~Episode 1: ストライドのマスター! Master of Stride!
Go forth and spread the love with happiness, the life of having fun is much too short and then
Cast a spell that will make you the man, and the man that I want to be.
The softly breeze that gazes me, it's illusion that brought a tiny fever
In a world that's perfect so I cry, I can't even try to make a small laughter
Unknown Location in Hounan Valley
A tall man in a red and black jacket with a cap and a pair of sunglasses stood alone in an abandoned complex. He disliked coming here as each encounter would increase his risk of death. But the reward was also worth the pleasure.
Another man appeared in the scene and escorted him to his "throne" room where it hasn't been occupied for a couple of years since his departure to Sportsbrooke.
"Any success?" the man asked.
"No," the boss answered, "I was banished by that bastard a short while ago and I am going to do whatever it takes to bring him down."
"Then where were you while you were banished?" the servant asked.
"I spent time here in the mountains to test my courage of the Parkour skills. It was because of that sport that I enabled my own abilities in basketball…however, my only skill at the time involved in stealing and putting a venom in it. However, that ability was considered unethical according to their standards," the boss answered.
"As you can see, we have managed to maintain the traffic as per your request," the servant explained as the boss sat down on his "throne".
"Pure gold…this thing," he chuckled, "Hahaha…I missed this so much."
"Do you want a prostitute? Or did the years of your undercover made you withdraw?"
"I need someone who is…fresh in her bloom, waiting to taste my forbidden fruit and her flower," he answered before shooing him out.
You're gonna regret this…Kagami, the boss thought as he growled silently before opening up the box with several small bags of white powder.
Back out in the Rest Stop:
The Iwasame Senshi dodged the monster's legs and its sharp-pointed tail that kept them at bay. Some of the water attacks from the Iwatobi Senshi managed to repel it back a little.
"W-what the heck is this thing?!" shouted Makoto as he narrowly dodged the monster's pointed legs again.
"THUUUNNNDDDDEEEERRRRR…GEYSER!" chanted Momo as he raised up his hand to create a form of an energy ball before slamming it to the ground and it exploded a series of geysers to knock the monster out of path.
"DRAGON SEA KING!" shouted Alexa as he twirled his sword to unleash his dragon attack of water soaring out from his sword.
"BUTTERFLY HURRICANE!" Rei added his attack of unleashing a storm of butterflies to attack at the monster's peripheral vision.
The beast replied by expelling out an odor that was toxic enough to kill off the butterflies while using it to plug their noses up. Sousuke, Momo, Rin, Nitori, Makoto, and Haruka were falling to their knees to cover their noses from this foul smell. However, Alexa, Rei and Nagisa were standing still from this as if they didn't bother them.
Nagisa gasped as he recalled this scent of order. In microseconds after the initial smell, he cried out and flash froze the monster while his heartbeat was rapidly in fear that the others might suffer the same fate.
Th-this odor, thought the blond, how is it…here in that monster?
"ALEXA YOU HAVE TO HURRY AND DEFEAT THIS MONSTER!" Nagisa shouted.
"Use your new power that Skralla gave you!" Gaardus added.
The savior nodded and transformed his sword into the new Dragon Creature Rod while chanting, "Prince Julius, grant me the strength of your past into the new power of the Dragon Creature Rod!"
He twirled on the rod rapidly and spun around, shouting, "IWAAAAASSSSSSSAMMMMEEEEEE…RRRRAAADDIIIIAAAANNNCEE!"
The ball of energy few out of the rod in the shape of the dragon made of pure light soared right towards the iced monster and ate it into oblivion as the creature roared loudly before it dissolved into nothingness.
Rei checked upon Nagisa as the blond was increasingly worried about the odor from the battle. However, the megane reassured that precautions were made long before they began their travel.
"I know but, I'm still worried," Nagisa muttered, "How are we going to tell them?"
"You guys are alright?!" Sousuke shouted, "What in the hell was that?!"
"I never thought our enemies will be like skunks," Rin growled.
"That was a new one though," shrugged Makoto.
Haruka turned to see five guys in beams of light floating above. He cried out to the others but the strangers vanished instantly. Momo felt Click transforming back to his beetle form and climbed back to his head again, safe and sound.
"Whoever attempted to take you from me is gonna pay for that!" he said to his pet.
"We have to investigate something though," Rei replied, "Those passengers…maybe they might know something."
They returned to Kagami and the survival passengers who happened to know about the three villages. One of the elderly folks sat down with them and told them about the Hounan Riot years ago when he was still raising his own family.
"It was a painful week of our lives," he said, "Many people died that day and those who survived moved out but doing so allowed new people to enter the village…turning it into a terrible place for drug users."
"And what of the other two villages: Mihashi and Saisei?" asked Rei.
"There are fences, wall, and gates that separate the towns but there are definitely some smugglers entering their towns back and forth," one of the ladies answered.
One of the little kids asked Makoto, "Are you the one who will save our town?"
"We can only hope," he smiled.
"What was that monster?" asked Rin.
"It was the Durabolix," one of the younger college-looking guys answered, "Nasty creatures they are. If you don't live to see the next day, you end up with one of those monsters lurking around the area of our home."
"Then how did you guys managed to live?" Sousuke asked.
"Simple. Our technology of the fences, walls, and gates have strong electrical voltage enough to shock them to death," he replied.
Makoto was starting to feel sick in his stomach about this but Alexa reassured him that it was going to be alright.
"We'll find out who's doing all of this," he whispered.
"Right," Makoto answered silently, "Your power keeps me in check."
"When will the next bus make its way here?" asked Nitori.
"Another 3 hours or so," one of the passengers shrugged, "If we are even lucky."
"Sounds like a problem," muttered Rin.
They all heard a cry of a bird as Gaardus transformed back into her human-like self from behind the scenes. The Magic Six brought the others to the corner of the restroom building where their friend stood waiting for them. The six men were happy to see her again while Nitori, Momo, Kagami and Sousuke were a bit confused on this new guest.
"EEEEHHH!?" Momo and Nitori gasped as Pandora revealed her existence as Gaardus while Sousuke and Kagami had a moment of sweat drop.
"She's been helping us a lot," Nagisa answered, "Can you help us get to town?"
"I can," she replied, "I was able to fly there and memorize some key locations. Get everyone, including the passengers, to hold hands and I'll enchant a spell for us."
Flashback A: Sportsbrooke during its Early Development
Several years prior to the arrival of the rebirth of the Generation of Miracles and the widespread growth of the city, the royal family of the Magic Six (not long after Idaina gave birth to Alexa) stepped forth into the small suburban town as there were several buildings being worked on slowly in the process.
The Kings and their wives were amazed on how despite the lack of resources, there were people who relied on several oases around the empty area.
"Such amazing after all these years," Idaina smiled.
"Was it really a good idea that you all came with us?" asked Magnus, "The children…"
"They're taken safe with the Sisters of the Water Knights and Ama-chan," she answered, "You are powerful but the process to build this reservoir requires the twelve of us."
"Yeah and the problem is…none of these people have a person who is responsible for this town…it's like as if they are ruling themselves," Daisuke analyzed.
"My, my, our paths have crossed again," a familiar voiced filled the air.
The twelve turned to see Theagenes standing right nearby as he playfully kicked some rocks around and the sand blew around him.
"What are you doing here?" growled Toraichi.
"I guess none of you folks know what this is…the entire city…is a project…one that will ensure that there will be a ruler of one major sport," the Dark One chuckled, "I have already seen what this town will become of in the near future. But of course, water is scarce here and they can't survive with the oases drying up."
"We heard about this thanks to a friend…" Toraichi answered while trying to suppress his brother's existence here.
"And your memory is definitely in a fog of secrets," Theagenes answered.
"If you are in charge of this town, where do you want this reservoir to be constructed at?" Emi asked.
"Oh I'm not in charge of this place, but I have given the people ideas to build here because of all those years ago that were lost. This town…is a reminder…of their terrible mistakes," he said.
"Now you're being pessimistic," Nobunaga replied.
"Am I? You know the truth about this land as well as I do…more so you know many secrets that your sons don't know about…" he answered.
"The time for them to know their origin and destiny is not upon ere their awakening," Tsubasa argued, "Not even we know their true secrets."
"Let's just leave him," Tatsuhisa answered, "We got our work to do."
They made their way to the heart of the village where they saw a massive ditch being dug up by several of the workers. Akeno and Emi talked to one of the workers about the project as one of the female workers gasped to see Emi alive as if…
"E-EMI?!" shouted Eri.
Emi turned and gasped to see the face of her sister as she cried out with joy and hugged her before asking, "H-how did you…?"
"I'm sorry I never told you," she cried a little, "It's just I...I was brought here to this place. I mean…it feels like it was yesterday I said goodbye to you and…"
"You wanted to travel out the sea but…how was it you ended up here?!" asked Emi.
"I don't know…I was exploring out to find other lands but there was none and the next thing I knew, the skies glowed in aurora and the ship broke apart into pieces!" she answered, "I think there was a portal that brought us here."
"I'm just glad you are safe," Emi smiled, "And it looks like…"
"Yes I am," she smiled, "I got into a relationship with a wonderful man named Nobuhiko Fujiwara. Now that you're here…can you stay for a bit? We're going to get married soon and…"
Emi noticed a small bump by her belly as she gasped, "N-No way…are you…?!"
"Yes," Eri nodded, "I can't wait to see if it will be a son or a daughter!"
"Sister…I know you are happy to see me again but…I'm afraid we're not going to be here for long. We're setting up a reservoir for you all to survive in this harsh land," she answered, "But then we have to return home for our sons."
"You have a son!?" Eri gasped.
"I do," Emi said, "Haruka…Nanase."
"That sounds lovely," Eri answered as the other queens arrived to see the two in conversation. Eri greeted them happily and shared the good news.
"That is wonderful," Misa smiled.
"We're glad to see you okay," Rika added.
"Yeah everything's fine," Eri replied, "It's a shame that there wasn't a way for me to get back home though. However, I love it out here."
Hours later, the families purchased rooms at a nearby inn as they had a chance to settle in. However, Emi felt something off about her younger sister as she tried to think back about their lives in childhood. Emi was born with Eri as one of the farmers of Aqua Duniya and she always wanted to travel around the world even if there was no other land. Eri often times go out to the Jangwa Meadows and sometimes didn't return home till late.
"Is something wrong?" Nobunaga asked.
"It's just…something about my sister…she's a bit off," she replied.
"I'm sure she's just happy," he answered.
"…I have a bad feeling about this," she said, "I don't think what she told me was true…well the baby yes…but…"
"You think she ran away?" he asked.
"Yes," she breathed, "I think that's what she did…after finding out about us."
"Why would she be jealous?" Nobunaga replied.
"…it's because not a lot of guys liked her," Emi answered, "She was weird too growing up about things but it didn't stop me from caring her…I only wished I could've been more understanding about her but then she took on that ship and vanished from the face of our world. No…I think she made a deal to that bastard."
"Theagenes?" he asked as Emi's silence confirmed the possible theory.
"Possibly," she shrugged, "She might have made set up a ruse to lead us believe that her ship broke…but…"
"You're probably overreacting," Nobunaga said, "Let's get some rest."
Next Day:
The royal parents made their way to the ditch site where several dozen of people were digging around, measuring to make smaller chambers as well as mapping out the project of this water reservoir.
There were "Six" branches that connected to the main drainage and pool area that were projected to be extended resources of water for future suburbs that would surround the main city.
"When will we know they are ready?" asked Tatsuhisa.
"I'm sure they'll say when the project is done and they'll be waiting for water," chuckled Tsubasa, "Good luck having to ask for the rain gods."
"That's our job Tsubasa," said Daisuke, "You know it."
"Yeah, yeah," he answered.
The queens were fascinated by the architecture of the site as there were six symbols that nearly resembled the following: Dragon, Shark, Orca, Dolphin, Penguin, and Butterfly.
"Our sons?" asked Emi.
"Who knows?" replied Misa.
"It clearly does mean something more than a coincidence," nodded Akeno.
Eri approached to them and brought them down the steps to get to the base of the reservoir, showing them the designs up close and explaining the design with one of her colleagues.
"So when will this get filled up?" asked Toraichi.
"Well if we are ever lucky to have a monsoon of water," chuckled the worker.
Eri knew better as she was aware of how Aqua Duniya and its kingdom all were based from water. The food, the magic, purification, and other aspects.
"Well I am sure we will have a wonderful thunderstorm," said Eri with a nervous chuckle.
I'm not doing this for you sis, thought Emi, it's for the future…
"I am sure it will," Idaina replied as she looked at the dragon symbol with her thought about her baby son.
The parents split off a little to each visit the six branches as their own symbolism. As Daisuke and Mana walked through the "Butterfly Corridor", a group of two men that did not look like workers were trying to dig something.
"Stand back," whispered Daisuke as he readied his butterfly long riffle and fired a warning shot.
"SHIT!" shouted the golden-blond haired man. Daisuke noticed a tribal tattoo of some sort on the left side of the neck as the other man whose skin was much darker with a pair of glasses and jewelry was with him.
The two men turned to face their opponent and smirked.
"My, my…so someone had the balls to step up to the Jabberwock," the first man answered.
"What are you doing to this reservoir?" Daisuke asked, "Be quick on your answer!"
"Oh we're not destroying it," laughed Nash Gold Jr, "We're providing a gift…of pollution."
Daisuke saw something in Nash's hands that looked like a small bag of fine powder. Before he could reply, Jason Silver struck him from behind while trying to get Mana.
However, Mana knew well about men like this person who was known for their seduction and desire. Mana dodged Jason and twirled an attack but was blocked.
"Aren't you so tasty," Jason smirked, looking at her with his seduction grin, "How will your man feel if I take you for a ride?"
Nash Gold Jr was about to get to them when Daisuke swiftly got back up and knocked him down and took the sack, "Don't think I am an easy person to deal with thanks to the theories of your hard heads!"
As Jason was a bit surprised by the trick, Mana kicked him in the groin, prompting him to scream in pain as she and Daisuke combined their powers to send them spiraling across the scene.
The blond growled as he stared at them angrily, "YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!"
The two vanished in the dark mist while Daisuke checked on Mana and smiled at her with reassurance.
"Don't do that again," she answered, "I know how to fight but these animals were totally not like the homes from home."
"I'm sorry," he said, "But we won't let the efforts of this town…nor our children to go to waste," he replied.
"What was that they were doing?" she asked.
"I don't know but this fine white powder looks rather suspicious," he answered before looking at it again, "Let's remove their damage first and I'll keep this with me for study."
They reported the incident to the workers and a couple of them were kind enough to repair the damaged of the "holes" in the wall. Eri was in shock but also thanked them too.
"What is that?" asked Tsubasa.
"I don't know," replied Daisuke, "But I will not let this incident be an isolated thing. I am concerned for this town for such criminals like these gentlemen we encountered."
"Are you okay?" asked Rika, worried to see Mana's slightly disturbed expression.
"Yeah," she breathed, "Just a little shocked from the fight."
By late afternoon, the project was announced as "Complete". The parents were in surprised about this and planned out on how to create the 'monsoon' rain so the water would be available for the citizens. After a small argument, they decided to put half of the total volume in case the city needed to modify some areas.
When it was nightfall and everyone went to bed, the parents went out to the desert to set up their magical spell for rainwater using special canisters they received from a friend in another realm and they opened it up. The skies above grew cloudy and storming while the canisters exploded a flood of water down the six spired, heading to the main reservoir.
"And now, our work is done," said Nobunaga while Emi kept silent.
"Let us return home to our children," nodded Tatsuhisa as they turned to see their portal waiting for them. One by one, they exited back to their kingdom as the rain still flooded some leftover effects of the spell.
Present Day: Arrival in Saisei
Pandora brought the crowd of people, Kagami and the Iwasame Senshi to the destination in the city of Saisei. The city was on one side of the mountain ranges as they could see the other two towns around. Hounan Valley rested in the central area where it was mostly flat and Mihashi Heights was to the far mountain ahead.
The heroes made their way up the mountain area to find a place for camping out. It took them all the way to the top where they could see both the three villages and the Megacity of Sportsbrooke and other towns.
"Amazing…" smiled Rin, "Quite a sight we've never seen!"
"We'll set up the camping here," Sousuke said.
Pandora supplied them with the tools and they set off to work. Nagisa, Nitori, and Momo found some broken wood and stones that would permit a small campfire. Makoto and Rin found a nearby stream to collect some freshwater while Haruka and Sousuke hunted down a wild animal for food.
However, Pandora was able to set up a dinner thanks to her limited magic and they all feasted happily. Alexa smiled to see all of senshi finally assembled as it felt like old times in Atlantis.
"It does feel like we are living back in the days," Makoto nodded as he wrapped his hand around his partner.
"I'm so glad," Alexa smiled.
"Wow it does," Nagisa realized it, "We are the complete team!"
"I wonder what we would do though…if we danced or…had parties all the time," Rin replied.
"Maybe if we do succeed in our mission," Haruka answered, "We can have it all back."
"I'd hope so!" the red-haired answered.
"Rei-chan we can go water skiing!" Nagisa chuckled while the megane blushed a bit.
"I still don't know how you can do that and have ice powers," Rei replied.
"Hehe, I can't tell you. I swore a secret to my mom!" Nagisa teased.
Alexa looked at the blond as he noticed some strange feeling inside. It was almost as if…a chill would go through his spine at the topic of "ice powers" and he would laugh it off each time.
However, it wasn't his business so he shrugged it off.
I can't look into their minds like that, he thought, but…I am worried about this team. We may be reunited but can we be stable for each other? We nearly lost Sousuke and myself…
Kagami was busy shoving food in his mouth as if he hadn't eaten for hours. Alexa smiled as he was happy to have the second savior on their side. It was a matter of time before they had to find the third savior in order to complete their mission.
Nagisa copied off of Kagami while Rei nearly face palmed himself in the process.
Not far from the feast, Riku and Takeru watched the senshi and observed their relationships. It was clear that the main six were close to each other as described while the other three had their own affairs but even that one sole man had a darker aura in him.
"I have to say they fought well," Riku chuckled, "They have to help us!"
Takeru kept his silence as he was fascinated by Haruka's appearance. It was all coming back to him thanks to his mother…if only she was still around…
Flashback B: Prince of Stride Backstory
Takeru Fujiwara, Riku Yagami, Tomoe Yagami, Nana Sakurai, Joe Sakurai, and Ayumu Kadowaki
10 Years Ago: Pre-Hounan Riot
"TA-CHAAANNN!" shouted Riku, "HURRY UP! You gotta see this!"
The dark haired man leaped his way over the fences as he continued to follow Riku's lead up the mountainside of Hounan Valley. The two young boys made a decent climb upwards with their parkour-in-training skills as Riku always wanted to see the city from above.
As soon as they both reached the top, the sunrise finally reached its horizon as the new morning shined upon the valley. It was something of sheer beauty to see the colors of the rainbow blending into the skies.
"I am so hungry for my chicken," sighed Takeru, "And eggs.."
"But it was worth it, Ta-chan!" Riku smiled, "And don't you eat anything else besides chicken and eggs? No mackerel or even sausage?"
"Since when did you eat those things?" Takeru replied.
"I was just saying," he grumbled with a sigh, "It's not like you're eating green eggs and ham."
"Oi! What are you two doing up here?" a voice asked.
They both turned to see Tomoe, Riku's older brother arriving at the scene, "I see you both finally made a milestone."
"Yeah!" Riku answered, "You were right. It is a total scenery!"
"Of course but, mother's going to get angry if you don't rush back down," he said.
"Thank you," Takeru answered, "For this…we'll have to come back again at a later day."
Riku and Tomoe returned to their family home in the streets of Hounan Valley. The scenery was quite an oasis with several palm trees, some remnants of grass that were once from the old world and flowers of all kinds. Several cacti grew around for decoration or in the wild in preservation areas.
"Honestly what am I going to do with you?" Tomoe asked, "You can't just run off like that."
"…I promised him," said Riku, "That if I was able to outrun him for a minute, he would bring me up to the mountain side. It's not like he's got any siblings…"
"But I am sure his parents are worried sick," Tomoe replied as they walked inside their home.
Hounan Valley Junior High
The clock tower rang as the students were in their classrooms for attendance call. However, something new was happening with another student who recently transferred to this academy.
The teacher wrote the girl's name on the board: Nana Sakurai.
"Morning everyone, my name is Nana Sakurai. I was transferred here last night from my previous term at Saisei Girls Academy. I am honored to be here!" she spoke.
"Let's give her a warm welcome to our class," the teacher replied as the students gently clapped.
I-I've seen her before, thought Riku, but where?
Takeru almost stared blankly at her but classes begun for their literature as Riku handed him over the book before the teacher called him out.
Lunch Break:
Riku, Takeru, and Ayumu Kadowaki sat down together at their tables while the former opened his bento box and happily ate. Takeru chomped down on his chicken legs as Ayumu drank form his juice box. The three shared a bond of friendship since Elementary School.
Ayumu on the other hand, was from one of the prestigious areas of the valley and was rumored to have private education on top of his regular school work.
"That new girl…I think I've seen her before," said Riku.
"Really?" Ayumu asked, "Isn't she the one whose father had a reputation in Parkour?"
"I…wait…you mean he's JOE!?" gasped the other boy.
"Yeah, Joe Sakurai…the father of Parkour! Well at least that's what they call him as but it is said that the sport goes back to the ancient times," Ayumu explained, "They say that Joe has 'modernized' the sport so that's why they call him a father."
"All I want is to just run around and find my happiness," Takeru sighed.
"If you want happiness, you have to fight for it," a voice said.
The trio turned to see the new girl standing right by, "Let me give you some advice…if you're gonna survive in that sport, you have to learn how to protect yourself and take on the environment."
Before either could answer, she walked away but seconds afterwards, she vanished from view. The guys were stunned and wondered if she had powerful parkour skills also.
"It's like she was a ghost!" Riku jumped in fear as some of other classmates stared at him. Riku blushed and covered his face while Takeru ignored all of this to finish his lunch.
As soon as it was time for dismissal, the trio made their way back up to their homes until they reached the streets that separated Riku and Takeru from Ayumu. However, the megane had to return back to the city as he nearly forgot of his cram study session.
"I'm going for a walk," said Takeru.
"I'll go with you," Riku answered.
"No," he replied, "There's something I have to deal with by myself."
"Eh?" Riku asked but Takeru already rushed off, heading back to the city. However, he got distracted as soon as he heard the violin being played in the background.
The music could be heard all across the valley as several families and friends stopped whatever they were doing.
T-that sound, Takeru though, it sounds…sad yet beautiful…
As it turned out, he didn't need to go far as he found that new girl in her backyard of a really fancy mansion playing on the violin. He watched from afar to see her play before he silently made his way closer and closer.
Nana gently played the violin in a soft, sad, dark music as a bunch of leaves and sakura petals gently flowed around her. For a moment, Takeru thought the petals turned black and charcoal.
He got into a good viewing area behind the bushes but he couldn't see her face still. With a shrug, Takeru appeared before her just as she lifted the bow up to stop as if she had been waiting for him.
"How fearless of you to be here...quite dangerous," said Nana, narrowing her eyes, "Takeru…Master of Stride."
Takeru trembled a little bit as if something about this girl…
"One day…if you're not careful…someone will take over that title and destroy you," she answered quietly.
Another breeze swept in between the two as Takeru's expression was slightly frightened by those words. Was she trying to challenge him or…?
"What do you know about Parkour?" he asked, "And you just didn't come to our school by coincidence?!"
"You're right…I did not come to this school because I wanted to…no…I joined the school as it is foreseen," Nana said, "To revive a lost legend…"
"A Lost Legend?" Takeru asked.
"Nana! Who is this!?" Joe shouted as he stepped into the backyard after not hearing the violin playing. Takeru turned and gasped at the man who wore a pair of sun glasses and had short black hair.
"Ah…" Joe said, "So you are the one…the prodigy in training…"
"I'm sorry father," Nana answered, "I'll go inside now."
She walked inside as Joe continued, "It's better for you to stay away. I'll let you go this time. However, the next time…I will not show you mercy."
Takeru grunted and slightly narrowed his eyes a little before he vanished away with his parkour skills. Joe stood still as another sakura petal fell into his hands.
"But fate will test them….my daughter…and him…isn't that right…?" he muttered silently.
Present Day:
Haruka and the others braced themselves as the same streaks of light swirled them at the table, knocking off food and glassware off the table.
"OI!" shouted Rin, "Who's dares to attack us!?"
Sousuke, Makoto and Rei readied themselves to counterattacks when the two lights finally stopped to reveal the two men. Makoto gasped as he saw the Haru-look-alike with a blond haired man with him.
"Y-you!" growled Makoto, "You're the one who ruined my date with Alexa!"
Alexa saw the man as Haruka just sat there in silence to see his look alike. Takeru had the exact same hairstyle except it wasn't in diagonal bangs but rather straight downwards.
Takeru looked at Haruka more closely before approaching him, asking silently, "Are you…Emi's son?"
His eyes widened a bit at the question before answering, "And if I am? Are you trying to kill me?"
"Kill you? There's been enough deaths here in our town that we can't even afford the grave. No, I am not here to kill you…although your legs…"
Haruka blushed as Takeru rolled up his pants to feel the smooth skin. The look alike was stunned at the streamline yet strong texture as he nearly kissed them. Haruka's face blushed a little while the others watched in a bit of a sweat drop.
Riku blushed out while Rin growled and yanked him off saying, "OI! HE'S MINE! BACK OFF!"
"Sorry but Ta-chan tends to get with people's legs," Riku explained, "He's flirted mine enough to the point he already knows what I can do to run."
"I am sorry" Takeru answered while Rin grunted in annoyance, "But for serious matters. We need your help for our town."
"Help?" asked Nagisa.
"Yes," Riku answered "We the parkours of Hounan Valley…or were…we lost our home 8 years ago due to a riot that allowed these dangerous criminals to move in and exploit our resources thanks to these drugs."
Rei narrowed his eyes and asked, "And these drugs…do they turn people into monsters?"
"Yes they do…I assume you saw them earlier?" asked Takeru.
"We encountered one earlier today on our way to this town," Alexa explained before handing the pair of glasses back to him.
"And it is true you guys…are the Swimming Guardians of Atlantis eons back?" Riku asked.
"Yes, we were reborn on another planet called Aqua Duniya. As of late we finally reassembled our team," Nagisa smiled.
"And who is he?" asked Takeru, pointing at Kagami.
"He's one of the three saviors," Makoto answered, "He and Alexa along with a third man are destined to reunite Olympia Magna."
"Um guys should we even be telling them all of this?" Sousuke asked as he was getting more suspicious about these two gentlemen.
"It's alright," Alexa answered, "I sense their pain from this terrible tragedy…they have longed for help."
"We tried to reach out to downtown but they don't want to get involved," Riku said, "They don't want to get into another war with the drug organizations that could cost the entire city."
"Come with us," Takeru said, "We have room for you all to rest."
The Senshi, Pandora and Kagami arrived at Takeru's family inn where there were several rooms available for them to rest.
Some of the rooms had enough space for four people (Rei, Nagisa, Rin, and Haruka in one room), while the others slept in pairs (Sousuke and Kagami, Momotarou and Nitori, and Alexa and Makoto). Pandora shifted back into her Phoenix form as Gaardus and slept out by the trees.
However, Rei still had some questions to ask as he couldn't get much answers from the other guys on their way to this inn. From what he learned, the drugs do turn people into the Durabolix and some organization is definitely behind this evil act. Were the druggies trying to rebel Sportsbrooke the same way that Shouyou and his crew tried to do with the Radioactive Chernobyl Crystal? Or was it a different case entirely?
The megane got up from his bed mat and opened the window panel to see the forestry, mountainous regions when he saw a bonfire in the distance…
He watched from the room but out of curiosity, he used his x-ray vision to zoom in and he saw a group of students listening to some host or something.
Back in his lair, the lord of the drug traffic listened through his device from one of his servants.
"Excellent, now that they are here. It is time we take them down one by one…you know what to do," he said.
Nagisa woke up to see Rei seeing this scene but the megane hushed him down to not make a noise.
"Something's bothering me about this," Rei said.
"You wanna go check it out?" Nagisa asked.
"Let's just make our investigation at least," he nodded, "But I got a bad feeling we're gonna need our Creature Daggers..."
"You think this may have something to do with the drugs?" the blond added.
"Possibly and if that's the case, we can't afford more lives to be lost," Rei said, "Let's go."
A bunch of high schoolers from Saisei High gathered around the bonfire as this 'field trip' was scheduled for a special gathering to celebrate their town and their devotion.
The host held a book and said, "Now then let us begin our orientation. In order to succeed our cause, you all must follow our creed.
"One…devote your work and your love to your school unconditionally. Two, you will become our guinea pigs for Housaihashi and for our master, Shougo Haizaki!"
Several cloaked men appeared around the crowds as they cracked opened plastic eggs to release the drug in the air. It was a lose dose of the chemical as the villains didn't want to get too chaotic just yet.
Rei and Nagisa arrived at the scene and hid behind the bushes. Sure enough, the two recognized the scent of the drug in the air. Nagisa took a deep breath and blew out a cold air to stop the drug as the powder turned into snowflakes.
"W-what the?!" the host growled.
"BUTTERFLY PRIMAL POWERRRRRR…MAAAAKKKEEEEE UP!" shouted Rei, raising his Butterfly Creature Wand Dagger. His nails glowed purple as the butterfly symbol spun out from the wand. The scenery turned violet with indigo vibrant, and lavender swirling around.
A swarm of butterflies flew side by side as he skated around in circles while his hands and arms circled the butterfly stroke. He kept tight on the dagger as he unleashed an explosion of light and butterflies from it that donned his clothing piece by piece.
His red glasses turned to silver while Rei stretched out his shoulder, biceps, and triceps to don a pair of black sleeves and golden cuffs each side. The lower half exposed his white pair of loose pants and black shoes after lifting each leg up by the stretch as his purple, black and golden vest grew out from the sleeves.
The butterflies fused together to form his red turban with a white feather while Rei spun around in place to unleash his sash on his waist that was multicolored. The Butterfly Long Riffle landed in his hands after more butterflies joined together to shape out the weapon. A few smaller butterflies fused together to form his Suiei Necklace.
A single butterfly landed on his nose, prompting him to open his eyes and ready himself for battle. It turned transparent as the symbol glowed neon on his forehead. He took out his riffle and narrowed his eyes with his badass expression and beauty by his side while the butterfly landed on his left shoulder for good luck.
"PENGUIN PRIMAL POWERRRRRR…MAAAAKKKEEEEE UP!" Nagisa cried out, raising his Penguin Creature Wand Dagger. His nails glowed pink while the neon symbol of the penguin spun off of the wand. The background turned to magenta, fuchsia, and hints of red while his hair flowed through the breeze.
The blond kept his grip on the wand while skating around with the water with a bunch of penguins swimming side by side as if they were flying. Nagisa jumped and made a somersault into the air as his body donned the red and white vest, golden cuffs, and a two-shaded colored pants with red sashes.
Nagisa's spell book floated by him as his hands reached out to it. The pages flipped rapidly as his left hand welded his Two-handed Broadsword while his Suiei Necklace appeared beneath his vest with the rest of his jewelry.
A pair of ruby slippers glowed on Nagisa's feet that matched his vest while he lifted his head up to don his light green and yellow head veil with a stripped color crown and head jewelry. His right hand waved in the air from his chest to mimic the breaststroke for a few moments as he finally opened his eyes.
His right hand clutched the book tightly while the penguin neon symbol glowed on his forehead before taking his battle stance.
The two landed down in front of their new enemy as the man stepped to the side.
"So you finally showed up Swimming Guardians," laughed the disguised student before snapping his fingers to reveal his true form.
Rei and Nagisa gasped as the man introduced himself, "I am Kazuhiro Mochizuki. Level 48, Housaihashi…member of Drouga -XL. I shall kill you both to raise my level and power!"
"Housaihashi?" muttered Rei before Kazuhiro unleashed his fire attack towards them.
The two dodged to the side as Nagisa cried out, pointing his right and middle finger to his prey, "FREEZING…ICY…SEEERRRRPPPEEENT!"
A blast of ice soared out from his hands in the shape of a long serpent heading towards Kazuhiro. The target seemed struck as the monster blasted their enemy to the ground. Rei and Nagisa braced themselves for a counterattack but it was too late as the man replied back with a fire blast, torturing them in intense heat inside a ring of fire.
"BURN YOURSELVES OUT!" Kazuhiro laughed while Nagisa and Rei screamed out.
"A-Alexa! ALEXA!" shouted Makoto silently.
"H-huh?" he gasped just as he and the others heard explosions. Momotarou opened the screen panels to the outside and they saw several small fire explosions happening in the nearby forest.
"There's a breakout going on!" said Sousuke.
"What the hell!?" growled Kagami.
"Rei and Nagisa aren't here either," muttered Rin, "Those idiots…are they…?"
"We better hurry to them!" Momo answered as they all rushed out through the open screen.
Rei and Nagisa suffered serious blows of fire from Kazuhiro. They crashed to the semi-burnt grass as the druggie laughed and stepped his way towards them.
"You guys lose. Now it's time for you to be only charcoal and less than that!" he said as he took a deep breath and readied both of his hands to create a massive wall of fire soaring towards time.
The two barely lifted their heads up to see the bright light of fire heading right to them in seconds. The fire spun in a spiral-pinwheel shape as it all seemed that it was going to end here.
"DOLPHIIINNNN MAAAYYHHEEEEMMMM BLAAAASSSSTTT!" shouted Haruka.
"AQUAAA SHARRKK RHAPSODDYYYY!" Rin cried out.
Their combined powers smacked into the wall of fire, turning it into steam as Kazuhiro growled to see the others arriving in battle.
Sousuke and Makoto checked up on Rei and Nagisa respectively.
"You guys okay?" Sousuke asked.
"B-barely," breathed Rei while Nagisa nodded.
Alexa jumped into the scene, transformed his sword into the new Dragon Creature Rod while chanting, "Prince Julius, grant me the strength of your past into the new power of the Dragon Creature Rod!"
The weapon glowed with vibrant of colors before he twirled on the rod rapidly as he spun around, shouting, "IWAAAAASSSSSSSAMMMMEEEEEE…RRRRAAADDIIIIAAAANNNCEE!"
Kazuhiro gasped in fear as the oncoming ball of energy few out of the rod in the shape of the dragon made of pure light. He screamed as the light smacked into him, dissolving his body into oblivion. The spell broke off from the students as they all collapsed down to the ground.
"Let's get them to safety," Sousuke said, "They shouldn't be out here late at night!"
The rest of the night took a while for them to help the students recover and get special escort from the police to bring them back to their families.
Next Day:
Haruka was awaken by Takeru as the look alike wanted to show him some stuff about their possible lineage. Takeru led him to the family vault of the inn where it led to a series of file cabinets, a few smaller safe vaults and a messy desk that contained a giant scroll, detailing a family tree of all sorts.
"Sorry to have bothered you but this is kinda important. My mother died long ago and she never told me about anyone from her family…let alone that she had a sister," he explained.
The two looked at a scroll that showed a family tree of the Magic Six and their parents that traced back but most of the writing was washed away overtime.
However, there was a name of "Eri" next to "Emi" as Takeru explained that Eri was his mother's name.
"My mother never mentioned anything about a cousin," said Haruka, "But the weirdest part is that…there's another man in Sportsbrooke that has similar features we both have but his eyes are slightly different in shape."
"And who is he?" asked Takeru.
"Tobio…Kageyama," he answered, "Which may seem that your father's sister married someone from that family."
"Yeah you're right," Takeru nodded, "But where did they come from though? The past?"
"Maybe Theagenes brought them to the present," Haruka shrugged.
"T-The Dark One?" Takeru grunted, "You know him?"
"…It's a long story…he was briefly our mentor for swimming ages ago but he's definitely double sided…" he answered.
"Some of us believes he's involved with this drug trafficking but I don't think that's the case," Takeru said.
"Do you by chance swim?" Haruka asked.
Takeru laughed and answered, "I couldn't swim to save my life…and let me guess, you're not a runner either?"
"By default I am slow when it comes to the sport…but as a Senshi, I do move fast but of course that's through my magic," he blushed a little.
"Well that makes us even…you beat me in swimming and I beat you for running," Takeru smiled.
~Episode 1 END~
~Episode 2 PV~
Makoto: So then...why did you both go out on your own last night?
Rei: We um...
Nagisa: Rei-chan just had a hunch about things lately...and I couldn't let him go by himself.
Rin: Clearly your behavior is more suspicious ever since we got here. Do you know something that we don't?
Haruka: Rin...don't get too feisty about this.
Alexa No, I agree with Rin, we need some answers here. And they better tell us soon!
Takeru: Next Time, Free! Alternative Route, the truth lies in the drugs of our enemies who took away our happiness!