~Episode 8: 比類のないパワーのパンドラの箱！Pandora's Box of Unparalleled Power!
"Together as a group, we can achieve the obstacles that block our ultimate voyage,"
- Makoto Tachibana
The dragon soared fast and high up to the skies, taking the Magic Six back to Lynwin. At one point, they considered stopping by in Iwatobi but it was already taking far too long to make their way back home. Hoping to find the time later, they vowed to one day revisit their homes of Iwatobi and Cleveland once more.
Makoto watched as a few clouds took on a shape of an orca while Rin saw a shark-shaped cloud and said, "W-what's this!?"
Haruka turned to see a dolphin cloud and was surprised while Rei smiled as he saw a butterfly cloud, "It's beautiful!"
Nagisa smiled as he saw a few smaller clouds that were in the shape of penguins. Alex meanwhile focused on his steed as the dragon continued to beat its majestic wings, grunting happily.
The clouds finally drifted apart as they finally saw the massive continent of Lynwin with the grand city of Lynwin-Mu further to the heart of the land.
"Y-you guys!" he said.
"Oh…my…god!" gasped Rin.
"W-we finally made it," smiled Rei as he stared at the landmass while Nagisa was so happy that he was speechless.
"Just like the old days!" said Makoto.
Rin started to cry with happiness while he hugged behind Nagisa. The blonde grinned and said, "I knew you'd cry, honey."
Rei could only chuckle while Alex pulled on the reins to keep the dragon on course. They arrived over the shoreline of the eastern land before soaring over the forested area and the grasslands.
Lynwin's Town Hall, Lynwin-Mu
Back down in the city, two of Annabelle's witches arrived at the town hall where they saw the other girls and villagers decorating the place.
"EVERYONE!" shouted the first witch.
"The Magic Six have been spotted in the skies!" replied the second.
Atari gasped while Annabelle smiled happily as Demitra answered, "Sound the bells!"
Two of the servants nodded and rushed to the clock towers while Beatrice turned to one of her guards and said, "Go gather the cooks to prepare a feast. I'm sure they'll want something."
"Yes my lady," replied the servant and ran off.
"Well it's about time they're back!" smirked Xing.
"I'm just so happy!" smiled Johann.
"But wait a sec, don't you think they know you've been revived?" asked Claudia.
"We'll just have to keep our composure and go on whatever they react," said Denise, "I'm sure after the confusion, they'll understand."
Outisde…
Sergi was about to sit down on the bench with Sousuke, Momo, and Sei when the bells were tolling loudly throughout the city.
"W-what's going on!?" he shouted.
"T-The bells…" muttered Sousuke.
"Something must be going on!" said Momo.
Sei turned to see Gou filled with tears on her face as she cried out, "They're back! They're home!"
The others gasped as Sergi began to cry, "B-brotherrrr!"
Sousuke smiled a little while Sei chuckled and Momo turned to see Nitori and Aki.
"They're going to gather them by the old estates," said Aki.
"Oh my…you mean their original homes?" asked Sei.
"The witches are going to escort them down safely to the town," answered Nitori.
"Well then, let's gather our other friends, shall we?" he replied with a wink while Momo smirked happily.
The group raced through the streets of Lynwin-Mu as they saw Kazuki, Takuya, and Shouta chatting around.
"Th-they back?!" asked Takuya.
"Yes! Come on!" replied Gou.
"Sounds like we better give them the welcome!" said Shouta.
"Let's give them the best homecoming!" agreed Sei.
The group made their way towards the town hall where several of the Clan Girls and a few of the servants were gathering all the decorations and food together. It was all in a matter of time before the Magic Six will touch down on the city so they made their way to the original estates to decorate.
In the Celestial Forest, the Chivashi hissed as they realized the change in atmosphere of the city.
"So they're back," hissed Haruto while Mariko kept silent.
"How wonderful…"
"I want to eat them!" growled Rikuto.
"We can't…not until the full moon is here. But…it is almost time," replied Mariko.
Reiji narrowed his eyes and softly growled while Natsuhisa sniffed the blood and said, "So…tasty…"
"I'm glad we don't have to wait much longer," said Abigail darkly as she made an evil smirk, holding the box close to her heart, "The faster we kill them…the better!"
Back in the skies…
Makoto and the others gasped as the city of Lynwin-Mu was glowing brightly in golden-colors. Alex used his power of emotions and sensed sheer joy and hope throughout the city.
"The city is glowing…" said Rin.
"They know we're home," smiled Alex.
"W-wait, what's that?" asked Nagisa as he pointed out to some dark dots flying up towards them.
Rin unleashed his x-ray vision and saw that it was a bunch of witches led by Annabelle (the clan that led RinHaru's Legend) up towards them. Several of the witches and warlocks cheered happily while a few others were chanting spells to create a transparent barrier around them.
"W-what are they doing!?" asked Haruka.
"We're just here to keep you secured on the fight down," said one of the witches with a smile.
"Did something happened while we were away?" asked Rei.
"Beatrice and the others will explain to you guys. For now, we'll bring you all to your original homes for a wonderful celebration!" said one of the warlocks.
The others nodded as Alex pulled on the reins to keep the dragon calm down as it snorted.
"Take us home," said Haruka.
The villagers gathered together by the Original Estates that led to the Suiei Temple. Each of the original homes had a path that led to the temple but there was a "public" pathway that does lead to the temple as well (for tourism).
Many of the people were anxious and excited to hear the news as some of them were squealing happily while others were waiting patiently as possible. Finally…
"Look up! They're home! They're home!" shouted some of the people.
Seijuurou smiled happily as Nitori spilled a tear of happiness. The dragon landed down on the high way and the team got off as the creature transformed back into the sword. They gasped in shock as they saw the villagers of Lynwin, the Clan Girls, their close friends along with Gou and a few other families.
Atari spoke on her bullhorn speaker and said, "Alrighty you guys, give them the welcome home!"
The audience clapped and cheered on loudly as the Magic Six walked on the pathway that led to their original homes. They only took a few steps up when Gou rushed over and hugged Rin happily.
Makoto smiled at the two reunited siblings when he was in for a surprise as well; Ran and Ren screamed out his name and rushed up to him, crying happily.
"ONI-CHAAAAAAANN!" cried Ran and Ren.
Makoto cried happily as he hugged his younger twins while Alex smiled with the others and the crowed were filled with awe and happiness.
"BROTHER!" shouted a familiar voice.
Alex turned and gasped, seeing his younger brother, Sergi running towards him.
S-SERGI!" he screamed, hugging him happily as the two Marotta brothers cried out. Rei, Nagisa and Haruka smiled as the other girls arrived to welcome them home.
"Welcome home, Magic Six," said Beatrice.
The other girls smiled as the boys nodded but stopped in a gasp of shock when one of them stepped out to them.
"Hi," said Johann.
Alex gasped as the others moved back a little in fear as she continued, "Oh, you didn't knew I was alive?"
"Stay back!" said Makoto, getting a bit defensive.
"Beatrice, what's going on?" asked Alex as he held his hands with Rei and Nagisa.
"How did you come back? And why?" asked Nagisa as his eyes flickered.
"Please have no fear," said Johann, "I am alright now; I won't attack you."
"But how can we know you're not lying?" asked Rei, narrowing his eyes.
"She's not," replied Beatrice, "Otherwise she wouldn't have been here."
Alex closed his mind and reached out to her mind, trying to figure out what made her come back to life in the first place. He remembered back in Hawaii while the continent was under the relationship wars, Johann ruled the people who worshiped the Rei x Nagisa Legend. Alex defeated her with the Chiropteran blood but gasped as he remembered her final words…but what was in for a bigger surprised shocked him…
"A-Anya…" he gasped, falling to his knees, his face filled with tears, "S-she…she also gave her life for yours!"
The other boys gasped as Johann walked up to him, hugging and replying, "I'm very sorry for what I have done to you and the others. I too was under Pandora's curse…please spare me as you have done with the others."
Alex nodded and answered, "Welcome to Lynwin-Mu. However, I found out about Anya's death back in Terran Nost. But I never expected your life to be revived in the process…now I'll never be forgiven for what I have done to you and…"
"You didn't have any other choice but to kill me back then. I don't want to think what would have happen if you didn't," she answered.
"You were the one that guided Nagisa and I to gather the stone piece back then…" gasped Rin.
"Yes, that is correct," she answered as she released the hug from Alex, "Anya has chosen me to carry on her powers and I promise to help all of you in the final battle."
"But Pandora though…she's," began Alex.
"Sometimes in war… you'll need to recruit people even if you have a hard time on their first impressions," said a familiar voice.
Alex gasped as the others turned to see Jadwiga along with Matryona and Varvara stepping out from the crowd.
"H-How?!" gasped Rei.
They were all in for this surprise to see Alex's niece and nephew once more along with Jadwiga. But how was it they got here to Earth?
"Pandora expelled us to this world," said Jadwiga, "We were trying to prepare a siege on her to weaken her base but she caught us early and threw us here."
"They were outside outside the forest near the bridges," added Beatrice.
"Is there anyone else here?" asked Alex.
"How should I know?" replied Jadwiga, "I only got Matryona and Varvara."
"It's clear at this point, both worlds of Earth and Duniya have a dark cloud about Pandora," said Makoto.
The others agreed on it while Sergi turned to his brother, "There's something I wanted to tell you…"
"What is it?" he asked.
Before Sergi could answer, the crowds moved to the side as the two Marotta brothers gasped at the sight of their parents before them along with the other parents (including Russel and Lori) of the Magic Six.
Haruka rushed his way over while Makoto and his siblings ran to their parents with tears. Rin was already crying and joined up to his parents along with Gou while Rei ran towards his parents and his elder brother. Nagisa cried happily in the hands with his sisters and parents while the two Marotta brothers reunited with their parents at last.
"MOMMA, PAPPA!" cried Alex as he and Sergi hugged their family.
The audience cheered happily as the six families finally reunited and gathered together at the estate that was once the home of Haruka and Alex. This was the first stop to reunite with old friends that they encountered in their lives back from their days in Lynwin, the states and Japan. By the time the sun set down, the group moved their way over to Rin and Rei's house where they all shared a grand feast together.
Afterwards, the Magic Six moved with their families to Makoto and Nagisa's house for some peace and quiet and some privacy as well while the others partied away.
Alex sat down on the porch with Rei, the megane's parents, his sibling as well as his own parents. Sergi was already swinging back and forth with Rei with a smile on his face while Rei watched Alex finally talking to his parents about his true feelings.
"I…I'm very, deeply sorry for not speaking up my true feelings..." he said, " I...I just didn't think I'd be...good enough because of how I looked and…"
"Oh sweetie, you're always beautiful," replied the mother, hugging him while moving his tears, "Don't cry."
"You always say that…" he shrugged, "But why couldn't you accept my wish?"
"Because…I just didn't want you to be bothered by the skin you were in," she answered, "None of us knew why you stopped swimming and…"
"Son we are very proud of you...yes, you kept too much burden inside but look at where you are now," said his father.
"I know that…but I couldn't even trust anyone…and I was really scared to tell you that…" he began.
"That we'd yell at you?" asked the father.
"Y-yes," he moaned, looking down to the floor.
The mother wiped his tears and answered, "You're an adult too now, please don't get too worked up. It hurts us to see you in such sadness. You have to get over it."
"I just wish I could've reached that dream back then...back in that other reality..." he answered.
"We were told about your entire journey so we already know what's going on..." said the father.
"But father, I really can't bring myself upon to kill her! I just..." began Alex.
"You have others that love you...and us too," replied the mother.
Alex turned his head to Rei and Sergi and both of them smiled. Rei turned to his parents with a nod and walked his way over to the Marotta parents.
"I am happy to meet you guys again," said Rei.
"It has been a while indeed," replied Alex's father.
The mother blushed a little and said, "Y-you were one with the modeling, right?"
Alex rolled his eyes while Rei replied, "Yes, and thanks to that I could visit a lot of beautiful places."
"You have heard my radio program, yes?" winked Alex's father as Alex recognized the "self-advertisement" that his father was doing.
"We all heard your radio show," sighed Alex in annoyance.
"I have heard it many times," said Rei before he turned to Alex but Rin stepped outside with his face covered in whipped cream.
"R-Rin!?" asked Alex.
"Good lord what happened to you?" asked Alex's mother.
"I swear to god…NAGISAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" growled Rin.
"Oh Rin-Rin, please don't be mad!" said Nagisa, walking behind him.
Alex flicked his fingers and chanted, "Waters of washing…"
The water washed off the cream from Rin's face as the red-hair sighed in relief, "I could've done that but...I just wanted to get some fresh air."
Nagisa looked at Rin worried as Makoto stepped out (followed by Haruka) and said, "Hey you guys, I know it's late and what not but Camelot is calling for us."
Rei's father looked at his wife and said, "Honey, I think it's almost time."
The megane's mother nodded and got up with the Marotta parents, looking out to the temple at the very top of the hill.
"W-what's going on?" asked Rei.
The Tachibana twins cried over to Makoto and said, "MAKO-CHANN! Is it true mom and dad are going back to the heavens?!"
"All of them have to go back...isn't that what the price was?" asked Rin.
"I remember now too. Our parents budget a portion of their lives so that they would meet us again for a bit before they too...would pass," said Alex as he started to spill some tears.
"W-what?!" gasped Nagisa, "Ou-our families!?"
"Don't you remember?" asked Haruka, "They gave a part of their lives to witch boy in exchange that they would have died sooner in hopes that if something like this happened to Earth, we would at least meet again."
"I guess the price is almost fulfilled," said Rin sadly, turning to see his blood parents and host parents.
Suiei Temple
The six families made their way up the hill together as the parents stood at the central area by the altar, looking at their children for one last time.
"Now you take good care now, alright?" asked Russel.
"It has been such a privilege to meet you all again," smiled Lori.
Toraichi nodded in agreement while Rin was already feeling sad to see them all leaving again. The parents smiled as the altar finally glowed in golden light, turning the parents into sparks of light, dissolving away to the skies.
"The water will be forever with you, don't lose it," said Haruka's father.
Nagisa waved a farewell to his parents while Rei began to tear up, watching his parents and elder brother leaving as well.
"M-Mother!" said Alex.
"My son, you still possess that rare talent in your swimming...promise me that you'll never give up in your heart," she answered.
Alex gasped for a moment as all he could see was his mother's and father's faces, he replied, "I WON'T GIVE UP! I PROMISE!"
The parents smiled happily as they finally shimmered away into the night as the Sakura petals drifted around the temple. Makoto spilled some tears and said, "They all have been really supportive for us…"
Rin turned to his sister and said, "At least we got to see father again."
"I know but I wish he could have stayed longer," she answered.
"A life that is lost can never truly return..." said Alex, "Our parents cut a portion of their lives just to meet us again, shortening their original lives sooner back when we still lived in this land long ago."
Makoto turned to Haruka for a huge while Rin replied, "We should probably rest up. There's a lot that needs to get done and we have to figure out how to return to Duniya."
"He's right," agreed Rei, "We need to get some sleep."
The Next Morning:
Alex, Nagisa, and Rei walked down the streets together, heading to one of the outside flea markets in downtown. The trio wanted to get something to eat along with the others while Makoto, Haruka and Rin were already preparing other things (checking on the compendium, their status on their powers, etc.).
Alex took a deep breath of the nice, cool, fresh air and said, "This is just like how it was back then!"
"Yeah it is!" smiled Nagisa, skipping around like a little kid with excitement of happiness.
"Are we going anywhere else?" asked Rei, "Anything you both wanted to see?"
"Well we haven't made much plans…" shrugged Alex, "But let's go! I can smell the fresh fruit!"
The trio laughed and made their way down the stairs as they saw the flea market where the merchants were selling various goods, food, and other supplies.
Back at Makoto/Naigsa's original estate, Haruka flipped over some mackerel while Makoto and Rin observed over the Compendium, trying to analyze what all has been happening thus so far.
"Rin, what do you think?" asked Makoto, "About all of this?"
"Honestly I can't even begin to explain," he shrugged, "We've made such an incredible journey of our lives…and I may not have the ability to feel emotions of others like Alex…however, I can feel that this journey will be our last…"
"Well we still have Duniya," said Makoto, "We can take the people of Lynwin to Duniya once this war is over."
"Perhaps but all of our memories are here in this world too," sighed Rin, "This was a beautiful place to live as Rei would say."
"True," he agreed.
Haruka heard a knock on the door as Makoto and Rin went over to see. It was the other three along with Nitori and one of the city guards.
"I need to speak to Rin," said Nitori, "Is he here?"
"He is," replied Haruka.
"Haruka-senpai, we got you the ingredients and other supplies as well as extra snacks," said Rei, handing over the basket.
"I'll probably head back down later," replied Alex, "You want to join with me Nagisa?"
"Yeah sure! It's fun shopping with you!" said the blonde.
"I think I'm going to head up to the temple and talk to tree-san," answered Rei, "He did say that he'll be watching over us."
After breakfast, the gang split off into different directions; Nitori, Haruka, Rin, and Makoto heading down towards the lake while Nagisa and Alex went back to the city as Rei went up the hill to the temple.
Nitori led the others down towards the shoreline along with one of Xing's guards. They were standing at the beach area where the lake shimmered and its water was crystal clear blue.
"So what are we looking for?" asked Rin.
"You may not know this but Abigail escaped," said Nitori.
"Oh we heard from that…back in Terran Nost," answered Haruka, "They also told about Anastasia."
Nitori glowed his eyes neon blue to call upon his vampire blood, sniffing out their enemy towards the forest. After a few moments, he toss of his pants where he kept his swimsuit inside.
"Sounds like you've rubbed off of his shoulders," smirked Rin, looking at Haru with a wink.
"Only for times like this," muttered Nitori, "I'm going to see what has happened and…"
"No wait!" said Makoto as the others were beginning to protest.
"Ai, please don't go," agreed Rin, "It's too dangerous."
"I got Izawa's blood in me...I won't let them kill me that easily," he replied, as he already was in the water.
"What's going on with him?" asked Rin, "I haven't seen him like this since…"
"The time and growth he had in that blood made him stronger…" said a voice.
The Trio turned and saw Sousuke arriving towards them.
"S-Sousuke!" gasped Rin as he and the dark-haired boy reunited happily with a hug.
"You were following us?" asked Makoto as the two released the hug.
"I wish to speak to the three of you but individually at a time," he replied, "Nanase, I'm going to talk to you first."
Haruka remained silent but noded as he followed him. Makoto smiled and whispered, "Nankurunaisa…"
The two unlikely, awkward relations of the swimmers sat down on a rocky area of the beach as they watched the waters gently crashing and splashing around. It was mere silence between them but Haruka finally said, "So why did you bring me here?"
"You have remembered what I said to you…that other me back in that other world?" asked Sousuke, "About Rin."
"It's not a doubt that both you and him are the same being in terms of how you relate to Rin," said Haruka, keeping his eyes focused on the water.
"True, I have told him about you though…how you are different compared to you from that other timeline…" he said, "You have changed Nanase."
"Rin's decision on swimming with us was his own…it had nothing to do with you. He didn't even wanted to say much about you and…"
"How do you think I have felt?!" asked Sousuke, feeling a bit upset while trying to stay calm, "Unlike the other me in that other world…I didn't come back to Iwatobi…I stayed in Tokyo, hearing the adventures about you guys…especially when you raided the Shinjuku tower to stop the government from controlling the internet."
"It's no doubt that you and that other you are very much the same," sighed Haruka.
Sousuke was ready to slap him but he never hurt anyone (outside from hunting his enemies) so he answered, "It's because I made myself this way. However…I should be at fault for not respecting his wishes. He wanted to make a team back in Sano and I said no because I didn't want to bear any responsibilities…just independence…"
"Sounds like a lot like myself," said Haruka.
"You think?" asked Sousuke.
"Cut to the chase," he replied.
"Tch," sighed the other young man, "I want to make peace...seriously. That other me told you to make sure that Rin would be as happy as possible because that other me was unable to do so. You know what happened...you've seen it."
"You just don't trust me, even after all these years…" said Haruka.
"Who said I didn't?" replied Sousuke, "I just didn't appreciate things that you've done. However...Camelot and Watanuki told me what really happened...both this world and in that other world."
"However, I can't say whether or not it's your fault because Camelot told me about his world...where stories and universes are made...and that we were all almost like puppetts in their eyes. Maybe I am acting like this against my true feelings…who knows?"
"Almost like as if…"
"Pandora is using the powers to make our feelings?" asked Haruka.
Sousuke finally smiled a little and said, "Now you finally see it. All I want is a happy ending like you and the others…even though you guys and myself only know the real truth about our universe."
"Promise me one thing…Haruka. Don't get yourself or the others killed, alright? I'm not saying this just because of Rin…but for the sake of all of you…you all need to find your happy ending together also."
Haruka finally smiled a little back and said, "Thank you."
Haruka returned to Makoto and Rin by the sandy areas and said, "Makoto, it's your turn."
"EHHH!?" gasped Makoto, "So you and Gou knew about us trapped in that other reality!?"
"Yes, we found out from Camelot...and he told us to carefully interfere with that timeline, making sure that we would get you guys back," said Sousuke with a little smile, "He told us to not say anything to anyone...not even the Ship Clans...not even Beatrice."
"Well I guess I can only say thank you..." smiled Makoto.
Sousuke blushed for a moment before continuing, "I decided to tell you instead of Haru since I have seen your leadership for that team...especially when you were all in Nationals both in this world and in the other timeline."
"I only wish we knew it all sooner..." sighed Makoto, "Did you switch your arms?"
Sousuke nodded and said, "It's all ready now. I'm ready to go with you all and to fight her down...to end this eternal mess."
"Well I hope you and Haru-chan made peace," replied Makoto.
"Ehhh…well yeah, sort of, it's a start," blushed Sousuke, "Maybe it's because I have hated myself for not being supportive…"
"He just likes to keep things himself…" he answered, "I mean you saw how he cared for Alex and the others back when we ruled this land...he was open to his family as well...he just doesn't like to be extroverted at times that is unnecessary."
"You're sort of missing it out on the past," sighed Sousuke, "But again, it's sort of between him and I to settle…"
"Well I am glad that things have turned out better," said Makoto.
"How about your siblings?" he asked.
"Happy to see me back," smiled Makoto, "But it's still a long journey for us."
"You're probably right," agreed Sousuke, flexing his robotic arm, "I just hope there'll be a happy ending for all of us."
After a little while, Makoto returned and asked for Rin to go to Sousuke while he went with Haruka back up to the village to meet up with the others.
Rin sat down on the rocky area and asked, "So that's what you told Haru and Makoto? You better not have said anything hurtful!"
Sousuke chuckled and said, "No it's fine...I only wanted to make my peace."
"Hmmm, that's definitely not like you from before..." he replied.
"I changed…probably," shrugged Sousuke.
"Certainly," winked Rin.
"...Rin, I need you to understand one thing before we go into battle. It's something serious okay?" asked Sousuke, "It's about…"
Before he could finish, Nagisa jumped behind Rin and said, "Rin-Rin! I'm borreeeeed! Let's do something fun, fun, funnn!"
Rin nearly jumped up in surprise while Sousuke was laughing hard.
"Nagisa…you sneaky little…" began Rin with an evil smirk.
"I see you and him are growing closer and closer together…" said Sousuke.
"Yep! No one messes with my Rin-Rin!" smiled Nagisa.
Sousuke whispered into the blonde's ear, "Then don't let Rin get out-of-control, okay?"
"I promise…I already topped him and…" began Nagisa quietly back.
"Oi!" said Rin, "What are you guys talking about!?"
"Nothing," smiled Sousuke nervously.
"Don't worry about it, Rin-chan!" winked Nagisa.
Rin finally tackled him over for another round of tickling as he replied, "This is my return to the favor!"
"Oh Rin…" chuckled Sousuke.
"HAHAHAHA…R-RInaahahaha!" laughed Naigsa, "S-stop! I promise I'll stop teasing you…for a week!"
Sousuke got up and pulled Rin back and replied, "I swear you guys…"
"Thanks Sou-chan!" smiled the blonde while Rin growled in annoyance before they all laughed.
Around lunch time, Seijuurou and Gou sat down at a picnic table as they ate some nice seafood basket together. Sei looked over to the scenery of the town and asked, "Remember we used to come here with our kids?"
"Yeah…I really miss those days," she answered as she started to spill some tears.
"Ohhh, is something wrong?" he asked, "Did something…?"
"I only wish I could see them again, and hold them…laugh with them…" she answered while he hugged her.
"I miss them too. Their laughter...Atsuko was a great swimmer and so was Saburo..." he agreed, "I'm sure we'll reunite with them someday…"
"You're right. We have to stay strong now," she answered.
"We'll fight this final battle…and we'll find them…" he smiled as he gave her a kiss on the forehead.
Back in the town hall the Clan Girls were finishing up the decorations as they have already made new additions to the hall as well as decorating the Lynwin-All University and a few other places that were special to the Magic Six.
"Come on you guys! We don't have all day!" said Atari.
Annabelle snapped her fingers and more decorations were instantly attached to the wall. Demitra passed a set of ribbons to Johann in which she flew up and carefully set them.
"This will be a nice surprise, you think?" asked Denise.
"Yes, I hope they'll be happy," smiled Beatrice.
"I just hope they can at least forgive us for what we've done...we haven't been such good friends for a while," said Claudia.
Xing looked around but gasped at an idea, whispering to Beatrice.
"Oh my gosh, yes! WE have to do this!" agreed Beatice, "Come one ladies…we got another site to decorate!"
For the rest of the day, the town was mostly peaceful while various people were still busy decorating the places and making surprised to continue the homecoming for the Magic Six.
By early nightfall, Rei and Alex sat up on the slopes of Mount Aluk together as they watched the city lights down below and the stars up in the skies.
"Haru and I…we used to come here a lot," said Alex, "To watch the view of the entire city...and the rest of the land beyond."
Rei looked up to the skies and agreed, "The stars are shining really bright tonight, aren't they?"
"Yeah, the city is gorgeous and so is the night skies," he replied.
Alex looked down, feeling still saddened by Anya's death, holding his hand to his heart.
"It's Anya, isn't it?" asked Rei.
The two embraced a hug as Alex said, "If only I could've said goodbye to her. The memorial service is tomorrow...and...the others are planning special events in celebration of our return."
Rei was about to reply when Alex gasped and felt his head pounding again just like back when his memory was fragmented from being a Chiropteran.
"A-Alex?!" gasped Rei.
By fairest blood it was done…soon…you shall see Hell before you…
Alex growled in anger as he suddenly saw himself in the forest and saw Abigail holding something in her hands. The small object…it looked like as if…
"N-NO!" gasped Alex.
"W-what's going on!?" asked Rei, shaking his senses back to the present.
Alex breathed heavily and answered, "Rei…this is bad…really bad! We are in serious danger!"
He already got up on his feet and said, "We have to tell Beatrice and the others now!"
Back in the Celestial Forest, Nitori made his way through the dark flora as he smelled the flesh of the Chivashi nearby. He saw the the shattered pieces of the once Av-Matoran with the others bonded up to a pole.
Shit, he thought, this is more complicated than it is…
Nitori tried to come up with a strategy ever since he met his other self from the Alpha Timeline…when he became a coach after Rin graduated. The Alpha!Nitori told him to use the resources around him in order to succeed in tougher situations.
He finally came up with an idea but it was clearly a crazy one…
"I smell someone," hissed Haruto, "Nearby."
"Well go find them!" said Abigail, "I like to see my enemies right here so they can be killed."
Before the other chivashi could reply, a soft spinning noise swirled towards them. A massive shield struck at the posts, knocking down the Av-Matoran and breaking their bonds from the shadow chains.
"Shit!" growled Natsuhisa.
The Av-Matoran dodged the attacks while a group of ducks soared into the camp site, trying to distract the Chivashi and Abigail. The robots managed to regain their power swords from a nearby pit and escaped back to the city. Nitori dashed his way through the forest, heading back into the water and swam his way as quickly as possible.
By the time the ducks were defeated and shooed back, they were already escaped which angered Abigail but the Chivashi reassured her that the day was finally upon them.
"As long as I kill them…it will be all perfect," smirked Abigail as she made an evil laughter that echoed through the forest.
Lynwin All University Pool
Atari walked into the pool site and gasped at the beautiful decorates of the sakura petals all over the water.
"Woooow!" she gasped.
"Yeah, these are fresh petals too!" said Annabelle, "We got these from tree-san, ready for tomorrow!"
"It's gonna be such an exciting day!" smiled Claudia.
Demitra walked in and said, "Hey we got some more stuff here!"
"Let's go and put them up," replied Johann.
"I'm just glad everything is almost done…a lot of hard work," chuckled Xing.
"Hey have you seen Beatrice?" asked Atari.
The others shrugged while Johann gussed, "Maybe she's in her office?"
In a more peaceful area of the town, Andreas (Thugisa's undisguised form) and Beatrice were busy of their own, putting flowers around on the statue of Anastasia, their deceased ancestor.
"Do you think she's happy now with her family?" he asked.
"I'm sure she's doing great," said Beatrice, "We saw her with the Romanovs; they were all happy at last."
"That's true," he agreed, "I think we're finally set now."
"Let's head back then," she nodded.
"Beatrice, I received news from Nitori earlier tonight after he and the Av-Matoran escaped from there. Amnat was destroyed in the forest. They saw Abigail and other monsters there," said Andreas, "You think she's waiting for a weak point?"
"It's very likely that her and these beings are going to be lurking there for a while until an opportunity can be seized," she answered, "At this point, now that they're back, we cannot risk sending anyone out there."
"It's probably likely they got powers that are harder to fight with," sighed Andreas.
Before she could respond, they turned to see Alex and Rei rushing over.
"B-Beatrice!" gasped Alex.
"What happened?" she asked, "Rei, is something the matter?"
"We'll explain it at the council center," said the megane, "We have to get the others for this!"
It was already around 10 in the evening when Rin, Naigsa, and Sousuke saw the people gathering up around the town hall in worried behavior.
"What's going on?" asked Sousuke.
"You guys!" shouted Makoto, rushing over to them with Haruka.
"What's the matter?!" asked Rin.
"Rei and Alex are talking to Beatrice right now and they're waiting for you and Nagisa," said Haruka.
"From what we've heard, it's not good," added Makoto.
"Did Pandora already attack!?" aksed Nagisa.
"Come on, let's go!" said Makoto while Sousuke kept silent and Rin and Nagisa made their way over.
Once the team was assembled together, Alex turned to them and said, "Pandora…she has given Abigail the ultimate weapon against us."
"Ultimate weapon?" asked Rin.
"Tesseract has told me about it once...back when I lived with them...I didn't think she would finish it...but she did," he breathed, trying to stay calm, "It's called the Box of Dimensions."
"Box of Dimensions?" asked Rei.
"What can it do?" asked the blonde, worried.
"It tears open a hole in space, connecting one world to another; it's a massive gate of time," he said, "It's highly likely that Pandora crafted it in hopes to send the Chiropterans, Megascolides, and other monsters to this world."
"But…if this is all coming from Duniya…" said Haruka, "You think this portal can take us back?"
"I…I'm not certain," he answered.
"Well assuming if it does, this may be our chance to get back!" replied Rin.
"Alex, do you think it will bring us back there?" asked Rei.
"It might be a trap; I have never seen this thing take action before…however…I read in the Compendium long ago back when we ruled this land that the Empusa Monster has came from another world with magic similar to this one."
The other boys gasped as they remembered the final battle back in Italy when the gigantic Empusa monster unleashed the Acephalipterans (headless Chiropterans) in which the species were pretty much the same ones from Duniya.
"Again...it may be a trap," said Alex, "The passage for one way doesn't lead the same in reverse. And, the only way to close the gate is by the power that is equivalent as hers."
"Camelot?" asked Rei.
"No, you heard what she said back in that world…her powers surpass to that any of the Mahotsukai," he answered.
"But what can we do?" asked Beatrice, "Do you have any other way to get to Duniya?"
"The only other possible way is to go to Witch Boy. But we don't have anything right now that's affordable to pay in exchange," he replied.
"Wait a second, the vehicles…" said Makoto, "Axalara T9, Rockoh T3, Jetrax T6...we could use them to get back though? If the portal does lead to Duniya that is..."
"We may not have much of a choice Alex...we have to take that risk," added Rin.
"I know the Suiei Gods will continue to protect us…they have done it before when we left this world," said Haruka.
Alex looked down to his Suiei Necklace as Nagisa asked, "What do you think?"
"My emotions and feelings…" he replied, "If I can get them amplified enough…power…to detect on the otherside of the portal, I can use it and see if I can detect the others there. And if it's Duniya…we'll fly!"
Rin smiled as Makoto nodded.
"However…there's one other condition," said Alex, "That power can only activate once the full moon hits."
Beatrice realized it and replied, "Ehhh, the full moon is tomorrow."
The boys gasped in shock as Nagisa and Rei said, "What?!"
"We're running out of time!" gasped Alex, "This city is gonna be in great danger! Our barriers we made will only buy some time but not enough to ready an army!"
"We'll have to use what we have," said Makoto.
"But to be precise…" asked Rei, "When will this exactly happen?"
"When the moon is at the horizon," answered Alex.
"We need to think of a plan now! We have to make sure everybody will be safe!" said Rei.
"We'll need Jadwiga and the twins to return with us for sure," said Rin.
"Beatrice…Johann told me that she'll join us in battle, is this true?" asked Alex.
"Yes, she was given Anya's powers upon her death," replied Beatrice.
"Aki…Momo…Sergi…they can drive the vehicles and…" began Makoto.
"I don't want Sergi to go," said Alex.
The others turne to him as he continued, "I can't let Pandora lay a finger on him!"
"But if he's the only one that can drive that…" said Makoto.
"We don't have much of a choice," sighed Rei.
"Maybe but…if he does go, he's going to have to stay in Iwamara," said Alex, "I really don't want him to get hurt or…"
"You shouldn't doubt your brother. I know he's your family and you want to protect him but you need to remember that he can make his own choices. We can ask him if he wants to go," smiled Beatrice, "Right Sergi?"
Sergi walked in with Jadwiga and the Chiropteran Twins.
"I have previously stated earlier…" began Jadwiga, "You can't always test people and see if they are good or pure enough."
"I know, I know" sighed Alex, getting up and walking to his younger brother, "But…since that day…that fateful day when I lost you to the Shadow Mafia…"
"It's all in the past," he replied, smiling a little, "I can fight now…at least bring you all where you need to go."
The two brothers hugged as Alex was already worrying even more about this.
"Well then, since we got such interesting resources here...I'm sure we'll have enough time for our allies to gather up what we need, am I right?" asked Jadwiga.
"Of course," said Beatrice, "The Terran Nost promised to supply us with the materials. I'm sure we will get them soon."
She turned to the Magic Six and replied, "If there's time tomorrow…there's something I want to show you guys…"
Rin smiled to Nagisa while Haruka and Makoto held their hands.
"Promise me you won't get killed," said Alex.
"The same to you," replied Sergi.
"Hey guyyyyyyyyyyyyssssssss!" shouted Momotarou as he stumbled in with Aki and Nitori.
"Such an entrance Momo," sighed Aki.
"Nah, I'm looking for Gou-san and…" began Momo.
Rin was already giving him the deadly stare as Momo gulped in fear while Rin replied, "It's enough that she's been married to your bro."
"It's not like that!" replied Momo, blushing, "I have something to give her."
"Another stag beetle?" giggled Nagisa.
"No," he answered with a serious tone, taking out the staff that once belonged to Gou.
The others gasped at the sight as the five recalled that the staff was used by Gou in the Alpha Timeline to bring them back to the Suiei Timeline.
"T-that's!" gasped Rin.
"How did you get it?" asked Rei.
"Oh I met this...other me from that other reality...he was playful just like myself and before that reality was destroyed, he told me to hand this back to her," he answered as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Momo from the Alpha Timeline…" said Makoto.
"Now that I think about it…where is she?" asked Rei.
Moments later, Sei and Gou walked into the council as the latter asked, "Was someone calling me?"
"GOU-SAAAAAAAN!" smiled Momo, all wildly happy with his voice.
"There he goes again," replied Sei with a sweatdrop.
"Hi Momo," said Gou.
"Ahhhhh, you remembered my name!" he replied as he revealed her the staff.
Sei gasped in shock as Gou quickly snatched it away asking, "How the heck did you…!?"
"Geeze! Take it easy!" sighed Momo, "The price was fulfilled…you got the boys back here, right? I met the other me from that other reality and before it was destroyed, he gave it to me…telling me to give it back."
"You handed it over?" asked Sei.
"I did but that's a long story," she sighed, "Perhaps with this…we can use it to get a hold of the pathway to Duniya."
"Great idea!" agreed Rin, "Alex…this is our chance!"
Alex nodded and said, "If it comes down to that…we'll use it."
The others nodded in agreement as Beatrice dimissed them all for the night and asked the Magic Six to visit the pool tomorrow early in the morning.
It was from there where they saw all the decorations from the city even though everyone was busy getting ready for the big battle but the Magic Six managed to cool themselves down in the Sakura pool, splashing happily and loving each other with joy as it was all just like back on Duniya before they returned to Earth.
The Full Moon…
While people in the city of Lywnin-Mu began making precautions and emergency actions…time was running out…
In the darkness of the Celestial Forest, the moon began to rise up slowly as the Chivashi were finally thrilled to see the complete, full moon.
Finally…it was time…
"At last…" smirked Rikuto as Reiji made an evil grin while Haruto kept silent.
Abigail stood out in the clearing of the forest while waiting for the moon to shine on her. She could already feel the box energizing with darkness and electrical energy.
As soon as the moon reached the horizion with its full glow, the box finally opened…
A growing wisp of shadow and red energy grew slowly at first before widening and expanding into the skies. The process seemed a bit slow at first but it was moving faster and faster as the portal displayed a series of thunder and lightning across the area. The box shattered into pieces as more dark energy flowed up into the skies, creating a triangular tear of time and space as the portal itself was red and black hues.
About a couple of minutes later, monsters finally emerged out of the portal, descending down to the forest and heading their way to Lynwin-Mu. In the skies, Chiropterans and the Acephalipterans screeched and flew their way over towards the city as well. The Byatis frogs bounced their way over while the Megascolides dug through the ground and erupted from the waters of the lake, unleashing massive tides to the barrier.
The Nachas Spiders and Cthulu crawled their way over towards the bridges, dispatching the guards down before making their attempts to cross the Six Spire Bridges.
"Now's the time to attack!" said Natsuhisa.
The Chivashi unleashed their wings and soared their way towards the city but Abigail was unable to move for some strange reason.
"Well done…" echoed the voice of Lydia/Pandora, "You have successfully opened the path…but there is one more thing I require of you…"
"I won't do anything until I get my reward!" she snapped, trying to move.
"Oh you will…it involves killing…you will get your hands on those boys…" replied the evil Mahotsukai.
Abigail was about to say something when she suddenly felt sleepy and fell to the ground. Pandora appeared in her "disguise" form as Lydia, carrying her and saying, "You'll be perfect...for me."
~Episode 8 END~
~Episode 9 PV~
Alex: This is our only chance we got!
Rei: ALEX WATCH OUT!
Haruto: Rasputin may be dead...but we will get his children at last!
Rin: We won't let you take them!
Rikuto: You are in OUR WAY!
Makoto: Waters of acid...take burns on our prey!
Haruka: We have to get to the portal! I know it will take us back to Duniya!
Nagisa: Next Time, Free! Memories of the Sea, you guys...this is...?