~Episode 7~
Hyperion 7: Shark Dream
You made a mess
For Christ sake, this rotten world
Shit out of luck
Flashback: Unknown (Long) Time ago…
Planet Hyperion
Arriving at the Forest of Shadows, the recent rouge witch Iago stepped into this wretched, chaotic world in its final stages of peace and prosperity. After going through private investigations with the Adversary, Iago was able to 'make a publish' of his findings as well as reclaiming the Iwatobi Suiei Gods: Reversi book containing Dark Mirror, resulted him in exile (and potentially wanted for death) by Verrado and the clan.
As part of the Operation Resurrection on their end, Iwatobi, Sametsuka, Mayfield, and others granted Iago the liaison status to work alongside with their materials. By creating a series of characters, locations, and tools, they added such additions to the book in hopes for something good as the outcome.
During this, Iago brought three vehicles brought over from another universe as instructed before granting them some "life" into them.
Kaxium (a muscular, blue-pigmented, half-naked god with silver hair), Thornatus (a goddess in tan-hues with purple hair dressed in a white toga sleeveless), and Cendox (gray-pigmented, leaner god with red hair in a sleeveless cloak) turned to Iago as each of them were given instructions to get to the city and find Axalara, Jetrax, and Rockoh.
As they brought over the vehicles to the southern reaches of the subcontinent Pilbara, Iago made his way over to a city being built in the midst of a jungle. The three vehicles were present there as he inspected them to make sure they were in excellent condition.
"Be careful," Iago warned them, "Chaos has his whole eye to this world…if we don't succeed now, they will never be able to leave this world."
"Then what do you propose we do with these vehicles?" Kaxium asked.
"They need to be well kept hidden from the eyes of our enemy," Iago said, "The only possible secure place we can do it…"
Many Years Later…
Sousuke, Momo, Nitori, Chigusa, and Gou woke up and found themselves in some strange looking, humid jungle as it was dangerously quiet to their liking. However, there were some amazing wonders of fairies and magical flowers while they also encountered wild animals too.
"W-what is this place...?" Chigusa looks at a blue flower glowing with some sparks of light.
"It's definitely not like what we've seen..." Gou muttered.
"Is it only us here? Where are the others?" Nitori asked.
"Those witches…they must have done it now," Sousuke narrowed his eyes.
"Eeeeeh?! Did we really get separated already?!" Momo freaked out a bit.
"O-onii-chan? Onii-chan!" Gou shouted as her voice began to panic.
"Hey, don't get too worked up. We'll find him and the others," Sousuke rests his hand on her shoulder.
"Easy for you to say..." Chigusa said before her left foot found itself in the mud, "EEEECK!"
"We'll have to watch our steps wherever we go until we find out where we are," Nitori said.
"Wonder what kind of beetles are around...?" Momo looked at a tree bark.
"Not now!" the silver-haired man glared at him.
"We have to move," Gou said.
"But where? We don't know anything about this forest!" Chigusa argued while looking for some water to rise out her shoe.
"It may be a risk we have to take," Sousuke replied.
"We can't stay here. Gou's right. We have to get moving. Maybe the others are beyond this forest, searching for us, too?" Nitori suggested.
"I don't think those witches would make this easy. I think...they may have separated all of us...not just by this place...but by space and time too," Gou speculated.
Then this means, I'll never see nii-chan or nee-chan, Momo thought, almost wanting to cry.
"We'll find a way to get to your brother and sister, Momo, alright?" Sousuke rests his hand on his shoulder.
"Just a 'brief' detour until then. Yep. Story of my life," Momo wiped his lone tear.
"Have a little more confidence," Nitori added.
Chigusa turned to Gou and asked, "Wait a sec, didn't they have some...magic of their own?"
Sousuke heard the question as he realized, "Hey you guys…maybe we're not out of luck..."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Momo asked.
Sousuke took out his Rhicodon Transformation Pen, "We still have this, don't we?"
"Never leaves my side. You never know when you'll need it," Nitori takes out his Cairina Transformation Pen.
"Maybe…this could be some help," Momo found his Enhydra Transformation Pen.
"Let's do this!" Sousuke said as he raises his pen.
"RHINCODON POWERRRRRRRRR..."
"CARRRINNAAAA POWERRRRRRRRR..."
"ENHYDRAAAAA POWERRRRRRRRR..."
"MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKKKEEEEE UP!"
At first the wands start to sparkle a bit but something wasn't right. A dark wave of energy struck them down, backfiring them as they were flung around the scene, crashing to the ground, tree, or some mud.
The girls gasped as Sousuke was thrown into another muddy area while Nitori was struck to a tree and Momo rolled himself to a grassy area.
"W-what happened!?" Gou shouted.
"Are you guys okay!?" Chigusa asked.
"I-it didn't work..." Sousuke grunted.
"B-B-But how?" Momo's heart sank.
"Should've known the witches wouldn't make this easy..." Nitori got up, "This has to be their work. It's got to be."
The five turned to hear some snapping of twigs and ruffling through the grasses.
"We better run!" Sousuke said.
They raced their way through the jungle, following some makeshift path that led them towards some sort of an unusual village with huts made of trees, mud, leaves, and sticks and other elements of nature. They were at first stunned by the sight but then...
WHOOSH, WHOOSH, WHOOSH!
Sousuke, Momo, and Nitori were hit by some darts and falling on the ground followed by Chigusa and Gou shortly after a second wave appeared from behind.
From there, the five woke up bounded by rope on the floor where the tribe leader waited for them to return to consciousness. He was rather impressed by the sense of power coming from the three despite the reports of his people's findings of them earlier. His body was big and strong, even more muscular than Sousuke as his skin was dark with markings of the sun and tattoos around his chest, arms, and legs. The hair was silvery-white with a crown made of twigs, leaves, and flowers.
"You all are awake now?" Beothuk asked.
No response came from them as they were unsure of what to say. The leader of the tribe spoke again, "I asked you a question."
"W-we are, but where are we? What have you done to us?" Sousuke asked.
"Just a precaution," Beothuk answered.
A lady in dressed in flora and silk arrived in, "Master, these people...they're from the Outside. Do you think they're…"
"Not now, Belirax. I ask thee for a diagnosis. What did you find upon them?" Beothuk asked.
"Three have embodied with magic...which may be beneficial for our cause," Belirax replied.
Intrigued, he answered, "Is that so? That they may be the ones to initiate...the Revolution?"
"If we get the approval from Kaxium, Cendox, and Thornatus..." she spoke.
"W-what are they talking about?" Gou tried to turn her head to Chigusa.
"Like I'd know what they're saying?" the light-brunette lady shrugged.
"Are you following this?" Nitori asked Sousuke.
"Not exactly, except...Revolution...Kaxium, Cendox, and Thornatus? Just words," Sousuke shrugged.
"Sir, we need to shelter them if the gods do choose them," Belirax suggested.
Beothuk raised his two fingers to summon the captain of the guard, Agarax.
"See to that these five are released and arranged for a home," Beothuk said.
The five were surprise and confused by this, worried that this was going to be their end but the fact that this person is welcoming them to the village. Agarax used his knives to break them free from the rope as Belirax greeted the five.
"Children from the Outside world...a prophecy has stated to our people that the gods of Cendox, Kaxium, and Thornatus may offer the powers of Revolution," Belirax said.
"Outside World?" Gou questioned.
"Revolution?" Chigusa asked.
"Forgive us, but what is it you're saying?" Nitori looked at the lady.
"Our world has been swallowed by darkness and chaos...its ruler run by a monster known as The Dark One. Our tribe was among the people of the north a time ago, but we fled to the unknown nature of this land..." Belirax explained, "It has secured us and given us light, food, shelter, and water but...it won't be long until the monster finds us."
"And he thinks we're the ones who can stop it?" Momo whispered.
"This monster is neither human nor god...it takes on a literal form of nothingness...but yet desires to become something," Beothuk added.
"We are looking for other people...who you claim came from the Outside world. Have you seen them?" Gou asked.
"Only the five of you made it to this land," Beothuk replied.
Nitori lowered his head in near defeat, worried that maybe Gou was right…
"But if they have come here, I fear they may have been swallowed by Chaos. And live up to the north," the leader added.
"If they're here, then that's where they must be," Gou narrowed her eyes.
"Who are these people that you are seeking after?" Beothuk asked.
"Friends. Or more so..." Chigusa started to reply but hesitated.
"Ones who carry the same powers as those men?" Belirax asked.
"How do you even know about this?" Sousuke looked at her.
"I am a prophet who looks into the future...and I have seen...unusually colors lately. Colors that take on this revolution against the Dark One," she answered.
"You keep mentioning 'revolution'. What is this? What exactly are you talking about? Nothing is making any sense," Nitori looked at Belirax.
"A Revolution that may change this world...an evolution...a transformation. Someone who carries that power may be the ones who could defeat The Dark One," Beothuk said before clearing this throat, "But for now, I think it's time we get you folks settled."
Present Day
Shark and Dolphin returned to the vicinity area of the bay with Garaxial as they mapped on where the meeting spot would take place for the former and the Red Herring leader.
After a few hours of securing the area with servants sent from the Lordsman, they took over the rocky areas.
"Got something on your mind dolphin?" Shark turned to him as he and Shark were sitting down during a break.
"What sort of nonsense was Orca talking about?" Dolphin replied.
"The hell should I know. He should be lucky he's not getting that 'medicine'," Shark answered.
"I'm surprised Garaxial decided to not give it to him. I was clearly certain that if he or the others have gone mad, they would be forced to take it," Dolphin said.
"Anyway, enough of that, are you going to go hunting tonight?" Shark asked.
Dolphin ignored that as he stared out at the sea.
"I guess there's always that strange part of you that is fixed to the water...despite it being so polluted," Shark grumbled.
Garaxial walked to them and said, "It's time. We'll be heading to the rooms now."
Shark grabbed Dolphin by the arm to get his attention when…
JINGLE-JINGLE
JINGLE-JINGLE
T-that noise, Shark thought.
With a shrug, they both followed their caretaker to the Hotel Mista as Garaxial purchased two rooms. They went up to settle in as Shark opened the door but stopped upon seeing…
"Oh…hell no, COME ON!" Shark moaned.
There was only one bed available here in this room as Dolphin looked at him, "What's wrong?"
"He's such a bastard!" Shark growled.
"We can't cause a ruckus here and you know it," Dolphin reminded him.
"Shut up!" Shark snapped.
JINGLE-JINGLE
JINGLE-JINGLE
Again, Shark thought.
After proceeding to unpack their bags and checking in with their weapons and supplies, they both slumped on the bed, looking up at the fan spinning around slowly.
"Two days huh? Till they come here," Shark muttered.
"Are you going to be okay with this?" Dolphin asked.
Shark chuckled, "Just who are you talking to?"
Dolphin was not amused as Shark sighed, "Fine…to be honest, I am kinda worried. I don't know if this person has a deal breaker that could make me walk out of this current business...or if it's a trap."
"You want to leave?" Dolphin asked.
"In some ways, yes. I hate this town. It has been all nothing but a survival game," Shark said, "Before I met any of you guys…I once had a dream. I used to imagine cleaner water…laughther…friends…"
"That's pathetic," Dolphin said.
"t's not! Why are you so narrow-minded?! Don't you want at least something...safer? A place you know you are wanted," Shark looked at him.
"For as long as I remember, this has been all of me…this town," Dolphin said, "Especially since…"
Dolphin paused for a sharp moment, unsure of whether to bring this up. He had never spoke to anyone about his past.
"What's wrong?" Shark asked.
"I was nearly…defiled," Dolphin revealed as Shark's eyes were a bit in shock, "But before that bastard could take the final shot on me…I snagged his gun and blasted his head off. That was the first time I ever killed someone."
"D-dolphin…" Shark looked almost concerned about this, but the latter kept going.
"The truth is…I came to this organization so I can take back the town and rebuild it under my heel," he continued, "To be honest…I almost feel bad for Orca but I cannot stand his tactics. I think that's why he and I don't get along all the time. He thinks he know how to play with fire, but he's never been a real situation like I have."
"What do you intend to do once you conquer this town?" Shark asked.
"I want to find out who the Lordsman is. A part of me thinks he has the answers to my past," Dolphin said.
"Well, you don't have to act on this alone. Butterfly and the others could be of some help," Shark suggested.
"This isn't their war," Dolphin cut off.
"Oh for fuck's sake, how long are you going to stay distant about all of this!?" Shark replied.
"And since when did you even care for my well-being?!" Dolphin argued.
JINGLE-JINGLE
JINGLE-JINGLE
Shark got up and said, "I'm going out."
"Fine, suit yourself...but I'm not gonna find your corpse if you fall down," Dolphin replied.
Shark ignored this painful insult as he took his gun and ammo at the ready, heading outside for some air to breathe in. However, his eye caught some attention to a small, red light in the distance. It was out in the horizons of the sea.
A large ship made of metal like the places here in town arrived from a distance. A part of him wanted to swim in the waters to see this but upon dipping his shoe in, it turned black from the pollution. He turned quickly to see a small canoe and a paddle to use. With a shrug, he got on and made his way out on the bay...
Gou and Chigusa looked at the dimmed city of Rana before them. As told from Beothuk and others, this was the area where Chaos was at its strongest reign of control.
"We are earlier than we said we would," Chigusa said.
"We have to, time is running out," Gou replied, "I made the request as a ruse to trick them. If we can get all five of them to remember, we can escape to the outside world on this ship."
"Wait, I see someone!" Chigusa pointed toward an individual pulling in.
With a nod, one of the shipsmen threw down a rope-ladder for the arrival to climb on. The girls readied themselves as Shark appeared at last.
O-onii-chan, Gou thought, wanting to get emotional but the warnings of Belirax were right…
"You are Shark, I presume," Gou greeted him.
"And you look like a lot of myself," Shark said, "Who are you?"
"I am the Leader of the Red Herring…my name as Anetu," Gou said.
"Alright…Anetu. You sent your minions to find us, causing some havoc around town…and you had a message to speak about. Spit it," Shark answered.
"The Red Herring, I have sent them to find you and the others...there is something...out of the ordinary circumstances that needs to be done," Gou continued.
"And that would be…?" Shark asked.
"To eliminate the Lordsman," she replied.
"Huh?" he looked at her as if she grew three heads.
"My partner here...Chi has led some investigations regarding this town and its ruler along with our members of the Red Herring. We have found that the Lordsman is undergoing some projects that may be a global threat," she continued.
Ugh, this farce is getting difficult as it goes, I have to get the vial ready like now, she thought.
"So what role will I be playing?" Shark asked.
"A prominent one...so I figured that we should have a toast to commemorate this operation," Gou answered as she nodded to Chi.
The other lady goes into the main room on the deck where she found the magical vial from Belirax and a few empty glasses. She poured the drink in with the disguise of some wines. After a couple of minutes, she returned to the outside and carefully passed the magical drink to Shark while she and Gou got their normal ones.
"To this Operation...Revolution...we welcome you Shark...to the Red Herring," Chigusa announced as she clings the glasses to Gou and Shark. The man hesitated a moment but finally takes it in.
Ugh, it's gross...is this like wine or something back in the bars, he thought.
Gou turned to see Shark if anything happened but so far nothing.
"What?" he asked.
"I have never been good at being so subtle…especially when times like this are at its most peak in crisis," she said.
"Ummm okay?" Shark grew confused.
With a glare at him, she answered, "We're cursed! You and I are siblings! Rin Matusoka…Gou Matsuoka…"
"W-WHAT IN THE NAME OF…" Shark shouted but…
JINGLE-JINGLE
JINGLE-JINGLE
He clasped his hands over his ears as the drink finally activated through his system, prompting him to fall semi-conscious…
EBC HQ
The six were in discussion about what to do next since Shark and Dolphin were yet to be awake. Rei managed to hack into the location where the Lordsman was at but it was beyond difficult and time consuming to get to this point.
"Rei, did you finally get a hold of him?" Makoto asked.
"I think I've found him, yes, but getting an exact location is the killer. If I'm reading this right, it's the 'Palace of Nothingness'?" Rei muttered.
"The Palace of Nothingness?" Nagisa asked.
"It's where the Dark One lives," Sousuke added.
"Ehhh!?" Nagisa's jaw dropped.
"This isn't something we'd joke about," Nitori answered.
"In the meantime, I also found something while digging…do you guys remember 'The Medicine'?" the megane looked at Makoto and Nagisa.
"I think Garaxial was going to give me a dose of it…but…I'm afraid that if it is what I think it may be…" Makoto trembled.
"It probably is," Rei said, "That so-called medicine is the cause of us losing ourselves to these false personas. It has some kind of way of rewiring our very psyche to make us think we're someone else. Like…hacker genius, hyperactive knucklehead…and slut."
"Oh sure, give yourself the genius," Nagisa shook his head.
"Was there anything else you found?" Momo asked.
"I was able to find a schematic of the palace's inner sanctum and quarters. There's someone locked inside as an unwilling guest," Rei continued, "Now…riddle me this. Who among our team isn't here at present?"
After a moment of silence, Makoto and Nagisa gasped.
"Y-you don't think…" Nagisa looked at Rei.
"Yes…" Rei narrowed his eyes.
"Oh my god," Makoto covered his mouth in shock.
"It has to be him…it has to be Alex. He must be imprisoned there this entire time," Rei said, "There's no definite detail on the prisoner, but who else could it be other than him?"
"But why would he be imprisoned instead of out here?" Makoto asked.
"I'm sure the Dark One knows something beyond the man you know about," Sousuke said.
"He was a half-human and half-elder bairn," Nagisa recalled.
"And think about everything else we've been through, too," Nitori added, "The Shadow Mafia targeted him especially by taking his brother hostage. Why else wouldn't the Dark One take him in as his prisoner?"
"We have to get Rin and Haru back first...before we can try to rescue Alex. I have a bad feeling this Palace of Nothingness is a deadly trap," Makoto said.
"I'll keep trying to review the palace in its entirety. Learn the layouts. Try to pinpoint its exact location," Rei vowed, "I may not be the rude douchebag that medicine made me out to be, but I'm still quite the hacking phenomenon. No secrets will be safe from me."
"And there he goes again," Nagisa made a fish face remark.
"Then it's decided," Sousuke said, "But Garaxial…what will you guys do?"
"We'll take him down," Makoto answered, "All five of us."
"You guys won't be alone," Sousuke said.
"Don't forget about us too dammit!" Momo grunted.
"We'll be here to help you all the way to the very end," Nitori smiled.
"You guys may be the Magic Six but...we'd be happy to team up...as the Iwasame Senshi," Sousuke said.
"Sounds like a cool name," Makoto turned his head to the other two.
"It does have a ring for Iwatobi and Samezuka," Nagisa grinned.
"But the term 'Senshi'…where'd you get that idea?" Rei asked.
"That'll be said for later," Nitori shrugged.
Rin's Dream Sequence…
Shark woke up in some room that he's never seen before…it was small, intimate, and a clock was on display on top of a shelf. It was well kept and tidy unlike the things he's seen in Hyperion.
"W-where the hell…?" he began.
He turned to see what looked like a younger version of himself with warm smiles and joy on his face as a tall, brunette-haired man a pair of glasses picked him up.
"Rin…my boy, when did you get so big?" Toraichi chuckled as he rubbed his cheeks together, "I bet you're gonna be big and strong too!"
"Daddy!" a voice squeaked.
Shark turned to see a younger version of Anetu as well as the father said, "Oh look who's here…my favorite daughter Gou!"
After seeing them so happily together, Shark tried to find the exit of this house when he found himself in a kitchen where he saw himself and Gou along with a red-mahogany colored hair lady overlooking the pictures.
"Your father used to win so many medals…" Miyako smiled at her children as both their eyes glowed with life.
"R-Rin…is my name?" Shark muttered.
Seconds later, everything turned dark and windy as a blast of Sakura petals whipped through the void. Shark turned to see a tree blooming with the said leaves. He walked over to see himself (still young but a few years older) talking to what looked like…Orca…Penguin…and Dolphin?
"W-why…what's going on?!" Shark called out but no one could hear him.
In an instant, he saw himself swimming competitively along with the same three people as well as…Otter, Duck and Whaleshark in two separate frames before him.
"Rin-chan!"
"Rin-senpai!"
"Rin!"
JINGLE-JINGLE
JINGLE-JINGLE
"That bell again," Shark muttered.
Something budded from the tree as a small, floating-like entity appeared before him. He was dressed in a black and orange cloak with white garments and a red turban with a scarf and some patterns of blue and yellow.
"Y-you…" Shark narrowed his eyes.
"Fascinating isn't it?" Chibi Suiei Matsuoka asked, "You once had a dream…didn't you?"
"Well…that was just some sappy talk with Dolphin but…" Shark blushed.
"But you did…have a dream…but yet you still don't want to take it to the heart," the chibi answered.
"W-what nonsense is this!?" Shark snapped, "Did they put something in my drink?"
"To answer that, yes…so I can reach to you once more," the chibi replied, "Rin…you can't stay in this world that you and the others are at! There's a terrible crisis behind the scenes and only you and the team must be the ones to rectify it."
"I don't answer to little kid's toys," Shark replied.
"Riddle me this…why did you say in the past…'For the Team'?" the chibi asked.
Shark's felt something striking his chest as those last three words. He turned to see Orca, Dolphin, Penguin and Butterfly along with a fifth person behind them.
"W-who…?" Shark asked.
More scenes showed him the following including when Butterfly seized Alex's life and leading the world to a chaos of shadows. He saw himself locked away in the tower before being rescued briefly but something weird happened when Anetu struck something to denotate a blast of light, putting him back in the tower until he saw Whaleshark rescuing him…
"I-is this really…me?" Shark almost wanted to cry, "Did all of this happened? But…why don't I…remember?"
He then watched himself meet another version of him and the others liberating the world from the darkness and putting the megane under some drugs and a pseudonym until that bell was heard again…leading them to a foreign land far away…
"B-butterfly…" Shark breathed, "W-what did you do?"
"Remember you dream…" Chibi Suiei Matsuoka told him, "Look for the answer inside you!"
"M-My dream…" he breathed when he saw another scene of him talking to Butterfly about the latter's dream…
"He had a dream too…?" Shark muttered, "Then that means…"
"All of you have dreams," the chibi replied.
Shark turned to see himself running with Dolphin asking about his dream as the former mentioned that he was no longer going to follow his father's steps.
"My dream…"
"TO MAKE THIS TEAM STRONGER THAN BEFORE!"
The memories flowed back into Rin's head as he finally awakes once more…with tears pouring from his face.
"Your talisman…is very powerful…" the Chibi senshi presented him a strange treasure chest-like object.
"Eh? This is my talisman?" Rin looked confused as he brushed his hand on the wood. Seconds later it barked to life and fluttered around him like a dog.
"HUAAAH!?" Rin tried hard to not freak out.
"This is mimic, a legendary shape-shifter," the chibi said, "He will be your guide to you and the others in escaping this realm…now go…"
"W-wait!" Rin shouted but he found himself back on the ship as Gou and Chigusa waited for his conscious to return.
"Onii-chan," she smiled tearfully.
"Gou!" he reached out for a hug as the two siblings cried with joy, "How much I've missed you!"
Upon releasing the hug, Rin lowered his head and felt hearbroken, "W-what the hell have we've done to each other? I thought I was a jerk enough back in Iwatobi but this…pfft…this…is…"
He looked up, recalling the moment, "This is because of them…those witches!"
"Rin, you need to stay calm," Gou reminded him, "This is the realm of the Dark One. You and the others have been in terrible danger for a while. We're here to help you all escape."
"Are we still on board?" he asked.
"Yes, it's almost sunrise too," Chigusa said.
"But…this whole thing…?" Rin questioned.
"Don't worry about it, we got a plan in place," Gou said, "For now…we need to make sure everyone else is awake so we can execute our escape plan."
"Alright, I'll get back to Haru…er I mean Dolphin," Rin answered, "Ugh, I gotta play this game too…"
Duniya 7: Road to a new Destiny!
Two Weeks after the Water Twister
Rasputin slowly recovered from his injuries and thanks to the magic and medicine from Nao, he is able to move around again as normal. However, Janella and Stellaluna went back and forth from Chirottori and Iwamara while keeping somewhat hidden from the rest of humanity.
The author Sergi continued to hide himself at an undisclosed location, praying for his brother and family to come back here with success from Olympia Magna. However, the pages have shown the struggles taking place in Sportsbrooke with the rise of the Dodgeball Demons and the darkness of Kenma taking place.
Sandro, Kyle, everyone…please be successful, he thought, this mission is the core of both the past and the future…
As for the realm of Hyperion, he sees the pages unfolding as well, revealing Nagisa and Rei waking up from their cursed identities as Penguin and Butterfly respectively. He also prayed that the talismans will reach to the team and lead them out of the realm as soon as the other three wake up.
This hideout was made for him thanks to Hiyori and some of the Articoran folks who made sure that he continues to stay eluded from the witches.
Iwamara Swimming Complex HQ
At the workout center, Tsubasa kept Toto distracted by a game of fetch while trying to build muscle with Seijuurou. The red-haired man was busy squatting on the weights, counting his way up to the goal of reps. At the last throw, Tsubasa made his way to do some bench pressing.
Toto pouted a bit to wait for the owner to be done. After doing three sets of 15 with progressing each heavier weight each time, the blue-haired man breathed in and out with sweat before throwing the ball across the area for Toto to run after again.
Seijuurou smiled and patted him on the back, "You're doing great, Wingman."
Tsubasa blushed slightly, "Just…not out loud, okay?"
The red-haired grinned with a fierce chuckle, "Wanna take on the squats too? Can't miss those legs there!"
"Hm, I will certainly need them to kick and push off the wall in the arse," Tsubasa winked.
At the Community Lounge area, Isuzu tried out some home brewed coffee with Misae as they gossiped and laughed and shared some of their stories and experiences of life, both good and bad.
"How do you like it?" Misae asked.
"This is delicious! Wow, you sure know how to cook and stuff! Kotarou is definitely one lucky man!" Isuzu was amazed.
"Heh, he knows not to mess with the cook," Misae chuckled.
"Speaking of, where is he?" Isuzu questioned.
"Swim training with the others," she answered.
"Yeah, I've been going at different times from them...but a part of me wishes I could lead my very own team too..." she sighed before looking up as an idea sparked her mind, "That's it!"
"Oh?" Misae asked.
"The Articorans said that they were swimmers too...perhaps I could be their team captain!" Isuzu's eyes sparkled, while finishing her coffee quickly, "I'll be back!"
"H-hey, Isuzu!" Misae called out but sighed after the door was shut, "Yep, she sure does take after Seijuurou."
Oh God what would the heavens do if they had a third sibling, she thought.
At the Articora Camp Ground...
Isuzu asked Ayumu about her idea as she couldn't wait to hear what the response would be…however…
"As optimistic as I'd want to be...we...only became swimmers because of the Dark Curse," Ayumu revealed, "I mean, yes we did swim too before the curse but...as a team, doing competitions... that was all after that darkness swooping us out to this world."
Isuzu's optimism melted away as she asked, "So then...when you guys are allowed to go back with the time displacement undoing..."
"I'm afraid we might not be able to see each other again," Ayumu answered.
"N-NO! That's not fair!" she replied, feeling embarrassed and saddened by this before taking off.
However, Ayumu was also feeling a bit saddened too as she remembered the days at the Aeuropa Academy where Romio, Shizuru, Aoba, Misaki and Kaoru had their days there. Then one day, Artemis, Ikuya and Asahi showed up, but everything began to change from there. It was then when Ayumu realized that the Dark Curse would finally weaken and soon break.
Despite this, they continued to play the charade as normal students until they escaped to her cursed family's resort which provided some refuge from the Elder Bairns. The rest was history…
Judd's Tavern, Hollywood Heights
Dodecadron was busy at his bar with the fellow employees when the door opened. He looked up to see Rasputin finally back in town. They both greeted with an embrace as the father looked at his son and said, "I made a big decision the other day."
"And that is?" Rasputin asked.
"I'm gonna move this business to Iwamara," he revealed.
Rasputin was indeed surprised by this as Dodecadron continued, "There's some old building that hasn't been used...and based from what I've read, it's larger…more roomy, and can host even parties too. I think it'll be nicer to be out by the sea than this clamor of rich-posh bitches."
"When do you plan to move?" Rasputin asked.
"I got the contract signed the other day…I should be there in about two weeks or so," he said, "I've had enough of this town."
Iwamara Meadows
Natsuya and Nao made their debut as teachers for training the senshi on how to combat with their weapons. From crossbows to swords, they were learning more of the hands-on approach instead of magic.
Shin clashes his cutlass to Isana's sword back and forth as the latter waits for an opening. He makes a strike on it but was blocked again.
"Damn," he muttered.
Kotarou protects himself with the shield from the chained mace of Hikaru's weapon. The latter reels it back and swings again at a wider arc but it was no good. Kotarou was able to dodge quickly without even a blink of an eye.
"Keep your form up and fresh!" Natsuya reminded them.
"Hikaru! That swing was too wide! If this were a real battle, your foe could take full advantage of that!" Nao critiqued.
Workout Room
After another hour of working out on their muscles, Sei and Tsubasa sat down, both drenched from their weightlifting.
"That whupped my ass, but it was well worth it," the red-haired breathed.
"I feel we both did pretty well today for progress," Tsubasa flexed his right arm to show off.
"Heh, not bad. I think we'll be ready in tiptop form for whatever may come," Sei answered.
"Yeah," he agreed before wondering in some thought.
"Something up?" Sei asked, "You look a little zoned out."
"Oh, it's just I had some...things in my mind from earlier. There's um...a friend who you haven't met yet," Tsubasa replied, "He is on our team actually but hasn't been quite...sociable for some time."
"Another one here, huh? Where's he been hiding this whole time?" he answered.
"He's been training with the Articorans actually. Learning how to survive in the wild. But he does come here to swim but at the night shift and does workout too also in third shift," Tsubasa explained.
"Well, that's quite a bizarre schedule…but I'm sure he has his reasons," Sei shrugged.
"Maybe one of these days, I'll introduce you to him," he nodded.
"Anything you'd like to tell me about him beforehand? Is he anything like the rest of your boys?" Sei asked.
"It's a long story but...to cut to the chase, he is from the same world as mine," Tsubasa continued, "We did cross paths at one point on Lynwin-Mu but it was so long ago...but I guess...according to Nao, kinda almost committed a crime against the Magic Six."
"H-he did what?" Sei's eyebrow twitched a little.
"He was obsessed with the legend of the Suiei Gods and wanted power too...but then...that kid appeared," Tsubasa said, "The one that attacked Nao and Natsuya a while back...apparently he's been ghosting in and out. I don't know much of that 'kid' but he is working with those witches. Wanna know the scary part?"
"I'm afraid to ask, but go," Sei replied.
"...he's the missing child of Kotarou and Misae's," Tsubasa spoke quietly.
"That can't be possible...He's... well...He looks like he could pass off as our age. How is that...?" Sei couldn't believe this.
"I'm sure some dark magic quickly aged him up. Kotarou has been devastated by the fact that because there's no hope for him and his wife to enjoy their kid growing up..." Tsubasa sighed.
"I can't imagine having to face an enemy that's your own flesh and blood," Sei crossed his arms.
"Just don't repeat this, alright?" Tsubasa asked.
"You know it's safe with me," the red-haired man replied.
Hours Later: At the Lounge
Natsuya and Nao drank some tea together while the rest of the Hidashimo Senshi finally got their break after an intensive training. While they have learned new skills and improved on old ones…it wasn't still the same without…
"Ugh, I miss Ikuya," Shin sighed.
"Same, I wish we could go help them…wherever they are," Kotarou agreed.
"Think Asahi's holding up okay? Wherever he is?" Isana asked.
"I hope so... If Ikuya's with him, I don't see why not. They've been doing this gig longer than us. I'm sure they can handle whatever is thrown at them," Hikaru shrugged.
Tsubasa and Seijuurou walked in as the former asked, "Where did you sister run off to now?"
"Hm, she has been kinda quiet…is she with the Articorans?" he rested his fist beneath his chin. Seconds later, the duo turned to see Isuzu but her eyes…
"S-sister? I-Isuzu, what's going on?!" Sei noticed her tranced expression.
The other guys turned to see what was happening as Isuzu grabbed his arm before this time, they were both pulled into another vision with the bell jingling in the background. Sei narrowed his eyes as he watched Rei struggle on his magic against a giant being carrying a massive hammer ready to crush the human.
They finally see an explosion of energy as statues of light were produced as Rei analyzed them...before recognizing the one of his late mother and father. The two siblings rushed over to see the statues up close as the elder brother was indeed surprised to see this.
"That's right…mother…came from this land, it's why she wore that shawl," Rei analyzed.
"These patterns…wait," Sei gasped, "They're the same ones Ayumu showed! Then does this mean…he's not full-blooded Japanese. Is this why…the Articorans revered him so highly? If that's the case…did he really…save everyone? Is he the fifth spirit?!"
Isuzu's eyes finally were released from the trance as they witnessed the villagers and the giants welcoming the megane to their land.
Finally, the red-haired man said, "Things may not be the same between us like they were before...guess there's a small part of me that wishes you will bring the greater good. So…save them. Give them a chance to live."
JINGLE-JINGLE
JINGLE-JINGLE
"Uhhhh…are you guys okay?" Natsuya looked at the two siblings.
"What happened?" Nao asked.
"Um, yeah...it's kinda um...classified for now, but don't worry. When the time is right, we'll explain, we promise!" Isuzu replied with nervous sweat drops, "Uh…anyway, I think I'm gonna go swim."
She dashed off while Tsubasa got up and brought Sei's attention to the side, keeping them a safe distance from hearing range.
"Look, I get it's not easy to tell us...but...just to be clear with me, are you sure you cannot speak of whatever it is that is happening?" Tsubasa asked.
As much as I'd like to tell you, I can't. If you knew what I did, I don't know if I can ensure your safety. Just trust me. I don't want to endanger any of you because of loose lips," Sei said.
With a shrug, the blue-haired man pulled him in for a passion kiss. When they breathed again, Sei smiled, "Does this mean you trust me?"
"I can only try. But, it won't be easy. I don't want any burden to burn you either. You've been through lots," he said.
"As have you all. Isuzu was right. We will tell you all when the opportunity arises. For all of our sakes... even theirs," Sei said, thinking about the Magic Six in his heart.
"Alright," Tsubasa replied.
"I promise. Worst comes to worst, I'll protect you. I'm not losing anyone else," Sei wrapped him in his arms.
Third-Shift
Hiyori walked to the pool area as he was all changed and ready for another round of swimming. He stretched himself briefly for a warmup and felt his confidence improved significantly. The megane never realized how much more fun it was to be outdoors. Especially with Ayumu, Shizuru, Romio and the others…
Earlier in the day, they were eating by the campfire as he watched the way Romio and Aoba eat like savages. Ayumu facepalmed to herself while Misaki and Kaoru sighed.
"They're at it again, aren't they? Their favorite dish," Misaki said.
"You think they'd never eaten before..." Kaoru answered.
"I don't know them," Shizuru grunted.
The megane was trying hard to not laugh but he was already cracking a smile. Aoba stops eating to see this while Romio kept on munching down the meat.
Innocently, Hiyori walks over with some napkins to them, "Um here…?"
"What for?" Romio asked.
"Your faces…um…they're filthy?" Hiyori replied innocently.
Shizuru bursts into laughter followed by Misaki as Hiyori was already blushing by this. Kaoru finally starts to laugh.
"Not like any of you look better," Romio grumbled.
"Shut up!" Shizuru called out.
"You're the one with stuff dripping down his face!" Kaoru said.
"It's like as if you two were about to make out with the food...or with each other," Misaki replied.
"Excuse me?!" Romio glared at Misaki while Hiyori was starting to feel sweaty from the nervousness.
"There's no way I'd make out or make a food baby with another guy! Especially Aoba!" Romio snapped.
"Otter?" Aoba asked.
"Would you shut up about the damn otter?! There's no otter here!" Romio replied.
With this, Hiyori finally laughs as he couldn't contain the entertainment hidden in his facial expression.
"Well at least he finally laughs after being so quiet since ever..." Aoba crossed his arms, "Never thought I'd see him smile."
"Guess he's not a robot after all..." Romio shrugged.
Hiyori breathes to calm down, "Wow, I never had thought...I'd enjoy being out here."
"We are glad to hear that," Ayumu smiled.
"Yeah! There's a lot of things to learn about while surviving the outdoors!" Misaki added.
"Hey Hiyori-san, it's almost late...do you plan to go swimming?" Shizuru asked.
Hiyori looked at the evening sky before replying, "Yeah, I should get ready soon. I've swam so much out here but I need the discipline of the pool to focus my backstroke more efficiently."
Taking his mark on the starting block, Hiyori pushed himself off the wall to unleash his backstroke. This time, it felt stronger than ever as he could see the moonlight shining peacefully above him. No regrets, no time to look back…he took each stroke seriously, making the turn of the flip wall before soaring his way back.
At the last hit, Hiyori successfully makes his mark but looks up and gasps to see…
"Yo!" Tsubasa greeted him.
"Hiyori-chan!" Shin smiled.
"We've missed you so much!" Kotarou added.
"You guys aren't going to swim?" Hiyori asked.
"Well, we got a surprise for you," Tsubasa explained, "But take your time if you want. I can give you some pointers too."
Hiyori swam his backstroke followed by a rotation of freestyle while Tsubasa helped him how to dive into the pool at a better, safer, and more efficient angle. Once Hiyori was done with this makeshift practice, he was greeted by Natsuya and Nao.
"Right on schedule, in a matter of speaking," Nao smiled.
"We have something…arranged by a friend of ours," Natsuya said.
"We added a room down the hallway...something that Kotarou wanted to propose..." Tsubasa explained.
"Eh?" Hiyori tilted his head.
They all walked down the hallway as they entered into a newly constructed Karaoke room with several lounges, game machines, Dance-Dance-Revolution, juke boxes, and a karaoke studio.
"W-what is this!?" Hiyori's jaw dropped in awe.
"You likey?" Kotarou winked.
"A blast from the past with some modern and future stuff too," Shin said.
"But won't this be too loud for…" Hiyori began.
"Don't worry about waking the others. We made sure to add some sound proof casting to the walls. They won't hear a thing," Nao replied.
"T-thanks so much! We need to do these together!" Hiyori smiled.
"You can count me in!" Kotarou replied.
"Someone is ready to use his mouth…" Shin remarked.
"What's that supposed to mean!?" Kotarou looked at him.
Tsubasa laughed while Natsuya had a sweatdrop and Nao sighed, "There goes the conversation…oh the heavens."
Back Outside
The Articorans were conducting a final meeting for the night, trying to figure out what is yet to come.
"The author is hinting that the pivotal moment is approaching," Ayumu said.
"Meaning that Rei will soon fulfill his destiny?" Shizuru asked.
"Well, it's about damn time if that's the case," Aoba crossed his arms.
"We'll soon be able to return home," Romio smiled.
"Still no word on Ryuuji or Mikhail?" Ayumu asked.
"None. They might either not be in this world or weren't cursed," Misaki said.
"Think we should look for them once we get back?" Kaoru suggested.
"Who the hell knows where those husbands are at," Aoba shrugged.
"Find a muscle beach, you're bound to find Mikhail," Romio remarked, "As for Ryuuji, who knows?"
"Lord have mercy," Misaki looks at Kaoru.
"Whatever you say there, Romio," Shizuru sighed.
"Regardless, we must prepare ourselves...as long as we keep the faith that Rei will succeed in his destiny, the path to the future won't change," Ayumu reminded them.
"Kinda a gamble there if you ask me...letting things happen while we are 'sitting back' here," Aoba answered.
"You know the warnings from the Author, we can't go back there yet," Misaki said.
"Have some patience, Aoba. I'm sure everything will be as we left it by the time we get back," Romio reassured him.
"I remember, we were guarding on duty on the Meighen Island...but yet that dark magic reached all the way out here. We were all there planning to rotate our guarding," Shizuru recalled, "But how could the curse even reach to the farthest reaches of the planet? It was launched far, far south."
"I'm sure the witches knew about our existence...and were trying to thwart our plans to protect the Magic Six," Ayumu speculated.
"Those two were on the island, weren't they? Maybe we were targeted because of how close we were?" Kaoru asked.
"Who knows but…once we get back, we have to find Rei and Nagisa…they have to reassemble the team," Ayumu answered.
Next morning
Rasputin was sitting outside on a bench nearby, thinking about all what has happened thus so far. He was approached by Stellaluna and Janella.
"Are you sure you don't want to go back with us?" the princess asked.
"...I have to confront my obstacle. I can't keep hiding anymore," Rasputin said, "The truth must be told to her."
Stellaluna lowers her head, "I understand. I'm sure it won't be easy...seeing that if she is indeed brainwashed."
"I still can't give up. Not for my kids. They are counting on me to become a better father. And my mother...I'm sure she would be proud of me too," Rasputin stated.
"You will," she linked her hand to his with a smile.
"It's time, Stellaluna," Janella said.
"Until we meet again, Raspy," Stellaluna made her farewell to him as she and Janella unfurled their wings before taking off, heading southeastern towards Chirottori.
Moments after they disappeared into the clouds, Rasputin turned to see Tsubasa and Seijuurou along with Toto.
"There's no need to worry, the talismans are on their way to their masters. We are one step closer to fulfilling the Resurrection," Rasputin told them.
"Where do we go from here?" the red-haired asked.
"I'm afraid...the next step...is up to them. They must be the ones to act on accordingly," he replied.
"And what about you?" Tsubasa questioned.
"I have decided...to get the truth to her," Rasputin got up, "She will try to fight it though...thinking that I am her worst nightmare but...she and I cannot be living in this nightmare anymore. This lie that we've been both living under."
"I'm sure she'll listen if you're honest with yourself and her. Nothing good comes from keeping your shields up," Seijuurou answered as he wrapped him arm around Tsubasa.
"In the meantime, my father will be moving here to this town with his bar. He wanted me to get some paperwork ready from the town hall," Rasputin said before walking away.
"His father...wait...a moment," Tsubasa recalled something as the dog barked.
"Guess this place will be booming even more with his company here. What building did he have in mind?" Seijuurou asked.
"Um...no idea?" Tsubasa shrugged.
"Regardless, I'm sure it'll draw a crowd. What's on the agenda today aside from whipping the boys into shape?" he chuckled.
"Well...it's the weekend, isn't it?" Tsubasa replied.
"Hm, well I heard about this nice little place called Coco's. Sounds like a place to check out. What do you think is best?" Seijuurou offered.
"Oh dear, is it just me or does Coco and Toto have a rhyme?" Tsubasa looked at his dog, prompting his boyfriend to laugh.
"BWAHAHA! Maybe he should open his own version exclusively for dogs! He'll make a fortune!" Seijuurou grinned.
"Well then, let's go there," Tsubasa smiled.
Northwestern region of Aeuropa City
Since the defeat of Verrado and the tragedy of the city taking place that almost caused total destruction, the lives of people all over were never the same. They have been grateful with the help of the Hidashimo senshi as their rising into a somewhat 'celebrity' status. Despite this, the news and media grew more twisted and had set forth new standards across the net.
Four friends were recently graduated from Chainon Academy and decided to celebrate their success so far at the Aeuropa Beach area.
It was all a matter of time before they would soon start their dreams at their own universities. But even with all the strange things that happened...from the Elder Bairns to the magic battle in the skies and that strange light...none of them could contain their energy.
Shouyou, Bokuto, Tobio, and Kourai made their way through the regional park, heading down a dirt path towards the endless beaches.
"Did you see who got the high marks on the last exams? What a showoff, nobody cares!" Bokuto scoffed at that.
"Perhaps but at least we all graduated thank god!" Kourai sighed in relief.
"Are those guys still on about that? They should really be focusing on more important matters," Tobio looked at Shouyou but the red-haired was too busy being his sunshine self.
"YAHOO! NO MORE SCHOOL! WE'RE FREE!" he cheered outwards.
"Idiots...all of them," Tobio facepalmed.
"Can't wait to see what they got out on the beach! Maybe they finally got those fancier food trucks set up finally! Or! Or! Maybe, just think about it! Maybe we'll have the whole place to ourselves for once!" Shouyou turned to him.
"Not gonna happen," Tobio sighed.
"Maybe my spiking abilities will be at maximum power! I could spike the ball to the core if I wanted to!" Shouyou grinned.
"Heh, in your dreams..." Tobio crossed his arms.
Kourai and Bokuto chuckled upon this as the former said, "Some things really don't change."
"And to finish it off, I think I'll chill with a Sakura frap!" Shouyou fantasized the coffee drink.
"Out of season," Tobio replied.
"WHAAAAAAAA?!" Shouyou's jaw dropped.
"Welcome back to the real world. We missed you," Tobio smirked.
"Oh and don't forget...there's the university trials we gotta prepare for still," Kourai reminded them.
"Ohhhhh! I almost forgot! I'm sure Mr. Shouyou Hinata forgot completely, didn't you?" Bokuto turned to the red haired.
"Hmph, I did not," Shouyou grunted.
"This idiot's been babbling about it all day," Tobio replied.
"You damn right, I certainly was," Shouyou answered back, "Almost like as if tomorrow our real work begins!"
"Well then, where should we go first?" Kourai asked, "The water…the sands…?"
"If we head to the main beach now, it's sure to be crowded by all the graduated students," Tobio said, "There are a few other areas but I'm sure it's run by the older folks. Or, we could just turn around and hit up by the rec center nearby to practice our routines and other regiments."
"The stick in the mud has returned. All work and no play," Bokuto grunted.
"And you wonder why your marks were so low..." Tobio reminded him, "It's a wonder you graduated."
"Probably cheated," Shouyou whispered.
"Uhhh, excuse me?" Bokuto's eyes narrowed.
JINGLE-JINGLE
JINGLE-JINGLE
"Hmmm," Kourai heard that noise as he paused his tracks to see where it was from. Bokuto turned to see him standing there and made his way to the white-haired man.
"You alright, Kourai-kun?" Bokuto asked, "Did you drop something?"
"Did you hear that?" Kourai replied.
"Eh, hear what?" Bokuto tilted his head in confusion. Tobio and Shouyou, having noticed the two have slowed down, approach them.
"What happened?" Tobio asked.
"You two okay?" Shouyou looked slightly concerned.
"I'm fine. Kourai claims he heard something," Bokuto shrugged.
"Heard something?" Tobio looked at him.
"I'm sure it's just..." Kourai began…
JINGLE-JINGLE
JINGLE-JINGLE
The four paused to hear that noise as it was certainly louder. Shouyou clasped on his ears as Bokuto and Tobio looked around while Kourai sighed.
"Okay, did anyone else hear a bell, or was it just me?" Shouyou asked.
"That's what I heard the first time!" Kourai glares at him.
"Did we all hear the same thing?" Bokuto questioned.
They kept on going across the beach as they saw what looked like 'summer break' of people at first but…
"Doesn't look like anyone else is affected by it. Either that, or they're ignoring it," Tobio analyzed the other attendees.
"Maybe it was a fluke? Maybe we're so tired we're hearing things?" Shouyou asked.
"I'd normally agree with you, but I'm not so sure," Bokuto answered.
Seconds later, the people started to fade in and out. Bokuto and Shouyou rubbed their eyes in thinking it was some hallucination taking place but sure enough…
"Huh? This isn't possible," Tobio gasped, "Where did they all go?"
The waters made their way to shore and retreated back to sea but the skies were darkening as well as if a storm was coming their way.
"The water…it looks…black?" Kourai's eyes widened.
"Wait, what's that by the horizon?" Shouyou's attention drew out towards the water.
At first it seemed like something was growing out of the seas but…moments later, it was rapidly growing in their direction. When it was several yards away from shore, the four men gasped to see strange black colored spikes stabbing out from the ground.
"RUN!" Shouyou screamed.
They dashed back towards the trail as the spikes were rapidly gaining on them.
"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!" Bokuto panicked.
"Keep running!" Tobio shouted.
Kourai looked up and for a moment he saw something flying above but there was no time to think. They got back on trail to the woods but the black spikes were still stabbing their way through.
"Great! We just graduate and now we're about to shish-kabobs! Not how I planned my summer!" Bokuto cried out.
"They're still coming!" Shouyou turned his head briefly over his shoulder.
"Don't look back!" Tobio answered.
"I just wish we had some magic or something to keep them at bay dammit!" Kourai cried out.
"Wish for wings! Wish for high jump! Wish for anything!" Shouyou agreed.
They were about halfway through the trail when all of a sudden, they saw a white-colored horse with massive wings before them. Seconds later, a wave of magic struck around as time was frozen in place.
"A horse?" Shouyou breathed.
"Okay. I'm ready to wake up now...I'm tired of this weird dream..." Bokuto sighed.
The four of you have lived your lives normally but...now it's time you remember your mission...the real reason why you are reborn...but descended from those before you...
"The horse is talking?" Kourai asked.
"Who or what are you?" Tobio asked.
I belong to my master who has disappeared from this world...but in the meantime, I carry my own conscious...a duty I swore to under the name of Cosmos.
Those who have walked the ways of magic...must realize the danger that is soon about to begin...
Before anyone could ask, the Pegasus unfurls its wings, sending wind-like magic towards them, blasting the air with memories in their heads…memories of a beautiful paradise led by a legendary team and maintained by a descendant of Cosmos. However, they were also realizing that they were born and copied of themselves from another world…
Olympia Magna…Atlantis…Magic Six…Karasuno…Chernobyl…Chaosmos Crystal…the Fifth Spirit…
"I…I remember now!" Bokuto breathed , "That's right...we came from that place...our paradise where we rested in peace."
"Spawned from our originators to come here to help in the impending crisis like what happened recently," Tobio recalled.
Shouyou found himself somewhere in a white-space time void but saw a certain blonde with his hair pushed up to the side. He was also in the flesh but with wings like the Pegasus.
"A-Atsumu!" he breathed his name while a slight blush on his face appeared to see him all out.
"Shouyou...please...forgive me..." Atsumu smiled sadly, "I know what I said about the last time…"
"You shouldn't have to ask for forgiveness," Shouyou replied with his own tear, "I know you still love me…I remember…that by duplicating myself…"
"I'll be waiting for you...when you are ready," Atsumu reaches his hand.
Shouyou reaches for his hand but his soon-to-be-partner was fading in and out before he was drawn back with the others.
"Shouyou? Y-your face," Bokuto saw the tear.
"H-hey, are you okay?" Kourai asked.
"Y-Yeah. I'm fine," Shouyou wiped his face.
"He's waiting for you, isn't it?" Tobio called out.
"Him? He? Who?" Shouyou asked.
"You don't have to play dumb. I know you know," Tobio said with a sigh before a somber smile, "I am proud of you no matter what you do, idiot."
"O-oi," Shouyou was about to reply to the insult but he calmed down as they turned to the Pegasus.
"A-Atsumu…is he really here?" Kourai asked.
The man you seek is yet to come...but he along with other friends will appear soon...
But all of you must leave this town...head south to a coastal city...where your destiny will cross paths with powerful heroes who will welcome you.
"Whatever you say. I'm not going to doubt this," Bokuto said.
Soon…if fate favors the future, you will soon see some familiar faces of people…the ones who you may have known from your world.
"Wait, what is he talking about?" Tobio asked.
"Is he…referring to…" Bokuto's jaw dropped.
"T-the Magic Six," Kourai's eyes widened, "But…which one? I thought both versions of them...are in peace!"
Right now, a terrible dark curse has reminded time…you are back in the past…
"Back into the past," Shouyou muttered.
"We have to go then," Tobio said, "If something is indeed wrong, we have to head south."
"Wait, but what about those spikes? Where did they come from? What are they?" Shouyou asked.
A strange form of magic has come to this land...waiting for the fifth spirit to return...
"A fifth Spirit…wait, but…can't you tell us anymore?" Shouyou asked.
The Pegasus began to fade in and out as its power was beginning to weaken. It neighed briefly before sending its final message to them.
Remember you dream…and the black spikes won't hurt you…
With that said, the flying horse vanishes as the black rocks tried to reach them but they each held their hands, remembering their dream, their mission, and the purpose of their rebirth and accepting their new destiny for what is yet to come. Power flowed between them and the black rocks stopped several yards before hitting them. With this, they continued on walking, preparing for their new quest.
~Episode 7 END~
~Episode 8 PV~
Rin: That's almost everyone now! We gotta get Haru back before we can escape!
Rei: I'm afraid we still got one problem…
Makoto: …the last star.
Seijuurou: Okay, enough games mister! What the hell happened back then?!
Tsubasa: Sei, STOP! You're gonna…
Mokona: It's almost time…isn't it?
Watanuki: The threads of fate begin to twist once more…
Dolphin: Next Time, Free! Dolphin Dream…wait…since when did I even had one?
Seijuurou: What a Three Days' notice we have now? Are we finally gonna be helping the others?