While Shino, Yuuka, Miku and Kotori were making preparations for their reconciliation with Kaneki.
Natsuki, Sachi & Chikao: Mmm... Mmm...
Rustle~
Natsuki, Sachi and Chikao were having a horrible nightmare.
In Natsuki, Sachi and Chikao's Dream*
All 3: What?! What's happening?!
The three found themselves in a hellish environment, a ruined city.
???: WAAAAAAAH!
It was filled with the screams of children and adults alike, what's more.
???: No! Please do-
Chomp!
All 3: AHHHHHHH!
There were horrifyingly huge monsters indiscriminately devouring the people around them spilling pools of blood onto the ground.
Seeing such a horrifying scene, the three instinctively ran in fear and searched for their friends and Kaneki.
Sachi & Chikao: Shino!
Natsuki: Miku! Yuuka!
All 3: Kaneki!!! Where are you guys?!?!
Rumble~!!!
The ran and ran but they couldn't escape the gigantic monsters chasing them.
All 3: Huh?!
Suddenly when they turned around the monsters stopped chasing them, and only stared with a menacing grin on their faces.
Though they were no longer being chased, they didn't stopped running.
All 3: What?!
But when they turned their sights to what's in front of them, it made the stop in their tracks.
They were filled with horror from teb sight in from of them.
All 3: W-What happened?!
They saw Kaneki lying on the ground completely mutilated and covered in blood to where even his face was unrecognizable.
Right beside him were Shino, Yuuka and Miku who's eyes were completely dark and devoid of any light.
And what's more.
Shino, Yuuka & Miku: It's our fault, it's our fault, it's our fault, it's our fau-
They were repeatedly saying "it's our fault" while staring and Kaneki's mutilated corpse.
All 3: Shino! Yuuka! Miku! What happened?!
They tried to ask them what happened.
Shino, Yuuka & Miku: It's our fault, it's our fault, it's our fault, it's our fau-
But they didn't answer them.
All 3: ...
Though they were horrified, the three stared at what was in front of them and had asked to themselves.
All 3: What happened-
Until they were cut off by a loud, menacing distorted and mocking laugh
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
All 3: !!!
They were already horrified after hearing this, what it said next was not what they expected.
THANK YOU FOR KILLING THE EMPEROR YOU STUPID SO-CALLED SUB-HEROINES!
All 3: What?!
Shock!
Flash!
All 3: HAAAA!
The shock was so strong it woke all three of them awake back to reality.
All 3: What... What was that? A nightmare?
They woke up covered in sweat after experiencing such a strange and horrifying nightmare.
Sachi & Chikao: Oh today's the day!
While Sachi and Chikao just dismissed what they've seen only as a normal nightmare and went to get ready to go to school.
Flashback*
THANK YOU FOR KILLING THE EMPEROR YOU STUPID SO-CALLED SUB-HEROINES!
Flashback end*
Natsuki: Sub-Heroines?
But Natsuki couldn't get what the distorted voice said from the nightmare out of her head.
Natsuki: The only person who would say that is...
She suspected her nextdoor neighbor, and former classmate Ryueki Itadori.
She opened the curtains of her window and stared at Ryueki's room that was across hers.
The windows were also covered by curtains so she couldn't see him.
Natsuki: Mm...
Not seeing him gave Natsuki a sense of dread, like something wasn't right.
Natsuki: Sigh~ I'll do something about it later.
But because she doesn't really want to go anywhere near that house, she decided to leave her room and down to the kitchen to eat breakfast and get prepared for school.
Meanwhile~
Kaneki: Mmm...
Though Natsuki, Sachi and Chikao were already awake on their usual time.
Kaneki was still asleep, and was experiencing his own nightmare.
In Kaneki's Dream*
Kaneki: What...
Kaneki found himself in a forest the sky covered with dark clouds raining down on him.
Kaneki: What happened?!?!
In the distance he saw the city of Shimotsuki engulfed in a sea of flames, every building, every house all destroyed.
And it wasn't just Shimotsuki.
Everything around him was practically destroyed and covered in flames.
Blast!
Kaneki: What the?!
A huge ray of red light was suddenly fired above Kaneki.
He looked towards where the ray came from, and saw...
Kaneki: What the hell is that???
Whoosh~
A being made entirely of black smoke with dark red eyes, normally he would think it would be himself.
Kaneki: That's not me...
But he knew deep down, that being wasn't him.
Splash!
He summoned the second Grand Chain-Sword given to him by Kirari Akatsuki aka Demon Knight Grand.
Kaneki gritted his teeth with anger and frustration as he pulled back the Grand Chain-Sword intending to fight the dark figure.
Blast!
Kaneki: !!!
Swoosh!
Kaneki: Huh?!
But he didn't expect the dark figure to shoot beam above him and towards a mountain.
Kaneki: Why would it-
Boom!
???: AAAAARGH!
But as the beam made contact with teb mountain and created a huge explosion, loud screams came from the mountain and these screams.
Kaneki: No way... NO! NO! NO!
SWOOSH!
Kaneki was filled with horror once he heard those screams, and he rushed towards that direction as fast as he can.
Because those screams belonged to his friends and the girls he loves, the Higanbana girls.
Chikao & Miku: Haa~! Haa~!
Kaneki: No way.
When he got close to them he stopped in his tracks and stared at them with tears flowing from his eyes.
Even though they were wearing the armors that he made for them, they were severely damaged.
Their bodies were covered by many injuries, burns and couldn barely even breathe.
He didn't know why this was happening he looked towards the dark figure with his eyes filled with rage and tears.
But before he could even act.
Chikao: C'MON IS THAT ALL YOU GOT?!
Kaneki: ?!?!
The Higanbana girls started shouting at the dark figure.
Sachi: IF YOU WANT TO KILL HIM THEN YOU'LL HAVE TO KILL US FIRST!
Kaneki: Guys... No...
Thud!
Kaneki tried to run towards them.
Kaneki: Damnit! Why?!
But for some unknown reason, his body felt to the ground and couldn't move.
Kaneki: GUY'S GET OUT OF HERE! RUN!
Shino, Yuuka & Miku: WE'LL MAKE YOU PAY FOR EVERYTHING YOU'VE DONE TO KANEKI AND US!
Kaneki: GET OUT OF HERE DAMNIT!
Natsuki: WE'LL SAVE KANEKI NO MATTER WHAT!
Hearing his name, Kaneki was shocked as he learned why they were facing this dark figure.
They were doing it for him.
Blast!
Another blast was coming straight at them and as everything was getting brighter and brighter and Kaneki seeing couldn't do anything.
But scream.
Kaneki: NOOOOO!
Flash!
Kaneki: !!!
Crack!
Sachi: Woah!
Upon waking up from his nightmare, Kaneki immediately turned both his arms into guns and grew four sharp boney tentacles from his back.
Sachi: Calm down Kaneki! I didn't even do anything!
Kaneki: Sachi?!
Sachi: Yes it's me!
Upon seeing Sachi in his room, tears began flowing from his eyes.
Sachi: K-Kaneki? Why are you cryi-
Hug!
He undone his tentacles, turned his arms back to normal and then hugged her tightly and didn't let go while still crying.
Kaneki: Waaaah! Sasachiiii!!!
Sachi: Kaneki... Alright then...
Sachi didn't try to ask him anything for the time being after seeing how distressed Kaneki was, she hugged him tightly and even pressed his head on her breast for a bit.
A few minutes later~
Kaneki: Sorry that I've made your chest wet Sachi...
Sachi: Seriously you cried so much and made my entire chest area wet and visible, but thanks for drying it.
Kaneki: No problem...
Now that Kaneki had calmed down, Sachi sat on his bed with him before guessing why Kaneki was so distressed to the point of crying after waking up.
Sachi: What happened? Did you have a nightmare? If you still remember what happened and can't get it out of your mind I can hear you out if you want to.
Kaneki: Sachi... Yeah I remember it very clearly and... It's probably one of the worst nightmares I've had in a while.
Kaneki told Sachi about his nightmare in complete detail.
Sachi: No way... We died in front of you and you couldn't do anything?
Kaneki: Yes... It was horrifying... The fact my body fell and couldn't move and you were all fighting for my sake...
Hug!
Seeing how scared Kaneki was getting, Sachi once again hugged him and pressed his face on her breast.
Sachi: It's alright Kaneki, it's just a nightmare.
Kaneki: But... But... You guys-
Pat~
She even patted his head to calm him down.
A few more minutes later~
Kaneki: Thank you Sachi, I really needed that.
Sachi: Happy to help.
Kaneki: Man I'm a bit embarrassed that I ended up crying again...
Sachi: It's alright, i'm happy to help in any way I can!
Kaneki: Hehe~ Thanks Sachi.
And just like that, Kaneki had fully relaxed and started smiling again.
Sachi: Anyways. GO EAT BREAKFAST NOW! THERE'S SOMETHING IMPORTANT TODAY REMEMBER?!
But now that he is calm, Sachi urged him to eat breakfast. After all it is reconciliation day.
Kaneki: That's right!
Following her words, Kaneki made his way to his rooms door.
Sachi: I'll wait for you outside.
Kaneki: Got it!
After Kaneki got out of his room, Sachi let out a sigh of relief.
Sachi: Phew~ Man, even Kaneki has nightmares huh- Oh wait yeah that's right, he used to have nightmares more often haha~
Hop!
Sachi: But I wonder what my nightmare was about? It did made me sad and scared but it is just a nightmare. Eh whatever It's just a nightmare.
After saying this and getting off Kaneki's bed, Sachi got out of his room and made her way outside.
1 hour and 10 Minutes later~
Finishing his breakfast, bathing and changing into his school uniform. Kaneki finally got out of his house and met up with Sachi who was just outside of his house's gate.
Kaneki: Finally! Done!
Sachi: Took you long enough Kaneki.
Now with the two childhood friends meeting, Kaneki and Sachi began walking to school together.
Kaneki: Sorry for making you wait... Also you should've at least waited for me in the living room instead you know?
Sachi: Haha~ Sorry I thought it would be better to stand by the gate.
Kaneki: Are your legs not tired from standing for so long?
Sachi: Nah not really, besides even if I was tired I'll just ride on your back.
Kaneki: Ahh~ Okay... So today's the day huh?
Sachi: That's right! Man to think you, Shino, Miku and Yuuka will finally mend your relationship with each other.
Kaneki: Yeah to be honest, it took longer than expected haha~
Sachi: Yeah! Took you long enough! Seriously seeing you guys being so distant to each other since I've got back was really painful.
Kaneki looked at Sachi with curiousity in his eyes after she had said this.
Sachi: Kaneki? Why are you looking at me like that?
Considering she was helping Shino, Yuuka and Miku. Kaneki knew she already knew about their situation, but one question remained.
Kaneki: Say Sachi, how long have you known about us?
How did she know?
Sachi: Huh? What are you talking about?
Kaneki: Y'know? About our strained relationship? I thought that they would have secretly told you, but now I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have told you out of fear of you hating them.
Sachi: Ohh~ So that's it.
Sachi understood and answered honestly.
Sachi: Well actually I've only learned about it on my way back to Shimotsuki when I was still in the middle of moving back.
Kaneki: Really?
Sachi: Nod~ Mhmm. But during lunch I've sent Miracle to check up on you guys but when she came back she told me about your situation with Shino, Yuuka and Miku that she had heard from Ku-kun and the others.
Kaneki was surprised and relieved to hear that former insect familiars were the ones who told Sachi.
Kaneki: I see. Well that's good to know.
Sachi: Wait were you worried?
Kaneki: No. Just curious.
Sachi: I see, well then continue to school.
And so the two continued heading to school.
A while later~
Kaneki: Hey look! It's Natsuki!
On their way, as usual they encountered Natsuki and immediately got closer to meet up with her.
Kaneki & Sachi: Huh?
As the two got a closer look, she had a rather worried look on her face.
They approached her all worried.
Natsuki: Oh! Good morning Kaneki! Sachi!
But the moment they entered her line of sight, her face shifted from worried to very happy after seeing them.
Kaneki couldn't ignore it so he had to ask her.
Kaneki: Good morning Natsuki, so um... What was that about?
Natsuki: Hm? What are you talking about?
Kaneki: You just had a worried look on your face, did something happen?
Sachi: Are you okay?
Natsuki: Oh you saw... Haha~ sorry if I worried you both.
She quickly explained to them that she only had a nightmare.
Sachi: A nightmare?
Kaneki: Phew~ I was worried it was something serious.
Sachi: Yeah. Kaneki also had a nightmare earlier when I came to wake him up, he actually ended up crying by the way.
Natsuki: Eh? You did?
Kaneki: Yup. And to be fair it was a very serious nightmare for me.
Sachi: He said that we got killed in front of him.
Natsuki: Oh my! Are you okay Kaneki?
Kaneki: Yup, Thanks to Sachi here.
Sachi: Hehe!
Sachi felt so proud after hearing Kaneki thank her.
Sachi: Any how, we should get going already.
Kaneki & Natsuki: Let's go!
The three then continued walking to school together.
But as they were walking, Sachi couldn't help but find it weird that Kaneki, Natsuki and Herself all experienced a nightmare.
Sachi's thoughts*
(Kaneki, Me and Natsuki had a nightmare, that's a strange coincidence.)
But she didn't think much of it and she alongside Kaneki and Natsuki walked all the way to school.
A while later~
They eventually ran into Chikao and she joined them until they reached the school gates.
Chikao: We're hereeee!
Sachi: Chi-chan no running!
Upon arriving Chikao immediately started running into the school building to which
Sachi chased after her.
Natsuki: Hehe~ Those two are having so much fun.
Kaneki: Yeah. Anyways let's head in as well.
And so Kaneki and Natsuki went inside the school building and we're heading to their shoe lockers.
Natsuki: By the way, where was Miku and Shino? They'd usually be walking with you.
Kaneki: Onee-chan woke them up early and came here before we woke up.
Natsuki made a worried face after hearing this.
Natsuki: What? Why would she do that?
Kaneki: Papa said that she apparently wanted to walk to school with them, so she woke up Miku and Shino and even called Yuuka as well.
Natsuki: Haha~ seriously?
Natsuki couldn't help but laugh at such a dumb reason.
Natsuki: That means they're already here in school right?
Kaneki: Yup. Oh speaking of which. Oiii~! Shino! Yuuka! Miku!
On their way to their shoe lockers, Kaneki saw Shino, Yuuka and Miku and quickly approached them.
Kaneki: Good morning guys, how're you all doing?
Shino: Good morning Kaneki, we're doing quite fine. Although Yawn~ I still feel kind of tired.
Yuuka: Yeah Kotori-san really woke us up so early.
Miku: Can you please scold her later for waking us up?
Kaneki: Ahh~ Sure, sure. You guys should probably go get some rest then.
Yuuka: We know, we're going to rest in the infirmary for the time being.
Kaneki: Ah. Got it, just be sure to come to class in time.
All 3: We know~
Kaneki then moved aside to let the three pass.
Shino, Yuuka & Miku: Good morning Natsuki.
Natsuki: Y-Yeah good morning.
As they passed Natsuki, she looked at them with a concern look on her eyes.
She had noticed something off about them, so she wanted follow from behind.
Natsuki: I'll meet up with you later in the classroom Kaneki, I'll just watch over them just in case they collapse.
Kaneki: Eh? I'm pretty sure they wouldn't collapse just by waking up too early. But if you want to sure then.
Natsuki: Thanks I'll be going now.
After telling Kaneki, Natsuki separated from him and went to change shoes and immediately went to follow Shino, Yuuka and Miku to the infirmary.
Kaneki: What's up with her? Oh well better change shoes.
After being left alone, Kaneki then went to his shoe locker.
Kaneki: Alright here it is.
As he opened he took off his outdoor shoes and changed into his indoor shoes.
But before he could put in his outdoor shoes into his locker, he noticed morse code written on the wall in his shoe locker.
What was written on the locker's wall was "-- . . - / ..- ... / .- - / - .... . / .-. --- --- ..-. - --- .--. / .-.. .- - . .-. / .- - / .-.. ..- -. -.-. .... - .. -- . --..-- / .-- . / -. . . -.. / - --- / - .- .-.. -.-" meaning-
Kaneki's thoughts*
(Meet us at the rooftop later at lunchtime, we need to talk.)
Kaneki immediately knew it was a message from Shino, Yuuka and Miku.
And also they had Kotori write it.
(Thanks for helping them Onee-chan!)
Meanwhile in Class 1-C
Kotori: Hehe!
Kotori felt happy after sensing Kaneki was being thankful towards her.
Kaneki: Well better fix this before anyone notices.
He then used his powers to remove the message.
(At lunchtime, at the rooftop alright! Man I'm nervous!)
Knowing that it was actually happening now, Kaneki grown a bit nervous.
But even so he was determined to completely fix their relationship.
(Alright! Let's do it me!)
"Ei! Ei! Mun!"
(Azuna what the heck was that?)
Meanwhile~
At the same time in the infirmary~
Shino: Haa~ Man I'm so tired~
Miku: I hope Onii-chan scolds Kotori-Oneechan for this later.
Yuuka: Yeah. But it was fun having to drink with her at a coffee shop.
Shino, Yuuka and Miku were just chatting while resting on the infirmary beds as they waited for class to start.
Natsuki: Mm....
All while Natsuki was spying on them from outside the infirmary door, knowing this they avoided talking about their reconciliation with Kaneki.
But as for why Natsuki was spying on them.
Natsuki's thoughts*
(Their colors just now...)
She noticed something off about their souls "color" that made her worried.
Natsuki: ...
"It's our fault, it's our fault, it's our fault"
In addition, the memory of her dream where Kaneki's body was layed down in the ground dead, covered in blood and heavily mutilated flashed in her mind.
Alongside Shino, Yuuka and Miku saying "it's our fault" that memory stuck in her head making her worry a lot.
And seeing such a strange color, she was afraid of what these strange colors would mean as well as the nightmare she had.
Natsuki: Mmm...
She couldn't just stand there spying anymore knowing that it wouldn't get her anywhere, so she decided to enter and confront them directly.
Natsuki: Hey guys.
Shino, Yuuka & Miku: Natsuki?
The three of them were surprised that Natsuki actually entered, but even so they greeted her to not look suspicious.
Natsuki: Um... How are you all doing?
Miku: A bit tired, but other than that we're doing okay.
Yuuka: Yeah. But what about you?
Shino: Yeah you're not looking too good yourself.
Natsuki was visibly shaking, it wasn't hard to miss.
Natsuki: Oh uh... I'm doing alright, I guess? I don't know why I'm shaking... Inhale~
Natsuki couldn't ask them what she wanted due to how nervous she was. In order to actually ask them something important, she took a deep breath and relaxed.
Natsuki: Exhale~ Haa~ I feel better.
Shino: What's wrong?
Miku: Did something happen?
Yuuka: Do you need to talk about something?
The three of them were worried after seeing such a strange behavior from Natsuki, and they wanted to help.
Miku: You can talk to us about it if you want.
Seeing her friends willing to listen to her calmed Natsuki even more, and so she said.
Natsuki: I had a nightmare.
She then told them her nightmare and everything that happened in it.
Shino, Yuuka & Miku: !!!
The three were shocked after hearing what had happened in their dream.
Natsuki: What's strange was you three were repeatedly saying "it's our fault, it's our fault" while you stared at Kaneki's...
Miku: I... I don't know what to say.
Yuuka: Yeah... I can see why you were spying on us.
Natsuki: Wait you knew I was-
Shino: Yup, we could tell you were stalking us. But we understand why you'd do that.
Miku: Yeah. Seeing us in your dream saying "it's our fault" with Onii-chan's dead body would definitely make us worried as well.
Natsuki: I-I see.
Yuuka: But you don't need to worry, we wouldn't do anything that would get Kaneki killed. If we did we wouldn't be able to continue living with ourselves.
Natsuki: Really?
Miku: Of course, I mean after what happened to Onii-chan during the W.S.S.F and him almost getting killed. We blamed ourselves for it, we couldn't stop him that time.
Yuuka: And If Kaneki were to die, and we were the ones responsible... How could we live with ourselves?
Shino: That's right, you don't need to worry about us Natsuki. We wouldn't do anything to kill or hurt Kaneki. Ever.
Hearing this, Natsuki looked into their souls color again and saw that the strange color was gone.
Natsuki: Haa~
Hearing everything they said reassured Natsuki, she took in a deep breath and relaxed.
Natsuki: Good. It really was just a nightmare. I'm sorry for suspecting you guys.
Shino: It's alright.
Miku: Yeah! You don't need to worry about it.
Natsuki: Yeah that's right, I'll be heading to our classroom now. And again I'm very sorry for suspecting you guys.
Yuuka: It's alright. We'll see you later.
Natsuki: Yeah. See you.
And with that, Natsuki left the infirmary and headed straight to Class 1-C.
Miku: Man I was so worried!
With Natsuki now gone and far away, the three started talking to each other again.
Shino: Yeah. But luckily she didn't suspected us.
Yuuka: Well she did, but for a completely different reason.
Shino: But that nightmare she had was definitely a serious one.
Miku: Yeah. Monsters attacking and devouring everyone, and Onii-chan being dead would definitely be scary.
Yuuka: Yeah. Man I'm nervous for lunch.
Shino: The time has finally come huh? I know! Let's go out to eat some ramen later after school to celebrate.
Miku: We have to deal with Natsuki first though.
Shino: It's fine, we can still celebrate.
They secretly talked about their upcoming reconciliation with Kaneki until it was time for them to head to class.
15 Minutes later~
Yuuka: Class is going to start in a few minutes, we should head there already.
Shino & Miku: Yeah let's go.
The three then headed straight to their classroom.
A while later~
After homeroom had ended, Kaneki and the Higanbana girls did class activities as usual.
Tick! Tock! Tick-
But with lunchtime approaching they were getting mentally preparing themselves.
"Chi-chan, Sachi-chan you two still remember the plan?"
"Yup!"
"Of course!"
While Kotori, Sachi and Chikao were getting ready to distract Natsuki.
A few minutes later~
Querxes: Okay everyone, I'll see you all later after lunch.
Lunchtime had arrived and they all put their plan in motion.
Natsuki: Huh? Where are you three going?
Shino, Yuuka and Miku all got up and started heading to the rooftop when they were stopped by Natsuki.
Luckily they had an excuse.
Miku: I really need to use the bathroom.
Shino & Yuuka: Same goes for us.
Natsuki: Oh I see, well then let's eat later once you three come back.
Shino, Yuuka & Miku: Got it!
Shino, Yuuka and Miku had successfully got out of class.
Natsuki: Kaneki~♪
Now Natsuki is needed to be distracted, and as Natsuki approached Kaneki so they could eat lunch together.
Chikao called out to her before Natsuki could reach Kaneki.
Natsuki: Hmm? What is it?
Chikao: Before we have lunch, could you please help me and Sachi?
Natsuki: Help? On what?
Sachi: We need to move some sports supplies.
Natsuki: Sure? But why not ask Kaneki help you?
Chikao: He did ask, but we refused.
Kaneki: Yeah I don't know why.
Natsuki didn't know why they decided to go for her, but because she doesn't suspect them she accepted their request to help them.
Sachi: See you Kaneki.
Chikao: We'll eat lunch together later~
Natsuki: Bye.
Kaneki: I'll be waiting!
And with that Natsuki was now distracted.
Tick! Tock! Tic-
After Natsuki got out of the classroom, Kaneki stood up as he stopped time.
Splash!
He then created a blood clone positioned exactly how he was on his seat.
Kaneki: Alright time to go.
With a blood clone now in place, Kaneki began walking to the rooftop in frozen time.
A few minutes later for Kaneki~
Tick! Tock! Tick!
As he reached the door leading to the rooftop he had resumed time.
He stared at it and thought to himself.
Kaneki's thoughts*
(Finally it's time)
He was ready and excited to finally mend his relationship with Shino, Yuuka and Miku.
Kaneki: I'm coming.
He then opened the door and on teb opposite side was those three.
Kaneki: I'm here.
And so the reconciliation between Kaneki, Shino, Yuuka and Miku will begin.
But unbeknownst to them.
Their lives are about to turn into a living nightmare.