Chapter 16

**Chapter 16: I'm Not Handing Odagiri-kun Over to You!!! That's All!!!!** is the sixteenth chapter of *We are Magical Boys*. It is the fourth chapter of vol. 3.

## Summary

*Kaito shows up in time to save Makoto from a powered-up Red!*

## Synopsis

Prior to locating Makoto and Red, Kaito arrived at the town of *Naraku* in search of them. Momo-chan wasn't very helpful, and he hasn't been able to find any sort of clues by asking some other guys. But to his surprise, he did find "*Amaryllis*", a Magical Boy Oasis. He thought it was a bit suspicious, but they offer drinks, so he decided to check it out. There he found Whispery Aquamarine, who caught him up to speed.

He demands Red let go of Makoto and find out how to return to normal himself, and to never show his face around them again. He isn't too worried about the curse anymore, but Red points out that with how things are, he isn't in the position to demand him to do anything. Makoto tells Kaito to focus less on him and more on Red's scythe. He risked his life to become a Magical Boy, so he doesn't want him to accept a decision that takes advantage of him. He acknowledges that it was his poor decision that got him into this mess, but he will make sure that they go home together when its all said and done. He and Kaito exchange a silent agreement, and Red determines that an exchange won't work. So he calls it off, but this distracts Kaito enough that he nearly gets hurt when he slashes at him with his scythe. Kaito angrily tells him off but Red expresses that he has to be forceful, they didn't give him a choice.

Kaito quickly realizes he's at a disadvantage despite Red only having one free hand. He wonders if his costume changing could have anything to do with his strength, and before he can even try to hurt him, Red uses Makoto as a shield knowing Kaito wouldn't try anything. He calls him out on using such a dirty tactic, but Red doesn't really care. Makoto uses this as a chance to unzip his jacket, allowing him to fall from Red's grasp knowing Kaito would rescue him. Kaito scolds Makoto but he reminds him that now isn't the time, and Kaito realizes that he let his guard down, because he's going to have to protect Makoto while trying to fight. He can hardly keep up with Red, who reminds him that he easily out-speeds him. Kaito tells him off again and uses his wand's attack as a makeshift distraction, allowing him and Makoto to escape.

Red compliments this and decides to look around for them, they couldn't have gotten too far. For now he'll play hide-and-seek with them; unaware that they are in a nearby bush. The boys decide to use this as a chance to relax and Makoto apologizes for his impulsive decision. Kaito expresses that he was a little mad, and he wish he knew about Amaryllis a lot sooner, but he understands why Makoto did this. He goes on to ask if Red's "Beastliness" powered up, explaining why he looks different. Makoto asks Kaito if he can put on the dress he used to fight against Purple, his "*Lala Girliness*". It's a stronger version of his normal costume that further draws out their abilities; but it is a limited time thing because of how much magic power it consumes. Kaito is uncertain, and he admits that ever since that battle he hasn't been able to use it again, it just comes out looking like a bathing suit instead. He assumes its because he isn't fired up enough to fully summon it, and as it is now, its really uncomfortable for him.

Makoto understandingly tries to come up with another idea, only for them to be startled by a large explosion nearby. They discover Red is attacking the park they are hiding at, and in doing so other people are getting hurt. This aggravates both boys and just as he prepares to blast the area again, Kaito suddenly changes into his Lala Girliness form and appears to protect it. Red compliments his new appearance but Kaito is in no mood for small talk. He provokes him into attacking and throws Red to the ground, warning the innocent citizens to escape while they can. Makoto happily watches the turn of events, but he begins to feel pathetic for being unable to help out. He's a Magical Boy too, but he feels like a liability to Kaito instead of his partner. Recalling what Red said a while back doesn't make him feel better.

Makoto is unable to linger on his doubts when he realizes Kaito ran out of magical power and lost his Lala Girliness form. Red happily decides to take Kaito now that he has nothing to prevent him from doing so, but before he can grab him, Makoto darts in front of his unconscious friend to protect him. Red remarks that he can't do anything, so he should just get lost before he decides to cut off his arm wearing the Transformation Ring. He goes on to insult him but Makoto remains strong, refusing to hand over his friend. Red raises his scythe but to Makoto's shock, Kaito gets up in time to protect him from the slash, one of his wings taking the damage. Kaito happily lays on the ground while telling Makoto that out of all the friends he's made, he is the one with the strongest heart. He tells him to believe in himself, and Makoto is so touched that he begins to cry.

In a flash of light, Makoto gains his ability to transform again and triggers Lala Girliness. As Blue, he challenges Red to attack him and deflects anything thrown at him. Red apologizes for the way he treated him before, but he refuses to believe he can be beaten. But to his surprise, he observes Makoto embrace Kaito and completely heal his injuries. He even regains his Lala Girliness form, and with that both boys attack Red. The boys use their wands to shoot a large, combined beam at him and Red shoots one at them.

The smoke clears, revealing that their twin beam rendered Red unconscious. Kaito expresses relief and believes that they should be fine for the time being, and Makoto assures him that even if he does return they know how to handle it. He goes on to thank Kaito for encouraging him, and Kaito is flustered as he tries to take the blame, saying that if he had handled Red better when they met then this never would have happened. Makoto smiles and tells him its alright- because it was thanks to his beautiful new form and beam that saved the day. They begin to tease each other, but to Makoto's surprise, Kaito begins to cry from joy, happy that he can become Rowdy Blue again and he's back to normal.

Makoto comforts him and apologizes for worrying him so much, and with that they decide to go. To their alarm, they find Red -back in his normal magical boy costume- standing before them, but he assures them that he's giving up on his plan. He'll work on becoming a Magical Boy again on his terms, having been touched by their friendship. The boys remain anxious, unsure if they can trust him, especially when he reveals that he still plans on perusing Pink. He might not need him anymore, but he has various reasons: his main reason is because he's so cute. He wants to be able to snuggle and cuddle with him, and dote with him. Pink is so charming, that he wants him for himself.

The boys are stunned as Red says goodbye and takes off, and after an awkward moment of silence they latch onto each other.