Episode 9: 誕生- セカンドライジング!
Birth – The Second Rising!
Taiyou ga shizumi sekai no owari ga
tatoe futari wo hikisaku toki mo
Itsudemo nando demo
bokura wa meguriaeru yo...
Sportsbrooke Eco-Park - El Dorado Camp Site: Pupununu Tribe
Tak and Jeera looked up to the darkness as they feared that the staff of dreams was about to reunite finally. Despite what his intentions were about using the weapon, he knew the Juju spirits were right about his ways.
"I just wanted to do something!" he said, "To prove myself!"
"Honey you've done all what you can…" she replied, "Now we must learn to put our faith and trust to these outsiders."
"How can I?" he asked, "What do I have left to prove to the people?"
"Do you think we should leave then? Try to migrate out of here?" she suggested.
"They'll know if we depart; it's not like we can sneak out way out," he said, "So we must wait till it's all over."
"Alright, I'll go back to the tent then," Jeera smiled, "Are you coming too?"
"I'm going to check on Jibolba, JB, and maybe talk to Flora and Fauna," he answered, "I'll be back."
The queen made her way back to the tent while Tak took out his Thwark and chanting a silent spell to locate The Dark One. Despite giving his "blessing" to the other guys, he was not going to let them get away with the staff of dreams.
"Let's find him…and put an end to this!" he muttered.
It was finally nightfall but Makoto was becoming more restless after seeing the vision of Alexa and the Staff of Dreams. It drove him to the point to leave the loft despite the protest on not eating a proper meal.
I have to find him, he thought while he was running towards the house, I need to know the truth! Why does he need the Staff of Dreams!?
Makoto was running towards his destination but then he felt a blast of magic throwing him across the streets, crashing to the ground while feeling like he twisted his ankle but somehow it felt no pain. He looked up to see Tak pointing his thwark at him.
"How pity that blindness of love can bring you the simplest, yet fatal mistakes," Tak said.
"W-What are you doing!?" Makoto shouted, "You give us your blessing to find the Staff of Dreams!"
"I only did that just to give you guys some peace!" the king answered, "It was to buy me time to figure out your dirty work and thanks to your connection to him…I shall kill you and him together!"
Tak roared and readied his Thwark as Makoto watched in horror. Seconds later, a magical puff was heard as the Thwark clashed against a stronger weapon. The king turned to see The Black Dragon as Alexa used his strength to yank the weapon off of Tak's hands before showing off the full-size staff.
"The Staff of Dreams…it's WHOLE!" Tak gasped.
"Yes it is…but it's not gonna benefit you. This staff doesn't control anyone now," Alexa growled before using his dark magic to throw Tak at a tree, knocking him out.
Makoto got up on his feet and said, "I suppose I should say thank you."
"You don't need to say anything, just don't do that again," Alexa replied darkly, turning around to see Makoto.
"Then I should also owe you an apology for what I said earlier…back at the skyscraper," Makoto answered.
"For when you refused to ACCEPT me or when you did NOT love me?" the Dark One asked.
"I don't know, maybe both?" Makoto said, "It's just complicated after what you've done to me."
"Doesn't matter, I'm the Dark One," Alexa answered.
"You're more than that, you saved me just now, that's Alexa that I remember!" the taller man cried out.
"What do you WANT from me?" he asked.
"To help you!" Makoto said, resting his hand over his own heart, "And we must work together if you want to get back to the light! Who's this Datura…and how can she defeat the darkness?"
"Datura doesn't matter anymore because this will all be over tomorrow," Alexa replied.
"That's what the bamboo girls said, what do you mean by that? Why do you need that damn staff!?" Makoto shouted.
Alexa kept a tight grip on it as Makoto sneered a little, "Wow! All this POWER AND YOU DON'T HAVE THE HEART TO ANSWER ONE SIMPLE HELL OF A QUESTION; WHAT DO YOU NEED THE STAFF OF DREAMS FOR!?"
The Dark One turned away and started walking as Makoto still shouted, "I KNOW YOU'RE STILL IN THERE ALEXA! AND I KNOW THAT DESPITE EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS HAVE YOUR REASONS!"
"YOU'RE RIGHT I DO!" Alexa shouted in a deep voice, "AND DO YOU WANNA KNOW WHY I AM DOING ALL OF THIS!?"
Makoto watched as Alexa turned around as he anticipated the truth finally as the Dark One replied, "I'm doing it for you."
Alexa vanished into the dark clouds as Makoto breathed heavily about this…the truth was still hidden but it was a clue. Could it be that Alexa knew about his voices in his head?
"Dammit," Makoto growled as he had to find another plan to get Alexa's attention.
Pandora was a Dark One herself, he thought, maybe I can just get an idea…she might know something.
Flashback: Team A's Trip Back
(3 – 5 Days Ago)
The Iwatobi Senshi, Agon and Cosmos traveled as swiftly as possible through the grasslands and forests, taking a small shortcut away from the Great Lakes region before reentering the jungle region. Makoto held Alexa's hand softly yet firm as they could feel the taste of victory closer and closer.
They walked past the field of irises and middle mists, crossing the bridge that led to the outskirts of the outer villages of El Dorado.
"We'll get back home safely and we'll begin the healing process of Olympia Magna," Makoto smiled.
"And soon we'll have all the sports and our allies united too!" Nagisa chuckled.
"I can't wait to show them our swim!" Rin added.
"I just wish Yuuri and Yuri are okay," Sousuke replied, "I didn't like their expressions when they left."
Tak's Palace
Shougo and the King found the book of Cosmos's magic series and after locating the correct spell, the two got to work brewing the process.
The King put a few spoonfuls of Boar's Blood while Shougo clipped his own fingernail from the thumb and put it in.
"Are you sure this will work?" the king asked.
"I am a long descendant of Cosmos through the lineage of the Mahotsukai," Shougo replied, "Even the littlest of genetics can make magic a long way."
"Good, then it's time that I use the Dream Shaker to put everyone in town asleep," Tak said as he climbed out to the rooftop and called upon the blue staff to cast a sleeping spell across the city of El Dorado and its vicinity suburbs (excluding his own people of course as he will have a need of them for his next plan).
The spell put the population asleep, including the visitors with the Generation of Miracles/Vorpal Swords, the White Doves, the other sports teams, and the general civilization.
Shougo chuckled as the pot boiled a golden fluid as he waved his hand to make a bubble out of the pot as Tak entered back inside.
"Now put the staff into the bubble…" Shougo instructed.
Tak stabbed the staff into the bubble as golden flakes dissolved onto the base of the staff's neck as a name was engraving on there.
"Excellent…now let's give our awaken visitors a fair warning…" Tak smirked, "Where are they now?"
"Not far from the city…shall I get them?" Shougo asked.
"I have a better idea…I'll spare them the travels," Tak said.
The Senshi, Agon and Cosmos were finally getting closer to the city but they saw a bunch of people all knocked out on the ground.
"W-What happened!?" Makoto gasped.
Sousuke, Momo, Rin, and Haruka looked at a few of the people to the left of the road while the others checked on the right.
"I got a bad feeling about this," Cosmos whispered.
"Did Tak do something…" Alexa began when Cosmos suddenly vanished.
"W-Where he go?!" Makoto gasped.
"What's going on here!?" Rei shouted.
Seconds later, the eight senshi vanished into thin air as Alexa gasped in terror. He could hear Theagenes talking to him again about using the dark magic to locate them.
"I'm almost done being a dark one," he muttered, "I'll do what has to be done."
"Don't listen to him if he's in your head!" Agon said.
Alexa didn't listen as he closed his eyes while the darkness led his detection spell to locate the others at Tak's Palace. He linked his mind into Makoto's to see what was going on.
"Don't make the same mistake as Youichi did," Agon muttered.
The eight found themselves on the floor of the throne room as Tak showed them the Dream Shaker half alongside with Shougo Haizaki.
"Hi guys," Shougo smirked.
"Oh hell no!" Makoto growled.
"Ah Cosmos…how kind of you to appear when you are called," Tak said, "Your first task; remove their magic or any way that they can harm me!"
Cosmos waved his hand as the boys gasped while their Creature Dagger Wands drifted away from them and vanished into the unknown.
"It is done," Cosmos said before adding, "You can put that staff down now. We don't have to do this!"
Tak turned to him as the powerful entity continued, "Alexa's passed the test; we'll get the staff of dreams united so you can fight the darkness and protect your people and the city."
"Well that's good," Tak smiled.
"Just hand over the staff please," Cosmos answered.
Tak frowned and used his staff to push Cosmos to the wall and replied, "You mean…give you the glory? No."
"Are you serious? You think this is all about glory?!" Cosmos snapped, "You really think that's what your answer to your problems are? That's exactly how Tlaloc and Traloc have fallen! I truly am sorry to not help you in the past but this isn't who you were meant to be!"
"But it is…I have embraced it," Tak answered, "I am exactly what YOU made me! Look at me…the half man with his half-staff trying to solve your damn riddles while you were behind a freaking tree! The Jujus were no of help so I thought going to you would prove me wrong! I bet you laughed!"
"I WAS TRAPPED!" Cosmos narrowed his eyes, "I put my faith in you! I'd hope you would've been like another son to me!"
"Shut your mouth!" Tak commanded as Cosmos turned silent, "You were NEVER a father to me! You LIED to me! Everything you said about me…HOW THE HELL AM I SUPPOSE TO USE THE STAFF OF DREAMS AND SAVE MY PEOPLE! HOW IS THAT NO A LIE, I COMMAND YOU TO ANSWER!"
"Because that time isn't here yet…Tak," Cosmos said, "You're at the end of your journey but you still have to complete your destiny…"
"DON'T YOU DARE TALK TO ME ABOUT MY DESTINY!" Tak shouted before commanding him more calmly, "Now. We have intruders here…take them to the Greenheart Forest and tell the Dark One to bring the spark, the orb, and the nightmare staff at once."
Alexa and Agon made their way to the Lynhaven Mansion to at least warn the others but he too found them all under a sleeping spell.
"Well here goes nothing," he muttered as he raised his hands up and used his magic to awaken the others.
Kuroko opened his eyes and thanked Alexa while the other basketball and volleyball allies wondered what just happened.
"King Tak has captured my men. We have to hurry! Alexa said.
"Of course," Kise smiled.
"We'll do what we can to help you…" Shouyou began when they also vanished into thin air.
"Tak you fucking son of a bitch," Alexa growled as he could feel the darkness creeping up his skin even further and further.
Cosmos appeared before him finally and spoke, "Tak has tethered me to the Dream Shaker like how you are with the orb. I am stuck under his control."
"I saw it through Makoto's eyes," Alexa replied, "Does he know about Pandora and the others?"
"Not yet but in short time he will," Cosmos answered, "Tak orders you to bring the nightmare half, the orb, and the spark at the Greenheart Forest. If you don't, he's going to turn me against you."
"Cosmos, I know you can fight against his wishes," Alexa said, "We don't have to fight."
"Just hurry with the supplies," Cosmos replied before vanishing.
Alexa turned to Agon and said, "Stay here. Don't follow."
"I'm not stayin'," Agon replied, "I understand that the others are precious to you but I'm worried that if you use more of your Dark Magic, it'll consume you."
The Dark Savior made a said smile and answered, "You're right. It does. But my friends are in deep danger right now and I can't afford to lose anyone I love."
"Even if it costs you?" Agon asked.
Alexa lowered his head and said, "Yes. I was supposed to have died by a death curse…but I took in the darkness to buy myself time for the others to find way to keep my life preserved. It's no doubt after I free myself from this that I will not survive. The least I can do right now is to get them back together and to save this city. Someone else should take on my power as the savior until I can be put in a new body."
"You won't die kid, okay?" Agon replied, "Don't beat yourself in doubt."
"Thank you," the Dark Savior smiled a little, before turning serious, "Now let's kick out the king from his throne shall we?"
Present Day: Shop of the Mystics, Sportsbrooke
Makoto walked inside the store as he saw Pandora, Kenma, Noya, and Takao in some sort of a conversation just as Yuuri Katsuki and Tamaki Kawazoe readied their bows and arrows.
"Whoa, I'm not the Dark One," Makoto said.
"Sorry, we were just preparing for a rainy day if he showed up," Yuuri said.
"I thought you and Viktor were…?" the taller man asked.
"Oh he's fine. He's with the others at the arena. I told him that I'd be assisting for you guys in his place as he promised to coach the other Yuri," he explained.
"You need to talk to Pandora?" Tamaki asked.
"Yes, it's about him…I need to know something…" he said as he approached to them.
"Makoto! I've heard from Kagami and Eijun about your situation…strange…hearing voices in your head doesn't sound a lot like you," Pandora said.
"I need some answers," Makoto replied, "You were the Dark One yourself. Is there a way I can keep Alexa still?"
"Well I had a bottle of paralyzing serum but it appears he already took it while we weren't looking," she sighed.
"How can I get inside his head?" Makoto asked, "He says he's doing it all of this because of me."
"It's not about what you did…it's about what he has done," Pandora answered.
"You sure?" Makoto stared at her.
"He's behaving in the same manner that I was once in…using Dark Magic to benefit oneself against the consequences of others around, "I used to consume worlds and its own energy for my youth and beauty. In the end…it's all about regret. I lost my dream back where I was from…I took in the darkness in hopes to find what I seek…I made countless sins that even though they're undone…the damage is still in my heart. Things will not work out the way you think they will…
"If you want to know what he's up to…find out what he's atoned for. And I got a feeling it's much worse than what he did to Viktuuri."
"How am I supposed to find him if he doesn't even want my attention?" Makoto answered back.
"You have to give him a reason to get your attention," she suggested.
Makoto nodded and left the shop while the trio looked at her with a hint of sadness.
"Soon we have to leave…" Takao answered.
"I feel like all we've done was doing nothing! The King was lying to us!" snapped Kenma, "He just revived us only because he's guilty for his sin!"
"Stop it Kenma!" Noya replied, "We haven't just been revived to do nothing!"
Pandora looked down at the diary of her notes but then noticed something different. After getting their attention, the four looked at the scrambled messages and noticed something on the picture.
"Is it true?" Noya asked more quietly.
"I'm afraid so…" Pandora said, "It'll be a matter of time before The Second Rising…"
Flashback: The Greenheart Forest
(3 – 5 Days Ago)
Alexa and Agon made their way to the Greenheart Forest. As soon as they were in close proximity, the Dark One sent a message to Pandora about the crisis before receiving the nightmare staff from her. He then told Agon to stay hidden and be backup only when the signal is given.
"Go get 'em," he cheered silently while he hid behind the trees.
The Dark One walked on the path to where he saw everyone all tied up in different trees in a ring around Tak, Shougo, and Cosmos. The Generation of Miracles, the Iwasame Senshi, Alexandra, Daigo, Katsunori, and the White Doves were all present but bonded.
"I have the nightmare staff, the orb and the fire. Now release everyone here and all will be yours," Alexa said.
"No," Tak shook his head, lifting the Dream Shaker, "You will hand them over now or I will unleash Cosmos."
"Alexa, please…I do not wish to fight you," Cosmos answered.
"No…but I do," Shougo sneered as he walked over towards him as his face grew more wicked by the moment, "You don't have the Solar Crystal anymore because your heart is black…so tell me Dark One…what are you gonna do?"
Shougo walked in circles while Alexa's eyes narrowed in anger as he knew that Karma will certainly get to him for this.
"So, Dark One who should I execute first…hmmm? Your boyfriend…or the Princess Drag Queen?" the ex-drug lord continued.
After a few moments of silence, the Dark One answered, "You can have the fire crystal."
Alexa handed it over to Shougo as Tak reminded him to make sure it was real but it was too late as the red rock exploded into chains, also binding him to a tree.
"This is my last warning," Alexa said, "Release my people first!"
"Cosmos!" shouted Tak, raising the Dream Shaker.
"Alexa don't do this…it's a fight that you cannot win!" Cosmos replied.
Alexa stared at him in slight confusion as he realized that this spell was making him out of character. It was as if…
BOOM!
The two sides unleashed both their blasts of magic at each other as everyone watched in fear of the outcome of this fight. The light and shadows of Alexa's Dark Magic collided into the space blue and galactic orange of Cosmos' Planck Magic crafted a thread of many powers trying to push each other down.
At first it seemed Alexa was getting the upper hand as he knew that his close victory of returning to his normal self was near but the command from Tak into Cosmos' essence was pushing him back slowly a bit. After several moments of a tug-of-war, the magic blasted Alexa down as he could feel a fire erupting inside of his veins from using so much of this power.
"COSMOS! Kill the red-head with the emperor eye!" Tak commanded.
The Master of the Mahotsukai turned to Akashi and used his magic to bring down the vines to grab his neck, slowly suffocating the esophagus.
"I've played this game for too long!" Cosmos growled.
"STOP THIS!" Alexa cried out, "YOU'VE MADE ME OVERCOME DATURA! I KNOW YOU CAN DO THE SAME WITH TAK!"
"KILL THEM ALL!" Tak commanded.
Cosmos hands began to shake violently as he could feel the two sides trying to voice his abilities. The Senshi, White Doves, and the GoM tried to rub their chains against the tree to break free but it was no use as vines climbed their way down to also grab each of their necks.
"If YOU CANNOT OUTFIGHT THE DARKNESS, NO ONE CAN!" Alexa shouted, "REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE! REMEMBER YOUR REASONS YOU HAVE MAGIC!"
Cosmos's body was violently shaking as dropped himself to the ground to stop his magic from killing the others. Tak growled and was ready to recommend the powerful entity, reminding him to obey his commands.
Makoto growled as his love for Alexa was still in his heart, he closed his eyes to focus on his magic. Even though the wand was not in his hand, he felt as if it was taking a life of its own. Then he recalled what Gaardus/Pandora told him and the others about…
"These wands are a living, breathing, entity of their own…"
That's it, he thought, we have to link our minds to them!
His eyes glowed green as the wand reappeared behind him and sliced the chains off. He then calculated by the seconds as the vine almost reached his neck but he managed to narrowly dodge it and silently transformed into his arabian form.
Makoto threw a mildly acidic splash attack at the king, giving him first degree burns on his face and arms while the king turned and violently smack the dream shaker on his chest, leaving a small cut on it. But it didn't stop Makoto as he kicked the king down to the ground. Everyone was stunned by the sight of this comeback. The king lost his grip on the staff but Makoto stepped on his hand to prevent him from taking it.
"Someone else needs that," Makoto said with his eyes narrowed.
Tak got up and ran to Shougo, shouting, "Get us out of here!"
The two escaped in a teleport as the spell was released, freeing everyone from the trees and regaining their magic.
"Makoto!" gasped Rin, "How…?"
"Remember what Gaardus said about our wands? That they were living?" he smiled.
"Oh that's right! Great job Mako-chan!" Nagisa cheered.
Alexa got up and hugged his teammates as the others sighed in relief on this victory. Now they had all the pieces of the Staff of Dreams and the fire to fuse them together!
"Oh you got a cut on your chest," Alexa said.
"Don't worry about it," Makoto smiled, "I've had worse than this. Thank god it's just a small wound though."
"I'll fix it," the Dark One answered as he gently waved his hand over before the two hugged each other.
Shouyou picked up the blue staff and handed it to Makoto.
"Well you got all the pieces now," Makoto continued.
"I just have to light up the fire and then we can get rid of the darkness," Alexa answered happily.
"You did it Alexacchi!" Kise cheered on.
"Yeah, and we'll give you a massive celebration when we get home!" Aomine agreed.
"Let's do this!" Aone nodded, "You got a heart to heal!"
"Thank you all for your support," Alexa smiled, "I never would've made it this far without all of you."
The triad groups returned to the Lynhaven Mansion just as Pandora, Eijun, Kagami and Viktor returned there to see the crowd.
"Did he…?" Pandora asked.
"We got all the pieces," Cosmos smiled, "But there's not much time left before Tak takes on a revenge attack."
Pandora looked at Alexa with a smile as it was all in a matter of time before he would be back to normal once more.
"You did it boy!" Kagami chuckled as he rubbed his hand on Alexa's head.
"I'm sorry we couldn't help you," Eijun answered.
"Don't worry about it. We had a lot going on," he said.
The Dark One sensed Viktor's nearby presence which worried him deep inside but thanks to his dark magic on him earlier, he could hope he has forgotten about the break up.
"Who's he?" Alexa asked.
"Oh the silver-haired?" Kagami answered, "That's Viktor. We found him not far from the old village of the Pupununu. He was acting a bit strange but we got him back to his senses."
"I see," Alexa nodded.
"Okay, we should all guard the area in case Tak tries to return," Makoto said, "Let's split up into teams while Alexa concentrates on making the fire."
The GoM and the White Doves circled their tracks around the mansion (but far enough to be away from the nearest sight) while the senshi, Agon, Cosmos, Pandora, Alexandra, Katsunori and Daigo waited inside.
Alexa sat outside trying to focus on the fire, staring at it for at least 20 minutes before Theagenes reappeared again.
"Can't start the fire?" he asked.
"I've been trying to ignite this and nothing…" Alexa sighed, "Why are you still here?"
"Well you know how this is very bad for all of us in your head," Theagenes replied.
"I told you…I don't care what you and the others are doing," the Dark Savior answered, "This is my power now."
"That's true…and perhaps the reason you can't ignite the flame is that…you're not ready to let go of the darkness," Theagenes said.
"I will let go of it," Alexa growled.
"Then prove it…LIGHT IT!" Theagenes snapped.
"I'M TRYING!" Alexa shouted back angrily.
"Alexa-chan?" Nagisa asked softly as the Dark Savior gasped to see the blond.
"N-Nagisa…you weren't supposed to see that," Alexa sighed.
"W-what did the voices tell you?" he asked.
"…He said that I can't light this because I'm not ready to let go of the darkness yet," Alexa answered.
"Well perhaps you might need a motivation or two," Nagisa smiled as he handed him over a newspaper from Sportsbrooke.
"W-what's this?" he asked, looking at the picture of the house.
"Mako-chan was looking at this in between of events of our journey," Nagisa explained, "He wants to start a new home for you and him together after we can't keep you both in peace."
"Haha, of course he would," Alexa chuckled, "Sounds like it's an Operation…Julius…I like that."
"Operation Julius it is…though I think Mako-chan would call it Operation Light Dragon too," the blond smiled.
"I know we got the Kingdom of Atlantis but having a normal home is also nice too," Alexa smiled, "Thanks so much."
"Hey Nagisa…can I speak to Alexa for a moment?" Pandora asked."
"Oh sure, see you in a bit," Nagisa winked, "You got this!"
Alexa turned back to the Vulcanus rock with the pieces of the staff of dreams in front of him as the Mahotsukai walked up to him.
"I thought you could use some help from a friend who was like you," she said.
"He's playing in my head again," Alexa replied, "I can't light up because I'm not ready to let go of the darkness."
"Are you?" Pandora asked.
"Pandora…" Alexa sighed.
"Hey, if there's anyone who knows well of the darkness…it's me," she said, "You can lie to your friends…you can lie to yourself…but you can't lie to me."
"I…I don't know," he answered.
"Feels good doesn't it?" she concluded, "Indulging every impulse…being free to control that great power…doing whatever you want, right?"
"…Yes," Alexa sighed, "Is it wrong?"
"Of course it is," Pandora replied, "But it's also human and emotion. Look, I know you Alexa…it took me a long time but I really am knowing you so well. I know you're not as weak as I was…so you definitely have a strong reason to stay to the darkness. If it's beyond temptation…what's holding you back?"
"I…don't know," he said.
"There's a difference between not knowing and not wanting to admit to know," Pandora answered, "Those walls have to come down."
Pandora grabbed the orb and said, "As your friend…I command you Dark One…what's holding you back?"
"Once I let go I won't be able to protect anyone," Alexa said.
"That's another wall," Pandora sighed, "Come on Alexa…I know you can fight this! You've done so well so far so what's keeping you back now? Please…"
"Please don't do this," Alexa freaked out a little, feeling all of his efforts about to be exposed. He knew deep down on the damage he did to Viktor and seeing him in vicinity was making it so much worse.
"Alexa I know you can get past this! Whatever you've done to atone for, we'll find a way to fix it together!" Pandora shouted.
The other senshi ran outside to see and stopped her as Rei took the orb before setting it down. Cosmos walked outside as well and gasped.
"What the hell are you doing!?" he shouted.
"I'm getting answers!" Pandora said.
"Asking him for that is NOT the right choice and you know it!" Rei answered.
"Are you okay?" Makoto asked but Alexa turned away, taking the Vulcanus Crystal and the orb.
"It's not my fault that this is painful!" Pandora sighed while Cosmos shook his head.
Present Day: Sportsbrooke
(Still Nightfall)
"ALEXA!" shouted Makoto, "DAMMIT! ALEXAAA!"
He stepped onto the edge of the while still shouting his name. After a moment of silence, He looked at the ground below as he was 3 stories up.
"Looks like the hard way will do," Makoto muttered as he leaped from the building.
Seconds later, a cloud of Dark Magic swirled him safely on the ground as the Black Dragon stared at him.
"You were sure I SAVE you," Alexa said.
"If it was optimism or desperation or even both…I did what had to be done," Makoto replied, "Now that you are here, I need to know the truth on what happened to us in El Dorado."
"It's not that easy," the Dark One answered.
"Whatever you did…whatever you have been atoned for…I forgive you enough," the taller man replied, "It's been my fault to begin with anyway and whatever you've done…it makes us even."
Really, thought Alexa sarcastically.
"I don't need forgiveness," he answered.
"Then come clean on the truth!" Makoto answered, "Alexa, I've been by your side since the moment the Death Mark…or rather the Dark One Mark on your body. I didn't know back then but…it was an instinct that I was destined by your side. After we learned about our previous lives it bonded us tighter…thanks to the Solar Crystal.
"Now that I think about it…where is it?"
"After I turned into the darkness, the crystal…vanished," Alexa answered, "I have no idea and not even my dark magic can locate it. I am sure that the crystal is waiting for me to return back to the light."
"Alexa…Julius…I love you. No matter what you've done," Makoto said.
"So then do you really want to know the truth no matter how awful?" Alexa asked.
"I do," Makoto answered softly, holding Alexa's hands.
"Then it is time…that I must show you," The Black Dragon answered as they both vanished into the dark smoke and reappearing at the house and leading him inside.
"I've seen your house already, can't you tell me the truth?" Makoto asked.
"The truth…is in this house," Alexa said, "You'll find it."
Makoto sighed and answered, "I hate to play games like this but I'll do it. I know it'll give me some clues."
The taller man walked into the living room while Alexa snapped his fingers to activate a fireplace to bring in some warmth as well as a small record player with soft music of the sea.
"This sound…it's just like home…" Makoto smiled a little, "This room is almost like…"
"Back home in Aqua Duniya you used to be afraid of the water…or the ocean in general even after the purification. But you managed to fight it so well that you embraced the magic in you. I wanted to bring the feelings of home into this house," Alexa explained, "The sound of the ocean…the aesthetics of our castle…I figured you'd love it."
"Well I guess being the Dark One does have its perks," Makoto nodded, "You did a nice job picking this home."
"I didn't…you did," Alexa emphasized, showing him a newspaper.
Makoto took it and gasped that it was his handwriting while Alexa continued, "Nagisa told me that you were wanting to get this place…this future…even though we have our real home in Atlantis. I still wanted to make sure your wish would come true…to bring this future together."
"Well now I guess this is where you can tell me the truth," Makoto got up and walked to him closely.
"Almost there…I'm so proud of you," Alexa smiled a little as they both exchanged a romantic kiss. It felt like an eternity but the kiss stopped as Makoto began to feel dizzy.
"W-what did you do?" he moaned before falling unconscious.
"I can't tell you everything until this is over," Alexa sighed sadly, "Otherwise you'll stop me."
Sportsbrooke General Hospital: Psychiatric Ward
Shougo lied down on his bed as he was trying to sleep but felt restless. Even though he was withdrawn from the drugs, he still craved a few other things. He made a mental plan to break free and to start his own empire when he heard a female crying out loud from next door to his room.
The next thing he knew, his door opened up as one of the guards beckoned him to step out. Shougo walked to see Chikako Ubukata moaning in pain as her uterus pushed her belly larger by the moment.
"H-how the hell is this happening!? You were perhaps a few weeks pregnant!" Shougo gasped.
"Well how do you think?!" she snapped, "DARK MAGIC! AAGGGAHHHHH"
"WHOSE DARK MAGIC!?" a voice shouted as the two turned to see Akashi Seijuuro along with Aomine and Kise.
"Let's get them in," Kise sighed as the guard escorted the group out where she was put in a handicap chair and heading to the labor room.
"Just stay calm and breathe," Shougo said.
"SHUT UP! I was a fake mid-wife back in my days I know what to do!" she snarled while breathing heavily at the early signs of contractions.
"Are you sure this was Alexa's Dark Magic?" asked Akashi.
"How the hell should I know?!" Chikako snarled, "But…if the Dark One offers you onion rings…aggghh…don't eat theemmamaahhhhhhAHHHHH!"
She was finally put on a bed as one of the doctors checked in with a few nurses to help assist the labor.
Rei and the other senshi walked into the store just as Pandora, Kenma, Noya and Takao gasped on another piece of evidence discovered in the notes.
"Wh-what's going on?" asked Rei.
"Alexa has used Dark Magic to get a baby! It's part of an ingredient he's making," Pandora said.
"Dammit!" Rin growled, "We're running out of time! Why does he need a baby for?"
"It's to drain the last of his inner light away! We have to hurry!" Takao gasped as he transformed into a raven and beckoning them to follow.
"Let's go too!" Noya nodded as he and Kenma transformed into a Crow and Jaguar respectively.
As they ran, Pandora told them about Makoto finding Alexa and has tried to spy on their communication but they have disappeared from radar. Rei guessed that they might be in the basement of Alex's house which will require a serious break in and to put a stop on the Dark One's plans.
"He must have manipulated Mako-chan!" Nagisa sighed.
"Is there anyone who is recently pregnant?" Momo asked.
"We'll have to go to the hospital and see," Rin replied.
They all raced to the hospital and sure enough Pandora located someone already taking in labor.
"Okay so when it's done we have to relocate them to a safe place to keep Alexa in bay," Pandora said, "Samezuka team go outside, Iwatobi you're with me!"
The animals transformed back to their human forms and stayed out as well.
"I really do not want to go to war with him," Haruka said, "This isn't right."
"I know but we have to get him back in our hands," Rei nodded, "This darkness has to stop!"
The three Iwatobi members and Pandora found the room as Akashi, Kise, and Aomine explained what was happening to this young lady.
"So he manipulated Shougo and his girl to do this?" Nagisa asked.
The lady cried out one last time as the baby was finally born. The nurses briefly rinsed and cleaned the newborn while giving the mother an antibiotic postpartum to keep her immunity levels safe. Once the baby was wrapped, Chikako held the newborn in her arms.
Normally Shougo wouldn't have these feelings for kids nor did he care as he knew they wouldn't benefit his fantasies, his drugs and desire (not without torturing them) but seeing this melted his heart very slightly. After asking, he got to hold the baby as well.
"It's a baby boy," he smiled, "Little junior ne?"
"Sounds like your fantasy days are over," Chikako smirked a little.
Shougo was about to say an insult back to her when a dark voice said, "Look who's glowing? Congrats!"
The Black Dragon appeared as the others charged in to block Alexa from getting the baby. Shougo handed the baby back while standing in defense of the two.
"GET away from the baby!" Akashi warned.
Kise looked down and gasped, "You guys…that's the Staff of Dreams!"
"Yes it is," The Black Dragon said, "And I didn't ask anyone to try and get it."
Alexa waved his hand to throw everyone to the side or into the hallway as he approached to Shougo.
"I won't let you get a hand on him!" he snarled.
"You thought that tears of the baby will be what I need to drain my light?" Alexa asked.
Shougo looked at him, confused before Alexa snapped his fingers, taking the man with him as everyone stared on confusion. If the baby wasn't what the Dark One was after…?
"T-This doesn't make any sense!" said Akashi.
"No, but we can still stop him," Rei nodded, "We're gonna have to break in."
"Then hurry up and let's go!" Pandora replied, "I sent a warning to the others about Alexa."
Flashback: Near Lynhaven Mansion
(3 – 5 days ago)
Alexa sat down on a wooden log and tried to concentrate on the crystal. Makoto approached to him after taking a search.
"There you are," he said.
The Dark Savior turned to him, "Pandora almost used it on me…why didn't you use it too?"
"It's wrong of her to do that…I mean, yes you have the power to understand and link minds into others but…I know you'd never abuse that power so…I trusted you," Makoto answered.
"But Pandora is right though…she is onto my weakness," Alexa replied, "I am scared to let go of the darkness."
"Why's that?" Makoto asked.
"This of course," Alexa smiled a little as he revealed the newspaper page.
"Oh Nagisa that lil'shit…" Makoto said, "He's always ruining the surprises."
"I don't think it's him to blame…he's motivating me a bit," Alexa answered, "But…I'm just as scared right now and I have no idea how my future self broke free from this curse.
"So what is?" Makoto asked.
"Back in Sportsbrooke when I reminded my love to you, I feared I'd never was going to see you or the others again…that darkness…when I took it…I felt like the end was near and that I wasn't gonna be able to become Neo King Julius," Alexa said.
"Sounds worse than I feared," Makoto replied, "It's like as if you don't want the future to happen."
"No Mako-chan! I'm scared because I do want this future…with you and the others! When you cut the darkness off of me, we'll find and reclaim the Solar Crystal, find a new body for me in case the death mark does reactivate, help the Saviors rebuild Olympia Magna…and we can have our home both in Sportsbrooke and in Atlantis," Alexa answered, "Our future begins…"
"My dear Alexa…Julius…I love you," Makoto said, "Remember what I said earlier; to put your trust in me?"
Alexa nodded and they both shared a kiss, finally igniting the crystal as flames grew on the red jewel. The fated couple turned to see the small fire as they knew that their love will conquer the darkness at last.
"You're almost there…my prince," Makoto smiled.
Present Day: Marotta House Basement
Makoto opened his eyes as he found himself in chains. Getting up on his feet, he realized that it led to someone else sitting down on the floor.
"Shougo…" he looked at him, "Why are you here?"
"Your insane boyfriend sped up my girl's pregnancy and separated me after I barely held my son's birth," Shougo sighed annoyingly, "And they call me a bitch…"
Makoto looked at a table of magical supplies, "Is Alexa up to something with our magic?"
"I think he's gonna put a spell on me because whatever I did to him in the last few weeks…I think he's pissed as fuck," Shougo answered.
"Why does he need more dark magic?" Makoto growled.
"I don't!" Alexa appeared as he carried the Staff of Dreams, "I'm not getting anymore magic. I'm giving it to Shougo instead."
"W-what!?" Shougo hissed.
"Mako-chan, you're right…about me…being who I am. I'm getting rid of the darkness once and for all," Alexa said.
"If that's true then why have Shougo and I involved?" asked Makoto.
"I get it now…" Shougo said, "You want me to be the next vessel of the darkness."
"Yes, that's correct," Alexa answered, "I'll soon transfer this darkness into you."
"But what's that got to do with me!?" Makoto snapped.
"Because I know you'll do whatever is necessary to stop me," Alexa hinted before realizing his mistake.
Alexa's ears perked up as he could hear the others approaching to his house. He vanished into the dark clouds to confront them.
"We have to get out of here," Makoto said, "I don't know when he'll return."
"Do you remember when you released me?" Shougo asked, showing his cuff.
"After what you've done," Makoto replied, "How can I be certain this time?"
"Because we both don't want to be here. Besides you can't even transform into a senshi so I'll take the lead on getting us out," he answered.
Makoto hesitated a few moments before answering, "Fine."
He tore the cuff and they began their way out after Shougo used his magic to snap the chains apart.
Outside:
"How the hell can Alexa tear light magic from Shougo? It doesn't add up!" Rei muttered as he, the other senshi, Eijun, Akashi, and Kagami followed Pandora to the house.
"He can't!" Pandora said, "And if whatever he's planning..."
"What exactly are you going to do once you find him?" asked Sousuke, getting suspicious.
"Oh it's simple," she replied, turning to the crowd, "I'll show The Black Dragon what dark magic REALLY looks like."
"Pandora please! He's our prince!" Nitori said.
"We can't just go to war with him!" Momo agreed.
"If none of you have the stomach for this…" began Pandora.
"WE ARE NOT going to hurt him!" Rei snapped back.
"THIS IS EXACTLY WHY HE ENTRUSTED ME TO USE THE ORB," she shouted back, "He knows that I'm the ONLY one who can do what HAS to be done!"
"Just let us do what we can to stop AND save him!" Nagisa argued.
The door slammed opened as The Black Dragon walked down the steps softly, saying, "I don't need saving! You all should TRUST me. By the time I am done with Shougo, you'll all be THANKING me especially you Pandora and Kagami!"
"Why would I thank you?" Pandora asked while Kagami stared right into Alexa's sickly green eyes.
"You don't remember this but back in El Dorado you helped me admit some things about myself," Alexa said, "And now I'm gonna return the favor. Because deep down you know that you'll be happy when Shougo is gone."
"Gone?" Akashi asked, "This is NOT THE WAY MR. MAROTTA AND YOU KNOW IT!"
"We're back to Mr. Marotta," Alexa hissed.
"Well start acting again like Alexa and we'll talk!" the red-haired replied.
"I AM ALEXA!" the Black Dragon hissed as he twirled the full power of the staff of dreams to unleash a freezing spell, holding them in one place like statues.
Shougo and Makoto got back to the first floor as they could see the magic Alexa is using. There was some little time to escape.
"Good, he's busy, let's go," Shougo said.
"No. There's something I have to find…the truth," Makoto answered.
"And you're gonna waste my effort for this?" Shougo asked.
"It's not about you…it's about whatever happened between him and I…he's hiding something and I can't leave without knowing what that is," the taller man explained.
"Fine, I'll leave you to it," Shougo said, heading to the back door, "Good luck."
Makoto looked through the living room of the house as quickly as possible, hoping to find something that could give him answers or whatever it is. He saw a bunch of books to the side where he saw a small vial of magic that he immediately realized what it was.
He grabbed it just as Alexa stepped back in the house with a growl, "Really?! I was TRYING to help you!"
"Alexa…" said Makoto before he opened the vial and threw the paralysis spell on Alexa's coat as the Dark One dropped the staff of dreams and stared at Makoto with increasing worry.
"I'm sorry my love," he continued, "But the others are right; you are a villain now. And are you gonna tell me what happened in El Dorado that made you that way?!"
"How are you going to make me do that?!" replied Alexa.
"I got some ideas," said a voice.
They turned to see Shougo walking in the scene who said to Makoto, "I see you found the paralysis…captain."
"W-why did you come back?" asked Makoto.
"Well I thought about how you couldn't run till you got some answers…and then I realized it too that I couldn't run," said Shougo as he walked towards Alexa and whispered, "Not without making the Dark One pay."
"Whatever the hell you think you're doing," growled Alexa as he walked passed him but then he saw it.
"NO! NO!" shouted Alexa in terror of protest as the rogue basketball stabbed Makoto on the chest with a pair of pliers. Makoto yelped in pain but then it felt nothing as if…
"Hehehe, I bet you didn't see that coming did you?" laughed Shougo, "But of course there's more to that compared to the surprise you're about to see. But ask yourself…got stabbed in the chest? Why didn't it feel painful? Why might not dead?"
"W-what the hell is happening!" gasped Makoto as he tore of the knife off himself and throwing it to the side, "ANSWER ME DARK ONE!"
"Well you could take my word or…ask the Dark One to return your memories," said Shougo, "Look at this."
He held up a bottle that had Makoto's name on it with a green fluid inside, "I found this outside."
"Don't trust him!" hissed Alexa, "Makoto, please, let me explain!"
Makoto looked at the vial and then to Shougo, saying, "Do it! Give it to me! That's my memory vial!"
He handed the drink over and Makoto took the entire sip as flashes of the journey in El Dorado finally were coming back as the scene around them changed…
Flashes of images of the two being happily together were displayed but the final image revealed…the birth…of the Darkest Secret…
Flashback: Lynhaven Mansion
(3 – 5 Days Ago)
Everyone stood together in the Lynhaven Mansion as the time was finally here. The pieces of the Staff of Dreams and the Golden Orb finally waiting to be put together whole once more. With the Vulcanus crystal ready for its use, everyone anticipated happily to see their beloved Julius back to normal.
Cosmos smiled and looked at Alexa, "You ready?"
"Yes," he smiled.
"Then it's time," Cosmos replied, "To get rid of the darkness…once and for all."
Alexa looked at the pieces of the staff of dreams: The Dream Shaker, the Nightmare Staff, and the Golden Orb. He activated the flame on the crystal for ignition. The globe of fire then floated in front of him as everyone watched happily.
The Dark One looked at Makoto who smiled back at him with hope to see their future finally happening when this is all said and done. Alexa closed the fire in his hands to turn it to light energy and placed the two halves of the staff together…
Makoto grunted as he felt his chest was on fire. The other guys looked at him as blood began to leak on his Arabian cloak as Haruka was the first to notice followed by Rin.
"M-Makoto?!" gasped Rin.
"W-wh-what the!?" shouted Rei as Alexa dropped the items and grabbed hold onto him and got him on the floor. He ripped open the outfit to see the massive cut growing deeper slowly.
"He's bleeding!" cried Nagisa.
"N-no it can't be…" whispered Alexa as Haruka laid Makoto down on the ground.
"When the hell did that happen!?" asked Sousuke.
"It was the Dream Shaker that struck him during a fight. I healed it though, it's only a small cut! But how…why is this happening?!" Alexa cried out as his heartbeat raced.
"I'm afraid it's only been done this way," said Cosmos, "The Staff of Dreams is also designed to cut immortal and mortal ties. A wound from it cannot be healed."
"What?!" gasped Nitori, "There has to be something that he can do! Something that the Saviors can do together, right?!"
"Even their powers combined aren't strong enough," Cosmos answered, "Not even my own."
"Makoto!" said Alexa, holding him by the side, "You're gonna be okay! I promise! Just hold on!"
"A-Alexa…" moaned Makoto, "I-it's alright…I'll be fine."
"N-no…please," he whimpered, terrified, "No. Don't leave me again! We already died once before! You understand?! You have to stay! Come on Mako-chan! What about our future together?!"
"O-our future is now," he whispered loudly, "Put the staff together…and free yourself…so I can see you before I go…"
Alexa's eyes widened as his facial expression turned dark with a growl, "NNNOOO!"
"No!?" asked Rei.
"I'm not gonna let him die! I know there's another way to save him!" said Alexa, turning to Cosmos, "You said I have great power in me! So let me use it! I can use the Vulcanus Flame to release you from the Dream Shaker staff and I can use it to tether Mako-chan's life to it instead!"
"Alexa you know what will happen if you do," replied Cosmos, looking more concerned by this.
The others gasped as they realized what he meant as everyone looked at each other with increasing worry. Doing this to Mako-chan would…
"Alexa you can't do this!" said Nagisa, protesting this idea.
"You will multiply the darkness so that it cannot be destroyed. Not without the highest and the steepest of it all," Cosmos continued, "It will be your FINAL step into the dark!"
"I don't care what happens to me," Alexa replied, ignoring him while looking back at Makoto.
"No, please wait!" said Rin.
"Alexa he's right," agreed Rei, "This is…"
"If you could've saved Nagisa?! Or anyone?! LOOK HOW FAR YOU ALL WERE WILLING TO GO! HOW FAR YOU PUSHED ME TO USE AND NOT USE THIS MAGIC!" he shouted.
Alexa turned back to Makoto and said, "I'm not going to lose Makoto…I won't let anyone stop me!"
Before the others could protest, Alexa teleported himself and Makoto to the Middlemist flower fields to spend some private time. The Nightmare staff, Dream Shaker and the orb landed next to Makoto as the taller man could barely breathe.
"Alexa…" he moaned.
"Mako-chan," smiled Alexa with a tear "Listen to me, you're gonna be okay! Just listen to what I have to say..."
Makoto grunted and answered, "N-no…you have to let me go…please. I-I don't want to pay that pr-price…I'm too scared to become that…"
"Makoto, please no!" replied the Dark One, "You won't fall for that, I can help you!"
"I've fought so hard to remove the darkness and the death curse from you…and I failed…please…f-forgive me…" breathed Makoto.
"You can fight the darkness like me!" cried Alexa, "Just trust me! We can do this together!"
"I-I can't…I've been born of innocence…I don't know what will hap-p-pen if I take the da-dark-k-ness in…" he breathed.
"Makoto, our future…please…" said Alexa, spilling a silent tear, gripping his hands tighter with him.
"I-I'm not as strong as you…P-Prince…J-JuliussssaaaaHH…" whispered Makoto as he titled his head to death after moaning loudly in pain for the last breath. Alexa gasped in deep despair as he touched his face.
"THAT'S NOT ENOUGH FOR ME!" cried Alexa, holding Makoto's face, spilling tears as he rubbed his hands on his face.
The tears fell onto Makoto's cheeks as Alexa's emotions were all wide range of sadness and anger blending in a cauldron of uncertainty. Time was short as he grabbed the Nightmare Staff and placed the golden orb back to its headpiece; recreating the Evil Eye as the area around them turned golden.
The others watched in horror as Eijun suddenly felt frozen in place and was shaken with tremors of coldness. Shadows leaked out of their bodies and up to the ceiling. Kagami gasped as he recalled that when he was Hanamichi and the others removed the darkness off of him.
"W-what's going on!?" gasped Rin.
"I-It's too late…" whispered Cosmos, feeling the darkness leaving his body as tendrils of shadows leaked out, heading to the source of power. His own body too was leaking out the shadows that were tethered to the staff.
The Nightmare staff glowed as swirls of black energy leaked out and poured into Makoto's chest. Alexa cried internally but continued to focus on the task, hoping to at least save him…even if the final cost…
Alexa closed his eyes and thought about all the happiness he shared with Makoto/Antonius throughout their lives.
"Forgive me….Mako-chan," whispered Alexa as he spilled the last tear that dropped on Makoto's chest. For a moment, he saw a small spark of light on the chest, wondering if there was still hope.
Makoto's body dissolved into a green misty cloud before it vanished. Alexa's hands shook as he could feel his entire body vibrating and trembling to the point of a blur. Second later, Makoto's name appeared on the handle close to the Evil Eye in Black Knight Gothic Font:
~Makoto Tachibana~
A dark explosion blinded Alexa in seconds as his clothes finally transformed into a black leather outfit with a dark cape from its back. His hair was tied up and dyed black and his eyes were sickly green. He turned the staff to see the new reflection and his jaw dropped in terrible shock as he was now finally complete in his transition into the new Dark One…
~The Black Dragon~
At the same temple where Alexa emerged from, the pool of shadows leaked out from the dimensional rift. It swirled around until it constructed Makoto dressed in a dark emerald cloak with rags and sashes. He opened his eyes and stared out blankly through the space…The Second Rising was fulfilled…
~The Dark Orca~
Present Day:
Makoto looked at himself through the memories with denial and shock going through his system.
"I'm so sorry Mako-chan," said Alexa sadly, "I really had not much of a choice."
"No, no…no…there has to be something…I don't even…" he began.
"Awwww, you finding the truth hard to swallow?" asked Shougo, "Here. Take a look at the staff."
He handed over the staff to him and waved his hand over the nightmare section, revealing his name on the dark half of the weapon.
"A glamour spell," said Shougo, "Hehe, it was there…the WHOLE time. Right under your nose. And you didn't even see it."
He laughed but stopped midway and added, "Oh. I suppose it's not the Dark One any more is it. More like the Dark Ones?"
"So…that's why you saved my life twice tonight. I was never in real danger," said Makoto darkly, "You were just hiding me from the truth!"
"But you WERE in danger of dying back then!" said Alexa, almost wanting to cry, "I needed to fix everything first and make it all up to you and the others for what I've done!"
"By killing me!" chuckled Shougo with a hint of sarcasm, "How wonderful…"
"It's the only way to get rid of the darkness in both of us!" replied Alexa, "Everything I've done since we got back to Sportsbrooke was to save you Mako-chan!"
"T-This…this is what you call saving?!" growled Makoto, "How could you do THIS TO ME!?"
"Please…I'm sorry," said Alexa, "I just…"
"So much for OUR future…Julius!" hissed Makoto, feeling the darkness taking toll of his heart.
"So then," said Shougo, walking over to Makoto, handing him the second vial, "You want to know what else Alexa has done in El Dorado?"
After a moment Makoto answered, "Yes. But first we need to take care of him…"
Shougo smirked and turned to Alexa's saddened expression, as the entire plan finally crashed down on him. Makoto's rebirth as the "Dark One" has finally begun…
~Episode 9 END~
~Episode 10 PV~
Narrator: Operation Julius Begins with a 3 Part Arc! Part 1 is a side story that talks about the three weeks back on Aqua Duniya, Olympia, and perhaps other realms too while these events in El Dorado, Reykjavik, Lake Erie Hot Springs, and the Chicken and Sun Temples. Part 2 will wrap up the El Dorado Flashback Series and Part 3 will reveal the outcome of the Black Dragon Arc as well as prepare for the "Movie Novel", The Last World.
~Episode 10: Operation Julius Part 1: The Other Three Weeks! - February 27, 2017
~Episode 11: Operation Julius Part 2: Broken Heart! - March 1, 2017
~Episode 12: Operation Julius Part 3: Replay; Rewrite Future Fish!- March 3, 2017
~Future Fish Mook 6: Replay; Rewrite The Last World! - March 25, 2017