulder. When he stopped a distance away, his eyes narrowed with suspicion and pointed his weapon at your blonde friend. "You're the intruders, aren't you? I was only going to ask (Y/N)-chan, but you're already here together. So, go on--tell me where your friends are hiding."
The lioness stood quiet for a bit, taking a glance at you and the island woman. She spoke calmly at his accusation, "Even if we were invaders...do you really think we'd reveal our allies location? Besides, how do you even know that we are, after all that (Y/N) has done for you?"
"I'm sure using sorcery to shoot lights at the minister whenever he got close to (Y/N)-chan, or using it to communicate from afar, gave it away," he replied with a smug expression. "Though, if I were being real honest, your friends aren't that good at hiding."
Kohaku got on the defensive, standing in front of you an Amaryllis. You adjusted your footwork to make sure that if the worst had happened, you'd grab Amaryllis and take her to safety. With a swift movement, your friend grabbed the rope from her thigh and untied it, revealing a hidden razor blade attached to it. The guards that were walking around had spotted her pulling it out.
"Hey, what's that harem girl doing?! She has a weapon!"
"Is she going to attack the blessed one?!"
As you saw them charging through the bridges, you scooped Amaryllis into your arms and jumped down from the pathway you were standing on to keep her from harm's way. At the same time, Kohaku used her strength to fight off the palace guards as Moz just watched--he seemed to be impressed by you and your friend's physical prowess.
"No mercy! Kill her dead! The Great Oarashi is the strongest on the island, so witness my miracle power!" You saw Oarashi charging at Kohaku as she was busy defending herself.
Suddenly, the spearman jumped in between the lioness and the bull--the look of rage replaced his usual appearance. He swept all the men away with the swing of his spear, knocking them down and over the path. The was the first time you've ever seen him in action, and boy, he was strong.
"Who said you could kill her? If she was ugly, sure. But what a waste of a beauty that would be. The harem is how I have my fun, so don't you ever forget that," Moz declared to the lowly peons below him. With a grin, he turned to the blonde warrior, as though he was beckoning her.
"Heh, just as I promised, I'm ready to fight you!" Kohaku blurted out as she jumped at him. They began their brawl, using all the space they could as you would avoid them.
You couldn't hear what they were talking about since they were moving around too much. Your gaze turned to Amaryllis, who was still in your arms, and spoke to her, "We need to get you out of here. It's not safe and we need to tell the science team that we've been compromised."
"But how are we going to do that? There are guards everywhere!" She cried out. "They are going to spot us if we try to leave and Moz will catch us!"
You replied, "I know...we need a distraction--"
"Kohaku-chan, (Y/N), save me!"
You and Amaryllis looked above you to see Ginro with a fearful look on his face. Before you could even do or say anything, Ibara had appeared, looming behind him with a dark expression. With no hesitation, you saw him piercing through the boy's body with those long, sharp fingers of his.
"Ginro!" The three of you cried out, watching his body fall through the trees after Ibara pulled his fingers out. Kohaku immediately stopped her fight with Moz to head down to get him. You put the girl down and followed your friend, leaving Amaryllis to keep her safe.
At the forest floor, you saw the lioness approach and inspect Ginro's body. His dress was covered with red blood and it was still spreading. Judging by how grave the wound looked, there was no way he was going to survive. This was fatal.
"Multiple organs were pierced. There is no coming back from this," you tell them with a hardened expression. You were straining yourself, trying not to get emotional for his sake.
The boy then started mumbling something incomprehensible--he was too weak. Trying to cope, Kohaku responded, "I know what you're trying to say! You want me to put you out of your misery so you can painlessly die, right? I won't do that! There has to be some way--"
"The master's a statue," Ginro said softly. Both of you widened your eyes in shock. "He looks just like Soyuz. He might be his..."
"Slow down, Ginro. You're losing energy," you gently tell him. "But great job for getting that information..."
"Yeah, well, there's no saving me now... I'm supposed to be a village guard...a warrior, even. So I had to be cool 'til the very end..." he replied with a pained smile. "Bye...Kinro..."
With a frown, Kohaku stood, holding Ginro in her arms. She declares, "You're right, Ginro. You're beyond help, so there's only one thing I can do!"
"Guys!" You heard Amaryllis call out to the three of you.
The lioness then turned her head to you. With confidence and trust, she instructed you, "(Y/N), I'm going make a distraction. Take Amaryllis and escape. Tell the others about the secrets our spy team uncovered."
You were shocked by her request, but didn't hesitate to agree, "I will. We'll complete our mission for you."
The woman gives you a thankful smile before she heads back up into the trees. You quickly tell Amaryllis the info that Ginro obtained before Kohaku starts yelling at the top of her lungs, "LISTEN TO ME, EVERYONE!"
Soon, Ibara starts explaining to everyone that the master is going to release his power, and tells them to close their eyes. You see Kirisame throwing the weapon toward your two friends. They were sitting at the very top of the palace, ready to be petrified.
"Okay, let's go!" You whisper to Amaryllis as the guards eyes were covered. As the green light appeared, you picked the girl up once more and sprinted out of the area.
You almost stumbled multiple times when you carried the girl in your arms. But you were careful not to drop her and securely hold her. She didn't mind, as she had her arms wrapped tightly around your neck to make sure the two of you got back to the Kingdom of Science safely.
"Senpai! Amaryllis-san!" You heard a voice calling out to you in the dark as you got closer to the caves by cutting through the dark forest.
The girl in your hold had large eyes, calling out as she heard their voice, "Haru-chan! Run!"
You saw Haru meet up with the two of you as they spotted you. Their eyes widened as they saw you carrying the girl, running hastily away from the palace. They quickly caught up to you, but didn't stop moving.
"What happened?! I saw a green light appear at the top of the palace!" They demanded as they ran side-by-side with you. "Did you guys get the weapon?!"
"No. Kohaku and Ginro got caught. They were turned to stone, and the guards were going to come after us next if we stayed," you explained to them in a quick fashion.
Suddenly, you felt a rock forming in your gut, churning with unease. A pair of eyes was watching you and only you. You slowly stopped running, leaving Haru confused when you gently placed Amaryllis on the ground. Turning around and facing the darkness, you pulled your short blade out and got on the defensive. This caused the child to tense up.
The brunette looked at you with a frantic look on her face. "What are you doing, (Y/N)?!"
"Leave immediately. There's something I need to do. Do not look back and do not come for me," you instructed the both of them, gripping the blade tightly as you didn't bat an eye. "Haru, take Amaryllis and go. Now."
The raven-haired child nodded, taking Amaryllis by the hand and started running off without any questions. They trusted your word and they trusted your strength. They had a feeling you'd come back to everyone in one piece.
"I know you're out there," you started when both of your friends were out of sight. "Come out and face me like the man you are."
A low chuckle echoed from within the forest. "My, oh my. Kohaku-chan was quite strong, so I'm sure you don't fail to be as well."
There, under the moonlight, you could see a figure coming to the clearing through the trees. It was Moz, holding his spear in hand, looking directly at you. With his usual smirk, he started circling around the clearing--you doing the same to keep him at a distance.
"How long did you know?" You questioned him directly.
"Know what?" He playfully replies as the warrior hitches his spear over his wide shoulder.
You tell him, "That we were intruders...why didn't you do anything before if you did?"
"Who knows? I just wanted to see how long it'd take before it all went to hell," he said with a shrug. "Say, (Y/N)-chan, what type of man are you into?"
You let out a scoff as you heard that. Rolling your eyes, you respond, "Why? I doubt you're asking this to stall for time."
"I'm a curious man, especially when it comes to cute girls like you. Kohaku-chan gave a pretty terrible answer... 'Strength of tenacity?' How boring," he sighed with dissatisfaction as he shook his head. The man urged, "So, care to answer?"
With the click of your tongue, you replied, "Well, if you want an answer so bad, I'll give you one. My type is a man who is smart, but gentle. The world may be on his shoulders, but he won't fall apart. I love his strength and intellect, and most importantly, his heart."
"Oh? By the way you're talking...you've got someone specific that you're thinking of," Moz answered with furrowed brows. "I already lost, huh...?"
You tightened the grip on your blades, feeling the warrior's sense of bloodlust rise. "That's right. I won't let you take my victor."
"Hmph. I might as well steal the prize from that victorious champion, then," said the warrior before he charged you with his spear.
~~~
-Senku's POV-
"Okay, first off, this master guy doesn't actually have a weapon."
"That's because he's a statue. So the real mastermind, Ibara, is holding onto it."
After Amaryllis had arrived and explained the entire situation to the Kingdom of Science, each member of the Five Wise Generals began to come up with a strategy. However, they needed to deduct a few things.
"Ibara-chan is the type to keep plenty of insurance, metaphorically speaking. If a second petrification weapon existed, we can be sure he would keep it on his person. Because, in a major crisis where they need to petrify an invader immediately..." Gen explained with a wicked smile, "...wouldn't he prefer to have options?"
"Meaning, there is only one weapon! Plus, since our dear (Y/N) is still out there, she would've been petrified by whoever was following her!" Ryusui exclaimed with the snap of his fingers.
Taiju adds, "That sounds super complicated, but the conclusion is rock-solid!"
Senku lets out a chuckle, "The thrower runs risk of petrification, so the old man has Kirisame do the deed. And if it were (Y/N), she wouldn't let them use it, as she is a close ranged fighter. Not like she'd figure it out though."
"There's one more critical thing to confirm about the 3D space in question," Ukyo then interjected, turning his body toward Amaryllis. "When Kirisame tossed the weapon, it activated above Kohaku and Ginro, right?"
"Yes, that's right," she replied honestly with confusion splattered all over her face.
"As a second, far-away witness, I can also confirm this. The light didn't touch the building when I saw it," said Haru as they had their hand up.
With that, the Wise Generals had figured out a key to the puzzle. Kirisame doesn't know that the master is a statue.
"Well done working that out. Say, which one of you is the victor that belongs to this cutie here?"
Everyone heard a voice come up from behind them. Senku turned around and his wine-colored eyes widened with surprise to see Moz standing at the cave's entrance with a smug look on his face. There, he also saw his lover in the arms of the enemy.
But she wasn't alert and oriented--her eyes were closed and puffy--tear streaks were faintly visible under them. She wasn't moving a single muscle, since the water dripping from her was undisturbed. Her neck had fresh blotches of the colors red, while bruises covered her arms and legs with blue and purple, which caused his brows to furrow. Her breathing was so shallow that she appeared to be dead. The scientist suddenly remembered their exchange before she had left to join the harem.
"Make sure you stay safe. Don't be stupid, slowpoke."
With a chuckle, the girl replied as she pulled back, "Yeah, yeah, I will."
"Remember, I'll always be here for you, even if you can't see me," said Senku with a smirk. He was looking directly into her (E/C) eyes as he said that with sincerity.
With that, he watched as she gently placed her hands over her beating heart, then gave him a kiss on the forehead.
"I'll make sure to give you a proper one when I'm safe and sound. That's a promise," she swore, holding a pinky up to his face.
The scientist chuckled slightly, taking her pinky in his. "Alright. When I see you again, you better be safe and sound so I can get a proper one."
His heart rate spiked as it blended with his anger, knowing exactly how scared she might've been after re-living her trauma.
-To be Continued-
A/N: I hope you like this chapter! Again, sorry for the delay guys!
Okay, onto the news: My mental health has taken a dive and my motivation has plummeted! My hyperfixation on Dr Stone is dying and I don't want that to go away, so my solution to this is to die down on updates!
I am not abandoning this fic. I'm still going to write! But it's gonna be slow and updates won't be on a consistent schedule. I'm doing this for the sake of me because I put my entire heart and soul into this and I want to continue doing that at my own pace.
I hope you guys understand!
TLDR: I will still be updating but it won't be as consistent or often as before. My mental health sucks but I'm not abandoning the fic.