Afterword - A Doki Doki Precure Story

33 - The Last Cycle

The Precure team approached the apartment block. In the time it had taken to get from Alice's mansion to the apartment complex in which Makoto resided, only two sentences had been said.

"This is our chance to end the samsara," Aguri stated, looking at the top floor of the apartment.

Everyone looked at each other and nodded. Everyone walked inside.

They were tired by the time they reached the top floor. At least... they felt tired, but at the same time, they didn't.
The group approached the end of the set of apartments. The last door was the door which led to Makoto. By now everybody's hearts was almost beating out of their chests.

Mana carefully opened the door.

Click.

Creak.

The door opened, and everyone stepped inside.

There was a sweet smell in the air, as if somebody had been making pancakes.

Regina peered her head around the archway which led into the kitchen, and froze.

She rubbed her eyes in disbelief.

There, eating dinner with a happy Makoto, sat a figure with familiar vibrant blue hair.

The figure turned to face them.

"Sorry everyone, I didn't know you had knocked."

That voice...

Mana stepped into the clearing, and just like Regina, froze in place.

The girls took in the vibrant blue hair, that beautiful blue and white lined dress.

The young woman stood to face them, and gave that beautiful smile she was oh so recognisable for.

"Rikka... you're alive...?" Mana asked, immediately befuddled.
Tears had already begun to stream down her cheeks. "I... I can save you now!"

Aguri took in Rikka's features. They weren't as 'alive' as Rikka herself. In fact, her eyes didn't so much as glisten. Aguri had noted Mana's nonplussed nature wasn't allowing her to see clearly. Even Regina was concerned.

Makoto stood up. "Uh... what do you mean 'save you now'? We're already safe!"

Now the situation was becoming even sketchier. Perhaps the forces behind the dream changed Makoto's dream further?
That question brought another question to the table.

Who was behind this? What is causing the samsara?
And how many cycles have passed?

So many questions, questions without answers, and not enough time.

Aguri grabbed her sister's hand and ran out of the apartment with her.
Regina looked at her, perplexed.

"Aguri, what's going on?"

"I'm sure you've noticed by now but that's not Rikka."

Regina nodded.
"It's not... so why is Mana crying over her?"

"She took her demise harder than anyone else. Did Mana have any idea how many cycles have passed?"

Regina thought hard for a moment.
"There was a brand new note on the wall this morning. After Mana read it, she ran out of the house. I think it said... Cycle 112."

"So this is Cycle 113. That helps clear a lot up. Now we need to find a way to make Makoto aware that she's dreaming."

"How do you wanna do that?"

"Rikka."

Regina looked out at the horizon, watching the setting sun set on the false sky. She let out an audible sigh after a moment.