Chapter 4: Youko Hamakawa: Blue Empress: The Warrior Of Streaming Oceans
In the Kingdom of Dark Souls, Nikuya and his female counterpart bowed before their queen, who didn't seemed too moody to receive them.
"Darkest majesty." Nikuya started, but was quickly interrupted by the queen.
"You have failed, haven't you, Nikuya?"
His female partner spoke up for him.
"Queen, we fear the Pretty Cure team is growing fast. If we don't take the current Cures down, more will rise."
The queen got to her feet.
"Noir Rose." The female Hunter's name was finally revealed. "Thanks for the tip. Because I have created a team of my own!"
Four more Soul Hunters came to view, much to Nikuya's and Black Rose's surprise.
"Nikuya, Noir Rose, these are your new teammates: Black Dragon, Ink, Dark Samurai, and Demon."
The group, consisting of two males and two females, smiled at the Hunters.
The Hunters smiled at each other.
"What shall our new quest be, dark majesty?" Noir Rose asked.
Their queen opened her feather fan. "Find those Precures... and kill them."
Spiritual Pretty Cure! (Opening)
"Hamakawa-san, you need to pay full attention to this important lesson! If you want to become a professional actress you must follow strict rules, so you better learn them as quick as you can!"
A pretty down Youko Hamakawa payed attention to her professor. The teenager had been taking college-leveled acting lessons at such a young age, so things were pretty hard for her.
Her professor's expression changed when she took note of Youko's sad eyes.
"Youko..." She gently raised Youko's head. "Youko, we both know this is an important job to help your father. If we can't get this done I fear we won't be able to get the money he needs."
Youko nodded, not truly saying anything.
"I promise we'll find some time to give you a break. For now, we have plenty of work to do."
The professor assigned her students to start their practice act over.
"Alright, folks! Let's start this up from the top!"
Youko sighed, walking to the theater, where the practice act took place.
...
"So, students, in this lesson, you will learn to project emotion professionally. What I mean to say is that in this act, strong emotions will be used, and you need to portray your facial expressions as if you were having those real emotions. It's simple! If you're angry, or sad, or furious, your expressions change. Now, Hamakawa-san, can you give us a demonstration?"
Youko stepped into the theater, cleared her throat and thought of a short scene of her own.
She was feeling a little embarrassed, but tried hard to do her best.
"Well... okay."
The professor and her students waited for her to start.
Youko closed her eyes. In her mind, she imagined a romantic scene that featured her and a certain boy she liked.
"Youko. It's been so long."
"Riku!"
In the scene, Youko ran and hugged Riku, the boy she liked. Her first portrayed expression was sadness. She even cried as she hugged him in the imaginary scene.
"Riku... how I missed you."
"Youko... I fear our relationship won't last forever as we promised."
"What?!" Youko exclaimed. Her next portrayed expression was shock. "But Riku, we've loved each other since we were younger! You can't leave me like this!"
Her next expression was utter sorrow. Tears dropped wild as a rain.
"I'm sorry, Youko. Goodbye."
"Riku... Riku!"
In the scene, she watched as Riku parted ways, leaving her behind.
Then the scene was over as Youko stood on her knees.
Back in the stage, the professor and her students applauded for Youko.
Youko stood up and bowed. Though a hinted feeling was swelling over her, which never let her smile.
"Hamakawa-san, that was so amazing! Now, who's next?"
A small alarm beeped in her cell phone. It was time for school.
"Oh! I'm sorry, I'll miss school if I don't leave immediately."
With no more words spoken, Youko ran out of the college and made her way to school, running all the way and constantly checking on her phone's clock.
...
At school, the tenth graders Kazeko, Yumi, Ryuzaki, Mitsuko, Ayaka and Sayomi walked their way to class, and during their walk they had a friendly moment.
"It's amazing to know Ayaka-san is now a Pretty Cure!" Kazeko said with excitement. "I wonder if more will come!"
"Actually, our team consists of seven Spiritual warriors." Explained Ryuzaki. "Me, Sayomi and Mitsuko were the first three to be chosen. Then Yumi and Ayaka came forth."
Ayaka and Yumi smiled and giggled.
"How is a girl chosen actually?"
Kazeko's curious question caught Ichigo's ears. She popped out of Ryuzaki's pocket.
"I can explain. A Spiritual Pretty Cure is wisely and carefully chosen. Most of you have your passions and dreams, but only a few are willing to deliver their spiritual power to save the world. The Spiritual Kingdom and their marvelous Queen have been searching all across the Universe for brave, dedicated warriors to protect both their world and her Kingdom from the Soul Hunters. It took us years before we found this planet. And there's when you guys came in."
"So you mean, all of us must have a reason for having all these powers?" Ayaka asked.
"Yes, yes! Ayaka, your selflessness and protection for nature awoke the Spiritual Magic within you. As for Yumi, it was her desire to help friends like Kazeko from falling on the hands of the Soul Hunters."
"And I nailed it, didn't I?" Yumi winked.
"Yes yes, you did. Mitsuko's immense love for her brother Haruki made her become more than his assistant. Her inner Spiritual Magic transformed her into Yellow Healer."
"Hey! Tell her about me!" Ryuzaki squealed.
Ichigo giggled. "Ryu-chan was the first to become a Spiritual Pretty Cure, Orange Dragon. Her story is one of a kind. She saved Sayomi's life, even if Sayomi wasn't one of us yet."
Sayomi felt pride. "And I will never forget it."
"Sayomi had a different backstory, though. When Ryu-chan saved her, Sayomi was a Soul Hunter. Her great friendship with Ryu-chan made her switch sides and become Purple Samurai Kunoichi. Sayomi was formerly one of a kind in the Kingdom of Dark Souls, also, she was the daughter of their queen and the most active Hunter in the field. She was repeatedly told to look after someone, but we never knew who she was going after."
Kazeko gasped. Ichigo's words brought another blurry memory to her mind.
"Really?"
Sayomi sighed. "Yeah. I left the Kingdom of Dark Souls once I took notice of the Pretty Cures. When Ryuzaki found me... I found a friend."
"Sayomi..."
Sayomi sighed. "Kazeko, I..."
The bells rang, interrupting Sayomi.
"We should get going before we get late for class." She finally said.
"Oh. You're right, let's go."
The girls ran to their homeroom. Fortunately, they made it on time.
...
"Good morning, class." Miss Yuki greeted. "I hope you had such a beautiful sunrise. Today is a very special day for two of our perfect students. Ayaka Koizumi..."
Ayaka gasped, but stood up anyways.
"...and Youko Hamaka-"
Miss Yuki was surprised to see Youko was absent that day. The students looked around the room for Youko, but they never saw her.
"Where's Youko-san?" Yumi asked.
"Maybe she's at her acting lessons today." Said Ayaka.
Suddenly, the classroom door slid aside, and a rushed girl came in. It was none but Youko.
Bowing, Youko apologized for her late assistance.
"I'm sorry, Yuki-sensei. Acting lessons today."
Miss Yuki smiled. "It's alright, dear." Then she turned to the students. "So, as I was saying, Koizumi-san and Hamakawa-san had earned the Student Of The Month Award for their great dedication in both Gardening and Acting lessons."
Both Ayaka and Youko had priceless looks as the students applauded.
"Congratulations, girls! As part of your Awards, classes will be cancelled for the two of you."
The magical girls and Kazeko nearly shouted. "Eh?!"
"Oh, I'm so jealous!" Yumi whispered with clenched teeth.
"Please, enjoy your day at your highest!"
Miss Yuki waved goodbye as the girls left the classroom.
The five friends sat back down.
"Ah, those two are so fortunate! I wish there was a Ninjutsu class here at school so I can win the Master Kunoichi Award!" Kazeko said, her big eyes shining like stars.
"Ninjutsu?" Mitsuko asked.
Kazeko blushed. "Um, yeah. Before being transferred, I used to learn in a ninja school. I wasn't like other kids in the past. Almost my whole life I've been taught the sacred ways of the ninja."
"So you're basically a kunoichi, aren't you?" Asked Ryuzaki.
"Um... yes. Why?"
"Well..."
"Oh, yeah!" Yumi exclaimed. "Kazeko once told me that she came from the fabled home of the ninja! It sure must be amazing to go there one day!"
"Yeah, it's amazing. If I could only wish I was still there. Only there I feel like home."
"Kazeko, Kazeko!" Ichigo's voice squeaked from inside Ryuzaki's pocket. "Don't feel down. Perhaps someday you'll have the chance to go home."
Kazeko chuckled at Ichigo's cute voice. "Thanks, Ichigo."
"Sakurano-san?"
Kazeko flinched with a funny face when she heard miss Yuki calling her.
With a huge embarrassment blush in her face, Kazeko turned to her teacher.
"Uh... we were just talking about strawberries... and ninjas, I guess." She nervously laughed.
Miss Yuki turned serious, but then surprised Kazeko with a sweet look. "Ah, I love strawberries too. They're the sweetest treat a girl can have."
Kazeko groaned, throwing her head to the table. "Ugh. She nearly got me."
Ichigo appeared from under Kazeko's desk. "Kazeko, you're the only human of our team. I suggest we should not talk about this unless we get as much privacy as possible."
A finger tapped Kazeko's shoulder.
"Kazeko."
When she looked beside her, to her right, Sayomi gave her a glance. Her eyes looked so intimidating even though Sayomi wasn't so serious.
"At lunch, find me. We need to talk... alone."
Kazeko blushed severely. "Um, okay."
"Um, is it me, or do any of you guys think miss Yuki is either insane or in love with someone?" Yumi whispered.
Kazeko, Mitsuko, Sayomi and Ryuzaki looked at Yumi with such faces.
"Yumi!" They all whispered.
"What?"
...
A happy Ayaka spent most of her day taking care of her garden. She saw that it turned into a more beautiful and colorful field.
Pouring some drops of water, Ayaka smiled at how gorgeous and brilliant her flowers looked. They even smelled better than the last time she took care of them.
"Oh, how I missed my flowers!" She rested the pot aside, ran to the grass and laid down, stretching her arms to the sky.
"Ah, this feels so good. Lying down in such an abundant garden. And the flowers look so beautiful."
Staring at the sky, Ayaka smiled.
"Thanks, Mother Nature, for allowing a girl like me to take care of your creations. Thanks to you, I earned my first reward. No, my second, because now I'm a Pretty Cure. And I promise to always protect every leaf in this world."
...
It was lunchtime and every student was out to grab a meal.
"Are you sure you're not hungry, Kazeko?" Mitsuko asked. "The color of your face is sort of pale. You might need some food."
"It's okay, Mitsuko. I just... forgot something at the classroom. But I'll make sure to catch up with you guys."
"Okay!" Ryuzaki replied. "Just don't be too long, all right?"
"I won't."
"See ya!"
When Kazeko was sure the magical girls were gone, she took a run through the empty halls in search for Sayomi.
Her footsteps echoed as she ran. The school was so big and each hall looked exactly the same that she was getting confused.
Walking, Kazeko stared down at the shiny floors.
"Okay, I guess I give up now."
"Looking for someone?"
Sayomi's voice surprised Kazeko in a way that she jumped when she heard her.
"Oh! There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you, Sayomi!"
Sayomi didn't looked surprised at all.
Kazeko's smile slowly disappeared.
"Sayomi... what's wrong?"
The magical girl looked down at her watch. They both had enough time to talk.
"Can we take a walk?"
Kazeko blushed, but nodded anyways.
There was nearly no other students around, making it perfect for Kazeko and Sayomi to have their conversation.
Kazeko, though, was silent all the time while Sayomi walked in front of her.
"Kazeko..."
"Yes?"
Sayomi stopped and took a breath.
"I... I'm sure you still remember, do you?"
"Remember what?"
Sayomi turned to Kazeko. Her deadly serious expression frightened Kazeko.
"You heard Ichigo well. I was a Soul Hunter. I was that glimpse of darkness who looked after you each and every night."
Kazeko remembered clearly. That girl from her past memories that was always stuck in her head...
"So... all those dreamless nights... all that fear I felt... was because of you?"
Sayomi sighed, closing her eyes. "Yes. But I had a reason to look after you."
"What was it? If you were always after me... why didn't you just... stole my soul, just like that weird man did?"
"Nikuya's aim with your soul is one full of obsession. Even when I was a Soul Hunter, he and I had our fights, but he never knew I wasn't coming after your soul. I wanted to protect it from him and his queen."
"Your mother."
"She isn't my mother!" Sayomi yelled, but then regretted doing that to Kazeko.
"Sayomi..." Kazeko whispered. Her voice was deep and almost quiet.
"I'm sorry, but this is why you shouldn't become a magical girl, a Pretty Cure, like we all are."
"But, if I were chosen..."
"Ichigo chooses Spiritual warriors carefully, Kazeko. I wouldn't be so sure that you will become one of us. And when a human with an extraordinary soul becomes a magical girl, she becomes the queen's main target, and she'll do whatever it takes to steal her soul and claim all of her Spiritual Magic as her own to destroy both this world and the Spiritual Kingdom!"
Sayomi's eyes faced Kazeko's very closely.
"If that happens, Kazeko, every human soul will be stolen forever, and everyone will die. If you want to save the world, start by saving yourself first."
"Sayomi..." Kazeko sobbed.
"This is why I warned you, Kazeko, to stay out of my way."
Sayomi turned heels and walked away, leaving a teary-eyed Kazeko behind. She fell on her knees and cried.
"Why is this happening to me? Why does it have to be me?"
"Kazeko, Kazeko!" Ichigo squeaked as she flew next to her. "Are you okay? Come on, cheer up! Your soul will be stolen if you don't at least smile!"
Kazeko glared at the tiny Fairy with such sadness.
"Ichigo... I feel so terrible..."
Just then, Ichigo sensed something out of normal.
"Oh no! Another Soul Hunter! Kazeko, stay here! I'll get the girls! I promise I won't take long!"
The Fairy flew as fast as a comet, much to Kazeko's surprise, but she didn't wanted to stay alone.
"Wait! Ichigo!"
...
Lonely Youko walked near the beautiful fountains that decorated the garden of her school. Little did she knew, she was heading to Ayaka's garden.
She repeatedly thought about her student award and her endless acting lessons. She had been working hard since she was a kid.
"A student award? I never thought I'd receive such a big prize."
The soft sound of the streaming waters was like a harmonious song to Ayaka's ears.
"I mean, all the efforts I put in each lesson... are they worth winning such award?"
"All that effort... just for one prize? Will just that convince Riku to talk to me again?"
She walked next to a fountain to take some of its water. Washing her face, she felt the freshness of the warm water before the water stream surprisingly stopped.
"Huh?"
Suddenly, the water in her hands became inky black. She rapidly shook her hands.
"Aah! What's going on?!"
A male's laugh was heard, and a shirtless man with a tattoo that covered most of his left side appeared standing over that same fountain after all of its water turned black.
"Ah, look what we have here! A doubtful soul. So perfect."
Youko stood her ground. "Who are you?!"
"I'm the Hunter of oceans, Ink. And I'm sure you know where that one little soul my queen is looking for is, do you?"
Youko stepped back. "Your show is fantastic, foreign man, but this will end now!"
Ink laughed. He had a mischievous look in his face. "Oh, I'd say exactly the same to you, my dear."
Youko gasped, knowing what would come next.
"Stop it, Ink!" Ichigo yelled.
When Ink and Youko looked at a corner, the five magical girls Ryuzaki, Sayomi, Mitsuko, Yumi and Ayaka stood there with Ichigo floating beside them.
The five magical girls flapped their Spiritual Fans open and held out their respective Spiritual Charms.
"Holy spirits, lend us power!" The girls chanted.
"Ichi Go!"
Spiritual Magic flew up in the air and down to the Spiritual Charms, granting the girls the power they needed to transform.
"Pretty Cure! Form Switch!"
Just when they all inserted the Charms at the same time in the bottom of their Fans, the magical items lit up magically, and a colorful light orb expanded, nearly blinding Ink and surprising Youko.
"What?!"
...
"The warrior of swift winds! Orange Dragon!"
"The warrior of raging storms! Purple Samurai Kunoichi!"
"The warrior of health and life! Yellow Healer!"
"The warrior of blazing flames! Red Samurai!"
"The warrior of abundant lands! Green Geisha!"
"Reunite, souls of the East! Spiritual Pretty Cure!"
The orb exploded, revealing all five magical girls in a group pose. Ink uncovered his eyes and saw the girls ready to fight.
Yellow Healer engaged at Ink with a glowing fist.
"Healer's Iron Fist!"
Her magical punch pushed Ink off to the ground.
"Lightning Storm!"
Sayomi's lightning stunned him long enough so she and the others could check on Youko.
"Youko-san!"
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, but... Ayaka-san, are these your friends?"
"Yeah, just don't tell anyone on class, okay?"
Youko nodded.
Ink stood up. Sayomi's lightning shock could have stunned him, but it never stopped him.
"Pretty Cures." He grinned.
Throwing up his hand, Ink made all of the fountains' waters turn black and manipulated them to his will.
"Black Ink Stream!"
Ryuzaki gasped, flying towards Ink.
"Swiftly Gust!"
Her wind powers were nearly a match against Ink, but his powers easily beat Ryuzaki as all inky black water pushed her against a wall and became sticky.
"Ryuzaki!" Sayomi cried.
"I'm fine!" Ryuzaki exclaimed. "But... ew! I'm stuck in this squishy thing!"
"Don't worry! I got you, Ryu-chan!" Yumi said as she summoned her fire powers.
"Samurai Burning Fire!"
Pellets of fire were shot at the sticky ink that stuck Ryuzaki to the wall. Immediately, it melt, and Ryuzaki landed safely to the ground.
"Thanks, Yumi!"
"You're welcome... Ryu-chan?"
Ryuzaki surprisingly collapsed in Yumi's arms. Ryuzaki's pupils grew big, and there was no visible shine in her eyes.
As they kept fighting and dodging Ink's power, Mitsuko gasped.
"Ryuzaki's body has been weakened!"
"What?!"
Sayomi was distracted enough, so Ink launched a wave of black water at her. As it hit her, Sayomi had the same effect Ryuzaki had...
Her body was instantly weakened.
"Oh no!" Ayaka gasped.
In a green background, Ayaka summoned her flower wand.
"Élite Stick!"
After a short twirl, Akaya placed her Spiritual Charm in the middle of the wand's flower and Spiritual Magic was summoned.
"Soul Hunter, return to the darkness which you came from! Pretty Cure! Élite Storm!"
A magical rain of petals and leaves was shot, but Ink's power easily destroyed it and hit Ayaka in the chest. Her body was instantly weakened and she collapsed.
"Ayaka!" Ichigo cried.
Healer ran to Ayaka's side and touched her head. Sobbing, she faced Ink.
"How dare you do this?!" She yelled so strong her voice almost sounded cold.
"Simple, dear. Unless you deliver the one little special soul my queen is looking for, I shall drain all of your Spiritual Magic and turn you into Dark Soul Charms!"
Youko gasped at that.
Yumi stood next to Mitsuko.
"None of us will surrender to you, monster!"
Ink chuckled. "Really?"
And just like that, both girls were instantly hit and weakened by Ink's dark magic.
"Well, I guess my job is done." Ink said, wiping his hands. "Now, where was I?"
"How dare you?"
"Huh?"
Youko sobbed terribly. Her crystal tears dripped to the ground like raindrops.
"How dare you? How dare you take their purity from their grasp?!"
Ichigo, who hid behind the flowers of the garden, took a glance at Youko. "Huh?"
Ink crossed his arms. "Insolent child. None of this is your business."
"Those girls mean a lot to me because they saved my life! I cannot doubt they are very powerful and pure like the ocean. Such purity shouldn't be stolen!"
Ink laughed. "I love how you act, kid. Is that everything? Because I have a special soul to take care of."
Youko stepped forward, a rain of twars falling down her face. "You leave that one soul alone! I will NOT let you steal such purity EVER AGAIN!"
Her very last tear fell to one of the fountains. Like magic, the lone tear purified all that water, and more drops purified the rest of the others before they all lit up an intense blue light and magic floated up.
A new Spiritual Fan and the blue teardrop Spiritual Charm magically appeared in Youko's hands.
Full of joy, Ichigo flew towards her new hope.
"Congratulations, Youko Hamakawa! You're our next Spiritual Pretty Cure!"
"Huh?" Youko stared down at the Fairy. "Is this real? Like, really real?"
"Yes yes it is! Your soul is just as pure and crystal clear as the water. Youko Hamakawa, you've awakened the Spiritual Magic within you!"
"Um... wow. Well, what should I do now?"
"As you ask the holy spirits for power, flap your Spiritual Fan open, then chant "Pretty Cure! Form Switch!" and then insert the Spiritual Charm on your Fan to transform!"
Youko nodded, holding the Fan and Charm forward. "Okay. Let's do this!"
The garden was replaced with a deep blue background. All of Youko's clothes were also replaced with a blue dress made out of magic just before she flapped the Fan open. Blue magic splashed out of it like an ocean wave.
"Holy spirits, lend me your power!"
"Yes, yes! Ichi Go!"
Blue Spiritual Magic was introduced into Youko's Charm.
"Pretty Cure! Form Switch!" She chanted with a strong voice and inserted the Charm on the bottom of the Fan. A magical sound was heard as the transparent Fan lit up, turning blue.
Water streamed out as Youko waved her Spiritual Fan like a magic wand. All the water magically wrapped itself around her legs, body and arms. Each piece of her dress was magically created as the water bursted out of her body piece by piece. A blue ring of magic tightened itself around her waist, creating a ribbon and a long, beautiful and silky empress dress over the simple sky blue sleeveless dress she wore. Two more rings created her shoes, a pair of nice high heels, and a bigger ring changed her hair color and style. It also made it grow a little.
And finally, Youko's eyes turned ocean blue and some accessories, including an empress' crown were made. Then, Youko placed her Spiritual Charm on her chest, where it made a cute bow appear, and she struck a pose.
"The warrior of streaming oceans!" Water drops floated on her hands. Manipulating them, Youko made them burst as she struck another pose. "Blue Empress!" A bigger water drop dripped in the background.
All the fountains began streaming water again. But this time, the water looked so clear and blue it almost looked like magic.
"Aargh!" Ink shouted. "YOU SHOULD NOT EXIST!"
He launched his full power at Youko, but the now magical girl deflected his inky waters by using her own water powers against him. Both pure and dark waves clashed, but Youko's power overcame his and pushed him off.
Ink grunted, standing up.
"Blue Empress... you are my official nemesis."
Youko prepared herself to end the battle.
Using her Spiritual Fan and Charm, Youko used Spiritual Magic to manipulate all of the fountains' waters to her will.
"Soul Hunter, return to the stained darkness which you came from!" She exclaimed.
The water in the fountains streamed harder and faster.
"Pretty Cure! Saint Fountain Rain!"
The water was all pushed forward, becoming a huge wave that hit Ink and neutralized his powers. The Hunter collapsed to his stomach, grunting.
"Blue Empress, this isn't over!"
And so, Ink disappeared.
Youko sighed.
"Yay yay!" Ichigo squeaked as she flew to Youko's face.
"You did it, Blue Empress!"
"Yeah! No doubt I did!" Youko smiled with pride. But then she remembered what happened to the girls.
"Ichigo, is there a way to save them?"
"Yes yes there is! My Spiritual Magic can restore theirs and wake them up like rising and shining!"
Flying to the sky, Ichigo summoned Spiritual Magic.
"Everybody, please wake up! Ichi Ichi! Ichi Go!"
Ichigo's magic fell like pixie dust. Youko admired the scene as the girls' bodies recovered their absolute strength, and all began waking up to the sunshine.
Yumi let out a big yawn. "What happened?"
As they all opened their eyes, they noticed something that made them smile. It was Youko, of course.
"Youko-san is a Pretty Cure!" Ryuzaki exclaimed happily.
The girls stood up and ran to hug Youko. All except for Sayomi, who stood back with a small smile.
"Not bad." She muttered.
...
Meanwhile, Kazeko, who was still running through the halls, was getting lost after spending minutes looking for Ichigo.
"Ichigo!" She called out loud before hitting her head with another person's back. She gasped as she knew who that person was.
Turning to her, Nikuya smirked.
"So, you must know everything about these magical girls, don't you?"
Kazeko stepped back as Nikuya stepped forward.
"Uh... um, I don't actually."
Nikuya's eyes saw her soul within her heart. Its light was repeatedly flashing with every racing beat.
"Heh. You're a terrible liar. Your soul is shivering, begging for its freedom."
Kazeko took more steps back with fear. "No! Not mine! Please!"
Nikuya kept pacing towards her with glowing eyes that gave chills down her spine.
"You have a different soul, child. A special one. Our queen would be interested to have a look at it."
"No! Please! Stop it!"
She yanked his hand off, but his other hand took grasp of her arm, keeping her still.
"Let go of me!" She groaned. "Ichigo! Help!"
...
Ichigo's wings tickled.
"Huh? Girls, something's not right."
The girls looked at Ichigo with concern.
"What is it, Ichigo?" Ryuzaki asked.
"Ah!"
A headache hit Sayomi as images started flashing in her mind. Images about Nikuya.
"Sayomi... join me, and both will take her one little soul to our queen."
Sayomi's eyes widened and she took off at top speed.
"Sayomi! Wait up!" Yumi yelled as she and the others followed her.
The girls and Ichigo arrived to the spot Nikuya had Kazeko trapped and saw as he used his powers against the defenseless girl.
"Give me your soul!"
"Aah!" Kazeko shrieked.
Pushing her chest, Nikuya's power stole her absolute energy, but not her soul. Kazeko fell to his arms unconscious.
"Kazeko!"
Nikuya laughed loud. "You arrived too late, ladies! Her majesty will be so flattered when she sees I finally have what she's been looking for so long!"
Sayomi got so angry she nearly cried. As a result of her strong emotions, she summoned lightning power and was willing to destroy him with it.
"GIVE HER BACK!"
Her full power was launched, but it never harmed Nikuya as he created a force field around him and Kazeko.
"You never joined me, Sayomi. Pity, you shall be dead to hear what will become of your friend!"
"DON'T YOU DARE HURT HER, NIKUYA!" Sayomi shouted with fury. "I PROMISE I'LL COME AFTER YOU AND YOUR WHOLE KINGDOM AND DESTROY YOU!"
"Yeah, yeah. Goodbye, losers."
Suddenly, Nikuya disappeared.
And so did Kazeko.
The girls were temporarily immobilized before Yumi broke down into a loud cry.
"Kazeko!" She shouted. "Those idiots! Just why do they want her soul?"
"Maybe..."
Ryuzaki took out the last Spiritual Charm, a gold sun with a pink gem in the middle.
"Maybe..."
"No way, Ryuzaki! If it is what you're thinking, Kazeko should not be a Pretty Cure!"
All of a sudden, Sayomi gasped, collapsing to the floor.
"Sayomi!" Ryuzaki cried.
"Ichigo, what is going on here?" Youko asked. As she was the newest Pretty Cure, she was confused at the sudden turn of events.
"Youko, please pay attention to every word I say." Ichigo said seriously.
Youko nodded.
"The man who fought you and the man who took Kazeko, both are Soul Hunters. Their aim is to steal the souls of humans to feed their queen with absolute power. Nikuya took Kazeko because her soul is the key to destroy all humanity."
Ichigo then turned to the fainted Sayomi and Ryuzaki, who was attempting to wake her up along with Mitsuko.
"Sayomi. Sayomi, wake up!"
Ichigo sighed. "Sometimes I think Sayomi did right about her warning."
"Why is that?" Youko asked, looking into Ichigo's eyes.
"Because, if Kazeko has Spiritual Magic within her soul, the Hunters and their queen will use it against us."
Everything then turned black.
"And I fear it'll be hard to retrieve."
Spiritual Pretty Cure! (Ending)