Epilogue [End]

Back on the mainland, news of the Ginkawa's escape spread. The warrant for Madoka's arrest was still active, but public sentiment had shifted in favor of the Ginkawas. Mutsumi was also doing her best to get things right, but the deaths of Zerin, and Mochi at the hands of Serika complicated things. Even though many in the police were glad someone had finally taken out Zerin, murder was still murder.

Not to mention Purin, Kurobane, and Yumeko had survived and would likely cause problems again as soon as they could talk again. Though thanks to Serika secretly recording Carl's conversation, Mutsumi was able to at least get the three transferred to a prison hospital for confinement. Kaori and Carl had also been arrested and this time, Mutsumi wasn't going to let Carl free, no matter how much his friends in America complained.

But the bigger problem for Mutsumi right now was Bianka. Bianka had made a full physical recovery, but her mental state was a mess. On one hand, she wanted to kill Serika, but on the other, she knew that her killing Mochi was what Mochi would have wanted.

"I'm gonna bring that bitch back. And if Mochi's disowned sister can start talking again, call me over so I can force feed some truth serum into her. I want to know what exactly she did to my Mochi," were the words Bianka had said as she walked out of the station.

"I do hope she doesn't act too recklessly," Mutsumi sighed as she sat at her desk.

...

At the mansion, Mimi talked with Rika and assured her that she was fine.

"So I'll just count this as a vacation then. Though do come back soon."

"You got it!"

"It might only be a month or two as according to Izuhana, things are looking good at the police station," Harumi stated.

Harumi was referring to the mercenary team known as Izuhana, which was made up of Hanabi Natsumi and Izumi Inari. The two had been shadowing Madoka and co for the past week at Harumi's orders, aiding them during the museum incident and when Jester attacked them at the hospital. Now the two were monitoring the situation on the mainland to determine when it would be safe for the Ginkawas to return.

"Well, regardless of how soon it will be until we can return, a trip to Scandinavia to see the other branch of the family is nice too," Harumi smiled.

...

Over in one of the garden areas, Serika met with Emeri for a private conversation.

“Hey Emeri, about what you said back then at my apartment,” Serika awkwardly asked.

“I meant it. I’m sorry once again for pushing you so hard.”

“It was the only way. Besides something you had no idea about what was ultimately rattling me the most.”

“Tell me. I’ll share the burden with you.”

Serika then explained what Mutsumi had told her. Emeri clasped Serika’s hand as she gazed into her eyes.

“It’s not your fault. You’re not to blame. Not for your Sensei, nor for frightening me. I'll admit I was terrified. Your act was so authentic I couldn’t even recognize you.”

“Yeah, but as soon as I saw Yuni, I lost it. I also had no idea that Kurobane was a gorilla, and just thought I could get you and Madoka out safely if I kept up the act. But when that bitch tried to kill Yuni and ordered that gorilla to slug you... I just couldn't. I was already struggling not to break character. Who knows what the Commissioner might have done if she saw me crack.”

“No, I’m the one at fault. I should have had more faith in you considering I was the one that ultimately forced the burden on you. That’s why I want to stay by your side from now on. I don’t want you to suffer alone anymore.”

“Yeah, plus that whole thing is partially my fault for not telling you sooner. Besides we’re all friends on the run with each other, so we share our burdens,” Yuni chimed as she popped out from behind a bush.

"Ugh, I was hoping you weren't eavesdropping."

"Little sisters do that."

“You ruined the mood, Twintails. But yeah, thanks,” Serika grumbled.

"Back to calling me 'Twintails'?"

"You're my little sister, I can call you whatever dumb nickname I want," Serika mumbled as her face went red.

"Then I'll call you Celery-onee-san."

"Want me to rip your twintails off for real!?"

“If Madoka were here, she’d call us tsunderes,” Yuni laughed.

"But I am here!" Madoka pouted as she wheeled out from behind a tree.

She was already looking like she had fully healed, though to be safe, she was wheelchair bound until she was confirmed to be perfectly healed.

"And here you are rolling around. You coming to confess to me or something?" Serika jibed.

"I thought Emeri had you taken," Madoka giggled as everyone began laughing.

“See, you’re a cute girl at heart. One I’d be happy to go to the ends of the earth with," Emeri smiled.

“Wait, are you actually confessing to me!?”

“Yeah. I told you I’ve always been a bit more attracted to girls than guys. So what do you say? I’m fine just being friends if this is too overwhelming for you. To be honest, I kind of feel this is unreasonable for me to ask considering how I acted back at the bridge.”

Serika smiled as tears rolled down her face. “Love has never been my strong suit. But I know enough about it to know that if someone can accept you even after seeing your worst, that’s someone that cares about you. You saw me turn myself into a piece of shit and murder scumbags. You were terrified, yet instead of abandoning me like I thought you would, you came to save me."

“Yeah, once I realized you were still in there, everything clicked. When I saw how hurt you were when you ran away, I knew I had screwed up.”

“And that’s what I’m saying. You hurt me, and showed me your worst, yet I still want to be with you.”

Tears began rolling down Emeri’s face as Serika gently brushed her hair. “I’ll be honest, I’ve kind of had a crush on Madoka ever since she saved me from drowning. But, I'd happily date a girl like you.”

“I don’t mind a threesome with her,” Emeri pouted.

“Ha Ha! And here I thought Bianka was the perv. Well, guess I’m a better fit for you than Yuni.”

“So I’m just a third wheel?” Yuni grumbled.

"Yeah, guess I'm better than you at romance," Serika taunted.

“Well not like I was searching for a romantic partner anyway."

"I'm available, but I want some more milk," Madoka smiled.

Yuni smiled and patted Madoka on the head "I'm glad we all escaped. I don't know what we'll do until we can return to Japan, but if we happen to run into Okaa-san, my aunt, and cousins, that would make things all the more sweet."

"So you could introduce me to them as your girlfriend?"

Yuni went red in the face, but maintained her composure with a smile. "Yeah... So want to date?"

"Baby wants milk... but a kiss is fine."

Yuni smiled and gently leaned in, kissing Madoka on the lips.

Serika sighed as she watched with Emeri, but ultimately smiled. "Guess there's no escaping the charm of that beautiful escape witch."

[End]