『Free! – Series Four – Cosmos World Chronicle』
フリー!– ザ第4シリーズ – コスモスワールドクロニクル
『~Extra Stories Arc~』
番外編
Book 0.5: Earthly Tales of the Past
Book 1.5: The Prince of the West Star (You are here)
Book 2.5: Rasputin's Trail Adventure
Book: 3.5: Magic Six of the Resurrection!
Book 4.5: Darkness of the Witch!
Free! Mini Movie Book 1.5:
Haikyuu! The Prince of the West Star
Free! 別の物語版: ハイキュー! 西の星の王子様
CAST:
Kenma Kozume
Tetsurou Kuroo
Yu Nishinoya
Hajime Iwaizumi
The Four Princes of Gonisogeth:
Toru Oikawa, Wakatoshi Ushijima, Kiyoomi Sakusa & Wakatsu Kiryuu
King Alfred Volandel
Prince Albert Volandel
Seijuuro Mikoshiba
Aoba Usami
Takuya Uozumi
Kimihiro Watanuki
Synopsis: The quest for Kenma's happiness begins here! So much has happened before they arrived on Planet Duniya during the Dark Curse. In the land of fairies, pixies, creatures, and magic of the four directions, an evil king desires power in the heart of the kingdom! However, the person he is after may bring a frightening, familiar face of a demon who was believed to be dead!
Kenma stared at the witch boy through a hologram as his wish was finally being granted…but what would his price be?
"I will accept your talent and skill from your volleyball era," Watanuki answered, "Even if you find happiness in other realms, you will never again be able to play that sport. Never."
"Witch boy," Noya said, "Does this mean that if he pays the price, will he ever return to this world at least for a visit?"
"The wish is entirely his decision," he replied.
"…Kenma if you truly leave us," Shouyou began to tear up a little.
"I'll go with you," Kuroo added as the other gasped.
"K-Kuroo!?" Shouyou, Aone, Sou, and Noya cried out.
"We were from the same team…and I don't want him to suffer alone," Kuroo explained.
"K-Kuroo," Kenma began.
"You'll need someone who can bear the journey ahead and you going alone is unhealthy," he answered back.
"Count me in," Hajime added as everyone turned to him, "Oikawa may be gone but my trauma from his antics haunts me sometimes. I need a place to have a fresh start."
"W-what is this?!" Shouyou answered, "Are we never going to see you guys again?"
"Of course, we will…well I don't know what Kenma wants but I know I would be happy to visit you again," Kuroo smiled.
"The same with me," Hajime, "We love you and with that, we promise to return."
"Then…because I too died and was reborn, I want to take my chances," Noya said, "Besides, you'll need someone energetic to the mix."
"The four of us will pay the price together for this journey,"they wished to Watanuki.
"Excellent," witch boy said, "Mokona…"
"Yep!" the dark manjuu smiled as it opened its mouth to digest a small object before it reappeared in front of the four declared travelers.
The sterling compass activated to life, floating above them as the audience watches the magic being unleashed. The arrow spun faster and faster until everything turned black around the newly assembled team of travelers…
Sakamaku airo o koete
mada minu shinjitsu e mukau
kako ni wa mou torawarenai
ima wo mite itai kara
itsuka wa tadoritsuku darou
mirai ga hakanai mono de mo
boku ga sora ni egaku tsuyosa de
kimi o hanasanai
-Aerial by Kinya Kotani (Tsubasa Chronicle Movie OST)
Welcome to the Land of Gonisogeth:
Clouds rushing, skies opening as two beams of light rapidly flew down towards a new, foreign land filled with mountains and forests in the nearby geography.
The prominent feature on what lies further down was a gigantic walled kingdom filled with unique towers and moats all around. Several 4-pointed star-shaped symbols were seen throughout both the kingdom and its metro.
In one of the beams of light, Kenma clutched onto Kuroo as they both screamed for their incoming landing towards the trees while Noya and Hajime were falling towards the moat, bringing a small tremor across the land around.
The Dense Forest
Seijuurou Mikoshiba walked through the woods alone as he was nearby to hear the screams. He had never heard such voices before, at least not since that fateful day…
However, he couldn't afford to abandon his duties, so he readied himself for whatever the danger was coming. All of what he has done so far was for the sake of this land's ruler…
Apex Castle
"All of the ingredients have been assembled your majesty, the last three batches will be processed as you asked, and the performance will be in your hands," one of the subjects spoke.
King Alfred listened to the progress as his eyes closed to envision his final plan approaching for the kingdom. This land was so filled with magic, yet no one has ever dared to use it to change the world. That's when he finally rose into power and began years of experimentation. Now it was almost time for all of it to come to fruit.
Another subject rushed in and quietly spoke to the first one, "Sir, I'm afraid there's a problem going on in the western forest…"
"Are you sure?" the first one asked.
"What is it now?" the king questioned.
"Nothing for his majesty to be concerned with, we'll take care of it," they replied and rushed out the main hall.
The king turned to the massive window that encompassed the entire viewing of the kingdom. His sly smile grew wider by the minute…
Kuroo opened his eyes to find himself and Kenma crashed into a pit of trees, leaves, and dirt. He was not surprised to have survived thus so far as this has usually been common when they traveled; falling from the sky. He expected to have dozens of broken bones or perhaps shattered but still fine and strong. The only thing that was weakened was his skill in volleyball.
Since their departure, they have seen other lands including a massive continent where people mourn and celebrated their lost heroes from a tragedy, an ancient land involved with swords and samurai, and on a more recent trip, a megacity that resembled like Sportsbrooke but time was frozen (thankfully that last visit was brief).
Kenma finally woke up slowly and realized that he was on top of Kuroo. They both blushed but Kuroo held onto him saying, "Don't move."
"Eh? Since when you liked this?" Kenma asked with a hint of flirt.
"No, it's not that…I hear something," he replied.
"Hm?" Kenma looked confused before turning his head to see what looked like a floating, magical creature.
"Is it a pixie? Or a fairy?" he asked.
"Stay here," Kuroo said as he got up to climb up while the miniature fled from the area. He was almost out when he was greeted by a stick about to attack him.
"STOP RIGHT THERE!" the man shouted.
Kuroo grabbed the stick barely in time and gasped to recognize this person before him, "S-Seijuurou?"
"YOU CAN STOP SEARCHING FOR THE PRINCE! HE'S NOT HERE ROYAL GUARD!" the red-haired growled.
"B-But I…" began Kuroo when the ground gave away and they both fell into the pit as Kenma barely crawled out of the way of impact.
Kenma chuckled, "Well since that was quite an entrance, you had to do it again."
"Ugh…" Kuroo sighed while Seijuurou pulled himself back from the dirt. Kenma gasped as he recognized the red-head from Olympia Magna as the prince from another planet.
"What? Is there something on my face?" he asked.
"Oh no it's nothing," Kenma shrugged as he took out the compass to check it. The arrow was no longer spinning but Seijuurou gasped.
"W-What…in the name of…!? That's Oikawa's!" Seijuurou cried out.
"O-Oikawa!?" Kenma and Kuroo gasped.
"The very compass you have, that's his!" the red hair said.
"B-But we just arrived in this realm," Kenma answered, "We had no plans of making a robbery!"
"It's because Oikawa sent that compass away," Seijuurou's fixie arrived.
"W-WHHAAAT?" they all gasped.
"S-Seiji…?" Seijuurou asked.
"Well, the cat did get out of the bag," his fixie spoke, "We should get to him. This compass has chosen them. That was Oikawa's wish…"
"C-chosen?" Kuroo muttered.
"Oh my god look at this hair! How is it both blonde and black like this!?" Seiji's fascination went wild as it flew around Kenma's head.
"Wha-hahaha, stop that tickles!" Kenma laughed.
Seijuurou just stared blankly in confusion…he had no idea about Oikawa doing this. Was it in hopes for salvation?
Not far away…
Hajime sulk through the water drenching all over him as he and Noya found themselves in the water in some form of an aqueduct.
"So…where the hell do you think we ended up now?" Hajime asked.
"Hehe, I don't know but this water is nice and refreshing for once," Noya chuckled.
God damn, he looks fabulous, now I get why Oikawa was attracted to him, he thought, too bad he's not open for anyone anytime soon…
"Where did the cats run off to?" Hajime added.
"I take you mean Kuroo and Kenma?" Noya asked.
"Yeah," he shrugged.
"Well at least we still understand each other in our language so that does give us a clue that they must be close by. Now then, finish up your shower so we can get going…" Noya tried hard not to laugh.
Hajime was about to growl when they heard voices nearby. It sounded like a group of guards were making their way over.
"I don't like this," Hajime muttered as Noya kept a smile to his face to hide his fear.
"WHAT'S YOUR BUSINESS HERE!?" the captain of the guard growled.
"Well uh…we're just passing through," Noya smiled.
"Heh, passing through eh?! Tell me how you two got here! I advise you be quick about it!" the guard pointed his scythe at them.
Noya pointed upwards towards the sky as the guard's eyes looked disbelief.
"There's no way you men would've gotten past those walls!" he growled.
"On the contrary it was the opposite…we crashed landed here," Noya added.
"THAT'S ENOUGH! THE KING ONLY KNOWS HOW TO FLY! GUARDS!" the captain growled
"SIR!" the group of 10 men readied their spears.
"Heh," Noya chuckled nervously, "Hope that water didn't cool your guard off too long Haji."
"Oh no. I'm ready to take care of them whenever you are," Hajime smirked as his fingers brushed on his sword to the side.
The guards charged over and the two spun in a dance, dodging their attack. Noya jumped over the guards like a ninja while Hajime jumped towards a higher aqueduct before taking out his sword and attacking the group with a tidal wave, breaking their spears in half.
"RAAAHHHH!" Hajime shouted as his sword flickered in his power.
A few of the guards with intact spears attacked Noya but he spun a kick, striking them on their faces.
"Hehe! This is fun!" Noya laughed.
Hajime used the flat end of the blade to hit down the guards but saw the danger approaching fast as the captain charged towards him. At the last second, Noya slide in his feet to trip over the leader as the remaining crew fled from the scene.
"Heh, who were they?" Hajime asked as he stood back to back with Noya.
"No idea…but they certainly dislike visitors…" the other man answered.
Down below the Apex Castle…
King Alfred made his way to the prison chambers to check on the three princes: Wakatoshi Ushijima, Kiyoomi Sakusa & Wakatsu Kiryuu. His guards were successful into capturing them and stealing their magical creatures.
"Coming here to gloat on your plan?" Ushijima growled.
"Oh no, I'm here to make sure that you three will be ready for tomorrow," the king answered.
"So, you've found him?!" Kiyoomi shouted angrily.
"Perhaps but there is still some work…I must admit that my nephew has been able to avert me quite well for some time," Alfred replied, "But that's all about to change."
"You'll certainly won't get away with this! Even after you…" Wakatsu began but Alfred's magic backed him down in pain.
"W-WAKATSU!" Ushijima and Kiyoomi cried out.
"Enough talking!" Alfred replied, "By sunrise none of you will even be known to your fallen kingdoms. History will be altered, and I will have the full powers of the North, South, East, and West in my hand!"
He left the room with an evil laugh.
"I swear to god…" Ushijima growled to himself while Kiyoomi gripped on the bars.
Back outside…
Kenma and Kuroo followed Seijuurou and Seiji on a long pathway across the tree bridges. They were amazed at how high up they were yet the views were so stunning. The sun shined across the skies in preparation for the evening twilight. Kenma stopped in his tracks for a moment to breathe.
"Are you alright?" Kuroo asked.
"Yeah, I'm okay…" Kenma answered, trying to hide his fear off being so high up.
"We're almost to the village!" Seijuurou answered, "We'll be safe soon!"
Kenma resumed walking as they continued their journey. Kuroo asked Seijuurou some questions about this land and how it became this way.
"Oikawa can explain better than I do but basically we are paired with a magical mini creature at birth and they follow us around in our lives," the red-hair explained, "It's our compact with these magical beings for the last 3000 years or so."
"The walls…what are they exactly?" Kenma questioned.
"…they were built because of a tragedy 1051 years ago; monsters of disturbing shapes and sizes approached and decimated about 55% of our people. These walls are built of magic by the combined effort of our fairies, fixies, pixies, and many others," Seijuurou explained.
"Have these monsters ever tried to break in?" Kuroo asked.
"Not since that day no," he replied, "However…"
East Garden, Apex Castle
Prince Albert sat in the court yard, looking up at the Sakura tree. He often comes to this spot to avoid his father's abusive authorities as much as possible. He missed his cousin very much ever since the tragedy that struck 10 years ago. His family prior to taking over were the original captain of the guard team but Alfred desired a sacred treasure that was passed down for generations.
When it wasn't found, his father, led by his own loyal team, slaughtered the Oikawa clan and imprisoned the three kings. He had not met these three kings as his father forbids him to visit the dungeons. A part of him was tempted to free them but he feared his own father's growing powers that would turn this world to darkness. He didn't want to die…but the fear of leaving this castle…
If I even try to escape, will everyone want me dead…or ransom, he thought.
The sun began to set down, prompting him to return to the castle.
The Western Forest Township
Seijuurou led Kuroo and Kenma through a town that rested within a series of trees. There was an upper court and a lower court filled with antiques, aqueducts, old time designs and other unique shops and homes. Kenma recalled this kind of style from one of the suburbs of Lynwin-Mu while Kuroo watched the villagers and their fellow creatures floating besides them.
The group climbed up a series of stairs to a massive treehouse where a bunch of different families resided. It was also the location of where Oikawa was hiding. Seijuuro led the men inside before entering a couple of hallways and reaching the top level where a false wall led to where the prince was staying.
"Yo. My prince, are you home?" Seijuurou called out as he crawled through the wall before entering the room.
He found the prince reading an old literature that he used to read back as a kid. It was a personal favorite of his stories that he couldn't afford to forget. His outfit was a mixture of a sea-green and white kimono with a black cloak from the back. He wore a simple headband over his forehead and part of his hair with aquamarine ribbons that flow on the back. If there was any form of jewelry, there was at least one golden ring.
"Hello, Prince Oikawa. I brought some visitors who wanted to see you. They said that they were from outside the walls. It's crazy but Seiji befriended them already," he reported.
Kuroo and Kenma followed suit and sure enough recognized Oikawa immediately. However, they tried their hardest to not react to this in an awkward way. Was it because that this Oikawa was different than their Oikawa from their world…or was it…?
Oikawa's expression went from calm to a gasp of confusion and concern. He quickly grabbed Seijuurou by the hand to speak in his mind. He listened before saying, "B-But wait! You don't realize this but…they have the compass! Did you summon them possibly?!"
The prince looked at the two men before him with fascination before nodding.
"How did you understand what he was saying?" Kenma asked.
Oikawa got up from his seat and extended his hands out to them, prompting them to touch. They followed suit.
"Pleased to meet you gentlemen…make yourselves at home, my name is Toru Oikawa…"
The Dense Forest
Nishinoya and Hajime continued their way through the forest. So far there was no luck in Kenma or Kuroo but they knew that it was a matter of time.
"I honestly wonder what realm this is," Noya muttered as he saw a few fairies flying around.
"Something that we don't have back home," Hajime shrugged.
The two found themselves at the edge of a cliff where a valley spanned beyond the horizon where a massive castle stood in the distance. There were also massive walls even beyond.
"Must be some protective kingdom," Noya said.
"Whatever it is, they must be hiding something," the other man agreed.
"Good heavens what are you guys doing here?" a voice asked.
The two turned and readied their weapons but turned out to be a civilian based on the clothes he wore. They were like a blend of peasant but somewhat tidy and clean. He was a blond man with curls that wrapped to the side with shorter cut by his ears. His eyes were a blend of green-gray. A pet capybara was also present.
"It's not safe, they're out hunting!" he told them.
"Who's hunting for who?" asked Hajime.
"Just follow me if you wish to live," the man said.
Hajime and Noya looked at each other for a second before nodding. However, Hajime kept his sword at the ready as they followed the stranger back to the forest before heading down.
"Just who are you exactly? You name?" Noya asked.
"Aoba Usami. My creature friend is a Capybara named Usaki," he answered.
"If you don't mind, would you please tell us what is happening?" Hajime asked.
"…It's horrible. Our kingdom has been at war with its own family. The current king desires to lock up our home from the outside but to do that…"
Oikawa's Hideout
Seijuurou watched the two men talking to the prince as he wondered where they came from and if there was any means to escape…would it be possible? After all, he grew up here and despite having his fairy Seiji, curiosity grew stronger.
"So, does everyone here have a fairy?" asked Kenma.
"Yes, all of us have a fairy or some sort of a creature given at birth. These pets follow throughout our entire lives," Oikawa explained mentally.
"I don't see yours here," he said.
Oikawa's face turned grim and he lowered his head, "He's not here Kenma…my baby has been taken away from me thanks to my dreaded uncle."
The prince took the compass and blew on it, but nothing happened. After reconnecting his hands to them he continued, "This compass was our way to keep in touch. Every time I blew on it, the compass glows and my baby would come to me and we travel around together."
"May we ask why you are in hiding?" Kuroo added.
"My uncle is King Alfred Volandel, he has been hunting me down ever since he captured the other three princes of our land. By forcing us to use our powers, he wants to close this land forever. If he succeeds, no one can get out nor come in. The rule will be absolute and death sentencing…"
"I'm so sorry Oikawa," Kenma said as he never thought he would develop sympathy for this Oikawa.
Oikawa smiled and turned to him, "It's alright…I can still communicate with you this way. Here…take this ring. And Kuroo, take the compass."
The prince put on the ring to Kenma's finger with a warm smile. As he turned to Kuroo for the compass, Kenma's vision turned black as he saw fragments of what was all happening to the past…
The slain of the king and queen
A strange, flying object looking like a rug
A young man escaping for his life as the castle burned down behind while another man being kept hostage by the shadow of the current ruler.
Kenma gasped in horror as his eyes widened and nearly teared up…however the visions began to warp as it brought him to the past…
Flashback: 10 Years Ago, Apex Castle Grounds
"3…2…1, ready or not, here I come!" a young Oikawa cried out as he lifted his head from the wall and began the search for his cousin. It was rather late in the day to do this, but it still didn't stop them from having fun.
The prince walked through the main pathway to the gardens as he expected to find Albert here every time; be it a bush or a statue but…
Oikawa started to get more nervous by the minute. However, a little wave of magic created a rose with a scent that should attract his cousin should do. The young prince continued his search for about 5 more minutes but started to panic and feel his heart beat rising.
"W-WHERE ARE YOU!? ALBEERRTTTTTTT!" he screamed.
A small globe of light appeared in front of him before it shifted into a lantern. Oikawa realized that it was the power of his cousin, signaling the proximity. He followed it towards the far end of the garden where Albert Volandel stood by the fountain and the Sakura tree.
"I figured you'd find me here," Albert smiled.
"Yeah but we're gonna be late for supper! There's no way we'll get back in time!" Oikawa panicked.
"Hold my hands," the cousin answered, "Close your eyes…and concentrate…"
The two linked their hands together as Albert continued, "As long as we are together…we'll always find a way home…"
They turned to see a series of light orbs and lanterns building a pathway back to their families. Albert and Oikawa found the royal family just assembling at the dinning area as Alfred the advisor sat next to King Aobajohsai as the advisor while Queen Kitagawa smiled at the two boys arriving in time.
"We have your favorite Miso soup with tofu," the queen told Oikawa.
"And there's plenty of soba and of course pizza too for Albert," Aobajohsai added.
"Oh and Albert, don't forget you have a field trip with your classes too," Alfred reminded his son, "They're going to the zoo in the northern village."
"B-But…it's Oikawa's birthday tomorrow and I want to be with him!" Albert replied.
"You'll get to spend time tomorrow afterwards, okay?" the father answered.
Before sunrise:
Queen Kitagawa woke up Oikawa and brought him to the hallways as King Aobajohsai led them to a hidden area of the castle. Even though it was probably too early to reveal the birthday gift, the mother could not sleep well.
Oikawa followed his parents to a sacred area of the castle where a room filled of gold, jewels, and other treasures kept sacred were secured here as well as a second room that looked like some sort of a place to perform magical deeds.
A little rug was sleeping on the stone floor but it looked up to see the new master. It soared over to Oikawa, cuddling him for warmth as the boy giggled before it flew around the room like a wild ping pong ball.
"Oikawa, this is your gift from the heavens…the flygande matta. It is the very reason why you didn't have a fairy or a creature upon birth. Your power as the West Star will be tied to this carpet, giving you abilities far more than the civilians. It will also be tied to the North, East, and South Stars who wait for your rising," the father explained.
"In other words, happy birthday son," the mother smiled before giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"I-I can fly?" Oikawa asked.
"Yes…you can ride on this carpet and together with the compass, you'll be able to navigate where your heart desires," the king explained.
Albert returned to the palace when he saw Oikawa up high on the castle walls. Albert waved to see him upon sight. Oikawa jumped down as Albert screamed for a second, but the carpet caught the young boy and soared over to him.
"W-what in the name of…!? H-how did you do that!?" Albert gasped.
"It's for my birthday gift and as well as the uprising duty of becoming the Prince of the West Star," Oikawa smiled, "With this, we can travel together! Hop on, let's go flying!"
Albert hesitated for a second but took Oikawa's hand and they took off. The carpet soared high above as they could see how small everything looks compared to walking. A group of birds were nearby, flying across the scenery. The two kids smiled happily as the sun began to slowly go down for the late afternoon.
"The skies…it's so beautiful," Albert said, "Sometimes I just wish we can just fly away and go out on our own adventure."
"Maybe that day will come," Oikawa replied, "Albert…I know you've always wanted to see the world. To tell you the truth, I too want to see the rest of it all. And from what it looks, there's a big body of water beyond here."
"You think we can check it out?" Albert asked.
"Sure, we got some time before the banquet," Oikawa smiled.
They soared their way towards the ocean, but it didn't take too far until they struck something electrical, zapping them and the carpet. Albert fell off and screamed. Oikawa gasped as he and the carpet soared down to grab him.
"HANG ON!" Oikawa cried out.
Albert grabbed his hand and they settled themselves again as the carpet shed a few of its fibers off from the attack.
"What was that?!" Albert asked, terrified.
They looked up to see what looked like a cloud of darkness taking root of the skies. It was as if something was keeping them trapped here.
"We should get back," Oikawa said, "Maybe mom and dad might know…"
The two boys soared back to the palace as they saw bright lights as expected for the banquet. However, upon landing they saw what looked like a bunch of fires exploding out throughout the castle.
"W-what's happening!?" Albert gasped, hiding behind Oikawa as the prince stood in silent shock.
Several guards approached to them and grabbed them apart from each other.
Alfred Volandel approached to the scene with an evil grin on his face, declaring, "The Oikawa Era has come to an end, now rising our wings of Volandel!"
The magic carpet smacked into the guards, releasing Oikawa from their bonds. He got on the ride and tried to grab Albert, but the guards were shooting arrows towards him.
"GO!" Albert cried out, "GET YOURSELF OUT!"
"NO! I CAN'T LEAVE YOU!" he shouted.
"SIEZE HIM! THE OIKAWA CLAN MUST DIE TONIGHT!" Alfred shouted, blasting a dark magic at Oikawa's neck before ripping out his voice.
The carpet flew fast and wide, escaping the castle as Oikawa screamed Albert's name but realized he couldn't make a sound. The compass glowed softly in his hands, emitting warm energy to put him to sleep as he muttered for his parents…
From there, Oikawa has been in hiding with Seijuurou, Aoba and a few others from the civilian villages. The vision took Kenma, showing all the proceeding events that followed. One day, Oikawa blew on the compass, but the carpet didn't appear to him as the carpet was torn to shred by the king upon capturing it.
Another day, an old man gave him a ring that would allow him to speak to other people by holding hands. It allowed communication to be shared throughout the village. A hideout was then built for him in the tree with Seijuurou and Aoba being the guards for the prince.
The news of the other princes being captured one by one broke Oikawa's heart, fearing that without them, there was no way to overcome the tyrant. In desperation, he made a wish to a witch and sent the compass on its way…hoping for it to reach someone beyond the space-time…
Present Day:
Kuroo looked at Kenma's face tearing up a little. Even Seijuurou and Seiji noticed something off.
"Is something wrong?" Oikawa asked.
"Oh no, I'm fine," he shrugged it off.
"My prince, we need to close up for the night," Seijuurou said, "Where should I take them?"
Before he could link his hands, the wooden wall busted open as a group of men dressed in soldier-like outfit.
"YOU!" growled the red-hair, "GET THE HELL OUT!"
The captain of the guard shoved the red-hair out of the way and grabbed Oikawa's hand, "My prince…you must get out of here! The king is searching for you."
"Very well captain," Oikawa nodded.
"W-what…are you guys…!?" a confused Seijuurou asked but another explosion from below revealed a group of cloaked figures.
"After being chastised by the king, I had to get here as fast as possible but it's too late!" Takuya Uozumi growled.
The guards fought off the cloaked figures but they were no match. The mysterious beings grabbed Oikawa before punching Kenma and Kuroo down to the floor. Seijuurou tried to get to them but he too was delivered a blow before falling out.
What felt like an eternity was only a half hour as nightfall was approaching and everyone woke up. Kuroo checked Kenma's face for a bruise but it was small and brief. He took out a cloth to clean up the dirt on his face.
"The prince is gone, and I failed to do it!" Takuya growled.
"So, you really pretended to be by the king's side?" one of the villagers asked.
"We were," Kazuki answered, "But now it's failed!"
"What's going to happen now?" Kenma asked.
"With all four of the princes finally in the king's hand, he will open up the Reign of Shadows, eliminating all the creatures and absorbing their powers to become the God of Darkness," an elderly man spoke.
"We have to do something!" Kuroo answered, "This can't be the end!"
"But what about Hajime and Noya?" Kenma added, "We haven't found them either!"
"We failed…the time of darkness is upon us," the old man sighed.
Seijuurou turned to the side and wondered if Aoba was nearby to see the news or whatever happened.
"Hey, wait a sec, Oikawa left us the ring and the compass behind. Maybe he realized he was going to be taken away in the first place," Kenma looked at it.
"THE RING!?" gasped Takuya, Kazuki, and a few others.
"The ring and the compass have embedded some of his powers…with them, there might be something that can be done," the old man nodded.
"YES! LET'S GO! WE CANNOT WASTE ANYMORE TIME!" Seijuurou nodded.
"This is our war now," agreed Kuroo.
Oikawa opened his eyes and expected to be in the dungeons but rather this place was a blasted desert with endless sand storms. His mind throbbed a headache to him as he tried to find some shelter to shield his eyes.
"Hello darling…still sleeping I see?" a voice asked.
He turned to see a doppelganger of himself wearing savage-like clothing made from lion cloth and outfits that only a prostitute would ever dare to wear.
"I guess you don't remember me because of your blessed…or rather cursed life as a prince. Maybe…you should just give into the king and accept your instincts. You do realize that the others believe in you for now but once they learn the truth about us…"
"NO! I am not like you!" the other Oikawa shouted, "I have pushed you away many times and once more you won't take this body of mine!"
"You may be a prince on the outside, but you are just as a sinner like mine…" the other man smirked, "Tell me darling…will your cousin ever accept your sins if he finds out the truth about us?"
"You have certainly ruined my previous life! I won't let you do it again in this one!" Oikawa vowed, "And no. I am just as awake as you are but unlike you, I know how to keep my dick in my pants and maintain a charade that even you failed to do!"
"Haven't you realized it yet? You do know why the family was destroyed…deep down in your heart…" the darker counterpart replied.
"Is this because I was reborn? Did you come out to play already!?" the original Oikawa replied, "Did you do something to Uncle Alfred!? YOU DID, DIDN'T YOU!?"
The other Oikawa growled in guilt and was ready to hit him but stopped and saying, "You will one day hear from me again darling…and when that time comes…you will end up in an endless cycle of sins. Your revenge to the tiger is still at large…"
The prince woke up from the nightmare and sure enough found himself behind the bars but recognized three other men as the other princes from this land. All of them were hopeless and broken as he was. The truth was at hand and he cried silently…hoping that the others will defeat this villain before he too resurfaced to the dark side…
The Hall
King Alfred and Prince Albert sat down at the long table. As usual, Albert twirled on his food before eating the noodles with a sad sigh. Every night he had to face his father boasting about his life and climbing up to power. It was always the same…over and over…
"I know something that will cheer you up," Alfred said.
Albert looked at him with disbelief until the father added, "I have found someone dear to you…your cousin."
"T-Toru…?" he muttered.
"Yes…your beloved Toru," the king said, getting up from the seat, "I have him here alive…as promised. You were right, I could never kill family no matter how precious it is."
"W-where is he?!" Albert asked as his heartbeat was starting to accelerate.
"I'll bring you to him," the king said.
Aoba led Hajime and Noya through the woods as nightfall was approaching. Upon his Capybara panicking in fright, it was clear that the worst has happened.
"They found him…didn't they?" he muttered.
"Who?" Noya asked.
"Our prince…Toru Oikawa…" began Aoba.
"HOLD ON! You mean…" Hajime gasped as Noya's jaw dropped.
"Do you both know him…?" Aoba asked.
"Long story, but…go on," Noya replied.
"He's been taken by the king and now our fears are about to come to haunt us all," Aoba answered, "The king has been searching for him. Now that he's been found…those are the ingredients."
"Ingredients?" Hajime asked.
"What does he plan to do?" Noya added.
"A terrible curse…one to plague us all to death," Aoba said.
"Ok, that does it, we are gonna find our friends," Hajime replied, readying his sword.
Aoba turned to the capybara and said, "You know what you gotta do."
The creature nodded before making a loud bellow and it transformed into a gigantic Bandersnatch. Aoba got on and beckoned the others to join.
"Hang on you guys! We got a battle upon us!" Aoba pulled the reins of the beast before riding through the woods at a much faster pace.
Kuroo, Kenma, Seijuurou, Takuya and Kazuki along with several of the villagers arrived at the mainstream aqueduct that flows in the direction to the Apex castle. They were given three barrels to stuff themselves into. Seijuurou sent his fairy to find Aoba in the meantime.
Once they were secured in each, the villagers closed the lid and pushed them to the system. The night skies continue to remain candid and calm, but it was only a matter of time.
"Are you okay Kenma?" Kuroo asked, "You need to hang on?"
Kenma wrapped his arms around him from behind, "Like this?"
Kuroo blushed for a moment but nodded.
"Hang on you guys, there's gonna be a little fall ahead," Seijuurou announced as he was followed by Kuroo and Kenma in the second barrel and Kazuki and Takuya in the third.
The three barrels fell off and landed in the lower aqueduct. The pairs tumbled on each other as Kuroo was on top of Kenma in quite a near missionary position while Kazuki was nearly in a doggy position for Takuya.
"Heh, that was quite a ride, are you boys alright?!" Seijuurou laughed, "At this rate we'll get to the palace in no time!"
"A-are you alright Kazu?" Takuya asked.
"Y-Yes…" the other man bushed as he could almost feel the captain's bulge from the pants, "I-If we save our kingdom…d-do…"
"Do what?" the captain questioned.
"Go out with me!?" Kazuki cried out in embarrassment.
"I thought it was already official," laughed Takuya as he sniffed on the other man's hair, "I wouldn't mind a date."
Kuroo and Kenma were either blushing for themselves or for the other guys.
The water in the canal began to drain away as the ride suddenly came to a bumpy and rough stop. Annoyed, Seijuurou broke free to see what happened.
"W-what happened to the water!?" Kazuki asked.
"That's what I'm trying to figure out…" muttered Takuya.
"It never ran dry unless…" Seijuurou began.
"NO!" Takuya gasped, "DUH! WE HAVE TO HURRY! THE KING HAS BEGUN THE FINAL PLAN!"
The five guys ran, following the way to the castle.
The Underground Prison
Alfred open the door to the basement and told Albert that he only has 5 minutes to talk to Oikawa. The prince ran down the stairs, eager to find his cousin once more. He could even sense his magic.
He arrived at the chamber where he saw the four princes before his eyes. He had no idea they were all together here!
"W-who are you?" asked Kiyoomi.
"I-I'm Albert…the son of…" began the prince.
"Y-You shouldn't have come here!" Ushijima cried out.
"It's a trap!" Kiryuu realized.
"NO! I am not like my father! H-How can I get all of you guys out?" he asked.
Oikawa turned to see him and tried to scream out his name but once again the voice wasn't present. But in desperation he was trying to lure Albert to…
"O-Oikawa!" Albert cried, running to hold his hand, "I swear, I'll get all of you guys out!"
A shadow loomed over him as King Alfred walked to the scene with a smirk on his face.
"F-father?" Albert asked.
The king raised his hands and cast a sleeping spell on the five princes before using his dark magic to send them all and himself to another location in the castle. When it was done, they all woke up outside on the high tower of the castle. An engraved circle with an inverted pentacle was crafted by the hooded figures. From there, they woke up.
"Each of you guys represent a direction of our kingdom," the king explained, "Ushijima of the North, Sakusa of the South, Kiryuu of the East, and Oikawa of the West."
"Why am I here?" his son questioned, "What's with the central point?"
"You are the spinning arrow my son, as soon to be nothing more than my power…you will point the direction of my power and my reign to an eternal darkness!"
"I-I can't move!" Albert gasped, realizing he was just as trapped as the others, "FATHER, WHAT IS THIS!?"
"Did you honestly think I was gonna let you take over my kingdom after I grow old?" Alfred asked.
"Y-YOU TRAITOR! YOU GONNA SACRIFICE YOUR SON?!" Ushijima yelled.
"WHAT KIND OF FATHER DOES THIS TO A CHILD!?" Kiyoomi shouted.
Oikawa's eyes widened in horror as he could hear his darker counterpart laughing in his head. It was just the same as he betrayed his family to the nerbils…he couldn't relive this again.
"ENOUGH!" the king roared as he used his dark magic to electrocute all five of them for a moment before resuming his conversation to the cloaked figures.
After several moments, the circle glowed in purple-black light, lifting the group up to the skies with the circle beneath them. The king followed and chanted an incantation as Albert could feel his body being drained of magic. The "human compass" turned towards the east, prompting the skies to turn bright red like a sunrise before starting to fade black.
Out of this darkness, a group of demons and twisted monsters grew, invading more of the villagers both in the kingdom and out in the forests. Despite this the rise of darkness was slowing down, almost at a stop.
"W-why isn't this working?!" he growled but gasped to see that Oikawa's ring was missing.
"DAMN IT!" the king swore, "However…I can still drain the magic to fulfill my plan!"
The five men rushed through the halls of the castle, hoping to find a place to locate the evil king. But it didn't take long that the walls exploded as several multi-headed demons and orcs and gigantic corrupted fairies stormed in.
"RUN!" Kuroo shouted.
Seconds after, another explosion destroyed the monsters to dust. Everyone turned to see Aoba, Hajime, and Noya on the Bandersnatch. Seiji was also present in the reunion.
"Looks like the cats finally joined us," Hajime smirked.
"Kurrooo! Kenmmmaaa!" cheered Noya happily.
"Alrighty, let's get to work!" Seijuurou said, "We got a king to checkmate!"
Everyone ran up a series of flights as Hajime and Noya combated the monsters apart. Aoba and the Bandersnatch also fought a few of the beasts down. Takuya led the others to a launcher device that would give the users temporary flight.
"Here, take this Kenma," Kuroo said, returning the compass, "I realize that you have linked to Oikawa more closely. Give this and the ring to him."
"DRAGON KING BLADE!" shouted Hajime in the distance, taking down a larger flying demon.
Noya spun with his legs, performing leg kicks on the smaller demons before punching them by their bellies and exploding their guts out.
Seijuurou and Seiji stood nearby, giving a prayer to the deceased king and queen, "I hope you can hear us. Your son needs help; please revive his magic carpet!"
A soft bell was heard, Seijuurou screamed to fire the launcher. Kenma suited himself in and after a struggle of turning the crank, the launcher exploded as he soared out, flying fast and high to find the king.
THERE! He saw the magical circle where the king and the five princes were at.
"WHAT THE…WHO DARES!?" the king shouted.
"RAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Kenma charged as he readied his legs to kick punch. A force field bounced him back, prompting him to fall.
"MU-HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH!" the king roared, "YOU FOOLISH BOY! THINKING YOU CAN BREAK MY SPELL!? YOU ARE ALL TOO LATE!"
The five prince's eyes were closed shut as the king chanted, "Castle of the Apex! Complete thy spell to start the reign of shadows! Enlighten me with knowledge! Grant me immortality! And open, THE REIGN OF SHADOWS!"
The compass fell out of Kenma's pocket, but it glowed in response to the magic being unleashed from the circle. Seconds later, a warmth of light caught Kenma beneath his body. It transformed into the newly revived magical carpet!
"T-this is…!" Kenma gasped.
Everyone gasped to see the magic carpet back to life once more. Its fibers and colors of white, blue, purple, and gold with a compass-based design just like the object. With a sigh of relief, Kenma and the carpet soared back to the site of battle as the king grew out a pair of dark wings, absorbing all the magic from the princes and the villagers.
"The carpet! The seal has broken?!" the king gasped.
In response, Kenma and the king fought different blasts of magic at each other. The king had no idea who this stranger was nor that it mattered, the darkness had to be fulfilled.
"HANG ON OIKAWA!" shouted Kenma, "I WILL RESTORE THE RING TO YOU!"
"HAHAHAHA, YOU CAN'T EVEN USE IT BOY! GIVE IT UP!" the king roared.
Kenma dodged more of the dark magic, realizing it was only wasting time to stop the darkness from spreading.
"W-what can I do, Oikawa, please tell me!?" Kenma cried out.
"Use the power of the ring Kenma!" Oikawa's voice echoed.
"But how?! How can I use such magic!?" Kenma asked.
"There's more to magic that lies in the ring…the love of my people who remember the golden age. And also…I met someone in dreams…someone who has prayed for you to be happy…he wishes you to find happiness and believes in you,"the voice replied.
"I-It can't be!" Kenma gasped, "NEO KING JULIUS!?"
"Yes, I have met him once…and he has spoken to me about you. You are a very brave man Kenma. I know you can fight this demon to dust! Use the ring! GO! BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE! My people are strong, but they need you to save all of us!"
Back below, the darkness almost encompasses the entire kingdom as everyone stared at what the outcome was going to be. Kuroo never felt more nervous in his life than seeing Kenma doing this battle alone. Their past trips were always battles fought together but this one…
"Hehehe the darkness is almost complete and my wish shall be realized…" the king began but gasped to see the ring glowing on Kenma's finger.
"YOU ARE DONE KING OF THE FAIRIES!" Kenma shouted, raising his hand up with his hair blowing through the air.
"THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN USE THAT RING!" the king roared back.
The ring glowed brighter as both he and the carpet were glowing in energy before soaring back, charging at the bastard. The carpet transformed into a massive bird with wings powerful as the storms of monsoons. Several buildings collapsed in response to the powers unleashed.
Several of the villagers ran for cover as everything around cracked and shook.
"STOP THIS! THIS IS OVER!" the king shouted, unleashing another dark blast but it was no use.
"GRRRAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Kenma screamed angrily, determined to break the seal. He ran up the bird's back before propelling himself forward.
The king gasped as the energy smacked into him. Kenma's foot struck the head of the king, cracking it open but there was nothing inside…but pure shadows. The ring on his finger also shattered, its power finally fulfilled.
Alfred dissolved away into the shattered glass as Kenma and the five princes fell into the unknown…
The ex-volleyball man woke up and found himself in a hospital-like room with some bandages. Kuroo, Hajime, and Noya gasped in tears of joy before hugging him. While it was already the next day, the darkness was still clinging onto the kingdom and it needed to be removed.
Oikawa walked into the room with Albert and the other three princes before laughing in joy that the battle was finally over.
Seijuurou, Aoba, Takuya and Kazuki also walked in, thanking everyone for all their efforts. When Oikawa saw Hajime, he felt his heart ache a little and the dark side speaking to him, but he shrugged it off with a smile. Hajime had never seen this version of him acting very kind or rather someone of value to this world.
"I must admit you do remind me of someone I knew," Hajime confessed as he and Oikawa sat on the bench outside the room.
"I'm sorry if I do remind you of that person," Oikawa replied, "Was he always bad?"
"…I think he made some terrible mistakes and while he did blow away chances to improve himself, I do miss him once in a blue moon. I only wished he could've done better things for our community," he added.
"I see," Oikawa lowered his head, "I am sure that when all is said and done, I'll do whatever it takes to help my community. Even if I fear what is yet to come…I'll make sure we start over in the right direction."
"Well, whatever your story was, there is a future to behold for," Hajime answered, "I am sure you know what you have to do."
"Of course, Iwa-chan," he winked as Hajime blushed madly for a second.
"I guess some things of you and him don't change," Hajime turned to the side.
Forgive me, Oikawa thought, but…I do want to tell you the truth…but for now, let us solve today's problem. When our paths cross again…
Later:
The team and everyone from the villages gathered at the ruins of the castle to listen to witch boy.
"I assume you remember," Watanuki's voice echoed through the hologram, "I require compensation Kenma."
"W-what could you possibly want from this realm?" the ombre hair man asked.
After a moment of hesitation, Oikawa presented the compass and the magic carpet, "How about these? Will they work? I know I handed the compass away temporary but…"
"NO!" gasped Seijuurou, "If you give it away this time, we'll lose all the magic from this realm for sure!"
"I do remember using this as a price before…however…if you truly intend to end this magic, your walls will crumble, and the unknown will return," witch boy warned them, "I will transfer its ownership to Kenma so he and the others can resume their traveling. As for the magic carpet…I think Seijuurou might make use of it. As I told you before Oikawa, the price must be something of value from you heart."
"Huh? Me?" the red hair asked.
Oikawa looked down at the ground for a moment…he wasn't sure what else would be enough to pay the price for this wish. All he ever wanted was to be a family again despite losing his parents from the massacre years ago. He enjoyed the carpet ride with Albert, but it wasn't enough to keep the family safe. The only other option could be…
"Then let me retire from royalty, I do not wish to be a part of it," Oikawa said, "That is my price."
"EEHH!?" the other three princes asked as Albert lowered his head.
"If we can break apart our powers, it won't ever be in the wrong hands again," Oikawa smiled sadly, "Even the powers of the unknown will weaken, and this world won't have to suffer anything magical again."
"Quite a bold move you are about to make," Watanuki replied, "Your inheritance and the ties to all the magic in this realm."
"Seijuurou," Seiji smiled sadly, "As much as I hate to admit it, I will miss you…but they're right. We can't co-exist. Our magic has brought miracles, but it too has brought evil and wrath."
The red hair lowered his head before answering, "I will miss you too."
"I guess this is it, old buddy," Aoba rubbed the fur of his capybara. It moaned in sadness but licked his face in response.
"Go travel with Kenma and the others and don't forget the magic carpet. However, I do sense someone who might be your potential soulmate…" the fairy teased.
"Eh?" the red hair blushed as the magic carpet flowed around him in a hug.
"Hehe, sounds like you got some love making to find," Ushijima chuckled.
"Do you want to join us?" Kenma asked.
"I…I uh…well, I guess there's not much left of here that I want," he shrugged, "My fairy here was my companion ever since I lost my parents at a young age."
"We'll start fresh and new without a monarch to hover over us," Takuya nodded.
"Very well…good luck to all of you," witch boy said before ending the communication.
Seiji transformed into a key before soaring towards the high tower of the castle, using its power to unlock the walls and ending the magic and darkness. The dark walls crumbled as everyone watched the skies returning to normal while Kenma and his allies along with Seijuurou activated the compass before departing.
The magic of the animals and fairies dissolved into particles of light, reaching high to the heavens as everyone waved a farewell to their partners.
"Thank you for helping us!" Oikawa waved a farewell.
"We do appreciate all your help," Aoba thanked the four men.
"We'll miss you!" Albert smiled a tear.
The magic swirled around Seijuurou, the carpet, Kenma, Kuroo, Noya and Hajime as they could feel the blast of wind taking them onto the next world.
"If you do come back, hopefully this land will be in better condition," added Takuya. The other three princes nodded in agreement.
"Right," Kenma nodded as he held hands with Kuroo before vanishing through the winds.
As they departed, the kingdom of Gonisogeth became an open territory as neighboring lands came to aid before setting up a new era. Oikawa and the ex-princes were able to live out ordinary lives as Albert also started a new journey by swimming out to the ocean and having his own beach home. Aoba and the guards joined forces on a new guard team.
My happiness, Kenma thought as he closed his eyes, is…
~Book 1.5: END~
~Book 2.5: Rasputin's Trial Adventure~
Rasputin's Trail Adventure continues from the moment he departed Idaina Magna and before he falls into the curse of Hollywood Heights! Find out how he made his way back to the mortal realm and starts his road to redemption starting with our friends from BIONICLE!
