Free! EtERNaL SWiM CHRoNiCLE: Before it Begins

フリー! エターナルスイムクロニクル 前それ始まる

Bonus Short Stories

Author's Note

Welcome my dear Free! fans to a BRAND NEW FANFICTION SAGA! Unlike the 12 novels, these new stories are NOT sequels (well except for "one" thing) but it is pretty much a "REBOOT" soooooo you can jump into this story and not having to worry too much yet.

I was known for my fanfics of Heart of the Sixth Magic and Voyage of the Magic Six. A story of the Free!Boys with a handful of Real Life People and OCs interacting with one another in a magical, swimmingly, epic storyline where sports and magic CAN exist together.

Now in this new saga (coming this summer), Magic and Sports will collide once more but to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL…

For now, these following stories are "Mini-Adventures" which will lead up to the Summer Premiere of EtERNaL SWiM CHRoNiCLE - Sports Village!


DISCLAIMER:

Long before I was into anime, I was into a different fandom called BIONICLE (it is a LEGO toy product and stories that ran from 2001 – 2010 with a new reboot going on now for 2015 at least). After Bionicle Ended in 2010, I started to watch some anime and building my own adventure from there.

I am aware that NOT everyone likes crossovers (i.e. one may like anime but NOT Bionicle and vice versa). However you gonna have to deal with it! BIONICLE is a huge part of my childhood life and I have tons of proof to show you (if you go to my blog). I have merchandise from Free! and a SHIT TON of merch from BIONICLE.

If you still do not like what you are reading here, please leave and forget about it.

This BIONICLE x Free! crossover will only last in Fire vs. Water Arcs – Parts 1 & 2.

Note: ALL OF THESE SHORT STORIES take place between the Prologue and Episode 1 of Eternal Swim Chronicle Book 1: Crossroad of Talents.

Note 2: To Bionicle Fans, Gaardus is a "Phoenix", not the Ta-Matoran that was mutated by the Nynrah Ghosts back in the canon story. This "Gaardus" is an OC of mine.


それが始まる前に - 水VS火パート1
– Fire vs. Water Part 1 –

Ignis Magna

The skies raged fire and blood as a group of robotic workers mined their way through to allow the lava river flow in a newly developed path. Life in this world was searing hot and endless labor while trying to hopefully obtain a better lifestyle.

Kapura made his way through the lava fields along with Aft and Dezalk as they were on their way to deliver new materials to the one who reined this land.

"I can't stand this life!" moaned Aft, "Just why are we bound to even listening to this…'savage'?"

"If he heard you now, we're screwed," sighed Dezalk.

Kapura kept silent while using his slowness motion to be on alert. This "slowness" ability he developed annoyed the others in worry that the leader will demand him (and torture) to work faster. However, an elder once told him that the slowness skill may be the only hope of saving the people if he were to become a "Toa".

The trio made their way to the Fire Fortress where they were brought in by the Nektann robots, entering into the room where the leader sat on his fire throne.

Hakann opened his eyes and saw the trio of Matoran.

"Come," he growled.

The three walked in as they carried the baskets of swords, fire launchers, and other weapons, presenting them to the Skakdi.

"Lord Hakann, we have the new tools freshly made from the fires of Mount Ignis," said Dezalk.

"Excellent," said the Skadi, standing up and looking at the tools, "Is the crystal found yet?"

"There has been no sign," replied Kapura, "But we will be sure to…"

Hakann grabbed him by the neck, hissing, "Anyone who finds that crystal will have the potential to surpass me. DO NOT forget that."

"Y-yes, L-lord Hakann!" gasped the other Matoran while the Skakdi threw the villager back at them.

The trio quickly fled the room while the Skakdi sat back down.


Hidden in a network of tunnels…

Ignis Magna wasn't just a major volcano site, it has a town of its own embedded with the flames and earth filled with Vahki Guards, and Bohrok Squad control and other enforcers to keep the villagers working. A network of tunnels were used for the civilians and enforcers to get to the main volcano (where the fortress is located) and back.

One of the Elders, Raanu, sat alone in a temple, praying by the fire. The residents here would go to this place to pray for hope in this world.

Like always, the elder clasped his hands and went down to his knees and pray, chanting the same words again.

Suddenly, he saw a strange spark in the flames that glowed a blue light. Wondering if it was the minerals that fell from the ceiling, he looked up but saw nothing.

Moments later, something else showed up in the flames…it was a face whose eyes were closed but it was a strange looking face, looking almost organic instead of wearing a mask or a helmet.

"Someone…" he muttered.

He turned to see Lhikan, Vakama and Norik, three of the guards.

"What are you guys doing here?" asked Raanu, worried.

"We managed to sneak off some time to check on you," replied Norik.

"But it's dangerous," said Raanu, "You three have to get back before the Bohrok Guards catch you! I promise you, there has been no change in the sacred fire."

The trio shrugged and left while the elder walked up to a hidden spot on the wall and took out a small mask, wondering if it was almost time to use this power.

Someone can use this, he thought, but it can't be any of use. No one is strong enough to use it unless if anyone became a Toa.


Jaller stood at the gate of Village Entrance on guard with a few of his followers. Recently, other neighbor hooding volcanoes were already going on strike against their Skakdi masters but faced no avail. When Hakann heard of the uprisings, he closed off the trade routes as well as putting extra Nektann guards to keep an eye on his kingdom.

The villager turned to see one of the robotic guards, a Nektann Master. These robots were one of the strongest ones and had great resistance to the fire elements.

"Beep, beep, beep!" it chirped.

"Alright, alrighty!" sighed the guard, "We'll send in our reports and…"

"Jaller! Look! The skies!" shouted one of the other guards.

The Chief guard turned to see something happening to the skies as a gigantic blob of energy poured down, splashing out what seemed like water but it was instantly turned into steam.

"Down there! By the Brother's Bridge!"


Rin was the first to open his eyes and realized that the place was intense heat. Really intense heat. Gaardus squeaked and shriveled his feathers in order to use some of his magic to keep the boys hydrated.

"W-where are we!?" asked Rei as he gasped to see the sight of Volcanoes.

"This is not Olympia," sighed Makoto, trying his best to not feel nervous.

"Did you screw up the transmission again?!" growled Rin.

"Rin!" said Haruka, "Please keep down. We don't know who or what lives here!"

Alexa was already walking across the bridge, sensing some sort of entities.

"A-ALEXA!" shouted Makoto, chasing after him.

"You guys, I feel like we should move in this way!" he cried out.

The others followed right after, crossing the bridge where they saw an entrance to the volcanic mountains. However, a group of robot-looking guards stood right at the entrance.

"HOLD IT!" shouted Jaller, pointing his two-prong spear, "The Trade Route to Ignis Magna is closed!"

"We're not here for trade!" said Alexa, "We just got here!"

"We do not welcome visitors," replied the villager.

"But we just got here," said the human.

The others arrived behind Alexa as they each donned their white majestic cloaks with their respective colors that matched their eyes. Jaller has never seen such strange beings before, it was almost as if they were not robotic but rather…organic.

"This land is currently not welcoming visitors," repeated the guard.

"We just need a place to stay for the night," said Makoto.

Gaardus hovered above the group which brought some attention to the guards.

Jaller turned to Norik, Vakama and Lhikan and a handful of other guards that just arrived at the scene. Behind them, a squad of Bohrok stood with their shields at the ready.

"We are not even from this world," said Rin, "Is there even shelter around?"

"I can give you," hissed a dark voice.

The villagers turned and gasped at the sight of their leader, walking towards the humans. The boys watched in a bit of slight fear at the sight of the boss whose face grinned with sharp glowing teeth and a body that was strong with spikes on its back.

Hakann stood to see the humans before him and said, "Welcome to Ignis Magna. It appears that you…beings have traveled quite afar."

"Indeed we have," smiled Alexa, "Why can't we be permitted to go inside?"

"It's per safety caution," replied the Skakdi, "However, I do not suspect that you guys are what they are said in prophecy."

"Said in prophecy?" asked Nagisa, confused.

"Never mind," smiled the monster, "I welcome you to my Kingdom of Fire! Now, let us go in, shall we?"


The Group were brought inside the Fire Fortress which appeared to be nothing but light and fire but there were plenty of darker areas and metallic objects.

I don't understand how they can survive this extreme heat, I have to know their secret, thought the Skakdi.

"It's really a nice place!" said Nagisa while trying to sound a bit optimistic.

"I'm glad you like it," replied Hakann, twirling his outfit, "It is fit for a king of fire such as myself."

"The villagers…they seem a bit…" began Makoto.

"Terrified? Well they are lava farmers, entertainers, or personal workers here in this realm," explained the Skakdi.

"You said entertainment?" smiled the blonde.

This guy is really annoying, thought Hakann before he replied, "Yes, only a group of villagers, those who have served well are eligible to play a game of Fireball Kohlii."

"Has fire been the only resource here?" asked Rin.

"For as long as over 1000 years," answered the Skakdi, leading them to the main hall where the throne rested, "I'm interested to hear about your travels…if you don't mind."

Gaardus stayed close to Alexa and whispered, "I don't trust this guy. He seems very menacing and dangerous."


Jaller, Lhikan and Vakama stayed hidden in the shadows to hear the conversation. From what they could hear, they have had traveled to other realities in order to arrive at a certain destination. However, they kept falling to the wrong place at the wrong time.

"And that's what will happen if Hakann finds out if they don't have fire," muttered Vakama, "I have seen strange things happening in my mind through dreams."

"Another vision?" asked Jaller.

"But what could they have that would threaten him?" asked Lhikan.

"It's simple…water," replied the other guard.

"No way…" gasped Jaller silently, "You mean that this could be hope?"

"Perhaps," shrugged Vakama.


Hakann stared at his visitors as they continued to explain their travels, from what he heard; it sort of seemed a bit fascinating but he was getting more suspicious at the minute. However, he did not want to start a havoc situation just yet so he kept calm and still.

Finally he answered, "There are rooms for you. My guards will bring you in for the evening. The only source of food we have at the moment are Lava Eels and Hikaki."

"Alrighty," nodded Rin as he and the others were led by the guards through the halls.

"Lava Eels..." muttered Makoto.

"That sounds impossible to eat," said Haruka.

"Well if you're a Matoran or a Toa of Fire, it's not that bad," replied Jaller.

"It seems that everyone is not so happy about…uh…" began Alexa.

"It's a long story," said Lhikan, "But perhaps with you guys…you might be of some help."

"For what?" asked Rei.

"To free this land…" replied Jaller, "This world wasn't always like this, dominated by Fire. We had other elements in this world…Air…Water…Ice…Stone….Earth and many others."

"We once had a Toa, by the name of Tahu…but he one day disappeared without a trace," sighed Lhikan.

"Tahu?" asked Rin.

"A hero who also has the powers of fire. He and a group of others were a team but they all one day disappeared," explained the other guard.


The two Matoran guards opened the door to the guest rooms; filled with metallic-polished beds and blankets and pillows made of some sort of an organic fur and plants mixed.

"We'll let you guys talk amongst yourselves, but…you might want to keep in mind that if your powers are not fire, you might be targeted…yet wanted," replied Lhikan and they shut the door.

Gaardus landed on the window still and sighed, "Fire hm? Sounds like we are not much of a help."

"But if he was kind enough to put us here," said Makoto.

"I have a feeling it's a set up," replied Alexa, "You think he's going to try to kill us?"

"We don't know what kind of power he has but…" began Haruka.

"I think I know," replied Gaardus.

"Y-you do?!" asked Nagisa.

"I've seen species like those before…at least long before I met you guys," answered the Phoenix, "They're called Skakdi; a savage race of beings whose powers can only be channeled if they are working with someone else in their clan OR if they have a weapon on their own they can easily summon their attacks. They also have powers of lasers from their eyes and teeth that glow in the dark."

"Sounds quite…unbeautiful," sighed Rei.

"Well if this monster uses fire…maybe we can counter react it?" asked Makoto.

"Possibly but you must not use your powers too much," said Gaardus.

"But if this is our only chance…" sighed Rin.

"We'll fight if we have to," nodded Alexa, "But I just hope we can find a way to make some reasoning between him and the villagers."

"I'll look around and see," replied the Phoenix, "Maybe someone can be of help."


Gaardus flew down to the village site where he saw the workers and villagers going about their daily lives. He watched how hard at work the majority of them were and a handful of them were not as happy. He also heard rumors of some legends that will hopefully overthrow the Skakdi and take back the land.

While the bird himself had his own secrets that not even the Magic Six knew about, Gaardus realized that it was time to take on another form…to use the power that was bestowed.

The bird screeched and transformed, taking on a form similar to the magic six but with a feminine shape with her own beauty.

"So good to be back in this," she muttered, "For now."

One of the villagers who saw this nearly passed out but the female entity walked over with a smile saying, "Have no fear. A prophecy is rumored in this village that the coming of beings will change this land."

"W-what?" asked the Ta-Matoran.

"Who are you?" hissed a dark voice.

The female being turned to see an elder villager holding a staff of his own that symbolized his age. He looked at her sharply but with also some curiosity.

"You've waited for thousands of year," she answered, "Now let's begin a new era, shall we?"

"Please follow me," said Raanu, leading her over to his hut where the sacred fire burned its flames.


The supper meal was a bit awkward…

The Magic Six were brought into the hall where there were a bowl of strange-looking fruit as well as the Lava Eels and the Hikaki meat. To their surprise the Lava Eels were actually not as what they thought it was; a burning trap that would burn and kill them through the extreme heat. The Hikaki meat though (as Rin would later describe it as filthy and silmy fat) was something to forget about.

A few other Skakdi families were on the visit as well and were a bit concerned about these "stange" beings but Hakann reassured them that they are only visitors and were no threats to the kingdom.

One of the other Skakdi brought a prisoner with him, one whose mask was a diamond-shape and blue and its body was also red and blue with yellow eyes.

"So this is him?" asked Hakann.

"Yes," said the other Skakdi, "This Matoran is rumored to be mysterious."

"Sounds like we'll put him locked up," he replied.

The Magic Six kept their mouths shut but Alexa somehow was able to detect something different about this new prisoner but couldn't put a finger on it.

He could feel his Suiei necklace inside his body just like the others, hoping that sooner or later; their powers will come into play.

Hakann turned to his guests and said, "I thank you guys for tonight, you can head on up to your rooms now. I will be up though so please don't be afraid to ask."

Once they disappeared back up to their rooms, another Skakdi asked, "What do you plan to do with them?"

"Oh I got my plans for them…involving with fire of course," smirked Hakann, "I just want to make sure that they are not getting too suspicious so they can be killed off."


Upstairs:

"Rei-chan!" smiled Nagisa, "I want to cuddle with you!"

"Nagisa-kun," he answered, hugging him, "I know that by now but I don't feel safe here."

"Awwww…Rei-chan feeling a bit scared?" giggled the blonde.

"THIS ISN'T A SAFE PLACE!" snapped the megane.

"Rei, do you think one of us should be up then?" asked Makoto.

"I want to find that prisoner," said Alexa, "I got a strange feeling about him."

"Alexa, you need your rest," answered Makoto.

"But I can't sleep either," he replied.

The four turned to see Rin and Haruka lying down on the bed but Rin couldn't help but feel anxious either.

"Gaardus hasn't returned yet, hasn't he?" asked Rin.

"No, I hope he's alright!" said Rei.

"As soon as his power of the earring glows, we're out of this blasted place!" nodded Rin.

Haruka turned and saw Alexa sneaking out of the room, heading down the hallways.

"Makoto…" sighed Haruka.

"ALEXAAAA!" shouted Makoto, running after.


Alexa snuck his way through the halls/pillars as he saw the Skakdi taking the strange Matoran down the stairs towards the dungeon areas. Once the villager was locked up the beasts returned back up the stairs. As soon as the scene looked safe, Alexa made his way down and found the prisoner.

The strange Matoran turned his head and asked, "W-who are you?"

"A friend," said Alexa, "But why did they lock you up?"

"I rather not answer," replied the villager, "They accuse me of an ancient power that is forbidden."

"And you sort of answered it," said the human.

"Maybe but…I doubt that I could change anything," he sighed.

"What is your name?" asked Alexa.

"Takua."


"Someone who has the power of light?" asked the female being.

"Light is the complete opposition of shadow," said Raanu, pointing up to the symbol of light on the wall scroll with the shadow on the opposite side.

"Long ago, this land was once filled with the balance of elements," he explained, "But then these monsters appeared from the outlands and fought against each other to see whose element is the strongest. Fire seemed to have taken the upper head and the other elements are nowhere to be found.

The Great Spirit Mata Nui who once ruled the land long before anyone arrived here, created a crystal with a mask hidden inside of it; one of which could restore this imbalance. But this is what the Skakdi are after…so they can prevent any last hope from forming."

"Has anyone known where this crystal or mask is at?" asked the female being.

"No, but…the closer we are of getting there, the more pain and suffering this village is feeling. If the boys you brought over to this land can be of help…we'd be gratefully appreciated," said Raanu.

"I understand," she replied, "I do have some powers of my own but I am not sure if it will be enough. However, I will take back in the form of my disguise to hide my true nature from these villains."

Gaardus transformed back to his bird form and flew back to the fortress up to the room but saw no one inside. Worried, he flew his ways into the hall, scanning the halls with his night vision.

"Just where did they go!?" he screeched to himself.


"Light?" asked Alexa.

"Yes," said Takua, "They are accusing me of carrying light powers."

"I thought it was water…that Hakann was after," replied the human.

"Well yes but, Light is very powerful here in this world," answered the Matoran, "I don't even see myself holding that power!"

"But what if they were right, if you possess light…you might be a hero," smiled Alexa, "A Toa!"

"T-Toa…" muttered the Matoran, "If only we had them around still."

"Listen, I don't know how the evolution here works but I know this; you have to love and believe in yourself as well as those who do care for you!" replied Alexa, "I have families of my own and they are praying for my safe travels along with my friends!"

"But…I don't possess the power of light!" snapped the Matoran, "I just want to be left alone!"

"We have to get you out of here before…" began Alexa when he turned to see two Skakdi arriving.

Alexa quickly fled and tried to use his cloak to conceal when he felt a sting burning through his leg. He screamed out in pain as the Skakdi found him and pulled him on his feet.

"ALEXA!" shouted Takua as he grabbed onto the bars.

"You shut up, filthy Matoran!" hissed one of the Skakdi.

Takua's eyes narrowed when his hands suddenly glowed with light, without further hesitation, he unleashed laser beams of light at the Skakdi, knocking them down while he broke free from the cell with the same laser intensity.

Alexa smiled as the Matoran gasped at what happened.

"Come on!" said Alexa, "My friends and I will find a safe place!"

"But where?" asked the Matoran.

"I have no idea but we have a friend who can guide us out of here!" he answered.


The other members of the Magic Six rushed through the halls, hoping to find Alexa when a bunch of Nektann guards appeared and fired laser beams and fire blasts.

"WATCH OUT!" shouted Haruka, tackling Rin to dodge the blast as they rolled across the floor.

"NAGISA!" cried Rei as the blonde nearly got pinched by one of the robot's claws.

Makoto turned and unleashed his vase to splash some acidic attack which seemed to work but the robots were beginning to reassemble themselves.

"Shit! We have to hurry and find Alexa!" gasped Rin.

"No need to find him," hissed a voice.

The group turned to see Hakann and two other Skakdi grabbing on to Alexa and Takua. Alexa was already facing burnt marks easily from the heat powers while the Matoran was struggling to try to use his powers.

"Of course you'd be the enemy," said Rin, showing his sharp teeth.

"Indeed I am," replied Hakann, "I claim this entire world of fire to myself! Anyone who refuses to join me in the power will face serious consequences.

"Your friend, for example…will be burned under my flames until his remains are for the Lava Eels."

Makoto growled and unleashed his vase to splash out some acid attack but Hakann took out his lava launcher and fired the blasts but they exploded on sight, creating blasts of fire balls. The Skakdi took the chance to absorb them and prepare another fire attack to the others.

Takua cried out and his powers were unleashed a bit more, blinding the Skakdi as his armor changed from red and blue to white and gold. The Av-Matoran's true form revealed to the others.

"GET HIM!" shouted one of the Skakdi.

"GUYS!" shouted Gaardus, arriving at the scene, "We have to get out of here now!"

"Can we get to the next world!?" asked Rei.

"That power hasn't recharged yet completely," replied the Phoenix.

"I know a place," said Takua, running with the humans, "Up by the Black Mountains. I have some friends there that share the same power as I have."

"You mean there are more of these…light beings?" asked Alexa.

"Well yes, fire and light are cousins in a way," answered the Av-Matoran.

"Let's make haste!" said Rei, "The Nektann and Skakdi aren't far behind!"

Takua aimed a small blast of light up at the ceiling, hoping it would collapse some of it down. After a few failed shots, he managed to aim one at the chandelier, collapsing it ontop of several Nektann. The group fled out of the fortress at last and raced across the village while more Nektann guards were on the chase.

One of the gates was closing up which seemed the end but Takua recalled another narrow of tunnels not far from the castle.

"This way!" he shouted, leading them down.

Gaardus turned to the robots and opened its beak, unleashing blasts of air to scatter the robots. Finally, the group found the tunnel down by the base of the mountain. Once they were all in, Takua sealed off the door and used his light powers to allow easy seeing through as they made their way.

However, it was not over yet…only the beginning of a revolution.


To Be Continued…Next Water Weds. March 18, 2015!

(Off Note: OMFG, the OVA too will be out! It's gonna be a fun one!)