Piece by piece, Kari hacked off each of Flare's limbs. [Ruin] went through the flesh and bones like butter, making mincemeat of her on the chopping board.

"How do you like that?!" Kari cried, pouring her emotions out in every swing.

"Kari…"

Fury commanded her hands. Only her and Flare, and she wasn't done yet. She severed the head from the shoulders. Scalding blood splattered on Kari's face and slickened her hands. The soul-weapon slipped from her grasp as she struck out again. Instead of going after it, she started kicking the pieces of Flare's ruined body.

"Everything that you did doesn't fucking matter now, does it? Huh, Flare? Fucking bitch! Fuck you! Fuck you! I did it! I killed you!"

"Kari!"

Jade's voice snapped Kari back to her senses.

Was it over?

There was no way to be sure. Kari maintained a cautious vigil over Flare's mutilated remains. Her eyes stung from the cinders, but the fear of being caught unawares was as palpable as the ashes on her parched tongue. She pressed a hand to the two holes in her stomach. The bleeding had stopped, but it might be over the moment her magical girl form dropped.

It was going to hurt like hell, too.

Only a few feet away across from the corpse, Jade was barely able to stay standing. She held Justice to prop herself up, but her entire right arm was so charred it looked like seared steak.

"Is Flare… actually dead?" Kari dreaded to ask.

Jade swallowed hard and opened her mouth to answer, but only a hoarse gasp escaped her lungs.

"Did you… gain… any points?" Jade asked, panting between each word.

Kari shook her head.

"No."

The fiery magical girl, who should have been able to rise from the ashes like a phoenix, laid still on the ground. Flare bled like any normal human, and the frightened demeanor captured her final moments.

"Last time she died was in Roppongi. Took about a few minutes. How long has it been?" Kari asked.

"Hell if I know," Jade said. "Your weapon cuts through us, right? Maybe it went through her and her resurrection skill, right?"

"Maybe? I… I don't know."

Rocky, Iggy, and Pochi flew over, lifting an unconscious Gauntlet by each paw.

"If the ring's detached from the hand, then she should be dead for good!" Rocky exclaimed.

"Check for a ring!" Iggy hastily added.

Kari turned to Jade, and both of them dropped down to check Flare's fingers. The pool of blood stained the bottom of their robes, knees, and hands as they searched through the carnage.

Lying on the ground and severed at the wrist was Flare's right hand. The ring that had previously been unseen was set with a ruby on her index finger. Kari lifted the severed hand and tugged on the ring— and it came loose.

They breathed a collective sigh of relief.

It was over. At long last the bitch was dead. The wave of relief that washed over Kari was short-lived. Her knees buckled from the biting pain of both hunger and her wounds. She peeled back her hand that was pressed to the wound. The two holes from being stabbed by the stake emitted a gaseous black mist similar to what surrounded Flare.

"What are we going to do with it?" Rocky asked.

Kari flicked it away.

"Not my concern."

Ignoring her soul-weapon, Kari dragged herself over to Makina and held her weak body close. They needed to get to a hospital. Makina might not last otherwise. As Kari took flight, the sound of a humming weapon gave her pause.

"Where do you think you're going?" Jade asked.

When Kari glanced over her shoulders, a javelin charging up for the kill was aimed right at them. Rather, it was aimed at her in particular.

"I have to get her help," Kari said.

"You think I'm dumb? I know you're gonna find a hospital, but what happens after? Don't tell me you're thinking about running off somewhere. Do I gotta remind you we still got a score to settle?"

Kari hadn't forgotten. That once the Apocalypse, Messiah, and Flare were dealt with, the two of them still couldn't let each other go. As she gazed into the emerald magical girl's eyes to meet her resolve, another thought did come to mind.

A chance to make amends? No.

A desire to seek salvation? Too far gone for that.

Nothing noble like any of that. Just another selfish want.

"There's one more thing I need to take care of, because there's no telling when that thing is going to hatch," Kari said.

Jade, who had reached into her pocket to pull out a cigarette carton, grimaced when she popped open the top and looked in. She crushed the carton and tossed it away.

"You're gonna go eat it, huh? You know I can't let you do that." Jade glared.

"I'm the last person to ask this from you, but I want you to trust me. I want you to let me go," she implored her.

Unmoved, Jade shook her head.

Was it always going to lead to this? Just like every other mistake Kari had made, she wondered at what point things could have gone differently.

"Okay…"

Kari laid Makina down on a wooden bench that had miraculously survived all the destruction and chaos. It was slightly elevated on the right, probably from a root growing underneath. She kissed her on the forehead and went to pick up [Destruction and Ruin].

"You ready?" Kari asked.

Jade cracked her neck left and right, then cracked her knuckles underneath her chin.

"Was waiting on you, rookie."

***

Two days after the Apocalypse had ended in Japan, the country was ready to begin its road to recovery.

With a heavy jacket on and cap to disguise herself, Kari followed the nurse down the busy hospital corridor. There were so many patients, they had to shuffle and squeeze between occupied beds pulled out into the hall. Many were left alone to recover in silence. Who knows if they were already dead. One groaning man was being tended to by a nurse and doctor, replacing the bloodied bandages that wrapped a leg missing below the knee.

The heavy smell of antiseptic made her nose wrinkle.

Towards the end of the hallway, space became more plentiful. But only because two JSDF officers guarded the last room on the left.

"I'm sorry," the older one said, blocking their way. "This patient isn't seeing visitors."

The nurse who had escorted her frowned.

"This young lady here says the girl inside is her classmate. Maybe you can look the other way just this once?" she asked.

"Please? I haven't seen her since the apocalypse. I just… want a moment to speak to her," Kari pleaded.

The other officer sighed through his nose.

"Fifteen minutes," he said, opening the door for her.

As Kari entered, eager to see Makina, the door gently shut behind her.

There she was, lying still in bed, an IV stuck to her arm, and attached to a heart monitor. The only thing that Kari hated was the handcuffs that shackled Makina to the bed. The fox anthem Pochi, who was snuggled on top of her chest, awakened and started wagging his tail.

Kari unzipped her school bag to let Rocky and Iggy out, both choking down deep breaths as they emerged.

"We made it!" Rocky exclaimed.

"Sh." Kari placed a finger up to her lips. "They're just outside, so be quiet."

The two anthems nodded, then made zipping motions across their lips. Quietly, they roped Pochi into helping them freshen the place up. Rocky threw open the curtains. Iggy scattered the 'get well soon' balloons, and Pochi laid flowers Kari had bought along the counter next to the window.

Kari pulled the only seat in the room closer to Makina and brushed some hair away from her face. She fingered the zipper of her jacket pulled up to her collar. Just underneath was her magical girl outfit, still in form so as to not bleed out.

"Nurse told me you were looking good. You kind of lost a few pounds, but same old you. It's uhm… starting to get cold. Maybe you should ask the nurses for extra blankets— Right, shit. You're still unconscious. I'll ask for you. Before I go."

Sitting by the window, surrounded by flowers, the anthems were watching her intently.

"Can you guys not stare?" Kari groaned.

"Where else are we going to look?" Rocky asked.

Her eyes flicked to the school bag on the ground.

"I got a few ideas."

"W-We'll look out the window then!" Iggy said

The butterfly anthem— Sachi's anthem— had nowhere to go. Not only did she lose her magical girl, but also the ring. They couldn't just leave her hanging and so brought her around. Too bad she always served as a constant reminder of Kari's failure to save Sachi.

But she was able to save one.

"I… was hoping you'd be awake when I got here. Maybe we could talk a little more. Used to be that you were always the one talking, so it feels weird that I'm the only one talking now. Just spitting out whatever comes to mind, you know? Oh! I visited Minato. Same thing. Just me talking."

Kari began to choke up before continuing.

"It's not fair… It sucks shit. I just wanted to protect you guys and… I fucked up. So I'm going to set things straight. Not because it's the right thing to do. Sure as hell not doing it for people who I'll never meet. You're all that matters. It's always been for you."

A tear streaked down Kari's cheek and landed on Makina's forehead. She grabbed her hand and squeezed, wishing that she would just wake up and convince her not to go.

One of the officers knocked on the door to notify Kari that her fifteen minutes were up. She hesitated to leave, but a second knock spurred her to get going.

"Bye, Makina."

As Kari got up to leave, only Rocky followed her. Pochi and Iggy stayed behind with Makina. When she exited the room, the nurse was waiting outside to come in.

"Can you get her more bedsheets? Makina can get cold pretty easily," Kari said.

"I'm afraid we've run out with how many patients have been coming in. I'll definitely double check for you," the nurse offered.

"Oh. It's fine then. Can I get just one more minute? Just one. I left something inside," she told the officers.

The officer clicked his tongue.

"Alright, hurry."

Kari returned to Makina's bedside. The door was left slightly ajar enough to see their shoulders, but neither the officers or the nurse were peeking in. She unzipped her hoodie and laid it on top of Makina. The magical girl outfit she wore had repaired itself at some point, just not the injury. Even now the black mists seeped through the fabric of her outfit.

Iggy and Pochi opened the window just as the officers and nurse poked their heads in.

"Magical girl Kari?!"

Both of them reached for their sidearms, but Kari leapt out of the window to escape. They flew high into the sky, far out of reach from any eyes or bullets.

"Ready to go?" Rocky asked.

"Yeah," Kari said, wiping the wetness from her eyes.

Kari and Rocky flew across Cape Town, chased by flying monstrosities. She whirled around and clenched [Destruction and Ruin].

"Wanton Smash!"

[+2,000 Apocalypse Points]

[+2,000 Apocalypse Points]

[+2,000 Apocalypse Points]

[+2,000 Apocalypse Points]

[+2,000 Apocalypse Points]

The monsters exploded in a mist of blood that rained down the ruined streets. That was the last of them in the city.

This city, this country that was unlucky enough to be Flare's testing ground, faced the world's very first apocalypse that never ended.

"It's time to put old ghosts to rest," Kari whispered.

Kari landed in the streets, gazing up at the giant, pulsating cocoon. The angel that was birthed here had entered another metamorphosis. Then it was true. It really was absorbing souls that had died all the way in Japan.

Walking up to the cocoon, the cacophony of voices began to echo like white noise in her head. A deep, prickling hunger tempted her closer.

You played your hand well, fooled those closest to you, and now the prize is right before your eyes. So close that you can taste it.

"You're right. I did fool everyone, didn't I? My friends, enemies, people I didn't even know… All just to get here," Kari whispered, pressing a hand to the cool surface of the cocoon. "And now…"

Kari took a step back and with one powerful swing, she buried [Ruin] into the shell. The strike cracked the cocoon, but as she drew the blade out, a mass of souls emerged along with it. Screaming, crying, and cursing, the amalgamation of madness which crackled with incredible energy shaped to suit a willing vessel.

The soulmass struggled in her grasp. Loosening even a finger might release another horror into the world, so she clenched tightly and raised it to her salivating mouth.

It tasted bitter, then it began to hurt like biting down on a cactus. The souls burned going down, but the shrieking went quiet the instant she gulped it down. Her ceaseless hunger had come to an end. A power bubbled within her like a boiling kettle . The entity that dwelled inside her soul danced with joy. She experienced its elation and relief, sensing a thousand years of patience fulfilled at last.

Kari wondered what it all meant. It was filled with unquenchable rage and a desire to be… reborn.

The black fog, the same that billowed from Flare like she was a burning coal plant, began to envelope her body and robes.

[System message incoming…

…

…

…

System message received. Displaying message now…

Congratulations, you have stopped both apocalypses. Your world's end has been stalled.

You have also exceeded Our expectations and consumed an angel's soul. This power created by Our ancient enemies to fight Us now gestates in your body, but We shall mold it into something else. Something to make you greater.]

They are pleased. We are pleased. Nothing will stop Us from now on, Kari. The world is Our feasting ground and dinner has only just begun. Shall We return to Japan to consume what is left?

"Now," Kari began as she felt the changes in her body, "I've fooled you, too."

Holding the soul-weapon by the shaft and spike, Kari plunged [Ruin] into her abdomen.

[What are you doing? Stop, fool! We command you to stop!]

What are you doing? Stop, fool! We command you to stop!

Desperate and panicked, the voices rang like church bells between her ears. The mists of darkness coiled around the weapon, pulling in vain against her strength in an attempt to save her.

"I'm… in control… it's my life… I decide how I live and die!" Kari shouted, driving the bladed edge of [Ruin] deeper into her chest.

The voices went silent. Blood poured down her outfit like a fountain. How many times had she stained these robes? It was a wonder that they hadn't gone black yet.

Kari ripped the soul-weapon away in a spray of blood and collapsed backwards. Passing clouds drifted past her eyes. The comfort that maybe Makina was watching the same sky masked the overwhelming pain.

It was so bright a few seconds ago, but now things were getting darker like night had drawn. However, one figure she did make out was Rocky, who floated over her.

"Hey, partner…" Kari muttered weakly.

"I'm right here," Rocky said, holding her hand.

She felt his hot tears falling onto her face.

"I got one last favor to ask from you. Can you take my ring… throw it into the ocean."

"I will." Rocky nodded.

Good, she thought.

"I couldn't ask for a better anthem… than you, Rocky. I'm so glad you were my friend." Kari smiled. "Watch over Makina for me, will you?"

"I will…" Rocky nodded again, rubbing his fuzzy head against her cheek. "Goodbye, Kari."

Everything suddenly stopped hurting, but the world continued to grow darker. Soon, she couldn't even feel the fur on Rocky's head. Had he left? Was this how death was supposed to be? Alone and uncertain?

As tears rolled down her eyes, Kari came to the terrifying realization that she didn't want to die. She didn't want to be the hero who sacrifices her own life. All she ever wanted was to be with Makina.

One last thought flitted through Kari's mind as the emptiness enveloped her. It would have been nice to hear Makina play the piano again.

"Kari… Kari!"

Kari awakened to the beaming sun warming up the left half of her body. She rubbed the crust from her eyes and yawned. As the blurriness faded, she nearly fell out of her chair seeing Minato and Makina standing in front of her desk.

Minato folded his arms to show his displeasure.

"School's out, sleepyhead."

"S… School?" Kari repeated after him.

The classroom was empty, tinted a warm and orange glow from the setting sun. They were the only ones inside. Everyone else seemed to have left already. The clock above the blackboard read 3:21 PM.

"Shit. You guys didn't think to wake me up?" Kari groaned, quickly stuffing her things into her school bag.

"Well, someone wanted to take pictures of your sleeping face." Minato rolled his eyes, which landed squarely on Makina.

"Hey! You promised not to say anything!" Makina pouted, then turned to Kari. "I'm not deleting these pictures. You can't make me! I never get any pictures with you, because you're always so uptight about them."

Kari swallowed the urge to tease her. She could have. After all, they… After all… what?

"Let's go already," Minato said. "Sachi and Rie are waiting for us at the gate."

Sachi and Rie were?

"Oooh. Someone's just excited to see Sachi~" Makina teased.

"Stuff it! Nothing's going on between us!" Minato fired back, blushing up to his ears.

That's right. Minato and Sachi were… They were… something? Kari couldn't quite put her finger on it.

"Kari, you got to do something about falling asleep in class. Your parents are going to give you an earful when the homeroom teacher calls them about it," Minato warned.

Kari shuddered as she stood up, and watched from her desk as Minato and Makina headed for the door.

"Kari? What's wrong?" Makina asked, taking a worried few steps back inside.

"My parents are dead, and so is Minato, Sachi, and Rie," Kari said.

The two of them traded glances and chuckled nervously.

"They're clearly not dead, and your lovable okatu is right here. Still stuck in dreamland?" Minato joked.

"I'm sorry, you two. I really wish this was real, but I know it's not. You can drop the act now," Kari faced the ceiling to say.

Her friends returned to the room, but more cautiously in their approach.

Makina looked hurt.

"You're scaring me, Kari. If something's wrong, you can talk to us. Me especially. We're dating now, aren't we?" Makina asked.

"Don't play with my head!" Kari picked up a desk and threw it against the windows. The glass shattered, and so did everything else until emptiness remained.

The two were all that was left, but even they began to dissolve, melting like ice cream on a hot summer day. A viscous pool that her friends had turned into reached her shoes. She stepped away and tried to shake it off, but it clung to her like slime. Gnarled and bloodied hands emerged from the rippling waters to grab ahold of her legs.

Glancing down, her reflection was among the countless warped faces that stared up at her. A giant eyeball opened in the space above, glaring with so much spite that she felt the needles on her skin.

Shame. We wanted to tear you down Ourselves.

"This is my punishment, isn't it?" Kari asked.

An eternity's worth of damnation and suffering for betraying Us. We gifted you the tool to carve this world. You could have been so much more. Like one of Us. But you spat in Our faces. The gall—

Kari expelled an exhausted sigh.

"Stop talking. Just do your worst."