Chapter 24

**Chapter 24: Isn't This....All Kinds of Cool!!??** is the twenty-fourth chapter of *We are Magical Boys*. It is the final chapter of vol. 4.

## Summary

*Ridding of the Crystal Eight competition forces Tokimekia to lessen the use of magic by Magical Boys when several of them resign. This leaves Kaito feeling helpless when one day, he gets an offer from another magical country...*

## Synopsis

One of Kaito's classmates got beaten up on his way to school. This has been happening a lot lately because the bullies are getting carried away now that Magical Boys aren't showing up to protect them anymore. Kaito is angered hearing this knowing he isn't able to help out like he wants to, all he can do is wait for Tokimekia to return to normal.

- - - -

Three days ago when Rakuto showed up, he revealed his bad news; Tokimekia got rid of the Crystal Eight competition. It didn't actually contribute to the kingdom like Meme-chan tried to convince everyone it did, so now Kaito's wish will never come true. He is delighted by the turn of events because he can comfort Kaito now, but to his disappointment Kaito isn't very phased by it. He became a magical boy to be a hero for others, not just to earn things because of his good deeds. Rakuto decides to leave and transforms into Red, offering to take Kaito somewhere nice when they can get together again.

Makoto informs Kaito that while he isn't particularly upset over the cancellation, it could impact their activities as Magical Boys. Kaito tells him not to worry about it for now since they aren't necessarily certain anything will change, and Makoto agrees, only to wonder how Rakuto knew that Kaito was trying out for the Crystal Eight. They decide not to linger on it very long before transforming to go out on patrol. But to their surprise they discover that while they were able to change, they lost their abilities.

While wondering what happened they get contacted by Zaza-chan, the Tokimekian royal army sergeant. He apologizes for keeping them waiting, and he is letting them know on behalf of Momo-chan that their kingdom is experiencing a shortage of crystals. They knew the kingdom would be hit from abolishing the Crystal Eight, but they didn't realize how bad the decline would be. Everyone was working so hard for the sake of their wishes being granted, but without it, they see it as a hassle and are planning to resign. The kingdom was being mostly supported by the top eight, so now they need to ration their decreased supply. For now the magical power received from the crystals has been limited to "*Exceptional magical boys*". Kaito is furious but Zaza-chan explains that he doesn't know the full details, nor did he have a say in this decision. Their power will return some day, they don't plan on abandoning the boys who genuinely want to keep going. But he doesn't know when it will be: could be tomorrow, or it could be years. He'll keep them updated and suggests for now that they rest.

- - - -

Kaito is unsure of what to do now, and he's been complaining a lot since. Makoto tells him that while he doesn't like it, it can't be helped either. All they can do is patiently wait to be contacted by Tokimekia. Kaito angrily accuses Momo-chan of not caring about them enough, but before he can entirely curse him out he realizes he's just wasting his time.

Suddenly, Kaito hears someone cry for help and he peeks around the corner to find a boy being bullied by a couple of delinquents. He wants to help but without his power he isn't sure what he can do, other than transform and bluff his way out of it. This works momentarily, but the delinquents refuse to surrender on the grounds that as real men this is one of those times when a person can't run away. Kaito is horrified but before they can hurt him, a boy with a sword appears to defend him. He scares the boys away and checks on the boy that was being harassed, then he asks Kaito is he's alright. Kaito angrily tells him off and startles the boy, thinking he came to steal Yamikumo away. Just then, he realizes the boy is wearing a ring, not a Transformation Bracelet, and to his surprise, the boy offers to get him a snack.

They head to the convenience store for some caplico and sit down, allowing the boy to express that he's been meaning to speak to Kaito for some time now. Kaito is very happy and compliments the kind boy, which flusters him because he isn't used to such praise. Kaito finishes his snack and asks if he is a Magical boy, or if he has horns. The boy shifts his hair to allow Kaito get a look and assure he is safe, then he explains that he is a Magical Boy who comes from the land neighboring Tokimekia, the *Republic of Prittina*. He introduces himself as *Lily Lilly*.

Kaito is blown away by the realization that there exists other magic countries and he becomes on edge as Lily explains how a Magical Boy can be identified by their costume. Lily assures Kaito that he isn't trying to claim Yamikumo for himself, he just came in search of exceptional magical boys to invite them to work for Prittina due to the current situation with Tokimekia. Lily then shyly invites Kaito to work with him for the time being. Kaito is surprised, but he forces himself not to get carried away hearing that someone thinks he is exceptional. He is unsure of how to answer, since Makoto told him to remain a Magical Boy regardless of where his future leads him. Lily offers to let him think it over, expressing that while Tokimekia is a big country it isn't in a good spot right now. He also heard that the King is lazy, they carelessly manage crystals and the Crystal Eight competition was just out of greed. Because of the competition, many magical boys felt frustrated or defeated, and it led his country think that the increase in Beastliness was because of it. He doesn't approve of these things, but he apologizes for speaking out of line and admits to being worried over Kaito's well-being. Kaito is caught off-guard by Lily's change in tone, but he accepts this because he agrees with what he said, so he's willing to give Prittina a try.

Lily is surprised and he clarifies that there are some other things he's yet to say, and he doesn't want Kaito to think he was tricked into joining them. Kaito compliments him for his kindness again, and Lily goes on to explain that there are big changes when a magical boy switches countries. Girliness changes to befit the country the boy is affiliated with, as well as his abilities. Kaito seems hesitant now as he overlooks himself, having become attached to Pink. Lily senses this and offers to give him time to think it over some more, but he leaves Kaito with a trial version of Prittina's bracelet. He can use it for three days, in case he sees someone in need of help. He's doing this because he can relate to the feeling of wanting to help but being unable to do so.

- - - -

At home Kaito tries to determine what to do. He doesn't like the idea of giving up his identity of Thrilling Pink, but he feels conflicted because back when he started, he hated it. But if he waits, he isn't sure when his magic will return. Kaito ultimately decides to try out the bracelet given to him by Lily. It'll be fine since it's just a trial, and this way he can help those in need over the next few days. He presses the button and transforms to see his new appearance, and he is amazed by his suddenly cool look; his outfit resembles Lily's and he doesn't look girly anymore, and instead of his wand he has a sword too.

He heads out to give it a try and quickly locates some jerks harassing someone in town. He swiftly lands and quickly attempts to come up with a cool new catchphrase and temporary hero name- but he just sounds silly so the guys write him off. Kaito slashes at them them and takes them down with ease, stunning the onlooking citizens who have been watching the display. They swarm around Kaito with praise and adoration, and Kaito is left in awe realizing that this was what he has been wanting this entire time.