Episode 1: 幸せのスターティングブロック Starting Block of Happiness!
NOTE: Epsiode X = Planet Duniya (Present Time), Interlude X = Planet Earth (Flashback)
"The water is alive.
Once you dive in, it will immediately bare its fangs and attack.
But, there's nothing to fear.
Don't resist the water.
Thrust your fingers into the surface and carve an opening.
Then you slide your body through that opening. Moving your arms, your head, your chest…"
3 Weeks Later:
The Village of Iwamara was now back into a state of peace as the Magic Six team manged to start a new life here in the coastal town. Their allies and friends have also resided in the village for a bit while other armies from Aeuropa City and Neo Tabuk have began to return back to their towns.
All of the monsters were gone...Rasputin defeated...Alex is back to his human self once more with his magic and memories restored; the team was finally complete…
At the Iwamara High School Pool, the gang decided to have a day of practice and fun as they swam a few laps while splashing around with happiness. After meeting Rocko on their first day, the swim captain of Iwamara welcomed the guests and grew the Iwamara Swim Club with a handful of new members both men and women.
On today's practice with the Magic Six:
"Alrighty you guys!" said Rocko, "Take up on your positions! Do a 100 meter of your choice of swim."
Haruka got out and readed himself onto the block as Makoto chuckled and followed right behind him and took the lane to the left. Rin swam up and went to Haruka's right hand side.
Just like the good old days, thought Makoto, readying his goggles.
"We're right behind you!" said Rin.
Alex smiled and turned to see Nagisa and Rei as the two got out and were ready for this. Rei smiled his reply while Nagisa giggled, "Let's do this!"
Once the six were on the blocks, Rocko counted down, "3…2…"
He blew the whistle and the six soared into the waters and took on their respective swimming; Haru and Alex with the free, Rin and Rei with the butterfly, Makoto with the back and Nagisa with the breaststroke...it was like as if they were all in a pattern of synchronization.
Haruka could feel the water with the intensity from Rin even though they were both swimming different strokes. All of their minds were becoming a single entity of light welcoming them back to the sight that they were longing to see.
Who would even call this a race if it was the six of them together trying to go as fast as possible but yet still maintaining themselves to enjoy the speed that they soared through?
A-amazing, thought Rocko, It's like…all of them knew what was coming.
Some of the other people that were talking and hanging out turned to see the swimming going on as they were stunned by the show before them.
By the length of the 50 meter end, Rocko watched as they all flipped around and began making their way back. He decided to not reveal the timings and smiled at the sight of them getting closer and closer.
Makoto could feel the sunny skies before him while Nagisa could hear the cries of the animals with joy while Rei felt the sakura petals from the beloved tree that he remembered.
They all touched the wall and Rin took a breath and laughed happily as he saw the others emerging out to breathe.
"That was…AWESOME!" said Rin, reaching up a high five to Haruka and Makoto, reaching out to them as they clasped their hands as a link.
Haruka blushed but nodded in agreement while Makoto chuckled. Alex turned to see Nagisa and Rei and reached out high fives as well and they all linked their hands to celebrate this moment together.
"That was definitely beautiful!" smiled Rei.
"Yeah!" agreed Nagisa.
Rocko blew the whistle and said, "Alrighty, you all did awesome; I guess we'll call it a day….though Alex, may I please have a word with you?"
"Oh uh…sure," he nodded as he looked at Rei and the others briefly before getting out.
Rin swam up next to Nagisa and muttered, "I wonder if something is wrong…?"
"Do you know what's going on, Rei-chan?" asked Nagisa.
Rei shook his head and said, "No I don't."
Makoto got out of the pool and pulled Haruka out with his smile while the others made their way to the locker rooms to change.
Alex sat down in Rocko's office as he could remember that it felt like yesterday when he and the coach were talking before everything went all out in chaos.
"Is something the matter?" asked Alex.
Rocko looked at him for a moment before he answered, "…I've been told…about yourself, your origin…and your past."
Alex remained silent as the coach continued, "Last time we chat, it was about doing the swimming relay...but then things changed significantly."
"But…how did you survive after all of this?" asked Alex, "You didn't tell me you were…"
"A group of people did bring some of us out of there before the chaos began...we fled to Capstone's Hill but we were told to not leave there until it was safe to return," he explained, "So then…have you decided?"
"I want to do the relay...however, it's only been done by 4 people, correct?" asked Alex.
"Yes, only 4…no more…no less," said Rocko.
Alex narrowed his eyes and replied, "I only swim to reach my destiny...and my destiny lies in them...I would never forgive myself if I don't let all of them to join."
He got up and said, "I'm sorry…but thank you."
The others were changing in the lockers when they saw the final member walking in and getting his bag from the lockers. They realized he was a bit quieter than usual.
"A-Alex?" asked Makoto as the other boy opened his lock and began to pack.
Nagisa looked at him a bit concerned while Rei asked, "Did…something happened?"
After a moment of silence or two, he answered, "He knows…what went through. The Watcher's must have told him."
The others were a little shocked by the response as Haruka asked, "And…?"
"Was he even surprised?" asked Makoto.
Alex shook his head and said, "It doesn't matter…however…he asked me…if I could do a relay."
"A-a relay?!" gasped Rin.
"What did you tell him?" asked Haruka.
"…I declined," said Alex as he finally peeled off his swimsuit and changed to his underwear while the towl wrapped around his waist and tossed his jammers into the bag.
"I told him that I will only do it…if all of us were in that race," he explained as he grabbed his clothes to start getting dress.
Rei walked to him and asked, "I know that we are important to you as much as you are important to us. However, won't you regret this decision?"
"If I did, I would have hurt two of you guys…" said Alex, "I don't want anyone to be sad again because of me."
Rin's eyes widened a little as he remembered his days with Haruka from childhood up to the relay that brought the friendship back.
"I know I could care less if I swam or not but...I guess...it would have been painful to not feel the water with such high intensity," said Haruka.
"Oh Haru," sighed Makoto as he face-palmed himself.
Nagisa chuckled and replied, "So then…where are we going?"
Alex closed the locker as he was dressed up and said, "Well I have to go check up on my niece and nephew. I told Sonya that I would be there after I was done."
"We can go with you right…to go see them?" asked Rei.
Alex stopped for a moment as he lowered his head for a moment, "…I…I gu-guess…"
"Is something bothering you?" asked Makoto.
The Last Star smiled and lifted his head, replying, "No, it's fine, really. You should see them. But, let's not try to wake them up if they're sleeping, okay?"
"Alrighty," said Rin.
"Yeah, let's go!" nodded Nagisa, grabbing his own bag while the others finished up changing and assembled their things together.
Iwamara Clinic
Sonya sat at her desk while monitoring the heart rate of the babies. It had been a few weeks since the strange discovery she found out but at least there was no change or anything significant.
She heard a knock on the door and went to open as she saw them waiting.
"Hello there Alex…and friends," she said, "The babies are currently sleeping now so please remain as quiet as possible."
Alex and Nagisa nodded as Rin and Makoto said, "Right."
"We'll be quiet, no worries," whispered Rei as Haruka walked in first followed by Alex and the others. Sonya went to her desk while the boys set down their bags to the side.
The gang walked up to see the babies sleeping peacefully in the cribs. Alex lowered his head while the others were a bit fascinated by how they looked like a human being.
Rasputin, why…thought Alex, why did you want to do this?
"They look cute," whispered Nagisa as Rei smiled to see the babies.
Alex spilled a silent tear and turned to sit down. Makoto turned his head as Rei walked to the boy and sits down next to him. Haruka linked his hand with Makoto while Rin and Nagisa joined up with Rei.
"What's the matter?" asked Rei.
"…I'm scared, Rei," said Alex.
"Is it because of them?" asked Nagisa.
"Yes. They are dangerous…and I'm worried how long it will take before they find out the truth," he replied, "I…I don't know what to…"
Rei rested his hand on Alex's and replied, "They won't turn out like Rasputin, I promise you. We'll show them love and happiness and we'll be there to help them."
"But Rei," said Nagisa, "We won't be here for a long time though once we go back to Earth…if we ever return that is."
"Someone else will have to take care of them," nodded Haruka.
"Anne is sterile," said Makoto, "Maybe she and Shira could help out?"
"I honestly don't know about Shirahama," answered Haruka.
"Not to mention Awlida is pregnant with her own babies," replied Rin, "Can they really handle all of this.
"I think they will," said Rei, "Couples who are unable to have children can be at least happy of adopting them, right?"
Makoto nodded and answered, "I think they'll be alright. At least with Awlida's children, these babies here can grow up and learn from them."
"I guess so," shrugged Alex as he heard the babies starting to giggle. They walked up to see the smiling happily and reaching out to them.
"They are cute!" smiled Nagisa.
Rei smiled as well as Rin added, "Well at least they are looking good."
Sonya walked over and said, "I guess it's time to feed them. We'll be fine from here, Alex."
He nodded and turned to the others and said, "You guys ready?"
"To where?" asked Haruka.
"How about some ice cream?" smiled the last star.
The others turned to look at each other as Nagisa grabbed Rin and said, "You're definitely going to have some with me!"
Rin blushed while Makoto chuckled and held Haurka's hand and whispered, "I can split one with you."
Alex turned to Sonya and said, "Thanks again for everything. We'll be going out now."
"Let's go have some ice cream!" smiled Rei.
The Magic Six walked to the downtown region of Iwamara as the people were going about their business and enjoying the early evening. The sun shined with the skies filled in hues of rainbow with hints of the stars beginning to fade in.
Haruka watched the reflection of the water while Makoto held hands with him and smiled at the sight of the sea. Even though he developed his fear of the ocean back on Earth from the Incident and later on Duniya from the pirate days, he knew that at least it was all finally an era of peace.
Rin smelled the meat from all over the place as he was already having a desire to eat some Sukiyaki or related foods while Nagisa already knew what he wanted for his ice cream.
Rei smiled to himself as he knew that finally, after so many years of waiting and painful moments, he was able to hold his hand to Alex as they all remembered that day back in Italy when Rei was taken control by the Shadow Mafia and later revealed his true feelings.
They walked through a few garden plazas, some strange shops (though Nagisa had some ideas for his Rin-Rin) as well as going to get some ice cream. The people laughed and walked together while several children ran around with balloons and some candy sticks.
After purchasing the ice cream, Makoto split his Popsicle in half and gave it to Haruka as they cooled off from the warm breeze. Rin turned to Nagisa as he saw the gigantic strawberry deluxe while he had a frozen slush drink.
"I see you got that strawberry one again," said Rin.
"Of course!" grinned Nagisa, "It's my favorite! This version is even better than the one in Aeuropa City!"
Alex licked on his mint-flavored ice cream from the cone while Rei took a scoop from his spoon and tasted the chocolate raspberry flavor. They all took a seat on a brick wall that surrounded a gigantic Sakura tree and watched the people passing by while eating their sweets.
"So then, where should we go after?" asked Rei.
Makoto and Haruka shrugged while Rin was a bit stumped. Alex turned to Rei and saw a small dab of melted chocolate on the megane's face.
"Uh Rei…you got a bit on your face," blushed Alex as he leaned over to lick on the cheek while almost touching the lips.
Makoto blushed at this while Rei sat there almost speechless and Rin smirked while Nagisa chuckled and Haruka kept silent.
"T-thanks…" said the megane.
"Rin-Rin!" said Nagisa, "You want to taste mines?"
Rin turned to look at the blonde and saw that he had a bit of a mess on his face too. Deciding to be a bit romantic, Rin leaned down to lick it off but Nagisa shoved him in for a passionate kiss.
"Mmmmff!" moaned Rin.
The others shared their reactions as Rei and Alex giggled and chuckled while Makoto blushed and Haruka kept silent with a bit of a sweat drop.
"And how was it?" smirked Nagisa after taking a breath, "Did you enjoy it?"
"I love you," said Rin, not sure what else he was going to say.
"And I love you too!" replied the blonde.
"Maybe we should go for another round of swimming?" asked Alex.
Haruka began to slowly undress, causing Makoto to almost drop his Popsicle and grab a hold of Haruka while shouting, "HARUUU!"
"Well someone is not wasting any time," smirked Rin.
"Yeah, I think it's a good idea," agreed Rei.
"Let's go to the poooooooool!" cheered Nagisa.
"I know a place we can go," said Alex, "It's a bit more private…"
"And?" asked Rei.
The former chiropteran hugged around the megane and whispered, "Oh I know where this is going."
Rei blushed while the others chuckled as they began to make their way out of the plaza region, heading up the hills to the otherside of the village.
The gang arrived at a private pool not far from the Lynhaven's Bar as the skies were dark and glittering with the stars. Rei flipped on the light switch and the lights were turned on.
Haruka wasted no time to strip off to his jammers and dove right in, performing his freestyle while Makoto laughed and turned around to fall in backwards. Rin smirked and jumped in with a cannon ball style followed by Nagisa.
"WOOOOOT!" cheered Rin.
"YEAAAHHHH!" called Rei, "Ready or noooooooottttt!"
Rei made his "beautiful" entrance and saw Alex trying to climb into some floating chair but slipped and went underwater before reaching the surface again. They all laughed and made random mating calls of cheering.
"YEAAAHH BABY!" shouted Makoto.
"Hehehe!" smirked Alex.
"Let's make out a hug!" said Naigsa as he glomped behind Rin and began to flirt his hands around the red-hair's body.
Makoto cuddled around Haruka while Alex snuck behind Rei and hugged behind him. Nagisa laughed happily and Rei smiled as he could feel the warmth from his love keeping him cheerful.
"Well this is refreshing!" said Makoto.
"Yeah, thank the heavens we're done with the fighting…for now," smirked Rin.
"I cannot thank you all enough…" said Alex, "All of you…I…"
"No need to thank us," replied Rei as he turned to hug him, "We'll never leave each other…you are important to us…and I…and I will always love you."
"We love you too of course!" said Nagisa, "But he's right, it's definitely not the same without you!"
Alex blushed a bit while Haruka turned to Rin and asked, "So then, when do you think we'll head back?"
"How should I k-know," shrugged Rin while he did his best not to moan with Nagisa flirting on his back and his butt, "The gods weren't c-cle-clear on their i-iinstruc-instructions…"
"I wonder who it will be?" muttered Rei as he almost did the megane look but realized he took off his glasses.
"Oh just forget it for now," sighed Rin as he turned to Nagisa and rubbed his hands around the blonde, lifting him up close to him as they kissed.
Rei could feel Alex hugging around him as his hands were also flirting on his strong, chiseled body. Alex moved towards Rei's ear and gently licked it.
"W-whaaaa…" moaned Rei, "A-Alex…aaah…!"
"You know you love it," he replied with a smirk.
Makoto was also hugging behind Haruka and he began to dug his hand through his partner's jammers to feel his erected tower beginning to grow.
"You love it…Rin-chan?" asked Nagisa as the red-hair moaned in pleasure.
"I'm definitely going to return the favor," said Alex quietly as he also began to dug his hand through Rei's swimsuit and the megane moaned and breathed heavily with passion.
"It's gonna go down tonight!" smirked Nagisa.
Makoto finally gripped himself to Haruka's shaft and could feel the lovemaking and the homo-ness rising high and fast between themselves and the other couples.
Later: Lynhaven's Bar
They all returned to the bar and made their way upstairs to the bedroom and regrouped together to check on their aching-love-making bodies from the passion earlier.
"Geeze Nagisa…" sighed Rin, looking at the love marks all over, "You REALLY went a lot on me."
"Sorry honey, I couldn't resist," smirked Nagisa.
"You doing okay Rei?" asked Alex as he watched the megane trying to recover on the bed. Haruka walked up to the mirror to see the amount of love marks he got from Makoto while the latter hugged him from behind with a gentle smile.
"Yeah…I'm fine," said Rei.
"You were surprised at my rhythm though..." blushed Alex.
"Well, it's been a long time since I've been bottom…" replied Rei as he remembered his days with Rin back on Earth.
"At least it was fun, but for now, I want my pillow..." said Rin as he walked out of the room to grab a few from the couch and walked back in.
"Are you guys going to be okay sleeping here?" asked Alex, opening the windows to see the night skies, "I…I don't know how much I got to…"
"Oh I can sleep everywhere! Just as long is Rin-chan is next to me!" replied Nagisa.
"I guess we can," smiled Makoto as he turned his head to Haruka with a nod.
"YAY!" cheered Nagisa, "This is FINALLY going to be a sleepover! Now we can paint our nails as promised!"
The others gasped in shocked while Makoto jumped behind Haruka with a bit of fear.
"You really dedicated to do this?" asked Rei.
"But what kinds of designs have you even…?" began Rin when Nagisa pinned him to the wall and took out a set of bottles from his pocket.
"Well…what color do you like?" asked Nagisa, "I got… pink, red, black, blue, yellow, purple and green? Maybe I should buy more..."
"Uh…uh…well…I-I uh…" blushed Rin, "I used to have black and white designs on my nails for my Arab clothes back in Neo Tabuk…"
"Well I think red will look more sexy on you…you are my sexy shark!" smirked the blonde, "So…let's do black and red on you, okay?"
I don't know about this…will this be even beautiful, thought Rei.
Once the six of them were finally done (after an hour or two) with their nails and the drying, they all looked at each other, wondering how much more crazy it could get.
"Well, I do appreciate on your painting," said Makoto, looking at his painted Orca nails, "How the heck did you even get so detailed?"
Rin looked at his red and black striped designs and shark ones in between and said, "You remembered doing this back on Earth as a child, isn't that right?"
"Y-yeah," replied Nagisa, "But I remembered how to do it after I was born here and I sort of practiced it."
Haruka looked at his dolphin designs with silence but he knew that it was pretty decent and it was somewhat enjoyable designs with symbols of water.
Alex looked at his with the dragon designs on it that was divided into segments and his thumbs were the ones with the head of a dragon on there.
Rei looked at his butterfly nails and said, "Well thanks Nagisa, it's definitely beautiful…"
Nagisa grinned with a chuckle and replied, "You want to take a picture of it, Rei-chan?"
"I'm sure the Compendium will record this moment for us," said Rei, "But if it's what you want…"
They all grouped together and Rei took several photos from the phone of themselves with selfies and showing off their nails, being the swimming homos that they were…both past and present.
Nagisa was feeling so happy that he almost felt sad because he had almost forgotten that he had already lost his own people back in Lha'li. Rin noticed the change of feelings so they all hugged the blonde together.
"T-thank you guys…" smiled Nagisa as he spilled a few tears of both happiness and sadness together.
Makoto turned his head to the clock and said, "It's already past midnight…we should rest up."
"Right," nodded Rin.
"Well we did say we'll have a slumber party," said Rei, "But how will we all sleep in here?"
"I know you want to stay," replied Alex as he grabs the megane's hand and pinned him down on the bed with his necklace hanging out from his shirt.
Rin walked into the closet and found a set of sleeping bags before him and he took them out, "Well we got these now. Let's use them!"
"At least we'll be in one place," smiled Makoto.
"Yeah, I don't like to split up to the other rooms…though it may be good for some S&M with privacy…" muttered Nagisa.
Haruka opened the sleeping bag and made his way in but Makoto joined right behind him, trying to fit inside together as a couple while Rin and Nagisa did the same and cuddled together. They all began to fall asleep finally while Alex looked at Rei's purple eyes for a moment as they couldn't stop staring at each other.
"You always turn me on Rei," whispered Alex, "I love you."
"I love you too," he answered and kissed him on the nose before they finally fell asleep to the late night and covering themselves with the sheets and holding their warm bodies as one.
~Flashback: 10 Years Ago…
Las Jangwa Desert, The City of Neo Tabuk
A swirl of wind drifted around the outskirts to the Murraba Palace as the blind prophet Kaarina arrived for the first time in so many years since the last visit…back when she could still even see. Although blinded, the powers in her allowed her to sense her way through the area as if she could still see.
She walked her way over the the palace when she sensed a guard coming towards her, prompting, "Who are y-ooof!"
Kaarina hit him down with her staff, knocking the guard down to the ground. However, she sensed more coming this way so she once again used her magic to teleport her way inside. Once safely in, she walked through the main hall to a massive chamber where she saw a group of people scattered around but were all watching a young, red-hair boy drenching his feet in the water as if he was doing some ritual.
"Who are you stranger?" asked a guard as he readied his sword.
Two more joined up next to him as they looked at the intruder before her. Rin turned around quickly to see the stranger as well as he was feeling a bit frightened.
"My name has been foretold in legends…I post riddles here and those to those who are in need," said Kaarina.
"That's nonsense!" shouted one of the guards, "By the king's orders we will…"
"That's enough!" echoed Shojimoto as the Alpha Sultan walked into the room and said, "By what means is this commotion going on?"
"It's the sultan!" gasped some of the guards as they dashed out of the way.
"F-faher!" shouted Rin.
"Ah yes…" said Kaarina, "It's been a long time there…Shoji-sama."
"And I see you made it past the guards," he replied, "You were here back with my grandfather's grandfather."
"It has," she nodded.
"Then why have you returned? What it is there that must be done?" he asked.
Kaarina pointed her staff towards Rin and explained, "Six stars are to be set in motion…and he shall be the one with the bright red flame…"
The guards were frightened by those words as Shojimoto replied, "Why do you dare to speak about that prophecy? Why is he to be one of them?!"
"It is a time when the world is in need...8 years ago...a monster fell ruins to that place...and only the friendship of the six stars can end it all," said Kaarina.
"That is against our religion of Iwatobi and Sametsuka," answered Shojimoto, "You know that!"
"I have already decided though," she answered.
"Decided what?" he asked.
"In exchange to not repeat what I just said…I would like to train him…give him some of my abilities…your purification spells are not as great as they used to be," explained Kaarina, "I did the same with your grandfather's grandfather long ago…and I wil renew that."
"Very well, I will have one of my guards to watch you…I will let you train my Rin, but speak another word about that and you are banished from this place. Do I make myself clear?" asked Shojimoto.
"I have nothing else to say beyond that," said Kaarina as she turned to look at Rin.
"F-father…" said Rin as he clutched his fist to his father's garments.
"It'll be alright, I promise," replied Shojimoto.
Kaarina swirled around and walked away from the room, knowing that she was going to be here for a little while. However, the father knew that things were going to change here soon, as much as he is pressured to keep the religion to the people.
Las Jangwa Desert, The Torn Down of Lha'li
Nagisa raced for his life while he clutched to his loaf of bread. Normally he would be with his family at the markets but since they were currently out of town for a little while, he was on his own to survive.
He fled through the crowds while hearing some of of the people shouting.
"GET HIM! HE'S GETTING AWAY!"
"OI! SOMEONE GET HIM!"
Some of the people came close of grabbing the blonde but his rapid dancing abilities and his swiftness allowed him to dodge the people and keep on moving.
"I need to hide! I need to keep moving!" he muttered to himself.
He turned to a corner and ran down through an alley where he saw a strange gap in the walls. Checking to make sure no one was near, he jumped right through just as the chasers turned to the alley and ran passed by.
"Where did he go!?" shouted one of the people.
"It's this way you fool!" shouted another.
Nagisa opened his eyes and found himself in a dark room of some sorts but when his eyes finally adjusted, he gasped at the sight before him.
All over were shelves of old and ruined books with dust around. There were several cobwebs as well but seeing the sight of the books was a shock for him.
"For so many books here…" he muttered as he placed the bread down on his cloth.
Nagisa walked up to a shelf and grabbed one of the books but as he opened the pages, it crumbled into dust.
"Well then," he said to himself.
He grabbed another book from a different shelf and wiped the dust off of it and saw what looked like some strange looking beings ontop of each other with the title of How to Please your Man.
Nagisa put the book down and grabbed another and saw a book of animals and said, "Oh I love animals!"
He took the two books and went to grab his bread and ate a little while trying to read in the dark. After a few minutes, he turned his head and saw what looked like a candle and oil. Remembering the techniques he learned, he managed to set up the light as a small flame was bright enough to see what he was reading.
"Much better…" he giggled to himself.
The blond looked at several books for a few hours when it began to sun down, realizing it was getting late. However, he vowed to return here again soon.
"I'm definitely returning here to this place," he said as he got up to stretch a little before making his way back to the house.
Paleolassa Ocean
Out at the sea, the Tachibana Clan was just arriving at the Island of Xi where several of the pirates (save Makoto, Anne, and Matsuura) went out to shore to set up the camp grounds.
"I wonder when we'll go too," muttered Makoto, "I don't like to stay on the ship that much…"
"I'm sure they'll get us there once they're done!" nodded Matsuura.
"Why do you want to sail so much?" asked Anne, confused by this.
Makoto peaked over to see the water when he felt a strange vibe coming off of it that made him a bit frightened, "S-so muchhh –w-waater…"
Anne held Makoto's hand said, "Don't be afraid, we're here for you!"
"Yeah, she's right!" agreed Matsuura, "We'll always be here for you!"
"The water is pretty…but yet it's so dangerous…" replied Makoto, "I…I'm scared of losing both of you."
"You won't lose us!" chuckled Anne, "Look, we're strong!"
Anne jokingly flexed her arms while Matsuura snorted and flexed his saying, "Look at mine's Mako-chan!"
"Well we are getting a bit stronger," smiled Makoto as he turned around to show off his early forming back muscles.
Anne blushed at the sight and muttered, "Sooooo…stronggggggg!"
"Do you like Makoto?" smirked Matsuura as he whispered that question to her, casuing her to blush.
"Well of course! He is OUR friend and family!" she replied.
Makoto held hands with the two of them and said, "And a family we are…even if we're not related by blood."
"Thanks for being there for me," smiled Anne.
"We will always be together! Let's make a promise to never leave each other!" grinned Matsuura.
Meanwhile, the Nanase Clan were still sailing through the ocean and Haruka, Awlida and Shirahama decided to play around and practice with their fighting skills.
Haruka dodged the sword from Awlida's attack and twirled himself around at the ready.
"How are you so good at this?" she asked as she charged again, clashing her sword against Haruka's.
Shirahama stood to the side to wait for his turn again and wondered what kind of answer Haruka would answer.
"Enough to get into the water!" said Haruka.
"Haru!" chuckled Shirahama, "Do you only think about the water?"
Awlida giggled and said, "So then…should we continue this fight or what?"
"How about we all do it?" suggested Shirahama, "2 on 1?"
"But that's not fair!" replied Awlida.
"Awli, you need to remember that not every enemy will be fair. You need to keep yourself at the ready," said Shirahama as he pointed his sword to Haruka and Awlida, "Try fighting me for now and we'll rotate."
"Let's get him, Haru-chan!" smirked Awlida.
"You really need to stop using that," sighed Haruka as he clashed his blade at Shirahama's.
After an hour or so, the trio lied down on the deck, exhausted from the fighting while the other pirates managed to make room for them while fulfilling their duties.
"Maybe…wer were to hard on ourselves," breathed Shirahama, "We're still y-young…"
"Probably…but how about a bath?" asked Awlida, "We're all sweaty and gross…"
Haruka could barely get up on his feet in order to reach to the water tub as the others struggled to get up and chuckled at Haruka's persistent energy.
Aeuropa City
The Megacity of Aeuropa City was divided into several districts and sub-districtes and even further divided into smaller regions. Most of the world's population resided here (alongside with Neo Tabuk) where education, professionalism, and even perfectionism is at its prime.
One could say that the city is a utopia or a dystopia depending on one's view of the city. However, the city was entering the warming season as the Sakura petals scattered all over, bringing a sense of warmth and hope.
Aeuropa Northern Elementary School, Intermediate Class
Deana Solis rushed through the hallways as she was looking for her classmate, Rei Ryugazaki, an intelligent young boy filled with all of the theories of any subjects that he studied.
"Rei-chan! Rei-chan! REI-CHANNN!" she shouted as she tripped on her feet and toppled over, falling flat on her face.
Rei turned around to see her and helped her get back on her feet, "Deana? Is something the matter?"
The young girl looked at the megane and said, "T-tomorrow…is the Timed Math Exam…and we're doing the multiplication. If I don't get a good enough score, I can't finish the year and I will have to repeat!"
She started to cry as she covered her face with fear and sadness, "I…I d-don't know what to…"
"Don't cry!" said Rei, "I'll help you! I know all the theories about mathematics!"
The girl opened her hands from her face and replied, "Oh thank goodness! We better get to the library then!"
Before he could reply, she grabbed his hand and they rushed through the hallways and made their way to the central library of the school where they found a decent spot by the window to review.
"So what do you not understand?" he asked.
"To be honest, it's a lot of things….but I struggle on the higher values like 6's, 7's, 8's and the 9's," she answered.
Rei nodded and took out his pencil and paper and tablet as he began to lecture and explain all the theories and tricks to how he studies the mathematics. Deana couldn't help but be amzed by his cuteness as well as his tricks to the madness.
Amazing, she thought, he knows just what he has to do.
It was about 40 minutes later when they were just about done with the study session.
"Sugoiiii!" she said, "Rei-chan! That's really amazing!"
"It's nothing," he blushed, "But I am glad to help."
He looked at the clock and gasped, "Oh I should get going, my mom will be here shortly because she's taking me to the bookstore!"
"Ah ok," smiled Deana, "I would like to visit you sometime."
"I have lots of books, microscope and telescope so if you would like some help with other subjects then sure...you can visit me," he nodded.
"Thanks!" she answered, "I'll see ya later!"
Deana waved a goodbye to Rei as the megane packed up and left the library as the girl thought to herself, I really like him…he's cute.
I wonder if mom will let me buy more then one book today, thought Rei as he walked down the steps of the school and saw the car nearby.
A couple of weeks later, it was finally summer break and Deana was sitting beneath a Sakura tree while waiting for Rei.
I hope Rei is okay...I...I wanted to tell him, she thought.
"Oi! Deana!" shouted a voice as she turned to see Rei from the distance.
Rei arrived at the scene and said, "Hey I want to say goodbye because we are going to visit my grandparents and I won't be back till school starts."
"I...I see," she replied, "But…there's something I wanted to tell you."
"Oh?" he asked.
"I wanted to say thanks so much for the help! I passed by the way!" she said.
"Well that's good! I'm glad I was able to help you. But I think that even without my help you would do well. You are smart," he answered.
Deana blushed and replied, "I…I see. Um…R-Rei…can….can…we?"
"Can we what?" he asked.
"I…I want to be your friend!" she blushed.
Rei blushed and replied, "I thought we were already…?"
"Um…I…I guess…uh…I-I didn't realize you uh…" she muttered as she felt Rei holding her hand.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
"Let's promise to be friends forever, okay?!" she replied.
Rei suddenly felt a bit of a pressure in his head for a moment as he heard someone saying a similar phrase but he turned to her and said, "Alrighty! It's a promise!"
Wh-what was that pain, he thought.
"Yaaaaay!" cheered Deana as she smiled happily, "Thanks Rei-chan!"
6 Years Later – Aeuropa NE Junior High
Deana was skipping her way in the hallways while she ignored the hall monitors to stop running around. She was singing happily to herself like the lucky-go-girl but finally stopped at a series of windows where she saw the track team going on their way.
"Oh my gosh!" she gasped as she saw Rei running.
She went outside to see Rei running with the track team as they were warming up for their practice and exercises. Deana sat down on the benches with a few other girls and watched Rei in action.
Wow, she thought, I didn't know Rei was into this!
She blushed as she saw Rei's early muscle formation in his arms as the megane was a lot stronger and growing taller as well from the last few years. Deana smiled to herself and watched Rei readying a pole in his hands.
"Oh?" she blushed.
Rei readied himself after muttering a few words and charged up to do the high pole vault jump. He propelled himself upwards with his body in the air and expanding his limbs like a butterfly, eager to hopefully make it.
Deana gasped as Rei actually made the jump and landed on the other side.
"He got it! He got it!" she said, "WOOOOOH! GO REIIIIII!"
She waved out to him and he turned to see her from the distance. He smiled and waved back.
"I have to go to class! I'll see ya later!" she shouted and made her way back in while Rei smiled with a nod and sat down to the side to stretch some more.
A few hours later, Deana and Rei were sitting down under the Sakura Tree again as Rei told her about his day at the track and his decision.
"What?!" she gasped, "Why? Rei, what's the matter? I thought the track was your favorite thing!"
"I love it but it doesn't feel right...It's like something is missing…" he answered.
"Like what do you mean?" she asked, confused.
"Well, I don't know…but I just feel left out because I don't get along really well with my teammates," he explained.
"Oh Rei...I swear, if anyone tries to hurt you, leave that to me!" she replied as she made a ball of fist in the air, acting all superior and tough, "I'll show them that you're not one to mess around with!"
Rei blushed and looked away and said, "Thank you but I think it would make things worse. Well I think I will join science club or something like that."
"Not a sport's club?" she asked, "Not even swimming?!"
Rei gasped to himself as he felt another headache and said, "S-swimming…w-water?"
"Something wrong?" she asked.
"Well, maybe I'll go look into it," said Rei as he turned around to see her smile.
"Give it a try if you want. I have to get home anyway, I'll see ya later!" she replied as she got up and took her purse.
"Right," he replied, "I'll see you later!"
Rei got up and went to the building where the swim team was at, wondering if that strange headache he had was somehow linked to swimming.
4 Years later…Book 1: The World of Isolation
NE Aeuropa Pre-Grad. High Academy
"Did you hear what that kid is doing on his project?" asked one of the random students.
"Oh I've heard what he was going to specialize in," said another, "That stuff is beyond top secret…he'll be arrested by the government if it gets too viral."
Rei walked past them while fixing his glasses in the megane look while maintaining his composure. He knew that people were going to talk about and laugh off his project but he knew that this was perhaps the key that would unlock the answers that may help end the war in other nations.
It all began when the war started 18 years ago, some kind of monster killed people there. The survivors said the name of the monster is "Chiropteran", thought Rei, Its powers though, I wonder…does it has something to do with "Six Stars"? What or who was this monster? I need to research it. Maybe I will visit some nearby towns and ask some war veterans if they know something.
"Rei! Rei-chan!" shouted a familiar voice.
Rei turned around and saw Deana running through the halls again.
"Rei, are you going somewhere? You do realize the project is going to be due soon!" she said.
"I know," he replied but looked around and said quietly, "Here…I need to tell you something."
"Oh?" she asked as she walked up to him closely as she almost wanted to hug him but she kept her composure. She almost blushed at the muscles that she could even sense even though he was all in his uniform still.
"I'm doing the research about the Tragedy of Herisia 18 years ago…but you have to keep it down from the government, promise me!" he said.
"W-wait, what!?" she gasped, "Don't you realize how dangerous that is!? That's censored information!"
"I know," he answered, "But you see how the city is hiding from us…and I really can't just let this whole thing be a mystery for everyone."
"But why? Why are you going to do this?" she asked.
"There's something I need to do and I have to…" he began.
Deana held his hand and said, "Rei, you're not like what you used to be...you've told me so much and you keep shutting me out lately! But please…whatever you do, don't disappear, okay?"
Rei smiled and said, "I won't. It's only a project anyway, like what could happen? Anyway, I have to go now. I'll see you later."
Deana nodded and waved a goodbye but she could feel the tense of his tone in the voice as she thought, Something is definitely not right...even the classmates are spreading rumors about him…
Present Day; Seraana Apartment, Eastern District – 5th Floor
In her apartment, Deana cleaned up around as she swept up the floor in her room while looking at a collection of photos of her and Rei back in their youthful days. Ever since Rei disappeared, her attitude changed as well for she didn't know what to do about herself.
She had been going to bars more often to get drunk, trying to visualize herself that Rei is still alive as well as having dreams of making out with him and wanting to even have sex. After all, what does a girl have to do when she's deeply in love?
"It's been a few months now," she muttered, "You broke your promise….Rei."
She felt a sudden jolt of anger and threw her broom down on the floor and growled, "I won't forgive anyone who takes you…Rei!"
Deana walked over to her phone and checked on the date when she tried to call Rei when he was on the train but got shut out.
This calls for some drinks, she thought as she grabbed her purse.
Iwamara
The sun rose up in the morning skies as Alex blinked his eyes open with Rei sleeping and cuddling with him. He smiled as Rei got in closer to him with their warm bodies touching each other. For a moment, he could almost feel "excited" but he knew that it would wake the others up if he was going to start playing around.
Instead, he gave the megane a kiss on the nose as the megane mumbled something.
"Oh Rei," chuckled Alex as he goes to the lips and kissed him awake. The megane opened his eyes and shared the kiss and holding onto him.
"Morning," said Rei with a smile.
"Yeah you too," he replied as climbed on top of Rei to look at his face for a moment before he turned his head to see the others sleeping.
"I guess we did end up sleeping together," said Alex.
"So you think we should wake them or get breakfast ready?" asked Rei as he picked up his glasses.
"Maybe make some breakfast. Back on Earth, I didn't get a chance to cook much while staying with you guys in Iwatobi," replied Alex, "I want to return the favor."
"Well then, what do you want to make?" asked Rei as they sat up on the bed.
"Well…when my foster mom was still alive, she used to make all kinds of things…pastries, cooked sausage…bread…fruit…so many things," he replied.
Rei hugged him and said, "We can make all of that."
"Yeah," answered Alex.
After about 10 minutes or so, the others began to wake up slowly by the smell of breakfast. However, Haruka got up to smell the scenet of mackerel while Makoto yawned and noticed Haruka wiggling his way out of the sleeping mat.
"H-Haru?" asked Makoto.
Rin woke up to smell some delicious meet as he smiled, "Oh goodie…"
He turned his head but realized that Rei and Alex were already up as he muttered, "So…sexy dragon and sexy butterfly are cooking this time?"
Nagisa woke up with a yawn as his stomach growled and said, "I'm really hungry…let's go eat!"
Aki handed over a set of plates to Rei, "Here, take the plates to the table."
"Has Anya returned yet?" asked Alex.
"No she has not," said Aki, "I don't know where she went. She's probably doing something for Jadwiga."
"I see," he answered as he turned to see Sousuke trying to cook some stuff on the stove. After recovering from his injuries, he wanted to at least lend a hand around. Makoto, Haruka, and Rin arrived in the kitchen along with Nagisa tagging behind them to smell the food.
"I didn't realize you could cook too," said Rin.
"Meh," replied Sousuke, "I just do it enough to…"
"Oh I taught him a few things," smirked Aki, "He's just trying to be a bit harsh on himself."
They all sat down at the bar as breakfast was served. Afterwards, Alex watched Rin and Nagisa playing a set of cards while Makoto and Haruka were chilling in a booth, probably kissing or two while Rei was on his phone to try and get a signal.
"Hey Rei?" asked Alex.
"Yes?" replied the megane.
"I…I need to speak to you personally," answered the other boy.
He grabbed Rei's hand and brought him outside while Nagisa turned his head to see what was going on but Rin rested his hand on Nagisa's and said, "Just let them talk."
"Rei," said Alex, "Do you remember the magic I had…? The one where I can feel emotions and hidden feelings and thoughts?"
"Y-yeah," blushed Rei, "An awkward power you had but useful too."
"I'm worried for you Rei…" he replied, "I know that we…we're finally together as we promised. But…I don't want to lose it. However, I must ask of you, is it true…that you have someone in town waiting for you?"
"Oh, I think you're talking about Deana," said Rei, "She was a friend of mine and I...I promised her that I would come back...but I think of her as my childhood friend."
"I had a dream…while you cuddled with me last night, I saw you and her…back when you were kids," explained Alex, "I sensed something off about her…I think she wanted to be more than just a friend."
"W-what!?" gasped Rei, "Wh-why? I never said anything that would make her think we would be together! I can't see myself dating her! I like her as a friend and nothing more and-"
"I understand that," said Alex, "But…she may not. She has to realize that before she gets anywhere worse on her condition."
"Condition?" asked Rei, getting a little worried.
"I can't put a finger on it…but something is wrong with her. If she doesn't get help, we may be too late," he replied.
"We should go and check what is wrong before anything happens!" said Rei, "I don't want to lose anyone again…"
"It's probably best we give a heads up to the others though before we depart," replied Alex, "That way we can prepare ourselves. But we have to hurry though before the gods calls us to get ready to return to Earth."
The gang was all dressed up in casual outfits as their MAC adapted to the forms needed for Aeuropa City. They had their money at the ready as well as the identification for the gates.
Anne, Awlida and Shirahama joined up to see as they made their goodbyes to them.
Sousuke watched them and said, "So you're going?"
"Well it's something that has to be done...after all," replied Rin as he held Nagisa's hand.
"He's right," agreed Nagisa as he smiled at Rin.
"Well do you realize that your time here left is short...so hurry back as soon as you can, alright?" asked Aki.
"Right," said Makoto while Haruka nodded.
Their eyes glowed in their respective neon colors of red, pink, purple, blue, green, and yellow as Haruka chanted, "Waters of travel…"
"Take us to Aeuropa City!" finished Rei.
Swirls of water engulfed them, transforming their bodies into the mists as the teleportation spell activated and took them away from the village, heading to the mega city up north.
"That was awesome!" gasped Shirahama.
"Wow…such magic!" smirked Awlida as Anne's eyes were widened.
"Now then," sadi Aki, "We need to check up on the babies."
Sousuke nodded as he and the others made their way to the Iwamara Clinic, knowing that it would be some time before the Magic Six could return. In their hearts, they all knew that this may be their final days together here on Duniya before it was time for them to leave once more.
Mysteries still await both present and in the past…are you ready to see the truth?
~Episode 1 END~
~Interlude 1 PV~
Alex: Morning Class, today we're going to be studying…
Nagisa: MAKO-CHAAAAAN! REI-CHAN IS GONNA BE HOME TONIGHT! BRING OUT THE BOOZE!
Haruka: Should I bring some mackerel or other foods?
Alex: Haru…you know the answer to that question! *laughs*
Makoto: I wonder what this book is all about.
Nagisa: Oi! What is that thing?!
Rin: Yo, guys! Guess who made it back in town?!
Rei: R-Rin-san…
Rin: You are my sexy butterfly, honey…*smirks*
Mikoshiba: I can't wait to reveal the audience what Gou and I will become!
Haruka: Next Time, Free! Ineterlude 1: Starting Block of Mysteries! This is how it all begins after our wedding…right?