Episode 6: レイヴン、カラスや猫! Raven, Crow and Cat!
Motome yo donna toki mo inori wa tadashiku utsukushiku
Machigau koto ni nareru hou ga raku ni nareru
Tsukitsukerareta kissaki shikakuya ga miseru genjitsu wa
Kuyashii hodo ni meihaku na sekai
Waraechau yo
Honno wazuka na koto de PATAN to tobira ga shimaru
Tsukiakari ga sashite PAREEDO no ketsumatsu wa
A young man with dark brown hair and a streak of yellow opened his eyes. He found himself in the white void as if…
He gasped to see Kenma standing right next to him on his right side.
"KENMA!" he cried out as they embraced a hug, crying happily.
"NISHINOYA!" Kenma cried out, "Y-You're alive?!"
"I…I'm not sure but…" Yuu began.
"It appears we are not alone," a third voice echoed.
The two turned to see a black raven flying towards them. It landed on the floor and transformed into a tall man with a similar hairstyle to Kenma's but shorter and dark navy color. His eyes were sky blue and wore a smile on his face.
"Who are you?" asked Kenma.
"I've been summoned to bring you," the man replied, "My name is Kazunari Takao; most call me Takao. I made a sacrifice a while ago…since then I've awaken by the great Neo King Julius."
"Neo…King Julius?" Yuu asked.
"No it can't be! The man who killed us!" gasped Kenma.
"Well…you might have met his past self as Alexa…or perhaps Prince Julius," Takao shrugged, "But come…he has brought you a miracle like he did for me."
The three walked through the white background of light as they finally saw him standing on top of a pool of Sakura petals. Kenma and Yuu were a bit skeptical about this but at the same time, this presence kept the interest going.
A majestic, white toga with golden streaks shimmered across his sleeves, chest, and back. His outfit was two pieces that exposed a bit of his abdomen/midriff as his skirt was also white with a stripe of gold at the bottom. A pair of golden cuffs were on his wrists etched with the designs of: Dolphin, Orca, Penguin and Butterfly on his left with the Rhincodon, Shark, Sea Otter, and Duck on the right side.
His sky-blue cape attached from shoulders to the back etched a symbol of the dragon, eagle, and tiger in white and gold lines, representing the three saviors from the prophecy.
He also had marks across his face, arms, and his abs that symbolized the ancient Atlantic writing and his white hair and bright yellow-eyes were even brighter than the sun. His Atlantian Dragon Staff contained the Solar Crystal inside its head piece, shimmering like a far-away star.
Other jewelry included a white-gold heart locket necklace, a wedding band with multi-colored, micro-sized jewels representing the nine senshi in reunion, and a silver headband crown mixed with a flower design and micro-written symbols.
Neo King Julius turned to them and gently walked his way over with grace and elegance before landing in front of the men.
"Yuu Nishinoya…Kenma Kozume…it brings me to express with deep regret from our last encounter," the king looked at them with his reply, "However rejoice, do not be afraid or disappointed…your home has been restored and your unfair deaths are no longer a part of your suffering."
"O-our home…you mean?" began Yuu.
Neo King Julius smiled, "Yes…all has been restored to their former glory. All of the sports have been reunited for all eternity and every soul that was stuck with unfinished business…has moved on. The power of my Solar Crystal can restore those who have been defeated by my attacks under special circumstances."
Kenma and Yuu were speechless by this as they were both in tears to finally be back alive once more. Their last encounter was that they were cursed under by the Chernobyl Radioactive Crystal and the blast of light from the Solar Crystal killed their existence.
"Before you can visit the new land, I'm afraid the people in the past are in dire need of help," the king continued.
"The past?" asked Kenma.
"I have been sent to the past as a raven," Takao said, "I've watched a lot of events happening but I'm afraid we are going to see a terrible event about to unfold before all goes well."
"Wh-what can we do?" asked Yuu.
"A mission has been tasked to the three of you," Neo King Julius answered, "I shall give you magic strong enough to help you get through and return home when it's done."
"How can we trust you, your majesty?" asked Kenma.
"I only ask for your courage for this task," the King said, "I paid a terrible price along the way, knowing what my past self has done after he meets with you guys again. However, he will welcome you all to join for this important mission that I am about to tell you."
Once he gave them further instructions, the King bathed them in magical energy before sending them a time-warp spell to travel back to the appropriate timing in the past.
Sportsbrooke Psychiatric Ward – General Hospital East
Shougo sat down on his bed as his longer hair was wet from his showering. He was able to recollect the events that happened in the last period of time; from his reign of the drugs to the downfall to Alexa. However, there was another piece of memory that he regained as well…
The time he was learning magic from his mother as well as learning how to use Parkour for survival. It was until he met two men who trained him basketball and later poisoned him with the drug.
He chuckled to himself as he vowed to dye his hair black again and re-braid it the moment he could escape from this ghastly place.
Flashback A: Shougo Haizaki's Backstory
Hounan Valley, Approx. 10 Years Ago…
Takeru sat down with Riku, Ayumu, and Nana during lunch one day at the junior high when Riku noticed a lone boy sitting by himself with a typical bento-like meal.
"Who's he?" whispered Riku to Nana.
"Shhh," she replied, "I've heard he's got some attitude…and his running is violent."
"He does Parkour too?" asked Takeru.
"…sort of, but he twists it around for his own benefits," replied Nana.
"You sound like you know him…" said Ayumu.
Nana blushed a moment before saying, "He's not my friend…at all. I do know him though from elementary school. He always wanted to kiss the girls."
"EHhhh?!" the trio gasped.
"Shut up!" she shouted quietly.
Shougo Haizaki stared out at the window as he was not surprised to be noticing that some stupid people were talking about him. However, he had his eyes on Nana for years since elementary school. Despite not being able to get a girlfriend, he was training in magic thanks to his mother and he hoped soon to use it to force love around (despite being a violation in the laws of magic).
The only things he could do right now is throw objects via telekinesis, break and repair glass and even a few spells. However, they were short-lived and it only happened either in anger or in solitude.
I'll have to break those guys down if it will get me to her, he thought.
Nana returned home safely after school. Normally she'd be going to practice or other activities but she was feeling more sick to her stomach.
She couldn't bring the truth to Takeru about her warning message to him when he visited her the other time while playing the violin. Upon returning to her place, her father welcomed her back as she hugged him.
"Daddy, I'm scared," she said, "That guy…"
"I know," he answered, "But you made new friends too."
"Yes," she smiled a little, "But is it going to be enough for that Parkour match soon?"
"You haven't told them yet?" he asked.
"I must tell them the truth," Nana replied, "Before it's too late."
Shougo was making his way back up to the mountains when he saw five guys resting on the slopes, taking some sort of a drug. He had never seen them before nor recognized their symbols. Curious, he used his parkour techniques to sneakily observe them from a distance yet close enough.
Nash Gold Jr, Jason Silver along with their comrades Nick, Allen, and Zack were producing a fine white powder with some ingredients the were making through a pot. Shougo recognized it as his mother's brewing caldron as he was nearly frightened by their appearances.
He was about to get away from the crowd when he suddenly felt a knife on the back of his neck.
"Move you little monkey," the voice said.
Shougo was dragged down as the Jabberwocks turned to see the intruder standing before them.
"My aren't you quite the balls to find us," laughed Zack.
"He's just a kid," said Nick.
"I think we can do something about that," Jason replied, taking out a small, crystalized compound.
"This is the C-Durbolin, a drug that enhances those with steroids and a stimulant," he explained, "But first…we need to see how fit you can really be."
"W-what do you want with me?" Shougo asked.
"Ingest the drug and fight the pain," Nash explained, "If you survive, you will live. Otherwise, you'll end up being a mutant working for us."
Zack and Allen grabbed him tightly as Shougo protested with a sign of fear. Jason shoved the drug in his mouth as it dissolved on his tongue. The young boy tried to spit it out but it tasted like sugar. The Jabberwocks were in for a shock to see that the drug did not even faze him.
"YOU LEAVE MY SON ALONE!" shouted a voice.
The gang turned to see Deidi readying her staff, "He will not fall into the hands like you!"
"Well aren't you quite a chick," said Jason.
"You stay the fuck away or else I will give you something to cry about," she snarled.
"Oh boo-hoo, just what can you do with that stick of yours?" laughed Allen.
The young men's dark aura began to glow as Deidi gasped at this familiar magic.
No, she thought, they are the same as The Dark One…Chaos!
The drug took full effect on Shougo as a blast of wind exploded from his body, blowing everyone back as the young boy eyes' were dull in color. A black star glowed on Shougo's forehead as his body was growing to full adult size and his hair color changed into sheer black with dreads.
Deidi's eyes widened in horror as she vanished away with the cauldron, realizing it was too late to save her son now that his fate was altered by these corrupted men. Only one person could save him now…
The Jabberwocks were amazed to see this happening; a sign of success that they never thought to witnessed in their lifetime. The newly formed Housaihashi stood in his current form as a full fledge Drug Master.
"Now then, where are the drugs?" he asked.
"Sounds like our job isn't over yet," replied Jason, taking a smoke off his cigar.
"That damn bitch took the caldron!" growled Allen.
"We will lay waste to this land and start our own headquarters," Shougo answered, "And soon the drug will become a global revolution."
He turned to Nash and said, "I will desire a part of this act but I want my own secret chamber where prostitutes are forced to dance."
Jason smirked at this as he knew he had his own experience with the ladies in all of his days of traveling. The Jabberwocks welcomed Shougo to their group as they would soon begin a reign of terror to the Parkour athletes and the three cities. As it later turned out, Shougo was present at the night the police broke in but already managed to escape before getting killed or captured. After the division of the city, the Jabberwocks moved on as they entrusted him to monitor the newly born drug trade.
Present Day: Shop of the Mystics
The news about Tetsurou's return from his eternal slumber was heard through as the Kings of Vengeance scowled about this victory.
"That damned true love's kiss," sighed Makoto Hanamiya, "What a reminder of how half-baked my curses are."
"I'm getting bored," said Oikawa, turning to Midousuji, "Darling, how flexible is your shaft?"
"Enough to whack you out of my way if you continue to gross me out," he shrugged.
Akashi was ready to just vomit from this conversation. However, Theagenes finally returned as they grouped up to continue with their plans.
"Thanks to you Akashi, I was able to locate a few people," Theagenes spoke, "Now normally I'd go after the Saviors because they are a threat but…there is one other person we need to deal with first."
"And who would that be?" asked Hanamiya.
"Let's say…it's someone who tried to use magic but…ran into some friends of mine and his fate was twisted afterwards," he answered.
"I think I know who you are talking about darling," Oikawa smirked, "But let's make sure he's not having amnesia first. Last time I spoke to him, he didn't recall our sexy time."
How many people did you sleep, thought Akashi, slightly disturbed.
"I can restore his memories," Theagenes answered.
"Well in the meantime, I want to get an army set up soon," he replied, "I learned during my exile that there's a certain animal that I've managed to manipulate with my powers."
"I didn't know you even had an army," laughed Midousuji.
"Oh trust me, they'll tear your limbs apart if you're not careful darling," said Oikawa.
"And what is this army of yours?" asked Akashi, trying to hide his worried expression.
"You'll see them soon darling, no need to rush things now," he chuckled.
The Atlantis Ruins:
The spider roared and charged at Sousuke, Momo, and Ai. They dodged the attack and split off to make a triangle attack around the monster.
"THUNNDDERRRRRR…GEYSER!" shouted Momotarou, raising his hand up before slamming the energy blast to the ground, unleashing chain explosions of water from below.
"SUBMAARRIINNEEEE…COLLISION!" chanted Ai, spinning around and unleashing a massive tidal wave towards the beast.
The spider raised its legs up, firing web-like blasts at them. Momo and Ai tried to dodged but the webs pinned them to the ground on their arms and legs.
"MOMO! AI!" screamed Sousuke as he saw them on the ground. The spider turned towards him with its body shriveled up and ready for another attack.
His conscious was conflicting between using the Deep Sea Sword or the Rhincodon Glaive. Knowing what the latter tool can do, he had to use his sword and use it in a way to not be as destructive but enough to get this monster down. He had to make up his mind:
"Protected by the Master of Mediation, I am the Swimming Guardian who fights for Memories and Promises! I am Suiei Yamazaki! Don't you dare get in the way of my friends because you WILL regret it!" said Sousuke.
The spider roared out and unleashed its web attack. Sousuke jumped high into the air, summoning his Deep Sea Sword.
"My magical tool, talisman! Show me thy power! And protect those who are suffering from our enemy!" he shouted.
Sousuke spun his sword around as it extended into a long-thin blade with an energy blast growing at its tip.
"SEA SWOORRRRDDDD…BLASTTTERRRRRRRRRR!" Sousuke cried out, lowering the sword down as the ball of water exploded into a massive whale shark. It broke into smaller spheres of energy flying towards the spider at high speeds.
BOOM!
An explosion surrounded the spider and when the dust finally cleared all what was left was a small pile of hair left. Did he kill the monster?
I have to get Momo and Nitori out of here, he thought as he twirled his sword again and chanted more softly, "Rhincodon Typhoon!"
A whirlwind of dust, water, and electrical blast struck through, releasing Momo and Nitori from the webs. The two jumped back to him as they looked at the remains of the mess.
"Your powers…" Ai gasped.
"You've managed to use them at a lower level without being exhausted!" smiled Momo.
"I…I did," he smiled back.
"Here, we found something but you were caught in conflict," Ai replied, handing Sousuke a carving tablet written in ancient writing.
"It looks like a map of some sorts," Momo said, "I think it's pointing to something."
The trio looked at it and realized that it was a task of "Preparations". The writing was clearly in ancient Atlantian but from the looks of it…
Click stuttered in a squeal as it recalled a similar phenomenon back in Spherus Magna. Momo tried to calm him down while Ai and Sousuke continued to study it.
"It looks like a list of instructions," Sousuke analyzed.
"We need to bring it back to the others," Nitori nodded.
"Then let's go!" Momo called out.
Sousuke turned to that pile of hair and took it with him, wondering if someone could trace this person's connection to him. He recalled the Magic Six studying a topic called genetics where a piece of a person's remnants can be used to trace lineage.
As the trio left, the man remerged from hiding and narrowed his eyes. He was not going to lose track of them. During the explosion, he managed to rip a small part of Sousuke's clothing and with his own spider abilities, he was going to find them and crush the heroes.
Just a bit east of Sportsbrooke, three animals emerged from the portal; a raven, a crow, and a spotted leopard. Three animals were tasked with an important mission after their meeting. However, they were granted with animal spirits in order to escape or fight the danger that would challenge them.
A bunch of Purple and Yellow Nerbils were herding around the sands as savages. As of late their numbers were increasing as some of them began to fascinate about the big city. However, two of their prisoners managed to escape and their natural instincts pointed them to the city of humans.
The cat growled softly while the two birds landed on his back. There had to be a way to get around them.
Kenma knew better than to fight them even though he was now a leopard. There was way too many of them to fight. Takao and Nishinoya soared up to see where the herd was at and discovered a safer route. Kenma followed them as he carefully trekked his way through the sands.
"GRGRGRGRGRGRRRRGRGRGRGR!" one of the nerbils spotted him.
Oh shit, thought Kenma.
The two birds screeched angrily and soared down just as the nerbils began to chase after the leopard. Kenma raced to his full potential to outrun them while the birds tried to distract the beasts. Some of them threw coconuts and bombs at them but they dodged carefully. Then a few flying nerbils soared out.
Takao and Yuu glided their wings downwards, heading towards a series of cacti that had explosive flowers. Three Flying Nerbils chased after them carefully while Takao screeched at Yuu to wait for the right moment as they circled around. At the screech, the two flew down as the flying nerbils followed them.
Down below one of the purple nerbils jumped onto Kenma's back and took a bite. Kenma roared and shook the beast off while using its claws to tear it apart.
The exploding cacti struck the flying nerbils into guts while Takao and Yuu barely escaped alive and rejoined Kenma as they finally approached to the townline of the city before transforming back into their human forms briefly.
"Fuck those beasts; they are annoying as mosquitoes!" growled Kenma as Takao examined the bite marks on him.
"Well at least it was just one," said Takao as he took out some ointment, "The whole army can instantly kill humans."
"We've had our shared experience," replied Yuu, "Thankfully they took us in as prisoners but they are such disgusting beasts."
"What I don't understand though is…why are they coming closer to Sportsbrooke?" asked Takao.
"Yeah, Deidi said something about their nest a few hours away," said Kenma before biting his teeth as the ointment stung through the wound.
"Well get you some more stuff in the city," Takao replied, "Just hang in there."
Alexa woke up and realized he was in the realm of dreams once again. However, the scenery was much different than his previous visits.
"Neo Suiei Marotta…" a voice echoed.
The Suiei Senshi turned to see a man with the white hair again but wore clothes that matched Prince Julius…only fancier, more ornate…as if…
"A-are you…?" Alexa gasped.
Neo King Julius smiled, "Yes…it is I…Neo King Julius, your future self. It is taboo for me to cross through time but…reaching out to you at least through dreams is much safer."
"You're stunning," Alexa replied, "Your hair too…it's all white and silver like the crystal."
"I changed it up yeah…after I met someone who also looks physically like me…" said the king.
"Listen to me, Alexa…I know you and I are both hurt from not being told about the Death Mark…Mako-chan…Antonius was too scared to even tell you. But don't worry…I survived it as you can see me right now."
"H-how did you evade the curse?" Alexa asked.
"…I'm afraid I cannot tell you what happened to me the moment those dreadful wings did. If I told you, it will change the future that I am in now. Just promise me one thing…don't let go of your love. Even if you have to go through hell and back to do it. You will find the final savior and together, restore the great Olympia Magna from ruins," the king explained.
"…the thing is, they don't know that I also know the truth," Alexa answered, "I discovered the location of the vials in the Tachibana manor years before. Thankfully I was learning about potions and after I discovered the truth…I made fake one to fool the others that I have no clue."
"And yet even after not telling you?" Neo King Julius asked.
"You and I both love him…and everyone who we met," Alexa smiled, "As much as I am in deep disappointment…I will remain by their side until that day arrives."
The king remained silent as he all knew too well what happened that night…and that time was approaching soon. But was Alexa even aware of what he was exactly saying?
"I also must tell you, I have sent three people from my time to assist you and the others," the King continued, "A miracle was granted and they will arrive back to the past very soon. Please take good care of them for me."
"W-who's coming?" Alexa asked but the dream was cut off.
Alexa woke up and saw the others by him in Kagami's loft. How long was it since he rested?
"Another dream?" asked Rin.
"…Yes," he replied, "A very important one…one that could guarantee a future for all of us."
"Of course we will," smiled Rei.
Alexa frowned and said, "Then why do you guys want to push my birthday a few days earlier? How long are you guys are going to hide behind my back?"
"W-what are you talking about?" Makoto asked, worried as he could see the death mark.
"Don't lie to me Antonius," he said as Julius' voice kicked in, "You all know that I am about to die soon…because of what the Dark One Chaos did to me years back."
The others looked at each other with increasing worry as they realized that Alexa did know the truth after all. Makoto's face began to tear up as he hugged him tightly.
"THIS IS ALL MY FAULT! I SHOULD'VE JUST…GRABBED YOUR HAND!" he cried.
"Mako-chan…" sniffed Alexa, "I'm sorry I have hidden this too. I wasn't sure if you all knew the truth but after realizing how you guys were reacting the last few days…I began to suspect."
"But how did you even know?" asked Nagisa.
"…I found the memory vials long ago. I drank mine and then thanks to what I've learned about potions, I was able to mix up a fake one and put it back," he revealed.
"This dream…who did you meet?" asked Haruka.
Alexa smiled and said, "Why Neo King Julius of course."
"EHHHH!?" they all gasped as Gaardus flew in, transforming into Pandora as she restored Makoto's memories about her conversation with him about time traveling.
"That's right…I wanted to time travel," he said, turning to her, "But why did you wipe that memory away from me?!"
"It doesn't matter Mako-chan," Alexa replied, "I met with Neo King Julius…he didn't tell me how he survived the death curse though but…I think there is a way."
"How?" asked Nagisa and Rei.
"It is a gamble but…maybe we don't need to time travel…instead I need to stop my age," he answered.
"Daigo's Time Key," Rin muttered.
"But isn't stopping time a violation?" asked Rei.
"To the entire surrounding…yes," Alexa said, "But it shouldn't be if I put it on myself."
"It's actually a violation too but it's not as severe as stopping the time around the entire space," Pandora added.
"I must put a fraction of my life into the Legendary Solar Crystal in case the plan fails…at last a portion of my will can survive in the crystal," Alexa said.
"Alexa…" Makoto replied, worried about this idea.
"It's going to be fine Makoto…I won't die," he smiled, "I mean it."
Alexa summoned the crystal with his forehead glowing the neon dragon as a small portion of light energy extracted out from his body, pouring into the crystal as it reshaped itself to form 9-spikes instead of 6. They all gasped at the new shape as the three remaining spikes represented…
"Sousuke…" breathed Rin.
"Ai-chan…" Nagisa gasped.
"And Momo too!" Haruka answered.
"Alexa…" Pandora said, "You are now able to directly transform into Neo Suiei Marotta without having to require your Creature Power!"
He smiled but then replied, "But I rather do this when we are all together…that we truly are…not just the Magic Six…but as the Iwasame Senshi."
The mirror flashed a message as Nagisa picked it up and it showed Momotarou, Ai, and Sousuke making their return to Sportsbrooke.
"They're coming back!" smiled Rei.
"That's a relief," Rin sighed happily.
"That reminds me…we have some visitors coming too…Neo King Julius said something to me before I woke up," Alexa added.
"More visitors?" asked Makoto.
"He said to take good care of them as they are on an important mission," he revealed.
Alexa summoned the time key and handed it over to Pandora, "I trust you can do this. I know your magic is strong enough to do it."
Pandora nodded as she shook the key gently to glow it a neon yellow color. With a nod from Alexa, the Mahotsukai shoved the key in his chest as the key dissolved through to his heart, stopping his age.
It was a sharp pain at first but once the key got into his heart, it felt a wave of power shimmering through as the time in his body and the death mark stopped.
"It worked…" Haruka gasped.
"For now though we don't know when that key will come back out," Makoto replied.
"Let's go find our friends…and our new guests," Alexa said, picking up the mirror, "And figure out what these new villains are up to."
After Tetsurou recovered, Kagami finally joined up with the other guys (save Akashi) as they were all hanging out by the Eco-Park.
"Oi! Where have you guys been!?" Kagami shouted.
"We could ask the same for you, Kagamicchi," chuckled Kise.
"Been busy," he blushed.
"So have we," said Aomine.
"Well clearly it is so," Kagami replied, "You and Kuroko haven't answered my calls or even a message."
"We've been investigating our own," replied Midorima, "Since those guys arrived."
"Yeah I saw them…kinda a freak gang eh?" Kagami asked.
"Akashi has been going undercover," said Kuroko, "We're hoping to hear from him soon."
"Just how is he going to reach out to us if those villains are keeping him busy?" Kagami replied, "And is it just me or does that one guy with the cloak and stuff seems familiar?"
The others kept silent about that answer as Kagami could detect something off about this. He sat down and rested on the grass for a moment, "So um…you guys are not going to tell me or…?"
"We don't know to be honest about them," Kuroko lied, "But Akashi has had some relations to that particular man in the past…when the world was still whole."
"Oh…that's right…Kuroko, I just remembered. I was talking to my ancient self earlier," Kagami replied.
"You did?" asked Aomine, "What was he like?"
"Red-head, but also very tall and muscular…he goes by the name of Hanamichi Sakuragi," Kagami answered.
"Like a Sakura…" muttered Midorima, "Now I get it…"
"Oi you guys! What's that black cloud?" asked Kise, pointing up to the skies.
The cloud of darkness flew over towards Kuroko, washing him through as the young man staggered a little while getting up on his feet.
"K-Kuroko?" asked Kagami.
"I have to make this quick we don't have much time," said Akashi's voice.
"A-Akashicchi!" Kise cried out.
"The guys have calmed down the little. They're done trashing civilians for now but that doesn't mean to put your guard down. They're still at large. Theagenes is up to kidnapping Shougo Haizaki," Akashi/Kuroko explained.
"No way!" gasped Midorima and Aomine.
"All I can theorize is that he has some connection to Dark Magic. Also, Theagenes has hidden the store in a glamour spell so if you're gonna try to break in, it'll be difficult. I can't get the rest of the plan though from them; they're still hiding something. Whatever it is they are about to do…it's gonna get bad," Akashi concluded before Kuroko's conscious returned to normal.
"Should we get him?" asked Aomine.
"No…Akashi will confront him so I am sure we must wait," said Midorima.
"We need to find a way to get in," agreed Kagami, "We can't let those guys have all the fun."
"A glamour spell," muttered Kise, "We should ask our swimming buddies if they know about this magic."
Flashback B: Early Stages of the Silver War (150,000 years ago)
Minori's Hut, Teikou City
"The Savior will be reincarnated into a new life…so I suggest you better make a good plan for your own future dear."
Sometime after the encounter of the Sherwood Spiders, the conflicts between each sports were happening in the kingdoms across the planet. A war was beginning to grow.
However, there was no time to fight as Kaede was trying to understand about what Makoto Hanamiya said about "the Savior".
"Is it true that Hanamichi is destined to save this world?" asked Minori Kishimoto
"His power hasn't awakened yet," said Kaede, "His potential isn't at its greatest. But when that happens, he will have to make a choice…between good or evil."
"I have faith he'll pick the right side," the other man replied.
"…Hanamichi is such a temperamental too and that's what is concerning me," he answered, "I'm worried that anger will take the best of him!"
"Then what are we going to do then if it's even true or not?" Minori asked.
"We have to find someone…who knows about magic really well," Kaede replied, "I think Toru might know."
After talking to the megane, the two were on their way with a map that led to a strange location not far from Atlantis. It was a small cottage in the middle of the jungle as they saw another man talking to the woman before giving her a kiss and leaving.
"Let's go," said Kaede as they appeared in the scene.
"Excuse us ma'am but are you by chance…" began Minori.
"It appears both of you have come for help," Deidi replied, "Please come on in."
The two walked inside the cottage as Deidi prepared some tea for her guests.
"We need some knowledge about 'The Savior'," Kaede introduced the dilemma, "Do you know anything?"
"Yes I do…the Savior is not just a person who can wheel the strongest light magic…it is a job," Deidi said, "The Savior is born with a mission that the universe itself provides, giving that person a potential to change the world…or even the universe itself. Its powers are very powerful beyond an average athlete or even a mahotsukai like myself."
"We were told that the savior has potential for both light and dark, is this true?" asked Minori.
"Yes…like any other humans and animals, we are born with a blank slate with the potential for both sides under our free will," she continued.
"Our friend has been struggling between the light and darkness lately, and I fear if he chooses the darkness, he will be bleak with pain and suffering. Is there NOTHING we can really do to ensure his goodness?" asked Kaede.
After a long moment of silence, Deidi got up and answered, "There…actually is a way. But like any magic, there is a price that must be paid for."
"Let it be on us!" Minori replied, "We'll do what it takes to save our friend's future!"
"Well as you know, banishing the darkness to nothing does not work…the darkness that I will remove from him must be put inside of another entity who is also a blank slate," Deidi answered before looking at the window, "If you must, you need to find a vessel. Discuss this carefully because once I perform this…it cannot be undone."
"You know just thinking about this," said Minori, "Banishing the darkness into another human being…I know we are trying to save Hanamichi but…this is so wrong. We just have to continue to persuade him and…"
"No…it doesn't have to be a human child," Kaede answered, realizing something, "Eiji told me that Hanamiya mated with his partner a while back before she vanished or killed or whatever but…"
"And…?" asked Minori.
"We've seen how Hanamiya was growing up…his troublesome behavior, his dangerous spider abilities…how much different would his child be from him?" Kaede replied.
"Are you saying…?" Minori began, looking at him.
"He's a monster…and so will his child," Kaede answered, "This vessel will work. We just have to find the unhatched egg."
Hours Later: Nightfall…
Kōjirō Furuhashi, Kazuya Hara, Kentarō Seto, Hiroshi Yamazaki, and Itsuki Matsumoto guarded a cavern where Makoto Hanamiya slept. Kōjirō and Kentarō left to go find something to prey on for the rest of the teammates while the other three waited for their return.
"Ugh, it's so cold out here," shivered Kazuya.
"It'd be nice if we were dragons because we could use some fire blowing our way," said Itsuki.
"Muuaahh, I swear, I should've just squashed some people and make mittens," growled Hiroshi silently.
Itsuki and Kazuya suddenly collapsed to the ground as Hiroshi looked at them confused. Before he could cry out, Kaede teased him before blowing some sleeping dust at his face, knocking him out.
"Let's go, there's not much time," Minori said as they both ventured inside with weapons at the ready.
After a few turns, they finally found a clearing where the massive spider was sleeping and the egg was in front of it. Minori readied his sword as Kaede prepped his bow and arrow but it turned out that there was no sign of any traps or suspicions. Kaede's foot struck a small object that looked like a baby rattle.
"Why is there even a rattle?" Minori muttered.
"Let's get the egg and out of here," Kaede replied.
"Be careful, it's probably as dangerous as him," he nodded.
The two made their way over to the egg carefully as everything seemed so silent and still. Minori took the step towards the egg when the spider opened its eyes and rose on its legs.
Fuck, we're so dead, thought Kaede as the spider looked at them.
Hanamiya roared loudly just as Mintori grabbed the egg off of the nest and the spider used its legs to kick him across the room. He threw the egg and Kaede caught it and they began to run off. However, Hanamiya lifted its legs up to shoot a spray of webs towards them.
Narrowly dodging them, Kaede turned the beast and shouted, "TANGLE US AND THIS GETS CHOKED BY YOUR WEBS!"
The spider grumbled as a magical cloud shrunk the beast back to human form as the man was wearing night gown robes with intense shock on his face. He clutched his staff tightly.
"W-what kind of people are you…threatening a child?!" he trembled.
"What child? This isn't a child!" Kaede replied, "This will grow up into a monster just like you!"
Makoto took a few steps forward and asked, "And what of you…?"
Kaede turned away while holding the egg tightly, "Sorry."
He and Minori began to walk away when Makoto's voice cracked in fear, "WAIT! Please…rivals to basketball…HAVE MERCY! I can't LOSE my child!"
Minori was starting to have some second thoughts about this but Kaede said, "We'll bring the egg back when we're done."
The two ran off, stepping on the baby rattle as Makoto screamed with tears pouring down his face, unleashing a blast of energy to cause a cave in but they escaped.
Kaede and Minori returned to the cottage and handed the egg over to Deidi.
"Yes…this will work. Follow me," she replied, leading them to a small clearing. She placed the egg down and took out her wand.
"And this will guarantee Hanamichi's goodness?" asked Kaede.
"Yes, the darkness will be transferred," she answered before chanting, "Darkness come forth from that light…be banished from the purest womb into the darkest tomb. Let it never again see the light of day on a distance far from plight!"
"Far from plight?" muttered Kaede.
"This darkness is just a transfer right?" asked Minori.
"You don't want this excessive amount of darkness alive in this realm. I'm sending it to where it will be no harm," Deidi answered.
"NO!" shouted Kaede, "We promised to return the egg back!"
"It's too late," she said, "Once this spell has begun…it cannot be reversed!"
The winds began to howl around as a portal beneath the ground widened, slowly sucking the egg. Before their eyes, a baby's arm cracked through and a crying sound was heard.
"MINORI IT'S A BABY!" screamed Kaede.
"LET'S GET IT BACK!" he shouted.
Kōjirō Furuhashi, Kazuya Hara, Kentarō Seto and Itsuki Matsumoto arrived in the scene as they were in shock by what was happening.
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!" cried Kazuya.
"YOU CRADLE ROBBERS!" shouted Itsuki.
"WE DIDN'T KNOW THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN!" argued Minori, "HURRY AND GET THAT BABY!"
But it was too late; the egg and the newborn fell through the portal just as the four guys were sucked in through. The portal slammed shut as the winds stopped howling.
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO THEM!?" shouted Kaede.
"To another world. But now you are safe…the Savior will be complete of light and will do his duty when the Zone Gate calls for him," she answered before she vanished away.
"N-no…Minori…we made a terrible mistake," said Kaede, "We promised to return the egg back to him!"
"We had no idea it was going to be sent to another land," Minori added.
The two walked through the night as they both vowed to not speak a word about this to anyone; not even their own team mates.
Present Day:
The Nerbils began their way towards town as they crossed the border line. Even though it wasn't the entire nest going on a siege, they wanted to see how these enemies were living their days.
"Grgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgr!"
"GRGRGGRGgrgrgGRgrgrGRgrgrgrgrgRGrgrgrgrGRRRgrgrgr!"
Five of the Giant Blue Nerbils stormed their way into the city as the humans panicked in horror to see these monsters. The purple and yellow ones jumped on some of the humans, biting them like vampires.
Midorima swung into action along with Aomine, Kuroko and Kagami to check on the injured humans while the Magic Six faced off against the giant nerbils.
"W-what are these things?!" shouted Rei as he narrowly dodged a flying nerbil.
"FREEZING, ICCCCY, SEERRRPPEEENNNNT!" shouted Nagisa, throwing his ice snake attack.
"BACKSTROKEEEE…FLIPPING…MIRAAAAGGGEEE!"chanted Makoto, unleashing a blast of water spinning in circles.
"DOLPHIIINNNN MAAAYYHHEEEEMMMM BLAAAASSSSTTT!" shouted Haruka.
The three combined powers smacked into the giant nerbils, exploding them into dust.
Alexa heard a low growl coming from nearby. He turned to see a white and spotted jaguar along with two birds flanked by its side. This was a bit abnormal by the fact that cats hunted birds…
The jaguar roared loudly enough to scare the nerbils away while the birds used its claws to attack the eyeballs of the monsters. However, a bunch of flying nerbils were coming in for the attack.
"It's gonna hurt those birds!" shouted Aomine.
"Whale…scream…" a voice whispered, raising his sword.
A wide-range blast of sonic scream smacked into the flying nerbils, shattering them into bits. The Magic Six gasped to see Momo, Nitori, and Sousuke back in the city.
"Y-you guys!" shouted Rin happily as hugged them.
"You made it back!" Alexa smiled.
"We definitely did," Nitori said as Alexa handed back the mirror.
"What are those animals doing here though?" Sousuke asked as the basketball gang looked at these creatures standing there.
One of the black birds glowed softly before a blast of light blinded them all before transforming back to his human self. When the light calmed down, Takao stood in its place. He smiled at everyone and Midorima as the green-haired megane's eyes were widened in astonishment. His heart raced back to that fateful day when he was still under the Dark Curse and…
"TAKAOOO!" screamed Midorima, running up to hug him as he cried, "TAKAO! Is it really you?! Are you real?!"
"Shin-chan…a great miracle has brought me back to life…all thanks to Alexa…or rather…Neo King Julius," he smiled, looking at his teary face, "I am back. But I've been back already in fact, doing other missions behind the scenes."
"Wh-why didn't you show yourself sooner!?" he cried as they both shared a kiss.
"N-Neo King Julius?!" gasped the Senshi.
"And I'm not alone either…two friends have been restored to their former glory," Takao said after his kiss, turning to the other animals, "You can come out now…Crow…and Cat."
Yuu Nishinoya and Kenma Kozume transformed back into their human forms as Shouyou, Tobio, Hajime, Aone, and the other volleyball gang gasped.
"YUU! KENMA!" Shouyou shouted as he approached to them as fast as possible, glomping them both for a hug.
"SHOUYOU!" screamed Kenma and Yuu as the three cried happily and the others joined in for a group reunion.
Alexa smiled as he wondered that power he will be set to use someday…now that it was true that Neo King Julius exists…
His body glowed softly as his forehead glowed a neon yellow dragon symbol. The armor transformed into a white toga with golden streaks with the picta in golden-yellow. A crowning band covered around his forehead with golden cuffs on his wrists. His long skirt covered his legs and his feet wore a pair of sandals.
"Prince Julius…" Makoto muttered at the appearance.
To his surprise, Takao, Kenma, and Nishinoya kneeled down before the prince to honor his presence. The others did the same as Julius stared at the three men before him.
"It is truly an honor to finally meet you. Our great prince…soon to be our king…Julius," said Nishinoya.
"We had been gifted with a new life, a new opportunity to help prepare the world for the return to its origin," Kenma added.
"What did my future self told you?" Jullius asked.
"Sworn to secrecy because you finding out what will happen may altered the future…but what we can tell you is that the final savior must be found soon in order to begin the process," Takao replied.
"We can also tell you that we are here to monitor the things happening now. I've heard that Oikawa has been up to something unpleasant," Nishinoya answered.
"So you'll be joining us for the fight," Julius replied.
The trio stood back up on their feet as Takao approached him with a hug, "Don't be afraid of us. We're not here to kill you."
"We will be doing what needs to be done…not what is easy," Nishinoya replied.
"Then join us as we find a way to stop The Dark One and his villainous allies from rampaging this world," he answered, embracing the three.
We have to do something, thought Kuroko.
Without letting Kagami know the truth, thought Aomine.
The two snuck off from the crowds, heading back towards the Miracle Palace. Kagami noticed this but kept it to himself as everyone began their way back to work or other duties. Takao, Yuu and Kenma planned to have a proper conversation with the Iwasame Senshi later on after they returned to their friends.
"Neo King Julius huh?" Nagisa asked.
"I want to meet him again," sighed Alexa, "But I guess now that the wheel of destiny is spinning closer…we have to do our part now."
Alexa turned to Kagami who was awfully quiet lately.
"Look, we'll do our best to help each other…and to restore what was once lost," Alexa said.
"Yeah Kagami-chan!" Nagisa chuckled.
"Look, if anything is bothering you, please talk to us," Rei agreed.
"Lately…Tetsuya and Daiki have been so quiet lately," Kagami replied, "It's like they've been hiding something from the entire town."
"I feel it too," Alexa answered, "But I am sure if you talk to them in private, the truth will come out. No matter how painful it is…nankurunaisa."
"Nankurunaisa?" he asked.
"It's a saying back home," Makoto replied.
"Live for today…look forward to tomorrow…don't forget to smile as everything will be alright," Rin explained.
"Go to them," Haruka said, "Find out what happened."
Kagami nodded and replied, "Thank you."
Aomine and Kuroko tried to move as quickly as possible back to the palace but they were stopped by Kise, Midorima, Takao and Murasakibara.
"What the hell is going on with the two of you!?" Kise shouted, "Why are you both trying to avoid us lately!? Especially Kagami when he needs you!?"
"It's because…we were selfish," said Aomine, "To giving birth of the Savior."
"Huh?" Takao asked, "Then again I'm waaaay behind on this drama."
"This isn't about Kagami…it's about the two of you…isn't it?" Midorima asked.
Aomine and Kuroko looked at each other painfully before they looked at their teammates.
"The only other person that knows about this is Akashi," Kuroko revealed, "Only he knows what happened eons ago before this world fell into ruin."
"Okay tells us from the beginning and don't leave out anything," Murasakibara answered, giving them a slightly threatening look.
"No…we need all of us assembled with Kagami," Kuroko replied, "No matter how painful this truth is…we are supposed to be heroes doing what is right…not what is easy."
Kagami sat down as his expression was in a total deep shock. Ever since he was commenced to join the Generation of Miracles to become "Vorpal Swords" after the fact that he saved their lives, he felt a place to belong to.
Now in the last several days, Kuroko and Aomine were not always around and now he finally listened to them. After the story went through, his expression was only pure silence as his heart felt nothing but a total rage with this twisted truth revealed.
"This whole time I was right," Kagami said finally, looking at Kuroko and Aomine, "You were lying."
Kuroko and Aomine looked at Kagami sadly while they tried to keep themselves composed during this awkward silence.
"I…I wanted to believe you," he continued, "I really wanted to believe in all of you."
"W…we only wanted to protect yourself…your past self so when you become reincarnated, you'd be a hero," Aomine said.
"By stealing and selling someone's SOUL?!" Kagami growled, "SO YOU COULD TAKE MY DARKNESS INTO THAT CHILD'S INNOCENCE?! No wonder I was so pure on my wishes back then! I didn't decide my fate! You guys pushed me into the Zone Gate, risking my life in the process to master its deadly powers!"
"K-Kagami…" Kuroko began but he got up and slammed the chair.
"No…I am not okay…I gotta go," he muttered as his body was shaking so much.
"STOP!" Kuroko shouted as he got to the door with him, "Kagami please don't! You are the Savior!"
"I don't care…" he growled softly before leaving the room.
Kise was already in tears silently while Midorima, Murasakibara and Takao were in total silence about this truth. Now it all made sense to why Makoto Hanamiya was back in action…to find his child…if that offspring is still alive.
~Episode 6 END~
~Episode 7 PV ~
Kagami: How am I supposed to be the savior if I was forced of my darkness away by other people and not myself?!
Kuroko: This was to ensure for a future that we risked our lives for!
Sousuke: You guys, we got more company!
Nagisa: What are those…machines?
Rei: I think they are bicycles…they look too simple to be machines.
Sakamichi Onoda: Finally we arrived in town!
Ishigaki Koutarou: We're gonna have to find him…before it's too late!
Midousuji Akira: Next time, Free! Gross Friends! My wish…is…?
~Announcement: I will be taking a mini-break for now. The story will continue later this month!
Stay tuned!
