Chapter 544

Fifty-Six: Akane’s True Intent

Under the dark night sky of an alternate world on Earth, the tragic Kingdom’s castle stands amidst the boiling lava, its atmosphere as dismal and melancholy as that of defeated soldiers.

Sitting in his chair, Wolfrun’s fur was all clumped together, turning his usual arrogant villain appearance into one of gloom and decadence. The short witch Lina simply lay on the chair, with what could be seen of her face through the shadow of her cloak being covered in bandages and Band-Aids. The red ogre squatted on the chair, wrapped in a fur blanket, dragging long snot from his nostrils as he continued to sneeze. Had the Joker not pulled him out of outer orbit, he would have frozen into an ice block with Kaz along with giving up on thinking altogether.

“Damn the masked rider…”

Wolfrun’s low curses quickly resonated among the others, no one mocking his incompetence this time.

“Damn the masked rider…”

“Damn the masked rider…”

But what good would cursing do? Thinking of that rider’s dragon-like figure, branded deep into their minds, made them shudder involuntarily, lacking enough rage or courage to seek revenge.

Unlike the Pretty Cures, such entirely different enemies gave them new challenges. Should they challenge with the jester monster again? What a joke it would be; now, they would rather face five united Pretty Cures than deal with that guy!

In fairy tales, knights often slay dragons. Now that the dragon and knight stand together, how can they not fear?

“Heh heh heh! Hi everyone~ Are you well-rested? Ahaha~” With his characteristic exaggerated mannerisms and tone, the Joker appeared among them on a table, seeing the varied gazes of the three officers.

It seems your spirit has been completely broken by you, tragic Kingdom officers! Yet, same as you found a way to deal with us, I have found a way to deal with you too.

“Heh heh, everyone, I brought something to understand the masked rider.”

“What!?” Upon hearing the Joker’s words, the trio was shocked, their eyes fixed on the disc he held, showing a picture of an insect knight riding a motorcycle taken out by the jester.

“What is this with the big eyes and green helmet? It looks so ugly… Is this also a masked rider?”

“Yes, this is just like our Mr. Wangjian, another masked rider.”

“Inside, there are things that truly made me grow. As a reference, I prepared a perfect stage for Mr. Wangjian and our Pretty Cures based on their destiny.”

Enjoying others’ shock and feeling smug about his plan, the Joker chuckled wickedly, pulling a card from inside his sleeve. On this card marked with “A,” a Halley’s Comet falls according to the symbol’s trajectory.

So, masked riders and Pretty Cures.

Fall into the abyss of despair soon, becoming part of Emperor Pierrot’s revival nourishment!

——The Story Cuts Here——

“Thwack, thwack, thwack—”

Repeated collisions and slaps echoed through the originally empty sports warehouse.

“You—really are a pain!”

Akane bit her teeth in disgust, panting heavily as she looked down at the man. She then turned towards Ayu, pouring out her frustrations.

“Hiiya!”

The volleyball bounced off Akane’s hand, ricocheting between the floor and wall, then rose again to strike the distant net with force.

“Thwack!”

“Really, saying we’re partners of justice, but you are just a pain.”

The girl landed, sat next to Ayu, pulling down her collar to let some air escape her chest. Seeing Ayu still calm, Akane pouted and leaned closer.

When he’s tall, handsome, constantly wielding a sword and armor in a suit—a character from a live-action show. Doesn’t every girl want to get close to such a cool boy? But this cool boy turns out to be the kind whose soul is darker than ink!

Even saying you want to join us, acting like this—how could anyone trust you!

“You realize Miyuki and Rihua are only two of us now. How hard it must be for just them to fight!” Akane, frustrated, burst out the truth seeing he seemed unresponsive. “I know, you want to train them instead of letting them come to real harm.”

“But, even if they are legendary fighters like Pretty Cures, they are still students! Despite Miyuki defending you, not everyone can take as much training. This method… Is it right?”

As she spoke, tears started falling from her smiling face.

“Have you seen our tragic end, wanting to change it by sealing the transformation devices—that means you don’t want us to fight!”

“But, I have decided! To protect our friends, both known and unknown, to achieve our happy ending, I—”

Tightly clutching her fist, sweat dripped down her arm, landing on the ground.

“But, you deny us and Naoko…even if in your eyes it’s just children’s wishful fantasies, once we’ve been recognized as Pretty Cures—I want to do my best!”

If Misyia can regain her qualifications, please let us turn back into Pretty Cures! I want to help when everyone faces difficulties; I want to share and fight alongside them!

“If you say you’re a partner of justice, then show us some of that chivalry on TV! Hmm…”

Seeing his indifferent look, Akane finally stretched her finger towards his face, only to find her finger bouncing off his firm skin, which made her curious.

It did not feel like a human—it felt solid yet somewhat elastic, smooth skin as if it might be quite pleasant.

“I poke.”

I poke indeed!

Akane couldn’t help but laugh wickedly while poking Ayu’s face over and over.

Getting bullied by us all this time, even saying you want to change, yet still playing tricks, time for revenge, poke, poke!

“Aah!”

Akane’s finger was halted mid-air as a larger hand grabbed her entire little hand.

Lying before her, Ayu slowly opened half-awake, cloudy eyes, like a foggy night sky.