Episode 3: 黒カラスの首都! Capital of the Black Crows!
About 2700 miles West of Sportsbrooke: The Rock Eater Falls
Nagisa yawned as he and he others camped out again with their limited supplies from Gaardus. The blond was feeling terribly lonely without Rei just as the others were missing their loved ones.
"I can't believe those people," said Alexa, "Since when did volleyball and basketball became enemies? I don't understand…"
"Your mind is still going through a lot of flashbacks," replied Midorima, "All of you have forgotten that we were all enemies to each other long ago."
"But what made us fight among each other like this?" asked Haruka, "We don't know who or what has made all this mess."
"I have a possible theory behind that," said the green-haired megane, "Especially after I was infected by that darkness. I think it has to do with the Dark One…but this "Dark One" is not visibly here in this world."
"Sounds like he's manipulating behind the scenes," replied the blond, "As soon as we find him, we'll defeat it!"
"That'd be nice," agreed Kagami, "That sonofabitch is trying to ruin everyone's lives."
Gaardus kept silent in this conversation but preened on its feathers. The bird was already feeling something about this.
I know what they are after, thought the bird, but destroying darkness…is impossible…right…sister?
As soon as they all went to their tents, Gaardus turned its head up to the moon as his body shimmered and transformed. The blue wings transformed into long, smooth arms with its beak turning into a face of a young woman with its hair in a light brown (nearly dirty blonde).
Her outfits were simply a long, white dress with a blue cloak on top it. She was happy to be back this way for now but knowing that her true powers were on probation for a long time; it was rather challenging.
She walked over to the falls and cast a simple enchantment to turn the dust into water before using the water to create a hologram between herself and another woman on the other connection.
"Sister, it's been quite a long time," she said.
"I am glad that you've been well," replied the other female, "How are they?"
"The boys have fully grown and are beginning to awaken their identities. But they still have no clue to where their true origins lies…beyond the script of this story," she answered.
"Indeed, their existence ties to their ancestors who created them, the ones who have fulfilled their destiny," said the second female.
"But there is a problem," said the first, "Alexa has indeed been given the Mark of Death."
"You know that cannot be changed from the script," replied the second, "The Mark of Death is to bring us closer to the enemy and you know it. If the symbol is removed too early, we'll lose track of the shadows."
"…I understand," answered the first, "It's just painful to see the men having to suffer through this. Rei and Nagisa have yet to even know its existence. Rin did tell Haru but the latter swore to him to tell the truth to the others as soon as possible."
"They think they know but they don't know its purpose," said the second, "But they must wait to know the truth to their destiny until the Dark One is about to make its final strike."
"I see," she replied.
"Have faith in yourself…Pandora," smiled Morgan, "You're just like who you once were…the hero…of our realm."
Pandora wanted to sniff a tear but she nodded and replied, "Thank you…for believing in me."
"You are always a part of us," said Morgan as she turned to Elaine and Morgause, "Whether you're adopted or blood. However, it doesn't change the fact that you are the daughter of Cosmos with powers so vast that it matches that of the universe."
"I am aware, but I pushed those powers to the side," she replied, "For the purpose of my punishment."
"Well then, you best be on your way," smiled Morgan as she and the sisters waved a farewell.
"We'll meet again soon…" said Pandora, "Please make sure that the others are doing well!"
The moonlight was covered by the cloud and her body morphed back into the Phoenix. He then flew back to the others and nested himself next to Alexa's tent.
Soon it'll be your time, he thought.
Alexa woke up in a bright white void and saw the same man from before in his dreams. However, this time, he knew who this person was and thanks to his memories of his past life…
"It's you…the past me…" said Alexa.
Julius smiled and replied, "I am glad to finally reach to you…my future self. When our bodies were destroyed during the Silver War, I used the Solar Crystal to keep a part of my conscious floating in time-space. Thanks to that, I was able to enter to your mind and bringing you to the dreams."
"Julius, please tell me why people are after the Solar Crystal. What can it do? And why do I have to possess it?" asked Alexa.
"The Solar Crystal was created by a group of beings long before Olympia Magna was created. It has powers very ancient that it could create miracles of all kinds. However, only those of pure heart can master its magic. And since you and I are the same being in different bodies, our soul is linked to the crystal."
"What about the others? My team mates?" asked Alexa.
"If the Crystal permits them to borrow it, which it should, yes," said Julius, "In the event that something were to happen to you…the one who is your partner, is the secondary user."
"That means Mako-chan…" gasped Alexa, "But he's captured right now! The Black Crows took him away!"
Julius' face turned a bit grim and asked, "The Black Crows?"
"They were said to have been from descendants of Volleyball Players! At least that's what the Vorpal Swords have told us," he answered.
"…I see," said Julius, "The Volleyball teams were once nice and prosperous people…long before the world shattered. However, a few of them are left behind in Sportsbrooke."
"How do you know that?" asked Alexa.
"…I met someone long ago…one who was from that was from the Kingdom of Stokilos, the heart of the Karasuno region; he was a very nice man but…he led the people in the invasion of our kingdom…killing my friends," explained Julius.
"Who was this person?" asked Alexa.
"…he was known as the Small Giant," he said, "But…when he turned against us; it wasn't his normal behavior. The Dark One must have placed a portion of its conscious into him…turning him into a pawn. I know he would NEVER betray us if it was himself."
"I see," answered Alexa, "Where is this Small Giant now?"
"No idea," said Julius, "However, you must wake up soon; the sun will rise and your journey has to continue. We will talk again later."
"Thanks so much!" smiled Alexa as the vision shifted him back to reality.
Chamber of Darkness
Makoto woke up and realized that he was no longer in the main prison cells. He gasped at how dark this cavern was and was already freaking out a little. He saw two other bodies lying on the ground as well. Taking a look, he gasped to see Rin and Rei here with him.
"I-It can't be!" he muttered, "R-Rin?! R-Rei!?"
He shook both of them but neither of them woke up. However, they both still possessed the star dagger wands.
We have to get out of here, he thought.
Makoto got up and raised his out, shouting, "ORCA STAR POWERRRR…MAAAKKEEEEEE…"
But before he could finish, a blast of electricity knocked him out again, lying between the two of them as the star dagger was barely gripped in his hands.
Shouyou sat on his throne as he received the reports from Tobio about Kenma and Yuu's death.
"Such destructive power," he smirked, "And this was done by him?"
"Yes," replied Tobio, "I have captured two more of their team mates but they're on the way here regardless."
"I want Prince Julius as a special prisoner here with me," he said, "I think a one on one will do."
Tobio remained silent as Shouyou continued, "It has been over 150,000 years since this world was left in ruins. Lucky for us, we've been able to bypass most of those years and we still cannot get a hold of that crystal. But they'll be doing the dirty work for us."
"My lord," echoed a voice.
"Ah yes…Chernobyl," said Shouyou, "I must give you credit for taking us to the future."
The darkness cloud thickened itself before it solidified into an empty body with a cloak covering around. It held a dark orb with images of the remaining Magic Six and the basketball allies making their way to the city.
"Your father was the one who tried to take Julius down, do you remember?" asked Chernobyl.
"Yes, but he was killed in the process of doing so. That is why I blame Julius on a short note," he answered, "The one who created volleyball long before basketball…Small Giant."
Tobio gasped, "N-no way! You mean…?!"
"Indeed," he smiled, getting up, "Small Giant was brought to the future and resided in Sportsbrooke. Natsu and I were his offspring and we have lived among you people, not knowing what the future would become. The city was nothing back in those days but it did grew larger and larger."
Natsu rushed into the chamber as the elder brother said, "Yes, dear sister?"
"What did you do to the prisoners?" she asked.
"Oh. Simply because I don't want you talking to them, I have put them in a darker area of the fortress. Only I can access the room in person," he replied.
Natsu gripped her fists and answered, "This isn't like you! Not like how it was back then!"
"That old me was a fool," he said, "He was a fool to trust anyone outside of the family except for his teammates that were in line. Now run along for a while. I have more plans to create."
Natsu ran off silently with a few tears in her eyes, thinking back to the days…
Flashback: 20 Years Ago…
Hikari Hinata carried two sleeping babies on each of his arms as he arrived in the small village of Sportsbrooke. There were several houses and a few small buildings too but it was nowhere as fancy as it was when the world was still beautiful.
Thanks to a particular person, he was able to flee the world before it was shattered into pieces and arrive many years later on the same world but in complete ruins. His wife was killed during a siege in the village after he temporally left to attack Atlantis and meet face to face with Julius.
However, the powers of the Solar Crystal blasted him and the others away from the water kingdoms and was thrown back to where he saw the siege happening in his town. He saw the babies resting in the mother's arms who died to protect them.
His silent tears didn't last when he met that person who brought him to the future. And now here he was, looking over from the canyon that led to the city of Sportsbrooke.
He looked at the babies and said, "I promise…to take care of you…Shouyou…Natsu…"
8 years later…
With plans and groundbreaking constructions happening in Sportsbrooke, Hikari assisted with the city projects (while he hired a babysitter to keep an eye on his children for a period of time). He had decided to not get married again but wanted to renovate volleyball and its culture.
Even though he was of short height, he became a symbol of a "Sports Legacy". Rumors began to say that he was powerful enough to grow wings as he jumped to make his moves with the volleyball. In one of the interviews, a fan asked him if he was ever given a nickname.
"If I was to have my own nickname, I guess I'd be the Small Giant," he smiled genuinely.
He returned home at night to see his children playing around with the blocks. The babysitter barely woke up in time to see him but he smiled and said, "Thank you for everything."
"Oh it's not a problem," she replied, "I best be going now."
"Wait," he said, "There's…something…I-I wanted to say."
"Oh?" she asked.
"You've been a great help with my kids for the last several years," he began, "The kids really do care for you and even though I haven't been much around as I should, I want to make our relationship closer."
He kneeled down and prepared his jewelry box and opened to reveal a ring, "Please…will you become Mrs. Hinata?"
"H-Hikari…" she replied, with a tear of happiness, "Yes I do! I'd be honored to become a new mother and a new wife!"
However, this happiness was not to last. A few months after the marriage, a burglar robbed into their home and stole several of the medals and awards. The culprit also shot down Hikari and the wife.
Natsu woke up to hear the gun shots and silently woke Shouyou up. The two children silently made their way out of the small house when they saw the glass case that held the trophies of their father, all destroyed. Blood stains were on the walls and floor that led to the horrific scene outside.
Shouyou's eyes widened in horror and in pure pain while Natsu stared silently, too shocked to even express he emotions.
Moments later, the police arrived and found the children. From there, they were sent to an adoption home where their journey began…
Everyday, Natsu would go pick out some rocks and sometimes flowers for the father's grave. The two would go there a lot to pray and then go on about with their lives. The burglar was not caught ever since and no one knew the exact fate of the children.
3 Years Later: Southern Sportsbrooke District: Karasuno.
"Onii-chan!" said Nasu.
Shouyou turned his head towards her as they were walking to their elementary school.
"Yeah what's up?" he asked.
"Do you think we'll ever have our family?" she replied, feeling saddened.
"I…I'm not sure, but it looks like we only have each other," he said, "Look. I'm upset by all of this too. But we can' let the losses destroy us. I'll rebuild our father's volleyball legacy, alright?"
Natsu smiled and answered, "I wanna be in it too! I don't think I can play the sport but if I can help with the management or something similar!"
"Of course," he nodded, "I think there is a volleyball session but I don't know what requirements are."
Karasuno Middle Gymnasium
After school, the two arrived at the middle of a session happening where they saw a bunch of players going back and forth with the ball. There were also a few smaller groups that were practicing on their bump passes while a few even made some attempts to spike.
Shouyou's eyes watched with amazement as he recalled back when father used to teach as well. On special nights (when their father was still alive), they would go with him and watch him and the students practice and even sometimes got to see a match going on.
"Amazing!" smiled Shouyou.
"Father would've loved us to play too," said Natsu said Natsu as the two sat down on the bleachers where some of the parents and families watched.
"Yeah, you're right," he agreed, "I can barely make a few things though in this…but I can jump as high as them."
"Really?" she asked, "You're not just saying that?"
"You've seen me how I try to use jump rope; I jump too high that the rope doesn't even go over me," he shrugged. I wonder if we'll make a team of our own."
A black haired boy with a pair of blue eyes walked in to the gymnasium and sat down not too far from the siblings. However, his eyes were fixed more on the ball than just the amusement of the game itself.
"Who's that?" asked Natsu.
"Oh I think I saw him earlier today at lunch," said Shouyou, "But he didn't give me any eye contact."
Tobio turned his head around to see the two siblings when his eyes widened on how Shouyou looked exactly like…
No, he thought, it can't be!
Shouyou was about to wave hi but the boy got up and left. Shouyou grunted and got down from the bleachers followed by Natsu closely. The two rushed through the hallways and saw the boy exiting the school, heading to a nearby bus stop.
By the time the two arrived at the stop, Tobio turned and asked, "What do you guys want?"
"Uh, hi?" replied Shouyou, "How are you?"
"Fine," he said, "I was just mistaken you for someone else."
"You mean my father?" asked Shouyou, "Small Giant?"
Tobio grunted and said, "What makes you think that?"
"A lot of people say we have the same hairstyle…but my hair is orange compared to his black," replied Shouyou.
After a moment of hesitation, Tobio said, "Yes, I know of your father. He was very inspirational to many of us kids around here. We all wanted to take in his footsteps and help contribute to the city to grow."
"Do you play volleyball?" asked Natsu.
"I do," he said.
"Well how about making a team with us?" asked Shouyou, "We're looking around for members and…"
"No thanks," replied Tobio.
"But we can't find any motivational guys to play!" said Shouyou, "We'd be honored for you to join us!"
"I'm already on a local team," answered the dark-haired boy.
"Oh? What team is it?" asked the orange-haired boy.
"Kitagawa Daiichi," he answered, "But that's on the other side of this town."
"I'd still like to see," smiled Shouyou, "Please?"
The trio arrived at the Kitagawa Daiichi Volleyball Club which consisted of: Tooru Oikawa, Hajime Iwaizumi, Yuuarou Kindaichi, and Akira Kunimi. The five greeted Tobio and met Shouyou and his sister.
"Ah, welcome to our beloved team!" smiled Tooru, "You guys here to watch?"
"That and we like to join!" said Shouyou, "Well my sister can't play but she'd like to help around with managing and stuff."
"Hmm, there may be a chance to make arrangements," replied Tooru, "However, seeing that myself and Hajime will be moving to the Karasuno Middle soon, it will be a bit problematic."
"Wait a sec, Tooru," said Hajime, whispering to his ear, "Doesn't he look like…?"
"You know what, I was thinking the same thing," he answered, "I didn't pay close attention but yeah…"
"What's going on?" asked Natsu.
"We are honored to meet the two of you," said Tooru, "Both of you are the children of the late Small Giant, correct?"
"You've heard of us!?" gasped Shouyou.
"Of course, the name goes around quite easily here," he answered, "I've seen Small Giant around town but I never had the chance to meet the two of you. This is a great honor."
The two siblings watched the group practice around and even Shouyou had a chance to tryout. Despite his slight clumsiness, the group was surprised to see the height of his jump and the speed he possessed. Afterwards, Tooru promised to set the two up and gave them a schedule of events and practices.
Present Day: Downtown Sportsbrooke
A crowd about couple hundred protesters held up posters and messages about volleyball and how the GoM suppressed them in the society. Some carried messages like:
GIVE US A VOICE OF OUR SPORT!
BRING BACK OUR EXILED TO THIS CITY!
WHO ARE THESE WATER MAGICAL BEINGS TO ALLY YOUR WEAKNESSES!?
BASKETBALL SOCIETY =/= EQUALITY FOR ALL!
Several of the policemen and policewomen tried to calm down the crowds but a few of them broke into more violent protesting; breaking into stores and even fighting some of the police.
By the statue of the princess goddess, some people wrote messages in graffiti while a few with some graphic images.
Finally, the air was in a breeze as the Princess Goddess herself revealed to the crowd and sawe the mess happening.
"Your wait is over," she said, "A new prophecy has begun! Those who lost their beloved will be returned in time! The Magic Six are on their way to the realm where the exile were banished to!"
"HOW IS THAT EVEN TRUE?!" shouted some of the people.
"WHERE ARE THEY NOW!?" shouted others.
"They have been dispatched on a mission to settle the peace between the exiles and us, the government after the tragedy a few years ago," relied the Princess Goddess, "Have faith and soon volleyball will be recognized once again. However, those people who were criminals from the Karasuno District must be put to proper justice."
"YOU'RE LYING!" shouted one of the other guys, "HOW CAN YOUR POWERS TO SEE THE FUTURE BE TRUE, HUH?! HUH!?"
The goddess danced around, unleashing a rain of petals with soothing effects in hope to calm down the civilians. She didn't want to resort to this plan but had no choice in order to keep the peace in society.
Magic Six, thought Kuroko, please hurry back…
Near Karasuno City
The remaining Magic Six, Midorima, Kagami and Gaardus finally found trails that led to the realm of the exiled volleyball players. Worried that someone would try to get their vehicles, they found sort of a hidden spot to hide some of the stuff as a cache until they rescued the others.
Midorima fixed up his glasses to scan the surroundings (He was trained with the scan ability from Riko and Momoi though it's not as advanced as the girls' but his bond to Takao did allow him to see things from a few different perspectives.)
"Anything?" asked Haruka.
"Not much," said Midorima, "Though I did see some massive towers that may look like some nuclear/radioactive sites."
"I have a feeling that's where that strange power was coming from," replied Gaardus, "The magic that they used earlier."
"The radioactive stuff?" asked Nagisa.
"We'll have to be extra careful when we get there," said the bird, "That material could kill us or the others!"
Alexa turned to see a strange statue standing in the middle of some rubble. It seemed that it was perhaps some sort of a shrine or whatever before it was wasted to ruins. He walked over there followed by the others. There was some sort of writing on the stones but the language was not in the language he and the others learned.
"What do you see Alexa-chan?" asked the blonde.
"What is this?" asked Kagami.
"Some sort of writing?" shrugged Midorima.
Alexa felt his brooch glowing so he took out the Solar Crystal which glowed on the writing. To their eyes, the writing transformed into an adaptive language that they could all read:
"Behold, three saviors: one shall be born from the ruins of the sand…the second shall be born from a misty haven of the darkest green…the final shall be born in the deepest of the seas…only they can restore the lost prophecy of the past…our dear Olympia Magna."
"Eh? Three Saviors!?" gasped Kagami and Midorima while the others kept on reading.
"Only the heart of the most valiant can seal the safety of all sports. But the three must become one…the three that must make them one."
"The most valiant one will also end all evil…?"
"End all evil?" asked Alexa, "Is that even possible?"
"Maybe someone is just putting graffiti?" shrugged Nagisa.
"Prophecies…" muttered Haruka.
Gaardus narrowed his eyes as that last word 'evil' made him remember something from long ago. However, there was no time to investigate this.
The gang continued their journey on the trail when they saw a massive skyline ahead. However it was not like Sportsbrooke but instead a jungle of ruins of old and new buildings. Sure enough, the nuclear towers were the first things that was spotted for miles around.
The skies were already beginning to set down at this point.
"How can we keep ourselves from being spotted?" asked Kagami.
"I can help with that," smiled the bird as it chirped and created a "fixed" area of camping stuff with a magical line that squared the area.
"This will keep us out of the radar," replied Phoenix, "Just stay in the line until we leave tomorrow to investigate further."
"And your magic is that powerful?" asked Midorima.
"Gaardus has been protecting all of us on our travels," said Nagisa, "He'll definitely keep us safe and the others no matter how far away they are."
Haruka took a small rock that he found and used it to write something on the sand:
For The Team…
Flashback: Rakuzan, 5 ½ years ago…
A 15 year old Akashi sat in his cot, looking at the brochure of Sportsbrooke. He couldn't wait to make his leave soon after all of what was happening in this small, trashy village.
The only memories he had of his mother was when she used to take him to the nearby mountains and look from the small town, saying that this realm is nowhere near magnificent as the rest of the world's hidden beauties. She always had hope for him to find a talent in his heart.
But after her death was when weird things happening. He developed a two-sided personality and kept himself away from his father, Hiroshi.
His father was a politician of the town and has served the near-empty community for the last 23 years. Every now and then, a bunch of visitors would pass through but only a few of them were even lucky enough to stay a week.
That's when he met someone…a familiar face that would one day haunt him in the future…
1 Year Prior:
Shouyou and Natsu arrived in the Rakuzan village as they were passing through to see the White Tank Mountains nearby. Of course, the two were stopped by the government officials who welcomed them to the city.
"Um we are here to see the mountains," shrugged Shouyou.
"Oh that," said Hiroshi, "Well they're about 10 miles from here. Are you sure you guys don't want to rest up a bit? How about your parents?"
"They're dead for years," replied the older orange-haired boy.
"I see," replied Hiroshi, "Well I have lost my wife several years ago but my son would be more than happy to bring you both to the mountains."
After summoning his son, Seijuurou saw the two children as his father said, "These two want to take a trip up to the mountains. Can you take them?"
Akashi stared at the two siblings for a moment but gave a small smile and replied, "Of course. I was actually going to go there myself. I'll pack a few extra supplies."
Shouyou and Natsu followed Akashi as they took the trek across the desert. Thankfully, Akashi had kept a secret cache of water canteens, some herbs and other small snacks he collected.
"I'm sorry if my father is a pushover," said Akashi, "He's the mayor of our town and is trying to get people to come visit and make profit.
"Oh no, don't worry about it," smiled Natsu.
"Well it did look like you have a few stores," replied Shouyou.
"True but we don't get new supplies till the end of each month," sighed Akashi, "I've heard there's this town of Sportsbrooke and…"
"Oh?!" gasped the two siblings, "You know about it too!?"
"Yeah…and you…?" he asked.
"We both are from there actually," said Shouyou, "We've been seeing the town growing. Maybe you should come back with us!"
"Maybe I should," smiled the red-haired, "And that's great! I hope to move out there someday myself."
It was already sunset when they finally got to the mountain base. There were a few campgrounds that weren't in use so Akashi unpacked his stuff and checked for everything.
The two siblings were amazed at the height of the mountain.
"But there's something I don't understand," said Akashi, "Why did you two take the trouble to come here?"
"Oh um…well we had a friend that recommended us to come here," replied Shouyou, "They drove out for us but they were running low on the gasoline halfway on the trip. Thankfully we were close to your village but they had to wait for someone to take the car back."
"But why did you leave them?" asked Akashi, "I don't understand…are they your caregivers?"
"Well they told us to keep on moving as they said there was a village nearby," shrugged the other boy.
Who are these people, thought Akashi, being careful to not summon his other persona.
"Well then," he replied, "Let's camp here and we'll take the trek tomorrow morning."
Nightfall:
Akashi dumped the water to close off the fire while the siblings went to their tents to sleep. Feeling rather uneasy about them, Akashi extended his hand out, hoping to use his power on them.
"I…I am absolutely swear that I am," he chanted, calling about his other persona.
"My, my, quite a frightening power you developed dearie," said a voice.
Akashi turned to see a man standing by wearing a cloak in his hands. He looked like a young fellow but the red-haired sensed something unusual about him.
"Who are you to be in my absolute way?" he growled.
"I am Theagenes…the great Theagenes of the past," replied the man, "One of the greatest sportsman in ancient history but I have retired to magic…and sports if those can pay the price."
"So you're the one who owns that Shop of the Mystics, right?" he asked.
"Indeed, but I am far more than just a simple store keeper," said the man, "I am inspirational…grateful…but yet…one must prepare the consequences."
"I'm looking at these two siblings," replied Akashi, "Can you tell me how dangerous they are? Are they actually humans or is this something usual?"
"Hmm well, I have heard about them," said Theagenes, "Their father was once the famed Small Giant."
Akashi gasped as he too heard that name whispering in his town a while back. It was a rumor that said about Small Giant coming to this town and to help bring volleyball and potential other sports here to vitalize the area.
"If that's true, why are they here?" asked Akashi.
"I'm afraid I don't know the answer," he replied, "Their minds are clouded in mysterious thoughts just like their father. He was clearly a man of the past…before he brought them to this land."
"The past?" he answered, "Wait! Are you saying…?"
"Indeed," said Theagenes, "They were brought into the future…this land."
I wonder what kind of past life did I had, he thought.
"Alright, enough playing games," replied Akashi, "What are they doing here?"
"…you should know," said the man, "Deep down…they're after something…something of important value."
Akashi narrowed his eyes and raised out his hand, calling upon the emperor eye once more. This time, his left eye finally flickered and turned to a golden-orange, casting him to a nightmare before his eyes:
An entire city engulfed by flames…a bunch of people died on the ground…but the man who stood with a smile on his face…
"N-NO!" he shouted as his mind traced back to reality, "I-It can't be! He wants revenge!"
Theagenes was nowhere to be seen but the nightmare he saw…was it really true? Could it really be that his family and future be in danger?
Akashi woke up violently in his tent and breathed heavily. He thanked to himself that it was a dream…right?
But, he thought, that man…he seemed like a real person. The worst part…is that I feel like I knew him from somewhere?
He could hear Shouyou getting out from his tent for the morning sunrise. Akashi crawled out and sure enough saw Shouyou jumping high in the air as if he was flying.
The orange-haired landed down and turned to see Akashi, "Morning to you!"
"I see you're excited for the hike," he smiled.
The three children made their way up through the trails as the sun continued to rise up. Natsu drank up her canteen as the arid desert temperature was rising up.
"Sister, are you going to be alright?" asked Shouyou.
"There's a spring towards the top," said Akashi, "We'll use it to refill the canteens."
Natsu nodded and they continued upwards. It was only a few moments of walking when something quick grabbed the sister as she muffled a scream. The two boys turned and saw two older men holding Natsu while the third had a gun ready behind her head.
"NATSU!" shouted Shouyou but the blonde haired guy ready his gun at them.
"Which of you possesses the power of God's Eye?" asked Nash Gold Jr.
"ANSWER THE QUESTION!" shouted Jason Silver.
Shouyou was incredibly frightened by this but he had to do something of his skill. However, Akashi silently stared at them as if he was ready to feast a wild boar.
"What makes you think that one should possess such a power?" asked Akashi darkly.
"Sounds like someone had the balls to reply," hissed Nash.
"And what does my sister have to do with your request?!" shouted Shouyou.
"She'll become our personal ally and someone to enjoy…" began Nash, "Someone fresh…"
Akashi growled and his eyes glowed red and orange, blinding the two men back while they still held Natsu tightly. At the instant, Shouyou leaped over and grabbed Natsu safely to the side of the trail.
"Looking for this?" asked Akashi, "You can't get a man who is absolute. Now, be good gentlemen…and take a long nap."
He snapped his fingers and the two men collapsed to the ground. Shouyou stared at Akashi with a bit of shock.
"Y-you-your eye!" said Shouyou.
"Yes, but they don't call it the God's Eye…it's rather known as the Emperor Eye," said Akashi.
Which is why, you have to forgive me, thought Akashi, but you two are not safe here.
Before Shouyou could reply, Akashi called it upon again and said, "You two must return to Sportsbrooke, never to return here…that's absolute and final."
He snapped his fingers and teleported them back to the city as well as erasing their memories of him and their times together. Akashi held out a small vial of orange fluid that contained these memories together of the last several hours.
Present Day: Chernobyl Tower A, Karasuno City
Natsu arrived at one of the reactor towers and watched the workers at the job. She couldn't believe how fast the production was going as there was a chart of all things created by the "Chernobyl Crystal" and there were even new crystals being made with the radioactive material inside.
Several of the people including Nobuyuki, Kei, Sou, and a few others gathered some of the tools to carefully check on the crystals without contaminating them.
"You sure we got the right amount of the stuff in?" asked Nobuyuki.
"It has to," said Kei, "We can't disappoint Shouyou."
"I wonder what he'll really do with all of this," shrugged Sou, "Does he really plan to destroy the city?"
"That's none of you to be concerned with," said a voice as the trio turned to see Kiyoko Shimizu.
The trio jumped out of the way and resumed their work as the manager inspected the area to make sure it was still relatively safe for the workers.
Natsu waved to Kiyoko. Once the dark-haired girl saw her, she smiled and exited the room and made her way up the stairs to meet up.
"Hey, I haven't heard from you!" said Kiyoko, "How's our princess doing?"
"…I'm worried…and scared," she replied, "Onii-chan is being all gloom and doom. He's always so fed up with his ambitions!"
"He's just trying to protect all of us," answered the other girl, "Like how can we even live the way we used to?"
"…are you serious?" asked Natsu, disgusted, "There had to have been another way! I am sure we can try to make peace and…"
"And what?" asked Kiyoko, "Trying to pray and hope that the basketball folks will listen to us?! You saw how they treated us upon our exile."
Natsu's face began to tear up as she cried silently, "Why…why does no one want to listen to me?!"
After a moment of silence, Kiyoko replied, "I'm sorry to be so harsh. It's just…I just wish we too could have been given mercy. But it's already clear that the rest of the people in Sportsbrooke won't give us a second chance."
"You mustn't give up hope!" said Natsu, "You taught me that while we still lived there! And here you are going to just listen to my brother's orders and make a weapon!?"
"…there's nothing much I can do," she answered, "I'm sorry. I do…wish for another way. But…unless you can get help from somewhere…we're stuck the way we are."
Natsu released the hug and said, "I won't give up on onii-chan, I know he'll be alright if I can just get him to open his eyes."
She rushed back out, hearing her heart calling out from the desert. She had to leave this town if she was going to find a miracle. Something had to happen!
Natsu went to her room to gather her cloak and a few clothes that were old to disguise herself and she snuck her way out, heading through some secret passages until she managed to get out to the desert.
She didn't get too far when she saw a group of men standing far away from the view. Natsu gasped and wondered if these people were more exiles but a few steps closer and she already sensed strong power…a warm, healing power…
"Look you guys!" said Nagisa, pointing to the girl.
Alexa gasped as he saw her standing there in a bit of shock. Both sides stared at each other, wondering if today, was the day…that they will change things again.
~Episode 3 END~
~Episode 4 PV~
Natsu: Please help me! My brother was not the same person as he once was!
Alexa: We'll do what we can to solve the mystery of this town.
Nagisa: Yeah, we'll do our very best!
Haruka: So what kind of a wasp nest is this?
Makoto: I...I must protect him...it's all of my fault!
Rin: We'll find a way out of this dark mess! I swear it!
Rei: Where are we in this unbeautiful shadows?
Midorima: Next time, Free! The Price of Dark Power! It's time we begin to crack down bad karma with my good luck frog!