~Episode 2: ユニバースのライブラリー! The Library of Universes!
The life you have led doesn't need to be the only life you have."
- Anna Quidlen
Lynwin-Mu, Planet Earth – Suiei Timeline
Beatrice and the other clan girls stood together in the council chamber, staring at their visitors. Jadwiga and Matryona kept silent while Varvara tried to break the chains, hissing, "You didn't have to do this!"
"We were taking precautions," replied Xing, "This world has suffer enough through its own problems. We will not hesitate to take action if you guys are a threat."
"We're here because WE KNOW the Magic Six!" said Jadwiga, "My people has worked with them back in our homeland…and Alex was an important member for our group!"
"Well that's not surprising," said Annabelle, "But who are those two with you now?"
"They're his niece and nephew," she answered.
The girls gasped as they looked at the twins before them.
"I guess he didn't tell you yet about us," smirked Varvara.
"I got some information from them," said Beatrice, "But not enough of the details though."
"Right, we only heard about this other world…?" asked Claudia.
"Duniya," replied Jadwiga.
"So you're from this Duniya then?" asked Demitra.
"Just let us go!" growled Matryona as he tried to break the chains.
"Matryona! Calm yourself!" snapped Jadwiga.
Johann analyzed the two twins before her as she recalled her own behavior was once hostile and violent and the way how their injuries were healed.
"Are you…Chiropterans?" asked Johann.
"Born from a human and a Chiropteran you might say," replied Varvara.
"And just what do you know about our kind?" asked Matryona.
Johann turned away and said, "I was told about it when I was ordered to kill Alex."
Atari gasped a little when Annabelle asked, "Who told you about this?"
"Lydia…" said Johann, "After we separated ourselves into nations, Lydia came to me one day and told me some stuff happening on Duniya, she also made me drink a vial of blood that mutated me into a Chivashi."
"Did this…Lydia knew about the Magic Six?" asked Jadwiga.
"Yes," she replied.
"I think it's alright if we unbound you," said Beatrice, "You don't appear to be a threat."
The two male guards opened the chains as the Chiropteran twins slumped down to the floor in relief while Jadwiga shook her head and sighed.
"How did you get to this world then?" asked Denise.
Jadwiga looked at the twins as they rose back up on their knees before answering, "We were suppose to launch an attack on our enemy…but she caught us early and sent us to this place."
"Who?" asked Beatrice.
"She is the mother of Alex...by the name of Pandora, Queen of the Chiropterans," replied Jadwiga.
"W-wait a second…" began Atari.
"Lydia…if she knows about the Magic Six and this Pandora knows them too..." began Annabelle.
"AH-ha!" smirked Matryona, "It all connects!"
The girls looked at each other in a bit of a shock though Johann sort of knew what it was going to lead to after this moment of truth.
"Lydia and Pandora are the same person," said Beatrice.
"Yes, she gave birth to two boys; one of them was a member of the Magic Six…Alex, and the other…Rasputin," explained Jadwiga, "Both of them were the Chiropteran Kings of the next generation."
"From what I was told," replied Beatrice, "That Alex did live as a monster and suffered a lot of pain on that world, fighting his evil twin brother."
"Oh you think you've seen painful…" smirked Jadwiga, "Before he was rescued by Haruka and the others, Alex has forgotten his past life on Earth and was tied to his violent nature."
"Why was he violent?" asked Claudia.
"His brother's blood is tied to his own blood…as Chiropteran Kings," said Jadwiga, "Rasputin had the ability to manipulate his brother's power against his own will should he ever be weaken to his emotions of fighting. He destroyed a town called Herisia."
"S-so with that, he was able to manipulate him to kill all those people?" asked Xing.
"But then…what about you guys," said Johann, pointing at the twins, "How did you came about?"
"Born after Alex finally defeated their father," said Jadwiga.
"Wait a sec, how many years has it been since that day?" asked Beatrice, "There is no way if the battle was that recent, they would be grown and mature."
"Another story my friend but their ages were accelerated by a sorcerer," replied the leader of The Watcher's, "For one purpose only; to fight."
"You mean to fight against Pandora?" asked Xing.
"Yes," she replied.
"Then it's confirmed," said Claudia.
"Our enemy is the same as yours," nodded Demitra.
"And she is in your world is that correct?" asked Denise.
Jadwiga handed over the map and opened the scroll, showing them the continent of Rodinia Magna as the land was looking huge and complex filled with various regions. Jadwiga pointed to the Las Jangwa Desert in a peculiar region where a set of mountains shuddered in darkness.
"Pandora lives in the volcanic region of Chirottori," said Jadwiga.
"How are we going to get there?" asked Xing.
"It's a matter of time, but this isn't Duniya," she answered, "If I am correct, we will have to transcend through time and space to get back to this planet or…if Duniya does exist in this universe, we will need some special transportation to leave this planet."
"Oh that's great!" snapped Atari, "We don't have the means to do that!"
"The magic we were given is not powerful enough for us to take on a dimensional voyage," said Annabelle, "Lydia must have known that if she gave us more power, we would have been able to rebel against her."
"Your right," nodded Xing.
"We still have to get there though," said Beatrice.
"I'm worried that my organization will not be able to make progress without us. I lead the organization called The Watcher's...where we fight against Pandora and Rasputin," explained Jadwiga, "With Rasputin defeated...all we have left is the mother."
"Do you have anybody who can takeover in case you are gone? Maybe they will somehow manage to do something?" asked Xing.
"There is one other...but she's busy taking care of some domestic things," said Jadwiga.
"This is enough for now," replied Demitra, "We can only wait for the Magic Six to return."
"The City of Lynwin-Mu welcomes you. And since it appears we both share the same enemy; we will let you three stay under our grounds," said Beatrice.
Matryona and Varvara kept silent while Jadwiga thanked the group while a set of guards led them to one of the districts, heading for a small inn to stay.
Down beneath the city, in one of the darkness of the prison cells, Abigail sat in chains from her arms, linking her to the wall. She could only go for a bit of distance (up to the bars on the door) before it would force to yank her back.
In the last several days, she developed a sinister plot to kill off her friends by having the Bolsheviks take over the land and convert it to another communistic nation. From there, she would have gain power enough to keep the land for herself and anyone that begged for mercy. Even though she initially didn't mind the boy's love paradigm since she too once had respect for the Magic Six, the relationship wars revealed to her how savages these people have become based on the royal blood.
Now here she was, thrown into the cell as her anger levels silently increased as she stared at the guards walking around.
Just you wait my 'friends', she thought, you'll pay for what you did there! I will destroy everything you love and kill the Magic Six!
"My dear Abi…" said a voice.
"W-what the!?" she gasped, looking around to find the source but saw nothing.
"You haven't lost hope for vengeance… granted that you are still upset over everything that has happened, am I right?" asked the voice.
"You sound familiar," growled Abigail, "show yourself!"
"I can give you power," said the voice again, "One that can shatter the Magi Six and your once so-called friends. Isn't that what you wanted?"
"I do!" she growled.
"Then there is something you have to do for me first before you can achieve that goal," it replied.
"What do you want?" asked Abigail.
"I have prepared a catalyst...that will open a portal to my world and your world... you and I will need to open the gate...that can spill disasters in both worlds...but...in time, when both sides have fallen...you shall have the world for yourself," said the voice.
"Only for me, eh? I'll do it!" smirked Abigail as she saw a small looking box appearing before her.
"By the next full moon," replied the voice, "Open this box and everything will begin."
"Alright," said Abigail, "I cannot wait to show them who is better!"
She took the box as some strange magic flowed into her arms, breaking the chains into pieces as the voice instructed her to get out and hurry into the forest beyond the city. One of the guards saw what was happening and tried to stop her but the box glowed and knocked them down while smashing the wall to the outside.
Abigail jumped out and made her way to the dark alley ways of the town, making her escape onto the bridges as she crossed her way over, using the box's power to knock down the guards.
"Soon, you'll regret what you've done to me," she hissed, "Magic Six…"
Planet Duniya
In the Great Northern Plains, Deana, Glena, the pirates, Masaru and Akane were making their way on the Hover Motorbikes in a south eastern direction, heading to Terra Magna.
Deana held tight with her arms around Masaru as she watched the scenery changed from forestry, to grassy fields with some occasions of rocky areas.
Decided to put up some fun, Deana opened her mouth and flailed out, "Blahabahhaabbabababaaaa"
"W-what are you doing?" asked Glena with a sweat drop.
"Blabhabhahbahbhabhab…" she answered before properly saying, "Gotta make some cute faces there honey!"
Masaru steered the bike and accelerated on high speed as the group descended down a large slope where they saw the massive rocky canyons of Terra Magna.
Awlida held onto Shirahama while Anne steered alone on her bike but staying close to the others.
"Once we get down there, we'll turn to you guys to lead us," said Akane, "Shira…Awlida."
"We will also stay as a group," instructed Masaru, "If Jadwiga has indeed fallen to our enemy, we will have to start out on our own."
"I hope she's alive," said Anne, "We lost too many people."
"Yes," nodded Awlida as she remembered Matsuura, her deceased lover.
Once the two arrived down at the entrance gates, they placed their vehicles in a different area to recover for later before walking into the village.
"Let's just hope that everything will go well," answered Shirahama.
"Rest assured, we have friends from our town that will meet up with us soon," smiled Akane.
"We'll take as much as possible if it takes the whole world to defeat Pandora," said Masaru.
"That bitch," grunted Deana, "How dare she tried to hurt Rei, Alex and the others!"
"We'll make her regret it," said Glena, holding her hand.
"C'mon you guys!" smiled Awlida, "We got a lot to show you in Terra Magna!"
Shire held his hand to Anne and said, "We'll lead you through town."
The group entered through the gates and walked to the city in canyons.
The Library of Universes, Camelot
Mayfield, Sano, Phoenix, Iwatobi and Sametsuka took the boys to the tour of the library which seemed like an endless wall of books and aisles of books around. Several Mahotsukai were reading the books or making edits and fixing up errors to the works.
Several books floated around like birds as the pages flapped like wings.
"Ehh!?" gasped Makoto.
"Why are they floating?" asked Rei.
"Probably on idle…waiting…or flying their way to whoever used them," shrugged Sano.
"Well a Mahotsukai has to take breaks too of course," smiled Phoenix with a slight chuckle.
"Each book then…do they represent a separate universe?" asked Haruka.
"That's correct," said Mayfield, "Each book written here is a story of that particular universe stored."
Alex stopped at his tracks and asked, "Is there…by chance a story…called BIONICLE?"
"Ah yes, that's over by the robotics fantasy section," said Iwatobi, pointing to the other end of the library.
Alex rushed his way over while Rei could only chuckle at that while Rin shouted, "Oi! Wait for us!"
As the other boys followed Alex, Iwatobi turned to Sametsuka and said, "Are you sure this is a good idea? We are putting them at risk for exposure to…"
"Their powers won't be enough to make the books come alive... it's not like it'll do anything that serious," whispered Sametsuka.
The other Mahotsukai followed the boys over as Nagisa asked, "So how many stories does a Mahotsukai make? Is there only one or are there more?"
"Each Mahotsukai in a group makes at least one...but that doesn't include the Alpha and Beta Universes that go with the story," explained Mayfield, "It is possible for more but many prefer to stick to one; it's only easier to maintain until the books are done."
After searching for the book, Alex finally found the BIONICLE book and opened to a random page where he saw Mata Nui and Teridax (in massive robotic forms) fighting on the desert planet of Bara Magna. He remembered this particular story very well since it led to the final defeat of Teridax and the reformation of Spherus Magna.
"What in the name of…?!" gasped Rin.
"Looks like a robotic wrestling match?" asked Makoto while Rei smiled.
"Why are they fighting?" asked Nagisa.
Alex pointed to the smaller robot and said, "That one there, Mata Nui was once in control of that larger robot. But his so-called brother, Teridax, took over that robot and tortured the people inside there. Inside of that larger robot is a world of its own, with continents…islands…cities…and more."
"So he's trying to reclaim his home?" asked Makoto.
"The story is rather complicated but Mata Nui is trying to convince Teridax to rebuild the planet of Spherus Magna. Of ocurse Teridax has other plans and wishes to dominate the entire known galactic universe," he replied.
Rin watched as Mata Nui shoved the larger robot to a "fragment" of a gigantic rock with water smashing on the back of the head.
"So he's like a BIONICLE version of Pandora?" asked Rei.
"You could say that," said Alex.
Makoto watched as the massive robot fell to the ground, sending out earthquakes across the land while the inhabitants inside the robot evacuate to the outside world.
"R-robots?" asked Haruka.
"So these smaller robots lived inside this larger one?" asked Rin.
"This is getting too complicated," sighed Nagisa.
"Yes," said Alex, "The Matoran, Toa, Turaga, Vortixx, Skakdi, and more...various species lived in there...and now they'll join with the inhabitants of Bara Magna and they will watch Mata Nui rebuilding Spherus Magna."
Haruka watched as the moons of Bota Magna (A planet composed of forest and ice) and Aqua Magna (a planet of water) collided with the larger planet of Bara Magna (a desert-like planet), twisting and morphing the land back to its original state as Spherus Magna.
"A world reborn…" smiled Alex, "The Matoran called this place the heavens…"
"Amazing," said Rei while the others were a bit stunned on the animation from the book.
Alex closed it up and muttered, "I'd wish I could take this with me…but I don't think it'll be possible."
"I see you have found something fascinating," said Sano.
"At least for me," he replied.
"I remember that you were trying to tell me this story once, and of course none of it made any sense," answered Haruka.
"But to think that it ACTUALLY does exist," said Makoto.
"Well isn't that what witch boy once said...that those who know the nature of the world, there are more than one particular places?" asked Rin.
"Duniya…Earth…" began Alex.
"Wait…witch boy. Is he a Mahotsukai too?" asked Rei.
"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing," said Nagisa.
"He is the same as you guys, he is not one of ours," replied Iwatobi.
"I guess that won't explain much," sighed Rin.
"Probably," nodded Rei.
"Well we came here to find clues so…can we uh, look around?" asked the blonde.
"You may but be warned that some of the books take on a life form...if you see a book that is glowing, do not touch it," said Iwatobi.
"We won't," replied Rei while Alex opened up the Bionicle book again to start reading while Makoto held his hand with Haruka with a small smile.
Planet Earth – Suiei Timeline
Back on the continent of Lynwin, Sousuke sat with Kisumi and Hayato staring out at the sunset while the others were back home or taking care of the villagers.
"They should've been back by now," muttered Sousuke.
"I see your feelings have changed," smiled Kisumi.
Sousuke sighed with a bit of annoyance and replied, "Probably because I've seen what I've done in that other world. After what we've been told by the witch…"
Kisumi chuckled and answered, "Maybe, but even so, you've really grown to not only worry about Rin, but even the others too."
Sousuke turned his head and saw Sergi standing before them. Kisumi raised up his left eyebrow a moment before answering, "What troubles you, brother of Suiei Marotta?"
"Brother, can we go home?" asked Hayato, "Mother's going to start worrying soon!"
"Alright," said Kisumi as he and the younger brother got up before remarking to Sousuke, "Make sure you remember that."
Sergi sat down next to Sousuke while he kept his knees close to his face, wrapping his arms around his legs.
"You remember that day we first met?" asked Sergi, "When I first came back to Lynwin and…"
"You tripped and I helped you with your bags? Of course," he replied, "Your brother is a strong-willed man and he will be sure to return to you and us."
"What did you have against Haru?" asked the younger brother of Alex.
Sousuke's eyes widened a little with a slight gasp in his mind but he answered, "It's complicated."
"Maybe to you…but it isn't for me," said Sergi.
"What are you talking about?" asked Sousuke.
"I met people too that I didn't like…but…I kept on smiling…just like Sandro," he replied, "My father once said that keeping a smile even to those that you don't like will keep you from going insane."
"Well it's not much of what I have against him," answered Sousuke, "I guess maybe I was rather a waste of breath at him…after all…not only it was Haru…but Rei…and now Nagisa…"
"You love them?" asked Sergi.
"I love all of them…but I guess I could be a bit envious too," sighed Sousuke, "Especially for Rin. I tend to be more reserved even though I kept my duty with the Terran Nost, making sure that the Magic Six will stay alive and happy.
"In a different place, Rin and I would get so close to the point that we could be like brothers of our own…but then I tore down an idea of his…wishing to be alone and…"
"My brother was the same way," said Sergi, "He used to be so happy and cared for everyone…even his enemies. But then one day…not long after he stopped swimming…he shut everyone away…only focused on his grades in school."
"Is it alright if I ask why?" asked Sousuke, "In terms of why he stopped swimming?"
Sergi lowered his head and replied, "It's because he grew self-conscious of himself…he viewed himself as a flaw in his physique."
Sousuke narrowed his eyes as Sergi explained to him from his perspective and memory (even though it was during that time he was unable to talk due to his Autism), using his hands to make some gestures at times.
When he was done, Sousuke replied, "I guess he is similar to me…except that he could've been stronger to fight for how he was…"
"Maybe but…" said Sergi, "He went to L.A. and I'd never though I'd recognize him again. When I met him again back his return from Japan, he was stronger, happier…but something was bothering him too inside."
Sousuke rested his hand on his shoulder and answered, "Despite that pain, he found happiness…as for me…"
"You have happiness too," smiled Sergi, causing Sousuke to blush a little, "Your happiness is the happiness of the people who are precious to you."
"I…" began Sousuke.
"Just promise me on thing," he said.
"What's that?" asked the stronger boy.
"Don't be afraid to talk to them…at least establish something like how I did," replied Sergi, "Sure my brother is busy with them all the time but…talk to each of them and maybe you'll see an answer."
"There is one…maybe two people I need to talk to," said Sousuke, "As much as one of them could probably care less about me and…"
"Even if he does act a bit cold, I know he's a listener…he did for me," smiled Sergi, "And he never forgot the things I said. So just believe…that everyone…and everything will be alright."
Sousuke got up and answered, "Well, I'm going to head back to the others. Are you going back to your folks?"
"Our parents aren't here," said Sergi, feeling about to cry, "They were not revived…"
"Oh I'm so sorry!" he replied as he hugged Sergi, "I almost forgot you and Alex had no parents back in Manorial."
"It's probably better off that they watch us from afar," said Sergi, sniffing, "I don't think they would've want to suffer the dangers here."
The two began to walk as they saw Momotarou hanging out with Takuya and other friends from the former Sametsuka Academy.
"Sousuke-senpai!" shouted Momo with a wave.
"Yo!" he called out back.
Sergi turned his head and saw a group of little kids playing by the playground accompanied by two of the clan girls, Claudia and Johann. The two waved out to them and they replied back with a wave as well.
"Sousuke…may I ask you one more question?" asked Sergi.
"Hm?" he asked.
"Why was it you became a part to help me with my life?" asked the younger brother.
"…I've heard of your journey," he said, "You were captured by the Shadow Mafia while I was working at my dad's shop. After hearing what has all happened, I found the Terran Nost that were secretly affiliated with the Magic Six…so I decided that I too should help them out…even if it meant that I would babysit you at times. As long as it kept me close to them…I could ensure their safety.
"The truth is…Rin and I share an important role to keep each other alive...but after meeting you, you are also an important role since you were the catalyst of their mission."
"I'm sorry if I have put everyone in such pain," said Sergi.
"You have never put anyone in pain," replied Sousuke, "Challenges yes…but never pain."
Gou, Chigusa, and Aki went around the helping center to check up on the civilians while doctors and nurses were providing the people with treatments and medicines from the swamp effects or anything related to radiation.
"You feel better young one?" asked Gou.
The little girl nodded and smiled, "Yeah. I wish mom was here."
"She will be back," said Gou, "We have great doctors here long ago and I am sure they have passed it down to their descendants."
She turned her head to see Chigusa, saying, "Gou-chan, are you going to the store later?"
"For what?" asked Gou.
"Maybe some flowers?" she replied.
"Hmmm, I know we'll need some anyway sooner or later," answered the red-haired girl.
Ama-chan (Miho Amakata) stood out at the railing guard while looking high above the city of Lynwin-Mu. She was not far from the Suiei Temple and was wanting to see it again for the longest time. The former governor and teacher turned her had and saw Sasabe, Toraichi, Russel, and Lori.
Another magical secret of this land is that anyone that spoke a language, anyone can understand it as the words are magically adapted to one and another without even thinking.
"I see you've been alone," said Sasabe.
"I am honored to meet you," nodded Toraichi, "And I wish to thank you for helping my son Rin and the others."
"We were honored to take care of Rin in Australia," replied Russel.
"And old saying from Aristotle, "There is no great genius without a mixture of madness," she answered.
"Wise words you got there," smiled Lori.
"I governed Tokyo for about 7 years or so," said ama-chan, "At that time, I helped providing funding and relief to the developing city here along with other countries and the UN that pitched in.
"However, many of the politicians were trying to uncover the deeds I have done in the past to remove me from power. However, I was able to reposition myself in the House of the Councillors for a bit of time before retiring my way back to the High School and teach one more."
"Hehe, I remember back in my days of Lynwin," chuckled Sasabe, "I created the Iwatobi in Lynwin Swim Club and redesigned the building based from the original Swim Club thanks to the people of Terran Nost!"
Meanwhile, inside the Suiei Temple, the parents of Rei, Makoto, Naigsa and Haruka looked around and were stunned by the sheer beauty of the statues, the marble table and the tree that was still producing petals.
"For our children to have fought so much," said Rei's mother.
"It must have been hard for them to keep everything in order," nodded Mrs. Tachibana.
Haruka's father stared at the statue of Suiei Nanase with a chuckle, "Hmm, that looks almost like me if I grew out my hair on the one side."
"Honey, you would never do that style," sighed his wife.
The other parents chuckled and turned their head to see Toraichi Matsuoka and his wife.
"Well that's ten of us," said Nagisa's father.
"But what about…?" began Mr. Tachibana.
They turned their heads to see Alex's (and Sergi's) parents, walking in from the back entrance of the temple. While the father tried to keep his composure when dealing with "other races" than the Italians, he still wasn't feeling a bit comfortable. His wife sort of hissed at him to stop whimpering and to keep himself in check.
"We were only given a short time to relive a bit," said Mrs. Marotta.
"So it seems," said Haruka's mother, "Have you been well though otherwise?"
"Absolutely," replied Alex's father, "I tried to sell some of the Italian music here too back when Lynwin was still inhabitable."
"Oh I think I have found that CD with…I think it was Eros," said Mr. Tachibana, "Great guy too!"
"I remembered when Haruka was trying speak some Italian," chuckled Mrs. Nanase, "It was really cute."
Russel and Lori walked in which made Anthony smiled because he and his wife had some friends back in Australia and they both sides of the party knew of an Australian Italian singer as well.
"I hope we're not late," said Lori.
The other parents smiled as Toraichi replied, "You have been also a huge role to helping my son. We thank you."
Camelot spreads out his petals and said, "Parents and Guardians of the Magic Six…I am glad you are all here now. Without you bearing and raising them, this world would not have been thus so far. They are safe in my world for now but they will make their return here soon so please give them the comfort they will need."
The Library of Universes, Camelot
While Alex was already deep into reading the BIONICLE book, the others made their way around through the library to find clues about Pandora.
"There's just too many," sighed Rin.
"Yeah," agreed Rei, "It's going no where."
"Perhaps we split off to different sections?" asked Nagisa, "We can search a little faster."
"I'll go to the one on the other side of the Atrium," said Rin.
"I'll go to the fantasy section," replied Rei.
"I'll stay at this bookshelf here," said Nagisa, "But have any of you seen Haru-chan and Mako-chan?"
The others shrugged and walked off, searching through the aisles.
In a different section of the library, Makoto pulled out another book and briefly scanned through the pages but saw nothing. He and Haruka were at the biography section but there was not much on the names here.
"Is something the matter, Haru?" asked Makoto while putting the book away.
"To think that we are nothing but their minds…" he muttered.
"Huh?" asked the taller boy.
"Don't you see?" replied Haruka, "We are only born because of them…they created us and the gods."
"Haru, it's all just nonsense," said Makoto, "We are our own individuals…"
"No!" he answered, "If they created our own personalities…our own abilities…"
"Haru!" cried Makoto.
"What if they made us…just to puppet our lives this whole time?"
"Haru, now you're sounding like Nagisa back in the time loop," said Makoto.
"Perhaps now I get it…" he answered, "In a different perspective. We were never humans to begin with and Nagisa made sure that we would become a human…back then I didn't realize that truth…"
"Haru, that was then," replied Makoto, "I don't think the Mahotsukai took over our lives…I mean, we've made a lot of our decisions on our own. While it's true that maybe they created our Suiei Gods and our world…"
"Makoto, I may not be Alex and feel emotions, but just after hearing all of this…if our lives were nothing but scripts…our lives nothing but a directions against our will, don't you think this is all…wrong?" he asked.
Makoto hugged Haruka and said, "Deep down, I may not like what is going on either…but think of it this way, if we can explain ourselves to them…that if our hearts are strong enough to continue our own choices…I know we will win this."
Nagisa went to another aisle when he saw Rei holding up a book and was already reading into something.
"Hey…I found a directory list of the Mahotsukai," said Rei, "It's at least a start."
"Oh?" asked Nagisa as he walked over.
Rei flipped the pagrs and found Pandora's name alongside with the siblings, the parents, and other names that were foreign.
Suddenly, the book began to glow, flaring to life as their vision around them changed…revealing a past animation scene before them…
Flashback: The Village of Costra
Pandora returned home finally as she was able to prove to her remaining sister that even an Author in training to become an "Author" will have time to check up on their family. She opened the door and saw more red fluid puddles all over the hallway.
"W-what in the name of…" she gasped as she ran her way over to the source of the blood.
She opened the door to the bedroom and saw Morgan struggling to her wounds as she too was beginning to change and morph slowly; her hands were turned into claws while her face was turning gray.
"S-sister!" gasped Pandora.
"P-Pandora…" moaned Morgan, "At least…we can say goodbye…"
"No Morgan, you can't!" she shouted, "How is it possible you got contracted by the plague?!"
"I…I too…must have it since the beginning…" she replied.
Pandora's face began to tear up as she held her clawed hand, saying, "Please…you can't die! I have to save you! I'll get the herbs like how my new friends taught me!"
"Your beauty is all that can save you…Pandora…" said Morgan, "This spell is what I will give to you…it will be your power and your protection…"
"S-sister…" gasped Pandora as Morgan began to chant in something foreign of a language
Using her clawed hand, Morgan cracked open Pandora's skin as six drops of blood fell into a cup down below.
"D-drink it!" moaned Morgan.
Pandora quickly took the cup to drink the blood and the magical fluid inside as Morgan said, "By fairest blood it is done…"
"But be warned, by fairest blood this spell can be undone…"
Morgan coughed up more blood and spat out while Pandora shouted in worry. The other Mahotsukai mutated and twisted as Morgan screamed in Pandora's mind;
"Promise me you will continue your quest and become an Author. Leave! Before it's too late! I don't want to kill you!"
Pandora watched in horror as Morgan's body twisted and morphed into a monstrous creature with vampire wings and a face beyond recognition. Before it could attack, Pandora unleashed her magic to escape, knowing that the sister she relied so much on…now has fallen to that horrible curse.
"AVENGE USSSSS!" echoed Morgan's voice in her mind.
Days Later:
Pandora sat alone by the lake, reflecting all what has happened to her, her life, her family and other things. She knew that keeping too much anxiety will prevent her from becoming an "Author". The duty is tough, and the price is steep.
She turned her head to see Iwatobi standing before her.
"You're beautiful," he said, sitting down.
"Thank you," she answered, looking back to the water.
"Is something the matter?" he asked.
"My sister…passed away," she revealed, "She was caught up with the plague back from our home town."
"I'm so sorry to hear that," he replied.
"I'll be alright," she said, lying to herself, "There's nothing I can really do about it."
"Do you want to leave this place?" he asked.
"What do you mean?" she questioned.
"Maybe once we finish our project, we can move from this world and live amongst of our works. We could start a new family and…" he began.
"It's not the same," she answered, "But…I trust you the most. I mean, I get along with the others alright...but...I feel like we are bound."
"We'll all be together for the burial," he replied.
Pandora began to sniff up some tears and cried onto his shoulder, saying, "The truth is…I want...to make a place...where we can all live together."
"Maybe we will," he said, "After all is said and done."
However, this darkness and sadness, along with the spell of beauty inside of Pandora will only grow and worsen her condition, turning her into the insanity when finding out she didn't qualify to become an "Author" but rather the "Clean-Up Assistant". Despite this, she continued to work for the team but finally snapped out in order to try and manipulate things for her own benefits…
And now here she was…Queen of Chiropterans…a Queen of Tyranny…all filled with revenge…
Present Time: Chirottori Castle, Planet Duniya
Pandora stood alone in the central chamber as her eyes were in a daze. Around her were a flock of ravens cawing and screeching, flying in circles. She was able to track down the Magic Six after their disappearance on Earth which led her to stage a new opportunity for her revenge.
Camelot Universe, Beneath the Library (Story Tower)
Alex opened his eyes and found himself standing alone deep down in some dungeon-like hallways while he still carried the BIONICLE book in his hands. He saw a glowing yellow light in one of the rooms. Curious, he walked on over and saw what looked like an ancient, massive book with the symbol of beta on it.
"W-what is that…?" he muttered to himself.
The book began to glow as it sensed someone in its room. Alex dropped the book and fell into a state of trance with his yellow eyes fading away into a sickly green color, walking closer and closer to the book. He was about to touch it when he felt someone pulling him away with panic before chanting a spell to stop the book from glowing.
"You mustn't get close," said Camelot, "My father said that this book is perhaps one of the forbidden ones for someone like you to look at."
Alex blinked his eyes in confusion before tilting his head to the right.
This isn't good, thought Camelot, if he didn't realize how dangerous this book is…
"It had a symbol of Beta on it," said Alex, "But the last thing I remembered…"
"This book is perhaps the most living," answered Camelot, "It can trance anyone who draws close to it. Only very few people like myself are immune to it. However, this book is used for training newly Authors into studying Earth."
"E-Earth?" asked Alex, "But whose Earth!? None of this is…"
"This is the original copy of Beta Earth, the same world where any stories written on Alpha Earth…are fantasy…stories written in Beta Earth are what makes up the 'media' that you humans call it," explained Camelot.
"You mean that this isn't the only one?" he asked.
"While it's true that Iwatobi's group has done multi-paralleled worlds, there are a few other groups of Authors that do take on the projects. However, for every world being made, an Alpha and Beta counterpart is required for stability," said Camelot.
"That's where I don't understand," replied Alex, "What about the other Mahotsukai and their worlds that they made from stories?"
"Traditionally, 3 worlds are made," he answered, "But Iwatobi's group have perhaps…a lot more."
"I want to know one thing," said Alex, "What about the Mahotsukai that were not chosen to become Authors, what happens to their works?"
"Well it does get nominated and become part of the "worlds" created but its not what we call them 'Official Worlds'," replied Camelot, "Those stories are what we call them as fan-fictions."
"And do they have their own universes as well?" asked Alex.
"Yes they do, but they are not officially logged into the Story Tower's Megasystem. These stores are short-lived universes based on a single scenario or a simple plot line…of course many citizens here do like to take their worlds into much more…graphic ones," shrugged the Mahotsukai.
Back in the library: Upper Levels
The book closed on the two as Rei was a bit stunned on what he saw while Nagisa remained speechless.
"In an awkward way, I feel somewhat bad for her," said Rei, holding the book in his hands, "But that doesn't give her any right or excuse for all the pain she has put on everyone regardless of what world they are from."
"Perhaps if she was able to control herself, all of this mess wouldn't have happened," replied Nagisa.
"Oi!" said the voice of Rin, "Have you seen the others?"
"No but we found something," said Nagisa.
"Oh?" asked the red hair.
"It's about Pandora's sister death…" he replied.
"And Pandora's reaction to it," answered Rei.
"But…no clues on how to defeat her?" asked Rin.
"Her sister kept speaking about Fairest Blood…just like what the others have said," said Rei.
"We still have no idea though what this 'blood' is though," replied Nagisa.
Rin shrugged while Makoto and Haruka joined up with them finally.
"Hey you guys," said Makoto, "The Mahotsukai are going to send out lunch for us to eat by the Atrium."
"Well that's nice," smiled the blonde, "I was getting hungry."
Rei put the book back and said, "Let's go."
"But have you guys seen Alex?" asked Haruka.
"I thought he was still reading the Bionicle book," began Rei.
"He's not there," said Makoto.
"W-wait what?!" gasped Nagisa.
"Are you sure he didn't run off?" asked Rei.
"I checked back to where he got it but there was no trace," sighed Makoto.
"You guys don't think that book glowed to life, did it?" asked Rin.
"Shit!" gasped Rei, "That would only mean that…"
"Let's hope he didn't get pulled into that world!" said Nagisa, "C'mon!"
"We better get the Mahotsukai to help!" agreed Rei.
The five were about to leave when they heard Iwatobi's voice, "There's no need to worry."
They turned to see Iwatobi, Sametsuka, Mayfield, Sano, Camelot, and Phoenix with Alex standing behind the Mahotsukai. Rei rushed over to hug Alex tightly while the others smiled in relief.
"You scared me to death! Don't ever do this again!" said Rei.
Rin could only chuckle while Makoto giggled, "It's not like he's a Chiropteran."
Alex gave Rei a brief kiss and said, "You feel better?"
Rei blushed a little and turend his head to mumble, "Maybe if you kiss me again I will forgive you…"
"I heard that," smirked Alex as he shoved another kiss to calm Rei's nerves.
"Let's go eat!" smiled Nagisa.
"Exactly how it was," nodded Mayfield quietly.
"Indeed," agreed Sano, "They have come a long way."
Atrium Café
After taking the magical platform back down to the café, they found a table to settle down with as the the chefs brought over various dishes of food.
Haruka ate a roll of mackerel with rice along with some sushi samples while Alex split up the pizza between Rei and Nagisa. Makoto and Rin split over a sandwich to eat.
Nagisa took a nice bite and mumbled while he was chewing," So good!"
"How can you eat so fast?!" asked Rei, stunned.
Nagisa shrugged as he had so much pizza in his mouth while Makoto turned his head to see the window that overlooked the city and the moutains beyond.
"It's nice out here," said Makoto.
Alex took another slice of pizza but dropped it as his mind was still lost in wonder about that mysterious book he saw earlier.
"What's the matter?" asked Rei, worried.
"I didn't disappear you guys by my own will, after I stopped reading, I was not standing where I was," he said, "The Mahotsukai found me and brought me back up to meet with you guys."
"A chamber?" asked Makoto.
"EH?!" gasped Nagisa, "Just how did you…?"
"I don't know but there was a book in that room and it was glowing," said Alex, "There was a symbol of Beta on its cover and…"
"They told us not to touch the glowing books," replied Rei.
"I DIDN'T!" answered Alex.
"I didn't say that you did. I just wanted to remind you," shrugged the megane.
"But it's not it, they said that they were going to bring that book out to the public for an event today," said Alex.
"What?!" asked Rin.
The others were a bit confused until Iwatobi answered, "The Book of Beta!Earth."
"One of the most sacred books here in the library," agreed Sametsuka.
"Basically every Beta!Earth that is used…they're copies from that original book…" explained Mayfield.
"But why are they bringing it out?" asked Nagisa.
"There are new Authors that are required to take a look at the book," said Sametsuka.
Haruka turned his head and saw a group of Mahotsukai wearing white uniforms with mask and gloves as if they were surgeons or doctors. Makoto raised up his eyebrow a bit in fascination while Rin kept silent.
"Sounds like they're presenting it now," said Sano.
They watched the Mahotsukai taking out a special utensils to open the cover of the book while another Mahotsukai chanted some sort of spells to call upon the pages of the books.
"The Beta Earth Book is very hypersensitive," said Iwatobi, "Those who touch it with bare hands will suffer serious consequences from it. However, if one has the fairest blood in which they are immune, that book will react in ways you cannot even imagine."
"Sounds like the book is alive," shrugged Nagisa.
"That's correct," answered Sametsuka, "Every books here are alive...but that one...is perhaps so alive that it may not even be called as a book...but rather..."
"A god," finished Alex.
Rei looked shocked at the last answer there while the others were getting a bit nervous by this more and more.
"Very good," smiled Sametsuka, "You seem to understand now."
"I can understand what the book is feeling…"replied the human, "But…is it even possible that a single thought can be made into reality?"
"What are you saying?" asked Nagisa.
"Wait a sec, what is this book feeling right now?" asked Rei.
Alex's eyes began to glow as he said, "It's…calling…my name…"
Haruka gasped as Alex began to float away from them, turning his body towards the book. Makoto turned his head and saw a group of black birds cawing outside and flying their way over to the café.
"Shit!" shouted Rin, "What's going on?!"
"Those black birds?!" asked Rei.
The Mahotsukai gasped as the book recoiled and floated its way towards Alex while the black birds swirled around the human and the book.
"ALEX!" screamed Rei, trying to use his water powers to break the birds away.
The book glowed golden yellow as it pages began to flip rapidly. Iwatobi narrowed his eyes as he remembered those birds back in Chirottori…
"CLOSE THE BOOK!" shouted Sametsuka.
One of the Mahotsukai tried to use her magic to seal the book down but the birds broke free as tendrils of energy exploded all around.
"W-what's going on!?" shouted Nagisa.
"What's with those birds?!" asked Makoto
Finally, the familiar voice of evil laughter echoced in the room as everyone stood in a state of shock.
"You…" growled Iwatobi.
"I see you have survived my death trap," said Pandora's voice through the birds, "But it won't matter because none of you guys are able to kill me…however…you've been always too flashy for things!"
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO ALEX!?" growled Rei.
"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" snapped Rin as he threw a water slash but the energy sizzled the water into steam.
"Since you guys made it to this world, I am able to manipulate things a bit…" echoed Pandora.
"You won't get away with this!" growled Sano, preparing another spell.
"I already gained enough powers to surpass anyone here in this blasted land!" she hissed, "However, in these birds, my power is limited but it's enough for damage."
"What are you doing?!" shouted Nagisa.
"She's trying to hack this place!" said Iwatobi, "Get everyone OUT OF HERE, NOW!"
"But Alex…" began Rei.
Alex floated his way over to the Beta Book closer and closer, his hand reaching out.
"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" shouted Makoto as he threw some explosive liquid from his vase but the energy turned it to fire explosions, forcing them to dodge down.
"The same will be said for you…Magic Six," hissed Pandora, "Your journey ends here and now!"
Before the others could argue, another book made its appearance, flipping pages too and glowing in a blue-ish color.
"NO!" shouted Rei as he tried to reach out to Alex but was thrown away by the blast of energy.
The other Mahotsukai tried to at least contain Alex and the book separately from each other but the human and book were inches way from touching. Alarms were set off in the tower as the other Mahotsukai students were forced to evacuate the building while those that were near the scene of the crime were trying to fight off the powers unleashed.
The Alpha Book of Earth (the one where Free! and Free! ES occurs) glowed and unleashed its own tendrils of energy, grabbing the others as they all screamed in protest while Pandora's evil laughter could be heard all over town.
"HARUUU!" screamed Makoto.
"NAGISAAAA!" shouted Rin, "REIIII! MAKOTOOOOO!"
Alex touched the book and vanished as Rei screamed out his name while he was using his power to try to break free but the birds continued to caw and screech, trapping the boys into the tentacles of power, dragging them closer and closer to the other book.
"You will PAY FOR THIS!" shouted Iwatobi.
"They will reunite and we WILL get them back!" said Sano.
"By fairest blood it was done…and only by fairest blood…can it be undone," hissed Pandora's echoing voice.
"RINNNNNNNN-SAAAN! HARUKA-SENAPIIII!" screamed Rei.
"MAKO-CHANNNN, REI-CHANNN!" shouted Nagisa.
The five tried to reach for each other's hands but the swirls of energy and the power unleashed from the books weakened them as they closed their eyes.
Haruka, Makoto, Rin, Nagisa and Rei were finally dragged into the book and vanished from the view of the Mahotsukai's eyes. As for the birds, they vanished from view as the bright lights finally died down.
"She took control of this place!" growled Sametsuka, "Now what are we going to do?!"
"We have no choice but to break the rules now…" said Iwatobi.
"Are you insane!?" asked Mayfield, "Don't you realize how that will risk not only their world but all others!?"
"If Pandora is to be defeated, we will have to muster up all what we have…" replied Iwatobi, looking at the two books on the ground as it was still crackling with energy.
"Witch Boy…" he muttered, "You exist in all three worlds…"
Separated once more, 5 of them return to the world of their "Natural Behavior" while the last star returns to the world where reality for him dominates and defies all fantasy…
Beta-Earth: The Real World that we live in…
Alpha-Earth: The World of Free! and Free! Eternal Summer
The time to compete begins again...
~Episode 2 END~
~Episode 3 PV~
Haruka: 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.
Makoto: *throws the water bottle and laughs, splashing water out*
Nagisa: *strips off his yellow hoodie*
Rin: *rises out of the water, throws the goggles and laughs*
Haruka: *steps in with his serious face*
Rei: You guys are truly beautiful!
Your Voice: The Journey Begins once more…with Free! Iwatobi Swim Club; let's make this team OUR team!
Announcer: Take your marks!