~Act Six: オペレーションファイヤーバードパート3~
Operation Firebird Part 3
Skeleton Diner
As Mamoru, Toraichi, and Daigo continued to converse about their stories, the people of the diner turned to see a blonde guest walking in, wearing a sparkling dress.
"Good afternoon everyone," Stefani said, "I will be singing for tonight's diner…so please look forward to my performance! I hope it will bring some entertainment to this place!"
The audience kept silent while a few people clapped in support. This awkwardness hurt her heart but she knew that it was her last chance to find a way out of this mess. It was said that a deceased soul named Euterpe could fulfilled her unfinished business by singing a powerful song and doing so gave some life in this realm before Izanami descended to this place.
One of her chaperons spoke to her, "No matter what happens, you'll do a great job!"
"Perhaps but…I…I can't stay in this land…that man…whose name I or...that other me used…he fulfilled his vengeance and unless a miracle happens, I'll never be able to leave here," she answered.
The chaperon kept silent for several moments before asking, "Was it someone you offended?"
"NO! NEVER!" she replied, "I…I was only giving a message out but…after coming to this place…I've heard as many as hundreds of those with that name either changed it…or committed suicide…"
"People take advantage of other's creations and use it to hurt those who are not the way the majority should be," the chaperon explained, "That's a nature of human."
"But the weird thing was that…I was sleeping in a dream on the night of a performance…before I woke up being in a weird place with that man holding the blade…I was being controlled against my will…" Stefani explained, "Why me?!"
"Fate works in ways we cannot explain," the chaperon said, "Anyway, let us focus on your work."
The two left the diner and headed towards an alley.
Underworld Marotta House
Midorima did his best to calm down his mother as the others waited at the doorway for the others to return. It felt like an eternity but then they saw a small light at the stairwell.
Alexa led Makoto and the others out as Misa gasped in shock before reaching out to her son.
"M-mother…" Makoto breathed.
"Yes…it's me!" Misa smiled, "Oh my Makoto! I'm so glad they managed to rescue you!"
"Izanami beat the handsome from me," he answered softly while grunting in pain.
"Let's get him down on the couch," Alexa said as they moved out of the way and carefully lied him to rest.
Pandora offered to heal him but Alexa shook his head and waved his hand out, "Hold still Mako-chan."
A soft glow of light wiped Makoto through his body, cleansing his wounds, patching his ruined clothes whole once more. The soul opened his eyes as Alexa leaned in for a kiss. However, he turned his head back in disgust.
"W-what's the matter?" Alexa asked.
"I-It's just that…a lot has happened between us," he said before turning to the others, "Can we have some time alone?"
"Let them talk for a bit," Misa suggested to the others and they moved out to the backyard.
Once they walked out, Makoto continued, "Alexa, you've been the Dark One for nearly a month…and me…I was such a fool to put head first in REVENGE! I WAS WEAK!"
"Yeah but we got rid of it IN THE END!" Alexa said, "Sort of…"
"You set the bar too high…the fact is…I can't keep up with you like this…I don't measure up," he answered.
"Let me be the judge of that!" Alexa replied, "You know…I would NEVER leave you down here for eternity!"
"That's the point…" Makoto said, "I don't know if I even deserve to be saved after what I nearly did to all of you."
"Mako-chan…we all cried for you so much…even Ran and Ren…they were devastated yet honored to have a strong brother who made the right choices," Alexa answered, "Now you have a chance to come back home with us."
"You and the others need to get back so you can heal Olympia Magna…and Atlantis," Makoto replied.
"I'm afraid it's not going to be that easy," Alexa said, "After you died…the real Dark One appeared to us and is now threatening everyone. If we don't stand united…how are we going to win?"
"Your powers are strong enough…" Makoto answered, "You and the others can already transform into super versions."
"No power is as strong as true love," he replied, "Antonius…we already died once and waited for many millennia to reunite."
"He's right," a voice said as they both turned to see Midorima.
"Y-you…" Makoto began.
"You're down here for also some unfinished business," the green-haired megane answered, "And so does our mother."
"M-mother?! B-but how? What could she possibly keep such a burden inside?" Makoto asked.
Flashback: Tachibana Manor - 4 years after the purification rite
(Most characters are about 10 – 11, some 12 years old)
11-Year old Makoto looked over the little Ran and Ren as they were taking a peaceful nap. He read them a couple of fairy tales before they fell asleep.
He smiled before leaving the room as he saw Queen Misa making way to a strange room with the entrance from a big painting. Out of curiosity, Makoto walked in and saw what looked like a magical lab room with glass supplies, cauldron, books and other things.
"M-Mako-chan…what are you doing in here? Misa asked.
"Oh uh…I…d-didn't know we had such a room filled with magic," Makoto replied, worried he would get scolded.
"You like this?" she smiled, "This is a powerful room that holds a lot of secrets. Maybe one day I can show you how to make your own magic."
"R-really?!" he gasped, "Y-you can teach me?"
"You are my oldest son," she answered, "One day…you'll have to face responsibility."
She led him over to one of her work stations where Misa put down a box-like object before taking out some ancient books written in a lost language.
"Wow…how do you even read this?" Makoto asked.
"Studying the language…and paying attention to your teachers…which reminds me, aren't you going to be late for school?" she replied.
"EEHHHH!? I'M SO SORRY!" he cried out as he ran but accidentally knocked over a glass of sleeping powder and fell into its spell.
"M-Makoto!" she cried out, "NO! OH NO!"
King Tatsuhisa ran in as he heard the commotion, "W-what happened!?"
"It's Makoto, he came in here to see me at work but he accidentally knocked down a glass of sleeping powder," she explained.
"C-can't you wake him?" the king asked.
"I can't…because it was the cause of his pain," she said.
"There's no one else then…Ran and Ren don't have the traits to pass down blood magic…" Tatsuhisa muttered but Misa looked up as she could hear a name deep down in her conscious. Now it was a matter of time to find that 'name' and locate that person.
"You're gonna be alright Mako-chan…" she whispered.
The Village of Mleiha, Olympus Desert (About 30 miles to the West of Sportsbrooke)
During Sportsbrooke's City Development
11-Year Old Midorima Shintarou was carrying his basket of clothes to the public wash crew on the other side of the village. Life out here ever since he can remember was always scorched and difficult to handle. Whether it was searching for water or running errands, he hated living in this kind of place.
The wealthier folks were said to have worked with drugs and medicine to all sorts of underground workers and were too busy being arrogant for the subordinates and regular villagers.
Midorima set down the basket and stared at it as he recalled doing something the other night with a couple of gardening tools. He carefully extended his hands out before the basket floated and zoomed its way across the air before landing perfectly at the laundry spot.
A few of the villagers gasped in terror while his mentor saw what was going on and took out his whip. Midorima tried to run but tripped on the rock. He didn't want to suffer anymore blows of punishment.
Seconds later, the man was frozen in place and Midorima turned to see him.
W-what was that, he thought.
"You didn't do that…I did," a voice spoke.
He turned to see a cloaked figure who had olive green hair and emerald eyes with a warm smile. Her clothes here fancy like the city leaders but the design was…
"Y-you have magic?" Midorima asked.
"Yes…" Misa smiled, "Don't be afraid…I have come for you because I've heard about your powers. What you have…is a gift. Do you want to show these people that your magic is good?"
"How?" the boy questioned.
"By helping someone very important to me," Misa extended her hand out. Midorima hesitated for a moment but at least he was willing to get away from this place...wherever he will go to.
The two returned to the Tachibana Manor as Tatsuhisa was skeptical about this mysterious guest. After shooing him away, Misa led Midorima to Makoto's bedroom with a book opened containing instructions.
"Is this him…your son?" Midorima asked.
"Yes Midorima…and now what you have to do is something complicated…" Misa explained as she checked the pages, "You must follow every instruction…"
Midorima stared at Makoto with curiosity and walked his way towards him. With a shrug, he extended his hands out as green waves of magic radiated from his hands to Makoto's body.
"It's not as easy as throwing clothes…" Misa chuckled but her jaw dropped to see Midorima's power flowing through to Makoto's body, "H-how did you know…?"
"I've always wanted to use my magic for a long time…that it just...came to me," he shrugged as he concentrated on it.
A-Amazing, thought Misa, He's survived all those years so far in the desert…does he even know his origin?
A soft heartbeat was heard as Makoto's eyes finally opened, stirring conscious, and Midorima smiled. Misa cried happily in joy, "Oh my little sweet baboo."
"W-who's he…?" Makoto asked.
"This young man whose powers saved you from yourself…" Misa chuckled.
"I'm Shintarou Midorima…what's your name?" the green-haired introduced.
"Makoto Tachibana…" the oldest Tachibana son smiled as he sat up.
"Mako-chan, you can show Midorima around the palace or even the pool if you like but do not return to that room from earlier, do you understand?" Misa asked.
"A-alright," he blushed a little as Midorima smiled.
Makoto led Midorima to their pool area where they have been training for the last few years. Midorima was amazed to see such performance (not to mention all the water).
"It's beautiful…" he said, "So much water…"
"Our world is nothing but the endless oceans with very few islands," Makoto smiled.
"A-an ocean? What's that?" Midorima asked.
"Hi Mako-chan!" Nagisa arrived, "You weren't in class today?"
"I was sick earlier so my mom requested time off," he shrugged.
"Ah, and who's he?" Nagisa asked.
"Don't be rude," Makoto sighed, "He's a visitor."
"Welcome friend to our Hawakoto pool site, I'm Prince Nagisa Hazuki," the blond properly introduced.
"Actually, we're all princes here…Nagisa, myself, Haruka, Rin, Rei, and then the high prince Alexa," Makoto explained.
"Such royal blood I see," Midorima nodded, "Are you all related?"
"Nope. Six different families just happened to rule this place," Makoto explained, "But yet we do act like a family to each other."
Rei, Rin, and Haruka saw them talking and walked up to see their guest. Finally, Alexa arrived and welcomed Midorima to their world.
"So where are you from?" Alexa asked.
"Uh I…well…it's not easy to explain but…I'm from a village where there's nothing but sand and surviving is all we can do," he said.
"Perhaps do you want to live with us?" Naigsa asked.
"I'd love to but…everything I have is back home," the green-haired megane answered.
"Where are you from?" Rin asked.
"I um..." Midorima began but Makoto cut in to the conversation.
"I'm sorry to cut short but my mom told me to show him more of the kingdom," Makoto said, "I'll see you all later."
"W-wait! Mako-chan!" Nagisa said but Coach Sasabe called them back to their routine as Makoto kept a grip on Midorima, heading back outside.
The two continued their way around the castle and eventually headed outside as Midorima was astounded to see such a community. Everyone coexisted happily with each other.
"Back in my world, we're always having to fight in the heat," Midorima explained, "By the time you turn 5 years old, you're on your own…taking care of yourself…the pack…is awful."
Makoto went to the fruit vendor and received two beautiful apples as the vendor spoke, "Any friend of yours is welcome to have the fruit of the vine."
"Thank you so much!" Makoto smiled as he handed the apple over to Midorima to eat.
They eventually returned to the fortress and back in their manor as Makoto recognized the box on the family table.
"Why did mother leave this here?" he muttered as Midorima was fascinated by it. He picked it up when it suddenly opened, revealing a wand inside.
"H-how did you…!?" Makoto gasped.
"I just touched it and the lid opened," Midorima shrugged.
"Y-you…no…that's impossible…there's no way you could've opened it like that…unless…" he muttered.
"Hm?" the megane asked.
"A-are we…related!?" Makoto gasped, "Only royal blood can open such magical objects!"
"If that's true…why didn't your mom told you or I?" Midorima asked.
Misa walked into the room with a couple of guards by her side. Makoto turned to her and explained what happened.
"So I see…" Misa answered.
"It was an accident, please forgive me your majesty!" Midorima bowed.
"Mother…is it true…?" Makoto began
"Yes…you and Shintarou are brothers," she revealed.
The two gasped and stared at each other happily before Makoto added, "Why didn't you tell me or father about this!?"
"I wasn't sure if you'd understand…" she answered casually.
"But…if he's my brother, shouldn't he stay with us?" the boy asked.
"Would you love it?" the mother replied.
"YES! Ran and Ren can have two older brothers!" Makoto chuckled as Midorima smiled.
"…I can't tell you…how disappointing that would be for me. Yes, he saved your life but there's an untold story that must remain untold…and today's not the day," Misa answered, "Your story…Makoto…must not be mixed with his."
"M-Mother!?" Makoto asked nervously.
"Take him away to the portal," Misa commanded to the guards.
"N-NO! MOTHER!" Makoto cried out.
"PLEASE LET ME STAY I'LL BE GOOD!" Midorima shouted as the guards grabbed his arms.
Makoto tried to grab Midorima but the guards kept pulling him back.
"NOO! MAKOTOOO! NOO! STOP! SAVE MEEE!" the megane cried out.
"SHIN-CHAN!" Makoto shouted.
"STOP! LET ME GO!" Midorima bawled out as the guards knocked over a few tables, pulling him back towards the portal.
"SHIN-CHAN! NO MATTER WHAT SHE DOES, WE'RE BROTHERS! AND NOTHING CAN CHANGE THAT! I WILL FIND YOU SHIN-CHAN, I PROMSIE!" Makoto cried loudly.
"Actually, you won't," Misa answered, revealing a memory vial, "One drop of this and it will be as if you and him never met in the first place. The others will forget about him too."
Present Day:
"Well? What's keeping her down there?" Makoto asked to Midorima.
"I…I don't know," he answered as Misa walked into the room.
"Alexa…may I ask that you leave us three to talk for a little bit?" she asked.
"S-Sure…I'll go out to the backyard," he nodded as he got up.
"Mother?" Makoto asked.
"I know why I am down here…" she answered, "It's my fault for what I've done…what I failed to do as a mother. We were a family of five…but because of all the things I done to set you and Alexa's fate to be together again…it all ended up with you and him depart once more."
"What are you talking about?" he questioned.
"There was a time when you and him cared for each other…a chapter in our family history you've both forgotten. And now…" Misa said as she extended her hands out, "It's time you remembered."
Makoto and Midorima linked their hands to Misa, closing their eyes as the mother flowed her memories back into the two sons. They both heard echoes of their first meeting, their exploration around the kingdom and up to when they were forcibly separately. The screams of departure made both of their faces spilled tears. They realized how close they would have been instead of how they fought upon their first meet.
Misa opened her eyes and unlinked her hands, "You see…you were brothers once…who loved and needed each other. Back then, I was too focused on you…Mako-chan and Alexa because of your lives in Atlantis. I was a fool…I should've welcomed everyone into our lives."
She turned to Midorima, "My Shin-chan, I am very sorry…to forbade you from being a part of the family. I had that chance all those years ago…but I threw it away. Hopefully now you won't make the same mistake as I did."
He nodded, "Thank you…mother."
Misa turned to Makoto, "My Mako-chan…you've been so courageous your entire life so far…even after you and Alexa went through as Dark Ones. I don't know how to get you back to life but…I will do whatever I can to help you get out of this mess so you can be with Alexa, Shintarou, and everyone together again."
"Thank you," Makoto answered tearfully.
West Sportsbrooke
Abigail and Kei arrived at an abandoned building as the latter asked, "W-who's in there?"
"An old friend…well…I know I'm probably the last person he wants to see," she answered.
They walked in as Felix Lenin lifted his head up from sleeping on a dusted couch.
"I'm back…" Abi said.
"Ms. Failure…welcome! Who did you bring now?" Felix asked.
"The heroes are in town now…I'm sure you sensed them. Do you still want revenge after what they did to us?" the girl replied.
"I know they're duplicates…carbon copies…" he shrugged, "What good would it do?"
"Because they're tied to the originals…if we annihilate them, we can get to the originals and destroy them," she replied.
"I already got someone who's doing revenge of their own," Felix said.
"Who?" Abigail questioned.
"Hello darlings!" a voice chuckled. They all turned to see Oikawa at the doorway.
"You…" Kei growled.
"Oh yes…I'm another resident here too darling…I'm still disappointed what you've done but then again, I met my match as well. So, we're both even," Oikawa chuckled.
"Where's the Shadow Mafia?" Felix asked.
"Oh…I saw the conclusion of the fight…pathetic…those heroes have done away with them!" he growled, "Alexa thinks that he can heal everyone and send them on their way."
"I see," Felix answered, "Then it's time that we strike back at those heroes."
"I want the tiger guy to myself," Oikawa said, "He killed me specifically."
Akiteru took a break from his shift as he saw Stefani sitting down alone with her head wrapped up in stress. With a shrug, he walked up to her, "Hi."
"Oh h-hello," she blushed, "Y-you work at the diner, right?"
"Yes, the name's Akiteru," he introduced himself, "So were you a singer back in the real world?"
"Yes…I was also a huge advocate for the LGBTQIA+ group, always supporting them," she added, "I was a growing star from my land but then one day…a group of cloaked figures appeared to me and abducted me into another realm…giving me false memories and setting me up as bait. In the end, they got what they wanted…by ensuring me to die because of what an alternate version of myself did…"
"A-An alternate you?" he asked.
"She sang a song…based on a person's name…and because of that, he was bullied by his classmates and put his vengeance to me," she answered, lowering her head, "I DID NOTHING WRONG! I JUST…WANTED…to be free…I can't believe that there are humans in the world that would use my songs or rather her's…for the wrong purposes…"
"I'm so sorry," Akiteru answered, "So your unfinished business…?"
"I lost my ability to sing because of the trauma…so I've been studying here with one of my chaperons but the textbooks are hardly legible in this realm…" Stefani explained, "I'm so sorry but I can't do this! I am such a fool to promote myself for what I can't do!"
"You're not a fool…you're trying to redeem yourself," Akiteru smiled, "And that…will help you get out of here."
Akiteru dug into his pocket and took out a small Sakura petal, "This is the only thing that has kept me safe…take it. It'll protect you but more importantly...it'll lead you where you have to go."
"A-are you sure?" she asked.
"You have to find your answer before you perform…go…" he persuaded.
Misa, Makoto, and Midorima joined up with the others as the mother felt a glow on her body.
"W-what's going on, m-mother!?" Makoto asked.
"I finished my unfinished business…knowing that I got the two of you together at last," she smiled, "The others are waiting for me…in a place where I'll be happy with them."
"But how will you get me back to the others?!" Makoto gasped.
"I'm not going to break that promise," she answered.
Misa walked up to him and said, "When I died…back in Aqua Duniya…we never got the chance to say goodbye."
Makoto started crying as he hugged her for a few moments. Afterwards she turned to Midorima sadly, "We never even got to say hello."
"Y-you're leaving!?" Nagisa gasped as Rei rested his hand on the blond's shoulder.
Misa hugged her sons and said, "I love you both. Take care of our family…and our friends. I'll do whatever I can to get you all out of here."
"We will," Midorima nodded as a tear fell from his eye.
The skies rumbled before revealing a staircase made of light and clouds appearing for Misa. She turned around to see the crowd waving goodbye. With a smile, she turned towards her final resting place as she vanished into the light.
"I…I've waited my whole life to have a mother and now she's gone…" Midorima shook as Makoto hugged him.
"I remember now…" Nagisa said, "You visited us long ago!"
"Yeah you came to our pool site as well," Alexa added, "Now it makes sense why you were able to get into the palace earlier after we first met."
"I thought it was the darkness in me but no…it was a memory…" Midorima admitted.
A sakura petal fell into their view as Rin caught it in his hands, "W-what's this doing here?"
"Hey I think someone's climbing on the fence!" Momo pointed out.
Nagisa created an ice slide as their new guest made her way up and slid downwards. After a few seconds, she stepped back in fear after seeing Alexa.
"S-Stay away from me!" she cried.
"D-do I know you?" Alexa asked.
"Y-You…you…killed me!" she answered.
"EHHHH!?" the others gasped.
"Why would I do that if I never met you before?" Alexa replied.
"Y-you don't remember?" Stefani asked.
"Another unfinished business left by our previous generation…" Alexa realized, "Tell me…how long have you been down here for?"
"I don't know…maybe 4 years perhaps?" she answered.
"Listen, we don't even know who you are," Rei replied, "We just came here to bring back our friend but it seems that whatever happened before our generation…all these souls are angry or sad…"
"If you want our help, you should trust us," Nagisa nodded.
So not only did my previous self killed the Shadow Mafia…he also killed her, Alexa thought, how much blood was shed to obtain peace?
"Forgive me…" Alex's Gen 1.0 voice was heard in his own head, "She's another unfinished business of mine…but now it's your turn…use what you did to save Taylor and the others…"
Alright, Alexa thought, but I must ask you…how much blood has been shed?
"She's all that's left on my end," the voice answered in the head, "Thank you…and I am so sorry to have you involved in my own mess…"
Alexa could feel the power of the solar crystal still shining inside of him.
"I'm sorry…I should go," Stefani said.
"No," Alexa answered, "You might be dead but…maybe we can help…do you want to leave this place?"
Stefani looked at him with a bit of skepticism but she saw a soft glow on his body. Alexa could feel the painful emotions in her…as her mind linked with his.
"I want to start over again…if only I can sing," she answered, confessing her dream.
"You came from a reality where you were a rising star…but fate dictated your existence to be in a story that does not belong to yours…" Alexa chanted, walking up to her.
His eyes glowed neon yellow as the solar crystal floated on his chest, "As a result of your banishment to this land…you lost your singing."
As her mind linked to his, she realized that he was a descendant and his power was filled with love, life, and hope. Alexa touched her forehead as power flowed from the solar crystal into her body. Stefani could feel the memories of her childhood returning to her up to her day of her debut performance. But because of that day when she was taken, that prophecy never came to pass.
"The Solar Crystal is more than just a weapon of light…it has the power of emotions that go far beyond space and time," he continued.
Both their eyes glowed and Alexa could feel the painful memories lingering inside the young lady. Through her eyes, he saw what Alex Gen 1.0 did to her back then at that battle...
Finally, it all made sense: This Stefani was from the Delta!Timeline where she was taken by the Mahotsukai, given memories of the other Stefani in the Suiei!Timeline who was already famous and her works were a part of that reality. A particular song influenced Alex Gen 1.0 to take revenge against her because of how it damaged the etymology and reputation of his identity.
"I was going to sing that too but it never happened," Stefani said, "It was never to make fun of you specifically. That song was meant to show that I can take care of myself and not needing a man. I am very sorry that there were people out there who took it the wrong way and did hurt those lives like you."
"What my other self did was wrong also…but now you have to choose…" Alexa answered.
"Nothing to lose…" she hummed before chuckling, "But I won't sing that song if it does bother you…there's another song that I know will be my salvation…"
The solar crystal glowed and a wisp of magic floated towards her neck before shimmering inside. At last, she could feel her talent of singing once more.
The glow died off as everyone recovered from the brightness. They all turned to see them standing side by side.
Stefani hummed a tune that no one heard of but she remembered back in the real world…on a movie she watched as a kid…a musical based on a real story…
"Thhhheee hiiillllllsssss are alivvveee with the sound of muuuuusssssiiiicccc…With songs they have sunnng for a thousanddd yeaaarrrrssss…"
The group stood in awe as she continued a few more lines before stopping. They looked at each other before applauding for her work.
"I have to perform at the diner…you want to watch me?" she asked.
"We'll support you," Nagisa smiled, "You got a powerful voice!"
"Let's finish your story…and begin a new one," Sergi agreed, "I'll send you to a new place after tonight."
Skeleton Diner
The performance continued as Stefani, dressed in an elegant white dress, sang happily on the lyrics:
"My heart wants to beat like the wings of the birds
That riiisssseee from the lake to the treeessss
My heart wants to sigh like a chime that flieeeesssss
From a chuuuurrrrccch on a breezeeeeee…"
By the end of the song, the audience gave her an around of applause. Many demanded an encore so she did. Normally, the land of the dead was meant to be decaying but for the first time in a long time: hope was sprouting. The people prayed that Izanami doesn't find out because they've seen similar episodes when someone tries to put hope and she banished them to "hell".
"I did it!" she smiled, "Thank you everyone for your support!"
Stefani stepped down from the stage and walked to the heroes, hugging Alexa in gratitude.
"Thank you for believing in me," she said.
"Your performance is perfect…now…let's get you to the real world where you can make a living off if it," Alexa replied.
With her unfinished business fulfilled, Sergi took out his book and quill and wrote:
Her unfinished business now complete, Stefani moves to a place of a fresh start and continues her singing career…and her side quest to support love in all communities.
"Thank you again," the singer smiled at Alexa and the heroes with him.
"Just promise me…that you won't waste a minute," he said as she vanished into the light.
Eternal Summer Café, Aeuropa City, Planet Duniya
50 Years After "Heroes of the Gods"
Stefani opened her eyes as she was at the microphone of her mini concert at the café. The place was filled with "full house" as the audience waited for her to start her series.
In the crowd included Taylor, Anatoily, Anthony, Mike K, Alex P, and the residents of the city. The ex-Shadow Mafia were reborn in new families and developed a new sport called Wallball, becoming a locally famous team known as the Lander Leopards. All of them were given love and discipline, thus becoming gentlemen that they dreamed of.
Their memories of pain and darkness were gone from their minds, replaced with a more realistic, balanced, mentality.
And now…with the rise of the new singer…she continued her singing:
"Climb eveeerrrry mountainnnn
Ford eveeerrrry streeeaaammm
Follow eveeerrrry rainbbooowww
'Til you find your dreeeaammmm
A dream that will leeeaaad
All the love you can giiivvveee
Every day of your liiiifffeeee
For as long as you liiiivvvveee
Climb eveeerrrry mountainnnn
Ford eveeerrrry streeeaaammm
Follow eveeerrrry rainbbooowww
'Til you find your dreeeaammmm…"
The audience cheered and roared with an applause. Some threw money as gifts for her talents.
And who's to think that those who were against the heroes would never get happy endings? Sometimes…humans need a push to start over…and that's what is being learned. As long as those individuals are ready and determined to become better selves…hope will always be in there.
Of course, Planet Duniya continues to exist in space as the residents that did not fought remembered their heroes moving onto a happier place, ending the great darkness.
Back in the Underworld, the people in the diner relaxed and resumed their usual business. Sousuke went to the restroom and was about to do his business when someone grabbed him and muted his voice. He tried to kick and make loud noises but was struck on the head before slipping unconscious.
Upon finding that Sousuke disappeared, the Iwasame Senshi, Pandora, Sergi, Kagami, Eijun, Gou, and the three Matsuoka brothers planned to split up the search but it turned out it wasn't necessary.
Oikawa, Abigail and Kei stood together with a bunch of Electrical nerbils as Kei carried the semi-conscious senshi.
"W-what are you doing to Sou-chan!?" Nagisa shouted.
Oikawa walked up and struck Kagami in the face, "That's for killing me darling…"
"You might have sent the Shadow Mafia and Stefani to a new story but you won't stop us from getting our revenge!" Abigail announced, "You heroes are pathetic as always…always looking for the light in the darkest of darkness!"
"What the hell do you guys want?!" Rin shouted.
"Why you living as permanent residents of course!" Kei chuckled, "YOU…TOOK…AWAY…MY FREEDOM!
"Kei, you don't have to have yourself end like this!" Alexa answered, "You can move on from here!"
"And miss out on my opportunity to see my brother!?" he growled as he handed the senshi to Oikawa.
"WAIT!" Alexa cried out but Kei shoved him to the side and entered the diner as Akiteru gasped to see his younger brother standing at last.
"This is quite the irony…working hard at a diner when you used to work as a stable boy," Kei said.
"Shut up," Akiteru replied, "In case you ever cared…mother ended up in a place worse than here!"
"So what are you going to do with me? Throw me into the fires of hell!?" Kei shouted.
"I wanted to push you into the river of lost souls...but that would not end my unfinished business on a happy note either," Akiteru said, "I saw what kind of man you become…you nearly betrayed the entire city out of envy! If only you kept us alive…perhaps you would've had the heart left!"
Back outside, Oikawa and Abigail left the area with Sousuke as a bunch of Electric Nerbils rampaged against the heroes. They combated with their water and light magic attacks. Nothing worked and the monsters were on the verge of making them permanent residents.
However, Alexa kept onto the shears of destiny and took it out to end ties to these monsters. After finding the leader of the pack, he snipped the cord of shadows. The nerbils screamed before vanishing into less than phantoms…
"W-what is that!?" Nagisa gasped.
"I recognize that…those are very dangerous Alexa!" Pandora answered, "Those are the shears of destiny! Quite a clever move you made but you must take caution when using them."
"Mako-chan…there's something I need to do with you if we're gonna bring you back to life," Alexa said, "I'm going to split the power of my solar crystal into your body."
"A-are you sure?" he asked.
"It's as I said…nothing's stronger than true love…and I want to share this power with you especially," the savior smiled.
"Alright…then do what you must," Makoto nodded. Alexa turned to Pandora with approval. The daughter of Cosmos dug through Alexa's chest to pull out the crystal. With careful techniques, the crystal did manage to split in two halves. Alexa tried to put the piece into Makoto's soul but gasped in pain.
Swiftly, Pandora reemerged the two halves and shoved it back inside Alexa's body.
"W-what the hell happened?!" Rin asked.
"Why didn't it work?" Rei added.
"It's because you've been here for some time now…" the voice of Izanami replied as she appeared.
"Why are you here?" Momo growled.
"I had set up a date for Sousuke but…he's not with you guys?" she asked.
"Sou-chan got captured by Oikawa and some strange girl," Nagisa said despite Rei covering his mouth.
"I see…so Abigail and Kei have deceived me," she muttered.
"They were working for you!?" Rei called out.
"Supposedly but I was a fool to even trust them…they want to rebel my power," Izanami answered, "And that Oikawa-kid…he's definitely gonna hear from me."
"And you think teaming up with us will benefit your own agenda," Haruka replied.
Izanami sighed, "You got me. Yes, I did mark you guys to the tombstones so you'd remain trapped here but…if we rescue Sousuke, I'll remove your names so you can return to the surface. I'll even make a portal for you all to leave but it will only open for an hour."
"And how are we going to save Mako-chan?" Alexa asked.
"There's…a fruit from the tree that allows souls to return from the dead…the tree of life. It's the only plant in this world that even bears such energy. However, the consequences of eating it can range from instant resurrection to total reincarnation," the goddess explained, "His return may not give you the results you desire."
"Anything to bring him back will do," the savior replied.
"Where is this tree?" Makoto asked.
"Down below the city…the "reservoir" as you guys called it…it's an underground dam. Follow the water and you will find the tree," Izanami revealed.
"Alright, then we'll go," Alexa said.
"What about Sousuke?" Rin asked.
"The rest of you deal with that," Makoto said, "Alexa and I will confront this challenge ourselves."
Back in Sportsbrooke:
The Aqua Duniyan immigrants joined forces with the Sportsbrooke to set up a siege by adding a series of massive walls, traps, and other obstacles against the Nerbils, Chiropterans, and other monsters being unleashed by Dodecadron.
Akashi received word from Hanamiya (to his surprise) about the secret power in the old Atlantean ruins. He promised to send the message to the senshi as soon as possible. The red-haired turned to the other Vorpal Swords, White Doves, Yuuri K., Tamaki, and a few other magical athletes.
"The enemy has declared war on our people. Many of us have been evacuated towards Hounan Valley but we need to set an escape route for the population," Akashi announced.
"But what about the healing process of Olympia Magna?" asked Riko, "If those two planets collide with this world…won't it trigger an apocalypse?"
"More so can the magic we have in this city protect us once the saviors begin that process?" Momoi agreed.
"I don't know…but the power that Hanamiya told me about…it's very dangerous. But, as long as our allies control it, the world will turn back," the red haired answered.
"The people from the water world are very strong, but can they buy us time?" Kise added.
"It's time that we'll take what we get," Akashi answered.
"Who are we exactly facing besides monsters?" Yuuri K. asked.
"I'm afraid it's people who have been after us," a voice answered.
They turned to see King Magnus and King Tatsuhisa as the former continued, "The Jabberwocks…are here as well along with other forces of evil teaming with them."
"The J-Jabberwocks?!" the group gasped.
"I thought they…" Akashi began.
"Died?" Tatsuhisa answered, "Oh no. They've been working with the Ultimate Dark One from behind the scenes…they live in a dimension where time flows differently and they waited for a long time for their boss to obtain the full power of Chaos."
"And now that he's here…that's why this war is happening again," Magnus explained, "The war for complete destruction of Olympia Magna…even after its fragments."
"We need to get to the senshi," Aomine answered, "If everyone lives' are in danger…"
"The true power of Atlantis will save us all…" Tatsuhisa revealed, "And that job…"
The Underworld: Underdam Reservoir
Makoto and Alexa used the map to get to the reservoir after going on an old-styled elevator. It took several minutes but it was all quiet so far.
"Mako-chan…I'm sorry," Alexa answered.
"For what?" Makoto replied.
"I put us all through this mess…" he answered, "Absorbing the darkness in me…and you…you sacrificed your life for me into trading the death mark…"
"I will never stop loving you," Makoto smiled, resting his hand on Alexa's shoulder, "Even if it means I gave my life for you. The moment I remembered about your death mark, I spoke to a friend who helped me make that wish come true."
"I just want to make sure to get you back home with us," Alexa said, "I know I am very strong…perhaps too strong but…whenever I am with you especially, the power of my crystal grows intense."
The elevator finally arrived at the level they needed. Makoto opened the gate as Alexa studied the map. Alexa suddenly jumped as he felt something crawling on his back but it was the scarab beetle Click.
"Oh it's you," Alexa chuckled, "Aren't you supposed to be with Momo?"
"He sent me to watch you," Momo's voice echoed through the beetle, "How are you both doing?"
"Alright, we're making progress," Makoto replied "And you guys?"
"…We found the location where Sousuke was kidnapped to, now it's gonna be some fighting shortly but we'll get Sousuke-senpai and Izanami will set up the portal. Don't waste too much time, okay?!"
"We won't," Makoto chuckled.
The two continued their way as they passed by the underground reservoir but the water there was glowing disturbingly. It was filled with angry, lost souls that ended up in "hell".
"Those waters…they're dangerous," Alexa muttered, "One touch and it's a goner for eternity."
Makoto kept silent as he recalled the treachery of Izanami. He had a terrible feeling about this mission.
"Alexa, do you think we should go back?" he asked.
"Why? If this is our only chance…" Alexa said.
"I have a feeling Izanami is up to something…sure she might rescue Sousuke but…" Makoto replied.
"I know…they have a history together," the savior said.
"I didn't tell you this yet but," Makoto began as he took out a piece of folded paper and gave to Alexa.
Alexa unfolded the piece as he saw an illustration of Izanami and Izanagi along with a little baby inside a basket.
"This baby…" Alexa began as he looked closely at it.
"Turn to the back side," Makoto replied.
He flipped the paper over and gasped at the image; it showed the eight animals emerging from the sea but there it was; the Shears of Destiny!
"W-what's the shears doing in this picture?!" Alexa questioned.
"Look more closely," Makoto said.
Alexa looked at the photo again and saw the light of the shears attaching to the Rhincodon typus. He flipped the picture over and saw the same shears in Izanagi's hands.
"N-no! It can't be?! Where did you get this?" Alexa asked.
"After I died in your hands…the first place I woke up to was the Underworld's library. I found a lone book on the table that showed me all the information about this realm. After looking at some pages, I found this page…" he explained.
"So Sousuke…or rather Marius…he's their son! But these shears…according to this, Izanagi cut off ties from the family!" the savior read, "But why's that?"
"From what I read…Izanami had plans for Marius…but Izanagi feared of that future. He cut ties off so Marius would have his best chance for happiness. As a result, Izanami took her own life and he tried to go after her as well. Izanami vowed revenge for all the mess he did so he froze her heart, stopping her time," Makoto revealed.
"M-Mako-chan…this is terrible! Sousuke…he's in more danger than we all realized! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US!?"
"I COULDN'T SAY ANYTHING IN FRONT OF HER!" he argued, "If she found out I learned the truth…"
"I can deliver the message to Momo," Alexa answered as he reached for Click ontop of his head, "Hey Momo! Do you hear us?!"
A moment of silence was all that they both heard. Makoto called out but still no response. Alexa's solar crystal glowed as he realized there was trouble going on back with the others.
"We'll get to them," Makoto smiled, "Remember what your mother told you? If you pray for them…they will be alright."
"Of course," Alexa nodded as he and Makoto continued their quest. He closed his eyes and concentrate on the others, delivering this message to the minds of the others as well as the moment of Marius, Poseidon, and Ulysses' first dance.
West Underbrooke: Felix's Tower
The Iwasame Senshi, Izanami, Gou, Kagami, Eijun, and Midorima arrived at the Tower where Sousuke was captured. Felix, Abigail, and Oikawa prepared for their entrance by setting up more nerbils and a bunch of woodies. Pandora disappeared from the group again but there was no time to waste.
"SEEEAAA SIDDEEEEE…TURBULLAAANNCCCCEEEE!" Momo chanted, slamming his fists in the air as a series of whirlpools and water spouts drove their way into the crowd, throwing them across the area.
"SUUUBBMMAARRRRRIIINNNEEEE…COLLISION MAXIMA!" Nitori shouted, twirling his mirror as the colliding two massive waves struck together drowned the nerbils and woodies.
Abigail and Oikawa stepped out to see the damage done.
"So you continue to undo our spells?" Abigail growled, readying her Star-Witched Staff.
"They're heroes dahling," Oikawa said, "They'll do whatever needs to be done."
Abigail stepped out and raised her staff, "You'll soon pay for everything!"
"Abigail, I told you to not do this!" Izanami answered, "I promise your deal…"
"Oh it's too late!" she laughed "You are such a fraud! Sousuke knows your secret! Soon he'll be working with us! Your magic can't stop me because of your curse!"
"YOU…" Izanami growled as she clutched her fist.
But Abigail laughed as she twirled her staff before transforming into a massive Durabolix.
"D-DURABOLIX!" Kagami gasped as the Abigail!Durabolix attacked and the group narrowly dodged her blow.
"I'll STOP YOU!" Haruka growled, twirling his Dolphin Creature Razor Sword, "DOOLLLPPPHHIIIIN MAAAYYYHHEEEMMM BLAAAAST!"
"FREEZING…ICCCYYYY…SERRRRPAANNNNNTTT!" Nagisa shouted as he raised his two fingers before spinning them to send the snake.
A bunch of the Electrical nerbils tried to grab Gou and Midorima but the latter readied his attack, using his Emerald Bow to send forth water arrows and causing them to explode. Ikuya and Asashi used their own crystal-based attacks to shatter the beasts apart.
Rin and Rei tried to break into the tower as Oikawa vanished into the darkness. As soon as they reached the doorway, they were repelled back by some magical force.
"W-what the hell was that?!" Rin shouted. Rei scanned through with his eyes and gasped to see objects that were exactly like…
"There's a duplicate copy of the mirror and the sword!?" the megane gasped.
"TALISMANS!?" Nagisa, Rin, Haruka, Gou, and Midorima answered.
Izanami walked to the doorway but somehow managed to walk in unharmed. Rin stared at her skeptically but she replied, "I won't hurt Sousuke…I'll get him out."
"How do we know if you will keep your word on our deal?" the red-haired asked.
"We all agreed to meet up at the dead field by the Lynhaven mansion," Izanami remidned, "All of us will go home."
Momo, Nitori, and Nagisa combined their powers to repel Abigail's laser eye attack as there was only so much time before they would be overwhelmed.
Ikuya and Asahi combined their powers, sealing the Abigail!Durabolix inside a crystal-like prison.
"Now…let's break those fake talismans…" mutered Momo, readying the Deep Sea Sword.
"I agree," Nitori answered, taking out the Mirror of Hearts, "How dare Izanami tried to replicate our weapons!"
Sousuke was tied up to the pole with a bandana covering his mouth. Oikawa returned to the scene as a few nerbil guards moved out of the way.
"Tick-tock-tick-tock dahling," Oikawa teased, taking out a pocket knife, "What's it gonna be? You want the knife…or my toy?"
"Sousuke will not be dealing with you anymore!" Izanami growled a she stepped in, "This unfinished business is my own!"
"Oh don't even try to persuade him darling!" Oikawa growled, "Abigail told him EVERYTHING."
"Or does he?" Izanami asked as Sousuke's facial expression grew in questionable, "Does he even know what happened to all of us before I fell into this land!? The REAL reason why he was given up!?"
G-given up, Sousuke thought, no…it can't be! This Abigail didn't tell me anything...Izanami...what are you hiding from me?
A screaming echo flashed into his mind:
I PROMISE YOU SON! I WILL SPEND EVERY MOMENT OF EVERYDAY, TRYING TO FIND MY WAY BACK TO YOU!
T-that voice, he thought it can't be?!
Izanami waved her hand as the trio stood in a flashback memory where Izanagi and Izanami were in an argument while the latter held onto baby Marius.
"Why are you not going to send him with the others? You know that it's his destiny! HE'S DESTINED TO BE A PART OF THE TEAM!" Izanagi pleaded.
"…You…out of all the others have been revered more and yet you don't give me credit to?!" she growled.
"I do give credit! It's just that you're not showing appreciation to the mortals!" Izanagi answered.
"The mortals make fun of me all the time so how the hell can I appreciate?!" the goddess answered, "Our baby is the key to bring respect to those filthy humans!"
"Just how are you going to do that!?" Izanagi asked.
"Do you remember how we first met!? You gave me your power to become a goddess! And now...I'm going to give him my power…and we will manipulate these weaklings!" Izanami replied, "Then those other gods and goddesses will fear us and soon surrender! From there, we'll be able to defeat Chaos once and for all!"
Izanami's laughter turned dark as she could feel her goddess powers transforming into a more malevolent tone. Her uniform changed into a more death-based design as half of her face exposed the skull. Izanagi stood, terrified at what was becoming of her.
"I'm afraid I can't let you do this!" Izanagi answered as he took out the Shears of Destiny.
"What are you doing!?" Iznami growled.
"You're trying to corrupt our only child to the darkness! If he becomes one like you...he'll end up destroying everything!" he replied.
"DON'T...YOU..." Izanami shouted angrily.
Izanagi waved his hand over the scissors as the cord of power appeared connecting the baby to Izanami. He swiftly snapped it, disconnecting him from his mother, hoping to keep his inner light safe.
In response, Izanami used her newly dark magic, knocking Izanagi down but Calypso (Poseidon's mother) walked into the scene, "HOW DARE YOU TRIED TO PUT US IN TREASON!"
"Calypso…I…" began Izanami but the goddess unleashed her magic, opening a portal to the Underworld as well as placing a curse to stop Izanami's heartbeat. Izanami screamed in panic as she could feel the wind pulling her and the shears inside:
"I PROMISE YOU SON! I WILL SPEND EVERY MOMENT OF EVERYDAY, TRYING TO FIND MY WAY BACK TO YYYYOOOOUUUU-OHHHHHH!"
The vision dissolved away as they stood back in the room. With a swift of her hand, she put Oikawa under a sleeping spell while the ropes around Sousuke fell off. But the senshi was shaken by what he saw.
"Y-you…" he began, "Your story...you lied to me?!"
"Calypso was the one who stopped my heart yes...I had to, it was too painful," she answered, "To see your fate disconnected from us..."
"You didn't had to be banished! You chose your power over me!" Sousuke argued.
"When I first came to you as an adult…I confessed how much I love you but I was too afraid to tell you the truth," Izanami answered, "Yes…I was jealous and a bad goddess but…seeing you again made me happy! Look at yourself now! You've come a very long way and you're almost back to who you once were!"
"Even though it was Julius who gave me those dangerous powers…" Sousuke muttered.
"I was going to give you my own powers but it turned out that he did the dirty work. The only difference was that you served him and not me," she replied.
"How can I even trust you?!" he answered, "If I give you true love's kiss…what are you going to do next!?"
"It will undo my curse of staying down here and I'll be able to escape. I have learned that your world was shattered into pieces," Izanami replied, "But we can use it to create a new kingdom…OUR KINGDOM! We can finally be the family WE WERE MEANT TO BE!"
"Just why do we NEED a kingdom!?" Sousuke shouted.
"Son…this is about…getting back to the people WHO NEVER BELIEVED IN US! Don't you remember what your darker self told you; there's no better revenge…" she answered.
"Than having it all," Sousuke realized.
"Hehehe…so you remember now…don't you?" a dark voice asked.
Sousuke turned to see his evil counterpart Skullsuke with the heterochromia eyes and the robotic-skull arm-weapon.
The others arrived at the scene as the confrontation was happening. Realizing what was about to happen, Momo unleashed his attack to knock Skullsuke down to the side while Rin and Haruka combined their powers to pin the half-skull-half-human beast.
"Sousuke…we do believe in you!" Haruka said, "We heard the words of Alexa in our hearts! You ARE one of us! We wanted so badly for you to find love!"
"But sometimes…love…finds us," Rin pleaded.
Izanami growled and used her limited magic to pin them to the wall as the others charged in but they too were pinned down to the floor.
"Your mother Misa sacrificed herself for you to live…even if it was twisted and cruel fate…but SHE GAVE YOU A NEW CHANCE! YOUR BEST CHANCE!" Momo added.
"Skullsuke my dear…give your mommy the kiss!" Izanami smiled, "And then we'll begin…"
"DON'T LET YOURSELF FALL FOR HER!" Haruka cried out, "YOU HAVE A PLACE WITH US!"
The hybrid broke free from the water bonds and made his way over as Sousuke's fears were becoming realized…his arms shook…his heart beat rapidly…that kiss will release Izanami from her curse. And who knows what she will be doing if she returned to the surface of mortality…
M-my fate…Sousuke thought, I was supposed to have been a direct descendant but she desired power more than me…and now because I displayed that desire…it's gonna be my demise…OUR demise.
"My dear Sousuke…" the soft voice of Aoi was heard in his head, "I might have died to allow you to exist but you remember why…don't forget who truly loves you…your friends…your father…even me…"
"All I ever wanted was love…" Sousuke said as he watched Skullsuke walking closer to Izanami, "You told me that it was enough for you but now…I finally realize…"
Everyone was shaking in horror as Skulluske readied his lips to free Izanami's curse.
At the last moment, the hybrid felt the something stabbing through his empty body. The heroes gasped to see Sousuke stabbing Skullsuke with the Rhincodon Glaive.
The hybrid turned his head to laugh but then the weapon glowed, ceasing his disbelief. Izanami also gasped in shock.
"NOTHING EVER WILL BEEEEEE!" Sousuke cried out as the powers of destruction coursed through Skullsuke. Electrical blasts and thundering booms exploded through the hybrid as the monster screamed.
"THE GLAIVE!" shouted Nitori, "DID HE…!?"
Skullsuke's body exploded as Izanami roared in the background, causing the tower to explode as the group narrowly escaped and landed safely.
Sousuke growled as he took control of his powers again and aimed the glaive at the headstones, removing their names off. He could feel the magic from Izanagi and Aoi growing in his heart.
"N-no!" Izanami growled, "IT CAN'T BE! THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE! HE REMOVED THOSE NAMES! I THOUGHT I…"
"Destroyed you…" the voice of Izanagi heard inside her head, "Did you really think that I was going to let you take everything that belonged to all of us!?"
"SHOW YOURSELF YOU COWARD! I WANNA END YOU THE WAY IT SHOULD'VE BEEN!" she shouted, "YOU WERE A FOOL TO THINK YOU COULD SPARE HIM AND NOW I AM STILL CURSED!"
"I HAD HOPE YOU WOULD REALIZE YOUR SINS, BUT ALL THOSE YEARS YOU SPENT HERE, IT ONLY WORSEN YOU!" Izanagi's voice echoed.
The Underworld is a place of unfinished business, Sousuke thought, and she failed to resolve it...Izanagi never went here because he knew she would never change...
Back Underground, the tragic star-crossed lovers reached to the end of the tunnel as they found a room filled with dead trees.
"Isn't this…?" Alexa muttered.
"The tree of life…" Makoto finished, "They're all decayed!"
"So she tricked us after all…why am I not surprised," the savior sighed.
Click screeched and displayed a hologram of the recent events from Momo's eyes. Alexa and Makoto gasped to see Izanami trying to toy with Sousuke's inner darkness of Skullsuke in hopes to give true loves kiss. The ensuring battle was getting worse and worse.
"You have to go back and save them!" Makoto answered, "GO!"
"B-But…" Alexa began.
"I can't…go home with you," he said, looking down, "I can feel my body decaying…"
"M-Mako-chan!" he cried.
"I love you…Julius," Makoto smiled, "I'll always be a part of you."
"Antonius…I swear to you, when our home is restored…your name will be honored!" Alexa vowed as they briefly shared a kiss.
"I…I don't know how to say goodbye…" Alexa tearfully sighed.
"Go…the rest of the world needs you and the other saviors!" Makoto said.
Alexa took out the solar crystal and said, "Oh Legendary Solar Crystal…send me to my friends!"
And send Mako-chan safely, he thought as he vanished into the light.
Izanami growled and charged towards Sousuke as he readied on the glaive. A bright light flashed into the scene as the goddess of death was thrown back.
Alexa opened his eyes as he called upon the crystal to send hope across the realm of the dead…enlightening the people to fulfill their unfinished businesses.
"A-Alexa?!" Sousuke breathed.
"The SOLAR CRYSTAL!" Ikuya gasped.
"He can use it down there!?" Kagami cried out.
"Where's Mako-chan!?" Nagisa asked.
The savior of Aqua Duniya tearfully smiled, "Mako-chan will watch over us as we escape this deadly place…"
The others gasped on this revelation as Alexa answered, "This is my fault for dragging all of you with me…Mako-chan's right; we have to SAVE our home before hell is unleashed!"
"My prince…the fault is mine…Izanami is my mother…and I have to make sure she'll never return to the surface of mortality," Sousuke replied, floating in front of him while shielding him.
"How are you going to stop her!?" Momo shouted.
Sousuke concentrated on the power of the Glaive and said, "Alexa's power of the solar crystal created this weapon…to separate destruction and creation from a single force. I'm going to unleash the full power of this Glaive!"
"S-SOUSUKE!" Rin and Nitori shouted.
"HEHE…" Izanami laughed, "YOU CAN'T POSSIBLY USE IT! YOU'RE JUST LIKE YOUR FATHER WHO WAS TOO WEAK TO STAND UP AGAINST ME!"
"My duty…is the safety of my prince…" Sousuke answered, "You might be right that I was lonely but…I will gladly make sure he lives to fulfill his destiny!"
"Y-YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!" Izanami screamed.
"H-He's gonna swing it!" Ikuya shouted as electrical winds swirled around the glaive as Sousuke's body began to glow. The talismans also glowed too in response of the awakening.
"Let's go!" shouted Gou.
"H-How the hell are we gonna escape?!" Rin snapped.
"The underworld…was meant to be a realm of souls looking to fulfill their destiny…not a prison," Sousuke said, "You violated the ways of the deceased!"
"And you guys violated my rules also! Thinking you can bring Makoto back!" she growled angrily.
"It is the cycle of life over and over again…" he said, readying his glaive, "You will return to nothing, sharing the same fate that Chaos will go through!"
"Hehehe, you can't defeat Chaos," she laughed.
"I'm not the one facing him…I'm facing you," Sousuke answered darkly, "You don't know…WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MOTHER!"
"Izanagi, you…BASTAARRDDDDD!" screamed Izanami, charging over to attack but the negative energy pushed her back.
"RETURN TO NOTHINGNESS, YOU FAKE GODDEESS OF THE DECEASED! BE DAMMNED TO ANNIHILATION THAT YOU SHALL RETURN TO!" Sousuke shouted as he raised up the glaive.
He lowered the glaive…time was in microseconds…as the senshi and the saviors gasped to see Sousuke unleashing the powers of destruction.
BAM! SHINE!
"TIME…I COMMAND THEE…STOP!"
Daigo raised the time-key staff as everyone was all frozen and the background was faded in shades of gray. After few seconds, he sent an enchantment to unfreeze everyone (except Sousuke and Izanami).
"W-what's this?" Asashi gasped as everything was quiet.
"T-time stopped…" Gou muttered.
"What an idiot!" snapped Toraichi as he lowered Daigo down, "You violated the taboo of time!"
"Our children…shouldn't have to witness this death and destruction any further…" Daigo breathed, "We have to send them all home…and you…To-Torai…go with them!"
"Please don't die!" he replied.
"I'm sorry for thinking vengeance about you and the family…" Daigo answered with a weak smile, "Izanagi will arrive to rescue all the souls as Sousuke blows up the underworld…"
"W-wait second…how did you…?" Gou asked.
"I met him…Izanagi…in a vision one day…while I was living in Sportsbrooke…" he revealed while coughing in between breaths, "My powers were amplified but I was forbade to stop time…and that when I do perform this…"
"You'll die too…" Rin answered as he spilled a tear.
"Take this key R-Rin…" Daigo breathed, handing over his key necklace, "You must take my place…as the Guardian of Space and Time…S-Suiei M-Matsuoka…"
"Let us help you!" Mamoru protested.
"Go…open the portal and get back to Sportsbrooke…before time moves again," Daigo said, "Once that glaive goes...there'll be nothing left..."
"I'll help you Rin," Pandora said.
"W-Where have you been!?" Rei shouted.
"I collected some supplies that might be important for later. And also I kept Sergi safe from this battle site," she revealed, "I'm sorry."
"Get us home Rin!" Alexa said as he landed down.
"S-Sousuke…" Rin breathed as Haru even looked saddened to see this.
"Rin-chan, hurry!" Nagisa answered.
With nod, Rin threw the key to the ground as it spun rapidly before creating a portal. Pandora used her magic to hold it in place as everyone began to evacuate one by one: Haruka, Nagisa, Rei, Momotarou, Nitori, Gou, Midorima, Kagami, Eijun, Pandora, Sergi, and Toraichi.
Rin spilled a few tears to see the frozen Sousuke and Izanami in this terrifying battle…Alexa held back his tears and answered, "I'm so sorry…Rin…but I have faith in the future…"
"I know," he choked his tears a little, "It's just that…I wish we could find another way…"
The ground began to shake as the portal was soon closing. Rin looked at Daigo and Mamoru for one last time and waved a farewell. Then he too, jumped in.
"Mako-chan…Sou-chan…" Alexa tearfully whispered, "We will WIN this final battle…"
The earth shook even harder for a few moments. Alexa stumbled over and the portal was beginning to shrink. Time began to move forward as Sousuke's arm began to move slowly on lowering the glaive as the light began to explode out.
With one last jump, Alexa propelled himself into the portal as a fragment of the solar crystal budded off but the rest stayed inside of his heart safely. The portal slammed shut as Sousuke's Glaive was finally swung…Izanami screamed as the powers were fully unleashed.
The skies cracked open as the deceased souls escaped into limbo as the rest of the background exploded into a white void. Izanami herself was boiling out of existence as her punishment and fate was decided…her failure for true love's kiss and her manipulation to take over the mortal realm…resulted in final destruction.
G-good-bye, she thought before turning into ashes…the underworld rumbled into space-time as Sousuke lost his grip on the glaive from the blast...
Makoto smiled down below ground as the powers of the glaive swept in. He closed his eyes for several moments, feeling the wave of energy blowing through all existence.
Be free…my love, he thought, save our home…
"Hello Makoto," a voice said.
He opened his eyes to see another man with Sousuke next to him. The trio were in some sort of a beautiful, temple-like scenery with a bunch of clouds in the background.
"S-Sousuke!?" he gasped, "H-how did you…?"
"I'm taken care of…I didn't end up being a baby like last time," Sousuke chuckled, "This man...is my father while I was Marius."
"F-forgive me for ignoring you but a-are you…" Makoto began, looking at the god.
"I want to thank you for assisting your friends…and helping my son to end the misguided…my wife...Izanami," Izanagi said.
"Izanagi," he breathed as the god chuckled softly.
"Did my mom...?" Makoto asked.
"Indeed, she told me about you. And now, thanks to both of you, I can escort you onward…to where you belong," the god smiled, "It appears that a story will soon come to an end…are you both ready?"
"Yes," they answered as a warm wave of light swept through their existence…
The souls floating in the remnants of the Underworld (Oikawa, Akiteru, Kei, Abigail…and many others) were all sent forth to the "place of beginnings", waiting to be reborn once more. But where they will go exactly...no one can say.
The Princess Goddess Plaza, Sportsbrooke
The Vorpal Swords, White Doves, and other athletes gathered to see their heroes finally back home. Rin was crying loudly in Gou, Haruka and Toraichi's arms about Sousuke and Daigo while Alexa silently sniffed tears with his brother for not saving Makoto.
"Such a cruel fate…" Momoi sighed.
"I can't believe the pain you guys all endured," Riko agreed.
"Yes but with that came some hope for other souls too," Midorima replied, "Some of the wicked villains were given a new chance…"
"Seems pretty tough for you guys," Viktor nodded.
"But why couldn't Makoto…or Sousuke?" began Yuuri K.
"…because that's what a true hero does…true love…means sacrifice…giving up for those who you love," Alexa answered sadly.
"W-Where's my son!?" Hosoya shouted in the crowd as the Matsuoka family looked at him sadly.
"O-Oh no…NO…NOOOOO!" he replied before he too fell into tears, "H-he…"
"I'm very sorry your mission was a disaster," King Magnus said, resting his hands on both Alexa and Sergi.
"Father…I have to learn how to move on and save this world…along with Kagami and Eijun…we are the saviors," Alexa answered, turning to Sergi with a hug, "They would rather have us do that instead of grieving right now. We'll make them a special place when it's all done."
"You're right," the king replied, "I know you and the others will save our home."
"Let's get you guys all rested for now and we'll set up more defenses…the Dark One is still out there and we don't know what's going on," Akashi announced.
Nightfall: Miracle Palace
After a memorial ceremony for Sousuke, Daigo, and Makoto, the heroes were given extra rooms to stay safely at the palace.
However, Alexa stood alone in the main hall area by the murals of Sousuke and Makoto as he couldn't sleep. Despite all his efforts…did he waste time on fulfilling his destiny?
"Alexa," a soft voice said.
The savior turned to see Kagami, Eijun and Yuuri K.
"Y-you guys…why didn't you…?" Alexa began.
"We the saviors feel the same pain as you do," Eijun answered, "Your sadness makes all of us in pain."
"I don't deserve forgiveness," Alexa answered, "I was selfish to resurrect Makoto and embracing the darkness…and destroying true love…how can I even save this world?"
"Alexa…" Yuuri said, "Even when you were the Dark One…you never gave up. You might have damaged our relationship but you also brought us back together. Whatever happened after you returned to us, it's not your fault. I would've done the same to Viktor…if I faced such a tragedy in losing him.
"So please…don't cry anymore. We'll all work together to save the world."
"T-thank you," he replied as he looked at the two murals and briefly closing his eyes. A ring of light swooped in, prompting them to flinch.
"W-what the hell?!" Kagami snapped.
"A-Alexa…?" a familiar voice was heard.