Episode 2: 黄金の都市! The City of Gold!
Kagami no mukou uranau tabi ni
Hikari hanatsu shinjitsu wa hitotsu
Kono sora no hate kooru yaiba de
Yoru no tobari mo kirisaite yuku
Nariyamanu shiosai no you na mune no zawameki ga
Haru wo tsugeru kaze ni nari bokura wo oikosunda
The Next Morning: Sportsbrooke
Alexa sat inside of his new house at the kitchen table while looking at the orb with his name on it. It was indeed 3 weeks since their journey in El Dorado brought their mission over to that new world. However, there were measures that had to be called for as everyone who went with him lost their memories and are still in a state of confusion.
Now, there was going to be more major confusion later today as he predicted their new guests coming to town soon.
He closed his eyes as he could hear someone echoing his name through the darkness. The Dark one poof into the shadowy mist to meet up with them.
Flashback A: El Dorado, 3 Weeks Ago…
The group stood together in the central plaza of the New El Dorado Kingdom that spawned a bridge leading to the older, ancient site of the city. From there, a series of drummers, trumpets, and other musical themes were played as they were led through by Tak and his men.
"Wow…" Nagisa smiled, "This is really fancy like back home."
"I can't even…" began Midorima, astonished.
"We're so not dressed for this," muttered Kuroko.
"I'm sure they'll give us outfits," shrugged Shoyou.
"They all look very happy," agreed Tobio while Natsu smiled.
"His royal highness, King Tak!" the messenger called out.
As soon as the group was settled in, Tak returned to his guests and smiled, "And now, allow me to introduce you the most beautiful creature in all of El Dorado…my queen, Jeera!"
The Queen walked down the series of stairs as she wore a beautiful flower and feather crown with shoulder-length, dark fuchsia-colored hair. Her skin was deep tan complexion and her eyes were as green as the trees that surrounded the entire planet and its atmosphere. She was only a shy smaller than Tak with her long dress was made of plants, cotton, and silk and nylon filled with green, white, and yellow colors. A pair of earrings were in a shape of moon crescents and jewels from the riches of the kingdom.
"Your majesty!" smiled Kuroko as the group bowed gently.
"The pleasure is ours," said Jeera, smiling, "We've been waiting for your arrival after hearing of Camelot's Prophecy."
"We apologize if you've been waiting too long," replied Kagami.
"Only just a decade," chuckled Tak, "But not to worry. We've had enough time to prepare you all a lovely ball in our behalf and honor."
"I knew it," smiled Kise quietly to Aomine, "Good thing we tagged along, we would've missed out stuff like this."
"Heck yes," he agreed.
"Is this really necessary?" sulked Shougo, lifting his wrist to Kagami about the magical buffer cuff.
"It's better than being locked the freezer," the savior replied.
"Take it off now," hissed Shougo softly, "Or I'll tell them that they just welcomed the dark o-"
Kagami waved his hand over and muted Shougo's voice while replying, "What's that again? I can't hear you.
"No one here knows who we are and it's gonna stay that way. So you can behave by pretending to be my cousin or…go back to the mansion and maybe miss out on your possible redemption," he explained.
As the crowds disperse into smaller groups of conversations, Makoto looked at Alexa and said, "We can't waste any time here. There's no time for a dance."
"I won't turn dark just in one night," chuckled Alexa.
"I'm not taking any chance," he said before turning to Tak and replied, "Your majesty. I am sorry to push your buttons a bit but when will we start our quest to find Camelot?"
"Find him? There's no need. We know where he is…I'll show you," Tak answered, leading Makoto, Alexa, Rei, Nagisa, Pandora, Kuroko, Kagami, Shouyou, and Tobio towards the backside of the fortress in a massive open courtyard filled with an enchanted garden. There was also a pen that had several animals in captivity and were being feed by the servants.
Is father really here, Pandora thought, but if that's true…how did he end up in this realm?
"So the most powerful mahotsukai in all of existence is inside this tree?" asked Makoto.
"That's exactly how I thought too when I learned the truth," said Tak, chuckling.
"And is there a way we can get him out?" asked Alexa.
"Oh there is…we need the three saviors," the king replied, "It is said that the two saviors from the other worlds are destined to reunite here at this spot. But I must ask, why are you eager to free him?"
"Our home," Kuroko replied, "Is under a threat…by…The Dark One. We need Camelot to stop this mess."
"Ah yes…I am well aware of that demon," Tak answered, "I do give you my blessing that he will help. Now then, who are the saviors?"
Kagami stepped up and said, "I am the first savior…from our home…Olympia."
"Excellent…and the other?" Tak asked.
Alexa's face slightly sweat up as he wasn't sure how that question was gonna be answered. However, it had to be done so he was about to open his mouth when…
"I…am the other savior…from Aqua Duniya," Rei said, stepping in front of Alexa while looking serious, "Together, we will find the savior of your land, free Camelot from the tree, defeat the Dark One so we can all go back home."
Alexa turned away from Rei as he was a bit of shock to hear this even though he knew that it would only buy time to keep him under wraps. When Tak and his subjects weren't looking, Pandora snuck behind the megane and whispered something before handing him the orb into his cloak pocket.
Present Day: Shop of the Mystics, Sportsbrooke
Makoto woke up early from the loft and made his way to the shop as Pandora as settled the store as her own. Theagenes was still in slumber/stasis on the cot.
"Pandora," he said, "What happened when you were the darkness? How was it you struggled with love?"
Her eyes widened a little but answered, "It was a curse. The man whom I thought I was in love with well…my darkness was beginning to shed a little. However, I had my own agenda with the Chiropteran breeding and those things. When the plan for the species weren't my way, I killed him right on the spot. In the end, I chose power over love."
"I have to do something about Alexa," Makoto answered, "If he's going to do something reckless…"
"Mako-chan! Please…it's really difficult and probably impossible. It's much easier to hate the darkness rather than loving it," she said.
Outside by the Princess Goddess Statue:
The two blonds met up by the statue as a plan formulated in their minds. They both had questions to ask and hopefully answers they can get.
"You ready Nagisacchi?" Kise asked.
The other blond nodded and chanted, "Alexa…Alexa…Alexa Marotta…"
"Nagisa…Kise," smiled the Dark One as he appeared next them while leaning against the wall. His hair was still jet-black and the eyes sickly green but the attire was a large trench coat. He reached out his hand towards Nagisa but both the blonds stepped back in fear.
"You don't have to be scared of me," Alexa said softly.
"What happened to you? Why are you like this now Alexacchi?" asked Kise.
"It's…complicated," he answered with nearly-saddened expression as if he regretted something.
"We're so sorry," Nagisa answered, "Whatever we did to fail you…we're sorry that you ended up like this."
"I know what I said last night but the two of you did not failed me. Everyone else did," Alexa replied as he gave them his first clue.
"Get away from them!" a voice shouted out.
The trio turned to see Rei, Akashi and Kagami arriving at the scene.
"What's the matter Rei-chan, are you afraid that Nagisa and Kise will find out the truth about what happened in El Dorado?" the Dark One teased.
"If the truth is so important to you…why did you even erase our memories?" asked Akashi.
"It's a curse Akashi," Alexa sighed.
"We know that, but we still don't know why," Rei answered.
"If I wanted you to know then I wouldn't have to erase those memories," smiled the Dark One.
"You do realize we will not stop until we get them back," Kagami replied.
"That's not going to happen because I did learn from you Akashi…after you exiled the Karasuno legion you made a curse to alter their memories a little as well. And I constructed this curse without the one thing you need the most…a savoir," Alexa explained.
"We got Kagami here," Akashi answered.
"Yes, but you need all three to break it," said the Dark One.
"We'll find a way, we always have," smiled Rei.
"Yes…with me…now you're on your own," answered Alexa.
"You can do it Rei-chan! You can become the savior too!" Nagisa cheered on.
"That's not going to happen," Alexa replied.
"You don't think I have it in me?" the megane asked.
"…I know you don't," the Dark One replied after staring at him for a moment.
"Well you're wrong. I will protect everyone with the team," Rei answered.
"We'll see about that," Alexa said, "Because there's a problem heading to Sportsbrooke that only the saviors together can solve…it's just too bad we're down now with two."
The group left Alexa as they were on their way to figure out what he meant by this. Alexa could hear the voice of someone else so he vanished into the smoky clouds to meet up with the caller.
Flashback A: El Dorado, 3 Weeks Ago
Rei and Alexa were escorted by Tak to enter the Cosmos' Lab to begin the quest of releasing the powerful entity. While the megane was fascinated by the ancient looking objects of all sorts, Alexa brushed his hand on a dusty shelf. Tak returned back to his court as the other senshi and their allies were given rooms for their stay at the castle.
"Looks like we'll find some answers," Rei smiled.
"NEVER do that to me again," Alexa growled.
"W-what?" the megane asked.
"You know what you did," he said, "I kept silent while you were promoting yourself to the king by pretending to BE ME?!"
"I was trying to SAVE YOUR LIFE!" Rei answered back.
"Still by PRETENDING TO BE ME!?" he shouted.
Rei sighed and revealed the orb. Alexa's eyes widened and continued, "Why did Pandora give it to you? I entrusted HER to keep it safe!"
"You know what, just SHUT UP and listen!" Rei answered back, annoyed as the orb's effect took Alexa a step back as the Dark One couldn't reply. The megane looked at the orb and realized he used its power to commanded him. Rei took a deep breath to relax himself before looking at Alexa's golden eyes.
"Look, if YOU told Tak that you were the savior, he would've asked you to use magic. DARK MAGIC, mind you. Remember what you almost did to that man back in the woods?" Rei continued.
"I almost lost control," Alexa shrugged, "But could you please tell me why she gave it to you?"
"It was haunting her to the past. We know she was a Dark One but we don't know what the hell her crimes were. I asked why she didn't give it to Makoto-senpai but said nothing. I think it's because Makoto's at his wits ends so she gave it to me, knowing that I can take this task responsibly."
"I'm sorry," Alexa answered more calmly, "I should've been more mature of this…"
"Look, I know that's not your behavior on your own volition. But just keep your mind off the darkness and you'll be fine," Rei smiled.
"Much easier said than done. Anyway, where did Nagisa go? Alexa asked, "Normally he's with your 24/7."
"Yes, but he wanted to see the animals at the royal pen in the courtyard. I told him that I'd be back once we find some leads here," he revealed, "Anyway I don't care about this prophecy of Cosmos; I wasn't lying on purpose. I will seriously figure this out so you don't have to give in to Dark Magic again."
"Thank you…Rei," the Dark One replied as he turned to look at some old skulls and bones and observed them while Rei attended to a set of glass vials filled with some strange liquids. After a few minutes, Nagisa finally walked into the tower, "Hey Rei-chan, Alexa-chan, the others are going to tour out to the city soon!"
"I'll stay here," Alexa replied, "I don't want to cause another problem in public."
"Bad idea, the darkness could harass you again if you're alone. You already faced it when you disappeared from Sportsbrooke. Besides, no one is judging you…we all love you," Rei said.
"But…" Alexa said.
Nagisa grabbed him and Rei by their hands, "Come on! Let's go! There's a lot of new faces out there! I wonder if any of them are homos too!"
Alexa blushed while Rei shook his head with a chuckle as they went down the long staircase.
El Dorado: Meishiin University – "Breakers Gold Cheerleading Men's Division"
Haruki performed a cart wheel flip from a small ledge as Kazuma caught him before he exchanged a pass with Tamotsu, Wataru, and the other guys. Their practice performance was finally complete but they all knew there were still flaws in the making.
"You have to angle yourself right when you do the flip," Kazuma said.
"I know but that's just a pain in the you know what," shrugged Haruki.
"You don't seem like yourself lately, is everything okay?" asked Wataru.
"…it's a bit bad back home," Haruki answered, "Haruko was working with her partner Kawazoe from the Bamboo Force and some of the hordes bit her badly."
"Oh we're so sorry! Should we go with you to the hospital?" asked Tamotsu.
"No, I have to prepare for my upcoming exam," Haruki sighed, "It's just that I wish I was only there…"
Kazuma kept silent for a moment before the other guys excused themselves and said, "Should I accompany you and see how she is now?"
"She's in for some operation soon. I don't know if I can," he replied.
"Haruki, we don't know if the surgery is guaranteed! You know how shitty the healthcare is sometimes…especially with those so called Coo-coo spirits!"
"Juju Spirits," corrected Haruki.
"Whatever," Kazuma said.
"Let's go then," Haruki replied, "I should at least tell her how much I miss the family."
Sawamura Family House
"You did…WHAT?!" growled Ryota as his son was staying close to Eitoku.
"I'm sorry," said Eijun, "But our baseball team needed help and I thought if I find one of those spirit birds and ask the Juju for help…"
"You almost got yourself killed didn't you!?" Ryota said as the wife calmed him down.
"I know I am an adult but I just can't let go of the things in the past…" he answered, "I'm still finding answers to who I am and why this ability if have…this magic…"
"You unlocked your magic?" Eitoku smiled.
"Father, please," Ryota said, annoyed by this whole mess that Eijun was in.
"You have eyes yet you cannot see…like Oedipus who failed to see the truth of his wife and his mother," the older man said, "Your son…my grandson…is about to unlock something of greatness."
Eijun looked at him as the grandfather continued, "That monster you encountered…if it is said to be true…you are going to have to help him."
"Help him?" Eijun asked.
"I know who he is…from an old legend passed down through the millennia," he continued as Ryota and his wife left the room for them to talk. Ryota was not ready for this story to be shared to his son as he knew that legend was a myth.
"El Dorado has been a blend of sports and strange voo-doo natives," Ryota said, "He should not be telling him of what happened before this land was cut off from the larger realm."
"Why? Just why are you so concerned about this?" his wife asked.
"…I'm just afraid of losing him," he answered.
Youichi was walking towards a food chain store when he saw a bunch of people that he heard rumors about. His eyes narrowed to analyze each of the people, extracting their names and identities and potential magic and skills.
"My, my," he muttered, "A mish-mash of sports that aren't even spoken of…not to mention the forbidden magic…"
He looked at the Iwasame Senshi carefully as he could detect the strongest auras from them. Each of the eight men had a distinct personality yet they all got along as a family.
However, upon scanning Alexa he gasped a little and stood back, "What the hell is he doing here?"
The Iwasame Senshi, Vorpal Swords, and the handful of White Doves were led on a tour with a couple of tour guides explaining their city. Alexa held hands with Makoto tightly in fear of potential danger or of Theagenes' voices.
"Are you okay?" Makoto asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Alexa smiled.
Rei also smiled as he knew that this was all going well so far. Nagisa chuckled while Rin held hands with Haruka and Sousuke. Momo and Nitori kept walking by the flanks, keeping their guard up in case of something.
"This looks really nice here," said Shouyou.
"Quite a paradise indeed," Tobio agreed.
Kise's senses perked up a little as he felt something in the wind…a change of something unpleasant. Seconds later, he felt a cut on his cheek as some blood dripped down.
"What the…" Aomine began noticing the blood.
The Senshi readied themselves to fight back whoever but Alexa screamed as he was being grabbed by the blond-spiked hair man with his shark-demon like teeth.
Youichi dragged Alexa over to the sided areas as the others began to split off in search for their prince.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Alexa growled.
"Out of all of the people you've brought, you have something…something that was mine," said Youichi.
"I don't have whatever it is you are after!" he replied.
"You have three seconds to tell me…Dark One!" growled the blond, "Or someone from your group will have a cut so deep they will not survive the next day."
"WHAT IS IT YOU ARE AFTER!?" Alexa shouted.
"ORRCCAAAAAA ACIIIIDDDD SPLAAASHHHHH!" Makoto chanted as he unleashed his attack towards the blond. Alexa dodged the attack barely but the other guy escaped.
"ALEXA!" shouted Momo and Nitori.
"What the hell happened!?" Rin asked.
"This man…blond hair and teeth like yours Rin…he demanded me to answer a question that I don't know of," he replied.
"You know the answer," the voice of Theagenes echoed in his mind, "You just haven't used your power yet to see it for yourself."
"What was he asking?" asked Haruka.
"I don't know…he threatened to attack any of us though before you stepped in Makoto," he revealed.
Makoto hugged him, "We're here. Don't worry."
Shouyou and his volleyball allies looked at their basketball friends, worried that there was going to be some new dangers ahead in this town.
Everyone regrouped and resumed the tour trip while Youichi watched silently behind the scenes as he took out a broken object that symbolized something of value to him. He normally was good at finding each of their weaknesses in order to get his bait but he did not expect this attack or threat to be a serious thing.
Present Day:
Haruki woke up as the first thing he noticed was the extreme heat. It was not like the humid heat like he normally faced. The sun shimmered bright, blazing across the skies as he could hear voices of other people.
Getting up, he realized that he was in the middle of the desert as his jaw dropped in shock. He cried out for the others, worried that something happened but his memory was only recalling the day when those rumors about new comers arriving to the Tak's palace.
"HARUKKII!" shouted Haruko as the older sister found him along with Kazuma, Tamotsu, Wataru, and a few other men from the Breakers.
"W-what in heaven's name happened!?' he cried out, hugging her, "And your injuries?! I thought you were hurt!"
"Well I guess I'm all good now," she chuckled, "But where are we?"
"We don't know," Kazuma answered, "But this can't be a dream."
"Already we're feeling a bit sick and there's no water around," Haruko nodded, "We have to find something before we die of thirst."
Sena, Youichi, Gen "Musashi" Takekura, Suzuna Taki, and Akira Nakabou were already walking through the scorched sands. Sena had never seen such a wide realm of deserts except from his hearing in legends back at his mythology class.
"Whoever the hell did this is gonna pay," growled Youichi, "This had to have been an act by someone!"
"We don't even know if this is our home or what!" Akira replied.
"Well if this world has people in it, I am sure we'll find someone," said Suzuna.
Sena ignored their conversation while thinking about using his running abilities. He had to find somewhere that had to provide relief. Before the others could protest, he dashed off as fast as possible.
"That idiot," sighed Youichi, "This heat is gonna fry up his lungs!"
They continued onwards when Sena returned saying, "THERE'S A TOWN CALLED SPORTSBROOKE!"
"HUH?! I don't see any town for miles around!" Gen called out.
"It's a start!" he replied.
"I suppose we got no other choice," Youichi muttered, "LET'S GO!"
Temple of Time
Kuroko opened his eyes as he and Akashi sensed several crowds of people wandering around the desert. It was clear that this wasn't a normal immigration from the northern mountains.
"A curse…brought them here," concluded Akashi, "Alexa must have done something…not only did our memories were wiped away, he brought them all here."
"Let's get them to safety!" Kuroko agreed as they called forth the Vorpal Swords.
"Eijun?! EIJUN!?" shouted Chris as he, Miyuki, and a few other guys were running across the heat. Wakana Aotsuki stayed close by Chris as she feared for Eijun's life.
They arrived at the Lynwin Mansion with a larger crowd of people surrounding the area. Moments later the door opened as Alexandra, Katsunori, and Daigo walked outside, beckoning them to tag along.
"Where are they going?" asked Miyuki.
"I don't know but it better be something good," Furuya Satoru replied.
The mass of people arrived at the Sportsbrooke Town Line, wondering how much further they had to get to town. Alexandra, Katsunori, and Daigo connected their headsets to Kuroko while he lifted the magical barrier, revealing the massive city. The people were stunned and cheered happily for at least having to find a place to get into.
The White Doves, Vorpal Swords, and the new team Hounan Galaxy welcomed several people at a time to the city as the news Good Morning Sportsbrooke went live on television. The Iwasame Senshi also pitched in but Makoto had other plans.
"Where's Mako-chan?" asked Nagisa.
"He said he was going to visit Pandora-sama," Rei answered, "But I don't know when he's coming back."
Makoto's search for Alexa wasn't long as the Dark One appeared after being summoned.
"Don't make me summon you," he growled.
"You just did," Alexa replied, standing behind him. With a snap of his fingers, the two vanished into the clouds before reappearing at a nice sized house.
"I was looking for you too," the Dark One said, touching Makoto on the shirt before looking at his emerald eyes, "The new look comes with some other perks."
"Wh-where are we now?" Makoto asked as Alexa walked up the steps, "Are we still in Sportsbrooke?"
"We're at my place just east of downtown," he smiled, opening the door, "Come on in."
The two walked inside as Makoto looked around and was a bit surprised that the place was like an ordinary house. The main area was divided by a set of stairs with the left side as the kitchen and dining and the right with the living room. Another door led to the backyard.
Makoto looked at the summer-tropical theme like in the house with the colors in bright hues of white, yellow, sky blue, some pink and purple accents in the mix.
"What do you think?" Alexa asked, crossing his arms together.
"I'm surprised you even invited me here," Makoto shrugged.
"Just because I'm the Dark One doesn't mean we can't be together," Alexa reassured, heading over to the kitchen to pour some water.
Makoto looked around for a few moments but felt something weird coming from the stairwell. A door was locked up with several layers of different combinations. He was about to go up to it when Alexa handed him his drink.
"The best way to get to you is by the sweetness of sugar, lemon and tea," he smiled.
"There's even a faster way," Makoto replied as he shoved his face into Alexa's, kissing deeply. The two held it in for a couple of moments as Alexa felt relieved by this moment of passion.
"Ahhh…now that's my love the way I remember," muttered Alexa between breaths.
Makoto stepped back a moment and looked at him, "It didn't work…"
"You were talking to Pandora," said Alexa, staring at him.
"Why?" Makoto asked, "Why are you still like this?"
"It didn't work because there's nothing to fix. This is who I am now…why can't you accept that? Why can't ANYONE accept that?!" he replied.
"Because this ISN'T you!" Makoto said, "What the hell happened in El Dorado!?"
"That is certainly the question of the day," Alexa hissed, taking the glass to the table.
"ANSWER ME WHY DON'T YOU!?" Makoto shouted.
The Dark One turned with a nearly saddened expression, "I wish I could…"
Makoto approached him, "You can tell me anything Alexa."
After a moment of hesitation, Alexa chuckled and rested his hand on Makoto's shoulder, teasingly, "But that'll be no fun. I'm tired of this interrogation. Are you gonna stay or not?"
The taller man shook his head and said, "Sorry Alexa but…this might be who you think you are…but that's not who I am."
Makoto walked out the door while the Dark One stood there with a sad smirk on his face. This was clear that the plan was still in motion but definitely a rocky start.
As the mass of people continued their way in Sportsbrooke by the score, the newly developments were constructed along with some camping areas within the Eco-Park. The refugees settled in and talked amongst themselves as well as meeting the civilians.
"Wow I didn't know your sport was real?!"
"Tell me about it!"
"Well this is how you throw the ball…"
"This is how you use your maneuvering…"
"Sword fighting?"
It was clear that these arrivals were from the missing world that the Senshi were aware about. The Vorpal Swords and the White Doves provided refreshments of water, fresh fruit, and several hot dogs and hamburgers.
Seconds later, a group of men on horses arrived and looked at the crowd of people he recognized as his subjects.
"It's the king!" several of them cried out, worried that he was going to go insane.
"Where the hell is this place?!" Tak said, "How did we end up here!?"
"Tak calm yourself!" Jibolba answered.
"Perhaps we might help with that," a voice replied.
The two turned to see what looked like a blue-haired, feminine being as several of the Sportsbrooke residents recalled her as the Princess Goddess.
"Come," she said, "Let us talk."
The Iwasame Senshi and Vorpal Swords assembled together at the private throne room as Kuroko revealed his disguise to the king and his men. Tak was indeed a bit shocked but was happy to see that Jeera was already safe as well. The two embraced happily for a moment until he turned to the group again.
"It was a curse…dark magic brought you to this land," Kuroko said.
"And who would have done it?" Tak asked.
The senshi looked at each other for a moment before Makoto said, "We don't know what we told you in the last 3 weeks but our beloved prince….is the Dark One. He casted this curse upon all of us back in El Dorado."
"So you lied to me," Tak concluded, annoyed.
"Alexa wasn't always evil though, he sacrificed himself to hold that darkness in and now…" Rin began.
"We failed our quest and we don't know how we can get the darkness off of him," Nagisa said.
"Well whatever he did to cast this I am sure it was an important reason," Rei muttered before giving a suggestion, "Has anyone talked to him yet besides Nagisa and Kise-kun?
"I did," Makoto said, "And of course it was a joke trying to interrogate him. I did notice a doorway though at his house."
"He has a house?" asked Haruka.
"Probably used Dark Magic to make a base for whatever he is doing," shrugged Sousuke, "Most likely he has made sure to not allow anyone inside."
"I got to see it and perhaps with that I might be of some help breaking in," Makoto answered.
"Then it's decided," Kuroko concluded.
The door opened as the Takao!Bird transformed to his human form before saying, "Hey, um…we got more people suddenly appearing outside of the city that look like natives or something…"
"My people must have arrived as well," Tak answered, looking at Jeera, "We must get them to safety for our kingdom."
"Of course," she nodded.
"There are campsites in the Eco-Park as well as a bunch of new homes built for temporally use," Kuroko replied, "We'll utilize them until we can find a way to break this new curse."
"We'll split up and gather everyone who is still out there," Tak nodded, "I'll need a couple of you guys to join me to spread out."
Flashback A: El Dorado, 3 Weeks Ago
After a day's worth of touring the New El Dorado's touristic locations and visiting a few of the stadiums, the heroes and Alexa were brought back to Tak's Palace where the servants and subjects were preparing for an evening ball.
They were given a change of clothes made of various furs from alpacas, decorative cords, and a few were given some jewelry made of gold and different crystals. Rei and Kagami were given more ornate clothing embedded with special designs to represent their titles as the "Saviors".
In order to ensure diversity and equality to the public, several representatives from the other sports teams were invited for the celebration. Tak ensured to use this strategy in hopes to promote a connection from the other worlds after learning how magic worked differently.
Alexa sat down in front of a mirror, looking at his white tunic-cloak with a golden clasp holding the two sides together. It felt similar to his uniform as Prince Julius except he had no dragon mark on his forehead.
Makoto hugged him from behind and whispered, "I remember we used to dance a lot back home especially whenever one of us had a birthday."
His partner smiled, "Yeah, I miss those times too. Hopefully nothing goes wrong tonight."
"Do you sense something?" Makoto asked.
He shook his head in reply, "Not that I'm aware of."
"Ugh, why does this tunic make me look fat!?" Rin sighed as he and Haruka were walking in to check themselves to the mirror.
"It does NOT," Haruka argued.
"Easy for you to say," he answered.
"Both of you look great," Makoto smiled, "There's nothing to be ashamed of."
"Ugh, I just wanna use my Shark Creature Wand to give me my usual clothes," Rin said.
"We must not offend our hosts," Makoto answered, "I know it's weird being in a different world but I can't wait to see what we can do here."
Rei and Nagisa walked in along with Kagami as the former was amazed by the beauty of the clothes he was given.
"It matches your hair and eyes Rei-chan!" Nagisa answered.
Kagami facepalmed slightly at this conversation as nothing mattered to him what he wore. He would sometimes tease Kuroko about becoming a model but the latter objected him otherwise.
"Well it could use a bit of tweaking but it'll do for tonight," Rei answered, "Not to mention this necklace…I feel something weird about it."
"Oh?" the blond asked.
"I am a bit nervous about this," the megane said, "Despite having our own balls at home…I really need to be working on finding a way to free Cosmos."
"Rei-chaaaannn but I'll be lonely if you don't daaannnnce!" Nagisa replied, "On a serious note, why are you worried?"
"People are going to be expecting the saviors tonight…" Rei sighed, "And you know that's not my title. How can I even convince these people that I am the savior even if my magic isn't like the others?"
"You're smart Rei-chan!" Nagisa smiled, reaching his hand out, "And look, I won't mind if you get a bit worried and step on my toes for a bit."
Rei nodded and took Nagisa's hand as they did the mini-steps around as the others watched in awe.
"Well I think we're just about ready," Kagami answered as he looked at Alexa.
"The others are already outside," Rin nodded, "We better go so they can start."
Earlier in the Day:
As Rei and Kagami analyzed the tree outside, one of Tak's warriors, Lok arrived to them with two special necklaces.
"May I give these to you in honor for Tak's welcoming for you, Saviors?" Lok asked.
"For us?" Kagami smiled.
"Thank you," Rei accepted as he put on the necklace and helped Kagami's as well.
"We look forward to dancing with you," Lok added before bowing and returning.
"Interesting…I wonder if there are unique couples here too," Kagami said.
"I'm sure they have," Rei nodded before turning back to the tree and walking up. He brushed his hand through the texture as for a moment he felt like as if it took on a life on its own but it stood mighty and tall.
"What's the matter?" Kagami asked.
"N-nothing…anyway, let's go get ourselves ready," the megane answered.
Evening: The Saviors' Ball
A large crowd of people filled up the court yard as the music rung the audience to listen to announcements. The speaker unfolded the scroll, announcing, "Presenting the Princess Goddess and the Savior of Olympia!"
The audience cheered happily as Kuroko (in disguise) and Kagami stood at the top of the steps. They were both escorted down by the servants, giving them a few moments to join with the others. Once it was done, the announcer opened the scroll and continued, "Presenting, Prince Alexa and the Savior of Aqua Duniya!"
Under the fake alias, Rei and Alexa stood at the top of the stairwell together as the audience roared even louder for them. Makoto and Nagisa watched their respective partners smiling to the crowd before going down the steps carefully.
I can't believe we had to do this, Nagisa thought, I'm glad for them but Rei-chan is mine!
I know this is meant for undercover but something about those two, Makoto blushed slightly.
The music tuned into a gentle, elegant theme as several royal subjects danced around. Kuroko and Kagami danced around as well along with Makoto and Alexa. Nagisa and Rei were not far from them as there were a few other couples with a variety of gay, lesbian, hetero, etc.
Amazing, thought Rin, noticing two girls dancing close while keeping watch on Haru with his steps, we're not the only ones with boy's and girl's love.
Haruka linked his right hand with Rin as they both walked in circles. Momo and Nitori took the basic steps before spinning their own twist on the moves. Sousuke was feeling a bit lonely for not having a dance partner. He was feeling emotions of wanted to dance with Rin…even if it was…
A flash of memory appeared in his mind as he suddenly saw an image of three people dancing together in a fancy hall. That scene…it was almost as if…
Before he knew, he was walking towards Rin and Haruka. The two turned to him as they decided to split up.
"If you want to dance with Rin…" Haru began.
"No…I want to dance with you both," Sousuke answered.
"Is something the matter?" Rin asked.
"Just take my hands," he replied.
The two linked their hands together as sure enough, they witnessed a memory flashing in their minds…a time when they danced together as Marius, Ulysses, and Poseidon dancing in the main hall.
"T-This is…" Rin began.
"W-we did this before…?" Haru asked.
The trio continued to share their steps together, linking arms for a split second and spun gently while sharing each other around as the third wheel would spin around them before reconnecting and rebreaking. Once they completed the cycle, the three looked at each other happily.
"It was great Sousuke," Rin said as Haru nodded.
"I think we might have a backstory of our lives…" Sousuke speculated, "I've always admired you both…I just wish I could've been by your side more back then."
"Pandora would possibly know," Haru replied as they headed for the refreshments, "We'll have to ask her later."
Back at the dance, Makoto and Alexa spun their steps around Momo, Nitori, Rei, and Nagisa as if time slowed down. It was as if Alexa could taste the happy times again despite holding the darkness inside. He did not sense Theagenes anywhere in this atmosphere.
"It seems everything is going well so far," Momo chuckled.
"I just hope nothing backfires," Nitori replied.
Rei and Nagisa looked at each other's eyes as they felt the joy of their presence and their relationship even stronger than ever. Even though it was obvious from the others, they were definitely connected. But after finding out their real backstory from their missing memories, the final piece was in place.
"Mind if I cut in," a voice said.
The two turned to see Lok standing to the side and added, "It'll be an honor for me to dance with the savior."
"Of course," Nagisa smiled as he released his hand and watched the two.
"I assume you are having a wonderful time," Lok said as he walked in circle with the megane.
"Yes," Rei smiled, "Everything's beautiful here…the people…the cultures…even the technology blending in both old and new. How did you guys come so far?"
"The bigger question is…who are you?" Lok asked in a more serious tone, keeping his eyes on the megane.
"W-what are you talking about?" Rei asked, slightly nervously.
"Let me tell you a story," Lok said, "A decade ago, a man arrived to this village, asking for people to participate in his study. Most of them were the Pupununu people. A particular father was one of the subjects who volunteered in order to produce some medicine. Everything seemed well and smooth at first. But one day, his son found that site and saw terrible monsters raging out as the madman continued to shove this…powder into the people to take. When he saw him, the man took out his weapon and blasted the boy down, affecting his intelligence and making him clumsy. After waking up, the boy saw nothing around him."
Rei listened to this carefully especially at the part of the drug; it was almost as if…
"The C-Durabolin drug," Rei muttered silently, "It can't be…"
"You look just like that man who harmed our people," Lok said.
"My father…he did this?" Rei trembled, "You were the boy…and that father you first mentioned was yours."
"Indeed," the soldier replied.
"Well, so…soon be told?" Rei asked.
"No one," Lok answered.
"Why not?" the megane questioned.
"Because Tak would've stopped me from doing this," Lok softly answered as he took out his sword to attack Rei, "FACE THE MIGHTY WARRIOR OF THE PUPUNUNU PEOPLE!"
"REI-CHAN!" Nagisa shouted as he previously watched those two. He tackled down Lok in a fight while Rei moved to the side horrified. The rest of the audience gasped at the conflict happening before their eyes.
Lok growled and tried to grab the sword while Nagisa struggled to pin him down. Rei's body stood frozen in fear. Alexa raised his hand up to try to use his magic but Makoto forced it down, "No Alexa! You can't use Dark Magic!"
Sousuke took out his Rhincodon Creature Dagger Wand, unsheathing it for the dagger mode. He charged over to stab Lok on the chest but it was too late; Lok had already managed to grab the sword and stabbed Nagisa on the side just at the weak point. Sousuke pushed Lok down to his death as Rei screamed out Nagisa's name.
Tak watched with Jeera as the two were a bit stunned to see Lok's stupidity finally taking his life. When Lok was injured in the past, his brain sort of weakened his intelligence and altered his voice a little. Everyone watched in horror of the sight as Alexa's heart beat was going fast in temptation of dark magic.
"No…No…No…" breathed Rei as Nagisa's life was weakening further, holding his hand onto the blond.
Present Day: Eco-Park, Sportsbrooke
Tak and his men, along with the Vorpal Swords were able to collect more people outside of the city, leading them to the camping sites. It was already midafternoon as the sun continued to shine above with some haze as the weather reports began to track down what could be a monsoon coming.
"I just don't understand," Nagisa said as he and Kise handed water bottles to the Pupununu People, "What did Alexa mean about something coming to Sportsbrooke? He couldn't possibly mean the people."
"I don't know but I'm sure it's not gonna be good," Kise shrugged.
"He said it was a problem that requires the saviors to solve," he emphasized a bit.
"Yeah I know," the other blond said, "But maybe…what if someone took Alexa's place as the savior? We don't remember what happened in the last three weeks but maybe we had an arrangement?"
Rei and Aomine checked in with them as they were passing out water bottles still. Several of the little kids from El Dorado were playing and interacting with the children of Sportsbrooke. Takao flew in from above and shifted to his human form.
"I'm going to go find some more supplies for the camps," Nagisa replied as he walked over towards the tents.
"WATCH OUT!" screamed a voice as Nagisa turned to see a dark looking fairy grabbing him.
Rei turned and gasped in horror as the blond was being kidnapped by this winged beast. From the brief glimpsed, it looked like a female entity of sorts.
"W-what the hell?!" Kise gasped.
"N-Nagisa's been kidnapped?!" Rin shouted after the Iwasame Senshi members grouped up. Now that their numbers were down to 7, there was no time to waste.
"I had no idea what kind of monster is that but…Alexa might know," Rei speculated.
"Go to him," Makoto said, "We'll find Nagisa!"
"But…" the megane answered.
"I already encountered him once earlier and it's not a good note so far. Maybe he might tell you something," the taller man replied.
"But what about you guys?" asked Rei, "We don't know how dangerous this new enemy is."
"I'm sure we'll handle it well and save your beloved," Makoto smiled, taking out his Orca Dagger Creature Wand.
The Six flashed their wands together into their Arabian Senshi forms while Rei made his way over to the shop of the mystics. After phone calling Pandora with the description of the monster, the ex-Mahotsukai took a few moments to find what she needed and found the beast as described.
Rei walked into the store just as she readied it for him to see.
"Rei, here," she said, pointing to the picture of the demon that he described, "This might be it."
"An Erinye?" asked the megane.
"Also known as a Fury…they are spirits of the Underworld who take souls of those whoever did not paid the price."
"Someone did not pay the price back in El Dorado…" Rei muttered, "And now because of that, Nagisa's life is in danger!"
"And that monster isn't just from anywhere…that thing is going to bring Nagisa to the Underworld because the price of magic was someone from alive," Pandora replied.
"A-Are you serious?!" Rei panicked.
"Well the demon won't appear to open the portal until the moon reaches the zenith," she answered.
"There's still some time then but we have to act fast to pay up!" he said.
"Rei…this isn't as simple as you think it is…if one is to save Nagisa's life…another life has to be brought to the table," she explained.
His eyes widened a little as there was little time to take some action. He wanted to go after the demon but he needed some more answers to how and what made this price happen. Pandora handed him a map that led to Alexa's house.
"ALEXA!" shouted Rei, walking inside the house with a bit of anger, "Where the hell are you!?"
A soft puff noise exploded behind him as Alexa said, "You know, it's customary to bring a gift for a house warming; maybe a nice bottle of wine?"
"We have to talk!" said Rei, crossing his arms.
"Well I suppose we can take in that rage and drink it instead," he said in a sassy tone.
"Yeah you're right, I'm not the savior," replied Rei.
"Glad you caught up with the rest of us," chuckled Alexa.
"I don't HAVE a choice!" said Rei, "Nagisa is about to be dragged to his death and the only way to stop the demon is to pay its price!"
"Then why hasn't it been PAID yet?" asked Alexa, staring at him darkly.
"Because I know what it is," said Rei, "A life…I won't just sacrifice anyone go to save him!"
"Oh now you're gonna be a heroic? Life is now precious to you?!" gasped Alexa.
"Just listen to me!" replied Rei, "I know you're still in there…the Alexa that was once a hero."
"I expect you all to realize that there are no GOOD or EVIL versions of myself, it is ONLY ME!" he hissed.
"Then call the demon off. Sure test," answered the taller man.
"No." growled Alexa.
"NO?!" shouted Rei.
"Let me make myself CLEAR, REI; I am DONE being the victim of all things!" he replied.
"Being the victim?!" asked Rei, "You started this! You called that thing here!"
"Oh now you think I did this?!" answered the Dark One.
"Would I be here otherwise?" replied Rei.
"That's your problem Rei; you know it's all your fault but you still try to find ways to blame others just to get people to feel sorry for you. I DID NOT summon that monster; the price is NOT MINE TO PAY!" shouted Alexa.
"Then whose is it?" asked Rei.
"Yours. You were the one who did not pay the full price back in El Dorado," growled Alexa, "You want to save Nagisa?! You want everyone to believe you're The Savior, then STEP UP AND DO WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE!"
Rei stepped back from the house just as Alexa waved his hand to slam the door shut.
Flashback A: El Dorado, Post-Dance
Makoto, Rin, and Sousuke knocked down the glass bottles off the table to allow Nagisa's body be put to rest on as everyone tried to calm down from the horror.
"Can you heal him!?" asked Rin while Rei kneeled down and used his healing magic to fix up the blond's injury. A glow of purple magic beamed to the injury as Nagisa's eyes flared opened and gasped for breath but the spell didn't work. The blond's body was on the brink of death.
"W-Why didn't it work!?" gasped Nitori.
Rei looked at the sword that Sousuke retrieved from Lok. The megane waved his hand over it and realized the truth, "This sword was enchanted to kill me…in revenge for what happened back then! My magic can't save him!"
However, his mind flashed an idea as he turned to Alexa, saying, "Maybe yours can…"
"No! NO!" Makoto argued, "We can't let him use Dark Magic!"
"Rei, this was the whole point of you trying to be the…" began Kuroko.
"The whole point is to NOT let Nagisa to die!" Rei shouted back, "I'm not asking you…I'm asking…him."
Alexa looked worried and said, "I…I don't know what will happen if I use my powers again…"
"I could use that orb to make you do this but I AM NOT! I am ASKING YOU! Please…I nearly lost him before…and I won't again. Please…save him," Rei begged.
"A-alright, I'll try," Alexa nodded, making his way over to Nagisa and readied his hand when…
"My, my, the first demand begins," the voice said.
Alexa turned to see the Darkness in Theagene's shape sitting on a nearby chair.
"W-what are you doing here?" Alexa asked while the others stared at him.
"W-who's there?" Makoto called out but no one saw the ghostly figure talking to him.
"Don't worry, let me settle this quickly," Alexa said.
"That's not that simple," Theagenes replied, "A price must be given for this magic."
"I'm not killing someone to save someone!" he argued.
"Oh that's not me making the rules…those are the laws of magic since the dawn of existence! Something cannot be made of nothing dearie," chuckled Theagenes, "Rei is asking for your help and he will be the one to pay the price."
"And I can't pay for it even though I am still the savior?" he asked.
"Nope," Theagenes laughed while Alexa walked back over to the table.
"Who was that?" asked Rei.
"Don't worry about it. I got this," he said as Alexa waved his hand over Nagisa and a wave of dark-yellow energy flowed into the body as the blond finally woke up. Rei reached out to him and shared a kiss of joy while Alexa grabbed Makoto and locked their lips in as well.
"A-are you ok?" asked Makoto.
"Y-yes…I just need to rest up," said Alexa, walking his way out of the room.
"You liked...the power!" smiled Theagenes.
"No. I just did whatever had to be done," he replied.
"If that were true, tell me how do you kiss-stop…that?" The Dark One asked as Alexa's arm began to shrivel up with glowing-marks of dark magic.
"Tasty isn't it? The Darkness?" Theagenes chuckled while Alexa ignored him again.
Present Day: Nightfall
The chase of finding the demon led the gang to the Hounan Valley where a picturesque lake rested at the heart of the location. The beast placed Nagisa down and prepared to open the portal from the moonlight.
Makoto, Sousuke, and Rin tried to use their powers against the beast but it was ineffective. Akashi tried to even use his emperor eye but the monster slashed him across, causing him to bleed a bit.
"That monster looks like someone that a dead juju would date," Tak muttered, taking out his thwark at the ready.
"How are we supposed to defeat this thing?!" Kagami shouted as the Erinyes began to drain Nagisa's body life energy.
"IF YOU WANT MY LIFE YOU BEAST, TAKE MINE!" Rei's voice shouted out as he stood out in front of them. The monster turned to Rei and switched out for him instead.
"Rei! What the hell are you doing!?" Rin shouted.
"WHAT I SHOULD'VE DONE IN EL DORADO!" he cried out as his life was draining slowly.
"You're not doing this alone!" Sousuke cried out as he linked hands with the megane, spreading his life energy.
"Oh I get it now!" Makoto said as he linked his hand to Rei, "COME ON EVERYONE!"
One by one, the guys grouped together as their combined life energy was a surplus for the monster to feast on. Electrical energy sucked into the beast as it roared and departed. Nagisa opened his eyes as Rei got him on his rear with a hug.
"Rei-chan," Nagisa replied softly.
"I was so worried you'd be taken!" the megane sniffed some tears.
"You didn't," the blond smiled, "Thank you."
The two hugged for several moments before getting up. With Hounan Valley situated in the mega city, it was at least another half hour or so before returning back to the Eco-Park and an another 20 minutes of reaching downtown.
The eight Iwasame Senshi and Kagami reassembled at the loft and had a small celebration of Nagisa's survival with Kise, Shouyou and a few other friends.
"Thank you guys," Nagisa smiled.
Alexa stood outside of the building where the loft was at as he sensed that they have overcome their first obstacle. Not that it mattered to him but it was definitely the first of many that the heroes will have to encounter.
With a shrug he made his way back to his own house and looked at the golden orb and conjuring the nightmare staff as he sat in the kitchen. Half of the entire weapon was here in his hands but the other half…
"Are you feeling left out dearie?" Theagenes asked.
"What are you doing here?" Alexa growled, assembling the two parts together before getting back up and turning to him. He gripped the nightmare staff, "I already embraced the darkness."
"Yes you did," the darkness said, "But there's more work to be done and you know it."
Alexa waved his hand to open the door by the stairwell as Theagenes continued, "You see…every Dark One has faced one thing that has held us. Even Pandora herself faced this problem as well. Those things include…family…friendships…lovers…and anyone who undoes our curses. But most of all, the love that never tends to die away…"
Kagami snapped his fingers at the stone sculpture of Click and it transformed back into life. Momo cried happily and thanked him as everyone chuckled.
In the lower basement of the house, a series of tunnels networked to other areas including the Underwater Reservoir, the passages to Hounan, as well as other unknown locations.
"You see, no matter how hard we try, we cannot escape the light. But now…Alexa…Marotta…you are finally able to do it at long last. That's why…the Dream Shaker…is there," Theagenes smiled.
The Dream Shaker rested on the slab of rock as Alexa stared at it. He walked up and rested the staff of nightmares next to it.
"You can make that weapon whole…and snuff out the light…forever," Theagenes added.
Alexa stared at it as he gently grasped his hands onto the base of the blue staff. He was about to pull it out but an explosion of energy fired him back, crashing to the ground as Theagenes was entertained by this.
"It's not gonna be simple…you want that other half? Pay the price…" the darkness laughed.
~Episode 2 END~
~Episode 3 PV~
Theagenes: You need a hero...someone who is pure to remove the Dream Shaker!
Dark!Alexa: And that is...
Makoto: Tell me the truth, what are you hiding from us!
Eijun: I should've trusted my gut when I first met you demon!
Youichi: Give me a good reason not to kill you Dark One.
Tamaki Kawazoe: More demons?
Kagami: What is Alexa trying to achieve?
Rin: Next Time, Free! The City of Lost Sports! Just how many of them are out there?