Omni Hearts [To LOVE-Ru x Male Reader/OC]

Chapter 20 - The Earth's Final Night

Currently, Ryuto, Rito and Mikan were sitting in the living room, Rito and Ryuto both sat there, deep in thought.

Mikan: It will be all right, you two. I'm sure of it. Lala-san will definitely come back.

Rito: Lala...

Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening jolted them. Rito and Ryuto immediately sprang to their feet and rushed toward the entrance.

Rito: Lala!

Zastin: Unfortunately, I am not Lala-sama.

Rito: Zastin...

Ryuto: If you're here, it's usually bad news. What now?

Zastin: Son-in-law... Today, I have come bearing a message from King Gid Lucione Deviluke.

Rito: What message?

Zastin: "To Yuuki Rito: As the fiancé of First Princess Lala Satalin Deviluke, I expect you to fulfill your promise to me, King Gid Lucione Deviluke. The method will be as follows:"

The trio exchanged nervous glances as Zastin continued.

Zastin: I will hold a game that will decide the fate of Earth! Yuuki Rito will represent Earth. The object of the game is simple: for Yuuki Rito to reach my ship by sunset tomorrow!

Ryuto: A game? That's hardly fair if the stakes are the entire planet.

They all returned to the living room.

Zastin: The game will commence tomorrow at the crack of dawn. I'm sure I don't need to tell you this, but many trials await you on your way to King Deviluke's ship.

Ryuto: And what happens if he fails?

Zastin: If Yuuki Rito fails to win this game... Earth will be destroyed.

The room fell silent as the weight of his words settled over them. Rito's face went pale, Mikan gasped in shock, and Ryuto gritted his teeth, and clenched his fists.

Ryuto: This is insane! Lala's dad is willing to wipe out an entire planet just to prove a point?!

Zastin: King Deviluke does not make idle threats. This is his decree. Do not take it lightly, Ryuto-dono.

Zastin turned to leave, his cape swishing dramatically behind him. As the door closed behind him, Rito collapsed onto the couch, burying his face in his hands.

Rito: What am I gonna do...? This is too much pressure.

Ryuto stood there for a moment, his golden-brown eyes narrowing as he watched his brother. After a moment of contemplation, he clenched his fists and made a decision.

Ryuto: I'll be back.

Mikan: Ryuto? Where are you going?

Rito: Wait, what are you—

Before either of them could get a clear answer, Ryuto bolted out the door, quickly catching up to Zastin who was moments from teleporting away.

Ryuto: Zastin, wait!

Zastin: Ryuto-dono? What is it?

Ryuto: I need you to relay a message to Lala's dad. Tell him that I'll be the one taking Rito's place in the game.

Zastin: Ryuto-dono, do you understand the gravity of what you're saying? King Deviluke specifically named Yuuki Rito as Earth's representative.

Ryuto: I know exactly what I'm saying. This isn't about being reckless, it's about protecting my brother and this planet. Rito isn't cut out for this kind of thing, Zastin. But I am.