Chapter 17

**Chapter 17: I wonder What's Going on With Momo-chan...** is the seventeenth chapter of *We are Magical Boys*. It is the fifth chapter of vol. 3.

## Summary

*Momo-chan fears his duty is in jeopardy after overhearing Kaito complain about his laziness. In hopes of getting him to change his mind, he invites Kaito to Tokimekia.*

## Synopsis

Magiru has been observing Momo-chan lazily sitting around eating snacks of late, rather than actually work. She recalls a conversation Makoto and Kaito had recently regarding his lack of performance, and how it's effecting Kaito's motivation. Makoto suggests that if he feels it was necessary, he should consider reaching out to Momo-chan's superiors back at the castle. He and Magiru gave up on Momo-chan a long time ago, so it's a pretty big deal if Kaito feels the same way. Momo-chan begins to fret and decides to do something to earn back Kaito's trust, leading him to invite him to come on a trip as a means of unwinding after his grueling battle with Red. Kaito seems uncertain until Momo-chan reveals they will be going to Tokimekia, and Makoto assures him that everything will be fine. Kaito agrees and they make plans to meet up tomorrow.

Back at the library, Momo-chan is going over everything for the trip and prepares a list of fun activities. Magiru asks why they won't be going to the castle, and Momo-chan explains that while all of Tokimekia loves magical boys, there are some in the castle who aren't like that. But it's fine, there are still a lot of other things they can do to have fun.

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The following day Momo-chan arrives to find a tired and bored Kaito, who was waiting two hours for him to show up. His mood is already low, which makes Momo-chan worry a little as they step into the portal and wind up in a forest. Kaito isn't impressed until Momo-chan points out the plaza nearby. Kaito perks up seeing the busy streets full of Tokimekians, but before they head in Momo-chan hands over an *"Angel Cloak*", so nobody will notice he is a Magical Boy. They're so popular that it would cause a panic for one to show up suddenly. Kaito doesn't seem to mind but he agrees to wear it anyway and they begin to look around.

He tries some of the yummy foods while getting to know the locals, and he learns that Light Crystals are currency here. While eating he observes some of the younger boys playing magical boy, and he enjoys himself on the beach and admires the clear water. As they enjoy a drink, Kaito apologizes to Momo-chan over his low opinions about him lately. He and Makoto work hard to gather the Light Crystals, then they hand them over to Momo-chan. But as they are representations of gratitude from the people they help, he was worried that they were being wasted, and it led him to think Momo-chan was irresponsible. Momo-chan happily compliments Kaito and begins to wonder if he was meant to become a magical boy. He's glad he brought Kaito with him. Everything there needs the Light Crystals to work, Tokimekia is powered by magical boys. He knows he can be lazy at times, but it's something that he never forgets to be grateful for.

With that, Momo-chan suggests that they return to the hotel to call it a day, but they are surprised by one Tokimekians complaint over the food of the eatery they're at. The worker apologizes but this doesn't satisfy the Tokimekian, pointing out that its ear ribbon means it is one of the official castle workers, so they should be treated properly. The worker tries to explain how it didn't know that this one was an "elite" and apologizes again, offering to get them a new order. Momo-chan begins to stress out and tries to hurriedly leave when Kaito angrily tells off the other Tokimekian. It isn't fazed by him in the slightest, revealing that the castle attendants make a living overworking magical boys to get them to cough up as many Light Crystals as they can. Kaito is stunned silent by this revelation as the Tokimekian prepares to leave, carelessly tossing several Light Crystals as payment. Momo-chan punches the other Tokimekian square in the face, and before it can tell him off, it recognizes Momo-chan and runs away.

It's then Momo-chan realizes Kaito stormed off and he locates him on a nearby hill, worked up over what happened. Kaito expresses regret for coming, but Momo-chan manages to ease him by explaining that the Tokimekians at the castle are the closest to magical boys, and as of late they got so used to them that they are tired of them. Some of them treat the magical boys poorly, and some forget the value of Light Crystals, but that doesn't apply to all of them. He meant what he said earlier about being grateful. Kaito remains doubtful, leading Momo-chan to claim that it's the King of Tokimekia who feels this way, and he reveals his crown and puts it on his head; along with a cape, mustache and scepter. Momo-chan announces himself as the 472nd King of Tokimekia, much to Kaito's shock.

Momo-chan tells Kaito he can remove his cloak so that they can fly to the hotel, and in the process they amaze all of the Tokimekians who see them go by. Kaito feels much better as Momo-chan thanks him for all of his hard work. Kaito feels much happier now, and he asks if they can go back home tomorrow. Momo-chan reminds Kaito to keep working hard to bring back as many Light Crystals as he can.

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The following day Magiru kicks Momo-chan, demanding the money she gave him because he bought the wrong chips for her. Momo-chan points out that she is still eating them though, and she abruptly asks how his day out with Kaito went. Momo-chan remarks that they are closer now. From this moment on, Kaito is ascending to a new stage as a magical boy.

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The other night as Kaito and Momo-chan were flying, Momo-chan brought up the *Crystal Eight*, the top ranking Magical Boys who collect the most light crystals within the span of a year. They are chosen annually, and while it doesn't exactly determine the value of the magical boy himself, those eight are given a special reward: a *wish*.